bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncovalent Attachment of PbS Quantum Dots to Single- and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Das Anirban , Hall Eric , Wai Chien M.
Published: March 2014

Attachment of PbS quantum dots (QD) to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is described; wherein commercially obtained PbS-QD of size 2.7 nm, stabilized by oleic acid, are added to a suspension of single- or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) prefunctionalized noncovalently with 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol (1,2-BDMT) in ethanol. The aromatic part of 1,2-BDMT attaches to the CNT byπ-πstacking interactions, noncovalently functionalizing the CNT. The thiol part of the 1,2-BDMT on the functionalized CNT replaces oleic acid on the surface of the QD facilitating the noncovalent attachment of the QD to the CNT. The composites were characterized by TEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Quenching of NIR fluorescence of the PbS-QD on attachment to the carbon nanotubes (CNT) was observed, indicating FRET from the QD to the CNT.
Automatic Deduction Theorem of Overall Transfer Equation of Multibody System
Authors: Rui Xiaoting , Zhang Jianshu , Zhou Qinbo
Published: March 2014

Transfer matrix method for multibody System (MSTMM) is a new multibody dynamics method developed in recent 20 years. It has been widely used in both science research and engineering for its special features as follows: without global dynamics equations of the system, high programming, low order of system matrix, and high computational speed. Based on MSTMM and its above features, a theorem to deduce automatically the overall transfer equations of multibody systems by handwriting or by computer is proposed in this paper. The theorem is effective for multibody systems with various topological structures, including chain systems, closed-loop systems, tree systems, general systems composed of one tree subsystem, and some closed-loop subsystems. This theorem makes it possible to program large scale software of multibody system dynamics with muchhigher programming, and much higher computational speed because of the above features of MSTMM. Formulations of the proposed method as well as two examples are given to verify this method.
Characterization of Functionalized Polyurethane Foam for Lead Ion Removal from Water
Authors: Gunashekar Subhashini , Abu-Zahra Nidal
Published: March 2014

Polyurethane foams functionalized with sulfonic acid groups are used in this study to exchange lead (Pb2+) ions from aqueous solutions. Toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanate (TDI) was reacted with Polypropylene glycol 1200 (PPG) in 2 : 1 molar ratio to form a linear prepolymer. The linear prepolymer was further polymerized using N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (BES), which acts both as a chain extender and an ion-exchanger for Pb2+ions. The functionalized polyurethane foam was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The Pb2+ion exchange capacity was determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The maximum Pb2+ion exchange capacity of the foam was found to be 51 ppb/g from a 100 ppb Pb2+solution over a period of two hours. In addition, pH analysis was carried out on the foam composition with the best Pb2+ion removal capacity. The pH results based on two-hour exposures showed that the functionalized polyurethane foam performed better at lower pH levels.
ZHENG May Contribute to Obesity Phenotypes Based on Body Composition: A Pilot Study on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Authors: Tao Feng , Lu Hao , Oppert Jean-Michel , Basdevant Arnaud
Published: March 2014

Objective. Obesity therapy needs new approaches to complement current phenotyping systems. This study aims to assess associations between the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ZHENG and obesity phenotypes. Methods. We assessed medical history and habitual physical activity and measured body composition, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, and lipids. We collected TCM data through face‐to‐face interview. ZHENG elements (essentials and locations) were identified by TCM practitioner. Primary ZHENG was assessed by cluster analysis. Results. In 140 consecutive subjects enrolled in a university clinic (body mass index (BMI): 39.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2), ZHENG essentials were identified as “QiXu,” “Re,” “YinXu,” and “TanShi” (totally 86.8%). Locations were “Shen,” “Wei,” “Pi,” and “Gan” (totally 91.8%). Four types of primary ZHENG were identified: A (37.1% of subjects), B (16.5%), C (35.7%), and D (10.7%). Subjects in type D showed elevated BMI, total fat mass (FM), FM index, trunk FM, and less physical activity, as compared with others. Subjects in type B changed regional body composition (reduced trunk FM% and elevated appendicular FM%). Biological parameters did not differ across primary ZHENG clusters. Conclusions. Obesity phenotypes based on body composition differ according to ZHENG in obese patients. This study is a first step toward understanding the contribution of TCM to obesity phenotyping.
Alignment of Skeletal Muscle Cells Cultured in Collagen Gel by Mechanical and Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Tanaka Takara , Hattori-Aramaki Noriko , Sunohara Ayano , Okabe Keisuke , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Ochiai Hiroko , Hayashi Ruka , Kishi Kazuo
Published: March 2014

For in vitro tissue engineering of skeletal muscle, alignment and fusion of the cultured skeletal muscle cells are required. Although the successful alignment of skeletal muscle cells cultured in collagen gel has been reported using a mechanical force, other means of aligning cultured skeletal muscle cells have not been described. However, skeletal muscle cells cultured in a two-dimensional dish have been reported to align in a uniform direction when electrically stimulated. The purpose of this study is to determine if skeletal muscle cells cultured three-dimensionally in collagen gels can be aligned by an electrical load. By adding direct current to cells of the C2C12 skeletal muscle cell line cultured in collagen gel, it was possible to align C2C12 cells in a similar direction. However, the ratio of alignment was better when mechanical force was used as the means of alignment. Thus for tissue engineering of skeletal muscle cells, electrical stimulation may be useful as a supplementary method.
Effectiveness of Bortezomib in Cardiac AL Amyloidosis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Nigrelli Santi , Curciarello Giuseppe , Ballo Piercarlo , Michelassi Stefano , Pizzarelli Francesco
Published: March 2014

Cardiac involvement is a major prognostic determinant in patients with primary AL amyloidosis. The clinical results of standard therapeutic approaches are suboptimal. It has been recently shown that bortezomib, an inhibitor of the proteasome, can induce rapid favourable responses in AL amyloidosis improving cardiac function and survival. Herein we report on two patients with cardiac amyloidosis treated by bortezomib who experienced partial or total remission of hematologic disease and of cardiac involvement. However, death of one patient, suffering from chronic kidney disease stage 5, due to fulminant respiratory syndrome suggests the need for caution in bortezomib use if patients have this comorbid condition.
Changing Trends in Prevalence and Antibiotics Resistance of Uropathogens in Patients Attending the Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Moges , Yifru Sisay , Gizachew Mucheye , Molla Kassie , Belyhun Yeshambel , Moges Feleke , Endris Mengistu
Published: March 2014

Background. In most hospitals of developing countries, urinary tract infections are treated empirically because of lack of culture facilities. This leads to emergence of multiresistant uropathogens. Culturing and drug susceptibility testing are essential to guide therapy. Objectives. To assess changing prevalence and resistance pattern of uropathogens to commonly used antibiotics in a two-year study period. Methods. Urine specimens were collected and cultured. Uropathogens were identified by standard methods and tested for antibiotics resistance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical sofware. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The commonest isolates in both the previous and present studies were E. coli, Klebsiella, CoNS, S. aureus, Proteus, and Citrobacter species. Previous isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, whereas present isolates developed 31% to 60% resistance to it. Previous isolates were less resistant to gentamycin than the present ones. Multiresistance isolates were predominant in present study than previous ones. Conclusion. E. coli was predominant in the two study periods. Present isolates were more resistant than previous ones. Some previous isolates were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, whereas present isolates were increasingly resistant. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin have been recommended for empiric treatment of urinary tract infections.
Solitary Sarcoid Granuloma of the Iris Mimicking Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Rejdak Robert , Pogorelov Pavel , Mardin Christian Y. , Szkaradek Małgorzata , Juenemann Anselm G. M.
Published: March 2014

Introduction. We report a case of a male patient presented with sarcoid lesions of the iris and conjunctiva, mimicking tuberculosis due to epithelioid cell granulomas with small central necrosis in conjunctival biopsy.Patient. A 25-year-old man was referred to our department for further management of an “iris tumor with iridocyclitis” in his right eye. Initial examination showed an isolated vascular tumor of the iris and ciliary body with anterior uveitis and mutton-fat keratic precipitates, suggesting the diagnosis of a granulomatous disease. Conjunctival biopsy revealed granulomatous epithelioid cell inflammation with small central necrosis without acid-fast bacilli. Extensive systemic examination, including bronchoscopy and transbronchial biopsy, provided the diagnosis of sarcoidosis stage 2 with pulmonary involvement, thus ruling out tuberculosis. Systemic and local steroid therapy was initiated, leading to complete recovery of our patient with complete disappearance of the iris lesion and improvement of the pulmonary function.Conclusion. Although noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas are typical for sarcoidosis, small central necrosis can be found in some granulomas, leading to presumption of tuberculosis. Extensive systemic checkup in cooperation with other specialists is essential to confirm the correct diagnosis and to initiate the appropriate therapy.
Optogenetic Activation of the Excitatory Neurons Expressing CaMKIIαin the Ventral Tegmental Area Upregulates the Locomotor Activity of Free Behaving Rats
Authors: Guo Songchao , Chen Sicong , Zhang Qiaosheng , Wang Yueming , Xu Kedi , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2014

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays an important role in motivation and motor activity of mammals. Previous studies have reported that electrical stimulations of the VTA’s neuronal projections were able to upregulate the locomotor activity of behaving rats. However, which types of neurons in the VTA that take part in the activation remain elusive. In this paper we employed optogenetic technique to selectively activate the excitatory neurons expressing CaMKIIαin the VTA region and induced a higher locomotor activity for free behaving rats. Further behavioral studies indicated that reward learning mediated in the enhancement of the rat locomotor activity. Finally the immunohistochemistry studies explored that the excitatory neurons under the optogenetic activation in VTA were partly dopaminergic that may participate as a vital role in the optogenetic activation of the locomotor activity. In total, our study provided an optogenetic approach to selectively upregulate the locomotor activity of free behaving rats, thus facilitating both neuroscience researches and neural engineering such as animal robotics in the future.
Neural Structures within Human Meniscofemoral Ligaments: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Gupte Chinmay M. , Shaerf Daniel A. , Sandison Ann , Bull Anthony M. J. , Amis Andrew A.
Published: March 2014

Aim. To investigate the existence of neural structures within the meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs) of the human knee. Methods. The MFLs from 8 human cadaveric knees were harvested. 5 μm sections were H&E-stained and examined under light microscopy. The harvested ligaments were then stained using an S100 monoclonal antibody utilising the ABC technique to detect neural components. Further examination was performed on 60–80 nm sections under electron microscopy. Results. Of the 8 knees, 6 were suitable for examination. From these both MFLs existed in 3, only anterior MFLs were present in 2, and an isolated posterior MFL existed in 1. Out of the 9 MFLs, 4 demonstrated neural structures on light and electron microscopy and this was confirmed with S100 staining. The ultrastructure of these neural components was morphologically similar to mechanoreceptors. Conclusion. Neural structures are present in MFLs near to their meniscal attachments. It is likely that the meniscofemoral ligaments contribute not only as passive secondary restraints to posterior draw but more importantly to proprioception and may therefore play an active role in providing a neurosensory feedback loop. This may be particularly important when the primary restraint has reduced function as in the posterior cruciate ligament—deficient human knee.
Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Control of Dendritic Cell Migration
Authors: Liu Yuan , Shi Guixiu
Published: March 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly efficient antigen-presenting cells. The migratory properties of DCs give them the capacity to be a sentinel of the body and the vital role in the induction and regulation of adaptive immune responses. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms in control of migration of DCs to lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. This may provide us novel insight into the clinical treatment of diseases such as autoimmune disease, infectious disease, and tumor. The chemotactic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play a vital role in control of DCs migration. Here, we reviewed the recent advances regarding the role of GPCR in control of migration of subsets of DCs, with a focus on the chemokine receptors. Understanding subsets of DCs migration could provide a rational basis for the design of novel therapies in various clinical conditions.
The Effect of Travel Information on Travelers’ Choice of Travel Modes and Routes: A Case Study of the Travel between the Campuses
Authors: Gao Linjie , Juan Zhicai , Ni Anning , Jing Peng
Published: March 2014

The traffic state of the urban road network is determined by travelers’ choices of travel modes and routes. With the development of science and technology, people tend to have more travel choices and their distinctive temperaments often lead to different choices even in the same situation. Therefore, a study of different factors that may affect people’s travel choices plays a crucial role in the optimization of the traffic system. Focusing on the four major travel modes between Minhang campus and Xuhui campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in Shanghai, China, this paper tries to gather the information of the factors that affect travel choices and the extent of such effects both in general cases and when prior information is given by means of questionnaires. Based on data processing, the paper draws pie charts on the travel choices under different circumstances and makes a qualitative analysis of the influential factors. Then, a quantitative analysis is made by using the models of utility function and linear programming. Finally, in contrast with the results, the paper finds out the extent of the effect of travel information on the choice of travel modes and routes of the travelers with different temperaments.
Calcium Channel Autoantibodies Predicted Sudden Cardiac Death and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Ischemic and Nonischemic Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Yu Haiyun , Pei Juanhui , Liu Xiaoyan , Chen Jingzhou , Li Xian , Zhang Yinhui , Li Ning , Wang Zengwu , Zhang Ping , Cao Kejiang , Pu Jielin
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether CC-AAbs levels could predict prognosis in CHF patients. A total of 2096 patients with CHF (841 DCM patients and 1255 ICM patients) and 834 control subjects were recruited. CC-AAbs were detected and the relationship between CC-AAbs and patient prognosis was analyzed. During a median follow-up time of 52 months, there were 578 deaths. Of these, sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurred in 102 cases of DCM and 121 cases of ICM. The presence of CC-AAbs in patients was significantly higher than that of controls (bothP<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that positive CC-AAbs could predict SCD (HR 3.191, 95% CI 1.598–6.369 for DCM; HR 2.805, 95% CI 1.488–5.288 for ICM) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.733, 95% CI 1.042–2.883 for DCM; HR 2.219, 95% CI 1.461–3.371 for ICM) in CHF patients. A significant association between CC-AAbs and non-SCD (NSCD) was found in ICM patients (HR = 1.887, 95% CI 1.081–3.293). Our results demonstrated that the presence of CC-AAbs was higher in CHF patients versus controls and corresponds to a higher incidence of all-cause death and SCD. Positive CC-AAbs may serve as an independent predictor for SCD and all-cause death in these patients.
Active Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Regulates NMDA Receptor Mediated Postischemic Long-Term Potentiation (i-LTP) by Promoting the Interaction between CaMKII and NMDA Receptors in Ischemia
Authors: Wang Ning , Chen Linlin , Cheng Nan , Zhang Jingyun , Tian Tian , Lu Wei
Published: March 2014

Active calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been reported to take a critical role in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). Changes in CaMKII activity were detected in various ischemia models. It is tempting to know whether and how CaMKII takes a role in NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated postischemic long-term potentiation (NMDA i-LTP). Here, we monitored changes in NMDAR-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (NMDA fEPSPs) at different time points following ischemia onsetin vitrooxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) ischemia model. We found that 10 min OGD treatment induced significant i-LTP in NMDA fEPSPs, whereas shorter (3 min) or longer (25 min) OGD treatment failed to induce prominent NMDA i-LTP. CaMKII activity or CaMKII autophosphorylation displays a similar bifurcated trend at different time points following onset of ischemia bothin vitroOGD orin vivophotothrombotic lesion (PT) models, suggesting a correlation of increased CaMKII activity or CaMKII autophosphorylation with NMDA i-LTP. Disturbing the association between CaMKII and GluN2B subunit of NMDARs with short cell-permeable peptides Tat-GluN2B reversed NMDA i-LTP induced by OGD treatment. The results provide support to a notion that increased interaction between NMDAR and CaMKII following ischemia-induced increased CaMKII activity and autophosphorylation is essential for induction of NMDA i-LTP.
Intravitreal and Subconjunctival Melphalan for Retinoblastoma in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Shah Nisha V. , Pham D. G. , Murray T. G. , Decatur C. , Hernandez E. , Shah Nikesh N. , Cavalcante M. , Houston S. K.
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To measure the chemotherapeutic effects of focal melphalan (intravitreal and subconjunctival) on tumor burden, hypoxia, and vasculature in LHBETATAG murine retinoblastoma model.Methods.LHBETATAG transgenic mice were treated with a single 1 mcg intravitreal injection of melphalan, 100 mcg subconjunctival injection, or semiweekly 10 mcg subconjunctival injections for 3 weeks. At 1 or 3 weeks, eyes were enucleated, serially sectioned, and processed with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for tumor burden measurements and probed with immunofluorescence to analyze tumor hypoxia and vasculature.Results. Focal melphalan significantly reduced retinal tumor size (P< 0.02) when given intravitreally or subconjunctivally. Eyes treated with a one-time intravitreal injection of 1 mcg melphalan had significantly smaller tumors at both 1 week (P= 0.017) and at 3 weeks after injection (P= 0.005). Intratumoral hypoxia showed a significant decline in hypoxia at 1 week following intravitreal injection and after maximum dosage of subconjunctival melphalan. Total vasculature was not significantly affected following intravitreal administration.Conclusion. Focal delivery of melphalan via intravitreal or subconjunctival injection has a significant effect on reducing tumor burden, hypoxia, and vasculature, in the treatment of murine retinoblastoma tumors.
Quantitative Electromyographic Analysis of Reaction Time to External Auditory Stimuli inDrug-NaïveParkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kwon Do-Young , Park Byung Kyu , Kim Ji Won , Eom Gwang-Moon , Hong Junghwa , Koh Seong-Beom , Park Kun-Woo
Published: March 2014

Evaluation of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still based on clinical rating scales by clinicians. Reaction time (RT) is the time interval between a specific stimulus and the start of muscle response. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of RT responses in PD patients using electromyography (EMG) and to elucidate the relationship between RT and clinical features of PD. The EMG activity of 31 PD patients was recorded during isometric muscle contraction. RT was defined as the time latency between an auditory beep and responsive EMG activity. PD patients demonstrated significant delays in both initiation and termination of muscle contraction compared with controls. Cardinal motor symptoms of PD were closely correlated with RT. RT was longer in more-affected side and in more-advanced PD stages. Frontal cognitive function, which is indicative of motor programming and movement regulation and perseveration, was also closely related with RT. In conclusion, greater RT is the characteristic motor features of PD and it could be used as a sensitive tool for motor function assessment in PD patients. Further investigations are required to clarify the clinical impact of the RT on the activity of daily living of patients with PD.
A Comparative Evaluation of Numerical and Analytical Solutions to the Biadhesive Single‐Lap Joint
Authors: Özer Halil , Öz Özkan
Published: March 2014

This paper attempts to address the detailed verification of Zhao’s analytical solution including the moment effect with the two‐ and three‐dimensional finite element results. Zhao compared the analytical results with only the 2D FEA results and used the constant bond‐length ratio for the biadhesive bondline. In this study, overlap surfaces of the adherends and the adhesives were modelled using surface‐to‐surface contact elements. Both analytical and numerical analyses were performed using four different biadhesive bondline configurations. The 3D FEA results reveal the existence of complex stress state at the overlap ends. However, the general results show that analytical and numerical results were in a good agreement.
Surface Roughness and Residual Stresses of High Speed Turning 300 M Ultrahigh Strength Steel
Authors: Huiping Zhang , Hongxia Zhang , Yinan Lai
Published: March 2014

Firstly, a single factor test of the surface roughness about tuning 300 M steel is done. According to the test results, it is direct to find the sequence of various factors affecting the surface roughness. Secondly, the orthogonal cutting experiment is carried out from which the primary and secondary influence factors affecting surface roughness are obtained: feed rate and corner radius are the main factors affecting surface roughness. The more the feed rate, the greater the surface roughness. In a certain cutting speed rang, the surface roughness is smaller. The influence of depth of cut to the surface roughness is small. Thirdly, according to the results of the orthogonal experiment, the prediction model of surface roughness is established by using regressing analysis method. Using MatLab software, the prediction mode is optimized and the significance test of the optimized model is done. It showed that the prediction model matched the experiment results. Finally, the surface residual stress test of turning 300 M steel is done and the residual stress of the surface and along the depth direction is measured.
Transpancreatic Precut Sphincterotomy for Biliary Access: The Relation of Sphincterotomy Size to Immediate Success Rate of Biliary Cannulation
Authors: Lin Lien-Fu
Published: March 2014

Background. Transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy (TPS) is an option for difficult common bile duct (CBD) access, and the reports are few, with immediate success rate varying from 60 to 96%. The description of relation between the size of TPS and the immediate success rate of CBD cannulation was not found in the literature. The Aim of the Study. To evaluate the relation of large TPS to immediate success rate of CBD cannulation. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed in prospectively collected data of 20 patients. TPS was performed with traction papillotome in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) directing towards 11 o’clock. Needle knife (NK) was used to enlarge TPS in five patients, and the other 15 cases had large TPS from the beginning of sphincterotomy. Prophylactic pancreatic stent was inserted in 18 cases, with diclofenac given in 12 cases. Results. The immediate success rate of CBD cannulation was 90% and with an eventual success rate of 100%. The failure in one immediate CBD cannulation with large TPS was due to atypical location of CBD orifice, and the other failed immediate CBD cannulation was due to inadequate size of TPS. Complications included 3 cases of post-TPS bleeding and 3 cases of mild pancreatitis. Conclusion. TPS is an effective procedure in patients with difficult biliary access and can have high immediate success rate with large TPS.
Commentary on the Regulation of Viral Proteins in Autophagy Process
Authors: Cheng Ching-Yuan , Chi Pei-I , Liu Hung-Jen
Published: March 2014

The ability to subvert intracellular antiviral defenses is necessary for virus to survive as its replication occurs only in the host cells. Viruses have to modulate cellular processes and antiviral mechanisms to their own advantage during the entire virus life cycle. Autophagy plays important roles in cell regulation. Its function is not only to catabolize aggregate proteins and damaged organelles for recycling but also to serve as innate immunity to remove intracellular pathogenic elements such as viruses. Nevertheless, some viruses have evolved to negatively regulate autophagy by inhibiting its formation. Even more, some viruses have employed autophagy to benefit their replication. To date, there are more and more growing evidences uncovering the functions of many viral proteins to regulate autophagy through different cellular pathways. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between viruses and autophagy and summarize the current knowledge on the functions of viral proteins contributing to affect autophagy process.
Metric Learning Method Aided Data‐Driven Design of Fault Detection Systems
Authors: Yan Guoyang , Mei Jiangyuan , Yin Shen , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2014

Fault detection is fundamental to many industrial
applications. With the development of system complexity, the
number of sensors is increasing, which makes traditional fault
detection methods lose efficiency. Metric learning is an efficient
way to build the relationship between feature vectors with
the categories of instances. In this paper, we firstly propose
a metric learning‐based fault detection framework in fault
detection. Meanwhile, a novel feature extraction method based
on wavelet transform is used to obtain the feature vector
from detection signals. Experiments on Tennessee Eastman (TE)
chemical process datasets demonstrate that the proposed method
has a better performance when comparing with existing methods,
for example, principal component analysis (PCA) and fisher
discriminate analysis (FDA).
Justicia prachuapensis, a new name for J. hansenii Rueangs. & Chantar. (Acanthaceae), a later homonym
Authors: Rueangsawang Kanokorn , CHANTARANOTHAI PRANOM , SIMPSON DAVID A.
Published: March 2014

A new name, Justicia prachuapensis, is proposed for an inadvertently created later homonym, J. hansenii Rueangs. & Chantar. (2013), non Silvar. & P. Mathew (1989).
Dulichiella celestun, a new species of amphipod (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Melitidae) from the Gulf of Mexico, with a key and zoogeographic remarks for the genus in the western Atlantic
Authors: PAZ-RÍOS CARLOS E. , ARDISSON PEDRO-LUIS
Published: March 2014

The discovery of a new melitid amphipod in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve (northern Yucatan peninsula, SE Gulf of Mexico) is reported. Dulichiella celestun sp. nov. differs from its congeners by an unique set of characteristics: truncated lateral cephalic lobe, mandibular palp article 1 having inner margin produced distally, carpus longer than the propodus of gnathopod 1, gnathopod 2 propodus distolateral crown with four spines, pereopods 3–7 dactylar unguis anterior margin with two accessory spines, and urosomite 3 bearing four dorsal spines. A key to species and zoogeographical affinities among members of the genus in the western Atlantic are also provided.
Three new species of Coccobius Ratzeburg (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) and redescription of C. abdominis Huang and C. furviflagellatus Huang from China
Authors: WANG ZHU-HONG , HUANG JIAN , POLASZEK ANDREW
Published: March 2014

Three new species of Coccobius Ratzeburg (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are described from China, Coccobius bimaculatus Wang, Huang & Polaszek sp. nov., Coccobius jinshanensis Wang, Huang & Polaszek sp. nov. and Coccobius leptocerus Wang, Huang & Polaszek sp. nov. Coccobius abdominis Huang 1994 and Coccobius furviflagellatus Huang 1994, originally described in Chinese, are redescribed in English and illustrated by macrophotography based on newly collected material. All five species were reared from Diaspididae (Hemiptera) scale insects on bamboo. Both the male of C. furviflagellatus and the diaspidid host association of C. abdominis and C. furviflagellatus are recorded for the first time.
A new species of Epania Pascoe (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Molorchini) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: HUANG GUIQIANG , CAI BO , XU WEI , CHEN LI
Published: March 2014

A new species, Epania gressitti sp. nov., is described. Specimens were intercepted from imported ebony timber (Diospyros sp., Ebenaceae) from Papua New Guinea. A key to Epania species in Papua New Guinea is presented.
Multivariable adaptive decoupling temperature control of a thermo-analyser
Authors: Bobál V , Macháčkek J , Dostál P
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with multivariable self-tuning temperature control of a thermo-analyser. The decoupling method is used and the parameters of two independent controllers are derived using the deadbeat approach with reference signal tracking. The recursive least-squares method with LD decomposition and directional forgetting is used to estimate the parameters of the process model. This multivariable controller has been designed specially for technological processes where process output variables without overshoot are desired and reference signals are changed with steps and linear increasing.
Safe platoon control of automated highway systems
Authors: Huang A-C , Chen Y J
Published: March 2014

It is necessary for an automated highway system to operate under safety conditions. Many research results have been proposed for intraplatoon regulation to obtain platoon safety. In this paper, the safety issue of interplatoon operations such as merge and split is considered. Several safety criteria are proposed for various platoon manoeuvres. Feasibility of the merge operation is investigated on the basis of the initial conditions of the two platoons involved. Velocity profiles for the operation transient are proposed to achieve safety and efficiency under the constraint of passenger comfort. Several simulations are performed to show the efficacy of the proposed criteria.
Dynamics-based control of a one-legged hopping robot
Authors: Hyon S H , Emura T , Mita T
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a new model of a one-legged hopping robot. The one-legged hopping robot is useful in realizing rapid movement such as that of a running animal. Although it has a simple leg mechanism, the dynamics are not simple and require non-linear complex analysis. This means that it is not easy to derive a controller for stable hopping in a systematic way. Therefore, a dynamics-based approach was introduced where the controller is empirically derived based on characteristic dynamics. A prototype of the one-legged hopping robot was fabricated and a precise simulator of the robot, including actuator dynamics, was constructed to examine the usefulness of the proposed dynamics model. Applying the constructed simulator to the prototype, the robot succeeded in planar one-legged hopping.
Active constrained-layer damping: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Stanway R , Rongong J A , Sims N D
Published: March 2014

In this paper the authors discuss the progress that has been made over the past decade in active constrained-layer damping (ACLD). ACLD treatments combine the best features of passive and active control of structural vibrations. By way of introduction the paper describes well-established techniques for passive control of structural vibrations and noise. A concise discussion of the development of so-called ‘smart’ (or ‘intelligent’) actuators and sensors and the emergence of suitable control algorithms show how passive techniques were extended to produce ACLD. A comprehensive literature review follows. It is shown how the passive and active components of ACLD complement each other to enable control of both high and low frequency modes of vibration. The active elements allow structures to adapt to suit a changing environment while the passive elements provide a fail-safe mechanism. Because of the available technology, these benefits are available without significant penalties in terms of cost, weight and complexity.
Fuzzy sliding mode control with a fuzzy switching function for non-linear uncertain multi-input multi-output systems
Authors: Hamzaoui A , Essounbouli N , Zaytoon J
Published: March 2014

This paper presents two approaches for the fuzzy sliding mode control of uncertain and disturbed non-linear multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems. In the first approach, the control law is deduced from a nominal model of the plant. An adaptive fuzzy system is introduced to substitute the switching control and, hence, to eliminate the chattering phenomenon. In the second approach, two other adaptive fuzzy systems are used to approximate and thereby to overcome the unavailability of the nominal model. The stability and the robustness are proven analytically in both cases, and the adaptation laws of the fuzzy systems are deduced from Lyapunov synthesis. A simulation example of a two-link robot is used for illustration.
How I treat the peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Lunning Matthew A. , Horwitz Steven M.
Published: March 2014

The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) encompass a heterogeneous group of diseases that have generally been associated with poor prognosis. The most common PTCLs, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-negative), despite their unique presentations and histologies, are currently treated similarly. Here we discuss our general approach to the treatment of the most common PTCLs. Based on the best data currently available, which include retrospective analyses and phase 2 prospective studies, our approach has involved cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone-based therapy followed by consolidation in first remission with autologous stem cell transplant. This treatment strategy likely improves the outcome for patients compared with historical series; however, progression-free survival rates remain disappointing, ranging from 40% to 50%. This is currently an exciting time in the treatment of PTCL due to the advent of recently approved drugs as well as new targeted agents currently under investigation. In addition, gene expression profiling is allowing for a better understanding of underlying disease biology, improved diagnostic accuracy, and prognostication in PTCL. As a result, over the next few years, we expect a significant shift in our management of these diseases with a move toward more individualized therapy leading to improved outcomes.
Serologic autoimmunologic parameters in women with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Zhen Xiumei , Qiao Jie , Li Rong , Wang Lina , Liu Ping
Published: March 2014

Background

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is heterogeneous disease defined by amenorrhea or premature depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40 years. The etiology of POI is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether women with POI have an elevated serum levels of autoimmunologic parameters.

Methods

The serum from peripheral blood samples which come from 96 POI patients and 100 age-matched health women were analyzed for a series of autoimmune antibodies using protein microarray. The antibodies to double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), histone (HIS), nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP), Sjogren’s syndrome A (SSA/Ro), Sjogren’s syndrome B (SSB/La) and Smith antigen, Jo-1, scleroderma-associated antigen (Scl-70) and centromere (CEN), zona pellucid (ZP), adrenocortical antibodies (ACA),Rheumatoid factor (RF), glomerular basement membrane (GBM), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), proteinase 3 (PR3), thyroid microsomal antibody and antinuclear antibody (ANA)were analyzed.

Results

Among the 96 women with POI and 100 age-matched health controls, women with POI had significantly elevated circulation levels of Jo-1 and PR3 (p = 0.010 and p = 0.001) whereas circulation levels of ANAs, dsDNA, histone, RNP, Sm, Scl-70, SSA, SSB, CEN, ZP, ACA, RF, GBM, PCNA, MPO and TM antibodies were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

This study shows that the autoimmune antibodies JO-1 and PR3 were significantly higher in POI women group which suggested that these antibodies may have played special role in POI, but the evaluation of the exact pathways of them remains to be determined.
Usefulness of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Rhee Chin Kook , Lim So Yeon , Koh Shin Ok , Choi Won-Il , Lee Young-Joo , Chon Gyu Rak , Kim Je Hyeong , Kim Jae Yeol , Lim Jaemin , Park Sunghoon , Kim Ho Cheol , Lee Jin Hwa , Lee Ji Hyun , Park Jisook , Koh Younsuck , Suh Gee Young , Kim Seok Chan ,   Validation of Simplified acute physiology score3 in Korean Intensive care unit (VSKI) study group & the Korean study group on respiratory failure (KOSREF)
Published: March 2014

Background

The role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) as a prognostic factor in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is not yet fully established. We aimed to determine whether NT-pro-BNP is predictive of ICU mortality in a multicenter cohort of critically ill patients.

Methods

A total of 1440 patients admitted to 22 ICUs (medical, 14; surgical, six; multidisciplinary, two) in 15 tertiary or university-affiliated hospitals between July 2010 and January 2011 were assessed. Patient data, including NT-pro-BNP levels and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 scores, were recorded prospectively in a web-based database.

Results

The median age was 64 years (range, 53–73 years), and 906 (62.9%) patients were male. The median NT-pro-BNP level was 341 pg/mL (104–1,637 pg/mL), and the median SAPS 3 score was 57 (range, 47–69). The ICU mortality rate was 18.9%, and hospital mortality was 24.5%. Hospital survivors showed significantly lower NT-pro-BNP values than nonsurvivors (245 pg/mL [range, 82–1,053 pg/mL] vs. 875 pg/mL [241–5,000 pg/mL], respectively; p < 0.001). In prediction of hospital mortality, the area under the curve (AUC) for NT-pro-BNP was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.70) and SAPS 3 score was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81–0.85). AUC increment by adding NT-pro-BNP is minimal and likely no different to SAPS 3 alone.

Conclusions

The NT-pro-BNP level was more elevated in nonsurvivors in a multicenter cohort of critically ill patients. However, there was little additional prognostic power when adding NT-pro-BNP to SAPS 3 score.
Hepatoprotective role of liver fatty acid binding protein in acetaminophen induced toxicity
Authors: Gong Yu , Wang Guqi , Gong Yuewen , Yan Jing , Chen Yufei , Burczynski Frank J
Published: March 2014

Background

FABP1 has been reported to possess strong antioxidant properties. Upon successful transfection of the Chang cell line, which has undetectable FABP1 mRNA levels, with human FABP1 cDNA, the Chang cells were shown to express FABP1. Using the transfected and control (normal) Chang cells and subjecting them to oxidative stress, transfected cells were reported to be associated with enhanced cell viability. This study extends those observations by investigating the effect of FABP1 on acetaminophen (AAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. We hypothesized that presence of FABP1 would enhance cell viability compared to control cells (vector transfected cells).

Methods

Following AAP treatment of Chang FABP1 transfected and control cells, cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, the fluorescent probe DCF, and Bax expression, respectively.

Results

FABP1 cDNA transfected cells showed greater resistance against AAP toxicity than vector transfected cells. Significantly lower LDH levels (p < 0.05) were observed as were lower DCF fluorescence intensity (p < 0.05) in FABP1 cDNA transfected cells compared to vector transfected cells. FABP1 expression also attenuated the expression of Bax following AAP induced toxicity.

Conclusion

FABP1 attenuated AAP-induced toxicity and may be considered a cytoprotective agent in this in vitro model of drug induced oxidative stress.
Stem cell Transplantation for Eradication of Minimal PAncreatic Cancer persisting after surgical Excision (STEM PACE Trial, ISRCTN47877138): study protocol for a phase II study
Authors: Schmitz-Winnenthal Friedrich H , Schmidt Thomas , Lehmann Monika , Beckhove Philipp , Kieser Meinhard , Ho Anthony D , Dreger Peter , Büchler Markus W
Published: March 2014

Background

Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cancer related cause of death. Even in the 15% of patients who are eligible for surgical resection the outlook is dismal with less than 10% of patients surviving after 5 years. Allogeneic hematopoietic (allo-HSCT) stem cell transplantation is an established treatment capable of to providing cure in a variety of hematopoietic malignancies. Best results are achieved when the underlying neoplasm has been turned into a stage of minimal disease by chemotherapy. Allo-HSCT in advanced solid tumors including pancreatic cancer have been of limited success, however studies of allo-HSCT in solid tumors in minimal disease situations have never been performed. The aim of this trial is to provide evidence for the clinical value of allo-HSCT in pancreatic cancer put into a minimal disease status by effective surgical resection and standard adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods/Design

The STEM PACE trial is a single center, phase II study to evaluate adjuvant allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pancreatic cancer after surgical resection. The study will evaluate as primary endpoint 2 year progression free survival and will generate first time state-of-the-art scientific clinical evidence if allo-HSCT is feasible and if it can provide long term disease control in patients with effectively resected pancreatic cancer. Screened eligible patients after surgical resection and standard adjuvant chemotherapy with HLA matched related stem cell donor can participate. Patients without a matched donor will be used as a historical control. Study patients will undergo standard conditioning for allo-HSCT followed by transplantation of allogeneic unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells. The follow up of the patients will continue for 2 years. Secondary endpoints will be evaluated on 7 postintervention visits.

Discussion

The principal question addressed in this trial is whether allo-HSCT can change the unfavourable natural course of this disease. The underlying hypothesis is that allo-HSCT has the capacity to provide long-term disease control to an extent otherwise not possible in pancreatic cancer, thereby substantially improving survival of affected patients.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered: ISRCTN47877138
Phase II randomized trial of neoadjuvant metformin plus letrozole versus placebo plus letrozole for estrogen receptor positive postmenopausal breast cancer (METEOR)
Authors: Kim Jisun , Lim Woosung , Kim Eun-Kyu , Kim Min-Kyoon , Paik Nam-Sun , Jeong Sang-Seol , Yoon Jung-han , Park Chan Heun , Ahn Sei Hyun , Kim Lee Su , Han Sehwan , Nam Seok Jin , Kang Han-Sung , Kim Seung Il , Yoo Young Bum , Jeong Joon , Kim Tae Hyun , Kang Taewoo , Kim Sung-Won , Jung Yongsik , Lee Jeong Eon , Kim Ku Sang , Yu Jong-Han , Chae Byung Joo , Jung So-Youn , Kang Eunyoung , Choi Su Yun , Moon Hyeong-Gon , Noh Dong-Young , Han Wonshik
Published: March 2014

Background

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with an aromatase inhibitor has shown efficacy comparable to that of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with postmenopausal breast cancer. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the antidiabetic drug metformin has anti-tumor activity. This prospective, multicenter, phase II randomized, placebo controlled trial was designed to evaluate the direct anti-tumor effect of metformin in non-diabetic postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer.

Methods/Design

Patients meeting the inclusion criteria and providing written informed consent will be randomized to 24 weeks of neoadjuvant treatment with letrozole (2.5 mg/day) and either metformin (2000 mg/day) or placebo. Target accrual number is 104 patients per arm. The primary endpoint will be clinical response rate, as measured by calipers. Secondary endpoints include pathologic complete response rate, breast conserving rate, change in Ki67 expression, breast density change, and toxicity profile. Molecular assays will be performed using samples obtained before treatment, at week 4, and postoperatively.

Discussion

This study will provide direct evidence of the anti-tumor effect of metformin in non-diabetic, postmenopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01589367