bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for the Treatment of Achalasia: An Analysis
Authors: Yang Dennis , Wagh Mihir S.
Published: October 2013

Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Treatment of achalasia is currently aimed at decreasing the resting pressure in the LES. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging novel endoscopic procedure for the treatment of achalasia with initial data suggesting an acceptable safety profile, excellent short-term symptom resolution, low incidence of postprocedural gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and improvement in manometric outcomes. Further prospective randomized trials are required to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this promising technique compared to other treatment modalities for achalasia. In this review we outline the technical aspects of POEM, summarize the available data on safety and outcomes, and suggest future directions for further advancement of this minimally invasive approach for the treatment of achalasia.
A Cosmological Model with Varying and in General Relativity—Part III
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Goyal Sumeet , Sahota H. S.
Published: October 2013

We are investigating Bianchi type-I cosmological model in perfect fluid. The cosmological model is obtained by assuming proportional to . We also observed some physical properties of the model and discussed them.
An Integrative Approach to Accurate Vehicle Logo Detection
Authors: Pan Hao , Zhang Bailing
Published: October 2013

Vehicle logo detection from images captured by surveillance cameras is an important step towards the vehicle recognition that is required for many applications in intelligent transportation systems and automatic surveillance. The task is challenging considering the small target of logos and the wide range of variability in shape, color, and illumination. A fast and reliable vehicle logo detection approach is proposed following visual attention mechanism from the human vision. Two prelogo detection steps, that is, vehicle region detection and a small RoI segmentation, rapidly focalize a small logo target. An enhanced Adaboost algorithm, together with two types of features of Haar and HOG, is proposed to detect vehicles. An RoI that covers logos is segmented based on our prior knowledge about the logos’ position relative to license plates, which can be accurately localized from frontal vehicle images. A two-stage cascade classier proceeds with the segmented RoI, using a hybrid of Gentle Adaboost and Support Vector Machine (SVM), resulting in precise logo positioning. Extensive experiments were conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
CD90- (Thy-1-) High Selection Enhances Reprogramming Capacity of Murine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Kawamoto Koichi , Konno Masamitsu , Nagano Hiroaki , Nishikawa Shimpei , Tomimaru Yoshito , Akita Hirofumi , Hama Naoki , Wada Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shogo , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Tanemura Masahiro , Ito Toshinori , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki , Ishii Hideshi
Published: October 2013

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC), are multipotent and can differentiate into various cell types possessing unique immunomodulatory features. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and possible efficacy of MSCs in organ transplantation. Thus, stem cell therapy is promising for tolerance induction. In this study, we assessed the reprogramming capacity of murine ADSCs and found that CD90 (Thy-1), originally discovered as a thymocyte antigen, could be a useful marker for cell therapy.Method. Murine ADSCs were isolated from B6 mice, sorted using a FACSAria cell sorter by selection ofCD90HiorCD90Lo, and then transduced with four standard factors (4F; Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc).Results. Unsorted,CD90Hi-sorted, andCD90Lo-sorted murine ADSCs were reprogrammed using standard 4F transduction.CD90HiADSCs showed increased numbers of alkaline phosphatase-positive colonies compared withCD90LoADSCs. The relative reprogramming efficiencies of unsorted,CD90Hi-sorted, andCD90Lo-sorted ADSCs were 100%, 116.5%, and 74.7%, respectively.CD90Hicells were more responsive to reprogramming.Conclusion.CD90HiADSCs had greater reprogramming capacity thanCD90LoADSCs, suggesting that ADSCs have heterogeneous subpopulations. Thus,CD90Hiselection presents an effective strategy to isolate a highly suppressive subpopulation for stem cell-based tolerance induction therapy.
Effectiveness of Variable-Gain Kalman Filter Based on Angle Error Calculated from Acceleration Signals in Lower Limb Angle Measurement with Inertial Sensors
Authors: Teruyama Yuta , Watanabe Takashi
Published: October 2013

The wearable sensor system developed by our group, which measured lower limb angles using Kalman-filtering-based method, was suggested to be useful in evaluation of gait function for rehabilitation support. However, it was expected to reduce variations of measurement errors. In this paper, a variable-Kalman-gain method based on angle error that was calculated from acceleration signals was proposed to improve measurement accuracy. The proposed method was tested comparing to fixed-gain Kalman filter and a variable-Kalman-gain method that was based on acceleration magnitude used in previous studies. First, in angle measurement in treadmill walking, the proposed method measured lower limb angles with the highest measurement accuracy and improved significantly foot inclination angle measurement, while it improved slightly shank and thigh inclination angles. The variable-gain method based on acceleration magnitude was not effective for our Kalman filter system. Then, in angle measurement of a rigid body model, it was shown that the proposed method had measurement accuracy similar to or higher than results seen in other studies that used markers of camera-based motion measurement system fixing on a rigid plate together with a sensor or on the sensor directly. The proposed method was found to be effective in angle measurement with inertial sensors.
Solution and Stability of the Multiquadratic Functional Equation
Authors: Zhao Xiaopeng , Yang Xiuzhong , Pang Chin-Tzong
Published: October 2013

We consider the multiquadratic functional equation. We establish its general solution and provide a characterization for this functional equation. Finally, we prove the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of this functional equation.
Wavelength Width Dependence of Cavity Temperature Distribution in Semiconductor Diode Laser
Authors: Abbasi S. P. , Alimorady A.
Published: October 2013

The study of heat distribution in laser diode shows that there is nonuniform temperature distribution in cavity length of laser diode. In this paper, we investigate the temperature difference in laser diode cavity length and its effect on laser bar output wavelength width that mounted on usual CS model. In this survey at the first, laser was simulated then the simulations result was compared with experimental test result. The result shows that for each emitter there is difference, about 2.5 degree between the beginning and end of cavity.
Uniplanar Millimeter-Wave Log-Periodic Dipole Array Antenna Fed by Coplanar Waveguide
Authors: Zhai Guohua , Cheng Yong , Yin Qiuyan , Zhu Shouzheng , Gao Jianjun
Published: October 2013

A uniplanar millimeter-wave broadband printed log-periodic dipole array (PLPDA) antenna fed by coplanar waveguide (CPW) is introduced. This proposed structure consists of several active dipole elements, feeding lines, parallel coupled line, and the CPW, which are etched on a single metallic layer of the substrate. The parallel coupled line can be optimized to act as a transformer between the CPW and the PLPDA antenna. Meanwhile, this transform performs the task of a balun to achieve a wideband, low cost, low loss, simple directional antenna. The uniplanar nature makes the antenna suitable to be integrated into modern printed communication circuits, especially the monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuits (MMIC). The antenna has been carefully examined and measured to present the return loss, far-field patterns, and antenna gain.
On the Set of the Numbers of Conjugates of Noncyclic Proper Subgroups of Finite Groups
Authors: Shi Jiangtao , Zhang Cui
Published: October 2013

Let G be a finite group and 𝒩𝒞(G) the set of the numbers of conjugates of noncyclic proper subgroups of G. We prove that (1) if |𝒩𝒞(G)| ≤ 2, then G is solvable, and (2) G is a nonsolvable group with |𝒩𝒞(G)| = 3 if and only if G≅PSL(2,5) or PSL(2,13) or SL(2,5) or SL(2,13).
Prior Image Guided Undersampled Dual Energy Reconstruction with Piecewise Polynomial Function Constraint
Authors: Wu Dufan , Zhang Li , Li Liang , Shen Le , Xing Yuxiang
Published: October 2013

Dual energy CT has the ability to give more information about the test object by reconstructing the attenuation factors under different energies. These images under different energies share identical structures but different attenuation factors. By referring to the fully sampled low-energy image, we show that it is possible to greatly reduce the sampling rate of the high-energy image in order to lower dose. To compensate the attenuation factor difference between the two modalities, we use piecewise polynomial fitting to fit the low-energy image to the high-energy image. During the reconstruction, the result is constrained by its distance to the fitted image, and the structural information thus can be preserved. An ASD-POCS-based optimization schedule is proposed to solve the problem, and numerical simulations are taken to verify the algorithm.
Measuring Activity Levels at an Acute Stroke Ward: Comparing Observations to a Device
Authors: Kramer Sharon F. , Cumming Toby , Churilov Leonid , Bernhardt Julie
Published: October 2013

Background. If a simple system of instrumented monitoring was possible early after stroke, therapists may be able to more readily gather information about activity and monitor progress over time. Our aim was to establish whether a device containing a dual-axis accelerometer provides similar information to behavioural mapping on physical activity patterns early after stroke.Methods. Twenty participants with recent stroke ≤2 weeks and aged >18 were recruited and monitored at an acute stroke ward. The monitoring device (attached to the unaffected leg) and behavioural mapping (observation) were simultaneously applied from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both methods recorded the time participants spent lying, sitting, and upright.Results. The median percentage and interquartile range (IQR) of time spent lying, sitting, and upright recorded by the device were 36% (15–68), 51% (28–72), and 2% (1–5), respectively. Agreement between the methods was substantial: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI): lying 0.74 (0.46–0.89), sitting 0.68 (0.36–0.86), and upright 0.72 (0.43–0.88).Conclusion. Patients are inactive in an acute stroke setting. In acute stroke, estimates of time spent lying, sitting, and upright measured by a device are valid.
Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Inhibitors: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Salam Kazi Abdus , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi
Published: October 2013

Currently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered a serious health-care problem all over the world. A good number of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against HCV infection are in clinical progress including NS3-4A protease inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, and NS5A inhibitors as well as host targeted inhibitors. Two NS3-4A protease inhibitors (telaprevir and boceprevir) have been recently approved for the treatment of hepatitis C in combination with standard of care (pegylated interferon plus ribavirin). The new therapy has significantly improved sustained virologic response (SVR); however, the adverse effects associated with this therapy are still the main concern. In addition to the emergence of viral resistance, other targets must be continually developed. One such underdeveloped target is the helicase portion of the HCV NS3 protein. This review article summarizes our current understanding of HCV treatment, particularly with those of NS3 inhibitors.
Water as the Earth’s Buffer and Immune System
Authors: Goncharuk Vladyslav V.
Published: October 2013

A comprehensive review on water as a buffer of the planet and its immune system is presented. The relationship between the quality of drinking water, the level of development of human intelligence, and its health is highlighted. The problems of obtaining cytogenetically and physiologically safe high‐quality drinking water are discussed along with the problems of its decontamination. The solutions to maintain stable development of aquatic ecosystems are proposed. It is shown that tap water is the habitat of multiresistant genetically‐mutated microorganisms.
Electrodeposition of Oriented Cerium Oxide Films
Authors: Wang Adele Qi , Golden Teresa D.
Published: October 2013

Cerium oxide films of preferred orientation are electrodeposited under anodic conditions. A complexing ligand, acetate, was used to stabilize the cerium (III) ion in solution for deposition of the thin films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the ligand and metal tended to bind as a weakly bidentate complex. The crystallite size of the films was in the nanometer range as shown by Raman spectroscopy and was calculated from X-ray diffraction data. Crystallite sizes from 6 to 20 nm were obtained under the anodic deposition conditions. Sintering of the (111) oriented films showed an increase in the (111) orientation with temperatures up to 900°C. Also, the crystallite size increased from 20 nm to 120 nm under sintering conditions. Addition of the deposited films to the substrate improved corrosion resistance for the substrate.
Generalized Lymphadenopathy as the First Presentation of Granulocytic Sarcoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Elyamany Ghaleb , Khan Mohammed , El Hag Imad , El-Zimaity Maha , Albalawi Mohamed , AL Abdulaaly Abdulaziz
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Granulocytic sarcoma (GS), also known as chloroma or extramedullary myeloblastoma, is a solid tumor composed of primitive precursors of the granulocytic series that include myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes. Granulocytic sarcoma is a rare tumor that may develop during acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but less frequently may precede its presentation. Although generalized lymph node enlargement is a presentation for malignant lymphoma, it can also rarely be the early presenting sign of GS.Methods. We present a case of GS mimicking lymphoma in a 45-year-old male. The patient presented with bilateral neck masses and had widespread, prominent lymphadenopathy secondary to AML as the first presenting manifestation of GS for the last 4 months with concurrent marrow AML.Result. A clinical diagnosis of lymphoma was suspected; fine needle aspiration cytology findings were also suggestive of lymphoma. However, peripheral blood and bone marrow examination reported as acute myeloid leukemia with monocytic differentiation and histopathology of excised lymph node confirmed it to be a GS not lymphoma.Conclusion. GS is often misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma because of cytomorphologic and histologic similarities of the blasts to large cell lymphoma. A careful search for immature myeloid is a useful clue to the diagnosis accompanied with appropriate immunophenotyping.
Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Disease
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Noiri Eisei , Hinoshita Fumihiko
Published: October 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) has a high incidence rate in the elderly. Responsiveness to treatments differs considerably among patients because of high heterogeneity of MM. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical feature in MM patients, and treatment‐related mortality and morbidity are higher in MM patients with CKD than in patients with normal renal function. Recent advances in diagnostic tests, chemotherapy agents, and dialysis techniques are providing clinicians with novel approaches for the management of MM patients with CKD. Once reversible factors, such as hypercalcemia, have been corrected, the most common cause of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in MM patients is tubulointerstitial nephropathy, which results from very high circulating concentrations of monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC). In the setting of AKI, an early reduction of serum FLC concentration is related to kidney function recovery. The combination of extended high cutoff hemodialysis and chemotherapy results in sustained reductions in serum FLC concentration in the majority of patients and a high rate of independence from dialysis.
Magnetotransport Behaviour of Nanocrystalline Pr1-xSrxMnO3 (0.40≤x≤0.60)
Authors: Maikhuri Neelam , Gaur Anurag , Aggarwal Vasudha , Gaur Umesh , Singh H. K.
Published: October 2013

The nanocrystalline samples of Pr1-xSrxMnO3 (PSMO) (x=0.40, 0.50, 0.55, and 0.60) were synthesized by wet-chemical sol-gel route. Structural, magnetic, and magnetotransport properties have been studied systematically. It is found that Pr1-xSrxMnO3 samples with Sr content x=0.40 and 0.50 show paramagnetic to ferromagnetic (PM-FM) transition at TC~308 K with no trace of FM-AFM transition within the temperature range of 77–350 K. However, interestingly a second transition is observed at T~ 273 and 255 K, respectively, for samples x=0.55 and 0.60 correspond to an A-AFM magnetic structure. This indicates that samples x=0.40 and 0.50 are ferromagnetic below TC, while other samples (x=0.55 and 0.60) have a mixed phase consisting of FM and A-type AFM phases. Resistivity versus temperature (ρ-T) curve shows that the resistivity of all the samples is much larger than the single crystals of corresponding compositions due to large contribution of grain boundaries in the present nanocrystalline samples. Moreover, the decrease in metallic component at higher Sr concentration is also evidenced by the successive reduction in magnetoresistance (MR) with increasing Sr content from x=0.40 to 0.60.
Satisfaction with Life of Schizophrenia Outpatients and Their Caregivers: Differences between Patients with and without Self-Reported Sleep Complaints
Authors: Brissos Sofia , Afonso Pedro , Cañas Fernando , Bobes Julio , Bernardo Fernandez Ivan , Guzman Carlos
Published: October 2013

Patients with schizophrenia often present sleep complaints, but its relationship with general satisfaction with life (SWL) and burden for caregivers has been understudied. We aimed to assess the differences in SWL between patients with and without self-reported sleep disturbances and that of their caregivers. In a noninterventional study, 811 schizophrenia adult outpatients were screened for their subjective perception of having (or not) sleep disturbances and evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients self-reporting sleep disturbances were significantly more symptomatic (P<0.001), presented significantly worse family support (P=0.0236), and self-reported worse SWL in all domains. Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia self-reporting sleep disturbances also reported worse SWL in all domains, as compared to caregivers of patients without subjective sleep disturbances. Patient and caregivers’ SWL was significantly correlated to patients’ quality of sleep (P<0.0001for all domains). Patient’ and caregivers’ SWL was negatively affected by patients’ poor quality of sleep. We found that patients self-reporting sleep disturbances showed greater symptom severity, worse quality of sleep, worse SWL, and less caregiver support. SWL was also worse for caregivers of patients with schizophrenia reporting sleep disturbances.
Radiation and Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere: A Comprehensive Approach on a Molecular Basis
Authors: Harde Hermann
Published: October 2013

We investigate the interaction of infrared active molecules in the atmosphere with their own thermal background radiation as well as with radiation from an external blackbody radiator. We show that the background radiation can be well understood only in terms of the spontaneous emission of the molecules. The radiation and heat transfer processes in the atmosphere are described by rate equations which are solved numerically for typical conditions as found in the troposphere and stratosphere, showing the conversion of heat to radiation and vice versa. Consideration of the interaction processes on a molecular scale allows to develop a comprehensive theoretical concept for the description of the radiation transfer in the atmosphere. A generalized form of the radiation transfer equation is presented, which covers both limiting cases of thin and dense atmospheres and allows a continuous transition from low to high densities, controlled by a density dependent parameter. Simulations of the up- and down-welling radiation and its interaction with the most prominent greenhouse gases water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone in the atmosphere are presented. The radiative forcing at doubled CO2 concentration is found to be 30% smaller than the IPCC-value.
Influence of Febrile Neutropenia Period on Plasma Viscosity at Malignancy
Authors: Tek Ibrahim , Toprak Selami Kocak , Hasdemir Efe , Rahatli Samed , Yesilkaya Aysegül
Published: October 2013

Cancer, chemotherapy, and infections all together make changes in blood rheology and may affect the defense mechanisms by changing the thrombocyte function and endothelial cell. We have examined changes of blood rheology on plasma viscosity to put on probable following criteria for starting the treatment of febrile neutropenia immediately. A total of 27 postchemotherapy patients (16 males and 11 females) with febrile neutropenia diagnosed according to international guidelines have been included into the study. The plasma viscosity of the patients whose febrile neutropenia has been successfully treated was also measured to assess the impact of the duration of neutropenia on viscosity. The plasma viscosities of the patients were significantly higher during neutropenic episode than in nonneutropenic state (P = 0.006) except for alkaline phosphatase. All study parameters, particularly acute phase reactants, were statistically similar during both states. In the correlation of analysis with study parameters and stages, significant correlation was not observed between plasma viscosity alteration and leukocyte‐neutrophil alteration, also other study parameters. We have demonstrated significantly elevated plasma viscosity in our patients during febrile neutropenic episode. Despite normal values of various parameters known to trigger plasma viscosity, particularly fibrinogen, it can be easily argued that the main mechanism may be the endothelial injury during infectious process and immune response mediated microcirculatory blood flow alterations.
Immigrant Health Inequalities in the United States: Use of Eight Major National Data Systems
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Rodriguez-Lainz Alfonso , Kogan Michael D.
Published: October 2013

Eight major federal data systems, including the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), National Survey of Children’s Health, National Longitudinal Mortality Study, and American Community Survey, were used to examine health differentials between immigrants and the US‐born across the life course. Survival and logistic regression, prevalence, and age‐adjusted death rates were used to examine differentials. Although these data systems vary considerably in their coverage of health and behavioral characteristics, ethnic‐immigrant groups, and time periods, they all serve as important research databases for understanding the health of US immigrants. The NVSS and NHIS, the two most important data systems, include a wide range of health variables and many racial/ethnic and immigrant groups. Immigrants live 3.4 years longer than the US‐born, with a life expectancy ranging from 83.0 years for Asian/Pacific Islander immigrants to 69.2 years for US‐born blacks. Overall, immigrants have better infant, child, and adult health and lower disability and mortality rates than the US‐born, with immigrant health patterns varying across racial/ethnic groups. Immigrant children and adults, however, fare substantially worse than the US‐born in health insurance coverage and access to preventive health services. Suggestions and new directions are offered for improvements in health monitoring and for strengthening and developing databases for immigrant health assessment in the USA.
Numerical Simulations on Nonlinear Dynamics in Lasers as Related High Energy Physics Phenomena
Authors: Sterian Andreea Rodica
Published: October 2013

This paper aims to present some results on nonlinear dynamics in active nanostructures as lasers with quantum wells and erbium doped laser systems using mathematical models, methods, and numerical simulations for some related high energy physics phenomena. We discuss nonlinear dynamics of laser with quantum wells and of fiber optics laser and soliton interactions. The results presented have important implications in particle detection and postdetection processing of information as well as in soliton generation and amplification or in the case that these simulations are thought to be useful in the experiments concerning the high energy particles. The soliton behaviour as particle offers the possibility to use solitons for better understanding of real particles in this field. The developed numerical models concerning nonlinear dynamics in nanostructured lasers, erbium doped laser systems, the soliton interactions, and the obtained results are consistent with the existing data in the literature.
Large Area C60 Film Obtained by Microwave Oven Irradiation from an Organic Resin
Authors: Martínez-Reyes J. , Díaz Barriga-Arceo L. G. , Rendón-Vazquez L. , Martínez-Guerrero R. , Romero-Parada N. , Palacios-González E. , Garibay-Febles V. , Ortíz-López J.
Published: October 2013

In the present work the synthesis of fullerene thin film produced in a conventional microwave oven from the decomposition of terpenoid is reported. The polycrystalline structure of the sample was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD); the sample showed several phases, and the main phase corresponds to fullerene ordered in a face-centered cubic structure (FCC), with a lattice parameter a=14.16 Å, with two more structures: one is orthorhombic system with lattice parameters a=9.53 Å, b=8.87 Å, and c=8.354 Å, and the other is the monoclinic system with lattice parameters a=10.24 Å, b=7.80 Å, c=9.49 Å, and β=92.4°
coexisting also with graphite 2H phase with lattice parameters a=2.46 Å, c=6.71 Å. It was observed in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the sample formed thin films of stacked carbon. The film thickness was measured by a SEM, and it was 140.8 to 523 nm and the macroscopic area of 12 cm2, whereas a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the main phase of the material is C60 ordered in a face-centered cubic structure (FCC). In the sample surface by atomic force microscopy (AFM), islands deposited crystals were observed having symmetry 4-3m crystal habit associated with the tetrahedron.
A Higher Tidal Volume May Be Used for Athletes according to Measured FVC
Authors: Myrianthefs Pavlos , Baltopoulos George
Published: October 2013

We investigated whether professional athletes may require higher tidal volume (Tv) during mechanical ventilation hypothesizing that they have significantly higher “normal” lung volumes compared to what was predicted and to nonathletes. Measured and predicted spirometric values were recorded in both athletes and nonathletes using a Spirovit SP‐1 spirometer (Schiller, Switzerland). Normal Tv (6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) was calculated as a percentage of measured and predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) and the difference (δ) was used to calculate the additional Tv required using the equation: New Tv(TvN) = Tv + (Tv × δ). Professional athletes had significantly higher FVC compared to what was predicted (by 9% in females and 10% in males) and to nonathletes. They may also require a Tv of 6.6 mL/kg for males and 6.5 mL/kg for females during mechanical ventilation. Nonathletes may require a Tv of 5.8 ± 0.1 mL/kg and 6.3 ± 0.1 mL/kg for males and females, respectively. Our findings show that athletes may require additional Tv of 10% (0.6/6 mL/kg) for males and 8.3% (0.5/6 mL/kg) for females during general anesthesia and critical care which needs to be further investigated and tested.
Carbohydrate 19.9 Antigen Serum Levels in Liver Disease
Authors: Bertino Gaetano , Ardiri Annalisa Maria , Calvagno Giuseppe Stefano , Malaguarnera Giulia , Interlandi Donatella , Vacante Marco , Bertino Nicoletta , Lucca Francesco , Madeddu Roberto , Motta Massimo
Published: October 2013

Background.Carbohydrate 19.9 antigen (CA19.9) has been used in the diagnosis and followup of gastrointestinal tumours. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was the evaluation of CA19.9 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis hepatitis C virus and B virus correlated.Materials and Methods. 180 patients were enrolled, 116 with HCV-related chronic liver disease (48% chronic hepatitis, 52% cirrhosis) and 64 with HBV-related chronic liver disease (86% chronic hepatitis, 14% cirrhosis). Patients with high levels of CA19.9 underwent abdominal ecography, gastroendoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal CT scan.Results.51.7% of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and 48.4% of those with HBV-related chronic liver disease presented high levels of CA19.9. None was affected by pancreatic or intestinal neoplasia, cholestatic jaundice, or other diseases potentially able to induce Ca19.9 elevations. CA19.9 levels were elevated in 43.3% of HCV chronic hepatitis, in 56.3% of HCV cirrhosis, in 45.1% of HBV chronic hepatitis, and in 58% of HBV cirrhosis.Conclusions.CA19.9 commonly increases in the serum of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Elevation of CA 19.9 is not specific for neoplastic disease and is related to the severity of fibrosis and to the viral aetiology of hepatitis.
Design of Filter for a Class of Switched Linear Neutral Systems
Authors: Wu Caiyun , Wang Yue-E.
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with the filtering problem for a class of switched linear neutral systems with time-varying delays. The time-varying delays appear not only in the state but also in the state derivatives. Based on the average dwell time approach and the piecewise Lyapunov functional technique, sufficient conditions are proposed for the exponential stability of the filtering error dynamic system. Then, the corresponding solvability condition for a desired filter satisfying a weighted performance is established. All the conditions obtained are delay-dependent. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theory.
Number Size Distribution of Ambient Particles in a Typical Urban Site: The First Polish Assessment Based on Long‐Term (9 Months) Measurements
Authors: Klejnowski Krzysztof , Krasa Andrzej , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Błaszczak Barbara
Published: October 2013

This work presents results from the long‐term measurements of particle number carried out at an urban background station in Zabrze, Poland. Ambient particles with aerodynamic diameters of between 28 nm and 10 μm were investigated by means of a DEKATI thirteen‐stage electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI). The particle number‐size distribution was bimodal, whilst its density function had the local maxima in the aerodynamic diameter intervals 0.056–0.095 μm and 0.157–0.263 μm. The average particle number in winter was nearly twice as high as in summer. The greatest number concentrations in winter were those of the particles with diameters of between 0.617 and 2.41 μm, that is, the anthropogenic particles from fossil fuel combustion. Approximately 99% of the particles observed in Zabrze had aerodynamic diameters ≤1 μm—they may have originated from the combustion of biomass, liquid, and gaseous fuels in domestic stoves or in car engines. The daily variation of particle number was similar for both seasons—the highest values were observed in the morning (traffic rush hour) and in the afternoon/late evening (traffic and house heating emissions). An additional maximum (0.028–0.056 μm) observed in the early afternoon in summer was due to the intensive formation of new PM particles from gas precursors.
Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Obese Adolescents: Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Inflammatory Profile, and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Energy Balance
Authors: Dâmaso Ana Raimunda , de Piano Aline , Campos Raquel Munhoz da Silveira , Corgosinho Flávia Campos , Siegfried Wolfgang , Caranti Danielle Arisa , Masquio Deborah Cristina Landi , Carnier June , Sanches Priscila de Lima , Leão da Silva Patrícia , Nascimento Cláudia Maria Oller , Oyama Lila Missae , Dantas Alexandre Dâmaso Aguilera , de Mello Marco Túlio , Tufik Sergio , Tock Lian
Published: October 2013

The prevention of obesity and health concerns related to body fat is a major challenge worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a medically supervised, multidisciplinary approach, on reduction in the prevalence of obesity related comorbidities, inflammatory profile, and neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance in a sample of obese adolescents. A total of 97 postpuberty obese adolescents were enrolled in this study. Body composition, neuropeptides, and adipokines were analysed. The metabolic syndrome was defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The abdominal ultrasonography was performed to measure visceral, subcutaneous fat and hepatic steatosis. All measures were performed at baseline and after one year of therapy. The multidisciplinary management promoted the control of obesity reducing body fat mass. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, asthma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), binge eating, and hyperleptinemia was reduced. An improvement in the inflammatory profile was demonstrated by an increase in anti-inflammatory adiponectin and reduction in proinflammatory adipokines, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, interleukin-6 concentrations, and in the Lep/Adipo ratio. Moreover, a reduction in the AgRP and an increase in the alfa-MSH were noted. The multidisciplinary approach not only reduced obesity but also is efficacious in cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory profile, and neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance.
Hydrogen Adsorption Properties of Nano‐ and Microstructures of ZnO
Authors: Wahab Rizwan , Khan Farheen , Ahmad Naushad , Shin Hyung-Shik , Musarrat Javed , Al-Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: October 2013

Nanoparticles, microflowers, and microspheres of zinc oxide have been synthesized in a large quantity via solution process at low temperature and were tested for the hydrogen adsorption studies. The experiments were carried out using Sievert’s apparatus which resulted in highest hydrogen adsorption value for nanoparticles is ~1.220 wt%, whereas for microflower composed with thin sheets value reduced (~1.011 wt%) but in case of microspheres composed with nanoparticles having below one wt% (~0.966 wt%). The FE‐SEM and XRD clarify that the obtained products are crystalline with wurtzite phase. Including morphological and crystalline characterization, the surface area of the prepared nano‐ and microstructures was observed with BET.
The Use of Fractional Order Derivative to Predict the Groundwater Flow
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Bildik Necdet
Published: October 2013

The aim of this work was to convert the Thiem and the Theis groundwater flow equation to the time-fractional groundwater flow model. We first derived the analytical solution of the Theim time-fractional groundwater flow equation in terms of the generalized Wright function. We presented some properties of the Laplace-Carson transform. We derived the analytical solution of the Theis-time-fractional groundwater flow equation (TFGFE) via the Laplace-Carson transform method. We introduced the generalized exponential integral, as solution of the TFGFE. This solution is in perfect agreement with the data observed from the pumping test performed by the Institute for Groundwater Study on one of its borehole settled on the test site of the University of the Free State. The test consisted of the pumping of the borehole at the constant discharge rateQand monitoring the piezometric head for 350 minutes.
Periprosthetic Joint Infections: Clinical and Bench Research
Authors: Legout Laurence , Senneville Eric
Published: October 2013

Prosthetic joint infection is a devastating complication with high morbidity and substantial cost. The incidence is low but probably underestimated. Despite a significant basic and clinical research in this field, many questions concerning the definition of prosthetic infection as well the diagnosis and the management of these infections remained unanswered. We review the current literature about the new diagnostic methods, the management and the prevention of prosthetic joint infections.
Effect of Nanosilica Filled Polyurethane Composite Coating on Polypropylene Substrate
Authors: Ching Yern Chee , Syamimie Nurehan
Published: October 2013

Acrylic based polyurethane (PU) coatings with various amounts of nanosilica contents were prepared using solution casting method. The nanosilica (SiO2) particles used are around 16 nm in diameter. The friction and wear test was conducted using the reciprocating wear testing machine. The tests were performed at rotary speed of 100 rpm and 200 rpm with load of 0.1 kg to 0.4 kg under 1 N interval. The effect of the PU/nano‐SiO2 composite coating on friction and wear behavior of polypropylene substrate was investigated and compared. The worn surface of coating film layer after testing was investigated by using an optical microscope. The introduction of PU/nanosilica composite coating containing 3 wt% of nano‐SiO2 content gives the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate to PP substrate. Both the friction and wear rate of PP substrate coated with >3 wt% of nano‐SiO2 filled PU coating would increase with the increasing of applied load and sliding time.
Smoothing Approximation to the Square-Order Exact Penalty Functions for Constrained Optimization
Authors: Lian Shujun , Han Jinli
Published: October 2013

A method is proposed to smooth the square-order exact penalty function for inequality constrained optimization. It is shown that, under some conditions, an approximately optimal solution of the original problem can be obtained by searching an approximately optimal solution of the smoothed penalty problem. An algorithm based on the smoothed penalty functions is given. The algorithm is shown to be convergent under mild conditions. Two numerical examples show that the algorithm seems efficient.
Homeless Aging Veterans in Transition: A Life-Span Perspective
Authors: Thompson Carla J. , Bridier Nancy L.
Published: October 2013

The need for counseling and career/educational services for homeless veterans has captured political and economic venues for more than 25 years. Veterans are three times more likely to become homeless than the general population if veterans live in poverty or are minority veterans. This mixed methods study emphasized a life-span perspective approach for exploring factors influencing normative aging and life-quality of 39 homeless veterans in Alabama and Florida. Seven descriptive quantitative and qualitative research questions framed the investigation. Study participants completed a quantitative survey reflecting their preferences and needs with a subset of the sample (N=12) also participating in individual qualitative interview sessions. Thirty-two service providers and stakeholders completed quantitative surveys. Empirical and qualitative data with appropriate triangulation procedures provided interpretive information relative to a life-span development perspective. Study findings provide evidence of the need for future research efforts to address strategies that focus on the health and economic challenges of veterans before they are threatened with the possibility of homelessness. Implications of the study findings provide important information associated with the premise that human development occurs throughout life with specific characteristics influencing the individual’s passage. Implications for aging/homelessness research are grounded in late-life transitioning and human development intervention considerations.
HIV and Bone Disease: A Perspective of the Role of microRNAs in Bone Biology upon HIV Infection
Authors: Del Carpio-Cano Fabiola E. , DeLa Cadena Raul A. , Sawaya Bassel E.
Published: October 2013

Increased life expectancy and the need for long-term antiretroviral therapy have brought new challenges to the clinical management of HIV-infected individuals. The prevalence of osteoporosis and fractures is increased in HIV-infected patients; thus optimal strategies for risk management and treatment in this group of patients need to be defined. Prevention of bone loss is an important component of HIV care as the HIV population grows older. Understanding the mechanisms by which HIV infection affects bone biology leading to osteoporosis is crucial to delineate potential adjuvant treatments. This review focuses on HIV-induced osteoporosis within the context of microRNAs (miRNAs) by reviewing first basic concepts of bone biology as well as current knowledge of the role of miRNAs in bone development. Evidence that HIV-associated osteoporosis is in part independent of therapies employed to treat HIV (HAART) is supported by cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and is the focus of this review.
Extending Topological Abelian Groups by the Unit Circle
Authors: Bello Hugo J. , Chasco María Jesús , Domínguez Xabier
Published: October 2013

A twisted sum in the category of topological Abelian groups is a short exact sequence0→Y→X→Z→0where all maps are assumed to be continuous and open onto their images. The twisted sum splits if it is equivalent to0→Y→Y×Z→Z→0. We study the classSTG𝕋of topological groupsGfor which every twisted sum0→𝕋→X→G→0splits. We prove that this class contains Hausdorff locally precompact groups, sequential direct limits of locally compact groups, and topological groups withℒ∞topologies. We also prove that it is closed by taking open and dense subgroups, quotients by dually embedded subgroups, and coproducts. As means to find further subclasses ofSTG𝕋, we use the connection between extensions of the form0→𝕋→X→G→0and quasi-characters onG, as well as three-space problems for topological groups. The subject is inspired on some concepts known in the framework of topological vector spaces such as the notion of𝒦-space, which were interpreted for topological groups by Cabello.
Elucidating the Interacting Domains ofChandipuraVirus Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Kumar Kapila , Rajasekharan Sreejith , Gulati Sahil , Rana Jyoti , Gabrani Reema , Jain Chakresh K. , Gupta Amita , Chaudhary Vijay K. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: October 2013

The nucleocapsid (N) protein ofChandipuravirus (CHPV) plays a crucial role in viral life cycle, besides being an important structural component of the virion through proper organization of its interactions with other viral proteins. In a recent study, the authors had mapped the associations among CHPV proteins and shown that N protein interacts with four of the viral proteins: N, phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), and glycoprotein (G). The present study aimed to distinguish the regions of CHPV N protein responsible for its interactions with other viral proteins. In this direction, we have generated the structure of CHPV N protein by homology modeling using SWISS-MODEL workspace and Accelrys Discovery Studio client 2.55 and mapped the domains of N protein using PiSQRD. The interactions of N protein fragments with other proteins were determined by ZDOCK rigid-body docking method and validated by yeast two-hybrid and ELISA. The study revealed a unique binding site, comprising of amino acids 1–30 at the N terminus of the nucleocapsid protein (N1) that is instrumental in its interactions with N, P, M, and G proteins. It was also observed that N2 associates with N and G proteins while N3 interacts with N, P, and M proteins.
Preparation of Bismuth Oxide Photocatalyst and Its Application in White‐light LEDs
Authors: Chu Yen-Chang , Lee Gang-Juan , Chen Chin-Yi , Ma Shih-Hsin , Wu Jerry J. , Horng Tzyy-Leng , Chen Kun-Huang , Chen Jing-Heng
Published: October 2013

Bismuth oxide photocatalysts were synthesized and coated on the front surface of phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes to produce a safe and environmentally benign lighting source. Bismuth oxide photocatalyst powders were synthesized with a spray pyrolysis method at 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C. Using the absorption spectrum in the blue and UV regions of the bismuth oxide photocatalysts, the blue light and UV leakage problems of phosphor‐converted white LEDs can be significantly reduced. The experimental results showed that bismuth oxide photocatalyst synthesized at 700°C exhibited the most superior spectrum inhibiting ability. The suppressed ratio reached 52.33% in the blue and UV regions from 360 to 420 nm. Related colorimetric parameters and the photocatalyst decomposition ability of fabricated white‐light LEDs were tested. The CIE chromaticity coordinates (x, y) were (0.349, 0.393), and the correlated color temperature was 4991 K. In addition, the coating layer of photocatalyst can act as an air purifier and diffuser to reduce glare. A value of 66.2 ± 0.60 ppmv of molecular formaldehyde gas can be decomposed in 120 mins.
Cupping Therapy May be Harmful for Eczema: A PubMed Search
Authors: Hon Kam Lun E. , Luk David Chi Kong , Leong Kin Fon , Leung Alexander K. C.
Published: October 2013

Eczema is a common childhood atopic condition and treatment is with emollients, topical corticosteroids, and avoidance of possible triggers.S. aureuscolonization is a common complication. As there is no immediate cure, many parents seek alternative therapies that claim unproven therapeutic efficacy. We report a girl with long history of treatment noncompliance. After practicing a long period of dietary avoidance and supplementation, the grandparents took her to an alternative medicine practitioner. Following cupping therapy and acupuncture, the child developed blistering and oozing over her back the next day, which rapidly evolved to two large irregular-edge deep ulcers. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics and received multidisciplinary supportive intervention. Using search words of  “cupping,” “eczema,” and “atopic dermatitis,” only two reports were found on PubMed. Therapeutic efficacy was claimed but not scientifically documented in these reports. Childhood eczema is an eminently treatable atopic disease. Extreme alternative therapy seems not to be efficacious and may even be associated with serious undesirable sequelae. Physicians should be aware of various alternative treatment modalities and be prepared to offer evidence-based advice to the patients with eczema and their families.