bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of polycrystalline VO2 thin film with low phase transition temperature fabricated by high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Lin Tiegui , Wang Langping , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yufen
Published: March 2016

VO2 is a unique material that undergoes a reversible phase transformation around 68[Formula: see text]C. Currently, applications of VO2 on smart windows are limited by its high transition temperature. In order to reduce the temperature, VO2 thin film was fabricated on quartz glass substrate by high power impulse magnetron sputtering with a modulated pulsed power. The phase transition temperature has been reduced to as low as 32[Formula: see text]C. In addition, the VO2 film possesses a typical metal–insulator transition. X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction patterns reveal that an obvious lattice distortion has been formed in the as-deposited polycrystalline VO2 thin film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proves that oxygen vacancies have been formed in the as-deposited thin film, which will induce a lattice distortion in the VO2 thin film.
Least common multiple of graphs
Authors: Reji T. , Varughese Jinitha
Published: March 2016

A graph [Formula: see text] without isolated vertices is said to be a least common multiple of two graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a graph of minimum size such that [Formula: see text] is both [Formula: see text] decomposable and [Formula: see text] decomposable. Chartrand et al. proved that every two non-empty graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] without isolated vertices have a least common multiple. Size of a least common multiple of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, least common multiple of some class of graphs are determined.
The World Bank at 75
Authors: Morris Scott , Gleave Madeleine
Published: March 2016

As the World Bank approaches its 75th anniversary, it faces a rapidly changing global environment. Economic growth among developing countries means that, according to our projections, up to 42 current International Development Association (IDA) countries and 36 current International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) countries could be eligible to graduate from their respective lending windows by 2019 under the bank's current rules. Changing dynamics in financial supply, both within and outside of the bank, and demand, e.g., for massive infrastructure investment or global public goods, indicate a need to rethink the bank's core lending model. This paper examines ways in which seeming immoveable forces underlying the World Bank's work might finally be ripe for change in the face of shifting development needs.
Design and Construction of VUES: The Vilnius University Echelle Spectrograph
Authors: Jurgenson Colby , Fischer Debra , McCracken Tyler , Sawyer David , Giguere Matt , Szymkowiak Andrew , Santoro Fernando , Muller Gary
Published: March 2016

In February 2014, the Yale Exoplanet Laboratory was commissioned to design, build, and deliver a high resolution ([Formula: see text]) spectrograph for the 1.65[Formula: see text]m telescope at the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory. The observatory is operated by the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy at Vilnius University. The Vilnius University Echelle Spectrograph (VUES) is a white-pupil design that is fed via an octagonal fiber from the telescope and has an operational bandpass from 400[Formula: see text]nm to 880[Formula: see text]nm. VUES incorporates a novel modular optomechanical design that allows for quick assembly and alignment on commercial optical tables. This approach allowed the spectrograph to be assembled and commissioned at Yale using lab optical tables and then reassembled at the observatory on a different optical table with excellent repeatability. The assembly and alignment process for the spectrograph was reduced to a few days, allowing the spectrograph to be completely disassembled for shipment to Lithuania, and then installed at the observatory during a 10-day period in June of 2015.
High-Power Laser Cutting of Steel Plates: Heat Affected Zone Analysis
Authors: Miraoui Imed , Boujelbene Mohamed , Zaied Mouna
Published: March 2016

The thermal effect of CO2high-power laser cutting on cut surface of steel plates is investigated. The effect of the input laser cutting parameters on the melted zone depth (MZ), the heat affected zone depth (HAZ), and the microhardness beneath the cut surface is analyzed. A mathematical model is developed to relate the output process parameters to the input laser cutting parameters. Three input process parameters such as laser beam diameter, cutting speed, and laser power are investigated. Mathematical models for the melted zone and the heat affected zone depth are developed by using design of experiment approach (DOE). The results indicate that the input laser cutting parameters have major effect on melted zone, heat affected zone, and microhardness beneath cut surface. The MZ depth, the HAZ depth, and the microhardness beneath cut surface increase as laser power increases, but they decrease with increasing cutting speed. Laser beam diameter has a negligible effect on HAZ depth but it has a remarkable effect on MZ depth and HAZ microhardness. The melted zone depth and the heat affected zone depth can be reduced by increasing laser cutting speed and decreasing laser power and laser beam diameter.
Reliability of Foundation Pile Based on Settlement and a Parameter Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Zhong Luo , Xu Zhijun
Published: March 2016

Based on the uncertainty analysis to calculation model of settlement, the formula of reliability index of foundation pile is derived. Based on this formula, the influence of coefficient of variation of the calculated settlement at pile head, coefficient of variation of the permissible limit of the settlement, coefficient of variation of the measured settlement, safety coefficient, and the mean value of calculation model coefficient on reliability is analyzed. The results indicate that(1)high reliability index can be obtained by increasing safety coefficient;(2)reliability index will be reduced with increasing of the mean value of calculation model coefficient and coefficient of variation of the permissible limit of settlement;(3)reliability index will not always monotonically increase or decrease with increasing of coefficient of variation of the calculated settlement and coefficient of variation of calculation model coefficient. To get a high reliability index, coefficient of variation of calculation model coefficient or value range of coefficient of variation of calculation model coefficient should be determined through the derived formula when values of other independent variables are determined.
Combined Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Management of Postcholecystectomy Mirizzi Syndrome from a Remnant Cystic Duct Stone: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Amin Arpit , Zhurov Yuriy , Ibrahim George , Maffei Anthony , Giannone Jonathan , Cerabona Thomas , Kaul Ashutosh
Published: March 2016

Mirizzi syndrome has been defined in the literature as common bile duct obstruction resulting from calculi within Hartmann’s pouch or cystic duct. We present a case of a 78-year-old female, who developed postcholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome from a remnant cystic duct stone. Diagnosis of postcholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome was made on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) performed postoperatively. The patient was treated with a novel strategy by combining advanced endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques in three stages as follows: Stage 1 (initial presentation): endoscopic sphincterotomy with common bile duct stent placement; Stage 2 (6 weeks after Stage 1): laparoscopic ultrasonography to locate the remnant cystic duct calculi followed by laparoscopic retrieval of the calculi and intracorporeal closure of cystic duct stump; Stage 3 (6 weeks after Stage 2): endoscopic removal of common bile duct stent along with performance of completion endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram. In addition, we have performed an extensive review of the various endoscopic and laparoscopic management techniques described in the literature for the treatment of postcholecystectomy syndrome occurring from retained cystic duct stones.
Evaluation of Olfactory and Gustatory Function of HIV Infected Women
Authors: Fasunla Ayotunde James , Daniel Adekunle , Nwankwo Ukamaka , Kuti Kehinde Mobolanle , Nwaorgu Onyekwere George , Akinyinka Olusina Olusegun
Published: March 2016

Background. Compliance with medication requires good sense of smell and taste.Objective. To evaluate the olfactory and gustatory function of HIV infected women in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods. A case control study of women comprising 83 HIV infected women and 79 HIV uninfected women. Subjective self-rating of taste and smell function was by visual analogue scale. Olfactory function was measured via olfactory threshold (OT), olfactory discrimination (OD), olfactory identification (OI), and TDI using “Sniffin’ sticks” kits and taste function (Total Taste Strips (TTS) score) measurement was by taste strips.Results. The mean age of the HIV infected women was 43.67 years ± 10.72 and control was 41.48 years ± 10.99. There was no significant difference in the self-reported assessment of smell (p=0.67) and taste (p=0.84) of HIV infected and uninfected women. Although the mean OT, OD, OI, TDI, and TTS scores of HIV infected and uninfected women were within the normosmic and normogeusic values, the values were significantly higher in the controls (p<0.05). Hyposmia was in 39.7% of subjects and 12.6% of controls while hypogeusia was in 15.7% of subjects and 1.3% of controls.Conclusions. Hyposmia and hypogeusia are commoner among the HIV infected women than the HIV uninfected women and the risk increases with an increased duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
On a Power Transformation of Half-Logistic Distribution
Authors: Krishnarani S. D.
Published: March 2016

A new continuous distribution on the positive real line is constructed from half-logistic distribution, using a transformation and its analytical characteristics are studied. Some characterization results are derived. Classical procedures for the estimation of parameters of the new distribution are discussed and a comparative study is done through numerical examples. Further, different families of continuous distributions on the positive real line are generated using this distribution. Application is discussed with the help of real-life data sets.
Structure and Properties of Nanocrystalline (TiZr)xN1−xThin Films Deposited by DC Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei , Lu Chia-Wei , Yu Ge-Ping , Huang Jia-Hong
Published: March 2016

This study aims to investigate the effects of nitrogen flow rate (0–2.5 sccm) on the structure and properties of TiZrN films. Nanocrystalline TiZrN thin films were deposited on Si (001) substrates by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The major effects of the nitrogen flow rate were on the phase, texture, N/(Ti + Zr) ratio, thickness, hardness, residual stress, and resistivity of the TiZrN films. The nitrogen content played an important role in the phase transition. With increasing nitrogen flow rate, the phase changed from mixed TiZr and TiZrN phases to a single TiZrN phase. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that (111) was the preferred orientation for all TiZrN specimens. The N/(Ti + Zr) ratio of the TiZrN films first increased with increasing nitrogen flow rate and then stabilized when the flow rate further increased. When the nitrogen flow rate increased from 0.4 to 1.0 sccm, the hardness and residual stress of the TiZrN thin film increased, whereas the electrical resistivity decreased. None of the properties of the TiZrN thin films changed with nitrogen flow rate above 1.0 sccm because the films contained a stable single phase (TiZrN). At high nitrogen flow rates (1.0–2.5 sccm), the average hardness and resistivity of the TiZrN thin films were approximately 36 GPa and 36.5 μΩ·cm, respectively.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer from Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Achariyapota Vuthinun , Chuangsuwanich Tuenjai , Benjapibal Mongkol
Published: March 2016

Metastases to the breast from tumors other than breast carcinomas are extremely rare and represent only 0.2–1.3% of all diagnosed malignant breast tumors. Furthermore, while the most common sites for advanced ovarian cancer metastases are the liver, lung, and pleura, metastasis to the breast from a primary ovarian cancer is uncommon and has only been reported in 0.03–0.6% of all breast cancers. Here we describe a case report of a 50-year-old female patient with a rare case of breast metastases from an advanced ovarian cancer, presenting as inflammatory breast cancer. Our observations emphasize the clinical importance of distinguishing between primary and metastatic breast cancer during diagnosis for the purpose of appropriate prognosis and treatment.
Significant Atmospheric Boundary Layer Change Observed above an Agulhas Current Warm Cored Eddy
Authors: Messager C. , Swart S.
Published: March 2016

The air-sea impact of a warm cored eddy ejected from the Agulhas Retroflection region south of Africa was assessed through both ocean and atmospheric profiling measurements during the austral summer. The presence of the eddy causes dramatic atmospheric boundary layer deepening, exceeding what was measured previously over such a feature in the region. This deepening seems mainly due to the turbulent heat flux anomaly above the warm eddy inducing extensive deep and persistent changes in the atmospheric boundary layer thermodynamics. The loss of heat by turbulent processes suggests that this kind of oceanic feature is an important and persistent source of heat for the atmosphere.
Glucotoxicity Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation In Vivo and In Vitro in Psammomys obesus: Involvement of Aqueous Extract of Brassica rapa rapifera
Authors: Berdja Sihem , Smail Leila , Saka Boualem , Neggazi Samia , Haffaf El-mehdi , Benazzoug Yasmina , Kacimi Ghouti , Boudarene Lynda , Aouichat Bouguerra Souhila
Published: March 2016

Context. Brassica rapa is considered as natural source of antioxidants and is used to treat diabetes. Objective. Our study carried the impact of glucotoxicity induced in vivo and in vitro in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in Psammomys and the therapeutic effect of Brassica rapa (AEBr). Materials and Methods. We administered a hyperglucidic diet (30% sucrose) for 9 months and a treatment for 20 days with AEBr at 100 mg/kg. VSMCs were submitted to D‐Glucose (0.6%) for 48 hours and treated with AEBr (2100 μg/mL) for 24 hours. We measured, in blood metabolic parameters, the redox statues and inflammatory markers in adipose tissue. Histological study was effectuated in liver. In VSMCs, we measured markers of glucotoxicity (IRS1p Serine, AKT) inflammation (NO, MCP1, TNFα, and NF‐κB) and oxidative stress (oxidants and antioxydants markers). Cell viability and apoptosis were estimated by the morphological study. Results. AEBr corrects the metabolic parameters and inflammatory and oxidative markers in blood and homogenate tissue and reduces lipid droplets in liver. It induces, in VSMCs, a significant decrease of IRS1p serine, cyt c, NO, MCP1, TNFα, NF‐κB, protein, and lipid oxidation and increases cell viability, AKT, ERK1/2, catalase, and SOD activity. Conclusion. Brassica enhanced the antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant defense leading to the protection of cardiovascular diseases.
An Efficient Two-Objective Hybrid Local Search Algorithm for Solving the Fuel Consumption Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Rao Weizhen , Liu Feng , Wang Shengbin
Published: March 2016

The classical model of vehicle routing problem (VRP) generally minimizes either the total vehicle travelling distance or the total number of dispatched vehicles. Due to the increased importance of environmental sustainability, one variant of VRPs that minimizes the total vehicle fuel consumption has gained much attention. The resulting fuel consumption VRP (FCVRP) becomes increasingly important yet difficult. We present a mixed integer programming model for the FCVRP, and fuel consumption is measured through the degree of road gradient. Complexity analysis of FCVRP is presented through analogy with the capacitated VRP. To tackle the FCVRP’s computational intractability, we propose an efficient two-objective hybrid local search algorithm (TOHLS). TOHLS is based on a hybrid local search algorithm (HLS) that is also used to solve FCVRP. Based on the Golden CVRP benchmarks, 60 FCVRP instances are generated and tested. Finally, the computational results show that the proposed TOHLS significantly outperforms the HLS.
Resilient State Estimation for Control Systems Using Multiple Observers and Median Operation
Authors: Jeon Heegyun , Aum Sungmin , Shim Hyungbo , Eun Yongsoon
Published: March 2016

This paper addresses the problem of state estimation for linear dynamic systems that is resilient against malicious attacks on sensors. By “resiliency” we mean the capability of correctly estimating the state despite external attacks. We propose a state estimation with a bank of observers combined through median operations and show that the proposed method is resilient in the sense that estimated states asymptotically converge to the true state despite attacks on sensors. In addition, the effect of sensor noise and process disturbance is also considered. For bounded sensor noise and process disturbance, the proposed method eliminates the effect of attack and achieves state estimation error within a bound proportional to those of sensor noise and disturbance. While existing methods are computationally heavy because online solution of nonconvex optimization is needed, the proposed approach is computationally efficient by using median operation in the place of the optimization. It should be pointed out that the proposed method requires the system states being observable with every sensor, which is not a necessary condition for the existing methods. From resilient system design point of view, however, this fact may not be critical because sensors can be chosen for resiliency in the design stage. The gained computational efficiency helps real-time implementation in practice.
Anatomical Considerations on Surgical Anatomy of the Carotid Bifurcation
Authors: Michalinos Adamantios , Chatzimarkos Markos , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Safioleas Michail , Troupis Theodore
Published: March 2016

Surgical anatomy of carotid bifurcation is of unique importance for numerous medical specialties. Despite extensive research, many aspects such as precise height of carotid bifurcation, micrometric values of carotid arteries and their branches as their diameter, length, and degree of tortuosity, and variations of proximal external carotid artery branches are undetermined. Furthermore carotid bifurcation is involved in many pathologic processes, atheromatous disease being the commonest. Carotid atheromatous disease is a major predisposing factor for disabling and possibly fatal strokes with geometry of carotid bifurcation playing an important role in its natural history. Consequently detailed knowledge of various anatomic parameters is of paramount importance not only for understanding of the disease but also for design of surgical treatment, especially selection between carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting. Carotid bifurcation paragangliomas constitute unique tumors with diagnostic accuracy, treatment design, and success of operative intervention dependent on precise knowledge of anatomy. Considering those, it becomes clear that selection and application of proper surgical therapy should consider anatomical details. Further research might ameliorate available treatment options or even lead to innovative ones.
Novel Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Complexes with a Fluoropiperazinyl Based Ligand Exhibiting High Cytotoxicity and Anticancer ActivityIn Vitro
Authors: Abu-Safieh Kayed A. , Abu-Surrah Adnan S. , Tabba Hani D. , AlMasri Huda A. , Bawadi Randa M. , Boudjelal Fadila M. , Tahtamouni Lubna H.
Published: March 2016

cis-Dichloro-palladium(II) andcis-dichloro-platinum(II) complexes (2,4) of the general formula [M(N-N)Cl2] (M=Pd(II) and Pt(II), N-N= 1,2-diamino-4-fluoro-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) benzene, (DFMPB)) and the dicationic palladium(II) complex [Pd(N-N)(CH3CN)2](BF4)2(3) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis,1H-NMR-, mass spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effect of these complexes against MDA-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines and K562 human leukemia cell line has been studied. The influence was dose dependent and varies with cell type. The palladium(II) complex (2) showed superior cytotoxic effect compared with the corresponding platinum(II) complex and the standard, cisplatin, when tested against all the above cell lines.
Clinicoepidemiological Study of Different Types of Warts
Authors: Ghadgepatil Shruti S. , Gupta Sanjeev , Sharma Yugal K.
Published: March 2016

Background. Warts are cutaneous and, sometimes, mucosal lesions caused by one of the several human papilloma viruses.Aim. Assessment of the clinicoepidemiological aspects of warts.Materials and Methods. One hundred consecutive patients of warts presenting to the department of our institution were assigned two broad locational groups: genital and nongenital warts, the latter subdivided into common, plane, palmoplantar, mosaic, and digitate/filiform.Results. Ninety had nongenital and 10 had genital warts in our study; common (42%), palmoplantar (20%), and plane (18%) were the common types of the nongenital warts. All the genital warts were acuminate. In the second decade, the commonest age group, encompassed all patients of mosaic, 40% of palmoplantar, and 20% of genital warts. Overall male (66%) preponderance xisted. All cases of filiform warts were males. Mosaic warts affected females more commonly. Students (32%), laborers (28%), and housewives (16%) were the usual occupations. Cosmetic concern (92%), pain (16%), and itching (15%) were the common complaints. All patients of genital warts sought treatment within 6 months.Conclusions. Common, palmoplantar, and plane warts were the common types of nongenital warts. Overall prevalence peaked during the second decade but one-third of the cases of plane warts occurred during the first. Extremities were the most common sites (66.7%); face was the next commonly (23%) involved.
Correlation between Doppler, Manual Morphometry, and Histopathology Based Morphometry of Radial Artery as a Conduit in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Yadava Om Prakash , Sharma Vinod , Prakash Arvind , Ahlawat Vikas , Kundu Anirban , Mohanty Bikram K. , Mishra Rekha , Dinda Amit K.
Published: March 2016

Background. Long-term graft patency is the major factor impacting survival after coronary artery bypass grafting. Arteries are superior in this regard. Radial artery is considered the second best conduit after internal mammary artery. Several studies have shown excellent radial artery patency. We evaluated the morphologic characteristics of radial artery by three modalities, (i) preoperative Doppler ultrasound, (ii) intraoperative manual morphometry, and (iii) postoperative histology-based morphometry, and compared these with the aim of validating Doppler as a noninvasive test of choice for preoperative assessment of radial artery.Methods. This was a prospective study involving 100 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in which radial artery was used. The radial artery was assessed using preoperative Doppler ultrasound studies, intraoperative morphometry, and postoperative histopathology and morphometry. The morphometric measurements included (i) luminal diameter, (ii) intimal and medial thickness, and (iii) intima-media thickness ratio.Results. Using Bland-Altman plots, there was a 95% limit of agreement between the preoperative Doppler measurements and the postoperative histopathology and morphometry.Conclusion. Doppler ultrasound is an accurate screening test for evaluation of radial artery, in terms of intimal/medial thickness and luminal diameter as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting and has been validated by both morphometric and histopathology based studies.
Viscoat Assisted Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Large Macular Holes Associated with High Myopia
Authors: Song Zongming , Li Mei , Liu Junjie , Hu Xuting , Hu Zhixiang , Chen Ding
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To investigate the surgical outcomes of Viscoat® assisted inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique for large macular holes (MHs) associated with high myopia.Design. Prospective, interventional case series.Methods. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with high myopia underwent vitrectomy and Viscoat assisted inverted ILM flap technique to treat MH without RD. Patients were followed up over 6 months. The main outcome measures were MH closure evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs).Result. MH closure was observed in all eyes (100%) following the initial surgery. Type 1 closure was observed in 13 eyes (86.7%); type 2 closure was observed in the remaining 2 eyes (13.3%). Compared to the preoperative baseline, the mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) improved significantly at 3 months and 6 months after surgery (P=0.025, 0.019, resp.). The final BCVA improved in 10 eyes (66.7%), remained unchanged in 3 eyes (20.0%), and worsened in 2 eyes (13.3%).Conclusion. Vitrectomy combined with Viscoat assisted inverted ILM flap technique is an effective treatment for large MHs in highly myopic eyes. It may increase the success rate of the initial surgery and enhance the anatomical and functional outcomes.
Effects of Lutein on Hyperosmoticity-Induced Upregulation of IL-6 in Cultured Corneal Epithelial Cells and Its Relevant Signal Pathways
Authors: Chao Shih-Chun , Nien Chan-Wei , Iacob Codrin , Hu Dan-Ning , Huang Sheng-Chieh , Lin Hung-Yu
Published: March 2016

Dry eye is a common disorder characterized by deficiency of tear. Hyperosmoticity of tear stimulates inflammation and damage of ocular surface tissues and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of dry eye. Cultured human corneal epithelial (CE) cells were used for the study of effects of lutein and hyperosmoticity on the secretion of IL-6 by CE cells. Cell viability of CE cells was not affected by lutein at 1–10 μM as determined by MTT assay. Hyperosmoticity significantly elevated the secretion of IL-6 by CE cells as measured by ELISA analysis. The constitutive secretion of IL-6 was not affected by lutein. Lutein significantly and dose-dependently inhibited hyperosmoticity-induced secretion of IL-6. Phosphorylated- (p)- p38 MAPK, p-JNK levels in cell lysates and NF-κB levels in cell nuclear extracts were increased by being exposed to hyperosmotic medium. JNK, p38, and NF-κB inhibitors decreased hyperosmoticity-induced secretion of IL-6. Lutein significantly inhibited hyperosmoticity-induced elevation of NF-κB, p38, and p-JNK levels. We demonstrated that lutein inhibited hyperosmoticity-induced secretion of IL-6 in CE cells through the deactivation of p38, JNK, and NF-κB pathways. Lutein may be a promising agent to be explored for the treatment of dry eye.
Particle Size-Selective Assessment of Protection of European Standard FFP Respirators and Surgical Masks against Particles-Tested with Human Subjects
Authors: Lee Shu-An , Hwang Dong-Chir , Li He-Yi , Tsai Chieh-Fu , Chen Chun-Wan , Chen Jen-Kun
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the protection of disposable filtering half-facepiece respirators of different grades against particles between 0.093 and 1.61 μm. A personal sampling system was used to particle size-selectively assess the protection of respirators. The results show that about 10.9% of FFP2 respirators and 28.2% of FFP3 respirators demonstrate assigned protection factors (APFs) below 10 and 20, which are the levels assigned for these respirators by the British Standard. On average, the protection factors of FFP respirators were 11.5 to 15.9 times greater than those of surgical masks. The minimum protection factors (PFs) were observed for particles between 0.263 and 0.384 μm. No significant difference in PF results was found among FFP respirator categories and particle size. A strong association between fit factors and protection factors was found. The study indicates that FFP respirators may not achieve the expected protection level and the APFs may need to be revised for these classes of respirators.
Modeling Portfolio Optimization Problem by Probability-Credibility Equilibrium Risk Criterion
Authors: Wang Ye , Chen Yanju , Liu YanKui
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the portfolio selection problem in hybrid uncertain decision systems. Firstly the return rates are characterized by random fuzzy variables. The objective is to maximize the total expected return rate. For a random fuzzy variable, this paper defines a new equilibrium risk value (ERV) with credibility level beta and probability level alpha. As a result, our portfolio problem is built as a new random fuzzy expected value (EV) model subject to ERV constraint, which is referred to as EV-ERV model. Under mild assumptions, the proposed EV-ERV model is a convex programming problem. Furthermore, when the possibility distributions are triangular, trapezoidal, and normal, the EV-ERV model can be transformed into its equivalent deterministic convex programming models, which can be solved by general purpose optimization software. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed equilibrium optimization method, some numerical experiments are conducted. The computational results and comparison study demonstrate that the developed equilibrium optimization method is effective to model portfolio selection optimization problem with twofold uncertain return rates.
The Method of Oilfield Development Risk Forecasting and Early Warning Using Revised Bayesian Network
Authors: Zhong Yihua , Liu Yuxin , Lin Xuxu , Luo Shiming
Published: March 2016

Oilfield development aiming at crude oil production is an extremely complex process, which involves many uncertain risk factors affecting oil output. Thus, risk prediction and early warning about oilfield development may insure operating and managing oilfields efficiently to meet the oil production plan of the country and sustainable development of oilfields. However, scholars and practitioners in the all world are seldom concerned with the risk problem of oilfield block development. The early warning index system of blocks development which includes the monitoring index and planning index was refined and formulated on the basis of researching and analyzing the theory of risk forecasting and early warning as well as the oilfield development. Based on the indexes of warning situation predicted by neural network, the method dividing the interval of warning degrees was presented by “3σ” rule; and a new method about forecasting and early warning of risk was proposed by introducing neural network to Bayesian networks. Case study shows that the results obtained in this paper are right and helpful to the management of oilfield development risk.
Impact of Diabetes on Homocysteine Levels and Its Relationship with Coronary Artery Disease: A Single-Centre Cohort Study
Authors: Schaffer Alon , Verdoia Monica , Barbieri Lucia , Cassetti Ettore , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a risk factor for CAD due to increased thrombogenicity, oxidative stress status and endothelial dysfunction. Few data have been provided on the impact of diabetes on homocysteine and its relationship with the prevalence and extent of CAD in this high-risk subset of patients and therefore, this is the aim of this study. Methods: Our population is represented by a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography at Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, ‘Maggiore della Carità', Novara, Italy from March 2007 to October 2012. Results: Diabetes was observed in a total of 1,125 out of 3,534 patients. Diabetes was associated with more advanced age, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, renal failure, previous myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization (p < 0.001, respectively) and smoking (p = 0.001). Patients with diabetes were more frequently on angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium-antagonists, diuretics, statins (p < 0.001, respectively), and acetylsalicylic acid (p = 0.004). Patients with diabetes displayed higher creatinine and triglycerides (p < 0.001), but lower total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and haemoglobin (p < 0.001). Diabetes was associated with a significantly higher prevalence and extent of CAD and more complex lesions at angiography, including calcified lesion, total occlusions, in-stent restenosis. No significant difference was found in total homocysteine (tHcy) levels between diabetic and non-diabetic patients (p = 0.2). No difference in the percentage of patients with tHcy above the third tertile (≥18.2 nmol/ml) was observed between patients with or without diabetes (32.8 vs. 35%, p = 0.18; adjusted OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73-1.05, p = 0.14). Among patients with diabetes, no significant association was found between tHcy, CAD (82.4 vs. 83.6 vs. 78.6%, p = 0.19) or severe CAD (33.2 vs. 33.1 vs. 36.9%, p = 0.18). Same results were observed after correction for baseline differences (adjusted OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61-1.02, p = 0.11) for CAD and severe CAD (adjusted OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.76-1.13, p = 0.46). Conclusions: In our study, diabetes was not associated with higher tHcy levels. Furthermore, elevated tHcy is not a risk factor for CAD among patients with diabetes.
Systematic Review and Pooled Analyses of Recent Neurointerventional Randomized Controlled Trials: Setting a New Standard of Care for Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment after 20 Years
Authors: Hussain Mohammed , Moussavi Mohammad , Korya Daniel , Mehta Siddhart , Brar Jaskiran , Chahal Harina , Qureshi Ihtesham , Mehta Tapan , Ahmad Javaad , Zaidat Osama O. , Kirmani Jawad F.
Published: March 2016

Background: Recent advances in the treatment of ischemic stroke have focused on revascularization and led to better clinical and functional outcomes. A systematic review and pooled analyses of 6 recent multicentered prospective randomized controlled trials (MPRCT) were performed to compare intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and endovascular therapy (intervention) with IV tPA alone (control) for anterior circulation ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Objectives: Six MPRCTs (MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, EXTEND IA, SWIFT PRIME, REVASCAT and THERAPY) incorporating image-based LVO AIS were selected for assessing the following: (1) prespecified primary clinical outcomes of AIS patients in intervention and control arms: good outcomes were defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days; (2) secondary clinical outcomes were: (a) revascularization rates [favorable outcomes defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (mTICI) score of 2b/3]; (b) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates and mortality; (c) derivation of number needed to harm (NNH), number needed to treat (NNT), and relative percent difference (RPD) between intervention and control groups, and (d) random effects model to determine overall significance (forest and funnel plots). Results: A total of 1,386 patients were included. Good outcomes at 90 days were seen in 46% of patients in the intervention (p < 0.00001) and in 27% of patients in the control groups (p < 0.00002). An mTICI score of 2b/3 was achieved in 70.2% of patients in the intervention arm. The sICH and mortality in the intervention arm compared with the control arm were 4.7 and 14.3% versus 7.9 and 17.8%, respectively. The NNT and NNH in the intervention and control groups were 5.3 and 9.1, respectively. Patients in the intervention arm had a 50.1% (RPD) better chance of achieving a good 90-day outcome as compared to controls. Conclusions: Endovascular therapy combined with IV tPA (in appropriately selected patients) for LVO-related AIS is superior to IV tPA alone. These results support establishing an endovascular therapy in addition to IV tPA as the standard of care for AIS secondary to LVO.
Potential of Casiopeínas® Copper Complexes and Antituberculosis Drug Combination against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Barbosa A.R. , Caleffi-Ferracioli K.R. , Leite C.Q.F. , García-Ramos J.C. , Toledano-Magaña Y. , Ruiz-Azuara L. , Siqueira V.L.D. , Pavan F.R. , Cardoso R.F.
Published: March 2016

New compounds with antituberculosis activity and their combination with classic drugs have been evaluated to determine possible interactions and antagonism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of Casiopeínas® copper-based compounds (CasIIIia, CasIIIEa, and CasIIgly) alone and combined with isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, or ethambutol (EMB) against resistant and susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Seventeen clinical M. tuberculosis isolates (5 multi-drug resistant and 2 resistant to INH and/or EMB) were subjected to determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the resazurin microtiter assay and combination assessment by the resazurin drug combination microtiter assay. The Casiopeínas® alone showed a remarkable effect against resistant isolates with MIC values from 0.78 to 12.50 μg/ml. Furthermore, a synergistic effect mainly with EMB is shown for both resistant and susceptible clinical isolates. Casiopeínas® are promising candidates for future investigation into the development of antituberculosis drugs, being one of the first examples of essential metal-based drugs used in this field.
Functional Interaction between Apolipophorins and Complement Regulate the Mosquito Immune Response to Systemic Infections
Authors: Kamareddine Layla , Nakhleh Johnny , Osta Mike A.
Published: March 2016

The complement-like protein thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) is the hallmark effector molecule against Plasmodium ookinetes in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. We have previously shown that the knockdown of the noncatalytic clip domain serine protease CLIPA2 increased TEP1-mediated killing rendering mosquitoes more resistant to Plasmodium, bacterial and fungal infections. Here, CLIPA2 coimmunoprecipitation from the hemolymph of Beauveria bassiana-infected mosquitoes followed by mass spectrometry and functional genetic analysis led to the identification of the Apolipophorin-II/I gene, encoding the two lipid carrier proteins Apo-I and II, as a novel negative regulator of TEP1-mediated immune response during mosquito systemic infections. Apo-II/I exhibits a similar RNAi phenotype as CLIPA2 in mosquito bioassays characterized by increased resistance to B. bassiana and Escherichia coli infections. We provide evidence that this enhanced resistance to systemic infections is TEP1 dependent. Interestingly, silencing Apo-II/I but not CLIPA2 upregulated the expression of TEP1 following systemic infections with E. coli and B. bassiana in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway-dependent manner. Our results suggest that mosquito Apo-II/I plays an important immune regulatory role during systemic infections and provide novel insight into the functional interplay between lipid metabolism and immune gene regulation.
Mental State Decoding in Adolescent Boys with Major Depressive Disorder versus Sex-Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Mellick William , Sharp Carla
Published: March 2016

Background: Several adult depression studies have investigated mental state decoding, the basis for theory of mind, using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. Findings have been mixed, but a comprehensive study found a greater severity of depression to be associated with poorer mental state decoding. Importantly, there has yet to be a similar study of adolescent depression. Converging evidence suggests that atypical mental state decoding may have particularly profound effects for psychosocial functioning among depressed adolescent boys. Sampling and Methods: Adolescent boys with major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 33) and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs, n = 84) completed structured clinical interviews, self-report measures of psychopathology and the Child Eyes Test (CET). Results: The MDD group performed significantly better than HCs on the CET overall (p = 0.002), underscored by greater accuracy for negatively valenced items (p = 0.003). Group differences on items depicting positive (p = 0.129) and neutral mental states (p = 0.081) were nonsignificant. Conclusions: Enhanced mental state decoding among depressed adolescent boys may play a role in the maintenance of and vulnerability to adolescent depression. Findings and implications are discussed. Limitations of this study include a reliance on self-report data for HC boys, as well as a lack of ‘pure' depression among the boys with MDD.
Development and Pilot Testing of 24/7 In-Ambulance Telemedicine for Acute Stroke: Prehospital Stroke Study at the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Project
Authors: Valenzuela Espinoza Alexis , Van Hooff Robbert-Jan , De Smedt Ann , Moens Maarten , Yperzeele Laetitia , Nieboer Koenraad , Hubloue Ives , de Keyser Jacques , Convents Andre , Fernandez Tellez Helio , Dupont Alain , Putman Koen , Brouns Raf ,   for the PreSSUB-Consortium
Published: March 2016

Background: In-ambulance telemedicine is a recently developed and a promising approach to improve emergency care. We implemented the first ever 24/7 in-ambulance telemedicine service for acute stroke. We report on our experiences with the development and pilot testing of the Prehospital Stroke Study at the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (PreSSUB) to facilitate a wider spread of the knowledge regarding this technique. Methods: Successful execution of the project involved the development and validation of a novel stroke scale, design and creation of specific hardware and software solutions, execution of field tests for mobile internet connectivity, design of new care processes and information flows, recurrent training of all professional caregivers involved in acute stroke management, extensive testing on healthy volunteers, organisation of a 24/7 teleconsultation service by trained stroke experts and 24/7 technical support, and resolution of several legal issues. Results: In all, it took 41 months of research and development to confirm the safety, technical feasibility, reliability, and user acceptance of the PreSSUB approach. Stroke-specific key information can be collected safely and reliably before and during ambulance transportation and can adequately be communicated with the inhospital team awaiting the patient. Conclusion: This paper portrays the key steps required and the lessons learned for successful implementation of a 24/7 expert telemedicine service supporting patients with acute stroke during ambulance transportation to the hospital.
Multi-Contrast High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Findings of Spontaneous and Unruptured Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis According to Stages
Authors: Park Kye Jin , Jung Seung Chai , Kim Ho Sung , Choi Choong-Gon , Kim Sang Joon , Lee Deok Hee , Suh Dae Chul , Kwon Sun U. , Kang Dong-Wha , Kim Jong S.
Published: March 2016

Background: Although high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) has been used as a strong imaging method for diagnosing intracranial vertebral artery dissection (IVAD), the diagnosis is sometimes challenging because a dissection has geometric changes in the natural course. The radiologic features may change or disappear over time, which makes the diagnosis confusing. Our study was to present radiological findings according to the stages in spontaneous and unruptured, IVAD on 3T HR-MRI and to guide the age estimation of IVAD with the distinguishing findings according to the stages. Methods: From January 2011 to July 2014, the 41 vertebral arteries (M:F = 18:12; age range 32-67 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Spontaneous, unruptured IVAD was diagnosed if it had a clear onset based on clinical and radiological findings. The stages were classified as acute (0-3 days), early subacute (3-10 days), late subacute (10-60 days) and chronic stage (>60 days; recovery and non-recovery groups) according to the time intervals from symptom onset, based on the prior published studies. HR-MR findings were assessed and compared in the intimal flap, double lumen, aneurysmal dilatation (maximal outer diameter, maximal wall thickness, wall thickness index and remodeling index), intramural hematoma (relative signal intensity) and vessel wall enhancement according to the stages with qualitative and quantitative methods. Two radiologists analyzed the HR-MR findings with consensus reading. Results: IVAD was classified into acute (n = 6), early subacute (n = 8), late subacute (n = 16) and chronic (n = 11) stages. HR-MR dissection findings such as intimal flap, double lumen, aneurysmal dilatation and intramural hematoma significantly decreased from the earlier stages to the chronic stage (p < 0.05). The quantitative indices in aneurysmal dilatation and the relative signal intensity of intramural hematoma showed significant higher values in the earlier stages followed by a significant decrease in the chronic stage recovery group (p < 0.05). The degree of vessel wall enhancement was higher in the earlier stage and decreased in the chronic stage (p < 0.05), but mild vessel wall enhancement was identified 900 days after symptom onset. Conclusion: The 3T HR-MRI reveals the vessel wall characteristics and provides distinguishing findings between earlier stages and the chronic stage in spontaneous and unruptured IVAD. Characterization of these radiological findings according to stages may assist with the age estimation of the dissection and may help to understand IVAD as a whole.
Eurocentrismo, História e História da África
Authors: Barbosa Muryatan Santana
Published: March 2016

Formada em um viés eurocêntrico, a História, enquanto disciplina acadêmica passou por diversas adaptações e transformações, visando se construir como uma área do saber universalista e científica. Apesar de ainda estar longe deste objetivo, é perceptível que ela registrou avanços nesta direção, sobretudo, na segunda metade do século XX. Aqui, destacar-se-á, resumidamente, como os historiadores da África vêm colaborando com tal empreendimento, na busca de um olhar renovado sobre o continente e seus povos.
As Concepções Etnocêntricas do Genocídio de Ruanda: a Negação do Sujeito Histórico Ruandês
Authors: Fonseca Danilo Ferreira da
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo busca entender como são desenvolvidas as diferentes análises acerca do genocídio ruandês de 1994 e também seu caráter etnocêntrico, o que acaba por marginalizar o sujeito histórico africano de sua própria história. A partir das principais estruturas explicativas do genocídio, busca-se entender, ponto-a-ponto, como o entendimento acerca do genocídio de Ruanda possui uma ampla influência de uma visão etnocêntrica.
Hypolita: tensões e solidariedades nas negociações da liberdade
Authors: Pedroza Antônia Márcia Nogueira , Macêdo Muirakytan K. de
Published: March 2016

Propomo-nos, neste artigo analisar alguns indícios da história de Hypolita Maria das Dores, mulata que nasceu livre e foi escravizada, no Crato (Ceará) e no Exu (Pernambuco), lugares em que viveu, no século XIX. O principal objetivo deste trabalho consiste em compreender como se estabelecem as solidariedades e tensões em um processo de ação de liberdade em espaços diferenciados. Numa abordagem que se insere no campo da história social das mulheres, Hypolita é tomada como sujeito de sua história, que luta pela sua liberdade e pela liberdade de seus filhos. Nossa estratégia de trabalho, a indiciária, está fundamentada na micro-história italiana. O corpus documental que permite tal verticalização investigativa é formada por textos do jornal O Araripe, inventários post-mortem e livros paroquiais de casamentos.