bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of a Lidocaine Gel in Patients from 6 Months up to 8 Years with Acute Painful Sites in the Oral Cavity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Comparative Study
Authors: Wolf Dörte , Otto Joachim
Published: November 2015

Lidocaine is a well-accepted topical anaesthetic, also used in minors to treat painful conditions on mucosal membranes. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (registered prospectively as EudraCT number2011-005336-25) was designed to generate efficacy and safety data for a lidocaine gel (2%) in younger children with painful conditions in the oral cavity. One hundred sixty-one children were included in two subgroups: 4–8 years, average age 6.4 years, treated with verum or placebo and 6 months–<4 years, average age 1.8 years, treated only with verum. Pain reduction was measured from the time prior to administration to 10 or 30 minutes after. In addition, adverse events and local tolerability were evaluated. In group I, pain was reduced significantly after treatment with verum compared to placebo at both time points. In group II, the individual pain rating shift showed statistically significant lower pain after treatment. Only seven out of 161 patients reported an adverse event but none were classified as being related to the study medication. The local tolerability was assessed as very good in over 97% of cases. For painful sites in the oral cavity, a 2% lidocaine gel is a meaningful tool for short-term treatment in the paediatric population.
Effectiveness of Facebook-Delivered Lifestyle Counselling and Physical Activity Self-Monitoring on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ruotsalainen Heidi , Kyngäs Helvi , Tammelin Tuija , Heikkinen Hanna , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: December 2015

Background. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week, Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling intervention, with or without physical activity self-monitoring, on physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese 13–16-year-old adolescents.Methods. Three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants (n=46) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups: one group received Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling and monitoring of their physical activity (Fb + Act,n=15), whereas a second experimental group received the same Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling without self-monitoring (Fb,n=16) and a third group served as the control group (n=15). Objective and self-reported physical activity assessment were used. Nonparametric statistical tests were used.Results. There were no significant intervention effects in terms of changes in physical activity levels or BMI from baseline to the 12-week postintervention measurements between the intervention and control groups. The Fb + Act group had lower sedentary time on weekdays compared to the control group during postintervention measurements (p=0.021), but there was no interaction between time and group.Conclusions. Interventions were not effective at increasing physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. Before implementing such interventions, more evaluations on their effectiveness are needed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT02295761(2014-11-17).
The Performance of Four Different Mineral Liners on the Transportation of Chlorinated Phenolic Compounds to Groundwater in Landfills
Authors: Adar Elanur , Bilgili Mehmet Sinan
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of four different mineral liners (clay, bentonite, kaoline, and zeolite) which could be utilized to prevent the transport of phenolic compounds to groundwater through alternative liner systems. Four laboratory‐scale HDPE reactors with 80 cm height and 40 cm inner diameter were operated for a period of 180 days. Results indicated that the transport of mono‐ or dichlorophenols is significantly prevented by the liner systems used, while the transport of highly chlorinated phenolic compounds cannot be prevented by the landfill liner system effectively. Highly chlorinated phenolic compounds in groundwater can be found in higher concentrations than the leachate, as a result of the degradation and transformation of these compounds. Thus, the analysis of highly chlorinated phenolic compounds such as 2,4,6‐TCP, 2,3,6‐TCP, 3,4,5‐TCP, and PCP is of great significance for the studies to be conducted on the contamination of groundwater around landfills.
The Association between Psychological Distress and Self-Reported Sleep Duration in a Population-Based Sample of Women and Men
Authors: Cunningham Timothy J. , Wheaton Anne G. , Giles Wayne H.
Published: November 2015

Mental health and sleep are intricately linked. This study characterized associations of psychological distress with short (≤6 hours) and long (≥9 hours) sleep duration among adults aged ≥18 years. 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (n=36,859) from Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Tennessee, and Washington included the Kessler 6 (K6) scale, which has been psychometrically validated for measuring severe psychological distress (SPD); three specifications were evaluated. Overall, 4.0% of adults reported SPD, 33.9% reported short sleep, and 7.8% reported long sleep. After adjustment, adults with SPD had 1.58 (95% CI: 1.45, 1.72) and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.79) times higher probability of reporting short and long sleep duration, respectively. Using an ordinal measure showed a dose-response association with prevalence ratios of 1.00, 1.16, 1.38, 1.67, and 2.11 for short sleep duration. Each additional point added to the K6 scale was associated with 1.08 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.10) and 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.03) times higher probability of reporting short and long sleep duration, respectively. Some results were statistically different by gender. Any psychological distress, not only SPD, was associated with a higher probability of short sleep duration but not long sleep duration. These findings highlight the need for interventions.
Risk Assessment of Agricultural Drought Disaster in Southern China
Authors: Wang Zhi-Lan , Wang Jing , Wang Jin-Song
Published: November 2015

Risk assessment of drought disaster is necessary for the sustained agriculture development under the background of global climate change, and, meanwhile, it is an urgent scientific issue needed to be solved in agricultural risk assessment discipline. In this paper, collecting the areas covered by drought disasters, areas affected by drought disasters, areas with no harvest by drought disasters, areas planted, and yield per unit area data, agricultural drought disasters losses of the southern five provinces in China were calculated. The best probability density function was obtained according to the goodness of fit test results. Then, the value at risk (VaR) from financial market risk research method was used to the effective measure of agricultural drought risk. The results show that, in southern five provinces of our research region, risk of agricultural drought disaster in Yunnan and Guizhou is greater than other three provinces. In the scenario of 50 years and 100 years for a return, the crop loss caused by drought will reach 13.6% and 17.4% in Yunnan province, and the crop loss will be more serious in Guizhou province and be up to 15.3% and 18.1%. The above results can provide multifaceted information about drought risk that can help to guide management of drought disasters.
An Evolutionary Perspective of Nutrition and Inflammation as Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Rubio-Ruiz María Esther , Peredo-Escárcega Ana Elena , Cano-Martínez Agustina , Guarner-Lans Verónica
Published: November 2015

When cardiovascular diseases are viewed from an evolutionary biology perspective, a heightened thrifty and an inflammatory design could be their mechanisms. Human ancestors confronted a greater infectious load and were subjected to the selection for proinflammatory genes and a strong inflammatory function. Ancestors also faced starvation periods that pressed for a thrifty genotype which caused fat accumulation. The pressure of sustaining gluconeogenesis during periods of poor nourishment selected individuals with insulin resistance. Obesity induces a proinflammatory state due to the secretion of adipokines which underlie cardiometabolic diseases. Our actual lifestyle needs no more of such proinflammatory and thrifty genotypes and these ancestral genes might increase predisposition to diseases. Risk factors for atherosclerosis and diabetes are based on inflammatory and genetic foundations that can be accounted for by excess fat. Longevity has also increased in recent times and is related to a proinflammatory response with cardiovascular consequences. If human ancestral lifestyle could be recovered by increasing exercise and adapting a calorie restriction diet, obesity would decrease and the effects on chronic low-grade inflammation would be limited. Thereby, the rates of both atherosclerosis and diabetes could be reduced.
Antiviral Activity of Resveratrol against Human and Animal Viruses
Authors: Abba Yusuf , Hassim Hasliza , Hamzah Hazilawati , Noordin Mohamed Mustapha
Published: November 2015

Resveratrol is a potent polyphenolic compound that is being extensively studied in the amelioration of viral infections bothin vitroandin vivo. Its antioxidant effect is mainly elicited through inhibition of important gene pathways like the NF-κβpathway, while its antiviral effects are associated with inhibitions of viral replication, protein synthesis, gene expression, and nucleic acid synthesis. Although the beneficial roles of resveratrol in several viral diseases have been well documented, a few adverse effects have been reported as well. This review highlights the antiviral mechanisms of resveratrol in human and animal viral infections and how some of these effects are associated with the antioxidant properties of the compound.
Deep Neck Infection and Descending Mediastinitis as a Complication ofPropionibacterium acnesOdontogenic Infection
Authors: Brotfain Evgeni , Koyfman Leonid , Saidel-Odes Lisa , Borer Abraham , Refaely Yael , Klein Moti
Published: November 2015

Propionibacterium acnesis an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium which causes numerous types of infections. IsolatedPropionibacterium acnesdeep neck infections are very rare. We present an interesting case of deep neck infection complicated by descending mediastinitis of isolatedPropionibacterium acnesinfection.
Analytical Solutions of Ionic Diffusion and Heat Conduction in Multilayered Porous Media
Authors: Bai Yu , Harajli Ali , Xi Yunping
Published: November 2015

Ionic diffusion and heat conduction in a multiple layered porous medium have many important engineering applications. One of the examples is the chloride ions from deicers penetrating into concrete structures such as bridge decks. Different overlays can be placed on top of concrete surface to slowdown the chloride penetration. In this paper, the chloride ion diffusion equations were established for concrete structures with multiple layers of protective system. By using Laplace transformation, an analytical solution was developed first for chloride concentration profiles in two-layered system and then extended to multiple layered systems with nonconstant boundary conditions, including the constant boundary and linear boundary conditions. Because ionic diffusion in saturated media and heat conduction are governed by the same form of partial differential equations with different materials parameters, the analytical solution was further extended to handle heat conduction in a multiple layered system under nonconstant boundary conditions. The numerical results were compared with available test data. The basic trends of the analytical solution and the test data agreed quite well.
Patients with MAC Lung Disease Have a Low Visceral Fat Area and Low Nutrient Intake
Authors: Wakamatsu Kentaro , Nagata Nobuhiko , Maki Sanae , Omori Hisamitsu , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Ueno Kayoko , Matsunaga Yuko , Hara Makiko , Takakura Koji , Fukumoto Nagisa , Ando Nobuhisa , Morishige Mami , Akasaki Takashi , Inoshima Ichiro , Ise Shinji , Izumi Miiru , Kawasaki Masayuki
Published: November 2015

Objective.This study aimed to examine the nutritional status and nutrient intake of patients with MAC lung disease with a focus on visceral fat area.Patients and Methods.Among 116 patients of our hospital with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis who were registered between May 2010 and August 2011, 103 patients with MAC lung disease were included in this study. In all patients, nutritional status and nutrient intake were prospectively examined.Results.Patients were 23 men and 80 women (mean age,72.3±10.9years). BMI (kg/m2) at the time of registration was20.4±2.7in men and19.2±2.9in women. Visceral fat area (cm2) was significantly lower in women (35.7±26.6) than in men (57.5±47.4) (p=0.0111). The comparison with general healthy adults according to age revealed a markedly reduced visceral fat area among patients with MAC lung disease. With respect to nutrient intake, energy adequacy (86.1±15.7%), protein adequacy (82.4±18.2%), lipid adequacy (78.1±21.8%), and carbohydrate adequacy (89.6±19.2%) ratios were all low at the time of registration. BMI was significantly correlated with protein adequacy (p=0.0397) and lipid adequacy (p=0.0214) ratios, while no association was found between visceral fat area and nutrient intake.Conclusion.Patients with MAC lung disease had a low visceral fat area and low nutrient intake.
Nonpharmacological Interventions to Reduce Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Alexandra Martini de , Radanovic Marcia , Mello Patrícia Cotting Homem de , Buchain Patrícia Cardoso , Vizzotto Adriana Dias Barbosa , Celestino Diego L. , Stella Florindo , Piersol Catherine V. , Forlenza Orestes V.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are defined as a group of symptoms of disturbed perceptive thought content, mood, or behavior that include agitation, depression, apathy, repetitive questioning, psychosis, aggression, sleep problems, and wandering. Care of patients with BPSD involves pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. We reviewed studies of nonpharmacological interventions published in the last 10 years.Methods. We performed a systematic review in Medline and Embase databases, in the last 10 years, until June 2015. Key words used were (1) non-pharmacological interventions, (2) behavioral symptoms, (3) psychological symptoms, and (4) dementia.Results. We included 20 studies published in this period. Among these studies, program activities were more frequent (five studies) and the symptoms more responsive to the interventions were agitation.Discussion. Studies are heterogeneous in many aspects, including size sample, intervention, and instruments of measures.Conclusion. Nonpharmacological interventions are able to provide positive results in reducing symptoms of BPSD. Most studies have shown that these interventions have important and significant efficacy.
Characterization of NixZn1−xFe2O4 and Permittivity of Solid Material of NiO, ZnO, Fe2O3, and NixZn1−xFe2O4 at Microwave Frequency Using Open Ended Coaxial Probe
Authors: Esa Fahmiruddin , Abbas Zulkifly , Mohd Idris Fadzidah , Hashim Mansor
Published: November 2015

This paper describes a detailed study on the application of an open ended coaxial probe technique to determine the permittivity of NixZn1-xFe2O4 in the frequency range between 1 GHz and 10 GHz. The x compositions of the spinel ferrite were 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9. The NixZn1-xFe2O4 samples were prepared by 10-hour sintering at 900°C with 4°C/min increment from room temperature. Particles showed phase purity and crystallinity in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Surface morphology measurement of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted on the plane surfaces of the molded samples which gave information about grain morphology, boundaries, and porosity. The tabulated grain size for all samples was in the range of 62 nm–175 nm. The complex permittivity of Ni-Zn ferrite samples was determined using the Agilent Dielectric Probe Kit 85070B. The probe assumed the samples were nonmagnetic homogeneous materials. The permittivity values also provide insights into the effect of the fractional composition of x on the bulk permittivity values NixZn1-xFe2O4. Vector Network Analyzer 8720B (VNA) was connected via coaxial cable to the Agilent Dielectric Probe Kit 85070B.
Visible Light Communication Channel Models and Simulation of Coal Workface Energy Coupling
Authors: Zhai Yanrong , Zhang Shen
Published: December 2015

Due to their low energy consumption and small size, visible light communication systems have been widely used to eliminate communication-blind areas in coal workfaces. A workface visible light communication channel model and a mathematic model of energy coupling from the mining machine’s workspace to its footpath were established to investigate the characteristics of optical signal transmission on the workface. This paper studies the effects of coal dust (double-layer particles encapsulated by moisture) on optical signal degradation. Simulation results revealed the presence of an optimized transmitter location, which maximized the coupled energy of the two space signals due to the blocking effect of metal columns.
Respiratory Arrest in an Obese Pregnant Woman with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Iwashita Ayumi , Baba Yosuke , Usui Rie , Ohkuchi Akihide , Muto Shigeaki , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: November 2015

A pregnant, non-Japanese-speaking Peruvian, and, thus, with communication difficulty, suffered hyperemesis gravidarum and had respiratory arrest, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The obese pregnant woman (prepregnancy weight: 107 kg) had vomited and lost 15 kg in bodyweight over appropriately 2 weeks prior to the arrest but had not complained due to communication difficulty, which, together with her obesity, prevented a Japanese obstetrician from noticing her severe condition. 1,000 mL of low potassium fluid plus thiamine was administered. She became unable to stand, suggesting lower-extremity-proximal-muscle weakness, and then respiratory arrest occurred. Hypopotassemia (2.3 mEq/L), pulseless electrical activity, and muscle weakness suggested the presence of severe potassium deficiency, which may have caused respiratory muscle paralysis, leading to the respiratory arrest. Hypercapnea was severer than expected for compensatory hypoventilation, indicating the presence of concomitant severe hypoventilation, which may also have contributed to respiratory arrest. She recovered with electrolyte and volume replacement. Respiratory arrest can occur with hyperemesis gravidarum, and obesity and communication difficulties can prevent the early detection of severe conditions.
Solid State Structure of Bis[(bromo)(dicyclopentadienyl)vanadium(μ2-fluoro)][(bromo)(cyclopentadienyl)vanadium][tetrafluoroborate]
Authors: Chan Lisa M. , Arif Atta M. , Ernst Richard D.
Published: November 2015

The new complex [V(C5H5)2Br]2(μ2-F)2[V(C5H5)Br]+[BF4]− has been isolated from the reaction of vanadocene monobromide with the ferrocenium cation. The complex is a mixed valence compound composed of two V(IV) and one V(III) centers. The V(III) center has one cyclopentadienyl ligand in its coordination sphere, as well as a bromide and two fluoride ligands. Each fluoride ligand is also attached to one of the V(IV) centers, which additionally is coordinated by a bromide and two cyclopentadienyl ligands. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/m, with a=7.66490(10) Å, b=15.2457(2) Å, c=13.3185(2) Å, and β=101.2721(8)° at 150(1) K.
“Rosary of Testes”: Splenogonadal Fusion in Association with Bilateral Abdominal Testes Presenting as Polyorchidism
Authors: Shadpour Pejman , Rezaimehr Behkam
Published: November 2015

Polyorchidism is a rare anomaly where early segmentation in the gonadal ridge can lead to the development of three or less commonly four testes in one individual. Just over 150 reports of this phenomenon exist in English medical literature. However, once confronted by the clinical finding of supernumerary gonads, one must remain mindful of other likely diagnoses involving nontesticular origin. We report on a male patient with bilaterally impalpable testes in whom splenogonadal fusion mimicked polyorchidism. By keeping such differential diagnoses in mind, surgeons are more liable to take the appropriate intraoperative course of action.
Application of Microbial Biopolymers as an Alternative Construction Binder for Earth Buildings in Underdeveloped Countries
Authors: Chang Ilhan , Jeon Minkyung , Cho Gye-Chun
Published: November 2015

Earth buildings are still a common type of residence for one-third of the world’s population. However, these buildings are not durable or resistant against earthquakes and floods, and this amplifies their potential harm to humans. Earthen construction without soil binders (e.g., cement) is known to result in poor strength and durability performance of earth buildings. Failure to use construction binders is related to the imbalance in binder prices in different countries. In particular, the price of cement in Africa, Middle East, and Southwest Asia countries is extremely high relative to the global trend of consumer goods and accounts for the limited usage of cement in those regions. Moreover, environmental concerns regarding cement usage have recently risen due to high CO2emissions. Meanwhile, biopolymers have been introduced as an alternative binder for soil strengthening. Previous studies and feasibility attempts in this area show that the mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strength) of biopolymer mixed soil blocks (i.e, both 1% xanthan gum and 1% gellan gum) satisfied the international criteria for binders used in earthen structures. Economic and market analyses have demonstrated that the biopolymer binder has high potential as a self-sufficient local construction binder for earth buildings where the usage of ordinary cement is restricted.
Freeze-Thaw Performance and Moisture-Induced Damage Resistance of Base Course Stabilized with Slow Setting Bitumen Emulsion-Portland Cement Additives
Authors: Shojaei Baghini Mojtaba , Ismail Amiruddin
Published: November 2015

Freeze-thaw (FT) cycles and moisture susceptibility are important factors influencing the geotechnical characteristics of soil-aggregates. Given the lack of published information on the behavior of cement-bitumen emulsion-treated base (CBETB) under environmental conditions, especially freezing and thawing, this study investigated the effects of these additives on the CBETB performance. The primary goal was to evaluate the resistance of CBETB to moisture damage by performing FT, Marshall conditioning, and AASHTO T-283 tests and to evaluate the long-term stripping susceptibility of CBETB while also predicting the liquid antistripping additives to assess the mixture’s durability and workability. Specimens were stabilized with Portland cement (0%–6%), bitumen emulsion (0%–5%), and Portland cement-bitumen emulsion mixtures and cured for 7 days, and their short- and long-term performances were studied. Evaluation results of both the Marshall stability ratio and the tensile strength ratio show that the additions of additives increase the resistance of the mixtures to moisture damage. Results of durability tests performed for determining the resistance of compacted specimens to repeated FT cycles indicate that the specimen with the 4% cement-3% bitumen emulsion mixture significantly improves water absorption, volume changes, and weight losses. This indicates the effectiveness of this additive as a road base stabilizer with excellent engineering properties for cold regions.
A Scaling Scheme for DCT Precoded Optical Intensity-Modulated Direct Detection Systems
Authors: Wang Zhongpeng , Wang Xiumin , Chen Fangni , Qiu Weiwei , Ye Linpeng
Published: November 2015

A scaling technique is employed to improve the performance of a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) precoded optical intensity-modulated direct detection (IM/DD) OFDM system, which fully exploits the dynamic range of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The theoretical analysis shows that the proposed scaling scheme can improve the BER performance of DCT precoded and scaled OFDM systems. The experiment results also show that the proposed scheme significantly improves the BER performance without changing the receiver structure. The measured received sensitivity at a BER of 10−3for a 4 G samples/s (2.7 Gbits/s) DCT precoded and scaled OFDM signal and after 100 km standard single-mode fiber (SMF) transmission has been improved by 3 and 1.3 dB when compared with the original OFDM system and conventional DCT precoded OFDM system, respectively.
Influence of Bottom Ash Replacements as Fine Aggregate on the Property of Cellular Concrete with Various Foam Contents
Authors: Onprom Patchara , Chaimoon Krit , Cheerarot Raungrut
Published: November 2015

This research focuses on evaluating the feasibility of utilizing bottom ash from coal burning power plants as a fine aggregate in cellular concrete with various foam contents. Flows of all mixtures were controlled within 45 ± 5% and used foam content at 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% by volume of mixture. Bottom ash from Mae Moh power plant in Thailand was used to replace river sand at the rates of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by volume of sand. Compressive strength, water absorption, and density of cellular concretes were determined at the ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. Nonlinear regression technique was developed to construct the mathematical models for predicting the compressive strength, water absorption, and density of cellular concrete. The results revealed that the density of cellular concrete decreased while the water absorption increased with an increase in replacement level of bottom ash. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that bottom ash can be used as fine aggregate in the cellular concrete. In addition, the nonlinear regression models give very high degree of accuracy (R2>0.99).
Identification of Proteins Implicated in the Increased Heart Rate in ShenSongYangXin-Treated Bradycardia Rabbits by iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Liu Zhouying , Huang Jian , Huo Youping , Gong Jing , Zhang Yinhui , Wei Cong , Pu Jielin
Published: November 2015

The present study tries to identify proteins implicated in bradycardia rabbits in hearts after ShenSongYangXin (SSYX, a traditional Chinese medicine) treatment. Eighteen adult rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: sham, model, and SSYX treatment groups. Heart rate was recorded in rabbits and proteins were isolated from ventricular muscle. We used isobaric tags for elative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify altered proteins after SSYX treatment. The heart rate decreased after six weeks due to the injury of the sinoatrial node in the model group. This effect was partially reversed by 4-week SSYX treatment. A total of a2988 proteins were quantified by performing the iTRAQ-based experiments. Of these, 86 proteins were differentially expressed according to our criteria (42 upregulated and 44 downregulated). The identification of key proteins implicated in the treatment of bradycardia could serve as a foundation to better understand and further explore the molecular mechanism of SSYX treatment.
A Mean-Shift-Based Feature Descriptor for Wide Baseline Stereo Matching
Authors: Dou Yiwen , Hao Kuangrong , Ding Yongsheng , Mao Min
Published: November 2015

We propose a novel Mean-Shift-based building approach in wide baseline. Initially, scale-invariance feature transform (SIFT) approach is used to extract relatively stable feature points. As to each matching SIFT feature point, it needs a reasonable neighborhood range so as to choose feature points set. Subsequently, in view of selecting repeatable and high robust feature points, Mean-Shift controls corresponding feature scale. At last, our approach is employed to depth image acquirement in wide baseline and Graph Cut algorithm optimizes disparity information. Compared with the existing methods such as SIFT, speeded up robust feature (SURF), and normalized cross-correlation (NCC), the presented approach has the advantages of higher robustness and accuracy rate. Experimental results on low resolution image and weak feature description in wide baseline confirm the validity of our approach.
Bovine Serum Albumin and Chitosan Coated Silver Nanoparticles and Its Antimicrobial Activity against Oral and Nonoral Bacteria
Authors: Espinosa-Cristóbal León Francisco , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel Alejandro , Loyola-Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Niño-Martínez Nereyda , Ruiz Facundo , Zavala-Alonso Norma Verónica , Lara René H. , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny
Published: November 2015

Antimicrobial agents have been developed for drug‐resistance infections, which have been rapidly increasing; however, the control of involved microorganisms is still a challenge. In this work, SNP with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chitosan (CS) coatings were prepared with an aqueous reduction method, characterized using dispersion light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. Antibacterial activity was tested on seven oral and nonoral bacteria by microdilution test and scanning electron microscopy. Six different sizes and shapes of coated SNP were prepared and used. Characterization revealed narrow size and good distribution of particles, spherical and pseudospherical shapes, and the presence of coatings on the SNP surfaces. All samples showed antimicrobial activity, although smaller sizes and CS samples had the best inhibition effects. The highest microbial resistance was shown by Gram‐positive bacteria. Although coated SNP action depends on particular bacterium, BSA and CS coated SNP could be used for drug‐resistance infections.
Pricing Decisions of Competing Tobacco Enterprises with Online Channel
Authors: Zhang Rong , Mi Jackson Jinhong , Liu Bin
Published: November 2015

According to the new measurement of launching online distribution channels of tobacco enterprises in China, this paper investigates the tobacco firm’s pricing decisions on the supply chain which consists of two manufacturers and one retailer under three dual-channel structures. Three dual-channel structures include no online channel, only one online channel by one manufacture, and two online channels by two manufacturers. We apply the Stackelberg game to analyze the equilibrium pricing strategies under different structures and try to explore the necessity and advantages of launching online sales channels. The results demonstrate that the substitutability of a product has significant impact on introducing online sales channels, and the online dual-channel structure could result in less profit for manufacturers compared to the traditional retail channel structure; and thus, a dual-channel structure with online sales is not the best strategy for traditional manufacturers. Moreover, when the product is less substitutable, the effect of the tobacco control on the online sales channel is inferior to the traditional channels and vice versa.
Effect of Short-Term Aging Process on the Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures and Binders Containing Sasobit Warm Mix Additive
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Jinyu , Li Xiaohui , Liu Xiang , Han Feng , Li Liangying
Published: November 2015

Moisture susceptibility is one of the key issues of warm mix asphalt (WMA). In this research, the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures and binders containing Sasobit warm mix additive was investigated in comparison to that of hot mixture asphalt (HMA) through laboratory aging experiments. The WMA asphalt mixtures were aged in the laboratory at three aging temperatures and times. The moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures was measured through the laboratory immersed Marshall test and freeze-thaw splitting test. The surface free energy (SFE) of asphalt binders extracted from WMA asphalt mixtures was determined by the sessile drop method. The results show that the aging time and temperature have a significant effect on the improvement in moisture susceptibility in terms of both the freeze-thaw splitting strength ratios and the residual Marshall stability of asphalt mixtures containing Sasobit warm mix additive. The SFE of asphalt binders extracted from Sasobit warm mix increased with the aging time and temperature. The moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures and binders containing Sasobit warm mixes was similar to or even greater than that of HMA aging under certain conditions.
Association between Plasma Leptin and Estrogen in Female Patients of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Xing Yi , Liu Jianghong , Xu Jingdong , Yin Linlin , Wang Lin , Li Junjie , Yu Zhipeng , Li Fangyu , Gao Ran , Jia Jianping
Published: November 2015

Increasing evidences suggested the association between leptin and cognitive functions. Estrogen is an important factor that regulates the production and metabolism of leptin. However, little is known about the relationship between leptin and estrogen in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Plasma levels of leptin, total estradiol, andβ-amyloid protein (Aβ) were measured in a total of 23 female amnestic MCI (aMCI) patients and 19 female cognitively normal controls. This study showed that female aMCI patients had lower plasma levels of leptin and higher levels of estradiol compared to female normal controls. Leptin and estradiol levels were not correlated with cognitive performances or plasma Aβlevels in either aMCI patients or normal controls. There was a significant negative correlation between leptin and estrogen in female aMCI patients (r=-0.633,p=0.002) but not in female normal controls. The potential mechanisms of this disease-stage-specific association between leptin and estrogen need further investigations.
Perinatal Health Statistics as the Basis for Perinatal Quality Assessment in Croatia
Authors: Rodin Urelija , Filipović-Grčić Boris , Đelmiš Josip , Glivetić Tatjana , Juras Josip , Mustapić Željka , Grizelj Ruža
Published: November 2015

Context. Perinatal mortality indicators are considered the most important measures of perinatal outcome. The indicators reliability depends on births and deaths reporting and recording. Many publications focus on perinatal deaths underreporting and misclassification, disabling proper international comparisons.Objective. Description of perinatal health care quality assessment key indicators in Croatia.Methods. Retrospective review of reports from all maternities from 2001 to 2014.Results. According to reporting criteria for birth weight ≥500 g, perinatal mortality (PNM) was reduced by 31%, fetal mortality (FM) by 32%, and early neonatal mortality (ENM) by 29%. According to reporting criteria for ≥1000 g, PNM was reduced by 43%, FM by 36%, and ENM by 54%. PNM in ≥22 weeks’ (wks) gestational age (GA) was reduced by 28%, FM by 30%, and ENM by 26%. The proportion of FM at 32–36 wks GA and at term was the highest between all GA subgroups, as opposed to ENM with the highest proportion in 22–27 wks GA. Through the period, the maternal mortality ratio varied from 2.4 to 14.3/100,000 live births. The process indicators have been increased in number by more than half since 2001, the caesarean deliveries from 11.9% in 2001 to 19.6% in 2014.Conclusions. The comprehensive perinatal health monitoring represents the basis for the perinatal quality assessment.
On the Shear Buckling of Clamped Narrow Rectangular Orthotropic Plates
Authors: Atashipour Seyed Rasoul , Girhammar Ulf Arne
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with stability analysis of clamped rectangular orthotropic thin plates subjected to uniformly distributed shear load around the edges. Due to the nature of this problem, it is impossible to present mathematically exact analytical solution for the governing differential equations. Consequently, all existing studies in the literature have been performed by means of different numerical approaches. Here, a closed-form approach is presented for simple and fast prediction of the critical buckling load of clamped narrow rectangular orthotropic thin plates. Next, a practical modification factor is proposed to extend the validity of the obtained results for a wide range of plate aspect ratios. To demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the proposed closed-form formulas, an accurate computational code is developed based on the classical plate theory (CPT) by means of differential quadrature method (DQM) for comparison purposes. Moreover, several finite element (FE) simulations are performed via ANSYS software. It is shown that simplicity, high accuracy, and rapid prediction of the critical load for different values of the plate aspect ratio and for a wide range of effective geometric and mechanical parameters are the main advantages of the proposed closed-form formulas over other existing studies in the literature for the same problem.
Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Ablation of Magnesium Diboride: Plasma Characterization and Thin Films Deposition
Authors: De Bonis Angela , Galasso Agostino , Santagata Antonio , Teghil Roberto
Published: December 2015

A MgB2 target has been ablated by Nd:glass laser with a pulse duration of 250 fs. The plasma produced by the laser‐target interaction, showing two temporal separated emissions, has been characterized by time and space resolved optical emission spectroscopy and ICCD fast imaging. The films, deposited on silicon substrates and formed by the coalescence of particles with nanometric size, have been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The first steps of the films growth have been studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The films deposition has been studied by varying the substrate temperature from 25 to 500°C and the best results have been obtained at room temperature.
DFT Study of a Novel Organic Film: The Structural versus Magnetic Effects
Authors: Simonetti S. , Juan A. , Brizuela G. , Ulacco S.
Published: November 2015

Unsaturated fatty acids have great interest by their activities as industrial materials in novel applications. In the present work, the cis-3-hexenoic acid (HA) adsorbed on the Ni(111) surface was studied by first-principles calculations using the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package (VASP). The most stable location for HA is presented on top site of Ni(111), although the energies are very similar for all the adsorption sites. The surface-molecule interaction takes place between the carboxyl group of HA and surrounding Ni atoms. The adsorption is weak and consequently the metal-molecule length is enhanced. The carboxyl group is elongated and weakened after adsorption giving rise to a shift in stretching frequencies. There are notable changes on the magnetic moments values of Ni surface atoms neighboring to the molecule that mainly induced magnetic moments on O and H atoms. Noticeable charge transfer occurs in 3d 4s, p Ni orbitals and 2s C, 2s p O, 1s H orbitals of carboxyl group. The surface presents positive work function changes after adsorption as a consequence of an electron back-donation. During interaction, the significance of the magnetic effects over the structural effects is evidenced. This sets the stage for a future adsorption process improvement based on the modification of the surface magnetic properties.
Bladder Wall Telangiectasia in a Patient with Ataxia-Telangiectasia and How to Manage?
Authors: Aygün Fatma Deniz , Nepesov Serdar , Çokuğraş Haluk , Camcıoğlu Yıldız
Published: November 2015

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare neurodegenerative, inherited disease causing severe morbidity. Oculocutaneous telangiectasias are almost constant findings among the affected cases as telangiectasia is considered the main clinical finding for diagnosis. Vascular abnormalities in organs have been reported infrequently but bladder wall telangiectasias are extremely rare. We aimed to report recurrent hemorrhage from bladder wall telangiectasia in a 9-year-old boy with A-T who had received intravenous cyclophosphamide for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since A-T patients are known to be more susceptible to chemical agents, we suggested that possibly cyclophosphamide was the drug which induced bladder wall injury in this patient.
Study of the Reactor Control System of MSHIM in AP1000
Authors: Wei Xinyu , Zhao Fuyu
Published: November 2015

According to the mechanism analysis and simulation of power control system of MSHIM in AP1000, a modified MSHIM (Mechanical Shim) control strategy is presented, which employs the error between the reactor coolant average temperature and its reference value as the unique control signal with a P-controller added. The modified MSHIM control strategy is verified by simulations of three typical working conditions. The results show that the modified power control system satisfies the needs of reactor core power control and power distribution control. The conclusions have reference value for the engineering practice.
Analysis of Trend of Malaria Prevalence in the Ten Asian Countries from 2006 to 2011: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Roy Shongkour , Khatun Tanjina
Published: November 2015

Background. To control the malaria mortality, the global and national communities have worked together and produced impressive results in the world. Some of the Asian counties’ malaria mortality rate is more compared to countries with high health facilities around the world. This paper’s main aim is to describe trend of malaria cases and mortality in 10 Asian countries using the World Health Organization data. Methods. Malaria mortality data was collected systematically from WHO and UN database for the period 2006–2011. We estimated malaria mortality by age and countries. We also explored the dynamic relationships among malaria death rate, total populations, and geographical region using a map. During 2006–2011, the average malaria death per 10,000 population of all ages was 0.239 (95% CI 0.104 to 0.373), of children aged less than 5 year 1.143 (0.598 to 1.687), and of age greater than 5 years 0.089 (0.043 to 0.137) in Asian countries. Malaria prevalence per 10,000 populations steadily decreased from 486.7 in 2006 to 298.9 in 2011. Conclusion. The findings show that malaria mortality is higher for children aged less than 5 years compared with with adults selected in Asian countries except Sri Lanka.
Direct Organogenesis from Rhizome Explants in Marsilea quadrifolia L.: A Threatened Fern Species
Authors: Shekhawat Mahipal S. , Manokari M.
Published: November 2015

An efficient micropropagation protocol has been developed for Marsilea quadrifolia L. through direct organogenesis. The mature rhizomes were used as explants and successfully sterilized using 0.1% HgCl2 for the establishment of cultures. The multiple shoots were differentiated from the explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 6-benzylaminopurin (BAP). Full strength MS medium was reported to be effective for the induction of sporophytes from the rhizomes after four weeks of inoculation. Maximum response (96%) with average of 6.2 shoots (2.72 cm length) was achieved on full strength of MS medium augmented with 0.5 mg/L BAP in culture initiation experiments. The cultures were further proliferated in clusters (79.0±0.37 shoots per explant) with stunted growth on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L BAP after four weeks. These stunted shoots were elongated (5.30 cm long) on half MS medium devoid of growth hormones. Root induction and proliferation (3.0–4.0 cm long) were observed after 4th subculture of sporophytes on hormone-free half strength MS medium. The rooted plantlets were hardened in the fern house for 4-5 weeks and transferred to the field with 92% survival rate. There were no observable differences in between in vivo grown and in vitro propagated plantlets in the field.
Childhood Trauma and Its Relation to Chronic Depression in Adulthood
Authors: Negele Alexa , Kaufhold Johannes , Kallenbach Lisa , Leuzinger-Bohleber Marianne
Published: November 2015

There is a large consensus indicating that childhood trauma is significantly involved in the development of depression. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of retrospectively recalled childhood trauma in chronically depressed patients and to investigate a more specific relationship between trauma type and depression. We further asked for the influence of multiple experiences of childhood trauma on the vulnerability to a chronic course of depression in adulthood. 349 chronically depressed patients of the German LAC Depression Study completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, a self-report measure of traumatic experiences in childhood. 75.6% of the chronically depressed patients reported clinically significant histories of childhood trauma. 37% of the chronically depressed patients reported multiple childhood traumatization. Experiences of multiple trauma also led to significantly more severe depressive symptoms. Stepwise multiple regression analysis suggested that childhood emotional abuse and sexual abuse were significantly associated with a higher symptom severity in chronically depressed adults. Yet, expanding the regression model for multiple exposures showed that multiplicity was the only remaining significant predictor for symptom severity in chronically depressed patients. Clinical implications suggest a precise assessment of childhood trauma in chronically depressed patients with a focus on emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and multiple exposures to childhood trauma. This trial is registered with registration numberISRCTN91956346.
Parameter Optimization for Selected Correlation Analysis of Intracranial Pathophysiology
Authors: Faltermeier Rupert , Proescholdt Martin A. , Bele Sylvia , Brawanski Alexander
Published: November 2015

Recently we proposed a mathematical tool set, called selected correlation analysis, that reliably detects positive and negative correlations between arterial blood pressure (ABP) and intracranial pressure (ICP). Such correlations are associated with severe impairment of the cerebral autoregulation and intracranial compliance, as predicted by a mathematical model. The time resolved selected correlation analysis is based on a windowing technique combined with Fourier-based coherence calculations and therefore depends on several parameters. For real time application of this method at an ICU it is inevitable to adjust this mathematical tool for high sensitivity and distinct reliability. In this study, we will introduce a method to optimize the parameters of the selected correlation analysis by correlating an index, called selected correlation positive (SCP), with the outcome of the patients represented by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). For that purpose, the data of twenty-five patients were used to calculate the SCP value for each patient and multitude of feasible parameter sets of the selected correlation analysis. It could be shown that an optimized set of parameters is able to improve the sensitivity of the method by a factor greater than four in comparison to our first analyses.