bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive screening improves the predictive value of stroke severity scores for functional outcome 3–6 months after mild stroke and transient ischaemic attack: an observational study
Authors: Dong YanHong , Slavin Melissa Jane , Chan Bernard Poon-Lap , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Crawford John D , Collinson Simon Lowes , Sachdev Perminder , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To investigate the prognostic value of the neurocognitive status measured by screening instruments, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), individually and in combination with the stroke severity scale, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), obtained at the subacute stroke phase or the baseline (≤2 weeks), for functional outcome 3–6 months later.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Tertiary stroke neurology service.

Participants

400 patients with a recent ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) received NIHSS, MoCA and MMSE at baseline and were followed up 3–6 months later.

Primary outcome measures

At 3–6 months following the index event, functional outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results

Most patients (79.8%) had a mild ischaemic stroke and less disability (median NIHSS=2, median mRS=2 and median premorbid mRS=0), while a minority of patients had TIA (20.3%). Baseline NIHSS, MMSE and MoCA scores individually predicted mRS scores at 3–6 months, with NIHSS being the strongest predictor (NIHSS: R2change=0.043, p<0.001). Moreover, baseline MMSE scores had a small but statistically significant incremental predictive value to the baseline NIHSS for mRS scores at 3–6 months, while baseline MoCA scores did not (MMSE: R2changes=0.006, p=0.03; MoCA: R2changes=0.004, p=0.083). However, in patients with more severe stroke at baseline (defined as NIHSS>2), baseline MoCA and MMSE had a significant and moderately large incremental predictive value to the baseline NIHSS for mRS scores at 3–6 months (MMSE: R2changes=0.021, p=0.010; MoCA: R2changes=0.017, p=0.021).

Conclusions

Cognitive screening at the subacute stroke phase can predict functional outcome independently and improve the predictive value of stroke severity scores for functional outcome 3–6 months later, particularly in patients with more severe stroke.
Comprehensive screening for PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR, CTRC and CLDN2 gene mutations in Chinese paediatric patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis: a cohort study
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Xiao-Tian , Weng Xiao-Ling , Zhou Dai-Zhan , Sun Chang , Xia Tian , Hu Liang-Hao , Lai Xiao-Wei , Ye Bo , Liu Mu-Yun , Jiang Fei , Gao Jun , Bo Lu-Min , Liu Yun , Liao Zhuan , Li Zhao-Shen
Published: September 2013

Objective

Genetic alterations may contribute to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in Chinese young patients. This study was designed to investigate mutations of cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1), pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor or serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR), chymotrypsin C(CTRC)andCLDN2genes and the copy number variations (CNVs) ofPRSS1and asses associations with the development of idiopathic CP (ICP) in Chinese children.

Design

Retrospective.

Setting

A single center.

Participants

75 ICP Chinese children (40 boys and 35 girls).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Mutations ofPRSS1,SPINK1,CFTR,CTRCandCLDN2genes and CNVs.

Results

7 patients had heterozygous mutations inPRSS1, that is, N29I (n=1), R122H or R122C (n=6). The CNVs of PRSS1 in five patients had abnormal copies (1 copy (n=4), five copies (n=1)). 43 patients had IVS3+2T>C (rs148954387) (10 homozygous and 33 heterozygous) inSPINK1. None of thePRSS1mutation patients carried aSPINK1mutation. Frequency ofPRSS1andSPINK1mutations was 9.3% and 57.3%, respectively, with an overall frequency of 66.6% (50/75). In addition, one patient had a novel deletion ofCFTR(GCTTCCTA from c.500 to c.508 leading to the shortened polypeptide molecule via a stop codon). Another patient had a novel missense inCLDN2exon 2 (c.592A>C mutation). Clinically, patients withSPINK1mutations had a higher rate of pancreatic duct stones, pancreatic pseudocyst and pancreatic calcification than those withoutSPINK1mutations (p<0.05).

Conclusions

SPINK1mutations were more commonly associated with Chinese children with ICP.SPINK1IVS3+2T>C mutation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Chinese paediatric ICP. However, further study is needed to confirm and to investigate the role of these genes in the development of Chinese ICP.
UK wide survey on the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Hanna Mina S , Portal Andrew J , Dhanda Ashwin D , Przemioslo Robert
Published: September 2013

Objective

In 2010, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy delivered guidelines on the prophylaxis of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). These included Grade A recommendations advising the use of prophylactic pancreatic stent (PPS) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in high-risk cases. Our study aim was to capture the current practice of UK biliary endoscopists in the prevention of PEP.

Design

In summer 2012, an anonymous online 15-item survey was emailed to 373 UK consultant gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons and radiologists identified to perform ERCP.

Results

The response rate was 59.5% (222/373). Of the respondents, 52.5% considered ever using PPS for the prevention of PEP. PPS users always attempted insertion for the following procedural risk factors: pancreatic sphincterotomy (48.9%), suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (46.5%), pancreatic duct instrumentation (35.9%), previous PEP (25.2%), precut sphincterotomy (8.5%) and pancreatic duct injection (7.8%). Prophylactic NSAID use was significantly associated with attempts at PPS placement (p<0.001). 64.1% of non-PPS users cited a lack of conviction in their benefit as the main reason for their decision. Self-reported pharmacological use rates for PEP prevention were: NSAIDs (34.6%), antibiotics (20.6%), rapid intravenous fluids (13.2%) and octreotide (1.6%). 6% routinely measured amylase post-ERCP.

Conclusions

Despite strong evidence-based guidelines for prevention of PEP, less than 53% of ERCP practitioners use pancreatic stenting or NSAIDs. This suggests a need for the development of British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines to increase awareness in the UK. Even among stent users, PPS are being underused for most high-risk cases. Prophylactic pharmacological measures were rarely used as was routine post-ERCP serum amylase measurement.
‘Heavier the interval than the consummation’: bronchial disease in Seán Ó Ríordáin's diaries
Authors: Breathnach Ciara
Published: September 2013

Narratives of the experience of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are relatively rare in the Irish context. A scourge of the early twentieth century, TB was as much a social as a physically debilitating disease that rendered sufferers silent about their experience. Thus, the personal diaries and letters of Irish poet, Seán Ó Ríordáin, (1916–1977) are rare. This article presents translations of his personal papers in a historico-medical context to chronicle Ó Ríordáin’s experience of a life marred by respiratory disease. Familiar to generations of schoolchildren are his imaginative poems, whose lively metre punctuated the Irish language curriculum from primary through to secondary schooling; for most they leave an indelible mark. Such buoyant poems however belie the reality of his existence, lived in the shadow of chronic illness, and punctuated with despair over his condition and anxiety about the periods of extended sick leave his illness necessitated. Although despair dominated his diaries and he routinely begged God, Mary, the Saints and the devil for death, they were also the locus where his creativity developed. In his diaries, caricatures of friends and sketches of everyday things nestle among the first lines of some of his most influential poems and quotes from distinguished philosophers and writers. Evocative and tragic, his diaries offer a unique prism to the experience of respiratory disease in Ireland.
JUMPING DYNAMICS
Authors: SANNINO FRANCESCO
Published: September 2013

We propose an alternative paradigm to the conjectured Miransky scaling potentially underlying the physics describing the transition from the conformally broken to the conformally restored phase when tuning certain parameters such as the number of flavors in gauge theories. According to the new paradigm the physical scale and henceforth also the massive spectrum of the theory jump at the lower boundary of the conformal window. In particular, we propose that a theory can suddenly jump from a Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) type spectrum, at the lower boundary of the conformal window, to a conformal one without particle interpretation. The jumping scenario, therefore, does not support a near-conformal dynamics of walking type. We will argue that jumping dynamics can occur for relevant gauge theories such as super QCD and QCD. We will also discuss the impact of jumping dynamics on the construction of models of dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking.
A SIMPLIFIED PARAMETER DESIGN METHOD FOR TRANSFORMATION OPTICS-BASED METAMATERIAL INNOVATIVE CLOAK
Authors: LI TING-HUA , HUANG MING , YANG JING-JING , LU JIN , CAO HUI-LU
Published: September 2013

Transformation optics-based innovative cloak which combines the virtues of both internal and external cloaks to enable arbitrary multi-objects hidden with visions and movements was first proposed by Huang et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett.101, 151901 (2012)]. But it is rather difficult to implement in practice, for the required material parameters vary with radius and even have singular values. To accelerate its practical realization but still keep good performance of invisibility, a simplified innovative cloak with only spatially varying axial parameter is developed via choosing appropriate transformation function. The advantage of such a cloak is that both radial and azimuthal parameters are constants, and all three components are nonsingular and finite. Full-wave simulation confirms the perfect cloaking effect of the cloak. Besides, the influences of metamaterials loss and parameter deviation on the performance of cloak are also investigated. This work provides a simple and feasible solution to push metamaterial-assisted innovative cloak more closely to the practice.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE, VIBRATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS, CONFORMATIONAL STABILITY, GROUND AND EXCITED STATE HYDROGEN-BONDING ANALYSIS OF 2-NITROSO VINYL AMINE
Authors: MOLLANIA FARIBA , RAISSI HEIDAR
Published: September 2013

In the present work, a detailed conformational study is performed using several computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP), MP2 and G2MP2 on 2-Nitroso vinyl amine (NVA) in order to determine the stability order of conformers and the various possibilities of intramolecular hydrogen bonding (HB) formation. Four conformers exhibit HB . This feature, although not being the dominant factor in energetic terms, appears to be of foremost importance to define the geometry of the molecule. According to our theoretical results, oximimine conformers are more stable than the corresponding nitrosoamine and nitrosoimine analogues. Theoretical calculations show the following order for intramolecular HB strength in the conformers of title compound: [Formula: see text]

The nature of intramolecular HB has been investigated by means of the Bader theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Also, Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) index as a geometrical indicator of a local aromaticity are investigated. The influence of the solvent on the stability order of conformers and the strength of intramolecular HB is considered using the Onsager reaction field model. The calculated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies confirm that charge transfer occur within the molecule. Further verification of the obtained transition state structures were implemented via intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) analysis. Calculations of the1H NMR chemical shift at GIAO/B3LYP/6–311++G** levels of theory are also presented. The excited-state properties of intramolecular HB in H -bonded systems have been investigated theoretically using the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method. The complete vibrational assignment for three H -bonded conformers has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution (PED).
OPTIMAL FOLDING OF DATA FLOW GRAPHS BASED ON FINITE PROJECTIVE GEOMETRY USING VECTOR SPACE PARTITIONING
Authors: CHOUDHARY SWADESH , SHARMA HRISHIKESH , PATKAR SACHIN
Published: September 2013

A number of computations exist, especially in area of error-control coding and matrix computations, whose underlying data flow graphs are based on finite projective-geometry (PG)-based balanced bipartite graphs. Many of these applications of finite projective geometry are actively being researched upon, especially in coding theory. Almost all these applications need large bipartite graphs, whose nodes represent parallel computations. To reduce its implementation cost, reducing amount of system/hardware resources during design is an important engineering objective. In this context, we present a scheme to reduce resource utilization while designing systems modeled using PG-based graphs. In such systems, the number of processing units is equal to the number of vertices, each performing an atomic computation. We present a novel way of partitioning the vertex set assigned to various atomic computations, into blocks. Each block of partition is then assigned to a processing unit. A processing unit performs the computations corresponding to the vertices in the block assigned to it in a sequential fashion, thus creating the effect of folding the overall computation. The symmetric properties of projective space lattices enable us to develop a conflict-free communication schedule. We employed the technique of coset decomposition of a finite field for partitioning. The folding scheme achieves the best possible throughput, in lack of any overhead of shuffling data across memories while scheduling another computation on the same processing unit. We first provide a scheme for a finite projective space of dimension five, and the corresponding schedules. This specific scheme is then generalized for arbitrary finite projective spaces. Both the folding schemes have been verified by both simulation as well as hardware prototyping. For example, a semi-parallel decoder architecture for a new class of expander codes was designed and implemented using this scheme, with potential deployment in DVD-R/CD-ROM drives.
Mouse and human islets survive and function after coating by biosilicification
Authors: Jaroch David B. , Lu Jing , Madangopal Rajtarun , Stull Natalie D. , Stensberg Matthew , Shi Jin , Kahn Jennifer L. , Herrera-Perez Ruth , Zeitchek Michael , Sturgis Jennifer , Robinson J. Paul , Yoder Mervin C. , Porterfield D. Marshall , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Rickus Jenna L.
Published: September 2013

Inorganic materials have properties that can be advantageous in bioencapsulation for cell transplantation. Our aim was to engineer a hybrid inorganic/soft tissue construct by inducing pancreatic islets to grow an inorganic shell. We created pancreatic islets surrounded by porous silica, which has potential application in the immunoprotection of islets in transplantation therapies for type 1 diabetes. The new method takes advantage of the islet capsule surface as a template for silica formation. Mouse and human islets were exposed to medium containing saturating silicic acid levels for 9–15 min. The resulting tissue constructs were then cultured for up to 4 wk under normal conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to monitor the morphology and elemental composition of the material at the islet surface. A cytokine assay was used to assess biocompatibility with macrophages. Islet survival and function were assessed by confocal microscopy, glucose-stimulated insulin release assays, oxygen flux at the islet surface, expression of key genes by RT-PCR, and syngeneic transplant into diabetic mice.
A Novel Model of Image Segmentation Based on Watershed Algorithm
Authors: Yahya Ali Abdullah , Tan Jieqing , Hu Min
Published: September 2013

A novel model of image segmentation based on watershed method is proposed in this paper. To prevent the oversegmentation of traditional watershed, our proposed algorithm has five stages. Firstly, the morphological reconstruction is applied to smooth the flat area and preserve the edge of the image. Secondly, multiscale morphological gradient is used to avoid the thickening and merging of the edges. Thirdly, for contrast enhancement, the top/bottom hat transformation is used. Fourthly, the morphological gradient of an image is modified by imposing regional minima at the location of both the internal and the external markers. Finally, a weighted function is used to combine the top/bottom hat transformation algorithm and the markers algorithm to get the new algorithm. The experimental results show the superiority of the new algorithm in terms of suppression over-segmentation.
Diversity of Macrolichens in Bolampatti II Forest Range (Siruvani Hills), Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Balaji P. , Hariharan G. N.
Published: September 2013

An annotated checklist of 103 macrolichen species is provided based on identification of specimens collected from three different vegetation types within the Bolampatti II forest range, Western Ghats, India. Among them, the dominant order is Lecanorales with 47 species, while the dominant family is Parmeliaceae with 40 species. The foremost genus is Usnea with 15 species.
Robust Adaptive Control andL2Disturbance Attenuation for Uncertain Hamiltonian Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Pang Guochen , Wang Pan , Peng Lianghong
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with the robust stabilizability andL2disturbance attenuation for a class of time-delay Hamiltonian control systems with uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, the robust stability of the given systems is studied, and delay-dependent criteria are established based on the dissipative structural properties of the Hamiltonian systems and the Lyapunov-Krasovskii (L-K) functional approach. Secondly, the problem ofL2disturbance attenuation is considered for the Hamiltonian systems subject to external disturbances. An adaptive control law is designed corresponding to the time-varying delay pattern involved in the systems. It is shown that the closed-loop systems under the feedback control law can guarantee theγ-dissipative inequalities be satisfied. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical developments.
Impact of Interstitial Pneumonia on the Survival and Risk Factors Analysis of Patients with Hematological Malignancy
Authors: Chen Wei-Liang , Tsao Yu-Tzu , Chang Tsun-Hou , Chao Tsu-Yi , Kao Woei-Yau , Chen Yeu Chin , Ho Ching-Liang
Published: September 2013

Background. The emergence of interstitial pneumonia (IP) in patients with hematological malignancy (HM) is becoming a challenging scenario in current practice. However, detailed characterization and investigation of outcomes and risk factors on survival have not been addressed.Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of 42,584 cancer patients covering the period between 1996 and 2008 using the institutional cancer registry system. Among 816 HM patients, 61 patients with IP were recognized. The clinical features, laboratory results, and histological types were studied to determine the impact of IP on survival and identify the profile of prognostic factors.Results. HM patients with IP showed a significant worse survival than those without IP in the 5-year overall survival (P=0.027). The overall survival showed no significant difference between infectious pneumonia and noninfectious interstitial pneumonia (IIP versus nIIP) (P=0.323). In a multivariate Cox regression model, leukocyte and platelet count were associated with increased risk of death.Conclusions. The occurrence of IP in HM patients is associated with increased mortality. Of interest, nIIP is a prognostic indicator in patients with lymphoma but not in patients with leukemia. However, aggressive management of IP in patients with HM is strongly advised, and further prospective survey is warranted.
Two-Step Laparoscopic Surgery for a Patient with Synchronous Double Cancer of the Colon and Stomach Accompanied by Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yajima Kazuhito , Kosugi Shin-Ichi , Kano Yosuke , Hanyu Takaaki , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takashi , Nogami Hitoshi , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: September 2013

Laparoscopic treatment strategies for synchronous intra-abdominal malignancies have not yet been standardized. We report a successful case of two-step laparoscopic surgery for synchronous double cancer of the colon and stomach accompanied by severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A 66-year-old man with COPD was diagnosed as having advanced colon cancer and early gastric cancer. On admission, he could not go upstairs (Grade III according to the Hugh-Jones classification) and his forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 600 mL (35.9%). The patient initially underwent laparoscopy-assisted sigmoidectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy, followed by laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with D1 lymphadenectomy 68 days later. The patient's each postoperative course was uneventful with no pulmonary complications, and the patient was discharged 9 and 11 days after the first and second operations, respectively. The present case demonstrates that two-step laparoscopic surgery may be a safe and feasible surgical procedure for high-risk patients with synchronous intra-abdominal malignancies.
Calculation Analysis of Pressure Wave Velocity in Gas and Drilling Mud Two-Phase Fluid in Annulus during Drilling Operations
Authors: Lin Yuanhua , Kong Xiangwei , Qiu Yijie , Yuan Qiji
Published: September 2013

Investigation of propagation characteristics of a pressure wave is of great significance to the solution of the transient pressure problem caused by unsteady operations during management pressure drilling operations. With consideration of the important factors such as virtual mass force, drag force, angular frequency, gas influx rate, pressure, temperature, and well depth, a united wave velocity model has been proposed based on pressure gradient equations in drilling operations, gas-liquid two-fluid model, the gas-drilling mud equations of state, and small perturbation theory. Solved by adopting the Runge-Kutta method, calculation results indicate that the wave velocity and void fraction have different values with respect to well depth. In the annulus, the drop of pressure causes an increase in void fraction along the flow direction. The void fraction increases first slightly and then sharply; correspondingly the wave velocity first gradually decreases and then slightly increases. In general, the wave velocity tends to increase with the increase in back pressure and the decrease of gas influx rate and angular frequency, significantly in low range. Taking the virtual mass force into account, the dispersion characteristic of the pressure wave weakens obviously, especially at the position close to the wellhead.
Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Sesamum indicum L. in Rabbits Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Asgary Sedigheh , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud , Najafi Somayeh , Heidarian Esfandiar , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2013

The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐hyperlipidemic effects of sesame in a high‐fat fed rabbit model. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each for 60 days as follows: normal diet, hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol), hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) + sesame seed (10%), and hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) + sesame oil (5%). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, triglycerides, apoA and apoB, SGOT, SGPT, glucose and insulin were measured at the end of supplementation period in all studied groups. Hypercholesterolemic feeding resulted in a significant elevation of TC, TG, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, SGOT and SGPT as compared to the normocholesterolemic diet group (P < 0.05). Supplementation with sesame seed did not cause any significant alteration in lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins, hepatic transaminases, glucose and insulin as compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group (P > 0.05). In contrast, rabbits supplemented with sesame oil were found to have lower circulating concentrations of TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, SGOT and SGPT (P < 0.05), whilst concentrations of TG, apoA, apoB, insulin and glucose remained unaltered compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group (P > 0.05). Supplementation with sesame oil, but not sesame seed, can ameliorate serum levels of lipids and hepatic enzymes in rabbits under a high‐fat diet.
Spatiotemporal Hotspots Analysis for Exploring the Evolution of Diseases: An Application to Oto-Laryngopharyngeal Diseases
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Mele Roberta , Barillari Umberto E. S. , Barillari Maria Rosaria , Perfilieva Irina , Senatore Sabrina
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a spatiotemporal analysis of hotspot areas based on the Extended Fuzzy C-Means method implemented in a geographic information system. This method has been adapted for detecting spatial areas with high concentrations of events and tested to study their temporal evolution. The data consist of georeferenced patterns corresponding to the residence of patients in the district of Naples (Italy) to whom a surgical intervention to the oto-laryngopharyngeal apparatus was carried out between the years 2008 and 2012.
Multivariable Discriminant Analysis for the Differential Diagnosis of Microcytic Anemia
Authors: Urrechaga Eloísa , Aguirre Urko , Izquierdo Silvia
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia are the most common causes of microcytic anemia. Powerful statistical computer programming enables sensitive discriminant analyses to aid in the diagnosis. We aimed at investigating the performance of the multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia.Methods. The training group was composed of 200β-thalassemia carriers, 65α-thalassemia carriers, 170 iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and 45 mixed cases of thalassemia and acute phase response or iron deficiency. A set of potential predictor parameters that could detect differences among groups were selected: Red Blood Cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and RBC distribution width (RDW). The functions obtained with MDA analysis were applied to a set of 628 consecutive patients with microcytic anemia.Results. For classifying patients into two groups (genetic anemia and acquired anemia), only one function was needed; 87.9%β-thalassemia carriers, and 83.3%α-thalassemia carriers, and 72.1% in the mixed group were correctly classified.Conclusion. Linear discriminant functions based on hemogram data can aid in differentiating between IDA and thalassemia, so samples can be efficiently selected for further analysis to confirm the presence of genetic anemia.
Interaction of Silver Nanoparticles and Chitin Powder with Different Sizes and Surface Structures: The Correlation with Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Quang , Ishihara Masayuki , Nakamura Shingo , Hattori Hidemi , Ono Takeshi , Miyahira Yasushi , Matsui Takemi
Published: September 2013

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were 5.17 ± 1.9 nm in diameter, and four <5% deacetylated chitins (A, B, C, and D) differing in size of powder and surface structure properties were used in the study. Chitin/Ag NP composites were synthesized by mixing Ag NP suspensions with each chitin powder at room temperature for 30 min. The Ag NPs were homogenously dispersed and stably adsorbed onto the chitins A and B powders. The resulting chitin/Ag NP composites were brown; darker composites were obtained when larger amounts of Ag NPs were reacted with chitin. Approximately, 26 and 22 μg of Ag NPs maximally adsorbed to 1 mg of chitins A and B, respectively, whereas only 2.5 and 1.5 μg of Ag NPs maximally adsorbed to chitins C and D, respectively. As the bactericidal and antifungal activities of the chitin/Ag NP composites increased with increasing amounts of Ag NPs adsorbed to the chitin, the antimicrobial activity of chitins A and B/Ag NP composites was much higher than that of chitins C and D/Ag NP composites. These results suggest that the particle size and surface structure of the chitin powder critically influence both the adsorption and antimicrobial activity of Ag NPs.
DNA Methylation Pyrosequencing Assay Is Applicable for the Assessment of Epigenetic Active Environmental or Clinical Relevant Chemicals
Authors: Florea Ana-Maria
Published: September 2013

Exposure of cells and organisms to stressors might result in epigenetic changes. Here it is shown that investigation of DNA methylation using pyrosequencing is an alternative forin vitroandin vivotoxicological testing of epigenetic effects induced by chemicals and drugs. Anin vitroevaluation of global and CpG site specific DNA methylation upon treatment of cells with chemicals/drugs is shown. Bisulfite genomic sequencing of methylation controls showed high methylation of LINE1 in methylation positive control and low methylation in the negative controls. The CpG sites within the LINE1 element are methylated at different levels.In vitrocell cultures show a methylation level ranging from 56% to 49%. Cultures of drug resistant tumor cells show significant hypomethylation as compared with the originating nonresistant tumor cells. Thein vitrotesting of epigenetically active chemicals (5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A) revealed a significant change of LINE1 methylation status upon treatment, while specific CpG sites were more prone to demethylation than others (focal methylation). In conclusion, DNA methylation using pyrosequencing might be used not only for testing epigenetic toxins/drugs but also in risk assessment of drugs, food, and environmental relevant pollutants.
Septicemia in a Neonate following Therapeutic Hypothermia: The Literature Review of Evidence
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Li Joshua J. X. , Cheng Bernadette L. Y. , Leung Alexander K. C.
Published: September 2013

We report a term neonate with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy who underwent a 72-hour therapeutic hypothermia. He developed unstable body temperature associated with coagulase negative staphylococcus septicemia 2 weeks later which was promptly treated with intravenous antibiotics and made a good recovery. PubMed (a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine) was searched for the terms “therapeutic hypothermia” and “septicemia,” with limits activated (humans, English, age 0–18 years). There were only 6 randomized controlled trials, 1 non-randomized controlled trial, 1 retrospective cohort, and 1 case-control trial, which showed no definite evidence of increased risk of septicemia or neutrophil dysfunction in infants following hypothermia therapy.
Automotive Technology and Human Factors Research: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Akamatsu Motoyuki , Green Paul , Bengler Klaus
Published: September 2013

This paper reviews the history of automotive technology development and human factors research, largely by decade, since the inception of the automobile. The human factors aspects were classified into primary driving task aspects (controls, displays, and visibility), driver workspace (seating and packaging, vibration, comfort, and climate), driver’s condition (fatigue and impairment), crash injury, advanced driver-assistance systems, external communication access, and driving behavior. For each era, the paper describes the SAE and ISO standards developed, the major organizations and conferences established, the major news stories affecting vehicle safety, and the general social context. The paper ends with a discussion of what can be learned from this historical review and the major issues to be addressed. A major contribution of this paper is more than 180 references that represent the foundation of automotive human factors, which should be considered core knowledge and should be familiar to those in the profession.
A Model for Provision of ENT Health Care Service at Primary and Secondary Hospital Level in a Developing Country
Authors: Emerson Lingamdenne Paul , Job Anand , Abraham Vinod
Published: September 2013

ENT problems are the most common reason for a visit to a doctor in both rural and urban communities. In many developing countries, there is a lack of ENT specialists and overburdened hospital facilities. To date, there is no comprehensive study that has evaluated the spectrum of ENT disorders in a rural community.Methods. A prospective study was done for a period of three years to profile the cases presenting to the outpatient clinic in a secondary care hospital and in the camps conducted in tribal areas in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu, India. Trained community volunteers were used to identify ENT conditions and refer patients.Results. A total of 2600 patients were evaluated and treated. Otological symptoms were the most commonly reported with allergic rhinitis being the second most commonly reported. Presbycusis was the most common disability reported in the rural community. The other symptoms presented are largely related to hygiene and nutrition.Conclusion. Using trained community workers to spread the message of safe ENT practices, rehabilitation of hearing loss through provision of hearing aids, and the evaluation and surgical management by ENT specialist helped the rural community to access the service.
Study of Photovoltaic Energy Storage by Supercapacitors through Both Experimental and Modelling Approaches
Authors: Logerais Pierre-Olivier , Riou Olivier , Camara Mohamed Ansoumane , Durastanti Jean-Félix
Published: September 2013

The storage of photovoltaic energy by supercapacitors is studied by using two approaches. An overview on the integration of supercapacitors in solar energy conversion systems is previously provided. First, a realized experimental setup of charge/discharge of supercapacitors fed by
a photovoltaic array has been operated with fine data acquisition. The second approach consists in simulating photovoltaic energy storage by supercapacitors with a faithful and accessible model composed of solar irradiance evaluation, equivalent electrical circuit for photovoltaic conversion, and
a multibranch circuit for supercapacitor. Both the experimental and calculated results are confronted, and an error of 1% on the stored energy is found with a correction largely within ±10% of
the transmission line capacitance according to temperature.
Sinonasal Cancer and Occupational Exposure in a Population-Based Registry
Authors: Mensi Carolina , Consonni Dario , Sieno Claudia , De Matteis Sara , Riboldi Luciano , Bertazzi Pier Alberto
Published: September 2013

We examined occupational exposures among subjects with sinonasal cancer (SNC) recorded in a population-based registry in the Lombardy Region, the most populated and industrialized Italian region. The registry collects complete clinical information and exposure to carcinogens regarding all SNC cases occurring in the population of the region. In the period 2008–2011, we recorded 210 SNC cases (137 men, 73 women). The most frequent occupational exposures were to wood (44 cases, 21.0%) and leather dust (29 cases, 13.8%), especially among men: 39 cases (28.5%) to wood and 23 cases (16.8%) to leather dust. Exposure to other agents was infrequent (<2%). Among 62 subjects with adenocarcinoma, 50% had been exposed to wood dust and 30.7% to leather dust. The proportions were around 10% in subjects with squamous cell carcinoma and about 20% for tumors with another histology. The age-standardized rates (×100,000 person-years) were 0.7 in men and 0.3 in women. Complete collection of cases and their occupational history through a specialized cancer registry is fundamental to accurately monitor SNC occurrence in a population and to uncover exposure to carcinogens in different industrial sectors, even those not considered as posing a high risk of SNC, and also in extraoccupational settings.
Application and Performance of 3D Printing in Nanobiomaterials
Authors: Liu Wenyong , Li Ying , Liu Jinyu , Niu Xufeng , Wang Yu , Li Deyu
Published: September 2013

3D printing (3DP) is becoming a research and development focus in nanobiomaterials as it can quickly and accurately fabricate any desired 3D tissuemodel only if itssize is appropriate. The different material powders (with different dimensional scales) and the printing strategies are the most direct factors influencing 3DP quality. With the development of nanotechnologies, 3DP is adopted more frequently for its rapidness in fabrication and precision in geometry. The fabrication in micro/nanoscale may change the performance of biomaterials and devices because it can retain more anisotropy of biomaterials compared with the traditionally rapid prototyping techniques. Thus, the biosafety issue is especially concerned by many researchers and is investigated in performance and safety of biomaterials and devices. This paper investigates the performance of 3DP in fabrication of nanobiomaterials and devices so as to partially explain how 3DP influences the performance and safety of nanobiomaterials.
Optimal Control for a Family of Systems in Novel State Derivative Space Form with Experiment in a Double Inverted Pendulum System
Authors: Tseng Yuan-Wei , Hsieh Jer-Guang
Published: September 2013

Optimal control for a family of systems in novel state derivative space form, abbreviated as SDS systems in this study, is proposed. The first step in deriving optimal control laws for SDS systems is to form an augmented cost functional. It turns out that novel differential Lagrange multipliers must be used to adjoin SDS system constraints (namely, the dynamical equations of the control system) to the integrand of the original cost functional which is a function of state derivatives. This not only eases our derivation but also makes our derivation parallel to that for systems in standard state space form. We will show via a real electric circuit that optimal control for a class of descriptor systems with impulse modes can easily be carried out using our design method. It will be shown that linear quadratic regulator (LQR) design for linear time-invariant SDS systems using state derivative feedback can be obtained via an algebraic Riccati equation. Furthermore, this optimal state derivative feedback may also be implemented using an equivalent state feedback. This is useful in real situations when only states but not the state derivatives are available for measurement. The LQR design for a double inverted pendulum system is implemented to illustrate the use of our method.
Wirtinger-Type Inequality and the Stability Analysis of Delayed Lur'e System
Authors: Liu Zixin , Yu Jian , Xu Daoyun , Peng Dingtao
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes a new delay-depended stability criterion for a class of delayed Lur'e systems with sector and slope restricted nonlinear perturbation. The proposed method employs an improved Wirtinger-type inequality for constructing a new Lyapunov functional with triple integral items. By using the convex expression of the nonlinear perturbation function, the original nonlinear Lur'e system is transformed into a linear uncertain system. Based on the Lyapunov stable theory, some novel delay-depended stability criteria for the researched system are established in terms of linear matrix inequality technique. Three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the main results.
Successful Kidney Transplantation for End-Stage Renal Disease in Marfan's Syndrome
Authors: Ryosaka Makoto , Omoto Kazuya , Nozaki Taiji , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Sawada Yugo , Hirano Hajime , Shimizu Tomokazu , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: September 2013

Marfan’s syndrome is a systemic disorder of the connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1, with aortic dissection and aneurysm being its most life-threatening manifestations. Kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with Marfan’s syndrome has not been reported in the literature, and the rate of the incidence of dissection or aneurysm in the iliac artery is unknown. Here, we present a patient with Marfan’s syndrome with ESRD due to severe renal ischemia caused by massive bleeding from thoracoabdominal aortic dissection leading to transplant surgery of a living kidney procured from the patient’s mother. After kidney transplantation, the renal function normalized without vascular complications, and stable graft function along with negative results for both microhematuria and proteinuria continued for two years. Also, vascular complication such as aneurysm or dissection of the iliac artery was not observed using ultrasonography during the follow-up period. ESRD patients with Marfan’s syndrome might be suitable for kidney transplantation, but long-term and careful observations are needed.
Transient Femoral Nerve Palsy Complicating “Blind” Transversus Abdominis Plane Block
Authors: Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Stamos Nikolaos , Agalianos Christos , Karvelis Michail Athanasios , Gkiaourakis Michael , Davides Demetrios
Published: September 2013

We present two cases of patients who reported quadriceps femoris weakness and hypoesthesia over the anterior thigh after an inguinal hernia repair under transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. Transient femoral nerve palsy is the result of local anesthetic incorrectly injected between transversus abdominis muscle and transversalis fascia and pooling around the femoral nerve. Although it is a minor and self-limiting complication, it requires overnight hospital stay and observation of the patients. Performing the block under ultrasound guidance and injecting the least volume of local anesthetic required are ways of minimizing its incidence.
Sliding Mode Control for NSVs with Input Constraint Using Neural Network and Disturbance Observer
Authors: Zhou Yan-long , Chen Mou
Published: September 2013

The sliding mode control (SMC) scheme is proposed for near space vehicles (NSVs) with strong nonlinearity, high coupling, parameter uncertainty, and unknown time-varying disturbance based on radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) and the nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO). Considering saturation characteristic of rudders, RBFNNs are constructed as a compensator to overcome the saturation nonlinearity. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved, and the tracking error as well as the disturbance observer error can converge to the origin through the Lyapunov analysis. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed flight control scheme.
Seroprevalence, Detection of DNA in Blood and Milk, and Genotyping ofToxoplasma gondiiin a Goat Population in Italy
Authors: Mancianti Francesca , Nardoni Simona , D'Ascenzi Carlo , Pedonese Francesca , Mugnaini Linda , Franco Filomena , Papini Roberto
Published: September 2013

Toxoplasma gondiiis the causative agent of a major zoonosis with cosmopolitan distribution and is known to be transmitted mainly by the ingestion of undercooked or raw animal products. Drinking unpasteurized goat’s milk is a risk factor associated with human toxoplasmosis. However, very little is known about the excretion of DNA in goat milk. Aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence ofT. gondiiinfection using a modified agglutination test (MAT), to detectT. gondiiDNA by nested-PCR (n-PCR) in samples of blood and milk from seropositive goats, and to genotype DNA isolates using 11 molecular markers in 127 adult lactating goats from 6 farms in Italy. Positive MAT results were found in 60.6% of goats while 13% of blood and milk samples from seropositive goats were positive to n-PCR. A kappa coefficient of 1 indicated a perfect agreement between blood and milk n-PCR. Genetic characterization of isolates revealed the occurrence of genotype III (n=7), genotype I (n=1), and atypical genotypes with hints for genotype I (n=2). Our results suggest that the risk of excretion ofToxoplasmatachyzoites might frequently occur in milk of seropositive goats testing positive to n-PCR on blood.
Urinary IgG andα2-Macroglobulin Are Powerful Predictors of Outcome and Responsiveness to Steroids and Cyclophosphamide in Idiopathic Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Bazzi Claudio , Rizza Virginia , Casellato Daniela , Stivali Gilda , Rachele Gregorio , Napodano Pietro , Gallieni Maurizio , D'Amico Giuseppe
Published: September 2013

Objective.To assess whether high-molecular-weight proteins excretion predicts outcome and therapy-responsiveness in patients with FSGS and nephrotic syndrome.Research Design and Methods. Thirty-eight patients measured at biopsy fractional excretion of IgG (FEIgG) and urinaryα2-macroglobulin/creatinine ratio (α2m/C). Low and high risk groups were defined by cutoffs assessed by ROC analysis. In all patients first-line therapy was with steroids alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide.Results.α2m/C and FEIgG were correlated with segmental sclerosis (r=0.546;r=0.522). Twenty-three patients (61%) entered Remission and 9 (24%) progressed to ESRD. Comparing low and high risk groups, by univariate analysis remission was predicted by FEIgG (77% versus 25%,P=0.016) andα2m/C (81% versus 17%,P=0.007) and ESRD at best by FEIgG (0% versus 75%,P<0.0001) andα2m/C (4% versus 67%,P<0.0001). By multivariate analysis FEIgG was the only independent predictor of remission andα2m/C the most powerful predictor of ESRD. Low and high risk groups of FEIgG andα2m/C in combination had very high predictive value of sustained remission and ESRD in response to therapy.Conclusions.FEIgG andα2m/C are powerful predictors of outcome and responsiveness to steroids and cyclophosphamide; their predictive value, if validated in prospective studies, may be useful in clinical practice suggesting first-line alternative treatments in high risk patients.
An Object Detection Method Using Wavelet Optical Flow and Hybrid Linear-Nonlinear Classifier
Authors: Han Pengcheng , Du Junping , Zhou Jun , Zhu Suguo
Published: September 2013

We propose a new computational intelligence method using wavelet optical flow and hybrid linear-nonlinear classifier for object detection. With the existing optical flow methods, it is difficult to accurately estimate moving objects with diverse speeds. We propose a wavelet-based optical flow method, which uses wavelet decomposition in optical flow motion estimation. The algorithm can accurately detect moving objects with variable speeds in a scene. In addition, we use the hybrid linear-nonlinear classifier (HLNLC) to classify moving objects and static background. HLNLC transforms a nonoptimal scalar variable into its likelihood ratio and uses a scalar quantity as the decision variable. This approach is appropriate for the classification of optical flow feature vectors with unequal variance matrices. The experimental results confirm that our proposed object detection method has an improved accuracy and computation efficiency over other state-of-the-art methods.