Hindawi

Nephrologists Hate the Dialysis Catheters: A Systemic Review of Dialysis Catheter Associated Infective Endocarditis

Kalyana C. Janga, Ankur Sinha, Sheldon Greenberg, and Kavita Sharma — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:41:57 +0000

A 53-year-old Egyptian female with end stage renal disease, one month after start of hemodialysis via an internal jugular catheter, presented with fever and shortness of breath. She developed desquamating vesiculobullous lesions, widespread on her body. She was in profound septic shock and broad spectrum antibiotics were started with appropriate fluid replenishment. An echocardiogram revealed bulky leaflets of the mitral valve with a highly mobile vegetation about 2.3 cm long attached to the anterior leaflet. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed bilateral pleural effusions in the chest, with triangular opacities in the lungs suggestive of infarcts. There was splenomegaly with triangular hypodensities consistent with splenic infarcts. Blood cultures repeatedly grew Candida albicans. Despite parenteral antifungal therapy, the patient deteriorated over the course of 5 days. She died due to a subsequent cardiac arrest. Systemic review of literature revealed that the rate of infection varies amongst the various types of accesses, and it is well documented that AV fistulas have a much less rate of infection in comparison to temporary catheters. All dialysis units should strive to make a multidisciplinary effort to have a referral process early on, for access creation, and to avoid catheters associated morbidity.

Tissue Distribution of trans-Resveratrol and Its Metabolites after Oral Administration in Human Eyes

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:04:01 +0000

Purpose. This study was performed to measure the concentration of trans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in human eyes. Methods. The patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included. The participants were orally given trans-resveratrol-based supplement (Longevinex®). A suitable amount of conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor were obtained during the operation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used to detect the concentration of trans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in the various samples. Results. The average concentration of resveratrol in the conjunctiva was 17.19 ± 15.32 nmol/g (mean ± SD). The concentration of resveratrol in the aqueous humor was close to the limit of detection, but its metabolites could be quantified. The concentrations of resveratrol metabolites in the aqueous humor can be detected. In the vitreous humor, the average concentration of resveratrol-3-O-sulfate was 62.95 ± 41.97 nmol/L. The sulfate conjugations of resveratrol were recovered in the conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor. Conclusions. Resveratrol and its three metabolites can be detected in the ocular tissues after oral administration. Although the concentration of parent resveratrol was low in the eyes, its metabolites could be detected and may have a role in the treatment of ocular diseases.

Exploring Intracity Taxi Mobility during the Holidays for Location-Based Marketing

Wen-jun Wang, Xiao-ming Li, Peng-fei Jiao, Guang-quan Xu, Ning Yuan, and Wei Yu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:03:34 +0000

Taxi mobility information can be considered as an important source of mobile location-based information for making marketing decisions. So, studying the behavioral patterns of taxis in a Chinese city during the holidays using the global positioning system (GPS) can yield remarkable insights into people’s holiday travel patterns, as well as the odd-even day vehicle prohibition system. This paper studies the behavioral patterns of taxis during specific holidays in terms of pick-up and drop-off locations, travel distance, mobile step length, travel direction, and radius of gyration on the basis of GPS data. Our results support the idea of a polycentric city. It is concluded from the reporting results that there are no significant changes in the distribution of pick-up and drop-off locations, travel distance, or travel direction during holidays in comparison to work days. The results suggest that human travel by taxi has a stable regularity. However, the radius of gyration of movement by most of the taxis becomes significantly larger during holidays that indicate more long-distance travels. The current study will be helpful for location-based marketing during the holidays.

Lanthanum-Based Perovskite-Type Oxides La1−xCexBO3 (B = Mn and Co) as Catalysts: Synthesis and Characterization

Nyamdavaa Erdenee, Uyanga Enkhnaran, Sevjidsuren Galsan, and Altantsog Pagvajav — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:42:54 +0000

La1−xCexCoO3 ( = 0, 0.2, 0.4) and La1−xCexMnO3 ( = 0, 0.2) perovskite-type oxides were prepared by sol-gel process. Characterization techniques EDS, FTIR, XRD, BET, and XPS experiments were performed to survey the composition, bulk structure, and the surface properties of perovskites. The reduction behavior, thermal stability, and catalytic activity were studied by H2-TPR and catalytic performance. All synthesized samples showed well crystalline perovskite structure, 8–22 nm crystallite sizes, and SSA with 2–27 m2 g−1. The XRD results showed that the Ce substitution promoted the structural transformation for LaCoO3 from rhombohedral into cubic and for LaMnO3 no change in lattice geometry. Substitution with cerium ( = 0.2) showed smaller crystallite size, higher SSA, and the highest reducibility and catalytic activity for LaCoO3.

A Novel Multimode Fault Classification Method Based on Deep Learning

Funa Zhou, Yulin Gao, and Chenglin Wen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:42:51 +0000

Due to the problem of load varying or environment changing, machinery equipment often operates in multimode. The data feature involved in the observation often varies with mode changing. Mode partition is a fundamental step before fault classification. This paper proposes a multimode classification method based on deep learning by constructing a hierarchical DNN model with the first hierarchy specially devised for the purpose of mode partition. In the second hierarchy , different DNN classification models are constructed for each mode to get more accurate fault classification result. For the purpose of providing helpful information for predictive maintenance, an additional DNN is constructed in the third hierarchy to further classify a certain fault in a given mode into several classes with different fault severity. The application to multimode fault classification of rolling bearing fault shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Patient Perspectives on Engagement in Recovery after Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Study

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:38:32 +0000

Purpose. To understand older adults’ engagement in their recovery experience and rehabilitation after a fall-related hip fracture. Method. 50 community-dwelling older adults recovering from a recent (3–12 months) hip fracture (32 women, 18 men) participated in telephone interviews using a semistructured format at 6 and 12 months after recruitment into the study. Interviews were conducted as part of a mixed-methods study designed to test the effect of a postoperative hip fracture management program (B4 Clinic). Results. Three substantive themes were identified in the qualitative data: (1) managing expectations; (2) engaging in physical activity; and (3) there is life after fracture. Participants shared valuable insight into how their expectations for their recovery period compared to their lived experience and the role of physical activity in their ability to return to their prefracture activities. Conclusions. Our findings reflect older adults’ expectations for recovery from hip fracture. Encouraging engagement in rehabilitative exercises and addressing expectations prior to hospital discharge may improve patients’ adherence to rehabilitation programs, functional outcomes, and postoperative quality of life. Implications for rehabilitation include the necessity for early and ongoing engagement of rehabilitation professionals.

Identification of Tengfu Jiangya Tablet Target Biomarkers with Quantitative Proteomic Technique

Jingwen Xu, Yunlun Li, Shijun Zhang, Haiqiang Jiang, Nan Wang, and Haiqing Lin — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:31:27 +0000

Tengfu Jiangya Tablet (TJT) is a well accepted antihypertension drug in China and its major active components were Uncaria total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid. To further explore treatment effects mechanism of TJT on essential hypertension, a serum proteomic study was performed. Potential biomarkers were quantified in serum of hypertension individuals before and after taking TJT with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled two-dimensional liquid chromatography followed electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS) proteomics technique. Among 391 identified proteins with high confidence, 70 proteins were differentially expressed (fold variation criteria, >1.2 or <0.83) between two groups (39 upregulated and 31 downregulated). Combining with Gene Ontology annotation, KEGG pathway analysis, and literature retrieval, 5 proteins were chosen as key target biomarkers during TJT therapeutic process. And the alteration profiles of these 5 proteins were verified by ELISA and Western Blot. Proteins Kininogen 1 and Keratin 1 are members of Kallikrein system, while Myeloperoxidase, Serum Amyloid protein A, and Retinol binding protein 4 had been reported closely related to vascular endothelial injury. Our study discovered 5 target biomarkers of the compound Chinese medicine TJT. Secondly, this research initially revealed the antihypertension therapeutic mechanism of this drug from a brand-new aspect.

Ionospheric Gradient Threat Mitigation in Future Dual Frequency GBAS

Michael Felux, Mihaela-Simona Circiu, Jiyun Lee, and Florian Holzapfel — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:26:42 +0000

The Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) is a landing system for aircraft based on differential corrections for the signals of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS or Galileo. The main impact on the availability of current single frequency systems results from the necessary protection against ionospheric gradients. With the introduction of Galileo and the latest generation of GPS satellites, a second frequency is available for aeronautical navigation. Dual frequency methods allow forming of ionospheric free combinations of the signals, eliminating a large part of the ionospheric threats to GBAS. However, the combination of several signals increases the noise in the position solution and in the calculation of error bounds. We, therefore, developed a method to base positioning algorithms on single frequency measurements and use the second frequency only for monitoring purposes. In this paper, we describe a detailed derivation of the monitoring scheme and discuss its implications for the use in an aviation context.

Modification of Nafion® Membrane via a Sol-Gel Route for Vanadium Redox Flow Energy Storage Battery Applications

Shu-Ling Huang, Hsin-Fu Yu, and Yung-Sheng Lin — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:23:43 +0000

Nafion 117(N-117)/SiO2-SO3H modified membranes were prepared using the 3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) to react with H2O2 via in situ sol-gel route. Basic properties including water uptake, contact angle, ion exchange capacity (IEC), vanadium ion permeability, impedance, and conductivity were measured to investigate how they affect the charge-discharge characteristics of a cell. Furthermore, we also set a vanadium redox flow energy battery (VRFB) single cell by the unmodified/modified N-117 membranes as a separated membrane to test its charge/discharge performance and compare the relations among the impedance and efficiency. The results show that the appropriate amount of SiO2-SO3H led into the N-117 membrane contributive to the improvement of proton conductivity and vanadium ion selectivity. The permeability was effectively decreased from original 3.13 × 10−6 cm2/min for unmodified N-117 to 0.13 × 10−6 cm2/min for modified membrane. The IEC was raised from original 0.99 mmol/g to 1.24 mmol/g. The modified membrane showed a good cell performance in the VRFB charge/discharge experiment, and the maximum coulombic efficiency was up to 94%, and energy efficiency was 82%. In comparison with unmodified N-117, the energy efficiency of modified membrane had increased more than around 10%.

Drug Induced Pneumonitis Secondary to Treatment with Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Ombitasvir and Dasabuvir (VIEKIRA PAK®) for Chronic Hepatitis C: Case Report of an Unexpected Life-Threatening Adverse Reaction

Shih Yea Sylvia Wu, Bridget Faire, and Edward Gane — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:21:02 +0000

VIEKIRA PAK (ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir) is an approved treatment for compensated patients with genotype 1 (GT1) chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This oral regimen has minimal adverse effects and is well tolerated. Cure rates are 97% in patients infected with HCV GT 1a and 99% in those with HCV GT 1b. We report the first case of life-threatening allergic pneumonitis associated with VIEKIRA PAK. This unexpected serious adverse event occurred in a 68-year-old Chinese female with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C and Child-Pugh A cirrhosis. One week into treatment with VIEKIRA PAK without ribavirin, she was admitted to hospital with respiratory distress and acute kidney injury requiring intensive care input. She was initially diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia and improved promptly with intravenous antibiotics and supported care. No bacterial or viral pathogens were cultured. Following complete recovery, she recommenced VIEKIRA PAK but represented 5 days later with more rapidly progressive respiratory failure, requiring intubation and ventilation, inotropic support, and haemodialysis. The final diagnosis was drug induced pneumonitis.

PC2 Ovotransferrin: Characterization and Alternative Immunotherapeutic Activity

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:16:26 +0000

Characterization and evaluation of immunotherapeutic potential of ovotransferrin PC2 (OTf PC2) were performed in this study. The ovoprotein was obtained from egg white from hens immunized with bacterial antigens, pathogenic for humans. For the negative control samples, OTf was extracted from eggs collected from Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) hens and purified by affinity chromatography on Protein G-agarose column with two eluting peaks: I, representing ovalbumin, and II, ovotransferrin. The final apo-OTf form was reached by successive precipitation with ammonium sulfate and citric acid and the holo-OTf form by saturating the apo-form with FeCl3. Multiple OTf PC2 samples were analyzed through Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and, based on the molecular marker migration model, the ovotransferrin (76.5 kDa) and ovalbumin (45 kDa) were detected. The agglutination reaction exhibited statistically significant high specificity of the multiple OTf PC2, by reacting with the antigens used for hens’ immunization. Following ELISA, it was established that OTf PC2 from hyperimmune eggs has specificity for all antigens; the antibody titer was high, indicating that OTf PC2 possesses immunological properties similar to immunoglobulin Y (Ig Y). This study suggests that OTf PC2 immunological activity may play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of infections resistant to antibiotics and OTf PC2 can also act as a valuable nutraceutical.

Transparent Assessment of the Supervision Information in China’s Food Safety: A Fuzzy-ANP Comprehensive Evaluation Method

Tingqiang Chen, Lei Wang, and Jining Wang — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:13:47 +0000

Improving transparency of food safety supervision information can reduce the occurrence of information asymmetry, decrease food safety incidents, and promote socially joint regulation for food safety. In this study, an index system of food safety supervision information transparency (FSSIT) is constructed using the fuzzy-ANP comprehensive evaluation model. Using this system, the FSSIT in China is evaluated. A total of 1651 questionnaires containing 139525 data are collected from food and drug administration (FDA), consumer association (CA), and media at the central, provincial, prefectural, and county levels. Empirical results indicate that the FSSIT achieves a qualified level; however, the works of FDA, CA, and media still present deficiencies. The information transparency in the entirety presents deficiencies and gradually declines when that in the administrative level decreases. The economic development level indirectly determines the transparency level, and the transparency level does not conform to China’s current economic development level.

Synergistic Effect of the MTHFR C677T and EPHX2 G860A Polymorphism on the Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:07:48 +0000

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the combined effect of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and EPHX2 G860A (rs751141) polymorphism and ischemic stroke in Chinese T2DM patients. This case-control study included a total of 626 Chinese T2DM patients (236 T2DM patients with ischemic stroke and 390 T2DM patients without ischemic stroke). The rs1801133 and rs751141 were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0. Results showed that the combined effect of MTHFR TT and EPHX2 GG or GA + AA genotype has a higher risk of ischemic stroke compared with the control group (combined effect of MTHFR CC and EPHX2 GA + AA genotypes; OR = 3.46 and OR = 3.42, resp.; and , resp.). The A allele showed marked association with a lower risk of ischemic stroke in patients with the lowest Hcy levels under additive, recessive, and dominant genetic models (OR = 0.45, OR = 0.11, and OR = 0.44, resp.; , , and , resp.), which was not observed in medium or high Hcy level groups. In conclusion, the T allele of rs1801133 and the G allele of rs751141 may be risk factors of ischemic stroke in the Chinese T2DM population.

A Combined Weighting Method Based on Hybrid of Interval Evidence Fusion and Random Sampling

Ying Yan and Bin Suo — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:01:56 +0000

Due to the complexity of system and lack of expertise, epistemic uncertainties may present in the experts’ judgment on the importance of certain indices during group decision-making. A novel combination weighting method is proposed to solve the index weighting problem when various uncertainties are present in expert comments. Based on the idea of evidence theory, various types of uncertain evaluation information are uniformly expressed through interval evidence structures. Similarity matrix between interval evidences is constructed, and expert’s information is fused. Comment grades are quantified using the interval number, and cumulative probability function for evaluating the importance of indices is constructed based on the fused information. Finally, index weights are obtained by Monte Carlo random sampling. The method can process expert’s information with varying degrees of uncertainties, which possesses good compatibility. Difficulty in effectively fusing high-conflict group decision-making information and large information loss after fusion is avertible. Original expert judgments are retained rather objectively throughout the processing procedure. Cumulative probability function constructing and random sampling processes do not require any human intervention or judgment. It can be implemented by computer programs easily, thus having an apparent advantage in evaluation practices of fairly huge index systems.

Detection of Cu2+ in Water Based on Histidine-Gold Labeled Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Electrochemical Sensor

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:59:24 +0000

Based on the strong interaction between histidine and copper ions and the signal enhancement effect of gold-labeling carbon nanotubes, an electrochemical sensor is established and used to measure copper ions in river water. In this study the results show that the concentrations of copper ion have well linear relationship with the peak current in the range of 10−11–10−7 mol/L, and the limit of detection is 10−12 mol/L. When using this method to detect copper ions in the Xiangjiang River, the test results are consistent with the atomic absorption method. This study shows that the sensor is convenient to be used in daily monitoring of copper ions in river water.

Numerical Simulations of the Square Lid Driven Cavity Flow of Bingham Fluids Using Nonconforming Finite Elements Coupled with a Direct Solver

R. Mahmood, N. Kousar, M. Yaqub, and K. Jabeen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:56:53 +0000

In this paper, numerical simulations are performed in a single and double lid driven square cavity to study the flow of a Bingham viscoplastic fluid. The governing equations are discretized with the help of finite element method in space and the nonconforming Stokes element is utilized which gives 2nd-order accuracy for velocity and 1st-order accuracy for pressure. The discretized systems of nonlinear equations are treated by using the Newton method and the inner linear subproablems are solved by the direct solver UMFPACK. A qualitative comparison is done with the results reported in the literature. In addition to these comparisons, some new reference data for the kinetic energy is generated. All these implementations are done in the open source software package FEATFLOW which is a general purpose finite element based solver package for solving partial differential equations.

Effectiveness of Citrus Fruits on Helicobacter pylori

Giuseppina Mandalari, Carlo Bisignano, Santa Cirmi, and Michele Navarra — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:39:32 +0000

It is known that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. Due to the increased side effects of the treatment regimens and the development of antimicrobial resistance, a number of natural compounds have been tested as potential alternatives. In this review, we will examine the current knowledge on the effect of Citrus fruits and their derivatives against H. pylori, highlighting the remaining outstanding questions on the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Curcumin Analogue CA15 Exhibits Anticancer Effects on HEp-2 Cells via Targeting NF-κB

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:33:09 +0000

Laryngeal carcinoma remains one of the most common malignancies, and curcumin has been proven to be effective against head and neck cancers in vitro. However, it has not yet been applied in clinical settings due to its low stability. In the current study, we synthesized 34 monocarbonyl analogues of curcumin with stable structures. CA15, which exhibited a stronger inhibited effect on laryngeal cancer cells HEp-2 but a lower toxicity on hepatic cells HL-7702 in MTT assay, was selected for further analysis. The effects of CA15 on cell viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and NF-κB activation were measured using MTT, Transwell migration, flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays in HEp-2 cells. An NF-κB inhibitor, BMS-345541, as well as curcumin was also tested. Results showed that CA15 induced decreased toxicity towards HL-7702 cells compared to curcumin and BMS-345541. However, similar to BMS-345541 and curcumin, CA15 not only significantly inhibited proliferation and migration and induced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis but also attenuated TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in HEp-2 cells. These results demonstrated that curcumin analogue CA15 exhibited anticancer effects on laryngeal cancer cells via targeting of NF-κB.

Huge Lymphangioma of the Esophagus Resected by Endoscopic Piecemeal Mucosal Resection

Dinghai Luo, Liping Ye, Weidan Wu, Haihong Zheng, and Xinli Mao — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:26:02 +0000

We present an unusual case of a 41-year-old male patient with a large lymphangioma of the esophagus. Endoscopy revealed that the structure measured 60 × 10 mm in the mucosa and the submucosa and had a heterogenous echo pattern. The esophageal mass was successfully resected by endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection. However, most esophageal lymphangiomas that are larger than 2 cm in diameter reported in the literature can be removed only through open surgery. Thus far, we know of no reported cases of endoscopic resection as a treatment for this case.

Student Academic Performance: The Role of Motivation, Strategies, and Perceived Factors Hindering Liberian Junior and Senior High School Students Learning

Charles Gbollie and Harriett Pearl Keamu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:18:17 +0000

The nature of motivation and learning strategy use is vital to improving student learning outcomes. This study was intended to explore the motivational beliefs and learning strategy use by Liberian junior and senior high school students in connection with their academic performance. It also solicited students’ self-reports about presumed factors hindering their learning. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, 323 participants took part in the study from 2 counties. Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was adapted and 12 potential learning hindrances were identified and used as instruments. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS 17.0. The results showed the motivational belief component of extrinsic goal orientation as the most preferred belief and test anxiety was the least possessed belief. Rehearsal strategies were found to be the most frequently used, while help seeking was reported to be the least strategy considered. The result also showed significant relationships between the two constructs. In addition, the study found some learning hindrances. A number of conclusions as well as some practical recommendations for action relative to the improvement of student performance have been advanced.

Cadmium Toxicity Affects Phytochemicals and Nutrient Elements Composition of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:15:34 +0000

Lettuce varieties Bombilasta BBL and Italian 167 were treated with different concentrations of cadmium (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg/L) in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system to study its toxicity on phytochemicals and nutrient elements. Antioxidants analysis which employed DPPH and FRAP, flavonoids, phenolic, vitamin C, malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline indicated significant effects of Cd treatment on the varieties tested. Different concentration levels of Cd lead to positive interactions in FRAP, phenolic, and MDA but no significant effect in flavonoids, vitamin C, and proline. Contents of macro- and microelements in the varieties were significantly affected with increase in the toxicity levels of Cd in all nutrient elements tested with interactions exhibited for iron, manganese, and zinc.

Investigation of Small Bowel Abnormalities in HIV-Infected Patients Using Capsule Endoscopy

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:56:24 +0000

HIV infection is reportedly associated with an increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium and can cause HIV enteropathy, which occurs independently of opportunistic infections. However, the characteristics of small bowel abnormalities attributable to HIV infection are rarely investigated. In the present study, we assessed the intestinal mucosal changes found in HIV-infected patients and compared them with the mucosa of healthy control subjects using capsule endoscopy (CE). Three of the 27 HIV-infected patients harbored gastrointestinal opportunistic infections and were thus excluded from subsequent analyses. The endoscopic findings of CE in HIV-infected patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects (55% versus 10%, ); however, most lesions, such as red spots or tiny erosions, were unlikely to cause abdominal symptoms. After validating the efficacy of CE for the diagnosis of villous atrophy, we found that the prevalence of villous atrophy was 54% (13/24) among HIV-infected patients. Interestingly, villous atrophy persisted in patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy, though most of them exhibited reconstituted peripheral blood CD4+ T cells. Although we could not draw any conclusions regarding the development of small bowel abnormalities in HIV-infected patients, our results may provide some insight regarding the pathogenesis of HIV enteropathy.

Semiempirical Theoretical Studies of 1,3-Benzodioxole Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors

Omnia A. A. El-Shamy — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:54:55 +0000

The efficiency of 1,3-benzodioxole derivatives as corrosion inhibitors is theoretically studied using quantum chemical calculation and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR). Different semiempirical methods (AM1, PM3, MNDO, MINDO/3, and INDO) are applied in order to determine the relationship between molecular structure and their corrosion protection efficiencies. Different quantum parameters are obtained as the energy of highest occupied molecular orbital , the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital , energy gap , dipole moment μ, and Mulliken charge on the atom. QSAR approach is applied to elucidate some important parameters as the hydrophobicity (Log P), surface area (S.A), polarization , and hydration energy ().

Deformation Prediction of Plate Line Rolling Forming Based on Inherent Strain Method

Changcheng Hu, Yao Zhao, and Guoyuan Tang — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:52:41 +0000

Inherent strain method has been widely used as a forecasting and computing method for welding deformation of large complicated structures and further applied to the research of line heating forming. Mechanical forming is a common ship-hull plate forming method, for which deformation prediction still depends mainly on elastoplastic finite element method. This paper researched the application of inherent strain method to plate line rolling forming, a common mechanical forming method, and then compared the results of inherent strain method and elastoplastic finite element method, proving the applicability of inherent strain method, providing a method for fast, accurate forecasting of distortion in plate line rolling and formation of automation equipment.

Ferulic Acid Suppresses Amyloid β Production in the Human Lens Epithelial Cell Stimulated with Hydrogen Peroxide

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:49:45 +0000

It is well known that oxidative stresses induce the production of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain, lens, and retina, leading to age-related diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ferulic acid on the Aβ levels in H2O2-stimulated human lens epithelial (HLE) SRA 01/04 cells. Three types of Aβ peptides (Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and Aβ1-43) were measured by ELISA, and the levels of mRNA for the expressed proteins related to Aβ production (APP, BACE1, and PS proteins) and degradation (ADAM10, NEP, and ECE1 proteins) were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. H2O2 stimulation augmented gene expression of the proteins related to Aβ production, resulting in the production of three types of Aβ peptides. Treatment with 0.1 μM ferulic acid attenuated the augmentations of gene expression and production of the proteins related to the secretion of three types of Aβ peptides in the H2O2-stimulated HLE cells. These results provided evidence of antioxidative functions of ferulic acid for lens epithelial cells.

The Association between Imaging Parameters of the Paraspinal Muscles, Spinal Degeneration, and Low Back Pain

Leonid Kalichman, Eli Carmeli, and Ella Been — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:47:31 +0000

This narrative review investigated imaging parameters of the paraspinal muscles and their association with spinal degenerative features and low back pain (LBP) found in the literature. Three principal signs of muscle degeneration were detected on imaging: decreased muscle size, decreased radiographic density, and increased fat deposits. Men have a higher density of paraspinal muscles than women, younger individuals have a higher density than older ones, and lean individuals have a higher density than those with an increased body mass index. Fatty infiltration appears to be a late stage of muscular degeneration and can be measured noninvasively by an MRI scan. Fatty infiltration in the lumbar multifidus is common in adults and is strongly associated with LBP, especially in women, independent of body composition. Fatty infiltration develops in areas where most degenerative changes are found. MR spectroscopy studies have corroborated that the lumbar multifidus in LBP subjects has a significantly higher fat content than asymptomatic controls. There is a strong need for establishing uniform methods of evaluating normal parameters and degenerative changes of the paraspinal muscles. Additional imaging studies are needed to improve the understanding of the association and causal relationships between LBP, spinal degeneration, and changes in the paraspinal muscles.

Traveling Wave Solutions of Space-Time Fractional Generalized Fifth-Order KdV Equation

Dianchen Lu, Chen Yue, and Muhammad Arshad — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:45:46 +0000

The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, especially the fractional higher order one, provides a relatively accurate description of motions of long waves in shallow water under gravity and wave propagation in one-dimensional nonlinear lattice. In this article, the generalized -expansion method is proposed to construct exact solutions of space-time fractional generalized fifth-order KdV equation with Jumarie’s modified Riemann-Liouville derivatives. At the end, three types of exact traveling wave solutions are obtained which indicate that the method is very practical and suitable for solving nonlinear fractional partial differential equations.

Joint Optimization of Preventive Maintenance and Spare Parts Inventory with Appointment Policy

Jing Cai, Yibing Yin, Li Zhang, and Xi Chen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:43:27 +0000

Under the background of the wide application of condition-based maintenance (CBM) in maintenance practice, the joint optimization of maintenance and spare parts inventory is becoming a hot research to take full advantage of CBM and reduce the operational cost. In order to avoid both the high inventory level and the shortage of spare parts, an appointment policy of spare parts is first proposed based on the prediction of remaining useful lifetime, and then a corresponding joint optimization model of preventive maintenance and spare parts inventory is established. Due to the complexity of the model, the combination method of genetic algorithm and Monte Carlo is presented to get the optimal maximum inventory level, safety inventory level, potential failure threshold, and appointment threshold to minimize the cost rate. Finally, the proposed model is studied through a case study and compared with both the separate optimization and the joint optimization without appointment policy, and the results show that the proposed model is more effective. In addition, the sensitivity analysis shows that the proposed model is consistent with the actual situation of maintenance practices and inventory management.

Model of the Mechanical Behavior of Cementitious Matrices Reinforced with Nanomaterials

Victor D. Balopoulos, Nikolaos Archontas, and Stavroula J. Pantazopoulou — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:41:10 +0000

CNTs and CNFs have been introduced as a nanoscale reinforcing material to cementitious composites, for stiffening and strengthening the microstructure. This technology is motivated by the need to control crack initiation in the cementitious gel before it propagates into visible crack formations. Experimental evidence supports this concept; however, testing at the nanoscale may only be conducted through nanoindentation, which has a limited range only providing localized results that cannot be extrapolated to general stress states. To evaluate the restraining action of nanomaterials in the gel microstructure, a computational mechanistic model has been developed where the material phases (gel, nanotubes, and pores) are modeled explicitly allowing for natural randomness in their distribution and orientation. Repeated analysis with identical input data reproduces the statistical scatter observed in laboratory tests on identical material samples. The formulation uses a discrete element approach; the gel structure is represented by a random network of hydrates and successfully reproduces the known trends in mechanical behavior of cementitious materials (pressure and restraint sensitive material behavior) and the small ratio of tensile to compressive strength. Simulations illustrate that it is possible to computationally reproduce the measured properties and behavior of fiber-reinforced cement composites using information from simple laboratory tests.

Odontogenic Cyst with Verrucous Proliferation Exhibiting Melanin Pigmentation

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:36:35 +0000

Verrucous proliferation arising from odontogenic cysts is a rare entity. We report an unusual case of an infected odontogenic cyst with verrucous proliferation and melanin pigmentation in a 13-year-old male patient who presented with an intraoral swelling in relation to impacted teeth 26 and 27. The enucleated lesion was diagnosed as an odontogenic keratocyst and the patient died within two years of presentation due to multiple recurrences. The clinical, radiological, and microscopic features of the lesion are presented with an attempt to discuss the etiopathogenesis. The case hereby reported is uncommon with only eight cases reported in the literature.

Meteorological Drought Index Mapping in Bangladesh Using Standardized Precipitation Index during 1981–2010

Md. Anarul Haque Mondol, Iffat Ara, and Subash Chandra Das — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:32:03 +0000

Natural disasters are a major concern in Bangladesh, particularly drought which is one of the most common disaster in Bangladesh. Drought needs to be explained spatially to understand its spatiotemporal variations in different areas. In this paper, the meteorological drought has been shown by using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) method and illustrated through the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method across Bangladesh. We used rainfall data of 30 meteorological stations in Bangladesh during the study period of 1981–2010. The results indicate that drought has been fluctuating and it has become a recurrent phenomenon during the study period. The SPI depicted the drought conditions that plunged dramatically in 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1996 and then gradually improved in 2004, 2006, and 2009 in the country. The present study demonstrated that drought occurred in Bangladesh on an average of 2.5 years. Drought was more prominent in the northern, south-western, and eastern regions in Bangladesh compared to the rest of the areas of the country. The outcomes of the present study will help in during disaster management strategies, particularly drought, by initiating effective plans and adaptation remedies in different areas of Bangladesh.

Multiband Planar Inverted-F Antenna with Independent Operating Bands Control for Mobile Handset Applications

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:24:59 +0000

A new compact multiband PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna) for mobile handset is proposed in this article. The proposed PIFA has a simple geometry with four slots integrated in the radiating patch and ground plane. The PIFA occupies a small volume of 51 × 14 × 7.2 mm3 and is placed on the top portion of mobile phone. The optimized PIFA is worked in the 790 MHz band (737–831 MHz), the 1870 MHz band (1794–1977 MHz), the 2550 MHz band (2507–2615 MHz), and the 3400 MHz band (3341–3545 MHz), to cover LTE700, LTE800, DCS1800, PCS1900, LTE1800, LTE1900, LTE2500, and WIMAX3400 bands. Each of the four operating bands can be controlled independently by the variation of a single parameter of the proposed design, with a wide control range. An omnidirectional radiation pattern to each resonant frequency is obtained with a maximum gain of 2.15 dBi at 790 MHz, 3.99 dBi at 1870 MHz, 4.57 dBi at 2550 MHz, and 6.43 dBi at 3400 MHz. The proposed PIFA is studied in the free space and in the presence of other mobile phone components such as the battery, LCD (liquid crystal display), camera, microphone, speaker, buttons, and a plastic housing. The distribution of specific absorption rate for both European and American standards for each operating band and at various distances between the antenna and the human head is also studied.

Shortest-Way: An Improved Empirical Transition Method for Signal Coordination

Mingming Zheng, Hongfeng Xu, Kun Zhang, and Ronghan Yao — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:13:55 +0000

Four fundamental insights into transition methods are provided from the perspective of traffic engineers. An improved empirical transition method (i.e., Shortest-way) is developed with the goal of reducing the time spent on offset correction and the offset deviations of the coordinated phases during the transition period. Shortest-way operates stepwise and can be activated to correct offset at the scheduled time to switch plans. The maximum amount of adjustment that can be made to a transition cycle length is calculated based on the timing parameters of active phases in the old and new plans. The problem of cycle length distribution is formulated as a nonlinear integer programming problem, aiming at minimizing the sum of the squares of the intersection offset deviations of all the transition cycles. The portion of the cycle length that can be allocated to each phase in a transition cycle is calculated based on its splits in the old and new plans and its potential contribution to the maximum amount of adjustment to the cycle length. The numerical experimental results proved the potential advantage of Shortest-way over CORSIM Shortway and justified the necessity for managing the time to switch plans at the intersection level.

Preservation of Myocardial Perfusion and Function by Keeping Hypertrophied Heart Empty and Beating for Valve Surgery: An In Vivo MR Study of Pig Hearts

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:11:39 +0000

Objectives. Normothermic hyperkalemic cardioplegia arrest (NHCA) may not effectively preserve hypertrophied myocardium during open-heart surgery. Normothermic normokalemic beating perfusion (NNBP), keeping hearts empty-beating, was utilized as an alternative to evaluate its cardioprotective role. Materials and Methods. Twelve hypertrophied pig hearts at 58.6 ± 7.2 days after ascending aorta banding underwent NNBP and NHCA, respectively. Near infrared myocardial perfusion imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) was conducted to assess myocardial perfusion. Left ventricular (LV) contractile function was assessed by cine MRI. TUNEL staining and western blotting for caspase-3 cleavage and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) degradation were conducted in LV tissue samples. Results. Ascending aortic diameter was reduced by at approximately fifty-eight days after banding. LV wall thickness was significantly higher in aorta banding than in sham operation. Myocardial blood flow reflected by maximum ICG absorbance value was markedly higher in NNBP than in NHCA. The amount of apoptotic cardiomyocyte was significantly lower in NNBP than in NHCA. NNBP alleviated caspase-3 cleavage and cTnI degradation associated with NHCA. NNBP displayed a substantially increased postoperative ejection fraction relative to NHCA. Conclusions. NNBP was better than NHCA in enhancing myocardial perfusion, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and preserving LV contractile function for hypertrophied hearts.

Commutative Watermarking-Encryption of Audio Data with Minimum Knowledge Verification

Roland Schmitz and Jan Gruber — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:06:20 +0000

We present a scheme for commutative watermarking-encryption (CWE) of audio data and demonstrate its robustness against an important class of attacks, Time-Scale Modifications (TSM). In addition, we show how the proposed CWE scheme can be integrated into a cryptographic protocol enabling public verification of the embedded mark without disclosing the mark or the watermarking key used for embedding.

Scientific Programming towards a Smart World

Wenbing Zhao, Xiong Luo, HuaPing Liu, Kun Hua, and Chaomin Luo — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:01:40 +0000

Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence: Knowledge and Experiences among Adolescents and Young Adults in Soweto, South Africa

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:58:04 +0000

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is particularly pertinent to sub-Saharan Africa, where the pediatric HIV burden is marked. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence is a major challenge for AYAs. This qualitative study explored knowledge and experiences of adherence amongst AYAs attending treatment at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Soweto, South Africa. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with HIV-infected 15–25-year-old ART recipients. Transcripts were coded thematically. Participants () were aged median 18.5 years, 59.1% female and 69.2% virally suppressed <400 cp/ml. Three main themes emerged during FGDs and IDIs: (i) correct knowledge about how to be adherent, benefits, and nonadherence consequences, (ii) social, personal, and medication-related barriers to adherence, and (iii) reminder, concealment, and motivational strategies to optimize adherence. Interventions to improve AYA adherence could focus on practical strategies, including status disclosure and medication concealment.

Effects of Mixing and Curing Temperature on the Strength Development and Pore Structure of Fly Ash Blended Mass Concrete

Ki-Bong Park and Takafumi Noguchi — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:54:48 +0000

The aim of this work is to know clearly the effects of temperature in response to curing condition, hydration heat, and outside weather conditions on the strength development of high-performance concrete. The concrete walls were designed using three different sizes and three different types of concrete. The experiments were conducted under typical summer and winter weather conditions. Temperature histories at different locations in the walls were recorded and the strength developments of concrete at those locations were measured. The main factors investigated that influence the strength developments of the obtained samples were the bound water contents, the hydration products, and the pore structure. Testing results indicated that the elevated summer temperatures did not affect the early-age strength gain of concrete made using ordinary Portland cement. Strength development was significantly increased at early ages in concrete made using belite-rich Portland cement or with the addition of fly ash. The elevated temperatures resulted in a long-term strength loss in both belite-rich and fly ash containing concrete. The long-term strength loss was caused by a reduction in the degree of hydration and an increase in the total porosity and amount of smaller pores in the material.

Effect of Red Orange Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Nutritional Status in Overweight/Obese Female: A Pilot Study

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:52:51 +0000

The main objective of this research was to determine whether a commercial orange juice rich in anthocyanins could have an effect on body weight and on clinical parameters related to obesity including antioxidant status, lipid profile, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. 11 women with an average BMI of kg/m2 were enrolled in a pilot study. Over a period of 12 weeks they received 500 mL daily dose into two doses (250 mL) of commercial red orange juice (COJ). The biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of the study (12 weeks). One month later upon free diet, a follow-up was performed measuring the same variables. The daily consumption of 500 mL of COJ had no significant effects on body weight, while there was a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The grade of obesity implies different changes in inflammation biomarkers. In obese women, our data do not seem to support evidence that commercial red orange juice consumption acts as functional food preventing obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and/or inflammatory status.

Endodontic Management of Teeth Juxtaposed to Haemangioma

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:51:11 +0000

Vascular anomalies are localized defects in the vasculature that may or may not be present at birth. There are many types of vascular anomalies with different aetiology and clinical picture and, therefore, require the combined expertise of medical, radiological, and surgical specialities for its diagnosis and management. The term “haemangioma” is used as a common generic label to incorporate all types of vascular malformations. In this report, we describe a case of two maxillary premolars, requiring endodontic therapy, in close proximity to a haemangioma. The challenges encountered in the diagnosis and management of the case are discussed.

Effects of Different Processing Methods on the Antioxidant Activity of 6 Cultivars of Foxtail Millet

Lingyan Zhang, Jieying Li, Fei Han, Zhansheng Ding, and Liuping Fan — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:49:34 +0000

The total phenolic content (TPC) of millet was whole > dehulled > cooked > steamed and the bound phenolic content (BPC) was the main form. Compared with dehulled millet, the TPC, TFC, and phenolic acid contents were decreased significantly ( < 0.05). The retention rate of TPC of steamed millet ranged from 47% to 55% and cooked millet ranged from 55% to 79%. Additionally, the mean cinnamic acid content of cooked millet was 1.29 times as much as steamed millet. The antioxidant activity of millet was whole > dehulled > cooked > steamed. Therefore, cooked millet was a good choice for human.

A Case of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Extensively Studied by Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:45:48 +0000

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy with aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. Diagnosis is based on detection of CD4+ CD56+, , TCL-1+, and blood dendritic cell antigen-2/CD303+ blasts, together with the absence of lineage specific antigens on tumour cells. In this report we present a case of BPDCN presenting with extramedullary and bone marrow involvement, extensively studied by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, who achieved complete remission after acute lymphoblastic leukemia like chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

A Case of Initially Undiagnosed Chikungunya Arthritis Developing into Chronic Phase in a Nonendemic Area

Pui Shan Julia Chan and Moon Ho Leung — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:43:45 +0000

This case report described a 40-year-old lady presented with fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, and impaired liver function after returning from the Philippines. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue serology were negative. Eight weeks after initial presentation, she experienced inflammatory polyarthritis mimic rheumatoid arthritis. This time CHIKV-IgM was detected, together with a >4-fold rise of CHIKV-polyvalent-antibody titre. The first CHIKV-IgM negative sample was reexamined and was CHIKV-PCR positive. CHIKV infection was confirmed and diagnosis of CHIKV-related arthritis was made. A quarter of CHIKV infected individuals develop post-CHIKV rheumatisms that affect quality of life and may need treatment with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs. This case highlights the importance of considering CHIKV infection in patients present with symmetrical polyarthritis particularly after travel to endemic regions. Testing of both CHIKV acute and convalescent-phase serum for CHIKV antibodies and PCR is recommended in suspicious case.

Geographical Origin Traceability of Red Wines Based on Chemometric Classification via Organic Acid Profiles

Xian-Yong Huang, Zi-Tao Jiang, Jin Tan, and Rong Li — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:42:04 +0000

A preliminary study on the chemometric classification of red wines produced from different grape varieties and geographical origins was performed based on their chromatographic profiles of organic acids. Tartaric, malic, citric, lactic, acetic, and succinic acids in wines were detected via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Employing multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), pattern recognition models were built for the classification of the investigated wines regarding the grape varieties and geographical origins. The PCA clearly grouped the wines according to variety, and the LDA further offered 100% classification ability toward geographical identification of the wines and the leave-one-out cross-validated assignments were 100%, 86.7%, and 100% correct for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir wines, respectively. The results reveal the potential of using chromatographic profiles of organic acid as the characteristic indices for chemometric classification of red wines.

Socioeconomic and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Mortality, Incidence, and Survival in the United States, 1950–2014: Over Six Decades of Changing Patterns and Widening Inequalities

Gopal K. Singh and Ahmedin Jemal — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We analyzed socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in US mortality, incidence, and survival rates from all-cancers combined and major cancers from 1950 to 2014. Census-based deprivation indices were linked to national mortality and cancer data for area-based socioeconomic patterns in mortality, incidence, and survival. The National Longitudinal Mortality Study was used to analyze individual-level socioeconomic and racial/ethnic patterns in mortality. Rates, risk-ratios, least squares, log-linear, and Cox regression were used to examine trends and differentials. Socioeconomic patterns in all-cancer, lung, and colorectal cancer mortality changed dramatically over time. Individuals in more deprived areas or lower education and income groups had higher mortality and incidence rates than their more affluent counterparts, with excess risk being particularly marked for lung, colorectal, cervical, stomach, and liver cancer. Education and income inequalities in mortality from all-cancers, lung, prostate, and cervical cancer increased during 1979–2011. Socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality widened as mortality in lower socioeconomic groups/areas declined more slowly. Mortality was higher among Blacks and lower among Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics than Whites. Cancer patient survival was significantly lower in more deprived neighborhoods and among most ethnic-minority groups. Cancer mortality and incidence disparities may reflect inequalities in smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diet, alcohol use, screening, and treatment.

Joint Covariate Detection on Expression Profiles for Selecting Prognostic miRNAs in Glioblastoma

Chengqi Sun and Xudong Zhao — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

An important application of expression profiles is to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups using limited but key covariates associated with survival outcomes. Prior to that, variables considered to be associated with survival outcomes are selected. A combination of single variables, each of which is significantly related to survival outcomes, is always regarded to be candidates for posterior patient stratification. Instead of individually significant variables, a combination that contains not only significant but also insignificant variables is supposed to be concentrated on. By means of bottom-up enumeration on each pair of variables, we propose a joint covariate detection strategy to select candidates that not only correspond to close association with survival outcomes but also help to make a clear stratification of patients. Experimental results on a publicly available dataset of glioblastoma multiforme indicate that the selected pair composed of an individually significant and an insignificant miRNA keeps a better performance than the combination of significant single variables. The selected miRNA pair is ultimately regarded to be associated with the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme by further pathway analysis.

Solutions of First-Order Volterra Type Linear Integrodifferential Equations by Collocation Method

Olumuyiwa A. Agbolade and Timothy A. Anake — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The numerical solutions of linear integrodifferential equations of Volterra type have been considered. Power series is used as the basis polynomial to approximate the solution of the problem. Furthermore, standard and Chebyshev-Gauss-Lobatto collocation points were, respectively, chosen to collocate the approximate solution. Numerical experiments are performed on some sample problems already solved by homotopy analysis method and finite difference methods. Comparison of the absolute error is obtained from the present method and those from aforementioned methods. It is also observed that the absolute errors obtained are very low establishing convergence and computational efficiency.

Study on Carbonyl Emissions of Diesel Engine Fueled with Biodiesel

Ruina Li, Zhong Wang, and Guangju Xu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Biodiesel is a kind of high-quality alternative fuel of diesel engine. In this study, biodiesel and biodiesel/diesel blend were used in a single cylinder diesel engine to study the carbonyl emissions. The result shows that carbonyl pollutants of biodiesel and biodiesel/diesel blend are mainly aldehyde and ketone compounds with 1–3 carbon atoms, and formaldehyde concentration is higher than 80% of the total carbonyl pollutants for biodiesel. The formaldehyde concentration peak is reduced with the increase of intake temperature (), intake pressure (), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) ratio and increased with the increase of compression ratio (). When excess air coefficient () is lower than 1.7, the formaldehyde concentration is increased with the increase of excess air ratio. When is higher than 1.7, the formaldehyde concentration is reduced with the increase of excess air ratio. The dilution of air can reduce formaldehyde concentration in the premixed flame of diesel effectively; however, it has less effect on biodiesel. Among the fuel pretreatment measures of adding hydrogen, CO, and methane, the addition of hydrogen shows the best effect on reducing formaldehyde of biodiesel.

Influence of Pressure on the Temperature Dependence of Quantum Oscillation Phenomena in Semiconductors

G. Gulyamov, U. I. Erkaboev, and A. G. Gulyamov — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The influence of pressure on the oscillations of Shubnikov-de Haas (ShdH) and de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) in semiconductors is studied. Working formula for the calculation of the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the Landau levels of electrons is obtained. The temperature dependence of quantum oscillations for different pressures is determined. The calculation results are compared with experimental data. It is shown that the effect of pressure on the band gap is manifested to oscillations and ShdH and dHvA effects in semiconductors.

Nonorthogonality and κ-Dependence Eccentricity of Polarized Electromagnetic Waves in CPT-Even Lorentz Violation

Thiago Prudêncio and Humberto Belich — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We discuss the modified Maxwell action of a -type Lorentz symmetry breaking theory and present a solution of Maxwell equations derived in the cases of linear and elliptically polarized electromagnetic waves in the vacuum of CPT-even Lorentz violation. We show in this case that the Lorentz violation has the effect of changing the amplitude of one component of the magnetic field, while leaving the electric field unchanged, leading to nonorthogonal propagation of electromagnetic fields and dependence of the eccentricity on -term. Further, we exhibit numerically the consequences of this effect in the cases of linear and elliptical polarization, in particular, the regimes of nonorthogonality of the electromagnetic wave fields and the eccentricity of the elliptical polarization of the magnetic field with dependence on the -term.

Design of Optimized Multimedia Data Streaming Management Using OMDSM over Mobile Networks

Byungjoo Park, Ankyu Hwang, and Haniph Latchman — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Mobility management is an essential challenge for supporting reliable multimedia data streaming over wireless and mobile networks in the Internet of Things (IoT) for location-based mobile marketing applications. The communications among mobile nodes for IoT need to have a seamless handover for delivering high quality multimedia services. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) mobility management schemes are the proposals for handling the routing of IPv6 packets to mobile nodes that have moved away from their home network. However, the standard mobility management scheme cannot prevent packet losses due to longer handover latency. In this article, a new enhanced data streaming route optimization scheme is introduced that uses an optimized Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) realignment algorithm in order to prevent the packet disordering problem whenever the nodes in the IoT environment are communicating with each other. With the proposed scheme, data packets sequence realignment can be prevented, the packet traffic speed can be controlled, and the TCP performance can be improved. The experimental results show that managing the packet order in proposed new scheme remarkably increases the overall TCP performance over mobile networks within the IoT environment thus ensuring the high quality of service (QoS) for multimedia data streaming in location-based mobile marketing applications.

Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction at 37 Weeks: A Comparison of Doppler and Placental Pathology

William M. Curtin, Karmaine A. Millington, Tochi O. Ibekwe, and Serdar H. Ural — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objective. Our objective was determining if abnormal Doppler evaluation had a higher prevalence of placental pathology compared to normal Doppler in suspected fetal growth restriction (FGR) of cases delivered at 37 weeks. Study Design. This retrospective cohort study of suspected FGR singletons with antenatal Doppler evaluation delivered at 37 weeks had a primary outcome of the prevalence of placental pathology related to FGR. Significance was defined as . Results. Of 100 pregnancies 46 and 54 were in the abnormal and normal Doppler cohorts, respectively. Placental pathology was more prevalent with any abnormal Doppler, 84.8% versus 55.6%, odds ratio (OR) 4.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55, 13.22, and . Abnormal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler had a higher prevalence: 96.2% versus 54.8%, OR 20.7, 95% CI: 2.54, 447.1, and . Conclusion. Abnormal Doppler was associated with more placental pathology in comparison to normal Doppler in fetuses with suspected FGR. Abnormal MCA Doppler had the strongest association.

The Immune Effects of an African Traditional Energy Tonic in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni, Vinny Naidoo, and Protus Cele — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Most of the African traditional medicines (ATM) are formulated as energy tonics to boost and maintain immune defences. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the immune effects of a traditional energy tonic using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), THP-1 monocytes, and bacteria infected rats. When tested in mitogen and peptidoglycan stimulated PBMCs, this energy tonic showed minimal cytotoxicity, while in acute toxicity studies in rats it did not exhibit any significant toxicity at doses up to 2000 mg/mL/kg. The energy tonic doses between 100 and 10 μg/mL were shown to stimulate secretion of cytokines and increase sIL-2R levels in PHA-treated PBMCs. Similar doses in PG-S. aureus-stimulated PBMCs significantly () increased IL-1α, IL-2, and GM-CSF while causing a significant () decrease in sIL-2R levels. NF-κβ transcriptional activity was increased in LPS stimulated THP-1 cells. In Sprague Dawley rats pretreated with the energy tonic and then infected with S. aureus, there were insignificant increases in cytokines and sIL-2R when compared to bacteria infected only and 5% Enrofloxacin treated rats. Posttreatment with energy tonic doses after infection with S. aureus did not enhance inflammatory cytokines significantly but changed the immune response profile and decreased corticosterone levels. This ATM showed promising immunomodulatory effects on isolated immune cells and modulated the immune response of rat models infected with S. aureus.

Adsorption Behaviors of Cobalt on the Graphite and SiC Surface: A First-Principles Study

Wenyi Wang, Chuan Li, Jianzhu Cao, and Chao Fang — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Graphite and silicon carbide (SiC) are important materials of fuel elements in High Temperature Reactor-Pebble-bed Modules (HTR-PM) and it is essential to analyze the source term about the radioactive products adsorbed on graphite and SiC surface in HTR-PM. In this article, the adsorption behaviors of activation product Cobalt (Co) on graphite and SiC surface have been studied with the first-principle calculation, including the adsorption energy, charge density difference, density of states, and adsorption ratios. It shows that the adsorption behaviors of Co on graphite and SiC both belong to chemisorption, with an adsorption energy 2.971 eV located at the Hollow site and 6.677 eV located at the hcp-Hollow site, respectively. Combining the charge density difference and density of states, it indicates that the interaction of Co-SiC system is stronger than Co-graphite system. Furthermore, the variation of adsorption ratios of Co on different substrate is obtained by a model of grand canonical ensemble, and it is found that when the temperature is close to 650 K and 1700 K for graphite surface and SiC surface, respectively, the Co adatom on the substrate will desorb dramatically. These results show that SiC layer in fuel element could obstruct the diffusion of Co effectively in normal and accidental operation conditions, but the graphite may become a carrier of Co radioactivity nuclide in the primary circuit of HTR-PM.

Multiresolution Time-Domain Analysis of Multiconductor Transmission Lines Terminated in Linear Loads

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This paper derives a multiresolution time-domain (MRTD) scheme for the multiconductor transmission line (MTL) equations based on Daubechies’ scaling functions. The terminations are characterized by a state-variable formulation which allows a general description of the termination networks. For the linear load terminations, a method incorporating the terminal constraints is proposed to work out the scheme at and close to the terminations. The MRTD scheme is implemented with different basis functions for linear components including resistances, inductances, and capacitances. Numerical results show that the MRTD schemes obtain a more stable result than the conventional finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method with a coarse space step.

Radiation Transfer Calculations and Assessment of Global Warming by CO2

Hermann Harde — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We present detailed line-by-line radiation transfer calculations, which were performed under different atmospheric conditions for the most important greenhouse gases water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone. Particularly cloud effects, surface temperature variations, and humidity changes as well as molecular lineshape effects are investigated to examine their specific influence on some basic climatologic parameters like the radiative forcing, the long wave absorptivity, and back-radiation as a function of an increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. These calculations are used to assess the CO2 global warming by means of an advanced two-layer climate model and to disclose some larger discrepancies in calculating the climate sensitivity. Including solar and cloud effects as well as all relevant feedback processes our simulations give an equilibrium climate sensitivity of = 0.7°C (temperature increase at doubled CO2) and a solar sensitivity of = 0.17°C (at 0.1% increase of the total solar irradiance). Then CO2 contributes 40% and the Sun 60% to global warming over the last century.

Real-Time Pricing Strategy Based on the Stability of Smart Grid for Green Internet of Things

Huwei Chen, Hui Hui, Zhou Su, Dongfeng Fang, and Yilong Hui — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The ever increasing demand of energy efficiency and the strong awareness of environment have led to the enhanced interests in green Internet of things (IoTs). How to efficiently deliver power, especially, with the smart grid based on the stability of network becomes a challenge for green IoTs. Therefore, in this paper we present a novel real-time pricing strategy based on the network stability in the green IoTs enabled smart grid. Firstly, the outage is analyzed by considering the imbalance of power supply and demand as well as the load uncertainty. Secondly, the problem of power supply with multiple-retailers is formulated as a Stackelberg game, where the optimal price can be obtained with the maximal profit for retailers and users. Thirdly, the stability of price is analyzed under the constraints. In addition, simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed strategy.

Increased Intracranial Pressure during Hemodialysis in a Patient with Anoxic Brain Injury

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a serious neurological complication of hemodialysis, and patients with acute brain injury are at increased risk. We report a case of DDS leading to intracranial hypertension in a patient with anoxic brain injury and discuss the subsequent dialysis strategy. A 13-year-old girl was admitted after prolonged resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an inferior vena cava aneurysm and multiple pulmonary emboli as the likely cause. An intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor was inserted, and, on day 3, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was initiated due to acute kidney injury, during which the patient developed severe intracranial hypertension. CT of the brain showed diffuse cerebral edema. CRRT was discontinued, sedation was increased, and hypertonic saline was administered, upon which ICP normalized. Due to persistent hyperkalemia and overhydration, ultrafiltration and intermittent hemodialysis were performed separately on day 4 with a small dialyzer, low blood and dialysate flow, and high dialysate sodium content. During subsequent treatments, isolated ultrafiltration was well tolerated, whereas hemodialysis was associated with increased ICP necessitating frequent pauses or early cessation of dialysis. In patients at risk of DDS, hemodialysis should be performed with utmost care and continuous monitoring of ICP should be considered.

Stabilization of Continuous-Time Random Switching Systems via a Fault-Tolerant Controller

Guoliang Wang and Zhiqiang Li — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This paper focuses on the stabilization problem of continuous-time random switching systems via exploiting a fault-tolerant controller, where the dwell time of each subsystem consists of a fixed part and random part. It is known from the traditional design methods that the computational complexity of LMIs related to the quantity of fault combination is very large; particularly system dimension or amount of subsystems is large. In order to reduce the number of the used fault combinations, new sufficient LMI conditions for designing such a controller are established by a robust approach, which are fault-free and could be solved directly. Moreover, the fault-tolerant stabilization realized by a mode-independent controller is considered and suitably applied to a practical case without mode information. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.

PGC1α Activators Mitigate Diabetic Tubulopathy by Improving Mitochondrial Dynamics and Quality Control

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose. In this study, we investigated the effect of PGC1α activators on mitochondrial fusion, fission, and autophagic quality control in renal tubular cells in a diabetic environment in vivo and in vitro. We also examined whether the upregulation of PGC1α attenuates diabetic tubulopathy by normalizing mitochondrial homeostasis. Methods. HKC8 cells were subjected to high-glucose conditions (30 mM D-glucose). Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg i.p. for 5 days) in male C57/BL6J mice. AICAR or metformin was used as a PGC1α activator. Results. Treatment with the PGC1α activators AICAR and metformin improved functional mitochondrial mass in HKC8 cells in high-glucose conditions. Moreover, in renal proximal tubular cells, increased PGC1α activity correlated with the reversal of changes in Drp1, Mfn1, and LC3-II protein expression in a high-glucose environment. Normalized mitochondrial life cycles resulted in low ROS production and reduced apoptosis. AICAR and metformin treatment effectively mitigated albuminuria and renal histopathology and decreased the expression of TGFβ1 and αSMA in the kidneys of diabetic mice. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that increases in PGC1α activity improve diabetic tubulopathy by modulating mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy.

Advanced Building Materials for Passive House and Energy Storage

Sumin Kim, Jae D. Chang, and Jae-Han Lim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology of Postharvest Losses in Vegetable Amaranths: The Case of Tamale, Ghana

Mildred Osei-Kwarteng, Joseph Patrick Gweyi-Onyango, and Gustav Komla Mahunu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A semistructured questionnaire based on the commodity system assessment methodology (CSAM) was used to determine postharvest losses in vegetable amaranths (VA). Fifty producers and retailers were randomly selected from five and four major VA producing areas and markets, respectively, and interviewed. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. The survey revealed that absence of laws, regulation, incentives, and inadequate technical information affected the production of VA. The utmost preproduction challenge was poor quality seeds with poor seed yield (35%), low viability (19%), and nontrueness (46%). It was noted that some cultural practices including planting pattern and density, irrigation, and fertiliser use had effects on postharvest losses. Some postharvest practices used were cleaning with water, trimming, sorting, and grading. Usually the produce was transported to marketing centers by cars and motor cycle trailers. Generally poor temperature management after harvest was a big challenge for the postharvest handling of VA. The potential of vegetable amaranths as a commodity in the study area can be enhanced by providing the necessary institutional support, incentives, and use of good management practices along the value chain. An interdisciplinary approach and quantification of losses along the chain are recommended for any future study.

Clinical Evaluation of Acupuncture as Treatment for Complications of Cerebrovascular Accidents: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Subject- and Assessor-Blind Trial

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Purpose. The effect of acupuncture as treatment for poststroke complications is questionable. We performed a randomized, sham-controlled double-blind study to investigate it. Methods. Patients with first-time acute stroke were randomized to receive 24 sessions of either real or sham acupuncture during an eight-week period. The primary outcome measure was change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Secondary outcome measures included changes in Barthel Index (BI), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scores. Results. Of the 52 patients who were randomized to receive acupuncture () or placebo (), 10 patients in the acupuncture group and 9 patients in the placebo group failed to complete the treatment. In total, 18 patients in the acupuncture group and 15 patients in the control group completed the treatment course. Reduction in pain was significantly greater in the acupuncture group than in the control group ( value = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the other measures between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture provided more effective poststroke pain relief than sham acupuncture treatment. However, acupuncture had no better effect on neurological, functional, and psychological improvement.

Disordered Stabilization of Stochastic Delay Systems: The Disorder-Dependent Approach

Guoliang Wang and Hongyang Cai — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, a general stabilization problem of stochastic delay systems is realized by a disordered controller and studied by exploiting the disorder-dependent approach. Different from the traditional results, the stabilizing controller here experiences a disorder between control gains and system states. Firstly, the above disorder is described by the robust method, whose probability distribution is embodied by a Markov process with two modes. Based on this description, a kind of disordered controller having special uncertainties and depending on a Markov process is proposed. Then, by exploiting a disorder-dependent Lyapunov functional, two respective conditions for the existence of such a disordered controller are provided with LMIs. Moreover, the presented results are further extended to a general case that the corresponding transition rate matrix of the disordered controller has uncertainties. Finally, a numerical example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.

Light Particle Tracking Model for Simulating Bed Sediment Transport Load in River Areas

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this work a fast computational particles tracer model is developed based on Particle-In-Cell method to estimate the sediment transport in the access zone of a river port area. To apply the particles tracer method, first it is necessary to calculate the hydrodynamic fields of the study zone to determine the velocity fields in the three directions. The particle transport is governed mainly by the velocity fields and the turbulent dispersion. The mechanisms of dispersion and resuspension of particles are based in stochastic models, which describes the movement through a probability function. The developed code was validated using two well known cases with a discrete transformation obtaining a max relative error around 4.8% in both cases. The simulations were carried out with 350,000 particles allowing us to determine under certain circumstances different hydrodynamic scenarios where the zones are susceptible to present erosion and siltation at the entrance of the port.

Tunable SnO2 Nanoribbon by Electric Fields and Hydrogen Passivation

Xin-Lian Chen, Bao-Jun Huang, Chang-Wen Zhang, Ping Li, and Pei-Ji Wang — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Under external transverse electronic fields and hydrogen passivation, the electronic structure and band gap of tin dioxide nanoribbons (SnO2NRs) with both zigzag and armchair shaped edges are studied by using the first-principles projector augmented wave (PAW) potential with the density function theory (DFT) framework. The results showed that the electronic structures of zigzag and armchair edge SnO2NRs exhibit an indirect semiconducting nature and the band gaps demonstrate a remarkable reduction with the increase of external transverse electronic field intensity, which demonstrate a giant Stark effect. The value of the critical electric field for bare Z-SnO2NRs is smaller than A-SnO2NRs. In addition, the different hydrogen passivation nanoribbons (Z-SnO2NRs-2H and A-SnO2NRs-OH) show different band gaps and a slightly weaker Stark effect. The band gap of A-SnO2NRs-OH obviously is enhanced while the Z-SnO2NRs-2H reduce. Interestingly, the Z-SnO2NRs-OH presented the convert of metal-semiconductor-metal under external transverse electronic fields. In the end, the electronic transport properties of the different edges SnO2NRs are studied. These findings provide useful ways in nanomaterial design and band engineering for spintronics.

Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Computer Virus Propagation Model with Two Delays and Vaccination

Zizhen Zhang, Yougang Wang, Dianjie Bi, and Luca Guerrini — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A further generalization of an SEIQRS-V (susceptible-exposed-infectious-quarantined-recovered-susceptible with vaccination) computer virus propagation model is the main topic of the present paper. This paper specifically analyzes effects on the asymptotic dynamics of the computer virus propagation model when two time delays are introduced. Sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability and existence of the Hopf bifurcation are established by regarding different combination of the two delays as the bifurcation parameter. Moreover, explicit formulas that determine the stability, direction, and period of the bifurcating periodic solutions are obtained with the help of the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Finally, numerical simulations are employed for supporting the obtained analytical results.

Investigation of the Mode Structures of Multiphoton Induced Ultraviolet Laser in a ZnO Microrod

Guangping Zhu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Hexagonal wurtzite structural ZnO microrods were fabricated by vapor-phase transport method. Under the excitation of a pulse laser with 1200 nm wavelength, the multiphoton induced ultraviolet (UV) laser was observed in a microrod. The dependence of the laser mode structures on pump intensity was investigated. The result indicates that the laser belongs to whispering gallery mode (WGM) at low pump intensity and Fabry-Perot (FP) mode at high pump intensity. The corresponding positive feedback mechanisms were discussed.

DC Electrical Ageing of XLPE under Hydrostatic Pressure

Fadila Benlizidia Lalam and Faouzi Djemmal — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The experimental electrical ageing, of cross-linked polyethylene films 100 μm thick, was investigated under high hydrostatic pressure of 300 bar and at atmospheric pressure. The tests are conducted on direct current (dc) for up to 1000 h ageing and at temperature of 70°C. The use of the Weibull statistic, with the estimation of confidence bounds at 90%, has shown that the hydrostatic pressure has a real effect on the lifetime. These lifetime data are qualitatively analyzed with the inverse power model. It was found that thermally activated process is able to describe the pressure effect on the electrical ageing of XLPE.

Clinical Applications of Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion MRI Techniques in Gliomas: Recent Advances and Current Challenges

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Gliomas possess complex and heterogeneous vasculatures with abnormal hemodynamics. Despite considerable advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for improving tumor management and patient care in recent years, the prognosis of malignant gliomas remains dismal. Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging techniques that could noninvasively provide superior information on vascular functionality have attracted much attention for evaluating brain tumors. However, nonconsensus imaging protocols and postprocessing analysis among different institutions impede their integration into standard-of-care imaging in clinic. And there have been very few studies providing a comprehensive evidence-based and systematic summary. This review first outlines the status of glioma theranostics and tumor-associated vascular pathology and then presents an overview of the principles of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast-MRI (DSC-MRI), with emphasis on their recent clinical applications in gliomas including tumor grading, identification of molecular characteristics, differentiation of glioma from other brain tumors, treatment response assessment, and predicting prognosis. Current challenges and future perspectives are also highlighted.

Metformin Use Is Associated with Reduced Incidence and Improved Survival of Endometrial Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Studies have suggested that metformin can potentially decrease the incidence of cancer and improve survival outcomes. However, the association between metformin use and the incidence and survival of endometrial cancer (EC) remains controversial. So, a meta-analysis was performed. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The outcome measures were relative risks (RRs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing the EC incidence and survival in patients treated with and without metformin. Eleven studies involving 766,926 participants were included in this study. In the pooled analysis of five studies which evaluated the association of metformin use with the incidence of EC, we found that metformin use was associated with a 13% reduction in EC risk among patients with diabetes (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80–0.95; ). In the pooled analysis of six retrospective cohort studies evaluating the effect of metformin on the survival of EC patients, we found that, relative to nonuse, metformin use significantly improved the survival of EC patients (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45–0.87; ). This study showed that metformin use was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of EC in diabetes and a favorable survival outcome of EC patients.

A Giant Cavernous Hemangioma of the Left Atrioventricular Groove

Chengming Fan, Changming Tan, Demiao Kong, Jinfu Yang, Shuwen Yuan, and Sijie Wu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A 10-year-old Chinese female diagnosed with an asymptomatic giant cardiac cavernous hemangioma was reported. The patient originally tended to observation because this unusual cardiac tumoral mass was discovered incidentally during routine health examination of transthoracic echocardiography. Over 5 years of follow-up, the mass had enlarged obviously, and the patient visited our outpatient clinic and was prone to excision. Subsequently, a total resection surgery of the tumor was performed, and the tumor was found to be located on the left atrioventricular groove with complete packing membrane. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 and remains asymptomatic on last follow-up.

All-Trans Retinoic Acid Modulates TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Targeting TNF-α and Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 Expression in Colonic Mucosa during Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis Associated Cancer

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Colitis associated cancer (CAC) is the colorectal cancer (CRC) subtype that is associated with bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis (UC). The data on role of NF-κB signaling in development and progression of CAC were derived from preclinical studies, whereas data from human are rare. The aim of this work was to study the contribution of NF-κB pathway during UC and CAC, as well as the immunomodulatory effect of all-trans retinoic acid (AtRA). We analyzed the expression of NOS2, TNF-α, TLR4, and NF-κB, in colonic mucosa. We also studied NO/TNF-α modulation by LPS in colonic mucosa pretreated with AtRA. A marked increase in TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, and NOS2 expression was reported in colonic mucosa. The relationship between LPS/TLR4 and TNF-α/NO production, as well as the role of NF-κB signaling, was confirmed by ex vivo experiments and the role of LPS/TLR4 in NOS2/TNF-α induction through NF-κB pathway was suggested. AtRA downregulates NOS2 and TNF-α expression. Collectively, our study indicates that AtRA modulates in situ LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway targeting NOS2 and TNF-α expression. Therefore, we suggest that AtRA has a potential value in new strategies to improve the current therapy, as well as in the clinical prevention of CAC development and progression.

Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist Mitigates Hematopoietic Radiation Syndrome and Improves Survival after Whole-Body Ionizing Irradiation Followed by Wound Trauma

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Ionizing radiation combined with trauma tissue injury (combined injury, CI) results in greater mortality and H-ARS than radiation alone (radiation injury, RI), which includes thrombocytopenia. The aim of this study was to determine whether increases in numbers of thrombocytes would improve survival and mitigate H-ARS after CI. We observed in mice that WBC and platelets remained very low in surviving RI animals that were given 9.5 Gy 60Co-γ-photon radiation, whereas only lymphocytes and basophils remained low in surviving CI mice that were irradiated and then given skin wounds. Numbers of RBC and platelets, hemoglobin concentrations, and hematocrit values remained low in surviving RI and CI mice. CI induced 30-day mortality higher than RI. Radiation delayed wound healing by approximately 14 days. Treatment with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, Alxn4100TPO, after CI improved survival, mitigated body-weight loss, and reduced water consumption. Though this therapy delayed wound-healing rate more than in vehicle groups, it greatly increased numbers of platelets in sham, wounded, RI, and CI mice; it significantly mitigated decreases in WBC, spleen weights, and splenocytes in CI mice and decreases in RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit values, and splenocytes and splenomegaly in RI mice. The results suggest that Alxn4100TPO is effective in mitigating CI.

An Efficient Synthesis of Milnacipran Hydrochloride via Reductive Amination of Aldehyde

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

An efficient synthesis of milnacipran hydrochloride has been accomplished. The important application of this paper is the reductive amination of aldehyde to primary amine with water soluble reagents. This method provides a high yield of primary amine as the major product, reduces the number of steps, and discourages by-products.

Influence of Heat Treatment on the Morphologies of Copper Nanoparticles Based Films by a Spin Coating Method

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We have investigated the influence of heat treatment on the morphologies of copper nanoparticles based films on glass slides by a spin coating method. The experiments show that heat treatment can modify the sizes and morphologies of copper nanoparticles based films on glass slides. We suggest that through changing the parameters of heat treatment process may be helpful to vary the scattering and absorbing intensity of copper nanoparticles when used in energy harvesting/conversion and optical devices.

Laser Acupuncture Exerts Neuroprotective Effects via Regulation of Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax Gene Expressions in the Hippocampus

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Acupuncture has a positive effect on cognitive deficits. However, the effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on cognitive function and its mechanisms of action are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of LA on middle cerebral artery occlusion- (MCAO-) induced cognitive impairment and its mechanisms of action. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was modeled in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by MCAO. After LA or manual-acupuncture (MA) treatment at the GV20 and HT7 for 2 weeks, hippocampal-dependent memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The hippocampus was dissected to analyze choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity and Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions. MWM test demonstrated a significant improvement in hippocampal-dependent memory in the MCAO rats after LA treatment. LA treatment significantly reversed the postischemic decrease in ChAT immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA1 region. LA treatment significantly normalized gene expression in the hippocampus which had been altered by MCAO, especially upregulating gene expression of Creb, Bdnf, and Bcl-2 and downregulating gene expression of Bax. This study suggests that LA treatment could improve cognitive impairment in MCAO rats to enhance the cholinergic system in the hippocampal CA1 region and to exert a neuroprotective effect by regulating Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions.

Tests and Analyses of Slotted-In Steel-Plate Connections in Composite Timber Shear Wall Panels

Ulf Arne Girhammar and Bo Källsner — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The authors present an experimental and analytical study of slotted-in connections for joining walls in the Masonite flexible building (MFB) system. These connections are used for splicing wall elements and for tying down uplifting forces and resisting horizontal shear forces in stabilizing walls. The connection plates are inserted in a perimeter slot in the PlyBoard™ panel (a composite laminated wood panel) and fixed mechanically with screw fasteners. The load-bearing capacity of the slotted-in connection is determined experimentally and derived analytically for different failure modes. The test results show ductile postpeak load-slip characteristics, indicating that a plastic design method can be applied to calculate the horizontal load-bearing capacity of this type of shear walls.

Differential Regulation of Cardiac Function and Intracardiac Cytokines by Rapamycin in Healthy and Diabetic Rats

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes is comorbid with cardiovascular disease and impaired immunity. Rapamycin improves cardiac functions and extends lifespan by inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). However, in diabetic murine models, Rapamycin elevates hyperglycemia and reduces longevity. Since Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant, we examined whether Rapamycin (750 μg/kg/day) modulates intracardiac cytokines, which affect the cardiac immune response, and cardiac function in male lean (ZL) and diabetic obese Zucker (ZO) rats. Rapamycin suppressed levels of fasting triglycerides, insulin, and uric acid in ZO but increased glucose. Although Rapamycin improved multiple diastolic parameters (E/E′, E′/A′, E/Vp) initially, these improvements were reversed or absent in ZO at the end of treatment, despite suppression of cardiac fibrosis and phosphoSer473Akt. Intracardiac cytokine protein profiling and Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis indicated suppression of intracardiac immune defense in ZO, in response to Rapamycin treatment in both ZO and ZL. Rapamycin increased fibrosis in ZL without increasing phosphoSer473Akt and differentially modulated anti-fibrotic IL-10, IFNγ, and GM-CSF in ZL and ZO. Therefore, fundamental difference in intracardiac host defense between diabetic ZO and healthy ZL, combined with differential regulation of intracardiac cytokines by Rapamycin in ZO and ZL hearts, underlies differential cardiac outcomes of Rapamycin treatment in health and diabetes.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical, Antioxidative, and Antifungal Activities of Pergularia tomentosa L.

Imen Lahmar, Hafedh Belghith, Ferjani Ben Abdallah, and Karima Belghith — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Crude extracts from a medicinal Tunisian plant, Pergularia tomentosa L., were the investigated natural material. Butanolic extract of roots analyzed with IR spectra revealed the presence of hydroxyl, alcoholic, and carboxylic groups and sugars units. Analysis of some secondary metabolites, total phenolic, flavonoids, flavonols, and procyanidins, was performed using different solvents following the increased gradient of polarity. Fruits and leaves contained the highest amounts of all these compounds. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by the determination of free radical scavenging activity and the reducing power of methanolic extracts. Fruits and leaf extracts were the most powerful antioxidants for the two-assay in vitro system. Stems and fruits extracts exhibit an antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici which could become an alternative to synthetic fungicide to control Solanum species fungal diseases.

Pre- and Postsurgical Orthodontics in Patients with Moebius Syndrome

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The authors report a combined orthodontic-surgical correction of an adult patient’s malocclusion affected by Moebius Syndrome (MS). The treatment was conducted at the Dentistry Unit and the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the University Hospital of Parma. Treatment of malocclusion was performed after the correction of facial mimic mobility with smile surgery. The postoperative stability and orthodontic results were good and the correction of the morphological problems related to the syndrome was very satisfactory.

Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy in South Asians and White Caucasians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Possible Explanations for Epidemiological Differences

Abd A. Tahrani, Q. A. Altaf, Milan K. Piya, and Anthony H. Barnett — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives. To compare the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and that of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) between South Asians and White Caucasians with type 2 diabetes and to explore reasons for observed differences. Methods. A cross-sectional study of casually selected South Asian and White Caucasian adults attending a hospital-based diabetes clinic in the UK. DPN and CAN were assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and heart rate variability testing, respectively. Results. Patients () were recruited (47.4% South Asians). DPN was more common in White Caucasians compared to South Asians (54.3% versus 38.1%, ). Foot insensitivity as assessed by 10 g monofilament perception was more common in White Caucasians (43.9% versus 23.8%, ). After adjustment for confounders, White Caucasians remained twice as likely to have DPN as South Asians, but the impact of ethnicity became nonsignificant after adjusting for adiposity measures or height. No difference in prevalence of standardized CAN test abnormalities was detected between ethnicities. Skin microvascular assessment demonstrated that South Asians had reduced heating flux but preserved acetylcholine response. Conclusions. South Asians with type 2 diabetes have fewer clinical signs of DPN compared to White Caucasians. Differences in adiposity (and its distribution) and height appear to explain these differences.

SDF-1/CXCR4 Signaling Maintains Stemness Signature in Mouse Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

SDF-1 and its primary receptor, CXCR4, are highly expressed in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) and play a crucial role in brain architecture. Loss of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling causes abnormal development of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. However, the mechanism of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in NSCs/NPCs regulation remains unknown. In this study, we found that elimination of SDF-1/CXCR4 transduction caused NSCs/NPCs to lose their stemness characteristics and to encounter neurogenic differentiation. Moreover, Notch and RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) both play an essential role in NSCs/NPCs maintenance and neuronal differentiation and were dramatically downregulated following SDF-1/CXCR4 cascade inhibition. Finally, we demonstrated that the expression of achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1), a proneural gene, and p27, an antiproliferative gene, were significantly increased after genetic elimination of SDF-1 alleles. Our results support that the loss of functional SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway in NSCs/NPCs induces exit of cell cycle and promotes premature neural differentiation.

Energy Method Solution for the Vertical Deformation of Longitudinally Coupled Prefabricated Slab Track

Juanjuan Ren, Shijie Deng, Zhibin Jin, Junbin Yang, and Xueyi Liu — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Upwarping on the longitudinally coupled prefabricated slab track system caused by the rising temperature is a common distress, which deteriorates the mechanical properties of the coupled slabs and the vertical stability of slabs. The objective of this paper is to quantify the upwarping deformation on the slab subjected to temperature force and to find out the influence of different factors on the upwarping phenomenon of the slabs. An analytical expression is deduced using energy method, and a finite element model is also established to verify the analytical solution’s adequacy. The following main findings are drawn: () when the amplitude of the initial elastic misalignment is equal to a half of the amplitude of the initial plastic misalignment and the half-wavelength takes the most unfavorable value, the maximum relative error between the analytical solution and the result in FEM is only 2.64%, which demonstrates that the analytical solution correlates well with the FEM results. () is closely related with . With the increase of , becomes longer, and the maximum length of the half-wavelength is 7.769 m. () When the total amplitude exaggerates, the slab will be much likely to suffer upwarping.

Apathy and Reduced Speed of Processing Underlie Decline in Verbal Fluency following DBS

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objective. Reduced verbal fluency is a strikingly uniform finding following deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The precise cognitive mechanism underlying this reduction remains unclear, but theories have suggested reduced motivation, linguistic skill, and/or executive function. It is of note, however, that previous reports have failed to consider the potential role of any changes in speed of processing. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine verbal fluency changes with a particular focus on the role of cognitive speed. Method. In this study, 28 patients with PD completed measures of verbal fluency, motivation, language, executive functioning, and speed of processing, before and after DBS. Results. As expected, there was a marked decline in verbal fluency but also in a timed test of executive functions and two measures of speed of processing. Verbal fluency decline was associated with markers of linguistic and executive functioning, but not after speed of processing was statistically controlled for. In contrast, greater decline in verbal fluency was associated with higher levels of apathy at baseline, which was not associated with changes in cognitive speed. Discussion. Reduced generativity and processing speed may account for the marked reduction in verbal fluency commonly observed following DBS.

Recuperating Lung Decoction Attenuates the Oxidative Stress State of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Inhibiting the MAPK/AP-1 Signal Pathway and Regulating γ-GCS

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose/Objective. To evaluate the effects of Recuperating Lung Decoction (RLD) on the indices of oxidative stress in a rat model of COPD and detect the indices of the MAPK/AP-1/-GCS signal pathway for a further survey of the possible targeting site of RLD. Methods/Materials. The rats of COPD were treated with RLD. The protein levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were measured. In addition, the levels of key signaling molecules (extracellular signal-regulated kinases [ERK], the c-jun N-terminal kinase [JNKs signal pathway], and p38 MAP kinase [p38MAPK], AP-1 proteins [C-fos, C-jun], and -glutamyl-cysteine synthetase [-GCS-h]) of the MAPK/AP-1/-GCS-h signal pathway were assessed. Results. After treatment, the protein level of GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG were increased and the amounts of 8-OHdG and 4-HNE were decreased significantly in lung tissues when compared with the nontreated COPD group. Further results showed that the RLD could effectively inhibit the MAPK pathway by inactivation of p38MAPK and ERK and could also downregulate the AP-1 and the -GCS-h genes expressions in both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusion. RLD might improve the state of oxidative stress by downregulation of the expression of -GCS-h gene by inhibition of the MAPK/AP-1 pathway, thereafter enhancing the ability of antioxidation in COPD.

Long-Term Effects of Maternal Deprivation on Redox Regulation in Rat Brain: Involvement of NADPH Oxidase

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Maternal deprivation (MD) causes perinatal stress, with subsequent behavioral changes which resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia. The NADPH oxidase is one of the major generators of reactive oxygen species, known to play a role in stress response in different tissues. The aim of this study was to elucidate the long-term effects of MD on the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (, , , , and ). Activities of cytochrome C oxidase and respiratory chain Complex I, as well as the oxidative stress parameters using appropriate spectrophotometric techniques were analyzed. Nine-day-old Wistar rats were exposed to a 24 h maternal deprivation and sacrificed at young adult age. The structures affected by perinatal stress, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and caudate nuclei were investigated. The most prominent findings were increased expressions of in the cortex and hippocampus, increased expression of and , and decreased expression of , , and in the caudate nuclei. Complex I activity was increased in all structures except cortex. Content of reduced glutathione was decreased in all sections while region-specific changes of other oxidative stress parameters were found. Our results indicate the presence of long-term redox alterations in MD rats.

The Safety and Efficacy of Adjustable Postoperative Position after Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Zhong Lin, Jin Tao Sun, Rong Han Wu, Nived Moonasar, and Ye Hui Zhou — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose. To report the safety and efficacy of adjustable postoperative position for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods. Retrospective review of 536 consecutive RRD eyes that underwent vitrectomy surgery for retina repair from year 2008 to 2014. The retinal breaks were divided into superior, lateral (nasal, temporal, and macular), and inferior locations, according to the clock of breaks. Patients with superior and lateral break location were allowed to have facedown position or lateral decubitus position postoperatively, while patients with inferior break location were allowed to have facedown position. Results. 403 eyes of 400 patients were included. The mean follow-up interval was 22.7 ± 21.3 months. The overall primary retinal reattachment rate was 93.3%. There were 24 (6.0%), 273 (67.7%), and 106 (26.3%) patients with superior, lateral, and inferior break location, respectively. The primary reattachment rate was 95.8%, 92.3%, and 95.3% accordingly. After further divided the break location into subgroups as a function of duration of symptom, postoperative lens situation, number of retinal breaks, and different vitreous tamponade, the primary reattachment rates were all higher than 82%. Conclusion. Adjustable postoperative positioning is effective and safe for RRD repair with different break locations. Choosing postoperative position appropriately according to retinal break locations could be recommended.

Small Scale Rollout of PV Systems in Chikwawa District, Malawi: Remote Monitoring System Effectiveness

Million Mafuta, Peter Dauenhauer, and Timothy Chadza — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 10:24:38 +0000

Off-grid solar photovoltaic systems in Malawi are deployed increasingly as the primary option for rural public infrastructure such as primary schools and health centres. Overall, grid-connected electricity access has remained stagnant at around 9% with only 1% of rural population connected. To improve the technical sustainability of such systems, a novel remote monitoring technology utilising Wireless Sensor Networks was installed and the systems were monitored over roughly one year. This paper has described the technical design, performance, and benefits received from deployment of the technology. Furthermore, it has evaluated the cost implications for a larger scale rollout and potential benefits.

Physical Exercise on Inflammatory Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 10:22:28 +0000

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Scientific findings showed that physical exercise is an option for treatment of these patients. This study’s objective is to investigate the effects of supervised aerobic and/or resistance physical training on inflammatory markers in subjects with T2DM. Methods. A systematic review was conducted on four databases, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS, and Scopus, and manual search from 21 to 30 November 2016. Randomized clinical trials involving individuals diagnosed with T2DM, who have undergone supervised training protocols, were selected in this study. Results. Eleven studies were included. Studies that evaluated control group versus aerobic exercise reported controversial results about the effectiveness of physical training in modifying C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokine levels. The only variable analyzed by the six studies in comparison to the control group versus resistance exercise was CRP. This protein showed no significant difference between groups. Between the two modes of exercise (aerobic and resistance), only one study demonstrated that aerobic exercise was more effective in reducing CRP. Conclusion. The evidence was insufficient to prove that aerobic or resistance exercise improves systemic levels of inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM.

Correlation of MRI Visual Scales with Neuropsychological Profile in Mild Cognitive Impairment of Parkinson’s Disease

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 10:20:14 +0000

Few studies have evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visual scales in Parkinson’s disease-Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI). We selected 79 PD patients and 92 controls (CO) to perform neurologic and neuropsychological evaluation. Brain MRI was performed to evaluate the following scales: Global Cortical Atrophy (GCA), Fazekas, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA). The analysis revealed that both PD groups (amnestic and nonamnestic) showed worse performance on several tests when compared to CO. Memory, executive function, and attention impairment were more severe in amnestic PD-MCI group. Overall analysis of frequency of MRI visual scales by MCI subtype did not reveal any statistically significant result. Statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between GCA scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), semantic verbal fluency, Stroop test, figure memory test, trail making test (TMT) B, and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The MTA scale correlated with Stroop test and Fazekas scale with figure memory test, digit span, and Stroop test according to the subgroup evaluated. Visual scales by MRI in MCI should be evaluated by cognitive domain and might be more useful in more severely impaired MCI or dementia patients.

Aborted Sudden Cardiac Death in a Female Patient Presenting with Takotsubo-Like Cardiomyopathy due to Epicardial Coronary Vasospasm

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 10:19:32 +0000

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by apical ballooning of the left ventricle (LV) in the absence of relevant coronary artery stenosis, which typically occurs in elderly women after emotional stress. Catecholamine cardiotoxicity, metabolic disturbance, and coronary microvascular impairment have previously been proposed as underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, whereas myocardial stunning resulting from epicardial coronary artery vasospasm is not generally accepted as a cause of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The prognosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is generally more favourable compared to myocardial infarction; however, severe complications such as rupture of the LV and life-threatening arrhythmias may occur. Herein, we describe a case of an 84-year-old female, who presented with aborted sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. Echocardiography suggested LV apical ballooning with severely impaired LV-function, so that takotsubo cardiomyopathy was suspected. However, coronary angiography revealed epicardial spasm of the left anterior ascending, which resolved after intracoronary injection of 0.2 mg nitroglycerine. Cardiac magnetic resonance exhibited subendocardial late enhancement and echocardiography showed normalization of LV dysfunction during follow-up. The patient was put on conservative treatment with nitrates and calcium inhibitors and ICD implantation were deferred.

On the Optimal Dynamic Control Strategy of Disruptive Computer Virus

Jichao Bi, Xiaofan Yang, Yingbo Wu, Qingyu Xiong, Junhao Wen, and Yuan Yan Tang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 10:18:05 +0000

Disruptive computer viruses have inflicted huge economic losses. This paper addresses the development of a cost-effective dynamic control strategy of disruptive viruses. First, the development problem is modeled as an optimal control problem. Second, a criterion for the existence of an optimal control is given. Third, the optimality system is derived. Next, some examples of the optimal dynamic control strategy are presented. Finally, the performance of actual dynamic control strategies is evaluated.

Visualization of Tomato Growth Based on Dry Matter Flow

Hongjun Li, Xiaopeng Zhang, Weiliang Meng, and Lin Ge — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:38:23 +0000

The visualization of tomato growth can be used in 3D computer games and virtual gardens. Based on the growth theory involving the respiration theory, the photosynthesis, and dry matter partition, a visual system is developed. The tomato growth visual simulation system is light-and-temperature-dependent and shows plausible visual effects in consideration of the continuous growth, texture map, gravity influence, and collision detection. In addition, the virtual tomato plant information, such as the plant height, leaf area index, fruit weight, and dry matter, can be updated and output in real time.

Output-Feedback Controller Based Projective Lag-Synchronization of Uncertain Chaotic Systems in the Presence of Input Nonlinearities

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:33:43 +0000

This paper solves the problem of projective lag-synchronization based on output-feedback control for chaotic drive-response systems with input dead-zone and sector nonlinearities. This class of the drive-response systems is assumed in Brunovsky form but with unavailable states and unknown dynamics. To effectively deal with both dead-zone and sector nonlinearities, the proposed controller is designed in a variable-structure framework. To online learn the uncertain dynamics, adaptive fuzzy systems are used. And to estimate the unavailable states, a simple synchronization error is constructed. To prove the stability of the overall closed-loop system (controller, observer, and drive-response system) and to design the adaptation laws, a Lyapunov theory and strictly positive real (SPR) approach are exploited. Finally, three academic examples are given to show the effectiveness of this proposed lag-synchronization scheme.

Energy Efficient Cross-Layer Transmission Model for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

Xin Yang, Ling Wang, and Jian Xie — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:19:13 +0000

The performance of mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) witnessed a significant improvement in recent years, such as throughput, transmission delay, and collision detection. However, MWSN still suffers from high energy consumption, since most of the sensors or users in MWSN are based on passive devices. In order to remedy this problem, in this paper we present a Cross-layer Energy Efficiency (CEE) model for MWSN. CEE is a cross-layer model which contains three layers. It utilizes nodes location information in network layer, medium access control (MAC) protocol in MAC layer (sublayer of data link layer), and full-duplex interfaces in physical (PHY) layer. The CEE model offers a number of advantages in regard to energy efficiency, throughput improvement, low delay, and power control compared to existing models. According to the performance evaluation, the proposed transmission model effectively reduces energy consumption and improves other transmission performances. Also, it has been proved that the proposed model can be used in practical MWSN as Internet of things (IoT).

Laparoscopic Reduction and Closure of an Internal Hernia Secondary to Gynecologic Surgery

Takashi Sakamoto and Alan Kawarai Lefor — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:17:12 +0000

Internal hernia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction which often requires emergent surgery. In general, the preoperative diagnosis of internal hernia is difficult. The pelvic cavity has various spaces with the potential to result in a hernia, especially in females. In this report, we describe a patient with an internal hernia secondary to previous gynecologic surgery. A 49-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain and a history of previous right oophorectomy for a benign ovarian cyst. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed obstruction with strangulation and emergent laparoscopic exploration was performed. Intraoperatively, there was an incarcerated internal hernia in the pelvis, located in the vesicouterine pouch, which was reduced. The orifice of the hernia was a 2 cm defect caused by adhesions between the uterus and bladder. The defect was closed with a continuous suture. The herniated bowel was viable, and the operation was completed without intestinal resection. She was discharged four days after surgery without complications. Laparoscopy is useful to diagnose bowel obstruction in selected patients and may also be used for definitive therapy. It is important to understand pelvic anatomy and consider an internal hernia of the pelvic cavity in females, in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction, especially those with a history of gynecological surgery.

Engineering of Systematic Elimination of a Targeted Chromosome in Human Cells

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:13:53 +0000

Embryonic trisomy leads to abortion or congenital genetic disorders in humans. The most common autosomal chromosome abnormalities are trisomy of chromosomes 13, 18, and 21. Although alteration of gene dosage is thought to contribute to disorders caused by extra copies of chromosomes, genes associated with specific disease phenotypes remain unclear. To generate a normal cell from a trisomic cell as a means of etiological analysis or candidate therapy for trisomy syndromes, we developed a system to eliminate a targeted chromosome from human cells. Chromosome 21 was targeted by integration of a DNA cassette in HeLa cells that harbored three copies of chromosome 21. The DNA cassette included two inverted loxP sites and a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene. This system causes missegregation of chromosome 21 after expression of Cre recombinase and subsequently enables the selection of cells lacking the chromosome by culturing in a medium that includes ganciclovir (GCV). Cells harboring only two copies of chromosome 21 were efficiently induced by transfection of a Cre expression vector, indicating that this approach is useful for eliminating a targeted chromosome.

Histological Identification of Propionibacterium acnes in Nonpyogenic Degenerated Intervertebral Discs

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:09:22 +0000

Purpose. Low-virulence anaerobic bacteria, especially the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), have been thought to be a new pathogeny for a series of disc diseases. However, until now, there has been no histological evidence to confirm this link. The purpose of this study was to confirm the presence of P. acnes in nonpyogenic intervertebral discs via histological observation. Method. Degenerated intervertebral discs were harvested from 76 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica but without any symptoms of discitis or spondylodiscitis. The samples were cultured under anaerobic conditions and then examined using 16S rDNA PCR to screen for P. acnes. Samples found to be positive for P. acnes were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and modified Brown-Brenn staining and observed under a microscope. Results. Here, 16 intervertebral discs were found to be positive for P. acnes via 16S rDNA PCR and the prevalence was 21.05% (16/76). Among them, 7 samples had visible microbes stained with HE and modified Brown-Brenn staining. Morphological examination showed the bacteria to be Gram-positive and rod-shaped, so they were considered P. acnes. Conclusion. P. acnes is capable of colonizing some degenerated intervertebral discs without causing discitis, and its presence could be further confirmed by histological evidence. Targeting these bacteria may be a promising therapy method for some disc diseases.

Distinct Pattern of Microgliosis in the Olfactory Bulb of Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:07:19 +0000

The olfactory bulb (OB) shows early neuropathological hallmarks in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, for example, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The glomerular and granular cell layer of the OB is characterized by preserved cellular plasticity in the adult brain. In turn, alterations of this cellular plasticity are related to neuroinflammation such as microglia activation, implicated in the pathogenesis of AD and PD, as well as frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTLD). To determine microglia proliferation and activation we analyzed ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) expressing microglia in the glomerular and granular cell layer, and the olfactory tract of the OB from patients with AD, PD dementia/dementia with Lewy bodies (PDD/DLB), and FTLD compared to age-matched controls. The number of Iba1 and CD68 positive microglia associated with enlarged amoeboid microglia was increased particularly in AD, to a lesser extent in FTLD and PDD/DLB as well, while the proportion of proliferating microglia was not altered. In addition, cells expressing the immature neuronal marker polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) were increased in the glomerular layer of PDD/DLB and FTLD cases only. These findings provide novel and detailed insights into differential levels of microglia activation in the OB of neurodegenerative diseases.

Modeling and Analyzing Taxi Congestion Premium in Congested Cities

Changwei Yuan, Dayong Wu, Dali Wei, and Hongchao Liu — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:39:11 +0000

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in many major cities. Getting stuck in traffic, the mileage per unit time that a taxicab travels will decline significantly. Congestion premium (or so-called low-speed fare) has become an increasingly important income source for taxi drivers. However, the impact of congestion premium on the taxicab market is not widely understood yet. In particular, modeling and analyzing of the taxi fare structure with congestion premium are extremely limited. In this paper, we developed a taxi price equilibrium model, in which the adjustment mechanism of congestion premium on optimizing the taxi driver’s income, balancing the supply and demand, and eventually improving the level of service in the whole taxicab market was investigated. In the final part, we provided a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model. The results indicated that the current taxi fare scheme in Beijing is suboptimal, since the gain from the raise of congestion premium cannot compensate for the loss from the demand reduction. Conversely, the optimal fare scheme suggested by our model can effectively reduce the excessive demand and reach the supply-demand equilibrium, while keeping the stability of the driver’s income to the maximum extent.

Posttransplant Anemia as a Prognostic Factor of Mortality in Kidney-Transplant Recipients

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:34:21 +0000

Background. Findings on the association between posttransplant anemia (PTA) and mortality in posttransplant patients are scarce. This study explored whether PTA shortly after kidney transplantation (KT) predicts mortality at up to 10 years’ follow-up, stratified for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages. Methods. PTA was divided into 3 categories according to the hemoglobin (Hb) value: severe (Hb < 10 g/dl), mild (10.0 g/dl ≤ Hb < 11.9 g/dl), or no PTA (Hb ≥ 12 g/dl). CKD stages were estimated using the CKD-EPI formula and divided into 2 groups: CKD1-2 and CKD3–5. Cox regression, stratified according to CKD, was performed to identify whether different categories of PTA predicted mortality in KT recipients. Results. Age, being female, and both mild and severe PTA contributed significantly to the Cox regression model on mortality in CKD1-2. In the Cox regression model for mortality in CKD3–5, age and severe PTA contributed significantly to this model. Conclusion. PTA shortly after KT increased the risk of mortality at up to 10 years’ follow-up. Even mild PTA is associated with a 6-fold higher risk of mortality and severe PTA with a 10-fold higher risk of mortality in CKD1-2. Clinical evaluation and treatment of anemia might reduce the higher risk of mortality in patients with PTA in early stages of CKD after KT.

Technologies for Near-Field Focused Microwave Antennas

Paolo Nepa, Alice Buffi, Andrea Michel, and Giuliano Manara — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:08:24 +0000

This paper provides a review spanning different technologies used to implement near-field focused antennas at the microwave frequency band up to a few tens of GHz: arrays of microstrip patches and printed dipoles, arrays of dielectric resonator antennas, reflectarrays, transmitarrays, Fresnel zone plate lenses, leaky-wave antennas, and waveguide arrays.

Advanced Mesh-Based and Particle-Based Numerical Methods for Engineering and Applied Mathematics Problems

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:00:15 +0000

Growth and Mechanism of MoS2 Nanoflowers with Ultrathin Nanosheets

Yifei Guo, Xiuli Fu, and Zhijian Peng — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:50:50 +0000

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with few layers, due to their excellent optical and electrical properties, has great potential for applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, flower-like MoS2 nanostructures with ultrathin nanosheets (petals) were successfully deposited onto silicon substrates by a facile process based on chemical vapor deposition via using MoO3 and S powders as starting materials. Their composition and structure were explored by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The reported nanoflowers vertically and separately stood on the substrates, consisting of several bonded MoS2 nanosheets with a thickness of 10–30 nm and high crystallinity. On the basis of these results, a growth mechanism for the MoS2 nanoflowers was proposed.

Hypodontia: An Update on Its Etiology, Classification, and Clinical Management

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:46:22 +0000

Hypodontia, or tooth agenesis, is the most prevalent craniofacial malformation in humans. It may occur as part of a recognised genetic syndrome or as a nonsyndromic isolated trait. Excluding third molars, the reported prevalence of hypodontia ranges from 1.6 to 6.9%, depending on the population studied. Most affected individuals lack only one or two teeth, with permanent second premolars and upper lateral incisors the most likely to be missing. Both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the aetiology of hypodontia, with the latter playing a more significant role. Hypodontia individuals often present a significant clinical challenge for orthodontists because, in a number of cases, the treatment time is prolonged and the treatment outcome may be compromised. Hence, the identification of genetic and environmental factors may be particularly useful in the early prediction of this condition and the development of prevention strategies and novel treatments in the future.

Modeling Temperature and Pricing Weather Derivatives Based on Temperature

Birhan Taştan and Azize Hayfavi — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:17:16 +0000

This study first proposes a temperature model to calculate the temperature indices upon which temperature-based derivatives are written. The model is designed as a mean-reverting process driven by a Levy process to represent jumps and other features of temperature. Temperature indices are mainly measured as deviations from a base temperature, and, hence, the proposed model includes jumps because they may constitute an important part of this deviation for some locations. The estimated value of a temperature index and its distribution in this model apply an inversion formula to the temperature model. Second, this study develops a pricing process over calculated index values, which returns a customized price for temperature-based derivatives considering that temperature has unique effects on every economic entity. This personalized price is also used to reveal the trading behavior of a hypothesized entity in a temperature-based derivative trade with profit maximization as the objective. Thus, this study presents a new method that does not need to evaluate the risk-aversion behavior of any economic entity.

Circuits and Systems for Wireless Sensing

Xiongchuan Huang, Xiaopeng Yu, Chao Wang, and Hao Gao — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:09:43 +0000

New Collaborative Filtering Algorithms Based on SVD++ and Differential Privacy

Zhengzheng Xian, Qiliang Li, Gai Li, and Lei Li — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:07:39 +0000

Collaborative filtering technology has been widely used in the recommender system, and its implementation is supported by the large amount of real and reliable user data from the big-data era. However, with the increase of the users’ information-security awareness, these data are reduced or the quality of the data becomes worse. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is one of the common matrix factorization methods used in collaborative filtering, which introduces the bias information of users and items and is realized by using algebraic feature extraction. The derivative model SVD++ of SVD achieves better predictive accuracy due to the addition of implicit feedback information. Differential privacy is defined very strictly and can be proved, which has become an effective measure to solve the problem of attackers indirectly deducing the personal privacy information by using background knowledge. In this paper, differential privacy is applied to the SVD++ model through three approaches: gradient perturbation, objective-function perturbation, and output perturbation. Through theoretical derivation and experimental verification, the new algorithms proposed can better protect the privacy of the original data on the basis of ensuring the predictive accuracy. In addition, an effective scheme is given that can measure the privacy protection strength and predictive accuracy, and a reasonable range for selection of the differential privacy parameter is provided.

Rivastigmine as a Symptomatic Treatment for Apathy in Parkinson’s Dementia Complex: New Aspects for This Riddle

Rita Moretti, Paola Caruso, and Matteo Dal Ben — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:06:05 +0000

Over 90% of PDD patients show at least one neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS); in the 60–70% two or more NPS are present. Their incidence is important in terms of prognosis and severity of pathology. However, among all NPS, apathy is often the most disturbing, associated with greater caregiver’s burden. Similar to other NPS, apathy may be due to a dysfunction of the nigrostriatal pathway, even though, not all the PD patients become apathetic, indicating that apathy should not entirely be considered a dopamine-dependent syndrome, and in fact it might also be related to acetylcholine defects. Apathy has been treated in many ways, without sure benefits; among these, Rivastigmine may present benefic properties. We present a series of 48 patients, suffering from PDD, treated with Rivastigmine, and followed-up for one year; they have been devotedly studied for apathy, even though all the other NPS disorders have been registered. Rivastigmine did not have a prolonged benefic effect on apathy, in our work, on the contrary of what had been observed in the literature, probably due to the longer follow-up of our patients.

Enhancing Tumor Detection in IR-UWB Breast Cancer System

Sara Fouad, Reda Ghoname, Abd Elmonem Elmahdy, and Abd Elhalim Zekry — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 07:00:05 +0000

An ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave system for breast cancer detection is presented. The proposed system includes monocycle pulse generator, antipodal Vivaldi antenna, breast model, and calibration algorithm for tumor detection. Firstly, our pulse generator employs transmission gate in glitch generator to achieve several advantages such as low power consumption and low ringing level. Secondly, the antipodal Vivaldi antenna is designed assuming FR4 dielectric substrate material, and developed antenna element ( mm2) features a − dB return loss and bandwidth ranges from 2.3 GHz to more than 11 GHz. Thirdly, the phantom breast can be modeled as a layer of skin, fat, and then tumor is inserted in this layer. Finally, subtract and add algorithm (SAD) is used as a calibration algorithm in tumor detection system. The proposed system suggested that horizontal antenna position with 90° between transmitting and receiving antennas is localized as a suitable antenna position with different rotating location and a 0.5 cm near to phantom. The mean advantages of this localization and tracking position around breast is a high received power signal approximately around mv as a higher recognized signal in tumor detection. Using our proposed system we can detect tumor in 5 mm diameter.

The Use of Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption in Traumatic Rhabdomyolysis

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 06:58:21 +0000

Severe musculoskeletal injuries induce the release of sarcoplasmic elements such as muscle enzymes, potassium, and myoglobin in the systemic circulation. The circulating myoglobin damages the glomerulus and renal tubules. Conventional haemodialysis is not able to remove myoglobin, due to its high molecular weight (17,8 kilodaltons [kDa]). We treated four traumatic rhabdomyolysis patients with Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption (CPFA) in order to remove myoglobin followed by 14 hours of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH). During the treatment, all patients showed clinical improvement with a decrease in muscular (creatine kinase [CK] and myoglobin) and renal (creatinine and potassium) damage indices. One patient, in spite of full renal recovery, died of cerebral haemorrhage on the 26th day of hospital stay.

Numerical and Experimental Research on Cold Compression Deformation Method for Reducing Quenching Residual Stress of 7A85 Aluminum Alloy Thick Block Forging

Cui Jin-dong, Yi You-ping, and Luo Guo-yun — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 06:49:58 +0000

In aeronautical machining industry, the most difficult problem to deal with is the distortion of aviation integral component, one main cause of which is the existence of quenching residual stress of forgings, especially for large-sized ones. Therefore, it is important to study the methods that can reduce the quenching residual stress. In this work, the distribution of quenching residual stress of 7A85 aluminum alloy thick block forging, as well as the effect of cold compression deformation method on reducing quenching residual stress, has been investigated by simulation. The results show that, in length direction of 7A85 aluminum alloy thick block with a large size of 260 () × 1150 () × 5300 () mm, quenching residual stress can be significantly reduced by about 2.5% cold compression deformation along the direction of highness, with residual stress in length direction ranging from −65 MPa to 60 MPa, compared with its counterpart after quenching from −170 MPa to 140 MPa. Then a cold compression experiment was carried out, in which the forging residual stress on the surface was measured by X-ray diffraction device. The experimental results indicate that the optimal compression deformation value is 1%-2%, reducing 70% residual stress for 7A85 aluminum alloy specimens in size of 100 () × 60 () × 40 () mm.

On a Rare Cutaneous Metastasis from a Sacrococcygeal Chordoma

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 06:46:19 +0000

Chordomas are rare malignant tumors of notochordal origin and are rare locally aggressive ones with a metastatic potential. The skin rarely is seen as metastatic site. We describe a case of an adult woman with cutaneous metastasis of a primary sacral chordoma excised ten years before, which appeared as a painless cutaneous mass located in the dorsal region. Once removed, the surgical specimen was formalin fixed and in paraffin embedded. Sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, and histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Histologically, the neoplasia was characterized by cords or single tumor cells with an abundant myxoid stroma, conspicuous pale vacuolated cytoplasm (the classic “physaliphorous cells”), and mild nuclear atypia. Mitotic activity was scanty. At immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein, pan-keratins, EMA, and vimentin. A diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of chordoma was performed. This case illustrates a diagnostic challenge because of the unusual presentation of an already rare tumor.

Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Symptoms of Sleep Disturbance in the Elderly with Dementia

Ai Takeda, Emiko Watanuki, and Sachiyo Koyama — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 06:45:00 +0000

This study investigated the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on sleep disturbance in elderly individuals with dementia. In 19 subjects, normal sleep was observed for a 20-day control period, inhalation aromatherapy was then applied for a 20-day intervention period, and the control and intervention periods were compared. During the intervention period, essential oils were placed nightly on towels around the subjects’ pillows. The measured sleep conditions were sleep latency, total sleep time, sleep efficacy, duration of the longest sustained sleep period, wake time after sleep onset, early morning awakening, total daytime sleep, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Total sleep time was significantly longer in the intervention period than in the control period (). The duration of the longest sustained sleep period was significantly longer in the intervention period than in the control period (). Early morning awakening in the intervention period was significantly less compared to that in the control period (). Total daytime sleep could not be adequately measured and was omitted from the analysis. No significant differences in other sleep conditions were observed. These results indicated positive effects of inhalation aromatherapy on symptoms of sleep disturbance in elderly individuals with dementia.

Job Satisfaction Analysis in Rural China: A Qualitative Study of Doctors in a Township Hospital

Qiwei Chen, Lan Yang, Qiming Feng, and Scott S. Tighe — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Township hospitals in China provide rural communities with basic but much needed critical health care services. The doctors working in these hospitals often feel unsatisfied when considering their work schedules and financial rewards. Method. To explore job satisfaction of health workers in a township hospital, a qualitative study was conducted of 39 doctors from five township hospitals in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The goal was to understand the level of job satisfaction of doctors and to make recommendations for improvements. Results. About 75% (28/39) of the doctors expressed negative attitudes related to their work conditions. Slightly more than half (22/39) mentioned they should receive greater compensation for their work and more than one were seriously considering other options. Many participants (35/39) showed their satisfaction about the achievement of serving as a doctor. Conclusion. Their main concerns related to job satisfaction included working conditions, financial rewards, and the doctor’s relationships with patients. Increasing the incomes and fringe benefits of healthcare workers, improving their work conditions, and providing training and continuing education opportunities would help rural clinics retain doctors and eliminate the current unsatisfactory conditions. The findings also highlight the need for the government to increase financial support of township hospitals.

Effects of Multicomponent Exercise on Functional and Cognitive Parameters of Hypertensive Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a 6-month multicomponent exercise program (MCEP) on physical function and cognitive parameters of normotensive (NTS) and hypertensive (HTS) older patients and verify if age can influence the adaptations in response to the exercise. Methods. A total of 218 subjects, 101 NTS and 117 HTS, were recruited and underwent functional and cognitive evaluations before and after six months of a MCEP. The program of exercise was performed twice a week, for 26 weeks. The physical exercises were thought to mimic the activities of daily living and, therefore, aggregated functional and walking exercises. Exercise sessions were performed at moderate intensity. Results. Data indicated that HTS and NST patients showed a similar increase in the performance of walking speed test and one-leg stand test after the MCEP. Regarding age, results did not show differences in the magnitude of adaptations between old and young HTS and NTS patients. Conclusions. Data of the present study indicated that a 6-month MCEP was able to increase equally balance and mobility in NTS and HTS patients. Moreover, data demonstrated that aging did not seem to impair the capacity to adapt in response to exercise in both groups.

The Great Impostor: Transaminitis Masking the Coinfection of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Sunit Tolia, Hassan Kassem, and Ana Capatina-Rata — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction. The incidence of syphilis continues to rise in the United States over the past 15 years. This disease process is classified into stages and may present with a coinfection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Case Report. We present a case of a 32-year-old African American male who presented with cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis and transaminitis. A workup revealed that the transaminitis was secondary to underlying syphilitic hepatitis in the presence of HIV coinfection. The patient had a reactive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) of 1 : 64 TU and reactive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA). Lab findings showed alkaline phosphate (ALP) of 648 unit/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 251 unit/L, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 409 unit/L. Conclusion. Syphilitic hepatitis is a recognized entity in the medical literature. It is a manifestation of secondary syphilis and it is more commonly seen in coinfected patients with both syphilis and HIV. Therefore, primary care physicians should keep infectious etiologies (e.g., syphilis and HIV) in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with unexplained liver dysfunction in a cholestatic pattern.

Biophysical Approaches Facilitate Computational Drug Discovery for ATP-Binding Cassette Proteins

Steven V. Molinski, Zoltán Bozóky, Surtaj H. Iram, and Saumel Ahmadi — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Although membrane proteins represent most therapeutically relevant drug targets, the availability of atomic resolution structures for this class of proteins has been limited. Structural characterization has been hampered by the biophysical nature of these polytopic transporters, receptors, and channels, and recent innovations to in vitro techniques aim to mitigate these challenges. One such class of membrane proteins, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, are broadly expressed throughout the human body, required for normal physiology and disease-causing when mutated, yet lacks sufficient structural representation in the Protein Data Bank. However, recent improvements to biophysical techniques (e.g., cryo-electron microscopy) have allowed for previously “hard-to-study” ABC proteins to be characterized at high resolution, providing insight into molecular mechanisms-of-action as well as revealing novel druggable sites for therapy design. These new advances provide ample opportunity for computational methods (e.g., virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations, and structure-based drug design) to catalyze the discovery of novel small molecule therapeutics that can be easily translated from computer to bench and subsequently to the patient’s bedside. In this review, we explore the utility of recent advances in biophysical methods coupled with well-established in silico techniques towards drug development for diseases caused by dysfunctional ABC proteins.

Computational and Mathematical Methods in Cardiovascular Diseases

Elena G. Tolkacheva, Xiaopeng Zhao, Sharon Zlochiver, and Yoichiro Mori — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae: Development of a Standardized Protocol for Optochin Susceptibility Testing Using Total Lab Automation

Irene Burckhardt, Jessica Panitz, Florian Burckhardt, and Stefan Zimmermann — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose. Optochin susceptibility is one parameter used in the laboratory to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, a single standardized procedure does not exist. Optochin is included neither in the current EUCAST breakpoint tables nor in the CLSI performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We wanted to establish an evidence-based protocol for optochin testing for our Total Lab Automation. Methods. We tested seven different agars and four different reading time points (7 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h). To accommodate for serotype diversity, all tests were done with 99 different strains covering 34 different serotypes of S. pneumoniae. We calculated a multivariable linear regression using data from 5544 inhibition zones. Results. Reading was possible for all strains at 12 h. Agar type and manufacturer influenced the size of the inhibition zones by up to 2 mm and they varied considerably depending on serotype (up to 3 mm for serotype 3). Depending on agar and reading time point, up to 38% of inhibition zones were smaller than the cut-off of 14 mm; that is, the result of the test was false-negative. Conclusions. Shortening incubation time from 24 h to 12 h for optochin susceptibility testing is feasible. Agar and incubation time have to be chosen carefully to avoid false-negative results.

Kernel-Based Multiview Joint Sparse Coding for Image Annotation

Miao Zang, Huimin Xu, and Yongmei Zhang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

It remains a challenging task for automatic image annotation problem due to the semantic gap between visual features and semantic concepts. To reduce the gap, this paper puts forward a kernel-based multiview joint sparse coding (KMVJSC) framework for image annotation. In KMVJSC, different visual features as well as label information are considered as distinct views and are mapped to an implicit kernel space, in which the original nonlinear separable data become linearly separable. Then, all the views are integrated into a multiview joint sparse coding framework aiming to find a set of optimal sparse representations and discriminative dictionaries adaptively, which can effectively employ the complementary information of different views. An optimization algorithm is presented by extending K-singular value decomposition (KSVD) and accelerated proximal gradient (APG) algorithms to the kernel multiview framework. In addition, a label propagation scheme using the sparse reconstruction and weighted greedy label transfer algorithm is also proposed. Comparative experiments on three datasets have demonstrated the competitiveness of proposed approach compared with other related methods.

The Chilhuacle Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Mexico: Description of the Variety, Its Cultivation, and Uses

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The chilhuacle chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is a Mexican native variety whose production has been highly valuable because it is the main ingredient of the Oaxacan black mole, a typical Mexican dish. It is basically grown in the Cañada Region of the State of Oaxaca, Mexico, within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. Importantly, it is cultivated under traditional agricultural systems, where a range of agronomic constraints associated with the production process and the incidence and severity of pests and diseases represent significant impediments that hinder the yield potential. Additionally, the genetic basis of the crop is highly restricted. Under such environmental and production conditions, the mean crop yield of chilhuacle chili can reach 1 t ha−1 of dehydrated fruits, which can be used in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In this review we summarize the current progress on chilhuacle chili cultivation and outline some crucial guidelines to improve production, as well as other research topics that need to be further addressed.

Kinetic Study of Atmospheric Pressure Nitrogen Plasma Afterglow Using Quantitative Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

A. Tálský, O. Štec, M. Pazderka, and V. Kudrle — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Quantitative electron spin resonance spectroscopy is used to measure nitrogen atom density in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge afterglow. The experiment shows that oxygen injection into early afterglow increases the nitrogen dissociation in certain parts of the afterglow while it is decreased in the rest of the afterglow. Numerical kinetic modelling supports and explains the experimental data while the best fit provides some a priori unknown parameters such as initial concentrations and rate constants.

Glycopatterns of Urinary Protein as New Potential Diagnosis Indicators for Diabetic Nephropathy

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease. However, so little is known about alterations of the glycopatterns in urine with the development of diabetic nephropathy. Presently, we interrogated glycopatterns in urine specimens using a lectin microarray. The results showed that expression levels of Siaα2-6Gal/GalNAc recognized by SNA exhibited significantly increased tendency with the development of diabetic nephropathy; moreover, SNA blotting indicated glycoproteins (90 kDa, 70 kDa, and 40 kDa) in urine may contribute to this alteration. Furthermore, the glycopatterns of recognized by STL exhibited difference between diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathy. The results of urinary protein microarray fabricated by another 48 urine specimens also indicated is a potential indictor to differentiate the patients with diabetic nephropathy from nondiabetic nephropathy. Furtherly, STL blotting showed that the 50 kDa glycoproteins were correlated with this alteration. In conclusion, our data provide pivotal information to monitor the development of diabetic nephropathy and distinguish between diabetic nephropathy and nondiabetic renal disease based on precise alterations of glycopatterns in urinary proteins, but further studies are needed in this regard.

White Matter Integrity in Genetic High-Risk Individuals and First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients: Similarities and Disassociations

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

White matter (WM) neuroimaging studies have shown varied findings at different stages of schizophrenia (SZ). Understanding these variations may elucidate distinct markers of genetic vulnerability and conversion to psychosis. To examine the similarities and differences in WM connectivity between those at-risk for and in early stages of SZ, a cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging study of 48 individuals diagnosed with first-episode SZ (FE-SZ), 37 nonpsychotic individuals at a high genetic risk of SZ (GHR-SZ), and 67 healthy controls (HC) was conducted. Decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum (CC), anterior cingulum (AC), and uncinate fasciculus (UF) was observed in both the GHR-SZ and FE-SZ groups, while decreased FAs in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the fornix were only seen in the FE-SZ participants. Additionally, both GHR-SZ and FE-SZ showed worse executive performance than HC. The left SLF III FA was significantly positively correlated with hallucinations, and right SLF II was positively correlated with thought disorder. The presence of shared WM deficits in both FE-SZ and GHR-SZ individuals may reflect the genetic liability to SZ, while the disparate FA changes in the FE-SZ group may represent symptom-generating circuitry that mediates perceptual and cognitive disturbances of SZ and ultimately culminates in the onset of psychotic episodes.

Temporal Changes in Gene Expression Profile during Mature Adipocyte Dedifferentiation

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objective. To characterize changes in gene expression profile during human mature adipocyte dedifferentiation in ceiling culture. Methods. Subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissue samples were obtained from 4 participants paired for age and BMI. Isolated adipocytes were dedifferentiated in ceiling culture. Gene expression analysis at days 0, 4, 7, and 12 of the cultures was performed using Affymetrix Human Gene 2.0 STvi arrays. Hierarchical clustering according to similarity of expression changes was used to identify overrepresented functions. Results. Four clusters gathered genes with similar expression between day 4 to day 7 but decreasing expression from day 7 to day 12. Most of these genes coded for proteins involved in adipocyte functions (LIPE, PLIN1, DGAT2, PNPLA2, ADIPOQ, CEBPA, LPL, FABP4, SCD, INSR, and LEP). Expression of several genes coding for proteins implicated in cellular proliferation and growth or cell cycle increased significantly from day 7 to day 12 (WNT5A, KITLG, and FGF5). Genes coding for extracellular matrix proteins were differentially expressed between days 0, 4, 7, and 12 (COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL6A3, MMP1, and TGFB1). Conclusion. Dedifferentiation is associated with downregulation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in mature adipocyte functions and upregulation of genes involved in matrix remodeling, cellular development, and cell cycle.

Epigenetic Regulations in Diabetic Nephropathy

Zeyuan Lu, Na Liu, and Feng Wang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic complication of diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. It has been reported that multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of DN, while the molecular mechanisms that lead to DN are still not fully understood. Numerous risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy have been proposed, including ethnicity and inherited genetic differences. Recently, with the development of high-throughput technologies, there is emerging evidence that suggests the important role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of DN. Epigenetic regulations, including DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and histone modifications, play a pivotal role in DN pathogenesis by a second layer of gene regulation. All these findings can contribute to developing novel therapies for DN.

Service Oriented Integration of Distributed Heterogeneous IT Systems in Production Engineering Using Information Standards and Linked Data

Navid Shariat Zadeh, Lars Lindberg, Jad El-Khoury, and Gunilla Sivard — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

While design of production systems based on digital models brings benefits, the communication of models comes with challenges since models typically reside in a heterogeneous IT environment using different syntax and semantics. Coping with heterogeneity requires a smart integration strategy. One main paradigm to integrate data and IT systems is to deploy information standards. In particular, ISO 10303 STEP has been endorsed as a suitable standard to exchange a wide variety of product manufacturing data. One the other hand, service-oriented tool integration solutions are progressively adopted for the integration of data and IT-tools, especially with the emergence of Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration whose focus is on the linking of data from heterogeneous software tools. In practice, there should be a combination of these approaches to facilitate the integration process. Hence, the aim of this paper is to investigate the applications of the approaches and the principles behind them and try to find criteria for where to use which approach. In addition, we explore the synergy between them and consequently suggest an approach based on combination of them. In addition, a systematic approach is suggested to identify required level of integrations and their corresponding approaches exemplified in a typical IT system architecture in Production Engineering.

Wound Healing Effects of Prunus yedoensis Matsumura Bark in Scalded Rats

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Pruni Cortex has been used to treat asthma, measles, cough, urticaria, pruritus, and dermatitis in traditional Korean medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Prunus yedoensis Matsumura bark methanol extract (PYE) on scald-induced dorsal skin wounds in rats. Scalds were produced in Sprague-Dawley rats with 100°C water and treated with 5% and 20% PYE (using Vaseline as a base), silver sulfadiazine (SSD), and Vaseline once a day for 21 days, beginning 24 hours after scald by treatment group allocation. The PYE-treated groups showed accelerated healing from 12 days after scald, demonstrated by rapid eschar exfoliation compared to the control and SSD groups. PYE-treated groups showed higher wound contraction rates and better tissue regeneration in comparison with the control group. Serum analysis showed that transforming growth factor beta 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels remained high or gradually increased up to day 14 in both PYE groups and then showed a sharp decline by day 21, implying successful completion of the inflammatory phase and initiation of tissue regeneration. These findings suggested that PYE is effective in promoting scald wound healing in the inflammation and tissue proliferation stages.

Measuring Antioxidant Activity in Bioorganic Samples by the Differential Oxygen Uptake Apparatus: Recent Advances

Riccardo Amorati, Andrea Baschieri, and Luca Valgimigli — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The measure of O2 consumption during the inhibited autoxidation of an easily oxidizable substrate is one of the most reliable and predictive methods to assess antioxidant activity, especially for structure-activity relationship studies, for food and industrial applications. The differential oxygen uptake apparatus described herein represents a powerful and cost-effective way to obtain antioxidant activity from inhibited autoxidation studies. These experiments provide the rate constant and the stoichiometry of the reaction between antioxidants and peroxyl radicals (), which are involved in the propagation of radical damage. We show the operation principles and the utility of this instrumentation in the bioorganic laboratory, with regard to the recent advances in this field, ranging from the study of natural antioxidants in biomimetic system, to the use of substrates generating hydroperoxyl radicals, and to the evaluation of novel nanoantioxidants.

A Two-Stage Queue Model to Optimize Layout of Urban Drainage System considering Extreme Rainstorms

Xinhua He and Wenfa Hu — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Extreme rainstorm is a main factor to cause urban floods when urban drainage system cannot discharge stormwater successfully. This paper investigates distribution feature of rainstorms and draining process of urban drainage systems and uses a two-stage single-counter queue method to model urban drainage system. The model emphasizes randomness of extreme rainstorms, fuzziness of draining process, and construction and operation cost of drainage system. Its two objectives are total cost of construction and operation and overall sojourn time of stormwater. An improved genetic algorithm is redesigned to solve this complex nondeterministic problem, which incorporates with stochastic and fuzzy characteristics in whole drainage process. A numerical example in Shanghai illustrates how to implement the model, and comparisons with alternative algorithms show its performance in computational flexibility and efficiency. Discussions on sensitivity of four main parameters, that is, quantity of pump stations, drainage pipe diameter, rainstorm precipitation intensity, and confidence levels, are also presented to provide guidance for designing urban drainage system.

Integrating Preventive Maintenance Planning and Production Scheduling under Reentrant Job Shop

Ruiqiu Li and Huimin Ma — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This paper focuses on a preventive maintenance plan and production scheduling problem under reentrant Job Shop in semiconductor production. Previous researches discussed production scheduling and preventive maintenance plan independently, especially on reentrant Job Shop. Due to reentrancy, reentrant Job Shop scheduling is more complex than the standard Job Shop which belongs to NP-hard problems. Reentrancy is a typical characteristic of semiconductor production. What is more, the equipment of semiconductor production is very expensive. Equipment failure will affect the normal production plan. It is necessary to maintain it regularly. So, we establish an integrated and optimal mathematical model. In this paper, we use the hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the problem for it is highly nonlinear and discrete. The proposed model is evaluated through some simple simulation experiments and the results show that the model works better than the independent decision-making model in terms of minimizing maximum completion time.

The Influence of Shaft’s Bending on the Coupling Vibration of a Flexible Blade-Rotor System

Chao-feng Li, Hou-xin She, Wen Liu, and Bang-chun Wen — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The influence of shaft bending on the coupling vibration of rotor-blades system is nonignorable. Therefore, this paper analyzed the influence of shaft bending on the coupling vibration of rotor-blades system. The vibration mode function of shaft under elastic supporting condition was also derived to ensure accuracy of the model as well. The influence of the number of blades, the position of disk, and the support stiffness of shaft on critical speed of system was analyzed. The numerical results show that there were two categories of coupling mode shapes which belong to a set where the blade’s first two modes predominate in the system: shaft-blade (SB) mode and interblade (BB) mode due to the coupling between blade and shaft. The BB mode was of repeated frequencies of () multiplicity for number blades, and the SB mode was of repeated frequencies of () multiplicity for number blades. What is more, with the increase of the number of blades, natural frequency of rotor was decreasing linearly, that of BB mode was constant, and that of SB mode was increasing linearly. Natural frequency of BB mode was not affected while that of rotor and SB mode was affected (changed symmetrically with the center of shaft) by the position of disk. In the end, vibration characteristics of coupling mode shapes were analyzed.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of [Rh2(OAc)4(L)2] Paddlewheel Complexes: A Joint Experimental and Computational Study

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The synthesis of four rhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes bearing axial aromatic amines and coumarin ligands, with formula [Rh2(OAc)4(L)2] (L = NH2Mesityl (1), NH2Dip (2), NH2Couma (3), coumarin (4)), prompted by microwave irradiation, was carried out successfully. All of the complexes were characterized by the melting point, elemental analysis, NMR, IR, and UV/Visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the structure of complexes 1-2 and 4 was corroborated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry, ESI-MS, and tandem MS analyses were carried out in compound 1 for gaining further insight into its stability. Finally, a DFT study shows that complexes 1–4 are the thermodynamic products, having as intermediates complexes 1′–4′ which, under our experimental conditions, cannot be isolated.

Functional Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Xiulin Fan, Xuezhang Xiao, and Zheng Zhang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Association of a Genetic Variant in SCAF8-CNKSR3 with Diabetic Kidney Disease and Diabetic Retinopathy in a Chinese Population

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Genome-wide association studies found rs955333 located in 6q25.2 was associated with diabetic kidney disease in multiple ethnic populations, including European Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. We aimed to investigate the association between the variant rs955333 in SCAF8-CNKSR3 and DKD susceptibility in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. Methods. The variant rs955333 was genotyped in 1884 Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. Associations of the variant rs955333 with DKD and DR susceptibility and related quantitative traits were evaluated. Results. The variant rs955333 was not associated with DKD in our samples, while subjects with genotype GG were associated with DR (, OR = 0.5525 ), and it also showed association with microalbuminuria (, beta = −0.1812 ). Conclusion. Our data suggests the variant rs955333 was not associated with DKD but showed association with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients.

Halloysite Nanotubes Noncovalently Functionalised with SDS Anionic Surfactant and PS-b-P4VP Block Copolymer for Their Effective Dispersion in Polystyrene as UV-Blocking Nanocomposite Films

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A simple and versatile method is reported for the noncovalent functionalisation of natural and “green” halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) allowing their effective dispersion in a polystyrene (PS) thermoplastic matrix via solvent mixing. Initially, HNTs (pristine HNTs) were modified with physically adsorbed surfactant molecules of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and PS-b-P4VP [P4VP: poly(4-vinylpyridine)] block copolymer (BCP). Hereafter, SDS and BCP modified HNTs will be indicated as SDS-m-HNT and BCP-m-HNT. Nanocomposite films with 1, 2, and 5 wt.% HNT loadings were prepared, abbreviated as PS-SDS-m-HNT1, PS-SDS-m-HNT2, and PS-SDS-m-HNT5 and PS-BCP-m-HNT1, PS-BCP-m-HNT2, and PS-BCP-m-HNT5 (where 1, 2, and 5 correspond to the wt.% of HNTs). All nanocomposites depicted improved thermal degradation compared to the neat PS as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the good dispersion state of HNTs and the importance of modification by SDS and BCP. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed the characteristic interlayer spacing between the two silicate layers of pristine and modified HNTs. The PS/HNT nanocomposite films exhibited excellent ultraviolent-visible (UV-vis) absorbance properties and their potential application as UV-filters could be envisaged.

Interdecadal Changes in the Freeze Depth and Period of Frozen Soil on the Three Rivers Source Region in China from 1960 to 2014

Siqiong Luo, Xuewei Fang, Shihua Lyu, Qi Jiang, and Jingyuan Wang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

On the basis of observed soil freeze depth data from 14 meteorological stations on the Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) in China during 1960 to 2014, trends in the freeze depth, first date, last date, and duration of frozen soil were analyzed, together with other meteorological variables, such as air temperature, snow depth, and precipitation, observed at the same locations. The results showed the following. (1) A continuous, accelerated decreasing trend in freeze depth appeared in the TRSR during the 1985–2014 and 2000–2014 periods, compared with that during the 1960–2014 period. (2) The freeze first date had been delayed and the freeze last date had been advanced significantly. The advanced trends in freeze last date were more significant than the delayed trends in freeze first date. The freeze duration also experienced an accelerated decrease. (3) The freeze depth and period were strongly affected by air temperature, thawing index, and soil moisture (precipitation), but not by snow. The freeze depth, freeze first date, freeze last date, and duration also influenced each other. (4) These decreasing trends in freeze depth and duration are expected to continue given the increasing trends in air temperature and precipitation in this region.

Salivary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme, Psychological Disorders, and Life Quality in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress, anxiety, and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The impact of this disease on the life quality was also evaluated. Design. Twenty-two patients with RAS and controls, matched by sex and age, were selected. Stress and anxiety were assessed using Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Life quality was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Saliva samples were collected in the morning and afternoon and the SAA activity was analyzed by enzymatic kinetic method. Results. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the SAA activity (). Patients with RAS had higher scores of anxiety (). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower in patients with RAS. The values obtained through OHIP-14 were significantly higher in these patients (). Conclusion. RAS negatively affects the life quality. Patients with the disease have higher levels of anxiety, suggesting its association with the etiopathogenesis of RAS.

Activities of Amphioxus GH-Like Protein in Osmoregulation: Insight into Origin of Vertebrate GH Family

Mengyang Li, Chengyan Jiang, Yu Zhang, and Shicui Zhang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

GH is known to play an important role in both growth promotion and osmoregulation in vertebrates. We have shown that amphioxus possesses a single GH-like hormone (GHl) gene encoding a functional protein capable of promoting growth. However, if GHl can mediate osmoregulation remains open. Here, we demonstrated clearly that GHl increased not only the survival rate of amphioxus but also the muscle moisture under high salinity. Moreover, GHl induced the expression of both the ion transporter Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) and Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC) in the gill as well as the mediator of GH action IGFl in the hepatic caecum, indicating that GHl fulfills this osmoregulatory activity through the same mechanisms of vertebrate GH. These results together suggest that the osmoregulatory activities of GH had emerged in the basal chordate amphioxus. We also proposed a new model depicting the origin of pituitary hormone family in vertebrates.

Existence and Uniqueness of Periodic Solutions for a Kind of Second-Order Neutral Functional Differential Equation with Delays

Na Wang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We consider a kind of second-order neutral functional differential equation. On the basis of Mawhin’s coincidence degree, the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions are proved. It is indicated that the result is related to the deviating arguments. Moreover, we present two simulations to demonstrate the validity of analytical conclusion.

Perioperative Anaphylaxis to Chlorhexidine during Surgery and Septoplasty

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant used in surgical and clinical practice since 1954 and is available in aqueous or alcoholic solutions 0.5%–4.0% and has a broad-spectrum activity. Despite their widespread use, allergic reactions with chlorhexidine are rarely reported. We describe a case of anaphylaxis with chlorhexidine during a septoplasty, turbinectomy, and maxillary sinusectomy. The patient presented with periorbital edema, hives, hypotension, and wheezing. Immediately after the diagnosis of anaphylaxis promethazine, hydrocortisone, and epinephrine were administered with immediate clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of assessing whether there is a previous clinical history of hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine in patients who will undergo surgical procedures.

The Potential Role of Aerobic Exercise-Induced Pentraxin 3 on Obesity-Related Inflammation and Metabolic Dysregulation

Aaron L. Slusher, Chun-Jung Huang, and Edmund O. Acevedo — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Obesity is defined as the excess accumulation of intra-abdominal body fat, resulting in a state of chronic, low-grade proinflammation that can directly contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase protein that is expressed by a variety of tissue and cell sources and provides an anti-inflammatory property to downregulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Although PTX3 may therapeutically aid in altering the proinflammatory milieu in obese individuals, and despite elevated expression of PTX3 mRNA observed in adipose tissue, the circulating level of PTX3 is reduced with obesity. Interestingly, aerobic activity has been demonstrated to elevate PTX3 levels. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the therapeutic potential of PTX3 to positively regulate obesity-related inflammation and discuss the proposition for utilizing aerobic exercise as a nonpharmacological anti-inflammatory treatment strategy to enhance circulating PTX3 concentrations in obese individuals.

Bacteraemia in Intensive Care Unit: Clinical, Bacteriological, and Prognostic Prospective Study

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives. We conducted a one-year observational study from December 2012 to November 2013 to describe the epidemiology of bacteraemia in intensive care units (ICU) of Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital of Rabat (Morocco). Methods. The study consisted of monitoring all blood cultures coming from intensive care units and studying the bacteriological profile of positive blood cultures as well as their clinical significance. Results. During this period, a total of 46 episodes of bacteraemia occurred, which corresponds to a rate of 15,4/1000 patients. The rate of nosocomial infections was 97% versus 3% for community infections. The most common source of bacteraemia was the lungs in 33%, but no source was identified in 52% of the episodes. Gram negative organisms were isolated in 83,6% of the cases with Acinetobacter baumannii being the most frequent. Antibiotic resistance was very high with 42,5% of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Enterobacteriaceae and 100% of carbapenemase in Acinetobacter baumannii. The antibiotherapy introduced in the first 24 hours was adequate in 72% of the cases. Conclusions. Bloodstream infections in ICU occur most often in patients over 55 years, with hypertension and diabetes. The bacteria involved are mainly Gram negative bacteria multiresistant to antibiotics. Early administration of antibiotics significantly reduces patients mortality.

Incidence and Predictors of Advanced Liver Fibrosis by a Validated Serum Biomarker in Liver Transplant Recipients

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Aims. Serum fibrosis biomarkers have shown good accuracy in the liver transplant (LT) population. We employed a simple serum biomarker to elucidate incidence and predictors of advanced fibrosis after LT over a long follow-up period. Methods. We included 440 consecutive patients who underwent LT between 1991 and 2013. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as FIB-4 > 3.25 beyond 12 months after LT. Results. Over 2030.5 person-years (PY) of follow-up, 189 (43%) developed FIB-4 > 3.25, accounting for an incidence of 9.3/100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1–10.7). Advanced fibrosis was predicted by chronic HCV infection (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.96, 95% CI 2.92–5.36, < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.72–3.09; < 0.001), and hyponatremia (aHR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.01; = 0.01). LT recipients with more than 1 predictor had a higher incidence of advanced fibrosis, the highest being when all 3 predictors coexisted (log-rank: < 0.001). Conclusions. Chronic HCV infection, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia predict progression to advanced liver fibrosis following LT. Patients with these risk factors should be serially monitored using noninvasive fibrosis biomarkers and prioritized for interventions.

Epidemiology and Molecular Typing of Pregnancy-Associated Listeriosis Cases in Lombardy, Italy, over a 10-Year Period (2005–2014)

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In developed countries, pregnancy-related listeriosis accounts for 20–43% of total invasive listeriosis. This work describes the first pregnancy-related listeriosis survey in Italy based on two data sources, that is, mandatory notification system and regional laboratory-based network. Out of 610 listeriosis cases reported over a 10-year period, 40 were pregnancy-related (6.6%). Among these, 29 pregnancy-related isolates were available and have been analysed with serotyping, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, and Multi-Virulence-Locus Sequence Typing. No maternal fatality was recorded, but 11 (29.7%) pregnancies resulted in a foetal death, a miscarriage, or a birth of a foetus dying immediately after birth. The average incidence of pregnancy-related listeriosis was 4.3 cases per 100000 births, and the proportion of pregnancy-associated listeriosis among ethnic minorities was significantly higher compared to the general population (30.0% versus 3.5%, ). L. monocytogenes isolates belonged to serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b, with the latter significantly more prevalent among pregnancy-related isolates. Twenty different pulsotypes were distinguished and 16 out of the 29 isolates were classified into seven clusters. A total of 16 virulence types (VTs) were identified. Five VTs accounted for 45% of the total cases and coincided with those of previously described Epidemic Clones (ECs) of L. monocytogenes.

Mapping of Maize Growing Period over the Free State Province of South Africa: Heat Units Approach

Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Temperature is one of the important environmental parameters that determines the development of a crop from one stage to another. It is integral in the calculation of heat units. In this study, the thermal index concept is used to determine the length of the growing period of short season, medium season, and medium-late season maize crop varieties for different sowing dates (1st dekad of October to 1st dekad of January). The results show high spatiotemporal variation in the median growing period for all three maize varieties. The length of the growing period for the short, medium, and medium-late season varieties is relatively short during October to early December with values in some areas of less than 100, 120, and 120 days, respectively. The duration of the planting period increases exponentially in most places starting from the 2nd dekad of November to 2nd dekad of December, depending on the region and crop variety. Long growing periods are likely to align maize growing period with dates of high frost risk and water shortages. Thus, appropriate choice of sowing date taking into consideration the thermal time requirements of the cultivar is crucial for proper growth and development of the maize crop.

Statistical -Convergence in Probabilistic Normed Spaces

M. Aldhaifallah, K. S. Nisar, H. M. Srivastava, and M. Mursaleen — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The main objective of the study was to understand the notion of Λ-convergence and to study the notion of probabilistic normed spaces. The study has also aimed to define the statistical Λ-convergence and statistical Λ-Cauchy in PN-spaces. The concepts of these approaches have been defined by some examples, which have demonstrated the concepts of statistical Λ-convergence and statistical Λ-Cauchy in PN-spaces. Previous studies have also been used to understand similar terminologies and notations for the extraction of outcomes.

Phase Segmentation Methods for an Automatic Surgical Workflow Analysis

Dinh Tuan Tran, Ryuhei Sakurai, Hirotake Yamazoe, and Joo-Ho Lee — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, we present robust methods for automatically segmenting phases in a specified surgical workflow by using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and hidden Markov model (HMM) approaches. More specifically, our goal is to output an appropriate phase label for each given time point of an SW in an operating room. The fundamental idea behind our work lies in constructing an HMM based on observed values obtained via an LDA topic model covering optical flow motion features of general working contexts, including medical staff, equipment, and materials. We have an awareness of such working contexts by using multiple synchronized cameras to capture the surgical workflow. Further, we validate the robustness of our methods by conducting experiments involving up to 12 phases of surgical workflows with the average length of each surgical workflow being 12.8 minutes. The maximum average accuracy achieved after applying leave-one-out cross-validation was 84.4%, which we found to be a very promising result.

New Hybrid Features Selection Method: A Case Study on Websites Phishing

Khairan D. Rajab — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Phishing is one of the serious web threats that involves mimicking authenticated websites to deceive users in order to obtain their financial information. Phishing has caused financial damage to the different online stakeholders. It is massive in the magnitude of hundreds of millions; hence it is essential to minimize this risk. Classifying websites into “phishy” and legitimate types is a primary task in data mining that security experts and decision makers are hoping to improve particularly with respect to the detection rate and reliability of the results. One way to ensure the reliability of the results and to enhance performance is to identify a set of related features early on so the data dimensionality reduces and irrelevant features are discarded. To increase reliability of preprocessing, this article proposes a new feature selection method that combines the scores of multiple known methods to minimize discrepancies in feature selection results. The proposed method has been applied to the problem of website phishing classification to show its pros and cons in identifying relevant features. Results against a security dataset reveal that the proposed preprocessing method was able to derive new features datasets which when mined generate high competitive classifiers with reference to detection rate when compared to results obtained from other features selection methods.

Machine Learning and Visual Computing

Lei Zhang, Yu Cao, Fei Yang, and Qiushi Zhao — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Stigma towards People Living on HIV/AIDS and Associated Factors among Nurses’ Working in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction. HIV/AIDS-related stigma occurs in the world towards people living with HIV/AIDS in a different form. Stigma among nurses in health care setting is one of the main challenges towards the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. It is one of the main reasons keeping patients from seeking health care service. Therefore assessing the magnitude of stigma and associated factors towards people living on HIV/AIDS among nurses is of paramount importance for the quality of nursing care as well as service utilization. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2013. Pretested and structured questionnaire via self-administration was used in the tool of HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument-Nurse (HASI-N). Data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.3 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the sample characteristics. A backward stepwise logistic regression model was fitted and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated to identify associated factors. Results. A total of 386 nurses participated yielding a response rate of 97.2%. Nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of them have shown stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS in the health institution. Qualification level of diploma or certificate, lack of training, experiences of <06 years, low HIV patient caseload seen in the last six months, and the absence of guidelines/protocols about HIV/AIDS in their health institution were associated factors for stigma. Conclusions. The findings of this research showed high magnitude of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS among nurses. For stigma to be decreased nurses need to update their knowledge through training and experience sharing with senior staff. And it is crucial that the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, and the two hospitals work for decreasing stigma by creating educational development, ensuring accessibility of guidelines about HIV/AIDS, and providing access to training.

Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Oral Rinses In Vitro

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

While oral rinses used for cosmetic purposes only do not necessarily have to be antiseptic, antimicrobial activity is required for medical indications, including oral and periodontal surgery. So the question arises—is the antimicrobial activity of oral rinses associated with any destructive changes in cell viability in vitro? To answer this question, we examined twelve oral rinses with respect to their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Antimicrobial activity was screened against five bacterial strains using disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was determined by mitochondrial reductase activity with primary gingival fibroblasts, L929 cells, and HSC-2 epithelial cells. Phase contrast microscopy and trypan blue staining were then performed to reveal cell morphology. Cells remained vital after exposure to oral rinses that were only used for cosmetic purposes. Moderate cytotoxic effects were observed for oral rinses containing 0.05% chlorhexidine, ethanol, or pegylated hydrogenated castor oil and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Other oral rinses containing 0.2% chlorhexidine and cocamidopropyl betaine exhibited strong cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity. Strong cytotoxic but moderate antimicrobial activity was observed in oral rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride. The in vitro data show that oral rinses are heterogeneous with respect to their cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects. Based on their respective properties, oral rinses can be selected either to reduce the microbial load or for cosmetic purposes.

Modulation of Optical and Electrical Characteristics by Laterally Stretching DNAs on CVD-Grown Monolayers of MoS2

Guru P. Neupane, Minh Dao Tran, Hyun Kim, and Jeongyong Kim — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Monolayer MoS2 (1L-MoS2) is an ideal platform to examine and manipulate two dimensionally confined exciton complexes, which provides a large variety of modulating the optical and electrical properties of 1L-MoS2. Extensive studies of external doping and hybridization exhibit the possibilities of engineering the optical and electrical performance of 1L-MoS2. However, biomodifications of 1L-MoS2 and the characterization and applications of such hybrid structures are rarely reported. In this paper, we present a bio-MoS2 hybrid structure fabricated by laterally stretching strands of DNAs on CVD-grown 1L-MoS2. We observed a strong modification of photoluminescence and Raman spectra with reduced PL intensity and red-shift of PL peak and Raman peaks, which were attributed to electron doping by the DNAs and the presence of tensile strain in 1L-MoS2. Moreover, we observed a significant enhancement of electric mobility in the DNA/1L-MoS2 hybrid compared to that in the pristine 1L-MoS2, which may have been caused by the induced strain in 1L-MoS2.

Escaping Depressions in LRTS Based on Incremental Refinement of Encoded Quad-Trees

Yue Hu, Long Qin, Quanjun Yin, and Lin Sun — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In the context of robot navigation, game AI, and so on, real-time search is extensively used to undertake motion planning. Though it satisfies the requirement of quick response to users’ commands and environmental changes, learning real-time search (LRTS) suffers from the heuristic depressions where agents behave irrationally. There have introduced several effective solutions, such as state abstractions. This paper combines LRTS and encoded quad-tree abstraction which represent the search space in multiresolutions. When exploring the environments, agents are enabled to locally repair the quad-tree models and incrementally refine the spatial cognition. By virtue of the idea of state aggregation and heuristic generalization, our EQ LRTS (encoded quad-tree based LRTS) possesses the ability of quickly escaping from heuristic depressions with less state revisitations. Experiments and analysis show that (a) our encoding principle for quad-trees is a much more memory-efficient method than other data structures expressing quad-trees, (b) EQ LRTS differs a lot in several characteristics from classical PR LRTS which represent the space and refine the paths hierarchically, and (c) EQ LRTS substantially reduces the planning amount and curtails heuristic updates compared with LRTS on uniform cells.

Multiobjective Optimization Model for Wind Power Allocation

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

There is an increasing need for the injection to the grid of renewable energy; therefore, to evaluate the optimal location of new renewable generation is an important task. The primary purpose of this work is to develop a multiobjective optimization model that permits finding multiple trade-off solutions for the location of new wind power resources. It is based on the augmented -constrained methodology. Two competitive objectives are considered: maximization of preexisting energy injection and maximization of new wind energy injection, both embedded, in the maximization of load supply. The results show that the location of new renewable generation units affects considerably the transmission network flows, the load supply, and the preexisting energy injection. Moreover, there are diverse opportunities to benefit the preexisting generation, contrarily to the expected effect where renewable generation displaces conventional power. The proposed methodology produces a diverse range of equivalent solutions, expanding and enriching the horizon of options and giving flexibility to the decision-making process.

On the Dimers Stability of Allicin and Its Derivatives Interacting with AT, GC, and DNA Bridge: DFT Study

Mindaugas Macernis — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Allicin and its derivatives are physiologically active molecules with many potential health benefits. It is not clear if they have a direct effect on DNA or protein. In order to elucidate the allicin and its derivatives’ effect on DNA base pairs, we investigated various complexes of base pair and its bridge with an allicin and its derivatives. The investigated allicin derivatives were (E)-Ajoene, (Z)-Ajoene, Amz121, and Bmz73 radicals. The DFT calculation results revealed that the investigated molecules would favor binding to bridge of the base pairs instead of directly affecting the base pairs. The Bmz73 radical could break DNA by change bonding in it because the Bmz73 radical significantly affected the P-O bond of the bridge of base pair.

The Study of Seismic Response on Accelerated Contained Fluid

Kamila Kotrasova and Eva Kormanikova — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Ground-supported cylindrical tanks are strategically very important structures used to store a variety of liquids. This paper presents the theoretical background of fluid effect on tank when a fluid container is subjected to horizontal acceleration. Fluid excites the hydrodynamic (impulsive and convective) pressures, impulsive and convective (sloshing) actions. Seismic response of cylindrical fluid filling tanks fixed to rigid foundations was calculated for variation of the tank slenderness parameter. The calculating procedure has been adopted in Eurocode 8.

New Insights into the Epigenetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Braira Wahid, Amjad Ali, Shazia Rafique, and Muhammad Idrees — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most predominant malignancies with high fatality rate. This deadly cancer is rising at an alarming rate because it is quite resistant to radio- and chemotherapy. Different epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and expression of noncoding RNAs drive the cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, initiation, progression, and development of HCC. These epigenetic alterations because of potential reversibility open way towards the development of biomarkers and therapeutics. The contribution of these epigenetic changes to HCC development has not been thoroughly explored yet. Further research on HCC epigenetics is necessary to better understand novel molecular-targeted HCC treatment and prevention. This review highlights latest research progress and current updates regarding epigenetics of HCC, biomarker discovery, and future preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat the increasing risk of HCC.

Corrigendum to “Dual Inhibiting Senescence and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Erythropoietin Preserve Tubular Epithelial Cell Regeneration and Ameliorate Renal Fibrosis in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction”

Adis Tasanarong, Supranee Kongkham, and Sookkasem Khositseth — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Combination Therapy with a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor and a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Additively Suppresses Macrophage Foam Cell Formation and Atherosclerosis in Diabetic Mice

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), in addition to their antihyperglycemic roles, have antiatherosclerotic effects. We reported that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) suppress atherosclerosis in a glucose-dependent manner in diabetic mice. Here, we investigated the effects of combination therapy with SGLT2i and DPP-4i on atherosclerosis in diabetic mice. SGLT2i (ipragliflozin, 1.0 mg/kg/day) and DPP-4i (alogliptin, 8.0 mg/kg/day), either alone or in combination, were administered to db/db mice or streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E-null (Apoe−/−) mice. Ipragliflozin and alogliptin monotherapies improved glucose intolerance; however, combination therapy did not show further improvement. The foam cell formation of peritoneal macrophages was suppressed by both the ipragliflozin and alogliptin monotherapies and was further enhanced by combination therapy. Although foam cell formation was closely associated with HbA1c levels in all groups, DPP-4i alone or the combination group showed further suppression of foam cell formation compared with the control or SGLT2i group at corresponding HbA1c levels. Both ipragliflozin and alogliptin monotherapies decreased scavenger receptors and increased cholesterol efflux regulatory genes in peritoneal macrophages, and combination therapy showed additive changes. In diabetic Apoe−/− mice, combination therapy showed the greatest suppression of plaque volume in the aortic root. In conclusion, combination therapy with SGLT2i and DPP4i synergistically suppresses macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in diabetic mice.

Mixed-Degree Spherical Simplex-Radial Cubature Kalman Filter

Shiyuan Wang, Yali Feng, Shukai Duan, and Lidan Wang — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Conventional low degree spherical simplex-radial cubature Kalman filters often generate low filtering accuracy or even diverge for handling highly nonlinear systems. The high-degree Kalman filters can improve filtering accuracy at the cost of increasing computational complexity; nevertheless their stability will be influenced by the negative weights existing in the high-dimensional systems. To efficiently improve filtering accuracy and stability, a novel mixed-degree spherical simplex-radial cubature Kalman filter (MSSRCKF) is proposed in this paper. The accuracy analysis shows that the true posterior mean and covariance calculated by the proposed MSSRCKF can agree accurately with the third-order moment and the second-order moment, respectively. Simulation results show that, in comparison with the conventional spherical simplex-radial cubature Kalman filters that are based on the same degrees, the proposed MSSRCKF can perform superior results from the aspects of filtering accuracy and computational complexity.

Tongxinluo Regulates Expression of Tight Junction Proteins and Alleviates Endothelial Cell Monolayer Hyperpermeability via ERK-1/2 Signaling Pathway in Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Vascular hyperpermeability resulting from distortion of endothelial junctions is associated with a number of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial tight junction regulates the paracellular permeability of macromolecules, a function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) monolayers that can be regulated by oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein (ox-LDL). However, the understanding of drug regulation of vascular hyperpermeability is so far limited. This study thus aimed to investigate the role of Tongxinluo (TXL) in the maintenance of the vascular endothelial paracellular permeability. Here, changes in permeability were determined by measuring the paracellular flux of FITC-dextran 40000 (FD40), while protein expression and intercellular distribution were examined by western blot and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. We found that TXL alleviated the ox-LDL-induced increase in flux of FD40 and then reduced the hyperpermeability. Moreover, ox-LDL-induced disruptions of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin1 were also restored. This is via the activation of ERK1/2 in the vascular endothelial cells. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanism by which TXL alleviates ox-LDL-induced hyperpermeability and provide the basis for further investigations of TXL as regulators of vascular barrier function.

Statistical Analysis of Video Frame Size Distribution Originating from Scalable Video Codec (SVC)

Sima Ahmadpour, Tat-Chee Wan, Zohreh Toghrayee, and Fariba HematiGazafi — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Designing an effective and high performance network requires an accurate characterization and modeling of network traffic. The modeling of video frame sizes is normally applied in simulation studies and mathematical analysis and generating streams for testing and compliance purposes. Besides, video traffic assumed as a major source of multimedia traffic in future heterogeneous network. Therefore, the statistical distribution of video data can be used as the inputs for performance modeling of networks. The finding of this paper comprises the theoretical definition of distribution which seems to be relevant to the video trace in terms of its statistical properties and finds the best distribution using both the graphical method and the hypothesis test. The data set used in this article consists of layered video traces generating from Scalable Video Codec (SVC) video compression technique of three different movies.

Characterization of NO-Induced Nitrosative Status in Human Placenta from Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:24:18 +0000

Dysregulation of NO production is implicated in pregnancy-related diseases, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The role of NO and its placental targets in GDM pregnancies has yet to be determined. S-Nitrosylation is the NO-derived posttranslational protein modification that can modulate biological functions by forming NO-derived complexes with longer half-life, termed S-nitrosothiol (SNO). Our aim was to examine the presence of endogenous S-nitrosylated proteins in cysteine residues in relation to antioxidant defense, apoptosis, and cellular signal transduction in placental tissue from control () and GDM () pregnancies. S-Nitrosylation was measured using the biotin-switch assay, while the expression and protein activity were assessed by immunoblotting and colorimetric methods, respectively. Results indicated that catalase and peroxiredoxin nitrosylation levels were greater in GDM placentas, and that was accompanied by reduced catalase activity. S-Nitrosylation of ERK1/2 and AKT was increased in GDM placentas, and their activities were inhibited. Activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased, with the latter also showing diminished nitrosylation levels. These findings suggest that S-nitrosylation is a little-known, but critical, mechanism by which NO directly modulates key placental proteins in women with GDM and, as a consequence, maternal and fetal anomalies during pregnancy can occur.

Performance and Flow Field of a Gravitation Vortex Type Water Turbine

Yasuyuki Nishi and Terumi Inagaki — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:21:19 +0000

A gravitation vortex type water turbine, which mainly comprises a runner and a tank, generates electricity by introducing a flow of water into the tank and using the gravitation vortex generated when the water drains from the bottom of the tank. This water turbine is capable of generating electricity using a low head and a low flow rate with relatively simple structure. However, because its flow field has a free surface, this water turbine is extremely complicated, and thus its relevance to performance for the generation of electricity has not been clarified. This study aims to clarify the performance and flow field of a gravitation vortex type water turbine. We conducted experiments and numerical analysis, taking the free surface into consideration. As a result, the experimental and computational values of the torque, turbine output, turbine efficiency, and effective head agreed with one another. The performance of this water turbine can be predicted by this analysis. It has been shown that when the rotational speed increases at the runner inlet, the forward flow area expands. However, when the air area decreases, the backward flow area also expands.

Application and Development Prospects of Dietary Fibers in Flour Products

Wen Han, Sen Ma, Li Li, Xiao-xi Wang, and Xue-ling Zheng — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:18:45 +0000

Dietary fibers are often characterized by high nutritional quality, as they are able to cure many chronic diseases and improve texture, sensory characteristics, and shelf life of foods. Here, the following aspects of dietary fibers have been reviewed: nutritional properties, including the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, effects on microorganisms, antioxidant effect, potential role in losing weight, ability to regulate blood lipids, application in flour products such as bread and Chinese noodles, challenges such as dark color, rough texture, and poor solubility, and potential solutions that include modification methods. The primary purpose of this review is to comprehensively evaluate potential applications of dietary fibers in flour products, addressing common problems and reviewing potential solutions to promote further study and applications of dietary fibers.

Management of Hepple Stage V Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus with a Platelet-Rich Plasma Scaffold

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:01:37 +0000

There has been no consensus on the treatment or prognosis of Hepple stage V osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), especially for lesions greater than 1.5 cm2 in size. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes achieved upon application of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) scaffold with a cancellous bone autograft for Hepple stage V OLTs. Fourteen patients (mean age, 39 years) were treated with a cancellous bone graft and a PRP scaffold between 2013 and 2015. The mean time to surgical treatment was 23.5 months. Ankle X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging were performed at the final follow-up. Functional outcomes were evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) score. The range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and complications also were recorded. Thirteen patients completed the full follow-up, with a mean follow-up duration of 18 months. MRI demonstrated the complete regeneration of subchondral bone and cartilage in all patients. The postoperative VAS, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot, and SF-36 scores were improved significantly (all ) without obvious complications. We suggest that, for the Hepple stage V OLTs, management with cancellous bone graft and PRP scaffold may be a safe and effective treatment.

Corrigendum to “Cylindrical Three-Dimensional Millimeter-Wave Imaging via Compressive Sensing”

Guoqiang Zhao, Shiyong Li, Bailing Ren, Qingwei Qiu, and Houjun Sun — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 09:23:51 +0000

Corrigendum to “Hypoglycemic Activity through a Novel Combination of Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice”

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 09:22:41 +0000

Recent Developments of Photovoltaics Integrated with Battery Storage Systems and Related Feed-In Tariff Policies: A Review

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 08:22:58 +0000

The paper presents a review of the recent developments of photovoltaics integrated with battery storage systems (PV-BESs) and related to feed-in tariff policies. The integrated photovoltaic battery systems are separately discussed in the regulatory context of Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Australia, and Greece; the attention of this paper is focused on those integrated systems subject to incentivisation policies such as feed-in tariff. Most of the contributions reported in this paper consider already existing incentive schemes; the remaining part of the contributions proposes interesting and novel feed-in tariff schemes. All the contributions provide an important resource for carrying out further research on a new era of incentive policies in order to promote storage technologies and integrated photovoltaic battery systems in smart grids and smart cities. Recent incentive policies adopted in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia are also discussed.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Methamphetamine-Induced Behavioral Changes in Mice

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:59:49 +0000

Methamphetamine (METH) is a major drug of abuse worldwide, and no efficient therapeutic strategies for treating METH addiction are currently available. Continuous METH use can cause behavioral upregulation or psychosis. The dopaminergic pathways, particularly the neural circuitry from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), have a critical role in this behavioral stage. Acupuncture has been used for treating diseases in China for more than 2000 years. According to a World Health Organization report, acupuncture can be used to treat several functional disorders, including substance abuse. In addition, acupuncture is effective against opioids addiction. In this study, we used electroacupuncture (EA) for treating METH-induced behavioral changes and investigated the possible therapeutic mechanism. Results showed that EA at the unilateral Zhubin (KI9)–Taichong (LR3) significantly reduced METH-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference. In addition, both dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels decreased but monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels increased in the NAc of the METH-treated mice receiving EA compared with those not receiving EA. EA may be a useful nonpharmacological approach for treating METH-induced behavioral changes, probably because it reduces the METH-induced TH expression and dopamine levels and raises MAO-A expression in the NAc.

Time-Dependent Variations in Structure of Sheep Wool Irradiated by Electron Beam

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:51:47 +0000

Wool scoured in tap water with no special degreasing and containing a balanced humidity responding to usual laboratory conditions was irradiated by accelerated electron beam in the range of 0–350 kGy dose. Time variations of the wool structure were measured using FTIR, Raman, and EPR spectroscopy. The aim was to determine whether preexposure treatment of the wool, as well as postexposure time, affects the properties of the irradiated wool. Reactive products such as S-sulfonate, cystine monoxide, cystine dioxide, cysteic acid, disulphides, and carboxylates displayed a considerable fluctuation in quantity depending on both the absorbed dose and time. Mutual transformations of S-oxidized products into cysteic acid appeared to be faster than those in dry and degreased wool assuming that the present humidity inside the fibres is decisive as an oxygen source. EPR results indicated a longer lifetime for free radicals induced by lower doses compared with the radicals generated by higher ones. The pattern of the conformational composition of the secondary structure (α-helix, β-sheet, random, and residual conformations) also showed a large variability depending on absorbed dose as well as postexposure time. The most stable secondary structure was observed in nonirradiated wool but even this showed a small but observable change after a longer time, too.

Behavior of Low Grade Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Made with Fresh and Recycled Brick Aggregates

Md. Shariful Islam and Mohammad Al Amin Siddique — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:47:18 +0000

In recent years, recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) have been widely accepted in construction sectors as the replacement of coarse aggregate in order to minimize the excessive use of natural resources. In this paper, an experimental investigation is carried out to observe the influence of low grade steel fiber reinforcements on the stress-strain behavior of concrete made with recycled and fresh brick aggregates. In addition, compressive strength by destructive and nondestructive tests, splitting tensile strength, and Young’s modulus are determined. Hooked end steel wires with 50 mm of length and an aspect ratio of 55.6 are used as fiber reinforcements in a volume fraction of 0% (control case), 0.50%, and 1.00% in concrete mixes. The same gradation of aggregates and water-cement ratio () were used to assess the effect of steel fiber in all these concrete mixes. All tests were conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days to perceive the effect of age on different mechanical properties. The experimental results show that around 10%～15% and 40%～60% increase in 28 days compressive strength and tensile strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete, respectively, compared to those of the control case. It is observed that the effect of addition of 1% fiber on the concrete compressive strength is little compared to that of 0.5% steel fiber addition. On the other hand, strain of concrete at failure of steel fiber reinforced concrete has increased almost twice compared to the control case. A simple analytical model is also proposed to generate the ascending portions of the stress-strain curve of concrete. There exists a good correlation between the experimental results and the analytical model. A relatively ductile failure is observed for the concrete made with low grade steel fibers.

Convergence Rates and Limit Theorems for the Dual Markov Branching Process

Anthony G. Pakes — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:44:07 +0000

This paper studies aspects of the Siegmund dual of the Markov branching process. The principal results are optimal convergence rates of its transition function and limit theorems in the case that it is not positive recurrent. Additional discussion is given about specifications of the Markov branching process and its dual. The dualising Markov branching processes need not be regular or even conservative.

Molecular Hydrogen Effectively Heals Alkali-Injured Cornea via Suppression of Oxidative Stress

Cestmir Cejka, Jan Kossl, Barbora Hermankova, Vladimir Holan, and Jitka Cejkova — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:39:54 +0000

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) on the healing of alkali-injured cornea. The effects of the solution of H2 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone topically applied on the alkali-injured rabbit cornea with 0.25 M NaOH were investigated using immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. Central corneal thickness taken as an index of corneal hydration was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Results show that irrigation of the damaged eyes with H2 solution immediately after the injury and then within next five days renewed corneal transparency lost after the injury and reduced corneal hydration increased after the injury to physiological levels within ten days after the injury. In contrast, in injured corneas treated with PBS, the transparency of damaged corneas remained lost and corneal hydration elevated. Later results—on day 20 after the injury—showed that in alkali-injured corneas treated with H2 solution the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, peroxynitrite, detected by nitrotyrosine residues (NT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) expressions were very low or absent compared to PBS treated injured corneas, where NT and MDA expressions were present. In conclusion, H2 solution favorably influenced corneal healing after alkali injury via suppression of oxidative stress.

Joint Optimized CPU and Networking Control Scheme for Improved Energy Efficiency in Video Streaming on Mobile Devices

Sung-Woong Jo and Jong-Moon Chung — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:31:08 +0000

Video streaming service is one of the most popular applications for mobile users. However, mobile video streaming services consume a lot of energy, resulting in a reduced battery life. This is a critical problem that results in a degraded user’s quality of experience (QoE). Therefore, in this paper, a joint optimization scheme that controls both the central processing unit (CPU) and wireless networking of the video streaming process for improved energy efficiency on mobile devices is proposed. For this purpose, the energy consumption of the network interface and CPU is analyzed, and based on the energy consumption profile a joint optimization problem is formulated to maximize the energy efficiency of the mobile device. The proposed algorithm adaptively adjusts the number of chunks to be downloaded and decoded in each packet. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the energy efficiency when compared with the existing algorithms.

Application of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method for Solving a Class of Nonlinear Integral Equations

Sedigheh Farzaneh Javan, Saeid Abbasbandy, and M. Ali Fariborzi Araghi — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:19:57 +0000

A new approach based on the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method is proposed to approximate the solution of the second-kind nonlinear integral equations. In this case, the Gram-Schmidt process is substituted by another process so that a satisfactory result is obtained. In this method, the solution is expressed in the form of a series. Furthermore, the convergence of the proposed technique is proved. In order to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the method, four sample integral equations arising in electromagnetics are solved via the given algorithm.

Bilateral Facial Diplegia: A Rare Presenting Symptom of Lyme

John Ashurst and Matthew Perry — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:17:42 +0000

Lyme disease is a common disease that is faced by the physician but also acts a mimicker of many other disease processes. Facial palsies, especially bilateral, are a relatively rare presenting symptom of Lyme disease and may warrant further investigation. A thorough history and physical examination coupled with precision testing may aid the physician when faced with a patient with the diagnostic dilemma of facial diplegia.

Endovascular Stent Grafting for Aortic Arch Aneurysm in Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease following Aortic Arch Debranching and Aortobifemoral Reconstruction

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:16:07 +0000

Treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms constitutes high mortality and morbidity rates despite improvements in surgery, anesthesia, and technology. Endovascular stent grafting may be an alternative therapy with lower risks when compared with conventional techniques. However, sometimes the branches of the aortic arch may require transport to the proximal segments prior to successful thoracic aortic endovascular stent grafting. Atherosclerosis is accounted among the etiology of both aneurysms and occlusive diseases that can coexist in the same patient. In these situations stent grafting may even be more complicated. In this report, we present the treatment of a 92-year-old patient with aortic arch aneurysm and proximal descending aortic aneurysm. For successful thoracic endovascular stent grafting, the patient needed an alternative route other than the native femoral and iliac arteries for the deployment of the stent graft. In addition, debranching of left carotid and subclavian arteries from the aortic arch was also required for successful exclusion of the thoracic aneurysm.

Pacemaker Placement in Patients with Stroke-Mediated Autonomic Dysregulation

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:15:34 +0000

Lateral medullary syndrome (LMS) is an ischemic disease of the medulla oblongata, which involves the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Lateral medullary syndrome is often missed as the cause of autonomic dysregulation in patients with recent brain stem stroke. Due to the location of the baroreceptor regulatory center in the lateral medulla oblongata, patients with LMS occasionally have autonomic dysregulation-associated clinical manifestations. We report a case of LMS-associated autonomic dysregulation. The case presented as sinus arrest and syncope, requiring permanent pacemaker placement. A dual-chamber pacemaker was placed, after failure of conservative measures to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. Our case shows the importance of recognizing LMS as a potential cause for life-threatening arrhythmias, heart block, and symptomatic bradycardia. Placement of permanent pacemaker may be necessary in some patients with LMS presenting with syncope, secondary to sinus arrest.

A Novel Histogram Region Merging Based Multithreshold Segmentation Algorithm for MR Brain Images

Siyan Liu, Xuanjing Shen, Yuncong Feng, and Haipeng Chen — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:11:37 +0000

Multithreshold segmentation algorithm is time-consuming, and the time complexity will increase exponentially with the increase of thresholds. In order to reduce the time complexity, a novel multithreshold segmentation algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, all gray levels are used as thresholds, so the histogram of the original image is divided into 256 small regions, and each region corresponds to one gray level. Then, two adjacent regions are merged in each iteration by a new designed scheme, and a threshold is removed each time. To improve the accuracy of the merger operation, variance and probability are used as energy. No matter how many the thresholds are, the time complexity of the algorithm is stable at . Finally, the experiment is conducted on many MR brain images to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experiment results show that our method can reduce the running time effectively and obtain segmentation results with high accuracy.

On Optimal Truncated Biharmonic Current Waveforms for Class-F and Inverse Class-F Power Amplifiers

Anamarija Juhas, Stanisa Dautovic, and Ladislav A. Novak — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:10:47 +0000

In this paper, two-parameter families of periodic current waveforms for class-F and inverse class-F power amplifiers (PAs) are considered. These waveforms are obtained by truncating cosine waveforms composed of dc component and fundamental and either second or third harmonic. In each period, waveforms are truncated to become zero outside of a prescribed interval (so-called conduction angle). The considered families of waveforms include both discontinuous and continuous waveforms. Fourier series expansion of truncated waveform contains an infinite number of harmonics, although a number of harmonics may be missing. Taking into account common assumptions that for class-F PA the third harmonic is missing in current waveform and for inverse class-F PA the second harmonic is missing in current waveform, we consider the following four cases: (i) (ii) , (iii) and (iv) , We show that, in each of these cases, current waveform enabling maximal efficiency (optimal waveform) of class-F and inverse class-F PA is continuous for all conduction angles of practical interest. Furthermore, we provide closed-form expressions for parameters of optimal current waveforms and maximal efficiency of class-F (inverse class-F) PA in terms of conduction angle only. Two case studies of practical interest for PA design, involving suboptimal current waveforms, along with the results of nonlinear simulation of inverse class-F PA, are also presented.

Study on Mechanical Characteristics of Fully Grouted Rock Bolts for Underground Caverns under Seismic Loads

Guoqing Liu, Ming Xiao, Juntao Chen, and Hao Zhou — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:05:56 +0000

This study establishes an analytical model for the interaction between the bolt and surrounding rock based on the bearing mechanism of fully grouted rock bolts. The corresponding controlled differential equation for load transfer is deduced. The stress distributions of the anchorage body are obtained by solving the equations. A dynamic algorithm for the bolt considering shear damage on the anchoring interface is proposed based on the dynamic finite element method. The rationality of the algorithm is verified by a pull-out test and excavation simulation of a rounded tunnel. Then, a case study on the mechanical characteristics of the bolts in underground caverns under seismic loads is conducted. The results indicate that the seismic load may lead to stress originating from the bolts and damage on the anchoring interface. The key positions of the antiseismic support can be determined using the numerical simulation. The calculated results can serve as a reference for the antiseismic optimal design of bolts in underground caverns.

A Foreign Body Granuloma of the Buccal Mucosa Induced by Honeybee Sting

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:45:28 +0000

A foreign body granuloma of the buccal mucosa induced by honeybee sting was reported. The patient was an 82-year-old female who presented with a submucous mass at the right buccal mucosa. The mass was 20 mm in diameter, elastically firm, partly mobile without pain or tenderness, and covered with almost normal mucosa. MR image did not delineate the lesion clearly. Under clinical diagnosis of a benign tumor, the lesion was excised under local anesthesia. The excised lesion was in size and solid and yellowish in cut surface. Histologically, the lesion consisted of granulomatous tissue with a few narrow, curved, eosinophilic structures compatible with decomposed fragments of a honeybee sting and was diagnosed as a foreign body granuloma, although the patient did not recall being stung.

Dynamic Analysis of an Infinitely Long Beam Resting on a Kelvin Foundation under Moving Random Loads

Y. Zhao, L. T. Si, and H. Ouyang — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:44:39 +0000

Nonstationary random vibration analysis of an infinitely long beam resting on a Kelvin foundation subjected to moving random loads is studied in this paper. Based on the pseudo excitation method (PEM) combined with the Fourier transform (FT), a closed-form solution of the power spectral responses of the nonstationary random vibration of the system is derived in the frequency-wavenumber domain. On the numerical integration scheme a fast Fourier transform is developed for moving load problems through a parameter substitution, which is found to be superior to Simpson’s rule. The results obtained by using the PEM-FT method are verified using Monte Carlo method and good agreement between these two sets of results is achieved. Special attention is paid to investigation of the effects of the moving load velocity, a few key system parameters, and coherence of loads on the random vibration responses. The relationship between the critical speed and resonance is also explored.

Rate-Distortion and Rate-Energy-Distortion Evaluations of Compressive-Sensing Video Coding

Bingyu Ji, Ran Li, and Changan Wu — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:20:12 +0000

Compressive-Sensing Video Coding (CSVC) is a new video coding framework based on compressive-sensing (CS) theory. This paper presents the evaluations on rate-distortion performance and rate-energy-distortion performance of CSVC by comparing it with the popular hybrid video coding standard H.264 and distributed video coding (DVC) system DISCOVER. Experimental results show that CSVC achieves a poor rate-distortion performance when compared with H.264 and DISCOVER, but its rate-energy-distortion performance has a distinct advantage; moreover, its energy consumption of coding is approximately invariant regardless of reconstruction quality. It can be concluded that, with a limited energy budget, CSVC outperforms H.264 and DISCOVER, but its rate-distortion performance still needs improvement.

Rare Presentation of Primary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma as Lip Lesion

Mali Him, Maggie Meier, and Vikas Mehta — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:20:10 +0000

Malignant plasma cell proliferation can be presented as part of disseminated disease of multiple myeloma, as solitary plasmacytoma of bone, or in soft tissue as extramedullary plasmacytoma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas represented approximately 3% of all plasma cell proliferation. Approximately 80% of extramedullary plasmacytomas occur in the head and neck region while the other 4% occur in the skin and to a lesser extent in the lip. In this paper, we report a rare case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma involving the lip in a 65-year-old male. The patient presented with a nonhealing lower lip sore for the past 3 years. Upon further workup, there was no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease. The patient was treated with radiation therapy and his last follow-up revealed no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease.

Static Pull Testing of a New Type of Large Deformation Cable with Constant Resistance

Zhigang Tao, Shihui Pang, Yijun Zhou, Haijiang Zhang, and Yanyan Peng — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:07:44 +0000

A new type of energy-absorbing cable, Constant-Resistance Large Deformation cable (CRLD cable) with three different specifications, has been recently developed and tested. An effective cable should occupy the ability of absorbing deformation energy from these geodisaster loads and additionally must be able to yield with the sliding mass movements and plastic deformation over large distances at high displacement rates. The new cable mainly consists of constant-resistance casing tube and frictional cone unit that transfers the load from the slope. When experiencing a static or dynamic load and especially the load exceeding the constant resistance force (CR-F, a static friction force derived from the movement of frictional cone unit in casing tube) of CRLD cable, the frictional cone unit will move in the casing tube along the axis and absorb deformation energy, accordingly. In order to assess the performance of three different specified cables in situ, a series of field static pull tests have been performed. The results showed that the first type of CRLD cable can yield 2000 mm displacement while acting 850 kN static pull load, which is superior to that of other two types, analyzing based on the length of the displacement and the level of static pull load.

A New Sutureless Illuminated Macular Buckle Designed for Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment

Ahmed M. Bedda, Ahmed M. Abdel Hadi, Mohamed Lolah, and Muhammad S. Abd Al Shafy — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:07:11 +0000

Purpose. To report the anatomic and visual results of a new sutureless illuminated macular buckle designed for patients with macular hole retinal detachment related to high myopia (MMHRD). Design. Prospective nonrandomized comparative interventional trial. Methods. Twenty myopic eyes of 20 patients (mean age, 51.4 years; range, 35–65 years) presenting with MMHRD with a posterior staphyloma, in whom the new buckle was used, were evaluated. The buckle used was assembled from a 5 mm wide sponge and a 7 mm wide silicone tire; it was fixed utilizing the sterile topical adhesive Histoacryl Blue (B Braun, TS1050044FP) which polymerizes in seconds upon being exposed to water-containing substances. The primary outcomes measured included aided visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. The mean follow-up period was 6 months. Results. Postoperatively, the MH closure was identified by OCT in 8 (40%) eyes. The mean BCVA increased from 0.11 to 0.21 (). The axial length of the eyes included decreased from 30.5 mm preoperatively to 29.8 mm () postoperatively. Conclusion. Preparation of the new sutureless macular buckle is simple and easy. Illumination of the terminal part of the buckle ensures proper placement. Histoacryl Blue is effective in fixing the buckle in its place for at least 6 months with no reported intra- or postoperative complications.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Gastric Lymphoma

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 05:48:43 +0000

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is considered a valuable diagnostic tool during the workup of malignant gastric lesions, including primary gastric lymphomas (PGL). Although endoscopy combined with multiple biopsies remains essential in the establishment of PGL diagnosis, EUS utilization in locoregional disease staging has been well documented in the literature. Data also support the possible role of EUS in prediction of response to first-line treatment, that is, Helicobacter pylori eradication. However, its application in the posttreatment setting remains problematic, since concordance rates between endosonography and histology findings during follow-up seem to vary substantially. The aim of the present review is to summarize all available data regarding the role of EUS in the management of PGL.

Male Hypogonadism and Osteoporosis: The Effects, Clinical Consequences, and Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency in Bone Health

Gary Golds, Devon Houdek, and Terra Arnason — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 05:32:53 +0000

It is well recognized that bone loss accelerates in hypogonadal states, with female menopause being the classic example of sex hormones affecting the regulation of bone metabolism. Underrepresented is our knowledge of the clinical and metabolic consequences of overt male hypogonadism, as well as the more subtle age-related decline in testosterone on bone quality. While menopause and estrogen deficiency are well-known risk factors for osteoporosis in women, the effects of age-related testosterone decline in men on bone health are less well known. Much of our knowledge comes from observational studies and retrospective analysis on small groups of men with variable causes of primary or secondary hypogonadism and mild to overt testosterone deficiencies. This review aims to present the current knowledge of the consequences of adult male hypogonadism on bone metabolism. The direct and indirect effects of testosterone on bone cells will be explored as well as the important differences in male osteoporosis and assessment as compared to that in females. The clinical consequence of both primary and secondary hypogonadism, as well as testosterone decline in older males, on bone density and fracture risk in men will be summarized. Finally, the therapeutic options and their efficacy in male osteoporosis and hypogonadism will be discussed.

The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Perioperative Bleeding in Vitreoretinal Surgery

Zhong Lin, Nived Moonasar, Rong Han Wu, and Robin R. Seemongal-Dass — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 04:17:43 +0000

Purpose. To investigate the effect of menstrual cycle on perioperative bleeding of primary vitreoretinal surgery. Methods. Data on female patients who had vitrectomy surgery was retrospectively collected. Exclusion criteria were history of trauma, vitreous hemorrhage, previous vitreoretinal surgery, diabetic retinopathy, endophthalmitis, acute retinal necrosis, single vitreous opacity, and use of antiplatelet agents. Perioperative bleeding was defined as hemorrhage in the iris, vitreous, choroidal, retina, or subretina during surgery or up to one day postoperatively. 69 patients had surgery during the perimenstrual phase (group M, days 1–7 and days 21–28) and 86 during periovulatory phase (group O, days 8–20) were enrolled. Results. The proportion of operative bleeding in group M (14.5%) and group O (10.5%) was not found to be significantly different (). No postoperative bleeding was recorded in both groups. The univariate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of perimenstrual phase for operative bleeding were 0.69 (0.26–1.81). After adjusting for patients’ age, vitreoretinal diseases, and surgeons, the multivariate OR and 95% CI were 0.71 (0.27–1.86). Conclusion. This study suggests that the timing of the menstrual period does not affect perioperative bleeding for primary vitreoretinal surgery. Menstruation appears not to be a contraindication for vitreoretinal surgery.

Impact on Autophagy and Ultraviolet B Induced Responses of Treatment with the MTOR Inhibitors Rapamycin, Everolimus, Torin 1, and pp242 in Human Keratinocytes

Song Xu, Li Li, Min Li, Mengli Zhang, Mei Ju, Xu Chen, and Heng Gu — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The mechanistic target of Rapamycin (MTOR) protein is a crucial signaling regulator in mammalian cells that is extensively involved in cellular biology. The function of MTOR signaling in keratinocytes remains unclear. In this study, we detected the MTOR signaling and autophagy response in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and human epidermal keratinocytes treated with MTOR inhibitors. Moreover, we detected the impact of MTOR inhibitors on keratinocytes exposed to the common carcinogenic stressors ultraviolet B (UVB) and UVA radiation. As a result, keratinocytes were sensitive to the MTOR inhibitors Rapamycin, everolimus, Torin 1, and pp242, but the regulation of MTOR downstream signaling was distinct. Next, autophagy induction only was observed in HaCaT cells treated with Rapamycin. Furthermore, we found that MTOR signaling was insensitive to UVB but sensitive to UVA radiation. UVB treatment also had no impact on the inhibition of MTOR signaling by MTOR inhibitors. Finally, MTOR inhibition by Rapamycin, everolimus, or pp242 did not affect the series of biological events in keratinocytes exposed to UVB, including the downregulation of BiP and PERK, activation of Histone H2A and JNK, and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP. Our study demonstrated that MTOR inhibition in keratinocytes cannot always induce autophagy, and the MTOR pathway does not play a central role in the UVB triggered cellular response.

Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction of Ardisia crispa and Its Solvent Partitions against Mus musculus Mammary Carcinoma Cell Line (4T1)

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis effect of A. crispa extract and its solvent partition (ethyl acetate and aqueous extract) against Mus musculus mammary carcinoma cell line (4T1). The normal mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) was used as comparison for selective cytotoxicity properties. The cytotoxicity evaluation was assessed using MTT assay. AO/PI dual fluorescent staining assay and Annexin V-FITC were used for apoptosis analysis. Results showed that 80% methanol extract from leaves showed most promising antimammary cancer agent with IC50 value of μg/mL and selective index (SI) value of 10.22. Ethyl acetate was cytotoxic for both cancer and normal cell while aqueous extract exhibited poor cytotoxic effect. 4T1 cells labelled with AO/PI and Annexin V-FITC and treated with 80% methanol extract demonstrated that the extract induces apoptosis to 4T1 mammary cancer cells. In conclusion, 80% methanol extract of A. crispa was selectively cytotoxic towards 4T1 cells but less cytotoxic towards NIH3T3 cells and induced the cancerous cells into apoptotic stage as early as 6 hours.

Erratum to “Establishment of a Consistent L929 Bioassay System for TNF-α Quantitation to Evaluate the Effect of Lipopolysaccharide, Phytomitogens and Cytodifferentiation Agents on Cytotoxicity of TNF-α Secreted by Adherent Human Mononuclear Cells”

Ming-Yuh Shiau, Hui-Ling Chiou, Yao-Ling Lee, Tzer-Min Kuo, and Yih-Hsin Chang — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Gengnianchun, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Enhances Oxidative Stress Resistance and Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by Modulating daf-16/FOXO

Fanhui Meng, Jun Li, Wenjun Wang, and Yan Fu — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Objective. Gengnianchun (GNC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily used to improve declining functions related to aging. In this study, we investigated its prolongevity and stress resistance properties and explored the associated regulatory mechanism using a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Methods. Wild-type C. elegans N2 was used for lifespan analysis and oxidative stress resistance assays. Transgenic animals were used to investigate pathways associated with antioxidative stress activity. The effects of GNC on levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of specific genes were examined. Results. GNC-treated wild-type worms showed an increase in survival time under both normal and oxidative stress conditions. GNC decreased intracellular ROS levels by 67.95%. GNC significantly enhanced the oxidative stress resistance of several mutant strains, suggesting that the protective effect of GNC is independent of the function of these genes. However, the oxidative stress resistance effect of GNC was absent in worms with daf-16 mutation. We also found upregulation of daf-16 downstream targets including sod-3 and mtl-1. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that GNC extends the lifespan of C. elegans and enhances its resistance to oxidative stress via a daf-16/FOXO-dependent pathway. This study also provides a feasible method for screening the biological mechanisms of TCMs.

Effects of Adhesive Connection on Composite Action between FRP Bridge Deck and Steel Girder

Xu Jiang, Chengwei Luo, Xuhong Qiang, Henk Kolstein, and Frans Bijlaard — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The FRP-steel girder composite bridge system is increasingly used in new constructions of bridges as well as rehabilitation of old bridges. However, the understanding of composite action between FRP decks and steel girders is limited and needs to be systematically investigated. In this paper, depending on the experimental investigations of FRP to steel girder system, the Finite Element (FE) models on experiments were developed and analyzed. Comparison between experiments and FE results indicated that the FE models were much stiffer for in-plane shear stiffness of the FRP deck panel. To modify the FE models, rotational spring elements were added between webs and flanges of FRP decks, to simulate the semirigid connections. Numerical analyses were also conducted on four-point bending experiments of FRP-steel composite girders. Good agreement between experimental results and FE analysis was achieved by comparing the load-deflection curves at midspan and contribution of composite action from FRP decks. With the validated FE models, the parametric studies were conducted on adhesively bonded connection between FRP decks and steel girders, which indicated that the loading transfer capacity of adhesive connection was not simply dependent on the shear modulus or thickness of adhesive layer but dominated by the in-plane shear stiffness .

Statistical Prior Aided Separate Compressed Image Sensing for Green Internet of Multimedia Things

Shaohua Wu, Tiantian Zhang, Jian Jiao, Jingran Yang, and Qinyu Zhang — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, we aim to propose an image compression and reconstruction strategy under the compressed sensing (CS) framework to enable the green computation and communication for the Internet of Multimedia Things (IoMT). The core idea is to explore the statistics of image representations in the wavelet domain to aid the reconstruction method design. Specifically, the energy distribution of natural images in the wavelet domain is well characterized by an exponential decay model and then used in the two-step separate image reconstruction method, by which the row-wise (or column-wise) intermediates and column-wise (or row-wise) final results are reconstructed sequentially. Both the intermediates and the final results are constrained to conform with the statistical prior by using a weight matrix. Two recovery strategies with different levels of complexity, namely, the direct recovery with fixed weight matrix (DR-FM) and the iterative recovery with refined weight matrix (IR-RM), are designed to obtain different quality of recovery. Extensive simulations show that both DR-FM and IR-RM can achieve much better image reconstruction quality with much faster recovery speed than traditional methods.