bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Users’ Interest Discovery Model with Distributed Inference Algorithm
Authors: Xu Shuo , Shi Qingwei , Qiao Xiaodong , Zhu Lijun , Zhang Han , Jung Hanmin , Lee Seungwoo , Choi Sung-Pil
Published: April 2014

One of the key issues for providing users user-customized or context-aware services is to automatically detect latent topics, users’ interests, and their changing patterns from large-scale social network information. Most of the current methods are devoted either to discovering static latent topics and users’ interests or to analyzing topic evolution only from intrafeatures of documents, namely, text content, without considering directly extrafeatures of documents such as authors. Moreover, they are applicable only to the case of single processor. To resolve these problems, we propose a dynamic users’ interest discovery model with distributed inference algorithm, named as Distributed Author-Topic over Time (D-AToT) model. The collapsed Gibbs sampling method following the main idea of MapReduce is also utilized for inferring model parameters. The proposed model can discover latent topics and users’ interests, and mine their changing patterns over time. Extensive experimental results on NIPS (Neural Information Processing Systems) dataset show that our D-AToT model is feasible and efficient.
Smoking Habits among Italian Adolescents: What Has Changed in the Last Decade?
Authors: Charrier Lorena , Berchialla Paola , Galeone Daniela , Spizzichino Lorenzo , Borraccino Alberto , Lemma Patrizia , Dalmasso Paola , Cavallo Franco
Published: April 2014

Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, overweight and obesity are risk factors for numerous diseases in Italy as elsewhere. However, children and adolescents are not usually included in official national surveys although it is at this stage of life when unhealthy habits are often established. Italian participation in HBSC and GYTS surveys allows our country to implement standardized surveillance systems providing reliable information on tobacco-related behaviors of this population. Data from three HBSC surveys (2002–2010) show that following the drop in the first half of the decade, prevalence of tobacco use stabilized in the second half. The decline was significant for younger age groups, while prevalence of regular tobacco use remained stable among 15-year-olds. Many adolescents reported being exposed to secondhand smoke, to have at least one parent who smokes, and having seen teachers and students smoking at school. Although the sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited, the vast majority had no trouble in buying cigarettes. Data from GYTS and HBSC surveys provide a wealth of information about attitudes and behaviors of Italian adolescents with respect to smoking. Despite some progress, sizeable gaps remain in meeting standard recommendations for discouraging smoking initiation and motivating adolescent smokers to quit the habit.
A Multiagent Evolutionary Algorithm for the Resource‐Constrained Project Portfolio Selection and Scheduling Problem
Authors: Shou Yongyi , Xiang Wenwen , Li Ying , Yao Weijian
Published: April 2014

A multiagent evolutionary algorithm is proposed to solve the resource‐constrained project portfolio selection and scheduling problem. The proposed algorithm has a dual level structure. In the upper level a set of agents make decisions to select appropriate project portfolios. Each agent selects its project portfolio independently. The neighborhood competition operator and self‐learning operator are designed to improve the agent’s energy, that is, the portfolio profit. In the lower level the selected projects are scheduled simultaneously and completion times are computed to estimate the expected portfolio profit. A priority rule‐based heuristic is used by each agent to solve the multiproject scheduling problem. A set of instances were generated systematically from the widely used Patterson set. Computational experiments confirmed that the proposed evolutionary algorithm is effective for the resource‐constrained project portfolio selection and scheduling problem.
Intensive Care Unit Admission after Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Is It Necessary?
Authors: López-Basave Horacio N. , Morales-Vasquez Flavia , Mendez-Herrera Carmen , Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , Luna-Ortiz Kuauhyama , Calderillo-Ruiz German , Cabrera Rojas Jesús , Ruiz-Garcia Erika , Herrera-Gomez Angel , Ruiz-Molina Juan M. , Meneses Garcia Abelardo
Published: April 2014

Introduction.Cytoreductive surgery (CS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a new approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, high rates of complications are associated with CS and HIPEC due to treatment complexity; that is why some patients need stabilization and surveillance for complications in the intensive care unit.Objective.This study analyzed that ICU stay is necessary after HIPEC.Methods.39 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis were treated according to strict selection criteria with CS and HIPEC, with closed technique, and the chemotherapy administered were cisplatin 25 mg/m2/L and mitomycin C 3.3 mg/m2/L for 90-minutes at 40.5°C.Results.26 (67%) of the 39 patients were transferred to the ICU. Major postoperative complications were seen in 14/26 patients (53%). The mean time on surgical procedures was 7.06 hours (range 5−9 hours). The mean blood loss was 939 ml (range 100–3700 ml). The mean time stay in the ICU was 2.7 days.Conclusion.CS with HIPEC for the treatment of PC results in low mortality and high morbidity. Therefore, ICU stay directly following HIPEC should not be standardized, but should preferably be based on the extent or resections performed and individual patient characteristics and risk factors. Late complications were comparable to those reported after large abdominal surgery without HIPEC.
TRIM29 as a Novel Biomarker in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Hongli , Dai Xianwei , Han Bing
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim. Tripartite motif-containing 29 (TRIM29) is structurally a member of the tripartite motif family of proteins and is involved in diverse human cancers. However, its role in pancreatic cancer remains unclear.Methods. The expression pattern of TRIM29 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between TRIM29 and clinical characteristics.In vitroanalyses by scratch wound healing assay and invasion assays were performed using the pancreatic cancer cell lines.Results. Immunohistochemical analysis showed TRIM29 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was significantly higher  (n=186)than that in matched adjacent nontumor tissues. TRIM29 protein expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis(P=0.019). Patients with positive TRIM29 expression showed both shorter overall survival and shorter recurrence-free survival than those with negative TRIM29 expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that TRIM29 was an independent factor for pancreatic cancer over survival (HR=2.180, 95% CI: 1.324–4.198,P=0.011).In vitro,TRIM29 knockdown resulted in inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.Conclusions. Our results indicate that TRIM29 promotes tumor progression and may be a novel prognostic marker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Long-Term Ultrasound Follow-Up of Thyroid Colloid Cysts
Authors: Kim Dong Wook
Published: April 2014

Objective. This study aimed to assess the interval changes of thyroid colloid cysts (TCCs) by performing long-term ultrasound (US) follow-up examinations.Methods. From 2007 to 2008, 437 patients underwent a lobectomy for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Among them, 268 patients underwent 4 or more postoperative US follow-ups after surgery. This study investigated the prevalence and interval changes of TCCs≥3 mm by using US follow-ups.Results. Among 268 patients, 35 (13.1%) had TCCs≥3 mm by a preoperative thyroid US, and 6 (2.2%) had newly detected TCCs at a US follow-up. Through long-term US follow-up, the interval changes for TCCs were classified as follows: no interval change (n=8), gradual increase (n=8), gradual decrease (n=5), positive fluctuation (n=3), negative fluctuation (n=6), disappearance (n=5), and new detection (n=6). None of the TCC cases had a TCC that was ≥10 mm at its largest diameter, and no patient complained of any relevant symptoms pertaining to the TCCs.Conclusions. In this study, TCCs demonstrated various interval changes, but no abrupt increase was found or acute onset of symptoms occurred.
New General Integral Inequalities for Lipschitzian Functions via Hadamard Fractional Integrals
Authors: İşcan İmdat
Published: April 2014

The author obtains new estimates on generalization
of Hadamard, Ostrowski, and Simpson type inequalities for Lipschitzian functions via Hadamard fractional integrals. Some applications to special means of positive real numbers are also given.
Understanding the Added Value of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Heteromers
Authors: Franco Nuria , Franco Rafael
Published: April 2014

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the most populated family of proteins within the human genome. Since the early sixties work on GPCRs and on GPCR-mediated signaling has led to a number of awards, the most recent being the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2012. The future of GPCRs research is surely based on their capacity for heteromerization. Receptor heteromers offer a series of challenges that will help in providing success in academic/basic research and translation into more effective and safer drugs.
New Semi-IPN Hydrogels Based on Cellulose for Biomedical Application
Authors: Bajpai S. K. , Swarnkar M. P.
Published: April 2014

Cellulose pulp, obtained from a paper industry, has been dissolved in PEG/NaOH system and the resulting solution has been polymerized in the presence of monomer acrylic acid (AA) and crosslinker N,N′ methylene bisacrylamide via free radical polymerization. The Cell/PEG/poly (SA) ternary semi-IPN hydrogel, so prepared, was characterized by FTIR and TG analysis. The dynamic water uptake of various hydrogels, having different compositions, was investigated in the physiological buffer of pH 7.4 at 37°C. The various hydrogels exhibited chain-relaxation controlled swelling behavior. The uptake data was best interpreted by Schott kinetic model. The various diffusion coefficients, that is, initial(Di), average(Dave), and late time(DL), were also calculated using the dynamic water uptake data. The hydrogels showed fair pH and salt-dependent swelling behavior.
Lentiviral Protein Transduction with Genome-Modifying HIV-1 Integrase-I-PpoI Fusion Proteins: Studies on Specificity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Turkki Vesa , Schenkwein Diana , Timonen Oskari , Husso Tiia , Lesch Hanna P. , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: April 2014

Rare-cutting endonucleases, such as the I-PpoI, can be used for the induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) in genome editing and targeted integration based on homologous recombination. For therapeutic approaches, the specificity and the pattern of off-target effects are of high importance in these techniques. For its applications, the endonuclease needs to be transported into the target cell nucleus, where the mechanism of transport may affect its function. Here, we have studied the lentiviral protein transduction of the integrase (IN)-PpoI fusion protein using thecis-packaging method. In genome-wide interaction studies, IN-fusion proteins were verified to bind their target sequence containing 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes with a 100-fold enrichment, despite the well-documented behavior of IN to be tethered into various genomic areas by host-cell factors. In addition, to estimate the applicability of the method, DSB-induced cytotoxic effects with different vector endonuclease configurations were studied in a panel of cells. Varying the amount and activity of endonuclease enabled the adjustment of ratio between the induced DSBs and transported DNA. In cell studies, certain cancerous cell lines were especially prone to DSBs in rRNA genes, which led us to test the protein transduction in a tumour environment in anin vivostudy. In summary, the results highlight the potential of lentiviral vectors (LVVs) for the nuclear delivery of endonucleases.
Numerical Relativity as a Tool for Studying the Early Universe
Authors: Garrison David
Published: April 2014

Numerical simulations are becoming a more effective tool for conducting detailed investigations into the evolution of our universe. In this paper, we show how the framework of numerical relativity can be used for studying cosmological models. The author is working to develop a large-scale simulation of the dynamical processes in the early universe. These take into account interactions of dark matter, scalar perturbations, gravitational waves, magnetic fields, and turbulent plasma. The code described in this report is a GRMHD code based on the Cactus framework and is structured to utilize one of several different differencing methods chosen at run-time. It is being developed and tested on the University of Houston’s Maxwell cluster.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Cancer Stem Cell Related Markers CD44 and CD133 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Pitule Pavel , Cedikova Miroslava , Daum Ondrej , Vojtisek Jan , Vycital Ondrej , Hosek Petr , Treska Vladislav , Hes Ondrej , Kralickova Milena , Liska Vaclav
Published: April 2014

Aim. The goal of this study was to semiquantitatively detect presence of cancer stem cells markers CD44 and CD133 in immunohistochemically stained paired samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Level of staining intensity was compared to clinical and pathological characteristics of tumors with the aim to identify impact of CD44 or CD133 expression on tumor behavior.Patients and Methods. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples from 94 patients with colorectal tumor and liver metastases were collected at Sikl’s Department of Pathology. Samples were stained by antibodies against CD44 and CD133. Presence and intensity of staining was assessed semiquantitatively by three trained researchers.Results. Patients with higher level of CD133 staining in CRC had longer disease free interval (Cox-MantelP=0.0244), whereas we found no relation between CD44 expression and overall survival or disease free interval. CD133 expression in CRC and CLM differed based on CRC grading; in case of CD44 we found differences in staining intensity in individual stages of tumor lymph node invasion.Conclusion. Effect of cancer stem cell markers on prognosis of colorectal cancer can vary depending on pathological classification of tumor, and we have shown that CD133, generally considered to be a negative marker, can bear also clinically positive prognostic information in group of patients with colorectal liver metastases.
Motherhood, Psychological Risks, and Resources in Relation to Alcohol Use Disorder: Are There Differences between Black and White Women?
Authors: Balan Sundari , Widner Gregory , Chen Hsing-Jung , Hudson Darrell , Gehlert Sarah , Kato Price Rumi
Published: April 2014

Rates of alcohol use disorders (AUD) are generally low among women who have ever had children (mothers) compared to women who have never had children (nonmothers), presenting a motherhood advantage. It is unclear if this advantage accrues to “Black” and “White” women alike. Using National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) wave 2 cross-sectional data that is rich in alcohol use and psychological measures, we examined the following: (a) if motherhood is protective for past-year AUD among Black (N=4,133) and White women (N=11,017); (b) potential explanatory psychological mechanisms; and (c) the role of race. Prevalence of a past-year DSM-IV AUD was lower among White mothers compared to White nonmothers, but this same advantage was not observed for Black women. Perceived stress was a risk for all women, but race-ethnic segregated social networks and perceived discrimination predicted current AUD for Black mothers. Unlike White mothers, current psychological factors but not family history of alcohol problems predicted AUD for Black mothers. Future prospective studies should address the mechanisms by which race, motherhood, and psychological factors interactively affect AUD in women.
Towards Emotion Detection in Educational Scenarios from Facial Expressions and Body Movements through Multimodal Approaches
Authors: Saneiro Mar , Santos Olga C. , Salmeron-Majadas Sergio , Boticario Jesus G.
Published: April 2014

We report current findings when considering video recordings of facial expressions and body movements to provide affective personalized support in an educational context from an enriched multimodal emotion detection approach. In particular, we describe an annotation methodology to tag facial expression and body movements that conform to changes in the affective states of learners while dealing with cognitive tasks in a learning process. The ultimate goal is to combine these annotations with additional affective information collected during experimental learning sessions from different sources such as qualitative, self-reported, physiological, and behavioral information. These data altogether are to train data mining algorithms that serve to automatically identify changes in the learners’ affective states when dealing with cognitive tasks which help to provide emotional personalized support.
Analytical Solutions for the Elastic Circular Rod Nonlinear Wave, Boussinesq, and Dispersive Long Wave Equations
Authors: Jing Shi , Xin-li Yan
Published: April 2014

The solving processes of the homogeneous balance method, Jacobi elliptic function expansion method, fixed point method, and modified mapping method are introduced in this paper. By using four different methods, the exact solutions of nonlinear wave equation of a finite deformation elastic circular rod, Boussinesq equations and dispersive long wave equations are studied. In the discussion, the more physical specifications of these nonlinear equations, have been identified and the results indicated that these methods (especially the fixed point method) can be used to solve other similar nonlinear wave equations.
Autoinflation Leading to Failure of Two-Piece Ambicor Implantable Penile Prosthesis: An Outcome from a Methodical Treatment of Recalcitrant Stuttering Priapism
Authors: Welliver R. Charles , Fonseca Adam N. , West Bradford L. , McVary Kevin T. , Köhler Tobias S.
Published: April 2014

Introduction. We present the case of a patient who received a two-piece Ambicor penile prosthesis for idiopathic recurrent “stuttering” priapism refractory to other treatment options. The patient returned unable to deflate the device due to an interesting anatomically induced mechanical failure.Aims. To describe the method and findings of this inflatable prosthesis failure.Results. Prosthesis failure occurred due to restrictive corporal diameter and the unique characteristics of fluid reservoir location in the two-piece inflatable prosthesis. The patient was successfully converted to a semirigid prosthesis with resolution of the pain that was due to his prosthesis autoinflation.Conclusion. Stuttering priapism remains a challenging clinical problem. Penile implantation is a reasonable long-term solution in a patient refractory to less invasive options. In patients with fibrotic corpora, a malleable device should be considered (at least temporarily) if unable to dilate comfortably to 13 mm.
Incidence of Fractures after Cardiac and Lung Transplantation: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Hariman Aileen , Alex Charles , Heroux Alain , Camacho Pauline
Published: April 2014

Osteoporotic fractures are well-known complications of organ transplantation. Fracture rates up to 35% have been previously reported following heart and lung transplantations. Our institutional pretransplant protocols include DXA scans, vitamin D screening, and appropriate antiresorptive therapy. We aimed to assess the incidence of fragility fractures following cardiac or lung transplantation. In a retrospective study 210 electronic medical records of patients who underwent LT (110 men, 100 women) and 105 HT (88 men, 17 women) between 2005 and 2010 were analyzed. Both clinical and radiographic fractures were recorded. DXA scans were obtained immediately after transplant. 17 out of 210 LT patients (8.0%) had fractures after transplantation and 9 out of 105 HT patients (8.6%) had fractures. The median time to the first fracture was 12 months and the mean time was 18 months for both LT and HT. In the HT recipients, the median femoral neck T score was statistically lower in the fracture group versus the nonfracture group. Similar results were seen in the LT patients.Conclusion.Our findings demonstrate a much lower incidence of fractures in heart and lung transplant recipients in comparison with earlier reports. Comprehensive bone care and early initiation of antiresorptive therapy are possible contributors to these improved outcomes.
Titanium Oxide Nanotube Surface Topography and MicroRNA‐488 Contribute to Modulating Osteogenesis
Authors: Kang Yeon-Ho , Choi Bohm , Ahn Chihyun , Oh Seunghan , Lee Myeung Soo , Jin Eun-Jung
Published: April 2014

Understanding the biocomplexity of cell behavior in relation to the topographical characteristics of implants is essential for successful osseointegration with good longevity and minimum failure. Here, we investigated whether culture on titanium oxide (TiO2) nanotubes of various diameters could affect the behavior and differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells. Among the tested nanotubes, those of 50 nm in diameter were found to trigger the expression of the osteoblast‐specific transcription factors, sp7 and Dlx5, and upregulate the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Here, we report that miR‐488 was significantly induced in osteoblasts cultured on 50 nm nanotubes and continued to increase with the progression of osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, downregulation of miR‐488 suppressed the expression levels of ALP and matrix metalloprotease‐2 (MMP‐2). This suppression of ALP transcription was overcome by treatment with the MMP‐2 activator, bafilomycin A1. Collectively, these results suggest that 50 nm is the optimum TiO2 nanotube diameter for implants, and that modulation of miR‐488 can change the differentiation activity of cells on TiO2 nanotubes. This emphasizes that we must fully understand the physicochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes and the endogenous biomolecules that interact with such surfaces, in order to fully support their clinical application.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Impact on the Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Tsina Georgia , Simon Philippe
Published: April 2014

Breast MRI focuses on the detection of multifocality, multicentricity, and bilaterality of newly diagnosed breast cancer. A retrospective study was carried out on 833 patients that were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer between January 2002 and December 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: those that had a presurgery breast MRI and those that did not. The two groups were compared on the basis of the several parameters. The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of MRI in breast cancer screening changes the initial treatment decision. In 18% of the patients, MRI revealed a multifocal or a multicentric unilateral breast cancer, a bilateral tumour, or a larger cancer than initially diagnosed. Most of these patients underwent a second-look breast ultrasound, with or without an additional biopsy. The percentage of mastectomies did not increase as a result of an MRI exam. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used more often and the percentage of reoperations decreased when an MRI was performed.
Comparison Analysis Based on the Cubic Spline Wavelet and Daubechies Wavelet of Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Gao Jing
Published: April 2014

This paper develops a theoretical analysis of harmonic balance method, based on the cubic spline wavelet and Daubechies wavelet, for steady state analysis of nonlinear circuits under periodic excitation. The properties of the resulting Jacobian matrix for harmonic balance are analyzed. Numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical analysis.
The Interaction Pattern between a Homology Model of 40S Ribosomal S9 Protein ofRhizoctonia solaniand 1-Hydroxyphenaize by Docking Study
Authors: Dharni Seema , Sanchita  , Samad Abdul , Sharma Ashok , Patra Dharani Dhar
Published: April 2014

1-Hydroxyphenazine (1-OH-PHZ), a natural product fromPseudomonas aeruginosastrain SD12, was earlier reported to have potent antifungal activity againstRhizoctonia solani. In the present work, the antifungal activity of 1-OH-PHZ on 40S ribosomal S9 protein was validated by molecular docking approach. 1-OH-PHZ showed interaction with two polar contacts with residues, Arg69 and Phe19, which inhibits the synthesis of fungal protein. Our study reveals that 1-OH-PHZ can be a potent inhibitor of 40S ribosomal S9 protein ofR. solanithat may be a promising approach for the management of fungal diseases.
Towards an Optimal Energy Consumption for Unattended Mobile Sensor Networks through Autonomous Sensor Redeployment
Authors: Chen Jian , Jia Jie , Wen Yingyou , Zhao Dazhe
Published: April 2014

Energy hole is an inherent problem caused by heavier traffic loads of sensor nodes nearer the sink because of more frequent data transmission, which is strongly dependent on the topology induced by the sensor deployment. In this paper, we propose an autonomous sensor redeployment algorithm to balance energy consumption and mitigate energy hole for unattended mobile sensor networks. First, with the target area divided into several equal width coronas, we present a mathematical problem modeling sensor node layout as well as transmission pattern to maximize network coverage and reduce communication cost. And then, by calculating the optimal node density for each corona to avoid energy hole, a fully distributed movement algorithm is proposed, which can achieve an optimal distribution quickly only by pushing or pulling its one-hop neighbors. The simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm achieves a much smaller average moving distance and a much longer network lifetime than existing algorithms and can eliminate the energy hole problem effectively.
Treatment of Malignant Gliomas in Elderly Patients: A Concise Overview of the Literature
Authors: Farina Patrizia , Lombardi Giuseppe , Bergo Eleonora , Roma Anna , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: April 2014

Gliomas are the most frequent primary brain tumors and the incidence data has increased in the elderly population. Unfortunately, prospective studies on this population are few and so the right treatment is unknown. In the elderly patients no standard treatment has been established and therefore the optimal treatment should be individualized. We performed a review analyzing the prognostic and predictive factors, the clinical studies, and the correct management of this population.
Rare Appendicitis-Like Syndrome: The Case of the Obstructing Broccoli
Authors: Jones Stephen , Narh-Martey Patrick , Patel Mitun , Dhaliwal Amanpreet , Persson Jessica , Orr Denis
Published: April 2014

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be somewhat obscure in a patient that presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The advancement and ease of imaging have made CT scanning readily available in the emergency department. Management can be challenging when the patient has a high likelihood of appendicitis based on clinical suspicion and negative CT scan. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate how an obstructing bezoar caused an appendicitis-like syndrome in a patient with negative CT scan and clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. This case report will discuss the appendicitis-like syndrome of an obstructing bezoar and an approach at management.
A Constrained Power Method for Community Detection in Complex Networks
Authors: Li Wenye
Published: April 2014

For an undirected complex network made up with vertices and edges, we developed a fast computing algorithm that divides vertices into different groups by maximizing the standard “modularity” measure of the resulting partitions. The algorithm is based on a simple constrained power method which maximizes a quadratic objective function while satisfying given linear constraints. We evaluated the performance of the algorithm and compared it with a number of state‐of‐the‐art solutions. The new algorithm reported both high optimization quality and fast running speed, and thus it provided a practical tool for community detection and network structure analysis.
Nonlinear Self-Adjoint Classification of a Burgers-KdV Family of Equations
Authors: Sampaio Júlio Cesar Santos , Freire Igor Leite
Published: April 2014

The concepts of strictly, quasi, weak, and nonlinearly self-adjoint differential equations are revisited. A nonlinear self-adjoint classification of a class of equations with second and third order is carried out.
Activation of Adenosine A3 Receptor Alleviates TNF-α-Induced Inflammation through Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Colonic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ren Tianhua , Qiu Yumei , Wu Weiyun , Feng Xiao , Ye Shicai , Wang Zhuang , Tian Ting , He Yanting , Yu Caiyuan , Zhou Yu
Published: April 2014

To investigate the expression of adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR) in human colonic epithelial cells and the effects of A3AR activation on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α-) induced inflammation in order to determine its mechanism of action in human colonic epithelial cells, human colonic epithelial cells (HT-29 cells) were treated with different concentrations of 2-Cl-IB-MECA prior to TNF-αstimulation, followed by analysis of NF-κB signaling pathway activation and downstream IL-8 and IL-1βproduction. A3AR mRNA and protein were expressed in HT-29 cells and not altered by changes in TNF-αor 2-Cl-IB-MECA. Pretreatment with 2-Cl-IB-MECA prior to stimulation with TNF-αattenuated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation as p65 protein decreased in the nucleus of cells and increased in the cytoplasm, inhibited the degradation of IκB-α, and reduced phosphorylated-IκB-αlevel significantly, compared to TNF-α-only-treated groups. Furthermore, 2-Cl-IB-MECA significantly decreased TNF-α-stimulated IL-8 and IL-1βmRNA expression and secretion, compared to the TNF-α-only treated group. These results confirm that A3AR is expressed in human colonic epithelial cells and demonstrate that its activation has an anti-inflammatory effect, through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway, which leads to inhibition of downstream IL-8 and IL-1βexpression. Therefore, A3AR activation may be a potential treatment for gut inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Carbon-Hemp Laminated Composites Used as Thermal Insulation for Different Industrial Applications
Authors: Scutaru M. L. , Baba M.
Published: April 2014

Carbon-hemp composite laminate provides good thermal properties. For this reason this type of material is presently being used for various applications like insulator for airplanes, spaceships, nuclear reactors, and so forth. Unfortunately their mechanical properties are less studied. These characteristics are very important since they should be guaranteed also for important mechanical stress in addition to the thermal one. The present paper presents a study regarding the impact testing of some hybrid composite laminate panels based on polyester resin reinforced with both carbon and hemp fabric. The effects of different impact speeds on the mechanical behavior of these panels have been analyzed. The paper lays stress on the characterization of this hybrid composite laminate regarding the impact behavior of these panels by dropping a weight with low velocity.
Differential Game for a Class of Warfare Dynamic Systems with Reinforcement Based on Lanchester Equation
Authors: Chen Xiangyong , Qiu Jianlong
Published: April 2014

This paper concerns the optimal reinforcement game problem between two opposing forces in military conflicts. With some moderate assumptions, we employ Lanchester equation and differential game theory to develop a corresponding optimization game model. After that, we establish the optimum condition for the differential game problem and give an algorithm to obtain the optimal reinforcement strategies. Furthermore, we also discuss the convergence of the algorithm. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the presented optimal schemes. Our proposed results provide a theoretical guide for both making warfare command decision and assessing military actions.
Hiatal Hernia Repair with Gore Bio-A Tissue Reinforcement: Our Experience
Authors: Antonino Agrusa , Giorgio Romano , Giuseppe Frazzetta , Giovanni De Vita , Silvia Di Giovanni , Daniela Chianetta , Giuseppe Di Buono , Vincenzo Sorce , Gaspare Gulotta
Published: April 2014

Type I hiatal hernia is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 50–90% of cases. Several trials strongly support surgery as an effective alternative to medical therapy. Today, laparoscopic fundoplication is considered as the procedure of choice. However, primary laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is associated with upto 42% recurrence rate. Mesh reinforcement of the crural closure decreases the recurrence but can lead to complications, above all nonabsorbable ones. We experiment a new totally absorbable mesh by Gore.Case. We present a case of a 65-year-old female patient with a 6-year classic history of GERD. Endoscopy revealed a large hiatal hernia and esophagitis. pH study was positive for acid reflux; esophageal manometry revealed LES intrathoracic dislocation. With laparoscopic approach, the hiatal hernia defect was identified and primarily repaired, by crural closure. Gore Bio-A Tissue Reinforcement was trimmed to fit the defect accommodating the esophagus. Nissen fundoplication was performed.Result. Bio-A mesh was easily placed laparoscopically. It has good handling and could be cut and tailored intraoperatively for optimal adaptation. There were no short-term complications.Conclusion. Crural closure reinforcement can be done readily with this new totally absorbable mesh replaced by soft tissue over six months. However, further data and studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Exogenous IL-4-Expressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Autoimmune Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Tan Chang-qiang , Gao Xia , Guo Lang , Huang He
Published: April 2014

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) expressing recombinant IL-4 have the potential to remediate inflammatory diseases. We thus investigated whether BMSCs expressing exogenous IL-4 could alleviate autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss. BMSCs isolated from guinea pigs were transfected with recombinant lentivirus expressing IL-4. A total of 33 animals were divided into three groups. Group A received scala tympani injection of IL-4-expressing BMSCs, and Group B received control vector-expressing BMSCs, and Group C received phosphate-buffered saline. The distribution of implanted BMSCs in the inner ears was assessed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Auditory brain-stem response (ABR) was monitored to evaluate the auditory changes. Following BMSCs transplantation, the threshold levels of ABR wave III decreased in Groups A and B and significant differences were observed between these two groupsP<0.05. Transplanted BMSCs distributed in the scala tympani and scala vestibuli. In some ears with hearing loss, there was a decrease in the number of spiral ganglion cells and varying degrees of endolymphatic hydrops or floccule. Following transplantation, the lentivirus-infected BMSCs migrated to the inner ear and produced IL-4. Our results demonstrate that, upon transplantation, BMSCs and BMSCs expressing recombinant IL-4 have the ability to remediate the inflammatory injury in autoimmune inner ear diseases.
On Helical Projection and Its Application in Screw Modeling
Authors: Liu Riliang , Zhu Haiguang
Published: April 2014

As helical surfaces, in their many and varied forms, are finding more and more applications in engineering, new approaches to their efficient design and manufacture are desired. To that end, the helical projection method that uses curvilinear projection lines to map a space object to a plane is examined in this paper, focusing on its mathematical model and characteristics in terms of graphical representation of helical objects. A number of interesting projective properties are identified in regard to straight lines, curves, and planes, and then the method is further investigated with respect to screws. The result shows that the helical projection of a cylindrical screw turns out to be a Jordan curve, which is determined by the screw's axial profile and number of flights. Based on the projection theory, a practical approach to the modeling of screws and helical surfaces is proposed and illustrated with examples, and its possible application in screw manufacturing is discussed.
Complexing Behaviour and Antifungal Activity of N-[(1E)-1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylidene]morpholine-4-carbothiohydrazide and Related Ligand with Metal Ions
Authors: Bala Madhu , Mishra L. K.
Published: April 2014

The coordination complexes of bivalent metal ions with N-[(1E)-1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylidene]morpholine-4-carbothiohydrazide (H2bmctz, H2L-1) and N-[(1E)-1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)(phenyl)methylidene] morpholine-4-carbothiohydrazide (H2bpmctz, H2L-2) were prepared and their neutral, monoanionic, and dianionic forms of ligands of compositions [M(H2L)X2] (M=CoII,NiII,CuII,ZnII,CdII, orPdII, X=Cl−or Br−, and H2L=H2L-1 or H2L-2), [M(HL)2]nH2O where (M=CoII,CuII,MnII,NiII,ZnIIorCdII, H2L=H2L-1 or H2L-2, andn= 0 or 2), and [MLB]nB (M=CuII,NiII,ZnII,CdII, orPdII, B=H2O, Py, orY-pic,n= 0 andn= 1 if B=H2O for Ni(II) and H2L=H2L-1 or H2L-2) have been characterised by magnetic susceptibility measurements, electrical conductance values, and spectral properties. The magnetic moment value of [M(HL2)] (M=MnII,NiII,FeIIorCuII) type complexes is consistent with high spin octahedral structure while those of [M(H2L)X2] (M=CoII,NiII,CuII,ZnII, orCdII, X=Cl−or Br−) possess five coordinated trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The adduct complexes [MLB]·nB (M=NiII, orCuII, B=H2O, Py, orY-pic) are four coordinated planar and those ofZnIIandCdIIcomplexes [MLB], (H2L=H2L-1 or H2L-2, B=H2O, Py orY-pic) are tetrahedral. These ligands have been suggested to coordinate as tridentate (N N S) donor molecule in complexes of type [M(H2L)X2], [M(HL)2], and [MLB]. The antifungal activity of ligands and some of their metal complexes were studied and it was observed that metal complexes show higher activity than free ligand.
Agent-Based Modeling of the Immune System: NetLogo, a Promising Framework
Authors: Chiacchio Ferdinando , Pennisi Marzio , Russo Giulia , Motta Santo , Pappalardo Francesco
Published: April 2014

Several components that interact with each other to evolve a complex, and, in some cases, unexpected behavior, represents one of the main and fascinating features of the mammalian immune system. Agent-based modeling and cellular automata belong to a class of discrete mathematical approaches in which entities (agents) sense local information and undertake actions over time according to predefined rules. The strength of this approach is characterized by the appearance of a global behavior that emerges from interactions among agents. This behavior is unpredictable, as it does not follow linear rules. There are a lot of works that investigates the immune system with agent-based modeling and cellular automata. They have shown the ability to see clearly and intuitively into the nature of immunological processes. NetLogo is a multiagent programming language and modeling environment for simulating complex phenomena. It is designed for both research and education and is used across a wide range of disciplines and education levels. In this paper, we summarize NetLogo applications to immunology and, particularly, how this framework can help in the development and formulation of hypotheses that might drive further experimental investigations of disease mechanisms.
Novel Hexagonal Dual-Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide Filter with Source-Load Coupling
Authors: Xu Ziqiang , Zhang Gen , Xia Hong , Xu Meijuan
Published: April 2014

Hexagonal dual-mode cavity and its application to substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filter are presented. The hexagonal SIW resonator which can combine flexibility of rectangular cavity and performance of circular cavity is convenient for dual-mode bandpass filters design. By introducing coupling between source and load, the filter not only has good selectivity due to two controllable transmission zeros, but also has a small size by the virtue of its single-cavity structure. A demonstration filter with a center frequency of 10 GHz and a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 4% is designed and fabricated to validate the proposed structure. Measured results are in good agreement with simulated ones.
Absence of Cospeciation between the UnculturedFrankiaMicrosymbionts and the Disjunct ActinorhizalCoriariaSpecies
Authors: Nouioui Imen , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Fernandez Maria P. , Boudabous Abdellatif , Normand Philippe , Gtari Maher
Published: April 2014

Coriariais an actinorhizal plant that forms root nodules in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria of the genusFrankia. This symbiotic association has drawn interest because of the disjunct geographical distribution ofCoriariain four separate areas of the world and in the context of evolutionary relationships between host plants and their uncultured microsymbionts. The evolution ofFrankia-Coriariasymbioses was examined from a phylogenetic viewpoint using multiple genetic markers in both bacteria and host-plant partners. Total DNA extracted from root nodules collected from five species:C. myrtifolia,C. arborea,C. nepalensis,C. japonica, andC. microphylla, growing in the Mediterranean area (Morocco and France), New Zealand, Pakistan, Japan, and Mexico, respectively, was used to amplify glnA gene (glutamine synthetase), dnaA gene (chromosome replication initiator), and the nif DK IGS (intergenic spacer between nifD and nifK genes) inFrankiaand the matK gene (chloroplast-encoded maturase K) and the intergenic transcribed spacers (18S rRNA-ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA) inCoriariaspecies. Phylogenetic reconstruction indicated that the radiations ofFrankiastrains andCoriariaspecies are not congruent. The lack of cospeciation between the two symbiotic partners may be explained by host shift at high taxonomic rank together with wind dispersal and/or survival in nonhost rhizosphere.
Gait Patterns in Hemiplegic Patients with Equinus Foot Deformity
Authors: Manca M. , Ferraresi G. , Cosma M. , Cavazzuti L. , Morelli M. , Benedetti M. G.
Published: April 2014

Equinus deformity of the foot is a common feature of hemiplegia, which impairs the gait pattern of patients. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of ankle-foot deformity in gait impairment. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the gait patterns of 49 chronic hemiplegic patients with equinus deformity of the foot, based on temporal-distance parameters and joint kinematic measures obtained by an innovative protocol for motion assessment in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, synthesized by parametrical analysis. Cluster analysis identified five subgroups of patients with homogenous levels of dysfunction during gait. Specific joint kinematic abnormalities were found, according to the speed of progression in each cluster. Patients with faster walking were those with less ankle-foot complex impairment or with reduced range of motion of ankle-foot complex, that is with a stiff ankle-foot complex. Slow walking was typical of patients with ankle-foot complex instability (i.e., larger motion in all the planes), severe equinus and hip internal rotation pattern, and patients with hip external rotation pattern. Clustering of gait patterns in these patients is helpful for a better understanding of dysfunction during gait and delivering more targeted treatment.
In SilicoProteome Cleavage Reveals Iterative Digestion Strategy for High Sequence Coverage
Authors: Meyer Jesse G.
Published: April 2014

In the postgenome era, biologists have sought to measure the complete complement of proteins, termed proteomics. Currently, the most effective method to measure the proteome is with shotgun, or bottom-up, proteomics, in which the proteome is digested into peptides that are identified followed by protein inference. Despite continuous improvements to all steps of the shotgun proteomics workflow, observed proteome coverage is often low; some proteins are identified by a single peptide sequence. Complete proteome sequence coverage would allow comprehensive characterization of RNA splicing variants and all posttranslational modifications, which would drastically improve the accuracy of biological models. There are many reasons for the sequence coverage deficit, but ultimately peptide length determines sequence observability. Peptides that are too short are lost because they match many protein sequences and their true origin is ambiguous. The maximum observable peptide length is determined by several analytical challenges. This paper explores computationally how peptide lengths produced from several common proteome digestion methods limit observable proteome coverage. Iterative proteome cleavage strategies are also explored. These simulations reveal that maximized proteome coverage can be achieved by use of an iterative digestion protocol involving multiple proteases and chemical cleavages that theoretically allow 92.9% proteome coverage.
Radar Coincidence Imaging under Grid Mismatch
Authors: Li Dongze , Li Xiang , Cheng Yongqiang , Qin Yuliang , Wang Hongqiang
Published: April 2014

Radar coincidence imaging is an instantaneous imaging technique which does not depend on the relative motion between targets and radars. High-resolution, fine-quality images can be obtained using a single pulse either for stationary targets or for complexly maneuvering ones. There are two image-reconstruction algorithms used for radar coincidence imaging, that is, the correlation method and the parameterized method. In comparison with the former, the parameterized method can achieve much higher resolution but is seriously sensitive to grid mismatch. In the presence of grid mismatch, neither of the two algorithms can obtain recognizable high-resolution images. The above problem largely limits the applicability of radar coincidence imaging in actual imaging scenes where grid mismatch generally exists. This paper proposes a joint correlation-parameterization algorithm, which uses the correlation method to estimate the grid-mismatch error and then iteratively modifies the results of the parameterized method. The proposed algorithm can achieve high resolution with fine imagery quality under the grid mismatch. Examples are provided to illustrate the improvement of the proposed method.