bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nod2-Nodosome in a Cell-Free System: Implications in Pathogenesis and Drug Discovery for Blau Syndrome and Early-Onset Sarcoidosis
Authors: Iwasaki Tomoyuki , Kaneko Naoe , Ito Yuki , Takeda Hiroyuki , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Heike Toshio , Migita Kiyoshi , Agematsu Kazunaga , Kawakami Atsushi , Morikawa Shinnosuke , Mokuda Sho , Kurata Mie , Masumoto Junya
Published: June 2016

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein (Nod) 2 is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor, which recognizes muramyl dipeptide (N-Acetylmuramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Isoglutamine: MDP), a bacterial peptidoglycan component, and makes a NF-κB-activating complex called nodosome with adaptor protein RICK (RIP2/RIPK2). Nod2 mutants are associated with the autoinflammatory diseases, Blau syndrome (BS)/early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS). For drug discovery of BS/EOS, we tried to develop Nod2-nodosome in a cell-free system. FLAG-tagged RICK, biotinylated-Nod2, and BS/EOS-associated Nod2 mutants were synthesized, and proximity signals between FLAG-tagged and biotinylated proteins were detected by amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (ALPHA). Upon incubation with MDP, the ALPHA signal of interaction between Nod2-WT and RICK was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The ALPHA signal of interaction between RICK and the BS/EOS-associated Nod2 mutants was more significantly increased than Nod2-WT. Notably, the ALPHA signal between Nod2-WT and RICK was increased upon incubation with MDP, but not when incubated with the same concentrations, L-alanine, D-isoglutamic acid, or the MDP-D-isoform. Thus, we successfully developed Nod2-nodosome in a cell-free system reflecting its function in vivo, and it can be useful for screening Nod2-nodosome-targeted therapeutic molecules for BS/EOS and granulomatous inflammatory diseases.
Patient-Specific Computational Models of Coronary Arteries Using Monoplane X-Ray Angiograms
Authors: Zifan Ali , Liatsis Panos
Published: June 2016

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in western countries. Early detection and diagnosis of CAD is quintessential to preventing mortality and subsequent complications. We believe hemodynamic data derived from patient-specific computational models could facilitate more accurate prediction of the risk of atherosclerosis. We introduce a semiautomated method to build 3D patient-specific coronary vessel models from 2D monoplane angiogram images. The main contribution of the method is a robust segmentation approach using dynamic programming combined with iterative 3D reconstruction to build 3D mesh models of the coronary vessels. Results indicate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed pipeline. In conclusion, patient-specific modelling of coronary vessels is of vital importance for developing accurate computational flow models and studying the hemodynamic effects of the presence of plaques on the arterial walls, resulting in lumen stenoses, as well as variations in the angulations of the coronary arteries.
End Face Damage and Fiber Fuse Phenomena in Single-Mode Fiber-Optic Connectors
Authors: Shuto Yoshito
Published: June 2016

The evolution of both the core melting and fiber fuse phenomena in a single-mode fiber-optic connector was studied theoretically. Carbon black was chosen as a light-absorbent material. A thin absorbent layer with a thickness of 1 μm order was assumed to be formed between the fiber end faces in the connector. When a high-power laser operating at 1.48 or 1.55 μm was input into the connector, the temperature on the fiber core surface increased owing to heat conduction from the light-absorbent material. The heat flow process of the core, which caused the core to melt or the fiber fuse phenomenon, was theoretically calculated with the explicit finite-difference method. The results indicated that initial attenuation of less than 0.5 dB was desirable to prevent core fusion in the connectors when the input 1.48 μm laser power was 1 W. It was found that a core temperature of more than 4000 K was necessary to generate and maintain a fiber fuse.
On the General Solution of Impulsive Systems with Hadamard Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xianmin , Zhang Xianzhen , Liu Zuohua , Ding Wenbin , Cao Hui , Shu Tong
Published: June 2016

This paper is concerned with the solution for impulsive differential equations with Hadamard fractional derivatives. The general solution of this impulsive fractional system is found by considering the limit case in which impulses approach zero. Next, an example is provided to expound the theoretical result.
Biofunctional Activities of Equisetum ramosissimum Extract: Protective Effects against Oxidation, Melanoma, and Melanogenesis
Authors: Li Pin-Hui , Chiu Yu-Pin , Shih Chieh-Chih , Wen Zhi-Hong , Ibeto Laura Kaodichi , Huang Shu-Hung , Chiu Chien Chih , Ma Dik-Lung , Leung Chung-Hang , Chang Yaw-Nan , Wang Hui-Min David
Published: June 2016

Equisetum ramosissimum, a genus of Equisetaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be separated into ethyl acetate (EA), dichloromethane (DM), n‐hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), and water extracts. EA extract was known to have potent antioxidative properties, reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, and metal ion chelating activity. This study compared these five extracts in terms of their inhibiting effects on three human malignant melanomas: A375, A375.S2, and A2058. MTT assay presented the notion that both EA and DM extracts inhibited melanoma growth but did not affect the viabilities of normal dermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) or fibroblasts. Western blot analyses showed that both EA and DM extracts induced overexpression of caspase proteins in all three melanomas. To determine their roles in melanogenesis, this study analyzed their in vitro suppressive effects on mushroom tyrosinase. All extracts except for water revealed moderate suppressive effects. None of the extracts affected B16‐F10 cells proliferation. EA extract inhibited cellular melanin production whereas DM extract unexpectedly enhanced cellular pigmentation in B16‐F10 cells. Data for modulations of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein 1, and tyrosinase‐related protein 2 showed that EA extract inhibited protein expression mentioned above whereas DM extract had the opposite effect. Overall, the experiments indicated that the biofunctional activities of EA extract contained in food and cosmetics protect against oxidation, melanoma, and melanin production.
Preparation of Composite Films of a Conjugated Polymer and C60NWs and Their Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Wakahara Takatsugu , Miyazawa Kun’ichi , Ito Osamu , Tanigaki Nobutaka
Published: June 2016

Composite films of conjugated polymers, such as poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), with C60nanowhiskers (C60NWs) were prepared. The photoluminescence originating from the conjugated MDMO-PPV polymers was effectively quenched in the composite film, indicating a strong interaction between the conjugated polymer and C60NWs. The photovoltaic devices were fabricated using C60NW (conjugated polymer) composite films, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of ~0.01% for P3HT with short length thin C60NWs, which is higher than that previously reported for thick C60nanorods. The present study gives new guidance on the selection of the type of C60NWs and the appropriate polymer for new photovoltaic devices.
ST Segment Elevation with Normal Coronaries
Authors: Sethi Pooja , Murtaza Ghulam , Sharma Ashwini , Paul Timir
Published: June 2016

Noncardiac causes should be kept in the differential while evaluating ST elevation on EKG. Rarely abdominal pathologies like acute pancreatitis can present with ST elevation in the inferior leads. Once acute coronary syndrome is ruled out by emergent cardiac catheterization alternative diagnosis should be sorted. Abdominal pathologies, like acute pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis, can present with ST elevation in the inferior leads. Treating the underlying condition would result in resolution of these EKG changes.
Data-Driven Machine-Learning Model in District Heating System for Heat Load Prediction: A Comparison Study
Authors: Dalipi Fisnik , Yildirim Yayilgan Sule , Gebremedhin Alemayehu
Published: June 2016

We present our data-driven supervised machine-learning (ML) model to predict heat load for buildings in a district heating system (DHS). Even though ML has been used as an approach to heat load prediction in literature, it is hard to select an approach that will qualify as a solution for our case as existing solutions are quite problem specific. For that reason, we compared and evaluated three ML algorithms within a framework on operational data from a DH system in order to generate the required prediction model. The algorithms examined are Support Vector Regression (SVR), Partial Least Square (PLS), and random forest (RF). We use the data collected from buildings at several locations for a period of 29 weeks. Concerning the accuracy of predicting the heat load, we evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms using mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and correlation coefficient. In order to determine which algorithm had the best accuracy, we conducted performance comparison among these ML algorithms. The comparison of the algorithms indicates that, for DH heat load prediction, SVR method presented in this paper is the most efficient one out of the three also compared to other methods found in the literature.
Modeling the Mechanical Consequences of Age-Related Trabecular Bone Loss by XFEM Simulation
Authors: Fan Ruoxun , Gong He , Zhang Xianbin , Liu Jun , Jia Zhengbin , Zhu Dong
Published: June 2016

The elderly are more likely to suffer from fracture because of age-related trabecular bone loss. Different bone loss locations and patterns have different effects on bone mechanical properties. Extended finite element method (XFEM) can simulate fracture process and was suited to investigate the effects of bone loss on trabecular bone. Age-related bone loss is indicated by trabecular thinning and loss and may occur at low-strain locations or other random sites. Accordingly, several ideal normal and aged trabecular bone models were created based on different bone loss locations and patterns; then, fracture processes from crack initiation to complete failure of these models were observed by XFEM; finally, the effects of different locations and patterns on trabecular bone were compared. Results indicated that bone loss occurring at low-strain locations was more detrimental to trabecular bone than that occurring at other random sites; meanwhile, the decrease in bone strength caused by trabecular loss was higher than that caused by trabecular thinning, and the effects of vertical trabecular loss on mechanical properties were more severe than horizontal trabecular loss. This study provided a numerical method to simulate trabecular bone fracture and distinguished different effects of the possible occurrence of bone loss locations and patterns on trabecular bone.
Outcomes and National Trends for the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spine Trauma
Authors: Drazin Doniel , Nuno Miriam , Shweikeh Faris , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Baron Eli , Kim Terrence T. , Johnson J. Patrick
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Operative treatment of lumbar spine compression fractures includes fusion and/or cement augmentation. Our aim was to evaluate postoperative differences in patients treated surgically with fusion, vertebroplasty, or kyphoplasty.Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database search for adult vertebral compression fracture patients treated 2004–2011 identified 102,316 surgical patients: 30.6% underwent spinal fusion, 17.1% underwent kyphoplasty, and 49.9% underwent vertebroplasty. Univariate analysis of patient and hospital characteristics, by treatment, was performed. Multivariable analysis was used to determine factors associated with mortality, nonroutine discharge, complications, and patient safety.Results. Average patient age: fusion (46.2), kyphoplasty (78.5), vertebroplasty (76.7) (p<.0001). Gender, race, household income, hospital-specific characteristics, and insurance differences were found (p≤.001). Leading comorbidities were hypertension, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Risks for higher mortality (OR 2.0: CI: 1.6–2.5), nonroutine discharge (OR 1.6, CI: 1.6–1.7), complications (OR 1.1, CI: 1.0–1.1), and safety related events (OR 1.1, CI: 1.0–1.1) rose consistently with increasing age, particularly among fusion patients. Preexisting comorbidities and longer in-hospital length of stay were associated with increased odds of nonroutine discharge, complications, and patient safety.Conclusions. Fusion patients had higher rates of poorer outcomes compared to vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty cohorts. Mortality, nonroutine discharge, complications, and adverse events increased consistently with older age.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Sea Surface Temperature in Eastern Marginal Seas of China
Authors: Wu Renhao , Lin Jianmin , Li Bo
Published: June 2016

Spatial mean value evolution, long-term mean pattern, and seasonal as well as interannual variability of sea surface temperature (SST) in Eastern Marginal Seas of China (EMSC) are reanalyzed based on thirty years’ NOAA optimum interpolation (OI) 1/4 degrees’ daily SST data. Temporal evolution of the spatial mean value shows a very marked annual cycle and a weak warming tendency (0.03437°C/year). Spatial distribution of the long-term mean value shows some more fine spatial structure of SST compared to previous studies. Over 90% of the temporal variability can be explained by the annual harmonic whose amplitude is one order larger than that of the semiannual harmonic. In addition, the annual harmonic amplitude distribution is consistent with that of the value of standard deviation. In order to investigate the interannual variation of SST, the EMSC SST interannual index was constructed. Based on wavelet analysis, a significant peak around 3.3 years was found in the EMSC SST interannual index. Further analysis demonstrated that the interannual variability of SST is linked with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection, through which anomalous surface heat flux warms or cools the EMSC during El Niño or La Niña events.
On-Orbit Thermal Design and Validation of 1 U Standardized CubeSat of STEP Cube Lab
Authors: Kang Soo-Jin , Oh Hyun-Ung
Published: June 2016

The Cube Laboratory for Space Technology Experimental Projects (STEP Cube Lab) is a cube satellite (CubeSat) classified as a pico-class satellite of 1 U (unit) size. Its main mission objective is to exploit core space technologies researched by domestic universities and verify the effectiveness of these technologies through on-orbit tests using the CubeSat. To guarantee a successful mission under extreme space thermal environments, proper thermal design is important. This paper describes the development process undertaken in the thermal design of the STEP Cube Lab, based on a passive approach, and its validation test. The system functionality and thermal design were verified through thermal vacuum and thermal balance tests under space simulated thermal vacuum environment condition. Finally, the orbital temperature of each component was predicted using a highly reliable correlated thermal mathematical model of the CubeSat obtained from the thermal balance test.
Dual Band Magnonic Crystals: Model System and Basic Spin Wave Dynamics
Authors: Montoncello Federico , Giovannini Loris
Published: June 2016

We investigate a special design of two-dimensional magnonic crystal, consisting of two superimposed lattices with different lattice constants, such that spin waves (SWs) can propagate either in one or the other sublattice, depending on which of the two frequency bands they belong to. The SW bands are separated by a very large bandgap (in our model system, 6 GHz), easily tunable by changing the direction of an applied magnetic field, and the overlap of their spatial distribution, for any frequency of their bands, is always negligible. These properties make the designed system an ideal test system for a magnonic dual band waveguide, where the simultaneous excitation and subsequent propagation of two independent SW signals are allowed, with no mutual interference.
Nutritional Status and Anthropometric Indices in High School Girls in Ilam, West Iran
Authors: Jamalikandazi Fatemeh , Ranjbar Elham , Gholami-Parizad Eskandar , Ghazanfari Zeinab , Mostafavi Seyed-Ali
Published: June 2016

Background. Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods for human growth and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and anthropometric indices in high school girls in Ilam.Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on 360 domestic high school girl students chosen randomly by cluster sampling. Data were gathered through interviews performed by a dietitian to fill 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency and demographic questionnaires. Then we performed the anthropometric measurements and we compared the results with CDC2000 standards. We analyzed our data by N4 food analyzer and SPSS16 software.Results. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 5% and 10.8%, respectively. Simultaneously, the prevalence of underweight was 20.2%. The prevalence of stunting was 5.8%. We also showed that 50% of high school girls in Ilam suffered from severe food insecurity, 14.7% suffered from mild insecurity, and 4.7% get extra energy from foods. Food analysis showed that micronutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, folate, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B12 were less than what is recommended by the RDA.Conclusion. Undernutrition and overnutrition are completely prevalent among girls studied in Ilam. This needs further acts and investigations in the field and more nutritional and health educations.
Gastrointestinal Pyogenic Granuloma (Lobular Capillary Hemangioma): An Underrecognized Entity Causing Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Meeks Marshall W. , Kamal Umar M. , Hammami Muhammad B. , Taylor Jason R. , Omran M. Louay , Chen Yongxin , Lai Jin-Ping
Published: June 2016

Pyogenic granuloma (PG), more accurately known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a benign vascular tumor that usually occurs in the skin or oral mucosa. This lesion is rarely reported in the gastrointestinal tract but is known to bleed if not resected. We herein describe a case series with the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings of four cases of gastrointestinal PG at our institution. In addition, we provide a review of the literature and summation of all reported cases of PG specific to the gastrointestinal tract. Based on our experience, we suggest that the actual incidence of gastrointestinal PG may in fact be higher than reported because PG can be unrecognized or improperly diagnosed. It is important for the clinician to properly recognize this lesion as a source of anemia and its propensity to bleed during biopsy or resection.
Segmentation of MRI Brain Images with an Improved Harmony Searching Algorithm
Authors: Yang Zhang , Shufan Ye , Li Guo , Weifeng Ding
Published: June 2016

The harmony searching (HS) algorithm is a kind of optimization search algorithm currently applied in many practical problems. The HS algorithm constantly revises variables in the harmony database and the probability of different values that can be used to complete iteration convergence to achieve the optimal effect. Accordingly, this study proposed a modified algorithm to improve the efficiency of the algorithm. First, a rough set algorithm was employed to improve the convergence and accuracy of the HS algorithm. Then, the optimal value was obtained using the improved HS algorithm. The optimal value of convergence was employed as the initial value of the fuzzy clustering algorithm for segmenting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain images. Experimental results showed that the improved HS algorithm attained better convergence and more accurate results than those of the original HS algorithm. In our study, the MRI image segmentation effect of the improved algorithm was superior to that of the original fuzzy clustering method.
A Qualitative Study to Examine Perceptions and Barriers to Appropriate Gestational Weight Gain among Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children Program
Authors: Kim Loan Pham , Koleilat Maria , Whaley Shannon E.
Published: June 2016

Women of reproductive age are particularly at risk of obesity because of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention, resulting in poor health outcomes for both mothers and infants. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceptions and barriers to GWG among low-income women in the WIC program to inform the development of an intervention study. Eleven focus groups were conducted and stratified by ethnicity, and each group included women of varying age, parity, and prepregnancy BMI ranges. Participants reported receiving pressure from spouse and family members to “eat for two” among multiple barriers to appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. Participants were concerned about gaining too much weight but had minimal knowledge of weight gain goals during pregnancy. Receiving regular weight monitoring was reported, but participants had inconsistent discussions about weight gain with healthcare providers. Most were not aware of the IOM guidelines nor the fact that gestational weight gain goals differed by prepregnancy weight status. Results of these focus groups analyses informed the design of a pregnancy weight tracker and accompanying educational handout for use in an intervention study. These findings suggest an important opportunity for GWG education in all settings where pregnant women are seen.
Subclinical Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Relationships with Blood Pressure, Hostility, and Sleep
Authors: McCubbin James A. , Zinzow Heidi M. , Hibdon Melissa A. , Nathan Aaron W. , Morrison Anastasia V. , Hayden Gregg W. , Lindberg Caitlyn , Switzer Fred S.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among subclinical PTSD symptoms, blood pressure, and several variables linked to both frank PTSD and the basic psychobiological adaptation to stress. The authors recruited a sample of 91 healthy, young men and women between 18 and 35 years. We examined links among subclinical posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, blood pressure, sleep quality, and hostility. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were associated with poorer sleep quality and higher hostility scores in both women and men. In men, PTSD symptoms were also associated with elevated resting diastolic blood pressure, and sex was an important moderator of that relationship. Moreover, sleep quality and hostility are substantive mediators of the relationship between diastolic blood pressure and PTSD. Behavioral interventions designed to increase sleep quality and restructure hostile attitudes could potentially serve as preventive interventions for PTSD and the underlying cardiovascular comorbidities in young adults.
The Guidelines for Modelling the Preloading Bolts in the Structural Connection Using Finite Element Methods
Authors: Krolo Paulina , Grandić Davor , Bulić Mladen
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is the development of the two different numerical techniques for the preloading of bolts by the finite element method using the software Abaqus Standard. Furthermore, this paper gave detailed guidelines for modelling contact, method for solving the numerical error problems such as numerical singularity error and negative eigenvalues due to rigid body motion or the problem of the extensive elongation of bolts after pretension which is occurring during the analysis. The behaviour of bolted joints depending on the two different approaches of pretension was shown on the example of an extended end-plate bolted beam-to-column connection under the monotonic loading. The behaviour of beam-to-column connection was shown in the form and moment-rotation (M-ϕ) curves and validated by experimental test. Advantages and disadvantages of pretension techniques, as well as the speed of numerical models, were also presented in this paper.
Electrical Stimulation of the Ear, Head, Cranial Nerve, or Cortex for the Treatment of Tinnitus: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hoare Derek J. , Adjamian Peyman , Sereda Magdalena
Published: June 2016

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. It is often associated with hearing loss and is thought to result from abnormal neural activity at some point or points in the auditory pathway, which is incorrectly interpreted by the brain as an actual sound. Neurostimulation therapies therefore, which interfere on some level with that abnormal activity, are a logical approach to treatment. For tinnitus, where the pathological neuronal activity might be associated with auditory and other areas of the brain, interventions using electromagnetic, electrical, or acoustic stimuli separately, or paired electrical and acoustic stimuli, have been proposed as treatments. Neurostimulation therapies should modulate neural activity to deliver a permanent reduction in tinnitus percept by driving the neuroplastic changes necessary to interrupt abnormal levels of oscillatory cortical activity and restore typical levels of activity. This change in activity should alter or interrupt the tinnitus percept (reduction or extinction) making it less bothersome. Here we review developments in therapies involving electrical stimulation of the ear, head, cranial nerve, or cortex in the treatment of tinnitus which demonstrably, or are hypothesised to, interrupt pathological neuronal activity in the cortex associated with tinnitus.
L-Malate’s Plasma and Excretion Profile in the Treatment of Moderate and Severe Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats
Authors: Waack Indra N. , Himmen Stephan , Mueller Friederike , Rohrig Ricarda , Roehrborn Friederike , Teloh Johanna K. , de Groot Herbert
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Malate is a standard component in fluid therapy within a wide range of medical applications. To date, there are insufficient data regarding its plasma distribution, renal excretion, and metabolism after infusion. This study aimed to investigate these three aspects in a rat model of moderate and severe hemorrhagic shock (HS).Methods. Male Wistar rats were subjected to HS by dropping the mean arterial blood pressure to 25–30 mmHg (severe) and 40–45 mmHg (moderate), respectively, for 60 minutes. Subsequently, reperfusion with Ringer-saline or a malate containing crystalloid solution (7 mM, 13.6 mM, and 21 mM, resp.) was performed within 30 minutes, followed by an observation period of 150 minutes.Results. In the present experiments, malate rapidly disappeared from the blood, while only 5% of the infused malate was renally excreted. In the resuscitation interval the urinary citrate and succinate amounts significantly increased compared to control.Conclusion. Malate’s half-life is between 30 and 60 minutes in both, moderate and severe HS. Thus, even under traumatic conditions malate seems to be subjected to rapid metabolism with participation of the kidneys.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome with Bilateral Independent Epileptic Foci Precipitated By Guillain-Barrè Syndrome
Authors: Rossi Rosario , Saddi Maria Valeria , Mela Alessandro , Ticca Anna
Published: June 2016

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who developed status epilepticus (SE) related to independent occipital foci as clinical manifestation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the background of Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS). SE resulted from a series of focal seizures clinically characterized by left- and rightward deviations of the head and consequent oculoclonic movements. Electroencephalography recorded independent seizure activity in both occipital regions with alternate involvement of the two cerebral hemispheres. The epileptic foci corresponded topographically to parenchymal abnormalities of PRES in the occipital lobes. The manifestation of bilateral, independent occipital seizures with alternate deviations of the head and oculoclonic movements, previously not reported in patients with PRES, highlights the acute epileptogenicity of the cerebral lesions in this syndrome. Despite the variable clinical expression of seizures due to occipital damage in PRES, the development of independent seizure activity in both occipital lobes might represent a distinctive epileptic phenomenon of this encephalopathy.
Influence of Alkali Treatment on the Surface Area of Aluminium Dross
Authors: Zauzi N. S. Ahmad , Zakaria M. Z. H. , Baini R. , Rahman M. R. , Mohamed Sutan N. , Hamdan S.
Published: June 2016

Aluminium dross is an industrial waste from aluminium refining industry and classified as toxic substances. However, the disposal of dross as a waste is a burden to aluminium manufacturer industries due to its negative effects to the ecosystem, surface, and ground water. Therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the surface area and pore size of aluminium dross. There were 3 stages in the treatment activities, which were leaching, precipitation, and calcination process. The optimum result from this study was the surface area of aluminium dross increases from 10.1 m2/g up to 80.0 m2/g at 40°C, 1% NaOH, and 15-minute reaction time. Thus, aluminium dross has a potential to be converted into other useful material such as catalyst and absorbent. The benefit of this research is that the hazardous industrial waste can be turned into wealth to be used in other applications such as in catalytic activities and absorber in waste water treatment. Further investigation on the physicochemical of aluminium dross with different acid or alkali should be conducted to get deeper understanding on the aluminium dross as a catalyst-type material.
CharmlessBc→PP,PVDecays in the QCD Factorization Approach
Authors: Wang Na
Published: June 2016

The charmlessBc→PP,PVdecays (wherePandVdenote the light pseudoscalar and vector mesons, resp.) can occur only via the weak annihilation diagrams within the Standard Model. In this paper, we study these kinds of decays in the framework of QCD factorization, by adopting two different schemes: scheme I is similar to the method usually adopted in the QCD factorization approach, while scheme II is based on the infrared behavior of gluon propagator and running coupling. For comparison, in our calculation, we adopt three kinds of wave functions forBcmeson. The branching ratios based on the two schemes are given. It is found that (a) the predicted branching ratios in scheme I are, however, quite small and almost impossible to be measured at the LHCb experiment and (b) in scheme II, by assigning a dynamical gluon mass to the gluon propagator, we can avoid enhancements of the contribution from soft endpoint region. The strength of annihilation contributions predicted in scheme II is enhanced compared to that obtained in scheme I.
An Operational Matrix Technique for Solving Variable Order Fractional Differential-Integral Equation Based on the Second Kind of Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Liu Jianping , Li Xia , Wu Limeng
Published: June 2016

An operational matrix technique is proposed to solve variable order fractional differential-integral equation based on the second kind of Chebyshev polynomials in this paper. The differential operational matrix and integral operational matrix are derived based on the second kind of Chebyshev polynomials. Using two types of operational matrixes, the original equation is transformed into the arithmetic product of several dependent matrixes, which can be viewed as an algebraic system after adopting the collocation points. Further, numerical solution of original equation is obtained by solving the algebraic system. Finally, several examples show that the numerical algorithm is computationally efficient.
Acute Aortic Dissection Biomarkers Identified Using Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation
Authors: Xiao Ziya , Xue Yuan , Yao Chenling , Gu Guorong , Zhang Yaping , Zhang Jin , Fan Fan , Luan Xiao , Deng Zhi , Tao Zhengang , Song Zhen-ju , Tong Chaoyang , Wang Haojun
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of potential serum biomarkers for acute aortic dissection (AAD) that were identified by isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) approaches. Serum samples from 20 AAD patients and 20 healthy volunteers were analyzed using iTRAQ technology. Protein validation was performed using samples from 120 patients with chest pain. A total of 355 proteins were identified with the iTRAQ approach; 164 proteins reached the strict quantitative standard, and 125 proteins were increased or decreased more than 1.2-fold (64 and 61 proteins were up- and downregulated, resp.). Lumican, C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and D-dimer were selected as candidate biomarkers for the validation tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves show that Lumican and D-dimer have diagnostic value (area under the curves [AUCs] 0.895 and 0.891,P<0.05). For Lumican, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 73.33% and 98.33%, while the corresponding values for D-dimer were 93.33% and 68.33%. For Lumican and D-dimer AAD combined diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.33% and 95%, respectively. In conclusion, Lumican has good specificity and D-dimer has good sensitivity for the diagnosis of AAD, while the combined detection of D-dimer and Lumican has better diagnostic value.
Prediction of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Bezoars Using Risk Factor Categories on Multidetector Computed Tomographic Findings
Authors: Kuang Lian-qin , Zhao Da-wei , Cheng Cheng , Wang Yi
Published: June 2016

Objectives. The aim of this study was to detect factors associated with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by bezoars on multidetector computed tomographic findings.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients who had bezoars in the small bowels on MDCT. The patients were divided into SBO patients group and non-SBO patients group. The mean values of the diameter, volume, and CT attenuation as well as location and characteristics of the bezoars were compared between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with SBO.Results. There were 32 patients (52.5%) in the SBO group and 29 patients (47.5%) in the non-SBO group. The bezoars in the SBO group had greater values of each mean diameter and mean volume than those in the non-SBO group (3.2±0.5 cm versus1.6±0.7 cm,P<0.0001,14.9±6.4 cm3versus2.5±2.7 cm3,P<0.0001, resp.) and had a lower CT attenuation than the non-SBO group (55.5±23.4versus173.0±68.0,P<0.0001). The SBO group had higher prevalence of phytobezoar appearance (75.0% versus 10.3%,P<0.0001). Major diameters of bezoar and phytobezoar were significant independent risk factors associated with SBO (odds ratio = 36.09, 8.26, resp., andP=0.0004, 0.044, resp.).Conclusions. Major diameter of bezoar or phytobezoar is a potential risk factor associated with SBO.
XPS Studies of Electrodeposited Grown F-Doped ZnO Rods and Electrical Properties of p-Si/n-FZN Heterojunctions
Authors: Ilican Saliha , Caglar Mujdat , Aksoy Seval , Caglar Yasemin
Published: June 2016

The chemical composition of the electrodeposited undoped and F-doped ZnO (FZN) rods was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These results confirmed the existence of F as a doping element into ZnO crystal lattice. Thep-Si/n-ZnOandp-Si/n-FZNheterojunction diodes were fabricated and their electrical properties were investigated. Some parameters belong to these diodes such as ideality factor (n), barrier height (ϕB), and series resistance (Rs) which were calculated from the current-voltage (I-V) curves that exhibited rectifying behavior by using thermionic emission theory, Norde’s function, and Cheung’s method. There is a good agreement between the diode parameters obtained from different methods.
Skin Biophysical Characteristics in Patients with Keratoconus: A Controlled Study
Authors: Robati Reza M. , Einollahi Bahram , Einollahi Hoda , Younespour Shima , Fadaifard Shahed
Published: June 2016

Background. Keratoconus is a relatively common corneal disease causing significant visual disability. Individuals with connective tissue disorders that affect the skin such as Marfan’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or patients with atopic dermatitis show an increased prevalence of keratoconus. It seems that there are some concurrent alterations of skin and cornea in patients with keratoconus.Objective. We plan to compare skin biophysical characteristics in patients with keratoconus and healthy controls.Methods. Forty patients with keratoconus (18 females and 22 males) with mean (SD) age of 33.32 (9.55) years (range 19–56) and 40 healthy controls were recruited to this study. Skin biophysical characteristics including cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT), stratum corneum hydration, and melanin values were measured in patients and controls.Results. The median CRRT, stratum corneum hydration, and melanin measurements were significantly lower in patients with keratoconus in comparison with healthy controls.Conclusion. There are some alterations of skin biophysical properties in patients with keratoconus. Therefore, the assessment of these skin parameters could provide us some clues to the possible common biophysical variations of cornea and skin tissue in diseases such as keratoconus.
Molecular Diagnosis and Identification ofLeishmaniaSpecies in Jordan from Saved Dry Samples
Authors: Hijjawi Nawal , Kanani Kalil A. , Rasheed Malak , Atoum Manar , Abdel-Dayem Mona , Irhimeh Mohammad R.
Published: June 2016

Diagnosis of the endemic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Jordan relies on patient clinical presentation and microscopic identification. Studies toward improved identification of the causativeLeishmaniaspecies, especially in regions where multiple species exist, and the introduction of these techniques into medical diagnosis is paramount. This study looked at the current epidemiology of CL in Jordan. Clinically diagnosed 41 patients with CL were tested for the presence ofLeishmaniaparasite using both Giemsa staining from skin scraps on glass slides and ITS1-PCR from samples blotted onto storage cards (NucleoCards®). Microscopically, 28 out of the 41 (68.3%) collected samples were positive for amastigotes, whereas the molecular ITS1-PCR amplification successfully identified 30 of the 41 samples (73.2%). Furthermore, PCR-RFLP analysis allowed species identification which is impossible microscopically. Of the 30 PCR positive samples, 28 wereLeishmania majorpositive and the other two samples wereLeishmania tropica. This indicates thatL. majoris the most prevalent species in Jordan and the twoL. tropicacases originated from Syria indicating possible futureL. tropicaoutbreaks. Diagnosis of CL based on clinical presentation only may falsely increase its prevalence. Although PCR is more sensitive, it is still not available in our medical laboratories in Jordan.
Preparation and Application of Cationic Modified Cellulose Fibrils as a Papermaking Additive
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Li Qun , Shi Yu , Cha Ruitao
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with cationic modified cellulose fibrils obtained by reacting the cellulose fibrils with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (EPTMAC). The physical and chemical properties of unmodified cellulose fibrils (UMCF) and cationic modified cellulose fibrils (CMCF) were characterized by SEM, FTIR, degree of substitution, colloid titration, zeta potential, and thermogravimetric analysis. The experimental results showed that, after cationization, surface charge density and zeta potential reversed, thermal stability decreased, and new functional groups appeared, while the surface morphology did not show much difference from the UMCF. With the addition of three kinds of additives (UMCF, CMCF, and cationic starch (CS)) to BCTMP, the addition of UMCF and CMCF had little effect on zeta potential, while the addition of CS changed zeta potential obviously. With the increasing of additive amount, the bulk of paper sheets added CMCF did not change obviously, while the bulk of paper sheets added UMCF and CS decreased rapidly. With regard to physical strength, all the three kinds of additives could improve the tensile index and tear index; the tensile index of paper sheets added CS was higher than that of added UMCF and CMCF, while the tear index of paper sheets added CMCF was the highest among the three additives.
Biolabeling and Binding Evaluation of Amphiphilic Nanocrystallopolymers
Authors: Jang Kwang-Suk
Published: June 2016

Surfactant-like inorganic-organic hybrid molecules named as nanocrystallopolymers were designed by conjugation of the hydrophilic synthetic poly(amino acid), poly-α,β-(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)l-aspartamide), with hydrophobic inorganic nanoparticles. In aqueous media, amphiphilic nanocrystallopolymers form self-aggregates with unique morphologies. Here, a simple biolabeling method of nanocrystallopolymers was developed. Biotin was selected as a model biomolecule. The specific binding of biotin-labeled nanocrystallopolymers to the targeted surface was evaluated with a surface plasmon resonance sensor.
A Review and Report of Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma in a 4-Year-Old Child
Authors: Nekouei Afsaneh , Eshghi Alireza , Jafarnejadi Parisa , Enshaei Zahra
Published: June 2016

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a common benign and reactive gingival epulis in oral cavity. It is often difficult to make a clinical diagnosis; thereby definitive diagnosis depends on histopathologic features. We report a case of a 4-year-old Caucasian boy presenting with a five-month history a 20 × 15 × 12 mm pedunculated, lobular soft tissue mass of the left anterior maxilla gingiva which was misdiagnosed and maltreated before his referral. An excisional biopsy of the lesion followed by histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed distinctive features of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Early detection and excision of this hyperplastic nodule especially in children are important to minimize potential dentoalveolar complications.
Noninvasive Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Children Less Than 12 Months of Age
Authors: Adeleye Adetayo , Ho Alice , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Buchhalter Jeffrey , Kirk Valerie
Published: June 2016

Study Objectives. We identified the associated conditions of patients less than 12 months of age who were referred for polysomnogram (PSG) studies. We collated PSG findings and physician interpretation. We determined the correlation between the recommended treatment by the PSG interpreting physician and actual prescribed treatment by the referring or subjects’ physician. We determined adherence with noninvasive positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment.Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants included children less than 12 months of age referred for PSG studies between 2007 and 2012.Results. 92 patients under the age of 12 months were included in the study analysis. Mean (standard deviation, SD) age in days at time of the PSG study was 208.5 (101.2). 35 (38%) patients had a diagnosis of Trisomy 21. Seven (8%) patients had no prior diagnosis. Median (Q1, Q3) apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 22.5 (11.3–37.0). Agreement between the PSG interpreting physician’s recommendation and actual prescribed treatment by the referring or subjects’ physician was 85.9% [95% CI 77.1–91.6]. Mean (SD) percentage days with PAP therapy usage more than 4 hours was 25.2% (32).Conclusions. In our experience, despite consistent physician messaging to families, adherence with noninvasive PAP treatment is low.
Poly-L-lysine Prevents Senescence and Augments Growth in Culturing Mesenchymal Stem CellsEx Vivo
Authors: Heo June Seok , Kim Hyun Ok , Song Seung Yong , Lew Dae Hyun , Choi Youjeong , Kim Sinyoung
Published: June 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess great therapeutic potential. Efficientin vitroexpansion of MSCs is however necessary for their clinical application. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells, and it has been used as a coating substrate for cell culture. In this study, we have aimed to improve the functionality and stemness of MSCs during culture using poly-L-lysine (PLL). Functionality of MSCs was analysed by cell cycle analysis, differentiation assay,β-galactosidase staining, and RT-PCR. Furthermore, we assessed the global gene expression profile of MSCs on uncoated and PLL-coated plates. MSCs on PLL-coated plates exhibited a faster growth rate with increased S-phase and upregulated expression of the stemness markers. In addition, their osteogenic differentiation potential was increased, and genes involved in cell adhesion, FGF-2 signalling, cell cycle, stemness, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation were upregulated, compared to that of the MSCs cultured on uncoated plates. We also confirmed that MSCs on uncoated plates expressed higherβ-galactosidase than the MSCs on PLL-coated plates. We demonstrate that PLL provides favourable microenvironment for MSC culture by reversing the replicative senescence. This method will significantly contribute to effective preparation of MSCs for cellular therapy.
The New Approximate Analytic Solution for Oxygen Diffusion Problem with Time-Fractional Derivative
Authors: Gülkaç Vildan
Published: June 2016

Oxygen diffusion into the cells with simultaneous absorption is an important problem and it is of great importance in medical applications. The problem is mathematically formulated in two different stages. At the first stage, the stable case having no oxygen transition in the isolated cell is investigated, whereas at the second stage the moving boundary problem of oxygen absorbed by the tissues in the cell is investigated. In oxygen diffusion problem, a moving boundary is essential feature of the problem. This paper extends a homotopy perturbation method with time-fractional derivatives to obtain solution for oxygen diffusion problem. The method used in dealing with the solution is considered as a power series expansion that rapidly converges to the nonlinear problem. The new approximate analytical process is based on two-iterative levels. The modified method allows approximate solutions in the form of convergent series with simply computable components.
Screening Driving Transcription Factors in the Processing of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xu Guangzhong , Li Kai , Zhang Nengwei , Zhu Bin , Feng Guosheng
Published: June 2016

Background. Construction of the transcriptional regulatory network can provide additional clues on the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications in gastric cancer.Methods. Gene expression profiles of gastric cancer were downloaded from GEO database for integrated analysis. All of DEGs were analyzed by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment. Transcription factors were further identified and then a global transcriptional regulatory network was constructed.Results. By integrated analysis of the six eligible datasets (340 cases and 43 controls), a bunch of 2327 DEGs were identified, including 2100 upregulated and 227 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that digestion was a significantly enriched GO term for biological process. Moreover, there were two important enriched KEGG pathways: cell cycle and homologous recombination. Furthermore, a total of 70 differentially expressed TFs were identified and the transcriptional regulatory network was constructed, which consisted of 566 TF-target interactions. The top ten TFs regulating most downstream target genes were BRCA1, ARID3A, EHF, SOX10, ZNF263, FOXL1, FEV, GATA3, FOXC1, and FOXD1. Most of them were involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.Conclusion. The transcriptional regulatory network can help researchers to further clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms of gastric cancer tumorigenesis.