bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical experiments on the PF1000 plasma focus device operated with nitrogen and oxygen gases
Authors: Akel M. , Ismael Sh. , Lee S. , Saw S. H. , Kunze H. J.
Published: May 2017

The indicative values of reduced Pease–Braginskii (P–B) currents are estimated for a nitrogen and oxygen plasma focus. The values of depletion times indicate that in N2 and O2 with estimated 3–4% of pinch energy radiating away over the duration of the pinch, we may expect some cooling effects leading to small reductions in radius ratio. In other gases with higher atomic number, the pinch duration is much more than the depletion time, so radiative contraction may be anticipated. The Lee model was employed to study the soft X-ray from PF1000 operated with nitrogen and oxygen. We found nitrogen soft X-ray yield in the water window region of 3.13 kJ, with the corresponding efficiency of 0.9% of the stored energy [Formula: see text], while for the oxygen it was found to be [Formula: see text] = 4.9 kJ, with the efficiency of 1.4% [Formula: see text]. The very modest enhancement of compression (radius ratios around 0.1) in the pinches of these two gases gives rise to rather modest pinch energy densities (PEDs) under 109 Jm[Formula: see text]. This is in contrast to Kr or Xe where it had been shown that the radiative collapse leads to radius ratios of 0.007 and 0.003, respectively, with PEDs going to large values considerably exceeding 10[Formula: see text] Jm[Formula: see text].
Equilibrium geometries, electronic structure and magnetic properties of ConSn (n = 1–12) clusters from density functional calculations
Authors: Zhang Jing Ya , Lv Jin
Published: May 2017

Equilibrium geometries, relative stabilities, electronic stabilities and magnetic properties of Co[Formula: see text]Sn ([Formula: see text] = 1–12) clusters have been systematically investigated by using relativistic all-electron density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation. The results indicated that the lowest-energy structures of Co[Formula: see text]Sn ([Formula: see text] = 1–5, 7, 9 and 10) clusters are similar to those of corresponding Co[Formula: see text] clusters. As for Co6Sn, Co8Sn, Co[Formula: see text]Sn and Co[Formula: see text]Sn clusters, the most stable structures give rise to a geometry reconstruction. In the low-lying structures of Co[Formula: see text]Sn ([Formula: see text] = 1–12) clusters, tin impurity prefers to occupy the external site. The second-order difference energy of the ground-state Co[Formula: see text]Sn ([Formula: see text] = 1–12) clusters shows a pronounced odd–even oscillation with the number of Co atoms, and the clusters exhibit higher stability at [Formula: see text] = 5. Compared with corresponding pure Co[Formula: see text] clusters, the total magnetic moment of the Co[Formula: see text]Sn clusters reduces with 1, 3 and 5 [Formula: see text], respectively. The different magnetic changes of the tin doped Co clusters are analyzed in detail based on the magnetism coupling, density of state and hybridization between cobalt and tin atoms.
Braiding and Majorana fermions
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study unitary braid group representations associated with Majorana fermions. Majorana fermions are represented by Majorana operators, elements of a Clifford algebra. The paper proves a general result about braid group representations associated with Clifford algebras and compares this result with the Ivanov braiding associated with Majorana operators and with other braiding representations associated with Majorana fermions such as the Fibonacci model for universal topological quantum computing.
Topological surgery, dynamics and applications to natural processes
Authors: Lambropoulou Sofia , Antoniou Stathis
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we observe that two-dimensional 0-surgery occurs in natural processes, such as tornado formation and other phenomena reminiscent of hole drilling. Inspired by such phenomena, we introduce new theoretical concepts which enhance the formal definition of two-dimensional 0-surgery with the observed dynamics. To do this, we first present a schematic model which extends the formal definition to a continuous process caused by local forces. Next, for modeling phenomena which do not happen on surfaces but are three-dimensional, we fill the interior space by defining the notion of solid two-dimensional 0-surgery. Finally, we connect these new theoretical concepts with a dynamical system and present it as a model for both two-dimensional 0-surgery and natural phenomena exhibiting it. We hope that through this study, topology and dynamics of many natural phenomena will be better understood.
The extended mapping class group can be generated by two torsions
Authors: Du Xiaoming
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the closed-oriented surface of genus [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be the extended mapping class group of [Formula: see text]. When the genus is at least 5, we prove that [Formula: see text] can be generated by two torsion elements. One of these generators is of order [Formula: see text], and the other one is of order [Formula: see text].
A COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF BONE FORMATION IN THE CRANIAL VAULT USING A COUPLED REACTION–DIFFUSION-STRAIN MODEL
Authors: LEE CHANYOUNG , RICHTSMEIER JOAN T. , KRAFT REUBEN H.
Published: May 2017

Bones of the murine cranial vault are formed by differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts, a process that is primarily understood to be controlled by a cascade of reactions between extracellular molecules and cells. We assume that the process can be modeled using Turing's reaction–diffusion equations, a mathematical model describing the pattern formation controlled by two interacting molecules (activator and inhibitor). In addition to the processes modeled by reaction–diffusion equations, we hypothesize that mechanical stimuli of the cells due to growth of the underlying brain contribute significantly to the process of cell differentiation in cranial vault development. Structural analysis of the surface of the brain was conducted to explore the effects of the mechanical strain on bone formation. We propose a mechanobiological model for the formation of cranial vault bones by coupling the reaction-–diffusion model with structural mechanics. The mathematical formulation was solved using the finite volume method. The computational domain and model parameters are determined using a large collection of experimental data that provide precise three-dimensional (3D) measures of murine cranial geometry and cranial vault bone formation for specific embryonic time points. The results of this study suggest that mechanical strain contributes information to specific aspects of bone formation. Our mechanobiological model predicts some key features of cranial vault bone formation that were verified by experimental observations including the relative location of ossification centers of individual vault bones, the pattern of cranial vault bone growth over time, and the position of cranial vault sutures.
Ruled surfaces and tangent bundle of unit 2-sphere
Authors: Hathout F. , Bekar M. , Yayli Y.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a one-to-one correspondence is given between the tangent bundle of unit 2-sphere, [Formula: see text], and the unit dual sphere, [Formula: see text]. According to Study’s map, to each curve on [Formula: see text] corresponds a ruled surface in Euclidean 3-space, [Formula: see text]. Through this correspondence, we have corresponded to each curve on [Formula: see text] a unique ruled surface in [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the relationships between the developability conditions of these ruled surfaces and their striction curves are analyzed. It is shown that the ruled surfaces corresponding to the involute–evolute curve couples on [Formula: see text] are developable.
A numerical method for the solutions of the HIV infection model of CD4+T-cells
Authors: Yüzbaşı Şuayip , Ismailov Nurbol
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection model of CD[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]T-cells is considered. In order to numerically solve the model problem, an operational method is proposed. For that purpose, we construct the operational matrix of integration for bases of Taylor polynomials. Then, by using this matrix operation and approximation by polynomials, the HIV infection problem is transformed into a system of algebraic equations, whose roots are used to determine the approximate solutions. An important feature of the method is that it does not require collocation points. In addition, an error estimation technique is presented. We apply the present method to two numerical examples and compare our results with other methods.
Mathematical and numerical analysis of thermal distribution in cancerous tissues under the local heat therapy
Authors: Khanday M. A. , Nazir Khalid
Published: May 2017

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the thermal behavior of living tissues in the presence of spatial external heat source. An effort has been made to formulate the mathematical model to study the temperature distribution in in vivo tissues of the human body. The mathematical formulation is governed by bio-heat equation together with appropriate initial, boundary and interface conditions. The solution of the model was carried out using variational finite element method and computational simulations. The model describes the exchange of heat between the internal biological tissues and other surrounding media. The effect of external heat source under different conditions of atmospheric temperature and as a local hyperthermic method provides an important information to the temperature regulation in biological tissues under normal and malignant conditions. Thermal fluctuations at the targeted regions were obtained with respect to various time-dependent heating sources and scattering coefficients. The results obtained may be helpful for clinical purposes especially in the treatment of cancerous tumors through radiotherapy and other local hyperthermic approaches.
A review of microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging: Excitation source, data acquisition system and biomedical applications
Authors: Cui Yongsheng , Yuan Chang , Ji Zhong
Published: May 2017

Microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) is a noninvasive modality based on the differences in microwave absorption of various biological tissues. TAI has been extensively researched in recent years, and several studies have revealed that TAI possesses advantages such as high resolution, high contrast, high imaging depth and fast imaging speed. In this paper, we reviewed the development of the TAI technique, its excitation source, data acquisition system and biomedical applications. It is believed that TAI has great potential applications in biomedical research and clinical study.
Impact of Cargo Stacking Modes on Temperature Distribution Inside Marine Reefer Containers
Authors: Kan Ankang , Hu Jin , Guo Zhipeng , Meng Chuang , Chao Chen
Published: May 2017

The refrigerated/chilled quality of marine cargo is vitally influenced by the temperature distribution inside reefer container. The stacking mode is a key factor affecting temperature distribution. CFD method is employed to model and simulate a 20-ft standard reefer container, in which seven cargo stacking modes are emulated to numerically analyze the internal temperature distribution inside the container. The stacking cargo is assumed as solid stack without heat release and the variables, such as stack number, height, length and gap, are considered in seven simulation cases. The results show that the temperature distributions become disordered along with increase in the stack height; the temperature difference increase along with increase in the stack length; the temperature tends to be isothermal when the gap of the stacks or the space between the stack and sidewall surface is enlarging. The simulation results are in very good agreement with the experimental results.
Use of Magnetic Nanoparticles as Targeted Therapy: Theranostic Approach to Treat and Diagnose Cancer
Authors: Malik Arif , Tahir Butt Tariq , Zahid Sara , Zahid Fatima , Waquar Sulayman , Rasool Mahmood , Qazi Mahmood Husain , Qazi Aamer Mahmood
Published: May 2017

The metastasis of cancer epitomizes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge as a result of cancer heterogeneity. To overcome the uncontrolled growth of the proliferating cells, nanosystems have been developed and have undergone many preclinical trials both in vitro and in vivo and many practices have been further applied clinically on human beings. In practice, magnetic nanoparticles- (MNPs-) based systems following the application of Fe3O4 bound antitumor drug have shown an enhanced therapeutic index in comparison with conventional chemotherapy ensuring the significant decline in nanosystems’ toxicity. A number of improved strategies employing nanoparticle engineering have been in practice for upgrading selectivity of metastatic cells and to have direct access to poorly manageable tumor regions. Targeted nanoparticle therapy paving the way towards tumor biomarkers and tissue specific cancer stages provides effective strategies for nonaccessible tumor regions, thus leading to the tangible modification in the history of cancer world. An infinite number of targets have been exploited for surface receptor specificity to distinct types of nanoparticles and are presently enduring clinical practices both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this review is to take into view current nanotechnology-based research in cancer imaging for diagnosis and treatment. Several commercially available magnetic nanoparticles-based systems applied as contrast agents for metastatic cancer imaging and treatment via hyperthermia have also been focused on.
Close Range Photogrammetry for Direct Multiple Feature Positioning Measurement without Targets
Authors: Kortaberria Gorka , Olarra Aitor , Tellaeche Alberto , Minguez Rikardo
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this study is to present a new method to carry out measurements so as to improve the positioning verification step in the wind hub part dimensional validation process. This enhancement will speed up the measuring procedures for these types of parts. An industrial photogrammetry based system was applied to take advantage of its results, and new functions were added to existing capabilities. In addition to a new development based on photogrammetry modelling and image processing, a measuring procedure was defined based on optical and vision system considerations. A validation against a certified procedure by means of a laser-tracker has also been established obtaining deviations of ±0.125 μm/m.
Dual Epidemics of Club Drug Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Chinese Female Sex Workers: New Challenges to STI Prevention
Authors: Li Jing , Gong Xiang-dong , Yue Xiaoli , Jiang Ning
Published: May 2017

Objectives. To evaluate club drug use and its potential association with STI among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Methods. From November 2008 to January 2009, participants were recruited at sex work venues in five cities for a questionnaire survey. Free testing for syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) was provided. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with club drug use and its association with STI. Results. A total of 1604 eligible FSWs were included. The overall prevalence of any STI infection and club drug use in the past 12 months was 22.6% and 7.4%, respectively. STI prevalence was significantly higher among club drug users (33.1%) than among nonusers (21.7%, P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression found that club drug use was associated with younger age (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.0, 6.0), higher education, having injected drugs (AOR 24.4, 95% CI 6.2, 96.8), and having had STI symptoms (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4, 3.4). Conclusions. Club drug use and STI were highly prevalent among FSWs in China, especially among young FSWs. Club drug users had more risk behaviors and higher STI rates. A coordinated risk reduction framework is urgently needed to address the dual epidemic of drug use and STI.
Sliding Window Based Feature Extraction and Traffic Clustering for Green Mobile Cyberphysical Systems
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Zhou Li , Xiao Angran , Zeng Sai , Zhao Haitao , Wei Jibo
Published: May 2017

Both the densification of small base stations and the diversity of user activities bring huge challenges for today’s heterogeneous networks, either heavy burdens on base stations or serious energy waste. In order to ensure coverage of the network while reducing the total energy consumption, we adopt a green mobile cyberphysical system (MCPS) to handle this problem. In this paper, we propose a feature extraction method using sliding window to extract the distribution feature of mobile user equipment (UE), and a case study is presented to demonstrate that the method is efficacious in reserving the clustering distribution feature. Furthermore, we present traffic clustering analysis to categorize collected traffic distribution samples into a limited set of traffic patterns, where the patterns and corresponding optimized control strategies are used to similar traffic distributions for the rapid control of base station state. Experimental results show that the sliding window is more superior in enabling higher UE coverage over the grid method. Besides, the optimized control strategy obtained from the traffic pattern is capable of achieving a high coverage that can well serve over 98% of all mobile UE for similar traffic distributions.
Effect of Quasi-Isotropic Antenna Orientation on Indoor Multipath Propagation Characteristics in RSN Applications
Authors: Bou-El-Harmel Abdelhamid , Benbassou Ali , Belkadid Jamal , Mechatte Nadia
Published: May 2017

In the RFID sensor networks (RSN), the orientations of the antennas used in the network nodes have a significant influence on the propagation characteristics. In this article, we investigated the effects of the two antennas’ orientation of different radiation and polarization on the multipath propagation characteristics. This study is evaluated in a typical indoor environment by computer simulations based on the three-dimensional (3D) ray-tracing method. This method is based on geometric optics and uniform diffraction theory and also it offers significant advantages in terms of accurate and comprehensive prediction of propagation characterization. The simulations have been performed at frequency 915 MHz and the propagation characteristics are compared in terms of received power level (Pr) and Root-Mean-Square (RMS) delay spread for a quasi-isotropic 3D cubic antenna with circular polarization and for an omnidirectional dipole with linear polarization in the LOS, NLOS, and OLOS scenarios.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Regional Nodal Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Correlation with Nodal Staging
Authors: Huang Bingsheng , Kwong Dora Lai-Wan , Lai Vincent , Chan Queenie , Whitcher Brandon , Khong Pek-Lan
Published: May 2017

Objective. To determine if the perfusion parameters by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) of regional nodal metastasis are helpful in characterizing nodal status and to understand the relationship with those of primary tumor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods. Newly diagnosed patients imaged between August 2010 and January 2014 and who were found to have enlarged retropharyngeal/cervical lymph nodes suggestive of nodal disease were recruited. DCE-MRI was performed. Three quantitative parameters, Ktrans, ve, and kep, were calculated for the largest node in each patient. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the difference in the parameters of the selected nodes of different N stages. Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the DCE-MRI parameters in nodes and in primary tumors. Results. Twenty-six patients (7 females; 25~67 years old) were enrolled. Ktrans was significantly different among the patients of N stages (N1, n=3; N2, n=17; N3, n=6), P=0.015. Median values (range) for N1, N2, and N3 were 0.24 min−1 (0.17~0.26 min−1), 0.29 min−1 (0.17~0.46 min−1), and 0.46 min−1 (0.29~0.70 min−1), respectively. There was no significant correlation between the parameters in nodes and primary tumors. Conclusion. DCE-MRI may play a distinct role in characterizing the metastatic cervical lymph nodes of NPC.
Mitochondrial-Targeted Molecular Imaging in Cardiac Disease
Authors: Li Jinhui , Lu Jing , Zhou You
Published: May 2017

The present study aimed to discuss the role of mitochondrion in cardiac function and disease. The mitochondrion plays a fundamental role in cellular processes ranging from metabolism to apoptosis. The mitochondrial-targeted molecular imaging could potentially illustrate changes in global and regional cardiac dysfunction. The collective changes that occur in mitochondrial-targeted molecular imaging probes have been widely explored and developed. As probes currently used in the preclinical setting still have a lot of shortcomings, the development of myocardial metabolic activity, viability, perfusion, and blood flow molecular imaging probes holds great potential for accurately evaluating the myocardial viability and functional reserve. The advantages of molecular imaging provide a perspective on investigating the mitochondrial function of the myocardium in vivo noninvasively and quantitatively. The molecular imaging tracers of single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography could give more detailed information on myocardial metabolism and restoration. In this study, series mitochondrial-targeted99mTc-,123I-, and18F-labeled tracers displayed broad applications because they could provide a direct link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac disease.
A NNIA Scheme for Timetabling Problems
Authors: Lei Yu , Shi Jiao
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a memetic multiobjective optimization algorithm based on NNIA for examination timetabling problems. In this paper, the examination timetabling problem is considered as a two-objective optimization problem while it is modeled as a single-objective optimization problem generally. Within the NNIA framework, the special crossover operator is utilized to search in the solution space; two local search techniques are employed to optimize these two objectives and a diversity-keeping strategy which consists of an elitism group operator and an extension optimization operator to ensure a sufficient number of solutions in the pareto front. The proposed algorithm was tested on the most widely used uncapacitated Carter benchmarks. Experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm is a competitive algorithm.
The Response of Macro- and Micronutrient Nutrient Status and Biochemical Processes in Rats Fed on a Diet with Selenium-Enriched Defatted Rapeseed and/or Vitamin E Supplementation
Authors: Rýdlová Michaela , Růnová Karolína , Száková Jiřina , Fučíková Alena , Hakenová Anna , Mlejnek Petr , Zídek Václav , Tremlová Jana , Mestek Oto , Kaňa Antonín , Zídková Jarmila , Melčová Magdalena , Truhlářová Klára , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: May 2017

The response of nutrient status and biochemical processes in (i) Wistar and (ii) spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats upon dietary intake of selenium- (Se-) enriched defatted rapeseed (DRS) and/or vitamin E fortification was examined to assess the health benefit of DRS in animal nutrition. Twenty-four individuals of each type of rat were used: The control group was fed with an untreated diet (Diet A). In Diets B and C, soybean meal was replaced with defatted DRS, which comprised 14% of the total diet. The selenized DRS application resulted in ~3-fold increase of Se content in the diet. Diet C was also fortified with the addition of vitamin E, increasing the natural content by 30%. The Se content of the blood and kidneys tended to increase in the DRS groups, where the changes were significant (P<0.05) only in the case of SHR rats. The iodine (I) content and the proportion of iodide in rat livers indicated a lower transformation rate of iodide into organoiodine compounds compared to the control. Slight and ambiguous alterations in the antioxidative response of the rat were observed in the DRS groups, but the addition of vitamin E to the diet helped to moderate these effects.
Isolation and Abiotic Stress Resistance Analyses of a Catalase Gene fromIpomoea batatas(L.) Lam
Authors: Yong Bin , Wang Xiaoyan , Xu Pan , Zheng Haiyan , Fei Xueting , Hong Zixi , Ma Qinqin , Miao Yuzhi , Yuan Xianghua , Jiang Yusong , Shao Huanhuan
Published: May 2017

As an indicator of the antioxidant capability of plants, catalase can detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by environmental stresses. Sweet potato is one of the top six most important crops in the world. However, its catalases remain largely unknown. In this study, a catalase encoding gene,IbCAT2(accession number: KY615708), was identified and cloned from sweet potato cv. Xushu 18. It contained a 1479 nucleotides’ open reading frame (ORF). S-R-L, Q-K-L, and a putative calmodulin binding domain were located at the C-terminus of IbCAT2, which suggests that IbCAT2 could be a peroxisomal catalase. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) based quantitative analyses showed thatIbCAT2was mainly expressed in young leaves and expanding tuberous roots under normal conditions. When exposed to 10% PEG6000 or 200 mmol/L NaCl solutions,IbCAT2was upregulated rapidly in the first 11 days and then downregulated, although different tissues showed different degree of change. Overexpression ofIbCAT2conferred salt and drought tolerance inEscherichia coliandSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The positive response ofIbCAT2to abiotic stresses suggested thatIbCAT2might play an important role in stress responses.
A Localization Based Cooperative Routing Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Javaid Nadeem , Maqsood Hammad , Wadood Abdul , Niaz Iftikhar Azim , Almogren Ahmad , Alamri Atif , Ilahi Manzoor
Published: May 2017

Localization is one of the major aspects in underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). Therefore, it is important to know the accurate position of the sensor node in large scale applications like disaster prevention, tactical surveillance, and monitoring. Due to the inefficiency of the global positioning system (GPS) in UWSN, it is very difficult to localize a node in underwater environment compared to terrestrial networks. To minimize the localization error and enhance the localization coverage of the network, two routing protocols are proposed; the first one is mobile autonomous underwater vehicle (MobiL-AUV) and the second one is cooperative MobiL (CO-MobiL). In MobiL-AUV, AUVs are deployed and equipped with GPS and act as reference nodes. These reference nodes are used to localize all the nonlocalized ordinary sensor nodes in order to reduce the localization error and maximize the network coverage. CO-MobiL is presented in order to improve the network throughput by using the maximal ratio combining (MRC) as diversity technique which combines both signals, received from the source and received from the relay at the destination. It uses amplify-and-forward (AF) mechanism to improve the signal between the source and the destination. To support our claims, extensive simulations are performed.
Validation of a Novel Immunoline Assay for Patient Stratification according to Virulence of the InfectingHelicobacter pyloriStrain and Eradication Status
Authors: Formichella Luca , Romberg Laura , Meyer Hannelore , Bolz Christian , Vieth Michael , Geppert Michael , Göttner Gereon , Nölting Christina , Schepp Wolfgang , Schneider Arne , Ulm Kurt , Wolf Petra , Holster Ingrid Lisanne , Kuipers Ernst J. , Birkner Bernd , Soutschek Erwin , Gerhard Markus
Published: May 2017

Helicobacter pyloriinfection shows a worldwide prevalence of around 50%. However, only a minority of infected individuals develop clinical symptoms or diseases. The presence ofH. pylorivirulence factors, such as CagA and VacA, has been associated with disease development, but assessment of virulence factor presence requires gastric biopsies. Here, we evaluate theH. pylori recomLine test for risk stratification of infected patients by comparing the test score and immune recognition of type I or type II strains defined by the virulence factors CagA, VacA, GroEL, UreA, HcpC, and gGT with patient’s disease status according to histology. Moreover, the immune responses of eradicated individuals from two different populations were analysed. Their immune response frequencies and intensities against all antigens except CagA declined below the detection limit. CagA was particularly long lasting in both independent populations. An isolated CagA band often represents past eradication with a likelihood of 88.7%. In addition, a highrecomLine score was significantly associated with high-grade gastritis, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer. Thus, therecomLine is a sensitive and specific noninvasive test for detecting serum responses againstH. pyloriin actively infected and eradicated individuals. Moreover, it allows stratifying patients according to their disease state.
Lead Poisoning Can Be Easily Misdiagnosed as Acute Porphyria and Nonspecific Abdominal Pain
Authors: Tsai Ming-Ta , Huang Shi-Yu , Cheng Shih-Yu
Published: May 2017

Lead poisoning (LP) is less commonly encountered in emergency departments (ED). However, lead exposure still occurs, and new sources of poisoning have emerged. LP often goes unrecognized due to a low index of suspicion and nonspecific symptoms. We present a case of a 48-year-old man who had recurring abdominal pain with anemia that was misdiagnosed. His condition was initially diagnosed as nonspecific abdominal pain and acute porphyria. Acute porphyria-like symptoms with a positive urine porphyrin test result led to the misdiagnosis; testing for heme precursors in urine is the key to the differential diagnosis between LP and acute porphyria. The final definitive diagnosis of lead toxicity was confirmed based on high blood lead levels after detailed medical history taking. The lead poisoning was caused by traditional Chinese herbal pills. The abdominal pain disappeared after a course of chelating treatment. The triad for the diagnosis of lead poisoning should be a history of medicine intake, anemia with basophilic stippling, and recurrent abdominal pain.
Associations of Pet Ownership with Older Adults Eating Patterns and Health
Authors: Heuberger Roschelle
Published: May 2017

Pet ownership has been shown to improve quality of life for older adults. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare older pet owners and older non-pet owners and assess differences between groups. This study was conducted on adults over 50 years of age, who owned either one cat or one dog versus nonowners based on age, race, gender, and education. Matched older pet owners (OPO) versus non-pet owners (NPO) pairs (n=84), older cat owners (OCO) versus non-cat owners (NCO) (n=29), and older dog owners (ODO) versus non-dog owners (NDO) pairs (n=55) were analyzed. No differences were found between OPO and NPO for dietary, activity, or lifestyle, except OPO had fewer health conditions [p<0.03]. Total OCO had greater body mass indices [BMI] (μ=29.6±8.2) than ODO (μ=23.2±5.2) [p<0.02], less activity [p<0.02], and shorter duration of activity [p<0.05] and took fewer supplements [p<0.003]. OCO and NCO differed on health conditions (μ=0.8±0.9versusμ=1.9±1.3, [p<0.008]) and ODO versus NDO differed on BMI (μ=25±4versusμ=27±6, [p<0.04]). Although there are limitations to this study, data may be useful for targeting marketing and health messages to older persons.
Prognostic Significance of Fragmented QRS in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lu Xili , Wang Wei , Zhu Ling , Wang Yilu , Sun Kai , Zou Yubao , Tian Tao , Hui Rutai , Wang Jizheng , Kang Lianming , Song Lei
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The relationship between a fragmented QRS (fQRS) and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of fQRS in patients with HCM. Methods: Between 2000 and 2012, 326 unrelated patients with HCM (72% male with a mean age of 52 years) were included and were divided into 2 groups: those with fQRS and those without fQRS. Results: A total of 105/326(32.2%) patients with HCM presented with fQRS at enrollment. During a follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.4 years, 33 patients died, 30 of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cox regression analysis revealed that fQRS predicted a higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.64; p = 0.030) and CVD mortality (adjusted HR 2.68; 95% CI 1.22-5.91; p = 0.014). Our study also showed that fQRS increased the risk of heart failure-related death (adjusted HR 3.75; 95% CI 1.24-11.30; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Our results indicate that fQRS is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with HCM.
Dosage Calculation for Intravenous Thrombolysis of Ischemic Stroke: To Weigh or to Estimate
Authors: Ragoschke-Schumm Andreas , Razouk Asem , Lesmeister Martin , Helwig Stefan , Grunwald Iris Q. , Fassbender Klaus
Published: May 2017

Background: Estimation is a widely used method of assessing the weight of patients with acute stroke. Because the dosage of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is weight-dependent, errors in estimation lead to incorrect dosing. Methods: We installed a ground-level scale in the computed tomography (CT) suite of our hospital and also integrated a scale into the CT table of our Mobile Stroke Unit in order to prospectively assess the differences between reported, estimated, and measured weights of acute stroke patients. An independent rater asked patients to report their weight. The patients’ weights were also estimated by the treating physician and measured with a scale. Differences between reported, estimated, and measured weights were analyzed statistically. Results: For 100 consecutive patients, weighing was possible without treatment delays. Weights estimated by the physician diverged from measured weights by 10% or more for 27 patients and by 20% or more for 6 patients. Weights reported by the patient diverged from measured weights by 10% or more for 12 patients. Weights reported by the patients differed significantly less from measured weights (mean, 4.1 ± 3.1 kg) than did weights estimated by the physician (5.7 ± 4.4 kg; p = 0.003). Conclusion: This first prospective study of weight assessment in acute stroke shows that the use of an easily accessible scale makes it feasible to weigh patients with acute stroke without the treatment delay associated with additional patient transfers. Physicians’ estimates of patients’ weights demonstrated substantial aberrations from measured weights. Avoiding these deviations would improve the accuracy of tPA dosage.
Acute Pancreatitis: An Atypical Presentation
Authors: Nadhem Omar , Salh Omar
Published: May 2017

Acute pancreatitis is an important cause of acute upper abdominal pain. Because its clinical features are similar to a number of other acute illnesses, it is difficult to make a diagnosis only on the basis of symptoms and signs. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on 2 of the following 3 criteria: (1) abdominal pain consistent with pancreatitis, (2) serum lipase and/or amylase ≥3 times the upper limit of normal, and (3) characteristic findings from abdominal imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of lipase in diagnosing acute pancreatitis are undisputed. However, normal lipase level should not exclude a pancreatitis diagnosis. In patients with atypical pancreatitis presentation, imaging is needed. We experienced two cases of acute pancreatitis associated with normal serum enzyme levels. Both patients were diagnosed based on clinical and radiological evidence. They were successfully treated with intravenous fluids and analgesics with clinical and laboratory improvement. The importance of this case series is the unlikely presentation of acute pancreatitis. We believe that more research is needed to determine the exact proportion of acute pancreatitis patients who first present with normal serum lipase, since similar cases have been seen in case reports.
Multiquadrant Subtenon Triamcinolone Injection for Acute Corneal Graft Rejection: A Case Report
Authors: Goyal Sunali , Uwaydat Sami H.
Published: May 2017

Background: We report a case of reversal of an acute corneal graft rejection following multiquadrant subtenon triamcinolone injection. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman who had acute corneal graft rejection failed to show resolution of the graft rejection after standard treatment with systemic, intravenous, and topical steroids. The graft rejection, however, responded to injection of triamcinolone in multiple subtenon quadrants. Conclusions: For corneal graft rejection, multiquadrant subtenon triamcinolone injections may be a safe adjunct to systemic treatment.
Clinical Challenges in Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancies after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Tse Win Hou W. , Kroon Hidde M. , van Lanschot J. Jan B.
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The incidence of morbid obesity has exponentially increased over the last decades. Bariatric surgery (BS) has been proven effective in inducing weight loss and resolving comorbidities associated with morbid obesity. However, BS can also lead to major diagnostic and treatment challenges in patients who develop upper gastrointestinal malignancies. It is important to create awareness of this rising problem. Methods: Relevant literature was searched in PubMed. Results: (Formerly) obese patients are more prone to develop upper gastrointestinal malignancies, mainly adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus, since obesity induces a chronic pro-inflammatory state due to endocrinological changes. When an upper gastrointestinal malignancy develops after BS, diagnosis is often delayed and challenging due to a different presentation of complaints and the altered anatomy following the earlier surgery. Also, a potentially curative resection is often more complex and reconstruction of the gastrointestinal continuity can be seriously hampered. Conclusion: Due to the growing incidence of obesity and the increasing number of bariatric surgical procedures that are performed each year, it is expected that over the years to come, more post-BS patients will be diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal malignancies, providing great diagnostic and treatment challenges. Clinicians should be aware of this rising problem.
In data we trust? The implications of datafication for social monitoring
Authors: Dijck José Van
Published: May 2017

Today there is a remarkable tolerance for Big Brother and Big Business routinely accessing citizens’ personal information also known as Big Data. Part of the explanation for this may be found in the gradual normalization of datafication as a new paradigm in science and society. Datafication is becoming a leading principle, not just amongst techno-adepts, but also amongst scholars. This article deconstructs the ideological grounds of datafication arguing that in many respects datafication is rooted in problematic ontological and epistemological claims. The ideology of dataism shows characteristics of a widespread belief in the objective quantification of human behavior through online media technologies.
Marginália: vanguarda e contracultura sob pressão
Authors: Santos Kleber Pereira dos
Published: May 2017

Neste artigo são observadas as relações entre vanguarda e contracultura no Brasil no final dos anos 1960 e começo dos anos 1970, particularmente na obra do poeta Torquato Neto.
Autobiografias do começo de uma aula
Authors: Natali Marcos
Published: May 2017

Parte deste texto é uma versão revisada de dois blocos do Memorial Acadêmico submetido em junho de 2016 ao Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada da Universidade de São Paulo, como parte do concurso para Livre-Docência. Outra parte, identificada abaixo em nota, foi apresentada em aula da disciplina “Questões de literatura e ética”, ministrada na USP no primeiro semestre de 2016
De Shandy a Lísias: uma análise do jogo entre autor, narrador e leitor
Authors: Vieira Willian
Published: May 2017

O artigo a seguir propõe uma comparação crítico-teórica entre The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy, Gentleman, de Laurence Sterne e Divórcio, de Ricardo Lísias. Busca-se aproximar o romance do século 18 em primeira pessoa, visto por muitos críticos como sátira genérica com elementos autobiográficos, do romance autoficcional contemporâneo, que repete e exacerba tais elementos e mecanismos ao infinito, a partir da análise do pacto de leitura e da suspensão estatutária entre discursos real e ficcional.
Uma noite e outros poemas de José Asunción Silva
Authors: Alves Geylson
Published: May 2017

Autor colombiano modernista (1865-1896). Desempenhou um papel relevante na poesia colombiana do século XIX, sendo um dos primeiros a transgredir o discurso clássico do metro. É considerado um dos fundadores do movimento modernista hispano-americano junto a poetas como José Martí, Rubén Darío e Salvador Díaz Mirón. Sua obra possui ressonâncias do romantismo e versa de forma geral sobre a melancolia.
Exercício de tradução com um rubai de Rumi
Authors: Yunis Leandra
Published: May 2017

Este artigo apresenta de forma resumida os princípios da ciência de versificação árabe (‘ilm al-‘arūḍ), sistematizada por Al Khalil Ahmad Al Farahidi (m. 733) e transposta para o persa por Ahmad Khalid (825-897). Por fim, propõe e discute três versões de tradução de uma quadra (rubā‘ī) escrita pelo poeta místico Rumi (1207-1273), tendo como foco o ritmo em sua função indutora ao êxtase.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cardiovascular Function and the Brain
Authors: de Roos Albert , van der Grond Jeroen , Mitchell Gary , Westenberg Jos
Published: May 2017

The proximal aorta acts as a coupling device between heart and brain perfusion, modulating the amount of pressure and flow pulsatility transmitted into the cerebral microcirculation. Stiffening of the proximal aorta is strongly associated with age and hypertension. The detrimental effects of aortic stiffening may result in brain damage as well as heart failure. The resulting cerebral small vessel disease and heart failure may contribute to early cognitive decline and (vascular) dementia. This pathophysiological sequence of events underscores the role of cardiovascular disease as a contributory mechanism in causing cognitive decline and dementia and potentially may provide a starting point for prevention and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging is well suited to assess the function of the proximal aorta and the left ventricle (eg, aortic arch pulse wave velocity and distensibility) as well as the various early and late manifestations of cerebral small vessel disease (eg, microbleeds and white matter hyperintensities in strategically important regions of the brain). Specialized magnetic resonance imaging techniques are explored for diagnosing preclinical changes in white matter integrity or brain microvascular pulsatility.
Rhythmic Concatenative Synthesis for Electronic Music: Techniques, Implementation, and Evaluation
Authors: Nuanáin Cárthach Ó , Herrera Perfecto , Jordá Sergi
Published: May 2017

In this article, we summarize recent research examining concatenative synthesis and its application and relevance in the composition and production of styles of electronic dance music. We introduce the conceptual underpinnings of concatenative synthesis and describe key works and systematic approaches in the literature. Our system, RhythmCAT, is proposed as a user-friendly system for generating rhythmic loops that model the timbre and rhythm of an initial target loop. The architecture of the system is explained, and an extensive evaluation of the system's performance and user response is discussed based on our results.
Fragments of the European Refugee Crisis: Performing Displacement and the Re-Shaping of Greek Identity
Authors: Zervou Natalie
Published: May 2017

The influx of immigrant and refugee populations in Greece, in the midst of the ongoing financial crisis, has given rise to performance collectives and initiatives concerned with the integration of newcomers. Such performances have become a site for the advocacy of immigrants’ rights and engagement with the shifting urban demographic in Greece, prompting a reconsideration of national identity.
Memoryscapes of Race: Black Radical Parading Cultures of New Orleans
Authors: Lee Ana Paulina
Published: May 2017

In New Orleans, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and Mardi Gras Indian parades transmit histories of “coming out” from devaluing practices of exclusion. These performances make apparent the city’s memoryscapes of race, the geographical dimensions of cultural memory that play a critical role in confrontations with regimes of racial formation and representation.
Defecting Witness: The Difficulty in Watching Regina José Galindo’s PERRA
Authors: Mengesha Lilian G.
Published: May 2017

In 2005, Guatemalan artist Regina José Galindo carved the letters P-E-R-R-A (bitch) into her thigh, the same word carved onto the many victims of her country’s feminicide crisis. PERRA urgently asks spectators to defect in the wake of grotesque violence, to refuse easy understanding and instead occupy a position of shared vulnerability. A practice of defecting privileges an ethics of responsibility despite and because of the impossibility for accurate representation.
Donald John Trump, President?
Authors: Schechner Richard
Published: May 2017

Donald J. Trump, like it or not, is POTUS. This president is also a Caligula, a fool-king, and a trickster. He is a performer rather than an actor: someone who inhabits his own (narcissistic) persona to an extreme degree, not someone who follows a prescribed script. His policies, executive orders, and appointments show he is cruel, dangerous, unpredictable, and entertaining.
The Role of the Primary Sensory Cortices in Early Language Processing
Authors: Papanicolaou Andrew C. , Kilintari Marina , Rezaie Roozbeh , Narayana Shalini , Babajani-Feremi Abbas
Published: May 2017

The results of this magnetoencephalography study challenge two long-standing assumptions regarding the brain mechanisms of language processing: First, that linguistic processing proper follows sensory feature processing effected by bilateral activation of the primary sensory cortices that lasts about 100 msec from stimulus onset. Second, that subsequent linguistic processing is effected by left hemisphere networks outside the primary sensory areas, including Broca's and Wernicke's association cortices. Here we present evidence that linguistic analysis begins almost synchronously with sensory, prelinguistic verbal input analysis and that the primary cortices are also engaged in these linguistic analyses and become, consequently, part of the left hemisphere language network during language tasks. These findings call for extensive revision of our conception of linguistic processing in the brain.