bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Sugarcane Juice Quality Indexes
Authors: Xiao Zeqing , Liao Xiaoping , Guo Shuaiyin
Published: April 2017

The analysis of the quality indexes of sugarcane juice plays a vital role in the process of refining sugarcane, breeding, cultivation, and production management. The paper analyzes the dynamic laws of five quality indexes (i.e., brix, purity, polarization, sucrose content, and reducing sugar) combined with graphs over time along the course of crushing season (December–March) in Guangxi province of China. During this time, the sugarcane is in the mature stage and hypermature stage. At the beginning of December to early January, during which sugarcane is in the later stage of maturity, the nutrients are accumulating, causing brix, purity, polarization, and sucrose content increase. At the beginning of January to mid-February, due to low temperature and insufficient light, it is not conducive to accumulation of nutrients. However, there is the so-called “sugar back” phenomenon and reducing sugar rises gradually in March, leading to deterioration of the quality of sugarcane juice. The results show that timely harvest of sugarcane is beneficial for sugar making. The regression analysis results show that some of quality indexes have strong correlation between them and the regression models are extremely significant, indicating that the prediction results are ideal.
Novel Biomarkers and the Future Potential of Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Duvoisin Gilles , Lopez Robert N. , Day Andrew S. , Lemberg Daniel A. , Gearry Richard B. , Leach Steven T.
Published: April 2017

There is increasing importance placed upon noninvasive assessment of gut inflammation. These tools are likely to be the key in differentiating intestinal inflammatory disease from functional disorders and in monitoring the response to intervention in individuals with known inflammatory conditions. Although various noninvasive markers are currently available, they have limitations and do not provide ideal utility. This review focuses on emerging markers of gut inflammation, highlighting the potential of specific markers.
MR Micro-Neurography and a Segmentation Protocol Applied to Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Felisaz P. F. , Maugeri G. , Busi V. , Vitale R. , Balducci F. , Gitto S. , Leporati P. , Pichiecchio A. , Baldi M. , Calliada F. , Chiovato L. , Bastianello S.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to assess with MRI morphometric ultrastructural changes in nerves affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We used an MR micro-neurography imaging protocol and a semiautomated technique of tissue segmentation to visualize and measure the volume of internal nerve components, such as the epineurium and nerve fascicles. The tibial nerves of 16 patients affected by DPN and of 15 healthy volunteers were imaged. Nerves volume (NV), fascicles volume (FV), fascicles to nerve ratio (FNR), and nerves cross-sectional areas (CSA) were obtained. In patients with DPN the NV was increased and the FNR was decreased, as a result of an increase of the epineurium (FNR in diabetic neuropathy 0,665; in controls 0,699, p=0,040). CSA was increased in subjects with DPN (12,84 mm2 versus 10,22 mm2, p=0,003). The FV was increased in patients with moderate to severe DPN. We have demonstrated structural changes occurring in nerves affected by DPN, which otherwise are assessable only with an invasive biopsy. MR micro-neurography appears to be suitable for the study of microscopic changes in tibial nerves of diabetic patients.
A Hybrid Quantum Evolutionary Algorithm with Improved Decoding Scheme for a Robotic Flow Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Lei Weidong , Manier Hervé , Manier Marié-Ange , Wang Xinping
Published: April 2017

We aim at solving the cyclic scheduling problem with a single robot and flexible processing times in a robotic flow shop, which is a well‐known optimization problem in advanced manufacturing systems. The objective of the problem is to find an optimal robot move sequence such that the throughput rate is maximized. We propose a hybrid algorithm based on the Quantum‐Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (QEA) and genetic operators for solving the problem. The algorithm integrates three different decoding strategies to convert quantum individuals into robot move sequences. The Q‐gate is applied to update the states of Q‐bits in each individual. Besides, crossover and mutation operators with adaptive probabilities are used to increase the population diversity. A repairing procedure is proposed to deal with infeasible individuals. Comparison results on both benchmark and randomly generated instances demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is more effective in solving the studied problem in terms of solution quality and computational time.
Open-Label Fosmetpantotenate, a Phosphopantothenate Replacement Therapy in a Single Patient with Atypical PKAN
Authors: Christou Yiolanda-Panayiota , Tanteles George A. , Kkolou Elena , Ormiston Annita , Konstantopoulos Kostas , Beconi Maria , Marshall Randall D. , Plotkin Horacio , Kleopa Kleopas A.
Published: April 2017

Objective. Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an autosomal recessive disorder with variable onset, rate of progression, and phenotypic expression. Later-onset, more slowly progressive PKAN often presents with neuropsychiatric as well as motor manifestations that include speech difficulties, progressive dystonia, rigidity, and parkinsonism. PKAN is caused by biallelic PANK2 mutations, a gene that encodes pantothenate kinase 2, a regulatory enzyme in coenzyme A biosynthesis. Current therapeutic strategies rely on symptomatic relief. We describe the treatment of the first, later-onset PKAN patient with oral fosmetpantotenate (previously known as RE-024), a novel replacement therapy developed to bypass the enzymatic defect. Methods. This was an open-label, uncontrolled, 12-month treatment with fosmetpantotenate of a single patient with a later-onset, moderately severe, and slowly progressive form of PKAN. Results. The patient showed improvement in all clinical parameters including the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale, the EuroQol five-dimensional three-level (EQ-5D-3L) scale, timed 25-foot walk test, and electroglottographic speech analysis. Fosmetpantotenate was well-tolerated with only transient liver enzyme elevation which normalized after dose reduction and did not recur after subsequent dose increases. Conclusions. Fosmetpantotenate showed promising results in a single PKAN patient and should be further studied in controlled trials.
Retinal Artery Occlusion Secondary to Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
Authors: Eris Erdem , Sucu Mehmet Emin , Perente Irfan , Alkın Zeynep , Ozkaya Abdullah , Tarakcioglu Hatice Nur
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To report a case report of one patient suffering from retinal artery occlusion secondary to Buerger’s disease, in order to raise awareness to this etiology in the differential diagnosis of retinal artery occlusion. Methods. A retrospective case report of a patient with retinal artery occlusion secondary to Buerger’s disease. Data retrieved from the medical records included exposure, complaints, visual acuity, clinical findings and imaging, laboratory assessment, treatment, disease course, and visual outcome. Results. Diagnosis of retinal artery occlusion secondary to Buerger’s disease was established based on ruling out other causes of retinal artery occlusion. Inflammatory retinal vascular disease, permanent vision loss, and macular atrophy were shown in this case. Conclusion. The very first case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in a 64-year-old male patient with Buerger’s disease. Although diagnosing CRAO based on both fundoscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings is not difficult, revealing underlying condition of CRAO occasionally could be challenging.
Period-Doubling Bifurcation of Stochastic Fractional-Order Duffing System via Chebyshev Polynomial Approximation
Authors: Lei Youming , Wang Yanyan
Published: April 2017

Fractional-order calculus is more competent than integer-order one when modeling systems with properties of nonlocality and memory effect. And many real world problems related to uncertainties can be modeled with stochastic fractional-order systems with random parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the dynamical behaviors in those systems concerning both memory and uncertainties. The period-doubling bifurcation of stochastic fractional-order Duffing (SFOD for short) system with a bounded random parameter subject to harmonic excitation is studied in this paper. Firstly, Chebyshev polynomial approximation in conjunction with the predictor-corrector approach is used to numerically solve the SFOD system that can be reduced to the equivalent deterministic system. Then, the global and local analysis of period-doubling bifurcation are presented, respectively. It is shown that both the fractional-order and the intensity of the random parameter can be taken as bifurcation parameters, which are peculiar to the stochastic fractional-order system, comparing with the stochastic integer-order system or the deterministic fractional-order system. Moreover, the Chebyshev polynomial approximation is proved to be an effective approach for studying the period-doubling bifurcation of the SFOD system.
Comparative Neuroprotective Effects of Dietary Curcumin and Solid Lipid Curcumin Particles in Cultured Mouse Neuroblastoma Cells after Exposure to Aβ42
Authors: Maiti Panchanan , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: April 2017

Aggregation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) plays critical roles in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As an antiamyloid natural polyphenol, curcumin (Cur) has a potential role in prevention of neurodegeneration in AD. However, due to limited absorption of the dietary Cur, the solid lipid Cur particles (SLCP) have been suggested as being more effective for AD therapy. In the present study, we compared the role of dietary Cur and SLCP on oxidative stress, neuronal death, p-Tau level, and certain cell survival markers in vitro, after exposure to Aβ42. Mouse neuroblastoma cells were exposed to Aβ42 for 24 h and incubated with or without dietary Cur and/or SLCP. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic cell death, p-Tau, and tau kinase (including GSK-3β and cell survival markers, such as total Akt, phosphorylated Akt, and PSD95 levels) were investigated. SLCP showed greater permeability than dietary Cur in vitro, decreased ROS production, and prevented apoptotic death. In addition, SLCP also inhibited p-Tau formation and significantly decreased GSK-3β levels. Further, the cell survival markers, such as total Akt, p-Akt, and PSD95 levels, were more effectively maintained by SLCP than dietary Cur in Aβ42 exposed cells. Therefore, SLCP may provide greater neuroprotection than dietary Cur in Alzheimer’s disease.
Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) Suppresses the Biofilm Formation of Streptococcus pneumoniae In Vitro
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Konishi Toru , Takase Hiroshi , Makino Toshiaki
Published: April 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the important pathogen that causes otolaryngeal diseases such as sinusitis. S. pneumoniae frequently forms the biofilm to prevent severe circumstances such as antimicrobial agents. Shin’iseihaito (xinyiqingfeitang) is a formula of Japanese traditional Kampo medicine that has 9 crude drugs and provides the medicinal usage for sinusitis. The objective of the present study is to reveal the mechanism of antibiofilm activity by Shin’iseihaito extract (SSHT). SSHT significantly inhibited the formation of biofilm from S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 in dose- and time-dependent manners. SSHT also significantly suppressed the biofilm formation by other five different cps types of S. pneumoniae clinical isolates. We found that the extracts of 8 out of 9 components in Shin’iseihaito had the inhibitory effects of biofilm formation, and the extract of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis had the strongest effect among the ingredients of Shin’iseihaito. We found that the capsule of SSHT-treated S. pneumoniae was significantly thinner than that of the untreated group and that SSHT reduced the hydrophobicity of bacterial cell surface. Our results suggest that Shin’iseihaito may be a useful agent for the treatment of S. pneumoniae-induced sinusitis because of the inhibition of biofilm formation of S. pneumoniae.
Color Image Segmentation Using Fuzzy C-Regression Model
Authors: Chen Min , Ludwig Simone A.
Published: April 2017

Image segmentation is one important process in image analysis and computer vision and is a valuable tool that can be applied in fields of image processing, health care, remote sensing, and traffic image detection. Given the lack of prior knowledge of the ground truth, unsupervised learning techniques like clustering have been largely adopted. Fuzzy clustering has been widely studied and successfully applied in image segmentation. In situations such as limited spatial resolution, poor contrast, overlapping intensities, and noise and intensity inhomogeneities, fuzzy clustering can retain much more information than the hard clustering technique. Most fuzzy clustering algorithms have originated from fuzzy c-means (FCM) and have been successfully applied in image segmentation. However, the cluster prototype of the FCM method is hyperspherical or hyperellipsoidal. FCM may not provide the accurate partition in situations where data consists of arbitrary shapes. Therefore, a Fuzzy C-Regression Model (FCRM) using spatial information has been proposed whose prototype is hyperplaned and can be either linear or nonlinear allowing for better cluster partitioning. Thus, this paper implements FCRM and applies the algorithm to color segmentation using Berkeley’s segmentation database. The results show that FCRM obtains more accurate results compared to other fuzzy clustering algorithms.
Det-WiFi: A Multihop TDMA MAC Implementation for Industrial Deterministic Applications Based on Commodity 802.11 Hardware
Authors: Cheng Yujun , Yang Dong , Zhou Huachun
Published: April 2017

Wireless control system for industrial automation has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years thanks to their ease of deployment and the low cost of their components. However, traditional low sample rate industrial wireless sensor networks cannot support high-speed application, while high-speed IEEE 802.11 networks are not designed for real-time application and not able to provide deterministic feature. Thus, in this paper, we propose Det-WiFi, a real-time TDMA MAC implementation for high-speed multihop industrial application. It is able to support high-speed applications and provide deterministic network features since it combines the advantages of high-speed IEEE802.11 physical layer and a software Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) based MAC layer. We implement Det-WiFi on commercial off-the-shelf hardware and compare the deterministic performance between 802.11s and Det-WiFi under the real industrial environment, which is full of field devices and industrial equipment. We changed the hop number and the packet payload size in each experiment, and all of the results show that Det-WiFi has better deterministic performance.
The Imbalance of B-Lymphocyte Subsets in Subjects with Different Glucose Tolerance: Relationship with Metabolic Parameter and Disease Status
Authors: Deng Chao , Xiang Yufei , Tan Tingting , Ren Zhihui , Cao Chuqing , Liu Bingwen , Huang Gan , Wang Xiangbing , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: April 2017

B lymphocytes are involved in inflammation and are related to insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the phenotype and frequency of B-lymphocyte subsets in subjects recently diagnosed with T2D (n=60), impaired glucose regulation (IGR,n=73), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT,n=169) by flow cytometry. T2D subjects had an increased percentage of CD19+CD23+(B-2) cells and a decreased percentage of CD19+CD23−(B-1) cells attributing to CD19+CD23−CD5−(B-1b) cells, but not CD19+CD23−CD5+(B-1a) cells, compared to NGT and IGR subjects. The proportion of CD19+CD5+CD1dhi(B10) cells did not differ between the IGR or T2D group and NGT controls. Of note, HbA1c and triglyceride showed a positive correlation with B-2 cells but an inverse correlation with B-1 and B-1b cells, which were independently associated with the presence of T2D by logistic regression models. In summary, this study shows an unbalanced proinflammatory phenotype of B-cell subsets correlated with glycemia and lipidemia in patients with T2D. Our data provide new insight into chronic activation of the immune system and subclinical inflammation in T2D. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm our observations.
Implementation and Monitoring of a Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Management Program in a Tertiary Hospital in Morocco: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Khachani Imane , Alami Mohamed Hassan , Bezad Rachid
Published: April 2017

Objective.Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) management requires clear guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Unequal management skills among practitioners, inadequate treatment, irregular surveillance, and drop-out are common in resource-limited settings and can lead to life-threatening complications and morbidities. To address these challenges, we implemented a GTD Management Program at the National Center for Reproductive Health in Rabat, Morocco.Methods and Program Description.In-depth review of management protocols was carried out, and concise guidelines were developed, with targeted training for physicians. A physical space and a weekly fixed GTD consultation were set, and personalized follow-up was established for each patient. An electronic database documenting patients’ surveillance was created, allowing immediate outreach in case of irregularities.Results.During the period from October 2013 to June 2016, 50 patients were included in this program. Patients’ mean age was 33 years; 92% were illiterate and 82% had a low socioeconomic status. 68% had a positive evolution, while 32% developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, requiring 2 to 6 chemotherapy sessions. An average of 2.8 outreach reminders were necessary for each patient. 94% fully adhered to the program of care and completed properly their follow-up.Conclusion.Implementation and thorough monitoring of this program helped optimize patients’ care, avoiding drop-outs and delays in diagnosing and treating complications.
One-Step Preparation of Graphene Oxide/Cellulose Nanofibril Hybrid Aerogel for Adsorptive Removal of Four Kinds of Antibiotics
Authors: Wang Jin , Yao Qiufang , Sheng Chengmin , Jin Chunde , Sun Qingfeng
Published: April 2017

Via a one-step ultrasonication method, cellulose nanofibril/graphene oxide hybrid (GO-CNF) aerogel was successfully prepared. The as-prepared GO-CNF possessed interconnected 3D network microstructure based on GO nanosheets grown along CNF through hydrogen bonds. The aerogel exhibited superior adsorption capacity toward four kinds of antibiotics. The removal percentages (R%) of these antibiotics were 81.5%, 79.5%, 79.1%, and 73.9% for Doxycycline (DXC), Chlortetracycline (CTC), Oxytetracycline (OTC), and tetracycline (TC), respectively. Simultaneously, the adsorption isotherms were well fitted to Langmuir model and kinetics study implied that the adsorption process was attributed to pseudo-second-order model. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities of GO-CNF were 469.7, 396.5, 386.5, and 343.8 mg·g−1 for DXC, CTC, OTC, and TC, respectively, calculated by the Langmuir isotherm models. After five cycles, importantly, the regenerated aerogels still could be used with little degradation of adsorption property. Consequently, the as-synthesized GO-CNF was a successful application of effective removal of antibiotics.
Analytical Methods for the Determination of the Distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Water and Sediment of Aquatic Systems: A Review
Authors: Adeniji A. O. , Okoh O. O. , Okoh A. I.
Published: April 2017

Several methods of extraction and analytical determination for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHCs) in aqueous and solid samples are reviewed. Infrared spectroscopy is one of the efficient methods that are being replaced today pursuant to getting rid of some halogenated solvents classified as ozone-depleting substances. The gravimetric method which uses n-hexane as an extraction solvent for the determination of oil and grease, as well as the nonpolar materials, has become a preferred choice, despite being not suitable for volatiles because of the mandatory evaporation step. Other frequently used methods include gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (FID) or mass spectrometric detector (MSD) which has the capacity to reveal the type of hydrocarbons present and is applicable to both volatile and semivolatile samples. Ultraviolet fluorescence is another method that is available both as a portable field device and as off-site laboratory equipment. Each of the methods has its own advantages and disadvantages; hence, the choice of method is guided by the type of data needed as discussed in detail in this review. The distribution of TPHC in water and sediments across the globe and the factors influencing the distribution were also reviewed.
BrazilianMorus nigraAttenuated Hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Prooxidant Status in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Júnior Ivanildo I. da S. , Barbosa Humberto de Moura , Carvalho Débora C. R. , Barros Ruideglan de Alencar , Albuquerque Flávia Peixoto , da Silva Dionísio Henrique Amaral , Souza Grasielly R. , Souza Nathália A. C. , Rolim Larissa A. , Silva Flaviane M. M. , Duarte Glória I. B. P. , Almeida Jackson R. G. da S. , Oliveira Júnior Flávio Monteiro de , Gomes Dayane A. , Lira Eduardo C.
Published: April 2017

Morus nigrahas been used popularly for several proposes, including diabetic. In an attempt to support medicinal value, the acute hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract ofMorus nigra(EEMn 200 or 400 mg/kg b.w.) were evaluated in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic treated for 14 days. Serum biochemical and antioxidant analysis were performed at the end of experiment. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 10th and 15th days. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC-DAD of EEMn was performed. Insulin was used as positive control to glycemic metabolism as well as fenofibrate to lipid metabolism. EEMn (400 mg/kg/day) reduced fasting and postprandial glycaemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and reduced lipolysis and proteolysis in diabetic rats. EEMn decreased the blood levels of total cholesterol and increased HDL level when compared to the diabetic control rats. At higher levels, EEMn reduced triglycerides and VLDL levels in diabetic rats. Also, EEMn reduced malondialdehyde and increased the reduced glutathione levels in liver of diabetic rats. Chromatographic analysis identified the presence of the flavonoids rutin, isoquercetin, and kaempferitrin. Acute EEMn treatment reduced hyperglycemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and minimized dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to a reduction in atherogenic index in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Uniformly Geometric Functions Involving Constructed Operators
Authors: Al-Kaseasbeh Mohammad , Darus Maslina
Published: April 2017

This paper introduces classes of uniformly geometric functions involving constructed differential operators by means of convolution. Basic properties of those classes are studied, namely, coefficient bounds and inclusion relations.
PUVA Induced Bullous Pemphigoid in a Patient with Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Özkesici Birgül , Koç Saliha , Akman-Karakaş Ayşe , Yılmaz Ertan , Başsorgun İbrahim Cumhur , Uzun Soner
Published: April 2017

Background. Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease in which autoantibodies are directed against components of the basement membrane. The disease primarily affects the elderly people and in most of the patients inducing factors cannot be identified. Herein, we report a case of BP that occurred in a patient who was receiving PUVA therapy for the treatment of mycosis fungoides. Main Observation. A 26-year-old woman with mycosis fungoides developed blisters while receiving PUVA therapy. On physical examination tense bullae on the normal skin, remnants of blisters, and erosions were observed on her breasts, the chest wall, and the upper abdomen. Histopathological investigations revealed subepidermal blisters with eosinophilic infiltration and in direct immunofluorescence examination linear deposition of IgG along the basement membrane zone was observed. The diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was also confirmed by ELISA and BIOCHIP mosaic-based indirect immunofluorescence test. Conclusions. PUVA therapy is an extremely rare physical factor capable of inducing bullous pemphigoid. So the development of blistering lesions during PUVA therapy may be suggestive sign of a bullous disease such as bullous pemphigoid and it should be excluded with proper clinical and laboratory approaches immediately after withdrawal of PUVA therapy.
Rolling Bearing Reliability Assessment via Kernel Principal Component Analysis and Weibull Proportional Hazard Model
Authors: Wang Fengtao , Chen Xutao , Dun Bosen , Wang Bei , Yan Dawen , Zhu Hong
Published: April 2017

Reliability assessment is a critical consideration in equipment engineering project. Successful reliability assessment, which is dependent on selecting features that accurately reflect performance degradation as the inputs of the assessment model, allows for the proactive maintenance of equipment. In this paper, a novel method based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and Weibull proportional hazards model (WPHM) is proposed to assess the reliability of rolling bearings. A high relative feature set is constructed by selecting the effective features through extracting the time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain features over the bearing’s life cycle data. The kernel principal components which can accurately reflect the performance degradation process are obtained by KPCA and then input as the covariates of WPHM to assess the reliability. An example was conducted to validate the proposed method. The differences in manufacturing, installation, and working conditions of the same type of bearings during reliability assessment are reduced after extracting relative features, which enhances the practicability and stability of the proposed method.
Methylene Blue Photocatalytic Degradation under Visible Irradiation on In2S3 Synthesized by Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Vallejo William , Díaz-Uribe Carlos , Rios Kathy
Published: April 2017

In this work, we synthesized In2S3 powder through chemical bath deposition method (CBD) in acid medium; we used thioacetamide as sulphide source and InCl3 as indium ion source. X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflection, and Raman spectroscopy measurements were used for In2S3 powder physicochemical characterization. Optical analysis indicated that In2S3 was active in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum; it had a band gap of 2.47 eV; the diffraction patterns and Raman spectroscopy suggested that powder had polycrystalline structure. Furthermore, we also studied the adsorption process of methylene blue (MB) on In2S3 powder; adsorption studies indicated that the Langmuir model describes experimental data. Finally, photocatalytic degradation of MB was studied under visible irradiation in aqueous solution; besides, pseudo-first-order model was used to obtain kinetic information about photocatalytic degradation; results indicated that the powder catalyst reduces 26% concentration of MB under visible irradiation.
Cut-Off Value of Medial Meniscal Extrusion for Knee Pain
Authors: Kijima Hiroaki , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Kasukawa Yuji , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Kinoshita Hayato , Ohuchi Kentaro , Suzuki Masazumi , Kaga Nozomi , Sato Chie , Chida Shuichi , Shimada Yoichi
Published: April 2017

Purpose. Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) has attracted attention as an index of knee pain in conjunction with clinical symptoms that could be more useful than the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis on X-ray. However, the size of MME that would cause knee pain has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cut-off value of MME for knee pain. Methods. A total of 318 knees were evaluated. The presence of current or past knee pain was confirmed by interview. Next, MME was measured using vertical sonographic images of the medial joint spaces during weightbearing. Results. Overall, 71 knees were painful (P-group), and 247 knees were not (N-group). MME was 5.9 ± 1.8 mm in the P-group and 2.9 ± 1.5 mm in the N-group (P<0.0001). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value of MME for knee pain was 4.3 mm, with sensitivity of 0.8451 and specificity of 0.8502. In addition, 64% of knees without pain cases at the time of examination whose MME exceeded this cut-off value had past knee pain. Conclusions. The sensitivity and specificity of MME for knee pain were very high with a cut-off value of 4.3 mm.
OpenCL-Based FPGA Accelerator for 3D FDTD with Periodic and Absorbing Boundary Conditions
Authors: Waidyasooriya Hasitha Muthumala , Endo Tsukasa , Hariyama Masanori , Ohtera Yasuo
Published: April 2017

Finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is a very poplar way of numerically solving partial differential equations. FDTD has a low operational intensity so that the performances in CPUs and GPUs are often restricted by the memory bandwidth. Recently, deeply pipelined FPGA accelerators have shown a lot of success by exploiting streaming data flows in FDTD computation. In spite of this success, many FPGA accelerators are not suitable for real-world applications that contain complex boundary conditions. Boundary conditions break the regularity of the data flow, so that the performances are significantly reduced. This paper proposes an FPGA accelerator that computes commonly used absorbing and periodic boundary conditions in many 3D FDTD applications. Accelerator is designed using a “C-like” programming language called OpenCL (open computing language). As a result, the proposed accelerator can be customized easily by changing the software code. According to the experimental results, we achieved over 3.3 times and 1.5 times higher processing speed compared to the CPUs and GPUs, respectively. Moreover, the proposed accelerator is more than 14 times faster compared to the recently proposed FPGA accelerators that are capable of handling complex boundary conditions.
Pneumoperitoneum without Intestinal Perforation in a Neonate: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gummalla Prabhavathi , Mundakel Gratias , Agaronov Maksim , Lee Haesoon
Published: April 2017

Pneumoperitoneum in a preterm neonate usually indicates perforation of the intestine and is considered a surgical emergency. However, there are cases of pneumoperitoneum with no evidence of rupture of the intestine reported in the literature. We report a case of pneumoperitoneum with no intestinal perforation in a preterm neonate with respiratory distress syndrome who was on high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). He developed bilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema with localized cystic lesion, likely localized pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and recurrent pneumothoraces. He was treated with dexamethasone to wean from the ventilator. Pneumoperitoneum developed in association with left sided pneumothorax following mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Pneumoperitoneum resolved after the pneumothorax was resolved with chest tube drainage. He died from acute cardiorespiratory failure. At autopsy, there was no evidence of intestinal perforation. This case highlights the fact that pneumoperitoneum can develop secondary to pneumothorax and does not always indicate intestinal perforation or require exploratory laparotomy.
Anterior Interosseous Nerve Neuropraxia Secondary to Shoulder Arthroscopy and Open Subpectoral Long Head Biceps Tenodesis
Authors: Steed Jeremiah T. , Drexler Kathlyn , Wooldridge Adam N. , Ferguson Matthew
Published: April 2017

Arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair is a common elective procedure performed by trained orthopaedic surgeons with a relatively low complication rate. Specifically, isolated neuropraxia of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) is a very rare complication of shoulder arthroscopy. An analysis of peer-reviewed published literature revealed only three articles reporting a total of seven cases that describe this specific complication following standard shoulder arthroscopic procedures. This article reports on three patients diagnosed with AIN neuropraxia following routine shoulder arthroscopy done by a single surgeon within a three-year period. All three patients also underwent open biceps tenodesis immediately following completion of the arthroscopic procedures. The exact causal mechanism of AIN neuropraxia following shoulder arthroscopy with biceps tenodesis is not known. This case report reviews possible mechanisms with emphasis on specific factors that make a traction injury the most likely etiology in these cases. We critically analyze our operating room setup and patient positioning practices in light of the existing biomechanical and cadaveric research to propose changes to our standard practices that may help to reduce the incidence of this specific postoperative complication in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroscopy with biceps tenodesis.
Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhang Yu-Jie , Xu Dong-Ping , Wang Fang , Zhou Yue , Zheng Jie , Li Ya , Zhang Jiao-Jiao , Li Hua-Bin
Published: April 2017

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption (more than 40–80 g/day for males and more than 20–40 g/day for females) could induce serious liver injury. In this study, effects of lemon juice on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice were evaluated. The serum biochemical profiles and hepatic lipid peroxidation levels, triacylglycerol (TG) contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes were examined for evaluating the hepatoprotective effects of lemon juice in mice. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant capacities of lemon juice were determined. The results showed that lemon juice significantly inhibited alcohol-induced increase of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hepatic TG, and lipid peroxidation levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological changes induced by alcohol were also remarkably improved by lemon juice treatment. These findings suggest that lemon juice has protective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The protective effects might be related to the antioxidant capacity of lemon juice because lemon juice showed in vitro antioxidant capacity.
Intraplacental Choriocarcinoma: Rare or Underdiagnosed? Report of 2 Cases Diagnosed after an Incomplete Miscarriage and a Preterm Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Caldas Rita Ferraz , Oliveira Paula , Rodrigues Cátia , Reis Inês , Scigliano Horácio , Nogueira Rosete , Araújo Célia , Ferreira Soledade
Published: April 2017

Intraplacental choriocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor diagnosed after an abortion, an ectopic pregnancy, or a term or preterm pregnancy or following the diagnosis of a hydatidiform mole. During pregnancy, it may be more common than reported, as most patients are asymptomatic and placental choriocarcinomas are usually inconspicuous macroscopically and are often mistaken for an infarct. Based upon a case study methodology, we describe 2 cases of intraplacental choriocarcinoma: the first case was identified in the product of a uterine curettage following an incomplete miscarriage and the second in one of the placentas of a bichorionic twin pregnancy. Maternal investigation did not reveal evidence of metastatic disease and neither did the infants’ one in the second case. The two cases underwent maternal surveillance with serum hCG and remained disease-free until the present. In conclusion, intraplacental choriocarcinoma is easily underdiagnosed but with current treatment, even in the presence of metastasis, the prognosis is excellent. A routine microscopic examination of all the placentas and products of miscarriage can increase the real incidence of this entity and consequently improve its management.
Identification of Functionally Interconnected Neurons Using Factor Analysis
Authors: Soletta Jorge H. , Farfán Fernando D. , Albarracín Ana L. , Pizá Alvaro G. , Lucianna Facundo A. , Felice Carmelo J.
Published: April 2017

The advances in electrophysiological methods have allowed registering the joint activity of single neurons. Thus, studies on functional dynamics of complex-valued neural networks and its information processing mechanism have been conducted. Particularly, the methods for identifying neuronal interconnections are in increasing demand in the area of neurosciences. Here, we proposed a factor analysis to identify functional interconnections among neurons via spike trains. This method was evaluated using simulations of neural discharges from different interconnections schemes. The results have revealed that the proposed method not only allows detecting neural interconnections but will also allow detecting the presence of presynaptic neurons without the need of the recording of them.
A Chinese Medicine Formula “Xian‐Jia‐Tang” for Treating Bladder Outlet Obstruction by Improving Urodynamics and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress through Potassium Channels
Authors: Sun Jie , Shen Wei , An Wenjin , Li Qiufen , Qiu Shunan , Jiang Shaobo
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (named Xian‐Jia‐Tang, XJT) on bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in rats and explore its mechanisms. Total 80 BOO model rats were established and randomly divided into 4 groups: physiological saline, XJT, Cesium Chloride (CC), and XJT and CC groups. Meanwhile, 12 rats were used as normal control. Bladder weight and urodynamics were measured. Oxidative stress level and mRNA expressions of potassium channels gene were detected in detrusor. The mRNA and protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor‐α (HIF‐α) in detrusor were detected by RT‐PCR and Western blot. BOO model rats showed significantly higher bladder weight and abnormal urodynamics. XJT significantly improved the abnormal urodynamics and inhibited the oxidative stress and changes of mRNA levels of potassium channels genes in detrusor of BOO model rats. Moreover, KATP and SK2/3 mRNA were overexpressed in BOO model rats treated by XJT. Besides, the significantly increased levels of HIF‐α mRNA and protein were also inhibited by XJT. However, these inhibition effects of XJT were weakened by CC. XJT could effectively improve the urodynamics and inhibit the oxidative stress caused by hypoxia through suppressing the role of potassium channels in BOO model rats.
Graphene Oxide Modified Electrodes for Dopamine Sensing
Authors: Khan M. Z. H.
Published: April 2017

Dopamine (DA) is one of the most important catecholamine neurotransmitters that plays an important role in the central nervous, renal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Since its discovery, tremendous effort has been made and various techniques have been developed for the DA detection. Recently, graphene-based materials have attracted a tremendous amount of attention due to their high sensitivity and rapid response towards effective detection of DA. This review focuses on current advances of graphene-based materials for DA detection based on recent articles published in the last five years.
Some Stochastic Functional Differential Equations with Infinite Delay: A Result on Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions in a Concrete Fading Memory Space
Authors: Bouzahir Hassane , Benaid Brahim , Imzegouan Chafai
Published: April 2017

This paper is devoted to existence and uniqueness of solutions for some stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay in a fading memory phase space.
Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets, Severe Fetal Growth Restriction, Postpartum Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, and Craniotomy: A Rare Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Rezai Shadi , Faye Justin , Hughes Alexander , Cheung Mon-Lai , Cohen Joel R. , Kaia Judy A. , Fuller Paul N. , Henderson Cassandra E.
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a relatively uncommon but traumatic condition occurring in the later stage of pregnancy as a complication of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. Prompt brain computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a multidisciplinary management approach are required to improve perinatal outcome. Case. A 37-year-old, Gravida 6, Para 1-0-4-1, Hispanic female with a history of chronic hypertension presented at 26 weeks and 6 days of gestational age. She was noted to have hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome accompanied by fetal growth restriction (FGR), during ultrasound evaluation, warranting premature delivery. The infant was delivered in stable condition suffering no permanent neurological deficit. Conclusion. HELLP syndrome is an uncommon and traumatic obstetric event which can lead to neurological deficits if not managed in a responsive and rapid manner. The central aggravating factor seems to be hypertension induced preeclamptic or eclamptic episode and complications thereof. The syndrome itself is manifested by hemolytic anemia, increased liver enzymes, and decreasing platelet counts with a majority of neurological defects resulting from hemorrhagic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). To minimize adverse perinatal outcomes, obstetric management of this medical complication must include rapid clinical assessment, diagnostic examination, and neurosurgery consultation.
The Effectiveness of Lifestyle Adaptation for the Prevention of Prediabetes in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kerrison George , Gillis Richard B. , Jiwani Shahwar I. , Alzahrani Qushmua , Kok Samil , Harding Stephen E. , Shaw Ian , Adams Gary G.
Published: April 2017

Diabetes prevalence is increasing exceptionally worldwide and with this come associated healthcare costs. The primary outcome of this systematic review was to assess glycaemic control and incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis after exercise and dietary intervention (measured with any validated scale). The secondary outcome assessed body mass index change, weight change, and physical exercise capacity after diet and exercise intervention (measured with any validated scale). 1,780 studies were identified from searching electronic databases. Relevant studies went through a selection process. The inclusion criteria for all studies were people with prediabetes diagnosed by either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Lifestyle adaptation reduced the incidence of diabetes development more than standard treatment. Furthermore, better glycaemic control, improved physical exercise capacity, and increased weight reduction were observed with lifestyle intervention over standard treatment. Finally, improvements over the long term deteriorated, highlighting problems with long-term adherence to lifestyle changes. Overall, cumulative incidence of diabetes is drastically reduced in the intervention groups compared to control groups (standard care). Furthermore, glycaemic control was improved in the short term, with many participants reverting to normoglycaemia.
Left Atrial Myxoma in Pregnancy: Management Strategy Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach
Authors: Taksaudom Noppon , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Kanjanavanit Rungsrit
Published: April 2017

This case report concerns a young woman who, during her pregnancy, suffered severe mitral regurgitation. It was discovered at the same time that she had a left atrial myxoma. During the early postpartum period she successfully underwent an anterior minithoracotomy to remove the left atrial myxoma in conjunction with repair of the mitral valve. The thoracotomy approach in this specific patient was chosen as it would give a better chance of successful mother-child bonding because the patient would be able to avoid the precautions which would have been necessary following a sternotomy, especially the limitation of her ability to hold her child during the first 4–6 weeks postoperatively.
Versatility of Chitosan-Based Biomaterials and Their Use as Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Ribeiro José Carlos Viana , Vieira Rodrigo Silveira , Melo Iracema Matos , Araújo Vilana Maria Adriano , Lima Vilma
Published: April 2017

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide obtained from chitin, present in abundance in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. It has aroused great interest as a biomaterial for tissue engineering on account of its biocompatibility and biodegradation and its affinity for biomolecules. A significant number of research groups have investigated the application of chitosan as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. However, there is a wide variability in terms of physicochemical characteristics of chitosan used in some studies and its combinations with other biomaterials, making it difficult to compare results and standardize its properties. The current systematic review of literature on the use of chitosan for tissue regeneration consisted of a study of 478 articles in the PubMed database, which resulted, after applying inclusion criteria, in the selection of 61 catalogued, critically analysed works. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biomaterials in 93.4% of the studies reviewed, whether or not combined with cells and growth factors, in the regeneration of various types of tissues in animals. However, the absence of clinical studies in humans, the inadequate experimental designs, and the lack of information concerning chitosan’s characteristics limit the reproducibility and relevance of studies and the clinical applicability of chitosan.
Distortion Type Theorems for Functions in the Logarithmic Bloch Space
Authors: García-Ortíz Armando J. , Lesmes Acosta Milton del Castillo , Ramos-Fernández Julio C.
Published: April 2017

We establish distortion type theorems for locally schlicht functions and for functions having branch points satisfying a normalized Bloch condition in the closed unit ball of the logarithmic Bloch spaceBlog. As a consequence of our results we have estimations of the schlicht radius for functions in these classes.
Absence of Left Circumflex Artery: A Rare Congenital Disorder of Coronary Arteries
Authors: Ullah Saad , Khan Muzammil , Khan Noman Ahmed Jang , Zeb Hassan , Patel Roshan
Published: April 2017

Congenital absence of left circumflex artery is a rare occurrence and very few cases have been reported in literature. It is a benign incidental finding; however some patients present with sudden onset chest pain mimicking acute coronary syndrome often resulting in detection of this rare anatomy on coronary angiography. Coronary computed tomography angiography is a relatively new noninvasive imaging modality which can be used to confirm this suspicion and diagnose this unique morphology reliably.