bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal segment-specific transcutaneous stimulation differentially shapes activation pattern among motor pools in humans
Authors: Sayenko Dimitry G. , Atkinson Darryn A. , Dy Christine J. , Gurley Katelyn M. , Smith Valerie L. , Angeli Claudia , Harkema Susan J. , Edgerton V. Reggie , Gerasimenko Yury P.
Published: March 2015

Transcutaneous and epidural electrical spinal cord stimulation techniques are becoming more valuable as electrophysiological and clinical tools. Recently, we observed selective activation of proximal and distal motor pools during epidural spinal stimulation. In the present study, we hypothesized that the characteristics of recruitment curves obtained from leg muscles will reflect a relative preferential activation of proximal and distal motor pools based on their arrangement along the lumbosacral enlargement. The purpose was to describe the electrophysiological responses to transcutaneous stimulation in leg muscles innervated by motoneurons from different segmental levels. Stimulation delivered along the rostrocaudal axis of the lumbosacral enlargement in the supine position resulted in a selective topographical recruitment of proximal and distal leg muscles, as described by threshold intensity, slope of the recruitment curves, and plateau point intensity and magnitude. Relatively selective recruitment of proximal and distal motor pools can be titrated by optimizing the site and intensity level of stimulation to excite a given combination of motor pools. The slope of the recruitment of particular muscles allows characterization of the properties of afferents projecting to specific motoneuron pools, as well as to the type and size of the motoneurons. The location and intensity of transcutaneous spinal electrical stimulation are critical to target particular neural structures across different motor pools in investigation of specific neuromodulatory effects. Finally, the asymmetry in bilateral evoked potentials is inevitable and can be attributed to both anatomical and functional peculiarities of individual muscles or muscle groups.
Multimodal Transport System Coevolution Model Based on Synergetic Theory
Authors: Feng Fenling , Zhang Qingya
Published: March 2015

This study investigates multimodal transport system evolution law with the consideration of synergetic theory. Compared with previous studies, this paper focuses on understanding influencing factors of system collaborative development. In particular, we have applied a multimodal system order parameter model to obtain the order parameter. Based on order parameters, the coevolution equations of the multimodal transport system are constructed with consideration of cooperation and competitive relationship between the subsystems. We set out the multimodal system followed the coevolution law of the freight system and dominated by the combined effects of order parameter line length and freight density. The results show that the coordination effects between railway, road, and water subsystems are stronger than aviation subsystem; the railway system is the short plank of the system. Some functional implications from this study are also discussed. Finally the results indicate that expansion of railway system capacity and mutual cooperation within the subsystems are required to reach an optimal multimodal transport system.
Seasonal and Interannual Variation in Energy Balance in the Semiarid Grassland Area of China
Authors: Jiang Qun’ou , Ma Enjun , Zhan Jinyan , Shi Nana
Published: March 2015

Near surface energy budget changes have been proved to be induced by the land cover conversion through changing the surface physical properties, which can further impact the regional climate change. This study applies the DLS model to simulate the land cover under the business as usual (BAU) scenario and then analyses the seasonal and interannual variation of energy balance in the semiarid grassland area of China based on the simulated land cover with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The results indicate that the grassland will show a growing trend under the BAU scenario. Downward long wave radiation and downward short wave radiation will all have small-scale increase with time going by, while the surface net radiation will decrease from 2030 to 2050. However, there is obvious seasonal variation. Summer has the highest downward long wave radiation and downward short wave radiation, followed by spring and autumn. The lowest are in winter. As for the net surface radiation, there is obvious decrease in southeast of study area due to returning cropland to grassland. Those research conclusions can offer valuable information for the land use planning and relieving the effects of land cover change on climate change at the semiarid grassland area.
Chromatographic Methods in the Separation of Long-Chain Mono- and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Dołowy Małgorzata , Pyka Alina
Published: March 2015

This review presents various chromatographic systems, TLC, HPLC, GC, and also SFC, developed for identification and accurate quantification of long-chain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids from different samples with emphasis on selected literature which was published during last decade. Almost all the aspects such as preseparation step of fatty acids (cisandtrans), stationary phase, solvent system, and detection mode are discussed.
Gene Knockout Identification Using an Extension of Bees Hill Flux Balance Analysis
Authors: Choon Yee Wen , Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Deris Safaai , Chong Chuii Khim , Omatu Sigeru , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: March 2015

Microbial strain optimisation for the overproduction of a desired phenotype has been a popular topic in recent years. Gene knockout is a genetic engineering technique that can modify the metabolism of microbial cells to obtain desirable phenotypes. Optimisation algorithms have been developed to identify the effects of gene knockout. However, the complexities of metabolic networks have made the process of identifying the effects of genetic modification on desirable phenotypes challenging. Furthermore, a vast number of reactions in cellular metabolism often lead to a combinatorial problem in obtaining optimal gene knockout. The computational time increases exponentially as the size of the problem increases. This work reports an extension of Bees Hill Flux Balance Analysis (BHFBA) to identify optimal gene knockouts to maximise the production yield of desired phenotypes while sustaining the growth rate. This proposed method functions by integrating OptKnock into BHFBA for validating the results automatically. The results show that the extension of BHFBA is suitable, reliable, and applicable in predicting gene knockout. Through several experiments conducted onEscherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, andClostridium thermocellumas model organisms, extension of BHFBA has shown better performance in terms of computational time, stability, growth rate, and production yield of desired phenotypes.
MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Lan Huiyin , Lu Haiqi , Wang Xian , Jin Hongchuan
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression by targeting their corresponding messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Dysregulated miRNAs have been considered as a new type of ‘‘oncomiRs’’ or ‘‘tumor suppressors,” playing essential roles in cancer initiation and progression. Using genome-wide detection methods, ubiquitously aberrant expression profiles of miRNAs have been identified in a broad array of human cancers, showing great potential as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancer with high specificity and sensitivity. The detectable miRNAs in tissue, blood, and other body fluids with high stability provide an abundant source for miRNA-based biomarkers in human cancers. Despite the fact that an increasing number of potential miRNA biomarkers have been reported, the transition of miRNAs-based biomarkers from bench to bedside still necessitates addressing several challenges. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of miRNAs as potential biomarkers in human cancers.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence on the Glass Doped with AgInS2Nanocrystals
Authors: Yin Dewu , Pei Lang , Liu Zhen , Yang Xinyu , Xiang Weidong , Zhang Xiyan
Published: March 2015

We demonstrated a synthetic process on the glass doped with AgInS2nanocrystals through sol-gel method under a controlled atmosphere. X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectra revealed that the AgInS2crystalline phase had formed in the glass matrix. Transmittance electron microscopy showed that these AgInS2crystals had spherical shape and good dispersed form in the glass matrix, and their diameter distribution was mainly focused on three size regions. Furthermore, the glass doped with AgInS2nanocrystals exhibited three photoluminescence peaks located at 1.83 eV, 2.02 eV, and 2.21 eV, which were ascribed to the introduction of AgInS2nanocrystals in the glass.
Alternate Sequential Suture Tightening: A Novel Technique for Uncontrolled Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Ghosh Sharda Brata , Mala Y. M.
Published: March 2015

Objective. The most commonly described technique of modified B-Lynch suture may not be suitable for all the patients presenting with flabby, atonic uterus.Study Design. A retrospective analysis of twelve patients with uncontrolled postpartum haemorrhage, who underwent this procedure from March 2007 to September 2012, was conducted. In this novel technique, sutures are passed in the lower uterine segment and are tightened alternately to control uterine bleeding.Results. Average duration of the procedure was 4 minutes (range 2–7 minutes). Average blood loss was 1625 mL (range 1300–1900 mL). Eleven patients (91.66%) were seen to have a successful outcome with only this technique. No patient required hysterectomy and one patient (8.33%) required additional bilateral internal iliac artery ligation. All the patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 yrs and none of them reported any infertility problems.Conclusion. This technique is simple, quick, and effective. There was no adverse effect on the fertility potential for the observed 2 years; however, a long-term follow-up is required to comment on its actual rate. This technique cannot replace the standard modified B-Lynch technique for uncontrolled postpartum haemorrhage but can be used for unresponsive, flabby, and atonic uterus.
Optic Nerve Sonography in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Pseudopapilledema and Raised Intracranial Pressure: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mehrpour Masoud , Oliaee Torshizi Fatemeh , Esmaeeli Shooka , Taghipour Salameh , Abdollahi Sahar
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Differentiating pseudopapilledema from papilledema which is optic disk edema and a result of increased ICP (intracranial pressure) is important and can be done with noninvasive methods like orbital ultrasound examination.Method. This was a cross-sectional study in which patients with optic nerve head swelling were referred for LP exam after optic nerve head swelling diagnosis confirmation and having normal brain imaging (CT scan). Before LP (lumbar puncture) exam the patients were referred for optic nerve ultrasound test of both eyes.Results. Considering 5.7 mm as the upper limit for normal ONSD (optic nerve sheath diameter), sensitivity and negative predictive value of optic sonography in diagnosis of pseudopapilledema are 100% for both eyes. Calculated accuracy validity of ONSD measurement in detecting pseudopapilledema is 90% for the right eye and 87% for the left eye.Conclusion. Our study demonstrated a close correlation between optic nerve sheath dilation on ocular ultrasound and evidence of elevated ICP with optic disk swelling. With the aid of noninvasive diagnostic tests we can avoid unnecessary concerns along with expensive and invasive neurological investigations while targeting the correct diagnosis in bilateral optic disk swelling. Our study showed optic nerve sonography as a reliable diagnostic method for further usage.
Adsorption Mechanism of Ciprofloxacin from Water by Synthesized Birnessite
Authors: Xing Xuebing , Feng Jingwen , Lv Guocheng , Song Kenan , Mei Lefu , Liao Libing , Wang Xiaoyu , Xu Ben
Published: March 2015

The efficiency of ciprofloxacin (CIP) adsorption on synthesized birnessite was systematically studied under varying physicochemical conditions, such as solution pH, contact time, initial CIP concentration, and different average oxidation states (AOS) of Mn in birnessite. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and molecular simulations were employed to investigate the adsorption mechanism of CIP on birnessite. Experimental results showed that surface adsorption instead of cation exchange was responsible for the uptake of CIP on birnessite. The quantum mechanics simulation showed that the final energy of the interaction between CIP and birnessite was smaller under the condition when the AOS of Mn was lower, in comparison to the case when the AOS of Mn was high. The highest CIP adsorption occurred under a weak alkaline condition.
New Iterative Method for Fractional Gas Dynamics and Coupled Burger’s Equations
Authors: Al-luhaibi Mohamed S.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the approximate analytical solutions to solve the nonlinear gas dynamics and coupled
Burger’s equations with fractional time derivative. By using initial values, the explicit solutions of the equations are solved by
using a reliable algorithm. Numerical results show that the new iterative method is easy to implement and accurate when applied to time‐fractional partial differential equations.
A Structure Analysis for Ecological Management of Moist Tropical Forests
Authors: Djomo Njepang Adrien
Published: March 2015

Human interventions alter stand structure, species composition, and regeneration capacity of the forest. There is no enough information on how different management systems affect the forest structure. The main objective of this study was to analyze the differences on stand structure and species composition caused by different logging intensities. The study was conducted in a lowland evergreen moist forest of 22 000 ha in Cameroon. The forest was subdivided into three forest types with different human impacts:2-Logged,1-Logged, andUnlogged. The diameter corresponding to mean basal area of stems of2-Logged(31.8 cm,N=369) was almost equal to that ofUnlogged(30.1 cm,N=496).1-Loggedhad a lower diameter of 27.7 cm,N=530. In the three forest types, the diameter distribution followed the inverse J-shaped curve frequently observed in natural forests. The stand basal area increased from 29.4 m2/ha in2-Logged, to 32 m2/ha in1-Logged, and to 35.3 m2/ha inUnlogged. These results indicated that logging affected natural regeneration in2-Logged. Above 60 cm dbh, the logging effect was not visible. On 103 tree species found in the sample forest, only nine were classified as harvestable commercial species.
Investigating the Minimum Size of Study Area for an Activity-Based Travel Demand Forecasting Model
Authors: Bao Qiong , Shen Yongjun , Creemers Lieve , Kochan Bruno , Bellemans Tom , Janssens Davy , Wets Geert
Published: March 2015

Nowadays, considerable attention has been paid to the activity-based approach for transportation planning and forecasting by both researchers and practitioners. However, one of the practical limitations of applying most of the currently available activity-based models is their computation time, especially when large amount of population and detailed geographical unit level are taken into account. In this research, we investigated the possibility of restraining the size of the study area in order to reduce the computation time when applying an activity-based model, as it is often the case that only a small territory rather than the whole region is the focus of a specific study. By introducing an accuracy level of the model, we proposed in this research an iteration approach to determine the minimum size of the study area required for a target territory. In the application, we investigated the required minimum size of the study area surrounding each of the 327 municipalities in Flanders, Belgium, with regard to two different transport modes, that is, car as driver and public transport. Afterwards, a validation analysis and a case study were conducted. All the experiments were carried out by using the FEATHERS, an activity-based microsimulation modeling framework currently implemented for the Flanders region of Belgium.
CMTG: A Content-Based Mobile Tendency Geocast Routing Protocol in Urban Vehicular Networks
Authors: Wang Haiquan , Zhu Tao , Lei Shuo , Yang Wenjing , Wang Yu
Published: March 2015

Efficient dissemination of messages is a vital solution to the vehicular communications and applications. Geocast, delivering messages to a few specific areas, has become an important issue with the accelerating development of the location-based services in vehicular networks. Different from the conventional geocast schemes focusing on the static target areas, in this paper, we propose a content-based mobile tendency geocast (CMTG) routing protocol for urban vehicular networks from the delay tolerant networks (DTNs) perspective to better deal with the high mobility and transient connectivity issues. The target roads of dissemination depend on the preferred tendency and path of message, based on the determination to the message's expected propagating roads. And vehicle decides whether to relay the messages carried to other encountered vehicles by calculating the mobile tendency to the source location of message. The robustness and adaptability of protocol are also proved theoretically. Extensive performance comparisons with other protocols are conducted to show the advantages of CMTG.
Case Report of a Patient with Left Ventricular Assistance Device Undergoing Chemotherapy for a New Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Khan Maliha , Wasim Anum , Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , McMahon Blaithin A. , Judge Daniel P. , Chu Linda C. , Banavali Ashtami , Zeidan Amer M.
Published: March 2015

The optimal management of cancer in patients with severe heart failure is not defined. This issue is particularly challenging when a diagnosis of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is made incidentally in the context of evaluating patient for candidacy for cardiac transplantation. Limited-stage SCLC is typically managed on a curative therapeutic paradigm with combined modality approach involving chemotherapy and radiation. Even with excellent performance status and good organ function, the presence of severe cardiomyopathy poses significant challenges to the delivery of even single modality approach with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, let alone the typical curative combined modality approach. With mechanical left ventricular devices to provide cardiac support, treatment options for cancer in the setting of advanced heart failure may be improved. Here we discuss the therapeutic dilemma involving a patient with severe cardiomyopathy and left ventricular assistant device (LVAD) who was found to have limited-stage SCLC during the evaluation process for cardiac transplantation.
Synchronization Transition and Traffic Congestion in One-Dimensional Traffic Model
Authors: Xin Zhi , Xu Jian
Published: March 2015

A nonlinear car-following model with driver’s reaction time is studied from the synchronization transition viewpoint. We investigate the traffic congestion from the view of chaos system synchronization transition. Our result shows that the uniform flow corresponds to the complete synchronization and the stop-and-go congested state corresponds to the lag synchronization of the vehicles. An analytical criterion for synchronization manifolds stability is obtained; the analytical result and the numerical result are consistent. The synchronization transition is also trigged by the driver’s reaction time. We analyze the car-following model by the use of the nonlinear analysis method and derive the modified KdV equation describing the kink density wave.
The Case of an Elderly Male Patient with Unknown Primary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma within Presacral Teratoma (Teratoma with Malignant Transformation)
Authors: Tanriverdi Ozgur , Ersen Ayca , Cokmert Suna , Koca Emine , Bulut Naki , Gul Suha , Yilmaz Nevin
Published: March 2015

Teratomas are rarely seen in adults, and presacral region is an area where they rarely settle in. Similarly, only about 1% of teratomas show malignant transformation. Malignant transformation is often associated with the area where teratoma settles in. Malignant transformation of mediastinal teratomas is more frequent than the ones located in retroperitoneal area and gonad. They most commonly show rhabdomyosarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, enteric adenocarcinoma, and leukemia transformation. In teratomas showing malignant transformation, the clinical course is aggressive; and survival of patients with metastatic disease is very low. The primary treatment of teratomas with malignant transformations is surgical. Effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is not clear in patients, to whom surgical operation cannot be applied, or those who are with residual tumor, even if surgical operation can be applied to them, or those who are at metastatic stage. In this paper, we presented a 76-year-old male patient due to the histologic diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma within teratoma, in whom approximately 7 cm presacral mass was found during the radiographic examination made by the reason of low back pain and pelvic pain.
Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium, and Thallium Speciation in Water and Sediment Samples with the LC-ICP-MS Technique
Authors: Jabłońska-Czapla Magdalena
Published: March 2015

Chemical speciation is a very important subject in the environmental protection, toxicology, and chemical analytics due to the fact that toxicity, availability, and reactivity of trace elements depend on the chemical forms in which these elements occur. Research on low analyte levels, particularly in complex matrix samples, requires more and more advanced and sophisticated analytical methods and techniques. The latest trends in this field concern the so-called hyphenated techniques. Arsenic, antimony, chromium, and (underestimated) thallium attract the closest attention of toxicologists and analysts. The properties of those elements depend on the oxidation state in which they occur. The aim of the following paper is to answer the question why the speciation analytics is so important. The paper also provides numerous examples of the hyphenated technique usage (e.g., the LC-ICP-MS application in the speciation analysis of chromium, antimony, arsenic, or thallium in water and bottom sediment samples). An important issue addressed is the preparation of environmental samples for speciation analysis.
The Influence of Emotional State on the Masticatory Muscles Function in the Group of Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Anna Stocka , Joanna Kuc , Teresa Sierpinska , Maria Golebiewska , Aneta Wieczorek
Published: March 2015

Stress may affect the function of all the components of the masticatory system and may ultimately lead to differentiated symptoms and finally to systemic and structural dysfunctions.Objective.To determine the effect of stress on the masticatory muscles function in young healthy adults.Material and Methods. A total of 201 young, Angle’s first class, healthy volunteers, 103 female and 98 male, in the age between 18 and 21 years were recruited into the study. All the participants underwent clinical examination according to the Slavicek scheme, questionnaire survey according to Perceived Stress Scale, and assessment of masticatory muscles function in central occlusion.Results. Symptoms of masticatory system dysfunction were found in the group of 86 subjects (46,24%). All the muscles activity in central occlusion was comparable in female and male groups. Mean values of masseters activities in the group of low stress subjects (75,52 µV ± 15,97) were statistically different from the groups with medium (82,43 µV ± 15,04) and high (81,33 ± 12,05) perceived stressP<0.05.Conclusion. Chronic stress may reveal or exacerbate symptoms of masticatory dysfunction.
Type 1 Diabetes and Osteoporosis: From Molecular Pathways to Bone Phenotype
Authors: Khan Tayyab S. , Fraser Lisa-Ann
Published: March 2015

The link between type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and osteoporosis, identified decades ago, has gained attention in recent years. While a number of cellular mechanisms have been postulated to mediate this association, it is now established that defects in osteoblast differentiation and activity are the main culprits underlying bone fragility in DM1. Other contributing factors include an accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the development of diabetes complications (such as neuropathy and hypoglycemia), which cause further decline in bone mineral density (BMD), worsening geometric properties within bone, and increased fall risk. As a result, patients with DM1 have a 6.9-fold increased incidence of hip fracture compared to controls. Despite this increased fracture risk, bone fragility remains an underappreciated complication of DM1 and is not addressed in most diabetes guidelines. There is also a lack of data regarding the efficacy of therapeutic strategies to treat osteoporosis in this patient population. Together, our current understanding of bone fragility in DM1 calls for an update of diabetes guidelines, better screening tools, and further research into the use of therapeutic strategies in this patient population.
Minor Trauma Causing Stroke in a Young Athlete
Authors: Gupta Vineet , Dhawan Naveen , Bahl Jaya
Published: March 2015

A 17-year-old Caucasian male presented with sudden dizziness, ataxia, vertigo, and clumsiness lasting for a couple of hours. He had a subtle trauma during a wrestling match 2 days prior to the presentation. A CT Angiogram (CTA) and MRI showed left vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The patient was treated with anticoagulation with heparin drip in the ICU. The patient was discharged home on the third day on Lovenox-warfarin bridging. This case underscores the importance of considering VAD as a differential diagnosis in patients with sports-related symptoms especially in activities entailing hyperextension or hyperrotation of neck. Due to a varied latent period, often minor underlying trauma, and subtle presentation, a low index of suspicion is warranted in timely diagnosis and treatment of VAD. Considering recent evidence in treatment modality, either antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation may be used for treatment of VAD.
A Fast Handoff Scheme for Streaming Service in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yun Jeongbae , Khan Murad , Han Kijun
Published: March 2015

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is a rapidly growing technology for short-range communications and low rate Wireless personal area networking. The standard has been widely accepted as the de facto standard for wireless sensor network (WSN) because of its low cost deployment and remarkable applications. The mobility management in the existing WSN has highly suffered from different issues like high packet loss and delay because the current mobility management in IEEE 802.15.4 lacks the support of handover management for real-time streaming applications. In this paper, we propose a new fast handoff mechanism which eradicates the scanning delay. The proposed scheme uses the information of link quality (LQ) of the neighboring coordinators (COs), and on the basis of this information it selects an appropriate CO for handoff. The proposed scheme is evaluated through extensive simulations which show its strength and accuracy in the context of switching of high streaming data from one CO to another.
Raw Materials Synthesis from Heavy Metal Industry Effluents with Bioremediation and Phytomining: A Biomimetic Resource Management Approach
Authors: Karman Salmah B. , Diah S. Zaleha M. , Gebeshuber Ille C.
Published: March 2015

Heavy metal wastewater poses a threat to human life and causes significant environmental problems. Bioremediation provides a sustainable waste management technique that uses organisms to remove heavy metals from contaminated water through a variety of different processes. Biosorption involves the use of biomass, such as plant extracts and microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast), and represents a low-cost and environmentally friendly method of bioremediation and resource management. Biosorption-based biosynthesis is proposed as a means of removing heavy metals from wastewaters and soils as it aids the development of heavy metal nanoparticles that may have an application within the technology industry. Phytomining provides a further green method of managing the metal content of wastewater. These approaches represent a viable means of removing toxic chemicals from the effluent produced during the process of manufacturing, and the bioremediation process, furthermore, has the potential to save metal resources from depletion. Biomimetic resource management comprises bioremediation, biosorption, biosynthesis, phytomining, and further methods that provide innovative ways of interpreting waste and pollutants as raw materials for research and industry, inspired by materials, structures, and processes in living nature.
Elastic Band Causing Exfoliation of the Upper Permanent Central Incisors
Authors: Alves Monica Ghislaine Oliveira , Kitakawa Dárcio , Becker Joao Batista Macedo , Brandão Adriana Aigotti Haberbeck , Cabral Luiz Antonio Guimarães , Almeida Janete Dias
Published: March 2015

Objective. This study reports a case in which elastic band use culminated in the loss of the incisors.Case Report. An 11-year-old white girl was seen complaining of pain, with purulent discharge and severe tooth mobility. The bone destruction detected radiographically in the region, despite its single location and absence in posterior quadrants of the maxilla and/or mandible, was similar to that observed in Langerhans cell disease. To our surprise, an elastic band involving the midportion of the roots of the two upper central incisors was found during biopsy. The debris was removed and a metal wire was placed in permanent maxillary right and left incisors. The patient was followed up, but no improvement in tooth mobility was observed. Bone loss increased, and internal resorption and root exposure occurred, which culminated in the extraction of permanent maxillary right and left incisors.Conclusion. The present case highlights the fact that professionals sometimes are confronted by anamnestic reports never seen before.
Iodine‐131 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy for Neuroblastoma: Reports So Far and Future Perspective
Authors: Kayano Daiki , Kinuya Seigo
Published: March 2015

Neuroblastoma, which derives from neural crest, is the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood. The tumors express the norepinephrine (NE) transporters on their cell membrane and take in metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) via a NE transporter. Since iodine‐131 (I‐131) MIBG therapy was firstly reported, many trails of MIBG therapy in patients with neuroblastoma were performed. Though monotherapy with a low dose of I‐131 MIBG could achieve high‐probability pain reduction, the objective response was poor. In contrast, more than 12 mCi/kg I‐131 MIBG administrations with or without hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) obtain relatively good responses in patients with refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma. The combination therapy with I‐131 MIBG and other modalities such as nonmyeloablative chemotherapy and myeloablative chemotherapy with HCT improved the therapeutic response in patients with refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma. In addition, I‐131 MIBG therapy incorporated in the induction therapy was proved to be feasible in patients with newly diagnosed neuroblastoma. To expand more the use of MIBG therapy for neuroblastoma, further studies will be needed especially in the use at an earlier stage from diagnosis, in the use with other radionuclide formations of MIBG, and in combined use with other therapeutic agents.
A Distributed Multiagent System Architecture for Body Area Networks Applied to Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Felisberto Filipe , Laza Rosalía , Fdez-Riverola Florentino , Pereira António
Published: March 2015

In the last years the area of health monitoring has grown significantly, attracting the attention of both academia and commercial sectors. At the same time, the availability of new biomedical sensors and suitable network protocols has led to the appearance of a new generation of wireless sensor networks, the so-called wireless body area networks. Nowadays, these networks are routinely used for continuous monitoring of vital parameters, movement, and the surrounding environment of people, but the large volume of data generated in different locations represents a major obstacle for the appropriate design, development, and deployment of more elaborated intelligent systems. In this context, we present an open and distributed architecture based on a multiagent system for recognizing human movements, identifying human postures, and detecting harmful activities. The proposed system evolved from a single node for fall detection to a multisensor hardware solution capable of identifying unhampered falls and analyzing the users’ movement. The experiments carried out contemplate two different scenarios and demonstrate the accuracy of our proposal as a real distributed movement monitoring and accident detection system. Moreover, we also characterize its performance, enabling future analyses and comparisons with similar approaches.
aCGH-MAS: Analysis of aCGH by means of Multiagent System
Authors: De Paz Juan F. , Benito Rocío , Bajo Javier , Rodríguez Ana Eugenia , Abáigar María
Published: March 2015

There are currently different techniques, such as CGH arrays, to study genetic variations in patients. CGH arrays analyze gains and losses in different regions in the chromosome. Regions with gains or losses in pathologies are important for selecting relevant genes or CNVs (copy-number variations) associated with the variations detected within chromosomes. Information corresponding to mutations, genes, proteins, variations, CNVs, and diseases can be found in different databases and it would be of interest to incorporate information of different sources to extract relevant information. This work proposes a multiagent system to manage the information of aCGH arrays, with the aim of providing an intuitive and extensible system to analyze and interpret the results. The agent roles integrate statistical techniques to select relevant variations and visualization techniques for the interpretation of the final results and to extract relevant information from different sources of information by applying a CBR system.
Discrete-Time Sliding Mode Control for Uncertain Networked System Subject to Time Delay
Authors: Garcia Saulo C. , Teixeira Marcelo C. M. , Garcia José Paulo F. , Alves Uiliam N. L. T. , Ribeiro Jean M. S.
Published: March 2015

We deal with uncertain systems with networked sliding mode control, subject to time delay. To minimize the degenerative effects of the time delay, a simpler format of state predictor is proposed in the control law. Some ultimate bounded stability analyses and stabilization conditions are provided for the uncertain time delay system with proposed discrete-time sliding mode control strategy. A numerical example is presented to corroborate the analyses.
Graphene and Other 2D Material Components Dynamic Characterization and Nanofabrication at Atomic Scale
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Xing , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate how abreaction corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis techniques that are commonly used in nanostructure characterization can be used to study the morphology of graphene and other 2D materials at atomic scale, even subangstrom scale, and evolution of nanostructure and from which we determine the graphene components nanofabrication process. The key contributions of this work are perhaps focused on two areas: (1) recent progress on graphene characterization from the TEM aspect and (2) how the electron beam can be used to fabricate nanoribbon from graphene or similar 2D material.
Assessment of Eccentric Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress Using Oxidation-Reduction Potential Markers
Authors: Stagos Dimitrios , Goutzourelas Nikolaos , Ntontou Amalia-Maria , Kafantaris Ioannis , Deli Chariklia K. , Poulios Athanasios , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Bar-Or David , Kouretas Dimitrios
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of static (sORP) and capacity ORP (cORP) oxidation-reduction potential markers as measured by the RedoxSYS Diagnostic System in plasma, for assessing eccentric exercise-induced oxidative stress. Nineteen volunteers performed eccentric exercise with the knee extensors. Blood was collected before, immediately after exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 h after exercise. Moreover, common redox biomarkers were measured, which were protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, total antioxidant capacity in plasma, and catalase activity and glutathione levels in erythrocytes. When the participants were examined as one group, there were not significant differences in any marker after exercise. However, in 11 participants there was a high increase in cORP after exercise, while in 8 participants there was a high decrease. Thus, the participants were divided in low cORP group exhibiting significant decrease in cORP after exercise and in high cORP group exhibiting significant increase. Moreover, only in the low cORP group there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation after exercise suggesting induction of oxidative stress. The results suggested that high decreases in cORP values after exercise may indicate induction of oxidative stress by eccentric exercise, while high increases in cORP values after exercise may indicate no existence of oxidative stress.
Improved Fracture Healing in Patients with Concomitant Traumatic Brain Injury: Proven or Not?
Authors: Hofman Martijn , Koopmans Guido , Kobbe Philipp , Poeze Martijn , Andruszkow Hagen , Brink Peter R. G. , Pape Hans-Christoph
Published: March 2015

Over the last 3 decades, scientific evidence advocates an association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and accelerated fracture healing. Multiple clinical and preclinical studies have shown an enhanced callus formation and an increased callus volume in patients, respectively, rats with concomitant TBI. Over time, different substances (cytokines, hormones, etc.) were in focus to elucidate the relationship between TBI and fracture healing. Until now, the mechanism behind this relationship is not fully clarified and a consensus on which substance plays the key role could not be attained in the literature. In this review, we will give an overview of current concepts and opinions on this topic published in the last decade and both clinical and pathophysiological theories will be discussed.
New Existence Results for Fractional Integrodifferential Equations with Nonlocal Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir
Published: March 2015

We consider a boundary value problem of fractional integrodifferential equations with new nonlocal integral boundary conditions of the form:x(0)=βx(θ), x(ξ)=α∫η1‍x(s)ds, and0<θ<ξ<η<1. According to these conditions, the value of the unknown function at the left end pointt=0is proportional to its value at a nonlocal pointθwhile the value at an arbitrary (local) pointξis proportional to the contribution due to a substrip of arbitrary length(1-η). These conditions appear in the mathematical modelling of physical problems when different parts (nonlocal points and substrips of arbitrary length) of the domain are involved in the input data for the process under consideration. We discuss the existence of solutions for the given problem by means of the Sadovski fixed point theorem for condensing maps and a fixed point theorem due to O’Regan. Some illustrative examples are also presented.
Driving Risk Affected Areas and Distribution Function of Sharp Horizontal Curves of Expressway
Authors: Wang Xiao-fei , Li Xin-wei , Yan Ying , Fu Xin-sha
Published: March 2015

The average death and injury intensity on sharp horizontal curves (SHCs) are much higher than those of straight sections of the expressway in China. In this paper, the statistics of crashes from 2008 to 2012 on 2200 km expressways in Guangdong province are collected, and the relationships between the radius of plane curves and the crash rate are analyzed. After that, the curved expressway section with radius equal to or less than 1000 m is defined as SHCs. According to the results of the test of the operating speed, the heart rate change of drivers, and the vehicle acceleration, the distribution patterns of driving risks on the certain SHCs were theoretically analyzed. Hence, the driving risk affected areas on adjacent line units of SHCs are determined as 200 m sections before entering or after exiting the SHCs. Combining with surveyed data, the spatial distribution of crashes on SHCs is analyzed, and the driving risk distribution function of SHCs in expressway is finally deduced. The result of this research provides a theoretical basis to enhance expressway safety management and to improve the driving safety on SHCs.
Practical Link Duration Prediction Model in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wang Xiufeng , Wang Chunmeng , Cui Gang , Yang Qing
Published: March 2015

Link duration prediction is one of the most fundamental problems in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) as it determines the network performance of many vehicular applications. Existing analytical analysis about link duration in both mobile ad hoc network (MANETs) and VANETs is too complicated to be applied in a practical setting. Assuming vehicle's velocity follows the normal distribution, we propose a practical model which considers the distribution of relative velocity, intervehicle distance, and impact of traffic lights to estimate the expected link duration between any pair of connected vehicles. Such model is implemented on each vehicle along with (1) a relative velocity estimation approach and (2) an exponential moving average- (EMA-) based data processing procedure. Furthermore, the proposed model assumes that the events of two consecutive vehicles encountering traffic lights combination are dependent, which make the model more practical. Simulation results show that the link duration model predicts link duration with the average accuracy of 10% and 20% in highway and city scenarios, respectively.
Performance Evaluation of a Real Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Network Testbed
Authors: Paula Maicke C. G. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Dias João A. , Isento João N. , Vinel Alexey
Published: March 2015

Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks (VDTNs) are a breakthrough based DTN solution used to provide vehicular communications under challenging scenarios, characterized by long delays and sporadic connections. Using the store-carry-and-forward paradigm, this technology allows in-transit bundles to asynchronously reach the destination hop by hop over traveling vehicles equipped with short-range wireless devices. The VDTN architecture assumes out-of-band signaling with control and data planes separation and follows an IP over VDTN approach. This paper presents a real-world VDTN prototype evaluated through a safety application and a Traffic Jam Information Service. It also demonstrates the real deployment of this new vehicular communication approach. The real testbed is an important contribution since some complex issues presented in vehicular communication systems can be studied more accurately in real-world environments than in a laboratory approach. The results confirm that real deployment of VDTNs is doable and can be seen as a very promising technology for vehicular communications, although it requires appropriated technologies for outline interferences and quality of service support.
Irreducible Dislocation of the Great Toe Interphalangeal Joint Secondary to an Incarcerated Sesamoid
Authors: Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah , Chia Zi-Yang , Tan Hwee-Chye Andrew
Published: March 2015

Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the great toe is rare. We report a case of a 29-year-old gentleman who presented to the Orthopaedic Surgery Specialist Outpatient Clinic with an irreducible IP joint of the great toe that had been untreated for 4 weeks. The mechanism of injury is believed to be a combination of axial loading with a hyperdorsiflexion force when the patient fell foot first into a drain. As the patient did not report severe symptoms and a true lateral radiograph was not ordered, the dislocation was missed initially at the emergency department. The patient had continued to run and play field hockey prior to visiting us. Incarceration of the sesamoid became a block to manipulation and reduction at the specialist outpatient clinic 3 weeks later. The patient was treated with open surgical exploration, resection of the interposed sesamoid, and Kirschner-wire fixation of the IP joint followed by occupational therapy for mobilization exercises. The operative course was uneventful. At 6 months after surgery, the patient could walk, run, and return to sports.
Observer-Based Robust Fault Detection Filter Design and Optimization for Networked Control Systems
Authors: Jiang Weilai , Dong Chaoyang , Niu Erzhuo , Wang Qing
Published: March 2015

The problem of robust fault detection filter (FDF) design and optimization is investigated for a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with random delays. The NCSs are modeled as Markovian jump systems (MJSs) by assuming that the random delays obey a Markov chain. Based on the model, an observer-based residual generator is constructed and the corresponding fault detection problem is formulated as anH∞filtering problem by which the error between the residual signal and the fault is made as small as possible. A sufficient condition for the existence of the desired FDF is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Furthermore, to improve the performance of the robust fault detection systems, a time domain optimization approach is proposed. The solution of the optimization problem is given in the form of Moore-Penrose inverse of matrix. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed approach.
Choice Model and Influencing Factor Analysis of Travel Mode for Migrant Workers: Case Study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Chen Hong , Gan Zuo-xian , He Yu-ting
Published: March 2015

Based on the basic theory and methods of disaggregate choice model, the influencing factors in travel mode choice for migrant workers are analyzed, according to 1366 data samples of Xi’an migrant workers. Walking, bus, subway, and taxi are taken as the alternative parts of travel modes for migrant workers, and a multinomial logit (MNL) model of travel mode for migrant workers is set up. The validity of the model is verified by the hit rate, and the hit rates of four travel modes are all greater than 80%. Finally, the influence of different factors affecting the choice of travel mode is analyzed in detail, and the inelasticity of each factor is analyzed with the elasticity theory. Influencing factors such as age, education level, and monthly gross income have significant impact on travel choice mode for migrant workers. The elasticity values of education degree are greater than 1, indicating that it on the travel mode choice is of elasticity, while the elasticity values of gender, industry distribution, and travel purpose are less than 1, indicating that these factors on travel mode choice are of inelasticity.