bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of HIV infection with insulin and glucose levels in antiretroviral-naïve Rwandan women: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Dusingize Jean Claude , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Mutimura Eugene , Kiefer Elizabeth , Anastos Kathryn
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The purpose of these analyses was to determine the associations of HIV infection and related immune dysfunction with a glucose homeostasis in the population of antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected and uninfected Rwandan women. We hypothesise that insulin resistance and its consequences in the developing countries may be further elevated with HIV infection itself regardless of antiretroviral therapy.

Study design

Cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal cohort.

Setting

Community-based women's associations.

Participants

In 2005, 710 HIV-infected (HIV positive) antiretroviral naïve and 226 HIV-uninfected (HIV negative) women were enrolled in the Rwanda Women's Interassociation Study and Assessment (RWISA). Clinical and demographic parameters, CD4 count, fasting insulin and glucose levels, anthropometric measurements and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) were obtained. Linear models were fit to log-transformed Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) with results exponentiated back to a multiplicative effect on the original scale.

Primary outcome measures

The outcome, insulin resistance, was measured by the HOMA, calculated as fasting insulin (μU/mL)×fasting glucose (mmol/L)⁄22.5.

Results

In adjusted models, HIV-positive women were less insulin resistant than HIV-negative; an HIV-positive woman tended to have 0.728 times as much (95% CI 0.681 to 0.861) HOMA than a comparable HIV-negative woman. Among the HIV-positive women, those with CD4 <200 cells/µL tended to have 0.741 times as much HOMA (95% CI 0.601 to 0.912) as did comparable women with CD4 >350 cells/µL. The older age was independently associated with a lower HOMA insulin resistance. After adjusting for body mass index, fat and fat-free mass were not independently associated with HOMA.

Conclusions

This study found that HIV infection and more advanced HIV infection (CD4 counts <200 cells/µL) were associated with greater insulin sensitivity in antiretroviral naïve African women. These findings provide baseline information for the interpretation of future studies on the effect of antiretroviral therapy on metabolic insulin sensitivity derangements in African population.
Using routinely collected data to improve immunisation histories
Authors: Allen Luke
Published: December 2013

Immunisation is one of the most effective health interventions in existence yet outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur in developed countries. High rates of cover are needed to provide adequate herd immunity and there is evidence that a significant proportion of paediatric inpatients are not up to date even in areas with high levels of community cover. A proportion of these children will have parents who consciously declined immunisation, however the remaining children represent a vulnerable cohort whose under-immunisation is not routinely identified.

Two-hundred consecutive admissions to rural paediatric assessment unit had their routinely documented vaccination histories checked against their records on the regional Child Health Information System (CHIS). 30 children (15%) were not up to date on the CHIS, yet routine clerking only identified 5 of these children (17%). After introduction of a simple system whereby ward clerks and doctors were taught how to access and print full immunisation histories from the CHIS, a further 200 consecutive admissions were audited. A similar number were not up to date (29/200) but the proportion of children with missing immunisations correctly identified in the clerking documentation increased to 52% (15 children). This is a 35% improvement (95% CI; 12-58%).

Access to routinely collected data can significantly improve identification of under-immunised children and contribute towards higher levels of individual and herd-immunity.
Reducing the risk of needlestick injuries in hospital
Authors: Denny James
Published: December 2013

After performing procedures involving sharps, many wards in St George's Hospital have no quick and accessible 'point of care' sharps bin for their safe disposal. Instead one must transport potentially hazardous equipment away from the bedside, risking injury and exposure to persons en route.

Results from a questionnaire showed that 73% felt they were indeed poorly placed, 95% felt a portable sharps bin system was a good idea, and 95% felt their introduction would be safer. A one month trial of portable sharps bins on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) showed that 97% felt that the portable sharps bin system reduced risk to themselves and others, 81% felt safer using them, and 90% felt safer knowing their colleagues were using them too.

A recent audit in a six month period within 2012 established there were 148 reported needlestick injuries in St George's Hospital. This quality improvement project showed that a majority consensus felt that a portable sharps bin system would be safer than the system currently used and could potentially help reduce these numbers. This project also comes at a time when new EU legislation calls for safer sharps use and disposal and thus offers a solution to ultimately provide better, safer and more advanced safety practices when disposing of sharp equipment.
A NOVEL APPROACH FOR OPTIMAL GROUPING OF REUSABLE SOFTWARE COMPONENTS FOR COMPONENT BASED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: RAVICHANDRAN K. S. , SEKAR K. R. , SURESH P.
Published: December 2013

Component Based Software (CBS) development is the assembling of already developed components and preparing for integration. For the last two decades, researchers have been concentrating much on CBS both in industry and academia, because CBS helps in the reduction of manpower, cost, software development time and better system maintainability. The selection of the best component from the large collection of components is a difficult task and only few researchers have addressed this issue so far by using optimization techniques. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to group the components effectively, based on the software architecture, by using fuzzy concepts. Again, Fuzzy Clustering Technique (FCT) is introduced to find the optimal grouping between the reusable components and the software architectures. The proposed model has the following advantages: (i) the proposed Fuzzy Weighted Relational Coefficient (FWRC) is used to measure the fuzzy relational value of the suggested 9 component parameters; (ii) A mathematical model is established to remove all less utility leveled components before grouping; (iii) FCT performs on newly developed similarity coefficient formula; (iv) Zero — One programming (optimization) technique is used to optimize the group; (v) Fuzzy Weighted Approach is used to find the dominant component among the component grouping, and (vi) Optimal grouping is achieved by the property, namely, maximizing the cohesion and minimizing the coupling when compared to other methods. Finally, the validation of the derived methodology is verified with sample Business Enterprise Applications.
PROQRASS: A PROCESS-BASED APPROACH TO QUALITY REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS FOR SERVICE SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG YE , YANG XIAOHU , WANG XINYU , KAVS ALEKSANDER J.
Published: December 2013

Satisfying quality requirements for service systems is quite crucial and challenging. However, there is a gap between quality requirements analysis and quality requirements design in service systems. In order to bridge this gap, we provide a systematic approach — ProQRASS — to model and analyze quality requirements of services based on business processes, which are frequently used to model services. ProQRASS consists of five steps: (1) constructing business process models; (2) associating quality requirements with functional requirements of services in business process models; (3) identifying potential conflicts and cooperation among quality requirements; (4) filtering out false conflicts and cooperation; (5) resolving conflicts among quality requirements. We illustrate ProQRASS through an equity trading service system. We also evaluate its capability through the comparison with other approaches and conduct a usability investigation involving industrial experts. The result shows that ProQRASS is effective and useful.
Amelioration of salt-induced vascular dysfunction in mesenteric arteries of Dahl salt-sensitive rats by missense mutation of extracellular superoxide dismutase
Authors: Beyer Andreas M. , Raffai Gabor , Weinberg Brian D. , Fredrich Katherine , Rodgers Matthew S. , Geurts Aron M. , Jacob Howard J. , Dwinell Melinda R. , Lombard Julian H.
Published: December 2013

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, including extracellular SOD (ecSOD), are important for scavenging superoxide radicals (O2·−) in the vasculature. This study investigated vascular control in rats [SS-Sod3 m1Mcwi (ecSODE124D)] with a missense mutation that alters a single amino acid (E124D) of ecSOD that produces a malfunctioning protein in the salt-sensitive (Dahl SS) genetic background. We hypothesized that this mutation would exacerbate endothelial dysfunction due to elevated vascular O2·− levels in SS, even under normal salt (NS; 0.4% NaCl) conditions. Aortas of ecSODE124D rats fed standard rodent chow showed enhanced sensitivity to phenylephrine and reduced relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) vs. SS rats. Endothelium-dependent dilation to ACh was unaffected by the mutation in small mesenteric arteries of ecSODE124D rats fed NS diet, and mesenteric arteries of ecSODE124D rats were protected from endothelial dysfunction during short-term (3–5 days) high-salt (HS; 4% NaCl) diet. ACh-induced dilation of mesenteric arteries of ecSODE124D rats and SS rats fed NS diet was inhibited by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and/or by H2O2 scavenging with polyethylene glycol-catalase at higher concentrations of ACh. Total SOD activity was significantly higher in ecSODE124D rats vs. SS controls fed HS diet, most likely reflecting a compensatory response to loss of a functional ecSOD isoform. These findings indicate that, contrary to its effect in the aorta, this missense mutation of ecSOD in the SS rat genome has no negative effect on vascular function in small resistance arteries, but instead protects against salt-induced endothelial dysfunction, most likely via compensatory mechanisms involving an increase in total SOD activity.
Larger late sodium current density as well as greater sensitivities to ATX II and ranolazine in rabbit left atrial than left ventricular myocytes
Authors: Luo Antao , Ma Jihua , Song Yejia , Qian Chunping , Wu Ying , Zhang Peihua , Wang Leilei , Fu Chen , Cao Zhenzhen , Shryock John C.
Published: December 2013

An increase of cardiac late sodium current ( INa.L) is arrhythmogenic in atrial and ventricular tissues, but the densities of INa.L and thus the potential relative contributions of this current to sodium ion (Na+) influx and arrhythmogenesis in atria and ventricles are unclear. In this study, whole-cell and cell-attached patch-clamp techniques were used to measure INa.L in rabbit left atrial and ventricular myocytes under identical conditions. The density of INa.L was 67% greater in left atrial (0.50 ± 0.09 pA/pF, n = 20) than in left ventricular cells (0.30 ± 0.07 pA/pF, n = 27, P < 0.01) when elicited by step pulses from −120 to −20 mV at a rate of 0.2 Hz. Similar results were obtained using step pulses from −90 to −20 mV. Anemone toxin II (ATX II) increased INa.L with an EC50 value of 14 ± 2 nM and a Hill slope of 1.4 ± 0.1 ( n = 9) in atrial myocytes and with an EC50 of 21 ± 5 nM and a Hill slope of 1.2 ± 0.1 ( n = 12) in ventricular myocytes. Na+ channel open probability (but not mean open time) was greater in atrial than in ventricular cells in the absence and presence of ATX II. The INa.L inhibitor ranolazine (3, 6, and 9 μM) reduced INa.L more in atrial than ventricular myocytes in the presence of 40 nM ATX II. In summary, rabbit left atrial myocytes have a greater density of INa.L and higher sensitivities to ATX II and ranolazine than rabbit left ventricular myocytes.
Novel role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 in the regulation of cardiac performance
Authors: Rubinstein Jack , Lasko Valerie M. , Koch Sheryl E. , Singh Vivek P. , Carreira Vinicius , Robbins Nathan , Patel Amit R. , Jiang Min , Bidwell Philip , Kranias Evangelia G. , Jones W. Keith , Lorenz John N.
Published: December 2013

Transient receptor potential cation channels have been implicated in the regulation of cardiovascular function, but only recently has our laboratory described the vanilloid-2 subtype (TRPV2) in the cardiomyocyte, though its exact mechanism of action has not yet been established. This study tests the hypothesis that TRPV2 plays an important role in regulating myocyte contractility under physiological conditions. Therefore, we measured cardiac and vascular function in wild-type and TRPV2−/− mice in vitro and in vivo and found that TRPV2 deletion resulted in a decrease in basal systolic and diastolic function without affecting loading conditions or vascular tone. TRPV2 stimulation with probenecid, a relatively selective TRPV2 agonist, caused an increase in both inotropy and lusitropy in wild-type mice that was blunted in TRPV2−/− mice. We examined the mechanism of TRPV2 inotropy/lusitropy in isolated myocytes and found that it modulates Ca2+ transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading. We show that the activity of this channel is necessary for normal cardiac function and that there is increased contractility in response to agonism of TRPV2 with probenecid.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Disease in Multiple Myeloma: Spotlight on Spinal Involvement
Authors: Tosi Patrizia
Published: December 2013

Bone disease is observed in almost 80% of newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma patients, and spine is the bone site that is more frequently affected by myeloma-induced osteoporosis, osteolyses, or compression fractures. In almost 20% of the cases, spinal cord compression may occur; diagnosis and treatment must be carried out rapidly in order to avoid a permanent sensitive or motor defect. Although whole body skeletal X-ray is considered mandatory for multiple myeloma staging, magnetic resonance imaging is presently considered the most appropriate diagnostic technique for the evaluation of vertebral alterations, as it allows to detect not only the exact morphology of the lesions, but also the pattern of bone marrow infiltration by the disease. Multiple treatment modalities can be used to manage multiple myeloma-related vertebral lesions. Surgery or radiotherapy is mainly employed in case of spinal cord compression, impending fractures, or intractable pain. Percutaneous vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty can reduce local pain in a significant fraction of treated patients, without interfering with subsequent therapeutic programs. Systemic antimyeloma therapy with conventional chemotherapy or, more appropriately, with combinations of conventional chemotherapy and compounds acting on both neoplastic plasma cells and bone marrow microenvironment must be soon initiated in order to reduce bone resorption and, possibly, promote bone formation. Bisphosphonates should also be used in combination with antimyeloma therapy as they reduce bone resorption and prolong patients survival. A multidisciplinary approach is thus needed in order to properly manage spinal involvement in multiple myeloma.
Fractional Sobolev Spaces via Riemann-Liouville Derivatives
Authors: Idczak Dariusz , Walczak Stanisław
Published: December 2013

Using Riemann-Liouville derivatives, we introduce fractional Sobolev spaces, characterize them, define weak fractional derivatives, and show that they coincide with the Riemann-Liouville ones. Next, we prove equivalence of some norms in the introduced spaces and derive their completeness, reflexivity, separability, and compactness of some imbeddings. An application to boundary value problems is given as well.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ln(OH)3 Nanorods and the Conversion to Ln2O3 (Ln = Eu, Nd, Dy) Nanorods via Annealing Process
Authors: Zhu Yanhua , Zhai Xiang , Wang Lingling
Published: December 2013

One‐dimensional rare earth oxides and hydroxides are of importance in many applications due to their rich physicochemical properties. In this work, we synthesized Ln(OH)3 (Ln = Eu, Nd, Dy) nanorods by a hydrothermal method with the assistance of n‐butylamine as an alkaline resource. The porous Ln2O3 nanorods were produced through annealing the corresponding Ln(OH)3 nanorods. XRD and TEM techniques were employed to characterize the products. The annealing process and the optical properties of as‐synthesized Ln2O3 are also investigated by TG and PL test. We expected that these nanomaterials could find potential applications in the future.
Prediction Performance of Chemical Mechanisms for Numerical Simulation of Methane Jet MILD Combustion
Authors: Kim Yu Jeong , Oh Chang Bo , Fujita Osamu
Published: December 2013

The prediction performance of five chemical mechanisms (3-STEP, WD4, SKELETAL, DRM-19, and GRI-2.11) was investigated to confirm their suitability for use in numerical simulations of methane combustion in moderate or intense low-oxygen dilution (MILD). A wall-confined jet geometry was introduced to simulate MILD combustion. The oxygen level in the coflowing air was adjusted by mixing the air with combustion products. Each chemical mechanism was analyzed with respect to the flame structure and main product, including CO and NO; the emission indices for CO were also discussed. The temperature distributions and heat-release rates predicted by the chemical mechanisms were similar when the flames were stably attached to the fuel jet exit. The temperature distributions and heat-release rates were dependent on the flame liftoff characteristics, as were the CO and NO emissions. The NO concentration predicted by GRI-2.11 was lower than those predicted using other chemical mechanisms, although DRM-19 predicted a relatively similar value. The emission indices for NO (EINO) and CO (EICO) predicted by each chemical mechanism decreased with increasing dilution rate. The predicted EICO had a negative value even at a small dilution rate, which implies that some of the CO supplied to the air stream is consumed during MILD combustion.
The Relationship between Diabetic Neuropathy and Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fujihara Kazuya , Kodama Satoru , Horikawa Chika , Yoshizawa Sakiko , Sugawara Ayumi , Hirasawa Reiko , Shimano Hitoshi , Yachi Yoko , Suzuki Akiko , Hanyu Osamu , Sone Hirohito
Published: December 2013

Aims. High prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) has been reported in patients with diabetes. However, whether diabetic neuropathy (DN) contributes to this high prevalence is controversial. Our aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of SAS between patients with and without DN.Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted for cross-sectional studies that reported the number of patients with DN and SAS using MEDLINE (from 1966 to Nov 5, 2012) and EMBASE (from 1974 to Nov 5, 2012). Odds ratios (ORs) of SAS related to DN were pooled with the Mantel-Haenszel method.Results. Data were obtained from 5 eligible studies (including 6 data sets, 880 participants, and 429 cases). Overall, the pooled OR of SAS in patients with DN compared with that in non-DN patients was significant (OR (95% CI), −1.95 (1.03–3.70)). The pooled OR of SAS was 1.90 (0.97–3.71) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Excluding data on patients with type 1 diabetes, a higher OR was observed in younger patients (mean age <60 years) than in those ≥60 years among whom the OR remained significant (3.82; 95% CI, 2.24–6.51 and 1.17; 95% CI, 0.81–1.68).Conclusions. Current meta-analysis suggested the association of some elements of neuropathy with SAS in type 2 diabetes. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether the association is also true for patients with type 1 diabetes.
The Numerical Simulation of the Crack Elastoplastic Extension Based on the Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Xiaozhou Xia , Qing Zhang , Hong Wang , Qun Jiang
Published: December 2013

In the frame of the extended finite element method, the exponent disconnected function is introduced to reflect the discontinuous characteristic of crack and the crack tip enrichment function which is made of triangular basis function, and the linear polar radius function is adopted to describe the displacement field distribution of elastoplastic crack tip. Where, the linear polar radius function form is chosen to decrease the singularity characteristic induced by the plastic yield zone of crack tip, and the triangle basis function form is adopted to describe the displacement distribution character with the polar angle of crack tip. Based on the displacement model containing the above enrichment displacement function, the increment iterative form of elastoplastic extended finite element method is deduced by virtual work principle. For nonuniform hardening material such as concrete, in order to avoid the nonsymmetry characteristic of stiffness matrix induced by the non-associate flowing of plastic strain, the plastic flowing rule containing cross item based on the least energy dissipation principle is adopted. Finally, some numerical examples show that the elastoplastic X-FEM constructed in this paper is of validity.
Posterior Cerebral Infarction following Loss of Guide Wire
Authors: Bugnicourt Jean-Marc , Belhomme Denis , Bonnaire Bruno , Constans Jean-Marc , Manaouil Cécile
Published: December 2013

Stroke after internal jugular venous cannulation typically leads to acute carotid or vertebral arteries injury and cerebral ischemia. We report the first case of delayed posterior cerebral infarction following loss of guide wire after left internal jugular venous cannulation in a 46-year-old woman with a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Our observation highlights that loss of an intravascular guide wire can be a cause of ischemic stroke in patients undergoing central venous catheterization.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage due to Acute Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Marak Creticus P. , Joy Parijat S. , Gupta Pragya , Bukovskaya Yana , Guddati Achuta K.
Published: December 2013

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) can be caused by several etiologies including vasculitis, drug exposure, anticoagulants, infections, mitral valve stenosis, and regurgitation. Chronic mitral valve regurgitation (MR) has been well documented as an etiological factor for DAH, but there have been only a few cases which have reported acute mitral valve regurgitation as an etiology of DAH. Acute mitral valve regurgitation can be a life-threatening condition and often requires urgent intervention. In rare cases, acute mitral regurgitation may result in a regurgitant jet which is directed towards the right upper pulmonary vein and may specifically cause right-sided pulmonary edema and right-sided DAH. Surgical repair of the mitral valve results in rapid resolution of DAH. Acute MR should be considered as a possible etiology in patients presenting with unilateral pulmonary edema, hemoptysis, and DAH.
Numerical Simulation of Section Systems in the Pelamis Wave Energy Converter
Authors: He Hongzhou , Qu Quanyou , Li Juyue
Published: December 2013

The working principle of the Pelamis wave energy converter is described in this paper. The sectional size suitable for the outside sea of Xiamen Bay is redesigned according to the Froude and Strouhal similarity criteria. The swing angles, hydrodynamic coefficients, and wave exciting forces are calculated based on the AQWA hydrodynamic software and the average outside sea condition of Xiamen Bay. It is concluded that the Pelamis after redesigned by the Froude and Strouhal similarity criteria can run better in the outside sea area of Xiamen Bay. The three sections indirectly contacted with the fixed axis have larger swing angles. The wave period and height affect the speed ofthe response of the section and its swing angle range, respectively. The larger the total forces, the larger the swing angles. The wave circular frequency has a greater effect on the added mass and the wave exciting force than on the radiation damping; the heave added mass and the heave wave exciting force will become smaller when the heave radiation damping becomes larger with the increase of the wave circular frequency.
Diphallia with Associated Anomalies: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tirtayasa Pande Made Wisnu , Prasetyo Robertus Bebet , Rodjani Arry
Published: December 2013

Diphallia or penile duplication is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. It occurs once in every 5.5 million live births. The extent of penile duplication and the number of associated anomalies vary greatly, ranging from a double glans from a penis with no associated anomaly up to complete penile duplication associated with multiple anomalies. Here, we report a 12-year-old boy with complete bifid diphallia associated with bifid scrotum, epispadia, and pubic symphysis diastasis along with a review of the articles pertaining to this anomaly.
Neopterin in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Eisenhut Michael
Published: December 2013

Neopterin is produced by activated monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells upon stimulation by interferon gamma produced by T-lymphocytes. Quantification of neopterin in body fluids has been achieved by standard high-performance liquid chromatography, radioimmunoassays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Neopterin levels predict HIV-related mortality more efficiently than clinical manifestations. Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with a decrease in neopterin levels. Elevated neopterin levels were associated with hepatitis by hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. Serum neopterin levels were found to be a predictor of response to treatment of chronic HCV infection with pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin. Neopterin levels of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were found to be higher in patients with more extensive radiological changes. Elimination of blood donors with elevated neopterin levels to reduce risk of transmission of infections with known and unknown viral pathogens has been undertaken. Neopterin measurement is hereby more cost effective but less sensitive than screening using polymerase chain reaction based assays. In conclusion neopterin is a nonspecific marker of activated T-helper cell 1 dominated immune response. It may be a useful marker for monitoring of infectious disease activity during treatment and for more accurate estimation of extent of disease and prognosis.
Synthesis and Characterization ofCaxSryBa1-x-yFe12-zLazO19by Standard Ceramic Method
Authors: Mahadule Rohit K. , Arjunwadkar Purushottam R. , Mahabole Megha P.
Published: December 2013

The polycrystalline compounds with chemical formulaCaxSryBa1-x-yFe12-zLazO19(CSBFLO) were synthesized via standard ceramic method. The chemical phase analysis was carried out by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method, which confirmed the formation of the magnetoplumbite phase belonging to ferrite structure. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity and dielectric constant was studied in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 2 MHz. The experimental results revealed that AC conductivity increases with increasing frequency, which is in agreement with Koop’s phenomenological theory. However, variation in dielectric constant required explanation in light of dielectric polarization. Magnetic characterization included studies of parameters such as Ms, Mr, Hc, and Tc, and results were explained via magnetic dilution and canting spin structure.
Validation of Point-of-Care Glucose Testing for Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vučić Lovrenčić Marijana , Radišić Biljak Vanja , Božičević Sandra , Pape-Medvidović Edita , Ljubić Spomenka
Published: December 2013

Point-of-care (POC) glucose technology is currently considered to be insufficiently accurate for the diagnosis of diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of an innovative, interference-resistant POC glucose meter (StatStrip glucose hospital meter, Nova Biomedical, USA) in subjects with a previous history of dysglycaemia, undergoing a 75 g diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). Venous and capillary blood sampling for the reference laboratory procedure (RLP) and POC-glucose measurement was carried out at fasting and 2 h oGTT, and categories of glucose tolerance were classified according to 2006 WHO diagnostic criteria for the respective sample type. We found an excellent between-method correlation at fasting (r=0.9681,P<0.0001) and 2 h oGTT (r=0.9768,P<0.0001) and an almost perfect diagnostic agreement (weighted Kappa = 0.858). Within a total of 237 study subjects, 137 were diagnosed with diabetes with RLP, and only 6 of them were reclassified as having glucose intolerance with POC. The diagnostic performance of POC-fasting glucose in discriminating between the normal and any category of disturbed glucose tolerance did not differ from the RLP (P=0.081). Results of this study indicate that StatStrip POC glucose meter could serve as a reliable tool for the diabetes diagnosis, particularly in primary healthcare facilities with dispersed blood sampling services.
The Anticonvulsant Enaminone E139 Attenuates Paclitaxel‐Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rodents
Authors: Thangamani Dhandapani , Edafiogho Ivan Ogheneochuko , Masocha Willias
Published: December 2013

The enaminone methyl 4‐(4′‐bromophenyl)aminocyclohex‐3‐en‐6‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐1‐oate (E139) has anticonvulsant activities. It has been reported to have a better safety profile than some anticonvulsant drugs. Since some anticonvulsant drugs are used in the management of neuropathic pain, we evaluated the effects of E139 in rodent models of acute pain and paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain. The reaction latency to thermal stimuli (hot‐plate test) of BALB/c mice was recorded before and after intraperitoneal treatment with paclitaxel (2 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 consecutive days), and after treatment with E139 (0.1–40 mg/kg), amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), and gabapentin (10 and 30 mg/kg). Mechanical allodynia in paclitaxel‐treated Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was measured using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer before and after treatment with E139 (10 and 20 mg/kg) or its vehicle for four consecutive days from day 7 after first administration of paclitaxel (16 mg/kg on two alternate days). Administration of E139 (10–40 mg/kg) produced antinociceptive activity against thermal nociception in naïve mice. Treatment with E139, amitriptyline, or gabapentin reduced paclitaxel‐induced thermal hyperalgesia. E139 reduced paclitaxel‐induced mechanical allodynia, with the effects lasting longer (24 h) after repetitive dosing. Our results indicate that E139 has antinociceptive activity and attenuates paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain in rodents.
Modeling of Macroeconomics by a Novel Discrete Nonlinear Fractional Dynamical System
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Chen Wen
Published: December 2013

We propose a new nonlinear economic system with fractional derivative. According to the Jumarie’s definition of fractional derivative, we obtain a discrete fractional nonlinear economic system. Three variables, the gross domestic production, inflation, and unemployment rate, are considered by this nonlinear system. Based on the concrete macroeconomic data of USA, the coefficients of this nonlinear system are estimated by the method of least squares. The application of discrete fractional economic model with linear and nonlinear structure is shown to illustrate the efficiency of modeling the macroeconomic data with discrete fractional dynamical system. The empirical study suggests that the nonlinear discrete fractional dynamical system can describe the actual economic data accurately and predict the future behavior more reasonably than the linear dynamic system. The method proposed in this paper can be applied to investigate other macroeconomic variables of more states.
A New Approach to the Method of Lyapunov Functionals and Its Applications
Authors: Jin Yunguo , Zhong Shouming
Published: December 2013

We show some results which can replace the graph theory used to construct global Lyapunov functions in some coupled systems of differential equations. We present an example of an epidemic model with stage structure and latency spreading in a heterogeneous host population and obtain a more general threshold for the extinction and persistence of a disease. Using some results obtained by mathematical induction and suitable Lyapunov functionals, we prove the global stability of the endemic equilibrium. For some coupled systems of differential equations, by a similar approach to the discussion of the epidemic model, the conditions of threshold property or global stability can be established without the assumption that the relative matrix is irreducible.
Pathologic Response Rates of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin versus Methotrexate/Vinblastine/Adriamycin/Cisplatin Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle Invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lee Franklin C. , Harris William , Cheng Heather H. , Shenoi Jaideep , Zhao Song , Wang Junfeng , Champion Thomas , Izard Jason , Gore John L. , Porter Michael , Yu Evan Y. , Wright Jonathan L.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. To compare pathologic outcomes after treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) versus methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, and cisplatin (MVAC) in the neoadjuvant setting.Methods. Data was retrospectively collected on 178 patients with T2-T4 bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2003 and 2011. Outcomes of interest included those with complete response (pT0) and any response (≤pT1). Odds ratios were calculated using multivariate logistic regression.Results. Compared to those who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there were more patients with complete response (28% versus 9%, OR 3.11 (95% CI: 1.45–6.64),P=0.03) and any response (52% versus 25%, OR 3.23 (95% CI: 1.21–8.64),P=0.01). Seventy-two patients received GC (n=41) or MVAC (n=31). CR was achieved in 29% and 22% of GC and MVAC patients, respectively (multivariate OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.10–1.58). Any response (≤pT1) was achieved in 56% of GC and 45% of MVAC patients (multivariate OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.12–1.71).Conclusions. We observed similar pathologic response rates for GC and MVAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy in this cohort of patients with muscle invasive urothelial cancer (MIBC). Our findings support the use of GC as an alternative regimen in the neoadjuvant setting.
Characteristic Analysis from Excessive to Deficient Syndromes in Hepatocarcinoma Underlying miRNA Array Data
Authors: Chen Qi-Long , Lu Yi-Yu , Zhang Gui-Biao , Song Ya-Nan , Zhou Qian-Mei , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wei , Tang Xin-sheng , Su Shi-Bing
Published: December 2013

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment is regarded as a safe and effective method for many diseases. In this study, the characteristics among excessive, excessive-deficient, and deficient syndromes of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were studied using miRNA array data. We first calculated the differentially expressed miRNAs based on random modulet-test and classified three TCM syndromes of HCC using SVM method. Then, the weighted miRNA-target networks were constructed for different TCM syndromes using predicted miRNA targets. Subsequently, the prioritized target genes of upexpression network of TCM syndromes were analyzed using DAVID online analysis. The results showed that there are distinctly different hierarchical cluster and network structure of TCM syndromes in HCC, but the excessive-deficient combination syndrome is extrinsically close to deficient syndrome. GO and pathway analysis revealed that the molecular mechanisms of excessive-deficient and deficient syndromes of HCC are more complex than excessive syndrome. Furthermore, although excessive-deficient and deficient syndromes have similar complex mechanisms, excessive-deficient syndrome is more involved than deficient syndrome in development of cancer process. This study suggested that miRNAs might be important mediators involved in the changing process from excessive to deficient syndromes and could be potential molecular markers for the diagnosis of TCM syndromes in HCC.
Chemokines in Chronic Liver Allograft Dysfunction Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Jing , Yan Lu-Nan
Published: December 2013

Despite advances in immunosuppressive drugs, long-term success of liver transplantation is still limited by the development of chronic liver allograft dysfunction. Although the exact pathogenesis of chronic liver allograft dysfunction remains to be established, there is strong evidence that chemokines are involved in organ damage induced by inflammatory and immune responses after liver surgery. Chemokines are a group of low-molecular-weight molecules whose function includes angiogenesis, haematopoiesis, mitogenesis, organ fibrogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis, and participating in the development of the immune system and in inflammatory and immune responses. The purpose of this review is to collect all the research that has been done so far concerning chemokines and the pathogenesis of chronic liver allograft dysfunction and helpfully, to pave the way for designing therapeutic strategies and pharmaceutical agents to ameliorate chronic allograft dysfunction after liver transplantation.
Markerless Lung Tumor Motion Tracking by Dynamic Decomposition of X-Ray Image Intensity
Authors: Homma Noriyasu , Takai Yoshihiro , Endo Haruna , Ichiji Kei , Narita Yuichiro , Zhang Xiaoyong , Sakai Masao , Osanai Makoto , Abe Makoto , Sugita Norihiro , Yoshizawa Makoto
Published: December 2013

We propose a new markerless tracking technique of lung tumor motion by using an X-ray fluoroscopic image sequence for real-time image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). A core innovation of the new technique is to extract a moving tumor intensity component from the fluoroscopic image intensity. The fluoroscopic intensity is the superimposition of intensity components of all the structures passed through by the X-ray. The tumor can then be extracted by decomposing the fluoroscopic intensity into the tumor intensity component and the others. The decomposition problem for more than two structures is ill posed, but it can be transformed into a well-posed one by temporally accumulating constraints that must be satisfied by the decomposed moving tumor component and the rest of the intensity components. The extracted tumor image can then be used to achieve accurate tumor motion tracking without implanted markers that are widely used in the current tracking techniques. The performance evaluation showed that the extraction error was sufficiently small and the extracted tumor tracking achieved a high and sufficient accuracy less than 1 mm for clinical datasets. These results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method for markerless tumor motion tracking.
Global Asymptotic Stability of Stochastic Nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra Models with Infinite Delay
Authors: Wei Fengying , Cai Yuhua
Published: December 2013

A kind of general stochastic nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra models with infinite delay is investigated in this paper. By constructing several suitable Lyapunov functions, the existence and uniqueness of global positive solution and global asymptotic stability are obtained. Further, the solution asymptotically follows a normal distribution by means of linearizing stochastic differential equation. Moment estimations in time average are derived to improve the approximation distribution. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate our conclusions.
Mass Transport Induced by Heat Current in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhong Wei-Rong , Xu Zhi-Cheng , Yang Ming-Ming , Ai Bao-Quan
Published: December 2013

Transport of helium atoms in the carbon nanotubes is investigated in the presence of temperature
gradients. The heat current flowing along the carbon nanotubes can induce a stable directed
transport of helium; it is demonstrated that the heat current density rather than the temperature
gradient performs as a fundamental physical factor to the mass transport. We provide an alternative
route to control the mass transport by using heat. Our results reported here are also relevant for
understanding the transition from thermal energy to mechanical energy.
Directive Stacked Patch Antenna for UWB Applications
Authors: Sheikh Sharif I. Mitu , Abu-Al-Saud W. , Numan A. B.
Published: December 2013

Directional ultrawideband (UWB) antennas are popular in wireless signal-tracking and body-area networks. This paper presents a stacked microstrip antenna with an ultrawide impedance bandwidth of 114%, implemented by introducing defects on the radiating patches and the ground plane. The compact (20×34 mm) antenna exhibits a directive radiation patterns for all frequencies of the 3–10.6 GHz band. The optimized reflection response and the radiation pattern are experimentally verified. The designed UWB antenna is used to maximize the received power of a software-defined radio (SDR) platform. For an ultrawideband impulse radio system, this class of antennas is essential to improve the performance of the communication channels.
Common Fixed Point Theorems for Conversely Commuting Mappings Using Implicit Relations
Authors: Chauhan Sunny , Sahper Huma
Published: December 2013

The object of this paper is to utilize the notion of conversely commuting mappings due to Lü (2002) and prove some common fixed point theorems in Menger spaces via implicit relations. We give some examples which demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses and degree of generality of our main results.
Resonance-Based Nonlinear Demodulation Analysis Method of Rolling Bearing Fault
Authors: Cui Lingli , Mo Daiyi , Wang Huaqing , Chen Peng
Published: December 2013

Numerous mechanical nonstationary fault signals are a mixture of sustained oscillations and nonoscillatory transients, which are difficult to efficiently analyze using linear methods. We propose a nonlinear demodulation analysis method based on resonance and apply it to the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. Unlike conventional demodulation methods that use frequency-based analysis and filtering techniques, our nonlinear demodulation analysis method is a decomposition demodulation of the signals according to different resonance based on Q-factors. When a local rolling bearing fault such as pitting is present, the fault vibration signals consist of the regular vibration signals and noise (a high resonance component containing multiple simultaneous sustained oscillations) and a transient impulse signal (a low resonance component being a signal containing nonoscillatory transients of faults). The regular vibration signal is a narrowband signal that has a high Q-factor, and the transient impulse signal is a wideband signal that has a low Q-factor. Using our resonance-based nonlinear demodulation analysis method, we decompose the signal into high resonance, low resonance, and residual components. Then, we perform a demodulation analysis on the low resonance component that includes the fault information. We have verified the feasibility and validity of the algorithm by analyzing the results of experimental and engineering signals.
Detecting the Activation of a Self‐Healing Mechanism in Concrete by Acoustic Emission and Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Tsangouri E. , Aggelis D. G. , Van Tittelboom K. , De Belie N. , Van Hemelrijck D.
Published: December 2013

Autonomous crack healing in concrete is obtained when encapsulated healing agent is embedded into the material. Cracking damage in concrete elements ruptures the capsules and activates the healing process by healing agent release. Previously, the strength and stiffness recovery as well as the sealing efficiency after autonomous crack repair was well established. However, the mechanisms that trigger capsule breakage remain unknown. In parallel, the conditions under which the crack interacts with embedded capsules stay black‐box. In this research, an experimental approach implementing an advanced optical and acoustic method sets up scopes to monitor and justify the crack formation and capsule breakage of concrete samples tested under three‐point bending. Digital Image Correlation was used to visualize the crack opening. The optical information was the basis for an extensive and analytical study of the damage by Acoustic Emission analysis. The influence of embedding capsules on the concrete fracture process, the location of capsule damage, and the differentiation between emissions due to capsule rupture and crack formation are presented in this research. A profound observation of the capsules performance provides a clear view of the healing activation process.
Consensus-Based Distributive Cooperative Spectrum Sensing for Mobile Ad Hoc Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Raza Anam , Ejaz Waleed , Ahmed Syed Sohail , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: December 2013

Cognitive radio network (CRN) is an intelligent network that provides solution to underutilization of spectrum band by detecting spectrum holes. For this purpose, certain important tasks including spectrum sensing, spectrum analysis, and spectrum decision are required to be performed. Spectrum sensing is the crucial step as it is not only responsible for fast and reliable detection of primary users (PU) but also evades disturbance to their transmission. Different methods of enhancements in local sensing scheme have been proposed in the literature. However, cooperative spectrum sensing schemes are preferred as they provide significant gains in CRN performance by countering shading effects. In this paper, an efficient distributed cooperative spectrum sensing scheme is proposed for mobile ad hoc cognitive radio networks. The consensus-based distributed cooperative spectrum sensing (CDCSS) scheme relies on energy detection for local sensing. Random walk mobility model (RWMM) is used for the movement pattern of nodes. Mobility model is employed as movement of nodes results in reduced fading effects and efficient detection. Simulation results were compared with the existing consensus algorithm and equal gain combining (EGC) rule, and the results showed improvement in sensing phenomenon.