bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Crude Oil and PAHs Degradation by Stenotrophomonas rhizophila KX082814 Strain through Response Surface Methodology Using Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Virupakshappa Praveen Kumar Siddalingappa , Krishnaswamy Manjunatha Bukkambudhi , Mishra Gaurav , Mehkri Mohammed Ameenuddin
Published: December 2016

The present paper describes the process optimization study for crude oil degradation which is a continuation of our earlier work on hydrocarbon degradation study of the isolate Stenotrophomonas rhizophila (PM-1) with GenBank accession number KX082814. Response Surface Methodology with Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize the process wherein temperature, pH, salinity, and inoculum size (at three levels) were used as independent variables and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Biological Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand of crude oil and PAHs as dependent variables (response). The statistical analysis, via ANOVA, showed coefficient of determination R2 as 0.7678 with statistically significant P value 0.0163 fitting in second-order quadratic regression model for crude oil removal. The predicted optimum parameters, namely, temperature, pH, salinity, and inoculum size, were found to be 32.5°C, 9, 12.5, and 12.5 mL, respectively. At this optimum condition, the observed and predicted PAHs and crude oil removal were found to be 71.82% and 79.53% in validation experiments, respectively. The % TPH results correlate with GC/MS studies, BOD, COD, and TPC. The validation of numerical optimization was done through GC/MS studies and   % removal of crude oil.
Flight Loads Prediction of High Aspect Ratio Wing Aircraft Using Multibody Dynamics
Authors: Castellani Michele , Cooper Jonathan E. , Lemmens Yves
Published: December 2016

A framework based on multibody dynamics has been developed for the static and dynamic aeroelastic analyses of flexible high aspect ratio wing aircraft subject to structural geometric nonlinearities. Multibody dynamics allows kinematic nonlinearities and nonlinear relationships in the forces definition and is an efficient and promising methodology to model high aspect ratio wings, which are known to be prone to structural nonlinear effects because of the high deflections in flight. The multibody dynamics framework developed employs quasi-steady aerodynamics strip theory and discretizes the wing as a series of rigid bodies interconnected by beam elements, representative of the stiffness distribution, which can undergo arbitrarily large displacements and rotations. The method is applied to a flexible high aspect ratio wing commercial aircraft and both trim and gust response analyses are performed in order to calculate flight loads. These results are then compared to those obtained with the standard linear aeroelastic approach provided by the Finite Element Solver Nastran. Nonlinear effects come into play mainly because of the need of taking into account the large deflections of the wing for flight loads computation and of considering the aerodynamic forces as follower forces.
A Three-Dimensional Porous Conducting Polymer Composite with Ultralow Density and Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensing Properties
Authors: Su Jin-Dong , Jia Xian-Sheng , Li Jin-Tao , Lou Tao , Yan Xu , Sun Jia-Lin , Chen Jun-Hong , Long Yun-Ze
Published: December 2016

An ultralight conducting polyaniline/SiC/polyacrylonitrile (PANI/SiC/PAN) composite was fabricated by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer on the surface of fibers in SiC/PAN aerogel. The SiC/PAN aerogel was obtained by electrospinning, freeze-drying, and heat treatment. The ingredient, morphology, structure, and electrical properties of the aerogel before and after in situ polymerization were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and voltage-current characteristic measurement. The thermostability of PANI/SiC/PAN composite was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical resistance measured at different temperatures. The density of the PANI/SiC/PAN composite was approximately 0.211 g cm−3, the porosity was 76.44%, and the conductivity was 0.013 S m−1. The pressure sensing properties were evaluated at room temperature. The electrical resistance of as-prepared sample decreased gradually with the increase of pressure. Furthermore, the pressure sensing process was reversible and the response time was short (about 1 s). This composite may have application in pressure sensor field.
The Stochastic Resonance Behaviors of a Generalized Harmonic Oscillator Subject to Multiplicative and Periodically Modulated Noises
Authors: Zhong Suchuan , Wei Kun , Zhang Lu , Ma Hong , Luo Maokang
Published: December 2016

The stochastic resonance (SR) characteristics of a generalized Langevin linear system driven by a multiplicative noise and a periodically modulated noise are studied (the two noises are correlated). In this paper, we consider a generalized Langevin equation (GLE) driven by an internal noise with long-memory and long-range dependence, such as fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) and Mittag-Leffler noise (M-Ln). Such a model is appropriate to characterize the chemical and biological solutions as well as to some nanotechnological devices. An exact analytic expression of the output amplitude is obtained. Based on it, some characteristic features of stochastic resonance phenomenon are revealed. On the other hand, by the use of the exact expression, we obtain the phase diagram for the resonant behaviors of the output amplitude versus noise intensity under different values of system parameters. These useful results presented in this paper can give the theoretical basis for practical use and control of the SR phenomenon of this mathematical model in future works.
Attitudes and Behaviours of Health Workers and the Use of HIV/AIDS Health Care Services
Authors: Dapaah Jonathan M.
Published: December 2016

Background. This article discusses how health workers relate to and communicate with clients of VCT and ART treatment. It also looks at how health worker practices in the form of attitudes and behaviours towards clients influence the use of these services. Methods. In-depth interviews, informal conversations, and participant observation were used to collect data from health workers providing VCT and ART and clients who access these services in two Ghanaian hospitals. Results. The study found that health workers providing these services, with the exception of a few, generally showed positive attitudes and behaviours towards clients during clinical encounters. Health workers warmly received clients to the facilities, addressing clients with courtesy, advising clients on a wide range of issues, sometimes supporting clients financially, and comfortably interacting with them. This is contrary to the findings of most studies in the literature that health workers often do not communicate and relate to these patients well. Conclusion. It concludes that dealing with clients well during interactions in the centres and clinics is crucial for reducing the perceived stigma associated with the use of services and increasing use as part of the national effort to reduce the infection rate of the disease in Ghana.
An Unusually Large Irritation Fibroma Associated with Gingiva of Lower Left Posterior Teeth Region
Authors: Lanjekar Ashish , Kulkarni Sunita , Akhade Sonali , Sonule Sonal , Rathod Usha
Published: December 2016

Fibroma is a benign tumor of oral cavity, with usually the tongue, gingiva, and buccal mucosa being the most common sites. Females are twice more likely to develop fibroma than males. The intraoral fibroma typically is well demarcated; and its size can vary from millimeter to few centimeters. Intraorally the growth is attached to the mucosa by means of a peduncle. Fibroma is generally slow growing, painless, smooth surface lesion and the color is slightly paler than the adjacent healthy tissue. Treatment usually requires total excision and recurrence is rare. Here we present a case of 37-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with the chief complaint of a growth in the lower left posterior teeth region 3 months earlier.
How Do Observational Scales Correlate the Ratings of Children’s Behavior during Pediatric Procedural Sedation?
Authors: Moura Larissa da Silva , Costa Paulo Sucasas , Costa Luciane Rezende
Published: December 2016

Background. There is little information regarding the ability of observational scales to properly assess children’s behavior during procedural sedation.Aim. To evaluate the characteristics of the Houpt scales, the Ohio State University Behavioral Rating Scale (OSUBRS) and the Venham Behavior Rating Scale when applied to preschool children undergoing conscious dental sedation.Design. This study included 27 children, 4–6 years old with early childhood caries that participated in a clinical trial (NCT02284204) that investigated two sedative regimes using oral midazolam/ketamine. Dental appointments were video-recorded; five calibrated observers assessed 1,209 minutes of video recording to score the children’s behavior, following the instructions of the investigated scales. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis and Spearman correlation tests (P<0.05).Results. The Houpt overall behavior and the Venham scale were highly correlated (rho = −0.87;P<0.001). OSUBRS scores were better correlated with Houpt overall behavior and Venham ratings, when compared to Houpt scores in the categories for movement and crying.Conclusions. The Houpt overall behavior and the Venham scores are global scales that properly measure children’s behavior during dental sedation. Continuous assessment with OSUBRS through videos has a chance to give more precise data, while the Houpt categories can easily demonstrate children’s behavior during procedures.
Death by Disimpaction: A Bradycardic Arrest Secondary to Rectal Manipulation
Authors: Sampson Christopher S. , Shea Cory M.
Published: December 2016

Rectal examination and fecal disimpaction are common procedures performed in the Emergency Department on a daily basis. Here, we report a rare case of a patient suffering a cardiac arrest and ultimately death likely due to rectal manipulation. A 66-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a complaint of abdominal distention and constipation. A rectal exam was performed. During the examination the patient became apneic. On the cardiac monitor the patient was found to be in pulseless electrical activity with a bradycardic rate. Our recommendation would be to provide adequate analgesia and close patient monitoring of those undergoing this procedure especially patients with significant stool burdens.
Conservation of the Nrf2‐Mediated Gene Regulation of Proteasome Subunits and Glucose Metabolism in Zebrafish
Authors: Nguyen Vu Thanh , Fuse Yuji , Tamaoki Junya , Akiyama Shin-ichi , Muratani Masafumi , Tamaru Yutaka , Kobayashi Makoto
Published: December 2016

The Keap1‐Nrf2 system is an evolutionarily conserved defense mechanism against oxidative and xenobiotic stress. Besides the exogenous stress response, Nrf2 has been found to regulate numerous cellular functions, including protein turnover and glucose metabolism; however, the evolutionary origins of these functions remain unknown. In the present study, we searched for novel target genes associated with the zebrafish Nrf2 to answer this question. A microarray analysis of zebrafish embryos that overexpressed Nrf2 revealed that 115 candidate genes were targets of Nrf2, including genes encoding proteasome subunits and enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. A real‐time quantitative PCR suggested that the expression of 3 proteasome subunits (psma3, psma5, and psmb7) and 2 enzymes involved in glucose metabolism (pgd and fbp1a) were regulated by zebrafish Nrf2. We thus next examined the upregulation of these genes by an Nrf2 activator, diethyl maleate, using Nrf2 mutant zebrafish larvae. The results of real‐time quantitative PCR and whole‐mount in situ hybridization showed that all of these 5 genes were upregulated by diethyl maleate treatment in an Nrf2‐dependent manner, especially in the liver. These findings implied that the Nrf2‐mediated regulation of the proteasome subunits and glucose metabolism is evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates.
Structural Alteration in Dermal Vessels and Collagen Bundles following Exposure of Skin Wound to Zeolite–Bentonite Compound
Authors: Paydar Shahram , Noorafshan Ali , Dalfardi Behnam , Jahanabadi Shahram , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Yahyavi Seyedeh-Saeedeh , Khoshmohabat Hadi
Published: December 2016

Background. This study examines the impact of one-time direct application of haemostatic agent zeolite–bentonite powder to wounded skin on the healing process in rats. Materials and Methods. 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two groups (n=12): (1) the rats whose wounds were washed only with sterile normal saline (NS-treated) and (2) those treated with zeolite–bentonite compound (ZEO-treated). The wound was circular, full-thickness, and 2 cm in diameter. At the end of the 12th day, six animals from each group were randomly selected and terminated. The remaining rats were terminated after 21 days. Just after scarification, skin samples were excised and sent for stereological evaluation. Results. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the length density of the blood vessels and diameter of the large and small vessels on the 12th day after the wound was inflicted. Besides, volume density of both the dermis and collagen bundles was reduced by 25% in the ZEO-treated rats in comparison to the NS-treated animals after 21 days. Conclusions. One-time topical usage of zeolite–bentonite haemostatic powder on an animal skin wound might negatively affect the healing process through vasoconstriction and inhibition of neoangiogenesis.
Cooperative Task Allocation Method of MCAV/UCAV Formation
Authors: Zhong Yun , Yao Peiyang , Sun Yu , Yang Juan
Published: December 2016

Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) cooperative task allocation under Manned Combat Aerial Vehicle’s (MCAV) limited control is one of the important problems in UCAV research field. Hereto, we analyze the key technical and tactical indices influence task allocation problem and build an appropriate model to maximize the objective function values as well as reflecting various constraints. A novel improved multigroup ant colony algorithm (IMGACA) is proposed to solve the model; the algorithm mainly includes random sequence-based UCAV selection strategy, constraint-based candidate task generation strategy, objective function value-based state transition strategy, and crossover operator-based local search strategy. Simulation results show that the built model is reasonable and the proposed algorithm performs well in feasibility, timeliness, and stability.
The Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Perspective of the Epigenetic Landscape
Authors: Araki Yasuto , Mimura Toshihide
Published: December 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is characterized by synovial hyperplasia and progressive joint destruction. The activation of RA synovial fibroblasts (SFs), also called fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), contributes significantly to perpetuation of the disease. Genetic and environmental factors have been reported to be involved in the etiology of RA but are insufficient to explain it. In recent years, accumulating results have shown the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and microRNAs, in the development of RA. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate chromatin state and gene transcription without any change in DNA sequence, resulting in the alteration of phenotypes in several cell types, especially RASFs. Epigenetic changes possibly provide RASFs with an activated phenotype. In this paper, we review the roles of epigenetic mechanisms relevant for the progression of RA.
Incidental Presacral Myelolipoma Resembling the Liposarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tokuyama Naoto , Takeuchi Hisashi , Kuroda Isao , Aoyagi Teiichiro
Published: December 2016

Presacral myelolipomas are rare, benign, asymptomatic tumors composed of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements, but fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. They are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies and are often misdiagnosed as liposarcoma, which have a malignant nature, because the imaging findings of myelolipoma can be similar to those of liposarcoma. It is challenging to distinguish presacral myelolipomas from other presacral fat-containing tumors without performing a histological examination. We should consider the possibility of a malignant tumor, and imaging-guided biopsy carries a risk of tumor spread along the biopsy tract. Therefore, surgical management might sometimes be required; however, it is not necessary in all cases. We present an incidentally detected case of presacral myelolipoma that was difficult to differentiate from other malignant tumors in a 71-year-old male.
Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy: What Do Clinicians Have to Know?
Authors: Vanneste Ben G. L. , Van Limbergen Evert J. , van Lin Emile N. , van Roermund Joep G. H. , Lambin Philippe
Published: December 2016

Radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PC) has steadily evolved over the last decades, with improving biochemical disease-free survival. Recently population based research also revealed an association between overall survival and doses ≥ 75.6 Gray (Gy) in men with intermediate- and high-risk PC. Examples of improved RT techniques are image-guided RT, intensity-modulated RT, volumetric modulated arc therapy, and stereotactic ablative body RT, which could facilitate further dose escalation. Brachytherapy is an internal form of RT that also developed substantially. New devices such as rectum spacers and balloons have been developed to spare rectal structures. Newer techniques like protons and carbon ions have the intrinsic characteristics maximising the dose on the tumour while minimising the effect on the surrounding healthy tissue, but clinical data are needed for confirmation in randomised phase III trials. Furthermore, it provides an overview of an important discussion issue in PC treatment between urologists and radiation oncologists: the comparison between radical prostatectomy and RT. Current literature reveals that all possible treatment modalities have the same cure rate, but a different toxicity pattern. We recommend proposing the possible different treatment modalities with their own advantages and side-effects to the individual patient. Clinicians and patients should make treatment decisions together (shared decision-making) while using patient decision aids.
Postchikungunya Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatism
Authors: Sacco Keith A. , Chirila Razvan M.
Published: December 2016

A 65-year-old male resident of Guatemala presented with a 5-month history of distal symmetric arthritis and generalized fatigue. This was associated with night sweats, chills, and weight loss. Symptoms were refractory to oral prednisone and hydroxychloroquine.
Alternative Interventions to Prevent Oxidative Damage following Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Rodríguez-Lara Simón Quetzalcoatl , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto German , Ramírez-Lizardo Ernesto Javier , Totsuka-Sutto Sylvia Elena , Castillo-Romero Araceli , García-Cobián Teresa Arcelia , García-Benavides Leonel
Published: December 2016

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) lesions are a phenomenon that occurs in multiple pathological states and results in a series of events that end in irreparable damage that severely affects the recovery and health of patients. The principal therapeutic approaches include preconditioning, postconditioning, and remote ischemic preconditioning, which when used separately do not have a great impact on patient mortality or prognosis. Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the damage caused by I/R; however, there are no pharmacological approaches to limit or prevent this. Here, we explain the relationship between I/R and the oxidative stress process and describe some pharmacological options that may target oxidative stress‐states.
Acute Hypoxic Stress Affects Migration Machinery of Tissue O2‐Adapted Adipose Stromal Cells
Authors: Udartseva Olga O. , Lobanova Margarita V. , Andreeva Elena R. , Buravkov Sergey V. , Ogneva Irina V. , Buravkova Ludmila B.
Published: December 2016

The ability of mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) to be mobilised from their local depot towards sites of injury and to participate in tissue repair makes these cells promising candidates for cell therapy. Physiological O2 tension in an MSC niche in vivo is about 4–7%. However, most in vitro studies of MSC functional activity are performed at 20% O2. Therefore, this study focused on the effects of short‐term hypoxic stress (0.1% O2, 24 h) on adipose tissue‐derived MSC motility at tissue‐related O2 level. No significant changes in integrin expression were detected after short‐term hypoxic stress. However, O2 deprivation provoked vimentin disassembly and actin polymerisation and increased cell stiffness. In addition, hypoxic stress induced the downregulation of ACTR3, DSTN, MACF1, MID1, MYPT1, NCK1, ROCK1, TIAM1, and WASF1 expression, the products of which are known to be involved in leading edge formation and cell translocation. These changes were accompanied by the attenuation of targeted and nontargeted migration of MSCs after short‐term hypoxic exposure, as demonstrated in scratch and transwell migration assays. These results indicate that acute hypoxic stress can modulate MSC function in their native milieu, preventing their mobilisation from sites of injury.
Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Vascular Dementia: An Overview of Scientific Evidence
Authors: Chang Dennis , Liu Jianxun , Bilinski Kellie , Xu Li , Steiner Genevieve Z. , Seto Sai W. , Bensoussan Alan
Published: December 2016

Dementia is a leading cause of mental and physical disability. Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD) constituting 10–15% of the dementia population. Currently there are no approved pharmaceutical options for VaD and the conventional anti‐AD therapies provide only modest, short‐term relief of symptoms associated with VaD. Herbal medicines have been used for the management of dementia‐like symptoms for centuries and may provide viable therapies for VaD due to their multicomponent and multitarget approach. This review is designed to provide an updated overview on the current status of herbal medicine research, with an emphasis on Chinese herbal medicine, for the treatment of VaD or dementia. A case study is also provided to demonstrate the development process of a novel standardized complex herbal formulation for VaD. The article reveals some preliminary evidence to support the use of single and complex herbal preparations for VaD and dementia. Multiple issues in relation to clinical and preclinical research have been identified and future research directions are discussed.
Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solutions Using Chitosan Cryogels
Authors: Arcos-Arévalo Anete Jessica , Zavala-Arce Rosa Elvira , Ávila-Pérez Pedro , García-Gaitán Beatriz , García-Rivas José Luis , Jiménez-Núñez María de la Luz
Published: December 2016

In this study, crosslinked chitosan cryogels (QE) and chitosan’s cryogels modified with iron (QEFe) were synthesized. They were characterized by BET, PZC, FTIR, and XPS spectroscopies. Results show a specific surface area of 36.67 and 29.17 m2g−1 and 7.0 and 6.1 of PZC for the cryogels QE and QEFe, respectively. FTIR results show the characteristic bands of amino and hydroxyl groups, while in the XPS analysis, interactions between iron and oxygen with fluorine were observed. The removal of fluoride at temperatures of 303, 313, and 323 K in cryogels was tested. The Ho model is the best fit for the experimental data, suggesting that there is a chemisorption process involved in the removal of fluoride. The Langmuir-Freundlich model is the best to represent the behavior of the cryogels, and it is used to sorbents with heterogeneous surfaces. A maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 280 and 295 mg F−/g for QE and QEFe, respectively, at 303 K was obtained, showing that the removal of fluoride is favored by the iron incorporated in the polymer matrix of the cryogels. The thermodynamic parameters were obtained for both cryogels, where the values of ΔH° and ΔG° indicate that both systems are endothermic and nonspontaneous.
Artifactual Hypoglycaemia in Systemic Sclerosis and Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A Clinical Case Report and Short Review
Authors: Bishay RH , Suryawanshi A.
Published: December 2016

Background. Artifactual hypoglycaemia, defined as a discrepancy between glucometer (capillary) and plasma glucose levels, may lead to overtreatment and costly investigations. It is not infrequently observed in patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon due to vascular capillary distortion, yet this is clinically underappreciated.Case Report. We report a 76-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon, who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and found to have concomitant persistent hypoglycaemia (1.0–2.7mmol/L) on a point-of-care glucometer in the absence hypoglycaemic symptoms. She underwent a 2-week hospital admission, repeated glucose monitoring, hydrocortisone replacement and dextrose infusions, with consequent hyperglycaemia on plasma measurements. Clinically, she did not satisfyWhipple’striad and radiological investigations failed to identify pituitary or pancreatic pathology. A 72-hour fast was negative for hyperinsulinaemia or exogenous insulin use and her sulphonylurea metabolite urinary screen was negative.Discussion. Treatment of low capillary blood glucose is usually met with clinical impetus to treat, even when hypoglycaemic symptoms are lacking. The correct diagnosis may have been achieved had there been an observation of her cold hands, scleroderma facies, and consideration of the likely distorted peripheral microvasculature. Early identification of this presumably rare clinical scenario may have prevented overtreatment, altered methods of monitoring, and avoided unnecessary investigations.
A Novel DBN Feature Fusion Model for Cross-Corpus Speech Emotion Recognition
Authors: Cairong Zou , Xinran Zhang , Cheng Zha , Li Zhao
Published: December 2016

The feature fusion from separate source is the current technical difficulties of cross-corpus speech emotion recognition. The purpose of this paper is to, based on Deep Belief Nets (DBN) in Deep Learning, use the emotional information hiding in speech spectrum diagram (spectrogram) as image features and then implement feature fusion with the traditional emotion features. First, based on the spectrogram analysis by STB/Itti model, the new spectrogram features are extracted from the color, the brightness, and the orientation, respectively; then using two alternative DBN models they fuse the traditional and the spectrogram features, which increase the scale of the feature subset and the characterization ability of emotion. Through the experiment on ABC database and Chinese corpora, the new feature subset compared with traditional speech emotion features, the recognition result on cross-corpus, distinctly advances by 8.8%. The method proposed provides a new idea for feature fusion of emotion recognition.
Shaking Table Tests on Earthquake Response Characterization of a Complex Museum Isolated Structure in High Intensity Area
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Qin Chuan , Liu Yang , He Wenfu , Yang Qiaorong
Published: December 2016

Owing to special functional requirements of museum, such as great space and story height for exhibitions, large floor slab openings in plan and long span truss in elevation are becoming increasingly considered in museum design, which leads to challenges to structural safety. The aseismic performance of an isolated museum structure in high earthquake intensity regions was thus studied because of its complexity and irregularity. In order to observe the seismic characteristics and verify isolation effect, shaking table tests of a 1/30-scale structural model with and without base isolation bearings have been carried out under minor, moderate, and major earthquakes. The experimental results show that isolated structure dynamic characteristics and isolation effect are stable and storey peak acceleration responses of superstructure are less than that of fixed structure. Storey drifts of isolated structure meet required limits stipulated in Chinese design code and torsion responses of the bearings are not remarkable. It is suggested that seismic performances of complex museum structures have been effectively improved with isolation in use.
The Inhibition Effect of Sodium Glutarate towards Carbon Steel Corrosion in Neutral Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Chan-Rosado G. , Pech-Canul M. A.
Published: December 2016

The inhibition effect of sodium glutarate towards corrosion of carbon steel in neutral 0.02 M NaCl solution was investigated with potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance measurements. Results of electrochemical measurements revealed a poor inhibitive action for low concentrations (1 mM and 5 mM) and a significant improvement in efficiency for concentrations of 32 mM or higher. The protective film exhibited excellent stability in the temperature range 22°C–55°C. Full chemical passivation was accomplished and analysis of the impedance spectra for the high concentrations of glutarate was consistent with the inhibition mechanism which assumes that the carboxylates support the passivation of carbon steel in aerated solutions by plugging the defect sites and that the passivation process is enhanced by adsorption of the carboxylates on the oxide-covered surface. Such mechanism was confirmed by the XPS analysis.
Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the Philippines: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopez Anna Lena , Raguindin Peter Francis N. , Silvestre Maria Asuncion , Fabay Xenia Cathrine J. , Vinarao Ariel B. , Manalastas Ricardo
Published: December 2016

Background. As part of regional elimination efforts, rubella-containing vaccines (RCV) have recently been introduced in the Philippines, yet the true burden of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the country is largely unknown.Objective. To provide baseline information on rubella and CRS prior to routine vaccine introduction in the Philippines.Methods. We conducted a systematic literature review on rubella and CRS in the Philippines, including a cross-sectional study conducted in 2002 among 383 pregnant women attending the obstetric outpatient clinic of the Philippine General Hospital to assess rubella susceptibility of women of childbearing age.Results. 15 locally published and unpublished studies were reviewed. Susceptibility to rubella among women of childbearing age was higher in rural communities. Retrospective reviews revealed congenital heart diseases, cataracts, and hearing impairments to be most common presentations in children of CRS. In the cross-sectional study, 59 (15.4%) of the 383 pregnant women enrolled were seronegative for rubella IgG.Conclusion. Similar to other countries introducing RCV, it was only recently that surveillance for rubella has been established. Previous studies show substantial disabilities due to CRS and a substantial proportion of susceptible women who are at risk for having babies affected with CRS. Establishment of CRS surveillance and enhanced awareness on rubella case detection should be prioritized.
Cortical Reorganization in Patients Recovered from Bell’s Palsy: An Orofacial and Finger Movements Task-State fMRI Study
Authors: Lee Jaeyoun , Yang Jun , Li Chuanfu , Yuan Aihong , Wu Hongli , Wang Anqin , Xue Qiuju , Wang Tao , Wang Linying , Gao Ting
Published: December 2016

Objective.To explore cortical reorganization of patients recovered from Bell’s palsy (BP) by task-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during finger and orofacial movements and provide more evidence for acupuncture clinical treatment of BP.Methods.We collected 17 BP patients with complete clinical recovery (BP group) and 20 healthy volunteers (control group) accepted the task-state fMRI scans with lip pursing movements and finger movements, respectively.Results.It was found that there were significant differences of brain functional status between the two groups.Conclusions.The results showed that there was cortical reorganization in the brain of patients recovered from BP after acupuncture treatment, which also suggested the relationship between the hand motor areas and facial motor areas of BP patients.
On Torsion of Functionally Graded Elastic Beams
Authors: Diaco Marina
Published: December 2016

The evaluation of tangential stress fields in linearly elastic orthotropic Saint-Venant beams under torsion is based on the solution of Neumann and Dirichlet boundary value problems for the cross-sectional warping and for Prandtl stress function, respectively. A skillful solution method has been recently proposed by Ecsedi for a class of inhomogeneous beams with shear moduli defined in terms of Prandtl stress function of corresponding homogeneous beams. An alternative reasoning is followed in the present paper for orthotropic functionally graded beams with shear moduli tensors defined in terms of the stress function and of the elasticity of reference inhomogeneous beams. An innovative result of invariance on twist centre is also contributed. Examples of functionally graded elliptic cross sections of orthotropic beams are developed, detecting thus new benchmarks for computational mechanics.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease: A Mini Review
Authors: Manoharan Shanmugam , Guillemin Gilles J. , Abiramasundari Rajagopal Selladurai , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Akbar Mohammed , Akbar Mohammed D.
Published: December 2016

Neurodegenerative diseases affect not only the life quality of aging populations, but also their life spans. All forms of neurodegenerative diseases have a massive impact on the elderly. The major threat of these brain diseases includes progressive loss of memory, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), impairments in the movement, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the inability to walk, talk, and think, Huntington’s disease (HD). Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are highlighted as a central feature of brain degenerative diseases. Oxidative stress, a condition that occurs due to imbalance in oxidant and antioxidant status, has been known to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, PD, and HD. A large number of studies have utilized oxidative stress biomarkers to investigate the severity of these neurodegenerative diseases and medications are available, but these only treat the symptoms. In traditional medicine, a large number of medicinal plants have been used to treat the symptoms of these neurodegenerative diseases. Extensive studies scientifically validated the beneficial effect of natural products against neurodegenerative diseases using suitable animal models. This short review focuses the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AD, PD, and HD and the protective efficacy of natural products against these diseases.
Postoperative Corneal and Surgically Induced Astigmatism following Superior Approach Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery in Patients with Preoperative Against-the-Rule Astigmatism
Authors: Arthur Edmund , Sadik Ahmed Abdul , Kumah David Ben , Osae Eugene Appenteng , Mireku Felix Agyemang , Asiedu Frank Yeboah , Ablordeppey Reynolds Kwame
Published: December 2016

The aim of the study was to report postoperative corneal and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in patients with preoperative against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism who underwent superior approach manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS). 58 eyes of 58 cataract patients with preoperative ATR astigmatism were involved in this study. All patients had operable cataracts and underwent superior approach MSICS. Keratometric (K) readings were taken prior to surgery and at 12 weeks after surgery. Centroid values of SIA, preoperative astigmatism, and postoperative astigmatism were calculated using Cartesian coordinates based analysis. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compute statistical significance between mean preoperative and postoperative corneal astigmatism. Cohen’sdwas used as effect size measure. Centroid values of 1.42 D × 179, 2.48 D × 0, and 1.07 D × 1 were recorded, respectively, for preoperative astigmatism, postoperative astigmatism, and SIA. Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated that mean ± SD postoperative corneal astigmatism (2.80±1.40 D) was statistically significantly greater than preoperative corneal astigmatism (1.49±1.34 D),Z=-6.263,p<0.0001. A high Cohen’sdof 1.32 was found. Our results suggest statistical and clinically significant greater postoperative corneal astigmatism than preoperative corneal astigmatism for ATR astigmatism cataract patients who underwent superior approach MSICS.
Properties of Crushed Red-Bed Soft Rock Mixtures Used in Subgrade
Authors: Yao Huayan , Jia Shanpo , Gan Wenning , Zhang Zhenhua , Lu Kunlin
Published: December 2016

Slaking red-bed soft rocks are widely distributed in the south of Anhui Province, China, and several highways will go through this area. It is important to evaluate their physical and mechanical characteristics for the purpose of using this kind of soft rocks as materials for road construction. In this paper, the compacting tests, the resilient modulus tests, the California bearing ratio (CBR) tests, and permeability tests have been carried out on crushed red-bed soft rock mixtures. The test results showed that, for a given degree of compaction, the resilient modulus decreases linearly with the increase of moisture content. For a given moisture content, the resilient modulus and CBR values increase linearly with the increase of compaction degree, while the soaking swelling, water absorption capacity, and permeability coefficient decrease linearly. In other words, the strength and water stability are enhanced with the increase of the degree of compaction. The results demonstrate that the crushed red-bed soft rock mixtures can be directly used as materials for the highway construction by taking corresponding measures.
New Description of Telocyte Sheaths in the Bovine Uterine Tube: An Immunohistochemical and Scanning Microscopic Study
Authors: Abd-Elhafeez Hanan H. , Soliman Soha A.
Published: December 2016

Telocytes are a special type of interstitial cells characterized by distinctive cellular extensions with alternating thin segments (podomers) and dilations (podoms). Telocytes establish contact with various cells and structures, but their role in the regulation of the function of many cell types is still obscure. The aim of the current study was to investigate the morphology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry of telocytes, and their distribution, organization, and morphometric measurements in different layers of the adult bovine uterine tube. Telocytes showed positive immunostaining for CD117, S-100 protein, vimentin, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin, tubulin, laminin, estrogen receptor-α, and progesterone receptor. They were organized in different types of sheaths: subepithelial, inner/outer perimuscular, and intramuscular sheaths. Telocytes were scattered in the lamina propria, in the muscular layer, and the serosa. According to their size, they were grouped into different types of telocytes: small, large, and giant telocytes. Small telocytes were the most common type and located in all layers; large telocytes were observed in the epithelium, lamina propria, and inner/outer perimuscular and intramuscular sheaths, and giant telocytes were found in the external layer of the outer perimuscular sheath. Telocytes were connected by thin and thick telopodes (fenestrated membranes). Fenestrated membranes enabled connections between telocytes along the entire muscular wall of the uterine tube. Telocytes established an extensive biological network of different types of cells and structures, including epithelial, muscular, and mast cells, blood vessels, glomus, and nerve fibers. We hypothesize that telocytes help to organize the functional coordination between different types of cells in the uterine tube.
The Central Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Jun , Bottiglieri Teodoro , McCullough Peter A.
Published: December 2016

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has emerged as a critical process in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). The concept that ED is closely linked with cardiac and renal dysfunction has become an important target for CRS-related research and clinical practice. Summary: The sequence of events leading to ED is initiated by type I endothelial activation (almost immediately) and type II endothelial activation (over hours, days, and even months), followed by endothelial apoptosis and endothelial necrosis. The fact that ED is a continual cellular event divides this process into reversible ED (endothelial activation) and irreversible ED (endothelial apoptosis and necrosis). This basic research-defined concept may have clinical implications. Although most antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, statins, etc.) are effective in patients with hypertension and diabetes, some of them have proved to be ineffective, which may partly be attributed to irreversible ED. Even though the etiology of ED consists mainly of asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and anti-endothelial cell antibodies, many other inducers of ED have been identified. In addition, a distinct role of ED has been reported for each type of CRS in humans. Key Messages: Further study is warranted to prove whether ED holds promise as a pharmacological target in CRS patients.
Criteria for Determining Malignancy in Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Based on Computed Tomography
Authors: Mönnings Peter , Belyaev Orlin , Uhl Waldemar , Giese Arnd , Tannapfel Andrea , Köster Odo , Meier Juris J.
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Determining the dignity of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) by imaging procedures is challenging. Various CT-based criteria were evaluated. Patients and Methods: Preoperative CT scans from 47 patients with IPMN were analyzed. Predefined criteria of malignancy were compared between patients with benign (bIPMN; n = 28) and malignant (mIPMN; n = 19) tumors, and a summation score was determined. Results: Preoperative carbohydrate-antigen 19-9 levels were higher in patients with mIPMN (p = 0.013). The diameter of the main pancreatic duct was greater in patients with mIPMN (p < 0.0001). More patients with mIPMN showed bile duct obstruction (p = 0.0076), solid tumor components (p = 0.0076), contrast enhancement in cystic walls (p = 0.0086), peripancreatic lymph nodes (p = 0.0076), and abrupt diameter changes of the main pancreatic duct (p = 0.0008). The CT density of the cysts was higher in mIPMN (p = 0.0063). The diagnostic accuracy of the summation score (sensitivity: 0.84, specificity: 0.96) was greater when compared to each individual CT parameter. Conclusions: The prevalence and extent of various CT-based abnormalities are greater in patients with mIPMN, but the wide overlap limits the diagnostic value of each individual parameter. A simple summation score largely enhances the diagnostic accuracy.
Recent Advances in Decellularization and Recellularization for Tissue-Engineered Liver Grafts
Authors: Wang Yujia , Nicolas Clara T. , Chen Harvey S. , Ross Jeffery J. , De Lorenzo Silvana B. , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: December 2016

Liver transplantation from deceased or living human donors remains the only proven option for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, the shortage of donor organs is a significant clinical concern that has led to the pursuit of tissue-engineered liver grafts generated from decellularized liver extracellular matrix and functional cells. Investigative efforts on optimizing both liver decellularization and recellularization protocols have been made in recent decades. In the current review, we briefly summarize these advances, including the generation of high-quality liver extracellular matrix scaffolds, evaluation criteria for quality control, modification of matrix for enhanced properties, and reseeding strategies. These efforts to optimize the methods of decellularization and recellularization lay the groundwork towards generating a transplantable, human-sized liver graft for the treatment of patients with severe liver disease.
Real-World Clinical Practice of Intensified Chemotherapies for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Results from a Pan-European Questionnaire Study
Authors: Le Nha , Vinci Alessio , Schober Marvin , Krug Sebastian , Javed Muhammad A. , Kohlmann Thomas , Sund Malin , Neesse Albrecht , Beyer Georg
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Recently, FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel have been introduced as a novel intensified chemotherapy regimen for patients with metastasized pancreatic cancer. This study aims to analyze the real-world clinical practice with FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel across Europe. Methods: Invitations to participate in an anonymous web-based questionnaire were sent via e-mail to 5,420 doctors in 19 European countries through the network of national gastroenterological, oncological, surgical and pancreatic societies as well as the European Pancreatic Club. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, 14 regarding the use of intensified chemotherapy, 4 regarding demographics of the participants, and 1 to verify the active involvement in the management of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Results: Two hundred and thirteen responses were received and 153 entries were valid for analysis. Of those, 63.4% came from an academic institution, 51% were oncologists, and 52% treated more than 25 cases per year. A majority of responses (71%) were from Italy (40%), Germany (23%), and Spain (8%). As first-line therapy, 11% used gemcitabine +/- erlotinib, 42% used FOLFIRINOX, and 47% used gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel. Of the intensified regimens, both were applied to equal parts, but the likelihood of protocol deviation was higher when using FOLFIRINOX (p < 0.01). FOLFIRINOX was considered more toxic than gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (neutropenia 88 vs. 68%; polyneuropathy 42 vs. 41%; rapid deterioration 42 vs. 31%). FOLFIRINOX was rated to achieve longer survival with an acceptable quality of life (52 vs. 44%). Moreover, 57% of participants thought that gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel should be the backbone for further clinical trials in pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Intensified chemotherapy is widely used in pancreatic cancer patients in Europe following its recent clinical approval. Interestingly, nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX were used at comparable frequency although the latter had to be de-escalated more often.