bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological Potential ofLactobacillusStrains Isolated from Fermented Green Olives:In VitroStudies with Emphasis on Oleuropein-Degrading Capability
Authors: Iorizzo Massimo , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Macciola Vincenzo , Testa Bruno , Lustrato Giuseppe , Lopez Francesco , De Leonardis Antonella
Published: June 2016

Technological properties of two strains ofLactobacillus plantarum(B3 and B11) and one ofLactobacillus pentosus(B4), previously isolated from natural fermented green olives, have been studiedin vitro. Acidifying ability, salt, temperature, and pH tolerances of all strains were found in the range reported for similar strains produced in Italy and optimal growth conditions were found to be 6.0–8.0 pH, 15–30°C temperature, and less than 6% NaCl. Moreover, all strains showed very good tolerance to common olive phenol content (0.3% total phenol) and high oleuropein-degrading capability. It was found that medium composition affected the bacterial oleuropein degradation. B11 strain grown in a nutrient-rich medium showed a lower oleuropein-degrading action than when it was cultivated in nutrient-poor medium. Furthermore, enzymatic activity assays revealed that oleuropein depletion did not correspond to an increase of hydroxytyrosol, evidencing that bacterial strains could efficiently degrade oleuropein via a mechanism different from hydrolysis.
Paradoxical Herniation following Decompressive Craniectomy in the Subacute Setting
Authors: Michael Alex P. , Espinosa Jose
Published: June 2016

Decompressive craniectomy is reserved for extreme cases of intracranial hypertension. An uncommon complication known as paradoxical herniation has been documented within weeks to months following surgery. Here we present a unique case within days of surgery. Since standard medical treatment for intracranial hypertension will exacerbate paradoxical herniation, any abrupt neurological changes following decompressive craniectomy should be carefully investigated. Immediate treatment for paradoxical herniation is placement of the patient in the supine position with adequate hydration. Cranioplasty is the ultimate treatment option.
Modeling and Simulation of China C Series Large Aircraft with Microburst
Authors: Wang Jiangyun , Song Xiao , Wang Yongsheng
Published: June 2016

To simulate and analyze a large aircraft with severe wind shear, nonlinear equations for a rigid aircraft under various wind conditions were designed. In this paper, a double-vortex-ring method is adopted to generate a three-dimensional microburst wind field. This model incorporates a flight dynamics module and three flight simulations based on various forms of nonlinear equations. In addition, four primary wind gradients are considered to compute the aerodynamic coefficients. In simulation experiments with a China C series large aircraft, equations using air-relative velocities and inertial velocities are compared and analyzed. Although the nonlinear equations derived using the air-relative velocities should be identical to those using the inertial velocities, the results show that the latter are more accurate in practice because the former bring error into the simulation when estimating the acceleration induced by the wind field.
Effects of Shenfu Injection in the Treatment of Septic Shock Patients: A Multicenter, Controlled, Randomized, Open‐Label Trial
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Xinchao , Lin Peihong , Qiu Haibo , Wei Jie , Cao Yu , Pan Shuming , Walline Joseph , Qian Chuanyun , Shan Zhigang , Yu XueZhong
Published: June 2016

The effect of Shenfu on biochemical parameters and survival during resuscitation in patients with septic shock was examined. This was a multicenter, controlled, randomized, open‐label trial carried out in 210 patients with septic shock from seven medical centers in China. They were randomized to Shenfu or saline. The primary outcome was lactate clearance. The secondary outcomes were shock index normalization, dose of vasopressors, ICU stay, hospital stay, and mortality. A total of 199 patients completed the trial. Blood pressure, heart rate, and other routine lab tests showed no difference between the groups. Lactate levels and lactate clearance were similar between the two groups. Hospital and ICU stay were similar between the two groups. When considering all patients, the 7‐ and 28‐day mortality were similar between the two groups, but when considering only patients with lactate levels ≥4.5 mmol/L, the Shenfu group showed a better 7‐day survival than the control group (7 days: 83.3% versus 54.5%, P = 0.034; 28 days: 72.7% versus 47.6%, P = 0.092). Shenfu may improve the 7‐day survival in patients with impaired lactate clearance (≥4.5 mmol/L), but the mechanism for this effect is unclear. Additional studies are necessary to characterize the hemodynamic changes after Shenfu infusion. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-TRC-11001369.
Evidence Maximization Technique for Training of Elastic Nets
Authors: Dubnov Igor , Merkov Alexander , Arlazarov Vladimir , Nikolaev Ilia
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a technique of evidence maximization for automatic tuning of regularization parameters of elastic nets, which allows tuning many parameters simultaneously. This technique was applied to handwritten digit recognition. Experiments showed its ability to train either models with high accuracy of recognition or highly sparse models with reasonable accuracy.
A Parallel Genetic Algorithm Based Feature Selection and Parameter Optimization for Support Vector Machine
Authors: Chen Zhi , Lin Tao , Tang Ningjiu , Xia Xin
Published: June 2016

The extensive applications of support vector machines (SVMs) require efficient method of constructing a SVM classifier with high classification ability. The performance of SVM crucially depends on whether optimal feature subset and parameter of SVM can be efficiently obtained. In this paper, a coarse-grained parallel genetic algorithm (CGPGA) is used to simultaneously optimize the feature subset and parameters for SVM. The distributed topology and migration policy of CGPGA can help find optimal feature subset and parameters for SVM in significantly shorter time, so as to increase the quality of solution found. In addition, a new fitness function, which combines the classification accuracy obtained from bootstrap method, the number of chosen features, and the number of support vectors, is proposed to lead the search of CGPGA to the direction of optimal generalization error. Experiment results on 12 benchmark datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms genetic algorithm (GA) based method and grid search method in terms of classification accuracy, number of chosen features, number of support vectors, and running time.
Surgical Management of Myringosclerosis over an Entire Perforated Tympanic Membrane by Simple Underlay Myringoplasty
Authors: Furukawa Masayuki , Hayashi Chieri , Narabayashi Osamu , Kasai Misato , Okada Hiroko , Haruyama Takuo , Minekawa Akira , Iizuka Takashi , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: June 2016

The aim of our study is to demonstrate the surgical management of myringosclerosis over a perforated whole tympanic membrane using simple underlay myringoplasty. Simple underlay myringoplasty with fibrin glue was performed in 11 ears with myringosclerosis over the entire tympanic membrane. The patients were one male and ten females and their mean age was 61.8 years (range, 40–73 yr). Surgical success was defined as an intact tympanic membrane 12 months after surgery. Closure of the perforation was successful in 10 (91%) of the 11 patients. Failure of the graft occurred in one patient who then underwent a revision procedure using her stored fascia in the outpatient clinic with a successful outcome. The overall success rate was 100%. Although this study included a small number of cases, removal of myringosclerosis at the edge of a perforation is a beneficial technique for simple underlay myringoplasty in terms of the success rate and postoperative hearing threshold, especially when myringosclerosis extends over the entire tympanic membrane.
Data-Driven Photovoltaic System Modeling Based on Nonlinear System Identification
Authors: Alqahtani Ayedh , Alsaffar Mohammad , El-Sayed Mohamed , Alajmi Bader
Published: June 2016

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy sources are rapidly gaining potential growth and popularity compared to conventional fossil fuel sources. As the merging of PV systems with existing power sources increases, reliable and accurate PV system identification is essential, to address the highly nonlinear change in PV system dynamic and operational characteristics. This paper deals with the identification of a PV system characteristic with a switch-mode power converter. Measured input-output data are collected from a real PV panel to be used for the identification. The data are divided into estimation and validation sets. The identification methodology is discussed. A Hammerstein-Wiener model is identified and selected due to its suitability to best capture the PV system dynamics, and results and discussion are provided to demonstrate the accuracy of the selected model structure.
A Novel Virtual Node Hexahedral Element with Exact Integration and Octree Meshing
Authors: Perumal Logah
Published: June 2016

The method presented in this work is a 3-dimensional polyhedral finite element (3D PFEM) based on virtual node method. Novel virtual node polyhedral elements (termed as VPHE) are developed here, particularly virtual node hexahedral element (termed as VHE). Stiffness matrices of these polyhedral elements consist of simple polynomials. Thus, a new algorithm is introduced in this paper, which enables exact integration of monomials without a need for high number of integration points and weights. The number of nodes for VHE elements is not restricted, as opposed to the conventional hexahedral elements. This feature enables formulation of transition elements (termed as T-VHE) which are useful to adaptive computation. Performances of the new VHE elements in solid mechanics and conductive heat transfer phenomena are examined through numerical simulations. The new T-VHE elements are utilized in octree mesh. The VHE elements are found to produce good results and T-VHE elements help to reduce number of global nodes for the analysis.
Application of Hydrogel in Reconstruction Surgery: Hydrogel/Fat Graft Complex Filler for Volume Reconstruction in Critical Sized Muscle Defects
Authors: Lui Y. F. , Ip W. Y.
Published: June 2016

Autogenic fat graft usually suffers from degeneration and volume shrinkage in volume reconstruction applications. How to maintain graft viability and graft volume is an essential consideration in reconstruction therapies. In this presented investigation, a new fat graft transplantation method was developed aiming to improve long term graft viability and volume reconstruction effect by incorporation of hydrogel. The harvested fat graft is dissociated into small fragments and incorporated into a collagen based hydrogel to form a hydrogel/fat graft complex for volume reconstruction purpose. In vitro results indicate that the collagen based hydrogel can significantly improve the survivability of cells inside isolated graft. In a 6-month investigation on artificial created defect model, this hydrogel/fat graft complex filler has demonstrated the ability of promoting fat pad formation inside the targeted defect area. The newly generated fat pad can cover the whole defect and restore its original dimension in 6-month time point. Compared to simple fat transplantation, this hydrogel/fat graft complex system provides much improvement on long term volume restoration effect against degeneration and volume shrinkage. One notable effect is that there is continuous proliferation of adipose tissue throughout the 6-month period. In summary, the hydrogel/fat graft system presented in this investigation demonstrated a better and more significant effect on volume reconstruction in large sized volume defect than simple fat transplantation.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Postkeratoplasty Myopia and Astigmatism
Authors: Massoud Tamer H. , Ibrahim Osama , Shehata Kitty , Abdalla Moones F.
Published: June 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for treating myopia and myopic astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).Design. Case-series.Methods. Ten eyes of 10 patients with previous PKP and residual myopic astigmatism for whom pentacam imaging and thickness measurements were acceptable for laser vision correction. Manifest refraction (MR), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were obtained preoperatively and one day, one week, and one, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Cases were operated on the VisuMax® femtosecond laser platform with 500 kHz repetition rate.Results. The mean correction ratio for spherical errors was0.84±0.19 D and for the mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was0.79±0.13 D. Vector analysis showed a mean astigmatism reduction at the intended axis of67±25.25%, a correction index of0.81±0.21, and an overall mean percentage of success of astigmatism surgery of53±37.9%. The postoperative MRSE was stable throughout the 6-month follow-up period. The efficacy index was 0.93 and the safety index was 1.12.Conclusion. SMILE for correction of post-PKP myopia and astigmatism is effective, safe, and stable with moderate accuracy and predictability. Centration of the treatment within the grafts was easily performed.
On the Study of Oscillons in Scalar Field Theories: A New Approach
Authors: Correa R. A. C. , de Souza Dutra A.
Published: June 2016

We study configurations in one-dimensional scalar field theory, which are time-dependent, localized in space, and extremely long-lived, called oscillons. How the action of changing the minimum value of the field configuration representing the oscillon affects its behavior is investigated. We find that one of the consequences of this procedure is the appearance of a pair of oscillon-like structures presenting different amplitudes and frequencies of oscillation. We also compare our analytical results to numerical ones, showing excellent agreement.
Security Analysis and Improvements of Session Key Establishment for Clustered Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Jiye , Moon Jongho , Jung Jaewook , Won Dongho
Published: June 2016

WSN (wireless sensor network) is one of the main technologies in IoT (Internet of Things) applications or services. To date, several schemes have been proposed to establish a pair-wise key between two nodes in WSN, and most of them are designed to establish long-term keys used throughout the network lifetime. However, in the near future, if WSN will be used for information infrastructures in various fields such as manufacturing, distribution, or public facilities management and its life cycle can be as long as that of other common networks, it will definitely be advantageous in terms of security to encrypt messages using session keys instead of long-term keys. In this paper, we propose a session key establishment scheme for clustered sensor networks that is based on elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange and hash chain. The proposed scheme eliminates vulnerabilities of existing schemes for WSN and has improved security. The proposed scheme is efficient in terms of energy costs compared to related schemes.
Dermoscopic Follow-Up of the Skin towards Acute Graft-versus-Host-Disease in Patients after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kaminska-Winciorek Grazyna , Czerw Tomasz , Kruzel Tomasz , Giebel Sebastian
Published: June 2016

Background. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) involving skin is one of the most frequent complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), usually diagnosed based on clinical manifestations. So far, skin biopsy with histopathological evaluation is the only method to confirm the diagnosis. Objective. In this prospective study we monitored alloHSCT recipients by dermoscopy in order to assess its utility as an alternative noninvasive tool to early diagnose acute GVHD. Methods. Thirteen consecutive patients who received alloHSCT were examined clinically and dermoscopically towards aGVHD [days 28 (±7), 56 (±7), and 100 (±7)], as well as in each patient who developed cutaneous aGVHD diagnosed according to clinical criteria (Glucksberg scale). Results. Six patients (46%) developed symptoms of cutaneous acute GVHD (grade 1, n=3; grade 2, n=3). Dermoscopic evaluation revealed pinkish or reddish background and well-visible, multiple thin telangiectasias. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of dermoscopy to evaluate skin involvement in the course of acute GVHD suggesting its role as a diagnostic tool in follow-up of GVHD, which can be also used before clinical symptoms occur.
Pulmonary Talcosis in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Phuong , Nanjappa Sowmya , Muddaraju Manjunath , Greene John N.
Published: June 2016

The first case of pulmonary talcosis or talc pneumoconiosis related to inhalation of talc during its extraction and processing in mines was described by Thorel in 1896. Pulmonary talcosis is most commonly seen secondary to occupational exposure or intravenous (IV) drug abuse and, occasionally, in excessive use of cosmetic talc. Based on literature review, there has been an increase in reported incidents of pulmonary talcosis due to various forms of exposure to the mineral. We report an 82-year-old man who is diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with palliative imatinib who presented with chronic hemoptysis and dyspnea shortly after his diagnosis. His symptoms were initially thought to be due to an infectious etiology due to his malignancy, immunocompromised state, and radiographic findings until high-resolution computerized tomographic (HRCT) findings showed a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis picture that prompted further questioning and a more thorough history inquiry on his exposure to causative agents of interstitial lung disease. Very often, patients do not recognize their exposure, especially in those whose exposure is unrelated to their occupation. Our case emphasizes the need for thorough and careful history taking of occupational and nonoccupational exposure to known causative agents of interstitial lung disease.
The Impact of an Implementation Project on Primary Care Staff Perceptions of Delivering Brief Alcohol Advice
Authors: Reinholdz Hanna , Bendtsen Preben , Spak Fredrik , Müssener Ulrika
Published: June 2016

Objective. To explore how the perceptions and experiences of working with risky drinkers change over time among primary health care staff during a systematic implementation project.Methods. Qualitative focus group interviews took place before and after the implementation of the project.Results. The staff displayed a positive change during the implementation period with regard to awareness, knowledge, and confidence that led to a change in routine practice. Throughout the project, staff were committed to engaging with risky drinkers and appeared to have been learning-by-doing.Conclusions. The results indicated a positive attitude to alcohol prevention work but staff lack knowledge and confidence in the area. The more practical experience during the study is, the more confidence seems to have been gained. This adds new knowledge to the science of implementation studies concerning alcohol prevention measures, which have otherwise shown disappointing results, emphasizing the importance of learning in practice.
Clinical Performance and Management Outcomes with the DecisionDx-UM Gene Expression Profile Test in a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Plasseraud Kristen Meldi , Cook Robert W. , Tsai Tony , Shildkrot Yevgeniy , Middlebrook Brooke , Maetzold Derek , Wilkinson Jeff , Stone John , Johnson Clare , Oelschlager Kristen , Aaberg Thomas M.
Published: June 2016

Uveal melanoma management is challenging due to its metastatic propensity. DecisionDx-UM is a prospectively validated molecular test that interrogates primary tumor biology to provide objective information about metastatic potential that can be used in determining appropriate patient care. To evaluate the continued clinical validity and utility of DecisionDx-UM, beginning March 2010, 70 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, IRB-approved study to document patient management differences and clinical outcomes associated with low-risk Class 1 and high-risk Class 2 results indicated by DecisionDx-UM testing. Thirty-seven patients in the prospective study were Class 1 and 33 were Class 2. Class 1 patients had 100% 3-year metastasis-free survival compared to 63% for Class 2 (log rank testp=0.003) with 27.3 median follow-up months in this interim analysis. Class 2 patients received significantly higher-intensity monitoring and more oncology/clinical trial referrals compared to Class 1 patients (Fisher’s exact testp=2.1×10-13andp=0.04, resp.). The results of this study provide additional, prospective evidence in an independent cohort of patients that Class 1 and Class 2 patients are managed according to the differential metastatic risk indicated by DecisionDx-UM. The trial is registered with Clinical Application of DecisionDx-UM Gene Expression Assay Results (NCT02376920).
What Is the Role of Nanotechnology in Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer? Promising Scenarios for the Near Future
Authors: Marta Truffi , Luca Sorrentino , Serena Mazzucchelli , Luisa Fiandra , Fabio Corsi
Published: June 2016

Metastatic breast cancer represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to tumor heterogeneity and to various physiological barriers that hinder drug delivery to the metastatic sites. To overcome these limitations, nanoformulated drugs have been developed and tested in preclinical studies, and few of them have been successfully translated into clinical practice. In particular, liposomal anthracyclines and nanoformulated albumin-bound paclitaxel have revealed an improved therapeutic index when compared to conventional chemotherapy, with significant reduction of drugs toxicity. Several strategies for nanoparticles engineering have more recently been explored to increase selectivity for tumor cells and to reach poorly accessible metastatic districts. Targeted nanoparticles, directed toward tumor markers and tissue-specific metastases, may provide effective devices in case of low-vascularized and small-sized metastases, thus paving the way for a real change in the natural history of metastatic disease. A number of targets have been identified and exploited for surface functionalization of different types of nanoparticles, which are currently undergoing preclinical studies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current nanotechnology applied to metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Promising results encourage an upcoming translation of this research into clinical practice for an effective management of the disease in the near future.
The Comparative Study of Electrochemical Capacitance Performance between Sulphur-Doped Co3O4and CoS Anodes
Authors: Xu Wei , Khan M. A. , Chen Jiahui , Long Yongbing , Xu Gui , Bai Yu , Zhang Xiaodong , Qiu Zhenmin , Lin Sennian , Fan Donghua
Published: June 2016

Anode materials with high capacitance performance are highly desirable for supercapacitors (SCs). In this work, nanomaterials cobalt sulfide (CoS), sulphur-doped Co3O4(S-Co3O4), and Co3O4were fabricated on a carbon cloth substrate by hydrothermal method. The composition and morphology of the material were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The electrochemical measurements were performed in a three-electrode system. The result shows that CoS nanomaterial as anode is of the best electrochemical performance, achieving areal capacitance of 1.98 F/cm2at 2 mA/cm2in a 5 M LiCl solution. Moreover, the CoS anode has long-term cycling stability with more than 85.7% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles, confirming its larger capacitance, good redox activity, and electrochemical stability.
Transmission of Curing Light through Moist, Air-Dried, and EDTA Treated Dentine and Enamel
Authors: Uusitalo E. , Varrela J. , Lassila L. , Vallittu P. K.
Published: June 2016

Objective. This study measured light transmission through enamel and dentin and the effect of exposed dentinal tubules to light propagation.Methods. Light attenuation through enamel and dentin layers of various thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) was measured using specimens that were (1) moist and (2) air-dried (n=5). Measurements were repeated after the specimens were treated with EDTA. Specimens were transilluminated with a light curing unit (maximum power output 1869 mW/cm2), and the mean irradiance power of transmitting light was measured. The transmission of light through teeth was studied using 10 extracted intact human incisors and premolars.Results. Transmitted light irradiance through 1 mm thick moist discs was 500 mW/cm2for enamel and 398 mW/cm2for dentin (p<0.05). The increase of the specimen thickness decreased light transmission in all groups (p<0.005), and moist specimens attenuated light less than air-dried specimens in all thicknesses (p<0.05). EDTA treatment increased light transmission from 398 mW/cm2to 439 mW/cm2(1 mm dentin specimen thickness) (p<0.05). Light transmission through intact premolar was 6.2 mW/cm2(average thickness 8.2 mm) and through incisor was 37.6 mW/cm2(average thickness 5.6 mm).Conclusion. Light transmission through enamel is greater than that through dentin, probably reflecting differences in refractive indices and extinction coefficients. Light transmission through enamel, dentin, and extracted teeth seemed to follow Beer-Lambert’s law.
Advances on the Use of Biodegradable Proteins/Peptides in Photothermal Theranostics
Authors: Wang Sheng , Lin Jing , Huang Peng
Published: June 2016

Recently, photothermal therapy (PTT) which employs light-induced heating to destroy cancer tissues/cells has received tremendous attention due to its improved selectivity and minimal invasion to surrounding healthy tissues. A variety of photothermal conversion agents (PTCAs) with high near-infrared (NIR) light absorbance have been widely explored for NIR light-induced PTT. However, many of them cannot be used directlyin vivoowing to their nonbiodegradability, immunogenicity, poor pharmacokinetics, or potential long-term toxicity. Proteins and peptides with inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability have been used as delivery vehicles for PTCAs or used as biotemplates to direct the synthesis of PTCAs. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the development of protein/peptide-based photothermal cancer theranostics. The perspectives and challenges of these nanoplatforms will also be discussed.
Use of Mercury in Dental Silver Amalgam: An Occupational and Environmental Assessment
Authors: Jamil Nadia , Baqar Mujtaba , Ilyas Samar , Qadir Abdul , Arslan Muhammad , Salman Muhammad , Ahsan Naveed , Zahid Hina
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the occupational exposure to mercury in dentistry and associated environmental emission in wastewater of Lahore, Pakistan. A total of ninety-eight blood samples were collected comprising 37 dentists, 31 dental assistants, and 30 controls. Results demonstrate that the dentistry personnel contained significantly higher mean concentration of mercury in their blood samples (dentists: 29.835 µg/L and dental assistants: 22.798 µg/L) compared to that of the controls (3.2769 µg/L). The mean concentration of mercury was found maximum in the blood samples of older age group (62.8 µg/L) in dentists and (44.3 µg/L) in dental assistants. The comparison of mercury concentration among dentists, dental assistants, and controls (pairing based on their ages) revealed that the concentration increased with the age and experience among the dentists and dental assistants. Moreover, the mercury concentration in all the studied dental wastewater samples, collected from twenty-two dental clinics, was found to be exceeding the recommended discharge limit of 0.01 mg/L. Therefore, we recommend that immediate steps must be taken to ensure appropriate preventive measures to avoid mercury vapors in order to prevent potential health hazards to dentistry personnel. Strong regulatory and administrative measures are needed to deal with mercury pollution on emergency basis.
Clinical Studies of Nonpharmacological Methods to Minimize Salivary Gland Damage after Radioiodine Therapy of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Systematic Review
Authors: Christou Andri , Papastavrou Evridiki , Merkouris Anastasios , Frangos Savvas , Tamana Panayiota , Charalambous Andreas
Published: June 2016

Purpose. To systematically review clinical studies examining the effectiveness of nonpharmacological methods to prevent/minimize salivary gland damage due to radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods. Reports on relevant trials were identified by searching the PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane, and Scopus electronic databases covering the period 01/2000–10/2015. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were prespecified. Search yielded eight studies that were reviewed by four of the present authors. Results. Nonpharmacological methods used in trials may reduce salivary gland damage induced by radioiodine. Sialogogues such as lemon candy, vitamin E, lemon juice, and lemon slice reduced such damage significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, p < 0.10, and p < 0.05, resp.). Parotid gland massage also reduced the salivary damage significantly (p < 0.001). Additionally, vitamin C had some limited effect (p = 0.37), whereas no effect was present in the case of chewing gum (p = 0.99). Conclusion. The review showed that, among nonpharmacological interventions, sialogogues and parotid gland massage had the greatest impact on reducing salivary damage induced by radioiodine therapy of DTC. However, the studies retrieved were limited in number, sample size, strength of evidence, and generalizability. More randomized controlled trials of these methods with multicenter scope and larger sample sizes will provide more systematic and reliable results allowing more definitive conclusions.
Comparative Analysis of KnockOut™Serum with Fetal Bovine Serum for the In Vitro Long-Term Culture of Human Limbal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Shaokun , Liu Zaoxia , Su Guanfang , Wu Hong
Published: June 2016

The limbal epithelial cells can be maintained on 3T3 feeder layer with fetal bovine serum supplemented culture medium, and these cells have been used to successfully treat limbal stem cell deficiency. However, fetal bovine serum contains unknown components and displays quantitative and qualitative lot-to-lot variations. To improve the culture condition, the defined KnockOut serum replacement was investigated to replace fetal bovine serum for culturing human limbal epithelial cell. Human primary limbal epithelial cells were cultured in KnockOut serum and fetal bovine serum supplemented medium, respectively. The cell growth rate, gene expression, and maintenance of limbal epithelial stem cells were studied and compared between these two groups. Human primary limbal epithelial cells were isolated and successfully serially cultivated in this novel KnockOut serum supplemented medium; the cell proliferation and stem cell maintenance were similar to those of cells grown in fetal bovine serum supplemented medium. These data suggests that this KnockOut serum supplemented medium is an efficient replacement to traditional fetal bovine serum supplemented medium for limbal epithelial cell culture, and this medium has great potential for long term maintenance of limbal epithelial cells, limbal epithelial stem cells transplantation, and tissue regeneration.
Identifying and Analyzing Strong Components of an Industrial Network Based on Cycle Degree
Authors: Zhang Zhiying , Chen Xiaozhen , Xiao Wenwen , Qi Guijie
Published: June 2016

In the era of big data and cloud computing, data research focuses not only on describing the individual characteristics but also on depicting the relationships among individuals. Studying dependence and constraint relationships among industries has aroused significant interest in the academic field. From the network perspective, this paper tries to analyze industrial relational structures based on cycle degree. The cycle degree of a vertex, that is, the number of cycles through a vertex in an industrial network, can describe the roles of the vertices of strong components in industrial circulation. In most cases, different vertices in a strong component have different cycle degrees, and the one with a larger cycle degree plays more important roles. However, the concept of cycle degree does not involve the lengths of the cycles, which are also important for circulations. The more indirect the relationship between two industries is, the weaker it is. In order to analyze strong components thoroughly, this paper proposes the concept of circular centrality taking into consideration the influence by two factors: the lengths and the numbers of cycles through a vertex. Exemplification indicates that a profound analysis of strong components in an industrial network can reveal the features of an economy.
NALP3-Inflammasome-Related Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Prehypertension and Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Gu Chonghuai , Yan Chenghui , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Yi , Wang Li , Ren Lili , Zhang Yan , Peng Junyin , Zhu Zhiming , Han Yaling
Published: June 2016

Objectives. Prehypertension is an early stage of hypertension that is characterized by inflammatory factors. Inflammation also plays an essential role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis (CAS). The present study evaluated the NALP3-inflammasome and its related genes,NLRP3,NOD2, andCARD8, using SNP linkage and gene haplotypes in prehypertensive patients.Methods. A total of 576 patients with prehypertension and suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) were enrolled. According to coronary angiography, patients were divided into two groups: arterial stenosis <50% of the diameter (control) and arterial stenosis >50% of the diameter (case). Fifteen polymorphisms in theNOD2,NLRP3, andCARD8genes were analyzed, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured.Results. When comparing allele frequencies, none of these 15 SNPs inNOD2,CARD8, andNLPR3genes showed a significant difference using multiple logistic regression. However, the CTACATAA (p=0.0064) and CCACATAG (p=0.0126) haplotypes of theNOD2gene SNPs were significantly different between cases and controls.Conclusions. Although our study excludes a significant association of selected SNPs in these genes with CHD in prehypertension patients, this work suggests that the CTACATAA and CCACATAG haplotypes were associated with CHD in theNOD2locus. This work suggests that the CTACATAA and CCACATAG haplotypes were associated with CHD in prehypertension patients in theNOD2locus.
Dynamics of Stochastic Coral Reefs Model with Multiplicative Nonlinear Noise
Authors: Huang Zaitang
Published: June 2016

Little seems to be known about the ergodicity of random dynamical systems with multiplicative nonlinear noise. This paper is devoted to discern asymptotic behavior dynamics through the stochastic coral reefs model with multiplicative nonlinear noise. By support theorem and Hörmander theorem, the Markov semigroup corresponding to the solutions is to prove the Foguel alternative. Based on boundary distributions theory, the required conservative operators related to the solutions are further established to ensure the existence a stationary distribution. Meanwhile, the density of the distribution of the solutions either converges to a stationary density or weakly converges to some probability measure.
Impact-Time-Control Guidance Law for Missile with Time-Varying Velocity
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Yang , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2016

The problem of impact-time-control guidance (ITCG) for the homing missile with time-varying velocity is addressed. First, a novel ITCG law is proposed based on the integral sliding mode control (ISMC) method. Then, a salvo attack algorithm is designed based on the proposed guidance law. The performances of the conventional ITCG laws strongly depend on the accuracy of the estimated time-to-go (TTG). However, the accurate estimated TTG can be obtained only if the missile velocity is constant. The conventional ITCG laws were designed under the assumption that the missile velocity is constant. The most attractive feature of this work is that the newly proposed ITCG law relaxes the constant velocity assumption, which only needs the variation range of the missile velocity. Finally, the numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Sliding and Overturning Analysis of Spent Fuel Storage Rack Based on Dynamic Analysis Model
Authors: Liu Yu , Lu Daogang , Wang Yuanpeng , Liu Hongda
Published: June 2016

Spent fuel rack is the key equipment for the storage of spent fuel after refueling. In order to investigate the performance of the spent fuel rack under the earthquake, the phenomena including sliding, collision, and overturning of the spent fuel rack were studied. An FEM model of spent fuel rack is built to simulate the transient response under seismic loading regarding fluid-structure interaction by ANSYS. Based on D’Alambert’s principle, the equilibriums of force and momentum were established to obtain the critical sliding and overturning accelerations. Then 5 characteristic transient loadings which were designed based on the critical sliding and overturning accelerations were applied to the rack FEM model. Finally, the transient displacement and impact force response of rack with different gap sizes and the supporting leg friction coefficients were analyzed. The result proves the FEM model is applicable for seismic response of spent fuel rack. This paper can guide the design of the future’s fluid-structure interaction experiment for spent fuel rack.
Essential Oil of Ocimum basilicum L. and (−)‐Linalool Blocks the Excitability of Rat Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Medeiros Venancio Antonio , Ferreira-da-Silva Francisco Walber , da Silva-Alves Kerly Shamyra , de Carvalho Pimentel Hugo , Macêdo Lima Matheus , Fraga de Santana Michele , Barreto Alves Péricles , Batista da Silva Givanildo , Leal-Cardoso José Henrique , Marchioro Murilo
Published: June 2016

The racemate linalool and its levogyrus enantiomer [(−)‐LIN] are present in many essential oils and possess several pharmacological activities, such as antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory. In this work, the effects of essential oil obtained from the cultivation of the Ocimum basilicum L. (EOOb) derived from Germplasm Bank rich in (−)‐LIN content in the excitability of peripheral nervous system were studied. We used rat sciatic nerve to investigate the EOOb and (−)‐LIN effects on neuron excitability and the extracellular recording technique was used to register the compound action potential (CAP). EOOb and (−)‐LIN blocked the CAP in a concentration‐dependent way and these effects were reversible after washout. EOOb blocked positive amplitude of 1st and 2nd CAP components with IC50 of 0.38 ± 0.2 and 0.17 ± 0.0 mg/mL, respectively. For (−)‐LIN, these values were 0.23 ± 0.0 and 0.13 ± 0.0 mg/mL. Both components reduced the conduction velocity of CAP and the 2nd component seems to be more affected than the 1st component. In conclusion EOOb and (−)‐LIN inhibited the excitability of peripheral nervous system in a similar way and potency, revealing that the effects of EOOb on excitability are due to the presence of (−)‐LIN in the essential oil.
Association of Complement Receptor 2 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kim Tae-Ho , Bae Sang-Cheol , Lee Sang-Han , Kim Shin-Yoon , Baek Seung-Hoon
Published: June 2016

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a complex and multifactorial disease that is influenced by a number of genetic factors in addition to environmental factors. Some autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are associated with the development of ONFH. Complement receptor type 2 (CR2) is membrane glycoprotein which binds C3 degradation products generated during complement activation.CR2has many important functions in normal immunity and is assumed to play a role in the development of autoimmune disease. We investigated whetherCR2gene polymorphisms are associated with risk of ONFH in SLE patients. Eight polymorphisms in theCR2gene were genotyped using TaqMan™assays in 150 SLE patients and 50 ONFH in SLE patients (SLE_ONFH). The association analysis of genotyped SNPs and haplotypes was performed with ONFH. It was found that three SNPs, rs3813946 in 5′-UTR (untranslated region), rs311306 in intron 1, and rs17615 in exon 10 (nonsynonymous SNP; G/A, Ser639Asn) of theCR2gene, were associated with an increased risk of ONFH under recessive model (Pvalues; 0.004~0.016). Haplotypes were also associated with an increased risk (OR; 3.73~) of ONFH in SLE patients. These findings may provide evidences thatCR2contributes to human ONFH susceptibility in Korean SLE patients.
Automatic and Noninvasive Indoor Air Quality Control in HVAC Systems
Authors: Basile M. C. , Bruni V. , Buccolini F. , De Canditiis D. , Tagliaferri S. , Vitulano D.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a methodology for assessing and monitoring the cleaning state of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building. It consists of a noninvasive method for measuring the amount of dust in the whole ventilation system, that is, the set of filters and air ducts. Specifically, it defines the minimum amount of measurements, their time table, locations, and acquisition conditions. The proposed method promotes early intervention on the system and it guarantees high indoor air quality and proper HVAC working conditions. The effectiveness of the method is proved by some experimental results on different study cases.
Epigenome-Wide Tumor DNA Methylation Profiling Identifies Novel Prognostic Biomarkers of Metastatic-Lethal Progression in Men Diagnosed with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Geybels Milan S. , Leonardson Amy , Rubicz Rohina , Kolb Suzanne , Yan Qingxiang , Klotzle Brandy , Bibikova Marina , Hurtado-Coll Antonio , Troyer Dean , Lance Raymond , Lin Daniel W. , Wright Jonathan L. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Fan Jian-Bing , Feng Ziding , Stanford Janet L.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Aside from Gleason sum, few factors accurately identify the subset of prostate cancer patients at high risk for metastatic progression. We hypothesized that epigenetic alterations could distinguish prostate tumors with life-threatening potential.

Experimental Design: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling was performed in surgically resected primary tumor tissues from a population-based (n = 430) and a replication (n = 80) cohort of prostate cancer patients followed prospectively for at least 5 years. Metastasis was confirmed by positive bone scan, MRI, CT, or biopsy, and death certificates confirmed cause of death. AUC, partial AUC (pAUC, 95% specificity), and P value criteria were used to select differentially methylated CpG sites that robustly stratify patients with metastatic-lethal from nonrecurrent tumors, and which were complementary to Gleason sum.

Results: Forty-two CpG biomarkers stratified patients with metastatic-lethal versus nonrecurrent prostate cancer in the discovery cohort, and eight of these CpGs replicated in the validation cohort based on a significant (P < 0.05) AUC (range, 0.66–0.75) or pAUC (range, 0.007–0.009). The biomarkers that improved discrimination of patients with metastatic-lethal prostate cancer include CpGs in five genes (ALKBH5, ATP11A, FHAD1, KLHL8, and PI15) and three intergenic regions. In the validation dataset, the AUC for Gleason sum alone (0.82) significantly increased with the addition of four individual CpGs (range, 0.86–0.89; all P <0.05).

Conclusions: Eight differentially methylated CpGs that distinguish patients with metastatic-lethal from nonrecurrent tumors were validated. These novel epigenetic biomarkers warrant further investigation as they may improve prognostic classification of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and provide new insights on tumor aggressiveness. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 311–9. ©2016 AACR.
Mechanistic Observations on the Role of the Stannous Ion in Caries Lesion De- and Remineralization
Authors: Lippert Frank
Published: June 2016

Two mechanistic, laboratory, factorial design studies were conducted to investigate the effect of the stannous ion (Sn2+) in the absence or presence of fluoride on caries lesion de- and remineralization. Study I was concerned with determining changes in mineral distribution of subsurface lesions, whereas study II investigated changes in surface hardness of surface-softened lesions as a function of pH. Study I showed that Sn2+ modulates the effects of fluoride by preventing lamination. Study II revealed that the effect of Sn2+ on rehardening is pH dependent. Neither study demonstrated synergy between Sn2+ and fluoride, yet interactions were observed. Sn2+ does interfere with remineralization to some extent although it provided acid resistance. The role of Sn2+ in the caries process is complex.
Local Fibrinolysis in Spontaneous Supratentorial Hematomas: Comparison with Surgical and Medical Treatment
Authors: Condrea Eugeniu , Timirgaz Valeriu , Groppa Stanislav , Codreanu Ion , Rotaru Natalia
Published: June 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive craniopuncture with local fibrinolysis in the management of supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). Methods: The study included 218 consecutive patients with supratentorial SICH who were assigned to one of three groups: treated with minimally invasive craniopuncture with local fibrinolysis, treated with craniotomy or other minimally invasive techniques without local fibrinolysis, or receiving conservative management alone. Results: Minimally invasive craniopuncture with local fibrinolysis was associated with a lower rate of assisted ventilation, a shorter period of in-hospital stay, a more frequent initiation of early rehabilitation, and a lower mortality rate at all periods of assessment. The overall mortality at 12 months was 19.4% (vs. 50.0 and 33.3% in the two other therapy groups). Lobar (subcortical and cortical) SICHs treated with local fibrinolysis had an overall mortality of 4.8% (vs. 43.5 and 41.7% in the two other therapy groups). On the other hand, SICHs having mixed (basal ganglia and lobar) locations treated with medical therapy alone had an overall mortality of 28.6%, while associated surgery with or without local fibrinolysis increased the overall mortality to over 65%. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the applicability of minimally invasive craniopuncture with local fibrinolysis for the management of supratentorial SICHs and the advantages it may have in certain categories of patients. The method proved particularly useful in lobar SICHs, being associated with the lowest mortality. Mixed SICHs do not represent a predilection for surgical interventions; however, the results related to mixed supratentorial locations need confirmation in larger cohorts.