bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exponential Tracking Control Using Backstepping Approach for Voltage-Based Control of a Flexible Joint Electrically Driven Robot
Authors: Mbede Jean Bosco , Mvogo Ahanda Joseph Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2014

This paper addresses the design of exponential tracking control using backstepping approach for voltage-based control of a flexible joint electrically driven robot (EFJR), to cope with the difficulty introduced by the cascade structure in EFJR dynamic model, to deal with flexibility in joints, and to ensure fast tracking performance. Backstepping approach is used to ensure global asymptotic stability and its common algorithm is modified such that the link position and velocity errors converge to zero exponentially fast. In contrast with the other backstepping controller for electrically driven flexible joint robot manipulators control problem, the proposed controller is robust with respect to stiffness uncertainty and allows tracking fast motions. Simulation results are presented for both single link flexible joint electrically driven manipulator and 2-DOF flexible joint electrically driven robot manipulator. These simulations show very satisfactory tracking performances and the superiority of the proposed controller to those performed in the literature using simple backstepping methodology.
The Changing Pattern of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders by Endoscopy: Data of the Last 40 Years
Authors: Caglar Erkan , Baysal Birol , Dobrucalı Ahmet
Published: September 2014

Objectives. We have investigated the changes in the incidence of various diagnoses that have been made in the endoscopy unit throughout the last 40 years. Methods. In this study, changes in the incidence of endoscopic diagnosis in upper gastrointestinal system between 1970 and 2010 were evaluated. Their diagnosis, age, and gender data were entered into the Excel software. Results. Of the 52816 cases who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the 40-year time period, the mean age was 48.17 ± 16.27 (mean ± SD). Although overall more than half of the patients were male (54.3%), in 1995 and after a marked increase was seen in the proportion of female gender (51–55%). The presence of hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis, and the number of Barrett’s esophaguses significantly increased. Erosive gastritis showed gradual increase, while the number of gastric ulcers decreased significantly. The presence of gastric and esophageal cancer significantly decreased. The number of duodenal ulcers significantly decreased. Conclusion. We detected that the incidences of esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and erosive gastritis significantly increased while the incidences of gastric/duodenal ulcer and gastric/esophageal cancer decreased throughout the last 40 years.
Security Enhanced Anonymous Multiserver Authenticated Key Agreement Scheme Using Smart Cards and Biometrics
Authors: Choi Younsung , Nam Junghyun , Lee Donghoon , Kim Jiye , Jung Jaewook , Won Dongho
Published: September 2014

An anonymous user authentication scheme allows a user, who wants to access a remote application server, to achieve mutual authentication and session key establishment with the server in an anonymous manner. To enhance the security of such authentication schemes, recent researches combined user’s biometrics with a password. However, these authentication schemes are designed for single server environment. So when a user wants to access different application servers, the user has to register many times. To solve this problem, Chuang and Chen proposed an anonymous multiserver authenticated key agreement scheme using smart cards together with passwords and biometrics. Chuang and Chen claimed that their scheme not only supports multiple servers but also achieves various security requirements. However, we show that this scheme is vulnerable to a masquerade attack, a smart card attack, a user impersonation attack, and a DoS attack and does not achieve perfect forward secrecy. We also propose a security enhanced anonymous multiserver authenticated key agreement scheme which addresses all the weaknesses identified in Chuang and Chen’s scheme.
Robust AIC with High Breakdown Scale Estimate
Authors: Saleh Shokrya
Published: September 2014

Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) based on least squares (LS) regression minimizes the sum of the squared residuals; LS is sensitive to outlier observations. Alternative criterion, which is less sensitive to outlying observation, has been proposed; examples are robust AIC (RAIC), robust Mallows Cp (RCp), and robust Bayesian information criterion (RBIC). In this paper, we propose a robust AIC by replacing the scale estimate with a high breakdown point estimate of scale. The robustness of the proposed methods is studied through its influence function. We show that, the proposed robust AIC is effective in selecting accurate models in the presence of outliers and high leverage points, through simulated and real data examples.
Fabrication and Characterization of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells for Greenhouse Application
Authors: Kim Jeum-Jong , Kang Mangu , Kwak Ock Keum , Yoon Yong-Jin , Min Kil Sik , Chu Moo-Jung
Published: September 2014

We have developed dye-sensitized solar cells using novel sensitizers with enhanced transmittance of red (625–675 nm) and blue (425–475 nm) wavebands to control the illumination condition in the greenhouse. Novel ruthenium bipyridyl sensitizers with general formulas (Me3PhN)4[Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2] (JJ-7) and (Me3BnN)4[Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2] (JJ-9) have been synthesized and demonstrated as efficient sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells for greenhouse application. Under standard AM 1.5 sunlight, the solar cell ofJJ-7using a liquid-based electrolyte exhibits a short-circuit photocurrent density of 8.49 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.83 V, and a fill factor of 0.71, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 4.96% on 5 μm TiO2film. The transmittance ofJJ-7andJJ-9shows 62.0% and 61.0% at 660 nm and 18.0% and 15.0% at 440 nm for cultivation on 5 μm TiO2film, respectively.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Choroidal Osteoma through Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Empeslidis Theodoros , Imrani Usman , Konidaris Vasileios , Mushtaq Fizza , Fotiou Pandelis , Kumar Periyasami , Banerjee Somnath , Tsaousis Konstantinos T.
Published: September 2014

A 16-year-old Caucasian female with a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia in the left eye is reported. The fundus of the left eye revealed a well defined lesion in the macula region. Diagnosis of choroidal osteoma was established using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICG), and B-scan ultrasonography. Subretinal fluid (SRF) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment were noted in the absence of obvious classic choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). The patient was followed up for over 13 months without any treatment in the interim and the lesion was noted to have enlarged but visual acuity and SRF had remained stable. We report an interesting case where subretinal fluid was noted in the absence of evident choroidal neovascularisation and provide an example of the imaging modalities application in the era of “optical biopsy.”
Validation in Principal Components Analysis Applied to EEG Data
Authors: Costa João Carlos G. D. , Da-Silva Paulo José G. , Almeida Renan Moritz V. R. , Infantosi Antonio Fernando C.
Published: September 2014

The well-known multivariate technique Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is usually applied to a sample, and so component scores are subjected to sampling variability. However, few studies address their stability, an important topic when the sample size is small. This work presents three validation procedures applied to PCA, based on confidence regions generated by a variant of a nonparametric bootstrap called the partial bootstrap: (i) the assessment of PC scores variability by the spread and overlapping of “confidence regions” plotted around these scores; (ii) the use of the confidence regions centroids as a validation set; and (iii) the definition of the number of nontrivial axes to be retained for analysis. The methods were applied to EEG data collected during a postural control protocol with twenty-four volunteers. Two axes were retained for analysis, with 91.6% of explained variance. Results showed that the area of the confidence regions provided useful insights on the variability of scores and suggested that some subjects were not distinguishable from others, which was not evident from the principal planes. In addition, potential outliers, initially suggested by an analysis of the first principal plane, could not be confirmed by the confidence regions.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Structural and Biological Properties of a PLGA-PEG-Hydroxyapatite Composite
Authors: Shahabi Sima , Najafi Farhood , Majdabadi Abbas , Hooshmand Tabassom , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh , Karimi Batool , Fatemi Seyyed Mostafa
Published: September 2014

Gamma irradiation is able to affect various structural and biological properties of biomaterials In this study, a composite of Hap/PLGA-PEG and their ingredients were submitted to gamma irradiation doses of 25 and 50 KGy. Various properties such as molecular weight (GPC), thermal behavior (DSC), wettability (contact angle), cell viability (MTT assay), and alkaline phosphatase activity were studied for the composites and each of their ingredients. The results showed a decrease in molecular weight of copolymer with no change in the glass transition and melting temperatures after gamma irradiation. In general gamma irradiation can increase the activation energy ΔHof the composites and their ingredients. While gamma irradiation had no effect on the wettability of copolymer samples, there was a significant decrease in contact angle of hydroxyapatite and composites with increase in gamma irradiation dose. This study showed an increase in biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite with gamma irradiation with no significant effect on cell viability in copolymer and composite samples. In spite of the fact that no change occurred in alkaline phosphatase activity of composite samples, results indicated a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity in irradiated hydroxyapatites. These effects on the properties of PLGA-PEG-hydroxyapatite can enhance the composite application as a biomaterial.
A Matrix PRNG with S-Box Output Filtering
Authors: Alvarez Rafael , Zamora Antonio
Published: September 2014

We describe a modification to a previously published pseudorandom number generator improving security while maintaining high performance. The proposed generator is based on the powers of a word-packed block upper triangular matrix and it is designed to be fast and easy to implement in software since it mainly involves bitwise operations between machine registers and, in our tests, it presents excellent security and statistical characteristics. The modifications include a new, key-derived s-box based nonlinear output filter and improved seeding and extraction mechanisms. This output filter can also be applied to other generators.
A Pediatric Case of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Authors: Derin Serhan , Derin Hatice , Sahan Murat , Çaksen Hüseyin
Published: September 2014

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is characterized by facial paralysis, inner ear dysfunction, periauricular pain, and herpetiform vesicles. The reported incidence in children is 2.7/100,000. The pathogenesis involves the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. The recovery rate is better in children than in adults. This paper discusses a 12-year-old girl with a rare case of peripheral facial paralysis caused by RHS and reviews the literature.
A Regionalization of Downscaled GCM Data Considering Geographical Features in a Mountainous Area
Authors: Kim Soojun , Kwak Jaewon , Kim Hung Soo , Kim Yonsoo , Kang Narae , Hong Seung Jin , Lee Jongso
Published: September 2014

This study establishes a methodology for the application of downscaled GCM data in a mountainous area having large spatial variations of rainfall and attempts to estimate the change of rainfall characteristics in the future under climate change. The Namhan river basin, which is in the mountainous area of the Korean peninsula, has been chosen as the study area. neural network-simple kriging with varying local means (ANN-SKlm) has been built by combining the artificial neural network, which is one of the general downscaling techniques, with the SKlm regionalization technique, which can reflect the geomorphologic characteristics. The ANN-SKlm technique was compared with the Thiessen technique and the ordinary kriging (OK) technique in the study area and the SKlm technique showed the best results. Future rainfall levels have been predicted by downscaling the data from CNRM-CM3 climate model, which was simulated under the A1B scenario. According to the results of future annual average rainfall by each regionalization technique, the Thiessen and OK techniques underestimated the future rainfall when compared to the ANN-SKlm technique. Therefore this methodology will be very useful for the prediction of future rainfall levels under climate change, most notably in a mountainous area.
Equivalent Pairs of Words and Points of Connection
Authors: Mushtaq Qaiser , Razaq Abdul
Published: September 2014

Higman has defined coset diagrams forPGL(2,Z). The coset diagrams are composed of fragments, and the fragments are further composed of two or more circuits. A condition for the existence of a certain fragmentγin a coset diagram is a polynomialfinZ[z], obtained by choosing a pair of wordsF[wi,wj]such that bothwiandwjfix a vertexvinγ. Two pairs of words are equivalent if and only if they have the same polynomial. In this paper, we find distinct pairs of words that are equivalent. We also show there are certain fragments, which have the same orientations as those of their mirror images.
An Unusual Presentation of Primary Lymphoma of the Ilium
Authors: Gouse Mohamad , Jayasankar Viswanath , Alexander Manika
Published: September 2014

Primary bone lymphoma involving the pelvic bone is a rare entity. It does not have distinct clinical features or radiological features that are diagnostic. Biopsy is the gold standard investigation. We present a case of primary pelvic lymphoma with initial histopathological features of chronic osteomyelitis. Upon further clinical follow-up, repeat biopsy of the lesion revealed features of B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, thus emphasizing the need for a high index of suspicion and close clinical follow-up. This case is presented for the diagnostic dilemma and the unique feature of lymphomatous lesion mimicking chronic osteomyelitis in its early stages.
The Origin and Coupling Mechanism of the Magnetoelectric Effect inTMCl2-4SC(NH2)2(TM= Ni and Co)
Authors: Mun Eundeok , Wilcox Jason , Manson Jamie L. , Scott Brian , Tobash Paul , Zapf Vivien S.
Published: September 2014

Most research on multiferroics and magnetoelectric effects to date has focused on inorganic oxides. Molecule-based materials are a relatively new field in which to search for magnetoelectric multiferroics and to explore new coupling mechanisms between electric and magnetic order. We present magnetoelectric behavior in NiCl2-4SC(NH2)2(DTN) and CoCl2-4SC(NH2)2(DTC). These compounds form tetragonal structures where the transition metal ion (Ni or Co) is surrounded by four electrically polar thiourea molecules [SC(NH2)2]. By tracking the magnetic and electric properties of these compounds as a function of magnetic field, we gain insights into the coupling mechanism by observing that, in DTN, the electric polarization tracks the magnetic ordering, whereas in DTC it does not. For DTN, all electrically polar thiourea molecules tilt in the same direction along thec-axis, breaking spatial-inversion symmetry, whereas, for DTC, two thiourea molecules tilt up and two tilt down with respect toc-axis, perfectly canceling the net electrical polarization. Thus, the magnetoelectric coupling mechanism in DTN is likely a magnetostrictive adjustment of the thiourea molecule orientation in response to magnetic order.
Patched Targeting Peptides for Imaging and Treatment of Hedgehog Positive Breast Tumors
Authors: Smith Daniel , Kong Fanlin , Yang David , Larson Richard , Sims-Mourtada Jennifer , Woodward Wendy A.
Published: September 2014

High tumor hedgehog expression is correlated with poor prognosis in invasive ductal carcinoma. Peptides which bind the patched receptor have recently been reported to have a growth inhibitory effect in tumors with activated hedgehog signaling. We sought to examine growth inhibition with these peptides in breast cancer cells and use these peptides as molecular imaging probes to follow changes in hedgehog expression after chemotherapy. Significant growth inhibition was observed in breast cancer cell lines treated with PTCH-blocking peptides. Significantin vitrouptake was observed with both FITC- and99mTc-EC-peptide conjugates.In vivoimaging studies displayed greater accumulation of99mTc-labeled peptides within tumors as compared to adjacent muscle tissue. Patched receptor expression increased after treatment and this correlated with an increase in tumor radiotracer uptake. These studies suggest that peptides which bind the sonic hedgehog docking site in patched receptor correlate with patched expression and can be used to image patchedin vivo. Further, our data suggest that radiolabeled peptides may enable us to examine the activity of the hedgehog signaling pathway and to evaluate response to anti-cancer therapies.
The Impact of Warfarin on Patients with End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Dua Anahita , Desai Sapan S. , Woehlck Harvey J. , Lee Cheong J.
Published: September 2014

Introduction. A deficiency in vitamin K through the utilization of warfarin may result in increased vascular calcification and complications. This study aimed to determine the impact of warfarin administration on patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in a large, national sample. Methods. A retrospective analysis using the 2005–2010 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), a part of the Health Care Utilization Project (HCUP), was completed using ICD-9 diagnosis codes to capture patients with ESRD prescribed and not prescribed warfarin. Statistical analysis was through ANOVA and chi-squared testing. Results. From 2005–2010, 927,814 patients with ESRD were identified nationally. 3.5% (32,737) were prescribed warfarin. Patients prescribed warfarin had an average age of 64 years and 51% were male. For every comorbid condition (amputation, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular diasese, and valvular disease) patients prescribed Warfarin had significantly higher rates of disease as compared to their nonwarfarin ESRD counterparts. ESRD patients prescribed warfarin had significantly shorter length of stay but increased hospital charges. They were more likely to be discharged to home and had significantly decreased in-hospital mortality. Conclusion. Patients with ESRD taking warfarin are more likely to have comorbidities and/or complications but have a decreased LOS and in-hospital mortality compared to their ESRD counterparts not administered warfarin.
Acute Toxicity Study of Zerumbone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier on BALB/c Mice Model
Authors: Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Rasedee Abdullah , Othman Hemn Hassan , Chartrand Max Stanley , Namvar Farideh , Yeap Swee Keong , Abdul Samad Nozlena , Andas Reena Joys , Muhammad Nadzri Nabilah , Anasamy Theebaa , Ng Kuan Beng , How Chee Wun
Published: September 2014

Zerumbone- (ZER-) loaded nanostructure lipid carrier (NLC) (ZER-NLC) prepared for its antileukemia effectin vitrowas evaluated for its toxicological effects by observing changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, and brain tissues, serum biochemical parameters, total haemogram, and bone marrow stem cells. The acute toxicity study for ZER-NLC was conducted by orally treating BALB/c mice with a single dose with either water, olive oil, ZER, NLC, or ZER-NLC for 14 days. The animals were observed for clinical and behavioral abnormalities, toxicological symptoms, feed consumption, and gross appearance. The liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, and brain tissues were assessed histologically. Total haemogram was counted by hemocytometry and microhematocrit reader. Bone marrow examination in terms of cellular morphology was done by Wright staining with bone marrow smear. Furthermore, serum biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. Grossly all treated mice, their investigated tissues, serum biochemical parameters, total haemogram, and bone marrow were normal. At oral doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg ZER-NLC there was no sign of toxicity or mortality in BALB/c mice. This study suggests that the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of ZER-NLC is higher than 200 mg/kg, thus, safe by oral administration.
Clinical Outcomes after Complete Intracorneal Ring Implantation and Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in an Intrastromal Pocket in One Session for Keratoconus
Authors: Studeny Pavel , Krizova Deli , Stranak Zbynek
Published: September 2014

Purpose.The aim of this work was to evaluate the results after combined surgery implantation of full rings and CXL in one session in a group of patients with keratoconus during a 12-month follow-up.Material and Methods.The study included 22 eyes of 20 keratoconic patients, mean age of 28.41 (from 18 to 50) years. A full ring was inserted and afterwards 0.1% riboflavin solution was injected into the corneal pocket through the incision tunnel. The cornea was irradiated with UV-A light for 30 minutes. Postoperative visits were scheduled for the first week and months 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 after surgery. Minimal follow-up time was 12 months.Results.The mean UDVA improved by 6 lines from before the operation to 1 year after the operation, the mean CDVA improved by approximately 2.5 lines, and the mean K improved by 3.94 D. Statistically significant reductions of sphere(P<0.001), cylinder(P=0.004), and spherical(P<0.001)equivalents were found 1 month after surgery.Conclusion.The combined surgery MyoRing implantation and CXL seems to be a safe method in the treatment of keratoconus. We noticed an improvement of the refractive error in all of our patients.
The Role of Prestroke Glycemic Control on Severity and Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hjalmarsson Clara , Manhem Karin , Bokemark Lena , Andersson Björn
Published: September 2014

Background/Aim. Relatively few studies have investigated the association of prestroke glycemic control and clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (IS) patients, regardless of presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of prestroke glycemic control on survival, stroke severity, and functional outcome of patients with acute IS.Methods. We performed a retrospective survival analysis of 501 patients with IS admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital from February 15, 2005, through May 31, 2009. The outcomes of interest were acute and long-term survival; the stroke severity (NIHSS) and the functional outcome, mRS, at 12 months.Results. HbA1c was a good predictor of acute (HR 1.45; CI, 1.09 to 1.93,P=0.011) and long-term mortality (HR 1.29; CI 1.03 to 1.62;P=0.029). Furthermore, HbA1c >6% was significantly correlated with acute stroke severity (OR 1.29; CI 1.01 to 1.67;P=0.042) and predicted worse functional outcome at 12 months (OR 2.68; CI 1.14 to 6.03;P=0.024).Conclusions. Our study suggests that poor glycemic control (baseline HbA1c) prior to IS is an independent risk factor for poor survival and a marker for increased stroke severity and unfavorable long-term functional outcome.
A Special Class of Infinite Dimensional Dirac Operators on the Abstract Boson-Fermion Fock Space
Authors: Arai Asao
Published: September 2014

Spectral properties of a special class of infinite dimensional Dirac operatorsQ(α)on the abstract boson-fermion Fock spaceℱ(ℋ,𝒦)associated with the pair(ℋ,𝒦)of complex Hilbert spaces are investigated, whereα∈Cis a perturbation parameter (a coupling constant in the context of physics) and the unperturbed operatorQ(0)is taken to be a free infinite dimensional Dirac operator. A variety of the kernel ofQ(α)is shown. It is proved that there are cases where, for all sufficiently large|α|withα<0,Q(α)has infinitely many nonzero eigenvalues even ifQ(0)has no nonzero eigenvalues. Also Fredholm property ofQ(α)restricted to a subspace ofℱ(ℋ,𝒦)is discussed.
Error-Disturbance Uncertainty Relations in Neutron-Spin Measurements
Authors: Sponar Stephan , Sulyok Georg , Erhart Jaqueline , Hasegawa Yuji
Published: September 2014

In his seminal paper, which was published in 1927, Heisenberg originally introduced a relation between the precision of a measurement and the disturbance it induces onto another measurement. Here, we report a neutron-optical experiment that records the error of a spin-component measurement as well as the disturbance caused on a measurement of another spin-component to test error-disturbance uncertainty relations (EDRs). We demonstrate that Heisenberg’s original EDR is violated and the Ozawa and Branciard EDRs are valid in a wide range of experimental parameters.
Comparative Analysis of Methods for Regularizing an Initial Boundary Value Problem for the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Kabanikhin Sergey Igorevich , Shishlenin M. A. , Nurseitov D. B. , Nurseitova A. T. , Kasenov S. E.
Published: September 2014

We consider an ill-posed initial boundary value problem for the Helmholtz equation. This problem is reduced to the inverse continuation problem for the Helmholtz equation. We prove the well-posedness of the direct problem and obtain a stability estimate of its solution. We solve numerically the inverse problem using the Tikhonov regularization, Godunov approach, and the Landweber iteration. Comparative analysis of these methods is presented.
Individual Genetic Contributions to Genital Shape Variation betweenDrosophila simulansandD. mauritiana
Authors: LeVasseur-Viens Hélène , Moehring Amanda J.
Published: September 2014

External genitalia are one of the most rapidly evolving morphological features in insects. In theDrosophila melanogasterspecies subgroup, males possess a nonfertilizing external genital structure, called the posterior lobe, which is highly divergent among even closely related species. A previous study on this subgroup mapped two genomic regions that affect lobe size and four that affect lobe shape differences betweenD. mauritianaandD. sechellia; none of the regions affected both size and shape. Here, we investigate whether three of these significant regions also affect lobe size and shape differences between the overlapping species pairD. mauritianaandD. simulans. We found that the same three regions ofD. mauritiana, previously shown to affect lobe morphology in aD. sechelliagenetic background, also affect lobe morphology in aD. simulansgenetic background, with one of the regions affecting both size and shape. Two of the regions also affected morphology when introgressed in the reciprocal direction. The overlap of regions affecting genital morphology within related species pairs indicates either that there is a common underlying genetic basis for variation in genital morphology within this species group or that there are multiple adjacent loci with the potential to influence genital morphology.
Multidetector Computer Tomography: Evaluation of Blunt Chest Trauma in Adults
Authors: Palas João , Matos António P. , Mascarenhas Vasco , Herédia Vasco , Ramalho Miguel
Published: September 2014

Imaging plays an essential part of chest trauma care. By definition, the employed imaging technique in the emergency setting should reach the correct diagnosis as fast as possible. In severe chest blunt trauma, multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) has become part of the initial workup, mainly due to its high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of the technique for the detection and characterization of thoracic injuries and also due to its wide availability in tertiary care centers. The aim of this paper is to review and illustrate a spectrum of characteristic MDCT findings of blunt traumatic injuries of the chest including the lungs, mediastinum, pleural space, and chest wall.
Live CombinedBacillus subtilisandEnterococcus faeciumAmeliorate Murine Experimental Colitis by Immunosuppression
Authors: Chen S. , Fu Y. , Liu L. L. , Gao W. , Liu Y. L. , Fei S. H. , Tan Y. , Zou K. F.
Published: September 2014

Live combinedBacillus subtilisandEnterococcus faeciumameliorate murine experimental colitis by immunosuppression manifested by downregulation of TLRs, macrophages, Th1, and Th2 but upregulation of Tregs.
Characterization of Individuals with Sacroiliac Joint Bridging in a Skeletal Population: Analysis of Degenerative Changes in Spinal Vertebrae
Authors: Imamura Takeshi , Saiki Kazunobu , Okamoto Keishi , Maeda Junichiro , Matsuo Hiroaki , Wakebe Tetsuaki , Ogami Keiko , Manabe Yoshitaka , Koseki Hironobu , Tomita Masato , Tagami Atsushi , Osaki Makoto , Shindo Hiroyuki , Tsurumoto Toshiyuki
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to characterize the individuals with sacroiliac joint bridging (SIB) by analyzing the degenerative changes in their whole vertebral column and comparing them with the controls. A total of 291 modern Japanese male skeletons, with an average age at death of 60.8 years, were examined macroscopically. They were divided into two groups: individuals with SIB and those without bridging (Non-SIB). The degenerative changes in their whole vertebral column were evaluated, and marginal osteophyte scores (MOS) of the vertebral bodies and degenerative joint scores in zygapophyseal joints were calculated. SIB was recognized in 30 individuals from a total of 291 males (10.3%). The average of age at death in SIB group was significantly higher than that in Non-SIB group. The values of MOS in the thoracic spines, particularly in the anterior part of the vertebral bodies, were consecutively higher in SIB group than in Non-SIB group. Incidence of fused vertebral bodies intervertebral levels was obviously higher in SIB group than in Non-SIB group. SIB and marginal osteophyte formation in vertebral bodies could coexist in a skeletal population of men. Some systemic factors might act on these degenerative changes simultaneously both in sacroiliac joint and in vertebral column.
Tracheomalacia Treatment Using a Large-Diameter, Custom-Made Airway Stent in a Case with Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome
Authors: Özdemir Cengiz , Sökücü Sinem Nedime , Karasulu Levent , Altın Sedat , Dalar Levent
Published: September 2014

Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome (MKS) is a rare congenital disease that presents with abnormal enlargement in the central airways. In MKS, tracheomegaly is accompanied by difficulty in expelling recurrent lung infections and bronchiectasia. We presented a patient with MKS where commercially made stents were inadequate for stabilization and a custom-made, self-expandable metallic stent with a diameter of 28 mm and length of 100 mm was used. Chest pain that was thought to develop due to the stent and that disappeared after stent removal may be considered the main complication leading to stent removal. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) therapy was planned for the control of symptoms, which re-emerged after stent removal. This case is presented as an example that complications developing due to the stent as well as patient noncompliance may lead to stent removal, even when useful results are obtained from treatment of MKS.
A Review on Fungal Isolates Reported as Anamorphs of Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Chioza Alfred , Ohga Shoji
Published: September 2014

This brief review presents current developments on Ophiocordyceps sinensis and fungal strains which have been reported as its anamorphs. A survey of literature has shown that Hirsutella sinensis is currently receiving general acceptance as a true anamorph of O. sinensis. This isolate has been confirmed as the true anamorph by both morphological and molecular methods. The other isolates such as Paecilomyces sinensis, Scytalidium hepiali, Tolypocladium sinensis, Chrysosporium sinensis, Synnematium sinensis, Paecilomyces hepiali, Mortierella hepiali, and Scytalidium hepiali have been discarded as anamorphs of O. sinensis. The review also discusses various methods used to determine or confirm anamorphs of O. sinensis. Considering that the methods have strengths and weaknesses of varying magnitudes, a collective use of various methods is recommended for more reliable conclusions.
Glatiramer Acetate and Nanny Proteins Restrict Access of the Multiple Sclerosis Autoantigen Myelin Basic Protein to the 26S Proteasome
Authors: Kuzina Ekaterina , Kudriaeva Anna , Smirnov Ivan , Dubina Michael V. , Gabibov Alexander , Belogurov Alexey
Published: September 2014

We recently showed that myelin basic protein (MBP) is hydrolyzed by 26S proteasome without ubiquitination. The previously suggested concept of charge-mediated interaction between MBP and the proteasome led us to attempt to compensate or mimic its positive charge to inhibit proteasomal degradation. We demonstrated that negatively charged actin and calmodulin (CaM), as well as basic histone H1.3, inhibit MBP hydrolysis by competing with the proteasome and MBP, respectively, for binding their counterpart. Interestingly, glatiramer acetate (GA), which is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and is structurally similar to MBP, inhibits intracellular andin vitroproteasome-mediated MBP degradation. Therefore, the data reported in this study may be important for myelin biogenesis in both the normal state and pathophysiological conditions.
Hyperuricemic PRP in Tendon Cells
Authors: Andia I. , Rubio-Azpeitia E. , Maffulli N.
Published: September 2014

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected within tendons to stimulate healing. Metabolic alterations such as the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or hyperuricemia could hinder the therapeutic effect of PRP. We hypothesise that tendon cells sense high levels of uric acid and this could modify their response to PRP. Tendon cells were treated with allogeneic PRPs for 96 hours. Hyperuricemic PRP did not hinder the proliferative actions of PRP. The gene expression pattern of inflammatory molecules in response to PRP showed absence of IL-1b and COX1 and modest expression of IL6, IL8, COX2, and TGF-b1. IL8 and IL6 proteins were secreted by tendon cells treated with PRP. The synthesis of IL6 and IL8 proteins induced by PRP is decreased significantly in the presence of hyperuricemia (P= 0.017 andP= 0.012, resp.). Concerning extracellular matrix, PRP-treated tendon cells displayed high type-1 collagen, moderate type-3 collagen, decorin, and hyaluronan synthase-2 expression and modest expression of scleraxis. Hyperuricemia modified the expression pattern of extracellular matrix proteins, upregulating COL1 (P= 0.036) and COMP (P= 0.012) and downregulating HAS2 (P= 0.012). Positive correlations between TGF-b1 and type-1 collagen (R= 0.905,P= 0.002) and aggrecan (R= 0.833,P= 0.010) and negative correlations between TGF-b1 and IL6 synthesis (R= −0.857,P= 0.007) and COX2 (R= −0.810,P= 0.015) were found.
Mathematical Model of Movement of the Observation and Tracking Head of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Performing Ground Target Search and Tracking
Authors: Krzysztofik Izabela , Koruba Zbigniew
Published: September 2014

The paper presents the kinematics of mutual movement of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a ground target. The controlled observation and tracking head (OTH) is a device responsible for observing the ground, searching for a ground target, and tracking it. The preprogrammed movement of the UAV on the circle with the simultaneous movement of the head axis on Archimedes’ spiral during searching for a ground target, both fixed (bunkers, rocket missiles launching positions, etc.) and movable (tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, etc.), is considered. Dynamics of OTH during the performance of the above mentioned activities is examined. Some research results are presented in a graphical form.
Untangling the Web of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases
Authors: Rigante Donato , Lopalco Giuseppe , Vitale Antonio , Lucherini Orso Maria , Caso Francesco , De Clemente Caterina , Molinaro Francesco , Messina Mario , Costa Luisa , Atteno Mariangela , Laghi-Pasini Franco , Lapadula Giovanni , Galeazzi Mauro , Iannone Florenzo , Cantarini Luca
Published: September 2014

The innate immune system is involved in the pathophysiology of systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), an enlarging group of disorders caused by dysregulated production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α, in which autoreactive T-lymphocytes and autoantibodies are indeed absent. A widely deranged innate immunity leads to overactivity of proinflammatory cytokines and subsequent multisite inflammatory symptoms depicting various conditions, such as hereditary periodic fevers, granulomatous disorders, and pyogenic diseases, collectively described in this review. Further research should enhance our understanding of the genetics behind SAIDs, unearth triggers of inflammatory attacks, and result in improvement for their diagnosis and treatment.
Gametogenesis, Embryogenesis, and Fertilization Ecology ofPlatygyra acutain Marginal Nonreefal Coral Communities in Hong Kong
Authors: Chui Apple Pui Yi , Wong Man Chung , Liu Siu Hong , Lee Ga Wun , Chan Sze Wai , Lau Pui Ling , Leung Sin Man , Ang Put
Published: September 2014

Understanding the reproductive biology of dominant coral species in subtropical nonreefal coral communities is critical in providing important information on the processes underlying the distribution limits of coral species and communities. This is the first study that investigates the reproduction cycle, gametogenesis, and fertilization ecology ofPlatygyra acuta. Results indicated thatP. acutais hermaphroditic and exhibits a single annual gametogenic cycle. Oogenic and spermatogenic cycle occurs for 6-7 months and for 2 months, respectively, prior to annual mass spawning event in May to June in Hong Kong. It took 18 hours forP. acutato complete embryonic development, develop cilia, and start to rotate. High (>70%) fertilization success can be achieved under a broad range of sperm concentrations from 104to 107 sperms mL−1. Fertilization success remained consistently high 6 h after spawning, indicating a prolonged viability of its gametes that is much longer than that recorded for other coral species. Significantly higher percentage of fertilization success was recorded in the first of the two consecutive nights of spawning, suggesting differences in the quality of the eggs and/or sperms between days of spawning. These results serve as important baseline information for better understanding of corals in marginal communities.
Saliva-Based Biosensors: Noninvasive Monitoring Tool for Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Malon Radha S. P. , Sadir Sahba , Balakrishnan Malarvili , Córcoles Emma P.
Published: September 2014

Saliva is increasingly recognised as an attractive diagnostic fluid. The presence of various disease signalling salivary biomarkers that accurately reflect normal and disease states in humans and the sampling benefits compared to blood sampling are some of the reasons for this recognition. This explains the burgeoning research field in assay developments and technological advancements for the detection of various salivary biomarkers to improve clinical diagnosis, management, and treatment. This paper reviews the significance of salivary biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic applications, with focus on the technologies and biosensing platforms that have been reported for screening these biomarkers.
Ensemble Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous Artificial Neural Networks for Short-Term Wind Speed and Power Forecasting
Authors: Men Zhongxian , Yee Eugene , Lien Fue-Sang , Yang Zhiling , Liu Yongqian
Published: September 2014

Short-term wind speed and wind power forecasts (for a 72 h period) are obtained using a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous artificial neural network (ANN) methodology which incorporates either numerical weather prediction or high-resolution computational fluid dynamics wind field information as an exogenous input. An ensemble approach is used to combine the predictions from many candidate ANNs in order to provide improved forecasts for wind speed and power, along with the associated uncertainties in these forecasts. More specifically, the ensemble ANN is used to quantify the uncertainties arising from the network weight initialization and from the unknown structure of the ANN. All members forming the ensemble of neural networks were trained using an efficient particle swarm optimization algorithm. The results of the proposed methodology are validated using wind speed and wind power data obtained from an operational wind farm located in Northern China. The assessment demonstrates that this methodology for wind speed and power forecasting generally provides an improvement in predictive skills when compared to the practice of using an “optimal” weight vector from a single ANN while providing additional information in the form of prediction uncertainty bounds.
Computational Biophysical, Biochemical, and Evolutionary Signature of Human R-Spondin Family Proteins, the Member of Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sharma Ashish Ranjan , Chakraborty Chiranjib , Lee Sang-Soo , Sharma Garima , Yoon Jeong Kyo , George Priya Doss C. , Song Dong-Keun , Nam Ju-Suk
Published: September 2014

In human, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a significant role in cell growth, cell development, and disease pathogenesis. Four human (Rspo)s are known to activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Presently, (Rspo)s serve as therapeutic target for several human diseases. Henceforth, basic understanding about the molecular properties of (Rspo)s is essential. We approached this issue by interpreting the biochemical and biophysical properties along with molecular evolution of (Rspo)s thorough computational algorithm methods. Our analysis shows that signal peptide length is roughly similar in (Rspo)s family along with similarity in aa distribution pattern. In Rspo3, four N-glycosylation sites were noted. All members are hydrophilic in nature and showed alike GRAVY values, approximately. Conversely, Rspo3 contains the maximum positively charged residues while Rspo4 includes the lowest. Four highly aligned blocks were recorded through Gblocks. Phylogenetic analysis shows Rspo4 is being rooted with Rspo2 and similarly Rspo3 and Rspo1 have the common point of origin. Through phylogenomics study, we developed a phylogenetic tree of sixty proteins (n=60) with the orthologs and paralogs seed sequences. Protein-protein network was also illustrated. Results demonstrated in our study may help the future researchers to unfold significant physiological and therapeutic properties of (Rspo)s in various disease models.
Inhibition of Interleukin-1β Decreases Aneurysm Formation and Progression in a Novel Model of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Johnston William F. , Salmon Morgan , Pope Nicolas H. , Meher Akshaya , Su Gang , Stone Matthew L. , Lu Guanyi , Owens Gary K. , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Ailawadi Gorav
Published: September 2014

Background—

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are common, but experimental TAA models are limited and the role of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is undetermined.

Methods and Results—

IL-1β protein was measured in human TAAs and control aortas, and IL-1β protein was increased ≈20-fold in human TAAs. To develop an experimental model of TAAs, 8- to10-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice (wild type [WT]) underwent thoracotomy with application of periadventitial elastase (WT TAA) or saline (WT control; n=30 per group). Elastase treatment to thoracic aortas resulted in progressive dilation until day 14 with maximal dilation of 99.6±24.7% compared with 14.4±8.2% for WT saline control (
P
<0.0001). WT TAAs demonstrated elastin fragmentation, smooth muscle cell loss, macrophage infiltration, and increased IL-1β expression. Next, TAAs were induced in mice deficient of IL-1β (IL-1β knockout) or IL-1 receptor (IL-1R knockout; n=10 each). Genetic deletion of IL-1β and IL-1R significantly decreased thoracic aortic dilation (IL-1β knockout=54.2±16.8% and IL-1R knockout=62.6±17.2% versus WT TAA=104.7±23.8%;
P
<0.001for both). IL-1β knockout and IL-1R knockout aortas demonstrated preserved elastin and smooth muscle cells with fewer inflammatory cells. Correspondingly, IL-1β and IL-1R knockout aortas had decreased inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression. Separately, WT mice pretreated with either IL-1R antagonist anakinra (100 mg/kg per day) or vehicle alone (control) underwent elastase treatment. Pretreatment of WT mice with anakinra attenuated TAA formation (control: 99.2±15.5% versus anakinra: 68.3±19.2%;
P
<0.005). Finally, to investigate treatment of small TAAs, WT mice were treated with anakinra 3 days after TAA induction. Anakinra treatment in WT mice with small TAAs reduced aortic dilation on day 14 (control treatment: 89.1±18.6% versus anakinra treatment: 59.7±25.7%;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Periadventitial application of elastase to murine thoracic aortas reproducibly produced aneurysms with molecular and histological features consistent with TAA disease. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of IL-1β decreased TAA formation and progression, indicating that IL-1β may be a potential target for TAA treatment.
Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Tolenaar Jip L. , Froehlich Whit , Jonker Frederik H.W. , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Rampoldi Vincenzo , Tsai Thomas T. , Bossone Eduardo , Evangelista Arturo , O’Gara Patrick , Pape Linda , Montgomery Dan , Isselbacher Eric M. , Nienaber Christoph A. , Eagle Kim A. , Trimarchi Santi
Published: September 2014

Background—

The outcome of patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) is strongly related to their clinical presentation. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors for mortality among patients presenting with ABAD and to create a predictive model to estimate individual risk of in-hospital mortality using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

Methods and Results—

All patients with ABAD enrolled in IRAD between 1996 and 2013 were included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of in-hospital mortality. Significant risk factors for in-hospital death were used to develop a prediction model. A total of 1034 patients with ABAD were included for analysis (673 men; mean age, 63.5±14.0 years), with an overall in-hospital mortality of 10.6%. In multivariable analysis, the following variables at admission were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality: increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.06;
P
=0.044), hypotension/shock (OR, 6.43; 95% CI, 2.88–18.98;
P
=0.001), periaortic hematoma (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.38–6.78;
P
=0.006), descending diameter ≥5.5 cm (OR, 6.04; 95% CI, 2.87–12.73;
P
<0.001), mesenteric ischemia (OR, 9.03; 95% CI, 3.49–23.38;
P
<0.001), acute renal failure (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.68–7.75;
P
=0.001), and limb ischemia (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.05–8.68;
P
=0.040). Based on these multivariable results, a reliable and simple bedside risk prediction tool was developed.

Conclusions—

We present a simple prediction model using variables that are independently associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with ABAD. Although it needs to be validated in an independent population, this model could be used to assist physicians in their choice of management and for informing patients and their families.