bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship between Sexual Compulsivity and Attentional Bias to Sex-Related Words in a Cohort of Sexually Active Individuals
Authors: Albery Ian P. , Lowry Jessica , Frings Dan , Johnson Henry Lee , Hogan Cassandra , Moss Antony C.
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: If sexual compulsivity and other addictive behaviours share common aetiology, contemporary proposals about the role of attentional processes in understanding addictive behaviours are relevant. Methods: To examine attentional biases for sex-related words among sexually active individuals and the relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual behavioural engagement with attentional bias, 55 sexually active individuals completed a modified Stroop task and the sexual compulsivity scale. Results: Findings showed attentional bias towards sex-related stimuli among sexually active participants. In addition, among those with low levels of sexual compulsivity, levels of attentional bias were the same across all levels of sexual experience. Among those with higher levels of sexual compulsivity, greater attentional bias was linked with lower levels of sexual experience. Conclusion: Attentional preference for concern-related stimuli varies as a function of the interaction between how long a person has been active sexually and how compulsive their sexual behaviour is.
Study of hTERT and Histone 3 Mutations in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Viana-Pereira Marta , Almeida Gisele Caravina , Stavale João Norberto , Malheiro Susana , Clara Carlos , Lobo Patrícia , Pimentel José , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: September 2016

Hotspot activating mutations of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter region were recently described in several tumor types. These mutations lead to enhanced expression of telomerase, being responsible for telomere maintenance and allowing continuous cell division. Additionally, there are alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms, associated with histone H3 mutations, responsible for disrupting the histone code and affecting the regulation of transcription. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance of these mechanistically related molecules in medulloblastoma. Sixty-nine medulloblastomas, formalin fixed and paraffin embedded, from a cohort of patients aged 1.5-70 years, were used to investigate the hotspot mutations of the hTERT promoter region, i.e. H3F3A and HIST1H3B, using Sanger sequencing. We successfully sequenced hTERT in all 69 medulloblastoma samples and identified a total of 19 mutated cases (27.5%). c.-124:G>A and c.-146:G>A mutations were detected, respectively, in 16 and 3 samples. Similar to previous reports, hTERT mutations were more frequent in older patients (p < 0.0001), being found only in 5 patients <20 years of age. In addition, hTERT-mutated tumors were more frequently recurrent (p = 0.026) and hTERT mutations were significantly enriched in tumors located in the right cerebellar hemisphere (p = 0.039). No mutations were found on the H3F3A or HIST1H3B genes. hTERT promoter mutations are frequent in medulloblastoma and are associated with older patients, prone to recurrence and located in the right cerebellar hemisphere. On the other hand, histone 3 mutations do not seem to be present in medulloblastoma.
Exposure of Piglets to Enteroviruses Investigated by an Immunoassay Based on the EV-G1 VP4 Peptide
Authors: Benkahla Mehdi A. , Sane Famara , Desailloud Rachel , Hober Didier
Published: September 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure of piglets to enteroviruses-G (EV-G) through the presence of antibodies in their serum. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from the vena cava of 10 piglets at 9 weeks of age and again 39 days later (day 39). They were tested using an immunoassay based on the EV-G1 VP4 peptide, since VP4 is highly conserved among the four Enterovirus capsid proteins, and by using a seroneutralization assay. Results: For each serum collected on day 39 the optical density was high compared to the value obtained in serum collected earlier (p = 0.002). However, the titers of anti-EV-G1 serum neutralizing activity were not different in paired samples (p > 0.999). The sequence alignment of the EV-G1 VP4 peptide, encompassing 50 amino acids, used in the immunoassay showed 88% homology with EV-G, suggesting that antibodies directed toward other EV-G than EV-G1 may be detected. Conclusion: An immunoassay based on EV-G1 VP4 can detect an increased level of EV-G antibodies in piglet serum samples. Further studies are needed to determine whether this immunoassay may be useful for diagnosis and/or epidemiological studies and to monitor EV-G infection in pigs to evaluate strategies aimed to prevent enterovirus infections.
Effects of Liraglutide and Vitamin E in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Geddawy Ayman , Hussian Marwa , Kamel Maha Yehia , Kamal Rehab , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: September 2016

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing worldwide health problem. However, there is yet no effective therapy for MetS. The present work investigated the effect of liraglutide, a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 and vitamin E on fructose-induced MetS in rats. Summary: Liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg/day) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day) were administered either alone or in combination with high fructose-fed male rats for 6 weeks. Fructose-fed rats developed metabolic disorders assessed by visceral fat index, serum glucose, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and serum lipids profile and hepatic disorders assessed by liver index, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and steatohepatitis in histopathology. This study showed that liraglutide, vitamin E and their combination significantly ameliorated the fructose-induced metabolic and hepatic disorders. Key Messages: These results indicate a potential therapeutic benefit of liraglutide and vitamin E combination in prevention of MetS. Their protective effects might rely on their antioxidant effects as well as on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α.
Liver Fibrosis and Body Mass Index Predict Hepatocarcinogenesis following Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus RNA by Direct-Acting Antivirals
Authors: Akuta Norio , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Fumitaka , Sezaki Hitomi , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: September 2016

Background and Aims: Predictive factors for hepatocarcinogenesis following eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by antiviral therapy with direct-acting antivirals are unknown. Especially the impact of treatment with or without interferon on hepatocarcinogenesis is not clear. Methods: A total of 958 patients with HCV genotype 1-related chronic liver disease and a sustained virological response defined as negative HCV RNA 24 weeks after cessation of antiviral therapy with direct-acting antivirals (triple therapy of NS3/4A protease inhibitor/peginterferon/ribavirin or all-oral combination therapy with NS3/4A protease inhibitor plus NS5A inhibitor) were included in a retrospective study. None of the patients had hepatocellular carcinoma before and during antiviral therapy. Results: In all, 14 patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma during follow-up, and the development rate per 1,000 person-years was 7.35. The cumulative hepatocarcinogenesis rates were 4.2 and 4.2% at the end of 5 and 7 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified fibrosis 4 (FIB4) index (≥2.7) and body mass index (≥23.0) as determinants of hepatocarcinogenesis, but they did not identify the treatment regimen. In patients with a FIB4 index ≥2.7, the hepatocarcinogenesis rates with the interferon regimen were not different from those for the regimen without interferon, regardless of gender. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis and body mass index, but not treatment regimen, are important predictors of hepatocarcinogenesis following eradication of HCV RNA by direct-acting antivirals.
Nerve Growth Factor Facilitates the Innervation of Perivascular Nerves in Tumor-Derived Neovasculature in the Mouse Cornea
Authors: Sone Yoko , Takatori Shingo , Ochi Eiko , Zamami Yoshito , Matsuyama Akiko , Fukuhara Satoko , Goda Mitsuhiro , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Kawasaki Hiromu
Published: September 2016

Background: Tumor neovascular vessels are not innervated by perivascular nerves. This study was an investigation of the effects of the nerve growth factor (NGF) on the distribution of perivascular nerves and neovessel formation in tumor tissues. Methods: A gel containing DU145 prostate carcinoma cells or HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells was implanted into mouse corneas. NGF was subcutaneously administered using an osmotic mini-pump. The distribution of perivascular nerves in mouse corneas and densities of CD31-immunopositive neovessels and smooth muscles (α-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA) in tumor tissues were quantified. Summary: Neovessels generated from corneal limber arteries in tumor tissues were observed 4-14 days after the implantation of tumor cells. The density of CD31-immunopositive cells in endothelium increased after the implantation of DU145 or HT1080 cells, while that of α-SMA-immunopositive cells slightly increased. The NGF treatment significantly increased the density of α-SMA- but not that of CD31-immunopositive cells (except for DU145 cells) and resulted in the innervation of perivascular nerves around tumor-derived neovessels, whereas no innervation was observed in the control group. Key Messages: These results suggest that NGF facilitates the innervation of perivascular nerves to regulate blood flow into tumor-derived neovessels.
Emergence of Dipstick Proteinuria Predicts Overt Nephropathy in Patients Following Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Momoki Kumiko , Yamaguchi Tsukasa , Ohashi Kazuteru , Ando Minoru , Nitta Kosaku
Published: September 2016

Background: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) places a heavy burden on the kidneys, often resulting in renal dysfunction or nephrotic syndrome. This study attempted to show that early-onset proteinuria predicts the development of overt nephropathy. Methods: A total of 831 patients who received allogeneic SCT were surveyed. Excluding those with prior kidney disease and those lacking in an observation period ≥1 year after SCT, 251 patients were eligible for the study. Dipstick proteinuria ≥1+ within 1 year after SCT was defined as ‘incident proteinuria', and subsequent persistence of an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year or longer after SCT was defined as ‘incident chronic kidney disease (CKD)'. Between-group differences were analyzed using the chi-square or Mann-Whitney U test. Factors associated with the incidence of CKD were investigated by multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis. Kidney-biopsied tissue was examined in all nephrotic syndrome patients. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years. Thirty-four (13.5%) and 66 (26.3%) patients developed incident proteinuria and incident CKD, respectively. Nine (3.6%) patients developed nephrotic syndrome mainly due to membranous nephropathy. The incidence of CKD was significantly greater in patients with incident proteinuria than those without (61.8 vs. 20.7%, p < 0.0001), and incident dipstick proteinuria was a significant risk for incident CKD (hazard ratio 4.39, 95% CI 2.44-7.73, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: SCT patients who manifest dipstick proteinuria are predisposed to overt nephropathy. Routine monitoring of the urine dipstick test is strongly recommended, as it facilitates early nephrology care for post-SCT patients.
Optical Coherence Tomography Predictors for Edge Restenosis After Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Ino Yasushi , Kubo Takashi , Matsuo Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Shiono Yasutsugu , Shimamura Kunihiro , Katayama Yosuke , Nakamura Tomoko , Aoki Hiroshi , Taruya Akira , Nishiguchi Tsuyoshi , Satogami Keisuke , Yamano Takashi , Kameyama Takeyoshi , Orii Makoto , Ota Shingo , Kuroi Akio , Kitabata Hironori , Tanaka Atsushi , Hozumi Takeshi , Akasaka Takashi
Published: September 2016

Background—

Stent edge restenosis (SER) remains a potential limitation of drug-eluting stents. The aim of this study was to determine optical coherence tomography (OCT) predictors for angiographic late SER after everolimus-eluting stent implantation.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed 319 patients who underwent OCT immediately after everolimus-eluting stent implantation and scheduled 9- to 12-month follow-up angiography. The binary angiographic SER rate was 10% (32/319) in the patients, 8.4% (32/382) in lesions, and 4.4% (33/744) in stent edge segments. In the stent edge segments at post stenting, OCT-derived lipidic plaque (61% versus 20%;
P
<0.001) was more often observed in the SER group, and OCT-measured minimum lumen area (4.13±2.61 versus 5.58±2.46 mm
2
;
P
=0.001) was significantly smaller in the SER group compared with the non-SER group. Multivariate analysis identified lipidic plaque (odds ratio: 5.99; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–12.81;
P
<0.001) and minimum lumen area (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.96;
P
=0.029) as independent predictors of binary SER. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that lipid arc of 185° (sensitivity: 71%; specificity: 72%; area under the curve: 0.761) and minimum lumen area of 4.10 mm
2
(sensitivity: 67%; specificity: 77%; area under the curve: 0.787) were optimal cutoff values for predicting ischemia-driven SER.

Conclusions—

The present OCT study demonstrated that lipidic plaque and minimum lumen area in the stent edge segments at post stenting were associated with late SER after everolimus-eluting stent implantation. OCT provides valuable information to determine an appropriate landing zone for stent implantation.
C
ardiac
R
emote
I
schemic
P
reconditioning Prior to
E
lective Vascular
S
urgery (CRIPES): A Prospective, Randomized, Sham‐Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Garcia Santiago , Rector Thomas S. , Zakharova Marina , Herrmann Rebekah R. , Adabag Selcuk , Bertog Stefan , Sandoval Yader , Santilli Steve , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , McFalls Edward O.
Published: September 2016

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (
RIPC
) has been shown to reduce infarct size in animal models. We hypothesized that
RIPC
before an elective vascular operation would reduce the incidence and amount of a postoperative rise of the cardiac troponin level.

Methods and Results

Cardiac Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Prior to Elective Vascular Surgery (
CRIPES
) was a prospective, randomized, sham‐controlled phase 2 trial using
RIPC
before elective vascular procedures. The
RIPC
protocol consisted of 3 cycles of 5‐minute forearm ischemia followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a detectable increase in cardiac troponin I (
cTnI
) and the distribution of such increases. From June 2011 to September 2015, 201 male patients (69±7, years) were randomized to either
RIPC
(n=100) or a sham procedure (n=101). Indications for vascular surgery included an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm (n=115), occlusive peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities (n=37), or internal carotid artery stenosis (n=49). Of the 201 patients, 47 (23.5%) had an increase in
cTnI
above the upper reference limit within 72 hours of the vascular operation, with no statistically significant difference between those patients assigned to
RIPC
(n=22; 22.2%) versus sham procedure (n=25; 24.7%;
P
=0.67). Among the cohort with increased
cTnI
, the median peak values (interquartile range) in the
RIPC
and control group were 0.048 (0.004–0.174) and 0.017 (0.003–0.105), respectively (
P
=0.54).

Conclusions

In this randomized, controlled trial of men with increased perioperative cardiac risks, elevation in cardiac troponins was common following vascular surgery, but was not reduced by a strategy of
RIPC
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01558596.
Validation of Noninvasive In Vivo Compound Ultrasound Strain Imaging Using Histologic Plaque Vulnerability Features
Authors: Hansen Hendrik H.G. , de Borst Gert Jan , Bots Michiel L. , Moll Frans L. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Korte Chris L.
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

Carotid plaque rupture is a major cause of stroke. Key issue for risk stratification is early identification of rupture-prone plaques. A noninvasive technique, compound ultrasound strain imaging, was developed providing high-resolution radial deformation/strain images of atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims at in vivo validation of compound ultrasound strain imaging in patients by relating the measured strains to typical features of vulnerable plaques derived from histology after carotid endarterectomy.

Materials and Methods—

Strains were measured in 34 severely stenotic (>70%) carotid arteries at the culprit lesion site within 48 hours before carotid endarterectomy. In all cases, the lumen-wall boundary was identifiable on B-mode ultrasound, and the imaged cross-section did not move out of the imaging plane from systole to diastole. After endarterectomy, the plaques were processed using a validated histology analysis technique.

Results—

Locally elevated strain values were observed in regions containing predominantly components related to plaque vulnerability, whereas lower values were observed in fibrous, collagen-rich plaques. The median strain of the inner plaque layer (1 mm thickness) was significantly higher (
P
<0.01) for (fibro)atheromatous (n=20, strain=0.27%) than that for fibrous plaques (n=14, strain=−0.75%). Also, a significantly larger area percentage of the inner layer revealed strains above 0.5% for (fibro)atheromatous (45.30%) compared with fibrous plaques (31.59%). (Fibro)atheromatous plaques were detected with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 75%, 86%, 88%, and 71%, respectively. Strain did not significantly correlate with fibrous cap thickness, smooth muscle cell, or macrophage concentration.

Conclusions—

Compound ultrasound strain imaging allows differentiating (fibro)atheromatous from fibrous carotid artery plaques.
(n, p) Reaction Cross Sections Calculations of Some Stellar Iron Group Fusion Materials
Authors: Siddik Tarik
Published: September 2016

The excitation functions for (n, p) reactions from reaction threshold to 24 MeV on some important iron (Fe) group target elements (20 ≤ Z ≤ 28) for astrophysical (n, p) reactions such as Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co and Ni were calculated using TALYS-1.0 nuclear model code.
The new calculations on the excitation functions of 28Si(n, p)28Al, 29Si(n, p)29Al, 42Ca(n, p)42K, 45Sc(n, p)45Ca, 46Ti(n, p)46Sc, 53Cr(n, p)53V, 54Fe(n,
p)54Mn, 57Fe(n, p)57Mn, 59Co(n, p)59Fe, 58Ni(n, p)58Co and 60Ni(n, p)60Co reactions have been carried out up to 24 MeV incident neutron energy. In these calculations, the compound nucleus and
pre-equilibrium reaction mechanism studied extensively. According to these calculations, we assume that these model calculations can be applied to some heavy elements, ejected into interstellar medium by dramatic supernova events.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Evaluation of 1-(4'-Hydroxybenzamido)-Imine-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydrocarbazole Derivatives
Authors: Saravanabhavan Munusamy , Ebenazer Ambason Franklin , Murugesan Venkatesan , Sekar Marimuthu
Published: September 2016

A facile synthetic approach towards 1-(4'-hydroxybenzamido)-imine-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives 3a–g was reported via reaction of 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazoles 1a–g, with p-hydroxybenzhydrazide in ethanol in the presence of sufficient
amount of acetic acid. The structure of all the compounds was confirmed by spectroscopic studies. The antioxidant properties of all the derivatives have also been checked against DPPH and OH radicals. Further, in vitro anticancer activities of all the synthesized compounds were investigated
by MTT assay method. All the prepared analogues exhibited considerable anticancer properties especially, 3e and 3f which reveled the best anticancer activity among all the test compounds. Additionally, we carried out molecular docking studies using the protein kinase CK2 inhibitors.
In all the biological assays, halogen substituted carbazole derivatives showed enhanced activities than the other derivatives.
Vickers Microhardness Studies of Pure and Amino Acids Doped Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Crystals
Authors: Parikh K. D. , Dave D. J. , Parekh B. B. , Joshi M. J.
Published: September 2016

Vickers microhardness study was carried out to understand the mechanical behaviour of pure and different amino acids (L-arginine, L-lysine, L-alanine) doped potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) single crystals grown by slow solvent evaporation technique. Indentations were made on smooth
{100} plane of pure and different amino acid doped crystals for loads varying from 0.298 N to 0.98 N. Vickers microhardness decreased as doping level of amino acid was increased. Indentation size effect (ISE), Kick's law, Hays and Kendall's law and Proportion specimen resistance (PSR) model
were verified for pure and different amino acids doped crystals. The values of the load independent hardness and Newtonian pressure were higher in pure KDP crystals than the amino acids doped KDP crystals. It was found that as doping concentration of amino acids increased the load independent
hardness and Newtonian pressure decreased. The results indicated that the doping of amino acids made KDP crystals softer.
Exploring Optical Dielectric Function of Impurity Doped Quantum Dots in Presence of Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Saha Surajit , Pal Suvajit , Ganguly Jayanta , Ghosh Manas
Published: September 2016

We investigate the total optical dielectric function (TODF) of impurity doped quantum dot (QD) in presence and absence of noise. Noise invoked is Gaussian white noise and the QD is doped with Gaussian impurity. Noise has been introduced to the system additively and multiplicatively.
The TODF profiles have been monitored as a function of incident photon energy for different values of several important parameters. Moreover, the role of mode of application of noise (additive/multiplicative) on the TODF profiles has also been meticulously analyzed. We have found that the
shift of TODF peak position and change in TODF peak height sensitively depend on presence/absence of noise and also on its mode of application. Introduction of multiplicative noise causes greater deviation of TODF profiles from that of noise-free condition than using additive noise.
Sorption of Monoazo Dyes on Wool Fibers for Textile
Authors: Ansari J. N. , Roy Aashis S.
Published: September 2016

An attempt has been made to characterize and to compare the structure, properties and mechanical behavior of popular Indian white wool fiber, black wool races and its blend. The XRD measurements reveal that Wool fibers of white, black wool races and blend are amorphous in nature. The
amide-I band at 1700–1600 cm–1 is characteristic to the peptide C=O stretching reveals the information whether the carbonyl groups participate in the bonding and 1623 cm–1 for Amide-I band, which are characteristic peaks of wool fibers. In compare with
pure wool fiber with its blend the additional peaks reflects at 1645 cm–1 for 1day and 1652 cm–1 which indicates the presence of Monoazo yellow in the fiber were identified using Fourier Transformation Infrared spectroscopy. The apparent diffusion coefficient
is found to be 0.5122 × 10–7 cm2s–1 for monoazo diffused in wool and 0.5367 ×10–7 cm2s–1for monoazo diffused in blend. Hence these wool fibers and its blend can be used for textile fabrication.
Electronic Properties of Exciton in Mg Based II–VI Wide Band Gap Semiconducting Quantum Dots
Authors: Asokan M. , John Peter A.
Published: September 2016

Electronic properties of exciton in Mg based ZnS, ZnSe and ZnTe wide band gap semiconductor cylindrical quantum dots are investigated taking into consideration of geometrical confinement effect. The confinement potentials for various concentrations of Mg alloy content in Zn1–xMgxS/MgS,
Zn1–xMgxSe/MgSe and Zn1–xMgxTe/MgTe quantum dots are studied and the constant barrier height is maintained for the Mg content in all the three heterostructures (Zn0.9Mg0.1S/MgS, Zn0.25Mg0.75Se/MgSe
and Zn0.09Mg0.91Te/MgTe) to obtain the exciton binding energies and the optical transition energies. The results show that the band gap increases nonlinearly with the increase of composition of Mg alloy content in the taken materials due to the positive band gap bowing
parameters and the exciton binding energies in Zn0.9Mg0.1S/MgS quantum dot are found to be more than the other two dots taken for studies. Our results will be helpful for some potential applications in full colour display devices and optical data storage devices.
Tropical Cyclone Interaction with the Ocean: The Role of High-Frequency (Subdaily) Coupled Processes
Authors: Scoccimarro Enrico , Fogli Pier Giuseppe , Reed Kevin A. , Gualdi Silvio , Masina Simona , Navarra Antonio
Published: September 2016

Through tropical cyclone (TC) activity the ocean and the atmosphere exchange a large amount of energy. In this work possible improvements introduced by a higher coupling frequency are tested between the two components of a climate model in the representation of TC intensity and TC–ocean feedbacks. The analysis is based on the new Centro Euro-Mediterraneo per I Cambiamenti Climatici Climate Model (CMCC-CM2-VHR), capable of representing realistic TCs up to category-5 storms. A significant role of the negative sea surface temperature (SST) feedback, leading to a weakening of the cyclone intensity, is made apparent by the improved representation of high-frequency coupled processes. The first part of this study demonstrates that a more realistic representation of strong TC count is obtained by coupling atmosphere and ocean components at hourly instead of daily frequency. Coherently, the positive bias of the annually averaged power dissipation index associated with TCs is reduced by one order of magnitude when coupling at the hourly frequency, compared to both forced mode and daily coupling frequency results. The second part of this work shows a case study (a modeled category-5 typhoon) analysis to verify the impact of a more realistic representation of the high-frequency coupling in representing the TC effect on the ocean; the theoretical subsurface warming induced by TCs is well represented when coupling the two components at the higher frequency. This work demonstrates that an increased horizontal resolution of model components is not sufficient to ensure a realistic representation of intense and fast-moving systems, such as tropical and extratropical cyclones, but a concurrent increase in coupling frequency is required.
Elevated concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in patients with fracture and concomitant traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sang Xiguang , Wang Zhiyong , Qin Tao , Li Yonggang
Published: September 2016

Background

Compelling evidence indicate that traumatic brain injury is highly related to accelerated bone fracture repair, but the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. Fracture repair process relies greatly on the formation of new blood vessels in fracture site, and angiogenic factors have been confirmed to be essential for the initiation and maintenance of the fracture healing. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was demonstrated to be a critical regulator of angiogenic–osteogenic coupling during bone development and regeneration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the local and circulating concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in patients with long-bone fractures and concomitant traumatic brain injury and to determine the potential role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in fracture healing.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with a long-bone fracture and concomitant traumatic brain injury (FT group) and 33 without a brain injury (Fr group) were enrolled in this study. Healthy subjects donated serum samples as control. Serum samples were collected over a period of six months, following a standardized time schedule. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations were measured in fracture haematoma and serum of patients in both groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Patients in FT group had a short time to union. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations elevated in the early healing period and reached the maximum level during intramembranous bone formation phase in both groups. Thereafter, it decreased continuously and approached to the minimum levels until the end of the observation period. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in both groups were significantly higher compared with controls and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in both serum and fracture haematoma were higher in FT group than that in Fr group. Fracture haematoma contained significantly higher hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations compared with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in serum. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations had a positive correlation with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in fracture haematoma in patients with fractures.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the local and systemic involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in fracture healing and the accelerated fracture repair in patients with traumatic brain injury might be associated with elevated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in fracture haematoma and serum.
Evaluation of a reduced centrifugation time and higher centrifugal force on various general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes in plasma and serum
Authors: Møller Mette F , Søndergaard Tove R , Kristensen Helle T , Münster Anna-Marie B
Published: September 2016

Background

Centrifugation of blood samples is an essential preanalytical step in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. Centrifugation settings are often altered to optimize sample flow and turnaround time. Few studies have addressed the effect of altering centrifugation settings on analytical quality, and almost all studies have been done using collection tubes with gel separator.

Methods

In this study, we compared a centrifugation time of 5 min at 3000 ×  g to a standard protocol of 10 min at 2200 ×  g. Nine selected general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes and interference indices were studied in lithium heparin plasma tubes and serum tubes without gel separator. Results were evaluated using mean bias, difference plots and coefficient of variation, compared with maximum allowable bias and coefficient of variation used in laboratory routine quality control.

Results

For all analytes except lactate dehydrogenase, the results were within the predefined acceptance criteria, indicating that the analytical quality was not compromised. Lactate dehydrogenase showed higher values after centrifugation for 5 min at 3000 ×  g, mean bias was 6.3 ± 2.2% and the coefficient of variation was 5%.

Conclusions

We found that a centrifugation protocol of 5 min at 3000 ×  g can be used for the general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes studied, with the possible exception of lactate dehydrogenase, which requires further assessment.
Clinical characteristics of women with reproductive cycle–associated bipolar disorder symptoms
Authors: Perich Tania A , Roberts Gloria , Frankland Andrew , Sinbandhit Carina , Meade Tanya , Austin Marie-Paul , Mitchell Philip B
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Although there is clear evidence that reproductive cycle events are associated with mood episodes for women with bipolar disorder, few studies have examined for relationships between these and specific clinical characteristics of the disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mood symptoms associated with reproductive cycle events and features of the disorder indicative of a more severe lifetime course.

Method:

Totally, 158 women of at least 18 years of age participated in the study. Subjects were recruited through a specialist clinic at the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia.

Results:

In total, 77% of women reported increases in mood symptoms during perimenstrual, postnatal or menopausal periods. These women had an earlier age of onset for depressive and hypo/manic episodes and a greater likelihood of comorbid anxiety disorders, rapid cycling and mixed mood compared to those who did not report such reproductive cycle–associated mood changes. Women who experienced postnatal episodes were also more likely to experience worse mood symptoms perimenstrually and menopausally.

Conclusion:

First, reproductive cycle event–related worsening of mood was associated with a more severe lifetime course of bipolar disorder, and, second, it appears that some women have a greater propensity to mood worsening at each of these reproductive cycle events. If replicated, these findings provide important information for clinicians treating women with reproductive cycle event mood changes and highlight the need for improved therapeutics for such presentations.
Inequality and the Emergence of Vigilante Organizations: The Case of MexicanAutodefensas
Authors: Phillips Brian J.
Published: September 2016

What explains the emergence of vigilante organizations? Throughout the world, vigilantes emerge to illegally punish perceived criminals, often leading to serious consequences. However, the literature presents partial and conflicting explanations for this phenomenon. This article argues that local economic inequality creates a situation ripe for vigilante organizations. Inequality creates demand for vigilantism because poorer citizens feel relatively deprived of security compared with wealthier neighbors who have advantages regarding private and public security. In addition, inequality suggests a patron-and-worker distribution of labor, and this is ideal for organizing a particular type of group, the patron-funded vigilante group. Empirical tests use original data on the 2013 wave of Mexican vigilante organizations, present in 13 of Mexico’s 32 federal entities. Municipal-level income inequality is robustly associated with organized vigilantism. Less support is found for competing explanations.
Optimization of tribological properties of aluminum hybrid composites using Taguchi design
Authors: Veličković Sandra , Stojanović Blaža , Babić Miroslav , Bobić Ilija
Published: September 2016

This paper analyses the influence of graphite reinforcement, load and sliding speed with constant sliding distance on tribological behavior of A356 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with 10 wt.% silicon carbide and graphite using the Taguchi design. Hybrid composites were produced in the compo-casting process. Tribological tests were performed on a block-on-disc tribometer where the weight percentage of graphite has three variations (0, 3, and 5), as well as load (10 N, 20 N, and 30 N) and sliding speed (0.25 m/s, 0.5 m/s, and 1 m/s), with sliding distance of 300 m. The wear of the composite is investigated under dry sliding condition. The specific wear rate was analyzed using Taguchi method with the aim of finding the optimal parameters. By applying analysis of variance, it was determined that the best tribological properties has A356/10SiC/3Gr hybrid composite. It was also found that the greatest impact on specific wear rate has load with the percentage effect of 69.163%, then sliding speed with 14.426% and the interaction between wt.% graphite and load. The dominant wear mechanism is adhesive wear as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
Mechanical behaviour of dual nanoparticle-reinforced aluminium alloy matrix composite materials depending on milling time
Authors: Kwon Hansang , Kawasaki Akira , Leparoux Marc
Published: September 2016

Aluminium 6061 alloy matrix composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silicon carbide nanoparticles (nSiCs) were prepared by high-energy ball milling and hot pressing. In addition to inducing fine particle strengthening, nSiCs were also used as a solid mixing agent to improve the dispersion of the CNTs in the Al matrix powder. The dependence of the densification and mechanical strength of the composites reinforced with the dual nanoparticles on the milling time is discussed. The crystallite sizes of Al in the composites were also investigated. Moreover, the relative defect ratios of the CNTs in the composites were calculated from the intensities of the D and G peaks of the Raman spectra. With this new approach to composite fabrication, a hardness and tensile strength of 334 HV and 293 MPa, respectively, were achieved. The high-energy ball milling time significantly affected the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites; however, the dual nanoparticle reinforcement can potentially be used in a variety of industrial component materials with precisely controlled material properties.
The Influence of Regional Power Distributions on Interdependence
Authors: Allen Michael A.
Published: September 2016

Political economy debates about the influence of power configurations in expanding and maintaining global liberalization ebb and flow with the wax and wane of the concentration of power in the international system. This article engages the debate in a novel way from previous scholarship. Employing a series of econometric models that account for regional power, I argue that the global power concentration is ill fit to be the primary predictor of trade liberalization, but instead, regional power fluctuations can dampen and enhance global trends. By incorporating subsystemic power configurations, we gain a better understanding of the regional variation in states buying into or cashing out of interdependence.
Eradication of Helicobacter spp. in mucin2-deficient mice
Authors: Litvinova Ekaterina A , Kozhevnikova Elena N , Achasova Ksenia M , Kontsevaya Galina V , Moshkin Mikhail P
Published: September 2016

Infections with Helicobacter spp. are known to have serious effects on rodent health, especially in immunocompromised animals. In this study three approaches were used to eradicate Helicobacter spp. infection in mice with a deficiency in intestinal proteoglycan (mucin2), namely triple oral antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole), cross-fostering of neonatal pups by surrogate mothers negative for Helicobacter spp., and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryo transfer into Helicobacter-free mothers. However, triple antibiotic therapy in mice with mucin2 deficiency was not effective and had negative effects on reproductive performance, and high susceptibility of mucin2-deficient mice to Helicobacter spp. during the first 12 h after birth rendered cross-fostering impossible. Only IVF with embryo transfer was effective in eradicating Helicobacter infection from transgenic mice with mucin2 deficiency.
Effect of atmospheric plasma torch on ballistic woven aramid
Authors: Martinez Miguel A , Abenojar Juana , Enciso Belen , Velasco Francisco J
Published: September 2016

Atmospheric pressure plasma torch (APPT) is a cold plasma technique that can be used to treat materials with a polymeric surface in an environmentally friendly way. The treatment modifies the topography and chemistry of the surfaces. The effect of APPT on woven aramid is studied with the aim of enhancing its impact strength for ballistic applications. The shielding, laminated with several layers of woven and resin, can better resist projectile penetration. Woven aramid has low wettability due to its low polarity. Therefore adhesives penetrate the woven fibers with difficulty. APPT treatment considerably increases the polar component of the surface energy and the wettability is improved. Changes in the micro-topography and chemical composition that generate enhanced adhesion are investigated. The adhesion ability was determined by adhesion pull-off test, T-peel test, and impact test. Two types of adhesives were used: an elastic one (polyurethane-based, with elastoplastic mechanical behavior) and a rigid one (epoxy-based). Composites made with woven aramid treated with APPT exhibit an enhanced resistance to impact in terms of elastic energy recovery due to the greater degree of adhesive penetration between the woven fibers of each layer and better transfer of loads.
An Emotional Landscape of Place-based Activism
Authors: Raynes Dakota K. T. , Mix Tamara L. , Spotts Angela , Ross Ariel
Published: September 2016

We coconstruct a series of autoethnographic reflections to offer analysis of the emotions involved in early social movement mobilization. Oil and gas extraction and production are deeply embedded in Oklahoma’s economic, political, social, and cultural milieu. Using Woods et al.’s ladder of emotions model, we consider the constraints faced by three different proenvironmental/antifracking activists in Oklahoma within the context of place-based activism. Emotion and place-based identities are central to the early stages and continuance of social movement organization. We call for greater attention to these dynamics and further study of the role of emotions in the emergence, ascendance, and abeyance of social movement activity.
The benefits of latent variable modeling to develop norms for a translated version of a standardized scale
Authors: Seo Hyojeong , Shaw Leslie A. , Shogren Karrie A. , Lang Kyle M. , Little Todd D.
Published: September 2016

This article demonstrates the use of structural equation modeling to develop norms for a translated version of a standardized scale, the Supports Intensity Scale – Children’s Version (SIS-C). The latent variable norming method proposed is useful when the standardization sample for a translated version is relatively small to derive norms independently but the original standardization sample is larger and more robust. Specifically, we leveraged a large, representative US standardization sample ( n = 4,015) to add power and stability to a smaller Spanish ( n = 405) standardization sample. Using a series of multiple-group mean and covariance structures confirmatory factor analyses using effects-coded scaling constraints, measurement invariance was tested across (a) Spanish only and (b) both US and Spanish age bands (5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, and 15–16). After establishing measurement invariance across the US and Spain, tests for latent means and variance differences within age-bands were only performed for Spanish data; the latent means and variances in the US sample were freely estimated. The study findings suggest that the information in the US data stabilized the overall model parameters, and the inclusion of the US sample did not influence on the norms of the SIS-C Spanish Translation.
Cloud service adoption by firms in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Tsui-Yii , Lin Cha-Wei
Published: September 2016

Cloud services have become a particular concern for modern industries and enterprises as they have been shown to change human behavior, and thereby necessitate the renewal of business models. This study proposes a conceptual model, and creates an integrated vision from the perspective of Taiwanese firms, investigating their intentions when adopting cloud services. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) are both adopted in this study in order to analyze response data (n=214). The SEM analysis results present the service characteristics: the foundation and management characteristics offered by cloud services have significant positive effects on firm trust. Perceived innovation characteristics regarding cloud services have proven to have different effects on firms’ perceived usefulness. The study connects these research findings and contributes to the theoretical development and empirical application of trust theory and cloud service marketing strategies in both academia and practice.
ElasticFusion: Real-time dense SLAM and light source estimation
Authors: Whelan Thomas , Salas-Moreno Renato F , Glocker Ben , Davison Andrew J , Leutenegger Stefan
Published: September 2016

We present a novel approach to real-time dense visual simultaneous localisation and mapping. Our system is capable of capturing comprehensive dense globally consistent surfel-based maps of room scale environments and beyond explored using an RGB-D camera in an incremental online fashion, without pose graph optimization or any post-processing steps. This is accomplished by using dense frame-to-model camera tracking and windowed surfel-based fusion coupled with frequent model refinement through non-rigid surface deformations. Our approach applies local model-to-model surface loop closure optimizations as often as possible to stay close to the mode of the map distribution, while utilizing global loop closure to recover from arbitrary drift and maintain global consistency. In the spirit of improving map quality as well as tracking accuracy and robustness, we furthermore explore a novel approach to real-time discrete light source detection. This technique is capable of detecting numerous light sources in indoor environments in real-time as a user handheld camera explores the scene. Absolutely no prior information about the scene or number of light sources is required. By making a small set of simple assumptions about the appearance properties of the scene our method can incrementally estimate both the quantity and location of multiple light sources in the environment in an online fashion. Our results demonstrate that our technique functions well in many different environments and lighting configurations. We show that this enables (a) more realistic augmented reality rendering; (b) a richer understanding of the scene beyond pure geometry and; (c) more accurate and robust photometric tracking.
Overlapping self-expandable metallic stent for palliation of a long (>10 cm) malignant gastroduodenal obstruction
Authors: Tsauo Jiaywei , Yoo Moon-Won , Park Jung-Hoon , Song Ho-Young , Jun Eun Jung , Cho Young Chul , Kim Guk Bae
Published: September 2016

Background

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is a well-established palliative treatment approach for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. In patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture, multiple stents placed in an overlapping fashion are often required.

Purpose

To investigate the outcomes of overlapping SEMS placement for the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction in patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture.

Material and Methods

The medical records of 40 patients who underwent fluoroscopic overlapping SEMS placement for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction due to a long (>10 cm) stricture were reviewed.

Results

The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 65.0%, respectively. The mean length of the stricture was 17.0 ± 4.7 cm and the mean number of stents placed in each patient was 2.2 ± 0.5. Metastatic cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.315; P = 0.018), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≥3 (OR, 0.018; P = 0.006), and carcinomatosis with ascites (OR, 0.025; P = 0.017) were independent predictors of poor clinical success. The rates of minor and major complications were 27.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The median stent patency and survival were 33 days (interquartile range [IQR], 19–60 days) and 35 days (IQR, 19–73 days), respectively. An ECOG score ≥3 was an independent predictor of a poor survival outcome (hazard ratio, 4.681; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overlapping SEMS placement may be safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction in patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture.