bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal fractionation of lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) from lignocellulosic biomass: an example using spruce wood
Authors: Du Xueyu , Gellerstedt Goran , Li Jiebing
Published: January 2013

It is of both theoretical and practical importance to develop a universally applicable approach for the fractionation and sensitive lignin characterization of lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) from all types of lignocellulosic biomass, both natively and after various types of processing. In the present study, a previously reported fractionation approach that is applicable for eucalyptus (hardwood) and flax (non‐wood) was further improved by introducing an additional step of barium hydroxide precipitation to isolate the mannan‐enriched LCC (glucomannan‐lignin, GML), in order to suit softwood species as well. Spruce wood was used as the softwood sample. As indicated by the recovery yield and composition analysis, all of the lignin was recovered in three LCC fractions: a glucan‐enriched fraction (glucan‐lignin, GL), a mannan‐enriched fraction (GML) and a xylan‐enriched fraction (xylan‐lignin, XL). All of the LCCs had high molecular masses and were insoluble or barely soluble in a dioxane/water solution. Carbohydrate and lignin signals were observed in 1H NMR, 13C CP‐MAS NMR and normal‐ or high‐sensitivity 2D HSQC NMR analyses. The carbohydrate and lignin constituents in each LCC fraction are therefore believed to be chemically bonded rather than physically mixed with one another. The three LCC fractions were found to be distinctly different from each other in terms of their lignin structures, as revealed by highly sensitive analyses by thioacidolysis‐GC, thioacidolysis‐SEC and pyrolysis‐GC.
Haphazard reporting of deaths in clinical trials: a review of cases of ClinicalTrials.gov records and matched publications–a cross-sectional study
Authors: Earley Amy , Lau Joseph , Uhlig, Katrin
Published: January 2013

Context

A participant death is a serious event in a clinical trial and needs to be unambiguously and publicly reported.

Objective

To examine (1) how often and how numbers of deaths are reported in ClinicalTrials.gov records; (2) how often total deaths can be determined per arm within a ClinicalTrials.gov results record and its corresponding publication and (3) whether counts may be discordant.

Design

Registry-based study of clinical trial results reporting.

Setting

ClinicalTrials.gov results database searched in July 2011 and matched PubMed publications.

Selection criteria

A random sample of ClinicalTrials.gov results records. Detailed review of records with a single corresponding publication.

Main outcome measure

ClinicalTrials.gov records reporting number of deaths under participant flow, primary or secondary outcome or serious adverse events. Consistency in reporting of number of deaths between ClinicalTrials.gov records and corresponding publications.

Results

In 500 randomly selected ClinicalTrials.gov records, only 123 records (25%) reported a number for deaths. Reporting of deaths across data modules for participant flow, primary or secondary outcomes and serious adverse events was variable. In a sample of 27 pairs of ClinicalTrials.gov records with number of deaths and corresponding publications, total deaths per arm could only be determined in 56% (15/27 pairs) but were discordant in 19% (5/27). In 27 pairs of ClinicalTrials.gov records without any information on number of deaths, 48% (13/27) were discordant since the publications reported absence of deaths in 33% (9/27) and positive death numbers in 15% (4/27).

Conclusions

Deaths are variably reported in ClinicalTrials.gov records. A reliable total number of deaths per arm cannot always be determined with certainty or can be discordant with number reported in corresponding trial publications. This highlights a need for unambiguous and complete reporting of the number of deaths in trial registries and publications.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation: 5 years on
Authors: Ryan Stephen A , Lowney Aoife C , Murphy Marie , Kelly Paul J , Power Derek G
Published: January 2013

With advances in cancer management, patients are living with the long-term sequelae of both cancer and its treatment. This era of cancer survivorship poses unique challenges to the interdisciplinary cancer team in terms of management and prevention of treatment-related toxicities. This paper describes the case of a 55-year-old patient with neurocognitive disturbance as a result of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Five years after a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, she is now an inpatient at a specialist palliative care unit. The current evidence for PCI and for potentially modifiable risk factors for neurocognitive disturbance as a consequence of PCI is explored.
HIV diagnosis and utilisation of HIV-related medical care among foreign-born persons in New York City, 2001–2009
Authors: Wiewel Ellen W , Torian Lucia V , Nasrallah Hani N , Hanna David B , Shepard Colin W
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To measure trends in HIV diagnoses among foreign-born (FB) New Yorkers and compare the epidemic in FB with that in non-FB (NFB).

Methods

New York City (NYC) HIV/AIDS surveillance registry data were used to measure trends in HIV diagnoses in 2001–2009, calculate HIV diagnosis rates by area of birth, and compare demographic and care characteristics of FB and NFB diagnosed in 2006–2009. The registry contains data on all New Yorkers diagnosed with HIV infection, HIV disease and AIDS, and receives laboratory results on all New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

Results

From 2001 to 2009, new HIV diagnoses among FB increased modestly in number but significantly as a percent of all cases (17% in 2001 to 28% in 2009; p<0.01). In 2006–2009, the annual rate of diagnosis was lower among FB than NFB (37 vs 56 per 100 000). Compared with NFB, FB persons were significantly more likely to be diagnosed concurrently with AIDS; FB had a lower median CD4 count at initiation of care. FB persons were less likely to have insurance, and 13% needed language interpretation services.

Conclusions

The percentage of HIV diagnoses in NYC attributed to FB persons has increased. HIV infection may remain undiagnosed longer in FB than NFB. FB may benefit from targeted prevention outreach and other services.
Combined associations between moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour with cardiometabolic risk factors in children
Authors: Chaput Jean-Philippe , Saunders Travis John , Mathieu Marie-Ève , Henderson Mélanie , Tremblay Mark Stephen , O'Loughlin Jennifer , Tremblay Angelo
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to examine the combined associations between time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and time spent sedentary in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of Canadian children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 536 white children aged 8–10 years with at least 1 obese biological parent. Time spent in MVPA and sedentary behaviour over 7 days was measured using accelerometry and participants were stratified by tertiles. Daily screen time over 7 days was also self-reported by the child. Outcomes included waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose concentrations. Analyses of covariance comparing tertiles of sedentary time/MVPA showed that higher levels of MVPA were associated with lower waist circumference, fasting triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure, and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, irrespective of sedentary time. In linear regression, MVPA was inversely associated with waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure and positively associated with HDL cholesterol, independent of covariates including sedentary time. In contrast, sedentary time was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure but after adjustment for MVPA the association was no longer statistically significant. Self-reported screen time was positively associated with waist circumference and negatively associated with HDL cholesterol independent of covariates including MVPA. Overall, a high level of MVPA was associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk in this sample of children, regardless of their amount of sedentary behaviour. The type of sedentary behaviour (i.e., screen time) might be more important than overall sedentary time in relation to cardiometabolic risk.
Genetic diversity and population structure of cotton (Gossypiumspp.) of the New World assessed by SSR markers
Authors: Ulloa Mauricio , Abdurakhmonov Ibrokhim Y. , Perez-M. Claudia , Percy Richard , Stewart James McD.
Published: January 2013

A global analysis of cotton (Gossypium spp.) genetic diversity is the first step to understanding its geographical distribution, dissemination, genetic relatedness, and population structure. To assess the genetic diversity and population structure in Gossypium species, 111 cotton accessions representing five allotetraploids (AD1–AD5genomes), 23 Asiatic diploids of the Old World (A1and A2genomes), and 82 diploids of the New World subgenus Houzingenia (D1–D11genomes) species were assessed using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers with wide genome coverage. The mean genetic distance (GD) between the two most important New World tetraploid cottons (Upland (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Pima (Gossypium barbadense L.)) was 0.39. Among the three shrub type sections (Houzingenia, Integrifolia, and Caducibracteolata) and three arborescent sections (Erioxylum, Selera, and Austroamericana), the GD ranged between 0.19 and 0.41. Phylogenetic analyses clustered all species into distinct phylogenetic groups, which were consistent with genomic origin, evolutionary history, and geographic distribution or ecotypes of these accessions, suggesting the existence of clear structured strata. With all of the genomes, the highest statistical analysis of Structure test through measurements of ad hoc (ΔK) occurred at K = 2, with group Q1 with the Old World diploid A genomes and with group Q2 with all the New World diploids of the D genome. AD genome accessions shared nearly equal alleles from both Q1 and Q2 groups. With all of the diploids of the New World D genomes, the highest value of ΔK occurred at K = 5. These results are consistent with the fundamental knowledge of tetraploid AD-genome formation and the rapid radiation of the American diploid cotton linage that took place somewhere in southwestern Mexico, followed by a differentiation–speciation during angiosperm evolution. In addition, SSR markers provide an alternative solution for distinguishing phylogenetic relationships between accessions of different ecotypes and for elucidating population structure of cottons of the New World.
MONODROMY OF THE SL2 HITCHIN FIBRATION
Authors: SCHAPOSNIK LAURA P.
Published: January 2013

We calculate the monodromy action on the mod 2 cohomology for SL (2, ℂ) Hitchin systems and give an application of our results in terms of the moduli space of semistable SL (2, ℝ)-Higgs bundles.
HODGE POLYNOMIALS OF SOME MODULI SPACES OF COHERENT SYSTEMS
Authors: GONZÁLEZ–MARTÍNEZ CRISTIAN
Published: January 2013

When k < n, we study the coherent systems that come from a BGN extension in which the quotient bundle is strictly semistable. In this case we describe a stratification of the moduli space of coherent systems. We also describe the strata as complements of determinantal varieties and we prove that these are irreducible and smooth. These descriptions allow us to compute the Hodge polynomials of this moduli space in some cases. In particular, we give explicit computations for the cases in which (n, d, k) = (3, d, 1) and d is even, obtaining from them the usual Poincaré polynomials.
COMPACTIFICATION OF THE PRYM MAP FOR NON-CYCLIC TRIPLE COVERINGS
Authors: LANGE HERBERT , ORTEGA ANGELA
Published: January 2013

According to [H. Lange and A. Ortega, Prym varieties of triple coverings, Int. Math. Res. Notices2011(22) (2011) 5045–5075], the Prym variety of any non-cyclic étale triple cover f : Y → X of a smooth curve X of genus 2 is a Jacobian variety of dimension 2. This gives a map from the moduli space of such covers to the moduli space of Jacobian varieties of dimension 2. We extend this map to a proper map Pr of a moduli space [Formula: see text] of admissible S3-covers of genus 7 to the moduli space [Formula: see text] of principally polarized abelian surfaces. The main result is that [Formula: see text] is finite surjective of degree 10.
THE FIRST-PRINCIPLES STABILITY STUDY OF PdC AND CdC COMPOUNDS
Authors: ATESER ENGIN , OZISIK HAVVA BOGAZ , DELIGOZ ENGIN , COLAKOGLU KEMAL
Published: January 2013

We have studied structural, mechanical and dynamical properties of PdC and CdC compounds to predict the most stable structure. We have focused on seven binary structure types as rock salt (RS), caesium chloride ( CsCl ), zinc blende (ZB), wurtzite (WZ), tungsten carbide (WC), cadmium telluride ( CdTe ) and nickel arsenide ( NiAs ). For modelling exchange-correlation effects we have used generalized gradient (GGA) approximation based on Perdew–Burke–Ernzhorf functional (PBE). The polycrystalline elastic moduli such as Young's and shear moduli, Poisson's ratio, sound velocities, Debye temperatures and shear anisotropic factors have been presented for mechanically stable structures using second-order elastic constants calculated from the stress-strain relations. The results show that PdC is thermodynamically, mechanically and dynamically stable in ZB structure. On the other hand, while CdC is energetically in favor of RS structure, it is mechanically and dynamically stable in ZB structure.
A GENERAL DUALITY THEORY FOR CLONES
Authors: KERKHOFF SEBASTIAN
Published: January 2013

Inspired by work of Mašulović, we outline a general duality theory for clones that will allow us to dualize any given clone, together with its relational counterpart and the relationship between them. Afterwards, we put the approach to work and illustrate it by producing some specific results for concrete examples as well as some general results that come from studying the duals of clones in a rather abstract fashion.
GRÖBNER–SHIRSHOV BASES FOR L-ALGEBRAS
Authors: BOKUT L. A. , CHEN YUQUN , HUANG JIAPENG
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we first establish Composition-Diamond lemma for Ω-algebras. We give a Gröbner–Shirshov basis of the free L-algebra as a quotient algebra of a free Ω-algebra, and then the normal form of the free L-algebra is obtained. Second we establish Composition-Diamond lemma for L-algebras. As applications, we give Gröbner–Shirshov bases of the free dialgebra and the free product of two L-algebras, and then we show four embedding theorems of L-algebras: (1) Every countably generated L-algebra can be embedded into a two-generated L-algebra. (2) Every L-algebra can be embedded into a simple L-algebra. (3) Every countably generated L-algebra over a countable field can be embedded into a simple two-generated L-algebra. (4) Three arbitrary L-algebras A, B, C over a field k can be embedded into a simple L-algebra generated by B and C if |k| ≤ dim (B * C) and |A| ≤ |B * C|, where B * C is the free product of B and C.
COMPUTATION OF LIMIT LOAD USING EDGE-BASED SMOOTHED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD AND SECOND-ORDER CONE PROGRAMMING
Authors: LE C. V. , NGUYEN-XUAN H. , ASKES H. , RABCZUK T. , NGUYEN-THOI T.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a novel numerical procedure for limit analysis of plane problems using edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) in combination with second-order cone programming. In the ES-FEM, the discrete weak form is obtained based on the strain smoothing technique over smoothing domains associated with the edges of the elements. Using constant smoothing functions, the incompressibility condition only needs to be enforced at one point in each smoothing domain, and only one Gaussian point is required, ensuring that the size of the resulting optimization problem is kept to a minimum. The discretization problem is transformed into the form of a second-order cone programming problem which can be solved using highly efficient interior-point solvers. Finally, the efficacy of the procedure is demonstrated by applying it to various benchmark plane stress and strain problems.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF MCM-41 NANOPARTICLES ON THE KINETICS OF ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE
Authors: ASFADEH ABBAS , HADDADI-ASL VAHID , SALAMI-KALAJAHI MEHDI , SARSABILI MOHAMMADREZA , ROGHANI-MAMAQANI HOSSEIN
Published: January 2013

Effect of pristine and modified MCM-41 on the kinetics of styrene atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was studied using a double bound containing modifier at 110°C. Conversion, molecular weight and PDI were obtained during the polymerization reactions to study the polymerization kinetics. Addition of the both types of MCM-41 has resulted in inconsiderable variations on the kinetics of polymerization. A similar trend is observed for the molecular weight of the free chains; however, increasing MCM-41 content results in higher PDI values. Also, surface modification of MCM-41 results in lower polymerization rates. In the case of grafted chains, molecular weight and PDI values increase by increasing MCM-41 content.
Conservative Treatment for Cystic Duct Stenosis in a Child
Authors: Gasparetto Marco , Giordano Laura , Cananzi Mara , Beltrame Valeria , Bisogno Gianni , Guariso Graziella
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Few cases of common bile duct stenosis have been reported in the literature, and observations of strictures in the cystic duct are even more rare. Surgical cholecystectomy is the treatment needed in most cases of gallbladder hydrops. This paper describes the diagnosis and successful medical treatment of a rare pediatric case of cystic duct stenosis and gallbladder hydrops.Case Report. A formerly healthy one-year-old girl was admitted with colicky abdominal pain. Blood tests were normal, except for an increase in transaminases. Abdominal ultrasound excluded intestinal intussusception and identified a distended gallbladder with biliary sludge. MR cholangiography revealed a dilated gallbladder containing bile sediment and no detectable cystic duct, while the rest of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree and hepatic parenchyma were normal. This evidence was consistent with gallbladder hydrops associated with cystic duct stenosis. The baby was treated with i.v. hydration, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and ursodeoxycholic acid. Her general condition rapidly improved, with no further episodes of abdominal pain and normalization of liver enzymes. This allowed to avoid cholecystectomy, and the child is well 1.5 years after diagnosis.Conclusions. Although cholecystectomy is usually necessary in case of gallbladder hydrops, our experience suggests that surgical procedures can be avoided when the distension is caused by a cystic duct stenosis.
Seasonal Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Mangroves of Goa, India
Authors: D’Souza James , Rodrigues Bernard Felinov
Published: January 2013

Seasonal dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community composition in three common mangrove plant species, namely, Acanthus ilicifolius, Excoecaria agallocha, and Rhizophora mucronata, from two sites in Goa, India, were investigated. In all three species variation in AM fungal spore density was observed. Maximum spore density and AM species richness were recorded in the premonsoon season, while minimum spore density and richness were observed during monsoon season at both sites. A total of 11 AM fungal species representing five genera were recorded. Acaulospora laevis was recorded in all seasons at both sites. Multivariate analysis revealed that season and host coaffected AM spore density and species richness with the former having greater influence than the latter.
Pummelo Protects Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Cell Death by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Modifying Glutathione Transferase Expression, and Preventing Cellular Senescence
Authors: Chularojmontri L. , Gerdprasert O. , Wattanapitayakul S. K.
Published: January 2013

Citrus flavonoids have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks prominently due to their antioxidant effects. Here we investigated the protective effect of pummelo (Citrus maxima, CM) fruit juice in rat cardiac H9c2 cells against doxorubicin (DOX-) induced cytotoxicity. Four antioxidant compositions (ascorbic acid, hesperidin, naringin, and gallic acid) were determined by HPLC. CM significantly increased cardiac cell survival from DOX toxicity as evaluated by MTT assay. Reduction of cellular oxidative stress was monitored by the formation of DCF fluorescent product and total glutathione (GSH) levels. The changes in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity and expression were determined by enzyme activity assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Influence of CM on senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase activity (SA-β-gal) was also determined. The mechanisms of cytoprotection involved reduction of intracellular oxidative stress, maintaining GSH availability, and enhanced GST enzyme activity and expression. DOX-induced cellular senescence was also attenuated by long-term CM treatment. Thus, CM fruit juice can be promoted as functional fruit to protect cells from oxidative cell death, enhance the phase II GSTP enzyme activity, and decrease senescence phenotype population induced by cardiotoxic agent such as DOX.
Immunomodulatory Activity ofLactococcus lactisA17 from Taiwan Fermented Cabbage in OVA-Sensitized BALB/c Mice
Authors: Mei Hui-Ching , Liu Yen-Wenn , Chiang Yi-Chin , Chao Shiou-Huei , Mei Nai-Wen , Liu Yu-Wen , Tsai Ying-Chieh
Published: January 2013

From fermented Taiwan foods, we have isolated numerous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of plant origin and investigated their biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect and mechanism ofLactococcus lactisA17 (A17), isolated from Taiwan fermented cabbage, on ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to verify immune responses of A17 by IFN-γproduction. Live (A17-A) and heat-killed A17 (A17-H) were orally administered to OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice to investigate their effects on immunoglobulin (Ig) and cytokine production. The mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like protein receptors in spleen cells was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Both live and heat-killed A17 modulate OVA-induced allergic effects. B-cell response was modulated by diminishing IgE production and raising OVA-specific IgG2a production, while T-cell response was modulated by increasing IFN-γproduction and decreasing IL-4 production. The mRNA expression of NOD-1, NOD-2, and TLR-4 was down-regulated by A17 as well. This is the first report to describe a naïveLactococcus lactisA17 strain as a promising candidate for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of allergic diseases via oral administration. Our results suggest the ameliorative effects of A17 may be caused by modulating NOD-1 NOD-2, and TLR-4 expression.
A Case of Relapsing Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease
Authors: Rezayat Talayeh , Carroll Matthew B. , Ramsey Bryan C. , Smith Andria
Published: January 2013

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis was first described in Japan in 1972. It is described as a benign syndrome most commonly involving cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and night sweats. The etiology of KFD is unknown but it is thought to be triggered by an autoimmune or viral process with an exaggerated T-cell-mediated immune response. KFD can mimic other serious conditions such as lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), herpes simplex, and Epstein Barr virus. Diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically. Kikuchi’s disease is typically reported to have a self-limiting course, resolving within several months and with a low recurrence rate between 3% and 4%. There is no specific treatment for KFD but any treatment is generally directed towards symptomatic relief with antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases corticosteroids have been used. Here we describe a case of a previously healthy 26-year-old female that presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Malignancy and infections were ruled, and she was diagnosed with KFD histopathologically by lymph node biopsy. Her case is a severe case of KFD that despite treatment with multiple courses of corticosteroids and an immune modulating agent, relapsed.
Innovative Approach for Interstitial Cystitis: Vaginal Pessaries Loaded Diazepam—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Capra P. , Perugini P. , Bleve M. , Pavanetto P. , Musitelli G. , Rovereto B. , Porru D.
Published: January 2013

Bladder pain is a characteristic disorder of interstitial cystitis. Diazepam is well known for its antispasmodic activity in the treatment of muscular hypertonus. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize vaginal pessaries as an intravaginal delivery system of diazepam for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. In particular, the performance of two types of formulations, with and without beta-glucan, was compared. In particular, the preparation of pessaries, according to the modified Pharmacopeia protocol, the setup of the analytical method to determine diazepam, pH evaluation, dissolution profile, and photostability assay were reported. Results showed that the modified protocol permitted obtaining optimal vaginal pessaries, without air bubbles, with good consistency and handling and with good pH profiles. In order to determine the diazepam amount, calibration curves with good correlation coefficients were obtained, by the spectrophotometric method, using placebo pessaries as matrix with the addition of diazepam standard solution. This method was demonstrated sensible and accurate to determine the amount of drug in batches. Dissolution profiles showed a complete diazepam release just after 15 minutes, even if beta-glucan pessaries released drug more gradually. Finally, a possible drug photodegradation after exacerbated UV-visible exposition was evaluated.
Low-Grade Uterine Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Presented as a Submucosal Leiomyoma during Labor
Authors: Koutsopoulos Anastasios V. , Sivridis Efthimios , Tsikouras Panagiotis , Liberis Vasileios , Karpathiou Georgia , Giatromanolaki Alexandra
Published: January 2013

With the exception of leiomyomas, soft tissue tumors of the uterine corpus are not common. This is particularly true for vascular neoplasms, with the epithelioid hemangioendothelioma being a curiosity; not more than twenty-two cases of malignant hemangioendotheliomas have been reported in the literature so far, all of which were high-grade hemangioendotheliomas (hemangiosarcomas). We present herewith a unique case of low-grade epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the uterus in a pregnant woman aged 29 years. The clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of this entity, together with its differential diagnosis, are discussed.
SP2DAS: Self-certified PKC-Based Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation Scheme in Smart Grid
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Liu Liying , Cui Yuanbo , Chen Zhipeng
Published: January 2013

Smart grid is a network of computers and power infrastructures that monitor and control energy usage by collecting data from the power grid. It can gather and distribute information about the behavior of all consumers in order to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics, safety, and sustainability of electricity services. In this paper, we propose a self-certified PKC-based privacy-preserving data aggregation scheme in smart grid to increase computation efficiency and achieve privacy protection of end users. To realize the anonymous aggregation of multidimensional data, we adopt the Chinese Remainder Theorem and homomorphic property of Paillier cryptosystem to achieve it. Comparing our scheme with Lu et al.'s scheme, the result shows that our scheme has more advantages over Lu et al.'s scheme in terms of computational costs of the user, GW, and OA. After adopting batch verification technique, the computational cost of GW is constant in our scheme, however, that of GW is linear with the number of the users in Lu et al.'s scheme. Furthermore, our scheme also supports the anonymity of the user's identity. It indicates that the local gateway GW does not know the real identity of the resident user such that the privacy of the user is better protected.
Utility of Intraoperative Frozen Sections during Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Kahmke Russel , Lee Walter T. , Puscas Liana , Scher Richard L. , Shealy Michael J. , Burch Warner M. , Esclamado Ramon M.
Published: January 2013

Objective. To describe the usefulness of intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules where fine needle aspirate biopsies have evidence of follicular neoplasm.Study Design. Retrospective case series.Methods. All patients have a fine needle aspirate biopsy, an intraoperative frozen section, and final pathology performed on a thyroid nodule after initiation of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology in 2009 at a single tertiary referral center. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value are calculated in order to determine added benefit of frozen section to original fine needle aspirate data.Results. The sensitivity and specificity of the frozen section were 76.9% and 67.9%, respectively, while for the fine needle aspirate were 53.8% and 74.1%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for the fine needle aspirates were 25% and 90.9%, respectively, while for the frozen sections were 27.8% and 94.8%, respectively. There were no changes in the operative course as a consequence of the frozen sections.Conclusion. Our data does not support the clinical usefulness of intraoperative frozen section when the fine needle aspirate yields a Bethesda Criteria diagnosis of follicular neoplasm, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, or suspicious for malignancy at our institution.
The Identification of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve by Injection of Blue Dye into the Inferior Thyroid Artery in Elusive Locations
Authors: Hepgul Gulcin , Kucukyilmaz Meltem , Koc Oguz , Duzkoylu Yigit , Sari Yavuz Selim , Erbil Yesim
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Thyroidectomy creates a potential risk for all parathyroid glands and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). The identification and dissection of the RLN is the gold standard for preserving its function. In some cases, it may be quite difficult to identify the nerve localization. In such elusive locations, we aimed to identify RLNs using peroperative injection of a blue dye into the inferior thyroid artery.Materials and Methods. This study included 10 selected patients whose RLN identification had been difficult peroperatively during the period from April 2008 to June 2009. When the RLNs became elusive in location, the branches of the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) on the capsule of the thyroid lobe were isolated, and then 0.5 mL isosulphan blue dye was injected into the artery.Results. RLN was carefully dissected in the tracheoesophageal groove. RLN was clearly visualized, in all patients. All RLNs were identified along their course in the dyed surrounding tissue. No RLN palsy was encountered.Conclusion. The injection of blue dye into the ITA branches can be used as an alternate method in case of difficulty in identification of RLNs.
Sex-Associated Expression of Co-Stimulatory Molecules CD80, CD86, and Accessory Molecules, PDL-1, PDL-2 and MHC-II, in F480+ Macrophages during Murine Cysticercosis
Authors: Togno-Peirce Cristián , Nava-Castro Karen , Terrazas Luis Ignacio , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: January 2013

Macrophages are critically involved in the interaction betweenT. crassicepsand the murine host immune system. Also, a strong gender-associated susceptibility to murine cysticercosis has been reported. Here, we examined the sex-associated expression of molecules MHC-II, CD80, CD86, PD-L1, and PD-L2 on peritoneal F4/80himacrophages of BALB/c mice infected withTaenia crassiceps. Peritoneal macrophages from both sexes of mice were exposed toT. crassicepstotal extract (TcEx). BALB/c Females mice recruit higher number of macrophages to the peritoneum. Macrophages from infected animals show increased expression of PDL2 and CD80 that was dependent from the sex of the host. These findings suggest that macrophage recruitment at early time points duringT. crassicepsinfection is a possible mechanism that underlies the differential sex-associated susceptibility displayed by the mouse gender.
Integrative Approach to the Plant Commissioning Process
Authors: Lawry Kris , Pons Dirk John
Published: January 2013

Commissioning is essential in plant-modification projects, yet tends to be ad hoc. The issue is not so much ignorance as lack of systematic approaches. This paper presents a structured model wherein commissioning is systematically integrated with risk management, project management, and production engineering. Three strategies for commissioning emerge, identified as direct, advanced, and parallel. Direct commissioning is the traditional approach of stopping the plant to insert the new unit. Advanced commissioning is the commissioning of the new unit prior to installation. Parallel commissioning is the commissioning of the new unit in its operating position, while the old unit is still operational. Results are reported for two plant case studies, showing that advanced and parallel commissioning can significantly reduce risk. The model presents a novel and more structured way of thinking about commissioning, allowing for a more critical examination of how to approach a particular project.
Management of Uncomplicated Malaria in Underfives in Private and Public Health Facilities in South-Eastern Nigeria: A Clinical Audit of Current Practices
Authors: Udoh Ekong , Oyo-ita Angela , Odey Friday , Effa Emmanuel , Esu Ekpereonne , Oduwole Olabisi , Chibuzor Moriam , Meremikwu Martin
Published: January 2013

Malaria remains a leading cause of underfive morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Effective case management is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization for its control. A clinical audit of case management of uncomplicated malaria in underfives in health facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted from January to March 2012. Data was extracted from patients’ case records by trained medical personnel using pretested data extraction forms. Of the 463 case records reviewed, age, gender, and weight were reported in 98.1%, 97.3%, and 49.7% of the children, respectively. A history of fever was obtained in 89.6% and a record of temperature in 74.1% of the children. General examination was performed in 203 (43.8%) children. Malaria parasite test was requested in 132 (28.5%) while Packed cell volume or haemoglobin was requested in 107 (23.1%) children. Appropriate dose of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) was instituted in 300 (64.8%), wrong dose in 109 (23.5%), and inappropriate treatment in 41 (8.9%). The utilization of ACTs for treating uncomplicated malaria in the State has improved but clinical assessment of patients and laboratory confirmation of diagnosis are suboptimum.
Clinical Use and Mechanisms of Infliximab Treatment on Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Recent Update
Authors: Guo Yuan , Lu Nonghua , Bai Aiping
Published: January 2013

The pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been recently advanced, while it is still challenged with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), has emerged as an efficient treatment with many clinical benefits such as quick disease activity reduction and IBD patient life quality improvement. However, the biological effects of infliximab on IBD need to be elucidated. This paper reviewed the clinical use and recently advanced biological action of infliximab on IBD. By forming the stable complex with the soluble or the membrane form of TNF in fluid environment or on cell surface of immune cell, fibroblast, endothelium, and epithelium, infliximab quenches TNF activity and performs the important biological actions which lead to amelioration and remission of immune responses. The mechanisms of infliximab treatment for IBD were intensively discussed. The recent advances on two topics including predictors and side effects of infliximab treatment were also reviewed.
The Effect of Methylated Vitamin B Complex on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Quality of Life in Adults with Depression
Authors: Lewis John E. , Tiozzo Eduard , Melillo Angelica B. , Leonard Susanna , Chen Lawrence , Mendez Armando , Woolger Judi M. , Konefal Janet
Published: January 2013

Depression, the most common type of mental illness, is the second leading cause of disability and is increasing among Americans. The effect of improved nutrition, particularly with dietary supplements, on depression may provide an alternative to standard medical treatment. Some studies have shown that certain nutrients (e.g., inositol and S-adenosyl methionine) are effective at improving depressed mood, although the results are not unequivocal. The current study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a vitamin B complex nutritional supplement (Max Stress B) for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms according to the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI) in 60 adults diagnosed with major depression or other forms of depressive disorders. Secondary outcomes included quality of life according to the SF-36. Participants were assessed at baseline and 30- and 60-day followups.
Max Stress B showed significant and more continuous improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to placebo. Additionally, Max Stress B showed significant improvement on the mental health scale of the SF-36 compared to placebo. Thus, we showed modest utility of Max Stress B to improve mood symptoms and mental health quality of life in adults with depression.
A Rare Complication of Hyperplastic Gastric Polyp
Authors: Nayudu Suresh Kumar , Niazi Masooma , Balar Bhavna , Kumbum Kavitha
Published: January 2013

Hyperplastic gastric polyps are incidentally diagnosed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. They are known to cause gastric outlet obstruction and chronic blood loss leading to iron deficiency anemia. However, hyperplastic gastric polyp presenting as acute severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding is very rare. To the best of our knowledge, there have been two cases of hyperplastic gastric polyps presenting as acute gastrointestinal bleeding in the medical literature. We present a case of a 56-year-old African American woman who was admitted to our hospital with symptomatic anemia and sepsis. The patient developed acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding during her hospital stay. She underwent emergent endoscopy, but bleeding could not be controlled. She underwent emergent laparotomy and wedge resection to control the bleeding. Biopsy of surgical specimen was reported as hyperplastic gastric polyp. We recommend that physicians should be aware of this rare serious complication of hyperplastic gastric polyps as endoscopic polypectomy has diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in preventing future complications including bleeding.
Long‐Term Effects of Cataract Surgery on Tear Film Parameters
Authors: Venincasa Vincent D. , Galor Anat , Feuer William , Lee David J. , Florez Hermes , Venincasa Michael J.
Published: January 2013

Purpose. To examine the differences in tear film parameters more than 3 months postsurgery in eyes with cataract surgery (surgical eyes) versus eyes without cataract surgery (nonsurgical eyes). Methods. 29 patients were seen at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) who had cataract surgery by phacoemulsification in one eye more than 3 months prior to the study date and had no history of surgical intervention in their fellow eye. Tear film parameters were measured in both eyes and compared using McNemar tests for dichotomous variables and paired and single sample t‐tests for continuous variables. Results. Mean patient age was 73 (standard deviation (SD): 11); 26 patients (90%) identified themselves as White and 7 (24%) as Hispanic. The mean number of days between surgery and this study was 952 (SD: 1109). There were no statistical differences between the surgical eye and the nonsurgical eye with respect to any of the measured tear film parameters. Confidence intervals around these differences were narrow enough to exclude a substantial effect of cataract surgery. The elapsed time between cataract surgery and measurement of the tear parameters did not appear to affect the difference in parameters between the two eyes. Conclusion. We found that eyes that had cataract surgery more than 3 months prior to testing had no differences in their tear film parameters compared to eyes without a history of surgery.
Apathy and Cognitive Test Performance in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Testing
Authors: Kakos Lynn Reese , Alosco Michael L. , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Hughes Joel , Rosneck Jim , Gunstad John
Published: January 2013

Background. Psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients with cardiovascular disease, with the literature indicating that this population may be at risk for apathy. The current study examined the prevalence of apathy in patients with cardiovascular disease and its relation to aspects of cognitive function. Methods. 123 participants from an outpatient cardiology clinic completed a brief neuropsychological battery, a cardiac stress test, and demographic information, medical history, and depression symptomatology self-report measures. Participants also completed the Apathy Evaluation Scale to quantify apathy. Results. These subjects reported limited levels of apathy and depression. Increased depressive symptomatology, history of heart attack, and metabolic equivalents were significantly correlated with apathy (P<0.05). Partial correlations adjusting for these factors revealed significant correlations between behavioral apathy and a measure of executive function and the other apathy subscale with a measure of attention. Conclusion. Findings revealed that apathy was not prevalent in this sample though associated with medical variables. Apathy was largely unrelated to cognitive function. This pattern may be a result of the mild levels of cardiovascular disease and cognitive dysfunction in the current sample. Future studies in samples with severe cardiovascular disease or neuropsychological impairment may provide insight into these associations.
Understanding of Thermal Conductance of Thin Gas Layers
Authors: Shan Xiaodong , Wang Moran
Published: January 2013

We studied heat conductions in a thin gas layer at micro- and nanoscales between two straight walls by atomistic modeling. Since the Knudsen number is high while the gas may be not really rarefied, we use the generalized Enskog-Monte-Carlo method (GEMC) for simulations. The thermal conductivity of thin gas layer is reduced significantly with the decreased thickness of gas layer. We examined a few possible causes including the rarefied gas effect and the thermal inertia effect. Our careful simulations indicate that the temperature jump on wall surfaces and the properties changing significantly by the confined space are two dominating factors to the thermal conductivity reduction of thin gas layers.
Clinicopathological Features of Growth Hormone-Producing Pituitary Adenomas in 242 Acromegaly Patients: Classification according to Hormone Production and Cytokeratin Distribution
Authors: Mori Ryosuke , Inoshita Naoko , Takahashi-Fujigasaki Junko , Joki Tatsuhiro , Nishioka Hiroshi , Abe Toshiaki , Fujii Takeshi , Yamada Shozo
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the histological features of GH-producing adenomas surgically resected at the Toranomon Hospital and the clinical features of the patients. Histological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for anterior pituitary hormones and cytokeratin (CK), were performed on 242 consecutively excised GH-producing pituitary adenomas. Immunohistochemistry showed 45% of the adenomas to be monohormonal and 55% to be plurihormonal, producing GH-PRL (77%), GH-TSH (13%), and GH-PRL-TSH (10%). One-fourth of the monohormonal GH adenomas had a dot-like pattern of CK immunoreactivity in the majority of the tumor cells (>80%); they were significantly more common in female or younger patients and usually tended to be larger and more invasive than monohormonal GH adenomas with perinuclear CK. Interestingly, CK-immunonegative adenomas were found in only 5% of the patients; they also showed a tendency to be larger, suggesting that they are a distinct type of GH adenoma with clinically aggressive features. Serum hormone levels correlated well with tumor size only in GH-producing adenomas with a perinuclear pattern of CK immunoreactivity. Each histological subtype of adenoma, classified according to the pattern of CK immunoreactivity, was associated with distinct clinical characteristics. This information is useful for understanding the pathophysiology of acromegaly-causing GH-producing adenomas.
Abnormal Cell Responses and Role of TNF-αin Impaired Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Xu Fanxing , Zhang Chenying , Graves Dana T.
Published: January 2013

Impaired diabetic wound healing constitutes a major health problem. The impaired healing is caused by complex factors such as abnormal keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, abnormal macrophage polarization, impaired recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and decreased vascularization. Diabetes-enhanced and prolonged expression of TNF-αalso contributes to impaired healing. In this paper, we discuss the abnormal cell responses in diabetic wound healing and the contribution of TNF-α.
Targeted Resequencing RevealsALKFusions in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas Detected by FISH, Immunohistochemistry, and Real-Time RT-PCR: A Comparison of Four Methods
Authors: Tuononen Katja , Sarhadi Virinder Kaur , Wirtanen Aino , Rönty Mikko , Salmenkivi Kaisa , Knuuttila Aija , Remes Satu , Telaranta-Keerie Aino I. , Bloor Stuart , Ellonen Pekka , Knuutila Sakari
Published: January 2013

Anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements occur in a subgroup of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). The identification of these rearrangements is important for guiding treatment decisions. The aim of our study was to screenALKgene fusions in NSCLCs and to compare the results detected by targeted resequencing with results detected by commonly used methods, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we aimed to ascertain the potential of targeted resequencing in detection ofALK-rearranged lung carcinomas. We assessedALKfusion status for 95 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue specimens from 87 patients with NSCLC by FISH and real-time RT-PCR, for 57 specimens from 56 patients by targeted resequencing, and for 14 specimens from 14 patients by IHC. All methods were performed successfully on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue material. We detectedALKfusion in 5.7% (5 out of 87) of patients examined. The results obtained from resequencing correlated significantly with those from FISH, real-time RT-PCR, and IHC. Targeted resequencing proved to be a promising method forALKgene fusion detection in NSCLC. Means to reduce the material and turnaround time required for analysis are, however, needed.