bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analgesic Activities of Synthesized Divalent Metal Complexes of Tolfenamic Acid
Authors: Mazumder Md Mahabob Ullah , Sukul Abhijit , Saha Sajal Kumar
Published: August 2016

The objective of the study was to synthesize and to uncover the potentially interesting biological peripheral and central analgesic activities of some new divalent metal complexes of tolfenamic acid. The inception of the study was carried out with the formation of complexes [Cu(tolf)2(H2O)]2, [Co(tolf)2(H2O)2] and [Zn(tolf)2(H2O)] through the reaction of tolfenamic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, with Cu, Co and Zn salts. Characterization of the metal complexes of tolfenamic acid was furnished with spectral (FTIR, UV-Visible) and calorimetric (DSC) analysis. The peripheral analgesic activities of the complexes were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhing method. In peripheral analgesia model, Cu, Co and Zn complexes of tolfenamic acid showed significantly promising analgesic potency at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight with percentage of inhibition of acetic acid induced writhing by 49.67% (p < 0.01), 67.32% (p < 0.001) and 72.55% (p < 0.001), respectively compared to the standard tolfenamic acid 46.41%. Radiant heat tail-flick test was used to observe the central analgesic activity which showed analgesic effect evidenced by % elongation time (34.59%, 25.34% and 53.08%), respectively compared to that of morphine 2 mg/kg body weight at an equimolar dose of tolfenamic acid at 10 mg/kg body weight after 30 minutes. In the final analysis, it can be stipulated that newly synthesized stable metal complexes of tolfenamic acid have promising pharmacological effects like peripheral and central analgesic potency. Therefore, these complexes may be the better therapeutic options in the near future however it needs further extensive analysis in the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology perspective.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 89-96, 2016 (June)
Frequency of Extracranial Complications of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Talukder Md Harun Ar Rashid , Hossain Md Monwar , Islam Md Tariqul , Ali Mohammad Idrish , Rahman Mujibur , Haque Md Momenul
Published: August 2016

Objectives: To see the way of presentation of extracranial complication, relationship between socio-economic conditions and extracranial complication of chronic suppuration otitis media.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010. The diagnosis was made by detailed history, clinical examination & investigation. Analyzed data was presented by various tables.Results: In this study male (59%), lower class people (57%), age 11-20 years, rural (66%) and less educated patients were more affected. Having bath in the ponds and rivers suffers more. Clinical presentation of CSOM with complications were aural discharge (100%), hearing impairment (94%), post auricular swelling (15%), pain in the ear (21%), postauricular discharge (27%) and mass in the EAC (12%). Here found aural discharge mostly malodorous and scanty, attic perforation and cholesteatoma. Post auricular abscess most common (47%) extracranial complication and labyrinthitis was the lowest (3%). Atticoantral variety was more common (89%) than that of tubotympanic disease (11%).Conclusion: From the review of the series we found the frequency & types of extracranial complications arising from CSOM and known the current epidemiological data. It can produce awareness among all level of medical practitioners and enhance prompt diagnosis and treatment.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 3-8
Bilateral Pagets Disease of Nipple
Authors: Begum Mahbuba , Habib Ahsan , Faisal Shahrier , Chowdhury MAM , Iqbal KGM
Published: August 2016

Pagets disease of nipple is a rare entity of malignant lesion of breast and bilateral Pagets disease is very uncommon. It presents as eczema like condition of the nipple areola which persists despite local treatment. As it is a superficial manifestation of underlying breast carcinoma high degree of suspicion is essential for proper recognition of this condition, so that early diagnostic work up can be initiated for differentiating it from other benign inflammatory skindisorder and for detecting an underlying breast carcinoma, thereby delay in proper treatment can be avoided in order to avoiding dismal consequences. Here we report a case of bilateral Pagets disease of nipple with invasive left breast carcinoma in a 40 year old lady diagnosed in Medical College for Women and Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 33-36
Thymoma Presenting as a Giant Intrathoracic Mass
Authors: Hasan Rakibul , Khan Omar Sadeque , Nahian SA , Aftabuddin Mohammad , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: August 2016

Thymoma is an epithelial neoplasm of the thymus, which commonly lies in the anterior mediastinum. Thymomas comprise about 1% of all mediastinal tumours. The current treatment of invasive thymoma is often multidisciplinary. This report presents a case of giant thymoma arising in the anterior mediastinum. Surgical resection was scheduled based on the radiological and fine needle aspiration cytology findings. The tumor was completely resected. The weight of the tumor was 2000g. The tumor was histologically diagnosed to type B1 thymoma. Patient was discharged from hospital with advice to attend the oncology department for next treatmentJ Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 37-41
Shift in HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Southeastern China: A Longitudinal Study from 1987 to 2015
Authors: Yan Yansheng , Wu Shouli , Chen Liang , Yan Pingping , Qiu Yuefeng , Xie Meirong , Wang Zhenghua , Lin Xun
Published: August 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the shift in the epidemiological features of HIV/AIDS during the last three decades in Fujian Province, southeastern China, so as to provide evidence for the development of novel HIV/AIDS control strategies. Methods: Data pertaining to the conventional surveillance, sentinel surveillance and epidemiological survey in Fujian Province during the period from 1987 to 2015 were collected. The epidemiological trends were described, and the subtypes of HIV strain were genotyped. In addition, the response to antiretroviral therapy was evaluated, and HIV genotypic resistance was assayed. Results: There was an increasing trend observed in the reported cases of HIV/AIDS in Fujian Province. From 1987 to the end of 2015, a total of 8651 HIV/AIDS cases were reported across the province, with totally 1557 deaths found. Among the total cases, the ratio of male/female cases was 3.7:1, which appeared to be an increasing trend; 77.1% cases were detected in young and middle-aged populations aged 19 to 50 years, however, the new HIV infections recently tended to occur in young people aged 15 to 18 years and in populations aged 50 years and older. Among all infected individuals, 49.3% were married, however, the percentage of unmarried cases increased from 6.67% before 1994 to 40.1% in 2015; 64.8% had junior high school education or lower, however, the proportion of HIV/AIDS cases with junior college education or above gradually increased from 6.5% in 2009 to 21.4% in 2015. The reported HIV/AIDS cases were predominantly found in coastal regions; however, a rapidly increasing trend was seen in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in inland regions, and the geographical variation of the cases gradually reduced. There were multiple routes of HIV transmission found in Fujian Province, and 94.2% infections were sexually transmitted, with a large increase in the percentage of male homosexual transmission. A variety of HIV-1 subtypes were genotyped in the province during the study period, and CRF01-AE and CRF07-BC intersubtype recombinant forms were predominant; however, a declining trend in the proportion of HIV-1 CRF01-AE recombinant virus and a significant rise in the proportion of HIV-1 CRF07-BC recombinant virus were observed. Over 90% HIV inhibition was found in all cases receiving antiretroviral therapy during the period from 2011 to 2015, indicating a low prevalence of HIV drug resistance. Conclusions: An increasing trend is still observed in the HIV/AIDS epidemics in Fujian Province, southeastern China. However, the epidemiological pattern of HIV/AIDS has recently changed in the province, and effective control interventions targeting the shift in the epidemiological features of HIV/AIDS should therefore be implemented to control the spread of the epidemic.
Smart Homes and Sensors for Surveillance and Preventive Education at Home: Example of Obesity
Authors: Demongeot Jacques , Elena Adrien , Jelassi Mariem , Ben Miled Slimane , Bellamine Ben Saoud Narjès , Taramasco Carla
Published: August 2016

(1) Background: The aim of this paper is to show that e-health tools like smart homes allow the personalization of the surveillance and preventive education of chronic patients, such as obese persons, in order to maintain a comfortable and preventive lifestyle at home. (2) Technologies and methods: Several types of sensors allow coaching the patient at home, e.g., the sensors recording the activity and monitoring the physiology of the person. All of this information serves to personalize serious games dedicated to preventive education, for example in nutrition and vision. (3) Results: We built a system of personalized preventive education at home based on serious games, derived from the feedback information they provide through a monitoring system. Therefore, it is possible to define (after clustering and personalized calibration) from the at home surveillance of chronic patients different comfort zones where their behavior can be estimated as normal or abnormal and, then, to adapt both alarm levels for surveillance and education programs for prevention, the chosen example of application being obesity.
A Reconfigurable Microfluidics Platform for Microparticle Separation and Fluid Mixing
Authors: Hahn Young , Hong Daehyup , Kang Joo , Choi Sungyoung
Published: August 2016

Microfluidics is an engineering tool used to control and manipulate fluid flows, with practical applications for lab-on-a-chip, point-of-care testing, and biological/medical research. However, microfluidic platforms typically lack the ability to create a fluidic duct, having an arbitrary flow path, and to change the path as needed without additional design and fabrication processes. To address this challenge, we present a simple yet effective approach for facile, on-demand reconfiguration of microfluidic channels using flexible polymer tubing. The tubing provides both a well-defined, cross-sectional geometry to allow reliable fluidic operation and excellent flexibility to achieve a high degree of freedom for reconfiguration of flow pathways. We demonstrate that microparticle separation and fluid mixing can be successfully implemented by reconfiguring the shape of the tubing. The tubing is coiled around a 3D-printed barrel to make a spiral microchannel with a constant curvature for inertial separation of microparticles. Multiple knots are also made in the tubing to create a highly tortuous flow path, which induces transverse secondary flows, Dean flows, and, thus, enhances the mixing of fluids. The reconfigurable microfluidics approach, with advantages including low-cost, simplicity, and ease of use, can serve as a promising complement to conventional microfabrication methods, which require complex fabrication processes with expensive equipment and lack a degree of freedom for reconfiguration.
New Sesquiterpenenoids from Ainsliaea yunnanensis
Authors: Wu Xiang-Lei , Xiong Xiao-Juan , Lu Wen-Quan , Huang Hao , Shen Yun-Heng , Wu Zhi-Jun , Chen Wan-Sheng
Published: August 2016

Investigation of the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Ainsliaea yunnanensis led to the isolation of four new dimeric sesquiterpene lactones, ainsliadimer F–I (1–4), together with seven known dimeric sesquiterpene lactones (5–11) and ten sesquiterpenes (12–21). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The relative stereochemistry of ainsliadimer F was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1–21 were tested for the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the 293-NF-κB-luciferase reporter cell line induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Compounds 5, 18, 20 and 21 were further tested for the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. Compounds 5, 18, 20 and 21 exhibited significant activity in anti-inflammatory activity assays.
Sex-Specific Sociodemographic Correlates of Dietary Patterns in a Large Sample of French Elderly Individuals
Authors: Andreeva Valentina , Allès Benjamin , Feron Gilles , Gonzalez Rebeca , Sulmont-Rossé Claire , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Méjean Caroline
Published: August 2016

This cross-sectional analysis provides up-to-date information about dietary patterns (DP) and their sociodemographic correlates in European elderly individuals. We studied 6686 enrollees aged 65+ (55% women) in the ongoing French population-based NutriNet-Santé e-cohort. Diet was assessed via three 24 h records. The sex-specific correlates of factor analysis derived DP were identified with multivariable linear regression. Using 22 pre-defined food groups, three DP were extracted. The “healthy” DP (fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, fish) was positively associated with education, living alone, and being a former smoker (women), and negatively associated with being overweight, current smoker (men), age 75+ years, having hypertension, and obesity (women). The “western” DP (meat, appetizers, cheese, alcohol) was positively associated with BMI (men) and being a former/current smoker; it was negatively associated with age 75+ years (women) and living alone. The “traditional” DP (bread, potatoes, milk, vegetables, butter, stock) was positively associated with age and negatively associated with being a former/current smoker, education (men), and residing in an urban/semi-urban area. The findings support the diversity of DP among the elderly, highlighting sex-specific differences. The “healthy” DP explained the largest amount of variance in intake. Future studies could replicate the models in longitudinal and international contexts.
A Sparsity-Based Regularization Approach for Deconvolution of Full-Waveform Airborne Lidar Data
Authors: Azadbakht Mohsen , Fraser Clive , Khoshelham Kourosh
Published: August 2016

Full-waveform lidar systems capture the complete backscattered signal from the interaction of the laser beam with targets located within the laser footprint. The resulting data have advantages over discrete return lidar, including higher accuracy of the range measurements and the possibility of retrieving additional returns from weak and overlapping pulses. In addition, radiometric characteristics of targets, e.g., target cross-section, can also be retrieved from the waveforms. However, waveform restoration and removal of the effect of the emitted system pulse from the returned waveform are critical for precise range measurement, 3D reconstruction and target cross-section extraction. In this paper, a sparsity-constrained regularization approach for deconvolution of the returned lidar waveform and restoration of the target cross-section is presented. Primal-dual interior point methods are exploited to solve the resulting nonlinear convex optimization problem. The optimal regularization parameter is determined based on the L-curve method, which provides high consistency in varied conditions. Quantitative evaluation and visual assessment of results show the superior performance of the proposed regularization approach in both removal of the effect of the system waveform and reconstruction of the target cross-section as compared to other prominent deconvolution approaches. This demonstrates the potential of the proposed approach for improving the accuracy of both range measurements and geophysical attribute retrieval. The feasibility and consistency of the presented approach in the processing of a variety of lidar data acquired under different system configurations is also highlighted.
Novel Low-Cost Sensor for Human Bite Force Measurement
Authors: Fastier-Wooller Jarred , Phan Hoang-Phuong , Dinh Toan , Nguyen Tuan-Khoa , Cameron Andrew , Öchsner Andreas , Dao Dzung
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the design and development of a low cost and reliable maximal voluntary bite force sensor which can be manufactured in-house by using an acrylic laser cutting machine. The sensor has been designed for ease of fabrication, assembly, calibration, and safe use. The sensor is capable of use within an hour of commencing production, allowing for rapid prototyping/modifications and practical implementation. The measured data shows a good linear relationship between the applied force and the electrical resistance of the sensor. The output signal has low drift, excellent repeatability, and a large measurable range of 0 to 700 N. A high signal-to-noise response to human bite forces was observed, indicating the high potential of the proposed sensor for human bite force measurement.
Implementation and Analysis of ISM 2.4 GHz Wireless Sensor Network Systems in Judo Training Venues
Authors: Lopez-Iturri Peio , Aguirre Erik , Azpilicueta Leyre , Astrain José , Villadangos Jesús , Falcone Francisco
Published: August 2016

In this work, the performance of ISM 2.4 GHz Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) deployed in judo training venues is analyzed. Judo is a very popular martial art, which is practiced by thousands of people not only at the competition level, but also as part of physical education programs at different school levels. There is a great variety of judo training venues, and each one has specific morphological aspects, making them unique scenarios in terms of radio propagation due to the presence of furniture, columns, equipment and the presence of human beings, which is a major issue as the person density within this kind of scenarios could be high. Another key aspect is the electromagnetic interference created by other wireless systems, such as WiFi or other WSNs, which make the radio planning a complex task in terms of coexistence. In order to analyze the impact of these features on the radio propagation and the performance of WSNs, an in-house developed 3D ray launching algorithm has been used. The obtained simulation results have been validated with a measurement campaign carried out in the sport facilities of the Public University of Navarre. The analysis is completed with the inclusion of an application designed to monitor biological constants of judokas, aimed to improve their training procedures. The application, that allows the simultaneous monitoring of multiple judokas (collective workouts) minimizing the efforts of the coach and medical supervisor, is based on commercial off-the-shelf products. The presented assessment of the presence of interfering wireless systems and the presence of human beings within judo training venues shows that an in-depth radio planning is required as these issues can have a great impact in the overall performance of a ISM 2.4 GHz WSN, affecting negatively the potential applications supported by wireless channel.
Comparative Study of Two Different TiO2 Film Sensors on Response to H2 under UV Light and Room Temperature
Authors: Peng Xiaoying , Wang Zhongming , Huang Pan , Chen Xun , Fu Xianzhi , Dai Wenxin
Published: August 2016

An anatase TiO2 film sensor was prepared by a facile in-situ method on the interdigitated Au electrode deposited on the alumina substrate. The structure, morphology and the optical properties of the in-situ TiO2 film sensor were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photo-assisted gas sensitivities of the prepared film towards H2 gas were evaluated at room temperature in N2 and synthetic air atmospheres. As compared to TiO2 film sensor prepared by drop-coating method, this in-situ TiO2 film sensor exhibited a more compact structure composed of uniform TiO2 microspheres as well as a better gas sensitivity towards H2 under UV irradiation, especially in synthetic air. The photo-electrochemical measurements suggest that these improvements may be associated with the efficient charge transfer in the TiO2 interface induced by the TiO2 microsphere structure. This study might offer a feasible approach to develop photo-assisted gas sensors at ambient temperature.
A Study of a Handrim-Activated Power-Assist Wheelchair Based on a Non-Contact Torque Sensor
Authors: Nam Ki-Tae , Jang Dae-Jin , Kim Yong , Heo Yoon , Hong Eung-Pyo
Published: August 2016

Demand for wheelchairs is increasing with growing numbers of aged and disabled persons. Manual wheelchairs are the most commonly used assistive device for mobility because they are convenient to transport. Manual wheelchairs have several advantages but are not easy to use for the elderly or those who lack muscular strength. Therefore, handrim-activated power-assist wheelchairs (HAPAW) that can aid driving power with a motor by detecting user driving intentions through the handrim are being researched. This research will be on HAPAW that judge user driving intentions by using non-contact torque sensors. To deliver the desired motion, which is sensed from handrim rotation relative to a fixed controller, a new driving wheel mechanism is designed by applying a non-contact torque sensor, and corresponding torques are simulated. Torques are measured by a driving wheel prototype and compared with simulation results. The HAPAW prototype was developed using the wheels and a driving control algorithm that uses left and right input torques and time differences are used to check if the non-contact torque sensor can distinguish users’ driving intentions. Through this procedure, it was confirmed that the proposed sensor can be used effectively in HAPAW.
Accurate Behavioral Simulator of All-Digital Time-Domain Smart Temperature Sensors by Using SIMULINK
Authors: Chen Chun-Chi , Chen Chao-Lieh , Lin You-Ting
Published: August 2016

This study proposes a new behavioral simulator that uses SIMULINK for all-digital CMOS time-domain smart temperature sensors (TDSTSs) for performing rapid and accurate simulations. Inverter-based TDSTSs offer the benefits of low cost and simple structure for temperature-to-digital conversion and have been developed. Typically, electronic design automation tools, such as HSPICE, are used to simulate TDSTSs for performance evaluations. However, such tools require extremely long simulation time and complex procedures to analyze the results and generate figures. In this paper, we organize simple but accurate equations into a temperature-dependent model (TDM) by which the TDSTSs evaluate temperature behavior. Furthermore, temperature-sensing models of a single CMOS NOT gate were devised using HSPICE simulations. Using the TDM and these temperature-sensing models, a novel simulator in SIMULINK environment was developed to substantially accelerate the simulation and simplify the evaluation procedures. Experiments demonstrated that the simulation results of the proposed simulator have favorable agreement with those obtained from HSPICE simulations, showing that the proposed simulator functions successfully. This is the first behavioral simulator addressing the rapid simulation of TDSTSs.
Study on Retrieval of Chlorophyll-a Concentration Based on Landsat OLI Imagery in the Haihe River, China
Authors: Guo Qiaozhen , Wu Xiaoxu , Bing Qixuan , Pan Yingyang , Wang Zhiheng , Fu Ying , Wang Dongchuan , Liu Jianing
Published: August 2016

The optical complexity of urban waters makes the remote retrieval of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration a challenging task. In this study, Chl-a concentration was retrieved using reflectance data of Landsat OLI images. Chl-a concentration in the Haihe River of China was obtained using mathematical regression analysis (MRA) and an artificial neural network (ANN). A regression model was built based on an analysis of the spectral reflectance and water quality sampling data. Remote sensing inversion results of Chl-a concentration were obtained and analyzed based on a verification of the algorithm and application of the models to the images. The analysis results revealed that the two models satisfactorily reproduced the temporal variation based on the input variables. In particular, the ANN model showed better performance than the MRA model, which was reflected in its higher accuracy in the validation. This study demonstrated that Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) images are suitable for remote sensing monitoring of water quality and that they can produce high-accuracy inversion results.
Efficiency and Sustainability of Local Public Goods and Services. Case Study for Romania
Authors: Dincă Marius , Dincă Gheorghiţa , Andronic Maria
Published: August 2016

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency and sustainability of some local publicly-provided services (social, educational, public utilities). We have measured the Romanian local administrations expenditures’ efficiency in supplying public goods and services using the non-parametric model of data envelopment analysis. The appraisal of efficiency and sustainability is mandatory when studying the optimization of public sector costs born out of taxpayers’ money and the increase in the quantity and quality of supplied services. The services we have selected for this article cover many aspects of citizens’ life quality. We have processed data from 2011 for all 41 Romanian counties and the municipality of Bucharest. For each decision unit, we have established a technical score, either quantifying the efficiency of expenditures allocated for supplying a certain level of services or measuring results’ sustainability in terms of services rendered to local collectivities, considering a constant expenditure level. Based on the analyzed data, we have concluded that only 11 counties satisfy the required conditions. Furthermore, units registering a lower level of per capita expenditures have efficiency scores above the overall average, while counties with more citizens/taxpayers provided more public services compared to others.
Risk Analysis Approach to Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Authors: Ursino Nadia
Published: August 2016

Urban rainwater reuse preserves water resources and promotes sustainable development in rapidly growing urban areas. The efficiency of a large number of urban water reuse systems, operating under different climate and demand conditions, is evaluated here on the base of a new risk analysis approach. Results obtained by probability analysis (PA) indicate that maximum efficiency in low demanding scenarios is above 0.5 and a threshold, distinguishing low from high demanding scenarios, indicates that in low demanding scenarios no significant improvement in performance may be attained by increasing the storage capacity of rainwater harvesting tanks. Threshold behaviour is displayed when tank storage capacity is designed to match both the average collected volume and the average reuse volume. The low demand limit cannot be achieved under climate and operating conditions characterized by a disproportion between harvesting and demand volume.
CXCR4 Overexpression in Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Improves Homing and Engraftment in an Animal Limb Ischemia Model
Authors: Kim Mijung , Kim Dong-Ik , Kim Eun Key , Kim Chan-Wha
Published: August 2016

We investigated the effects of transplantation of CXCR4-overexpressing adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into a mouse diabetic hindlimb ischemia model on homing and engraftment as early as 48 h after transplant. CXCR4-overexpressing ADSCs were intramuscularly or intravenously injected into diabetic mice with hindlimb ischemia. After 48 h, muscle tissues in the femur and tibia were collected, and the CXCR4 expression pattern was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The homing and engraftment of transplanted CXCR4-overexpressing ADSCs into the ischemic area were significantly increased, and intravenous (systemic) injection resulted in the more effective delivery of stem cells to the target site 48 h posttransplantation. Furthermore, CXCR4-overexpressing ADSCs more efficiently contributed to long-term engraftment and muscle tissue regeneration than normal ADSCs in a limb ischemia model. In addition, the homing and engraftment of ADSCs were correlated with the CXCR4 transfection efficiency. These results demonstrated that enhanced CXCR4 signaling could significantly improve the early homing and engraftment of ADSCs into ischemic areas as well as the long-term engraftment and ultimate muscle tissue regeneration.
Biliary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Telocytes in Gallstone Disease
Authors: Pasternak Artur , Bugajska Jolanta , Szura Mirosław , Walocha Jerzy A. , Matyja Andrzej , Gajda Mariusz , Sztefko Krystyna , Gil Krzysztof
Published: August 2016

It has been reported that intake of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. It also influences bile composition, decreasing biliary cholesterol saturation in the bile of patients with gallstones. In addition to bile composition disturbances, gallbladder hypomotility must be a cofactor in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis, as it leads to the prolonged nucleation phase. Our current knowledge about gallbladder motility has been enhanced by the study of a population of newly described interstitial (stromal) cells—telocytes (TCs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether TC loss, reported by our team recently, might be related to bile lithogenicity, expressed as cholesterol saturation index or the difference in biliary PUFA profiles in patients who suffer from cholecystolithiasis and those not affected by this disease. We determined biliary lipid composition including the fatty acid composition of the phospholipid species in bile. Thus, we investigated whether differences in biliary fatty acid profiles (ω-3 PUFA and ω-6 PUFA) in gallbladder bile may influence its lithogenicity and the quantity of TCs within the gallbladder wall. We conclude that the altered PUFA concentrations in the gallbladder bile, with elevation of ω-6 PUFA, constitute important factors influencing TC density in the gallbladder wall, being one of the possible pathophysiological components for the gallstone disease development. This study established that altered bile composition in patients with cholelithiasis may influence TC quantity within the gallbladder muscle, and we concluded that reduction in TC number may be a consequence of the supersaturated bile toxicity, while some other bile components (ω-3 PUFA, glycocholic, and taurocholic acids) may exert protective effects on TC and thus possibly influence the mechanisms regulating gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct motility. Thus, ω-3 PUFA may represent a possible option to prevent formation of cholesterol gallstones.
Transplantation of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Critical Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Nude Rats
Authors: Liang Lu , Li Zongjin , Ma Tao , Han Zhibo , Du Wenjing , Geng Jie , Jia Honghong , Zhao Meng , Wang Jimin , Zhang Bingjing , Feng Jie , Zhao Lanzhen , Rupin Alain , Wang Youwei , Han Zhong Chao
Published: August 2016

Neovasculogenesis induced by stem cell therapy is an innovative approach to improve critical limb ischemia (CLI) in diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ideal candidates due to their angiogenic and immunomodulatory features. The aim of this study is to determine the therapeutic effects of human placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) on diabetic CLI, with or without exogenous insulin administration, and the underlying mechanism of any effect. A series of in vitro experiments were performed to assess the stemness and vasculogenic activity of P-MSCs. P-MSCs were intramuscularly injected at two different doses with and without the administration of insulin. The efficacy of P-MSC transplantation was evaluated by ischemia damage score, ambulatory score, laser Doppler perfusion image (LDPI), capillary, and vascular density. In vivo imaging was applied to track the implanted P-MSCs. In vivo differentiation and in situ secretion of angiogenic cytokines were determined. In vitro experimental outcomes showed the differentiation potential and potent paracrine effect of P-MSCs. P-MSCs survived in vivo for at least 3 weeks and led to the acceleration of ischemia recovery, due to newly formed capillaries, increased arterioles, and secretion of various proangiogenic factors. P-MSCs participate in angiogenesis and vascularization directly through differentiation and cytokine expression.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pazopanib Compared with Sunitinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in Canada
Authors: Amdahl J. , Diaz J. , Park J. , Nakhaipour H.R. , Delea T.E.
Published: August 2016

Background: In Canada and elsewhere, pazopanib and sunitinib—tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors—are recommended as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mrcc). A large randomized noninferiority trial of pazopanib versus sunitinib (comparz) demonstrated that the two drugs have similar efficacy; however, patients randomized to pazopanib experienced better healthrelated quality of life (hrqol) and nominally lower rates of non-study medical resource utilization. Methods: The cost-effectiveness of pazopanib compared with sunitinib for first-line treatment of mrcc from a Canadian health care system perspective was evaluated using a partitioned-survival model that incorporated data from comparz and other secondary sources. The time horizon of 5 years was based on the maximum duration of follow-up in the final analysis of overall survival from the comparz trial. Analyses were conducted first using list prices for pazopanib and sunitinib and then by assuming that the prices of sunitinib and pazopanib would be equivalent. Results: Based on list prices, expected costs were CA$10,293 less with pazopanib than with sunitinib. Pazopanib was estimated to yield 0.059 more quality-adjusted life-years (qalys). Pazopanib was therefore dominant (more qalys and lower costs) compared with sunitinib in the base case. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, pazopanib was dominant in 79% of simulations and was cost-effective in 90%–100% of simulations at a threshold cost-effectiveness ratio of CA$100,000. Assuming equivalent pricing, pazopanib yielded CA$917 in savings in the base case, was dominant in 36% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis simulations, and was cost-effective in 89% of simulations at a threshold cost-effectiveness ratio of CA$100,000. Conclusions: Compared with sunitinib, pazopanib is likely to be a cost-effective option for first-line treatment of mrcc from a Canadian health care perspective.
Fee-for-Service Cancer Rehabilitation Programs Improve Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Kirkham A.A. , Neil-Sztramko S.E. , Morgan J. , Hodson S. , Weller S. , McRae T. , Campbell K.L.
Published: August 2016

Background: Rigorously applied exercise interventions undertaken in a research setting result in improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors, but research to demonstrate effective translation of that research to practice is needed. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of fee-for-service cancer rehabilitation programs in the community on hrqol and on self-reported physical activity and its correlates. Methods: After enrolment and 17 ± 4 weeks later, new clients (n = 48) to two fee-for-service cancer rehabilitation programs completed the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND-36: rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, U.S.A.), the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, and questions about physical activity correlates. Normal fee-for-service operations were maintained, including a fitness assessment and individualized exercise programs supervised in a group or one-on-one setting, with no minimum attendance required. Fees were associated with the assessment and with each exercise session. Results: Of the 48 participants, 36 (75%) completed both questionnaires. Improvements in the physical functioning, role physical, pain, and energy/fatigue scales on the RAND-36 exceeded minimally important differences and were of a magnitude similar to improvements reported in structured, rigorously applied, and free research interventions. Self-reported levels of vigorous-intensity (p = 0.021), but not moderate-intensity (p = 0.831) physical activity increased. The number of perceived barriers to exercise (p = 0.035) and the prevalence of fatigue as a barrier (p = 0.003) decreased. Exercise self-efficacy improved only in participants who attended 11 or more sessions (p = 0.002). Exercise enjoyment did not change (p = 0.629). Conclusions: Enrolment in fee-for-service cancer rehabilitation programs results in meaningful improvements in HRQOL comparable to those reported by research interventions, among other benefits. The fee-for-service model could be an effective model for delivery of exercise to more cancer survivors.
Can Big Data Save Labor Market Information Systems?
Authors: Johnson Eric
Published: August 2016

Labor markets desperately need information to function effectively and efficiently, making labor market information systems critical public investments. Yet government systems face significant challenges in collecting quality data, turning it into useable market intelligence, and disseminating it in a timely, relevant manner, a situation more acute in developing countries. The rise of private, real-time labor market information (LMI), such as web-based job posting analytics, social network inferences, crowdsourcing, and mobile phone polling, has garnered interest and questioned the dominance of traditional approaches. This brief explores the use of real-time LMI and presents interviews conducted with international donor officials to gain their perspectives on its applicability in developing countries. I suggest that real-time LMI is unlikely to supplant traditional LMI collection anytime soon, and I dispel notions that these new approaches might leapfrog current data collection challenges. Real-time LMI can provide useful in special cases and for supplemental analysis, an additional lubricant for labor markets that suffer from weak data. Policy that supports the improvement of traditional LMI and promotes access to real-time LMI is warranted.
Application of a Shape Memory Absorber in Vibration Suppression
Authors: Piccirillo Vinícius , Balthazar José M. , Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Bernardini Davide , Rega Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

The dynamic response of structures subjected to high-amplitude vibration is often dangerous and undesirable. Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVA) have received special attention in recent years due to vibration attenuation offered by them. Thus, the present study analyzes the nonlinear dynamics of a system with a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) using a shape memory material (SMM) whose characteristics are highly dependent upon temperature. The restoring force of the oscillator is provided by a shape-memory device (SMD) described by a thermomechanical model capable to describe the hysteretic behavior via the evolution of a suitable internal variable. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of using the SMM in reducing oscillations of a harmonic oscillator.
Dynamics of Beams under Coupled Thermo-Mechanical Loading
Authors: Manoach Emil , Warminska Anna , Warminski Jerzy
Published: August 2016

An effect of thermal loading on vibrations of beams is investigated in the paper. A beam is considered as an extended Timoshenko beam model with nonlinear terms resulted from large deflections. Dynamics of the structure is analysed under thermal and mechanical loadings considering transient dynamics due to a heat pulse imposed to the beam. The numerical method for solving coupled thermo-mechanical problem is presented. On this basis the importance of the heat pulse intensity around the first resonance condition is demonstrated. The effect of the heat on the the complex transient dynamics of the beam and its qualitatively different response is shown as well.
Beating Effects in a Single Nonlinear Dynamical System in a Neighborhood of the Resonance
Authors: Náprstek Jiří , Fischer Cyril
Published: August 2016

The exact coincidence of external excitation and basic eigen-frequency of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) nonlinear system produces stationary response with constant amplitude and phase shift. When the excitation frequency differs from the system eigen-frequency, various types of quasi-periodic response occur having a character of a beating process. The period of beating changes from infinity in the resonance point until a couple of excitation periods outside the resonance area. Theabove mentioned phenomena have been identified in many papers including authors’ contributions. Nevertheless, investigation of internal structure of a quasi-period and its dependence on the difference of excitation and eigen-frequency is still missing. Combinations of harmonic balance and small parameter methods are used for qualitative analysis of the system in mono- and multi-harmonic versions. They lead to nonlinear differential and algebraic equations serving as a basis for qualitativeanalytic estimation or numerical description of characteristics of the quasi-periodic system response. Zero, first and second level perturbation techniques are used. Appearance, stability and neighborhood of limit cycles is evaluated. Numerical phases are based on simulation processes and numerical continuation tools. Parametric evaluation and illustrating examples are presented.
Capacity Analysis of OAM Multiplexing System Based on Various Detection Schemes
Authors: Bian Li An , Liu Pei Guo , Zhuang Zhao Wen , Ou Gang , Hu Wei Dong , Li Li Gang
Published: August 2016

Orbital angular momentum of vortex electromagnetic waves has the potential to overwhelmingly increase the system capacity for radio communications. To explore the performance of the novel multiplexing system, the influence of both detection schemes at the receiving side and power allocation methods at the transmitting side on channel capacity is investigated firstly by exploiting zero-forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE) detection schemes and water-filling algorithm. It is found finally that MMSE is superior to ZF generally, which conforms to the MIMO theory. And for rank-deficient channel, optimal power allocation will play a greater role to enhance system capacity.
A Motion Adaptive Wavelet-Denoising for Frame-Rate Up-Conversion
Authors: Görgülü Şükrü , Gerek Ömer Nezih
Published: August 2016

This study introduces a frame-rate up-conversion method that uses a temporal wavelet zerotree-based shrinkage algorithm over motion trajectory of a video obtained by optical flow. The method starts by optical flow estimation for predicting initial estimates of inserted frame pixels. Then, the predicted frame pixels are denoised using a specific wavelet-based algorithm, where each pixel location is examined independently through its own temporal motion path. The denoising was performed by shrinking zero-tree footprints to remove temporal oddities. The resulting video was observed to have more fluent temporal flow as compared to optical flow - only interpolation.
A V2V System Module for Inter Vehicle Communication
Authors: Özdemir Özge , Kılıç İslam , Yazıcı Ahmet , Özkan Kemal
Published: August 2016

An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is the premium technology for autonomous driving. It uses data from vision/camera systems, data from in vehicle sensors, and data from vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication systems. The next generation systems even autonomous vehicles are expected to use the V2V information to increase the safety for non-line of sight environments. Exchanging some data like vehicle position, speed, status etc., helps to the driver about potential problems, or to avoid collisions. In this paper, a V2V communication system module is designed and tested on the vehicles.
Investigation on the Output Signal of Rotational Speed Sensor for Different Flux Surfaces between Gear Wheel and Sensor
Authors: Demir Ugur , Süle Pelin , Aküner Mustafa Caner
Published: August 2016

Rotational Speed Sensors are typically used to measure rotational speed in automotive application such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) or Gear Box. In terms of application area, rotational speed sensors transmit very important signal from gear wheel to ECU (Electronic Control Units). The output signal of rotational speed sensor (RSS) may not provide exact solution in high speed situation because RSS is a kind of inductive sensor which has discharge and charge time. Thus, response time of RSS may lead a problem for exact speed measurement while the output signal is settling. In this study to evaluate different flux surfaces, both low speed @0.8RPM and high speed @3992 RPM, 6 experiments were performed for normal, convex and concave teeth setups. It has been seen that the output signal form of convex teeth setup is more appropriate than normal teeth setup and concave teeth setup for sinus signal.
Sensor Positioning on Digital Maps for Coverage Maximization by Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Tenğerli Nazif Cenk , Becerikli Yaşar
Published: August 2016

In the areas of surveillance and mobile communications, computer-aided evaluation of coverage area and measure of the field of sensors positioned on a created digital elevation model (DEM) is a facilitating method for positioning sensors and communication equipment. Fast evaluation of sensor coverage enables a computer to discover appropriate sensor locations by testing miscellaneous locations. In this paper, we describe a coverage maximization method that uses genetic algorithm and drawing algorithms based on integer arithmetic for coverage evaluation. Furthermore, solution of a sample problem and performance data gathered during solving process are presented, and the method's ability of finding good positions of radars for sea surveillance on a single processor PC in a duration less than ten minutes demonstrated.
Bendable Hexagonal Resonator Designs for Chipless Tag
Authors: Abu Maisarah , Asari Nur Asyrani Mohd , Ariffin Khairul Nabilah Zainul , Yusof Nurul Najwa Md , Hussin Eryana Eiyda
Published: August 2016

This paper presented a new design of bendable hexagonal resonator for chipless RFID tag. A linearly polarized plane wave and Radar Cross Section (RCS) probes were used in simulation set-up. The optimized resonator was fabricated on a thin fast-film substrate with dielectric constant, εr=2.7 and substrate thickness, t = 0.13 mm. The fabricated resonator consisted of 3 hexagonal slots which represented three bit 1s. The measurement was performed to validate the designed resonator. It was measured using two transmitting and receiving horn antennas along with the network analyzer. The measured magnitudes were-24.292 dB, -28.854 dB and-32.234 dB.
Crosstalk in Free Space Optical Interconnects that Use Micro-Lenses Arrays: Practical Consideration
Authors: Al-Ababneh Nedal
Published: August 2016

The effect of positive spherical aberration of micro-lens on the optical crosstalk in free space optical interconnects is considered. Using the derived field distribution at the detector array, the optical crosstalk level is evaluated and numerical results are provided. It is found that practical lenses with positive spherical aberration increases the crosstalk and degrade the system performance.