bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband Dual Circularly Polarized Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna Fed by a Miniaturized Six-Branch Hybrid Coupler
Authors: Zhang Changhong , Liang Xianling , Geng Junping , Jin Ronghong
Published: October 2016

A broadband dual circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna (MEDA) fed by a miniaturized six-branch hybrid coupler (SBHC) is presented in this paper. First, a dual linearly polarized MEDA with a bandwidth of 73.3% is developed based on the previous design with a bandwidth of 52%. The SBHC, with a miniaturized size of 53%, is designed on a printed circuit board underneath the ground of the MEDA, which possesses an efficient bandwidth of 80.7% to generate the antenna for dual circular polarization. Measurement results show that the proposed dual circularly polarized MEDA achieves an impedance bandwidth of 84.5%, an axial-ratio bandwidth of 81.8%, and a nearly symmetrical, stable unidirectional radiation pattern with an average gain of 8 dBic over its impedance bandwidth.
Gamma Radiation-Induced Damage in the Zinc Finger of the Transcription Factor IIIA
Authors: Zhang XiaoHong , Miao YuJi , Hu XiaoDan , Min Rui , Liu PeiDang , Zhang HaiQian
Published: October 2016

A zinc finger motif is an element of proteins that can specifically recognize and bind to DNA. Because they contain multiple cysteine residues, zinc finger motifs possess redox properties. Ionizing radiation generates a variety of free radicals in organisms. Zinc finger motifs, therefore, may be a target of ionizing radiation. The effect of gamma radiation on the zinc finger motifs in transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA), a zinc finger protein, was investigated. TFIIIA was exposed to different gamma doses from 60Co sources. The dose rates were 0.20 Gy/min and 800 Gy/h, respectively. The binding capacity of zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA was determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that 1000 Gy of gamma radiation impaired the function of the zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA. The sites of radiation-induced damage in the zinc finger were the thiol groups of cysteine residues and zinc (II) ions. The thiol groups were oxidized to form disulfide bonds and the zinc (II) ions were indicated to be reduced to zinc atoms. These results indicate that the zinc finger motif is a target domain for gamma radiation, which may decrease 5S rRNA expression via impairment of the zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA.
QDroid: Mobile Application Quality Analyzer for App Market Curators
Authors: Lee Jemin , Kim Hyungshin
Published: October 2016

Low quality mobile applications have damaged the user experience. However, in light of the number of applications, quality analysis is a daunting task. For that reason, QDroid is proposed, an automated quality analyzer that detects the presence of crashes, excessive resource usage, and compatibility problems, without source codes and human involvement. QDroid was applied to 67 applications for evaluation and discovered 78% more crashes and attained 23% higher Activity coverage than Monkey testing. For detecting excessive resource usage and compatibility problems, QDroid reduced the number of applications that required manual review by up to 96% and 69%, respectively.
A Decade of GRB Follow-Up by BOOTES in Spain (2003–2013)
Authors: Jelínek Martin , Castro-Tirado Alberto J. , Cunniffe Ronan , Gorosabel Javier , Vítek Stanislav , Kubánek Petr , de Ugarte Postigo Antonio , Guziy Sergey , Tello Juan C. , Páta Petr , Sánchez-Ramírez Rubén , Oates Samantha , Jeong Soomin , Štrobl Jan , Castillo-Carrión Sebastián , Mateo Sanguino Tomás , Rabaza Ovidio , Pérez-Ramírez Dolores , Fernández-Muñoz Rafael , de la Morena Carretero Benito A. , Hudec René , Reglero Víctor , Sabau-Graziati Lola
Published: October 2016

This article covers ten years of GRB follow-ups by the Spanish BOOTES stations: 71 follow-ups providing 23 detections. Follow-ups by BOOTES-1B from 2005 to 2008 were given in a previous article and are here reviewed and updated, and additional detection data points are included as the former article merely stated their existence. The all-sky cameras CASSANDRA have not yet detected any GRB optical afterglows, but limits are reported where available.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Static Spherically Symmetric Field Equations in Rastall Theory
Authors: Moradpour Hooman , Salako Ines G.
Published: October 2016

The restrictions on the Rastall theory due to application of the Newtonian limit to the theory are derived. In addition, we use the zero-zero component of the Rastall field equations as well as the unified first law of thermodynamics to find the Misner-Sharp mass content confined to the event horizon of the spherically symmetric static spacetimes in the Rastall framework. The obtained relation is calculated for the Schwarzschild and de-Sitter back holes as two examples. Bearing the obtained relation for the Misner-Sharp mass in mind together with recasting the one-one component of the Rastall field equations into the form of the first law of thermodynamics, we obtain expressions for the horizon entropy and the work term. Finally, we also compare the thermodynamic quantities of system, including energy, entropy, and work, with their counterparts in the Einstein framework to have a better view about the role of the Rastall hypothesis on the thermodynamics of system.
Evaluation of Protective Immune Responses Induced by Recombinant TrxLp and ENO2 Proteins againstToxoplasma gondiiInfection in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Xiao-Yu , Zhang Nian-Zhang , Zhang De-Lin , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: October 2016

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can infect almost all species of warm-blooded animals. As any chemical-based drugs could not act against the tissue cyst stage ofT. gondii, vaccination may be one of the ideal control strategies. In the present study, two new vaccine candidates, named TgENO2 and TgTrxLp, were purified fromEscherichia coliwith pET-30a(+) expression system and then were injected into BALB/c mice to evaluate the protective efficacy against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The results showed that both the recombinant proteins, either alone or in combination, could elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses with a higher level of IgG antibodies, IFN-γ, IL-2, CD4+, and CD8+T cells as compared to those in mice from control groups. After acute challenge with tachyzoites of the GJS strain, mice immunized with rTgTrxLp (8±2.77 d), rTgENO2 (7.4±1.81 d), and rTgTrxLp + rTgENO2 (8.38±4.57 d) proteins showed significantly longer survival time than those that received Freund’s adjuvant (6.78±2.08 d) and PBS (6.38±4.65 d) (χ2= 9.687, df = 4,P=0.046). The protective immunity of rTgTrxLp, rTgENO2, and rTgTrxLp + rTgENO2 proteins against chronicT. gondiiinfection showed 69.77%, 58.14%, and 20.93% brain cyst reduction as compared to mice that received PBS. The present study suggested that both TgENO2 and TgTrxLp were potential candidates for the development of multicomponent vaccines against toxoplasmosis.
Community Perception on Beekeeping Practices, Management, and Constraints in Termaber and Basona Werena Districts, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Abadi , Asale Abebe , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: October 2016

Adequate forage availability coupled with favorable and diversified agroclimatic conditions of Ethiopia creates environmental conditions conducive to the growth of over 7000 species of flowering plants which have supported the existence of large number of bee colonies in the country. Despite its potential of honey production, the contribution of apiculture to state GDP is far below its expectation and not well estimated yet. The objective of this study was to assess community perception in beekeeping management and constraints in central Ethiopia. 384 household heads were randomly selected from eight sentinel kebeles. Semistructured questionnaire, in-depth interview, and focus group discussions were employed to gather data. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to determine association. Three beekeeping management systems, namely, traditional, transitional, and modern beekeeping, were documented. Beekeeping was reported to create job opportunity for landless men and women for their livelihood and needs low capital to start. Significant difference (p<0.05) in beekeeping management activities between two districts was reported. Even though honey production is increasing, the trends of transferring traditional beekeeping to modern beekeeping practice showed a decline. Training and building capacity for hive management, colony feeding, and honey harvesting should be put in place in order to improve honey production.
EEG Source Imaging Guided by Spatiotemporal Specific fMRI: Toward an Understanding of Dynamic Cognitive Processes
Authors: Nguyen Thinh , Potter Thomas , Nguyen Trac , Karmonik Christof , Grossman Robert , Zhang Yingchun
Published: October 2016

Understanding the mechanism of neuroplasticity is the first step in treating neuromuscular system impairments with cognitive rehabilitation approaches. To characterize the dynamics of the neural networks and the underlying neuroplasticity of the central motor system, neuroimaging tools with high spatial and temporal accuracy are desirable. EEG and fMRI stand among the most popular noninvasive neuroimaging modalities with complementary features, yet achieving both high spatial and temporal accuracy remains a challenge. A novel multimodal EEG/fMRI integration method was developed in this study to achieve high spatiotemporal accuracy by employing the most probable fMRI spatial subsets to guide EEG source localization in a time-variant fashion. In comparison with the traditional fMRI constrained EEG source imaging method in a visual/motor activation task study, the proposed method demonstrated superior localization accuracy with lower variation and identified neural activity patterns that agreed well with previous studies. This spatiotemporal fMRI constrained source imaging method was then implemented in a “sequential multievent-related potential” paradigm where motor activation is evoked by emotion-related visual stimuli. Results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used as a powerful neuroimaging tool to unveil the dynamics and neural networks associated with the central motor system, providing insights into neuroplasticity modulation mechanism.
Development of Bioadhesive Microspheres for Oral Bioavailability Enhancement of Berberine Hydrochloride
Authors: Zhang Ye , Liu Hongming
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to innovatively prepare chitosan-coated alginate/gelatin BBH loaded microspheres and evaluate their pharmaceutical characteristics and pharmacokinetics. The bioadhesive microspheres were prepared using an emulsification technique. Three batches of microspheres were formed and their stability was evaluated. BBH loaded microspheres were almost spherical with shallow elevation on surfaces. The mean particle size of microspheres was 368.2 μm, drug loading was3.59±0.01%, andin situbioadhesion percentage was91.23%±8.2%and they achieved a sustained release with 71.29% for 8 hoursin vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats indicated that the bioavailability of BBH microspheres was enhanced about 1.5-fold as compared with commercial tablets. BBH microspheres exhibited a sustained-release profile over 48 h. Thus, chitosan-coated alginate/gelatin BBH loaded microspheres which combined the advantages of alginate/gelatin microspheres and chitosan may be used as a sustained delivery system for BBH to treat duodenal and benign gastric ulcers.
Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Properties of Polystyrene-Graphene Nanofibers via Electrospinning
Authors: Li Yan , Porwal Harshit , Huang Zhaohui , Zhang Han , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: October 2016

Polystyrene- (PS-) graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) (0.1, 1, and 10 wt.%) nanofibers were successfully produced via electrospining of dimethyformamide- (DMF-) stabilized GNP and PS solutions. Morphological analysis of the composite nanofibers confirmed uniform fiber formation and good GNP dispersion/distribution within the PS matrix. The good physical properties of GNP produced by liquid exfoliation were transferred to the PS nanofibers. GNP modified PS nanofibers showed a 6-fold increase in the thermal conductivity and an increase of 7-8 orders of magnitude in electrical conductivity of the nanofibers at 10 wt.% GNP loading.
Native Mitral Valve Endocarditis Caused byNeisseria elongatasubsp.nitroreducensin a Patient with Marfan Syndrome: First Case in Italy and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rossella Parrinello , Patrizia Carità , Fabio Oreste Triolo , Renato Trapani , Emanuele Grassedonio , Vincenzo Argano , Giuseppina Novo , Silvana Vallone , Teresa Fasciana , Massimo Verdecchia , Anna Giammanco , Massimo Midiri , Salvatore Novo
Published: October 2016

Neisseria elongata(NE) is an aerobic Gram-negative organism that constitutes part of the commensal human normal oropharyngeal flora. Although previously considered not to be pathogenic, it has been recognized as an occasional cause of significant infections in humans. We report here the first case in Italy of infective endocarditis of a native prolapsing mitral valve in a patient with Marfan syndrome, caused by NE subspeciesnitroreducenswhich has been rarely isolated from clinical specimens. The culprit organism has been confirmed by mass spectrometry directly from the positive blood culture, as previously reported. The amplified gene has been deposited in GenBank under accession number KT591873. In spite of the reported aggressive nature of NE, clinical remission was promptly obtained, there being no requirement for surgery.
Influence of an Inclined Magnetic Field and Rotation on the Peristaltic Flow of a Micropolar Fluid in an Inclined Channel
Authors: Ahmad Dar Ajaz , Elangovan K.
Published: October 2016

This present article deals with the interaction of both rotation and inclined magnetic field on peristaltic flow of a micropolar fluid in an inclined symmetric channel with sinusoidal waves roving down its walls. The highly nonlinear equations are simplified by adopting low Reynolds number and long wavelength approach. The analytical and numerical solutions for axial velocity, spin velocity, volume flow rate, pressure gradient, pressure rise per wavelength, and stream function have been computed and analyzed. The quantitative effects of various embedded physical parameters are inspected and displayed graphically with fussy prominence. Pressure rise, frictional forces, and pumping phenomenon are portrayed and characterized graphically.
Analytic Models of Brown Dwarfs and the Substellar Mass Limit
Authors: Auddy Sayantan , Basu Shantanu , Valluri S. R.
Published: October 2016

We present the analytic theory of brown dwarf evolution and the lower mass limit of the hydrogen burning main-sequence stars and introduce some modifications to the existing models. We give an exact expression for the pressure of an ideal nonrelativistic Fermi gas at a finite temperature, therefore allowing for nonzero values of the degeneracy parameter. We review the derivation of surface luminosity using an entropy matching condition and the first-order phase transition between the molecular hydrogen in the outer envelope and the partially ionized hydrogen in the inner region. We also discuss the results of modern simulations of the plasma phase transition, which illustrate the uncertainties in determining its critical temperature. Based on the existing models and with some simple modification, we find the maximum mass for a brown dwarf to be in the range0.064M⊙–0.087M⊙. An analytic formula for the luminosity evolution allows us to estimate the time period of the nonsteady state (i.e., non-main-sequence) nuclear burning for substellar objects. We also calculate the evolution of very low mass stars. We estimate that≃11% of stars take longer than107 yr to reach the main sequence, and≃5% of stars take longer than108 yr.
Preoperative Radiation Therapy Followed by Reexcision May Improve Local Control and Progression-Free Survival in Unplanned Excisions of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremity and Chest-Wall
Authors: Saeed Hina , King David M. , Johnstone Candice A. , Charlson John A. , Hackbarth Donald A. , Neilson John C. , Bedi Manpreet
Published: October 2016

Background. The management for unplanned excision (UE) of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has not been established. In this study, we compare outcomes of UE versus planned excision (PE) and determine an optimal treatment for UE in STS.Methods. From 2000 to 2014 a review was performed on all patients treated with localized STS. Clinical outcomes including local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) analyses were performed to determine prognostic variables. For MVA, Cox proportional hazards model was used.Results. 245 patients were included in the analysis. 14% underwent UE. Median follow-up was 2.8 years. The LR rate was 8.6%. The LR rate in UE was 35% versus 4.2% in PE patients (p<0.0001). 2-year PFS in UE versus PE patients was 4.2 years and 9.3 years, respectively (p=0.08). Preoperative radiation (RT) (p=0.01) and use of any RT for UE (p=0.003) led to improved PFS. On MVA, preoperative RT (p=0.04) and performance status (p=0.01) led to improved PFS.Conclusions. UEs led to decreased LC and PFS versus PE in patients with STS. The use of preoperative RT followed by reexcision improved LC and PFS in patients who had UE of their STS.
Spirulina-PCL Nanofiber Wound Dressing to Improve Cutaneous Wound Healing by Enhancing Antioxidative Mechanism
Authors: Jung Sang-Myung , Min Seul Ki , Lee Hoo Chul , Kwon Yeo Seon , Jung Moon Hee , Shin Hwa Sung
Published: October 2016

Skin regeneration is a complex process involving massive proliferation and alignment of cells, where there are obstacles to completion of regeneration, the main one being excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from inflammation or infection.Spirulina, blue-green algae that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, has been used to relieve such ROS stress. In this study,Spirulinaextract loaded PCL (Spirulina-PCL) nanofiber was evaluated as a cutaneous wound dressing in view of antioxidative mechanism. In addition to increasing fibroblast viability, theSpirulinaextract and its dressing modulated intra- and extracellular ROS by enhancing antioxidant mechanism of fibroblast under oxidative stress. Finally,in vivoassays confirmed thatSpirulina-PCL helps regenerate wounds and enhance regeneration. Taken together, the results of this study indicate thatSpirulinaand nanofiber have the potential for application to cutaneous wound to facilitate skin regeneration.
Surgical Approach to the Cavernous Sinus for a Trigeminal Schwannoma Resection: Technical Note and Case Report
Authors: Caruso Riccardo , Pesce Alessandro , Wierzbicki Venceslao , Marrocco Luigi , Piccione Emanuele
Published: October 2016

We report a rare case of schwannoma of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, an exceedingly rare lesion affecting this anatomical district, and discuss salient aspects of the surgical approach to the cavernous sinus, which are traditionally considered technically challenging due to the high risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality related to the presence of the cranial nerves and internal carotid artery.
Acute Kidney Injury Classified by Serum Creatinine and Urine Output in Critically Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Córdova-Sánchez Bertha M. , Herrera-Gómez Ángel , Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A.
Published: October 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with higher mortality. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of AKI. Our objective was to determine the incidence of AKI in our critically ill cancer patients, using the criteria of serum creatinine (SCr) and urine output (UO) proposed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO).Methods.We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively collected database at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología from January 2013 to March 2015.Results.We classified AKI according to the KDIGO definition. We included 389 patients; using the SCr criterion, 192 (49.4%) had AKI; using the UO criterion, 219 (56.3%) had AKI. Using both criteria, we diagnosed AKI in 69.4% of patients. All stages were independently associated with six-month mortality; stage 1 HR was 2.04 (95% CI 1.14–3.68,p=0.017), stage 2 HR was 2.73 (95% CI 1.53–4.88,p=0.001), and stage 3 HR was 4.5 (95% CI 2.25–8.02,p<0.001). Patients who fulfilled both criteria had a higher mortality compared with patients who fulfilled just one criterion (HR 3.56, 95% CI 2.03–6.24,p<0.001).Conclusion.We diagnosed AKI in 69.4% of patients. All AKI stages were associated with higher risk of death at six months, even for patients who fulfilled just one AKI criterion.
Structural Safety Monitoring of High Arch Dam Using Improved ABC-BP Model
Authors: Zhu Yantao , Gu Chongshi , Zhao Erfeng , Song Jintao , Guo Zhiyun
Published: October 2016

The establishment of a structural safety monitoring model of a dam is necessary for the evaluation of the dam’s deformation status. The structural safety monitoring method based on the monitoring data is widely used in traditional research. On the basis of the analysis of the high arch dam’s deformation principles, this study proposes a structural safety monitoring method derived from the dam deformation monitoring data. The method first analyzes and establishes the spatial and temporal distribution of high arch dam’s safety monitoring, overcoming the standard artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm’s shortcoming of easily falling into the local optimum by adopting the adaptive proportion and average Euclidean distance afterwards. The improved ABC algorithm is used to optimize the backpropagation (BP) neural network’s initial weight and threshold. The application example proves that ABC-BP model’s improvement method is important for the establishment of a high arch deformation safety monitoring model and can effectively improve the model’s fitting and forecasting ability. This method provides a reference for the establishment of a structural safety monitoring model of dam and provides guidance for the establishment of a forecasting model in other fields.
Changes in Obesity Odds Ratio among Iranian Adults, since 2000: Quadratic Inference Functions Method
Authors: Bakhshi Enayatollah , Etemad Koorosh , Seifi Behjat , Mohammad Kazem , Biglarian Akbar , Koohpayehzadeh Jalil
Published: October 2016

Background.Monitoring changes in obesity prevalence by risk factors is relevant to public health programs that focus on reducing or preventing obesity. The purpose of this paper was to study trends in obesity odds ratios (ORs) for individuals aged 20 years and older in Iran by using a new statistical methodology.Methods.Data collected by the National Surveys in Iran, from 2000 through 2011. Since responses of the member of each cluster are correlated, the quadratic inference functions (QIF) method was used to model the relationship between the odds of obesity and risk factors.Results.During the study period, the prevalence rate of obesity increased from 12% to 22%. By using QIF method and a model selection criterion for performing stepwise regression analysis, we found that while obesity prevalence generally increased in both sexes, all ages, all employment, residence, and smoking levels, it seems to have changes in obesity ORs since 2000.Conclusions.Because obesity is one of the main risk factors for many diseases, awareness of the differences by factors allows development of targets for prevention and early intervention.
Massive Bleeding as the First Clinical Manifestation of Metastatic Prostate Cancer due to Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation with Enhanced Fibrinolysis
Authors: Palma Anselmo Mónica , Nobre de Jesus Gustavo , Lopes João Madeira , Victorino Rui M. M. , Meneses Santos João
Published: October 2016

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is the most frequent coagulation disorder associated with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. However, DIC with enhanced fibrinolysis as an initial presentation of prostate cancer is extremely rare. The appropriate treatment to control bleeding in these situations is challenging, controversial, and based on isolated case reports in the literature. A 66-year-old male presented at the emergency department with acute severe spontaneous ecchymoses localized to the limbs, laterocervical hematoma, and hemothorax. Prostate specific antigen level was 385 μg/L, bone scintigraphy revealed multiple bone metastases, and prostate biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma (Gleason 9; 4 + 5). Laboratory investigation showed a pattern of enhanced fibrinolysis rather than the more common intravascular coagulation mechanism. Epsilon aminocaproic acid in monotherapy was initiated with a clear and rapid control of bleeding manifestations. This rare case of massive bleeding due to DIC with enhanced fibrinolysis as the first manifestation of prostate cancer suggests that in selected cases where the acute bleeding dyscrasia is clearly associated with a dominant fibrinolysis mechanism it is possible to use an approach of monotherapy with antifibrinolytics.
Retrograde Tibiopedal Access as a Bail-Out Procedure for Endovascular Intervention Complications
Authors: Amro Ahmed , Gabi Alaa , Elhamdani Adee , Iqbal Naveed , El-Hamdani Mehiar
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Retrograde pedal access has been well described in the literature as a secondary approach for limb salvage in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients. In this manuscript we are presenting a case where retrograde tibiopedal access has been used as a bail-out procedure for the management of superficial femoral artery (SFA) intervention complications.Procedure/Technique. After development of a perforation while trying to cross the totally occluded mid SFA using the conventional CFA access, we were able to cross the mid SFA lesion after accessing the posterior tibial artery in a retrograde fashion and delivered a self-expanding stent which created a flap that sealed the perforation without the need for covered stent.Conclusion. Retrograde tibiopedal access is a safe and effective approach for delivery of stents from the distal approach and so can be used as a bail-out technique for SFA perforation.
SalaciaExtract Improves Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Response: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Jeykodi Shankaranarayanan , Deshpande Jayant , Juturu Vijaya
Published: October 2016

Thirty-five healthy subjects were randomly assigned to different doses ofSalacia chinensisextract (200 mg, 300 mg, and 500 mg SCE) capsules and compared with placebo. It is a placebo controlled randomized crossover design study. Subjects were given oral sucrose solution along with capsules and plasma glucose and insulin responses were analyzed. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes after administration. AUC insulin significantly lowered after ingestion of SCE. No significant adverse events were observed. Reducing glucose and insulin is very important in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia.
Primarily Proximal Jejunal Stone Causing Enterolith Ileus in a Patient without Evidence of Cholecystoenteric Fistula or Jejunal Diverticulosis
Authors: Abtar Houssam Khodor , Mneimneh Mostapha , Hammoud Mazen M. , Zaaroura Ahmed , Papas Yasmina S.
Published: October 2016

Stone formation within the intestinal lumen is called enterolith. This stone can encroach into the lumen causing obstruction and surgical emergency. Jejunal obstruction by an enterolith is a very rare entity and often missed preoperatively. To our knowledge, most cases of jejunal obstruction, secondary to stone, were associated with biliary disease (cholecystoenteric fistula), bezoar, jejunal diverticulosis, or foreign body. Hereby we present a rare case report of small bowel obstruction in an elderly man who was diagnosed lately to have primary proximal jejunal obstruction by an enterolith without evidence of a cholecystoenteric fistula or jejunal diverticulosis. This patient underwent laparotomy, enterotomy with stone extraction, and subsequent primary repair of the bowel.
The Chemical Profile of Senna velutina Leaves and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects
Authors: Campos Jaqueline Ferreira , de Castro David Tsuyoshi Hiramatsu , Damião Marcio José , Vieira Torquato Heron F. , Paredes-Gamero Edgar J. , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , Estevinho Leticia M. , de Picoli Souza Kely , Santos Edson Lucas dos
Published: October 2016

Natural products can be a source of biomolecules with antioxidant activity which are able to prevent oxidative stress‐induced diseases and show antitumor activity, making them important sources of new anticancer drug prototypes. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of an ethanol extract of Senna velutina leaves and to assess its antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in leukemic cells. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using a DPPH free radical scavenging assay and by examining the extract’s inhibition of AAPH‐induced lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. Its cytotoxicity and possible mechanisms of action were assessed in Jurkat and K562 leukemic cell lines. The ethanol extract contained flavonoids, such as epigallocatechin, epicatechin, kaempferol heteroside, rutin, and dimeric and trimeric proanthocyanidin derivatives. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and antihemolytic action, and it decreased malondialdehyde content in human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the extract also induced leukemic cell death by activating intracellular calcium and caspase‐3, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and arresting the cell cycle in S and G2 phases. Hence, S. velutina leaf extract contains antioxidant and antileukemic biomolecules with potential applications in diseases associated with oxidative stress and in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.
A Novel Detection Scheme with Multiple Observations for Sparse Signal Based on Likelihood Ratio Test with Sparse Estimation
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Chen Lei , Feng Wenquan , Lei Chuan
Published: October 2016

Recently, the problem of detecting unknown and arbitrary sparse signals has attracted much attention from researchers in various fields. However, there remains a peck of difficulties and challenges as the key information is only contained in a small fraction of the signal and due to the absence of prior information. In this paper, we consider a more general and practical scenario of multiple observations with no prior information except for the sparsity of the signal. A new detection scheme referred to as the likelihood ratio test with sparse estimation (LRT-SE) is presented. Under the Neyman-Pearson testing framework, LRT-SE estimates the unknown signal by employing thel1-minimization technique from compressive sensing theory. The detection performance of LRT-SE is preliminarily analyzed in terms of error probabilities in finite size and Chernoff consistency in high dimensional condition. The error exponent is introduced to describe the decay rate of the error probability as observations number grows. Finally, these properties of LRT-SE are demonstrated based on the experimental results of synthetic sparse signals and sparse signals from real satellite telemetry data. It could be concluded that the proposed detection scheme performs very close to the optimal detector.
A Simulation Study of Effect of Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3on NOxStorage and Reduction over Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3Catalysts
Authors: Lei Lili , Sun Chuan , Zhang Bo , Gu Wenye
Published: October 2016

A series of Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3and Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3catalysts were synthesized by a sol-gel method and the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS. The effect of Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3on the storage and reduction of NOxover Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3catalysts was studied in a fix-bed reactor with simulation gases NO, O2, and N2. The results indicated that NO oxidation to NO2was reduced with the increase of inlet NO concentration, which was up to 83% when the concentration of NO was 500 ppm but reduced to 76% with the concentration of NO increasing to 1000 ppm. Comparing with the Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3catalysts, the rate of NOxstorage and reduction was remarkably increased over Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3combined with Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3catalysts. However, the reductant used for NOxreduction reaction over Pt-Ce-Ba/γ-Al2O3catalysts was consumed under the treatment of Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3catalyst, which caused the NOxconversion to obviously drop, but the rate of NOxabsorption declined slightly.
Sensing Estrogen with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Jing , Kim Byung Kun , Wang Kang-Kyun , Im Ji-Eun , Choi Han Nim , Kim Dong-Hwan , Cho Seong In , Lee Won-Yong , Kim Yong-Rok
Published: October 2016

This study demonstrates the application feasibility of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in measuring estrogen (17β-estradiol) in gas phase. The present biosensor gives a linear response (R2=0.999) for 17β-estradiol vapor concentration from 3.7 ng/L to 3.7 × 10−4 ng/L with a limit of detection (3.7 × 10−4 ng/L). The results show that the fabricated biosensor demonstrates better detection limit of 17β-estradiol in gas phase than the previous report with GC-MS method. This estrogen biosensor has many potential applications for on-site detection of a variety of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the gas phase.
Spin Speed and Duration Dependence of TiO2Thin Films pH Sensing Behavior
Authors: Zulkefle Muhammad AlHadi , Abdul Rahman Rohanieza , Yusof Khairul Aimi , Abdullah Wan Fazlida Hanim , Rusop Mohamad , Herman Sukreen Hana
Published: October 2016

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were applied as the sensing membrane of an extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) pH sensor. TiO2thin films were deposited by spin coating method and the influences of the spin speed and spin duration on the pH sensing behavior of TiO2thin films were investigated. The spin coated TiO2thin films were connected to commercial metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) to form the extended gates and the MOSFET was integrated in a readout interfacing circuit to complete the EGFET pH sensor system. For the spin speed parameter investigation, the highest sensitivity was obtained for the sample spun at 3000 rpm at a fixed spinning time of 60 s, which was 60.3 mV/pH. The sensitivity was further improved to achieve 68 mV/pH with good linearity of 0.9943 when the spin time was 75 s at the speed of 3000 rpm.
Neue Erkenntnisse zur Pathogenese des akuten Atemnotsyndroms
Authors: Sharp Charles , Millar Ann. B. , Medford Andrew R.L.
Published: October 2016

Das klinische Syndrom der akuten Lungenschädigung (ALI; acute lung injury) entwickelt sich basierend auf einer vorausgehenden akuten systemischen Entzündungsreaktion. Diese kann auf direktem oder indirektem Wege vielfältige Schäden an der Lunge hervorrufen. Diese Schäden wiederum führen zu einer erhöhten epithelialen Permeabilität und damit zum Einstrom von Ödemflüssigkeit mit hohem Eiweißgehalt in den Alveolarraum. Die daraus resultierende Beeinträchtigung des Gasaustauschs mündet in einer akuten respiratorischen Insuffizienz und einem typischerweise katastrophalen Krankheitsbild, das als akutes Atemnotsyndrom (ARDS; acute respiratory distress syndrome) bezeichnet wird und eine Beatmung sowie Intensivpflege erforderlich macht. Die Krankheitslast ist nach wie vor hoch; Schätzungen zufolge sind es allein in den USA 200 000 Fälle pro Jahr, mit einer Mortalität von nahezu 50%. Zusätzlich leiden die Überlebenden unter signifikanter Morbidität. Derzeit stehen keine krankheitsmodifizierenden Therapien zur Verfügung, und die wirkungsvollsten Fortschritte in der Versorgung betroffener Patienten bestanden in Modifikationen der Beatmungsstrategie auf der Grundlage der Arbeiten des ARDS Network vor knapp 15 Jahren. Der vorliegende Artikel soll einen Überblick über aktuelle Fortschritte zum Verständnis der Zellbiologie der ALI geben und aufzeigen, wo mögliche Ansatzpunkte für künftige krankheitsmodifizierende Therapien liegen könnten.
Akutes Atemnotsyndrom und posteriores reversibles Enzephalopathie-Syndrom nach Behandlung mit Rituximab
Authors: Wardrope Katrina E. , Manson Lynn , Metcalfe Wendy , O'Sullivan Eoin D.
Published: October 2016

Der monoklonale Anti-CD20-Antikörper Rituximab ist mit seltenen, aber signifikanten unerwünschten Ereignissen assoziiert, insbesondere mit dem posterioren reversiblen Enzephalopathie-Syndrom (PRES) und dem akuten Atemnotsyndrom (ARDS). Wir berichten hier über einen Fall von begleitend auftretendem ARDS und PRES nach Anwendung von Rituximab zur Behandlung einer Kryoglobulinämie-bedingten Vaskulitis. Es gibt insgesamt 7 Fallberichte über PRES als Komplikation der Rituximab-Therapie. Der Beginn des PRES variierte von sofortigem Einsetzen bis zum Start 21 Tage nach der Verabreichung. Bei allen Patienten klang das Syndrom vollständig ab, und in der Hälfte der Fälle wurde die Rituximab-Therapie wiederaufgenommen. ARDS tritt noch seltener in Assoziation mit Rituximab auf. Es sind lediglich 3 gesicherte Fälle bekannt, und ARDS kann als verzögerte Reaktion auftreten.
Untersuchung der linken Nebenniere bei Lungenkrebspatienten mittels EBUS
Authors: Stanzel Franz
Published: October 2016

Hintergrund: Bei Lungenkrebspatienten sind die Nebennieren Prädilektionsstellen für Fernmetastasen. Die ösophageale EUS- FNA (durch endoskopischen Ultraschall gesteuerte Feinnadelaspirationsbiopsie) ist eine minimalinvasive und präzise Methode zur Untersuchung der linken Nebenniere (LNN), erfordert jedoch ein konventionelles gastrointestinales Ultraschallendoskop. Das gesamte endobronchiale und ösophageale Staging der mediastinalen Lymphknoten kann mit nur einem endobronchialen Ultraschall (EBUS)-Endoskop erfolgen, das nach dem endobronchialen Verfahren in den Ösophagus eingeführt wird (EUS-B). Ob sich auch die LNN mit dem EBUS-Endoskop untersuchen lässt, ist unbekannt. Ziele: Ziel der Studie war es zu untersuchen, ob es praktisch möglich ist, die LNN mit dem EBUS-Endoskop darzustellen. Methoden: Wir führten eine retrospektive Analyse von Patienten mit Bronchialkarzinom durch, die sich zwischen Januar 2013 und Mai 2015 einer EBUS- und EUS-B-Untersuchung für das mediastinale Staging sowie einer LNN-Untersuchung unterzogen hatten. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt 143 Patienten mit (Verdacht auf) Bronchialkarzinom waren mit der Kombination aus EBUS und EUS-B untersucht worden. Bei 68 (85%) der 80 Patienten, bei denen versucht worden war, die LNN zu identifizieren, war es möglich, die LNN transgastrisch mit dem EBUS-Endoskop zu erkennen. Bei allen 9 Patienten mit endosonographischen Anzeichen für eine maligne Beteiligung wurde eine diagnostische transgastrische Feinnadelaspirationszytologie (FNA) durchgeführt. Bei den 12 Patienten (15%), bei denen die LNN nicht erkannt wurde, war der Kontakt zwischen Ultraschallsonde und Magenwand nicht optimal - die Länge des Endoskops war kein limitierender Faktor. Schlussfolgerungen: Das EBUS-Endoskop ermöglicht bei der großen Mehrheit der Lungenkrebspatienten, die LNN zu identifizieren. Bedeutung: Bei Patienten mit (Verdacht auf) Bronchialkarzinom scheint neben der umfassenden hilären und mediastinalen Stadienbestimmung auch die Untersuchung der LNN nur mit einem EBUS-Endoskop machbar. Prospektive Studien sind angezeigt. Übersetzung aus Respiration 2016;91:235-240 (DOI:10.1159/000443991)
Pirfenidon plus Nintedanib bei idiopathischer pulmonaler Fibrose
Authors: Drakopanagiotakis Fotios
Published: October 2016

Pirfenidon und Nintedanib sind pleiotrope antifibrotische Substanzen, die als Monotherapie zur Behandlung der idiopathischen pulmonalen Fibrose (IPF) zugelassen sind. Bisher liegt keine Evidenz für ihre Wirksamkeit in der gleichzeitigen Anwendung vor. Wir stellen in diesem Beitrag den ersten Fall eines kaukasischen Patienten mit IPF vor, der nach 2-jähriger Pirfenidon-Monotherapie mit Pirfenidon und Nintedanib gleichzeitig behandelt wurde. Über den 24-Monats-Zeitraum war eine deutliche Abnahme der forcierten Vitalkapazität des Patienten zu verzeichnen, von 3,5 l vor Therapiebeginn auf 2,5 l nach 24 Monaten. Im März 2015 wurde die konkomitante Gabe von Nintedanib eingeleitet. Die Lungenfunktion stabilisierte sich, und beide Mittel wurden gut vertragen. Die Behandlung mit Pirfenidon und Nintedanib dauert seit knapp 12 Monaten an. Dieser Beitrag - der erste Bericht einer erfolgreichen Langzeittherapie mit Pirfenidon und Nintedanib - deutet darauf hin, dass eine konkomitante antifibrotische Therapie in ausgewählten Fällen eine sichere und therapeutisch wertvolle Eskalationsoption nach einer Pirfenidon-Monotherapie darstellen könnte. Übersetzung aus Respiration 2016;91:327-332 (DOI:10.1159/000444690)
Mortalitäts-Outcomes bei Patienten mit chronischer Nierenerkrankung und chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung
Authors: Frohnhofen Helmut
Published: October 2016

Hintergrund: Die chronisch-obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD) ist grundsätzlich mit erhöhter Mortalität assoziiert. Wir untersuchten die Zusammenhänge zwischen COPD-Erkrankung und Sterblichkeit bei zusätzlich vorliegender chronischer Nierenerkrankung (CKD) und schlüsselten die Mortalitätsdaten nach Todesursachen auf. Methoden: In die Studie eingeschlossen wurden 56 960 Patienten mit CKD im Stadium 3 oder 4, die im Rahmen eines weitreichenden medizinischen Versorgungssystems nachverfolgt wurden. Zusammenhänge zwischen COPD und Gesamtmortalität bzw. verschiedenen Untergruppen von Todesursachen (respiratorische, kardiovaskuläre, onkologische und andere Ursachen) wurden mit verschiedenen Modellen untersucht (Cox-Regression, konkurrierende Risiken). Ergebnisse: Von 56 960 CKD-Patienten hatten 4,7% (n = 2667) eine zugrunde liegende COPD. Höheres Alter, Diabetes, Hypertonie, koronare Herzkrankheit, dekompensierte Herzinsuffizienz und Rauchen waren mit einem erhöhten COPD-Risiko assoziiert. Nach einer medianen Nachbeobachtungsdauer von 3,7 Jahren waren 15 969 Patienten verstorben. Nach Kovariablen-Adjustierung war bei COPD das Sterberisiko für alle Todesursachen zusammengenommen um 41% höher (95%-KI 1,31-1,52), in Bezug auf respiratorische Todesursachen war das Risiko um das Vierfache erhöht (Sub-Hazard Ratio 4,36; 95%-KI 3,54-5,37). Ähnliche Ergebnisse erbrachte eine Sensitivitätsanalyse, bei der das Vorliegen von COPD durch einschlägige ICD-9-Codes und Anwendung von Arzneimitteln zur Behandlung von COPD definiert war. Schlussfolgerungen: COPD ist bei zusätzlich vorliegender CKD mit erhöhter Mortalität assoziiert, und eine zugrunde liegende Lungenerkrankung ist für einen signifikanten Teil der Todesfälle verantwortlich. Diese Daten unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit weiterführender, prospektiver Studien zur Erforschung der zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen und möglichen Ansatzpunkte zur Verbesserung der Outcomes in dieser Patientenpopulation. Übersetzung aus Am J Nephrol 2016;43:39-46 (DOI: 10.1159/000444422)
Relationship between Postoperative EEG Driving Response and Lead Location in Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Son Byung-chul , Shon Young Min , Kim Seong-hoon , Choi Jin-gyu , Kim Jiyeon
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Interpreting the postoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) driving response (DR) as an indicator of electrode placement within the thalamic nucleus in deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) for refractory epilepsy is controversial. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated the relationship between postoperative EEG DR and the location of 11 electrodes in 6 patients who underwent ANT DBS for refractory epilepsy. Results: Cerebral synchronizing EEG DR was observed in 10 electrodes. However, 9 of the 11 electrodes were located within the ANT. For the 2 electrodes that missed the ANT, DR was observed in 1 misplaced electrode facing the anterior surface of the ANT within the third ventricle. The other misplaced electrode without DR elicitation showed a DR after electrode repositioning. Conclusions: The diagnostic significance of DR as indirect evidence of electrodes being within thalamic nuclei is limited. If DR is not elicited, it should be regarded as a misplacement. Even if DR is elicited, it may not be interpreted as a sound indicator of proper electrode placement within the thalamus. A sophisticated, postoperative imaging study is warranted in every case of ANT DBS.
Direct Evidence for P2Y2 Receptor Involvement in Vascular Response to Injury
Authors: Agca Yuksel , Qian Shaomin , Agca Cansu , Seye Cheikh I.
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Extracellular nucleotide release at the site of arterial injury mediates the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Our aim was to investigate the role of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) in neointimal hyperplasia. Approach and Results: Vascular injury was induced by the implantation of a polyethylene cuff around the femoral artery in wild-type and P2Y2R-deficient mice (P2Y2R-/-). Electron microscopy was used to analyze monocyte and lymphocyte influx to the intima 36 h after injury. Compared to wild-type littermates, P2Y2R-/- mice exhibited a 3-fold decreased number of mononuclear leukocytes invading the intima (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, the migration of smooth muscle cells was decreased by more than 60% (p < 0.05), resulting in a sharp inhibition of intimal thickening formation in P2Y2R-/- mice (n = 15) 14 days after cuff placement. In vitro, loss of P2Y2R significantly impaired monocyte migration in response to nucleotide agonists. Furthermore, transgenic rats overexpressing the P2Y2R developed accelerated intimal lesions resulting in more than 95% luminal stenosis (p < 0.05, n = 10). Conclusions: Loss- and gain-of-function approaches established direct evidence for P2Y2R involvement in neointimal hyperplasia. Specific anti-P2Y2R therapies may be used against restenosis and bypass graft failure.
Jaw Immobilization for Gamma Knife Surgery in Patients with Mandibular Lesions: A Newly, Innovative Approach
Authors: Tuleasca Constantin , Broome Martin , Mosimann Pascal J. , Schiappacasse Luis , Zeverino Michele , Dorenlot Antoine , Champoudry Jérôme , Régis Jean , Levivier Marc
Published: October 2016

Background: The purpose of our report is to describe an innovative system used for mandibular immobilization during Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) procedures. It is based on an approach originally developed in Marseille in extracranial lesions, close to or involving the mandible, which may imply a certain degree of movement during the therapeutic image acquisitions and/or GKS treatment. Methods: The maxillofacial surgeon applied bone titanium self-tapping monocortical screws (4; 2 mm diameter, 10 mm length) between roots of the teeth in the fixed gingiva (upper and lower maxillae) the day before GKS (local anesthesia, 5-10 min time). Two rubber bands were sufficient for the desired tension required to undergo GKS. We further proceeded with application of the Leksell stereotactic G frame and carried out the usual GKS procedure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 2.3 years (range 0.6-3). Three patients have been treated with this approach: 2 cases with extracranial trigeminal schwannomas involving the mandibular branch, with decrease in tumor size on MR follow-up; 1 case with residual paracondylian mandibular arteriovenous malformation following partial embolization, completely obliterated at 7 months (digital subtraction angiography programmed 1 year after treatment). Conclusions: Jaw immobilization appears to be a quick, minimally invasive, safe and accurate adjunctive technique to enhance GKS targeting precision.