bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of High-Risk Nonvaccine Human Papillomavirus Types after Actual Vaccination Scheme
Authors: Peralta Raúl , Vargas-De-León Cruz , Cabrera Augusto , Miramontes Pedro
Published: April 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the main etiological factor in the developing of cervical cancer (CC). This finding has propitiated the development of vaccines that help to prevent the HPVs 16 and 18 infection. Both genotypes are associated with 70% of CC worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to determine the emergence of high-risk nonvaccine HPV after actual vaccination scheme to estimate the impact of the current HPV vaccines. A SIR-type model was used to study the HPV dynamics after vaccination. According to the results, our model indicates that the application of the vaccine reduces infection by target or vaccine genotypes as expected. However, numerical simulations of the model suggest the presence of the phenomenon called vaccine—induced pathogen strain replacement. Here, we report the following replacement mechanism: if the effectiveness of cross-protective immunity is not larger than the effectiveness of the vaccine, then the high-risk nonvaccine genotypes emerge. In this scenario, further studies of infection dispersion by HPV are necessary to ascertain the real impact of the current vaccines, primarily because of the different high-risk HPV types that are found in CC.
On Input-to-State Stability of Impulsive Stochastic Systems with Time Delays
Authors: Yao Fengqi , Cheng Pei , Shen Hao , Qiu Li
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned withpth moment input-to-state stability (p-ISS) and stochastic input-to-state stability (SISS) of impulsive stochastic systems with time delays. Razumikhin-type theorems ensuringp-ISS/SISS are established for the mentioned systems with external input affecting both the continuous and the discrete dynamics. It is shown that when the impulse-free delayed stochastic dynamics arep-ISS/SISS but the impulses are destabilizing, thep-ISS/SISS property of the impulsive stochastic systems can be preserved if the length of the impulsive interval is large enough. In particular, if the impulse-free delayed stochastic dynamics arep-ISS/SISS and the discrete dynamics are marginally stable for the zero input, the impulsive stochastic system isp-ISS/SISS regardless of how often or how seldom the impulses occur. To overcome the difficulties caused by the coexistence of time delays, impulses, and stochastic effects, Razumikhin techniques and piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions as well as stochastic analysis techniques are involved together. An example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of our results.
Increased Peripheral Proinflammatory T Helper Subsets Contribute to Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Zhao Ru-xing , Li Wen-juan , Lu Yi-ran , Qin Jun , Wu Chuan-long , Tian Meng , He Tian-yi , Yi Shou-nan , Tang Dong-qi , Sun Lei , Chen Li
Published: April 2014

Background. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) is one of the major concerns in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The systemic chronic inflammation has been postulated to bridge the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and T2D. We formulated that increased peripheral proinflammatory T helper subsets contributed to the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.Methods. The frequencies of peripheral total CD4+ T helper cells, proinflammatory Th1, Th17, and Th22 subsets were determined by flow cytometry in diabetic patients with or without CHD (n=42and 67, resp.).Results. Both peripheral frequencies and total numbers of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells were further increased in diabetic patients with CHD. Logistic regression and categorical cross-table analysis further confirmed that increased proinflammatory Th subsets, especially Th22, were independent risk factors of cardiovascular complication in diabetes. Elevated Th subsets also correlated with increased CRP levels and the atherogenic index of plasma. Moreover, Th1 frequency and Th22 numbers demonstrated remarkable potential in predicting CHD in diabetes.Conclusions. Increased peripheral proinflammatory T helper subsets act in concert and contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetic cardiovasculopathy. The recently identified Th22 cells might play an independent role in CHD and represent a novel proxy for cardiovascular risks in diabetes.
Celiac Disease in Adult Patients: Specific Autoantibodies in the Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Screening
Authors: Trigoni Evagelia , Tsirogianni Alexandra , Pipi Elena , Mantzaris Gerassimos , Papasteriades Chryssa
Published: April 2014

The increasing prevalence of celiac disease (CD), especially in adults, its atypical clinical presentation, and the strict, lifelong adherence to gluten-free diet (GFD) as the only option for healthy state create an imperative need for noninvasive methods that can effectively diagnose CD and monitor GFD.Aim. Evaluation of anti-endomysium (EmA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-A) antibodies in CD diagnosis, GFD monitoring, and first degree relatives screening in CD adult patients.Methods. 70 newly diagnosed Greek adult patients, 70 controls, and 47 first degree relatives were tested for the presence of EmA and tTG-A. The CD patients were monitored during a 3-year period.Results. EmA predictive ability for CD diagnosis was slightly better compared to tTG-A (P=0.043). EmA could assess compliance with GFD already from the beginning of the diet, while both EmA and tTG-A had an equal ability to discriminate between strictly and partially compliant patients after the first semester and so on. Screening of first degree relatives resulted in the identification of 2 undiagnosed CD cases.Conclusions. Both EmA and tTG-A are suitable markers in the CD diagnosis, in the screening of CD among first degree relatives, having also an equal performance in the long term monitoring.
ReHypar: A Recursive Hybrid Chunk Partitioning Method Using NAND-Flash Memory SSD
Authors: No Jaechun , Park Sung-Soon , Lim Cheol-Su
Published: April 2014

Due to the rapid development of flash memory, SSD is considered to be the replacement of HDD in the storage market. Although SSD retains several promising characteristics, such as high random I/O performance and nonvolatility, its high expense per capacity is the main obstacle in replacing HDD in all storage solutions. An alternative is to provide a hybrid structure where a small portion of SSD address space is combined with the much larger HDD address space. In such a structure, maximizing the space utilization of SSD in a cost-effective way is extremely important to generate high I/O performance. We developed ReHypar (recursive hybrid chunk partitioning) that enables improving the space utilization of SSD in the hybrid structure. The first objective of ReHypar is to mitigate the fragmentation overhead of SSD address space, by reusing the remaining free space of I/O units as much as possible. Furthermore, ReHypar allows defining several, logical data sections in SSD address space, with each of those sections being configured with the different I/O unit. We integrated ReHypar with ext2 and ext4 and evaluated it using two public benchmarks including IOzone and Postmark.
Biosorption of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Medium withOpuntiaBiomass
Authors: Fernández-López José A. , Angosto José M. , Avilés María D.
Published: April 2014

The biosorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions byOpuntiacladodes and ectodermis from cactus fruits was investigated. Both types of biomass are considered low-cost, natural, and ecofriendly biosorbents. Batch experiments were carried out to determine Cr(VI) biosorption capacity and the efficiency of the biosorption process under different pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and sorbent dosage. The biosorption of Cr(VI) byOpuntiabiomass was highly pH dependent, favoring higher metal uptake at low pH. The higher biosorption capacity was exhibited at pH 2. The optimal conditions were obtained at a sorbent dosage of 1 g L−1and initial metal concentration of 10 mg L−1. Biosorption kinetic data were properly fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The rate constant, the initial biosorption rate, and the equilibrium biosorption capacity were determined. The experimental equilibrium data obtained were analyzed using two-parameter isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin). The Langmuir maximum monolayer biosorption capacity (qmax) was 18.5 mg g−1for cladodes and 16.4 mg g−1for ectodermis. The results suggest thatOpuntiabiomass could be considered a promising low-cost biosorbent for the ecofriendly removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems.
Cryptotanshinone Reverses Reproductive and Metabolic Disturbances in PCOS Model Rats via Regulating the Expression of CYP17 and AR
Authors: Yu Jin , Zhai Dongxia , Hao Li , Zhang Danying , Bai Lingling , Cai Zailong , Yu Chaoqin
Published: April 2014

Objective. To explore the effect of Cryptotanshinone on reversing the reproductive and metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model rats and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Methods. PCOS model rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and verified by histological screening of vaginal exfoliated cells. After Cryptotanshinone intervention, the rats’ body weight and ovary morphological were observed; the serum biochemical assessments were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and key genes and proteins related with anabolism of androgen and insulin were detected by Real‐Time PCR and Immunohistochemical (IHC). Results. The estrous cyclicity of PCOS model rats was significantly recovered by Cryptotanshinone. The body weight, ovarian coefficient, and ovarian morphology had been improved and the serum biochemical indicators including testosterone (T), androstenedione (A2), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), sexual binding globulin (SHBG), low density cholesterol (LDL‐C), fasting insulin (FINS) were reversed after Cryptotanshinone intervention. Specifically, the levels of Cytochrome P450, 17‐a hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17), and androgen receptor (AR) were downregulated significantly. Conclusions. Our data suggest that Cryptotanshinone could rebalance reproductive and metabolic disturbances in PCOS model rats and could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PCOS.
BL153 Partially Prevents High-Fat Diet Induced Liver Damage Probably via Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Chi , Zhang Zhiguo , Chen Qiang , Lu Xuemian , Shao Minglong , Chen Liangmiao , Yang Hong , Zhang Fangfang , Cheng Peng , Tan Yi , Kim Ki-Soo , Kim Ki Ho , Wang Bochu , Kim Young Heui
Published: April 2014

The present study was to investigate whether amagnoliaextract, named BL153, can prevent obesity-induced liver damage and identify the possible protective mechanism. To this end, obese mice were induced by feeding with high fat diet (HFD, 60% kcal as fat) and the age-matched control mice were fed with control diet (10% kcal as fat) for 6 months. Simultaneously these mice were treated with or without BL153 daily at 3 dose levels (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) by gavage. HFD feeding significantly increased the body weight and the liver weight. Administration of BL153 significantly reduced the liver weight but without effects on body weight. As a critical step of the development of NAFLD, hepatic fibrosis was induced in the mice fed with HFD, shown by upregulating the expression of connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1, which were significantly attenuated by BL153 in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanism study revealed that BL153 significantly suppressed HFD induced hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress and slightly prevented liver inflammation. These results suggest that HFD induced fibrosis in the liver can be prevented partially by BL153, probably due to reduction of hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress.
Health Professionals Facing Burnout: What Do We Know about Nursing Managers?
Authors: Heeb Jean-Luc , Haberey-Knuessi Véronique
Published: April 2014

Objective. To address the degree of burnout in nursing managers in hospitals of Western Switzerland, including comparison with medical managers, and its relationship with personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics.Methods. Statistical analysis of the scores of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey from 257 nursing managers who answered a standardized electronic questionnaire.Results. Nursing managers showed a low degree of burnout, which was similar to that of medical managers. Most of them had a low level of emotional exhaustion and a low level of depersonalization, while personal accomplishment was contrasted. Only 2.3% had a high degree of burnout. These findings challenge the hypothesis of high stress being associated with high burnout, as nursing managers can be supposed to have a highly demanding job due to their intermediary position within the hospital hierarchy. Variations of burnout by personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics mainly concerned emotional exhaustion.Conclusion. Though nursing managers face a highly demanding job, they may benefit from resources (including coping strategies and empowerment) which help counterbalance job stress. Unequal distribution of resources may play a central role when facing burnout.
Hybrid Wind Speed Forecasting Model Study Based on SSA and Intelligent Optimized Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Su Zhongyue , Zhang Hongli , Zhao Yanru , Zhao Zhiyuan
Published: April 2014

Accurate wind speed forecasting is important for the reliable and efficient operation of the wind power system. The present study investigated singular spectrum analysis (SSA) with a reduced parameter algorithm in three time series models, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, the support vector machine (SVM) model, and the artificial neural network (ANN) model, to forecast the wind speed in Shandong province, China. In the proposed model, the weather research and forecasting model (WRF) is first employed as a physical background to provide the elements of weather data. To reduce these noises, SSA is used to develop a self-adapting parameter selection algorithm that is fully data-driven. After optimization, the SSA-based forecasting models are applied to forecasting the immediate short-term wind speed and are adopted at ten wind farms in China. Finally, the performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using observed data according to three error calculation methods. The simulation results from ten cases show that the proposed method has better forecasting performance than the traditional methods.
Abnormal Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Mice Lacking ASIC3
Authors: Cheng Ching-Feng , Kuo Terry B. J. , Chen Wei-Nan , Lin Chao-Chieh , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: April 2014

Integration of sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow is essential in maintaining normal cardiac autonomic function. Recent studies demonstrate that acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is a sensitive acid sensor for cardiac ischemia and prolonged mild acidification can open ASIC3 and evoke a sustained inward current that fires action potentials in cardiac sensory neurons. However, the physiological role of ASIC3 in cardiac autonomic regulation is not known. In this study, we elucidate the role of ASIC3 in cardiac autonomic function usingAsic3−/−mice.Asic3−/−mice showed normal baseline heart rate and lower blood pressure as compared with their wild-type littermates. Heart rate variability analyses revealed imbalanced autonomic regulation, with decreased sympathetic function. Furthermore,Asic3−/−mice demonstrated a blunted response to isoproterenol-induced cardiac tachycardia and prolonged duration to recover to baseline heart rate. Moreover, quantitative RT-PCR analysis of gene expression in sensory ganglia and heart revealed that no gene compensation for muscarinic acetylcholines receptors and beta-adrenalin receptors were found inAsic3−/−mice. In summary, we unraveled an important role of ASIC3 in regulating cardiac autonomic function, whereby loss of ASIC3 alters the normal physiological response to ischemic stimuli, which reveals new implications for therapy in autonomic nervous system-related cardiovascular diseases.
A Convergent Algorithm for Energy-Balanced Cluster-Heads Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Hsing-Lung , Chen Tai-An , Hu Shu-Hua
Published: April 2014

Due to the limited energy of sensor nodes, it is a research goal that the lifetime of sensor networks is prolonged by transmitting the sensed data to the base station in an energy-saving way. Previous algorithms aim at reducing the average energy consumption rate to extend the network lifetime. However, some nodes sometimes may be served as the cluster-head too many times to conserve their energy, resulting in reduced network lifetime. Thus, the large deviation of network lifetime makes these algorithms impractical. This paper proposes a new clustering algorithm which not only reduces the average energy consumption rate, but also converges the residual energies of all nodes on a small interval. Based on the two-region cluster-heads selection mechanism, the coordinator adaptively adjusts the far-near regions to converge the energies of all nodes on a small interval. With the exclusion-circle of cluster-heads, cluster-heads can be distributed evenly in a spatial respect for each round, resulting in reduced energy consumption. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm not only makes cluster-heads distribute evenly in a spatial respect but also converges the residual energies of all nodes on a small interval, resulting in extending the network lifetime significantly and stably.
A Triad of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Meckel’s Diverticulum, and Heterotopic Pancreas
Authors: Mandhan Parkash , Al Saied Amer , Ali Mansour J.
Published: April 2014

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a common developmental anomaly encountered by paediatric surgeons. It is known to be associated with extradiaphragmatic malformations, which include cardiac, renal, genital, and chromosomal abnormalities. Herein, we report a newborn born with concurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Meckel’s diverticulum, and heterotopic pancreatic tissue. This is the first case report of such a triad with description of possible mechanisms of the development.
Si3N4‐SiCp Composites Reinforced by In Situ Co‐Catalyzed Generated Si3N4 Nanofibers
Authors: Huang Juntong , Huang Zhaohui , Zhang Shaowei , Fang Minghao , Liu Yan’gai
Published: April 2014

Si3N4‐SiCp composites reinforced by in situ catalytic formed nanofibers were prepared at a relatively low sintering temperature. The effects of catalyst Co on the phase compositions, microstructures, and physicochemical‐mechanical properties of samples sintered at 1350°C–1450°C were investigated. The results showed that the catalyst Co enhanced the nitridation of Si. With the increase of Co addition (from 0 wt% to 2.0 wt.%), the apparent porosity of as‐prepared refractories was initially decreased and subsequently increased, while the bulk density and the bending strength exhibited an opposite trend. The Si3N4‐SiCp composites sintered at 1400°C had the highest strength of 60.2 MPa when the Co content was 0.5 wt.%. The catalyst Co facilitated the sintering of Si3N4‐SiCp composites as well as the formation of Si3N4 nanofibers which exhibited network connection and could improve their strength.
The Relationship between Organizational Justice and Quality Performance among Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mohamed Salwa Attia
Published: April 2014

Organization justice refers to the extent to which employees perceive workplace procedure, interactions, and outcomes to be fair in nature. So, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between organizational justice and quality performance among health care workers. The study was conducted at the Public Hospital in Fayoum, Egypt. The study included a convenience sample of 100 healthcare workers (60 nurses and 40 physicians) that were recruited. Tools used for data collection included (1) questionnaire sheet which is used to measure health workers’ perception of organizational justices. It includes four types: distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational justice. (2) Quality performance questionnaire sheet: this tool was used to examine health workers’ perception regarding their quality performance. It contained three types: information, value, and skill. The results revealed that a positive correlation was found between organizational justice components and quality performance among the various categories of health workers’ perception(P≤0.05). It has been recommended to replicate the study on a larger probability sample from different hospital settings to achieve more generalizable results and reinforce justice during organization of ministry centers in Egypt.
Antioxidant Bioactivity of Samsum Ant (Pachycondyla sennaarensis) Venom Protects against CCL4-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Ebaid Hossam , Al-Tamimi Jameel , Hassan Iftekhar , Alhazza Ibrahim , Al-Khalifa Mohamed
Published: April 2014

To assess whether SAV could influence the effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) exposure, mice were treated with SAV in doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 μg/kg body weight and the effects on oxidative status and kidney function were studied. Serum levels of creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), and blood urea, together with renal and hepatic levels of MDA, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were quantified in order to evaluate antioxidant activity. Results showed that the group injected with CCL4exhibited significantly higher levels of oxidative stress markers, MDA, and significantly lower concentrations of GSH, SOD and catalase. SAV was found to significantly improve these oxidative markers, occasionally, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with SAV was associated with the same behaviour in respect to kidney functions which had previously been impaired by CCL4. Histopathological examination demonstrated that SAV, in different groups, improved the renal tissue damage induced by CCL4and histological scores confirmed that significant improvements were obtained after treatment with SAV, particularly with the lowest dose (100 μg/kg body weight). In conclusion, SAV has the potential capability to restore oxidative stability and to improve kidney functions after CCL4acute injury.
Addition of PM2.5into the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of China and the Contribution to Air Pollution Control: The Case Study of Wuhan, China
Authors: You Mingqing
Published: April 2014

PM2.5has gradually become a major environmental problem of China with its rapid economic development, urbanization, and increasing of motor vehicles. Findings and awareness of serious PM2.5pollution make the PM2.5a new criterion pollutant of the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) revised in 2012. The 2012 NAAQS sets the PM2.5concentrate limitation with the 24-hour average value and the annual mean value. Wuhan is quite typical among central and southern China in climate, economy, development level, and energy consumption. The data are cited from the official website of Wuhan Environmental Protection Bureau and cover the period from 1 January to 30 June 2013. The data definitely confirm the existence of serious PM2.5pollution in Wuhan and indicate that the addition of PM2.5as a criterion pollutant significantly brings down the attainment rate of air quality. The example of Wuhan reveals that local governments should take measures to reduce the emission of PM2.5if it affects the attainment rate and the performance evaluation value of air quality. The main contribution of 2012 NAAQS is that it brings down the attainment rate of the air quality and forces local governmental officials to take the measures accordingly.
Fractional Gradient Elasticity from Spatial Dispersion Law
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: April 2014

Nonlocal elasticity models in continuum mechanics can be treated with two different approaches: the gradient elasticity models (weak nonlocality) and the integral nonlocal models (strong nonlocality). This paper focuses on the fractional generalization of gradient elasticity that allows us to describe a weak nonlocality of power-law type. We suggest a lattice model with spatial dispersion of power-law type as a microscopic model of fractional gradient elastic continuum. We demonstrate how the continuum limit transforms the equations for lattice with this spatial dispersion into the continuum equations with fractional Laplacians in Riesz's form. A weak nonlocality of power-law type in the nonlocal elasticity theory is derived from the fractional weak spatial dispersion in the lattice model. The continuum equations with derivatives of noninteger orders, which are obtained from the lattice model, can be considered as a fractional generalization of the gradient elasticity. These equations of fractional elasticity are solved for some special cases: subgradient elasticity and supergradient elasticity.
Traversable Ground Surface Segmentation and Modeling for Real-Time Mobile Mapping
Authors: Song Wei , Cho Seoungjae , Cho Kyungeun , Um Kyhyun , Won Chee Sun , Sim Sungdae
Published: April 2014

Remote vehicle operator must quickly decide on the motion and path. Thus, rapid and intuitive feedback of the real environment is vital for effective control. This paper presents a real-time traversable ground surface segmentation and intuitive representation system for remote operation of mobile robot. Firstly, a terrain model using voxel-based flag map is proposed for incrementally registering large-scale point clouds in real time. Subsequently, a ground segmentation method with Gibbs-Markov random field (Gibbs-MRF) model is applied to detect ground data in the reconstructed terrain. Finally, we generate a texture mesh for ground surface representation by mapping the triangles in the terrain mesh onto the captured video images. To speed up the computation, we program a graphics processing unit (GPU) to implement the proposed system for large-scale datasets in parallel. Our proposed methods were tested in an outdoor environment. The results show that ground data is segmented effectively and the ground surface is represented intuitively.
Joint Delay Doppler Probability Density Functions for Air-to-Air Channels
Authors: Walter Michael , Shutin Dmitriy , Fiebig Uwe-Carsten
Published: April 2014

Recent channel measurements indicate that the wide sense stationary uncorrelated scattering assumption is not valid for air-to-air channels. Therefore, purely stochastic channel models cannot be used. In order to cope with the nonstationarity a geometric component is included. In this paper we extend a previously presented two-dimensional geometric stochastic model originally developed for vehicle-to-vehicle communication to a three-dimensional air-to-air channel model. Novel joint time-variant delay Doppler probability density functions are presented. The probability density functions are derived by using vector calculus and parametric equations of the delay ellipses. This allows us to obtain closed form mathematical expressions for the probability density functions, which can then be calculated for any delay and Doppler frequency at arbitrary times numerically.
Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for ap-q-Laplacian Type Equation with Critical Nonlinearities
Authors: Hsu Tsing-San , Lin Huei-Li
Published: April 2014

We study the effect of the coefficientf(x)of the critical nonlinearity on the number of positive solutions for ap-q-Laplacian equation. Under suitable assumptions forf(x)andg(x), we should prove that for sufficiently smallλ>0, there exist at leastkpositive solutions of the followingp-q-Laplacian equation,-Δpu-Δqu=fxu|p*-2u+λgxu|r-2u  in  Ω,u=0  on  ∂Ω,whereΩ⊂RNis a bounded smooth domain,N>p,1<q<N(p-1)/(N-1)<p≤max⁡{p,p^*-q/(p-1)}<r<p^*,p^*=Np/(N-p)is the critical Sobolev exponent, andΔsu=div(|∇u|s-2∇uis thes-Laplacian ofu.
Climate Predictions: The Chaos and Complexity in Climate Models
Authors: Mihailović D. T. , Mimić G. , Arsenić I.
Published: April 2014

Some issues which are relevant for the recent state in climate modeling have been considered. A detailed overview of literature related to this subject is given. The concept in modeling of climate, as a complex system, seen through Gödel’s theorem and Rosen’s definition of complexity and predictability is discussed. Occurrence of chaos in computing the environmental interface temperature from the energy balance equation given in a difference form is pointed out. A coupled system of equations, often used in climate models, was analyzed. It is shown that the Lyapunov exponent mostly has positive values allowing presence of chaos in this system. The horizontal energy exchange between environmental interfaces, which is described by the dynamics of driven coupled oscillators, was analyzed. Their behavior and synchronization, when a perturbation is introduced in the system, as a function of the coupling parameter, the logistic parameter, and the parameter of exchange, were studied calculating the Lyapunov exponent under simulations with the closed contour ofN=100environmental interfaces. Finally, we have explored possible differences in complexities of two global and two regional climate models using their air temperature and precipitation output time series. The complexities were obtained with the algorithm for calculating the Kolmogorov complexity.
Psoralea corylifoliaL. Seed Extract Ameliorates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Mice by Inhibition of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Seo Eunhui , Lee Eun-Kyu , Lee Cheol Soon , Chun Kwang-Hoon , Lee Mi-Young , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: April 2014

Pancreatic beta-cell death is known to be the cause of deficient insulin production in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of beta-cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects ofPsoralea corylifoliaL. seed (PCS) extract on beta-cell death. Oral administration of PCS extract resulted in a significant improvement of hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. PCS extract treatment improved glucose tolerance and increased serum insulin levels. To study the mechanisms involved, we investigated the effects of PCS extract on H2O2-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells. Treatment with PCS extract inhibited cell death. PCS extract treatment decreased reactive oxygen species level and activated antioxidative enzymes. Among the major components of PCS extract, psoralen and isopsoralen (coumarins), but not bakuchiol, showed preventive effects against H2O2-induced beta-cell death. These findings indicate that PCS extract may be a potential pharmacological agent to protect against pancreatic beta-cell damage caused by oxidative stress associated with diabetes.
Online Bayesian Data Fusion in Environment Monitoring Sensor Networks
Authors: Dingcheng Yang , Zhenghai Wang , Lin Xiao , Tiankui Zhang
Published: April 2014

Assuring reliable data collection in environment monitoring sensor network is a major design challenge. This paper gives a novel Bayesian model to reliably monitor physical phenomenon. We briefly review the errors on the data transfer channel between the sensor quantifying the physical phenomenon and the fusion node, and a discrete K-ary input and K-ary output channel is presented to model the data transfer channel, where K is the number of quantification levels at the sensor. Then, discrete time series models are used to estimate the mean value of the physical phenomenon, and the estimation error is modeled as a Gaussian process. Finally, based on the transition probability of the proposed data transfer channel and the probability of the estimated value transited to specific quantification levels, the level with the maximum posterior probability is decided to be the current value of the physical phenomenon. Evaluations based on real sensor data show that significant gain can be achieved by the proposed algorithms in environment monitoring sensor networks compared with channel-unaware algorithms.
Structured Self-Rated Response to Iontophoresis with Verapamil and Dexamethasone in Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Kokab Abas , Wylie Kevan , Allen Patricia , Shetty Abhijeeth , Davies-South Debbie
Published: April 2014

Introduction. New therapies evolve for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) including the application of dexamethasone and verapamil using Electro Motive Drug Administration (EMDA).Patients and Methods. Patients with PD were routinely offered Potaba, Vitamin E, tamoxifen or colchicine for 6 to 18 months and for those with no improvement, 18 applications of dexamethasone and verapamil using EMDA occurred over a 6 week period. All 30 patients receiving EMDA therapy completed a questionnaire before and after treatment. The data was collected from December 2004 to November 2009 and analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.Results. Median age of patients was 59 (range 39–71). Curvature was the most common presenting complaint (73.3%) followed by pain (23.3%), erectile dysfunction (13.3%), and lump (13.3%). 24/30 (80%) reported an improvement in symptoms after EMDA. 16 of the responders (66.7%) had a stable plaque for at least 6 months. The patients who complained of shortening of the penis (P=0.003) or lowered sexual desire (P=0.024) expressed subsequently significant response to treatment. There was statistically significant (P=0.019) improvement of penile deviation reported by responding men.Conclusion. A significant proportion of patients who received EMDA reported decreased curvature following iontophoresis. No serious adverse reactions developed.
Automatic Detection and Quantification of WBCs and RBCs Using Iterative Structured Circle Detection Algorithm
Authors: Alomari Yazan M. , Sheikh Abdullah Siti Norul Huda , Zaharatul Azma Raja , Omar Khairuddin
Published: April 2014

Segmentation and counting of blood cells are considered as an important step that helps to extract features to diagnose some specific diseases like malaria or leukemia. The manual counting of white blood cells (WBCs) and red blood cells (RBCs) in microscopic images is an extremely tedious, time consuming, and inaccurate process. Automatic analysis will allow hematologist experts to perform faster and more accurately. The proposed method uses an iterative structured circle detection algorithm for the segmentation and counting of WBCs and RBCs. The separation of WBCs from RBCs was achieved by thresholding, and specific preprocessing steps were developed for each cell type. Counting was performed for each image using the proposed method based on modified circle detection, which automatically counted the cells. Several modifications were made to the basic (RCD) algorithm to solve the initialization problem, detecting irregular circles (cells), selecting the optimal circle from the candidate circles, determining the number of iterations in a fully dynamic way to enhance algorithm detection, and running time. The validation method used to determine segmentation accuracy was a quantitative analysis that included Precision, Recall, andF-measurement tests. The average accuracy of the proposed method was 95.3% for RBCs and 98.4% for WBCs.
Anticontrol of Hopf Bifurcation and Control of Chaos for a Finance System through Washout Filters with Time Delay
Authors: Zhao Huitao , Lu Mengxia , Zuo Junmei
Published: April 2014

A controlled model for a financial system through washout-filter-aided dynamical feedback control laws is developed, the problem of anticontrol of Hopf bifurcation from the steady state is studied, and the existence, stability, and direction of bifurcated periodic solutions are discussed in detail. The obtained results show that the delay on price index has great influences on the financial system, which can be applied to suppress or avoid the chaos phenomenon appearing in the financial system.
Selection of Personalized Patient Therapy through the Use of Knowledge-Based Computational Models That Identify Tumor-Driving Signal Transduction Pathways
Authors: Verhaegh Wim , van Ooijen Henk , Inda Márcia A. , Hatzis Pantelis , Versteeg Rogier , Smid Marcel , Martens John , Foekens John , van de Wiel Paul , Clevers Hans , van de Stolpe Anja
Published: April 2014

Increasing knowledge about signal transduction pathways as drivers of cancer growth has elicited the development of “targeted drugs,” which inhibit aberrant signaling pathways. They require a companion diagnostic test that identifies the tumor-driving pathway; however, currently available tests like estrogen receptor (ER) protein expression for hormonal treatment of breast cancer do not reliably predict therapy response, at least in part because they do not adequately assess functional pathway activity. We describe a novel approach to predict signaling pathway activity based on knowledge-based Bayesian computational models, which interpret quantitative transcriptome data as the functional output of an active signaling pathway, by using expression levels of transcriptional target genes. Following calibration on only a small number of cell lines or cohorts of patient data, they provide a reliable assessment of signaling pathway activity in tumors of different tissue origin. As proof of principle, models for the canonical Wnt and ER pathways are presented, including initial clinical validation on independent datasets from various cancer types. Cancer Res; 74(11); 2936–45. ©2014 AACR.
Nondisruptive p53 Mutations Are Associated with Shorter Survival in Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Molina-Vila Miguel A. , Bertran-Alamillo Jordi , Gascó Amaya , Mayo-de-las-Casas Clara , Sánchez-Ronco María , Pujantell-Pastor Laia , Bonanno Laura , Favaretto Adolfo G. , Cardona Andrés F. , Vergnenègre Alain , Majem Margarita , Massuti Bartomeu , Morán Teresa , Carcereny Enric , Viteri Santiago , Rosell Rafael
Published: April 2014

Purpose: TP53 mutations in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be associated with worse survival but their prognostic role in advanced NSCLC is controversial. In addition, it remains unclear whether mutated patients represent a clinically homogeneous group.

Experimental Design: We retrospectively examined TP53 mutations and outcome in a training cohort of 318 patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLC: 125 epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type (wt) and 193 EGFR mutated (mut). An independent validation cohort of 64 EGFR-mut patients was subsequently analyzed. Mutations were classified as “disruptive” and “nondisruptive” according to their predicted degree of disturbance of the p53 protein structure and function.

Results: In the training cohort, TP53 mutations were found in 43 of the 125 EGFR-wt patients (34.4%). Of these, 28 had nondisruptive TP53 mutations and a median overall survival (OS) of 8.5 months, compared with 15.6 months for the remaining 97 patients (P = 0.003). In the EGFR-mut group, TP53 mutations were found in 50 of the 193 patients (25.9%). The OS for the 26 patients with TP53 nondisruptive mutations was 17.8 months versus 28.4 months for the remaining 167 patients (P = 0.04). In the validation cohort, the 11 patients with nondisruptive TP53 mutations had a median OS of 18.1 months compared with 37.8 months for the 53 remaining patients (P = 0.006). In multivariate analyses, nondisruptive TP53 mutations had an independent, significant association with a shorter OS.

Conclusions: Nondisruptive mutations in the TP53 gene are an independent prognostic factor of shorter survival in advanced NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 20(17); 4647–59. ©2014 AACR.
Activity of a Novel Hec1-Targeted Anticancer Compound against Breast Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Huang Lynn Y.L. , Chang Chia-Chi , Lee Ying-Shuan , Chang Jia-Ming , Huang Jiann-Jyh , Chuang Shih-Hsien , Kao Kuo-Jang , Lau Gillian M.G. , Tsai Pei-Yi , Liu Chia-Wei , Lin Her-Sheng , Lau Johnson Y.N.
Published: April 2014

Current cytotoxic chemotherapy produces clinical benefit in patients with breast cancer but the survival impact is modest. To explore novel cytotoxic agents for the treatment of advanced disease, we have characterized a new and pharmacokinetically improved Hec1-targeted compound, TAI-95. Nine of 11 breast cancer cell lines tested were sensitive to nanomolar levels of TAI-95 (GI50 = 14.29–73.65 nmol/L), and more importantly, TAI-95 was active on a number of cell lines that were resistant (GI50 > 10 μmol/L) to other established cytotoxic agents. TAI-95 demonstrates strong inhibition of in vivo tumor growth of breast cancer model when administered orally, without inducing weight loss or other obvious toxicity. Mechanistically, TAI-95 acts by disrupting the interaction between Hec1 and Nek2, leading to apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, TAI-95 is active on multidrug-resistant (MDR) cell lines and led to downregulation of the expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), an MDR gene. In addition, TAI-95 increased the potency of cytotoxic Pgp substrates, including doxorubicin and topotecan. Certain clinical subtypes of breast cancer more likely to respond to Hec1-targeted therapy were identified and these subtypes are the ones associated with poor prognosis. This study highlights the potential of the novel anticancer compound TAI-95 in difficult-to-treat breast cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1419–30. ©2014 AACR.
New Insights into PARP Inhibitors' Effect on Cell Cycle and Homology-Directed DNA Damage Repair
Authors: Jelinic Petar , Levine Douglas A.
Published: April 2014

In preclinical and clinical studies, olaparib and veliparib are the most represented PARP inhibitors (PARPi), which mainly target homologous DNA damage repair pathway-deficient cancer cells. Their off-target effects are not fully understood, especially with regard to cell cycle and homology-directed DNA damage repair. Our objective was to comparatively evaluate olaparib and veliparib in this context and correlate our findings with their therapeutic potential. We used a well-established direct repeat GFP (DR-GFP) reporter assay in U2OSDR-GFP and H1299DR-GFP cells and measured DNA damage repair activity upon drug treatment. Olaparib-treated U2OSDR-GFP cells showed a dramatic decrease in DNA damage repair versus veliparib irrespective of inhibitory potency. We demonstrate that this effect was a result of olaparib's strong effect on the cell cycle. Unlike in veliparib-treated U2OSDR-GFP cells, in olaparib-treated cells S-phase decreased and G2-phase increased sharply, indicating a G2-phase arrest-like state and replicative stress. This was further confirmed by upregulation of p53 and p21 and accumulation of cyclin A. Lack of the same effect in p53-null H1299DR-GFP cells suggested that olaparib's effect is p53 related, which was confirmed in p53-depleted U2OSDR-GFP and p53-null HCT116 cells. Importantly, we also demonstrate that olaparib, but not veliparib, induced a robust phosphorylation of Chk1, a crucial component of the replicative stress response pathway. Our data show olaparib and veliparib differ in their off-target effects; olaparib, unlike veliparib, mitigates DNA damage repair activity via G2 cell-cycle arrest-like effect in a p53-dependent manner. These off-target effects may add to PARPis' anticancer properties. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1645–54. ©2014 AACR.
Endoscopic Optic Nerve Decompression for Patients with Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: Is Nerve Sheath Incision Necessary?
Authors: Xu Rui , Chen Fenghong , Zuo Kejun , Ye Xingling , Yang Qintai , Shi Jianbo , Chen Hexin , Li Huabin
Published: April 2014

Objective: To evaluate the necessity of nerve sheath incision for the treatment of patients with traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) during endoscopic optic nerve decompression. Methods: Seventy-four TON patients were enrolled and subjected to endoscopic optic nerve decompression. In 31 TON patients (group A), osseous decompression and nerve sheath incision were performed, and in 43 TON patients (group B), osseous decompression alone was carried out. Visual acuity was evaluated postoperatively. Results: After surgery, visual acuity was improved in 47 of 74 patients, with a total effectiveness ratio of 63.5%. The total ratio of improvement in groups A and B was 61.2 and 65.1%, respectively, and no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). As to the patients with residual vision preoperatively, the ratio of improvement in groups A and B was 64.2 and 71.4%, respectively (p > 0.05), not favoring nerve sheath incision during endoscopic optic nerve decompression. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that during endoscopic optic nerve decompression for the treatment of TON patients, nerve sheath incision is not obligatory for the improvement of visual acuity.
Small Distal Muscles and Balance Predict Survival in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Hellberg Matthias , Wiberg Eva Maria , Simonsen Ole , Höglund Peter , Clyne Naomi
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Survival for patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) has been shown to correlate to the level of physical activity and exercise capacity. We examined whether composite measures of functional status at the start of RRT predict survival. Methods: In this retrospective study, the same physiotherapist, using a standardized battery of tests for functional status, tested 134 patients at the start of RRT. Results: At the end of the observation period, 112 patients (84%) were still alive. Age (p < 0.0001), co-morbidity (p = 0.028), hand grip strength (right: p = 0.0065; left: p = 0.0039), standing heel rise (right: p = 0.011; left: p = 0.004) and functional reach (p = 0.015) were significant predictors of survival. After adjustment for sex, age and co-morbidity, hand grip strength left (p = 0.023) was a significant predictor of survival. Conclusion: Hand grip strength, standing heel rise and functional reach at the start of RRT seem to affect survival. A 50% reduction in hand grip strength left was associated with an almost 3-fold increase in mortality. Deterioration of function in small distal muscles and balance may be early signs of uraemic myopathy. A relatively simple and clinically feasible battery of tests can help detect patients at risk.
Children with Dry Skin and Atopic Predisposition: Daily Use of Emollients in a Participant-Blinded, Randomized, Prospective Trial
Authors: Schario Marianne , Lünnemann Lena , Stroux Andrea , Reisshauer Anett , Zuberbier Torsten , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike , Garcia Bartels Natalie
Published: April 2014

Background: Dry skin reflects a skin barrier defect which can lead to atopic dermatitis. Little is known about the distinct effects of emollient use in children with dry skin and atopic predisposition. Objectives: We investigated the effects of daily application of pressed ice plant juice (PIPJ)-based emollients and petrolatum-based emollients. Methods: Children aged 2-6 years with dry skin and atopic predisposition were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 received emollients containing PIPJ and natural lipids, while group 2 received petrolatum-based emollients. Skin condition and biophysical properties of the skin barrier were assessed at inclusion and weeks 4, 12 and 16. Results: Skin condition improved significantly in all children. Comparing the groups, children treated with emollients containing PIPJ showed significantly higher stratum corneum hydration values and significantly lower transepidermal water loss values at week 16 on the forearm and forehead. A significant decrease in skin pH was noted in group 2 on the forearm and forehead; group 1 showed a stable course. Conclusion: Early intervention with emollients in children with dry skin condition and atopic predisposition may improve their skin condition during daily emollient application. PIPJ-based formulations may be helpful to maintain skin barrier integrity.