bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of biomechanically constrained tasks in the design and interpretation of synergy analyses
Authors: Steele Katherine M. , Tresch Matthew C. , Perreault Eric J.
Published: January 2015

Matrix factorization algorithms are commonly used to analyze muscle activity and provide insight into neuromuscular control. These algorithms identify low-dimensional subspaces, commonly referred to as synergies, which can describe variation in muscle activity during a task. Synergies are often interpreted as reflecting underlying neural control; however, it is unclear how these analyses are influenced by biomechanical and task constraints, which can also lead to low-dimensional patterns of muscle activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether commonly used algorithms and experimental methods can accurately identify synergy-based control strategies. This was accomplished by evaluating synergies from five common matrix factorization algorithms using muscle activations calculated from 1) a biomechanically constrained task using a musculoskeletal model and 2) without task constraints using random synergy activations. Algorithm performance was assessed by calculating the similarity between estimated synergies and those imposed during the simulations; similarities ranged from 0 (random chance) to 1 (perfect similarity). Although some of the algorithms could accurately estimate specified synergies without biomechanical or task constraints (similarity >0.7), with these constraints the similarity of estimated synergies decreased significantly (0.3–0.4). The ability of these algorithms to accurately identify synergies was negatively impacted by correlation of synergy activations, which are increased when substantial biomechanical or task constraints are present. Increased variability in synergy activations, which can be captured using robust experimental paradigms that include natural variability in motor activation patterns, improved identification accuracy but did not completely overcome effects of biomechanical and task constraints. These results demonstrate that a biomechanically constrained task can reduce the accuracy of estimated synergies and highlight the importance of using experimental protocols with physiological variability to improve synergy analyses.
Correlation ofCCNA1Promoter Methylation with Malignant Tumors: A Meta-Analysis Introduction
Authors: Yang Bin , Miao Shuai , Zhang Le-Ning , Sun Hong-Bin , Xu Zhe-Nan , Han Chun-Shan
Published: January 2015

Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter methylation plays vital roles in the process of carcinogenesis. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether the aberrant methylation of cyclin A1 (CCNA1) may be of great significance to human malignant tumors. By searching both English and Chinese language-based electronic databases carefully, we tabulated and analyzed parameters from each study. All human-associated case-control studies were included providing available data forCCNA1methylation and reporting the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) conducted with the use of Version 12.0 STATA software. A total of 10 case-control studies (619 patients with cancers and 292 healthy controls) were included for the following statistical analysis. Pooled OR values from all articles revealed that the frequency ofCCNA1methylation in cancer tissues was significantly higher than those of normal tissues(P<0.001). Further ethnicity indicated that the frequency ofCCNA1methylation was correlated with the development of malignant tumors among all those included experimental subgroups (allP<0.05). These data from results indicated a significant connection ofCCNA1methylation with poor progression in human malignant tumors among both Caucasian and Asian populations.
A Novel Dynamic Model for Predicting Pressure Wave Velocity in Four-Phase Fluid Flowing along the Drilling Annulus
Authors: Kong Xiangwei , Lin Yuanhua , Qiu Yijie , Qi Xing
Published: January 2015

A dynamic pressure wave velocity model is presented based on momentum equation, mass-balance equation, equation of state, and small perturbation theory. Simultaneously, the drift model was used to analyze the flow characteristics of oil, gas, water, and drilling fluid multiphase flow. In addition, the dynamic model considers the gas dissolution, virtual mass force, drag force, and relative motion of the interphase as well. Finite difference and Newton-Raphson iterative are introduced to the numerical simulation of the dynamic model. The calculation results indicate that the wave velocity is more sensitive to the increase of gas influx rate than the increase of oil/water influx rate. Wave velocity decreases significantly with the increase of gas influx. Influenced by the pressure drop of four-phase fluid flowing along the annulus, wave velocity tends to increase with respect to well depth, contrary to the gradual reduction of gas void fraction at different depths with the increase of backpressure (BP). Analysis also found that the growth of angular frequency will lead to an increase of wave velocity at low range. Comparison with the calculation results without considering virtual mass force demonstrates that the calculated wave velocity is relatively bigger by using the presented model.
Design and Implementation of Android Based Wearable Smart Locator Band for People with Autism, Dementia, and Alzheimer
Authors: Goel Isha , Kumar Dilip
Published: January 2015

A wearable smart locator band is an electronic device which can be worn on the wrist of the children to monitor and keep an eye on them. As the number of mishaps with children is increasing, it is a must to keep them safe. This also helps reducing crime rates. The research study proposed the development of a wearable smart locator band that helps keeping track of kids. The developed device includes an AVR microcontroller (ATmega8515), global positioning system (GPS), global system for mobile (GSM), and switching unit and the monitoring unit includes Android mobile device in parent’s hand with web based Android application as well as location indicated on a Google Map. This development is very useful for senior people and individuals suffering from memory diseases. This device, hence, behaves as a communication interface between wearer and caregiver.
Sharp Power Mean Bounds for Sándor Mean
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Yang Zhen-Hang , Wu Li-Min
Published: January 2015

We prove that the double inequalityMp(a,b)<X(a,b)0witha≠bif and only ifp≤1/3andq≥log 2/(1+log 2)=0.4093…, whereX(a,b)andMr(a,b)are the Sándor andrth power means ofaandb, respectively.
Almost Periodic Solution of a Multispecies Discrete Mutualism System with Feedback Controls
Authors: Zhang Hui , Feng Feng , Jing Bin , Li Yingqi
Published: January 2015

We consider an almost periodic multispecies discrete Lotka-Volterra mutualism system with feedback controls. We firstly obtain the permanence of the system by utilizing the theory of difference equation. By means of constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of a unique positive almost periodic solution which is uniformly asymptotically stable. An example together with numerical simulation indicates the feasibility of the main result.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Clinicopathologic Features and Survival Outcomes in Asian Pacific Islanders Residing in the United States: A SEER Analysis
Authors: Hamid Muhammad Saad , Shameem Raji , Gafoor Khalid , George Jason , Mina Bushra , Sullivan Kevin
Published: January 2015

Background. The objective of our study was to ascertain racial/ethnic disparities in Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes based on various tumor characteristics and treatment modalities.Method. SEER database identified invasive NSCLC cases from 2004 to 2010. Variables included American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 7, tumor grade, tumor size, histology, age, marital status, radiation, surgery, and reason for no surgery. The Kruskall-Wallis test and theZtest were used to examine differences between races/ethnicities and the referent, non-Hispanic white (NHW). Multivariate Cox proportional analyses were used to establish the weight of the prognostic significance contributing to disease-specific survival (DSS) in each AJCC stage.Result. Improved DSS was seen in API across stage I (HR: 0.78), stage II (HR: 0.79), and stage IV (HR: 0.86), respectively, compared to the referent NHW (P<0.01). Prognosis was improved by being married, being female gender, AIS histology, and birth outside the US (P<0.01).Conclusion. We have demonstrated improved survival among API in early stage and stage IV NSCLC. Further research is necessary to clarify the role of lifestyle and tumor biology for these differences.
Nasal Potential Difference in Cystic Fibrosis considering SevereCFTRMutations
Authors: Ng Ronny Tah Yen , Marson Fernando Augusto de Lima , Ribeiro Jose Dirceu , Ribeiro Antonio Fernando , Bertuzzo Carmen Silvia , Ribeiro Maria Angela Gonçalves de Oliveira , Severino Silvana Dalge , Sakano Eulalia
Published: January 2015

The gold standard for diagnosing cystic fibrosis (CF) is a sweat chloride value above 60 mEq/L. However, this historical and important tool has limitations; other techniques should be studied, including the nasal potential difference (NPD) test.CFTRgene sequencing can identifyCFTRmutations, but this method is time-consuming and too expensive to be used in all CF centers. The present study compared CF patients with two classes I-IIICFTRmutations (10 patients) (G1), CF patients with classes IV-VICFTRmutations (five patients) (G2), and 21 healthy subjects (G3). The CF patients and healthy subjects also underwent the NPD test. A statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis,χ2, and Fisher’s exact tests,α=0.05. No differences were observed between the CF patients and healthy controls for the PDMax, Δamiloride, and Δchloride + free + amiloride markers from the NPD test. For the finger value, a difference between G2 and G3 was described. The Wilschanski index values were different between G1 and G3. In conclusion, our data showed that NPD is useful for CF diagnosis when classes I-IIICFTRmutations are screened. However, if classes IV-VI are considered, the NPD test showed an overlap in values with healthy subjects.
Native Valve Endocarditis due toRalstonia pickettii: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Orme Joseph , Rivera-Bonilla Tomas , Loli Akil , Blattman Negin N.
Published: January 2015

Ralstonia pickettiiis a rare pathogen and even more rare in healthy individuals. Here we report a case ofR. pickettiibacteremia leading to aortic valve abscess and complete heart block. To our knowledge this is the first case report ofRalstoniaspecies causing infective endocarditis with perivalvular abscess.
VanderLaan Circulant Type Matrices
Authors: Pan Hongyan , Jiang Zhaolin
Published: January 2015

Circulant matrices have become a satisfactory tools in control methods for modern complex systems. In the paper, VanderLaan circulant type matrices are presented, which include VanderLaan circulant, left circulant, andg-circulant matrices. The nonsingularity of these special matrices is discussed by the surprising properties of VanderLaan numbers. The exact determinants of VanderLaan circulant type matrices are given by structuring transformation matrices, determinants of well-known tridiagonal matrices, and tridiagonal-like matrices. The explicit inverse matrices of these special matrices are obtained by structuring transformation matrices, inverses of known tridiagonal matrices, and quasi-tridiagonal matrices. Three kinds of norms and lower bound for the spread of VanderLaan circulant and left circulant matrix are given separately. And we gain the spectral norm of VanderLaang-circulant matrix.
In VitroBactericidal Activity of 4- and 5-Chloro-2-hydroxy-N-[1-oxo-1-(phenylamino)alkan-2-yl]benzamides against MRSA
Authors: Zadrazilova Iveta , Pospisilova Sarka , Pauk Karel , Imramovsky Ales , Vinsova Jarmila , Cizek Alois , Jampilek Josef
Published: January 2015

A series of nine substituted 2-hydroxy-N-[1-oxo-1-(phenylamino)alkan-2-yl]benzamides was assessed as prospective bactericidal agents against three clinical isolates of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) andS. aureusATCC 29213 as the reference and quality control strain. The minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by subculturing aliquots from MIC determination onto substance-free agar plates. The bactericidal kinetics of compounds 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-[(2S)-3-methyl-1-oxo-1-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino}butan-2-yl]benzamide (1f),N-{(2S)-1-[(4-bromophenyl)amino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl}-4-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (1g), and 4-chloro-N-{(2S)-1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)amino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl}-2-hydroxybenzamide (1h) was established by time-kill assay with a final concentration of the compound equal to 1x, 2x, and 4x MIC; aliquots were removed at 0, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h time points. The most potent bactericidal agent was compound1fexhibiting remarkable rapid concentration-dependent bactericidal effect even at 2x MIC at 4, 6, and 8 h (with a reduction in bacterial count ranging from 3.08 to 3.75 log10 CFU/mL) and at 4x MIC at 4, 6, 8, and 24 h (5.30 log10 CFU/mL reduction in bacterial count) after incubation against MRSA 63718. Reliable bactericidal effect against other strains was maintained at 4x MIC at 24 h.
Cytotoxic and Antimigratory Activities of Phenolic Compounds fromDendrobium brymerianum
Authors: Klongkumnuankarn Pornprom , Busaranon Kesarin , Chanvorachote Pithi , Sritularak Boonchoo , Jongbunprasert Vichien , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak
Published: January 2015

Chromatographic separation of a methanol extract prepared from the whole plant ofDendrobium brymerianumled to the isolation of eight phenolic compounds. Among the isolated compounds (1–8), moscatilin (1), gigantol (3), lusianthridin (4), and dendroflorin (6) showed appreciable cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cell lines with IC50values of 196.7, 23.4, 65.0, and 125.8 μg/mL, respectively, and exhibited antimigratory property at nontoxic concentrations. This study is the first report on the biological activities of this plant.
Decreased Regulatory T Cells in Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Lesions: Imbalance between Pro‐ and Anti‐Inflammatory Cells in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Rohm Ilonka , Atiskova Yevgeniya , Drobnik Stefanie , Fritzenwanger Michael , Kretzschmar Daniel , Pistulli Rudin , Zanow Jürgen , Krönert Thomas , Mall Gita , Figulla Hans Reiner , Yilmaz Atilla
Published: January 2015

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall in which presentation of autoantigens by dendritic cells (DCs) leads to the activation of T cells. Anti‐inflammatory cells like Tregs counterbalance inflammation in atherogenesis. In our study, human carotid plaque specimens were classified as stable (14) and unstable (15) according to established morphological criteria. Vessel specimens (n = 12) without any signs of atherosclerosis were used as controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect different types of DCs (S100, fascin, CD83, CD209, CD304, and CD123), proinflammatory T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD161), and anti‐inflammatory Tregs (FoxP3). The following results were observed: in unstable lesions, significantly higher numbers of proinflammatory cells like DCs, T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, and natural killer cells were detected compared to stable plaques. Additionally, there was a significantly higher expression of HLA‐DR and more T cell activation (CD25, CD69) in unstable lesions. On the contrary, unstable lesions contained significantly lower numbers of Tregs. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation between myeloid DCs and Tregs was shown. These data suggest an increased inflammatory state in vulnerable plaques resulting from an imbalance of the frequency of local pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory immune cells.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Isatin Schiff Bases Linked to Nicotinic Acid via Certain Amino Acid Bridge
Authors: Naglah Ahmed M. , Awad Hassan M. , Bhat Mashooq A. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Amr Abd El-Galil E.
Published: January 2015

The coupling reaction of nicotinic acid with certain L-amino acid methyl esters including valine, leucine, and phenylalanine was done by the use of acid chloride method. The products were reacted with hydrazine hydrate 99% to give the corresponding hydrazides that were reacted with indoline-2,3-dione (isatin) to get Schiff bases under the application of microwave irradiation technique. These novel compounds were characterized by means of their FT-IR,1H NMR, and mass spectral data. Additionally, the specific optical rotation and elemental analysis were measured. Thein vitroantimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated by agar diffusion method. The compounds showed a strong antimicrobial inhibitory activity. Most of the test compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activities having MIC values ranging from 50 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL.
Strain Amplification Analysis of an Osteocyte under Static and Cyclic Loading: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Wang Liping , Dong Jianghui , Xian Cory J.
Published: January 2015

Osteocytes, the major type of bone cells which reside in their lacunar and canalicular system within the bone matrix, function as biomechanosensors and biomechanotransducers of the bone. Although biomechanical behaviour of the osteocyte-lacunar-canalicular system has been investigated in previous studies mostly using computational 2-dimensional (2D) geometric models, only a few studies have used the 3-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model. In the current study, a 3D FE model was used to predict the responses of strain distributions of osteocyte-lacunar-canalicular system analyzed under static and cyclic loads. The strain amplification factor was calculated for all simulations. Effects on the strain of the osteocyte system were investigated under 500, 1500, 2000, and 3000 microstrain loading magnitudes and 1, 5, 10, 40, and 100 Hz loading frequencies. The maximum strain was found to change with loading magnitude and frequency. It was observed that maximum strain under 3000-microstrain loading was higher than those under 500, 1500, and 2000 microstrains. When the loading strain reached the maximum magnitude, the strain amplification factor of 100 Hz was higher than those of the other frequencies. Data from this 3D FE model study suggests that the strain amplification factor of the osteocyte-lacunar-canalicular system increases with loading frequency and loading strain increasing.
Analysis of Antioxidant Activity of Chinese Brown Rice by Fourier-Transformed Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Fu Xianshu , Yu Xiaoping , Ye Zihong , Cui Haifeng
Published: January 2015

This paper develops a rapid method using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for analyzing the antioxidant activity of brown rice as total phenol content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE). Brown rice (n=121) collected from five producing areas was analyzed for TPC and DPPH by reference methods. The NIR reflectance spectra were measured with compact powders of samples and no treatment was used. Full-spectrum partial least squares (FS-PLS) and interval PLS (iPLS) were used as the regression methods to relate the antioxidant activity values to the NIR data. The spectral range of 4800–5600 cm−1plus 6000–6400 cm−1has the best correlation with TPC, while the range of 4400–5200 cm−1plus 6000–6400 cm−1is the most suitable for predicting DPPH. With standard normal variate (SNV) transformation and the selected wavelength ranges, the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) is 0.062 mg GAE g−1for TPC and 0.141 mg GAE g−1for DPPH radical, respectively. The multiple correlation coefficients of predictions for TPC and DPPH are 0.962 and 0.974, respectively. The developed NIR method might have a potential application to quality control of brown rice in the domestic market.
Disorders of the Oral Cavity in Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonian Syndromes
Authors: Zlotnik Yair , Balash Yacov , Korczyn Amos D. , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya
Published: January 2015

Awareness of nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is growing during the last decade. Among these, oral cavity disorders are, although prevalent, often neglected by the patients, their caregivers, and physicians. Some of these disorders include increased prevalence of caries and periodontal disease, sialorrhea and drooling, xerostomia, orofacial pain, bruxism, and taste impairment. Though many of these disorders are not fully understood yet and relatively few controlled trials have been published regarding their treatment, physicians should be aware of the body of evidence that does exist on these topics. This paper reviews current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options of disorders of the oral cavity in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Modeling and Application of Process Damping in Milling of Thin-Walled Workpiece Made of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Li Xin , Zhao Wei , Li Liang , He Ning , Chi ShengWei
Published: January 2015

The modeling as well as application of process damping in milling of thin-walled workpiece made of titanium alloy is investigated. Titanium alloy used commonly in aviation industry is one typical difficult-to-machine material. Chatter usually occurs in cutting of titanium alloy, which results in poor surface quality and damaged tool. Thus, chatter is one important restriction for the quality and efficiency of titanium alloy manufacture, especially for the thin-walled workpiece made of titanium alloy due to poor structural stiffness. Process damping results from interference between flank face and machined surface, which is critical but usually ignored in chatter analysis for difficult-to-machine material. The paper presents one nonlinear dynamic model considering process damping for milling of thin-walled workpiece made of titanium alloy and designs antivibration clearance angle to suppress chatter based on the model. The experimental and computational results indicate that the presented methods for chatter stability analysis are reasonable, and the antivibration clearance angle designed is effective in suppressing chatter and improving machining quality.
Curvature Effects on the Vibration Characteristics of Doubly Curved Shallow Shells with General Elastic Edge Restraints
Authors: Shi Hui , Yang Teijun , Jiang Shiliang , Li W. L. , Liu Zhigang
Published: January 2015

Effects of curvature upon the vibration characteristics of doubly curved shallow shells are assessed in this paper. Boundary conditions of the shell are generally specified in terms of distributed elastic restraints along the edges. The classical homogeneous boundary supports can be easily simulated by setting the stiffnesses of restraining springs to either zero or infinite. Vibration problems of the shell are solved by a modified Fourier series method that each of the displacements is invariably expressed as a simple trigonometric series which converges uniformly and acceleratedly over the solution domain. All the unknown expansion coefficients are treated equally as a set of independent generalized coordinates and solved using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The current method provides a unified solution to the vibration problems of curved shallow shells involving different geometric properties and boundary conditions with no need of modifying the formulations and solution procedures. Extensive tabular and graphical results are presented to show the curvature effects on the natural frequencies of the shell with various boundary conditions.
Nanostructured Polylactic Acid/Candeia Essential Oil Mats Obtained by Electrospinning
Authors: Mori Cláudia L. S. de Oliveira , dos Passos Nathália Almeida , Oliveira Juliano Elvis , Altoé Thiza Falqueto , Mori Fábio Akira , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli , Scolforo José Roberto , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin
Published: January 2015

This work aims to evaluate the effect of inclusion of different contents of candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) essential oil (whose alpha‐bisabolol is the main terpene) on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nanostructured mats and their relationship with fiber morphology and structure. The interaction occurring between the PLA and the candeia essential oil was confirmed by thermal and microscopy analysis. Addition of candeia essential oil increased nanofiber diameter and decreased the glass transition and melting temperatures of the nanofibers, suggesting lower energy input for processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provided evidence of a homogeneous structure for the nanostructured mats. X‐ray diffraction did not show differences in the crystallization of the nanofibers. This ongoing research confirms the possibility of incorporation of candeia essential oil in the production of nanofibers that will be studied for multipurpose applications.
Identification and Validation of Potential New Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis Using 2D-DIGE and MS
Authors: Geisler Cordelia , Gaisa Nadine T. , Pfister David , Fuessel Susanne , Kristiansen Glen , Braunschweig Till , Gostek Sonja , Beine Birte , Diehl Hanna C. , Jackson Angela M. , Borchers Christoph H. , Heidenreich Axel , Meyer Helmut E. , Knüchel Ruth , Henkel Corinna
Published: January 2015

This study was designed to identify and validate potential new biomarkers for prostate cancer and to distinguish patients with and without biochemical relapse. Prostate tissue samples analyzed by 2D-DIGE (two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis) and mass spectrometry (MS) revealed downregulation of secernin-1 (P< 0.044) in prostate cancer, while vinculin showed significant upregulation (P< 0.001). Secernin-1 overexpression in prostate tissue was validated using Western blot and immunohistochemistry while vinculin expression was validated using immunohistochemistry. These findings indicate that secernin-1 and vinculin are potential new tissue biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis, respectively. For validation, protein levels in urine were also examined by Western blot analysis. Urinary vinculin levels in prostate cancer patients were significantly higher than in urine from nontumor patients (P= 0.006). Using multiple reaction monitoring-MS (MRM-MS) analysis, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) showed significant higher levels in the urine of prostate cancer patients compared to controls (P= 0.012), while galectin-3 showed significant lower levels in the urine of prostate cancer patients with biochemical relapse, compared to those without relapse (P= 0.017). Three proteins were successfully differentiated between patients with and without prostate cancer and patients with and without relapse by using MRM. Thus, this technique shows promise for implementation as a noninvasive clinical diagnostic technique.
Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Biomaterials
Authors: Corrêa Juliana Mattos , Mori Matsuyoshi , Sanches Heloísa Lajas , Cruz Adriana Dibo da , Poiate Edgard , Poiate Isis Andréa Venturini Pola
Published: January 2015

Silver has been used in medicine for centuries because of its antimicrobial properties. More recently, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized and incorporated into several biomaterials, since their small size provides great antimicrobial effect, at low filler level. Hence, these nanoparticles have been applied in dentistry, in order to prevent or reduce biofilm formation over dental materials surfaces. This review aims to discuss the current progress in this field, highlighting aspects regarding silver nanoparticles incorporation, such as antimicrobial potential, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and long-term effectiveness. We also emphasize the need for more studies to determine the optimal concentration of silver nanoparticle and its release over time.
Phase II, Open Label, Randomized Comparative Trial of Ondansetron Alone versus the Combination of Ondansetron and Aprepitant for the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies Receiving Regimens Containing High-Dose Cytarabine
Authors: Badar Talha , Cortes Jorge , Borthakur Gautam , O’Brien Susan , Wierda William , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Kadia Tapan , Poku Rebeca , Kantarjian Hagop , Mattiuzzi Gloria
Published: January 2015

Background. Aprepitant is a P/neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist approved for the prevention of CINV in moderate emetic risk chemotherapy. We explored its effectiveness in patients with leukemia receiving cytarabine-based chemotherapy.Methods. Patients were randomized to ondansetron (OND) 8 mg IV 30 minutes before cytarabine followed by 24 mg IV continuous infusion daily until 6–12 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy alone or with aprepitant (APREP) oral 125 mg 6–12 hrs before chemotherapy and 80 mg daily until 1 day after the last dose of chemotherapy.Results. Forty-nine patients were enrolled in each arm; 42 in OND and 41 in OND + APREP arm were evaluable for efficacy. The ORR with OND + APREP was 80% compared to 67% with OND alone (P=0.11). On days 6 and 7, higher proportion of patients treated with OND + APREP were free from nausea (74%, 74% versus 68%, 67%;P=0.27and 0.18, resp.). Requirement of rescue medications on days 2 and 3 was fewer in OND + APREP arm 7% and 5% compared to 21% and 16% in the OND arm, respectively (P=0.06andP=0.07).Conclusions. There was a trend for overall improvement in emesis with ondansetron plus aprepitant. The potential benefit of this approach with specific chemotherapy combinations remains to be determined.
Modulation of the Cardiomyocyte Contraction inside a Hydrostatic Pressure Bioreactor:In VitroVerification of the Frank-Starling Law
Authors: Fassina Lorenzo , Magenes Giovanni , Gimmelli Roberto , Naro Fabio
Published: January 2015

We have studied beating mouse cardiac syncytiain vitroin order to assess the inotropic, ergotropic, and chronotropic effects of both increasing and decreasing hydrostatic pressures. In particular, we have performed an image processing analysis to evaluate the kinematics and the dynamics of those pressure-loaded beating syncytia starting from the video registration of their contraction movement. By this analysis, we have verified the Frank-Starling law of the heart inin vitrobeating cardiac syncytia and we have obtained their geometrical-functional classification.
Carcinoma In Situ Is Significantly Underdetected by Prenephroureterectomy Ureteroscopy in the Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancers
Authors: Gillan Angela , El-Mokadem Ismail , Rai Bhavan , Lang Stephen , Alcorn Jason , Shams ud din Altaf , Dasgupta Ranan , Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Nabi Ghulam
Published: January 2015

Objective. Diagnostic reliability of prenephroureterectomy ureteroscopy (PNU) for the detection of upper tract carcinoma in situ (CIS) remains unproven in particular and underreported in general.Methods. Patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in a large multicentre retrospective study for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UT-TCC) between January 2002 and December 2013 were identified from our hospitals databases. PNU appearances, stage, and grade of ureteroscopic biopsy were compared with final histology results of RNU to assess the diagnostic reliability of PNU for carcinoma in situ (CIS).Results. Three hundred patients underwent RNU for UT-TCC. 106 (106/300; 35.3%) of the cohort had PNU using white light with biopsies taken in most (92/106; 86.7%). Postnephroureterectomy histology of the cohort showed CIS in 65 (65/300; 21.6%) patients. Thirty nine of patients with CIS (39/65; 60%) had prenephroureterectomy ureteroscopy biopsies. Out of ten patients with CIS on ureteroscopic biopsies, six did not show CIS on final histopathology (6/10; 60%). Moreover, grading and staging on PNU biopsies of obvious tumours showed a significant nonconcordance with final histopathology of RNU specimen(P=0.02). Overall survival was also shorter in patients with CIS compared with those without; this showed strong statistical significance(P=0.004).Conclusions. There is a high incidence of CIS in upper tract with significant underdetection and discordance rate between the histopathology of biopsy samples obtained by white light PNU and resected specimen of radical nephroureterectomy. The presence of concomitant CIS and high stage disease in the upper tract TCC carried a poor prognosis following radical nephroureterectomy.
Potential Biosorbent Derived from Calligonum polygonoides for Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nasrullah Asma , Khan Hizbullah , Khan Amir Sada , Man Zakaria , Muhammad Nawshad , Khan Muhammad Irfan , Abd El-Salam Naser M.
Published: January 2015

The ash of C. polygonoides (locally called balanza) was collected from Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and was utilized as biosorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. The ash was used as biosorbent without any physical or chemical treatment. The biosorbent was characterized by using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size and surface area were measured using particle size analyzer and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller equation (BET), respectively. The SEM and BET results expressed that the adsorbent has porous nature. Effects of various conditions such as initial concentration of methylene blue (MB), initial pH, contact time, dosage of biosorbent, and stirring rate were also investigated for the adsorption process. The rate of the adsorption of MB on biomass sample was fast, and equilibrium has been achieved within 1 hour. The kinetics of MB adsorption on biosorbent was studied by pseudo‐first‐ and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models and the pseudo‐second‐order has better mathematical fit with correlation coefficient value (R2) of 0.999. The study revealed that C. polygonoides ash proved to be an effective, alternative, inexpensive, and environmentally benign biosorbent for MB removal from aqueous solution.
Solid Phase-Based Cross-Matching as Solution for Kidney Allograft Recipients Pretreated with Therapeutic Antibodies
Authors: Schlaf Gerald , Apel Susanne , Wahle Anja , Altermann Wolfgang W.
Published: January 2015

In order to select recipients without donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies, the complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch (CDC-CM) was established as the standard procedure about 40 years ago. However, the interpretability of this functional assay strongly depends on the vitality of isolated donors’ lymphocytes. Since the application of therapeutic antibodies for the immunosuppressive regimen falsifies the outcome of the CDC-crossmatch as a result of these antibodies’ complement-activating capacity in the recipients’ sera, we looked for an alternative methodical approach. We here present 27 examples of AB0 blood group-incompatible living kidney allograft recipients who, due to their treatment with the humanized chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab, did not present valid outcomes of CDC-based pretransplant cross-matching. Additionally, four cases of posttransplant cross-matching after living kidney allografting and consequent treatment with the therapeutic anti-CD25 antibody Basiliximab (Simulect) due to acute biopsy-proven rejection episodes are presented and compared regarding CDC- and ELISA-based crossmatch outcomes. In all cases, it became evident that the classical CDC-based crossmatch was completely unfeasible for the detection of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies, whereas ELISA-based cross-matching not requiring vital cells was not artificially affected. We conclude that ELISA-based cross-matching is a valuable tool to methodically circumvent false positive CDC-based crossmatch results in the presence of therapeutically applied antibodies.
Vibration Response and Power Flow Characteristics of a Flexible Manipulator with a Moving Base
Authors: Liu Yufei , Li Wei , Yang Xuefeng , Fan Mengbao , Wang Yuqiao , Lu En
Published: January 2015

Flexible manipulator generally can be modeled as a coupling system with a flexible beam and a rigid moving base. This paper investigates the vibration responses and power flow of a flexible manipulator with a moving base (FMMB). Considering the motion characteristics of the rigid base, the moving base is modeled to have a motion with disturbances, and the dynamic model of the FMMB is established. With the dynamic model, vibration responses of the FMMB for the rigid base having disturbance velocities and accelerations are specifically presented. Subsequently, to investigate the effect of the disturbances on the vibration energy distributions of the FMMB, power flow of the FMMB is exhibited. To verify the dynamic model, an ADAMS physical model of the FMMB is constructed. It reveals that the motion characteristics of the rigid base have a noticeable effect on the vibration responses and power flow of the FMMB and should be considered. The results are significant and contribute to the vibration control of flexible manipulators.
An Extensive Photometric Investigation of the W UMa System DK Cyg
Authors: Elkhateeb M. M. , Nouh M. I. , Elkholy E. , Korany B.
Published: January 2015

DK Cyg (P=0.4707) is a contact binary system that undergoes complete eclipses. All the published photoelectric data have been collected and utilized to reexamine and update the period behavior of the system. A significant period increase with rate of 12.590 × 10−11 days/cycle was calculated. New period and ephemeris have been calculated for the system. A long term photometric solution study was performed and a light curve elements were calculated. We investigated the evolutionary status of the system using theoretical evolutionary models.
1/fNoise from Glauber Dynamics: Self-Consistent Interaction and Temperature Dependent Correlations
Authors: De Amrit
Published: January 2015

Low frequency flicker noise has been argued to occur in spatially extended metastable systems near a critical point (Bak et al., 1987). An Ising-Glauber model based method is suggested here to systematically obtain temperature dependentnth-order correlation functions forNarbitrary interacting two-level systems (TLSs). This model is fully consistent with existing methods to calculate1/fnoise spectra from TLSs and complements them. However, with as such noa prioriassumptions on the typical log normal distribution of fluctuation rates, it is shown that1/fαnoise manifests in two different cases: first in the thermodynamic limit on a 2D lattice with long range antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures and second in the case of a statistical ensemble of finite-sized spin clusters representing disorder, but where each cluster is ordered due to ferromagnetic interactions.
Studies on Pyrolysis Kinetic of Newspaper Wastes in a Packed Bed Reactor: Experiments, Modeling, and Product Characterization
Authors: Sarkar Aparna , Sarkar Sudip De , Langanki Michael , Chowdhury Ranjana
Published: January 2015

Newspaper waste was pyrolysed in a 50 mm diameter and 640 mm long reactor placed in a packed bed pyrolyser from 573 K to 1173 K in nitrogen atmosphere to obtain char and pyro-oil. The newspaper sample was also pyrolysed in a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) under the same experimental conditions. The pyrolysis rate of newspaper was observed to decelerate above 673 K. A deactivation model has been attempted to explain this behaviour. The parameters of kinetic model of the reactions have been determined in the temperature range under study. The kinetic rate constants of volatile and char have been determined in the temperature range under study. The activation energies 25.69 KJ/mol, 27.73 KJ/mol, 20.73 KJ/mol and preexponential factors 7.69 min−1, 8.09 min−1, 0.853 min−1of all products (solid reactant, volatile, and char) have been determined, respectively. A deactivation model for pyrolysis of newspaper has been developed under the present study. The char and pyro-oil obtained at different pyrolysis temperatures have been characterized. The FT-IR analyses of pyro-oil have been done. The higher heating values of both pyro-products have been determined.
Colorectal Cancer in Iran: Molecular Epidemiology and Screening Strategies
Authors: Dolatkhah Roya , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Bonyadi Mortaza Jabbarpour , Asvadi Kermani Iraj , Farassati Faris , Dastgiri Saeed
Published: January 2015

Purpose. The increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the past three decades in Iran has made it a major public health burden. This study aimed to report its epidemiologic features, molecular genetic aspects, survival, heredity, and screening pattern in Iran.Methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the relevant published articles. We used medical subject headings, including colorectal cancer, molecular genetics,KRASandBRAFmutations, screening, survival, epidemiologic study, and Iran.Results. Age standardized incidence rate of Iranian CRCs was 11.6 and 10.5 for men and women, respectively. Overall five-year survival rate was 41%, and the proportion of CRC among the younger age group was higher than that of western countries. Depending on ethnicity, geographical region, dietary, and genetic predisposition, mutation genes were considerably diverse and distinct among CRCs across Iran. The high occurrence of CRC in records of relatives of CRC patients showed that family history of CRC was more common among young CRCs.Conclusion. Appropriate screening strategies for CRC which is amenable to early detection through screening, especially in relatives of CRCs, should be considered as the first step in CRC screening programs.
Differential Effects of Leptin and Adiponectin in Endothelial Angiogenesis
Authors: Adya Raghu , Tan Bee K. , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: January 2015

Obesity is a major health burden with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction is pivotal to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In relation to this, adipose tissue secreted factors termed “adipokines” have been reported to modulate endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we focus on two of the most abundant circulating adipokines, that is, leptin and adiponectin, in the development of endothelial dysfunction. Leptin has been documented to influence a multitude of organ systems, that is, central nervous system (appetite regulation, satiety factor) and cardiovascular system (endothelial dysfunction leading to atherosclerosis). Adiponectin, circulating at a much higher concentration, exists in different molecular weight forms, essentially made up of the collagenous fraction and a globular domain, the latter being investigated minimally for its involvement in proinflammatory processes including activation of NF-κβand endothelial adhesion molecules. The opposing actions of the two forms of adiponectin in endothelial cells have been recently demonstrated. Additionally, a local and systemic change to multimeric forms of adiponectin has gained importance. Thus detailed investigations on the potential interplay between these adipokines would likely result in better understanding of the missing links connecting CVD, adipokines, and obesity.
Biological Production of an Integrinαvβ3 Targeting Imaging Probe and Functional Verification
Authors: Hwang Mi-Hye , Kim Jung Eun , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kalimuthu Senthilkumar , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-Woo , Lee Jaetae , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study is to establish a bacterial clone capable of secreting an integrinαvβ3 targeting probe with bioluminescent and fluorescent activities, and to verify its specific targeting and optical activities using molecular imaging. A bacterial vector expressing a fusion of secretory Gaussia luciferase (sGluc), mCherry, and RGD (sGluc-mCherry-RGDX3; GCR), and a control vector expressing a fusion of secretoryGaussia luciferaseand mCherry (sGluc-mCherry; GC) were constructed. The GCR and GC proteins were expressed inE. coliand secreted into the growth medium, which showed an approximately 10-fold higher luciferase activity than the bacterial lysate. Successful purification of GCR and GC was achieved using the 6X His-tag method. The GCR protein bound with higher affinity to U87MG cells than CHO cells in confocal microscopy and IVIS imaging, and also showed a high affinity for integrinαvβ3 expressing tumor xenografts in anin vivoanimal model. AnE. coliclone was established to secrete an integrinαvβ3 targeting imaging probe with bioluminescent and fluorescent activities. The probe was produced feasibly and at low cost, and has shown to be useful for the assessment of angiogenesisin vitroandin vivo.
Using a Novel Grey System Model to Forecast Natural Gas Consumption in China
Authors: Wu Lifeng , Liu Sifeng , Chen Haijun , Zhang Na
Published: January 2015

Accurate prediction of the future energy needs is crucial for energy management. This work presents a novel grey forecasting model that integrates the principle of new information priority into accumulated generation. This grey model can better reflect the priority of the new information theoretically. The results of two practical examples demonstrate that this grey model provides very remarkable short-term predication performance compared with traditional grey forecasting model for limited data set forecasting. It is applied to Chinese gas consumption forecasting to show its superiority and applicability.
Influence of Head and Neck Position on Oropharyngeal Leak Pressure and Cuff Position with the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway and the I-Gel: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mishra Sandeep Kumar , Nawaz Mohammad , Satyapraksh M. V. S. , Parida Satyen , Bidkar Prasanna Udupi , Hemavathy Balachander , Kundra Pankaj
Published: January 2015

Background. This study was designed to assess and compare the effect of head and neck position on the oropharyngeal leak pressures and cuff position (employing fibreoptic view of the glottis) and ventilation scores between ProSeal LMA and the I-gel.Material and Methods. After induction of anesthesia, the supraglottic device was inserted and ventilation confirmed. The position of the head was randomly changed from neutral to flexion, extension, and lateral rotation (left). The oropharyngeal leak pressures, fibreoptic view of glottis, ventilation scores, and delivered tidal volumes and end tidal CO2were noted in all positions.Results. In both groups compared with neutral position, oropharyngeal leak pressures were significantly higher with flexion and lower with extension but similar with rotation of head and neck. However the oropharyngeal leak pressure was significantly higher for ProSeal LMA compared with the I-gel in all positions. Peak airway pressures were significantly higher with flexion in both groups (however this did not affect ventilation), lower with extension in ProSeal group, and comparable in I-gel group but did not change significantly with rotation of head and neck in both groups.Conclusion. Effective ventilation can be done with both ProSeal LMA and I-gel with head in all the above positions. ProSeal LMA has a better margin of safety than I-gel due to better sealing pressures except in flexion where the increase in airway pressure is more with the former. Extreme precaution should be taken in flexion position in ProSeal LMA.