bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Properties of TiO2/EP‐PU Composite
Authors: Yufei Chen , Zhichao Li , Junyan Tan , Qingyu Zhang , Yang Han
Published: December 2015

Polymer matrix of EP‐PU was prepared by epoxy resin which was polyurethane toughened, and TCA201 coupling agent was used to modify nano‐TiO2, and TiO2/EP‐PU composite was synthesized using EP, PU, and TCA201‐TiO2. The results of SEM and TEM showed that the surface of TiO2 was coated with TCA201 coupling agent through the bonding between the hydroxyl of nano‐TiO2 particle and coupling agent molecules, the interaction would be beneficial to improve compatibility of inorganic and organic phases, and TCA201‐TiO2 would disperse evenly in composite and improve performance of composite materials. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, dielectric properties, and breakdown strength of composites were investigated by electronic tensile machine, TGA, dielectric spectrum, and CS2674C type voltage tester. The results indicated that appropriate amount of TCA201‐TiO2 could improve mechanical properties, the shear strength of 3 wt%‐TiO2/EP‐PU reached the maximum value at 27.14 MPa, its thermal decomposition temperature was 397.82°C, enhanced 17.48°C more than that of EP‐PU matrix, and its dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tan⁡δ) showed 4.27 and 0.02, respectively. Its breakdown field strength was 14 kV/mm. Its performance met the requirement of dielectric materials.
Eucalyptus-Palm Kernel Oil Blends: A Complete Elimination of Diesel in a 4-Stroke VCR Diesel Engine
Authors: Kommana Srinivas , Naik Banoth Balu , Radha Kadavakollu Kalyani
Published: December 2015

Fuels derived from biomass are mostly preferred as alternative fuels for IC engines as they are abundantly available and renewable in nature. The objective of the study is to identify the parameters that influence gross indicated fuel conversion efficiency and how they are affected by the use of biodiesel relative to petroleum diesel. Important physicochemical properties of palm kernel oil and eucalyptus blend were experimentally evaluated and found within acceptable limits of relevant standards. As most of vegetable oils are edible, growing concern for trying nonedible and waste fats as alternative to petrodiesel has emerged. In present study diesel fuel is completely replaced by biofuels, namely, methyl ester of palm kernel oil and eucalyptus oil in various blends. Different blends of palm kernel oil and eucalyptus oil are prepared on volume basis and used as operating fuel in single cylinder 4-stroke variable compression ratio diesel engine. Performance and emission characteristics of these blends are studied by varying the compression ratio. In the present experiment methyl ester extracted from palm kernel oil is considered as ignition improver and eucalyptus oil is considered as the fuel. The blends taken are PKE05 (palm kernel oil 95 + eucalyptus 05), PKE10 (palm kernel oil 90 + eucalyptus 10), and PKE15 (palm kernel 85 + eucalyptus 15). The results obtained by operating with these fuels are compared with results of pure diesel; finally the most preferable combination and the preferred compression ratio are identified.
Exponential Stability of Jump-Diffusion Systems with Neutral Term and Impulses
Authors: Yang Hua , Liu Jianguo , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2015

We study jump-diffusion systems with neutral term and impulses. Under some conditions, we prove that the jump-diffusion systems with neutral term and impulses are mean square and almost surely exponentially stable. Finally, we give an example to describe the theoretical results.
High‐Salt Enhances the Inflammatory Response by Retina Pigment Epithelium Cells following Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation
Authors: Zhang Dike , Wang Chaokui , Cao Shuang , Ye Zi , Deng Bolin , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: December 2015

High‐salt has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of high‐salt on the production of inflammatory mediators by ARPE‐19 cells and the possible mechanisms involved. ARPE‐19 cells were cultured with LPS in DMEM to which extra NaCl had been added (20 mM and 40 mM). NaCl had no influence on the apoptosis and proliferation of ARPE‐19. Addition of 40 mM NaCl significantly induced IL‐6 and MCP‐1 production but had no effect on IL‐8 secretion. High mannitol, as an osmotic stress control, did not affect the secretion of inflammatory mediators by ARPE‐19 cells indicating that the effect was not mediated by osmolarity. Coculture of ARPE‐19 cells with NaCl resulted in significant increases in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, Akt, and NF‐κB and an upregulation of the transcription factors NFAT5 and SGK1. High‐salt significantly promotes IL‐6 and MCP‐1 production by ARPE‐19 cells and is associated with activation of the p38 MAPK, Akt, and NF‐κB pathway and NFAT‐SGK1 pathways.
Clinical Features and Drug Characteristics of Patients with Generalized Fixed Drug Eruption in the West of Iran (2005–2014)
Authors: Kavoussi Hossein , Rezaei Mansour , Derakhshandeh Katayoun , Moradi Alireza , Ebrahimi Ali , Rashidian Harif , Kavoussi Reza
Published: December 2015

Background.Generalized fixed drug eruption is a specific variant of fixed drug eruption with multifocal lesions. Diagnosis of this drug reaction is straightforward, but occasionally recognition of the causative drug is not possible. This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical features and culprit drugs in generalized fixed drug eruptions in the west of Iran.Method.This cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 patients with criteria of generalized fixed drug eruption over 9 years. Demographic, clinical, and drug intake information were collected.Results.Out of 30 patients (17 females and 13 males) with the mean age of26.67±10.21years, 28 (93.3%) and 2 (6.7%) cases had plaque and bullous clinical presentation, respectively. Upper limbs were the most common (90%) site of involvement. The antibiotic group, especially cotrimoxazole (26.1%), was reported to be the most common offending drug, but the causative drug was not determined in 7 (23.3%) patients.Conclusion.Many cases of generalized fixed drug eruption firstly presented as limited lesions and led to generalized lesion due to repeated intake of the causative drug. No causative drug was found in some patients, which might be associated with concurrent intake of several drugs, multiple FDE, and peculiarity of the patch test.
Pesticides and Health in Vegetable Production in Kenya
Authors: Macharia Ibrahim
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the determinants of pesticide-related cost of illness (COI) and acute symptoms, using a balanced panel of 363 farmers interviewed from seven major vegetable producing districts of Kenya. Finding shows that the incidences of pesticide-related health impairments have increased. Variation in number of symptoms and symptom severity significantly explained COI. The personal protective equipment (PPE), education level, record keeping, and geographical location considerably determined health impairments. Encouraging the proper use of PPE and record keeping of pesticide use could greatly reduce poisoning cases and COI.
Cognitive Mechanisms Reciprocally Transmit Vulnerability between Depressive and Somatic Symptoms
Authors: Harding Kaitlin A. , Murphy Karly M. , Mezulis Amy
Published: December 2015

Despite high comorbidity between depressive and somatic symptoms, cognitive mechanisms that transmit vulnerability between symptom clusters are largely unknown. Dampening, positive rumination, and brooding are three cognitive predictors of depression, with rumination theoretically indicated as a transdiagnostic vulnerability through amplifying and diminishing affect in response to events. Specifically, the excess negative affect and lack of positive affect characteristic of depressive symptoms and underlying somatic symptoms may cause and be caused by cognitive responses to events. Therefore, the current study examined whether comorbidity between depressive and somatic symptoms may be explained by the cognitive mechanisms of dampening and positive rumination in response to positive events and brooding in response to negative events among adults (N=321) across eight weeks of assessment. We hypothesized that greater dampening and brooding would reciprocally predict greater depressive and somatic symptoms, while greater positive rumination would reciprocally predict fewer depressive and somatic symptoms. Mediation analyses in AMOS 22 indicated that dampening and brooding mediated reciprocal pathways between depressive and somatic symptoms, but positive rumination did not.Findings propose dampening and brooding as mechanisms of the reciprocal relationship between depressive and somatic symptoms through diminishing positive affect and amplifying negative affect in response to positive and negative events.
Kawahara-Burgers Equation on a Strip
Authors: Larkin N. A.
Published: December 2015

An initial-boundary value problem for the 2D Kawahara-Burgers equation posed on a channel-type strip was considered. The existence and uniqueness results for regular and weak solutions in weighted spaces as well as exponential decay of small solutions without restrictions on the width of a strip were proven both for regular solutions in an elevated norm and for weak solutions in theL2-norm.
A Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Multigranulation Rough Set over Two-Universe Model for Medical Diagnoses
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Deyu , Yan Yan
Published: December 2015

In medical science, disease diagnosis is one of the difficult tasks for medical experts who are confronted with challenges in dealing with a lot of uncertain medical information. And different medical experts might express their own thought about the medical knowledge base which slightly differs from other medical experts. Thus, to solve the problems of uncertain data analysis and group decision making in disease diagnoses, we propose a new rough set model called dual hesitant fuzzy multigranulation rough set over two universes by combining the dual hesitant fuzzy set and multigranulation rough set theories. In the framework of our study, both the definition and some basic properties of the proposed model are presented. Finally, we give a general approach which is applied to a decision making problem in disease diagnoses, and the effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Spatial Influence Analysis of Traffic Safety in Diverging Areas between Freeway Segments and Off Ramps
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Yan Xuedong , An Meiwu , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2015

There tend to be more crashes occurring in freeway diverging segments due to increasing traffic conflicts between diverging vehicles and nondiverging vehicles. The diverging segments have a safety impact on the precedent basic segments and the following off ramps. It is always a challenge to accurately define the safety influential area of freeway diverging segments. In previous studies, fixed buffer in size is pregiven for crash frequency analysis in diverging segments, which lacks theoretical and practical support. In this study, the safety influential area was investigated from the statistical point of view. Data from a geocoded GIS crash database for Colorado Springs metropolitan area was used; the statistically significant factors associated with crash frequency were examined for the spatial influence of freeway diverging segments. Also, the generalized linear models with negative binomial link function were applied to predict the crash frequency for freeway diverging segments and off ramps based on the influential area. The results may give some insights into the causation of crashes on diverging segments and off-ramp intersections.
Trusted Tree-Based Trust Management Scheme for Secure Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hu Zhi , Bie Yuxia , Zhao Hong
Published: December 2015

The unique characteristics of wireless sensor networks make them susceptible to the attacks. The secure scheme is considered in designing the routing protocol and algorithm. The cryptography and authentication secure technology can defend the external attacks but have no way to protect the network when the internal attacks occur. However, the trust management scheme with attack-resistance and robustness can efficiently detect the internal attack. On the condition of defending the attacks, it is also an issue that the trust management scheme aids routing algorithm to improve the security and performance. In this paper, we proposed a Trusted Tree-based trust management for secure routing in wireless sensor networks. The common attacks are firstly analyzed. And then the dynamic time window is designed in the distributed trust model with the detection of direct trust and indirect trust. Based on the trusted nodes, Trusted Tree is constructed. And the path quality of nodes in Trusted Tree is used as the gradient for routing. Finally, we add Trusted Tree-based trust management into the QoS based routing protocol and algorithm. Experimental results show that the QoS based routing algorithm with Trusted Tree has better performance and security.
The Role of Endophytic Fungi in the Anticancer Activity ofMorinda citrifoliaLinn. (Noni)
Authors: Wu Yougen , Girmay Sisay , da Silva Vitor Martins , Perry Brian , Hu Xinwen , Tan Ghee T.
Published: December 2015

We hypothesize that the fungal endophytes of noni may possibly play a role in its overall pharmacological repertoire, especially since the perceived efficacy of the fruit in ethnomedicinal use is associated with the fermented juice. The foremost goal of this study is to explore the role of endophyte-derived secondary metabolites in the purported anticancer properties of noni. To that end, culturable endophytic fungi resident within the healthy leaves and fruit of the plant were isolated and identified by molecular sequence analysis of the 5.8S gene and internal transcribed spacers (ITS). Purified organisms were subjected toin vitrofermentation in malt extract broth for 8 weeks under anaerobic conditions at room temperature (25°C), in order to simulate the conditions under which traditional fermented noni juice is prepared. The cytotoxic potential of organic extracts derived from the fermented broths of individual endophytes was then tested against three major cancers that afflict humans. Twelve distinct endophytic fungal species were obtained from the leaves and 3 from the fruit. Three of the leaf endophytes inhibited the growth of human carcinoma cell lines LU-1 (lung), PC-3 (prostate), and MCF-7 (breast) with IC50values of ≤10 μg/mL.
Illness Attitudes Associated with Seasonal Depressive Symptoms: An Examination Using a Newly Developed Implicit Measure
Authors: Meyers Katherine , Young Michael A.
Published: December 2015

The Dual Vulnerability Model of seasonal depression posits that seasonal vegetative symptoms are due to a physiological vulnerability, but cognitive and mood symptoms are the result of negative appraisal of vegetative changes. In addition, rumination may be associated with stronger negative attitudes toward vegetative symptoms. This is the first study to examine implicit attitudes toward vegetative symptoms. We hypothesized that illness attitudes about fatigue moderate the relationship between the severity of vegetative symptoms and the severity of cognitive symptoms and that the illness attitudes are associated with rumination. This study also developed an implicit method to assess the appraisal of fatigue as indicating illness. Results supported both hypotheses. Illness attitudes toward fatigue moderated the relationship between vegetative symptoms and cognitive symptoms. Ruminative response style was positively associated with implicit illness attitudes towards fatigue. The study provides support for the role of negative appraisals of vegetative symptoms in the development of cognitive and mood seasonal depressive symptoms.
Essential Palatal Tremor Managed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Kitamura Tomohisa , Sato Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Naoki , Fukushima Yosuke , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: December 2015

Background. Essential palatal tremor is a disorder of unknown etiology involving involuntary movement of the uvula and soft palate. Treatment attempts including drugs or surgery have been conducted to cease the rhythmical movement.Case Report. A 55-year-old female visited our department complaining of a sudden, noticeable, intermittent, and rhythmical clicking noise in her throat for five years. Oral examination revealed rhythmical contractions of the soft palate with clicking at the frequency of 120 per min. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the brain performed after consulting with the department of neuropathic internal medicine showed no abnormalities. Thus, essential palatal tremor was diagnosed. The symptoms improved with cognitive behavioral therapy without drugs or surgical treatments. The patient is now able to stop the rhythmical movement voluntarily.Discussion. Cognitive behavioral therapy might be suitable as first-line therapy for essential palatal tremor because the therapy is noninvasive.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Diffuse Skin Thickening as Kaposi Sarcoma Clinical Presentation
Authors: Querido Sara , Sousa Henrique Silva , Pereira Tiago Assis , Birne Rita , Matias Patrícia , Jorge Cristina , Weigert André , Adragão Teresa , Bruges Margarida , Machado Domingos
Published: December 2015

A 56-year-old African patient received a kidney from a deceased donor with 4 HLA mismatches in April 2013. He received immunosuppression with basiliximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. Immediate diuresis and a good allograft function were soon observed. Six months later, the serum creatinine level increased to 2.6 mg/dL. A renal allograft biopsy revealed interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy grade II. Toxicity of calcineurin inhibitor was assumed and, after a switch for everolimus, renal function improved. However, since March 2014, renal function progressively deteriorated. A second allograft biopsy showed no new lesions. Two months later, the patient was admitted due to anuria, haematochezia with anaemia, requiring 5 units of packed red blood cells, and diffuse skin thickening. Colonoscopy showed haemorrhagic patches in the colon and the rectum; histology diagnosis was Kaposi sarcoma (KS). A skin biopsy revealed cutaneous involvement of KS. Rapid clinical deterioration culminated in death in June 2014. This case is unusual as less than 20 cases of KS with gross gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported and only 6 cases had the referred bleeding originating in the lower gastrointestinal tract. So, KS should be considered in differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in some kidney transplant patients.
Expression of Genes Encoding the Enzymes for Glycogen and Trehalose Metabolism in L3 and L4 Larvae ofAnisakis simplex
Authors: Łopieńska-Biernat E. , Zaobidna E. A. , Dmitryjuk M.
Published: December 2015

Trehalose and glycogen metabolism plays an important role in supporting life processes in many nematodes, includingAnisakis simplex. Nematodes, cosmopolitan helminths parasitizing sea mammals and humans, cause a disease known as anisakiasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of genes encoding the enzymes involved in the metabolism of trehalose and glycogen—trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), glycogen synthase (GS), and glycogen phosphorylase (GP)—in stage L3 and stage L4 larvae ofA. simplex. The expression of mRNA all four genes,tps,tpp,gs,andgp, was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. TheA. simplexribosomal gene (18S) was used as a reference gene. Enzymatic activity was determined. The expression of trehalose enzyme genes was higher in L3 than in L4 larvae, but an inverse relationship was noted for the expression ofgsandgpgenes.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo of Lateral Semicircular Canal: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: El-Makhzangy Aly M. Nagy
Published: December 2015

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo of peripheral origin. The lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) follows the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) as the site of pathology in the majority of patients. Therapy, aiming at relocating particles causing aberrant LSCC stimulation has been applied by forced prolonged positioning, barbecue, and particle repositioning maneuvers. Results of the different techniques are variable. This systematic review/meta-analysis aimed to find out which therapy technique yields higher cure rates. MedLine database provided at National Library of Medicine was searched for randomized controlled trials comparing results of different therapeutic techniques for patients with LSCC BPPV. For studies included in qualitative analysis/synthesis, the following were collected independently by the author: number of participants, count of patients with geotropic and apogeotropic LSCC in each treatment group, and resolution of vertigo/nystagmus assessed by symptomatic improvement and negative supine roll test 1–24 hours following intervention considering the type of LSCC BPPV (geotropic/apogeotropic). Level Ia evidence (systematic review of RCTs) shows superiority of Gufoni maneuver over sham for both geotropic and apogeotropic LSCC BPPV. Comparisons between different therapeutic maneuvers for LSCC BPPV based on results of published RCTs could not be set.
The Effect of the Nanoscale Structure of Nanobioceramics on Their In Vitro Bioactivity and Cell Differentiation Properties
Authors: Covarrubias Cristian , Arroyo Fabiola , Balanda Consuelo , Neira Miguel , Von Marttens Alfredo , Caviedes Pablo , Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Urra Carla
Published: December 2015

The effect of the nanoscale structure of bioceramics on their in vitro bioactivity and capacity to osteogenically differentiate stem cell is studied. Nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (nHA), bioactive glass (nBG), nanoporous bioactive glass (MBG), and nanoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (nMBG) are investigated. The nanometric particle size of bioceramics seems to be more determining in controlling the ability to induce bone‐like apatite as compared to the nanoporous structure. At short incubation time, nBG also produces a bioactive extracellular medium capable of upregulating key osteogenic markers involved in the development of a mineralizing phenotype in DPSCs. The bioactive properties of nBG are promissory for accelerating the bone regeneration process in tissue engineering applications.
A Fast Testing Method to Objectively Quantify the Stiffness of Stability Boots
Authors: Bürgi Simon , Roost Judith , Hitz Marco R. , Schwilch Peter , Taylor William R. , Lorenzetti Silvio
Published: December 2015

Stability boots can protect the ankle ligaments from overloading after serious injury and facilitate protected movement in order to aid healing of the surrounding soft tissue structures. For comparing different stability shoe designs and prototypes, a reliable and fast testing method (FTM) is required. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of a novel custom-built device. Six different stability boots were tested in a novel device that allowed body weight to be taken into account using a pneumatic actuator. The fixation of the boots was controlled using two air pad pressure sensors. The range of motion (RoM) was then assessed during 5 trials at physiological ankle joint torques during flexion/extension and inversion/eversion. Furthermore the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC was determined to assess the repetitive reliability of the testing approach. The measured ankle angles ranged from 3.4° to 25° and proved to be highly reliable (ICC=0.99), with standard deviations <9.8%. Comparing single trials to one another resulted in a change of 0.01° joint angle, with a mean error of 0.02°. The FTM demonstrates that it is possible to reliably measure the ankle joint RoM in both the sagittal and frontal planes at controlled torque levels, together with the application of body weight force.
Adult Prevalence of Epilepsy in Spain: EPIBERIA, a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Serrano-Castro Pedro J. , Mauri-Llerda Jose Angel , Hernández-Ramos Francisco José , Sánchez-Alvarez Juan Carlos , Parejo-Carbonell Beatriz , Quiroga-Subirana Pablo , Vázquez-Gutierrez Fernando , Santos-Lasaosa Sonia , Mendez-Lucena Carolina , Redondo-Verge Luis , Tejero-Juste Carlos , Morandeira-Rivas Clara , Sancho-Rieger Jerónimo , Matías-Guiu Jorge
Published: December 2015

Background. This study assesses the lifetime and active prevalence of epilepsy in Spain in people older than 18 years. Methods. EPIBERIA is a population‐based epidemiological study of epilepsy prevalence using data from three representative Spanish regions (health districts in Zaragoza, Almería, and Seville) between 2012 and 2013. The study consisted of two phases: screening and confirmation. Participants completed a previously validated questionnaire (EPIBERIA questionnaire) over the telephone. Results. A total of 1741 valid questionnaires were obtained, including 261 (14.99%) raising a suspicion of epilepsy. Of these suspected cases, 216 (82.75%) agreed to participate in phase 2. Of the phase 2 participants, 22 met the International League Against Epilepsy’s diagnostic criteria for epilepsy. The estimated lifetime prevalence, adjusted by age and sex per 1,000 people, was 14.87 (95% CI: 9.8–21.9). Active prevalence was 5.79 (95% CI: 2.8–10.6). No significant age, sex, or regional differences in prevalence were detected. Conclusions. EPIBERIA provides the most accurate estimate of epilepsy prevalence in the Mediterranean region based on its original methodology and its adherence to ILAE recommendations. We highlight that the lifetime prevalence and inactive epilepsy prevalence figures observed here were compared to other epidemiological studies.
Residual Effects of Sleep Medications Are Commonly Reported and Associated with Impaired Patient-Reported Outcomes among Insomnia Patients in the United States
Authors: Fitzgerald Timothy , Vietri Jeffrey
Published: December 2015

Study Objective. To measure the association of symptoms attributed to residual effects of sleep medication (e.g., drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory) on self-reported functioning and satisfaction with these medications.Methods. Individuals using prescription medications for insomnia were invited to complete an Internet-based survey. Respondents were compared according to the presence of self-reported residual effects; relationships between severity of these effects and outcomes were modeled using regression. Measures included the Brief Insomnia Questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and SATMED-Q. Subgroup analyses were conducted with patients aged ≥65 years. Approximately 80% reported experiencing ≥1 residual effect. The severity of residual effects was associated with increased residual effect-related work impairment, including absenteeism (RR = 1.46,p<0.001), presenteeism (RR = 1.12,p<0.001), overall work impairment (RR = 1.13,p<0.001), and nonwork activity impairment (RR = 1.11,p<0.001). More severe residual symptoms were also associated with increased difficulty in home management (Beta = .31,p<0.001), ability to work (Beta = .31,p<0.001), social relationships, (Beta = .32,p<0.001), close personal relationships (Beta = .30,p<0.001), and lower medication satisfaction (Beta =-.37,p<0.001).Conclusions. Individuals using medications for insomnia commonly experience symptoms considered as residual effects, and these symptoms are associated with greater interference of sleep-related problems at work, at home, and with social relationships.
Joint Next-Hop/Relay Selection for Distributive Multihop Cooperative Networks
Authors: Alkhayyat Ahmed
Published: December 2015

Cooperative networks that use adjacent nodes to relay hearing data are employed as an effective technique to deal with channel fading, thereby enhancing the network performances. Next-hop and relay nodes selection schemes determine the optimal next-hop node toward the destination and relay node between the source and the optimal next-hop and/or destination. Offering joint next-hop and relay node selection in distributive multihop cooperative networks will enable the source to select the optimal next-hop node and relay node that can improve the system performance. In this paper, we propose a joint next-hop node and relay node selection (JNRS) protocol for wireless distributive multihop cooperative networks. The goal of JNRS is to reduce the spectral efficiency loss and outage probability. Analysis results show that JNRS can enhance the cooperative networks performance under general conditions compared to cooperative networks without the JNRS protocol.
FI-FG: Frequent Item Sets Mining from Datasets with High Number of Transactions by Granular Computing and Fuzzy Set Theory
Authors: Zhang Zhong-jie , Huang Jian , Wei Ying
Published: December 2015

Mining frequent item set (FI) is an important issue in data mining. Considering the limitations of those exact algorithms and sampling methods, a novel FI mining algorithm based on granular computing and fuzzy set theory (FI-GF) is proposed, which mines those datasets with high number of transactions more efficiently. Firstly, the granularity is applied, which compresses the transactions to some granules for reducing the scanning cost. During the granularity, each granule is represented by a fuzzy set, and the transaction scale represented by a granule is optimized. Then, fuzzy set theory is used to compute the supports of item sets based on those granules, which faces the uncertainty brought by the granularity and ensures the accuracy of the final results. Finally, Apriori is applied to get the FIs based on those granules and the new computing way of supports. Through five datasets, FI-GF is compared with the original Apriori to prove its reliability and efficiency and is compared with a representative progressive sampling way, RC-SS, to prove the advantage of the granularity to the sampling method. Results show that FI-GF not only successfully saves the time cost by scanning transactions but also has the high reliability. Meanwhile, the granularity has advantages to those progressive sampling methods.
Denosumab for Elderly Men with Osteoporosis: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis from the US Payer Perspective
Authors: Silverman Stuart , Agodoa Irene , Kruse Morgan , Parthan Anju , Orwoll Eric
Published: December 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of denosumab versus other osteoporotic treatments in older men with osteoporosis from a US payer perspective.Methods. A lifetime cohort Markov model previously developed for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) was used. Men in the model were 78 years old, with a BMDT-score of −2.12 and a vertebral fracture prevalence of 23%. During each 6-month Markov cycle, patients could have experienced a hip, vertebral or nonhip, nonvertebral (NHNV) osteoporotic fracture, remained in a nonfracture state, remained in a postfracture state, or died. Background fracture risks, mortality rates, persistence rates, health utilities, and medical and drug costs were derived from published sources. Previous PMO studies were used for drug efficacy in reducing fracture risk. Lifetime expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated for denosumab, generic alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, teriparatide, and zoledronate.Results. Denosumab had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $16,888 compared to generic alendronate and dominated all other treatments. Results were most sensitive to changes in costs of denosumab and the relative risk of hip fracture.Conclusion. Despite a higher annual treatment cost compared to other medications, denosumab is cost-effective compared to other osteoporotic treatments in older osteoporotic US men.
FOXO3a Gene Polymorphism Associated with Asthma in Indian Population
Authors: Barkund Shravani , Shah Tejas , Ambatkar Nikhil , Gadgil Maithili , Joshi Kalpana
Published: December 2015

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder delineated by a heightened immunological response due to environmental or genetic factors. Single nucleotide polymorphism studies have shown that FOXO3a plays a pivotal role in maintaining immunoregulation. Polymorphism in FOXO3a has been linked to inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Crohn’s disease suggesting that FOXO3a may be associated with asthma. Airway inflammation in asthma is characterized by activation of T helper type 2 (Th2) T cells and Foxo family members are reported to play critical roles in the suppression of T cell activation. Thus this study was undertaken to investigate an association between single nucleotide polymorphism of the FOXO3a (rs13217795, C>T transition) gene and asthma in Indian population. To our knowledge we are the first ones reporting an association between FOXO3a and asthma.
Analysis of Bovine Serum Albumin Ligands fromPuerariae flosUsing Ultrafiltration Combined with HPLC-MS
Authors: Tang Ping , Si Shihui , Liu Liangliang
Published: December 2015

Rapid screening techniques for identification of active compounds from natural products are important not only for clarification of the therapeutic material basis, but also for supplying suitable chemical markers for quality control. In the present study, ultrafiltration combined with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was developed and conducted to screen and identify bovine serum albumin (BSA) bound ligands fromPuerariae flos. Fundamental parameters affecting the screening like incubation time, BSA concentration, pH, and temperature were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, nine active compounds were identified by UV and MS data. The results indicated that this method was able to screen and identify BSA bound ligands form natural products without the need of preparative isolation techniques. Moreover, the method has more effective with easier operation procedures.
Cognitive Impairment after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Clinical Course and Impact on Outcome: A Swedish-Icelandic Study
Authors: Stenberg Maud , Godbolt Alison K. , Nygren De Boussard Catharina , Levi Richard , Stålnacke Britt-Marie
Published: December 2015

Objective. To assess the clinical course of cognitive and emotional impairments in patients with severe TBI (sTBI) from 3 weeks to 1 year after trauma and to study associations with outcomes at 1 year.Methods. Prospective, multicenter, observational study of sTBI in Sweden and Iceland. Patients aged 18–65 years with acute Glasgow Coma Scale 3–8 were assessed with the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Outcome measures were Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) and Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Scale-Revised (RLAS-R).Results. Cognition was assessed with the BNIS assessed for 42 patients out of 100 at 3 weeks, 75 patients at 3 months, and 78 patients at 1 year. Cognition improved over time, especially from 3 weeks to 3 months. The BNIS subscales “orientation” and “visuospatial and visual problem solving” were associated with the GOSE and RLAS-R at 1 year.Conclusion. Cognition seemed to improve over time after sTBI and appeared to be rather stable from 3 months to 1 year. Since cognitive function was associated with outcomes, these results indicate that early screening of cognitive function could be of importance for rehabilitation planning in a clinical setting.
An Adaptive Energy-Efficient Data Collection System for ZigBee Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alhmiedat Tareq
Published: December 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are deployed in large areas to monitor a number of events in an area of interest. Monitoring environmental events by distributed sensor networks faces the challenge of high power consumption requirement over time, due to the large number of packets required for multihop data collection. To overcome the scalability issue of large scale WSNs, a proof-of-concept implementation demonstrates that integrating a mobile robot (MR) system with a clustering system for ZigBee WSNs will significantly increase the lifetime of the system, by conserving energy that the sensor nodes otherwise would use for communication. In this paper, two energy-efficient systems have been proposed: clustering and MR systems. The former divides the ZigBee WSN into smaller regions, allocates a cluster-head for each region, and aggregates the collected data, whereas the latter collects the sensed data from cluster-heads. The effectiveness of the proposed system has been demonstrated via simulation and experimental studies and verified that, using a single robot for data collection, the lifetime of the network can be extended by 2.3 times in average.
Nose and Midface Augmentation by Rib Cartilage Grafts: Methods and Outcome in 32 Cases
Authors: Farouk Adham , Ibrahiem Saad
Published: December 2015

Recession of the midface is a relatively common condition that can have a negative impact on facial and nasal aesthetic appearance, and it poses a challenge to plastic surgeons. In cases with generalized maxillary retrusion and/or malocclusion, bone advancement surgery is required, but in localized cases, mostly seen in cleft lip patients, the quest is for an ideal material and a proper technique that would be used to augment the receding area. Throughout a period of seven years, thirty-two patients with nose and midface retrusion were managed by a construct of rib cartilage grafts designed to compensate the deficiency at the maxillary, piriform, and premaxillary areas. Results were satisfactory for most patients in terms of improved fullness of malar area, improved nasal tip projection and rotation, and improvement of upper lip. The presented technique of rib cartilage grafting is a safe and effective method for nose and midface augmentation.
Composition and Functional Diversity in Bird Communities in a Protected Humid Coastal Savanna
Authors: Rija Alfan A. , Mgelwa Abubakari S. , Modest Robert B. , Hassan Shombe N.
Published: December 2015

Our current understanding of the vertebrate communities of a newly gazetted Tanzanian coastal national park is limited and strongly taxonomically biased towards large mammals. We conducted bird assessments in three sites in Saadani National Park using species lists to analyze some parameters to inform biodiversity conservation in the area. We recorded 3112 individuals in 268 species falling in 66 families, including 2 endangered, 2 vulnerable, and 6 near threatened species. Both species richness and species diversity varied between sites. Species relative abundances were not different between the sites although some functional groups, especially granivores, were more abundant than others. Bird assemblages included 21 forest specialists (FF-species), 35 forest generalists (F-species), and 68 forest visitors (f-species) overlapping among bushland, wooded grassland, grassland, and thickets suggesting presence of important microhabitats for the forest-associated species in this ecosystem. Bird species richness in a feeding guild also showed marked overlap between habitats suggesting availability of rich food resources for the birds. This paper highlights the importance of maintaining a structurally heterogeneous landscape to sustain diverse bird communities in the area.
Exact Relativistic Magnetized Haloes around Rotating Disks
Authors: Gutiérrez-Piñeres Antonio C. , Capistrano Abraão J. S.
Published: December 2015

The study of the dynamics of magnetic fields in galaxies is one of important problems in formation and evolution of galaxies. In this paper, we present the exact relativistic treatment of a rotating disk surrounded by a magnetized material halo. The features of the halo and disk are described by the distributional energy-momentum tensor of a general fluid in canonical form. All the relevant quantities and the metric and electromagnetic potentials are exactly determined by an arbitrary harmonic function only. For instance, the generalized Kuzmin-disk potential is used. The particular class of solutions obtained is asymptotically flat and satisfies all the energy conditions. Moreover, the motion of a charged particle on the halo is described. As far as we know, this is the first relativistic model describing analytically the magnetized halo of a rotating disk.
Delorme’s Procedure for Complete Rectal Prolapse: A Study of Recurrence Patterns in the Long Term
Authors: Placer Carlos , Enriquez-Navascués Jose M. , Timoteo Ander , Elorza Garazi , Borda Nerea , Gallego Lander , Saralegui Yolanda
Published: December 2015

Introduction. The objective of this study was to determine the recurrence rate and associated risk factors of full-thickness rectal prolapse in the long term after Delorme’s procedure.Patients and Methods. The study involved adult patients with rectal prolapse treated with Delorme’s surgery between 2000 and 2012 and followed up prospectively in an outpatient unit. We assessed epidemiological data, Wexner constipation and incontinence score, recurrence patterns, and risk factors. Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate studies and follow-up was performed according to Kaplan-Meier technique. The primary outcome was recurrence.Results. A total of 42 patients, where 71.4% (n=30) were women, with a median age of 76 years (IQR 66 to 86), underwent Delorme’s surgery. The median follow-up was 85 months (IQR 28 to 132). There was no mortality, and morbidity was 9.5%. Recurrence occurred in five patients (12%) within 14 months after surgery. Actuarial recurrence at five years was 9.9%. According to the univariate analysis, constipation and concomitant pelvic floor repair were the only factors found to be associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant differences among variables studied. Kaplan-Meier estimate revealed that constipation was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (log-rank test,p=0.006).Conclusions. Delorme’s procedure is a safe technique with an actuarial recurrence at five years of 9.9%. The outcomes obtained in this study support the performance of concomitant postanal repair and levatorplasty to reduce recurrences. Also, severe constipation is associated with a higher recurrence rate.
Comparison of Fibroblast and Osteoblast Response to Cultivation on Titanium Implants with Different Grain Sizes
Authors: Babuska Vaclav , Dobra Jana , Kulda Vlastimil , Kripnerova Michaela , Moztarzadeh Amin , Bolek Lukas , Lahoda Jiri , Hrusak Daniel
Published: December 2015

The in vitro response of human fibroblast cell line HFL1 and human osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 on nanostructured titanium with different grain sizes has been compared in the present study. Used samples of titanium produced by equal channel angular (ECA) pressing have grain sizes of 160 nm, 280 nm, and 2400 nm with cross‐ and longitudinal sections. Similar cellular behaviour was observed on all studied biomaterials. There were significant differences related to the initial phase of attachment, but not in proliferation. Furthermore, the results indicate that osteoblasts grow best on material with grain size of 160 nm with a longitudinal section in comparison with other examined materials. Therefore, this material could be recommended for further evaluation with respect to osseointegration in vivo.
The Intricate Network of Adipokines and Stroke
Authors: Kantorová Ema , Jesenská Ľubica , Čierny Daniel , Zeleňák Kamil , Sivák Štefan , Stančík Matej , Galajda Peter , Nosáľ Vladimír , Kurča Egon
Published: December 2015

Cerebrovascular disorders, particularly ischemic stroke, are one of the most common neurological disorders. High rates of overweight and obesity support an interest in the role of adipose tissue and adipose tissue releasing cytokines in inducing associated comorbidities. Adipokines can serve as a key messenger to central energy homeostasis and metabolic homeostasis. They can contribute to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and brain. However recent research has offered ambiguous data on the network of adipose tissue, adipokines, and vascular disorders. In our paper we provide a critical insight into the role of adipokines in evolution of ischemic stroke.
Postnatal Hematopoiesis and Gut Microbiota in NOD Mice Deviate from C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Damlund Dina Silke Malling , Metzdorff Stine Broeng , Hasselby Jane Preuss , Wiese Maria , Lundsager Mia , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Buschard Karsten Stig , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Frøkiær Hanne
Published: December 2015

Neonatal studies in different mouse strains reveal that early life colonization affects the development of adaptive immunity in mice. The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops autoimmune diabetes, but neonatal studies of NOD mice are lacking. We hypothesized that NOD mice deviate from another much used mouse strain, C57BL/6, with respect to postnatal microbiota and/or hematopoiesis and compared this in newborn mice of dams housed under the same conditions. A distinct bacteria profile rich instaphylococciwas found at postnatal days (PND) 1–4 in NOD mice. Furthermore, a distinct splenic cell profile high in a granulocytic phenotype was evident in the neonatal NOD mice whereas neonatal C57BL/6 mice showed a profile rich in monocytes. Neonatal expression ofReg3gandMuc2in the gut was deviating in NOD mice and coincided with fewer bacteria attaching to the Mucosal surface in NOD compared to C57BL/6 mice.
Identification of Novel Fusion Genes in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Hoff Andreas M. , Alagaratnam Sharmini , Zhao Sen , Bruun Jarle , Andrews Peter W. , Lothe Ragnhild A. , Skotheim Rolf I.
Published: December 2015

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most frequently diagnosed solid tumors in young men ages 15 to 44 years. Embryonal carcinomas (EC) comprise a subset of TGCTs that exhibit pluripotent characteristics similar to embryonic stem (ES) cells, but the genetic drivers underlying malignant transformation of ECs are unknown. To elucidate the abnormal genetic events potentially contributing to TGCT malignancy, such as the existence of fusion genes or aberrant fusion transcript expression, we performed RNA sequencing of EC cell lines and their nonmalignant ES cell line counterparts. We identified eight novel fusion transcripts and one gene with alternative promoter usage, ETV6. Four out of nine transcripts were found recurrently expressed in an extended panel of primary TGCTs and additional EC cell lines, but not in normal parenchyma of the testis, implying tumor-specific expression. Two of the recurrent transcripts involved an intrachromosomal fusion between RCC1 and HENMT1 located 80 Mbp apart and an interchromosomal fusion between RCC1 and ABHD12B. RCC1-ABHD12B and the ETV6 transcript variant were found to be preferentially expressed in the more undifferentiated TGCT subtypes. In vitro differentiation of the NTERA2 EC cell line resulted in significantly reduced expression of both fusion transcripts involving RCC1 and the ETV6 transcript variant, indicating that they are markers of pluripotency in a malignant setting. In conclusion, we identified eight novel fusion transcripts that, to our knowledge, are the first fusion genes described in TGCT and may therefore potentially serve as genomic biomarkers of malignant progression. Cancer Res; 76(1); 108–16. ©2015 AACR.