bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the oligopeptide transporter gene family in Ganoderma lucidum: structure, phylogeny, and expression patterns
Authors: Xiang Quanju , Shen Keyu , Yu Xiumei , Zhao Ke , Gu Yunfu , Zhang Xiaoping , Chen Xiaoqiong , Chen Qiang
Published: November 2016

Oligopeptide transporters (OPTs) are believed to transport broad ranges of substrates across the plasma membrane from the extracellular environment into the cell and are thought to contribute to various biological processes. In the present study, 13 putative OPTs (Gl-OPT1 to Gl-OPT13) were identified through extensive search of Ganoderma lucidum genome database. Phylogenetic analysis with OPTs from other fungi and plants indicates that these genes can be further divided into five groups. Motif compositions of OPT members are highly conserved in each group, indicative of functional conservation. Expression profile analysis of the 13 Gl-OPT genes indicated that, with the exception of Gl-OPT7–Gl-OPT9, for which no transcripts were detected, all paralogues were differentially expressed, suggesting their potential involvement in stress response and functional development of fungi. Overall, the analyses in this study provide a starting point for elucidating the functions of OPT in G. lucidum, and for understanding the complexities of metabolic regulation.
A Short Note on the 1, 2-Good-Neighbor Diagnosability of Balanced Hypercubes
Authors: GU MEI-MEI , HAO RONG-XIA , YANG DOND-XUE
Published: November 2016

Let tc(G) and tg(G) be the conditional diagnosability and g-good-neighbor diagnosability, respectively, of a graph G. The notion of the g-good-neighbor conditional diagnosability is less restrictive as compared with that of the conditional diagnosability in general. Particularly, the conditional faulty set notion requires that, any vertex, faulty or not, have at least one non-faulty neighbor; while the 1-good-neighbor faulty only requires that a non-faulty vertex have at least one non-faulty neighbor. Compared with conditional diagnosability, g-good-neighbor diagnosability is interesting since it characterizes a stronger tolerance capability. In this paper, we investigate the equal relation between t1(BHn) and tc(BHn) for the balanced hypercubes BHn. That is [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] under the PMC model and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] under the MM model; Furthermore, the 2-good-neighbor diagnosability t2(BHn) = 4n − 1 for n ≥ 2 under the PMC model and the MM model is obtained.
Exponential Consensus in Directed Networks of Multi-Agents with Saturated Protocols
Authors: WANG QINGLING , WANG YUANDA
Published: November 2016

This paper addresses the exponential consensus problem of single-integrator agents with saturated protocols on directed graphs. By employing an integral Lyapunov function, the exponential consensus problem of single-integrator agents is solved under the directed graph with strongly connected or a spanning tree. The main contribution is that under the directed graph, some conditions for exponential consensus with saturated protocols are first obtained. Finally, two examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Teppanyaki/Hibachi Pneumonitis: An Exotic Cause of Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia
Authors: Rahaghi Franck , Varasteh Ali , Memarpour Roya , Tashtoush Basheer
Published: November 2016

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is a rare type of inflammatory lung disease caused by aspiration and/or inhalation of fatty substances and characterized by a chronic foreign body-type reaction to intra-alveolar lipid deposits. The usual clinical presentation occurs with insidious onset of nonspecific respiratory symptoms and radiographic findings that can mimic other pulmonary diseases. Diagnosis of ELP is often missed or delayed as it requires a high index of suspicion and familiarity with the constellation of appropriate history and radiologic and pathologic features. We herein report a case of occupational exposure to tabletop “Teppanyaki” entertainment cooking as a cause of ELP, confirmed by surgical lung biopsies in a 63-year-old Asian woman who worked as a Hibachi-Teppanyaki chef for 25 years.
Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxic Activity of Europium-Doped Nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Miranda-Meléndez Paulina-Guadalupe , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel-Alejandro , Niño-Martínez Nereyda , Patiño-Marín Nuria , Casillas-Santana Miguel-Ángel , Castillo-Silva Brenda-Erendida , Ruiz Facundo
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to synthetize europium-doped nanohydroxyapatite using a simple aqueous precipitation method and, thereafter, characterize and impregnate selected samples with 5-fluorouracil in order to explore the properties and the releasing capacity of this material. The nanohydroxyapatite was doped with 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt% of europium. The obtained samples were characterized after they were dried at 80°C and hydrothermal treated at 120°C by 2 hours. The samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Also, impregnation and release of 5-fluorouracil were assessed in PBS. The toxicity effects of all samples were studied using viability assays on human fibroblasts cells (HGF-1)in vitro. The sizes of the crystallites were about 10–70 nm with irregular morphology and present the phase corresponding to the JCPDS card 9–0432 for hydroxyapatite. The results of the toxicity experiments indicated that doped and undoped powders are biocompatible with fibroblasts cells. Hydroxyapatite samples doped with 5% of europium and loaded with 5-fluorouracil release almost 7 mg/L of the drug after 60 minutes in PBS and decrease the viability of HeLa cells after 24 hours.
In VivoFlow Cytometry of Circulating Tumor-Associated Exosomes
Authors: Nolan Jacqueline , Sarimollaoglu Mustafa , Nedosekin Dmitry A. , Jamshidi-Parsian Azemat , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Kore Rajshekhar A. , Griffin Robert J. , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: November 2016

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) demonstrated the potential as prognostic markers of metastatic development. However, the incurable metastasis can already be developed at the time of initial diagnosis with the existing CTC assays. Alternatively, tumor-associated particles (CTPs) including exosomes can be a more valuable prognostic marker because they can be released from the primary tumor long before CTCs and in larger amount. However, little progress has been made in high sensitivity detection of CTPs, especiallyin vivo. We show here thatin vivointegrated photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence flow cytometry (PAFFC) platform can provide the detection of melanoma and breast-cancer-associated single CTPs with endogenously expressed melanin and genetically engineered proteins or exogenous dyes as PA and fluorescent contrast agents. The two-beam, time-of-light PAFFC can measure the sizes of CTCs and CTPs and identify bulk and rolling CTCs and CTC clusters, with no influence on blood flow instability. This technique revealed a higher concentration of CTPs than CTCs at an early cancer stage. Because a single tumor cell can release many CTPs andin vivoPAFFC can examine the whole blood volume, PAFFC diagnostic platform has the potential to dramatically improve (up to 105-fold) the sensitivity of cancer diagnosis.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Bean Residual Press Cake on the Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Affonso Regina Celis Lopes , Voytena Ana Paula Lorenzen , Fanan Simone , Pitz Heloísa , Coelho Daniela Sousa , Horstmann Ana Luiza , Pereira Aline , Uarrota Virgílio Gavicho , Hillmann Maria Clara , Varela Lucas Andre Calbusch , Ribeiro-do-Valle Rosa Maria , Maraschin Marcelo
Published: November 2016

The world coffee consumption has been growing for its appreciated taste and its beneficial effects on health. The residual biomass of coffee, originated in the food industry after oil extraction from coffee beans, called coffee beans residual press cake, has attracted interest as a source of compounds with antioxidant activity. This study investigated the chemical composition of aqueous extracts of coffee beans residual press cake (AE), their antioxidant activity, and the effect of topical application on the skin wound healing, in animal model, of hydrogels containing the AE, chlorogenic acid (CGA), allantoin (positive control), and carbopol (negative control). The treatments’ performance was compared by measuring the reduction of the wound area, with superior result (p < 0.05) for the green coffee AE (78.20%) with respect to roasted coffee AE (53.71%), allantoin (70.83%), and carbopol (23.56%). CGA hydrogels reduced significantly the wound area size on the inflammatory phase, which may be associated with the well known antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions of that compound. The topic use of the coffee AE studied improved the skin wound healing and points to an interesting biotechnological application of the coffee bean residual press cake.
Outcomes of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children Treated for Dental Malocclusion: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bernkopf Edoardo , Lovato Andrea , Bernkopf Giulia , Giacomelli Luciano , De Vincentis Giovanni Carlo , Macrì Francesco , de Filippis Cosimo
Published: November 2016

Aim. To investigate the role of dental malocclusion treatment in the outcomes of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media (RAOM). Materials and Methods. The clinical outcome (number of acute recurrences in 12 months) of 61 consecutive children treated medically for RAOM was analysed. Children underwent an odontostomatologic evaluation, a fiberoptic endoscopy, and skin-prick tests. Results. 32 children (group A) were diagnosed with dental malocclusion and treated with a mandibular repositioning plate. Dental malocclusion was ruled out in the other 29 patients with RAOM, and they were used as controls (group B). The two groups were homogeneous in terms of sex, exposure to RAOM risk factors, skin test results, and adenoid hypertrophy, while age was significantly higher in group A. Age, sex, exposure to RAOM risk factors, adenoid hypertrophy, and skin test results were not associated with RAOM outcome. Children in group A treated for dental malocclusion were strongly associated with a lower number of acute episode recurrences at both univariate (p<0.0001) and multivariate analysis (p=0.001). Conclusions. RAOM showed better outcomes in children with dental malocclusion wearing a mandibular repositioning device. Dental malocclusion in children with RAOM may play a role in the pathogenesis of Eustachian tube dysfunction.
NLRP3 Is Expressed in the Spiral Ganglion Neurons and Associated with Both Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Deafness
Authors: Chen Penghui , He Longxia , Pang Xiuhong , Wang Xiaowen , Yang Tao , Wu Hao
Published: November 2016

Nonsyndromic deafness is genetically heterogeneous but phenotypically similar among many cases. Though a variety of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels has been recently developed to facilitate genetic screening of nonsyndromic deafness, some syndromic deafness genes outside the panels may lead to clinical phenotypes similar to nonsyndromic deafness. In this study, we performed comprehensive genetic screening in a dominant family in which the proband was initially diagnosed with nonsyndromic deafness. No pathogenic mutation was identified by targeted NGS in 72 nonsyndromic and another 72 syndromic deafness genes. Whole exome sequencing, however, identified a p.E313K mutation in NLRP3, a gene reported to cause syndromic deafness Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS) but not included in any targeted NGS panels for deafness in previous reports. Follow-up clinical evaluation revealed only minor inflammatory symptoms in addition to deafness in six of the nine affected members, while the rest, three affected members, including the proband had no obvious MWS-related inflammatory symptoms. Immunostaining of the mouse cochlea showed a strong expression of NLRP3 in the spiral ganglion neurons. Our results suggested that NLRP3 may have specific function in the spiral ganglion neurons and can be associated with both syndromic and nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness.
Effects of High Magnetic Field Postannealing on Microstructure and Properties of Pulse Electrodeposited Co-Ni-P Films
Authors: Li Donggang , Wu Chun , Wang Qiang , Chopart Jean-Paul , He Jicheng , Franczak Agnieszka , Levesque Alexandra
Published: November 2016

The influence of high magnetic field annealing on the morphology, microstructure, and properties of pulsed-electrodeposited Co-Ni-P films was investigated. The as-deposited film with a rough surface changed into uniform nanocrystalline during the magnetic field annealing process. In particular, the formation of intestine-like appearance with spherical clusters vanishing is favored from a moderate magnetic field strength of 6 T, due to the polarized effects. Meantime, the diffraction peak (111) of α (fcc) phase shifts to the right direction, which is attributed to the fact that more Co atoms from phosphide phase are incorporated into the Ni lattice, in comparison with the case of annealing under 0 T and 12 T magnetic fields. The mechanical and magnetic properties of the films reach relative optimum values at B=6 T. The evolution of magneto-induced modification in the Co-Ni-P morphology, structure, and properties can be explained by the polarized effect and the diffusion-acceleration effect under a high magnetic field.
Comparison of Extended-Spectrumβ-Lactamase-ProducingEscherichia coliIsolates from Drinking Well Water and Pit Latrine Wastewater in a Rural Area of China
Authors: Zhang Hongna , Gao Yanxia , Chang Weishan
Published: November 2016

The present study was conducted to gain insights into the occurrence and characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL-) producingEscherichia coli(E. coli) from drinking well water in the rural area of Laiwu, China, and to explore the role of the nearby pit latrine as a contamination source. ESBL-producingE. colifrom wells were compared with isolates from pit latrines in the vicinity. The results showed that ESBL-producingE. coliisolates, with the same antibiotic resistance profiles, ESBL genes, phylogenetic group, plasmid replicon types, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) fingerprints, were isolated from well water and the nearby pit latrine in the same courtyard. Therefore, ESBL-producingE. coliin the pit latrine may be a likely contributor to the presence of ESBL-producingE. coliin rural well water.
A Clustering-Based Automatic Transfer Function Design for Volume Visualization
Authors: Zhang Tianjin , Yi Zongrui , Zheng Jinta , Liu Dong C. , Pang Wai-Mai , Wang Qiong , Qin Jing
Published: November 2016

The two-dimensional transfer functions (TFs) designed based on intensity-gradient magnitude (IGM) histogram are effective tools for the visualization and exploration of 3D volume data. However, traditional design methods usually depend on multiple times of trial-and-error. We propose a novel method for the automatic generation of transfer functions by performing the affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm on the IGM histogram. Compared with previous clustering algorithms that were employed in volume visualization, the AP clustering algorithm has much faster convergence speed and can achieve more accurate clustering results. In order to obtain meaningful clustering results, we introduce two similarity measurements: IGM similarity and spatial similarity. These two similarity measurements can effectively bring the voxels of the same tissue together and differentiate the voxels of different tissues so that the generated TFs can assign different optical properties to different tissues. Before performing the clustering algorithm on the IGM histogram, we propose to remove noisy voxels based on the spatial information of voxels. Our method does not require users to input the number of clusters, and the classification and visualization process is automatic and efficient. Experiments on various datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Could Elastography Be Used in the Prediction of Morbidly Adherent Placentation?
Authors: Davie Stacey , Wong Wei Ling , Clapham Teresa , Angstetra Donald , Narayan Rajit
Published: November 2016

Morbidly adherent placentation (MAP) is a condition in which the placenta is abnormally attached to the uterine myometrium. MAP is a complication of pregnancy that can cause significant morbidity to the mother and fetus and therefore early diagnosis is crucial in its management and prevention of adverse outcomes. Ultrasonography remains the primary diagnostic tool for MAP, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serving as a secondary diagnostic modality. Elastography is a relatively new concept in ultrasound based imaging, which has found application in several fields of medicine, including obstetrics, primarily for evaluation of the firmness of cervical tissue in a preterm labour setting. We report a case on a patient who was diagnosed with placenta increta on ultrasound, aided by elastography and her subsequent management with an en bloc hysterectomy.
Effect of the Amount of Mineral Powder on the Ultraviolet Aging Properties of Asphalt
Authors: Xie Xiangbing , Tong Shenjia , Ding Yabi , Liu Hongni , Liang Linyuan
Published: November 2016

Mortar has an important influence on the viscosity and durability of a mixture. The effects of the amount of mineral powder in asphalt mortar on the ultraviolet (UV) aging properties of asphalt were investigated by a Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The FTIR results show that the UV-resistant aging ability of asphalt mortar was superior to asphalt and that the carbonyl indices of the SBS- (styrene-butadiene-styrene-) asphalt mortar and matrix asphalt mortar were more significant. The GPC results show that the molecular weight distribution coefficient (Mw/Mn) of the SBS-asphalt-filler mastic is 1.0 and that of the matrix asphalt-filler mastic is 1.2, which is the largest. The macro-property is the most stable. The DSR results show that the matrix asphalt-filler mastic ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 and the SBS-modified asphalt-filler mastic ranging from 0.8 to 1.0 show the best UV aging resistance. Therefore, the effects of the amount of mineral powder cannot be ignored, suggesting that the best mass ratio of the matrix asphalt mortar is 1.2 and that of the SBS-modified asphalt mortar is 1.0 during the UV aging process.
Risk Level Assessment in Construction Projects Using the Schedule Performance Index
Authors: Santos Roberto Barbosa dos , Jungles Antônio Edésio
Published: November 2016

Construction projects are risky in both physical implementation and management. The characteristics of the risk reinforce the necessity of efficient management to increase the chances of success without commitment to its goals. This study explores the correlation of delay and the schedule performance index (SPI) to evaluate the risk of a construction project completed with time overruns. The hypothesis that the SPI of projects with a delay is distinct from those projects without a delay is assumed. A database with 19 elements was used to test this hypothesis and to calculate limit values to the SPI. Therefore, the risk of delay will be small when the observed SPI is greater than the superior limit and large when the SPI is below the inferior limit. The simplicity involved in the calculation of these values showed an advantage in comparison with other methods of risk evaluation. Another strong point observed is that any company can determine the value of risk by considering its own history and support decisions like doing corrective actions.
Occipital Hypometabolism on FDG PET/CT Scan in a Child with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Uslu Biner Inci , Tatci Ebru , Ozmen Ozlem , Gokcek Atila , Demir Haci Ahmet , Gulleroglu Nadide Basak
Published: November 2016

It is known that Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) images may be helpful for evaluation of brain function in newborns. Here we described the fluorine-18 [18-F] FDG PET/CT imaging findings of encephalomalacia due to perinatal asphyxia in a child with refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) who underwent PET/CT scan to stage the primary disease. Prominent hypometabolism was incidentally detected in the occipital regions bilaterally apart from the FDG uptakes in the malign lymphatic infiltrations. This case highlights the potential coexistence of a malignancy and a functional brain disorder.
Donor Cell Composition and Reactivity Predict Risk of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Sairafi Darius , Stikvoort Arwen , Gertow Jens , Mattsson Jonas , Uhlin Michael
Published: November 2016

Background. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We designed a functional assay for assessment of individual risk for acute GVHD.Study Design and Methods. Blood samples were collected from patients and donors before HSCT. Two groups of seven patients each were selected, one in which individuals developed acute GVHD grades II–IV and one in which none showed any clinical signs of GVHD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from donors were incubated in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs) with recipient PBMCs. The cells were characterized by flow cytometry before and after MLC.Results. Samples from donors in the GVHD group contained significantly lower frequencies of naïveγδT-cells and T-cells expressing NK-cell markers CD56 and CD94. Donor samples in this group also exhibited lower frequencies of naïve CD95+T-cells compared to controls. After MLC, there were dissimilarities in the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio and frequency of CD69+T-cells between the two patient groups, with the non-GVHD group showing higher frequencies of CD8+and CD69+T-cells.Conclusion. We conclude that a thorough flow cytometric analysis of donor cells for phenotype and allogeneic reactivity may be of value when assessing pretransplant risk for severe acute GVHD.
Study on Low-Temperature Catalytic Dehydrogenation Reaction of Tail Chlorine by Pd/Al2O3
Authors: Wang Hanhan , Lu Tingting , Li Yuna , Wu Bo , Xue Jianwei , Li Fuxiang , Lv Zhiping
Published: November 2016

The catalytic dehydrogenation reaction of tail chlorine by Pd was studied using a fixed-bed reactor at low temperature from 30 to 100°C. Different catalyst supports such as SiO2 and Al2O3 were applied to prepare Pd catalysts by the incipient-wetness impregnation method. And the catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption. The catalyst Pd loading on both SiO2 and Al2O3 had a catalytic effect on the dehydrogenation reaction, but the carrier Al2O3 was more superior. The hydrogen conversion and selectivity of hydrogen-oxygen reaction increased first and then decreased with Pd loading amount and temperature by using Pd/Al2O3 as catalysts, but the influence of temperature was limited when it was higher than 60°C. The hydrogen conversion was 97.38% and selectivity of hydrogen-oxygen reaction was 79% when the reaction temperature was at 60°C with 1 wt.% Pd/Al2O3.
Effects of V4c-ICL Implantation on Myopic Patients’ Vision-Related Daily Activities
Authors: Liu Taixiang , Linghu Shaorong , Pan Le , Shi Rong
Published: November 2016

The new type implantable Collamer lens with a central hole (V4c-ICL) is widely used to treat myopia. However, halos occur in some patients after surgery. The aim is to evaluate the effect of V4c-ICL implantation on vision-related daily activities. This retrospective study included 42 patients. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and vault were recorded and vision-related daily activities were evaluated at 3 months after operation. The average spherical equivalent was-0.12±0.33 D at 3 months after operation. UCVA equal to or better than preoperative BCVA occurred in 98% of eyes. The average BCVA at 3 months after operation was-0.03±0.07LogMAR, which was significantly better than preoperative BCVA (0.08±0.10LogMAR) (P=0.029). Apart from one patient (2.4%) who had difficulty reading computer screens, all patients had satisfactory or very satisfactory results. During the early postoperation, halos occurred in 23 patients (54.8%). However there were no significant differences in the scores of visual functions between patients with and without halos (P>0.05). Patients were very satisfied with their vision-related daily activities at 3 months after operation. The central hole of V4c-ICL does not affect patients’ vision-related daily activities.
Synthesis, X-Ray Crystal Structure Study, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, and Biological Activity of N-(2-amino-phenyl)-2-methyl-benzamide
Authors: Nagaraju Latha Rani , Venkataravanappa Lakshmi Ranganatha , Mandayam Anandalwar Sridhar , Khanum Shaukath Ara
Published: November 2016

The title compound crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system, with space group P21/c. The compound exhibits intermolecular interactions of the types N–H⋯N, C–H⋯O, and C–H⋯π; intramolecular interactions of the type N–H⋯N. The intercontacts are also studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The compound showed no remarkable antibacterial activity when screened against two gram-negative and two gram-positive bacteria.
Passivity and Semiconducting Behavior of a High Nitrogen Stainless Steel in Acidic NaCl Solution
Authors: Qiao Yanxin , Cai Xiang , Cui Jie , Li Huabing
Published: November 2016

The passivity and semiconducting behaviors of a high nitrogen-containing nickel-free stainless steel (HNSS) in 0.05 mol/L H2SO4+ 0.5 mol/L NaCl have been investigated. Results indicated that HNSS offered excellent pitting corrosion resistance in corrosive environments. Three corrosion potential values were observed in potentiodynamic polarization response, indicating the existence of an unstable system. The current transient and Mott-Schottky plots demonstrated that the stability of passive films decreased with the increase of applied potentials. The angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectrometric results revealed that the primary constituents of passive films formed in 0.05 mol/L H2SO4+ 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution were composed of iron oxides, manganese oxides, Cr2O3, and Cr(OH)3. Meanwhile, it indicated that molybdenum oxides did not exist in the oxide layer, but chloride ions were present in the passive films.
Synthesis of Pure Micro- and Nanopyrite and Their Application for As (III) Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chen Guobao , Zhu Zhangfu , Qin Yong
Published: November 2016

Arsenic is one of the materials that has a worldwide concern because of its high toxicity and chronic effects on human health. The existence of arsenic as As (III) is about 56 times poisonous as As (V) and more difficult to process. The investigation takes the pyrite as an adsorbent to remove As (III) from waste water. Different morphology and granularity of pyrite were synthesized by hydrothermal and liquid-phase precipitation methods, respectively. The findings show that the addition of pyrite nanoparticles to the solution provided highest As (III) removal efficiency of 88.53%. 1 gL−1pyrite nanoparticles can reduce the concentration of arsenite in the waste water from an initial As content of 30 mgL−1to 3.4 mgL−1at pH 11. Under the similar operating conditions, the synthetic micropyrite and natural pyrite have a lower As (III) removal; both were less than 70%. In addition, the synthetic pyrite nanowires obtained 86.70% removal efficiency of arsenite. The results confirmed that the morphology and granularity of pyrite can significantly influence the adsorption of arsenite removal from aqueous solution.
Statistical Delay QoS Provisioning for Energy-Efficient Spectrum-Sharing Based Wireless Ad Hoc Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Yichen , Xu Wenwen
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we develop the statistical delay quality-of-service (QoS) provisioning framework for the energy-efficient spectrum-sharing based wireless ad hoc sensor network (WAHSN), which is characterized by thedelay-bound violation probability. Based on the established delay QoS provisioning framework, we formulate the nonconvex optimization problem which aims at maximizing the average energy efficiency of the sensor node in the WAHSN while meeting PU’s statistical delay QoS requirement as well as satisfying sensor node’s average transmission rate, average transmitting power, and peak transmitting power constraints. By employing the theories offractional programming,convex hull, andprobabilistic transmission, we convert the original fractional-structured nonconvex problem to theadditively structured parametric convex problemand obtain the optimal power allocation strategy under the given parameter via Lagrangian method. Finally, we derive the optimal average energy efficiency and corresponding optimal power allocation scheme by employing theDinkelbach method. Simulation results show that our derived optimal power allocation strategy can be dynamically adjusted based on PU’s delay QoS requirement as well as the channel conditions. The impact of PU’s delay QoS requirement on sensor node’s energy efficiency is also illustrated.
Gradient Compressive Sensing for Image Data Reduction in UAV Based Search and Rescue in the Wild
Authors: Musić Josip , Orović Irena , Marasović Tea , Papić Vladan , Stanković Srdjan
Published: November 2016

Search and rescue operations usually require significant resources, personnel, equipment, and time. In order to optimize the resources and expenses and to increase the efficiency of operations, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerial photography is considered for fast reconnaissance of large and unreachable terrains. The images are then transmitted to control center for automatic processing and pattern recognition. Furthermore, due to the limited transmission capacities and significant battery consumption for recording high resolution images, in this paper we consider the use of smart acquisition strategy with decreased amount of image pixels following the compressive sensing paradigm. The images are completely reconstructed in the control center prior to the application of image processing for suspicious objects detection. The efficiency of this combined approach depends on the amount of acquired data and also on the complexity of the scenery observed. The proposed approach is tested on various high resolution aerial images, while the achieved results are analyzed using different quality metrics and validation tests. Additionally, a user study is performed on the original images to provide the baseline object detection performance.
Atypical Aortoesophageal Fistula with Atypical and Delayed Presentation and Negative Imaging Studies
Authors: Hakim Seifeldin , Gjeorgjievski Mihajlo , Garg Lohit , Orosey Molly , Desai Tusar
Published: November 2016

A 59-year-old man with past medical history of thoracic aortic aneurysm treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair presented with melena for 2 weeks. Initial EGD did not reveal the source of bleeding and showed normal esophagus; abdominal arteriogram did not reveal a fistulous communication and initial CTA showed normal position of the aortic graft stent without endoleak. The sixth EGD revealed a submucosal tumor-like projection in the upper esophagus and stigmata of recent bleeding. Another thoracic endovascular aortic repair with stent was placed over the old graft for presumed aortoesophageal fistula. Poststent upper gastrointestinal series with contrast showed extravasation of the contrast from the esophagus and CTA showed fistulous tract between aorta and esophagus. The patient refused definitive surgical repair despite having infected aortic graft; jejunostomy tube was placed and life-long suppressive antibiotic treatment was given and the patient is doing well at 2-year follow-up.
Study on the Characteristics of Traction Forces Difference Asymmetric Steering Bogies
Authors: Shi Yan , Hu Junxiong , Ma Weihua
Published: November 2016

This article comes up with a new concept of applying the difference between traction forces on front and rear wheelsets to guiding control, as well as the design of a new type of structurally simple asymmetrical radial bogies, which lead to the proposition of traction forces difference-steering asymmetric radial bogies. The traction forces difference-steering asymmetric radial bogies are referred to as TFDA-bogies, in which the difference of longitudinal creep forces between front and rear wheels produces radial steering of both wheelsets. The concept of traction difference is incorporated into guiding control and bogie structure is also simplified in the form of asymmetrical radial bogies. Angle sensors are mounted to facilitate the change of electric currents of the front and rear traction motors to control the guiding mechanism so that wheelsets can adopt the radial position. With SIMPACK, the multibody dynamics analysis software, three whole vehicle models of TFDA-bogies, radial bogies, and conventional bogies are set up and comparative analyses are made on the lead wheel angle of attack, lead wheel lateral force, lead wheel friction power, and total vehicle friction power under idle running condition and traction condition, respectively. Results show that TFDA-bogies are radial bogies with simplified structure.
In VitroProtective Effects ofLycium barbarumBerries Cultivated in Umbria (Italy) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ceccarini M. R. , Vannini S. , Cataldi S. , Moretti M. , Villarini M. , Fioretti B. , Albi E. , Beccari T. , Codini M.
Published: November 2016

Lycium barbarumis a famous plant in the traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is known to have health-promoting bioactive components. The properties ofLycium barbarumberries cultivated in Umbria (Italy) and their effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) have been investigated in this work. The obtained results demonstrated that theLycium barbarumberries from Umbria region display high antioxidant properties evaluated by total phenolic content and ORAC method, on hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. Moreover, on HepG2 cell lineLycium barbarumberries extract did not change cell viability analyzed by MTT and Trypan blue exclusion assay and did not induce genotoxic effect analyzed by comet assay. Furthermore, it was demonstrated, for the first time, that the berries extract showed a protective effect on DNA damage, expressed as antigenotoxic activityin vitro. Finally,Lycium barbarumberries extract was able to modulate the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer. In particular, downexpression of genes involved in tumor migration and invasion (CCL5), in increased risk of metastasis and antiapoptotic signal (DUSP1), and in carcinogenesis (GPx-3 and PTGS1), together with overexpression of tumor suppressor gene (MT3), suggested that UmbrianLycium barbarumberries could play a protective role against hepatocellular carcinoma.
Blood Plasma of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Increases Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Xin , Li Xuran , Yang Weiwei , Yu Shun
Published: November 2016

A pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is formation of Lewy bodies in neurons of the brain. This has been attributed to the spread of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates, which involves release of α-syn from a neuron and its reuptake by a neighboring neuron. We found that treatment with plasma from PD patients induced more α-syn phosphorylation and oligomerization than plasma from normal subjects (NS). Compared with NS plasma, PD plasma added to primary neuron cultures caused more cell death in the presence of extracellular α-syn. This was supported by the observations that phosphorylated α-syn oligomers entered neurons, rapidly increased accumulated thioflavin S-positive inclusions, and induced a series of metabolic changes that included activation of polo-like kinase 2, inhibition of glucocerebrosidase and protein phosphatase 2A, and reduction of ceramide levels, all of which have been shown to promote α-syn phosphorylation and aggregation. We also analyzed neurotoxicity of α-syn oligomers relative to plasma from different patients. Neurotoxicity was not related to age or gender of the patients. However, neurotoxicity was positively correlated with H&Y staging score. The modification in the plasma may promote spreading of α-syn aggregates via an alternative pathway and accelerate progression of PD.
Experimental Study of Torque Using a Small Scoop on the Lunar Surface
Authors: Xue Long , Chen Baichao , Zhao Zhenjia , Dang Zhaolong , Zou Meng
Published: November 2016

Chinese missions to the moon are planned to sample the regolith and return it to the earth. Microscale excavators may be good candidates for these missions, as they would significantly reduce the launch mass. Thus, it is necessary to research the interaction between the scoop and the regolith being sampled. We present the development of a simple apparatus to measure excavation torque. All tests were conducted using TYII-2 regolith simulant with gravels. The test results show that, under loose regolith conditions, the penetrating angle and the bulk density had a great influence on the excavation torque, while the rotating speed had little effect. However, when the bulk density was compact, the rotating speed did influence the excavation torque. The excavation torque increased sharply when the scoop encountered the gravels; actually, some of the parameters will influence the value of the torque such as the diameter, quantity, and position and inbuilt depth of the gravels. When the excavation torque sharply increases, the operation should be immediately stopped and checked.
Tuberculosis and Migration: A Challenge for Medical Staff and Public Health
Authors: Griesshammer Ines , Srivastava David Shiva , von Garnier Christophe , Blaser Till Silvan , Exadaktylos Aris , Steib Moritz
Published: November 2016

A high number of asylum seekers enter Switzerland every year. They often originate from countries with a high TB prevalence. Our patient from Somalia presented with 2 lipoma-like tumors with pain on palpation on his left chest wall but no symptoms including coughing, fever, night-sweats, or loss of weight. CT scan then showed diffuse infiltrations of his lung and multiple abscesses on his left chest wall. Therefore contagious tuberculosis (TB) was suspected and the patient was put in isolation. In the follow-up the diagnosis of open TB was proofed with bronchial secretion and EBUS-guided biopsy that showed acid-fast rods. This particular case shows how difficult the identification of patients with open TB can be, especially if there are no respiratory or systemic symptoms. Therefore awareness of possible infectious disease is paramount for ED Doctors treating patients from countries with high prevalence. Early and strict isolation measures can help to reduce risk of contagion among staff and patients.
Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge and Current Practice of Pain Assessment and Management: How Much Progress Have We Made?
Authors: Nuseir Khawla , Kassab Manal , Almomani Basima
Published: November 2016

Context. Despite improvement in pain management and availability of clinical treatment guidelines, patients in Jordan are still suffering from pain. Negative consequences of undertreated pain are being recognized as a reason for further illnesses and poor quality of life. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are responsible for relieving pain of their patients.Objective. To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of HCPs toward pain management in Jordan.Methods. A 16-item questionnaire with agree or disagree options was given to 662 HCPs in seven hospitals in Jordan who volunteered to participate in the study. Following data collection, the responses were coded and entered into SPSS.Results. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.004) in percentage scores between physicians (36%) and pharmacists (36%) versus nurses (24%). The level of knowledge was the best among physicians, followed by pharmacists specifically in the area of cancer pain management. Nurses scored the lowest for knowledge of pain assessment and management among HCPs. However, HCPs overall scores indicated insufficient knowledge specifically in relation to pain assessment and management among children.
Search for Anomalous Quartic ZZγγ Couplings in Photon-Photon Collisions
Authors: Köksal M. , Arı V. , Senol A.
Published: November 2016

The self-couplings of the electroweak gauge bosons are completely specified by the non-Abelian gauge nature of the Standard Model (SM). The direct study of these couplings provides a significant opportunity to test the validity of the SM and the existence of new physics beyond the SM up to the high energy scale. For this reason, we investigate the potential of the processes γγ→ZZ, e-γ→e-γ⁎γ→e-ZZ,  and e+e-→e+γ⁎γ⁎e-→e+ZZe- to examine the anomalous quartic couplings of ZZγγ vertex at the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) with center-of-mass energy 3 TeV. We calculate 95% confidence level sensitivities on the dimension-8 parameters with various values of the integrated luminosity. We show that the best bounds on the anomalous fM2/Λ4, fM3/Λ4, fT0/Λ4, and fT9/Λ4 couplings arising from γγ→ZZ process among those three processes at center-of-mass energy of 3 TeV and integrated luminosity of Lint=2000 fb−1 are found to be [-3.30;3.30]×10-3 TeV−4, [-1.20;1.20]×10-2 TeV−4, [-3.40;3.40]×10-3 TeV−4, and [-1.80;1.80]×10-3 TeV−4, respectively.
Rituximab-Associated Inflammatory Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Punch Chandra , Schofield Christina , Harris Penelope
Published: November 2016

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disease of the immunosuppression that results from neurotropic invasion of the JC virus which leads to demyelination of oligodendrocytes. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), on the other hand, is a condition of inflammation that develops as the immune system reconstitutes. This case report describes a case of a 35-year-old HIV-negative male who presented with three weeks of right lower extremity paresthesias as well as right upper extremity apraxia. He was diagnosed with PML complicated by IRIS secondary to Rituximab, which he had completed four months prior to presentation. Despite the condition’s poor prognosis, the patient recovered with only minor deficits.
Autogenous Tooth Fragment Adhesive Reattachment for a Complicated Crown Root Fracture: Two Interdisciplinary Case Reports
Authors: Pavone Antonello Francesco , Ghassemian Marjan , Mancini Manuele , Condò Roberta , Cerroni Loredana , Arcuri Claudio , Pasquantonio Guido
Published: November 2016

Trauma of anterior teeth is quite a common occurrence in both children and adults. Various degrees of trauma leading to fracture may affect teeth in different ways depending on the age of the patient and extent of fracture and other factors that will be discussed. Guidelines have been given as to how each of these situations should be treated. In the past, often more aggressive restorations were performed to restore fractured teeth. However improved and more efficient adhesion may affect the type of treatment we decide to carry out, leading to more conservative therapies through an increased preservation of tooth structures.
Antiproliferative Efficacy of Kaempferol on Cultured Daudi Cells: An In Silico and In Vitro Study
Authors: Parmar Felisa , Patel Chirag , Highland Hyacinth , Pandya Himanshu , George Linz-Buoy
Published: November 2016

There is always a constant need to develop alternative or synergistic anticancer drugs with minimal side effects. One important strategy to develop effective anticancer agents is to investigate potent derived compounds from natural sources. The present study was designed to determine antiproliferative activity of Kaempferol using in silico as well as in vitro study. Docking was performed using human GCN5 (hGCN5) protein involved with cell cycle, apoptosis, and glucose metabolism. Cell viability and cytotoxicity on Daudi cells were evaluated by trypan blue and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays in a dose and time dependent manner, respectively. The compound inhibited the proliferation and growth of the Daudi cells, through induced cell death. The pure compound proved lead inhibitors of cell proliferation, thus manifesting significant antiproliferative activity. The docking results revealed that Kaempferol exhibited binding interaction to hGCN5 protein. Further, molecular dynamics using the dock pose of hGCN5-Kaempferol complex were performed to understand the basic structural unit which lead to inefficiency in binding and, therefore, pronounced instability and its possible consequences of reduced binding affinity. The data obtained in this study indicates that Kaempferol is a promising compound leading to inhibition of Daudi cell growth and proliferation.
Hemorrhagic Lacrimation and Epistaxis in Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy
Authors: Mreish Shireen , Al-Tatari Hossam
Published: November 2016

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is an uncommon benign cutaneous vasculitis. Despite its worrisome presentation, it carries good prognosis with rarely reported systemic involvement. Management of these cases has been an area of debate with majority of physicians adopting conservative modalities. We report a case that presented with classic triad of rash, low grade fever, and peripheral edema along with two rarely reported manifestations in literature: hemorrhagic lacrimation and epistaxis.
Predicting Pumpability and Shootability of Crushed Aggregate Wet-Mix Shotcrete Based on Rheological Properties
Authors: Yun Kyong-Ku , Choi Pangil , Yeon Jung Heum
Published: November 2016

This study aims to estimate the pumpability and shootability of wet-mix shotcrete (WMS) made with crushed aggregates and various admixtures such as silica fume, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), metakaolin, and steel fiber based on rheological properties. The IBB rheometer was employed as an apparatus to measure the rheological properties of freshly mixed shotcrete such as flow resistance and torque viscosity. Results have shown that the use of silica fume and metakaolin led to satisfactory pumpability, whereas mixtures with fly ash and steel fiber failed to meet the pumping criteria at normal pump pressure. The build-up thickness, an indicator to represent shotcrete shootability, was predicted to vary between 68 and 218 mm, demonstrating that the use of admixtures resulted in a wide spectrum of shootability. In particular, the use of metakaolin was found to substantially increase the predicted build-up thickness only with a small replacement. The findings of this study are expected to be used as an easy-to-use guideline for estimating pumpability and shootability of WMS when no compliance testing data is available.