bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amine Analysis Using AlexaFluor 488 Succinimidyl Ester and Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Kendall Christian G. , Stockton Amanda M. , Leicht Stephen , McCaig Heather , Chung Shirley , Scott Valerie , Zhong Fang , Lin Ying
Published: May 2015

Fluorescent probes enable detection of otherwise nonfluorescent species via highly sensitive laser-induced fluorescence. Organic amines are predominantly nonfluorescent and are of analytical interest in agricultural and food science, biomedical applications, and biowarfare detection. Alexa Fluor 488 N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester (AF488 NHS-ester) is an amine-specific fluorescent probe. Here, we demonstrate low limit of detection of long-chain (C9to C18) primary amines and optimize AF488 derivatization of long-chain primary amines. The reaction was found to be equally efficient in all solvents studied (dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide). While an organic base (N,N-diisopropylethylamine) is required to achieve efficient reaction between AF488 NHS-ester and organic amines with longer hydrophobic chains, high concentrations (>5 mM) result in increased levels of ethylamine and propylamine in the blank. Optimal incubation times were found to be >12 hrs at room temperature. We present an initial capillary electrophoresis separation for analysis using a simple micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) buffer consisting of 12 mM sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and 5 mM carbonate, pH 10. Limits of detection using the optimized labeling conditions and these separation conditions were 5–17 nM. The method presented here represents a novel addition to the arsenal of fluorescent probes available for highly sensitive analysis of small organic molecules.
Unilateral Congenital Lacrimal Fistula with Renal Agenesis and Pelvic Kidney: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Altun A. , Kurna S. A. , Sengor T. , Altun G. , Oflaz A. , Sonmez H. S.
Published: May 2015

A 12-year-old boy presented to the clinic of ophthalmology because of watering and discharge from his left lower eyelid. The inspection examination revealed an orifice that was associated with congenital lacrimal fistula (CLF). He underwent a complete ophthalmologic and systemic evaluation to explore possible associated findings. Systemic evaluation revealed multiple renal anomalies: right renal agenesis and left ectopic pelvic kidney. This case is unique because this is the first reported case of CLF accompanied with ectopic pelvic kidney in the literature.
Obstetric Characteristics and Management of Patients with Postpartum Psychosis in a Tertiary Hospital Setting
Authors: Shehu C. E. , Yunusa M. A.
Published: May 2015

Background. Postpartum psychosis is the most severe and uncommon form of postnatal affective illness. It constitutes a medical emergency. Acute management emphasizes hospitalization to ensure safety, antipsychotic medication adherence, and treatment of the underlying disorder.Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the obstetric characteristics and management of patients with postpartum psychosis in a tertiary centre in North-Western Nigeria.Methodology. This was a 10-year retrospective study. Records of the patients diagnosed with postpartum psychosis from January 1st, 2002, to December 31st, 2011, were retrieved and relevant data extracted and analyzed using the SPSS for Windows version 16.0.Results. There were 29 cases of postpartum psychosis giving an incidence of 1.1 per 1000 deliveries. The mean age of the patients was 20.6 ± 4 years. Twelve (55%) were primiparae, 16 (72.7%) were unbooked, and 13 (59%) delivered at home. All had vaginal deliveries at term. There were 12 (52.2%) live births, and 11 (47.8%) perinatal deaths and the fetal sex ratio was equal. The most common presentation was talking irrationally.Conclusion. There is need for risk factor evaluation for puerperal psychosis during the antenatal period especially in primigravidae and more advocacies to encourage women to book for antenatal care in our environment.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Analysis of Compound Lining in Complex Underground Surge-Shaft Structure
Authors: Chen Juntao , Yang Yang , Ye Chao , Yang Ying , Xiao Ming
Published: May 2015

The mechanical behavior of lining structure of deep-embedded cylinder surge shaft with multifork tunnel is analyzed using three-dimensional nonlinear FEM. With the elastic-plastic constitutive relations of rock mass imported and the implicit bolt element and distributed concrete cracking model adopted, a computing method of complex surge shaft is presented for the simulation of underground excavations and concrete lining cracks. In order to reflect the interaction and initial gap between rock mass and concrete lining, a three-dimensional nonlinear interface element is adopted, which can take into account both the normal and tangential characteristics. By an actual engineering computation, the distortion characteristics and stress distribution rules of the dimensional multifork surge-shaft lining structure under different behavior are revealed. The results verify the rationality and feasibility of this computation model and method and provide a new idea and reference for the complex surge-shaft design and construction.
Utility of Contrast-Enhanced Transabdominal Ultrasonography to Diagnose Early Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Azemoto Nobuaki , Kumagi Teru , Yokota Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Kuroda Taira , Koizumi Mitsuhito , Ohno Yoshinori , Yamanishi Hirofumi , Abe Masanori , Onji Morikazu , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: May 2015

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the grade of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic blood flow as measured by contrast-enhanced transabdominal ultrasonography (CEUS) and to diagnose early CP easily.Methods. This pilot study was conducted in 8 patients with CP, 7 patients with early CP, and 6 control participants. After injecting 0.015 mL/kg of perflubutane by manual bolus, values in one region of interest (ROI) in pancreatic parenchyma and one ROI including the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were measured.Results. The ratio of blood flow in the SMA and pancreatic parenchyma increased with grade of CP and was significantly higher in patients with CP (5.41; 2.10–11.02) than in patients with early CP (2.46; 1.41–5.05) and control participants (2.32; 1.25–3.04)(P=0.0279,P=0.0142, resp.). The ratio of blood flow in the SMA and pancreatic parenchyma correlated with grade of CP(rs=0.5904,P=0.0048).Conclusion. The ratio of blood flow correlates with grade of CP on CEUS. This safe and convenient method may be useful to diagnose early CP.
Ossifying Parotid Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma
Authors: Mohan Suresh , Puram Sidharth V. , Yarlagadda Bharat , Nosé Vania , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: May 2015

We present a unique case of an extensively ossified carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) in a 76-year-old man with a five-year history of a slowly growing parotid mass. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass was nondiagnostic. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the lesion revealed a well-circumscribed mass with peripheral calcification. Initial pathological analysis suggested a benign parotid mass, but rigorous decalcification revealed noninvasive CXPA. The patient underwent complete resection of the mass and remained disease-free nine months later. Extensive ossification of a seemingly benign parotid mass may mask areas of carcinoma that may progress if left untreated.
Experimental Results for Direction of Arrival Estimation with a Single Acoustic Vector Sensor in Shallow Water
Authors: Bereketli Alper , Guldogan Mehmet B. , Kolcak Taner , Gudu Tamer , Avsar Ahmet Levent
Published: May 2015

We study the performances of several computationally efficient and simple techniques for estimating direction of arrival (DOA) of an underwater acoustic source using a single acoustic vector sensor (AVS) in shallow water. Underwater AVS is a compact device, which consists of one hydrophone and three accelerometers in a packaged form, measuring scalar pressure and three-dimensional acceleration simultaneously at a single position. A very controlled experimental setup is prepared to test how well-known techniques, namely, arctan-based, intensity-based, time domain beamforming, and frequency domain beamforming methods, perform in estimating DOA of a source in different circumstances. Experimental results reveal that for almost all cases beamforming techniques perform best. Moreover, arctan-based method, which is the simplest of all, provides satisfactory results for practical purposes.
Associations of Haplotypes Upstream ofIRS1with Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Preclinical Atherosclerosis, and Skeletal MuscleLOC646736mRNA Levels
Authors: Soyal Selma M. , Felder Thomas , Auer Simon , Oberkofler Hannes , Iglseder Bernhard , Paulweber Bernhard , Dossena Silvia , Nofziger Charity , Paulmichl Markus , Esterbauer Harald , Krempler Franz , Patsch Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

The genomic region ~500 kb upstream ofIRS1has been implicated in insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, adverse lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk. To gain further insight into this chromosomal region, we typed four SNPs in a cross-sectional cohort and subjects with type 2 diabetes recruited from the same geographic region. From 16 possible haplotypes, 6 haplotypes with frequencies >0.01 were observed. We identified one haplotype that was protective against insulin resistance (determined by HOMA-IR and fasting plasma insulin levels), type 2 diabetes, an adverse lipid profile, increased C-reactive protein, and asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease (assessed by intima media thickness of the common carotid arteries). BMI and total adipose tissue mass as well as visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue mass did not differ between the reference and protective haplotypes. In 92 subjects, we observed an association of the protective haplotype with higher skeletal muscle mRNA levels ofLOC646736, which is located in the same haplotype block as the informative SNPs and is mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, but only at very low levels in liver or adipose tissues. These data suggest a role forLOC646736in human insulin resistance and warrant further studies on the functional effects of this locus.
A Noncontact Method for the Detection and Diagnosis of Surface Damage in Immersed Structures
Authors: Sidibe Y. , Druaux F. , Lefebvre D. , Leon F. , Maze G.
Published: May 2015

Detection and diagnosis method is proposed for surface damage in immersed structures. It is based on noncontact ultrasonic echography measurements, signal processing tools, and artificial intelligence methods. Significant features are extracted from the measured signals and a classification method is developed to detect the echoes resulting from surface damage in an immersed structure. The identification of the damage is also provided. Gaussian neural networks trained with a specific learning algorithm are developed for this purpose. The performance of the method is validated by laboratory experiments which indicate that this method could be suitable for the monitoring of inaccessible systems like marine turbines whose unavailability causes severe economic losses.
PAMTree: Partitioned Multicast Tree Protocol for Efficient Data Dissemination in a VANET Environment
Authors: Santamaria Amilcare Francesco , Sottile Cesare , Fazio Peppino
Published: May 2015

The way to distribute a wide range of services on Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks is going to be a very interesting research topic, due to the willingness of the investors and the standardization institutions. In fact, the higher the number of available services is, the higher the impact and the market penetration of the considered technology will be. Also governance institutions appreciate the benefits of VANETs, having the possibility to increase safety level along the roads, saving lots of human lives, and reducing the severity of the collisions among vehicles. In this work we propose a multicast protocol, called partitioned multicast tree (PAMTree), which is suitable for spreading several kinds of services, increasing the reliability of the network, and giving the possibility to a higher number of users of having access to those services. The proposed protocol aims to exploit the characteristics of the VANET architecture in order to distribute services along the nodes of the network; owing to the high nodes mobility, several issues have to be faced to supply an optimal distribution, having a look at the quality of service (QoS) satisfaction.
Comparison of Paeoniflorin and Albiflorin on Human CYP3A4 and CYP2D6
Authors: Gao Li-Na , Zhang Ye , Cui Yuan-Lu , Akinyi Olunga Mary
Published: May 2015

Peony (Paeonia lactifloraPall-) is a plant medicine and a functional food ingredient with wide application for more than 2000 years. It can be coadministrated with many other drugs, composed of traditional Chinese medicine compound such as shaoyao-gancao decoction. In order to explore the efficacy and safety of peony, effects of paeoniflorin and albiflorin (the principal components of peony) on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP2D6 were analyzed in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and evaluated from the level of recombinant CYP enzymesin vitro. The findings indicated that albiflorin possessed stronger regulation on the mRNA expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 than paeoniflorin. For the protein level of CYP3A4, albiflorin showed significant induction or inhibition with the concentration increasing from 10−7 M to 10−5 M, but no remarkable variation was observed in paeoniflorin-treated group. Enzyme activity assay implied that both paeoniflorin and albiflorin could regulate CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 with varying degrees. The results showed that albiflorin should be given more attention because it may play a vital role on the overall efficacy of peony. The whole behavior of both paeoniflorin and albiflorin should be focused on ensuring the rationality and effectiveness of clinical application.
Lessons from Microglia Aging for the Link between Inflammatory Bone Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wu Zhou , Nakanishi Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Bone is sensitive to overactive immune responses, which initiate the onset of inflammatory bone disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis, resulting in a significant systemic inflammatory response. On the other hand, neuroinflammation is strongly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which can be enhanced by systemic inflammation, such as that due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There is growing clinical evidence supporting the concept that rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis are positively linked to AD, suggesting that inflammatory bone disorders are risk factors for this condition. Recent studies have suggested that leptomeningeal cells play an important role in transducing systemic inflammatory signals to brain-resident microglia. More importantly, senescent-type, but not juvenile-type, microglia provoke neuroinflammation in response to systemic inflammation. Because the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis increases with age, inflammatory bone disorders may be significant sources of covert systemic inflammation among elderly people. The present review article highlights our current understanding of the link between inflammatory bone disorders and AD with a special focus on microglia aging.
Prevalence of Abortion and Contraceptive Practice among Women Seeking Repeat Induced Abortion in Western Nigeria
Authors: Lamina Mustafa Adelaja
Published: May 2015

Background. Induced abortion contributes significantly to maternal mortality in developing countries yet women still seek repeat induced abortion in spite of availability of contraceptive services. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of abortion and contraceptive use among women seeking repeat induced abortion in Western Nigeria.Method. A prospective cross-sectional study utilizing self-administered questionnaires was administered to women seeking abortion in private hospitals/clinics in four geopolitical areas of Ogun State, Western Nigeria, from January 1 to December 31 2012. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0.Results. The age range for those seeking repeat induced abortion was 15 to 51 years while the median age was 25 years. Of 2934 women seeking an abortion, 23% reported having had one or more previous abortions. Of those who had had more than one abortion, the level of awareness of contraceptives was 91.7% while only 21.5% used a contraceptive at their first intercourse after the procedure; 78.5% of the pregnancies were associated with non-contraceptive use while 17.5% were associated with contraceptive failure. The major reason for non-contraceptive use was fear of side effects.Conclusion. The rate of women seeking repeat abortions is high in Nigeria. The rate of contraceptive use is low while contraceptive failure rate is high.
Two Positive Solutions of Third-Order BVP with Integral Boundary Condition and Sign-Changing Green's Function
Authors: Niu Bing-Wei , Sun Jian-Ping , Ren Qiu-Yan
Published: May 2015

We are concerned with the following third-order boundary value problem with integral boundary condition:  u′′′(t)=f(t,u(t)),  t∈[0,1],  u′(0)=u(1)=0,  u′′(η)+∫αβ‍u(t)dt=0,where1/2<α≤β≤1,  α+β≤4/3, andη∈(1/2,α]. Although the corresponding Green's function is sign-changing, we still obtain the existence of at least two positive and decreasing solutions under some suitable conditions onfby using the two-fixed-point theorem due to Avery and Henderson. An example is also included to illustrate the main results obtained.
A Compact Wideband Dual-Polarized Antenna with Harmonic Suppression Using Nonuniform Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Damaj Lana , Lepage Anne-Claire , Begaud Xavier
Published: May 2015

A wideband dual-polarized coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed antenna integrating a wide stop-band filter is presented. The designed filter is based on a nonuniform defected ground structure (DGS) in order to obtain a wide stop-band and a compact size. This filter is used to reject harmonics and spurious radiation arising from the RF front end. The complete structure (antenna and filter) has been optimized to have a compact size of0.6×0.6λ02(λ0being the free-space wavelength at the lowest operating frequency). The realized antenna operates in the frequency range between 2.7 GHz and 5.9 GHz (bandwidth of about 74%). The isolation between feeding ports is more than 18 dB. The complete structure has a wide stop-band characteristic (103%) for harmonic rejection. The simulated numerical results have been confirmed with measurements.
Increased Serum Interleukin-9 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Pathogenic Role or Just an Epiphenomenon?
Authors: Dantas Andréa Tavares , Marques Claudia Diniz Lopes , da Rocha Junior Laurindo Ferreira , Cavalcanti Mariana Brayner , Gonçalves Sayonara Maria Calado , Cardoso Pablo Ramon Gualberto , Mariz Henrique de Ataide , Rego Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo , Duarte Angela Luzia Branco Pinto , Pitta Ivan da Rocha , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the levels of IL-9 in patients with SLE and RA compared with controls and the association of IL-9 levels with clinical and laboratory parameters. IL-9 levels were assessed in 117 SLE patients, 67 RA patients, and 24 healthy controls by ELISA. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. The IL-9 serum levels were significantly higher in RA patients (4,77 ± 3,618 pg/mL) and in SLE patients (12,26 ± 25,235 pg/mL) than in healthy individuals (1,22 ± 0,706 pg/mL)(p<0,001). In SLE patients, there were no statistically significant associations or correlations between the levels of IL-9 and SLEDAI or other clinical and laboratorial parameters, with the exception of disease time, which showed a statistically significant negative correlation with IL-9 levels(r=-0,1948; p=0,0378). In RA patients, no association or statistically significant correlation was observed with disease duration, DAS28, HAQ, rheumatoid factor positivity, or erosions on radiography. These data demonstrated increased serum levels of IL-9 in SLE and RA patients, but further studies are needed to clarify the precise role of this cytokine and its potential use as therapeutic target.
Preliminary Study on Biosynthesis of Bacterial Nanocellulose Tubes in a Novel Double-Silicone-Tube Bioreactor for Potential Vascular Prosthesis
Authors: Hong Feng , Wei Bin , Chen Lin
Published: May 2015

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has demonstrated a tempting prospect for applications in substitute of small blood vessels. However, present technology is inefficient in production and BNC tubes have a layered structure that may bring danger after implanting. Double oxygen-permeable silicone tubes in different diameters were therefore used as a tube-shape mold and also as oxygenated supports to construct a novel bioreactor for production of the tubular BNC materials. Double cannula technology was used to produce tubular BNC via cultivations withAcetobacter xylinum, and Kombucha, a symbiosis of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. The results indicated that Kombucha gave higher yield and productivity of BNC thanA. xylinum. Bacterial nanocellulose was simultaneously synthesized both on the inner surface of the outer silicone tube and on the outer surface of the inner silicone tube. Finally, the nano BNC fibrils from two directions formed a BNC tube with good structural integrity. Scanning electron microscopy inspection showed that the tubular BNC had a multilayer structure in the beginning but finally it disappeared and an intact BNC tube formed. The mechanical properties of BNC tubes were comparable with the reported value in literatures, demonstrating a great potential in vascular implants or in functional substitutes in biomedicine.
An Adaptive Thresholding Method for BTV Estimation Incorporating PET Reconstruction Parameters: A Multicenter Study of the Robustness and the Reliability
Authors: Brambilla M. , Matheoud R. , Basile C. , Bracco C. , Castiglioni I. , Cavedon C. , Cremonesi M. , Morzenti S. , Fioroni F. , Giri M. , Botta F. , Gallivanone F. , Grassi E. , Pacilio M. , De Ponti E. , Stasi M. , Pasetto S. , Valzano S. , Zanni D.
Published: May 2015

Objective. The aim of this work was to assess robustness and reliability of an adaptive thresholding algorithm for the biological target volume estimation incorporating reconstruction parameters.Method. In a multicenter study, a phantom with spheres of different diameters (6.5–57.4 mm) was filled with18F-FDG at different target-to-background ratios (TBR: 2.5–70) and scanned for different acquisition periods (2–5 min). Image reconstruction algorithms were used varying number of iterations and postreconstruction transaxial smoothing. Optimal thresholds (TS) for volume estimation were determined as percentage of the maximum intensity in the cross section area of the spheres. Multiple regression techniques were used to identify relevant predictors of TS.Results. The goodness of the model fit was high (R2: 0.74–0.92). TBR was the most significant predictor of TS. For all scanners, except the Gemini scanners, FWHM was an independent predictor of TS. Significant differences were observed between scanners of different models, but not between different scanners of the same model. The shrinkage on cross validation was small and indicative of excellent reliability of model estimation.Conclusions. Incorporation of postreconstruction filtering FWHM in an adaptive thresholding algorithm for the BTV estimation allows obtaining a robust and reliable method to be applied to a variety of different scanners, without scanner-specific individual calibration.
Automatically Identifying Fusion Events between GLUT4 Storage Vesicles and the Plasma Membrane in TIRF Microscopy Image Sequences
Authors: Wu Jian , Xu Yingke , Feng Zhouyan , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: May 2015

Quantitative analysis of the dynamic behavior about membrane-bound secretory vesicles has proven to be important in biological research. This paper proposes a novel approach to automatically identify the elusive fusion events between VAMP2-pHluorin labeled GLUT4 storage vesicles (GSVs) and the plasma membrane. The differentiation is implemented to detect the initiation of fusion events by modified forward subtraction of consecutive frames in the TIRFM image sequence. Spatially connected pixels in difference images brighter than a specified adaptive threshold are grouped into a distinct fusion spot. The vesicles are located at the intensity-weighted centroid of their fusion spots. To reveal the truein vivonature of a fusion event, 2D Gaussian fitting for the fusion spot is used to derive the intensity-weighted centroid and the spot size during the fusion process. The fusion event and its termination can be determined according to the change of spot size. The method is evaluated on real experiment data with ground truth annotated by expert cell biologists. The evaluation results show that it can achieve relatively high accuracy comparing favorably to the manual analysis, yet at a small fraction of time.
Markers of Myocardial Ischemia in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Valo Misa , Wons Annette , Moeller Albert , Teupe Claudius
Published: May 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent hypoxia during sleep. We tested the hypothesis that nocturnal myocardial ischemia is detectable by ST segment depression and elevation of high sensitive troponin T (hsTrop T) and B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with OSA and coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty-one patients with OSA and CAD and 20 patients with OSA alone underwent in-hospital polysomnography. Blood samples for hsTrop T and NT-proBNP measurements were drawn before and after sleep. ST segment depression was measured at the time of maximum oxygen desaturation during sleep. The apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI), oxygen saturation nadir, and time in bed with oxygen saturation of ≤80% were similar in both groups. Levels of hsTrop T and NT-proBNP did not differ significantly before and after sleep but NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in patients suffering from OSA and CAD compared to patients with OSA alone. No significant ST depression was found at the time of oxygen saturation nadir in either group. Despite the fact that patients with untreated OSA and coexisting CAD experienced severe nocturnal hypoxemia, we were unable to detect myocardial ischemia or myocyte necrosis based on significant ST segment depression or elevation of hsTrop T and NT-proBNP, respectively.
Seven-Day Nonbismuth Containing Quadruple Therapy Could Achieve a Grade “A” Success Rate for First-LineHelicobacter pyloriEradication
Authors: Tai Wei-Chen , Liang Chih-Ming , Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chiu Chien-Hua , Hu Ming-Luen , Lu Lung-Sheng , Kuo Yuan-Hung , Kuo Chung-Mou , Yen Yi-Hao , Kuo Chung-Huang , Chiou Shue-Shian , Wu Keng-Liang , Chiu Yi-Chun , Hu Tsung-Hui , Chuah Seng-Kee
Published: May 2015

This prospective study was to assess the efficacy of nonbismuth containing quadruple therapy as first-lineH. pyloritreatment and to determine the clinical factors influencing patient outcome. We enrolled 200H. pylori-infected naïve patients. They were prescribed either a 7-day nonbismuth containing quadruple therapy group (EACM, esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, metronidazole 500 mg twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily) or a 7-day standard triple therapy group (EAC, esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily). Follow-up studies to assess treatment responses were carried out 8 weeks later. The eradication rates attained by EACM and EAC groups were 95.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 89.4%–98.3%) and 79.3% (95% CI = 70%–86.4%) in the per-protocol analysis (P< 0.001) and 88% (95% CI = 80.2%–93.0%) and 73% (95% I = 63.6%–80.3%) in the intention-to-treat analysis (P= 0.007). Clarithromycin resistance, metronidazole resistance, and dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistances were the clinical factors influencingH. pylorieradication in EACM group. Clarithromycin resistance and dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistances were the influential factor for EAC treatment. In conclusion, the results suggest that 7-day nonbismuth containing quadruple therapy could achieve a grade “A” report card for first-lineH. pyloritreatment.
Person-Centered Care in the Home Setting for Parkinson’s Disease: Operation House Call Quality of Care Pilot Study
Authors: Hack Nawaz , Akbar Umer , Monari Erin H. , Eilers Amanda , Thompson-Avila Amanda , Hwynn Nelson H. , Sriram Ashok , Haq Ihtsham , Hardwick Angela , Malaty Irene A. , Okun Michael S.
Published: May 2015

Objective. (1) To evaluate the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a home visit program for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a rural setting. (2) To have movement disorders fellows coordinate and manage health care delivery.Background. The University of Florida, Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration established Operation House Call to serve patients with PD who could not otherwise afford to travel to an expert center or to pay for medical care. PD is known to lead to significant disability, frequent hospitalization, early nursing home placement, and morbidity.Methods. This was designed as a quality improvement project. Movement disorders fellows travelled to the home(s) of underserved PD patients and coordinated their clinical care. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease was confirmed using standardized criteria, and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale was performed and best treatment practices were delivered.Results. All seven patients have been followed up longitudinally every 3 to 6 months in the home setting, and they remain functional and independent. None of the patients have been hospitalized for PD related complications. Each patient has a new updatable electronic medical record. All Operation House Call cases are presented during video rounds for the interdisciplinary PD team to make recommendations for care (neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, psychiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social work). One Operation House Call patient has successfully received deep brain stimulation (DBS).Conclusion. This program is a pilot program that has demonstrated that it is possible to provide person-centered care in the home setting for PD patients. This program could provide a proof of concept for the construction of a larger visiting physician or nurse program.
An Inverse Spectral Problem for the Matrix Sturm-Liouville Operator with a Bessel-Type Singularity
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia
Published: May 2015

The inverse problem by the Weyl matrix is studied for the matrix Sturm-Liouville equation on a finite interval with a Bessel-type singularity in the end of the interval. We construct special fundamental systems of solutions for this equation and prove the uniqueness theorem of the inverse problem.
Partial Hydrogenation of Benzene to Cyclohexene over Ru‐Zn/MCM‐41
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Wang Zhimiao , Zhao Qingqing , Li Fang , Xue Wei
Published: May 2015

Ru‐Zn/MCM‐41 catalysts for the partial hydrogenation of benzene with differing Zn contents were prepared by the incipient‐wetness impregnation method. The evaluation results indicate that Zn simultaneously depresses the catalysts activity and cyclohexene selectivity. This can be attributed to the change in the amount of the different hydrogenation sites affected by Zn. The weak hydrogenation sites can promote benzene conversion, and the strong hydrogenation sites, a novel kind of hydrogenation site found on the surface of the catalysts under the influence of Zn, are beneficial for cyclohexene hydrogenation.
Multiple Chemical Sources Localization Using Virtual Physics-Based Robots with Release Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yuli , Ma Xiaoping , Miao Yanzi
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a novel method of simultaneously locating chemical sources by a virtual physics-based multirobot system with a release strategy. The proposed release strategy includes setting forbidden area, releasing the robots from declared sources and escaping from it by a rotary force and goal force. This strategy can avoid the robots relocating the same source which has been located by other robots and leading them to move toward other sources. Various turbulent plume environments are simulated by Fluent and Gambit software, and a set of simulations are performed on different scenarios using a group of six robots or parallel search by multiple groups’ robots to validate the proposed methodology. The experimental results show that release strategy can be successfully used to find multiple chemical sources, even when multiple plumes overlap. It can also extend the operation of many chemical source localization algorithms developed for single source localization.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Researches regarding the Asymmetrical Fluid Flow Applied in Aeronautics
Authors: Cîrciu Ionică , Luculescu Doru , Prisacariu Vasile , Mihai Eduard , Rotaru Constantin
Published: May 2015

The current paper has been written in order to find the best solutions to replace the antitorque rotor of single-rotor helicopters, with removal of its disadvantages through the Coandă Effect. This would significantly increase the flight performance. The research mainly aims at obtaining a controlled lateral force due to Coandă flows through the tail boom, a force which would be useful for the stabilization needed because of the lifting rotor during the flight of single-rotor helicopters.
Vibration Control by Means of Piezoelectric Actuators Shunted withLRImpedances: Performance and Robustness Analysis
Authors: Berardengo M. , Cigada A. , Manzoni S. , Vanali M.
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with passive monomodal vibration control by shunting piezoelectric actuators to electric impedances constituting the series of a resistance and an inductance. Although this kind of vibration attenuation strategy has long been employed, there are still unsolved problems; particularly, this kind of control does suffer from issues relative to robustness because the features of the electric impedance cannot be adapted to changes of the system. This work investigates different algorithms that can be employed to optimise the values of the electric components of the shunt impedance. Some of these algorithms derive from the theory of the tuned mass dampers. First a performance analysis is provided, comparing the attenuation achievable with these algorithms. Then, an analysis and comparison of the same algorithms in terms of robustness are carried out. The approach adopted herein allows identifying the algorithm capable of providing the highest degree of robustness and explains the solutions that can be employed to resolve some of the issues concerning the practical implementation of this control technique. The analytical and numerical results presented in the paper have been validated experimentally by means of a proper test setup.
Noninvasive Quantitative Evaluation of the Dentin Layer during Dental Procedures Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Sinescu Cosmin , Negrutiu Meda Lavinia , Bradu Adrian , Duma Virgil-Florin , Podoleanu Adrian Gh.
Published: May 2015

A routine cavity preparation of a tooth may lead to opening the pulp chamber. The present study evaluates quantitatively, in real time, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the drilled cavities during dental procedures. An established noninvasive imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is used. The main scope is to prevent accidental openings of the dental pulp chamber. Six teeth with dental cavities have been used in thisex vivostudy. The real time assessment of the distances between the bottom of the drilled cavities and the top of the pulp chamber was performed using an own assembled OCT system. The evaluation of the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) allowed for the positioning of the drilling tools in the cavities in relation to the pulp horns. Estimations of the safe and of the critical RDT were made; for the latter, the opening of the pulp chamber becomes unavoidable. Also, by following the fractures that can occur when the extent of the decay is too large, the dentist can decide upon the right therapy to follow, endodontic or conventional filling. The study demonstrates the usefulness of OCT imaging in guiding such evaluations during dental procedures.
The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Abbas , Madani Seyyed Abdollah , Abediankenari Saied
Published: May 2015

Treatment of wounds is very important and was subject of different investigations. In this regard, natural substance plays crucial role as complementary medicine. Various studies reported that aloe vera has useful effects on wounds especially cutaneous wounds healing. Therefore in the current review, we examined the effect of aloe vera on cutaneous wound healing and concluded that although aloe vera improves the wound healing as well as other procedures both clinically and experimentally, more studies are still needed to approve the outcomes.
Gab1 Is Modulated by Chronic Hypoxia in Children with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Defect and Its Overexpression Reduces Apoptosis in Rat Neonatal Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Cherif Myriam , Caputo Massimo , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Angelini Gianni D. , Ghorbel Mohamed T.
Published: May 2015

Gab1 (Grb2 associated binding protein 1) is a member of the scaffolding/docking proteins (Gab1, Gab2, and Gab3). It is required for fibroblast cell survival and maintaining cardiac function. Very little is known about human Gab1 expression in response to chronic hypoxia. The present study examined the hypothesis that hypoxia regulates Gab1 expression in human paediatric myocardium and cultured rat cardiomyocytes. Here we showed that Gab1 is expressed in myocardial tissue in acyanotic and cyanotic children with congenital heart defects. Gab1 protein was upregulated in cyanotic compared to acyanotic hearts suggesting that Gab1 upregulation is a component of the survival program initiated by hypoxia in cyanotic children. The expression of other Gab1 interacting partners was not affected by hypoxia and Gab1 regulation. Additionally, using anin vitromodel, we demonstrated that overexpressing Gab1 in neonatal cardiomyocytes, under hypoxic condition, resulted in the reduction of apoptosis suggesting a role for this protein in cardiomyocyte survival. Altogether, our data provide strong evidence that Gab1 is important for heart cell survival following hypoxic stress.
Characterization of CD30/CD30L+Cells in Peripheral Blood and Synovial Fluid of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Barbieri Alessandro , Dolcino Marzia , Tinazzi Elisa , Rigo Antonella , Argentino Giuseppe , Patuzzo Giuseppe , Ottria Andrea , Beri Ruggero , Puccetti Antonio , Lunardi Claudio
Published: May 2015

The CD30/CD30L signalling system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels reflect the recruitment of CD30+T cells into the inflamed joints and correlate with a positive response to immunosuppressive therapy. The aim of our report was to clarify the role of CD30/CD30L signalling system in the pathogenesis of RA. Our analysis of the CD30L+T cell subsets in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients and of the related cytokine profiles suggests the involvement of CD30/CD30L signalling in polarization of T cells towards a Th17 phenotype with proinflammatory features. Moreover, in RA SF nearly 50% of Treg cells express CD30, probably as an attempt to downmodulate the ongoing inflammation. We also show here that the engagement of CD30L on neutrophils stimulated with CD30/Fc chimera may play a crucial role in RA inflammation since activated neutrophils release IL-8, thus potentially amplifying the local inflammatory damage. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that the complex CD30/CD30L signalling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of RA synovitis through a concerted action on several immune effector cells.
Numerical Simulation of Creep Damage and Life Prediction of Superalloy Turbine Blade
Authors: Liu Donghuan , Li Haisheng , Liu Yinghua
Published: May 2015

Creep caused failure is an important failure mode of the turbine blade. A numerical approach of life assessment of the superalloy turbine blade is proposed in the present paper based on the Lemaitre-Chaboche creep damage model. Material damage is introduced into each element based on the ANSYS APDL function, and the creep damage effect is considered through the modification of Young’s modulus. At last, the strength life and stiffness life of the blade can be obtained through the maximum damage and maximum creep strain criterion, respectively. The present method can not only consider the effect of creep damage, but also give the time histories of the element stresses, damage, and creep strain. The above life prediction results based on the proposed method are compared with theθprojection method, and the results suggest that the present life prediction method of turbine blade is feasible and turbine blade’s life in the present study is determined by creep fracture rather than creep deformation.
Performance Enhancement of Pharmacokinetic Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography by Use of Adaptive Extended Kalman Filtering
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Linhui , Yi Xi , Zhang Yanqi , Zhang Limin , Zhao Huijuan , Gao Feng
Published: May 2015

Due to both the physiological and morphological differences in the vascularization between healthy and diseased tissues, pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) can provide contrast-enhanced and comprehensive information for tumor diagnosis and staging. In this regime, the extended Kalman filtering (EKF) based method shows numerous advantages including accurate modeling, online estimation of multiparameters, and universal applicability to any optical fluorophore. Nevertheless the performance of the conventional EKF highly hinges on the exact and inaccessible prior knowledge about the initial values. To address the above issues, an adaptive-EKF scheme is proposed based on a two-compartmental model for the enhancement, which utilizes a variable forgetting-factor to compensate the inaccuracy of the initial states and emphasize the effect of the current data. It is demonstrated using two-dimensional simulative investigations on a circular domain that the proposed adaptive-EKF can obtain preferable estimation of the pharmacokinetic-rates to the conventional-EKF and the enhanced-EKF in terms of quantitativeness, noise robustness, and initialization independence. Further three-dimensional numerical experiments on a digital mouse model validate the efficacy of the method as applied in realistic biological systems.
A Case Report of Acute Esotropia in a Young Woman following Heroin Withdrawal
Authors: Shiferaw Bethel , Bekele Ebisa , Syed Sara , Fan Lu , Patel Nirav , Qazi Samia , Biro Nicolas
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Esotropia is a form of strabismus that can give the affected individual a “cross-eyed” appearance. Acute onset of esotropia is an uncommon form; in the vast majority of cases, no underlying neurological etiology is found.Case Presentation. A 22-year-old female with a long history of opiate abuse presented with acute onset of diplopia. She noted her eyes were crossing and started seeing double. She stopped using heroin 11 days prior to presentation. There was large inward deviation of her left eye. Convergence was difficult and accompanied by horizontal nystagmus. Diplopia resolved by covering each eye. Further investigations including imaging studies were normal.Discussion. Acute onset esotropia is rare and must be investigated right away to exclude central nervous system pathologies, where no opiates use is reported. Diplopia in the form of acute esotropia may manifest in up to 30% of individuals undergoing heroin withdrawal. Evaluating acute esotropia requires detailed information of medical history with an emphasis on drug use.Conclusion. Acute onset esotropia with double vision can be caused by abrupt withdrawal of opiates. This case should serve to raise awareness among health care professionals, to avoid costly and unnecessary diagnostic evaluations and interventions.
Research on Walking Gait of Biped Robot Based on a Modified CPG Model
Authors: Lu Qiang , Tian Juan
Published: May 2015

The neurophysiological studies of animals locomotion have verified that the fundamental rhythmic movements of animals are generated by the central pattern generator (CPG). Many CPG models have been proposed by scientific researchers. In this paper, a modified CPG model whose output function issin(x)is presented. The paper proves that the modified model has stable periodic solution and characteristics of the rhythmic movement using the Lyapunov judgement theorem and the phase diagram. A modified locomotion model is established in which the credit-assignment cerebellar model articulation controller (CA-CMAC) algorithm is used to realize the pattern mapping between the CPG output and the musculoskeletal system. And a seven-link biped robot is employed to simulate cyclic walking gait in order to test the validity of the locomotion model. The main findings include the following. (1) The modified CPG model can generate spontaneous oscillations which correspond to biological signals. (2) The analysis of the modified locomotion model reveals that the CA-CMAC algorithm can be used to realize the pattern mapping between the CPG output and the musculoskeletal system.
Study on Rock Mass Stability Criterion Based on Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Jixun Zhang , Jiaqing Shu , Haibo Zhang , Xuhua Ren , Jiang Qi
Published: May 2015

In rock mass engineering, the criterion of rock mass stability has complex nonlinear characteristics, so the process of instability for local rock mass system cannot be quantified by the traditional ways of displacement criterion and the criterion of development of plastic zones, which are strongly empirical. Based on the research about the criterion of rock mass stability, criterion of improved strain energy catastrophe is put forward by virtue of catastrophe theory in this paper. After regularizing potential function, the stability of the system can be determined by catastrophe characteristic values. Take a certain slope for example; the results show that the criterion can quantitatively reflect the behavioral process of instability for rock mass system, which is consistent with the engineering practice and possesses a certain engineering reference value.
The Influence and Role of Microbial Factors in Autoimmune Kidney Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kronbichler Andreas , Kerschbaum Julia , Mayer Gert
Published: May 2015

A better understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders is desired to allow tailored interventions. Despite increased scientific interest a direct pathogenic factor in autoimmune renal disease has been described only in a minority like membranous nephropathy or ANCA-associated vasculitis. Nonetheless the initial step leading to the formation of these antibodies is still obscure. In this review we will focus on the possible role of microbial factors in this context.Staphylococcus aureusmay be a direct pathogenetic factor in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Chronic bacterial colonization or chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract have been proposed as trigger of IgA vasculitis and IgA nephropathy. Interventions to remove major lymphoid organs, such as tonsillectomy, have shown conflicting results but may be an option in IgA vasculitis. Interestingly no clear clinical benefit despite similar local colonization with bacterial strains has been detected in patients with IgA nephropathy. In systemic lupus erythematosus injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide induced progressive lupus nephritis in mouse models. The aim of this review is to discuss and summarize the knowledge of microbial antigens in autoimmune renal disease. Novel methods may provide insight into the involvement of microbial antigens in the onset, progression, and prognosis of autoimmune kidney disorders.