bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological factors predict adherence to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis; findings from a systematic review of rates, predictors and associations with patient-reported and clinical outcomes
Authors: Hope Holly F , Bluett James , Barton Anne , Hyrich Kimme L , Cordingley Lis , Verstappen Suzanne M M
Published: January 2016

Treatment response to methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not universal and non-adherence may partially explain this. The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) summarise existing rates of adherence to MTX, (2) identify predictors of adherence to MTX, and (3) assess the association between non-adherence and patient outcomes. The authors conducted a systematic search of papers published from January 1980 to February 2015 in PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if: (1) MTX was used as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies, (2) MTX was used in an RA or inflammatory polyarthritis population, (3) adherence was defined and measured as the extent to which patients followed their MTX regimen during the period of prescription, and (4) it was an original piece of research. In total, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and 8 were evaluated as high quality. Rates of adherence ranged from 59% to 107%, and exposed differences in definitions of adherence, study methodologies and sample heterogeneity. A number of potential predictors of MTX adherence were identified; the strongest being related to beliefs in the necessity and efficacy of MTX, absence of low mood, mild disease and MTX monotherapy. Furthermore, 3 studies tested the association of adherence with disease activity as an outcome measure; all 3 found non-adherence associated with poor treatment response. This systematic review shows the importance of adherence to MTX treatment and summarises the associated modifiable factors.
Successful short‐term mechanical ventilation in a brachycephalic dog following aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Boveri Sarah , Ryan Tony Matthew
Published: January 2016

Aspiration pneumonia is a relatively common concurrent disease in animals suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). In addition to surgical correction of anatomical abnormalities, deterioration of respiratory function in these patients may warrant mechanical ventilator support to overcome severe hypoxia, hypoventilation or respiratory fatigue. Ventilation can be a life‐saving procedure but is not free from contraindications, including oxygen toxicity. The authors report the successful treatment of a dog in respiratory distress following aspiration after BOAS surgery with short‐term mechanical ventilation on 100 per cent oxygen. The patient also presented histamine release signs after administration of amoxicillin clavulanate.
Further evaluation and validation of a commercially available competitive ELISA (cELISA) for the detection of antibodies specific to equine arteritis virus (EAV)
Authors: Pfahl K. , Chung C. , Singleton M. D. , Shuck K. M. , Go Y. Y. , Zhang J. , Campos J. , Adams E. , Adams D. S. , Timoney P. J. , Balasuriya U. B. R.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to further evaluate and validate two commercially available equine arteritis virus (EAV) competitive ELISAs (original and enhanced cELISAs) using archived equine sera from experimentally inoculated animals and field sera submitted for laboratory diagnosis. First, the original and subsequently enhanced cELISAs were compared with the virus neutralisation test (VNT) using a panel of archived serum samples from experimentally inoculated animals. Then, the enhanced cELISA was compared with the VNT using a large panel of archived serum samples. The total number of equine sera tested was 3255, which included sera against 25 different EAV strains. The study confirmed that the enhanced cELISA was more sensitive than the original cELISA. Based on testing sera from experimentally inoculated animals and field sera, the enhanced cELISA had an estimated sensitivity (98.9 percent and 99.6 percent, respectively) and specificity (98.3 percent and 98.7 percent, respectively). The currently marketed enhanced VMRD EAV antibody cELISA test kit (VMRD Inc., Pullman, Washington, USA) has high sensitivity and specificity relative to the VNT. Based on the findings of this study, the authors would propose that the enhanced cELISA should be considered as an alternative approved method to the VNT for the detection of antibodies to EAV.
Veterinary medicine: public good, private good or both?
Authors: Hueston W.
Published: January 2016

The veterinary profession must develop its public as well as its private good functions if it is to help meet the challenges of the future, says William Hueston
Determination of the mobility of amine- and carboxy-terminated fluospheres and quantum dots by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Tekrony Amy , Cramb David
Published: January 2016

The pharmacokinetics of nanoparticle (NP) theranostics can, in principle, be predicted based on NP size and zeta potential. Zeta potentials are typically measured using bench top zetasizer instruments, which calculate zeta potential based on mobility data collected from solutions in a small sample cell. However, correlations between zeta potentials measured by zetasizer instruments and those calculated from mobilities determined by instruments designed for capillary electrophoresis may not be direct. To that end, mobilities of a variety of NPs were determined by a capillary electrophoresis and used to calculate zeta potentials based on Henry’s equation. The calculated zeta potentials were then compared to zeta potentials measured directly from a zetasizer. It was found that absolute values of the two methods differed, but the relative zeta potential trends per particle type were similar. These trends were demonstrated by data that showed that the zeta potentials measured using a zetasizer correlated highly with zeta potentials determined by capillary electrophoresis.
Reconstruction and evolution of Archean intracaldera facies: the Rouyn–Pelletier Caldera Complex of the Blake River Group, Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada
Authors: Moore L.N. , Daigneault R. , Aird H.M. , Banerjee N.R. , Mueller W.U.
Published: January 2016

Subvertically- to vertically-dipping Archean strata provide an excellent opportunity to study synvolcanic structures and internal organization of subaqueous volcanic complexes. The Abitibi greenstone belt in Quebec, Canada, hosts a number of these volcanic complexes and specifically the unique Blake River Megacaldera Complex. The Blake River Megacaldera Complex is composed of (i) an initial shield phase known as the Misema Caldera and (ii) two graben-type calderas known as the New Senator and Noranda calderas. The southern portion of the New Senator Caldera, the focus of this study, is of particular interest as the structure hosts the 54 Mt Horne Au-rich volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit. Detailed facies mapping, coupled with geochemical and geochronological analysis at multiple outcrop localities throughout the city of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, show that the stratigraphy of the New Senator Caldera is dominated by subaqueous effusive mafic volcanic facies with local felsic effusive and intrusive deposits. With the incorporation of structural data, we have used synvolcanic faults and dyke complexes to divide these facies into specific blocks within this region, here renamed the Rouyn–Pelletier sector. This study focuses on the facies and characteristics of the Pelletier, Senator, and Glenwood blocks and identifies the Évain, Stadacona, and Chadbourne blocks. Geochronological analysis reveals that facies of the Glenwood Block are approximately the same age as those of the felsic flows of the previously identified Horne Block. Together, all extrusive and intrusive volcanic facies from the Stadacona unit north to the Horne Creek fault compose a large caldera complex known as the Rouyn–Pelletier Caldera Complex.
On the effect of variable viscosity on the peristaltic transport of a Newtonian fluid in an asymmetric channel
Authors: Lachiheb Mehdi
Published: January 2016

The effect of variable viscosity on the peristaltic flow of a Newtonian fluid in an asymmetric channel was studied by Hayet and Ali using a viscosity function that takes two different values for any two symmetrical points with respect to the channel axis. This contrasts with the natural phenomena in many situations, such as the motion of chyme within the small intestines and the blood in the arteries where the spatial variation of viscosity is axisymmetric from the axis or walls. Thus, the viscosities at any two symmetrical points should be equal. To achieve this condition, the viscosity function is modified in the present work and the peristaltic flow of a Newtonian fluid in an asymmetric channel is restudied. The effect of the new viscosity function is symmetric about the channel axis and it is decreasing in the direction of the upper and lower walls. The expressions for the pressure gradient per wavelength are obtained and the pumping characteristics are discussed. We present a detailed analysis of the effects of the variation of viscosity, upper wave amplitude, lower wave amplitude, channel width, and phase difference on the pressure rise, the friction force, the pumping, and co-pumping regions. The study also shows that, in addition to the mean flow parameter, the wave amplitude, and the phase difference, the viscosity parameter also affects the pressure rise, the friction force, and the pumping region. Therefore, the interval for the flow rate where the pressure rise was positive and the interval for flow rate in which frictional forces have direction opposite to the wave velocity increase when the viscosity parameter rises. Moreover, the pressure rise and the frictional forces decrease by increasing viscosity, which is quite the opposite of the case of dissymmetric viscosity.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): impact on bat activity and foraging behaviour along the upper Hudson River, New York
Authors: Hooton L.A. , Dzal Y.A. , Veselka N. , Fenton M.B.
Published: January 2016

Sediments of the upper Hudson River, New York, USA, contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Consequently, elevated levels of PCBs have been found in the tissues of bats and their insect prey along this region. However, it is not clear whether bat activity and foraging behaviour have been affected. To assess possible effects of PCBs on bat activity and foraging behaviour, we measured the activity of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus (LeConte, 1831)) and hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1796)) along the upper Hudson River, as well as abundance of insect prey at the same locations. We also measured foraging duration and distances travelled by radio-tagged M. lucifugus. We found that bat activity and insect abundance did not differ with PCB concentration. We did, however, find that foraging behaviour along the Hudson River differed from a control site. Specifically, M. lucifugus foraging along PCB-contaminated areas of the Hudson River travelled shorter distances from their roosts and spent less time foraging than bats at an uncontaminated site. Our results show that while bats roost and forage in areas historically exposed to PCBs, this exposure has not adversely affected bat activity, foraging behaviour, or abundance of insect prey.
Submaximally symmetric c-projective structures
Authors: Kruglikov Boris , Matveev Vladimir , The Dennis
Published: January 2016

[Formula: see text]-projective structures are analogues of projective structures in the almost complex setting. The maximal dimension of the Lie algebra of [Formula: see text]-projective symmetries of a complex connection on an almost complex manifold of [Formula: see text]-dimension [Formula: see text] is classically known to be [Formula: see text]. We prove that the submaximal dimension is equal to [Formula: see text]. If the complex connection is minimal (encoded as a normal parabolic geometry), the harmonic curvature of the [Formula: see text]-projective structure has three components and we specify the submaximal symmetry dimensions and the corresponding geometric models for each of these three pure curvature types. If the connection is non-minimal, we introduce a modified normalization condition on the parabolic geometry and use this to resolve the symmetry gap problem. We prove that the submaximal symmetry dimension in the class of Levi-Civita connections for pseudo-Kähler metrics is [Formula: see text], and specializing to the Kähler case, we obtain [Formula: see text]. This resolves the symmetry gap problem for metrizable [Formula: see text]-projective structures.
Effect of coordinate noncommutativity on the mass of a particle in a uniform field and the equivalence principle
Authors: Gnatenko Kh. P. , Tkachuk V. M.
Published: January 2016

We consider the motion of a particle in a uniform field in noncommutative space which is rotationally invariant. On the basis of exact calculations, it is shown that there is an effect of coordinate noncommutativity on the mass of a particle. A particular case of motion of a particle in a uniform gravitational field is considered and the equivalence principle is studied. We propose the way to solve the problem of violation of the equivalence principle in the rotationally invariant noncommutative space.
Geodesics in the field of a rotating deformed gravitational source
Authors: Boshkayev K. A. , Quevedo H. , Abutalip M. S. , Kalymova Zh. A. , Suleymanova Sh. S.
Published: January 2016

We investigate equatorial geodesics in the gravitational field of a rotating and deformed source described by the approximate Hartle-Thorne metric. In the case of massive particles, we derive within the same approximation analytic expressions for the orbital angular velocity, the specific angular momentum and energy, and the radii of marginally stable and marginally bound circular orbits. Moreover, we calculate the orbital angular velocity and the radius of lightlike circular geodesics. We study numerically the frame dragging effect and the influence of the quadrupolar deformation of the source on the motion of test particles. We show that the effects originating from the rotation can be balanced by the effects due to the oblateness of the source.
Black-and-white hole as a space-time with integrable singularity
Authors: Strokov Vladimir N. , Lukash Vladimir N. , Mikheeva Elena V.
Published: January 2016

We discuss the problem of singularities in general relativity and emphasize the distinction that should be made between what is understood to be mathematical and physical singularities. We revise examples of space-times that conventionally contain a singularity which, in a sense, does not manifest itself physically. A special attention is paid to the case of integrable singularities for which we propose a well-defined mathematical procedure used to extend the space-time beyond the singularity. We argue that this type of singularity may connect the interior of a black hole with a newly born universe (a space-time referred to as black-and-white hole) giving a resolution to the problem of initial high density and symmetry of the universe. We exemplify by presenting toy models of eternal and astrophysical black-and-white holes.
Progress in constraining axion and non-Newtonian gravity from the Casimir effect
Authors: Mostepanenko V. M.
Published: January 2016

We consider recent progress in constraining the axion-nucleon coupling constants and the Yukawa-type corrections to Newtonian gravity from experiments on measuring the Casimir interaction. After a brief review of previously obtained constraints, we concentrate on the new Casimir-less experiment, which allows to strengthen the known results up to factors of 60 and 1000 for the axion-like particles and Yukawa-type corrections, respectively. We also discuss possibilities allowing to further strengthen the constraints on axion-nucleon coupling constants, and propose a new experiment aiming to achieve this goal.
Van der Waals interactions between polymers with sequence-specific polarizabilities: Stiff polymers and Gaussian coils
Authors: Lu Bing-Sui , Naji Ali , Podgornik Rudolf
Published: January 2016

We consider the van der Waals interaction between a pair of polymers with quenched heterogeneous sequences of local polarizabilities along their backbones, and study the effective pairwise interaction energy for both stiff polymers and flexible Gaussian coils. In particular, we focus on the cases where the pair of polarizability sequences are (i) distinct and (ii) identical. We find that the pairwise interaction energies of distinct and identical Gaussian coils are both isotropic and exhibit the same decay behavior for separations larger than their gyration radius, in contradistinction to the orientationally anisotropic interaction energies of distinct and identical stiff polymers. For both Gaussian coils and stiff polymers, the attractive interaction between identical polymers is enhanced if the polarizability sequence is more heterogeneous.
A Novel Mathematical Modeling and Parameterization for Sign Language Classification
Authors: Kausar Sumaira , Javed M. Younus , Tehsin Samabia , Anjum Almas
Published: January 2016

Sign language recognition (SLR) has got wide applicability. SLR system is considered to be a challenging one. This paper presents empirical analysis of different mathematical models for Pakistan SLR (PSLR). The proposed method is using the parameterization of sign signature. Each sign is represented with a mathematical function and then coefficients of these functions are used as the feature vector. This approach is based on exhaustive experimentation and analysis for getting the best suitable mathematical representation for each sign. This extensive empirical analysis, results in a very small feature vector and hence to a very efficient system. The robust proposed method has got general applicability as it just need a new training set and it can work equally good for any other dataset. Sign set used is quite complex in the sense that intersign similarity distance is very small but even then proposed methodology has given quite promising results.
Hybrid Transmittance Fitting for Rendering Transparency on the GPU
Authors: Zhou Guo , Zhu Dengming , Wei Yi , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: January 2016

In real-time rendering transparency is an important multi-fragment effect to visualize the structure of three-dimensional models. The per-pixel transmittance implicitly describes how the light is attenuated by traveling through several transparent fragments. We present a hybrid approach to fit the transmittance using the Heaviside step function and the trigonometric function. The k fragments with the largest contribution are exactly composited and the remaining ones are accurately compressed in an unified formulation. With a single geometry pass, fragments are sorted into a fixed-size array and overflowing ones are expanded by a truncated Fourier series. Then the transmittance is reconstructed on the fly to modulate the surface color in another geometry pass. Our approach favors high scene complexity but operates in bounded memory without losing noticeable high-frequency detail. We demonstrate that it is able to closely match the image quality at competitive frame rate, comparing to a realtime A-buffer implementation and other approximate transparency techniques.
Radiating collapse in the presence of anisotropic stresses
Authors: Govender M. , Bogadi R. S. , Lortan D. B. , Maharaj S. D.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we investigate the effect of anisotropic stresses (radial and tangential pressures being unequal) for a collapsing fluid sphere dissipating energy in the form of radial flux. The collapse starts from an initial static sphere described by the Bowers and Liang solution and proceeds until the time of formation of the horizon. We find that the surface redshift increases as the stellar fluid moves away from isotropy. We explicitly show that the formation of the horizon is delayed in the presence of anisotropy. The evolution of the temperature profiles is investigated by employing a causal heat transport equation of the Maxwell–Cattaneo form. Both the Eckart and causal temperatures are enhanced by anisotropy at each interior point of the stellar configuration.
Multi-graded Betti numbers of path ideals of trees
Authors: Bouchat Rachelle R. , Brown Tricia Muldoon
Published: January 2016

A path ideal of a tree is an ideal whose minimal generating set corresponds to paths of a specified length in a tree. We provide a description of a collection of induced subtrees whose vertex sets correspond to the multi-graded Betti numbers on the linear strand in the corresponding minimal free resolution of the path ideal. For two classes of path ideals, we give an explicit description of a collection of induced subforests whose vertex sets correspond to the multi-graded Betti numbers in the corresponding minimal free resolutions. Lastly, in both classes of path ideals considered, the graded Betti numbers are explicitly computed for [Formula: see text]-ary trees.
Commutative group rings that are présimplifiable or domainlike
Authors: Anderson D. D. , Al-Mallah O. A.
Published: January 2016

A commutative ring [Formula: see text] is called présimplifiable (respectively, domainlike) if whenever [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], then either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is a unit in [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text] is a primary ideal of [Formula: see text]). Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring and [Formula: see text] be a nonzero abelian group. For the group ring [Formula: see text], we prove that if [Formula: see text] is torsion, then [Formula: see text] is présimplifiable (respectively, domainlike) if and only if [Formula: see text] is présimplifiable (respectively, domainlike) and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-primary with [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]). If [Formula: see text] is torsion-free, then [Formula: see text] is présimplifiable if and only if [Formula: see text] is domainlike if and only if [Formula: see text] is domainlike. Finally, if [Formula: see text] is mixed, [Formula: see text] is présimplifiable (respectively, domainlike) if and only if [Formula: see text] is domainlike and the torsion subgroup of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-primary with [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]).
Generalized elastica on 2-dimensional de Sitter space S12
Authors: Huang Rongpei , Yu Junyan
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the extremals of curvature energy actions on non-null regular curves in 2-dimensional de Sitter space are studied. We completely solve the Euler–Lagrange equation by quadratures. By using the Killing field, we construct three special coordinate systems and express the generalized elastica in 2-dimensional de Sitter space [Formula: see text] by integral explicitly.
Renormalization group approach for Lorentz-violating scalar field theory at all loop orders
Authors: Vieira William de Carvalho , de Carvalho Paulo Renato Silva
Published: January 2016

We compute, both explicitly, at least, up to next-to-leading order and in a proof by induction for all loop levels, the critical exponents for thermal Lorentz-violating O([Formula: see text]) self-interacting scalar field theory. They are evaluated in a massless theory renormalized at arbitrary external momenta, where a reduced number of Feynman diagrams is needed. The results are presented and shown to be identical to that found previously in distinct theories renormalized at different renormalization schemes. Finally, we give both mathematical explanation and physical interpretation for them based on coordinates redefinition techniques and symmetry ideas, respectively.
An explicit upper bound for |L(1,χ)| when χ(2) = 1 and χ is even
Authors: Saad Eddin Sumaia
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a primitive Dirichlet character of conductor [Formula: see text] and let us denote by [Formula: see text] the associated [Formula: see text]-series. In this paper, we provide an explicit upper bound for [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is a primitive even Dirichlet character with [Formula: see text].
Enhanced Microwave Absorption Properties of CeO2 Nanoparticles Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Yin Qing , Xing Honglong , Shu Ruiwen , Ji Xiaoli , Tan Dexin , Gan Ying
Published: January 2016

In this work, reduced graphene oxide/CeO2 nanocomposites (RGO/CeO2) with two different RGO contents were synthesized using a facile one-step hydrothermal method, and the microwave absorption properties of RGO/CeO2 were investigated for the first time. Morphology and structure analysis shows that the CeO2 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the RGO sheets with average size of 15[Formula: see text]nm. The as-prepared RGO/CeO2 exhibits excellent microwave absorbability. An optimal reflection loss (RL) of [Formula: see text]32[Formula: see text]dB is found at 17[Formula: see text]GHz with a coating layer thickness of 1.5[Formula: see text]mm. The product with a coating layer thickness of only 2.0[Formula: see text]mm shows a bandwidth of 4.3[Formula: see text]GHz, corresponding to RL at [Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text]dB (90% of electromagnetic wave absorption). Compared with pristine RGO or pure CeO2 nanoparticles, the reported nanocomposites achieved both wider and stronger wave absorption in the frequency range of 2–18[Formula: see text]GHz. The enhanced microwave absorption properties are attributed to the conductive loss and dielectric loss mainly caused by the higher oxygen vacancy concentration of CeO2 in RGO/CeO2, which is demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, multiple interfacial polarizations occurring in the multi-interfaces between CeO2 and RGO sheets may be beneficial to microwave absorption. RGO/CeO2 could be used as an attractive candidate for the new type of microwave absorptive materials.
Molten Salt Synthesis of Strontium-Doped Lanthanum Manganite Nanoparticles with Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Toluene Combustion
Authors: Tian Yingliang , Liu Wencai , Lu Yongqiang , Sun Shibing
Published: January 2016

La[Formula: see text]SrxMnO[Formula: see text] (LSMO) and LaMnO[Formula: see text] (LMO) nanoparticle catalysts have been synthesized via a one-step molten salt route. It was found that the partial substitution of lanthanum by strontium had a promoting effect on the catalytic performance for toluene oxidation. Under the condition of toluene [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ppm, toluene/O2[Formula: see text] and the space [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mL/(g h), the temperature required for 50% and 90% toluene combustion conversion was 150[Formula: see text]C and 205[Formula: see text]C over LSMO catalyst, respectively. It is concluded that the oxygen vacancy, the molar ratio Mn[Formula: see text]/Mn[Formula: see text] on the surface and the specific surface area contribute to the improved catalytic performance of the LSMO nanoparticle materials via a one-step molten salt method.
Thermal stability of biological tissues and their behavior in cold conditions — A mathematical model
Authors: Khanday M. A. , Hussain Fida
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an application of finite element method to study the thermoregulatory behavior of three layers of human dermal parts with varying properties. The investigation of temperature distributions in epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue together with Crank–Nicholson scheme at various atmospheric conditions was carried out. The finite element method has been applied to obtain the numerical solution of governing differential equation for one-dimensional unsteady state bioheat equation using suitable values of parameters that affect the heat transfer in human body. The outer skin is assumed to be exposed to cold atmospheric temperatures and the loss of heat due to convection, radiation and evaporation has been taken into consideration. The important parameters like blood mass flow rate, metabolic heat generation rate and thermal conductivity are taken heterogeneous in each layer according to their distinct physiological and biochemical activities. The temperature profiles at various nodal points of the skin and in vivo tissues have been calculated with respect to the severe cold ambient temperatures. The conditions under which hypothermia, non-freezing and freezing injuries develop were illustrated in the graphs.
Hypersatisfaction of quantifier free formulas in algebraic systems
Authors: Phusanga Dara , Joomwong Jintana
Published: January 2016

In [Hyperformulas and solid algebraic systems, Studia Logica 90(2) (2008) 263–286], the theory of hyperidentities and solid varieties (see [K. Denecke, D. Lau, R. Pöschel and D. Schweigert, Hyperidentities, hyperequational classes, and clone congruences, in Contributions to General Algebra, Vol. 7 (Verlag Hölder-Pichler-Tempsky, Wien, 1991), pp. 97–118]) was extended to algebraic systems and solid model classes of algebraic system. In this paper, we will present a different approach which is based on the concept of the term operations and the realization of quantifier free formulas.
On common fixed points of a sequence of mappings
Authors: Bisht Ravindra K.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is to obtain a fixed point theorem for a sequence of mappings satisfying a Lipschitz type condition. As compared to the analogous results, some mappings of the present theorem need not satisfy any noncommutativity conditions and therefore our results generalize a number of well-known fixed point theorems in the existing literature.
On an extension of the generalized Pochhammer symbol and its applications to hypergeometric functions
Authors: Sahai Vivek , Verma Ashish
Published: January 2016

The main object of this paper is to present a generalization of the Pochhammer symbol. We present some contiguous relations of this generalized Pochhammer symbol and use it to give an extension of the generalized hypergeometric function [Formula: see text]. Finally, we present some properties and generating functions of this extended generalized hypergeometric function.
Growth of Self-Assembled Bio-Organic Nanomatrices for Skin Tissue Engineering — An in vitro Study
Authors: Miranda-Alarcón Yoliem S. , Brown Alexandra M. , Santora Anthony M. , Banerjee Ipsita A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we have developed self-assembled nanoscale assemblies that were prepared by conjugating furan-2-carboxylic acid-3-aminopropyl amide with the short peptide sequence Gly-His (abbreviated Gly-His-FCAP). To mimic the extracellular matrix of mammalian fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the assemblies were then conjugated with Type I collagen. We then integrated the collagen bound Gly-His-FCAP assemblies with a short peptide sequence derived from salamander skin into the nanoscale assemblies for the first time to impart regenerative and wound healing properties to the composites. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and biodegradable properties were examined and results indicate that the nanocomposites displayed antioxidant properties as displayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The biodegradability was found to be gradual. The nanocomposites were also found to inhibit the growth of the fungus Rhizopus sporangia over an 18[Formula: see text]h growth period. As proof of concept, to demonstrate the development of three-dimensional (3D) engineered skin in vitro, 3D printed PLA scaffolds of 2.5[Formula: see text]mm thickness were submerged in media containing nanocomposites and co-cultures of dermal fibroblasts with epidermal keratinocytes mimicking three dimensional skin substitute was examined. Our results indicated that the nanocomposites adhered to and supported cell proliferation and mimicked the components of skin and may have potential applications in skin tissue regeneration.
Performance of Novel High Temperature Heat Exchanger for 1 kW Class Stirling Engine Considering Heat Recovery
Authors: Ahn Joon , Kim Seok Yeon
Published: January 2016

This research proposed a novel shape design by integrating the geometry that showed the best performance including fin length, pitch and angle on the high temperature heat exchanger of Stirling engine designed for the prime mover of 1kW cogeneration system for home. First, the numerical simulation was conducted on the new design and existing shape, and the performance improvement according to the shape optimization was checked. Next, the validity of its performance was verified by additionally considering the heat loss from the recuperation and low-temperature heat exchanger. As a result, when the high temperature heat exchanger is optimized, a great amount of heat quantity is absorbed from the fuel gas from the upstream part where negative heat flux occurred in the cylinder head part. This was judged to be because of the fixed temperature of the high-temperature part in the thermodynamic cycle. Thus, when researching the shape of the high-temperature heat exchanger, an optimized geometry can be obtained when combining cycle interpretation of system rather than interpreting independently.
Dosage-dependent role of Rac1 in podocyte injury
Authors: Wan Xiaoyang , Lee Mi-Sun , Zhou Weibin
Published: January 2016

Activation of small GTPase Rac1 in podocytes is associated with rodent models of kidney injury and familial nephrotic syndrome. Induced Rac1 activation in podocytes in transgenic mice results in rapid transient proteinuria and foot process effacement, but not glomerular sclerosis. Thus it remains an open question whether abnormal activation of Rac1 in podocytes is sufficient to cause permanent podocyte damage. Using a number of transgenic zebrafish models, we showed that moderate elevation of Rac1 activity in podocytes did not impair the glomerular filtration barrier but aggravated metronidazole-induced podocyte injury, while inhibition of Rac1 activity ameliorated metronidazole-induced podocyte injury. Furthermore, a further increase in Rac1 activity in podocytes was sufficient to cause proteinuria and foot process effacement, which resulted in edema and lethality in juvenile zebrafish. We also found that activation of Rac1 in podocytes significantly downregulated the expression of nephrin and podocin, suggesting an adverse effect of Rac1 on slit diaphragm protein expression. Taken together, our data have demonstrated a causal link between excessive Rac1 activity and podocyte injury in a dosage-dependent manner, and transgenic zebrafish of variable Rac1 activities in podocytes may serve as useful animal models for the study of Rac1-related podocytopathy.
Ablation of the inferior olive prevents H-reflex down-conditioning in rats
Authors: Chen Xiang Yang , Wang Yu , Chen Yi , Chen Lu , Wolpaw Jonathan R.
Published: January 2016

We evaluated the role of the inferior olive (IO) in acquisition of the spinal cord plasticity that underlies H-reflex down-conditioning, a simple motor skill. The IO was chemically ablated before a 50-day exposure to an operant conditioning protocol that rewarded a smaller soleus H-reflex. In normal rats, down-conditioning succeeds (i.e., H-reflex size decreases at least 20%) in 80% of animals. Down-conditioning failed in every IO-ablated rat ( P < 0.001 vs. normal rats). IO ablation itself had no long-term effect on H-reflex size. These results indicate that the IO is essential for acquisition of a down-conditioned H-reflex. With previous data, they support the hypothesis that IO and cortical inputs to cerebellum enable the cerebellum to guide sensorimotor cortex plasticity that produces and maintains the spinal cord plasticity that underlies the down-conditioned H-reflex. They help to further define H-reflex conditioning as a model for understanding motor learning and as a new approach to enhancing functional recovery after trauma or disease.
Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation and Diagnosis of Mandibular First Molar with 6 Canals
Authors: Pasha Shiraz , Chaitanya Bathula Vimala , Somisetty Kusum Valli
Published: January 2016

Root canal treatment of tooth with aberrant root canal morphology is very challenging. So thorough knowledge of both the external and internal anatomy of teeth is an important aspect of root canal treatment. With the advancement in technology it is imperative to use modern diagnostic tools such as magnification devices, CBCT, microscopes, and RVG to confirm the presence of these aberrant configurations. However, in everyday endodontic practice, clinicians have to treat teeth with atypical configurations for root canal treatment to be successful. This case report presents the management of a mandibular first molar with six root canals, four in mesial and two in distal root, and also emphasizes the use and importance of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) as a diagnostic tool in endodontics.
Evaluation of Verigene Blood Culture Test Systems for Rapid Identification of Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Kim Jae-Seok , Kang Go-Eun , Kim Han-Sung , Kim Hyun Soo , Song Wonkeun , Lee Kyu Man
Published: January 2016

The performance of molecular tests using the Verigene Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Blood Culture nucleic acid tests (BC-GP and BC-GN, resp.; Naosphere, Northbrook, IL, USA) was evaluated for the identification of microorganisms detected from blood cultures. Ninety-nine blood cultures containing Gram-positive bacteria and 150 containing Gram-negative bacteria were analyzed using the BC-GP and BC-GN assays, respectively. Blood cultures were performed using the Bactec blood culture system (BD Diagnostic Systems, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and conventional identification and antibiotic-susceptibility tests were performed using a MicroScan system (Siemens, West Sacramento, CA, USA). When a single strain of bacteria was isolated from the blood culture, Verigene assays correctly identified 97.9% (94/96) of Gram-positive bacteria and 93.8% (137/146) of Gram-negative bacteria. Resistance genesmecAandvanAwere correctly detected by the BC-GP assay, while the extended-spectrumβ-lactamase CTX-M and the carbapenemase OXA resistance gene were detected from 30 cases cultures by the BC-GN assay. The BC-GP and BC-GN assays showed high agreement with conventional identification and susceptibility tests. These tests are useful for rapid identification of microorganisms and the detection of clinically important resistance genes from positive Bactec blood cultures.
Resource Aware Routing in Heterogeneous Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Yasmin Sadaf , Bin Rais Rao Naveed , Qayyum Amir
Published: January 2016

In heterogeneous scenarios, nodes greatly differ with respect to their capabilities and mobility patterns. Moreover, episodic connectivity in opportunistic networks further aggravates the problem of finding a suitable next-hop to obviate unnecessary utilization of network resources. In this paper, we present a Multiattribute Routing Scheme (MARS) based on “Simple Multiattribute Rating Technique” (SMART) that collects samples of vital information about a node's different characteristics. This stochastic picture of a node behavior in multiple dimensions is then effectively employed in calculating its next-hop fitness. We also devise a method based on learning rules of neural networks which dynamically determines relative importance of each dimension to maximize next-hop utility of a node. With simulations, using synthetic and real mobility traces against well-known utility-based schemes, we show that MARS can achieve better delivery ratios despite introducing limited redundancy within the network.
An Assessment of Factors Influencing Forest Harvesting in Smallholder Tobacco Production in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe: An Application of Binary Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Chivuraise Chipo , Chamboko Tafireyi , Chagwiza Godfrey
Published: January 2016

Deforestation is one of the major effects posed by the smallholder tobacco farming as the farmers heavily depend on firewood sourced from natural forest for curing tobacco. The research aims at assessing the factors that influence the harvesting of natural forest in the production of tobacco. Data is collected through the structured questionnaire from 60 randomly selected farmers. Binary logistic regression model is used to explain the significance of factors influencing natural forest harvesting. Results show that farmer experience, tobacco selling price, and agricultural training level negatively affect the harvesting of natural forests (to obtain firewood) for curing tobacco significantly (p<0.05). However, gender, size of the household, tobacco yield, and level of education are insignificant (p>0.05) in influencing natural forest harvesting. Though farmers are exploiting the environment and at the same time increasing foreign currency earning through tobacco production, there is therefore a need to put in place policies that encourage sustainable forest product utilization such as gum plantations, subsidizing price of coal, and introducing fees, as well as penalties or taxes to the offenders.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Orthopedic Surgery under Combined Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Vilhena Ditza , Pereira Luís , Duarte Delfim , Oliveira Nuno
Published: January 2016

Postoperative hearing loss following nonotologic surgery is rare. For patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia, the loss of cerebral spinal fluid and hence the drop in intracranial pressure can result in hearing loss and cranial nerve palsy. We report a case in which a patient sustained orthopedic surgery under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia complicated by severe and persistent sensorineural hearing loss. This report is a reminder that postoperative sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a poorly understood complication. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of this complication, although prompt treatment does not guarantee a good outcome.
Thyroid Remnant Estimation by Diagnostic DoseI131Scintigraphy orTcO4-99mScintigraphy after Thyroidectomy: A Comparison with Therapeutic DoseI131Imaging
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Li Na , Li Xuena , Chen Song , Du Bulin , Li Yaming
Published: January 2016

In this clinical study, we have compared routine diagnostic dose131I scan andTcO4-99mthyroid scintigraphy with therapeutic dose131I imaging for accurate thyroid remnant estimation after total thyroidectomy. We conducted a retrospective review of the patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and subsequently receiving radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment to ablate remnant thyroid tissue. All patients had therapeutic dose RAI whole body scan, which was compared with that of diagnostic dose RAI,TcO4-99mthyroid scan, and ultrasound examination. We concluded that therapeutic dose RAI scan reveals some extent thyroid remnant in all DTC patients following total thyroidectomy. Diagnostic RAI scan is much superior to ultrasound andTcO4-99mthyroid scan for the postoperative estimation of thyroid remnant. Ultrasound andTcO4-99mthyroid scan provide little information for thyroid remnant estimation and, therefore, would not replace diagnostic RAI scan.
Effects of Curcumin on Parameters of Myocardial Oxidative Stress and of Mitochondrial Glutathione Turnover in Reoxygenation after 60 Minutes of Hypoxia in Isolated Perfused Working Guinea Pig Hearts
Authors: Ilyas Ermita I. Ibrahim , Nur Busjra M. , Laksono Sonny P. , Bahtiar Anton , Estuningtyas Ari , Vitasyana Caecilia , Kusmana Dede , Suyatna Frans D. , Tadjudin Muhammad Kamil , Freisleben Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2016

In cardiovascular surgery ischemia-reperfusion injury is a challenging problem, which needs medical intervention. We investigated the effects of curcumin on cardiac, myocardial, and mitochondrial parameters in perfused isolated working Guinea pig hearts. After preliminary experiments to establish the model, normoxia was set at 30 minutes, hypoxia was set at 60, and subsequent reoxygenation was set at 30 minutes. Curcumin was applied in the perfusion buffer at 0.25 and 0.5 μM concentrations. Cardiac parameters measured were afterload, coronary and aortic flows, and systolic and diastolic pressure. In the myocardium histopathology and AST in the perfusate indicated cell damage after hypoxia and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased to 232.5% of controls during reoxygenation. Curcumin protected partially against reoxygenation injury without statistically significant differences between the two dosages. Mitochondrial MDA was also increased in reoxygenation (165% of controls), whereas glutathione was diminished (35.2%) as well as glutathione reductase (29.3%), which was significantly increased again to 62.0% by 0.05 μM curcumin. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was strongly increased in hypoxia and even more in reoxygenation (255% of controls). Curcumin partly counteracted this increase and attenuated GPx activity independently in hypoxia and in reoxygenation, 0.25 μM concentration to 150% and 0.5 μM concentration to 200% of normoxic activity.
Streptococcus agalactiaeMeningitis in Adult Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Khan Fahmi Yousef
Published: January 2016

We report a case of group B streptococcus meningitis in a 72-year-old female patient who was admitted in our hospital with a 21-day history of bilateral lower thigh pain and swelling associated with fever, headache, and vomiting. Her past medical history was remarkable for DM type 2, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. Upon admission, examination showed bilateral warmth and tender soft tissue swelling around the knees and MRI showed cellulitis of distal thirds of both thighs. The next day, the patient became drowsy. Neurologic examination showed neck rigidity and right sided hemiparesis. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures yielded group B streptococcus sensitive to ceftriaxone, penicillin G, and vancomycin. The patient received ceftriaxone for a total of 14 days after which she improved and was discharged from the hospital with right sided weakness.
Management of Urinary Incontinence in Complete Bladder Duplication by Injection of Bulking Agent at Bladder Neck Level into the Proximal Urethra
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Ladi Seyedian Seyedeh Sanam , Keihani Sorena , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: January 2016

Bladder duplication is a rare entity in children. The term encompasses a wide spectrum of anomalies from isolated bladder duplication in coronal or sagittal planes to duplicated bladder exstrophy and associated musculoskeletal and visceral anomalies. Given this wide variability, the treatment of these patients is not standardized. We hereby present a female patient with chief complaint of long-standing urinary incontinence who had complete bladder and urethral duplication and pubic diastasis. The patient was treated with bulking agent injection at the incompetent bladder neck and proximal urethra with resolution of incontinence, obviating the need for extensive surgeries.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Enhance Salinity Stress Tolerance in Okra through ROS-Scavenging Enzymes
Authors: Habib Sheikh Hasna , Kausar Hossain , Saud Halimi Mohd
Published: January 2016

Salinity is a major environmental stress that limits crop production worldwide. In this study, we characterized plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and examined their effect on salinity stress tolerance in okra through the induction of ROS-scavenging enzyme activity. PGPR inoculated okra plants exhibited higher germination percentage, growth parameters, and chlorophyll content than control plants. Increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, APX, and CAT) and upregulation of ROS pathway genes (CAT, APX, GR, and DHAR) were observed in PGPR inoculated okra plants under salinity stress. With some exceptions, inoculation withEnterobactersp. UPMR18 had a significant influence on all tested parameters under salt stress, as compared to other treatments. Thus, the ACC deaminase-containing PGPR isolateEnterobactersp. UPMR18 could be an effective bioresource for enhancing salt tolerance and growth of okra plants under salinity stress.