bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Permeability Barrier in the Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
Authors: Kootiratrakarn Tanawatt , Kampirapap Kowit , Chunhasewee Chakkrapong
Published: February 2015

Objectives. To evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety, hydrating properties, and tolerability of 10% lactic acid (LA) and 5% salicylic acid (SA) in the therapy of keratosis pilaris (KP).Material and Method. Patients with KP were randomized for treatment with either 10% LA or 5% SA creams being applied twice daily for 3 months. The patients were clinically assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. The functional properties of the stratum corneum (SC) were determined before treatment, 12 weeks, and follow-up phase by high-frequency conductance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).Results. At the end of the trial, the mean reduction of the lesions from baseline was statistically significant for 10% LA (66%) and 5% SA (52%). During the treatment, higher conductance values were found on both group and this improvement was maintained until the follow up period. No significant differences in transepidermal water loss were observed after treatment. The adverse effects were limited to mild irritation localized on the skin without systemic side effect.Conclusion. The study demonstrated that 10% LA and 5% SA are beneficial to treat KP with the significantly clearance and marked improvement as by instrumental evaluation.
Analysis of Process Variables via CFD to Evaluate the Performance of a FCC Riser
Authors: Alvarez-Castro H. C. , Matos E. M. , Mori M. , Martignoni W. , Ocone R.
Published: February 2015

Feedstock conversion and yield products are studied through a 3D model simulating the main reactor of the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) is used with Eulerian-Eulerian approach to predict the fluid catalytic cracking behavior. The model considers 12 lumps with catalyst deactivation by coke and poisoning by alkaline nitrides and polycyclic aromatic adsorption to estimate the kinetic behavior which, starting from a given feedstock, produces several cracking products. Different feedstock compositions are considered. The model is compared with sampling data at industrial operation conditions. The simulation model is able to represent accurately the products behavior for the different operating conditions considered. All the conditions considered were solved using a solver ANSYS CFX 14.0. The different operation process variables and hydrodynamic effects of the industrial riser of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) are evaluated. Predictions from the model are shown and comparison with experimental conversion and yields products are presented; recommendations are drawn to establish the conditions to obtain higher product yields in the industrial process.
Influence of Heat Treatment on Biocorrosion and Hemocompatibility of Biodegradable Mg-35Zn-3Ca Alloy
Authors: Ji Jeong-Hui , Park Il-Song , Kim Yu-Kyoung , Lee Sook-Jeong , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Min-Ho
Published: February 2015

Mg-35Zn-3Ca (wt.%) alloy containing nontoxic and biocompatible Zn and Ca as alloying elements was prepared and subjected to heat treatment and artificial aging for different duration of time to reduce its rate of degradation. Solution heat treatment was performed at 310°C while artificial aging was performed at 170°C for 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 h and they were designated as AT0, AT1, AT2, AT3, and AT4, respectively. The finest and most homogenous reticulum was observed on the surface of the AT2 group. The result of immersion test in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) showed that the corrosion rate of the AT2 group was 2.32 mg/(cm2day), which was significantly lower as compared to other groupsP<0.05. The hemolysis value was ≤5% in all groups, indicating no toxicity during short-term blood reaction.
Precision of Corneal Thickness Measurements Obtained Using the Scheimpflug-Placido Imaging and Agreement with Ultrasound Pachymetry
Authors: Huang Jinhai , Savini Giacomo , Wang Chengfang , Lu Weicong , Gao Rongrong , Li Yuanguang , Wang Qinmei , Zhao Yune
Published: February 2015

Purpose.To assess the reliability and comparability of measuring central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) using a new Scheimpflug-Placido analyzer (TMS-5, Japan) and ultrasound (US) pachymetry.Methods.Seventy-six healthy subjects were prospectively measured 3 times by 1 operator using the TMS-5, 3 additional consecutive scans were performed by a second operator, and ultrasound (US) pachymetry measurements were taken. The test-retest repeatability (TRT), coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to evaluate intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility. Agreement among the devices was assessed using Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoA).Results.The intraoperators TRT and CoV were <19 μm and 2.0%, respectively. The interoperators TRT and CoV were <12 μm and 1.0%, respectively, and ICC was >0.90. The mean CCT and TCT measurements using the TMS-5 were 15.97 μm (95% LoA from −26.42 to −5.52 μm) and 20.32 μm (95% LoA from −30.67 to −9.97 μm) smaller, respectively, than those using US pachymetry.Conclusions.The TMS-5 shows good repeatability and reproducibility for measuring CCT and TCT in normal subjects but only moderate agreement with US pachymetry results. Caution is warranted before using these techniques interchangeably.
Circulating MicroRNA-223 Serum Levels Do Not Predict Sepsis or Survival in Patients with Critical Illness
Authors: Benz Fabian , Tacke Frank , Luedde Mark , Trautwein Christian , Luedde Tom , Koch Alexander , Roderburg Christoph
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims. Dysregulation of miR-223 was recently linked to various diseases associated with systemic inflammatory responses such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and bacterial infections. However, contradictory results are available on potential alterations of miR-223 serum levels during sepsis. We thus aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-223 serum concentrations in patients with critical illness and sepsis.Methods. We used i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as well as cecal pole ligation and puncture (CLP) for induction of polymicrobial sepsis in mice and measured alterations in serum levels of miR-223. These results from mice were translated into a large and well-characterized cohort of critically ill patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU). Finally, results from analysis in patients were correlated with clinical data and extensive sets of routine and experimental biomarkers.Results. Although LPS injection induced moderately elevated serum miR-223 levels in mice, no significant alterations in miR-223 serum levels were found in mice after CLP-induced sepsis. In accordance with these results from animal models, serum miR-223 levels did not differ between critically ill patients and healthy controls. However, ICU patients with more severe disease (APACHE-II score) showed moderately reduced circulating miR-223. Strikingly, no differences in miR-223 levels were found in critically ill patients with or without sepsis, and serum levels of miR-223 did not correlate with classical markers of inflammation or bacterial infection. Finally, low miR-223 serum levels were moderately associated with an unfavorable prognosis of patients during the ICU treatment but did not predict long-term mortality.Conclusion. Recent reports on alterations in miR-223 serum levels during sepsis revealed contradictory results, preventing a potential use of this miRNA in clinical routine. We clearly show that miR-223 serum levels do not reflect the presence of sepsis neither in mouse models nor in a large cohort of ICU patients and do not indicate clinical outcome of critically ill patients. Thus miR-223 serum levels should not be used as a biomarker in this setting.
Surface Modification of Porous Titanium with Microarc Oxidation and Its Effects on Osteogenesis Activity In Vitro
Authors: Wang Qi , Cheng Mengqi , He Guo , Zhang Xianlong
Published: February 2015

Microarc oxidation (MAO) is a method about surface treatment that can provide nanoporous pits and thick oxide layers. A kind of porous metal‐entangled titanium (Ti) wire material was treated with MAO process, resulting in a homogeneous rough TiO2 layer, which helped facilitate MG‐63 cell growth, cell viability, early cell differentiation, and cell mineralization in vitro. In addition, the MAO‐treated Ti surfaces could promote the proliferation of MG‐63 cells without sacrificing differentiation in vitro, which would benefit de novo bone formation around MAO‐treated titanium at the early stage. The transcription levels of the extracellular matrix genes of osterix (OSX), collagen type I (Col I), bone sialoprotein (BSP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and osteopontin (OPN) and their protein expression levels were measured, suggesting that the cocultured cells with MAO titanium maintained the osteoblastic phenotype and that the MAO‐treated titanium surface greatly stimulated osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation compared to the untreated titanium. In conclusion, MAO technique can improve the surface of titanium and can contribute to the osseointegration process.
Automatic Detection of Blood Vessels in Retinal Images for Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
Authors: Siva Sundhara Raja D. , Vasuki S.
Published: February 2015

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. DR is mainly caused due to the damage of retinal blood vessels in the diabetic patients. It is essential to detect and segment the retinal blood vessels for DR detection and diagnosis, which prevents earlier vision loss in diabetic patients. The computer aided automatic detection and segmentation of blood vessels through the elimination of optic disc (OD) region in retina are proposed in this paper. The OD region is segmented using anisotropic diffusion filter and subsequentially the retinal blood vessels are detected using mathematical binary morphological operations. The proposed methodology is tested on two different publicly available datasets and achieved 93.99% sensitivity, 98.37% specificity, 98.08% accuracy in DRIVE dataset and 93.6% sensitivity, 98.96% specificity, and 95.94% accuracy in STARE dataset, respectively.
Hypotensive Anesthesia versus Normotensive Anesthesia during Major Maxillofacial Surgery: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Barak Michal , Yoav Leiser , Abu el-Naaj Imad
Published: February 2015

Steady blood pressure within normal limits during surgery is one of the markers of the ideal and skillful anesthesia. Yet, reduced blood pressure is advantageous in some settings because it can contribute to a reduction in overall blood loss and improve the surgical field conditions. Controlled hypotension during anesthesia or hypotensive anesthesia is often used in major maxillofacial operations. Since hypotensive anesthesia carries the risk of hypoperfusion to important organs and tissues, mainly the brain, heart, and kidneys, it cannot be applied safely in all patients. In this paper we review the medical literature regarding hypotensive anesthesia during major maxillofacial surgery, the means to achieve it, and the risks and benefits of this technique, in comparison to normotensive anesthesia.
Doxycycline Degradation by the Oxidative Fenton Process
Authors: Borghi Alexandre A. , Silva Milena F. , Al Arni Saleh , Converti Attilio , Palma Mauri S. A.
Published: February 2015

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline occurring in domestic, industrial, and rural effluents, whose main drawback is the increasing emergence of resistant bacteria. This antibiotic could be degraded by the so-called Fenton process, consisting in the oxidation of organic pollutants by oxygen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of Fe2+. Experiments were performed according to an experimental Rotational Central Composite Design to investigate the influence of temperature (0–40.0°C), H2O2concentration (100–900 mg/L), and Fe2+concentration (5–120 mg/L) on residual doxycycline and total organic carbon concentrations. Whereas the final residual doxycycline concentration ranged from 0 to 55.8 mg/L, the oxidation process proved unable to reduce the total organic carbon by more than 30%. The best operating conditions were concentrations of H2O2and Fe2+of 611 and 25 mg/L, respectively, and temperature of 35.0°C, but the analysis of variance revealed that only the first variable exerted a statistically significant effect on the residual doxycycline concentration. These results suggest possible application of this process in the treatment of doxycycline-containing effluents and may be used as starting basis to treat tetracycline-contaminated effluents.
Optical and Radiative Properties of Aerosols over Two Locations in the North-West Part of India during Premonsoon Season
Authors: Kant Yogesh , Singh Atinderpal , Mitra Debashis , Singh Darshan , Srikanth P. , Madhusudanacharyulu A. S. , Murthy Y. N. V. Krishna
Published: February 2015

The present study examines the aerosol characteristics over two locations in the northwest region of India (Dehradun and Patiala) during premonsoon season of 2013. The average mass concentrations of particulates (PM10; PM2.5; PM1) were found to be118±36,34±11, and19±10 µgm−3and140±48,30±13, and14±06 µgm−3over Dehradun and Patiala, respectively. The average aerosol optical depth (AOD500 nm) is observed to be0.62±0.11over Dehradun and0.56±0.21over Patiala. Ångström exponent and fine mode fraction show higher values over Dehradun as compared to Patiala. The average mass concentration of black carbon was found to be3343±546 ngm−3and6335±760 ngm−3over Dehradun and Patiala, respectively. The diurnal pattern of BC is mainly controlled by boundary layer dynamics and local anthropogenic activities over both the stations. The average single scattering albedo (SSA500 nm) exhibited low value over Patiala (0.83±0.01) in comparison to Dehradun (0.90±0.01), suggesting the abundance of absorbing type aerosols over Patiala. The average atmospheric aerosol radiative forcing is +37.34 Wm−2and +54.81 Wm−2over Dehradun and Patiala, respectively, leading to atmospheric heating rate of 1.0 K day−1over Dehradun and 1.5 K day−1over Patiala.
Mechanical Characteristics for Rocks under Different Paths and Unloading Rates under Confining Pressures
Authors: Dai Bing , Zhao Guoyan , Dong Longjun , Yang Chen
Published: February 2015

To investigate mechanical characteristics of rocks under different unloading conditions, triaxial tests are carried out with initial confining pressures of 10, 20, and 30 MPa and unloading rates of 0.05~1 MPa/s in three stress paths. Results show that the increment of axial strain is far less than that of the lateral strain. The unloading rates of confining pressures have less influence on variation of strain and lateral increment in path I. The variation of axial increment strain in the same time is slightly larger than the variation of lateral increment; D-value is influenced by unloading rates of confining pressures in path II. The variation of axial strain increment decreases firstly and then increases with the variation of confining pressures. The relation decreases and then increases with unloading rates increases in path III. The dilatancy angle decreases with initial confining pressures increases. The vary rates of dilatancy angle from initial point of dilatancy angle to peak point of dilatancy angle increase with the unloading rates of confining pressures. In the same rates, the vary rates of dilatancy angle from the initial point of the dilatancy angle to peak point of the dilatancy angle in path I are greater than those in path II.
Seasonal Changes in Glycogen Contents in Various Tissues of the Edible Bivalves, Pen ShellAtrina lischkeana, Ark ShellScapharca kagoshimensis, and Manila ClamRuditapes philippinarumin West Japan
Authors: Yurimoto Tatsuya
Published: February 2015

The types of tissues accumulating glycogen and seasonal changes in glycogen content were investigated in the following shell species: pen shellAtrina lischkeana, ark shellScapharca kagoshimensis, and Manila clamRuditapes philippinarum. Comparison of the results showed that the adductor muscle or foot was the main glycogen reservoir and the levels varied seasonally. The adductor muscle in the pen shell showed higher glycogen content during spring and lower content during autumn. The ark shell, on the other hand, showed higher content during winter and spring and lower content during summer and autumn, while the Manila clam showed higher glycogen content during spring and summer and lower content during autumn and winter. These results revealed that the adductor muscle in pen shells and the foot in ark shells and Manila clams act as the main storage tissues for glycogen in the three species studied and that these tissues are suitable to analyze glycogen prevalence to estimate individual physiological condition.
Adaptive Thresholding Technique for Retinal Vessel Segmentation Based on GLCM-Energy Information
Authors: Mapayi Temitope , Viriri Serestina , Tapamo Jules-Raymond
Published: February 2015

Although retinal vessel segmentation has been extensively researched, a robust and time efficient segmentation method is highly needed. This paper presents a local adaptive thresholding technique based on gray level cooccurrence matrix- (GLCM-) energy information for retinal vessel segmentation. Different thresholds were computed using GLCM-energy information. An experimental evaluation on DRIVE database using the grayscale intensity and Green Channel of the retinal image demonstrates the high performance of the proposed local adaptive thresholding technique. The maximum average accuracy rates of 0.9511 and 0.9510 with maximum average sensitivity rates of 0.7650 and 0.7641 were achieved on DRIVE and STARE databases, respectively. When compared to the widely previously used techniques on the databases, the proposed adaptive thresholding technique is time efficient with a higher average sensitivity and average accuracy rates in the same range of very good specificity.
Neuroprotective and Antiapoptotic Activity of Lineage-Negative Bone Marrow Cells after Intravitreal Injection in a Mouse Model of Acute Retinal Injury
Authors: Machalińska Anna , Rogińska Dorota , Pius-Sadowska Ewa , Kawa Miłosz P. , Paczkowska Edyta , Rudnicki Michał , Lejkowska Renata , Baumert Bartłomiej , Wiszniewska Barbara , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: February 2015

We investigated effects of bone marrow-derived, lineage-negative cell (Lin−BMC) transplantation in acute retinal injury. Lin−BMCs were intravitreally injected into murine eyes at 24 h after NaIO3-induced injury. Morphology, function, and expression of apoptosis-related genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, were assessed in retinas at 7 days, 28 days, and 3 months after transplantation. Moreover, global gene expression at day 7 was analyzed by RNA arrays. We observed that Lin−BMCs integrated into outer retinal layers improving morphological retinal structure and induced molecular changes such as downregulation of proapoptoticcaspase-3gene, a decrease inBAX/BCL-2gene ratio, and significant elevation ofBDNFexpression. Furthermore, transplanted Lin−BMCs differentiated locally into cells with a macrophage-like phenotype. Finally, Lin−BMCs treatment was associated with generation of two distinct transcriptomic patterns. The first relates to downregulated genes associated with regulation of neuron cell death and apoptosis, response to oxidative stress/hypoxia and external stimuli, and negative regulation of cell proliferation. The second relates to upregulated genes associated with neurological system processes and sensory perception. Collectively, our data demonstrate that transplanted Lin−BMCs exert neuroprotective function against acute retinal injury and this effect may be associated with their antiapoptotic properties and ability to express neurotrophic factors.
Evidence for the Adverse Effect of Starvation on Bone Quality: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Kueper Janina , Beyth Shaul , Liebergall Meir , Kaplan Leon , Schroeder Josh E.
Published: February 2015

Malnutrition and starvation’s possible adverse impacts on bone health and bone quality first came into the spotlight after the horrors of the Holocaust and the ghettos of World War II. Famine and food restrictions led to a mean caloric intake of 200–800 calories a day in the ghettos and concentration camps, resulting in catabolysis and starvation of the inhabitants and prisoners. Severely increased risks of fracture, poor bone mineral density, and decreased cortical strength were noted in several case series and descriptive reports addressing the medical issues of these individuals. A severe effect of severely diminished food intake and frequently concomitant calcium- and Vitamin D deficiencies was subsequently proven in both animal models and the most common cause of starvation in developed countries is anorexia nervosa. This review attempts to summarize the literature available on the impact of the metabolic response to Starvation on overall bone health and bone quality.
The Loss of Cellular Junctions in Epithelial Lung Cells Induced by Cigarette Smoke Is Attenuated by Corilagin
Authors: Muresan Ximena M. , Cervellati Franco , Sticozzi Claudia , Belmonte Giuseppe , Chui Chung Hin , Lampronti Ilaria , Borgatti Monica , Gambari Roberto , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: February 2015

Cigarette smoke (CS) contains over 4700 compounds, many of which can affect cellular redox balance through free radicals production or through the modulation of antioxidant enzymes. The respiratory tract is one of the organs directly exposed to CS and it is known that CS can damage the integrity of lung epithelium by affecting cell junctions and increasing epithelium permeability. In this study, we have used a human lung epithelial cell line, Calu-3, to evaluate the effect of CS on lung epithelial cell junctions levels, with special focus on the expression of two proteins involved in intercellular communication: connexins (Cx) 40 and 43. CS exposure increased Cx40 gene expression but not of Cx43. CS also induced NFκB activation and the formation of 4HNE-Cxs adducts. Since corilagin, a natural polyphenol, is able to inhibit NFκB activation, we have determined whether corilagin could counteract the effect of CS on Cxs expression. Corilagin was able to diminish CS induced Cx40 gene expression, 4HNE-Cx40 adducts formation, and NFκB activation. The results of this study demonstrated that CS induced the loss of cellular junctions in lung epithelium, possibly as a consequence of Cx-4HNE adducts formation, and corilagin seems to be able to abolish these CS induced alterations.
Phase Separation Behavior and System Properties of Aqueous Two-Phase Systems with Polyethylene Glycol and Different Salts: Experiment and Correlation
Authors: Yuan Haihua , Liu Yang , Wei Wanqian , Zhao Yongjie
Published: February 2015

The phase separation behaviors of PEG1000/sodium citrate, PEG4000/sodium citrate, PEG1000/ammonium sulfate, and PEG4000/ammonium sulfate aqueous two-phase systems were investigated, respectively. There are two distinct situations for the phase separation rate in the investigated aqueous two-phase systems: one state is top-continuous phase with slow phase separation rate and strong bottom-continuous phase with fast phase separation rate and weak volume ratio dependence. The system properties such as density, viscosity, and interfacial tension between top and bottom phases which have effects on the phase separation rate of aqueous two-phase systems were measured. The property parameter differences between the two phases increased with increasing tie line length and then improved the phase separation rate. Moreover, a modified correlation equation including the phase separation rate, tie line length, and physical properties of the four aqueous two-phase systems has been proposed and successfully tested in the bottom-continuous phase, whose coefficients were estimated through regression analysis. The predicted results of PEG1000/sodium citrate aqueous two-phase systems were verified through the stationary phase retention in the cross-axis countercurrent chromatography.
Diversity of Epithelial Stem Cell Types in Adult Lung
Authors: Li Feng , He Jinxi , Wei Jun , Cho William C. , Liu Xiaoming
Published: February 2015

Lung is a complex organ lined with epithelial cells. In order to maintain its homeostasis and normal functions following injuries caused by varied extraneous and intraneous insults, such as inhaled environmental pollutants and overwhelming inflammatory responses, the respiratory epithelium normally undergoes regenerations by the proliferation and differentiation of region-specific epithelial stem/progenitor cells that resided in distinct niches along the airway tree. The importance of local epithelial stem cell niches in the specification of lung stem/progenitor cells has been recently identified. Studies using cell differentiating and lineage tracing assays,in vitroand/orex vivomodels, and genetically engineered mice have suggested that these local epithelial stem/progenitor cells within spatially distinct regions along the pulmonary tree contribute to the injury repair of epithelium adjacent to their respective niches. This paper reviews recent findings in the identification and isolation of region-specific epithelial stem/progenitor cells and local niches along the airway tree and the potential link of epithelial stem cells for the development of lung cancer.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Prognosis of B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Garza-Veloz Idalia , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L. , Jaime-Perez Jose Carlos , Carrillo-Sanchez Karol , Ramos-Del Hoyo Maria Guadalupe , Lugo-Trampe Angel , Rojas-Martinez Augusto , Gutierrez-Aguirre Cesar Homero , Gonzalez-Llano Oscar , Salazar-Riojas Rosario , Hidalgo-Miranda Alfredo , Gomez-Almaguer David , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio
Published: February 2015

Background.Acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B (B-ALL) is a neoplastic disorder with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to validate the expression profile of 45 genes associated with signaling pathways involved in leukemia and to evaluate their association with the prognosis of B-ALL.Methods.219 samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 73 B-ALL patients were studied at diagnosis, four, and eight weeks after starting treatment. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results.Normalized delta Cq values of 23 genes showed differences between B-ALL and controls at diagnosis time (Pvalues < 0.05). There were significant associations between B-ALL patients relapse/death and the expression levels of IL2RA, SORT1, DEFA1, and FLT3 genes at least in one of the times evaluated (Pvalues < 0.05 and odds ratio ranges: 3.73–27). The association between FLT3 deregulation and relapse/death was a constant in the times studied and their overexpression significantly increased the odds of relapse/death in a range of 3.73 and 6.05 among study population (Pvalues < 0.05).Conclusions.Overexpression of FLT3 and DEFA1 genes retained independent prognostic significance for B-ALL outcome, reflected as increased risks of relapse/death among the study population.
A New Characterization ofk-Uniformly Rotund Banach Space
Authors: Wulede Suyalatu , Li Tingting , Qin Xuan
Published: February 2015

A new characterization ofk-uniformly rotund Banach space with1<P<+∞is given. Moreover, a corresponding result in the locallyk-uniformly rotund Banach space with1<P<+∞is given.
Stability Analysis of Pneumatic Cabin Pressure Regulating System with Complex Nonlinear Characteristics
Authors: Zheng Xinhua , Xie Lili , Liu Lizhuo
Published: February 2015

Stability of pneumatic cabin pressure regulating system with complex nonlinear characteristics is considered. The mathematical model of each component is obtained and given in detail. The governing equations of the considered system consist of 8 differential equations. In the circumstance, commonly used methods of nonlinear system analysis are not applicable. Therefore a new method is proposed to construct phase plane trajectories numerically. The calculation steps are given in detail. And convergence region of numerical calculation and limits on step size is defined. The method is applied constructing phase plane trajectories for considered cabin pressure regulating system. Phase plane analysis shows that there exists a limit cycle, which is responsible for pressure pulsating in aircraft cabin. After parameters adjustment, excellent stability characteristics are acquired. And the validity of this method is confirmed by the simulation.
Walking beyond the Socioeconomic Status in an Objectively and Perceptually Walkable Pedestrian Environment
Authors: Toker Zeynep
Published: February 2015

An extensive body of literature suggests that physical environment, physical activity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are intrinsically linked to each other and to weight related health problems. In this study, the role of objective and perceived pedestrian environment characteristics (microscale measures) was explored in relation to people’s recreational walking patterns in two neighborhoods with opposite SES. A total of 441 street segments were assessed and a total of 133 questionnaires were conducted. The findings suggest that recreational walking can take place beyond a neighborhood’s suggested SES when objective and especially perceived microscale characteristics (pedestrian environment) are favorable.
Uncertain Linguistic Power Geometric Operators and Their Use in Multiattribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Zhang Huimin
Published: February 2015

Based on the extended triangular norm, several new operational laws for linguistic variables and uncertain linguistic variables (ULVs) are defined. To avoid the limitations of existing linguistic aggregation operators, a series of extended uncertain linguistic (UL) geometric aggregation operators are proposed on the basis of the extended triangular norm. In addition, a multiattribute group decision making (MAGDM) method dealing with UL information is developed based on the extended UL geometric aggregation operators. Finally, an example is presented to show the efficiency of the developed approach in solving MAGDM problems.
The Three-Month Effect of Mobile Internet-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Course of Depressive Symptoms in Remitted Recurrently Depressed Patients: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kok Gemma , Burger Huibert , Riper Heleen , Cuijpers Pim , Dekker Jack , van Marwijk Harm , Smit Filip , Beck Aaron , Bockting Claudi L.H.
Published: February 2015

Background: Internet-based cognitive therapy with monitoring via text messages (mobile CT), in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), might offer a cost-effective way to treat recurrent depression. Method: Remitted patients with at least 2 previous episodes of depression were randomized to mobile CT in addition to TAU (n = 126) or TAU only (n = 113). A linear mixed model was used to examine the effect of the treatment condition on a 3-month course of depressive symptoms after remission. Both an intention-to-treat analysis (n = 239) and a completer analysis (n = 193) were used. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR30) at baseline and 1.5 and 3 months after randomization. Results: Residual depressive symptoms showed a small but statistically significant decrease in the intention-to-treat group over 3 months in the mobile CT group relative to the TAU group (difference: -1.60 points on the IDS-SR30 per month, 95% CI = -2.64 to -0.56, p = 0.003). The effect of the treatment condition on the depressive symptomatology at the 3-month follow-up was small to moderate (Cohen's d = 0.44). All analyses among completers (≥5 modules) showed more pronounced treatment effects. Adjustment for unequally distributed variables did not markedly affect the results. Conclusions: Residual depressive symptoms after remission showed a more favorable course over 3 months in the mobile CT group compared to the TAU group. These results are a first indication that mobile CT in addition to TAU is effective in treating recurrently depressed patients in remission. However, demonstration of its long-term effectiveness and replication remains necessary.
Antecedent Disease Is Less Prevalent in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Mitchell Cassie S. , Hollinger Sabrina K. , Goswami Shivani D. , Polak Meraida A. , Lee Robert H. , Glass Jonathan D.
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Recent studies suggest that antecedent disease could impact the pathophysiology of the motoneuron disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We performed a case-control study to examine the prevalence of 11 antecedent diseases in ALS. Methods: Prevalence of antecedent disease in a 1,288 patient ALS population (Emory University ALS Clinic, Atlanta, Ga., USA) is compared to an age, gender, and geography-matched 7,561 subject control population using a statistical odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Results: Association of ALS with odds of arthritis (OR = 0.14); non-ALS neurological disease (OR = 0.14); liver disease (OR = 0.19); chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or COPD (OR = 0.23); kidney disease (OR = 0.32); adult asthma (OR = 0.39); diabetes (OR = 0.47); hypertension (OR = 0.56); obesity (OR = 0.6); hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia (OR = 0.62); and thyroid disease (OR = 0.78). Conclusions: The prevalence of antecedent disease was overall less in the ALS population. We present two potential lines of inquiry to explain these results: (1) ‘Other disease as ALS protection' - antecedent diseases infer biochemical neuroprotection to ALS; (2) ‘ALS as other disease protection' - the underpinnings of ALS could infer protection to other diseases, possibly via the mechanism hypervigilant regulation or ‘too-high' regulatory feedback gains.
Individual Differences in Learning Talker Categories: The Role of Working Memory
Authors: Levi Susannah V.
Published: February 2015

The current study explores the question of how an auditory category is learned by having school-age listeners learn to categorize speech not in terms of linguistic categories, but instead in terms of talker categories (i.e., who is talking). Findings from visual-category learning indicate that working memory skills affect learning, but the literature is equivocal: sometimes better working memory is advantageous, and sometimes not. The current study examined the role of different components of working memory to test which component skills benefit, and which hinder, learning talker categories. Results revealed that the short-term storage component positively predicted learning, but that the Central Executive and Episodic Buffer negatively predicted learning. As with visual categories, better working memory is not always an advantage.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Female Fetus with Ring Chromosome 9, 46,XX,r(9)(p24q34), and a de novo Interstitial 9p Deletion
Authors: Penacho Vanessa , Galán Francisco , Martín-Bayón Tina-A. , Mayo Sonia , Manchón Irene , Carrasco Alfonso , Martínez-Castellano Francisco , Alcaraz Luis A.
Published: February 2015

Ring chromosomes are circular structures formed as a result of breaks in the chromosome arms and the fusion of the proximal broken ends with a loss of distal material, or by fusion of dysfunctional telomeres without any loss. The mechanism underlying this process has not yet been sufficiently explained. Commonly, rings occur as acquired genetic abnormalities; however, sometimes they are found as constitutional aberrations with a prevalence of around 1:50,000 live births. Here, we present a new case of r(9) in a female fetus with intrauterine growth retardation and slight craniofacial dysmorphisms. Both parents had a normal phenotype. Amniotic fluid karyotype showed r(9)(p24q34). An array CGH revealed 3 deletion segments: a ring chromosome with a 2.57-Mb deletion at 9pterp24.2 (chr9:163,131-2,729,722), a 2.60-Mb deletion at 9q34.3qter (chr9:138,523,302-141,122,055), and also a 0.15-Mb interstitial deletion at 9p24.1 (chr9:5,090,443-5,235,765). These deletions overlap with proposed regions for the 9p24.3 deletion and Kleefstra syndrome. Segregation analysis revealed a maternal origin of the rearranged chromosome. We conclude that both the ring chromosome and the interstitial deletion occurred de novo. This last deletion has not been reported before. Prenatal array CGH, combined with fine mapping of breakpoints contributes to the assessment of genotype-phenotype correlations.
Predictive Factors of Cochlear Implant Outcomes in the Elderly
Authors: Mosnier Isabelle , Bebear Jean-Pierre , Marx Mathieu , Fraysse Bernard , Truy Eric , Lina-Granade Geneviève , Mondain Michel , Sterkers-Artières Françoise , Bordure Philippe , Robier Alain , Godey Benoit , Meyer Bernard , Frachet Bruno , Poncet Christine , Bouccara Didier , Sterkers Olivier
Published: February 2015

Objective: To analyze predictive factors of cochlear implant outcomes and postoperative complications in the elderly. Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal study performed in 10 tertiary referral centers. Methods: Ninety-four patients aged 65-85 years with a profound, postlingual hearing loss were evaluated before implantation, at time of activation, and 6 and 12 months after cochlear implantation. Speech perception and lipreading were measured using disyllabic word recognition in quiet and noise, and lipreading using disyllabic words and sentences. The influence of preoperative factors on speech perception in quiet and noise at 12 months was tested in a multivariate analysis. Complications, presence of tinnitus and of vestibular symptoms were collected at each evaluation. Results: The effect of age was observed only in difficult noisy conditions at SNR 0 dB. Lipreading ability for words and sentences was negatively correlated with speech perception in quiet and noise. Better speech perception scores were observed in patients with shorter duration of hearing deprivation, persistence of residual hearing for the low frequencies, the use of a hearing aid before implantation, the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, and in those with implantation in the right ear. General and surgical complications were very rare, and the percentage of vestibular symptoms remained stable over time. Conclusion:This study demonstrates that cochlear implantation in the elderly is a well-tolerated procedure and an effective method to improve communication ability. Advanced age has a low effect on cochlear implant outcome. Analyses of predictive factors in this population provide a convincing argument to recommend treatment with cochlear implantation as early as possible in elderly patients with confirmed diagnosis of a severe-to-profound hearing loss and with only limited benefit from hearing aid use in one ear.
Speech Performance and Training Effects in the Cochlear Implant Elderly
Authors: Schumann Annette , Hast Anne , Hoppe Ulrich
Published: February 2015

Objectives: Cochlear implantation requires acclimatization to the electrical input. Usually, cochlear implant (CI) listeners undergo an auditory rehabilitation program that includes auditory training sessions. Recently, it was shown that a phoneme-based training may improve speech perception abilities even in experienced CI listeners. The current study focuses on whether the effect of an auditory training program depends on the age of CI listeners. Design: Fifteen CI listeners took part in an auditory phoneme-based computer training program. Before and after training, speech recognition tests in moderate and difficult noise (+5 dB SNR and 0 dB SNR, respectively) were administered. Additionally, speech recognition was tested 6 months after the training (follow-up). A control group consisting of 12 subjects underwent audiometric testing without any auditory training. Results: Speech perception in moderate noise improved significantly during the training as revealed by comparing pre- and posttraining scores evaluated in the moderate noise condition. No significant change was observed for the difficult noise situation at 0 dB SNR. The speech perception measures of the control group remained unchanged. No significant effect of age on the training effect was observed. Conclusion: Speech recognition can be improved even in experienced CI listeners. When motivated to participate, senior CI users with long-term CI experience may benefit in a similar way from an auditory, phoneme-based computer training program as younger CI users.
Distinct Conditions Support a Novel Classification for Bradykinin-Mediated Angio-Oedema
Authors: Dessart Panteha , Defendi Federica , Humeau Hélène , Nicolie Brigitte , Sarre Marie-Elodie , Charignon Delphine , Ponard Denise , Cichon Sven , Drouet Christian , Martin Ludovic
Published: February 2015

Background: Angio-oedema (AO) can be attributable to bradykinin (BK) accumulation, as is the case for prototypical hereditary AO (HAO) due to C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. However, our clinical experience in a reference centre has shown that some patients display a clinical history suggestive of HAO, but exhibit normal C1-INH function, have no mutation in the causative genes associated with HAO (SERPING1, F12), and report no intake of drugs known to promote AO. Objective: We sought to determine the frequency and distribution of different AO subtypes suspected to be BK-mediated AO (BK-AO) and defined by clinical, history and biological criteria (enzyme activities implicated in BK formation and catabolism). Methods: The files of all patients referred to our centre for suspected BK-AO were retrospectively analysed. Results: The distribution of patients (n = 162) was 16 and 4% with a hereditary deficiency of C1-INH or a gain of factor XII function, respectively, 29% with iatrogenic BK-AO, 21% with non-iatrogenic defective kininase activity and 30% with idiopathic increased kinin formation. Conclusion: BK-AO may be caused by multiple inherited or acquired factors triggering BK accumulation. Therefore, we propose a novel typology for BK-AO based on the imbalance of production/catabolism of BK.
Variants in Ion Channel Genes Link Phenotypic Features of Bipolar Illness to Specific Neurobiological Process Domains
Authors: Balaraman Yokesh , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Nurnberger John I.
Published: February 2015

Recent advances in genome-wide association studies are pointing towards a major role for voltage-gated ion channels in neuropsychiatric disorders and, in particular, bipolar disorder (BD). The phenotype of BD is complex, with symptoms during mood episodes and deficits persisting between episodes. We have tried to elucidate the common neurobiological mechanisms associated with ion channel signaling in order to provide a new perspective on the clinical symptoms and possible endophenotypes seen in BD patients. We propose a model in which the multiple variants in genes coding for ion channel proteins would perturb motivational circuits, synaptic plasticity, myelination, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, circadian neuronal rhythms, and energy regulation. These changes in neurobiological mechanisms would manifest in endophenotypes of aberrant reward processing, white matter hyperintensities, deficits in executive function, altered frontolimbic connectivity, increased amygdala activity, increased melatonin suppression, decreased REM latency, and aberrant myo-inositol/ATP shuttling. The endophenotypes result in behaviors of poor impulse control, motivational changes, cognitive deficits, abnormal stress response, sleep disturbances, and energy changes involving different neurobiological process domains. The hypothesis is that these disturbances start with altered neural circuitry during development, following which multiple environmental triggers may disrupt the neuronal excitability balance through an activity-dependent molecular process, resulting in clinical mood episodes.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in an Adult with Involvement of the Calvarium, Cerebral Cortex and Brainstem: Discussion of Pathophysiology and Rationale for the Use of Intravenous Immune Globulin
Authors: Dardis Christopher , Aung Thandar , Shapiro William , Fortune John , Coons Stephen
Published: February 2015

We report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 64-year-old male who presented with symptoms and signs of brain involvement, including seizures and hypopituitarism. The diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy of a lytic skull lesion. The disease affecting the bone showed no sign of progression following a short course of cladribine. Signs of temporal lobe involvement led to an additional biopsy, which showed signs of nonspecific neurodegeneration and which triggered status epilepticus. Lesions noted in the brainstem were typical for the paraneoplastic inflammation reported in this condition. These lesions improved after treatment with cladribine. They remained stable while on treatment with intravenous immune globulin.
Perianal Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bulur Isil , Boyuk Emine , Saracoglu Zeynep Nurhan , Arik Deniz
Published: February 2015

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet light is an important risk factor for BCC development and the disorder therefore develops commonly on body areas that are more exposed to sunlight, such as the face and neck. It is uncommon in the closed area of the body and quite rare in the perianal and genital regions. Herein, we report a 34-year-old patient with perianal BCC who had no additional risk factors.
Estratégias inovadoras para métodos de ensino tradicionais – aspectos gerais
Authors: Souza Cacilda da Silva , Iglesias Alessandro Giraldes , Pazin-Filho Antonio
Published: February 2015

Novos desafios se impõem nos cenários atuais da educação e currículos universitários altamente complexos. Para atender as demandas sociais, transformações na educação de profissionais de saúde e novas formas de trabalhar com o conhecimento foram exigidas do aparelho formador. Nesse artigo serão discutidos: o avanço em diferentes âmbitos, as características e obstáculos para a ruptura com a estrutura tradicional e a implantação de metodologias de ensino-aprendizagem inovadoras, sob a perspectiva institucional, do docente e do aluno.
Avaliação do estudante – aspectos gerais
Authors: Panúncio-Pinto Maria Paula , Troncon Luiz Ernesto de Almeida
Published: February 2015

A avaliação do estudante nas profissões da saúde desempenha um papel importante na sua formação. Avaliar significa obter informações que vão ajudar nas tomada de decisões. Assim, é necessário que o planejamento e a execução da avaliação considerem as suas múltiplas finalidades, entre as quais merece destaque a de reforçar o aprendizado (avaliação formativa). O foco da avaliação do estudante deve se concentrar não somente no conhecimento adquirido (habilidades cognitivas), mas também nos domínios psicomotor e afetivo. O planejamento de uma avaliação eficaz no cumprimento de suas funções, leva em conta os objetivos educacionais específicos de cada etapa da formação, de acordo com perfil final desejado de habilidades e competências. A escolha dos métodos deve se pautar no que se deseja avaliar e também nas finalidades da avaliação, considerando validade, fidedignidade, viabilidade, aceitabilidade, impacto educacional e efeito catalítico, como atributos indispensáveis a uma boa avaliação. No cenário atual brasileiro das profissões da saúde ainda prevalece o foco exclusivo na avaliação cognitiva, privilegiando a função somativa, em detrimento da formativa, referenciada por disciplinas e desconsiderando os aspectos afetivos e psicomotores de relevância à sua formação geral. A transformação deste cenário demanda considerar e privilegiar as perspectivas do estudante e capacitar os professores para a avaliação integrativa e transformadora, o que constitui atribuição das escolas, dos sistemas de saúde e dos órgãos reguladores da educação e das profissões.