bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary validation of the Knee Inflammation MRI Scoring System (KIMRISS) for grading bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritis of the knee: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Jaremko Jacob L , Jeffery Dean , Buller M , Wichuk Stephanie , McDougall Dave , Lambert Robert GW , Maksymowych Walter P
Published: January 2017

Objective

Bone marrow lesions (BML) are an MRI feature of osteoarthritis (OA) offering a potential target for therapy. We developed the Knee Inflammation MRI Scoring System (KIMRISS) to semiquantitatively score BML with high sensitivity to small changes, and compared feasibility, reliability and responsiveness versus the established MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS).

Methods

KIMRISS incorporates a web-based graphic overlay to facilitate detailed regional BML scoring. Observers scored BML by MOAKS and KIMRISS on sagittal fluid-sensitive sequences. Exercise 1 focused on interobserver reliability in Osteoarthritis Initiative observational data, with 4 readers (two experienced/two new to KIMRISS) scoring BML in 80 patients (baseline/1 year). Exercise 2 focused on responsiveness in an open-label trial of adalimumab, with 2 experienced readers scoring BML in 16 patients (baseline/12 weeks).

Results

Scoring time was similar for KIMRISS and MOAKS. Interobserver reliability of KIMRISS was equivalent to MOAKS for BML status (ICC=0.84 vs 0.79), but consistently better than MOAKS for change in BML: Exercise 1 (ICC 0.82 vs 0.53), Exercise 2 (ICC 0.90 vs 0.32), and in new readers (0.87–0.92 vs 0.32–0.51). KIMRISS BML was more responsive than MOAKS BML: post-treatment BML improvement in Exercise 2 reached statistical significance for KIMRISS (SRM −0.69, p=0.015), but not MOAKS (SRM −0.12, p=0.625). KIMRISS BML also more strongly correlated to WOMAC scores than MOAKS BML (r=0.80 vs 0.58, p<0.05).

Conclusions

KIMRISS BML scoring was highly feasible, and was more reliable for assessment of change and more responsive to change than MOAKS BML for expert and new readers.
Comparison of a CHOP‐LAsp‐based protocol with and without maintenance for canine multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Lautscham E. M. , Kessler M. , Ernst T. , Willimzig L. , Neiger R.
Published: January 2017

The recommendation to treat canine lymphoma with a discontinuous protocol is based on small case numbers and mostly historic controls. This study compares duration of first remission (DFR) and overall survival time (ST) with a discontinuous protocol to the same protocol with maintenance phase. 408 dogs were treated with a CHOP‐LAsp (C=cyclophosphamide; H=hydroxydaunorubicin; O=Oncovin; P=prednisolone; LAsp=l‐asparaginase)‐based 28‐week induction protocol. In 75 dogs (cohort 1), this was followed by a maintenance phase consisting of vincristine, chlorambucil and actinomycin‐D with a total treatment duration of two years. In the subsequent 333 dogs, therapy was discontinued after induction (cohort 2). Median DFR and ST in cohort 1 were 216 and 375 days and 184 and 304 days in cohort 2. 6‐Month, 1‐year and 2‐year survival rates in cohort 1 were 73 per cent, 50 per cent, 24 per cent and 67 per cent, 39 per cent, 21 per cent in cohort 2. There was no significant difference between the two protocols (P=0.291 for ST, P=0.071 for DFR). On multivariate analysis, corticosteroid pretreatment (P=0.005), thrombocytopenia at diagnosis (P=0.019), stage (P=0.009), substage b at relapse (P<0.001), age (P=0.002) and incomplete or unstable remission necessitating intensification of therapy (P=0.004) were negatively correlated with ST in both groups. This study supports the use of a discontinuous protocol for canine multicentric lymphoma.
Gut-training: the impact of two weeks repetitive gut-challenge during exercise on gastrointestinal status, glucose availability, fuel kinetics, and running performance
Authors: Costa Ricardo J.S. , Miall Atlanta , Khoo Anthony , Rauch Christopher , Snipe Rhiannon , Camões-Costa Vera , Gibson Peter
Published: January 2017

Due to gastrointestinal tract adaptability, the study aimed to determine the impact of gut-training protocol over 2 weeks on gastrointestinal status, blood glucose availability, fuel kinetics, and running performance. Endurance runners (n = 25) performed a gut-challenge trial (GC1), consisting of 2 h running exercise at 60% V̇O2maxwhilst consuming gel-discs containing 30 g carbohydrates (2:1 glucose/fructose, 10% w/v) every 20 min and a 1 h distance test. Participants were then randomly assigned to a carbohydrate gel-disc (CHO-S), carbohydrate food (CHO-F), or placebo (PLA) gut-training group for 2 weeks of repetitive gut-challenge intervention. Participants then repeated a second gut-challenge trial (GC2). Gastrointestinal symptoms reduced in GC2 on CHO-S (60%; p = 0.008) and CHO-F (63%; p = 0.046); reductions were greater than PLA (p < 0.05). H2peak was lower in GC2 on CHO-S (mean (CI): 6 (4–8) ppm) compared with CHO-F (9 (6–12) ppm) and PLA (12 (2–21) ppm) (trial × time: p < 0.001). Blood glucose concentration was higher in GC2 on CHO-S (7.2 (6.3–8.1) mmol·L−1) compared with CHO-F (6.1 (5.7–6.5) mmol·L−1) and PLA (6.2 (4.9–7.5) mmol·L−1) (trial × time: p = 0.015). No difference in oxidation rates, plasma I-FABP, and cortisol concentrations were observed between groups and trials. Distance test improved on CHO-S (5.2%) and CHO-F (4.3%) in GC2, but not on PLA (–2.1%) (trial × time: p = 0.009). Two weeks of gut-training with CHO-S and CHO-F improved gastrointestinal symptoms and running performance compared with PLA. CHO-S also reduced malabsorption and increased blood glucose availability during endurance running compared with PLA.
Total phytoplankton abundance is determined by phosphorus input: evidence from an 18-month fertilization experiment in four subtropical ponds
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Hong Zhu , Liang Xiao Min , Yu Qing , Xiao Xu Cheng , Shao Jian Chun , Wang Hai Jun
Published: January 2017

There is a heated debate over the necessity of nitrogen (N) reduction, in addition to phosphorus (P) reduction, for the control of eutrophication. Whole-lake fertilization experiments and lake restoration practices in high latitudes have demonstrated that P is the primary factor regulating total phytoplankton. Recognizing the limited large-scale evidence in warmer climatic zones, a fertilization experiment was conducted in four ponds located in the subtropical Yangtze River Basin, China. Total phytoplankton abundance in a pond receiving P (+P) was similar to that in a pond receiving both N and P (+N+P). Both had higher phytoplankton than a pond receiving no additional nutrient (Control). Total nitrogen concentration (TN) in the +P pond increased with the appearance of N-fixing cyanobacteria. Total phytoplankton abundance was similar in the ponds without P addition (+N, Control), and both ponds had lower phytoplankton levels than the +N+P pond. These results showed that P, not N, determines total phytoplankton abundance and that N deficiency is offset by N fixation in subtropical lakes. This experiment supports the idea that attention should be mainly focused on P reduction in mitigating eutrophication.
Study the optimum dimensions and operating parameters of Penning ion source
Authors: Helal A.G. , El-Khabeary H. , Radwan S.I.
Published: January 2017

In this work, design and construction of a DC cold cathode Penning ion source is described. It consists of cylindrical hollow anode and two movable disc cathodes that are placed symmetrically at two ends of the anode. The electrical discharge and the output ion beam characteristics of the ion source are measured using argon gas. It is found that the optimum dimensions of anode–cathode distance, ion exit aperture diameter, and ion exit aperture – Faraday cup distance are equal to 8, 1.5, and 30 mm, respectively. The ion source efficiency was calculated at discharge current equal to 1.2 mA, different anode–cathode distances and pressures using argon gas. It is found that at anode–cathode distance equal to 8 mm and pressure equal to 7 × 10−4 mmHg, a maximum ion source efficiency equal to 27.1% can be obtained. The surface hardness of molybdenum specimen is measured after exposure to argon ion beam for two hours at pressure equal to 7 × 10−4 mmHg, discharge voltage equal to 3.5 kV, discharge current equal to 0.6 mA, and output ion beam current equal to 165 μA using argon gas. It is found that the surface hardness of molybdenum specimen is decreased by a factor of 24.2%.
The Belgian repository of fundamental atomic data and stellar spectra
Authors: Lobel A. , Royer P. , Martayan C. , Laverick M. , Merle T. , David M. , Hensberge H. , Thienpont E.
Published: January 2017

BRASS is an international networking project of the Federal Government of Belgium for the development of a new public database providing accurate fundamental atomic data of vital importance for stellar spectroscopic research. The BRASS database will offer atomic line data that is thoroughly tested by comparing theoretical and observed stellar spectra. We are in the course of performing extensive quality assessments of selected atomic input data with advanced radiative transfer spectrum synthesis calculations that we compare in detail to high-resolution Mercator-HERMES and ESO-VLT-UVES spectra of very high signal-to-noise ratios for about 30 hot and cool bright stars of B, A, F, G, and K spectral types. The new database will provide the tested and validated values of absorption lines we retrieve from various existing atomic repositories, such as NIST and VAMDC. The validated atomic datasets, combined with the observed and theoretical spectra, will be interactively offered online at brass.sdf.org. The combination of these datasets is a novel approach for its development, which will provide a universal reference for advanced stellar spectroscopic research. We present the atmospheric parameter results of a subset of five benchmark stars observed with signal-to-noise ratios of 800–1200. The observed and theoretical spectra of the Sun and 51 Peg between 4000 and 6800 Å are offered online in the BRASS Data Interface. It also incorporates a new list of ∼900 metal lines for which we compute blending below 5% of the equivalent width useful for detailed line profile modeling and synthetic spectrum fit quality assessments of atomic line data.
The upper critical magnetic field of holographic superconductor with conformally invariant Power–Maxwell electrodynamics
Authors: Sheykhi A. , Shamsi F. , Davatolhagh S.
Published: January 2017

The properties of (d–1)-dimensional s-wave holographic superconductor in the presence of Power–Maxwell field is explored. We study the probe limit in which the scalar and gauge fields do not backreact on the background geometry. Our study is based on the matching of solutions on the boundary and on the horizon at some intermediate point. At first, the case without external magnetic field is considered, and the critical temperature is obtained in terms of the charge density, the dimensionality, and the Power–Maxwell exponent. Then, a magnetic field is turned on in the d-dimensional bulk, which can influence the (d–1)-dimensional holographic superconductor at the boundary. The phase behavior of the corresponding holographic superconductor is obtained by computing the upper critical magnetic field in the presence of Power–Maxwell electrodynamics, characterized by the power exponent q. Interestingly, it is observed that in the presence of a magnetic field, the physically acceptable phase behavior of the holographic superconductor is obtained for q = d/4, which guaranties the conformal invariance of the Power–Maxwell Lagrangian. The case of physical interest in five space–time dimensions (d = 5, and q = 5/4) is considered in detail, and compared with the results obtained for the usual Maxwell electrodynamics q = 1 in the same dimensions.
Dark matter in the local group of galaxies
Authors: Morley P. D. , Buettner D. J.
Published: January 2017

We describe the neutrino flavor ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) masses as [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and probably [Formula: see text]. The quantity [Formula: see text] is the degenerate neutrino mass. Because neutrino flavor is not a quantum number, this degenerate mass appears in the neutrino equation-of-state [P. D. Morley and D. J. Buettner, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D (2014), doi:10.1142/s0218271815500042.]. We apply a Monte Carlo computational physics technique to the Local Group (LG) of galaxies to determine an approximate location for a Dark Matter embedding Condensed Neutrino Object (CNO) [P. D. Morley and D. J. Buettner, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D (2016), doi:10.1142/s0218271816500899.]. The calculation is based on the rotational properties of the only spiral galaxies within the LG: M31, M33 and the Milky Way. CNOs could be the Dark Matter everyone is looking for and we estimate the CNO embedding the LG to have a mass 5.17[Formula: see text] M[Formula: see text] and a radius 1.316 Mpc, with the estimated value of [Formula: see text] eV[Formula: see text]/c2. The up-coming KATRIN experiment [https://www.katrin.kit.edu.] will either be the definitive result or eliminate condensed neutrinos as a Dark Matter candidate.
Analytical Homogenization for Dynamic Analysis of Composite Membranes with Circular Inclusions in Hexagonal Lattice Structures
Authors: Andrianov I. V. , Awrejcewicz J. , Markert B. , Starushenko G. A.
Published: January 2017

Free vibrations of a composite membrane with a hexagonal lattice circular inclusion are investigated. We aim at a study of the lower frequency spectrum, i.e. it is assumed that the minimum space period of the eigenform is essentially larger than the characteristic dimension of the cell periodicity of the analyzed structure. This implies a possibility of approximating the composite structure by the homogenized one with effective characteristics. The latter is yielded by the multi-scale homogenization approach.

Introduction of slow and fast variables yields both counterpart quasistatic local problem regarding the periodically repeated cell and global (homogenized) dynamic problem for homogeneous material with effective properties. The most complicated part of this approach concerns in finding a solution to the local problem. It has been analytically found in the presented paper for relatively large inclusion sizes using lubrication approach. The performed numerical validation of the obtained results shows high accuracy of the implemented approach.
A Local Meshless Method for Steady State Convection Dominated Flows
Authors: Siraj-ul-Islam  , Singh Vikendra
Published: January 2017

A stable localized meshless method (SLMM) is proposed for convection dominated PDEs exhibiting boundary layer. Some cases of continuous and discontinuous boundary data as well as continuous and discontinuous source function with constant and variable convection coefficients are considered. In this approach, the localized meshless method is implemented on specialized sub-domains embedded with flow direction of underlying fluid. The proposed method is based on flow featured overlapping sub-domains, called stencils. The concept of flow direction is used to construct good quality stencils having the ability to capture flow features, such as boundary layer, accurately. Numerical experiments are presented to compare the proposed method with the finite-difference method on special grid (FDSG), the standard finite-element method, hybridized SUPG method, hybridized upwind method, residual-free bubbles (RFB) method and other meshless methods. Numerical results confirm that the new approach is accurate and efficient for solving a wide class of one-, two-, and three-dimensional convection-dominated PDEs. In some cases, performance of the SLMM is comparable and sometimes better than the mesh-based finite-element and finite-difference methods.
U–Pb zircon geochronology and geodynamic significance of ‘Newer Granite’ plutons in Shetland, northernmost Scottish Caledonides
Authors: Lancaster Penelope J. , Strachan Rob A. , Bullen Dean , Fowler Mike , Jaramillo Mariana , Saldarriaga Ana M.
Published: January 2017

U–Pb zircon ages obtained from the late- to post-tectonic ‘Newer Granite’ suite in Shetland, northernmost Scottish Caledonides, indicate a significantly more protracted intrusion history than was inferred previously from K–Ar data. Emplacement of the Brae Complex (
c.
465 Ma), Graven Complex (
c.
440 Ma) and the Muckle Roe Granophyre (
c.
438 Ma) followed regional deformation and metamorphism of metasedimentary successions during the Grampian orogenic event, and is attributed to NW-directed subduction beneath Laurentia. The almost complete absence of plutons of this age along-strike in mainland Scotland suggests a change in subduction angle and/or the distance between the subduction zone and the Laurentian margin. Intrusion of the Ronas Hill Granite (
c.
427 Ma) was approximately coeval with displacement on the Moine Thrust in mainland Scotland, and therefore probably occurred during Baltica–Laurentia collision. A gap of
c.
35 myr followed before emplacement of the Mangaster Voe Intrusion and Eastern Granophyre (
c.
390 Ma), and a further gap of
c.
20 myr before emplacement of the Sandsting Complex (
c.
370 Ma). Both periods of magmatism are attributed to pulses of localized lithospheric melting in the vicinity of the Walls Boundary Fault during Devonian sinistral relative displacements between Laurentia and Baltica.

Supplementary material:
Petrological details, full analytical methods and data tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3655706
c-Jun enhances intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding by increasing phospholipase C-γ1 transcription
Authors: Wang Peng-Yuan , Wang Shelley R. , Xiao Lan , Chen Jie , Wang Jian-Ying , Rao Jaladanki N.
Published: January 2017

c-Jun is an activating protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor and implicated in many aspects of cellular functions, but its exact role in the regulation of early intestinal epithelial restitution after injury remains largely unknown. Phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 biphosphate into the second messenger diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate, coordinates Ca2+ store mobilization, and regulates cell migration and proliferation in response to stress. Here we reported that c-Jun upregulates PLCγ1 expression and enhances PLCγ1-induced Ca2+ signaling, thus promoting intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding. Ectopically expressed c-Jun increased PLCγ1 expression at the transcription level, and this stimulation is mediated by directly interacting with AP-1 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) binding sites that are located at the proximal region of the rat PLCγ1 promoter. Increased levels of PLCγ1 by c-Jun elevated cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and stimulated intestinal epithelial cell migration over the denuded area after wounding. The c-Jun-mediated PLCγ1/Ca2+ signal also plays an important role in polyamine-induced cell migration after wounding because increased c-Jun rescued Ca2+ influx and cell migration in polyamine-deficient cells. These findings indicate that c-Jun induces PLCγ1 expression transcriptionally and enhances rapid epithelial restitution after injury by activating Ca2+ signal.
Doxorubicin-induced nitrosative stress is mitigated by vitamin C via the modulation of nitric oxide synthases
Authors: Akolkar Gauri , Bagchi Ashim K. , Ayyappan Prathapan , Jassal Davinder S. , Singal Pawan K.
Published: January 2017

An increase in oxidative stress is suggested to be the main cause in Doxorubicin (Dox)–induced cardiotoxicity. However, there is now evidence that activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrosative stress are also involved. The role of vitamin C (Vit C) in the regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and reduction of nitrosative stress in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of Vit C in the mitigation of Dox-induced changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), NOS activity, protein expression of NOS isoforms, and nitrosative stress as well as cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 in isolated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were segregated into four groups: 1) control, 2) Vit C (25 µM), 3) Dox (10 µM), and 4) Vit C + Dox. Dox caused a significant increase in the generation of superoxide radical (O2·−), peroxynitrite, and NO, and these effects of Dox were blunted by Vit C. Dox increased the expression of iNOS and altered protein expression as well as activation of endothelial NOS (eNOS). These changes were prevented by Vit C. Dox induced an increase in the ratio of monomeric/dimeric eNOS, promoting the production of O2·−, which was prevented by Vit C by increasing the stability of the dimeric form of eNOS. Vit C protected against the Dox-induced increase in TNFα as well as a reduction in IL-10. These results suggest that Vit C provides cardioprotection by reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation via a modulation of Dox-induced increase in the NO levels and NOS activity.
Exercise training decreases NADPH oxidase activity and restores skeletal muscle mass in heart failure rats
Authors: Cunha Telma F. , Bechara Luiz R. G. , Bacurau Aline V. N. , Jannig Paulo R. , Voltarelli Vanessa A. , Dourado Paulo M. , Vasconcelos Andrea R. , Scavone Cristóforo , Ferreira Júlio C. B. , Brum Patricia C.
Published: January 2017

We have recently demonstrated that NADPH oxidase hyperactivity, NF-κB activation, and increased p38 phosphorylation lead to atrophy of glycolytic muscle in heart failure (HF). Aerobic exercise training (AET) is an efficient strategy to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy in this syndrome. Therefore, we tested whether AET would regulate muscle redox balance and protein degradation by decreasing NADPH oxidase hyperactivity and reestablishing NF-κB signaling, p38 phosphorylation, and proteasome activity in plantaris muscle of myocardial infarcted-induced HF (MI) rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats underwent MI or fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were randomly assigned into untrained (UNT) and trained (T; 8 wk of AET on treadmill) groups. AET prevented HF signals and skeletal muscle atrophy in MI-T, which showed an improved exercise tolerance, attenuated cardiac dysfunction and increased plantaris fiber cross-sectional area. To verify the role of inflammation and redox imbalance in triggering protein degradation, circulating TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase profile, NF-κB signaling, p38 protein levels, and proteasome activity were assessed. MI-T showed a reduced TNF-α levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and Nox2 mRNA expression toward SHAM-UNT levels. The rescue of NADPH oxidase activity induced by AET in MI rats was paralleled by reducing nuclear binding activity of the NF-κB, p38 phosphorylation, atrogin-1, mRNA levels, and 26S chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity. Taken together our data provide evidence for AET improving plantaris redox homeostasis in HF associated with a decreased NADPH oxidase, redox-sensitive proteins activation, and proteasome hyperactivity further preventing atrophy. These data reinforce the role of AET as an efficient therapy for muscle wasting in HF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the first time, the contribution of aerobic exercise training (AET) in decreasing muscle NADPH oxidase activity associated with reduced reactive oxygen species production and systemic inflammation, which diminish NF-κB overactivation, p38 phosphorylation, and ubiquitin proteasome system hyperactivity. These molecular changes counteract plantaris atrophy in trained myocardial infarction-induced heart failure rats. Our data provide new evidence into how AET may regulate protein degradation and thus prevent skeletal muscle atrophy.
Effect of adrenal medullectomy on metabolic responses to chronic intermittent hypoxia in the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test
Authors: Shin Mi-Kyung , Han Woobum , Joo Hoon , Bevans-Fonti Shannon , Shiota Masakazu , Stefanovski Darko , Polotsky Vsevolod Y.
Published: January 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with type 2 diabetes. We have previously developed a mouse model of intermittent hypoxia (IH) mimicking oxyhemoglobin desaturations in patients with sleep apnea and have shown that IH increases fasting glucose, hepatic glucose output, and plasma catecholamines. We hypothesize that adrenal medulla modulates glucose responses to IH and that such responses can be prevented by adrenal medullectomy. We performed adrenal medullectomy or sham surgery in lean C57BL/6J mice, which were exposed to IH or intermittent air (control) for 4 wk followed by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) in unanesthetized unrestrained animals. IH was administered during the 12-h light phase (9 AM to 9 PM) by decreasing inspired oxygen from 21 to 6.5% 60 cycles/h. Insulin sensitivity (SI), insulin independent glucose disposal [glucose effectiveness (SG)], and the insulin response to glucose (AIRG) were determined using the minimal model method. In contrast to our previous data obtained in restrained mice, IH did not affect fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels in sham-operated mice. IH significantly decreased SG but did not affect SI and AIRG. Adrenal medullectomy decreased fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels and increased glycogen synthesis in the liver in hypoxic mice but did not have a significant effect on the FSIVGTT metrics. We conclude that, in the absence of restraints, IH has no effect on glucose metabolism in lean mice with exception of decreased SG, whereas adrenal medullectomy decreases fasting glucose and insulin levels in the IH environment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the role of adrenal catecholamines in glucose metabolism during intermittent hypoxia (IH) in unanesthetized unrestrained C57BL/6J mice. We report that IH did not affect fasting glucose and insulin levels nor insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion during, whereas glucose effectiveness was decreased. Adrenal medullectomy decreased fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in mice exposed to IH but had no effect on glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity.
The Prevalence of Anti-Aquaporin 4 Antibody in Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases Presented to a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia: Presentation and Prognosis
Authors: Abdullah S. , Wong W. F. , Tan C. T.
Published: January 2017

Background. There have been inconsistent reports on the prevalence and pathogenicity of anti-Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in patients presented with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IIDDs). Objective. To estimate the prevalence of anti-AQP4 antibody in patients with IIDDs presented to University Malaya Medical Centre in terms of patients’ clinical and radiological presentations and prognoses. Methods. Retrospective data review of IIDDs patients presented from 2005 to 2015. Patients were classified into classical multiple sclerosis (CMS), opticospinal (OS) presentation, optic neuritis (ON), transverse myelitis (TM), brainstem syndrome (BS), and tumefactive MS. Anti-Aquaporin 4 antibody was tested using the Indirect Immunofluorescence Test (IIFT) cell-based assay. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20. Results. Anti-AQP4 antibody was detected in 53% of patients presented with IIDDs. CMS was more common in the seronegative group, 27/47 (57.45%; p<0.001). Conversely, OS involvement was more common in the seropositive group, 26/53 (49.06%; p<0.001). Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs) on MRI were also more common in the seropositive group, 29/40 (72.50%; p=0.004). Only 2/40 (5.00%) had MRI evidence of patchy or multiple short-segment spinal cord lesions in the AQP4-positive group (p=0.003). The relapse rate and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were also higher in the seropositive group (5.43 versus 3.17, p=0.005; 4.07 versus 2.51, p=0.006, resp.). Typical clinical presentations that defined NMO were also seen in the seronegative patients, but in a lower frequency. Conclusion. Our cohort of patients had a higher prevalence of seropositivity of anti-AQP4 antibody as compared to those in Western countries. This was also associated with a more typical presentation of opticospinal involvement with LESCLs on MRI, a higher rate of relapse, and EDSS.
Route Optimization of Pipeline in Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Jun , Liang Guangchuan , Deng Tao , Gong Jing
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the problems in route optimization of two-phase pipelines. Combining the hydraulic calculation with route optimization theory, this paper establishes an automatic route optimization model and adopts the general genetic algorithm (gGA) and steady-state genetic algorithm (ssGA) to solve the model, respectively, gets the optimal route, and discusses the influence of parameters setting to the result. This algorithm was applied in determining pipelines routes in coalbed methane gathering and transporting system in Shanxi Province, China. The result shows that the algorithm is feasible, which improves the hydraulic properties by reducing the pressure drop along the line while the pipeline length is still acceptable.
Experimental Study on the Atomization and Chemiluminescence Characteristics of Ethanol Flame
Authors: Zhang Qing , Song Xudong , Guo Qinghua , Gong Yan , Hu Chonghe , Yu Guangsuo
Published: January 2017

The breakup regime in ethanol diffusion flame under different conditions was studied by the high speed camera system combined with the UV camera system. Spray angle and Weber number (We) were used to represent the change of breakup regime. With the increases of spray angle and We, the breakup mode changes from the Rayleigh-type breakup regime to the superpulsating regime. The reaction area and intensity of ethanol flames under different breakup regimes could be discussed by theOH⁎distribution. From Rayleigh-type breakup regime to superpulsating breakup regime, theOH⁎distribution increased and the oxidation-reduction reaction area expanded. At the condition of superpulsating breakup mode, the intensity ofOH⁎was significantly higher than that of other modes. The flame luminous length can be obtained by theOH⁎emission, andOH⁎distribution reflects the structure of flame. When the breakup regime changes from the fiber-type breakup regime to the superpulsating regime, the flame luminous length increases suddenly.
Geometrically Nonlinear Transient Response of Laminated Plates with Nonlinear Elastic Restraints
Authors: Yang Shaochong , Yang Qingsheng
Published: January 2017

To investigate the dynamic behavior of laminated plates with nonlinear elastic restraints, a varied constraint force model and a systematic numerical procedure are presented in this work. Several kinds of typical relationships of force-displacement for spring are established to simulate the nonlinear elastic restraints. In addition, considering the restraining moments of flexible pads, the pads are modeled by translational and rotational springs. The displacement- dependent constraint forces are added to the right-hand side of equations of motion and treated as additional applied loads. These loads can be explicitly defined, via an independent set of nonlinear load functions. The time histories of transverse displacements at typical points of the laminated plate are obtained through the transient analysis. Numerical examples show that the present method can effectively treat the geometrically nonlinear transient response of plates with nonlinear elastic restraints.
Improving Accuracy of River Flow Forecasting Using LSSVR with Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Adnan Rana Muhammad , Yuan Xiaohui , Kisi Ozgur , Anam Rabia
Published: January 2017

River flow prediction is essential in many applications of water resources planning and management. In this paper, the accuracy of multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), model 5 regression tree (M5RT), and conventional multiple linear regression (CMLR) is compared with a hybrid least square support vector regression-gravitational search algorithm (HLGSA) in predicting monthly river flows. In the first part of the study, all three regression methods were compared with each other in predicting river flows of each basin. It was found that the HLGSA method performed better than the MARS, M5RT, and CMLR in river flow prediction. The effect of log transformation on prediction accuracy of the regression methods was also examined in the second part of the study. Log transformation of the river flow data significantly increased the prediction accuracy of all regression methods. It was also found that log HLGSA (LHLSGA) performed better than the other regression methods. In the third part of the study, the accuracy of the LHLGSA and HLGSA methods was examined in river flow estimation using nearby river flow data. On the basis of results of all applications, it was found that LHLGSA and HLGSA could be successfully used in prediction and estimation of river flow.
Bronchoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis: A Retrospective Analysis from China
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiao , He Bixiu , Wang Ge , He Baimei , Wang Lijing , Chen Qiong
Published: January 2017

Objective. To assess the value of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of primary tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA), in order to reduce misdiagnosis rates and improve prognosis. Methods. Clinical data of 107 patients with TBA reported from 1981 to 2015 in China were retrospectively analyzed for clinical features, bronchoscopic manifestations, pathologies, treatments, and outcomes. Results. 105 of 107 TBA patients were pathologically confirmed by bronchoscopy. Main bronchoscopic manifestations of TBA were single or multiple nodules and masses within tracheobronchial lumens; local or diffuse luminal stenosis and obstruction; luminal wall thickening and rigidity; rough or uneven inner luminal walls; congestion and edema of mucosa, which was friable and prone to bleeding upon touch; and so forth. 53 patients were treated with bronchoscopic interventions, like Nd-YAG laser, high-frequency electrotome cautery, freezing, resection, clamping, argon plasma coagulation (APC), microwaving, stent implantation, drug spraying, and other treatments. 51 patients improved, 1 patient worsened, and 1 died. Conclusion. Bronchoscopic biopsy is the primary means of diagnosing TBA. A variety of bronchoscopic interventions have good short-term effects on TBA. Bronchoscopy has important value in the diagnosis, severity assessment, treatment, efficacy evaluation, and prognosis of TBA.
CFD Simulations of a Finned Projectile with Microflaps for Flow Control
Authors: Sahu Jubaraj
Published: January 2017

This research describes a computational study undertaken to determine the effect of a flow control mechanism and its associated aerodynamics for a finned projectile. The flow control system consists of small microflaps located between the rear fins of the projectile. These small microflaps alter the flow field in the aft finned region of the projectile, create asymmetric pressure distributions, and thus produce aerodynamic control forces and moments. A number of different geometric parameters, microflap locations, and the number of microflaps were varied in an attempt to maximize the control authority generated by the flaps. Steady-state Navier-Stokes computations were performed to obtain the control aerodynamic forces and moments associated with the microflaps. These results were used to optimize the control authority at a supersonic speed,M=2.5. Computed results showed not only the microflaps to be effective at this speed, but also configurations with 6 and 8 microflaps were found to generate 25%–50% more control force than a baseline 4-flap configuration. These results led to a new optimized 8-flap configuration that was further investigated for a range of Mach numbers fromM=0.8to5.0and was found to be a viable configuration effective in providing control at all of these speeds.
ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Normal Coronary Arteries after Consuming Energy Drinks
Authors: Gharacholou S. Michael , Ijioma Nkechinyere , Banwart Emma , Munoz Freddy Del Carpio
Published: January 2017

The use of energy drinks, which often contain stimulants, is common among young persons, yet there have been few reports of adverse cardiac events. We report the case of a 27-year-old man who was admitted to our facility with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the setting of using energy drinks. Angiography revealed no obstructive coronary disease. The patient had elevation of cardiac troponin. Noninvasive testing with echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated both abnormalities in resting wall motion at the anterior apex along with late gadolinium enhancement of the anterior wall, respectively. The patient also underwent formal invasive evaluation with an intracoronary Doppler study demonstrating normal coronary flow reserve and acetylcholine provocation that excluded endothelial dysfunction and microvascular disease. The patient recovered and has abstained from consuming additional energy drinks with no reoccurrence of symptoms. A review of some of the potential cardiac risks associated with consuming energy drinks is presented.
Dynamics of a Higher-Order System of Difference Equations
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Qinqin , Li Qirui
Published: January 2017

Consider the following system of difference equations:xn+1(i)=xn-m+1(i)/Ai∏j=0m-1xn-j(i+j+1)+αi,xn+1(i+m)=xn+1(i),x1-l(i+l)=ai,l,Ai+m=Ai,αi+m=αi,i,l=1,2,…,m;n=0,1,2,…,wheremis a positive integer,Ai,αi,i=1,2,…,m, and the initial conditionsai,l,i,l=1,2,…,m,are positive real numbers. We obtain the expressions of the positive solutions of the system and then give a precise description of the convergence of the positive solutions. Finally, we give some numerical results.
Sulfated Glycans and Related Digestive Enzymes in the Zika Virus Infectivity: Potential Mechanisms of Virus-Host Interaction and Perspectives in Drug Discovery
Authors: Pomin Vitor H.
Published: January 2017

As broadly reported, there is an ongoing Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in countries of Latin America. Recent findings have demonstrated that ZIKV causes severe defects on the neural development in fetuses in utero and newborns. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the ZIKV infectivity. Potential therapeutic agents are also under investigation. In this report, the possible mechanisms of action played by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) displayed at the surface proteoglycans of host cells, and likely in charge of interactions with surface proteins of the ZIKV, are highlighted. As is common for the most viruses, these sulfated glycans serve as receptors for virus attachment onto the host cells and consequential entry during infection. The applications of (1) exogenous sulfated glycans of different origins and chemical structures capable of competing with the virus attachment receptors (supposedly GAGs) and (2) GAG-degrading enzymes able to digest the virus attachment receptors on the cells may be therapeutically beneficial as anti-ZIKV. This communication attempts, therefore, to offer some guidance for the future research programs aimed to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the ZIKV infectivity and to develop therapeutics capable of decreasing the devastating consequences caused by ZIKV outbreak in the Americas.
Store‐Assistance Management for a Supply Chain with Consumer Return under Consignment Contract
Authors: Wu Zhihui , Chen Dongyan , Yu Hui
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the strategy problems of pricing and store‐assistance service investment are investigated for a supply chain with consumer return, where the considered supply chain under consignment contract consists of a single manufacturer and a single retailer. Firstly, we use differential equation to model the evolution of store‐assistance service level and depict the effect of store‐assistance service level on the return rate. By applying two‐stage game, both optimal pricing and store‐assistance service strategies are obtained based on the presented optimal control model. Subsequently, the committed dynamic consignment price contract is designed to coordinate and improve the performance of supply chain. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the impacts of the effectiveness of store‐assistance service level and decay rate on the feasible region of corresponding contract.
Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Evaluation of a Zinc Gluconate-Based Chemical Sterilant Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches
Authors: Araujo-Lima Carlos F. , Nunes Rafael J. M. , Carpes Raphael M. , Aiub Claudia A. F. , Felzenszwalb Israel
Published: January 2017

Sclerosing agents as zinc gluconate-based chemical sterilants (Infertile®) are used for chemical castration. This solution is injected into the animal testis, but there are not enough evidences of its safety profiles for the receivers. The present work aimed to establish the pharmacokinetics and toxicological activity of Infertile, using in vitro and in silico approaches. The evaluation at the endpoint showed effects in a dose-dependent manner. Since necrosis is potentially carcinogenic, the possible cell death mechanism could be apoptosis. Our data suggested that Infertile at 60 mM presented risk for animal health. Even though Infertile is a licensed product by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, it presented a high mutagenic potential. We suggest that the optimal dose must be less than 6 mM, once, at this concentration, no mutagenicity or genotoxicity was observed.
Short‐Term Photovoltaic Power Generation Forecasting Based on Multivariable Grey Theory Model with Parameter Optimization
Authors: Zhong Zhifeng , Yang Chenxi , Cao Wenyang , Yan Chenyang
Published: January 2017

Owing to the environment, temperature, and so forth, photovoltaic power generation volume is always fluctuating and subsequently impacts power grid planning and operation seriously. Therefore, it is of great importance to make accurate prediction of the power generation of photovoltaic (PV) system in advance. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, in this paper, a novel particle swarm optimization algorithm based multivariable grey theory model is proposed for short‐term photovoltaic power generation volume forecasting. It is highlighted that, by integrating particle swarm optimization algorithm, the prediction accuracy of grey theory model is expected to be highly improved. In addition, large amounts of real data from two separate power stations in China are being employed for model verification. The experimental results indicate that, compared with the conventional grey model, the mean relative error in the proposed model has been reduced from 7.14% to 3.53%. The real practice demonstrates that the proposed optimization model outperforms the conventional grey model from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Pharmacoinformatics, Adaptive Evolution, and Elucidation of Six Novel Compounds for Schizophrenia Treatment by Targeting DAOA (G72) Isoforms
Authors: Sehgal Sheikh Arslan
Published: January 2017

Studies on Schizophrenia so far reveal a complex picture of neurological malfunctioning reported to be strongly associated with DAOA. Detailed sequence analyses proved DAOA as a primate specific gene having conserved gene desert region on both upstream and downstream region. The analyses of 10 MB chromosomal region of primates, birds, rodents, and reptiles having DAOA evidenced the conserved part in primates and in the rest of species, whileDAOAis only present in primates. DAOA has four isoforms having one interaction partner DAO. Protein-protein analyses of four DAOA isoforms with DAO were performed individually and find potential interacting residues computationally. It was observed that molecular docking of approved FDA drugs revealed efficient results but there was no common drug with effective binding to all DAOA isoforms. Library of compounds was constructed by virtual screening of 2D similarity search against recommended SZ drugs in conjunction with their physiochemical properties. Molecular docking resulted in six novel compounds exhibiting maximum binding affinity with selected four DAOA isoforms. However not the entire schizophrenic population responds to the single drug and interestingly in this study six novel compounds having promising results and same binding site to that DAOA that may be used to interact with DAO against four DAOA isoforms were observed.
Long‐Term Treatment of Native LDL Induces Senescence of Cultured Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Oh Sung-Tack , Park Hoon , Yoon Hyun Joong , Yang Sung Yeul
Published: January 2017

The study aimed to evaluate whether the treatment of primary cultured human endothelial cells with native low‐density lipoprotein (nLDL) could induce their senescence and to uncover some of the putative mechanisms involved. For this purpose, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subcultured and/or continuously cultured with nLDL (0, 2, 5, and 10 μg protein/mL), for up to 9 days. The results indicated that nLDL inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs by arresting the cell cycle at G1 phase. The G1‐arrested cells showed increase in cytosolic senescence‐associated‐β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) activity, a biomarker of cellular senescence. The causative factor of the cellular senescence was nLDL itself and not oxidized LDL (oxLDL), since blocking LDL receptor (LDLR) with the anti‐LDLR antibody opposed the nLDL‐induced increase of SA‐β‐Gal activity and decrease of cellular proliferation. In addition, nLDL‐induced cellular senescence by inhibiting the phosphorylation of pRb (G1 arrest) via p53 as well as p16 signal transduction pathways. G1 phase arrest of the senescent cells was not overcome by nLDL removal from the culture medium. Moreover, the nLDL‐treated cells produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) dose‐ and time‐dependently. These results suggested, for the first time, that long‐term treatment of nLDL could induce the premature senescence of endothelial cells.
Impulsive Flocking of Dynamical Multiagent Systems with External Disturbances
Authors: Han Fujun , Yang Yize , Yang Hong-Yong
Published: January 2017

Flocking motion of multiagent systems is influenced by various external disturbances in complex environment. By applying disturbance observer, flocking of multiagent systems with exogenous disturbances is studied. Based on the robust features of impulsive control, a distributed impulsive control protocol is presented with disturbance observer, and flocking motion of multiagent systems is analyzed. Moreover, a sufficient condition is obtained to ensure the flocking motion of multiagent systems following a leader. Finally, simulation results show the validity of the theoretical conclusion.
Swirling Flow in a Permeable Tube at Slowly Expanding and Contracting Wall
Authors: Munawar Sufian
Published: January 2017

The swirling flow inside a circular elastic tube with expanding and contracting permeable wall in the presence of a uniform magnetic field is studied analytically. The tube is also assumed to be rotating around its axis with an angular velocity. The governing equations for this multidimensional flow are reduced to nonlinear differential equations with similarity transformations. An analytic series solution is obtained by homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of physical parameters on various flow characteristics, such as the velocity, skin friction, and pressure variation, have been analysed briefly. The impact of surface expansion/contraction and rotation has been investigated on the internal boundary‐layer flow inside the tube of uniform cross‐section.