bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numberable Set of Exact Solutions for the Macroscopic Approach to Extended Thermodynamics of Polyatomic Gases with Many Moments
Authors: Carrisi Maria Cristina , Tchame Rita Enoh , Obounou Marcel , Pennisi Sebastiano
Published: August 2016

A new model for Polyatomic Gases with an arbitrary but fixed number of moments has been recently proposed and investigated in the framework of Extended Thermodynamics; the arbitrariness of the number of moments is linked to a numberNand the resulting model is called anN-Model. This model has been elaborated in order to take into account the entropy principle, the Galilean relativity principle, and some symmetry conditions. It has been proved that the solution for all these conditions exists, but it has not been written explicitly because hard notation is necessary; it has only been shown how the theory is self-generating in the sense that if we know the closure of theN-Model, then we will be able to find that of(N+1)-Model. Up to now only a single particular solution has been found in this regard. Instead of this, we find here a numberable set of exact solutions which hold for every fixed numberN.
Damage Identification Investigation of Retaining Wall Structures Based on a Virtual Impulse Response Function
Authors: Xu Qian
Published: August 2016

To eliminate the influence of excitation on the wavelet packet frequency band energy spectrum (ES), ES is acquired via wavelet packet decomposition of a virtual impulse response function. Based on ES, a character frequency band vector spectrum and damage eigenvector spectrum (DES) are created. Additionally, two damage identification indexes, the energy ratio standard deviation and energy ratio variation coefficient, are proposed. Based on the damage index, an updated damage identification method for retaining wall structures is advanced. The damage state of a retaining wall can be diagnosed through DES, the damage location can be detected through the damage index trend surface, and the damage intensity can be identified by establishing a quantitative relationship between the damage intensity and damage index. To verify the feasibility and validity of this damage identification method, a vibration test on a pile plate retaining wall is performed. Test results demonstrate that it can distinguish whether the retaining wall is damaged, and the location of partial damage within the retaining wall can be easily detected; in addition, the damage intensity of the wall can also be identified validly. Consequently, this damage identification theory and method may be used to identify damage within retaining wall structures.
Preparation of Paper Mulberry Fibers and Possibility of Cotton/Paper Mulberry Yarns Production
Authors: Jitjaicham Manoon , Kusuktham Boonsri
Published: August 2016

The novelty of yarn production from cotton/paper mulberry fiber blends was reported. The objective of this research was to prepare the paper mulberry fibers and study the possibility of production of yarns from cotton/paper mulberry fibers. For preparation of paper mulberry fibers, the inner bark was first immersed in water for 24 h. Then, the fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide at concentration of 5–10% (w/v) for 1–3 h. After that, the bleaching process was conducted with hydrogen peroxide at concentration of 5–25% (v/v) for different temperature and time. Finally, the fibers were washed with 10% (v/v) of nonionic surfactant at temperature of 90°C for 30 minute to remove the residual gum from the fibers. The results showed that optimum condition for scouring of the paper mulberry fibers was 15% (w/v) sodium hydroxide at 90°C for 2 h. The bleaching process with 15% (v/v) H2O2 at 90°C for 90 minute was suitable. The obtained fibers were blended with the cotton fibers to produce yarns by open-end spinning method. The % elongation and tenacity of the blended yarns increased with the increasing of the paper mulberry ratio. Also, the antifungal property of yarns was improved by the blending of cotton fibers with the paper mulberry fibers.
Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of Hydrochlorothiazide in Bulk Drug and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Mohammed Nidhal S. , Mohammed Ahmed J.
Published: August 2016

An HPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation. The method was optimized selecting chromatographic conditions of 50 : 50 acetonitrile : water, Inertsil® column (ODS-3 250 mm × 4.6 mm 5 μm), 20 μL injection volume, flow rate of 1 mL/min at ambient temperature (30°C), and 272 nm. Another column of C18Zorbax® (Eclipse Plus, 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) was tested showing no big difference in the method results. The method was validated giving good precision (RSD% < 1), acceptable linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9978), and low LOD and LOQ (0.5 and 1.7 μg/mL, resp.) on both columns. Successful application on pharmaceutical dosage tablet form gave high recovery of 99.93%. The method was compared with official BP and other reported methods. The proposed method is economic, simple, and rapid and hence can be employed for routine analysis in quality control laboratories.
Correlation of Serumβ-Endorphin and the Quality of Life in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Sha Jichao , Meng Cuida , Li Lin , Cui Na , Xiu Qian , Zhu Dongdong
Published: August 2016

Background.Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly impairs the quality of life of the patients; however, a questionnaire alone is an insufficient and subjective measure of this condition. Obtaining an objective clinical assessment of the level of impairment will be valuable for its treatment.β-Endorphin is one of the most important mediators of both mental state and specific immunity. Thus, we investigated the possibility of usingβ-endorphin as a biomarker for evaluating the impairment level in AR.Methods.This study included 48 patients with AR and 32 healthy volunteers. The serumβ-endorphin level was determined by enzyme immunoassay, and the serum-specific IgE and total IgE levels were determined by immunoblot assay. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was used to assess the impairment level in the symptom duration.Results.Theβ-endorphin concentration was significantly decreased in AR patients compared to the healthy controls (p=0.000,p<0.05). There was significant negative correlation between the impairment level and serumβ-endorphin level (correlation coefficient:-0.468;p=0.001;p<0.05), but there was no association between the serumβ-endorphin and total IgE levels (p=0.947,p>0.05).Conclusion.β-Endorphin is a systemic biomarker that has the potential to assess the impairment level in AR and may therefore be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AR.
β-Cyclodextrin Production by Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase from an Alkaliphile Microbacterium terrae KNR 9 Using Different Starch Substrates
Authors: Rajput Kiransinh N. , Patel Kamlesh C. , Trivedi Ujjval B.
Published: August 2016

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) is an important member of α-amylase family which can degrade the starch and produce cyclodextrins (CDs) as a result of intramolecular transglycosylation (cyclization). β-Cyclodextrin production was carried out using the purified CGTase enzyme from an alkaliphile Microbacterium terrae KNR 9 with different starches in raw as well as gelatinized form. Cyclodextrin production was confirmed using thin layer chromatography. Six different starch substrates, namely, soluble starch, potato starch, sago starch, corn starch, corn flour, and rice flour, were tested for CD production. Raw potato starch granules were found to be the best substrate giving 13.46 gm/L of cyclodextrins after 1 h of incubation at 60°C. Raw sago starch gave 12.96 gm/L of cyclodextrins as the second best substrate. To achieve the maximum cyclodextrin production, statistical optimization using Central Composite Design (CCD) was carried out with three parameters, namely, potato starch concentration, CGTase enzyme concentration, and incubation temperature. Cyclodextrin production of 28.22 (gm/L) was achieved with the optimized parameters suggested by the model which are CGTase 4.8 U/L, starch 150 gm/L, and temperature 55.6°C. The suggested optimized conditions showed about 15% increase in β-cyclodextrin production (28.22 gm/L) at 55.6°C as compared to 24.48 gm/L at 60°C. The degradation of raw potato starch granules by purified CGTase was also confirmed by microscopic observations.
Variational Approaches to Characterize Weak Solutions for Some Problems of Mathematical Physics Equations
Authors: Meghea Irina
Published: August 2016

This paper is aimed at providing three versions to solve and characterize weak solutions for Dirichlet problems involving thep-Laplacian and thep-pseudo-Laplacian. In this way generalized versions for some results which use Ekeland variational principle, critical points for nondifferentiable functionals, and Ghoussoub-Maurey linear principle have been proposed. Three sequences of generalized statements have been developed starting from the most abstract assertions until their applications in characterizing weak solutions for some mathematical physics problems involving the abovementioned operators.
Loan Transactions with Random Dates for the First and Last Periodic Instalments
Authors: Valls Martínez María del Carmen , Cruz Rambaud Salvador
Published: August 2016

Usually, loan transactions contracted in practice are nonrandom; that is to say, all amounts received (principal) and paid (period instalments) by the borrower are previously agreed with the lender, as well as their respective dates. In this paper, two new alternative loan models are introduced, depending on whether the borrower survives or not to fulfil all repayment obligations. In this way, either the initial or the final date of repayments can be subject to this contingency. Additionally, the different parameters of such random transactions are determined, as well as several measures of profitability/cost for the lender/borrower, respectively. These transactions can be attractive for both the lender and the borrower, which therefore make them worthy of consideration and subsequent implementation for the benefit of both parties.
Monte Carlo Registration and Its Application with Autonomous Robots
Authors: Rink Christian , Kriegel Simon , Seth Daniel , Denninger Maximilian , Marton Zoltan-Csaba , Bodenmüller Tim
Published: August 2016

This work focuses on Monte Carlo registration methods and their application with autonomous robots. A streaming and an offline variant are developed, both based on a particle filter. The streaming registration is performed in real-time during data acquisition with a laser striper allowing for on-the-fly pose estimation. Thus, the acquired data can be instantly utilized, for example, for object modeling or robot manipulation, and the laser scan can be aborted after convergence. Curvature features are calculated online and the estimated poses are optimized in the particle weighting step. For sampling the pose particles, uniform, normal, and Bingham distributions are compared. The methods are evaluated with a high-precision laser striper attached to an industrial robot and with a noisy Time-of-Flight camera attached to service robots. The shown applications range from robot assisted teleoperation, over autonomous object modeling, to mobile robot localization.
Morphological Diversity of Pretibial Myxedema and Its Mechanism of Evolving Process and Outcome: A Retrospective Study of 216 Cases
Authors: Lan Changgui , Wang Yi , Zeng Xia , Zhao Jing , Zou Xiaoxi
Published: August 2016

Background. Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is a rare dermopathy. The morphologic features and mechanism of its evolving process are not reported in large case series.Methods. 216 cases with PTM were retrospectively reviewed to analyze demographics, history, lesional morphology and its evolving process, histopathology and immunohistochemistry, serum TRAb levels, treatment, and outcome.Results. First appearing lesions evolved into 6 variants that were correlated with serum TRAb levels. Subvariants were caused by different kinds and frequencies of local trauma. The evolving process could be classified into 4 stages that were correlated with serum TRAb levels and perivascular infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. Serum TRAb levels at remission and in nonrecurred cases became lower than those before therapy and in recurred cases, respectively, but increased when PTM relapsed. TRAb level in nodule variant went down invariably with the extension of course and its autoimmune activity had a trend to stop but in other 5 variants TRAb levels fluctuated. Their autoimmune activities had no trends to stop and clinically worsen through intermittent repeats of active and stable stages.Conclusions. In the chronic course of PTM, nodule variant is self-limited and other 5 variants are not self-limited. PTM needed early treatment to avoid severe variants.
A Flexible and Highly Sensitive Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Based on Micropatterned Films Coated with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Yao Jia-lin , Yang Xing , Shao Na , Luo Hui , Zhang Ting , Jiang Wu-gui
Published: August 2016

Excellent flexibility, high sensitivity, and low consumption are essential characteristics in flexible microtube pressure sensing occasion, for example, implantable medical devices, industrial pipeline, and microfluidic chip. This paper reports a flexible, highly sensitive, and ultrathin piezoresistive pressure sensor for fluid pressure sensing, whose sensing element is micropatterned films with conductive carbon nanotube layer. The flexible pressure sensor, the thickness of which is 40 ± 10 μm, could be economically fabricated by using biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Experimental results show that the flexible pressure sensor has high sensitivity (0.047 kPa−1in gas sensing and 5.6 × 10−3 kPa−1in liquid sensing) and low consumption (<180 μW), and the sensor could be used to measure the pressure in curved microtubes.
Gluten-Free Diet Only during Pregnancy Efficiently Prevents Diabetes in NOD Mouse Offspring
Authors: Antvorskov Julie C. , Josefsen Knud , Haupt-Jorgensen Martin , Fundova Petra , Funda David P. , Buschard Karsten
Published: August 2016

Studies have documented that the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes is influenced by the intake of gluten.Aims. To investigate the importance of gluten exposure during pregnancy and the subsequent development of autoimmune diabetes in offspring.Methods. Nonobese diabetic mice were divided into 7 groups to receive combinations of gluten-free and standard diet before, during, or after pregnancy. Diabetes incidence in offspring was followed in each group (n=16–27) for 310 days. Insulitis score and intestinal expression of T-cell transcription factors (RT-QPCR) were evaluated in animals from the different diet groups.Results. If mothers were fed a gluten-free diet only during pregnancy, the development of autoimmune diabetes in offspring was almost completely prevented with an incidence reduction from 62.5% in gluten-consuming mice to 8.3% (p<0.0001) in the gluten-free group. The islets of Langerhans were less infiltrated (p<0.001) and the intestinal expression of RORγt (Th17) (p<0.0001) reduced in mice whose mothers were Gluten-free during pregnancy.Conclusion. A gluten-free diet exclusively during pregnancy efficiently prevents autoimmune diabetes development in offspring and reduces insulitis and intestinal expression of RORγt (Th17).
Inositols in the Treatment of Insulin-Mediated Diseases
Authors: Muscogiuri Giovanna , Palomba Stefano , Laganà Antonio Simone , Orio Francesco
Published: August 2016

A growing body of research is currently focused on the role of inositol isomers and in particular myo-inositol (MYO-INS) and D-chiroinositol (DCI) in the treatment of insulin resistance states. Both isomers have been shown to exert insulin-mimetic action and to lower postprandial glucose. Further, insulin resistance-related diseases were associated to derangements in inositol metabolism. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide current evidence on the potential benefits of inositol isomers (MYO-INS and DCI) in the treatment of disease associated to insulin resistance such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Finally, molecular insights into inositol insulin-sensitizing effects will be covered focusing on the possible role of inositol glycans as insulin second messengers.
An Improved Total Variation Minimization Method Using Prior Images and Split-Bregman Method in CT Reconstruction
Authors: Deng Luzhen , Feng Peng , Chen Mianyi , He Peng , Wei Biao
Published: August 2016

Compressive Sensing (CS) theory has great potential for reconstructing Computed Tomography (CT) images from sparse-views projection data and Total Variation- (TV-) based CT reconstruction method is very popular. However, it does not directly incorporate prior images into the reconstruction. To improve the quality of reconstructed images, this paper proposed an improved TV minimization method using prior images and Split-Bregman method in CT reconstruction, which uses prior images to obtain valuable previous information and promote the subsequent imaging process. The images obtained asynchronously were registered via Locally Linear Embedding (LLE). To validate the method, two studies were performed. Numerical simulation using an abdomen phantom has been used to demonstrate that the proposed method enables accurate reconstruction of image objects under sparse projection data. A real dataset was used to further validate the method.
Preparation, Characterization, andIn VitroandVivoAntitumor Activity of Oridonin-Conjugated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized with Carboxylic Group
Authors: Wang Chuanjin , Li Wei
Published: August 2016

Carbon nanotubes have shown great potential in tumor therapy. Oridonin (ORI) is a poorly water-soluble diterpenoid compound (C20H28O6) used in the treatment of esophageal and hepatic carcinoma for decades. For the purpose of enhancing the antitumor potency and reducing cytotoxicity of ORI, multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic group (MWCNTs-COOH) were used as ORI carrier. ORI was noncovalently encapsulated into (or onto) the functionalized carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-ORI). The obtained MWCNTs-ORI has been characterized. The ORI loading efficiency in MWCNTs-COOH carrier was studied to be about 82.6% (w/w).In vitrocytotoxicity assay on MWCNTs-ORI gave IC50of7.29±0.5 μg/mL and ORI-F gave IC50of14.5±1.4 μg/mL. The antitumor effect studiesin vivoshowed that MWCNTs-ORI improved antitumor activity of ORI in comparison with ORI-F. The tumor inhibition ratio for MWCNTs-ORI (1.68×10-2 g·Kg−1·d−1) was 86.4%, higher than that of ORI-F (1.68×10-2 g·Kg−1·d−1) which was 39.2%. This can greatly improve the pharmaceutical efficiency and reduce potential side effects.
Wen‐Luo‐Tong Prevents Glial Activation and Nociceptive Sensitization in a Rat Model of Oxaliplatin‐Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Deng Bo , Jia Liqun , Pan Lin , Song Aiping , Wang Yuanyuan , Tan Huangying , Xiang Qing , Yu Lili , Ke Dandan
Published: August 2016

One of the main dose‐limiting complications of the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin (OXL) is painful neuropathy. Glial activation and nociceptive sensitization may be responsible for the mechanism of neuropathic pain. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wen‐luo‐tong (WLT) has been widely used in China to treat chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain. However, there is no study on the effects of WLT on spinal glial activation induced by OXL. In this study, a rat model of OXL‐induced chronic neuropathic pain was established and WLT was administrated. Pain behavioral tests and morphometric examination of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were conducted. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining was performed, glial activation was evaluated, and the excitatory neurotransmitter substance P (SP) and glial‐derived proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were analyzed. WLT treatment alleviated OXL‐induced mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia. Changes in the somatic, nuclear, and nucleolar areas of neurons in DRG were prevented. In the spinal dorsal horn, hypertrophy and activation of GFAP‐positive astrocytes were averted, and the level of GFAP mRNA decreased significantly. Additionally, TNF‐α mRNA and protein levels decreased. Collectively, these results indicate that WLT reversed both glial activation in the spinal dorsal horn and nociceptive sensitization during OXL‐induced chronic neuropathic pain in rats.
A Novel SIW H-Plane Horn Antenna Based on Parabolic Reflector
Authors: Zhang Shiqiao , Li Zheng , Wang Junhong
Published: August 2016

A new type of H-plane horn antenna based on the parabolic reflector principle is proposed in this paper. The parabolic reflector is constructed with the substrate integrated waveguide technology and is used for generating large radiation aperture and uniform phase distribution at the aperture, yielding a fan beam with very narrow beamwidth in H-plane. A feeding source composed of a probe and an inductive-post reflector is designed as the feed, which can transmit a unidirectional incident wave toward the parabolic reflector. Two metallic strips with post arrays are designed as a transition for the matching between the horn aperture and the free space and also work as a director to realize unidirectional radiation and reduce the front-to-back ratio. The antenna has the advantages of narrow beam, compact size, and easy integration, and the operation bandwidth is from 27 GHz to 35.5 GHz. The experimental results show good agreement with the simulated results.
A Case of p63 Positive Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Bladder
Authors: Deel Chelsey D. , Jones Carol , Scordino Teresa
Published: August 2016

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), currently the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is an aggressive B cell neoplasm that typically presents in older adults as a rapidly enlarging mass. The enlarging mass typically represents a lymph node, although extranodal disease can occur in a significant percentage (40%) of cases. The most common extranodal sites of involvement include the gastrointestinal tract and skin; primary bladder lymphoma represents only 0.2% of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We report a case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma occurring in the bladder of an 83-year-old gentleman with an initial presentation of hematuria. This neoplasm displayed large, atypical cells with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli that involved the bladder mucosa with invasion into muscularis propria, prostate, and urethra. Positive staining for p63 initially raised suspicion for poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma; however, lack of staining for pancytokeratin and positive staining for LCA, CD20, CD79a, and PAX-5 confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Though it does not occur in all cases, p63 can be positive in a significant percentage of cases of DLBCL; therefore, a diagnosis of lymphoma remains an important entity on the differential diagnosis of aggressive and particularly poorly differentiated neoplasms.
From Boole to Leggett-Garg: Epistemology of Bell-Type Inequalities
Authors: Hess Karl , De Raedt Hans , Michielsen Kristel
Published: August 2016

In 1862, George Boole derived an inequality for variables that represents a demarcation line between possible and impossible experience. This inequality forms an important milestone in the epistemology of probability theory and probability measures. In 1985 Leggett and Garg derived a physics related inequality, mathematically identical to Boole’s, that according to them represents a demarcation between macroscopic realism and quantum mechanics. We show that a wide gulf separates the “sense impressions” and corresponding data, as well as the postulates of macroscopic realism, from the mathematical abstractions that are used to derive the inequality of Leggett and Garg. If the gulf can be bridged, one may indeed derive the said inequality, which is then clearly a demarcation between possible and impossible experience: it cannot be violated and is not violated by quantum theory. This implies that the Leggett-Garg inequality does not mean that the SQUID flux is not there when nobody looks, as Leggett and Garg suggest, but instead that the probability measures may not be what Leggett and Garg have assumed them to be, when no data can be secured that directly relate to them. We show that similar considerations apply to other quantum interpretation-puzzles such as two-slit experiments.
The Clinical and Medicolegal Analysis of Electrical Shocked Rats: Based on the Serological and Histological Methods
Authors: Liu Huitong , Wang Qiaofeng , Zhao Ze , Xie Yanan , Ding Suzhen , Wang Zhenyuan
Published: August 2016

This research was aimed at discovering the serological and histological changes in cardiac and hepatic tissue after electric shock. The CK-MB, ALT, and AMS indexes were tested with serological methods. Moreover, the Bcl-2, Bax, and Hsp-60 expression levels were carefully measured. An electrical injury model was established by giving rats electric shocks at 110 V with alternating electric current. Blood samples from the rats were analyzed for the biochemical indexes. The degrees of pathological changes in the heart and liver were evaluated using IHC staining for Bcl-2, Bax, and Hsp-60. The levels of CK-MB in the electrical injury group rapidly peaked at 0.5 hours after the electric shock. Additionally, the levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and Hsp-60 in the cardiac and hepatic tissues changed regularly after the electrical injury and exhibited apparent differences from the levels in the control group. CK-MB, ALT, and AMS were altered regularly after electric shock, and these results provide significant information for clinical and medicolegal practice. This research has shed light on the assessment of electrical injury without obvious electrical burns. Furthermore, the findings obtained for Bcl-2/Bax and Hsp-60 can also facilitate pathological diagnosis and the identification of antemortem and postmortem electrical injury.
Application of ADM Using Laplace Transform to Approximate Solutions of Nonlinear Deformation for Cantilever Beam
Authors: Theinchai Ratchata , Chankan Siriwan , Yukunthorn Weera
Published: August 2016

We investigate semianalytical solutions of Euler-Bernoulli beam equation by using Laplace transform and Adomian decomposition method (LADM). The deformation of a uniform flexible cantilever beam is formulated to initial value problems. We separate the problems into 2 cases: integer order for small deformation and fractional order for large deformation. The numerical results show the approximated solutions of deflection curve, moment diagram, and shear diagram of the presented method.
FLAIR Hyperintense Vessel Sign of Both MCAs with Severe Heart Failure
Authors: Kim Donghee , Lee Seung-Yul , Seo Kwon-Duk
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense vessels (FHVs) can be seen in patients with occlusion or severe stenosis of the cerebral arteries. FHVs are known to reflect stagnant or slow blood flow within the cerebral artery.Case Report. A 75-year-old woman presented with suddenly developed gait disturbance. She had a history of hypertension, heart failure, and dementia. Brain MRI demonstrated FHVs within both middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). However, there was no acute ischemic lesion and severe stenosis or occlusion of the cerebral arteries. In the baseline routine laboratory investigations, the AST, ALT, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels were elevated. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation. Blood pressure control and conservative management for ischemic hepatitis were performed. After 7 days, the transaminase levels were normalized, and the patient was able to walk with normal gait.Conclusions. In this patient, underlying chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and additionally decreased systemic perfusion seemed to provoke ischemic hepatitis and contribute to the development of FHVs.
Hemodynamic Transesophageal Echocardiography-Guided Venous-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in a Case of Giant Cell Myocarditis
Authors: Ripoll Juan G. , Ratzlaff Robert A. , Menke David M. , Olave Maria C. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Díaz-Gómez José L.
Published: August 2016

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare and commonly fatal form of fulminant myocarditis. During the acute phase, while immunosuppressive therapy is initiated, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support is commonly used as a bridge to heart transplantation or recovery. Until recently, conventional transesophageal echocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography were the tools available for hemodynamic assessment of patients on this form of mechanical circulatory support. Nevertheless, both techniques have their limitations. We present a case of a 54-year-old man diagnosed with GCM requiring VA-ECMO support that was monitored under a novel miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography (hTEE) probe recently approved for 72 hours of continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Our case highlights the value of this novel, flexible, and disposable device for hemodynamic monitoring, accurate therapy guidance, and potential VA-ECMO weaning process of patients with this form of severe myocarditis.
Voltammetric Determination of Epinephrine in Pharmaceutical Sample with a Tyrosinase Nanobiosensor
Authors: Alpat Şenol , Özdemir Kazım , Kılınç Alpat Sibel
Published: August 2016

A novel carbon paste electrode modified with a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), tyrosinase, and Nafion membrane (CP/MWCNT/Tyr/Nafion) was developed for voltammetric determination of epinephrine (EP). The CP/MWCNT/Tyr/Nafion biosensor exhibited linear dynamic range from5.0×10-6 M to5.0×10-4 M EP concentration with a good correlation coefficient (R2=0.9985). The detection limit of the biosensor was calculated as3.0×10-7 M EP from the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3). Reproducibility of the biosensor was also calculated from relative standard deviation as 3.8% (n=5). Ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) did not interfere in the quantification of epinephrine. The developed biosensor was also successfully applied for the determination of epinephrine in pharmaceutical sample. The CP/MWCNT/Tyr/Nafion biosensor has good sensitivity, selectivity, stability, easy preparation procedure, and short analysis time and can be used for the determination of EP in pharmacological samples.
Climate Change Detection and Annual Extreme Temperature Analysis of the Amur River Basin
Authors: Yan Bo , Xia Ziqiang , Huang Feng , Guo Lidan , Zhang Xiao
Published: August 2016

This paper aims to detect climate change points and compare the extreme temperature changes with the average-value changes in the Amur River basin. The daily air temperatures of 44 stations in the Amur River basin were collected from April 1, 1954, to March 31, 2013. The change points for annual mean and extreme temperature in 44 individual stations and their average were detected by the Mann-Kendall test, respectively. The annual mean temperature changed during 1980s in terms of increased mean value and relative stable standard deviation. The annual maximum temperature from 31 stations mostly located in the central and northwest basin changed significantly, and their change points occurred mainly in 1990s. For the annual minimum temperature, 32 stations mainly located in the central basin had significant changes. The generalized extreme value distribution was fitted to the postchange point subseries of annual extreme temperature and the parameters were estimated by the maximum likelihood method. The 10/50/100-year return levels were estimated by the method of profile likelihood. For the areas in the central and Northwestern basin, the probability of occurrence of hot extremes increased, while the occurrence probability of cold extremes was decreased in the central basin under climate change.
Epidemiological Mapping of Human Onchocerciasis in Transmission Suspected Districts of Bale, Borena, and West Arsi Zones of Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Feleke Sindew Mekasha , Tadesse Gemechu , Mekete Kalkidan , Tekle Afework Hailemariam , Kebede Amha
Published: August 2016

Onchocerciasis is mainly found in western part of Ethiopia and there is no evidence of transmission in the east ward. However, some zones (Bale, Borena, and West Arsi) are suspected for transmission given the area has fast flowing rivers and is covered with vegetation. Therefore, this study was conducted to map onchocerciasis transmission in those zones. About 19 villages were selected based on proximity to the rivers, representation of districts, zones, and vegetation covers, whereas the study participants, all village residents of age > 5 years with good health condition, were skin sniped and examined using microscopy. In this study a total of 2560 study participants were surveyed of which 1332 were female (52%) and 122 were male (48%). The age group of 21–30 years was highest (34.4%) and that of age > 51 years was the lowest (3.1%) study participants. The survey result revealed that none of the study participants regardless of age, sex, and location demonstrated skin snipOnchocercamicrofilariae. The prevalence of microfilariae and community microfilarial load (CMFL) were 0% and 0 mf/s, respectively. The finding implied that there is no onchocerciasis in the area and, therefore, there is no need for interventions. Black fly distribution, cytotaxonomic study, and intraborder cross transmission monitoring are recommended.
Plasma Leptin Is Elevated in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Cao Mengshu , Swigris Jeffery J. , Wang Xin , Cao Min , Qiu Yuying , Huang Mei , Xiao Yonglong , Cai Hourong
Published: August 2016

Background. The natural history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is very complex and unpredictable. Some patients will experience acute exacerbation (AE) and fatal outcomes.Methods. The study included 30 AE-IPF patients, 32 stable IPF (S-IPF) patients, and 12 healthy controls. We measured the plasma concentrations of leptin and KL-6. Simple correlation was used to assess associations between leptin and other variables. Plasma leptin levels were compared between AE-IPF and S-IPF subjects, decedents, and survivors. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to display survival and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine risk factors for survival.Results. In subjects with AE-IPF, plasma leptin was significantly greater than in subjects with S-IPF (p=0.0003) or healthy controls (p<0.0001). Plasma leptin was correlated with BMI, KL-6, LDH, CRP, and PaO2/FiO2(p=0.007;p=0.005;p=0.003;p=0.033;andp=0.032,resp.). Plasma leptin was significantly greater in 33 decedents than in the 23 survivors (p=0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed leptin (>13.79 ng/mL) was an independent predictor of survival (p=0.004).Conclusions. Leptin could be a promising plasma biomarker of AE-IPF occurrence and predictor of survival in IPF patients.
Comparison of Effects of Using Geosynthetics and Lime Stabilization to Increase Bearing Capacity of Unpaved Road Subgrade
Authors: Pancar Erhan Burak , Akpınar Muhammet Vefa
Published: August 2016

So many soil improvement methods have been developed in order to increase bearing capacity of superstructure of the road to be constructed on the soft clayey road base soils, decrease settlements, and increase other strength specifications (CBR,k,MRvalues, etc.). In this paper, lime stabilization of clayey road base soil with high water content and its improvement with geosynthetics (geocell + geotextile) reinforcement and comparisons of these two different improvement methods were made. For this purpose, plate loading experimental comparisons of clayey soil, which had high water content by 10% increasing the optimum water content, were made after it was improved with lime at the rates of 3, 6, and 12%, geotextile reinforcement, geocell reinforcement, geosynthetics reinforcement, and geosynthetics reinforcement + lime stabilization at various rates. It was understood that these improvement methods will not yield sufficient results on clayey soils with high water content on their own, and method of improvement with lime and then reinforcement with geosynthetics yields better results on these types of soils. Only one improvement state among ten different states examined in this study gave the sufficient results for the soil to be used for unpaved roads.
Biomonitoring Climate Change and Pollution in Marine Ecosystems: A Review onAulacomya ater
Authors: Caza France , Cledon Maximiliano , St-Pierre Yves
Published: August 2016

The sedentarism and wide global distribution of the blue musselMytilus edulishave made it a useful bioindicator to assess changes in the health status of the marine ecosystem in response to pollution and other environmental stresses. Effective biomonitoring of an ecosystem requires, however, that multiple biomarkers be used to obtain an accurate measure of the cumulative effects of different sources of environmental stress. Here, we provide a first integrated review of the biological, economical, and geographical characteristics of another species of mussels, the ribbed musselAulacomya ater. We discuss the use ofAulacomya ateras a complementary biomonitor to the blue mussel to assess the impact of pollutants and climate change. Recent findings have indeed shown thatMytilus edulisandAulacomya aterhave distinctive anatomy and physiology and respond differently to environmental stress. Monitoring of mixed beds containing blue and ribbed mussels may thus represent a unique opportunity to study the effect of environmental stress on the biodiversity of marine ecosystems, most notably in the Southern hemisphere, which is particularly sensitive to climate change and where both species often cohabitate in the same intertidal zones.
The Antidepressant Effect of Angelica sinensis Extracts on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress‐Induced Depression Is Mediated via the Upregulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Shen Jun , Zhang Junjian , Deng Min , Liu Yue , Hu Yuan , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2016

Angelica sinensis (AS), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has pharmaceutical effects on menstrual illness, cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairments. However, until recently, few studies had explored its antidepressant effect. The current study attempts to investigate the effect of AS extracts on chronic unpredictable mild stress‐ (CUMS‐) induced depression in rats. Male SD rats were exposed to a CUMS‐inducing procedure for 5 weeks, resulting in rodent depressive behaviors that included reduced sucrose consumption and lessened sucrose preference ratios in sucrose preference test, prolonged immobility times and decreased struggling time in force swim test, and decreased locomotor activity in open field test. Moreover, the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the phosphorylation of cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK 1/2) were markedly decreased in the hippocampus in depressed rats. However, chronically treating the depressed rats with AS (1 g/kg) normalized their depression‐related behaviors and molecular profiles. In conclusion, in the present study, we show that AS extracts exerted antidepressant effects that were mediated by the BDNF signaling pathway: in AS‐treated depressed rats, the expression of the BDNF protein and the phosphorylation of its downstream targets (ERK 1/2, CREB) were upregulated in the hippocampus.
On-Body Characterization of Planar Differential Antennas for Multiple, Wide, and Narrow Bands
Authors: Vallozzi Luigi , Pepe Domenico , Castel Thijs , Rogier Hendrik , Zito Domenico
Published: August 2016

This paper reports the results of the on-body experimental tests of a set of four planar differential antennas, originated by design variations of radiating elements with the same shape and characterized by the potential for covering wide and narrow bands. All the antenna designs have been implemented on low-cost FR4 substrate and characterized experimentally through on-body measurements. The results show the impact of the proximity to the human body on antenna performance and the opportunities in terms of potential coverage of wide and narrow bands for future ad hoc designs and implementations through wearable substrates targeting on-body and off-body communication and sensing applications.
UV Treatment of the Stabilizing Shell for Improving the Photostability of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Rinaldi Silvia , Tarpani Luigi , Latterini Loredana
Published: August 2016

Silver nanoparticles or nanoclusters are quite sensitive to light exposure. In particular, irradiation in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) region brings about a drastic modification of their optical properties due to growth and reshaping of the nanoparticles. In order to obtain luminescent colloids, small silver colloidal nanoparticles were prepared in chloroform using vinylpyrrolidone oligomers as capping agent and their luminescence properties were used to control their stability upon prolonged exposure to visible light. The polymeric shell around the metal clusters was hardened through photo-cross-linking by UV light. This process did not alter the morphology and the optical properties of the nanoparticles but greatly improved the particle photostability as confirmed also by confocal laser scanning microscopy measurements. The data clearly show that UV curing of the stabilizing layer could be a simple postsynthetic procedure to obtain materials with stable properties.
Internal Occipital Crest Misalignment with Internal Occipital Protuberance: A Case Report of Posterior Cranial Fossa Anatomic Variations
Authors: Kim Jae Ha , Ahmad Maha
Published: August 2016

During gross anatomy head and neck laboratory session, one dissection group observed an abnormal anatomic variation in the posterior cranial fossa of a 94-year-old male cadaver. The internal occipital crest was not aligned with internal occipital protuberance and groove for superior sagittal sinus. It seemed that the internal occipital protuberance was shifted significantly to the right side. As a result the skull was overly stretched in order to connect with the internal occipital ridge. These internal skull variations of occipital bone landmarks can influence the location of adjacent dural venous sinuses and possibly influence cerebrospinal fluid flow. Similar anatomical anomalies have been attributed to presence of hydrocephalus and abnormalities in cisterna magna.
Ectopic Molar Pregnancy: Diagnostic Efficacy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yamada Yasushi , Ohira Satoshi , Yamazaki Teruyuki , Shiozawa Tanri
Published: August 2016

Ectopic molar pregnancy is extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Our literature search found only one report of molar pregnancy diagnosed preoperatively. Moreover, there is no English literature depicting magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings of ectopic molar pregnancy. We report a case of ectopic molar pregnancy preoperatively diagnosed using MRI. A literature review of 31 cases of ectopic molar pregnancy demonstrated that lesions have been found in the fallopian tube (19 cases, 61%), ovary (5 cases, 16%), cornu (3 cases, 10%), peritoneum (2 cases, 6%), uterine cervix (1 case, 3%), and cesarean scar (1 case, 3%). Abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding were reported in 70% and 61% of the patients, respectively. Twenty-one cases (67%) presented with rupture and hemoperitoneum. All patients underwent surgical resection or dilatation and curettage. Methotrexate therapy was performed in one case because residual trophoblastic tissue was suspected. A second operation was performed in one case of ovarian molar pregnancy because serum hCG levels increased again after primary focal ovarian resection. No patients developed metastatic disease or relapsed. These findings suggest the prognosis of ectopic molar pregnancy to be favorable.
Linking Protection with the Distribution of Grouper and Habitat Quality in Seychelles
Authors: Howlett Samantha J. , Stafford Richard , Waller Matt , Antha Sylvanna , Mason-Parker Christophe
Published: August 2016

Marine protected areas can be designated for a number of reasons, but exactly how they provide benefits is only recently being understood. We assessed the effect of protection on the size and distribution of six common species of grouper in a coral reef ecosystem. Data on live coral cover, coral genus diversity, and coral colony structure type were also compared to give an indication of reef quality between sites. A significant interaction was found forAethaloperca rogaaandCephalopholis nigripinnis, indicating that protected areas held greater numbers of smaller and median sized fish of these species than unprotected areas. Similar but nonsignificant trends were found forCephalopholis miniataandCephalopholis argus. ForAnyperodon leucogrammicus, MPAs held significantly more fish than unprotected sites, but as the increase was equal between size categories there was no interaction. The last speciesEpinephelus fasciatus,which was one of the smallest species, had no significant interaction, similar mean counts between protected and unprotected areas, and no obvious strong favouritism for particular sites with values indicating better reef quality, indicating intraspecies competition. The results of this study indicate that while the MPAs in this study are likely too small to benefit large groupers, the improvements to habitat quality have indirect benefits to groupers, especially at their earlier life stages.
Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Upregulates Paraoxonase 1 Gene Expression and Activity with Concomitant Reduction of Hepatic Steatosis in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Rats
Authors: Pereira Renata Rebeca , Abreu Isabel Cristina Mallosto Emerich de , Guerra Joyce Ferreira da Costa , Lage Nara Nunes , Lopes Juliana Márcia Macedo , Silva Maísa , Lima Wanderson Geraldo de , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , Pedrosa Maria Lucia
Published: August 2016

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a fruit from the Amazon region, has emerged as a promising source of polyphenols. Açai consumption has been increasing owing to ascribed health benefits and antioxidant properties; however, its effects on hepatic injury are limited. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant effect of filtered açai pulp on the expression of paraoxonase (PON) isoforms and PON1 activity in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The rats were fed a standard AIN‐93M (control) diet or a high‐fat (HF) diet containing 25% soy oil and 1% cholesterol with or without açai pulp (2 g/day) for 6 weeks. Our results show that açai pulp prevented low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, increased serum and hepatic PON1 activity, and upregulated the expression of PON1 and ApoA‐I in the liver. In HF diet‐fed rats, treatment with açai pulp attenuated liver damage, reducing fat infiltration and triglyceride (TG) content. In rats receiving açai, increased serum PON1 activity was correlated with a reduction in hepatic steatosis and hepatic injury. These findings suggest the use of açai as a potential therapy for liver injuries, supporting the idea that dietary antioxidants are a promising approach to enhance the defensive systems against oxidative stress.