bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, Characterization, and Developmental Expression Pattern of Type III Interferon Receptor Gene in the Chinese Goose
Authors: Zhou Qin , Chen Shun , Qi Yulin , Zhou Hao , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Liu Fei , Chen Xiaoyue , Zhou Xue , Cheng Anchun
Published: May 2015

Interferons, as the first line of defense against the viral infection, play an important role in innate immune responses. Type III interferon (IFN-λ) was a newly identified member of IFN family, which plays IFN-like antiviral activity. Towards a better understanding of the type III interferon system in birds, type III interferon lambda receptor (IFNLR1) was first identified in the Chinese goose. In this paper, we had cloned 1952 bp for goose IFNLR1 (goIFNLR1), including an ORF of 1539 bp, encoding a 512-amino acid protein with a 20 aa predict signal peptide at its N terminal and a 23 aa transmembrane region. The predicted amino acid sequence of goIFNLR1 has 90%, 73%, and 34% identity with duck IFNLR1 (predicted sequence), chicken IFNLR1, and human IFNLR1, respectively. And the age-related tissue distribution of goIFNLR1 was identified by Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found that the goIFNLR1 has a mainly expression in epithelium-rich tissues similar to other species’, such as small intestinal, lung, liver, and stomach. Moreover, a relatively high expression of goIFNLR1 was also observed in the secondary immune tissues (harderian gland and cecal tonsil). The identification and tissue distribution of goIFNLR1 will facilitate further study of the role of IFN-λin goose antiviral defense.
Visual Hallucinations as Incidental Negative Effects of Virtual Reality on Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Link with Neurodegeneration?
Authors: Albani Giovanni , Pedroli Elisa , Cipresso Pietro , Bulla Daniel , Cimolin Veronica , Thomas Astrid , Mauro Alessandro , Riva Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

We followed up a series of 23 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who had performed an immersive virtual reality (VR) protocol eight years before. On that occasion, six patients incidentally described visual hallucinations (VH) with occurrences of images not included in the virtual environment. Curiously, in the following years, only these patients reported the appearance of VH later in their clinical history, while the rest of the group did not. Even considering the limited sample size, we may argue that VR immersive systems can induce unpleasant effects in PD patients who are predisposed to a cognitive impairment.
Emergency Situation Prediction Mechanism: A Novel Approach for Intelligent Transportation System Using Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Ganeshkumar P. , Gokulakrishnan P.
Published: May 2015

In Indian four‐lane express highway, millions of vehicles are travelling every day. Accidents are unfortunate and frequently occurring in these highways causing deaths, increase in death toll, and damage to infrastructure. A mechanism is required to avoid such road accidents at the maximum to reduce the death toll. An Emergency Situation Prediction Mechanism, a novel and proactive approach, is proposed in this paper for achieving the best of Intelligent Transportation System using Vehicular Ad Hoc Network. ESPM intends to predict the possibility of occurrence of an accident in an Indian four‐lane express highway. In ESPM, the emergency situation prediction is done by the Road Side Unit based on (i) the Status Report sent by the vehicles in the range of RSU and (ii) the road traffic flow analysis done by the RSU. Once the emergency situation or accident is predicted in advance, an Emergency Warning Message is constructed and disseminated to all vehicles in the area of RSU to alert and prevent the vehicles from accidents. ESPM performs well in emergency situation prediction in advance to the occurrence of an accident. ESPM predicts the emergency situation within 0.20 seconds which is comparatively less than the statistical value. The prediction accuracy of ESPM against vehicle density is found better in different traffic scenarios.
High Grade (Large Cell) Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx: Novel Case Report with Touch Preparation Cytology and Positive EBV Encoded Early RNA
Authors: Sturgis Charles D. , Burkey Brian B. , Momin Suhael , Hoschar Aaron P.
Published: May 2015

Fewer than five case reports of primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx are known to the authors. No previous reports have included examples of cytomorphology or have proven association with Epstein-Barr virus. We herein illustrate MRI findings, histopathologic features, immunohistochemical characterization, cytologic details, and in situ hybridization studies from a unique case of primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx in a 38-year-old Caucasian male patient. Recognition of rare tumor types of the nasopharynx allows for refinements in disease management and prognostication.
Rosai-Dorfman Disease Originating from Nasal Septal Mucosa
Authors: Akyigit Abdulvahap , Akyol Hadice , Sakallioglu Oner , Polat Cahit , Keles Erol , Alatas Ozkan
Published: May 2015

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rarely seen disease with unknown etiology. Extranodal involvement is most commonly seen in the head and neck region. Histopathologically, it is characterized by histiocytic cell proliferation. This paper presents a case of a 15-year-old male patient who presented with nasal obstruction and was surgically treated for a mass filling in the left nasal meatus that was diagnosed to be Rosai-Dorfman disease by histopathological examination.
Vitamin D Is a Good Marker for Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease
Authors: Azzeh Firas Sultan , Kensara Osama Adnan
Published: May 2015

Aim. This study was conducted to find out the optimal vitamin D cutoff point in predicting activity of RA disease.Materials and Methods. One hundred and two rheumatoid arthritis Saudi patients of both genders were recruited in this study. Vitamin D as 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured and serum level less than 20 ng/mL defined as deficient patient. Disease activity was measured based on the disease activity score index of a 28-joint count (DAS28) using serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal vitamin D cutoff points for identifying disease activity.Results. It has been observed that vitamin D levels were lower (P< 0.05) in patients with high disease activity. A significant inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and DAS28 (r= −0.277,P= 0.014) was shown. ROC curves results showed that vitamin D less than 12.3 ng/mL predicted high disease activity, and vitamin D more than 17.9 ng/mL predicted low disease activity, with good sensitivity and accuracy results regarding vitamin D.Conclusion. Study results concluded that vitamin D is a good predictor of RA disease activity in Saudi patients.
Localized Relapse of Primary Plasma Cell Leukaemia in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Eskelund Christian W. , Andersen Niels Frost
Published: May 2015

Primary plasma cell leukaemia (pPCL) is a rare and aggressive form of plasma cell malignancies with a very poor prognosis. Compared to other plasma cell malignancies the tendency to extramedullary spread is increased; however central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare and only reported in few cases. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who was diagnosed with pPCL and achieved a complete remission after autologous stem cell transplantation but had a relapse in the CNS without systemic disease.
Surgical Tips in Frozen Abdomen Management: Application of Coliseum Technique
Authors: Kyriazanos Ioannis D. , Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Stamos Nikolaos , Stoidis Christos
Published: May 2015

Wound dehiscence is a serious postoperative complication, with an incidence of 0.5–3% after primary closure of a laparotomy incision, and represents an acute mechanical failure of wound healing. Relatively recently the concept of “intentional open abdomen” was described and both clinical entities share common pathophysiological and clinical pathways (“postoperative open abdominal wall”). Although early reconstruction is the target, a significant proportion of patients will develop adhesions between abdominal viscera and the anterolateral abdominal wall, a condition widely recognized as “frozen abdomen,” where delayed wound closure appears as the only realistic alternative. We report our experience with a patient who presented with frozen abdomen after wound dehiscence due to surgical site infection and application of the “Coliseum technique” for its definitive surgical management. This novel technique represents an innovative alternative to abdominal exploration, for cases of “malignant” frozen abdomen due to peritoneal carcinomatosis. Lifting the edges of the surgical wound upwards and suspending them under traction by threads from a retractor positioned above the abdomen facilitates approach to the peritoneal cavity, optimizes exposure of intra-abdominal organs, and prevents operative injury to the innervation and blood supply of abdominal wall musculature, a crucial step for subsequent hernia repair.
An Extraction Method of Weak Low-Frequency Magnetic Communication Signals Based on Multisensor
Authors: Huang Chao , Xu Xin , Liu Dunge , Zhu Wanhua , Zhang Xiaojuan , Fang Guangyou
Published: May 2015

It is a technical challenge to effectively remove the influence of magnetic noise from the vicinity of the receiving sensors on low-frequency magnetic communication. The traditional denoising methods are difficult to extract high-quality original signals under the condition of low SNR (the signal-to-noise ratio). In this paper, we analyze the numerical characteristics of the low-frequency magnetic field and propose the algorithms of the fast optimization of blind source separation (FOBSS) and the frequency-domain correlation extraction (FDCE). FOBSS is based on blind source separation (BSS). Signal extraction of low SNR can be implemented through FOBSS and FDCE. This signal extraction method is verified in multiple field experiments which can remove the magnetic noise by about 25 dB or more.
Prohibitin: A Novel Molecular Player in KDEL Receptor Signalling
Authors: Giannotta Monica , Fragassi Giorgia , Tamburro Antonio , Vanessa Capone , Luini Alberto , Sallese Michele
Published: May 2015

The KDEL receptor (KDELR) is a seven-transmembrane-domain protein involved in retrograde transport of protein chaperones from the Golgi complex to the endoplasmic reticulum. Our recent findings have shown that the Golgi-localised KDELR acts as a functional G-protein-coupled receptor by binding to and activating Gs and Gq. These G proteins induce activation of PKA and Src and regulate retrograde and anterograde Golgi trafficking. Here we used an integrated coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry approach to identify prohibitin-1 (PHB) as a KDELR interactor. PHB is a multifunctional protein that is involved in signal transduction, cell-cycle control, and stabilisation of mitochondrial proteins. We provide evidence that depletion of PHB induces intense membrane-trafficking activity at the ER–Golgi interface, as revealed by formation of GM130-positive Golgi tubules, and recruitment of p115,β-COP, and GBF1 to the Golgi complex. There is also massive recruitment of SEC31 to endoplasmic-reticulum exit sites. Furthermore, absence of PHB decreases the levels of the Golgi-localised KDELR, thus preventing KDELR-dependent activation of Golgi-Src and inhibiting Golgi-to-plasma-membrane transport of VSVG. We propose a model whereby in analogy to previous findings (e.g., the RAS-RAF signalling pathway), PHB can act as a signalling scaffold protein to assist in KDELR-dependent Src activation.
An Improved Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm with Elitist Breeding for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Yang Zhen-Lun , Wu Angus , Min Hua-Qing
Published: May 2015

An improved quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization with elitist breeding (EB-QPSO) for unconstrained optimization is presented and empirically studied in this paper. In EB-QPSO, the novel elitist breeding strategy acts on the elitists of the swarm to escape from the likely local optima and guide the swarm to perform more efficient search. During the iterative optimization process of EB-QPSO, when criteria met, the personal best of each particle and the global best of the swarm are used to generate new diverse individuals through the transposon operators. The new generated individuals with better fitness are selected to be the new personal best particles and global best particle to guide the swarm for further solution exploration. A comprehensive simulation study is conducted on a set of twelve benchmark functions. Compared with five state-of-the-art quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithms, the proposed EB-QPSO performs more competitively in all of the benchmark functions in terms of better global search capability and faster convergence rate.
Oxaliplatin-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity in Gastrointestinal Malignancies: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moskovitz Mor , Wollner Mira , Haim Nissim
Published: May 2015

Oxaliplatin is a common chemotherapy drug, used mainly for colon and gastric cancer. Most common side effects are peripheral sensory neuropathy, hematological toxicity, and allergic reactions. A less common side effect is pulmonary toxicity, characterized mainly by interstitial pneumonitis. The incidence of this side effect is unknown, but the toxicity can be fatal. Twenty-six cases of pulmonary toxicity have been described in the literature, seven in the setting of adjuvant treatment. We describe two fatal cases of pulmonary injury related to oxaliplatin and a review of the literature.
Human Simulated Intelligent Control with Double-Direction Dead-Zone Compensation for Joint Motion Control of a Large-Sized Boom System
Authors: Liu Rongsheng , Gao Yingjie , Yang Yulin , Liu Yanlong
Published: May 2015

Joint motion control of a 52-meter-long five-boom system driven by proportional hydraulic system is developed. It has been considered difficult due to strong nonlinearities and parametric uncertainties, the effect of which increases with the size of booms. A human simulated intelligent control scheme is developed to improve control performance by modifying control mode and control parameters. In addition, considering the negative effects caused by frequent and redundant reverse actions of the proportional valve, a double-direction compensation scheme is proposed to deal with the dead-zone nonlinearity of proportional valve. Sinusoidal motions are implemented on a real boom system. The results indicate that HSIC controller can improve control accuracy, and dead-zone nonlinearity is effectively compensated by proposed compensation scheme without introducing frequent reverse actions of proportional valve.
Xuebijing Injection Promotes M2 Polarization of Macrophages and Improves Survival Rate in Septic Mice
Authors: Liu Yan-Cun , Yao Feng-Hua , Chai Yan-Fen , Dong Ning , Sheng Zhi-Yong , Yao Yong-Ming
Published: May 2015

Xuebijing (XBJ) injection, a concoction of several Chinese herbs, has been widely used as an immunomodulator for the treatment of severe sepsis in China. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for its efficacy have not been fully elucidated. In our study, we determined the flow cytometry markers (F4/80, CD11c, and CD206), the levels of secreted cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), and the expression of specific proteins of M2 (Ym1, Fizz1, and Arg1) to assess macrophage polarization. Treatment with XBJ lowered M1 associated cytokine levels and increased the level of M2 associated cytokine level. The percentage of M2 phenotype cells of XBJ group was much higher than that of the control group. Expressions of phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) were markedly enhanced after the administration of XBJ; on the other hand, the M2 associated cytokines and proteins were decreased following treatment with JAK1 or STAT6 inhibitor. In addition, the treatment of XBJ significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice. These studies demonstrate that XBJ can markedly promote M2 polarization and improve the survival rate of septic mice, thereby contributing to therapeutic effect in the treatment of septic complications.
The Performance of CRTN Model in a Motorcycle City
Authors: Sheng Ni , Xu Zherui , Li Min
Published: May 2015

The Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) model is one of the first traffic noise prediction models in the world and has been widely used in many Western countries. However, its performance in a motorcycle city has not been well assessed. This study aims to examine the accuracy of the CRTN model in predicting traffic noise in an Asian city with over half of motor vehicles being motorcycles. The performance of the CRTN model in predicting both roadside and vertical distributions of traffic noise levels is assessed. The results show that the performance of the CRTN model is satisfactory in predicting roadside traffic noise levels, with anR2of 0.832 and a mean difference of +0.52 dB(A) between the measured and predicted values. The performance of the CRTN model is also satisfactory in predicting vertical distribution of traffic noise levels, with anR2of 0.836 and a mean difference of +0.28 dB(A) between the measured and predicted values.
EIRP Characterization of Electrically Large Wireless Equipment with Integrated Signal Generator in a Compact Environment
Authors: Oh Soon-Soo , Kim Woo-Su , Lee Young-Hwan
Published: May 2015

We describe a measurement technique to characterize the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) of electrically large wireless equipment in a compact environment. A modified phase-measurement method was proposed and, thus, the separation of the signal generator and radiating element was not required during the measurement. A Fresnel-to-far-field transformation was used for the fast measurement time in a compact anechoic chamber. An experimental verification of the method was carried out in a compact anechoic chamber, where the source-detector separation was approximately 1/5 of the far-field distance. The measured magnitude and phase pattern exhibited only a small error. The EIRP obtained using a Fresnel-to-far-field transformation was compared with a reference value, and the error was within 0.5 dB.
Myelinated Afferents Are Involved in Pathology of the Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Mechanical Hyperalgesia of Myofascial Trigger Spots in Rats
Authors: Meng Fei , Ge Hong-You , Wang Yong-Hui , Yue Shou-Wei
Published: May 2015

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are common causes for chronic pain. Myelinated afferents were considered to be related with muscular pain, and our clinical researches indicated they might participate in the pathology of MTrPs. Here, we applied myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs, equal to MTrPs in human) of rats to further investigate role of myelinated afferents. Modified pyridine-silver staining revealed more nerve endings at MTrSs than non-MTrSs (P<0.01), and immunohistochemistry with Neurofilament 200 indicated more myelinated afferents existed in MTrSs (P<0.01). Spontaneous electrical activity (SEA) recordings at MTrSs showed that specific block of myelinated afferents in sciatic nerve with tetrodotoxin (TTX) led to significantly decreased SEA (P<0.05). Behavioral assessment showed that mechanical pain thresholds (MPTs) of MTrSs were lower than those of non-MTrSs (P<0.01). Block of myelinated afferents by intramuscular TTX injection increased MPTs of MTrSs significantly (P<0.01), while MPTs of non-MTrSs first decreased (P<0.05) and then increased (P>0.05). 30 min after the injection, MPTs at MTrSs were significantly lower than those of non-MTrSs (P<0.01). Therefore, we concluded that proliferated myelinated afferents existed at MTrSs, which were closely related to pathology of SEA and mechanical hyperalgesia of MTrSs.
Effect of Orexin-A on Cortisol Secretion in H295R Cells via p70S6K/4EBP1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chang Xiaocen , Zhao Yuyan , Guo Lei
Published: May 2015

Orexin-A is a neuropeptide that orchestrates diverse central and peripheral processes. It is now clear that orexin system plays a central role in the regulation of endocrine, paracrine, and neurocrine. It is involved in the regulation of growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid, mineralocorticoid, and cortisol secretion. These hormones may also serve as a kind of signal linking energy balance regulation, reproduction, stress response, and cardiovascular regulation. Many studies have demonstrated the ability of orexin-A to regulate adrenocortical cells through the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) pathway. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of orexin-A on cortisol secretion via the protein 70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase-1 (p70S6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding proteins (4EBP1) signaling pathway in adrenocortical cells. We reported the first evidence that orexin-A stimulated p70S6K and 4EBP1 in human H295R adrenocortical cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner. 10−6 M orexin-A treatment for 1 hour was the most potent. Our results also indicated that p70S6K and 4EBP1 kinases participated in controlling cortisol secretion via OX1receptor in H295R cells, which implied important role of p70S6K and 4EBP1 kinases in regulating adrenal function induced by orexin-A.
Postoperative Residual Neuromuscular Paralysis at an Australian Tertiary Children’s Hospital
Authors: Ledowski Thomas , O’Dea Brendan , Meyerkort Luke , Hegarty Mary , von Ungern-Sternberg Britta S.
Published: May 2015

Purpose. Residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) is known to be a significant but frequently overlooked complication after the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). Aim of this prospective audit was to investigate the incidence and severity of RNMB at our Australian tertiary pediatric center.Methods. All children receiving NMBA during anesthesia were included over a 5-week period at the end of 2011 (Mondays to Fridays; 8 a.m.–6 p.m.). At the end of surgery, directly prior to tracheal extubation, the train-of-four (TOF) ratio was assessed quantitatively. Data related to patient postoperative outcome was collected in the postoperative acute care unit.Results. Data of 64 patients were analyzed. Neostigmine was given in 34 cases and sugammadex in 1 patient. The incidence of RNMB was 28.1% overall (without reversal: 19.4%; after neostigmine: 37.5%; n.s.). Severe RNMB (TOF ratio < 0.7) was found in 6.5% after both no reversal and neostigmine, respectively. Complications in the postoperative acute care unit were infrequent, with no differences between reversal and no reversal groups.Conclusions. In this audit, RNMB was frequently observed, particularly in cases where patients were reversed with neostigmine. These findings underline the well-known problems associated with the use of NMBA that are not fully reversed.
Study of Acoustic Emission and Mechanical Characteristics of Coal Samples under Different Loading Rates
Authors: Li Huamin , Li Huigui , Gao Baobin , Jiang Dongjie , Feng Junfa
Published: May 2015

To study the effect of loading rate on mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of coal samples, collected from Sanjiaohe Colliery, the uniaxial compression tests are carried out under various levels of loading rates, including 0.001 mm/s, 0.002 mm/s, and 0.005 mm/s, respectively, using AE-win E1.86 acoustic emission instrument and RMT-150C rock mechanics test system. The results indicate that the loading rate has a strong impact on peak stress and peak strain of coal samples, but the effect of loading rate on elasticity modulus of coal samples is relatively small. When the loading rate increases from 0.001 mm/s to 0.002 mm/s, the peak stress increases from 22.67 MPa to 24.99 MPa, the incremental percentage is 10.23%, and under the same condition the peak strain increases from 0.006191 to 0.007411 and the incremental percentage is 19.71%. Similarly, when the loading rate increases from 0.002 mm/s to 0.005 mm/s, the peak stress increases from 24.99 MPa to 28.01 MPa, the incremental percentage is 12.08%, the peak strain increases from 0.007411 to 0.008203, and the incremental percentage is 10.69%. The relationship between acoustic emission and loading rate presents a positive correlation, and the negative correlation relation has been determined between acoustic emission cumulative counts and loading rate during the rupture process of coal samples.
Comparison of Three Methods for Determining the Prey Preference of the Muricid SnailReishia clavigera
Authors: Tomatsuri Morihiko , Kon Koetsu
Published: May 2015

We propose an appropriate method for investigating the prey preferences of the muricid snailReishia clavigera(Küster, 1860) with limited collection of live prey. We compared 3 methods for examining the prey preference. The first was a predation experiment, conducted with dead prey instead of live prey. The second was a prey choice test using a few preys. In this experiment, both live and dead prey were used. The last method was a stable isotope analysis ofR. clavigeraand its putative prey items. Using live prey, bivalves were the most preferred prey, but goose barnacle was the most preferred prey species in experiments using dead prey. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis supported the live prey experiment. SinceR. clavigeraprefer preying on live prey but will scavenge or cannibalize when no other food is available in natural habitats, experimental methods using dead prey are not suitable for investigating its prey preferences. Considering the damage to natural habitats, the prey choice test is ecologically benign. Taken together, our findings suggested the prey choice test is the most appropriate method of identifying the prey preferences of muricid snails when large numbers of live preys are difficult to collect.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Uterine Cervix: A Distinct Pathological and Clinical Entity
Authors: Selcuk Ilker , Ozdal Bulent , Turker Mengu , Usubutun Alp , Gungor Tayfun , Meydanli Mehmet Mutlu
Published: May 2015

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of uterine cervix is a rare tumor that has some individual features. Defining risk factors after surgery shape the postoperative treatment modality on cervical cancer patients. Although there is not a well-known strategy for the postoperative follow-up of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, the aggressive behaviour of this tumor makes the gynecological oncologists choose liberal therapies on these patients.
Analysis of Power Transfer Efficiency of Standard Integrated Circuit Immunity Test Methods
Authors: Huynh Hai Au , Lee Hak-Tae , Nah Wansoo , Kim SoYoung
Published: May 2015

Direct power injection (DPI) and bulk current injection (BCI) methods are defined in IEC 62132-3 and IEC 62132-4 as the electromagnetic immunity test method of integrated circuits (IC). The forward power measured at the RF noise generator when the IC malfunctions is used as the measure of immunity level of the IC. However, the actual power that causes failure in ICs is different from forward power measured at the noise source. Power transfer efficiency is used as a measure of power loss of the noise injection path. In this paper, the power transfer efficiencies of DPI and BCI methods are derived and validated experimentally with immunity test setup of a clock divider IC. Power transfer efficiency varies significantly over the frequency range as a function of the test method used and the IC input impedance. For the frequency range of 15 kHz to 1 GHz, power transfer efficiency of the BCI test was constantly higher than that of the DPI test. In the DPI test, power transfer efficiency is particularly low in the lower test frequency range up to 10 MHz. When performing the IC immunity tests following the standards, these characteristics of the test methods need to be considered.
Modeling Fluid Resuscitation by Formulating Infusion Rate and Urine Output in Severe Thermal Burn Adult Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Luo Qizhi , Li Wei , Zou Xin , Dang Yongming , Wang Kaifa , Wu Jun , Li Yongqin
Published: May 2015

Acute burn injuries are among the most devastating forms of trauma and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Appropriate fluid resuscitation after severe burn, specifically during the first 48 hours following injury, is considered as the single most important therapeutic intervention in burn treatment. Although many formulas have been developed to estimate the required fluid amount in severe burn patients, many lines of evidence showed that patients still receive far more fluid than formulas recommend. Overresuscitation, which is known as “fluid creep,” has emerged as one of the most important problems during the initial period of burn care. If fluid titration can be personalized and automated during the resuscitation phase, more efficient burn care and outcome will be anticipated. In the present study, a dynamic urine output based infusion rate prediction model was developed and validated during the initial 48 hours in severe thermal burn adult patients. The experimental results demonstrated that the developed dynamic fluid resuscitation model might significantly reduce the total fluid volume by accurately predicting hourly urine output and has the potential to aid fluid administration in severe burn patients.
In VitroEnzyme Inhibition Potentials and Antioxidant Activity of Synthetic Flavone Derivatives
Authors: Shoaib Mohammad , Ali Shah Syed Wadood , Ali Niaz , Shah Ismail , Naveed Umar Muhammad , Shafiullah  , Ayaz Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Akhtar Sohail
Published: May 2015

Free radicals are produced by an important chemical process known as oxidation that in turn initiates chain reactions to damage the cells and originate oxidative stress. Flavones have got special position in research field of natural and synthetic organic chemistry due to their biological capabilities as antioxidant. The antioxidants are known to possess extensive biological effects that include antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and vasodilatory activities. The simple flavone (F1) and substituted flavone derivatives (F2–F5) have been synthesized fromo-hydroxyacetophenone and benzaldehyde derivatives in good yield. The structures have been established by different spectroscopic techniques like1H NMR,13C NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. Antioxidant profile of these compounds was established using DPPH and H2O2free radical scavenging assay. The findings showed that halogenated flavones showed more enzyme inhibitions and antioxidant activities than simple flavones and are potential candidates for the treatment of wide range of diseases.
Daily Physical Activity Assessed by a Triaxial Accelerometer Is Beneficially Associated with Waist Circumference, Serum Triglycerides, and Insulin Resistance in Japanese Patients with Prediabetes or Untreated Early Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka , Noda Mitsuhiko , Moriyama Sumie , Yoshikawa Reo , Katsuyama Hisayuki , Sako Akahito , Mishima Shuichi , Kakei Masafumi , Ezaki Osamu , Yanai Hidekatsu
Published: May 2015

Aim. To investigate the association between daily physical activity and metabolic risk factors in Japanese adults with prediabetes or untreated early type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods. Daily physical activity level was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. We assessed correlations between physical activity level and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting levels of plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Results. A total of 80 patients were studied. After adjustment for age and body mass index, in all subjects, physical activity level was negatively associated with waist circumference (β=-0.124,P=0.018) and fasting serum triglycerides (β=-0.239,P=0.035), insulin (β=-0.224,P=0.022). In men, physical activity level was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure (β=-0.351,P=0.044), fasting plasma glucose (β=-0.369,P=0.025) and insulin (β=-0.362,P=0.012), and HOMA-IR (β=-0.371,P=0.011). No significant associations were found between physical activity level and metabolic risk factors in women.Conclusion. Objectively measured daily physical activity is beneficially associated with waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes or untreated early T2D. (This trial is registered withUMIN000015774.)
The Impact ofLEPG-2548A andLEPRGln223Arg Polymorphisms on Adiposity, Leptin, and Leptin-Receptor Serum Levels in a Mexican Mestizo Population
Authors: Chavarria-Avila Efraín , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Gomez-Bañuelos Eduardo , Ruiz-Quezada Sandra-Luz , Castro-Albarran Jorge , Sánchez-López Lizeth , Martín-Marquez Beatriz Teresita , Navarro-Hernández Rosa-Elena
Published: May 2015

The polymorphisms in leptin (LEPG-2548A) and leptin-receptor (LEPRGln223Arg) seem to influence obesity and lipid metabolism among others. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these polymorphisms on adiposity, leptin (sLeptin), and leptin-receptor (sLeptin-receptor) serum concentrations as well as inflammation markers. We included 382 adults originally from Western Mexico. They were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Obese individuals showed higher sLeptin (58.2±31.35 ng/mL) but lower sLeptin-receptor (12.6±3.74 ng/mL) levels than normal weight ones (17.6±14.62 ng/mL,17.4±4.62 ng/mL, resp.),P<0.001. Obese subjects carriers of Arg/Arg genotype had more (P=0.016) sLeptin-receptor (14.7±4.96 ng/mL) and less (P=0.004) sLeptin (44.0±28.12 ng/mL) levels than Gln/Gln genotype (11.0±2.92 ng/mL,80.3±33.24 ng/mL, resp.). Body fat mass was lower (Pfrom 0.003 to 0.045) for A/A (36.5%±6.80) or Arg/Arg (36.8%±6.82) genotypes with respect to G/G (41.3%±5.52) and G/A (41.6%±5.61) or Gln/Gln (43.7%±4.74) and Gln/Arg (41.0%±5.52) genotypes carriers. Our results suggest thatLEP-2548A andLEPR223Arg could be genetic markers of less body fat mass accumulation in obese subjects from Western Mexico.
Species-Related Differences in the Proteome of Rat and Human Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: Martens G. A.
Published: May 2015

The core proteomes of human and rat pancreatic beta cells were compared by label-free LC-MS/MS: this resulted in quantification of relative molar abundances of 707 proteins belonging to functional pathways of intermediary metabolism, protein synthesis, and cytoskeleton. Relative molar abundances were conserved both within and between pathways enabling the selection of a housekeeping network for geometric normalization and the analysis of potentially relevant differential expressions. Human beta cells differed from rat beta cells in their lower level of enzymes involved in glucose sensing (MDH1, PC, and ACLY) and upregulation of lysosomal enzymes. Human cells also expressed more heat shock proteins and radical scavenging systems: apart from SOD2, they expressed high levels of H2O2-scavenger peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), confirmed by microarray, Western blotting, and microscopy. Besides conferring lower susceptibility to oxidative stress to human cells PRDX3 might also play a role in physiological redox regulation as, in rat, its expression was restricted to a beta cell subset with higher metabolic glucose responsiveness. In conclusion, although their core proteomic architecture is conserved, human and rat beta cells differ in their molar expression of key enzymes involved in glucose sensing and redox control.
Synthesis and Characterization of PPV Monomer for Subsequent Electropolymerization
Authors: Fontana Álvaro , dos Santos Fábio Santana , Fonseca Flávia Aparecida , Freitas Adonilson Dos Reis , Barison Andersson , Garcia Jarem Raul
Published: May 2015

Organic synthesis of the monomer of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) was performed starting by the 2,5-dimethylphenol compound. An iodine atom was added to one end of the aromatic ring and then the iodine atom was substituted by a cyano group. Opposite to the cyano group was added a chain of six carbon atoms and the end of the carbon chain has an added bromine atom. The characterizations of the obtained compounds were made by FTIR, GC-MS,1H, and13C NMR and showed that almost all of the proposed monomers were obtained in their totality.
Do Diametric Measurements Provide Sufficient and Reliable Tumor Assessment? An Evaluation of Diametric, Areametric, and Volumetric Variability of Lung Lesion Measurements on Computerized Tomography Scans
Authors: Frenette Aaron , Morrell Joshua , Bjella Kirk , Fogarty Edward , Beal James , Chaudhary Vijay
Published: May 2015

Diametric analysis is the standard approach utilized for tumor measurement on medical imaging. However, the availability of newer more sophisticated techniques may prove advantageous. An evaluation of diameter, area, and volume was performed on 64 different lung lesions by three trained users. These calculations were obtained using a free DICOM viewer and standardized measuring procedures. Measurement variability was then studied using relative standard deviation (RSD) and intraclass correlation. Volumetric measurements were shown to be more precise than diametric. With minimal RSD and variance between different users, volumetric analysis was demonstrated as a reliable measurement technique. Additionally, the diameters were used to calculate an estimated area and volume; thereafter the estimated area and volume were compared against the actual measured values. The results in this study showed independence of the estimated and actual values. Estimated area deviated an average of 43.5% from the actual measured, and volume deviated 88.03%. The range of this variance was widely scattered and without trend. These results suggest that diametric measurements cannot be reliably correlated to actual tumor size. Access to appropriate software capable of producing volume measurements has improved drastically and shows great potential in the clinical assessment of tumors. Its applicability merits further consideration.
Cathodo‐, Thermo‐, and Photoluminescent Properties of Nano‐Y2O3:Eu3+ Fabricated by Controlled Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Anh Tran Kim , Chau Pham Thi Minh , Hai Nguyen Thi Quy , Minh Le Quoc
Published: May 2015

Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors were prepared through combustion reaction under controlled condition of the fuel ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA‐Na2) and in the temperature range from 350 to 700°C. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scattering electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by combustion method at low temperature and in short reaction time. The light‐emitting ability of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles upon the electron excitation has been studied at the potentials 5, 10, and 15 kV. The thermoluminescent glow curves have elucidated an intense peak at 117°C after UV exposure and at least two peaks at 125 and 336°C with Gamma irradiation. Photoluminescent spectra of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles exhibited strong red luminescent color with highest sharp band at 612 nm under excitation in ultraviolet at 254, 394 and in visible at 465 nm. The dependence of photoluminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles on annealing temperature and concentration of Eu3+ was also studied.
Fast Maximum-Likelihood Decoder for Quasi-Orthogonal Space-Time Block Code
Authors: Ahmadi Adel , Talebi Siamak
Published: May 2015

Motivated by the decompositions of sphere and QR-based methods, in this paper we present an extremely fast maximum-likelihood (ML) detection approach for quasi-orthogonal space-time block code (QOSTBC). The proposed algorithm with a relatively simple design exploits structure of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations to achieve its goal and can be extended to any arbitrary constellation. Our decoder utilizes a new decomposition technique for ML metric which divides the metric into independent positive parts and a positive interference part. Search spaces of symbols are substantially reduced by employing the independent parts and statistics of noise. Symbols within the search spaces are successively evaluated until the metric is minimized. Simulation results confirm that the proposed decoder’s performance is superior to many of the recently published state-of-the-art solutions in terms of complexity level. More specifically, it was possible to verify that application of the new algorithms with 1024-QAM would decrease the computational complexity compared to state-of-the-art solution with 16-QAM.
The Effect of Rebamipide on Ocular Surface Disorders Induced by Latanoprost and Timolol in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Tokuda Naoto , Kitaoka Yasushi , Matsuzawa Akiko , Miyamoto Junsuke , Sakae Shinsuke , Munemasa Yasunari , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To examine the efficacy of ophthalmic rebamipide suspensions on ocular surface disorders induced by antiglaucoma eye drops.Patients and Methods. Forty eyes of 40 patients receiving latanoprost (0.005%) and timolol (0.5%) were included in this randomized prospective study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n= 20): the rebamipide-treated group and control group. Changes in intraocular pressure, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal epithelial barrier function were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after rebamipide administration. Furthermore, superficial punctate keratopathy severity was evaluated by scoring the lesion area and density.Results. There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure before and after rebamipide treatment. However, corneal epithelial barrier function improved significantly 4 and 8 weeks after rebamipide treatment. TBUT was partially, but significantly, increased (P= 0.02) 8 weeks after rebamipide treatment, whereas no significant change was observed at 4 weeks. Additionally, a significant decrease in area and density of keratopathy was observed 8 weeks after rebamipide treatment but not at 4 weeks. The control group showed no significant difference compared to baseline.Conclusions. Our data suggests that rebamipide treatment may reduce the occurrence of drug-induced ocular surface disorder.
Late Onset Remnant Gastric Cancer with Afferent Loop Syndrome 47 Years after Billroth II Surgery
Authors: şahin Memduh , Ozlu Bahattin , Erdogan Kivilcim Eren , Colak Tahsin
Published: May 2015

Remnant gastric cancer is a rare clinical entity. Herein we describe a patient with remnant gastric cancer that presented with afferent loop syndrome 47 years after Billroth II surgery. Symptoms of serious bilious vomiting were an indication to perform early endoscopic diagnosis, followed by complete gastric resection. In particular, patients that have undergone surgery due to benign indications should be examined endoscopically, even a long time after initial surgery.
Influence of Body Mass Index on Inflammatory Profile at Admission in Critically Ill Septic Patients
Authors: Zampieri Fernando G. , Jacob Vanessa , Barbeiro Hermes V. , Pinheiro da Silva Fabiano , Souza Heraldo P. de
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Inflammation is ubiquitous during sepsis and may be influenced by body mass index (BMI). We sought to evaluate if BMI was associated with serum levels of several cytokines measured at intensive care unit admission due to sepsis.Methods. 33 septic patients were included. An array of thirty-two cytokines and chemokines was measured using Milliplex technology. We assessed the association between cytokine levels and BMI by generalized additive model that also included illness severity (measured by SAPS 3 score); one model was built for each cytokine measured.Results. We found that levels of epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukins 4, 5, and 13 were associated with BMI in a complex, nonlinear way, independently of illness severity. Higher BMI was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory interleukins.Conclusion. BMI may influence host response to infection during critical illness. Larger studies should confirm these findings.
Some Discussions on the Difference Equationxn+1=α+(xn-1m/xnk)
Authors: Bakery Awad A.
Published: May 2015

We give in this work the sufficient conditions on the positive solutions of the difference equationxn+1=α+(xn-1m/xnk),  n=0,1,…, whereα,k, andm∈(0,∞)under positive initial conditionsx-1,  x0to be bounded,α-convergent, the equilibrium point to be globally asymptotically stable and that every positive solution converges to a prime two-periodic solution. Our results coincide with that known for the casesm=k=1of Amleh et al. (1999) andm=1of Hamza and Morsy (2009). We offer improving conditions in the case ofm=1of Gümüs and Öcalan (2012) and explain our results by some numerical examples with figures.
Helicobacter pylori-Induced Signaling Pathways Contribute to Intestinal Metaplasia and Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sue Soichiro , Shibata Wataru , Maeda Shin
Published: May 2015

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) induces chronic gastric inflammation, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and cancer. Although the risk of gastric cancer increases exponentially with the extent of atrophic gastritis, the precise mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis have not been fully elucidated.H. pyloriinduces genetic and epigenetic changes in gastric epithelial cells through activating intracellular signaling pathways in a cagPAI-dependent manner.H. pylorieventually induces gastric cancer with chromosomal instability (CIN) or microsatellite instability (MSI), which are classified as two major subtypes of gastric cancer. Elucidation of the precise mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis will also be important for cancer therapy.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of the Photothermal Therapy Using Gold Nanorods against Seven Different Bacterial Strains
Authors: Castillo-Martínez Juan Carlos , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel Alejandro , Martínez-Gutierrez Fidel , Zavala-Alonso Norma Veronica , Patiño-Marín Nuria , Niño-Martinez Nereyda , Zaragoza-Magaña V. , Cabral-Romero C.
Published: May 2015

The objective of this work was to determine the bactericidal and antibiofilm activities of gold nanorods (AuNRs) using plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) against oral microorganisms. AuNRs were synthesized by the seed and growth solution method and the gold nanoclusters were characterized with a size of 33.2 nm ± 2.23 length and 7.33 nm ± 1.60 width. The efficacy of PPTT related to its temperature was done reaching 67°C. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of AuNRs and AuNRs PPTT were determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Escherichia coli growth. The antibiofilm activity of AuNRs was explored by fluorescence microscopy. After experimental analyses, AuNRs PPTT shows better results in MICs and MBCs, when it was compared with AuNRs alone. The laser employed to activate the AuNRs had no antibacterial effect against oral microbes. The MICs and MBCs values were higher for S. aureus and E. coli and lower against S. oralis. Surprisingly, the AuNRs alone presented a high antibiofilm activity, inhibiting the biofilm formation of S. mutans. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that AuNRs could be an interesting option to control oral biofilms.