bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between added sugar (solid vs. liquid) intakes, diet quality, and adiposity indicators in Canadian children
Authors: Wang JiaWei , Shang Lei , Light Kelly , O’Loughlin Jennifer , Paradis Gilles , Gray-Donald Katherine
Published: April 2015

Little is known about the influence of different forms of added sugar intake on diet quality or their association with obesity among youth. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-h recalls in 613 Canadian children (aged 8–10 years). Added sugars (mean of 3-day intakes) were categorized according to source (solid or liquid). Dietary intake and the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (« HEI-C ») were compared across tertiles of solid and liquid added sugars separately as were adiposity indicators (body mass index (BMI), fat mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and waist circumference). Cross-sectional associations were examined in linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, and physical activity (7-day accelerometer). Added sugar contributed 12% of total energy intake (204 kcal) on average, of which 78% was from solid sources. Higher consumption of added sugars from either solid or liquid source was associated with higher total energy, lower intake of micronutrients, vegetables and fruit, and lower HEI-C score. Additionally liquid sources were associated with lower intake of dairy products. A 10-g higher consumption of added sugars from liquid sources was associated with 0.4 serving/day lower of vegetables and fruit, 0.4-kg/m2 higher BMI, a 0.5-kg higher fat mass, and a 0.9-cm higher waist circumference whereas the associations of added sugars from solid sources and adiposity indicators tended to be negative. In conclusion, higher consumption of added sugar from either solid or liquid sources was associated with lower overall diet quality. Adiposity indicators were only positively associated with added sugars from liquid sources.
Eggshell porosity covaries with egg size among female House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon), but is unrelated to incubation onset and egg-laying order within clutches
Authors: Bowers E.K. , White A. , Lang A. , Podgorski L. , Thompson C.F. , Sakaluk S.K. , Jaeckle W.B. , Harper R.G.
Published: April 2015

In birds, the duration of egg incubation (the time from incubation onset to hatching) can affect multiple components of nest success, but what affects incubation duration? Previous studies suggest that incubation duration is affected by both parental behavior and components of the egg, which have yet to be determined. One egg component that may be related to incubation behavior and the time until hatching is eggshell porosity, which affects the exchange of metabolic gasses and water vapor across the shell and, thus, the speed of embryonic development and incubation duration. We tested whether eggshell porosity was associated with the timing of incubation onset by female House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon Vieillot, 1809), and whether porosity varied within clutches in a manner that might be associated with incubation periods and hatching patterns (i.e., synchronous vs. asynchronous hatching). Eggshell porosity was unrelated to the onset of maternal incubation and did not differ between early- and later-laid eggs within clutches, but differed significantly among females and covaried with egg size. We conclude that producing all eggshells of similar porosity within clutches, while adjusting incubation onset once most or all eggs are laid, provide facultative maternal control over variation in hatching patterns.
Axiomatizations and a Noncooperative Interpretation of the α-CIS Value
Authors: Xu Genjiu , Dai Han , Shi Haobin
Published: April 2015

In economic allocation problems, egalitarianism and marginalism are two major thoughts to distribute the benefits of cooperation. The α-CIS value reconciles the two thoughts in some variable extent by a parameter α ∈ [0, 1]. The α-CIS value is the center of gravity of the corresponding α-imputation set given the α-imputation set is nonempty. From the cooperative perspective, we present several axiomatizations of the α-CIS value using α-individual rationality or α-dummifying player property. Finally, we provide a noncooperative interpretation of the α-CIS value by a bidding mechanism.
Neutron–proton effective mass splitting in neutron-rich matter and its impacts on nuclear reactions
Authors: Li Bao-An , Chen Lie-Wen
Published: April 2015

The neutron–proton effective mass splitting in neutron-rich nucleonic matter reflects the spacetime nonlocality of the isovector nuclear interaction. It affects the neutron/proton ratio during the earlier evolution of the Universe, cooling of proto-neutron stars, structure of rare isotopes and dynamics of heavy-ion collisions. While there is still no consensus on whether the neutron–proton effective mass splitting is negative, zero or positive and how it depends on the density as well as the isospin-asymmetry of the medium, significant progress has been made in recent years in addressing these issues. There are different kinds of nucleon effective masses. In this mini-review, we focus on the total effective masses often used in the non-relativistic description of nuclear dynamics. We first recall the connections among the neutron–proton effective mass splitting, the momentum dependence of the isovector potential and the density dependence of the symmetry energy. We then make a few observations about the progress in calculating the neutron–proton effective mass splitting using various nuclear many-body theories and its effects on the isospin-dependence of in-medium nucleon–nucleon cross-sections. Perhaps, our most reliable knowledge so far about the neutron–proton effective mass splitting at saturation density of nuclear matter comes from optical model analyses of huge sets of nucleon–nucleus scattering data accumulated over the last five decades. The momentum dependence of the symmetry potential from these analyses provide a useful boundary condition at saturation density for calibrating nuclear many-body calculations. Several observables in heavy-ion collisions have been identified as sensitive probes of the neutron–proton effective mass splitting in dense neutron-rich matter based on transport model simulations. We review these observables and comment on the latest experimental findings.
FINITE ELEMENT DETERMINATION OF THE HEAD-RELATED TRANSFER FUNCTION
Authors: MA FUYIN , WU JIU HUI , HUANG MENG , ZHANG WEIQUAN , HOU WENZHONG , BAI CHANGAN
Published: April 2015

The auditory peripheral system, which takes care of collection and enlargement in hearing processing, is an important part of the overall auditory system. This system is the key of sound source identification and location, and an important basis for a variety of audio equipment design and sound quality evaluation. In order to better recognize the acoustic characteristics of the auditory peripheral system, and effectively guide the audio equipment design as well as the sound quality evaluation, this study presents a numerical model based on the finite element/infinite element method (FEM/IFEM) to compute the near-field head-related transfer function (HRTF) on a reversed head model. A spherical sound source is positioned at different locations in the horizontal, median and lateral planes. The HRTFs and sound field distributions are computed for a frequency range up to 6 kHz. The present model is qualitatively validated against experimental data from MIT database. The results confirm the potentiality of the proposed approach which can efficiently detect the diffraction region, diffraction angle and tails in the sound field.
FINITE-ELEMENT MODELING OF A BEVEL-TIPPED NEEDLE INTERACTING WITH GEL
Authors: ASSAAD WISSAM , JAHYA ALEX , MOREIRA PEDRO , MISRA SARTHAK
Published: April 2015

Deviation of a needle from its intended path can be minimized by using a robotic device to steer the needle towards its target. Such a device requires information about the interactions between the needle and soft tissue, and this information can be obtained using finite element (FE) analysis. In this study, we present an FE analysis that integrates the Johnson–Cook damage model for a linear elastic material with an element deletion-based method. The FE analysis is used to model a bevel-tipped needle interacting with gel. The constants for the damage model are obtained using a compression test. We compare simulation results with experimental data that include tip–gel interaction forces and torques, and three-dimensional (3D) in situ images of the gel rupture obtained using a laser scanning confocal microscope. We quantitatively show that the percentage errors between simulation and experimental results for force along the insertion axis and torque about the bevel edge are 3% and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, it is also shown qualitatively that tip compression is observed at the same locations in both experimental and simulation results. This study demonstrates the potential of using an FE analysis with a damage model and an element deletion-based method to accurately simulate 3D gel rupture, and tip–gel interaction forces and torques.
Asymptotic analysis of quantile regression learning based on coefficient dependent regularization
Authors: Li Meng , Sun Hong-Wei
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we consider conditional quantile regression learning algorithms based on the pinball loss with data dependent hypothesis space and ℓ2-regularizer. Functions in this hypothesis space are linear combination of basis functions generated by a kernel function and sample data. The only conditions imposed on the kernel function are the continuity and boundedness which are pretty weak. Our main goal is to study the consistency of this regularized quantile regression learning. By concentration inequality with ℓ2-empirical covering numbers and operator decomposition techniques, satisfied error bounds and convergence rates are explicitly derived.
Wave Finite Element Method Based on Reduced Model for One-Dimensional Periodic Structures
Authors: Zhou C. W. , Lainé J. P. , Ichchou M. N. , Zine A. M.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, an efficient numerical approach is proposed to study free and forced vibration of complex one-dimensional (1D) periodic structures. The proposed method combines the advantages of component mode synthesis (CMS) and wave finite element method. It exploits the periodicity of the structure since only one unit cell is modelled. The model reduction based on CMS improves the computational efficiency of unit cell dynamics, avoiding ill-conditioning issues. The selection of reduced modal basis can reveal the influence of local dynamics on global behavior. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated via numerical examples.
Computing Shortest Paths among Curved Obstacles in the Plane
Authors: Chen Danny Z. , Wang Haitao
Published: April 2015

A fundamental problem in computational geometry is to compute an obstacle-avoiding Euclidean shortest path between two points in the plane. The case of this problem on polygonal obstacles is well studied. In this article, we consider the problem version on curved obstacles, which are commonly modeled as
splinegons
. A splinegon can be viewed as replacing each edge of a polygon by a convex curved edge (polygons are special splinegons), and the combinatorial complexity of each curved edge is assumed to be
O
(1). Given in the plane two points
s
and
t
and a set
s
of
h
pairwise disjoint splinegons with a total of
n
vertices, after a
bounded degree decomposition
of
S
is obtained, we compute a shortest
s
-to-
t
path avoiding the splinegons in
O
(
n
+
h
 log 
h
+
k
) time, where
k
is a parameter sensitive to the geometric structures of the input and is upper bounded by
O
(
h
2
). The bounded degree decomposition of
S
, which is similar to the triangulation of the polygonal domains, can be computed in
O
(
n
 log 
n
) time or
O
(
n
+
h
 log 
1 + ϵ
h
) time for any ϵ > 0. In particular, when all splinegons are convex, the decomposition can be computed in
O
(
n
+
h
 log 
h
) time and
k
is linear to the number of common tangents in the free space (called “free common tangents”) among the splinegons. Our techniques also improve several previous results:

(1) For the polygon case (i.e., when all splinegons are polygons), the shortest path problem was previously solved in
O
(
n
 log 
n
) time, or in
O
(
n
+
h
2
log 
n
) time. Thus, our algorithm improves the
O
(
n
+
h
2
log 
n
) time result, and is faster than the
O
(
n
 log 
n
) time solution for sufficiently small
h
, for example,
h
=
o
(√
n
,log
n
.

(2) Our techniques produce an optimal output-sensitive algorithm for a basic visibility problem of computing all free common tangents among
h
pairwise disjoint convex splinegons with a total of
n
vertices. Our algorithm runs in
O
(
n
+
h
 log 
h
+
k
) time and
O
(
n
) working space, where
k
is the number of all free common tangents. Note that
k
=
O
(
h
2
). Even for the special case where all splinegons are convex
polygons
, the previously best algorithm for this visibility problem takes
O
(
n
+
h
2
log 
n
) time.

(3) We improve the previous work for computing the shortest path between two points among convex pseudodisks of
O
(1) complexity each.

In addition, a by-product of our techniques is an optimal
O
(
n
+
h
 log 
h
) time and
O
(
n
) space algorithm for computing the Voronoi diagram of a set of
h
pairwise disjoint convex splinegons with a total of
n
vertices.
A Bounded Budget Network Creation Game
Authors: Ehsani Shayan , Fadaee Saber Shokat , Fazli Mohammadamin , Mehrabian Abbas , Sadeghabad Sina Sadeghian , Safari Mohammadali , Saghafian Morteza
Published: April 2015

We introduce a network creation game in which each player (vertex) has a fixed budget to establish links to other players. In this model, each link has a unit price, and each agent tries to minimize its cost, which is either its eccentricity or its total distance to other players in the underlying (undirected) graph of the created network. Two versions of the game are studied: In the MAX version, the cost incurred to a vertex is the maximum distance between the vertex and other vertices, and, in the SUM version, the cost incurred to a vertex is the sum of distances between the vertex and other vertices. We prove that in both versions pure Nash equilibria exist, but the problem of finding the best response of a vertex is NP-hard. We take the social cost of the created network to be its diameter, and next we study the maximum possible diameter of an equilibrium graph with
n
vertices in various cases. When the sum of players’ budgets is
n
− 1, the equilibrium graphs are always trees, and we prove that their maximum diameter is Θ(
n
) and Θ(log 
n
) in MAX and SUM versions, respectively. When each vertex has a unit budget (i.e., can establish a link to just one vertex), the diameter of any equilibrium graph in either version is Θ(1). We give examples of equilibrium graphs in the MAX version, such that all vertices have positive budgets and yet the diameter is Ω(√log
n
). This interesting (and perhaps counterintuitive) result shows that increasing the budgets may increase the diameter of equilibrium graphs and hence deteriorate the network structure. Then we prove that every equilibrium graph in the SUM version has diameter 2

O
(√log
n
)

. Finally, we show that if the budget of each player is at least
k
, then every equilibrium graph in the SUM version is
k
-connected or has a diameter smaller than 4.
Validity of 12-Month Falls Recall in Community-Dwelling Older Women Participating in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Sanders Kerrie M. , Stuart Amanda L. , Scott David , Kotowicz Mark A. , Nicholson Geoff C.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. To compare 12-month falls recall with falls reported prospectively on daily falls calendars in a clinical trial of women aged ≥70 years.Methods. 2,096 community-dwelling women at high risk of falls and/or fracture completed a daily falls calendar and standardised interviews when falls were recorded, for 12 months. Data were compared to a 12-month falls recall question that categorised falls status as “no falls,” “a few times,” “several,” and “regular” falls.Results. 898 (43%) participants reported a fall on daily falls calendars of whom 692 (77%) recalled fall(s) at 12 months. Participants who did not recall a fall were older (median 79.3 years versus 77.8 years,P=0.028). Smaller proportions of fallers who sustained an injury or accessed health care failed to recall a fall (allP<0.04). Among participants who recalled “no fall,” 85% reported zero falls on daily calendars. Few women selected falls categories of “several times” or “regular” (4.1% and 0.4%, resp.) and the sensitivity of these categories was low (30% to 33%). Simply categorising participants into fallers or nonfallers had 77% sensitivity and 94% specificity.Conclusion. For studies where intensive ascertainment of falls is not feasible, 12-month falls recall questions with fewer responses may be an acceptable alternative.
Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Cecum and the Ascending Colon: Surgical Resection as a Treatment Modality
Authors: Dalgic Tahsin , Bostanci Erdal Birol , Cakir Tebessum , Ozer Ilter , Ulas Murat , Aydog Gulden , Akoglu Musa
Published: April 2015

Colonic solitary plasmacytoma is a rare disease, with few reports occurring in the literature. Solitary plasmacytoma is defined as a plasma cell tumour with no evidence of bone marrow infiltration. Plasmacytoma can present as a solitary tumour in bone or in other parts of the body. The gastrointestinal tract is rarely the site of the disease. We report on the case of a 51-year-old man presenting with a colonic symptomatic mass with unclear biopsy results. A resected specimen showed a solitary plasmacytoma. Surgical resection was an adequate treatment modality in this case. Endoscopic resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are also preferred treatments in selected gastrointestinal plasmacytoma cases.
Rescue and Emergency Management of a Man‐Made Disaster: Lesson Learnt from a Collapse Factory Building, Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Rahman Aminur , Mashreky Saidur Rahman , Humaira Tasnuva , Dalal Koustuv
Published: April 2015

A tragic disaster occurred on April 24, 2013, in Bangladesh, when a nine storied building in a suburban area collapsed and killed 1115 people and injured many more. The study describes the process of rescue operation and emergency management services provided in the event. Data were collected using qualitative methods including in‐depth interviews and a focus group discussion with the involved medical students, doctors, volunteers, and local people. Immediately after the disaster, rescue teams came to the place from Bangladesh Armed Forces, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, and Dhaka Metropolitan and local Police and doctors, medical students, and nurses from nearby medical college hospitals and private hospitals and students from colleges and universities including local civil people. Doctors and medical students provided 24‐hour services at the disaster place and in hospitals. Minor injured patients were treated at health camps and major injured patients were immediately carried to nearby hospital. Despite the limitations of a low resource setting, Bangladesh faced a tremendous challenge to manage the man‐made disaster and experienced enormous support from different sectors of society to manage the disaster carefully and saved thousands of lives. This effort could help to develop a standard emergency management system applicable to Bangladesh and other counties with similar settings.
Bounded Fatou Components of Composite Transcendental Entire Functions with Gaps
Authors: Yang Cunji , Wang Shaoming
Published: April 2015

We prove that composite transcendental entire functions with certain gaps have no unbounded Fatou component.
Prevention of Cerebral Embolism Progression by Emergency Surgery of the Left Atrial Myxoma
Authors: Tetsuka Syuichi , Ikeguchi Kunihiko
Published: April 2015

A 21-year-old woman developed left hemiparesis during work and was hospitalized. Her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 4. Hyperintense areas in the left basal ganglia, corona radiata, and cortex of the temporal lobe were found by brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, indicating acute cerebral infarction. Echocardiography showed a giant mass of diameter 7 × 4 cm in the left atrium. Therefore, she was diagnosed with cerebral embolism due to a left atrial myxoma. Currently, thrombolytic therapy may continue to be effective because the embolic source may be composed of tumor tissue itself. In case of atrial myxoma, we considered that the use of tPA as emergency treatment in all patients with infarction by atrial myxoma may be questioned. Thus, cardiac tumor extraction was performed the next day after hospitalization without thrombolytic therapy. The excised myxoma measured 7 × 6 × 4 cm. The patient recovered and her neurological symptoms also improved. Furthermore, her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved to 0. Thirteen days after admission, the patient was discharged from our hospital. Cardiac myxoma is often associated with a high risk of embolic episodes, which emphasizes the need for prompt surgical excision as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.
B7-H4 Expression Is Associated with Tumor Progression and Prognosis in Patients with Osteosarcoma
Authors: Dong Qiang , Ma Xinlong
Published: April 2015

Increasing evidences have demonstrated that B7-H4 is associated with tumor development and prognosis. However, the clinical significance of B7-H4 expression in human osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. The aim of present study was to examine the B7-H4 expression and to explore its contribution in OS. B7-H4 expression in OS tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. Soluble B7-H4 (sB7-H4) levels in blood were examined by ELISA. The association of B7-H4 expression with clinicopathological factors or prognosis was statistically analyzed. Our findings demonstrated that B7-H4 expression in OS tissues was significantly higher than those in paired normal bone tissues (P<0.001). sB7-H4 level in OS serum samples was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P=0.005). High B7-H4 expression in tissues and sB7-H4 level were both correlated with advanced tumor stage (P<0.001,P=0.017, resp.) and distant metastasis (P=0.034,P=0.021, resp.). Additionally, high B7-H4 expression or serum sB7-H4 levels were significantly related to poor overall survival (P=0.028,P=0.005, resp.). B7-H4 in tissues and serum samples were an independent factor for affecting the survival time of OS patients (P=0.004,P=0.041, resp.). Collectively, our data suggest that the evaluation of B7-H4 expression in tissues and blood is a useful tool for predicting the progression of osteosarcoma and prognosis.
Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure after Gardening
Authors: Vucicevic Zeljko
Published: April 2015

Acute nontraumatic exertional rhabdomyolysis may arise when the energy supply to muscle is insufficient to meet demands, particularly in physically untrained individuals. We report on a psychiatric patient who developed large bruises and hemorrhagic blisters on both hands and arms, rhabdomyolysis of both forearm muscles with a moderate compartment syndrome, and consecutive acute renal failure following excessive work in the garden. Although specifically asked, the patient denied any hard physical work or gardening, and heteroanamnestic data were not available. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was easy to establish, but until reliable anamnestic data were obtained, the etiology remained uncertain. Four days after arrival, the patient recalled working hard in the garden. The etiology of rhabdomyolysis was finally reached, and the importance of anamnestic data was once more confirmed.
A Comparison of the Efficacy and Cost of Different Venous Leg Ulcer Dressings: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hussain Syed M. Asim
Published: April 2015

Objective. To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of simple nonadherent dressings with other more expensive dressing types in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.Study Design. Retrospective cohort study.Location. The leg ulcer clinic at the University Hospital of South Manchester.Subjects and Methods. The healing rates of twelve leg ulcer patients treated with simple nonadherent dressings (e.g., NA Ultra) were compared with an equal number of patients treated with modern dressings to determine differences in healing rates and cost.Main Outcome Measures. Rate of healing as determined by reduction in ulcer area over a specified period of time and total cost of dressing per patient.Results. Simple nonadherent dressings had a mean healing rate of 0.353 cm2/week (standard deviation ± 0.319) compared with a mean of 0.415 cm2/week (standard deviation ± 0.383) for more expensive dressings. This resulted in a one-tailedpvalue of 0.251 and a two-tailedpvalue of 0.508. Multiple regression analysis gave a significanceFof 0.8134.Conclusion. The results indicate that the difference in healing rate between simple and modern dressings is not statistically significant. Therefore, the cost of dressing type should be an important factor influencing dressing selection.
Urethrovaginal Fistula in a 5-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Coulibaly Noël , Sangaré Ibrahima Séga
Published: April 2015

Urethral fistulas are rare in girls. They occur most of the time during trauma. The case presented here is an iatrogenic fistula. The treatment was simple and consisted of a simple dissection and suture of urethra and vagina.
Computational Analysis to Factor Wind into the Design of an Architectural Environment
Authors: Chaudhry Hassam Nasarullah , Calautit John Kaiser , Hughes Ben Richard
Published: April 2015

The effect of wind distribution on the architectural domain of the Bahrain Trade Centre was numerically analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Using the numerical data, the power generation potential of the building-integrated wind turbines was determined in response to the prevailing wind direction. The three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations along with the momentum and continuity equations were solved for obtaining the velocity and pressure field. Simulating a reference wind speed of 6 m/s, the findings from the study quantified an estimate power generation of 6.4 kW indicating a capacity factor of 2.9% for the benchmark model. At the windward side of the building, it was observed that the layers of turbulence intensified in inverse proportion to the height of the building with an average value of 0.45 J/kg. The air velocity was found to gradually increase in direct proportion to the elevation with the turbine located at higher altitude receiving maximum exposure to incoming wind. This work highlighted the potential of using advanced computational fluid dynamics in order to factor wind into the design of any architectural environment.
Propofol Infusion Syndrome in Adults: A Clinical Update
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Voore Prakruthi , Halytskyy Oleksandr , Khan Maliha , Ali Alaa M.
Published: April 2015

Propofol infusion syndrome is a rare but extremely dangerous complication of propofol administration. Certain risk factors for the development of propofol infusion syndrome are described, such as appropriate propofol doses and durations of administration, carbohydrate depletion, severe illness, and concomitant administration of catecholamines and glucocorticosteroids. The pathophysiology of this condition includes impairment of mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids, disruption of the electron transport chain, and blockage of beta-adrenoreceptors and cardiac calcium channels. The disease commonly presents as an otherwise unexplained high anion gap metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury, elevated liver enzymes, and cardiac dysfunction. Management of overt propofol infusion syndrome requires immediate discontinuation of propofol infusion and supportive management, including hemodialysis, hemodynamic support, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in refractory cases. However, we must emphasize that given the high mortality of propofol infusion syndrome, the best management is prevention. Clinicians should consider alternative sedative regimes to prolonged propofol infusions and remain within recommended maximal dose limits.
The Combined Extract ofZingiber officinaleandZea mays(Purple Color) Improves Neuropathy, Oxidative Stress, and Axon Density in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Thiraphatthanavong Paphaphat , Muchimapura Supaporn , Thukhammee Wipawee , Lertrat Kamol , Suriharn Bhalang
Published: April 2015

Based on the protective effect of the combined extract of purple waxy corn and ginger (PWCG) on oxidative stress related disorders in diabetic condition, we aimed to determine the effect of PWCG on the functional, biochemical, and structural change of the lesion nerve in streptozotocin- (STZ-) diabetic rats. PWCG at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg·kg−1BW were orally given to STZ-diabetic rats which were subjected to chronic constriction (CCI) at right sciatic nerve for 21 days. The blood sugar was assessed before and at the end of study whereas the sciatic function index (SFI), paw withdrawal threshold intensity (PWTI), and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were assessed every 3 days until the end of study. At the end of study, the determination of nerve conduction velocity (NCV), axon density, oxidative stress status, and aldose reductase (AR) activity of the lesion nerve were performed. It was found that PWCG improved SFI, PWTI, PWL, and NCV together with the improved oxidative stress status and the axon density in the lesion nerve. No changes of AR activity or blood sugar level were observed. Therefore, PWCG might improve the functional and structural changes in STZ-diabetic rats plus CCI via the improved oxidative stress status.
Micropollutants Identification Affecting the Nearby Environment from Highway Runoff: The Case Study of Cyprus Highway
Authors: Zorpas Antonis A. , Ilia Lampis A. , Voukkali Irene , Inglezakis Vassilis
Published: April 2015

Road/highway surfaces accumulate significant quantities of pollutants including nutrients, heavy metals, and polycyclic hydrocarbon aromatic (PHAs). Traffic characteristics (vehicle speed, traffic load, etc.), climate, long dry wet periods, and rainfall event intensity and duration are regarded as important factors in generating pollutants in high way runoff (HRO). Regarding rainfall control, most of the road is served by drainage ditches which collect the runoff and direct it to the nearest natural water courses. This paper focuses on the estimation of pollutant that is coming from two several highways (to the airport and to the biggest industrial area) in Cyprus. Overall, more than 100 different samples were collected and analysed over a period of two years. Several parameters were determined like PHA, COD, electronic conductivity (EC), total suspended solid (TSS), total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, fats and oils (FOG), T. Coliforms, NO3, NO2, NH4, SO4, Cl, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, and Zn. The results indicated that the first flush consists of major pollution due to the fact that all parameters are in high levels. As the rainfall continues the pollution decreases but the influence to the nearby areas of the runoff is high.
Load-Sharing Characteristics of Power-Split Transmission System Based on Deformation Compatibility and Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis
Authors: Dong Hao , Duan Ling-ling , Zhang Jun-an , Fang Zhou
Published: April 2015

In order to implement the uniform load distribution of the power-split transmission system, a pseudostatic model is built. Based on the loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) technique, the actual meshing process of each gear pair is simulated and the fitting curve of time-varying mesh stiffness is obtained. And then, the torsional angle deformation compatibility conditions are proposed according to the closed-loop characteristic of power flow, which will be combined with the torque equilibrium conditions and elastic support conditions to calculate the transfer torque of each gear pair. Finally, the load-sharing coefficient of the power-split transmission system is obtained, and the influences of the installation errors are analyzed. The results show that the above-mentioned installation errors comprehensively influence the load-sharing characteristics, and the reduction of only one error could not effectively achieve perfect load-sharing characteristics. Allowing for the spline clearance floating and constrained by the radial spacing ring, the influence of the floating pinion is analyzed. It shows that the floating pinion can improve the load-sharing characteristics. Through the comparison between the theoretical and related experimental data, the reasonability and feasibility of the above-proposed method and model are verified.
Comparison of Two Different Scheimpflug Devices in the Detection of Keratoconus, Regular Astigmatism, and Healthy Corneas
Authors: Finis David , Ralla Bernhard , Karbe Maria , Borrelli Maria , Schrader Stefan , Geerling Gerd
Published: April 2015

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and interobserver variability of two Scheimpflug based camera systems, Pentacam and Sirius. In addition, the comparability of the measurements was tested in healthy subjects, subjects with regular astigmatism, and keratoconus patients.Methods. Intra- and interobserver variability were assessed in 20 healthy corneas. Pachymetry values were also compared with ultrasound pachymetry as a reference measurement. To detect possible differences between the two devices, 82 eyes with clinically established keratoconus, 30 eyes with regular astigmatism (>1.5 D), and 60 eyes without corneal pathologies were included in this prospective study.Results. Pachymetry and keratometry showed good intra- and interobserver variability for both devices. Pachymetry values obtained with the Sirius system (579±58 μm) were significantly higher compared to the Pentacam system (551±40 μm,P<0.001) and to ultrasound pachymetry (550±43 μm,P<0.001). Significant interdevice differences were found regarding the majority of the detected keratometry parameters.Conclusions. Both devices show almost perfect reproducibility in healthy subjects. However, pachymetry and keratometry values of the two devices should not be used interchangeably.
Ectopic Germinal Centers and IgG4-Producing Plasmacytes Observed in Synovia of HLA-B27+ Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients with Advanced Hip Involvement
Authors: Feng Xiugao , Xu Xiangjin , Wang Yue , Zheng Zhiyong , Lin Guiying
Published: April 2015

Introduction. Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis and the presence of IgG4-positive plasmacytes have been confirmed in chronic inflammatory sclerosing diseases. This study aims to investigate hip synovial tissues of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients for IgG4-positive plasma cells and ectopic lymphoid tissues with germinal centers (GCs).Methods. Synovial samples were collected from 7 AS patients who received total hip replacement and were evaluated using immunohistochemistry for the presence of CD20+ B-cells, CD3+ T-cells, CD21+ follicular dendritic cells (FDC), and CD38+ plasma cells. Furthermore, immunoglobulin G (IgG and IgG4), IgA, IgM, and complement components C3d and C4d in synovia were evaluated. Both synovial CD21+ FDCs and IgG4-producing plasmacytes were analyzed.Results. All seven patients had severe fibrosis. Massive infiltrations of lymphocytes were found in 5 out of 7 patients’ synovia. Ectopic lymphoid tissues with CD21+ FDC networks and IgG4-positive plasma cells were observed coincidentally in two patients’ synovia.Conclusion. The pathophysiological mechanism of AS patients’ hip damage might be related to the coincidental presence of ectopic lymphoid tissue with FDCs network and IgG4-positive plasma cells identified here for the first time in AS patients’ inflamed synovial tissue.
Discovery of Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage during Hernioplasty in a Patient Taking Rivaroxaban
Authors: Chow Harry , Ng Michael K.
Published: April 2015

We discuss the first ever case of rivaroxaban causing major intra-abdominal hemorrhage found in a patient during emergency hernioplasty. The source of bleeding was not identified either intra- or postoperatively. This is on a background of treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with rivaroxaban, a complication that resulted from a total knee arthroplasty performed four weeks prior. Rivaroxaban is a new generation of anticoagulants that directly inhibits factor Xa and is used for DVT treatment in major orthopaedic surgery. Here we discuss the major side effects of rivaroxaban, namely, the increased risk of major bleeding as well as the irreversibility of this anticoagulant, should such bleeding occur. We advise caution in the use of rivaroxaban even in patients that are at low risk of bleeding given the discovery of hemorrhage as presented in this case.
A Cellular Automata Traffic Flow Model considering Bus Lane Changing Behavior with Scheduling Parameters
Authors: Zhang Zun-dong , Yang Yan-fang , Qi Wenjiao , Chariete Abderrahim , Lin Xing-xiang
Published: April 2015

According to different driving behavioral characteristics of bus drivers, a cellular automata traffic model considering the bus lane changing behavior with scheduling parameters is proposed in this paper. Traffic bottleneck problems caused by bus stops are simulated in multiple lanes roads with no-bay bus stations. With the mixed traffic flow composed of different bus arrival rate, flow-density graph, density distribution graph, and temporal-spatial graph are presented. Furthermore, the mixed traffic flow characteristics are analyzed. Numerical experiment results show that the proposed model can generate a variety of complicated realistic phenomena in the traffic system with bus stops and provide theoretical basis for better using of traffic flow model.
DNA Methylation Levels of Melanoma Risk Genes Are Associated with Clinical Characteristics of Melanoma Patients
Authors: de Araújo Érica S. S. , Pramio Dimitrius T. , Kashiwabara André Y. , Pennacchi Paula C. , Maria-Engler Silvya S. , Achatz Maria I. , Campos Antonio H. J. F. M. , Duprat João P. , Rosenberg Carla , Carraro Dirce M. , Krepischi Ana C. V.
Published: April 2015

In melanoma development, oncogenic process is mediated by genetic and epigenetic mutations, and few studies have so far explored the role of DNA methylation either as predisposition factor or biomarker. We tested patient samples for germlineCDKN2Amethylation status and found no evidence of inactivation by promoter hypermethylation. We have also investigated the association of clinical characteristics of samples with the DNA methylation pattern of twelve genes relevant for melanomagenesis. Five genes (BAP1, MGMT, MITF, PALB2, andPOT1) presented statistical association between blood DNA methylation levels and eitherCDKN2A-mutation status, number of lesions, or Breslow thickness. In tumors, five genes (KIT, MGMT, MITF, TERT, andTNF) exhibited methylation levels significantly different between tumor groups including acral compared to nonacral melanomas and matched primary lesions and metastases. Our data pinpoint that the methylation level of eight melanoma-associated genes could potentially represent markers for this disease both in peripheral blood and in tumor samples.
Cardioprotective Activity ofPongamia pinnatain Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Badole Sachin L. , Chaudhari Swapnil M. , Jangam Ganesh B. , Kandhare Amit D. , Bodhankar Subhash L.
Published: April 2015

Pongamia pinnata(L.) Pierre has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment for diabetes and metabolic disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of the stem bark ofP. pinnata(known as PPSB-PEE) on cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Sprague-Dawley rats by using injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.). Nicotinamide (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 20 min before administration of streptozotocin. Rats were divided into group I: nondiabetic, group II: diabetic control (tween 80, 2%; 10 mL/kg, p.o.) as vehicle, and group III: PPSB-PEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.). The blood glucose level, ECG, hemodynamic parameters, cardiotoxic and antioxidant biomarkers, and histology of heart were carried out after 4 months after STZ with nicotinamide injection. PPSB-PEE treatment improved the electrocardiographic, hemodynamic changes; LV contractile function; biological markers; oxidative stress parameters; and histological changes in STZ induced diabetic rats. PPSB-PEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased blood glucose level, improved electrocardiographic parameters (QRS, QT, and QTc intervals) and hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP, EDP, maxdP/dt, contractility index, and heart rate), controlled levels of cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH, and AST), and improved oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, and GSH) in diabetic rats. PPSB-PEE is a promising remedy against cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats.
Integrated Optimization of Service-Oriented Train Plan and Schedule on Intercity Rail Network with Varying Demand
Authors: Zhou Wenliang , Tian Junli , Deng Lianbo , Qin Jin
Published: April 2015

For a better service level of a train operating plan, we propose an integrated optimization method of train planning and train scheduling, which generally are optimized, respectively. Based on the cost analysis of both passengers travelling and enterprises operation, and the constraint analysis of trains operation, we construct a multiobjective function and build an integrated optimization model with the aim of reducing both passenger travel costs and enterprise operating costs. Then, a solving algorithm is established based on the simulated annealing algorithm. Finally, using as an example the Changzhutan intercity rail network, as an example we analyze the optimized results and the influence of the model parameters on the results.
Successful Reduction of Acute Puerperal Uterine Inversion with the Use of a Bakri Postpartum Balloon
Authors: Ida Akinori , Ito Koichi , Kubota Yoko , Nosaka Maiko , Kato Hiroshi , Tsuji Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2015

Uterine inversion is a state wherein the endometrial surface is inverted. Although this condition may be observed in nonpregnant women, it most commonly develops at the time of delivery. In the present case, a 37-year-old woman without any remarkable history developed acute puerperal uterine inversion after the successful induction of labor. Following the delivery, she complained twice of severe lower abdominal pain; subsequently, hemorrhage was noted at the site of partial detachment of the placenta. These findings led to a diagnosis of placenta accreta, and the patient developed a state of shock. A Bakri postpartum balloon was inserted into the uterine cavity under ultrasonographic guidance and was filled with physiological saline for treatment of this condition. With this procedure, the uterine inversion was completely reduced and the hemorrhage was stopped. Moreover, no reinversion was observed in the postoperative period. These findings suggest that a Bakri postpartum balloon can be used to noninvasively reduce uterine inversion and prevent its recurrence.
Computation of Program Source Code Similarity by Composition of Parse Tree and Call Graph
Authors: Song Hyun-Je , Park Seong-Bae , Park Se Young
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes a novel method to compute how similar two program source codes are. Since a program source code is represented as a structural form, the proposed method adopts convolution kernel functions as a similarity measure. Actually, a program source code has two kinds of structural information. One is syntactic information and the other is the dependencies of function calls lying on the program. Since the syntactic information of a program is expressed as its parse tree, the syntactic similarity between two programs is computed by a parse tree kernel. The function calls within a program provide a global structure of a program and can be represented as a graph. Therefore, the similarity of function calls is computed with a graph kernel. Then, both structural similarities are reflected simultaneously into comparing program source codes by composing the parse tree and the graph kernels based on a cyclomatic complexity. According to the experimental results on a real data set for program plagiarism detection, the proposed method is proved to be effective in capturing the similarity between programs. The experiments show that the plagiarized pairs of programs are found correctly and thoroughly by the proposed method.
Antiulcerogenic Activity and Toxicity ofBauhinia holophyllaHydroalcoholic Extract
Authors: Rozza A. L. , Cesar D. A. S. , Pieroni L. G. , Saldanha L. L. , Dokkedal A. L. , De-Faria F. M. , Souza-Brito A. R. M. , Vilegas W. , Takahira R. K. , Pellizzon C. H.
Published: April 2015

Several species ofBauhiniaare used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and inflammation, among other conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiulcer effect of a hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves ofB. holophylla. The chemical profile of the extract was determined by HPLC-PAD-ESI-IT-MS. A dose-effect relation was constructed using the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in male Wistar rats. Histological analyses and studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were performed in stomach samples. The involvement of SH compounds, NO,K+ATPchannels, andα2-adrenergic receptors in the gastroprotective effect was evaluated. A toxicity study was performed with a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg. The extract was composed mainly of cyanoglucoside and flavonol-O-glycosides derivatives of quercetin and myricetin. SH compounds, NO release,K+ATPchannel activation, and presynapticα2-adrenergic receptor stimulation each proved to be involved in the antiulcer effect. The levels of GSH and activity of GR and GPx were increased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were modulated. There was an antidiarrheal effect and there were no signs of toxicity.B. holophyllapresents antiulcer activity mainly by decreasing oxidative stress and attenuating the inflammatory response, without inducing side effects.
Scheduling and Common Due Date Assignment on a Single Parallel-Batching Machine with Batch Delivery
Authors: Gong Hua , Zhang Biao , Peng Wuliang
Published: April 2015

We consider a single parallel-batching machine scheduling problem with delivery involving both batching scheduling and common due date assignment. The orders are first processed on the single parallel-batching machine and then delivered in batches to the customers. The batching machine can process several orders at the same time. The processing time of a production batch on the machine is equal to the longest processing time of the orders assigned into this batch. A common due date for all the orders in the same delivery batch and a delivery date for each order need to be determined in order to minimize total weighted flow time. We first prove that this problem is NP hard in the strong sense. Two optimal algorithms by using dynamic programming are derived for the two special cases with a given sequence of orders on the machine and a given batching in the production part, respectively.