bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockade of ICAM-1 Improves the Outcome of Polymicrobial Sepsis via Modulating Neutrophil Migration and Reversing Immunosuppression
Authors: Zhao Yan-jun , Yi Wen-jing , Wan Xiao-jian , Wang Jun , Tao Tian-zhu , Li Jin-bao , Wang Jia-feng , Deng Xiao-ming
Published: May 2014

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a key adhesion molecule mediating neutrophil migration and infiltration during sepsis. But its role in the outcome of sepsis remains contradictory. The current study was performed to investigate the role of anti-ICAM-1 antibody in the outcome of polymicrobial sepsis and sepsis-induced immune disturbance. Effect of anti-ICAM-1 antibody on outcome of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was evaluated by the survival analysis, bacterial clearance, and lung injury. Its influence on neutrophil migration and infiltration, as well as lymphocyte status, in thymus and spleen was also investigated. The results demonstrated that ICAM-1 mRNA was upregulated in lung, thymus, and spleen of CLP mice. Anti-ICAM-1 antibody improved survival and bacterial clearance in CLP mice and attenuated lung injury. Migration of neutrophils to peritoneal cavity was enhanced while their infiltration into lung, thymus, and spleen was hampered by ICAM-1 blockade. Anti-ICAM-1 antibody also prevented sepsis-induced apoptosis in thymus and spleen. Positive costimulatory molecules including CD28, CD80, and CD86 were upregulated, while negative costimulatory molecules including PD-1 and PD-L1 were downregulated following anti-ICAM-1 antibody administration. In conclusion, ICAM-1 blockade may improve outcome of sepsis. The rationale may include the modulated neutrophil migration and the reversed immunosuppression.
Safety Analysis in Large Volume Vacuum Systems Like Tokamak: Experiments and Numerical Simulation to Analyze Vacuum Ruptures Consequences
Authors: Malizia A. , Lupelli I. , Richetta M. , Gelfusa M. , Bellecci C. , Gaudio P.
Published: May 2014

The large volume vacuum systems are used in many industrial operations and research laboratories. Accidents in these systems should have a relevant economical and safety impact. A loss of vacuum accident (LOVA) due to a failure of the main vacuum vessel can result in a fast pressurization of the vessel and consequent mobilization dispersion of hazardous internal material through the braches. It is clear that the influence of flow fields, consequence of accidents like LOVA, on dust resuspension is a key safety issue. In order to develop this analysis an experimental facility is been developed: STARDUST. This last facility has been used to improve the knowledge about LOVA to replicate a condition more similar to appropriate operative condition like to kamaks. By the experimental data the boundary conditions have been extrapolated to give the proper input for the 2D thermofluid-dynamics numerical simulations, developed by the commercial CFD numerical code. The benchmark of numerical simulation results with the experimental ones has been used to validate and tune the 2D thermofluid-dynamics numerical model that has been developed by the authors to replicate the LOVA conditions inside STARDUST. In present work, the facility, materials, numerical model, and relevant results will be presented.
Biomechanical Considerations in the Design of High-Flexion Total Knee Replacements
Authors: Cheng Cheng-Kung , McClean Colin J. , Lai Yu-Shu , Chen Wen-Chuan , Huang Chang-Hung , Lin Kun-Jhih , Chang Chia-Ming
Published: May 2014

Typically, joint arthroplasty is performed to relieve pain and improve functionality in a diseased or damaged joint. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) involves replacing the entire knee joint, both femoral and tibial surfaces, with anatomically shaped artificial components in the hope of regaining normal joint function and permitting a full range of knee flexion. In spite of the design of the prosthesis itself, the degree of flexion attainable following TKA depends on a variety of factors, such as the joint’s preoperative condition/flexion, muscle strength, and surgical technique. High-flexion knee prostheses have been developed to accommodate movements that require greater flexion than typically achievable with conventional TKA; such high flexion is especially prevalent in Asian cultures. Recently, computational techniques have been widely used for evaluating the functionality of knee prostheses and for improving biomechanical performance. To offer a better understanding of the development and evaluation techniques currently available, this paper aims to review some of the latest trends in the simulation of high-flexion knee prostheses.
Active Power Oscillation Property Classification of Electric Power Systems Based on SVM
Authors: Liu Ju , Yao Wei , Wen Jinyu , He Haibo , Zheng Xueyang
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, low frequency oscillation has become a major problem threatening the security of large-scale interconnected power systems. According to generation mechanism, active power oscillation of electric power systems can be classified into two categories: free oscillation and forced oscillation. The former results from poor or negative damping ratio of power system and external periodic disturbance may lead to the latter. Thus control strategies to suppress the oscillations are totally different. Distinction from each other of those two different kinds of power oscillations becomes a precondition for suppressing the oscillations with proper measures. This paper proposes a practical approach for power oscillation classification by identifying real-time power oscillation curves. Hilbert transform is employed to obtain envelope curves of the power oscillation curves. Twenty sampling points of the envelope curve are selected as the feature matrices to train and test the supporting vector machine (SVM). The tests on the 16-machine 68-bus benchmark power system and a real power system in China indicate that the proposed oscillation classification method is of high precision.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of IL-6, IL-8/CXCR2 Axis, Tyrp-STAT-3, and SOCS-3 in Lymph Nodes from Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Correlation between Microvascular Characteristics and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Levidou Georgia , Sachanas Sotirios , Pangalis Gerassimos A. , Kalpadakis Christina , Yiakoumis Xanthi , Moschogiannis Maria , Sepsa Athanasia , Lakiotaki Eleftheria , Milionis Vassilis , Kyrtsonis Marie-Christine , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Tsirkinidis Pantelis , Kontopidou Flora , Kokoris Styliani , Siakantaris Marina , Angelopoulou Maria , Papadaki Helen , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Patsouris Efstratios , Korkolopoulou Penelope
Published: May 2014

A number of studies have looked into the pathophysiological role of angiogenesis in CLL, but the results have often been inconsistent. We aimed to gain direct insight into the angiogenic process in lymph nodes involved by CLL, focusing on proangiogenic cytokines and microvessel morphometry. The tissue levels of VEGF, Th-2 cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, IL-8 receptor CXCR2, and tyrosine p-STAT-3/SOCS-3 axis modulating cytokine expression were evaluated immunohistochemically in 62 CLL/SLL cases. Microvascular characteristics were evaluated by image analysis. Results were analyzed with regard to clinicopathological characteristics. Proliferation centers (PCs) were less well vascularised compared to non-PC areas. IL-8 and CXCR2 expression was distinctly uncommon as opposed to IL-6, VEGF and SOCS-3, which were detected in the vast majority of cases. The latter two molecule expressions were more pronounced in the PCs in∼40% of the cases. p-STAT-3 immunoreactivity was recorded in 66.67% of the cases with a predilection for PCs. Microvessel morphometry was unrelated to proangiogenic cytokines, p-STAT-3, SOCS-3, or survival. Microvascular caliber and VEGF expression were higher in Binet stage A, whereasIL-6 expression was higher in stage C. VEGF and p-STAT-3 exerted a favorable effect on progression, which remained significant in multivariate analysis, thereby constituting potential outcome predictors in CLL patients.
Exact Solutions for Nonlinear Wave Equations by the Exp-Function Method
Authors: Hu Mingsheng , Jia Zhijuan , Chen Qiaoling , Jia Suiming
Published: May 2014

This paper elucidates the main advantages of the exp-function method in finding exact solutions of nonlinear wave equations. By the aid of some mathematical software, the solution process becomes extremely simple and accessible.
Algae Oil: A Sustainable Renewable Fuel of Future
Authors: Paul Abishek Monford , Patel Jay , Prem Rajan Anand
Published: May 2014

A nonrenewable fuel like petroleum has been used from centuries and its usage has kept on increasing day by day. This also contributes to increased production of greenhouse gases contributing towards global issues like global warming. In order to meet environmental and economic sustainability, renewable, carbon neutral transport fuels are necessary. To meet these demands microalgae are the key source for production of biodiesel. These microalgae do produce oil from sunlight like plants but in a much more efficient manner. Biodiesel provides more environmental benefits, and being a renewable resource it has gained lot of attraction. However, the main obstacle to commercialization of biodiesel is its cost and feasibility. Biodiesel is usually used by blending with petro diesel, but it can also be used in pure form. Biodiesel is a sustainable fuel, as it is available throughout the year and can run any engine. It will satisfy the needs of the future generation to come. It will meet the demands of the future generation to come.
A Study on the Application of Fuzzy Information Seeded Region Growing in Brain MRI Tissue Segmentation
Authors: Wang Chuin-Mu , Lin Geng-Cheng
Published: May 2014

After long‐term clinical trials, MRI has been proven to be used in humans harmlessly, and it is popularly used in medical diagnosis. Although MR is highly sensitive, it provides abundant organization information. Therefore, how to transform the multi‐spectral images which is easier to be used for doctor’s clinical diagnosis. In this thesis, the fuzzy bidirectional edge detection method is used to solve conventional SRG problem of growing order in the initial seed stages. In order to overcome the problems of the different regions, although it is the same Euclidean distance for region growing and merging process stages, we present the peak detection method to improve them. The standard deviation target generation process (SDTGP) is applied to guarantee the regions merging process does not cause over‐ or undersegmentation. Experimental results reveal that FISRG segments a multispectral MR image much more effectively than FAST and K‐means.
Population-Based Placental Weight Ratio Distributions
Authors: Macdonald Erin M. , Koval John J. , Natale Renato , Regnault Timothy , Campbell M. Karen
Published: May 2014

The placental weight ratio (PWR) is a health indicator that reflects the balance between fetal and placental growth. The PWR is defined as the placental weight divided by the birth weight, and it changes across gestation. Its ranges are not well established. We aimed to establish PWR distributions by gestational age and to investigate whether the PWR distributions vary by fetal growth adequacy, small, average, and large for gestational age (SGA, AGA, and LGA). The data came from a hospital based retrospective cohort, using all births at two London, Ontario hospitals in the past 10 years. All women who delivered a live singleton infant between 22 and 42 weeks of gestation were included(n=41441). Nonparametric quantile regression was used to fit the curves. The results demonstrate decreasing PWR and dispersion, with increasing gestational age. A higher proportion of SGA infants have extreme PWRs than AGA and LGA, especially at lower gestational ages. On average, SGA infants had higher PWRs than AGA and LGA infants. The overall curves offer population standards for use in research studies. The curves stratified by fetal growth adequacy are the first of their kind, and they demonstrate that PWR differs for SGA and LGA infants.

Corrigendum to “Population-Based Placental Weight Ratio Distributions”
Calorie Restriction in Mammals and Simple Model Organisms
Authors: Taormina Giusi , Mirisola Mario G.
Published: May 2014

Calorie restriction (CR), which usually refers to a 20–40% reduction in calorie intake, can effectively prolong lifespan preventing most age-associated diseases in several species. However, recent data from both human and nonhumans point to the ratio of macronutrients rather than the caloric intake as a major regulator of both lifespan and health-span. In addition, specific components of the diet have recently been identified as regulators of some age-associated intracellular signaling pathways in simple model systems. The comprehension of the mechanisms underpinning these findings is crucial since it may increase the beneficial effects of calorie restriction making it accessible to a broader population as well.
Investigation of Regenerated Cellulose/Poly(acrylic acid) Composite Films for Potential Wound Healing Applications: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bajpai Manjula , Bajpai S. K. , Gautam Dinesh
Published: May 2014

Regenerated cellulose/poly(acrylic acid) composite films have been synthesized for wound dressing applications. The water absorbency of these films was studied as a function of amount of cross-linker N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide and cellulose contents in the feed mixture. The samples, having different compositions, showed tensile strength and percent elongation in the range of 9.98×105 to 13.40×105 N/m2 and 110 to 265, respectively. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) for various films was found to be in the range of 2.03 to 7.18 mg/cm2/h. These films were loaded with antibacterial drug miconazole nitrate and their release was studied in the physiological pH at 37°C. The release data was found to fit well the diffusion controlled Higuchi model. Finally the films demonstrated fair antibacterial and antifungal action, thus establishing their strong candidature as wound dressing materials.
Protein Redox Modification as a Cellular Defense Mechanism against Tissue Ischemic Injury
Authors: Yan Liang-Jun
Published: May 2014

Protein oxidative or redox modifications induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) not only can impair protein function, but also can regulate and expand protein function under a variety of stressful conditions. Protein oxidative modifications can generally be classified into two categories: irreversible oxidation and reversible oxidation. While irreversible oxidation usually leads to protein aggregation and degradation, reversible oxidation that usually occurs on protein cysteine residues can often serve as an “on and off” switch that regulates protein function and redox signaling pathways upon stress challenges. In the context of ischemic tolerance, including preconditioning and postconditioning, increasing evidence has indicated that reversible cysteine redox modifications such as S-sulfonation, S-nitrosylation, S-glutathionylation, and disulfide bond formation can serve as a cellular defense mechanism against tissue ischemic injury. In this review, I highlight evidence of cysteine redox modifications as protective measures in ischemic injury, demonstrating that protein redox modifications can serve as a therapeutic target for attenuating tissue ischemic injury. Prospectively, more oxidatively modified proteins will need to be identified that can play protective roles in tissue ischemic injury, in particular, when the oxidative modifications of such identified proteins can be enhanced by pharmacological agents or drugs that are available or to be developed.
Multiband Patch Antenna for Femtocell Application
Authors: Zaman M. R. , Ahmed Afaz Uddin , Azim Rezaul , Abdullah Huda , Ali Mohd Tarmizi , Islam M. T.
Published: May 2014

A microstrip patch antenna for multiple LTE (long term evaluation) frequency bands for femtocell application is proposed in this paper. Distributed antenna solution (DAS) has been introduced in cellular network to achieve homogenous indoor coverage. Femtocell is the latest extension to these solutions. It is a smart solution to both coverage and capacity scales. Femtocell operation in LTE band is occupied by higher frequency bands. For multiband femtocell application, miniature antenna design is quite essential. The antenna proposed here is composed of basic monopole structure with two parasitic elements at both sides of the active element. A rectangular slot is introduced at the ground plane of the proposed antenna. The antenna is designed using ElnoS HK light CCL substrate material of relative permittivity of 9.4, dielectric loss-tangent of 0.003 and thickness of 3 mm. The S11response of the antenna is shown to have a bandwidth of 1.01 GHz starting from 1.79 GHz to 2.8 GHz. The characteristics of the antenna are analysed using Ansoft HFSS software.
Entanglement in a QFT Model of Neutrino Oscillations
Authors: Blasone M. , Dell’Anno F. , De Siena S. , Illuminati F.
Published: May 2014

Tools of quantum information theory can be exploited to provide a convenient description of the phenomena of particle mixing and flavor oscillations in terms of entanglement, a fundamental quantum resource. We extend such a picture to the domain of quantum field theory where, due to the nontrivial nature of flavor neutrino states, the presence of antiparticles provides additional contributions to flavor entanglement. We use a suitable entanglement measure, the concurrence, that allows extracting the two-mode (flavor) entanglement from the full multimode, multiparticle flavor neutrino states.
Herbal Remedy: An Alternate Therapy of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Induced Gastric Ulcer Healing
Authors: Chatterjee Ananya , Bandyopadhyay Sandip K.
Published: May 2014

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used therapeutic drug groups used worldwide for curing an array of health problems like pain, inflammation, cardiovascular complications, and many other diseases, but they may cause different side effects including gastroduodenal disorders. So, there is a growing interest and need to search for nontoxic, antiulcer formulations from medicinal plants to treat NSAIDs induced gastric ulcer. Extensive research has reported on many natural plants like Camellia sinensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Myristica malabarica, Piper betle, Picrorhiza kurroa, and so forth, and their active constituents reduced NSAIDs induced gastric ulcer via their antioxidative as well as immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, use of herbal formulations in daily life may prevent NSAIDs induced gastric ulceration and other side effects.
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Risk Factors among Permanently Settled Tribal Individuals in Tribal and Urban Areas in Northern State of Sub-Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Kapoor Dhiraj , Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar , Kumar Dinesh , Raina Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2014

Background.Effect of urban environment on the development of DM and its risk factors is studied with an ecological fallacy due to their study designs that formulate the background for the present study.Objective.To study the prevalence of DM and associated lifestyle related risk factors in traditional tribal individuals residing in tribal area and migrating persons of the same tribe to urban area of sub-Himalayan northern state of India.Methodology.Population based cross-sectional study.Results.A total of 8000 individuals (tribal: 4000; urban: 4000) were recruited. Overall, among urban tribes the prevalence of central obesity (59.0%), overweight (29.3%), stage 1 (22.8%) and stage 2 (5.3%) hypertension, and DM (fasting: 7.8%; OGTT: 8.5%)(P=0.00)was significantly higher than the tribes of tribal area. Based on OGTT, the prevalence of DM was found to be 9.2% among central obese tribes of urban area and 6.7% of tribal area(P=0.00). DM showed a significant high prevalence among urban tribes with prehypertension (urban: 8.3%; tribal: 2.9%;P=0.00), and stage 1 (urban: 14.1%; tribal: 8.7%;P=0.00) and stage 2 (urban: 17.5%; tribal: 13.9%;P=0.59) hypertension.Conclusion. Urban environment showed a changing lifestyle and high prevalence of DM among tribal migrating urban tribes as compared to traditional tribes.
Design of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonist for Diabetes Mellitus from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Tang Hsin-Chieh , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is a promising target for diabetes mellitus (DM) therapy and reduces the occurrence of diabetes due to obesity. However, GLP‐1 will be hydrolyzed soon by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4). We tried to design small molecular drugs for GLP‐1 receptor agonist from the world′s largest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Database@Taiwan. According to docking results of virtual screening, we selected 2 TCM compounds, wenyujinoside and 28‐deglucosylchikusetsusaponin IV, for further molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. GLP‐1 was assigned as the control compound. Based on the results of root mean square deviation (RMSD), solvent accessible surface (SAS), mean square deviation (MSD), Gyrate, total energy, root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), matrices of smallest distance of residues, database of secondary structure assignment (DSSP), cluster analysis, and distance of H‐bond, we concluded that all the 3 compounds could bind and activate GLP‐1 receptor by computational simulation. Wenyujinoside and 28‐deglucosylchikusetsusaponin IV were the TCM compounds that could be GLP‐1 receptor agonists.
Some New Coincidence Theorems in Product GFC-Spaces with Applications
Authors: Zhao Jianrong
Published: May 2014

We first propose a new concept of GFC-subspace. Using this notion, we obtain a new continuous selection theorem. As a consequence, we establish some new collective fixed point theorems and coincidence theorems in product GFC-spaces. Finally, we give some applications of our theorems.
Hesperidin Inhibits Inflammatory Response Induced byAeromonas hydrophilaInfection and Alters CD4+/CD8+T Cell Ratio
Authors: Abuelsaad Abdelaziz S. A. , Allam Gamal , Al-Solumani Adnan A. A.
Published: May 2014

Background.Aeromonas hydrophilais an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that is associated with a number of human diseases. Hesperidin (HES) has been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of HES treatment on inflammatory response induced byA. hydrophilainfection in murine.Methods.A. hydrophila-infected mice were treated with HES at 250 mg/kg b.wt./week for 4 consecutive weeks. Phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, CD4+/CD8+T cell ratio, and CD14 expression on intestinal infiltrating monocytes were evaluated. The expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on stimulated HUVECs and RAW macrophage was evaluated.Results. Percentage of CD4+T cells in the intestinal tissues of infected treated mice was highly significantly increased; however, phagocytic index, ROS production, CD8+T cells percentage, and CD14 expression on monocytes were significantly reduced. On the other hand, HES significantly inhibited A-LPS- and A-ECP-induced E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on HUVECs and ICAM-1 expression on RAW macrophage.Conclusion. Present data indicated that HES has a potential role in the suppression of inflammatory response induced byA. hydrophilatoxins through downmodulation of ROS production and CD14 and adhesion molecules expression, as well as increase of CD4+/CD8+cell ratio.
The Chromosomal Constitution of Embryos Arising from Monopronuclear Oocytes in Programmes of Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Rosenbusch Bernd
Published: May 2014

The assessment of oocytes showing only one pronucleus during assisted reproduction is associated with uncertainty. A compilation of data on the genetic constitution of different developmental stages shows that affected oocytes are able to develop into haploid, diploid, and mosaic embryos with more or less complex chromosomal compositions. In the majority of cases (~80%), haploidy appears to be caused by gynogenesis, whereas parthenogenesis or androgenesis is less common. Most of the diploid embryos result from a fertilization event involving asynchronous formation of the two pronuclei or pronuclear fusion at a very early stage. Uniparental diploidy may sometimes occur if one pronucleus fails to develop and the other pronucleus already contains a diploid genome or alternatively a haploid genome undergoes endoreduplication. In general, the chance of obtaining a biparental diploid embryo appears higher after conventional in vitro fertilization than after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. If a transfer of embryos obtained from monopronuclear oocytes is envisaged, it should be tried to culture them up to the blastocyst since most haploid embryos are not able to reach this stage. Comprehensive counselling of patients on potential risks is advisable before transfer and a preimplantation genetic diagnosis could be offered if available.
Expression of Shelterin ComponentPOT1Is Associated with Decreased Telomere Length and Immunity Condition in Humans with Severe Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Wang Ting , Mei Shu-chong , Fu Rong , Wang Hua-quan , Shao Zong-hong
Published: May 2014

Abnormal telomere attrition has been found to be closely related to patients with SAA in recent years. To identify the incidence of telomere attrition in SAA patients and investigate the relationship of telomere length with clinical parameters, SAA patients(n=27)and healthy controls(n=15)were enrolled in this study. Telomere length of PWBCs was significantly shorter in SAA patients than in controls. Analysis of gene expression of Shelterin complex revealed markedly low levels ofPOT1expression in SAA groups relative to controls. No differences in the gene expression of the other Shelterin components—TRF1,TRF2,TIN2,TPP1, andRAP1—were identified. Addition of IFN-γto culture media induced a similar fall in POT1 expression in bone marrow cells to that observed in cells cultured in the presence of SAA serum, suggesting IFN-γis the agent responsible for this effect of SAA serum. Furthermore, ATR, phosphorylated ATR, and phosphorylated ATM/ATR substrate were all found similarly increased in bone marrow cells exposed to SAA serum, TNF-α, or IFN-γ. In summary, SAA patients have short telomeres and decreased POT1 expression. TNF-αand IFN-γare found at high concentrations in SAA patients and may be the effectors that trigger apoptosis through POT1 and ATR.
The Effect of Continuous and Pulse Input Nutrient on a Lake Model
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Xie Dongliang , Cui Jing-An
Published: May 2014

In an aquatic environment, a mathematical model consisting of nutrient, phytoplankton, and zooplankton has been considered, where excretion of zooplankton is considered as one of the sources of nutrient. We investigate the effect of the input rate of the limiting nutrient from outside on controlling algal bloom. First, we consider input limiting nutrient continuously, obtain the system has two boundary equilibria, and analyze the existence of the positive equilibrium by means of stability analysis, we get conditions for the stability of the equilibria. Then, we consider input limiting nutrient impulsively. We get the exact expression of the boundary periodic solution and obtain the condition for the stability of the periodic boundary solution. We also consider the effect of temperature on the system and give a model of Taihu Lake as an example. Finally, we give numerical simulation of our results and explain the effect of input limiting nutrient on controlling bloom of the lake system.
Percutaneous Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: From Experiment to Standard of Care
Authors: Faber Lothar
Published: May 2014

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the more common hereditary cardiac conditions. According to presence or absence of outflow obstruction at rest or with provocation, a more common (about 60–70%) obstructive type of the disease (HOCM) has to be distinguished from the less common (30–40%) nonobstructive phenotype (HNCM). Symptoms include exercise limitation due to dyspnea, angina pectoris, palpitations, or dizziness; occasionally syncope or sudden cardiac death occurs. Correct diagnosis and risk stratification with respect to prophylactic ICD implantation are essential in HCM patient management. Drug therapy in symptomatic patients can be characterized as treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in HNCM, while symptoms and the obstructive gradient in HOCM can be addressed with beta-blockers, disopyramide, or verapamil. After a short overview on etiology, natural history, and diagnostics in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, this paper reviews the current treatment options for HOCM with a special focus on percutaneous septal ablation. Literature data and the own series of about 600 cases are discussed, suggesting a largely comparable outcome with respect to procedural mortality, clinical efficacy, and long-term outcome.
The Physiological and Biochemical Outcomes Associated with a Reflexology Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: McCullough J. E. M. , Liddle S. D. , Sinclair M. , Close C. , Hughes C. M.
Published: May 2014

Background. Reflexology is one of the top forms of complementary and alternative medicine in the UK and is used for healthcare by a diverse range of people. However, it is offered by few healthcare providers as little scientific evidence is available explaining how it works or any health benefits it may confer. The aim of this review was to assess the current evidence available from reflexology randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated changes in physiological or biochemical outcomes. Methods. Guidelines from the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions were followed: the following databases were searched from inception to December 2013: AMED, CAM Quest, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline Ovid, Proquest, and Pubmed. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two members of the review team and overall strength of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Results. Seventeen eligible RCTs met all inclusion criteria. A total of 34 objective outcome measures were analysed. Although twelve studies showed significant changes within the reflexology group, only three studies investigating blood pressure, cardiac index, and salivary amylase resulted in significant between group changes in favour of reflexology. The overall quality of the studies was low.
Computational Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles Identifies theITGFamily andPIK3R3as Crucial Genes for Regulating Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Migration
Authors: Klahan Sukhontip , Wu Mei-Shin , Hsi Edward , Huang Chi-Cheng , Hou Ming-Feng , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: May 2014

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer that does not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her2/neu). TNBC has worse clinical outcomes than other breast cancer subtypes. However, the key molecules and mechanisms of TNBC migration remain unclear. In this study, we compared two normalized microarray datasets from GEO database between Asian (GSE33926) and non-Asian populations (GSE46581) to determine the molecules and common pathways in TNBC migration. We demonstrated that 16 genes in non-Asian samples and 9 genes in Asian samples are related to TNBC migration. In addition, our analytic results showed that 4 genes,PIK3R3, ITGB1, ITGAL, andITGA6, were involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Our results indicated potential genes that link to TNBC migration. This study may help identify novel therapeutic targets for drug development in cancer therapy.
Radiographic Outcomes of Percutaneous Pinning for Displaced Extra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius: A Time Course Study
Authors: Yang Tien-Yu , Tsai Yao-Hung , Shen Shih-Hsun , Huang Kuo-Chin
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Although not all malunited distal radius fractures are symptomatic, the goal of treatment for displaced extra-articular fractures of the distal radius should be to restore and to maintain the radial geometry until bone healing. However, the time course change after surgery for these fractures is unclear.Methods. We, therefore, performed a retrospective cohort study on patients who sustained such fractures treated with percutaneous pinning. The main outcome measures in this study included four radiographic measurements: radial height, radial inclination, radial tilt, and ulnar variance.Results. Assessment of the monthly changes in these measurements revealed that early fracture collapse with loss of the reduced radial tilt occurred. Besides, among the 4 measurements, the normal radial tilt was the most difficult to be achieved when repositioning and pinning the fractured fragments.Conclusions. Even though the modified Kapandji technique provided a superior ability to maintain the reduced position until bone healing over the Willenegger method, we recommended that refinement of surgical techniques and postoperative hand care program may be necessary to fulfill the treatment objectives of stable surgical fixation and early joint motion.
Energy-Efficient Dual-Iteration Power Allocation for Two-Phase Relay System with Massive Antennas
Authors: Zhao Long , Xiang Wei , Mei Jie , Zhao Hui , Long Hang , Li Lin
Published: May 2014

This paper considers the scenario where multiple source nodes communicate with multiple destination nodes simultaneously with the aid of an amplify-and-forward relay equipped with massive antennas. In order to achieve optimal energy efficiency (EE) of the entire relay system, this paper investigates the power allocation problem for the multiple pairs of nodes at both the source nodes and the relay node, where the relay employs the backward and forward zero-forcing filters. Since the EE optimization problem cannot be solved analytically, we propose a two-phase power allocation method. Given power allocation of one phase, the optimal power allocation is derived for the other phase. Furthermore, two dual-iteration power allocation (DIPA) algorithms with performance approaching that of optimal EE are developed based on the instantaneous and statistic channel state information, respectively. Numerical results show that the proposed DIPA algorithms can greatly improve EE while guaranteeing spectrum efficiency (SE) when compared with the equal power allocation algorithm. Moreover, both algorithms suggest that deploying a rational number of antennas at the relay node and multiplexing a reasonable number of node pairs can improve on the EE and SE.
Dynamic Response of Bridge Subjected to Eccentrically Moving Flexible Vehicle: A Semianalytical Approach
Authors: Lalthlamuana R. , Talukdar S.
Published: May 2014

Dynamic response of a single span bridge subjected to moving flexible vehicles has been studied using a semianalytical approach. The eccentricity of vehicle path giving rise to torsional motion of the bridge has been incorporated in the approach. The bridge surface irregularity has been considered as the nonhomogeneous process in spatial domain. A closed form expression has been derived to generate response samples corresponding to each input of roughness profile to form an ensemble. Thereafter, averaging across the ensemble has been carried out at each time step to determine mean and standard deviation of bridge and vehicle response. Further, dynamic amplification factor (DAF) of the bridge response has been obtained for several combinations of bridge-vehicle parameters. The study reveals that structural bending modes of vehicle can significantly reduce dynamic response of the bridge. The eccentricity of vehicle path and flexural/torsional rigidity ratios plays a significant role in dynamic amplification of bridge response.
Blinding Bilateral Hyperviscosity Retinopathy in a 43-Year-Old Nigerian Male with Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Management Challenges
Authors: Ayanniyi Abdulkabir A. , Ejikeme Uchenna Godswill , Tanko Yohanna , Muhammad Rilwan C. , Nnodu Obiageli E.
Published: May 2014

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas are rare and may present with uncommon and devastating symptoms. We report a case of a 43-year-old male who presented with bleeding gums and sudden onset of bilateral blindness but was not on anticoagulants and had no family history of bleeding disorder. He had bilateral hyperpigmented infraorbital skin lesions, visual acuities (VA) of hand motion in both eyes (blindness), round and sluggish pupils, and bilateral diffuse and extensive retinal haemorrhages obliterating the retinal details with central visual field defects. The optical coherence tomography revealed retinal haemorrhage, oedema, detachment, and diffuse photoreceptors damage. Investigations revealed elevated ESR andβ2microglobulin, monoclonal peak on serum protein electrophoresis, high IG with lambda restriction on serum, and urine immunofixation with increased lymphocytes and plasma cells in the bone marrow. A diagnosis of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma complicated by blinding hyperviscosity retinopathy was made. In the absence of an aphaeresis machine, he received four cycles of manual exchange blood transfusion (EBT) and commenced with chlorambucil/prednisolone due to difficulty in obtaining blood for continued EBT. His general condition and VA has improved and he is stable for more than six months into treatment.
Interaction Study of an Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Cyclosporin A in Poly-Alpha-Cyclodextrin with Model Membranes by 1H-, 2H-, 31P-NMR and Electron Spin Resonance
Authors: Debouzy Jean-Claude , Crouzier David , Bourbon Fréderic , Lahiani-Skiba Malika , Skiba Mohamed
Published: May 2014

The properties of an amorphous solid dispersion of cyclosporine A (ASD) prepared with the copolymer alpha cyclodextrin (POLYA) and cyclosporine A (CYSP) were investigated by 1H-NMR in solution and its membrane interactions were studied by 1H-NMR in small unilamellar vesicles and by 31P 2H NMR in phospholipidic dispersions of DMPC (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine) in comparison with those of POLYA and CYSP alone. 1H-NMR chemical shift variations showed that CYSP really interacts with POLYA, with possible adduct formation, dispersion in the solid matrix of the POLYA, and also complex formation. A coarse approach to the latter mechanism was tested using the continuous variations method, indicating an apparent 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Calculations gave an apparent association constant of log Ka = 4.5. A study of the interactions with phospholipidic dispersions of DMPC showed that only limited interactions occurred at the polar head group level (31P). Conversely, by comparison with the expected chain rigidification induced by CYSP, POLYA induced an increase in the fluidity of the layer while ASD formation led to these effects almost being overcome at 298 K. At higher temperature, while the effect of CYSP seems to vanish, a resulting global increase in chain fluidity was found in the presence of ASD.
Synthesis of Novel Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical o-Phthalic Acid Diamides
Authors: Praveen Kumar Padam , Dathu Reddy Yervala , Reddy Chittireddy Venkata Ramana , Devi Bhoomireddy Rama , Dubey Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2014

Phthalic anhydride was treated with secondary amines in acetic acid yielding 2-(diethyl (or) 4-alkylpiperazine or morpholine-1-carbonyl) benzoic acids. The latter were reacted, again, with secondary amines and arylamines by using the coupling reagent HATU and Et3N as a base in DMF giving the novel symmetrical o-phthalic acid diamides [o-R1R1NCOC6H4CONR1R1], unsymmetrical o-phthalic acid diamides [o-R1R1NCOC6H4CONR1R2], and primary amidic-secondary amidic containing unsymmetrical o-phthalic acid diamides [o-R1R1NCOC6H4CONHAr], respectively.
Six Temperature Proxies of Scots Pine from the Interior of Northern Fennoscandia Combined in Three Frequency Ranges
Authors: Lindholm Markus , Ogurtsov Maxim G. , Jalkanen Risto , Gunnarson Björn E. , Aalto Tarmo
Published: May 2014

Six chronologies based on the growth of Scots pine from the inland of northern Fennoscandia were built to separately enhance low, medium, and higher frequencies in growth variability in 1000–2002. Several periodicities of growth were found in common in these data. Five of the low-frequency series have a significant oscillatory mode at 200–250 years of cycle length. Most series also have strong multidecadal scale variability and significant peaks at 33, 67, or 83–125 years. Reconstruction models for mean July and June–August as well as three longer period temperatures were built and compared using stringent verification statistics. We describe main differences in model performance (R2 = 0.53–0.62) between individual proxies as well as their various averages depending on provenance and proxy type, length of target period, and frequency range. A separate medium-frequency chronology (a proxy for June–August temperatures) is presented, which is closely similar in amplitude and duration to the last two cycles of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). The good synchrony between these two series is only hampered by a 10-year difference in timing. Recognizing a strong medium-frequency component in Fennoscandian climate proxies helps to explain part of the uncertainties in their 20th century trends.
Promoting Agricultural Research and Development to Strengthen Food Security in South Asia
Authors: Bishwajit Ghose
Published: May 2014

This study aims to highlight the status of agricultural R&D in South Asia and contends that creating an effective agricultural research and innovation systems is a vital element to ensure food security in this region. South Asia is home to around one-fourth of mankind and houses the largest proportion of undernourished people in the world. Despite a period of marked economic growth averaging 6% a year over the past two decades, it remains the world's second poorest region contributing a mere 2.2% in global annual GDP. Agriculture is the mainstay of South Asian economy employing around 60% of the total workforce and generating around 20% of total GDP. South Asia has the recognition of being the second most food-insecure region next only to sub-Saharan Africa. Though there is growing evidence that technological innovation has a key role to play in increasing agricultural production and strengthening food security, agricultural research and development (R&D) sector has failed to garner sufficient attention till now. This study also depicts the current situation of food security in South Asia and illustrates how agricultural education and innovation hold the master key to solve the food security issues for the world's most densely populated region.
Stability Analysis of Runge-Kutta Methods for Nonlinear Functional Differential and Functional Equations
Authors: Yu Yuexin , Liu Zhongyan , Wen Liping
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with the numerical stability of Runge-Kutta methods for a class of nonlinear functional differential and functional equations. The sufficient conditions for the stability and asymptotic stability of(k,l)-algebraically stable Runge-Kutta methods are derived. A numerical test is given to confirm the theoretical results.
BCI Sensor Based Environment Changing System for Immersion of 3D Game
Authors: Cho Ok-Hue , Lee Won-Hyung
Published: May 2014

We present a methodology about game environment system based on BCI (brain computer interface) for immersion of FPS game play. FPS game is a video game genre centered on gun shooting and projectile weapon-based combat through a first-person perspective; immersion is important factor in this game. FPS game designer makes efforts to raise player's immersion using interface, graphic effect, sound, and so forth. We implemented real-time game environment system using game player's emotional state information from the BCI sensor to raise the degree of immersion in FPS game. We measured user's EEG signal using MindSet to take user's emotional state on playing game. We can get user's emotional state in 4 categories (attention/inattention, meditation/uneasiness) and this emotional state interacts with game environment system real time. In game environment space, each player experiences different environmental situation (lighting, fog) because each player has emotional state on each scene. We implemented game environment system to be changed (lighting, fog) on playing FPS game. Player can feel the change of game environment by our system. We found out that game environment system can be applied to various game genres to raise player's immersion on playing game.
A Class of Vector Lyapunov Functions for Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Impulsive Differential Systems
Authors: Qunli Zhang
Published: May 2014

A novel and effective approach to stability of the solutions of nonlinear systems with impulsive effect is considered. The investigations are carried out by means of a class of vector Lyapunov functions and differential inequalities for piecewise continuous functions.
Simulation examples are given to illustrate the presented results.
A Generalized Robust Minimization Framework for Low‐Rank Matrix Recovery
Authors: Shao Wen-Ze , Ge Qi , Gan Zong-Liang , Deng Hai-Song , Li Hai-Bo
Published: May 2014

This paper considers the problem of recovering low‐rank matrices which are heavily corrupted by outliers or large errors. To improve the robustness of existing recovery methods, the problem is solved by formulating it as a generalized nonsmooth nonconvex minimization functional via exploiting the Schatten p‐norm (0  <  p  ≤ 1) and Lq(0  <  q  ≤ 1) seminorm. Two numerical algorithms are provided based on the augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) and accelerated proximal gradient (APG) methods as well as efficient root‐finder strategies. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed generalized approach is more inclusive and effective compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods, either convex or nonconvex.
Discrete‐Time H∞ Preview Control Problem in Finite Horizon
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Zhang Huanshui , Xie Lihua
Published: May 2014

This paper considers the H∞ preview control problem for discrete‐time systems. It investigates the problem via game theory and dynamic programming. Different from the existing results, on one hand, the proposed approach is suitable for dealing with the corresponding multiple preview channels problem; on the other hand, the approach provides a possibility in explaining how the preview controller improves the H∞ performance and why the performance will be saturated.
Tunable Structures and Properties of Electrospun Regenerated Silk Fibroin Mats Annealed in Water Vapor at Different Times and Temperatures
Authors: Huang Xiangyu , Fan Suna , Altayp Alhadi Ibrahim Mohammed , Zhang Yaopeng , Shao Huili , Hu Xuechao , Xie Minkai , Xu Yuemin
Published: May 2014

Regenerated silk fibroin (SF) mats were fabricated using electrospinning technique, followed by mild water vapor annealing to effectively tune the structures and improve the mechanical properties of the mats at different annealing times and temperatures. The breaking strength and the breaking energy of the mats treated with water vapor at 65°C for 12 h reached 6.0 MPa and 171.7 J/kg, respectively. The conformational transition of the SF mats was significantly influenced by the treating temperature, while the influence of time was comparatively limited. The influence is consistent with the time‐temperature equivalent principle and would be helpful for the preparation of water‐vapor‐annealed silk‐based biomaterials for various applications.