bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Thyroid Hormones in Euthyroid Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Zhang Yun , Wang Qiong , Li Quanzhong , Lu Ping
Published: June 2015

Objectives. The concept now emerging is that higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and lower thyroid hormone levels within the euthyroid range may adversely affect atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential associations between thyroid parameters and hyperhomocysteinaemia in a cohort of euthyroid diabetic subjects.Material and Methods. Two hundred and seventy-three euthyroid diabetic subjects (167 males and 106 females) were consecutively recruited in this cross-sectional study. Clinical and biomedical data was collected.Results. TSH level was higher in females than males. Compared to normal-homocysteine group, hyperhomocysteinaemia group was more likely to be elderly, males, with longer diabetes history, and with lower diastolic blood pressure. Free thyroxine (FT4) level was lower in hyperhomocysteinaemia group than in normal-homocysteine group; however, it was not statistically significant. Adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in logistic regression analyses, hyperhomocysteinaemia was significantly correlated with FT4 (P=0.021). No significant association was found with TSH or free triiodothyronine. When analyzed in subjects with TSH < 2.5 uIU/mL separately, we got similar results.Conclusions. In conclusion, we identified a relation between hyperhomocysteinemia and FT4 in a group of euthyroid diabetic patients.
Importance of Reference Muscle Selection in Quantitative Signal Intensity Analysis of T2-Weighted Images of Myocardial Edema Using a T2 Ratio Method
Authors: Carbone Iacopo , Childs Helene , Aljizeeri Ahmed , Merchant Naeem , Friedrich Matthias G.
Published: June 2015

Objectives.The purpose of our study was to identify the suitability of various skeletal muscles as reference regions for calculating the T2 SI ratio for a semiautomated quantification of the extent of myocardial edema with T2-weighted images.Methods. Thirty-four patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) were enrolled. The extent of myocardial edema was determined by T2 SI ratio map, using 4 different muscles as reference: major and minor pectoralis, serratus anterior, teres minor-infraspinatus, and subscapularis. The size of myocardial edema as visually quantified was used as the standard of truth. The control group consisted of 15 patients with chronic MI. Intra- and interobserver variability were assessed.Results. Due to poor image quality four patients were excluded from the analysis. In acute MI patients, serratus anterior muscle showed the strongest correlation with the visual analysis (r=0.799;P<0.001) and low inter- and intraobserver variability, while the other muscles resulted in a significant interobserver variability. In contrast, the use of other muscles as a reference led to overestimating edema size.Conclusions. In acute MI patients, serratus anterior resulted to be the most reliable and reproducible muscle for measuring the extent of myocardial edema.
A Novel Nonlinear Optimal Control Approach for the Dynamic Process of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle Equipped with Electromechanical Transmission
Authors: Xiang Changle , Zhang Donghao , Zheng Hailiang , Han Lijin , Huang Kun
Published: June 2015

Coordinatively controlling the engine and several motor/generators (MGs) during a dynamic process is a challenging problem because they are coupled together by the electromechanical transmission (EMT) system and all of them have strong nonlinear characteristics. We develop a novel nonlinear optimal control approach based on the multiobjective dynamic optimization model of the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which is equipped with an EMT system. In this approach, the current states of the components are obtained by using the state observation algorithm based on Kalman filtering; the future states of the components and the feasible region of the control variables are estimated by using the dynamic prediction algorithm based on the nonlinear model of the EMT system. Then, the control variables are achieved by using the optimal decision algorithm based on the hierarchical optimization and nonlinear programming, and the influence of the model error and the external disturbance are modified by using the feedback compensation algorithm. The simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control approach, and the test results verify its real-time performance.
Variational Methods for a Fractional Dirichlet Problem Involving Jumarie’s Derivative
Authors: Kamocki Rafał
Published: June 2015

We investigate a fractional Dirichlet problem involving Jumarie’s derivative. Using some variational methods a theorem on the existence and uniqueness of a solution to such problem is proved. In the proof of the main result we use a fractional counterpart of the du Bois-Reymond fundamental lemma.
Integrated Analysis of Permeability Reduction Caused by Polymer Retention for Better Understanding Polymer Transport
Authors: Choi ByungIn , Choi Jinsuk , Lee Kun Sang
Published: June 2015

Polymer retention is one of the most important factors to govern polymer propagation through porous media, determining whether successful or not. The focus of previous studies has been limited to polymer concentration loss caused by the retention; not only change in polymer concentration, but also reduction in reservoir permeability is the main issue for theoretical transport study. Due to the lack of accuracy of Langmuir isotherm describing the polymer retention mechanisms, this study proposes a new type of matching interpretation method to correlate the permeability reduction factors from experiments to permeability. In order to solve the problem of poorly matching results between estimation and observation, use of nonadsorptive constant conditionally selected in matching process was made. Based on the threshold permeability reduction factors, approximate critical permeability can be calculated to which nonadsorptive constant would be applied. Results showed significant improvements in the estimation of permeability reduction for both low and high permeability cores. In addition, effects of permeability reduction on polymer transport in field scale were analyzed using the proposed matching model. Thus, not only does this interpretation method help to evaluate prediction for accurate flow behavior, but also unwanted risk can be evaluated.
The Role of Serine Proteases and Antiproteases in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Authors: Twigg Matthew S. , Brockbank Simon , Lowry Philip , FitzGerald S. Peter , Taggart Clifford , Weldon Sinéad
Published: June 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is an inherited condition with an incidence rate of approximately 1 in 2500 new born babies. CF is characterized as chronic infection of the lung which leads to inflammation of the airway. Sputum from CF patients contains elevated levels of neutrophils and subsequently elevated levels of neutrophil serine proteases. In a healthy individual these proteases aid in the phagocytic process by degrading microbial peptides and are kept in homeostatic balance by cognate antiproteases. Due to the heavy neutrophil burden associated with CF the high concentration of neutrophil derived proteases overwhelms cognate antiproteases. The general effects of this protease/antiprotease imbalance are impaired mucus clearance, increased and self‐perpetuating inflammation, and impaired immune responses and tissue. To restore this balance antiproteases have been suggested as potential therapeutics or therapeutic targets. As such a number of both endogenous and synthetic antiproteases have been trialed with mixed success as therapeutics for CF lung disease.
Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease: Limits and Perspectives
Authors: Varetto Gianfranco , Gibello Lorenzo , Castagno Claudio , Quaglino Simone , Ripepi Matteo , Benintende Emilio , Gattuso Andrea , Garneri Paolo , Zan Stefano , Capaldi Giacomo , Bertoldo Ugo , Rispoli Pietro
Published: June 2015

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has recently become one of the most versatile and powerful diagnostic tools in vascular surgery. One of the most interesting fields of application of this technique is the study of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque vascularization and its correlation with neurological symptoms (transient ischemic attack, minor stroke, and major stroke) and with the characteristics of the “vulnerable plaque” (surface ulceration, hypoechoic plaques, intraplaque hemorrhage, thinner fibrous cap, and carotid plaque neovascularization at histopathological analysis of the sample after surgical removal). The purpose of this review is to collect all the original studies available in literature (24 studies with 1356 patients enrolled) and to discuss the state of the art, limits, and future perspectives of CEUS analysis. The results of this work confirm the reliability of this imaging study for the detection of plaques with high risk of embolization; however, a shared, user-friendly protocol of imaging analysis is not available yet. The definition of this operative protocol becomes mandatory in order to compare results from different centers and to validate a cerebrovascular risk stratification of the carotid atherosclerotic lesions evaluated with CEUS.
The Effects of Various Additive Components on the Sound Absorption Performances of Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Chen Shuming , Jiang Yang , Chen Jing , Wang Dengfeng
Published: June 2015

Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams comprising various additive components were synthesized to improve their acoustic performances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various additive components of the PU foams on the resultant sound absorption, which was characterized by the impedance tube technique to obtain the incident sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss. The maximum enhancement in the acoustic properties of the foams was obtained by adding fluorine-dichloroethane (141b) and triethanolamine. The results showed that the acoustic absorption properties of the PU foams were improved by adding 141b and triethanolamine and depended on the amount of the water, 141b, and triethanolamine.
Skin Resistivity Value of Upper Trapezius Latent Trigger Points
Authors: Skorupska Elżbieta , Zawadziński Jarosław , Bednarek Agata , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: June 2015

Introduction. The skin resistivity (SkR) measurement is commonly recommended for acupoints measurement, but for trigger points (TrPs) only one study is available. The purpose of the study was to evaluate SkR for latent TrPs compared to non-TrPs and the surrounding tissue.Material and Methods. Forty-two healthy volunteers with unilateral latent upper trapezius TrPs (12 men, 30 women) aged 21–23 (mean age: 22.1 ± 0.6 y) participated in the study. Keithley electrometer 610B was used for measuring SkR (Ag/AgCl self-adhesive, disposable ground electrode: 30 mm diameter). SkR was measured for latent TrPs and compared to opposite non-TrPs sites and the surrounding tissue.Results. The SkR decrease of TrPs-positive sites as compared to TrPs-negative sites and the surrounding tissue was confirmed. However, no statistically significant difference in the SkR value occurred when all data were analyzed. The same was confirmed after gender division and for TrPs-positive subjects examined for referred pain and twitch response presence.Conclusion. SkR reactive changes at latent TrPs are possible but the results were not consistent with the previous study. Thus, caution in applying SkR to latent TrPs isolation is recommended and its clinical use should not be encouraged yet. Further studies, especially on active TrPs, are yet required.
Characterization of Sulfur Compounds in MTBE
Authors: Wu Mingqing , Chang Chunyan , Li Tao , Zhou Jian , Zhao Liping
Published: June 2015

A study is carried out on chemical constitution of sulfur compounds in MTBE and their formation mechanisms. These sulfur compounds are classified into three types: common sulfur compounds, newly formed sulfur compounds, and high boiling sulfur compounds. Common sulfur compounds which include mercaptans, low molecule sulfides and disulfides, are directly from C4, one of the stocks for production of MTBE. The newly formed sulfur compounds, with one sulfur atom and five or more total carbon atoms in one molecule, are mainly tert-butyl methyl sulfide and tert-butyl ethyl sulfide, thioetherification products of thiols with butenes. Many high boiling sulfur compounds, including polysulfides such as dimethyl trisulfide, multisulfur heterocyclic compounds such as 3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-trithiolane, and oxygen-containing sulfur compounds such as 2-methoxy-3-methylthio-butane, are also found newly formed in the processes of LPG refining and succedent etherification reaction for producing MTBE. Polysulfides are additional products of elemental sulfur to disulfides, and other high boiling sulfur compounds may be formed by thiols reacting with dienes.
Characterization and Evaluation of the Improved Performance of Modified Reverse Osmosis Membranes by Incorporation of Various Organic Modifiers and SnO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: AL-Sheetan Kh. M. , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , AL-Hobaib A. S. , Alandis N. M.
Published: June 2015

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes modified with SnO2 nanoparticles of varied concentrations (0.001–0.1 wt.%) were developed via in situ interfacial polymerization (IP) of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and m‐phenylenediamine (MPD) on nanoporous polysulfone supports. The nanoparticles dispersed in the dense nodular polyamide on the polysulfone side. The effects of IP reaction time and SnO2 loading on membrane separation performance were studied. The modified reverse osmosis membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles size varies between 10 and 30 nm. The results exhibited a smooth membrane surface and average surface roughness from 31 to 68 nm. Moreover, hydrophilicity was enhanced and contact angle decreased. The outcomes showed that an IP reaction time was essential to form a denser SnO2‐polyamide layer for higher salt rejection, the developed reverse osmosis membranes with the incorporation of the SnO2 nanoparticles were examined by measuring permeate fluxes and salt rejection, and the permeate flux increased from 26 to 43.4 L/m2·h, while salt rejection was high at 98% (2000 ppm NaCl solution at 225 psi (1.55 MPa), 25°C).
Surgical Treatment of a Chronic Brain Abscess and Growing Skull Fracture in a Dog
Authors: Hodshon Amy W. , Narak Jill , Craig Linden E. , Matthews Andrea
Published: June 2015

A 2-year-old female spayed Miniature Dachshund was presented for seizures and right prosencephalic signs. A multiloculated, ring-enhancing mass in the right cerebrum associated with dilation of the right lateral ventricle and brain herniation was seen on magnetic resonance imaging. An irregular calvarial defect with smoothly scalloped edges was seen overlying the mass on computed tomography. The mass was removed via craniectomy and was diagnosed as a chronic brain abscess caused byPeptostreptococcus anaerobius. The patient was maintained on antibiotics for 12 weeks. Follow-up MRI performed 14 weeks after surgery confirmed complete removal of the abscess as well as a contrast-enhancing collection of extra-axial material consistent with a chronic subdural hematoma. The neurologic abnormalities, including seizures, have improved in the 44 months since surgery. Brain abscesses in dogs can have an insidious clinical course prior to causing serious neurologic deterioration. Ventricular entrapment by an intracranial mass can contribute to acute neurologic decline. If surgically accessible, outcome following removal of a brain abscess can be excellent; aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture should be performed in these cases. Subdural hematoma can occur following removal of a large intracranial mass. Growing skull fractures can occur in dogs but may not require specific surgical considerations.
Development of anEx Vivo, Beating Heart Model for CT Myocardial Perfusion
Authors: Pelgrim Gert Jan , Das Marco , Haberland Ulrike , Slump Cees , Handayani Astri , van Tuijl Sjoerd , Stijnen Marco , Klotz Ernst , Oudkerk Matthijs , Wildberger Joachim E. , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn
Published: June 2015

Objective. To test the feasibility of a CT-compatible,ex vivo, perfused porcine heart model for myocardial perfusion CT imaging.Methods. One porcine heart was perfused according to Langendorff. Dynamic perfusion scanning was performed with a second-generation dual source CT scanner. Circulatory parameters like blood flow, aortic pressure, and heart rate were monitored throughout the experiment. Stenosis was induced in the circumflex artery, controlled by a fractional flow reserve (FFR) pressure wire. CT-derived myocardial perfusion parameters were analysed at FFR of 1 to 0.10/0.0.Results. CT images did not show major artefacts due to interference of the model setup. The pacemaker-induced heart rhythm was generally stable at 70 beats per minute. During most of the experiment, blood flow was 0.9–1.0 L/min, and arterial pressure varied between 80 and 95 mm/Hg. Blood flow decreased and arterial pressure increased by approximately 10% after inducing a stenosis with FFR ≤ 0.50. Dynamic perfusion scanning was possible across the range of stenosis grades. Perfusion parameters of circumflex-perfused myocardial segments were affected at increasing stenosis grades.Conclusion. An adapted Langendorff porcine heart model is feasible in a CT environment. This model provides control over physiological parameters and may allow in-depth validation of quantitative CT perfusion techniques.
Local Interaction Simulation Approach for Fault Detection in Medical Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Hashemiyan Z. , Packo P. , Staszewski W. J. , Uhl T. , Verma P. K.
Published: June 2015

A new approach is proposed for modelling medical ultrasonic transducers operating in air. The method is based on finite elements and the local interaction simulation approach. The latter leads to significant reductions of computational costs. Transmission and reception properties of the transducer are analysed using in-air reverberation patterns. The proposed approach can help to provide earlier detection of transducer faults and their identification, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis due to poor image quality.
The Effect of Formulation Excipients and Thermal Treatment on the Release Properties of Lisinopril Spheres and Tablets
Authors: Amador Ríos Zoriely , Ghaly Evone Shehata
Published: June 2015

Multiparticulate systems are used in the development of controlled release systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the wax level, the type of excipient, and the exposure of the tablets to thermal treatment on drug release. Spheres from multiparticulate system with different wax levels and excipients were developed using the drug Lisinopril and compressed into tablets; these tablets were analyzed to determine the drug release. All tablets contained constant level of Lisinopril (10% w/w) and Compritol (30% and 50% w/w). Also, as a diluent, all of them contained 30% w/w Avicel and 30% w/w dibasic calcium phosphate or lactose, or 60% Avicel. Tablets compacted from spheres prepared by extruder/marumerizer and using 30% w/w lipid and 60% Avicel released 84% of drug at six hours of dissolution testing, while tablets of the same composition but prepared using 30% dibasic calcium phosphate and 30% Avicel released 101%. When the tablets were thermally treated, the drug release reduced. As the percent of lipid increased in the formulation, the drug release decreased. Compaction of tablets prepared from spheres with wax has potential for controlling the drug release.
On Dynamic Video Source Decision in VANETs: An On-Demand Clustering Approach
Authors: Zhu Lina , Li Changle , Chen Yun , Li Bingbing
Published: June 2015

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), video communication makes a significant contribution to quality of experience (QoE) for people on the road. However, the selection of the video source is an impediment to video delivery due to the high mobility and dynamic topology of VANETs. An improper provider not only leads to frequent interruptions of communications, but the transmission of the invalid video fragments would also result in the waster of precious bandwidth. To address the issue, a novel video source decision scheme, named Cluster and Dynamic Overlay based video delivery over VANETs (CDOV), is proposed in this paper. By the on-demand clustering approach, nodes with the same video requirement/supply and moving features are clustered. Further, in a cluster, an overlay tree is constructed dynamically based on the relation between supply and demand, in which all requesters can find their greedy optimal source easily. In addition, the intracluster communication and head-RSU communication are designed for video streaming over this network structure. Using extensive simulations, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated. Compared with two existing works, the proposed solution is capable of obtaining lower startup latency and higher delivery ratio.
The Contribution of the Airway Epithelial Cell to Host Defense
Authors: Stanke Frauke
Published: June 2015

In the context of cystic fibrosis, the epithelial cell has been characterized in terms of its ion transport capabilities. The ability of an epithelial cell to initiate CFTR‐mediated chloride and bicarbonate transport has been recognized early as a means to regulate the thickness of the epithelial lining fluid and recently as a means to regulate the pH, thereby determining critically whether or not host defense proteins such as mucins are able to fold appropriately. This review describes how the epithelial cell senses the presence of pathogens and inflammatory conditions, which, in turn, facilitates the activation of CFTR and thus directly promotes pathogens clearance and innate immune defense on the surface of the epithelial cell. This paper summarizes functional data that describes the effect of cytokines, chemokines, infectious agents, and inflammatory conditions on the ion transport properties of the epithelial cell and relates these key properties to the molecular pathology of cystic fibrosis. Recent findings on the role of cystic fibrosis modifier genes that underscore the role of the epithelial ion transport in host defense and inflammation are discussed.
Binary Logistic Regression Modeling of Idle CO Emissions in Order to Estimate Predictors Influences in Old Vehicle Park
Authors: Milosavljević Branimir , Pešić Radivoje , Dašić Predrag
Published: June 2015

This paper determines, by experiments, the CO emissions at idle running with 1,785 vehicles powered by spark ignition engine, in order to verify the correctness of emissions values with a representative sample of vehicles in Serbia. The permissible emissions limits were considered for three (3) fitted binary logistic regression (BLR) models, and the key reason for such analysis is finding the predictors that can have a crucial influence on the accuracy of the estimation whether such vehicles have correct emissions or not. Having summarized the research results, we found out that vehicles produced in Serbia (hereinafter referred to as “domestic vehicles”) cause more pollution than imported cars (hereinafter referred to as “foreign vehicles”), although domestic vehicles are of lower average age and mileage. Another trend was observed: low-power vehicles and vehicles produced before 1992 are potentially more serious polluters.
Effects of Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Wen-Dien , Chen Fu-Chen , Lee Chia-Lun , Lin Hung-Yu , Lai Ping-Tung
Published: June 2015

Objectives. To conduct a systematic review comparing the effects of Kinesio taping with McConnell taping as a method of conservative management of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).Methods. MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, AMED, and the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials electronic databases were searched through July 2014. Controlled studies evaluating the effects of Kinesio or McConnell taping in PFPS patients were retrieved.Results. Ninety-one articles were selected from the articles that were retrieved from the databases, and 11 articles were included in the analysis. The methods, evaluations, and results of the articles were collected, and the outcomes of patellar tapings were analyzed. Kinesio taping can reduce pain and increase the muscular flexibility of PFPS patients, and McConnell taping also had effect in pain relief and patellar alignment. Meta-analysis showed small effect in pain reduction and motor function improvement and moderate effect in muscle activity change among PFPS patients using Kinesio taping.Conclusions. Kinesio taping technique used for muscles can relieve pain but cannot change patellar alignment, unlike McConnell taping. Both patellar tapings are used differently for PFPS patients and substantially improve muscle activity, motor function, and quality of life.
Dynamic Imbalance Analysis and Stability Control of Galloping Gait for a Passive Quadruped Robot
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Zhang Ting , Wei Xiaohui , Long Yongjun , Wang Shigang
Published: June 2015

Some imbalance and balance postures of a passive quadruped robot with a simplified mathematical model are studied. Through analyzing the influence of the touchdown angle of the rear leg on the posture of the trunk during the flight phase, the stability criterion is concluded: the closer are the two moments which are the zero time of the pitching angle and the peak time of the center of mass, the better is the stability of the trunk posture during the flight phase. Additionally, the validity of the stability criterion is verified for the cat, greyhound, lion, racehorse, basset hound, and giraffe. Furthermore, the stability criterion is also applicable when the center of the mass of body is shifted. Based on the stability criterion, the necessary and sufficient condition of the galloping stability for the quadruped robot is proposed to attain a controlled thrust. The control strategy is designed by an optimization dichotomy algorithm for seeking the zero point of the balance condition. Through the control results, it is demonstrated that the imbalance posture of the trunk could be stabilized by adjusting the stiffness of four legs.
A Rare Case of a Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach Presenting as a Submucosal Mass
Authors: von Waagner Wolf , Wang Zhuo , Picon Antonio I.
Published: June 2015

We report a case of a 70-year-old man, with a status after aortic valve replacement, who presented with melena and hypotension. On physical examination, he was hypotensive, but he responded to resuscitation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a submucosal mass in the gastric fundus. Imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no evidence of local or distant metastasis. He underwent a partial diaphragmatic resection, gastrectomy, lymphadenectomy, and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. Pathology showed a gastric squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) invading the diaphragm, with negative margins of resection, and one positive perigastric lymph node. He received chemoradiation, but the patient expired 27 months after surgery.
Genetic Deletion and Pharmacological Inhibition of PI3Kγ Reduces Neutrophilic Airway Inflammation and Lung Damage in Mice with Cystic Fibrosis‐Like Lung Disease
Authors: Galluzzo Maria , Ciraolo Elisa , Lucattelli Monica , Hoxha Eriola , Ulrich Martina , Campa Carlo Cosimo , Lungarella Giuseppe , Doring Gerd , Zhou-Suckow Zhe , Mall Marcus , Hirsch Emilio , De Rose Virginia
Published: June 2015

Purpose. Neutrophil‐dominated airway inflammation is a key feature of progressive lung damage in cystic fibrosis (CF). Thus, reducing airway inflammation is a major goal to prevent lung damage in CF. However, current anti‐inflammatory drugs have shown several limits. PI3Kγ plays a pivotal role in leukocyte recruitment and activation; in the present study we determined the effects of genetic deletion and pharmacologic inhibition of PI3Kγ on airway inflammation and structural lung damage in a mouse model of CF lung disease. Methods. βENaC overexpressing mice (βENaC‐Tg) were backcrossed with PI3Kγ‐deficient (PI3KγKO) mice. Tissue damage was assessed by histology and morphometry and inflammatory cell number was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, we assessed the effect of a specific PI3Kγ inhibitor (AS‐605240) on inflammatory cell number in BALF. Results. Genetic deletion of PI3Kγ decreased neutrophil numbers in BALF of PI3KγKO/βENaC‐Tg mice, and this was associated with reduced emphysematous changes. Treatment with the PI3Kγ inhibitor AS‐605240 decreased the number of neutrophils in BALF of βENaC‐Tg mice, reproducing the effect observed with genetic deletion of the enzyme. Conclusions. These results demonstrate the biological efficacy of both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of PI3Kγ in reducing chronic neutrophilic inflammation in CF‐like lung disease in vivo.
Epithelium‐Specific Ets‐Like Transcription Factor 1, ESE‐1, Regulates ICAM‐1 Expression in Cultured Lung Epithelial Cell Lines
Authors: Yu Zhiqi , Xu Jun , Liu Jinbao , Wu Jing , Lee Chan Mi , Yu Li , Hu Jim
Published: June 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients suffer from chronic airway inflammation with excessive neutrophil infiltration. Migration of neutrophils to the lung requires chemokine and cytokine signaling as well as cell adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM-1), which plays an important role in mediating adhesive interactions between effector and target cells in the immune system. In this study, we investigated the relationship between ICAM-1 and epithelium‐specific ETS‐like transcription factor 1 (ESE-1) and found that ICAM-1 expression is upregulated in cell lines of CF (IB3‐1) as well as non‐CF (BEAS‐2B and A549) epithelial origin in response to inflammatory cytokine stimulation. Since ESE-1 is highly expressed in A549 cells without stimulation, we examined the effect of ESE-1 knockdown on ICAM-1 expression in these cells. We found that ICAM-1 expression was downregulated when ESE-1 was knocked down in A549 cells. We also tested the effect of ESE-1 knockdown on cell‐cell interactions and demonstrate that the knocking down ESE-1 in A549 cells reduce their interactions with HL‐60 cells (human promyelocytic leukemia cell line). These results suggest that ESE-1 may play a role in regulating airway inflammation by regulating ICAM-1 expression.
Antioxidants Activity and Color Evaluation of Date Fruit of Selected Cultivars Commercially Available in the United States
Authors: Al-Jasass Fahad Mohammed , Siddiq Muhammad , Sogi Dalbir S.
Published: June 2015

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are nutrient-rich fruit consumed throughout the world, either directly or in several food products. Six commercially available date cultivars in the US were analyzed for total phenolics, antioxidant activity using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays, and instrumental color. Total phenolics content varied from 33 to 125 mg GAE/100 g dry weight, with the highest in Barni (Saudi Arabia). Antioxidant values as determined by the ABTS in Deglet Nour (Algeria), Deglet Nour (California), Deglet Noor (Tunisia), Shahia (Tunisia), Barni (Saudi Arabia), and Khudri (Saudi Arabia) were 1300, 1047, 796, 452, 776, and 341 μmol TE/g dry weight, respectively. Antioxidative properties as measure by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC varied from 3.27 to 3.54, 3.29 to 5.22, and 189 to 243 μmol TE/g dry basis, respectively. Fruit and pulp color of Deglet Nour (Algeria) was lighter whereas pulp of Barni (Saudi Arabia) was the darkest. Antioxidant values varied with different techniques used and also followed a different pattern than that of phenolics content.
Duodenocaval Fistula in a Patient with Inferior Vena Cava Leiomyosarcoma Treated by Surgical Resection and Caval Polytetrafluoroethylene Prosthesis
Authors: Ippolito Davide , Querques Giulia , Drago Silvia Girolama , Bonaffini Pietro Andrea , Sironi Sandro
Published: June 2015

Inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma represents an extremely rare disease that commonly involves the segment between the inflow of the renal veins and the inflow of the hepatic veins (46% of cases). We report the case of a patient affected by an IVC leiomyosarcoma, treated with surgical resection, caval reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and right nephrectomy, followed by external beam radiotherapy. Oncological follow-up was negative for 17 years after this combined treatment, since the patient developed a duodenocaval fistula (DCF).
Changes of Proteases, Antiproteases, and Pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis Patients’ Upper and Lower Airways after IV‐Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Müller Ulrike , Hentschel Julia , Janhsen Wibke K. , Hünniger Kerstin , Hipler Uta-Christina , Sonnemann Jürgen , Pfister Wolfgang , Böer Klas , Lehmann Thomas , Mainz Jochen G.
Published: June 2015

Background. In cystic fibrosis (CF) the upper (UAW) and lower airways (LAW) are reservoirs for pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The consecutive hosts’ release of proteolytic enzymes contributes to inflammation and progressive pulmonary destruction. Objectives were to assess dynamics of protease : antiprotease ratios and pathogens in CF‐UAW and LAW sampled by nasal lavage (NL) and sputum before and after intravenous‐ (IV‐) antibiotic therapy. Methods. From 19 IV‐antibiotic courses of 17 CF patients NL (10 mL/nostril) and sputum were collected before and after treatment. Microbiological colonization and concentrations of NE/SLPI/CTSS (ELISA) and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 (multiplex bead array) were determined. Additionally, changes of sinonasal symptoms were assessed (SNOT‐20). Results. IV‐antibiotic treatment had more pronounced effects on inflammatory markers in LAW, whereas trends to decrease were also found in UAW. Ratios of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 were higher in sputum, and ratios of NE/SLPI were higher in NL. Remarkably, NE/SLPI ratio was 10‐fold higher in NL compared to healthy controls. SNOT‐20 scores decreased significantly during therapy (P = 0.001). Conclusion. For the first time, changes in microbiological patterns in UAW and LAW after IV‐antibiotic treatments were assessed, together with changes of protease/antiprotease imbalances. Delayed responses of proteases and antiproteases to IV‐antibiotic therapy were found in UAW compared to LAW.
Labeling of Chromosomes in Cell Development and the Appearance of Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Jim Carol , Berkovich Simon
Published: June 2015

Understanding the mechanism behind the structure of the internal cellular clock can lead to advances in the knowledge of origins of pairs of monozygotic twins and higher order multiples as well as other biological phenomena. To gain insight into this mechanism, we analyze possible cell labeling schemes that model an organism’s development. Our findings lead us to predict that monozygotic quadruplets are not quadruplets in the traditional sense but rather two pairs of monozygotic twins where the pairs slightly differ—a situation we coin quadruplet twins. From the considered model, the probability of monozygotic twins is found to be1/2K, and we discover that the probability of monozygotic quadruplets, or triplets as in the case of the death of an embryo, is1/8K, whereKis a species-specific integer representing the number of pairs of homologous chromosomes. The parameterKmay determine cancerization with a probability threshold that is approximately inversely proportional to the Hayflick limit. Exposure to some cancerization factors such as small levels of ionizing radiation and chemical pollution may not produce cancer.
Acute Cholangitis following Biliary Obstruction after Duodenal OTSC Placement in a Case of Large Chronic Duodenocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Alastal Yaseen , Hammad Tariq A. , Nawras Mohamad , Khalil Basmah W. , Alaradi Osama , Nawras Ali
Published: June 2015

Over-the-Scope Clip system, also called “Bear Claw,” is a novel endoscopic modality used for closure of gastrointestinal defect with high efficacy and safety. We present a patient with history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and multiple abdominal surgeries including Billroth II gastrectomy complicated by a large chronic duodenocutaneous fistula from a Billroth II afferent limb to the abdominal wall. Bear Claw clip was used for closure of this fistula. The patient developed acute cholangitis one day after placement of the Bear Claw clip. Acute cholangitis due to papillary obstruction is a potential complication of Bear Claw placement at the dome of the duodenal stump (afferent limb) in patient with Billroth II surgery due to its close proximity to the major papilla.
Influence of Selenium Content in the Culture Medium on Protein Profile of Yeast CellsCandida utilisATCC 9950
Authors: Kieliszek Marek , Błażejak Stanisław , Bzducha-Wróbel Anna
Published: June 2015

Selenium is an essential trace element for human health and it has been recognized as a component of several selenoproteins with crucial biological functions. It has been identified as a component of active centers of many enzymes, as well as integral part of biologically active complexes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protein content and amino acid profile of the protein of fodder yeastCandida utilisATCC 9950 cultured in media control and experimental enriched selenium. Protein analysis was performed using SDS-PAGE method consisting of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. The highest contents of soluble protein (49,5 mg/g) were found in yeast cells after 24-hour culture conducted in control (YPD) medium. In the presence of selenium there were determined small amounts of protein content. With increasing time of yeast culture (to 72 hours) the control and experimental media were reported to reduce soluble protein content. In electropherogram proteins from control cultures was observed the presence of 10 protein fractions, but in all the experimental cultures (containing 20, 30, and 40 mg/L selenium) of 14 protein fractions. On the basis of the molecular weights of proteins, it can be concluded that they were among others: selenoprotein 15 kDa and selenoprotein 18 kDa.
Distance Based Root Cause Analysis and Change Impact Analysis of Performance Regressions
Authors: Zhou Junzan , Li Shanping
Published: June 2015

Performance regression testing is applied to uncover both performance and functional problems of software releases. A performance problem revealed by performance testing can be high response time, low throughput, or even being out of service. Mature performance testing process helps systematically detect software performance problems. However, it is difficult to identify the root cause and evaluate the potential change impact. In this paper, we present an approach leveraging server side logs for identifying root causes of performance problems. Firstly, server side logs are used to recover call tree of each business transaction. We define a novel distance based metric computed from call trees for root cause analysis and apply inverted index from methods to business transactions for change impact analysis. Empirical studies show that our approach can effectively and efficiently help developers diagnose root cause of performance problems.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis in Improving Quality of Design in Femoral Component of Knee Prostheses: Influence of Interface Geometry and Material
Authors: Jahan Ali , Bahraminasab Marjan
Published: June 2015

Knee prostheses as medical products require careful application of quality and design tool to ensure the best performance. Therefore, quality function deployment (QFD) was proposed as a quality tool to systematically integrate consumer’s expectation to perceived needs by medical and design team and to explicitly address the translation of customer needs into engineering characteristics. In this study, full factorial design of experiment (DOE) method was accompanied by finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of inner contours of femoral component on mechanical stability of the implant and biomechanical stresses within the implant components and adjacent bone areas with preservation of the outer contours for standard Co-Cr alloy and a promising functionally graded material (FGM). The ANOVA revealed that the inner shape of femoral component influenced the performance measures in which the angle between the distal and anterior cuts and the angle between the distal and posterior cuts were greatly influential. In the final ranking of alternatives, using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), the designs with FGM was ranked first over the Co-Cr femoral component, but the original design with Co-Cr material was not the best choice femoral component, among the top ranked design with the same material.
Melatonin Attenuates Oxidative Damage Induced by Acrylamide In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Pan Xiaoqi , Zhu Lanlan , Lu Huiping , Wang Dun , Lu Qing , Yan Hong
Published: June 2015

Acrylamide (ACR) has been classified as a neurotoxic agent in animals and humans. Melatonin (MT) has been shown to be potentially effective in preventing oxidative stress related neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, whether MT exerted a protective effect against ACR-induced oxidative damage was investigated. Results in cells showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased after ACR treatment for 24 h. MT preconditioning or cotreatment with ACR reduced ROS and MDA products, whereas the inhibitory effect of MT on oxidant generation was attenuated by blocking the MT receptor. Increased DNA fragmentation caused by ACR was significantly decreased by MT coadministration. In vivo, rats at 40 mg/kg/day ACR by gavage for 12 days showed weight loss and gait abnormality, Purkinje cell nuclear condensation, and DNA damage in rat cerebellum. MT (i.p) cotreatment with ACR not only recovered weight and gait of rats, but also decreased nuclear condensation and DNA damage in rat cerebellum. Using MDA generation, glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in rat cerebellum as indicators, MT alleviated ACR-induced lipid peroxidation and depressed antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest that MT effectively prevents oxidative damage induced by ACR.
Intergranular Corrosion of Low Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel 429 Evaluated by the Optimized Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation Test
Authors: Li Xiao-lei , Ni Yi-fan , Jiang Yi-ming , Li Jin , Li Li
Published: June 2015

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) of Nb-Ti stabilized ferritic stainless steel (FSS) 429 was investigated using the double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test combined with the microstructure observation. The results indicated that the optimized DL-EPR test condition for FSS 429 was the solution of 0.5 M H2SO4+ 0.0001 M KSCN with a scanning rate of 100 mV/min at 30°C. Based on this condition, the specimens aging at 400–700°C for different duration were tested and a time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) curve for FSS 429 was obtained, which reveals the sensitization nose was located around 550°C. The criticalIr/Iavalue was determined to be about 3% above which IGC occurred. After aging treatment, Cr depletion zone was detected using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), most possibly due to Cr segregation around intergranular TiC and NbC.
Structure Optimization and Numerical Simulation of Nozzle for High Pressure Water Jetting
Authors: Zhang Shuce , Tao Xueheng , Lu Jinshi , Wang Xuejun , Zeng Zhenhua
Published: June 2015

Three kinds of nozzles normally used in industrial production are numerically simulated, and the structure of nozzle with the best jetting performance out of the three nozzles is optimized. TheR90 nozzle displays the most optimal jetting properties, including the smooth transition of the nozzle’s inner surface. Simulation results of all sample nozzles in this study show that the helix nozzle ultimately displays the best jetting performance. Jetting velocity magnitude alongYandZcoordinates is not symmetrical for the helix nozzle. Compared to simply changing the jetting angle, revolving the jet issued from the helix nozzle creates a grinding wheel on the cleaning surface, which makes not only an impact effect but also a shearing action on the cleaning object. This particular shearing action improves the cleaning process overall and forms a wider, effective cleaning range, thus obtaining a broader jet width.
Sources of Discomfort in Persons with Dementia: Scale and Initial Results
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska , Thein Khin , Marx Marcia S. , Dakheel-Ali Maha , Jensen Barbara
Published: June 2015

The Sources of Discomfort Scale (SODS) assesses discomfort manifestations based on source of discomfort, thus making it both distinct from and complementary to pain assessments for persons with dementia. Sources were categorized as pertaining to physical discomfort, to body position, and to environmental sources. Body position sources of discomfort were related to poor functional status and to pain. The SODS scores were not related to cognitive functioning, and sources of discomfort other than those pertaining to body position were not correlated with pain. This paper demonstrates a direct and enhanced method to detect the manifestations of discomfort separately from pain indicators in a population with advanced dementia. The determination of the source of discomfort has direct implications for intervention.
Application of Self-Adaptive Wavelet Ridge Demodulation Method Based on LCD to Incipient Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Luo Songrong , Cheng Junsheng , Fu Jianping
Published: June 2015

When a local defect occurs in gearbox, the vibration signals present as the form of multicomponent amplitude modulation and frequency modulation (AM-FM). Demodulation analysis is an effective way for this kind of signal. A self-adaptive wavelet ridge demodulation method based on LCD is proposed in this paper. Firstly, multicomponent AM-FM signal is decomposed into series of intrinsic scale components (ISCs) and the special intrinsic scale component is selected in order to decrease the lower frequency background noise. Secondly, the genetic algorithm is employed to optimize wavelet parameters according to the inherent characteristics of signal; thirdly, self-adaptive wavelet ridge demodulation wavelet for the selected ISC component is performed to get instantaneous amplitude (IA) or instantaneous frequency (IF). Lastly, the characteristics frequency can be obtained to identify the working state or failure information from its spectrum. By two simulation signals, the proposed method was compared with various existing demodulation methods; the simulation results show that it has higher accuracy and higher noise tolerant performance than others. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to incipient fault diagnosis for gearbox and the results show that it is simple and effective.