bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANAEROBIC CO-CULTIVATION OF MULTI-ALGAL SPECIES WITH OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES FOR MILL EFFLUENT TREATMENT AND BIOMETHANE PRODUCTION
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Shah Syed Muhammad Usman , Buang Azizul , Abdullah Mohd Azmuddin
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the optimization of anaerobic co-cultivation of multi-algal species with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) for Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) treatment and biomethane production. The highest removal of COD (95-98%), BOD (90-98%), TOC (81-86%) and TN (78-80%) were achieved after 7 days anaerobic treatment with the presence of microalgae. The highest biomethane (4,651.9 mL CH4/L POME/day) and the specific biogas production rate (0.124 m3/kg COD/day) with CO2 (2,265.9mL CO2/L POME/day) were achieved by co-cultivating N. oculata and Chlorella sp. (each at 1 mL/mL POME) with OPEFB (0.12 g/mL POME). The combination of N. oculata (2 mL/mL POME) with T. suecica or Chlorella sp. (each at 1 mL/mL POME), and OPEFB (0.12 g/mL POME) obtained high biomethane (4,018.9 mL CH4/L POME /day) but lower biogas (0.097 m3/kg COD/day) and CO2 (2,079.5mL CO2/L POME/day). Generally, low OPEFB and having all the three strains or increasing the level of any (2 mL/mL POME) especially T. suecica, could lower biomethane (870-953 mL CH4/L POME/day) and CO2 (803-854mL CO2/L POME/day), with the biogas around 0.08-0.09 m3/kg COD/day. The optimum conditions were predicted by Response Surface Methodology and the multiple coefficients of determination, r2, of 86% suggests good agreement between experimental and predicted values.
SIMULATION STUDY OF AN EBG-M APPLICATOR TOWARDS NON-INVASIVE BREAST HYPERTHERMIA CANCER PROCEDURE
Authors: Lias Kasumawati , Buniyamin Norlida , Ahmad Narihan Mohd Zulkarnaen
Published: May 2016

Interest in the development of hyperthermia for cancer procedure is growth explosively all over the years as it is able to damage and kill the cancer cell non-invasively. An EBG-M antenna is designed with FDTD simulation packages, which is then applied towards treated cancerous area, where for the purpose of this simulation studies, breast is developed as the targeted cancer area to be treated. The radiation absorption is presented as the results obtained to be compared with previous works and also to be analyzed. It has been recognized that the designed antenna or also called as the applicator is able to offer depth radiation absorption and also improved the focusing, which is represented by the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution towards breast hyperthermia cancer procedure.
INVESTIGATION OF NEW NSAIDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT
Authors: Tatyana Murashko , Alexey Ivanov , Ivan Smirnov , Alex Bondarev , Nemtsev Alexey , Vladimir Udut
Published: May 2016

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the world, primarily due to their high efficiency for the treatment of inflammatory induced pain syndrome. The main feature of NSAIDs is a combination of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and anticoagulant properties. However, their long-term use is associated with side effects in the gastrointestinal tract including peptic ulcers and other. We developed and synthesized molecule of methyl (4-О-β-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzoic acid. The anti-inflammatory effect of methyl (4-О-β-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzoic acid evaluated using the carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema model. The study shows that the intragastrically administration of test substance to animals reduces inflammatory process.
KINETIC MODELS FOR PREDICTION OF COD EFFLUENT FROM UPFLOW ANAEROBIC SLUDGE BLANKET (UASB) REACTOR FOR CANNERY SEAFOOD WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Authors: Jijai Sunwanee , Siripatana Chairat , O-Thong Sompong , Ismail Norli
Published: May 2016

The three identical lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors were operated continuously for treating cannery seafood wastewater at seven hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 days. The different of granule sizes from three sources: a cassava factory (CS), a seafood factory (SS), and a palm oil mill (PS), average sizes in the range 1.5-1.7, 0.7-1.0 and 0.1-0.2 mm respectively were used as inocula for anaerobic digestion. The UASB-R1 used only granules from seafood factory (R1-SS), the UASB-R2 used mixed granules from seafood with cassava factory (R2-SS+CS) and the UASB-R3 used mixed granules from seafood factory with palm oil mill (R3-SS+PS). In this study selected mathematical models including Monod, Contois, Grau second-order and modified Stover-Kicannon kinetic models were applied to determine the substrate removal kinetics of UASB reactor. Kinetic parameters were determined through linear regression using experimental data obtained from the steady-state experiment and subsequently used to predict effluent COD. The results showed that Grau second-order and modified Stover-Kicannon kinetic models were more suitable than that of others for predicting the effluent COD, with high the correlation coefficient (R2). In addition, the UASB-R2 from mixed granules with cassava factory (SS+CS) gave the best performance and highest coefficient value.
NON-IONIZING (ULTRA-WIDEBAND FREQUENCY) ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION EFFECT ON NERVE FIBER ACTION POTENTIAL OF HUMAN BODY
Authors: Noor Azizi Muhammad Syafiq , Salleh Azahari , Othman Adib , Mohd Aris Nor Azlan , Mohamad Najmiah Radiah
Published: May 2016

In modern telemedicine systems the physiological data of patients can be measured with the aid of electronic sensors located on and inside the human body. The collected medical data is then transmitted wirelessly to an external unit for processing, thereby enhancing the health monitoring, diagnosis, and therapy of the patients. In biomedical application, the process requires transmitting data, images and videos from inside the body taken by a radio system of a size of a pill seems to be the way. The use of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in various areas like medical application has arisen the electromagnetic radiation problem. The services provided by this type of application can cause either good or bad effects on human body depending on the power level, frequency and the way it being used. The implant antenna with ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency will be used by inserting it into the nerve of human arm in term of homogenous model. Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless technology that potential applications in variety of medical areas such as implant wireless sensors, microwave hyperthermia, imaging and radar. It can transmit digital data over a wide frequency spectrum with very low power and at very high data rates. Hence, this paper present the non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation effect on electrical nerve fiber of human arm model with the presence of other human tissues such as fat, muscle, skin and etc. at ultra-wideband frequency which is expected to improve the understanding of radio propagation inside human body hence contribute to more advance and innovative medical implants. CST Microwave Studio is one of the EM modeling code which can be used for bio electromagnetic purpose.
Peridynamic Modeling of Granular Fracture in Polycrystalline Materials
Authors: De Meo Dennj , Zhu Ning , Oterkus Erkan
Published: May 2016

A new peridynamic (PD) formulation is developed for cubic polycrystalline materials. The new approach can be a good alternative to traditional techniques such as finite element method (FEM) and boundary element method (BEM). The formulation is validated by considering a polycrystal subjected to tension-loading condition and comparing the displacement field obtained from both PDs and FEM. Both static and dynamic loading conditions for initially damaged and undamaged structures are considered and the results of plane stress and plane strain configurations are compared. Finally, the effect of grain boundary strength, grain size, fracture toughness, and grain orientation on time-to-failure, crack speed, fracture behavior, and fracture morphology are investigated and the expected transgranular and intergranular failure modes are successfully captured. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a PD material model for cubic crystals is given in detail.
The Effect of Pulse Electric Current on the Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behaviors of Aluminum Alloy AA5754
Authors: Zhao Kunmin , Fan Rong
Published: May 2016

The influences of pulse electric currents at energy density levels of 0.105 J/mm3 and 0.150 J/mm3 on AA5754's flow stress and elongation are investigated. Different combinations of current density and pulse duration are carried out for each energy density. The non-Joule heating effects in electrically assisted forming (EAF) are revealed since the temperatures generated by the electric currents of the same energy density are identical. It is observed that a pulse current helps reduce AA5754's flow stress and increase its elongation. At the same level of energy density, as the current density increases, the instant drop of stress increases as well as the elongation, although the maximum flow stress remains almost unchanged. A theoretical model is proposed that can predict the stress drop during electrically assisted forming. The fracture surfaces of AA5754 subject to pulse currents are observed and analyzed. The dimples of fracture continue to decrease until they completely disappear as the density of pulse current increases. The suppression of voids nucleation and growth by a pulse current leads to the increase of total elongation.
Large Deflection of Circular Auxetic Membranes Under Uniform Load
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng
Published: May 2016

Currently, available results for the large deflection of circular isotropic membranes are valid for Poisson's ratio of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 only. This paper explores the deflection of circular membranes when the membrane material is auxetic, i.e., when they possess negative Poisson's ratio and compared against conventional ones. Due to the multistage calculations involved in the exact method, a generic semi-empirical model is proposed to facilitate convenient and direct computation of the membrane deflection as a function of the radial distance; additionally, a specific semi-empirical model is given to provide a more accurate maximum deflection. Comparison of deflection distributions verifies the validity of the semi-empirical model vis-à-vis the exact model. The deflection of circular membrane increases with the diminishing effect as the Poisson's ratio of the membrane material becomes more negative.
Quadricuspid aortic valve: an unexpected echocardiographic finding.
Authors: Aboitiz-Rivera Carlos Manuel , Blachman-Braun Ruben , Lanza Mario Fernando , Berebichez-Fridman Roberto , Díaz-Huízar María José , Ferrer-Arellano Laura Graciela , Ramírez-Freyre Alejandra Andrea , Baltazares-Lipp Mario Enrique
Published: May 2016

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is an anatomic valvular variant, with a prevalence of 0.008% to 0.033% in the general population, and 1.46% in patients that undergo aortic valve replacement. The QAV can be an isolated valvular abnormality or associated  with other congenital heart defects. In this article, we present three of the few reported cases of QAV in the Hispanic population,  all of which  were asymptomatic and without evidence of hemodynamic alterations or other associated heart defects. Additionally a literature review is provided.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for differential diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions: a meta-analysis.
Authors: Lin Li Zhou , Li Fan , Liu Yang , Xing Ling Xi , Du Lian Fang
Published: May 2016

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a method for diagnosing pancreatic lesions with regard to the ductal pancreatic carcinoma and the differentiation of neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions. Material and methods:  Relevant studies published by September 6, 2015 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Trials databases. The articles included were mainly based on the following criteria: use of CEUS as the diagnostic tool, and the use of histology as the reference method. Two independent reviewers inspected all these papers to  confirm the matching of the inclusion criteria. One reviewer with methodological expertise extracted the data from the included studies. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were used to obtain overall estimates. Results: Eighteen studies out of 734 articles initially identified met the inclusion criteria. The primary study objective with respect to ductal adenocarcinoma was  verified in 15 studies. The pooled estimate of CEUS sensitivity for the differential diagnosis of duct adenocarcinomas was 0.90 (95 % CI, 0.89–0.92), and the specificity was 0.88 (0.84-0.90). The pooled estimate for DOR was 56.38 (29.91-106.33). The area under the curve under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) was 0.95. 12 out of 18 studies examined CEUS sensitivity and the average specificity with regard to the secondary study objective, distinguishing between neoplastic lesions and non-neoplastic lesions, were 0.95 (0.94-0.96) and 0.83 (0.77–0.87). The pooled estimate for DOR was 73.25(45.31-118.43). The area under the SROC curve was 0.96.Conclusions: CEUS is a promising, reliable modality for the differential diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in patients with pancreatic mass lesions. The presence of a hypoenhanced lesion was a sensitive predictor of pancreatic adenocarcinomas. It seems to be a useful tool in clinical practice.
The ultrasonographic diagnosis of cystic cervical lesions: a pictorial essay
Authors: Lenghel Lavinia Manuela , Băciuţ Grigore , Băciuţ Mihaela , Rotaru Horaţiu , Bran Simion , Dinu Cristian , Botar-Jid Carolina , Gersak Mirela , Dudea Sorin M.
Published: May 2016

The importance of ultrasonographic (US) examination in the evaluation of the superficial structures of the head and neck region is increasing due to the widespread availability of modern equipment (such as high-frequency transducers) and modern techniques. In the case of a cervical lesion, ultrasound is usually the first imaging method used to assess the changes. First of all, US is capable of differentiating between cystic and solid structures, and based on the US appearance correlated with the the age of the patient, location and growing pattern, the appropriate diagnosis is possible with a high accuracy. The aim of the present paper is to describe the US features of the most common cystic lesions encountered in the head and neck region.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided injection of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for liver and pancreas: a feasibility study in pigs.
Authors: Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Pirici Daniel , Mărgăritescu Claudiu , Gheonea Ioana Andreea , Trincu Florian Nicu , Fifere Adrian , Săftoiu Adrian
Published: May 2016

Aims: Pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma are two of the most aggressive types of cancer with limited therapeutic options in stages of advanced disease. Our objective is to assess the safety and feasibility of injecting iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guidance, both systemically and locally in the liver and pancreas in order to study new potential therapies for liver and pancreatic tumors. Material and methods: Six domestic pigs were used for our study design, and divided into three groups: two were injected in the portal vein, and other four were subjected to local exposure of IONs in the liver and pancreas, two each. The pigs were on a 7 days follow-up and necropsy was performed with their organs harvested. A 3T MRI scan was also performed. Results: All animals underwent an endoscopic ultrasound fine needle injection (EUS-FNI) procedure without any complications. EUS-FNI procedure had an average time of 5 minutes and 21 seconds and consisted of 2 ml of ION injection. No perforations and no risk of potential bleeding were recorded. Macroscopic changes were observed only after pancreatic EUS-FNI. A significant amount of IONs was observed in the liver after local injection and after vascular EUS-FNI. The imaging results were confirmed by pathological examination with most of the IONs accumulated in Ito-like cells, Kupfer cells, and sinusoids. Conclusions: IONs have been widely studied for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Their injection through EUS-guidance may develop new diagnosis strategies as well as curative or palliative therapies in pancreatic and liver tumors.
Assessment of modified myocardial performance index in foetuses with growth restriction
Authors: Silva Carolina Pacheco , Araujo Júnior Edward , Zamith Marina Maccagnano , Caetano Ana Carolina Rabachini , Zamarian Ana Cristina Perez , Cavalcante Rafael Oliveira , Moron Antônio Fernandes , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado
Published: May 2016

Aim: To evaluate the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in foetuses with growth restriction and compare this index with appropriate for gestational age foetuses. Material and methods: A prospective cross-sectional case-control study was conducted involving 76 singleton foetuses between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation divided into three groups (24 appropriate growth foetuses, 30 foetuses with estimated weight between the 3rd and 10th percentiles and 22 foetuses with estimated weight < 3rd percentile, according to the Hadlock table). The Mod-MPI was obtained in the plane of the four chamber view, and the spectral Doppler sample volume was placed in the lateral wall of the aorta, close to the mitral valve. Doppler of umbilical artery was normal in all cases. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. Results: The mean Mod-MPI in the groups of appropriate for gestational age, estimated weight between the 3rd and 10th percentiles, and estimated weight < 3rd percentile was 0.32 ± 0.05, 0.35 ± 0.05 and 0.36 ± 0.06, respectively; there was no statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.072). There was good intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (ICC = 0.726 and 0.760, respectively). Conclusion: Mod-MPI was not significantly different between foetuses appropriate for gestational age and those with growth restriction. Mod-MPI proved to be a feasible and reproducible technique.
The value of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis of the native aortic infective endocarditis valve complications: a case report and literature review.
Authors: Molnar Adrian , Sacui Diana , Manole Simona , Radulescu Amanda , Beyer Ruxandra
Published: May 2016

Despite its current limitations transthoracic echocardiography is still widely used for the anatomical and functional evaluation of patients with infective endocarditis. However, all these limitations can be overcome by using transesophageal echocardiography. We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient, diagnosed with aortic valve infective endocarditis, whose transthoracic echocardiography showed only a cusp vegetation and aortic regurgitation, but raised the suspicion of periannular complications. The transesophageal echocardiography revealed a circular aortic root abscess and a ventricular septal defect with left-to-right shunt, and consequently leads to a complete different surgical tactical approach. The patient was urgently referred for surgery due to the rapid deterioration of the hemodynamic status, and had a good outcome on the short-term follow-up.
Design and analysis of air acoustic vector-sensor configurations for two-dimensional geometry
Authors: Wajid Mohd , Kumar Arun , Bahl Rajendar
Published: May 2016

Acoustic vector-sensors (AVS) have been designed using the P-P method for different microphone configurations. These configurations have been used to project the acoustic intensity on the orthogonal axes through which the direction of arrival (DoA) of a sound source has been estimated. The analytical expressions for the DoA for different microphone configurations have been derived for two-dimensional geometry. Finite element method simulation using COMSOL-Multiphysics has been performed, where the microphone signals for AVS configurations have been recorded in free field conditions. The performance of all the configurations has been evaluated with respect to angular error and root-mean-square angular error. The simulation results obtained with ideal geometry for different configurations have been corroborated experimentally with prototype AVS realizations and also compared with microphone-array method, viz., Multiple Signal Classification and Generalized Cross Correlation. Experiments have been performed in an anechoic room using different prototype AVS configurations made from small size microphones. The DoA performance using analytical expressions, simulation studies, and experiments with prototype AVS in anechoic chamber are presented in the paper. The square and delta configurations are found to perform better in the absence and presence of noise, respectively.
Optimized sound diffusers based on sonic crystals using a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Redondo J. , Sánchez-Pérez J. V. , Blasco X. , Herrero J. M. , Vorländer M.
Published: May 2016

Sonic crystals have been demonstrated to be good candidates to substitute for conventional diffusers in order to overcome the need for extremely thick structures when low frequencies have to be scattered, however, their performance is limited to a narrow band. In this work, multiobjective evolutionary algorithms are used to extend the bandwidth to the whole low frequency range. The results show that diffusion can be significantly increased. Several cost functions are considered in the paper, on the one hand to illustrate the flexibility of the optimization and on the other hand to demonstrate the problems associated with the use of certain cost functions. A study of the robustness of the optimized diffusers is also presented, introducing a parameter that can help to choose among the best candidates. Finally, the advantages of the use of multiobjective optimization in comparison with conventional optimizations are discussed.
Mice lacking the intracellular cation channel TRIC-B have compromised collagen production and impaired bone mineralization
Authors: Zhao Chengzhu , Ichimura Atsuhiko , Qian Nianchao , Iida Tsunaki , Yamazaki Daiju , Noma Naruto , Asagiri Masataka , Yamamoto Koji , Komazaki Shinji , Sato Chikara , Aoyama Fumiyo , Sawaguchi Akira , Kakizawa Sho , Nishi Miyuki , Takeshima Hiroshi
Published: May 2016

Tric-b
knockout mice serve as a model for studying the bone defects of osteogenesis imperfecta.
Targeting Epo to treat anemia
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2016

An engineered form of erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production without also stimulating platelets.
Crude Preparations of Helicobacter pylori Outer Membrane Vesicles Induce Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 via Activating Akt-Nrf2 and mTOR–IκB Kinase–NF-κB Pathways in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Ko Su Hyuk , Rho Da Jeong , Jeon Jong Ik , Kim Young-Jeon , Woo Hyun Ae , Kim Nayoung , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: May 2016

Helicobacter pylorisheds outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain many surface elements of bacteria. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in directing the nature of adaptive immune responses againstH. pylori, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been implicated in regulating function of DCs. In addition, HO-1 is important for adaptive immunity and the stress response. AlthoughH. pylori-derived OMVs may contribute to the pathogenesis ofH. pyloriinfection, responses of DCs to OMVs have not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role ofH. pylori-derived crude OMVs in modulating the expression of HO-1 in DCs. Exposure of DCs to crudeH. pyloriOMVs upregulated HO-1 expression. Crude OMVs obtained from acagA-negative isogenic mutant strain induced less HO-1 expression than OMVs obtained from a wild-type strain. CrudeH. pyloriOMVs activated signals of transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, and Nrf2. Suppression of NF-κB or Nrf2 resulted in significant attenuation of crude OMV-induced HO-1 expression. Crude OMVs increased the phosphorylation of Akt and downstream target molecules of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), such as S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). Suppression of Akt resulted in inhibition of crude OMV-induced Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression. Furthermore, suppression of mTOR was associated with inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK), NF-κB, and HO-1 expression in crude OMV-exposed DCs. These results suggest thatH. pylori-derived OMVs regulate HO-1 expression through two different pathways in DCs, Akt-Nrf2 and mTOR–IKK–NF-κB signaling. Following this induction, increased HO-1 expression in DCs may modulate inflammatory responses inH. pyloriinfection.
Disseminated histiocytic sarcoma in a child: a clinicopathological dichotomy with 8 years survival
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Das Prasenjit , Dinda Amit K , Gupta Devendra K
Published: May 2016

A 3-year-old girl presented with a non-healing ulcer, originating as a pustule over the right anterior chest wall of 1½ month duration associated with high fever. A subcutaneous nodule along with right apical and anterior axillary lymph nodes was palpable. Abdominal ultrasound and chest skiagram were normal. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the axillary lymph node was suggestive of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Bone marrow aspirate was normal. The ulcer and subcutaneous nodule were excised completely with adequate margins. Histopathological examinations were compatible with malignancy of histiocytic origin with clear resected margins. The axillary nodes were free of tumour. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given for 13 months. The patient is doing well at 8 years follow-up.
Conjunctival metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown origin
Authors: Li He J , Tsaousis Konstantinos T , Hoopes Phillip , Mamalis Nick
Published: May 2016

We describe the case of a presumed metastatic adenocarcinoma discovered in the conjunctival limbus of a 75-year-old male with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma. After an initial clinical diagnosis of pinguecula and unsuccessful topical steroid therapy, the lesion was excised and sent for pathological evaluation and special staining. The histopathological evaluation was consistent with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, without evidence of lacrimal tissue. Surprisingly, results from special staining were most consistent with lung adenocarcinoma rather than that from a prostate origin. Systemic radiographic evaluation did not locate the primary tumour, and the patient did not present with any symptoms consistent with malignancy. Watchful waiting was chosen as the therapeutic strategy to manage the patient. This is the first report of an adenocarcinoma, likely metastatic, at the conjunctival limbus.
Haemostasis with fibrin glue injection into the pericardial space for right ventricular perforation caused by an iatrogenic procedural complication
Authors: Arai Hirofumi , Miyamoto Takamichi , Hara Nobuhiro , Obayashi Tohru
Published: May 2016

An 89-year-old woman with severe aortic valve stenosis and bradycardia presented with circulatory shock due to cardiac tamponade. We performed pericardiocentesis, and then diagnosed right ventricular perforation by echocardiography with microcavitation contrast medium just before inserting a drainage tube. We then inserted the drainage tube in the appropriate position and withdrew blood-filled fluid. The patient was haemodynamically stabilised, but haemorrhage from the perforation site continued for a few days. We injected fibrin glue into the pericardial space through the drainage tube and achieved haemostasis. Thus, we avoided surgery to close the perforation in this high-risk patient. There was no recurrence of haemorrhage. She subsequently had elective aortic valve replacement at another hospital. No adhesions in the pericardial space were seen during surgery.
Pancreatic gout and the role of multimodality imaging in its management
Authors: Koh Huiliang , Low How Cheng , Seet Ju Ee , Chua Wynne Yuru
Published: May 2016

Uric acid deposition in the pancreas is very rare and neither an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) nor a contrast-enhanced CT image of this condition has ever been published. We describe a case of asymptomatic pancreatic gout that was detected incidentally on CT. Imaging features mimicked pancreatic neoplasm, warranting further evaluation with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration. Samples revealed debris encrusted with monosodium urate crystals. Follow-up CT showed complete resolution with urate-lowering therapy. We aim to augment current knowledge on the imaging of pancreatic gout and discuss its management.
Should player fatigue be the focus of injury prevention strategies for international rugby sevens tournaments?
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Taylor Aileen E , Raftery Martin
Published: May 2016

Objective

To assess the incidence, severity and nature of injuries, to determine risk factors for injury and to identify potential injury prevention strategies in men's international Rugby-7s tournaments.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Participants

Players from core teams competing in matches at 6 Sevens World Series from 2008/2009 to 2014/2015.

Results

The incidence of injury across all Series was 108.3 injuries/1000 player-match-hours (backs: 121.0; forwards: 91.5) with a mean severity of 44.2 days (backs: 46.1; forwards: 40.9) and a median severity of 28 days (backs: 29; forwards: 26). The proportion of injuries sustained in the second half was significantly higher (60%; p<0.001) than the first half of matches and the proportion increased from match to match and day to day in a tournament. The knee (17.4%), ankle (15.9%) and posterior thigh (13.2%) were the most common injury locations for backs and the knee (18.5%), head/face (17.3%) and shoulder/clavicle (13.0%) for forwards. The four most common injuries across all players were knee ligament (13.0%), ankle ligament (12.8%), concussion (10.4%) and posterior thigh muscle strains (9.8%).

Conclusions

The incidence of injury in Rugby-7s suggests that teams require squads of around 20 players for a Sevens World Series. The higher incidence of injury in the second half of matches is probably the result of player fatigue; therefore, injury prevention strategies for teams and the Governing Body should address this issue. The results presented support the World Rugby trial allowing ‘rolling substitutes’ during Sevens World Series matches, as this approach may help to mitigate the effects of player fatigue during the second half of matches.
Changes of trehalose content and expression of relative genes during the bioethanol fermentation bySaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yi Chenfeng , Wang Fenglian , Dong Shijun , Li Hao
Published: May 2016

Traditionally, trehalose is considered as a protectant to improve the ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, to clarify the changes and roles of trehalose during the bioethanol fermentation, trehalose content and expression of related genes at lag, exponential, and stationary phases (i.e., 2, 8, and 16 h of batch fermentation process) were determined. Although yeast cells at exponential and stationary phase had higher trehalose content than cells at lag phase (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in trehalose content between exponential and stationary phases (P > 0.05). Moreover, expression of the trehalose degradation-related genes NTH1 and NTH2 decreased at exponential phase in comparison with that at lag phase; compared with cells at lag phase, cells at stationary phase had higher expression of TPS1, ATH1, NTH1, and NTH2 but lower expression of TPS2. During the lag–exponential phase transition, downregulation of NTH1 and NTH2 promoted accumulation of trehalose, and to some extent, trehalose might confer ethanol tolerance to S. cerevisiae before stationary phase. During the exponential–stationary phase transition, upregulation of TPS1 contributed to accumulation of trehalose, and Tps1 protein might be indispensable in yeast cells to withstand ethanol stress at the stationary phase. Moreover, trehalose would be degraded to supply carbon source at stationary phase.
Self-affinity in the dengue fever time series
Authors: Azevedo S. M. , Saba H. , Miranda J. G. V. , Filho A. S. Nascimento , Moret M. A.
Published: May 2016

Dengue is a complex public health problem that is common in tropical and subtropical regions. This disease has risen substantially in the last three decades, and the physical symptoms depict the self-affine behavior of the occurrences of reported dengue cases in Bahia, Brazil. This study uses detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to verify the scale behavior in a time series of dengue cases and to evaluate the long-range correlations that are characterized by the power law [Formula: see text] exponent for different cities in Bahia, Brazil. The scaling exponent ([Formula: see text]) presents different long-range correlations, i.e. uncorrelated, anti-persistent, persistent and diffusive behaviors. The long-range correlations highlight the complex behavior of the time series of this disease. The findings show that there are two distinct types of scale behavior. In the first behavior, the time series presents a persistent [Formula: see text] exponent for a one-month period. For large periods, the time series signal approaches subdiffusive behavior. The hypothesis of the long-range correlations in the time series of the occurrences of reported dengue cases was validated. The observed self-affinity is useful as a forecasting tool for future periods through extrapolation of the [Formula: see text] exponent behavior. This complex system has a higher predictability in a relatively short time (approximately one month), and it suggests a new tool in epidemiological control strategies. However, predictions for large periods using DFA are hidden by the subdiffusive behavior.
Love Wave Propagation in Prestressed Piezoelectric Layered Structure
Authors: Gupta Shishir , Pramanik Abhijit , Ahmed Mostaid , Verma Arun Kumar
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the effect of initial stress on the propagation of Love waves in a layered structure with a thin piezoelectric film bonded perfectly to an elastic substrate has been investigated. General dispersion equations, describing the properties of Love waves in both cases, electrically open case and electrically shorted case of the piezoelectric layer, have been obtained. The effects of inhomogeneity parameters in the substrate and the initial stress in both, the layer and the substrate on the phase velocity of Love waves, are analyzed and presented graphically. The analytical method and obtained results may find applications for designing the resonators and sensors.
Dynamic and Stability Analysis of the Rotating Nanobeam in a Nonuniform Magnetic Field Considering the Surface Energy
Authors: Baghani M. , Mohammadi M. , Farajpour A.
Published: May 2016

It is well-known that rotating nanobeams can have different dynamic and stability responses to various types of loadings. In this research, attention is focused on studying the effects of magnetic field, surface energy and compressive axial load on the dynamic and the stability behavior of the nanobeam. For this purpose, it is assumed that the rotating nanobeam is located in the nonuniform magnetic field and subjected to compressive axial load. The nonlocal elasticity theory and the Gurtin–Murdoch model are applied to consider the effects of inter atomic forces and surface energy effect on the vibration behavior of rotating nanobeam. The vibration frequencies and critical buckling loads of the nanobeam are computed by the differential quadrature method (DQM). Then, the numerical results are testified with those results are presented in the published works and a good correlation is obtained. Finally, the effects of angular velocity, magnetic field, boundary conditions, compressive axial load, small scale parameter and surface elastic constants on the dynamic and the stability behavior of the nanobeam are studied. The results show that the magnetic field, surface energy and the angular velocity have important roles in the dynamic and stability analysis of the nanobeams.
Approximate Boundary Value Problems of a Deformed Flexible Closed Torso Shell with Excited Edges
Authors: Andrianov I. V. , Olevskyi V. I. , Awrejcewicz J.
Published: May 2016

A boundary value problem solution is presented to treatment the deformations of a closed flexible elastic torso shell having perturbations at its axial edges. A so-called artificial parameter technique is applied to obtain a solution in the form of a double asymptotic series further summed using two-dimensional fractional rational approximations. Convergence of the approximations to the exact solution is proven.
A- and B-site doping effect on physicochemical properties of Sr2−xBaxMMoO6 (M = Mg, Mn, Fe) double perovskites — candidate anode materials for SOFCs
Authors: Zheng Kun , Świerczek Konrad
Published: May 2016

In this work, we evaluate the physicochemical properties of Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMMoO6 (M [Formula: see text] Mg, Mn, Fe) double perovskites as alternative anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells, for which the effect of substitution of strontium by barium in a full range of compositions is studied. The crystal structure, microstructure, characterization of transport properties (electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient) and oxygen content as a function of temperature, as well as chemical stability in oxidizing and reducing conditions are discussed. Fe- and Mo-containing Sr[Formula: see text]BaxFeMoO6 oxides show very high total conductivities with values of 100–1000 S[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], while Sr[Formula: see text]BaxMgMoO6 present good redox stability.
Printed Text Image Database for Sindhi OCR
Authors: Hakro Dil Nawaz , Talib Abdullah Zawawi
Published: May 2016

Document Image Understanding (DIU) and Electronic Document Management are active fields of research involving image understanding, interpretation, efficient handling, and routing of documents as well as their retrieval. Research on most of the noncursive scripts (Latin) has matured, whereas research on the cursive (connected) scripts is still moving toward perfection. Many researchers are currently working on the cursive scripts (Arabic and other scripts adopting it) around the world so that the difficulties and challenges in document understanding and handling of these scripts can be overcome. Sindhi script has the largest extension of the original Arabic alphabet among languages adopting the Arabic script; it contains 52 characters, compared to 28 characters in the original Arabic alphabet, in order to accommodate more sounds for the language. There are 24 differentiating characters with some possessing four dots. For Sindhi OCR research and development, a database is needed for training and testing of Sindhi text images. We have developed a large database containing over 4 billion words and 15 billion characters in 150 various fonts in four font weights and four styles. The database contents were collected from various sources including websites, books, and theses. A custom-built application was also developed to create a text image from a text document that supports various fonts and sizes. The database considers words, characters, characters with spaces, and lines. The database is freely available as a partial or full database by sending an email to one of the authors.
Word Segmentation for Burmese (Myanmar)
Authors: Ding Chenchen , Thu Ye Kyaw , Utiyama Masao , Sumita Eiichiro
Published: May 2016

Experiments on various word segmentation approaches for the Burmese language are conducted and discussed in this note. Specifically, dictionary-based, statistical, and machine learning approaches are tested. Experimental results demonstrate that statistical and machine learning approaches perform significantly better than dictionary-based approaches. We believe that this note, based on an annotated corpus of relatively considerable size (containing approximately a half million words), is the first systematic comparison of word segmentation approaches for Burmese. This work aims to discover the properties and proper approaches to Burmese textual processing and to promote further researches on this understudied language.
A “Suggested” Picture of Web Search in Turkish
Authors: Sarigil Erdem , Yilmaz Oguz , Altingovde Ismail Sengor , Ozcan Rifat , Ulusoy ÖzgÜr
Published: May 2016

Although query log analysis provides crucial insights about Web users’ search interests, conducting such analyses is almost impossible for some languages, as large-scale and public query logs are quite scarce. In this study, we first survey the existing query collections in Turkish and discuss their limitations. Next, we adopt a novel strategy to obtain a set of Turkish queries using the query autocompletion services from the four major search engines and provide the first large-scale analysis of Web queries and their results in Turkish.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours: Etiology, Pathology and Clinical Management
Authors: Blackstein Martin E , Dubé Pierre , Fletcher Jonathan A , Keller Oliver R , Knowling Margaret , Létourneau Richard , Morris Donald , Riddell Robert , Rorke Stewart , Swallow Carol J , Canadian Advisory Committee on GIST
Published: May 2016

Investigation of the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and
death by signalling pathways has led to a greater understanding of
how alterations in these pathways play a critical role in the development
of some cancers, and has opened new opportunities for their
treatment. In the present review, results with the prototype drug of
this class, imatinib (Gleevec, Glivec [formerly STI571]; Novartis,
Switzerland), in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours are presented.
The present review originated from a conference of the
authors held in Montreal, Quebec in June 2003, under the sponsorship
of Novartis.
Practical Considerations of Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults
Authors: Wall William J , Solano Edward
Published: May 2016

The practice of living donor liver transplantation in adults has developed rapidly over the past five years and brings with it a set of unique technical and ethical challenges. The evaluation of potential donors focuses on their health and motives, and the results of noninvasive imaging, with the objective of ensuring the best outcomes for both donors and recipients. Graft volume is critical to success, and venous outflow reconstruction is paramount, although there is no consensus on the preferred method. Biliary tract complications occur in 30% of recipients. Complications that may interfere with recovery or delay the return to well-being occur in one of every four or five donors. The precise risk of donor death cannot be stated with certainty because comprehensive data on all cases are not available. It is clear, however, that donation of the right lobe of the liver carries with it a much greater risk of mortality than kidney donation. The paucity of details reported on donors who have died make it impossible to determine to what extent the deaths were preventable. The option of living donation is an invitation to expand the criteria for recipient selection to include, for example, patients with tumours that exceed traditional transplant guidelines. The risk-benefit ratios for donors become especially problematic when post-transplant recipient survival is below current standards.
On Subordinations for Certain Multivalent Analytic Functions in the Right-Half Plane
Authors: Xu Yi-Hui , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: May 2016

The object of the present paper is to investigate some properties of multivalent analytic functions associated with the lemniscate of Bernoulli.
Evaluation of the Synergistic Effect of Erosion-Corrosion on AISI 4330 Steel in Saline-Sand Multiphase Flow by Electrochemical and Gravimetric Techniques
Authors: Peña Ballesteros Dario Yesid , Mendez Camacho Yelsin Enrique , Barreto Hernandez Lizeth Viviana
Published: May 2016

The synergistic effects of fluid flow, sand particles, and solution pH on erosion-corrosion of AISI 4330 steel alloy in saline-sand medium were studied through a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) system by weight-loss and electrochemical measurements. The worn surface was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results show that, under all the test conditions assessed, the passivity of the steel alloy could not be maintained; as a result, an activation mechanism dominates the corrosion process of steel alloy. Furthermore, the potentiodynamic curves show that, with the increasing of the electrode flow rate and particle size, the anodic current density increased, which is due to deterioration of the electrode by the impacting slurry. Although the increase of particle size affects the anodic current density, the effect of particle size does not cause a significant change in the polarization behavior of the steel electrode. The electrochemical impedance and potentiodynamic curves suggest that erosion-corrosion phenomenon of the ASISI 4330 steel is under mixed control of mass transport and charge transfer. The inductive loops formed in the impedance plots are representative of an increase in roughness of the electrode caused by the particles impacting at the surface. The change in the passivity of the steel alloy as the pH is altered plays an important role in the corrosion rate.
Diffusion Decay Coefficient for Chloride Ions of Concrete Containing Mineral Admixtures
Authors: Park Jae-Im , Lee Kwang-Myong , Kwon Soon-Oh , Bae Su-Ho , Jung Sang-Hwa , Yoo Sung-Won
Published: May 2016

The diffusion coefficient for chloride ions and the diffusion decay coefficient for chloride ions are essential variables for a service life evaluation of concrete structures. They are influenced by water-binder ratio, exposure condition, curing temperature, cement type, and the type and use of mineral admixture. Mineral admixtures such as ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and silica fume have been increasingly used to improve resistance against chloride ions penetration in concrete structures built in an offshore environment. However, there is not enough measured data to identify the statistical properties of diffusion decay coefficient for chloride ions in concrete using mineral admixtures. This paper is aimed at evaluating the diffusion decay coefficient for chloride ions of concrete using ordinary Portland cement or blended cement. NT BUILD 492 method, an electrophoresis experiment, was used to measure the diffusion coefficient for chloride ions with ages. It was revealed from the test results that the diffusion decay coefficient for chloride ions was significantly influenced by W/B and the replacement ratio of mineral admixtures.
A Four Quadrature Signals’ Generator with Precise Phase Adjustment
Authors: Wu Xiushan , Wang Yanzhi , An Siguang , Han Jianqiang , Sun Ling
Published: May 2016

A four-way quadrature signals generator with precise phase modulation is presented. It consists of a phase precision regulator and a frequency divider. The phase precision regulator generates two programmable currents by controlling the conduction of the tail current sources and then changes the currents into two bias voltages which are superimposed on the clock signals to adjust the phase difference of the four quadrature signals generated by the frequency divider, making the phase difference of 90 degrees. The four quadrature signals’ generator with precise phase modulation has been implemented in a 0.18 μm mixed-signal and RF 1P6M CMOS technology. The size of the chip including the pads is675 μm⁎690 μm. The circuit uses a supply voltage of 1.8 V, a bias current of 7.2 μA, and the bits of phase-setting input leveln=6in the design. The measured results of the four orthogonal signals’ phase error can reach ±0.1°, and the phase modulation range can reach ±3.6°.