bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Strategies for Irreversible Fuel Cell Heat Engine Systems
Authors: Williams Mark Christopher , Gemmen Randall , Gerdes Kirk
Published: March 2016

A novel thermodynamic and electrochemical framework for the analysis of irreversible fuel cell heat engine systems is introduced in this paper and used to begin to explore the possibility of operating these systems at constant voltage operation and at constant voltage operation with constant power operation through supplemental firing for the hydrogen oxidation working reaction. It is interesting that the heat engine combustor performance was able to be recast in electrochemical terms. While the perfect fuel cell would undergo no degradation, practical fuel cells with irreversibilities will degrade. For several reasons it is desirable to operate these degrading systems at constant voltage. The limits of the performance of the basic fuel cell heat engine system is discussed.
"H2Ride" Fuel Cell Plug-in Shuttle Bus Demonstration Project at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hydrogen Fueling Demonstration Project on the Big Island of Hawaii
Authors: Ewan Mitch
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the hydrogen infratsructure and hydrogen fuel cell shuttle bus demonstration programs that the Hawaii Natural Energy Instiute is conducting on the Island of Hawaii.
Cost Effective Method for Measuring to the SAE Spec Contamination in Hydrogen
Authors: Bossard Peter , Kaldor Andrew , Modi Ankit , Stubbmann Albert B.
Published: March 2016

Progress is reported on the development and commercialization of HEMS, a novel technology for the measurement of key trace concentrations of contaminants in Hydrogen as identified in SAE-J2719 and ISO 14687, at point of use at Hydrogen fueling station. This is the only commercial technology to validate real time the compliance with SAE / ISO standards. The core of the technology are pre-concentrators, developed by Power & Energy, Inc. which selectively eliminate hydrogen, while retaining and concentrating the impurities. The concentration of the impurities can be increased more than 5,000- 20,000 fold, thus simplifying and enhancing their analysis. The HEMS device uses proprietary GC-TCD analyzers. The HEMS device generates its own pure H2 as GC pushing fluid from the same Hydrogen sample prepared for analysis. Thus HEMS is totally self-contained. The system has demonstrated 5 ppb level detection of H2S, COS and CS2, <30 ppb NH3, ~50 ppb CO, ppm detection of CO2, O2, H2O, and CH4, We will report results on the analytical figures of merit, including linearity, precision, accuracy for the analytes listed in the SAE-J2719 standard. HEMS is designed to be operated at Hydrogen Fueling Stations in continuous sampling mode. The analyte sample can be introduced at about 100 PSIA, sample required is about 1 liter, and analysis time is about 15 minutes.
The Effect of Two Different Cognitive Tests on Gait Parameters during Dual Tasks in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Hagner-Derengowska Magdalena , Kałużny Krystian , Hagner Wojciech , Kałużna Anna , Kochański Bartosz , Borkowska Alina , Budzyński Jacek
Published: February 2016

Introduction. The paper aims to evaluate the influence of two different demanding cognitive tasks on gait parameters using BTS SMART system analysis.Patients and Methods. The study comprised 53 postmenopausal women aged 64.5 ± 6.7 years (range: 47–79). For every subject, gait analysis using a BTS SMART system was performed in a dual-task study design under three conditions: (I) while walking only (single task), (II) walking while performing a simultaneous simple cognitive task (SCT) (dual task), and (III) walking while performing a simultaneous complex cognitive task (CCT) (dual task). Time-space parameters of gait pertaining to the length of a single support phase, double support phase, gait speed, step length, step width, and leg swing speed were analyzed.Results. Performance of cognitive tests during gait resulted in a statistically significant prolongation of the left (by 7%) and right (by 7%) foot gait cycle, shortening of the length of steps made with the right extremity (by 4%), reduction of speed of swings made with the left (by 11%) and right (by 8%) extremity, and reduction in gait speed (by 6%).Conclusions. Performance of cognitive tests during gait changes its individual pattern in relation to the level of the difficulty of the task.
Biochemical and Metabolic Changes in Arsenic ContaminatedBoehmeria niveaL.
Authors: Mubarak Hussani , Mirza Nosheen , Chai Li-Yuan , Yang Zhi-Hui , Yong Wang , Tang Chong-Jian , Mahmood Qaisar , Pervez Arshid , Farooq Umar , Fahad Shah , Nasim Wajid , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: February 2016

Arsenic (As) is identified by the EPA as the third highest toxic inorganic contaminant. Almost every 9th or 10th human in more than 70 countries including mainland China is affected by As. Arsenic along with other toxins not only affects human life but also creates alarming situations such as the deterioration of farm lands and desertion of industrial/mining lands. Researchers and administrators have agreed to opt for phytoremediation of As over costly cleanups.Boehmeria niveaL. can soak up various heavy metals, such as Sb, Cd, Pb, and Zn. But the effect of As pollution on the biology and metabolism ofB. niveahas been somewhat overlooked. This study attempts to evaluate the extent of As resistance, chlorophyll content, and metabolic changes in As-polluted (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L−1As)B. niveain hydroponics. Toxic effects of As in the form of inhibited growth were apparent at the highest level of added As. The significant changes in the chlorophyll, electrolyte leakage, and H2O2, significant increases in As in plant parts, catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with applied As revealed the potential ofB. niveafor As decontamination. By employing the metabolic machinery ofB. nivea, As was sustainably removed from the contaminated areas.
Exotropia Is the Main Pattern of Childhood Strabismus Surgery in the South of China: A Six-Year Clinical Review
Authors: Yu Xinping , Ji Zhouduo , Yu Huanyun , Xu Meiping , Xu Jinling
Published: February 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the distribution pattern and changes of strabismus surgery in children based on the data collected from a local eye hospital in the south of China between 2006 and 2011. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all strabismus surgeries in children (<18 years) performed in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between 2006 and 2011 using the integrated information system. Result. A total of 2,219 strabismus surgeries were performed during the study period, with concomitant exotropia (44% of all surgeries) more than esotropia (27%, χ2=42.7, p<0.001). Total number of surgeries increased from 250 in 2006 to 508 in 2011, with a significant increase in concomitant exotropia: 38% of all surgeries in 2006 increased to 47% in 2011 (χ2=29.4, p<0.001). The increase of intermittent exotropia was approximately 26% of all increments of strabismus surgery between 2006 and 2011. Conclusion. Surgery for childhood exotropia was more frequent than esotropia in China. The proportion of exotropia progressively increased, while the proportion of esotropia decreased during these years. Intermittent exotropia was the main increment of strabismus surgery. Further population-based studies are needed to confirm the proportion of surgery and whether the incidence of strabismus surgery increased in China.
Clumping and Viability of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells under Different Preparation Procedures: A Flow Cytometry‐Based In Vitro Study
Authors: Cui Li-li , Kinnunen Tuure , Boltze Johannes , Nystedt Johanna , Jolkkonen Jukka
Published: February 2016

Complications of microocclusions have been reported after intra‐arterial delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells. Hence, quantification and efficient limitation of cell clumps in suspension before transplantation is important to reduce the risk. We used a flow cytometry‐based pulse‐width assay to assess the effects of different cell suspension concentrations (0.2–2.0 × 106/mL), storage solutions (complete growth medium, Dulbecco’s phosphate‐buffered saline, and normal saline), storage time in suspension (0–9 h), and freeze‐thawing procedure on the clumping of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) and also evaluated cell viability at the same time. Surprisingly, increasing the cell concentration did not result in more cell clumps in vitro. Freshly harvested (fresh) cells in normal saline had significantly fewer cell clumps and also displayed high viability (>90%). A time‐dependent reduction in viability was observed for cells in all three storage solutions, without any significant change in the clumping tendency except for cells in medium. Fresh cells were more viable than their frozen‐thawed counterparts, and fresh cells in normal saline had fewer cell clumps. In conclusion, cell clumping and viability could be affected by different cell preparation procedures, and quantification of cell clumping can be conducted using the flow cytometry‐based pulse‐width assay before intra‐arterial cell delivery.
Thyroid-Specific Genes Expression Uncovered Age-Related Differences in Pediatric Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Cordioli Maria Isabel Cunha Vieira , Moraes Lais , Alves Maria Teresa de Seixas , Delcelo Rosana , Monte Osmar , Longui Carlos Alberto , Cury Adriano Namo , Cerutti Janete Maria
Published: February 2016

Despite a more advanced stage of disease at presentation, a better response to radioiodine (RAI) therapy and a reduced overall mortality have been reported in pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in comparison to adult DTC. Few studies suggested that the better response to RAI therapy in pediatric patients might be associated with an increased expression of NIS. However, a marked heterogeneity within the pediatric group has been recognized. Children (<10 years old) usually present a more aggressive disease than adolescents (≥10–18 years old). By analyzing the expression of thyroid-specific genes in 38 sporadic pediatric tumors, we show that the expression of NIS, PDS, and TSHR was lower in children than adolescents (P<0.05). A linear regression confirmed the association between NIS expression and age. Most significantly, NIS was expressed at similar levels in DTC from children and adults, whereas PDS and TSHR expression was even lower in DTC from children, compared to adolescents and adults. Our data suggest that biological behaviors of DTC in adolescents might differ from those in children and adults. Therefore, the premise that the expression of thyroid-specific genes is higher in tumors from pediatric patients than in adults is not entirely true and might be too oversimplified.
Radial Retinotomies with Endodiathermy for Severe Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: Short-Term Results
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxin , Qiu Suo , Lou Bingsheng , Lin Miaoli , Tan Junlian , Lin Xiaofeng
Published: February 2016

Purpose.Retinal redetachment of silicone oil-filled eyes continues to be a frustrating condition that typically requires retinectomy. We proposed radial retinotomy as a potentially less invasive surgery. Here, we preliminarily explored its feasibility, efficacy, and safety.Methods.Totally 9 eyes of 9 consecutive patients were included in a prospective noncomparative trial. A series of retinotomies were created by endodiathermy in a radial pattern to relax the foreshortened retina. The eye was refilled with fresh silicone oil. The treated eyes were examined via visual acuity (VA) tests, tonometry, slit-lamp microscopy, and fundus photography during a 6-month observation period.Results.The procedure was completed in an average of 28 minutes from silicone oil removal to fresh silicone oil placement. Fundus photography demonstrated that 7 of the 9 eyes (78%) exhibited retinal reattachment. On average, VA was significantly improved within the first 2 weeks (P=0.02) and remained stable for the following 6 months. The change in intraocular pressure was not significant (P=0.76), and no adverse event was observed (0%).Conclusion.Radial retinotomies with endodiathermy were shown to be feasible, effective, and safe in selected cases of inferior contracted retina without vitreous base fibrosis over a 6-month observation period. This trial is registered withNCT02201706.
Khat Dependency and Psychophysical Symptoms among Chewers in Jazan Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-Setouhy Maged , Alsanosy Rashad M. , Alsharqi Abdallah , Ismail Ahmed A.
Published: February 2016

Background. Khat chewing is highly prevalent in Africa, Yemen and Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia. Most of Jazani Khat chewers consider khat session as a social activity and do not consider khat dependency. The aim of this study was to explore khat dependency and its relationship with the psychophysical symptoms among chewers.Methods. Cross-sectional study on seventy Saudi male khat chewers living in Jazan area. Psychological dependence to khat chewing was evaluated using the Severity of Dependency Scale (SDS). The participants filled in a self-administrated assisted structured questionnaire designed to collect data about their medical history, neurological symptoms, and their chewing behavior.Results. Half (52.2%) of khat chewers showed psychological dependency. Those having longer khat sessions (≥6 hours) were more liable for dependency. Physical and psychological symptoms were more prevalent among khat dependent chewers.Conclusions. khat has a psychological dependence effect that can be measured by the SDS, even in low doses and with irregular use. SDS scale is a useful tool to expect the burden of either physical or psychological symptoms on khat chewers.
Efficacy of 670 nm Light Therapy to Protect against Photoreceptor Cell Death Is Dependent on the Severity of Damage
Authors: Chu-Tan Joshua A. , Rutar Matt , Saxena Kartik , Wu Yunlu , Howitt Lauren , Valter Krisztina , Provis Jan , Natoli Riccardo
Published: February 2016

Photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 670 nm has been shown to be effective in preventing photoreceptor cell death in the retina. We treated Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with varying doses of 670 nm light (9; 18; 36; 90 J/cm2) before exposing them to different intensities of damaging white light (750; 1000; 1500 lux). 670 nm light exhibited a biphasic response in its amelioration of cell death in light-induced degenerationin vivo. Lower light damage intensities required lower doses of 670 nm light to reduce TUNEL cell death. At higher damage intensities, the highest dose of 670 nm light showed protection.In vitro, the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer revealed that 670 nm light directly influences mitochondrial metabolism by increasing the spare respiratory capacity of mitochondria in 661 W photoreceptor-like cells in light damaged conditions. Our findings further support the use of 670 nm light as an effective treatment against retinal degeneration as well as shedding light on the mechanism of protection through the increase of the mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity.
A 4D-Role Based Access Control Model for Multitenancy Cloud Platform
Authors: Li Jiangfeng , Liao Zhenyu , Zhang Chenxi , Shi Yang
Published: February 2016

Since more and more applications and services have been transferred from servers in the B/S architecture to cloud, user access control has become a significant part in a multitenancy cloud platform. Role based access control model makes users participate in an enterprise system as particular identities. However, in a multitenancy cloud environment, it has a high probability that the information of tenants has been leaked by using existing role based access control (RBAC) model. Moreover, management problems may emerge in the multitenancy platform with the increment of the number of tenants. In this paper, a novel concept of 4D-role is presented. With a detailed definition on the concept of 4D-role, a 4D-role based multitenancy model is proposed for running various applications and services in the multitenancy cloud platform. A theoretical analysis indicates that the model has the characters of tenant isolation, role hierarchy, and administration independence. The three characters are also verified by experimental evaluation. Moreover, the evaluation results indicate that the model has a good performance in using cloud resources when large-scale users are operating in the cloud platform simultaneously.
Dynamical Analysis of a Parasite-Host Model within Fluctuating Environment
Authors: Xu Kun , Zhou Ziang , Zhao Huitao
Published: March 2016

A parasite-host model within fluctuating environment is proposed. Firstly, the positivity and boundedness of solutions of the model within deterministic environment are discussed, and, then, the asymptotical stability and global stability of equilibria of deterministic model are investigated. Secondly, we show that the stochastic model has a unique global positive solution; furthermore, we show that the stochastic model has a stationary distribution under certain conditions. Finally, we give some numerical simulations to illustrate our analytical results.
Ultrastructure of a Mobile Threadlike Tissue Floating in a Lymph Vessel
Authors: Jung Sharon Jiyoon , Gil HyunJi , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Hong-Lim , Kim Sungchul , Soh Kwang-Sup
Published: March 2016

Observations of the primo vascular system (PVS) floating in lymph ducts were reported by various groups. There have been, however, no studies on the ultrastructure of the entire cross section of a primo vessel (PV) inside a lymph vessel with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In the current study we took the TEM images of a cross section of the PV inside a lymph vessel. We used the Alcian blue staining method for the finding of the target PV in a lymphatic vessel by injecting the dye into the inguinal lymph nodes. The stained PV was harvested together with the lymph vessel and some parts of the specimens were used for studying with optical microscopes. Some other parts were treated according to a standard protocol for TEM. As the results the TEM study revealed the loosely distributed collagen fibers with plenty of empty spaces and the lumens with the endothelial nuclei. It turned out to be very similar to the ultrastructure of the PVs observed on the surfaces of internal organs. It also showed how compactly the PV is surrounded with lymphocytes. In conclusion, the detailed morphological features like the distribution of fibers in the PV were revealed and shown to be similar to another kind of the PV on the surfaces of internal organs.
Associations of Genetic Variants at Nongenic Susceptibility Loci with Breast Cancer Risk and Heterogeneity by Tumor Subtype in Southern Han Chinese Women
Authors: Liang Huiying , Li Hong , Yang Xuexi , Chen Lujia , Zhu Anna , Sun Minying , Ye Changsheng , Li Ming
Published: February 2016

Current understanding of cancer genomes is mainly “gene centric.” However, GWAS have identified some nongenic breast cancer susceptibility loci. Validation studies showed inconsistent results among different populations. To further explore this inconsistency and to investigate associations by intrinsic subtype (Luminal-A, Luminal-B, ER−&PR−&HER2+, and triple negative) among Southern Han Chinese women, we genotyped five nongenic polymorphisms (2q35: rs13387042, 5p12: rs981782 and rs4415084, and 8q24: rs1562430 and rs13281615) using MassARRAY IPLEX platform in 609 patients and 882 controls. Significant associations with breast cancer were observed for rs13387042 and rs4415084 with OR (95% CI) per-allele 1.29 (1.00–1.66) and 0.83 (0.71–0.97), respectively. In subtype specific analysis, rs13387042 (per-allele adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.00–1.87) and rs4415084 (per-allele adjusted OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.66–1.00) showed slightly significant association with Luminal-A subtype; however, only rs13387042 was associated with ER−&PR−&HER2+ tumors (per-allele adjusted OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.00–2.40), and none of them were linked to Luminal-B and triple negative subtype. Collectively, nongenic SNPs were heterogeneous according to the intrinsic subtype. Further studies with larger datasets along with intrinsic subtype categorization should explore and confirm the role of these variants in increasing breast cancer risk.
Eleven Primary Melanomas, Colon Cancer, and Atypical Nevi in the Same Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Juul Nielsen Lea , Rosenkrantz Hölmich Lisbet
Published: February 2016

Background. As the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma increases in the Caucasian population, an increasing population of melanoma survivors is at risk of developing multiple primary melanomas (MPM) as well as secondary primary cancers.Objective. To present a case of a patient with atypical nevi, 11 primary melanomas over 33 years, and colon cancer and to review the literature on multiple primary melanomas, atypical nevi, and correlation of nonmelanoma cancers.Conclusion. The literature indicates that patients with MPM are not uncommon, although 11 primary melanomas are rarely described, that patients with MPM may have a better survival than patients with single primary melanoma, that atypical nevi are a risk marker of not only melanoma in general but also MPM, and that melanoma patients have a significantly increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin and other cancers, which may be even higher for patients with MPM.
How Muscle Structure and Composition Influence Meat and Flesh Quality
Authors: Listrat Anne , Lebret Bénédicte , Louveau Isabelle , Astruc Thierry , Bonnet Muriel , Lefaucheur Louis , Picard Brigitte , Bugeon Jérôme
Published: February 2016

Skeletal muscle consists of several tissues, such as muscle fibers and connective and adipose tissues. This review aims to describe the features of these various muscle components and their relationships with the technological, nutritional, and sensory properties of meat/flesh from different livestock and fish species. Thus, the contractile and metabolic types, size and number of muscle fibers, the content, composition and distribution of the connective tissue, and the content and lipid composition of intramuscular fat play a role in the determination of meat/flesh appearance, color, tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and technological value. Interestingly, the biochemical and structural characteristics of muscle fibers, intramuscular connective tissue, and intramuscular fat appear to play independent role, which suggests that the properties of these various muscle components can be independently modulated by genetics or environmental factors to achieve production efficiency and improve meat/flesh quality.
Treating Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacophore Based Designing of Potential Drugs fromGymnema sylvestreagainst Insulin Receptor Protein
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Uzzal , Khan Md. Arif , Rakib-Uz-Zaman S. M. , Ali Mohammad Tuhin , Islam Md. Saidul , Keya Chaman Ara , Salimullah Md.
Published: February 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders which can affect the quality of life severely. Injectable insulin is currently being used to treat DM which is mainly associated with patient inconvenience. Small molecules that can act as insulin receptor (IR) agonist would be better alternatives to insulin injection. Herein, ten bioactive small compounds derived fromGymnema sylvestre(G. sylvestre) were chosen to determine their IR binding affinity and ADMET properties using a combined approach of molecular docking study and computational pharmacokinetic elucidation. Designing structural analogues were also performed for the compounds associated with toxicity and less IR affinity. Among the ten parent compounds, six were found to have significant pharmacokinetic properties with considerable binding affinity towards IR while four compounds were associated with toxicity and less IR affinity. Among the forty structural analogues, four compounds demonstrated considerably increased binding affinity towards IR and less toxicity compared with parent compounds. Finally, molecular interaction analysis revealed that six parent compounds and four analogues interact with the active site amino acids of IR. So this study would be a way to identify new therapeutics and alternatives to insulin for diabetic patients.
Mycetoma Caused by Acremonium Species in a Patient with Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Antrobus Richard , Wong Gabriel , Jones Julie , Huissoon Aarnoud
Published: February 2016

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease are predisposed to fungal infections and are therefore routinely prescribed antifungal prophylaxis. We report a case where acremonium was responsible for causing a cutaneous infection (mycetoma) despite antifungal prophylaxis. Treatment with voriconazole was initiated and the infection gradually resolved. This case highlights the need for careful clinical follow-up and thorough investigation of patients who have a neutrophil immunodeficiency.
Clinical Outcomes after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery with Implantation of the Tecnis Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Lubiński Wojciech , Kaźmierczak Beata , Gronkowska-Serafin Jolanta , Podborączyńska-Jodko Karolina
Published: February 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical outcomes after uncomplicated cataract surgery with implantation of an aspheric toric intraocular lens (IOL) during a 6-month follow-up.Methods. Prospective study including 27 consecutive eyes of 18 patients (mean age:66.1±11.4years) with a visually significant cataract and corneal astigmatism ≥ 0.75 D and undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery with implantation of the Tecnis ZCT toric IOL (Abbott Medical Optics). Visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes as well as IOL rotation were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, patient satisfaction and perception of optical/visual disturbances were also evaluated using a subjective questionnaire.Results.At 6 months after surgery, mean LogMAR uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were0.19±0.12and0.14±0.10, respectively. Postoperative UDVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 92.6% of eyes. Mean refractive cylinder decreased significantly from −3.73±1.96to −1.42±0.88 D (p<0.001), while keratometric cylinder did not change significantly (p=0.44). Mean absolute IOL rotation was1.1±2.4°, with values of more than 5° in only 2 eyes (6.9%). Mean patient satisfaction score was9.70±0.46, using a scale from 0 (not at all satisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). No postoperative optical/visual disturbances were reported.Conclusion.Cataract surgery with implantation of the Tecnis toric IOL is an effective method of refractive correction in eyes with corneal astigmatism due to the good IOL positional stability, providing high levels of patient’s satisfaction.
An Approach for Self-Adaptive Path Loss Modelling for Positioning in Underground Environments
Authors: Osipov Evgeny , Kleyko Denis , Shapin Alexey
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a real-time self-adaptive approach for accurate path loss estimation in underground mines or tunnels based on signal strength measurements from heterogeneous radio communication technologies. The proposed model features simplicity of implementation. The methodology is validated in simulations and verified by measurements taken in real environments. The proposed method leverages accuracy of positioning matching the existing approaches while requiring smaller engineering efforts.
Latent and AsymptomaticToxocaraInfection among Young Population in Northwest Iran: The Necessity of Informing People as a Potential Health Risk
Authors: Momeni Tina , Mahami-Oskouei Mahmoud , Fallah Esmaeil , Safaiyan Abdolrasoul , Mahami-Oskouei Leyla
Published: February 2016

Objectives. This study was designed to determine the frequency of anti-Toxocaraantibodies in youngsters aging from 2 to 20 years in northwest Iran.Materials and Methods. 397 samples were taken randomly almost equally from four locations in Urmia, west Azerbaijan, during August 2014 to September 2015. Anti-ToxocaraIgG antibody assays were done on sera by using ELISA kit (IBL, Germany). In order to prevent cross-reaction, the samples of the patients who are infected with other parasites in stool exam, especially Ascarididae family, were also excluded. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results. 12 (3%) of the serum samples were positive for anti-ToxocaraIgG. According to the Chi-square analysis, risk factors such as mother’s educational level, keeping dogs or cats as pets, and history of coughing were related toToxocarainfection (P<0.05). There was no relationship between toxocariasis and gender, history of onychophagy, pica, fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia; however, we found a significant relationship betweenToxocarainfection and chronic coughing (P=0.045).Conclusion. Toxocariasis in northwest Iran can be considered as a public health problem. This study may also help to increase the awareness about this infection.
Reversible Oxygenation ofα-Amino Acid–Cobalt(II) Complexes
Authors: Zhang Xincun , Yue Fan , Li Hui , Huang Yan , Zhang Yi , Wen Hongmei , Wang Jide
Published: February 2016

We systematically investigated the reversibility, time lapse, and oxygenation-deoxygenation properties of 15 naturalα-amino acid–Co(II) complexes through UV-vis spectrophotometer, polarographic oxygen electrode, and DFT calculations, respectively, to explore the relationship between the coordinating structure and reversible oxygenation ofα-amino acid–Co(II) complexes. Results revealed that theα-amino acid structure plays a key role in the reversible oxygenation properties of these complexes. The specific configuration of theα-amino acid group affects theeg1electron of Co(II) transfer to theπ⁎orbit of O2; this phenomenon also favors the reversible formation and dissociation of Co–O2bond when O2coordinates with Co(II) complexes. Therefore, the co-coordination of amino and carboxyl groups is a determinant of Co complexes to absorb O2reversibly. The group adjacent to theα-amino acid unit evidently influences the dioxygen affinity and antioxidation ability of the complexes. The presence of amino (or imino) and hydroxy groups adjacent to theα-amino acid group increases the oxygenation-deoxygenation rate and the number of reversible cycles. Our findings demonstrate a new mechanism to develop reversible oxygenation complexes and to reveal the oxygenation of oxygen carriers.
Thyroid Ultrasound Pitfalls: Esophageal Fibrovascular Polyp Mimicking Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Ansaloni Anna , Brigante G. , Madeo B.
Published: February 2016

Background. Ultrasound (US) is the most accurate tool in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules if performed by expert physician. Misdiagnosis due to extrathyroidal lesions mimicking thyroid nodules is reported in literature. We describe the first case of an esophageal fibrovascular polyp misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule on US examination.Patient Findings. A 54-year-old woman presented to emergency department for headache and underwent carotid Doppler extended to neck ultrasound with incidental finding of a nodule in the posterior side of the left thyroid lobe. A following thyroid US performed by an endocrinologist allowed the characterization of the lesion as an esophageal pathology, considering the extrathyroidal position, the typical peripheral hyperechoic spots and hypoechoic rim, the connection to the esophagus, and the swallowing connected movement. The patient was addressed to further investigations and finally to anterior pharyngotomy with histological diagnosis of esophageal fibrovascular polyp.Summary. Differential diagnosis between thyroid nodules and other neck lesions is important to prevent an unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsy and to treat the extrathyroidal pathology. In this case, an US performed by an expert endocrinologist allowed detecting an esophageal fibrovascular polyp requiring surgical removal. In conclusion, the possibility of an esophageal pathology, and even fibrovascular polyp, should be considered during US thyroid examination.
Role of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in the Diagnosis and Early Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury in a Case Series of Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Case Series
Authors: Angeletti Silvia , Fogolari Marta , Morolla Davide , Capone Federico , Costantino Sebastiano , Spoto Silvia , De Cesaris Marina , Lo Presti Alessandra , Ciccozzi Massimo , Dicuonzo Giordano
Published: February 2016

Patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) frequently develop worsening in renal function until Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). The use of kidney injury biomarkers could be useful in the early diagnosis of AKI. In the present study, the role of the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), compared to the standard creatinine, in ADHF patients, was analyzed to evaluate if an early treatment could affect the outcome. A case series of 24 ADHF patients was enrolled and patients randomly divided in two groups (Group A and Group B). In Group A, NGAL, creatinine, and eGFR were measured, while in Group B, creatinine and eGFR alone were measured. NGAL was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay and creatinine using an enzymatic spectrophotometric method. In presence of AKI, creatinine increase and eGFR decrease were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B, whereas in absence of AKI the difference between the two groups was not significant. Hospitalization stay was significantly lower in Group A (receiving early treatment based on NGAL) than in Group B. In ADHF patients, plasma NGAL in combination with creatinine was superior to the standard creatinine in the diagnosis and early treatment of AKI with a better outcome and a decreased hospital stay.
Fast 3-Breath-Hold 3-Dimensional Tagging Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Hypertrophic Myocardial Diseases: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Yamada Fumi , Hashimoto Hidenobu , Obara Makoto , Asai Kuniya , Kumita Shinichiro
Published: February 2016

Tagging CMR has been established as the standard reference for measurement of myocardial strain. The current 2D tagging technique requires multiple breath-holds to cover the whole heart and cannot show the 3D motions of the left ventricle. We performed fast 3-breath-hold 3D tagging with localized tagging preparation and complementary spatial modulation of magnetization in 10 patients with hypertrophic myocardial diseases and 6 normal volunteers. The left wall motion was observed at any view angle, which allowed for the identification of regional and global hypokinesis using the fast 3D tagging. Although a decrease in the circumferential strain and LGE were observed at the basal septum in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, they were not located together in each patient. In hypertensive heart disease, the decrease in circumferential strain was observed more widely than LGE, and the summed strain of all segments was significantly decreased. The decrease in strain and LGE were observed diffusely in cardiac amyloidosis. In conclusion, fast 3-breath-hold 3D tagging is feasible for the regional and global strain analysis. The location of reduced circumferential strain is not necessarily the same as that of LGE and is related to the global cardiac function in patients with hypertrophic myocardial diseases.
Demineralized Bone Matrix Add-On for Acceleration of Bone Healing in Atypical Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture: A Consecutive Case-Control Study
Authors: Kulachote Noratep , Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon , Sirisreetreerux Norachart , Chanplakorn Pongsthorn , Fuangfa Praman , Suphachatwong Chanyut , Wajanavisit Wiwat
Published: February 2016

Background.Delayed union and nonunion are common complications in atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) despite having good fracture fixation. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a successfully proven method for enhancing fracture healing of the long bone fracture and nonunion and should be used in AFFs. This study aimed to compare the outcome after subtrochanteric AFFs (ST-AFFs) fixation with and without DBM.Materials and Methods. A prospective study was conducted on 9 ST-AFFs patients using DBM (DBM group) during 2013-2014 and compared with a retrospective consecutive case series of ST-AFFs patients treated without DBM (2010–2012) (NDBM group, 9 patients). All patients were treated with the same standard guideline and followed up until fractures completely united. Postoperative outcomes were then compared.Results. DBM group showed a significant shorter healing time than NDBM group (28.1 ± 14.4 versus 57.9 ± 36.8 weeks,p=0.04). Delayed union was found in 4 patients (44%) in DBM group compared with 7 patients (78%) in NDBM group (p>0.05). No statistical difference of nonunion was demonstrated between both groups (DBM = 1 and NDBM = 2,p>0.05). Neither postoperative infection nor severe local tissue reaction was found.Conclusions. DBM is safe and effective for accelerating the fracture healing in ST-AFFx and possibly reduces nonunion after fracture fixation. Trial registration number isTCTR20151021001.
Impact of Additional Transthoracic Electrical Cardioversion on Cardiac Function and Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Who Underwent Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Authors: Wang Deguo , Zhang Fengxiang , Wang Ancai
Published: February 2016

Backgrounds and Objective. During the procession of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), transthoracic electrical cardioversion (ECV) is required to terminate AF. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of additional ECV on cardiac function and recurrence of AF.Methods and Results. Persistent AF patients received extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and additional line ablation. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they need transthoracic electrical cardioversion to terminate AF: electrical cardioversion (ECV group) and nonelectrical cardioversion (NECV group). Among 111 subjects, 35 patients were returned to sinus rhythm after ablation by ECV (ECV group) and 76 patients had AF termination after the ablation processions (NECV group). During the 12-month follow-ups, the recurrence ratio of patients was comparable in ECV group (15/35) and NECV group (34/76) (44.14% versus 44.74%,P=0.853). Although left atrial diameters (LAD) decreased significantly in both groups, there were no significant differences in LAD and left ventricular cardiac function between ECV group and NECV group.Conclusions. This study revealed that ECV has no significant impact on the maintenance of SR and the recovery of cardiac function. Therefore, ECV could be applied safely to recover SR during the procedure of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Mathematical Model for an Effective Management of HIV Infection
Authors: Ogunlaran Oladotun Matthew , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: February 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus infection destroys the body immune system, increases the risk of certain pathologies, damages body organs such as the brain, kidney, and heart, and causes death. Unfortunately, this infectious disease currently has no cure; however, there are effective retroviral drugs for improving the patients’ health conditions but excessive use of these drugs is not without harmful side effects. This study presents a mathematical model with two control variables, where the uninfected CD4+T cells follow the logistic growth function and the incidence term is saturated with free virions. We use the efficacy of drug therapies to block the infection of new cells and prevent the production of new free virions. Our aim is to apply optimal control approach to maximize the concentration of uninfected CD4+T cells in the body by using minimum drug therapies. We establish the existence of an optimal control pair and use Pontryagin’s principle to characterize the optimal levels of the two controls. The resulting optimality system is solved numerically to obtain the optimal control pair. Finally, we discuss the numerical simulation results which confirm the effectiveness of the model.
Visible Light Induced Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Effluents (Rhodamine B) in Aqueous Media Using TiO2Nanoparticles
Authors: Carneiro J. O. , Samantilleke A. P. , Parpot P. , Fernandes F. , Pastor M. , Correia A. , Luís E. A. , Chivanga Barros A. A. , Teixeira V.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, new textile materials have been developed through the use of nanotechnology-based tools. The development of textile surfaces with self-cleaning properties has a large combined potential to reduce the environmental impact related to pollution. In this research work, three types of textiles substrates (cotton, Entretela, and polylactic acid (PLA)) were functionalized with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) using chemical and mechanical processes (padding). During the functionalization process, two different methods were used, both of which allowed a good fixation of nanoparticles of TiO2on textile substrates. The samples were examined for morphology and for photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation. A study aimed at evaluating the effect of pH of the aqueous solution of TiO2nanoparticles was performed in order to promote interaction between TiO2and the dye solution rhodamine B (Rh-B). The TiO2nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The measurement of the zeta potential of the TiO2nanoparticle solution proved to be always positive and have low colloidal stability. Chromatography (HPLC and GC-MS) analyses confirm that oxalic acid is the intermediate compound formed during the photodegradation process.
An MCV Nonhydrostatic Atmospheric Model with Height-Based Terrain following Coordinate: Tests of Waves over Steep Mountains
Authors: Li Xingliang , Shen Xueshun , Xiao Feng , Chen Chungang
Published: February 2016

A nonhydrostatic atmospheric model was tested with the mountain waves over various bell-shaped mountains. The model is recently proposed by using the MCV (multimoment constrained finite volume) schemes with the height-based terrain following coordinate representing the topography. As discussed in our previous work, the model has some appealing features for atmospheric modeling and can be expected as a practical framework of the dynamic cores, which well balances the numerical accuracy and algorithmic complexity. The flows over the mountains of various half widths and heights were simulated with the model. The semianalytic solutions to the mountain waves through the linear theory are used to check the performance of the MCV model. It is revealed that the present model can accurately reproduce various mountain waves including those generated by the mountains with very steep inclination and is very promising for numerically simulating atmospheric flows over complex terrains.
Two-Swim Operators in the Modified Bacterial Foraging Algorithm for the Optimal Synthesis of Four-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Hernández-Ocaña Betania , Pozos-Parra Ma. Del Pilar , Mezura-Montes Efrén , Portilla-Flores Edgar Alfredo , Vega-Alvarado Eduardo , Calva-Yáñez Maria Bárbara
Published: February 2016

This paper presents two-swim operators to be added to the chemotaxis process of the modified bacterial foraging optimization algorithm to solve three instances of the synthesis of four-bar planar mechanisms. One swim favors exploration while the second one promotes fine movements in the neighborhood of each bacterium. The combined effect of the new operators looks to increase the production of better solutions during the search. As a consequence, the ability of the algorithm to escape from local optimum solutions is enhanced. The algorithm is tested through four experiments and its results are compared against two BFOA-based algorithms and also against a differential evolution algorithm designed for mechanical design problems. The overall results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms other BFOA-based approaches and finds highly competitive mechanisms, with a single set of parameter values and with less evaluations in the first synthesis problem, with respect to those mechanisms obtained by the differential evolution algorithm, which needed a parameter fine-tuning process for each optimization problem.
3D Spheroid Culture Enhances the Expression of Antifibrotic Factors in Human Adipose‐Derived MSCs and Improves Their Therapeutic Effects on Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Hu Ming-Gen , Pan Ke , Li Chong-Hui , Liu Rong
Published: February 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture has been reported to increase the therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the action mechanisms of 3D MSCs vary greatly and are far from being thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of 3D spheroids of human adipose‐derived MSCs for hepatic fibrosis. Our results showed that 3D culture enhanced the expression of antifibrotic factors by MSCs, including insulin growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In vitro studies indicated conditioned medium of 3D cultured MSCs protected hepatocytes from cell injury and apoptosis more effectively compared with 2D cultured cells. More importantly, when transplanted into model mice with hepatic fibrosis, 3D spheroids of MSCs were more beneficial in ameliorating hepatic fibrosis and improving liver function than 2D cultured cells. Therefore, the 3D culture strategy improved the therapeutic effects of MSCs and might be promising for treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Multifeatures Fusion and Nonlinear Dimension Reduction for Intelligent Bearing Condition Monitoring
Authors: Guo Liang , Gao Hongli , Huang Haifeng , He Xiang , Li ShiChao
Published: February 2016

Condition-based maintenance is critical to reduce the costs of maintenance and improve the production efficiency. Data-driven method based on neural network (NN) is one of the most used models for mechanical components condition recognition. In this paper, we introduce a new bearing condition recognition method based on multifeatures extraction and deep neural network (DNN). First, the method calculates time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain features to represent characteristic of vibration signals. Then the nonlinear dimension reduction algorithm based on deep learning is proposed to reduce the redundancy information. Finally, the top-layer classifier of deep neural network outputs the bearing condition. The proposed method is validated using experiment test-bed bearing vibration data. Meanwhile some comparative studies are performed; the results show the advantage of the proposed method in adaptive features selection and superior accuracy in bearing condition recognition.
Sex Hormones Enhance Gingival Inflammation without Affecting IL-1βand TNF-αin Periodontally Healthy Women during Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Min , Chen Shao-Wu , Su Wei-Lan , Zhu Hong-Ying , Ouyang Shu-Yuan , Cao Ya-Ting , Jiang Shao-Yun
Published: March 2016

Hormones (progesterone and estradiol) change greatly during pregnancy; however, the mechanism of hormonal changes on gingival inflammation is still unclear. This study is to evaluate the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy on gingival inflammation and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). 30 periodontally healthy pregnant women were evaluated in the first, second, and third trimesters. 20 periodontally healthy nonpregnant women were evaluated twice (once per subsequent month). Clinical parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding index (BI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and plaque index (PLI) were recorded. GCF levels of IL-1βand TNF-αand serum levels of progesterone and estradiol were measured. From the data, despite low PLI, BI and GI increased significantly during pregnancy; however, no significant changes in PLI, CAL, IL-1β, or TNF-αGCF levels were observed. Although IL-1β, not TNF-α, was higher in pregnant group than in nonpregnant group, they showed no correlation with serum hormone levels during pregnancy. GI and BI showed significant positive correlation with serum hormone levels during pregnancy. This study suggests that sex hormone increase during pregnancy might have an effect on inflammatory status of gingiva, independent of IL-1βand TNF-αin GCF.