bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children with Nonmalignant Disorders
Authors: Khalil Abdalla , Zaidman Irena , Bergman Reuven , Elhasid Ronit , Ben-Arush Myriam Weyl
Published: January 2014

Background. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment for many nonmalignant disorders, such as autoimmune disorders, inborn metabolic disorders, hemoglobinopathies, and immunodeficiency disorders. Autoimmune complications (AICs) after HSCT, such as autoimmune cytopenias, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and autoimmune cutaneous manifestations, are still neither well defined nor characterized.Patients. Between 2000 and 2012, 92 patients (47 males, 45 females) were treated with HSCT in our hospital, 51 with congenital hemoglobinopathies, 19 with primary immunodeficiency disease, 10 with metabolic disorders, five with Fanconi anemia, three with aplastic anemia, and four with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.Results. Mean age at HSCT was 6.4 years (range, 0.2–32 years) and mean duration of followup after HSCT was 6.81 years (range, 1–11 years). Sixteen (17.4%) patients developed chronic GVHD and five (5.4%) showed sclerodermatous features. Five (5.4%) patients were diagnosed with scleroderma manifestations, six (6.5%) with vitiligo, six (6.5%) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), six (6.5%) with idiopathic thrombocytopenia, three (3.3%) with mild leucopenia, two (2.2%) with aplastic anemia, two (2.2%) (one boy, one girl) with autoimmune thyroid disease, and one (1.1%) with autoimmune hepatitis.Conclusions. It was concluded that AICs are clinically significant complications after HSCT that contribute to morbidity but not to mortality. AICs are more frequent after HSCT for metabolic disorders, and sclerodermatous GVHD is more significant in children who underwent allogeneic HSCT for hemoglobinopathies. The potential to identify risk factors for AICs could lead to less morbidity and mortality and to maintain the patient’s quality of life.
Ship Trim Optimization: Assessment of Influence of Trim on Resistance of MOERI Container Ship
Authors: Sherbaz Salma , Duan Wenyang
Published: January 2014

Environmental issues and rising fuel prices necessitate better energy efficiency in all sectors. Shipping industry is a stakeholder in environmental issues. Shipping industry is responsible for approximately 3% of global CO2emissions, 14-15% of globalNOXemissions, and 16% of globalSOXemissions. Ship trim optimization has gained enormous momentum in recent years being an effective operational measure for better energy efficiency to reduce emissions. Ship trim optimization analysis has traditionally been done through tow-tank testing for a specific hullform. Computational techniques are increasingly popular in ship hydrodynamics applications. The purpose of this study is to present MOERI container ship (KCS) hull trim optimization by employing computational methods. KCS hull total resistances and trim and sinkage computed values, in even keel condition, are compared with experimental values and found in reasonable agreement. The agreement validates that mesh, boundary conditions, and solution techniques are correct. The same mesh, boundary conditions, and solution techniques are used to obtain resistance values in different trim conditions at Fn = 0.2274. Based on attained results, optimum trim is suggested. This research serves as foundation for employing computational techniques for ship trim optimization.
Effect of Cytokines on Osteoclast Formation and Bone Resorption during Mechanical Force Loading of the Periodontal Membrane
Authors: Kitaura Hideki , Kimura Keisuke , Ishida Masahiko , Sugisawa Haruki , Kohara Haruka , Yoshimatsu Masako , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko
Published: January 2014

Mechanical force loading exerts important effects on the skeleton by controlling bone mass and strength. Severalin vivoexperimental models evaluating the effects of mechanical loading on bone metabolism have been reported. Orthodontic tooth movement is a useful model for understanding the mechanism of bone remodeling induced by mechanical loading. In a mouse model of orthodontic tooth movement, TNF-αwas expressed and osteoclasts appeared on the compressed side of the periodontal ligament. In TNF-receptor-deficient mice, there was less tooth movement and osteoclast numbers were lower than in wild-type mice. These results suggest that osteoclast formation and bone resorption caused by loading forces on the periodontal ligament depend on TNF-α. Several cytokines are expressed in the periodontal ligament during orthodontic tooth movement. Studies have found that inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-γstrongly inhibit osteoclast formation and tooth movement. Blocking macrophage colony-stimulating factor by using anti-c-Fms antibody also inhibited osteoclast formation and tooth movement. In this review we describe and discuss the effect of cytokines in the periodontal ligament on osteoclast formation and bone resorption during mechanical force loading.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Different Concentrations of Porous Hollow Au Nanoparticles (PHAuNPs) on Cells
Authors: Rao Smitha , Huang Chienwen , Tata Uday , Wu Peter , Arora Nikhil , Ahn Jinsung , Lin Victor K. , Hao Yaowu , Chiao J.-C.
Published: January 2014

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been introduced as a suitable alternative in manyin vivobioapplications. The risks of utilizing nanoparticles continue to be an ongoing research. Furthermore, the various chemicals used in their synthesis influence the cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles. We have investigated the cytotoxicity of Porous Hollow Au Nanoparticles (PHAuNPs) on cancer cell lines PC-3, PC-3ML, and MDA-MB-231 and the normal cell line PNT1A. Cell proliferation for the different cells in the presence of different concentrations of the PHAuNPs was assessed after 24 hours and 72 hours of incubation using MTT assay. The study also included the cytotoxic evaluation of pegylated PHAuNPs. Identical cell seeding densities, particle concentrations, and incubation times were employed for these two types of Au nanoparticles. Our results indicated that (1) impact on cell proliferation was concentration dependent and was different for the different cell types without cellular necrosis and (b) cellular proliferation might be impacted more based on the cell line.
Dynamic Behavior of Positive Solutions for a Leslie Predator-Prey System with Mutual Interference and Feedback Controls
Authors: Zhang Cong , Huang Nan-jing , Deng Chuan-xian
Published: January 2014

We consider a Leslie predator-prey system with mutual interference and feedback controls. For general nonautonomous case, by using differential inequality theory and constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, we obtain some sufficient conditions which guarantee the permanence and the global attractivity of the system. For the periodic case, we obtain some sufficient conditions which guarantee the existence, uniqueness, and stability of a positive periodic solution.
Optimal Control of Pseudoparabolic Variational Inequalities Involving State Constraint
Authors: Xu Youjun , Zhou Shu
Published: January 2014

We establish the necessary condition of optimality for optimal control problem governed by some pseudoparabolic differential equations involving monotone graphs. Some approximating control process and examples are given.
Mini-Arc for the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: Long-Term Prospective Evaluation by Patient Reported Outcomes
Authors: Oliveira Rui , Resende Alexandre , Silva Carlos , Dinis Paulo , Cruz Francisco
Published: January 2014

Single-incision slings were introduced in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to lessen the morbidity associated with traditional midurethral slings. However, long-term reports on patient satisfaction are still scarce. This study describes the outcome of women treated with Mini-Arc at a mean follow-up of 45 months. In a previous report on 105 women with 15-month mean follow-up, 84 (80%) were found cured and 12 (11%) improved. Now, with a mean follow-up of 45 months, cured/improved patients were reassessed by telephone and completed Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S), rated their improvement in a 0–100 scale, and answered if they would recommend the procedure. At 45-month follow-up, 73 women cured/improved were available for evaluation. Over 80% of the cured patients rated the improvement of SUI by the PGI-I as “very much better” or “much better,” reported their urinary tract condition to be “normal” on PGI-S, and described their improvement >70%. Ninety percent would recommend this procedure to a friend. The improved-patient population is very small (n=7). This study shows that the majority of patients cured/improved after Mini-Arc placement maintain a high degree of satisfaction at a long-term evaluation.
Ignition and Flame Stabilization of a Strut-Jet RBCC Combustor with Small Rocket Exhaust
Authors: Hu Jichao , Chang Juntao , Bao Wen
Published: January 2014

A Rocket Based Combined Cycle combustor model is tested at a ground direct connected rig to investigate the flame holding characteristics with a small rocket exhaust using liquid kerosene. The total temperature and the Mach number of the vitiated air flow, at exit of the nozzle are 1505 K and 2.6, respectively. The rocket base is embedded in a fuel injecting strut and mounted in the center of the combustor. The wall of the combustor is flush, without any reward step or cavity, so the strut-jet is used to make sure of the flame stabilization of the second combustion. Mass flow rate of the kerosene and oxygen injected into the rocket is set to be a small value, below 10% of the total fuel when the equivalence ratio of the second combustion is 1. The experiment has generated two different kinds of rocket exhaust: fuel rich and pure oxygen. Experiment result has shown that, with a relative small total mass flow rate of the rocket, the fuel rich rocket plume is not suitable for ignition and flame stabilization, while an oxygen plume condition is suitable. Then the paper conducts a series of experiments to investigate the combustion characteristics under this oxygen pilot method and found that the flame stabilization characteristics are different at different combustion modes.
Algae Mediated Green Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles and Examination of Its Antifungal Activity against Clinical Pathogens
Authors: Rajeshkumar Shanmugam , Malarkodi Chelladurai , Paulkumar Kanniah , Vanaja Mahendran , Gnanajobitha Gnanadas , Annadurai Gurusamy
Published: January 2014

Algae extract has the great efficiency to synthesize the silver nanoparticles as a green route. Brown seaweed mediates the synthesis of silver nanomaterials using extract of Sargassum longifolium. For the improved production of silver nanomaterials, some kinetic studies such as time incubation and pH were studied in this work. 10 mL of algal extract was added into the 1 mM AgNO3 aqueous solution. The pH and reaction time range were changed and the absorbance was taken for the characterization of the nanoparticles at various time intervals, and the high pH level shows the increased absorbance due to the increased nanoparticles synthesis. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showing that the shape of the material is spherical, and X-Ray Diffraction value obtained from range of (1 1 1) confirmed synthesized silver nanoparticles in crystalline nature. TEM measurement shows spherical shape of nanoparticles. The Fourier Transmittance Infrared spectrum (FT-IR) confirms the presence of biocomponent in the algae extract which was responsible for the nanoparticles synthesis. The effect of the algal mediated silver nanoparticles against the pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Fusarium sp. S. longifolium mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles shows cheap and single step synthesis process and it has high activity against fungus. This green process gives the greater potential biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles.
A Cascaded Approach for Correcting Ionospheric Contamination with Large Amplitude in HF Skywave Radars
Authors: Li Yajun , Wei Yinsheng , Guo Rujiang , Xu Rongqing , Wang Zhuoqun , Tang Xiudong
Published: January 2014

Ionospheric phase perturbation with large amplitude causes broadening sea clutter’s Bragg peaks to overlap each other; the performance of traditional decontamination methods about filtering Bragg peak is poor, which greatly limits the detection performance of HF skywave radars. In view of the ionospheric phase perturbation with large amplitude, this paper proposes a cascaded approach based on improved S-method to correct the ionospheric phase contamination. This approach consists of two correction steps. At the first step, a time-frequency distribution method based on improved S-method is adopted and an optimal detection method is designed to obtain a coarse ionospheric modulation estimation from the time-frequency distribution. At the second correction step, based on the phase gradient algorithm (PGA) is exploited to eliminate the residual contamination. Finally, use the measured data to verify the effectiveness of the method. Simulation results show the time-frequency resolution of this method is high and is not affected by the interference of the cross term; ionospheric phase perturbation with large amplitude can be corrected in low signal-to-noise (SNR); such a cascade correction method has a good effect.
A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Rapid Detection of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 in Gibel Carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zeng Lingbing , Fan Yuding , Zhou Yong , Xu Jin , Ma Jie
Published: January 2014

A rapid and sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) detection in gibel carp was developed. Following cloning and sequencing of the putative DNA helicase gene of CyHV-2 isolate from China, a set of four specific primers was designed based on the sequence. The MgCl2concentration and the reaction temperature were optimized to 6 mM, 64°C, respectively. LAMP products were detected by visual inspection of a color change due to addition of SYBR Green I stain. The specificity and sensitivity of the LAMP assay were determined. No cross-reaction was observed with other fish DNA viruses including eel herpesvirus, koi herpesvirus, and Chinese giant salamander iridovirus. The LAMP assay was found to be equally sensitive as nested PCR. A comparative evaluation of 10 fish samples using LAMP and nested PCR assays showed an overall correlation in positive and negative results for CyHV-2. These results indicate that the LAMP assay is simple, sensitive, and specific and has a great potential use for CyHV-2 detection in the laboratory and field.
Using Evolutionary Computation on GPS Position Correction
Authors: Lin Jung Yi
Published: January 2014

More and more devices are equipped with global positioning system (GPS). However, those handheld devices with consumer-grade GPS receivers usually have low accuracy in positioning. A position correction algorithm is therefore useful in this case. In this paper, we proposed an evolutionary computation based technique to generate a correction function by two GPS receivers and a known reference location. Locating one GPS receiver on the known location and combining its longitude and latitude information and exact poisoning information, the proposed technique is capable of evolving a correction function by such. The proposed technique can be implemented and executed on handheld devices without hardware reconfiguration. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate performance of the proposed technique. Positioning error could be significantly reduced from the order of 10 m to the order of 1 m.
Microstructure and Nonohmic Properties of SnO2-Ta2O5-ZnO System Doped with ZrO2
Authors: Fu Xiuli , Jiang Feng , Gao Ruichao , Peng Zhijian
Published: January 2014

The microstructure and nonohmic properties of SnO2-Ta2O5-ZnO varistor system doped with different amounts of ZrO2(0–2.0 mol%) were investigated. The proposed samples were sintered at 1400°C for 2 h with conventional ceramic processing method. By X-ray diffraction, SnO2cassiterite phase was found in all the samples, and no extra phases were identified in the detection limit. The doping of ZrO2would degrade the densification of the varistor ceramics but inhibit the growth of SnO2grains. In the designed range, varistors with 1.0 mol% ZrO2presented the maximum nonlinear exponent of 15.9 and lowest leakage current of 110 μA/cm2, but the varistor voltage increased monotonously with the doping amount of ZrO2.
The Role of Plant Cell Wall Proteins in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Zagorchev Lyuben , Kamenova Plamena , Odjakova Mariela
Published: January 2014

Contemporary agriculture is facing new challenges with the increasing population and demand for food on Earth and the decrease in crop productivity due to abiotic stresses such as water deficit, high salinity, and extreme fluctuations of temperatures. The knowledge of plant stress responses, though widely extended in recent years, is still unable to provide efficient strategies for improvement of agriculture. The focus of study has been shifted to the plant cell wall as a dynamic and crucial component of the plant cell that could immediately respond to changes in the environment. The investigation of plant cell wall proteins, especially in commercially important monocot crops revealed the high involvement of this compartment in plants stress responses, but there is still much more to be comprehended. The aim of this review is to summarize the available data on this issue and to point out the future areas of interest that should be studied in detail.
Lock-Out Valve to Decrease Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Shbeeb Amir , Young Jennifer L. , Hart Scott A. , Hart Juliet C. , Gelman Joel
Published: January 2014

Patients with long-term indwelling urinary catheters are at an increased risk for urinary tract infection due to bacteriuria. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in long-term care facilities as well as in ambulatory patients requiring long-term catheterization. There is increased interest in the financial impact of CAUTI as Medicare no longer provides reimbursement for nosocomial CAUTIs. Ascending bacteria may in part enter the closed drainage system when the patient switches between leg and night collection bags. In an attempt to reduce this ascent, a double valve lock-out system was devised that maintains a closed system during bag exchange. The concept is introduced and CAUTIs are reviewed.
Urban Mobility Dynamics Based on Flexible Discrete Region Partition
Authors: Wang Liang , Hu Kunyuan , Ku Tao , Wu Junwei
Published: January 2014

Understanding the urban mobility patterns is essential for the planning and management of public infrastructure and transportation services. In this paper we focus on taxicab moving trajectory records and present a new approach to modeling and analyzing urban mobility dynamics. The proposed method comprises two phases. First, discrete space partition based on flexible grid is developed to divide urban environment into finite nonoverlapping subregions. By integrating mobility origin-destination points with covered region, the partitioned discrete subregions have better spatial semantics scalability. Then, we study mobility activity and its distribution randomness during given time periods among discrete subregions. Moreover, we also carry out the analysis of mobility linkage of mobility trips between different regions by O-D matrix. We present a case study with real dataset of taxicab mobility logs in Shenzhen, China, to demonstrate and evaluate the methodology. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the clustering partition and regular partition methods.
Ovicidal Activity ofCouroupita guianensis(Aubl.) againstSpodoptera litura(Fab.)
Authors: Baskar Kathirvelu , Muthu Chelliah , Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu
Published: January 2014

Hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts ofCouroupita guianensisleaves were studied for ovicidal activity againstS. litura. All the extracts showed ovicidal activity againstS. litura. Maximum activity was noticed in hexane extract and it showed the least LC50and LC90values; the regression equation was also higher than the other extracts. All the analyzed values showed homogeneity variance. The active hexane extract was fractionated and eight fractions were isolated. The fractions were studied at different concentrations. Among the fractions, fraction 8 showed maximum ovicidal activity with least LC50and LC90values. Fraction 8 differed statistically from the other fractions; the regression equation value was higher than the other fractions. All thePvalues obtained from regression analysis were significant. The results of the present investigation clearly suggest that the active fraction could be purified to isolate active compound(s) and could be used to develop an insecticidal formulation to control economically important agricultural pests.
Soluplus Graft Copolymer: Potential Novel Carrier Polymer in Electrospinning of Nanofibrous Drug Delivery Systems for Wound Therapy
Authors: Paaver Urve , Tamm Ingrid , Laidmäe Ivo , Lust Andres , Kirsimäe Kalle , Veski Peep , Kogermann Karin , Heinämäki Jyrki
Published: January 2014

Electrospinning is an effective method in preparing polymeric nanofibrous drug delivery systems (DDSs) for topical wound healing and skin burn therapy applications. The aim of the present study was to investigate a new synthetic graft copolymer (Soluplus) as a hydrophilic carrier polymer in electrospinning of nanofibrous DDSs. Soluplus (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PCL-PVAc-PEG)) was applied in the nonwoven nanomats loaded with piroxicam (PRX) as a poorly water-soluble drug. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used in the physical characterization of nanofibrous DDSs. According to the SEM results, the drug-loaded PCL-PVAc-PEG nanofibers were circular in cross-section with an average diameter ranging from 500 nm up to 2 µm. Electrospinning stabilized the amorphous state of PRX. In addition, consistent and sustained-release profile was achieved with the present nanofibrous DDSs at the physiologically relevant temperature and pH applicable in wound healing therapy. In conclusion, electrospinning can be used to prepare nanofibrous DDSs of PCL-PVAc-PEG graft copolymer (Soluplus) and to stabilize the amorphous state of a poorly water-soluble PRX. The use of this synthetic graft copolymer can open new options to formulate nanofibrous DDSs for wound healing.
Free Vibration Characteristic of Multilevel Beam Based on Transfer Matrix Method of Linear Multibody Systems
Authors: Abbas Laith K. , Rui Xiaoting
Published: January 2014

In this paper, an approach based on transfer matrix method of linear multibody systems (MS-TMM) is developed to analyze the free vibration of a multilevel beam, coupled by spring/dashpot systems attached to them in-span. The Euler-Bernoulli model is used for the transverse vibration of the beams, and the spring/dashpot system represents a simplified model of a viscoelastic material. MS-TMM reduces the dynamic problem to an overall transfer equation which only involves boundary state vectors. The state vectors at the boundaries are composed of displacements, rotation angles, bending moments, and shear forces, which are partly known and partly unknown, and end up with reduced overall transfer matrix. Nontrivial solution requires the coefficient matrix to be singular to yield the required natural frequencies. This paper implements two novel algorithms based on the methodology by reducing the zero search of the reduced overall transfer matrix's determinate to a minimization problem and demonstrates a simple and robust algorithm being much more efficient than direct enumeration. The proposal method is easy to formulate, systematic to apply, and simple to code and can be extended to complex structures with any boundary conditions. Numerical results are presented to show the validity of the proposal method against the published literature.
Impact of Loss Synchronization on Reliable High Speed Networks: A Model Based Simulation
Authors: Kumar Suman , Xue Lin , Park Seung-Jong
Published: January 2014

Contemporary nature of network evolution demands for simulation models which are flexible, scalable, and easily implementable. In this paper, we propose a fluid based model for performance analysis of reliable high speed networks. In particular, this paper aims to study the dynamic relationship between congestion control algorithms and queue management schemes, in order to develop a better understanding of the causal linkages between the two. We propose a loss synchronization module which is user configurable. We validate our model through simulations under controlled settings. Also, we present a performance analysis to provide insights into two important issues concerning 10 Gbps high speed networks: (i) impact of bottleneck buffer size on the performance of 10 Gbps high speed network and (ii) impact of level of loss synchronization on link utilization-fairness tradeoffs. The practical impact of the proposed work is to provide design guidelines along with a powerful simulation tool to protocol designers and network developers.
Dynamic Calibration and Validation of an Accelerometer Force Balance for Hypersonic Lifting Models
Authors: Singh Prakash , Trivedi Sharad , Menezes Viren , Hosseini Hamid
Published: January 2014

An accelerometer-based force balance was designed and developed for the measurement of drag, lift, and rolling moment on a blunt-nosed, flapped delta wing in a short-duration hypersonic shock tunnel. Calibration and validation of the balance were carried out by a convolution technique using hammer pulse test and surface pressure measurements. In the hammer pulse test, a known impulse was applied to the model in the appropriate direction using an impulse hammer, and the corresponding output of the balance (acceleration) was recorded. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was operated on the output of the balance to generate a system response function, relating the signal output to the corresponding load input. Impulse response functions for three components of the balance, namely, axial, normal, and angular, were obtained for a range of input load. The angular system response function was corresponding to rolling of the model. The impulse response functions thus obtained, through dynamic calibration, were operated on the output (signals) of the balance under hypersonic aerodynamic loading conditions in the tunnel to get the time history of the unknown aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the model. Surface pressure measurements were carried out on the model using high frequency pressure transducers, and forces and moments were deduced thereon. Tests were carried out at model angles of incidence of 0, 5, 10, and 15 degrees. A good agreement was observed among the results of different experimental methods. The balance developed is a comprehensive force/moment measurement device that can be used on complex, lifting, aerodynamic geometries in ground-based hypersonic test facilities.
The Connection between the Toxicity of Anthracyclines and Their Ability to Modulate the P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Transport in A549, HepG2, and MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Rogalska Aneta , Szwed Marzena , Rychlik Błażej
Published: January 2014

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle to the successful chemotherapy of solid tumors. We compared the resistance of the most popular solid tumors, breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7 cell line) and nonsmall cell lung (A549 cell line) hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2 cells), to aclarubicin (ACL) and doxorubicin (DOX). This research aimed at determining the relation between the toxicity of ACL and DOX, their cell accumulation, and then effect on P-glycoprotein functionality. ACL is more cytotoxic for tumor cells compared to DOX. The intracellular concentration of drugs in cancer cells was dependent on the dose of the drugs and the time of incubation. The P-gp inhibitor Verapamil (V) increased DOX accumulation in all tested cell lines. By contrast, the intracellular level of ACL was not affected by this modifying agent. The assessment of the uptake of 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) or Rhodamine 123 (R123) allows the evaluation of the different influence of drugs on P-gp activity which is in agreement with the estimation of expression measured by MDR-1 shift assay. These data suggest that ACL is less P-gp dependent than DOX and consequently may be used in a clinical setting to increase treatment efficacy in resistant human tumors.
Structure and Physical Properties of PZT-PMnN-PSN Ceramics Near the Morphological Phase Boundary
Authors: Dinh Tung Luan Nguyen , Vuong Le Dai , Van Chuong Truong , Truong Tho Nguyen
Published: January 2014

The 0.9Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3-0.07Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.03Pb(Sb1/2Nb1/2)O3(PZT-PMnN-PSN) ceramics were prepared by columbite method. The phase structure of the ceramic samples was analyzed. Results show that the pure perovskite phase is in all ceramics specimens. The effect of the Zr/Ti ratio on the region of morphotropic phase boundary for PZT-PMnN-PSN ceramics was studied. Experimental results show that the phase structure of ceramics changes from tetragonal to rhombohedral with the increase of the content of Zr/Ti ratio in the system. The composition of PZT-PMnN-PSN ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary obtained is the ratio of Zr/Ti: 49/51. At this ratio, the ceramic has the optimal electromechanical properties: thekp=0.61, theεmax=29520, thed31=-236 pC/N, theQm=2400, high remanent polarization (Pr=49.2 μC·cm−2), and low coercive fieldEc=10.28 kV·cm−1.
Soil Carbon Sequestration Resulting from Biosolids Application
Authors: Torri Silvana I. , Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , Renella Giancarlo
Published: January 2014

Carbon (C) sequestration in soils through the increase of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool has generated broad interest to mitigate the effects of climate change. Biosolids soil application may represent a persistent increase in the SOC pool. While a vast literature is available on the value of biosolids as a soil conditioner or nutrient source in agricultural systems, there is still limited knowledge on soil sequestration mechanisms of biosolids-borne C or the main factors influencing this capacity. The emerging challenges posed by global environmental changes and the stringent needs to enhance C storage call for more research on the potential of soil biosolids incorporation as a sustainable C storage practice. This review addresses the potential of C sequestration of agricultural soils and opencast mines amended with biosolids and its biological regulation.
Research on Outlier Detection Algorithm for Evaluation of Battery System Safety
Authors: Piao Changhao , Huang Zhi , Su Ling , Lu Sheng
Published: January 2014

Battery system is the key part of the electric vehicle. To realize outlier detection in the running process of battery system effectively, a new high-dimensional data stream outlier detection algorithm (DSOD) based on angle distribution is proposed. First, in order to improve the algorithm stability in high-dimensional space, the method of angle distribution-based outlier detection algorithm is employed. Second, to reduce the computational complexity, a small-scale calculation set of data stream is established, which is composed of normal set and border set. For the purpose of solving the problem of concept drift, an update mechanism for the normal set and border set is developed in this paper. By this way, these hidden abnormal points will be rapidly detected. The experimental results on real data sets and battery system simulation data sets demonstrate that DSOD is more efficient than Simple variance of angles (Simple VOA) and angle-based outlier detection (ABOD) and is very suitable for the evaluation of battery system safety.
A Game Theory-Based Analysis of Data Privacy in Vehicular Sensor Networks
Authors: He Yunhua , Sun Limin , Yang Weidong , Li Hong
Published: January 2014

Mobile traces, collected by vehicular sensor networks (VSNs), facilitate various business applications and services. However, the traces can be used to trace and identify drivers or passengers, which raise significant privacy concerns. Existing privacy protecting techniques may not be suitable, due to their inadequate considerations for the data accuracy requirements of different applications and the adversary's knowledge and strategies. In this paper, we analyze data privacy issues in VSNs with a game theoretic model, where a defender uses the privacy protecting techniques against the attack strategies implemented by an adversary. We study both the passive and active attack scenarios, and in each scenario we consider the effect of different data accuracy requirements on the performance of defense measures. Through the analysis results on real-world traffic data, we show that more inserted bogus traces or deleted recorded samples show a better performance when the cost of defense measures is small, whereas doing nothing becomes the best strategy when the cost of defense measures is very large. In addition, we present the optimal defense strategy that provides the defender with the maximum utility when the adversary implements the optimal attack strategy.
Nanostructure and Optical Properties of Silver Helical Pentagon Nanosculptured Thin Films
Authors: Savaloni Hadi , Haydari-Nasab Fatemh , Malmir Mariam
Published: January 2014

Silver helical pentagon shaped nanosculptured thin films (HPNSTFs) were produced using oblique angle deposition method in conjunction with the rotation of sample holder under controlled conditions. Thes-polarization extinction spectra obtained at different azimuthal angles (φ) and low incidence angle (i.e.,10∘) from the Ag (HPNSTF) did not show significant change in the plasmon peak position, while at higher incidence angle (i.e.,70∘) a blue shift appeared for the broad peak which was observed for lower incidence angle (i.e.,10∘) and occurred at lower wavelength. In case ofp-polarized light a very broad peak was obtained for the70∘incidence angle and for differentφangles and when compared with the lower incidence angle results it can be concluded that it is gone under a red shift. Polar diagrams of the samples showed slight anisotropy that should be due to high symmetry of the pentagon helical structure.
Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Role of Plasticity and Heterogeneity
Authors: Conese Massimo , Piro Donatella , Carbone Annalucia , Castellani Stefano , Di Gioia Sante
Published: January 2014

Chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are incurable and represent a very high social burden. Stem cell-based treatment may represent a hope for the cure of these diseases. In this paper, we revise the overall knowledge about the plasticity and engraftment of exogenous marrow-derived stem cells into the lung, as well as their usefulness in lung repair and therapy of chronic lung diseases. The lung is easily accessible and the pathophysiology of these diseases is characterized by injury, inflammation, and eventually by remodeling of the airways. Bone marrow-derived stem cells, including hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs), encompass a wide array of cell subsets with different capacities of engraftment and injured tissue regenerating potential. Proof-of-principle that marrow cells administered locally may engraft and give rise to specialized epithelial cells has been given, but the efficiency of this conversion is too limited to give a therapeutic effect. Besides the identification of plasticity mechanisms, the characterization/isolation of the stem cell subpopulations represents a major challenge to improving the efficacy of transplantation protocols used in regenerative medicine for lung diseases.
Perioperative Multimodal Anesthesia Using Regional Techniques in the Aging Surgical Patient
Authors: Nordquist Diana , Halaszynski Thomas M.
Published: January 2014

Background. Elderly patients have unique age-related comorbidities that may lead to an increase in postoperative complications involving neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, and endocrine systems. There has been an increase in the number of elderly patients undergoing surgery as this portion of the population is increasing in numbers. Despite advances in perioperative anesthesia and analgesia along with improved delivery systems, monotherapy with opioids continues to be the mainstay for treatment of postop pain. Reliance on only opioids can oftentimes lead to inadequate pain control or increase in the incidence of adverse events. Multimodal analgesia incorporating regional anesthesia is a promising alternative that may reduce needs for high doses and dependence on opioids along with any potential associated adverse effects. Methods. The following databases were searched for relevant published trials: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PubMed. Textbooks and meeting supplements were also utilized. The authors assessed trial quality and extracted data. Conclusions. Multimodal drug therapy and perioperative regional techniques can be very effective to perioperative pain management in the elderly. Regional anesthesia as part of multimodal perioperative treatment can often reduce postoperative neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, and endocrine complications. Regional anesthesia/analgesia has not been proven to improve long-term morbidity but does benefit immediate postoperative pain control. In addition, multimodal drug therapy utilizes a variety of nonopioid analgesic medications in order to minimize dosages and adverse effects from opioids while maximizing analgesic effect and benefit.
Changes in Glaciers and Glacial Lakes and the Identification of Dangerous Glacial Lakes in the Pumqu River Basin, Xizang (Tibet)
Authors: Che Tao , Xiao Lin , Liou Yuei-An
Published: January 2014

Latest satellite images have been utilized to update the inventories of glaciers and glacial lakes in the Pumqu river basin, Xizang (Tibet), in the study. Compared to the inventories in 1970s, the areas of glaciers are reduced by 19.05% while the areas of glacial lakes are increased by 26.76%. The magnitudes of glacier retreat rate and glacial lake increase rate during the period of 2001–2013 are more significant than those for the period of the 1970s–2001. The accelerated changes in areas of the glaciers and glacial lakes, as well as the increasing temperature and rising variability of precipitation, have resulted in an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Pumqu river basin. Integrated criteria were established to identify potentially dangerous glacial lakes based on a bibliometric analysis method. It is found, in total, 19 glacial lakes were identified as dangerous. Such finding suggests that there is an immediate need to conduct field surveys not only to validate the findings, but also to acquire information for further use in order to assure the welfare of the humans.
Variables Associated with the Use of Coercive Measures on Psychiatric Patients in Spanish Penitentiary Centers
Authors: Girela E. , López A. , Ortega L. , De-Juan J. , Ruiz F. , Bosch J. I. , Barrios L. F. , Luna J. D. , Torres-González F.
Published: January 2014

We have studied the use of coercive medical measures (forced medication, isolation, and mechanical restraint) in mentally ill inmates within two secure psychiatric hospitals (SPH) and three regular prisons (RP) in Spain. Variables related to adopted coercive measures were analyzed, such as type of measure, causes of indication, opinion of patient inmate, opinion of medical staff, and more frequent morbidity. A total of 209 patients (108 from SPH and 101 from RP) were studied. Isolation (41.35%) was the most frequent coercive measure, followed by mechanical restraint (33.17%) and forced medication (25.48%). The type of center has some influence; specifically in RP there is less risk of isolation and restraint than in SPH. Not having had any previous imprisonment reduces isolation and restraint risk while increases the risk of forced medication, as well as previous admissions to psychiatric inpatient units does. Finally, the fact of having lived with a partner before imprisonment reduces the risk of forced medication and communication with the family decreases the risk of isolation. Patients subjected to a coercive measure exhibited a pronounced psychopathology and most of them had been subjected to such measures on previous occasions. The mere fact of external assessment of compliance with human rights slows down the incidence of coercive measures.
3D Rotational Angiography in Follow-Up of Clipped Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Kumar Subhash , Gaikwad Shailesh B. , Mishra Nalini Kant
Published: January 2014

Introduction. 3D Rotational Angiography (RA) is indispensable for evaluation of intracranial aneurysms, providing infinite viewing angles and defining the aneurysm morphology. Its role in follow-up of clipped aneurysms remains unclear. We aimed to compare the aneurysm residue/recurrence detection rate of 3D RA with 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods. 47 patients harboring 54 clipped aneurysms underwent both 2D DSA and 3D RA. The residual/recurrent aneurysms were classified into five grades and the images of both modalities were compared. Results. The residual/recurrent aneurysm detection rate was 53.70% (29/54 aneurysms) with 2D DSA and 66.67% (36/54 aneurysms) with 3D RA (P=0.05). In 12 aneurysms, 3D RA upgraded the residue/recurrence among which nine had been completely not detected on 2D DSA and were found to have grade one or two residual necks on the 3D RA, and, in three cases, a small neck on 2D DSA turned out to be aneurysm sac on 3D RA. In a total of 5 aneurysms, the classification was downgraded by 3D RA. Conclusion. 3D RA picks up more aneurysm residue/recurrence; hence, both 2D DSA and 3D RA should be performed in follow-up evaluation of clipped aneurysms.
Evaluation of Buspirone on Streptozotocin Induced Type 1 Diabetes and Its Associated Complications
Authors: Raghunathan Suchi , Tank Pratik , Bhadada Shraddha , Patel Bhoomika
Published: January 2014

We have evaluated the effect of buspirone (1.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) type 1 diabetes induced cardiovascular complications induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, i.v.) in Wistar rats. Various biochemical, cardiovascular, and hemodynamic parameters were measured at the end of 8 weeks of treatment. STZ produced significant hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, which was prevented by buspirone treatment. STZ produced increase in serum creatinine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase, and C-reactive protein levels and treatment with buspirone produced reduction in these levels. STZ produced increase in cardiac and LV hypertrophy index, LV/RV ratio, and LV collagen, which were decreased by buspirone treatment. Buspirone also prevented STZ induced hemodynamic alterations and oxidative stress. These results were further supported by histopathological studies in which buspirone showed marked reduction in fibrosis and cardiac fiber disarray. In conclusion, our data suggests that buspirone is beneficial as an antidiabetic agent in type 1 diabetes mellitus and also prevents its cardiac complications.
Identification of a Predictive Biomarker for the Beneficial Effect of Keishibukuryogan, a Kampo (Japanese Traditional) Medicine, on Patients with Climacteric Syndrome
Authors: Namiki Takao , Sato Hiromi , Matsumoto Yukari , Kakikura Haruka , Ueno Koichi , Chino Atsushi , Okamoto Hideki , Hisanaga Akito , Kaneko Akiyo , Kita Toshiaki , Kihara Maki , Shozu Makio , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: January 2014

Keishibukuryogan (KBG; Guizhi-Fuling-Wan in Chinese) is one of the Kampo (Japanese traditional) medicines used to treat patients with climacteric syndrome. KBG can be used by patients who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy due to a history of breast cancer. We evaluated whether cytosine‐adenine (CA) repeat polymorphism of the estrogen receptor β gene can be a predictor of the beneficial effect of KBG on climacteric syndrome. We also investigated the relationship between CA repeat polymorphism, the patients’ profiles, and the therapeutic effect. We found that CA was an SS, SL, or LL genotype according to the number of repeats. We studied 39 consecutive patients with climacteric disorders who took KBG for 12 weeks. The diagnosis of climacteric disorders was made on the basis of the Kupperman index. KBG significantly improved the patients’ climacteric symptoms (i.e., vasomotor symptoms in the patients with the LL genotype and melancholia in the patients with the SL genotype). No relationship between the patients’ profiles and CA repeat polymorphism was recognized. CA repeat polymorphism could thus be a potential biomarker to predict the efficacy of KBG in climacteric syndrome, and its use will help to reduce the cost of treating this syndrome by focusing the administration of KBG on those most likely to benefit from it.
Some New Inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard Type for (α1,m1)-(α2,m2)-Convex Functions on Coordinates
Authors: Chun Ling
Published: January 2014

The author introduces a new concept “(α1,m1)-(α2,m2)-convex functions on coordinates” and establishes some new inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard type for (α1,m1)-(α2,m2)-convex functions of two variables on co-ordinates.
Determinants of Noninvasive Ventilation Outcomes during an Episode of Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Effects of Comorbidities and Causes of Respiratory Failure
Authors: Pacilli Angela Maria Grazia , Valentini Ilaria , Carbonara Paolo , Marchetti Antonio , Nava Stefano
Published: January 2014

Objectives. To investigate the effect of the cause of acute respiratory failure and the role of comorbidities both acute and chronic on the outcome of COPD patients admitted to Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) with acute respiratory failure and treated with NIV.Design. Observational prospective study.Patients and Methods. 176 COPD patients consecutively admitted to our RICU over a period of 3 years and treated with NIV were evaluated. In all patients demographic, clinical, and functional parameters were recorded including the cause of acute respiratory failure, SAPS II score, Charlson comorbidity index, and further comorbidities not listed in the Charlson index. NIV success was defined as clinical improvement leading to discharge to regular ward, while exitus or need for endotracheal intubation was considered failure.Results. NIV outcome was successful in 134 patients while 42 underwent failure. Univariate analysis showed significantly higher SAP II score, Charlson index, prevalence of pneumonia, and lower serum albumin level in the failure group. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant predictive value for pneumonia and albumin.Conclusions. The most important determinants of NIV outcome in COPD patients are the presence of pneumonia and the level of serum albumin as an indicator of the patient nutritional status.