bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Rapid Detection ofSalmonellaUsing Microfluidic Impedance Based Sensing
Authors: Ghosh Dastider Shibajyoti , Barizuddin Syed , Yuksek Nuh S. , Dweik Majed , Almasri Mahmoud F.
Published: March 2015

We present a low cost, easy to fabricate biosensor, which can quickly and accurately detectSalmonella typhimurium. This study also compares the advantages of the microfluidic biosensor over a nonmicrofluidic biosensor. High density interdigitated electrode array was used to detectSalmonellacells inside a microfluidic chip. Monoclonal anti-Salmonellaantibodies were allowed to be immobilized on the surface of the electrode array for selective detection ofSalmonella typhimurium. An impedance analyzer was used to measure and record the response signal from the biosensor. The biosensor provides qualitative and quantitative results in 3 hours without any enrichment steps. The microfluidic biosensor’s lower detection limit was found to be3×103 CFU/mL compared to the3×104 CFU/mL of the nonmicrofluidic biosensor, which shows that the microfluidic biosensor has 10-fold increased sensitivity. The impedance response of microfluidic biosensor was also significantly higher (2 to 2.9 times) compared to the nonmicrofluidic biosensor.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Oxidative Stress Induced Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cell ApoptosisIn Vitro
Authors: Cui Jian , Zhao Hailin , Wang Chunyan , Sun James J. , Lu Kaizhi , Ma Daqing
Published: March 2015

Background. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the lung injuries of critical ill patients. This study investigates the protection conferred byα2adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine (Dex) from lung alveolar epithelial cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the underlying mechanisms.Methods. The lung alveolar epithelial cell line, A549, was cultured and then treated with 500 μM H2O2with or without Dex (1 nM) or Dex in combination with atipamezole (10 nM), an antagonist ofα2receptors. Their effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Cleaved-caspases 3 and 9, BAX, Bcl-2, phospho-mTOR (p-mTOR), ERK1/2, and E-cadherin expression were also determined with immunocytochemistry.Results. Upregulation of cleaved-caspases 3 and 9 and BAX and downregulation of Bcl-2, p-mTOR, and E-cadherin were found following H2O2treatment, and all of these were reversed by Dex. Dex also prevented the ROS generation, cytochrome C release, and cell cycle arrest induced by H2O2. The effects of Dex were partially reversed by atipamezole.Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that Dex protected lung alveolar epithelial cells from apoptotic injury, cell cycle arrest, and loss of cell adhesion induced by H2O2through enhancing the cell survival and proliferation.
Prospects for Studies of the Free Fall and Gravitational Quantum States of Antimatter
Authors: Dufour G. , Cassidy D. B. , Crivelli P. , Debu P. , Lambrecht A. , Nesvizhevsky V. V. , Reynaud S. , Voronin A. Yu. , Wall T. E.
Published: March 2015

Different experiments are ongoing to measure the effect of gravity on cold neutral antimatter atoms such as positronium, muonium, and antihydrogen. Among those, the project GBAR at CERN aims to measure precisely the gravitational fall of ultracold antihydrogen atoms. In the ultracold regime, the interaction of antihydrogen atoms with a surface is governed by the phenomenon of quantum reflection which results in bouncing of antihydrogen atoms on matter surfaces. This allows the application of a filtering scheme to increase the precision of the free fall measurement. In the ultimate limit of smallest vertical velocities, antihydrogen atoms are settled in gravitational quantum states in close analogy to ultracold neutrons (UCNs). Positronium is another neutral system involving antimatter for which free fall under gravity is currently being investigated at UCL. Building on the experimental techniques under development for the free fall measurement, gravitational quantum states could also be observed in positronium. In this contribution, we report on the status of the ongoing experiments and discuss the prospects of observing gravitational quantum states of antimatter and their implications.
Primary Pulmonary Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
Authors: Patel Devin P. , Gandhi Yogesh S. , Sommers Keith E. , Mangar Devanand , Camporesi Enrico M.
Published: March 2015

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is one of the most common adult soft tissue sarcomas. MFH is very aggressive and is most often found in the extremities and the retroperitoneum, but it can manifest at other sites. Though the lungs are the most common sites of metastasis, they rarely present there as a primary tumor. Our report describes a rare case of a primary MFH tumor in the lung. Careful diagnostic procedure should be followed to ensure the tumor does not have extrapulmonary origins. Though MFH is highly invasive and deadly, surgical excision of the tumor has been shown to be successful.
Analysis on Cooling Effect of Crushed-Rocks Embankment of Qinghai-Tibet High-Grade Road
Authors: Li Dongqing , Zhang Kun , Tong Gangqiang , Ming Feng , Huang Xing
Published: March 2015

In order to study the cooling effect of the crushed-rocks embankment, the permeability and the inertial resistance coefficient were measured by the wind tunnel test of spheres with a diameter of 20 cm, and then the stabilities of the closed crushed-rocks embankment with the wide pavement, the closed crushed-rocks embankment with the narrow pavement, and the duct-ventilated and closed crushed-rocks embankment were calculated. In the next 50 years, assuming that the temperature in Qinghai-Tibet plateau will rise by 2.6°C condition, the cooling effects of these three special high-grade embankment structures were studied. The test results and the numerical calculation results show that the relationship between pressure gradient and seepage velocity in the spheres layer diverges completely from Darcy’s law, and it shows a nice quadratic nonlinear relationship. Stabilities of those two closed crushed-rock embankments without the duct-ventilated structure could be destroyed because of the high permafrost temperature under embankments. The duct-ventilated and closed crushed-rocks embankment can cool down the permafrost effectively and raise the permafrost table and ensure the long-term thermal stability of permafrost under road.
Effect of Hadron Contamination on Dielectron Signal Reconstruction in Heavy Flavor Production Measurements
Authors: Kikoła Daniel
Published: March 2015

Dielectron signal reconstruction is an important tool for heavy flavor measurements because of its trigger feasibility and its relatively straightforward particle identification process. However, in the case of time projection chamber detectors, some hadron contamination is unavoidable, even if additional means are used to improve the particle identification process. In this paper, we investigate the effects of hadron (protons, pions, and kaons) contamination on the dielectron signal reconstruction process in the measurement ofJ/ψand electrons from heavy flavor hadron decays.
Poststroke Depression as a Factor Adversely Affecting the Level of Oxidative Damage to Plasma Proteins during a Brain Stroke
Authors: Cichoń Natalia , Bijak Michał , Miller Elżbieta , Niwald Marta , Saluk Joanna
Published: March 2015

Poststroke depression, the second most serious psychosomatic complication after brain stroke, leads to delay of the rehabilitation process and is associated with an increased disability and cognitive impairment along with increase in term mortality. Research into the biochemical changes in depression is still insufficiently described. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate the possible association between plasma protein oxidative/nitrative damages and the development of poststroke depression. We evaluated oxidative/nitrative modifications of specific proteins by measurement of 3-nitrotyrosine and carbonyl groups levels using ELISA test. Additionally, we checked differences in proteins thiol groups by spectrophotometric assay based on reaction between DTNB and thiols. We also evaluated catalase activity in erythrocytes measured as ability to decompose H2O2. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank. We observed significant(P<0.001)differences in all oxidative/nitrative stress parameters in brain stroke patients compared to healthy group. Our research shows that oxidative damage of proteins is correlated with the degree of poststroke depression, while nitrative changes do not show any relationship. We demonstrate a positive correlation between the concentration of carbonyl groups and the Geriatric Depression Scale and a negative correlation between the degree of depression and the concentration of -SH groups or catalase activity.
Test Statistics for the Identification of Assembly Neurons in Parallel Spike Trains
Authors: Picado Muiño David , Borgelt Christian
Published: March 2015

In recent years numerous improvements have been made in multiple-electrode recordings (i.e., parallel spike-train recordings) and spike sorting to the extent that nowadays it is possible to monitor the activity of up to hundreds of neurons simultaneously. Due to these improvements it is now potentially possible to identify assembly activity (roughly understood assignificantsynchronous spiking of a group of neurons) from these recordings, which—if it can be demonstrated reliably—would significantly improve our understanding of neural activity and neural coding. However, several methodological problems remain when trying to do so and, among them, a principal one is the combinatorial explosion that one faces when considering all potential neuronal assemblies, since in principle every subset of the recorded neurons constitutes a candidate set for an assembly. We present several statistical tests to identify assembly neurons (i.e., neurons that participate in a neuronal assembly) from parallel spike trains with the aim of reducing the set of neurons to a relevant subset of them and this way ease the task of identifying neuronal assemblies in further analyses. These tests are an improvement of those introduced in the work by Berger et al. (2010) based on additional features like spike weight or pairwise overlap and on alternative ways to identify spike coincidences (e.g., by avoiding time binning, which tends to lose information).
Dealing with Pheochromocytoma during the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Kiroplastis Konstantinos , Kambaroudis Apostolos , Andronikou Apostolos , Reklou Andromachi , Kokkonis Dimitris , Petras Panagiotis , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Anagnostara Eudokia , Spyridis Charalampos
Published: March 2015

Purpose. Pheochromocytoma in association with pregnancy is a very rare, without specific symptoms, life-threatening condition, increasing both maternal and fetal mortality up to 50%. The present paper illustrates the case of a pregnant woman, diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, aiming to demonstrate and discuss the difficulties that arouse during the diagnosis and the problems concerning the treatment.Patient. A 34-year-old woman, in the 9th week of pregnancy, complained for headache, sweating, and a feeling of heavy weight on the right renal area. A tumor of 10 cm diameter at the site of the right adrenal was found. Twenty-four-hour urine catecholamine and VMA excretion levels were well raised.Results. Multidisciplinary approach treated the patient conservatively. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed after the 14th week of pregnancy at the completion of organogenesis. Neither postoperative complications occurred nor hypertension relapse was recorded. The fetus was delivered without complications at the 36th week.Conclusions. There are no consensus and guidelines for treating pheochromocytoma during pregnancy, especially when it is diagnosed in the first trimester. The week of pregnancy and a multidisciplinary approach will determine whether the pregnancy should be continued or not, as well as the time and the approach of surgical treatment.
The Effect of Oxygen‐Plasma Treated Graphene Nanoplatelets upon the Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Polycarbonate Hybrid Nanocomposites Used for Electrostatic Dissipative Applications
Authors: Poosala Akkachai , Hrimchum Kittipong , Aussawasathien Darunee , Pentrakoon Duanghathai
Published: March 2015

Oxygen‐plasma treated graphene nanoplatelet (OGNP), multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and polycarbonate (PC) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared via a melting process using a twin‐screw extruder. The contents of the OGNPs were in the range of 0.0 to 5.0 parts per hundred resin (phr), whilst the dosage of MWCNTs was kept at a constant of 2.0 wt%. Nanocomposites containing 2.0 wt% of MWCNTs and mixtures of 2.0 wt% of MWCNTs at 1.5 to 5.0 phr of OGNPs had tribocharged voltages, surface resistivities, and decay times, all within the electrostatic discharge (ESD) specification. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that the OGNPs slightly intercalated and distributed also within the PC matrix. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and heat capacity jump, at the glass transition stages of nanocomposite, slightly changed, as the contents of the OGNPs increased. The melt flow index (MFI) of nanocomposites significantly decreased when MWCNTs were added to the PC resin and slightly changed as the dosage of OGNPs was increased. Tensile Young’s modulus of nanocomposites tended to increase, as the elongation at break and impact strength decreased, when OGNP concentrations were increased. This research work exhibited that OGNP/MWCNT/PC hybrid nanocomposites do indeed have the potential to be used in ESD applications.
Reduction of Lattice Thermal Conductivity in PbTe Induced by Artificially Generated Pores
Authors: Hwang Jae-Yeol , Kim Eun Sung , Hasan Syed Waqar , Choi Soon-Mok , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Sung Wng
Published: March 2015

Highly dense pore structure was generated by simple sequential routes using NaCl and PVA as porogens in conventional PbTe thermoelectric materials, and the effect of pores on thermal transport properties was investigated. Compared with the pristine PbTe, the lattice thermal conductivity values of pore-generated PbTe polycrystalline bulks were significantly reduced due to the enhanced phonon scattering by mismatched phonon modes in the presence of pores (200 nm–2 μm) in the PbTe matrix. We obtained extremely low lattice thermal conductivity (~0.56 W m−1 K−1at 773 K) in pore-embedded PbTe bulk after sonication for the elimination of NaCl residue.
A Sleep Scheduling Mechanism with PSO Collaborative Evolution for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dong Luobing , Tao He , Doherty William , Young Marten
Published: March 2015

To extend the lifetime of a wireless sensor network and improve the energy efficiency of its nodes, it is necessary to use node collaborative sleep algorithm to reduce the number of redundant nodes in the network. This paper proposes a particle swarm optimization sleep scheduling mechanism for use in wireless sensor networks based on sleep scheduling algorithm. The mechanism adopts the approach of density control and finds the redundant nodes based on the computation results of the network coverage. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can ensure adequate coverage under the premise of the ability to close off the redundant nodes, while reducing the total energy consumption of the network.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis Methodology for Opportunistic Routing in Wireless Multihop Networks
Authors: Dongyang Wang , Muqing Wu , Bo Lv , Wenxing Liao
Published: March 2015

Modeling the forwarding feature and analyzing the performance theoretically for opportunistic routing in wireless multihop network are of great challenge. To address this issue, a generalized geometric distribution (GGD) is firstly proposed. Based on the GGD, the forwarding probability between any two forwarding candidates could be calculated and it can be proved that the successful delivery rate after several transmissions of forwarding candidates is irrelevant to the priority rule. Then, a discrete-time queuing model is proposed to analyze mean end-to-end delay (MED) of a regular opportunistic routing with the knowledge of the forwarding probability. By deriving the steady-state joint generating function of the queue length distribution, MED for directly connected networks and some special cases of nondirectly connected networks could be ultimately determined. Besides, an approximation approach is proposed to assess MED for the general cases in the nondirectly connected networks. By comparing with a large number of simulation results, the rationality of the analysis is validated. Both the analysis and simulation results show that MED varies with the number of forwarding candidates, especially when it comes to connected networks; MED increases more rapidly than that in nondirectly connected networks with the increase of the number of forwarding candidates.
Thermal Behavior of an Asphalt Pavement in the Laboratory and in the Parking Lot
Authors: Martinkauppi J. B. , Mäkiranta A. , Kiijärvi J. , Hiltunen E.
Published: March 2015

The urban, constructed areas are full of buildings and different kinds of pavements and have a noticeable lack of trees and flora. These areas are accumulating the heat from the Sun, people, vehicles, and constructions. One interesting heat collector is the asphalt pavement. How does the heat transfer to different layers under the pavement or does it? What are the temperatures under the pavement in Finland where the winter can be pretty hard? How can those temperatures be measured accurately? These are the main questions this paper gives the preliminary answers to. First the thermal behavior of asphalt and the layers beneath are researched in the laboratory and then the measurement field is bored and dug in the parking in the Western coast of Finland, 63°5′45′′ N. Distributed temperature sensing method was found to be a good choice for temperature measurements. Thermal behavior of pavement has been monitored in different layers and the preliminary results have been published here. The goal of this research is to assess the applicability of asphalt pavements for heat energy collection.
UCN Source at an External Beam of Thermal Neutrons
Authors: Lychagin E. V. , Muzychka A. Yu. , Nekhaev G. V. , Nesvizhevsky V. V. , Sharapov E. I. , Strelkov A. V.
Published: March 2015

We propose a new method for production of ultracold neutrons (UCNs) in superfluid helium. The principal idea consists in installing a helium UCN source into an external beam of thermal or cold neutrons and in surrounding this source with a solid methane moderator/reflector cooled down to ~4 K. The moderator plays the role of an external source of cold neutrons needed to produce UCNs. The flux of accumulated neutrons could exceed the flux of incident neutrons due to their numerous reflections from methane; also the source size could be significantly larger than the incident beam diameter. We provide preliminary calculations of cooling of neutrons. These calculations show that such a source being installed at an intense source of thermal or cold neutrons like the ILL or PIK reactor or the ESS spallation source could provide the UCN density 105 cm−3, the production rate 107 UCN/s−1. Main advantages of such an UCN source include its low radiative and thermal load, relatively low cost, and convenient accessibility for any maintenance. We have carried out an experiment on cooling of thermal neutrons in a methane cavity. The data confirm the results of our calculations of the spectrum and flux of neutrons in the methane cavity.
Primary Meningococcal Polyarthritis in an Adult Woman
Authors: Sarinho José Celso Giordan Cavalcanti , Arcadipane Marília Soares e Silva , Menezes Graziela Tavares Miola , Duarte Danilo Fernando Costa , Cossermelli Waldenise , Aprahamian Ivan
Published: March 2015

Primary joint infection caused by the Gram-negative bacteriaNeisseria meningitidisis rare. Normally, joint involvement comes secondary to meningitis or severe sepsis caused by this agent. When primary arthritis is seen, monoarthritis is the most common presentation. A meningococcal polyarthritis is described in less than 10 case reports according to current literature. This case report aims to briefly review this rare clinical event in an adult woman with no previous history of rheumatological disease. Early diagnosis of polyarthritis caused by meningococcal bacteria usually present a good prognosis when properly treated.
Pivotal Roles of GM‐CSF in Autoimmunity and Inflammation
Authors: Shiomi Aoi , Usui Takashi
Published: March 2015

Granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor, which stimulates the proliferation of granulocytes and macrophages from bone marrow precursor cells. In autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, Th17 cells have been considered as strong inducers of tissue inflammation. However, recent evidence indicates that GM‐CSF has prominent proinflammatory functions and that this growth factor (not IL‐17) is critical for the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells. Therefore, the mechanism of GM‐CSF‐producing CD4+ T cell differentiation and the role of GM‐CSF in the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are gaining increasing attention. This review summarizes the latest knowledge of GM‐CSF and its relationship with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The potential therapies targeting GM‐CSF as well as their possible side effects have also been addressed in this review.
Metastasectomy of Pulmonary Metastases from Osteosarcoma: Prognostic Factors and Indication for Repeat Metastasectomy
Authors: Matsubara Eri , Mori Takeshi , Koga Takamasa , Shibata Hidekatsu , Ikeda Koei , Shiraishi Kenji , Suzuki Makoto
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To identify prognostic factors for metastatic osteosarcoma patients and establish indication for repeat metastasectomy. Methods. Data from 37 patients with pulmonary metastasis from osteosarcoma who underwent metastasectomy in our institute from 1979 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Prognostic factors analyzed were age, sex, maximal diameter of the tumor at first pulmonary metastasectomy, total number of resected pulmonary metastases at first metastasectomy, number of surgeries, and disease free interval. In our analysis, characteristics associated with an increased overall survival were age > 15 years and fewer metastases (≤3). Of the 37 patients, 13 underwent repeat metastasectomy after the first metastasectomy. Of the 7 patients that underwent only two metastasectomies, three remained disease-free. In contrast, all six patients that underwent three or more metastasectomies died of relapse. Patients who had five or less lesions at second metastasectomy showed better survival compared to those who had six or more lesions. Conclusion. Age > 15 years and number of metastases at first metastasectomy were independent prognostic factors. Metastasectomy may provide curative treatment even in cases requiring repeat surgery. The number of metastases at second metastasectomy may be a potential predictor of the need for repeat surgery.
Effects of CdS Buffer Layers on Photoluminescence Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4Solar Cells
Authors: Le Donne A. , Marchionna S. , Garattini P. , Mereu R. A. , Acciarri M. , Binetti S.
Published: March 2015

Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) absorber layers grown by sputtering were investigated by photoluminescence before and after the chemical bath deposition of CdS in order to evaluate the possible passivation of point defects by Cd atoms at the absorber/buffer layer interface. According to the literature, a broad emission around 1.21 eV was observed at low temperature under above bandgap excitation of the as-grown CZTS samples. Broad bands at 1.075 eV and 0.85 eV were detected for the first time under below bandgap excitation of the as-grown CZTS samples at low temperature, which were explained in terms of radiative transitions involving point defect-related levels determined in the literature by first-principles calculations. The emissions observed in the as-grown samples were monitored by both above and below bandgap excitations also in standard CZTS solar cells produced on the same layers. The obtained results suggest that, as in the case of Cu(In, Ga)Se2, Cd atoms passivate point defects at the absorber/buffer layer interface also in CZTS.
Natural Antioxidant Betanin Protects Rats from Paraquat-Induced Acute Lung Injury Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Han Junyan , Ma Deshun , Zhang Miao , Yang Xuelian , Tan Dehong
Published: March 2015

The effect of betanin on a rat paraquat-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model was investigated. Paraquat was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, and betanin (25 and 100 mg/kg/d) was orally administered 3 days before and 2 days after paraquat administration. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last betanin dosage, and lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. In rats treated only with paraquat, extensive lung injury characteristic of ALI was observed, including histological changes, elevation of lung : body weight ratio, increased lung permeability, increased lung neutrophilia infiltration, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced claudin-4 and zonula occluden-1 protein levels, increased BALF interleukin (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-αlevels, reduced BALF IL-10 levels, and increased lung nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) activity. In rats treated with betanin, paraquat-induced ALI was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results indicate that betanin attenuates paraquat-induced ALI possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, the potential for using betanin as an auxilliary therapy for ALI should be explored further.
A Robust Computational Technique for Model Order Reduction of Two-Time-Scale Discrete Systems via Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Alsmadi Othman M. K. , Abo-Hammour Zaer S.
Published: March 2015

A robust computational technique for model order reduction (MOR) of multi-time-scale discrete systems (single input single output (SISO) and multi-input multioutput (MIMO)) is presented in this paper. This work is motivated by the singular perturbation of multi-time-scale systems where some specific dynamics may not have significant influence on the overall system behavior. The new approach is proposed using genetic algorithms (GA) with the advantage of obtaining a reduced order model, maintaining the exact dominant dynamics in the reduced order, and minimizing the steady state error. The reduction process is performed by obtaining an upper triangular transformed matrix of the system state matrix defined in state space representation along with the elements ofB,C, andDmatrices. The GA computational procedure is based on maximizing the fitness function corresponding to the response deviation between the full and reduced order models. The proposed computational intelligence MOR method is compared to recently published work on MOR techniques where simulation results show the potential and advantages of the new approach.
Investigation of the Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms in Acromegaly Patients
Authors: Ilhan Muzaffer , Toptas-Hekimoglu Bahar , Yaylim Ilhan , Turgut Seda , Turan Saime , Karaman Ozcan , Tasan Ertugrul
Published: March 2015

Objective. The genetic structural alterations in the majority of somatotroph adenomas are not clarified and the search for novel candidate genes is still a challenge. We aimed to investigate possible associations between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and acromegaly.Design, Patients, and Methods. 52 acromegaly patients (mean age45.7±1.9years) and 83 controls (mean age43.1±2.6years) were recruited to the study. VDR polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism methods.Results. The distribution of VDR genotypes showed a significant difference in the frequencies of VDR FokI genotypes between patients and controls (P=0.034). VDR FokI ff genotype was significantly decreased in acromegaly patients (P=0.035) and carriers of FokI Ff genotype had a 1.5-fold increased risk for acromegaly (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07–2.1;P=0.020). IGF1 levels after treatment were significantly higher in patients carrying the Ff genotype compared to carrying ff genotype (P=0.0049). 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly lower in acromegaly patients (P<0.001).Conclusions. Our study suggests that VDR FokI genotypes might affect the development of acromegaly and VDR polymorphisms may play a role in the course of acromegaly as a consequence of altering hormonal status.
Posttraumatic Displacement Management: Lateral Luxation and Alveolar Bone Fracture in Young Permanent Teeth with 5 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Honório Heitor Marques , de Alencar Catarina Ribeiro Barros , Pereira Júnior Edmer Silvestre , de Oliveira Daniela Silva Barroso , de Oliveira Gabriela Cristina , Rios Daniela
Published: March 2015

Dental trauma is an important public health problem due to high prevalence and associated limitations. The external impact accounting for trauma may result in different injury types to teeth and supporting structures. This paper describes a clinical case of tooth trauma in an 8-year-old patient exhibiting the displacement of three permanent teeth with open root apexes. Although the traumatic impact resulted in two injury types to teeth and supporting tissues (lateral luxation and alveolar bone fracture), the therapeutic approach was the same in both situations. The bone and teeth were repositioned by digital pressure, stabilized by semirigid splint, and followed up at every week. After six weeks, the splint was removed. At that moment, the clinical and radiographic findings indicated normal soft/hard tissues and absence of pulp/periodontal pathologies. At the fifth year of follow-up, the treatment success of the case was confirmed, although it has been observed that all lower incisors exhibited pulp obliteration as a consequence of the dental trauma.
Slipping through the Cracks: Linking Low Immune Function and Intestinal Bacterial Imbalance to the Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Terato Kuniaki , Do Christopher T. , Shionoya Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are considered to be caused by the host immune system which attacks and destroys its own tissue by mistake. A widely accepted hypothesis to explain the pathogenic mechanism of ADs is “molecular mimicry,” which states that antibodies against an infectious agent cross-react with a self-antigen sharing an identical or similar antigenic epitope. However, this hypothesis was most likely established based on misleading antibody assay data largely influenced by intense false positive reactions involved in immunoassay systems. Thus reinvestigation of this hypothesis using an appropriate blocking agent capable of eliminating all types of nonspecific reactions and proper assay design is strongly encouraged. In this review, we discuss the possibility that low immune function may be the fundamental, common defect in ADs, which increases the susceptibility to potential disease causative pathogens located in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), such as bacteria and their components or dietary components. In addition to these exogenous agents, aberrations in the host’s physical condition may disrupt the host defense system, which is tightly orchestrated by “immune function,” “mucosal barrier function,” and “intestinal bacterial balance.” These disturbances may initiate a downward spiral, which can lead to chronic health problems that will evolve to an autoimmune disorder.
Potential Therapeutic Role of L-Carnitine in Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress and Atrophy Conditions
Authors: Montesano Anna , Senesi Pamela , Luzi Livio , Benedini Stefano , Terruzzi Ileana
Published: March 2015

The targeting of nutraceutical treatment to skeletal muscle damage is an emerging area of research, driven by the need for new therapies for a range of muscle-associated diseases. L-Carnitine (CARN) is an essential nutrient and plays a key role in mitochondrialβ-oxidation and in the ubiquitin-proteasome system regulation. As a dietary supplement to improve athletic performance, CARN has been studied for its potential to enhanceβ-oxidation. However, CARN effects on myogenesis, mitochondrial activity, and hypertrophy process are not completely elucidated. Thisin vitrostudy aims to investigate CARN role on skeletal muscle remodeling, differentiation process, and myotubes formation. We analyzed muscle differentiation and morphological features in C2C12 myoblasts exposed to 5 mM CARN. Our results showed that CARN was able to accelerate C2C12 myotubes formation and induce morphological changes, characterizing the start of hypertrophy process. In addition, CARN improved AKT activation and downstream cellular signaling pathways involved in skeletal muscle atrophy process prevention. Also, CARN positively regulated the pathways involved in oxidative stress defense. In this work, we provide an interesting novel mechanism of the potential therapeutic use of CARN to treat pathological conditions characterized by skeletal muscle morphological and functional impairment, oxidative stress production, and atrophy process in aging.
24-Hour Measurement of Gastric pH in Rural South Africa
Authors: Sammon Alastair M. , Ndebia Eugene J. , Umapathy Ekambaram , Iputo Jehu E.
Published: March 2015

Background. Previous studies have established norms of 24-hour gastric pH profiles for western countries. This study was designed to establish the pattern for a rural African population with a high incidence of oesophageal cancer.Methods. After lower oesophageal manometry a probe was placed 10 cm distal to the lower oesophageal sphincter. We carried out 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of gastric pH on 59 healthy subjects. This was satisfactorily completed on 26 female and 18 male (age 21–64, median 35) subjects in the Transkei region of South Africa.Results. The mean 24 hour gastric pH was 2.84 and the mean night-time pH was 3.7. 40 volunteers recorded a night-time pH reaching over 4. 33 volunteers recorded a night-time pH over 7. Night-time alkalinisation was present for 136.4 minutes (25th centile 22.8, 75th centile 208.1) at pH4 or over, and 79.3 (2.5, 122.7) minutes at pH7 or over. Episodes of rapid alkaline rise were 17 (10, 47). 21.1% of these occurred while supine. 35 of 36 tested subjects were positive forH. pyloriIgG.Conclusion. Gastric alkalinisation is common in Transkei, at a higher pH than that reported in other studies, and is sustained longer. Nighttime alkalinisation is frequent. This suggests a high level of duodenogastric reflux.
Dietary Nitrate Is a Modifier of Vascular Gene Expression in Old Male Mice
Authors: Rammos Christos , Totzeck Matthias , Deenen René , Köhrer Karl , Kelm Malte , Rassaf Tienush , Hendgen-Cotta Ulrike B.
Published: March 2015

Aging leads to a number of disadvantageous changes in the cardiovascular system. Deterioration of vascular homoeostasis with increase in oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and impaired nitric oxide bioavailability results in endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular stiffness, and compromised arterial-ventricular interactions. A chronic dietary supplementation with the micronutrient nitrate has been demonstrated to improve vascular function. Healthy dietary patterns may regulate gene expression profiles. However, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The changes that occur at the gene expression level and transcriptional profile following a nutritional modification with nitrate have not been elucidated. To determine the changes of the vascular transcriptome, we conducted gene expression microarray experiments on aortas of old mice, which were treated with dietary nitrate. Our results highlight differentially expressed genes overrepresented in gene ontology categories. Molecular interaction and reaction pathways involved in the calcium-signaling pathway and the detoxification system were identified. Our results provide novel insight to an altered gene-expression profile in old mice following nitrate supplementation. This supports the general notion of nutritional approaches to modulate age-related changes of vascular functions and its detrimental consequences.
Optimization of Lookup Schemes for Flow-Based Packet Classification on FPGAs
Authors: Zerbini Carlos A. , Finochietto Jorge M.
Published: March 2015

Packet classification has become a key processing function to enable future flow-based networking schemes. As network capacity increases and new services are deployed, both high throughput and reconfigurability are required for packet classification architectures. FPGA technology can provide the best trade-off among them. However, to date, lookup stages have been mostly developed as independent schemes from the classification stage, which makes their efficient integration on FPGAs difficult. In this context, we propose a new interpretation of the lookup problem in the general context of packet classification, which enables comparing existing lookup schemes on a common basis. From this analysis, we recognize new opportunities for optimization of lookup schemes and their associated classification schemes on FPGA. In particular, we focus on the most appropriate candidate for future networking needs and propose optimizations for it. To validate our analysis, we provide estimation and implementation results for typical lookup architectures on FPGA and observe their convenience for different lookup and classification cases, demonstrating the benefits of our proposed optimization.
The Association between Serum LDL Cholesterol and Genetic Variation in Chromosomal Locus 1p13.3 among Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Rizk Nasser M. , El-Menyar Ayman , Egue Huda , Souleman Wais Idil , Mohamed Baluli Hissa , Alali Khalid , Farag Fathi , Younes Noura , Al Suwaidi Jassim
Published: March 2015

Background. Several polymorphisms of a locus on chromosome 1p13.3 have a significant effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), atherosclerosis, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods. We aimed to investigate the association between rs599839, rs646776, and rs4970834 of locus 1p13.3 and serum LDL-C and severity of coronary artery stenosis in ACS patients. Genotyping of the rs599839, rs646776, and rs4970834 polymorphisms was performed on Arab patients undergoing coronary angiography for ACS. Patients were divided into group A (ACS with insignificant stenosis (<50%)) and group B (with significant stenosis (≥50%)).Results. Patients carrying the minor G allele in rs599839 had significantly lower mean of LDL-C (2.58 versus 3.44 mM,P=0.026) than homozygous A allele carriers (GG versus AA). Carriers of minor C allele in rs64776 had significantly higher mean of HDL-C (2.16 versus 1.36 mM,P=0.004) than carriers of the T alleles (AA versus GG). The odd ratio and 95% confidence interval for dominant model for G allele carriers of rs599839 were 0.51 (0.30–0.92),P=0.038, among patients with significant stenosis.Conclusions. Polymorphisms rs646776 and rs599839 of locus 1p13.3 were significantly associated with LDL-C and other lipid parameters. In addition, the G-allele carriers of variant rs599839 had a significant protective effect against the atherosclerosis.
Cooperative Regulation of Substrate Stiffness and Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Skin Wound Healing of Axolotls
Authors: Huang Ting-Yu , Wu Cheng-Han , Wang Mu-Hui , Chen Bo-Sung , Chiou Ling-Ling , Lee Hsuan-Shu
Published: March 2015

Urodele amphibians (Ambystoma mexicanum), unique among vertebrates, can regenerate appendages and other body parts entirely and functionally through a scar-free healing process. The wound epithelium covering the amputated or damaged site forms early and is essential for initiating the subsequent regenerative steps. However, the molecular mechanism through which the wound reepithelializes during regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we developed anin vitroculture system that mimics anin vivowound healing process; the biomechanical properties in the system were precisely defined and manipulated. Skin explants that were cultured on 2 to 50 kPa collagen-coated substrates rapidly reepithelialized within 10 to 15 h; however, in harder (1 GPa) and other extracellular matrices (tenascin-, fibronectin-, and laminin-coated environments), the wound epithelium moved slowly. Furthermore, the reepithelialization rate of skin explants from metamorphic axolotls cultured on a polystyrene plate (1 GPa) increased substantially. These findings afford new insights and can facilitate investigating wound epithelium formation during early regeneration using biochemical and mechanical techniques.
Measuring Psychological Trauma in the Workplace: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Psychological Injury Risk Indicator—A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Garbarino Sergio , Winwood Peter C.
Published: March 2015

Background. The aim of this study was to cross‐culturally adapt the Psychological Injury Risk Indicator (PIRI) and to validate its psychometric properties. Methods. Workers from 24 small companies were invited to self‐complete the PIRI before undergoing their routine medical examination at the workplace. All participants (841 out of 845, 99.6%) were also asked to report occupational injuries and episodes of violence that had occurred at the workplace in the previous 12 months and were given the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) to complete. Results. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4‐factor structure, “sleep problems,” “recovery failure,” “posttraumatic stress symptoms,” and “chronic fatigue,” which were the same subscales observed in the original version. The internal consistency was excellent (alpha = 0.932). ROC curve analysis revealed that the PIRI was much more efficient than GHQ12 in diagnosing workers who had suffered trauma (workplace violence or injury) in the previous year, as it revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.679 (95% CI: 0.625–0.734) for the PIRI, while for the GHQ12 the AUC was 0.551 (not significant). Conclusions. This study, performed on a large population of workers, provides evidence of the validity of the Italian version of the PIRI.
SWCNT‐Based Biosensor Modelling for pH Detection
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Javad , Razak M. A. A. , Che Harun F. K. , Ahmadi M. T. , Rahmani Meisam
Published: March 2015

Different forms of CNT delivery have been discovered with several biomedical functions during past decades. The mechanisms of the cellular uptake of CNTs are mainly maintained due to the chemical nature, the cell type, and the features of the molecules, which are used to functionalize the nanotube exterior. Since single‐wall carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) has unique chemical and physical properties, it is a great applicant for pH sensing. In addition, ion sensitive FET (ISFET) base on nanostructured SWCNT have covered a new method to help genetic investigators restructure metabolic pathways in cells, recognize the progression of disease, and expand diagnostics and therapeutics. Particularly, because PH sensing is very crucial for the constancy of enzymes, it is essential to extend the cost efficient types of this sensing. In this research, the conductance changes of the CNT‐based ISFET device with different pH values can be modelled by ion concentration of the solution. In addition, the electrical current of channel is imagined as a function of pH levels, which can be controlled by a control factor (α). Thus, ISFET based nanostructured SWCNT is proposed focusing on the area of electrical detection of hydrogen ions of the electrolyte membrane. Besides, electrical detection of hydrogen ion applications is suggested to be used by modelling the delivery of SWCNT sheets. In the end, after comparing the proposed model and experimental data, it has been reported that there is a good compatibility between them.
Light Path Model of Fiber Optic Liquid Level Sensor Considering Residual Liquid Film on the Wall
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Zhang Shiwei
Published: March 2015

The working principle of the refractive-type fiber optic liquid level sensor is analyzed in detail based on the light refraction principle. The optic path models are developed in consideration of common simplification and the residual liquid film on the glass tube wall. The calculating formulae for the model are derived, constraint conditions are obtained, influencing factors are discussed, and the scopes and skills of application are analyzed through instance simulations. The research results are useful in directing the correct usage of the fiber optic liquid level sensor, especially in special cases, such as those involving viscous liquid in the glass tube monitoring.
Small Bowel Obstruction Mimicking Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Patel Kunal , Chang Nai-Lun , Shulik Oleg , DePasquale Joseph , Shamoon Fayez
Published: March 2015

We present a case of a 42-year-old female who presented to our institution with a small bowel obstruction and had emergent surgical decompression. Thirteen days postoperatively, the patient became tachycardic and had worsening epigastric pain. Electrocardiogram showed significant ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, aVF, and V3–V6, suggesting the possibility of acute inferolateral myocardial infarction. Subsequent workup revealed the cause of the ST-elevations to be due to recurrent small bowel obstruction. Although intra-abdominal causes of ST-elevation have been reported, our case may be the first to be associated with small bowel obstruction.
The Effect of Depression on Serum VEGF Level in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jung JaeHoon , Kim SoYeon , Yoon KyungHee , Moon YooSun , Roh Daeyoung , Lee SangKyu , Choi KyungChan , Jung JunSub , Kim DoHoon
Published: March 2015

Objective. Growing evidence suggests that angiogenesis might represent a new pathogenic mechanism involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among angiogenic cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in AD patients have been evaluated, but the results are controversial among studies. We investigated serum levels of VEGF in AD patients with depression, AD patients without depression, and the controls, respectively. The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between VEGF, depression, and cognitive impairment in AD.Methods. The CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating), MMSE-KC (the Mini-Mental Status Examination-Korean version), and SGDS-K (the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form) were measured in the subjects. Serum VEGF levels were measured in 24 AD patients with depression, 25 AD patients without depression, and 26 controls, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results. Serum VEGF levels in AD patients with depression were significantly higher than AD patients without depression or the control. A correlation was observed between VEGF and scores on SGDS-K, but no correlation was detected between VEGF and MMSE-KC scores.Conclusion. Serum VEGF levels in AD patients with depression were higher than those without depression. Depression might be associated with changes in serum levels of VEGF in AD patients.