bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect in Megacity Tehran
Authors: Sodoudi Sahar , Shahmohamadi Parisa , Vollack Ken , Cubasch Ulrich , Che-Ani A. I.
Published: September 2014

Cities demonstrate higher nocturnal temperatures than surrounding rural areas, which is called “urban heat island” (UHI) effect. Climate change projections also indicate increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, which will intensify the UHI effect. As megacity Tehran is affected by severe heatwaves in summer, this study investigates its UHI characteristics and suggests some feasible mitigation strategies in order to reduce the air temperature and save energy. Temperature monitoring in Tehran shows clear evidence of the occurrence of the UHI effect, with a peak in July, where the urban area is circa 6 K warmer than the surrounding areas. The mobile measurements show a park cool island of 6-7 K in 2 central parks, which is also confirmed by satellite images. The effectiveness of three UHI mitigation strategies high albedo material (HAM), greenery on the surface and on the roofs (VEG), and a combination of them (HYBRID) has been studied using simulation with the microscale model ENVI-met. All three strategies show higher cooling effect in the daytime. The average nocturnal cooling effect of VEG and HYBRID (0.92, 1.10 K) is much higher than HAM (0.16 K), although high-density trees show a negative effect on nocturnal cooling.
A Novel Vehicle Stationary Detection Utilizing Map Matching and IMU Sensors
Authors: Amin Md. Syedul , Reaz Mamun Bin Ibne , Nasir Salwa Sheikh , Bhuiyan Mohammad Arif Sobhan , Ali Mohd. Alauddin Mohd.
Published: September 2014

Precise navigation is a vital need for many modern vehicular applications. The global positioning system (GPS) cannot provide continuous navigation information in urban areas. The widely used inertial navigation system (INS) can provide full vehicle state at high rates. However, the accuracy diverges quickly in low cost microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based INS due to bias, drift, noise, and other errors. These errors can be corrected in a stationary state. But detecting stationary state is a challenging task. A novel stationary state detection technique from the variation of acceleration, heading, and pitch and roll of an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) built from the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors is proposed. Besides, the map matching (MM) algorithm detects the intersections where the vehicle is likely to stop. Combining these two results, the stationary state is detected with a smaller timing window of 3 s. A longer timing window of 5 s is used when the stationary state is detected only from the AHRS. The experimental results show that the stationary state is correctly identified and the position error is reduced to 90% and outperforms previously reported work. The proposed algorithm would help to reduce INS errors and enhance the performance of the navigation system.
The Scattering and Bound States of the Schrödinger Particle in Generalized Asymmetric Manning-Rosen Type Potential
Authors: Taş Ahmet , Alpdoğan Soner , Havare Ali
Published: September 2014

We solve exactly one-dimensional Schrödinger equation for the generalized asymmetric Manning-Rosen (GAMAR) type potential containing the different types of physical potential that have many application fields in the nonrelativistic quantum mechanics and obtain the solutions in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric functions. Then we determine the solutions for scattering and bound states. By using these states we calculate the reflection and transmission coefficients for scattering states and achieve a correlation that gives the energy eigenvalues for the bound states. In addition to these, we show how the transmission and reflection coefficients depend on the parameters which describe shape of the GAMAR type potential and compare our results with the results obtained in earlier studies.
The Emerging Role of Telemedicine in Managing Glycemic Control and Psychobehavioral Aspects of Pregnancy Complicated by Diabetes
Authors: Chilelli Nino Cristiano , Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: September 2014

There is a gradual decline in concern of specialists who follow up the care of pregnant women with diabetes. In addition, due to the dwindling economic resources allocated to health services, access to specialized healthcare facilities is becoming more difficult. Telemedicine, or medicine practiced at a distance, is inserted in this context with applications differing for type of interaction (real-time or deferred, i.e., videoconferencing versus store-and-forward data transmission), type of monitoring (automatic versus requesting cooperation from the patient), and type of devices used (web connections and use of mobile phones or smartphones). Telemedicine can cope with the current lack of ability to ensure these patients frequent direct contact with their caregivers. This approach may have an impact not only on the classical maternal-fetal outcome, but also on some underestimated aspects of patients with diabetes in pregnancy, in this case their quality of life, the perception of “diabetes self-efficacy,” and the glycemic variability. In this paper, we will analyze the current evidence regarding the use of telemedicine in pregnancies complicated by diabetes, trying to highlight the main limitations of these studies and possible strategies to overcome them in order to improve the effectiveness of future clinical interventions with these medical applications.
Craniofacial and Cervical Morphology Related to Sagittal Spinal Posture in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Segatto Emil , Segatto Angyalka , Braunitzer Gábor , Kirschneck Christian , Fanghänel Jochen , Danesh Gholamreza , Lippold Carsten
Published: September 2014

Studies on the relationship between body posture and craniofacial parameters often focus on the cervical spine. Thus, less attention has been paid to the morphology of the vertebra C2 that serves as both a structural and functional link between the craniofacial area and the other part of the spine. The objective of this study was to assess the relation of craniofacial features to certain morphological and positional characteristics of the cervical vertebrae and the spine during growth. We determined body posture indices for 69 children and adolescents by means of a radiation-free method (rasterstereography). The morphological and positional analysis of the craniofacial area and the cervical vertebrae was based on standardized lateral X-ray cephalograms. Medium to strong correlations were found between body posture, C2 morphology, and craniofacial parameters. We found significant correlations between the C2 dens axis height and maxillary indices as well as between the C2 dens axis inclination and cephalometrical values of the mandibular area. Similarly the correlation between the C2 dens axis inclination and the postural index flèche cervicale was highly significant (P<0.05,r=0.333). These results suggest that morphological features of the odontoid process may serve as valuable predictive markers in interdisciplinary orthopedic-orthodontic diagnostics.
Solving Operator Equation Based on Expansion Approach
Authors: Aminataei A. , Ahmadi-Asl S. , Pakbaz M.
Published: September 2014

To date, researchers usually use spectral and pseudospectral methods for only numerical approximation of ordinary and partial differential equations and also based on polynomial basis. But the principal importance of this paper is to develop the expansion approach based on general basis functions (in particular case polynomial basis) for solving general operator equations, wherein the particular cases of our development are integral equations, ordinary differential equations, difference equations, partial differential equations, and fractional differential equations. In other words, this paper presents the expansion approach for solving general operator equations in the form Lu+Nu=g(x),x∈Γ, with respect to boundary condition Bu=λ, where L, N and B are linear, nonlinear, and boundary operators, respectively, related to a suitable Hilbert space, Γ is the domain of approximation, λ is an arbitrary constant, and g(x)∈L2(Γ) is an arbitrary function. Also the other importance of this paper is to introduce the general version of pseudospectral method based on general interpolation problem. Finally some experiments show the accuracy of our development and the error analysis is presented in L2(Γ) norm.
Aseptic Splenic Abscess as Precursory Extraintestinal Manifestation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Brooks Joel , Ghaffari Gisoo
Published: September 2014

Splenic abscesses are most often secondary to aerobic bacterial infections due toStreptococcus,Staphylococcus, andEnterococcusspecies of organisms. Sterile splenic abscesses rarely occur and diagnosis and treatment of those are challenging. We report a case of a previously healthy young female presenting with aseptic splenic abscesses as the initial manifestation of Crohn’s disease along with a review of the literature on aseptic splenic abscess as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease.
Evolutionary Modeling to Evaluate the Shear Behavior of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Fiore Alessandra , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Laucelli Daniele , Monaco Pietro
Published: September 2014

Despite their frequent occurrence in practice, only limited studies on the shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) circular members are available in the literature. Such studies are based on poor assumptions about the physical model, often resulting in being too conservative, as well as technical codes that essentially propose empirical conversion rules. On this topic in this paper, an evolutionary approach named EPR is used to create a structured polynomial model for predicting the shear strength of circular sections. The adopted technique is an evolutionary data mining methodology that generates a transparent and structured representation of the behavior of a system directly from experimental data. In this study experimental data of 61 RC circular columns, as reported in the technical literature, are used to develop the EPR models. As final result, physically consistent shear strength models for circular columns are obtained, to be used in different design situations. The proposed formulations are compared with models available from building codes and literature expressions, showing that EPR technique is capable of capturing and predicting the shear behavior of RC circular elements with very high accuracy. A parametric study is also carried out to evaluate the physical consistency of the proposed models.
The Quality of Tuberculosis Services in Health Care Centres in a Rural District in Uganda: The Providers’ and Clients’ Perspective
Authors: Bulage Lilian , Sekandi Juliet , Kigenyi Omar , Mupere Ezekiel
Published: September 2014

Quality of care plays an important role in the status of tuberculosis (TB) control, by influencing timely diagnosis, treatment adherence, and treatment completion. In this study, we aimed at establishing the quality of TB service care in Kamuli district health care centres using Donabedian structure, process, and outcomes model of health care. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 health care facilities, among 20 health care workers and 392 patients. Data was obtained using face-to-face interviews, an observation guide, a check list, and record review of the TB unit and laboratory registers. Data entry and analysis were done using EPI INFO 2008 and STATA 10 versions, respectively. A high number 150 (87.21%) of TB patients were not aware of all the signs to stop TB medication, and 100 (25.51%) patients received laboratory results after a period of 3–5 working days. The major challenges faced by health workers were poor attitude of fellow health workers, patients defaulting treatment, and fear of being infected with TB. One of the worst performance indicators was low percentage of cure. Comprehensive strengthening of the health system focusing on quality of support supervisions, patient follow up, promoting infection control measures, and increasing health staffing levels at health facilities is crucial.
Effect of Temperature on Xylanase II from Trichoderma reesei QM 9414: A Calorimetric, Catalytic, and Conformational Study
Authors: López Gloria , Estrada Pilar
Published: September 2014

The secondary structure of xylanase II from Trichoderma reesei is lost in an apparent irreversible cooperative process as temperature is increased with a midpoint transition of 58.8 ± 0.1°C. The shift of the spectral centre of mass above 50°C is also apparently cooperative with midpoint transition of 56.3 ± 0.2°C, but the existence of two isofluorescent points in the fluorescence emission spectra suggests a non-two-state process. Further corroboration comes from differential scanning calorimetry experiments. At protein concentrations ≤0.56 mg·mL−1 the calorimetric transition is reversible and the data were fitted to a non-two-state model and deconvoluted into six transitions, whereas at concentrations greater than 0.56 mg·mL−1 the calorimetric transition is irreversible with an exothermic contribution to the thermogram. The apparent Tm increased linearly with the scan rate according to first order inactivation kinetics. The effect of additives on the calorimetric transition of xylanase is dependent on their nature. The addition of sorbitol transforms reversible transitions into irreversible transitions while stabilizing the protein as the apparent Tm increases linearly with sorbitol concentration. d-Glucono-1,5-lactone, a noncompetitive inhibitor in xylanase kinetics, and soluble xylan change irreversible processes into reversible processes at high protein concentration.
Public Investments, Human Capital, and Political Stability: The Triptych of Economic Success
Authors: Kostakis Ioannis
Published: September 2014

This study assesses the effects of fiscal policy on economic growth in a sample of 96 countries from 1990 to 2010. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Extreme Bound Analysis are mainly estimated in order to investigate whether public investments, human capital, and political stability affect growth controlling for initial output and human capital levels. Furthermore, in this empirical research four subsets of independent variables were used: (a) demographic factors, (b) political determinants, (c) region variables, and (d) variables regarding macroeconomic policy. Empirical results suggest that there is an important difference in the impact of public and private sector investments on the growth of per capita income. Moreover, political indicators such as corruption control, rule of law, and government effectiveness have a high impact on economic growth. Demographic factors, including fertility rate and mortality growth, as well as several macroeconomic variables, like inflation rate index and government consumption, were estimated to be statistically significant factors of economic performance. Fiscal volatility may also be a new possible channel of macroeconomic instability that leads to lower growth. Policy implications of the findings are discussed in detail.
Silencing of Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase Isoforms 2 and 3 Impairs Energy Metabolism in Differentiating PC12 Cells
Authors: Boczek Tomasz , Lisek Malwina , Ferenc Bozena , Kowalski Antoni , Wiktorska Magdalena , Zylinska Ludmila
Published: September 2014

A close link between Ca2+, ATP level, and neurogenesis is apparent; however, the molecular mechanisms of this relationship have not been completely elucidated. Transient elevations of cytosolic Ca2+may boost ATP synthesis, but ATP is also consumed by ion pumps to maintain a low Ca2+in cytosol. In differentiation process plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase (PMCA) is considered as one of the major players for Ca2+homeostasis. From four PMCA isoforms, the fastest PMCA2 and PMCA3 are expressed predominantly in excitable cells. In the present study we assessed whether PMCA isoform composition may affect energy balance in differentiating PC12 cells. We found that PMCA2-downregulated cells showed higher basal O2consumption, lower NAD(P)H level, and increased activity of ETC. These changes associated with higher[Ca2+]cresulted in elevated ATP level. Since PMCA2-reduced cells demonstrated greatest sensitivity to ETC inhibition, we suppose that the main source of energy for PMCA isoforms 1, 3, and 4 was oxidative phosphorylation. Contrary, cells with unchanged PMCA2 expression exhibited prevalence of glycolysis in ATP generation. Our results with PMCA2- or PMCA3-downregulated lines provide an evidence of a novel role of PMCA isoforms in regulation of bioenergetic pathways, and mitochondrial activity and maintenance of ATP level during PC12 cells differentiation.
Risk Factors of Arterial Damage Assessed by ABI and baPWV among Hemodialysis Patients in Macau
Authors: Li Mingxin , Xin Jing , Kuang Ding-Wei , Kuok Un-I , Li Chiu-Leong , Cheung Kin , Lio Weng-In
Published: September 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among patients with ESRD on chronic dialysis. Arterial damage is one of the characteristics of CVD. But the association between arterial damage and conventional risk factors for CVD has not yet been fully highlighted in chronic hemodialysis patients. Here we validate the clinical value of assessment of arterial damage by ABI and PWV in chronic hemodialysis patients in Macau.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Sulfides Nanoparticles/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites
Authors: Ajibade Peter A. , Mbese Johannes Z.
Published: September 2014

Metal sulfides nanoparticles in poly(methyl methacrylate) matrices were prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FTIR confirms the dispersion of the nanoparticles in PMMA matrices with the C=O and C–O–C bonds of the PMMA shifting slightly which may be attributed to the interactions between the nanoparticles and PMMA. The ZnS nanoparticles in PMMA have average crystallite sizes of 4–7 nm while the CdS has particle size of 10 nm and HgS has crystallite sizes of 8–20 nm. The increasing order of particle sizes as calculated from the XRD is ZnS/PMMA<HgS/PMMA<CdS/PMMA and ranges from 1.02 to 1.35 nm. These calculated particle sizes are smaller than the values obtained from TEM.
Developing a Web-Based Advisory Expert System for Implementing Traffic Calming Strategies
Authors: Falamarzi Amir , Borhan Muhamad Nazri , Rahmat Riza Atiq O. K.
Published: September 2014

Lack of traffic safety has become a serious issue in residential areas. In this paper, a web-based advisory expert system for the purpose of applying traffic calming strategies on residential streets is described because there currently lacks a structured framework for the implementation of such strategies. Developing an expert system can assist and advise engineers for dealing with traffic safety problems. This expert system is developed to fill the gap between the traffic safety experts and people who seek to employ traffic calming strategies including decision makers, engineers, and students. In order to build the expert system, examining sources related to traffic calming studies as well as interviewing with domain experts have been carried out. The system includes above 150 rules and 200 images for different types of measures. The system has three main functions including classifying traffic calming measures, prioritizing traffic calming strategies, and presenting solutions for different traffic safety problems. Verifying, validating processes, and comparing the system with similar works have shown that the system is consistent and acceptable for practical uses. Finally, some recommendations for improving the system are presented.
Heparin and Liver Heparan Sulfate Can Rescue Hepatoma Cells from Topotecan Action
Authors: Dudás József , Bocsi József , Fullár Alexandra , Baghy Kornélia , Füle Tibor , Kudaibergenova Saule , Kovalszky Ilona
Published: September 2014

Topotecan (TpT) is a major inhibitory compound of topoisomerase (topo) I that plays important roles in gene transcription and cell division. We have previously reported that heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) might be transported to the cell nucleus and they can interact with topoisomerase I. We hypothesized that heparin and HS might interfere with the action of TpT. To test this hypothesis we isolated topoisomerase I containing cell nuclear protein fractions from normal liver, liver cancer tissues, and hepatoma cell lines. The enzymatic activity of these extracts was measured in the presence of heparin, liver HS, and liver cancer HS. In addition, topo I activity, cell viability, and apoptosis of HepG2 and Hep3B cells were investigated after heparin and TpT treatments. Liver cancer HS inhibited topo I activity in vitro. Heparin treatment abrogated topo I enzyme activity in Hep3B cells, but not in HepG2 cells, where the basal activity was higher. Heparin protected the two hepatoma cell lines from TpT actions and decreased the rate of TpT induced S phase block and cell death. These results suggest that heparin and HS might interfere with the function of TpT in liver and liver cancer.
An Integrative Review of the Methods Used to Research the Prevalence of Violence against Women in Pakistan
Authors: Madhani Farhana Irfan , Tompkins Catherine , Jack Susan M. , Fisher Anita
Published: September 2014

This paper is a report of an integrative review conducted to assess the methodological and ethical strategies used to protect participants and researchers in conducting violence against women (VAW) studies in Pakistan. The measurement of the prevalence of violence against women in Pakistan is challenging for researchers given the cultural norms and the traditional role of women. Lack of methodological rigor in addressing the concerns can result in underreporting of violence, create physical and emotional risk for the participants, interviewers, and researchers, and impose threats to internal and external validity of VAW studies. Using Whittemore and Knafl’s process for conducting an integrative review, 11 studies published between 1999 and 2012, reporting on prevalence, experiences, and factors associated with violence in a marital relationship were analyzed. Overall, studies reveal an underreporting of exposure to violence and threats to women and interviewers’ safety in the conduct of such studies, both of which present threats to study rigor. The utilization of WHO ethical and safety recommendations to guide VAW studies in this context should be considered.
Ostwald Ripening of the Platinum Nanoparticles in the Framework of the Modified LSW Theory
Authors: Vengrenovich R. D. , Ivanskii B. V. , Panko I. I. , Yarema S. V. , Kryvetskyi V. I. , Stasyk M. O.
Published: September 2014

An analysis of the experimental data related to the mechanism of Pt particles sintering has been carried out using the modified LSW theory. The size distribution for the Pt nanoparticles at the stage of Ostwald ripening fits the generalized Lifshitz‐Slyozov‐Wagner model calculated with the assumption of two parallel mechanisms involved in the nanoparticles growth (dissolution): diffusion and Wagner’s (controlled by the chemical reaction rate). Comparison between the experimental histograms and the curves calculated theoretically proves the governing role of the Wagner’s mechanism (chemical reaction) in the Pt nanoparticles growth.
Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Associated with Ogilvie Syndrome
Authors: Sakamoto Takashi , Suganuma Toshiyuki , Okada Shinichiro , Nakatani Kensuke , Tamaki Sawako , Lefor Alan T.
Published: September 2014

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is one type of acute mesenteric ischemia. Colonic pseudoobstruction, known as Ogilvie syndrome, is a disorder defined by colonic distension in the absence of mechanical obstruction. A relationship between these diseases has not yet been reported, based on a review of the literature. We report a patient with NOMI secondary to Ogilvie syndrome. An 82-year-old woman reported three days of intermittent abdominal pain. Plain computed tomography scan showed colonic obstruction at the rectosigmoid colon. Colonoscopy was performed that showed a large amount of stool and no evidence of tumor or other physical causes of obstruction. We diagnosed the patient with Ogilvie syndrome and continued nonoperative management. On the third hospital day, she complained of abdominal distension. A repeat CT scan showed pneumatosis intestinalis in the small bowel and ascending colon, with portal venous gas. Emergency laparotomy was performed with diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia. Intraoperatively, there were multiple skip ischemic lesions in the small intestine and cecum. We resected the ischemic bowel and performed a distal jejunostomy. Her residual small bowel measured just 20 cm in length. Postoperatively, her general status gradually improved. She was discharged with total parenteral nutrition and a small amount of enteral nutrition.
Notable Stabilization of α-Chymotrypsin by the Protic Ionic Additive, [ch][dhp]: Calorimetric Evidence for a Fine Enthalpy/Entropy Balance
Authors: Uchaneishvili Sophio , Makharadze Maya , Shushanyan Mikhael , van Eldik Rudi , Khoshtariya Dimitri E.
Published: September 2014

An impact of 0.5 to 3 M choline dihydrogen phosphate, [ch][dhp], the biotechnologically relevant ionic substance, on the thermal stability of a model globular protein, α-chymotrypsin (α-CT), has been studied exploiting the highly sensitive differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. The notable overall stabilizing effect of 11±2 K regarding the thermal transition (melting) temperature, Tm, has been detected. For this kind of series, for the first time, the calorimetric melting enthalpy (ΔHcal ) and transition entropy (ΔSm) parameters have been determined simultaneously throughout. The first analysis indicated a two-phase impact implying (a) the initial, dramatic drop in both ΔHcal  and ΔSm, obviously connected to specific, direct interaction between the [ch][dhp] components and α-CT’s charged groups (within 0 to 1 mol/L [ch][dhp]), leading to the essential rearrangement of the interfacial hydrogen-bonded (HB) network; and (b) the follow-up (within 1 to 3.0 mol/L [ch][dhp]), modest changes in ΔHcal  and lack of changes in ΔSm, seemingly connected with a subsequent steady strengthening of already reformed HB network, respectively. These changes, presumably, are primarily facilitated by Coulombic interactions between the [dhp] anions and solvent-exposed positively charged amino groups of α-CT.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in Cancers: Overexpression and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Iqbal Nida , Iqbal Naveed
Published: September 2014

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family having tyrosine kinase activity. Dimerization of the receptor results in the autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues within the cytoplasmic domain of the receptors and initiates a variety of signaling pathways leading to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Amplification or overexpression of HER2 occurs in approximately 15–30% of breast cancers and 10–30% of gastric/gastroesophageal cancers and serves as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. HER2 overexpression has also been seen in other cancers like ovary, endometrium, bladder, lung, colon, and head and neck. The introduction of HER2 directed therapies has dramatically influenced the outcome of patients with HER2 positive breast and gastric/gastroesophageal cancers; however, the results have been proved disappointing in other HER2 overexpressing cancers. This review discusses the role of HER2 in various cancers and therapeutic modalities available targeting HER2.
An Ensemble-of-Classifiers Based Approach for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Classification Using Structural Features of Brain Images
Authors: Farhan Saima , Fahiem Muhammad Abuzar , Tauseef Huma
Published: September 2014

Structural brain imaging is playing a vital role in identification of changes that occur in brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This paper proposes an automated image processing based approach for the identification of AD from MRI of the brain. The proposed approach is novel in a sense that it has higher specificity/accuracy values despite the use of smaller feature set as compared to existing approaches. Moreover, the proposed approach is capable of identifying AD patients in early stages. The dataset selected consists of 85 age and gender matched individuals from OASIS database. The features selected are volume of GM, WM, and CSF and size of hippocampus. Three different classification models (SVM, MLP, and J48) are used for identification of patients and controls. In addition, an ensemble of classifiers, based on majority voting, is adopted to overcome the error caused by an independent base classifier. Ten-fold cross validation strategy is applied for the evaluation of our scheme. Moreover, to evaluate the performance of proposed approach, individual features and combination of features are fed to individual classifiers and ensemble based classifier. Using size of left hippocampus as feature, the accuracy achieved with ensemble of classifiers is 93.75%, with 100% specificity and 87.5% sensitivity.
Performance Evaluation of Stone Mastic Asphalt and Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Pourtahmasb Mohammad Saeed , Karim Mohamed Rehan
Published: September 2014

Environmental and economic considerations have encouraged civil engineers to find ways to reuse recycled materials in new constructions. The current paper presents an experimental research on the possibility of utilizing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in stone mastic asphalt (SMA) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. Three categories of RCA in various percentages were mixed with virgin granite aggregates to produce SMA and HMA specimens. The obtained results indicated that, regardless of the RCA particular sizes, the use of RCA to replace virgin aggregates increased the needed binder content in the asphalt mixtures. Moreover, it was found that even though the volumetric and mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures are highly affected by the sizes and percentages of the RCA but, based on the demands of the project and traffic volume, utilizing specific amounts of RCA in both types of mixtures could easily satisfy the standard requirements.
Clinical Features and Outcomes Differ between Skeletal and Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Thampi Sheila , Matthay Katherine K. , Boscardin W. John , Goldsby Robert , DuBois Steven G.
Published: September 2014

Background. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a rare subtype of osteosarcoma. We investigated patient characteristics, overall survival, and prognostic factors in ESOS.Methods. We identified cases of high-grade osteosarcoma with known tissue of origin in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1973 to 2009. Demographics were compared using univariate tests. Overall survival was compared with log-rank tests and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards methods.Results. 256/4,173 (6%) patients with high-grade osteosarcoma had ESOS. Patients with ESOS were older, were more likely to have an axial tumor and regional lymph node involvement, and were female. Multivariate analysis showed ESOS to be favorable after controlling for stage, age, tumor site, gender, and year of diagnosis [hazard ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.90);p=0.002]. There was an interaction between age and tissue of origin such that older patients with ESOS had superior outcomes compared to older patients with skeletal osteosarcoma. Adverse prognostic factors in ESOS included metastatic disease, larger tumor size, older age, and axial tumor site.Conclusion. Patients with ESOS have distinct clinical features but similar prognostic factors compared to skeletal osteosarcoma. Older patients with ESOS have superior outcomes compared to older patients with skeletal osteosarcoma.
Intraperitoneal Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Benabdejlil Youssef , Kouach Jaouad , Babahabib Abdellah , Elhassani Moulay Elmehdi , Rharassi Issam , Boudhas Adil , Bakkali Hicham , Elmarjany Mohammed , Moussaoui Driss , Dehayni Mohamed
Published: September 2014

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pelvis are rare. We report the case of a 32-years-old patient who presented with abdominopelvic mass. The imaging studies showed a right adnexal mass of more than 10 cm. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a 20 cm mass at the Douglas pouch which was adhered to the posterior wall of the uterus. Complete resection of the mass was performed. Histological analysis showed a spindle cell undifferentiated tumor whose morphological and immunohistochemical profile are consistent with solitary fibrous tumor. It is important to know that although these tumors are rare, their evolution can be pejorative. Therefore, long-term followup should be recommended.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Evaluation of the Biological Properties of Heteroleptic Palladium(II) Complexes
Authors: Khan Hizbullah , Daraz Nek , Khan Muhammad Nasim , Said Muhammad , Akhtar Nosheen , Badshah Amin , Khan Amir Sada , Ali Murad
Published: September 2014

Five heteroleptic palladium(II) complexes of the general formula Pd(PR3)(tu)Cl2, where PR3= triphenylphosphine (1), diphenyl-o-tolylphosphine (2), diphenyl-p-tolylphosphine (3), diphenyl-t-butylphosphine (4), and diphenyl-o-methoxyphenylphosphine (5), and tu = 1,3-bis(2-methoxyphenyl) thiourea. They all have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (elemental analysis, FTIR, and1H NMR and the ligand 1,3-bis(2-methoxyphenyl) thiourea was synthesized by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique). The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against four strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli,Shigella flexneri,Staphylococcus aureus, andBacillus subtilis). The antitumor potential was evaluated in terms of activity against brine shrimp eggs and DNA interaction. The mixed ligand complexes have exhibited moderate antibacterial activity and promising antitumor potential.
Genomically Driven Precision Medicine to Improve Outcomes in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Pinto Nicole , Black Morgan , Patel Krupal , Yoo John , Mymryk Joe S. , Barrett John W. , Nichols Anthony C.
Published: September 2014

Thyroid cancer is an endocrine malignancy with an incidence rate that has been increasing steadily over the past 30 years. While well-differentiated subtypes have a favorable prognosis when treated with surgical resection and radioiodine, undifferentiated subtypes, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), are far more aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Conventional therapies (surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, and radioiodine) have been utilized for treatment of ATC, yet these treatments have not significantly improved the overall mortality rate. As cancer is a genetic disease, genetic alterations such as mutations, fusions, activation of oncogenes, and silencing of tumor suppressors contribute to its aggressiveness. With the use of next-generation sequencing and the Cancer Genome Atlas, mutation-directed therapy is recognized as the upcoming standard of care. In this review, we highlight the known genetic landscape of ATC and the need for a comprehensive genetic characterization of this disease in order to identify additional therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.
In VitroBioactivity and Antimicrobial Tuning of Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles Added with Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder
Authors: Prabhu M. , Ruby Priscilla S. , Kavitha K. , Manivasakan P. , Rajendran V. , Kulandaivelu P.
Published: September 2014

Silica and phosphate based bioactive glass nanoparticles (58SiO2-33CaO-9P2O5) with doping of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder and silver nanoparticles were prepared and characterised. Bioactive glass nanoparticles were produced using sol-gel technique.In vitrobioactivity of the prepared samples was investigated using simulated body fluid. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of prepared glass particles reveals amorphous phase and spherical morphology with a particle size of less than 50 nm. When compared to neem doped glass, better bioactivity was attained in silver doped glass through formation of hydroxyapatite layer on the surface, which was confirmed through XRD, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. However, neem leaf powder doped bioactive glass nanoparticles show good antimicrobial activity againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coliand less bioactivity compared with silver doped glass particles. In addition, the biocompatibility of the prepared nanocomposites reveals better results for neem doped and silver doped glasses at lower concentration. Therefore, neem doped bioactive glass may act as a potent antimicrobial agent for preventing microbial infection in tissue engineering applications.
Photocatalysis of Titanium Dioxide for Water Disinfection: Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Wu M. J. , Bak T. , O’Doherty P. J. , Moffitt M. C. , Nowotny J. , Bailey T. D. , Kersaitis C.
Published: September 2014

The performance of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, is determined by semiconducting properties. The conversion process is closely related to the light-induced reactivity between oxide semiconductors and water, which may lead to partial water oxidation and consequently water disinfection. Key performance-related properties are considered here, including light absorption, light-induced ionisation over the band gap, charge separation, charge transport, charge transfer, and the chemical reactions taking place at anodic and cathodic sites. Optimisation of these interconnected performance-related properties is discussed, along with the photocatalytic application in water disinfection.
Unstable Temperature Distribution in Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Hussein Sadiq Aziz , Thiru S. , Izamshah R. , Md Tahir Abd Salam
Published: September 2014

In the friction stir welding process, a nonuniform and high generated temperature is undesirable. Unstable temperature and distribution affect thermal and residual stresses along the welding line, thus necessitating mitigation. This paper presents a simple method to prevent significant temperature difference along the welding line and also to help nullifying some defect types associated with this welding, such as end-hole, initial unwelded line, and deformed areas. In the experimental investigation, a heat and force thermocouple and dynamometer were utilized while couple-field thermomechanical models were used to evaluate temperature and its distribution, plastic strain, and material displacement. The suggested method generated uniform temperature distributions. Measurement results are discussed, showing a good correlation with predictions.
Jussara (Euterpe edulisMart.) Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation Modulates the Gene and Protein Expression of Inflammation Biomarkers Induced bytrans-Fatty Acids in the Colon of Offspring
Authors: Almeida Morais Carina , Oyama Lila Missae , Oliveira Juliana Lopez de , Carvalho Garcia Márcia , Rosso Veridiana Vera de , Sousa Mendes Amigo Laís , Nascimento Claudia Maria Oller do , Pisani Luciana Pellegrini
Published: September 2014

Maternal intake oftrans-fatty acids (TFAs) in the perinatal period triggers a proinflammatory state in offspring. Anthocyanins contained in fruit are promising modulators of inflammation. This study investigated the effect of Jussara supplementation in the maternal diet on the proinflammatory state of the colon in offspring exposed to perinatal TFAs. On the first day of pregnancy rats were divided into four groups: control diet (C), control diet with 0.5% Jussara supplementation (CJ), diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat, rich in TFAs (T), or T diet supplemented with 0.5% Jussara (TJ) during pregnancy and lactation. We showed that Jussara supplementation in maternal diet (CJ and TJ groups) reduced carcass lipid/protein ratios, serum lipids, glucose, IL-6, TNF-α, gene expression of IL-6R, TNF-αR (P<0.05), TLR-4 (P<0.01), and increaseLactobacillusspp. (P<0.05) in the colon of offspring compared to the T group. The IL-10 (P=0.035) and IL-10/TNF-α ratio (P<0.01) was higher in the CJ group than in the T group. The 0.5% Jussara supplementation reverses the adverse effects of perinatal TFAs, improving lipid profiles, glucose levels, body composition, and gut microbiota and reducing low-grade inflammation in the colon of 21-day-old offspring, and could contribute to reducing chronic disease development.
Skin Diseases Associated with the Depletion of Stratum Corneum Lipids and Stratum Corneum Lipid Substitution Therapy
Authors: Sahle Fitsum F. , Gebre-Mariam Tsige , Dobner Bodo , Wohlrab Johannes , Neubert Reinhard H.H.
Published: September 2014

The skin is the largest organ of the body, whose main function is to protect the body against the loss of physiologically important components as well as harmful environmental insults. From the inside to the outside, the skin comprises three major structural layers: the hypodermis, the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis contains four different sublayers, the stratum corneum (SC), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and stratum basale, where the barrier function of the skin mainly lies in the outermost layer of the epidermis, the SC. The SC contains corneocytes that are embedded in a lipid matrix existing in the form of lipid bilayers. The lipid bilayers are formed mainly from ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol, constitute the only continuous pathway across the SC and are responsible for the barrier function of the skin. However, the depletion or disturbance of SC lipids in the SC leads to a perturbation of the barrier function of the skin, and, conversely, several skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are associated with the depletion of these SC lipids. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the interrelationship between the depletion of SC lipids and skin diseases as well as factors that affect the composition and organization of SC lipids in order to assess the potential benefit of a direct replacement of the missing SC lipids as a means of treating affected, aged or diseased skin. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Historical Review: Suspension Therapy for the Treatment of Tabes Dorsalis
Authors: Weiner Marie-France , Silver John Russell
Published: September 2014

Background: Suspension therapy was developed by a Russian doctor, A. Motschutkovsky and at the end of the 19th century it was a popular treatment for tabes dorsalis. It was endorsed by Jean-Martin Charcot in France and Weir Mitchell in the United States; but after 10 years, it was abandoned because it proved to be useless and some patients developed paralysis. Summary: The effect of suspension upon a spinal cord affected by tabes dorsalis and a healthy spinal cord has been analyzed in the light of current knowledge. The benefits of suspension were thought to be due to an improvement in the blood supply to the spinal cord and due to the suggestibility or the placebo effect. Key Message: Analysis of the contemporary literature in the light of current research shows that suspension therapy was a powerful weapon that could cause impairment to the conductivity of the spinal cord and this has important implications for current therapy such as the use of Harrington rods.
Problems with the Identification of ‘Problematic' Cannabis Use: Examining the Issues of Frequency, Quantity, and Drug Use Environment
Authors: Asbridge Mark , Duff Cameron , Marsh David C. , Erickson Patricia G.
Published: September 2014

Considerable recent attention has focused on how harmful or problematic cannabis use is defined and understood in the literature and put to use in clinical practice. The aim of the current study is to review conceptual and measurement shortcomings in the identification of problematic cannabis use, drawing on the WHO ASSIST instrument for specific examples. Three issues with the current approach are debated and discussed: (1) the identification of problematic cannabis use disproportionately relies on measures of the frequency of cannabis consumption rather than the harms experienced; (2) the quantity consumed on a typical day is not considered when assessing problematic use, and (3) screening tools for problematic use employ a ‘one-size-fits-all approach' and fail to reflect on the drug use context (networks and environment). Our commentary tackles each issue, with a review of relevant literature coupled with analyses of two Canadian data sources - a representative sample of the Canadian adult population and a smaller sample of adult, regular, long-term cannabis users from four Canadian cities - to further articulate each point. This article concludes with a discussion of appropriate treatment interventions and approaches to reduce cannabis-related harms, and offers suggested changes to improve the measurement of problematic cannabis use.
Positive FDG-PET/CT der Pleura 20 Jahre nach Talkumpleurodese: Drei Fälle von benignem Talkom
Authors: Vandemoortele Thomas , Laroumagne Sophie , Roca Elisa , Bylicki Olivier , Dales Jean-Philippe , Dutau Hervé , Astoul Philippe
Published: September 2014

Immer häufiger wird der Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie-Scan mit 18F-Fluordesoxyglucose (FDG-PET-Scan) genutzt, um Anomalien der Pleura zu untersuchen und die Möglichkeit eines neoplastischen Befalls zu prüfen. Falsch-positive Befunde sind jedoch nicht selten, und die Talkumpleurodese verursacht Berichten zufolge noch bis zu 5 Jahre nach der Durchführung hypermetabolische Pleuraverdickungen. Wir berichten über die Fälle von 3 Patienten (2 davon mit einer Vorgeschichte von Asbestexposition), die zwischen 1988 und 1990 wegen wiederkehrendem Pneumothorax mit einer Talkumpleurodese behandelt und 2011 erneut auf pleurale Veränderungen untersucht wurden. Zwar wurden ausgeprägte Pleuraverdickungen, die dem Bild eines Pleuratumors ähnelten, im FDG-PET-Scan gefunden, jedoch als Folge der Pleurodese eingestuft. Die Talkumpleurodese löst eine entzündliche Reaktion aus, die pleurale Adhäsionen fördert. Diese Entzündungsreaktion könnte mit der Zeit schwächer werden, wie es auch bei anderen entzündlichen Prozessen der Fall ist. Da Talkum vom Körper nicht abgebaut wird, kann der FDG-PET-Scan jedoch auch 20 Jahre später noch positiv sein - vermutlich infolge einer granulomatösen Fremdkörperreaktion. Es ist wichtig, sich dieser Möglichkeit bewusst zu sein und Patienten mit pleuralen Veränderungen zu früheren Eingriffen zu befragen bzw. Kollegen, die für die Interpretation der stoffwechselbezogenen bildgebenden Untersuchungen zuständig sind, über solche Eingriffe zu informieren. Die Nachbeobachtung von hypermetabolischen pleuralen Läsionen, die einer Talkumpleurodese zugeschrieben werden, ist wichtig, um neue pleurale Veränderungen oder neoplastische Entwicklungen zu erkennen.