bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Analyzing Taxi Congestion Premium in Congested Cities
Authors: Yuan Changwei , Wu Dayong , Wei Dali , Liu Hongchao
Published: March 2017

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in many major cities. Getting stuck in traffic, the mileage per unit time that a taxicab travels will decline significantly. Congestion premium (or so-called low-speed fare) has become an increasingly important income source for taxi drivers. However, the impact of congestion premium on the taxicab market is not widely understood yet. In particular, modeling and analyzing of the taxi fare structure with congestion premium are extremely limited. In this paper, we developed a taxi price equilibrium model, in which the adjustment mechanism of congestion premium on optimizing the taxi driver’s income, balancing the supply and demand, and eventually improving the level of service in the whole taxicab market was investigated. In the final part, we provided a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model. The results indicated that the current taxi fare scheme in Beijing is suboptimal, since the gain from the raise of congestion premium cannot compensate for the loss from the demand reduction. Conversely, the optimal fare scheme suggested by our model can effectively reduce the excessive demand and reach the supply-demand equilibrium, while keeping the stability of the driver’s income to the maximum extent.
Rapid Screening of Potential Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors from the Roots of Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn. Using a Combination of Ultrafiltration and LC–MS
Authors: Liu Zichen , Lin Zongtao , Chen Shizhong , Wang Lingjun , Xian Shaoxiang
Published: March 2017

The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) plays an important role in regulating the levels of second messenger molecules cAMP and cGMP. Various PDE inhibitors have been successfully developed into drugs for targeted diseases. In addition, PDE inhibitors can also be found in different foods and natural medicines. In this study, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography–diode‐array detector–electrospray ionization–ion‐trap–time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (ultrafiltration LC–DAD–ESI–IT–TOF–MS) was applied to screen PDE inhibitors from the roots of Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn. As a result, 11 major compounds were identified in I. pubescens roots, with nine compounds as potential PDE inhibitors, among which five were further confirmed to be active against PDEI and PDE5A dose‐dependently in vitro, with ilexsaponin A1 and ilexsaponin B2 being the strongest. HPLC quantification of these bioactive compounds suggested that they are major components in the plant. The results demonstrate that ultrafiltration LC–DAD–ESI–IT–TOF–MS is an efficient method for rapid screening of PDE inhibitors from natural medicines.
Identification and Structural Characterization of Unidentified Impurity in Bisoprolol Film-Coated Tablets
Authors: Mitrevska Ivana , Kikovska-Stojanovska Ema , Petrusevski Gjorgji , Chachorovska Marina , Memed-Sejfulah Suzan , Ugarkovic Sonja
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study is the identification, structural characterization, and qualification of a degradation impurity of bisoprolol labeled as Impurity RRT 0.95. This degradation product is considered as a principal thermal degradation impurity identified in bisoprolol film-coated tablets. The impurity has been observed in the stress thermal degradation study of the drug product. Using HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS method, a tentative structure was assigned and afterwards confirmed by detailed structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the target Impurity RRT 0.95 was elucidated as phosphomonoester of bisoprolol, having relative molecular mass of 406 (positive ionization mode). The structural characterization was followed by qualification of Impurity RRT 0.95 using several different in silico methodologies. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that no new structural alerts have been generated for Impurity RRT 0.95 relative to the parent compound bisoprolol. The current study presents an in-depth analysis of the full characterization and qualification of an unidentified impurity in a drug product with the purpose of properly defining the quality specification of the product.
White Matter Integrity in Genetic High-Risk Individuals and First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients: Similarities and Disassociations
Authors: Zhou Yifang , Liu Jie , Driesen Naomi , Womer Fay , Chen Kaiyuan , Wang Ye , Jiang Xiaowei , Zhou Qian , Bai Chuan , Wang Dahai , Tang Yanqing , Wang Fei
Published: March 2017

White matter (WM) neuroimaging studies have shown varied findings at different stages of schizophrenia (SZ). Understanding these variations may elucidate distinct markers of genetic vulnerability and conversion to psychosis. To examine the similarities and differences in WM connectivity between those at-risk for and in early stages of SZ, a cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging study of 48 individuals diagnosed with first-episode SZ (FE-SZ), 37 nonpsychotic individuals at a high genetic risk of SZ (GHR-SZ), and 67 healthy controls (HC) was conducted. Decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum (CC), anterior cingulum (AC), and uncinate fasciculus (UF) was observed in both the GHR-SZ and FE-SZ groups, while decreased FAs in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the fornix were only seen in the FE-SZ participants. Additionally, both GHR-SZ and FE-SZ showed worse executive performance than HC. The left SLF III FA was significantly positively correlated with hallucinations, and right SLF II was positively correlated with thought disorder. The presence of shared WM deficits in both FE-SZ and GHR-SZ individuals may reflect the genetic liability to SZ, while the disparate FA changes in the FE-SZ group may represent symptom-generating circuitry that mediates perceptual and cognitive disturbances of SZ and ultimately culminates in the onset of psychotic episodes.
StatisticalΛ-Convergence in Probabilistic Normed Spaces
Authors: Aldhaifallah M. , Nisar K. S. , Srivastava H. M. , Mursaleen M.
Published: March 2017

The main objective of the study was to understand the notion of Λ-convergence and to study the notion of probabilistic normed(PN)spaces. The study has also aimed to define the statistical Λ-convergence and statistical Λ-Cauchy in PN-spaces. The concepts of these approaches have been defined by some examples, which have demonstrated the concepts of statistical Λ-convergence and statistical Λ-Cauchy in PN-spaces. Previous studies have also been used to understand similar terminologies and notations for the extraction of outcomes.
Modeling Temperature and Pricing Weather Derivatives Based on Temperature
Authors: Taştan Birhan , Hayfavi Azize
Published: March 2017

This study first proposes a temperature model to calculate the temperature indices upon which temperature-based derivatives are written. The model is designed as a mean-reverting process driven by a Levy process to represent jumps and other features of temperature. Temperature indices are mainly measured as deviations from a base temperature, and, hence, the proposed model includes jumps because they may constitute an important part of this deviation for some locations. The estimated value of a temperature index and its distribution in this model apply an inversion formula to the temperature model. Second, this study develops a pricing process over calculated index values, which returns a customized price for temperature-based derivatives considering that temperature has unique effects on every economic entity. This personalized price is also used to reveal the trading behavior of a hypothesized entity in a temperature-based derivative trade with profit maximization as the objective. Thus, this study presents a new method that does not need to evaluate the risk-aversion behavior of any economic entity.
Bacteraemia in Intensive Care Unit: Clinical, Bacteriological, and Prognostic Prospective Study
Authors: Lachhab Zineb , Frikh Mohammed , Maleb Adil , Kasouati Jalal , Doghmi Nouafal , Ben Lahlou Yassine , Belefquih Bouchra , Lemnouer Abdelhay , Elouennass Mostafa
Published: March 2017

Objectives.We conducted a one-year observational study from December 2012 to November 2013 to describe the epidemiology of bacteraemia in intensive care units (ICU) of Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital of Rabat (Morocco).Methods.The study consisted of monitoring all blood cultures coming from intensive care units and studying the bacteriological profile of positive blood cultures as well as their clinical significance.Results.During this period, a total of 46 episodes of bacteraemia occurred, which corresponds to a rate of 15,4/1000 patients. The rate of nosocomial infections was 97% versus 3% for community infections. The most common source of bacteraemia was the lungs in 33%, but no source was identified in 52% of the episodes. Gram negative organisms were isolated in 83,6% of the cases withAcinetobacter baumanniibeing the most frequent. Antibiotic resistance was very high with 42,5% of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Enterobacteriaceae and 100% of carbapenemase inAcinetobacter baumannii. The antibiotherapy introduced in the first 24 hours was adequate in 72% of the cases.Conclusions.Bloodstream infections in ICU occur most often in patients over 55 years, with hypertension and diabetes. The bacteria involved are mainly Gram negative bacteria multiresistant to antibiotics. Early administration of antibiotics significantly reduces patients mortality.
Multiple Schemes for Mobile Payment Authentication Using QR Code and Visual Cryptography
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Yang Zaorang , Li Lina , Yuan Wenqiang , Li Li , Chang Chin-Chen
Published: March 2017

QR code (quick response code) is used due to its beneficial properties, especially in the mobile payment field. However, there exists an inevitable risk in the transaction process. It is not easily perceived that the attacker tampers with or replaces the QR code that contains merchant’s beneficiary account. Thus, it is of great urgency to conduct authentication of QR code. In this study, we propose a novel mechanism based on visual cryptography scheme (VCS) and aesthetic QR code, which contains three primary schemes for different concealment levels. The main steps of these schemes are as follows. Firstly, one original QR code is split into two shadows using VC multiple rules; secondly, the two shadows are embedded into the same background image, respectively, and the embedded results are fused with the same carrier QR code, respectively, using XOR mechanism of RS and QR code error correction mechanism. Finally, the two aesthetic QR codes can be stacked precisely and the original QR code is restored according to the defined VCS. Experiments corresponding to three proposed schemes are conducted and demonstrate the feasibility and security of the mobile payment authentication, the significant improvement of the concealment for the shadows in QR code, and the diversity of mobile payment authentication.
Incidence and Predictors of Advanced Liver Fibrosis by a Validated Serum Biomarker in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bhat Mamatha , Rollet-Kurhajec Kathleen C. , Bhat Aparna , Farag Amanda , Deschenes Marc , Wong Philip , Ghali Peter , Sebastiani Giada
Published: March 2017

Background and Aims. Serum fibrosis biomarkers have shown good accuracy in the liver transplant (LT) population. We employed a simple serum biomarker to elucidate incidence and predictors of advanced fibrosis after LT over a long follow-up period.Methods. We included 440 consecutive patients who underwent LT between 1991 and 2013. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as FIB-4 > 3.25 beyond 12 months after LT.Results. Over 2030.5 person-years (PY) of follow-up, 189 (43%) developed FIB-4 > 3.25, accounting for an incidence of 9.3/100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1–10.7). Advanced fibrosis was predicted by chronic HCV infection (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.96, 95% CI 2.92–5.36,p< 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.72–3.09;p< 0.001), and hyponatremia (aHR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.01;p= 0.01). LT recipients with more than 1 predictor had a higher incidence of advanced fibrosis, the highest being when all 3 predictors coexisted (log-rank:p< 0.001).Conclusions. Chronic HCV infection, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia predict progression to advanced liver fibrosis following LT. Patients with these risk factors should be serially monitored using noninvasive fibrosis biomarkers and prioritized for interventions.
Optimal Cost‐Effective Maintenance Policy for a Helicopter Gearbox Early Fault Detection under Varying Load
Authors: Li Xin , Cai Jing , Zuo Hongfu , Li Huaiyuan
Published: March 2017

Most of the existing fault detection methods rarely consider the cost‐optimal maintenance policy. A novel multivariate Bayesian control approach is proposed, which enables the implementation of early fault detection for a helicopter gearbox with cost minimization maintenance policy under varying load. A continuous time hidden semi‐Markov model (HSMM) is employed to describe the stochastic relationship between the unobservable states and observable observations of the gear system. Explicit expressions for the remaining useful life prediction are derived using HSMM. Considering the maintenance cost in fault detection, the multivariate Bayesian control scheme based on HSMM is developed; the objective is to minimize the long‐run expected average cost per unit time. An effective computational algorithm in the semi‐Markov decision process (SMDP) framework is designed to obtain the optimal control limit. A comparison with the multivariate Bayesian control chart based on hidden Markov model (HMM) and the traditional age‐based replacement policy is given, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Temporal Changes in Gene Expression Profile during Mature Adipocyte Dedifferentiation
Authors: Côté Julie Anne , Guénard Frédéric , Lessard Julie , Lapointe Marc , Biron Simon , Vohl Marie-Claude , Tchernof André
Published: March 2017

Objective. To characterize changes in gene expression profile during human mature adipocyte dedifferentiation in ceiling culture.Methods. Subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissue samples were obtained from 4 participants paired for age and BMI. Isolated adipocytes were dedifferentiated in ceiling culture. Gene expression analysis at days 0, 4, 7, and 12 of the cultures was performed using Affymetrix Human Gene 2.0 STvi arrays. Hierarchical clustering according to similarity of expression changes was used to identify overrepresented functions.Results. Four clusters gathered genes with similar expression between day 4 to day 7 but decreasing expression from day 7 to day 12. Most of these genes coded for proteins involved in adipocyte functions (LIPE,PLIN1,DGAT2,PNPLA2,ADIPOQ,CEBPA,LPL,FABP4,SCD,INSR, andLEP). Expression of several genes coding for proteins implicated in cellular proliferation and growth or cell cycle increased significantly from day 7 to day 12 (WNT5A,KITLG, andFGF5). Genes coding for extracellular matrix proteins were differentially expressed between days 0, 4, 7, and 12 (COL1A1,COL1A2, andCOL6A3,MMP1, andTGFB1).Conclusion. Dedifferentiation is associated with downregulation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in mature adipocyte functions and upregulation of genes involved in matrix remodeling, cellular development, and cell cycle.
Salivary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme, Psychological Disorders, and Life Quality in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Authors: Cardoso Juliana Andrade , dos Santos Junior André Avelino , Nunes Maria Lucia Tiellet , Figueiredo Maria Antonia Zancanaro de , Cherubini Karen , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves
Published: March 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress, anxiety, and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The impact of this disease on the life quality was also evaluated.Design. Twenty-two patients with RAS and controls, matched by sex and age, were selected. Stress and anxiety were assessed using Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Life quality was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Saliva samples were collected in the morning and afternoon and the SAA activity was analyzed by enzymatic kinetic method.Results. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the SAA activity (p=0.306). Patients with RAS had higher scores of anxiety (p=0.016). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower in patients with RAS. The values obtained through OHIP-14 were significantly higher in these patients (p=0.002).Conclusion. RAS negatively affects the life quality. Patients with the disease have higher levels of anxiety, suggesting its association with the etiopathogenesis of RAS.
On a Rare Cutaneous Metastasis from a Sacrococcygeal Chordoma
Authors: D’Amuri Alessandro , Brunelli Matteo , Floccari Federica , De Caro Francesco , Crisman Giuliana , Sanguedolce Francesca , Filotico Marcello
Published: March 2017

Chordomas are rare malignant tumors of notochordal origin and are rare locally aggressive ones with a metastatic potential. The skin rarely is seen as metastatic site. We describe a case of an adult woman with cutaneous metastasis of a primary sacral chordoma excised ten years before, which appeared as a painless cutaneous mass located in the dorsal region. Once removed, the surgical specimen was formalin fixed and in paraffin embedded. Sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, and histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Histologically, the neoplasia was characterized by cords or single tumor cells with an abundant myxoid stroma, conspicuous pale vacuolated cytoplasm (the classic “physaliphorous cells”), and mild nuclear atypia. Mitotic activity was scanty. At immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein, pan-keratins, EMA, and vimentin. A diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of chordoma was performed. This case illustrates a diagnostic challenge because of the unusual presentation of an already rare tumor.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of [Rh2(OAc)4(L)2] Paddlewheel Complexes: A Joint Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Gonzalez-Belman Oscar F. , Varela Yazmín , Flores-Álamo Marcos , Wrobel Kazimierz , Gutierrez-Granados Silvia , Peralta-Hernández Juan M. , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Serrano Oracio
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of four rhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes bearing axial aromatic amines and coumarin ligands, with formula [Rh2(OAc)4(L)2] (L = NH2Mesityl (1), NH2Dip (2), NH2Couma (3), coumarin (4)), prompted by microwave irradiation, was carried out successfully. All of the complexes were characterized by the melting point, elemental analysis, NMR, IR, and UV/Visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the structure of complexes 1-2 and 4 was corroborated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry, ESI-MS, and tandem MS analyses were carried out in compound 1 for gaining further insight into its stability. Finally, a DFT study shows that complexes 1–4 are the thermodynamic products, having as intermediates complexes 1′–4′ which, under our experimental conditions, cannot be isolated.
Kinetic Study of Atmospheric Pressure Nitrogen Plasma Afterglow Using Quantitative Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Tálský A. , Štec O. , Pazderka M. , Kudrle V.
Published: March 2017

Quantitative electron spin resonance spectroscopy is used to measure nitrogen atom density in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge afterglow. The experiment shows that oxygen injection into early afterglow increases the nitrogen dissociation in certain parts of the afterglow while it is decreased in the rest of the afterglow. Numerical kinetic modelling supports and explains the experimental data while the best fit provides some a priori unknown parameters such as initial concentrations and rate constants.
Adaptive Neural Tracking Control for Discrete-Time Switched Nonlinear Systems with Dead Zone Inputs
Authors: Wang Jidong , Zhu Lengxue , Si Xiaoping
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the adaptive neural controllers of subsystems are proposed for a class of discrete-time switched nonlinear systems with dead zone inputs under arbitrary switching signals. Due to the complicated framework of the discrete-time switched nonlinear systems and the existence of the dead zone, it brings about difficulties for controlling such a class of systems. In addition, the radial basis function neural networks are employed to approximate the unknown terms of each subsystem. Switched update laws are designed while the parameter estimation is invariable until its corresponding subsystem is active. Then, the closed-loop system is stable and all the signals are bounded. Finally, to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, an example is employed.
Immunocytochemistry Improving the Diagnosis ofTrichomonas vaginalisInfections
Authors: Fonseca Thaisa Helena S. , Oliveira Fabrício M. Silva , Alacoque Marina , Rocha Marcella Israel , Leite Henrique Vitor , Santos Joseph F. Guimarães , Busatti Haendel G. N. O. , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Gomes Maria Aparecida
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunocytochemistry (ICC) to diagnose trichomoniasis, particularly asymptomatic infections. By culture serial dilutions, ICC was able to detect 1 trophozoite/mL, while the culture was positive up to 100 trophozoites/mL. The ICC in vivo detection capability was assessed in vaginal secretions of mice experimentally infected and in vaginal swabs from asymptomatic HIV-positive pregnant women compared with culture. All vaginal secretion samples from mice were positive according to both methods. Swabs from fifty-five asymptomatic women were positive in four (7.27%) of them by culture. Beyond these four, another ten (25.45%) women were positive by immunocytochemistry, proving their higher sensitivity (p=0.002), noticing 3.5 times more positives. ICC had better performance in both successive dilutions as in asymptomatic women, showing higher sensitivity and specificity. In this way, its facility of execution and cost-effectiveness support its practicality, as a routine procedure to diagnose trichomoniasis not only when the parasite load is lower but probably in all clinical scenarios.
The Use of Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption in Traumatic Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Pezzi Mario , Renda Silvia , Giglio Anna Maria , Scozzafava Anna Maria , Tiburzi Simona Paola , Casella Patrizia , Iannelli Fabrizio , Verre Mario
Published: March 2017

Severe musculoskeletal injuries induce the release of sarcoplasmic elements such as muscle enzymes, potassium, and myoglobin in the systemic circulation. The circulating myoglobin damages the glomerulus and renal tubules. Conventional haemodialysis is not able to remove myoglobin, due to its high molecular weight (17,8 kilodaltons [kDa]). We treated four traumatic rhabdomyolysis patients with Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption (CPFA) in order to remove myoglobin followed by 14 hours of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH). During the treatment, all patients showed clinical improvement with a decrease in muscular (creatine kinase [CK] and myoglobin) and renal (creatinine and potassium) damage indices. One patient, in spite of full renal recovery, died of cerebral haemorrhage on the 26th day of hospital stay.
Experimental Research on Foamed Mixture Lightweight Soil Mixed with Fly-Ash and Quicklime as Backfill Material behind Abutments of Expressway Bridge
Authors: Liu Xin , Sheng Ke , Li Zhi-long , Gan Liang-qin , Shan Hao , Hong Bao-ning
Published: March 2017

To promote the utilization of fly-ash, based on the orthogonal experiment method, wet density and unconfined compressive strength of Foamed Mixture Lightweight Soil mixed with fly-ash and quicklime (FMLSF) are studied. It is shown that the wet density and unconfined compressive strength of FMLSF increase with the increase of cement content, while decreasing with the increase of foam content. With the mixing content of fly-ash increase, the wet density and unconfined compressive strength of FMLSF increase firstly and then decrease. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests show that ball effect or microaggregate effect of fly-ash improves the wet density and unconfined compressive strength of FMLSF. With the mixing content of quicklime increase, the wet density and unconfined compressive strength of FMLSF increase firstly within a narrow range and then decrease. In addition, the primary and secondary influence order on wet density and 28-day compressive strength of FMLSF are obtained, as well as the optimal mixture combination. Finally, based on two abutments in China, behind which they are filled with FMLSF and Foamed Mixture Lightweight Soil (FMLS), the construction techniques and key points of quality control behind abutment are compared and discussed in detail, and the feasibility of utilization fly-ash as FMLSF is verified by the experimental results.
Interdecadal Changes in the Freeze Depth and Period of Frozen Soil on the Three Rivers Source Region in China from 1960 to 2014
Authors: Luo Siqiong , Fang Xuewei , Lyu Shihua , Jiang Qi , Wang Jingyuan
Published: March 2017

On the basis of observed soil freeze depth data from 14 meteorological stations on the Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) in China during 1960 to 2014, trends in the freeze depth, first date, last date, and duration of frozen soil were analyzed, together with other meteorological variables, such as air temperature, snow depth, and precipitation, observed at the same locations. The results showed the following. (1) A continuous, accelerated decreasing trend in freeze depth appeared in the TRSR during the 1985–2014 and 2000–2014 periods, compared with that during the 1960–2014 period. (2) The freeze first date had been delayed and the freeze last date had been advanced significantly. The advanced trends in freeze last date were more significant than the delayed trends in freeze first date. The freeze duration also experienced an accelerated decrease. (3) The freeze depth and period were strongly affected by air temperature, thawing index, and soil moisture (precipitation), but not by snow. The freeze depth, freeze first date, freeze last date, and duration also influenced each other. (4) These decreasing trends in freeze depth and duration are expected to continue given the increasing trends in air temperature and precipitation in this region.
Laparoscopic Reduction and Closure of an Internal Hernia Secondary to Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Sakamoto Takashi , Kawarai Lefor Alan
Published: March 2017

Internal hernia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction which often requires emergent surgery. In general, the preoperative diagnosis of internal hernia is difficult. The pelvic cavity has various spaces with the potential to result in a hernia, especially in females. In this report, we describe a patient with an internal hernia secondary to previous gynecologic surgery. A 49-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain and a history of previous right oophorectomy for a benign ovarian cyst. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed obstruction with strangulation and emergent laparoscopic exploration was performed. Intraoperatively, there was an incarcerated internal hernia in the pelvis, located in the vesicouterine pouch, which was reduced. The orifice of the hernia was a 2 cm defect caused by adhesions between the uterus and bladder. The defect was closed with a continuous suture. The herniated bowel was viable, and the operation was completed without intestinal resection. She was discharged four days after surgery without complications. Laparoscopy is useful to diagnose bowel obstruction in selected patients and may also be used for definitive therapy. It is important to understand pelvic anatomy and consider an internal hernia of the pelvic cavity in females, in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction, especially those with a history of gynecological surgery.
Combined Implant and Tooth Support: An Up-to-Date Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Al-Omiri Mahmoud K. , Al-Masri Maher , Alhijawi Mohannad M. , Lynch Edward
Published: March 2017

Objectives. This article presents a review on the concerned topics and some considerations related to the concept of splinting teeth and implants in the rehabilitation of partial edentulism.Study Selection. An electronic PubMed/MEDLINE and manual search of identified articles and reviews as well as clinical, laboratory, and finite element studies was performed in this project. Due to the shortage in within-subject, long term, randomized, controlled clinical trials regarding the subject a meta-analysis was not possible.Results. Although surrounded with some controversy, joining teeth and implants during the rehabilitation of partial edentulism provides the clinicians with more treatment options where proprioception and bone volume are maintained and distal cantilevers and free end saddles are eliminated. It makes the treatment less complex, of less cost, and more acceptable for the patient.Conclusions. Whenever suitable and justified, combining implant and tooth support might be recommended as an alternative during rehabilitation of partial edentulism. Based on the literature, clinical tips and suggestions were recommended to increase the success of this treatment.
Engineering of Systematic Elimination of a Targeted Chromosome in Human Cells
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Kato Hiroki , Yamaza Haruyoshi , Masuda Keiji , Nguyen Huong Thi Nguyen , Pham Thanh Thi Mai , Han Xu , Hirofuji Yuta , Nonaka Kazuaki
Published: March 2017

Embryonic trisomy leads to abortion or congenital genetic disorders in humans. The most common autosomal chromosome abnormalities are trisomy of chromosomes 13, 18, and 21. Although alteration of gene dosage is thought to contribute to disorders caused by extra copies of chromosomes, genes associated with specific disease phenotypes remain unclear. To generate a normal cell from a trisomic cell as a means of etiological analysis or candidate therapy for trisomy syndromes, we developed a system to eliminate a targeted chromosome from human cells. Chromosome 21 was targeted by integration of a DNA cassette in HeLa cells that harbored three copies of chromosome 21. The DNA cassette included two inverted loxP sites and a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene. This system causes missegregation of chromosome 21 after expression of Cre recombinase and subsequently enables the selection of cells lacking the chromosome by culturing in a medium that includes ganciclovir (GCV). Cells harboring only two copies of chromosome 21 were efficiently induced by transfection of a Cre expression vector, indicating that this approach is useful for eliminating a targeted chromosome.
Histological Identification ofPropionibacterium acnesin Nonpyogenic Degenerated Intervertebral Discs
Authors: Yuan Ye , Zhou Zezhu , Jiao Yucheng , Li Changwei , Zheng Yuehuan , Lin Yazhou , Xiao Jiaqi , Chen Zhe , Cao Peng
Published: March 2017

Purpose. Low-virulence anaerobic bacteria, especially thePropionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), have been thought to be a new pathogeny for a series of disc diseases. However, until now, there has been no histological evidence to confirm this link. The purpose of this study was to confirm the presence ofP. acnesin nonpyogenic intervertebral discs via histological observation.Method. Degenerated intervertebral discs were harvested from 76 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica but without any symptoms of discitis or spondylodiscitis. The samples were cultured under anaerobic conditions and then examined using 16S rDNA PCR to screen forP. acnes. Samples found to be positive forP. acneswere stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and modified Brown-Brenn staining and observed under a microscope.Results. Here, 16 intervertebral discs were found to be positive forP. acnesvia 16S rDNA PCR and the prevalence was 21.05% (16/76). Among them, 7 samples had visible microbes stained with HE and modified Brown-Brenn staining. Morphological examination showed the bacteria to be Gram-positive and rod-shaped, so they were consideredP. acnes.Conclusion.P. acnesis capable of colonizing some degenerated intervertebral discs without causing discitis, and its presence could be further confirmed by histological evidence. Targeting these bacteria may be a promising therapy method for some disc diseases.
Tongue Necrosis Secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sobrinho Rafael Alex Barbosa de Siqueira , de Lima Karolina Cayres Alvino , Moura Helena Carvalho , Araújo Mônica Modesto , de Assis Christyanne Maria Rodrigues Barreto , Gouveia Pedro Alves da Cruz
Published: March 2017

Giant cell arteritis is a form of vasculitis involving the medium- and large-sized arteries that chiefly affects older people. Clinical findings are headache, jaw claudication, fever, pain, and thickening of the temporal artery. The most feared complication is visual loss due to impairment of the ophthalmic artery and posterior ciliary arteries. This a case report of an 85-year-old male presenting with headache and jaw pain, who was admitted with tongue necrosis as an initial manifestation of giant cell arteritis. The necrotic area detached spontaneously after two weeks of therapy with corticosteroids and methotrexate. Reviewing the literature, our patient presented with clinical symptoms consistent with most reports, except for the fact of being male. Although unusual as an initial manifestation, tongue necrosis is an important alert for diagnosing giant cell arteritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of this atypical manifestation may reduce morbidity.
Measuring Antioxidant Activity in Bioorganic Samples by the Differential Oxygen Uptake Apparatus: Recent Advances
Authors: Amorati Riccardo , Baschieri Andrea , Valgimigli Luca
Published: March 2017

The measure of O2 consumption during the inhibited autoxidation of an easily oxidizable substrate is one of the most reliable and predictive methods to assess antioxidant activity, especially for structure-activity relationship studies, for food and industrial applications. The differential oxygen uptake apparatus described herein represents a powerful and cost-effective way to obtain antioxidant activity from inhibited autoxidation studies. These experiments provide the rate constant and the stoichiometry of the reaction between antioxidants and peroxyl radicals (ROO∙), which are involved in the propagation of radical damage. We show the operation principles and the utility of this instrumentation in the bioorganic laboratory, with regard to the recent advances in this field, ranging from the study of natural antioxidants in biomimetic system, to the use of substrates generating hydroperoxyl radicals, and to the evaluation of novel nanoantioxidants.
A Two‐Stage Queue Model to Optimize Layout of Urban Drainage System considering Extreme Rainstorms
Authors: He Xinhua , Hu Wenfa
Published: March 2017

Extreme rainstorm is a main factor to cause urban floods when urban drainage system cannot discharge stormwater successfully. This paper investigates distribution feature of rainstorms and draining process of urban drainage systems and uses a two‐stage single‐counter queue method M/M/1 → M/D/1 to model urban drainage system. The model emphasizes randomness of extreme rainstorms, fuzziness of draining process, and construction and operation cost of drainage system. Its two objectives are total cost of construction and operation and overall sojourn time of stormwater. An improved genetic algorithm is redesigned to solve this complex nondeterministic problem, which incorporates with stochastic and fuzzy characteristics in whole drainage process. A numerical example in Shanghai illustrates how to implement the model, and comparisons with alternative algorithms show its performance in computational flexibility and efficiency. Discussions on sensitivity of four main parameters, that is, quantity of pump stations, drainage pipe diameter, rainstorm precipitation intensity, and confidence levels, are also presented to provide guidance for designing urban drainage system.
Epidemiology and Molecular Typing of Pregnancy-Associated Listeriosis Cases in Lombardy, Italy, over a 10-Year Period (2005–2014)
Authors: Filipello Virginia , Amato Ettore , Gori Maria , Huedo Pol , Ciceri Giulia , Lomonaco Sara , Pontello Mirella
Published: March 2017

In developed countries, pregnancy-related listeriosis accounts for 20–43% of total invasive listeriosis. This work describes the first pregnancy-related listeriosis survey in Italy based on two data sources, that is, mandatory notification system and regional laboratory-based network. Out of 610 listeriosis cases reported over a 10-year period, 40 were pregnancy-related (6.6%). Among these, 29 pregnancy-related isolates were available and have been analysed with serotyping, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, and Multi-Virulence-Locus Sequence Typing. No maternal fatality was recorded, but 11 (29.7%) pregnancies resulted in a foetal death, a miscarriage, or a birth of a foetus dying immediately after birth. The average incidence of pregnancy-related listeriosis was 4.3 cases per 100000 births, and the proportion of pregnancy-associated listeriosis among ethnic minorities was significantly higher compared to the general population (30.0% versus 3.5%,P<0.01).L. monocytogenesisolates belonged to serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b, with the latter significantly more prevalent among pregnancy-related isolates. Twenty different pulsotypes were distinguished and 16 out of the 29 isolates were classified into seven clusters. A total of 16 virulence types (VTs) were identified. Five VTs accounted for 45% of the total cases and coincided with those of previously described Epidemic Clones (ECs) ofL. monocytogenes.
The Association of a Genetic Variant inSCAF8-CNKSR3with Diabetic Kidney Disease and Diabetic Retinopathy in a Chinese Population
Authors: Jin Li , Wang Tao , Jiang Song , Chen Miao , Zhang Rong , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping , Liu Zhihong
Published: March 2017

Background. Genome-wide association studies found rs955333 located in 6q25.2 was associated with diabetic kidney disease in multiple ethnic populations, including European Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. We aimed to investigate the association between the variant rs955333 inSCAF8-CNKSR3and DKD susceptibility in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients.Methods. The variant rs955333 was genotyped in 1884 Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. Associations of the variant rs955333 with DKD and DR susceptibility and related quantitative traits were evaluated.Results. The variant rs955333 was not associated with DKD in our samples, while subjects with genotype GG were associated with DR (P=0.047, OR = 0.55250.308,0.9911), and it also showed association with microalbuminuria (P=0.024, beta = −0.1812-0.339,-0.024).Conclusion. Our data suggests the variant rs955333 was not associated with DKD but showed association with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients.
Integrating Preventive Maintenance Planning and Production Scheduling under Reentrant Job Shop
Authors: Li Ruiqiu , Ma Huimin
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on a preventive maintenance plan and production scheduling problem under reentrant Job Shop in semiconductor production. Previous researches discussed production scheduling and preventive maintenance plan independently, especially on reentrant Job Shop. Due to reentrancy, reentrant Job Shop scheduling is more complex than the standard Job Shop which belongs to NP‐hard problems. Reentrancy is a typical characteristic of semiconductor production. What is more, the equipment of semiconductor production is very expensive. Equipment failure will affect the normal production plan. It is necessary to maintain it regularly. So, we establish an integrated and optimal mathematical model. In this paper, we use the hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the problem for it is highly nonlinear and discrete. The proposed model is evaluated through some simple simulation experiments and the results show that the model works better than the independent decision‐making model in terms of minimizing maximum completion time.
Stigma towards People Living on HIV/AIDS and Associated Factors among Nurses’ Working in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salih Mohammed Hassen , Tessema Gizachew Assefa , Cherkos Endeshaw Admassu , Ferede Abebaw Jember , Zelalem Anlay Degefaye
Published: March 2017

Introduction. HIV/AIDS-related stigma occurs in the world towards people living with HIV/AIDS in a different form. Stigma among nurses in health care setting is one of the main challenges towards the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. It is one of the main reasons keeping patients from seeking health care service. Therefore assessing the magnitude of stigma and associated factors towards people living on HIV/AIDS among nurses is of paramount importance for the quality of nursing care as well as service utilization. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2013. Pretested and structured questionnaire via self-administration was used in the tool of HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument-Nurse (HASI-N). Data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.3 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the sample characteristics. A backward stepwise logistic regression model was fitted and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated to identify associated factors. Results. A total of 386 nurses participated yielding a response rate of 97.2%. Nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of them have shown stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS in the health institution. Qualification level of diploma or certificate, lack of training, experiences of <06 years, low HIV patient caseload seen in the last six months, and the absence of guidelines/protocols about HIV/AIDS in their health institution were associated factors for stigma. Conclusions. The findings of this research showed high magnitude of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS among nurses. For stigma to be decreased nurses need to update their knowledge through training and experience sharing with senior staff. And it is crucial that the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, and the two hospitals work for decreasing stigma by creating educational development, ensuring accessibility of guidelines about HIV/AIDS, and providing access to training.
Growth and Mechanism of MoS2Nanoflowers with Ultrathin Nanosheets
Authors: Guo Yifei , Fu Xiuli , Peng Zhijian
Published: March 2017

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with few layers, due to their excellent optical and electrical properties, has great potential for applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, flower-like MoS2nanostructures with ultrathin nanosheets (petals) were successfully deposited onto silicon substrates by a facile process based on chemical vapor deposition via using MoO3and S powders as starting materials. Their composition and structure were explored by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The reported nanoflowers vertically and separately stood on the substrates, consisting of several bonded MoS2nanosheets with a thickness of 10–30 nm and high crystallinity. On the basis of these results, a growth mechanism for the MoS2nanoflowers was proposed.
Posttransplant Anemia as a Prognostic Factor of Mortality in Kidney-Transplant Recipients
Authors: Majernikova Maria , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Prihodova Lucia , Jarcuskova Miriam , Roland Robert , Groothoff Johan W. , Dijk Jitse P. van
Published: March 2017

Background.Findings on the association between posttransplant anemia (PTA) and mortality in posttransplant patients are scarce. This study explored whether PTA shortly after kidney transplantation (KT) predicts mortality at up to 10 years’ follow-up, stratified for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages.Methods.PTA was divided into 3 categories according to the hemoglobin (Hb) value: severe (Hb < 10 g/dl), mild (10.0 g/dl ≤ Hb < 11.9 g/dl), or no PTA (Hb ≥ 12 g/dl). CKD stages were estimated using the CKD-EPI formula and divided into 2 groups: CKD1-2 and CKD3–5. Cox regression, stratified according to CKD, was performed to identify whether different categories of PTA predicted mortality in KT recipients.Results.Age, being female, and both mild and severe PTA contributed significantly to the Cox regression model on mortality in CKD1-2. In the Cox regression model for mortality in CKD3–5, age and severe PTA contributed significantly to this model.Conclusion.PTA shortly after KT increased the risk of mortality at up to 10 years’ follow-up. Even mild PTA is associated with a 6-fold higher risk of mortality and severe PTA with a 10-fold higher risk of mortality in CKD1-2. Clinical evaluation and treatment of anemia might reduce the higher risk of mortality in patients with PTA in early stages of CKD after KT.
Correlation of MRI Visual Scales with Neuropsychological Profile in Mild Cognitive Impairment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Vasconcellos Luiz Felipe , Pereira João Santos , Adachi Marcelo , Greca Denise , Cruz Manuela , Malak Ana Lara , Charchat-Fichman Helenice , Spitz Mariana
Published: March 2017

Few studies have evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visual scales in Parkinson’s disease-Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI). We selected 79 PD patients and 92 controls (CO) to perform neurologic and neuropsychological evaluation. Brain MRI was performed to evaluate the following scales: Global Cortical Atrophy (GCA), Fazekas, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA). The analysis revealed that both PD groups (amnestic and nonamnestic) showed worse performance on several tests when compared to CO. Memory, executive function, and attention impairment were more severe in amnestic PD-MCI group. Overall analysis of frequency of MRI visual scales by MCI subtype did not reveal any statistically significant result. Statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between GCA scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), semantic verbal fluency, Stroop test, figure memory test, trail making test (TMT) B, and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The MTA scale correlated with Stroop test and Fazekas scale with figure memory test, digit span, and Stroop test according to the subgroup evaluated. Visual scales by MRI in MCI should be evaluated by cognitive domain and might be more useful in more severely impaired MCI or dementia patients.
Exploiting Query’s Temporal Patterns for Query Autocompletion
Authors: Jiang Danyang , Chen Honghui , Cai Fei
Published: March 2017

Query autocompletion (QAC) is a common interactive feature of web search engines. It aims at assisting users to formulate queries and avoiding spelling mistakes by presenting them with a list of query completions as soon as they start typing in the search box. Existing QAC models mostly rank the query completions by their past popularity collected in the query logs. For some queries, their popularity exhibits relatively stable or periodic behavior while others may experience a sudden rise in their query popularity. Current time‐sensitive QAC models focus on either periodicity or recency and are unable to respond swiftly to such sudden rise, resulting in a less optimal QAC performance. In this paper, we propose a hybrid QAC model that considers two temporal patterns of query’s popularity, that is, periodicity and burst trend. In detail, we first employ the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to identify the periodicity of a query’s popularity, by which we forecast its future popularity. Then the burst trend of query’s popularity is detected and incorporated into the hybrid model with its cyclic behavior. Extensive experiments on a large, real‐world query log dataset infer that modeling the temporal patterns of query popularity in the form of its periodicity and its burst trend can significantly improve the effectiveness of ranking query completions.