bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Real-Time and Realistic Simulation Environment for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wu Jianhuang , Wang Haoyu , Zhang Peng , Ma Xin , Hu Qingmao
Published: March 2015

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive surgery procedure that is widely used in the treatment of coronary artery disease. This procedure requires interventional cardiologists to have high proficiency and therefore demands an extensive training period in order to ensure successful surgical outcome. In this paper, a realistic and real-time interactive simulator for training PCI procedure is presented. A set of new approaches for core simulation components is devised and integrated into the simulator. Trainees can interact with the virtual simulation environment with real instruments and essential maneuvers encountered in real PCI procedure. Although presently targeted at PCI, our simulator could be easily extended to mimic the necessities of any vascular interventional radiology procedures by updating vascular anatomy. Preliminary validation of the proposed physical model of instruments is conducted on vascular phantom to demonstrate its performance and effectiveness.
Comorbid Psychopathology and Alcohol Use Patterns among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients
Authors: Moussas Georgios , Fanouraki Irene , Pachi Argiro , Asomatou Arezina , Drylli Olga , Paschalakis Georgios , Tselebis Athanasios , Giotakis Konstantinos , Bratis Dionisios , Dermatis Georgios , Malliori Meni
Published: March 2015

130 patients from a methadone maintenance treatment program agreed to complete Symptoms Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90R) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) self-report scales. Scores higher than the proposed cut-score on SCL-90R scale were observed on depression, obsessions-compulsions, paranoid ideation, anxiety, anger-hostility, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychoticism subscales. In sum, 42.9% of our sample exhibited depressive symptomatology, 34.9% obsessive-compulsive symptoms, 29.1% somatization, 27.2% anxiety symptoms, 22.2% paranoid ideation, 19% phobic anxiety, 15.1% psychoticism, and 15.1% hostility and 11.9% presented with symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity. Mean score on AUDIT scale was6.9±7.9. 63.0% of our participants scored below cut-off and were classified as having a low level of alcohol-related problems; 24.4% scored in the range of 8–15 which is an indication of alcohol abuse whereas 12.6% scored 16 and above indicative of serious abuse/addiction. Scores on AUDIT scale were positively correlated with length of time on methadone treatment, but not with length of time on drug use or age of our participants. Positive correlations were observed among AUDIT and SCL-90R scores, namely, with global severity index score, positive symptom distress index, positive symptom total, and all primary symptom dimensions subscales except phobic anxiety.
Monitoring of Spectral Map Changes from Normal State to Superconducting State in High-TCSuperconductor Films Using Raman Imaging
Authors: González-Solís J. L. , Sánchez-Ruiz R. , Arana-Zamora I. A. , Martínez-Espinosa J. C. , Pérez-Arrieta M. L. , Falcony-Guajardo C.
Published: March 2015

We have explored the chemical structure of TlBa2Ca2Cu3O9high-TCsuperconductor films with Tl-1223 phase to monitor spectral map changes from normal state to superconducting state using the technique of Raman imaging. Raman images were performed for 12 different temperatures in the 77–293 K range. At room temperature, the Raman images were characterized by a single color but as the temperature dropped a new color appeared and when the temperature of 77 K is reached and the superconducting state is assured, the Raman images were characterized by the red, green, and blue colors. Our study could suggest that the superconducting state emerged around 133 K, in full agreement with those reported in the literature. A cross-checking was done applying principal component analysis (PCA) to other sets of Raman spectra of our films measured at different temperatures. PCA result showed that the spectra can be grouped into two temperature ranges, one in the 293–153 K range and the other in the 133–77 K range suggesting that transition to the superconducting state occurred at some temperature around 133 K. This is the first report of preliminary results evaluating the usefulness of Raman imaging in determination of transition temperature of superconductor films.
Research on Wetting-Drying Cycles’ Effect on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Expansive Soil Improved by OTAC-KCl
Authors: Wang Bao-tian , Zhang Can-hong , Qiu Xue-lian , Ji En-yue , Zhang Wen-hui
Published: March 2015

Expansive soil experiences periodic swelling and shrinkage during the alternate wet and dry environments, which will result in severe damage to the slope stability. In this study, a promising modifier OTAC-KCl is introduced, which has a good diffusivity and is soluble in water or other solvents easily. Firstly, a reasonable combination of ameliorant 0.3% STAC and 3% KCl is chosen referring to the free swell test. Then, the best curing period, 14 days, is gotten from UCS tests. The effect of wetting and drying cycles on engineering properties of expansive soil improved by OTAC-KCl admixtures after 14-day curing is also studied accordingly. Both treated and untreated expansive soil samples are prepared for the cyclic wetting-drying tests which mainly include cyclic swelling potential and cyclic strength tests. Experimental results show that the swelling potential of expansive soil samples stabilized with OTAC-KCl is suppressed efficiently, and the untreated soil specimens will collapse when immersed in water while the treated specimens keep in good conditions. Moreover, expansive soil samples modified with 0.3% OTAC + 3% KCl show enough durability on the swelling ability, shear strength, and unconfined compressive strength, which means, that both the physical and the mechanical properties of stabilized expansive soil have been improved effectively.
A Single 60 mg Dose of Denosumab Might Improve Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity in Postmenopausal Nondiabetic Severe Osteoporotic Women
Authors: Passeri Elena , Benedini Stefano , Costa Elena , Corbetta Sabrina
Published: March 2015

Background. The RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of osteoclast activity and bone resorption being activated in osteoporosis. The pathway has been also suggested to influence glucose metabolism as observed in chronic low inflammation.Aim. To test whether systemic blockage of RANKL by the monoclonal antibody denosumab influences glucose metabolism in osteoporotic women.Study Design. This is a prospective study on the effect of a subcutaneously injected single 60 mg dose of denosumab in 14 postmenopausal severe osteoporotic nondiabetic women evaluated at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks after their first injection by an oral glucose tolerance test.Results. A single 60 mg dose of denosumab efficiently inhibited serum alkaline phosphatase while it did not exert any significant variation in fasting glucose, insulin, or HOMA-IR at both 4 and 12 weeks. No changes could be detected in glucose response to the glucose load, Matsuda Index, or insulinogenic index. Nonetheless, 60 mg denosumab induced a significant reduction in the hepatic insulin resistance index at 4 weeks and in HbA1c levels at 12 weeks.Conclusions. A single 60 mg dose of denosumab might positively affect hepatic insulin sensitivity though it does not induce clinical evident glucose metabolic disruption in nondiabetic patients.
Influence of Air Abrasion and Sonic Technique on Microtensile Bond Strength of One‐Step Self‐Etch Adhesive on Human Dentin
Authors: Anja Baraba , Walter Dukić , Nicoletta Chieffi , Marco Ferrari , Pezelj Ribarić Sonja , Ivana Miletić
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength of one‐step self‐etch adhesive to human dentin surface modified with air abrasion and sonic technique and to assess the morphological characteristics of the pretreated dentin surface. The occlusal enamel was removed to obtain a flat dentin surface for thirty‐six human molar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 12 per group), according to the pretreatment of the dentin: (1) control group, (2) air abrasion group, and (3) sonic preparation group. Microtensile bond strength test was performed on a universal testing machine. Two specimens from each experimental group were subjected to SEM examination. There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength between the three experimental groups (P > 0.05). Mean microtensile bond strength (MPa) values were 35.3 ± 12.8 for control group, 35.8 ± 13.5 for air abrasion group, and 37.7 ± 12.0 for sonic preparation group. The use of air abrasion and sonic preparation with one‐step self‐etch adhesive does not appear to enhance or impair microtensile bond strength in dentin.
Osteopetrosis and Its Relevance for the Discovery of New Functions Associated with the Skeleton
Authors: Coudert Amélie E. , de Vernejoul Marie-Christine , Muraca Maurizio , Del Fattore Andrea
Published: March 2015

Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an increase of bone mass due to defective osteoclast function. Patients typically displayed spontaneous fractures, anemia, and in the most severe forms hepatosplenomegaly and compression of cranial facial nerves leading to deafness and blindness. Osteopetrosis comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases as several forms are known with different models of inheritance and severity from asymptomatic to lethal. This review summarizes the genetic and clinical features of osteopetrosis, emphasizing how recent studies of this disease have contributed to understanding the central role of the skeleton in the whole body physiology. In particular, the interplay of bone with the stomach, insulin metabolism, male fertility, the immune system, bone marrow, and fat is described.
A Mutualism Quantum Genetic Algorithm to Optimize the Flow Shop Scheduling with Pickup and Delivery Considerations
Authors: Gu Jinwei , Gu Manzhan , Gu Xingsheng
Published: March 2015

A mutualism quantum genetic algorithm (MQGA) is proposed for an integrated supply chain scheduling with the materials pickup, flow shop scheduling, and the finished products delivery. The objective is to minimize the makespan, that is, the arrival time of the last finished product to the customer. In MQGA, a new symbiosis strategy named mutualism is proposed to adjust the size of each population dynamically by regarding the mutual influence relation of the two subpopulations. A hybridQ-bit coding method and a local speeding-up method are designed to increase the diversity of genes, and a checking routine is carried out to ensure the feasibility of each solution; that is, the total physical space of each delivery batch could not exceed the capacity of the vehicle. Compared with the modified genetic algorithm (MGA) and the quantum-inspired genetic algorithm (QGA), the effectiveness and efficiency of the MQGA are validated by numerical experiments.
Laser Supported Reduction of Specific Microorganisms in the Periodontal Pocket with the Aid of an Er,Cr:YSGG Laser: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gutknecht N. , Van Betteray C. , Ozturan S. , Vanweersch L. , Franzen R.
Published: March 2015

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a radial firing tip of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser as an adjunct to a nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Methods. Twelve patients with chronic or aggressive periodontitis were treated by conventional periodontal treatment using ultrasonic devices and hand instruments and, additionally, in two quadrants with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. A new radial firing tip (RFPT 14‐5, Biolase) was used with 1.5 W, 30 Hz, 11% air, 20% water, and pulse duration 140 μs. Microbiological smears were taken before treatment, one day after lasing, and three and six months after lasing. Pocket depths of all periodontal sites were measured before and six months after treatment. Results. The total bacterial load of Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans inside the pocket was reduced significantly throughout the whole examination time. Greater pocket depth reductions were observed in all groups. There was a slight higher reduction of pocket depth in the lased group after six months. Conclusions. These results support the thesis that Er,Cr:YSGG laser supported periodontal treatment leads to a significant reduction of periopathogenes and thereby helps the maintenance of periodontal health.
Enhanced Chemosensory Detection of Negative Emotions in Congenital Blindness
Authors: Iversen Katrine D. , Ptito Maurice , Møller Per , Kupers Ron
Published: March 2015

It is generally acknowledged that congenitally blind individuals develop superior sensory abilities in order to compensate for their lack of vision. Substantial research has been done on somatosensory and auditory sensory information processing of the blind. However, relatively little information is available about compensatory plasticity in the olfactory domain. Although previous studies indicate that blind individuals have superior olfactory abilities, no studies so far have investigated their sense of smell in relation to social and affective communication. The current study compares congenitally blind and normal sighted individuals in their ability to discriminate and identify emotions from body odours. A group of 14 congenitally blind and 14 age- and sex-matched sighted control subjects participated in the study. We compared participants’ abilities to detect and identify by smelling sweat from donors who had been watching excerpts from emotional movies showing amusement, fear, disgust, or sexual arousal. Our results show that congenitally blind subjects outperformed sighted controls in identifying fear from male donors. In addition, there was a strong tendency that blind individuals were also better in detecting disgust. Our findings reveal that congenitally blind individuals are better at identifying ecologically important emotions and provide new insights into the mechanisms of social and affective communication in blindness.
A Double Herd Krill Based Algorithm for Location Area Optimization in Mobile Wireless Cellular Network
Authors: Vincylloyd F. , Anand B.
Published: March 2015

In wireless communication systems, mobility tracking deals with determining a mobile subscriber (MS) covering the area serviced by the wireless network. Tracking a mobile subscriber is governed by the two fundamental components called location updating (LU) and paging. This paper presents a novel hybrid method using a krill herd algorithm designed to optimize the location area (LA) within available spectrum such that total network cost, comprising location update (LU) cost and cost for paging, is minimized without compromise. Based on various mobility patterns of users and network architecture, the design of the LR area is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem. Numerical results indicate that the proposed model provides a more accurate update boundary in real environment than that derived from a hexagonal cell configuration with a random walk movement pattern. The proposed model allows the network to maintain a better balance between the processing incurred due to location update and the radio bandwidth utilized for paging between call arrivals.
Symptomatic Abdominal Simple Cysts: Is Percutaneous Sclerotherapy with Hypertonic Saline and Bleomycin a Treatment Option?
Authors: Souftas V. D. , Kosmidou M. , Karanikas M. , Souftas D. , Menexes G. , Prassopoulos P.
Published: March 2015

Aim.To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous sclerotherapy of symptomatic simple abdominal cysts, using hypertonic saline and bleomycin, as an alternative to surgery.Materials and Methods.This study involved fourteen consecutive patients (ten women, four men, mean age: 59.2 y) with nineteen symptomatic simple cysts (livern=14, kidneyn=3, and adrenaln=2) treated percutaneously using a modified method. Initially CT-guided drainage was performed; the next day the integrity of the cyst/exclusion of extravasation or communications was evaluated under fluoroscopy, followed by two injections/reabsorptions of the same quantity of hypertonic NaCl 15% solution and three-time repetition of the same procedure with the addition of bleomycin. The catheter was then removed; the patients were hospitalized for 12 hours and underwent follow-ups on 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. Cyst’s volumes and the reduction rate (%) were calculated in each evaluation.Results.No pain or complications were noted. A significant cyst’s volume reduction was documented over time (P<0.001). On the 12th month 17 cysts disappeared and two displayed a 98.7% and 68.9% reduction, respectively.Conclusion.This percutaneous approach constitutes a very promising nonsurgical alternative for patients with symptomatic simple cyst, without complications under proper precautions, leading to eliminating the majority of cysts.
Preconditioning Complex Symmetric Linear Systems
Authors: Bertolazzi Enrico , Frego Marco
Published: March 2015

A new preconditioner for symmetric complex linear systems based on Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (HSS) for complex symmetric linear systems is herein presented. It applies to conjugate orthogonal conjugate gradient (COCG) or conjugate orthogonal conjugate residual (COCR) iterative solvers and does not require any estimation of the spectrum of the coefficient matrix. An upper bound of the condition number of the preconditioned linear system is provided. To reduce the computational cost the preconditioner is approximated with an inexact variant based on incomplete Cholesky decomposition or on orthogonal polynomials. Numerical results show that the present preconditioner and its inexact variant are efficient and robust solvers for this class of linear systems. A stability analysis of the inexact polynomial version completes the description of the preconditioner.
Merrifield-Simmons Index in Random Phenylene Chains and Random Hexagon Chains
Authors: Chen Ailian
Published: March 2015

The author obtains explicit expressions for the expected value of the Merrifield-Simmons index of a random phenylene chain and a random hexagon chain, respectively. The author also computes the corresponding entropy constants and obtains the maximum and minimum values in both random systems, respectively.
Enhancing the Selection of Backoff Interval Using Fuzzy Logic over Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Ranganathan Radha , Kannan Kathiravan
Published: March 2015

IEEE 802.11 is the de facto standard for medium access over wireless ad hoc network. The collision avoidance mechanism (i.e., random binary exponential backoff—BEB) of IEEE 802.11 DCF (distributed coordination function) is inefficient and unfair especially under heavy load. In the literature, many algorithms have been proposed to tune the contention window (CW) size. However, these algorithms make every node select its backoff interval between [0, CW] in a random and uniform manner. This randomness is incorporated to avoid collisions among the nodes. But this random backoff interval can change the optimal order and frequency of channel access among competing nodes which results in unfairness and increased delay. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that schedules the medium access in a fair and effective manner. This algorithm enhances IEEE 802.11 DCF with additional level of contention resolution that prioritizes the contending nodes according to its queue length and waiting time. Each node computes its unique backoff interval using fuzzy logic based on the input parameters collected from contending nodes through overhearing. We evaluate our algorithm against IEEE 802.11, GDCF (gentle distributed coordination function) protocols using ns‐2.35 simulator and show that our algorithm achieves good performance.
A Phase I Trial to Evaluate the Multiple-Dose Safety and Antitumor Activity of Ursolic Acid Liposomes in Subjects with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Qian Zhengzi , Wang Xianhuo , Song Zheng , Zhang Huilai , Zhou Shiyong , Zhao Jing , Wang Huaqing
Published: March 2015

Ursolic acid liposome (UAL), a new antitumor drug, has potential therapeutic value. However, limited clinical data exists regarding multiple-dose safety, antitumor activity, and the recommended dose (RD) of UAL for subjects with advanced solid tumors. All subjects were intravenously administered UAL for 14 consecutive days of a 21-day treatment cycle. Twenty-one subjects were enrolled in 1 of 3 sequential cohorts (56, 74, and 98 mg/m2) to evaluate multiple-dose tolerability and efficacy. Eight additional subjects were treated with UAL (74 mg/m2) to evaluate multiple-dose pharmacokinetics. No ≥grade 3 adverse events (NCI-CTC) were observed. Sixty percent subjects achieved stable disease after 2 treatment cycles. Multiple-dose pharmacokinetic analysis suggested UAL does not accumulate in the body. This trial demonstrates that UAL was tolerable, had manageable toxicity, and could potentially improve patient remission rates. A large phase II study is recommended to confirm these results (i.e., RD of 98 mg/m2).
Unsupervised Spectral‐Spatial Feature Selection‐Based Camouflaged Object Detection Using VNIR Hyperspectral Camera
Authors: Kim Sungho
Published: March 2015

The detection of camouflaged objects is important for industrial inspection, medical diagnoses, and military applications. Conventional supervised learning methods for hyperspectral images can be a feasible solution. Such approaches, however, require a priori information of a camouflaged object and background. This letter proposes a fully autonomous feature selection and camouflaged object detection method based on the online analysis of spectral and spatial features. The statistical distance metric can generate candidate feature bands and further analysis of the entropy‐based spatial grouping property can trim the useless feature bands. Camouflaged objects can be detected better with less computational complexity by optical spectral‐spatial feature analysis.
A Robust Cooperative Spectrum Sensing-Assisted Multiuser Resource Allocation Scheme
Authors: Du Jun , Guo Daoxing , Zhang Bangning , Su Yunxia
Published: March 2015

Cognitive radio (CR), which is proposed as a solution for spectrum scarcity, imposes some threats to the network. One severe attack to cognitive radio network is the primary user emulation attack (PUEA), in which an attacker may transmit its signal with high power or mimic specific features of the primary user’s signal to prevent secondary users from accessing the licensed spectrum. In this paper, we study a subcarrier and power allocation problem for orthogonal frequency division multiple access-(OFDMA-) based CR systems in the presence of PUEA. To maximize the system throughput while keeping the interference introduced to the primary user (PU) below given thresholds with a certain probability, a joint design of a robust cooperative spectrum sensing and a resource allocation scheme is proposed. In the proposed scheme, the inaccurate classification of PU signals and PUEA signals provided by robust cooperative spectrum sensing is utilized by resource scheduling module. To further exploit the underutilized spectrum bands, we also evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme in the hybrid overlay/underlay spectrum access mechanism. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme compared to conventional scheme regardless of the number of SUs or the kind of spectrum access mechanism being used.
Comparison of Physiologic versus Pharmacologic Mydriasis on Anterior Chamber Angle Measurements Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Dastiridou Anna I. , Pan Xiaojing , Zhang ZhouYuan , Marion Kenneth M. , Francis Brian A. , Sadda Srinivas R. , Chopra Vikas
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To compare the effects of physiologic versus pharmacologic pupil dilation on anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements obtained with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Methods. Forty eyes from 20 healthy, phakic individuals with open angles underwent anterior segment OCT imaging under 3 pupillary states: (1) pupil constricted under standard room lighting, (2) physiologic mydriasis in a darkened room, and (3) postpharmacologic mydriasis. Inferior angle Schwalbe’s line-angle opening distance (SL-AOD) and SL-trabecular-iris-space area (SL-TISA) were computed for each eye and pupillary condition by masked, certified Reading Center graders using customized grading software.Results. SL-AOD and SL-TISA under pupillary constriction to room light were0.87±0.31 mm and0.33±0.14 mm2, respectively; decreased to0.75±0.29 mmP<0.01and0.29±0.13 mm2  P<0.01, respectively, under physiologic mydriasis; and increased to0.90±0.38 mmP<0.01and0.34±0.17 mm2  P=0.06under pharmacologic mydriasis compared to baseline.Conclusions. Using SD-OCT imaging, pharmacologic mydriasis yielded the widest angle opening, whereas physiologic mydriasis yielded the most angle narrowing in normal individuals with open iridocorneal angles. Accounting for the state of the pupil and standardizing the lighting condition would appear to be of importance for future studies of the angle.
Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers and Indigenous People in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, for the Treatment of Snakebite
Authors: Kadir Mohammad Fahim , Karmoker James Regun , Alam Md. Rashedul , Jahan Syeda Rawnak , Mahbub Sami , Mia M. M. K.
Published: March 2015

Snakebites are common in tropical countries like Bangladesh where most snakebite victims dwell in rural areas. Among the management options after snakebite in Bangladesh, snake charmers (Ozhain Bengali language) are the first contact following a snakebite for more than 80% of the victims and they are treated mostly with the help of some medicinal plants. Our aim of the study is to compile plants used for the treatment of snakebite occurrence in Bangladesh. The field survey was carried out in a period of almost 3 years. Fieldwork was undertaken in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, including Chittagong, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari. Open-ended and semistructured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 110 people including traditional healers and local people. A total of 116 plant species of 48 families were listed. Leaves were the most cited plant part used against snake venom. Most of the reported species were herb in nature and paste mostly used externally is the mode of preparation. The survey represents the preliminary information of certain medicinal plants having neutralizing effects against snake venoms, though further phytochemical investigation, validation, and clinical trials should be conducted before using these plants as an alternative to popular antivenom.
Solubleα-Klotho Serum Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rotondi Silverio , Pasquali Marzia , Tartaglione Lida , Muci Maria Luisa , Mandanici Giusy , Leonangeli Cristiana , Sales Silvia , Farcomeni Alessio , Mazzaferro Sandro
Published: March 2015

Transmembraneα-Klotho (TM-Klotho), expressed in renal tubules, is a cofactor for FGF23-receptor. Circulating soluble-α-Klotho (s-Klotho) results from TM-Klotho shedding and acts on Phosphate (P) and Calcium (Ca) tubular transport. Decreased TM-Klotho, described in experimental chronic kidney disease (CKD), prevents actions of FGF23 and lessens circulating s-Klotho. Thus, levels of s-Klotho could represent a marker of CKD-MBD. To evaluate the clinical significance of s-Klotho in CKD we assayed serum s-Klotho and serum FGF23 in 68 patients (age58±15; eGFR45±21 mL/min). s-Klotho was lower than normal (519±183versus845±330 pg/mL,P<.0001) in renal patients and its reduction was detectable since CKD stage 2 (P<.01). s-Klotho correlated positively with eGFR and serum calcium (Cas) and negatively with serum phosphate (Ps), PTH and FGF23. FGF23 was higher than normal (73±51versus36±11,P<.0002) with significantly increased levels since CKD stage 2 (P<.001). Our data indicate a negative effect of renal disease on circulating s-Klotho starting very early in CKD. Assuming that s-Klotho mirrors TM-Klotho synthesis, low circulating s-Klotho seems to reflect the ensuing of tubular resistance to FGF23, which, accordingly, is increased. We endorse s-Klotho as an early marker of CKD-MBD.
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Eosinophilic and Neutrophilic Airway Inflammation in Asthma
Authors: Pelaia Girolamo , Vatrella Alessandro , Busceti Maria Teresa , Gallelli Luca , Calabrese Cecilia , Terracciano Rosa , Maselli Rosario
Published: March 2015

Asthma is a phenotypically heterogeneous chronic disease of the airways, characterized by either predominant eosinophilic or neutrophilic, or even mixed eosinophilic/neutrophilic inflammatory patterns. Eosinophilic inflammation can be associated with the whole spectrum of asthma severity, ranging from mild‐to‐moderate to severe uncontrolled disease, whereas neutrophilic inflammation occurs mostly in more severe asthma. Eosinophilic asthma includes either allergic or nonallergic phenotypes underlying immune responses mediated by T helper (Th)2 cell‐derived cytokines, whilst neutrophilic asthma is mostly dependent on Th17 cell‐induced mechanisms. These immune‐inflammatory profiles develop as a consequence of a functional impairment of T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes, which promotes the activation of dendritic cells directing the differentiation of distinct Th cell subsets. The recent advances in the knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying asthmatic inflammation are contributing to the identification of novel therapeutic targets, potentially suitable for the implementation of future improvements in antiasthma pharmacologic treatments.
Joint Residence-Workplace Location Choice Model Based on Household Decision Behavior
Authors: Jiao Pengpeng , Sun Tuo , Guo Jin , Li Yangwei
Published: March 2015

Residence location and workplace are the two most important urban land-use types, and there exist strong interdependences between them. Existing researches often assume that one choice dimension is correlated to the other. Using the mixed logit framework, three groups of choice models are developed to illustrate such choice dependencies. First, for all households, this paper presents a basic methodology of the residence location and workplace choice without decision sequence based on the assumption that the two choice behaviors are independent of each other. Second, the paper clusters all households into two groups, choosing residence or workplace first, and formulates the residence location and workplace choice models under the constraint of decision sequence. Third, this paper combines the residence location and workplace together as the choice alternative and puts forward the joint choice model. A questionnaire survey is implemented in Beijing city to collect the data of 1994 households. Estimation results indicate that the joint choice model fits the data significantly better, and the elasticity effects analyses show that the joint choice model reflects the influences of relevant factors to the choice probability well and leads to the job-housing balance.
Urban Freight Management with Stochastic Time-Dependent Travel Times and Application to Large-Scale Transportation Networks
Authors: Sun Shichao , Duan Zhengyu , Yang Dongyuan
Published: March 2015

This paper addressed the vehicle routing problem (VRP) in large-scale urban transportation networks with stochastic time-dependent (STD) travel times. The subproblem which is how to find the optimal path connecting any pair of customer nodes in a STD network was solved through a robust approach without requiring the probability distributions of link travel times. Based on that, the proposed STD-VRP model can be converted into solving a normal time-dependent VRP (TD-VRP), and algorithms for such TD-VRPs can also be introduced to obtain the solution. Numerical experiments were conducted to address STD-VRPTW of practical sizes on a real world urban network, demonstrated here on the road network of Shenzhen, China. The stochastic time-dependent link travel times of the network were calibrated by historical floating car data. A route construction algorithm was applied to solve the STD problem in 4 delivery scenarios efficiently. The computational results showed that the proposed STD-VRPTW model can improve the level of customer service by satisfying the time-window constraint under any circumstances. The improvement can be very significant especially for large-scale network delivery tasks with no more increase in cost and environmental impacts.
A Class of Weighted Low Rank Approximation of the Positive Semidefinite Hankel Matrix
Authors: Bai Jianchao , Duan Xuefeng , Cheng Kexin , Zhang Xuewei
Published: March 2015

We consider the weighted low rank approximation of the positive semidefinite Hankel matrix problem arising in signal processing. By using the Vandermonde representation, we firstly transform the problem into an unconstrained optimization problem and then use the nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm with the Armijo line search to solve the equivalent unconstrained optimization problem. Numerical examples illustrate that the new method is feasible and effective.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Nerve Repair: Hype or Reality?
Authors: Kingham Paul J. , Reid Adam J. , Wiberg Mikael
Published: March 2015

Peripheral nerve injury is a relatively commonly occurring trauma which seriously compromises the quality of life for many individuals. There is a major need to devise new treatment strategies, and one possible approach is to develop cellular therapies to bioengineer new nerve tissue and/or modulate the endogenous regenerative mechanisms within the peripheral nervous system. In this short review we describe how stem cells isolated from adipose tissue could be a suitable element of this approach. We describe the possible mechanisms through which the stem cells might exert a positive influence on peripheral nerve regeneration. These include their ability to differentiate into cells resembling Schwann cells and their secretion of a plethora of neurotrophic growth factors. We also review the literature describing the effects of these cells when tested using in vivo peripheral nerve injury models.
Aktuelles zu intravitrealen Steroiden in der Behandlung des diabetischen Makulaödems
Authors: Bandello Francesco , Preziosa Chiara , Querques Giuseppe , Lattanzio Rosangela
Published: March 2015

Das diabetische Makulaödem gilt als Hauptursache für Visusverschlechterungen bei Patienten mit diabetischer Retinopathie. Neben der Grid- und der fokalen Laser-Koagulation zählt die intravitreale Pharmakotherapie heute zum Therapiestandard bei dieser Komplikation; hierbei werden derzeit Wirkstoffe gegen den vaskulären endothelialen Wachstumsfaktor sowie Steroide eingesetzt. Anders als bei der Laser-Therapie, die eine weitere Abnahme des Sehvermögens verhindert, ist es mit der intravitrealen Behandlung möglich, die Wiederherstellung des Sehvermögens zu fördern. Allerdings müssen intravitreale Injektionen häufig wiederholt werden, wodurch das Risiko für arzneimittel- und behandlungsassoziierte Nebenwirkungen steigt.
Pharmakologische Ansätze zur Behandlung des diabetischen Makulaödems
Authors: Bandello F. , Casalino G. , Loewenstein A. , Goldstein M. , Pelayes D. , Battaglia Parodi M.
Published: March 2015

Das diabetische Makulaödem (DMÖ) ist eine hochprävalente Ursache für Sehverlust und beeinträchtigt in erheblichem Maße die öffentliche Gesundheit sowie die Lebensqualität von Menschen mit Diabetes. Seit Jahrzehnten ist die Laser-Koagulation der Therapiestandard, doch ein wesentlicher Anteil der Patienten spricht nicht darauf an und zeigt danach keine Besserung. Neue pharmakologische Behandlungsansätze revolutionieren derzeit die DMÖ-Therapie; sie basieren auf der intravitrealen Applikation von Wirkstoffen wie Kortikosteroiden oder Mitteln gegen den vaskulären endothelialen Wachstumsfaktor. Die intravitreale Medikamentenapplikation wird durch mehrere klinische Studien gestützt, die ihr Verbesserungen der Sehschärfe bescheinigen, und kann die potenziell destruktiven Effekte der Laser-Behandlung begrenzen. Ermutigende Ergebnisse lieferten darüber hinaus Studien zu Kombinationstherapien aus intravitrealen Arzneimitteln und Laser-Therapie. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit ist es, eine kurze Zusammenfassung der wichtigsten Studien zu liefern, die sich mit diesem neuen pharmakologischen Ansatz der DMÖ-Therapie befassten.
A Modified Nerve-Sparing Panhysterectomy for Benign Uterine Diseases: Techniques and Evaluation of Postoperative Pelvic Dysfunctions
Authors: Chen Liping , Liu Manhua , Huang Xiaoqin , Zheng Yanli , Qiu Junjun , Liu Hongbin
Published: March 2015

Objective: To describe a modified nerve-sparing panhysterectomy and to investigate the feasibility and impact of this nerve-sparing technique in improving postoperative pelvic visceral dysfunctions of benign uterine disease patients. Methods: From January 2008 to January 2010, a total of 300 patients diagnosed with benign uterine diseases at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were enrolled. Of those, 150 randomly selected patients underwent modified panhysterectomy (research group), while the other 150 patients underwent conventional panhysterectomy (control group). The surgery-related parameters, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative indwelling catheter time, and first voiding and defecation time were compared between the two groups. The extent of nerve damage in both groups was examined using the nerve-specific marker S-100 via immunohistochemistry. Besides, postoperative assessments of bladder and bowel functions were conducted within 1 year after the operation. Results: The surgery-related parameters in the two groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemistry results showed significantly reduced damage of the nerves in the research group. We also found a better bladder and bowel function in the research group (p < 0.05) and in younger patients (p < 0.05) compared with that in the control group. Recovery trends of the bladder and bowel function were found in both groups (χ2 = 7.512, p = 0.006 in the research group; χ2 = 7.299, p = 0.007 in the control group). Conclusion: Modified panhysterectomy for benign uterine diseases seems feasible and safe, with the main advantage of improving postoperative urocystic and rectal dysfunctions through the preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves.
Bladder Tumor Heterogeneity: The Impact on Clinical Treatment
Authors: Chen Chao , Qi Xiang Jie , Cao Yan Wei , Wang Yong Hua , Yang Xue Cheng , Shao Shi Xiu , Niu Hai Tao
Published: March 2015

Bladder cancer relapse and treatment failure in most patients have often been attributed to chemoresistance in tumor cells and metastasis. Emerging evidence indicates that tumor heterogeneity may play an equally important role and extends to virtually all measurable properties of cancer cells. Although the idea of tumor heterogeneity is not new, little attention has been paid to applying it to understand and control bladder cancer progression. With the development of biotechnology, such as Gene sequencing, recent advances in understanding its generation model, original basis, consequent problems, and derived therapies provide great potential for tumor heterogeneity to be considered a new insight in the treatment of bladder cancers.
CXCR4 Blockade Attenuates Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Drummond Shelley , Ramachandran Shalini , Torres Eneida , Huang Jian , Hehre Dorothy , Suguihara Cleide , Young Karen C.
Published: March 2015

Background: Lung inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) modulate the inflammatory response. It is not known if antagonism of CXCR4 alleviates lung inflammation in neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Objective: We aimed to determine whether CXCR4 antagonism would attenuate lung injury in rodents with experimental BPD by decreasing pulmonary inflammation. Methods: Newborn rats exposed to normoxia (room air, RA) or hyperoxia (FiO2 = 0.9) from postnatal day 2 (P2) to P16 were randomized to receive the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100 or placebo (PL) from P5 to P15. Lung alveolarization, angiogenesis and inflammation were evaluated at P16. Results: Compared to the RA pups, hyperoxic PL pups had a decrease in alveolarization, reduced lung vascular density and increased lung inflammation. In contrast, AMD3100-treated hyperoxic pups had improved alveolarization and increased angiogenesis. This improvement in lung structure was accompanied by a decrease in the macrophage and neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and reduced lung myeloperoxidase activity. Conclusion: CXCR4 antagonism decreases lung inflammation and improves alveolar and vascular structure in neonatal rats with experimental BPD. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate lung injury in preterm infants with BPD.
Advantages of Fecal Lactoferrin Measurement during Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Hashiguchi Keiichi , Takeshima Fuminao , Akazawa Yuko , Matsushima Kayoko , Minami Hitomi , Machida Haruhisa , Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Shiozawa Ken , Ohba Kazuo , Ohnita Ken , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Isomoto Hajime , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: March 2015

Background: Fecal lactoferrin has been introduced as a useful tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess if fecal lactoferrin can be employed to predict or estimate the effect of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) in ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: This was a prospective study involving 21 patients with UC. Patients with moderately-to-severely active UC who were scheduled to undergo GMA were recruited. Changes in fecal lactoferrin concentration were compared between the GMA-responder and -nonresponder groups. Results: In the GMA-responder group, fecal lactoferrin significantly increased 1 week after the introduction of GMA and then significantly decreased after GMA sessions. Fecal lactoferrin concentrations were significantly higher in the GMA-responder group than in the GMA-nonresponder group at 1 and 2 weeks after the introduction of GMA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that fecal lactoferrin concentration 1 week after the introduction of GMA was the most contributing factor for the effectiveness of GMA in patients with UC. Conclusions: In the GMA-responder group, fecal lactoferrin concentration significantly increased 1 week after the introduction of GMA. Fecal lactoferrin may be beneficial for predicting clinical response of GMA in patients with UC at an early stage of GMA treatment.
Epicutaneous Immunization with Collagen Induces TCRαβ Suppressor T Cells That Inhibit Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Marcińska Katarzyna , Majewska-Szczepanik Monika , Maresz Katarzyna Z. , Szczepanik Marian
Published: March 2015

Background: We have shown previously, in an animal model of multiple sclerosis and in TNBS-induced colitis, that epicutaneous (EC) immunization with protein antigen induces T suppressor cells that strongly inhibit the inflammatory response in contact hypersensitivity reactions. Methods: EC immunization was performed by applying to the shaved skin of the mouse dorsum a gauze patch soaked with a solution containing various amounts of type II collagen (COLL II) in a volume of 100 µl of PBS on days 0 and 4. On day 7 the patches were removed and mice were intradermally (i.d.) immunized with COLL II to induce collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Results: Our study shows that EC immunization with 100 or 30 μg of COLL II reduces disease severity, whereas lower doses (10 or 3 μg) do not affect CIA. Decreased disease severity observed after EC immunization with COLL II correlates with reduced myeloperoxidase activity in joint tissue and with reduced production of anti-citrullinated protein and anti-COLL II IgG2a antibodies. Transfer experiments show that EC immunization with COLL II induces suppressor cells that belong to the population of TCRαβ lymphocytes and that EC-induced suppression declines with time. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that IL-17A plays an important role in EC-induced suppression of CIA. EC application of COLL II at the first signs of CIA also results in disease suppression. Conclusions: The suppression of inflammatory responses by T suppressor cells induced through EC immunization of a protein antigen may become an attractive noninvasive therapeutic method for a variety of clinical situations.
2'-O-Methylation within Bacterial RNA Acts as Suppressor of TLR7/TLR8 Activation in Human Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Rimbach Katharina , Kaiser Steffen , Helm Mark , Dalpke Alexander H. , Eigenbrod Tatjana
Published: March 2015

Microbial RNA is an important stimulator of innate immune responses. Differences in posttranscriptional RNA modification profiles enable the immune system to discriminate between self and non-self nucleic acids. This principle may be exploited by certain bacteria to circumvent immune cell activation. In this regard, 2'-O-methylation of Escherichia coli tRNATyr at position 18 (Gm18) has recently been described to inhibit TLR7-mediated IFN-a production in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Extending these findings, we now demonstrate that Gm18 also potently inhibits TLR7-independent human monocyte activation by RNA derived from a variety of bacterial strains. The half minimal inhibitory concentration values were similar to those found for IFN-a inhibition in pDCs. Mechanistically, 2'-O-methylated RNA impaired upstream signalling events, including MAP kinase and NFκB activation. Our results suggest that antagonizing effects of Gm18-modified RNA are due to competition with stimulatory RNA for receptor binding. The antagonistic effect was specific for RNA because the small molecule TLR7/8 agonist R848 was not inhibited. Despite the striking phenotype in human cells, 2'-O-methylated RNA did not interfere with TLR13 activation by bacterial 23S rRNA in murine DC and BMDM. Thus, we identify here Gm18 in E. coli tRNATyr as a universal suppressor of innate immune activation in the human but not the murine system.
Ureteroscopy for Paediatric Renal Tract Stones - Outcomes from a Tertiary European Centre
Authors: Chedgy Edmund C.P. , Griffin Stephen J. , Dyer Jon P. , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: March 2015

Aims: The use of ureteroscopy in treating paediatric stone disease has risen in recent years. We retrospectively reviewed the results of ureteroscopic stone management for our regional paediatric stone service. Material and Methods: Between April 2010 and October 2013, consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopy and stone fragmentation were identified. Data were recorded from electronic records for patient demographics, pre-operative assessment, stone characteristics, and intra- and post-operative complications. Results: Twenty-one patients (mean age 8.6 years; range: 1.4-16) had 32 procedures in our series (13 males and 8 females). Five (24%) had a metabolic abnormality and 8 (38%) had an anatomical abnormality. The mean initial stone size was 9.6 mm (range: 5-20) and 10 were left sided. Of the 32 procedures, 18 (56%) had a pre-operative stent. A positive pre-operative urine culture was seen in 4 (13%). CT was used in 6 (19%) with the rest having a combination of USS and/or plain KUB. Of these 21 patients, 13 (62%) were stone free after the first procedure, 17 (81%) after a second and 20 (95%) after a third (mean 1.5 procedures/patient). One patient with a 6-mm residual fragment chose to have surveillance. Eighteen (50%) had post-operative stent insertion. The mean length of stay was 1.5 days (range: 0-5). A minor complication (Clavien 1) was observed in 1 patient. No other complications were recorded. Conclusions: Ureteroscopy for stone disease in children is feasible with a low complication rate and high stone-free rate.