bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Junctional Adhesion Molecule‐1 (JAM‐1) in the Circulation after Experimental and Clinical Polytrauma
Authors: Denk Stephanie , Wiegner Rebecca , Hönes Felix M. , Messerer David A. C. , Radermacher Peter , Weiss Manfred , Kalbitz Miriam , Ehrnthaller Christian , Braumüller Sonja , McCook Oscar , Gebhard Florian , Weckbach Sebastian , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: October 2015

Severe tissue trauma‐induced systemic inflammation is often accompanied by evident or occult blood‐organ barrier dysfunctions, frequently leading to multiple organ dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether specific barrier molecules are shed into the circulation early after trauma as potential indicators of an initial barrier dysfunction. The release of the barrier molecule junctional adhesion molecule‐1 (JAM‐1) was investigated in plasma of C57BL/6 mice 2 h after experimental mono‐ and polytrauma as well as in polytrauma patients (ISS ≥ 18) during a 10‐day period. Correlation analyses were performed to indicate a linkage between JAM‐1 plasma concentrations and organ failure. JAM‐1 was systemically detected after experimental trauma in mice with blunt chest trauma as a driving force. Accordingly, JAM‐1 was reduced in lung tissue after pulmonary contusion and JAM‐1 plasma levels significantly correlated with increased protein levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage as a sign for alveolocapillary barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, JAM‐1 was markedly released into the plasma of polytrauma patients as early as 4 h after the trauma insult and significantly correlated with severity of disease and organ dysfunction (APACHE II and SOFA score). The data support an early injury‐ and time‐dependent appearance of the barrier molecule JAM‐1 in the circulation indicative of a commencing trauma‐induced barrier dysfunction.
Ocular Surface and Tear Film Changes in Older Women Working with Computers
Authors: Ribelles Alfredo , Galbis-Estrada Carmen , Parras Maria A. , Vivar-Llopis Bárbara , Marco-Ramírez Carla , Diaz-Llopis Manuel
Published: October 2015

The aim of this work is to investigate changes in the ocular surface (OS) and tear film (TF) by means of questionnaire-based subjective symptoms, TF break-up time, Schirmer test, and TF analysis in women working with computers and to analyze the effects of the oral supplementation with antioxidants/omega 3 fatty acids (A/ω3) in the OS outcomes. Women aged 40–65 years (n=148) were recruited at the Administrative Offices of Valencia (Spain) and distributed into two age groups, 40–52 years (AGE1;n=87) and 53–65 years (AGE2;n=61), and then subdivided according to being (or not) computer users (CUG; NCUG) during the workday. Homogeneous subgroups were randomly assigned (or not) to the daily intake of three pills of A/ω3 for three months. At baseline and at the end of follow-up, personalized interviews and ocular examination were done. Reflex tear samples were collected from the inferior meniscus and processed for a multiplexed particle-based flow cytometry assay to measure proinflammatory molecules. Statistics were performed using the SPSS 15.0 program. The OS pathology was clinically evident in the AGE1-CUG (33%) versus the AGE2-CUG (64%) of women. Significantly higher interleukins-1βand -6 tear levels were found in the AGE1 versus the AGE2 women employees (P=0.006andP=0.001, resp.), as well as in the CUG versus the NCUG (P=0.001andP=0.000, resp.). Supplementation with A/ω3 positively influenced the OS pathology as manifested by the amelioration of the clinical signs/symptoms related to computer uses. Strategies involving a safe environment and oral micronutrient supplements may be managed within eye-care standards in older women.
Mechanistic Study of the Phytocompound, 2-β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy-1-hydroxytrideca-5,7,9,11-tetrayne in Human T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells by Using Combined Differential Proteomics and Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Shiau Jeng-Yuan , Yin Shu-Yi , Chang Shu-Lin , Hsu Yi-Jou , Chen Kai-Wei , Kuo Tien-Fen , Feng Ching-Shan , Yang Ning-Sun , Shyur Lie-Fen , Yang Wen-Chin , Wen Tuan-Nan
Published: October 2015

Bidens pilosa, a medicinal herb worldwide, is rich in bioactive polyynes. In this study, by using high resolution 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry analysis, as many as 2000 protein spots could be detected and those whose expression was specifically up- or downregulated in Jurkat T cells responsive to the treatment with 2-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-1-hydroxytrideca-5,7,9,11-tetrayne (GHTT) can be identified. GHTT treatment can upregulate thirteen proteins involved in signal transduction, detoxification, metabolism, energy pathways, and channel transport in Jurkat cells. Nine proteins, that is, thioredoxin-like proteins, BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID protein involving apoptosis), methylcrotonoyl-CoA carboxylase beta chain, and NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, were downregulated in GHTT-treated Jurkat cells. Further, bioinformatics tool, Ingenuity software, was used to predict signaling pathways based on the data obtained from the differential proteomics approach. Two matched pathways, relevant to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, in Jurkat cells were inferred from the proteomics data. Biochemical analysis further verified both pathways involving GHTT in Jurkat cells. These findings do not merely prove the feasibility of combining proteomics and bioinformatics methods to identify cellular proteins as key players in response to the phytocompound in Jurkat cells but also establish the pathways of the proteins as the potential therapeutic targets of leukemia.
A Location Prediction Algorithm with Daily Routines in Location-Based Participatory Sensing Systems
Authors: Yu Ruiyun , Xia Xingyou , Liao Shiyang , Wang Xingwei
Published: October 2015

Mobile node location predication is critical to efficient data acquisition and message forwarding in participatory sensing systems. This paper proposes a social-relationship-based mobile node location prediction algorithm using daily routines (SMLPR). The SMLPR algorithm models application scenarios based on geographic locations and extracts social relationships of mobile nodes from nodes’ mobility. After considering the dynamism of users’ behavior resulting from their daily routines, the SMLPR algorithm preliminarily predicts node’s mobility based on the hidden Markov model in different daily periods of time and then amends the prediction results using location information of other nodes which have strong relationship with the node. Finally, the UCSD WTD dataset are exploited for simulations. Simulation results show that SMLPR acquires higher prediction accuracy than proposals based on the Markov model.
The Failure Criterion of Single-Layer Spherical Lattice Shell Based on Kinetic Energy
Authors: Ba Panfeng , Zhang Yigang , Wu Jinzhi , Zhang Zhihao
Published: October 2015

The dynamic failure criterion of single-layer spherical lattice shells has been an important research subject. The paper examines dynamic failures of single-layer spherical lattice shells and proposes the structure dynamic failure criterion based on the kinetic energy. The failure criterion was demonstrated through the dynamic failure test on a single-layer spherical lattice shell. Then, simulation analysis was carried out through two cases with material damage taken into account. The proposed failure criterion can accurately identify failure moments caused either by strength fracture or by stability fracture.
Fault Characteristics and Control Strategies of Multiterminal High Voltage Direct Current Transmission Based on Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: Chang Fei , Yang Zhongping , Wang Yi , Lin Fei , Liu Shihui
Published: October 2015

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is an emerging voltage source converter topology suitable for multiterminal high voltage direct current transmission based on modular multilevel converter (MMC-MTDC). This paper presents fault characteristics of MMC-MTDC including submodule fault, DC line fault, and fault ride-through of wind farm integration. Meanwhile, the corresponding protection strategies are proposed. The correctness and effectiveness of the control strategies are verified by establishing a three-terminal MMC-MTDC system under the PSCAD/EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation environment.
A Consensus Routing Algorithm for Mobile Distributed Systems
Authors: Arellano-Vázquez Magali , Benítez-Pérez Héctor , Ortega-Arjona J.
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces aconsensus routing algorithmbased on an availability function. Such a function obtains a consensus among a group of nodes by evaluating the idle time in the scheduler of each node, along with the general conditions of the network and determining the next step of the route. In this regard, the algorithm proposed here makes it possible to avoid flooding while reducing bandwidth use and keeping changes of the network only at a local scale.
Bilateral Serous Psammocarcinoma of Ovary: Rare Variant Low Grade Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Jena Saubhagya Kumar , Mishra Pritinanda , Mohapatra Vandana , Singh Sweta
Published: October 2015

Serous psammocarcinoma is a rare variant of serous carcinoma arising from either ovary or peritoneum, characterized by massive psammoma body formation, low grade cytologic features, and invasiveness. Its clinical behavior is similar to serous borderline tumors with relatively favorable prognosis. We report herein a case of a 60-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with abdominal distension. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed calcified pelvic masses with ascites. Elevated serum CA-125 (970 U/mL) suggested malignant ovarian neoplasm. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with primary debulking surgery. Histopathology showed bilateral serous psammocarcinoma of ovary with invasive implants on omentum. Adjuvant chemotherapy was advised in view of advanced stage disease, although its benefits are poorly defined due to rarity of the tumor. However, patient opted out of it and is now on follow-up.
Computation of Flow Past an In-Line Oscillating Circular Cylinder and a Stationary Cylinder in Tandem Using a CIP-Based Model
Authors: Fu Yingnan , Zhao Xizeng , Wang Xinggang , Cao Feifeng
Published: October 2015

Viscous flow past an upstream in-line forced oscillating circular cylinder with a stationary cylinder downstream at Reynolds number of 100 is investigated using a CIP model. The model is established in a Cartesian coordinate system using a high-order difference method to discretise the Navier-Stokes equations. The fluid-structure interaction is treated as a multiphase flow with fluid and solid phases solved simultaneously. An immersed boundary method is used to deal with the fluid-body coupling. The CFD model is firstly applied to the computation of flow past a fixed circular cylinder for its validation; then flow over two stationary tandem cylinders is investigated and good agreements are obtained comparing with existing ones. Computations are then performed with flow past two tandem cylinders with an upstream in-line oscillating cylinder with a small spacingL=2D. Considerable attention is paid to the spectrum characteristics and vortex modes.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer in Chinese Men with PSA 4–10 ng/mL Who Underwent TRUS-Guided Prostate Biopsy: The Utilization of PAMD Score
Authors: Fang Dong , Ren Da , Zhao Chenglin , Li Xuesong , Yu Wei , Wang Rui , Wang Huihui , Xi Chenguang , He Qun , Wang Xiaoying , Xin Zhongcheng , Zhou Liqun
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To elucidate the characteristics and risk factors for positive biopsy outcomes in Chinese patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) 4–10 ng/mL and develop a risk-stratification score model.Methods. The data of 345 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy between 2011 and 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate volume (PV), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and smoking status were also collected. Positive biopsy outcomes were defined as prostate cancer (PCa) and high grade PCa (HGPCa, GleasonScore≥7).Results. The median PSA was 7.15 (IQR 5.91–8.45) ng/mL. Overall 138 patients (40.0%) were shown to have PCa, including 100 patients (29.0%) with HGPCa. Smaller PV, elder age, MRI results, and positive DRE were proved to be predictive factors for positive biopsy outcomes in both univariate and multivariate analysis. We developed a “PAMD” score which combined the four factors to categorize patients into three risk groups, and the model performed good predictive sensitivity and specificity.Conclusion. The prevalence of prostate cancer in Chinese patients with PSA 4–10 ng/mL was 40%, including 29% patients with high grade disease. DRE, age, MRI, and PV were predictive factors for positive biopsy outcomes, and the PAMD score model could be utilized for risk-stratification and decision-making.
A Case of Cerebral Vasculitis Associated with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Raj Naveen , Arkebauer Matthew , Waters Barry , Dickinson Brucha
Published: October 2015

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. It is regarded as a systemic inflammatory disorder that can affect a number of organ systems. Central nervous system disease associated with UC is a rare sequela of inflammatory bowel disease, occurring in less than 5% of cases. These manifestations include arterial and venous thrombosis, leukoencephalitis, seizures, and vasculitis. We present a case of a 61-year-old female with a two-year history of well-controlled ulcerative colitis, who developed altered mental status and weakness. On brain imaging, she was found to have cerebral lesions which were biopsied. Histopathology subsequently revealed coagulative necrosis and inflammation characteristic of vasculitis. Rheumatology serologies were negative, and the patient was started on steroids that dramatically improved her neurological function, with no residual deficits, and led to resolution of the brain lesions.
Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy on Acute Unilateral Stroke Patients: Initial Observations regarding Differences between Sides
Authors: Seoane Fernando , Reza Atefi Seyed , Tomner Jens , Kostulas Konstantinos , Lindecrantz Kaj
Published: October 2015

Purpose. Electrical Bioimpedance Cerebral Monitoring is assessment in real time of health of brain tissue through study of passive dielectric properties of brain. During the last two decades theory and technology have been developed in parallel with animal experiments aiming to confirm feasibility of using bioimpedance-based technology for prompt detection of brain damage. Here, for the first time, we show that electrical bioimpedance measurements for left and right hemispheres are significantly different in acute cases of unilateral stroke within 24 hours from onset.Methods. Electrical BIS measurements have been taken in healthy volunteers and patients suffering from acute stroke within 24 hours of onset. BIS measurements have been obtained using SFB7 bioimpedance spectrometer manufactured by Impedimed ltd. and 4-electrode method. Measurement electrodes, current, and voltage have been placed according to 10–20 EEG system obtaining mutual BIS measurements from 4 different channels situated in pairs symmetrically from the midsagittal line. Obtained BIS data has been analyzed, assessing for symmetries and differences regarding healthy control data.Results. 7 out of 10 patients for Side-2-Side comparisons and 8 out 10 for central/lateral comparison presented values outside the range defined by healthy control group. When combined only 1 of 10 patients exhibited values within the healthy range.Conclusions. If these initial observations are confirmed with more patients, we can foresee emerging of noninvasive monitoring technology for brain damage with the potential to lead to paradigm shift in treatment of brain stroke and traumatic brain damage.
Effects of Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technology on Precision of Clinical Metal-Free Restorations
Authors: Lee Ki-Hong , Yeo In-Sung , Wu Benjamin M. , Yang Jae-Ho , Han Jung-Suk , Kim Sung-Hun , Yi Yang-Jin , Kwon Taek-Ka
Published: October 2015

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the marginal fit of metal-free crowns made by three different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems.Materials and Methods. The maxillary left first premolar of a dentiform was prepared for all-ceramic crown restoration. Thirty all-ceramic premolar crowns were made, ten each manufactured by the Lava system, Cercon, and Cerec. Ten metal ceramic gold (MCG) crowns served as control. The marginal gap of each sample was measured under a stereoscopic microscope at 75x magnification after cementation. One-way ANOVA and the Duncan’s post hoc test were used for data analysis at the significance level of 0.05.Results. The mean (standard deviation) marginal gaps were 70.5 (34.4) μm for the MCG crowns, 87.2 (22.8) μm for Lava, 58.5 (17.6) μm for Cercon, and 72.3 (30.8) μm for Cerec. There were no significant differences in the marginal fit among the groups except that the Cercon crowns had significantly smaller marginal gaps than the Lava crowns(P<0.001).  Conclusions. Within the limitation of this study, all the metal-free restorations made by the digital CAD/CAM systems had clinically acceptable marginal accuracy.
Esophageal Cicatricial Pemphigoid as an Isolated Involvement Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Sánchez Prudencio Sandra , Domingo Senra Daniel , Martín Rodríguez Daniel , Botella Mateu Belén , Esteban Jiménez-Zarza Carlos , de la Morena López Felipe , Jiménez Reyes José , Nevado Santos Manuel , de Cuenca Morón Beatriz
Published: October 2015

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is a rare blistering autoimmune disease. Esophageal involvement occurs in widespread disease and rarely appears as the only affected organ. We report a 67-year-old Caucasian female with esophageal dysphagia and weight loss. Several oral panendoscopies showed multiple exudative ulcerations with fibrin and webs in mid- and proximal esophagus and a peeling mucosa. There were no lesions in other organs. We established the diagnosis performing a direct immunofluorescence (DIF), demonstrating IgG3 and complement deposition along the basement membrane. As initial treatment the patient received prednisone 60 mg and 1 gr twice daily of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a steroid-sparing agent due to its lower toxicity and its selective mechanism of action. Six months later there was a significant clinical improvement and the esophageal ulcerations had disappeared, developing cicatricial fibrous rings, although no stenosis was present. Four years later, the patient remains asymptomatic with a low maintenance dose of MMF.
Automatic Position Information of Web-Openings of Building Using Minimized Strain Energy Topology Optimization
Authors: Lee Dongkyu , Shin Soomi
Published: October 2015

This study presents a new engineering practice and idea that material topology optimization results may be utilized to optimally decide the positions of web-openings of structural members in a building structure. Material topology optimization utilizes element densities as design parameters, that is, nominal constructional material, and then optimal material distributions of densities between voids (0) and solids (1) in a given design domain represent the determination of topology and shape. That means that regions with element density values become occupied by solids in a design domain, while there are only void phases in regions where no density values exist. Therefore, the void regions of topology optimization results may provide design information that decides appropriate depositions of web-opening in structure. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the present methodological design information using optimization techniques to automatically resolve the building design of proper deposition of web-openings.
Analysis of Retinal Peripapillary Segmentation in Early Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Salobrar-Garcia Elena , Hoyas Irene , Leal Mercedes , de Hoz Rosa , Rojas Blanca , Ramirez Ana I. , Salazar Juan J. , Yubero Raquel , Gil Pedro , Triviño Alberto , Ramirez José M.
Published: October 2015

Decreased thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) may reflect retinal neuronal-ganglion cell death. A decrease in the RNFL has been demonstrated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in addition to aging by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Twenty-three mild-AD patients and 28 age-matched control subjects with mean Mini-Mental State Examination 23.3 and 28.2, respectively, with no ocular disease or systemic disorders affecting vision, were considered for study. OCT peripapillary and macular segmentation thickness were examined in the right eye of each patient. Compared to controls, eyes of patients with mild-AD patients showed no statistical difference in peripapillary RNFL thickness (P>0.05); however, sectors 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 11 of the papilla showed thinning, while in sectors 1, 5, 6, 7, and 10 there was thickening. Total macular volume and RNFL thickness of the fovea in all four inner quadrants and in the outer temporal quadrants proved to be significantly decreased (P<0.01). Despite the fact that peripapillary RNFL thickness did not statistically differ in comparison to control eyes, the increase in peripapillary thickness in our mild-AD patients could correspond to an early neurodegeneration stage and may entail the existence of an inflammatory process that could lead to progressive peripapillary fiber damage.
Determination of One Unknown Thermal Coefficient through a Mushy Zone Model with a Convective Overspecified Boundary Condition
Authors: Ceretani Andrea N. , Tarzia Domingo A.
Published: October 2015

A semi-infinite material under a solidification process with the Solomon-Wilson-Alexiades mushy zone model with a heat flux condition at the fixed boundary is considered. The associated free boundary problem is overspecified through a convective boundary condition with the aim of the simultaneous determination of the temperature, the two free boundaries of the mushy zone and one thermal coefficient among the latent heat by unit mass, the thermal conductivity, the mass density, the specific heat, and the two coefficients that characterize the mushy zone, when the unknown thermal coefficient is supposed to be constant. Bulk temperature and coefficients which characterize the heat flux and the heat transfer at the boundary are assumed to be determined experimentally. Explicit formulae for the unknowns are given for the resulting six phase-change problems, besides necessary and sufficient conditions on data in order to obtain them. In addition, relationship between the phase-change process solved in this paper and an analogous process overspecified by a temperature boundary condition is presented, and this second problem is solved by considering a large heat transfer coefficient at the boundary in the problem with the convective boundary condition. Formulae for the unknown thermal coefficients corresponding to both problems are summarized in two tables.
Physicochemical Aspects of thePlasmodium chabaudi-Infected Erythrocyte
Authors: Hayakawa Eri H. , Kobayashi Seiki , Matsuoka Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

Membrane electrochemical potential is a feature of the molecular profile of the cell membrane and the two-dimensional arrangement of its charge-bearing molecules.Plasmodiumspecies, the causative agents of malaria, are intracellular parasites that remodel host erythrocytes by expressing their own proteins on erythrocyte membranes. Although various aspects of the modifications made to the host erythrocyte membrane have been extensively studied in some humanPlasmodiumspecies (such asPlasmodium falciparum), details of the structural and molecular biological modifications made to host erythrocytes by nonhumanPlasmodiumparasites have not been studied. We employed zeta potential analysis of erythrocytes parasitized byP. chabaudi, a nonhumanPlasmodiumparasite. From these measurements, we found that the surface potential shift was more negative forP. chabaudi-infected erythrocytes than forP. falciparum-infected erythrocytes. However, electron microscopic analysis of the surface ofP. chabaudi-infected erythrocytes did not reveal any modifications as compared with nonparasitized erythrocytes. These results suggest that differences in the membrane modifications found herein represent unique attributes related to the pathogenesis profiles of the two different malaria parasite species in different host animals and that these features have been acquired through parasite adaptations acquired over long evolutionary time periods.
Associations between Distal Upper Extremity Job Physical Factors and Psychosocial Measures in a Pooled Study
Authors: Thiese Matthew S. , Hegmann Kurt T. , Kapellusch Jay , Merryweather Andrew , Bao Stephen , Silverstein Barbara , Garg Arun
Published: October 2015

Introduction. There is an increasing body of literature relating musculoskeletal diseases to both job physical exposures and psychosocial outcomes. Relationships between job physical exposure measures and psychosocial factors have not been well examined or quantified. These exploratory analyses evaluate relationships between quantified exposures and psychosocial outcomes.Methods. Individualized quantification of duration, repetition, and force and composite scores of the Strain Index (SI) and the Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV for HAL) were compared to 10 psychosocial measures. Relationships and predicted probabilities were assessed using ordered logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, BMI, and gender.Results and Discussion. Among 1834 study participants there were multiple statistically significant relationships. In general, as duration, repetition, and force increased, psychosocial factors worsened. However, general health and mental exhaustion improved with increasing job exposures. Depression was most strongly associated with increased repetition, while physical exhaustion was most strongly associated with increased force. SI and TLV for HAL were significantly related to multiple psychosocial factors. These relationships persisted after adjustment for strong confounders.Conclusion. This study quantified multiple associations between job physical exposures and occupational and nonoccupational psychosocial factors. Further research is needed to quantify the impacts on occupational health outcomes.
Application of Polymeric Nanocomposites and Carbon Fiber Composites in the Production of Natural Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Pavani Gilberto João , Pavani Sérgio Adalberto , Ferreira Carlos Arthur
Published: October 2015

This research work is about the experimental analysis of the mechanical behavior of reservoirs for storage of compressed natural gas (CNG) consisting of a nanopolymeric liner coated with carbon fiber preimpregnated with epoxy resin applied by filament winding (FW). It addresses technical solutions adopted to optimize the reservoir as reinforcement with fiber, the process of healing and thermal analysis, as well as the hydrostatic testing to verify its resistance to the pressure required for CNG storage. Different nanoclays were incorporated to the polymer aiming to increase the strength of the liner and to reduce the thickness of its wall and the final weight of the reservoir as well as decreasing gas permeability. The obtained results were the basis for proposing an adaptation of the equation traditionally used for the dimensioning of the wall thickness of metallic pressure vessels to determine the number of layers needed to endure any internal pressure to which the reservoir is subjected. They indicate that the used methodology enables the production of pressure vessels for the storage of CNG, according to the ISO 11439:2013 Standard.
Two-Stage Fuzzy Portfolio Selection Problem with Transaction Costs
Authors: Chen Yanju , Wang Ye
Published: October 2015

This paper studies a two-period portfolio selection problem. The problem is formulated as a two-stage fuzzy portfolio selection model with transaction costs, in which the future returns of risky security are characterized by possibility distributions. The objective of the proposed model is to achieve the maximum utility in terms of the expected value and variance of the final wealth. Given the first-stage decision vector and a realization of fuzzy return, the optimal value expression of the second-stage programming problem is derived. As a result, the proposed two-stage model is equivalent to a single-stage model, and the analytical optimal solution of the two-stage model is obtained, which helps us to discuss the properties of the optimal solution. Finally, some numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the new modeling idea and the effectiveness. The computational results provided by the proposed model show that the more risk-averse investor will invest more wealth in the risk-free security. They also show that the optimal invested amount in risky security increases as the risk-free return decreases and the optimal utility increases as the risk-free return increases, whereas the optimal utility increases as the transaction costs decrease. In most instances the utilities provided by the proposed two-stage model are larger than those provided by the single-stage model.
Ru Nanoparticles Supported on MIL‐101 by Double Solvents Method as High‐Performance Catalysts for Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Qingtao , Yan Bingzheng , Zhao Mei , Li Wenbo , Bie Haiyan
Published: October 2015

Highly dispersed crystalline Ru nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully immobilized inside the pores of MIL‐101 by a double solvents method (DSM). HRTEM clearly demonstrated the uniform distribution of the ultrafine Ru NPs throughout the interior cavities of MIL‐101. The synthesized Ru@MIL‐101 catalyst was also characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption desorption, and ICP‐AES. The catalytic test indicated that the Ru NPs supported MIL‐101 material exhibited exceedingly high activity and excellent durability for hydrogen generation from the catalytic hydrolysis of amine boranes.
Acoustic Correlates of Compensatory Adjustments to the Glottic and Supraglottic Structures in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Jesus Luis M. T. , Martinez Joana , Hall Andreia , Ferreira Aníbal
Published: October 2015

The goal of this study was to analyse perceptually and acoustically the voices of patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (UVFP) and compare them to the voices of normal subjects. These voices were analysed perceptually with the GRBAS scale and acoustically using the following parameters: mean fundamental frequency (F0), standard-deviation ofF0, jitter (ppq5), shimmer (apq11), mean harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), mean first (F1) and second (F2) formants frequency, and standard-deviation ofF1 andF2 frequencies. Statistically significant differences were found in all of the perceptual parameters. Also the jitter, shimmer, HNR, standard-deviation ofF0, and standard-deviation of the frequency ofF2 were statistically different between groups, for both genders. In the male data differences were also found inF1 andF2 frequencies values and in the standard-deviation of the frequency ofF1. This study allowed the documentation of the alterations resulting from UVFP and addressed the exploration of parameters with limited information for this pathology.
PLK-1 Targeted Inhibitors and Their Potential against Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Kim Jaebong
Published: October 2015

Mitotic kinases are the key components of the cell cycle machinery and play vital roles in cell cycle progression. PLK-1 (Polo-like kinase-1) is a crucial mitotic protein kinase that plays an essential role in both the onset of G2/M transition and cytokinesis. The overexpression of PLK-1 is strongly correlated with a wide spectrum of human cancers and poor prognosis. The (si)RNA-mediated depletion of PLK-1 arrests tumor growth and triggers apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Therefore, PLK-1 has been selected as an attractive anticancer therapeutic drug target. Some small molecules have been discovered to target the catalytic and noncatalytic domains of PLK-1. These domains regulate the catalytic activation and subcellular localization of PLK-1. However, while PLK-1 inhibitors block tumor growth, they have been shown to cause severe adverse complications, such as toxicity, neutropenia, and bone marrow suppression during clinical trials, due to a lack of selectivity and specificity within the human kinome. To minimize these toxicities, inhibitors should be tested against all protein kinasesin vivoandin vitroto enhance selectivity and specificity against targets. Here, we discuss the potency and selectivity of PLK-1-targeted inhibitors and their molecular interactions with PLK-1 domains.
Estimating the Impact of Workplace Bullying: Humanistic and Economic Burden among Workers with Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Fattori A. , Neri L. , Aguglia E. , Bellomo A. , Bisogno A. , Camerino D. , Carpiniello B. , Cassin A. , Costa G. , De Fazio P. , Di Sciascio G. , Favaretto G. , Fraticelli C. , Giannelli R. , Leone S. , Maniscalco T. , Marchesi C. , Mauri M. , Mencacci C. , Polselli G. , Quartesan R. , Risso F. , Sciaretta A. , Vaggi M. , Vender S. , Viora U.
Published: October 2015

Background. Although the prevalence of work-limiting diseases is increasing, the interplay between occupational exposures and chronic medical conditions remains largely uncharacterized. Research has shown the detrimental effects of workplace bullying but very little is known about the humanistic and productivity cost in victims with chronic illnesses. We sought to assess work productivity losses and health disutility associated with bullying among subjects with chronic medical conditions.Methods. Participants (N=1717) with chronic diseases answered a self-administered survey including sociodemographic and clinical data, workplace bullying experience, the SF-12 questionnaire, and the Work Productivity Activity Impairment questionnaire.Results. The prevalence of significant impairment was higher among victims of workplace bullying as compared to nonvictims (SF-12 PCS: 55.5% versus 67.9%,p<0.01; SF-12 MCS: 59.4% versus 74.3%,p<0.01). The adjusted marginal overall productivity cost of workplace bullying ranged from 13.9% to 17.4%, corresponding to Italian Purchase Power Parity (PPP) 2010 US$ 4182–5236 yearly. Association estimates were independent and not moderated by concurrent medical conditions.Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that the burden on workers’ quality of life and productivity associated with workplace bullying is substantial. This study provides key data to inform policy-making and prioritize occupational health interventions.
The Impact of Aging Agricultural Labor Population on Farmland Output: From the Perspective of Farmer Preferences
Authors: Guo Guancheng , Wen Qiyu , Zhu Jingjuan
Published: October 2015

Chinese agriculture is facing an aging workforce which could negatively impact the industry. In this context, research is needed on how work preferences and age of farmers affect agricultural output. This paper attempts to investigate these factors to more fully understand the impact of an aging agricultural labor population on agricultural production. The results show that, in this context of aging, changes in the working-age households have a significant impact on agricultural output. Despite the fact that the impacts of intention to abandon land management were not significant, we can ignore this preference in the workforce. The combination of changes in the composition of the working-age households indicates that 58.53 percent of the agricultural producers will likely quit. This is a potential threat for the future of agricultural development. We also found that elderly farmers who do not intend to abandon farming had higher agricultural output compared to other farmers. This indicates that the adverse effects of changes in the agricultural population age result more from the agricultural output of older farmers who intend to give up farming. This intention adversely affected other elements and reduced investment. Therefore, various forms of training should increase efforts to cultivate modern professional farmers and policies should be simultaneously developed to increase agricultural production levels.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nonstructural Proteins Upregulate SOCS1 and SOCS3 in the Different Manner from Endogenous IFN Signaling
Authors: Zheng Junwen , Yang Pu , Tang Yan , Pan Zishu , Zhao Dongchi
Published: October 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection upregulates genes of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, which utilize a feedback loop to inhibit type I interferon dependent antiviral signaling pathway. Here, we reconstituted RSV nonstructural (NS) protein expression plasmids (pNS1, pNS2, and pNS1/2) and tested whether NS1 or NS2 would trigger SOCS1 and SOCS3 protein expression. These NS proteins inhibited interferon- (IFN-)αsignaling through a mechanism involving the induction of SOCS1 and SOCS3, which appeared to be different from autocrine IFN dependent. NS1 induced both SOCS1 and SOCS3 upregulation, while NS2 only induced SOCS1 expression. The induced expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 preceded endogenous IFN-signaling activation and inhibited the IFN-inducible antiviral response as well as chemokine induction. Treatments with INF-αand NS proteins both induced SOCS1 expression; however, they had opposing effects on IFN-α-dependent antiviral gene expression. Our results indicate that NS1 and NS2, which induce the expression of SOCS1 or SOCS3, might represent an independent pathway of stimulating endogenous IFN signaling.
Diverse of Erythropoiesis Responding to Hypoxia and Low Environmental Temperature in Vertebrates
Authors: Maekawa Shun , Kato Takashi
Published: October 2015

Erythrocytes are responsible for transporting oxygen to tissue and are essential for the survival of almost all vertebrate animals. Circulating erythrocyte counts are tightly regulated and respond to erythrocyte mass and oxygen tension. Since the discovery of erythropoietin, the erythropoietic responses to environment and tissue oxygen tension have been investigated in mice and human. Moreover, it has recently become increasingly clear that various environmental stresses could induce the erythropoiesis via various modulating systems, while all vertebrates live in various environments and habitually adapt to environmental stress. Therefore, it is considered that investigations of erythropoiesis in vertebrates provide a lead to the various erythropoietic responses to environmental stress. This paper comparatively introduces the present understanding of erythropoiesis in vertebrates. Indeed, there is a wide range of variations in vertebrates’ erythropoiesis. This paper also focused on erythropoietic responses to environmental stress, hypoxia, and lowered temperature in vertebrates.
Endocrown with Leucite-Reinforced Ceramic: Case of Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth
Authors: da Cunha Leonardo Fernandes , Mondelli José , Auersvald Caroline Moreira , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Mondelli Rafael Francisco Lia , Correr Gisele Maria , Furuse Adilson Yoshio
Published: October 2015

A common problem encountered by dentists is the restorative treatment of nonvital teeth. When the pulp chamber presents appropriate conditions for retention, the endocrown is indicated. This monolithic, ceramic adhesive restoration is singularly used yet warrants wider recognition and use. The endocrown allows preservation of the tooth structure and is minimally invasive. Currently, this treatment option, of a core buildup and full coverage restoration, reduces tooth structure excessively. This treatment presents not only functional limitations but also aesthetic concerns. Recently, the VITA-PM9 system, a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic, has been increasingly used in a variety of clinical situations due to its satisfactory physical-mechanical and aesthetic properties. Therefore, the present study describes a case of surgical restoration of a nonvital tooth using the endocrown technique and the VITA-PM9.
Mortality Prediction Model of Septic Shock Patients Based on Routinely Recorded Data
Authors: Carrara Marta , Baselli Giuseppe , Ferrario Manuela
Published: October 2015

We studied the problem of mortality prediction in two datasets, the first composed of 23 septic shock patients and the second composed of 73 septic subjects selected from the public database MIMIC-II. For each patient we derived hemodynamic variables, laboratory results, and clinical information of the first 48 hours after shock onset and we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to predict mortality in the following 7 days. The results show interesting features that individually identify significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors and features which gain importance only when considered together with the others in a multivariate regression model. This preliminary study on two small septic shock populations represents a novel contribution towards new personalized models for an integration of multiparameter patient information to improve critical care management of shock patients.
Helicobacter pyloriCagA Suppresses Apoptosis through Activation of AKT in a Nontransformed Epithelial Cell Model of Glandular Acini Formation
Authors: Vallejo-Flores Gabriela , Torres Javier , Sandoval-Montes Claudia , Arévalo-Romero Haruki , Meza Isaura , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Torres-Morales Julián , Chávez-Rueda Adriana Karina , Legorreta-Haquet María Victoria , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M.
Published: October 2015

H. pyloriinfection is the most important environmental risk to develop gastric cancer, mainly through its virulence factor CagA.In vitromodels of CagA function have demonstrated a phosphoprotein activity targeting multiple cellular signaling pathways, while cagA transgenic mice develop carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, supporting oncogenic functions. However, it is still not completely clear how CagA alters cellular processes associated with carcinogenic events. In this study, we evaluated the capacity ofH. pyloriCagA positive and negative strains to alter nontransformed MCF-10A glandular acini formation. We found that CagA positive strains inhibited lumen formation arguing for an evasion of apoptosis activity of central acini cells. In agreement, CagA positive strains induced a cell survival activity that correlated with phosphorylation of AKT and of proapoptotic proteins BIM and BAD. Anoikis is a specific type of apoptosis characterized by AKT and BIM activation and it is the mechanism responsible for lumen formation of MCF-10A aciniin vitroand mammary glandsin vivo. Anoikis resistance is also a common mechanism of invading tumor cells. Our data support that CagA positive strains signaling function targets the AKT and BIM signaling pathway and this could contribute to its oncogenic activity through anoikis evasion.
Waste Materials from Tetra Pak Packages as Reinforcement of Polymer Concrete
Authors: Martínez-López Miguel , Martínez-Barrera Gonzalo , Barrera-Díaz Carlos , Ureña-Núñez Fernando , Brostow Witold
Published: October 2015

Different concentrations (from 1 to 6 wt%) and sizes (0.85, 1.40, and 2.36 mm) of waste Tetra Pak particles replaced partially silica sand in polymer concrete. As is well known, Tetra Pak packages are made up of three raw materials: cellulose (75%), low density polyethylene (20%), and aluminum (5%). The polymer concrete specimens were elaborated with unsaturated polyester resin (20%) and silica sand (80%) and irradiated by using gamma rays at 100 and 200 kGy. The obtained results have shown that compressive and flexural strength and modulus of elasticity decrease gradually, when either Tetra Pak particle concentration or particle size is increased, as regularly occurs in composite materials. Nevertheless, improvements of 14% on both compressive strength and flexural strength as well as 5% for modulus of elasticity were obtained when polymer concrete is irradiated.
Micro-Macro Simulation Technique Combined with Multilevel Damage Assessment Methodology for RC Building Structures
Authors: Yue Jianguang
Published: October 2015

In order to assess the inherent damage mechanism of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, a micro-macro simulation technique combined with multilevel damage assessment methodology is presented. An element-coupling model is developed by combining mixed dimensional finite elements with the aid of multipoint constraint equations, which could be achieved from the energy conservation principle. Thus, the micro-scale damage details could be obtained in a macro-scale setting of the global structure. Furthermore, using different damage indicators, a generalized damage model is combined with the multilevel damage performance to assess the damage evolution. Finally, an in situ lateral loading test of a real RC frame structure was analyzed to verify this proposed damage assessment methodology. The finite element method utilizing the proposed damage model products results in good agreement with those of the tests. It shows that the proposed methodology is a very helpful tool to assess and reveal the inherent damage mechanism of RC structures.
Association between JAK2 rs4495487 Polymorphism and Risk of Budd-Chiari Syndrome in China
Authors: Zhang Peijin , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Jing , Wang Hui , Ma He , Wang Wei , Gao Xiuyin , Xu Hao , Lu Zhaojun
Published: October 2015

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are the leading cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), and the C allele of JAK2 rs4495487 was reported to be an additional candidate locus that contributed to MPNs. In the present study, we examined the role of JAK2 rs4495487 in the etiology and clinical presentation of Chinese BCS patients. 300 primary BCS patients and 311 healthy controls were enrolled to evaluate the association between JAK2 rs4495487 polymorphism and risk of BCS. All subjects were detected for JAK2 rs4495487 by real-time PCR.Results. The JAK2 rs4495487 polymorphism was associated with JAK2 V617F-positive BCS patients compared with controls (P<0.01). The CC genotype increased the risk of BCS in patients with JAK2 V617F mutation compared with individuals presenting TT genotype (OR = 13.60, 95% CI = 2.04–90.79) and non-CC genotype (OR = 12.00, 95% CI = 2.07–69.52). We also observed a significantly elevated risk of combined-type BCS associated with CC genotype in the recessive model (OR = 4.44, 95% CI = 1.31–15.12). This study provides statistical evidence that the JAK2 rs4495487 polymorphism is susceptibility factor JAK2 V617F positive BCS and combined BCS in China. Further larger studies are required to confirm these findings.