bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Epistatic and Gene-Environment Interactions Underlying Three Quality Traits in Rice Using High-Throughput Genome-Wide Data
Authors: Xu Haiming , Jiang Beibei , Cao Yujie , Zhang Yingxin , Zhan Xiaodeng , Shen Xihong , Cheng Shihua , Lou Xiangyang , Cao Liyong
Published: August 2015

With development of sequencing technology, dense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been available, enabling uncovering genetic architecture of complex traits by genome-wide association study (GWAS). However, the current GWAS strategy usually ignores epistatic and gene-environment interactions due to absence of appropriate methodology and heavy computational burden. This study proposed a new GWAS strategy by combining the graphics processing unit- (GPU-) based generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) algorithm with mixed linear model approach. The reliability and efficiency of the analytical methods were verified through Monte Carlo simulations, suggesting that a population size of nearly 150 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) had a reasonable resolution for the scenarios considered. Further, a GWAS was conducted with the above two-step strategy to investigate the additive, epistatic, and gene-environment associations between 701,867 SNPs and three important quality traits, gelatinization temperature, amylose content, and gel consistency, in a RIL population with 138 individuals derived from super-hybrid rice Xieyou9308 in two environments. Four significant SNPs were identified with additive, epistatic, and gene-environment interaction effects. Our study showed that the mixed linear model approach combining with the GPU-based GMDR algorithm is a feasible strategy for implementing GWAS to uncover genetic architecture of crop complex traits.
Job Satisfaction among Care Aides in Residential Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review of Contributing Factors, Both Individual and Organizational
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Hoben Matthias , Linklater Stefanie , Carleton Heather L. , Graham Nicole , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: August 2015

Despite an increasing literature on professional nurses’ job satisfaction, job satisfaction by nonprofessional nursing care providers and, in particular, in residential long-term care facilities, is sparsely described. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence on which factors (individual and organizational) are associated with job satisfaction among care aides, nurse aides, and nursing assistants, who provide the majority of direct resident care, in residential long-term care facilities. Nine online databases were searched. Two authors independently screened, and extracted data and assessed the included publications for methodological quality. Decision rules were developed a priori to draw conclusions on which factors are important to care aide job satisfaction. Forty-two publications were included. Individual factors found to be important were empowerment and autonomy. Six additional individual factors were found to benotimportant: age, ethnicity, gender, education level, attending specialized training, and years of experience. Organizational factors found to be important were facility resources and workload. Two additional factors were found to benotimportant: satisfaction with salary/benefits and job performance. Factors important to care aide job satisfaction differ from those reported among hospital nurses, supporting the need for different strategies to improve care aide job satisfaction in residential long-term care.
A Reliable Visual Inspection Method for Vulnerability Assessment of Hyperstatic Structures Using Fuzzy Logic Analysis
Authors: Piras Maria Valeria , Mistretta Fausto , Fadda Maria Luisa , Deias Luisa
Published: August 2015

Fuzzy logic applied to the visual inspection of existing buildings has been proposed in relation to simple structures. Isostatic structures are characterized by a unique and known collapse mechanism, which does not vary with geometry or load change. In this paper we apply fuzzy logic to visual inspection for complex structures such as hyperstatic ones in which the collapse mechanism depends not only on the geometry but also on the size and disposition of loads. The goal of this paper is to give relevant weight, in the fuzzy analysis, not only to the single expression of degradation, due to its localization within the element, but also to the structural element itself by assigning a different resistance to the various elements. The underlying aim of the proposed method is to manage, evaluate, and process all the information coming from visual inspections in order to realize a management information system for the evaluation of the safety level of even complex structures.
Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Acute Low Back Pain in Emergency Department: A Pilot Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Yen-Ting , Chiu Chih-Wen , Chang Chin-Fu , Lee Tsung-Chieh , Chen Chia-Yun , Chang Shun-Chang , Lee Chia-Ying , Lo Lun-Chien
Published: August 2015

Introduction. Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints in the emergency department (ED). There are several research articles providing evidence for acupuncture for treating chronic LBP but few about treating acute LBP. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of acute LBP in the ED.Materials and methods. A clinical pilot cohort study was conducted. 60 participants, recruited in the ED, were divided into experimental and control groups with 1 dropout during the study. Life-threatening conditions or severe neurological defects were excluded. The experimental group (n=45) received a series of fixed points of acupuncture. The control group (n=14) received sham acupuncture by pasting seed-patches near acupoints. Back pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at three time points: baseline and immediately after and 3 days after intervention as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were heart rate variability (HRV) and adverse events.Results. The VAS demonstrated a significant decrease (Pvalue <0.001) for the experimental group after 15 minutes of acupuncture. The variation in HRV showed no significant difference in either group. No adverse event was reported.Conclusion. Acupuncture might provide immediate effect in reducing the pain of acute LBP safely.
A Novel Bioinspired Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm for Designing Wireless Sensor Networks in the Internet of Things
Authors: Huang Jun , Xu Liqian , Xing Cong-cong , Duan Qiang
Published: August 2015

The design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the Internet of Things (IoT) faces many new challenges that must be addressed through an optimization of multiple design objectives. Therefore, multiobjective optimization is an important research topic in this field. In this paper, we develop a new efficient multiobjective optimization algorithm based on the chaotic ant swarm (CAS). Unlike the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, CAS takes advantage of both the chaotic behavior of a single ant and the self-organization behavior of the ant colony. We first describe the CAS and its nonlinear dynamic model and then extend it to a multiobjective optimizer. Specifically, we first adopt the concepts of “nondominated sorting” and “crowding distance” to allow the algorithm to obtain the true or near optimum. Next, we redefine the rule of “neighbor” selection for each individual (ant) to enable the algorithm to converge and to distribute the solutions evenly. Also, we collect the current best individuals within each generation and employ the “archive-based” approach to expedite the convergence of the algorithm. The numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm outperforms two leading algorithms on most well-known test instances in terms of Generational Distance, Error Ratio, and Spacing.
Fuzzy Modeling to Predict Severely Depressed Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction following Admission to the Intensive Care Unit Using Clinical Physiology
Authors: Pereira Rúben Duarte M. A. , Salgado Cátia M. , Dejam Andre , Reti Shane R. , Vieira Susana M. , Sousa João M. C. , Celi Leo A. , Finkelstein Stan N.
Published: August 2015

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) constitutes an important physiological parameter for the assessment of cardiac function, particularly in the settings of coronary artery disease and heart failure. This study explores the use of routinely and easily acquired variables in the intensive care unit (ICU) to predict severely depressed LVEF following ICU admission. A retrospective study was conducted. We extracted clinical physiological variables derived from ICU monitoring and available within the MIMIC II database and developed a fuzzy model using sequential feature selection and compared it with the conventional logistic regression (LR) model. Maximum predictive performance was observed using easily acquired ICU variables within 6 hours after admission and satisfactory predictive performance was achieved using variables acquired as early as one hour after admission. The fuzzy model is able to predict LVEF ≤ 25% with an AUC of 0.71 ± 0.07, outperforming the LR model, with an AUC of 0.67 ± 0.07. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study predicting severely impaired LVEF using multivariate analysis of routinely collected data in the ICU. We recommend inclusion of these findings into triaged management plans that balance urgency with resources and clinical status, particularly for reducing the time of echocardiographic examination.
Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Confidence of Australian General Practice Registrars
Authors: Nowson Caryl A. , O’Connell Stella L.
Published: August 2015

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and confidence were assessed in General Practice Registrars (GPRs) throughout Australia. Of approximately 6,000 GPRs invited to complete a nutrition survey, 93 respondents (2%) completed the online survey, with 89 (20 males, 69 females) providing demographic and educational information. Fifty-one percent had graduated from medical school within the last two years. From a list of 11 dietary strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk, respondents selected weight loss (84%), reducing saturated fats (90%), a maximum of two alcoholic drinks/day (82%), and increasing vegetables (83%) as “highly appropriate” strategies, with only 51% indicating that salt reduction was “highly appropriate.” Two-thirds of registrars felt “moderately” (51%) or “very” confident (16%) providing nutrition advice. Most of them (84%) recalled receiving information during training, but only 34% recalled having to demonstrate nutritional knowledge. The results indicate that this group of Australian GPRs understood most of the key dietary recommendations for reducing cardiovascular risk but lacked consensus regarding the recommendation to reduce salt intake and expressed mixed levels of confidence in providing nutritional advice. Appropriate nutrition education before and after graduation is recommended for GPRs to ensure the development of skills and confidence to support patients to make healthy dietary choices and help prevent chronic diseases.
Role of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins in Testicular Function and Male Fertility: Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Administration in Experimental Varicocele
Authors: Minutoli Letteria , Arena Salvatore , Antonuccio Pietro , Romeo Carmelo , Bitto Alessandra , Magno Carlo , Rinaldi Mariagrazia , Micali Antonio , Irrera Natasha , Pizzino Gabriele , Galfo Federica , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica , Marini Herbert
Published: August 2015

Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) and survivin might play an important role in testicular function. We investigated the effect of PDRN, an agonist of adenosine A2A receptor, on testicular NAIP and survivin expression in an experimental model of varicocele. After the creation of experimental varicocele (28 days), adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of the following treatments lasting 21 days: vehicle, PDRN (8 mg/kg i.p., daily), PDRN + 3,7-dimethyl-propargylxanthine (DMPX, a specific adenosine A2A-receptor antagonist, 0.1 mg/kg i.p., daily), varicocelectomy, and varicocelectomy + PDRN (8 mg/kg i.p., daily). Sham-operated animals were used as controls. Animals were then euthanized and testis expression of NAIP and survivin was evaluated through qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. Spermatogenetic activity was also assessed. NAIP and survivin expressions were significantly reduced following varicocele induction when compared to sham animals whereas PDRN-treated rats showed an increase in NAIP and survivin levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed an enhanced expression of NAIP and survivin with a characteristic pattern of cellular localization following PDRN treatment. Moreover, administration of PDRN significantly restored spermatogenic function in varicocele rats. PDRN may represent a rational therapeutic option for accelerating recovery from depressed testicular function through a strategic modulation of apoptosis in experimental varicocele.
Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Typical Indoor Air Pollutants Using TiO2Thin Film Codoped with Iron(III) and Nitrogen
Authors: Wang Shuaijie , Cheng Xingxing
Published: August 2015

A type of iron and nitrogen codoped titania thin film was prepared by sol-gel method to degrade three typical indoor air pollutants: formaldehyde (HCHO), ammonia (NH3), and benzene (C6H6) under solar light. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectra (EDS) were employed to characterize the photocatalysts. The results showed that the Fe/N codoped TiO2had a stronger absorption in the visible region than pure, Fe-doped, and N-doped TiO2and exhibited excellent photocatalytic ability for the degradation of indoor HCHO, NH3, and C6H6. When the three pollutants existed in indoor air at the same time, the removal percentages of HCHO, NH3, or C6H6after 6 h photocatalytic reaction under solar light reached 48.8%, 50.6%, and 32.0%. The degradation reaction of the three pollutants followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics with the reaction rate constants in the order of 0.110 h−1for ammonia, 0.109 h−1for formaldehyde, and 0.060 h−1for benzene. The reaction rate constant decreased with the increase of initial reactant concentration, which reflected that there was oxidation competition between the substrate and its intermediate during the photocatalytic process.
A Fuzzy Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Solving Multiobjective Optimal Power Flow with FACTS Devices
Authors: Vanitha R. , Baskaran J.
Published: August 2015

A new Fuzzy Differential Evolution (FDE) algorithm is proposed for solving multiobjective optimal power flow with FACTS devices. This new optimization technique combines the advantages of Weighted Additive Fuzzy Goal Programming (WAFGP) and Differential Evolution (DE) in enhancing the capacity, stability, and security of the power system. As the weights used in WAFGP would have a significant impact on the operational and economical enhancements achieved in the optimization, they are optimized using evolutionary DE algorithm. This provides a way for exploring a balanced solution for a multiobjective problem without sacrificing any individual objective’s uniqueness and priority. The multiple objectives considered are maximizing the loadability condition of the power system with minimum system real power loss and minimum installation cost of the FACTS devices. Indian utility Neyveli Thermal Power Station (NTPS) 23 bus system is used to test the proposed algorithm using multiple FACTS devices. The results compared with that of DE based fuzzy goal programming (FGP) demonstrates that DE based WAFGP algorithm not only provides a balanced optimal solution for all objectives but also provides the best economical solution.
Intrauterine Growth Restricted Rats Exercised before and during Pregnancy: Maternal and Perinatal Repercussions
Authors: Corvino S. B. , Volpato G. T. , Rudge M. V. C. , Damasceno D. C.
Published: August 2015

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of swimming before and during pregnancy on rats born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and their offspring. For this, nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced severely diabetic (SD) pregnant rats were mated and generated offspring with appropriate (control, C) and small (IUGR) for pregnancy age, respectively. Following that, C and IUGR groups were further distributed into nonexercised control (C), exercised control (Cex), nonexercised IUGR (IUGR), and exercised IUGR (IUGRex). IUGR rats presented lower mating rate than control rats. Regardless of physical exercise IUGR rats presented decreased body weight from birth to lactation. At 90 days of life, IUGR rats presented glucose intolerance. Maternal organ weights were increased and relative adiposity of IUGRex rats was lower than Cex. IUGR and IUGRex offspring presented reduced body weight than C and Cex, respectively. IUGRex dams presented an increased rate of appropriate for pregnancy age newborns. IUGEex male and female offspring relative brain weight was increased compared with Cex. Therefore, swimming before and during pregnancy prevented glucose intolerance, reduced general adiposity, and increased maternal and offspring organ weight in rats, showing the benefit of physical exercise for IUGR rats.
Picture Your Nursing Home: Exploring the Sense of Home of Older Residents through Photography
Authors: van Hoof J. , Verhagen M. M. , Wouters E. J. M. , Marston H. R. , Rijnaard M. D. , Janssen B. M.
Published: August 2015

The quality of the built environment can impact the quality of life and the sense of home of nursing home residents. This study investigated (1) which factors in the physical and social environment correlate with the sense of home of the residents and (2) which environmental factors are most meaningful. Twelve participants engaged in a qualitative study, in which photography was as a supportive tool for subsequent interviews. The data were analysed based on the six phases by Braun and Clarke. The four themes identified are (1) the physical view; (2) mobility and accessibility; (3) space, place, and personal belongings; and (4) the social environment and activities. A holistic understanding of which features of the built environment are appreciated by the residents can lead to the design and retrofitting of nursing homes that are more in line with personal wishes.
Raman Spectroscopy for Understanding of Lithium Intercalation into Graphite in Propylene Carbonated-Based Solutions
Authors: Kim Yang-Soo , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: August 2015

Electrochemical lithium intercalation within graphite was investigated in propylene carbonate (PC) containing different concentrations, 0.4, 0.9, 1.2, 2.2, 2.8, 3.8, and 4.7 mol dm−3, of lithium perchlorate, LiClO4. Lithium ion was reversibly intercalated into and deintercalated from graphite in 3.8 and 4.7 mol dm−3solutions despite the use of pure PC as the solvent. However, ceaseless solvent decomposition and intense exfoliation of the graphene layers occurred in other solutions. The results of the Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that contact ion pairs are present in 3.8 and 4.7 mol dm−3solutions, which suggested that the presence of contact ion pairs is an important factor that determines the solid electrolyte interphase- (SEI-) forming ability in PC-based electrolytes.
The Twin Forceps: A New Instrument for SILS
Authors: Rizzuto Antonia , Donnici Mario , Nudo Paola , Sinopoli Basilio , Sacco Rosario , Danieli Guido
Published: August 2015

In the last ten years, the single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is gaining more interest than the traditional laparoscopic surgery (LAP). Many studies make a comparison between the performances of the SILS and the LAP. The results show that the single incision laparoscopic surgery reduces pain, length of period of postoperative hospitalization, and loss of blood. This technique is also able to reduce the infection sites. In spite of many advantages, SILS reveals some problems: laparoscopic instruments triangulation and small workspace. The surgeon has to be more skillful to make a surgery in SILS because the surgeon has only three laparoscopic instruments and only one hole in the abdomen cavity. In this paper, a novel laparoscopic instrument to help the surgeon during a SILS operation is presented. This instrument is innovative forceps with double graspers. Different designs of this instrument are presented, with the final one which greatly simplifies both construction and operation. The initial experience in the laboratory with the innovative instrument is presented. The surgeon experienced in laparoscopic surgery and with the help of assistants performed a training program based on predetermined task performed in simulation box (laparoscopic box-trainer).
Pharyngoesophageal Suturing Technique May Decrease the Incidence of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula following Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Deniz Mahmut , Ciftci Zafer , Gultekin Erdogan
Published: August 2015

Objectives. A pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) following total laryngectomy is associated with increased morbidity and severe life threatening complications. We aimed to review our experience with the PCF following total laryngectomy and determine the impact of previously reported risk factors on the development of PCF in our patients.Methods. The medical records of 20 patients who had a total laryngectomy operation were retrospectively analyzed. The association between the proposed risk factors and the incidence of the PCF was investigated.Results. Comparison of the suture techniques used for the closure of the pharynx (either continuous Cushing type or interrupted) yielded that primary interrupted sutures had a significantly higher incidence of PCF formation(p<0.05). Although it was not statistically significant, diabetes mellitus was also associated with increased PCF formation(p>0.05). No significant difference was observed between the PCF and non-PCF groups in terms of other proposed risk factors(p>0.05).  Conclusions. The main risk factor associated with PCF was found to be the type of pharyngeal closure technique. A vertical closure with a Cushing type continuous suture may be more successful than interrupted sutures in preventing a PCF.
Analysis of Nutrition Education in Osteopathic Medical Schools
Authors: Briggs Early Kathaleen , Adams Kelly M. , Kohlmeier Martin
Published: August 2015

Purpose. Describe nutrition education at US colleges of osteopathic medicine; determine if it meets recommended levels. Method. We surveyed 30 US colleges of osteopathic medicine (US COM) with a four-year curriculum about the amount and form of required nutrition education during the 2012/13 academic year. The online survey asked about hours of required nutrition across all 4 years and also in what types of courses this instruction occurred. We performed descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Results. Twenty-six institutions (87% response rate) completed the survey. Most responding US COM (22/26, 85%) do not meet the recommended minimum 25 hours of nutrition education; 8 (31%) provide less than half as much. Required nutrition instruction is largely confined to preclinical courses, with an average of 15.7 hours. Only 7 of the 26 responding schools report teaching clinical nutrition practice, providing on average 4.1 hours. Conclusions. Most US COM are inadequately preparing osteopathic physicians for the challenges they will face in practice addressing the nutritional concerns of their patients. Doctors of osteopathy cannot be expected to properly treat patients or guide the prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome if they are not trained to identify and modify the contributing lifestyle factors.
Metastatic Calcinosis Cutis: A Case in a Child with Acute Pre-B Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Castanedo-Cázares Juan Pablo , Reyes-Herrera Amalia , Hernández-Blanco Diana , Oros-Ovalle Cuauhtémoc , Torres-Álvarez Bertha
Published: August 2015

Hypercalcemia in children with malignancy is an uncommon condition. It has been described in leukemia patients with impaired renal excretion of calcium or osteolytic lesions. Metastatic calcinosis cutis (MCC) may develop if hypercalcemia persists. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl with an atypical dermatosis and unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Considered clinical diagnoses were xanthomas, histiocytosis, molluscum contagiosum, and nongenital warts. Cutaneous histological analysis showed amorphous basophilic deposits in the dermis suggestive of calcium deposits. Laboratory tests confirmed serum hypercalcemia. Extensive investigations such as bone marrow biopsy established the diagnosis of an acute pre-B cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Hypercalcemia in hematopoietic malignancies is unusual, especially as initial manifestation of the disease. Careful review of the literature fails to reveal previous reports of these peculiar cutaneous lesions of MCC in children with leukemia.
Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Ethanol Extract of Leaves ofAdenanthera pavonina
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md. , Khatun Ambia , Imam Mohammad Zafar
Published: August 2015

Adenanthera pavoninais a deciduous tree commonly used in the traditional medicine to treat inflammation and rheumatism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanol extract of leaves ofA. pavonina(EEAP). EEAP was investigated using various nociceptive models induced thermally or chemically in mice including hot plate and tail immersion test, acetic acid-induced writhing, and glutamate- and formalin-induced licking tests at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight (p.o.). In addition, to assess the possible mechanisms, involvement of opioid system was verified using naloxone (2 mg/kg) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway by methylene blue (MB; 20 mg/kg). The results have demonstrated that EEAP produced a significant and dose-dependent increment in the hot plate latency and tail withdrawal time. It also reduced the number of abdominal constrictions and paw lickings induced by acetic acid and glutamate respectively. EEAP inhibited the nociceptive responses in both phases of formalin test. Besides, the reversal effects of naloxone indicated the association of opioid receptors on the exertion of EEAP action centrally. Moreover, the enhancement of writhing inhibitory activity by MB suggests the possible involvement of cGMP pathway in EEAP-mediated antinociception. These results prove the antinociceptive activity of the leaves ofA. pavoninaand support the traditional use of this plant.
An Asynchronous Periodic Sequential Pattern Mining Algorithm with Multiple Minimum Item Supports for Ad Hoc Networking
Authors: Yu Xiangzhan , Zhang Zhaoxin , Yu Haining , Jiang Feng , Ji Wen
Published: August 2015

The original sequential pattern mining model only considers occurrence frequencies of sequential patterns, disregarding their occurrence periodicity. We propose an asynchronous periodic sequential pattern mining model to discover the sequential patterns that not only occur frequently but also appear periodically. For this mining model, we propose a pattern-growth mining algorithm to mine asynchronous periodic sequential patterns with multiple minimum item supports. This algorithm employs a divide-and-conquer strategy to mine asynchronous periodic sequential patterns in a depth-first manner recursively. We describe the process of algorithm realization and demonstrate the efficiency and stability of the algorithm through experimental results.
Robust Spectrum Sensing Demonstration Using a Low-Cost Front-End Receiver
Authors: Borio Daniele , Angiuli Emanuele , Giuliani Raimondo , Baldini Gianmarco
Published: August 2015

Spectrum Sensing (SS) is an important function in Cognitive Radio (CR) to detect primary users. The design of SS algorithms is one of the most challenging tasks in CR and requires innovative hardware and software solutions to enhance detection probability and minimize low false alarm probability. Although several SS algorithms have been developed in the specialized literature, limited work has been done to practically demonstrate the feasibility of this function on platforms with significant computational and hardware constraints. In this paper, SS is demonstrated using a low cost TV tuner as agile front-end for sensing a large portion of the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) spectrum. The problems encountered and the limitations imposed by the front-end are analysed along with the solutions adopted. Finally, the spectrum sensor developed is implemented on an Android device and SS implementation is demonstrated using a smartphone.
Fabrication of Patterned Integrated Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Mujeeb-U-Rahman Muhammad , Adalian Dvin , Scherer Axel
Published: August 2015

Fabrication of integrated electrochemical sensors is an important step towards realizing fully integrated and truly wireless platforms for many local, real-time sensing applications. Micro/nanoscale patterning of small area electrochemical sensor surfaces enhances the sensor performance to overcome the limitations resulting from their small surface area and thus is the key to the successful miniaturization of integrated platforms. We have demonstrated the microfabrication of electrochemical sensors utilizing top-down lithography and etching techniques on silicon and CMOS substrates. This choice of fabrication avoids the need of bottom-up techniques that are not compatible with established methods for fabricating electronics (e.g., CMOS) which form the industrial basis of most integrated microsystems. We present the results of applying microfabricated sensors to various measurement problems, with special attention to their use for continuous DNA and glucose sensing. Our results demonstrate the advantages of using micro- and nanofabrication techniques for the miniaturization and optimization of modern sensing platforms that employ well-established electronic measurement techniques.
Isolated Splenic Vein Thrombosis: 8-Year-Old Boy with Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Hypersplenism
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Ali , Forouzan Arash , Masoumi Kambiz , Mazdaee Behnaz , Bahadoram Mohammad , Kianifar Hamid Reza , Ravari Hassan
Published: August 2015

We present an 8-year-old boy who was referred to our center with the complaint of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed with hypersplenism and progressive esophageal varices. Performing a computerized tomography (CT) scan, we discovered a suspicious finding in the venography phase in favor of thrombosis in the splenic vein. Once complementary examinations were done and due to recurrent bleeding and band ligation failure, the patient underwent splenectomy. And during the one-year follow-up obvious improvement of the esophageal varices was observed in endoscopy.
An Empirical Analysis of Technology Transfer of National R&D Projects in South Korea
Authors: Kim Mi-Sun , Shin Dong-Ho , Kim Jae-Soo , Lee Byeong-Hee
Published: August 2015

This study is aimed at seeking policy implications for the policy makers of South Korean government and finding a direction to support R&D institutions in performing R&D activities more efficiently, by analyzing the factors influencing technology transfer of the national R&D projects. The data retrieved from NTIS (National Science & Technology Information Service) was used in analyzing the results of 575 projects with 1,903 cases of technology transfer, performed by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, between 2002 and 2012. We found that there were significant differences between the government funded institutions and the universities and between basic R&D and applied ones. We also discovered that the government funded institutions did not necessarily take a better position than the universities in terms of the quantity of technology transfer. Lastly, the applied R&D of the universities was very vulnerable in terms of technology transfer.
Prognosis Relevance of Serum Cytokines in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Torres Carolina , Linares Ana , Alejandre Maria José , Palomino-Morales Rogelio J. , Caba Octavio , Prados Jose , Aránega Antonia , Delgado Juan R. , Irigoyen Antonio , Martínez-Galán Joaquina , Ortuño Francisco M. , Rojas Ignacio , Perales Sonia
Published: August 2015

The overall survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is extremely low. Although gemcitabine is the standard used chemotherapy for this disease, clinical outcomes do not reflect significant improvements, not even when combined with adjuvant treatments. There is an urgent need for prognosis markers to be found. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential value of serum cytokines to find a profile that can predict the clinical outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer and to establish a practical prognosis index that significantly predicts patients’ outcomes. We have conducted an extensive analysis of serum prognosis biomarkers using an antibody array comprising 507 human cytokines. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard models were used to analyze prognosis factors. To determine the extent that survival could be predicted based on this index, we used the leave-one-out cross-validation model. The multivariate model showed a better performance and it could represent a novel panel of serum cytokines that correlates to poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. B7-1/CD80, EG-VEGF/PK1, IL-29, NRG1-beta1/HRG1-beta1, and PD-ECGF expressions portend a poor prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer and these cytokines could represent novel therapeutic targets for this disease.
The Impact of Childhood Adversity on the Clinical Features of Schizophrenia
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: August 2015

Introduction. Recent research has drawn attention to the link between childhood maltreatment and schizophrenia. Child abuse and neglect may have an impact on symptoms and physical health in these patients. This association has not been studied to date in India.Materials and Methods. Clinically stable patients with schizophrenia (n=62) were assessed for childhood adversity using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The association of specific forms of adversity with symptomatology and associated variables was examined.Results. Emotional abuse was reported by 56.5% patients and physical abuse by 33.9%; scores for childhood neglect were also high. Persecutory delusions were linked to physical abuse, while anxiety was linked to emotional neglect and depression to emotional abuse and childhood neglect. Physical abuse was linked to elevated systolic blood pressure, while emotional abuse and neglect in women were linked to being overweight.Conclusions. Childhood adversity is common in schizophrenia and appears to be associated with a specific symptom profile. Certain components of the metabolic syndrome also appear to be related to childhood adversity. These results are subject to certain limitations as they are derived from remitted patients, and no control group was used for measures of childhood adversity.
Dilemmas in Endoscopic Management of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Case-Based Discussion
Authors: Rajca Brian P. , Wagh Mihir S.
Published: August 2015

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon neoplasms that historically were regarded as having an indolent course. Due to the widespread use of screening colonoscopy neuroendocrine tumors of the rectum are identified with increasing frequency. More recent literature has suggested that rectal neuroendocrine tumors may progress in a more malignant fashion than previously believed. In this case-based discussion we present management dilemmas, analyze current guidelines, and highlight the role of endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic resection, and surgery.
Applications of Anti/Prooxidant Fullerenes in Nanomedicine along with Fullerenes Influence on the Immune System
Authors: Petrovic Danijela , Seke Mariana , Srdjenovic Branislava , Djordjevic Aleksandar
Published: August 2015

Fullerenes are molecules that, due to their unique structure, have very specific chemical properties which offer them very wide array of applications in nanomedicine. The most prominent are protection from radiation‐induced injury, neuroprotection, drug and gene delivery, anticancer therapy, adjuvant within different treatments, photosensitizing, sonosensitizing, bone reparation, and biosensing. However, it is of crucial importance to be elucidated how fullerenes immunomodulate human system of defense. In addition, the most current research, merging immunology and nanomedicine, results in development of nanovaccines, which may represent the milestone of future treatment of diseases.
Development and Characterization of Biocompatible Fullerene [C60]/Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Nanocomposite
Authors: Chaurasia Alok , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , McLeskey James T. , Hu Xiao
Published: August 2015

We report a supramolecular process for the synthesis of well-defined fullerene (C60)/polymer colloid nanocomposites in an aqueous solution via complex formation. A biocompatible triblock poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-polyethylene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine), P4VP8-b-PEO105-b-P4VP8, was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The block copolymer formed complexes with C60in toluene and resulted in fullerene assembly in cluster form. Nanocomposite dispersion in an aqueous solution could be obtained using an aged solution of the polymer/C60/toluene solution by a solvent evaporation technique. The UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the complex formation of fullerene with the polymer which plays a significant role in controlling the PDI and size of polymer/C60micelles in the toluene solution. The particle size and morphology of P4VP8-b-PEO105-b-P4VP8and P4VP8-b-PEO105-b-P4VP8/C60mixture were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In a cytotoxicity test, both pure polymer and the resulting polymer/C60composite in water showed more than 90% cell viability at 1 mg/mL concentration.
Growth of Semimetals Bismuth and Antimony Films on Reactive Substrate
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wei Xiaoxing , Song Caixia
Published: August 2015

Semimetal Bi and Sb thin films with novel hierarchical structures were synthesized on zinc substrate via a hydrothermal method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of pure semimetals Bi and Sb. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that Bi films constructed with microtube arrays and hierarchical microspheres can be obtained selectively by altering the concentration of Bi3+ ions. The synthesized Sb films were constructed with bowl‐shaped particles. The growth process of these semimetal architectures was briefly discussed.
Real versus Simulated Mobile Phone Exposures in Experimental Studies
Authors: Panagopoulos Dimitris J. , Johansson Olle , Carlo George L.
Published: August 2015

We examined whether exposures to mobile phone radiation in biological/clinical experiments should be performed with real-life Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) emitted by commercially available mobile phone handsets, instead of simulated EMFs emitted by generators or test phones. Real mobile phone emissions are constantly and unpredictably varying and thus are very different from simulated emissions which employ fixed parameters and no variability. This variability is an important parameter that makes real emissions more bioactive. Living organisms seem to have decreased defense against environmental stressors of high variability. While experimental studies employing simulated EMF-emissions present a strong inconsistency among their results with less than 50% of them reporting effects, studies employing real mobile phone exposures demonstrate an almost 100% consistency in showing adverse effects. This consistency is in agreement with studies showing association with brain tumors, symptoms of unwellness, and declines in animal populations. Average dosimetry in studies with real emissions can be reliable with increased number of field measurements, and variation in experimental outcomes due to exposure variability becomes less significant with increased number of experimental replications. We conclude that, in order for experimental findings to reflect reality, it is crucially important that exposures be performed by commercially available mobile phone handsets.
A Review on Land Surface Processes Modelling over Complex Terrain
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Ainong
Published: August 2015

Complex terrain, commonly represented by mountainous region, occupies nearly one-quarter of the Earth’s continental areas. An accurate understanding of water cycle, energy exchange, carbon cycle, and many other biogeophysical or biogeochemical processes in this area has become more and more important for climate change study. Due to the influences from complex topography and rapid variation in elevation, it is usually difficult for field measurements to capture the land-atmosphere interactions well, whereas land surface model (LSM) simulation provides a good alternative. A systematic review is introduced by pointing out the key issues for land surface processes simulation over complex terrain: (1) high spatial heterogeneity for land surface parameters in horizontal direction, (2) big variation of atmospheric forcing data in vertical direction related to elevation change, (3) scale effect on land surface parameterization in LSM, and (4) two-dimensional modelling which considers the gravity influence. Regarding these issues, it is promising for better simulation at this special region by involving higher spatial resolution atmospheric forcing data which can reflect the influences from topographic changes and making necessary improvements on model structure related to topographic factors. In addition, the incorporation of remote sensing techniques will significantly help to reduce uncertainties in model initialization, simulation, and validation.
Electroacupuncture at Bilateral Zusanli Points (ST36) Protects Intestinal Mucosal Immune Barrier in Sepsis
Authors: Zhu Mei-fei , Xing Xi , Lei Shu , Wu Jian-nong , Wang Ling-cong , Huang Li-quan , Jiang Rong-lin
Published: August 2015

Sepsis results in high morbidity and mortality. Immunomodulation strategies could be an adjunctive therapy to treat sepsis. Acupuncture has also been used widely for many years in China to treat sepsis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well-defined. We demonstrated here that EA preconditioning at ST36 obviously ameliorated CLP-induced intestinal injury and high permeability and reduced the mortality of CLP-induced sepsis rats. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment exerted protective effects on intestinal mucosal immune barrier by increasing the concentration of sIgA and the percentage of CD3+,γ/δ, and CD4+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells. Although EA at ST36 treatments immediately after closing the abdomen in the CLP procedure with low-frequency or high-frequency could not reduce the mortality of CLP-induced sepsis in rats, these EA treatments could also significantly improve intestinal injury index in rats with sepsis and obviously protected intestinal mucosal immune barrier. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that EA at ST36 could improve intestinal mucosal immune barrier in sepsis induced by CLP, while the precise mechanism underlying the effects needs to be further elucidated.
Fusing Swarm Intelligence and Self-Assembly for Optimizing Echo State Networks
Authors: Martin Charles E. , Reggia James A.
Published: August 2015

Optimizing a neural network’s topology is a difficult problem for at least two reasons: the topology space is discrete, and the quality of any given topology must be assessed by assigning many different sets of weights to its connections. These two characteristics tend to cause very “rough.” objective functions. Here we demonstrate how self-assembly (SA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) can be integrated to provide a novel and effective means ofconcurrentlyoptimizing a neural network’s weights and topology. Combining SA and PSO addresses two key challenges. First, it creates a more integrated representation of neural network weights and topology so that we have just a single, continuous search domain that permits “smoother” objective functions. Second, it extends the traditional focus of self-assembly, from the growth of predefinedtarget structures, to functional self-assembly, in which growth is driven by optimality criteria defined in terms of the performance of emerging structures on predefinedcomputational problems. Our model incorporates a new way of viewing PSO that involves a population of growing, interacting networks, as opposed to particles. The effectiveness of our method for optimizing echo state network weights and topologies is demonstrated through its performance on a number of challenging benchmark problems.
Pixel Intensity Clustering Algorithm for Multilevel Image Segmentation
Authors: Olugbara Oludayo O. , Adetiba Emmanuel , Oyewole Stanley A.
Published: August 2015

Image segmentation is an important problem that has received significant attention in the literature. Over the last few decades, a lot of algorithms were developed to solve image segmentation problem; prominent amongst these are the thresholding algorithms. However, the computational time complexity of thresholding exponentially increases with increasing number of desired thresholds. A wealth of alternative algorithms, notably those based on particle swarm optimization and evolutionary metaheuristics, were proposed to tackle the intrinsic challenges of thresholding. In codicil, clustering based algorithms were developed as multidimensional extensions of thresholding. While these algorithms have demonstrated successful results for fewer thresholds, their computational costs for a large number of thresholds are still a limiting factor. We propose a new clustering algorithm based on linear partitioning of the pixel intensity set and between-cluster variance criterion function for multilevel image segmentation. The results of testing the proposed algorithm on real images from Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and Benchmark show that the algorithm is comparable with state-of-the-art multilevel segmentation algorithms and consistently produces high quality results. The attractive properties of the algorithm are its simplicity, generalization to a large number of clusters, and computational cost effectiveness.
Smart Wireless Power Transfer Operated by Time-Modulated Arrays via a Two-Step Procedure
Authors: Masotti Diego , Costanzo Alessandra , Rizzoli Vittorio
Published: August 2015

The paper introduces a novel method for agile and precise wireless power transmission operated by a time-modulated array. The unique, almost real-time reconfiguration capability of these arrays is fully exploited by a two-step procedure: first, a two-element time-modulated subarray is used for localization of tagged sensors to be energized; the entire 16-element TMA then provides the power to the detected tags, by exploiting the fundamental and first-sideband harmonic radiation. An investigation on the best array architecture is carried out, showing the importance of the adopted nonlinear/full-wave computer-aided-design platform. Very promising simulated energy transfer performance of the entire nonlinear radiating system is demonstrated.