bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrates with high hardness and high transparency
Authors: Lu Jong-Hong , Huang Ting-Wei , Cheng Chih-Yuan , Lee Jyh-Wei , Chang Chia-Wen
Published: August 2016

Touchscreens are human–machine interfaces widely used in information and telecommunication products. This study used a transparent aluminum nitride (AlN) film with hardness exceeding 20 GPa in the development of antireflective SiOx–AlN multilayer films in order to obtain high hardness as well as high transparency. To one side of the glass substrate, a four-layer AlN–SiOx antireflective structure is applied to enhance transparency. On the other side of glass substrate, a thick AlN film is applied to serve as an antiscratch hard layer with an additional AlN/SiOx nano-double-layer to enhance overall transparency. Indentation measurements to a depth of 200 nm revealed hardness values of 21.18 GPa, and the average transmittance was measured at 92.89% in the visible light range (400–700 nm). The transparency of the specimens in this study is superior to that of common glass and provides hardness values 3.5 times higher.
Predicting variation in subject thermal response during transcranial magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery: Comparison in seventeen subject datasets
Authors: Vyas Urvi , Ghanouni Pejman , Halpern Casey H. , Elias Jeff , Pauly Kim Butts
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

In transcranial magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) treatments, the acoustic and spatial heterogeneity of the skull cause reflection, absorption, and scattering of the acoustic beams. These effects depend on skull‐specific parameters and can lead to patient‐specific thermal responses to the same transducer power. In this work, the authors develop a simulation tool to help predict these different experimental responses using 3D heterogeneous tissue models based on the subject CT images. The authors then validate and compare the predicted skull efficiencies to an experimental metric based on the subject thermal responses during tcMRgFUS treatments in a dataset of seventeen human subjects.

Methods:

Seventeen human head CT scans were used to create tissue acoustic models, simulating the effects of reflection, absorption, and scattering of the acoustic beam as it propagates through a heterogeneous skull. The hybrid angular spectrum technique was used to model the acoustic beam propagation of the InSightec ExAblate 4000 head transducer for each subject, yielding maps of the specific absorption rate (SAR). The simulation assumed the transducer was geometrically focused to the thalamus of each subject, and the focal SAR at the target was used as a measure of the simulated skull efficiency. Experimental skull efficiency for each subject was calculated using the thermal temperature maps from the tcMRgFUS treatments. Axial temperature images (with no artifacts) were reconstructed with a single baseline, corrected using a referenceless algorithm. The experimental skull efficiency was calculated by dividing the reconstructed temperature rise 8.8 s after sonication by the applied acoustic power.

Results:

The simulated skull efficiency using individual‐specific heterogeneous models predicts well (R2 = 0.84) the experimental energy efficiency.

Conclusions:

This paper presents a simulation model to predict the variation in thermal responses measured in clinical ctMRGFYS treatments while being computationally feasible.
Technical Note: Procedure for the calibration and validation of kilo‐voltage cone‐beam CT models
Authors: Vilches‐Freixas Gloria , Létang Jean Michel , Brousmiche Sébastien , Romero Edward , Vila Oliva Marc , Kellner Daniel , Deutschmann Heinz , Keuschnigg Peter , Steininger Philipp , Rit Simon
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this work is to propose a general and simple procedure for the calibration and validation of kilo‐voltage cone‐beam CT (kV CBCT) models against experimental data.

Methods:

The calibration and validation of the CT model is a two‐step procedure: the source model then the detector model. The source is described by the direction dependent photon energy spectrum at each voltage while the detector is described by the pixel intensity value as a function of the direction and the energy of incident photons. The measurements for the source consist of a series of dose measurements in air performed at each voltage with varying filter thicknesses and materials in front of the x‐ray tube. The measurements for the detector are acquisitions of projection images using the same filters and several tube voltages. The proposed procedure has been applied to calibrate and assess the accuracy of simple models of the source and the detector of three commercial kV CBCT units. If the CBCT system models had been calibrated differently, the current procedure would have been exclusively used to validate the models. Several high‐purity attenuation filters of aluminum, copper, and silver combined with a dosimeter which is sensitive to the range of voltages of interest were used. A sensitivity analysis of the model has also been conducted for each parameter of the source and the detector models.

Results:

Average deviations between experimental and theoretical dose values are below 1.5% after calibration for the three x‐ray sources. The predicted energy deposited in the detector agrees with experimental data within 4% for all imaging systems.

Conclusions:

The authors developed and applied an experimental procedure to calibrate and validate any model of the source and the detector of a CBCT unit. The present protocol has been successfully applied to three x‐ray imaging systems. The minimum requirements in terms of material and equipment would make its implementation suitable in most clinical environments.
Enterovirus 71 2B Induces Cell Apoptosis by Directly Inducing the Conformational Activation of the Proapoptotic Protein Bax
Authors: Cong Haolong , Du Ning , Yang Yang , Song Lei , Zhang Wenliang , Tien Po
Published: August 2016

To survive and replicate within a host, many viruses have evolved strategies that target crucial components within the apoptotic cascade, leading to either inhibition or induction of cell apoptosis. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections have been demonstrated to impact the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and induce apoptosis in many cell lines. However, the detailed mechanism of EV71-induced apoptosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we report that EV71 2B protein (2B) localized to the mitochondria and induced cell apoptosis by interacting directly with and activating the proapoptotic protein Bax. 2B recruited Bax to the mitochondria and induced Bax conformational activation. In addition, mitochondria isolated from 2B-expressing cells that were treated with a recombinant Bax showed increased Bax interaction and cytochrome
c
(Cyt
c
) release. Importantly, apoptosis in cells with either EV71 infection or 2B expression was dramatically reduced in Bax knockdown cells but not in Bak knockdown cells, suggesting that Bax played a pivotal role in EV71- or 2B-induced apoptosis. Further studies indicate that a hydrophobic region of 18 amino acids (aa) in the C-terminal region of 2B (aa 63 to 80) was responsible for the location of 2B in the mitochondria. A hydrophilic region of 14 aa in the N-terminal region of 2B was functional in Bax interaction and its subsequent activation. Moreover, overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-X
L
abrogates 2B-induced release of Cyt
c
and caspase activation. Therefore, this study provides direct evidence that EV71 2B induces cell apoptosis and impacts the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by directly modulating the redistribution and activation of proapoptotic protein Bax.

IMPORTANCE
EV71 infections are usually accompanied by severe neurological complications. It has also been postulated that the induction of cell apoptosis resulting from tissue damage is a possible process of EV71-related pathogenesis. In this study, we report that EV71 2B protein (2B) localized to the mitochondria and induced cell apoptosis by interacting directly with and activating the proapoptotic protein Bax. This study provides evidence that EV71 induces cell apoptosis by modulating Bax activation and reveals important clues regarding the mechanism of Cyt
c
release and mitochondrial permeabilization during EV71 infection.
Inside baleen: Exceptional microstructure preservation in a late Miocene whale skeleton from Peru
Authors: Gioncada Anna , Collareta Alberto , Gariboldi Karen , Lambert Olivier , Di Celma Claudio , Bonaccorsi Elena , Urbina Mario , Bianucci Giovanni
Published: August 2016

Exceptionally preserved delicate baleen microstructures have been found in association with the skeleton of a late Miocene balaenopteroid whale in a dolomite concretion of the Pisco Formation, Peru. Microanalytical data (scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction) on fossil baleen are provided and the results are discussed in terms of their taphonomic and paleoecological implications. Baleen fossilization modes at this site include molding of plates and tubules, and phosphatization. A rapid formation of the concretion was fundamental for fossilization. We suggest that the whale foundered in a soft sediment chemically favorable to rapid dolomite precipitation, allowing the preservation of delicate structures. Morphometric considerations on the baleen plates and bristles coupled with the reconstructed calcification of the latter permit speculation on the trophic preferences of this balaenopteroid whale: the densely spaced plates and the fine and calcified bristles provide evidence for feeding on small-sized plankton, as does the modern sei whale.
Applying evidence-based management to anorexia nervosa
Authors: Treasure Janet
Published: August 2016

Aim

This paper considers how the three principles of evidence based practice (clinical expertise, scientific evidence, and patient preference) can be applied to the complexity of treatment for anorexia nervosa AN.

Method

A narrative review of the evidence of these three domains is presented. Clinical cases are used to illustrate how the formulation and management can be put into practice at different stages of illness.

Results

The management of anorexia nervosa is complex. First, individuals with the illness do not regard the manifestations of the illness as a source of concern rather they are embraced and integrated into their identity. This contrasts to the reaction of other people who are terrified by the overt signs of ill health. Thus engagement into treatment is problematic. Second, the core symptom restricted eating, produces malnutrition which impacts on brain, body, and the social network. Thus a mixture of psychological and physical problems gradually accumulates over the course of the illness. This means that the treatment targets increase over time.

Conclusion

Thus treatment has to work with motivation and readiness to change and tackle the various domains of ill health.
Professor Bengt Saltin Symposium – Environmental challenges to human performance
Authors: Ainslie Philip N.
Published: August 2016

This short review is from a presentation made at the Bengt Saltin Symposium, October 15–17, at the 2015 Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology conference, Hamilton, Canada. The review provides context of the important work of the late Dr. Saltin’s contributions to environmental physiology. In addition to well-controlled laboratory experiments to better understand the influence of hypoxia or temperature, or both, Dr. Saltin also led several field expeditions to the North Greenland, Kenya, Himalayas, and the Andes, where he studied several aspects of human adaptation to environment. The 1998 Danish High-Altitude Expedition to the Andes, in particular, resulted in many major contributions to the field of altitude physiology including, but not limited to, mechanisms of reductions in maximal oxygen uptake, the lactate paradox, acclimatization, muscle metabolism, gas exchange, cerebrovascular physiology, etc. Of note, many of these related studies were conducted in both Danish sojourners to altitude and Bolivian altitude natives of Aymara ancestry, thus providing some of the most mechanistic comparisons with high altitude natives to date. A framework of these physiological contributions in terrestrial extremes is provided in this review.
Noncontact Heart Activity Measurement System Based on Video Imaging Analysis
Authors: Al-Naji Ali , Chahl Javaan
Published: August 2016

Vital parameter monitoring systems based on video camera imagery is a growing interest field in clinical and biomedical applications. Heart rate (HR) is one of the most important vital parameters of interest in a clinical diagnostic and monitoring system. This study proposed a noncontact HR and beat length measurement system based on both motion magnification and motion detection at four different regions of interest (ROIs) (wrist, arm, neck and leg). A motion magnification based on a Chebyshev filter was utilized in order to magnify heart pulses in different ROIs that are difficult to see with the naked eye. A new measuring system based on motion detection was used to measure HR and beat length by detecting rapid motion areas in the video frame sequences that represent the heart pulses and converting video frames into a corresponding logical matrix. Video quality metrics were also used to compare our magnification system with standard Eulerian video magnification to select which one has better magnification results and gives better results for the heart pulse. The 99.3% limits of agreement between the proposed system and reference measurement fall within[Formula: see text] beats/min based on Bland and Altman test. The proposed system is expected to produce new options for further noncontact information extraction.
Urban geochemistry: Sisak in Croatia, a long - lasting historical, urban and industrial city
Authors: Šorša Ajka , Durn Goran , Halamić Josip , Husnjak Stjepan , Garašić Vesnica , Mileusnić Marta
Published: August 2016

A soil geochemical survey of the city of Sisak, Croatia, and its surroundings was done to determine the concentration, spatial distribution and sources of the elements in the soil. Factor analysis indicates 8 factors describe the geochemical variations in the topsoil: 4 anthropogenic, 2 geogenic and 2 mixed ones. The main influence in the urban and rural soils was parent material and anthropogenic inputs in the old part of the city, along roads and railways, and in the industrial areas. The results indicate that soils are a very good media for accumulating trace elements in urban and industrial areas.
Does the muscle protein synthetic response to exercise and amino acid-based nutrition diminish with advancing age? A systematic review
Authors: Shad Brandon J. , Thompson Janice L. , Breen Leigh
Published: August 2016

The precise role of age-related muscle anabolic resistance in the progression of sarcopenia and functional decline in older individuals is unclear. The present aim was to assess whether the muscle protein synthesis (MPS) response to acute exercise (endurance or resistance) and/or amino acid-based nutrition is attenuated in older compared with young individuals. A systematic review was conducted on studies that directly examined the influence of age on the MPS response to exercise and/or amino acid-based nutrition. Each study arm was synthesized and reported as providing sufficient or insufficient “evidence of age-related muscle anabolic resistance”. Subsequently, three models were established to compare age-related differences in the MPS response to 1) exercise alone, 2) amino acid-based nutrition alone, or 3) the combination of exercise and amino acid-based nutrition. Following exercise alone, 8 of the 17 study arms provided sufficient evidence of age-related muscle anabolic resistance, while in response to amino acid-based nutrition alone, 8 of the 21 study arms provided sufficient evidence of age-related muscle anabolic resistance. When exercise and amino acid-based nutrition were combined, only 2 of the 10 study arms provided sufficient evidence of age-related muscle anabolic resistance. Our results highlight that optimization of exercise and amino acid-based nutrition is sufficient to induce a comparable MPS response between young and older individuals. However, the exercise volume completed and/or the amino acid/protein dose and leucine content must exceed a certain threshold to stimulate equivalent MPS rates in young and older adults, below which age-related muscle anabolic resistance may become apparent.
Tribological Performance of Si-Doped Hydrogenated Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings in Different Biodiesel
Authors: Dorner-Reisel Annett , Kavaklioglu Zeynep Burcu , Svoboda Stefan , Engemann Jürgen
Published: August 2016

In this paper, two kinds of different biodiesel were tested in terms of their impact on wear resistance of Si-DLC coated 100Cr6 flat worn by an oscillating 100Cr6 ball. The knowledge about the tribological behaviour of different types of biodiesel is rare. Rape and soybean are two of the most common natural sources for biodiesel production. Also, if the quality of biodiesel seems to be similar and, according to the demands, biodiesel from different natural origin could affect changes in the tribological behaviour. Although, soybean methyl ester (SME) gives the best results at room temperature wear tests, 150°C SME reaches wear rates of Si-DLC flat against 100Cr6 ball almost double as high as rapeseed methyl ester (RME). It is evident that, with increasing fraction of oxidation stabilizer C23H32O2, the wear rate increases. For silicon doped hydrogenated diamond-like carbon is especially suitable, for use in biodiesels, where certain fraction of humidity, dissociated water, or polar functional groups may present.
Mid-Adolescent Predictors of Adult Drinking Levels in Early Adulthood and Gender Differences: Longitudinal Analyses Based on the South Australian School Leavers Study
Authors: Delfabbro Paul H. , Winefield Helen R. , Winefield Anthony H. , Hammarström Anne
Published: August 2016

There is considerable public health interest in understanding what factors during adolescence predict longer-term drinking patterns in adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the age 15 social and psychological predictors of less healthy drinking patterns in early adulthood. The study investigates the relative importance of internalising problems, other risky health behaviours, and peer relationships after controlling for family background characteristics. A sample of 812 young people who provided complete alcohol consumption data from the age of 15 to 20 years (5 measurement points) were drawn from South Australian secondary schools and given a detailed survey concerning their psychological and social wellbeing. Respondents were classified into two groups based upon a percentile division: those who drank at levels consistently below NHMRC guidelines and those who consistently drank at higher levels. The results showed that poorer age 15 scores on measures of psychological wellbeing including scores on the GHQ-12, self-esteem, and life-satisfaction as well as engagement in health-related behaviours such as smoking or drug-taking were associated with higher drinking levels in early adulthood. The pattern of results was generally similar for both genders. Higher drinking levels were most strongly associated with smoking and marijuana use and poorer psychological wellbeing during adolescence.
Determination of Very Low Level of Free Formaldehyde in Liquid Detergents and Cosmetic Products Using Photoluminescence Method
Authors: Gholami Ali , Mohsenikia Atefeh , Masoum Saeed
Published: August 2016

Formaldehyde is commonly used in detergents and cosmetic products as antibacterial agent and preservative. This substance is unfavorable for human health because it is known to be toxic for humans and causes irritation of eyes and skins. The toxicology studies of this compound indicate risk of detergents and cosmetic formulations with a minimum content of 0.05% free formaldehyde. Therefore, determination of formaldehyde as quality control parameter is very important. In this study, a photoluminescence method was achieved by using 2-methyl acetoacetanilide. Also, the Box-Behnken design was applied for optimization of Hantzsch reaction for formaldehyde derivatization. The investigated factors (variables) were temperature, % v/v ethanol, reaction time, ammonium acetate, and 2-methyl acetoacetanilide concentration. The linear range was obtained from 0.33–20 × 10−7 M (1–60 μg·kg−1) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.12 μg·kg−1. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of Iranian brands of liquid detergents and cosmetic products. The formaldehyde content of these products was found to be in the range of 0.03–3.88%. Some brands of these products had higher concentration than the maximum allowed concentration of 0.2%. High recoveries (96.15%–104.82%) for the spiked dishwashing liquid and hair shampoo indicate the proposed method is proper for the assessment of formaldehyde in detergents and cosmetic products. The proposed methodology has some advantages compared with the previous methods such as being rapid, without the necessity of applying separation, low cost, and the fact that the derivatization reaction is carried out at room temperature without any heating system.
The Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Improving Mind‐Body Health for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chang Wen-Dien , Chen Shuya , Lee Chia-Lun , Lin Hung-Yu , Lai Ping-Tung
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To conduct a meta‐analysis and systematic review examining whether Tai Chi Chuan could have mental and physical benefits for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies. Data of the studies were collected, and outcomes were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model. Effect sizes of the mental and physical components were determined, along with the recommendation grades of Philadelphia Panel Classification System for Tai Chi Chuan on knee osteoarthritis. Results. Eleven studies were selected and retrieved from the databases. The results of meta‐analysis revealed that the effects of Tai Chi Chuan were observed for physical components in the body functions and structures domain. The effects favoring Tai Chi Chuan were observed in the physical component in the activities and participation domain. Insufficient data was included in the meta‐analysis of the mental component. Conclusions. The review revealed that Tai Chi Chuan had beneficial outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The evidence‐based results represented that it had small‐to‐moderate effects on body functions and structures, activities, and participation of physical component. However, there was insufficient evidence to support that Tai Chi Chuan had beneficial mental effect.
Different Vancomycin Immunoassays Contribute to the Variability in Vancomycin Trough Measurements in Neonates
Authors: Samardzic Janko , Smits Anne , Spriet Isabel , Soldatovic Ivan , Atkinson Andrew , Bajcetic Milica , Van Den Anker John N. , Allegaert Karel
Published: August 2016

Substantial interassay variability (up to 20%) has been described for vancomycin immunoassays in adults, but the impact of neonatal matrix is difficult to quantify because of blood volume constraints in neonates. However, we provide circumstantial evidence for a similar extent of variability. Using the same vancomycin dosing regimens and confirming similarity in clinical characteristics, vancomycin trough concentrations measured by PETINIA (2011-2012,n=400) were 20% lower and the mean difference was 1.93 mg/L compared to COBAS (2012–2014,n=352) measurements. The impact of vancomycin immunoassays in neonatal matrix was hereby suggested, supporting a switch to more advanced techniques (LC-MS/MS).
Predictors and Modulators of Synthetic Lethality: An Update on PARP Inhibitors and Personalized Medicine
Authors: Murata Stephen , Zhang Catherine , Finch Nathan , Zhang Kevin , Campo Loredana , Breuer Eun-Kyoung
Published: August 2016

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have proven to be successful agents in inducing synthetic lethality in several malignancies. Several PARP inhibitors have reached clinical trial testing for treatment in different cancers, and, recently, Olaparib (AZD2281) has gained both United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the European Commission (EC) approval for use inBRCA-mutated advanced ovarian cancer treatment. The need to identify biomarkers, their interactions in DNA damage repair pathways, and their potential utility in identifying patients who are candidates for PARP inhibitor treatment is well recognized. In this review, we detail many of the biomarkers that have been investigated for their ability to predict both PARP inhibitor sensitivity and resistance in preclinical studies as well as the results of several clinical trials that have tested the safety and efficacy of different PARP inhibitor agents inBRCAand non-BRCA-mutated cancers.
Modeling and Analysis on Cushion Characteristics of Fast and High-Flow-Rate Hydraulic Cylinder
Authors: Lai Qiwei , Liang Liang , Li Jing , Wu Shijing , Liu Jun
Published: August 2016

As an indispensable actuator, the hydraulic cylinder has widespread industrial applications in mechanical engineering. The cushion characteristics of hydraulic cylinder directly affect its performance and reliability, especially the one utilized in hydraulic system with fast response, high flow rate, and instantaneous super power. In order to analyze the cushion characteristics, three different simulation models are established. Furthermore, experiments concerning the pressure characteristics of hydraulic cylinder are accomplished to verify the validation of simulation models. It was found that the integrated simulation model had the highest precision and CFD model showed better pattern of cushion process compared with other models. On the basis of the integrated simulation model, plunger structure and key structural parameters were studied in detail with optimal schemes given. The conical structure, proper design of the diameter of cushion hole, and length of plunger turned out to be effective in promoting the cushion performance. The proposed simulation models and research of cushion structure have scientific and engineering value to promote the innovative development of hydraulic cylinder.
Natural Partial Orders on Transformation Semigroups with Fixed Sets
Authors: Chaiya Yanisa , Honyam Preeyanuch , Sanwong Jintana
Published: August 2016

LetXbe a nonempty set. For a fixed subsetYofX, letFixX,Ybe the set of all self-maps onXwhich fix all elements inY. ThenFixX,Yis a regular monoid under the composition of maps. In this paper, we characterize the natural partial order onFix(X,Y)and this result extends the result due to Kowol and Mitsch. Further, we find elements which are compatible and describe minimal and maximal elements.
Hypnosis in the Perioperative Management of Breast Cancer Surgery: Clinical Benefits and Potential Implications
Authors: Potié Arnaud , Roelants Fabienne , Pospiech Audrey , Momeni Mona , Watremez Christine
Published: August 2016

The aim of this review is to summarize data published on the use of perioperative hypnosis in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery (BCS). Indeed, the majority of BCS patients experience stress, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Correct management of the perioperative period and surgical removal of the primary tumor are clearly essential but can affect patients on different levels and hence have a negative impact on oncological outcomes. This review examines the effect of clinical hypnosis performed during the perioperative period. Thanks to its specific properties and techniques allowing it to be used as complementary treatment preoperatively, hypnosis has an impact most notably on distress and postoperative pain. During surgery, hypnosis may be applied to limit immunosuppression, while, in the postoperative period, it can reduce pain, anxiety, and fatigue and improve wound healing. Moreover, hypnosis is inexpensive, an important consideration given current financial concerns in healthcare. Of course, large randomized prospective studies are now needed to confirm the observed advantages of hypnosis in the field of oncology.
Vehicle Sideslip Angle Estimation Based on General Regression Neural Network
Authors: Wei Wang , Shaoyi Bei , Lanchun Zhang , Kai Zhu , Yongzhi Wang , Weixing Hang
Published: August 2016

Aiming at the accuracy of estimation of vehicle’s mass center sideslip angle, an estimation method of slip angle based on general regression neural network (GRNN) and driver-vehicle closed-loop system has been proposed: regarding vehicle’s sideslip angle as time series mapping of yaw speed and lateral acceleration; using homogeneous design project to optimize the training samples; building the mapping relationship among sideslip angle, yaw speed, and lateral acceleration; at the same time, using experimental method to measure vehicle’s sideslip angle to verify validity of this method. Estimation results of neural network and real vehicle experiment show the same changing tendency. The mean of error is within 10% of test result’s amplitude. Results show GRNN can estimate vehicle’s sideslip angle correctly. It can offer a reference to the application of vehicle’s stability control system on vehicle’s state estimation.
Fatal Cerebral Air Embolism: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Mishra Rashmi , Reddy Pavithra , Khaja Misbahuddin
Published: August 2016

Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an infrequently reported complication of routine medical procedures. We present two cases of CAE. The first patient was a 55-year-old male presenting with vomiting and loss of consciousness one day after his hemodialysis session. Physical exam was significant for hypotension and hypoxia with no focal neurologic deficits. Computed tomography (CT) scan of head showed gas in cerebral venous circulation. The patient did not undergo any procedures prior to presentation, and his last hemodialysis session was uneventful. Retrograde rise of venous air to the cerebral circulation was the likely mechanism for venous CAE. The second patient was a 46-year-old female presenting with fever, shortness of breath, and hematemesis. She was febrile, tachypneic, and tachycardic and required intubation and mechanical ventilation. An orogastric tube inserted drained 2500 mL of bright red blood. Flexible laryngoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed. She also underwent central venous catheter placement. CT scan of head performed the next day due to absent brain stem reflexes revealed intravascular air within cerebral arteries. A transthoracic echocardiogram with bubble study ruled out patent foramen ovale. The patient had a paradoxical CAE in the absence of a patent foramen ovale.
Analysis of Void Reactivity Coefficient for 3D BWR Assembly Model
Authors: Slavickas Andrius , Pabarčius Raimondas , Tonkūnas Aurimas , Ušpuras Eugenijus
Published: August 2016

The effect of BWR fuel assembly 3D model on void reactivity coefficient (VRC) estimation is investigated. VRC values were calculated for different BWR assembly models applying deterministic T-NEWT and Monte Carlo KENO-VI functional modules of SCALE 6.1 code package. The difference between deterministic T-NEWT and Monte Carlo KENO-VI simulations is negligible (0.18 pcm/%). The influence of the assumed more detailed coolant density profile was estimated as well. VRC increases with the application of a larger number of coolant density values across fuel assembly height. It was shown that the coolant density profile described by 6 values per height could be considered sufficient from prospect of VRC estimation, as a more detailed density profile has impact below 1% on total assembly void effects. VRC values were decomposed to values for individual nodes and isotopes, since decomposition provides useful insights to describe the overall behaviour of VRC in detail.
A Concealed Car Extraction Method Based on Full-Waveform LiDAR Data
Authors: Li Chuanrong , Zhou Mei , Liu Menghua , Ma Lian , Wang Jinhu
Published: August 2016

Concealed cars extraction from point clouds data acquired by airborne laser scanning has gained its popularity in recent years. However, due to the occlusion effect, the number of laser points for concealed cars under trees is not enough. Thus, the concealed cars extraction is difficult and unreliable. In this paper, 3D point cloud segmentation and classification approach based on full-waveform LiDAR was presented. This approach first employed the autocorrelationGcoefficient and the echo ratio to determine concealed cars areas. Then the points in the concealed cars areas were segmented with regard to elevation distribution of concealed cars. Based on the previous steps, a strategy integrating backscattered waveform features and the view histogram descriptor was developed to train sample data of concealed cars and generate the feature pattern. Finally concealed cars were classified by pattern matching. The approach was validated by full-waveform LiDAR data and experimental results demonstrated that the presented approach can extract concealed cars with accuracy more than 78.6% in the experiment areas.
Substituent Effects on Regioselectivity of the Diels-Alder Reactions: Reactions of 10-Allyl-1,8-dichloroanthracene with 2-Chloroacrylonitrile, 1-Cyanovinyl Acetate and Phenyl Vinyl Sulfone
Authors: Sultan Mujeeb A. , Karama Usama
Published: August 2016

Diels-Alder reaction of 10-allyl-1,8-dichloroanthracene (3) with 2-chloroacrylonitrile (4) and 1-cyanovinyl acetate (5) gives exclusively theorthoisomer while its reaction with phenyl vinyl sulfone (10) yields a mixture of two isomeric adducts with priority toorthoisomer. The reactions proceeded under microwave condition in xylene. Configurations of these isomers have been assigned with the help of NMR spectra. The results indicated that the steric effect is dominating toward the isomer regioselectivity in the Diels-Alder reaction of the present compounds.
Robust Adaptive Algorithm by an Adaptive Zero Attractor Controller of ZA-LMS Algorithm
Authors: Sivashanmugam Radhika , Arumugam Sivabalan
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a new approach to identify time varying sparse systems. The proposed approach uses Zero-Attracting Least Mean Square (ZA-LMS) algorithm with an adaptive optimal zero attractor controller which can adapt dynamically to the sparseness level and provide appreciable performance in all environments ranging from sparse to nonsparse conditions. The optimal zero attractor controller is derived based on the criterion that confirms largest decrease in mean square deviation (MSD) error. A simple update rule is also proposed to change the zero attractor controller based on the level of sparsity. It is found that, for nonsparse system, the proposed approach converges to LMS (as ZA-LMS cannot outperform LMS when the system is nonsparse) and, for highly sparse system, as the proposed approach is based on optimal zero attractor controller, it converges either similar to ZA-LMS or even better than ZA-LMS (depending on the value of zero attractor controller chosen for ZA-LMS algorithm). The performance of the proposed algorithm is better than ZA-LMS and LMS when the system is semisparse. Simulations were performed to prove that the proposed algorithm is robust against variable sparsity level.
Fuzzy Pheromone Potential Fields for Virtual Pedestrian Simulation
Authors: Mandar Meriem , Boulmakoul Azedine
Published: August 2016

The study of collective movement of pedestrians is crucial in various situations, such as evacuation of buildings, stadiums, or external events like concerts or public events. In such situations and under panic conditions, several incidents and disasters may arise, resulting in loss of human lives. Hence, the study and modeling of the pedestrians behavior are imperative in both normal and panic situations. In a previous work, we developed a microscopic model for pedestrian movement based on the algorithm of Ant Colonies and the principles of cellular automata. We took advantage of a fuzzy model to better reflect the uncertainty and vagueness of the perception of space to pedestrians, especially to represent the desirability or blurred visibility of virtual pedestrians. This paper uses the mechanism of artificial potential fields. Said fields provide virtual pedestrians with better visibility of their surroundings and its various components (goals and obstacles). The predictions provided by the first-order traffic flow theory are confirmed by the results of the simulation. The advantage of this model lies in the combination of benefits provided by the model of ants and artificial potential fields in a fuzzy modeling, to better understand the perceptions of pedestrians.
Discovery of Potential Orthosteric and Allosteric Antagonists of P2Y1R from Chinese Herbs by Molecular Simulation Methods
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Fang , Chen Yan-kun , Luo Gang-gang , Jiang Lu-di , Qiao Lian-sheng , Zhang Yan-ling , Xiang Yu-hong
Published: August 2016

P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1R), which belongs to G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), is an important target in ADP‐induced platelet aggregation. The crystal structure of P2Y1R has been solved recently, which revealed orthosteric and allosteric ligand‐binding sites with the details of ligand‐protein binding modes. And it suggests that P2Y1R antagonists, which recognize two distinct sites, could potentially provide an efficacious and safe antithrombotic profile. In present paper, 2D similarity search, pharmacophore based screening, and molecular docking were used to explore the potential natural P2Y1R antagonists. 2D similarity search was used to classify orthosteric and allosteric antagonists of P2Y1R. Based on the result, pharmacophore models were constructed and validated by the test set. Optimal models were selected to discover potential P2Y1R antagonists of orthosteric and allosteric sites from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). And the hits were filtered by Lipinski’s rule. Then molecular docking was used to refine the results of pharmacophore based screening and analyze the binding mode of the hits and P2Y1R. Finally, two orthosteric and one allosteric potential compounds were obtained, which might be used in future P2Y1R antagonists design. This work provides a reliable guide for discovering natural P2Y1R antagonists acting on two distinct sites from TCM.
The Feedback Control Strategy of the Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Car-Following Model with Two Delays
Authors: Zhai Cong , Liu Weiming , Huang Ling
Published: August 2016

Considering the driver’s sensing the headway and velocity the different time-varying delays exist, respectively, and the sensitivity of drivers changes with headway and speed. Introducing the fuzzy control theory, a new fuzzy car-following model with two delays is presented, and the feedback control strategy of the new fuzzy car-following model is studied. Based on the Lyapunov function theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, the sufficient condition that the existence of the fuzzy controller is given making the closed-loop system is asymptotic, stable; namely, traffic congestion phenomenon can effectively be suppressed, and the controller gain matrix can be obtained via solving linear matrix inequality. Finally, the simulation examples verify that the method which suppresses traffic congestion and reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions is effective.
Microwave Ablation Using Four-Tine Antenna: Effects of Blood Flow Velocity, Vessel Location, and Total Displacement on Porous Hepatic Cancer Tissue
Authors: Chaichanyut Montree , Tungjitkusolmun Supan
Published: August 2016

This research is concerned with microwave ablation analyses using a 2.45 GHz four-tine (4T) antenna for hepatic cancer tissue. In the study, three-dimensional finite-element models were utilized to examine the tissue temperature distributions during and after MW ablation. A preliminary study was first carried out with regard to the specific absorption rates along the 4T antenna insertion depths and the temperature distributions inside the solid and porous liver models with either 3 cm-in-diameter tumor or 5 cm-in-diameter tumor. Based on the preliminary results, the porous models were further examined for the effect of varying blood flow velocities (0–200 cm/s) with a 1 cm-in-diameter blood vessel next to the antenna and also for the effect of vessel-antenna locations (0, 0.8, and 1.3 cm) with a constant blood flow velocity of 16.7 cm/s. All scenarios were simulated under temperature-controlled mode (90°C). The findings revealed that the blood flow velocity and vessel location influence the ablation effectiveness and that increased blood flow inhibits heat transfer to the vessel wall. At the nearest and farthest vessel-antenna locations (0 and 1.3 cm), approximately 90.3% and 99.55% of the cancer cells were eradicated except for the areas adjacent to the vessel. In addition, total tissue thermal displacement is 5.9 mm which is 6.59% of the total length of the overall model.
IPS Interest in the EEG of Patients after a Single Epileptic Seizure
Authors: Taoufiqi Fatima Zahra , Mounach Jamal , Satte Amal , Ouhabi Hamid , El Hessni Aboubaker
Published: August 2016

Objective. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of pathological cerebral activity responses to intermittent rhythmic photic stimulation (IPS) after a single epileptic seizure. Patients and Methods. One hundred and thirty-seven EEGs were performed at the Neurophysiology Department of Mohamed V Teaching Military Hospital in Rabat. Clinical and EEG data was collected. Results. 9.5% of our patients had photoparoxysmal discharges (PPD). Incidence was higher in males than in females, but p value was not significant (p=0.34), and it was higher in children compared to adults with significant p value (p=0.08). The most epileptogenic frequencies were within the range 15–20 Hz. 63 patients had an EEG after 72 hours; among them 11 were photosensitive (p=0.001). The frequency of the PPR was significantly higher in patients with generalized abnormalities than in focal abnormalities (p=0.001). EEG confirmed a genetic generalized epilepsy in 8 cases among 13 photosensitive patients. Conclusion. PPR is age related. The frequencies within the range 15–20 Hz should inevitably be included in EEG protocols. The presence of PPR after a first seizure is probably more in favor of generalized seizure rather than the other type of seizure. PPR seems independent from the delay Seizure-EEG. Our study did not show an association between sex and photosensitivity.
Highly Sensitive Micellar Enhanced Spectrofluorimetric Method for Determination of Mirtazapine in Tablets and Human Urine: Application to In Vitro Drug Release and Content Uniformity Test
Authors: Darwish Hany W. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Alharbi Raed M.
Published: August 2016

A highly sensitive and simple micelle enhanced spectrofluorimetric method was developed for assaying mirtazapine (MRZ) in REMERON® tablets and spiked human urine directly without the need of derivatizing agent. The basis of the current procedure is the examination of the relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) of MRZ in sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) micellar medium. The RFI of MRZ in water was enhanced markedly on addition of SLS. The RFI was measured at 403 nm after excitation at 320 nm. The fluorescence-concentration relationship was linear over the range 1–500 ng/mL, with lower detection limit of 0.399 ng/mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of MRZ in dosage form and spiked human urine. Recovery percentages of MRZ utilizing the current method were99.05±1.83,98.37±1.96, and100.41±2.61% for pure powder, pharmaceutical dosage form, and spiked human urine, respectively. The application of the proposed method was extended to test content uniformity and the in vitro drug release of REMERON tablets, according to USP guidelines.
Schistosome-Derived Molecules as Modulating Actors of the Immune System and Promising Candidates to Treat Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Janssen Luis , Silva Santos Gisele Lorranna , Muller Herick Sampaio , Vieira Anderson Rodrigues Araújo , de Campos Tatiana Amabile , de Paulo Martins Vicente
Published: August 2016

It is long known that some parasite infections are able to modulate specific pathways of host’s metabolism and immune responses. This modulation is not only important in order to understand the host-pathogen interactions and to develop treatments against the parasites themselves but also important in the development of treatments against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Throughout the life cycle of schistosomes the mammalian hosts are exposed to several biomolecules that are excreted/secreted from the parasite infective stage, named cercariae, from their tegument, present in adult and larval stages, and finally from their eggs. These molecules can induce the activation and modulation of innate and adaptive responses as well as enabling the evasion of the parasite from host defense mechanisms. Immunomodulatory effects of helminth infections and egg molecules are clear, as well as their ability to downregulate proinflammatory cytokines, upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines, and drive a Th2 type of immune response. We believe that schistosomes can be used as a model to understand the potential applications of helminths and helminth-derived molecules against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Bounded Traveling Wave Solutions and Their Relations for the Generalized HD Type Equation
Authors: Meng Qing , He Bin
Published: August 2016

The generalized HD type equation is studied by using the bifurcation method of dynamical systems. From a dynamic point of view, the existence of different kinds of traveling waves which include periodic loop soliton, periodic cusp wave, smooth periodic wave, loop soliton, cuspon, smooth solitary wave, and kink-like wave is proved and the sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of the above solutions in different regions of the parametric space are given. Also, all possible exact parametric representations of the bounded waves are presented and their relations are stated.
Higher Spin Symmetries of the Free Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Valenzuela Mauricio
Published: August 2016

It is shown that the Schrödinger symmetry algebra of a free particle indspatial dimensions can be embedded into a representation of the higher spin algebra. The latter spans an infinite dimensional algebra of higher-order symmetry generators of the free Schrödinger equation. An explicit representation of the maximal finite dimensional subalgebra of the higher spin algebra is given in terms of nonrelativistic generators. We show also how to convert Vasiliev’s equations into an explicit nonrelativistic covariant form, such that they might apply to nonrelativistic systems. Our procedure reveals that the space of solutions of the Schrödinger equation can be regarded also as a supersymmetric module.