bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal response properties of koniocellular (blue-on and blue-off) cells in marmoset lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Pietersen A. N. J. , Cheong S. K. , Solomon S. G. , Tailby C. , Martin P. R.
Published: June 2014

Visual perception requires integrating signals arriving at different times from parallel visual streams. For example, signals carried on the phasic-magnocellular (MC) pathway reach the cerebral cortex pathways some tens of milliseconds before signals traveling on the tonic-parvocellular (PC) pathway. Visual latencies of cells in the koniocellular (KC) pathway have not been specifically studied in simian primates. Here we compared MC and PC cells to “blue-on” (BON) and “blue-off” (BOF) KC cells; these cells carry visual signals originating in short-wavelength-sensitive (S) cones. We made extracellular recordings in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of anesthetized marmosets. We found that BON visual latencies are 10–20 ms longer than those of PC or MC cells. A small number of recorded BOF cells ( n = 7) had latencies 10–20 ms longer than those of BON cells. Within all cell groups, latencies of foveal receptive fields (<10° eccentricity) were longer (by 3–8 ms) than latencies of peripheral receptive fields (>10°). Latencies of yellow-off inputs to BON cells lagged the blue-on inputs by up to 30 ms, but no differences in visual latency were seen on comparing marmosets expressing dichromatic (“red-green color-blind”) or trichromatic color vision phenotype. We conclude that S-cone signals leaving the LGN on KC pathways are delayed with respect to signals traveling on PC and MC pathways. Cortical circuits serving color vision must therefore integrate across delays in (red-green) chromatic signals carried by PC cells and (blue-yellow) signals carried by KC cells.
Ocular tracking responses to background motion gated by feature-based attention
Authors: Souto David , Kerzel Dirk
Published: June 2014

Involuntary ocular tracking responses to background motion offer a window on the dynamics of motion computations. In contrast to spatial attention, we know little about the role of feature-based attention in determining this ocular response. To probe feature-based effects of background motion on involuntary eye movements, we presented human observers with a balanced background perturbation. Two clouds of dots moved in opposite vertical directions while observers tracked a target moving in horizontal direction. Additionally, they had to discriminate a change in the direction of motion (±10° from vertical) of one of the clouds. A vertical ocular following response occurred in response to the motion of the attended cloud. When motion selection was based on motion direction and color of the dots, the peak velocity of the tracking response was 30% of the tracking response elicited in a single task with only one direction of background motion. In two other experiments, we tested the effect of the perturbation when motion selection was based on color, by having motion direction vary unpredictably, or on motion direction alone. Although the gain of pursuit in the horizontal direction was significantly reduced in all experiments, indicating a trade-off between perceptual and oculomotor tasks, ocular responses to perturbations were only observed when selection was based on both motion direction and color. It appears that selection by motion direction can only be effective for driving ocular tracking when the relevant elements can be segregated before motion onset.
Analysis of Vibroacoustic Modulations for Crack Detection: A Time-Frequency Approach Based on Zhao-Atlas-Marks Distribution
Authors: Trochidis A. , Hadjileontiadis L. , Zacharias K.
Published: June 2014

The vibro-acoustic modulation (VAM) technique is probably the most widely used nonlinear method for crack detection. The VAM method is based on the effect of modulation of high-frequency acoustic waves by a low-frequency vibration. The intensity of the modulation is related to the severity of the damage and has been used so far as a damage index. The damage index simply based on the amplitude of the first side bands in the spectral domain often leads to controversial results about the severity of the damage. In this work, the nonlinear characteristics of the vibro-modulation were systematically investigated by employing time-frequency analysis based on the Zhao-Atlas-Marks (ZAM) distribution. The results of the analysis show that the amplitude of the sideband components is modulated by the low frequency vibration and the modulation amplitude depends on the size of the crack. Based on the obtained results, a new damage index was defined in relation to the strength of the modulation. The new damage index is more sensitive and robust and correlates better with crack size compared to the index based on the amplitude of the sidebands.
Prediction of Spontaneous Regression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Lesions Grades 2 and 3 by Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Uleberg Kai-Erik , Øvestad Irene Tveiterås , Munk Ane Cecilie , Brede Cato , Diermen Bianca van , Gudlaugsson Einar , Janssen Emiel A. M. , Hjelle Anne , Baak Jan P. A.
Published: June 2014

Regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3 to CIN 1 or less is associated with immune response as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsies. Proteomic analysis of water-soluble proteins in supernatants of biopsy samples with LC-MS (LTQ-Orbitrap) was used to identify proteins predictive of CIN2-3 lesions regression. CIN2-3 in the biopsies and persistence (CIN2-3) or regression (≤CIN1) in follow-up cone biopsies was validated histologically by two experienced pathologists. In a learning set of 20 CIN2-3 (10 regressions and 10 persistence cases), supernatants were depleted of seven high abundance proteins prior to unidimensional LC-MS/MS protein analysis. Mean protein concentration was 0.81 mg/mL (range: 0.55–1.14). Multivariate statistical methods were used to identify proteins that were able to discriminate between regressive and persistent CIN2-3. The findings were validated in an independent test set of 20 CIN2-3 (10 regressions and 10 persistence cases). Multistep identification criteria identified 165 proteins. In the learning set, zinc finger protein 441 and phospholipase D6 independently discriminated between regressive and persistent CIN2-3 lesions and correctly classified all 20 patients. Nine regression and all persistence cases were correctly classified in the validation set. Zinc finger protein 441 and phospholipase D6 in supernatant samples detected by LTQ-Orbitrap can predict regression of CIN2-3.
Structural Brain Changes Following Left Temporal Low-Frequency rTMS in Patients with Subjective Tinnitus
Authors: Lehner Astrid , Langguth Berthold , Poeppl Timm B. , Rupprecht Rainer , Hajak Göran , Landgrebe Michael , Schecklmann Martin
Published: June 2014

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the temporal cortex has been used to treat patients with subjective tinnitus. While rTMS is known to induce morphological changes in healthy subjects, no study has investigated yet whether rTMS treatment induces grey matter (GM) changes in tinnitus patients as well, whether these changes are correlated with treatment success, and whether GM at baseline is a useful predictor for treatment outcome. Therefore, we examined magnetic resonance images of 77 tinnitus patients who were treated with rTMS of the left temporal cortex (10 days, 2000 stimuli/day, 1 Hz). At baseline and after the last treatment session high-resolution structural images of the brain were acquired and tinnitus severity was assessed. For a subgroup of 41 patients, additional brain scans were done after a follow-up period of 90 days. GM changes were analysed by means of voxel based morphometry. Transient GM decreases were detectable in several brain regions, especially in the insula and the inferior frontal cortex. These changes were not related to treatment outcome though. Baseline images correlated with change in tinnitus severity in the frontal cortex and the lingual gyrus, suggesting that GM at baseline might hold potential as a possible predictor for treatment outcome.
Risk Factors for Excessive Gestational Weight Gain in a Healthy, Nulliparous Cohort
Authors: Restall Antonia , Taylor Rennae S. , Thompson John M. D. , Flower Deralie , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Kenny Louise C. , Poston Lucilla , McCowan Lesley M. E.
Published: June 2014

Objective. Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes and contributes to obesity in women. Our aim was to identify early pregnancy factors associated with excessive GWG, in a contemporary nulliparous cohort.Methods. Participants in the SCOPE study were classified into GWG categories (“not excessive” versus “excessive”) based on pregravid body mass index (BMI) using 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy risk factors at 14–16 weeks were compared between categories and multivariable analysis controlled for confounding factors.Results. Of 1950 women, 17% gained weight within the recommended range, 74% had excessive and 9% inadequate GWG. Women with excessive GWG were more likely to be overweight (adjOR 2.9 (95% CI 2.2–3.8)) or obese (adjOR 2.5 (95% CI 1.8–3.5)) before pregnancy compared to women with a normal BMI. Other factors independently associated with excessive GWG included recruitment in Ireland, younger maternal age, increasing maternal birthweight, cessation of smoking by 14–16 weeks, increased nightly sleep duration, high seafood diet, recent immigrant, limiting behaviour, and decreasing exercise by 14–16 weeks. Fertility treatment was protective.Conclusions. Identification of potentially modifiable risk factors for excessive GWG provides opportunities for intervention studies to improve pregnancy outcome and prevent maternal obesity.
A Review on Biodentine, a Contemporary Dentine Replacement and Repair Material
Authors: Malkondu Özlem , Kazandağ Meriç Karapinar , Kazazoğlu Ender
Published: June 2014

Biodentine is a calcium-silicate based material that has drawn attention in recent years and has been advocated to be used in various clinical applications, such as root perforations, apexification, resorptions, retrograde fillings, pulp capping procedures, and dentine replacement. There has been considerable research performed on this material since its launching; however, there is scarce number of review articles that collates information and data obtained from these studies. Therefore, this review article was prepared to provide the reader with a general picture regarding the findings about various characteristics of the material. The results of a PubMed search were classified and presented along with some critical comments where necessary. The review initially focuses on various physical properties of the material with subheadings and continues with biocompatibility. Another section includes the review of studies on Biodentine as a vital pulp treatment material and the article is finalized with the summary of some case reports where the material has been used.
Detection of Melanoma Metastases in Resected Human Lymph Nodes by Noninvasive Multispectral Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Langhout Gerrit Cornelis , Grootendorst Diederik Johannes , Nieweg Omgo Edo , Wouters Michel Wilhelmus Jacobus Maria , van der Hage Jos Alexander , Jose Jithin , van Boven Hester , Steenbergen Wiendelt , Manohar Srirang , Ruers Theodoor Jacques Marie
Published: June 2014

Objective. Sentinel node biopsy in patients with cutaneous melanoma improves staging, provides prognostic information, and leads to an increased survival in node-positive patients. However, frozen section analysis of the sentinel node is not reliable and definitive histopathology evaluation requires days, preventing intraoperative decision-making and immediate therapy. Photoacoustic imaging can evaluate intact lymph nodes, but specificity can be hampered by other absorbers such as hemoglobin. Near infrared multispectral photoacoustic imaging is a new approach that has the potential to selectively detect melanin. The purpose of the present study is to examine the potential of multispectral photoacoustic imaging to identify melanoma metastasis in human lymph nodes.Methods. Three metastatic and nine benign lymph nodes from eight melanoma patients were scannedex vivousing a Vevo LAZR©multispectral photoacoustic imager and were spectrally analyzed per pixel. The results were compared to histopathology as gold standard.Results. The nodal volume could be scanned within 20 minutes. An unmixing procedure was proposed to identify melanoma metastases with multispectral photoacoustic imaging. Ultrasound overlay enabled anatomical correlation. The penetration depth of the photoacoustic signal was up to 2 cm.Conclusion. Multispectral three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging allowed for selective identification of melanoma metastases in human lymph nodes.
Thickness-Controllable Silica Coating of CdTe QDs by Reverse Microemulsion Method for the Application in the Growth of Rice
Authors: Wang Aiwu , Zheng Yuhong , Peng Feng
Published: June 2014

Herein, we report the synthesis and surface modification of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and the application in the rice growth. Water-soluble thioglycolic acid (TGA) stabilized CdTe quantum dots were synthesized firstly and then the surface modification was conducted. II–VI semiconductor nanocrystals prefer to be coated with silica as inert materials to improve their chemical properties. The toxicity of QDs reduced after the modification. Silica coated QDs were used in the growth of rice seed and the effect was discussed. In our knowledge it is the first time we report that the silica coated QDs had nice effect on the growth of rice.
On Hermite-Hadamard Type Inequalities for Riemann-Liouville Fractional Integrals via Two Kinds of Convexity
Authors: Chen Feixiang
Published: June 2014

We obtain some Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for products of two m-convex functions via Riemann-Liouville integrals. The analogous results for (α,m)-convex functions are also established.
Asymptotically Stable Solutions of a Generalized Fractional Quadratic Functional-Integral Equation of Erdélyi-Kober Type
Authors: Darwish Mohamed Abdalla , Rzepka Beata
Published: June 2014

We study a generalized fractional quadratic functional-integral equation of Erdélyi-Kober type in the Banach spaceBC(ℝ+). We show that this equation has at least one asymptotically stable solution.
Conus Medullaris Syndrome following Radionuclide Cisternography
Authors: Choi Jay Chol
Published: June 2014

Radionuclide cisternography is generally considered to be a safe procedure without significant neurological complications. However, in this report we present a patient who developed conus medullaris syndrome following radionuclide cisternography. A 46-year-old woman underwent lumbar puncture followed by radionuclide cisternography with the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. After the cisternography, she developed voiding difficulty with perineal sensory loss. Lumbar MRI revealed a high signal intensity lesion on T2-weighted images at the level of conus medullaris. Considering its clinical course and MRI findings, a spinal cord infarction is highly suggested as a cause of the conus medullaris lesion in this patient.
Description of the First Case of Adenomyomatosis of the Gallbladder in an Infant
Authors: Zarate Yuri A. , Bosanko Katherine A. , Jarasvaraparn Chaowapong , Vengoechea Jaime , McDonough Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2014

We report here the case of the youngest patient with adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder in a female infant diagnosed at 4 months of age. This diagnosis was made based on characteristic ultrasonography findings in a patient that was undergoing routine surveillance for a suspected clinical diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. The patient remains asymptomatic and currently no surgical interventions have been needed. We review the pathophysiology and ultrasonographic findings of this rare condition and present a comparison with the only other four pediatric cases of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder.
Debilitating Chronic Diarrhea Caused by Generalized Gastrointestinal Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Immunocompetent Adult
Authors: Telakis Emmanouil , Tsironi Eftychia , Papatheodorou Konstantinos , Nikolakis Dimitrios
Published: June 2014

Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, especially patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and transplant recipients. In contrast, CMV infection of the gastrointestinal tract is rare in immunocompetent individuals. We report a case of severe, protracted, and debilitating diarrhea caused by generalized CMV infection of the gastrointestinal tract in an elderly woman with no apparent immunosuppression. An extensive diagnostic investigation demonstrated CMV-associated disease affecting both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts (esophagus, small intestine, and colon). Such extensive simultaneous involvement of the alimentary tract in an immunocompetent patient is rare and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The diagnosis was based on a combination of endoscopic, histopathological, serological, and polymerase chain reaction analysis findings and our patient was successfully treated with intravenous ganciclovir. Our case demonstrates that gastrointestinal CMV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe chronic diarrhea in immunocompetent patients and that antiviral treatment may be justified in this setting.
High-Dose Methotrexate for the Treatment of Relapsed Central Nervous System Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Ho Prahlad , Smith Carole
Published: June 2014

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem non-Langerhans histiocytosis. CNS involvement is a major complication, which is often rapidly progressive and confers a poor prognosis. However, treatment of CNS ECD is difficult due to poor CNS penetrance by the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in this disorder (e.g., interferon and cladribine). We describe a case of a 60-year-old lady with a 5-year history of stable systemic ECD who presented with new brainstem lesions and rapid, steroid-refractory neurological deterioration which required immediate intervention. High-dose methotrexate was chosen due to its rapid onset of action and excellent CNS penetration. Her neurological deterioration was quickly arrested with significant functional improvement, which was sustained for 4 months with consolidation doses of high-dose methotrexate. Subsequent treatment with cladribine and interferon did not confer any appreciable clinical improvement. High-dose methotrexate is effective in controlling rapidly progressive CNS ECD and should be considered as a salvage agent prior to commencement of more definitive treatment.
The Stability and Stabilization of Stochastic Delay‐Time Systems
Authors: Li Gang , Chen Ming
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the stability and the stabilizability of stochastic time‐delay deference system. To do this, we use mainly two methods to give a list of the necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability and stabilizability of the stochastic time‐delay deference system. One way is in term of the operator spectrum and H‐representation; the other is by Lyapunov equation approach. In addition, we introduce the notion of unremovable spectrum of stochastic time‐delay deference system, describe the PBH criterion of the unremovable spectrum of time‐delay system, and investigate the relation between the unremovable spectrum and the stabilizability of stochastic time‐delay deference system.
A Novel Distance between Vague Sets and Its Applications in Decision Making
Authors: Deng Weibin , Xu Changlin , Liu Jin , Hu Feng
Published: June 2014

A novel distance between vague sets (VSs) is presented after the inadequacies of existing distance measures between vague sets are analyzed by artificial vague sets. The proposed method investigates the assignment of degree of hesitation to the membership and nonmembership degree, and the properties are also discussed. The performances of the new method are illustrated by pattern classification problem. Finally, the proposed method is applied into multicriteria fuzzy decision making, where the linear programming method is taken to generate optimal weights for every criterion and the best alternative is obtained by the weighted sum of distance measures between each alternative and the idea alternative with respect to a set of criteria. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Hydrogen Sensing Properties of Nanostructured SnO2 with Different Morphologies
Authors: Chen Weigen , Gan Hongli , Zhang Wei , Mao Zeyu
Published: June 2014

In this work, nanoscale SnO2 with various geometrical morphologies, including pine needle‐like, sphere‐like, sheet‐like, grape‐like nanostructures, was prepared via a facile hydrothermal process. Microstructures and morphologies of all the as‐synthesized products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Meanwhile, the specific surface areas of the as‐prepared SnO2 nanostructures were determined by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis. Gas sensors were fabricated and their gas sensing properties towards hydrogen were systematically investigated. The results indicate pine needle‐like SnO2 structure exhibits exclusive better gas sensing performances to hydrogen than the other morphologies, which can be attributed to its novel shape with a large specific surface area. Such an unexpected morphology is a promising candidate for the use of SnO2 as a gas sensing material in future hydrogen sensor applications.
A Comparison of Selected Modifications of the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Jakubcová Michala , Máca Petr , Pech Pavel
Published: June 2014

We compare 27 modifications of the original particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The analysis evaluated nine basic PSO types, which differ according to the swarm evolution as controlled by various inertia weights and constriction factor. Each of the basic PSO modifications was analyzed using three different distributed strategies. In the first strategy, the entire swarm population is considered as one unit (OC-PSO), the second strategy periodically partitions the population into equally large complexes according to the particle’s functional value (SCE-PSO), and the final strategy periodically splits the swarm population into complexes using random permutation (SCERand-PSO). All variants are tested using 11 benchmark functions that were prepared for the special session on real-parameter optimization of CEC 2005. It was found that the best modification of the PSO algorithm is a variant with adaptive inertia weight. The best distribution strategy is SCE-PSO, which gives better results than do OC-PSO and SCERand-PSO for seven functions. The sphere function showed no significant difference between SCE-PSO and SCERand-PSO. It follows that a shuffling mechanism improves the optimization process.
Chronic Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease: New Perspectives on Animal Models and Promising Candidate Drugs
Authors: Millington Christopher , Sonego Sandra , Karunaweera Niloo , Rangel Alejandra , Aldrich-Wright Janice R. , Campbell Iain L. , Gyengesi Erika , Münch Gerald
Published: June 2014

Chronic neuroinflammation is now considered one of the major factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the most widely used transgenic AD models (overexpressing mutated forms of amyloid precursor protein, presenilin, and/or tau) do not demonstrate the degree of inflammation, neurodegeneration (particularly of the cholinergic system), and cognitive decline that is comparable with the human disease. Hence a more suitable animal model is needed to more closely mimic the resulting cognitive decline and memory loss in humans in order to investigate the effects of neuroinflammation on neurodegeneration. One of these models is the glial fibrillary acidic protein-interleukin 6 (GFAP-IL6) mouse, in which chronic neuroinflammation triggered constitutive expression of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in astrocytes. These transgenic mice show substantial and progressive neurodegeneration as well as a decline in motor skills and cognitive function, starting from 6 months of age. This animal model could serve as an excellent tool for drug discovery and validationin vivo. In this review, we have also selected three potential anti-inflammatory drugs, curcumin, apigenin, and tenilsetam, as candidate drugs, which could be tested in this model.
Antioxidant Supplement Inhibits Skeletal Muscle Constitutive Autophagy rather than Fasting-Induced Autophagy in Mice
Authors: Qi Zhengtang , He Qiang , Ji Liu , Ding Shuzhe
Published: June 2014

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that NAC administration leads to reduced oxidative stress and thus to decreased expression of autophagy markers in young mice. Our results reveal that NAC administration results in reduced muscle mRNA levels of several autophagy markers, including Beclin-1, Atg7, LC3, Atg9, and LAMP2. However, NAC supplement fails to block the activation of skeletal muscle autophagy in response to fasting, because fasting significantly increases the mRNA level of several autophagy markers and LC3 lipidation. We further examined the effects of NAC administration on mitochondrial antioxidant capacity in fed and 24-hour fasted mice. Our results clearly show that NAC administration depresses the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR), both of which play a predominant antioxidant role in mitochondria by reducing ROS level. In addition, we found no beneficial effect of NAC supplement on muscle mass but it can protect from muscle loss in response to fasting. Collectively, our findings indicate that ROS is required for skeletal muscle constitutive autophagy, rather than starvation-induced autophagy, and that antioxidant NAC inhibits constitutive autophagy by the regulation of mitochondrial ROS production and antioxidant capacity.
The Relationship betweenH. pyloriInfection and Osteoporosis in Japan
Authors: Asaoka Daisuke , Nagahara Akihito , Hojo Mariko , Sasaki Hitoshi , Shimada Yuji , Yoshizawa Takashi , Osada Taro , Watanabe Sumio
Published: June 2014

Background and Objective.H. pyloriinfection causes a chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa. However, this local inflammation may result in extra-digestive conditions. Our aim is to investigate the relationship betweenH. pyloriinfection and osteoporosis in Japan.Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients at the Juntendo University Hospital between 2008 and 2014. Participants for patient profile,H. pyloriinfection status, comorbidity, internal medical therapies, lumbar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone turnover marker were collected and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy (EGA) was performed. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was performed in accordance with the Japanese criteria. We investigated risk factors of osteoporosis.Results. Of the eligible 200 study subjects, 41 cases were of osteoporosis. Bivariate analysis showed that age, being female, BMI, alcohol, smoking,H. pylori, bone-specific ALP, PUD, and EGA were related to osteoporosis. Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR 1.13; 95%CI 1.07–1.20), being female (OR 4.77; 95%CI 1.78–12.77), BMI (OR 0.79; 95%CI 0.68–0.92),H. pylori(OR 5.33; 95%CI 1.73–16.42), and PUD (OR 4.98; 95%CI 1.51–16.45) were related to osteoporosis.Conclusions.H. pyloriinfection may be a risk factor of osteoporosis in Japan.
Improved Efficiency of Graphene/Si Heterojunction Solar Cells by Optimizing Hydrocarbon Feed Rate
Authors: Zhang Zexia , Cui Tongxiang , Lv Ruitao , Zhu Hongwei , Wang Kunlin , Wu Dehai , Kang Feiyu
Published: June 2014

Four different graphene films were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition by using acetonitrile with feed rates of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mL/min. Heterojunction solar cells were assembled by transferring as‐synthesized graphene films onto n‐Si. Solar cells based on graphene samples produced at 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 mL/min demonstrate power conversion efficiencies of 2.26%, 2.10%, 1.02%, and 0.94%, respectively. When HNO3 was used to dope the graphene films, the corresponding photovoltaic efficiencies were increased to 4.98%, 4.19%, 2.04%, and 1.74%, respectively. Mechanism for the improved efficiency of graphene/Si heterojunction solar cells was also investigated.
Balloon Dilatation of Pediatric Subglottic Laryngeal Stenosis during the Artificial Apneic Pause: Experience in 5 Children
Authors: Lisý J. , Groh D. , Chovanec M. , Marková M. , Suchánek V. , Polášková P. , Trávníček M.
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Balloon dilatation is a method of choice for treatment of laryngeal stenosis in children. The aim of procedure in apneic pause is to avoid new insertion of tracheostomy cannula.Patients and Methods. The authors performed balloon dilatation of subglottic laryngeal strictures (SGS) in 5 children (3 girls and 2 boys) without tracheotomy. Two of them with traumatic and inflammatory SGS had a tracheal cannula removed in the past. The other 3 children with postintubation SGS had never had a tracheostomy before. The need for tracheostomy due to worsening stridor was imminent for all of them.Results. The total of seven laryngeal dilatations by balloon esophagoplasty catheter in apneic pause was performed in the 5 children. The procedure averted the need for tracheostomy placement in 4 of them (80%). Failure of dilatation in girl with traumatic stenosis and concomitant severe obstructive lung disease led to repeated tracheostomy.Conclusion. Balloon dilatation of laryngeal stricture could be done in the absence of tracheostomy in apneic pause. Dilatation averted threatening tracheostomy in all except one case. Early complication after the procedure seems to be a negative prognostic factor for the outcome of balloon dilatation.
Quercetin Significantly Inhibits the Metabolism of Caffeine, a Substrate of Cytochrome P450 1A2 Unrelated toCYP1A2*1C  (−2964G>A) and1F*(734C>A) Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Xiao Jian , Huang Wei-Hua , Peng Jing-Bo , Tan Zhi-Rong , Ou-Yang Dong-Sheng , Hu Dong-Li , Zhang Wei , Chen Yao
Published: June 2014

Background. Quercetin is abundant in plants and human diets. Previous studies indicated that quercetin inhibited the activity of CYP1A2, and the combination of quercetin with the substrates of CYP1A2 might produce herb-drug interactions. This research aims to determine the effects of quercetin and the CYP1A2 gene polymorphisms, namely,CYP1A2*1C  (−2964G>A) and1F*(734C>A), on the metabolism of caffeine.Method. The experiment was designed into two treatment phases separated by a 2-week washout period. Six homozygous individuals for theCYP1A2*1C/1F*(GG/AA) genotype and 6 heterozygous individuals for theCYP1A2*1C/1F*(GA/CA) genotype were enrolled in the study. Quercetin capsules (500 mg) were given to each volunteer once daily for 13 consecutive days, and after that, each subject was coadministrated 100 mg caffeine capsules with 500 mg quercetin on the 14th day. Then a series of venous blood samples were collected for HPLC analysis. Correlation was determined between pharmacokinetics of caffeine and paraxanthine with caffeine metabolite ratio.Results.Quercetin significantly affected the pharmacokinetics of caffeine and its main metabolite paraxanthine, while no differences were found in the pharmacokinetics of caffeine and paraxanthine between GG/AA and GA/CA genotype groups.Conclusion.Quercetin significantly inhibits the caffeine metabolism, which is unrelated toCYP1A2*1C(−2964G>A) and1F*(734C>A) gene polymorphisms.
Semiactive Vibration Control Using a Magnetorheological Damper and a Magnetorheological Elastomer Based on the Bouc-Wen Model
Authors: Zhu Wei , Rui Xiao-ting
Published: June 2014

A vibration control system is put forward using a magnetorheological damper (MRD) and a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) connected in series. In order to model the hysteresis of the MRD, a Bouc-Wen model and a corresponding parameter identification method are developed for the MRD. The experimental results validate the proposed Bouc-Wen model that can predict the hysteretic behavior of the MRD accurately. The role of the MRE is illustrated by an example of a single degree-of-freedom system. A semiactive vibration control strategy of the proposed vibration control system is proposed. To validate this new approach, experiments are conducted and the results highlight significantly improved vibration reduction effect of the proposed vibration control system than the vibration control system only using the MRD.
The Interaction of Bacteria with Engineered Nanostructured Polymeric Materials: A Review
Authors: Armentano Ilaria , Arciola Carla Renata , Fortunati Elena , Ferrari Davide , Mattioli Samantha , Amoroso Concetta Floriana , Rizzo Jessica , Kenny Jose M. , Imbriani Marcello , Visai Livia
Published: June 2014

Bacterial infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In spite of great advances in biomaterials research and development, a significant proportion of medical devices undergo bacterial colonization and become the target of an implant-related infection. We present a review of the two major classes of antibacterial nanostructured materials: polymeric nanocomposites and surface-engineered materials. The paper describes antibacterial effects due to the induced material properties, along with the principles of bacterial adhesion and the biofilm formation process. Methods for antimicrobial modifications of polymers using a nanocomposite approach as well as surface modification procedures are surveyed and discussed, followed by a concise examination of techniques used in estimating bacteria/material interactions. Finally, we present an outline of future sceneries and perspectives on antibacterial applications of nanostructured materials to resist or counteract implant infections.
Calculation of Wave Dispersion Curves in Multilayered Composite-Metal Plates
Authors: Maghsoodi Ameneh , Ohadi Abdolreza , Sadighi Mojtaba
Published: June 2014

The major purpose of this paper is the development of wave dispersion curves calculation in multilayered composite-metal plates. At first, equations of motion and characteristic equations for the free waves on a single-layered orthotropic plate are presented. Since direction of wave propagation in composite materials is effective on equations of motion and dispersion curves, two different cases are considered: propagation of wave along an axis of material symmetry and along off-axes of material symmetry. Then, presented equations are extended for a multilayered orthotropic composite-metal plate using the transfer matrix method in which a global transfer matrix may be extracted which relates stresses and displacements on the top layer to those on the bottom one. By satisfying appropriate boundary conditions on the outer boundaries, wave characteristic equations and then dispersion curves are obtained. Moreover, presented equations may be applied to other materials such as monoclinic, transversely isotropic, cubic, and isotropic materials. To verify the solution procedure, a number of numerical illustrations for a single-layered orthotropic and double-layered orthotropic-metal are presented.
Experimental Investigation ofCaMnO3−δBased Oxygen Carriers Used in Continuous Chemical-Looping Combustion
Authors: Hallberg Peter , Källén Malin , Jing Dazheng , Snijkers Frans , van Noyen Jasper , Rydén Magnus , Lyngfelt Anders
Published: June 2014

Three materials of perovskite structure,CaMn1−xMxO3−δ(M = Mg or Mg and Ti), have been examined as oxygen carriers in continuous operation of chemical-looping combustion (CLC) in a circulating fluidized bed system with the designed fuel power 300 W. Natural gas was used as fuel. All three materials were capable of completely converting the fuel to carbon dioxide and water at 900°C. All materials also showed the ability to release gas phase oxygen when fluidized by inert gas at elevated temperature (700–950°C); that is, they were suitable for chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU). Both fuel conversion and oxygen release improved with temperature. All three materials also showed good mechanical integrity, as the fraction of fines collected during experiments was small. These results indicate that the materials are promising oxygen carriers for chemical-looping combustion.
Prevention and Reversal of Diabetes by All-Trans Retinoid Acid and Exendin-4 in NOD Mice
Authors: Juang Jyuhn-Huarng , Van Yang-Hau , Kuo Chien-Hung , Lin Mei-Yin , Liu Ying-Hsiu , Chang Han-Ying
Published: June 2014

It has been shown that all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) hinders the development of autoimmune diabetes by inducing immune tolerance status. Meanwhile, exendin-4 increases beta-cell function and mass. Thus, we hypothesized that ATRA and exendin-4 combination therapy would prevent and reverse autoimmune diabetes. NOD/scid mice were intravenously transferred with splenocytes isolated from 12-week-old female NOD mice. After adoptive transfer, mice were treated with vehicle, ATRA (0.5 mg/mouse intraperitoneally every other day), exendin-4 (3 μg/kg subcutaneously twice daily), or combination for 6 weeks. Compared with vehicle, ATRA (P=0.022) and ATRA plus exendin-4 (P=0.013) treatment delayed the onset of diabetes. The pancreatic insulin content in mice treated with ATRA (P=0.013) and exendin-4 (P<0.02) was significantly higher than that of control mice. All but one spontaneous diabetic NOD mouse treated with ATRA and/or exendin-4 remained persistent hyperglycemic. ATRA and/or exendin-4 treatment did not alter their blood glucose levels and survival. Our results indicate that, before the onset of autoimmune diabetes, ATRA and exendin-4 treatment alone preserves pancreatic beta cells; ATRA and ATRA plus exendin-4 treatment delays the onset of autoimmune diabetes. However, after the onset of autoimmune diabetes, ATRA and/or exendin-4 treatment is unable to reverse hyperglycemia or improve survival.
Construction and Biomechanical Properties of PolyAxial Self-Locking Anatomical Plate Based on the Geometry of Distal Tibia
Authors: Liang Weiguo , Ye Weixiong , Ye Dongping , Zhou Ziqiang , Chen Zhiguang , Li Aiguo , Xie Zong-Han , Zhang Lihai , Xu Jiake
Published: June 2014

In order to provide scientific and empirical evidence for the clinical application of the polyaxial self-locking anatomical plate, 80 human tibias from healthy adults were scanned by spiral CT and their three-dimensional images were reconstructed using the surface shaded display (SSD) method. Firstly, based on the geometric data of distal tibia, a polyaxial self-locking anatomical plate for distal tibia was designed and constructed. Biomechanical tests were then performed by applying axial loading, 4-point bending, and axial torsion loading on the fracture fixation models of fresh cadaver tibias. Our results showed that variation in twisting angles of lateral tibia surface was found in various segments of the distal tibia. The polyaxial self-locking anatomical plate was constructed based on the geometry of the distal tibia. Compared to the conventional anatomical locking plate, the polyaxial self-locking anatomical plate of the distal tibia provides a better fit to the geometry of the distal tibia of the domestic population, and the insertion angle of locking screws can be regulated up to 30°. Collectively, this study assesses the geometry of the distal tibia and provides variable locking screw trajectory to improve screw-plate stability through the design of a polyaxial self-locking anatomical plate.
Surface-Coated Polylactide Fiber Meshes as Tissue Engineering Matrices with Enhanced Cell Integration Properties
Authors: Schnabelrauch Matthias , Wyrwa Ralf , Rebl Henrike , Bergemann Claudia , Finke Birgit , Schlosser Michael , Walschus Uwe , Lucke Silke , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Nebe J. Barbara
Published: June 2014

Poly(L-lactide-co-D/L-lactide)-based fiber meshes resembling structural features of the native extracellular matrix have been prepared by electrospinning. Subsequent coating of the electrospun fibers with an ultrathin plasma-polymerized allylamine (PPAAm) layer after appropriate preactivation with continuous O2/Ar plasma changed the hydrophobic nature of the polylactide surface into a hydrophilic polymer network and provided positively charged amino groups on the fiber surface able to interact with negatively charged pericellular matrix components. In vitro cell experiments using different human cell types (epithelial origin: gingiva and uroepithelium; bone cells: osteoblasts) revealed that the PPAAm-activated surfaces promoted the occupancy of the meshes by cells accompanied by improved initial cell spreading. This nanolayer is stable in its cell adhesive characteristics also afterγ-sterilization. An in vivo study in a rat intramuscular implantation model demonstrated that the local inflammatory tissue response did not differ between PPAAm-coated and untreated polylactide meshes.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Secondary to Ethanol Sclerotherapy for Renal Artery Embolization
Authors: Saba Raya , Davis James , Balavenkataraman Arvind , Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Barbaryan Aram , Chalise Shyam , Iroegbu Nkemakolam
Published: June 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been reported as a major complication to consider and promptly manage in the use of ethanol sclerotherapy. Most of the available data on the development of PAH is derived from the use of ethanol for embolization of arteriovenous malformation, but it has been rarely reported in its other fields of application. We describe a case of outpatient renal artery embolization using ethanol, in which respiratory failure develops secondary to PAH despite adhering to safe practice protocols. We highlight the importance of pulmonary arterial pressure monitoring and the treatment steps to follow in order to avoid irreversible fatal outcomes.
Examining the Choroid in Ocular Inflammation: A Focus on Enhanced Depth Imaging
Authors: Baltmr Abeir , Lightman Sue , Tomkins-Netzer Oren
Published: June 2014

The choroid is the vascular layer that supplies the outer retina and is involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular conditions including choroidal tumors, age related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis. Nevertheless, difficulties in the visualization of the choroid have limited our understanding of its exact role in ocular pathology. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherent topography (EDI-OCT) is a novel, noninvasive technique that is used to evaluate choroidal thickness and morphology in these diseases. The technique provides detailed objectivein vivovisualization of the choroid and can be used to characterize posterior segment inflammatory disorders, monitor disease activity, and evaluate efficacy of treatment. In this review we summarize the current application of this technique in ocular inflammatory disorders and highlight its utility as an additional tool in monitoring choroidal involvement in ocular inflammation.
Deliberate Self-Poisoning Presenting to an Emergency Medicine Network in South-East Melbourne: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Rahman Asheq , Martin Catherine , Graudins Andis , Chapman Rose
Published: June 2014

Background. Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) comprises a small but significant proportion of presentations to the emergency department (ED). However, the prevalence and patient characteristics of self-poisoning attendances to EDs in Victoria have not been recently characterised.Aim. To identify and compare the characteristics of adult patients presenting to the three EDs of Monash Health following DSP.Methods. Retrospective clinical audit of adult DSP attendances between 1st July 2009 and 30th June 2012.Results. A total of 3558 cases over three years were identified fulfilling the search criteria. The mean age of patients was 36.3 years with the largest numbers aged between 18 and 30 (38%). About 30% of patients were born overseas. Forty-eight percent were discharged home, 15% were admitted to ED short stay units, and 5% required ICU admission. The median ED length of stay was 359 minutes (IQR 231–607). The most frequently reported substances in DSP were benzodiazepines (36.6%), paracetamol (22.2%), and antipsychotics (12.1%). Exposure to more than one substance for the episode of DSP was common (47%).Conclusion. This information may help identify the trends in poisoning substances used for DSP in Victoria, which in turn may provide clinicians with information to provide more focused and targeted interventions.
Properties of Electrospun TiO2Nanofibers
Authors: Caratão Bianca , Carneiro Edgar , Sá Pedro , Almeida Bernardo , Carvalho Sandra
Published: June 2014

Titanium oxide filled polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers have been prepared via a simple electrospinning technique. The combination of good TiO2properties with its high surface area leads these nanofibers into having a vast applicability such as cosmetics, scaffolds for tissue engineering, catalytic devices, sensors, solar cells, and optoelectronic devices. The structural and chemical properties of the prepared samples have been studied. The presence of the TiO2phase on the nanofibers was confirmed. An anatase to rutile transformation was observed at 600°C. Regarding the thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), the TIP decomposition and the PVP evaporation at 225°C were verified.
Safety and Efficacy of Intensity-Modulated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Using Helical Tomotherapy for Lung Cancer and Lung Metastasis
Authors: Nagai Aiko , Shibamoto Yuta , Yoshida Masanori , Inoda Koji , Kikuchi Yuzo
Published: June 2014

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) proved to be an effective treatment with acceptable toxicity for lung tumors. However, the use of helical intensity-modulated (IM) SBRT is controversial. We investigated the outcome of lung tumor patients treated by IMSBRT using helical tomotherapy with a Japanese standard fractionation schedule of 48 Gy in 4 fractions (n=37) or modified protocols of 50–60 Gy in 5–8 fractions (n=35). Median patient’s age was 76 years and median follow-up period for living patients was 20 months (range, 6–46). The median PTV was 6.9 cc in the 4-fraction group and 14 cc in the 5- to 8-fraction group (P=0.001). Grade 2 radiation pneumonitis was seen in 2 of 37 patients in the 4-fraction group and in 2 of 35 patients in the 5- to 8-fraction group (log-rankP=0.92). Other major complications were not observed. The LC rates at 2 years were 87% in the 4-fraction group and 83% in the 5- to 8-fraction group. Helical IMSBRT for lung tumors is safe and effective. Patients with a high risk of developing severe complications may also be safely treated using 5–8 fractions. The results of the current study warrant further studies of helical IMSBRT.