bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six-month follow-up of lithium-battery smoke alarms and self-reported reasons for disabling
Authors: Omaki Elise , Shields Wendy C , Frattaroli Shannon , McDonald Eileen , Jones Vanya , Gielen Andrea
Published: January 2016

Although smoke alarms with lithium batteries are often marketed as ‘10-year alarms’, on average, these alarms do not remain functional for 10 years. This paper describes self-reported reasons for non-working lithium-battery alarms 6–9 months following a smoke alarm installation programme. Data presented are for a cohort of 754 homes that participated in the installation programme and subsequently completed follow-up. A total of 1487 smoke alarms were installed. At follow-up, 126 alarms (8%) were missing and 37 (3%) were observed to be non-working. Of the non-working alarms, residents reported that they had been disabled 57% of the time. Reasons for disabling the alarms most often included that the battery was chirping (38%) or that it sounded while someone was cooking (24%). Smoke alarm installation programmes using lithium-battery alarms should consider highlighting education about smoke alarm maintenance, the hush feature and resources to replace alarms that malfunction soon after installation.
Early extensional detachments in a contractional orogen: coherent, map-scale, submarine slides (mass transport complexes) on the outer slope of an Ediacaran collisional foredeep, eastern Kaoko belt, Namibia
Authors: Hoffman Paul F. , Bellefroid Eric J. , Johnson Benjamin W. , Hodgskiss Malcolm S.W. , Schrag Daniel P. , Halverson Galen P.
Published: January 2016

The existence of coherent, large-scale, submarine landslides on modern continental margins implies that their apparent rarity in ancient orogenic belts is due to non-recognition. Two map-scale, coherent, pre-orogenic, normal-sense detachment structures of Ediacaran age are present in the Kaoko belt, a well-exposed arc–continent collision zone in northwestern Namibia. The structures occur within the Otavi Group, a Neoproterozoic carbonate shelf succession. They are brittle structures, evident only through stratigraphic omissions of 400 m or more, that ramp down to the west with overall ramp angles of 1.1° and 1.3° with respect to stratigraphic horizons. The separations of matching footwall and hangingwall stratigraphic cut-offs require horizontal translations >20 km for each detachment. One of the detachments is remarkably narrow (5 km) in the up-dip direction, just one fourth of its translation. The other detachment is stratigraphically dated at the shelf–foredeep transition, when the passive margin was abortively subducted westward, in the direction of submarine sliding. Trenchward sliding on the foreslope occurred concurrently with deep karstification of the autochthonous carbonate succession to the east, presumably due to forebulge uplift and (or) conjectural basin-scale base-level fall. We expect that similar detachments exist in other orogenic belts, and failure to recognize them can lead to misinterpretations of stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, and paleogeography.
Assessing natural mortality of Bay of Biscay anchovy from survey population and biomass estimates
Authors: Uriarte Andrés , Ibaibarriaga Leire , Pawlowski Lionel , Massé Jacques , Petitgas Pierre , Santos María , Skagen Dankert
Published: January 2016

The closure of the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) fishery in the Bay of Biscay between 2005 and 2010 because of low biomass levels provided an opportunity to estimate natural mortality using data from egg (daily egg production method, DEPM) and acoustic surveys implemented for the assessment of this population since 1987. Assuming that natural mortality (M) is constant over time and that catchability in both surveys is equal for all ages, M could be estimated using log-linear models on the series of surveys of population numbers at age and seasonal integrated stock assessments. The analysis suggests M values of around 0.9 for a common natural mortality at all ages. However, we found firm evidence that natural mortality at ages 2 and older (M2+) is markedly higher than at age 1 (M1), which indicates senescent mortality, a possibility suggested a long time ago for this type of short-lived species.
The effect of matrix metalloproteinase-3 deficiency on pulmonary surfactant in a mouse model of acute lung injury
Authors: Yamashita Cory M. , Cybulskie Candice , Milos Scott , Zuo Yi Y. , McCaig Lynda A. , Veldhuizen Ruud A.W.
Published: January 2016

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by arterial hypoxemia accompanied by severe inflammation and alterations to the pulmonary surfactant system. Published data has demonstrated a protective effect of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3) deficiency against the inflammatory response associated with ARDS; however, the effect of Mmp3 on physiologic parameters and alterations to surfactant have not been previously studied. It was hypothesized that Mmp3 deficient (Mmp3−/−) mice would be protected against lung dysfunction associated with ARDS and maintain a functional pulmonary surfactant system. Wild type (WT) and Mmp3−/− mice were subjected to acid-aspiration followed by mechanical ventilation. Mmp3−/− mice maintained higher arterial oxygenation compared with WT mice at the completion of ventilation. Significant increase in functional large aggregate surfactant forms were observed in Mmp3−/− mice compared with WT mice. These findings further support a role of Mmp3 as an attractive therapeutic target for drug development in the setting of ARDS.
Introducing quantum effects in classical theories
Authors: Fabris J. C. , Piattella O. F. , Rodrigues D. C. , Chauvineau B. , Daouda M. H.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we explore two different ways of implementing quantum effects in a classical structure. The first one is through an external field. The other one is modifying the classical conservation laws. In both cases, the consequences for the description of the evolution of the universe are discussed.
Casimir force in Schwarzschild metric: Progress report
Authors: Karim Munawar
Published: January 2016

In this paper I report progress on both theoretical and experimental aspects. I describe two approaches to calculating putative effects of gravitational curvature on the Casimir force. The work I describe continues the quest to answer the question: do virtual field excitations follow geodesics?
A cognitive network for oracle bone characters related to animals
Authors: Dress Andreas , Grünewald Stefan , Zeng Zhenbing
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we present an analysis of oracle bone characters for animals from a “cognitive” point of view. After some general remarks on oracle-bone characters presented in Sec. 1 and a short outline of the paper in Sec. 2, we collect various oracle-bone characters for animals from published resources in Sec. 3. In the next section, we begin analyzing a group of 60 ancient animal characters from www.zdic.net , a highly acclaimed internet dictionary of Chinese characters that is strictly based on historical sources, and introduce five categories of specific features regarding their (graphical) structure that will be used in Sec. 5 to associate corresponding feature vectors to these characters. In Sec. 6, these feature vectors will be used to investigate their dissimilarity in terms of a family of parameterized distance measures. And in the last section, we apply the SplitsTree method as encoded in the NeighborNet algorithms to construct a corresponding family of dissimilarity-based networks with the intention of elucidating how the ancient Chinese might have perceived the “animal world” in the late bronze age and to demonstrate that these pictographs reflect an intuitive understanding of this world and its inherent structure that predates its classification in the oldest surviving Chinese encyclopedia from approximately the third century BC, the Er Ya, as well as similar classification systems in the West by one to two millennia. We also present an English dictionary of 70 oracle bone characters for animals in Appendix A. In Appendix B, we list various variants of animal characters that were published in the Jia Gu Wen Bian (cf. 甲骨文编, A Complete Collection of Oracle Bone Characters, edited by the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, published by the Zhonghua Book Company in 1965). We recall the frequencies of the 521 most frequent oracle bone characters in Appendix C as reported in [T. Chen, Yin-Shang Jiaguwen Zixing Xitong Zai Yanjiu, (The Structural System of Oracle Inscriptions) (Shanghai Renmin Chubanshe, Shanghai, 2010); Jiaguwen Shiwen Yongzi Pinlü Biao (A Frequency List of Oracle Characters), Center for the Study and Application of Chinese Characters (East China Normal University, Shanghai, 2010), http://www.wenzi.cn/en/default.aspx . And in Appendix D, we list the animals registered in the last five chapters of the Er Ya.
Observation of blue phase in chiral nematic liquid crystal and its stabilization by silica nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Arshdeep , Malik Praveen , Jayoti Divya
Published: January 2016

In the present work, we report the blue phase (BP) in a binary mixture of cholesteryl nonanoate (CN) and N-(4-ethoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (EBBA). The mixture exhibits BP over a temperature range of 2.3 K at optimum composition (50:50) of liquid crystals (LCs). The effect of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) doping on thermal stability of BPs has also been demonstrated and nearly 6 K wide BP temperature range was achieved at 0.5 wt.% of SNPs. A porous type texture was also observed during the BP formation process in the doped samples.
Tunable and switchable resonance in optically-controlled nested metamaterials at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Che Yong-Li , Cao Xiao-Long , Yao Jian-Quan
Published: January 2016

The asymmetrical nested metamaterial, composed of two split-ring resonators (SRRs) and two embedded gallium arsenide (GaAs) islands placed in the two SRRs, has been elaborately designed on quartz substrate. Its tunable and switchable resonances at terahertz (THz) frequencies are numerically demonstrated here based on different conductivities of GaAs, which can be transformed from semiconductor to metallic state through appropriate optical excitation. Without photoexcitation, our designed metamaterial has three resonance peaks in the range of monitored frequency range, and they are located at 0.813, 1.269 and 1.722 THz, respectively. As the conductivity of the two GaAs islands increases, different new resonances appear and constantly strengthen. Finally, four new resonant points are generated, at 0.432, 0.948, 1.578 and 1.875 THz, respectively. At the same time, the metamaterial structure is changed from the original nested mode to a new integral mode. Applying reversible changing conductivity of semiconductor to push the conversion of resonance, this asymmetrical nested design provides a new instance in application and development of additional THz devices.
Uniform energy bound and asymptotics for the Maxwell field on a slowly rotating Kerr black hole exterior
Authors: Andersson Lars , Blue Pieter
Published: January 2016

We consider the Maxwell equation in the exterior of a very slowly rotating Kerr black hole. For this system, we prove the boundedness of a positive definite energy on each hypersurface of constant [Formula: see text]. We also prove the convergence of each solution to a stationary Coulomb solution. We separate a general solution into the charged, Coulomb part and the uncharged part. Convergence to the Coulomb solutions follows from the fact that the uncharged part satisfies a Morawetz estimate, i.e.  that a spatially localized energy density is integrable in time. For the unchanged part, we study both the full Maxwell equation and the Fackerell–Ipser equation for one component. To treat the Fackerell–Ipser equation, we use a Fourier transform in [Formula: see text]. For the Fackerell–Ipser equation, we prove a refined Morawetz estimate that controls 3/2 derivatives with no loss near the orbiting null geodesics.
Reallocating Water: An Application of Sequential Sharing Rules to Cyprus
Authors: Ansink Erik , Marchiori Carmen
Published: January 2016

Water scarcity has become a major constraint on economic development in many regions of the world and sectoral water reallocation is now widely recognized as an essential step toward the sustainable management of water resources. This paper offers an approach to the reallocation of water among sectors based on sequential sharing rules. An essential feature of this approach is that it takes jointly into account a multiplicity of aspects which are critical to many water reallocation problems, but have often been neglected by the theoretical literature. Such aspects include pre-existing customary (or other) rights, scarcity constraints, the chronological order of sectors’ arrivals and environmental water demand. In doing so, our framework can help achieve a solution which is not only more efficient, but also perceived as legitimate and fair. Sequential sharing rules can be used to support or complement other approaches to water allocation, including those based on water markets. Our framework is illustrated using an application to inter-sectoral water reallocation in Cyprus.
In VivoMonitoring on Growth and Spread of Gray Leaf Spot Disease inCapsicum annuumLeaf Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ravichandran Naresh Kumar , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Shirazi Muhammad Faizan , Park Kibeom , Lee Seung-Yeol , Jung Hee-Young , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun
Published: January 2016

We have demonstrated the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosis of growth and spread of the gray leaf spot disease inCapsicum annuumleaf caused by the fungusStemphylium lycopersici. Using 2D cross-sectional and 3D volumetric images of OCT,in vivostudy of layer differences between fungus infected leaves and healthy leaves was observed with distinctive features. We observed that the internal layers of the disease-affected parts of the leaf seem to merge forming a single thick layer. The obtained OCT results verify the noninvasive diagnosis ability of fungal growth and spread inCapsicum annuumleaves and the applicability of this methodology for other plant diseases.
Influenza Illness in Pregnant Indian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Koul Parvaiz A. , Bali Nargis K. , Mir Hyder , Jabeen Farhat , Ahmad Abida
Published: January 2016

Data about burden of influenza in pregnancy in India are scant. In order to assess the contribution of influenza to acute respiratory illness (ARI) in pregnancy, 266 north Indian pregnant females with febrile ARI were studied from December 2014 to May 2015. Twin nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were obtained and tested for influenza viruses by RT-PCR. Fifty (18.8%) patients tested positive for influenza (A/H1N1pdm09 in 41, A/H3N2 in 8, and influenza B Yamagata in 1). Rigors, headache, and a family history of ARI were significantly more frequent in influenza positive patients. Oseltamivir and supportive therapy were administered to all confirmed cases. Nine influenza positive cases needed hospitalization for their respiratory illness, and 5 developed respiratory failure. Of these, 4 (3 in third trimester) succumbed to their illness. We conclude that influenza viruses are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality among pregnant females with ARI in north India. As such, appropriate preventive strategies of influenza vaccination and early initiation of antiviral therapy during illness are stressed.
Neutrino Spin and Dispersion in Magnetized Medium
Authors: Eminov P. A.
Published: January 2016

The full energy shift of a massive Dirac neutrino in magnetized electron-positron plasma was investigated using the Matsubara imaginary time and real time formalisms. The neutrino dispersion in the magnetized medium was analyzed as a function of the neutrino spin and mass. It was shown that in a superstrong magnetic field the CP-symmetric plasma contribution to the neutrino energy greatly exceeds the analogous correction in the field-free case. The contribution of plasma to the anomalous magnetic moment of a neutrino was obtained.
Comparison of Procleix Ultrio Elite and Procleix Ultrio NAT Assays for Screening of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors in India
Authors: Chaurasia Rahul , Rout Diptiranjan , Zaman Shamsuz , Chatterjee Kabita , Pandey Hem Chandra , Maurya Abhishek Kumar
Published: January 2016

Background. Introduction of nucleic acid testing (NAT) has helped in decreasing window period donations, resulting in increased safety of blood supplies. NAT combines the advantages of direct and highly sequence-specific detection of viral genomes. We analysed the performance of newer Procleix Ultrio Elite (PUE) and Procleix Ultrio assay (PUA) for the screening of the viral markers in our donor population.Material and Methods. 10,015 donor samples were screened by routine immunoassays and both versions of NAT. NAT yields detected were subjected to viral load estimation and to other serological markers.Results. A total of 21 NAT yields were detected; three were positive by both NAT systems, whereas 18 samples were reactive by PUE only. NAT yields include 18 HBV and 3 HCV yields, of which 17 HBV yields were occult infections and 1 was window period (WP) infection. All 3 HCV yields were WP infections. No HIV-1/HIV-2 yield was found.Conclusion. Efficient target capture chemistry in the new TMA assay version significantly improved sensitivity. NAT is superior to serological immunoassays for screening of the viral markers; and the efficient target capture system in the newer TMA assay, namely, the PUE system, has significantly improved sensitivity over the earlier versions.
Experimental Tests and Analytical Modelling of a Scaled Isolated Structure on Sliding and Elastomeric Bearings
Authors: Mazza Fabio , Vulcano Alfonso
Published: January 2016

The main purpose of this study, which was conducted within the framework of a DPC-ReLUIS research project, was to investigate the behaviour of a scaled isolated structure equipped with an in-parallel combination of steel-PTFE sliding bearings and elastomeric bearings (HDRBs). For this purpose, dynamic tests on shaking table were carried out at the Laboratory of the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture of the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. An available prototype steel framed structure was used as a superstructure. A further objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of different analytical models of the isolation system, commonly used, in order to adequately simulate the dynamic response of the isolated structure. The effectiveness of the isolation system was evaluated comparing the experimental response of the isolated structure with the numerical response of the fixed-base structure.
Decreased Interleukin-4 Release from the Neurons of the Locus Coeruleus in Response to Immobilization Stress
Authors: Lee Hyun-ju , Park Hyun-Jung , Starkweather Angela , An Kyungeh , Shim Insop
Published: January 2016

It has been demonstrated that immobilization (IMO) stress affects neuroimmune systems followed by alterations of physiology and behavior. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, is known to regulate inflammation caused by immune challenge but the effect of IMO on modulation of IL-4 expression in the brain has not been assessed yet. Here, it was demonstrated that IL-4 was produced by noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) of the brain and release of IL-4 was reduced in response to IMO. It was observed that IMO groups were more anxious than nontreated groups. Acute IMO (2 h/day, once) stimulated secretion of plasma corticosterone and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the LC whereas these increments were diminished in exposure to chronic stress (2 h/day, 21 consecutive days). Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), TH, and IL-4-expressing cells were localized in identical neurons of the LC, indicating that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal- (HPA-) axis and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary- (SAM-) axis might be involved in IL-4 secretion in the stress response. Accordingly, it was concluded that stress-induced decline of IL-4 concentration from LC neurons may be related to anxiety-like behavior and an inverse relationship exists between IL-4 secretion and HPA/SAM-axes activation.
Antioxidant and Antifatigue Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera in Rats Subjected to Forced Swimming Endurance Test
Authors: Lamou Bonoy , Taiwe Germain Sotoing , Hamadou André , Abene  , Houlray Justin , Atour Mahamat Mey , Tan Paul Vernyuy
Published: January 2016

The effects of the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera on swimming performance and related biochemical parameters were investigated in male Wistar rats (130–132 g). Four groups of rats (16 per group) were fed a standard laboratory diet and given distilled water, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of extract, respectively, for 28 days. On day 28, 8 rats from each group were subjected to the forced swimming test with tail load (10% of body weight). The remaining 8 rats per group were subjected to the 90‐minute free swim. Maximum swimming time, glycemia, lactamia, uremia, triglyceridemia, hepatic and muscle glycogen, hematological parameters, and oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde) were measured. Results. M. oleifera extract increased maximum swimming time, blood hemoglobin, blood glucose, and hepatic and muscle glycogen reserves. The extract also increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased the blood concentrations of malondialdehyde. Furthermore, it decreased blood concentrations of lactate, triglycerides, and urea. In conclusion, the antifatigue properties of M. oleifera extract are demonstrated by its ability to improve body energy stores and tissue antioxidant capacity and to reduce the tissue build‐up of lactic acid.
Bilateral One-Stage Revision of Infected Total Hip Arthroplasties: Report of Two Cases and Management of Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Pommepuy Thomas , Lons Adrien , Benad Kevin , Beltrand Eric , Senneville Eric , Migaud Henri
Published: January 2016

Recommendations for the management of chronic and bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) infection are lacking. However, this type of infection involves medical problems concerning the management of the antibiotic therapy. We report two cases of such infections operated as one-stage revision. For each case, both hips were infected with the same bacteria (Staphylococcus capraefor one patient and methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureusfor the other). The probabilistic antibiotic treatment started during the first side (after harvesting intraoperative samples) did not prevent the culture of the bacteriologic harvested during the intervention of the second side. Cultures were positive for the same bacteria for both sides in the two cases presented herein. After results of intraoperative cultures, patients received culture-guided antibiotic therapy for three months and were considered cured at the end of a two-year follow-up. Our results suggest one-stage bilateral change of infected THA is a viable option and that early intraoperative antibiotic, started during the first-side exchange, does not jeopardize microbiological documentation of the second side. This work brings indirect arguments, in favor of the use of prophylactic antibiotics during revision of infected THA.
Inducing LTD-Like Effect in the Human Motor Cortex with Low Frequency and Very Short Duration Paired Associative Stimulation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Srivanitchapoom Prachaya , Park Jung E. , Thirugnanasambandam Nivethida , Panyakaew Pattamon , Ramos Vesper Fe Marie , Pandey Sanjay , Wu Tianxia , Hallett Mark
Published: January 2016

Introduction.Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is an established technique to investigate synaptic plasticity in the human motor cortex (M1). Classically, to induce long-term depression- (LTD-) or long-term potentiation-like effects in the human M1, studies have used low frequency and long duration trains of PAS. In the present study, we explored an LTD-like effect using very short duration and low frequency ofPAS10 msprotocols in human M1.Methods.Six protocols of low frequencyPAS10 ms(ranging from 0.2 Hz to 1 Hz) were investigated with very short durations of 1 and 2 minutes stimulation. Six healthy volunteers were included in each protocol. We obtained motor-evoked potentials from right abductor pollicis brevis muscle before and after applyingPAS10 msup to 30 minutes. After we foundPAS10 msprotocol which induced an LTD-like effect, we tested that protocol on additional 5 subjects.Results.One-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that only the group of 1-minute stimulation of 0.25 Hz induced an LTD-like effect. When adding the additional subjects, the effect remained and lasted for 30 minutes.Conclusion.Low frequency and very short duration ofPAS10 mspotentially induced an LTD-like effect in human M1. With further verification, this method might be useful for research relating to synaptic plasticity by reducing the duration of study and minimizing subject discomfort.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Hodgkin’s Disease: An Unusual Pediatric Association
Authors: Gomes Maria Miguel , Oliva Tereza , Pinto Armando
Published: January 2016

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a recognized complication of lymphoproliferative disorders. AIHA associated with Hodgkin’s disease (HD) is uncommon especially in the pediatric population. The diagnosis of AIHA is usually associated with HD at the time of initial presentation or during the course of disease, but it could precede it by years to months. In adults the association of AIHA and HD is more frequent in advanced stages and in the nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity type HD. Warm immune hemolytic anemia is mainly controlled with steroids and chemotherapy. We report a case of a pediatric patient with direct antiglobulin positive test at the diagnosis of a late relapse of stage III B mixed cellularity type HD.
Principle Study of Head Meridian Acupoint Massage to Stress Release via Grey Data Model Analysis
Authors: Lee Ya-Ting
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the scientific study of the effectiveness and action principle of head meridian acupoint massage by applying the grey data model analysis approach. First, the head massage procedure for massaging the important head meridian acupuncture points including Taiyang, Fengfu, Tianzhu, Fengqi, and Jianjing is formulated in a standard manner. Second, the status of the autonomic nervous system of each subject is evaluated by using the heart rate variability analyzer before and after the head massage following four weeks. Afterward, the physiological factors of autonomic nerves are quantitatively analyzed by using the grey data modeling theory. The grey data analysis can point out that the status of autonomic nervous system is greatly improved after the massage. The order change of the grey relationship weighting of physiological factors shows the action principle of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves when performing head massage. In other words, the grey data model is able to distinguish the detailed interaction of the autonomic nervous system and the head meridian acupoint massage. Thus, the stress relaxing effect of massaging head meridian acupoints is proved, which is lacked in literature. The results can be a reference principle for massage health care in practice.
Double Incomplete Internal Biliary Fistula: Coexisting Cholecystogastric and Cholecystoduodenal Fistula
Authors: Beksac Kemal , Erkan Arman , Kaynaroglu Volkan
Published: January 2016

Internal biliary fistula is a rare complication of a common surgical disease, cholelithiasis. It is seen in 0.74% of all biliary tract surgeries and is thought to be a result of repeated inflammatory periods of the gallbladder. In this report we present a case of incomplete cholecystogastric and cholecystoduodenal fistulae in a single patient missed by ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and diagnosed intraoperatively. In the literature there is only one report of an incomplete cholecystogastric fistula. To our knowledge this is the first case of double incomplete internal biliary fistulae.
Cost Optimization of Mortars Containing Different Pigments and Their Freeze-Thaw Resistance Properties
Authors: Yıldızel Sadık Alper , Kaplan Gökhan , Öztürk Ali Uğur
Published: January 2016

Nowadays, it is common to use colored concrete or mortar in prefabricated concrete and reinforced concrete construction elements. Within the scope of this study, colored mortars were obtained with the addition of brown, yellow, black, and red pigments into the white cement. Those mixtures are examined for their compressive strength, unit weight, water absorption, and freeze-thaw resistance. Subsequent to comparison of these properties, a cost optimization has been conducted in order to compare pigment costs. The outcomes showed that the pore structure in architectural mortar applications plays an important role in terms of durability. And cost optimization results show that light colored minerals can be used instead of white cements.
Experimental Study on the Influence of AC Stray Current on the Cathodic Protection of Buried Pipe
Authors: Ding Qingmiao , Fan Yueming
Published: January 2016

The size of the damaged area of the coating and its position on the pipeline impacted the cathodic protection potential, and there was a damaged area of the greatest impact value. When damaged area was 300 mm2, the IR drop was the largest, and this situation could easily lead to inadequate protection; when the parallel spacing between pipeline and interference source was unchanged, the measured value curves of cathodic protection potential presented “U” shaped trend with the increasing stray current interference intensity. Under certain parallel spacing between pipeline and interference source, high alternating stray current intensity would cause serious negative offsets, so that the overprotection of the pipeline occurred, and make the coating crack; there was a parallel threshold length. When less than the threshold, the pipe-ground potential increases rapidly with the parallel length increasing. In order to judge whether a pipeline was interference by AC stray current and the risk of stray current corrosion, we should make a comprehensive analysis of the cathodic protection energizing potential, the switch-off potential, AC pipe-soil potential, IR drops, and so on.
Experiences of a Peripheral Unit in Using a Tripolar Constrained Acetabular Component for Recurrent Dislocations following Total Hip Joint Replacements
Authors: Arshad Mohammed S. , Godey Shashi , Kumar Arun , Lovell Martyn
Published: January 2016

Primary total hip arthroplasty is a successful procedure, although complications such as dislocation can occur. In certain patient populations if this is recurrent, it can be difficult to manage effectively. We present a retrospective analysis of our experience of using a capture/captive cup over an 8-year period for frail elderly patients who presented with recurrent hip dislocations. Our findings show no redislocations in our cohort and a survival analysis demonstrates just less than half surviving at 2 years after surgery. Furthermore, Harris Hip Scores were generally calculated to be good. A constrained acetabular component provides durable protection against additional dislocations without substantial deleterious effects on component fixation. Such components should be considered especially in a group of patients with comorbidities or those who are fragile, elderly, and low-demand in nature.
Vestibular Disorders after Stapedial Surgery in Patients with Otosclerosis
Authors: de Vilhena Ditza , Gambôa Inês , Duarte Delfim , Lopes Gustavo
Published: January 2016

Introduction and Objectives. Vertigo is a described complication of stapedial surgery. Many studies have been conducted to assess the improvement of hearing loss, but there are few studies that assess vestibular function after stapedial surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterize the vertigo after stapedial surgery.Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study. Patients undergoing stapedial surgery in our hospital between October 2013 and December 2014 were invited to participate. The vertigo was assessed before and 4 months after surgery, using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.Results. We included 140 patients in the study. 12 patients (8.6%) reported vertigo before surgery, and all of them denied vertigo after surgery. 36 patients (25.7%) reported vertigo four months after surgery, and none of them had vertigo before surgery. Postoperative total scores in patients with vertigo ranged between 2 and 18 points.Conclusion. The study shows that vestibular disorders may remain after the immediate postoperative period and reinforces the need for clarification of the patient in the informed consent act.
Effects of 8-Prenylnaringenin and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on a Rat Model of Osteopenia
Authors: Hoffmann Daniel B. , Griesel Markus H. , Brockhusen Bastian , Tezval Mohammad , Komrakova Marina , Menger Bjoern , Wassmann Marco , Stuermer Klaus Michael , Sehmisch Stephan
Published: January 2016

Background. 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is the phytoestrogen with the highest affinity for estrogen receptor-α(ER-α), which is required to maintain BMD. The osteoprotective properties of 8-PN have been demonstrated previously in tibiae. We used a rat osteopenia model to perform the first investigation of 8-PN with whole-body vertical vibration (WBVV).Study Design. Ovariectomy was performed on 52 of 64 Sprague-Dawley rats. Five weeks after ovariectomy, one group received daily injections (sc) of 8-PN (1.77 mg/kg) for 10 weeks; a second group was treated with both 8-PN and WBVV (twice a day, 15 min, 35 Hz, amplitude 0.47 mm). Other groups received either only WBVV or no treatment.Methods. The rats were sacrificed 15 weeks after ovariectomy. Lumbar vertebrae and femora were removed for biomechanical and morphological assessment.Results. 8-PN at a cancer-safe dose did not cause fundamental improvements in osteoporotic bones. Treatment with 8-PN caused a slight increase in uterine wet weight. Combined therapy using WBVV and 8-PN showed no significant improvements in bone structure and biomechanical properties.Conclusion. We cannot confirm the osteoprotective effects of 8-PN at a cancer-safe dose in primary affected osteoporotic bones. Higher concentrations of 8-PN are not advisable for safety reasons. Adjunctive therapy with WBVV demonstrates no convincing effects on bones.
Caught in the Net: Perineuronal Nets and Addiction
Authors: Slaker Megan , Blacktop Jordan M. , Sorg Barbara A.
Published: January 2016

Exposure to drugs of abuse induces plasticity in the brain and creates persistent drug-related memories. These changes in plasticity and persistent drug memories are believed to produce aberrant motivation and reinforcement contributing to addiction. Most studies have explored the effect drugs of abuse have on pre- and postsynaptic cells and astrocytes; however, more recently, attention has shifted to explore the effect these drugs have on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Within the ECM are unique structures arranged in a net-like manner, surrounding a subset of neurons called perineuronal nets (PNNs). This review focuses on drug-induced changes in PNNs, the molecules that regulate PNNs, and the expression of PNNs within brain circuitry mediating motivation, reward, and reinforcement as it pertains to addiction.
Impact of S100A4 Expression on Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Zheng Jiawei , Huang Yufang , Song Li , Yin Yin , Ou Danzhen , He Shangxiang , Chen Xiong , Ouyang Xuenong
Published: January 2016

Background.The small Ca2+-binding protein S100A4 is identified as a metastasis-associated or metastasis-inducing protein in various types of cancer. The goal of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.Methods. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed and Chinese CNKI. Only the studies reporting the correlation between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics or overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic cancer are enrolled. Extracted data was analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software to calculate the pooled relative risks (95% confidence interval, CI) for statistical analyses.Results.Seven studies including a total of 474 patients were enrolled into this meta-analysis. Negative expression of S100A4 was significantly associated with higher 3-year OS rate (RR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.24–6.87,P<0.0001), compared to S100A4-positive cases. Moreover, negative expression of S100A4 was also related to N0 stage for lymph node metastasis (RR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.60–2.88,P<0.0001). However, S100A4 expression was not significantly correlated with histological types and distant metastasis status.Conclusion.S100A4 expression represents a potential marker for lymph node metastasis of pancreatic cancer and a potential unfavorable factor for prognosis of patients with this disease.
Association of Sicca Syndrome with Proviral Load and Proinflammatory Cytokines in HTLV-1 Infection
Authors: Lima Clara Mônica , Santos Silvane , Dourado Adriana , Carvalho Natália B. , Bittencourt Valéria , Lessa Marcus Miranda , Siqueira Isadora , Carvalho Edgar M.
Published: January 2016

TheSjögrensyndrome has been diagnosed in patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy and dry mouth and dry eyes are documented in HTLV-1 carriers. However the diagnosis ofSjögrensyndrome in these subjects has been contested. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the role of immunological factors and proviral load, in sicca syndrome associated with HTLV-1 in patients without myelopathy. Subjects were recruited in the HTLV-1 Clinic, from 2009 to 2011. The proviral load and cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-5, and IL-10) were obtained from a database containing the values presented by the subjects at admission in the clinic. Of the 272 participants, 59 (21.7%) had sicca syndrome and in all of them anti-Sjögrensyndrome related antigen A (SSA) and antigen B (SSB) were negatives. The production of TNF-αand IFN-γwas higher in the group with sicca syndrome (P<0.05) than in HTLV-1 infected subjects without sicca syndrome. Our data indicates that patients with sicca syndrome associated with HTLV-1 do not haveSjögrensyndrome. However the increased production of TNF-αand IFN-γin this group of patients may contribute to the pathogenesis of sicca syndrome associated with HTLV-1.
Identification Bracelet Precipitated Acute Compartment Syndrome during Intravenous Infusion in an Obtunded Patient
Authors: Zafar Wahib , Chaucer Benjamin , Felek Suleyman , Arsura Edward L. , Nfonoyim Jay
Published: January 2016

Acute compartment syndrome is a serious condition requiring immediate medical care. A lack of urgent medical treatment can result in serious complications such as loss of function and even amputation. While the pathophysiology of acute compartment syndrome is well understood, numerous potential causes are still being discovered. A rare cause of acute compartment syndrome is IV infiltration. We present a case of acute compartment syndrome resulting from intravenous infusion due to proximal placement of a patient identification bracelet. We conclude that both routine evaluation for IV infiltration and proximal placement of IV lines are essential for prevention of acute compartment syndrome.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Are Major Threats of Otitis Media in Wollo Area, Northeastern Ethiopia: A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Argaw-Denboba Ayele , Abejew Asrat Agalu , Mekonnen Alemayehu Gashaw
Published: January 2016

Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly serious threat to human health that needs an urgent action. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacteria isolated from patient ear discharges suspected of otitis media. A retrospective analysis was performed using culture and antibiotic susceptibility test results of 1225 patients who visited Dessie Regional Health Research Laboratory from 2001 to 2011. Results showed a strong association (P<0.001) between age and the risk of acquiring middle ear infection. The predominant bacterial isolates wereProteusspp. (28.8%),Staphylococcus aureus(23.7%), andPseudomonasspp. (17.2%). Most of the isolated bacteria showed high resistance to ampicillin (88.5%), ceftriaxone (84.5%), amoxicillin (81.9%), and tetracycline (74.5%). About 72.5% ofProteusspp. and 62.2% ofPseudomonasspp. have developed resistance to one and more antibiotics used to treat them. This retrospective study also revealed the overall antibiotic resistance rate of bacterial isolates was increased nearly twofold (P=0.001) over the last decade. Relatively, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics against all the isolates. In conclusion, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are alarmingly increasing in Wollo area, northeastern Ethiopia, and becoming a major public health problem in the management of patients with middle ear infection.
Variations in Incidence and Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease in Taiwan: A Population-Based Nationwide Study
Authors: Liu Chih-Ching , Li Chung-Yi , Lee Pei-Chen , Sun Yu
Published: January 2016

Demographic, socioeconomic, and urbanization level variations in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are rarely investigated, especially in Asia. This study describes an eight-year trend in PD incidence and prevalence in Taiwan as well as assessing the effects of sociodemographics and urbanization on the incidence and prevalence of PD. The data analyzed were acquired from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) entries between 2002 and 2009. The calendar year, sex, and age-specific rates were standardized, and the effects of the sociodemographics and urbanization on PD were assessed using Poisson regression analysis. PD incidence and prevalence showed a significantly increasing trend, with a greater magnitude noted for prevalence than for incidence (87.3% versus 9.2%). The PD incidence and prevalence increased with age and were slightly higher in men than in women. The people who were not under the labor force (i.e., dependents) or with lower monthly incomes were at significantly increased adjusted incidence rate ratio (1.50–1.56) and adjusted prevalence rate ratio (1.66–1.71) of PD. Moreover, significantly higher PD incidence and prevalence were noted in areas with lesser urbanization. This information emphasizes the need for preventive and clinical care strategies targeting the segment of Taiwanese population that exhibited a greater incidence and prevalence of PD.
The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Circulating Ischaemia-Modified Albumin Concentrations
Authors: Uygur Firat , Tanriverdi Hakan , Can Murat , Ornek Tacettin , Erboy Fatma , Altinsoy Bulent , Atalay Figen , Damar Murat , Kokturk Furuzan , Tor Meltem
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on circulating ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentrations. The study included 97 newly diagnosed OSAS patients and 30 nonapnoeic controls. Blood samples were obtained in the morning after polysomnography. After 3 months of CPAP treatment, 31 patients with moderate-severe OSAS were reassessed for serum IMA concentrations. Significantly higher serum IMA concentrations were measured in the OSAS group than in the control group [0.518±0.091absorbance units (ABSU),0.415±0.068ABSU,P<0.001]. Serum IMA concentrations correlated significantly with the apnoea-hypopnoea index, mean SaO2, desaturation index, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that OSAS increased the serum IMA concentration independent of age, sex, body mass index, smoking habit, and cardiovascular disease. After 3 months of treatment with CPAP, OSAS patients had significantly lower serum IMA concentrations (0.555±0.062ABSU to0.431±0.063ABSU,P<0.001). The results showed that OSAS is associated with elevated concentrations of IMA, which can be reversed by effective CPAP treatment.
Absorption, Metabolism, and Excretion by Freely Moving Rats of 3,4-DHPEA-EDA and Related Polyphenols from Olive Fruits (Olea europaea)
Authors: Kano Shunsuke , Komada Haruna , Yonekura Lina , Sato Akihiko , Nishiwaki Hisashi , Tamura Hirotoshi
Published: January 2016

Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol isolated from olive fruits were newly evaluated after oral and intravenous administration in freely moving rats cannulated in the portal vein, jugular vein, and bile duct. Orally administered 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, an important bioactive compound in olive pomace, was readily absorbed and metabolized to hydroxytyrosol, homovanillic acid, and homovanillyl alcohol, as shown by dose-normalized 4 h area under the curve (AUC0→4 h/Dose) values of 27.7, 4.5, and 4.2 μM·min·kg/μmol, respectively, in portal plasma after oral administration. The parent compound 3,4-DHPEA-EDA was not observed in the portal plasma, urine, and bile after oral and intravenous administration. Additionally, hydroxytyrosol, homovanillic acid, and homovanillyl alcohol in the portal plasma after oral administration of hydroxytyrosol showed 51.1, 22.8, and 7.1 μM·min·kg/μmolAUC0→4 h/Dose, respectively. When oleuropein, a polar glucoside, was injected orally, oleuropein in the portal plasma showed 0.9 μM·min·kg/μmolAUC0→4 h/Dose. However, homovanillic acid was detected from oleuropein in only a small amount in the portal plasma. Moreover, the bioavailability of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein for 4 hours was 13.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Because the amount of 3,4-DHPEA-EDA in olive fruits is about 2-3 times greater than that of hydroxytyrosol, the metabolites of 3,4-DHPEA-EDA will influence biological activities.
Relationship of Routine Inadequate Sleep Duration and Periodontitis in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Wiener R. Constance
Published: January 2016

Purpose. Previous research has indicated the public health impact of inadequate sleep duration on health, potentially through an immune-inflammation mechanism. This mechanism also has a role in periodontitis. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association of routine inadequate sleep and periodontitis.Methods. Data from merged National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 2009-10 and 2011-12 were the data source for the study. The key outcome was periodontitis (yes, no), and the key variable of interest was usual sleep on weekday or workday nights. Chi square and logistic regression procedures were conducted. The study included 3,740 participants who were of ages 30 years and above.Results. There were 52.7% of participants who had periodontitis. There were 35.7% who usually slept less than 7 hours on weekday or workday nights. In adjusted logistic regression the odds ratio for periodontal disease for participants who slept less than 7 hours on weekday or workday night was 1.00 [95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.21;p=.9812].Conclusions. The relationship of periodontitis and inadequate sleep duration in a nationally representative study of participants who were of ages 30 years and above failed to reach statistical significance in adjusted logistic regression analyses.