bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural, optical and high pressure electrical resistivity studies of pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles
Authors: Marselin M. Abila , Jaya N. Victor
Published: April 2016

In this paper, pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles are prepared by co-precipitation method. The electrical resistivity measurements by applying high pressure on pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles were reported. The Bridgman anvil set up is used to measure high pressures up to 8 GPa. These measurements show that there is no phase transformation in the samples till the high pressure is reached. The samples show a rapid decrease in electrical resistivity up to 5 GPa and it remains constant beyond 5 GPa. The electrical resistivity and the transport activation energy of the samples under high pressure up to 8 GPa have been studied in the temperature range of 273–433 K using diamond anvil cell. The temperature versus electrical resistivity studies reveal that the samples behave like a semiconductor. The activation energies of the charge carriers depend on the size of the samples.
Electronic and spectroscopic properties of Ge nanocrystals using diamondoid structures: A density functional theory study
Authors: Abdulsattar Mudar Ahmed
Published: April 2016

Energetically stable Ge diamondoids are used as building blocks to investigate Ge nanocrystal properties using density functional theory (DFT). Energy gap, HOMO and LUMO of Ge diamondoids vary according to confinement theory with shape fluctuations. Ge diamondoid vibrational force constants reach 2.18 mDyne/Å which is between that of bulk silicon and tin. Ge–Ge vibrational frequencies and reduced masses reach 357.47 cm[Formula: see text] and 41.93 amu, respectively, which are higher than the values of bulk Ge. Size variation of UV–Vis shows that the maximum optical peak moves from 163 nm to nearly 290 nm as the size of Ge diamondoids and molecules increases. The higher peak value approaches that of experimental Ge quantum dots at 300 nm. NMR spectra of Ge diamondoids are analyzed as a function of diamondoid sizes. Our results show that all investigated spectroscopic tools are sensitive to molecular or nanocrystals size. NMR is particularly good size indicator. Natural bond orbital (NBO) population analysis shows present diamondoid bondings differ from ideal [Formula: see text] bonding. The bonding for Ge valence orbitals is in the range [Formula: see text] depending on distance between Ge atom and diamondoid surface. Highest Ge diamondoids vibrational longitudinal optical (LO) mode is blue shifted with respect to experimental bulk value which is the opposite case for C and Si. H surface atom effects on electronic and vibrational properties are discussed.
Decoherence dynamics of interacting qubits coupled to a bath of local optical phonons
Authors: Lone Muzaffar Qadir , Yarlagadda S.
Published: April 2016

We study decoherence in an interacting qubit system described by infinite range Heisenberg model (IRHM) in a situation where the system is coupled to a bath of local optical phonons. Using perturbation theory in polaron frame of reference, we derive an effective Hamiltonian that is valid in the regime of strong spin-phonon coupling under nonadiabatic conditions. It is shown that the effective Hamiltonian commutes with the IRHM upto leading orders of perturbation and thus has the same eigenstates as the IRHM. Using a quantum master equation with Markovian approximation of dynamical evolution, we show that the off-diagonal elements of the density matrix do not decay in the energy eigen basis of IRHM.
Fast Face Sketch–Photo Image Synthesis and Recognition
Authors: Chen Zhenxue , Wang Kaifang , Liu Chengyun
Published: April 2016

Face sketch recognition has great practical value in the criminal detection, security and other fields. Especially, it can help the police narrow down potential suspects in criminal detection effectively. Face sketch represents the original photos in a simple and recognizable form, so sketch and photo are images of two different modes. In order to identify the corresponding sketch face image in a lot of photo face images, this paper presents an improved sketch–photo transformation algorithm, and it uses the effective characteristics of the photo image more reasonably during transforming a photo image into sketch. In this way, it can reduce the difference between the sketch and photo image to improve the matching effect, and save the recognition time. Many experiments on CUHK Face Sketch database including 188 sketch–photos prove the effectiveness of the method in this paper.
APPLICATION OF S-TRANSFORM FOR AUTOMATED DETECTION OF VIGILANCE LEVEL USING EEG SIGNALS
Authors: UPADHYAY R. , PADHY P. K. , KANKAR P. K.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an S-transform-based Electroencephalogram channel optimization and feature extraction methodology for monitoring mental vigilance level of humans. Vigilance level detection methodology consists of four steps. In the first stage, two types of Electroencephalogram signals (alert and drowsy) are acquired from 30 healthy subjects and decomposed into sub-bands using the S-transform. In the second stage, permutation entropy of the S-transform coefficients is calculated and Electroencephalogram channel optimization is performed. S-transform-based statistical features are computed from the optimized Electroencephalogram channels, in the third stage. In the fourth stage, artificial intelligence techniques such as Least Square-Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network and Naive Bayes Classifier are used for the classification of Electroencephalogram signals using extracted features. The performance of the feature extraction methodology is tested on the Electroencephalogram data of 30 healthy subjects. Experimental results ensured the effectiveness of proposed methodology for the estimation of mental vigilance level by using Electroencephalogram signals. It is observed that the Artificial Neural Network classifier is a good candidate for pre-emptive automatic vigilance level detection system for Brain-Computer Interface applications.
MODEL-BASED ANALYSIS OF IGF-1 EFFECT ON OSTEOBLAST AND OSTEOCLAST REGULATION IN BONE TURNOVER
Authors: LEE WANG-HEE , OKOS MARTIN R.
Published: April 2016

The main determinant of bone Ca accretion is a bimolecular regulatory network on osteoblast (OB) and osteoclast (OC). Even though IGF-1 is known as an important regulator in bone cell cycle, little has been done to model IGF-1 action in bone cell regulation. Thus, the objective is to develop a mathematical model that depicts the regulatory action of IGF-1 onto the OB and OC interaction, and to evaluate adolescent and adult bone Ca accretion in response to differences in IGF-1 levels. As a result, a dynamic model of OB and OC with two main regulatory systems, i.e., Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor [Formula: see text]B (RANK)-RANK Ligand (RANKL)-osteoprogerin (OPG) system, and TGF-[Formula: see text], was augmented with the IGF-1, and incorporated into Ca kinetic data to predict exchangeable bone Ca. The developed model could predict a change in OB and OC levels in response to perturbations in regulators, producing results consistent with bone physiology and published experimental data. The model also estimated parametric difference in regulators between adults and adolescents, suggesting that RANKL/OPG in adolescents was about 4 times higher than in adults, while adolescent serum PTH and IGF-1 concentrations were 60% and 220% of those of adults, respectively. This study highlighted the influence of IGF-1 on the regulation of bone cells in positively modulating bone Ca, suggesting that IGF-1 may be an effective target for reducing bone loss by promoting mature OB.
PROFITABILITY OF A SIMPLE PAIRS TRADING STRATEGY: RECENT EVIDENCES FROM A GLOBAL CONTEXT
Authors: MIAO JIA , LAWS JASON
Published: April 2016

Pairs trading strategy is a popular investment strategy, where traders long one stock and short the other stock. The trading profits are expected to be “immune” to any market conditions: being uptrend, downtrend, or sideways, instead the performance is determined by the relative performance of the pair. Following Gatev et al. [(1999) Pairs Trading: Performance of a Relative-Value Arbitrage Rule. Working Paper, Yale School of Management; (2006) Pairs trading: Performance of a relative-value arbitrage rule, The Review of Financial Study, 19, 797–827] and Do & Faff [(2010) Does simple pairs trading still work? Financial Analyst Journal, 66, 1–12], we examine whether the simple pairs trading rule is also profitable in markets outside of the US. We also examine whether the trading rule performs consistently during bull and bear markets, including the recent period of market turbulence. Our results show that in most countries, the strategy generates positive returns, without evidence of under performance during bear markets. Unlike prior research, we do not find that the trading profits diminish over recent years. The pairs trading strategy generates positive returns even after transaction costs. However, the returns deteriorate significantly at a higher level of transaction costs. It is also found that the correlation between the returns on our pairs trading portfolios and the returns on the corresponding stock market indexes is low, confirming its role as a diversifier to the traditional long only investments.
THE KINEMATIC DIFFERENCES OF THREE TYPES OF CROUCHED POSITIONS DURING A SPRINT START
Authors: CHEN YO , WU KUANG-YA , TSAI YU-JU , YANG WEN-TIEN , CHANG JIA-HAO
Published: April 2016

This study identifies the optimal crouched starting positions (elongated, medium, or bunched) from push-off to the first two steps. Seven elite sprinters were recruited as participants in this study (aged: 21[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]2 years). A high-speed camera (250[Formula: see text]Hz) was used to collect motion-based images on a sagittal plane. Kwon3D (software) was used to analyze the center of mass (COM) movement, step length, foot linear velocity, take-off angle, and trunk angle. Participants were tested in a 60[Formula: see text]m sprint for bunched, medium, and elongated starting positions. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) ([Formula: see text]) with repeated measures was performed to determine the difference in kinematics in the three crouched starting positions. The LSD comparison was applied to examine differences among pairs of means. Our results indicated that the medium starting position demonstrated a greater first step length and foot linear velocity when compared to the bunched starting position. In the first step toe-off, a lower COM vertical velocity was observed in the medium starting position when compared with the elongated starting position. This study concluded that the medium starting position was the ideal starting position.
Rhythmic Trajectory Design and Control for Rehabilitative Walking in Patients with Lower Limb Disorder
Authors: Ajayi Michael Oluwatosin , Djouani Karim , Hamam Yskandar
Published: April 2016

Wearable robotic systems have been a mechanism which clearly drives the motive of bringing back paraplegics back on their feet as well as executing difficult task beyond human ability. The purpose of this research study is to design and investigate the efficacy of rehabilitative walking in patients with lower limb disorders using oscillators which may commonly be referred to as central pattern generators (CPGs). In order to achieve this, a rhythmic trajectory is designed using Van der Pol oscillators. This rhythmic trajectory commensurates with the movement pattern of the hips and knees for a normal walking gait of humans. The dynamical model of a five-link biped exoskeletal device having four actuated joints is computed with regard to the wearer using Lagrangian principles in the sagittal plane. A feedback linearization control technique is therefore utilized for tracking the rhythmic trajectory to achieve a proper following of the human walking gait. Matlab/Simulink is used to validate this proposed strategy in the presence of uncertainties with a view to implementing it practically in the laboratory with human in the loop. Results show that humans with the aid of the exoskeleton device will possess the ability to track this rhythmic trajectory representing the hip and knee joint movements. The controller proved robust enough against disturbance.
Probabilistic Properties of Fatigue Damage and an Equivalent Damage Simplification Model for Multi-Level Load Spectra
Authors: Liu X. R. , Sun Q.
Published: April 2016

An equivalent fatigue damage simplification model for multi-level load spectrum is proposed. On the basis of the probabilistic fatigue damage model which takes load sequence effect into account and the constant amplitude fatigue tests, probabilistic properties of damage accumulated in one loading block are achieved quantitatively by statistical methods. The new simplification model can ensure that, for the original spectrum and simplified spectrum, the probabilistic properties of fatigue damage are almost the same. Fatigue tests for Al-alloy straight plates are performed to test the validity of the model. The test results are in good agreement with predicted results.
Synthesis and microwave dielectric behavior of (Bi1−xPbx)NbO4ceramics
Authors: Butee S. P. , Kambale K. R. , Upadhyay Shaishav , Bashaiah S. , Raju K. C. James , Panda Himanshu
Published: April 2016

Ceramic samples of (Bi[Formula: see text]Pbx)NbO4([Formula: see text], 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) with 0.75[Formula: see text]wt.% V2O5addition sintered at 920[Formula: see text]C, 940[Formula: see text]C and 960[Formula: see text]C are investigated. Pb is selected as a substitute for Bi[Formula: see text] in BiNbO4ceramics as it exists in two stable valence states of [Formula: see text]2 and [Formula: see text]4 and the average valency matches to that of Bi[Formula: see text]. The average Shannon radius (for octahedral coordination) of Pb[Formula: see text] (1.19[Formula: see text]Å) and Pb[Formula: see text](0.775[Formula: see text]Å) cations is 0.9825[Formula: see text]Å, which is similar to that of Bi[Formula: see text] ion (1.03[Formula: see text]Å). The dense ([Formula: see text]%) polycrystalline (Bi[Formula: see text]Pbx)NbO4samples fabricated mostly reveal orthorhombic (Pnna) phase ([Formula: see text]-BiNbO4, Sp. Gp. 52) by powder XRD. Presence of satellite Pb2Nb2O7phase, the amount of which is increasing with increase in Pb content, is also noticed. The microwave dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]) values of the niobates are found to increase from 42 to 71, whereas the quality factor (Qu.f) values are found to decrease from 5400 to 550 GHz with increasing substitution of Pb. The compositions so synthesized are important as hardly there are any microwave dielectric ceramics available with [Formula: see text].
Economics of Salinity Effects from Irrigated Cotton: An Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Azad M. A. Samad , Ancev Tihomir
Published: April 2016

Using an environmentally adjusted performance measurement the study evaluates the tradeoffs between the benefits derived from irrigated cotton enterprises and its associated environmental damages. Deep drainage, which adds to the aquifer recharge and thereby contributes to salinization, is treated as an environmentally detrimental output. The analysis includes data collected from a sample of 53 observations in the Mooki Catchment located in northern New South Wales, Australia. Environmentally adjusted efficiency of cotton enterprises is estimated using the environmental performance index (EPI) and relative efficiency rankings are determined for each of the considered cotton areas in the catchment. The findings reveal that environmentally adjusted efficiency of irrigated cotton is within an acceptable range (more than 60% of observations have an EPI efficiency score of greater than 5). The efficiency variation among the observations based on hydrological response units (HRUs) can be attributed to a number of reasons including physical factors (i.e., soil quality, topography), type of irrigation technology used, and other environmental factors. For instance, the overall efficiencies of downstream HRUs are higher than that of upstream HRUs. Therefore, biophysical characteristics of an area need to be incorporated in the efficiency model. With the identification of the most and least efficient cotton irrigation areas in the region, policymakers can construct a relative ranking to best determine policy directions in order to take a more targeted approach towards salinity mitigation.
Ultrasound-Based Image Guidance and Motion Compensating Control for Robot-Assisted Beating-Heart Surgery
Authors: Bowthorpe Meaghan , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: April 2016

Performing a surgical task on a beating heart requires superhuman skill as the surgeon must manually track the heart’s motion while performing a surgical task. However, the ability to operate on a beating heart would eliminate the need to use a mechanical stabilizer or arrest the heart and connect the patient to a heart-lung machine and would consequently eliminate their side effects. This work develops the image processing and control structure for an ultrasound-guided robot-assisted beating heart surgical system that will move the surgical tool tip in synchrony with the heart. This would allow the surgeon to operate through teleoperation on a virtually stabilized point on the heart. In developing this system, the position data acquired from ultrasound images is upsampled and predicted ahead to compensate for the image acquisition and processing delay. We present the results of a user task based on mitral valve annuloplasty performed under ultrasound guidance.
Intrinsic Girth Function for Shape Processing
Authors: Xin Shi-Qing , Wang Wenping , Chen Shuangmin , Zhao Jieyu , Shu Zhenyu
Published: April 2016

Shape description and feature detection are fundamental problems in computer graphics and geometric modeling. Among many existing techniques, those based on geodesic distance have proven effective in providing intrinsic and discriminative shape descriptors. In this article we introduce a new intrinsic function for a three-dimensional (3D) shape and use it for shape description and geometric feature detection. Specifically, we introduce the
intrinsic girth function
(IGF) defined on a 2D closed surface. For a point
p
on the surface, the value of the IGF at
p
is the length of the shortest nonzero geodesic path starting and ending at
p
. The IGF is invariant under isometry, insensitive to mesh tessellations, and robust to surface noise. We propose a fast method for computing the IGF and discuss its applications to shape retrieval and detecting tips, tubes, and plates that are constituent parts of 3D objects.
Autoimmune Chronic Active Hepatitis (Lupoid Hepatitis) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Two Young Adult Females
Authors: Minuk Gerald Y. , Sutherland Lloyd R. , Pappas S. Chris , Kelly James K. , Martin Sue E.
Published: April 2016

Autoimmune chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) arc chronic diseases of the hepatobiliary system that have many clinical, immunologic and genetic features in common. Despite these similarities, there are few reports of the two diseases coexisting. Two young women with clinical, biochemical, serologic, radiologic and histologic findings compatible with both autoimmune CAH and PSC are described. The observation that there may be a striking overlap in the features of these two diseases and recent improvements in diagnostic imaging of the biliary tract suggest that the association of these two diseases in the same individual may be more common than is presently appreciated.
Pathogenie des Pancrétites Chroniques
Authors: Sarles H. , Bernard J.P.
Published: April 2016

Les travaux du groupe de Marseille ont permis d′individualiser: des
pancréatitcs aigues qui sont un groupe de lésions secondaires des causes suit extrapancréatiques
(par exemple la lithiase biliaire) soit intrapancréatiques (compliquant
par exemple les pancréatites chroniques); et des pancréatites chroniques qui sont un
groupe de maladies au sein duquel on peut déja séparer des pancrcacites obstrucnvesdues
a un obstacle sur les voics pancrcaciques pre‐existant a la maladic (cancer,
Cicatrice, etc) et des pancreatites chroniqucs calcifianccs, de beaucoup les plus
/requentcs. Celles ci sont en réalité une lithiase pancréatique due a un double
phenomenc, d′abord microscopiquc puis macroscopiquc: precipitation de carbonate
de calcium Ct precipitation d′un fragment degrade d′unc molecule sccretoire
nouvellement decouvertc, la PSP (protéine stabilisatrice du pancreas). Cette famille
de glycoproteincs dont la sequence en aminoacides est actuellcment connuc est
synthétisée par la cellule acincuse du pancreas et sa synthese diminuee dans les
pancréatites chroniques calcifiantes. La forme secn;toirc de PSP prévient la formation
de cristaux de sels de calcium clans le suc pancréatique qui est normalemcnt
sursaturé en calcium. Bien que les lésions et les modifications de la PSP soient semblablcs
dans toutes les formes de pancréatite calcifiante, ii existe plusieurs étiologies:
alcoolique, tropicale, hypcrcalcémie, héréditaire et idiopathique. L′alcool agit sur la
sécrétion pancréatique par des mécanismcs divers, essentiellement une hypersécrétion
de protéines (enzymes) due a un réflexe long cholinergique empruntant le nerf vague.
L′alcoolisme est generalemcnt associé a des régimes hyperprotidiques et soit hyper‐,
hypolipidiques qui sont autant de facteurs de risque. L′hypercalcemie augmente
également la sécrétion de protéines enzymatiqucs. La forme tropicale ne parait etre
liee ni a la consommation de manioc ou cassava, ni au Kwashiorkor mais s′observe
dans des zones ou l′ensemble de la population est soumise a un régime pauvre en
protides et en lipides. Ces facteurs étiologiques n′agissent que sur des sujets prédisposés.
Ilest possible que la predisposition soit une baisse de la biosynrhcse ou une synthése
anormale de PSP.
Antral Gastrin Cell Hyperfunction Associated with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Ertan Atilla , Litwin Martin S. , Hammer Robert A. , Vega Paul
Published: April 2016

This report describes a patient with antral gastrin cell hyperfunction who also had pancreatic pseudocyts and partial common bile duct obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis. A 60-year-old female had a th ree-month h istory of worsening epigastric discomfort with episodes of nausea, vomiting and weight loss. The patient had no history of peptic ulcer disease and no ulcers were demonstrated during diagnostic work-up. Baseline fasting serum gastrins were 715 and 1000 pg/ml [normal 50 to 170 pg/ml). These decreased to 515 pg/ml during an intravenous secretin test and increased up to 2155 pg/ml after a protein meal test. The patient also had chronic pancreatitis, multiple pancreatic pseudocysts and a partial common bile duct obstruction. Truncal vagotomy and antrectomy for antral gastrin cell hyperfunction. Roux-en-Y cystjejunostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts and choledochojejunostomy for common bile duct stricture were performed. Three months after the operation, the patient was symptom-free and fasting serum gastrin levels at one week, two months and three months after the surgery were 11, 40 and 50 pg/ml, respectively.
Sorbitol as a Cryptic Cause of Diarrhea
Authors: Catto-Smith Anthony G. , Scott R. Brent , Machida Helen M. , Gall D. Grant
Published: April 2016

Sorbitol is a poorly absorbed monosaccharide widely used as a
sweetener for dietetic foods and as a drug vehicle. Ingestion of sorbitol can lead to
gastrointestinal complaints such as cramps and diarrhea. Two patients in whom unrecognized sorbitol ingestion produced symptoms which mimicked an exacerbation of
another underlying disorder are presented. The diagnosis of sorbitol induced symptoms may be missed or delayed because patients do not appreciate that they are
ingesting the compound in ′sugarless foods′, and drug product information may not
list its inclusion as a sweetener.
Campylobacter pyloriDetection in Gastric Mucosa: Association with Gastritis
Authors: Paradis Alain , Gourdeau Marie , Lambert Suzanne , Lavoie Sylvain , Lemire Suzanne , Parent Claude , Cantin Réjean
Published: April 2016

ln order to evaluate the association between Camphlobacterpyloriand gastritis, two biopsies were taken from the duodenal bulb, antrum, body and fundus (and from lesions if there were any) in 100 consecutive patients referred to this gastroscopic clinic For each site, one biopsy was for histology and C pylon detection by Warthin-Starry staining, and the second biopsy was for culture. In addition, for each patient a gastric brushing was Gram stained. Twenty-one patients were excluded from the study. Among the remaining, 13 patients had positive biopsy culture for Cpyloriand, of these, 30 (91%) had gastritis (including 23 with active chronic gastritis). This culture sensitivity increased with the number of biopsies. Forty-two patients had a positive brushing specimen, of which 30 (71%) had gastritis. Gram stain on a brushing specimen had a sensitivity of 84.8%, in comparison with the biopsy culture. Of the 23 patients with positive Warthin-Starry stain , 19(83%) had an histology of gastritis. There was a strong correlation between the presence of Cpyloriin the stomach mucosa and the gastritis. The incidence of Cpyloriassociated gastritis is similar in Quebec to other parts of the world. The biopsy culture is a simple and specific test, and at least two biopsies are necessary for a good sensitivity. Gram stain on a brushing specimen is an adequate test for rapid detection of Cpyloriin the stomach.
Should the Children of Patients with Hemochromatosis be Screened for the Disease?
Authors: MacIntosh Donald G. , Bear John C. , Simpson John , Komusi Terry A. , Marshall William H. , Barrowman James A.
Published: April 2016

Idiopathic hemochromatosis is an underdiagnosed treatable condition
inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Since early treatment is of demonstrated
value, screening of high risk groups of individuals in a valuable exercise in
preventive medicine. Although examination of siblings is always recommended, the
frequency of the hemochromatosis gene makes the screening of children of patients
with hemochromatosis an important undertaking, as illustrated by the families
described in this report.
Barrett's Esophagus and Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Z.W. , Thomson A.B.R.
Published: April 2016

As association between Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is relatively frequent. Survival with adenocarcinoma is generally poor. Routine surveillance endoscopy is suggested with generous biopsy material and brush cytology to detect either high grade dysplasia or intramucosal carcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Individual cases of high grade dysplasia should be independently confirmed by another pathologist familiar with dysplasia grading. Esophagectomy should be recommended for those patients with high grade dysplasia whose risk for surgery is outweighed by the possible presence or development of cancer.
5-ASA Therapy in Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome. Report of Three Patients
Authors: Malatjalian D.A. , Williams C.N.
Published: April 2016

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare condition which presents typically with a long standing history of constipation, straining, rectal bleeding, mucus discharge and pain on defecation. Three cases of SRUS arc discussed which were all successfully treated with 5-ASA enemas. Complete healing occurred within a few weeks and recurrent ulcers healed just as readily with renewed therapy.
Rare Biliary Anatomy in Two Patients Presenting with Biliary Obstruction Diagnosed with ERCP
Authors: May Gary R , Reid David S , Hershfield Noel B
Published: April 2016

Anatomic anomalies of the exrrahepatic biliary tree are common and often incidental findings at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; however, they rarely complicate therapeutic procedures such as stone extraction. The cases of two patients with biliary obstruction due to stones are presented, who were found to have the cystic duct a rising almost directly from the ampulla. This rare anatomic variant posed problems both in terms of interpretation of the cholangiogram and removal of stones. Therapeutic endoscopists should be aware of this and other anomalies of the biliary tract and of the potential problems faced in both interpretation of the cholangiogram and in therapeutic procedures.
Achalasia Associated with Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Sullivan Stephen N
Published: April 2016

A 32-year-old patient with neurofibromatosis who developed achalasia is reported. At the second pneumatic dilation the esophagus was perforated, requiring surgical repair and myotomy. The patient made an uneventful recovery and now swallows without difficulty. This is the second report of this association.
Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Colon Radiologically Stimulating Crohn’s Colitis
Authors: Kwan Wing C Peter , Freeman Hugh J
Published: April 2016

A 35-year-old male with abdominal pain and weight loss was referred with a diagnosis of Crohn’s colitis. Subsequent colonoscopic examination and laparotomy revealed diffuse infiltration of the colonic wall with a primary signet-ring cell carcinoma and widespread metastases. The poor prognosis of this lesion appears to reflect difficulty in early diagnosis as well as the unusual cell biological features of this highly invasive histological variety of colon carcinoma.
Small Bowel Transplantation: Current Clinical Status
Authors: Sigalet David
Published: April 2016

With recent refinements in immunosuppression techniques, the first successful reports of small bowel transplantation in humans have now been made, increasing interest in bowel transplantation among clinicians and patients alike. This article reviews recent developments in understanding of the functional capabilities and requirements for effective immune suppression in bowel transplantation. Both experimental and clinical experience with transplantation are discussed, as are the areas which appear to offer the most promise for future developments. Finally guidelines for consideration of patient selection for this procedure are reviewed.
Sulphasalazine‐Induced Pseudomembranous Colitis
Authors: Freeman Hugh J , Steinbrecher Urs P , Kwan WC Peter , Ensworth Stephanie
Published: April 2016

An 18‐year‐old female with ankylosing spondylitis developed fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea on two occasions after starting sulphasalazine therapy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed pseudomembranous colitis; fecal cultures were positive for Clostridium difficile; and C difficile toxin assay was positive. Despite the frequent use of sulphasalazine in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, this complication has been apparently rare. Clinicians should be wary of the onset of diarrhea in patients receiving sulphasalazine, whether for inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions.
Liver Cirrhosis: A Seven Year Follow-Up
Authors: Tran TS Paul , Feinman S Victor , Berris Barnet
Published: April 2016

The status of 121 patients who were found to have liver cirrhosis on liver biopsy in 1981 was assessed seven years later. The etiology of the cirrhosis was alcoholic in 52%, cryptogenic in 29.8%, hepatitis B-related in 9.1% and miscellaneous in 9.1%. In 1981, jaundice was present in 55 patients (45.8%), ascites in 52 (43%), gastrointestinal bleeding in 25 (20.7%) and encephalopathy in 10 (8.3%). During the following seven years an additional 20 patients developed ascites, 15 gastrointestinal bleeding, 32 encephalopathy and three hepatocellular carcinoma. The mortality race was 43.8% at five years and 53.7% at seven years. The principal cause of death was liver failure (40%), followed by nonliver causes (32.3%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (13.9%). One patient died of hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients who survived seven years had fewer complications when seen in 1981 than those who died during this period (P<0.025). It is concluded that, in Toronto, cirrhosis is often caused by ethanol abuse and hepatitis B infection; that it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; and that the number of complications when the patient is first seen may be a useful indicator of prognosis. Since many cases of cirrhosis are preventable, the authors suggest that efforts directed towards prevention of cirrhosis may be more rewarding than those directed towards therapy.
An Asymptomatic Male with Coexisting Celiac Disease and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Schweiger Franzjosef , Radhi Jasim
Published: April 2016

Both primary biliary cirrhosis and celiac disease may be asymptomatic in many patients for extended periods of time. Rarely the disorders have been reported to occur
together, in which case symptomatic malabsorption and diarrhea are virtually always present. An unusual case is presented of an asymptomatic male patient who had both primary biliary cirrhosis and celiac disease. The literature describing this coexistence, and theories regarding a common etiological link between the two disorders, are reviewed.
A Case of Yersinia Infection from the Middle East: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Baraka Ahmed , Juma Talib , Al-Alousi Suad , Sheikh HA , Asfar Sami
Published: April 2016

The authors report the first case of yersinia infection of the cecum, appendix and mesenteric lymph nodes from the Middle East, together with a literature review on yersiniosis. The case is unique in that the cecum was affected while the terminal ileum was free from disease.
Spontaneous Rupture of a Nonparasitic Hepatic Cyst Associated with Peritonitis
Authors: Shipley Patricia , Baylis Barry , Hershfield Noel , Lui Robert , Wong Norman CW
Published: April 2016

The first report of a nonparnsitic cyst complicated by rupture and peritonitis is given. A 63‐year‐old female found to have a nonparasitic hepatic cyst was discharged from hospital when her symptoms of sharp intermittent pains in the right upper quadrant resolved spontaneously. Hours later, she was re‐admitted with rupture and peritonitis. After hepatic cystojejunostomy (Roux‐en‐y) and T‐tube placement in the common bile duct, the patient remains asymptomatic two years later.
Early Hepatic Dysfunction in a Large Animal Model of Nonhypotensive Sepsis
Authors: Sullivan Stephen , Troster Michael , Linton Adam
Published: April 2016

Sepsis was induced in 12 sheep by cecal devascularization and perforation. Intravenous crystalloid was administered to maintain th e pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at preseptic levels. By 24 h there was a significant drop in albumin and alkaline phosphatase with increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin. By 48 h the alkaline phosphatase had returned to presepsis levels, the bilirubin continued to rise, the AST and lactate dehydrogenase had plateaued while the alhumin remained low. These biochemical alterations were confirmed by examining data from 25 sheer used in similar sepsis experiments. These data revealed that marked elevations in AST were associated with a higher central venous pressure and worse renal impairment, but there was no relationship with any other hemodynamic parameter, PO2, pH or serum lactate. Histologically these biochemical alterations were associated with extensive microvesicular fatty change at 24 h and centrilobular necrosis at 48 h. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial degeneration, hyperplasia of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and intracellular cholestasis.
Subclinical Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients: Prevalence and Relationship to Liver Function
Authors: Pomier-Layrargues Gilles , Nguyen Ngoc Huu , Faucher Claire , Giguère Jean-François , Butterworth Roger F
Published: April 2016

Neuropsychological tests were administered to 22 alcoholic cirrhotic patients, 20 nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients and 42 control subjects matched for age and educational background. Liver function estimated by Pugh score was identical in alcoholic and nonalcoholic cirrhotics. Thirty‐two cirrhotic patients (76%) failed one or more psycho logical test. Performance was worse in cirrhotics than in controls in all but one test: the degree of neurological impairment was similar in alcoholics and nonalcoholics and correlation with the severity of Liver dysfunction was only marginal. A combination of the five more sensitive tests was able to identify 31 of 32 cirrhotic patients with subclinical encephalopathy; this ‘mini battery’ of tests can be performed within 10 mins. Suhclinical hepatic encephalopathy is frequent in cirrhotic patients and can adversely affect their psychosocial behaviour.
Pharmacotherapy of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Molina F , Vohra MM , Williams CN
Published: April 2016

The etiology of peptic ulcer is multifactorial; except for omeprazole, all drugs used for the treatment of peptic ulcer result in healing with no statistical difference at four weeks. The healing rare increases with time for active medication and placebo, and is lower among smokers than nonsmokers for all drugs but misoprostol. Mucosal protectives (or ‘cytoprotectives’) as a group seem to have a lower relapse rate than the H2receptor antagonists at one year. Combination therapy has not yet proved to be better than single drug therapy; however, the number of studies is still small, and more clinical trials are necessary. Resistant ulcers have demonstrated that acid is one of several etiological factors and that more research is needed to elucidate the reason(s) for refractoriness. The choice of therapeutic agent is generally made according to patient compliance, medication cost, side effects, effectiveness, relapse rate and physician experience with the drug. Long term maintenance therapy is effective in the prevention of ulcer relapse and is especially recommended for selected patient groups, including patients with recurrent or bleeding ulcer, patients with concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and elderly women. Omeprazole is the treatment of choice for moderate to severe esophagitis and should be reserved for large and resistant ulcers.
Self Dilation of Esophageal Strictures
Authors: Sullivan Stephen N , Corke Marie , Watson William C
Published: April 2016

Over 22 years, 26 patients were taught to dilate their esophageal strictures. Fifteen had peptic strictures, four malignant neoplasms, three achalasia, three dysphagia following fundoplication and one esophageal lichen planus. The patients with peptic strictures (mean age 58 years) did particularly well, repeatedly dilating themselves over an average of six years (range two months to 18 years). There were no serious complications. Self dilation is a safe, convenient and inexpensive way to manage patients who require repeated, frequent dilations for esophageal strictures.
Flumazenil, a Benzodiazepine Receptor Anatagonist, in the Reversal of Conscious Sedation following Gastroscopy. A Placebo Controlled, Dose Finding Study
Authors: Sutherland Lloyd , Hershfield Noel , Shaffer Eldon , Price Lorne , Dean Deanne , Light Margaret
Published: April 2016

Tim double-blind, placebo controlled, study assessed the efficacy and safety of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, in reversing diazepam-induced sedation in 60 patients undergoing endoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups (placebo, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 μg/kg flumazenil). Patient psychomotor function was determined using four standard assessments – Trieger, digit substitution, track tracing and cancellation tests. Flumazenil was well tolerated by all patients. All doses of Flumazenil were superior to placebo in reversing sedation. No significant differences were detected between the various treatment groups. Forty-five minutes after the flumazenil infusion, there were no differences between flumazenil- and placebo-treated patients in psychomotor function. Flumazenil is a safe, effective medication which reverses diazepam-induced conscious sedation. For most patients 0.5 mg given intravenously will reverse sedation.
Magnitude of Anemia and Hematological Predictors among Children under 12 Years in Odisha, India
Authors: Behera Shuchismita , Bulliyya Gandham
Published: April 2016

Background. Anemia is a wide spread public health problem in India which affects children. The present study evaluates the prevalence of anemia and status of various hematological parameters among children of Khurda district, Odisha.Method. A total of 313 children aged 0–12 years were enrolled for the study which included preschool (0–5 years) and school aged (6–12 years) groups. Hematological indicators were measured by standard procedures, which include red blood cell (RBC) indicators, white blood cell (WBC) indicators, and plasma ferritin.Results. Mean hemoglobin (Hb) of the study population was10.43±3.33 g/dL and prevalence of anemia was 62%. In this population, boys had a lower mean Hb value than that of the girls. All grades of anemia were higher among school age children than preschool children. Mean plasma ferritin was found to be higher in school age boys than their counterpart girls. The mean level of WBC count was found to be higher among preschool age boys than among the school age boys (p=0.025).Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia was higher with concomitant acute infection among study population, which is a matter of concern. Since the hematological parameters are interrelated with each other as well as with the age and gender, relevant intervention strategy and constant monitoring are needed while providing public health nutrition programs to eradicate anemia.
The Analysis of the Concrete Gravity Dam’s Foundation Uplift Pressure under the Function of Typhoon
Authors: Zhu Kai , Gu Chongshi , Qiu Jianchun , Li Hao
Published: April 2016

How to evaluate the seepage safety status of the concrete gravity dam under the function of short-period heavy rainfall and the possible historical extreme reservoir water level during typhoon is an important issue considering the dam safety-monitoring. Based on analysis of the monitoring series of the foundation uplift pressure, this paper assumed the influential process of antecedent reservoir water level and rainfall as a process of normal distribution and introduced the mutation factor to reflect the uprush feature of uplift pressure under the function of high-influential typhoon. Moreover, the corresponding hysteresis days and influential days of the model are optimized with quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) to raise the fitting and prediction accuracy. It is verified that the new statistical model for fitting can obtain higher multiple correlation coefficient (0.972) compared with the traditional statistical model (0.925) and could also perfectly predict the uprush feature of the pressure during the typhoon, which is of certain theoretical and practical application value in the future.
Direct Analysis of Low-Volatile Molecular Marker Extract from Airborne Particulate Matter Using Sensitivity Correction Method
Authors: Irei Satoshi
Published: April 2016

Molecular marker analysis of environmental samples often requires time consuming preseparation steps. Here, analysis of low-volatile nonpolar molecular markers (5-6 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs, hopanoids, andn-alkanes) without the preseparation procedure is presented. Analysis of artificial sample extracts was directly conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). After every sample injection, a standard mixture was also analyzed to make a correction on the variation of instrumental sensitivity caused by the unfavorable matrix contained in the extract. The method was further validated for the PAHs using the NIST standard reference materials (SRMs) and then applied to airborne particulate matter samples. Tests with the SRMs showed that overall our methodology was validated with the uncertainty of ~30%. The measurement results of airborne particulate matter (PM) filter samples showed a strong correlation between the PAHs, implying the contributions from the same emission source. Analysis of size-segregated PM filter samples showed that their size distributions were found to be in the PM smaller than 0.4 μm aerodynamic diameter. The observations were consistent with our expectation of their possible sources. Thus, the method was found to be useful for molecular marker studies.
Hemispheric Coherence in ASD with and without Comorbid ADHD and Anxiety
Authors: Saunders A. , Kirk I. J. , Waldie K. E.
Published: April 2016

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that altered brain connectivity may be a defining feature of disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and ADHD. This study investigated whether resting state functional connectivity, measured by 128-channel EEG oscillation coherence, differs between developmental disorders. Analyses were conducted separately on groups with and without comorbid conditions. Analyses revealed increased coherence across central electrodes over the primary motor cortex and decreased coherence in the frontal lobe networks in those with ASD compared to neurotypical controls. There was increased coherence in occipital lobe networks in the ADHD group compared to other groups. Symptoms of generalised anxiety were positively correlated with both frontal-occipital intrahemispheric (alpha only) coherence and occipital interhemispheric coherence (alpha, approaching theta band). The patterns of coherence in the ASD pure group were different when comorbid conditions were included in the analyses, suggesting that aberrant coherence in the frontal and central areas of the brain is specifically associated with ASD. Our findings support the idea that comorbid conditions are additive, rather than being symptoms of the same disorder.
Fuzzy Human Reliability Analysis: Applications and Contributions Review
Authors: Baziuk P. A. , Rivera S. S. , Núñez Mc Leod J.
Published: April 2016

The applications and contributions of fuzzy set theory to human reliability analysis (HRA) are reassessed. The main contribution of fuzzy mathematics relies on its ability to represent vague information. Many HRA authors have made contributions developing new models, introducing fuzzy quantification methodologies. Conversely, others have drawn on fuzzy techniques or methodologies for quantifying already existing models. Fuzzy contributions improve HRA in five main aspects: (1) uncertainty treatment, (2) expert judgment data treatment, (3) fuzzy fault trees, (4) performance shaping factors, and (5) human behaviour model. Finally, recent fuzzy applications and new trends in fuzzy HRA are herein discussed.
An Overview of Seasonal Changes in Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Parameters in Some Invertebrate and Vertebrate Species
Authors: Chainy Gagan Bihari Nityananda , Paital Biswaranjan , Dandapat Jagneswar
Published: April 2016

Antioxidant defence system, a highly conserved biochemical mechanism, protects organisms from harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a by-product of metabolism. Both invertebrates and vertebrates are unable to modify environmental physical factors such as photoperiod, temperature, salinity, humidity, oxygen content, and food availability as per their requirement. Therefore, they have evolved mechanisms to modulate their metabolic pathways to cope their physiology with changing environmental challenges for survival. Antioxidant defences are one of such biochemical mechanisms. At low concentration, ROS regulates several physiological processes, whereas at higher concentration they are toxic to organisms because they impair cellular functions by oxidizing biomolecules. Seasonal changes in antioxidant defences make species able to maintain their correct ROS titre to take various physiological functions such as hibernation, aestivation, migration, and reproduction against changing environmental physical parameters. In this paper, we have compiled information available in the literature on seasonal variation in antioxidant defence system in various species of invertebrates and vertebrates. The primary objective was to understand the relationship between varied biological phenomena seen in different animal species and conserved antioxidant defence system with respect to seasons.