bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RGD Peptide-Grafted Graphene Oxide as a New Biomimetic Nanointerface for Impedance-Monitoring Cell Behaviors
Authors: Li Jianxia , Zheng Leilei , Zeng Lin , Zhang Yan , Jiang Lin , Song Jinlin
Published: December 2016

A new biomimetic nanointerface was constructed by facile grafting the bioactive arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptide on the graphene oxide (GO) surface through carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide coupling amidation reaction. The formed RGD-GO nanocomposites own unique two-dimensional structure and desirable electrochemical performance. The linked RGD peptides could improve GO’s biocompatibility and support the adhesion and proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) on RGD-GO biofilm surface. Furthermore the biologically active RGD-GO nanocomposites were demonstrated as a potential biomimetic nanointerface for monitoring cell biobehaviors by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). By analysis of the data obtained from equivalent circuit-fitting impedance spectroscopy, the information related to cell membrane capacitance, cell-cell gap resistance, and cell-electrode interface gap resistance in the process of cell adhesion and proliferation could be obtained. Besides, this proposed impedance-based cell sensor could be used to assess the inhibition effect of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the HPLFs proliferation. Findings from this work suggested that RGD peptide functionalized GO nanomaterials may be not only applied in dental tissue engineering but also used as a sensor interface for electrochemical detection and analysis of cell behaviors in vitro.
Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of the Sacroiliac Joint Complex in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study of Feasibility and Efficacy of a Novel Technique
Authors: Choi Won-Suh , Kim Jin-Sung , Ryu Kyeong-Sik , Hur Jung-Woo , Seong Ji-Hoon , Cho Hyun-Jin
Published: December 2016

Background. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a less invasive technique for treatment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. Objective. To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endoscope-guided RFA for the treatment of CLBP from the SIJ complex. Methods. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 17 patients who underwent endoscope-guided RFA of the SIJ complex were reviewed. A bipolar radiofrequency probe was used to lesion the posterior capsule of the SIJ as well as the lateral branches of S1, S2, S3, and the L5 dorsal ramus in multiple locations. We visualized the ablation area using endoscope. We assessed visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) preoperatively, immediately postop, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postop outpatient clinic visits. Patient satisfaction of the procedure was assessed in percentages. Results. The mean duration of operation was 20 to 50 minutes. The mean VAS and the ODI scores decreased significantly immediately after the procedure and were kept significantly lower than baseline levels during the follow-up periods. No complications occurred perioperatively and during the follow-up periods. 88.6% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. Conclusions. Our preliminary results suggest that endoscope-guided RFA may be alternative option to treat CLBP secondary to SIJ complex.
Internet-Based Sex-Seeking Behavior Promotes HIV Infection Risk: A 6-Year Serial Cross-Sectional Survey to MSM in Shenyang, China
Authors: Pan Shi , Xu Jun-Jie , Han Xiao-Xu , Zhang Jing , Hu Qing-Hai , Chu Zhen-Xing , Hai Yan-Qiu , Mao Xiang , Yu Yan-Qiu , Geng Wen-Qing , Jiang Yong-Jun , Shang Hong
Published: December 2016

HIV prevalence is still rapidly increasing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The Internet also makes it easier for MSM to have casual partners. This study aims to evaluate the trend of Internet-based sex-seeking behavior of MSM and its impact on HIV prevalence, the distribution of HIV subtype strains, and transmitted drug resistance rates. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted from 2009 to 2014. Of the 1,981 MSM, 50.5% (1,000/1,981) mainly sought homosexual partners through the Internet (Internet-based MSM, IBM). The proportion of IBM among total MSM subjects increased from 43.3% to 61.5% (p<0.001). HIV prevalence of IBM increased from 5.7% to 20.7%, while that of non-Internet-based MSM (NIBM) increased from 7.0% to 14.7%. A relative higher proportion of NIBM were infected with HIV CRF01_AE subtype than IBM (79.5% versus 72.2%, p=0.52). Multivariable analysis found IBM had a significantly higher HIV prevalence than NIBM (13.2% versus 10.5%, aOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.0–1.9]). Being a migrant non-Shenyang resident MSM (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3–2.9]) and occasionally/never using condoms with casual homosexual partners (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.1–2.6]) were two distinct risk factors for HIV infection in IBM. More efforts should be targeted towards developing interventions aimed at IBM, particularly migrant MSM and who engage in UAI with casual homosexual partners.
Right Atrial Clot Formation Early after Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty
Authors: Ateş Ahmet Hakan , Arslan Uğur , Aksakal Aytekin , Yücel Huriye , Atasoy Günaydın İlksen , Ekbul Adem , Yaman Mehmet
Published: December 2016

Mitral balloon valvuloplasty which has been used for the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) for several decades can cause serious complications. Herein, we presented right atrial clot formation early after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty which was treated successfully with unfractioned heparin infusion.
Potentiation of Calcium Influx and Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Beta Cell by the Specific TREK-1 Blocker Spadin
Authors: Hivelin Céline , Béraud-Dufour Sophie , Devader Christelle , Abderrahmani Amar , Moreno Sébastien , Moha ou Maati Hamid , Djillani Alaeddine , Heurteaux Catherine , Borsotto Marc , Mazella Jean , Coppola Thierry
Published: December 2016

Inhibition of the potassium channels TREK-1 by spadin (SPA) is currently thought to be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of depression. Since these channels are expressed in pancreatic β-cells, we investigated their role in the control of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. In this study, we confirmed the expression of TREK-1 channels in the insulin secreting MIN6-B1 β-cell line and in mouse islets. We found that their blockade by SPA potentiated insulin secretion induced by potassium chloride dependent membrane depolarization. Inhibition of TREK-1 by SPA induced a decrease of the resting membrane potential (ΔVm~12 mV) and increased the cytosolic calcium concentration. In mice, administration of SPA enhanced the plasma insulin level stimulated by glucose, confirming its secretagogue effect observed in vitro. Taken together, this work identifies SPA as a novel potential pharmacological agent able to control insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.
Graded Exercise Testing Protocols for the Determination of VO2max: Historical Perspectives, Progress, and Future Considerations
Authors: Beltz Nicholas M. , Gibson Ann L. , Janot Jeffrey M. , Kravitz Len , Mermier Christine M. , Dalleck Lance C.
Published: December 2016

Graded exercise testing (GXT) is the most widely used assessment to examine the dynamic relationship between exercise and integrated physiological systems. The information from GXT can be applied across the spectrum of sport performance, occupational safety screening, research, and clinical diagnostics. The suitability of GXT to determine a valid maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) has been under investigation for decades. Although a set of recommended criteria exists to verify attainment of VO2max, the methods that originally established these criteria have been scrutinized. Many studies do not apply identical criteria or fail to consider individual variability in physiological responses. As an alternative to using traditional criteria, recent research efforts have been directed toward using a supramaximal verification protocol performed after a GXT to confirm attainment of VO2max. Furthermore, the emergence of self-paced protocols has provided a simple, yet reliable approach to designing and administering GXT. In order to develop a standardized GXT protocol, additional research should further examine the utility of self-paced protocols used in conjunction with verification protocols to elicit and confirm attainment of VO2max.
Analysis of Tensegrity Structures with Redundancies, by Implementing a Comprehensive Equilibrium Equations Method with Force Densities
Authors: Elliotis Miltiades , Christou Petros , Michael Antonis
Published: December 2016

A general approach is presented to analyze tensegrity structures by examining their equilibrium. It belongs to the class of equilibrium equations methods with force densities. The redundancies are treated by employing Castigliano’s second theorem, which gives the additional required equations. The partial derivatives, which appear in the additional equations, are numerically replaced by statically acceptable internal forces which are applied on the structure. For both statically determinate and indeterminate tensegrity structures, the properties of the resulting linear system of equations give an indication about structural stability. This method requires a relatively small number of computations, it is direct (there is no iteration procedure and calculation of auxiliary parameters) and is characterized by its simplicity. It is tested on both 2D and 3D tensegrity structures. Results obtained with the method compare favorably with those obtained by the Dynamic Relaxation Method or the Adaptive Force Density Method.
Urinary Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Biomarkers of Renal Function in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Platt Mark , Kasprzyk Joanna , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Gala-Błądzińska Agnieszka , Woźnicka Olga , Jany Benedykt R. , Krok Franciszek , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Kuźniewski Marek , Stępień Ewa Ł.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to check the relationship between the density of urinary EVs, their size distribution, and the progress of early renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients (DMt2). Patients were enrolled to this study, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) below 7% was a threshold for properly controlled diabetic patients (CD) and poorly controlled diabetic patients (UD). Patients were further divided into two groups: diabetic patients without renal failure (NRF) and with renal failure (RF) according to the Glomerular Filtration Rate. Density and diameter of EVs were determined by Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing. Additionally, EVs were visualized by means of Transmission and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy. Nano-liquid chromatography coupled offline with mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS) was applied for proteomic analysis. RF had reduced density of EVs compared to NRF. The size distribution study showed that CD had larger EVs (mode) than UD (115 versus 109 nm;p<0.05); nevertheless the mean EVs diameter was smaller in controls than in the CD group (123 versus 134 nm;p<0.05). It was demonstrated that EVs are abundant in urine. Albumin, uromodulin, and number of unique proteins related to cell stress and secretion were detected in the EVs fraction. Density and size of urinary EVs reflect deteriorated renal function and can be considered as potential renal damage biomarkers.
Fuzzy Multilevel Image Thresholding Based on Modified Quick Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm and Local Information Aggregation
Authors: Li Linguo , Sun Lijuan , Guo Jian , Han Chong , Li Shujing
Published: December 2016

Thresholding segmentation based on fuzzy entropy and intelligent optimization is one of the most commonly used and direct methods. This paper takes fuzzy Kapur’s entropy as the best optimal objective function, with modified quick artificial bee colony algorithm (MQABC) as the tool, performs fuzzy membership initialization operations through Pseudo Trapezoid-Shaped (PTS) membership function, and finally, according to the image’s spacial location information, conducts local information aggregation by way of median, average, and iterative average so as to achieve the final segmentation. The experimental results show that the proposed FMQABC (fuzzy based modified quick artificial bee colony algorithm) and FMQABCA (fuzzy based modified quick artificial bee colony and aggregation algorithm) can search out the best optimal threshold very effectively, precisely, and speedily and in particular show exciting efficiency in running time. This paper experimentally compares the proposed method with Kapur’s entropy-based Electromagnetism Optimization (EMO) method, standard ABC, and FDE (fuzzy entropy based differential evolution algorithm), respectively, and concludes that MQABCA is far more superior to the rest in terms of segmentation quality, iterations to convergence, and running time.
Impact of Band Nonparabolicity on Threshold Voltage of Nanoscale SOI MOSFET
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa
Published: December 2016

This paper reconsiders the mathematical formulation of the conventional nonparabolic band model and proposes a model of the effective mass of conduction band electrons including the nonparabolicity of the conduction band. It is demonstrated that this model produces realistic results for a sub-10-nm-thick Si layer surrounded by an SiO2layer. The major part of the discussion is focused on the low-dimensional electron system confined with insulator barriers. To examine the feasibility of our consideration, the model is applied to the threshold voltage of nanoscale SOI FinFETs and compared to prior experimental results. This paper also addresses a model of the effective mass of valence band holes assuming the nonparabolic condition.
Incidental Finding of Persistent Hydatidiform Mole in an Adolescent on Depo-Provera
Authors: Akinlaja Olukayode , McKendrick Rebecca , Mashak Zineb , Nokkaew May
Published: December 2016

Molar pregnancies represent an uncommon yet important obstetric problem with potentially fatal outcomes. Patients typically present with signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, and physicians most often suspect nonmolar pregnancy complications initially; however a hydatidiform mole should be included in the differential diagnosis of a woman with a positive pregnancy test and abnormal vaginal bleeding irrespective of the use of contraception. Our case is that of an adolescent female on Depo-Provera injectable contraceptive with increased vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting who was incidentally found to be pregnant and subsequently diagnosed with a molar pregnancy despite persistent denial of having initiated sexual intercourse. Though gestational trophoblastic disease is uncommon with an incidence of about 1-2 cases per 1,000 pregnancies, a clinician has to display a high index of suspicion when dealing with patients at extremes of age in order to avoid potentially life-threatening outcomes.
On Bending of Bernoulli-Euler Nanobeams for Nonlocal Composite Materials
Authors: Feo Luciano , Penna Rosa
Published: December 2016

Evaluation of size effects in functionally graded elastic nanobeams is carried out by making recourse to the nonlocal continuum mechanics. The Bernoulli-Euler kinematic assumption and the Eringen nonlocal constitutive law are assumed in the formulation of the elastic equilibrium problem. An innovative methodology, characterized by a lowering in the order of governing differential equation, is adopted in the present manuscript in order to solve the boundary value problem of a nanobeam under flexure. Unlike standard treatments, a second-order differential equation of nonlocal equilibrium elastic is integrated in terms of transverse displacements and equilibrated bending moments. Benchmark examples are developed, thus providing the nonlocality effect in nanocantilever and clampled-simply supported nanobeams for selected values of the Eringen scale parameter.
Antimicrobial Efficacy and Cell Adhesion Inhibition of In Situ Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles/Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofibrous Membranes
Authors: Li Jian , Zhang Qun , Xu Minjing , Wu Changzhu , Li Ping
Published: December 2016

Nanoparticle metal oxides are emerging as a new class of important materials in medical, agricultural, and industrial applications. In this context, free zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been increasingly shown with broad antimicrobial activities. However, biological properties of immobilized ZnO NPs on matrixes like nanofibrous membranes are still limited. In this study, in situ synthesized ZnO NPs/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning with different zinc acetate concentrations. Characterization results indicated that, with 5 mM zinc acetate, uniform size ZnO NPs (~40 nm) were formed and evenly distributed on the membrane surface. The surfaces became more hydrophobic with higher concentration of zinc acetate. ZnO NPs/PVA nanofibrous membranes showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and cell adhesion inhibiting effects against four microorganisms including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative Escherichia coli, fungi Candida albicans, and spores of Aspergillus niger. Our data revealed that the major antimicrobial mechanism could be attributed to cell membrane damage and cellular internalization of ZnO NPs, while the hydrophobic surface of the membrane primarily contributed to the cell adhesion inhibition. This study suggests that ZnO NPs/PVA nanofibrous membranes could potentially be used as an effective antimicrobial agent to maintain agricultural and food safety.
Effect of HCl on the Formation of TiO2 Nanocrystallites
Authors: Tung Nguyen Trong , Huyen Duong Ngoc
Published: December 2016

TiO2 nanocrystals are prepared by pyrolysis of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as precursor in HCl aqueous solution at 80°C. The experimental results show that the HCl concentrations in the synthesizing medium and the following aging are the essential factors affecting the phase formation and phase composition of the resulting TiO2 nanocrystals. The TiO2 suspended in the HCl media is predominant anatase in uniform cluster and the TiO2 deposited in the sedimentation is predominant rutile in the rod-like structure. In the anatase phase, TiO2 crystallites have particle structure of 4–11 nm in mean size depending on the HCl concentration and aging time. In the rutile phase, the mean size of rutile TiO2 is 12-13 nm and there is not much change with HCl environment and aging time. The mean size of TiO2 of around 11-12 nm is considered to be the critical point of phase transition from anatase to rutile in HCl media. Consequence, TiO2 nanocrystallites in pure anatase and rutile phase can be extracted and segregated from the colloidal suspension and the deposited parts in the synthesizing media.
Health Orientation, Knowledge, and Attitudes toward Genetic Testing and Personalized Genomic Services: Preliminary Data from an Italian Sample
Authors: Oliveri Serena , Masiero Marianna , Arnaboldi Paola , Cutica Ilaria , Fioretti Chiara , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: December 2016

Objective. The study aims at assessing personality tendencies and orientations that could be closely correlated with knowledge, awareness, and interest toward undergoing genetic testing.Methods.A sample of 145 subjects in Italy completed an online survey, investigating demographic data, health orientation, level of perceived knowledge about genetic risk, genetic screening, and personal attitudes toward direct to consumer genetic testing (DTCGT).Results. Results showed that respondents considered genetic assessment to be helpful for disease prevention, but they were concerned that results could affect their life planning with little clinical utility. Furthermore, a very high percentage of respondents (67%) had never heard about genetic testing directly available to the public. Data showed that personality tendencies, such as personal health consciousness, health internal control, health esteem, and confidence, motivation to avoid unhealthiness and motivation for healthiness affected the uptake of genetic information and the interest in undergoing genetic testing.Conclusions. Public knowledge and attitudes toward genetic risk and genetic testing among European countries, along with individual personality and psychological tendencies that could affect these attitudes, remain unexplored. The present study constitutes one of the first attempts to investigate how such personality tendencies could motivation to undergo genetic testing and engagement in lifestyle changes.
Decision Diagram Based Symbolic Algorithm for Evaluating the Reliability of a Multistate Flow Network
Authors: Dong Rongsheng , Zhu Yangyang , Xu Zhoubo , Li Fengying
Published: December 2016

Evaluating the reliability of Multistate Flow Network (MFN) is an NP-hard problem. Ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD) or variants thereof, such as multivalued decision diagram (MDD), are compact and efficient data structures suitable for dealing with large-scale problems. Two symbolic algorithms for evaluating the reliability of MFN, MFN_OBDD and MFN_MDD, are proposed in this paper. In the algorithms, several operating functions are defined to prune the generated decision diagrams. Thereby the state space of capacity combinations is further compressed and the operational complexity of the decision diagrams is further reduced. Meanwhile, the related theoretical proofs and complexity analysis are carried out. Experimental results show the following: (1) compared to the existing decomposition algorithm, the proposed algorithms take less memory space and fewer loops. (2) The number of nodes and the number of variables of MDD generated in MFN_MDD algorithm are much smaller than those of OBDD built in the MFN_OBDD algorithm. (3) In two cases with the same number of arcs, the proposed algorithms are more suitable for calculating the reliability of sparse networks.
Dietary Biotin Supplementation Modifies Hepatic Morphology without Changes in Liver Toxicity Markers
Authors: Riverón-Negrete Leticia , Sicilia-Argumedo Gloria , Álvarez-Delgado Carolina , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Alcántar-Fernández Jonathan , Fernandez-Mejia Cristina
Published: December 2016

Pharmacological concentrations of biotin have pleiotropic effects. Several reports have documented that biotin supplementation decreases hyperglycemia. We have shown that a biotin-supplemented diet increased insulin secretion and the mRNA abundance of proteins regulating insulin transcription and secretion. We also found enlarged pancreatic islets and modified islet morphology. Other studies have shown that pharmacological concentrations of biotin modify tissue structure. Although biotin administration is considered safe, little attention has been given to its effect on tissue structure. In this study, we investigated the effect of biotin supplementation on hepatic morphology and liver toxicity markers. Male BALB/cAnN Hsd mice were fed a control or a biotin-supplemented diet for 8 weeks. Versus the control mice, biotin-supplemented mice had an altered portal triad with dilated sinusoids, increased vascularity, and bile conducts. Furthermore, we observed an increased proportion of nucleomegaly and binucleated hepatocytes. In spite of the liver morphological changes, no differences were observed in the serum liver damage indicators, oxidative stress markers, or antioxidant enzymes. Our data demonstrate for the first time that biotin supplementation affects liver morphology in normal mice, and that these modifications are not paralleled with damage markers.
Group Targets Tracking Using Multiple Models GGIW-CPHD Based on Best-Fitting Gaussian Approximation and Strong Tracking Filter
Authors: Wang Yun , Hu Guo-ping , Zhou Hao
Published: December 2016

Gamma Gaussian inverse Wishart cardinalized probability hypothesis density (GGIW-CPHD) algorithm was always used to track group targets in the presence of cluttered measurements and missing detections. A multiple models GGIW-CPHD algorithm based on best-fitting Gaussian approximation method (BFG) and strong tracking filter (STF) is proposed aiming at the defect that the tracking error of GGIW-CPHD algorithm will increase when the group targets are maneuvering. The best-fitting Gaussian approximation method is proposed to implement the fusion of multiple models using the strong tracking filter to correct the predicted covariance matrix of the GGIW component. The corresponding likelihood functions are deduced to update the probability of multiple tracking models. From the simulation results we can see that the proposed tracking algorithm MM-GGIW-CPHD can effectively deal with the combination/spawning of groups and the tracking error of group targets in the maneuvering stage is decreased.
Thrombin Generation in Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Balogun Ibrahim O. , Roberts Lara N. , Patel Raj , Pathansali Rohan , Kalra Lalit , Arya Roopen
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Stroke remains a global leading cause of death and disability. Traditional description of plasma biology in the aftermath of acute ischaemic stroke favours development of hypercoagulability, resulting from complex interplay between plasma and endothelial factors. However, no single assay measures the overall global coagulation process. We postulate that thrombin generation would assist in identifying coagulation abnormalities after acute stroke.Aim. To investigate the coagulation abnormalities after acute ischaemic stroke using thrombin generation.Methods. We evaluated thrombin generation, measured with calibrated automated thrombography in stroke of different aetiological types (n=170) within 48 hours of symptoms onset (baseline) and in the second week (time 2) and in normal healthy volunteers (n=71).Results. Two-point thrombin generation assays showed prolonged lag time and time to peak at baseline (3.3 (2.9, 4.0) versus 3.6 (3.2, 4.7);p=0.005) and (3.3 (2.9, 4.0) versus 3.6 (3.2, 4.7);p=0.002), respectively, and at time 2 (3.5 (2.9, 4.2) versus 4.0 (3.1, 4.9);p=0.004) and (5.9 (5.3, 6.6) versus 6.8 (5.8, 7.7)p=0.05), respectively, in cardioembolic stroke (n=39), when compared to noncardioembolic stroke (n=117). The result was reproduced in multiple comparisons between acute ischaemic stroke subgroups and normal healthy volunteers. Endogenous thrombin potential and peak thrombin did not indicate hypercoagulability after acute ischaemic stroke, and thrombolytic therapy did not affect thrombin generation assays.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that thrombin generation in platelet poor plasma is not useful in defining hypercoagulability in acute ischaemic stroke. This is similar to observed trend in coronary artery disease and contrary to other hypercoagulable states.
Evaluation of the Expression of the Human Epithelial Receptor 2 (HER2) in Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Cordts Filho Roberto de Moraes , Kassab Paulo , Claro Laura Carolina Lopez , Fracassi Mabel Tatty de Medeiros , Colombo-Souza Patrícia , Fukuhara Daniel Kenji , Thuler Fábio Rodrigues , de Freitas Junior Wilson Rodrigues , Ilias Elias Jirjoss , Malheiros Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2016

Objective. To evaluate the HER2 expression on gastric adenocarcinoma from a Brazilian population and also to analyze the relations between the receptor and clinical characteristics, as well as the survival status. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted from January of 2008 to July of 2012, considering only gastrectomies with curative intent. Tumors were tested for HER2 status using immunohistochemistry. The relation between HER2 status and clinical aspects, surgical findings, and survival were also analyzed. Results. 222 patients with gastric carcinoma were submitted to surgery during that period, but only 121 (54,5%) were with curative intention. The immunohistochemistry revealed that 4 patients (3,3%) were HER2-positive, 6 patients (4,9%) HER2-undetermined, and 111 patients (91,7%) HER2-negative. There was no statistical concordance between HER2 status and survival or the clinical aspects. Conclusion. The HER2 overexpression rate was very low in this Brazilian population sample and cannot be considered as a prognostic factor.
The Performance of LBP and NSVC Combination Applied to Face Classification
Authors: Ngadi Mohammed , Amine Aouatif , Nassih Bouchra , Hachimi Hanaa , El-Attar Adnane
Published: December 2016

The growing demand in the field of security led to the development of interesting approaches in face classification. These works are interested since their beginning in extracting the invariant features of the face to build a single model easily identifiable by classification algorithms. Our goal in this article is to develop more efficient practical methods for face detection. We present a new fast and accurate approach based on local binary patterns (LBP) for the extraction of the features that is combined with the new classifier Neighboring Support Vector Classifier (NSVC) for classification. The experimental results on different natural images show that the proposed method can get very good results at a very short detection time. The best precision obtained by LBP-NSVC exceeds 99%.
2.3 µm InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb Quantum-Well Laser Diode via InAs/GaSb Superlattice Layer on GaAs Substrate
Authors: You Minghui , Sun Qixiang , Yin Liping , Fan Juanjuan , Liang Xuemei , Li Xue , Yu Xiuling , Li Shijun , Liu Jingshen
Published: December 2016

We present 2.3 μm InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb type I laser diodes (LDs) on GaAs substrate; a superlattice (SL) layer was introduced as an interconnecting layer playing an important role in manipulating the optical field distribution and reducing free-carrier absorption in multiquantum wells (MQWs) for achieving balanced and optimal LDs performance. Accordingly, power of 8.6 mW was obtained with 2.3 μm wavelength. Our results demonstrate that superlattice layer may open a new avenue for high performance and improvement in mid-infrared laser diode.
Electrochemical Formation of Cerium Oxide/Layered Silicate Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Wang Adele Qi , Golden Teresa Diane
Published: December 2016

Cerium oxide/montmorillonite nanocomposite films were synthesized electrochemically from solutions containing 0.5 to 50% Na-montmorillonite. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Nanocomposite films synthesized from montmorillonite concentrations lower than 10% were continuous, uniform, and dense. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the nanocomposite films retain the face-centered cubic structure of cerium oxide while incorporating exfoliated platelets of the montmorillonite into the matrix. In addition, calculations from XRD data showed particle sizes ranging from 4.50 to 6.50 nm for the nanocomposite coatings. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy had peaks present for cerium oxide and the layered silicates in the coatings. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of montmorillonite throughout the cerium oxide matrix.
Laparoendoscopic Rendezvous for Concomitant Cholecystocholedocholithiasis: A Successful Modality Even in the Most Difficult Presentations Including Pregnancy
Authors: Shirah Bader Hamza , Mikwar Zaher Abdulaziz , Ahmad Akram Neyaz , Dahlan Yaser Mohammed
Published: December 2016

Background. Laparoendoscopic rendezvous (LERV) technique is emerging as an attractive treatment option for concomitant cholecystocholedocholithiasis. In this paper, we report our experience in performing the LERV technique in patients with unusual presentations in terms of anatomical difficulty, pregnancy, multiple comorbid diseases, and postlaparotomy. We aim to highlight the effectiveness of the LERV technique in some clinical situations where conventional methods would fail or carry high risks in adequately managing concomitant cholecystocholedocholithiasis.Methods. Four patients diagnosed to have concomitant cholecystocholedocholithiasis with associated difficult presentation or comorbid diseases were treated using the LERV technique. One patient presented with difficult anatomy where ERCP failed at initial attempts. Another patient was pregnant (first trimester). A third patient had complex comorbid diseases (bronchial asthma, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis). A fourth patient had previous laparotomy and sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease and had severe hospital phobia.Results. All patients tolerated the LERV technique very well; no intraoperative occurrence was reported. The mean operative time was86.3±17.2minutes; mean time of the endoscopic part was29.4±3.57minutes. The mean blood loss was44.3±18.2 mL (range 20–85). Residual stone, postoperative complications, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative mortality were 0 (0%). Postoperative short hospital stay was reported in all patients, average 3 days (range 2–4).Conclusion. LERV procedure is a safe and effective treatment option for the management of concomitant cholecystocholedocholithiasis, even in difficult situations where other methods would fail or carry high risks, or in patients presenting with severe comorbid diseases or pregnancy. This procedure may emerge as an attractive alternative option for high-risk patients. A patient’s wishes may also influence the selection of this procedure. More scientific studies recruiting more patients should be done in order to standardize the LERV procedure.
Case Report of Nonfamilial Cherubism in a Toddler: Description of Clinic-Radiographic Features and Osseous-Dental Treatments
Authors: Karbasi Kheir Mitra
Published: December 2016

Cherubism is a rare familial disease that occurs between the ages two and five years and regresses after puberty. Most of the cherubism cases show familial history, but there are some cases without familial histories of disorder. A two-year-old boy with a painless symmetrical progressive swelling of the jaws had visited maxillofacial radiology department. Panoramic radiograph revealed well-defined multilocular, radiolucent areas of both jaws. Computed tomography of the jaws showed well-defined, bilateral, multilocular, expansile lesions with thinning of cortical plate of maxilla and mandible and displacing the unerupted first molar anteriorly. Clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic characteristics confirmed the diagnosis of cherubism.
Demethoxycurcumin Preserves Renovascular Function by Downregulating COX‐2 Expression in Hypertension
Authors: Li Yingjuan , Tian Danyang , Zhu Chunhua , Ren Liqun
Published: December 2016

Hypertension‐associated endothelial dysfunction is largely due to the exaggerated vasoconstrictor generation by cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). COX‐2 is induced under inflammatory condition. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a major component of Curcuma longa L, which possesses anti‐inflammatory action. This study aimed to examine whether DMC protects endothelial function in hypertension by modulating COX‐2. Changes in isometric tension showed that in vivo and ex vivo treatment with DMC rescued the attenuated endothelium‐dependent relaxations (EDRs) and elevated endothelium‐dependent contractions (EDCs) in the renal arteries of SHR, which were also corrected by acute usage of the COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib. The restoration of renovascular activity by DMC was accompanied by the normalization of COX‐2 expression. The enhanced COX‐2 expression observed in the renal arteries of hypertensive patients was suppressed by incubation of excised arteries with DMC for 12 hrs. In the renal arteries of Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY), DMC prevented the endothelial dysfunction caused by angiotensin II. The reduction in the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of eNOS phosphorylation (Ser1177) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells caused by angiotensin II (Ang II) were restored by DMC or celecoxib. Our findings suggest that DMC may decrease COX‐2 expression and improve endothelial function in hypertension.
Training Feedforward Neural Networks Using Symbiotic Organisms Search Algorithm
Authors: Wu Haizhou , Zhou Yongquan , Luo Qifang , Basset Mohamed Abdel
Published: December 2016

Symbiotic organisms search (SOS) is a new robust and powerful metaheuristic algorithm, which stimulates the symbiotic interaction strategies adopted by organisms to survive and propagate in the ecosystem. In the supervised learning area, it is a challenging task to present a satisfactory and efficient training algorithm for feedforward neural networks (FNNs). In this paper, SOS is employed as a new method for training FNNs. To investigate the performance of the aforementioned method, eight different datasets selected from the UCI machine learning repository are employed for experiment and the results are compared among seven metaheuristic algorithms. The results show that SOS performs better than other algorithms for training FNNs in terms of converging speed. It is also proven that an FNN trained by the method of SOS has better accuracy than most algorithms compared.
A Mixed Integer Programming Model for Supplier Selection and Order Allocation Problem with Fuzzy Multiobjective
Authors: Hu Hongtao , Xiong Haotian , You Yuanfeng , Yan Wei
Published: December 2016

A mixed integer programming model is proposed to solve supplier selection and order allocation problem for a manufacturer. In this model, quality, delivery performance, and purchasing cost are chosen as three criteria to select suppliers and set as objectives. Inventory level, goods flow balance, service level, supply ability, and marketing demand are considered as constraints. In the proposed model, the three objectives have different weights which are given by experts. However, the experts score the weight by many subjective factors. So, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) based approach is used to calculate the weighted values. In the end, a case study illustrates the advantage of weighted values solved by FAHP. And the result shows that a weighted model is more advantageous for supplier selection and order allocation.
Levels of Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Flame Retardants, TDCIPP, and TPHP, in Pregnant Women in Shanghai
Authors: Feng Liping , Ouyang Fengxiu , Liu Liangpo , Wang Xu , Wang Xia , Li Yi-Ju , Murtha Amy , Shen Heqing , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Jun Jim
Published: December 2016

Flame retardants are widely used in consumer products to reduce their flammability. Previously used flame retardants have been sequentially banned due to their environmental and human toxicity. Currently, tris(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) are among the most commonly used flame retardants. TDCIPP and TPHP are reproductive toxins and have carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting properties. Although high levels of TDCIPP and TPHP have been found in drinking water, seawater, and office air in China, data regarding human exposure are lacking. In this study, we assessed the level of urinary TPHP and TDCIPP metabolites (DPHP and BDCIPP, resp.) in a cohort of pregnant women (N=23) from Shanghai, China, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. DPHP were detected in 100% urine samples, while only four urine samples had detectable level of BDCIPP in this cohort (17% detected). Geometric means of DPHP and BDCIPP concentrations were 1.1 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.6, 1.5 ng/mL) and 1.2 ng/mL (IQR: 0.6, 2.2 ng/mL), respectively. In this small cohort, urinary DPHP and BDCIPP levels were not significantly correlated with miscarriages, neonatal birthweight, gestational diabetes, or maternal age. These data suggest that exposure to TPHP is widespread, and they demonstrate the feasibility of using urinary biomarkers to measure exposures to modern flame-retardant chemicals.
Effect of Filling Interval Time on Long-Term Mechanical Strength of Layered Cemented Tailing Backfill
Authors: Cao Shuai , Song Wei-dong
Published: December 2016

To explore the influence that filling interval has on the mechanical strength of layered cemented tailing backfill (LCTB), uniaxial compression test is conducted on LCTB samples with a concentration of 70%, 72%, and 75% and a filling interval of 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h. From the tests above, mechanical properties and failure modes of LCTB are acquired. The results are as follows: (1) The peak compressive strength of LCTB decreases as the filling interval increases, and it increases when the concentration grows with a certain length of filling interval. At the same time, the peak compressive strength and filling interval show polynomial distribution. (2) There are four stages during the loading process of cemented backfill specimen, that is, compression stage, linear elastic stage, crack extension stage, and undermines development stage. As the filling interval increases, CTB shows a failure mode of tensile failure-tensile shear failure transition-tensile and shear mixing destruction, which provides a theoretical basis for strength design and stability control of backfill.
Banana Fibers as Sorbent for Removal of Acid Green Dye from Water
Authors: Abdul Karim Siti Kartina , Lim Soh Fong , Chua S. N. David , Salleh Shanti Faridah , Law Puong Ling
Published: December 2016

In this study, banana fibers extracted from banana leaves, stem, and stalk were used to remove acid green dye from aqueous solution. Three initial concentrations (750, 1000, and 1500 ppm) were chosen to determine the kinetic characteristics of the banana fiber sorbents at 25°C, agitation speed of 200 rpm, and total contact time of 3 hours. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Dunwald-Wagner kinetic models were applied to the experimental kinetic data. For isotherm study, the batch experiments were performed at 25°C, initial pH 2, agitation speed of 200 rpm, and initial concentrations between 100 and 2000 ppm. The experimental data was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherms. The equilibrium was achieved in less than 90 minutes. The removal of the acid green dye was found to be following closely the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. For equilibrium study, the Freundlich isotherm was found to fit well with adsorption of acid green dye on the banana leaves, stem, and stalk sorbents. The calculated mean free energy of 4–11 J/mol indicated that the sorption process was mostly physical in nature. Experimental results also showed the adsorption performance is greatly affected by the initial solution pH.
An Ambulatory Surgery Perioperative Surgical Home in Kaiser Permanente Settings: Practice and Outcomes
Authors: Qiu Chunyuan , Rinehart Joseph , Nguyen Vu T. , Cannesson Maxime , Morkos Atef , LaPlace Diana , Trivedi Narendra S. , Mercado Philip D. , Kain Zeev N.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study is to describe the design, implementation, and associated outcome changes of a Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) for patients undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a Kaiser Permanente practice model.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary planning committee of 15 individuals developed and implemented a new PSH program. A total of 878 subjects were included in the preimplementation period (T-fast), and 1082 patients were included in the postimplementation period (PSH) based on the date of their surgery. The primary goal of this report was to assess the changes in patient outcomes associated with this new PSH implementation on variables such as total length of stay and unplanned hospital admission (UHA).

RESULTS:

Patients assigned to the PSH model had a significantly shorter mean length of stay compared with patients in the T-fast group (162 ± 308 vs 369 ± 790 minutes, P = .00005). UHA was significantly higher in the T-fast group as compared with the PSH group (8.5% [95% CI 6.6–10.4] vs 1.7% [0.9–2.5], P < .00005). There was no difference in the 7 days readmission rates between patients managed in the T-fast track and the PSH track (5.4% [3.8–7.0] vs 5.0% [3.6–6.3], P = .066).

CONCLUSIONS:

Introduction of the PSH into a Kaiser Permanente model of care was associated with a simultaneous decrease of length of stay and UHA for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.
Bispectral Index Can Reliably Detect Deep Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Validation Study
Authors: Wang Zhu-Heng , Chen Han , Yang Yan-Lin , Shi Zhong-Hua , Guo Qing-Hua , Li Yu-Wei , Sun Li-Ping , Qiao Wei , Zhou Guan-Hua , Yu Rong-Guo , Yin Kai , He Xuan , Xu Ming , Brochard Laurent J. , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Excessively deep sedation is prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients and often considered suboptimal. We hypothesized that the bispectral index (BIS), a quantified electroencephalogram instrument, would accurately detect deep levels of sedation.

METHODS:

We prospectively enrolled 90 critically ill mechanically ventilated patients who were receiving sedation. The BIS was monitored for 24 hours and compared with the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) evaluated every 4 hours. Deep sedation was defined as a RASS of −3 to −5. Threshold values of baseline BIS (the lowest value before RASS assessment) and stimulated BIS (the highest value after standardized assessment) for detecting deep sedation were determined in a training set (45 patients, 262 RASS assessments). Diagnostic accuracy was then analyzed in a validation set (45 patients, 264 RASS assessments).

RESULTS:

Deep sedation was only prescribed in 6 (6.7%) patients, but 76 patients (84.4%) had at least 1 episode of deep sedation. Thresholds for detecting deep sedation of 50 for baseline and 80 for stimulated BIS were identified, with respective areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.771 (95% confidence interval, 0.714–0.828) and 0.805 (0.752–0.857). The sensitivity and specificity of baseline BIS were 94.0% and 66.5% and of stimulated BIS were 91.0% and 66.5%. When baseline and stimulated BIS were combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility index were 85.0% (76.1%–91.1%), 85.9% (79.5%–90.7%), and 66.9% (57.8%–76.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combining baseline and stimulated BIS may help detect deep sedation in mechanically ventilated patients.
Caring for the Amish: What Every Anesthesiologist Should Know
Authors: Weller Gregory E. R.
Published: December 2016

The Amish are a relatively isolated group with cultural and religious customs that differ significantly from the mainstream American population. Functioning as tight-knit communities with strong conservative Christian beliefs, the Amish maintain a culture based on intentional separateness from the outside world. Key aspects of Amish life include distinct clothing and behaviors, a unique language, an agrarian lifestyle, limited formal education, nonviolence/nonaggression, and a general lack of modern technology, as exemplified by the use of the traditional horse-and-buggy. The Amish have distinct health care practices, beliefs, and goals, and because of differing genetics and lifestyle, also have a distinct constellation of health and disease characteristics. This article reviews the core beliefs, community and lifestyle, health care beliefs and practices, and health characteristics of this unique and medically challenging population. Generalizable strategies for providing culturally competent care for any such ethnically, socially, or medically unique community are presented.