bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor Evoked Potentials after Supraspinal Stimulation in Pre- and Postoperative Evaluations of Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Bryndal Aleksandra , Wojtysiak Magdalena , Moskal Jakub , Lipiec-Kowalska Joanna , Borowczyk Martyna , Tańska Magdalena , Grochulska Agnieszka , Huber Juliusz , Majchrzycki Marian
Published: May 2019

Objective. Pre- and postoperative comparative evaluation of neurophysiological tests and clinical trials. Analysis of the diagnostic value of motor evoked potentials (MEP) induced by a magnetic field after supraspinal stimulation. Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of electromyography (EMG) and MEP is achieved. Methods. EMG, ENG, M-wave, F-wave, and MEP tests were performed on 35 patients with confirmed cervical radiculopathy in pre- and postoperative evaluations. The clinical trial consisted of evaluation of muscle strength, a sensory perception test and evaluation of tendon reflexes and pain severity. Results. The sensitivity of the resting EMG and MEP tests is 24%-67% and 6%-27%, while their specificity is 43%-80% and 86%-100%, respectively. The postoperative evaluation revealed a statistically significant reduction in pain severity (p=0001), an increase in muscle strength in DP (p=0.0431), BB (p=0,0431), and TB (p=0.0272), and improvement of touch sensation in terms of dermatomal innervation in C5 (p=0.0001) and C6 (p=0.0044). Conclusions. Tests comparing MRI sensitivity to neurophysiological tests show that neuroimaging is more sensitive in diagnostics of patients with cervical radiculopathy; however, clinical neurophysiology tests are more specific in reference to clinical trials.
Macrolevel Traffic Crash Analysis: A Spatial Econometric Model Approach
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Chen Yanyan , Huang Jianling , Chen Ning , Lu Yao
Published: May 2019

This study presents a spatial approach for the macrolevel traffic crashes analysis based on point‐of‐interest (POI) data and other related data from an open source. The spatial autoregression is explored by Moran’s I Index with three spatial weight features (i.e., (a) Rook, (b) Queen, and (c) Euclidean distance). The traditional Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model, the Spatial Lag Model (SLM), the Spatial Error Model (SEM), and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) were developed to describe the spatial correlations among 2,114 Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) of Tianjin, one of the four municipalities in China. Results of the models indicated that the SDM with the Rook spatial weight feature is found to be the optimal spatial model to characterize the relationship of various variables and crashes. The results show that population density, consumption density, intersection density, and road density have significantly positive influence on traffic crashes, whereas company density, hotel density, and residential density have significant but negative effects in the local TAZ. The spillover effects coefficient of population density and road density are positive, indicating that the increase of these variables in the surrounding TAZs will lead to the increase of crashes in the target zone. The impacts of company density and hotel density are just the opposite. In general, the research findings can help transportation planners and managers better understand the general characteristics of traffic crashes and improve the situation of traffic security.
Cognitive Decline in Chronic Migraine with Nonsteroid Anti-inflammation Drug Overuse: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cai Xiaoying , Xu Xiaotian , Zhang Aiwu , Lin Jianwen , Wang Xiaojuan , He Wen , Fang Yannan
Published: May 2019

Background. Chronic migraine with medication overuse headache (CM-MOH) is the most common type of chronic migraine, and it increases risk of stroke and white matter lesions. These pathologic changes could induce cognitive decline. However, the alteration of cognitive function in CM-MOH patients is not established. Therefore, we took this study to reveal the cognitive performances in CM-MOH. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2015 and January 2017. Patients were divided into CM-MOH, CMwoMOH (chronic migraine without medication overuse), and MO (migraine without aura) groups. Cognitive function was assessed in all cases during interictal periods using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Test (ACE-R), Trail Making Test A/B (TMT A/B), and Digit Symbol Test (DST). Detailed headache characteristics and evaluation of anxiety, depression, and living and sleep quality were collected. Results. 116 patients were included in this study. There were 21 CM-MOHs, 20 CMwoMOHs, 35 MOs, and 40 controls. Age and education were the independent risk factors of cognitive decline (P<0.05). After adjusting, the risk of cognitive decline was higher in CM compared with control in ACE-R score and language fluency (P<0.05). In addition, CM-MOH sufferers were in higher risk of memory and executive dysfunction (P<0.05). The cognitive function had no difference between CM-MOH and CMwoMOH (P>0.05). Meanwhile, CM-MOH got significantly higher scores than MO in anxiety and depression, with poorer performances in sleep and life quality (P<0.05). Conclusion. The risk of cognitive decline increased in chronic migraine patients. Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs overuse had no influence on cognitive performances among chronic migraine sufferers.
Rapid Acetabular Chondrolysis following Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip: A Poor Prognostic Sign
Authors: Adenikinju Abidemi , Slover James D. , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: May 2019

Both hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty have been well described as effective methods of management for displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly. Acetabular erosion is a common long-term complication of hemiarthroplasty. We present a case in which rapid acetabular erosion occurs within weeks of hemiarthroplasty, ultimately leading to an acetabular fracture and need for revision to total hip arthroplasty. Early and rapid acetabular erosion following hip hemiarthroplasty has not been well documented in current literature. It may lead to acetabular fracture and may be secondary to infectious causes. If encountered, an infection workup should be initiated.
Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Boarescu Paul-Mihai , Chirilă Ioana , Bulboacă Adriana E. , Bocșan Ioana Corina , Pop Raluca Maria , Gheban Dan , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: May 2019

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and cardiovascular protective effects. Our study is aimed at evaluating the effects of pretreatment with curcumin nanoparticles (CCNP) compared to conventional curcumin (CC) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Fifty-six Wistar-Bratislava white rats were randomly divided into eight groups of seven rats each. Curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles were given by gavage in three different doses (100 mg/kg body weight (bw), 150 mg/kg bw, and 200 mg/kg bw) for 15 days. The MI was induced on day 13 using 100 mg/kg bw ISO administered twice, with the second dose 24 h after the initial dose. The blood samples were taken 24 h after the last dose of ISO. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects were evaluated in all groups. All doses of CC and CCNP offered a cardioprotective effect by preventing creatine kinase-MB leakage from cardiomyocytes, with the best result for CCNP. All the oxidative stress parameters were significantly improved after CCNP compared to CC pretreatment. CCNP was more efficient than CC in limiting the increase in inflammatory cytokine levels (such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and RANTES) after MI. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels decreased more after pretreatment with CCNP than with CC. CCNP better prevented myocardial necrosis and reduced interstitial edema and neutrophil infiltration than CC, on histopathological examination. Therefore, improving the bioactivity of curcumin by nanotechnology may help limit cardiac injury after myocardial infarction.
O2: A Network Protocol for Music Systems
Authors: Dannenberg Roger B.
Published: May 2019

O2 is a communication protocol for music systems that extends and interoperates with the popular Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol. Many computer musicians routinely deal with problems of interconnection, unreliable message delivery, and clock synchronization. O2 solves these problems, offering named services, automatic network address discovery, clock synchronization, and a reliable message delivery option, as well as interoperability with existing OSC libraries and applications. Aside from these new features, O2 owes much of its design to OSC, making it easy to migrate existing OSC applications to O2 or for developers familiar with OSC to begin using O2. O2 addresses the problems of interprocess communication within distributed music applications.
Total Bending Method for Piecewise Smoothing Image Denoising
Authors: Lu Bibo , Huangfu Zhenzhen , Huang Rui
Published: May 2019

Since the seminar work by Rudin, Osher, and Fatami for total variation (TV) model, piecewise smoothing image is favored in a diversity of related fields. To recover a piecewise smoothing image, we propose a high order anisotropic geometrical model which we name total bending (TB) in a multiplicative strategy. TB model measures the bending degree of the image surface by approximating its second fundamental form. The analysis shows that TB is a rotation version of TV model in moving Frenet–Serret frame: TB norm measures the jumps along the normal direction in an adaptive local coordinate while TV measures the jumps along the vertical direction in a fixed Cartesian coordinate. TB reduces undesired staircase effect by recovering the horizontal and slope surface. The evolution diffusion of TB model inherits TV’s edge preserving ability. The experimental results show the performance of the proposed model quantitatively and visually.
Medicinal Properties and Active Constituents of Dracocephalum kotschyi and Its Significance in Iran: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heydari Parisa , Yavari Maryam , Adibi Peyman , Asghari Gholamreza , Ghanadian Syed-Mustafa , Dida Gabriel O. , Khamesipour Faham
Published: May 2019

Objectives. Dracocephalum has over 60 species and is found mainly in the temperate regions of Asia and Europe. One of these species, i.e., Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, is known to have a number of medicinal properties and active ingredients in many parts of the world. Despite being an endemic wild-flowering plant of great importance, the plant is currently considered endangered in Iran. Besides, there is paucity of information on the significance of the medicinal properties and active constituents of D. kotschyi among the Iranian people. On that account a systematic review of studies reporting on the medicinal properties and active ingredients and its significance to human and animal health was conducted and the existing knowledge gaps were identified. Methods. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used in the search for published articles on medicinal properties and active ingredients of D. kotschyi and its significance on humans and animals in Iran. The search was confined to scientific articles from repositories of popular data bases and search engines among them PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Scopus. The search narrowed down on scientific journals, books, and book chapters focusing on the medicinal properties of D. kotschyi in Iran for the period between 1970 and 2018. Results. A total of 1158 scientific articles were sourced from the various databases, out of which 38 met the search criteria and qualified for this review. The studies were conducted in only 9 of the 31 provinces of Iran, with a large proportion in Isfahan province, central Iran. The studies showed that all plant parts (roots, aerial parts, flowers, and leaves) had active constituents. Essential oils and aerial plant parts were the main components studied. Nevertheless, the most frequently reported constituents were xanthomicrol, limonene, luteolin, geranial, apigenin, and calycopterin. A number of medicinal properties were reported among them antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancerous, antinociceptive, antihyperlipidemic, antispasmodic, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects. The plant was also reported to be a remedy for inflammatory pain, headaches, congestion, liver disorders, ulcer, fever, renal pain, dyspepsia, stomach ache, abdominal pain, joints pains, muscle spasm, congestion, bloating, and wound healing effects, among others. Conclusion. This review has shown that D. kotschyi is an important medicinal plant with a large number of active constituents and great potential to safeguard human and animal health in Iran. However, over utilization of the D. kotschyi plant is already endangering its existence. Nevertheless, more studies need be conducted across the country.
Characteristics of Chronic Pain among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kallurkar Anusha , Kulkarni Shreedhar , Delfino Kristin , Ferraro Daniel , Rao Krishna
Published: May 2019

Pain is common among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). However, there are very limited data on chronic pain among HNC patients treated with radiation therapy (XRT). In this retrospective study, we focused on the characteristics of chronic post-XRT pain in such patients. Post-XRT pain is common among HNC patients; however, we found discrepancy between frequency of treatment and frequency of chronic pain, suggesting poor documentation of pain in the medical records. Among patients who reported to have chronic post-XRT pain, most of them described having severe pain and used descriptors of neuropathic pain. Pharynx was the commonest site of cancer as well as the commonest site of cancer-related chronic pain; squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological pattern, and opioids were used most often to treat such chronic pain. There was a significant association between chronic pain and number of sites of pain, and chronic pain was also associated with use of opioids.
Structures, Morphological Control, and Antibacterial Performance of Ag/TiO2 Micro-Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Muflikhun Muhammad Akhsin , Chua Alvin Y. , Santos Gil N. C.
Published: May 2019

Structures, morphological control, and antibacterial activity of silver-titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO2) micro-nanocomposite materials against Staphylococcus aureus are investigated in this study. Horizontal vapor phase growth (HVPG) technique was used to synthesize the Ag/TiO2 micro-nanomaterials, with parameters of growth temperature and baking time. The materials were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope (AFM). The result indicated that the HVPG technique is able to synthesize Ag/TiO2 with many shapes in micro- and nanoscale such as nanoparticles, nanorods, triangular nanomaterials, and nanotubes. The results showed that the shape of micro- and nanocomposites material could be arranged by adjusting the parameters. The results revealed that the nanorods structure were obtained at 1000°C growth temperature and that 8 hours of baking time was ideal for antibacterial application. Treating the S. aureus stock with Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites is able to reduce bacterial growth with a significant result.
GUCY2C Signaling Opposes the Acute Radiation-Induced GI Syndrome
Authors: Li Peng , Wuthrick Evan , Rappaport Jeff A. , Kraft Crystal , Lin Jieru E. , Marszalowicz Glen , Snook Adam E. , Zhan Tingting , Hyslop Terry M. , Waldman Scott A.
Published: May 2019

High doses of ionizing radiation induce acute damage to epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, mediating toxicities restricting the therapeutic efficacy of radiation in cancer and morbidity and mortality in nuclear disasters. No approved prophylaxis or therapy exists for these toxicities, in part reflecting an incomplete understanding of mechanisms contributing to the acute radiation-induced GI syndrome (RIGS). Guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) and its hormones guanylin and uroguanylin have recently emerged as one paracrine axis defending intestinal mucosal integrity against mutational, chemical, and inflammatory injury. Here, we reveal a role for the GUCY2C paracrine axis in compensatory mechanisms opposing RIGS. Eliminating GUCY2C signaling exacerbated RIGS, amplifying radiation-induced mortality, weight loss, mucosal bleeding, debilitation, and intestinal dysfunction. Durable expression of GUCY2C, guanylin, and uroguanylin mRNA and protein by intestinal epithelial cells was preserved following lethal irradiation inducing RIGS. Oral delivery of the heat-stable enterotoxin (ST), an exogenous GUCY2C ligand, opposed RIGS, a process requiring p53 activation mediated by dissociation from MDM2. In turn, p53 activation prevented cell death by selectively limiting mitotic catastrophe, but not apoptosis. These studies reveal a role for the GUCY2C paracrine hormone axis as a novel compensatory mechanism opposing RIGS, and they highlight the potential of oral GUCY2C agonists (Linzess; Trulance) to prevent and treat RIGS in cancer therapy and nuclear disasters. Cancer Res; 77(18); 5095–106. ©2017 AACR.
A Chemo-enzymatically Linked Bispecific Antibody Retargets T Cells to a Sialylated Epitope on CD43 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bartels Lina , de Jong Greta , Gillissen Marijn A. , Yasuda Etsuko , Kattler Veronika , Bru Camille , Fatmawati Christien , van Hal-van Veen Susan E. , Cercel Madalina G. , Moiset Gemma , Bakker Arjen Q. , van Helden Pauline M. , Villaudy Julien , Hazenberg Mette D. , Spits Hergen , Wagner Koen
Published: May 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a high-risk disease with a poor prognosis, particularly in elderly patients. Because current AML treatment relies primarily on untargeted therapies with severe side effects that limit patient eligibility, identification of novel therapeutic AML targets is highly desired. We recently described AT1413, an antibody produced by donor B cells of a patient with AML cured after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. AT1413 binds CD43s, a unique sialylated epitope on CD43, which is weakly expressed on normal myeloid cells and overexpressed on AML cells. Because of its selectivity for AML cells, we considered CD43s as a target for a bispecific T-cell–engaging antibody (bTCE) and generated a bTCE by coupling AT1413 to two T-cell–targeting fragments using chemo-enzymatic linkage. In vitro, AT1413 bTCE efficiently induced T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity toward different AML cell lines and patient-derived AML blasts, whereas endothelial cells with low binding capacity for AT1413 remained unaffected. In the presence of AML cells, AT1413 bTCE induced upregulation of T-cell activation markers, cytokine release, and T-cell proliferation. AT1413 bTCE was also effective in vivo. Mice either coinjected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells [human immune system (HIS) mice] were inoculated with an AML cell line or patient-derived primary AML blasts. AT1413 bTCE treatment strongly inhibited tumor growth and, in HIS mice, had minimal effects on normal human hematopoietic cells. Taken together, our results indicate that CD43s is a promising target for T-cell–engaging antibodies and that AT1413 holds therapeutic potential in a bTCE-format.

Significance:

These findings offer preclinical evidence for the therapeutic potential of a bTCE antibody that targets a sialylated epitope on CD43 in AML.
Upregulation of Scavenger Receptor B1 Is Required for Steroidogenic and Nonsteroidogenic Cholesterol Metabolism in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gordon Jacob A. , Noble Jake W. , Midha Ankur , Derakhshan Fatemeh , Wang Gang , Adomat Hans H. , Tomlinson Guns Emma S. , Lin Yen-Yi , Ren Shancheng , Collins Collin C. , Nelson Peter S. , Morrissey Colm , Wasan Kishor M. , Cox Michael E.
Published: May 2019

Aberrant cholesterol metabolism is increasingly appreciated to be essential for prostate cancer initiation and progression. Transcript expression of the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol receptor scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) is elevated in primary prostate cancer. Hypothesizing that SR-B1 expression may help facilitate malignant transformation, we document increased SR-B1 protein and transcript expression in prostate cancer relative to normal prostate epithelium that persists in lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) metastasis. As intratumoral steroid synthesis from the precursor cholesterol can drive androgen receptor (AR) pathway activity in CRPC, we screened androgenic benign and cancer cell lines for sensitivity to SR-B1 antagonism. Benign cells were insensitive to SR-B1 antagonism, and cancer line sensitivity inversely correlated with expression levels of full-length and splice variant AR. In androgen-responsive CRPC cell model C4-2, SR-B1 antagonism suppressed cholesterol uptake, de novo steroidogenesis, and AR activity. SR-B1 antagonism also suppressed growth and viability and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. The inability of exogenous steroids to reverse these effects indicates that AR pathway activation is insufficient to overcome cytotoxic stress caused by a decrease in the availability of cholesterol. Furthermore, SR-B1 antagonism decreased cholesterol uptake, growth, and viability of the AR-null CRPC cell model PC-3, and the small-molecule SR-B1 antagonist block lipid transport-1 decreased xenograft growth rate despite poor pharmacologic properties. Overall, our findings show that SR-B1 is upregulated in primary and castration-resistant disease and is essential for cholesterol uptake needed to drive both steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic biogenic pathways, thus implicating SR-B1 as a novel and potentially actionable target in CRPC.

Significance:

These findings highlight SR-B1 as a potential target in primary and castration-resistant prostate cancer that is essential for cholesterol uptake needed to drive steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic biogenic pathways.
Financial Hardship and Quality of Life among African American and White Cancer Survivors: The Role of Limiting Care Due to Cost
Authors: Hastert Theresa A. , Kyko Jaclyn M. , Reed Amanda R. , Harper Felicity W.K. , Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer L. , Baird Tara E. , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Financial hardship is common among cancer survivors and is associated with both limiting care due to cost and with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study estimates the association between limiting care due to cost and HRQOL in a diverse population of cancer survivors and tests whether limiting care mediates the association between financial hardship and HRQOL.

Methods:

We used data from 988 participants (579 African American, 409 white) in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) pilot, a hospital-based cohort of breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors. We assessed associations between financial hardship, limiting care, and HRQOL [measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G)] using linear regression and mediation analysis controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer-related variables.

Results:

FACT-G scores were 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0–6.4] points lower among survivors who reported financial hardship compared with those who did not in adjusted models. Limiting care due to cost was associated with a −7.8 (95% CI, −5.1 to −10.5) point difference in FACT-G scores. Limiting care due to cost explained 40.5% (95% CI, 25.5%–92.7%) of the association between financial hardship and HRQOL overall, and 50.5% (95% CI, 29.1%–188.1%) of the association for African American survivors.

Conclusions:

Financial hardship and limiting care due to cost are both associated with lower HRQOL among diverse cancer survivors, and this association is partially explained by limiting care due to cost.

Impact:

Actions to ensure patients with cancer can access appropriate care could lessen the impact of financial hardship on HRQOL.
Aurora Kinase A Inhibition Provides Clinical Benefit, Normalizes Megakaryocytes, and Reduces Bone Marrow Fibrosis in Patients with Myelofibrosis: A Phase I Trial
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Marinaccio Christian , Swords Ronan , Watts Justin M. , Gurbuxani Sandeep , Rademaker Alfred , Fought Angela J. , Frankfurt Olga , Altman Jessica K. , Wen Qiang Jeremy , Farnoud Noushin , Famulare Christopher A. , Patel Akshar , Tapia Roberto , Vallapureddy Rangit R. , Barath Stephanie , Graf Amy , Handlogten Amy , Zblewski Darci , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Al-kali Aref , Dinh Yvonne Trang , Englund Prahl Kristen , Patel Shradha , Nobrega Juan Carlos , Tejera Dalissa , Thomassen Amber , Gao Juehua , Ji Peng , Rampal Raajit K. , Giles Francis J. , Tefferi Ayalew , Stein Brady , Crispino John D.
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Myelofibrosis is characterized by bone marrow fibrosis, atypical megakaryocytes, splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms, thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, and a risk of evolution to acute leukemia. The JAK kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib provides therapeutic benefit, but the effects are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine whether targeting AURKA, which has been shown to increase maturation of atypical megakaryocytes, has potential benefit for patients with myelofibrosis.

Patients and Methods:

Twenty-four patients with myelofibrosis were enrolled in a phase I study at three centers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of alisertib. Correlative studies involved assessment of the effect of alisertib on the megakaryocyte lineage, allele burden, and fibrosis.

Results:

In addition to being well tolerated, alisertib reduced splenomegaly and symptom burden in 29% and 32% of patients, respectively, despite not consistently reducing the degree of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, alisertib normalized megakaryocytes and reduced fibrosis in 5 of 7 patients for whom sequential marrows were available. Alisertib also decreased the mutant allele burden in a subset of patients.

Conclusions:

Given the limitations of ruxolitinib, novel therapies are needed for myelofibrosis. In this study, alisertib provided clinical benefit and exhibited the expected on-target effect on the megakaryocyte lineage, resulting in normalization of these cells and reduced fibrosis in the majority of patients for which sequential marrows were available. Thus, AURKA inhibition should be further developed as a therapeutic option in myelofibrosis.

See related commentary by Piszczatowski and Steidl, p. 4868
Water Resistance Therapy as Vocal Warm-Up Method in Contemporary Commercial Music Singers
Authors: Saldías Marcelo , Guzman Marco , Sandoval Gabriela , Vergara Carla , Lizana Josselyn , Quezada Camilo
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims: Although water resistance therapy (WRT) has been widely used in voice training, no data are supporting the effectiveness of WRT as vocal warm-up for singers. The present study aimed to determine the effects of WRT as a vocal warm-up method in contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers. Methods: Twenty-two CCM singers were randomly assigned to one of two types of 15-min vocal warm-up: open vocal tract (OVT) warm-up and WRT. Self-perceived resonant voice quality and aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and acoustic measures were assessed before, immediately after vocal warm-up, and after 40 min of vocal loading. Results: Significant results were found immediately after vocal warm-up. Subglottic pressure and inspiratory airflow duration decreased in both groups. SPL decreased for the OVT group. No changes in SPL were found for the WRT group. Significant results were observed after vocal loading. Subglottic pressure and inspiratory airflow duration decreased for both groups after vocal loading. Expiratory airflow duration and electroglottographic contact quotient decreased for the OVT group. Conclusion: Some objective data suggest that the WRT method is more effective as vocal warm-up than OVT exercises. Since outcomes in self-perceived resonant voice quality for both methods were similar but physiological effects were different, vocal warm-up strategies might produce a placebo effect.
Limited Tissue Samples: Hematopoietic Lesions – Three Case Examples of Judicious Use of Limited Material
Authors: Chadburn Amy , Chen Yi-Hua , Nayar Ritu , Young April , Sumpter Ingrid , Lee Christopher , Gill Manjot , Gao Juehau
Published: May 2019

In the era of smaller and smaller biopsies submitted to pathology departments for diagnosis and the advent of personalized medicine, it has become imperative to efficiently and effectively use patient material to reach individualized, actionable diagnoses. The use of fine needle aspirates and core biopsies as acceptable methods for obtaining sufficient material for hematopoietic neoplasms under nonemergent conditions is debatable. There are, however, scenarios where only limited material is obtainable due to anatomic site, size of the lesion or condition of the patient. In these types of settings, thoughtful approaches and unconventional means are often necessary to reach a diagnosis. In this article, we describe three such scenarios and the unique tactics taken in each to obtain a personalized actionable diagnosis.
Organ Preservation into the 2020s: The Era of Dynamic Intervention
Authors: Petrenko Alexander , Carnevale Matias , Somov Alexander , Osorio Juliana , Rodríguez Joaquin , Guibert Edgardo , Fuller Barry , Froghi Farid
Published: May 2019

Organ preservation has been of major importance ever since transplantation developed into a global clinical activity. The relatively simple procedures were developed on a basic comprehension of low-temperature biology as related to organs outside the body. In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in knowledge of the sequelae of effects in preserved organs, and how dynamic intervention by perfusion can be used to mitigate injury and improve the quality of the donated organs. The present review focuses on (1) new information about the cell and molecular events impacting on ischemia/reperfusion injury during organ preservation, (2) strategies which use varied compositions and additives in organ preservation solutions to deal with these, (3) clear definitions of the developing protocols for dynamic organ perfusion preservation, (4) information on how the choice of perfusion solutions can impact on desired attributes of dynamic organ perfusion, and (5) summary and future horizons.
The Value of COX-2, NF-κB, and Blood Routine Indexes in the Prognosis of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Yin Wenjie , Zheng Guoqi , Su Shanshan , Liang Yufei
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims: To investigate differences in blood routine indexes and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) and their relationship with clinical prognosis. Methods: We investigated changes in blood routine indexes between the MPeM patients and healthy subjects and detected the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB in peritoneal tissues by a streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry method. Potential prognostic factors were analyzed including age, gender, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), absolute platelet count (APC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), COX-2, and NF-κB. Cox regression model analysis established independent factors for the survival prognosis of the patients. Results: Compared with the control group, AMC, MXD%, ANC, neutrophilic granulocyte percentage (NEUT%), APC, NLR, MLR, and PLR were markedly increased (p < 0.05) in the MPeM group. The positivity rates for COX-2 and NF-κB expression were 59.4 and 44.9%, respectively. Single factor analyses indicated that PLR, NLR, MLR, COX-2, and NF-κB were factors that affected the overall survival of MPeM patients, but multivariate analyses identified MLR and COX-2 as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: High blood levels of MLR and COX-2 are adverse prognostic factors for patients with MPeM.
Establishment of a new genus for Cyclograpsus lophopus Nobili, 1905, within Sesarmidae Dana, 1851 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: NARUSE TOHRU , NG NGAN KEE
Published: May 2019

The examination of the type series of the poorly known Cyclograpsus lophopus Nobili, 1905, which was originally placedin the varunid genus, Cyclograpsus H. Milne Edwards, 1837, has revealed that it belongs instead to the family SesarmidaeDana, 1851. A new genus is also described for C. lophopus because of its very distinct morphological characters, e.g. entire and nearly circular contour of the carapace with trigonal ocular peduncles, and short and flattened ambulatory legs.
Cypriniformes of Borneo (Actinopterygii, Otophysi): An Extraordinary Fauna for Integrated Studies on Diversity, Systematics, Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation
Authors: SULAIMAN ZOHRAH H. , MAYDEN R. L
Published: May 2019

Borneo Island is governed by the countries of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Indonesia(Kalimantan) and is part of Sundaland. These countries have a high diversity of freshwater fishes, especially describedand undescribed species of Cypriniformes; together these species and other flora and fauna represent an extraordinaryopportunity for worldwide collaboration to investigate the biodiversity, conservation, management and evolution ofBorneo’s wildlife. Much of the fauna and flora of Borneo is under significant threat, warranting an immediate and swiftinternational collaboration to rapidly inventory, describe, and conserve the diversity. The Sunda drainage appears to havebeen an important evolutionary centre for many fish groups, including cypriniforms (Cyprinidae, Balitoridae andGyrinocheilidae); however, Northwestern Borneo (Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak) is not connected to Sundaland, and thisdisjunction likely explains the non-homogeneity of Bornean ichthyofauna. A previous study confirmed that northernBorneo, eastern Borneo and Sarawak shared a similar ichthyofauna, findings that support the general hypothesis forfreshwater connections at one time between western Borneo and central Sumatra, and south Borneo and Java island.Borneo is drained by five major rivers: (1) Rajang and Baram rivers in Sarawak, and (2) Kapuas, Mahakam and Baritorivers in Kalimantan. The Cypriniformes is the most diverse clade in Borneo, and it is represented by at least 285 speciesin 55 genera and eight major clades (Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Cyprinidae, Gyrinocheilidae, Leptobarbidae, rasborines,cultrines and Paedocyprididae); at least 147 (52%) of these species are endemic to the incredibly diverse habitats ofBorneo. Most fish faunal studies in Borneo have involved inventory and discovery; however, none to date have focusedtheir efforts on the great biodiversity and systematics of Cypriniformes. In this paper we briefly discuss the generalbiodiversity of cypriniforms in Borneo, including recent revisions to the classification of the order through theCypriniformes Tree of Life and Planetary Biodiversity Inventory efforts supported by the USA NSF basic scienceinitiatives, in conjunction with researchers in countries of Borneo. It is our hope that this particular summary willgalvanize individuals to increase worldwide collaborative and integrated efforts on the biodiversity of Cypriniformes,and incite lively discussions among a broad array of interested parties, including those involved in the recent and critically important “Heart of Borneo” initiative funded by all these countries and some NGOs.
The female velvet ants (aka modkhong) of southern Thailand (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae), with a key to the genera of southeast Asia
Authors: WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , LELEJ ARKADY S. , OKAYASU JURIYA , BORKENT CHRISTOPHER J. , MALEE RUFEAH , THOAWAN KODEEYAH , THAOCHAN NARIT
Published: May 2019

A review of female mutillids in southern Thailand is presented, based on literature, loaned material, and two field expeditions. Thirty-three species in 23 genera have been previously recorded from Thailand (Lelej 2005; Lelej et al. 2016, 2017; Okayasu et al. 2018). In March and April 2017, 337 female specimens were collected in the provinces of Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Trang. In May 2018, 255 female specimens were collected in the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, and Surat Thani. These collected specimens were sorted into 38 morphospecies: 13 already known from Thailand, nine previously described species newly recorded from Thailand, and 16 new to science and described here. Based on loaned material, three more described species were newly recorded from southern Thailand and one more undescribed species was found. Keys to females of the 31 mutillid genera found in southeast Asia and 42 mutillid species studied from southern Thailand are provided. Illustrations and diagnoses are provided for each species studied in southern Thailand, including the following 17 new species: Bischoffitilla tokay Williams, Bischoffitilla cambrai Williams, Mickelomyrme puttasoki Williams, Mickelomyrme kinguri Williams, Nordeniella maleeae Williams, Smicromyrme helarctos Williams, Smicromyrme borkenti Williams, Smicromyrme thaochani Williams, Krombeinidia agricola Williams, Krombeinidia chang Williams, Krombeinidia baanmaka Williams, Orientidia manleyi Williams, Orientidia thoawanae Williams, Petersenidia modkhong Williams, Petersenidia leleji Williams, Trogaspidia pittsi Williams, and Trogaspidia wilsoni Williams. Three new synonyms and one new combination are recognized: Bischoffitilla lamellata (Mickel, 1933) = Squamulotilla arundinacea Pagden, 1934, syn. nov., Mickelomyrme pusillaeformis (Hammer, 1962), comb. nov. = Mickelomyrme yunnanensis Lelej, 1996, syn. nov., Trogaspidia pagdeni (Mickel, 1933) = Timulla (Trogaspidia) pagdeni nodoa Mickel, 1933, syn. nov. Finally, two other taxa are raised to full species from subspecies status, Eotrogaspidia oryzae (Pagden, 1934), status resurr., and Trogaspidia lingnani (Mickel, 1933), status nov. New combination is also proposed for Krombeinidia meeungensis (Cockerell, 1928), comb. nov. Twenty-three new country records are presented: 12 from Thailand, four from Vietnam, four from Laos, two from Cambodia, and one from Indonesia.
An Alternative to Gender Complementarity: The Body as Existential Category in the Catholic Tradition
Authors: Jacobs Brianne
Published: May 2019

This article reevaluates the concept of “woman” in the Christian tradition by arguing that the body is shaped ontologically not by binary sex (gender essentialism), but by history. While there have been many theological critiques of gender essentialism and complementarity, there have been few attempts to offer an alternative, bodily ontology in the Catholic tradition. I argue for an understanding of the body that reveals it as an existential category, a category that implies complicity, interruption, hope, and holiness. I conclude that when we experience our bodies as structured primarily by our histories, it facilitates the freedom to be in full relationship with each other and with God.
Hyaline Arteriolosclerosis in 30 Strains of Aged Inbred Mice
Authors: Cooper Timothy K. , Silva Kathleen A. , Kennedy Victoria E. , Alghamdi Sarah , Hoehndorf Robert , Sundberg Beth A. , Schofield Paul N. , Sundberg John P.
Published: May 2019

During a screen for vascular phenotypes in aged laboratory mice, a unique discrete phenotype of hyaline arteriolosclerosis of the intertubular arteries and arterioles of the testes was identified in several inbred strains. Lesions were limited to the testes and did not occur as part of any renal, systemic, or pulmonary arteriopathy or vasculitis phenotype. There was no evidence of systemic or pulmonary hypertension, and lesions did not occur in ovaries of females. Frequency was highest in males of the SM/J (27/30, 90%) and WSB/EiJ (19/26, 73%) strains, aged 383 to 847 days. Lesions were sporadically present in males from several other inbred strains at a much lower (<20%) frequency. The risk of testicular hyaline arteriolosclerosis is at least partially underpinned by a genetic predisposition that is not associated with other vascular lesions (including vasculitis), separating out the etiology of this form and site of arteriolosclerosis from other related conditions that often co-occur in other strains of mice and in humans. Because of their genetic uniformity and controlled dietary and environmental conditions, mice are an excellent model to dissect the pathogenesis of human disease conditions. In this study, a discrete genetically driven phenotype of testicular hyaline arteriolosclerosis in aging mice was identified. These observations open the possibility of identifying the underlying genetic variant(s) associated with the predisposition and therefore allowing future interrogation of the pathogenesis of this condition.
Reading Joshua with Augustine and Sommer: Two frameworks for interpreting theophany narratives
Authors: Chambers Nathan
Published: May 2019

In this article, Joshua 5.13-6.5 is used as a test case for looking at possible models for understanding theophany narratives. First, I argue that Benjamin Sommer’s historical model of divine fluidity draws attention to the prominence of the theme of divine embodiment in the Hebrew Bible but raises unresolved questions about the nature of God. Second, I argue that Augustine’s interpretation of the theophany narratives from within the framework of his trinitarian theology resolves some of these questions while avoiding Christianizing the Hebrew Bible. I conclude by briefly returning to the Joshua narrative, looking at the difference that these models make in reading the text.
Effect of carbon black loading on mechanical and rheological properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber/nitrile butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Abdelsalam Amir A , Araby Sherif , El-Sabbagh Salwa H , Abdelmoneim Ahmed , Hassan Mohsen A
Published: May 2019

This study investigated the effect of carbon black (CB) filler loading on mechanical and rheological properties of natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) ternary rubber nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were prepared using a melt mixing method. Four different samples with different filler loadings namely S2 (15 phr), S3 (30 phr), S4 (45 phr), and S5 (60 phr) were prepared in this work. The mechanical properties of these samples were investigated such as tensile strength, stress at 100, 200, and 300% elongations, elongation at break %, tear strength, compression set, compression stress, and crosslink density. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, stress at 100, 200, and 300% elongations, elongation at break %, tear strength, compression set, compression stress, and crosslink density were increased while the scorch time, cure time, cure rate index, elongation at break %, swelling coefficient, and filler–rubber interaction decrease with increasing CB loading. The higher value of tensile strength for these samples was S4 (loading with 45-phr CB). Therefore, had higher stiffness compared to the other content ratio. Additionally, S4 showed 233.58% increment in tensile strength. These results showed that the optimum filler loading can increase the compatibility between CB and NR/SBR/NBR. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscope micrography.
Importance of Consumer-based Green Brand Equity: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Khandelwal Utkal , Kulshreshtha Kushagra , Tripathi Vikas
Published: May 2019

Due to increasing awareness towards environmental issues and consumer demand for environmental-friendly products, companies are shifting their management from brand equity to green brand equity. This will lead to the novel marketing phenomenon: green brand equity. Most of the previous studies on green branding, green marketing initiatives and social economies have been conducted in developed countries, and there is a lack of such studies in fast developing Asian countries like India. Therefore, this research tries to fill in the gap to measure the green brand equity in developing economies like India. This research measures green brand equity and its impact on consumer attitude. In addition, this research also measures the difference in the degree of green brand equity in metro and non-metro city. Consumer behaviour of metro and non-metro cities in India has found similarity and dissimilarity in many ways. The present study presents the different dimensions of green brand equity and its impact on consumer attitude. Green brand image, satisfaction, trust, loyalty, reference group and green advertisement emerged as a strong influencing agent of customer attitude towards green brand equity. The result of measurable difference of these construct revealed that there is a significant difference in all constructs, except green advertisement. Marketers have to understand these differences and formulate different market strategies while moving from metro to non-metro cities. This research not only provides green brand equity dimensions as a conceptual contribution, but also establishes the relationship between green brand equity and consumer attitude as an empirical contribution.
Multi-criteria Performance Evaluation Framework for Rehabilitation Service Operations
Authors: Vaidya Omkarprasad S. , Kumar Sushil
Published: May 2019

Rehabilitation or post-disaster relief is an important service operation performed by the government and non-government authorities after a calamity. Managing such services at a short notice requires a lot of back office preparations. The services offered during the rehabilitation process are usually carried out in different phases, and it often takes long time for the situation to return to normalcy. Evaluating performances of such services would not only ensure a proper planning but also provide better-organized efforts to mitigate the aftereffects of such instances occurring in future. In this work, we propose a generic framework for evaluating the performances of the services offered during the rehabilitation at various phases. This two-stage methodology uses multi-criteria decision-making tools such as data envelopment analysis and analytic hierarchy process. An application of Malmquist Productivity Index is also illustrated to track the improvements over a number of such occurrences. The approach provides an opportunity to identify the scope of improvements, if such situation/s repeat in future. To understand the scope of the work, a broad classification scheme (of various types of disasters) is proposed in this article. This scheme of categorization is based on dimensions of the frequency, the impact and the duration of occurrence. The proposed methodology is systematic and easy to implement, which makes it a favourable candidate for the acceptance by a wider group of practising managers.
From Single Screen to YouTube: Tracking the Regional Blockbuster
Authors: Srinivas S. V. , Shyam V. H. C. V. Megha , Nanduri Raghav , Singhal Vasundhara , Vishnu Dath R.
Published: May 2019

Recent developments related to production, distribution and viewing of movies point to the need for research projects that examine multiples sites and formats simultaneously. This article outlines an ongoing project whose primary objective is to track the migration of movies across geographical spaces as well as screens. Our starting point—the pretext rather—is the ‘regional blockbuster’ that is the name we have given to big budget productions made by Chennai- and Hyderabad-based film industries. The regional blockbuster, being an all-India form that circulates in multiple language versions, offers opportunities for comparisons across regions in India and also between theatrical and other spaces of movie consumption. In the current phase, the focus of our project is the transformation of single screen cinema halls on the one hand and dubbing on the other. These, we suggest are among the necessary conditions for the emergence of the blockbuster. We present here the initial findings of fieldwork carried out by us simultaneously in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Delhi.