bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gesture Recognition from Data Streams of Human Motion Sensor Using Accelerated PSO Swarm Search Feature Selection Algorithm
Authors: Fong Simon , Liang Justin , Fister Iztok , Fister Iztok , Mohammed Sabah
Published: March 2015

Human motion sensing technology gains tremendous popularity nowadays with practical applications such as video surveillance for security, hand signing, and smart-home and gaming. These applications capture human motions in real-time from video sensors, the data patterns are nonstationary and ever changing. While the hardware technology of such motion sensing devices as well as their data collection process become relatively mature, the computational challenge lies in the real-time analysis of these live feeds. In this paper we argue that traditional data mining methods run short of accurately analyzing the human activity patterns from the sensor data stream. The shortcoming is due to the algorithmic design which is not adaptive to the dynamic changes in the dynamic gesture motions. The successor of these algorithms which is known as data stream mining is evaluated versus traditional data mining, through a case of gesture recognition over motion data by using Microsoft Kinect sensors. Three different subjects were asked to read three comic strips and to tell the stories in front of the sensor. The data stream contains coordinates of articulation points and various positions of the parts of the human body corresponding to the actions that the user performs. In particular, a novel technique of feature selection using swarm search and accelerated PSO is proposed for enabling fast preprocessing for inducing an improved classification model in real-time. Superior result is shown in the experiment that runs on this empirical data stream. The contribution of this paper is on a comparative study between using traditional and data stream mining algorithms and incorporation of the novel improved feature selection technique with a scenario where different gesture patterns are to be recognized from streaming sensor data.
“Forget to Whom You Have Told This Proverb”: Directed Forgetting of Destination Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Gandolphe Marie-Charlotte , Allain Philippe , Fasotti Luciano , Antoine Pascal
Published: March 2015

Destination memory is the ability to remember the receiver of transmitted information. By means of a destination memory directed forgetting task, we investigated whether participants with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) were able to suppress irrelevant information in destination memory. Twenty-six AD participants and 30 healthy elderly subjects were asked to tell 10 different proverbs to 10 different celebrities (List 1). Afterwards, half of the participants were instructed to forget the destinations (i.e., the celebrities) whereas the other half were asked to keep them in mind. After telling 10 other proverbs to 10 other celebrities (List 2), participants were asked to read numbers aloud. Subsequently, all the participants were asked to remember the destinations of List 1 and List 2, regardless of the forget or remember instructions. The results show similar destination memory in AD participants who were asked to forget the destinations of List 1 and those who were asked to retain them. These findings are attributed to inhibitory deficits, by which AD participants have difficulties to suppress irrelevant information in destination memory.
Myofibroma of the Gingiva: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Narayen Vaishali , Ahmed Syed Afroz , Suri Charu , Tanveer Shahela
Published: March 2015

Myofibromas are benign uncommon fibroblastic tumors of the soft tissue, bone, or internal organs affecting all ages. These lesions histopathologically may mimic many other soft tissue tumors of the oral cavity such as spindle cell tumors of neurogenic and smooth muscle cell origin, thus leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. This case report describes a rare benign tumor, which presented as a soft tissue swelling on posterior gingiva. Surgical excision of the lesion was carried out under local anaesthesia. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of myofibroma. Myofibroma should be included in the clinical differential diagnosis of masses of the oral soft tissues; however immunohistochemical examination is essential to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Induced Second Trimester Abortion and Associated Factors in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals
Authors: Mulat Amlaku , Bayu Hinsermu , Mellie Habtamu , Alemu Amare
Published: March 2015

Background. Although the vast majority of abortions are performed in the first trimester, still 10–15% of terminations of pregnancies have taken place in the second trimester period globally. As compared to first trimester, second trimester abortions are disproportionately contribute for maternal morbidity and mortality especially in low-resource countries where access to safe second trimester abortion is limited. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of induced second trimester abortion in Amhara region referral hospitals, northwest Ethiopia.Methods. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in Amhara region referral hospitals among 416 women who sought abortion services. Participants were selected using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire through interviewing. After the data were entered and analyzed; variables which havePvalue < 0.2 in bivariate analysis, not colinear, were entered into multiple logistic regressions to see the net effect with 95% CI andPvalue < 0.05.Results. The prevalence of induced second trimester abortion was 19.2%. Being rural (AOR = 1.86 [95% CI = 1.11–3.14]), having irregular menstrual cycle (AOR = 1.76 [95% CI = 1.03–2.98]), not recognizing their pregnancy at early time (AOR = 2.05 [95% CI = 1.21–3.48]), and having logistics related problems (AOR = 2.37 [95% CI = 1.02–5.53]) were found to have statistically significant association with induced second trimester abortion.Conclusion. Induced second trimester abortion is high despite the availability of first trimester abortion services. Therefore, increase accessibility and availability of safe second trimester abortion services below referral level, counseling and logistical support are helpful to minimize late abortions.
Hepatic Overexpression of GRP94 in a Rabbit Model of Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Zhu Xueping , Zhang Xiaomin , Yu Lingling , Xu Yumin , Feng Xing , Wang Jian
Published: March 2015

Objective. To use a rabbit model of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) to study changes of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker glucose regulatory protein 94 (GRP94) and determine its role in the pathogenesis of PNALD. Methods. A rabbit PNALD model total parenteral nutrition (TPN) group was established. A corresponding control group received breast-feeding for one week. Serum biochemical parameters were measured and liver histological examinations were performed. The level of GRP94 mRNA and protein were measured. Results. The results showed that the serum TBIL, DBIL, and γ-GT levels in the TPN group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while levels of serum ALB in TPN group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the protein expression level of GRP94 in the liver of TPN group was significantly increased compared with the control group. The RT-PCR results showed that the level of GRP94 mRNA in the liver of the TPN group was significantly higher compared with the control group. Conclusions. The mRNA and protein levels of GRP94 in the TPN group were both significantly increased, indicating that ERS may be directly related to the occurrence and development of PNALD.
Myotonic Dystrophy-1 Complicated by Factor-V (Leiden) Mutation
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Stöllberger Claudia
Published: March 2015

Objectives. Presence of a factor-V Leiden mutation in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) has been reported only once. Here we report the second DM1 patient carrying a factor-V mutation who died from long-term complications of this mutation.Case Report. A 66-year-old DM1 patient with multi-organ-disorder syndrome developed a first deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and consecutive pulmonary embolism (PE) at age 50 y. Acetyl-salicylic acid was given. One year later he experienced a second DVT; that is why phenprocoumon was started. Despite anticoagulation, he experienced a third DVT bilaterally and a second PE bilaterally at 61 y; that is why a vena cava filter was additionally deployed. Despite therapeutic anticoagulation, he experienced a vena cava filter thrombosis at age 62 y. Genetic workup revealed a heterozygous factor-V mutation in addition to a CTG-repeat expansion of 500. As a consequence of PE he developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and experienced recurrent pulmonary infections, which were lastly responsible for decease at age 66 y despite intensive care measures.Conclusion. The heterozygous Leiden mutation may severely affect DM1 patients to such a degree that they die from its complications. If DM1 patients present with unusual manifestations, search for causes other than a CTG-repeat expansion is indicated.
Haematuria in Postrenal Transplant Patients
Authors: Wang Ziting , Vathsala Anantharaman , Tiong Ho Yee
Published: March 2015

Haematuria has a prevalence of 12% in the postrenal transplant patient population. It heralds potentially dangerous causes which could threaten graft loss. It is important to consider causes in light of the unique, urological, and immunological standpoints of these patients. We review the literature on common causes of haematuria in postrenal transplant patients and suggest the salient approach to the evaluation of this condition. A major cause of haematuria is urinary tract infections. There should be a higher index of suspicion for mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infection in this group of immunosuppressed patients. Measures recommended in the prevention of urinary tract infections include early removal of foreign bodies as well as prophylactic antibiotics during the early transplant phase. Another common cause of haematuria is that of malignancies, in particular, renal cell carcinomas. When surgically managing cancer in the setting of a renal transplant, one has to be mindful of the limited retropubic space and the need to protect the anastomoses. Other causes include graft rejections, recurrences of primary disease, and calculus formation. It is important to perform a comprehensive evaluation with the aid of an experienced multidisciplinary transplant team.
Prospective Analysis of Risk for Hypothyroidism after Hemithyroidectomy
Authors: Beisa Virgilijus , Kazanavicius Darius , Skrebunas Arminas , Simutis Gintaras , Ivaska Justinas , Strupas Kestutis
Published: March 2015

Objectives. To evaluate risk factors and to develop a simple scoring system to grade the risk of postoperative hypothyroidism (PH).Methods. In a controlled prospective study, 109 patients, who underwent hemithyroidectomy for a benign thyroid disease, were followed up for 12 months. The relation between clinical data and PH was analyzed for significance. A risk scoring system based on significant risk factors and clinical implications was developed.Results. The significant risk factors of PH were higher TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level and lower ratio of the remaining thyroid weight to the patient’s weight (derived weight index). Based on the log of risk factor, preoperative TSH level greater than 1.4 mU/L was assigned 2 points; 1 point was for 0.8–1.4 mU/L. The derived weight index lower than 0.8 g/kg was assigned 1 point. A risk scoring system was calculated by summing the scores. The incidences of PH were 7.3%, 30.4%, and 69.2% according to the risk scores of 0-1, 2, and 3.Conclusion. Risk factors for PH are higher preoperative TSH level and lower derived weight index. Our developed risk scoring system is a valid and reliable tool to identify patients who are at risk for PH before surgery.
Sensorless Direct Power Control of Induction Motor Drive Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Halvaei Niasar Abolfazl , Rahimi Khoei Hossein
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes the design of sensorless induction motor drive based on direct power control (DPC) technique. It is shown that DPC technique enjoys all advantages of pervious methods such as fast dynamic and ease of implementation, without having their problems. To reduce the cost of drive and enhance the reliability, an effective sensorless strategy based on artificial neural network (ANN) is developed to estimate rotor’s position and speed of induction motor. Developed sensorless scheme is a new model reference adaptive system (MRAS) speed observer for direct power control induction motor drives. The proposed MRAS speed observer uses the current model as an adaptive model. The neural network has been then designed and trained online by employing a back propagation network (BPN) algorithm. The estimator was designed and simulated in Simulink. Some simulations are carried out for the closed-loop speed control systems under various load conditions to verify the proposed methods. Simulation results confirm the performance of ANN based sensorless DPC induction motor drive in various conditions.
Cocaine Induced Pleural and Pericardial Effusion Syndrome
Authors: Alqalyoobi Shehabaldin , Vaidya Omkar , Abu Ghanimah Al-Ma’Mon , Elkhanany Ahmed , Gohar Ashraf
Published: March 2015

A 42-year-old African American female with chronic cocaine use for 20 years, presented with two-day history of exertional shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. She was admitted three years back with acute kidney injury and skin rashes. At that time, skin biopsy was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and renal biopsy revealed proliferative glomerulonephritis. She responded to oral prednisone and mycophenolate with complete recovery of her kidney functions. Skin rash was waxing and waning over the last two years. On the second admission, patient was found to have large pleural effusion on computerized tomography scan and pericardial effusion on echocardiogram as shown in the figures. Pleural fluid analysis was exudative. Her serology was negative for ANA (antineutrophilic antibody) and anti-dsDNA (double stranded DNA). Complements levels were normal. She had positive low titers of ANCA levels. The patient was started on a course of prednisone for 6 months. Her pleural and pericardial effusion resolved completely on follow-up imaging with computerized tomography scan and echocardiogram. This case is unique since the pericardial and pleural effusions developed without any other etiology in the setting of cocaine; hence, we describe this clinical syndrome as cocaine induced pleural and pericardial effusions syndrome (CIPP).
MicroRNA-155 Hallmarks Promising Accuracy for the Diagnosis of Various Carcinomas: Results from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Chuancheng , Liu Qiuyan , Liu Baoying
Published: March 2015

Background. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) have diagnostic values in various cancers. This meta-analysis seeks to summarize the global diagnostic role of miR-155 in patients with a variety of carcinomas.Methods. Eligible studies were retrieved by searching the online databases, and the bivariate meta-analysis model was employed to generate the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve.Results. A total of 17 studies dealing with various carcinomas were finally included. The results showed that single miR-155 testing allowed for the discrimination between cancer patients and healthy donors with a sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73–0.88) and specificity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70–0.83), corresponding to an area under curve (AUC) of 0.85, while a panel comprising expressions of miR-155 yielded a sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68–0.82) and specificity of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77–0.86) in diagnosing cancers. The subgroup analysis displayed that serum miR-155 test harvested higher accuracy than plasma-based assay (the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were, resp., 0.87 versus 0.73, 0.78 versus 0.74, and 0.77 versus 0.70).Conclusions. Our data suggest that single miR-155 profiling has a potential to be used as a screening test for various carcinomas, and parallel testing of miR-155 confers an improved specificity compared to single miR-155 analysis.
Increased Serum Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor in Women with Gestational Diabetes Is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Tong-Huan , Qiu Chun-Jian , Yu Xiao-Juan , Liu Dan-Dan , Zhou Peng-Fei , Wu Liang
Published: March 2015

Background. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is demonstrated to be elevated in diabetes patients. However, no reports have emerged in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was undertaken to investigate serum PEDF levels in GDM women and to evaluate PEDF as a biomarker to predict diabetes postpartum.Methods. Serum PEDF concentration and clinical characteristics were detected in the pregnant women with GDM (n = 120) and without GDM (control group,n = 120).Results. PEDF levels were elevated in subjects with GDM versus controls. Univariate correlations showed that serum PEDF levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels, respectively, and negatively correlated with adiponectin. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the AUC of serum PEDF for diabetes mellitus in women postpartum was 0.893.Conclusion. Serum PEDF was elevated in pregnant women with GDM, which is probably an early detection marker for predicting development of GDM to diabetes mellitus.
ACOustic: A Nature‐Inspired Exploration Indicator for Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Sagban Rafid , Ku-Mahamud Ku Ruhana , Abu Bakar Muhamad Shahbani
Published: March 2015

A statistical machine learning indicator, ACOustic, is proposed to evaluate the exploration behavior in the iterations of ant colony optimization algorithms. This idea is inspired by the behavior of some parasites in their mimicry to the queens’ acoustics of their ant hosts. The parasites’ reaction results from their ability to indicate the state of penetration. The proposed indicator solves the problem of robustness that results from the difference of magnitudes in the distance’s matrix, especially when combinatorial optimization problems with rugged fitness landscape are applied. The performance of the proposed indicator is evaluated against the existing indicators in six variants of ant colony optimization algorithms. Instances for travelling salesman problem and quadratic assignment problem are used in the experimental evaluation. The analytical results showed that the proposed indicator is more informative and more robust.
Energy Aware Swarm Optimization with Intercluster Search for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Thilagavathi Shanmugasundaram , Gnanasambandan Geetha Bhavani
Published: March 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are emerging as a low cost popular solution for many real‐world challenges. The low cost ensures deployment of large sensor arrays to perform military and civilian tasks. Generally, WSNs are power constrained due to their unique deployment method which makes replacement of battery source difficult. Challenges in WSN include a well‐organized communication platform for the network with negligible power utilization. In this work, an improved binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with modified connected dominating set (CDS) based on residual energy is proposed for discovery of optimal number of clusters and cluster head (CH). Simulations show that the proposed BPSO‐T and BPSO‐EADS perform better than LEACH‐ and PSO‐based system in terms of energy savings and QOS.
Oxidative Stress Responses and NRF2 in Human Leukaemia
Authors: Abdul-Aziz Amina , MacEwan David J. , Bowles Kristian M. , Rushworth Stuart A.
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stress as a result of elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been observed in almost all cancers, including leukaemia, where they contribute to disease development and progression. However, cancer cells also express increased levels of antioxidant proteins which detoxify ROS. This includes glutathione, the major antioxidant in human cells, which has recently been identified to have dysregulated metabolism in human leukaemia. This suggests that critical balance of intracellular ROS levels is required for cancer cell function, growth, and survival. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) transcription factor plays a dual role in cancer. Primarily, NRF2 is a transcription factor functioning to protect nonmalignant cells from malignant transformation and oxidative stress through transcriptional activation of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. However, once malignant transformation has occurred within a cell, NRF2 functions to protect the tumour from oxidative stress and chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, inhibition of the NRF2 oxidative stress pathway in leukaemia cells renders them more sensitive to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Our improved understanding of NRF2 biology in human leukaemia may permit mechanisms by which we could potentially improve future cancer therapies. This review highlights the mechanisms by which leukaemic cells exploit the NRF2/ROS response to promote their growth and survival.
Fast Two-Step Energy Detection for Spectrum Sensing
Authors: Lai Meiling , Peng Shengliang , Yang Xi , Zhou Lin
Published: March 2015

Spectrum sensing is one of the key tasks in cognitive radio. This paper proposes a fast two-step energy detection (FED) algorithm for spectrum sensing via improving the sampling process of conventional energy detection (CED). The algorithm adaptively selectsN-point or 2N-point sampling by comparing its observed energy with prefixed double thresholds, and thereby is superior in sampling time and detection speed. Moreover, under the constraint of constant false alarm, this paper optimizes the thresholds from maximizing detection probability point of view. Theoretical analyses and simulation results show that, compared with CED, the proposed FED can achieve significant gain in detection speed at the expense of slight accuracy loss. Specifically, within high signal-to-noise ratio regions, as much as 25% of samples can be reduced.
Evasion of Early Antiviral Responses by Herpes Simplex Viruses
Authors: Suazo Paula A. , Ibañez Francisco J. , Retamal-Díaz Angello R. , Paz-Fiblas Marysol V. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. , González Pablo A.
Published: March 2015

Besides overcoming physical constraints, such as extreme temperatures, reduced humidity, elevated pressure, and natural predators, human pathogens further need to overcome an arsenal of antimicrobial components evolved by the host to limit infection, replication and optimally, reinfection. Herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) and herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2) infect humans at a high frequency and persist within the host for life by establishing latency in neurons. To gain access to these cells, herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) must replicate and block immediate host antiviral responses elicited by epithelial cells and innate immune components early after infection. During these processes, infected and noninfected neighboring cells, as well as tissue‐resident and patrolling immune cells, will sense viral components and cell‐associated danger signals and secrete soluble mediators. While type‐I interferons aim at limiting virus spread, cytokines and chemokines will modulate resident and incoming immune cells. In this paper, we discuss recent findings relative to the early steps taking place during HSV infection and replication. Further, we discuss how HSVs evade detection by host cells and the molecular mechanisms evolved by these viruses to circumvent early antiviral mechanisms, ultimately leading to neuron infection and the establishment of latency.
Nanomaterial Host Bands Effect on the Photoluminescence Properties of Ce‐Doped YAG Nanophosphor Synthesized by Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Guerbous L. , Boukerika A.
Published: March 2015

Cerium trivalent (Ce3+) doped YAG nano‐sized phosphors have been successfully synthesized by sol‐gel method using different annealing temperatures. The samples have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and steady photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the pure cubic phase YAG was formed and strongly depends on the cerium content and the annealing temperature. It was found that the grain size ranges from 30 to 58 nm depending on the calcination temperature. The YAG: Ce nanophosphors showed intense, green‐yellow emission, corresponding to Ce3+ 5d1→2F5/2, 2F7/2 transitions and its photoluminescence excitation spectrum contains the two Ce3+ 4f1→5d1, 5d2 bands. The crystal filed splitting energy levels positions 5d1 and 5d2 and the emission transitions blue shift with annealing temperatures have been discussed. It was found that the Ce3+ 4f1 ground state position relative to valence band maximum of YAG host nanomaterial decreases with increasing the temperature.
The HPLC Fingerprint and Isovanillin Content ofBenincasa hispidaSeeds
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Pinglin , Wang Qi , Li Bin , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2015

TheBenincasa hispidaseed is used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, there is still a lack of medicinal quality control ofB. hispidaseeds. The seeds may contain isovanillin, but this finding remains to be confirmed and quantified. The current study aimed to confirm the existence of isovanillin and then preliminarily establish medicinal quality standards forB. hispidaseeds. Fourteen batches of unilateral and bilateralB. hispidaseeds were purchased from 7 different producers in China. Semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to isolate and purify the isovanillin fromB. hispidaseeds. Its chemical structure was elucidated by UV,1H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, and GC-MS. TheB. hispidaseed fingerprint and isovanillin determination were performed on an HPLC instrument. Data obtained from the unilateral and bilateral specimens were analyzed with a similarity evaluation system. The HPLC fingerprint showed 19 characteristic peaks with high similarity between the unilateral and bilateralB. hispidaseeds. The isovanillin content among the fourteen batches ranged from 13.46 to 46.80 μg/g. The results of this study may provide a preliminary reference for the quality control ofB. hispidaseeds.
Hybrid Vortex Method for the Aerodynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine
Authors: Hu Hao , Gu Bo , Zhang Hongtao , Song Xiancheng , Zhao Wanli
Published: March 2015

The hybrid vortex method, in which vortex panel method is combined with the viscous-vortex particle method (HPVP), was established to model the wind turbine aerodynamic and relevant numerical procedure program was developed to solve flow equations. The panel method was used to calculate the blade surface vortex sheets and the vortex particle method was employed to simulate the blade wake vortices. As a result of numerical calculations on the flow over a wind turbine, the HPVP method shows significant advantages in accuracy and less computation resource consuming. The validation of the aerodynamic parameters against Phase VI wind turbine experimental data is performed, which shows reasonable agreement.
Long-Term Weight Maintenance after a 17-Week Weight Loss Intervention with or without a One-Year Maintenance Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pekkarinen Tuula , Kaukua Jarmo , Mustajoki Pertti
Published: March 2015

Background. Weight lost by obese patients is almost always regained over time. Extended treatment may improve maintenance, but solid evidence is lacking.Purpose. We determined effectiveness of maintenance therapy after a weight loss program.Methods. Together 201 patients (mean age 47 years and BMI 42 kg/m2, 71% women) were randomly assigned to either a 17-week weight loss program followed by a one-year maintenance program or to a weight loss program without subsequent maintenance intervention. The weight loss program included behavior modification and a very-low-calorie diet, and maintenance program behavior modification. The primary outcome measure was percentage of patients with 5% or more weight loss at the end of maintenance (week 69) and one year later (week 121). Secondary outcomes were weight related changes in lifestyle and quality of life.Results. At week 69, 52% of the patients with and 44% of those without maintenance program had lost weight≥5%,P=0.40, and, at week 121, 33% and 34%,P=0.77, respectively. At week 121 secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups among those successfully followed up.Conclusions. This one-year maintenance program was not effective in preventing weight regain in severely obese patients.Trial Registration. This trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00590655.
Cardiovascular Control during Exercise in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Green Simon , Egaña Mikel , Baldi J. Chris , Lamberts Regis , Regensteiner Judith G.
Published: March 2015

Controlled studies of male and female subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) of short duration (~3–5 years) show that DM reduces peakV˙O2(L·min−1and mL·kg−1·min−1) by an average of 12–15% and induces a greater slowing of the dynamic response of pulmonaryV˙O2during submaximal exercise. These effects occur in individuals less than 60 years of age but are reduced or absent in older males and are consistently associated with significant increases in the exercise pressor response despite normal resting blood pressure. This exaggerated pressor response, evidence of exertional hypertension in DM, is manifest during moderate submaximal exercise and coincides with a more constrained vasodilation in contracting muscles. Maximum vasodilation during contractions involving single muscle groups is reduced by DM, and the dynamic response of vasodilation during submaximal contractions is slowed. Such vascular constraint most likely contributes to exertional hypertension, impairs dynamic and peakV˙O2responses, and reduces exercise tolerance. There is a need to establish the effect of DM on dynamic aspects of vascular control in skeletal muscle during whole-body exercise and to clarify contributions of altered cardiovascular control and increased arterial stiffness to exertional hypertension.
A Novel Technique for Laparoscopic Salvage of CAPD Catheter Malfunction and Migration: The Santosh-PGI Hanging Loop Technique
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Singh Shivanshu , Sharma Aditya Prakash , Rathi Manish
Published: March 2015

CAPD catheter malfunction is a common problem. Obstruction due to wrapping by appendices epiploicae of sigmoid colon has been rarely reported in literature. We report a case of CAPD catheter malfunction caused by catheter tip migration and obstruction by appendices epiploicae that was successfully managed by laparoscopic hanging loop technique. This case report highlights the ease with which epiplopexy can be performed and catheter tip migration can be prevented by this innovative laparoscopic procedure.
On a Modified Form of Navier‐Stokes Equations for Three‐Dimensional Flows
Authors: Venetis J.
Published: March 2015

A rephrased form of Navier‐Stokes equations is performed for incompressible, three‐dimensional, unsteady flows according to Eulerian formalism for the fluid motion. In particular, we propose a geometrical method for the elimination of the nonlinear terms of these fundamental equations, which are expressed in true vector form, and finally arrive at an equivalent system of three semilinear first order PDEs, which hold for a three‐dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Next, we present the related variational formulation of these modified equations as well as a general type of weak solutions which mainly concern Sobolev spaces.
Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities of 4-Isopropyl-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol Isolated from Butanol Fraction ofCordyceps bassiana
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Lee Yunmi , Sung Gi-Ho , Kim Han Gyung , Jeong Deok , Park Jae Gwang , Baek Kwang-Soo , Sung Nak Yoon , Yang Sungjae , Yoon Deok Hyo , Lee Sang Yeol , Kang Hyojeung , Song Changsik , Cho Jae Han , Lee Kang-Hyo , Kim Tae Woong , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2015

TheCordycepsspecies have been widely used for treating various cancer diseases. Although the Cordyceps species have been widely known as an alternative anticancer remedy, which compounds are responsible for their anticancer activity is not fully understood. In this study, therefore, we examined the anticancer activity of 5 isolated compounds derived from the butanol fraction (Cb-BF) ofCordyceps bassiana. For this purpose, several cancer cell lines such as C6 glioma, MDA-MB-231, and A549 cells were employed and details of anticancer mechanism were further investigated. Of 5 compounds isolated by activity-guided fractionation from BF of Cb-EE, KTH-13, and 4-isopropyl-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol, Cb-BF was found to be the most potent antiproliferative inhibitor of C6 glioma and MDA-MB-231 cell growth. KTH-13 treatment increased DNA laddering, upregulated the level of Annexin V positive cells, and altered morphological changes of C6 glioma and MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, KTH-13 increased the levels of caspase 3, caspase 7, and caspase 9 cleaved forms as well as the protein level of Bax but not Bcl-2. It was also found that the phosphorylation of AKT and p85/PI3K was also clearly reduced by KTH-13 exposure. Therefore, our results suggest KTH-13 can act as a potent antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing component fromCordyceps bassiana, contributing to the anticancer activity of this mushroom.
Brain Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade Improves Dairy Blood Pressure Variability via Sympathoinhibition in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Kishi Takuya , Hirooka Yoshitaka , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: March 2015

Abnormal blood pressure (BP) elevation in early morning is known to cause cardiovascular events. Previous studies have suggested that one of the reasons in abnormal dairy BP variability is sympathoexcitation. We have demonstrated that brain angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) causes sympathoexcitation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether central AT1R blockade attenuates the excess BP elevation in rest-to-active phase in hypertensive rats or not. Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were treated with intracerebroventricular infusion (ICV) of AT1R receptor blocker (ARB), oral administration of hydralazine (HYD), or ICV of vehicle (VEH). Telemetric averaged mean BP (MBP) was measured at early morning (EM), after morning (AM), and night (NT). At EM, MBP was significantly lower in ARB to a greater extent than in HYD compared to VEH, though MBP at AM was the same in ARB and HYD. At NT, MBP was also significantly lower in ARB than in HYD. These results in MBP were compatible to those in sympathoexcitation and suggest that central AT1R blockade attenuates excess BP elevation in early active phase and continuous BP elevation during rest phase independent of depressor response in hypertensive rats.
MEEF: A Minimum-Elimination-Escape Function Method for Multimodal Optimization Problems
Authors: Fan Lei , Wang Yuping , Liu Xiyang , Jia Liping
Published: March 2015

Auxiliary function methods provide us effective and practical ideas to solve multimodal optimization problems. However, improper parameter settings often cause troublesome effects which might lead to the failure of finding global optimal solutions. In this paper, a minimum-elimination-escape function method is proposed for multimodal optimization problems, aiming at avoiding the troublesome “Mexican hat” effect and reducing the influence of local optimal solutions. In the proposed method, the minimum-elimination function is constructed to decrease the number of local optimum first. Then, a minimum-escape function is proposed based on the minimum-elimination function, in which the current minimal solution will be converted to the unique global maximal solution of the minimum-escape function. The minimum-escape function is insensitive to its unique but easy to adopt parameter. At last, an minimum-elimination-escape function method is designed based on these two functions. Experiments on 19 widely used benchmarks are made, in which influences of the parameter and different initial points are analyzed. Comparisons with 11 existing methods indicate that the performance of the proposed algorithm is positive and effective.
The Changing Spectrum of Surgically Treated Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Plichta Jennifer K. , Brosius Jacqueline A. , Pappas Sam G. , Abood Gerard J. , Aranha Gerard V.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. While the incidence of pancreatic cystic lesions has steadily increased, we sought to evaluate the changes in their surgical management. Methods. Patients with pancreatic cystic lesions who underwent surgical resection from 2003 to 2013 were identified. Clinicopathologic factors were analyzed and compared to a similar cohort from 1992 to 2002. Results. There were 134 patients with pancreatic cystic lesions who underwent surgical resection from 2003 to 2013, compared to 73 from 1992 to 2002. The most common preoperative imaging was a CT scan, although 66% underwent EUS and 63% underwent biopsy. Pathology included 18 serous, 47 mucinous, 11 pseudopapillary, and 58 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In comparing cohorts, there were significantly fewer serous lesions and more IPMN. Postoperative complication rates were similar, and perioperative mortality rates were comparable. Conclusion. There has been a dramatic change in surgically treated pancreatic cystic tumors over the past two decades. Our data suggests that the incorporation of new imaging and diagnostic tests has led to greater detection of cystic tumors and a decreased rate of potentially unnecessary resections. Therefore, all patients with cystic pancreatic lesions should undergo a focused CT-pancreas, and an EUS biopsy should be considered, in order to best select those that would benefit from surgical resection.
Late Onset Ipilimumab-Induced Pericarditis and Pericardial Effusion: A Rare but Life Threatening Complication
Authors: Yun Seongseok , Vincelette Nicole D. , Mansour Iyad , Hariri Dana , Motamed Sara
Published: March 2015

Metastatic cutaneous melanoma has poor prognosis with 2-year survival rate of 10–20%. Melanoma cells express various antigens including gp100, melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1), and tyrosinase, which can induce immune-mediated anticancer response via T cell activation. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an immune check point molecule that negatively regulates T cell activation and proliferation. Accordingly, recent phase III clinical trials demonstrated significant survival benefit with ipilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody (IgG1) that blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands. Since the efficacy of ipilimumab depends on T cell activation, it is associated with substantial risk of immune mediated adverse reactions such as colitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis, and hypophysitis. We report the first case of late onset pericarditis and cardiac tamponade associated with ipilimumab treatment in patient with metastatic cutaneous melanoma.
Heuristic Algorithms for One-Slot Link Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks under SINR
Authors: Deng Hui , Yu Jiguo , Yu Dongxiao , Li Guangshun , Huang Baogui
Published: March 2015

One-slot link scheduling is important for enhancing the throughput capacity of wireless sensor networks. It includes two aspects: maximum links scheduling (MLS) and maximum weighted links scheduling (MWLS). In this paper we propose two heuristic algorithms for the two NP-hard problems with obvious power assignments under the SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio) model. For MLS, we propose an algorithm MTMA (maximum tolerance and minimum affectance), which improves the currently best approximation algorithm by 28%–62% on average. For MWLS, we give an effective heuristic algorithm MWMA (maximum weighted and minimum affectance), which performs better on improving the throughput and reducing the running time. The correctness and performance of our algorithms are confirmed through theoretical analysis and comprehensive simulations.
Increased Chromogranin A Cell Density in the Large Intestine of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome after Receiving Dietary Guidance
Authors: Mazzawi Tarek , Gundersen Doris , Hausken Trygve , El-Salhy Magdy
Published: March 2015

The large intestine contains five types of endocrine cells that regulate its functions by sensing its luminal contents and releasing specific hormones. Chromogranin A (CgA) is a common marker for the gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and it is abnormal in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Most IBS patients relate their symptoms to certain food elements. The present study investigated the effect of dietary guidance on the total endocrine cells of the large intestine as detected by CgA in 13 IBS patients. Thirteen control subjects were also included. Each patient received three sessions of dietary guidance. Colonoscopies were performed on controls and patients (at baseline and at 3–9 months after receiving guidance). Biopsy samples from the colon and rectum were immunostained for CgA and quantified by computerized image analysis. The densities of CgA cells in the total colon (mean ± SEM) among the controls and the IBS patients before and after receiving dietary guidance were83.3±10.1,38.6±3.7, and64.7±4.2cells/mm2, respectively (P=0.0004), and were unchanged in the rectum. In conclusion, the increase in CgA cell density after receiving dietary guidance may reflect a change in the densities of the large intestinal endocrine cells causing an improvement in the IBS symptoms.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Assays onPolygonum minusExtracts: Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Hassim Norsyamimi , Markom Masturah , Anuar Nurina , Dewi Kurnia Harlina , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Mohd Noor Normah
Published: March 2015

The effect of solvent type and extraction method was investigated to study the antioxidant and antibacterial activity ofPolygonum minus. Two extraction methods were used: a solvent extraction using Soxhlet apparatus and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and the free radical-scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The highest polyphenol content was obtained from the medium polarity methanol extract of the leaf portion (645.60 ± 166.68 gallic acid equivalents/100 g (GAEs/100 g)). It also showed the highest antioxidant power for FRAP and DPPH radical inhibition and exhibited the largest inhibition zone in antibacterial activity onBacillus subtilis(Gram+),Staphylococcus aureus(Gram+), andEscherichia coli(Gram−). The phase behavior and aldehyde profiles were further investigated using SFE with different cosolvents. The results indicated that a 50% ethanol-water cosolvent yielded the best aldehyde profiles in the presence of decanal, undecanal, and dodecanal.
Architecture and Implementation of a Scalable Sensor Data Storage and Analysis System Using Cloud Computing and Big Data Technologies
Authors: Aydin Galip , Hallac Ibrahim Riza , Karakus Betul
Published: March 2015

Sensors are becoming ubiquitous. From almost any type of industrial applications to intelligent vehicles, smart city applications, and healthcare applications, we see a steady growth of the usage of various types of sensors. The rate of increase in the amount of data produced by these sensors is much more dramatic since sensors usually continuously produce data. It becomes crucial for these data to be stored for future reference and to be analyzed for finding valuable information, such as fault diagnosis information. In this paper we describe a scalable and distributed architecture for sensor data collection, storage, and analysis. The system uses several open source technologies and runs on a cluster of virtual servers. We use GPS sensors as data source and run machine-learning algorithms for data analysis.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Stability and Diffusion of Graphene‐Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Wang Xiunan , Liu Yi , Xu Jingcheng , Li Shengjuan , Zhang Fada , Ye Qian , Zhai Xiao , Zhao Xinluo
Published: March 2015

Graphene, a two‐dimensional nanomaterial with unique biomedical properties, has attracted great attention due to its potential applications in graphene‐based drug delivery systems (DDS). In this work graphene sheets with various sizes and graphene oxide functionalized with polyethylene glycol (GO‐PEG) are utilized as nanocarriers to load anticancer drug molecules including CE6, DOX, MTX, and SN38. We carried out molecular dynamics calculations to explore the energetic stabilities and diffusion behaviors of the complex systems with focuses on the effects of the sizes and functionalization of graphene sheets as well as the number and types of drug molecules. Our study shows that the binding of graphene‐drug complex is favorable when the drug molecules and finite graphene sheets become comparable in sizes. The boundaries of finite sized graphene sheets restrict the movement of drug molecules. The double‐side loading often slows down the diffusion of drug molecules compared with the single‐side loading. The drug molecules bind more strongly with GO‐PEG than with pristine graphene sheets, demonstrating the advantages of functionalization in improving the stability and biocompatibility of graphene‐based DDS.
An AmI-Based Software Architecture Enabling Evolutionary Computation in Blended Commerce: The Shopping Plan Application
Authors: D’Aniello Giuseppe , Gaeta Matteo , Loia Vincenzo , Orciuoli Francesco
Published: March 2015

This work describes an approach to synergistically exploit ambient intelligence technologies, mobile devices, and evolutionary computation in order to support blended commerce or ubiquitous commerce scenarios. The work proposes a software architecture consisting of three main components: linked data for e-commerce, cloud-based services, and mobile apps. The three components implement a scenario where a shopping mall is presented as an intelligent environment in which customers use NFC capabilities of their smartphones in order to handle e-coupons produced, suggested, and consumed by the abovesaid environment. The main function of the intelligent environment is to help customers define shopping plans, which minimize the overall shopping cost by looking for best prices, discounts, and coupons. The paper proposes a genetic algorithm to find suboptimal solutions for the shopping plan problem in a highly dynamic context, where the final cost of a product for an individual customer is dependent on his previous purchases. In particular, the work provides details on the Shopping Plan software prototype and some experimentation results showing the overall performance of the genetic algorithm.
The Influence of Different Drying Methods on Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Saffron from China
Authors: Tong Yingpeng , Zhu Xingyi , Yan Yongqiu , Liu Ruoxi , Gong Feng , Zhang Ling , Hu Jiangning , Fang Ling , Wang Ruwei , Wang Ping
Published: March 2015

More and more saffron has been cultivated in China because of the increasing saffron demand, but no paper has studied the influence of drying methods on the quality of Chinese saffron. In this paper, three different dehydration treatments applied in actual production were evaluated: dehydration with electric oven, vacuum oven, and microwave. We determined that the highest quality of saffron will be obtained when fresh saffron is treated at higher temperatures (no more than 70°C) for a long time by electric oven drying and vacuum oven drying. In microwave drying, treatments at lower microwave power and longer time benefit the quality of saffron. In addition, the influence of the drying method on antioxidants in saffron is discussed. The correlation between individual saffron profiles and the antioxidant value was estimated by spectrum-effect relationships analysis.