bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TIME-AVERAGE HOLOGRAPHY TO ANALYZE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF SKIN TISSUES UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS
Authors: BOCCACCIO ANTONIO , GENCHI GAETANO , LAMBERTI LUCIANO , PAPPALETTERE CARMINE
Published: August 2016

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using time-average holography to verify the integrity of skin tissue samples and detect changes in their mechanical response caused by exposure to thermal perturbations, radiations and mechanical loading. For that purpose, chicken skin samples are put into vibration and the corresponding modes are monitored by means of an optical set up based on time average holographic interferometry. Mode shapes of base samples computed by a parametric finite element model are consistent with experimental data. The holographic set up correctly detects the presence of defects previously included in the sample. Dynamic behavior of skin samples under various conditions of low/high temperature and load or exposed, for different periods of time, to UV radiation and microwaves also is successfully monitored. The reliability and robustness of the proposed approach is tested by performing the holographic observations on a large number of samples under different conditions. Potential benefits that may derive from the use of time-average holography in dermatology and plastic surgery (for example, in the quality control of artificial skin tissues to be implanted) are finally discussed.
PAYOFF NONMONOTONIC DYNAMICS IN AN EVOLUTIONARY GAME
Authors: CHACOMA ANDRÉS , KUPERMAN MARCELO N. , ZANETTE DAMIÁN H.
Published: August 2016

We propose an evolutionary game with dynamics rules derived from the consideration of field observations on human social behavior driven by self-confidence and social imitation. This dynamics turns out to be payoff nonmonotonic. The effects on the dynamics induced by this property are studied both numerically and analytically.
Correlations, operations and the second law of thermodynamics
Authors: Vinjanampathy Sai , Modi Kavan
Published: August 2016

Completely positive trace preserving (CPTP) maps are essential for the formulation of the second law of thermodynamics. The dynamics of quantum systems initially correlated with their environments are in general not described by such maps. We explore, how this issue can be fixed by describing the classical analogue of this problem. We consider initially correlated probability distributions, whose subsequent system dynamics is ill-described by stochastic maps, and prescribe the correct way to describe the dynamics. We use this prescription to discuss the classical version of the second law, valid for initially correlated probability distributions.
From the Wigner–Eckart theorem to the Hilbert–Schmidt scalar product for an adjoint representation of the quantum algebra Up,q(su2)
Authors: Fakhri Hossein , Nouraddini Mojtaba
Published: August 2016

Irreducible tensor operators as the irreducible submodules of an adjoint representation of the two-parametric quantum ∗-algebra [Formula: see text] are constructed by using its Jordan–Schwinger formulation on two independent [Formula: see text]-oscillator ∗-algebras. All [Formula: see text]-submodules are equipped with an appropriate Hilbert–Schmidt scalar product with the help of the Wigner–Eckart theorem. We show that with respect to this scalar product, not only the bases of all irreducible submodules of the adjoint representation are orthonormal, but also the adjoint representation is a ∗-representation.
Laccase Biosensor Based on Ag-Doped TiO2Nanoparticles on CuCNFs for the Determination of Hydroquinone
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Dawei , Pang Zengyuan , Wei Qufu
Published: August 2016

A novel nanomaterial composed of copper and carbon nanofibers (CuCNFs) decorated with Ag-doped TiO2(Ag–TiO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles was prepared through electrospinning, carbonization and solvothermal treatment. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The obtained composites were mixed with laccase and Nafion to construct novel hydroquinone biosensor. The electrochemical behavior of the novel biosensor was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The results demonstrated that the biosensor possessed a wide detection linear range (1.20–176.50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M), a good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and storage stability. This work provides a new material to design more efficient laccase (Lac) based biosensor for hydroquinone detection.
Analytical solution for the size of the minimum dominating set in complex networks
Authors: Nacher Jose C. , Ochiai Tomoshiro
Published: August 2016

Domination is the fastest-growing field within graph theory with a profound diversity and impact in real-world applications, such as the recent breakthrough approach that identifies optimized subsets of proteins enriched with cancer-related genes. Despite its conceptual simplicity, domination is a classical NP-complete decision problem which makes analytical solutions elusive and poses difficulties to design optimization algorithms for finding a dominating set of minimum cardinality in a large network. Here, we derive for the first time an approximate analytical solution for the density of the minimum dominating set (MDS) by using a combination of cavity method and ultra-discretization (UD) procedure. The derived equation allows us to compute the size of MDS by only using as an input the information of the degree distribution of a given network.
Intraoperative Manufacturing of Patient-Specific Instrumentation for Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Novel Mechatronic Approach
Authors: Darwood A. , Secoli R. , Bowyer S. A. , Leibinger A. , Richards R. , Reilly P. , Dawood A. , Tambe A. , Emery R. , Baena F. Rodriguez y
Published: August 2016

Optimal orthopaedic implant placement is a major contributing factor to the long term success of all common joint arthroplasty procedures. Devices such as three-dimensional (3D) printed, bespoke guides and orthopaedic robots are extensively described in the literature and have been shown to enhance prosthesis placement accuracy. These technologies, however, have significant drawbacks, such as logistical and temporal inefficiency, high cost, cumbersome nature and difficult theatre integration. A new technology for the rapid intraoperative production of patient-specific instrumentation, which overcomes many of the disadvantages of existing technologies, is presented here. The technology comprises a reusable table side machine, bespoke software and a disposable element comprising a region of standard geometry and a body of moldable material. Anatomical data from computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 human scapulae was collected and, in each case, the optimal glenoid guidewire position was digitally planned and recorded. The achieved accuracy compared to the pre-operative bespoke plan was measured in all glenoids, from both a conventional group and a guided group (GG). The technology was successfully able to intraoperatively produce sterile, patient-specific guides according to a pre-operative plan in 5[Formula: see text]min, with no additional manufacturing required prior to surgery. Additionally, the average guidewire placement accuracy was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm and 6.82[Formula: see text] in the manual group, and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm and [Formula: see text] in the guided group, also demonstrating a statistically significant improvement.
Discrete breathers in crystals: Energy localization and transport
Authors: Dmitriev Sergey V.
Published: August 2016

Discrete breather (DB) is spatially localized vibrational mode in defect-free nonlinear lattice. Frequency of DB must lie outside the spectrum of small-amplitude traveling waves. It neither does resonate with traveling waves and nor does it lose energy to their excitation. Theoretically DB can maintain its vibrational energy forever in the absence of thermal vibrations and other perturbations. Crystals are nonlinear discrete systems and they also support existence of DB. Experimental studies of DB run into considerable technical difficulties, and the main tool of their study is by far the atomistic computer simulations. Having gained confidence in the existence of DB in crystals, we still poorly understand their role in solid state physics. This review covers issues specific to the physics of real crystals, which were not considered in the classical works on DB. Focus is placed on the energy transport through crystal lattice assisted by moving DB and by energy exchange between DB.
A Nonlinear QR Algorithm for Banded Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Garrett C. Kristopher , Bai Zhaojun , Li Ren-Cang
Published: August 2016

A variation of Kublanovskaya's nonlinear QR method for solving banded nonlinear eigenvalue problems is presented in this article. The new method is iterative and specifically designed for problems too large to use dense linear algebra techniques. For the unstructurally banded nonlinear eigenvalue problem, a new data structure is used for storing the matrices to keep memory and computational costs low. In addition, an algorithm is presented for computing several nearby nonlinear eigenvalues to already-computed ones. Finally, numerical examples are given to show the efficacy of the new methods, and the source code has been made publicly available.
A High Performance QDWH-SVD Solver Using Hardware Accelerators
Authors: Sukkari Dalal , Ltaief Hatem , Keyes David
Published: August 2016

This article describes a new high performance implementation of the QR-based Dynamically Weighted Halley Singular Value Decomposition (QDWH-SVD) solver on multicore architecture enhanced with multiple GPUs. The standard QDWH-SVD algorithm was introduced by Nakatsukasa and Higham (SIAM SISC, 2013) and combines three successive computational stages: (1) the polar decomposition calculation of the original matrix using the QDWH algorithm, (2) the symmetric eigendecomposition of the resulting polar factor to obtain the singular values and the right singular vectors, and (3) the matrix-matrix multiplication to get the associated left singular vectors. A comprehensive test suite highlights the numerical robustness of the QDWH-SVD solver. Although it performs up to two times more flops when computing all singular vectors compared to the standard SVD solver algorithm, our new high performance implementation on single GPU results in up to 4× improvements for asymptotic matrix sizes, compared to the equivalent routines from existing state-of-the-art open-source and commercial libraries. However, when only singular values are needed, QDWH-SVD is penalized by performing more flops by an order of magnitude. The singular value only implementation of QDWH-SVD on single GPU can still run up to 18% faster than the best existing equivalent routines.
A Robust and Scalable Implementation of the Parks-McClellan Algorithm for Designing FIR Filters
Authors: Filip Silviu-Ioan
Published: August 2016

With a long history dating back to the beginning of the 1970s, the Parks-McClellan algorithm is probably the most well known approach for designing finite impulse response filters. Despite being a standard routine in many signal processing packages, it is possible to find practical design specifications where existing codes fail to work. Our goal is twofold. We first examine and present solutions for the practical difficulties related to weighted minimax polynomial approximation problems on multi-interval domains (i.e., the general setting under which the Parks-McClellan algorithm operates). Using these ideas, we then describe a robust implementation of this algorithm. It routinely outperforms existing minimax filter design routines.
Dynamic and Efficient Private Keyword Search over Inverted Index--Based Encrypted Data
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xue Rui , Yu Ting , Liu Ling
Published: August 2016

Querying over encrypted data is gaining increasing popularity in cloud-based data hosting services. Security and efficiency are recognized as two important and yet conflicting requirements for querying over encrypted data. In this article, we propose an efficient private keyword search (EPKS) scheme that supports binary search and extend it to dynamic settings (called
DEPKS
) for inverted index--based encrypted data. First, we describe our approaches of constructing a searchable symmetric encryption (SSE) scheme that supports binary search. Second, we present a novel framework for EPKS and provide its formal security definitions in terms of
plaintext privacy
and
predicate privacy
by modifying Shen et al.’s security notions [Shen et al. 2009]. Third, built on the proposed framework, we design an EPKS scheme whose complexity is logarithmic in the number of keywords. The scheme is based on the groups of prime order and enjoys strong notions of security, namely statistical plaintext privacy and statistical predicate privacy. Fourth, we extend the EPKS scheme to support dynamic keyword and document updates. The extended scheme not only maintains the properties of logarithmic-time search efficiency and plaintext privacy and predicate privacy but also has fewer rounds of communications for updates compared to existing dynamic search encryption schemes. We experimentally evaluate the proposed EPKS and DEPKS schemes and show that they are significantly more efficient in terms of both keyword search complexity and communication complexity than existing randomized SSE schemes.
A Survey of Measures and Methods for Matching Geospatial Vector Datasets
Authors: Xavier Emerson M. A. , Ariza-López Francisco J. , Ureña-Cámara Manuel A.
Published: August 2016

The field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has experienced a rapid and ongoing growth of available sources for geospatial data. This growth has demanded more data integration in order to explore the benefits of these data further. However, many data providers implies many points of view for the same phenomena: geospatial features. We need sophisticated procedures aiming to find the correspondences between two vector datasets, a process named
geospatial data matching
. Similarity measures are key-tools for matching methods, so it is interesting to review these concepts together. This article provides a survey of 30 years of research into the measures and methods facing geospatial data matching. Our survey presents related work and develops a common taxonomy that permits us to compare measures and methods. This study points out relevant issues that may help to discover the potential of these approaches in many applications, like data integration, conflation, quality evaluation, and data management.
Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors among Tuberculosis Patients in Debre Tabor, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Melese Addisu , Zeleke Balew , Ewnete Biniam
Published: August 2016

Background. Assessing the outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) treatment is an important indicator for evaluation of the effectiveness of tuberculosis control programs. In Ethiopia, directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) was included in the national tuberculosis control program as a strategy but little is known about its effectiveness in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the treatment outcomes of TB patients and associated factors in Debre Tabor, northwest Ethiopia.Methods.A retrospective study was conducted among TB patients for the period from May 2008 to April 2013 at Debre Tabor Health Center, northwest Ethiopia. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics were used to generate frequency tables and figures. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes atPvalue ≤ 0.05.Results.Out of 339 patients (197 males and 142 females) registered for antituberculosis treatment in Debre Tabor Health Center, only 303 patients were included in the treatment outcome analysis and 87.1% had successful treatment outcome while 12.9% had unsuccessful treatment outcome. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the odds of successful treatment outcome were higher among patients ≥45 years of age (AOR=3.807, 95% CI: 1.155–12.544) and lower among females (AOR=0.347, 95% CI: 0.132–0.917), rural residents (AOR=0.342, 95% CI: 0.118–0.986), and negative smear result at the second month of treatment (AOR=0.056, 95% CI: 0.005–0.577) as compared to their counterparts.Conclusion.The treatment outcome of all forms of tuberculosis patients in Debre Tabor health center was satisfactory as expected from effective implementation of DOTS. Although the observed successful treatment outcome was in agreement with the national target, follow-up of patients during the course of treatment to trace the treatment outcomes of transferred-out patients and assessment of other potential sociodemographic factors that could affect the treatment outcomes of TB patients were also recommended.
Detection of Peste des Petits Ruminants Viral RNA in Fecal Samples of Goats after an Outbreak in Punjab Province of Pakistan: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wasee Ullah Riasat , Bin Zahur Aamer , Latif Asma , Iqbal Dasti Javid , Irshad Hamid , Afzal Muhammad , Rasheed Tahir , Rashid Malik Adnan , Qureshi Zafar-ul-Ahsan
Published: August 2016

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and thus has serious socioeconomic implications. In Pakistan, during the year 2012-2013, estimated losses due to PPR were worth Rs. 31.51 billions. Close contact between infected and susceptible animals is an important route of transmission of PPR. Therefore, carrier animals play an important role in unnoticed transmission of PPR. The objective of the study was to investigate the detection of PPR virus in goats recovered from PPR. A suspected PPR outbreak was investigated and confirmed as PPR after analysing appropriate samples collected from infected animals using rRT-PCR. A longitudinal study was conducted over the period of 16 weeks to ascertain the detection of PPR virus (PPRV) in faecal samples of recovered goats. Ninety-six (96) faecal samples from each sampling were collected at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the outbreak. Faecal samples were analysed using rRT-PCR. Of 96 from each sampling a total of 46, 37, 29, and 25 samples were positive for PPR viral genome at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, respectively, after recovery. Attempts were made for the isolation of PPR virus on Vero cells, but results were negative. These results indicated the detection of PPR viral RNA up to 16 weeks after infection. Therefore, these results may help in the future epidemiology of PPR virus shedding and possible role as source of silent infection for healthy animals especially when there is no history of any outbreak in nearby flock or area.
Experimental Forelimb Allotransplantation in Canine Model
Authors: Hong Sa-Hyeok , Eun Seok-Chan
Published: August 2016

As reconstructive transplantation is gaining popularity as a viable alternative for upper limb amputees, it is becoming increasingly important for plastic surgeons to renew surgical skills and knowledge of this area. Forelimb allotransplantation research has been performed previously in rodent and swine models. However, preclinical canine forelimb allotransplantation studies are lacking in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the surgical skills necessary to successfully perform forelimb transplantation in canines as a means to prepare for clinical application. A total of 18 transplantation operations on canines were performed. The recipient limb was shortened at the one-third proximal forearm level. The operation was performed in the following order: bones (two reconstructive plates), muscles and tendons (separately sutured), nerves (median, ulnar, and radial nerve), arteries (two), and veins (two). The total mean time of transplantation was 5 hours ± 30 minutes. All of the animals that received transplantation were treated with FK-506 (tacrolimus, 2 mg/kg) for 7 days after surgery. Most allografts survived with perfect viability without vascular problems during the early postoperative period. The canine forelimb allotransplantation model is well qualified to be a suitable training model for standard transplantation and future research work.
Refractory Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome fromStreptococcus dysgalactiaessp.equisimilisand Intravenous Immunoglobulin as Salvage Therapy: A Case Series
Authors: Islam Marjan , Karter Dennis , Altshuler Jerry , Altshuler Diana , Schwartz David , Torregrossa Gianluca
Published: August 2016

Infections fromStreptococcus dysgalactiaessp.equisimilis(SDSE) can cause a wide variety of infections, ranging from mild cellulitis to invasive disease, such as endocarditis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). Despite prompt and appropriate antibiotics, mortality rates associated with shock have remained exceedingly high, prompting the need for adjunctive therapy. IVIG has been proposed as a possible adjunct, given its ability to neutralize a wide variety of superantigens and modulate a dysregulated inflammatory response. We present the first reported cases of successful IVIG therapy for reversing shock in the treatment of SDSE TSLS.
A Numerical Simulation of Cell Separation by Simplified Asymmetric Pinched Flow Fractionation
Authors: Ma Jing-Tao , Xu Yuan-Qing , Tang Xiao-Ying
Published: August 2016

As a typical microfluidic cell sorting technique, the size-dependent cell sorting has attracted much interest in recent years. In this paper, a size-dependent cell sorting scheme is presented based on a controllable asymmetric pinched flow by employing an immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The geometry of channels consists of 2 upstream branches, 1 transitional channel, and 4 downstream branches (D-branches). Simulations are conducted by varying inlet flow ratio, the cell size, and the ratio of flux of outlet 4 to the total flux. It is found that, after being randomly released in one upstream branch, the cells are aligned in a line close to one sidewall of the transitional channel due to the hydrodynamic forces of the asymmetric pinched flow. Cells with different sizes can be fed into different downstream D-branches just by regulating the flux of one D-branch. A principle governing D-branch choice of a cell is obtained, with which a series of numerical cases are performed to sort the cell mixture involving two, three, or four classes of diameters. Results show that, for each case, an adaptive regulating flux can be determined to sort the cell mixture effectively.
Adenocarcinoma of the Right Colon in a Patient with Bloom Syndrome
Authors: Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Pinheiro Lilian Vital , Rossi Debora Helena , Camargo Michel Gardere , Ayrizono Maria de Lourdes Setsuko , Leal Raquel Franco , Coy Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Bloom syndrome (BS) is an inherited disorder due to mutation inBLMgene. The diagnosis of BS should be considered in patients with growth retardation of prenatal onset, a photosensitive rash in a butterfly distribution over the cheeks, and an increased risk of cancer at an early age. Clinical manifestations also include short stature, dolichocephaly, prominent ears, micrognathia, malar hypoplasia and a high-pitched voice, immunodeficiency, type II diabetes, and hypogonadism associated with male infertility and female subfertility. The aim of this report is to describe case of patient with BS who developed adenocarcinoma of the cecum, successfully treated by right colectomy.Case Report. A 40-year-old man underwent colonoscopy to investigate the cause of his diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. The patient knew that he was a carrier of BS diagnosed at young age. The colonoscopy showed an expansive and vegetating mass with 5.5 cm in diameter, located within the ascending colon. Histopathological analysis of tissue fragments collected during colonoscopy confirmed the presence of tubular adenocarcinoma, and he was referred for an oncological right colectomy. The procedure was performed without complications, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the presence of a grade II tubular adenocarcinoma (stage IIA). The patient is currently well five years after surgery, without clinical or endoscopic signs of relapse in a multidisciplinary approach for the monitoring of comorbidities related to BS.Conclusion. Despite the development of colorectal cancer to be, a possibility rarely described the present case shows the need for early screening for colorectal cancer in all patients affected by BS.
The Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10Combination on Ovarian Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: An Experimental Study
Authors: Tuncer Ahmet Ali , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Koken Tulay , Dogan Nurhan , Pektaş Mine Kanat , Baskin Embleton Didem
Published: August 2016

Objective. This study aims to evaluate whether alpha-lipoic acid and/or coenzyme Q10can protect the prepubertal ovarian tissue from ischemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model of ovarian torsion.Materials and Methods. Forty-two female preadolescent Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups randomly. The sham group had laparotomy without torsion; the other groups had torsion/detorsion procedure. After undergoing torsion, group 2 received saline, group 3 received olive oil, group 4 received alpha-lipoic acid, group 5 received coenzyme Q10, and group 6 received both alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10orally. The oxidant-antioxidant statuses of these groups were compared using biochemical measurement of oxidized/reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde, pathological evaluation of damage and apoptosis within the ovarian tissue, and immunohistochemical assessment of nitric oxide synthase.Results. The left ovaries of the alpha-lipoic acid + coenzyme Q10group had significantly lower apoptosis scores and significantly higher nitric oxide synthase content than the left ovaries of the control groups. The alpha-lipoic acid + coenzyme Q10group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase levels and serum malondialdehyde concentrations than the sham group.Conclusions. The combination of alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10has beneficial effects on oxidative stress induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury related to ovarian torsion.
A Mixture of Generalized Tukey’sgDistributions
Authors: Jiménez José Alfredo , Arunachalam Viswanathan
Published: August 2016

Mixtures of symmetric distributions, in particular normal mixtures as a tool in statistical modeling, have been widely studied. In recent years, mixtures of asymmetric distributions have emerged as a top contender for analyzing statistical data. Tukey’sgfamily of generalized distributions depend on the parameters, namely,g, which controls the skewness. This paper presents the probability density function (pdf) associated with a mixture of Tukey’sgfamily of generalized distributions. The mixture of this class of skewed distributions is a generalization of Tukey’sgfamily of distributions. In this paper, we calculate a closed form expression for the density and distribution of the mixture of two Tukey’sgfamilies of generalized distributions, which allows us to easily compute probabilities, moments, and related measures. This class of distributions contains the mixture of Log-symmetric distributions as a special case.
Sodium Metasilicate Cemented Analogue Material and Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yue Songlin , Qiu Yanyu , Fan Pengxian , Zhang Pin , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2016

Analogue material with appropriate properties is of great importance to the reliability of geomechanical model test, which is one of the mostly used approaches in field of geotechnical research. In this paper, a new type of analogue material is developed, which is composed of coarse aggregate (quartz sand and/or barite sand), fine aggregate (barite powder), and cementitious material (anhydrous sodium silicate). The components of each raw material are the key influencing factors, which significantly affect the physical and mechanical parameters of analogue materials. In order to establish the relationship between parameters and factors, the material properties including density, Young’s modulus, uniaxial compressive strength, and tensile strength were investigated by a series of orthogonal experiments with hundreds of samples. By orthogonal regression analysis, the regression equations of each parameter were obtained based on experimental data, which can predict the properties of the developed analogue materials according to proportions. The experiments and applications indicate that sodium metasilicate cemented analogue material is a type of low-strength and low-modulus material with designable density, which is insensitive to humidity and temperature and satisfies mechanical scaling criteria for weak rock or soft geological materials. Moreover, the developed material can be easily cast into structures with complex geometry shapes and simulate the deformation and failure processes of prototype rocks.
A Review on Radiation Damage in Concrete for Nuclear Facilities: From Experiments to Modeling
Authors: Pomaro Beatrice
Published: August 2016

Concrete is a relatively cheap material and easy to be cast into variously shaped structures. Its good shielding properties against neutrons and gamma-rays, due to its intrinsic water content and relatively high-density, respectively, make it the most widely used material for radiation shielding also. Concrete is so chosen as biological barrier in nuclear reactors and other nuclear facilities where neutron sources are hosted. Theoretical formulas are available in nuclear engineering manuals for the optimum thickness of shielding for radioprotection purposes; however they are restricted to one-dimensional problems; besides the basic empirical constants do not consider radiation damage effects, while its long-term performance is crucial for the safe operation of such facilities. To understand the behaviour of concrete properties, it is necessary to examine concrete strength and stiffness, water behavior, volume change of cement paste, and aggregate under irradiated conditions. Radiation damage process is not well understood yet and there is not a unified approach to the practical and predictive assessment of irradiated concrete, which combines both physics and structural mechanics issues. This paper provides a collection of the most distinguished contributions on this topic in the past 50 years. At present a remarkable renewed interest in the subject is shown.
Left Upper Lobectomy for Congenital Lobar Emphysema in a Low Weight Infant
Authors: Kanakis Meletios , Petsios Konstantinos , Bobos Dimitrios , Sarafidis Kosmas , Nikopoulos Stefanos , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos , Lioulias Achilleas , Giannopoulos Nicholas
Published: August 2016

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare lung congenital malformation. Differential diagnosis of the disease remains challenging in an infant with acute respiratory distress. We report a case of a 3-week-old female infant with a weight of 2.1 kg who presented respiratory distress related to CLE. Left upper lobectomy was performed and she had an uneventful recovery.
The Emerging Roles of the Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Lymphocytes Pathway in Nervous System Functions and Diseases
Authors: Kipanyula Maulilio John , Kimaro Wahabu Hamisi , Etet Paul F. Seke
Published: August 2016

The ongoing epidemics of metabolic diseases and increase in the older population have increased the incidences of neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence from murine and cell line models has implicated calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-lymphocytes (NFAT) signaling pathway, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent major proinflammatory pathway, in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Neurotoxins such as amyloid-β, tau protein, andα-synuclein trigger abnormal calcineurin/NFAT signaling activities. Additionally increased activities of endogenous regulators of calcineurin like plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) also cause neuronal and glial loss and related functional alterations, in neurodegenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Treatment with calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors induces some degree of neuroprotection and decreased reactive gliosis in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the roles of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in physiology and pathologies of the adult and developing nervous system, with an emphasis on recent reports and cutting-edge findings. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is known for its critical roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Its role in physiological and pathological processes is still controversial. However, available data suggest that its beneficial and detrimental effects are context-dependent. In view of recent reports calcineurin/NFAT signaling is likely to serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. This review further highlights the need to characterize better all factors determining the outcome of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diseases and the downstream targets mediating the beneficial and detrimental effects.
Cancer Stem Cells and Radioresistance: Rho/ROCK Pathway Plea Attention
Authors: Pranatharthi Annapurna , Ross Cecil , Srivastava Sweta
Published: August 2016

Radiation is the most potent mode of cancer therapy; however, resistance to radiation therapy results in tumor relapse and subsequent fatality. The cancer stem cell (CSC), which has better DNA repair capability, has been shown to contribute to tumor resistance and is an important target for treatment. Signaling molecules such as Notch, Wnt, and DNA repair pathways regulate molecular mechanisms in CSCs; however, none of them have been translated into therapeutic targets. The RhoGTPases and their effector ROCK‐signaling pathway, though important for tumor progression, have not been well studied in the context of radioresistance. There are reports that implicate RhoA in radioresistance. ROCK2 has also been shown to interact with BRCA2 in the regulation of cell division. Incidentally, statins (drug for cardiovascular ailment) are functional inhibitors of RhoGTPases. Studies suggest that patients on statins have a better prognosis in cancers. Data from our lab suggest that ROCK signaling regulates radioresistance in cervical cancer cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that Rho/ROCK signaling may be important for radiation resistance. In this review, we enumerate the role of Rho/ROCK signaling in stemness and radioresistance and highlight the need to explore these molecules for a better understanding of radioresistance and development of therapeutics.
Elevation of Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity Induced by Amplified Insulin Response in Low Glutathione Levels in Rat Liver
Authors: Taniguchi Misako , Mori Nobuko , Iramina Chizuru , Yasutake Akira
Published: August 2016

Weanling male Wistar rats were fed on a 10% soybean protein isolate (SPI) diet for 3 weeks with or without supplementing 0.3% sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA; methionine or cystine) to examine relationship between glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of NADPH-producing enzymes, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME), in the liver. Of rats on the 10% SPI diet, GSH levels were lower and the enzyme activities were higher than of those fed on an SAA-supplemented diet. Despite the lower GSH level,γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) activity was higher in the 10% SPI group than other groups. Examination of mRNAs of G6PD and ME suggested that the GSH-suppressing effect on enzyme induction occurred prior to and/or at transcriptional levels. Gel electrophoresis of G6PD indicated that low GSH status caused a decrease in reduced form and an increase in oxidized form of the enzyme, suggesting an accelerated turnover rate of the enzyme. In primary cultured hepatocytes, insulin response to induce G6PD activity was augmented in low GSH levels manipulated in the presence of buthionine sulfoximine. These findings indicated that elevation of the G6PD activity in low GSH levels was caused by amplified insulin response for expression of the enzyme and accelerated turnover rate of the enzyme molecule.
The Cognition of Maximal Reach Distance in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Otsuki Satoru , Nagaoka Masanori
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to investigate whether the cognition of spatial distance in reaching movements was decreased in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and whether this cognition was associated with various symptoms of PD. Estimated and actual maximal reaching distances were measured in three directions in PD patients and healthy elderly volunteers. Differences between estimated and actual measurements were compared within each group. In the PD patients, the associations between “error in cognition” of reaching distance and “clinical findings” were also examined. The results showed that no differences were observed in any values regardless of dominance of hand and severity of symptoms. The differences between the estimated and actual measurements were negatively deviated in the PD patients, indicating that they tended to underestimate reaching distance. “Error in cognition” of reaching distance correlated with the items of posture in the motor section of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. This suggests that, in PD patients, postural deviation and postural instability might affect the cognition of the distance from a target object.
Interaction Effects between Organochlorine Pesticides and IsoflavonesIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Zhang Yunbo , Guo Jipeng , Zhang Xiao , Guo Jingjing , Zhang Ming , Yang Yang , Na Xiaolin
Published: August 2016

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have caused increasing global concern due to their high toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation, and significant adverse effects on human health. This study was to explore the interaction effects between OCPs and isoflavones. Six kinds of OCPs and 2 kinds of isoflavones-genistein and daidzein were included to study their effect on MCF-7 cellsin vitro. Eighty-one female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 9 groups according to factorial design to study the interaction effect between isoflavones andγ-HCH. Compared to organochlorine pesticides alone group, proliferation rate of MCF-7 cells was lower in 100 μmol/L genistein + organochlorine pesticides and 100 μmol/L daidzein + organochlorine pesticides group (p<0.05).In vivostudy showed that there are interaction effects on kidney weight and liver weight when treated with isoflavones andγ-HCH. The changes in uterine morphology and positive expression of ERαshowed inhibition effects between isoflavones andγ-HCH. In conclusion, the data suggests that there are interactions between isoflavones and OCPsin vitroandin vivo.
Spontaneous Rupture of Hepatic Metastasis from Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rahul Anil , Robin Fernandes , Adarsh Hiremath
Published: August 2016

A 58-year-old man with advanced-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma presented with fatigue and dyspnea. Examination revealed tachycardia (102 b/min) with mild tenderness in right upper quadrant. His hemoglobin (Hb) was 7.9 g/dL (10 days prior to presentation 12.2 g/dL), International normalized ratio (INR), platelet count was normal, and the stool guaiac test was negative. On admission, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed hepatic metastatic lesion with a rupture and hemoperitoneum communicating to the subdiaphragmatic space. This rapid progression of anemia along with presenting symptoms and CT imaging were attributed to diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of liver metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patient received blood transfusion and hemoglobin was monitored in successive intervals. His general condition and anemia improved with conservative management and he was discharged in 3 days. Repeated CT after 4 months showed resolving hemoperitoneum and stable hemoglobin levels. The patient deceased 9 months after being diagnosed. A literature search revealed limited data regarding the incidence and management of spontaneous rupture of metastatic lesion secondary to pancreatic adenocarcinoma which has been managed conservatively and thus we are reporting our experience.
Novel Technique of Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking Using Iontophoresis in Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Serrao Sebastiano , Raffa Paolo , Rosati Marianna , Lombardo Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

In this work, the authors presented the techniques and the preliminary results at 6 months of a randomized controlled trial (NCT02117999) comparing a novel transepithelial corneal cross-linking protocol using iontophoresis with the Dresden protocol for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. At 6 months, there was a significant average improvement with an average flattening of the maximum simulated keratometry reading of0.72±1.20 D (P=0.01); in addition, corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly (P=0.08) and spherical equivalent refraction was significantly less myopic (P=0.02) 6 months after transepithelial corneal cross-linking with iontophoresis. The novel protocol using iontophoresis showed comparable results with standard corneal cross-linking to halt progression of keratoconus during 6-month follow-up. Investigation of the long-term RCT outcomes are ongoing to verify the efficacy of this transepithelial corneal cross-linking protocol and to determine if it may be comparable with standard corneal cross-linking in the management of progressive keratoconus.
Role of NADPH Oxidase in Metabolic Disease‐Related Renal Injury: An Update
Authors: Wan Cheng , Su Hua , Zhang Chun
Published: August 2016

Metabolic syndrome has been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The underlying pathogenesis of metabolic disease‐related renal injury remains obscure. Accumulating evidence has shown that NADPH oxidase is a major source of intrarenal oxidative stress and is upregulated by metabolic factors leading to overproduction of ROS in podocytes, endothelial cells, and mesangial cells in glomeruli, which is closely associated with the initiation and progression of glomerular diseases. This review focuses on the role of NADPH oxidase‐induced oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease‐related renal injury. Understanding of the mechanism may help find potential therapeutic strategies.
Analysis of the Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of Currency Supply Delay in an Opened Kaldorian Business Cycle Model
Authors: Zhao Liming , Zhao Zhipei
Published: August 2016

First of all, we establish a three-dimension open Kaldorian business cycle model under the condition of the fixed exchange rate. Secondly, with regard to the model, we discuss the existence of equilibrium point and the stability of the system near it with a time delay in currency supply as the bifurcating parameters of the system. Thirdly, we discuss the existence of Hopf bifurcation and investigate the stability of periodic solution generated by the Hopf bifurcation; then the direction of the Hopf bifurcation is given. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to confirm the theoretical results. This paper plays an important role in theoretical researching on the model of business cycle, and it is crucial for decision-maker to formulate the macroeconomic policies with the conclusions of this paper.
Demonstration of Ultra-Fast Switching in Nanometallic Resistive Switching Memory Devices
Authors: Yang Xiang
Published: August 2016

Interdependency of switching voltage and time creates a dilemma/obstacle for most resistive switching memories, which indicates low switching voltage and ultra-fast switching time cannot be simultaneously achieved. In this paper, an ultra-fast (sub-100 ns) yet low switching voltage resistive switching memory device (“nanometallic ReRAM”) was demonstrated. Experimental switching voltage is found independent of pulse width (intrinsic device property) when the pulse is long but shows abrupt time dependence (“cliff”) as pulse width approaches characteristic RC time of memory device (extrinsic device property). Both experiment and simulation show that the onset of cliff behavior is dependent on physical device size and parasitic resistance, which is expected to diminish as technology nodes shrink down. We believe this study provides solid evidence that nanometallic resistive switching memory can be reliably operated at low voltage and ultra-fast regime, thus beneficial to future memory technology.
Hair Follicle Morphogenesis in the Treatment of Mouse Full‐Thickness Skin Defects Using Composite Human Acellular Amniotic Membrane and Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Minjuan Wu , Jun Xiong , Shiyun Shao , Sha Xu , Haitao Ni , Yue Wang , Kaihong Ji
Published: August 2016

Early repair of skin injury and maximal restoration of the function and appearance have become important targets of clinical treatment. In the present study, we observed the healing process of skin defects in nude mice and structural characteristics of the new skin after transplantation of isolated and cultured adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) onto the human acellular amniotic membrane (AAM). The result showed that ADMSCs were closely attached to the surface of AAM and grew well 24 h after seeding. Comparison of the wound healing rate at days 7, 14, and 28 after transplantation showed that ADMSCs seeded on AAM facilitated the healing of full‐thickness skin wounds more effectively as compared with either hAM or AAM alone, indicating that ADMSCs participated in skin regeneration. More importantly, we noticed a phenomenon of hair follicle development during the process of skin repair. Composite ADMSCs and AAM not only promoted the healing of the mouse full‐thickness defects but also facilitated generation of the appendages of the affected skin, thus promoting restoration of the skin function. Our results provide a new possible therapy idea for the treatment of skin wounds with respect to both anatomical regeneration and functional restoration.
Assessment of Postresuscitation Volume Status by Bioimpedance Analysis in Patients with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Rochwerg Bram , Cheung Jason H. , Ribic Christine M. , Lalji Faraz , Clarke France J. , Gantareddy Susheel , Ranganath Nischal , Walele Aziz , McDonald Ellen , Meade Maureen O. , Cook Deborah J. , Wilkieson Trevor T. , Clase Catherine M. , Margetts Peter J. , Gangji Azim S.
Published: August 2016

Background. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a novel method of assessing a patient’s volume status.Objective. We sought to determine the feasibility of using vector length (VL), derived from bioimpedance analysis (BIA), in the assessment of postresuscitation volume status in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis.Method. This was a prospective observational single-center study. Our primary outcome was feasibility. Secondary clinical outcomes included ventilator status and acute kidney injury. Proof of concept was sought by correlating baseline VL measurements with other known measures of volume status.Results. BIA was feasible to perform in the ICU. We screened 655 patients, identified 78 eligible patients, and approached 64 for consent. We enrolled 60 patients (consent rate of 93.8%) over 12 months. For each 50-unit increase in VL, there was an associated 22% increase in the probability of not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (p=0.13). Baseline VL correlated with other measures of volume expansion including serum pro-BNP levels, peripheral edema, and central venous pressure (CVP).Conclusion. It is feasible to use BIA to predict postresuscitation volume status and patient-important outcomes in septic ICU patients.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.govNCT01379404registered on June 7, 2011.