bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Polymorphism in theLRP5Gene May Increase the Risk of Bone Fracture and Osteoporosis
Authors: Xu Guang-Yue , Qiu Yong , Mao Hai-Jun
Published: December 2014

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 gene (LRP5) was identified to be linked to the variation in bone mineral density and types of bone diseases. The present study was aimed at examining the association ofLRP5rs3736228 C>T gene with bone fracture and osteoporosis by meta-analysis. A systematic electronic search of literature was conducted to identify all published studies in English or Chinese on the association of theLRP5gene with bone fracture and osteoporosis risks. All analyses were calculated using the Version 12.0 STATA software. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. An updated meta-analysis was currently performed, including seven independent case-control studies. Results identified that carriers of rs3736228 C>T variant in theLRP5gene were associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures under 4 genetic models but not under the dominant model (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.97~1.46, andP=0.103). Ethnicity-subgroup analysis implied thatLRP5rs3736228 C>T mutation was more likely to develop osteoporosis and fractures among Asians and Caucasians in majority of subgroups. These results suggest that there is a modest effect of theLRP5rs3736228 C>T on the increased susceptibility of bone fracture and osteoporosis.
How Do Metal Ion Levels Change over Time in Hip Resurfacing Patients? A Cohort Study
Authors: Savarino Lucia , Cadossi Matteo , Chiarello Eugenio , Fotia Caterina , Greco Michelina , Baldini Nicola , Giannini Sandro
Published: December 2014

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MOM-HR) is offered as an alternative to traditional hip arthroplasty for young, active adults with advanced osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding wear and corrosion of the bearing surfaces and the resulting increase in metal ion levels. We evaluated three cohorts of patients with Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) at an average follow-up of 2, 5, and 9 years. We asked whether there would be differences in ion levels between the cohorts and inside the gender. Nineteen patients were prospectively analyzed. The correlation with clinical-radiographic data was also performed. Chromium, cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Chromium and cobalt levels demonstrated a tendency to decrease over time. Such tendency was present only in females. An inverse correlation between chromium, implant size, and Harris hip score was present at short term; it disappeared over time together with the decreased ion levels. The prospective analysis showed that, although metal ion levels remained fairly constant within each patient, there was a relatively large variation between subjects, so mean data in this scenario must be interpreted with caution. The chronic high exposure should be carefully considered during implant selection, particularly in young subjects, and a stricter monitoring is mandatory.
Zero-Offset VSP Monitoring of CO2Storage: Impedance Inversion and Wedge Modelling at the Ketzin Pilot Site
Authors: Götz Julia , Lüth Stefan , Krawczyk Charlotte M. , Cosma Calin
Published: December 2014

At the CO2storage pilot site near the town of Ketzin (35 km west of Berlin, Germany) the sandstone reservoir at 630 m–650 m depth is thin and heterogeneous. The time-lapse analysis of zero-offset VSP measurements shows that CO2-induced amplitude changes can be observed on near-well corridor stacks. Further, we investigate whether CO2-induced amplitude changes in the monitoring data can be used to derive geometrical and petrophysical parameters governing the migration of CO2within a brine saturated sandstone aquifer. 2D seismic-elastic modelling is done to test the processing workflow and to perform a wedge modelling study for estimation of the vertical expansion of the CO2plume. When using the NRMS error as a measure for the similarity between the modelled and recorded repeat traces, the best match is achieved for a plume thickness of 6-7 m within the reservoir sandstone of 8 m thickness. With band limited impedance inversion a velocity reduction at the top of the reservoir of 30%, influenced by casing reverberations as well as CO2injection, is found. The relation of seismic amplitude to CO2saturated layer thickness and CO2-induced changes in P-wave velocities are important parameters for the quantification of the injected CO2volume.
Selection of the Best Process Stream to Remove Ca2+Ion Using Electrodialysis from Sugar Solution
Authors: Tadimeti Jogi Ganesh Dattatreya , Jain Shilpi , Chattopadhyay Sujay , Bhattacharya Prashant Kumar
Published: December 2014

Electrodialytic removal of calcium chloride (CaCl2, 25–50 mol·m−3) from 5% sugar solution was executed in batch recirculation mode. Calcium ion removal rate was monitored with (i) applied potential, (ii) feed flow rate, (iii) solution viscosity and conductivity, and (iv) catholyte streams (NaOH or sodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid-acetic acid, Na2EDTA-AA). Unsteady state model for ion concentration change was written for the ED cell used. Linearized Nernst-Planck equation instead of Ohm’s law was applied to closely obtain the current density and concentration change theoretically. The model developed could closely predict the experimental observation. Mass transfer coefficients and specific energy densities were estimated for each combination of catholyte stream used. NaOH showed better performance for a short duration over Na2EDTA-acetic acid combination.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Malaria among Under-Five Children in Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Samuel Harrenson , Cobblah Anastasia
Published: December 2014

Background. Malaria is an entrenched global health challenge particularly in the sub-Saharan African countries. However, in Ghana, little is known about the determinants of malaria prevalence among under-five children. As such, this study sought to examine the sociodemographic factors that determine malaria among under-five children in Ghana. Methods. This paper used secondary data drawn from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Bivariate analysis and complementary log-log regression models were used to examine the determinants of malaria prevalence among under-five children in Ghana for the study period. Results. The results therefore revealed that region of residence, age of child, and ownership of mosquito net were the key predictors of malaria cases among under-five children in Ghana for the five-year period preceding the survey. Conclusion. It is therefore imperative that special education on prevention of malaria should be intensified by the National Malaria Control Programme in all the regions in order to reduce malaria prevalence particularly among under-five children in Ghana.
A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting with an Acute Abdomen: Successful Treatment with Steroid
Authors: Fukatsu Haruka , Ota Seisuke , Sugiyama Koichi , Kasahara Akinori , Matsumura Tadashi
Published: December 2014

Abdominal pain continues to pose diagnostic challenges for emergency clinicians. A 56-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital due to severe abdominal pain which presented as occasional epigastric pain five months before and intermittent abdominal pain. She had a past history of ileus twice, for both of which laparotomy was performed without an alimentary tract resection. The wall thickening with marked three-wall structure from terminal ileum to sigmoid colon was seen and bladder wall was irregularly thick and enhanced irregularly. Among the differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen, autoimmune diseases were suspected, especially lupus erythematosus and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. On the second day of admission, abdominal pain worsened. The results of examinations of antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded DNA antibody, ANCA, and the complements were not obtained at that time; however, we started 1-g steroid pulse treatment for three days with success. With the results obtained later, the patient was given a diagnosis of probable systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present case shows that SLE can present with acute abdomen and should be included in the wide range of the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.
Postoperative Radiation Therapy for Parotid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Olsen Meghan P. , Mitchell Allen O. , Miles Edward F.
Published: December 2014

Salivary gland cancers are rare and represent approximately 5% of all head and neck cancers and only 0.3% of all malignancies. The majority (75%) of salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid gland, and while benign lesions are more common, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) makes up 40–50% of malignant parotid gland tumors. No randomized controlled trials exist regarding the role of adjuvant radiation for patients who undergo surgical resection of low-grade MECs. Herein, we report two cases of successful postoperative radiation therapy in low-grade, pT2N0 MEC of the parotid gland. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with MEC of the parotid gland is based on data from institution reviews and lacks data from randomized controlled trials. Per our review of the literature, the pathological findings of positive surgical margins and/or perineural invasion in two patients with low-grade MEC of the parotid gland warranted adjuvant radiation for improved local control after partial parotidectomy. Both patients tolerated postoperative radiation therapy with only mild side effects and, at last follow-up, five years after completion of therapy, had no clinical or radiographic evidence of either local recurrence or distant metastasis.
Structure of a Rhamnogalacturonan Fragment from Apple Pectin: Implications for Pectin Architecture
Authors: Wu Xiangmei , Mort Andrew
Published: December 2014

A commercial apple pectin was sequentially digested with the cloned enzymes endopolygalacturonase, galactanase, arabinofuranosidase, xylogalacturonase, and rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase. The rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase-generated oligosaccharides were separated by ultrafiltration, anion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography. Fractions from the ion exchange chromatography were pooled, lyophilized, and screened by MALDI-TOF MS. An oligosaccharide (RGP14P3) was identified and its structure, α-D-GalpA-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→4)-α-D-GalpA, determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectrometry. This oligosaccharide probably represents a direct connection between homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan in pectin. Alternatively, it could indicate that the nonreducing end of rhamnogalacturonan starts with a galacturonic acid residue.
Young Risk Takers: Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Sexual Practices among a Sample of Music Festival Attendees
Authors: Jenkinson Rebecca , Bowring Anna , Dietze Paul , Hellard Margaret , Lim Megan S. C.
Published: December 2014

Background. Alcohol and other drug use and sexual risk behaviour are increasing among young Australians, with associated preventable health outcomes such as sexually transmissible infections (STIs) on the rise. Methods. A cross-sectional study of young people’s health behaviours conducted at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011. Results. 1365 young people aged 16–29 completed the survey; 62% were female with a mean age of 20 years. The majority (94%, n=1287) reported drinking alcohol during the previous 12 months; among those, 32% reported “binge” drinking (6+ drinks) at least weekly. Half (52%) reported ever using illicit drugs and 25% reported past month use. One-quarter (27%) were identified as being at risk of STIs through unprotected sex with new or casual partners during the previous 12 months. Multivariable analyses found that risky sexual behaviour was associated with younger age (≤19 years), younger age of sexual debut (≤15 years), having discussed sexual health/contraception with a doctor, regular binge drinking, and recent illicit drug use. Conclusion. Substance use correlated strongly with risky sexual behaviour. Further research should explore young people’s knowledge of alcohol/drug-related impairment and associated risk-taking behaviours, and campaigns should encourage appropriate STI testing among music festival attendees.
Edge Detection via Edge-Strength Estimation Using Fuzzy Reasoning and Optimal Threshold Selection Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Khunteta Ajay , Ghosh D.
Published: December 2014

An edge is a set of connected pixels lying on the boundary between two regions in an image that differs in pixel intensity. Accordingly, several gradient-based edge detectors have been developed that are based on measuring local changes in gray value; a pixel is declared to be an edge pixel if the change is significant. However, the minimum value of intensity change that may be considered to be significant remains a question. Therefore, it makes sense to calculate the edge-strength at every pixel on the basis of the intensity gradient at that pixel point. This edge-strength gives a measure of the potentiality of a pixel to be an edge pixel. In this paper, we propose to use a set of fuzzy rules to estimate the edge-strength. This is followed by selecting a threshold; only pixels having edge-strength above the threshold are considered to be edge pixels. This threshold is selected such that the overall probability of error in identifying edge pixels, that is, the sum of the probability of misdetection and the probability of false alarm, is minimum. This minimization is achieved via particle swarm optimization (PSO). Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed edge detection method over some other standard gradient-based methods.
Review of Polymer, Dye-Sensitized, and Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Mohd-Nasir S. N. F. , Sulaiman M. Y. , Ahmad-Ludin N. , Ibrahim M. A. , Sopian K. , Mat-Teridi M. A.
Published: December 2014

The combination of inorganic nanoparticles semiconductor, conjugated polymer, and dye-sensitized in a layer of solar cell is now recognized as potential application in developing flexible, large area, and low cost photovoltaic devices. Several conjugated low bandgap polymers, dyes, and underlayer materials based on the previous studies are quoted in this paper, which can provide guidelines in designing low cost photovoltaic solar cells. All of these materials are designed to help harvest more sunlight in a wider range of the solar spectrum besides enhancing the rate of charge transfer in a device structure. This review focuses on developing solid-state dye-synthesized, polymer, and hybrid solar cells.
Osseous Choristoma of the Tongue: A Review of Etiopathogenesis
Authors: Gorini Edoardo , Mullace Mauro , Migliorini Luca , Mevio Emilio
Published: December 2014

Osseous choristoma is a normal bone tissue in an ectopic position. In the oral region lingual localization occurs more frequently and the mass is generally localized on the dorsum of the tongue. Definitive diagnosis is obtained only after histopathologic examination. The etiology remains already debatable. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. In this paper we present a case of tongue osseous choristoma and a review of the literature.
An In Silico Approach towards the Prediction of Druglikeness Properties of Inhibitors of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor1
Authors: Subramanian Umadevi , Sivapunniyam Ashok , Pudukadu Munusamy Ayyasamy , Sundaram Rajakumar
Published: December 2014

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is caused by the abnormal growth of the retinal blood vessels. Plasminogen activator inhibitor1 (PAI1) is the key growth factor and the inhibition of PAI1 can reduce the angiogenesis. In this study, currently available inhibitors are taken and tested for the toxicity, binding affinity, and bioactivities of the compounds by in silico approach. Five toxic free inhibitors were identified, among which N-acetyl-D-glucosamine shows the significant binding affinity and two of the molecules are having the better bioactivity properties. The molecular optimization of 2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-A-D-glucopyranose and alpha-L-fucose can be used for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Data Fusion and Fuzzy Clustering on Ratio Images for Change Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Ma Wenping , Li Xiaoting , Wu Yue , Jiao Licheng , Xing Dan
Published: December 2014

The unsupervised approach to change detection via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images becomes more and more popular. The three‐step procedure is the most widely used procedure, but it does not work well with the Yellow River Estuary dataset obtained by two synthetic aperture radars. The difference of the two radars in imaging techniques causes severe noise, which seriously affects the difference images generated by a single change detector in step two, producing the difference image. To deal with problem, we propose a change detector to fuse the log‐ratio (LR) and the mean‐ratio (MR) images by a context independent variable behavior (CIVB) operator and can utilize the complement information in two ratio images. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed change detector, the change detector will be compared with three other change detectors, namely, the log‐ratio (LR), mean‐ratio (MR), and the wavelet‐fusion (WR) operator, to deal with three datasets with different characteristics. The four operators are applied not only in a widely used three‐step procedure but also in a new approach. The experiments show that the false alarms and overall errors of change detection are greatly reduced, and the kappa and KCC are improved a lot. And its superiority can also be observed visually.
Macular Hole Progression following Ocriplasmin Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Casswell Edward , Fernandez-Sanz Guillermo , Mitry Danny , Luk Sheila , Zakir Rahila
Published: December 2014

Ocriplasmin is a protease which has been approved for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). A 63-year-old presented with blurred vision in the left eye and a best corrected visual acuity of 6/18. Optical coherence tomography revealed VMA with an underlying macular hole and she subsequently underwent a left intravitreal ocriplasmin injection. One week after the injection, VMA had been released but with enlargement of the macular hole and a drop in her BCVA to 6/60. This persisted at 1 month after the injection. It is important to warn patients that ocriplasmin may lead to an enlargement of their macular hole with resultant loss in visual acuity.
Predictors of Success of Different Treatment Modalities for Management of Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Avcioğlu Sümeyra Nergiz , Altinkaya Sündüz Özlem , Küçük Mert , Demircan Sezer Selda , Yüksel Hasan
Published: December 2014

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting the success of different treatment modalities for the management of ectopic pregnancy (EP).Methods. One hundred and ninety-seven patients with EP, were included in the study. Patients were treated with either intramuscular methotrexate (Mtx) or surgical treatment.Results. Mtx was applied in 97 (49.2%) patients. In 67 patients (69.1%), a single dose of Mtx and in 30 patients (30.9%) a multiple dose of Mtx was applied. Forty-seven (70.14%) patients were successfully treated with a single-dose Mtx. In the multiple-dose group, the success rate was 70% (21/30 patients). The difference between the success rates was not statistically significant. When the initial serumβhCG value was <1000 mIU/mL, the overall success rate of Mtx treatment was determined to be 86.11%; however, the rate decreased to 42.3% when theβhCG value was >3000 mIU/mL. On the other hand, if the EP mass diameter was <25 mm, the success rate was 89.28% and decreased to 52.63% when it was≥25 mm.Conclusion. The results of the study showed that single-dose treatment with Mtx could be as successful as multiple doses. Overall success of Mtx treatment depended on initialβhCG value and EP mass diameter.
Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Effects of Essential Oils ofFoeniculum vulgareMill. (Apiales: Apiaceae) andLavandula angustifoliaMiller (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) againstTetranychus urticaeKoch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Ebadollahi Asgar , Jalali Sendi Jalal , Aliakbar Alireza , Razmjou Jabraeil
Published: December 2014

Utilization of synthetic acaricides causes negative side-effects on nontarget organisms and environment and most of the mite species such as two spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticaeKoch, are becoming resistant to these chemicals. In the present study, essential oils of fennel,Foeniculum vulgareMill., and lavender,Lavandula angustifoliaMiller, were hydrodistilled using Clevenger apparatus and chemical composition of these oils was analyzed by GC-MS. Anethole (46.73%), limonene (13.65%), andα-fenchone (8.27%) in the fennel essential oil and linalool (28.63%), 1,8-cineole (18.65%), and 1-borneol (15.94%) in the lavender essential oil were found as main components. Contact and fumigant toxicity of essential oils was assessed against adult females ofT. urticaeafter 24 h exposure time. The essential oils revealed strong toxicity in both contact and fumigant bioassays and the activity dependeds on essential oil concentrations. Lethal concentration 50% for the population of mite (LC50) was found as 0.557% (0.445–0.716) and 0.792% (0.598–1.091) in the contact toxicity and 1.876 μL/L air (1.786–1.982) and 1.971 μL/L air (1.628–2.478) in the fumigant toxicity for fennel and lavender oils, respectively. Results indicated thatF. vulgareandL. angustifoliaessential oils might be useful for managing of two spotted spider mite,T. urticae.
Metastasis of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Bilateral Thigh Muscles
Authors: Lucas Zarah , Mukherjee Akash , Chia Stanley , Veytsman Irina
Published: December 2014

Importance. Laryngeal cancer infrequently results in distant metastases, but metastasis to skeletal muscle is extremely uncommon.Observations. A 55-year-old male presenting with progressive dyspnea and hoarseness was found to have Stage IVA T4aN2cM0 laryngeal cancer and eventually underwent total laryngectomy. Before the patient could be started on adjuvant chemoradiation, the patient developed masses on both thighs. Biopsy revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma consistent with the primary laryngeal cancer. He was offered palliative chemotherapy; however, he developed new soft tissue masses to the left of his stoma and in the prevertebral area one week later. He also had new cervical and supraclavicular nodes and a pathological compression fracture of L3. Patient died within 4 months of diagnosis.Conclusions. Distant metastasis such as skeletal metastasis portends a poor prognosis. Further studies are required to determine the best course of treatment in these patients.
Adsorption of Polyanion onto Large Alpha Alumina Beads with Variably Charged Surface
Authors: Pham Tien Duc , Kobayashi Motoyoshi , Adachi Yasuhisa
Published: December 2014

Adsorption of strong polyelectrolyte, poly(styrenesulfonate), PSS, of different molecular weights onto large α-Al2O3 beads was systematically investigated as functions of pH and NaCl concentrations. The ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra of PSS at different pH and salt concentrations confirmed that the structure of PSS is independent of pH. With the change of molecular weight from 70 kg/mol (PSS 70) to 1000 kg/mol (PSS 1000), adsorption amount of PSS increases and proton coadsorption on the surface of α-Al2O3 decreases at given pH and salt concentration. It suggests that higher molecular weight of PSS was less flat conformation than lower one. The adsorption density of PSS 70 and PSS 1000 decreases with decreasing salt concentrations, indicating that both electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions are involved. Experimental results of both PSS 70 and PSS 1000 adsorption isotherms onto α-Al2O3 at different pH and salt concentrations can be represented well by two-step adsorption model. The effects of molecular weight and salt concentration are explained by structure of adsorbed PSS onto α-Al2O3. The influence of added SDS on the isotherms is evaluated from the sequential adsorption. The SDS uptake onto α-Al2O3 in the presence of hemimicelles can prevent the adsorption of PSS at low concentration so that adsorption of PSS reduces with preadsorbed SDS.
Hemangioblastoma in the Lung: Metastatic or Primary Lesions?
Authors: Lu Li , Drew Peter A. , Yachnis Anthony T.
Published: December 2014

Hemangioblastoma primarily occurs in the CNS, most commonly in the posterior fossa. Extracranial locations are less common, and metastatic tumor involving the lung is exceedingly rare with only three cases previously reported. Two were autopsy studies in patients who died of complications of the CNS hemangioblastomas in 1943 and 1981, and the third was mentioned in a case report addendum providing follow-up information on hepatic hemangioblastoma in 1991. We report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with multiple lung nodules treated by surgical excision. Pathological study revealed features classic for hemangioblastoma. The patient had a remote history of hemangioblastomas having been excised from the posterior fossa 7 and 20 years previously. This report details a fourth case of metastatic pulmonary hemangioblastoma. It is the first report on surgically resected hemangioblastomas from the lung of a living patient with histological and immunohistochemical characterization.
A Single Imaging Modality in the Diagnosis, Severity, and Prognosis of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Selimoglu Sen Hadice , Abakay Özlem , Cetincakmak Mehmet Güli , Sezgi Cengizhan , Yilmaz Süreyya , Demir Melike , Taylan Mahsuk , Gümüs Hatice
Published: December 2014

Introduction. This study aimed to investigate the currency of computerized tomography pulmonary angiography-based parameters as pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI), as well as right ventricular diameters for pulmonary embolism (PE) risk evaluation and prediction of mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement.Materials and Methods. The study retrospectively enrolled 203 patients hospitalized with acute PE. PAOI was calculated according to Qanadli score.Results. Forty-three patients (23.9%) were hospitalized in the ICU. Nineteen patients (10.6%) died during the 30-day follow-up period. The optimal cutoff value of PAOI for PE 30th day mortality and ICU requirement were found as 36.5% in ROC curve analysis. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure had a significant positive correlation with right/left ventricular diameter ratio (r=0.531,P<0.001), PAOI (r=0.296,P<0.001), and pulmonary artery diameter (r=0.659,P<0.001). The patients with PAOI values higher than 36.5% have a 5.7-times increased risk of death.Conclusion. PAOI is a fast and promising parameter for risk assessment in patients with acute PE. With greater education of clinicians in this radiological scoring, a rapid assessment for diagnosis, clinical risk evaluation, and prognosis may be possible in emergency services without the need for echocardiography.
Fundamental Solutions for Periodic Media
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey V.
Published: December 2014

Necessity for the periodic fundamental solutions arises when the periodic boundary value problems should be analyzed. The latter are naturally related to problems of finding the homogenized properties of the dispersed composites, porous media, and media with uniformly distributed microcracks or dislocations. Construction of the periodic fundamental solutions is done in terms of the convergent series in harmonic polynomials. An example of the periodic fundamental solution for the anisotropic porous medium is constructed, along with the simplified lower bound estimate.
Preparation and Characterization of Gelatin-Based Mucoadhesive Nanocomposites as Intravesical Gene Delivery Scaffolds
Authors: Liu Ching-Wen , Chang Li-Ching , Lin Kai-Jen , Yu Tsan-Jung , Tsai Ching-Chung , Wang Hao-Kuang , Tsai Tong-Rong
Published: December 2014

This study aimed to develop optimal gelatin-based mucoadhesive nanocomposites as scaffolds for intravesical gene delivery to the urothelium. Hydrogels were prepared by chemically crosslinking gelatin A or B with glutaraldehyde. Physicochemical and delivery properties including hydration ratio, viscosity, size, yield, thermosensitivity, and enzymatic degradation were studied, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out. The optimal hydrogels (H), composed of 15% gelatin A175, displayed an 81.5% yield rate, 87.1% hydration ratio, 42.9 Pa·s viscosity, and 125.8 nm particle size. The crosslinking density of the hydrogels was determined by performing pronase degradation and ninhydrin assays.In vitrolentivirus (LV) release studies involving p24 capsid protein analysis in 293T cells revealed that hydrogels containing lentivirus (H-LV) had a higher cumulative release than that observed for LV alone (3.7-, 2.3-, and 2.3-fold at days 1, 3, and 5, resp.). Lentivirus from lentivector constructed green fluorescent protein (GFP) was then entrapped in hydrogels (H-LV-GFP). H-LV-GFP showed enhanced gene delivery in AY-27 cellsin vitroand to rat urothelium by intravesical instillationin vivo. Cystometrogram showed mucoadhesive H-LV reduced peak micturition and threshold pressure and increased bladder compliance. In this study, we successfully developed first optimal gelatin-based mucoadhesive nanocomposites as intravesical gene delivery scaffolds.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with 46,XY Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis Reared as Males
Authors: Gabriel Ribeiro de Andrade Juliana , Marques-de-Faria Antonia Paula , Fabbri Helena Campos , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Guerra-Júnior Gil , Maciel-Guerra Andréa Trevas
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims. Studies on 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) have focused on molecular, gonadal, genital, and hormone features; little is known about follow-up. Our aim was to analyze long-term outcomes of PGD.Methods. Retrospective longitudinal study conducted at a reference service in Brazil. Ten patients were first evaluated in the 1990s and followed up until the 2010s; follow-up ranged from 13.5 to 19.7 years. All were reared as males and had at least one scrotal testis; two boreNR5A1mutations. Main outcomes were: associated conditions, pubertal development, and growth.Results. All patients had normal motor development but three presented cognitive impairment; five had various associated conditions. At the end of the prepubertal period, FSH was high or high-normal in 3/6 patients; LH was normal in all. At the last evaluation, FSH was high or high-normal in 8/10; LH was high or high-normal in 5/10; testosterone was decreased in one. Final height in nine cases ranged from −1.57 to 0.80 SDS. All had spontaneous puberty; only one needed androgen therapy.Conclusions. There is good prognosis for growth and spontaneous pubertal development but not for fertility. Though additional studies are required, screening for learning disabilities is advisable.
Delaying Shoulder Motion and Strengthening and Increasing Achilles Allograft Thickness for Glenoid Resurfacing Did Not Improve the Outcome for a 30-Year-Old Patient with Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis
Authors: Skedros John G. , Henrie Tanner R. , Mears Chad S.
Published: December 2014

Although interposition soft-tissue (biologic) resurfacing of the glenoid with humeral hemiarthroplasty has been considered an option for end-stage glenohumeral arthritis, the results of this procedure are highly unsatisfactory in patients less than 40 years old. Achilles tendon allograft is popular for glenoid resurfacing because it can be made robust by folding it. But one reason that the procedure might fail in younger patients is that the graft is not initially thick enough for the young active patient. Most authors report folding the graft only once to achieve two-layer thickness. We report the case of a 30-year-old male who had postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis that was treated with Achilles tendon allograft resurfacing of the glenoid and humeral hemiarthroplasty. An important aspect of our case is that the tendon was folded so that it was 50–100% thicker than most allograft constructs reported previously. We also used additional measures to enhance allograft resiliency and bone incorporation: (1) multiple nonresorbable sutures to attach the adjacent graft layers, (2) additional resorbable suture anchors and nonresorbable sutures in order to more robustly secure the graft to the glenoid, and (3) delaying postoperative motion and strengthening. However, despite these additional measures, our patient did not have an improved outcome.
Massive Conformal Gravity
Authors: Faria F. F.
Published: December 2014

We construct a massive theory of gravity that is invariant under conformal transformations. The massive action of the theory depends on the metric tensor and a scalar field, which are considered the only field variables. We find the vacuum field equations of the theory and analyze its weak-field approximation and Newtonian limit.
Precast Prestressed Concrete Truss-Girder for Roof Applications
Authors: Samir Peter , Morcous George
Published: December 2014

Steel trusses are the most popular system for supporting long-span roofs in commercial buildings, such as warehouses and aircraft hangars. There are several advantages of steel trusses, such as lightweight, ease of handling and erection, and geometric flexibility. However, they have some drawbacks, such as high material and maintenance cost, and low fire resistance. In this paper, a precast concrete truss is proposed as an alternative to steel trusses for spans up to 48 m (160 ft) without intermediate supports. The proposed design is easy to produce and has lower construction and maintenance costs than steel trusses. The truss consists of two segments that are formed using standard bridge girder forms with block-outs in the web which result in having diagonals and vertical members and reduces girder weight. The two segments are then connected using a wet joint and post-tensioned longitudinally to form a crowned truss. The proposed design optimizes the truss-girder member locations, cross-sections, and material use. A 9 m (30 ft) long truss specimen is constructed using self-consolidated concrete to investigate the constructability and structural capacity of the proposed design. A finite element analysis of the specimen is conducted to investigate stresses at truss diagonals, verticals, and connections. Testing results indicate the production and structural efficiency of the developed system.
Influence of Thickness on the Holographic Parameters of H-PDLC Materials
Authors: Gallego S. , Ortuño M. , Márquez A. , Fernández R. , Álvarez M. L. , Beléndez A. , Pascual I.
Published: December 2014

For photopolymers the compound concentrations and final thickness of the sample should be known in order to model hologram formation and introduce the reaction-diffusion kinetics of the monomer-polymer system. In principle the cell thickness can be controlled by bead spacers between the two pieces of ITO glass. In this paper we report a study of the influence of thickness on the holographic properties of this type of materials. To fit the physical and optical thickness of the samples we used the rigorous coupled wave analysis assuming an exponential decay in the refractive index modulation.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Effects on the Propulsion of an Flexible Composite Monofin
Authors: El Baroudi Adil , Razafimahery Fulgence
Published: December 2014

Finite element method has been used to analyze the propulsive efficiency of a swimming fin. Fluid-structure interaction model can be used to study the effects of added mass on the natural frequencies of a multilayer anisotropic fin oscillating in a compressible fluid. Water by neglecting viscidity effects has been considered as a surrounding fluid and the frequency response of the fin has been compared with that of vacuum conditions. It has been shown that because of the added mass effects in water environment, the natural frequencies of the fin decrease.
Accuracy-Energy Configurable Sensor Processor and IoT Device for Long-Term Activity Monitoring in Rare-Event Sensing Applications
Authors: Park Daejin , Cho Jeonghun
Published: December 2014

A specially designed sensor processor used as a main processor in IoT (internet-of-thing) device for the rare-event sensing applications is proposed. The IoT device including the proposed sensor processor performs the event-driven sensor data processing based on an accuracy-energy configurable event-quantization in architectural level. The received sensor signal is converted into a sequence of atomic events, which is extracted by the signal-to-atomic-event generator (AEG). Using an event signal processing unit (EPU) as an accelerator, the extracted atomic events are analyzed to build the final event. Instead of the sampled raw data transmission via internet, the proposed method delays the communication with a host system until a semantic pattern of the signal is identified as a final event. The proposed processor is implemented on a single chip, which is tightly coupled in bus connection level with a microcontroller using a 0.18 μm CMOS embedded-flash process. For experimental results, we evaluated the proposed sensor processor by using an IR- (infrared radio-) based signal reflection and sensor signal acquisition system. We successfully demonstrated that the expected power consumption is in the range of 20% to 50% compared to the result of the basement in case of allowing 10% accuracy error.
Determinants of the Morning-Evening Home Blood Pressure Difference in Treated Hypertensives: The HIBA-Home Study
Authors: Aparicio Lucas S. , Barochiner Jessica , Cuffaro Paula E. , Alfie José , Rada Marcelo A. , Morales Margarita S. , Galarza Carlos R. , Marín Marcos J. , Waisman Gabriel D.
Published: December 2014

Background. The morning home blood pressure (BP) rise is a significant asymptomatic target organ damage predictor in hypertensives. Our aim was to evaluate determinants of home-based morning-evening difference (MEdiff) in Argentine patients.Methods. Treated hypertensive patients aged≥18 years participated in a cross-sectional study, after performing home morning and evening BP measurement. MEdiff was morning minus evening home average results. Variables identified as relevant predictors were entered into a multivariable linear regression analysis model.Results. Three hundred sixty-seven medicated hypertensives were included. Mean age was 66.2 (14.5), BMI 28.1 (4.5), total cholesterol 4.89 (1.0) mmol/L, 65.9% women, 11.7% smokers, and 10.6% diabetics. Mean MEdiff was 1.1 (12.5) mmHg systolic and 2.3 (6.1) mmHg diastolic, respectively. Mean self-recorded BP was 131.5 (14.1) mmHg systolic and 73.8 (7.6) mmHg diastolic, respectively. Mean morning and evening home BPs were 133.1 (16.5) versus 132 (15.7) systolic and 75.8 (8.4) versus 73.5 (8.2) diastolic, respectively. Significant beta-coefficient values were found in systolic MEdiff for age and smoking and in diastolic MEdiff for age, smoking, total cholesterol, and calcium-channel blockers.Conclusions. In a cohort of Argentine medicated patients, older age, smoking, total cholesterol, and use of calcium channel blockers were independent determinants of home-based MEdiff.
Rigid Body Interaction for Large-Scale Real-Time Water Simulation
Authors: Kellomäki Timo
Published: December 2014

Simulating large amounts of water in real time is often achieved using heightfield methods. Allowing the water to interact with rigid bodies is essential for applications such as games, but traditional heightfield interaction methods concentrate on water-to-body effects by letting water flow through the bodies. We instead take an approach where the bodies block water. Our earlier method is improved in several ways, taking steps toward a single method to create both water-to-body and body-to-water effects. The new method is also visually compared to a traditional method by Thürey et al. A drawback of our method is that it has some grid aliasing artifacts that appear especially when the method is used for floating bodies. However, our method is demonstrated to work together with the Thürey method, which allows us to get the best of both worlds to simulate both floating and blocking bodies in a single scene. The method runs in real time for large areas of water even with a very limited GPU budget.
Patterns of Brucellosis Infection Symptoms in Azerbaijan: A Latent Class Cluster Analysis
Authors: Ismayilova Rita , Nasirova Emilya , Hanou Colleen , Rivard Robert G. , Bautista Christian T.
Published: December 2014

Brucellosis infection is a multisystem disease, with a broad spectrum of symptoms. We investigated the existence of clusters of infected patients according to their clinical presentation. Using national surveillance data from the Electronic-Integrated Disease Surveillance System, we applied a latent class cluster (LCC) analysis on symptoms to determine clusters of brucellosis cases. A total of 454 cases reported between July 2011 and July 2013 were analyzed. LCC identified a two-cluster model and the Vuong-Lo-Mendell-Rubin likelihood ratio supported the cluster model. Brucellosis cases in the second cluster (19%) reported higher percentages of poly-lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, arthritis, myositis, and neuritis and changes in liver function tests compared to cases of the first cluster. Patients in the second cluster had a severe brucellosis disease course and were associated with longer delay in seeking medical attention. Moreover, most of them were from Beylagan, a region focused on sheep and goat livestock production in south-central Azerbaijan. Patients in cluster 2 accounted for one-quarter of brucellosis cases and had a more severe clinical presentation. Delay in seeking medical care may explain severe illness. Future work needs to determine the factors that influence brucellosis case seeking and identify brucellosis species, particularly among cases from Beylagan.
Structural and Thermal Analysis of Asphalt Solar Collector Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Basheer Sheeba Jinshah , Krishnan Rohini Ajith
Published: December 2014

The collection of solar energy using asphalt pavements has got a wide importance in the present energy scenario. Asphalt pavements subjected to solar radiation can reach temperature up to 70°C because of their excellent heat absorbing property. Many working parameters, such as pipe diameter, pipe spacing, pipe depth, pipe arrangement, and flow rate, influence the performance of asphalt solar collector. Existing literature on thermal energy extraction from asphalt pavements is based on the small scale laboratory samples and numerical simulations. In order to design an efficient asphalt solar collector there should be a payoff between the thermal and structural stability of the pavement, so that maximum heat can be absorbed without structural damage due to external load condition. This paper presents a combined thermal and structural analysis of asphalt solar collector using finite element method. Analysis is carried out in different models so as to obtain optimum pipe spacing, pipe diameter, depth, and pipe arrangement under the specified condition.
Computational Modelling of Couette Flow of Nanofluids with Viscous Heating and Convective Cooling
Authors: Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Omar Ahmada , Tshehla M. Samuel
Published: December 2014

The combined effect of viscous heating and convective cooling on Couette flow and heat transfer characteristics of water base nanofluids containing Copper Oxide (CuO) and Alumina (Al2O3) as nanoparticles is investigated. It is assumed that the nanofluid flows in a channel between two parallel plates with the channel’s upper plate accelerating and exchange heat with the ambient surrounding following the Newton’s law of cooling, while the lower plate is stationary and maintained at a constant temperature. Using appropriate similarity transformation, the governing Navier-Stokes and the energy equations are reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations are solved analytically by regular perturbation method with series improvement technique and numerically by an efficient Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration technique coupled with shooting method. The effects of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature, skin friction, pressure drop and Nusselt number are presented graphically, and discussed quantitatively.
Intrapericardial Bronchogenic Cyst: An Unusual Clinical Entity
Authors: Ugurlucan Murat , Sayin Omer Ali , Felten Matthias , Oztas Didem Melis , Cakir Mehmet Semih , Barburoglu Mehmet , Basaran Murat , Alpagut Ufuk , Dayioglu Enver
Published: December 2014

Mediastinal cysts are extremely rare clinical disorders. They usually have a pericardial origin. In this report, we present a 27-year-old male patient with a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst together with clinical presentation and management of the pathology.
Antimullerian Hormone Changes after Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy for Endometrioma Compared with the Nonovarian Conditions
Authors: Tanprasertkul Chamnan , Manusook Sakol , Somprasit Charintip , Ekarattanawong Sophapun , Sreshthaputra Opas , Vutyavanich Teraporn
Published: December 2014

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is recommended for surgical procedure of endometrioma. The negative impact on ovarian reserve following removal had been documented. Little evidence had been reported for nonovarian originated effects.Objective.To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma on ovarian reserve, measured by serum antimullerian hormone (AMH), compared to nonovarian pelvic surgery.Materials and Methods.A prospective study was conducted. Women who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (LOC) and laparoscopic nonovarian pelvic surgery (NOS) were recruited and followed up through 6 months. Clinical baseline data and AMH were evaluated.Results.39 and 38 participants were enrolled in LOC and NOS groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics (age, weight, BMI, and height) and preoperative AMH level between 2 groups were not statistically different. After surgery, AMH of both groups decreased since the first week, at 1 month and at 3 months. However, as compared to the LOC group at 6 months after operation, the mean AMH of the NOS group had regained its value with a highly significant difference.Conclusion.This study demonstrated the negative impact of nonovarian or indirect effects of laparoscopic surgery to ovarian reserve. The possible mechanisms are necessary for more investigations.
Bilateral Tubal Gestation Associated with Schistosomiasis in an African Woman
Authors: Odubamowo K. H. , Akinpelu O. M. , Lawal O. O. , Okolo C. A. , Odukogbe A. A. , Adekunle A. O.
Published: December 2014

Background. The incidence of tubal ectopic gestation caused by schistosomiasis induced tubal pathology is undocumented in this environment, which may be due to rarity of this pathology. Bilateral tubal gestation is common in patients that have undergone in vitro fertilization. We report a hitherto undocumented case of spontaneous bilateral ectopic gestation following tubal schistosomiasis.Case Report. Mrs. OB was a 32-year-old G4P3+0(3 alive) woman who complained of abdominal pain and bleeding per vaginam of 4 and 2 days’ duration respectively following 8 weeks of amenorrhea. A clinical impression of ruptured ectopic gestation was confirmed by ultrasound scanning. She had bilateral salpingectomy with histology of specimens showing bilateral ectopic gestation withSchistosoma haematobiuminduced salpingitis (findings ofSchistosoma haematobiumova noted on slide).Conclusion.Schistosomainduced salpingitis is a rare but possible cause of bilateral tubal gestation.