bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should neurotechnological treatments offered to offenders always be in their best interests?
Authors: Petersen Thomas Søbirk
Published: May 2017

The paper critically discusses the moral view that neurotechnological behavioural treatment for criminal offenders should only be offered if it is in their best interests. First, I show that it is difficult to apply and assess the notion of the offender's best interests unless one has a clear idea of what ‘best interests’ means. Second, I argue that if one accepts that harmful punishment of offenders has a place in the criminal justice system, it seems inconsistent not to accept the practice of offering offenders treatment even when the state will harm them in applying the treatment. Finally, leading penal theories like consequentialists and retributivists would not accept that the offender's best interests, at least in certain situations, impose a necessary condition for the treatment of an offender.
Seismic performance of embedded steel beam connection in cross-laminated timber panels for tall-wood hybrid system
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Azim Md Riasat , Bhat Pooja , Popovski Marjan , Tannert Thomas
Published: May 2017

Recent developments in novel engineered mass timber products and connection systems have created the possibility to design and construct tall timber-based buildings. This research presents the experiments conducted on the steel-wood connection as main energy dissipating part of a novel steel–timber hybrid system labelled Finding the Forest Through the Trees (FFTT). The performance was investigated using quasi-static monotonic and reversed cyclic tests. The influence of different steel beam profiles (wide flange I-sections and hollow rectangular sections) and the embedment approaches (partial and full embedment) was investigated. The test results demonstrated that appropriate connection layouts can lead to the desired failure mechanism while avoiding excessive crushing of the mass timber panels. The research can serve as a precursor for developing design guidelines for the FFTT system as an option for tall wood-hybrid building systems in seismic regions.
The not so over-the-counter status of emergency contraception in Ontario: A mixed methods study with pharmacists
Authors: Chaumont Andréanne , Foster Angel M.
Published: May 2017

Introduction: In Canada, the progestin-only dedicated pill is the most widely used method of emergency contraception (EC). This method gained over-the-counter status in Ontario in 2008. Our mixed methods study explored the progestin-only EC knowledge, attitudes, and provision practices of Ontario pharmacists.

Methods: From June 2015 to October 2015, we collected 198 mailed surveys from Ontarian pharmacy representatives and conducted 17 in-depth interviews with a subset of respondents. We analyzed these data using descriptive statistics and for content and themes.

Results: Results from our English/French bilingual survey indicate that respondents’ knowledge is generally accurate, but confusion persists about the mechanism of action and the number of times the drug can be used in one menstrual cycle. Nearly half (49%) of our survey respondents indicated that progestin-only EC pills are only available behind the counter. Interviewees strongly supported the introduction and promotion of more effective methods of EC in Ontario.

Conclusion: Continuing education focusing on both the regulatory status of progestin-only EC and information about the medication appears warranted. Health Canada’s recent approval of ulipristal acetate for use as a post-coital contraceptive may provide a window of opportunity for engaging with health service providers, including pharmacists, about all available modalities of EC in Canada.
The umbilical locus on the boundary of strictly pseudoconvex domains in ℂ2
Authors: Ebenfelt Peter
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this paper is to survey some recent results on the Chern–Moser question concerning existence of umbilical points on three-dimensional CR submanifolds in [Formula: see text].
L2-Sobolev theory for the complex Green operator
Authors: Biard Séverine , Straube Emil J.
Published: May 2017

These notes are concerned with the [Formula: see text]-Sobolev theory of the complex Green operator on pseudoconvex, oriented, bounded and closed Cauchy–Riemann (CR)-submanifolds of [Formula: see text] of hypersurface type. This class of submanifolds generalizes that of boundaries of pseudoconvex domains. We first discuss briefly the CR-geometry of general CR-submanifolds and then specialize to this class. Next, we review the basic [Formula: see text]-theory of the tangential CR operator and the associated complex Green operator(s) on these submanifolds. After these preparations, we discuss recent results on compactness and regularity in Sobolev spaces of the complex Green operator(s).
Modeling and simulation of dynamics of a planar-motion rigid body with friction and surface contact
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Lv Jing
Published: May 2017

The modeling and numerical method for the dynamics of a planar-motion rigid body with frictional contact between plane surfaces were presented based on the theory of contact mechanics and the algorithm of linear complementarity problem (LCP). The Coulomb’s dry friction model is adopted as the friction law, and the normal contact forces are expressed as functions of the local deformations and their speeds in contact bodies. The dynamic equations of the rigid body are obtained by the Lagrange equation. The transition problem of stick-slip motions between contact surfaces is formulated and solved as LCP through establishing the complementary conditions of the friction law. Finally, a numerical example is presented as an example to show the application.
The softening effect of heat-treated strengthened Al–Zn–Mg alloy in welding process
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Chen Jingqing , Zhang Kang , Chen Hui
Published: May 2017

Weld joint softening occurs during the welding process of heat-treatable aluminum alloys and strongly influences the mechanical properties. In this work, the softening of heat-treated Al–Zn–Mg alloy was studied in the multipass welding process. By Gleeble-3500 thermal–mechanical simulator, the heat treatment and tensile test with welding thermal cycles were carried out to simulate the microstructure evolution and mechanical softening during multipass welding. After that, the softening mechanism of the HAZ was analyzed by microstructure analysis. The results indicate that the heat-treated Al–Zn–Mg alloy exhibited obvious softening after several thermal cycles with peak temperature higher than 200[Formula: see text]C, and this phenomenon is worse with increasing peak temperature. Based on the microstructure analysis, it was found that the reinforcement phase changes according to the applied thermal cycles, which strongly affects the strength of Al–Zn–Mg alloys.
Remote sensing imaging simulation and cloud removal
Authors: Zhu Xifang , Wu Feng , Wu Tao , Zhao Chunyu
Published: May 2017

Cloud obstacles obscure ground information frequently during remote sensing imaging which leads to valuable information losses. Removing clouds from a single image becomes challenging since no reference images containing cloud-free regions are available. In order to study cloud removal technologies and evaluate their performances, a method to simulate evenly and unevenly distributed clouds was proposed by analyzing the physical model of remote sensing imaging. Dual tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) and its features were introduced briefly. According to the frequency relationships between clouds and ground objects in remote sensing images, a novel cloud removal algorithm was proposed. The algorithm divided the cloud-contaminated image into low-level high frequency sub-bands, high-level high frequency sub-bands and low frequency sub-band by DTCWT. Low-level high frequency sub-bands were filtered to enhance the ground object information by Laplacian sharpening. The other two types of sub-bands were processed to remove clouds by cloud cover coefficient weighting (CCCW). The experiments were implemented to process cloud disturbed images produced by the proposed simulation method. The results of cloud removal from remote sensing images were analyzed. It proved the proposed algorithm is greatly superior to algorithms based on traditional wavelet transform and dark channel prior.
The effect of point defect on mechanical properties of MoSi2
Authors: Sun S. P. , Hu Y. F. , Li X. P. , Chen Y. , Wang H. J. , Yu Y. , Jiang Y. , Yi D. Q.
Published: May 2017

The effect of point defect on mechanical properties of MoSi2 has been investigated by the first-principles. The elastic constants, mechanical modulus, hardness and thermodynamic properties of MoSi2 with four different single point defects have been calculated. By comparing with the defect-free MoSi2, it is found that the bulk modulus/shear modulus ratio (B/G) of MoSi2 with a single point defect increases slightly while the Debye temperature decreases drastically, which indicates that MoSi2 with some point defects have relatively good ductility. The calculated three-dimensional (3D) contours of elastic modulus and these projections on the (001) and (010) planes show that the directionality of Young’s modulus and shear modulus is unapparent for MoSi2 with a point defect (V[Formula: see text] and Mo[Formula: see text]) but it is relatively obvious for MoSi2 with V[Formula: see text] and Si[Formula: see text]. It suggests that V[Formula: see text] and Si[Formula: see text] can strengthen the anisotropy in elasticity. The electronic properties of C11[Formula: see text] MoSi2 with different single point defects have been studied to reveal further the influencing mechanism of point defect on mechanical properties. This work should help reveal the interrelation between intrinsic defects and service performance of MoSi2.
Selective separation and recovery of silver and copper from mixtures by photocatalysis
Authors: Ding Mali , Zhang Weijun , Xie Zhaofeng , Lei Rihua , Wang Jianfang , Gao Wei
Published: May 2017

Separation and recovery of valuable metals including silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) from electronic waste mixtures are of great economic and environmental importance. Recent years, semiconductor photocatalysts have been investigated intensively for the removal of Ag from wastewater. Few studies have been carried out on the effect of pH and co-exist metal ions such as Cu on Ag. In this study, ZnO and TiO2were applied as photocatalysts to target on the selective recovery Ag and Cu from its mixtures under UV light. The effects of pH, catalyst, ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the Ag and Cu photo-reduction were studied. Modeling of Ag[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] with and without EDTA distribution together with metal precipitations was plotted against pH to understand the chemistry involved in photocatalysis. Experimental results showed that Ag[Formula: see text] photo-reduction was nearly completed by ZnO and TiO2to Ag metal, while Cu[Formula: see text] photo-reduction to Cu2O only occurs by ZnO in the presence of EDTA. This work illustrates that semiconductor photocatalysts are suitable for selective recovery of Ag and Cu from wastewaters.
Xilinx FPGA-Based Single Phase Seven-Level Inverter with Single Input DC Voltage Source
Authors: Annamalai Kirubakaran
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a new multi-output boost (MOB)-switched capacitor-based asymmetrical seven-level DC/AC converter with single DC source. It has potential applications for low voltage fuel cell, PV cell inverters, electric vehicles, energy devices, etc. with front end MOB-switched capacitors and uses a single input DC source for generating multi-level output voltage waveform with reduced device counts and gate drivers. The proposed MOB converter generates asymmetrical DC link output voltage that is converted into AC using one H-bridge inverter and auxiliary switches. Operation of the proposed topology is explained with the use of a single phase seven-level boost inverter and the appropriate control scheme is also presented. Exhaustive comparisons of proposed topology are made with conventional multi-level inverters and recently new topologies have been proposed in the literature. Simulation results using MATLAB are given to verify the proposed topology. A prototype model is developed to validate the concept and their control signals are generated using Spartan 6 FPGA using MATLAB/Xilinx simulation blocks.
Stability aspects of wormholes in R2 gravity
Authors: Dent James B. , Easson Damien A. , Kephart Thomas W. , White Sara C.
Published: May 2017

We study radial perturbations of a wormhole in [Formula: see text]-gravity to determine regions of stability. We also investigate massive and massless particle orbits and tidal forces in this spacetime for a radially infalling observer.
Value of Soft Tissue Release Procedure around the Shoulder to Improve Shoulder Abduction in Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy and Analysis of the Factors Affecting Outcome
Authors: Sabapathy S. Raja , Bhardwaj Praveen , Venkatramani Hari
Published: May 2017

Background: A lack of shoulder abduction in spontaneously recovered birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP) is a common presentation. We have performed a soft tissue release operation in these patients to remove the tethering effect of the tight and cocontracting shoulder adductors. This study was undertaken in order to assess the outcome of this surgical procedure.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who displayed spontaneous recovery from BBPP and subsequently underwent soft tissue release procedure to improve shoulder abduction. The operation involved release of the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi (LD) and teres major (TM) with axillary nerve neurolysis and transfer of LD and TM to teres minor at a lower position. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum follow up of two years. The primary outcome measures were range of shoulder abduction and Mallet score. Parents were interviewed and their satisfaction was graded on a Likert scale. We also explored prognostic factors responsible for better outcomes namely, age at operation, extent of involvement; preoperative shoulder abduction range, internal rotation deformity, triceps power and Mallet score.

Results: The average patient age was 5.8 years(range 1–17). Follow up ranged from 2–6 years. Average preoperative shoulder abduction was 85° (range 30°–140°). Postoperatively the average shoulder abduction was 161° (range 80°–180°). The mean improvement in abduction was 76° (range 20°–110°) [p < 0.001]. Mallet score improved from 16.4 to 19.5 (p < 0.001). High parental satisfaction was recorded by Likert scale assessment. Regression analysis indicated a favourable outcome in patients who are younger, have a better preoperative abduction range and a preoperative triceps power > grade 3.

Conclusions: Soft tissue release procedure employed in this series is effective in improving shoulder abduction. Patients who are of younger age, have better preoperative abduction and triceps power of > grade 3 are expected to achieve the best outcome.
Midterm Follow-up of Treating Volar Marginal Rim Fractures with Variable Angle Lcp Volar Rim Distal Radius Plates
Authors: Goorens Chul Ki , Geeurickx Stijn , Wernaers Pascal , Staelens Barbara , Scheerlinck Thierry , Goubau Jean
Published: May 2017

Background: Specific treatment of the volar marginal rim fragment of distal radius fractures avoids occurance of volar radiocarpal dislocation. Although several fixation systems are available to capture this fragment, adequately maintaining internal fixation is difficult. We present our experience of the first 10 cases using the 2.4 mm variable angle LCP volar rim distal radius plate (Depuy Synthes®, West Chester, US), a low-profile volar rim-contouring plate designed for distal plate positioning and stable buttressing of the volar marginal fragment.

Methods: Follow-up patient satisfaction, range of motion, grips strength, functional scoring with the QuickDASH and residual pain with a numeric rating scale were assessed. Radiological evaluation consisted in evaluating fracture consolidation, ulnar variance, volar angulation and maintenance of the volar rim fixation.

Results: The female to male ratio was 5:5 and the mean age was 52.2 (range, 17–80) years. The mean follow-up period was 11 (range, 5–19) months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was high. The mean total flexion/extension range was 144° (range, 100–180°) compared to the contralateral uninjured side 160° (range, 95–180°). The mean total pronation/supination range was 153° (range, 140–180°) compared to the contralateral uninjured side 170° (range, 155–180°). Mean grip strength was 14 kg (range, 9–22), compared to the contralateral uninjured side 20 kg (range, 12–25 kg). Mean pre-injury level activity QuickDASH was 23 (range, 0–34.1), while post-recovery QuickDASH was 25 (range 0–43.2). Residual pain was 1.5 on the visual numerical pain rating scale. Radiological evaluation revealed in all cases fracture consolidation, satisfactory reconstruction of ulnar variance, volar angulation and volar rim. We encountered no flexor tendon complications, although plate removal was systematically performed after fracture consolidation.

Conclusions: The 2.4 mm variable angle LCP volar rim distal radius plates is a valid treatment option for treating the volar marginal fragment in distal radius fractures.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Distal Phalanx of the Ring Finger with Clubbed Finger Deformity: A Case Report
Authors: Horiuchi Koichi , Horiuchi Yukio , Ochi Kensuke
Published: May 2017

Osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx is very rare. We describe a case of osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx of the ring finger with clubbed finger deformity that improved after tumour removal. A 50-year-old left-handed man presented with a history of right ring finger pain without any trauma. The distal phalanx of the ring finger had tender, redness, and a clubbed finger deformity. Plain radiography indicated a circular radiolucent area in the centre of the lesion. Computed tomography and gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging indicated presence of a nidus. The lesion was removed via the transungual approach. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an osteoid osteoma. His pain was immediately relieved after surgery. At the 2-year followup, he had no pain and the clubbed finger deformity had improved. In cases where clubbed finger deformity involves only one finger, the possibility of chronic osteomyelitis or osteoid osteoma should be considered.
Painful Snapping of Thumb Caused by Osteochondroma of Trapezium
Authors: Anantavorasakul Navapong , Uerpairojkit Chairoj , Leechavengvongs Somsak
Published: May 2017

Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor. Lesions occurring at the carpal bones are extremely rare. There are very few cases of osteochondroma at the trapezium had been reported in the English literature. We reported a 47-year-old patient with an osteochondroma of the left trapezium presented with painful snapping of abductor pollicis longus tendon.
Cold Welding in a Trapeziometacarpal Ball and Socket Prosthesis: A Case Report
Authors: Salva-Coll Guillem , Terrades-Cladera Xavier
Published: May 2017

While in revision hip surgery it has been described cold welding of the femoral component in titanium implants, no previous reports have been published in TMC prosthesis. We present a case report of a patient who sustained a TMC ARPE® dislocation 11 months after surgery and during revision surgery, cold welding of the neck with the metacarpal stem was observed. This may represent a problem when revising this prosthesis and alternative procedures should be advised and discussed with the patient when revising these implants.
Averaging principles for SPDEs driven by fractional Brownian motions with random delays modulated by two-time-scale Markov switching processes
Authors: Pei Bin , Xu Yong , Yin George
Published: May 2017

This work considers stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) driven by fractional Brownian motions (fBm) with random delays modulated by two-time scale Markov switching processes leading to a two-time scale formulation. The two-time scale Markov chains have a fast-varying component and a slowly evolving component. Our aim is to obtain an averaging principle for such systems. Under suitable conditions, it is proved that there is a limit process in which the fast changing “noise” is averaged out. The slow component has a limit that is an average with respect to the stationary distribution of the fast component. The limit process is substantially simpler than the original system leading to reduction of the computational complexity.
New Polymer Systems for Use in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Orlova M. , Didenko S. , Saranin D. , Rabinovich O. , Panichkin A. , Borzykh I.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, new polymers for use in organic photovoltaics were investigated. PPBI, PNBI and copolymer MULT are considered as a potential alternative or an effective dopant for P3HT and PCBM. The choice of these materials allows us to find out new information on the prospects and properties of heterocyclic polymers — for thermal stability and resistance to the environment for organic solar cells. The levels of HOMO and LUMO of new heterocyclic polymers were measured, and the results were compared with those of P3HT: PCBM. The level of new polymer MULT photoluminescence was determined. The absorption blend for P3HT: PCBM peak absorption shift was detected by adding 5% (by mass) of the new polymer MULT, the value of 30–40[Formula: see text]nm to longer wavelengths. Data obtained by cyclic voltammetry showed deep HOMO levels of heterocyclic polymers in values of about [Formula: see text]6[Formula: see text]eV, which is promising in terms of acceptor properties.
Fractal dimension pattern-based multiresolution analysis for rough estimator of speaker-dependent audio emotion recognition
Authors: Cheng Miao , Tsoi Ah Chung
Published: May 2017

As a general means of expression, audio analysis and recognition have attracted much attention for its wide applications in real-life world. Audio emotion recognition (AER) attempts to understand the emotional states of human with the given utterance signals, and has been studied abroad for its further development on friendly human–machine interfaces. Though there have been several the-state-of-the-arts auditory methods devised to audio recognition, most of them focus on discriminative usage of acoustic features, while feedback efficiency of recognition demands is ignored. This makes possible application of AER, and rapid learning of emotion patterns is desired. In order to make predication of audio emotion possible, the speaker-dependent patterns of audio emotions are learned with multiresolution analysis, and fractal dimension (FD) features are calculated for acoustic feature extraction. Furthermore, it is able to efficiently learn the intrinsic characteristics of auditory emotions, while the utterance features are learned from FDs of each sub-band. Experimental results show the proposed method is able to provide comparative performance for AER.
Super-resolution fluorescence polarization microscopy
Authors: Zhanghao Karl , Gao Juntao , Jin Dayong , Zhang Xuedian , Xi Peng
Published: May 2017

Fluorescence polarization is related to the dipole orientation of chromophores, making fluorescence polarization microscopy possible to reveal structures and functions of tagged cellular organelles and biological macromolecules. Several recent super resolution techniques have been applied to fluorescence polarization microscopy, achieving dipole measurement at nanoscale. In this review, we summarize both diffraction limited and super resolution fluorescence polarization microscopy techniques, as well as their applications in biological imaging.
Engel type identities with generalized derivations in prime rings
Authors: Dhara Basudeb , Pradhan Krishna Gopal , Tiwari Shailesh Kumar
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a noncommutative prime ring with its Utumi ring of quotients [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] the extended centroid of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] a generalized derivation of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a nonzero ideal of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] satisfies any one of the following conditions:

(i) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], (ii) [Formula: see text],

where [Formula: see text] is a fixed integer, then one of the following holds:

(1) there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]; (2) [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text] and there exist [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]; (3) char [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text] and there exist [Formula: see text] and an outer derivation [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text].
Functional programming as a discrete mathematics topic
Authors: VanDrunen Thomas
Published: May 2017

How to integrate mathematical thinking more fully into the computer science curriculum is a perennial problem for CS educators. A key part of that integration is designing the discrete math course so that its relevance to programming and software development is evident. A discrete math course that also introduces programming in the functional style provides an ideal context for this integration, as well as having additional curricular benefits. We report on our experience teaching a course on discrete mathematics and functional programming, give the outline for such a course, and survey the available resources.
News from the SIGs
Authors: Walker Ellen , Settle Amber , Zilora Steve
Published: May 2017

In this issue of News from the SIGs, we bring news from SIGCSE and SIGITE. Our SIGCSE reporter, Amber Settle, looks at SIGCSE's global reach. Our SIGITE reporter, Steve Zilora, ruminates on the effect that immersive technology is having on our lives, particularly our interactions with others.
Making Noise
Authors: Brunvand Erik , McCurdy Nina
Published: May 2017

We describe our experience designing and delivering a general education technological fluency course that frames the discussion of computer science and engineering technology (electronics and programming) in the context of sound-art: art that uses sound as its medium. This course is aimed at undergraduate students from a wide variety of backgrounds and is designed to fit into the ``Intellectual Explorations'' area of a general undergraduate program. The goal is to introduce computer engineering and computational principles to non-CS students through an exploration of sound-art, experimental and electronic music, noise-making circuits, hardware hacking, and circuit bending.
The Selectivity Challenge in Organic Solvent Nanofiltration: Membrane and Process Solutions
Authors: Marchetti Patrizia , Peeva Ludmila , Livingston Andrew
Published: May 2017

Recent development of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) materials has been overwhelmingly directed toward tight membranes with ultrahigh permeance. However, emerging research into OSN applications is suggesting that improved separation selectivity is at least as important as further increases in membrane permeance. Membrane solutions are being proposed to improve selectivity, mostly by exploiting solute/solvent/membrane interactions and by fabricating tailored membranes. Because achieving a perfect separation with a single membrane stage is difficult, process engineering solutions, such as membrane cascades, are also being advocated. Here we review these approaches to the selectivity challenge, and to clarify our analysis, we propose a selectivity figure of merit that is based on the permselectivity between the two solutes undergoing separation as well as the ratio of their molecular weights.
Tissue‐ and Condition‐Specific Isoforms of Mammalian Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunits: From Function to Human Disease
Authors: Sinkler Christopher A. , Kalpage Hasini , Shay Joseph , Lee Icksoo , Malek Moh H. , Grossman Lawrence I. , Hüttemann Maik
Published: May 2017

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain and catalyzes the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. COX consists of 14 subunits, three and eleven encoded, respectively, by the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Tissue‐ and condition‐specific isoforms have only been reported for COX but not for the other oxidative phosphorylation complexes, suggesting a fundamental requirement to fine‐tune and regulate the essentially irreversible reaction catalyzed by COX. This article briefly discusses the assembly of COX in mammals and then reviews the functions of the six nuclear‐encoded COX subunits that are expressed as isoforms in specialized tissues including those of the liver, heart and skeletal muscle, lung, and testes: COX IV‐1, COX IV‐2, NDUFA4, NDUFA4L2, COX VIaL, COX VIaH, COX VIb‐1, COX VIb‐2, COX VIIaH, COX VIIaL, COX VIIaR, COX VIIIH/L, and COX VIII‐3. We propose a model in which the isoforms mediate the interconnected regulation of COX by (1) adjusting basal enzyme activity to mitochondrial capacity of a given tissue; (2) allosteric regulation to adjust energy production to need; (3) altering proton pumping efficiency under certain conditions, contributing to thermogenesis; (4) providing a platform for tissue‐specific signaling; (5) stabilizing the COX dimer; and (6) modulating supercomplex formation.
Incorporation of Kojic Acid-Azo Dyes on TiO2 Thin Films for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Applications
Authors: Sie Carolynne Zie Wei , Ngaini Zainab
Published: May 2017

Sensitization of heavy metal free organic dyes onto TiO2 thin films has gained much attention in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A series of new kojic acid based organic dyes KA1–4 were synthesized via nucleophilic substitution of azobenzene bearing different vinyl chains A1–4 with kojyl chloride 4. Azo dyes KA1–4 were characterized for photophysical properties employing absorption spectrometry and photovoltaic characteristic in TiO2 thin film. The presence of vinyl chain in A1–4 improved the photovoltaic performance from 0.20 to 0.60%. The introduction of kojic acid obtained from sago waste further increases the efficiency to 0.82–1.54%. Based on photovoltaic performance, KA4 achieved the highest solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency (η = 1.54%) in the series.
A Type III Effector NleF from EHEC Inhibits Epithelial Inflammatory Cell Death by Targeting Caspase-4
Authors: Song Ting , Li Kaiwu , Zhou Wei , Zhou Jing , Jin Yuan , Dai Hongmei , Xu Tingting , Hu Mingda , Ren Hongguang , Yue Junjie , Liang Long
Published: May 2017

EnterohemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC) is a highly pathogenic bacterial strain capable of inducing severe gastrointestinal disease. Here, we show that EHEC uses the T3SS effector NleF to counteract the host inflammatory response by dampening caspase-4-mediated inflammatory epithelial cell death and by preventing the production of IL-1β. The other two inflammatory caspases, caspase-1 and caspase-5, are not involved in EHEC ΔnleF-induced inflammatory cell death. We found that NleF not only interrupted the heterodimerization of caspase-4-p19 and caspase-4-p10, but also inhibited the interaction of caspase-1 and caspase-4. The last four amino acids of the NleF carboxy terminus are essential in inhibiting caspase-4-dependent inflammatory cell death.
Clomiphene Associated Inferior STEMI in a Young Female due to Right Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Abuzeyad Feras Husain , Ibnaouf Eltigani Seedahmed , Farras Mudhaffar Al
Published: May 2017

Nonatherosclerotic spontaneous coronary artery dissection (NA-SCAD) is an uncommon cause of myocardial infarction. It most commonly affects females in the perimenopausal age. NA-SCAD has been associated with many predisposing factors including pregnancy and hormonal therapy for both contraception and ovulation induction. The presented case is a previously healthy 41-year-old woman diagnosed with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to right descending coronary artery dissection associated with recent use of clomiphene monotherapy for ovulation induction (a previously fertile woman), which was not previously reported. Learning Objectives. Emergency physicians (EPs) should be aware about NA-SCAD as a cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) especially in perimenopausal women even with no risk factors. NA-SCAD occurs more commonly in the postpartum period and in females following hormonal therapy. Here, clomiphene monotherapy was reported as a possible contributing factor to NA-SCAD. Guidelines for NA-SCAD management are not up to date, and EPs should avoid some interference before the final diagnosis of the cause of myocardial infarction.
Fabrication of Polycaprolactone/Polyurethane Loading Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Its Antiplatelet Adhesion
Authors: Minh Ho Hieu , Hiep Nguyen Thi , Hai Nguyen Dai , Toi Vo Van
Published: May 2017

Polycaprolactone/polyurethane (PCL/PU) fibrous scaffold was loaded with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by electrospinning method to improve the hemocompatibility of the polymeric surface. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation were employed to characterize the chemical structure and the changing morphology of electrospun PCL/PU and PCL/PU loaded with CLA (PCL/PU-CLA) scaffolds. Platelet adhesion and whole blood clot formation tests were used to evaluate the effect of CLA on antithrombotic property of PCL/PU-CLA scaffold. Endothelial cells (EC) were also seeded on the scaffold to examine the difference in the morphology of EC layer and platelet attachment with and without the presence of CLA. SEM results showed that CLA supported the spreading and proliferation of EC and PCL/PU-CLA surface induced lower platelet adhesion as well as attachment of other blood cells compared to the PCL/PU one. These results suggest that electrospinning method can successfully combine the antiplatelet effects of CLA to improve hemocompatibility of PCL/PU scaffolds for applications in artificial blood vessels.
Performance Analysis of Photovoltaic Water Heating System
Authors: Matuska Tomas , Sourek Borivoj
Published: May 2017

Performance of solar photovoltaic water heating systems with direct coupling of PV array to DC resistive heating elements has been studied and compared with solar photothermal systems. An analysis of optimum fixed load resistance for different climate conditions has been performed for simple PV heating systems. The optimum value of the fixed load resistance depends on the climate, especially on annual solar irradiation level. Use of maximum power point tracking compared to fixed optimized load resistance increases the annual yield by 20 to 35%. While total annual efficiency of the PV water heating systems in Europe ranges from 10% for PV systems without MPP tracking up to 15% for system with advanced MPP trackers, the efficiency of solar photothermal system for identical hot water load and climate conditions is more than 3 times higher.
Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Authors: Yang Fude , Dong Xiaoxv , Yin Xingbin , Wang Wenping , You Longtai , Ni Jian
Published: May 2017

Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 2000 years in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Phytochemical studies demonstrated that this plant contains essential oils, triterpenoid saponins, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids, and sterols. Crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from Radix Bupleuri exhibited various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. However, Radix Bupleuri could also lead to hepatotoxicity, particularly in high doses and with long-term use. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive compounds (saikosaponins a, b2, c, and d) were absorbed rapidly in rats after oral administration of the extract of Radix Bupleuri. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of Radix Bupleuri reported to date with an emphasis on its biological properties and mechanisms of action.
In-Hospital Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up after Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defects
Authors: Zhang Ruoxi , Sun Yong , Sun Meng , Zhang Hui , Hou Jingbo , Yu Bo
Published: May 2017

Postinfarction ventricular septal defects (VSD) represent a devastating complication of acute myocardial infarction and are associated with high mortality. Percutaneous interventional closure of postinfarction VSD has been proposed as a potential alternative to surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic safety and efficacy of percutaneous interventional closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defects (VSD). Each patient was assigned to one of two groups, based on whether they died during hospitalization (death group) or survived (survival group) in this retrospective study. In-hospital and follow-up data were analyzed. Placement of the VSD occluder was successful in 12 procedures (80%). The mean defect size was 14.20 ± 4.89 mm. Compared to the patients who died, those who survived had higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction upon admission, as well as lower pulmonary/systemic flow ratio and shorter time from acute myocardial infarction to procedure. The incidence of cardiac shock and class IV heart failure was lower in the survival group than in the death group, and these factors correlated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Percutaneous closure of postinfarction VSD is an effective technique, which can be performed with a high procedural success rate.
Prospective and Descriptive Study on Serum Androstenedione Concentration in Healthy Children from Birth until 18 Years of Age and Its Associated Factors
Authors: Ballerini María Gabriela , Gaido Virginia , Rodríguez María Eugenia , Chiesa Ana , Ropelato María Gabriela
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Androstenedione (A4) is an adrenal and gonadal steroid biomarker, useful in the assessment of children in whom steroidogenic disorders are suspected. The first key step in the evaluation of a diagnostic test resides on confident reference intervals (RI). The lack of updated A4-RI with current methods in pediatrics may mislead A4 results and limit its diagnosis accuracy.Aim. To provide A4 reference ranges in healthy children.Methods. Prospective, descriptive study. 283 children aged 4 days to 18 years were included. Inchildren<1 yr, A4 was measured directly in serum (NE-A4) and postorganic solvent extraction (E-A4) for the assessment of interfering steroids. The influence of chronological age (CA), gender, and Tanner stage (T) were investigated.Results. In the neonatal period, E-A4 was significantly lower than NE-A4; boys had higher NE-A4; sexual dimorphism disappeared after extraction procedure. In children older than 4 months, A4 concentration remained low until the age of 5 years. Thereafter, A4 increased significantly in association with CA and T (r2=0.65;p<0.001), obtaining the highest concentrations in children within pubertal ages without sexual dimorphism.Conclusion. We recommend to perform solvent extraction in neonates and to take into account age and sexual development to properly interpret A4 results in childhood.
High Expression of Galectin-3 in Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: Salah Adeeb , Yoshifuji Hajime , Ito Shinji , Kitagori Koji , Kiso Kaori , Yamada Norishige , Nakajima Toshiki , Haga Hironori , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Miyagawa-Hayashino Aya
Published: May 2017

Objectives. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multiorgan condition manifesting itself in different forms. This study aimed to investigate protein expression profiles and to find the possible biomarker for IgG4-RD by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using tissue sections in IgG4-RD patients.Methods. Protein expression profiles in five IgG4-related pancreatitis and three normal pancreatic samples were compared using LC-MS and were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was employed in the serum of 20 patients with systemic IgG4-RD before and during steroid treatment.Results. LC-MS indicated that the levels of 17 proteins were significantly higher and 12 others were significantly lower in IgG4-related pancreatitis patients compared to controls. Among these proteins, galectin-3 levels were 13-fold higher in IgG4-related pancreatitis (P<0.01). These results were confirmed by immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. The average number of galectin-3 + cells in various organs of IgG4-RD patients, including salivary glands, lungs, and lymph nodes, was higher than in controls. Galectin-3 was detectable in macrophages, dendritic cells, and stromal myofibroblast-like cells, but not in lymphocytes by immunofluorescence staining. Serum galectin-3 levels were higher in patients with IgG4-RD compared with healthy donors and remained high during steroid therapy.Conclusion. Galectin-3 was overexpressed in IgG4-RD and the levels were indirectly related to clinical activity.
Do Aspirin and Other NSAIDs Confer a Survival Benefit in Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer? A Pooled Analysis of NIH-AARP and PLCO Cohorts
Authors: Zhou Cindy Ke , Daugherty Sarah E. , Liao Linda M. , Freedman Neal D. , Abnet Christian C. , Pfeiffer Ruth , Cook Michael B.
Published: May 2017

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in U.S. men. There is an unmet need to identify modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer survival. Experimental studies have suggested that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may improve prostate cancer survival through antithrombotic and anti-inflammation mechanisms. Results from previous observational studies have been equivocal, and few have assessed whether an etiologically relevant time window of exposure exists. We sampled incident prostate cancer cases from two large U.S. prospective cohorts, NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study and PLCO Cancer Screening Trial, to investigate whether pre- and postdiagnostic aspirin and non-aspirin NSAID use were associated with prostate cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study-specific results were meta-analyzed using fixed-effects models. Pre- and postdiagnostic aspirin or non-aspirin NSAID use were not statistically significantly associated with prostate cancer–specific mortality. However, occasional (less than daily) and daily aspirin users five years or more before prostate cancer diagnosis had 18% (HR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.75–0.90) and 15% (HR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.77–0.94) reduced all-cause mortality versus nonusers. Similarly, postdiagnostic occasional and daily aspirin use were associated with 17% (HR = 0.83; 95% CI=0.72–0.95) and 25% (HR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.66–0.86) reduced all-cause mortality, independent of prediagnostic aspirin use. This study suggests that aspirin or non-aspirin NSAIDs are not associated with prostate cancer survival. However, aspirin use both before and after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with longer overall survival, highlighting the importance of comorbidity prevention among prostate cancer survivors. Cancer Prev Res; 10(7); 410–20. ©2017 AACR.
Search for Internal Cancers in Mice Tattooed with Inks of High Contents of Potential Carcinogens: A One-Year Autopsy Study of Red and Black Tattoo Inks Banned in the Market
Authors: Sepehri Mitra , Lerche Catharina M. , Hutton Carlsen Katrina , Serup Jørgen
Published: May 2017

Background and Objective: Tattoo ink stock products often contain potential carcinogens, which on large-scale population exposure may be clinically relevant. The aim of this autopsy study in mice was to screen major organs for clinical and subclinical cancers. Methods: Mice were tattooed on their backs. In total, 48 mice were included and divided into 4 groups; 11 mice tattooed black, 10 tattooed red, and 5 mice serving as untreated controls. A group of 22 mice with black tattoos and exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were also studied. The black and red inks were both stock products banned on the Danish market due to the measured contents of potential carcinogens; benzo(a)pyrene and 2-anisidine, respectively. The mice were housed for 1 year after tattooing, and autopsy study on internal organs was performed. Tissue samples were systematically taken from major organs for screening of subclinical changes, not detected by visual examination. Any observed deviation from normal structure was subject to biopsy and light microscopy. Results: All mice survived the 1-year observation period. Autopsy revealed no macroscopic signs of cancer. Microscopic search of internal organs showed no subclinical or clinical cancer. Conclusion: Despite extensive tattoos with 2 banned inks, the long-term observation in mice showed no internal cancers nor was the combination of carcinogen and UVR associated with cancer. Lack of observed malignancy might be explained by the fact that tattooing is only a single dose exposure. Registered data on carcinogens relies on repeated or chronic exposures. The study does not support the hypothesis that tattooing causes cancer.
The Role of Audiometry prior to High-Dose Cisplatin in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Caballero Miguel , Mackers Paula , Reig Oscar , Buxo Elvira , Navarrete Pilar , Blanch Jose L. , Grau Juan J.
Published: May 2017

Objectives: To analyze the role of audiometry in considering change to a less ototoxic treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Methods: Consecutive patients prescribed high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2) between January 2013 and February 2015 were enrolled. Audiometry was performed at baseline and before cisplatin. Change to a less ototoxic agent or reduced cisplatin dose was considered with audiometric decreases >25 dB. Results: A total of 103 patients were included; the median age of the patients was 59 years (range 18−75). Cisplatin was intended curative (58%), adjuvant (32%), or palliative (10%). Forty-two participants (41%) did not commence high-dose cisplatin because of baseline audiometric alterations. Of 61 patients treated with high-dose cisplatin, 40 (66%) showed marked ototoxicity at the end of treatment. The mean hearing loss between initial and final audiometries showed a hearing loss at 4 and 8 kHz in both ears (p = 0.002). Thirteen patients switched to carboplatin and 15 to a lower dose of cisplatin. The outcome was not significantly altered when cisplatin was replaced with carboplatin or cetuximab. Conclusions: Audiometric alterations are common in HNC with high-dose cisplatin, and switching to a less ototoxic regimen does not adversely affect outcome. Audiometric examination could help to prevent hearing loss in this population.