bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model for the Wave Localization in a Disordered Periodic Elevated Railway Undergoing In-Plane Vibration
Authors: Fu Qing-Xu , Lu Jian-Fei
Published: June 2013

In this study, a model for the analysis of the wave localization in a special kind of simply-supported beam bridge, namely, the periodic elevated railway (PER), is developed. For simplicity, each span of the PER is supposed to be composed of two longitudinal beams, a pier, and three linking springs. The standard linear solid model is employed to describe the damping of the materials of the piers and beams. Transfer matrix for each span of the PER undergoing in-plane vibration is derived, whereby the wave transfer matrix for each span is obtained. By means of the Wolf's algorithm and using the aforementioned wave transfer matrices, the localization factors accounting for wave localization in the PER are determined. With the proposed model, the influence of the disorder of the beam lengths on the wave localization in the PER is examined. Also, the interactive effect of the damping and the beam-length disorder on the wave localization in the PER is investigated. As a special case, the wave localization in a PER with rigid beam-beam-pier (BBP) junctions is also discussed in this study. Moreover, by the wave transfer matrix method, the wave localization and conversion phenomena in a finite disordered PER segment are investigated. Finally, the relation between the response of a finite disordered PER segment to external loadings and the degrees of the disorder of the PER segment is examined.
Guided Tuning of Turbine Blades: A Practical Method to Avoid Operating at Resonance
Authors: Duong Loc , Murphy Kevin D. , Kazerounian Kazem
Published: June 2013

In gas turbine applications, forced vibrations of turbine blades under resonant—or nearly resonant—conditions are undesirable. Usually in airfoil design procedures, at least the first three blade modes are required to be free of excitation in the operating speed range. However, not uncommonly, a blade may experience resonance at other higher natural frequencies. In an attempt to avoid resonant oscillations, the structural frequencies are tuned away from the excitation frequencies by changing the geometry of the blade. The typical iterative design process—of adding and removing material through restacking the airfoil sections—is laborious and in no way assures an optimal design. In response to the need for an effective and fast methodology, the guided tuning of turbine blades method (GTTB) is developed and presented in this paper. A practical tuning technique, the GTTB method is based on structural perturbations to the mass and stiffness at critical locations, as determined by the methodology described herein. This shifts the excited natural frequency out of the operating speed range, while leaving the other structural frequencies largely undisturbed. The methodology is demonstrated here in the redesign of an actual turbine blade. The numerical results are experimentally validated using a laser vibrometer. The results indicate that the proposed method is not computationally intensive and renders effective results that jibe with experiments.
The Gut Microbiome in Intestinal Fibrosis: Environmental Protector or Provocateur?
Authors: Rieder Florian
Published: June 2013

Intestinal fibrosis, a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease, has features similar to other forms of fibrosis but is particularly closely related to the gut microbiome.
Playing Our Part
Authors: Kelner Katrina L.
Published: June 2013

Science Translational Medicine
has put in place new guidelines for reporting experimental design and statistical information to encourage robust and reproducible results.
The Enemy of the Enemy of My Enemy Is a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Margolin Adam A.
Published: June 2013

A phase 1 clinical trial of the monoclonal antibody to PD-1, lambrolizumab.
RA-
cing Toward Drugs from a Genetics Starting Line
Authors: Voight Benjamin F.
Published: June 2013

Mutations associated with rheumatoid arthritis in humans drive mechanistic insights and drug discovery.
An Escherichia coli Effector Protein Promotes Host Mutation via Depletion of DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins
Authors: Maddocks Oliver David Kenneth , Scanlon Karen Mary , Donnenberg Michael S.
Published: June 2013

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) is an attaching and effacing (A/E) human pathogen that causes diarrhea during acute infection, and it can also sustain asymptomatic colonization. A/E
E. coli
depletes host cell DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in colonic cell lines and has been detected in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, until now, a direct link between infection and host mutagenesis has not been fully demonstrated. Here we show that the EPEC-secreted effector protein EspF is critical for complete EPEC-induced depletion of MMR proteins. The mechanism of EspF activity on MMR protein was posttranscriptional and dependent on EspF mitochondrial targeting. EPEC infection also induced EspF-independent elevation of host reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, EPEC infection significantly increased spontaneous mutation frequency in host cells, and this effect was dependent on mitochondrially targeted EspF. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that A/E
E. coli
can promote colorectal carcinogenesis in humans.

IMPORTANCE
There is mounting evidence linking the gut microbiota with the induction of colorectal tumorigenesis. We previously described the downregulation of host cell mismatch repair (MMR) protein levels upon enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) infection and speculated that this depletion may lead to an ablated DNA repair system. In this work, we identify EspF, a translocated EPEC effector protein, as one of the factors required for this phenotype and show that this effector protein must be targeted to the mitochondria in order to exert its effect. Furthermore, we found that the impaired mismatch repair system resulting from EPEC infection led to the generation of spontaneous mutations within host
DNA at a
site of microsatellite instability, a trait typical of colorectal tumors. Thus, this work provides a novel means by which enteric bacteria may promote colorectal carcinogenesis.
Identification of a New Cyclovirus in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Acute Central Nervous System Infections
Authors: Tan Le Van , van Doorn H. Rogier , Nghia Ho Dang Trung , Chau Tran Thi Hong , Tu Le Thi Phuong , de Vries Michel , Canuti Marta , Deijs Martin , Jebbink Maarten F. , Baker Stephen , Bryant Juliet E. , Tham Nguyen Thi , BKrong Nguyen Thi Thuy Chinh , Boni Maciej F. , Loi Tran Quoc , Phuong Le Thi , Verhoeven Joost T. P. , Crusat Martin , Jeeninga Rienk E. , Schultsz Constance , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Hien Tran Tinh , van der Hoek Lia , Farrar Jeremy , de Jong Menno D.
Published: June 2013

Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality, but the etiology remains unknown in a large proportion of cases. We identified and characterized the full genome of a novel cyclovirus (tentatively named cyclovirus-Vietnam [CyCV-VN]) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of two Vietnamese patients with CNS infections of unknown etiology. CyCV-VN was subsequently detected in 4% of 642 CSF specimens from Vietnamese patients with suspected CNS infections and none of 122 CSFs from patients with noninfectious neurological disorders. Detection rates were similar in patients with CNS infections of unknown etiology and those in whom other pathogens were detected. A similar detection rate in feces from healthy children suggested food-borne or orofecal transmission routes, while high detection rates in feces from pigs and poultry (average, 58%) suggested the existence of animal reservoirs for such transmission. Further research is needed to address the epidemiology and pathogenicity of this novel, potentially zoonotic virus.

IMPORTANCE
Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality, but the etiology frequently remains unknown, which hampers development of therapeutic or preventive strategies. Hence, identification of novel pathogens is essential and is facilitated by current next-generation sequencing-based methods. Using such technology, we identified and characterized the full genome of a novel cyclovirus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from two Vietnamese patients with CNS infections of unknown etiology, which was subsequently detected in none of 122 CSF specimens from patients with noninfectious neurological disorders but 4% of 642 CSF specimens from Vietnamese patients with suspected or confirmed CNS infections. Similar detection rates in feces from healthy children suggested food-borne or orofecal transmission routes, while frequent detection in feces from Vietnamese pigs and poultry (average, 58%) suggested the existence of animal reservoirs for such transmission. Further studies are needed to address the epidemiology and pathogenicity of this novel, potentially zoonotic virus.
Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis with vertebral anomaly
Authors: Prasad Rajniti , Srivastava G N , Mishra O P , Singh Utpal Kant
Published: June 2013

We report a two-and-half–year-old boy who presented with recurrent respiratory tract infections. He had cortriatum of right atrium, spina bifida occulta, hemivertebra and dysplastic right thumb. On CT of chest, he had also unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis. The case is being reported because of common manifestations of rare disease and its associated cardiac and skeletal abnormalities.
A 21-year-old woman with mediastinal mass and cardiac arrest
Authors: Al-Sanouri Ibrahim , Shaban Mohammad , Al-Shahid Maie , Abdulaziz Salman
Published: June 2013

Mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS) is a devastating respiratory and haemodynamic condition that might be encountered postintubation if special precautions are not carefully undertaken. We describe a case of MMS in a 21-year-old woman with a fatal outcome following emergency intubation for acute respiratory failure.
An unusual breast mass: primary synovial sarcoma
Authors: Doyle Victoria J , Bateman Adrian C , Theaker Jeffery M
Published: June 2013

We describe a 54-year-old woman presenting with mastalgia and a 6 mm breast lesion on imaging. Core biopsy revealed a lesion characterised by a predominant epithelioid and a minor spindle cell component. Our differential diagnosis included intraduct papilloma/adenoma and adenomyoepithelioma. However, initial immunohistochemistry did not support these diagnoses and further immunohistochemistry raised the possibility of a synovial sarcoma. This was confirmed with the finding, using fluorescence in-situ hybridisation, of the characteristic translocationt(x; 18) (p11.2; q11.2). Establishing a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma at unusual sites may be difficult, especially when limited tissue is available, for example, within a core biopsy. In this case, immunohistochemistry was useful, but cytogenetics was the key additional investigation. It is important to consider the possibility of rare tumours when the morphological and immunohistochemical features of a lesion initially appear conflicting or inconclusive.
Comparative analysis of the IGF2 and ZBED6 gene variants and haplotypes reveals significant effect of growth traits in cattle
Authors: Huang Yong-Zhen , Zhan Zhao-Yang , Sun Yu-Jia , Wang Jing , Li Ming-Xun , Lan Xian-Yong , Lei Chu-Zhao , Zhang Chun-Lei , Chen Hong
Published: June 2013

Muscle growth is a complex phenomenon regulated by many factors, whereby net growth results from the combined action of synthesis and turnover. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a fetal growth and differentiation factor that plays an important role in muscle growth and in myoblast proliferation and differentiation; Zinc finger, BED-type containing 6 (ZBED6) is a novel transcription factor that was identified and shown to act as a repressor of IGF2 transcription in skeletal muscle. In this study, a total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, four SNPs in intron 8 of IGF2 and one promoter SNP and two missense mutations in the coding region of ZBED6, two of which were in complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the bovine IGF2. The 58 haplotypes were inferred in 1522 individuals representing four purebred cattle breeds from China. The seven SNPs, 79 and 66 combined diplotypes were revealed for association with body mass in Nanyang and Jiaxian cattle populations at five different ages (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The mutant-type variants and haplotype 58 (likely in LD with the beneficial quantitative trait nucleotide allele) was superior for body mass; the heterozygote diplotype of the most common haplotypes 58 was associated with higher body mass compared to either heterozygote or homozygote. The statistical analyses indicated that the mutant-type variants and haplotypes are significantly associated with body mass in study cattle populations at different ages. These data demonstrate that variants and haplotypes are associated with growth traits, and these results may provide important biological insights into the phenotypic differentiation that is associated with adaptation and specialization of cattle breeds.
THE GAUGING OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL BOSONIC SIGMA MODELS ON WORLD-SHEETS WITH DEFECTS
Authors: GAWȨDZKI KRZYSZTOF , SUSZEK RAFAŁ R. , WALDORF KONRAD
Published: June 2013

We extend our analysis of the gauging of rigid symmetries in bosonic two-dimensional sigma models with Wess–Zumino terms in the action to the case of world-sheets with defects. A structure that permits a non-anomalous coupling of such sigma models to world-sheet gauge fields of arbitrary topology is analyzed, together with obstructions to its existence, and the classification of its inequivalent choices.
ANOMALOUS FERMION MASS GENERATION AT THREE LOOPS
Authors: PILAFTSIS APOSTOLOS
Published: June 2013

We present a novel mechanism for generating fermion masses through global anomalies at the three-loop level. In a gauge theory, global anomalies are triggered by the possible existence of scalar or pseudoscalar states and heavy fermions, whose masses may not necessarily result from spontaneous symmetry breaking. The implications of this mass-generating mechanism for model building are discussed, including the possibility of creating low-scale fermion masses by quantum gravity effects.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THE PRESSURE REDUCTION ON AAA WALL BY THE INSERTION OF A STENT GRAFT
Authors: CHEN ZENGSHENG , ZHANG YAN , YAO ZHAOHUI , XU SHANGDONG , ZHANG XIWEN
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of stent grafts on the wall pressure of aneurysms and find out what kind of stent graft is suitable for curing aneurysm. A set of experiment apparatus that simulated the human heart and artery was set up, including an elastic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model which was made of rubber. The influence of healing induced by stent grafts with different diameters and either permeable or impermeable on the AAA were investigated by comparing experiments using the AAA model with clinical stent grafts in a pulsatile flow system that simulated human blood circulation. The experiment results show that the pressure on the AAA wall reduced after the insertion of a stent graft. The permeable stent graft is not propitious to the pressure reduction. Furthermore, the reduction of pressure is related to stent graft diameter, that is, stent grafts whose diameter is 10–15% larger than the arterial diameter leads to the optimal reduction of the wall pressure. The results are unprecedented and expected to have significant clinical applications.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ON AN ALMOST KÄHLER MODEL OF A FINSLER MANIFOLD
Authors: TEKKOYUN MEHMET , CELIK OGUZHAN
Published: June 2013

In this study, we present a new analogue of Euler–Lagrange and Hamilton equations on an almost Kähler model of a Finsler manifold. Also, we give some corollaries about the related mechanical systems and equations.
BLACK-BOX TOOL FOR NONLINEAR SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION BASED UPON FUZZY SYSTEM
Authors: HASSANEIN O. , ANAVATTI SREENATHA G. , RAY TAPABRATA
Published: June 2013

This paper introduces a novel identifier scheme for identification of nonlinear systems with disturbances. The identification process is carried out in two steps: an offline procedure and an online procedure. The method comprises of an automatic structure generating phase using entropybased technique. The accuracy of the model is suitably controlled using the entropy measure. The parameter learning phase uses the backpropagation technique. To improve the accuracy and also for generalization of the model to handle different data sets, Differential Evolution technique is employed whereby the parameters of the model are suitably tuned using evolutionary technique. A semi serial-parallel model is introduced to improve the online identification process in the presence of noisy data. The proposed mechanism is utilized and compared against the classical Sugeno, adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modeling and Laguerre Network-Based Fuzzy System for the identification of a nonlinear benchmark problem. In addition, the proposed technique is also used to model a rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from real test input–output data. The modeling performance and generalization capability are seen to be superior with our method.
MODIFIED FUZZY NEURAL NETWORK FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF MURDER CASES IN CRIMINAL LAW USING GAUSSIAN MEMBERSHIP FUNCTION
Authors: JANEELA THERESA M. M. , JOSEPH RAJ V.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents the problem of decision making by a judge in the case of murder cases in criminal law using single hidden layered fuzzy neural network algorithm. Since the membership functions (MFs) of fuzzy sets can affect the performance of the classification models, determination of MFs is crucial. In this paper, the MF selected is Triangular and Gaussian is proposed for evaluation to improve the classification results. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed Fuzzy Neural Network model for the classification of murder cases, sufficient number of real-world data sets of court decisions are trained and tested. The simulation model of different membership functions for the modified fuzzy neural network architecture is implemented in C++. Experimental results show that the proposed neuro-fuzzy classifier with Gaussian MF outperforms Triangular MF with higher accuracy. The proposed classification model is proved to be a suitable tool for classification of murder cases in criminal law.
EFFECT OF Mn DOPING ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF NANOCRYSTALLINE ZnO
Authors: KARMAKAR M. , MONDAL O. , ROY B. , PAUL P. K. , PAL M.
Published: June 2013

Mn -doped ZnO has emerged as the most studied system for prototype applications in spintronics devices because of its interesting magnetic properties. In this report, nanocrystalline ZnO doped with various concentration of Mn have been synthesized from different precursors using modified ceramic route. Samples are characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD and HRTEM studies confirm the growth of single phase, well crystallized Mn -doped ZnO nanoparticles. Particle size estimated from Rietveld analysis as well as TEM images show a decreasing tendency with the increase in Mn concentration. We observe both band bowing and red shift in optical bandgap by varying the concentration of Mn and precursors. This study demonstrates that Mn concentration is not the only factor but precursors have a definite role on the variation of optical bandgap.
EFFECT OF TOXIC METAL ON THE STRUCTURAL DRY WEIGHT OF A PLANT: A MODEL
Authors: MISRA O. P. , KALRA PREETY
Published: June 2013

A two compartment mathematical model for the individual plant growth under the stress of toxic metal is studied. In the model it is assumed that the uptake of toxic metal by the plant is through root compartment. The toxic metal present in the soil interfere with the uptake and distribution of essential nutrients in plant causing decrease in the nutrient uptake eventually damaging the root structure. In the model it is further assumed that the resistance to nutrient transport from root to shoot compartment increases and nutrient use efficiency decreases due to the presence of toxic metal. In order to visualize the effect of toxic metal on plant growth, we have studied two models, that is, model for plant growth with no toxic effect and model for plant growth with toxic effect. From the analysis of the models the criteria for plant growth with and without toxic effects are derived. The numerical simulation is done using Matlab to support the analytical results.
CHARACTERIZING EXOPLANETS IN THE VISIBLE AND INFRARED: A SPECTROMETER CONCEPT FOR THE EChO SPACE MISSION
Authors: GLAUSER A. M. , VAN BOEKEL R. , KRAUSE O. , HENNING TH. , BENNEKE B. , BOUWMAN J. , CUBILLOS P. E. , CROSSFIELD I. J. M. , DETRE Ö. H. , EBERT M. , GRÖZINGER U. , GÜDEL M. , HARRINGTON J. , JUSTTANONT K. , KLAAS U. , LENZEN R. , MADHUSUDHAN N. , MEYER M. R. , MORDASINI C. , MÜLLER F. , OTTENSAMER R. , PLESSERIA J.-Y. , QUANZ S. P. , REINERS A. , RENOTTE E. , ROHLOFF R.-R. , SCHEITHAUER S. , SCHMID H. M. , SCHRADER J.-R. , SEEMANN U. , STAM D. , VANDENBUSSCHE B. , WEHMEIER U.
Published: June 2013

Transit-spectroscopy of exoplanets is one of the key observational techniques used to characterize extrasolar planets and their atmospheres. The observational challenges of these measurements require dedicated instrumentation and only the space environment allows undisturbed access to earth-like atmospheric features such as water or carbon dioxide. Therefore, several exoplanet-specific space missions are currently being studied. One of them is EChO, the Exoplanet Characterization Observatory, which is part of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015–2025 program, and which is one of four candidates for the M3 launch slot in 2024.

In this paper we present the results of our assessment study of the EChO spectrometer, the only science instrument onboard this spacecraft. The instrument is a multi-channel all-reflective dispersive spectrometer, covering the wavelength range from 400 nm to 16μm simultaneously with a moderately low spectral resolution. We illustrate how the key technical challenge of the EChO mission — the high photometric stability — influences the choice of spectrometer concept and fundamentally drives the instrument design. First performance evaluations underline the suitability of the elaborated design solution for the needs of the EChO mission.
Anatectic reworking and differentiation of continental crust along the active margin of Gondwana: a zircon Hf–O perspective from West Antarctica
Authors: Yakymchuk Chris , Siddoway Christine S. , Fanning C. Mark , Mcfadden Rory , Korhonen Fawna J. , Brown Michael
Published: June 2013

The Fosdick migmatite–granite complex of West Antarctica preserves evidence of two crustal differentiation events along a segment of the former active margin of Gondwana, one in the Devonian–Carboniferous and another in the Cretaceous. The Hf–O isotope composition of zircons from Devonian–Carboniferous granites is explained by mixing of material from two crustal sources represented by the high-grade metamorphosed equivalents of a Lower Palaeozoic turbidite sequence and a Devonian calc-alkaline plutonic suite, consistent with an interpretation that the Devonian–Carboniferous granites record crustal reworking without input from a more juvenile source. The Hf–O isotope composition of zircons from Cretaceous granites reflects those same two sources, together with a contribution from a more juvenile source that is most evident in the detachment-hosted, youngest granites. The relatively non-radiogenic εHf isotope characteristics of zircons from the Fosdick complex granites are similar those from the Permo-Triassic granites from the Antarctic Peninsula. However, the Fosdick complex granites contrast with coeval granites in other localities along and across the former active margin of Gondwana, including the Tasmanides of Australia and the Western Province of New Zealand, where the wider range of more radiogenic εHf values of zircon suggests that crustal growth through the addition of juvenile material plays a larger role in granite genesis. These new results highlight prominent arc-parallel and arc-normal variations in the mechanisms and timing of crustal reworking v. crustal growth along the former active margin of Gondwana.

Supplementary material:

Figs S1 and S2 are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18625
Analogous responses in the nucleus accumbens and cingulate cortex to pain onset (aversion) and offset (relief) in rats and humans
Authors: Becerra L. , Navratilova E. , Porreca F. , Borsook D.
Published: June 2013

In humans, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) appears to reflect affective and motivational aspects of pain. The responses of this reward-aversion circuit to relief of pain, however, have not been investigated in detail. Moreover, it is not clear whether brain processing of the affective qualities of pain in animals parallels the mechanisms observed in humans. In the present study, we analyzed fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity separately in response to an onset (aversion) and offset (reward) of a noxious heat stimulus to a dorsal part of a limb in both humans and rats. We show that pain onset results in negative activity change in the NAc and pain offset produces positive activity change in the ACC and NAc. These changes were analogous in humans and rats, suggesting that translational studies of brain circuits modulated by pain are plausible and may offer an opportunity for mechanistic investigation of pain and pain relief.
Bound on the Minimum Eigenvalue of H-Matrices Involving Hadamard Products
Authors: Du Kun , Gu Guiding , Liu Guo
Published: June 2013

We present a new lower bound on the minimum eigenvalue of H-matrices involving Hadamard products τ(A1(α1)∘⋯∘Am(αm)), and we show that our lower bound is larger than the lower bound ∏k=1m[τ(Ak)]αk. Three examples verify our result.
Design and Implementation of an Embedded NIOS II System for JPEG2000 Tier II Encoding
Authors: McNichols John M. , Balster Eric J. , Turri William F. , Hill Kerry L.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a novel implementation of the JPEG2000 standard as a system on a chip (SoC). While most of the research in this field centers on acceleration of the EBCOT Tier I encoder, this work focuses on an embedded solution for EBCOT Tier II. Specifically, this paper proposes using an embedded softcore processor to perform Tier II processing as the back end of an encoding pipeline. The Altera NIOS II processor is chosen for the implementation and is coupled with existing embedded processing modules to realize a fully embedded JPEG2000 encoder. The design is synthesized on a Stratix IV FPGA and is shown to out perform other comparable SoC implementations by 39% in computation time.
Evaluating Meridian-Sinew Release Therapy for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wei Song , Chen Zhi-Huang , Sun Wei-Feng , Zhang Geng-Peng , Li Xiao-Hao , Hou Chun-Fu , Lu Liu-Dan , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2013

Objective. In recent years, public health experts have concluded that the impact of osteoarthritis is equal in magnitude to that of cardiovascular disease. Osteoarthritis of the knee is prevalent in the elderly population; however, there are currently no effective treatments for this condition. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of “meridian-sinew release,” a newly developed technique which entails using a meridian-sinew scope and a meridian-sinew knife to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.Methods. Patients (N=90) with knee osteoarthritis were prospectively randomized to meridian-sinew release therapy, acupuncture therapy, or drug therapy groups, respectively. Outcome evaluation included pain, stiffness, physiological function, total symptom score, and overall changes in the condition.Results. After 12 weeks, patients' general assessment (GA) and doctors' general assessment (GA) of the condition were not significantly different among the three groups. However, significant differences in primary endpoint pain, joint stiffness, and total symptom score were found between the meridian-sinew group and the acupuncture group and between the meridian-sinew group and the control group (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred during the trial.Conclusion. Our study suggests that meridian-sinew release therapy can improve knee osteoarthritis, alleviate joint pain, and improve functional movement disorder. It is a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors for Parkinson's Disease Therapy
Authors: Gasparini Fabrizio , Di Paolo Thérèse , Gomez-Mancilla Baltazar
Published: June 2013

Excessive glutamatergic signalling within the basal ganglia is implicated in the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and inthe emergence of dyskinesia associated with long-term treatment with L-DOPA. There is considerable research focus on the discovery and development of compounds that modulate glutamatergic signalling via glutamate receptors, as treatments for PD and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Although initial preclinical studies with ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists showed antiparkinsonian and antidyskinetic activity, their clinical use was limited due to psychiatric adverse effects, with the exception of amantadine, a weak N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, currently used to reduce dyskinesia in PD patients. Metabotropic receptor (mGlu receptor) modulators were considered to have a more favourable side-effect profile, and several agents have been studied in preclinical models of PD. The most promising results have been seen clinically with selective antagonists of mGlu5 receptor and preclinically with selective positive allosteric modulators of mGlu4 receptor. The growing understanding of glutamate receptor crosstalk also raises the possibility of more precise modulation of glutamatergic transmission, which may lead to the development of more effective agents for PD.
Improvements in Behavioral Symptoms following Antibiotic Therapy in a 14-Year-Old Male with Autism
Authors: Ramirez P. Lucas , Barnhill Kelly , Gutierrez Alan , Schutte Claire , Hewitson Laura
Published: June 2013

This case report describes the benefits of antibiotic and antifungal therapy on behavior in a child with autism undergoing treatment for encopresis. Over the course of treatment, the child exhibited a reduction in aberrant behaviors, increased gastrointestinal function, and improved quality of life.
Gastric Carcinoma with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells Coexisting with Gastrointestinal Spindle Cell Tumor
Authors: Poulios Christos , Koletsa Triantafyllia , Goulas Antonis , Karayannopoulou Georgia , Vrettou Eleni , Kostopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2013

Reactive multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) have been described in a variety of neoplasms but rarely in gastric carcinomas. Reported herein is a case of an 81-year-old Caucasian male presented with upper abdominal pain and dysphagia. Esophagogastroscopy revealed an ulcerative mass and a specimen of subtotal gastrectomy and lower esophagectomy was sent for histologic examination. At the gastroesophageal junction an exophytic tumor, measured 2.2 cm in greatest diameter, was observed. Sections from the tumor showed gastric adenocarcinoma, stage pT1bpN0. Diffusely among the neoplastic cells multinucleated giant cells, resembling osteoclasts, were observed, which were positive for CD68, lysozyme, and vimentin and negative for AE1/AE3, CK8/18, hHCG, and LMP1. Moreover, in a random section from the gastric fundus, a spindle cell lesion, sized 0.6 cm, was revealed, which was positive for CD117 and CD34 antigens and was diagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The presence of OGCs is an uncommon finding in gastric carcinomas and by analogy to breast and pancreatic carcinomas it could characterize a rare distinct morphological variant of gastric adenocarcinoma. Due to the limited number of the reported cases, the prognostic value of OGCs is under discussion. Furthermore, pathologists should be aware that incidental GIST may accompany any tumor.
Comparative Evaluation of Osseointegrated Dental Implants Based on Platform-Switching Concept: Influence of Diameter, Length, Thread Shape, and In-Bone Positioning Depth on Stress-Based Performance
Authors: Vairo Giuseppe , Sannino Gianpaolo
Published: June 2013

This study aimed to investigate the influence of implant design (in terms of diameter, length, and thread shape), in-bone positioning depth, and bone posthealing crestal morphology on load transfer mechanisms of osseointegrated dental implants based on platform-switching concept. In order to perform an effective multiparametric comparative analysis, 11 implants different in dimensions and in thread features were analyzed by a linearly elastic 3-dimensional finite element approach, under a static load. Implant models were integrated with the detailed model of a maxillary premolar bone segment. Different implant in-bone positioning levels were modeled, considering also different posthealing crestal bone morphologies. Bone overloading risk was quantified by introducing proper local stress measures, highlighting that implant diameter is a more effective design parameter than the implant length, as well as that thread shape and thread details can significantly affect stresses at peri-implant bone, especially for short implants. Numerical simulations revealed that the optimal in-bone positioning depth results from the balance of 2 counteracting effects: cratering phenomena and bone apposition induced by platform-switching configuration. Proposed results contribute to identify the mutual influence of a number of factors affecting the bone-implant loading transfer mechanisms, furnishing useful insights and indications for choosing and/or designing threaded osseointegrated implants.
Tribological Characteristics Improvement of Wear Resistant MAO-Coatings
Authors: Malyshev V. N. , Volkhin A. M. , Gantimirov B. M.
Published: June 2013

Currently, the most promising technology of coating formation is microarc oxidation (MAO) with unique properties of the surface layer, which combine high wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and heat and erosion resistance. Microarc oxidation can be used for parts and components manufacturing in various segments of industries. However, the technology improvement by improving the tribological characteristics of MAO-coatings can not only enhance economic effect, but also expand its application.
Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels Based on Gelatin and PVA by Biocompatible Approaches: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Hago Eltjani-Eltahir , Li Xinsong
Published: June 2013

In this work, a new approach was introduced to prepare interpenetrating polymer network PVA/GE hydrogels by cross-linking of various concentration gelatin in the presence of transglutaminase enzyme by using the freezing-thawing cycles technique. The effects of freezing-thawing cycles on the properties of morphological characterization, gel fraction, swelling, mechanical, and MTT assay were investigated. The IPN PVA/GE hydrogels showed excellent physical and mechanical Properties. MTT assay data and the fibroblasts culture also showed excellent biocompatibility and good proliferation. This indicates that the IPN hydrogels are stable enough for various biomedical applications.
Prevalence and Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Type 2 Diabetes in Tunisian Patients over Sixty Years Old
Authors: Masmoudi Jawaher , Damak Rahma , Zouari Hela , Ouali Uta , Mechri Anouar , Zouari Nouri , Jaoua Abdelaziz
Published: June 2013

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a population aged over sixty years with type 2 diabetes and to study the impact of anxiety and depression on glycemic balance and disease outcome.Results. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in the 62 subjects included in the study was, respectively, 40.3% and 22.6%. We found a relationship between these disorders and complicated diabetes. The subjects having an imperfectly balanced diabetes had a higher average anxiety score than those having a good glycemic control ( versus ; ). No relationship was found between diabetes balance and depression.Conclusion. Association between anxiety and depressive disorders and diabetes is frequent and worsens patients’ outcome, in terms of diabetes imbalance as well as in terms of diabetic complications. Our study shows that there is need for physicians to detect, confirm, and treat anxiety and depressive disorders in elderly diabetic patients.
Targeting Oncogene-Induced Autophagy: A New Approach in Cancer Therapy?
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Cheong Jit Kong
Published: June 2013

Autophagy is a tightly controlled self-degradation process utilised by cells to sustain cellular homeostasis and to support cell survival in response to metabolic stress and starvation. Thus, autophagy plays a critical role in promoting cell integrity and maintaining proper function of cellular processes. Defects in autophagy, however, can have drastic implications in human health and diseases, including cancer. Described as a double-edged sword in the context of cancer, autophagy can act as both suppressor and facilitator of tumorigenesis. As such, defining the precise role of autophagy in a multistep event like cancer progression can be complex. Recent findings have implicated a role for components of the autophagy pathway in oncogene-mediated cell transformation, tumour growth, and survival. Notably, aggressive cancers driven by Ras oncoproteins rely on autophagy to sustain a reprogrammed mitochondrial metabolic signature and evade cell death. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of oncogene-induced autophagy in cancer progression and discuss how modulators of autophagic responses can bring about therapeutic benefit and eradication of a subset of cancers that are addicted to this ancient recycling machinery.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Revisited in the Context of Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Miteva Kapka , Van Linthout Sophie , Volk Hans-Dieter , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: June 2013

Myocarditis is a common inflammatory cardiomyopathy, associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which can lead to chronic left ventricular dysfunction. Under conventional heart failure therapy, inflammatory cardiomyopathy typically has a progressive course, indicating a need for alternative therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcomes. Experimental and clinical studies consistently support the application of cellular transplantation as a strategy to improve myocardial function. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) mediate distinct paracrine effects supporting endogenous regeneration, but most important are their remarkable immunoregulatory properties. In this review, an overview of current knowledge on immunopathology in myocarditis will be given. Furthermore, current research regarding the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs in the context of myocarditis will be discussed. Finally, the impact of MSC priming by the environment on their functionality and the advantages of systemic administration of MSCs under myocarditis are outlined.
Mullerian Inhibiting Substance Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Endometriosis Cells In Vitro
Authors: Borahay Mostafa A. , Lu Fangxian , Ozpolat Bulent , Tekedereli Ibrahim , Gurates Bilgin , Karipcin Sinem , Kilic Gokhan S.
Published: June 2013

Objective. To determine the effects of Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) treatment on endometriosis cells through study of apoptosis and autophagy. Design. Experimental in vitro study. Setting. University research laboratory. Cell Line. CRL-7566 endometriosis cell line. This line was established from a benign ovarian cyst taken from a patient with endometriosis. Interventions. In vitro treatment with MIS. Main Outcome Measures. The main outcome measures were cellular viability, proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy in endometriotic cells. Results. MIS treatment inhibited proliferation of endometriosis cells and induced apoptosis, as indicated by Annexin V staining, and induced caspase-9 cleavage and cell-cycle arrest, as evidenced by increased expression of p27 CDK-inhibitor. MIS treatment also induced autophagy in endometriosis cells as demonstrated by a significant increase in LC3-II induction, a hallmark of autophagy. Conclusions. MIS inhibits cell growth and induces autophagy, as well as apoptosis, in ectopic endometrial cell lines. Our results suggest that MIS may have a potential as a novel approach for medical treatment of endometriosis. Further studies may be needed to test the efficacy of MIS treatment in animal models and to develop MIS treatment specifically targeted to the endometriosis.
Multiobjective Optimization of Evacuation Routes in Stadium Using Superposed Potential Field Network Based ACO
Authors: Kou Jialiang , Xiong Shengwu , Fang Zhixiang , Zong Xinlu , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2013

Multiobjective evacuation routes optimization problem is defined to find out optimal evacuation routes for a group of evacuees under multiple evacuation objectives. For improving the evacuation efficiency, we abstracted the evacuation zone as a superposed potential field network (SPFN), and we presented SPFN-based ACO algorithm (SPFN-ACO) to solve this problem based on the proposed model. In Wuhan Sports Center case, we compared SPFN-ACO algorithm with HMERP-ACO algorithm and traditional ACO algorithm under three evacuation objectives, namely, total evacuation time, total evacuation route length, and cumulative congestion degree. The experimental results show that SPFN-ACO algorithm has a better performance while comparing with HMERP-ACO algorithm and traditional ACO algorithm for solving multi-objective evacuation routes optimization problem.
Thermal Behavior ofTacca leontopetaloidesStarch-Based Biopolymer
Authors: Mohd Makhtar Nurul Shuhada , Muhd Rodhi Miradatul Najwa , Musa Mohibah , Ku Hamid Ku Halim
Published: June 2013

Starch is used whenever there is a need for natural elastic properties combined with low cost of production. However, the hydrophilic properties in structural starch will decrease the thermal performance of formulated starch polymer. Therefore, the effect of glycerol, palm olein, and crude palm oil (CPO), as plasticizers, on the thermal behavior ofTacca leontopetaloidesstarch incorporated with natural rubber in biopolymer production was investigated in this paper. Four different formulations were performed and represented by TPE1, TPE2, TPE3, and TPE4. The compositions were produced by using two-roll mill compounding. The sheets obtained were cut into small sizes prior to thermal testing. The addition of glycerol shows higher enthalpy of diffusion in which made the material easily can be degraded, leaving to an amount of 6.6% of residue. Blending of CPO with starch (TPE3) had a higher thermal resistance towards high temperature up to 310°C and the thermal behavior of TPE2 only gave a moderate performance compared with other TPEs.
Parkinson’s Disease and Forced Exercise: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Qutubuddin Abu , Reis Timothy , Alramadhani Raed , Cifu David X. , Towne Alan , Carne William
Published: June 2013

Objective. The concept of forced exercise has drawn attention for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms with anecdotal reports of success. This study sought to ascertain any significant effect of forced exercise using a motorized stationary bicycle when compared to controls on Parkinson’s disease symptoms in a blinded, randomized, and controlled setting.Setting. Parkinson’s disease outpatient clinic, Veterans Administration Medical Center.Method. We assessed 23 patients (13 experimental and 10 controls) on a number of standard Parkinson’s measures at baseline, after participation in eight weeks of twice weekly forced exercise or eight weeks of conventional clinic care, and then after a three-month period had elapsed. Dependent measures were UPDRS-III, Berg Balance Scale, finger taping test, and the PDQ-39.Results. Results did not demonstrate any main effect differences between the exercise and control groups on any measure at any point in time. A within subjects effect was demonstrated for the forced exercise group on overall UPDRS-III scores at the three-month end point. No other within group effects were noted. Results suggest that early enthusiasm for forced exercise may need tempering. Limitations of the study are discussed as well as numerous logistical challenges to this type of study.
Analysis on Nonlinear Stress-Growth Data for Shear Flow of Starch Material with Shear Process
Authors: Yu Jinghu , Ma Dejun , Lu Hui
Published: June 2013

The material function of liquid materials for packaging plays an important role in analysis of its mechanical behavior. The mechanical behavior of material affects the packaging process in many aspects, such as selection of packaging materials and preparation of packaging method. Therefore, research on the material function of the liquid material is very helpful to guide the packaging process and look into how the packaging quality and efficiency are affected by the mechanical properties of material. This paper established the material function for the starch solution under shear process. With the relaxation test of the starch solution specimens, theG(t)function and dumping function were established and verified. Based on the memory function of starch solution, the material function of starch solution was constructed and approved to be efficiently predict the mechanical behavior during the shear process. Therefore, such material function can be used to guide the operation on the shear flow.
Cerebral Vasospasm in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kramer Daniel R. , Winer Jesse L. , Pease B. A. Matthew , Amar Arun P. , Mack William J.
Published: June 2013

Vasospasm following traumatic brain injury (TBI) may dramatically affect the neurological and functional recovery of a vulnerable patient population. While the reported incidence of traumatic vasospasm ranges from 19%–68%, the true incidence remains unknown due to variability in protocols for its detection. Only 3.9%–16.6% of patients exhibit clinical deficits. Compared to vasospasm resulting from aneurysmal SAH (aSAH), the onset occurs earlier and the duration is shorter. Overall, the clinical course tends to be milder, although extreme cases may occur. Traumatic vasospasm can occur in the absence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surveillance transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) has been utilized to monitor for radiographic vasospasm following TBI. However, effective treatment modalities remain limited. Hypertension and hypervolemia, the mainstays of treatment of vasospasm associated with aSAH, must be used judiciously in TBI patients, and calcium-channel blockers have offered mixed clinical results. Currently, the paucity of large prospective cohort studies and level-one data limits the ability to form evidence-based recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of vasospasm associated with TBI.