bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prediction model for progressive disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Meijs Jessica , Schouffoer Anne A , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Stijnen Theo , Putter Hein , Ninaber Maarten K , Huizinga Tom W J , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K
Published: December 2015

Objective

To develop a model that assesses the risk for progressive disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) over the short term, in order to guide clinical management.

Methods

Baseline characteristics and 1 year follow-up results of 163 patients with SSc referred to a multidisciplinary healthcare programme were evaluated. Progressive disease was defined as: death, ≥10% decrease in forced vital capacity, ≥15% decrease in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, ≥10% decrease in body weight, ≥30% decrease in estimated-glomerular filtration rate, ≥30% increase in modified Rodnan Skin Score (with Δ≥5) or ≥0.25 increase in Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire. The number of patients with progressive disease was determined. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the probability of progressive disease for each individual patient. Performance of the prediction model was evaluated using a calibration plot and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

63 patients had progressive disease, including 8 patients who died ≤18 months after first evaluation. Multivariable analysis showed that friction rubs, proximal muscular weakness and decreased maximum oxygen uptake as % predicted, adjusted for age, gender and use of immunosuppressive therapy at baseline, were significantly associated with progressive disease. Using the prediction model, the predicted chance for progressive disease increased from a pretest chance of 37% to 67–89%.

Conclusions

Using the prediction model, the chance for progressive disease for individual patients could be doubled. Friction rubs, proximal muscular weakness and maximum oxygen uptake as % predicted were identified as relevant parameters.
Experimental characterization of deformation, coefficient of earth pressure at rest, stiffness, and contact force distributions of sand during secondary compression and rebound
Authors: Gao Y. , Wang Y.-H.
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the sand responses during secondary compression and rebound based on experimental characterizations. The experiment was carried out on dry Leighton Buzzard sand using a modified direct shear box equipped with tactile pressure sensors for the stress measurements and bender elements for stiffness (i.e., Ghvand Ghh) monitoring. It was found that secondary compression and rebound followed the same deformation trends as primary compression and rebound to continuously contract and expand, respectively. The deformation characteristics determined the changes in the associated soil properties; therefore, the opposite soil behavior during secondary compression and rebound was observed. During secondary compression, the corresponding void change, deviatoric strains εq, and the deviatoric strain rate [Formula: see text] increased with increasing vertical stress [Formula: see text] or deviatoric stress q because the sample crept more easily under a higher [Formula: see text] or q. The compression deformation gave rise to an increase in the horizontal stress [Formula: see text] and associated coefficient of earth pressure at rest K0. The soil stiffness also increased as the contact normal forces became more homogenized. During secondary rebound, the sample expanded unabated no matter whether [Formula: see text] was greater or smaller than [Formula: see text]. The corresponding void ratio change, εq, and [Formula: see text] increased with decreasing [Formula: see text] or q because the sample expanded more easily under a lower [Formula: see text] or q. The expansion gradually reduced [Formula: see text] along with the associated K0value. The sample stiffness continued to decrease, and contact force homogenization was not observed.
Geometric probability theory and Jaynes’s methodology
Authors: Holik Federico , Massri Cesar , Plastino A.
Published: December 2015

We provide a generalization of the approach to geometric probability advanced by the great mathematician Gian Carlo Rota, in order to apply it to generalized probabilistic physical theories. In particular, we use this generalization to provide an improvement of the Jaynes’ MaxEnt method. The improvement consists in providing a framework for the introduction of symmetry constraints. This allows us to include group theory within MaxEnt. Some examples are provided.
Dark matter as residual of topological changes
Authors: Barbachoux Cécile , Kouneiher Joseph
Published: December 2015

We investigate in this paper the possibilities that the observed cold dark matter density can be generated by decays of a heavy scalar field which dominate the universe at the quantum regime. Indeed, we present two approaches based on an extension of quantum field theory to the case when spacetime topology fluctuates (spacetime foam, at the quantum regime). In this extension the number of bosonic fields becomes a variable and the ground state is characterized by a finite particle number density. In the second approach it is the gauge-group parameters which became dynamical. This is tributary on the Centrally Extended Group and Cohomology.
Mono-Disperse CaWO4 Microsphere with Hierarchical Structures: Room Temperature Synthesis and its Optical Properties
Authors: Zeng Suyuan , Tang Rongfeng , Su Huaifen , Duan Shengxia , Sun Yuanwei , Li Lei , Sun Dezhi
Published: December 2015

In this report, an inorganic salt assisted micro-emulsion method was reported for the preparation of mono-disperse CaWO4 microspheres with hierarchical structures. The as-obtained microspheres are composed of tiny nanorods, which have been proved by the field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations. The formation of these hierarchical mono-disperse microspheres is considered to be the synergistic effect of both surfactant and the inorganic salt. Based on the time-dependent experiments, a probable formation mechanism based on surface adsorption and oriented attachment has been proposed. The photoluminescence properties of the microspheres were investigated. The generality of this synthetic method for other metal tungstates were also carefully investigated, which indicates that the morphologies of the final product not only depend on the synthetic conditions, but also depend on the growth habit of the materials.
Impact of the Native SiO2 Surface Layer on the Electron Transfer at Amorphous Si Electrodes
Authors: Bülter Heinz , Sternad Michael , Wilkening Martin , Wittstock Gunther
Published: December 2015

The electron transfer at uncharged microstructured and planar amorphous (a-)Si was characterized using the feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene as redox mediator in carbonate electrolytes. Approach curves and images demonstrate that the electron transfer rate at pristine a-Si is relatively small due to the native SiO2 surface layer. In addition, the electron transfer rates show local variations because of the heterogeneous coverage of SiO2. After removal of the SiO2 layer, the effect of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on electron transport rate can be studied. The SiO2 layer is at least partially removed by approach curve contact and scratching with the microelectrode probe. After SiO2 removal, the electron transfer rates increase strongly and remain heterogeneous.
A Study on the Electrochemical Characteristics of Kerosene Derived Carbon Nanospheres As Anode Materials of Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Arie Arenst Andreas , Wijaya Ongky , Halim Martin , Lee Joong-Kee
Published: December 2015

In this study, carbon nanospheres (CNSs) were synthesized by the nebulyzed assisted pyrolysis process using kerosene as carbon precursors, ferrocene catalyst and activated carbon support at elevated temperature under an nitrogen atmosphere. Morphology and structure of as grown CNSs were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the carbon products had a turbostratic structures and high degree of disorder carbon structures. Preliminary electrochemical measurements of kerosene derived CNSs as anode materials of lithium secondary batteries were carried out using charge –discharge tests. Experimental results showed that a stable cycle performances until the 100th cycles was obtained with specific capacity of 200 mAh/g. However, the main problem is the high irreversible capacity at the first cycle due to the low purity and non uniform carbon nano-spheres.
Diagnosis Method to Detect the Incorporation of Metallic Particles in a Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Nakajima Hironori , Kitahara Tatsumi
Published: December 2015

Lithium ion batteries have the issue of internal short-circuiting by the cathodic electrodeposition of metal at the negative electrode during charging. This deposition follows the anodic dissolution of metallic particles incorporated into the positive electrode in the manufacturing process. Thus, we have investigated the dissolution and deposition behaviors of metals including copper, nickel, iron, and stainless steel using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We have also addressed the diagnosis of the incorporation of the metallic particles and metal depositions by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, focusing on the time variation of the Bode plots of the phase angle around 10 - 1 Hz, where we detect characteristic variations depending on the number of the incorporated metallic particles.
A High-Speed Screening Method by Combining a High-Throughput Method and a Machine-Learning Algorithm for Developing Novel Organic Electrolytes in Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Park Min-Sik , Kang Yoon-Sok , Im Dongmin
Published: December 2015

A high-speed screening method was established by combining a high-throughput quantum simulation (HT) with a machine learning algorithm (ML), which is named as MAssive Molecular Map BUilder (MAMMBU). For the applications to high-voltage rechargeable batteries, the MAMMBU was applied to screen organic electrolytes based on redox potential calculations. The HT-method consists of the automatic input generator from existing organic compound database, error correction, and job scheduler. In the ML-method, the computational results of redox potentials for organic compounds obtained from HT were used as training and test data for an artificial neural network. This MAMMBU was targeted for building redox potentials map based on whole organic compounds database, such as PubChem, and finding novel organic electrolytes with the new types of cores, substituents, and functional groups. This will be possible by remarkable reducing time to predict redox potentials from several hours for quantum calculations to several seconds for the ML-method in MAMMBU.
Membranes, Electrodes, and Membrane-Electrodes Assemblies Analyzed before and after Operation by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Morawietz Tobias , Handl Michael , Simolka Matthias , Friedrich K. Andreas , Hiesgen Renate
Published: December 2015

Material-sensitive and conductive atomic force microscopy was applied to the investigation of cross sections of membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEA) at operating conditions, 80% relative humidity and 75°C, before and after operation. The ionomer content inside the electrodes could be measured due to their characteristic mechanical, chemical and physical properties. By surface potential measurements across MEAs after degrading fuel cell operation, a severe influence of the re-deposited platinum on the potential distribution was found.
Estimating Important Electrode Parameters of High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells by Fitting a Model to Polarisation Curves and Impedance Spectra
Authors: Vang Jakob Rabjerg , Zhou Fan , Andreasen Søren Juhl , Kær Soren Knudsen
Published: December 2015

A high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell model capable of simulating both steady state and dynamic operation is presented. The purpose is to enable extraction of unknown parameters from sets of impedance spectra and polarisation curves. The model is fitted to two polarisation curves and four impedance spectra measured on a Dapozol 77 MEA. The model is capable of achieving good agreement with the recorded curves. Except at OCV, where the voltage is overpredicted, the simulated polarisation curves deviate maximum 3.0% from the measurements. The impedance spectra deviate maximum 3.7%. The fitted parameter values are within the range reported in literature. The only exception is the catalyst layer acid content, which is an order of magnitude lower. This may derive from acid migration. The model is used to illustrate the effect of reactant dynamics on the impedance spectrum. The model can aid in the analysis of data from degradation tests.
Hydrogen Generation via Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis Using the Graphene Supported Platinum-Ruthenium-Cobalt Catalysts Prepared nu Microwave-Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Semasko Miroslav , Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Stalnioniene Irena , Zieliene Albina , Vaiciuniene Jurate , Simkunaite-Stanyniene Birute , Selskis Algirdas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: December 2015

In this study the graphene supported PtRuCo catalysts were prepared with different Pt:Ru:Co molar ratios equal to 3.5:1:23, 1:1.7:5.6 and 1:2:2 by means of microwave synthesis. The shape and size of catalyst particles were examined using a Transmission Electron Microscopy. The catalytic activity of the graphene supported PtRuCo catalysts was evaluated with respect to the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride by measuring the amount of generated hydrogen. It was found that highest rates of hydrogen generation were obtained at 60 oC and are 53.1, 82.8 and 71.1 L min-1 g-1
metal for the PtRuCo/GR catalysts with the Pt:Ru:Co molar ratios equal to 3.5:1:23, 1:1.7:5.6 and 1:2:2, respectively. The activation energy, determined from the kinetic data, is 50.2, 55.9 and 45.6 kJ mol-1 for PtRuCo/GR with the above mentioned Pt:Ru:Co molar ratios, indicating a high catalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts towards hydrolysis of sodium borohydride.
Impact of Microstructure of Cathode MPL on Interface Water Transport and Power Generation Characteristics of PEFC
Authors: Tanaka Kentaro , Okuhata Go , Nakamura Takuya , Nishida Kosuke
Published: December 2015

It is well known that water flooding in porous electrode of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) leads to severe performance degradation. Microporous layer (MPL) employed between cathode catalyst layer (CL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) helps to alleviate water accumulation at CL/GDL interface. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of carbon black (CB) loading of MPL on its microstructure, the interfacial water transport and the power generation characteristics of a PEFC. The pore structure of MPL was analyzed by SEM/EDX and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Furthermore, the water droplet behavior in the cathode electrode was optically visualized using a transparent cell. It was found that MPL addition accelerates water discharge through electrode and improves cell performance. In addition, high CB loading in MPL decreases condensation rate of product water at cathode CL and effectively reduces water flooding at CL/MPL interface.
The Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus between the Neonates and Their Mothers
Authors: Skoczyński Mariusz , Goździcka-Józefiak Anna , Kwaśniewska Anna
Published: December 2015

The impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on pregnancy is a major problem of medicine. The transmission of the virus from mother to fetus is a process yet unresolved. The immune response and changed hormonal status of pregnant women might facilitate infection. A research on the prevalence of HPV infection was conducted at the Clinic of Obstetrics, Medical University of Lublin (Poland). The studied group included 152 randomly selected women. The material was tested for the presence of HPV DNA by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim of the research was to assess the relation between HPV infections detected in the buccal smears of the neonates and the incidence of such infections in the cervical/buccal smears of their mothers. In the group of 152 infants HPV was found in 16 (10.53%). Among the cervical/buccal smears, HPV was isolated, respectively, in 24 (15.79%) and in 19 (12.5%) pregnant women. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of HPV swabs from the newborns and the cervical/buccal smears of their mothers were found (p< 0.001). The identification of mothers in whose buccal smears HPV was detected can help develop a group of children who run a relatively significant risk of being infected.
Anti-MUC1 Antibody in Nipple Aspirate Fluids Correlates with Tumor Aggressiveness in Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Menekse Ebru , McKolanis John , Finn Olivera J. , McAuliffe Priscilla F. , Johnson Ronald , Soran Atilla
Published: November 2015

Antibodies against MUC1 are found in circulation of breast cancer (BC) patients. We hypothesized that anti-MUC1 antibodies might be present in even a higher concentration in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and could be used to predict aggressiveness of BC. Serum and NAF samples were collected from high risk lesions, BC, and healthy contralateral breasts. ELISA was used to measure the amount of IgG, IgM, and IgA against a tumor-specific MUC1 peptide derived from the extracellular tandem repeat domain of MUC1. Tumor characteristics were recorded prospectively; 120 NAF samples were obtained from a total of 77 women in the study. There was no significant difference of anti-MUC1 antibody levels compared to BC with other lesions. Anti-MUC1 IgG level in NAF was higher in triple negative tumors (P=0.02); serum anti-MUC1 IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with ER (−) tumor and recurrent disease (P=0.01); NAF anti-MUC1 IgA levels were significantly higher in patients with LVI and Her2-neu (+) tumors (P<0.05). These results show that NAF could be a reliable biomarker to predict tumor aggressiveness in BC. A larger study will be needed to confirm these data and to investigate the potential of anti-MUC1 antibodies in NAF and serum to predict disease outcome.
Integration of Mitochondrial Targeting for Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Marchetti Philippe , Guerreschi Pierre , Mortier Laurent , Kluza Jerome
Published: December 2015

Mitochondrial metabolism greatly influences cancer cell survival, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to many anticancer drugs. Furthermore, molecular-targeted therapies (e.g., oncogenic kinase inhibitors) create a dependence of surviving cells on mitochondrial metabolism. For these reasons, inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism represents promising therapeutic pathways in cancer. This review provides an overview of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer and discusses the limitations of mitochondrial inhibition for cancer treatment. Finally, we present preclinical evidence that mitochondrial inhibition could be associated with oncogenic “drivers” inhibitors, which may lead to innovative drug combinations for improving the efficacy of molecular-targeted therapy.
Preparation and Characterization of Amorphous B Powders by Salt-Assisted SHS Technique
Authors: Ou Yujing , La Peiqing , Zhu Dandan , Zhu Yalong
Published: November 2015

To use the salt-assisted SHS technique to prepare B powders was proposed. Calculation results found that the adiabatic combustion temperature of the B2O3-Mg reaction system was 2604 K, higher than the 1800 K criterion of self-propagating temperature, which meant that the SHS application was feasible. When 0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% NaCl content were added, the adiabatic combustion temperature of the reaction system decreased linearly. When 60% NaCl content was added, the adiabatic combustion temperature was 1799 K (lower than 1800 K), unsuitable for self-propagating reaction, which was consistent with the experimental results. Through scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), and particle size analysis, the influence of different addition of NaCl on the morphology, average particle size, and purity of prepared B powder was investigated. EDS and chemical analysis indicated that the purity of prepared B powder was over 96% and the average particle size was within the range of 0.4~0.8 μm when the content of NaCl was 50%. The analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) proved that the prepared B powder was amorphous.
Simulation Study of Swarm Intelligence Based on Life Evolution Behavior
Authors: Liu Yanmin , Bi Ying , Sui Changling , Luo Yuanfeng , Zhang Zhuanzhou , Liu Rui
Published: November 2015

Swarm intelligence (SI) is a new evolutionary computation technology, and its performance efficacy is usually affected by each individual behavior in the swarm. According to the genetic and sociological theory, the life evolution behavior process is influenced by the external and internal factors, so the mechanisms of external and internal environment change must be analyzed and explored. Therefore, in this paper, we used the thought of the famous American genetic biologist Morgan, “life = DNA + environment + interaction of environment + gene,” to propose the mutation and crossover operation of DNA fragments by the environmental change to improve the performance efficiency of intelligence algorithms. Additionally, PSO is a random swarm intelligence algorithm with the genetic and sociological property, so we embed the improved mutation and crossover operation to particle swarm optimization (PSO) and designed DNA-PSO algorithm to optimize single and multiobjective optimization problems. Simulation experiments in single and multiobjective optimization problems show that the proposed strategies can effectively improve the performance of swarm intelligence.
Oxidative Stress in Placenta: Health and Diseases
Authors: Wu Fan , Tian Fu-Ju , Lin Yi
Published: November 2015

During pregnancy, development of the placenta is interrelated with the oxygen concentration. Embryo development takes place in a low oxygen environment until the beginning of the second trimester when large amounts of oxygen are conveyed to meet the growth requirements. High metabolism and oxidative stress are common in the placenta. Reactive oxidative species sometimes harm placental development, but they are also reported to regulate gene transcription and downstream activities such as trophoblast proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Autophagy and apoptosis are two crucial, interconnected processes in the placenta that are often influenced by oxidative stress. The proper interactions between them play an important role in placental homeostasis. However, an imbalance between the protective and destructive mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis seems to be linked with pregnancy-related disorders such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. Thus, potential therapies to hold oxidative stress in leash, promote placentation, and avoid unwanted apoptosis are discussed.
Prediction of Flow Regimes and Thermal Hydraulic Parameters in Two-Phase Natural Circulation by RELAP5 and TRACE Codes
Authors: Phung Viet-Anh , Kudinov Pavel
Published: November 2015

In earlier study we have demonstrated that RELAP5 can predict flow instability parameters (flow rate, oscillation period, temperature, and pressure) in single channel tests in CIRCUS-IV facility. The main goals of this work are to (i) validate RELAP5 and TRACE capabilities in prediction of two-phase flow instability and flow regimes and (ii) assess the effect of improvement in flow regime identification on code predictions. Most of the results of RELAP5 and TRACE calculation are in reasonable agreement with experimental data from CIRCUS-IV. However, both codes misidentified instantaneous flow regimes which were observed in the test with high speed camera. One of the reasons for the incorrect identification of the flow regimes is the small tube flow regime transition model in RELAP5 and the combined bubbly-slug flow regime in TRACE. We found that calculation results are sensitive to flow regime boundaries of RELAP5 which were modified in order to match the experimental data on flow regimes. Although the flow regime became closer to the experimental one, other predicted thermal hydraulic parameters showed larger discrepancy with the experimental data than with the base case calculations where flow regimes were misidentified.
Effect of Alternating Bending on Texture, Structure, and Elastic Properties of Sheets of Magnesium Lithium Alloy
Authors: Shkatulyak N. M. , Smirnova S. V. , Usov V. V.
Published: November 2015

The effect of low-cycle alternating bending at room temperature on the crystallographic texture, metallographic structure, and elastic properties of sheets of MgLi5 (mass) magnesium alloy after warm cross-rolling has been studied. Texture of alloy is differed from the texture of pure magnesium. The initial texture of alloy is characterized by a wide scatter of basal poles in the transverse direction. In the process of alternating bending, the changes in the initial texture and structure (which is represented by equiaxed grains containing twins) lead to regular changes in the anisotropy of elastic properties.
Influence of the Chemical Composition in the Electrochemical Response of Permanent Magnets
Authors: Godavarthi S. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Vazquez-Velez E. , Casales-Diaz M. , Ortega-Toledo D. M. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: November 2015

The corrosion behavior of permanent magnets with different chemical composition was evaluated. Permanent magnets were tested in 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature using electrochemical technics such as polarization curves, open-circuit potential, linear polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Results have shown that corrosion rate is affected by Nd, Pr, and Co content. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy has shown that pitting attack is the main mode of degradation of the magnets, while Co addition reduces it and Pr addition increases it.
Effects of Bee Venom Injections at Acupoints on Neurologic Dysfunction Induced by Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Disorders in Canines: A Randomized, Controlled Prospective Study
Authors: Tsai Li-Chuan , Lin Yi-Wen , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: November 2015

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a major spine disorder in canines that causes neurological dysfunction, particularly in the thoracolumbar area. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used to reduce nociceptive signals to decrease canine suffering. Bee venom (BV) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Injection of BV at acupoints has been widely used to treat clinical disorders including inflammation, pain, and arthritis. The current study was intended to determine whether BV injections at acupoints can enhance treatment of canine neurological dysfunction caused by IVDD. A single-blind controlled trial involving 40 adult canines with neurological dysfunction induced by IVDD subdivided into 2 groups was designed, and 36 canines finished the study. The myelopathy scoring system (MSS) grade and functional numeric scale (FNS) scores improved further after BV treatment than after control treatment. BV injection exerted a particularly strong effect on canines with moderate to severe IVDD and dramatically reduced clinical rehabilitation time. The results indicate that BV injections at acupoints are more effective at protecting canines from IVDD-induced neurological dysfunction and pain than is treatment alone.
Molecular Characterization and Risk Factors ofGiardia duodenalisamong School Children from La Habana, Cuba
Authors: Jerez Puebla Luis Enrique , Núñez Fidel A. , Martínez Silva Isabel , Rojas Rivero Lázara , Martínez González Marta , Méndez Sutil Yuliet , Ayllón Valdés Lucía , Atencio Millán Iraís , Müller Norbert
Published: November 2015

Giardia duodenalisis considered the most common protozoan infecting humans worldwide. Molecular characterization ofG. duodenalisisolates has revealed the existence of eight groups (assemblages A to H) which differ in their host distribution. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 639 children from La Habana between January and December 2013. Two assemblage-specific PCRs were carried out for the molecular characterization. The overall prevalence ofGiardiainfection was 11.9%. DNA from 63 of 76 (82.9%) samples was successfully amplified by PCR-tpi, while 58 from 76 (76.3%) were detected by PCRE1-HF. Similar results by both PCRs were obtained in 54 from 76 samples (71%). According to these analyses, assemblage B and mixed assemblages A + B account for most of theGiardiainfections in the cohort of children tested. Our current study identified assemblage B as predominant genotype in children infected withGiardia. Univariate analysis indicated that omission of washing hands before eating and keeping dogs at home were significant risk factors for aGiardiainfection. In the future, novel molecular tools for a better discrimination of assemblages at the subassemblages level are needed to verify possible correlations betweenGiardiagenotypes and symptomatology of giardiasis.
Cystic Fibrosis in a Female Infant with Cardiac, Ocular, and Musculoskeletal Anomalies
Authors: Farooqui Azhar , Eldin Susan Gamal , Ali Muna Dawood , AlTalhi Ali , AlDigheari Ahmad
Published: November 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) remains the most common hereditary disease in the western population. Its concomitant presence with other congenital abnormalities is a rare phenomenon with very little documentation. In this case report we describe a case of cystic fibrosis in a female infant with cardiac, ocular, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. A brief literature review is also provided.
Babesiain a Nonsplenectomized Patient Requiring Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Sharma Dikshya , Mudduluru Bindu , Moussaly Elias , Mobarakai Neville , Hurford Matthew
Published: November 2015

Babesiosis is a tick born zoonosis caused by red blood cell parasites of the genusBabesia. It is caused predominantly byB. microtiandB. divergens,microtibeing more common in the US. The parasites are transmitted byIxodestick to their host but infection can also spread by blood transfusion and perinatally. Clinical manifestations vary from subclinical infection to fulminating disease depending upon the immune status of the patient. About half of patients, hospitalized with babesiosis, develop complication with fatality rates of 6 to 9% which increase up to 21% among those with immunosuppression. A case of 58-year-old previously healthy man, infected byB.microti, was reported on 2000 who presented with severe disease characterized by severe anemia, DIC, and renal and respiratory failure. First case of overwhelming septic shock without respiratory involvement due to babesiosis in a healthy patient with an intact spleen was published in a case report on 2011. Since our patient here is an immunocompetent healthy male with intact spleen presenting with severe babesiosis requiring exchange transfusion, this presentation ofBabesiais rare and warrants further study.
A Kinetic-Model-Based Approach to Identify Malfunctioning Components in Signal Transduction Pathways from Artificial Clinical Data
Authors: Li Xianhua , Ribaudo Nicholas , Huang Zuyi (Jacky)
Published: November 2015

Detection of malfunctioning reactions or molecules from clinical data is essential for disease treatments. In order to find an alternative to the existing oversimplistic mathematical models, a kinetic model is developed in this work to infer the malfunctioning reactions/molecules by quantifying the similarity between the clinical profile and the output profiles predicted from the model in which certain reactions/molecules malfunction. The new approach was tested in IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, for four abnormal conditions including up/downregulation of single reaction rate constants and up/downregulation of single molecules. Since limited quantitative clinical data were available, the IL-6 ODE model was used to generate artificial clinical data for the abnormal steady-state value shown in two key molecules: nuclear STAT3 and SOCS3. Similarly, the TNF-α/NF-κB model was used to obtain the data in which abnormal oscillation dynamic was shown in the profile of NF-κB. The results show that the approach developed in this study was able to successfully identify the malfunctioning reactions and molecules from the clinical data. It was also found that this new approach was noise-robust and that it managed to reveal unique solution for the faulty components in a network.
Modelling Bending Wave Transmission across Coupled Plate Systems Comprising Periodic Ribbed Plates in the Low-, Mid-, and High-Frequency Ranges Using Forms of Statistical Energy Analysis
Authors: Yin Jianfei , Hopkins Carl
Published: December 2015

Prediction of bending wave transmission across systems of coupled plates which incorporate periodic ribbed plates is considered using Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) in the low- and mid-frequency ranges and Advanced SEA (ASEA) in the high-frequency range. This paper investigates the crossover from prediction with SEA to ASEA through comparison with Finite Element Methods. Results from L-junctions confirm that this crossover occurs near the frequency band containing the fundamental bending mode of the individual bays on the ribbed plate when ribs are parallel to the junction line. Below this frequency band, SEA models treating each periodic ribbed plate as a single subsystem were shown to be appropriate. Above this frequency band, large reductions occur in the vibration level when propagation takes place across successive bays on ribbed plates when the ribs are parallel to the junction. This is due to spatial filtering; hence it is necessary to use ASEA which can incorporate indirect coupling associated with this transmission mechanism. A system of three coupled plates was also modelled which introduced flanking transmission. The results show that a wide frequency range can be covered by using both SEA and ASEA for systems of coupled plates where some or all of the plates are periodic ribbed plates.
Dopamine D2 Receptor Is Involved in Alleviation of Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Lu Jian-Hua , Liu Yi-Qian , Deng Qiao-Wen , Peng Yu-Ping , Qiu Yi-Hua
Published: November 2015

Human and murine lymphocytes express dopamine (DA) D2-like receptors including DRD2, DRD3, and DRD4. However, their roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are less clear. Here we showed that lymphocyte DRD2 activation alleviates both imbalance of T-helper (Th)17/T-regulatory (Treg) cells and inflamed symptoms in a mouse arthritis model of RA. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was prepared by intradermal injection of chicken collagen type II (CII) in tail base of DBA/1 mice orDrd2−/−C57BL/6 mice. D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole downregulated expression of proinflammatory Th17-related cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 17 and IL-22 but further upregulated expression of anti-inflammatory Treg-related cytokines transforming growth factor- (TGF-)βand IL-10 in lymphocytesin vitroand in ankle jointsin vivoin CIA mice. Quinpirole intraperitoneal administration reduced both clinical arthritis score and serum anti-CII IgG level in CIA mice. However,Drd2−/−CIA mice manifested more severe limb inflammation and higher serum anti-CII IgG level and further upregulated IL-17 and IL-22 expression and downregulated TGF-βand IL-10 expression than wild-type CIA mice. In contrast,Drd1−/−CIA mice did not alter limb inflammation or anti-CII IgG level compared with wild-type CIA mice. These results suggest that DRD2 activation is involved in alleviation of CIA symptoms by amelioration of Th17/Treg imbalance.
Continuous Recursive Sliding Mode Control for Hypersonic Flight Vehicle with Extended Disturbance Observer
Authors: Wu Yunjie , Wang Jianmin
Published: November 2015

A continuous recursive sliding mode controller (CRSMC) with extended disturbance observer (EDO) is proposed for the longitudinal dynamics of a generic hypersonic flight vehicle (HFV) in the presence of multiple uncertainties under control constraints. Firstly, sliding mode tracking controller based on a set of novel recursive sliding mode manifolds is presented, in which the chattering problem is reduced. The CRSMC possesses the merits of both nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller (NTSMC) and high-order sliding mode controller (HOSMC). Then antiwindup controller is designed according to the input constraints, which adds a dynamic compensation factor in the CRSMC. For the external disturbance of system, an improved disturbance observer based on extended disturbance observer (EDO) is designed. The external disturbance is estimated by the disturbance observer and the estimated value is regarded as compensation in CRSMC for disturbance. The stability of the proposed scheme is analyzed by Lyapunov function theory. Finally, numerical simulation is conducted for cruise flight dynamics of HFV, where altitude is 110000 ft, velocity is 15060 ft/s, and Mach is 15. Simulation results show the validity of the proposed approach.
Self‐Lubricating Polytetrafluoroethylene/Polyimide Blends Reinforced with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Mu Liwen , Zhu Jiahua , Fan Jingdeng , Zhou Zhongxin , Shi Yijun , Feng Xin , Wang Huaiyuan , Lu Xiaohua
Published: November 2015

ZnO nanoparticle reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene/polyimide (PTFE/PI) nanocomposites were prepared and their corresponding tribological and mechanical properties were studied in this work. The influences of ZnO loading, sliding load, and velocity on the tribological properties of ZnO/PTFE/PI nanocomposites were systematically investigated. Results reveal that nanocomposites reinforced with 3 wt% ZnO exhibit the optimal tribological and mechanical properties. Specifically, the wear loss decreased by 20% after incorporating 3 wt% ZnO compared to unfilled PTFE/PI. Meanwhile, the impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation‐at‐break of 3 wt% ZnO/PTFE/PI nanocomposite are enhanced by 85, 5, and 10% compared to pure PTFE/PI blend. Microstructure investigation reveals that ZnO nanoparticles facilitate the formation of continuous, uniform, and smooth transfer film and thus reduce the adhesive wear of PTFE/PI.
Force-Sensing Glove System for Measurement of Hand Forces during Motorbike Riding
Authors: Ye Qiang , Seyedi MirHojjat , Cai Zibo , Lai Daniel T. H.
Published: November 2015

Accurate measurement of hand forces in motorbike riding is highly desirable for studies of safe riding. In this paper, we implement a force-sensing glove system for measuring real-time hand forces during motorbike riding with the aim of giving feedback to the riders. It consists of a pair of gloves with tactile sensors suitably mounted and configured for data acquisition via a wireless smartphone. A novel calibration method is developed for dynamic calibration considering force measurement in natural operation and environments. Consequently, a series of data classification algorithms ensure accurate hand performance feedbacks for motorbike riders. The feedback data could potentially alert the riders to predict and prevent accidents. Validation tests demonstrate that this force-sensing glove system has a strong potential as a tool for hand performance monitoring in real environment.
Surgical Management of Recurrent Tracheocarotid Fistula following Endovascular Stent Placement
Authors: Steitz Jeffrey T. , Cappello Zachary J. , Katrib Ziad , Tennant Paul A.
Published: November 2015

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who developed a tracheocarotid fistula secondary to an infected endovascular stent placed in the right carotid artery after the patient experienced hemorrhage on her first tracheostomy change. The patient originally had the tracheostomy placed at an outside hospital in September 2014, due to prolonged intubation after a motor vehicle accident. The patient presented to the otolaryngology service with an acute tracheal hemorrhage. This necessitated a neck exploration, median sternotomy, right carotid stent removal with subclavian to carotid bypass, and sternocleidomastoid flap reconstruction. This paper addresses the epidemiology and anatomy of a tracheocarotid fistula and discusses methods to treat such a complication.
Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Recurring as Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor
Authors: Hale Demir , Senem Demiroz Ahu , Ovgu Aydin , Hakan Erenel , Sennur Ilvan , Zerrin Calay , Fuat Demirkiran
Published: December 2015

Only five cases of recurrence of malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (carcinosarcoma) from the ovarian carcinoma have been published in the literature to our knowledge. A 64-year-old woman first underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because of pelvic mass. Histological diagnosis was serous papillary carcinoma of the left ovary. After six courses of chemotherapy, CA125 level returned to normal range. However, she had persistent multiple mediastinal and para-aortic lymphadenopathies in spite of additional six courses of chemotherapy. Then she underwent the second operation about 2 years after primary surgery. Multiple excisional biopsies were taken from subcutaneous tissue, over the bowels and the left external iliac artery. The histopathological diagnosis which was confirmed by immunohistochemical study was malignant mixed Mullerian tumor for all metastatic foci. A rare case of ovarian serous papillary carcinoma recurring as malignant mixed Mullerian tumor is reported.
Development of a Rapid Cartilage Damage Quantification Method for the Lateral Tibiofemoral Compartment Using Magnetic Resonance Images: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Zhang Ming , Driban Jeffrey B. , Price Lori Lyn , Lo Grace H. , Miller Eric , McAlindon Timothy E.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to expand and validate the cartilage damage index (CDI) to detect cartilage damage in thelateraltibiofemoral compartment. We used an iterative 3-step process to develop and validate the lateral CDI: development (100 knees), testing (80 knees), and validation (100 knees). The validation set included 100 knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative that was enriched to include all grades of lateral joint space narrowing (JSN, 0–3). Measurement of the CDI was rapid at 7.4 (s.d. 0.73) minutes per knee pair (baseline and follow-up of one knee). The intratester reliability is good (intraclass correlation coefficient (3, 1 model) = 0.86 to 0.98). At baseline, knees with greater KL grade and lateral JSN had a lower mean CDI (i.e., greater cartilage damage). Baseline lateral CDI is associated with both lateral JSW (r=0.81to 0.85,p<0.01) and HKA (r=-0.30to −0.33,p<0.05). The SRM is good (lateral femur SRM = −0.76; lateral tibia SRM = −0.73; lateral tibiofemoral total SRM = −0.87). The lateral tibiofemoral CDI quantification allows for rapid evaluation and is reliable and responsive, with good construct validity. It may be an efficient method to measure lateral tibiofemoral articular cartilage in large clinical and epidemiologic studies.
Effects of Ghrelin on Triglyceride Accumulation and Glucose Uptake in Primary Cultured Rat Myoblasts under Palmitic Acid-Induced High Fat Conditions
Authors: Han Lingling , Li Jia , Chen Ying , Wang Wei , Zhang Dan , Liu Guoliang
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to study the effects of acylated ghrelin on glucose and triglyceride metabolism in rat myoblasts under palmitic acid- (PA-) induced high fat conditions. Rat myoblasts were treated with 0, 10−11, 10−9, or 10−7 M acylated ghrelin and 0.3 mM PA for 12 h. Triglyceride accumulation was determined by Oil-Red-O staining and the glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase-peroxidase enzymatic method, and glucose uptake was determined by isotope tracer. The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot. Compared to 0.3 mM PA, ghrelin at 10−9and 10−7 M reduced triglyceride content (5.855 ± 0.352 versus 5.030 ± 0.129 and 4.158 ± 0.254 mM,P<0.05) and prevented PA-induced reduction of glucose uptake (1.717 ± 0.264 versus 2.233 ± 0.333 and 2.333 ± 0.273 10−2 pmol/g/min,P<0.05). The relative protein expression of p-AMPKα/AMPKα, UCP3, and p-ACC under 0.3 mM PA was significantly reduced compared to controls (allP<0.05), but those in the 10−9and 10−7 M ghrelin groups were significantly protected from 0.3 mM PA (allP<0.05). In conclusion, acylated ghrelin reduced PA-induced triglyceride accumulation and prevented the PA-induced decrease in glucose uptake in rat myoblasts. These effects may involve fatty acid oxidation.
Anatomical Study of Intrahemispheric Association Fibers in the Brains of Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajussp.)
Authors: Borges Kellen Christina Malheiros , Nishijo Hisao , Aversi-Ferreira Tales Alexandre , Ferreira Jussara Rocha , Caixeta Leonardo Ferreira
Published: November 2015

Previous studies suggest that the complexity of fiber connections in the brain plays a key role in the evolutionary process of the primate brain and behaviors. The patterns of brain fiber systems have been studied in detail in many nonhuman primates, but not inSapajussp. Behavioral studies indicated thatSapajussp. (bearded capuchins) show highly cognitive behaviors such as tool use comparable to those in other nonhuman primates. To compare the brain fiber systems in capuchins with those in other nonhuman primates and humans, the intrahemispheric fibers systems in 24 cerebral hemispheres ofSapajuswere dissected by a freezing-thawing procedure. Dissection of the hemispheres in lateral view indicated short arcuate fibers, uncinate fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus, while that in a medial view indicated short arcuate fibers, the cingulum united with the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. The results showed that the fiber systems inSapajusare comparable to those in rhesus and humans, except for a lack of independent superior longitudinal fasciculus and cingulum inSapajus.
Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles of Garcinia mangostana Xanthones in Eudragit RL100/RS100 for Anti‐Colon Cancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Aisha Abdalrahim F. A. , Abdulmajid Amin Malik Shah , Ismail Zhari , Alrokayan Salman A. , Abu-Salah Khalid M.
Published: November 2015

Xanthones are a group of oxygenated heterocyclic compounds with anticancer properties, but poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability hinder their therapeutic application. This study sought to prepare a xanthones extract (81%  α‐mangostin and 16%  γ‐mangostin) in polymeric nanoparticles and to investigate its intracellular delivery and cytotoxicity toward colon cancer cells. The nanoparticles were prepared in Eudragit RL100 and Eudragit RS100 by the nanoprecipitation method at drug loading and entrapment efficiency of 20% and >95%, respectively. Freeze‐drying of bulk nanoparticle solutions, using glucose or sucrose as cryoprotectants, allowed the collection of nanoparticles at >95% yield. Solubility of the xanthones extract was improved from 0.1 µg/mL to 1250 µg/mL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the freeze‐dried final formulation showed the presence of cationic round nanoparticles, with particle size in the range of 32–130 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the presence of nanospheres, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated intermolecular interaction of xanthones with Eudragit polymers. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was mediated via endocytosis and indicated intracellular delivery of xanthones associated with potent cytotoxicity (median inhibitory concentration 26.3 ± 0.22 µg/mL). Presented results suggest that cationic nanoparticles of xanthones may provide a novel oral drug delivery system for chemoprevention or treatment of intestinal and colon tumors.