bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geoffroea decorticansfor Biofuels: A Promising Feedstock
Authors: Santibáñez Claudia , Vargas Marcela
Published: February 2017

In this work, chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) fruit is evaluated as a potential feedstock for biodiesel and biomass pellets production with reference to some relevant properties. The fatty acid profile of this oil (83% unsaturated acids) is found to be comparable to similar seed oils which have been attempted for biodiesel production. As a result, the methyl esters (biodiesel) obtained from this oil exhibits high quality properties. Chañar biodiesel quality meets all other biodiesel international standards (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214). Moreover, the husk that surrounds the kernel showed a high potential for usage as densified solid fuels. The results demonstrate that chañar husks pellets have a higher calorific value when compared with other biomass pellets, typically, approximately 21 MJ kg−1with 1.8% of ashes (which is equivalent to that obtained from the combustion of pellets produced from forest wastes). This study indicates that chañar can be used as a multipurpose energy crop in semiarid regions for biodiesel and densified solid fuels (pellets) production.
Design of Large‐Displacement Compliant Mechanisms by Topology Optimization Incorporating Modified Additive Hyperelasticity Technique
Authors: Liu Liying , Xing Jian , Yang Qingwei , Luo Yangjun
Published: February 2017

This paper is focused on the topology design of compliant mechanisms undergoing large displacement (over 20% of the structural dimension). Based on the artificial spring model and the geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis, the optimization problem is formulated so as to maximize the output displacement under a given material volume constraint. A modified additive hyperelasticity technique is proposed to circumvent numerical instabilities that occurred in the low‐density or intermediate‐density elements during the optimization process. Compared to the previous method, the modified technique is very effective and can provide more accurate response analysis for the large‐displacement compliant mechanism. The whole optimization process is carried out by the gradient‐based mathematical programming method. Numerical examples of a force‐inverting mechanism and a microgripping mechanism are presented. The obtained optimal solutions verify the applicability of the proposed numerical techniques and show the necessity of considering large displacement in the design problem.
Reinforcement of Natural Rubber with Bacterial Cellulose via a Latex Aqueous Microdispersion Process
Authors: Phomrak Sirilak , Phisalaphong Muenduen
Published: February 2017

Natural rubber (NR) composites were reinforced with bacterial cellulose (BC) to improve mechanical and physical properties. The natural rubber bacterial cellulose (NRBC) composite films were prepared via a latex aqueous microdispersion process by a thorough mixing of BC slurry with natural rubber latex (NRL). The structural morphology and chemical and physical properties of NRBC composites were investigated. The hydrophilicity, opacity, and crystallinity of the NRBC composites were significantly enhanced because of the added BC. By loading BC at 80 wt.%, the mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength, were 4,128.4 MPa and 75.1 MPa, respectively, which were approximately 2,580 times and 94 times those of pure NR films, respectively, whereas the elongation at break of was decreased to 0.04 of that of the NR film. Because of its high mechanical strength and thermal stability, the NRBC composites have potential uses as high mechanical strength rubber-based products and bioelastic packaging in many applications.
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in the Course of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Clinical Significance and Impact on Prognosis
Authors: Krajewska Agnieszka , Ptaszynska-Kopczynska Katarzyna , Kiluk Izabela , Kosacka Urszula , Milewski Robert , Krajewski Jacek , Musial Wlodzimierz Jerzy , Sobkowicz Bozena
Published: February 2017

The relationship and clinical implications of atrial fibrillation (AF) in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are poorly investigated. We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics and prognosis in PE patients with paroxysmal AF episode. Methods. From the 391 patients with PE 31 subjects with paroxysmal AF were selected. This group was compared with patients with PE and sinus rhythm (SR) and 32 patients with PE and permanent AF. Results. Paroxysmal AF patients were the oldest. Concomitant DVT varies between groups: paroxysmal AF 32.3%, SR 49.5%, and permanent AF 28.1% (p=0.02). The stroke history frequency was 4.6% SR, 12.9% paroxysmal AF, and 21.9% permanent AF (p<0.001). Paroxysmal AF comparing to permanent AF and SR individuals had higher estimated SPAP (56 versus 48 versus 47 mmHg, p=0.01) and shorter ACT (58 versus 65 versus 70 ms, p=0.04). Patients with AF were more often classified into high-risk group according to revised Geneva score and sPESI than SR patients. In-hospital mortality was lower in SR (5%) and paroxysmal AF (6.5%) compared to permanent AF group (25%) (p<0.001). Conclusions. Patients with PE-associated paroxysmal AF constitute a separate population. More severe impairment of the parameters reflecting RV afterload may indicate relation between PE severity and paroxysmal AF episode. Paroxysmal AF has no impact on short-term mortality.
Fabrication of Photomagnetic Carbon Surfaces via Redox Assembly
Authors: Song Y.-L. , Wang C. M.
Published: February 2017

3-Aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) and the complex Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phendione = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) were found to be useful building blocks for preparing photomagnetic carbon surfaces. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) showed that when APBA was diazotized in acidic sodium nitrite solutions and cathodically reduced with highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrodes, nanoscale films formed on the electrodes. The resulting HOPG had strong affinities for phendione and Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+ as the electrodes were biased in the presence of them, respectively, with voltages more negative than the cathodic peak potentials for phendione/phendiol and Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+/Ru(bpy)2(phendiol)2+ (phendiol = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diol). However, if APBA was excluded, the affinities did not exist. Boronate ester formation featured prominently in these intermolecular interactions. The average increments in the HOPG surface roughness contributed by APBA and Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+ were roughly 1 : 2, suggesting that the reaction stoichiometry between APBA and Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+ be 1 : 1. Ru(bpy)2(phendione)2+ could also be grafted to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under conditions similar to those for the HOPG using ascorbate as sacrificial donor. The resulting CNTs and HOPG exhibited photomagnetism when exposed to the 473 nm light. The ruthenium complex was shown to be a room-temperature photomagnetism precursor, and APBA was shown to be an effective molecular bridge for the complex and carbon substrates.
The Effect of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Keratoplasty on Rabbit Anterior Segment
Authors: Wang Menglei , Li Meixuan , Yan Pisong , Luo Qiang , Zhang Yu , Du Zhiyu
Published: February 2017

Purpose.To evaluate the safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound keratoplasty as a treatment for presbyopia by examining its effect on the rabbit anterior segment.Methods.The right corneas of 36 New Zealand rabbits were treated with HIFU keratoplasty. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after operation. Collagen type I, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. For the detection of apoptosis, the TUNEL method was applied. The SOD and MDA levels were analyzed with assay kits.Results.Collagen type I, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels were altered after the operation but returned to normal within 90 days. The apoptotic index (AI) of the corneal cells decreased from 1 to 30 days gradually. No apoptosis was observed in the epithelial cells of the lens, and the SOD and MDA levels were normal at any time point.Conclusion.After HIFU keratoplasty, the histomorphology of the cornea changed, the corneal collagen type I levels decreased, the corneal MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels increased, and the corneal cells underwent apoptosis for a period of time. Ninety days after the operation, the levels returned to normal, and the lenses were not affected. Thus, HIFU presents good biological safety for eyes.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Chinese Medicine Herbs Decoction on Liver Cirrhosis in Rats
Authors: Mat-Rahim Nor Aziyah , Lim Tong-Hye , Nor-Amdan Nur-Asyura , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: February 2017

Hepatoprotective and curative activities of aqueous extract of decoction containing 10 Chinese medicinal herbs (HPE‐XA‐08) were evaluated in Sprague–Dawley albino rats with liver damage induced by thioacetamide (TAA). These activities were assessed by investigating the liver enzymes level and also histopathology investigation. Increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were observed in rats with cirrhotic liver. No significant alterations of the liver enzymes were observed following treatment with HPE‐XA‐08. Histopathology examination of rats treated with HPE‐XA‐08 at 250 mg/kg body weight, however, exhibited moderate liver protective effects. Reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the hepatocytes were noted in comparison to the cirrhotic liver. The curative effects of HPE‐XA‐08 were observed with marked decrease in the level of ALP (more than 3x) and level of GGT (more than 2x) in cirrhotic rat treated with 600 mg/kg body weight HPE‐XA‐08 in comparison to cirrhotic rat treated with just water diluent. Reversion of cirrhotic liver to normal liver condition in rats treated with HPE‐XA‐08 was observed. Results from the present study suggest that HPE‐XA‐08 treatment assisted in the protection from liver cirrhosis and improved the recovery of cirrhotic liver.
Centralized Data-Sampling Approach for GlobalOt-αSynchronization of Fractional-Order Neural Networks with Time Delays
Authors: Zhang Jin-E
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the globalO(t-α)synchronization problem is investigated for a class of fractional-order neural networks with time delays. Taking into account both better control performance and energy saving, we make the first attempt to introduce centralized data-sampling approach to characterize theO(t-α)synchronization design strategy. A sufficient criterion is given under which the drive-response-based coupled neural networks can achieve globalO(t-α)synchronization. It is worth noting that, by using centralized data-sampling principle, fractional-order Lyapunov-like technique, and fractional-order Leibniz rule, the designed controller performs very well. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed centralized data-sampling scheme.
Estimation of the Parameters of a Chirp Type Model with Stationary Residuals
Authors: Perera K.
Published: February 2017

Let Xn1,…,Xnn be the observations from a chirp type statistical model Xnt, Xnt=Acos⁡ (ωt+Δ/nt2)+Bsin⁡ ωt+Δ/nt2+ϵt, where ϵt is a stationary noise. We consider a method of estimation of parameters, A, B, ω, Δ, and ν, (where ν is the variance of ϵt’s) which is basically an approximate least-squares method. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that no assumptions are required. We make use of the three theorems which were established associated with the kernel ∑t=1neiut+vt2 and then use them to prove, under certain conditions, the consistency of the estimators.
MicroRNA-Related Polymorphisms in PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway Genes Are Predictive of Limited-Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Wenjue , Wu Lihong , Liu Lipin , Men Yu , Wang Jingbo , Liang Jun , Hui Zhouguang , Zhou Zongmei , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua
Published: February 2017

The phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer progression and treatment, including that of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a disease with traditionally poor prognosis. Given the regulatory role of microRNA (miRNA) in gene expression, we examined the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at miRNA-binding sites of genes in the mTOR pathway with the prognosis of patients with limited-disease SCLC. A retrospective study was conducted of 146 patients with limited-disease SCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy. Nine SNPs of six mTOR pathway genes were genotyped using blood samples. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling and recursive partitioning analysis were performed to identify SNPs significantly associated with overall survival. Three SNPs, MTOR: rs2536 (T>C), PIK3R1: rs3756668 (A>G), and PIK3R1: rs12755 (A>C), were associated with longer overall survival. Recursive partitioning analysis based on unfavorable genotype combinations of the rs2536 and rs3756668 SNPs classified patients into three risk subgroups and was internally validated with 1000 bootstrap samples. These findings suggest that miRNA-related polymorphisms in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may be valuable biomarkers to complement clinicopathological variables in predicting prognosis of limited-disease SCLC and to facilitate selection of patients likely to benefit from chemoradiotherapy.
Fabrication of Amino Functionalized Magnetic Expanded Graphite Nanohybrids for Application in Removal of Ag(I) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ma Ying-Xia , Ruan Yong-Xin , Xing Dan , Du Xue-Yan , La Pei-Qing
Published: February 2017

Ethylenediamine functionalized magnetic expanded graphite decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MEG-NH2) was fabricated by one-pot solvothermal method. The as-prepared MEG-NH2 nanohybrids were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Zeta potential analyzer. The effects of Fe3O4 content in MEG-NH2 nanohybrids, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and dosage on adsorption properties of the MEG-NH2 nanohybrids for Ag(I) from aqueous solution were investigated by batch experiments. The pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models were utilized to study adsorption kinetics. The experimental data was also analyzed with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The results show that Ag(I) was reduced to silver in the process of the adsorption by MEG-NH2 nanohybrids; the experimental data was better fitted to pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model which revealed that the adsorption process was a chemical adsorption by the formation of silver on the surface of MEG-NH2 nanohybrids.
Trust Management for Public Key Infrastructures: Implementing the X.509 Trust Broker
Authors: Wazan Ahmad Samer , Laborde Romain , Chadwick David W. , Barrere Francois , Benzekri Abdelmalek , Kaiiali Mustafa , Habbal Adib
Published: February 2017

A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is considered one of the most important techniques used to propagate trust in authentication over the Internet. This technology is based on a trust model defined by the original X.509 (1988) standard and is composed of three entities: the certification authority (CA), the certificate holder (or subject), and the Relying Party (RP). The CA plays the role of a trusted third party between the certificate holder and the RP. In many use cases, this trust model has worked successfully. However, we argue that the application of this model on the Internet implies that web users need to depend on almost anyone in the world in order to use PKI technology. Thus, we believe that the current TLS system is not fit for purpose and must be revisited as a whole. In response, the latest draft edition of X.509 has proposed a new trust model by adding new entity called the Trust Broker (TB). In this paper, we present an implementation approach that a Trust Broker could follow in order to give RPs trust information about a CA by assessing the quality of its issued certificates. This is related to the quality of the CA’s policies and procedures and its commitment to them. Finally, we present our Trust Broker implementation that demonstrates how RPs can make informed decisions about certificate holders in the context of the global web, without requiring large processing resources themselves.
Ultrasound-Guided Obturator Nerve Block: A Focused Review on Anatomy and Updated Techniques
Authors: Yoshida Takayuki , Nakamoto Tatsuo , Kamibayashi Takahiko
Published: February 2017

This review outlines the anatomy of the obturator nerve and the indications for obturator nerve block (ONB). Ultrasound-guided ONB techniques and unresolved issues regarding these procedures are also discussed. An ONB is performed to prevent thigh adductor jerk during transurethral resection of bladder tumor, provide analgesia for knee surgery, treat hip pain, and improve persistent hip adductor spasticity. Various ultrasound-guided ONB techniques can be used and can be classified according to whether the approach is distal or proximal. In the distal approach, a transducer is placed at the inguinal crease; the anterior and posterior branches of the nerve are then blocked by two injections of local anesthetic directed toward the interfascial planes where each branch lies. The proximal approach comprises a single injection of local anesthetic into the interfascial plane between the pectineus and obturator externus muscles. Several proximal approaches involving different patient and transducer positions are reported. The proximal approach may be superior for reducing the dose of local anesthetic and providing successful blockade of the obturator nerve, including the hip articular branch, when compared with the distal approach. This hypothesis and any differences between the proximal ONB techniques need to be explored in future studies.
NFP: An R Package for Characterizing and Comparing of Annotated Biological Networks
Authors: Cao Yang , Xu Wenjian , Niu Chao , Bo Xiaochen , Li Fei
Published: February 2017

Large amounts of various biological networks exist for representing different types of interaction data, such as genetic, metabolic, gene regulatory, and protein-protein relationships. Recent approaches on biological network study are based on different mathematical concepts. It is necessary to construct a uniform framework to judge the functionality of biological networks. We recently introduced a knowledge-based computational framework that reliably characterized biological networks in system level. The method worked by making systematic comparisons to a set of well-studied “basic networks,” measuring both the functional and topological similarities. A biological network could be characterized as a spectrum-like vector consisting of similarities to basic networks. Here, to facilitate the application, development, and adoption of this framework, we present an R package called NFP. This package extends our previous pipeline, offering a powerful set of functions for Network Fingerprint analysis. The software shows great potential in biological network study. The open source NFP R package is freely available under the GNU General Public License v2.0 at CRAN along with the vignette.
Nicotine Enhances Interspecies Relationship betweenStreptococcus mutansandCandida albicans
Authors: Liu Shiyu , Qiu Wei , Zhang Keke , Zhou Xuedong , Ren Biao , He Jinzhi , Xu Xin , Cheng Lei , Li Mingyun
Published: February 2017

Streptococcus mutansandCandida albicansare common microorganisms in the human oral cavity. The synergistic relationship between these two species has been deeply explored in many studies. In the present study, the effect of alkaloid nicotine on the interspecies betweenS. mutansandC. albicansis explored. We developed a dual-species biofilm model and studied biofilm biomass, biofilm structure, synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), and expression of glucosyltransferases (Gtfs). Biofilm formation and bacterial and fungal cell numbers in dual-species biofilms increased in the presence of nicotine. MoreC. albicanscells were present in the dual-species biofilms in the nicotine-treated groups as determined by scanning electron microscopy. The synthesis of EPS was increased by 1 mg/ml of nicotine as detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The result of qRT-PCR showedgtfsexpression was upregulated when 1 mg/ml of nicotine was used. We speculate that nicotine promoted the growth ofS. mutans, and moreS. mutanscells attracted moreC. albicanscells due to the interaction between two species. SinceS. mutansandC. albicansare putative pathogens for dental caries, the enhancement of the synergistic relationship by nicotine may contribute to caries development in smokers.
Development and Implementation of a Registry of Patients Attending Multidisciplinary Pain Treatment Clinics: The Quebec Pain Registry
Authors: Choinière M. , Ware M. A. , Pagé M. G. , Lacasse A. , Lanctôt H. , Beaudet N. , Boulanger A. , Bourgault P. , Cloutier C. , Coupal L. , De Koninck Y. , Dion D. , Dolbec P. , Germain L. , Martin V. , Sarret P. , Shir Y. , Taillefer M.-C. , Tousignant B. , Trépanier A. , Truchon R.
Published: February 2017

The Quebec Pain Registry (QPR) is a large research database of patients suffering from various chronic pain (CP) syndromes who were referred to one of five tertiary care centres in the province of Quebec (Canada). Patients were monitored using common demographics, identical clinical descriptors, and uniform validated outcomes. This paper describes the development, implementation, and research potential of the QPR. Between 2008 and 2013, 6902 patients were enrolled in the QPR, and data were collected prior to their first visit at the pain clinic and six months later. More than 90% of them (mean age ± SD: 52.76 ± 4.60, females: 59.1%) consented that their QPR data be used for research purposes. The results suggest that, compared to patients with serious chronic medical disorders, CP patients referred to tertiary care clinics are more severely impaired in multiple domains including emotional and physical functioning. The QPR is also a powerful and comprehensive tool for conducting research in a “real-world” context with 27 observational studies and satellite research projects which have been completed or are underway. It contains data on the clinical evolution of thousands of patients and provides the opportunity of answering important research questions on various aspects of CP (or specific pain syndromes) and its management.
Cervical Spinal Cord Compression: A Rare Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ayyadurai Puvanalingam , Badipatla Kanthi Rekha , Chime Chukwunonso , Arjun Shiva , Reddy Pavithra , Niazi Masooma , Nayudu Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of liver. Distant metastasis to various organs is well known. Skeletal metastasis is also reported to various locations. Vertebral metastasis has been reported mostly to thoracic spine. However, cervical spinal cord involvement leading to cord compression has been reported very rarely in literature. We present a case of 58-year-old male with liver cirrhosis presenting as neck pain. Further work-up revealed metastatic HCC to cervical spinal cord resulting in acute cord compression. Patient has been treated with neurosurgical intervention.
Synthesis of Ruthenium Complex Based on 2,6-Bis(1-(phenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)pyridine and 2-(1-Phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzoate and Catalytical Oxidation Property of 1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanol to 1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanone with H2O2
Authors: Liu Shenggui , Pan Rongkai , Li Guobi , Su Wenyi , Ni Chunlin
Published: February 2017

A new ruthenium complex, Ru(bpbp)(pbb)Cl, based on 2,6-bis(1-(phenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (bpbp) and 2-(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzoate (pbb) was synthesized. The complex Ru(bpbp)(pbb)Cl could catalytically oxidize 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanol to 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanone with H2O2 as oxidant. Influence of temperature and catalyst amount on the oxidation reaction was evaluated. The reaction optimal conditions are as follows: molar ratio of catalyst to substrate to H2O2 is 1 : 1000 : 3000, the proper reaction temperature is 50°C and reaction time lasts 5 h, and the isolated yield of 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanol to 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanone under the optimal reaction conditions is 57%.
A Giant-Cell Lesion with Cellular Cannibalism in the Mandible: Case Report and Review of Brown Tumors in Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Azzi Lorenzo , Cimetti Laura , Annoni Matteo , Anselmi Diego , Tettamanti Lucia , Tagliabue Angelo
Published: February 2017

A small radiolucent area in the mandible was discovered in a 58-year-old woman with no oral complaints. The patient’s history included only hypertension. The lesion was considered as an inflammatory cyst and was enucleated. Three months later, a CT revealed the presence of a cyst-like lesion in the mandible with thin expanded buccal cortical plate, localized erosion, and a polylobate appearance on the lingual aspect of the cortical plate. The histological diagnosis of the lesion was central giant-cell granuloma (CGCG). The lesion was thoroughly enucleated. Nevertheless, another X-ray carried out six months later revealed multiple bilateral osteolytic areas throughout the jaw. In addition, widespread cortical plate erosion was observed, as well as signs of root resorption and periodontal enlargement. There was no sign of neurological involvement, although the nerves appeared to be dislocated. After full blood chemistry analysis and detailed collection of radiographs, the final diagnosis was brown tumors in primary hyperparathyroidism. This case report demonstrates how dental clinicians may be the first-line specialists who identify a complex systemic disease before other clinicians. Finally, it highlights the role of cellular cannibalism in predicting the clinical aggressiveness of brown tumors as well as in other giant-cell lesions.
Hybrid Perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3, for Solar Applications: An Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Substitution in A and B Sites
Authors: Sánchez-Coronilla Antonio , Navas Javier , Gallardo Juan Jesús , Martín Elisa I. , De los Santos Desireé , Hernández Norge C. , Alcántara Rodrigo , Toledo José Hidalgo , Fernández-Lorenzo Concha
Published: February 2017

The effect of the incorporation ofNH4+into the CH3NH3+sites of the tetragonal perovskite CH3NH3PbI3is analysed. Also, how it affects the introduction of Cd2+cations into Pb2+sites for a perovskite with 25 at.% ofNH4+is addressed. The incorporation ofNH4+into perovskite leads to a dramatic loss of crystallinity and to the presence of other phases. Moreover, the NH4PbI3was not found. The less formation of perovskite whenNH4+is incorporated is due to geometrical factors and not changes in the chemical state bonding of the ions. Also, the samples where perovskite is formed show similar band gap values. A slight increase is observed for samples withx=0.5and 0.75. For the sample withx=1, a drastic increase of the band gap is obtained. Periodic-DFT calculations agree with the experimental structural tendency whenNH4+is incorporated and the density of states analysis confirmed the experimental band gap. The perovskite with 25 at.% ofNH4+was selected for studying the effect of the concentration of Cd on the structural and electronic properties. The theoretical band gap values decreased with the Cd concentration where the narrowing of Cd s-states in the conduction band plays an important role.
3D Kidney Segmentation from Abdominal Images Using Spatial-Appearance Models
Authors: Khalifa Fahmi , Soliman Ahmed , Elmaghraby Adel , Gimel’farb Georgy , El-Baz Ayman
Published: February 2017

Kidney segmentation is an essential step in developing any noninvasive computer-assisted diagnostic system for renal function assessment. This paper introduces an automated framework for 3D kidney segmentation from dynamic computed tomography (CT) images that integrates discriminative features from the current and prior CT appearances into a random forest classification approach. To account for CT images’ inhomogeneities, we employ discriminate features that are extracted from a higher-order spatial model and an adaptive shape model in addition to the first-order CT appearance. To model the interactions between CT data voxels, we employed a higher-order spatial model, which adds the triple and quad clique families to the traditional pairwise clique family. The kidney shape prior model is built using a set of training CT data and is updated during segmentation using not only region labels but also voxels’ appearances in neighboring spatial voxel locations. Our framework performance has been evaluated on in vivo dynamic CT data collected from 20 subjects and comprises multiple 3D scans acquired before and after contrast medium administration. Quantitative evaluation between manually and automatically segmented kidney contours using Dice similarity, percentage volume differences, and 95th-percentile bidirectional Hausdorff distances confirms the high accuracy of our approach.
Selection of DNA Aptamers for Ovarian Cancer Biomarker CA125 Using One-Pot SELEX and High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Scoville Delia J. , Uhm Tae Kyu Brian , Shallcross Jamie A. , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: February 2017

CA125 is a mucin glycoprotein whose concentration in serum correlates with a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer and also indicates response to therapy in diagnosed patients. Accurate detection of this large, complex protein in patient samples is of great clinical relevance. We suggest that powerful new diagnostic tools may be enabled by the development of nucleic acid aptamers with affinity for CA125. Here, we report on our use of One-Pot SELEX to isolate single-stranded DNA aptamers with affinity for CA125, followed by high-throughput sequencing of the selected oligonucleotides. This data-rich approach, combined with bioinformatics tools, enabled the entire selection process to be characterized. Using fluorescence anisotropy and affinity probe capillary electrophoresis, the binding affinities of four aptamer candidates were evaluated. Two aptamers, CA125_1 and CA125_12, both without primers, were found to bind to clinically relevant concentrations of the protein target. Binding was differently influenced by the presence of Mg2+ions, being required for binding of CA125_1 and abrogating binding of CA125_12. In conclusion, One-Pot SELEX was found to be a promising selection method that yielded DNA aptamers to a clinically important protein target.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tecarfarin, a novel vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant
Authors: Albrecht Detlef , Ellis David , Canafax Daniel , Combs Daniel , Druzgala Pascal , Milner Peter , Midei Mark
Published: February 2017

Tecarfarin is a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with reduced propensity for drug interactions. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety of tecarfarin, we performed single ascending dose (SAD) (n=66), multiple ascending dose (MAD) (n=43), and tecarfarin versus warfarin (n=28) studies in human volunteers. In the SAD, tecarfarin was administered to 5 of 6 subjects (1 received placebo) in each of 11 cohorts. AUC0-∞ exhibited linearity and dose proportionality. Elimination T1/2 ranged from 87–136 hours (h) across all doses. In the MAD, tecarfarin was administered to 5 of 6 volunteers in each of 7 cohorts. The starting dose was continued until the subject’s INR reached the target range (TR) of 1.7 to 2.0. Dosing was down-titrated if the TR was achieved. Elimination T1/2 ranged from 107–140 h. Doses <10 mg had insignificant effect on INR. Higher doses raised INRs and required down-titration to maintain the TR. Steady state INR dosing was 10–20 mg. INR declined promptly after discontinuation. In the comparative study, subjects received tecarfarin or warfarin and dose titrated to a TR of 1.5–2.0. Mean dose after TR was achieved was 13.9 mg (range 10.0–25.5 mg) for tecarfarin and 5.3 mg (range 2.5–9.0 mg) for warfarin. At similar INR levels, the concentration of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X were similar for tecarfarin and warfarin. Tecarfarin was tolerated well without serious adverse events in all three studies.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
КЛІНІКО-МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПОЄДНАНОГО ЛЕГЕНЕВОГО ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗУ ТА РАКУ ЛЕГЕНЬ : ОГЛЯД ЛІТЕРАТУРИ ТА ВЛАСНІ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕННЯ
Authors: Koshak Yu. F.
Published: February 2017

Стаття присвячена актуальній темі поєднаного легеневого туберкульозу та раку легень, вивченню клініко-морфологічних особливостей впливу обох захворювань на патоморфологічні форми, в якій поряд із літературними даними узагальнені власні дослідження та спостереження автора за останні 20 років. Цій проблемі в останнє десятиріччя у розвинутих країнах приділяється надзвичайно велика увага.
АНТИТРОМБОТИЧНА ТЕРАПІЯ ТА РИЗИК ГЕМОРАГІЧНИХ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ У ХВОРИХ ІЗ НЕКЛАПАННОЮ ФОРМОЮ ФІБРИЛЯЦІЇ ПЕРЕДСЕРДЬ НА ФОНІ КОМОРБІДНОЇ ПАТОЛОГІЇ
Authors: Shved M. I. , Sydorenko O. L. , Kovbasa N. M. , Beniv M. YA. , Tsuhlevych L. V.
Published: February 2017

У статті проведено стратифікацію ризику розвитку інсульту, геморагічних ускладнень та аналіз призначеної антитромботичної терапії у 116 пацієнтів із неклапанною формою фібриляції передсердь. Оцінено інформативність та валідність шкал CHA2DS2-VASc та HAS-BLED у хворих із фібриляцією передсердь на фоні коморбідної патології. Обговорюється питання адекватності прийому непрямих антикоагулянтів та антиагрегантів як засобів профілактики тромбоемболічних ускладнень.
ПОШИРЕНІСТЬ ФАКТОРІВ РИЗИКУ ОНКОПАТОЛОГІЇ РОТОВОЇ ПОРОЖНИНИ В ОСІБ ШКІЛЬНОГО ВІКУ З РІЗНИМ РІВНЕМ ТРИВОЖНОСТІ
Authors: Shkrobot L. V. , Vadzyuk S. N. , Palasyuk B. O.
Published: February 2017

Оцінено стан пародонта у дітей середнього та старшого шкільного віку з різним рівнем тривожності. Виявлено значну розповсюдженість його уражень, починаючи з 11–12 років, також показано, що тривожність дитини впливає на стан м’яких тканин пародонта. У дітей із високою тривожністю, достовірно частіше відмічався хронічний катаральний гінгівіт порівняно з учнями з низькою тривожністю. Рекомендується проводити онкоогляди ротової порожнини, починаючи з дітей старшого шкільного віку.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КОНСТИТУЦІЙНИХ ФАКТОРІВ СОБИСТОСТІ ТА ПОКАЗНИКІВ УВАГИ В ОСІБ ЮНАЦЬКОГО ВІКУ
Authors: Voloshyn O. S.
Published: February 2017

Проведено дослідження конституційних факторів першого і другого порядку за Кеттелом та показників уваги із метою встановлення зв’язку конституційних факторів особистості з характеристикою психофізіологічних функцій. У ході роботи було обстежено 57 осіб юнацького віку за допомогою діагностичних комп’ютерних програм. Встановлено, що обстежені особи юнацького віку мають достатній рівень абстрактного мислення й оперативності, виражені здібності до навчання і ефективної обробки інформації, розвинену конкретну уяву. Результати дослідження показників уваги вказують на високу ефективність перебігу нервових процесів в осіб даного віку, можливість за потреби формувати стійке домінантне вогнище збудження.
ПОРІВНЯЛЬНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КЛІНІКО-ПСИХОПАТОЛОГІЧНИХ ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ ДЕПРЕСИВНИХ РОЗЛАДІВ У ЕМІГРАНТІВ ТА РЕЕМІГРАНТІВ, ХВОРИХ НА ДЕПРЕСИВНІ РОЗЛАДИ ПСИХОГЕННОГО, ЕНДОГЕННОГО ТА ОРГАНІЧНОГО ХАРАКТЕРУ
Authors: Venger O. P. , Shkrobot L. V.
Published: February 2017

У даному розділі наведено результати аналізу клініко-психопатологічних особливостей депресивних розладів у емігрантів та реемігрантів, хворих на депресивні розлади психогенного, ендогенного та органічного характеру, з використанням даних клінічного (основна та додаткова симптоматика депресивного розладу відповідно до критеріїв МКХ-10, типологія провідного афекту, синдромологічна структура) та психометричного обстежень. Були використані шкала депресії M. Hamilton (HRDS), шкала тривоги M. Hamilton (HARS), опитувальник Symptom Check List-90-Revised – SCL-90-R. Порівняльний аналіз довів значущість розбіжностей між групами емігрантів та реемігрантів з переважанням у емігрантів проявів тривоги, страху, ажитації, а у реемігрантів – ангедонії, нездатності концентруватися і приймати рішення, поширеності думок про смерть та самогубство та явищ астенізації. Аналіз домінуючого типу афекту виявив статистично значуще переважання у емігрантів тривожно-депресивного, а у реемігрантів – тоскного й апатичного типів афекту. В синдромологічній структурі у емігрантів значуще частіше виявлялися атипові афективні синдроми, в т. ч. прояви ажитації, тривоги та соматовегетативні розлади, тоді як у реемігрантів – типові афективні синдроми (вітальна, апатична та анестетична депресія). Психометричне дослідження проявів депресії та тривоги виявило значуще більшу поширеність серед емігрантів тривожно-депресивних розладів, ажитованої депресії та депресії зі страхом, психічної та соматичної тривоги, тоді як у реемігрантів переважали адинамічна та недиференційована форми депресії. Порівняння психопатологічної структури виявило переважання у емігрантів тривожності, соматизації, обсесивно-компульсивної симптоматики, а у реемігрантів – депресії та міжособистісної сензитивності. Таким чином, основними клініко-психопатологічними закономірностями депресивних розладів у емігрантів є більша поширеність тривожно-депресивних та вегетосоматизованих форм депресії, а у реемігрантів – переважання астено-депресивних та адинамічних форм депресивних розладів.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КОМУНІКАТИВНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ В РОДИНАХ ЖІНОК ІЗ ПОРУШЕННЯМ ЗДОРОВ’Я СІМ’Ї ТА РІЗНИМ АДИКТИВНИМ СТАТУСОМ
Authors: Savina M. V.
Published: February 2017

Метою роботи було дослідження стану комунікативних процесів у родинах жінок із порушенням здоров’я сім’ї та різним адиктивним статусом, для виявлення мішеней подальшої психокорекційної роботи. З використанням клініко-психологічного та психодіагностичного методів обстежено 371 подружню пару (ПП), яка звернулася за допомогою з приводу порушення сімейних стосунків, серед яких у 321 родині мали місце прояви адиктивної поведінки (АП) у жінок (ДГ1), а в інших 50 сімей – нормативні показники АП у жінки (ДГ2). В якості групи порівняння (ГП) обстежено 50 умовно гармонійних ПП. Серед загальної кількості обстежених ПП встановлено два можливих варіанти стану комунікаційних родинних процесів: адекватно-адаптивний, що характеризувався адекватною зрілою згуртованою родинною комунікацією за усіма її параметрами, характерний для ПП ГП, і дезадаптивний, притаманний ПП дослідницьких груп. У свою чергу, серед родин із викривленням внутрішньосімейної взаємодії, виявлена спільність комунікативних порушень за змістом та структурою, але, відмінність за виразністю, що мала прямий кореляційний зв’язок із рівнем подружньої конфліктності (чим вище рівень конфліктності, тим виразніші порушення комунікації). Крім того, з’ясовано, що наявність соціально-прийнятних видів АП у жінки зменшує виразність подружніх та комунікаційних порушень, корелюючи з помірним рівнем подружньої конфліктності та менш вираженими порушеннями комунікативних процесів у родині. Враховуючи наявність у ПП ДГ2 високого рівня подружньої конфліктності та низького рівню родинної комунікації, можна говорити про наявність у них тяжкого ступеня порушення сімейної взаємодії. Для подружжів ДГ1 були характерними помірний рівень подружньої конфліктності та низько-середній рівень родинних комунікаційних процесів, що, в цілому, формувало середній ступінь порушення сімейної взаємодії. Показовим виявився факт “буферизації” тяжкості проявів порушень сімейної взаємодії за умови наявності АП у дружини, як патологічного способу псевдокомпенсації та каналізації негативних ефектів викривлення родинних стосунків. Отримані дані були покладені нами в основу при розробці системи психологічної корекції та психопрофілактичної підтримки здоров’я сім’ї за наявності АП у жінок.
DAMAGING EFFECT OF IMMOBILIZING STRESS ON HYPOXIA HIGH- AND LOW-RESISTANT RATS OF BOTH SEXES
Authors: Ordynskyi Iu. M. , Denefil O. V.
Published: February 2017

Background. Cardiovascular morbidity is a topical issue; stress is an essential contributing factor. Pathogenic links in damaging stress impact on the animal units of different reactivity is promising in disease prevention and development of individual correction methods.Objective. Stress-induced development of cardiovascular pathology is undeniable, the stress impact depending on individual systemic response, age and sex.Methods. 96 hypoxia high- and low-resistant (HR and LR, respectively) Wistar rats aged 5.5-6 months were used in experiments. Changes of lipid peroxidation processes, as well as protein oxidative modification, nitrite anion content and the indices of antioxidant defence under immobilizing stress were studied in the research. Results. Immobilizing stress causes the development of oxidative and carbonyl stress in HR and LR rats that is more pronounced in LR group; and the activation of antioxidant defence system. In males, stress development is concomitant with increased catalase activity as well as that of blood peroxidase, ceruloplasmin and reduced glutathione content, whereas increased catalase and ceruloplasmin activity has been found in HR females, and that of superoxide dismutase and ceruloplasmin – in LR group. As compared with the females, more intensive oxidative and nitroxidative stress, protein oxidative modification, and stress-related accumulation of circulating immune complexes have been found in the males.Conclusion. The most intensive oxidative and nitroxidative stress, protein oxidative modification, and stress-related accumulation of circulating immune complexes have been found in the hypoxia low-resistant males.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN FEMALE STUDENTS OF TERNOPIL STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Authors: Popovych D. V. , Bergier J. , Sopel O. M. , Tsybulska L. S. , Korda M. M.
Published: February 2017

Background. Lifestyle is one of the major factors in the optimal development of systems and functions of human organism and health. The appropriate level of physical activity is the integral component of a healthy lifestyle.Objective. The study was aimed to investigate the level of physical activity of the female students of Medical University.Methods. We applied the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in the long version as a research method.Results. The study was conducted among 333 female students of Medical University of the first, second and third year of study. Detailed International Physical Activity Questionnaire evaluating physical activity, such as work, housework, sport, and physical activity during leisure time, was completed.Conclusions. The examined female students of medical university are characterized by high level of total physical activity. Place of residence during the studies does not differentiate significantly the level of physical activity of female students.
NAIL CHANGES IN CASE OF ENTEROVIRAL INFECTIONS IN WESTERN UKRAINE: A REPORT OF 34 CASES
Authors: Boyarchuk O. R. , Volyanska L. A. , Dyvonyak O. M.
Published: February 2017

Background. Enteroviral infections are common infections, mostly affect children. Nail changes of enteroviral infection including transverse ridging (Beau's lines) and nail shedding (onychomadesis) were described in many countries worldwide.The aim of the research was to investigate the clinical features of the infection that was followed by nail changes during its outbreak in summer-autumn 2016 in Ternopil region, Ukraine.Methods. A case report of 34 children with nail changes that were observed in October 2016 in Ternopil region, Ukraine is presented. All patients were from one kindergarten. Nail trauma, periungual dermatitis, significant medication intake history, systemic diseases were excluded. The survey and clinical examination of cases was performed. Faecal samples were obtained from 13 children with onychomadesis.Results. The median age of the exemined children was 3.97±0.78 years. Interval between onsets of enteroviral infection to nail changes varied from 4 to 12 weeks. Clinical signs that preceded nail changes are fever (64.7%), herpangina (32.6%), pharyngitis (17.6%), gastrointestinal symptoms (44.1%), cutaneous lesions (82.4%) as maculopapular, vesicular rash (44.2%) or/and skin desquamation (41.2%). These clinical data indicate preceded enterovirus infection. In 21 (61.8%) patients hand-foot-mouth disease was suggested.Nail changes were presented by Beau's lines and onychomadesis (nail shedding). The number of affected nails varied from 1 to 16, the median number was 4.88±4.09.Conclusions. Our study proved association between the outbreak of onychomadesis (nail shedding) and enteroviral infection, mainly hand-foot-mouth disease, during summer-autumn 2016 in Western Ukraine (Ternopil region). Enteroviral infection was followed by onychomadesis in 4-12 weeks. Clinical features of enteroviral infection were very variable, with prevalence of cutaneous lesions.More studies are necessary to determine the serotype of the virus that causes onychomadesis.
BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF LIPID METABOLISM IN ANIMALS AFFECTED BY HEAVY METAL SALTS AND TREATED WITH CARNITINE CHLORIDE AND SODIUM ALGINATE
Authors: Bekus I. R. , Kyryliv M. V. , Ivanusa I. B. , Furka O. B. , Krynytska I. Ya. , Marushchak M. I.
Published: February 2017

Background. Lipid metabolism disorders in the organism affected by environmental pollutants, including poisoning with cadmium and lead salts are of topical matter nowadays.Objective. The study was aimed to examine biochemical features of lipid metabolism in rats subjected to toxic damage by lead and cadmium salts and treated with carnitine chloride and Algigel.Methods. Experiments were carried out on white mature outbred male rats weighing 180-200 g. To cause the toxic damage the animals were administered with aqueous solution of cadmium chloride and lead acetate daily for the period of 30 days using intra-gastric lavage. The indices of lipid metabolism were detected by biochemical methods.Results. In animals treated with cadmium chloride and lead acetate the following changes were observed: HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased, resulting in 87% of the levels in the intact animals on the third day, 84% on the fifth and 80% on the seventh day. Conversely, concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol significantly increased during the experiment. Respectively, the ratios for HDL-cholesterol are 240%, 352%, and 388%; and for VLDL-cholesterol 108%, 116%, and 132%.Conclusions. Lipids profile of the rats displayed changes in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins of low, high and very low density.es New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Medical errors were combined, especially during the diagnostics, treatment and in medical records. The majority of cases (82.1%) of medical malpractice were caused by the objective reasons.