bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of galectin-3 ameliorates the consequences of cardiac lipotoxicity in a rat model of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Marín-Royo Gema , Gallardo Isabel , Martínez-Martínez Ernesto , Gutiérrez Beatriz , Jurado-López Raquel , López-Andrés Natalia , Gutiérrez-Tenorio Josué , Rial Eduardo , Bartolomé Marı́a Visitación , Nieto María Luisa , Cachofeiro Victoria 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
Obesity is accompanied by metabolic alterations characterized by insulin resistance and cardiac lipotoxicity. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) induces cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in the context of obesity; however, its role in the metabolic consequences of obesity is not totally established. We have investigated the potential role of Gal-3 in the cardiac metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. In addition, we have explored whether this participation is, at least partially, acting on mitochondrial damage. Gal-3 inhibition in rats that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks with modified citrus pectin (MCP; 100 mg/kg/day) attenuated the increase in cardiac levels of total triglyceride (TG). MCP treatment also prevented the increase in cardiac protein levels of carnitine palmitoyl transferase IA, mitofusin 1, and mitochondrial complexes I and II, reactive oxygen species accumulation and decrease in those of complex V but did not affect the reduction in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake observed in HFD rats. The exposure of cardiac myoblasts (H9c2) to palmitic acid increased the rate of respiration, mainly due to an increase in the proton leak, glycolysis, oxidative stress, β-oxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of Gal-3 activity was unable to affect these changes. Our findings indicate that Gal-3 inhibition attenuates some of the consequences of cardiac lipotoxicity induced by a HFD since it reduced TG and lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) levels. These reductions were accompanied by amelioration of the mitochondrial damage observed in HFD rats, although no improvement was observed regarding insulin resistance. These findings increase the interest for Gal-3 as a potential new target for therapeutic intervention to prevent obesity-associated cardiac lipotoxicity and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction.
DNA sequence features in the establishing of H3K27ac
Authors: Zubritskiy Anatoliy , Medvedeva Yulia A. 
Published: February 2018

The presence of H3K27me3 has been demonstrated to correlate with the CpG content. In this work, we tested whether H3K27ac has similar sequence preferences. We performed a translocation of DNA sequences with various properties into a beta globin locus to control for the local chromatin environment. We demonstrate that H3K27ac is not linked to CpG content of the sequence, while extremely high GC-content may contribute to the establishment of this mark.
Studi Awal Sintesis dan Karakterisasi Bi(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O dengan Penambahan Carbon Nanotube dan TiO2 Menggunakan Metoda Reaksi Padatan dan Proses Sintering Berulang [Preliminary Study Synthesis and Characterization of Bi(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O By Addition of Carbon Nanotube and TiO2 Using Solid Reaction Method and Recurrent Sintering Process]
Authors: Syahfina Rizki , Siswayanti Bintoro , Yudanto Sigit Dwi , Imaduddin Agung , Suhada Nurul , Amri Fauzan , Harahap Mukti Hamjah 
Published: February 2018

Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ with the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 have been synthesized using solid state reaction method with the repeated sintering process. 0.1 wt % of CNT and 5 wt% of TiO2 have been added to analyze the effect on the synthesizing of 2223 phases. The samples were analyzed using XRD (X-ray diffractometer) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Based on the XRD results, 2223 and 2212 were formed. The addition of CNTs and TiO2 reduced the intensity of 2223 phases. This is due to the addition of CNTs and TiO2 as an impurity and prevent the formation of the phases. Also, the repeated sintering process led to the increase of 2223 phase, and the decrease of 2212 phase. However, the repeated sintering process in the B-CNT and B-TiO samples eliminates the impurities phase thus increasing the volume fraction 2223 and decreasing the volume fraction 2212. Based on morphological structure through SEM observation, the addition of CNT in the Bi(Pb)-2223 samples formed longer plates with large porosity spaces while the addition of TiO2 formed clumps on the Bi(Pb)-2223 morphological structure. However, the repeated sintering process improves the morphological structure of B-CNT and B-TiO becomes increasingly denser and the smaller porosity space.AbstrakTelah dilakukan sintesis Bi1,6Pb0,4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ dengan penambahan CNT (carbon nanotube) dan penambahan TiO2 menggunakan metode reaksi padatan dengan proses sintering berulang. Penambahan CNT sebesar 0,1 %berat dan TiO2 sebesar 5 %berat dan sintering berulang dilakukan untuk mempelajari pengaruhnya terhadap pembentukan fasa 2223 beserta pengotornya, dan mempelajari perubahan morfologi Bi1,6Pb0,4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ. Bi1,6Pb0,4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ yang dibuat dianalisis dengan XRD (x-ray diffractometer) dan SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Berdasarkan hasil XRD, penambahan 0,1 %berat CNT dan TiO2 sebesar 5 %berat pada superkonduktor Bi(Pb)-2223 diketahui menghasilkan fasa 2223, fasa 2212, dan juga fasa pengotor. Namun proses sintering berulang mampu mengurangi fasa impuritas, meningkatkan fraksi volume 2223, serta menurunkan fraksi volume 2212. Berdasarkan pengamatan struktur morfologi melalui SEM, penambahan CNT pada superkonduktor Bi(Pb)-2223 membentuk serpihan memanjang dengan ruang porositas yang besar sedangkan penambahan TiO2 membentuk gumpalan pada struktur morfologi Bi(Pb)-2223. Proses sintering berulang mampu memperbaiki struktur morfologi B-CNT dan B-TiO menjadi semakin rapat dan ruang porositas yang semakin kecil.
Automatically Assess Day Similarity Using Visual Lifelogs
Authors: Asnaoui Khalid El , Radeva Petia 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Today, we witness the appearance of many lifelogging cameras that are able to capture the life of a person wearing the camera and which produce a large number of images everyday. Automatically characterizing the experience and extracting patterns of behavior of individuals from this huge collection of unlabeled and unstructured egocentric data present major challenges and require novel and efficient algorithmic solutions. The main goal of this work is to propose a new method to automatically assess day similarity from the lifelogging images of a person. We propose a technique to measure the similarity between images based on the Swain’s distance and generalize it to detect the similarity between daily visual data. To this purpose, we apply the dynamic time warping (DTW) combined with the Swain’s distance for final day similarity estimation. For validation, we apply our technique on the Egocentric Dataset of University of Barcelona (EDUB) of 4912 daily images acquired by four persons with preliminary encouraging results.

Methods
The search strategy was designed for high sensitivity over precision, to ensure that no relevant studies were lost. We performed a systematic review of the literature using academic databases (ACM, Scopus, etc.) focusing on themes of day similarity, automatically assess day similarity, assess day similarity on EDUB, and assess day similarity using visual lifelogs. The study included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies published between 2006 and 2017.
GENERIC Integrators: Structure Preserving Time Integration for Thermodynamic Systems
Authors: Öttinger Hans Christian 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Thermodynamically admissible evolution equations for non-equilibrium systems are known to possess a distinct mathematical structure. Within the GENERIC (general equation for the non-equilibrium reversible–irreversible coupling) framework of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, which is based on continuous time evolution, we investigate the possibility of preserving all the structural elements in time-discretized equations. Our approach, which follows Moser’s [1] construction of symplectic integrators for Hamiltonian systems, is illustrated for the damped harmonic oscillator. Alternative approaches are sketched.
Numerical analysis and experimental verification of broadband tristable energy harvesters
Authors: Zhou Shengxi , Cao Junyi , Litak Grzegorz , Lin Jing 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This paper analyzes the dynamic characteristics of broadband tristable energy harvesters to reveal their response mechanism via a bifurcation diagram, the corresponding frequency spectral analysis and the phase portrait topology. The bifurcation diagram of response voltages shows that tristable energy harvesters orderly undergoes singly periodic intrawell oscillation, singly periodic interwell oscillation, triply periodic interwell oscillation, singly periodic interwell oscillation, double-periodic interwell oscillation, chaotic oscillation, singly periodic interwell oscillation, multi-period oscillation, and finally enters into chaotic oscillation range, as the increase of the excitation amplitude. The frequency spectral analysis demonstrates that sub-harmonics and super-harmonics numerically and experimentally exist in the response voltages of tristable energy harvesters. In addition, it is found that both the first harmonic and the third harmonic are main frequency components in the response voltages.
Specific Adaptations in Performance and Muscle Architecture After Weighted Jump-Squat vs. Body Mass Squat Jump Training in Recreational Soccer Players
Authors: Coratella Giuseppe , Beato Marco , Milanese Chiara , Longo Stefano , Limonta Eloisa , Rampichini Susanna , Cè Emiliano , Bisconti Angela V. , Schena Federico , Esposito Fabio 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Coratella, G, Beato, M, Milanese, C, Longo, S, Limonta, E, Rampichini, S, Cè, E, Bisconti, AV, Schena, F, and Esposito, F. Specific adaptations in performance and muscle architecture after weighted jump-squat vs. body mass squat jump training in recreational soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 921–929, 2018—The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of weighted jump-squat training (WJST) vs. body mass squat jump training (BMSJT) on quadriceps' muscle architecture, lower-limb lean-mass (LM) and muscle strength, performance in change of direction (COD), and sprint and jump in recreational soccer players. Forty-eight healthy soccer players participated in an offseason randomized controlled trial. Before and after an 8-week training intervention, vastus lateralis pennation angle, fascicle length, muscle thickness, LM, squat 1RM, quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic peak torque, agility T-test, 10-and 30-m sprints, and squat-jump (SJ) were measured. Although similar increases were observed in muscle thickness, fascicle length increased more in WJST (Effect size [ES] = 1.18, 0.82–1.54) than in BMSJT (ES = 0.54, 0.40–0.68), and pennation angle increased only in BMSJT (ES = 1.03, 0.78–1.29). Greater increases in LM were observed in WJST (ES = 0.44, 0.29–0.59) than in BMSJT (ES = 0.21, 0.07–0.37). The agility T-test (ES = 2.95, 2.72–3.18), 10-m (ES = 0.52, 0.22–0.82), and 30-m sprints (ES = 0.52, 0.23–0.81) improved only in WJST, whereas SJ improved in BMSJT (ES = 0.89, 0.43–1.35) more than in WJST (ES = 0.30, 0.03–0.58). Similar increases in squat 1RM and peak torque occurred in both groups. The greater inertia accumulated within the landing phase in WJST vs. BMSJT has increased the eccentric workload, leading to specific eccentric-like adaptations in muscle architecture. The selective improvements in COD in WJST may be related to the increased braking ability generated by the enhanced eccentric workload.
Impact of image quality on reliability of the measurements of left ventricular systolic function and global longitudinal strain in 2D echocardiography
Authors: Nagata Yasufumi , Yuichiro Kado , Takeshi Onoue , Kyoko Otani , Akemi Nakazono , Yutaka Otsuji , Masaaki Takeuchi 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) play important roles in diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. However, the issue of the accuracy and reliability of LVEF and GLS remains to be solved. Image quality is one of the most important factors affecting measurement variability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether improved image quality could reduce observer variability.

Methods: Two sets of three apical images were acquired using relatively old- and new-generation ultrasound imaging systems (Vivid 7 and Vivid E95) in 308 subjects. Image quality was assessed by endocardial border delineation index (EBDI) using a 3-point scoring system. Three observers measured the LVEF and GLS, and these values and inter-observer variability were investigated.

Results: Image quality was significantly better with Vivid E95 (EBDI: 26.8 ± 5.9) than that with Vivid 7 (22.8 ± 6.3, P < 0.0001). Regarding the inter-observer variability of LVEF, the r-value, bias, 95% limit of agreement and intra-class correlation coefficient for Vivid 7 were comparable to those for Vivid E95. The % variabilities were significantly lower for Vivid E95 (5.3–6.5%) than those for Vivid 7 (6.5–7.5%). Regarding GLS, all observer variability parameters were better for Vivid E95 than for Vivid 7. Improvements in image quality yielded benefits to both LVEF and GLS measurement reliability. Multivariate analysis showed that image quality was indeed an important factor of observer variability in the measurement of LVEF and GLS.

Conclusions: The new-generation ultrasound imaging system offers improved image quality and reduces inter-observer variability in the measurement of LVEF and GLS.
Selection on Expected Maximum Haploid Breeding Values Can Increase Genetic Gain in Recurrent Genomic Selection
Authors: Müller Dominik , Schopp Pascal , Melchinger Albrecht E 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Genomic selection (GS) offers the possibility to estimate the effects of genome-wide molecular markers, which can be used to calculate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for individuals without phenotypes. GEBVs can serve as a selection criterion in recurrent GS, maximizing single-cycle but not necessarily long-term genetic gain. As simple genome-wide sums, GEBVs do not take into account other genomic information, such as the map positions of loci and linkage phases of alleles. Therefore, we herein propose a novel selection criterion called expected maximum haploid breeding value (EMBV). EMBV predicts the expected performance of the best among a limited number of gametes that a candidate contributes to the next generation, if selected. We used simulations to examine the performance of EMBV in comparison with GEBV as well as the recently proposed criterion optimal haploid value (OHV) and weighted GS. We considered different population sizes, numbers of selected candidates, chromosome numbers and levels of dominant gene action. Criterion EMBV outperformed GEBV after about 5 selection cycles, achieved higher long-term genetic gain and maintained higher diversity in the population. The other selection criteria showed the potential to surpass both GEBV and EMBV in advanced cycles of the breeding program, but yielded substantially lower genetic gain in early to intermediate cycles, which makes them unattractive for practical breeding. Moreover, they were largely inferior in scenarios with dominant gene action. Overall, EMBV shows high potential to be a promising alternative selection criterion to GEBV for recurrent genomic selection.
Problematic smartphone use, nature connectedness, and anxiety
Authors: Richardson Miles , Hussain Zaheer , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: February 2018

Background
Smartphone use has increased greatly at a time when concerns about society’s disconnection from nature have also markedly increased. Recent research has also indicated that smartphone use can be problematic for a small minority of individuals.

Methods
In this study, associations between problematic smartphone use (PSU), nature connectedness, and anxiety were investigated using a cross-sectional design (n = 244).

Results
Associations between PSU and both nature connectedness and anxiety were confirmed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify threshold values on the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale (PSUS) at which strong associations with anxiety and nature connectedness occur. The area under the curve was calculated and positive likelihood ratios used as a diagnostic parameter to identify optimal cut-off for PSU. These provided good diagnostic ability for nature connectedness, but poor and non-significant results for anxiety. ROC analysis showed the optimal PSUS threshold for high nature connectedness to be 15.5 (sensitivity: 58.3%; specificity: 78.6%) in response to an LR+ of 2.88.

Conclusions
The results demonstrate the potential utility for the PSUS as a diagnostic tool, with a level of smartphone use that users may perceive as non-problematic being a significant cut-off in terms of achieving beneficial levels of nature connectedness. Implications of these findings are discussed.
ANORECTAL MALFORMATIONS: A REVIEW OF 10-YEAR EXPERIENCE IN SULAIMANI (KURDISTAN REGION/IRAQ) PEDIATRIC SURGICAL CENTER
Authors: Ameen Nian , Ali Ameer 
Published: February 2018

Background
Anorectal Malformation (ARM) is a well recognized condition that involves congenital anomalies of the anus and rectum. It may present as a single or as a combination of abnormalities.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to describe some epidemiologic data on anorectal malformation, estimating it’s prevalence in Sulaimani province, and characterizing the cases with regards to age at presentation, gender, pathological classification, associated anomalies, postoperative complication, and mortality rate.
Materials and Methods
This descriptive epidemiological study extended from Mach 2006 to March 2016, including all of patients presented with ARM in pediatric surgical unit at Sulaimani Teaching Hospital.
Results
The total cases were 194 patients (122 male and 72 females). 92% presented on the first week of life. 44.2% had associated anomalies. The prevalence rate is 6.4 cases per 10 000 live birth. Stomal complications are the most common post operative complication. The mortality rate is 8.24%. The relation between mortality and associated anomalies was statistically analyzed.
Conclusion
The associated malformations rate and types are almost the same as in the literatures; however the prevalence rate was higher. This confirms the presence of geographic variation in ARM incidence, but could not confirm that the chemical attack or environmental impact of wars in this region had effects on increasing the rate of ARM due to lack of previous studies.
TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES OF PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY: SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Mahmood Sarwar 
Published: February 2018

Background
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become a well established procedure for the management of renal calculi, and there success relies on appropriate preoperative planning and optimal percutaneous access.
Objectives
To evaluate the technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, at our center since 2009, and assess the results and outcomes. We compare our initial and late experience.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy at our center since 2009. We divided the patients into two groups depending on the changes and developments in instrumentation and strategies. To improve the results, we incorporated newer ancillary procedures such as flexible nephroscopy and minipercs for clearance. The first group comprised of (125) cases, from April 2009 to April 2010; and the second group comprised of (142) cases, from June 2015 to January 2016.
Results
Demographic data and stone characteristics such as stone burden, the number of stones, and stone laterality were not different between the two groups. The mean operative time, decrease in hemoglobin level, blood transfusion rate, and hospital stay continued to decline and the stone-free rate increased as our experience improved. Bleeding requiring a transfusion during the operation time that occurred in group one and two was 10(8%), 2 (1.40%) patients respectively, (p = 0.0067). The mean (range) hospital stay for group one and two were 1.48 (1-8) days, and 1.15 (1-4) days respectively, (p = 0.0087). Stone clearances rate in group one and two were 88.0%, and 95.08%, respectively (p= 0.001).
Conclusion
The success of PCNL in patients with renal calculi is highly dependent on the optimal access into the targeted kidney. Higher success rate and decrease morbidity can be markedly improved with increasing experience, decrease the size of the access tract, preoperative access plan, and liberal use of flexible nephroscopy.
Bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers in laboratory in men with marfanoid habitus
Authors: Timofeev Evgeny V. , Belousova Tatiana I. , Vutrih Elena V. , Zemtsovsky Eduard V. , Olkhovik Andrey Yu. 
Published: February 2018

The aim of the research was the study of bone mineral density (BMD) and activity laboratory markers of bone metabolism in juniors with power shortages and marfanoid habitus (MH).
Materials and methods: Twenty 119 males are underweight aged 18 to 25 years old (average age of 20.4 ± 1.5 years). All surveyed was conducted anthropometric, phenotypical, Echocardiography study to identify the mitral valve prolapse (MVP), laboratory examination of the bone forming token (Osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase), and the dissolution of bone tissue (β-CrossLaps), Dual-energy X-ray densitometry (L1-L4).
Results: Revealed a significant reduction in BMD females with MH as compared to control (Z-criterion –1.23 ± 0.73 and 0.34 ± 0.80, STD, respectively, p < 0.00001). BMD significant decrease (–1.5 STD) found a third of individuals with MH and not seen in the control group, p = 0.01. When assessing young BMD depending on the severity of MVP statistically reliable differences had been received. At the same time that boys with MVP in conjunction with signs MH is characterized by the lowest BMD values. In the analysis of laboratory parameters revealed a significant increase in Osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase in the Group of persons with MH, indicating bone forming activity in these patients. At the same time, for people with MH is characterized by increasing the level of β-CrossLaps (marker of the dissolution of bone tissue). With the increased activity of the dissolution of bone tissue associated bone such signs as dolyhostenomelia, deformations of thorax and arachnodaktylia.
Conclusion: bone signs dysembriogenesis involved in the diagnostic algorithm MH, contributes to the abnormal formation of bone tissue in these patients. For them is characterized by activation synthesis and dissolution of bone tissue, reducing BMD.