bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenetic approach to losartan in Marfan patients: a starting point to improve dosing regimen?
Authors: Falvella Felicia Stefania , Marelli Susan , Cheli Stefania , Montanelli Stefano , Viecca Federico , Salvi Lucia , Ferrara Alfio , Clementi Emilio , Trifirò Giuliana , Pini Alessandro 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background:
Losartan is under evaluation for managing Marfan patients with aortic root dilatation. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes convert losartan to E3174 active metabolite. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3 defective alleles, according to losartan tolerance in paediatric Marfan patients.

Methods:
We genotyped 53 paediatric Marfan patients treated with losartan. The rate of aortic root dilatation was evaluated using the delta z-score variation. Differences in tolerated losartan daily doses with respect to CYP metabolic classes were assessed through the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results:
The losartan daily dose spans from 0.16 to 2.50 mg/kg (median 1.10 mg/kg). As we expect from the pharmacokinetics pathway, we observe highest tolerated dose in CYP2C9 poor metabolisers (median 1.50 mg/kg, interquartile range 1.08–1.67 mg/kg); however, this difference is not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
The optimal dose of angiotensin receptor blocker is not known, and no data are available about losartan pharmacogenetic profile in Marfan syndrome; we have proposed a strategy to tackle this issue based on evaluating the major genetic polymorphisms involved in the losartan conversion into active carboxylic acid metabolite. Further studies are needed to support the use of genetic polymorphisms as predictors of the right dose of losartan.
Synthesis of thermally and mechanically improved polyurethane-urea elastomers by using novel diamines as chain extenders
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Bahadur Ali 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article reports the synthesis of novel diamines as chain extenders for the improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU). Three novel diamine, 1,2-di(p-aminophenoxy)ethane (BAE), 1,2-di(p-aminophenoxy)propane (BAP) and 2,2-bis(p-(p-aminophenoxy)phenyl)propane (BAPP) were synthesized as chain extenders. Formation of diamines and their reaction with PU prepolymer was analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. The conversion of the free isocyanate group (NCO) into a urethane-urea group was confirmed through the disappearance of the isocyanate peak at 2244 cm-1. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals the thermal stabilization effect of urethane-urea hard segments of the polyurethane system. From the SAXS investigations, the hard segment inter-domain spacing (d) was calculated, which was 24 nm for the reference sample, and 25, 26, and 28.5 nm for the synthesized PU systems. Mechanical test shows an increase in the Young’s modulus and yield strength with BAE and BAP diamines, while BAPP diamine based systems reveal lower modulus values as compared to the reference sample.
Optimizing the mechanical properties of a bi-layered knitted/nanofibrous esophageal prosthesis using artificial intelligence
Authors: Yekrang Javad , Semnani Dariush , Karbasi Saeed 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe esophagus is a tubular multi-layer organ that carries the food bolus and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal prostheses and scaffolds should have the appropriate mechanical and strain properties in the longitudinal and circumferential directions. A novel bi-layered esophageal prosthesis was produced using knitted tubular silk fabric and a coating of polyurethane (PU) nanofibers. The optimization process was performed in two steps. First, 12 different tubular structures of knitted silk fabrics were produced and mechanical properties were measured in both directions. The mechanical properties were optimized using an artificial neural network (ANN) and a genetic algorithm (GA) and the optimum knitted structure was produced as a substrate for coating with PU nanofibers. In second step, 20 different samples were produced by electrospinning the PU nanofibers at different process conditions (collector speed, feeding rate) on the optimized structure of the knitted fabric. Finally, the elastic properties of the bi-layered tubular structures were measured and optimized by the ANN and GA methods. Results presented show that the optimized structure of the esophageal prosthesis had proper mechanical properties similar to the esophagus. Such a structure can be used as a substitute in esophageal disorders.
An Optimized K-Harmonic Means Algorithm Combined with Modified Particle Swarm Optimization and Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Bouyer Asgarali 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Among the data clustering algorithms, k-means (KM) algorithm is one of the most popular clustering techniques due to its simplicity and efficiency. However, k-means is sensitive to initial centers and it has the local optima problem. K-harmonic-means (KHM) clustering algorithm solves the initialization problem of k-means algorithm, but it also has local optima problem. In this paper, we develop a new algorithm for solving this problem based on an improved version of particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm and KHM clustering. In the proposed algorithm, IPSO is equipped with Cuckoo Search algorithm and two new concepts used in PSO in order to improve the efficiency, fast convergence and escape from local optima. IPSO updates positions of particles based on a combination of global worst, global best with personal worst and personal best to dynamically be used in each iteration of the IPSO. The experimental result on five real-world datasets and two artificial datasets confirms that this improved version is superior to k-harmonic means and regular PSO algorithm. The results of the simulation show that the new algorithm is able to create promising solutions with fast convergence, high accuracy and correctness while markedly improving the processing time.
Intra-seasonal Variability of Ball Speed and Coordination of Two Team-Handball Throwing Techniques in Elite Male Adolescent Players.
Authors: Serrien B. , Clijsen R. , Anders S. , Goossens M. , Baeyens J-P. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
In sports biomechanics and motor control, a thorough study of coordination variability is important to understanding how the human movement system is organized. From a more applied sport science perspective, knowledge about performance variability is essential regarding the evaluation of true sport specific effects of any intervention. While there are many reports of intervention studies in team-handball, no description of the amount of normal variability is available. This study investigated variability of two important throwing techniques in team-handball within elite junior players over a 4-month period during a competitive season. To evaluate ball speed variability, the intra-individual coefficient of variation was calculated. The 95th percentile of ball speed variability over all players was 7%, which can be used as an effect size estimate in future research. For coordination variability, a qualitative description based on the output of neural networks was used. All participants presented multiple coordination patterns, representing multi-stability on a month-to-month timescale and switched between stable states without the manipulation of any control variable. Some limitations in the methodology and applications of neural networks in the present study and in biomechanics and motor control in general are highlighted. When more researchers adopt these methodologies, a more coherent framework for their application can emerge.
Predictive models of the 2015 Rugby World Cup: accuracy and application
Authors: O’Donoghue P. , Ball D. , Eustace J. , McFarlan B. , Nisotaki M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The current investigation compared 12 models of outcomes of international rugby union matches and then used the most accurate model to investigate performances within the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The underlying linear regression models were used within a simulation package that introduced random variability about performance evidenced by the residual distribution of the regression analyses. Each model was used within 10,000 simulations of the 2015 Rugby World Cup from which match outcome and team progression statistics were recorded. The most accurate model with respect to the actual 2015 tournament was developed using data from all seven previous tournaments rather than restricting cases to the most recent three tournaments. The model was more accurate when the data used violated the assumptions of linear regression rather than transforming variables to satisfy the assumptions. The model included World ranking points as a predictor variable and was more accurate than corresponding models that represented relative home advantage as well. The most accurate model used separate models for the pool and knockout stage matches although the 9 models that separating these match types were less accurate on average than when the two match types were considered together. This model was used to investigate properties of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The tournament disadvantaged three teams in the World’s top 5 who were drawn in the same pool. Teams ranked in the World’s top 7 did not perform as well as predicted while teams ranked 16th and below performed better than predicted suggesting that the strength in depth in international rugby union is increasing. There was a small effect of having additional recovery days from the previous match compared to the opponents which was worth 4.1 points. The information produced by this research should be considered by those design tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup.
Computer Science in Sport – Research and Practice: A book review
Authors: Stuart Morgan 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Sports informatics and computer science in sport are perhaps the most exciting and fast-moving disciplines across all of sports science. The tremendous parallel growth in digital technology, non-invasive sensor devices, computer vision and machine learning have empowered sports analytics in ways perhaps never seen before. This growth provides great challenges for new entrants and seasoned veterans of sports analytics alike. Keeping pace with new technological innovations requires a thorough and systematic understanding of many diverse topics from computer programming, to database design, machine learning algorithms and sensor technology. Nevertheless, as quickly as the state of the art technology changes, the foundation skills and knowledge about computer science in sport are lasting. Furthermore, resources for students and practitioners across this range of areas are scarce, and the new-release textbook Computer Science in Sport: Research and Practice edited by Professor Arnold Baca, provides much of the foundation knowledge required for working in sports informatics. This is certainly a comprehensive text that will be a valuable resource for many readers.
Changes in physical properties of sandy soil after long-term compost treatment
Authors: Aranyos József Tibor , Tomócsik Attila , Makádi Marianna , Mészáros József , Blaskó Lajos 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Studying the long-term effect of composted sewage sludge application on chemical, physical and biological properties of soil, an experiment was established in 2003 at the Research Institute of Nyíregyháza in Hungary. The applied compost was prepared from sewage sludge (40%), straw (25%), bentonite (5%) and rhyolite (30%). The compost was ploughed into the 0-25 cm soil layer every 3rd year in the following amounts: 0, 9, 18 and 27 Mg ha−1 of dry matter. As expected, the compost application improved the structure of sandy soil, which is related with an increase in the organic matter content of soil. The infiltration into soil was improved significantly, reducing the water erosion under simulated high intensity rainfall. The soil compaction level was reduced in the first year after compost re-treatment. In accordance with the decrease in bulk density, the air permeability of soil increased tendentially. However, in the second year the positive effects of compost application were observed only in the plots treated with the highest compost dose because of quick degradation of the organic matter. According to the results, the sewage sludge compost seems to be an effective soil improving material for acidic sandy soils, but the beneficial effect of application lasts only for two years.
Correlative study of peripheral ATP1A1 gene expression level to anxiety severity score on major depressive disorder patients
Authors: Zhao Jingjie , Guo Xu , Du Yi , Han Yu , Wang Yongzhi , Li Li , Qian Jialin , Li Mingzhen , Wu Huijuan , Golden Teresa , Wu Ning 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric problems. Our previous study showed that ATP1A1 gene expression level was significantly decreased in MDD patients. This research explores the potential correlations between the ATP1A1 expression level reduction and MDD patients’ clinical manifestation.

Methods:
All participant patients were diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4th edition (DSM-IV). Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) and anxiety (HAM-A) were applied to group patients into different categories. ATP1A1 expression level was measured by reverse transcript real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

ATP1A1 expression levels of all MDD subgroups showed significant reduction compared to the control group (p<0.01). Further, the trend of ATP1A1 expression level reduction is significantly related to MDD patients’ HAM-A scores (p<0.01). However, there was no significance between ATP1A1 level and HAM-D scores (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

ATP1A1 expression level reduction is related to MDD anxiety score, which may be an explanation for the clinical manifestations and the underlining physiological mechanisms.
Biochemical fingerprint and pharmacological applications ofBarleria noctifloraL.f. leaves
Authors: Alagar Yadav Sangilimuthu , Ramalingam Sathishkumar , Jebamalairaj Anitha , Subban Ravi , Sundaram Karpagavalli Mennakshi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundAntioxidant and antihistamine agents fromBarleria noctifloraL.f. as natural source due to the existing modern medicine give various adverse effects to overcome these problems with natural products.MethodsB. noctifloraleaves extract was fractionated with column chromatography; the homogenized fractions were monitored with thin layer chromatography (TLC) and characterized by using UV–visible, FT-IR,1H NMR,13C NMR and mass spectrometry spectral studies. The volatile phytoconstituents ofB. noctifloraextract were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Phytoconstituents fromB. noctifloraleaves extract were screened for their antioxidant and antihistamine potentialin vitro(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid radical decolouration assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity) andin silico(molecular docking), respectively.ResultsAntioxidant and antihistamine barlerinoside has been isolated and characterized from the leaves ofB. noctifloraL.f. Barlerinoside revealed their free-radical scavenging ability on OH−, OH•, NO−, O2−and H2O2radicals and found high percentage inhibition against OH−radical at the IC50value of 50.45±2.52  µg. The methanol (MeOH) extract ofB. noctifloraleaves contains cyclotene; N,N-dimethylglycine; tetrahydrocyclopenta [1,3] dioxin-4-one; phenol, 2-methoxy-; benzofuran, 2-methyl-; 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-α-d-glucopyranose; 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol; 1,3;2,5-dimethylene-l-rhamnitol; levoglucosan and bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,5-dione as being the major compounds. Among phytoconstituents present in the extract, the hexestrol; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester; 1-(3,6,6-trimethyl-1,6,7,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1-yl) ethanone; megastigmatrienone; furan interacted with histamine H1receptor and bind at GLU-177 and ASP-178 with high binding energy score −13.95, −13.41, −12.56, −12.03, and −11.72 kcal/mol, respectively, and the expected hydrolysed products of compound-1a and compound-1b from barlerinoside showed −8.91 and −8.68 kcal/mol binding energy against the histamine H1receptor. This showed that the active ligands exactly bind with active binding site of the protein.ConclusionsWe can conclude that isolated barlerinoside fromB. noctfloraL.f. has potent antioxidant activity against synthetic free radicals and antihistamine activity against histamine H1receptor.
Characterization of a New Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Isolates Found in Hippeastrum hybridum (Hort.) Plants in Poland
Authors: Berniak Hanna 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Two Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) isolates H1 and H2 found in Hippeastrum hybridum plants were characterized based on biological, serological, and molecular properties. Virus isolates showed differences in symptom expression – H1 isolate displayed severe necrotic spots and patterns, whereas mild mosaic symptoms were observed on H2-infected H. hybridum plants. Both TSWV isolates showed comparable reactivity with TSWV-specific antibodies and they induced similar symptoms on herbaceous indicator plants, but some differences between these isolates were detected at the nucleotide sequence level of genomic S and M ssRNAs segment fragments. The nucleotide sequences encoding nucleocapsid (N) and nonstructural (NSs and NSm) proteins showed 98.2%, 97.5%, and 96.5% identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of N and NSs sequences conducted for tested isolates and 31 TSWV isolates included for comparison revealed that H1 and H2 isolates fell into the same cluster and they were grouped together with isolates found previously in different vegetables, ornamentals, and weeds. When NSm ORF was analyzed, the tested isolates formed a separate cluster: H1 isolate showed the highest affinity with TSWV isolates infecting chrysanthemum and pepper plants, whereas H2 isolate was most closely related to other virus isolates found in sweet pepper and tomatoes. These results indicate that both isolates were reassortants between different virus isolates, and represented two novel genetic patterns of TSWV.
Reinforcing Wooden Composite with Glass Fiber Fabric - Manufacturing Technology as a Factor Limiting Mechanical Properties and Reliability
Authors: Deskiewicz Adam , Kowalik Michał , Milewicz Michał , Matyjewski Marek , Perz Rafał 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
This paper investigates the strength and reliability of the wooden composites reinforced with glass fiber for the skateboard application. Three different methods of glass-fiber reinforcement have been used to prepare totally 94 samples, including control trial. Two lamination methods have been utilized: vacuum and HPL (High Pressure Lamination). Conducted analysis allowed to determine preferred production technique.
Investigation of Lubrication Properties of Petroleum Fuel and Biohydrocarbon Blends
Authors: Gawron Bartosz , Karp Grażyna 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The paper covers issues regarding lubricity of petroleum fuels used in piston and turbine engines, containing hydrocarbon biocomponents. Basing on available literature it can be said that the most prospective fuel components are biohydrocarbons. The paper describes effect of biohydrocarbons included in aviation fuel and diesel fuel on lubricity of such blends. The analysis covers two processes for obtaining biohydrocarbons, the HVO and the Fischer-Tropsch process. Due to problems with actual products acquiring, biohydrocarbons models representing chemically the actual ones from specific process. Lubricity testing was carried out according to standard test methods.
Newborn Screening for Thyroid-stimulating Hormone as an Indicator for Assessment of Iodine Status in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Anastasovska Violeta , Kocova Mirjana 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackground:Iodine deficiency is associated with goiter and impaired brain function leading to cretinism. An increased frequency of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements above 5 mIU/L on newborn screening points toward an impaired iodine status of the population.Methods:A 13-year retrospective analysis was performed in 228,266 newborns participating in the national thyroid newborn screening program. The TSH concentration was measured in dry blood spots collected by heel stick on filter paper, 48 hours after birth, using fluoroimmunometric DELFIA method.Results:Out of 236,378 live-born infants, 228,266 (96.6%) have been screened for TSH, of which 198,213 (86.8%) were retrospectively evaluated for TSH levels above 5 mIU/L. Neonates with congenital hypothyroidism, prematurity, and low birth weight were excluded from the evaluation, as well as the inadequately sampled neonates (13.2%). A national prevalence of 3.08% newborns (n=6,105) with TSH > 5 mIU/L was found. Higher percentages were noted in two regions of the country, indicating possible mild iodine deficiency in these regions and shifting the overall average to above 3%.Conclusions:Our results indicate overall iodine sufficiency in the Macedonian population. Additional assessment of the iodine intake in the regions with suspected mild iodine deficiency is needed to prevent suboptimal cognitive and psychomotor outcomes.
Interpretation of thyroid glands in a group of healthy children: real-time ultrasonography elastography study
Authors: Yurttutan Nursel , Gungor Gulay , Bilal Nagihan , Kizildag Betul , Baykara Murat , Sarica Mehmet Akif 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background:
This study aimed to determine the strain index (SI) of normal thyroid parenchyma in a group of healthy children, using ultrasound elastography (USE).

Methods:
The participants consisted of 54 healthy children. The USE of the normal thyroid parenchyma was performed by using the Hitachi Hi VisionPreirus model ultrasonography (US) device. By following sinusoidal waves at the base of the screen, regular and slight compressions and decompressions were made by the transducer. After the regular sinusoidal waves were acquired, standard region of interest (ROI) circles were used to measure the SI values of the thyroid glands by placing one ROI on a superficial part of the normal thyroid gland parenchyma and the other on the adjacent soft tissue at the same depth (within 10-mm proximity). Three measurements were obtained for each (right and left) thyroid gland, and the mean value was used for statistics.

Results:
The mean SI value of normal thyroid glands was 0.54±0.38 for the whole group. There was no statistically significant difference between girls and boys on the basis of age, weight, height, BMI (body mass index), and thyroid SI values (p=0.15, p=0.18, p=0.12, p=0.31, and p=0.96, respectively). No correlation was found between thyroid gland SI values and each of the following variables: age (r=0.22, p=0.15), gender (r=0.007, p=0.96), and BMI (r=0.26, p=0.09).

Conclusions:
The study determined the normal elasticity values of thyroid glands in healthy children. Such information can serve as a baseline from which thyroid diseases can be examined.