bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a CO2 Laser on the Inhibition of Root Surface Caries Adjacent to Restorations of Glass Ionomer Cement or Composite Resin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Daniel L. C. , Araújo F. C. , Zancopé B. R. , Hanashiro F. S. , Nobre-dos-Santos M. , Youssef M. N. , Souza-Zaroni W. C.
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the effect of CO2 laser irradiation on the inhibition of secondary caries on root surfaces adjacent to glass ionomer cement (GIC) or composite resin (CR) restorations. 40 dental blocks were divided into 4 groups: G1 (negative control): cavity preparation + adhesive restoration with CR; G2: (positive control) cavity preparation + GIC restoration; G3: equal to group 1 + CO2 laser with 6 J/cm2; G4: equal to group 2 + CO2 laser. The blocks were submitted to thermal and pH cycling. Dental demineralization around restorations was quantified using microhardness analyses and Light‐Induced Fluorescence (QLF). The groups showed no significant differences in mineral loss at depths between 20 μm and 40 μm. At 60 μm, G2 and G3 ≠ G1, but G4 = G1, G2 and G3. At 80 μm, G4 ≠ G1, and at 100 μm, G4 = G2 = G1. At 140 and 220 μm, G2, G3, and G4 = G1. The averages obtained using QFL in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0.637, 0.162, 0.095, and 0.048, respectively. QLF and microhardness analyses showed that CO2 laser irradiation reduced mineral loss around the CR restorations but that it did not increase the anticariogenic effect of GIC restorations.
An Analytical Gate-All-Around MOSFET Model for Circuit Simulation
Authors: Lin Kuan-Chou , Ding Wei-Wen , Chiang Meng-Hsueh
Published: August 2015

A generic charge-based compact model for undoped (lightly doped) quadruple-gate (QG) and cylindrical-gate MOSFETs using Verilog-A is developed. This model is based on the exact solution of Poisson’s equation with scale length. The fundamental DC and charging currents of QG MOSFETs are physically and analytically calculated. In addition, as the Verilog-A modeling is portable for different circuit simulators, the modeling scheme provides a useful tool for circuit designers.
A Simple Method to AssessIn VivoProliferation in Lung Vasculature with EdU: The Case of MMC-Induced PVOD in Rat
Authors: Fabrice Antigny , Benoît Ranchoux , Valérie Nadeau , Lau Edmund , Sébastien Bonnet , Frédéric Perros
Published: August 2015

5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation is becoming the gold standard method forin vitroandin vivovisualization of proliferating cells. The small size of the fluorescent azides used for detection results in a high degree of specimen penetration. It can be used to easily detect DNA replication in large tissue samples or organ explants with low proliferation and turnover of cells formerly believed to be in a “terminal” state of differentiation. Here we describe a protocol for the localization and identification of proliferating cells in quiescent or injured pulmonary vasculature, in a model of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). PVOD is an uncommon form of pulmonary hypertension characterized by progressive obstruction of small pulmonary veins. We previously reported that mitomycin-C (MMC) therapy is associated with PVOD in human. We demonstrated that MMC can induce PVOD in rats, which currently represents the sole animal model that recapitulates human PVOD lesions. Using the EdU assay, we demonstrated that MMC-exposed lungs displayed areas of exuberant microvascular endothelial cell proliferation which mimics pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, one of the pathologic hallmarks of human PVOD.In vivopulmonary cell proliferation measurement represents an interesting methodology to investigate the potential efficacy of therapies aimed at normalizing pathologic angioproliferation.
Multicolor Emission Tuning and Red/Green Ratio Enhancement of Yb3+/Er3+ Codoped KGdF4 Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Qiu Xionger , Lin Tiejun
Published: August 2015

Herein, a series of KGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesized through a one‐pot hydrothermal method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as capping ligands. The phase and microstructure studies show all these as‐prepared UCNPs are pure cubic phase and uniformed nanoparticle shape by changing the doped Yb3+ concentration from 18% to 98%. The as‐prepared UCNPs can realize the multicolor emissions from yellow to red and the red‐to‐green (R/G) ratio can be enhanced from 2.05 to 8.35 when Yb3+ varies from 18% to 98%. In addition, the proposed upconversion (UC) mechanisms of these PEGylated UCNPs are investigated in detail. The realization of multicolor tuning and enhanced R/G ratio by only increasing the doping concentration of Yb3+ ions in KGdF4 host indicates that the PEGylated KGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs can find their application on lighting devices, anticounterfeit technology, and even bioimaging field.
Inferring Diversity and Evolution in Fish by Means of Integrative Molecular Cytogenetics
Authors: Artoni Roberto Ferreira , Castro Jonathan Pena , Jacobina Uedson Pereira , Lima-Filho Paulo Augusto , Félix da Costa Gideão Wagner Werneck , Molina Wagner Franco
Published: August 2015

Fish constitute a paraphyletic and profusely diversified group that has historically puzzled ichthyologists. Hard efforts are necessary to better understand this group, due to its extensive diversity. New species are often identified and it leads to questions about their phylogenetic aspects. Cytogenetics is becoming an important biodiversity‐detection tool also used to measure biodiversity evolutionary aspects. Molecular cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed integrating quantitative and qualitative data from DNA sequences and their physical location in chromosomes and genomes. Although there is no intention on presenting a broader review, the current study presents some evidences on the need of integrating molecular cytogenetic data to other evolutionary biology tools to more precisely infer cryptic species detection, population structuring in marine environments, intra‐ and interspecific karyoevolutionary aspects of freshwater groups, evolutionary dynamics of marine fish chromosomes, and the origin and differentiation of sexual and B chromosomes. The new cytogenetic field, called cytogenomics, is spreading due to its capacity to give resolute answers to countless questions that cannot be answered by traditional methodologies. Indeed, the association between chromosomal markers and DNA sequencing as well as between biological diversity analysis methodologies and phylogenetics triggers the will to search for answers about fish evolutionary, taxonomic, and structural features.
Research on Modeling and Control of Regenerative Braking for Brushless DC Machines Driven Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wen Jian-ping , Zhang Chuan-wei
Published: August 2015

In order to improve energy utilization rate of battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) using brushless DC machine (BLDCM), the model of braking current generated by regenerative braking and control method are discussed. On the basis of the equivalent circuit of BLDCM during the generative braking period, the mathematic model of braking current is established. By using an extended state observer (ESO) to observe actual braking current and the unknown disturbances of regenerative braking system, the autodisturbances rejection controller (ADRC) for controlling the braking current is developed. Experimental results show that the proposed method gives better recovery efficiency and is robust to disturbances.
Chlamydia pneumoniae‐Mediated Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Filardo Simone , Di Pietro Marisa , Farcomeni Alessio , Schiavoni Giovanna , Sessa Rosa
Published: August 2015

Several studies have attempted to relate the C. pneumoniae‐mediated inflammatory state with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, providing inconsistent results. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to clarify whether C. pneumoniae may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by enhancing inflammation. 12 case‐control, 6 cross‐sectional, and 7 prospective studies with a total of 10,176 patients have been included in this meta‐analysis. Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae and differences between levels of inflammatory markers were assessed by standard mean differences. Publication bias was performed to ensure the statistical power. hsCRP, fibrinogen, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ showed a significant increase in patients with atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05), along with a higher seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae (OR of 3.11, 95% CI: 2.88–3.36, P < 0.001). More interestingly, hsCRP, IL‐6, and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in C. pneumoniae IgA seropositive compared to seronegative atherosclerotic patients (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present meta‐analysis suggests that C. pneumoniae infection may contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases by enhancing the inflammatory state, and, in particular, seropositivity to C. pneumoniae IgA, together with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and IL‐6, may be predictive of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.
Component Analysis of Unsteady Hydrodynamic Force of Closed-Type Centrifugal Pump with Single Blades of Different Blade Outlet Angles
Authors: Nishi Yasuyuki , Fukutomi Junichiro
Published: August 2015

Single-blade centrifugal impellers for sewage systems undergo both unsteady radial and axial thrusts. Therefore, it is extremely important for the improvement of pump reliability to quantitatively grasp these fluctuating hydrodynamic forces and determine the generation mechanism behind them. In this study, we conducted component analyses of radial and axial thrusts of closed, single-blade centrifugal pumps with different blade outlet angles by numerical analysis while considering leakage flow. The results revealed the effect of the blade outlet angle on the components of radial and axial thrusts. For increased flow rates, the time-averaged values of the pressure component were similar for all impellers, although its fluctuating components were higher for impellers with larger blade outlet angles. Moreover, the fluctuating inertia component of the impeller with a blade outlet angle of 8° decreased as the flow rate increased, whereas those with 16° and 24° angles increased. Therefore, the radial thrust on the hydraulic part was significantly higher for impellers with high blade outlet angles.
Reconstruction of Elbow by Free Fibular Graft in a Case of Osteoclastoma of Proximal Ulna: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kalaiah Kiran , Thejaswi S. G. , Siddappa Marula
Published: August 2015

Giant cell tumour is a benign aggressive bone tumour. Most commonly, it is seen in epiphysiometaphyseal region around knee and distal radius. Proximal ulna is a rare location for giant cell tumour. According to reports, only 4 such cases have been reported in English literature. We report one such case of giant cell tumour of proximal ulna. Patient presented with painless, progressive swelling around right elbow since 4 months. Proximal ulna along with tumour was resected and elbow was reconstructed using nonvascularized free fibular graft. At two years of follow-up, patient is tumour-free and has functional range of movement in elbow. We are reporting the case because of its rare location and for the indigenous treatment modality of using free fibular graft for elbow reconstruction.
A Logistic Regression Model with a Hierarchical Random Error Term for Analyzing the Utilization of Public Transport
Authors: Wei Chong , Lu Tingting , Yan Xuedong
Published: August 2015

Logistic regression models have been widely used in previous studies to analyze public transport utilization. These studies have shown travel time to be an indispensable variable for such analysis and usually consider it to be a deterministic variable. This formulation does not allow us to capture travelers’ perception error regarding travel time, and recent studies have indicated that this error can have a significant effect on modal choice behavior. In this study, we propose a logistic regression model with a hierarchical random error term. The proposed model adds a new random error term for the travel time variable. This term structure enables us to investigate travelers’ perception error regarding travel time from a given choice behavior dataset. We also propose an extended model that allows constraining the sign of this error in the model. We develop two Gibbs samplers to estimate the basic hierarchical model and the extended model. The performance of the proposed models is examined using a well-known dataset.
Inconsistencies Exist in National Estimates of Eye Care Services Utilization in the United States
Authors: Wilson Fernando A. , Stimpson Jim P. , Wang Yang
Published: August 2015

Background. There are limited research and substantial uncertainty about the level of eye care utilization in the United States.Objectives. Our study estimated eye care utilization using, to our knowledge, every known nationally representative, publicly available database with information on office-based optometry or ophthalmology services.Research Design. We analyzed the following national databases to estimate eye care utilization: the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), Joint Canada/US Survey of Health (JCUSH), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).Subjects. US adults aged 18 and older.Measures. Self-reported utilization of eye care services.Results. The weighted number of adults seeing or talking with any eye doctor ranges from 87.9 million to 99.5 million, and the number of visits annually ranges from 72.9 million to 142.6 million. There were an estimated 17.2 million optometry visits and 55.8 million ophthalmology visits.Conclusions. The definitions and estimates of eye care services vary widely across national databases, leading to substantial differences in national estimates of eye care utilization.
Osseous Metaplasia in Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney: A Case of Massive, Bilateral Tumors
Authors: Asghar Aeen M. , Uhlman Matthew A. , Dahmoush Laila , Deorah Sundeep
Published: August 2015

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy, with many histologic subtypes. One of the rare forms of RCC is mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), which is newly described with limited information on clinical picture and outcome. Heterotopic bone formation (osseous metaplasia) is a rare finding within any renal mass. Here we report a case of a massive, bilateral MTSCC with histologic findings of heterotopic bone formation, which has not been described before.
Prevalence and Correlates of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) in Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Yakasai Ahmad M. , Gudaji Mustafa I. , Muhammad Hamza , Ibrahim Aliyu , Owolabi Lukman F. , Ibrahim Daiyabu A. , Babashani Musa , Mijinyawa Muhammad S. , Borodo Musa M. , Ogun Abayomi S. , Habib Abdulrazaq G.
Published: August 2015

HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) are common among HIV-positive individuals. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of HAND in Nigeria. 80 HIV-positive and 40 HIV-negative adults selected from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) received comprehensive evaluations. A multidomain neuropsychological test (MDNPT) battery assessing 7 domains was administered to the participants and their performance was combined with measures of functional status to classify impairments into various grades of HAND. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify correlates of symptomatic HAND. Among the HIV-positive individuals, 50% were highly active antiretroviral therapy-experienced (HAART+) and 50% were highly active antiretroviral therapy naive (HAART−). Symptomatic HAND was found among 40% of the HAART− individuals and 30% of the HAART+ individuals. Respective prevalence of HIV-associated dementia (HAD) was 23% and 5%, respectively (p=0.0002). In a binary logistic regression model, only fewer years of education independently predicted symptomatic HAND [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.44,p=0.016]. The prevalence of HAND in Nigeria is high with HAD being commoner among HAART− patients. Provision of HAART and strict monitoring of patients at risk of HAND are needed to scale down the burden of the disease.
Optimal Bounds for the Neuman-Sándor Mean in terms of the Convex Combination of the First and Second Seiffert Means
Authors: Cui Hao-Chuan , Wang Nan , Long Bo-Yong
Published: August 2015

We find the least valueαand the greatest valueβsuch that the double inequalityαP(a,b)+(1-α)T(a,b)<M(a,b)<βP(a,b)+(1-β)T(a,b)holds for alla,b>0witha≠b, whereM(a,b), P(a,b), andT(a,b)are the Neuman-Sándor mean and the first and second Seiffert means of two positive numbersaandb, respectively.
Land Use Zoning for Conserving Ecosystem Services under the Impact of Climate Change: A Case Study in the Middle Reaches of the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Shi Chenchen , Zhan Jinyan , Yuan Yongwei , Wu Feng , Li Zhihui
Published: August 2015

Ecosystem services are the benefit human populations derive directly and indirectly from the natural environment. They suffer from both the human intervention, like land use zoning change, and natural intervention, like the climate change. Under the background of climate change, regulation services of ecosystem could be strengthened under proper land use zoning policy to mitigate the climate change. In this paper, a case study was conducted in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin to assess the ecosystem services conservation zoning under the change of land use associated with climate variations. The research results show the spatial impact of land use zoning on ecosystem services in the study area which are significant reference for the spatial optimization of land use zoning in preserving the key ecosystem services to mitigate the climate change. The research contributes to the growing literature in finely characterizing the ecosystem services zones altered by land use change to alleviate the impact of climate change, as there is no such systematic ecosystem zoning method before.
Treatment of Immunocompromised, Critically Ill Patients with Influenza A H1N1 Infection with a Combination of Oseltamivir, Amantadine, and Zanamivir
Authors: Meijer Wouter J. , Kromdijk Wiete , van den Broek Marcel P. H. , Haas Pieter-Jan A. , Minnema Monique C. , Boucher Charles A. , de Lange Dylan W. , Wensing Annemarie M. J.
Published: August 2015

Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of complications of influenza virus infection. We report on two critically ill patients on immunosuppressive medication with influenza pneumonia. In both patients, oseltamivir monotherapy did not result in clearance of the virus after 18 and five days, respectively. After adding zanamivir and amantadine to the treatment, PCRs on pharyngeal and/or plasma specimens turned negative in both patients after four and three days, respectively. We suggest, that in critically ill patients with influenza A H1N1 infection, treatment efficacy should be monitored closely and treatment with a combination of antiviral drugs should be considered.
Four-Channel Teleoperation with Time-Varying Delays and Disturbance Observers
Authors: Delgado Emma , Falcón Pablo , Díaz-Cacho Miguel , Barreiro Antonio
Published: August 2015

This paper addresses the robust stability of teleoperated systems under the four-channel architecture, affected by time-varying communication delays and using disturbance observers. It is based on our previous work which provides a framework for robust stability against delays with bounded variation and a bounded time-derivative, using structured singular values (SSV). The main new feature here is the inclusion of disturbance observers (DOBs). The DOB concept is well-documented and relevant to many applications, since only position (but not force) measurements are usually available. In this paper, we adapt two DOBs (master and slave) to our generic framework, by representing them as stable, fast filters affected by the uncertainty in the plant modelling. Our main result is an SSV test to verify robust stability. The simulation results confirm the usefulness of this approach.
Abstract Word Definition in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kim Soo Ryon , Kim SangYun , Baek Min Jae , Kim HyangHee
Published: August 2015

The aims of this study were to investigate concrete and abstract word definition ability (1) between patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and normal adults and (2) between the aMCI subtypes (i.e., amnestic single-domain MCI and amnestic multidomain MCI; asMCI and amMCI) and normal controls. The 68 patients with aMCI (29 asMCI and 39 amMCI) and 93 age- and education-matched normal adults performed word definition tasks composed of five concrete (e.g., train) and five abstract nouns (e.g., jealousy). Task performances were analyzed on total score, number of core meanings, and number of supplementary meanings. The results were as follows. First, the aMCI patients scored significantly poorer than the normal controls in only abstract word definition. Second, both subtypes of aMCI performed worse than the controls in only abstract word definition. In conclusion, a definition task of abstract rather than concrete concepts may provide richer information to show semantic impairment of aMCI.
Plasma Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Verma Akhilesh Kumar , Raj Janak , Sharma Vivek , Singh Tej Bali , Srivastava Shalabh , Srivastava Ragini
Published: August 2015

Prolidase deficiency has been related to mental retardation and oxidative stress. The study aimed to observe plasma prolidase activity (PPA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 240 subjects with PD and 150 healthy volunteers were considered as cases and controls, respectively. PPA, TOS, TAS, and OSI were measured spectrophotometrically. PPA and TAS in cases were more significantly decreased than controls(P<0.01), while TOS and OSI were significantly increased(P<0.001). In cases, nonsignificant, positive correlation was observed between PPA and TOS and OSI while significant, negative correlation was observed between PPA and TAS(P=0.047). PPA in cases was nonsignificantly decreased with increased duration of PD(P=0.747)while TAS was significantly decreased(P<0.001)and TOS and OSI were significantly increased(P<0.001). It was observed that higher age groups had decreased PPA, and TAS and increased TOS and OSI compared to lower age groups in cases. In summary, patients with PD have decreased PPA and increased oxidative stress compared to healthy volunteers. PPA was associated with oxidative stress markers in patients with PD. Decreased PPA and TAS and increased TOS and OSI were associated with progression of disease and higher age.
A Two-Dimensional Multiarmed Bandit Approach to Secondary Users with Network Coding in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Qu Yuben , Dong Chao , Niu Dawei , Wang Hai , Tian Chang
Published: August 2015

We study how to utilize network coding to improve the throughput of secondary users (SUs) in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) when the channel quality is unavailable at SUs. We use a two-dimensional multiarmed bandit (MAB) approach to solve the problem of SUs with network coding under unknown channel quality in CRNs. We analytically prove the asymptotical-throughput optimality of the proposed two-dimensional MAB algorithm. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm achieves comparable throughput performance, compared to both the theoretical upper bound and the scheme assuming known channel quality information.
Complex Scapular Winging following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Skedros John G. , Phippen Colton M. , Langston Tanner D. , Mears Chad S. , Trujillo Amy L. , Miska Robert M.
Published: August 2015

This is a unique case of a female patient with features of classical and hypermobile types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) who developed complex scapular winging from spinal accessory and long thoracic neuropathies. These neurological problems became manifest after an uncomplicated total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The patient had a complex postoperative course with extensive work-up in addition to revision shoulder surgery and manipulations to treat shoulder stiffness. It was eventually suspected that the periscapular nerve impairments occurred during physical therapy sessions after her TSA. This interpretation was further supported by genetic evidence that, in addition to EDS, the patient had an unrecognized genetic propensity for nerve palsies from stretch or pressure (“hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies” (HNPP)). By two years after the TSA the neuropathies had only partially improved, leaving the patient with persistent scapular winging and shoulder weakness. With this case we alert surgeons and physical therapists that patients with EDS can have not only a complicated course after TSA, but rare concurrent conditions that can further increase the propensity of neurological injuries that result in compromised shoulder function.
A Customizable Quantum‐Dot Cellular Automata Building Block for the Synthesis of Classical and Reversible Circuits
Authors: Moustafa Ahmed , Younes Ahmed , Hassan Yasser F.
Published: August 2015

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) are nanoscale digital logic constructs that use electrons in arrays of quantum dots to carry out binary operations. In this paper, a basic building block for QCA will be proposed. The proposed basic building block can be customized to implement classical gates, such as XOR and XNOR gates, and reversible gates, such as CNOT and Toffoli gates, with less cell count and/or better latency than other proposed designs.
Note on the Physical Basis of the Kutta Condition in Unsteady Two-Dimensional Panel Methods
Authors: La Mantia M. , Dabnichki P.
Published: August 2015

Force generation in avian and aquatic species is of considerable interest for possible engineering applications. The aim of this work is to highlight the theoretical and physical foundations of a new formulation of the unsteady Kutta condition, which postulates a finite pressure difference at the trailing edge of the foil. The condition, necessary to obtain a unique solution and derived from the unsteady Bernoulli equation, implies that the energy supplied for the wing motion generates trailing-edge vortices and their overall effect, which depends on the motion initial parameters, is a jet of fluid that propels the wing. The postulated pressure difference (the value of which should be experimentally obtained) models the trailing-edge velocity difference that generates the thrust-producing jet. Although the average thrust values computed by the proposed method are comparable to those calculated by assuming null pressure difference at the trailing edge, the latter (commonly used) approach is less physically meaningful than the present one, as there is a singularity at the foil trailing edge. Additionally, in biological applications, that is, for autonomous flapping, the differences ought to be more significant, as the corresponding energy requirements should be substantially altered, compared to the studied oscillatory motions.
Chemical Functionalization Effects on Cubane-Based Chain Electronic Transport
Authors: Katin Konstantin P. , Maslov Mikhail M.
Published: August 2015

We report electronic structure calculations in chemically functionalized linear cubane-based chains. The effects of covalent chemical attachments on chain transport properties are examined with nonorthogonal tight-binding model (NTBM) considering Landauer-Büttiker formalism. The covalent bonding of even a single-type functional group is shown to considerably alter the conductance of the chain. For similar radical doping density, electronic characteristics are found to range from insulator to narrow-gap semiconductor depending on the nature of the covalent bonding. Therefore it has become possible to tune electronic properties of the cubane-based one-dimensional oligomers by the functionalization for nanoelectronic applications.
Effects ofVacciniumBerries on Serum Lipids: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhu Yitong , Miao Ya , Meng Zheying , Zhong Yuan
Published: August 2015

The beneficial effects of anthocyanins consumption on cardiovascular risk are supported by mechanistic and epidemiologic evidence. In order to explore the effects ofVacciniumberries rich in anthocyanins on serum lipids, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Sixteen studies with 1109 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity confirmed differential effects betweenVacciniumsubclasses. The whortleberry group is significantly superior to placebo in lipids improvement. Besides, bilberry groups show significant differences in reducing LDL-C and increasing HDL-C in comparison with other treatments. For many of the other subgroups and comparison arms, there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about efficacy.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment of Malignant Glaucoma in Pseudophakic Eyes through Partial PPV with Establishment of Communication between the Anterior Chamber and the Vitreous Cavity
Authors: Rękas Marek , Krix-Jachym Karolina , Żarnowski Tomasz
Published: August 2015

Purpose. Determination of partial posterior vitrectomy (PPV) in the proposed modification for treatment of malignant glaucoma.Methods. The prospective, consecutive, single-center case series study involved patients in whom symptoms of malignant glaucoma occurred after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery or after glaucoma surgery in pseudophakic eye. When medical and laser treatment were not successful, partial PPV with establishment of communication between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity was performed. Efficacy measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), AND the number of antiglaucoma medications. Surgical success and occurring complications were also evaluated.Results. The study enrolled 20 eyes of 17 patients. Average IOP was reduced from 30.4 ± 14.2 (SD) mmHg to 14.6 ± 3.2 (SD) mmHg one year after surgery (P<0.00001). A statistically significant reduction of the number of antiglaucoma medications was obtained from 3.3 ± 1.1 (SD) preoperatively to 1.2 ± 1.1 (SD) at the end of follow-up. Statistically significant improvement of CDVA was observed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Conclusions. Partial PPV with establishment of communication between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity enables effective IOP control over a 12-month observation; however, in most cases, it is necessary to use antiglaucoma medications for IOP control.
Efficacy and Safety of Artesunate-Amodiaquine versus Artemether-Lumefantrine in the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Sentinel Sites across Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Yavo William , Konaté Abibatou , Kassi Fulgence Kondo , Djohan Vincent , Angora Etienne Kpongbo , Kiki-Barro Pulcherie Christiane , Vanga-Bosson Henriette , Menan Eby Ignace Hervé
Published: August 2015

Two years after the introduction of free Artesunate-Amodiaquine (ASAQ) and Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in public health facilities in Côte d’Ivoire, we carried out this study to compare their efficacy and tolerability in three surveillance sites. It was a multicentre open randomised clinical trial of 3-day ASAQ treatment against AL for the treatment of 2 parallel groups of patients aged 2 years and above. The endpoints were (1) Adequate Clinical and Parasitological Response (ACPR) at day 28 and (2) the clinical and biological tolerability. Of the 300 patients who were enrolled 289, with 143 (49.5%) and 146 (50.5%) in the ASAQ and AL groups, respectively, correctly followed the WHO 2003 protocol we used. The PCR-corrected ACPR was 99.3% for each group. More than 94% of patients no longer showed signs of fever, 48 hours after treatment. Approximately 78% of the people in the ASAQ group had a parasite clearance time of 48 hours or less compared to 81% in the AL group (p=0.496). Both drugs were found to be well tolerated by the patients. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and tolerability of ASAQ and AL supporting their continuous use for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria infection in Côte d’Ivoire.
Cigarette Smoking Is Associated with a Lower Concentration of CD105+ Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells
Authors: Beyth Shaul , Mosheiff Rami , Safran Ori , Daskal Anat , Liebergall Meir
Published: August 2015

Cigarette smoking is associated with musculoskeletal degenerative disorders, delayed fracture healing, and nonunion. Bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs), known to express CD105, are important in local trophic and immunomodulatory activity and central to musculoskeletal healing/regeneration. We hypothesized that smoking is associated with lower levels of BMPC. Iliac bone marrow samples were collected from individuals aged 18–65 years during the first steps of pelvic surgery, under IRB approval with informed consent. Patients with active infectious or neoplastic disease, a history of cytotoxic or radiation therapy, primary or secondary metabolic bone disease, or bone marrow dysfunction were excluded. Separation process purity and the number of BMPCs recovered were assessed with FACS. BMPC populations in self-reported smokers and nonsmokers were compared using the two-tailed t-test. 13 smokers and 13 nonsmokers of comparable age and gender were included. The average concentration of BMPCs was 3.52 × 105/mL ± 2.45 × 105/mL for nonsmokers versus 1.31 × 105/mL ± 1.61 × 105/mL for smokers (t= 3.2, P=0.004). This suggests that cigarette smoking is linked to a significant decrease in the concentration of BMPCs, which may contribute to the reduced regenerative capacity of smokers, with implications for musculoskeletal maintenance and repair.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Nabi Shahzaib , Saste Abhijit , Gulati Rohit
Published: August 2015

A 26-year-old male without any significant past medical history presented to the hospital with shortness of breath, cough, pleuritic chest pain, and weight loss for the past 3 months. On chest CT, he was found to have extensive mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy and multiple pulmonary nodules. On physical examination, a right groin mass was noted which had been slowly growing for the past 2 years. Ultrasound of the groin showed complex solid mass with internal vascular channels. CT guided biopsy of the mass showed desmoplastic small round cell tumour. His hospital course was complicated by hypoxic respiratory failure requiring emergent intubation and ICU admission where he completed one cycle of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin with subsequent improvement, followed by extubation. His condition continued to improve after second cycle of chemotherapy and he was ultimately discharged in a stable condition to continue outpatient chemotherapy after a 2-month inpatient stay.
Medical Image Encryption and Compression Scheme Using Compressive Sensing and Pixel Swapping Based Permutation Approach
Authors: Zhang Li-bo , Zhu Zhi-liang , Yang Ben-qiang , Liu Wen-yuan , Zhu Hong-feng , Zou Ming-yu
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a solution to satisfy the increasing requirements for secure medical image transmission and storage over public networks. The proposed scheme can simultaneously encrypt and compress the medical image using compressive sensing (CS) and pixel swapping based permutation approach. In the CS phase, the plain image is compressed and encrypted by chaos-based Bernoulli measurement matrix, which is generated under the control of the introduced Chebyshev map. The quantized measurements are then encrypted by permutation-diffusion type chaotic cipher for the second level protection. Simulations and extensive security analyses have been performed. The results demonstrate that at a large scale of compression ratio the proposed cryptosystem can provide satisfactory security level and reconstruction quality.
Successful Treatment of Bulla with Endobronchial Valves
Authors: Çetinkaya Erdoğan , Özgül Mehmet Akif , Gül Şule , Boyacı Hilal , Cam Ertan , Kamiloglu Emine , Çörtük Mustafa
Published: August 2015

Emphysematous bullae are a complication of end-stage COPD. Patients with large bullae and poor respiratory function have limited treatment options. Surgical resection is a recognized treatment, but functional improvement after bullectomy is not satisfactory in patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 35% predicted. When this 59-year-old male end-stage COPD patient was assessed, he was cachectic and lung function tests showed a FEV1 of 0.56 L (19% predicted) and a RV of 7 L (314% predicted), while 6MWT was 315 m and MRC dyspnea score was 4. Chest X-ray revealed a massive bulla of 10 cm in diameter in the right middle lobe. A fibrobronchoscopy was performed under local anesthesia and 2 Zephyr 4.0 valves were placed in the right middle lobe. Chest X-ray and CT scan performed 36 days later showed the complete resolution of the bulla. Seven months later, the patient demonstrated an improvement in FEV1 (+30%) and a decrease in RV from 314 to 262% predicted. This case report shows that the Zephyr valves may be successfully used to treat a large bulla in the right middle lobe in a patient with diffuse emphysema and severely impaired lung function.
Prospects of Vitamin C as an Additive in Plasma of Stored Blood
Authors: Vani R. , Soumya R. , Carl H. , Chandni V. A. , Neha K. , Pankhuri B. , Trishna S. , Vatsal D. P.
Published: August 2015

There is a dire necessity to improve blood storage and prolong shelf-life of blood. Very few studies have focused on oxidative stress (OS) in blood and its influence on plasma with storage. This study attempts to (i) elucidate the continuous changes occurring in plasma during storage through oxidant levels and antioxidant status and (ii) evaluate the influence of vitamin C (VC) as an additive during blood storage. Blood was drawn from maleWistarrats and stored for 25 days at 4°C. Blood samples were divided into control and experimental groups. Plasma was isolated every 5 days and the OS markers, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation products, were studied. Catalase activity increased in all groups with storage. Lipid peroxidation decreased in VC (10) but was maintained in VC (30) and VC (60). Although there were variations in all groups, carbonyls were maintained towards the end of storage. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) increased in VC (30) and were maintained in VC (10) and VC (60). Sulfhydryls were maintained in all groups. Vitamin C could not sufficiently attenuate OS and hence, this opens the possibilities for further studies on vitamin C in combination with other antioxidants, in storage solutions.
Nontargeted Effect after Radiotherapy in a Patient with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Al-Shibli Khalid , Tollåli Terje
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To describe tumor shrinkage of nonirradiated lung metastases in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer.Case Report. The patient had a concurrent autoimmune condition, bullous pemphigoid, which was clinically exacerbated during radiotherapy of mediastinal and axillary lymph node metastases. He also developed a series of infections during and after irradiation, and we hypothesize that the immunological events during this phase might have influenced the size of the nonirradiated metastases.Conclusion. Ionizing radiation generates inflammatory signals and, in principle, could provide both tumor-specific antigens from dying cells and maturation stimuli that are necessary for dendritic cells’ activation of tumor-specific T cells. Even if the detailed mechanisms causing nontargeted immune modulatory effects in individual patients are poorly understood, clinical development of radioimmunotherapy is underway.
A Novel Round Insulated Tip Papillotome as an Alternative to the Classic Needle-Knife for Precut Sphincterotomy in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Baysal Birol , Akin Hakan , Masri Omar , İnce Ali Tüzün , Senturk Hakan
Published: August 2015

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a new round insulated tip papillotome (r-ITP) as compared to that of the classic needle-knife sphincterotome (NKS) in difficult-to-cannulate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) patients.Materials and Methods. Patients with no exclusion criteria and an intact papilla referred for ERCP were invited to participate in the study. “Difficult-to-cannulate” patients, defined as failure to achieve deep biliary cannulation within five minutes from the first touch of papilla, with no more than ten attempts permitted, were randomly assigned for precut sphincterotomy using either the classic NKS or r-ITP.Results. Seventy and 69 patients were randomly assigned to the NKS and r-ITP groups, respectively. The groups were comparable regarding age, sex, indications, and associated conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of successful cannulation or post-ERCP complications between the two groups. Only five patients (3.6%) developed mild to moderate post-ERCP pancreatitis and two had mild bleeding. No perforations or deaths were encountered.Conclusions. Although the round insulated tip papillotome was not shown to be superior to the classic NKS concerning efficacy and safety when used by an experienced endoscopist, it remains a simple, safe, and efficacious alternative.
Longitudinal Study of DNA Methylation of Inflammatory Genes and Cancer Risk
Authors: Joyce Brian Thomas , Gao Tao , Liu Lei , Zheng Yinan , Liu Siran , Zhang Wei , Penedo Frank , Dai Qi , Schwartz Joel , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Hou Lifang
Published: August 2015

Background: Chronic inflammation plays a key role in cancer etiology. DNA methylation modification, one of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression, is considered a hallmark of cancer. Human and animal models have identified numerous links between DNA methylation and inflammatory biomarkers. Our objective was to prospectively and longitudinally examine associations between methylation of four inflammatory genes and cancer risk.

Methods: We included 795 Normative Aging Study participants with blood drawn one to four times from 1999 to 2012 (median follow-up, 10.6 years). Promoter DNA methylation of IL6, ICAM-1, IFN, and TLR2 in blood leukocytes was measured using pyrosequencing at multiple CpG sites and averaged by gene for data analysis. We used Cox regression models to examine prospective associations of baseline and time-dependent methylation with cancer risk and compared mean methylation differences over time between cancer cases and cancer-free participants.

Results: Baseline IFN hypermethylation was associated with all-cancer (HR, 1.49; P = 0.04) and prostate cancer incidence (HR, 1.69; P = 0.02). Baseline ICAM-1 and IL6 hypermethylation were associated with prostate cancer incidence (HR, 1.43; P = 0.02; HR, 0.70; P = 0.03, respectively). In our time-dependent analyses, IFN hypermethylation was associated with all-cancer (HR, 1.79; P = 0.007) and prostate cancer (HR, 1.57; P = 0.03) incidence; and ICAM-1 and IL6 hypermethylation were associated with prostate cancer incidence (HR, 1.39; P = 0.02; HR, 0.69; P = 0.03, respectively). We detected significant ICAM-1 hypermethylation in cancer cases (P = 0.0003) 10 to 13 years prediagnosis.

Conclusion: Hypermethylation of IFN and ICAM-1 may play important roles in early carcinogenesis, particularly that of prostate cancer.

Impact: These methylation changes could inform the development of early detection biomarkers and potential treatments of inflammation-related carcinogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1531–8. ©2015 AACR.
Accessibility and Quality of Online Cancer-Related Clinical Trial Information for Naïve Searchers
Authors: Abel Gregory A. , Cronin Angel M. , Earles Kristofer , Gray Stacy W.
Published: August 2015

Although the Internet may help to increase cancer patients' awareness of clinical trials, little is known about the accessibility and quality of online clinical trial information. We simulated the experience of a naïve cancer patient without clinical trial knowledge by searching three popular search engines for treatment information for breast, lung, and prostate cancer, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Two coders independently evaluated website content for accessibility and quality. We screened 120 websites and identified 40 unique sites for analysis. Overall, 85% [95% confidence interval (CI), 70%–94%] of sites mentioned clinical trials on the landing page and 68% (51%–81%) included links to specific trials. Overall readability was poor. Approximately half of websites (36%–68%) included information on the potential benefits and risks of clinical trials and 40% provided information about when the site had been updated (25%–57%). Among sites with links to specific clinical trials, only 44% (25%–65%) provided an interactive interface that would allow patients to customize search results; breast (100%) and prostate (50%) sites were more interactive than lung (25%) and MDS (14%; P = 0.007). Although cancer clinical trial information is widely available on the Internet, its quality is highly variable. Given the fact that many emerging cancer therapeutics are personalized based on disease or genomic characteristics, interactive web-based interfaces could serve as powerful vehicles to help patients locate appropriate clinical trials. Without enhanced efforts to ensure greater interactivity of cancer treatment websites, patient awareness of relevant clinical trials may remain low. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1629–31. ©2015 AACR.
Critical Analyses of the Introduction of Liquid-Based Cytology in a Public Health Service of the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Levi José Eduardo , Martins Toni Ricardo , Cohen Diane , Cury Lise , Villa Luisa Lina , Eluf-Neto José
Published: August 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the current conventional Pap smear with liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparations. Study Design: Women routinely undergoing their cytopathological and histopathological examinations at Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo (FOSP) were recruited for LBC. Conventional smears were analyzed from women from other areas of the State of São Paulo with similar sociodemographic characteristics. Results: A total of 218,594 cases were analyzed, consisting of 206,999 conventional smears and 11,595 LBC. Among the conventional smears, 3.0% were of unsatisfactory preparation; conversely, unsatisfactory LBC preparations accounted for 0.3%. The ASC-H (atypical squamous cells - cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) frequency did not demonstrate any differences between the two methods. In contrast, the incidence of ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) was almost twice as frequent between LBC and conventional smears, at 2.9 versus 1.6%, respectively. An equal percentage of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were observed for the two methods, but not for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, which were more significantly observed in LBC preparations than in conventional smears (2.2 vs. 0.7%). The index of positivity was importantly enhanced from 3.0% (conventional smears) to 5.7% (LBC). Conclusions: LBC performed better than conventional smears, and we are truly confident that LBC can improve public health strategies aimed at reducing cervical lesions through prevention programs.