bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Temperature of Oxalic Acid on the Fabrication of Porous Anodic Alumina from Al‐Mn Alloys
Authors: Voon C. H. , Derman M. N. , Hashim U. , Ahmad K. R. , Foo K. L.
Published: May 2013

The influence of temperature of oxalic acid on the formation of well‐ordered porous anodic alumina on Al‐0.5 wt% Mn alloys was studied. Porous anodic alumina has been produced on Al‐0.5 wt% Mn substrate by single‐step anodising at 50 V in 0.5 M oxalic acid at temperature ranged from 5°C to 25°C for 60 minutes. The steady‐state current density increased accordingly with the temperature of oxalic acid. Hexagonal pore arrangement was formed on porous anodic alumina that was formed in oxalic acid of 5, 10 and 15°C while disordered porous anodic alumina was formed in oxalic acid of 20 and 25°C. The temperature of oxalic acid did not affect the pore diameter and interpore distance of porous anodic alumina. Both rate of increase of thickness and oxide mass increased steadily with increasing temperature of oxalic acid, but the current efficiency decreased as the temperature of oxalic acid increased due to enhanced oxide dissolution from pore wall.
An Investment and Consumption Problem with CIR Interest Rate and Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Chang Hao , Rong Xi-min
Published: May 2013

We are concerned with an investment and consumption problem with stochastic interest rate and stochastic volatility, in which interest rate dynamic is described by the Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) model and the volatility of the stock is driven by Heston’s stochastic volatility model. We apply stochastic optimal control theory to obtain the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for the value function and choose power utility and logarithm utility for our analysis. By using separate variable approach and variable change technique, we obtain the closed-form expressions of the optimal investment and consumption strategy. A numerical example is given to illustrate our results and to analyze the effect of market parameters on the optimal investment and consumption strategies.
An Index for Measuring Functional Diversity in Plant Communities Based on Neural Network Theory
Authors: Song Naiqi , Zhang Jin-Tun
Published: May 2013

Functional diversity in plant communities is a key driver of ecosystem processes. The effective methods for measuring functional diversity are important in ecological studies. A new method based on neural network, self-organizing feature map (SOFM index), was put forward and described. A case application to the study of functional diversity ofPhellodendron amurensecommunities in Xiaolongmen Forest Park of Beijing was carried out in this paper. The results showed that SOFM index was an effective method in the evaluation of functional diversity and its change in plant communities. Significant nonlinear correlations of SOFM index with the common used methods, FAD, MFAD, FDp, FDc, FRic, and FDiv indices, also proved that SOFM index is useful in the studies of functional diversity.
Ceruloplasmin and the Extent of Heart Failure in Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients
Authors: Xu Yifei , Lin Haiyan , Zhou Ying , Cheng Gang , Xu Geng
Published: May 2013

Objective. Ceruloplasmin was elevated in patients with coronary heart disease, but the relationship between ceruloplasmin and heart failure was still unknown. We aimed to evaluate ceruloplasmin in heart failure patients and assess association between ceruloplasmin and the extent of heart failure.Methods and Results. 202 heart failure patients were divided into ischemic (78 with coronary stenosis) and nonischemic groups (124 without coronary stenosis). 94 subjects without heart failure were included as controls. The extent of heart failure was defined according to NYHA classification. Ceruloplasmin levels in ischemic (P<0.001) and nonischemic groups (P<0.001) were higher than those in control group. Ceruloplasmin had a positive linear correlation with C-reactive protein (P<0.01) and a negative linear correlation with LVEF (P<0.05). In nonischemic group, CP levels were significantly different among different NYHA subgroups (P<0.05). The correlation between ceruloplasmin and extent of heart failure was calculated by binary logistic regression. Ceruloplasmin showed an independent association with the extent of heart failure in nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients (P<0.05).Conclusions. Ceruloplasmin was significantly elevated in patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy and had linear correlation with C-reactive protein and LVEF. In nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients, the ceruloplasmin value was an independent biomarker associated with the extent of heart failure.
Pure Androgen-Secreting Adrenal Adenoma Associated with Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René , Bautista-Medina Mario Arturo , Teniente-Sanchez Ana Eugenia , Zapata-Rivera Maria Azucena , Montes-Villarreal Juan
Published: May 2013

Pure androgen-secreting adrenal adenoma is very rare, and its diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. Its association with resistant hypertension is uncommon and not well understood. We present an 18-year-old female with a 10-year history of hirsutism that was accidentally diagnosed with an adrenal mass during the evaluation of a hypertensive crisis. She had a long-standing history of hirsutism, clitorimegaly, deepening of the voice, and primary amenorrhea. She was phenotypically and socially a male. FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and progesterone were normal. Total testosterone and DHEA-S were elevated. Cushing syndrome, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia were ruled out. She underwent adrenalectomy and pathology reported an adenoma. At 2-month followup, hirsutism and virilizing symptoms clearly improved and blood pressure normalized without antihypertensive medications, current literature of this unusual illness and it association with hypertension is presented and discussed.
Privacy Care Architecture in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Kyong-Jin , Hong Seng-Phil
Published: May 2013

With regard to the spread of innovative technologies, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have great research interest in recent years. Although the WSN service is being facilitated, security related accidents are continuously incurring. In particular, many activities between mobile devices and sensor nodes take place without too much of protection of privacy information. To avoid these risks in WSN, we do need to devise the privacy care architecture to prevent the private data loss or breach especially in WSN. In this paper, we focus on WSN privacy issues with respect to mobile environments. We also suggest architecture to securely manage private data collected by WSN. It helps to protect the collected private data more efficiently and prevent the private data loss and breach.
Influence of Gastrectomy on Cortical and Cancellous Bones in Rats
Authors: Iwamoto Jun , Sato Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Hideo
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of gastrectomy (GX) on cortical and cancellous bones in rats. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the two groups of 10 animals each: a sham operation (control) group and a GX group. Seven weeks after surgery, the bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD, resp.) and the mechanical strength of the femur were determined, and bone histomorphometric analyses were performed on the tibia. GX induced decreases in the BMC, BMD, ultimate force, work to failure, and stiffness of the femoral distal metaphysis and the BMC, BMD, and ultimate force of the femoral diaphysis. GX induced a decrease in cancellous bone mass, characterized by an increased osteoid thickness, osteoid surface, osteoid volume, and bone formation. GX also induced a decrease in cortical bone mass, characterized by increased endocortical bone resorption. The GX induced reductions in the bone mass and strength parameters were greater in cancellous bone than in cortical bone. The present study showed that the response of bone formation, resorption, and osteoid parameters to GX and the degree of GX-induced osteopenia and the deterioration of bone strength appeared to differ between cortical and cancellous bones in rats.
Anthricin Isolated fromAnthriscus sylvestris(L.) Hoffm. Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Akt/mTOR Signaling, and Its Apoptotic Effects Are Enhanced by Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Jung Chang Hwa , Kim Heemun , Ahn Jiyun , Jung Sung Keun , Um Min Young , Son Kun-Ho , Kim Tae Wan , Ha Tae Youl
Published: May 2013

Anthricin (deoxypodophyllotoxin) is a natural product isolated fromAnthriscus sylvestris(L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae). Here, we investigated the effect of anthricin on autophagy and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling as anticancer actions in breast cancer cells. Many studies have supported the contention that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTORC1 pathway is considerably deregulated in breast cancer and that autophagy plays important roles in the development of this type of cancer, although the exact underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our data confirmed that anthricin markedly induced apoptosis in 2 breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 (estrogen receptor positive) and MDA-MB-231 (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her2/Neu receptor negative). Anthricin treatment decreased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and mTORC1, followed by inhibition of cell growth. Interestingly, blockage of autophagy by a pharmacological inhibitor or genetic deletion of ULK1 and Atg13 accelerated anthricin-induced apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy has cytoprotective effects. Taken together, our results indicate that anthricin is an inhibitor of mTOR and that a combination of an autophagy inhibitor and anthricin may serve as a new promising strategy for the treatment of breast cancer cells.
An Improved RFID-Based Localization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ye Ayong , Ling Yuanjing , Xu Li , Yang Xiaoliang
Published: May 2013

The position of RFID-tagged objects in sensor networks is becoming an important feature for ubiquitous computing applications. In this work, we develop an improved positioning algorithm for RFID-tagged objects. Compared with the VIRE algorithm, we apply a nonlinear interpolation method to further improve the positioning precision. We also introduce the concept of credibility of reference tags to reduce the influence of abnormal tags on positioning precision. Finally, we provide detailed simulations to evaluate the proposed technique.
Cases That Respond to Oncothermia Monotherapy
Authors: Jeung Tae Sig , Ma Sun Young , Yu Jesang , Lim Sangwook
Published: May 2013

There is a long history of hyperthermia in oncology, but its wide range acceptance and application are missing even today. A new approach of oncological hyperthermia, oncothermia, looks promising modality of the complementary treatment of advanced malignant cases. Our present paper is targeting this method, trying to answer the question of its feasibility to treat various advanced cases in monotherapy process, as well as its applicability for a long, large number of treatment sessions protocols.
Robustness of Auditory Teager Energy Cepstrum Coefficients for Classification of Pathological and Normal Voices in Noisy Environments
Authors: Salhi Lotfi , Cherif Adnane
Published: May 2013

This paper focuses on a robust feature extraction algorithm for automatic classification of pathological and normal voices in noisy environments. The proposed algorithm is based on human auditory processing and the nonlinear Teager‐Kaiser energy operator. The robust features which labeled Teager Energy Cepstrum Coefficients (TECCs) are computed in three steps. Firstly, each speech signal frame is passed through a Gammatone or Mel scale triangular filter bank. Then, the absolute value of the Teager energy operator of the short‐time spectrum is calculated. Finally, the discrete cosine transform of the log‐filtered Teager Energy spectrum is applied. This feature is proposed to identify the pathological voices using a developed neural system of multilayer perceptron (MLP). We evaluate the developed method using mixed voice database composed of recorded voice samples from normophonic or dysphonic speakers. In order to show the robustness of the proposed feature in detection of pathological voices at different White Gaussian noise levels, we compare its performance with results for clean environments. The experimental results show that TECCs computed from Gammatone filter bank are more robust in noisy environments than other extracted features, while their performance is practically similar to clean environments.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of ZnWO4 Nanocrystals via a Fast Microwave‐Assisted Method
Authors: Yan Jing , Shen Yanhua , Li Feng , Li Taohai
Published: May 2013

High crystallinity of ZnWO4 nanoparticles has been successfully synthesized via a highly effective and environmentally friendly microwave route by controlling the reaction time and temperature. The products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier infrared spectrum (FT‐IR). The crystallinity was enhanced with the increase of the reaction temperature and time. The photocatalytic activities of ZnWO4 nanocrystals were evaluated by testing the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The results indicated that as‐prepared ZnWO4 was highly effective for the degradation of RhB. The degradation rate of RhB reached 98.01% after 6 h of UV illumination.
Exp‐Function Method for Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Zheng Bin
Published: May 2013

We extend the Exp‐function method to fractional partial differential equations in the sense of modified Riemann‐Liouville derivative based on nonlinear fractional complex transformation. For illustrating the validity of this method, we apply it to the space‐time fractional Fokas equation and the nonlinear fractional Sharma‐Tasso‐Olver (STO) equation. As a result, some new exact solutions for them are successfully established.
Myasthenia Gravis and Stroke in the Setting of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Tripodaki Elli-Sophia , Kakavas Sotirios , Skrapari Ioanna , Michas Dimitrios , Katsikas Giorgios , Kouvidou Charikleia , Gounaris Theodoros , Sioula Euaggelia
Published: May 2013

This case report concerns the diagnosis of two independent chronic diseases in a patient hospitalized for stroke, myasthenia gravis (MG) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). MG has been found to be associated with several diseases, but there are very few cases documenting its coexistence with GCA. We report the case of a 79-year-old woman initially hospitalized for stroke. Patient’s concurrent symptoms of blepharoptosis, dysphagia, and proximal muscle weakness were strongly suggestive of myasthenia gravis. The persistent low-grade fever and elevated inflammatory markers in combination with the visual deterioration that developed also raised the suspicion of GCA. Histological examination confirmed GCA, while muscle acetylcholine receptor antibodies were also present. Even though in medicine one strives to interpret a patient’s symptoms with one diagnosis, when one entity cannot fully interpret the clinical and laboratory findings, clinicians must consider the possibility of a second coexisting illness.
Asymptotic Analysis for One-Name Credit Derivatives
Authors: Ma Yong-Ki , Kim Beom Jin
Published: May 2013

We propose approximate solutions to price defaultable zero-coupon bonds as well as the corresponding credit default swaps and bond options. We consider the intensity-based approach of a two-correlated-factor Hull-White model with stochastic volatility of interest rate process. Perturbations from the stochastic volatility are computed by using an asymptotic analysis. We also study the sensitive properties of the defaultable bond prices and the yield curves.
Prevalence of Swimming Puppy Syndrome in 2,443 Puppies during the Years 2006–2012 in Thailand
Authors: Nganvongpanit Korakot , Yano Terdsak
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to report on the prevalence of swimming puppy syndrome (SPS) and investigate predisposing factors. Data were recorded from 2,443 puppies (1,183 males and 1,260 females) in Thailand, October 2006–September 2012, including breed, sex, number of puppies per litter, type of nest floor, number of affected limbs, and occurrence of pectus excavatum. Fifty-two puppies (2.13%) were diagnosed with SPS. The breed most frequently affected was English Bulldog (8.33%). There was no significant difference(P>0.05)between presence and absence of disease based on sex, breed, and nest floor type. The number of puppies per litter was associated with SPS; puppies from smaller litters (1.92 ± 1.12) had a higher prevalence of the disease(P<0.01)than puppies from larger litters (3.64 ± 2.24). Moreover, 15.38% of puppies with affected limbs showed signs of pectus excavatum (8/52); this clinical sign was more prevalent(P<0.01)in puppies with all four limbs affected with SPS.
Proteomic Profiling for Peritoneal Dialysate: Differential Protein Expression in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Ming-Hui , Wang Hsien-Yi , Lu Chi-Yu , Tsai Wan-Chi , Lin Po-Chiao , Su Shih-Bin , Tyan Yu-Chang
Published: May 2013

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an increasingly accepted modality of renal replacement therapy. It provides the advantages of having a flexible lifestyle, stable hemodynamics, and better preservation of residual renal function. To enhance our understanding of the peritoneal dialysate of diabetes mellitus (DM), peritoneal dialysate proteins were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) combined with reverse-phase nano-ultra performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-nano-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation patterning. To validate the differential proteins, ELISA and Western blotting analyses were applied to detect candidate proteins that may be related to DM. We performed 2DE on the peritoneal dialysate samples, with detection of more than 300 spots. From this, 13 spots were excised, in-gel digested, and identified by RP-nano-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Ten of these showed significant differential expression between the DM and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) peritoneal dialysate samples. In this study, we conducted a comparative proteomic study on these two groups of dialysate that may provide evidence for understanding the different peritoneal protein changes. These proteins may not be new biomarkers; however, they may indicate a situation for possible drug treatment and can be the predictors of peritonitis for a validation study in the future.
Canine Choroid Plexus Tumor with Intracranial Dissemination Presenting as Multiple Cystic Lesions
Authors: Oura Trisha J. , Early Peter J. , Jennings Samuel H. , Lewis Melissa J. , Tobias Jeremy R. , Thrall Donald E.
Published: May 2013

A Miniature Pinscher developed acute blindness and behavioral changes. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there were multiple small intra-axial cystic lesions, and primary differential diagnoses included primary or metastatic neoplasia and neurocysticercosis. These cystic lesions were subsequently diagnosed histopathologically as disseminated choroid plexus carcinoma. This is only the second documented description of this diagnosis in a dog, but both patients had very similar MRI findings. This patient adds to the literature about the MRI characteristics of choroid plexus tumors and indicates that choroid plexus tumor should be considered as a possible cause of small multifocal intra-axial cystic brain lesions in dogs, regardless of whether a primary intraventricular lesion is visible.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Gause-Type Predator-Prey System with Multiple Delays
Authors: Liu Juan , Sun Changwei , Li Yimin
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with a Gause-type predator-prey system with two delays. Firstly, we study the stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcation at the coexistence equilibrium by analyzing the distribution of the roots of the associated characteristic equation. A group of sufficient conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation is obtained. Secondly, an explicit formula for determining the stability and the direction of periodic solutions that bifurcate from Hopf bifurcation is derived by using the normal form theory and center manifold argument. Finally, some numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main theoretical results.
A Fuzzy Multicriteria Group Decision-Making Method with New Entropy of Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Yang Li , Wang Pei , Yue Wei
Published: May 2013

A new entropy measure of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) is proposed by using cotangent function, which overcomes several limitations in the existing methods for calculating entropy of IVIFS. The efficiency of the new entropy is demonstrated by comparing it with several classical entropies. Moreover, an entropy weight model is established to determine the entropy weights for fuzzy multicriteria group decision-making (FMCGDMs) problems, which depends on incomplete weight information of criteria in IVIFSs setting. Finally, an illustrative supplier selection problem is used to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method. It is capable of the handling the FMCGDM problems with incomplete known weights for criteria.
Antireflective Nanocomposite Based Coating on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Gangopadhyay Utpal , Jana Sukhendu , Das Sayan , Garain Sutapa , Ray Soma
Published: May 2013

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems represent an interesting, alternative approach for increasing the available area for electricity production and potentially for further reducing the cost of solar electricity. In BIPV systems, the visual impression of a solar module becomes important, including its color. However, the range of solar cell colours and shapes currently on offer to architects and BIPV system designers is still very limited, and this is a barrier to the widespread use of PV modules as a constructional “material.” The color of a solar module is determined by the color of the cells in the module, which is given by the antireflection coating (ARC). However, access to efficient, but differently colored, solar cells is important for the further development of BIPV systems. In this paper, we have used Diamond-like nanocomposite layer as an Antireflective Nanocomposite based (ARNAB) coating material for crystalline silicon solar cell, and the impact of varying the color of an ARC upon the optical characteristics and efficiency of a solar cell is investigated. In addition to a comparison of the optical characteristics of such solar cells, the effect of using colored ARCs on solar cell efficiency is quantified using the solar cell modeling tool PC1D.
A Case of Secondary Aortoesophageal Fistula Inserted a Covered Self-Expanding Esophageal Stent to Control Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Onodera Makoto , Inoue Yoshihiro , Fujino Yasuhisa , Kikuchi Satoshi , Endo Shigeatsu
Published: May 2013

A 73-year-old man presented with melena. After a thorough workup including esophageal endoscopy, computed tomography scans, and esophagography, the diagnosis of secondary aortoesophageal fistula was made. Two years previously, he had undergone endovascular stent-graft repair for the dissection of his descending thoracic aorta. Because of the generally poor condition of the patient and the high risk of any aggressive surgical intervention, we inserted a covered self-expanding esophageal stent on postadmission day 18. Esophagography after insertion did not show any evidence of a leak of contrast medium. Despite treatment with antibiotics, he developed sepsis and expired on day 52, but rebleeding did not occur in this period. We consider insertion of a covered self-expanding esophageal stent as a feasible option in the management of secondary aortoesophageal fistula in high-risk patients.
On the Discrete Spectrum of a Model Operator in Fermionic Fock Space
Authors: Muminov Zahriddin , Ismail Fudziah , Eshkuvatov Zainidin , Rasulov Jamshid
Published: May 2013

We consider a model operatorHassociated with a system describing three particles in interaction, without conservation of the number of particles. The operatorHacts in the direct sum of zero-, one-, and two-particle subspaces of thefermionic Fock space ℱa(L2(𝕋3))overL2(𝕋3). We admit a general form for the "kinetic" part of the HamiltonianH, which contains a parameterγto distinguish the two identical particles from the third one. (i) We find a critical valueγ*for the parameterγthat allows or forbids the Efimov effect (infinite number of bound states if the associated generalized Friedrichs model has a threshold resonance) and we prove that only forγ<γ*the Efimov effect is absent, while this effect exists for anyγ>γ*. (ii) In the caseγ>γ*, we also establish the following asymptotics for the numberN(z)of eigenvalues ofHbelowz0, for allγ>γ*.
Imatinib Mesylate Effectiveness in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with Additional Cytogenetic Abnormalities at Diagnosis among Black Africans
Authors: Aïssata Tolo Diebkilé , Sawadogo Duni , Nanho Clotaire , Kouakou Boidy , Meité N'dogomo , Emeuraude N'Dhatz , Roméo Ayémou , Yassongui Mamadou Sekongo , Kouéhion Paul , Mozart Konan , Koffi Gustave , Sanogo Ibrahima
Published: May 2013

Imatinib mesylate provides good results in the treatment of CML in general. But what about the results of this treatment in CML associated with additional cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis among black Africans? For this, we retrospectively studied 27 cases of CML associated with additional cytogenetic abnormalities, diagnosed in the department of clinical hematology of the University Hospital of Yopougon in Côte d'Ivoire, from May 2005 to October 2011. The age of patients ranged from 13 to 68 years, with a mean age of 38 years and a sex ratio of 2. Patients were severely symptomatic with a high Sokal score of 67%. CML in chronic phase accounted for 67%. The prevalence of additional cytogenetic abnormalities was 29.7%. There were variants of the Philadelphia chromosome (18.5%), trisomy 8 (14.8%), complex cytogenetic abnormalities (18.5%), second Philadelphia chromosome (14.8%), and minor cytogenetic abnormalities (44.4%). Complete hematologic remission was achieved in 59%, with 52% of major cytogenetic remission. The outcome was fatal in 37% of patients. Death was related in 40% to hematologic toxicity and in 30% to acutisation. The median survival was 40 months.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis ofGinkgo bilobain Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine
Authors: Brondino Natascia , De Silvestri Annalisa , Re Simona , Lanati Niccolò , Thiemann Pia , Verna Anna , Emanuele Enzo , Politi Pierluigi
Published: May 2013

Ginkgo biloba(Gb) has demonstrated antioxidant and vasoactive properties as well as clinical benefits in several conditions such as ischemia, epilepsy, and peripheral nerve damage. Additionally, Gb is supposed to act as potential cognitive enhancer in dementia. So far, several trials have been conducted to investigate the potential effectiveness of Gb in neuropsychiatric conditions. However, the results of these studies remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of three randomised controlled trials in patients with schizophrenia and eight randomised controlled trials in patients with dementia. Gb treatment reduced positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and improved cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with dementia. No effect of Gb on negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients was found. The general lack of evidence prevents drawing conclusions regarding Gb effectiveness in other neuropsychiatric conditions (i.e., autism, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction). Our data support the use of Gb in patients with dementia and as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenic patients.
Mathematical Model Based on BP Neural Network Algorithm for the Deflection Identification of Storage Tank and Calibration of Tank Capacity Chart
Authors: Li Caihong , Yuan Yali , Song Lulu , Tan Yunjian , Wang Guochen
Published: May 2013

The tank capacity chart calibration problem of two oil tanks with deflection was studied, one of which is an elliptical cylinder storage tank with two truncated ends and another is a cylinder storage tank with two spherical crowns. Firstly, the function relation between oil reserve and oil height based on the integral method was precisely deduced, when the storage tank has longitudinal inclination but has no deflection. Secondly, the nonlinear optimization model which has both longitudinal inclination parameterαand lateral deflection parameterβwas constructed, using cut-complement method and approximate treatment method. Then the deflection tank capacity chart calibration with a 10 cm oil level height interval was worked out. Lastly, the tank capacity chart was corrected by BP neural network algorithm and got proportional error of theoretical and experimental measurements ranges from 0% to 0.00015%. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method has better performance in terms of tank capacity chart calibration accuracy compared with other existing approaches and has a strongly practical significance.
Treatment of Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Suen Matthew , Fung B. , Lung C. P.
Published: May 2013

Ganglion cysts are soft tissue swellings occurring most commonly in the hand or wrist. Apart from swelling, most cysts are asymptomatic. Other symptoms include pain, weakness, or paraesthesia. The two main concerns patients have are the cosmetic appearance of the cysts and the fear of future malignant growth. It has been shown that 58% of cysts will resolve spontaneously over time. Treatment can be either conservative or through surgical excision. This review concluded that nonsurgical treatment is largely ineffective in treating ganglion cysts. However, it advised to patients who do not surgical treatment but would like symptomatic relief. Compared to surgery, which has a lower recurrence rate but have a higher complication rate with longer recovery period. It has been shown that surgical interventions do not provide better symptomatic relief compared to conservative treatment. If symptomatic relief is the patient’s primary concern, a conservative approach is preferred, whilst surgical intervention will decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
Prevalence and Risk Indicators for Anal Incontinence among Pregnant Women
Authors: Laine Katariina , Skjeldestad Finn Egil , Sandvik Leiv , Staff Anne Cathrine
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of anal incontinence in an unselected pregnant population at second trimester. A survey of pregnant women attending a routine ultrasound examination was conducted in a university hospital in Oslo, Norway. A questionnaire consisting of 105 items concerning anal incontinence (including St. Mark’s score), urinary incontinence, medication use, and comorbidity was posted to women when invited to the ultrasound examination. Results. Prevalence of self-reported anal incontinence (St. Mark’s score ≥ 3) was the lowest in the group of women with a previous cesarean section only (6.4%) and the highest among women with a previous delivery complicated by obstetric anal sphincter injury (24.4%). Among nulliparous women the prevalence of anal incontinence was 7.7% and was associated to low educational level and comorbidity. Prevalence of anal incontinence increased with increasing parity. Urinary incontinence was associated with anal incontinence in all parity groups. Conclusions. Anal incontinence was most frequent among women with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury. Other obstetrical events had a minor effect on prevalence of anal incontinence among parous women. Prevention of obstetrical sphincter injury is likely the most important factor for reducing bothersome anal incontinence among fertile women.
Metals Ions Removal by Polymer Membranes of Different Porosity
Authors: Jasiewicz Katarzyna , Pietrzak Robert
Published: May 2013

The effect of the amount of pore generating agent (polyvinylpyrrolidone) added to standard polymer membranes containing 18 wt.% of polyethersulfone on the physicochemical properties of the membranes and their capacity for removal of iron and copper ions from the liquid phase was studied. The membranes were obtained by the phase inversion method. The results have shown that the modification of polymer membranes by the use of different amounts of the pore forming agent in their syntheses leads to significant changes in porosity and has beneficial effect on equilibrium water content. The membranes studied were found to show different acid‐base surface character, but for all membranes studied, a significant dominance of oxygen groups of acidic character was evidenced. The most effective were the membranes of the lowest content of polyvinylpyrrolidone, while the lowest values of resistance showed the membranes of the highest content of PVP, and so the ones of the greatest porosity.
Intrapericardial and Intrapleural Administration of Rituximab to a Patient with Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Authors: Boguradzki Piotr , Drozd-Sokolowska Joanna Ewa , Wieczorek Jolanta , Kowalik Robert , Starczewska Marta , Krol Maria , Kobylecka Malgorzata , Opolski Grzegorz , Wiktor-Jedrzejczak Wiesław
Published: May 2013

The addition of rituximab to standard chemotherapy has improved the results of the treatment of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Under specific circumstances, it can be administered locally, as an alternative to systemic administration. We administered rituximab intrapericardially in an attempt to control pericardial effusion. We report the case of an 85-year-old woman, diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma, who developed heart failure due to lymphomatous infiltration of the pericardium. We discuss in detail the possibility of intrapericardial treatment of such patients. The patient received rituximab intrapericardially at a dose of 100 mg in addition to systemic rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone immunochemotherapy. The treatment proved to be safe and effective. The patient has remained in good health for more than 3 years at the time of writing. Intrapericardial administration of rituximab may be a valuable therapeutic option for patients with lymphoma that involves the pericardium and heart.
Postnatal Systemic Inflammation Exacerbates Impairment of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in an Animal Seizure Model
Authors: Chen Yuan-Hao , Kuo Tung-Tai , Chu Ming-Ting , Ma Hsin-I , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Huang Eagle Yi-Kung
Published: May 2013

Objective: To investigate the effects of systemic inflammation in the critical postnatal stages on neurophysiological actions of immune processes and neural plasticity in adult rats after kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. Methods: To determine changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity after postnatal central nervous system inflammatory responses and seizure attacks, we performed intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in postnatal Sprague Dawley rats on day 14 (P14) to induce central nervous system inflammation. We then used a KA tail vein injection on P35 to induce seizure attacks. We compared the variability in synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 region of seizure animals with or without LPS-induced inflammation preconditioning. Results: P14 injection of LPS increased susceptibility to seizures, while treatment with KA on P35 induced seizures. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of the Schaffer collateral-CA1 region was impaired in seizure animals, and this effect was more pronounced in the P14 LPS injection group. Fluoro-Jade staining revealed an increase in degenerated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in the P14 LPS injection group. Cytokine expression in the hippocampus in the pre-, peri- and postictus periods was greater in P14 LPS rats than in saline-treated rats. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal LPS injection on P14 induces higher cytokine secretion after KA-induced seizures, enhancing neuronal excitability, shortening seizure onset time and exacerbating neuronal degeneration and impairment of LTP formation in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 region. Central nervous system inflammation during critical stages of childhood development could disrupt the balance needed for neurophysiological actions of immune processes, producing direct, pernicious effects on memory, neural plasticity and neurogenesis into adulthood.
The Incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, from 2002 to 2009: A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Drigo Daniela , Verriello Lorenzo , Clagnan Elena , Eleopra Roberto , Pizzolato Gilberto , Bratina Alessio , D'Amico Delia , Sartori Arianna , Masè Giovanni , Simonetto Marco , Lazzarino de Lorenzo Lucio , Cecotti Laura , Zanier Loris , Pisa Federica , Barbone Fabio
Published: May 2013

Background: We conducted a retrospective population-based study to estimate the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, from 2001 to 2009. Methods: Multiple sources were used for case ascertainment: Health databases, archives of the neurology departments and of the regional chapter of the Italian ALS Association. The diagnosis was validated through clinical documentation review. Crude and standardized incidence rates (IRs) per 100,000 person-years were calculated. Results: We identified 262 incident ALS cases, 50.4% men, 4.2% familial. Half of the patients had spinal onset (56.8% in men) and 25.2% bulbar (29% in women). Bulbar onset had a similar frequency in women (31.7%) and men (31.5%) aged 67 or above at diagnosis. The crude IR was 2.72 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 2.39-3.05) and the male:female ratio 1.08. The IR peaked in the 65-74 age group, with a second increase in men 85 years and older. The IR standardized to the 2001 Italian population was 2.38 (95% CI 2.13-2.63) and to the 2000 European population 2.58 (95% CI 2.34-2.81). Conclusions: This retrospective study found IRs of ALS in the range of Italian and European prospective population-based registries, suggesting an almost complete case ascertainment.
Intestinal Epithelium-Derived Galectin-9 Is Involved in the Immunomodulating Effects of Nondigestible Oligosaccharides
Authors: de Kivit Sander , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Knippels Leon M.J. , van Kooyk Yvette , Garssen Johan , Willemsen Linette E.M.
Published: May 2013

Dietary intervention using nondigestible oligosaccharides, short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS), in combination with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V prevents allergic disease involving galectin-9. In addition, apical TLR9 signaling contributes to intestinal homeostasis. We studied the contribution of galectin-9 secreted by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC; HT-29 and T84) in Th1 and regulatory T-cell (Treg) polarization in vitro. IEC were grown in transwell filters, cocultured with CD3/CD28-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and apically exposed to genomic DNA derived from B. breve M-16V or synthetic TLR9 ligand in the absence or presence of scGOS/lcFOS. Cytokine production and T-cell phenotype were determined and galectin expression by IEC was assessed. Galectin-9 was neutralized using lactose or a TIM-3-Fc fusion protein. IEC exposed to DNA from B. breve M-16V or TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS enhanced IFN-γ secretion by PBMC and increased the percentage of Th1 and Treg cells. Expression and secretion of galectin-9 by IEC was increased and neutralization of galectin-9 prevented the induction of IFN-γ secretion and also suppressed the production of IL-10 by PBMC. Furthermore, we show that galectin-9 induces Treg and Th1 polarization through interaction with antigen-presenting cells. Our findings show that galectin-9 secreted by IEC apically exposed to TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS is involved in Th1 and Treg polarization and may be a promising target to prevent or treat allergic disease.
Histone Deactylase Inhibitor SAHA Induces a Synergistic HIV-1 Reactivation by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate in Latently Infected Cells
Authors: Park Soon Young , Kim Kyung-Chang , Hong Kee-Jong , Kim Sung Soon , Choi Byeong-Sun
Published: May 2013

Objectives: Recent studies have reported that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proviruses are strongly suppressed in the unique epigenetic environments caused by chromatin modifications such as acetylation and methylation. Therefore, optimized therapeutic strategies directed against the virus reservoir using these epigenetic modifying agents (EMAs) should cure HIV infection. Methods: Cytotoxicity and HIV-1 reactivation were determined using the PrestoBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent and p24 HIV ELISA, respectively. Results: EMAs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (VPA and SAHA), DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5′-Aza-CdR), histone methyltransferase inhibitor (ADOX) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), were used to reactivate proviruses in HIV-1 latently infected cells. The effect of monotreatment with these EMAs on HIV-1 reactivation was VPA or SAHA > 5′-Aza-CdR > ADOX. Even though cotreatment with these potential HIV-1 reactivating agents did not show any significant reactivation effects in HIV-1 latently infected cells, employing SAHA under TPA treatment demonstrated a dramatic synergistic effect on purging HIV-1 proviruses in all HIV-1 latently infected cells via the ERK and AP-1 pathways. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combined approaches of EMAs, cotreatment of SAHA and TPA, could provide an effective way to lead a decline of HIV-1 reservoirs in patients.
Blood Pressure Variability in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Mallamaci Francesca , Tripepi Giovanni
Published: May 2013

‘Usual' blood pressure (BP) levels are known to be directly related to cardiovascular (CV) risk in the general population and patients with essential hypertension. However, there is increasing evidence that, apart from usual BP, BP variability across visits may also be an important risk factor for death and CV events in healthy subjects and in essential hypertensive patients. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients the relationship between hypertension and clinical outcome is still controversial. Moreover, high visit-to-visit BP variability was very recently found to predict death and CV events in this high-risk patient population. This review focuses on the available evidence about the link between high visit-to-visit BP variability and clinical outcomes in CKD patients and describes some hypothetical mechanisms that could explain such a relationship.
More Clinical Overlap between 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and CHARGE Syndrome than Often Anticipated
Authors: Corsten-Janssen N. , Saitta S.C. , Hoefsloot L.H. , McDonald-McGinn D.M. , Driscoll D.A. , Derks R. , Dickinson K.A. , Kerstjens-Frederikse W.S. , Emanuel B.S. , Zackai E.H. , van Ravenswaaij-Arts C.M.A.
Published: May 2013

CHARGE (coloboma, heart defects, atresia of choanae, retardation of growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and ear abnormalities) and 22q11.2 deletion syndromes are variable, congenital malformation syndromes that show considerable phenotypic overlap. We further explored this clinical overlap and proposed recommendations for the genetic diagnosis of both syndromes. We described 2 patients clinically diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, who were found to carry a 22q11.2 deletion, and searched the literature for more cases. In addition, we screened our cohort of CHD7 mutation carriers (n = 802) for typical 22q11.2 deletion features and studied CHD7 in 20 patients with phenotypically 22q11.2 deletion syndrome but without haploinsufficiency of TBX1. In total, we identified 5 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome and a proven 22q11.2 deletion. Typical 22q11.2 deletion features were found in 30 patients (30/802, 3.7%) of our CHD7 mutation-positive cohort. We found truncating CHD7 mutations in 5/20 patients with phenotypically 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Differentiating between CHARGE and 22q11.2 deletion syndromes can be challenging. CHD7 and TBX1 probably share a molecular pathway or have common target genes in affected organs. We strongly recommend performing CHD7 analysis in patients with a 22q11.2 deletion phenotype without TBX1 haploinsufficiency and conversely, performing a genome-wide array in CHARGE syndrome patients without a CHD7 mutation.
Liver Abscesses after Peritoneal Venous Shunt
Authors: Kawaratani Hideto , Tsujimoto Tatsuhiro , Kubo Takuya , Aihara Yousuke , Takaya Toshiaki , Uejima Masakazu , Moriya Kei , Noguchi Ryuichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital for high-grade fever with chills. He has visited our hospital for alcoholic liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus for over 20 years. Nine months earlier, he had received a peritoneal venous shunt (Denver shunt®) because of refractory ascites. Laboratory examinations revealed elevated C-reactive protein and liver dysfunction. Ultrasonography and abdominal enhanced computed tomography showed multiple small abscesses in the right lobe of the liver. Blood culture test did not detect the pathogenic bacteria of liver abscesses. The patient was treated with antibiotics for more than 2 months and cured from the infection, but 3 months later, he developed high-grade fever again. He had a recurrence of multiple small liver abscesses involving both lobes of the liver. He was treated with antibiotics, and the abscesses disappeared within a month. After the antibiotic treatment, he had selective intestinal decontamination with kanamycin. He has had no recurrence of liver abscess for over a year. To our knowledge, this is the first report of liver abscess in a cirrhotic patient with Denver shunt. Clinicians should bear liver abscess in mind when treating patients with high-grade fever and liver dysfunction following Denver shunt implantation.
Chronic Hypoxia Inhibits Pregnancy-Induced Upregulation of SK
Ca
Channel Expression and Function in Uterine Arteries
Authors: Zhu Ronghui , Hu Xiang-Qun , Xiao Daliao , Yang Shumei , Wilson Sean M. , Longo Lawrence D. , Zhang Lubo
Published: May 2013

Small-conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(SK
Ca
) channels are crucial in regulating vascular tone and blood pressure. The present study tested the hypothesis that SK
Ca
channels play an important role in uterine vascular adaptation in pregnancy, which is inhibited by chronic hypoxia during gestation. Uterine arteries were isolated from nonpregnant and near-term pregnant sheep maintained at sea level (≈300 m) or exposed to high-altitude (3801 m) hypoxia for 110 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of SK
Ca
channels type 2 (SK2) and type 3 (SK3) in both smooth muscles and endothelium of uterine arteries. The expression of SK2 and SK3 channels was significantly increased during pregnancy, which was inhibited by chronic hypoxia. In normoxic animals, both SK
Ca
channel opener NS309 and a large-conductance (BK
Ca
) channel opener NS1619 relaxed norepinephrine-contracted uterine arteries in pregnant but not nonpregnant sheep. These relaxations were inhibited by selective SK
Ca
and BK
Ca
channel blockers, respectively. NS309-induced relaxation was largely endothelium-independent. In high-altitude hypoxic animals, neither NS1691 nor NS309 produced significant relaxation of uterine arteries in either nonpregnant or pregnant sheep. Similarly, the role of SK
Ca
channels in regulating the myogenic reactivity of uterine arteries in pregnant animals was abrogated by chronic hypoxia. Accordingly, the enhanced SK
Ca
channel activity in uterine arterial myocytes of pregnant animals was ablated by chronic hypoxia. The findings suggest a novel mechanism of SK
Ca
channels in regulating myogenic adaptation of uterine arteries in pregnancy and in the maladaptation of uteroplacental circulation caused by chronic hypoxia during gestation.