bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Etoricoxib on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Kunak Celalettin Semih , Kukula Osman , Mutlu Emre , Genç Fatma , Güleç Peker Gülçer , Kuyrukluyıldız Ufuk , Binici Orhan , Altuner Durdu , Alp Hamit Hakan
Published: July 2015

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage is known to be a pathological process which continues with the increase of oxidants and expands with the inflammatory response. There is not any study about protective effect of etoricoxib on the liver I/R damage in literature.Objective. This study investigates the effect of etoricoxib on oxidative stress induced by I/R of the rat liver.Material and Methods. Experimental animals were divided into four groups as liver I/R control (LIRC), 50 mg/kg etoricoxib + liver I/R (ETO-50), 100 mg/kg etoricoxib + liver I/R (ETO-100), and healthy group (HG). ETO-50 and ETO-100 groups were administered etoricoxib, while LIRC and HG groups were orally given distilled water by gavage. Hepatic artery was clamped for one hour to provide ischemia, and then reperfusion was provided for 6 hours. Oxidant, antioxidant, and COX-2 gene expressions were studied in the liver tissues. ALT and AST were measured.Results. Etoricoxib in 50 and 100 mg/kg doses changed the levels of oxidant/antioxidant parameters such as MDA, MPO, tGSH, GSHRd, GST, SOD, NO, and 8-OH/Gua in favour of antioxidants. Furthermore, etoricoxib prevented increase of COX-2 gene expression and ALT and AST levels. This important protective effect of etoricoxib on the rat liver I/R can be tested in the clinical setting.
LMI Based Fuzzy Control of a Wing Doubled Fractional-Order Chaos
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Yuzhu , Cao Hongbo , Zhu Delan
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates a new wing doubled fractional-order chaos and its control. Firstly, a new fractional-order chaos is proposed, replacing linear termxin the second equation by its absolute value; a new improved system is got, which can make the wing of the original system doubled. Then, circuit diagram is presented for the proposed fractional-order chaos. Furthermore, based on fractional-order stability theory and T-S fuzzy model, a more practical stability condition for fuzzy control of the proposed fractional-order chaos is given assset of linear matrix inequality (LMI) and the strict mathematical norms of LMI are presented. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Neurophysiological Correlates of Central Fatigue in Healthy Subjects and Multiple Sclerosis Patients before and after Treatment with Amantadine
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Rossi Simone , Bartalini Sabina , Cincotta Massimo , Giovannelli Fabio , Tatti Elisa , Ulivelli Monica
Published: July 2015

In ten healthy subjects and in ten patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), we investigated the cortical functional changes induced by a standard fatiguing repetitive tapping task. The Cortical Silent Period (CSP), an intracortical, mainlyGABAB-mediated inhibitory phenomenon, was recorded by two different hand muscles, one acting as prime mover of the fatiguing index-thumb tapping task (First Dorsal Interosseous, FDI) and the other one not involved in the task but sharing largely overlapping central, spinal, and peripheral innervation (Abductor Digiti Minimi, ADM). At baseline, the CSP was shorter in patients than in controls. As fatigue developed, CSP changes involved both the “fatigued” FDI and the “unfatigued” ADM muscles, suggesting a cortical spread of central fatigue mechanisms. Chronic therapy with amantadine annulled differences in CSP duration between controls and patients, possibly through restoration of more physiological levels of intracortical inhibition in the motor cortex. These inhibitory changes correlated with the improvement of fatigue scales. The CSP may represent a suitable marker of neurophysiological mechanisms accounting for central fatigue generation either in controls or in MS patients, involving corticospinal neural pools supplying not only the fatigued muscle but also adjacent muscles sharing an overlapping cortical representation.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose in Geriatric Inpatients at a German Tertiary University Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study of Clinical Practice
Authors: Bach Matthias , Geisel Tabea , Martin Julia , Schulze Bettina , Schaefer Roland , Virgin Garth , Stein Juergen
Published: July 2015

Current iron supplementation practice in geriatric patients is erratic and lacks evidence-based recommendations. Despite potential benefits in this population, intravenous iron supplementation is often withheld due to concerns regarding pharmacy expense, perceived safety issues, and doubts regarding efficacy in elderly patients. This retrospective, observational cohort study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM, Ferinject) in patients aged >75 years with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Within a twelve-month data extraction period, the charts of 405 hospitalised patients aged 65–101 years were retrospectively analysed for IDA, defined according to WHO criteria for anaemia (haemoglobin: <13.0 g/dL (m)/<12.0 g/dL (f)) in conjunction with transferrin saturation <20%. Of 128 IDA patients screened, 51 (39.8%) received intravenous iron. 38 patient charts were analysed. Mean cumulative dose of intravenous FCM was 784.4 ± 271.7 mg iron (1–3 infusions). 18 patients (47%) fulfilled treatment response criteria (≥1.0 g/dL increase in haemoglobin between baseline and hospital discharge). AEs were mild/moderate, most commonly transient increases of liver enzymes (n= 5/13.2%). AE incidence was comparable with that observed in patients <75 years. No serious AEs were observed. Ferric carboxymaltose was well tolerated and effective for correction of Hb levels and iron stores in this cohort of IDA patients aged over 75 years.
Novel Design for a Diffusive Solar Cell Window
Authors: Chen Ruei-Tang , Kang Chih-Chieh , Lin Jeng-Feng , Chiou Sheng-Wei , Cheng Hung-Hsiang , Lai Chih-Wen
Published: July 2015

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are an important application of future solar energy development. The incorporation of solar cells into windows must not only maintain indoor natural lighting but also generate electrical power at the same time. In our continuing effort to improve the design of diffusion solar window, a more fundamental and efficient three‐layer structure—glass/EVA with TiO2 nanoparticles embedded/glass—was proposed. In this work, a well‐established ASAP ray‐tracing model for a diffusive solar cell window was implemented to validate the outperformance of three‐layer structure over primitive five‐layer structure. Optical simulations were also implemented to perform its primary design for the determination of the optimal design parameters, such as the glass thickness, the EVA thickness, and the weight concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. Based on the simulation results, an optimal design for a three‐layer diffusive solar cell window prototype was proposed. And the influence of both EVA thickness and glass thickness on the power edge‐exitance (solar cell power generation efficiency) of a DSCW was thoroughly investigated.
Cochlear Implant Outcomes and Genetic Mutations in Children with Ear and Brain Anomalies
Authors: Busi Micol , Rosignoli Monica , Castiglione Alessandro , Minazzi Federica , Trevisi Patrizia , Aimoni Claudia , Calzolari Ferdinando , Granieri Enrico , Martini Alessandro
Published: July 2015

Background. Specific clinical conditions could compromise cochlear implantation outcomes and drastically reduce the chance of an acceptable development of perceptual and linguistic capabilities. These conditions should certainly include the presence of inner ear malformations or brain abnormalities. The aims of this work were to study the diagnostic value of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with sensorineural hearing loss who were candidates for cochlear implants and to analyse the anatomic abnormalities of the ear and brain in patients who underwent cochlear implantation. We also analysed the effects of ear malformations and brain anomalies on the CI outcomes, speculating on their potential role in the management of language developmental disorders.Methods. The present study is a retrospective observational review of cochlear implant outcomes among hearing-impaired children who presented ear and/or brain anomalies at neuroimaging investigations with MRI and HRCT. Furthermore, genetic results from molecular genetic investigations (GJB2/GJB6and, additionally, in selected cases,SLC26A4or mitochondrial-DNA mutations) on this study group were herein described. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis was conducted using statistical tests.Results. Between January 1, 1996 and April 1, 2012, at the ENT-Audiology Department of the University Hospital of Ferrara, 620 cochlear implantations were performed. There were 426 implanted children at the time of the present study (who were <18 years). Among these, 143 patients (64 females and 79 males) presented ear and/or brain anomalies/lesions/malformations at neuroimaging investigations with MRI and HRCT. The age of the main study group (143 implanted children) ranged from 9 months and 16 years (average = 4.4; median = 3.0).Conclusions. Good outcomes with cochlear implants are possible in patients who present with inner ear or brain abnormalities, even if central nervous system anomalies represent a negative prognostic factor that is made worse by the concomitant presence of cochlear malformations. Common cavity and stenosis of the internal auditory canal (less than 2 mm) are negative prognostic factors even if brain lesions are absent.
Effects of Temperature, Time, Magnesium, and Copper on the Wettability of Al/TiC System
Authors: Kurt Halil Ibrahim , Oduncuoglu Murat
Published: July 2015

The effects of temperature, time, and the additions of magnesium and copper on the wetting behavior of Al/TiC are studied theoretically. Mathematical formula is presented in explicit form. The effect of each variable is investigated by using the obtained equation. It is observed that the time and temperature have a stronger effect on the wetting of TiC in comparison to other input parameters. The proposed model shows good agreement with test results and can be used to find the wetting behavior of Al/TiC. The findings led to a new insight of the wetting process of TiC.
A Thermal Infrared and Visible Images Fusion Based Approach for Multitarget Detection under Complex Environment
Authors: Fan Xinnan , Shi Pengfei , Ni Jianjun , Li Min
Published: July 2015

Multitarget detection under complex environment is a challenging task, where the measured signal will be submerged by noise. D-S belief theory is an effective approach in dealing with Multitarget detection. However, there are some limitations of the general D-S belief theory under complex environment. For example, the basic belief assignment is difficult to establish, and the subjective factors will influence the update process of evidence. In this paper, a new Multitarget detection approach based on thermal infrared and visible images fusion is proposed. To easily characterize the defected heterogeneous image, a basic belief assignment based on the distance distribution function of heterogeneous characteristics is presented. Furthermore, to improve the discrimination and effectiveness of the Multitarget detection, a concept of comprehensive credibility is introduced into the proposed approach and a new update rule of evidence is designed. Finally, some experiments are carried out and the experimental results show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach in the Multitarget detection task.
Simple Rheological Analysis Method of Spinnable-Polymer Flow Properties Using MFI Tester
Authors: Younes Basel
Published: July 2015

Rheological characterization of polymers explains the flow behaviour and viscoelastic properties and tests fibre-forming ability. The current method investigates the viscoelastic properties and morphology of polymers and finds the rheological data and the right polymer viscosity, which is determining the best processing temperature. The right processing temperature saves the power, the material, and the time needed for production. After calculating polymers viscosity by using MFI tester, the method investigates rheological properties and surface shape at different temperatures and loads. The method could apply to other polymers to find the viscosity-temperature change and to set the best processing temperature.
Asteroids Exploration Trajectory Optimal Design with Differential Evolution Based on Mixed Coding
Authors: Wang Maocai , Song Zhiming , Dai Guangming , Peng Lei , Zheng Chang
Published: July 2015

With the development of space technology, asteroid exploration will become a hotspot in the deep space exploration field. Space flight trajectory has the following requirements: needing a long time, having many engineering constraints, having a large number of targets, and having a series of feasible solutions. So how to find the global optimum flight program is the core issue of the deep space exploration trajectory design. This paper proposes a novel method to design the optimal trajectory by differential evolution (DE) algorithm for asteroid exploration based on mixed coding. In our method, the celestial sequence and the time sequence are coded together into the chromosomes of DE and optimized them simultaneously. The chromosomes are designed to include four parts: the celestial sequence, the exploration type, the time sequence, and the return time. The algorithm can make full use of the characteristics of the high efficiency and global optimization ability of differential evolution and can also avoid the problem of high complexity of the branch-and-bound algorithm and the problem of nonglobal optimal solution of the greedy algorithm. The algorithm is adopted to solve the Fourth Contest of National Space Orbit Design in China, and the result shows that both the computational efficiency and the performance of the algorithm are superior.
Detecting and Preventing Sybil Attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Message Authentication and Passing Method
Authors: Dhamodharan Udaya Suriya Raj Kumar , Vayanaperumal Rajamani
Published: July 2015

Wireless sensor networks are highly indispensable for securing network protection. Highly critical attacks of various kinds have been documented in wireless sensor network till now by many researchers. The Sybil attack is a massive destructive attack against the sensor network where numerous genuine identities with forged identities are used for getting an illegal entry into a network. Discerning the Sybil attack, sinkhole, and wormhole attack while multicasting is a tremendous job in wireless sensor network. Basically a Sybil attack means a node which pretends its identity to other nodes. Communication to an illegal node results in data loss and becomes dangerous in the network. The existing method Random Password Comparison has only a scheme which just verifies the node identities by analyzing the neighbors. A survey was done on a Sybil attack with the objective of resolving this problem. The survey has proposed a combined CAM‐PVM (compare and match‐position verification method) with MAP (message authentication and passing) for detecting, eliminating, and eventually preventing the entry of Sybil nodes in the network. We propose a scheme of assuring security for wireless sensor network, to deal with attacks of these kinds in unicasting and multicasting.
Current Smoking Dose-Dependently Associated with Decreasedβ-Cell Function in Chinese Men without Diabetes
Authors: Wang Chun , Wang Yijun , Wu Junxia , Liu Suyi , Zhu Ying , Lv Shurong , Lin Ping , Wang Xiaoke , Xu Yan , Yu Shali , Chen Gang , Xiang Quanyong
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between chronic smoking and insulin resistance andβ-cell function in Chinese men without diabetes. A total of 1,568 participants were recruited by multistage sampling. Using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), geometric means of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) andβ-cell function (HOMA-β) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by general linear model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were estimated to evaluate the associations between smoking status and insulin resistance andβ-cell deficiency under a logistic regression model. Current smokers had higher levels of 2 h glucose (6.66 versus 6.48 mmol/L) for oral glucose tolerance test and lower levels of fasting insulin (5.68 versus 6.03 mU/L) than never smokers. The adjusted means for HOMA-β(%) were 54.86 in current smokers and 58.81 in never smokers (P=0.0257). Current smoking was associated withβ-cell deficiency (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.64) compared to never smoking. Theβ-cell function gradually decreased with increasing smoking intensity (Ptrend=0.0026), and the differences were statistically significant when the pack-year of smoking was 20 or above. No association was observed between smoking status and HOMA-IR. Our study suggested that chronic smoking may dose-dependently suppress insulin secretion in Chinese men.
Evaluation of Samarium Doped Hydroxyapatite, Ceramics for Medical Application: Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ciobanu C. S. , Iconaru S. L. , Popa C. L. , Motelica-Heino M. , Predoi D.
Published: July 2015

Samarium doped hydroxyapatite (Sm:HAp), (PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp), bionanoparticles with different xSm have been successfully synthesized by coprecipitation method. Detailed characterization of samarium doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Sm:HAp‐NPs) was carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biocompatibility of samarium doped hydroxyapatite was assessed by cell viability. The antibacterial activity of the Sm:HAp‐NPs was tested against Gram‐negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus). A linear increase of antimicrobial activity of P. aeruginosa has been observed when concentrations of Sm:HAp‐NPs in the samples with xSm = 0.02 were higher than 0.125 mg/mL. For Sm:HAp‐NPs with xSm = 0.05 a significant increase of antibacterial activity on E. coli was observed in the range 0.5–1 mg/mL. For low concentrations of Sm:HAp‐NPs (xSm = 0.05) from 0.031 to 0.125 mg/mL a high antibacterial activity on Enterococcus faecalis has been noticed. A growth of the inhibitory effect on S. aureus was observed for all concentrations of Sm:HAp‐NPs with xSm = 0.02.
Stability Testing of a Wide Bone-Anchored Device after Surgery without Skin Thinning
Authors: Hultcrantz Malou
Published: July 2015

Objective. To longitudinally follow the osseointegration using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) for different lengths of abutment on a new wide bone-anchored implant, introduced with the non-skin thinning surgical technique.Study Design. A single-center, prospective 1 year study following adults with bone-anchored hearing implants.Materials and Methods. Implantation was performed and followed for a minimum of 1 year. All patients were operated on according to the tissue preserving technique. A 4.5 mm wide fixture (Oticon Medical) with varying abutments (9 to 12 mm) was used and RFA was tested 1 week, 7 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months later. Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ), was measured from 1 to 100. Stability was compared to a group of patients(N=7)implanted with another brand (Cochlear BI400) of 4.5 mm fixtures.Results. All 10 adults concluded the study. None of the participants lost their implant during the test period indicating a good anchoring of abutments to the wide fixture tested. Stability testing was shown to vary depending on abutment length and time after surgery and with higher values for shorter abutments and increasing values over the first period of time. One patient changed the abutment from 12 to 9 mm and another from a 9 to a 12 during the year. No severe skin problems, numbness around the implant, or cosmetic problems arose.Conclusion. After 1 year of follow-up, combination of a wide fixture implant and the non-skin thinning surgical technique indicates a safe procedure with good stability and no abutment losses.
Analysis and Design of Robust Positivity and Stability for Continuous-Time Linear Uncertain Systems
Authors: Yen Kuo-Liang , Wang Kuo-Shong , Juang Yau-Tarng
Published: July 2015

This paper deals with the analysis and design of positivity and stability of linear continuous conic systems. First, two robustness analysis theorems are proposed for the systems with state-feedback. Second, the state-feedback stabilization problem is solved by using linear programming (LP). Numerical examples are given for illustration. Finally, the conclusions are made.
An Effective Error Correction Scheme for Arithmetic Coding
Authors: Lin Qiuzhen , Wong Kwok-Wo , Li Ming , Chen Jianyong
Published: July 2015

We propose an effective error correction technique for arithmetic coding with forbidden symbol. By predicting the occurrence of the subsequent forbidden symbols, the forbidden region is actually expanded and theoretically, a better error correction performance can be achieved. Moreover, a generalized stack algorithm is exploited to detect the forbidden symbol beforehand. The proposed approach is combined with themaximum a posteriori(MAP) metric to keep the highly probable decoding paths in the stack. Simulation results justify that our scheme performs better than the existing MAP methods on the error correction performance, especially at a low coding rate.
Numerical Modeling of the Internal Dispersive Shock Wave in the Ocean
Authors: Talipova Tatiana , Pelinovsky Efim , Kurkina Oxana , Kurkin Andrey
Published: July 2015

Numerical modeling of dispersive shock waves called solibore in a stratified fluid is conducted. The theoretical model is based on extended version of the Korteweg-de Vries equation which takes into account the effects of cubic nonlinearity and Earth rotation. This model is now very popular in the physical oceanography. Initial conditions for simulations correspond to the real observed internal waves of shock-like shape in the Pechora Sea, the Arctic. It is shown that a sharp drop (like kink in the soliton theory) in the depth of the thermocline is conserved at a distance of one–three kilometers, and then it is transformed into dispersive shock waves (shock wave with undulations).
Giant Ovarian Cyst Masquerading as Massive Ascites in an 11-Year-Old
Authors: Mohammed Elhassan Shaza Ali , Khan Shabina , El-Makki Ahmed
Published: July 2015

We are presenting a unique case of an 11-year-old girl admitted for investigation of progressive abdominal distention of more than one-year duration. Due to the complete cystic nature of the mass and its enormous size, it was not visualized by the ultrasound and was reported as massive ascites. MRI and postoperative histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of giant serous cystadenoma of the right ovary. She underwent a right ovarian cystectomy with complete preservation of both ovaries and fallopian tubes and is doing well on outpatient follow-up.
Multisensor Track Occupancy Detection Model Based on Chaotic Neural Networks
Authors: Hua Ze-xi , Chen Xiang-dong
Published: July 2015

Bad shunting of track circuit is one of the major risks for railway traffic safety. The occupancy of track will not be correctly detected due to bad shunting, which could severely degrade the efficiency of the train dispatching command, sometimes even causing serious accidents, such as train collision and derailment. To handle the bad shunting problem, the Three Points Test Method is commonly used for detecting track occupancy. However, this method completely relies on manual confirmation and it thus usually leads to low detection efficiency and high labor intensity. In order to improve the detection efficiency and involve as less human labors as possible, this paper proposes a multisensor track occupancy detection model which is based on chaotic neural networks. This model uses the detection results of track occupancy collected by multiple sensors as the fundamental data, and then it calculates their weights using chaotic neural networks for data fusion, and finally the model determines whether the track is occupied. Experimental results and field tests demonstrate that the proposed model is able to provide track occupancy detection with high effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, the accuracy of detection reaches 99.9999%, which can help to greatly reduce the labor intensity of manual confirmation.
Sirtuin 1 and Aging Theory for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Conti V. , Corbi G. , Manzo V. , Pelaia G. , Filippelli A. , Vatrella A.
Published: July 2015

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory syndrome that represents an increasing health problem, especially in the elderly population. Drug therapies are symptomatic and inadequate to contrast disease progression and mortality. Thus, there is an urgent need to clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for this condition in order to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Processes including oxidant/antioxidant, protease/antiprotease, and proliferative/antiproliferative balance and control of inflammatory response become dysfunctional during aging as well as in COPD. Recently it was suggested that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an antiaging molecule involved in the response to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, is implicated in both development and progression of COPD. The present review focuses on the involvement of SIRT1 in the regulation of redox state, inflammation, and premature senescence, all crucial characteristics of COPD phenotypes. Recent evidence corroborating the statement of the “aging theory for COPD” was also discussed.
Role of the Aspartate Transaminase and Platelet Ratio Index in Assessing Hepatic Fibrosis and Liver Inflammation in Adolescent Patients with HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Zhijian Yu , Hui Li , Weiming Yao , Zhanzhou Lin , Zhong Chen , Jinxin Zheng , Hongyan Wang , Xiangbin Deng , Weizhi Yang , Duoyun Li , Xiaojun Liu , Qiwen Deng
Published: July 2015

This study described an index of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) to assess hepatic fibrosis with limited expense and widespread availability compared to the liver biopsy in adolescent patients with CHB.
Simple Hydrolysis Synthesis of Uniform Rice-Shaped β-FeOOH Nanocrystals and Their Transformation to α-Fe2O3 Microspheres
Authors: Singh Beer Pal , Sharma Nansy , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Ashwani
Published: July 2015

In the synthesis of nanostructure materials a specific emphasis has been focused on the control of shape and orientation of nanocrystals to obtain prerequisite properties of the materials. Nanorice is a new hybrid nanoparticle prolate geometry of nanoshells with reduced symmetry having new exciting optical behavior. Rice-shaped β-FeOOH nanocrystals have been synthesized by a simple hydrolysis chemical method using ferric aqueous solution and urea as surfactant. The successive calcination of β-FeOOH nanocrystals at 650°C results in the formation of the porous α-Fe2O3 (hematite) microspheres. The as-synthesized yield of β-FeOOH nanocrystals was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and optical spectroscopy. The successive transformation of rice-shaped β-FeOOH nanostructures into porous α-Fe2O3 (hematite) microspheres through calcination process was confirmed by XRD, SEM, and EDAX studies. The water contact angle of as-prepared α-Fe2O3 microspheres shows hydrophobic behavior of the material.
Effect of Nano-Tricalcium Phosphate and Nanohydroxyapatite on the Staining Susceptibility of Bleached Enamel
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Bagher , Atai Mohammad , Rouhollahi Mohammad Reza , Malekhoseini Kosar , Rezai Hamideh , Hamze Faeze
Published: July 2015

Objective. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of nano-tricalcium phosphate (n-TCP) and nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAP) on prevention of restaining of enamel after dental bleaching. Methods. Forty bovine incisors were bleached with 20% carbamide peroxide for two weeks. Afterward, they were divided into five groups based on remineralization solution: no treatment (control), 10% n-TCP, 5% n-TCP, 10% n-HAP, and 5% n-HAP. Each group was daily immersed for 10 minutes in the restaining solution (tea) and for 3 minutes in the remineralization agent, respectively. This protocol was repeated for five days. Subsequently, three digital photographs (baseline, after bleaching, and after restaining) were analyzed by Adobe Photoshop software. The obtained L∗, a∗, b∗, and ΔE parameters were compared using ANOVA and Wilcoxon and Bonferroni tests. Results. After bleaching, there were significant changes in tooth colors (P<0.001) while, after restaining and immersion in remineralization solutions, there were no significant differences in L∗, a∗, and b∗ values of different groups (P>0.05). However, ΔE of 10% TCP was significantly lower than the control (P=0.02) while there were no significant differences between the other groups (P>0.05). Conclusion. 10% n-TCP could significantly maintain the resultant color and reconstruct the enamel structure after bleaching.
Elucidating How Surface Functionalization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Affects Nanostructured MWCNT/Titania Hybrid Materials
Authors: Yang Cheng-Fu , Hsu Wei-Chieh , Wu Song-Mao , Su Chean-Cheng
Published: July 2015

The new class of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/titania nanocomposites was prepared using a sol‐gel technique. The addition of titania to MWCNTs has the potential to provide new capability for the development of electrical devices by taking advantage of the favorable electric characteristics of MWCNTs. MWCNTs were first functionalized with carboxyl, acyl chloride, amine, and hydroxyl groups and were then dispersed in a tetraisopropyl titanate (TIPT) solution via ultrasonic processing. After gelation, well‐dispersed titania in the MWCNT/titania nanocomposites was obtained. Functionalized MWCNTs with varied functional groups were proved by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). For the nanocomposites, the degree of the sol‐gel process were proved by Raman spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Furthermore, the morphology of the MWCNT/titania nanocomposites was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the sol‐gel process, the functionalized MWCNTs with carboxyl, acyl chloride, amine, and hydroxyl groups have resulted in the carbon nanotube‐graft‐titania nanocomposites with a network structure of titania between the carbon nanotubes.
ATP‐Binding Pocket‐Targeted Suppression of Src and Syk by Luteolin Contributes to Its Anti‐Inflammatory Action
Authors: Lee Jeong-Oog , Jeong Deok , Kim Mi-Yeon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: July 2015

Luteolin is a flavonoid identified as a major anti-inflammatory component of Artemisia asiatica. Numerous reports have demonstrated the ability of luteolin to suppress inflammation in a variety of inflammatory conditions. However, its exact anti‐inflammatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the anti‐inflammatory mode of action in activated macrophages of luteolin from Artemisia asiatica was examined by employing immunoblotting analysis, a luciferase reporter gene assay, enzyme assays, and an overexpression strategy. Luteolin dose‐dependently inhibited the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and diminished the levels of mRNA transcripts of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α, and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) and pam3CSK‐treated macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells without displaying cytotoxicity. Luteolin displayed potent NO‐inhibitory activity and also suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB (p65 and p50) via blockade of Src and Syk, but not other mitogen‐activated kinases. Overexpression of wild type Src and point mutants thereof, and molecular modelling studies, suggest that the ATP‐binding pocket may be the luteolin‐binding site in Src. These results strongly suggest that luteolin may exert its anti‐inflammatory action by suppressing the NF‐κB signaling cascade via blockade of ATP binding in Src and Syk.
Bearing-Foreign Material Deposition on Retrieved Co-Cr Femoral Heads: Composition and Morphology
Authors: Tikekar Nishant M. , Heiner Anneliese D. , Baer Thomas E. , Kruger Karen M. , Callaghan John J. , Brown Thomas D. , Lannutti John J.
Published: July 2015

Bearing-foreign material deposition onto a femoral head can occur from contact with an acetabular shell due to dislocation, reduction, or subluxation. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively characterize deposit regions on retrieved cobalt-chrome femoral heads from metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasties that had experienced such adverse events. The morphology, topography, and composition of deposition regions were characterized using macrophotography, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The deposit areas were relatively large, they were much rougher than the surrounding undamaged clean areas, and they displayed several distinct morphologies. Titanium alloy elements were the predominant constituents. Calcium and phosphorous were also detected within the deposit areas, in a composition that could nucleate abrasive hydroxyapatite. In addition, tungsten-rich particles, likely present as tungsten carbide, were observed on top of the titanium deposits. The increased roughness associated with these deposition features would be expected to accelerate damage and wear of the opposing liner and hence accelerate the development of osteolysis.
Recurrence Relation and Accurate Value on Inverse Moment of Discrete Distributions
Authors: Wang ChunYuan , Wuyungaowa
Published: July 2015

Properties of the generalized hypergeometric series functions are employed to get the recurrence relation for inverse moments and inverse factorial moments of some discrete distributions. Meanwhile, with the existence of the recurrence relations, the accurate value for inverse moment of discrete distributions can thus be obtained.
The High-Temperature Synthesis of the Nanoscaled White-Light Phosphors Applied in the White-Light LEDs
Authors: Lu Hao-Ying , Tsai Meng-Han
Published: July 2015

The white-light phosphors consisting of Dy3+doped YPO4and Dy3+doped YP1-XVXO4were prepared by the chemical coprecipitation method. After the 1200°C thermal treatment in the air atmosphere, the white-light phosphors with particle sizes around 90 nm can be obtained. In order to reduce the average particle size of phosphors, the alkaline washing method was applied to the original synthesis process, which reduces the particle sizes to 65 nm. From the PLE spectra, four absorption peaks locating at 325, 352, 366, and 390 nm can be observed in the YPO4-based phosphors. These peaks appear due to the following electron transitions:6H15/2→4K15/2,6H15/2→4M15/2+6P7/2,6H15/2→4I11/2, and6H15/2→4M19/2. Besides, the emission peaks of wavelengths 484 nm and 576 nm can be observed in the PL spectra. In order to obtain the white-light phosphors, the vanadium ions were applied to substitute the phosphorus ions to compose the YP1-XVXO4phosphors. From the PL spectra, the strongest PL intensity can be obtained with 30% vanadium ions. As the concentration of vanadium ions increases to 40%, the phosphors with the CIE coordinates locating at the white-light area can be obtained.
Australian Marsh Beetles (Coleoptera: Scirtidae). 7. Genus Nothocyphon, new genus
Authors: ZWICK PETER
Published: July 2015

The new genus Nothocyphon (type species: Helodes (Cyphon ?) lindensis Blackburn, 1892) is proposed for small Contacyphon-like Australian beetles. The included species exhibit a generalized body structure, lacking the derived character expressions of related genera. Male tergite 9 is very weakly developed, membranous and bare. This is derived but as a reduction only weakly supports the monophyly of Nothocyphon.The new genus includes 39 species, with 37 newly described herein: Nothocyphon alces, n. sp., N. amita, n. sp., N. amphora, n. sp., N. armatus, n. sp., N. armstrongi, n. sp., N. auritus, n. sp., N. banksiae, n. sp., N. biserratus, n. sp., N. brevihamatus, n. sp., N. crux, n. sp., N. denticulatus, n. sp., N. donnabuangi, n. sp., N. esau, n. sp., N. frater (Blackburn), n. comb., N. horridus, n. sp., N. ímitator, n. sp., N. isolaeregis, n. sp., N. lanceolatus, n. sp., N. lindensis (Blackburn), n. comb., N. multidentatus, n. sp., N. naso, n. sp., N. nungatta, n. sp., N. pacificus, n. sp., N. patruelis, n. sp., N. platyphallus, n. sp., N. plicatus, n. sp., N. radula, n. sp., N. sarcophilus, n. sp., N. scutiger, n. sp., N. serratipenis, n. sp., N. signatus, n. sp., N. soror, n. sp., N. taeniatus, n. sp., N. taurus, n. sp., N. thylacinus, n. sp., N. triangulum, n. sp., N. vandiemeni, n. sp., N. wattsi, n. sp., N. ypsilon, n. sp.Lectotypes are designated for N. frater (Blackburn) and N. lindensis (Blackburn). All species are redescribed or described, and illustrated. Several informal species groups are recognized, and identification keys to males are provided.
On the validity of some species names of South American longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: MONNÉ MIGUEL A. , CUPELLO MARIO
Published: July 2015

In this work, we propose the following taxonomic acts: in Elaphidiini, Ambonus variatus (Newman, 1841) is transferred to Centrocerum Chevrolat, 1861 and has as new junior synonyms Elaphidion elegans Chevrolat, 1861 and E. elegans var. hirsutum, var. jocosum, and var. puberulum, all names proposed by Chevrolat in 1861 as varieties and deemed here as available. In Acanthocinini, Leptostylus neivai Melzer, 1930 is raised from synonymy with L. ovalis Bates, 1863 based on morphological and distributional data. In Acanthoderini, a new synonymy is proposed between Acanthoderes leucogaeus Erichson, 1847 and A. virescens Fuchs, 1962, while in Anisocerini, Tetrasarus lineatus Bréthes, 1920 (described in Acanthoderini) is here considered a junior synonym of Caciomorpha genalis (Aurivillius, 1908).
Fiddling with the proof: the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a colour pattern variant of the common Southern Fiddler Ray (Rhinobatidae: Trygonorrhina)
Authors: DONNELLAN STEPHEN C. , FOSTER RALPH , JUNGE CLAUDIA , HUVENEERS CHARLIE , ROGERS PAUL , KILIAN ANDRZEJ , BERTOZZI TERRY
Published: July 2015

The Magpie Fiddler ray, Trygonorrhina melaleuca Scott 1954, is presently South Australia’s (SA) rarest fish, represented by only three museum specimens collected near Adelaide over the past 60 years and listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, there is some doubt as to whether the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a different species from the widespread and common Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii (Castelnau 1873), resulting in two very contrasting scenarios for marine conservation. If the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a black and white patterned variant of the Southern Fiddler Ray then it will be removed from the Red List and appear as a synonym of T. dumerilii. Conversely, if it proves to be a different species then it remains SA’s rarest fish species and highly data deficient. We analysed mtDNA and the largest ever nuclear gene dataset (>4,000 loci) applied to chondrichthyan species level systematics from the most recently collected Magpie Fiddler Ray specimens and a geographically representative selection of Southern Fiddler Rays to determine the species status of this enigmatic ray. We found that the Magpie Fiddler Rays share a mitochondrial haplotype with 23 Southern Fiddler Rays and are not differentiated from 35 Southern Fiddler Rays at more than 4000 SNPs derived from DArTseq data. The morphological trait values that are putatively diagnostic for the Magpie Fiddler Ray fall within the range of variation observed among Southern Fiddler Rays. Our analyses are consistent with the notion that the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a rare colour and pattern variant of the widespread and abundant Southern Fiddler Ray. We also identified two hybrids between the Eastern and Southern Fiddler Rays, only the third time that hybrids have been identified in nature in chondrichthyans. Our results provide critical guidance in the assessment of its conservation status and an ending to a 60 year old conundrum for marine conservation.
Lectotype designations of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) described by E. F. Germar in 1824 and J. C. Klug in 1825 and a new synonymy
Authors: MONNÉ MARCELA L. , MONNÉ MIGUEL A.
Published: July 2015

Lectotype designation are provided for five species described by Germar: Cerambyx (Lissonotus) gagatinus Germar, 1824, Callichroma rufiventre Germar, 1824, Cerambyx lyciformis Germar, 1824, Rhinotragus dorsiger Germar, 1824, Callidium (Clytus) bisignatus Germar, 1824 and seven described by Klug: Stenopterus crinitus Klug, 1825, Stenopterus hirtipes Klug, 1825, Molorchus scoparius Klug, 1825, Stenopterus albicans Klug, 1825, Cerambyx phtisicus Klug, 1825, Cerambyx perforatus Klug, 1825 and Cerambyx tabidus Klug, 1825. New synonymy proposed: Cerambyx (Lissonotus) gagatinus Germar, 1824 (presently in the genus Rachidion, Cerambycinae, Trachyderini) = Prionus ornatus Dalman, 1823 (presently in the genus Poekilosoma, Prioninae, Anacolini).
Type specimens of Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) collected from North Korea and adjacent regions deposited at Insect Collections of Chungnam National University (CNU) in Daejeon, Republic of Korea
Authors: JUNG SUNGHOON , KIM JUNGGON , OH SUMIN , HEISS ERNST
Published: July 2015

A list of type specimens of Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) collected from North Korea (mostly by the late Dr. Michail Josifov, Sofia, Bulgaria) acquired earlier by E. Heiss, now donated to and deposited in the insect collections of Chungnam National University (CNU), Deajeon, Korea, is presented. A total of 31 holotypes and 694 paratypes of 41 species and 1 subspecies in 6 families and 9 subfamilies are presented: Miridae (Deraeocorinae, Mirinae, Orthotylinae, Phylinae), Tingidae (Tinginae), Piesmatidae (Piesmatinae), Berytidae (Metacanthinae), Cymidae (Cyminae), Pentatomidae (Asopinae).
Monomia calla, a new species of swimming crab (Decapoda, Portunidae)
from Madagascar and the Philippines
Authors: KOCH MILAN , NGUYEN THANH SON , ĎURIŠ ZDENĚK
Published: July 2015

A new species of portunid crab (Brachyura: Portunidae) from southern Madagascar and central Philippines is described. Monomia calla sp. nov. is most similar in morphology to M. lecromi (Moosa, 1996) from the Chesterfield Islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and M. rubromarginata (Lanchester, 1900) from the South China Sea, Singapore, Malay Archipelago and the northern half of Australia. The new species can be easily distinguished from all congeners by the distinctive morphology of the male first gonopod. The number of species of the Indo-West Pacific genus Monomia now stands at 12.
The tadpole of Scinax melanodactylus (Lourenço, Luna & Pombal Jr, 2014) (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: ABREU RAFAEL OLIVEIRA DE , NAPOLI MARCELO FELGUEIRAS , TREVISAN CAMILA COSTA , CAMARDELLI MILENA , DÓRIA THAIS ANDRADE FERREIRA , SILVA LUCAS MENEZES
Published: July 2015

Scinax melanodactylus is a small treefrog distributed within the Tropical Atlantic morphoclimatic domain (see Ab’Sáber 1977 for South American morphoclimatic domains), from northern Espírito Santo state to Sergipe state in Brazil (Lourenço et al. 2014). The species is usually found inhabiting herbaceous and shrubby xerophytic vegetation (e.g. terrestrial tank-bromeliads) from sandy plains of beach ridges known in Brazil as Restingas (see Rocha et al. 2007 for a Restinga definition), and also the edge of forest areas with temporary ponds and/or permanent lakes and streams near these environments (Bastazini et al. 2007, as Scinax agilis; Lourenço et al. 2014). Scinax melanodactylus is currently placed in the S. catharinae species group (Lourenço et al. 2014), which in turn is included in the S. catharinae clade (sensu Faivovich et al. 2005). The S. catharinae clade is currently comprised of 46 species, 33 placed in the catharinae group and 13 in the perpusillus group (Faivovich et al. 2010, Silva & Alves-da-Silva 2011, Lourenço et al. 2014, Frost 2015). From these, 32 species have tadpoles with external morphology and oral disc formerly described. Here, we describe the external morphology, oral disc and color patterns of the previously unknown tadpole of S. melanodactylus.
Colydodes flavisetis sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Zopheridae, Colydiinae), new species from southeastern Brazil with an updated key to the species of the genus
Authors: FERREIRA VINICIUS S. , SANTOS GUILHERME IDE MARQUES DOS
Published: July 2015

The species Colydodes flavisetis sp. nov. from southeastern Brazil, at the Biological Station of Boracéia, Salesópolis, São Paulo, is described and illustrated, raising Colydodes diversity from 7 to 8 known species. An updated key to the species of the genus is given.
Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the United States
Authors: Arora Shilpkumar , Panaich Sidakpal S. , Patel Nileshkumar J. , Patel Nilay , Solanki Shantanu , Deshmukh Abhishek , Singh Vikas , Lahewala Sopan , Savani Chirag , Thakkar Badal , Dave Abhishek , Patel Achint , Bhatt Parth , Sonani Rajesh , Patel Aashay , Cleman Michael , Forrest John K. , Schreiber Theodore , Badheka Apurva O. , Grines Cindy
Published: July 2015

Background:

Multivessel coronary artery disease carries significant mortality risk. Comprehensive data on inhospital outcomes following multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MVPCI) are sparse.

Methods:

We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) between 2006 and 2011 using different International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes. The primary outcome was inhospital all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite of inhospital mortality and periprocedural complications.

Results:

The overall mortality was low at 0.73% following MVPCI. Multivariate analysis revealed that (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, P value) age (1.63, 1.48-1.79; <.001), female sex (1.19, 1.00-1.42; P = .05), acute myocardial infarction (AMI; 2.97, 2.35-3.74; <.001), shock (17.24, 13.61-21.85; <.001), a higher burden of comorbidities (2.09, 1.32-3.29; .002), and emergent/urgent procedure status (1.67, 1.30-2.16; <.001) are important predictors of primary and secondary outcomes. MVPCI was associated with higher mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost of care as compared to single vessel single stent PCI.

Conclusion:

MVPCI is associated with higher inhospital mortality, LOS, and hospitalization costs compared to single vessel, single stent PCI. Higher volume hospitals had lower overall postprocedural mortality rate along with shorter LOS and lower hospitalization costs following MVPCI.