bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS ANALYTIC (g - 2)μ AT FOUR LOOPS
Authors: STEINHAUSER MATTHIAS
Published: December 2014

In this contribution we present recent four-loop results for the muon anomalous magnetic moment based on analytic methods. In particular, fermionic corrections involving two or more closed electron loops or at least one tau lepton loop are discussed.
RECENT RESULTS ON BR(K → πππ) AT KLOE/KLOE-2
Authors: DE SIMONE PATRIZIA ,   on behalf of the KLOE/KLOE-2 Collaborations (D. Babusci, I. Balwierz-Pytko, G. Bencivenni, C. Bloise, F. Bossi, P. Branchini, A. Budano, L. Caldeira Balkest, G. Capon, F. Ceradini, P. Ciambrone, F. Curciarello, E. Czerwiński, E. Danè, V. De Leo, E. De Lucia, G. De Robertis, A. De Santis, P. De Simone, A. Di Cicco, A. Di Domenico, C. Di Donato, R. Di Salvo, D. Domenici, O. Erriquez, G. Fanizzi, A. Fantini, G. Felici, S. Fiore, P. Franzini, A. Gajos, P. Gauzzi, G. Giardina, S. Giovannella, E. Graziani, F. Ha
Published: December 2014

The KLOE experiment at the Frascati e+e− collider DAΦNE, operating at the ϕ peak, provides unique opportunities for precision measurements of kaon branching ratios. We present the upper limit on the branching ratio of the CP violating decay KS → 3π0 obtained with 1.7 fb-1 of e+e− collisions collected by the KLOE detector. We also present the new preliminary result of the branching ratio for K+ → π+π−π+(γ) using approximately 10% of all KLOE data.
THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL REVIEW ON PROTON FORM FACTORS
Authors: BALDINI FERROLI RINALDO , PACETTI SIMONE
Published: December 2014

During the last three lustra nucleon form factors experiments have lived a golden age, full of interesting results, that likely will continue and culminate when new data will come from BESIII, SND, CMD3 and PANDA, in the time-like region and, Jefferson Lab and A1 in the space-like region. On the other hand, from theoretical point of view, mainly concerning the possibility of descriptions in all kinematical regions, no great breakthrough has been made.
EXOTIC QUARKONIUM SPECTROSCOPY: X(3872), Zb(10610), AND Zb(10650) IN NON-RELATIVISTIC EFFECTIVE THEORY
Authors: MEHEN THOMAS
Published: December 2014

This talk summarizes recent developments in quarkonium spectroscopy. I comment on the relation between the Zb(10610) and Zb(10650) and recently observed Zc(3900) and Zc(4025) states. Then I discuss a number of calculations using non-relativistic effective field theory for the X(3872), Zb(10610), and Zb(10650), under the assumption that these are shallow molecular bound states of charm or bottom mesons.
DOUBLY HEAVY EXOTICS
Authors: KARLINER MAREK
Published: December 2014

During the last three years strong experimental evidence from B and charm factories has been accumulating for the existence of exotic hadronic quarkonia, narrow resonances which cannot be made from a quark and an antiquark. Their masses and decay modes show that they contain a heavy quark-antiquark pair, but their quantum numbers are such that they must also contain a light quark-antiquark pair. The main theoretical challenge has been to determine the nature of these resonances. The main possibilities are that they are either "genuine tetraquarks", i.e. two quarks and two antiquarks within one confinement volume, or "hadronic molecules" of two heavy-light mesons. In the last few months there is more and more evidence in favor of the latter. I discuss the experimental data and its interpretation and provide fairly precise predictions for masses and quantum numbers of the additional exotic states which are naturally expected in the molecular picture but have yet to be observed. I also provide arguments in favor of the existence of an even more exotic state – a hypothetical deuteron-like bound state of two heavy baryons.
SEARCH FOR CPT AND LORENTZ INVARIANCE VIOLATION IN NEUTRAL KAONS AT KLOE/KLOE–2
Authors: CZERWIŃSKI ERYK ,   on behalf of the KLOE–2 collaboration (KLOE–2 collaboration: D. Babusci, I. Balwierz-Pytko, G. Bencivenni, C. Bloise, F. Bossi, P. Branchini, A. Budano, L. Caldeira Balkeståhl, G. Capon, F. Ceradini, P. Ciambrone, F. Curciarello, E. Czerwiński, E. Danè, V. De Leo, E. De Lucia, G. De Robertis, A. De Santis, P. De Simone, A. Di Cicco, A. Di Domenico, C. Di Donato, R. Di Salvo, D. Domenici, A. D'Uffizi, O. Erriquez, G. Fanizzi, A. Fantini, G. Felici, S. Fiore, P. Franzini, A. Gajos, P. Gauzzi, G. Giardina, S.
Published: December 2014

Measurement of the difference of the decay times of neutral kaon pairs produced in an antisymmetric entangled state allows for the search of possible violation of CPT symmetry and Lorentz invariance. In this paper we present the recently announced results based on the reaction ϕ → KSKL → π+π-π+π- measured at the KLOE experiment. Obtained parameters in the Standard Model Extension (SME) are: [Formula: see text]
MEASUREMENT OF THE RATIO OF THE CHARGED KAON LEPTONIC DECAYS AT NA62
Authors: KOZHUHAROV VENELIN
Published: December 2014

The ratio of the leptonic charged kaon decays RK = Γ(K± → e±ν)/Γ(K± → μ±ν) is sensitive to the structure of the weak interactions and can be precisely calculated within the Standard Model. Presence of New Physics can introduce a shift on its value of the order of a percent. The NA62 experiment at CERN SPS used data from a dedicated run in 2007 to perform a measurement of this ratio and probe the lepton universality. The data analysis technique and the final results are presented.
TO LEARN LIGHT SCALARS FROM SEMILEPTONIC DECAYS OF HEAVY QUARKONIA
Authors: ACHASOV N. N. , KISELEV A. V.
Published: December 2014

We study the mechanism of production of the light scalar mesons in the [Formula: see text] decays: [Formula: see text], and compare it with the mechanism of production of the light pseudoscalar mesons in the [Formula: see text] decays: [Formula: see text]. We show that the [Formula: see text] transition is negligibly small in comparison with the [Formula: see text] one. As for the the f0(980) meson, the intensity of the [Formula: see text] transition is not more thirty percent from the intensity of the [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) transition. So, the [Formula: see text] decay supports the previous conclusions about a dominant role of the four-quark components in the σ(600) and f0(980) mesons.
DISPERSION THEORY METHODS FOR TRANSITION FORM FACTORS
Authors: SCHNEIDER SEBASTIAN P.
Published: December 2014

Dispersion-theoretical analyses of transition form factors are stepping stones to a model-independent determination of the light-by-light scattering contribution to (g - 2)μ. We extend a calculation of the conversion decays of the lightest isoscalar vector mesons, ω/ϕ → π0ℓ+ℓ-, that builds on a previous dispersive analysis of the ω/ϕ → 3π partial-wave amplitudes and the pion vector form factor as its sole ingredients. We construct a good parametrization of e+e- → 3π that, together with information on the anomalous process γπ → ππ, allows us to obtain a description of the π0 transition form factor measured in e+e- → π0γ.
NH2-terminal truncations of cardiac troponin I and cardiac troponin T produce distinct effects on contractility and calcium homeostasis in adult cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wei Hongguang , Jin J.-P.
Published: December 2014

Cardiac troponin I (TnI) has an NH2-terminal extension that is an adult heart-specific regulatory structure. Restrictive proteolytic truncation of the NH2-terminal extension of cardiac TnI occurs in normal hearts and is upregulated in cardiac adaptation to hemodynamic stress or β-adrenergic deficiency. NH2-terminal truncated cardiac TnI (cTnI-ND) alters the conformation of the core structure of cardiac TnI similarly to that produced by PKA phosphorylation of Ser23/24 in the NH2-terminal extension. At organ level, cTnI-ND enhances ventricular diastolic function. The NH2-terminal region of cardiac troponin T (TnT) is another regulatory structure that can be selectively cleaved via restrictive proteolysis. Structural variations in the NH2-terminal region of TnT also alter the molecular conformation and function. Transgenic mouse hearts expressing NH2-terminal truncated cardiac TnT (cTnT-ND) showed slower contractile velocity to prolong ventricular rapid-ejection time, resulting in higher stroke volume. Our present study compared the effects of cTnI-ND and cTnT-ND in cardiomyocytes isolated from transgenic mice on cellular morphology, contractility, and calcium kinetics. Resting cTnI-ND, but not cTnT-ND, cardiomyocytes had shorter length than wild-type cells with no change in sarcomere length. cTnI-ND, but not cTnT-ND, cardiomyocytes produced higher contractile amplitude and faster shortening and relengthening velocities in the absence of external load than wild-type controls. Although the baseline and peak levels of cytosolic Ca2+ were not changed, Ca2+ resequestration was faster in both cTnI-ND and cTnT-ND cardiomyocytes than in wild-type control. The distinct effects of cTnI-ND and cTnT-ND demonstrate their roles in selectively modulating diastolic or systolic functions of the heart.
Impact of nutrients on circadian rhythmicity
Authors: Oosterman Johanneke E. , Kalsbeek Andries , la Fleur Susanne E. , Belsham Denise D.
Published: December 2014

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the mammalian hypothalamus functions as an endogenous pacemaker that generates and maintains circadian rhythms throughout the body. Next to this central clock, peripheral oscillators exist in almost all mammalian tissues. Whereas the SCN is mainly entrained to the environment by light, peripheral clocks are entrained by various factors, of which feeding/fasting is the most important. Desynchronization between the central and peripheral clocks by, for instance, altered timing of food intake can lead to uncoupling of peripheral clocks from the central pacemaker and is, in humans, related to the development of metabolic disorders, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Diets high in fat or sugar have been shown to alter circadian clock function. This review discusses the recent findings concerning the influence of nutrients, in particular fatty acids and glucose, on behavioral and molecular circadian rhythms and will summarize critical studies describing putative mechanisms by which these nutrients are able to alter normal circadian rhythmicity, in the SCN, in non-SCN brain areas, as well as in peripheral organs. As the effects of fat and sugar on the clock could be through alterations in energy status, the role of specific nutrient sensors will be outlined, as well as the molecular studies linking these components to metabolism. Understanding the impact of specific macronutrients on the circadian clock will allow for guidance toward the composition and timing of meals optimal for physiological health, as well as putative therapeutic targets to regulate the molecular clock.
Activation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus by forebrain hypertonicity selectively increases tonic vasomotor sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Holbein Walter W. , Toney Glenn M.
Published: December 2014

We recently reported that mean arterial pressure (MAP) is maintained in water-deprived rats by an irregular tonic component of vasomotor sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) that is driven by neuronal activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). To establish whether generation of tonic SNA requires time-dependent (i.e., hours or days of dehydration) neuroadaptive responses or can be abruptly generated by even acute circuit activation, forebrain sympathoexcitatory osmosensory inputs to PVN were stimulated by infusion (0.1 ml/min, 10 min) of hypertonic saline (HTS; 1.5 M NaCl) through an internal carotid artery (ICA). Whereas isotonic saline (ITS; 0.15 M NaCl) had no effect ( n = 5), HTS increased ( P < 0.001; n = 6) splanchnic SNA (sSNA), phrenic nerve activity (PNA), and MAP. Bilateral PVN injections of muscimol ( n = 6) prevented HTS-evoked increases of integrated sSNA and PNA ( P < 0.001) and attenuated the accompanying pressor response ( P < 0.01). Blockade of PVN NMDA receptors with d-(2 R)-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5; n = 6) had similar effects. Analysis of respiratory rhythmic bursting of sSNA revealed that ICA HTS increased mean voltage ( P < 0.001) without affecting the amplitude of inspiratory or expiratory bursts. Analysis of cardiac rhythmic sSNA likewise revealed that ICA HTS increased mean voltage. Cardiac rhythmic sSNA oscillation amplitude was also increased, which is consistent with activation of arterial baroreceptor during the accompanying pressor response. Increased mean sSNA voltage by HTS was blocked by prior PVN inhibition (muscimol) and blockade of PVN NMDA receptors (AP5). We conclude that even acute glutamatergic activation of PVN (i.e., by hypertonicity) is sufficient to selectively increase a tonic component of vasomotor SNA.
Products of lipid peroxidation, but not membrane susceptibility to oxidative damage, are conserved in skeletal muscle following temperature acclimation
Authors: Grim Jeffrey M. , Semones Molly C. , Kuhn Donald E. , Kriska Tamas , Keszler Agnes , Crockett Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2014

Changes in oxidative capacities and phospholipid remodeling accompany temperature acclimation in ectothermic animals. Both responses may alter redox status and membrane susceptibility to lipid peroxidation (LPO). We tested the hypothesis that phospholipid remodeling is sufficient to offset temperature-driven rates of LPO and, thus, membrane susceptibility to LPO is conserved. We also predicted that the content of LPO products is maintained over a range of physiological temperatures. To assess LPO susceptibility, rates of LPO were quantified with the fluorescent probe C11-BODIPY in mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum from oxidative and glycolytic muscle of striped bass ( Morone saxatilis) acclimated to 7°C and 25°C. We also measured phospholipid compositions, contents of LPO products [i.e., individual classes of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH)], and two membrane antioxidants. Despite phospholipid headgroup and acyl chain remodeling, these alterations do not counter the effect of temperature on LPO rates (i.e., LPO rates are generally not different among acclimation groups when normalized to phospholipid content and compared at a common temperature). Although absolute levels of PLOOH are higher in muscles from cold- than warm-acclimated fish, this difference is lost when PLOOH levels are normalized to total phospholipid. Contents of vitamin E and two homologs of ubiquinone are more than four times higher in mitochondria prepared from oxidative muscle of warm- than cold-acclimated fish. Collectively, our data demonstrate that although phospholipid remodeling does not provide a means for offsetting thermal effects on rates of LPO, differences in phospholipid quantity ensure a constant proportion of LPO products with temperature variation.
Altered myogenic vasoconstriction and regulation of whole kidney blood flow in the ASIC2 knockout mouse
Authors: Gannon Kimberly P. , McKey Susan E. , Stec David E. , Drummond Heather A.
Published: December 2014

Previous studies from our laboratory have suggested that degenerin proteins contribute to myogenic constriction, a mechanism of blood flow regulation and protection against pressure-dependent organ injury, in renal vessels. The goal of the present study was to determine the importance of one family member, acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2), in myogenic constriction of renal interlobar arteries, myogenic regulation of whole kidney blood flow, renal injury, and blood pressure using ASIC2+/+, ASIC2+/−, and ASIC2−/− mice. Myogenic constriction in renal interlobar arteries was impaired in ASIC2+/− and ASIC2−/− mice, whereas constriction to KCl/phenylephrine was unchanged. Correction of whole kidney renal vascular resistance (RVR) during the first 5 s after a 10- to 20-mmHg step increase in perfusion pressure, a timeframe associated with myogenic-mediated correction of RVR, was slowed (4.2 ± 0.9, 0.3 ± 0.7, and 2.4 ± 0.3 resistance units/s in ASIC2+/+, ASIC2+/−, and ASIC2−/− mice). Although modest reductions in function were observed in ASIC2−/− mice, greater reductions were observed in ASIC2+/− mice, which may be explained by protein-protein interactions of ASIC2 with other degenerins. Isolated glomeruli from ASIC2+/− and ASIC2−/− mice had modest alterations in the expression of inflammation and injury markers (transforming growth factor-β, mouse anti-target of antiproliferative antibody-1, and nephrin), whereas ASIC2+/− mice had an increase in the remodeling marker collagen type III. Consistent with a more severe loss of function, mean arterial pressure was increased in ASIC2+/− mice (131 ± 3 mmHg) but not in ASIC2−/− mice (122 ± 3 vs. 117 ± 2 mmHg in ASIC2+/+ mice). These results suggest that ASIC2 contributes to transduction of the renal myogenic response and are consistent with the protective role of myogenic constriction against renal injury and hypertension.
Regulation of calcium reabsorption along the rat nephron: a modeling study
Authors: Edwards Aurélie
Published: December 2014

We expanded a mathematical model of transepithelial transport along the rat nephron to include the transport of Ca2+ and probe the impact of calcium-sensing mechanisms on Ca2+ reabsorption. The model nephron extends from the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) to the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Our model reproduces several experimental findings, such as measurements of luminal Ca2+ concentrations in cortical tubules, and the effects of furosemide or deletion of the transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) on urinary Ca2+ excretion. In vitro microperfusion of rat TAL has demonstrated that activation of the calcium-sensing receptor CaSR lowers the TAL permeability to Ca2+, PCaTAL (Loupy A, Ramakrishnan SK, Wootla B, Chambrey R, de la Faille R, Bourgeois S, Bruneval P, Mandet C, Christensen EI, Faure H, Cheval L, Laghmani K, Collet C, Eladari D, Dodd RH, Ruat M, Houillier P. J Clin Invest 122: 3355, 2012). Our results suggest that this regulatory mechanism significantly impacts renal Ca2+ handling: when plasma Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) is raised by 10%, the CaSR-mediated reduction in PCaTAL per se is predicted to enhance urinary Ca2+ excretion by ∼30%. If high [Ca2+] also induces renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) inhibition, urinary Ca2+ excretion is further raised. In vitro, increases in luminal [Ca2+] have been shown to activate H+-ATPase pumps in the outer medullary CD and to lower the water permeability of IMCD. Our model suggests that if these responses exhibit the sigmoidal dependence on luminal [Ca2+] that is characteristic of CaSR, then the impact of elevated Ca2+ levels in the CD on urinary volume and pH remains limited. Finally, our model suggests that CaSR inhibitors could significantly reduce urinary Ca2+ excretion in hypoparathyroidism, thereby reducing the risk of calcium stone formation.
5 G WiFi Signal-Based Indoor Localization System Using Cluster k-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm
Authors: Yu Feng , Jiang Minghua , Liang Jing , Qin Xiao , Hu Ming , Peng Tao , Hu Xinrong
Published: December 2014

Indoor localization based on existent WiFi signal strength is becoming more and more prevalent and ubiquitous. Unfortunately, the WiFi received signal strength (RSS) is susceptible by multipath, signal attenuation, and environmental changes, which is the major challenge for accurate indoor localization. To overcome these limitations, we propose the cluster k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm with 5 G WiFi signal to reduce the environmental interference and improve the localization performance without additional equipment. In this paper, we propose three approaches to improve the performance of localization algorithm. For one thing, we reduce the computation effort based on the coarse localization algorithm. For another, according to the detailed analysis of the 2.4 G and 5 G signal fluctuation, we expand the real-time measurement RSS before matching the fingerprint map. More importantly, we select the optimal nearest neighbor points based on the proposed cluster KNN algorithm. We have implemented the proposed algorithm and evaluated the performance with existent popular algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve localization accuracy and exhibit superior performance in terms of localization stabilization and computation effort.
MHD Two-Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer between Two Inclined Parallel Plates in a Rotating System
Authors: Sri Ramachandra Murty P. , Balaji Prakash G.
Published: December 2014

Two-phase magnetohydrodynamic convective flow of electrically conducting fluid through an inclined channel is studied under the action of a constant transverse magnetic field in a rotating system. The fluids in the two phases are steady, incompressible, laminar, immiscible, and electrically conducting, having different densities, viscosities, and thermal and electrical conductivities. The transport properties of both the fluids are assumed constant. The bounding infinite inclined parallel plates are maintained at different constant temperatures, making an angle ϕ with the horizontal. Approximate solutions for velocity and temperature distributions are obtained by using a straightforward regular perturbation technique. An in-depth study has been done on the effects of rotation parameter, Hartmann number, inclination angle, the ratio of electrical conductivities, and viscosities of two fluids on the flow. It is observed that the effect of increasing rotation is to decrease the primary velocity. Further it is noticed that as the rotation increases, the secondary velocity increases for smaller rotation, while for larger rotation it decreases. It is also found that the temperature distribution decreases as the rotation increases.
The Improved Kriging Interpolation Algorithm for Local Underwater Terrain Based on Fractal Compensation
Authors: Chen Pengyun , Li Ye , Su Yumin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: December 2014

The interpolation‐reconstruction of local underwater terrain using the underwater digital terrain map (UDTM) is an important step for building an underwater terrain matching unit and directly affects the accuracy of underwater terrain matching navigation. The Kriging method is often used in terrain interpolation, but, with this method, the local terrain features are often lost. Therefore, the accuracy cannot meet the requirements of practical application. Analysis of the geographical features is performed on the basis of the randomness and self‐similarity of underwater terrain. We extract the fractal features of local underwater terrain with the fractal Brownian motion model, compensating for the possible errors of the Kriging method with fractal theory. We then put forward an improved Kriging interpolation method based on this fractal compensation. Interpolation‐reconstruction tests show that the method can simulate the real underwater terrain features well and that it has good usability.
Changing Smoking Behavior of Staff at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Provincial General Hospital, Banda Aceh
Authors: Usman Said , Notoadmodjo Soekidjo , Rochadi Kintoko , Zuska Fikarwin
Published: December 2014

Smoking tobacco is a habit of individuals. Determinants of smoking behavior are multiple factors both within the individual and in the social environment around the individual. Staff smoking has been an undesirable phenomenon at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Provincial General Hospital in Banda Aceh. Health promotion efforts are a strategy that has resulted in behavioral changes with reductions in smoking by staff. This action research was designed to analyze changes in smoking behavior of hospital staff. The sample for this research was all 152 male staff who were smokers. The results of this research showed that Health Promotion Interventions (HPI) consisting of personal empowerment plus social support and advocacy to improve employee knowledge and attitudes influenced staff to stop or to significantly. HPI employed included counseling programs, distribution of antismoking leaflets, putting up antismoking posters, and installation of no smoking signs. These HPI proved effective to increase knowledge and create a positive attitude to nonsmoking that resulted in major reductions in smoking by staff when offsite and complete cessation of smoking whilst in the hospital. Continuous evaluation, monitoring, and strengthening of policies banning smoking should be maintained in all hospitals.
Mathematical Analysis of Non-Newtonian Blood Flow in Stenosis Narrow Arteries
Authors: Sriyab Somchai
Published: December 2014

The flow of blood in narrow arteries with bell-shaped mild stenosis is investigated that treats blood as non-Newtonian fluid by using the K-L model. When skin friction and resistance of blood flow are normalized with respect to non-Newtonian blood in normal artery, the results present the effect of stenosis length. When skin friction and resistance of blood flow are normalized with respect to Newtonian blood in stenosis artery, the results present the effect of non-Newtonian blood. The effect of stenosis length and effect of non-Newtonian fluid on skin friction are consistent with the Casson model in which the skin friction increases with the increase of ither stenosis length or the yield stress but the skin friction decreases with the increase of plasma viscosity coefficient. The effect of stenosis length and effect of non-Newtonian fluid on resistance of blood flow are contradictory. The resistance of blood flow (when normalized by non-Newtonian blood in normal artery) increases when either the plasma viscosity coefficient or the yield stress increases, but it decreases with the increase of stenosis length. The resistance of blood flow (when normalized by Newtonian blood in stenosis artery) decreases when either the plasma viscosity coefficient or the yield stress increases, but it decreases with the increase of stenosis length.
Fault Diagnosis of Beam-Like Structure Using Modified Fuzzy Technique
Authors: Thatoi Dhirendranath , Choudhury Sasanka , Jena Jena Prabir Kumar
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a novel hybrid fuzzy logic based artificial intelligence (AI) technique applicable to diagnosis of the crack parameters in a fixed-fixed beam by using the vibration signatures as input. The presence of damage in engineering structures leads to changes in vibration signatures like natural frequency and mode shapes. In the first part of this work, a structure with a failure crack has been analyzed using finite element method (FEM) and retrospective changes in the vibration signatures have been recorded. In the second part of the research work, these deviations in the vibration signatures for the first three mode shapes have been taken as input parameters for a fuzzy logic based controller for calculation of crack location and its severity as output parameters. In the proposed fuzzy controller, hybrid membership functions have been taken. Several fuzzy rules have been identified for prediction of crack depth and location and the results have been compared with finite element analysis. A database of experimental results has also been considered to check the robustness of the fuzzy controller. The results show that predictions for the nondimensional crack location, α, deviate ~2.4% from experimental values and for the nondimensional crack depth, δ, are less than ~−2%.
Efficacy of Levofloxacin Based Triple and High-Dose PPI-Amoxicillin Dual Eradication Therapy for Helicobacter pylori after Failures of First- and Second-Line Therapies
Authors: Okimoto Kenichiro , Arai Makoto , Saito Keiko , Minemura Shoko , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nakagawa Tomoo , Katsuno Tatsuro , Ishii Chisato , Murata Shota , Watanabe Masaharu , Nomura Fumio , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: December 2014

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori as the third-line triple therapy with rabeprazole (RPZ) + amoxicillin (AMPC) + levofloxacin (LVFX) and high-dose RPZ + AMPC. Methods. 51 patients who failed Japanese first-line (proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + AMPC + clarithromycin) and second-line (PPI + AMPC + metronidazole) eradication therapy were randomly assigned at a 1 : 1 ratio to one of the following third-line eradication groups: (1) RAL group: RPZ 10 mg (b.i.d.), AMPC 750 mg (b.i.d.), and LVFX 500 mg (o.d.) for 10 days; (2) RA group: RPZ 10 mg (q.i.d.) and AMPC 500 mg (q.i.d.) for 14 days. Patients who failed to respond to third-line eradication therapy received salvage therapy. Results. The rates of eradication success, based on intention to treat (ITT) analysis, were 45.8% in the RAL group and 40.7% in the RA group. The overall eradication rates were 73.9% in the RAL group and 64.0% in the RA group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions. The third-line triple therapy with RPZ, AMPC, and LVFX was as effective as that with high-dose RPZ and AMPC.
Lepra Reaction with Lucio Phenomenon Mimicking Cutaneous Vasculitis
Authors: Misra Durga Prasanna , Parida Jyoti Ranjan , Chowdhury Abhra Chandra , Pani Krushna Chandra , Kumari Niraj , Krishnani Narendra , Agarwal Vikas
Published: December 2014

Leprosy is a disease typically found in the tropics. Patients with leprosy can have varying presentation with constitutional symptoms, joint pains, skin nodules, and rarely a vasculitis-like picture with skin ulcers and neuropathy. We present a young lady who presented with the rare manifestation of skin infarcts mimicking cutaneous vasculitis, diagnosed on histopathology to have Lucio phenomenon on a background of lepromatous leprosy. With increasing migration and widespread use of biologic response modifiers, clinicians all over the world need to be aware of various presentations of leprosy as well as needing to keep an open mind while considering the differential diagnoses of vasculitis.
Interpreting the Consequences of Metformin Accumulation in an Emergency Context: Impact of the Time Frame on the Blood Metformin Levels
Authors: Lalau Jean-Daniel , Kajbaf Farshad
Published: December 2014

Objective. To clarify the link between metformin accumulation and its metabolic consequences by taking the time frame for metformin measurement into account.Research Design and Methods. Our database was studied for cases of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis status available on admission, and then we selected patients in whom arterial pH, blood lactate, and plasma and erythrocyte metformin levels had been determined at the same time point.Results. Seventeen reports were studied on 16 patients, of whom 10 presented lactic acidosis. The time interval between admission and comprehensive testing ranged from 0 to 52 hours. The study parameters were determined simultaneously on admission in only 4 patients. In the 9 patients with lactic acidosis on admission and a delayed metformin assay, lactic acidosis persisted in 6 cases and had resolved in 3 cases by the time the blood sampling for metformin assay was performed. Conversely, lactic acidosis developed after admission in one case.Conclusions. Caution must be taken when interpreting the consequences of metformin accumulation in an emergency context: the patient’s lactic acidosis status will have changed by the time the metformin assay is performed, even though metformin accumulation may still be present.
Stability Analysis of a Car‐Following Model on Two Lanes
Authors: Jia Yuhan , Du Yiman , Wu Jianping
Published: December 2014

Considering lateral influence from adjacent lane, an improved car‐following model is developed in this paper. Then linear and nonlinear stability analyses are carried out. The modified Korteweg‐de Vries (MKdV) equation is derived with the kink‐antikink soliton solution. Numerical simulations are implemented and the result shows good consistency with theoretical study.
Circulating MicroRNAs in Plasma of Hepatitis B e Antigen Positive Children Reveal Liver-Specific Target Genes
Authors: Winther Thilde Nordmann , Jacobsen Kari Stougaard , Mirza Aashiq Hussain , Heiberg Ida Louise , Bang-Berthelsen Claus Heiner , Pociot Flemming , Hogh Birthe
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim. Hepatitis B e antigen positive (HBeAg-positive) children are at high risk of severe complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Liver damage is caused by the host immune response to infected hepatocytes, and we hypothesise that specific microRNAs play a role in this complex interaction between virus and host. The study aimed to identify microRNAs with aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children and with liver-specific target genes.Methods. By revisiting our previous screen of microRNA plasma levels in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and in healthy controls, candidate microRNAs with aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children were identified. MicroRNAs targeting liver-specific genes were selected based on bioinformatics analysis and validated by qRT-PCR using plasma samples from 34 HBeAg-positive, 26 HBeAg-negative, and 60 healthy control children.Results. Thirteen microRNAs showed aberrant plasma expressions in HBeAg-positive children and targeted liver-specific genes. In particular, three microRNAs were upregulated and one was downregulated in HBeAg-positive children compared to HBeAg-negative and healthy control children, which showed equal levels.Conclusion. The identified microRNAs might impact the progression of CHB in children. Functional studies are warranted, however, to elucidate the microRNAs’ role in the immunopathogenesis of childhood CHB.
A New Method of Designing Circularly Symmetric Shaped Dual Reflector Antennas Using Distorted Conics
Authors: Zaman Mohammad Asif , Matin Md. Abdul
Published: December 2014

A new method of designing circularly symmetric shaped dual reflector antennas using distorted conics is presented. The surface of the shaped subreflector is expressed using a new set of equations employing differential geometry. The proposed equations require only a small number of parameters to accurately describe practical shaped subreflector surfaces. A geometrical optics (GO) based method is used to synthesize the shaped main reflector surface corresponding to the shaped subreflector. Using the proposed method, a shaped Cassegrain dual reflector system is designed. The field scattered from the subreflector is calculated using uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD). Finally, a numerical example is provided showing how a shaped subreflector produces more uniform illumination over the main reflector aperture compared to an unshaped subreflector.
Management of Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Neumeister Peter , Troppan Katharina , Raderer Markus
Published: December 2014

Extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type represent 7-8% of all B cell lymphomas and up to 50% of primary gastric lymphomas and can arise at any extranodal site. The most common manifestation is the stomach, which is almost invariably associated with a chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. The diagnosis is based on the histopathological evaluation of multiple gastric biopsies in accordance with the current WHO classification. The mainstay of therapy is H. pylori eradication, which must be delivered to all gastric MALT lymphoma patients, independent of stage. In patients who do not achieve lymphoma regression following antibiotic therapy, irradiation and/or systemic oncological therapies should be applied, depending on the stage of the disease. Radiotherapy might be the preferred option for localized stage. However, in the presence of disseminated or advanced disease, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy with the anti-CD 20 antibody rituximab is the treatment of choice, but no standard chemotherapy has been defined so far. Gastric MALT lymphomas have a limited tendency to distant spreading and to histological transformation and thus MALT lymphoma usually has a favorable outcome, with an overall survival rate at 5 years of more than 85%.
Serrated and Non-Serrated Precursor Lesions of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Langner Cord
Published: December 2014

Although often viewed as a single disease, colorectal cancer more accurately represents a family of diseases with different precursor lesions. Conventional (tubular, tubulovillous and villous) adenomas are the most common neoplastic lesions occurring in the large intestine. They have adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations and arise from dysplastic aberrant crypt foci, initially as polyclonal lesions. In sporadic tumours, neoplastic progression follows the traditional pathway (chromosomal instability pathway), resulting in CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-negative, microsatellite-stable (MSS), BRAF and KRAS wild-type cancers. Germline mutations in the APC gene lead to familial adenomatous polyposis. Conventional adenomas are also the precursors of Lynch syndrome-associated microsatellite-instable (MSI-high) cancers. Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is the principal precursor lesion of the serrated pathway, in which BRAF mutation can lead to colorectal cancer with MSI-high CIMP-high or MSS CIMP-high phenotype. SSA/Ps have been associated with synchronous and metachronous invasive adenocarcinomas as well as so-called interval carcinomas. Serrated polyposis is rare but most likely underdiagnosed. Affected individuals bear an increased but unspecified risk for the development of colorectal cancer; close endoscopic surveillance is warranted. Traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) are much less common than the other serrated lesions. Cancers originating from TSAs may show KRAS mutation with a CIMP-high MSS phenotype.
Small Colorectal Polyps
Authors: Schoefl Rainer , Ziachehabi Alexander , Wewalka Friedrich
Published: December 2014

Small (<10 mm) and diminutive (<6 mm) polyps harbour high-grade dysplasia or cancer in 0.3-5% of cases. The potential to grow and develop advanced histology is low. Traditional guidelines still recommend the removal of all polyps. Visual characterisation with modern endoscopic technology could enable us to leave diminutive hyperplastic polyps in situ and remove but discard small polyps. In expert hands, high-definition white-light endoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy can reach an accuracy of more than 90% in distinguishing between hyperplastic and adenomatous pathology. For less experienced endoscopists the values are lower and therefore the concept is not yet fit for routine use. Polyps can be removed completely with snares but not with forceps. The cold snaring technique in particular has proved safe and effective for small polyps. With more experience in the future a ‘cut and discard' strategy for small polyps and a ‘do not resect' strategy for diminutive polyps will save money and time to deal with more advanced lesions.
Risk Assessment in Early Colorectal Cancer: Histological and Molecular Markers
Authors: Resch Annika , Langner Cord
Published: December 2014

The pathological examination of early colorectal cancer specimens, in particular ‘malignant polyps', provides important prognostic information. The depth of invasion into the submucosal layer assessed according to the Haggitt (for pedunculated lesions) or Kikuchi (for nonpolypoid lesions) classification systems or by direct measurement has been associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis. Angioinvasion, in particular lymphatic invasion, budding, tumor differentiation or grade, and resection margin status have been identified as further risk factors. The combination of these parameters allows the stratification of affected individuals into low- and high-risk categories, which is pivotal for clinical management. For low-risk cancers, defined as a completely excised Haggitt level 1-3/Kikuchi sm1 tumor with no evidence of poor differentiation or angioinvasion, local excision is generally regarded as adequate treatment. Oncological surgical resection is, however, indicated for high-risk cancers, which show at least one of the following features: Haggitt level 4/Kikuchi sm3 invasion, the presence of lymphatic (or vascular) invasion, poor differentiation, or positive resection margin. The inclusion of molecular markers such as tumor suppressor genes and their products, markers involved in tumor vascularization, and markers related to tumor cell adhesion and invasion may help to refine risk stratification, but data on molecular markers are still limited in this regard.
Development and Validation of an Endoscopic Classification of Diverticular Disease of the Colon: The DICA Classification
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Brandimarte Giovanni , Di Mario Francesco , Andreoli Arnaldo , Annunziata Maria Laura , Astegiano Marco , Bianco Maria Antonietta , Buri Luigi , Cammarota Giovanni , Capezzuto Erminio , Chilovi Fausto , Cianci Massimo , Conigliaro Rita , Del Favero Giuseppe , Di Cesare Luigi , Di Fonzo Michela , Elisei Walter , Faggiani Roberto , Farroni Ferruccio , Forti Giacomo , Germanà Bastianello , Giorgetti Gian Marco , Giovannone Maurizio , Lecca Piera Giuseppina , Loperfido Silvano , Marmo Riccardo , Morucci Piero , Occhigrossi Giuseppe , Penna Antonio , Rossi Alfredo Francesco , Spadaccini Antonio , Zampaletta Costantino , Zilli Maurizio , Zullo Angelo , Scarpignato Carmelo , Picchio Marcello
Published: December 2014

Background: A validated endoscopic classification of diverticular disease (DD) of the colon is lacking at present. Our aim was to develop a simple endoscopic score of DD: the Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) score. Methods: The DICA score for DD resulted in the sum of the scores for the extension of diverticulosis, the number of diverticula per region, the presence and type of inflammation, and the presence and type of complications: DICA 1 (≤3), DICA 2 (4-7) and DICA 3 (>7). A comparison with abdominal pain and inflammatory marker expression was also performed. A total of 50 videos of DD patients were reassessed in order to investigate the predictive role of DICA on the outcome of the disease. Results: Overall agreement in using DICA was 0.847 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.812-0.893): 0.878 (95% CI 0.832-0.895) for DICA 1, 0.765 (95% CI 0.735-0.786) for DICA 2 and 0.891 (95% CI 0.845-0.7923) for DICA 3. Intra-observer agreement (kappa) was 0.91 (95% CI 0.886-0.947). A significant correlation was found between the DICA score and C-reactive protein values (p = 0.0001), as well as between the median pain score and the DICA score (p = 0.0001). With respect to the 50 patients retrospectively reassessed, occurrence/recurrence of disease complications was recorded in 29 patients (58%): 10 (34.5%) were classified as DICA 1 and 19 (65.5%) as DICA 2 (p = 0.036). Conclusions: The DICA score is a simple, reproducible, validated and easy-to-use endoscopic scoring system for DD of the colon.
Radiological Evaluation of Focal Pancreatic Lesions
Authors: Putzer Daniel , Jaschke Werner
Published: December 2014

The early and accurate characterization of pancreatic masses remains a challenge in diagnostic radiology, while the continuously evolving diagnostic possibilities give rise to an ever-increasing number of incidentally found pancreatic masses. This article discusses the relevance and role of ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. Specific protocols such as MR cholangiopancreatography and multiphase CT allow for a close characterization. While CT and MRI deliver information to further evaluate pancreatic disease, PET/CT has shown potential for staging purposes and in the clinical follow-up of pancreatic cancer patients. Common differential diagnoses regarding pancreatic cancer are discussed, and typical imaging features of anatomical variations, cystic lesions and pancreatitis are illustrated, together with clinical signs of pancreatic disease. The use of cross-sectional imaging in correlation with clinical features allows for an accurate and early detection of pancreatic masses and assists in differentiating benign from malignant disease.
New Drugs on the Horizon for IBD
Authors: Sands Bruce E.
Published: December 2014

TNF antagonists have revolutionized the treatment of IBD. Nevertheless, between 30 and 45% of patients discontinue infliximab and other TNF antagonists over a 2- to 6-year period due to nonresponse, loss of response, or adverse events. Accordingly, the need for novel therapies grows each year. Recent studies have demonstrated the promise of new drugs with distinct modes of action for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). These include agents targeting leukocyte trafficking, therapies directed against IL-12/23 and Janus kinases (JAK), and antibodies against the classic inflammatory cytokine, IL-6. The anti-α4-integrin antibody, natalizumab, was the first effective antitrafficking agent for CD; however, its use has been greatly limited by the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Therefore, second-generation antitrafficking agents have focused on restricting leukocyte blockade to the intestine through mechanisms interfering with α4β7-integrin and its interaction with mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule 1. IL-23 is a cytokine central to the adaptive immune responses that characterize IBD. Ustekinumab, targeting the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, and the oral JAK inhibitor tofacitinib have proven to be effective in phase 2 trials in CD and UC, respectively. In addition, antibodies targeting the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 are being studied in CD. Each of the approaches described have promise as well as limitations, so it is likely that the search for novel agents in IBD will continue.
Role of Immunosuppressives in Special Situations: Perianal Disease and Postoperative Period
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta
Published: December 2014

Complex perianal disease is associated with poor outcome and requires early effective therapy. Corticosteroids are not effective in perianal fistulising Crohn's disease, and antibiotics, immunosuppressants and anti-TNF therapy are required. It is important to consider combined medical surgical therapy after accurate imaging using an MRI scan of the pelvis. Drainage of any abscess at examination under anaesthesia and seton insertion are important before introduction of immunosuppressants and anti-TNF therapy. Long-term follow up of patients in a single centre reported responders to azathioprine having a reduced risk of perianal surgery (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.27-0.46), but complex perianal fistulising Crohn's disease generally requires combination therapy with anti-TNF and azathioprine. Patients with recent perianal disease without fistulae and aged 40 years or older respond better to azathioprine monotherapy. Response to monotherapy with azathioprine is often slow and incomplete. In the recent GETAID study of early administration of azathioprine versus conventional management in patients at high risk of disabling disease, a higher cumulative proportion of patients in the azathioprine group were free of perianal surgery. In patients not responding to anti-TNF therapy, thalidomide or tacrolimus may be considered. Hyperbaric oxygen may be used as adjunctive therapy where available. The role of adipose-derived stem cell injection requires further long-term studies. In prevention of post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine had a favourable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared with no prophylactic therapy up to 1 year. In a Cochrane systematic review, azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine was associated with a significantly reduced risk of clinical recurrence [RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38-0.92, number needed to treat (NNT) = 7] and severe endoscopic recurrence (RR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.44-0.92, NNT = 4). Individual studies of prevention of post-operative recurrence using azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine have shown only modest benefit. In patients at high risk of relapse after surgical resection, anti-TNF therapy may be beneficial, but more data is required from ongoing studies. Strategies to prevent post-operative recurrence in Crohn's disease are evolving but need further refinement.