bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomonas by Use of the BD Max CT/GC/TV Assay with Genitourinary Specimen Types
Authors: Van Der Pol Barbara , Williams James A. , Fuller DeAnna , Taylor Stephanie N. , Hook Edward W.
Published: October 2016

The BD Max CT/GC/TV (MAX) assay is a true multiplex assay for simultaneous detection of chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), and trichomonas (TV). We evaluated assay performance for women using endocervical and vaginal swabs as well as urine specimens. A total of 1,143 women were tested for CT, GC, and TV and, subsequently, another 847 (1,990 total women) for CT and GC only, with positivity rates for CT, GC, and TV of 7.1%, 2.3%, and 13.5%, respectively. In men, the performance for CT and GC was determined using only urine specimens. TV performance was not assessed in male urine samples. Among men, 181/830 (21.8%) and 108/840 (12.9%) chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, respectively, were identified. Comparator assays included BD ProbeTec
Chlamydia trachomatis
Q
x
(CTQ)/
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Q
x
(GCQ), Hologic Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) and Aptima TV (ATV), trichomonas microscopy, and culture. MAX CT sensitivity was 99.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.1% to 99.9%), 95.7% (90.8% to 98.0%), 91.5% (85.8% to 95.1%), and 96.1% (92.2% to 98.1%) for vaginal swabs, endocervical swabs, female urine samples, and male urine samples, respectively. MAX GC sensitivity was 95.5% (84.9% to 98.7%), 95.5% (84.9% to 98.7%), 95.7% (85.5% to 99.8%), and 99.1% (94.9% to 99.8%) in the same order. MAX TV sensitivity was 96.1% (91.7% to 98.2%) for vaginal swabs, 93.4% (88.3% to 96.4%) for endocervical swabs, and 92.9% (87.8% to 96.0%) for female urine samples. Specificity for all organisms across all sample types was ≥98.6%. Performance estimates for the MAX assays were consistent with estimates calculated for the comparator assays (all
P
values were >0.1). The availability of a CT/GC/TV multiplexed assay on a benchtop instrument with a broad menu has the potential to facilitate local sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing at smaller laboratories and may encourage expanded screening for these highly prevalent infections.
Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Air and Surfaces of the International Space Station
Authors: Knox Benjamin P. , Blachowicz Adriana , Palmer Jonathan M. , Romsdahl Jillian , Huttenlocher Anna , Wang Clay C. C. , Keller Nancy P. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: October 2016

As durations of manned space missions increase, it is imperative to understand the long-term consequence of microbial exposure on human health in a closed human habitat. To date, studies aimed at bacterial and fungal contamination of space vessels have highlighted species compositions biased toward hardy, persistent organisms capable of withstanding harsh conditions. In the current study, we assessed traits of two independent
Aspergillus fumigatus
strains isolated from the International Space Station. Ubiquitously found in terrestrial soil and atmospheric environments,
A. fumigatus
is a significant opportunistic fungal threat to human health, particularly among the immunocompromised. Using two well-known clinical isolates of
A. fumigatus
as comparators, we found that both ISS isolates exhibited normal
in vitro
growth and chemical stress tolerance yet caused higher lethality in a vertebrate model of invasive disease. These findings substantiate the need for additional studies of physical traits and biological activities of microbes adapted to microgravity and other extreme extraterrestrial conditions.
Diagnosing neurosyphilis: a case of confusion
Authors: Prynn Josephine , Hussain Andleeb , Winnett Andrew
Published: October 2016

A Pakistani man aged 60 years presented with personality change, aggression, paranoid delusions and sexual disinhibition while being treated for severe chest sepsis in intensive care. Collateral history confirmed that these personality changes had been developing over the course of the previous 2 years. He was found to have positive syphilis serology during a routine confusion screen, and the possibility of neurosyphilis was raised. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed elevated protein but negative syphilis testing. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was made to treat as neurosyphilis, which resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms. The genitourinary department was able to carry out thorough contact tracing. This case demonstrates the importance of including syphilis in a confusion screen as this patient was diagnosed following a low clinical suspicion. It also highlights some potential pitfalls and difficulties in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and the importance of the use of a multidisciplinary team.
Pyloric localisation in 57 dogs of breeds susceptible to gastric dilatation‐volvulus using computed tomography
Authors: Tomlinson A. W. , Lillis S. M. , German A. J. , Burrow R. D.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Describe the location of the pylorus using CT in dog breeds susceptible to gastric dilatation‐volvulus in the UK.

Methods:

Descriptive anatomical study. Abdominal CT scans of 57 client‐owned dogs were reviewed to assess pyloric position relative to the 9th, 10th, 11th and 13th ribs and 2 and 3 cm caudal to the 13th rib at the 8, 9 and 10 o'clock positions. The angle of the pylorus from the centre of the abdominal cavity relative to the sagittal plane was also determined.

Results:

In 88 per cent of cases, the pylorus was located in the right cranioventral abdomen with 63 per cent positioned at the 9–10 o'clock position. The overall distance between the pylorus and right abdominal wall (RAW) at the 13th rib 10 o'clock position was equivalent to 29 per cent of ventral abdominal length, significantly greater than the median overall distance of ∼14 per cent of ventral abdominal length between the pylorus and RAW at the 9th or 10th rib 10 o'clock position (P<0.0001).

Clinical significance:

Common gastropexy locations may result in considerable displacement of the pylorus relative to its natural anatomic location. Further case‐control studies are required to assess the clinical significance of this finding.
Quantifying predation on Baltic cod early life stages
Authors: Neumann Viola , Schaber Matthias , Eero Margit , Böttcher Uwe , Köster Friedrich W.
Published: October 2016

Predation on cod (Gadus morhua) eggs by sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and herring (Clupea harengus) is known to be one of the processes influencing reproductive success of the eastern Baltic cod and has been reported to have contributed to lack of recovery of the stock in the 1990s. This study quantifies the predation on cod eggs in the Bornholm Basin, the major spawning area of cod in the central Baltic Sea, in the 1990s in comparison with the second half of the 2000s. The analyses involve estimating daily consumption rates of predator populations, which are then compared with corresponding daily egg production rates. As a methodological advancement compared with earlier studies, spatially resolved information on predator distribution and abundance is utilized in quantifying predator stock size. This resulted in more realistic consumption estimates in relation to overall egg production compared with earlier studies that consistently overestimated predation pressure by clupeids. Our results suggest a generally lower predation pressure on cod eggs in the mid- to late 2000s, due to a combination of reduced predator abundance and lower daily rations by individual predators.
Revisiting rare top quark decays in the littlest Higgs Model with T-parity
Authors: Han Jinzhong , Yang Bingfang , Li Jitao
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we calculate rare top quark 2-body and 3-body decays in the littlest Higgs Model with T-parity (LHT). We find that the branching ratios of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] can be greatly enhanced in the LHT model in the allowed parameter space. The recent measurements of the decay [Formula: see text] can give a strong constraint on the LHT parameters and the decays of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] can be accessible at the LHC.
Effects of the structure asymmetry on optical responses in GaAs double quantum dots under intense laser and electric fields
Authors: Bejan Doina
Published: October 2016

The effects of the potential shape asymmetry on the nonlinear optical absorption and optical rectification in GaAs double quantum dots under intense non-resonant laser field and static electric field were investigated comparatively using the effective mass approximation and the compact density-matrix formalism under steady state conditions. The obtained results show that: (i) for both systems, the optical spectra are redshifted with the increase of the laser intensity only in the presence of the electric field, exceptions appearing at the highest considered laser intensity for both systems and at low laser field intensity for the asymmetric system; (ii) the augment of the static field intensity blueshifts the optical spectra of both systems; (iii) the spectra of the asymmetric system are displaced toward higher energies and show a shoulder-like feature at a given electric field value; (iv) the optical rectification spectra are more intense for the symmetric system.
Complexity and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis on a Kind of Fractional-Order IS-LM Macroeconomic System
Authors: Ma Junhai , Ren Wenbo
Published: October 2016

On the basis of our previous research, we deepen and complete a kind of macroeconomics IS-LM model with fractional-order calculus theory, which is a good reflection on the memory characteristics of economic variables, we also focus on the influence of the variables on the real system, and improve the analysis capabilities of the traditional economic models to suit the actual macroeconomic environment. The conditions of Hopf bifurcation in fractional-order system models are briefly demonstrated, and the fractional order when Hopf bifurcation occurs is calculated, showing the inherent complex dynamic characteristics of the system. With numerical simulation, bifurcation, strange attractor, limit cycle, waveform and other complex dynamic characteristics are given; and the order condition is obtained with respect to time. We find that the system order has an important influence on the running state of the system. The system has a periodic motion when the order meets the conditions of Hopf bifurcation; the fractional-order system gradually stabilizes with the change of the order and parameters while the corresponding integer-order system diverges. This study has certain significance to policy-making about macroeconomic regulation and control.
A Fuzzy Graph Framework for Initializing k-Means
Authors: Drakopoulos Georgios , Gourgaris Panagiotis , Kanavos Andreas , Makris Christos
Published: October 2016

k-Means is among the most significant clustering algorithms for vectors chosen from an underlying space S. Its applications span a broad range of fields including machine learning, image and signal processing, and Web mining. Since the introduction of k-Means, two of its major design parameters remain open to research. The first is the number of clusters to be formed and the second is the initial vectors. The latter is also inherently related to selecting a density measure for S. This article presents a two-step framework for estimating both parameters. First, the underlying vector space is represented as a fuzzy graph. Afterwards, two algorithms for partitioning a fuzzy graph to non-overlapping communities, namely Fuzzy Walktrap and Fuzzy Newman-Girvan, are executed. The former is a low complexity evolving heuristic, whereas the latter is deterministic and combines a graph communication metric with an exhaustive search principle. Once communities are discovered, their number is taken as an estimate of the true number of clusters. The initial centroids or seeds are subsequently selected based on the density of S. The proposed framework is modular, allowing thus more initialization schemes to be derived. The secondary contributions of this article are HI, a similarity metric for vectors with numerical and categorical entries and the assessment of its stochastic behavior, and TD, a metric for assessing cluster confusion. The aforementioned framework has been implemented mainly in C# and partially in C++ and its performance in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and cluster confusion was experimentally assessed. Post-processing results conducted with MATLAB indicate that the evolving community discovery algorithm approaches the performance of its deterministic counterpart with considerably less complexity.
Scenario-Based Tsunami Evacuation Analysis: A Case Study of Haimen Town, Taizhou, China
Authors: Hou Jing-Ming , Li Xiao-Juan , Yuan Ye , Ren Zhi-Yuan , Zhao Lian-Da , Wang Zong-Chen , Wang Jun-Cheng
Published: October 2016

In current tsunami prevention and mitigation, evacuation is the most important method of saving people’s lives. Tsunami evacuation is analyzed for a given travel time and a specific inundation area. Before evacuation analysis, the tsunami inundation and tsunami travel time are first calculated by numerical modeling. This paper analyzes the tsunami evacuation of Haimen Town, Jiaojiang District, Taizhou City, China, under the hypothesis of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake scenario in the Ryukyu Trench. The Cornell multi-grid coupled tsunami (COMCOT) model and Tsunami Travel Time (TTT) model are used to calculate the tsunami inundation and tsunami travel time, respectively. GIS techniques are used to solve the evacuation problem. Both horizontal and vertical evacuations are adopted based on the Chinese community characteristics, disaster prevention facilities, land use, and other practical conditions. A cost raster is used to analyze the arrival cost of each grid in the study area. The location allocation and cost allocation methods are used to solve shelter selection and coverage problems, respectively. The network analyst is applied to provide evacuation routes for each community. The evacuation analysis results can provide a scientific reference for the development of tsunami evacuation plans.
Beyond Laggan–Tormore: maximizing economic recovery from gas infrastructure West of Shetland
Authors: Noel P. , Taylor N.
Published: October 2016

The Laggan–Tormore development was sanctioned in 2010: the two fields are produced by subsea systems, tied back to the Shetland Islands where the hydrocarbons are processed in the Shetland Gas Plant. A key aspect of the Laggan–Tormore development was the inclusion of in-line tees in the flowlines to allow future tie-ins. This paper highlights the opportunities now available for further gas developments West of Shetland and describes the efforts performed by Total and its co-venturers during the period 2010–15 in order to take advantage of the new gas infrastructure. Three exploration wells were drilled by Total and its co-venturers around the facilities during this period. The Tomintoul well turned out to be dry despite a positive amplitude v. offset (AVO) anomaly. Edradour, whilst a gas discovery, was not big enough to make an economical tie-back to the Laggan–Tormore facilities. The third exploration well Spinnaker was disappointing. All undeveloped gas resources around the facilities were evaluated and Glenlivet was clearly the most attractive. Studies demonstrated that a joint Edradour–Glenlivet development would be economical; the Field Development Plan was approved in March 2015 and the Glenlivet development drilling campaign took place during the summer of 2015. Total continues an intensive exploration programme West of Shetland on its wide acreage, hoping to bring additional projects in the future.
The application of elemental geochemistry to UK onshore unconventional plays
Authors: Riley David A. , Pearce Tim J. , Mathia Eliza , Ratcliffe Ken , Martin John
Published: October 2016

The Namurian and Westphalian sequences from the onshore well Scaftworth-B2, located in the Gainsborough Trough, central England, have been analysed for whole-rock inorganic geochemical data via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (MS). The changes within key elements, and elemental ratios, results in a chemostratigraphic zonation scheme consisting of eight chemostratigraphic sequences and 13 chemostratigraphic packages, providing the type zonation for the Bowland Shale and overlying formations. Mineralogical data are provided by whole rock X-ray diffraction (XRD) and are used to calibrate the mineral modelling in order to generate a modelled mineral log for the study well. Furthermore, the modelled mineralogy is then used to calculate a relative brittleness for the samples, which can then be collaborated with traditional rock properties data at a later date. Elemental data can also be used to model the relative abundance of detrital quartz and biogenic silica; while total silicon is detected by ICP, biogenic silica is not detected by XRD owing to its amorphous nature. Enrichment factors calculated from the inorganic elemental data suggest that the sediment was deposited in an unrestricted marine setting, which experienced periods of anoxia.
A role for sodium-chloride cotransporters in the rapid regulation of ion uptake following acute environmental acidosis: new insights from the zebrafish model
Authors: Kwong Raymond W. M. , Perry Steve F.
Published: October 2016

The effects of acute exposure to acidic water on Na+ and Cl− homeostasis, and the mechanisms underlying their compensatory regulation, were investigated in the larval zebrafish Danio rerio. Exposure to acidic water (pH 4.0; control pH 7.6) for 2 h significantly reduced Na+ uptake and whole body Na+ content. Nevertheless, the capacity for Na+ uptake was substantially increased in fish preexposed to acidic water but measured in control water. Based on the accumulation of the Na+-selective dye, Sodium Green, two ionocyte subtypes exhibited intracellular Na+ enrichment after preexposure to acidic water: H+-ATPase rich (HR) cells, which coexpress the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3b (NHE3b), and a non-HR cell population. In fish experiencing Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC) knockdown, we observed no Sodium Green accumulation in the latter cell type, suggesting the non-HR cells were NCC cells. Elimination of NHE3b-expressing HR cells did not prevent the increased Na+ uptake following acid exposure. On the other hand, the increased Na+ uptake was abolished when the acidic water was enriched with Na+ and Cl−, but not with Na+ only, indicating that the elevated Na+ uptake after acid exposure was associated with the compensatory regulation of Cl−. Further examinations demonstrated that acute acid exposure also reduced whole body Cl− levels and increased the capacity for Cl− uptake. Moreover, knockdown of NCC prevented the increased uptake of both Na+ and Cl− after exposure to acidic water. Together, the results of the present study revealed a novel role of NCC in the compensatory regulation of Na+ and Cl− uptake following acute acidosis.
Contractile function and motor unit firing rates of the human hamstrings
Authors: Kirk Eric A. , Rice Charles L.
Published: October 2016

Neuromuscular properties of the lower limb in health, aging, and disease are well described for major lower limb muscles comprising the quadriceps, triceps surae, and dorsiflexors, with the notable exception of the posterior thigh (hamstrings). The purpose of this study was to further characterize major muscles of the lower limb by comprehensively exploring contractile properties in relation to spinal motor neuron output expressed as motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) in the hamstrings of 11 (26.5 ± 3.8) young men. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation, stimulated contractile properties including a force-frequency relationship, and MUFRs from submaximal to maximal voluntary contractile intensities were assessed in the hamstrings. Strength and MUFRs were assessed at two presumably different muscle lengths by varying the knee joint angles (90° and 160°). Knee flexion MVCs were 60–70% greater in the extended position (160°). The frequency required to elicit 50% of maximum tetanic torque was 16–17 Hz. Mean MUFRs at 25–50% MVC were 9–31% less in the biceps femoris compared with the semimembranosus-semitendinosus group. Knee joint angle (muscle length) influenced MUFRs such that mean MUFRs were greater in the shortened (90°) position at 50% and 100% MVC. Compared with previous reports, mean maximal MUFRs in the hamstrings are greater than those in the quadriceps and triceps surae and somewhat less than those in the tibialis anterior. Mean maximal MUFRs in the hamstrings are influenced by changes in knee joint angle, with lower firing rates in the biceps femoris compared with the semimembranosus-semitendinosus muscle group.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We studied motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) at various voluntary contraction intensities in the hamstrings, one of the only major lower limb muscles to have MUFRs affected by muscle length changes. Within the hamstrings muscle-specific differences have greater impact on MUFRs than length changes, with the biceps femoris having reduced neural drive compared with the semimembranosus-semimembranosus. Comparing our results to other lower limb muscles, flexors have inherently higher firing rate compared with extensors.
Intramyocardial Injection of siRNAs Can Efficiently Establish Myocardial Tissue-Specific Renalase Knockdown Mouse Model
Authors: Huang Kun , Liu Ju , Zhang Hui , Wang Jiliang , Li Huili
Published: October 2016

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury will cause additional death of cardiomyocytes in ischaemic heart disease. Recent studies revealed that renalase was involved in the I/R injury. So, the myocardial tissue-specific knockdown mouse models were needed for the investigations of renalase. To establish the mouse models, intramyocardial injection of siRNAs targeting renalase was performed in mice. The wild distribution and high transfection efficiency of the siRNAs were approved. And the renalase expression was efficiently suppressed in myocardial tissue. Compared with the high cost, time consumption, and genetic compensation risk of the Cre/loxP technology, RNA interference (RNAi) technology is much cheaper and less time-consuming. Among the RNAi technologies, injection of siRNAs is safer than virus. And considering the properties of the I/R injury mouse models, the efficiency and durability of injection with siRNAs are acceptable for the studies. Altogether, intramyocardial injection of siRNAs targeting renalase is an economical, safe, and efficient method to establish myocardial tissue-specific renalase knockdown mouse models.
Selection of Lipases for the Synthesis of Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil and the Potential of Microwave Irradiation to Enhance the Reaction Rate
Authors: Souza Livia T. A. , Mendes Adriano A. , Castro Heizir F. de
Published: October 2016

The present study deals with the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel by transesterification of Jatropha oil (Jatropha curcas L.) with ethanol in a solvent-free system. Seven commercial lipase preparations immobilized by covalent attachment on epoxy-polysiloxane-polyvinyl alcohol composite (epoxy-SiO2-PVA) were tested as biocatalysts. Among them, immobilized lipases from Pseudomonas fluorescens (lipase AK) and Burkholderia cepacia (lipase PS) were the most active biocatalysts in biodiesel synthesis, reaching ethyl ester yields (FAEE) of 91.1 and 98.3% at 72 h of reaction, respectively. The latter biocatalyst exhibited similar performance compared to Novozym® 435. Purified biodiesel was characterized by different techniques. Transesterification reaction carried out under microwave irradiation exhibited higher yield and productivity than conventional heating. The operational stability of immobilized lipase PS was determined in repeated batch runs under conventional and microwave heating systems, revealing half-life times of 430.4 h and 23.5 h, respectively.
The Role of TLR4 on B Cell Activation and Anti-β2GPI Antibody Production in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Cheng Si , Wang Haibo , Zhou Hong
Published: October 2016

High titer of anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-β2GPI Ab) plays a pathogenic role in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Numerous studies have focused on the pathological mechanism in APS; however, little attention is paid to the immune mechanism of production of anti-β2GPI antibodies in APS. Our previous study demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a vital role in the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from the mice immunized with humanβ2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). TLR4 is required for the activation of B cells and the production of autoantibody in mice treated withβ2GPI. However, TLR4 provides a third signal for B cell activation and then promotes B cells better receiving signals from both B cell antigen receptor (BCR) and CD40, thus promoting B cell activation, surface molecules expression, anti-β2GPI Ab production, and cytokines secretion and making B cell functioning like an antigen presenting cell (APC). At the same time, TLR4 also promotes B cells producing antibodies by upregulating the expression of B-cell activating factor (BAFF). In this paper, we aim to review the functions of TLR4 in B cell immune response and antibody production in autoimmune disease APS and try to find a new way for the prevention and treatment of APS.
Understanding the Pathophysiology of Portosystemic Shunt by Simulation Using an Electric Circuit
Authors: Kim Moonhwan , Lee Keon-Young
Published: October 2016

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) without a definable cause is a rare condition, and most of the studies on this topic are small series or based on case reports. Moreover, no firm agreement has been reached on the definition and classification of various forms of PSS, which makes it difficult to compare and analyze the management. The blood flow can be seen very similar to an electric current, governed by Ohm’s law. The simulation of PSS using an electric circuit, combined with the interpretation of reported management results, can provide intuitive insights into the underlying mechanism of PSS development. In this article, we have built a model of PSS using electric circuit symbols and explained clinical manifestations as well as the possible mechanisms underlying a PSS formation.
Radioactive Iodine Administration Is Associated with Persistent Related Symptoms in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Florenzano Pablo , Guarda Francisco J. , Jaimovich Rodrigo , Droppelmann Nicolás , González Hernán , Domínguez José M.
Published: October 2016

Context. Radioiodine (RAI) administration has adverse effects in patients treated for thyroid cancer (DTC), but there is scarce information regarding their intensity and duration.Objective. To evaluate frequency and intensity of early and late RAI-related symptoms in patients with DTC.Design. Observational prospective study.Patients. DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy, with or without RAI.Measurements. Patients answered 2 surveys: (1) from 0 to 6 months and (2) between 6 and 18 months after initial treatment.Results. 110 patients answered the first survey and 61 both. Nearly 80 percent received RAI. Among early symptoms, periorbital edema, excessive tearing, salivary gland disturbances, dry mouth, taste disorders, and nausea were more frequent and intense among RAI patients. Regarding late symptoms, periorbital edema, salivary gland pain and swelling, and dry mouth were more frequent and intense in RAI patients. Frequency and intensity of adverse effects were not different between low and high RAI doses (50 versus ≥100 mCi).Conclusion. RAI-related symptoms are frequent and usually persist after 6 months of administration, even when low doses are given. This finding must be considered when deciding RAI administration, especially in low risk patients, among whom RAI benefit is controversial.
Modelling the Heating Process in Simultaneous Laser Transmission Welding of Semicrystalline Polymers
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Kreimeier Suveni
Published: October 2016

Laser transmission welding is an established joining process for thermoplastics. A close-to-reality simulation of the heating process would improve the understanding of the process, facilitate and shorten the process installation, and provide a significant contribution to the computer aided component design. For these reasons a thermal simulation model for simultaneous welding was developed which supports determining the size of the heat affected zone (HAZ). The determination of the intensity profile of the laser beam after the penetration of the laser transparent semicrystalline thermoplastic is decisive for the simulation. For the determination of the intensity profile two measurement systems are presented and compared. The calculated size of the HAZ shows a high concordance to the dimensions of the HAZ found using light microscopy. However, the calculated temperatures exceed the indicated decomposition temperatures of the particular thermoplastics. For the recording of the real temperatures during the welding process a measuring system is presented and discussed.
Lymphoma Heterogeneity: Three Different Histological Pictures and One Unique Clone
Authors: Alonso-Alvarez Sara , Redondo-Guijo Alba , Blanco Óscar , Alcoceba Miguel , Balanzategui Ana , Caballero Juan C. , Dávila Julio , González Marcos , Caballero María D. , Martín Alejandro , García-Sanz Ramón
Published: October 2016

We report a patient who developed up to three different lymphomas with the same clonal IGH rearrangement. She was first diagnosed of splenic zone marginal lymphoma and relapsed for the first time with Hodgkin lymphoma histology and later with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma histology. Subsequent biopsies and analysis of clonally rearranged IGH genes helped to elucidate the clonal relationship between the three histologies and to confirm a common origin from the three tissue histologies. An integrated diagnosis should always be performed in order to achieve the most accurate diagnosis and be able to choose the best therapeutic options for our patients.
Dual Connectivity in Heterogeneous Small Cell Networks with mmWave Backhauls
Authors: Kim Wooseong
Published: October 2016

Ultradense Network (UDN) with small cells is a key feature to begin a new era of 5G communication, which provides higher data rate, and accommodate explosive mobile traffic. Recently, mmWave-based wireless backhauls accelerate deployment of the UDN by reducing cost of fiber-optic cabling to small cells. The small cells can deliver user data to macro enhanced NodeBs (eNBs) using multihop relay in wireless backhaul mesh that consists of small and macro cell eNBs connected by the mmWave links. For such a heterogeneous small cell network (HetNet), 3GPP introduced dual connectivity (i.e., dual connections to macro and small cell eNBs), which is an attractive standard feature to manage user mobility and network access in the small cells. In this paper, we exploit dual connectivity scheme in a HetNet with the mmWave-based backhaul mesh which introduces two main challenges for throughput maximization, multihop routing from small to macro cell, and selection of a small cell eNB for user equipment (UE). We establish an optimization model and find an optimal solution in terms of throughput and fairness using an IBM CPLEX solver. Additionally, we propose a heuristic algorithm for complexity reduction and compare it with the optimal results in evaluation.
A Model for Analyzing a Five-Phase Fractional-Slot Permanent Magnet Tubular Linear Motor with Modified Winding Function Approach
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qi Rong , Lin Hui , Mwaniki Julius
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a model for analyzing a five-phase fractional-slot permanent magnet tubular linear motor (FSPMTLM) with the modified winding function approach (MWFA). MWFA is a fast modeling method and it gives deep insight into the calculations of the following parameters: air-gap magnetic field, inductances, flux linkages, and detent force, which are essential in modeling the motor. First, using a magnetic circuit model, the air-gap magnetic density is computed from stator magnetomotive force (MMF), flux barrier, and mover geometry. Second, the inductances, flux linkages, and detent force are analytically calculated using modified winding function and the air-gap magnetic density. Finally, a model has been established with the five-phase Park transformation and simulated. The calculations of detent force reveal that the end-effect force is the main component of the detent force. This is also proven by finite element analysis on the motor. The accuracy of the model is validated by comparing with the results obtained using semianalytical method (SAM) and measurements to analyze the motor’s transient characteristics. In addition, the proposed method requires less computation time.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Prospective Therapy for the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Wu Qinan , Chen Bing , Liang Ziwen
Published: October 2016

The diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells are an abundant source of stem cells which occupy a special position in cell therapies, and recent studies have suggested that mesenchymal stem cells can play essential roles in treatments for the diabetic foot. Here, we discuss the advances that have been made in mesenchymal stem cell treatments for this condition. The roles and functional mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells in the diabetic foot are also summarized, and insights into current and future studies are presented.
Inclusion of the Generalized Bessel Functions in the Janowski Class
Authors: Mondal Saiful R. , Al Dhuain Mohammed
Published: October 2016

Sufficient conditions onA,B,p,b, andcare determined that will ensure the generalized Bessel functionup,b,csatisfies the subordinationup,b,c(z)≺1+Az/(1+Bz). In particular this gives conditions for(-4κ/c)(up,b,c(z)-1),c≠0, to be close-to-convex. Also, conditions forup,b,c(z)to be Janowski convex andzup,b,c(z)to be Janowski starlike in the unit diskD=z∈C:z<1are obtained.
Primary Angiosarcoma of the Spleen: Rare Diagnosis with Atypical Clinical Course
Authors: Kohutek Filip , Badik Ladislav , Bystricky Branislav
Published: October 2016

Primary angiosarcoma of the spleen is a rare diagnosis with poor prognosis. Morphologically, it demonstrates conventional blood vessel differentiation. We present a case of 65-year-old female who underwent radical splenectomy for primary angiosarcoma of the spleen. After three-year disease-free interval, she was diagnosed with bone-only metastatic disease. Palliative radiotherapy and bisphosphonates kept her disease reasonably stable for another four years. After development of lung metastases, six cycles of single agent doxorubicin kept her progression-free for six years. Upon further progression in lungs, thirteen years after original diagnosis, lung biopsy confirmed metastatic splenic angiosarcoma in the lungs. She started weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy. Although splenic angiosarcoma generally carries grave prognosis, some patients may enjoy prolonged periods of disease stabilization. Durable benefit can be achieved in some patients with multimodality management. We review the literature focusing on systemic treatment for this rare tumor.
The Crosstalk between Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells and Immune Cells: To Establish Immune Tolerance in Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Shuo , Yang Cheng , Rong Ruiming
Published: October 2016

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid precursor and progenitor cells and endowed with a robust immunosuppressive activity in multiple pathophysiological conditions. Recent studies have uncovered the crosstalk between MDSCs and immune cells (i.e., natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer T cells, and regulatory T cells) and its role in the establishment and maintenance of immune tolerant microenvironment in transplantation. Considering their strong immunosuppressive capability, MDSCs could become a prospective clinical regimen during transplantation tolerance induction, resulting in long-term graft survival with decreased or without immunosuppressive drugs. The review summarized recent research advances in this field and looked ahead at the research directions in the future.
Gender Differences in Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, Mental Health, Cognitive Performance, Pain-Cognition, and Positive Health in Spanish Fibromyalgia Individuals: The Al-Ándalus Project
Authors: Segura-Jiménez Víctor , Estévez-López Fernando , Soriano-Maldonado Alberto , Álvarez-Gallardo Inmaculada C. , Delgado-Fernández Manuel , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Aparicio Virginia A.
Published: October 2016

Objective. To test the gender differences in tenderness, impact of fibromyalgia, health-related quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, mental health, cognitive performance, pain-cognition, and positive health in Spanish fibromyalgia patients and in age-matched nonfibromyalgia individuals from the same region. To test the optimal cut-off score of the different tender points for women and men.Methods. A total of 405 (384 women) fibromyalgia versus 247 (195 women) nonfibromyalgia control participants from southern Spain (Andalusia) took part in this cross-sectional study. The outcomes studied were assessed by means of several tests.Results. In the fibromyalgia group, men showed better working memory than women (all,P<0.01), whereas sleep latency was lower in women compared to men (P=0.013). In the nonfibromyalgia group, men showed higher pain threshold in all the tender points (all,P<0.01), except in right and left lateral epicondyle. Furthermore, men showed better working memory than women (all,P<0.01), whereas memory performance was better in women compared to men (all,P≤0.01).Conclusion. The results of the present study do not support consistent evidence of gender differences in fibromyalgia-related symptoms. However, it seems that detriment of some symptoms (especially pain) in fibromyalgia men compared with their nonfibromyalgia counterparts is greater than those of fibromyalgia women compared with their nonfibromyalgia peers.
Shrimp Protein Hydrolysate Modulates the Timing of Proinflammatory Macrophages in Bupivacaine-Injured Skeletal Muscles in Rats
Authors: Dort Junio , Leblanc Nadine , Bryl Piotr , Fortin Marie-Gil , Carbonneau Marie-Elise , Lavigne Charles , Jacques Hélène
Published: October 2016

This study was designed to determine whether marine-derived proteins other than cod could have beneficial effects on inflammation following muscle injury. Macrophage and neutrophil densities were measured from bupivacaine-injured tibialis anterior muscle of rats fed isoenergetic diets containing either shrimp hydrolysate (Shr), casein hydrolysate (CaH), or whole casein (Ca). In this study, Shr reduced ED1+-macrophages at day 2 (p=0.013), day 5 (p=0.006), and day 14 after injury (p=0.038) compared with Ca, indicating faster resolution of inflammation in Shr. Except for day 2 after injury where Shr led to lower ED1+-macrophages compared with CaH (p=0.006), both Shr and CaH responded similarly at days 5, 14, and 28 after injury. This findings suggest that beneficial effects of Shr on ED1+-cells might be related to generation of anti-inflammatory peptides through the hydrolysis process, in addition to its high content of anti-inflammatory amino acids. However, while increasing myofiber cross-sectional area in noninjured muscles compared with both Ca and CaH, Shr failed to have a positive effect in corresponding injured muscles. These data indicate that shrimp hydrolysate can facilitate resolution of inflammation after muscle injury mainly through modulating proinflammatory macrophage accumulation but have less effect on optimal recovery in terms of muscle mass and fiber size.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Evaluating Catheter Related FDG Avidity
Authors: Jeong Daniel , Gage Kenneth L. , Berman Claudia G. , Montilla-Soler Jaime L.
Published: October 2016

A 53-year-old female with a history of metastatic left arm melanoma presented for F(18) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) which showed a moderately FDG avid focus at her port catheter tip near the cavoatrial junction. Although catheter tip related FDG avidity has previously been suggested to be bland thrombus or infection, melanoma can metastasize to unusual locations including the superior vena cava. In addition, the patient had an elevated risk of anticoagulation due to a history of hemorrhagic brain metastases. Therefore, confirmatory cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was obtained and findings were consistent with bland catheter-related thrombus.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Light-Induced Mycelial Brown Film Formation in Lentinula edodes
Authors: Tang Li Hua , Tan Qi , Bao Da Peng , Zhang Xue Hong , Jian Hua Hua , Li Yan , Yang Rui heng , Wang Ying
Published: October 2016

Light-induced brown film (BF) formation by the vegetative mycelium of Lentinula edodes is important for ensuring the quantity and quality of this edible mushroom. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype is still unclear. In this study, a comparative proteomic analysis of mycelial BF formation in L. edodes was performed. Seventy-three protein spots with at least a twofold difference in abundance on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) maps were observed, and 52 of them were successfully identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF/MS). These proteins were classified into the following functional categories: small molecule metabolic processes (39%), response to oxidative stress (5%), and organic substance catabolic processes (5%), followed by oxidation-reduction processes (3%), single-organism catabolic processes (3%), positive regulation of protein complex assembly (3%), and protein metabolic processes (3%). Interestingly, four of the proteins that were upregulated in response to light exposure were nucleoside diphosphate kinases. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomic analysis of the mechanism of BF formation in L. edodes. Our data will provide a foundation for future detailed investigations of the proteins linked to BF formation.
Biodemographic Analysis of Factors Related to Perinatal Mortality in Portugal (1988–2011)
Authors: Fuster Vicente
Published: October 2016

Background. The purpose of this paper is to determine the relative mortality risks at delivery and during the first week of life with regard to maternal and foetal characteristics.Methods. Yearly individual digital records on live births and early neonatal mortality were used to infer the possible factors involved in perinatal deaths.Results. The results show that the number of births per year declined with time throughout the period studied. At the same time, rates decreased in 66.4% for stillbirths and in 70.2% for early neonatal mortality. Logistic regressions modelled the interaction of the two mortality indicators and covariables such as birth weight and the duration of gestation.Conclusions. This research provides a first biodemographic approach to the knowledge of factors influencing perinatal mortality in Portugal based on a set of foetal and maternal variables. Although the magnitude of the different perinatal mortality rates may be affected by the criteria used for selecting cases (multiple-singletons; minimum birth weight or minimum duration of gestation), one of the conclusions of the present analysis is that the relationship among the maternal and foetal variables that determine the relative risk remains unaltered. Certain resemblance with the factors determining negative birth outcomes in Spain is appreciated.
Purification and Characterization of a Thermostableβ-Mannanase fromBacillus subtilisBE-91: Potential Application in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Cheng Lifeng , Duan Shengwen , Feng Xiangyuan , Zheng Ke , Yang Qi , Liu Zhengchu
Published: October 2016

β-mannanase has shown compelling biological functions because of its regulatory roles in metabolism, inflammation, and oxidation. This study separated and purified theβ-mannanase fromBacillus subtilisBE-91, which is a powerful hemicellulose-degrading bacterium using a “two-step” method comprising ultrafiltration and gel chromatography. The purifiedβ-mannanase (about 28.2 kDa) showed high specific activity (79, 859.2 IU/mg). The optimum temperature and pH were 65°C and 6.0, respectively. Moreover, the enzyme was highly stable at temperatures up to 70°C and pH 4.5–7.0. Theβ-mannanase activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Al3+and strongly inhibited by Ba2+and Pb2+.KmandVmaxvalues for locust bean gum were 7.14 mg/mL and 107.5 μmol/min/mL versus 1.749 mg/mL and 33.45 µmol/min/mL for Konjac glucomannan, respectively. Therefore,β-mannanase purified by this work shows stability at high temperatures and in weakly acidic or neutral environments. Based on such data, theβ-mannanase will have potential applications as a dietary supplement in treatment of inflammatory processes.
Improving Robustness of Biometric Identity Determination with Digital Watermarking
Authors: Partala Juha , Fylakis Angelos , Pramila Anu , Keskinarkaus Anja , Seppänen Tapio
Published: October 2016

The determination of an identity from noisy biometric measurements is a continuing challenge. In many applications, such as identity-based encryption, the identity needs to be known with virtually 100% certainty. The determination of identities with such precision from face images taken under a wide range of natural situations is still an unsolved problem. We propose a digital watermarking based method to aid face recognizers to tackle this problem in applications. In particular, we suggest embedding multiple face dependent watermarks into an image to serve as expert knowledge on the corresponding identities to identity-based schemes. This knowledge could originate, for example, from the tagging of those people on a social network. In our proposal, a single payload consists of a correction vector that can be added to the extracted biometric template to compile a nearly noiseless identity. It also supports the removal of a person from the image. If a particular face is censored, the corresponding identity is also removed. Based on our experiments, our method is robust against JPEG compression, image filtering, and occlusion and enables a reliable determination of an identity without side information.
Cone Beam X-Ray Luminescence Tomography Imaging Based on KA-FEM Method for Small Animals
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Meng Fanzhen , Zhao Fengjun , Xu Cao
Published: October 2016

Cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography can realize fast X-ray luminescence tomography imaging with relatively low scanning time compared with narrow beam X-ray luminescence tomography. However, cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography suffers from an ill-posed reconstruction problem. First, the feasibility of experiments with different penetration and multispectra in small animal has been tested using nanophosphor material. Then, the hybrid reconstruction algorithm with KA-FEM method has been applied in cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography for small animals to overcome the ill-posed reconstruction problem, whose advantage and property have been demonstrated in fluorescence tomography imaging. The in vivo mouse experiment proved the feasibility of the proposed method.