bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tale of two tails: The importance of unstructured termini in the aggregation pathway of β2‐microglobulin
Authors: Loureiro Rui J. S. , Vila‐Viçosa Diogo , Machuqueiro Miguel , Shakhnovich Eugene I. , Faísca Patricia F. N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe identification of intermediate states for folding and aggregation is important from a fundamental standpoint and for the design of novel therapeutic strategies targeted at conformational disorders. Protein human β2‐microglobulin (HB2m) is classically associated with dialysis‐related amyloidosis, but the single point mutant D76N was recently identified as the causative agent of a hereditary systemic amyloidosis affecting visceral organs. Here, we use D76N as a model system to explore the early stage of the aggregation mechanism of HB2m by means of an integrative approach framed on molecular simulations. Discrete molecular dynamics simulations of a structured‐based model predict the existence of two intermediate states populating the folding landscape. The intermediate I1 features an unstructured C‐terminus, while I2, which is exclusively populated by the mutant, exhibits two unstructured termini. Docking simulations indicate that I2 is the key species for aggregation at acidic and physiological pH contributing to rationalize the higher amyloidogenic potential of D76N relative to the wild‐type protein and the ΔN6 variant. The analysis carried out here recapitulates the importance of the DE‐loop in HB2m self‐association at a neutral pH and predicts a leading role of the C‐terminus and the adjacent G‐strand in the dimerization process under acidic conditions. The identification of aggregation hot‐spots is in line with experimental results that support the importance of Phe56, Asp59, Trp60, Phe62, Tyr63, and Tyr66 in HB2m amyloidogenesis. We further predict the involvement of new residues such as Lys94 and Trp95 in the aggregation process.
Antiproliferative Activity of Phenylpropanoids Isolated from Lagotis brevituba Maxim
Authors: Xiang Yuan , Jing Zhao , Haixia Wang , Ruitao Yu , Huaixiu Wen , Zenggen Liu , Lijuan Mei , Yiping Wang , Yanduo Tao 
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of phenylpropanoids isolated from the n‐BuOH‐soluble fraction of an ethanolic extract of Lagotis brevituba Maxim. The phenylpropanoids were identified as echinacoside, lagotioside, glucopyranosyl(1–6)martynoside, plantamoside, and verbascoside. Three of the compounds, lagotioside, glucopyranosyl(1–6)martynoside, and plantamoside, were isolated from L. brevituba for the first time. The antiproliferative activity of the isolates was evaluated in human gastric carcinoma (MGC‐803), human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116), human hepatocellar carcinoma (HepG2), and human lung cancer (HCT116) cells using an 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Plantamoside showed promising activity against MGC‐803 cells, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration value of 37.09 μM. The mechanism of the pro‐apoptosis effect of plantamoside was then evaluated in MGC‐803 cells. Changes in cell morphology, including disorganization of the architecture of actin microfilaments and formation of apoptotic bodies, together with cell cycle arrest in G2/M phases, were observed after treatment of plantamoside. The antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects were associated with a decrease in the ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, which was accompanied by the release of reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ into the cytoplasm. Taken together, the results indicated that plantamoside promotes apoptosis via a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal robust and tolerance design for computer experiments with mixture proportion inputs
Authors: Han Mei , Tan Matthias Hwai Yong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractComputer experiments often have inputs that are proportions/fractions of components in a mixture. In these mixture computer experiments, it can be of interest to perform robust and tolerance design on the mixture proportions since the proportions are subjected to noise variations. Traditionally, manufacturing of mixture products is controlled via interval tolerances for mixture amounts. In this paper, an optimal tolerance region for proportions, which gives optimal quality cost among all possible tolerance regions for mixture proportions with the same acceptance probability, is proposed for integrated parameter and tolerance design in mixture computer experiments. Real examples are given to demonstrate the improvements that can be achieved with the optimal tolerance region.
A modified response spectrum analysis procedure to determine nonlinear seismic demands of high‐rise buildings with shear walls
Authors: Najam Fawad Ahmed , Warnitchai Pennung 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe standard response spectrum analysis (RSA) procedure prescribed in various design codes is commonly used by practicing engineers to determine the seismic demands for structural design purpose. In this procedure, the elastic force demands of all significant vibration modes are first combined and then reduced by a response modification factor (R) to get the inelastic design demands. Recent studies, however, have shown that the response of higher vibration modes may experience much lower level of nonlinearity, and therefore, it may not be appropriate to reduce their demand contributions by the same factor. In this study, a modified RSA procedure based on equivalent linearization concept is presented. The underlying assumptions are that the nonlinear seismic demands can be approximately obtained by summing up the individual modal responses and that the responses of each vibration mode can be approximately represented by those of an equivalent linear SDF system. Using 3 high‐rise buildings with reinforced concrete shear walls (20‐, 33‐, and 44‐story high), the accuracy of this procedure is examined. The inelastic demands computed by the nonlinear response history analysis procedure are used as benchmark. The modified RSA procedure is found to provide reasonably accurate demand estimations for all case study buildings.
Supporting the Literacy Development of Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Dostal Hannah , Gabriel Rachael , Weir Joan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractStudents who are deaf or hard of hearing present unique opportunities and challenges for literacy instruction in mainstream classrooms. By addressing the specific needs of this diverse student community, teachers are given the chance to sharpen instruction and create learning opportunities for the entire class. The authors discuss two easy‐to‐follow principles that will increase literacy outcomes for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and all other learners by making content and thinking visible and optimizing access to the language and thoughts of all readers and writers. Practical tips and strategies are based on research and experience across a range of settings, including schools for the deaf with signing students, and mainstream classrooms with students who use listening and spoken language are included.
Safety and Feasibility of Umbilical Diverting Loop Ileostomy for Patients with Rectal Tumor
Authors: Miyo Masaaki , Takemasa Ichiro , Hata Taishi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundFashioning an ileostomy in the umbilicus and combining the trauma from extraction of colorectum with that from ileostomy should be less invasive and lead to improved cosmetic outcomes. However, there are only a few reports regarding umbilical ileostomy.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data for 121 consecutive patients with rectal tumor who underwent elective laparoscopic rectal resection with diverting loop ileostomy between 2010 and 2015 at Osaka University Hospital, Japan. The safety and feasibility of umbilical diverting loop ileostomy and its influence on stoma care were investigated.ResultsA total of 83 patients were included in this study; of these, 30 underwent umbilical diverting loop ileostomy and 53 underwent conventional diverting loop ileostomy, which was created in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The umbilical and conventional groups showed similar rates of postoperative and stoma‐related complications (26.7 vs. 32.1%, p = 0.804 and 3.3 vs. 3.8%, p = 1.000, respectively). Level of parastomal dermatitis was evaluated by DET score at three time points (stoma self‐management establishment, first outpatient review post‐discharge, and just before stoma closure). DET scores at any time points did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsUmbilical diverting loop ileostomy is comparable to conventional ileostomy with regard to safety and feasibility. Our methods for umbilical ileostomy using the umbilical skin flap were less invasive and did not have a negative impact on stoma care and parastomal dermatitis. Umbilical ileostomy may be a promising alternative to conventional ileostomy in selected cases.
Can We Train Military Surgeons in a Civilian Trauma Center?
Authors: Uchino H. , Kong V. Y. , Oosthuizen G. V. , Bruce J. L. , Bekker W. , Laing G. L. , Clarke D. L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to review the trauma workload and operative exposure in a major South African trauma center and provide a comparison with contemporary experience from major military conflict.Materials and methodsAll patients admitted to the PMTS following trauma were identified from the HEMR. Basic demographic data including mechanism of injury and body region injured were reviewed. All operative procedures were categorized. The total operative volume was compared with those available from contemporary literature documenting experience from military conflict in Afghanistan. Operative volume was converted to number of cases per year for comparison.ResultsDuring the 4‐year study period, 11,548 patients were admitted to our trauma center. Eighty‐four percent were male and the mean age was 29 years. There were 4974 cases of penetrating trauma, of which 3820 (77%) were stab wounds (SWs), 1006 (20%) gunshot wounds (GSWs) and the remaining 148 (3%) were animal injuries. There were 6574 cases of blunt trauma. The mechanism of injuries was as follows: assaults 2956, road traffic accidents 2674, falls 664, hangings 67, animal injuries 42, sports injury 29 and other injuries 142. A total of 4207 operations were performed. The volumes per year were equivalent to those reported from the military surgical literature.ConclusionSouth Africa has sufficient burden of trauma to train combat surgeons. Each index case as identified from the military surgery literature has a sufficient volume in our center. Based on our work load, a 6‐month rotation should be sufficient to provide exposure to almost all the major traumatic conditions likely to be encountered on the modern battlefield.
Risk Factors for Early Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction After Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Suwa Katsuhito , Ushigome Takuro , Ohtsu Masamichi , Narihiro Satoshi , Ryu Shunjin , Shimoyama Yuya , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors for small bowel obstruction (SBO) in early postoperative period after anterior resection for rectal cancer.MethodsPatients who underwent anterior resection (AR) [high AR (HAR) or low AR (LAR)] for rectal cancer between January 2009 and April 2016 were enrolled into the study after fulfilling selection criteria. In included patients, risk factors for early postoperative SBO (EPSBO) were analyzed by means of univariate and multivariate analysis. Cases with perioperative major complications other than intestinal obstruction and with simultaneous resection of other organs were excluded. The same analyses were also performed for cases of redo surgery due to EPSBO. EPSBO was defined as clinically and radiologically confirmed SBO that developed after resuming oral intake within 30 days following surgery. The logistic regression method was used for statistical analyses.ResultsIn enrolled 180 patients, EPSBO occurred in 23 (12.8%). In univariate analysis, male sex [odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, 95% CI = 0.82–6.84, p < 0.0001], previous abdominal surgery (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.03–0.73, p = 0.0117), low tumor (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.28–8.13, p = 0.0140), LAR (OR = 17.25, 95% CI = 3.49–312.55, p < 0.0001), D3 node dissection (OR = 13.61, 95% CI = 2.75–246.69, p = 0.0002), defunctioning ileostomy (DI) formation (OR = 9.88, 95% = 3.80–29.14, p < 0.0001), and prolonged operation time (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00–1.01, p = 0.0122) were significantly related to EPSBO. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that D3 node dissection (OR = 10.93, 95% CI = 1.94–208.23, p = 0.0038) and DI formation (OR = 5.82, 95% CI = 1.55–25.31, p = 0.0083) were independent risk factors for EPSBO. Four cases (17.4%) with EPSBO required re‐operation because conservative therapies failed; all were laparoscopic DI formation cases. In three of those four cases, stenosis of stoma at the level of the posterior sheath of rectus abdominis muscle was the reason of SBO, and in one case it was kinking of the stomal limb.ConclusionsD3 lymph node dissection and DI formation are independent risk factors for EPSBO in AR.
Intracorporeal Traction of the Rectum with a Beaded Plastic Urinary Drainage Bag Hanger: Comparison with Conventional Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lim Sang Woo , Kim Hyeong Rok , Kim Young Jin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with proper total mesorectal excision is a challenge for colorectal surgeons during trouble shooting. We used a beaded plastic urinary drainage bag hanger to encircle the rectum and clamp laparoscopic rectal transaction in this study.MethodsSixty‐three patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical rectal resection with curative intent between February 2015 and December 2015. Plastic beaded form urinary Foley catheter bag hanger was inserted intracorporeally via right lower 12‐mm trocar, encircling the rectal tube distal to the rectal lesion followed by fastening. Thirty patients in the rectal resection group (28 laparoscopic, 2 robotic‐assisted) using the commercial beaded plastic hanger for Foley catheter drainage were compared to 33 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic rectal resection.ResultsLow anterior resection was performed for both groups. The Foley bag hanger group had less operation time (162.6 min vs. 187.3 min, p = 0.006) and fewer numbers of stapler cartilage (1.6 vs. 2.1, p = 0.001).ConclusionsIntracorporeal ligation of the rectum with a beaded plastic Foley catheter bag hanger could be used as a valuable method for rectal handling and transaction in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.
Therapeutic Effects of Topical Tranexamic Acid in Comparison with Hydroquinone in Treatment of Women with Melasma
Authors: Atefi Najmolsadat , Dalvand Behzad , Ghassemi Mahammadreza , Mehran Golnaz , Heydarian Amir 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Introduction
Few studies have focused on therapeutic as well as side effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) as a topical drug compared to other topical drugs in treating melasma. The present study aimed to assess and compare the beneficial therapeutic effects and also side effects of local TXA in comparison with hydroquinone in treating women with melasma.

Methods
This randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 60 women who suffered from melasma and were referred to the skin disorders clinic at the Rasoul-e-Akram hospital in Tehran in 2015. The patients were then randomly assigned via computerized randomization to two groups: group A received TXA%5 (topically twice a day for 12 weeks in the location of the melasma) and group B (received hydroquinone 2% with the same treatment order). Prior to intervention and at 12 weeks after intervention, the intensity and extension of melasma were assessed based on the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scoring method.

Results
The mean MASI score in both treatment groups decreased considerably after completion of treatment and was not significant between the two groups. No side effects were detected in group A, but 10% of those in group B complained of drug-related side effects including erythema and skin irritation (p = 0.131). Regarding the level of patient satisfaction, the patients in group A had a significantly higher level of satisfaction level of 33.3% compared with 6.7% in group B (p = 0.015) (Fig. 9). Multivariate linear regression modeling with the presence of age, history of systemic disorder, drug history, and family history of melasma demonstrated no difference in the mean MASI between the two groups.

Conclusion
Topical use of TXA significantly reduced both melanin level and MASI score. Given its high efficiency and low drug side effects, this regimen results in high patient satisfaction compared with topical hydroquinone. IRCT code: IRCT2016040627220N2.
Prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain: Experience of Niger
Authors: Assadeck Hamid , Daouda Moussa Toudou , Djibo Fatimata Hassane , Maiga Djibo Douma , Omar Eric Adehossi 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic pain is a major health problem, considered as a disease in its own right. The prevalence of chronic pain is estimated to be between 2% and 40% in adult populations. In Niger, there are no data on chronic pain.

Aims
This study was designed to provide the demographic, clinical and etiological profile of chronic pain in patients from Niger in order to create a database on chronic pain in Niger.

Patients and methods
Our study is prospectively conducted at the department of external consultation of the Hôpital National de Niamey over a period of 10 months from 31 May 2016 to 30 January 2017 collecting all cases of chronic pain. The demographic, clinical and etiological characteristics of all patients were collected and analyzed.

Results
During the period of the study, 1927 patients consulted at the department of external consultation of the Hôpital National de Niamey, among which 411 patients had chronic pain (21.33% [95% CI: 19.53% and 23.13%]). The average age was 48.28 years (±12.84) with 51.6% of patients aged over 50 years. The male sex was predominant (61.8%). The most common sites of chronic pain were legs (25.5%), back (14.4%), neck (13.6%), knees (13.4%) and feet (13.1%). Osteoarthritis was the most common cause of chronic pain (35.5%), followed by herniated disc (22.2%), spondylodiscitis (14.6%) and migraine (4.1%). Significantly patients aged 50-59 years suffered from neck and legs pain (p value < 0.001). Significantly chronic headaches and rheumatoid arthritis were more common in women while osteoarthritis, herniated disc and spondylodiscite were more common in men (p value = 0.001). Significantly osteoarthritis and herniated disc were more common in patients older than 40 years (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion
Our study provides demographic, clinical and etiological data of chronic pain in patients from Niger, and shows that chronic pain is a common reason for consultation in Niger concerning 1 in 5 patients with a high prevalence among men and patients aged over 40 years.
Teaching diagnostic reasoning: using simulation and mixed practice to build competence
Authors: Murray Heather , Savage Tyson , Rang Louise , Messenger David 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThe acquisition of competence in diagnostic reasoning is essential for medical trainees. Exposure to a variety of patient presentations helps develop the skills of diagnostic reasoning, but reliance on ad hoc clinical encounters is inefficient and does not guarantee timely exposure for all trainees. We present a novel teaching series led by emergency physicians that builds upon the existing medical education literature to teach diagnostic reasoning to preclinical (2nd year) medical students. The series used emergency department simulations involving patient actors and simulated vital signs to provide students with exposure to three acute care presentations: chest pain, abdominal pain, and headache. Emergency physicians coached and provided immediate feedback to the students as they actively worked through diagnostic reasoning. The participating medical students reported benefit from these sessions immediately following the sessions and in an 18-month follow-up survey where the students could consider the impact of the sessions on their clinical clerkship. Students felt that the sessions had assisted them in recognizing the key features of relevant diagnoses during clerkship as well as providing a helpful adjunct to their in-class learning.
Rank monotonicity in centrality measures
Authors: BOLDI PAOLO , LUONGO ALESSANDRO , VIGNA SEBASTIANO 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA measure of centrality isrank monotoneif after adding an arcx→y, all nodes with a score smaller than (or equal to)yhave still a score smaller than (or equal to)y. If, in particular, all nodes with a score smaller than or equal toyget a score smaller thany(i.e., all ties withyare broken in favor ofy), the measure is calledstrictly rank monotone. We prove that harmonic centrality is strictly rank monotone, whereas closeness is just rank monotone on strongly connected graphs, and that some other measures, including betweenness, are not rank monotone at all (sometimes not even on strongly connected graphs). Among spectral measures,dampedscores such as Katz's index and PageRank are strictly rank monotone on all graphs, whereas the dominant eigenvector is strictly monotone on strongly connected graphs only.
Holocene environmental change inferred from multiple proxies in the mouth of Gomso Bay on the west coast of South Korea
Authors: Song Bing , Yi Sangheon , Chang Tae-Soo , Kim Jin-Cheul , Mao Limi , Nahm Wook-Hyun , Jia Hongjuan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA sediment core (14DH-C01) obtained from the mouth of Gomso Bay, on the west coast of South Korea, was used to obtain high-resolution palynomorph, grain-size, and14C age data to investigate the Holocene sedimentary environment. The results indicated a transgressive depositional process with four stages controlled by sea-level change, as follows: river-dominated fluvial deposition from the early Holocene to 8.48 cal ka BP; tide-dominated tidal channel fill transgression from 8.48 to 8.08 cal ka BP; tide- to wave-dominated tidal channel fill transgression from 8.08 to 6.98 cal ka BP; and wave-dominated marine transgression from 6.98 cal ka BP to the present. Tidal channel filling was the primary mid-Holocene depositional process, accounting for the high sedimentation rate observed. The different hydrodynamics of the river-dominated, tide-dominated, tide- to wave-dominated, and wave-dominated processes following the changes in sea level may have controlled the transgressive depositional process. This transgressive sedimentary model differs from those of other large river mouth areas (e.g., the Changjiang River) since the mid-Holocene, perhaps resulting from the limited sediment supply in the study area.
The People's Rôle in Allocating Provincial Commands in the Middle Roman Republic
Authors: Day Simon 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTMommsen — followed more recently by Brennan and Ferrary — proposed that laws were passed in around 228 and in 198 that constitutionally ‘fixed’ Sicily and Sardinia, and later Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior, as praetorianprouinciae. This paper challenges that theory. It first examines the ancient evidence, comprising two ambiguous passages from Livy'sAb Vrbe Condita. It then offers a counter-hypothesis that elucidates the people's rôle in forestalling and/or resolving political disputes over the allocation of provincial commands. It will show that this rôle was crucial for mitigating the harmful effects of élite competition and, in turn, maintaining political stability in Rome.