bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching from EPA + DHA (Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters) to High-Purity EPA (Icosapent Ethyl) in a Statin-Treated Patient with Persistent Dyslipidemia and High Cardiovascular Risk: A Case Study
Authors: Crandell James R.
Published: July 2016

Cardiovascular (CV) risk may remain despite statin treatment, and there is a need to address this risk with add-on therapy. The lipid effects of two different prescription omega-3 fatty acid therapies are described in a 55-year-old statin- and niacin-treated female with severe dyslipidemia and high CV risk. The patient was initially treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid) 4 g/day. Due to persistently elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), she was switched to icosapent ethyl (high-purity EPA ethyl ester) 4 g/day. Approximately 28 months after switching to icosapent ethyl, her LDL-C decreased by 69% to 52 mg/dL, triglycerides decreased by 35% to 119 mg/dL, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased by 63% to 76 mg/dL, total cholesterol decreased by 44% to 137 mg/dL, and HDL-C increased by 45% to 61 mg/dL. Total and small dense LDL particle concentrations decreased by 60 and 59%, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated, with improvements maintained over two years.
RECFMM: Recursive Parallelization of the Adaptive Fast Multipole Method for Coulomb and Screened Coulomb Interactions
Authors: Zhang Bo , Huang Jingfang , Pitsianis Nikos P. , Sun Xiaobai
Published: July 2016

We present RECFMM, a program representation and implementation of a recursive scheme for parallelizing the adaptive fast multipole method (FMM) on shared-memory computers. It achieves remarkable high performance while maintaining mathematical clarity and flexibility. The parallelization scheme signifies the recursion feature that is intrinsic to the FMM but was not well exploited. The program modules of RECFMM constitute a map between numerical computation components and advanced architecture mechanisms. The mathematical structure is preserved and exploited, not obscured nor compromised, by parallel rendition of the recursion scheme. Modern software system—CILK in particular, which provides graph-theoretic optimal scheduling in adaptation to the dynamics in parallel execution—is employed. RECFMM supports multiple algorithm variants that mark the major advances with low-frequency interaction kernels, and includes the asymmetrical version where the source particle ensemble is not necessarily the same as the target particle ensemble. We demonstrate parallel performance with Coulomb and screened Coulomb interactions.
Mini-implants for Orthodontic Anchorage: Surface Analysis after Redrilling and Sterilization – An in vitro Study
Authors: Gross JM , Nascimento GG , Araújo VC , Bönecker MJS , Furuse C
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study aimed to investigate, in vitro, possible alterations on mini-implants surface after retrieval and if the cleaning process and sterilization can predispose damages.

Materials and methods

Two commercial mini-implants were tested for deformations after drilling and removing in artificial bone four times. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and surface alterations verified through thread and pitches deformation. To alterations caused by insertion/removal and the cleaning process and sterilization were verified in different procedures: Insertions and sterilization, only insertions, and only sterilization. Photomicrographs were analyzed in order to compare the surface characteristics. Head deformation was verified qualitatively. For a quantitative analysis, distances between threads were measured across the active part of the mini-implants.

Results

No deformation was observed in both groups. The cleaning and sterilization processes did not provoke alteration in both groups. Nevertheless, the presence of synthetic bone was noted in some samples. The mean distances between implant threads were similar after all steps in all regions in both groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the tested mini-implants can be retrieved without damage of its surface after four cycles of insertion, removal, and sterilization.

Clinical significance

Mini-implants can be retrieved without damage to its surface after four cycles of insertion, removal, and sterilization in the same patient without representing a biological concern.

How to cite this article

Gross JM, Nascimento GG, Araújo VC, Bönecker MJS, Furuse C. Mini-implants for Orthodontic Anchorage: Surface Analysis after Redrilling and Sterilization – An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(4):300-305.
A Radiographic Classification for Retrograde Peri-implantitis
Authors: Shah Rucha , Thomas Raison , Kumar AB Tarun , Mehta Dhoom Singh
Published: July 2016

Background

Retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) is an inflammatory disease that affects the apical part of an osseointegrated implant, while the coronal portion of the implant sustains a normal bone-to-implant interface. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for implantologists. There is lack of a standard classification system and a definite treatment algorithm for the same. This article aims to introduce a classification system for RPI based on the radiographic amount of bone loss around an implant apex.

Materials and methods

A search of PubMed database was conducted with the keywords “retrograde peri-implantitis” and “implant periapical lesion.” Preoperative intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiographs of implants with RPI in case reports/case series were compiled. A total of 54 IOPAs from 36 articles were compiled and were assessed.

Results

Three different classes were proposed. The amount of bone loss from the apex of the implant to the most coronal part of radiolucency was calculated as a percentage of the total implant length and classified into one of the three classes: Mild, moderate, and advanced. Treatment options and prognosis have been suggested for each class.

Conclusion

The proposed classification may allow for an easy and reproducible radiographic assessment of the RPI lesion and may serve as a guideline to prognosis and treatment planning.

How to cite this article

Shah R, Thomas R, Kumar ABT, Mehta DS. A Radiographic Classification for Retrograde Periimplantitis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(4):313-321.
Enamel Wetness Effects on Microshear Bond Strength of Different Bonding Agents (Adhesive Systems): An in vitro Comparative Evaluation Study
Authors: Kulkarni Girish , Mishra Vinay K
Published: July 2016

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of enamel wetness on microshear bond strength using different adhesive systems.

Objectives

To evaluate microshear bond strength of three bonding agents on dry enamel; to evaluate microshear bond strength of three bonding agents on wet enamel; and to compare microshear bond strength of three different bonding agents on dry and wet enamel.

Materials and methods

Sixty extracted noncarious human premolars were selected for this study. Flat enamel surfaces of approximately 3 mm were obtained by grinding the buccal surfaces of premolars with water-cooled diamond disks. This study evaluated one etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Single Bond 2) and two self-etching adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond and Xeno-V). The specimens were divided into two groups (n = 30). Group I (dry) was air-dried for 30 seconds and in group II (wet) surfaces were blotted with absorbent paper to remove excess water. These groups were further divided into six subgroups (n = 10) according to the adhesives used. The resin composite, Filtek Z 250, was bonded to flat enamel surfaces that had been treated with one of the adhesives, following the manufacturer's instructions. After being stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours, bonded specimens were stressed in universal testing machine (Fig. 3) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The data were evaluated with one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, and Tukey's Multiple Post hoc tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The two-way ANOVA and Tukey's Multiple Post hoc tests showed significant differences among adhesive systems, but wetness did not influence microshear bond strength (p = 0.1762). The one-way ANOVA and t-test showed that the all-in-one adhesive (Xeno-V) was the only material influenced by the presence of water on the enamel surface. Xeno-V showed significantly higher microshear bond strength when the enamel was kept wet. Single Bond 2 adhesive showed significantly higher microshear bond strength as compared with Xeno-V adhesive but no significant difference when compared with Clearfil SE Bond adhesive in dry enamel. Single Bond 2 adhesive showed no significant difference in microshear bond strength as compared with self-etching adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond and Xeno-V), when the enamel was kept wet.

Conclusion

From the findings of the results, it was concluded that self-etching adhesives were not negatively affected by the presence of water on the enamel surface.

Clinical significance

The all-in-one adhesive showed different behavior depending on whether the enamel surface was dry or wet. So the enamel surface should not be desiccated, when self-etching adhesives are used.

How to cite this article

Kulkarni G, Mishra VK. Enamel Wetness Effects on Microshear Bond Strength of Different Bonding Agents (Adhesive Systems): An in vitro Comparative Evaluation Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(5):399-407.
Current Understanding of the Driving Mechanisms for Spatiotemporal Variations of Atmospheric Speciated Mercury: A Critical Review
Authors: Mao Huiting , Cheng Irene , Zhang Leiming
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Understanding of spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric speciated mercury can advance our knowledge of mercury cycling in various environments. This review summarized spatiotemporal variations of total gaseous mercury or gaseous elemental mercury (TGM/GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particulate-bound mercury (PBM) in various environments including oceans, continents, high elevation, the free troposphere, and low to high latitudes. In the marine boundary layer (MBL), the oxidation of GEM was generally thought to drive the diurnal and seasonal variations of TGM/GEM and GOM in most oceanic regions, leading to lower GEM and higher GOM from noon to afternoon and higher GEM during winter and higher GOM during spring-summer. At continental sites, the driving mechanisms of TGM/GEM diurnal patterns included surface and local emissions, boundary layer dynamics, GEM oxidation, and mountain-valley winds at high elevation sites. Oxidation of GEM and entrainment of GOM from the free troposphere influenced the diurnal patterns of GOM at continental sites. No pronounced diurnal variation was found for Tekran measured PBM at MBL and continental sites. Seasonal variations in TGM/GEM at continental sites were attributed to increased winter combustion, increased surface emissions during summer, and monsoons in Asia. GEM oxidation, free tropospheric transport, anthropogenic emissions, and wet deposition appeared to affect the seasonal pattern of GOM at continental sites. Since measurements were predominantly in the northern hemisphere (NH), increased PBM at continental sites during winter was primarily due to local/regional coal combustion and wood burning emissions. Long-term TGM measurements from the MBL and continental sites indicated an overall declining trend consistent with those of anthropogenic and natural emissions and potentially redox chemistry. The latitudinal gradient in TGM/GEM showed an increase from the southern to northern hemisphere due largely to the vast majority of Hg emissions in the NH. This gradient was insignificant during summer probably as a result of weaker meridional mixing. Aircraft measurements indicated no significant GEM gradient with altitude over the field campaign regions; however depletion of GEM was observed in air masses under stratospheric influence. Remaining questions and issues related to factors potentially contributing to the observed spatiotemporal variations were identified, and recommendations for future research needs were provided.
Facets of neuroticism and musculoskeletal symptoms. A study of middle-aged twins
Authors: Vassend Olav , Orvik Benedicte Humborstad , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi , Røysamb Espen
Published: July 2016

Clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that both site-specific and more widespread musculoskeletal(MS) conditions are linked to anxiety and depression symptoms. However, the nature of this relationship ispoorly understood, particularly in terms of underlying genetic and environmental influences. Furthermore, thepersonality trait neuroticism has been shown to be related to common emotional symptoms and somaticdistress as well as to more serious psychiatric and medical disorders. In modern personality theory, the broadneuroticism domain is conceptualized as consisting of a set of lower-order facets, such as anxiety, hostility,and depression, which may be differentially related to various health outcome measures. So far, the role ofneuroticism facets as risk factors for MS conditions has not been explored in genetically informative designs.In the current study, the relationship between MS symptoms and six neuroticism facets was investigated inbivariate analyses and in regression models including sex, education level, and general health indices ascontrol variables. Using multivariate twin modeling, genetic and environmental influences on the phenotypesand the associations among them were determined. The sample consisted of 746 monozygotic (MZ) and 770dizygotic (DZ) twins in the age group of 50-65 (mean = 57.11 years, SD = 4.5). The results showed that asingle factor accounted for about 50% of the overall variance in MS symptom reporting. Two neuroticismfacets, N1: anxiety and N3: depression, appeared as significant in the regression analyses. Both these facetsand MS symptoms were strongly influenced by genetic factors [heritability (h2) = 0.46-0.54]. While there wasa considerable overlap in genetic risk factors between the three phenotypes, a large proportion (71%) of thegenetic variance in MS symptoms was unique to the phenotype, and not shared with the neuroticism facets.
Maternal body composition in relation to twinning
Authors: Nilsen Thomas , Magnus Per , Ørstavik Ragnhild
Published: July 2016

Monozygotic (MZ) twinning is considered to be a random event whereas spontaneous dizygotic (DZ)twinning is influenced by several factors. Thus, secular changes in twinning rates are usually explained bychanges in DZ twinning alone. Maternal body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and maternal height arebelieved to be significant drivers of twinning. Our aim in this study was to explore to what degree maternalbody composition influences twinning. Data on births and maternal height and BMI from the Medical BirthRegistry Norway (MBRN) was analyzed applying multivariate logistic regression analysis. The resultsshowed that increasing maternal BMI and height has a positive association with twinning. There is anincreased risk of DZ twinning for a maternal BMI > 25, OR 1.31-1.43 and for maternal height ≥ 173 cm,OR 1.28. In explaining secula
Investigation of Premenstrual Syndrome among the Students of Medical Sciences
Authors: Safarzadeh Sarasiyabi Ameneh , Ghoreishinia Gholamreza , Rakhshkhorshid Marzieh , Zare Sadegh , Yousefabadi Saeedeh Rigi
Published: July 2016

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the advent of physical and psychological symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, the symptoms of this syndrome start in luteal phase and ends at the end of menstrual period. During the last decades, the patterns of PMS (PMS) have studied in a wide range. But those researches had had different methodologies and definitions and the results were not well comparable. Hence, the researchers decided to conduct a study with the aim of investigation of the prevalent of PMS among the students of the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This descriptive–analytical study was done on 200 students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A two-part questionnaire was used in order to collect data. The first part related to the demographic features and the second part was related to the PSTT standard questionnaire. After collecting data, the data was analyzed by using SPSS 19 software through the statistical descriptive tests, Chi square test, Fisher’s exact test and t-test.

FINDINGS: The mean age of subjects was 21.9 ± 2.61. A total of 89 subjects were diagnosed with PMS. The most percentage of moderate to severe PMS was for students of medicine and the least percentage was for students of nursing. The highest percentage of mild PMS was in nursing students while the lowest percentage was for students of medicine.

CONCLUSION: Regarded to the fact that PMS is from the common problems of premenopausal ages in women and a high percentage of them are with psychological and physical symptoms, and since this condition can cause adverse effects on the quality of women’s life; hence, it is necessary to consider the supportive and therapeutic strategies in order to reduce the severity of its symptoms and adverse effects.
Inequality in Under-Five Mortality in Iran: A National and Subnational Survey Data Analysis
Authors: Amini Rarani Mostafa , Rashidian Arash , Arab Mohammad , Khosravi Ardeshir , Abbasian Ezatollah
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial progress in the national average of under-five mortality rate in Iran, distribution of under-five mortality across different socioeconomic groups is unknown. This study measured socioeconomic inequality in under-five mortality in Iran and across its provinces.

METHOD: Using data from provincially representative Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey, conducted in Iran in 2010, we developed an accurate principal component analysis model to construct an indicator of socioeconomic status of Iranian households. Under-five mortality rates at national and subnational level were estimated using full birth history. The indicator then was used to measure inequality in under-five mortality using Wagstaff normalised concentration index (WCI) at national and subnational levels.  

RESULTS: Estimates of Wagstaff normalised concentration indices showed a pro-rich inequality in under-five mortality at national and subnational levels. The concentration index of under-five mortality in Iran was -0.197. Moreover, the consistent negative values of the concentration indices indicated that under-five mortality inequality disfavored the worst-off in all provinces. However, the inequality varied among provinces and ranged from -0.013 to -0.487. At national level there was a descending trend in the under-five mortality rate as one moves higher up in the socioeconomic quintiles.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that further reduction in under-five mortality not only requires addressing the national average but also needs considering inequality in under-five mortality. Therefore, child health policy requires looking beyond the average, putting equality and average together at both national and sub national levels.
The Relation of Information Security Management System Efficiency with Organizational Agility Case Study: Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company
Authors: Raei Dehaghi Morteza
Published: July 2016

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between the system of information security management and organization agility in Mobarakeh Steel Company of Isfahan. The descriptive-correlational research method was used and the documentary method also was used to formulate the theoretical framework of the research. The statistical population included those expert, employees of Mobarakeh Steel Company who dealt with information systems in performing their work processes. The number of the aforementioned employees was reported to be 2150 in 2014. In this research, the Standard Organizational Agility Scale by Zhang and Sharifi and the substantive questionnaire of the system of information security management were employed. The obtained data was analyzed using statistical methods named correlation coefficient and one-way variance analysis. The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between the efficiency of the system of information security management and organizational agility at p=0.029 (p 0.05) significance level. The variance analysis showed no significant difference in the sample population’s perception of the relationship between the system of information security management and organizational agility in terms of variables including job position, years of service, and place of service. However, a significant difference was observed in terms of academic level.
The Effect of Oil Price Shocks on Economic Activity in Saudi Arabia: Econometric Approach
Authors: Algahtani Goblan J
Published: July 2016

This paper is attempt to investigate the effect of oil price shocks on the Saudi's economic activity using annual data (1970-2015) to cover all of oil price shocks; particularly the recent decline in oil prices amid 2014. The vector autoregressive (VAR) and vector error correction model (VECM) were utilized to investigate the long-run and the short-run relationships between variables. The findings suggest a positive and significant relationship between oil prices and the Saudi's GDP in the long run. 

 
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Busess and Management, Vol. 11 No. 8
Authors: Lee Stephen
Published: July 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Busess and Management, Vol. 11 No. 8
Independent Director, Executives Compensation and Corporate Performance-Correcting Self-Selection Bias by Matching Methods
Authors: Chang Yuan , Lieu Pang-Tien
Published: July 2016

Based on data of listed companies on Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) through 2001~2011, this paper examines whether board independence has effects on executive compensation and corporate performance. Existing studies lacked of considering self-selection of board independence in evaluating the effects of board independence on economic consequence. This may incur estimation bias because systematic factors determining firm’s introducing independent director also have influences on economic consequence. While Heckman (1979)’s two-step estimation addressed selection duo to unobservables, this paper employs propensity score matching (PSM) from Rosenbaum and Rubin (1983, 1985a,b) to address sample selection duo to observables, and forms two groups of samples, namely, firms with independent director and firms without independent director but share similar characteristics with the former. Empirical evidence from regression estimation shows divergent outcomes under before-matching versus after-matching samples. Before matching, greater degree of board independence is associated with higher profitability and higher level of total and average executive compensation. After matching, outperformance as well as overpay on executive compensation of firm with greater board independence is vanished. After controlling selection bias duo to observables versus unobservables, our evidence concludes that greater board independence is uncorrelated with greater corporate performance and executive compensation overpay.
Effect of Equity Incentive on Inefficient Investment in Chinese State-owned Enterprises
Authors: Yan Liu
Published: July 2016

This study examines the impact of equity incentive on inefficient investment based on the sample of Chinese listed companies of Shanghai stock market. I show that: both of over-investment and under-investment are existed among state-owned enterprises, the level of under-investment is worse than the level of over-investment, equity incentive is not that popular among state-owned enterprises; equity incentive can limit over-investment as well as under-investment significantly, so universality of equity incentive among state-owned enterprises needs to be improved.
Relationship between behavioural diversity and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites: a case study with cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Miller LJ , Pisacane CB , Vicino GA
Published: July 2016

The ability to monitor the welfare of animal collections in zoological institutions is critical to the mission of these facilities. Historically, zoos have utilised negative indicators of welfare, such as stereotypic behaviour to examine and monitor collection animals. However, absence of stereotypic behaviour or negative indicators of welfare does not indicate that an animal is thriving. The goal of the current study was to continue efforts to validate behavioural diversity as an indicator of welfare using cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) as a model species. Behavioural and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite data were collected on 18 cheetah at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over a period of three months to explore the relationship between behavioural diversity and adrenal hormones related to the stress response. Results suggest that behavioural diversity can be utilised as an indicator of animal welfare to monitor animal collections within zoological facilities. However, additional research with other species should be conducted to better understand behavioural diversity as a positive indicator of animal welfare. We hope this manuscript will increase discussion surrounding behavioural diversity as well as increase efforts to validate it as an indicator of welfare.
Calcium influx through CRAC channels controls actin organization and dynamics at the immune synapse
Authors: Hartzell Catherine A , Jankowska Katarzyna I , Burkhardt Janis K , Lewis Richard S
Published: July 2016

T cell receptor (TCR) engagement opens Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels and triggers formation of an immune synapse between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. At the synapse, actin reorganizes into a concentric lamellipod and lamella with retrograde actin flow that helps regulate the intensity and duration of TCR signaling. We find that Ca2+ influx is required to drive actin organization and dynamics at the synapse. Calcium acts by promoting actin depolymerization and localizing actin polymerization and the actin nucleation promotion factor WAVE2 to the periphery of the lamellipod while suppressing polymerization elsewhere. Ca2+-dependent retrograde actin flow corrals ER tubule extensions and STIM1/Orai1 complexes to the synapse center, creating a self-organizing process for CRAC channel localization. Our results demonstrate a new role for Ca2+ as a critical regulator of actin organization and dynamics at the synapse, and reveal potential feedback loops through which Ca2+ influx may modulate TCR signaling.
Dopaminergic neurons write and update memories with cell-type-specific rules
Authors: Aso Yoshinori , Rubin Gerald M
Published: July 2016

Associative learning is thought to involve parallel and distributed mechanisms of memory formation and storage. In Drosophila, the mushroom body (MB) is the major site of associative odor memory formation. Previously we described the anatomy of the adult MB and defined 20 types of dopaminergic neurons (DANs) that each innervate distinct MB compartments (Aso et al., 2014a, 2014b). Here we compare the properties of memories formed by optogenetic activation of individual DAN cell types. We found extensive differences in training requirements for memory formation, decay dynamics, storage capacity and flexibility to learn new associations. Even a single DAN cell type can either write or reduce an aversive memory, or write an appetitive memory, depending on when it is activated relative to odor delivery. Our results show that different learning rules are executed in seemingly parallel memory systems, providing multiple distinct circuit-based strategies to predict future events from past experiences.
Measurements of fine particle size using image processing of a laser diffraction image
Authors: Tsubaki Kotaro
Published: July 2016

The measurement of fine particle size is important in spray systems, minimum quantity lubrication, and weather observation. Introducing the recent progress of imaging techniques, the authors developed a portable measurement system. To overcome the large light intensity difference between the incident laser light and diffracted light and the limitation of the dynamic range of imaging devices, the event correlation was adopted. The growth of droplets in fog was experimentally measured.
Simultaneous bilateral laser therapy accelerates recovery after noise-induced hearing loss in a rat model
Authors: Lee Jae-Hun , Chang So-Young , Moy Wesley J. , Oh Connie , Kim Se-Hyung , Rhee Chung-Ku , Ahn Jin-Chul , Chung Phil-Sang , Jung Jae Yun , Lee Min Young
Published: July 2016

Noise-induced hearing loss is a common type of hearing loss. The effects of laser therapy have been investigated from various perspectives, including in wound healing, inflammation reduction, and nerve regeneration, as well as in hearing research. A promising feature of the laser is its capability to penetrate soft tissue; depending on the wavelength, laser energy can penetrate into the deepest part of the body without damaging non-target soft tissues. Based on this idea, we developed bilateral transtympanic laser therapy, which uses simultaneous laser irradiation in both ears, and evaluated the effects of bilateral laser therapy on cochlear damage caused by noise overexposure. Thus, the purpose of this research was to assess the benefits of simultaneous bilateral laser therapy compared with unilateral laser therapy and a control. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to narrow-band noise at 115 dB SPL for 6 h. Multiple auditory brainstem responses were measured after each laser irradiation, and cochlear hair cells were counted after the 15th such irradiation. The penetration depth of the 808 nm laser was also measured after sacrifice. Approximately 5% of the laser energy reached the contralateral cochlea. Both bilateral and unilateral laser therapy decreased the hearing threshold after noise overstimulation in the rat model. The bilateral laser therapy group showed faster functional recovery at all tested frequencies compared with the unilateral laser therapy group. However, there was no difference in the endpoint ABR results or final hair cell survival, which was analyzed histologically.
Detection of methylation, acetylation and glycosylation of protein residues by monitoring13C chemical-shift changes: A quantum-chemical study
Authors: Garay Pablo G. , Martin Osvaldo A. , Scheraga Harold A. , Vila Jorge A.
Published: July 2016

Post-translational modifications of proteins expand the diversity of the proteome by several orders of magnitude and have a profound effect on several biological processes. Their detection by experimental methods is not free of limitations such as the amount of sample needed or the use of destructive procedures to obtain the sample. Certainly, new approaches are needed and, therefore, we explore here the feasibility of using13C chemical shifts of different nuclei to detect methylation, acetylation and glycosylation of protein residues by monitoring the deviation of the13C chemical shifts from the expected (mean) experimental value of the non-modified residue. As a proof-of-concept, we used13C chemical shifts, computed at the DFT-level of theory, to test this hypothesis. Moreover, as a validation test of this approach, we compare our theoretical computations of the13Cεchemical-shift values against existing experimental data, obtained from NMR spectroscopy, for methylated and acetylated lysine residues with good agreement within ∼1 ppm. Then, further use of this approach to select the most suitable13C-nucleus, with which to determine other modifications commonly seen, such as methylation of arginine and glycosylation of serine, asparagine and threonine, shows encouraging results.
Radiative characteristics of clouds embedded in smoke derived from airborne multiangular measurements
Authors: Gautam Ritesh , Gatebe Charles K. , Singh Manoj K. , Várnai Tamás , Poudyal Rajesh
Published: July 2016

Clouds in the presence of absorbing aerosols result in their apparent darkening, observed at the top of atmosphere (TOA), which is associated with the radiative effects of aerosol absorption. Owing to the large radiative effect and potential impacts on regional climate, above‐cloud aerosols have recently been characterized in multiple satellite‐based studies. While satellite data are particularly useful in showing the radiative impact of above‐cloud aerosols at the TOA, recent literature indicates large uncertainties in satellite retrievals of above‐cloud aerosol optical depth (AOD) and single scattering albedo (SSA), which are among the most important parameters in the assessment of associated radiative effects. In this study, we analyze radiative characteristics of clouds in the presence of wildfire smoke using airborne data primarily from NASA's Cloud Absorption Radiometer, collected during the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites campaign in Canada during the 2008 summer season. We found a strong positive reflectance (R) gradient in the UV‐visible (VIS)‐near infrared (NIR) spectrum for clouds embedded in dense smoke, as opposed to an (expected) negative gradient for cloud‐free smoke and a flat spectrum for smoke‐free cloud cover. Several cases of clouds embedded in thick smoke were found, when the aircraft made circular/spiral measurements, which not only allowed the complete characterization of angular distribution of smoke scattering but also provided the vertical distribution of smoke and clouds (within 0.5–5 km). Specifically, the largest darkening by smoke was found in the UV/VIS, with R0.34μm reducing to 0.2 (or 20%), in contrast to 0.8 at NIR wavelengths (e.g., 1.27 µm). The observed darkening is associated with large AODs (0.5–3.0) and moderately low SSA (0.85–0.93 at 0.53 µm), resulting in a significantly large instantaneous aerosol forcing efficiency of 254 ± 47 W m−2 τ−1. Our observations of smoke‐cloud radiative interactions were found to be physically consistent with theoretical plane‐parallel 1‐D and Monte Carlo 3‐D radiative transfer calculations, capturing the observed gradient across UV‐VIS‐NIR. Results from this study offer insights into aerosol‐cloud radiative interactions and may help in better constraining satellite retrieval algorithms.
Microstructural foundations of the strength and resilience of LLDPE artificial turf yarn
Authors: Ragaert K. , Delva L. , Van Damme N. , Kuzmanovic M. , Hubo S. , Cardon L.
Published: July 2016

The production of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) yarns for artificial turf is an advanced extrusion process, which relies heavily on the polymer's semicrystalline structure and inherent strengthening mechanisms to obtain the tailored mechanical properties so typical for turf yarns: a combination of strength and resilience. This review aims to bring together all relevant aspects in the structure–materials–processing interaction triangle which is so strongly in evidence in this application, by first summarizing the specific structural origins of the properties of the semicrystalline LLDPE and then discussing how structure evolves during the different steps of the production process, to eventually come to the final product properties of the yarn. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44080.
Replacement of conventional dedusting agents with green alternatives in production of rock mineral wool insulation products
Authors: Mirnik L. , Kovačič S. , Huskić M. , Pahovnik D. , Žagar E.
Published: July 2016

The possibility to replace commonly used dedusting agents based on mineral oil with more sustainable vegetable oils as representatives of natural and environmental friendly materials is studied. Different anionic and nonionic emulsifying additives are studied as well. The stability of binder mixtures consisting of phenol‐formaldehyde resin, urea, silane, and various dedusting agents is evaluated, and the adhesion of binder mixtures to the rock sand is analyzed by the sandbar test. Adequate stability of binder mixtures and high bending strength to break the bars are achieved when binder mixtures contained dedusting emulsions based on mineral or vegetable oil as well as their combination emulsified with lignosulfonate salt. The combination of mineral or vegetable oil with nonionic emulsifier on the other hand shows poor stability of binder mixtures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44165.
Label‐free live cell imaging by Confocal Raman Microscopy identifies CHO host and producer cell lines
Authors: Prats Mateu Batirtze , Harreither Eva , Schosserer Markus , Puxbaum Verena , Gludovacz Elisabeth , Borth Nicole , Gierlinger Notburga , Grillari Johannes
Published: July 2016

As a possible viable and non‐invasive method to identify high producing cells, Confocal Raman Microscopy was shown to be able to differentiate CHO host cell lines and derivative production clones. Cluster analysis of spectra and their derivatives was able to differentiate between different producer cell lines and a host, and also distinguished between an intracellular region of high lipid and protein content that in structure resembles the Endoplasmic Reticulum. This ability to identify the ER may be a major contributor to the identification of high producers. PCA enabled the discrimination even of host cell lines and their subclones with inherently higher production capacity. The method is thus a promising option that may contribute to early, non‐invasive identification of high potential candidates during cell line development and possibly could also be used for proof of identity of established production clones.
Developing power‐aware scheduling mechanisms for computing systems virtualized by Xen
Authors: Ren Shenyuan , He Ligang , Zhu Huanzhou , Gu Zhuoer , Song Wei , Shang Jiandong
Published: July 2016

Cloud computing emerges as one of the most important technologies for interconnecting people and building the so‐called Internet of People (IoP). In such a cloud‐based IoP, the virtualization technique provides the key supporting environments for running the IoP jobs such as performing data analysis and mining personal information. Nowadays, energy consumption in such a system is a critical metric to measure the sustainability and eco‐friendliness of the system. This paper develops three power‐aware scheduling strategies in virtualized systems managed by Xen, which is a popular virtualization technique. These three strategies are the Least performance Loss Scheduling strategy, the No performance Loss Scheduling strategy, and the Best Frequency Match scheduling strategy. These power‐aware strategies are developed by identifying the limitation of Xen in scaling the CPU frequency and aim to reduce the energy waste without sacrificing the jobs running performance in the computing systems virtualized by Xen. Least performance Loss Scheduling works by re‐arranging the execution order of the virtual machines (VMs). No performance Loss Scheduling works by setting a proper initial CPU frequency for running the VMs. Best Frequency Match reduces energy waste and performance loss by allowing the VMs to jump the queue so that the VM that is put into execution best matches the current CPU frequency. Scheduling for both single core and multicore processors is considered in this paper. The evaluation experiments have been conducted, and the results show that compared with the original scheduling strategy in Xen, the developed power‐aware scheduling algorithm is able to reduce energy consumption without reducing the performance for the jobs running in Xen. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A topic community‐based method for friend recommendation in large‐scale online social networks
Authors: He Chaobo , Li Hanchao , Fei Xiang , Yang Atiao , Tang Yong , Zhu Jia
Published: July 2016

Online social networks (OSNs) have become more and more popular and have attracted a great many users. Friend recommendation, which is one of the important services in OSN, can help users discover their interested friends and alleviate the problem of information overload. However, most of existing recommendation methods only consider either user link or content information and hence are not effective enough to provide high quality recommendations. In this paper, we propose a topic community‐based method via Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF). This method first applies joint NMF model to mine topic communities existing in OSN by combing link and content information. Then it computes user pairwise similarities and makes friends recommendation based on topic communities. Furthermore, this method can be implemented using the MapReduce distributed computing framework. Extensive experiments show that our proposed method not only has better recommendation performance than state‐of‐the‐art methods but also has good scalability to deal with the problem of friend recommendation in large‐sale OSNs. Moreover, the application case demonstrates that it can significantly improve friend recommendation service in the real world OSN. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational Design of New Heterofullerene‐Based Biomimetic α‐Carbonic Anhydrase Analogues
Authors: Verma Manju , Deshpande Parag A.
Published: July 2016

The biomimetic CO2 hydration activity of Ru/Rh‐doped fullerenes was revealed by using density functional theory calculations. The mechanism of CO2 hydration on the proposed heterofullerenes followed the mechanistic action of α‐carbonic anhydrases, and consisted of the adsorption and deprotonation of H2O, CO2 interaction with hydroxyl groups, CO2 bending, and proton transfer to give the
product. Free‐energy landscapes for the reaction showed the catalysts to be active for the reaction. H2O adsorption over the catalysts was exergonic whereas CO2 adsorption over the catalyst–OH complex was observed to be an endergonic process. Intramolecular proton transfer resulting in the final product,
, was found to be the rate‐limiting step for the reaction on C56N3M (M=Ru/Rh), whereas H2O dissociation was found to be the rate‐limiting step for the reaction on C59M (M=Ru/Rh). C56N3M catalysts were found to be superior to C59M catalysts for biomimetic CO2 hydration, as indicated by the free‐energy landscapes and energy requirements.
A Synthetic Pathway to Substituted Benzofuroxans through the Intermediacy of Sulfonates: The Case Example of Fluoro‐Nitrobenzofuroxans
Authors: Jovené Cyril , Marrot Jérome , Jasmin Jean‐Philippe , Chugunova Elena , Goumont Régis
Published: July 2016

Benzofuroxans are well known compounds that continue to attract particular attention since the discovery of 4,6‐dinitrobenzofuroxan (DNBF) back in 1899. It has been shown that these compounds possess biological activities that are related to their electronic behaviours and the positioning of substituents borne by the heterocycles. In this paper, we report the first synthesis of 4‐fluoro‐6‐nitrobenzofuroxan and 6‐fluoro‐4‐nitrobenzofuroxan; the altered positions of the substituents enabling us to carry out structural and reactivity comparisons, with DNBF and 4,6‐difluorobenzofuroxan. These compounds have been unambiguously characterized through NMR and radiocrystallographic studies. Two main synthetic pathways involving fluoroanisoles and fluorophenols, cheap and easily available chemicals, have been successfully developed. Finally, benzofurazan analogues have been prepared via deoxygenation of corresponding benzofuroxans with triethylphosphite.
Sensitive detection of proteins in polyacrylamide gel via isatoic anhydride derivatization: Introduction of a low‐cost fluorescent prelabeling procedure
Authors: Asadollahi Kazem , Rafiee Saharnaz , Riazi Gholamhossein
Published: July 2016

Here, we introduce isatoic anhydride as a sensitive and commodious fluorescent prelabel for detection of proteins in one‐dimensional polyacrylamide gels. High reactivity of isatoic anhydride with nucleophiles in mild alkaline environments makes it an appropriate tag for labeling of biomolecules. In this study, we show that preelectrophoresis labeling of proteins with isatoic anhydride for few minutes at room temperature allows detection of 2–4 ng of standard proteins, BSA and lysozyme, per band. Proteins were successfully labeled in the presence of a wide range of common biological reagents and in crude cell extract. The labeled proteins have the same electrophoretic migration in comparison to unlabeled proteins; however the application of saturation labeling method results in slight band broadening. Compatibility of the method with downstream processes was assessed by tryptic digestion of labeled proteins and study of peptide mixture using gel electrophoresis which revealed partial digestion of labeled proteins due to lysine modification. The present procedure is sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive and is a promising alternative for current protein staining procedures, where downstream processes are not desired.
Origins, production, and utilization of cassava in Burkina Faso, a contribution of a neglected crop to household food security
Authors: Guira Flibert , Some Koussao , Kabore Donatien , Sawadogo‐Lingani Hagrétou , Traore Yves , Savadogo Aly
Published: July 2016

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a food plant introduced in Africa from America by the Portuguese in 1558. The objective of this study is to establish cassava origins, production, and utilization in Burkina Faso. The investigation was carried out in the regions of Center West, Cascades, Boucle du Mouhoun, Hauts Bassins, South West, and Center East of Burkina Faso. Eighteen cassava processing units and 226 farmers in 57 communities from the selected regions have been involved in the survey. The investigation showed that cassava was introduced to Burkina Faso, former Upper Volta from the costal countries, Gold Coast (now Ghana), by both local traders and the Roman Catholic White missionaries. This happened between the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The main variety introduced was Banfti. Some improved varieties like V5 (94/0270), Banké (V2), 68.61, 30572, KTMA developed by research are now available and used by farmers along with the traditional varieties like manchien, santidougou, tchinda yaar, léo. The cases of intoxication evoked by some farmers are evidence that some of those varieties may have a high level of cyanohydric acid content. Cassava is available all the year throughout the country. But the top of cassava production is reached in July. Most of the small‐scale farmers (98%) grow cassava both for household use and as income generator. About 83.92% of cassava farmers have less than 10 tons as annual production and only 1.72% of them can produce more than 100 tons. The main food products based on cassava found in communities are raw roots, boiled roots, roasted roots, tô, attiéké, tapioca, ragout, beignets, boiled leaves, soup (with leaves), cassava juice, etc. And the main cassava‐processed products in the processing units are attiéké, gari, tapioca, and flour. Cassava contributes greatly to household food security during food shortage period. It sustains families for weeks as food and is also exchanged with other foods or sold to buy food or meet household needs.