bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Students’ Social Capital in the College Search and Application Process
Authors: Nelson Ingrid A.
Published: February 2016

Although the growing mandate for higher education creates challenges for students in rural areas, rural high school graduates currently attend college at a rate similar to their peers in other locale types. Prior research has attributed this accomplishment to family, school, and community social capital, yet the processes through which students translate social capital into educational attainment remain unspecified. This study examines how successful rural students access and engage various forms of social capital during the college search and application process. Analysis of semistructured interviews with 30 college graduates from communities throughout one predominantly rural state showed that family social capital provided most students with generalized support, but college‐specific guidance tended to correlate with parental education and income. Most students benefited from school social capital, primarily through pro‐college climate, peer networks, teachers, guidance counselors, and academic tracking. Students accessed community social capital through supportive youth and adult interactions, extended family ties, and a caring community, but these forms of social capital did not explicitly support the college search process. Although quantitative studies have operationalized family, school, and community social capital as distinct concepts, this study argues that these constructs cannot be disentangled given the interconnectedness of rural families, schools, and communities.
How do we transfuse blood components in cirrhotic patients undergoing gastrointestinal procedures?
Authors: Yates Sean G. , Gavva Chakri , Agrawal Deepak , Sarode Ravi
Published: February 2016

The liver plays a pivotal role in hemostasis. Consequently, patients with cirrhosis frequently demonstrate abnormal coagulation profiles on routine laboratory tests. These tests mainly reflect decreased procoagulant proteins. However, in cirrhosis, complex changes also occur in anticoagulant and fibrinolytic pathways. Recent evidence demonstrates that patients with cirrhosis exist in a state of hemostatic rebalance. Accordingly, routine tests inadequately represent hemostatic alterations in these patients. Unfortunately, these tests are regularly used to guide the transfusion of blood components with the assumption that they will correct laboratory abnormalities and improve hemostasis in a bleeding patient or prevent excessive bleeding following a procedure. With an absence of both accurate laboratory testing to assess hemostasis and evidence‐based guidelines to direct the transfusion of blood components, management of patients with cirrhosis poses a significant challenge to clinicians. Therefore, we developed multidisciplinary guidelines for the periprocedural transfusion of blood components in patients with cirrhosis based on concurrent evidence and personal experience at our medical center.
METHODS AND PROTOCOL FLOW CELLS: TECHNIQUE USED FOR STUDYING MICROBIAL BIOFILMS
Authors: Ndejiko Mohammed Jibrin , Wan Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana
Published: February 2016

Biofilms are sessile communities of microorganisms growing on material surfaces and embedded in self-accumulated extracellular polymers. A comprehensive analysis of physical, chemical and biological factors including hydrodynamic and nutrient conditions that regulate their formation is required to adequately gain insight to this complex multicellular microbial life style. Reproducible experimental models that consider all the conditions under which they grow and develop also remain a required tool for studying the biofilms. As a result of its ability to create hydrodynamic and nutrient conditions coupled with continuous and non-destructive ability to grow biofilms, flow cell technology has become one of the most recently patronised models used to study microbial biofilms. This article focuses on recent advancements, principles and practical application of flow cell technology to study microbial biofilms.
ROW AND COLUMN MATRICES IN MULTIPLE CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS WITH ORDERED CATEGORICAL AND DICHOTOMOUS VARIABLES
Authors: Thanoon Thanoon Y. , Adnan Robiah
Published: February 2016

In multiple correspondence analysis, whenever the number of variables exceeds the number of observations, row matrix should be used, but if the number of variables is less than the number of observations column matrix is the suitable procedure to follow. One of the following matrices (rows, columns) leads to loss of information that can be found by the other method, therefore, this paper developed a proposal to overcome this problem, which is: to find a shortcut method allowing the use of the results of one matrix to obtain the results of the other matrix. Taking advantage of all information available, the phenomenon was studied. Some of these results are: Eigenvectors, factor loadings and factor scores based on ordered categorical and dichotomous data. This method is illustrated by using a real data set. Results were obtained by using Minitab program. As a result, it is possible to shortcut transformation between the results of row and column matrices depending on factor loadings and factor scores of the row and column matrices.
PENILAIAN PRESTASI BANGUNAN: ANALISIS RUANG TANDAS ASRAMA PELAJAR
Authors: Yahaya Hazirah , Che-Ani Adi Irfan , Ismail Rahah , Johar Suhana , Abd Razak Mohd Zulhanif
Published: February 2016

Toilet with numerous functional defects will impose a sense of inconvenience to users. This paper reports on a study carried out on toilets’ condition in a government run students residential hostel for real estate.  The students were housed in four (4) 10 storey blocks with two (2) blocks allocated to male and two (2) blocks to female students with toilets centralised on each floor. The four (4) blocks were built at the same time with identical design, supervised by a group of consultants and built by the same contractors. A total of 1,644 defects were recorded. This paper reveals a relationship between total number of defects with each level of floor. The defects relationship suggest, number of defects rises as one ascends the higher floors. Secondly, there is relationship on number of defects with floor level clusters and gender of the users. Total defects in the male block toilets record a higher correlation as compared to blocks utilise by female users. This findings can be used by the management of the training institute to focus maintenance work and budget to blocks and floors which have more defects.
NITROGEN UPTAKE OF SRI PADDY FIELD COMPARE TO CONVENTIONAL FIELD
Authors: Ardiansyah Ardiansyah , Arif Chusnul , Wijaya Krissandi
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research is to compare nitrogen uptake in SRI field and conventional paddy field. Three SRI plots and three conventional plots were given same amount of organic fertilizer and three different biochar amount. In SRI field, S1 were plot with 5 ton/ha biochar application, S2 were plot with 10 ton/ha biochar application, and S3 were plot with 20 ton/ha biochar application. Similarly, in conventional paddy field, K1, K2, and K3 were plots with 5 ton/ha, 10 ton/ha, and 20 ton/ha biochar application. Mineral fertilizer were not used in this research. Result shows that, Nitrogen uptake in SRI paddy field (average of 262.9 mg/g Dry mass) were less than Conventional paddy field (average of 323.8 mg/g Dry mass). However, average of the grain weight of 1000 paddy grain shows that grain from SRI field is heavier (average of 20.7  g) than conventional paddy field (average of 19.0 g). Biochar application of 5 ton/ha, for both SRI and conventional fields shows higher result in most of plant parameters (plant height, amount of grain, total weight). SRI method usually shows the high production compare to conventional method. However, in this experiment there is almost no difference in SRI field (3.6 ton/ha) and conventional field (3.7 ton/ha). Plant observation shows that SRI paddy develop good rooting system than conventional paddy field that implies on more nutrient uptake. Soil were suspected to be the cause of low nitrogen uptake in SRI field.
GROUNDWATER CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR PADDY IRRIGATION
Authors: Abdullah Ahmad Fikri , Wan Mustapa Wan Amirul
Published: February 2016

Hydrological modelling is representative of current, past or future hydrologic balance. It has been used widely in water-related problem such as drought, flood, water contamination and irrigation. Crops irrigation requires a lot of water to irrigate the root zone layer especially for paddy crops. With the current issues of water such as drought and pollution, an alternative source is needed to overcome the problem of water scarcity.  Generally Malaysia depends on the surface water to irrigate the crops with no aided of groundwater. This study focuses on the availability of groundwater resources to irrigate the paddy crops. Hence, a conceptual model of groundwater flow was developed to shows the current situation of the groundwater flow at the study area. Several models were developed to see if groundwater can be extracted using wells and be used as an alternative source for irrigation. The study area is located at Sawah Sempadan, which is one of Malaysia’s greeneries areas under Tanjung Karang Rice Irrigation Scheme (TAKRIS). The conceptual model is built by using Visual MODFLOW 4.2. The conceptual model shows the current water balance, water table elevation and equipotential head in the study area. Simulations with pump wells have been done to shows the availability of groundwater sources for paddy irrigation. The result shows that groundwater flows from area of higher elevation towards the lower elevated area. It is also shows that groundwater extraction could not be too excessive as it may dry up the aquifer storage.
Serratia marcescensendogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Memon Muhammad , Raman Vasant
Published: February 2016

A systemically well 66-year-old white Caucasian man presented to the urgent care department with a short history of progressive pain and blurring of vision in his left eye. He denied a history of trauma, intraocular surgery or use of illicit drugs. He was diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis. Vitreous biopsy grewSerratia marcescens, a Gram negative bacteria. In spite of extensive investigation, there was no obvious source of infection. He had an indwelling urine catheter for prostate hypertrophy, but urine culture was negative. There was no evidence of immunocompromise. He was treated with systemic as well as intravitreal antibiotics. In spite of appropriate treatment, the patient lost vision.S. marcescensendophthalmitis, seen even in immunocompetent people, carries a poor visual prognosis.
Simultaneous ACL–PCL reconstructions with high tibial osteotomy: salvage for an unstable arthritic knee
Authors: Beyzadeoglu Tahsin , Demirel Murat , Circi Esra
Published: February 2016

We present a case of a 28-year-old man with a severe osteoarthritic varus knee after a neglected multiligamentous injury sustained 10 years prior. Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) were performed at a single stage. Five years after surgery, there were no signs of effusion and no instability, and the patient could easily kneel down without any discomfort. We think that salvage procedures and biological reconstructions would be the primary choice of surgical treatment in young patients to delay arthroplasty, and it is possible to perform simultaneous reconstructions of ACL and PCL with HTO in a single stage.
When is a mass not a mass? An unusual presentation of prominent crista terminalis
Authors: Salim Handi , Palit Amitabh , Maher Abdul
Published: February 2016

This case report describes a patient in whom echocardiography showed borderline left ventricular hypertrophy and a mass adjacent to the right atrial wall. This naturally caused some concern as the differential diagnoses included that of a right atrial myxoma and further investigations were organised. A subsequent cardiac MRI revealed this thickening to be a prominent crista terminalis. The crista terminalis is a variant of normal anatomical structures within the right atrium, which mimics an atrial mass.
Noma in a child with acute leukaemia: when the ‘face of poverty’ finds an ally
Authors: Singh Amitabh , Mandal Anirban , Seth Rachna , Kabra Sushil Kumar
Published: February 2016

A 2-year-6-month old, appropriately immunised, well-thriving boy, symptomatic for the past 6 months, presented with recurrent fever, progressive pallor, lymphadenopathy and a raw area on the right cheek, with discharging sinus. The necrotising infection of the face developed after one and half months of febrile illness. This febrile illness with bicytopaenia was diagnosed as enteric fever and treated with antibiotics. Skin grafting was performed for the full-thickness defect of the face. The patient continued to have a non-healing oral ulcer with progressive pallor and was finally diagnosed as having acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Immunodeficiency was ruled out by appropriate investigations. Noma is an indirect measure of extreme poverty, but malignancy is known to predispose to this debilitating condition. The worldwide incidence of Noma is reported to be 30 000–140 000, with a preponderance in sub-Saharan Africa. This case emphasises the need for a thorough search for the underlying illness predisposing to a rare opportunistic infection such as Noma in a well-thriving child.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment as an alternative to vascular bone graft surgery for a 5-year-long ulnar non-union in a patient with haemochromatosis
Authors: Povlsen Sebastian Daniel , Povlsen Bo
Published: February 2016

We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with haemochromatosis who developed a 5-year-long right ulnar non-union after a shortening osteotomy to correct a malunited Colles’ fracture. Standard surgical treatment for ulnar non-unions was attempted on 19 March 2008 and again on 20 April 2009, but the non-union persisted on 8 May 2012, as confirmed by CT scan. Vascular bone grafting and refixation was then considered, but the patient declined this extensive operation, instead choosing to try non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment with an Exogen device. Just 4 months later, complete union as confirmed by CT scan was achieved. This is the first case demonstrating the efficacy of ultrasound treatment for long-standing non-unions resistant to surgery in patients with haemochromatosis, a disorder where iron deposition can provide suboptimal circumstances for bone healing. Our finding suggests that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound devices could be used as a first-line treatment for stable non-unions instead of revision surgery.
A rare case of Behçet disease with generalised myositis, cardiomyositis and necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Ng Felix , Chiong Fabian Joon Kiong , Buchanan Russell , Burrell Louise M
Published: February 2016

Behçet disease (BD) is a rare relapsing, multisystem vasculitis characterised by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, and uveitis. As an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis, BD can involve other organs including the skin, joints, nervous system, kidney and the gastrointestinal tract. This report describes a 40-year-old woman who presented with an uncommon feature of BD, namely myositis, and who went on to develop myocarditis and polymicrobial necrotising fasciitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an immunocompromised-associated infection occurring in BD without concurrent immunosuppressive therapy.
Perianal melanoma with a BRAF gene mutation in a young Portuguese Roma native
Authors: Tan Jennifer
Published: February 2016

A case of a young man diagnosed with perianal nodular melanoma with a gene mutation, accompanied by regional and pulmonary metastases on initial presentation, and later on with hepatic and bone involvement, is presented. The patient underwent wide local excision but was unresponsive to dacarbazine. Targeted therapy with vemurafenib had shown clinical improvement for a 5-month duration until he showed signs of disease progression. Just after the shift of adjuvant therapy to ipilimumab, he was diagnosed with multiple cerebral metastases that eventually led to his demise 6 months after initiation of vemurafenib, having had a 12-month survival period from the time of initial melanoma diagnosis.
Pelvic paraganglioma: a rare and unusual clinical presentation of paraganglioma
Authors: Yadav Suresh , Banerjee Indraneel , Tomar Vinay , Yadav Sher Singh
Published: February 2016

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumour of the urinary bladder causing palpitation, headache, paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, blurring of vision and haematuria. Patients may present with these exaggerated symptoms during or just after micturition. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented to us with accelerated hypertension, headache, palpitation and blurring of vision. On the basis of a positive family history, laboratory investigations and imaging studies, she was diagnosed to have an extra-adrenal paraganglioma. Complete enucleation of the tumour with preservation of the bladder was done. This case is reported because of the rarity of the disease in urology.
Unusual cause of general malaise: a young woman with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Singh Sarneet , Pal Shrestha , Dubrey Simon William
Published: February 2016

A young woman presented with general malaise in relation to the metabolic condition ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Her ammonia level had risen to 229 µmol/L (normal range 0–59 µmol/L). She was treated using her emergency pack of intravenous medicines and made a complete response. We briefly discuss the need to make an urgent diagnosis, the ‘mechanism’ for checking serum ammonia levels and therapies.
Radiographically occult intrasinusoidal liver metastases leading to hepatic failure in a case of breast cancer
Authors: Gulia Seema , Khurana Sachin , Shet Tanuja , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2016

The liver is one of the commonest sites of metastatic involvement in breast cancer, usually evident as focal lesions on imaging tests. Rarely, the pattern of metastatic spread is so diffuse that it remains radiologically occult. Such patients usually present with signs of hepatic insufficiency without any focal lesions on liver imaging. In such cases, liver biopsy is required to make a definitive diagnosis. We report a case of a 56-year-old postmenopausal woman with metastatic breast cancer who presented with subacute progressive liver failure. Repeated imaging of the liver was normal or non-descript. Liver biopsy finally established the diagnosis of intrasinusoidal metastases from breast cancer.
Cloacal dysgenesis sequence with bilateral renal agenesis and normal pulmonary development in twin pregnancy
Authors: Jegadeesh Sundram , Mahajan Jai Kumar
Published: February 2016

Cloacal dysgenesis sequence (CDS) is a rare congenital anomaly. It is characterised by a smooth perineum with absence of anal and genitourinary orifices, with reported incidence of 1:50 000–250 000 births. Association with bilateral renal agenesis is still rarer and resultant severe oligohydramnios is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. Only a few cases of CDS with bilateral renal agenesis have been reported in the English language literature, with associated pulmonary hypoplasia as a default phenomenon. We report a case of CDS and bilateral renal agenesis without associated pulmonary hypoplasia in a twin pregnancy, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the second reported case of this amalgamation.
Review of QCD, quark–gluon plasma, heavy quark hybrids, and heavy quark state production in p–p and A–A collisions
Authors: Kisslinger Leonard S. , Das Debasish
Published: February 2016

This is a review of the Quantum Chromodynamics Cosmological Phase Transitions, the quark–gluon plasma, the production of heavy quark states via [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] collisions and Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions (RHIC) using the mixed hybrid theory for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states; and the possible detection of the quark–gluon plasma via heavy quark production using RHIC. Recent research on fragmentation for the production of [Formula: see text] mesons is reviewed, as is future theoretical and experimental research on the Collins and Sivers fragmentation functions for pions produced in polarized [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] collisions.
Modeling of depletion width variation over time in thin film photovoltaics
Authors: Aldosari Marouf , Grigoriu Liliana , Sohrabpoor Hamed , Gorji Nima E.
Published: February 2016

The performance degradation of a hybrid solar cell is modelled considering the variation of depletion width over time. The p-i-n structure of a TiO2/perovskite/HTL photovoltaic is investigated. Several different time-dependent approaches are compared and a new model is introduced based on the variation of defect density over time in depletion region. This phenomenon consequently manifests itself in the device degradation. Our approach leads to rather complicated time-dependent equation for the defect density which takes into account also the non-uniformity of electric field in the depletion region. The thickness of TiO2 nano layer is taken 50 nm and perovskite layer is 330 nm. The nanoscale thickness of TiO2 layer warrants the carrier transport through tunneling mechanism.
Comparative Analysis of Control Coefficients on the Performance of CNTFET Under Different Parameters
Authors: Imam Safayat-Al , Kalam Nasheen , Abdullah Sharmin
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with the performance of both gate and drain control coefficients to analyze the behavior of carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs) under ballistic conditions and based on the change of different parameter value, such as oxide thickness of structure and temperature variation. A thorough study of both gate and drain control coefficient effects on the performance of CNTFETs has been conducted under different temperature and oxide layers and the output of the device has been analyzed through different parameters. Higher values of control coefficient help to attain larger transconductance by the increasing temperatures. For a fixed value of control coefficient, 4[Formula: see text]nm thickness of oxide has a transconductance of [Formula: see text] 4.5 [Formula: see text] 10[Formula: see text] S/m. Smaller oxide layer thickness has higher slope of increment in transconductance value. ON-state current to leakage current ratio shows a steady state response toward increment of gate control coefficient. Also, increment of oxide thickness has an adverse effect on current ratio, while a linear decay of current ratio is observed with the increased value of drain controlled one. Drain-induced battery lowering (DIBL) effect decreases with the value of gate control one and increases with the drain control coefficient. In this way, the optimum value for both the control coefficients has to be considered in order to perform well.
Electron-Beam Irradiation Effect on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nylon-6 Nanocomposite Fibers Infused with Diamond and Diamond Coated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Imam Muhammad A. , Jeelani Shaik , Rangari Vijaya K. , Gome Michelle G. , Moura Esperidiana. A. B.
Published: February 2016

Nylon-6 is an engineering plastic with excellent properties and processability, which are essential in several industrial applications. The addition of filler such as diamond (DN) and diamond coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form molded composites may increase the range of Nylon-6 applications due to the resulting increase in strength. The effects of electron-beam irradiation on these thermoplastic nanocomposites are either increase in the cross-linking or causes chain scission. In this study, DN-coated CNTs were synthesized using the sonochemical technique in the presence of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The DN-coated CNTs nanoparticles and diamond nanoparticles were then introduced into Nylon-6 polymer through a melt extrusion process to form nanocomposite fibers. They were further tested for their mechanical (Tensile) and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). These composites were further exposed to the electron-beam (160[Formula: see text]kGy, 132[Formula: see text]kGy and 99[Formula: see text]kGy) irradiation using a 1.5[Formula: see text]MeV electron-beam accelerator, at room temperature, in the presence of air and tested for their thermal and mechanical properties. The best ultimate tensile strength was found to be 690[Formula: see text]MPa and 864[Formula: see text]MPa irradiated at 132 for DN/CNTs/Nylon-6 and Diamond/Nylon-6 nanocomposite fiber as compared to 346[Formula: see text]MPa and 321[Formula: see text]MPa for DN/CNTs/Nylon-6 and Diamond/Nylon-6 nanocomposite fiber without irradiation. The neat Nylon-6 tensile strength was 240[Formula: see text]MPa. These results are consistent with the activation energy calculated from TGA graphs. DSC analysis result shows that the slight increase in glass transition temperature ([Formula: see text]) and decrease in melting temperature ([Formula: see text]) which was expected from high electron-beam radiation dose.
Rab GAPs AS160 and Tbc1d1 play nonredundant roles in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis in mice
Authors: Hargett Stefan R. , Walker Natalie N. , Keller Susanna R.
Published: February 2016

The related Rab GTPase-activating proteins (Rab GAPs) AS160 and Tbc1d1 regulate the trafficking of the glucose transporter GLUT4 that controls glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells and glucose homeostasis. AS160- and Tbc1d1-deficient mice exhibit different adipocyte- and skeletal muscle-specific defects in glucose uptake, GLUT4 expression and trafficking, and glucose homeostasis. A recent study analyzed male mice with simultaneous deletion of AS160 and Tbc1d1 (AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− mice). Herein, we describe abnormalities in male and female AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− mice on another strain background. We confirm the earlier observation that GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake defects of single-knockout mice join in AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− mice to affect all skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. In large mixed fiber-type skeletal muscles, changes in relative basal GLUT4 plasma membrane association in AS160−/− and Tbc1d1−/− mice also combine in AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− mice. However, we found different glucose uptake abnormalities in isolated skeletal muscles and adipocytes than reported previously, resulting in different interpretations of how AS160 and Tbc1d1 regulate GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface. In support of a larger role for AS160 in glucose homeostasis, in contrast with the previous study, we find similarly impaired glucose and insulin tolerance in AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− and AS160−/− mice. However, in vivo glucose uptake abnormalities in AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− skeletal muscles differ from those observed previously in AS160−/− mice, indicating additional defects due to Tbc1d1 deletion. Similar to AS160- and Tbc1d1-deficient mice, AS160−/−/Tbc1d1−/− mice show sex-specific abnormalities in glucose and energy homeostasis. In conclusion, our study supports nonredundant functions for AS160 and Tbc1d1.
Serum Galectin and Renal Dysfunction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Karetnikova Victoria , Osokina Anastasia , Gruzdeva Olga , Uchasova Evgenya , Zykov Michael , Kalaeva Victoria , Kashtalap Vasily , Shafranskaya Kristina , Hryachkova Oksana , Barbarash Olga
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum galectin levels and renal dysfunction in relation to in-hospital prognosis and unfavorable prognosis 1 year after ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients were assigned to two groups according to the cystatin C-based estimate of GFR on day 12 after STEMI: (1) STEMI patients with normal renal function (GFR based on cystatin C levels = 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and (2) those with renal dysfunction (RD) (GFR based on cystatin C levels <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). A decrease in GFR estimated from the CKD-EPI equation on day 12 was more frequently found in patients with a reduced GFR based on cystatin C levels (41.9%) compared with those without RD (21.3%). Galectin levels exceeded the cut-off value (17.8 ng/mL) in 50.6% of cases in the group with GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2and in 32% of cases in the group with a normal GFR. The presence of RD and elevated galectin levels >17.8 ng/mL on day 12 after MI are independent predictors of an adverse prognosis at 1 year in STEMI patients. Elevated galectin levels are directly correlated with the presence of early postinfarction angina.
Feeding Patterns and Xenomonitoring of Trypanosomes among Tsetse Flies around the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Nigeria
Authors: Karshima Solomon Ngutor , Lawal Idris A. , Okubanjo Oluseyi Oluyinka
Published: February 2016

In order to understand the epidemiology of trypanosomoses in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria, we determined the density, infection rates, and feeding patterns of tsetse flies using biconical traps, ITS, and mitochondrial cytochrome b PCRs. A total of 631 tsetse flies were captured, of which 531 (84.2%) and 100 (15.8%) were analyzed for trypanosomes and blood meals, respectively. Tsetse distribution varied significantly (p<0.05) across study sites with average trap and daily catches of 4.39 and 26.34, respectively. Overall tsetse infection rate was 5.08% and ranged between 3.03% and 6.84% across study sites. We identified 10T. brucei, 3T. congolense savannah,2T. congolense forest, and 2 mixed infections among the 13 pools made from the 27 flies positive for trypanosomes with light microscopy. The distribution of vertebrate blood meals in tsetse flies varied significantly (p<0.05) and ranged between 6.0% and 45% across hosts. We also observed dual feeding patterns involving at least 2 hosts in 24% and multiple feeding involving at least 3 hosts in 17% of the flies. We observed predominance ofG. palpaliswhich also recorded higher infection rate.T. bruceiwas more prevalent among tsetse flies. Tsetse flies fed predominantly on cattle and less frequently on humans and also showed mixed feeding habits.
Neuroendoscopic Removal of Acute Subdural Hematoma with Contusion: Advantages for Elderly Patients
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Kuroshima Yoshiaki , Nakamura Yoshiki
Published: February 2016

Background. Large craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma is sometimes too invasive. We report good outcomes for two cases of neuroendoscopic evacuation of hematoma and contusion by 1 burr hole surgery.Case Presentation.Both patients arrived by ambulance at our hospital with disturbed consciousness after falling. Case1was an 81-year-old man who took antiplatelet drugs for brain infarction. Case2was a 73-year-old alcoholic woman. CT scanning showed acute subdural hematoma and frontal contusion in both cases. In the acute stage, glycerol was administered to reduce edema; CTs after 48 and 72 hours showed an increase of subdural hematoma and massive contusion of the frontal lobe. Disturbed consciousness steadily deteriorated. The subdural hematoma and contusion were removed as soon as possible by neuroendoscopy under local anesthesia, because neither patient was a good candidate for large craniotomy considering age and past history. 40%~70% of the hematoma was removed, and the consciousness level improved.Conclusion. Neuroendoscopic removal of acute subdural hematoma and contusion has advantages and disadvantages. For patients with underlying medical issues or other risk factors, it is likely to be effective.
Phenotypic Variation in Freshwater Murrel,Channa punctatus(Bloch, 1793) from Northern and Eastern Regions of India Using Truss Analysis
Authors: Kashyap Ankur , Awasthi Madhu , Serajuddin Mohammad
Published: February 2016

Morphometric variation study was carried out using truss analysis in freshwater murrel,Channa punctatus(Bloch, 1793), to explore different phenotypic stocks ofC. punctatus.Significant variation in the morphometric analysis was observed using the truss network and multivariate analysis of the three subpopulations of freshwater murrel,C. punctatus, from the two different regions of India. Principal component analysis accounted for a total variation of 91.95% by the first three principal components. PC 1 represented the variation due to size and PC 2 and PC 3 represented variations due to shape. The 95% confidence ellipses depicted the clear isolation between the samples in scatter graph of PC 1 on PC 2. The combined groups plot (DF 1 on DF 2) based on discriminant function analysis (DFA) also validated the existence of three different subpopulations. In group classification using DFA, 100 percent of all the samples were correctly classified into their original subpopulation. These results support the existence of multiracial composition ofC. punctatusacross the different geographical isolated sites and, thus, these findings indicate the presence of three different phenotypic stocks ofC. punctatus.
Assessment of Structural and Functional Abnormalities of the Myocardium and the Ascending Aorta in Fetus with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Jiang Yan , Xu Yali , Tang Jinliang , Xia Hongmei
Published: February 2016

Aims. To detect anatomical and intrinsic histopathological features of the ascending aorta and left ventricular (LV) myocardium and evaluate right ventricular (RV) function in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).Methods. Twenty-five fetuses diagnosed with HLHS were followed up in the antenatal and postpartum periods. 12 necropsy heart specimens were analyzed for morphological and histological changes.Results. Prenatal echocardiography and pathologic anatomy displayed the typical characteristics of HLHS as a severe underdevelopment of the LV in the form of mitral stenosis or atresia or as aortic atresia or stenosis, with a decreased ratio of aortic diameter to pulmonary artery diameter (median of 0.49 with a range of 0.24 to 0.69,p≤0.001) and a higher ratio of RV diameter to LV diameter (median of 2.44 with a range of 1.33 to 6.25,p≤0.001). The RV volume, stroke volume, and cardiac output in HLHS fetuses were increased compared with the gestational age-matched normal controls (p<0.01). Histological changes in the 12 HLHS specimens included LV myocardial fibrosis, aortic elastic fragmentation, and fibrosis.Conclusions. In addition to severe anatomical deformity, distinct histological abnormalities in the LV myocardium and aortic wall were identified in the fetuses with HLHS. RV function damage may be potentially exists.
Combinatorial Bayesian Dynamic Linear Models of Bridge Monitored Data and Reliability Prediction
Authors: Fan Xueping , Liu Yuefei
Published: February 2016

Considering the uncertainties and randomness of the mass structural health monitored data, the objectives of this paper are to present (a) a procedure for effective incorporation of the monitored data for the reliability prediction of structural components or structures, (b) one transforming method of Bayesian dynamic linear models (BDLMs) based on 1-order polynomial function, (c) model monitoring mechanism used to look for possible abnormal data based on BDLMs, (d) combinatorial Bayesian dynamic linear models based on the multiple BDLMs and their corresponding weights of prediction precision, and (e) an effective way of taking advantage of combinatorial Bayesian dynamic linear models to incorporate the historical data and real-time data in structural time-variant reliability prediction. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the application and feasibility of the proposed procedures and concepts.
Experiment Research on Hot-Rolling Processing of Nonsmooth Pit Surface
Authors: Gu Yun-qing , Fan Tian-xing , Mou Jie-gang , Yu Wei-bo , Zhao Gang , Wang Evan
Published: February 2016

In order to achieve the nonsmooth surface drag reduction structure on the inner polymer coating of oil and gas pipelines and improve the efficiency of pipeline transport, a structural model of the machining robot on the pipe inner coating is established. Based on machining robot, an experimental technique is applied to research embossing and coating problems of rolling-head, and then the molding process rules under different conditions of rolling temperatures speeds and depth are analyzed. Also, an orthogonal experiment analysis method is employed to analyze the different effects of hot-rolling process apparatus on the embossed pits morphology and quality of rolling. The results also reveal that elevating the rolling temperature or decreasing the rolling speed can also improve the pit structure replication rates of the polymer coating surface, and the rolling feed has little effect on replication rates. After the rolling-head separates from the polymer coating, phenomenon of rebounding and refluxing of the polymer coating occurs, which is the reason of inability of the process. A continuous hot-rolling method for processing is used in the robot and the hot-rolling process of the processing apparatus is put in a dynamics analysis.
Novel Raman Parametric Hybrid L-Band Amplifier with Four-Wave Mixing Suppressed Pump for Terabits Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed Systems
Authors: Kaur Gaganpreet , Sharma Sanjay , Kaur Gurmeet
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate improved performance of parametric amplifier cascaded with Raman amplifier for gain of 54.79 dB. We report amplification of L-band using 100 × 10 Gbps Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) system with 25 GHz channel spacing. The gain achieved is the highest reported so far with gain flatness of 3.38 dB without using any gain flattening technique. Hybrid modulated parametric pump is used for suppressing four-wave mixing (FWM) around pump region, resulting in improvement of gain flatness by 2.42 dB. The peak to peak variation of gain is achieved less than 1.6 dB. DWDM system with 16-channel, 25 GHz spaced system has been analyzed thoroughly with hybrid modulated parametric pump amplified Raman-FOPA amplifier for gain flatness and improved performance in terms of BER and Q-factor.
Integrated Multipoint-Laser Endoscopic Airway Measurements by Transoral Approach
Authors: Neitsch Marie , Horn Iris-Susanne , Hofer Mathias , Dietz Andreas , Fischer Miloš
Published: February 2016

Objectives. Optical and technical characteristics usually do not allow objective endoscopic distance measurements. So far no standardized method for endoscopic distance measurement is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of transoral airway measurements with a multipoint-laser endoscope.Methods.The semirigid endoscope includes a multipoint laser measurement system that projects 49 laser points (wavelength 639 nm, power < 5 mW) into the optical axis of the endoscopic view. Distances, areas, and depths can be measured in real-time. Transoral endoscopic airway measurements were performed on nine human cadavers, which were correlated with CT measurements.Results.The preliminary experiment showed an optimum distance between the endoscope tip and the object of 5 to 6 cm. There was a mean measurement error of 3.26% ± 2.53%. A Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.95 (p=0.01) was calculated for the laryngeal measurements and of 0.93 (p<0.01) for the tracheal measurements compared to the CT. Using the Bland-Altman-Plot, the 95% limits of agreement for the laryngeal measurements were satisfactory: −0.76 and 0.93.Conclusions.Integrated multipoint-laser endoscopic measurement is a promising technical supplement, with potential use in diagnostic endoscopy and transoral endoscopic surgery in daily practice.
Preparation of Antibacterial Nanofibre/Nanoparticle Covered Composite Yarns
Authors: Yalcinkaya Fatma , Komarek Michal , Lubasova Daniela , Sanetrnik Filip , Maryska Jiri
Published: February 2016

The antibacterial efficiency of nanofibre composite yarns with an immobilized antibacterial agent was tested. This novel type of nanofibrous composite material combines the good mechanical properties of the core yarn with the high specific surface of the nanofibre shell to gain specific targeted qualities. The main advantages of nanofibre covered composite yarns over the standard planar nanofibre membranes include high tensile strength, a high production rate, and their ability to be processed by standard textile techniques. The presented paper describes a study of the immobilization of an antibacterial agent and its interaction with two types of bacterial colonies. The aim of the study is to assess the applicability of the new composite nanomaterial in antibacterial filtration. During the experimental tests copper(II) oxide particles were immobilized in the polyurethane and polyvinyl butyral nanofibre components of a composite yarn. The antibacterial efficiency was evaluated by using both Gram-negativeEscherichia coliand Gram-positiveStaphylococcus gallinarumbacteria. The results showed that the composite yarn with polyvinyl butyral nanofibres incorporating copper(II) oxide nanoparticles exhibited better antibacterial efficiency compared to the yarn containing the polyurethane nanofibres. The nanofibre/nanoparticle covered composite yarns displayed good antibacterial activity against a number of bacteria.
Front and Back Movement Analysis of a Triangle-Structured Three-Wheeled Omnidirectional Mobile Robot by Varying the Angles between Two Selected Wheels
Authors: Mohanraj A. P. , Elango A. , Reddy Mutra Chanakya
Published: February 2016

Omnidirectional robots can move in all directions without steering their wheels and it can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise with reference to their axis. In this paper, we focused only on front and back movement, to analyse the square- and triangle-structured omnidirectional robot movements. An omnidirectional mobile robot shows different performances with the different number of wheels and the omnidirectional mobile robot’s chassis design. Research is going on in this field to improve the accurate movement capability of omnidirectional mobile robots. This paper presents a design of a unique device of Angle Variable Chassis (AVC) for linear movement analysis of a three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot (TWOMR), at various angles (θ) between the wheels. Basic mobility algorithm is developed by varying the angles between the two selected omnidirectional wheels in TWOMR. The experiment is carried out by varying the angles (θ= 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 120°) between the two selected omniwheels and analysing the movement of TWOMR in forward direction and reverse direction on a smooth cement surface. Respectively, it is compared to itself for various angles (θ), to get its advantages and weaknesses. The conclusion of the paper provides effective movement of TWOMR at a particular angle (θ) and also the application of TWOMR in different situations.
Application of Genetic Algorithms for Driverless Subway Train Energy Optimization
Authors: Brenna Morris , Foiadelli Federica , Longo Michela
Published: February 2016

After an introduction on the basic aspects of electric railway transports, focusing mainly on driverless subways and their related automation systems (ATC, ATP, and ATO), a technique for energy optimization of the train movement through their control using genetic algorithms will be presented. Genetic algorithms are a heuristic search and iterative stochastic method used in computing to find exact or approximate solutions to optimization problems. This optimization process has been calculated and tested on a real subway line in Milan through the implementation of a dedicated Matlab code. The so-defined algorithm provides the optimization of the trains movement through a coast control table created by the use of a genetic algorithm that minimizes the energy consumption and the train scheduled time. The obtained results suggest that the method is promising in minimizing the energy consumption of the electric trains.
The Role of Adenosine in Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Critical Review
Authors: Dallaglio Paolo D. , Betts Timothy R. , Ginks Matthew , Bashir Yaver , Anguera Ignasi , Rajappan Kim
Published: February 2016

The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), which can be achieved in more than 95% of patients at the end of the procedure. However, AF recurrence rates remain high and are related to recovery of PV conduction. Adenosine testing is used to unmask dormant pulmonary vein conduction (DC). The aim of this study is to review the available literature addressing the role of adenosine testing and determine the impact of ablation at sites of PV reconnection on freedom from AF. Adenosine infusion, by restoring the excitability threshold, unmasks reversible injury that could lead to recovery of PV conduction. The studies included in this review suggest that adenosine is useful to unmask nontransmural lesions at risk of reconnection and that further ablation at sites of DC is associated with improvement in freedom from AF. Nevertheless it has been demonstrated that adenosine is not able to predict all veins at risk of later reconnection, which means that veins without DC are not necessarily at low risk. The role of the waiting period in the setting of adenosine testing has also been analyzed, suggesting that in the acute phase adenosine use should be accompanied by enough waiting time.
Hepatoma-Targeted Radionuclide Immune Albumin Nanospheres:131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs
Authors: Lin Mei , Huang Junxing , Zhang Dongsheng , Jiang Xingmao , Zhang Jia , Yu Hong , Xiao Yanhong , Shi Yujuan , Guo Ting
Published: February 2016

An effective strategy has been developed for synthesis of radionuclide immune albumin nanospheres (131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs).In vitroas well asin vivotargeting of131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs to AFP-positive hepatoma was examined. In cultured HepG2 cells, the uptake and retention rates of131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs were remarkably higher than those of131I alone. As well, the uptake rate and retention ratios of131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs in AFP-positive HepG2 cells were also significantly higher than those in AFP-negative HEK293 cells. Compared to131I alone,131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs were much more easily taken in and retained by hepatoma tissue, with a much higher T/NT. Due to good drug-loading, high encapsulation ratio, and highly selective affinity for AFP-positive tumors, the131I-antiAFPMcAb-GCV-BSA-NPs are promising for further effective radiation-gene therapy of hepatoma.