bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential DNA Methylation of MicroRNA Genes in Temporal Cortex from Alzheimer’s Disease Individuals
Authors: Villela Darine , Ramalho Rodrigo F. , Silva Aderbal R. T. , Brentani Helena , Suemoto Claudia K. , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto , Grinberg Lea T. , Krepischi Ana C. V. , Rosenberg Carla
Published: April 2016

This study investigated for the first time the genomewide DNA methylation changes of noncoding RNA genes in the temporal cortex samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The methylome of 10 AD individuals and 10 age-matched controls were obtained using Illumina 450 K methylation array. A total of 2,095 among the 15,258 interrogated noncoding RNA CpG sites presented differential methylation, 161 of which were associated with miRNA genes. In particular, 10 miRNA CpG sites that were found to be hypermethylated in AD compared to control brains represent transcripts that have been previously associated with the disease. This miRNA set is predicted to target 33 coding genes from the neuregulin receptor complex (ErbB) signaling pathway, which is required for the neurons myelination process. For 6 of these miRNA genes (MIR9-1,MIR9-3,MIR181C,MIR124-1,MIR146B, andMIR451), the hypermethylation pattern is in agreement with previous results from literature that shows downregulation of miR-9, miR-181c, miR-124, miR-146b, and miR-451 in the AD brain. Our data implicate dysregulation of miRNA methylation as contributor to the pathogenesis of AD.
Emerging Comorbidities in Adult Asthma: Risks, Clinical Associations, and Mechanisms
Authors: Kankaanranta Hannu , Kauppi Paula , Tuomisto Leena E. , Ilmarinen Pinja
Published: April 2016

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with many phenotypes, and age at disease onset is an important factor in separating the phenotypes. Most studies with asthma have been performed in patients being otherwise healthy. However, in real life, comorbid diseases are very common in adult patients. We review here the emerging comorbid conditions to asthma such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), and cardiac and psychiatric diseases. Their role as risk factors for incident asthma and whether they affect clinical asthma are evaluated. Obesity, independently or as a part of metabolic syndrome, DM2, and depression are risk factors for incident asthma. In contrast, the effects of comorbidities on clinical asthma are less well-known and mostly studies are lacking. Cross-sectional studies in obese asthmatics suggest that they may have less well controlled asthma and worse lung function. However, no long-term clinical follow-up studies with these comorbidities and asthma were identified. These emerging comorbidities often occur in the same multimorbid adult patient and may have in common metabolic pathways and inflammatory or other alterations such as early life exposures, systemic inflammation, inflammasome, adipokines, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, lung mechanics, mitochondrial dysfunction, disturbed nitric oxide metabolism, and leukotrienes.
Spectrum and Sensitivity of Bacterial Keratitis Isolates in Auckland
Authors: Marasini S. , Swift S. , Dean S. J. , Ormonde S. E. , Craig J. P.
Published: April 2016

Background.The bacteria isolated from severe cases of keratitis and their antibiotic sensitivity are recognised to vary geographically and over time.Objectives.To identify the most commonly isolated bacteria in keratitis cases admitted over a 24-month period to a public hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, and to investigatein vitrosensitivity to antibiotics.Methods.Hospital admissions for culture-proven bacterial keratitis between January 2013 and December 2014 were identified. Laboratory records of 89 culture positive cases were retrospectively reviewed and antibiotic sensitivity patterns compared with previous studies from other NZ centres.Results.From 126 positive cultures, 35 species were identified.Staphylococcuswas identified to be the most common isolate (38.2%), followed byPseudomonas(21.3%). Over the last decade, infection due toPseudomonasspecies, in the same setting, has increased (p≤0.05). Aminoglycosides, cefazolin, ceftazidime, erythromycin, tetracycline, and doxycycline were 100% effective against tested isolatesin vitro. Amoxicillin (41.6%), cefuroxime (33.3%), and chloramphenicol (94.7%) showed reduced efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria, whereas penicillin (51%) and ciprofloxacin (98.8%) showed reduced efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.Conclusions.Despite a shift in the spectrum of bacterial keratitis isolates, antibiotic sensitivity patterns have generally remained stable and show comparability to results within the last decade from NZ centres.
Conditional Random Fields for Image Labeling
Authors: Liu Tong , Huang Xiutian , Ma Jianshe
Published: April 2016

With the rapid development and application of CRFs (Conditional Random Fields) in computer vision, many researchers have made some outstanding progress in this domain because CRFs solve the classical version of the label bias problem with respect to MEMMs (maximum entropy Markov models) and HMMs (hidden Markov models). This paper reviews the research development and status of object recognition with CRFs and especially introduces two main discrete optimization methods for image labeling with CRFs: graph cut and mean field approximation. This paper describes graph cut briefly while it introduces mean field approximation more detailedly which has a substantial speed of inference and is researched popularly in recent years.
Analytical and Numerical Study on Magnetoconvection Stagnation-Point Flow in a Porous Medium with Chemical Reaction, Radiation, and Slip Effects
Authors: Niranjan H. , Sivasankaran S. , Bhuvaneswari M.
Published: April 2016

We investigate the effects of slip and radiation on magnetoconvection flow of a chemically reacting fluid near a stagnation-point towards a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium analytically and numerically. The governing partial differential equations are diminished into the coupled ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations. Then they are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method and solved numerically by shooting method with RK fourth-order method. In this study, the analytical and numerical results are compared for many combinations of parameters. The rates of heat and mass transfer are calculated. The velocity profile near the plate overshoots on increasing the slip parameter. The concentration and temperature are decreasing on increasing the slip parameter.
Infrapatellar Fat Pad: An Alternative Source of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Tangchitphisut P. , Srikaew N. , Numhom S. , Tangprasittipap A. , Woratanarat P. , Wongsak S. , Kijkunasathian C. , Hongeng S. , Murray I. R. , Tawonsawatruk T.
Published: April 2016

Introduction. The Infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) represents an emerging alternative source of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). We compared the characteristics and differentiation capacity of ASCs isolated from IPFP and SC. Materials and Methods. ASCs were harvested from either IPFP or SC. IPFPs were collected from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whereas subcutaneous tissues were collected from patients undergoing lipoaspiration. Immunophenotypes of surface antigens were evaluated. Their ability to form colony-forming units (CFUs) and their differentiation potential were determined. The ASCs karyotype was evaluated. Results. There was no difference in the number of CFUs and size of CFUs between IPFP and SC sources. ASCs isolated from both sources had a normal karyotype. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) markers on flow cytometry was equivalent. IPFP-ASCs demonstrated significantly higher expression of SOX-9 and RUNX-2 over ASCs isolated from SC (6.19 ± 5.56-, 0.47 ± 0.62-fold; p value = 0.047, and 17.33 ± 10.80-, 1.56 ± 1.31-fold; p value = 0.030, resp.). Discussion and Conclusion. CFU assay of IPFP-ASCs and SC-ASCs harvested by lipoaspiration technique was equivalent. The expression of key chondrogenic and osteogenic genes was increased in cells isolated from IPFP. IPFP should be considered a high quality alternative source of ASCs.
The Clinical Clues of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A Report of 11 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Mo Qiongya , Wang Bingbin , Dong Nian , Bao Lianmin , Su Xiaoqiong , Li Yuping , Chen Chengshui
Published: April 2016

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare interstitial lung disease characterized by the abnormal alveolar accumulation of surfactant components. The diagnosis of PAP can be easily missed since it is rare and lacks specific clinical symptoms. It is of great importance to have a better understanding of the crucial clue to clinically diagnose PAP and take PAP into consideration in the differential diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary diseases or other diseases with similar manifestations. Here, we analyze the clinical characteristics of 11 cases of PAP patients in local hospital and review the relevant literature in order to provide more information in diagnosis and management of PAP. In our observation, cyfra21-1 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) known as tumor markers probably can be useful serum markers for diagnosis of PAP. As for the method of pathologic diagnosis, open-lung biopsy was the gold standard but now it is less required because findings on examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) can help to make the diagnosis. We also have deep experience about when and how to carry out lung lavage.
Isolation of Left Common Carotid Artery with Its Origin Proximal to Patent Ductus Arteriosus Presenting in Adult Age
Authors: Joshi Anagha R. , Joshi Saurabh , Kale Kiran , Jain Rahul , Bava Jernail Singh
Published: April 2016

Anomalies of aortic arch are a common occurrence. Such anomalies of right sided aortic arch with its various branching patterns are of clinical importance. Rarer anomalies include isolation (deficient connection) of either left subclavian artery or left common carotid artery; that is, they do not have their origin from aorta or its major branches. We present a case of an 18-year-old male who presented with gradual onset pulsatile swelling with bruit in neck on left side and was evaluated by CT brain and neck angiography. CT angiography revealed right sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and isolated left common carotid artery. Very few cases of such an anomaly have been documented in the literature but none in an adult.
Applicative Characteristics of a New Zirconia Bracket with Multiple Slots
Authors: Maki Koutaro , Futaki Katsuyoshi , Tanabe Satoru , Takahashi Mariko , Ichikawa Yuta , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro
Published: April 2016

We have developed a new orthodontic bracket with three slots with lubricative properties on the working surfaces and proposed a new orthodontic treatment system employing 0.012−0.014-inch Ni-Ti arch wires. We recruited 54 patients, of which 27 received treatment with the new zirconia bracket with multiple slots system (M group), and the others received treatment with standard edge-wise appliances (control group [C group]). We compared the (1) tooth movement rate at the early stage of leveling; (2) changes in the dental arch morphology before and after leveling; and (3) pain caused by orthodontic treatment. Student’st-test was used in all assessments. The tooth movement rate in the maxillomandibular dentition was higher in the M group. The basal arch width, anterior length, and the intercanine width in the maxillary dentition were not significantly different in the two groups; however, the intercanine width in the mandibular dentition was higher in the C group. In assessments of treatment-related pain, the visual analogue pain score was 56.0 mm and 22.6 mm in the C and M groups, respectively. A new zirconia bracket with multiple slots system provided better outcomes with respect to tooth movement rate, treatment period, and postoperative pain, thus indicating its effectiveness over conventional orthodontic systems.
Pain Measurement through Temperature Changes in Children Undergoing Dental Extractions
Authors: Kolosovas-Machuca Eleazar S. , Martínez-Jiménez Mario A. , Ramírez-GarcíaLuna José L. , González Francisco J. , Pozos-Guillen Amaury J. , Campos-Lara Nadia P. , Pierdant-Perez Mauricio
Published: April 2016

Background and Objective.Pain evaluation in children can be a difficult task, since it possesses sensory and affective components that are often hard to discriminate. Infrared thermography has previously been used as a diagnostic tool for pain detection in animals; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the presence of temperature changes during dental extractions and to evaluate its correlation with heart rate changes as markers of pain and discomfort.Methods. Thermographic changes in the lacrimal caruncle and heart rate measurements were recorded in healthy children scheduled for dental extraction before and during the procedure and compared. Afterwards, correlation between temperature and heart rate was assessed.Results. We found significant differences in temperature and heart rate before the procedure and during the dental extraction (mean difference 4.07°C,p<0.001, and 18.11 beats per minute,p<0.001) and no evidence of correlation between both measurements.Conclusion. Thermographic changes in the lacrimal caruncle can be detected in patients who undergo dental extractions. These changes appear to be stable throughout time and to possess very little intersubject variation, thus making them a candidate for a surrogate marker of pain and discomfort. Future studies should be performed to confirm this claim.
Mycoplasma genitalium: An Overlooked Sexually Transmitted Pathogen in Women?
Authors: Ona Samsiya , Molina Rose L. , Diouf Khady
Published: April 2016

Mycoplasma genitaliumis a facultative anaerobic organism and a recognized cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men. In women,M. genitaliumhas been associated with cervicitis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and adverse birth outcomes, indicating a consistent relationship with female genital tract pathology. The global prevalence ofM. genitaliumamong symptomatic and asymptomatic sexually active women ranges between 1 and 6.4%.M. genitaliummay play a role in pathogenesis as an independent sexually transmitted pathogen or by facilitating coinfection with another pathogen. The long-term reproductive consequences ofM. genitaliuminfection in asymptomatic individuals need to be investigated further. Though screening for this pathogen is not currently recommended, it should be considered in high-risk populations. Recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control regarding first-line treatment for PID do not coverM. genitaliumbut recommend considering treatment in patients without improvement on standard PID regimens. Prospective studies on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and long-term reproductive consequences ofM. genitaliuminfection in the general population are needed to determine if screening protocols are necessary. New treatment regimens need to be investigated due to increasing drug resistance.
Application ofH∞Filter on the Angular Rate Matching in the Transfer Alignment
Authors: Song Lijun , Duan Zhongxing , Sun Jiwu
Published: April 2016

The transfer alignment (TA) scheme is used for the initial alignment of Inertial Navigation System (INS) on dynamical base. The Kalman filter is often used in TA to improve the precision of TA. And the statistical characteristics of interference signal which is difficult to get must be known before the Kalman filter is used in the TA, because the interference signal is a random signal and there are some changes on the dynamic model of system. In this paper, theH∞filter is adopted in the TA scheme of the angular rate matching when the various stages of disturbance in measurement are unknown. And it is compared with the Kalman filter in the same environment of simulation and evaluation. The result of simulation shows that theH∞filter and the Kalman filter are both effective. The Kalman filter is more accurate than theH∞filter when system noise and measurement noise are white noise, but theH∞filter is more accurate and quicker than the Kalman filter when system noise and measurement noise are color noise. In the engineering practice, system noise and measurement noise are always color noise, so theH∞filter is more suitable for engineering practice than the Kalman filter.
Phase Space Similarity as a Signature for Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis and Remaining Useful Life Estimation
Authors: Liu Fang , He Bing , Liu Yongbin , Lu Siliang , Zhao Yilei , Zhao Jiwen
Published: April 2016

Feature extraction from vibration signal is still a challenge in the area of fault diagnosis and remaining useful life (RUL) estimation of rotary machine. In this paper, a novel feature called phase space similarity (PSS) is introduced for health condition monitoring of bearings. Firstly, the acquired signal is transformed to the phase space through the phase space reconstruction (PSR). The similar vibration always exists in the phase space due to the comparable evolution of the dynamics that are characteristic of the system state. Secondly, the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) is employed to calculate the PSS between bearing data with different states. Based on the PSS, a fault pattern recognition algorithm, a bearing fault size prediction algorithm, and a RUL estimation algorithm are introduced to analyze the experimental signal. Results have shown the effectiveness of the PSS as it can better grasp the nature and regularity of the signals.
Acute-Phase Inflammatory Response to Single-Bout HIIT and Endurance Training: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kaspar Felix , Jelinek Herbert F. , Perkins Steven , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A. , deJong Bev , Butkowski Eugene
Published: April 2016

Objective. This study compared acute and late effect of single-bout endurance training (ET) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the plasma levels of four inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein and insulin-like growth factor 1.Design. Cohort study with repeated-measures design.Methods. Seven healthy untrained volunteers completed a single bout of ET and HIIT on a cycle ergometer. ET and HIIT sessions were held in random order and at least 7 days apart. Blood was drawn before the interventions and 30 min and 2 days after the training sessions. Plasma samples were analyzed with ELISA for the interleukins (IL), IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Statistical analysis was with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.Results. ET led to both a significant acute and long-term inflammatory response with a significant decrease at 30 minutes after exercise in the IL-6/IL-10 ratio (−20%;p=0.047) and a decrease of MCP-1 (−17.9%;p=0.03).Conclusion. This study demonstrates that ET affects the inflammatory response more adversely at 30 minutes after exercise compared to HIIT. However, this is compensated by a significant decrease in MCP-1 at two days associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.
Natural Polymer of Iraqi Apricot Tree Gum as a Novel Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in 1 M HCl Solution
Authors: Alwaan I. M. , Mahdi Fouad Kadhim
Published: April 2016

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid using Iraqi apricot tree gum Arabic as natural polymer was studied. The weight loss method was used to predict the efficiency of the inhibitor on corrosion of mild steel in a temperature range of 17–40°C. The FTIR result of natural polymer revealed that the C=O and O-H groups were found in the structure of the natural polymer. The results of weight loss method showed that the inhibition efficiency (I%) increased with the increase in both the natural polymer concentration and the temperature; therefore, chemical adsorption mechanism was suggested in this system. The different mathematical models of the adsorption isotherms were studied and the results revealed that natural polymer was found to obey Temkin, Langmuir, and Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The activation energy of adsorption, enthalpy of adsorption, and entropy of adsorption were obtained for different concentrations of natural polymer (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g/L) and the results showed that the thermodynamic properties decreased with the loading of a natural polymer. Gibbs free energy of adsorption results was a minus value that led to the conclusion of the spontaneous adsorption of the natural polymer in this system.
Circadian Rhythms of Oxidative Stress Markers and Melatonin Metabolite in Patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group A
Authors: Miyata Rie , Tanuma Naoyuki , Sakuma Hiroshi , Hayashi Masaharu
Published: April 2016

Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) is a genetic disorder in DNA nucleotide excision repair (NER) with severe neurological disorders, in which oxidative stress and disturbed melatonin metabolism may be involved. Herein we confirmed the diurnal variation of melatonin metabolites, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant power in urine of patients with XPA and age‐matched controls, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The peak of 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin, a metabolite of melatonin, was seen at 6:00 in both the XPA patients and controls, though the peak value is lower, specifically in the younger age group of XPA patients. The older XPA patients demonstrated an increase in the urinary levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and hexanoyl‐lysine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, having a robust peak at 6:00 and 18:00, respectively. In addition, the urinary level of total antioxidant power was decreased in the older XPA patients. Recently, it is speculated that oxidative stress and antioxidant properties may have a diurnal variation, and the circadian rhythm is likely to influence the NER itself. We believe that the administration of melatonin has the possibility of ameliorating the augmented oxidative stress in neurodegeneration, especially in the older XPA patients, modulating the melatonin metabolism and the circadian rhythm.
High-Speed Transmission and Mass Data Storage Solutions for Large-Area and Arbitrarily Structured Fabrication through Maskless Lithography
Authors: Lu Yu , Wu Wei , Wang Ke-yi
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the implementation aspects and design of high-speed data transmission in laser direct-writing lithography. With a single field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip, mass data storage management, transmission, and synchronization of each part in real-time were implemented. To store a massive amount of data and transmit data with high bandwidth, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) intellectual property (IP) was developed on Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGA. In addition, control of laser beam power, collection of status read back data of the lithography laser through an analog-to-digital converter, and synchronization of the positioning signal were implemented on the same FPGA. A data structure for each unit with a unique exposure dose and other necessary information was established. Results showed that the maximum read bandwidth (240 MB/s) and maximum write bandwidth (200 MB/s) of a single solid-state drive conform to the data transmission requirement. The total amount of data meets the requirement of a large-area diffractive element approximately 102 cm2. The throughput has been greatly improved at meters per second or square centimeter per second. And test results showed that data transmission meets the requirement of the experiment.
Detection of Autoantibodies to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 in Bile Duct Ligated Rats and Correlations with a Panel of Traditional Markers of Liver Diseases
Authors: Duval Florent , Cruz-Vega Delia Elva , González-Gamboa Ivonne , González-Garza María Teresa , Ponz Fernando , Sánchez Flora , Alarcón-Galván Gabriela , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge E.
Published: April 2016

There is a need for new noninvasive biomarkers (NIBMs) able to assess cholestasis and fibrosis in chronic cholestatic liver diseases (CCLDs). Tumorigenesis can arise from CCLDs. Therefore, autoantibodies to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) may be early produced in response to abnormal self-antigen expression caused by cholestatic injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) has TAA potential since it is involved in cholangiocytes and lymphatic vessels proliferations during CCLDs. This study aims to detect autoantibodies directed at VEGFR-3 during bile duct ligation- (BDL-) induced cholestatic injury in rat sera and investigate whether they could be associated with traditional markers of liver damage, cholestasis, and fibrosis. An ELISA was performed to detect anti-VEGFR-3 autoantibodies in sera of rats with different degree of liver injury and results were correlated with aminotransferases, total bilirubin, and the relative fibrotic area. Mean absorbances of anti-VEGFR-3 autoantibodies were significantly increased from week one to week five after BDL. The highest correlation was observed with total bilirubin (R2= 0.8450,P=3.04e-12). In conclusion, anti-VEGFR-3 autoantibodies are early produced during BDL-induced cholestatic injury, and they are closely related to cholestasis, suggesting the potential of anti-VEGFR-3 autoantibodies as NIBMs of cholestasis in CCLDs and justifying the need for further investigations in patients with CCLD.
Determination of Benzylpenicillin Potassium Residues in Duck Meat Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy with Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Peng Yijie , Liu Muhua , Zhao Jinhui , Yuan Haichao , Li Yao , Tao Jinjiang , Guo Hongqing
Published: April 2016

A new method using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with Au nanoparticles was established for the rapid detection of benzylpenicillin potassium (PG) residues in duck meat. Au nanoparticles were used as SERS enhancement substrate, and the maximum absorption peak of Au nanoparticles using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer was 548 nm. In the research, the SERS spectra of PG solutions and PG duck meat extract as well as their vibrational assignment were analyzed. The effects of Au nanoparticles addition, sample addition, NaCl solution addition, and adsorption time on the SERS intensities of PG duck meat extract were discussed. It is revealed that a good linearity can be obtained between the SERS intensities at 993 cm−1and the PG residues concentrations (0.5~15.0 mg·L−1) detected in duck meat extract. The linear equation wasY=831.68X+1997.1, and the determination coefficient was 0.9553. The determination coefficient of PG in duck meat extract between the actual values and the predictive values was 0.9757, and the root mean square error (RMSEP) was 0.6496 mg/L. The recovery rate of PG in duck meat extract was 90~121%. The results showed that the method using SERS with Au nanoparticles could pave a new way for the rapid detection of PG residues in duck meat.
Protective Effect of Adrenomedullin on Rat Leydig Cells from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway ADM on Rat Leydig Cells from Inflammation and Apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Pang-Hu , Hu Wei , Zhang Xiao-Bin , Wang Wei , Zhang Li-Jun
Published: April 2016

This study was carried out to investigate whether ADM can modulate LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in rat Leydig cells. Leydig cells were treated with ADM before LPS-induced cytotoxicity. We determined the concentrations of ROS, MDA, GSH, LDH, and testosterone and the MMP. The mRNA levels of IL-1, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 were obtained, and the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, NO, and PGE2 were determined. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and detection of DNA fragmentation. The levels of mRNA and protein were determined for Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and PARP. The protein contents for total and p-Akt were measured. ADM pretreatment significantly elevated the MMP and testosterone concentration and reduced the levels of ROS, MDA, GSH, and LDH. ADM pretreatment significantly decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 and the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, NO, and PGE2. LPS-induced TUNEL-positive Leydig cells were significantly decreased by ADM pretreatment, a result further confirmed by decreased DNA fragmentation. ADM pretreatment decreased apoptosis by significantly promoting Bcl-2 and inhibiting Bax, caspase-3, and PARP expressions. The LPS activity that reduced p-Akt level was significantly inhibited by ADM pretreatment. ADM protected rat Leydig cells from LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis, which might be associated with PI3K/Akt mitochondrial signaling pathway.
Epstein-Barr Virus Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Child: A Case Report and Management of Epstein-Barr Virus Encephalitis
Authors: Akkoc Gulsen , Kadayifci Eda Kepenekli , Karaaslan Ayse , Atici Serkan , Yakut Nurhayat , Ocal Demir Sevliya , Soysal Ahmet , Bakir Mustafa
Published: April 2016

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) usually causes mild, asymptomatic, and self-limited infections in children and adults; however, it may occasionally lead to severe conditions such as neurological diseases, malignant diseases, hepatic failure, and myocarditis. Epstein-Barr virus-related neurological disorders include meningitis, encephalitis, and cranial or peripheral neuritis, which are mostly seen in immunocompromised patients. The therapeutic modalities for EBV-related severe organ damage including central nervous system manifestations are still uncertain. Herein, we describe a seven-year-old boy with EBV encephalitis who presented with prolonged fever, exudative pharyngitis, reduced consciousness, and neck stiffness. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed contrast enhancement in the bilateral insular cortex and the right hypothalamus. The diagnosis was made by EBV-DNA amplification in both the blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. He was discharged with acyclovir therapy without any sequelae.
Nanocrystals Growth Control during Laser Annealing of Sn:(α-Si) Composites
Authors: Neimash V. , Shepelyavyi P. , Dovbeshko G. , Goushcha A. O. , Isaiev M. , Melnyk V. , Didukh O. , Kuzmich A.
Published: April 2016

An efficient technique for low temperature metal-induced nanocrystalline silicon fabrication is presented. The technique is based on laser annealing of thin films of “amorphous silicon-tin” composites combined with in situ control and monitoring with Raman technique. Laser annealing was shown to provide the possibility of fine-tuning the nanocrystals size and concentration, which is important in photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices fabrication.
Enhanced Thermal Performance and Impact Strength of UHMWPE/Recycled-PA6 Blends Synthesized via a Melting Extrusion Route
Authors: Yang Xiuying , Cheng Junye , Zheng Guangping , Zhang Deqing
Published: April 2016

The blends of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and recycled-polyamide 6 (R-PA6) were prepared via a melting extrusion route using high-density polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (HDPE-g-MAH) as the compatibilizer. The morphologies and distributions of the chemical components of the blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The effects of R-PA6 content on the Vicat softening temperature (VST), heat distortion temperature (HDT), and impact strength of the blends were studied. Remarkably, in comparison with those of UHMWPE, the VST and HDT of UHMWPE/R-PA6 blends with 44 wt% R-PA6 were increased to 165.1 and 98.4°C, respectively, and the Charpy impact strength and Izod impact strength of the blends were enhanced to 33.9 and 16.2 kJ/m2, respectively. In addition, it was found that the blending system containing 44 wt% R-PA6 and 48 wt% UHMWPE exhibited the best compatibility when it was prepared using 8 wt% HDPE-g-MAH. The distribution of the phases of UHMWPE and R-PA6 was uniform, and no obvious phase separation was observed in the blends.
Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence, Etiology, and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Zhao Lin , Deng Shijing , Sun Xuguang , Wang Ningli
Published: April 2016

There has been substantial progress in our understanding of the ocular surface system/lacrimal function unit in the past 15 years. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, more commonly referred to as dry eye syndrome (DES), is the most frequently encountered condition and diabetes mellitus (DM) has been identified as one of the leading causes of DES. Poor glycemic control affects both the anterior and the posterior segments of the eye and increasing prevalence of diabetes-associated DES (DMDES) has been reported in recent years. The pathogenesis and specific features of DMDES remain uncertain and interventions are limited to those used in DES. This review outlines the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and the current preventive and treatment strategies for diabetes-related DES.
Distinct Clinic-Pathological Features of Early Differentiated-Type Gastric Cancers afterHelicobacter pyloriEradication
Authors: Horiguchi Noriyuki , Tahara Tomomitsu , Kawamura Tomohiko , Okubo Masaaki , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Nakagawa Yoshihito , Nagasaka Mitsuo , Shibata Tomoyuki , Ohmiya Naoki
Published: April 2016

Background. Gastric cancer is discovered even after successful eradication ofH. pylori. We investigated clinic pathological features of early gastric cancers afterH. pylorieradication.Methods. 51 early gastric cancers (EGCs) from 44 patients diagnosed after successfulH. pylorieradication were included as eradication group. The clinic-pathological features were compared with that of 131 EGCs from 120 patients who did not have a history ofH. pylorieradication (control group).Results. Compared with control group, clinic-pathological features of eradication group were characterized as depressed (p<0.0001), reddish (p=0.0001), and smaller (p=0.0095) lesions, which was also confirmed in the comparison of six metachronous lesions diagnosed after initial ESD and subsequent successfulH. pylorieradication. Prevalence of both SM2 (submucosal invasion greater than 500 μm) and unexpected SM2 cases tended to be higher in eradication group (p=0.077, 0.0867, resp.). Prevalence of inconclusive diagnosis of gastric cancer during pretreatment biopsy was also higher in the same group (26.0% versus 1.6%,p<0.0001).Conclusions. Informative clinic pathological features of EGC afterH. pylorieradication are depressed, reddish appearances, which should be treated as a caution because histological diagnosis of cancerous tissue is sometimes difficult by endoscopic biopsy.
A Novel Nanodrag Reducer for Low Permeability Reservoir Water Flooding: Long-Chain Alkylamines Modified Graphene Oxide
Authors: Chen Hong , Xiao Lin , Xu Yuan , Zeng Xiang , Ye Zhong-Bin
Published: April 2016

Chemical modification of graphene oxide (GO) by grafting hydrophobic chains on the surface has drawn much attention nowadays in the academic world, and it was suggested that modified GO could lead to new functionalized materials with specific structure and different properties. In this paper, modified GO (M-GO) were synthesized by chemically grafting alkylamines with varying chain lengths on the graphene oxide surface. Successful grafting of alkylamines was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy measurements. In addition, we investigated the properties of M-GO as nanodrag reducer in low permeability reservoir water flooding. Water contact angle (CA) measurements revealed that the hydrophobic nature of GO depended on the chain length of the grafted alkylamines. And flooding experiments showed that the hexadecylamine- and octadecylamine-modified GO had an ability to reduce water injection pressure and improve water-phase permeability of the low permeability reservoirs during water flooding. So the M-GO would have potential applications in oilfield exploitation.
Two Cases of Heavy Chain MGUS
Authors: Van Keer Jan , Meijers Björn , Delforge Michel , Verhoef Gregor , Poesen Koen
Published: April 2016

Heavy chain diseases are rare variants of B-cell lymphomas that produce one of three classes of immunoglobulin heavy chains, without corresponding light chains. We describe two patients with asymptomatic heavy chain monoclonal gammopathy. The first patient is a 51-year-old woman with alpha paraprotein on serum immunofixation. The second case is a 46-year-old woman with gamma paraprotein on urine immunofixation. Neither patient had corresponding monoclonal light chains. Workup for multiple myeloma and lymphoma was negative in both patients. These two cases illustrate that heavy chain monoclonal gammopathy can exist in the absence of clinically apparent malignancy. Only a few reports of “heavy chain MGUS” have been described before. In the absence of specialized guidelines, we suggest a similar follow-up as for MGUS, while taking into account the higher probability of progression to lymphoma than to myeloma.
Study on Tensile Damage Constitutive Model for Multiscale Polypropylene Fiber Concrete
Authors: Liang Ninghui , Dai Jifei , Liu Xinrong
Published: April 2016

Polypropylene fibers perform well in roughness enhancement and corrosion resistance. They can dissipate energy when cracks occur in concrete. Furthermore, they can improve the concrete tensile properties by synergistic work with it. To study the tensile properties of the multiscale polypropylene concrete, uniaxial tensile strength of 18 fiber reinforced and 3 plain concrete specimens was experimentally tested using the paste steel method. The test results indicate that both the strength and the peak strain can be substantially improved. Based on the results, a tensile damage constitutive model was proposed and implemented into FLAC3D for numerical experimentation. The numerical results are consistent with the experimental observations in general and some discrepancies are discussed.
Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Study the Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenolic Compounds in Isolated Rat Enterocytes
Authors: Barraza-Garza Guillermo , Castillo-Michel Hiram , de la Rosa Laura A. , Martinez-Martinez Alejandro , Pérez-León Jorge A. , Cotte Marine , Alvarez-Parrilla Emilio
Published: April 2016

The protective effect of different polyphenols, catechin (Cat), quercetin (Qc) (flavonoids), gallic acid (GA), caffeic acid (CfA), chlorogenic acid (ChA) (phenolic acids), and capsaicin (Cap), against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress was evaluated in rat enterocytes using Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (FTIRM), and results were compared to standard lipid peroxidation techniques: conjugated dienes (CD) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). Analysis of ATR‐FTIR and FTIRM spectral data allowed the simultaneous evaluation of the effects of H2O2 and polyphenols on lipid and protein oxidation. All polyphenols showed a protective effect against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in enterocytes, when administered before or after H2O2. Cat and capsaicin showed the highest protective effect, while phenolic acids had weaker effects and Qc presented a mild prooxidative effect (IR spectral profile of biomolecules between control and H2O2‐treated cells) according to FTIR analyses. These results demonstrated the viability to use infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant effect of molecules in cell systems assays.
Numerical Investigation of Pressure Fluctuation Characteristics in a Centrifugal Pump with Variable Axial Clearance
Authors: Cao Lei , Wang Zhengwei , Xiao Yexiang , Luo Yongyao
Published: April 2016

Clearance flows in the sidewall gaps of centrifugal pumps are unsteady as well as main flows in the volute casing and impeller, which may cause vibration and noise, and the corresponding pressure fluctuations are related to the axial clearance size. In this paper, unsteady numerical simulations were conducted to predict the unsteady flows within the entire flow passage of a centrifugal pump operating in the design condition. Pressure fluctuation characteristics in the volute casing, impeller, and sidewall gaps were investigated with three axial clearance sizes. Results show that an axial clearance variation affects the pressure fluctuation characteristics in each flow domain by different degree. The greatest pressure fluctuation occurs at the blade pressure surface and is almost not influenced by the axial clearance variation which has a certainly effect on the pressure fluctuation characteristics around the tongue. The maximum pressure fluctuation amplitude in the sidewall gaps is larger than that in the volute casing, and different spectrum characteristics show up in the three models due to the interaction between the clearance flow and the main flow as well as the rotor-stator interaction. Therefore, clearance flow should be taken into consideration in the hydraulic design of centrifugal pumps.
Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks for Oilfield Monitoring by Multiobjective Discrete Binary Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yang Zhen-Lun , Wu Angus , Min Hua-Qing
Published: April 2016

The deployment problem of wireless sensor networks for real time oilfield monitoring is studied. As a characteristic of oilfield monitoring system, all sensor nodes have to be installed on designated spots. For the energy efficiency, some relay nodes and sink nodes are deployed as a delivery subsystem. The major concern of the construction of the monitoring system is the optimum placement of data delivery subsystem to ensure the full connectivity of the sensor nodes while keeping the construction cost as low as possible, with least construction and maintenance complexity. Due to the complicated landform of oilfields, in general, it is rather difficult to satisfy these requirements simultaneously. The deployment problem is formulated as a constrained multiobjective optimization problem and solved through a novel scheme based on multiobjective discrete binary particle swarm optimization to produce optimal solutions from the minimum financial cost to the minimum complexity of construction and maintenance. Simulation results validated that comparing to the three existing state-of-the-art algorithms, that is, NSGA-II, JGGA, and SPEA2, the proposed scheme is superior in locating the Pareto-optimal front and maintaining the diversity of the solutions, thus providing superior candidate solutions for the design of real time monitoring systems in oilfields.
An Effective Fault Feature Extraction Method for Gas Turbine Generator System Diagnosis
Authors: Zhong Jian-Hua , Liang JieJunYi , Yang Zhi-Xin , Wong Pak Kin , Wang Xian-Bo
Published: April 2016

Fault diagnosis is very important to maintain the operation of a gas turbine generator system (GTGS) in power plants, where any abnormal situations will interrupt the electricity supply. The fault diagnosis of the GTGS faces the main challenge that the acquired data, vibration or sound signals, contain a great deal of redundant information which extends the fault identification time and degrades the diagnostic accuracy. To improve the diagnostic performance in the GTGS, an effective fault feature extraction framework is proposed to solve the problem of the signal disorder and redundant information in the acquired signal. The proposed framework combines feature extraction with a general machine learning method, support vector machine (SVM), to implement an intelligent fault diagnosis. The feature extraction method adopts wavelet packet transform and time-domain statistical features to extract the features of faults from the vibration signal. To further reduce the redundant information in extracted features, kernel principal component analysis is applied in this study. Experimental results indicate that the proposed feature extracted technique is an effective method to extract the useful features of faults, resulting in improvement of the performance of fault diagnosis for the GTGS.
Characterization of Silver NanoparticleIn SituSynthesis on Porous Sericin Gel for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Tao Gang , Liu Lina , Wang Yejing , Chang Huaipu , Zhao Ping , Zuo Hua , He Huawei
Published: April 2016

Sericin fromBombyx moricocoon has good hydrophilicity, reaction activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which has shown great potentials for biomedical materials. Here, an ultraviolet light-assistedin situsynthesis approach is developed to immobilize silver nanoparticles on the surface of sericin gel. The amount of silver nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of sericin gel could be regulated by the irradiation time. The porous structure and property of sericin gel were not affected by the modification of AgNPs, as evidenced by the observation of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the modification of AgNPs increased the thermal stability of sericin gel. The growth curve of bacteria and inhibition zone assays suggested that the sericin gel modified with AgNPs had good antimicrobial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This novel sericin has shown a great potential for biomedical purpose.
Wireless Sensor Network of Typical Land Surface Parameters and Its Preliminary Applications for Coarse-Resolution Remote Sensing Pixel
Authors: Dou Baocheng , Wen Jianguang , Li Xiuhong , Liu Qiang , Peng Jingjing , Xiao Qing , Zhang Zhigang , Tang Yong , Wu Xiaodan , Lin Xingwen , You Dongqin , Li Hua , Li Li , Zeng Yelu , Cai Erli , Zhang Jialin
Published: April 2016

How to obtain the “truth” of land surface parameter as reference value to validate the remote sensing retrieved parameter in heterogeneous scene and coarse-resolution pixel is one of the most challenging topics in environmental studies. In this paper, a distributed sensor network system named CPP-WSN was established to capture the spatial and temporal variation of land surface parameters at coarse-resolution satellite pixel scale around the Huailai Remote Sensing Station, which locates in the North China Plain. The system consists of three subnetworks that are RadNet, SoilNet, and VegeNet. Time series observations of typical land surface parameters, including UVR, PAR, SWR, LWR, albedo, and land surface temperature (LST) from RadNet, multilayer soil moisture and soil temperature from SoilNet, and fraction of vegetation cover (FVC), clumping index (CI), and leaf area index (LAI) from VegeNet, have been obtained and shared on the web. Compared with traditional single-point measurement, the “true” reference value of coarse pixel is obtained by averaging or representativeness-weighted averaging the multipoint measurements acquired using the sensor network. The preliminary applications, which validate several remote sensing products with CPP-WSN data, demonstrate that a high quality ground “truth” dataset has been available for remote sensing as well as other applications.