bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I Study of Anti-CD3 x Anti-Her2 Bispecific Antibody in Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Vaishampayan Ulka , Thakur Archana , Rathore Ritesh , Kouttab Nicola , Lum Lawrence G.
Published: February 2015

Background. New nontoxic targeted approaches are needed for patients with castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Our preclinical studies show that activated T cells (ATC) armed with anti-CD3 x anti-Her2 bispecific antibody (Her2Bi) kill prostate cancer cells lines, induce a Th1cytokine pattern upon engagement of tumor cells, prevent the development of prostate tumors, and retard tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. These studies provided strong rationale for our phase I dose-escalation pilot study to test ATC armed with Her2Bi (aATC) for safety in men with CRPC.Methods. Seven of 8 men with CRPC were evaluable after receiving two infusions per week for 4 weeks. The men received 2.5, 5 or 10 × 109aATC per infusion with low dose interleukin-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor.Results. There were no dose limiting toxicities, and there was 1 partial responder and 3 of 7 patients had significant decreases in their PSA levels and pain scores. Immune evaluations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 2 patients before and after immunotherapy showed increases in IFN-γEliSpot responses and Th1serum cytokines.Conclusions. These results provide a strong rationale for developing phase II trials to determine whether aATC are effective for treating CRPC.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome as Presenting Form of Very Early Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Pedraza María Isabel , Barbado Julia , Ruiz Marina , Guerrero Ángel Luis
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is an increasingly recognized clinical and radiological entity with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Its mechanism depends on failure of the blood-brain barrier due to high systemic blood pressure (BP) and loss of integrity of vascular endothelium related with different triggers.Methods. We aim to report a case of PRES induced by arterial hypertension and very early systemic sclerosis (SSc) not previously known.Results. A 64-year-old female was admitted due to 1-week pulsating headache more prominent on frontal scalp, accompanied by phonophobia, photophobia, and facial flushing. Neurological exam revealed brisk deep tendon reflex. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed subcortical lesions mainly located in posterior regions. BP was monitored and episodic arterial hypertension was detected. In laboratory tests positive anti-topoisomerase I antibodies were detected. BP was controlled with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and headache improved. In a new MRI a month later improvement of white matter lesions was observed. Capillaroscopy showed “active pattern,” considered typical of SSc.Conclusion. In SSc anti-endothelial cell antibodies impair vascular endothelium and liberation of vasoconstrictors leads to BP increasing and disruption of blood-brain barrier autoregulation mechanisms. PRES can be the first manifestation of very early SSc and this entity should be considered even in absence of skin lesions or Raynaud phenomenon.
Comparisons of Ethanol Extracts of Chinese Propolis (Poplar Type) and Poplar Gums Based on the Antioxidant Activities and Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jianglin , Cao Xueping , Ping Shun , Wang Kai , Shi Jinhu , Zhang Cuiping , Zheng Huoqing , Hu Fuliang
Published: February 2015

The biological activities of propolis are varied from plant sources and the prominent antioxidant effects of Chinese propolis (poplar type) have been extensively reported. Oxidative stress is associated with inflammation and induces many diseases. In the study, to evaluate antioxidant capacities and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of ethanol extracts of Chinese propolis (EECP) and ethanol extracts of poplar gums (EEPG), we analyzed their compositions by HPLC, evaluating their free radical scavenging activities and reducing power by chemical analysis methods. Moreover, we studied the roles of EECP and EEPG on the elimination of ROS and expressions of antioxidant genes (HO-1, TrxR1, GCLM, and GCLC) in RAW264.7 cells. We further investigated the effects of MAPKs on the antioxidant genes expression by specific inhibitors. The nucleus translocation effects of Nrf2 were also measured by confocal microscopy analysis. The results indicated that EECP had higher TPC and FDC values but regarding TFC values were not significant. EECP also possessed more contents of 11 compounds than EEPG. Both phytochemical analysis and cell experiment reflected that EECP exerted stronger antioxidant activities than EEPG. EECP and EEPG enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses by eliminating reactive oxygen species directly and activating Erk-Nrf2-HO1, GCLM, and TrxR1 signal pathways.
Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of NiMoO4 Nanorods Prepared by Microwave Sintering
Authors: de Moura Ana P. , de Oliveira Larissa H. , Rosa Ieda L. V. , Xavier Camila S. , Lisboa-Filho Paulo N. , Li Máximo S. , La Porta Felipe A. , Longo Elson , Varela José A.
Published: February 2015

We report on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of α,β‐NiMoO4 nanorods synthesized by annealing the NiMoO4:nH2O precursor at 600°C for 10 minutes in a domestic microwave. The crystalline structure properties of α,β‐NiMoO4 were investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman (FT‐Raman) spectroscopies. The particle morphologies and size distributions were identified by field emission microscopy (FE‐SEM). Experimental data were obtained by magnetization measurements for different applied magnetic fields. Optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Our results revealed that the oxygen atoms occupy different positions and are very disturbed in the lattice and exhibit a particular characteristic related to differences in the length of the chemical bonds (Ni‐O and Mo‐O) of the cluster structure or defect densities in the crystalline α,β‐NiMoO4 nanorods, which are the key to a deeper understanding of the exploitable physical and chemical properties in this study.
Myocarditis Leading to Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Dengue Fever
Authors: Tahir Hassan , Daruwalla Vistasp , Hayat Saleem
Published: February 2015

Background. Majority of dengue fever cases follow a benign self-limiting course but recently rare presentations and complications are increasingly seen due to rising burden of disease. Cardiac involvement in dengue fever with fatal outcome is a very rare complication. We report a case of 44-year-old patient who presented with symptoms of severe acute congestive heart secondary to myocarditis induced cardiomyopathy caused by dengue virus infection.Case Presentation. A 44-year-old man presented to ER with the complaints of high fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Patient was lethargic and blood pressure was low when he was brought to the ER. CXR showed cardiomegaly with pulmonary congestion and echocardiography revealed dilated left ventricle and ejection fraction of 10%. Patient condition worsened and he got admitted to the ICU because of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Despite aggressive measures, patient died on day 5.Conclusion. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of dengue myocarditis. Early recognition of acute DCM caused by dengue myocarditis is imperative in the management of dengue fever as early detection and management of cardiac failure can improve the survival of patient.
Isolated Rheumatoid Nodules: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Gale Michael , Gilbert Erin , Blumenthal David
Published: February 2015

We present a 27-year-old male with multiple nonpainful soft tissue masses over several metacarpals, bilateral elbows, the left wrist, and both knees since the age of 4. Physical exam was significant for firm, nonmobile, nodular growths over the extensor surfaces of bilateral elbows and knees and on the 2nd and 5th metacarpal phalangeal joints. Laboratory studies revealed an unremarkable rheumatoid factor, negative ANA screening and normal joint radiographs. Differential diagnosis included subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA), seronegative rheumatoid nodule, and calcinosis cutis. Biopsy is the only method to distinguish benign rheumatoid nodules from SGA. This case illustrates the importance of biopsy in diagnosis, an awareness of the potential complications, and the need for good follow-up.
Stochastic Mixed-Effects Parameters Bertalanffy Process, with Applications to Tree Crown Width Modeling
Authors: Rupšys Petras
Published: February 2015

A stochastic modeling approach based on the Bertalanffy law gained interest due to its ability to produce more accurate results than the deterministic approaches. We examine tree crown width dynamic with the Bertalanffy type stochastic differential equation (SDE) and mixed-effects parameters. In this study, we demonstrate how this simple model can be used to calculate predictions of crown width. We propose a parameter estimation method and computational guidelines. The primary goal of the study was to estimate the parameters by considering discrete sampling of the diameter at breast height and crown width and by using maximum likelihood procedure. Performance statistics for the crown width equation include statistical indexes and analysis of residuals. We use data provided by the Lithuanian National Forest Inventory from Scots pine trees to illustrate issues of our modeling technique. Comparison of the predicted crown width values of mixed-effects parameters model with those obtained using fixed-effects parameters model demonstrates the predictive power of the stochastic differential equations model with mixed-effects parameters. All results were implemented in a symbolic algebra system MAPLE.
Effect ofLactobacillus plantarumStrain K21 on High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese Mice
Authors: Wu Chien-Chen , Weng Wei-Lien , Lai Wen-Lin , Tsai Hui-Ping , Liu Wei-Hsien , Lee Meng-Hwan , Tsai Ying-Chieh
Published: February 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of specific probiotics on alleviating obesity-related disorders. Here we aimed to identify probiotics with potential antiobesity activity among 88 lactic acid bacterial strains viain vitroscreening assays, and aLactobacillus plantarumstrain K21 was found to harbor abilities required for hydrolyzing bile salt, reducing cholesterol, and inhibiting the accumulation of lipid in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Furthermore, effects of K21 on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were examined. Male C57Bl/6J mice received a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD with K21 administration (109 CFU in 0.2 mL PBS/day) for eight weeks. Supplementation of K21, but not placebo, appeared to alleviate body weight gain and epididymal fat mass accumulation, reduce plasma leptin levels, decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and mitigate liver damage in DIO mice. Moreover, the hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) related to adipogenesis was significantly downregulated in DIO mice by K21 intervention. We also found that K21 supplementation strengthens intestinal permeability and modulates the amount ofLactobacillusspp.,Bifidobacteriumspp., andClostridium perfringensin the cecal contents of DIO mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary intake of K21 protects against the onset of HFD-induced obesity through multiple mechanisms of action.
New Stability Analysis for Linear Systems with Time-Varying Delay Based on Combined Convex Technique
Authors: Yang Bin , Fan Chen-xin
Published: February 2015

A novel combined convex method is developed for the stability of linear systems with a time-varying delay. A new delay-dependent stability condition expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is derived by employing a dedicated constructed Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF), utilizing the Wirtinger inequality and the reciprocally convex approach to handle the integral term of quadratic quantities. Different from the previous convex techniques which only tackle the time-varying delay, our method adopts the idea of combined convex technique which can tackle not only the delay but also the delay variation. Four well-known examples are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
A Rare Cause of Acute Dysphagia: Abscess of the Base of the Tongue
Authors: Ozgur Gulsum Teke , Akdogan Mehmet Volkan , Unler Gulhan Kanat , Gokturk Huseyin Savas
Published: February 2015

Dysphagia represents a difficulty in passage of solid or liquid foods from the oral cavity into the stomach and is considered as an alarm symptom of gastrointestinal system. It often indicates an organic disease and needs to be explained. In this paper, a case of 61-year-old man with posterior tongue abscess is presented.
Developing Optimal Reservoir Operation for Multiple and Multipurpose Reservoirs Using Mathematical Programming
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Othman Faridah , Qaderi Kourosh
Published: February 2015

Over the last decades, the increasing water demand has caused a number of problems, to which reservoir operation optimization has been suggested as one of the best solutions. In this research, a model based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP) technique is developed for the systematic operation of multireservoirs that are used to cater for the different needs of the Tehran-Karaj plain. These reservoirs include Laar, Latian, and Karaj dams. The system configuration was accomplished through the nodes and arcs of the network flow model approach and system component implementation including sources, consumption, junctions, and the physical and hydraulic relationship between them. The following were performed via comprehensive developed software: system configuration, objective function and constraints formulation, linearization, determining penalty values, and setting priorities for each node and arc in the system. A comparison between the MILP developed model’s results against the periodic data shows 21.7% less overflow, 11.6% more outflow, and 15.9% more reservoir storage, respectively. The outcome of the MILP-based modeling indicates superior performance to the historical period.
Drying Characteristics and Model of Chinese Hawthorn Using Microwave Coupled with Hot Air
Authors: Yu Hai-Ming , Zuo Chun-Cheng , Xie Qiu-Ju
Published: February 2015

Microwave coupled with hot air drying kinetics and characteristics of hawthorn slices at different drying hot air temperatures, hot air velocities, and microwave power densities was investigated. The research results showed that drying occurred mainly in the falling rate period and in the accelerating period. Twelve mathematical models were selected to describe and compare the drying kinetics of hawthorn slices. By comparing three criterions including correlation coefficient, chi-square, and root mean square error, we determined that Weibull distribution model obtained the best fit and could best predict the experimental values. Consequently, Weibull distribution model could be used to aid dryer design and promote the efficiency of dryer operation by simulation and optimization of the drying processes. Moisture transfer from hawthorn slice was described by applying Fick’s second law and the effective diffusivity values were calculated by simplified Fick’s second law. The variable law of effective diffusivity values was consistent with the variable law of moisture ratio.
Low EffortLiNuclear Fusion Plasma Control Using Model Predictive Control Laws
Authors: Garrido Izaskun , Garrido Aitor J. , Romero Jesús A. , Carrascal Edorta , Sevillano-Berasategui Goretti , Barambones Oscar
Published: February 2015

One of the main problems of fusion energy is to achieve longer pulse duration by avoiding the premature reaction decay due to plasma instabilities. The control of the plasma inductance arises as an essential tool for the successful operation of tokamak fusion reactors in order to overcome stability issues as well as the new challenges specific to advanced scenarios operation. In this sense, given that advanced tokamaks will suffer from limited power available from noninductive current drive actuators, the transformer primary coil could assist in reducing the power requirements of the noninductive current drive sources needed for current profile control. Therefore, tokamak operation may benefit from advanced control laws beyond the traditionally used PID schemes by reducing instabilities while guaranteeing the tokamak integrity. In this paper, a novel model predictive control (MPC) scheme has been developed and successfully employed to optimize both current and internal inductance of the plasma, which influences the L-H transition timing, the density peaking, and pedestal pressure. Results show that the internal inductance and current profiles can be adequately controlled while maintaining the minimal control action required in tokamak operation.
Research on Charging Combination Based on Batch Weight Fit Rule for Energy Saving in Forging
Authors: Baiqing Zhu , Haixing Lu , Yifei Tong , Dongbo Li , Yong Xia
Published: February 2015

As a traditional high energy-consuming industry, the forging industry consumes a lot of energy. The activity consuming the highest energy during forging process is the heating. The problem regarding how to separate workpieces with the same holding temperature and holding time and combine them for charging in forging was analyzed and a model based on batch weight fit rule for optimizing the charging combination with the goal of energy saving was proposed. A genetic algorithm was adopted to optimize and solve the model in order to reduce energy consumption in forging. In addition, an instance was given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology ofOlea europaea(Olive)
Authors: Hashmi Muhammad Ali , Khan Afsar , Hanif Muhammad , Farooq Umar , Perveen Shagufta
Published: February 2015

Aim of the Review.To grasp the fragmented information available on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology ofOlea europaeato explore its therapeutic potential and future research opportunities.Material and Methods.All the available information onO. europaeawas collected via electronic search (using Pubmed, Scirus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) and a library search.Results.Ethnomedical uses ofO. europaeaare recorded throughout the world where it has been used to treat various ailments. Phytochemical research had led to the isolation of flavonoids, secoiridoids, iridoids, flavanones, biophenols, triterpenes, benzoic acid derivatives, isochromans, and other classes of secondary metabolites fromO. europaea. The plant materials and isolated components have shown a wide spectrum ofin vitroandin vivopharmacological activities like antidiabetic, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihypertensive, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antinociceptive, gastroprotective, and wound healing activities.Conclusions. O. europaeaemerged as a good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The outcomes of phytochemical and pharmacological studies reported in this review will further expand its existing therapeutic potential and provide a convincing support to its future clinical use in modern medicine.
Clostridium butyricumCombined withBifidobacterium infantisProbiotic Mixture Restores Fecal Microbiota and Attenuates Systemic Inflammation in Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Ling Zongxin , Liu Xia , Cheng Yiwen , Luo Yueqiu , Yuan Li , Li Lanjuan , Xiang Charlie
Published: February 2015

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is one of the most common complications of most types of antibiotics. Our aim was to determine the efficacy ofClostridium butyricum,Bifidobacterium infantis, and their mixture for AAD treatment in mice. AAD models were administered with single probiotic strain and probiotic mixture for short term and long term to evaluate the changes of the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota, histopathology of the colon, and the systemic inflammation. Our data indicated that long-term probiotic therapy, but not short-term course, exerted beneficial effects on the restoration of the intestinal microbiota, the recovery of the tissue architecture, and attenuation of systemic inflammation. All predominant fecal bacteria reached normal level after the long-term probiotic mixture treatment, while IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-αalso returned to normal level. However, the efficacy for AAD was time dependent and probiotic strain specific. Short-term administration of probiotic strains or mixture showed no apparent positive effects for AAD. In addition, the beneficial effects ofC. butyricumcombined withB. infantisprobiotic mixture were superior to their single strain. This research showed that supplementation withC. butyricumcombined withB. infantisprobiotic mixture may be a simple and effective method for AAD treatment.
Increased Levels of Soluble ST2 in Patients with Active Newly Diagnosed ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Hladinova Z. , Hruskova Z. , Svobodova B. , Malickova K. , Lanska V. , Konopásek P. , Jancova E. , Rysava R. , Edelstein C. L. , Tesar V.
Published: February 2015

Objective. ST2, a member of the interleukin‐1 receptor family, is selectively expressed on Th2 cells and mediates important Th2 functions. IL‐33 is a specific ligand of ST2. The aim of the study was to determine whether serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) or IL‐33 predict activity of the disease in patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitides (AAV). Methods. 139 AAV patients and 62 controls were studied. IL‐33 and sST2 in the blood were measured with a commercially available ELISA. Results. Newly diagnosed AAV patients had higher sST2 levels than controls (P < 0.01). Levels of sST2 were significantly higher in active newly diagnosed AAV patients than in patients with remission (P < 0.001). IL‐33 levels were higher in AAV patients than in the control groups (P = 0.002). However, serum IL‐33 levels were not increased in patients with active AAV compared to patients in remission. IL‐33 levels were higher in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis than in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (P = 0.012). Conclusions. Serum sST2, but not serum IL‐33, may be a marker of activity in AAV patients.
Evaluated Excited-State Time-Independent Correlation Function and Eigenfunction of the Harmonics Oscillator Cosine Asymmetric Potential via Numerical Shooting Method
Authors: Hutem Artit , Moonsri Piyarut
Published: February 2015

We aimed to evaluate the ground-state and excite-state energy eigenvalue (En), wave function, and the time-independent correlation function of the atomic density fluctuation of a particle under the harmonics oscillator Cosine asymmetric potential (Saad et al. 2013). Instead of using the 6-point kernel of 4 Green’s function (Cherroret and Skipetrov, 2008), averaged over disorder, we use the numerical shooting method (NSM) to solve the Schrödinger equation of quantum mechanics system with Cosine asymmetric potential. Since our approach does not use complicated formulas, it requires much less computational effort when compared to the Green functions techniques (Cherroret and Skipetrov, 2008). We show that the idea of the program of evaluating time-independent correlation function of atomic density is underdamped motion for the Cosine asymmetric potential from the numerical shooting method of this problem. Comparison of the time-independent correlation function obtained from numerical shooting method by Boonchui and Hutem (2012) and correlation function experiment by Kasprzak et al. (2008). We show the intensity of atomic density fluctuation (δn(x)=n~(x)-m~(x)) in harmonics oscillator Cosine asymmetric potential by numerical shooting method.
Comparison of the Proseal, Supreme, and I‐Gel SAD in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgeries
Authors: Mukadder Sanli , Zekine Begec , Erdogan Kayhan Gulay , Ulku Ozgul , Muharrem Ucar , Saim Yologlu , Mahmut Durmus
Published: February 2015

We compared proseal, supreme, and i‐gel supraglottic airway devices in terms of oropharyngeal leak pressures and airway morbidities in gynecological laparoscopic surgeries. One hundred and five patients undergoing elective surgery were subjected to general anesthesia after which they were randomly distributed into three groups. Although the oropharyngeal leak pressure was lower in the i‐gel group initially (mean ± standard deviation; 23.9 ± 2.4, 24.9 ± 2.9, and 20.9 ± 3.5, resp.), it was higher than the proseal group and supreme group at 30 min of surgery after the trendelenburg position (25.0 ± 2.3, 25.0 ± 1.9, and 28.3 ± 2.3, resp.) and at the 60 min of surgery (24.2 ± 2.1, 24.8 ± 2.2, and 29.5 ± 1.1, resp.). The time to apply the supraglottic airway devices was shorter in the i‐gel group (12.2 (1.2), 12.9 (1.0), and 6.7 (1.2), resp., P = 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of their fiber optic imaging levels. pH was measured at the anterior and posterior surfaces of the pharyngeal region after the supraglottic airway devices were removed; the lowest pH values were 5 in all groups. We concluded that initial oropharyngeal leak pressures obtained by i‐gel were lower than proseal and supreme, but increased oropharyngeal leak pressures over time, ease of placement, and lower airway morbidity are favorable for i‐gel.
Strategic Conditions for Opening an Internet Store and Pricing Policies in a Retailer-Dominant Supply Chain
Authors: Cheng Yonghong , Xiong Zhongkai
Published: February 2015

To examine when the manufacturer and dominant retailer open their own Internet stores and how setting prices to ensure opening Internet stores are profitable. We consider a two-echelon supply chain with one manufacturer and one dominant retailer. The retailer has a physical store in a monopolist market. Depending on whether the Internet stores are opened successfully by them, we firstly obtain equilibrium prices and profits under four possible supply chain structures. Secondly, we identify several strategic conditions when it is optimal to open an Internet store for the manufacturer and dominant retailer and discuss its implications. It is interesting to note that multichannel retailing is not necessarily the best strategy for the dominant retailer. In addition, we investigate the impacts of problem parameters (the dominant retailer’s bargaining power and consumers’ disutility of purchasing a product from Internet store) on the manufacturer and dominant retailer’s pricing policies. We find that the manufacturer’s optimal price at her Internet store is not always being lower than the dominant retailer’s. Finally, we conduct numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical results.
Minimization of Delay and Travel Time of Yard Trucks in Container Terminals Using an Improved GA with Guidance Search
Authors: Wang Z. X. , Chan Felix T. S. , Chung S. H. , Niu Ben
Published: February 2015

Yard truck scheduling and storage allocation problems (YTS-SAP) are two important issues that influence the efficiency of a container terminal. These two problems aim to determine the routing of trucks and proper storage locations for discharging containers from incoming vessels. This paper integrates YTS and SAP as a whole and tries to minimize the weighted summation of total delay and total yard trucks travel time. A genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to deal with the problem. In the proposed GA, guidance mutation approach and exhaustive heuristic for local searching are used in order to force the GA to converge faster and be steadier. To test the performance of the proposed GA, both small scale and large scale cases are studied. The results of these cases are compared with CPLEX for the small scale cases. Since this problem is an NP-hard problem, which CPLEX cannot solve, a simple GA is studied for comparison in large scale cases. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed GA can obtain near optimal solutions in much shorter computational time for small scale cases. In addition, the proposed GA can obtain better results than other methods in reasonable time for large scale cases.
Robust Optimization of Fourth Party Logistics Network Design under Disruptions
Authors: Li Jia , Liu Yanqiu , Zhang Ying , Hu Zhongjun
Published: February 2015

The Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) network faces disruptions of various sorts under the dynamic and complex environment. In order to explore the robustness of the network, the 4PL network design with consideration of random disruptions is studied. The purpose of the research is to construct a 4PL network that can provide satisfactory service to customers at a lower cost when disruptions strike. Based on the definition ofβ-robustness, a robust optimization model of 4PL network design under disruptions is established. Based on the NP-hard characteristic of the problem, the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) and the genetic algorithm (GA) are developed. The effectiveness of the algorithms is tested and compared by simulation examples. By comparing the optimal solutions of the 4PL network for different robustness level, it is indicated that the robust optimization model can evade the market risks effectively and save the cost in the maximum limit when it is applied to 4PL network design.
Fabrication and Characterization of a W-Band Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antenna-Coupled Niobium Microbolometer
Authors: Abdel-Rahman M. , Saleem M. Kamran , Al-Khalli Najeeb , Debbar Nacer , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Sebak Abdelrazik
Published: February 2015

We report on the fabrication and characterization of a novel antenna-coupled detector configuration for detection at 94 GHz, a coplanar waveguide- (CPW-) fed, slot-excited twin dielectric resonator antenna- (DRA-) coupled niobium (Nb) microbolometer. The antenna is based on two low permittivity cylindrical dielectric resonators (CDRs) excited by rectangular slots placed below the CDRs. The antenna resonant currents are fed to an Nb microbolometer by the means of a CPW feed. The ceramic DRA structure is manufactured using a novel fabrication process that enables patterning an SU-8–Alumina (Al2O3) nanopowder composite using conventional photolithography. The detector measured a voltage responsivity of 0.181 V/W at a modulation frequency of 150 Hz. The detector measured a time constant of 1.94 μs. The antenna radiation pattern of the developed detector configuration was measured and shows a good agreement with the simulation.
Management of an Intruded Tooth and Adjacent Tooth Showing External Resorption as a Late Complication of Dental Injury: Three-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Şermet Elbay Ülkü , Elbay Mesut , Kaya Emine , Sinanoglu Alper
Published: February 2015

Treatment and prognosis of intrusive luxation can vary depending on the age of the patient, type of dentition, stage of root development, and time and severity of the trauma. Some studies have demonstrated that intrusions of up to 3.0 mm have an excellent prognosis, whereas teeth with severe intrusion or teeth that are intruded more than 6.0 mm present an unfavorable prognosis because of the occurrence of inflammatory resorption and pulp necrosis. The aim of this case report is to present an 11-year-old male patient with complete intrusion of the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor, associated with the adjacent central tooth presenting external resorption, treated by immediate surgical repositioning and root canal treatment with a favorable prognosis. After long-term (3-year) clinical and radiographic follow-up, the teeth appeared normal and the patient was pleased with the outcome.
Analytical Solutions for Systems of Singular Partial Differential-Algebraic Equations
Authors: Filobello-Nino U. , Vazquez-Leal H. , Benhammouda B. , Perez-Sesma A. , Jimenez-Fernandez V. M. , Cervantes-Perez J. , Sarmiento-Reyes A. , Huerta-Chua J. , Morales-Mendoza L. J. , Gonzalez-Lee M. , Diaz-Sanchez A. , Pereyra-Díaz D. , López-Martínez R.
Published: February 2015

This paper proposes power series method (PSM) in order to find solutions for singular partial differential-algebraic equations (SPDAEs). We will solve three examples to show that PSM method can be used to search for analytical solutions of SPDAEs. What is more, we will see that, in some cases, Padé posttreatment, besides enlarging the domain of convergence, may be employed in order to get the exact solution from the truncated series solutions of PSM.
Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma: An Incidental Finding at the Time of Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
Authors: Vaughan Monique Hiersoux , Modesitt Susan C. , Mo Yunchuan , Trowbridge Elisa R.
Published: February 2015

Background.Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is a precursor lesion for high-grade pelvic serous carcinoma. The incidence of STIC is estimated to occur in 0.6% to 6% of women who are BRCA positive or have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.Case.A 56-year-old woman underwent robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy, rectocele repair, and concurrent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for recurrent stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse and reported family history of ovarian cancer. Histopathologic examination of her left fallopian tube revealed STIC.Conclusion.We report this rare occurrence of STIC in a patient undergoing surgery primarily for pelvic organ prolapse and having a family history of ovarian cancer. Possible management options include observation with annual physical exam and CA-125, surgical staging, or empiric chemotherapy. However, due to the lack of consensus regarding management options, referral to a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.
Volumetric Behavior of Binary Mixtures of Alkoxyethanols and Some Selected Amines at 298.15 K
Authors: Kemeakegha Ayasen Jermaine , Cookey Grace Agbizu , Izonfuo Welford-Abbey Lolo
Published: February 2015

Densities of binary mixtures of 2-methoxyethanol (2-MeO-EtOH) and 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EtO-EtOH) with hexylamine (HLA), diethylamine (DEA), triethylamine (TEA), tert-butylamine (TBA), aniline (ANL), and benzylamine (BLA) have been determined at varying compositions of the alkoxyalkanols at 298.15 K. The excess molar volumes, VE, of the binary mixtures were calculated from the experimental density data of the mixtures and the component single solvents. The calculated excess molar volumes were fitted into the Redlich-Kister polynomial to obtain the fitting coefficients and standard deviations. The excess molar volumes of the binary mixtures of all the solvent systems investigated were negative over the entire range of the solvents composition. The negative values were attributed to stronger hydrogen bond formations between the unlike molecules of mixtures than those between the like molecules of the pure components. The magnitude of the excess molar volumes of the binary mixtures of 2-methoxyethanol and the aliphatic amines were in the order TBA > TEA > DEA > HEA. For the two aromatic amines, the magnitudes were in the order BLA > ANL. For binary mixtures of the amines and 2-ethoxyethanol, the magnitudes were in the order DEA > TEA > TBA > HEA at compositions where the mole fraction of 2-EtO-EtOH was ≤0.5 and TBA > TEA > DEA > HEA above 0.5 mole fraction of 2-EtO-EtOH.
UP3005, a Botanical Composition Containing Two Standardized Extracts ofUncaria gambirandMorus alba, Improves Pain Sensitivity and Cartilage Degradations in Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Rat OA Disease Model
Authors: Yimam Mesfin , Lee Young-Chul , Kim Tae-Woo , Moore Breanna , Jiao Ping , Hong Mei , Kim Hyun-Jin , Nam Jeong-Bum , Kim Mi-Ran , Oh Jin-Sun , Cleveland Sabrina , Hyun Eu-Jin , Chu Min , Jia Qi
Published: February 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease primarily noted by cartilage degradation in association with inflammation that causes significant morbidity, joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Present-day management of OA is inadequate due to the lack of principal therapies proven to be effective in hindering disease progression where symptomatic therapy focused approach masks the actual etiology leading to irreversible damage. Here, we describe the effect of UP3005, a composition containing a proprietary blend of two standardized extracts from the leaf ofUncaria gambirand the root bark ofMorus alba, in maintaining joint structural integrity and alleviating OA associated symptoms in monosodium-iodoacetate- (MIA-) induced rat OA disease model. Pain sensitivity, micro-CT, histopathology, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) level analysis were conducted. Diclofenac at 10 mg/kg was used as a reference compound. UP3005 resulted in almost a complete inhibition in proteoglycans degradation, reductions of 16.6% (week 4), 40.5% (week 5), and 22.0% (week 6) in pain sensitivity, statistically significant improvements in articular cartilage matrix integrity, minimal visual subchondral bone damage, and statistically significant increase in bone mineral density when compared to the vehicle control with MIA. Therefore, UP3005 could potentially be considered as an alternative therapy from natural sources for the treatment of OA and/or its associated symptoms.
Lung Cancer Prediction Using Neural Network Ensemble with Histogram of Oriented Gradient Genomic Features
Authors: Adetiba Emmanuel , Olugbara Oludayo O.
Published: February 2015

This paper reports an experimental comparison of artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) ensembles and their “nonensemble” variants for lung cancer prediction. These machine learning classifiers were trained to predict lung cancer using samples of patient nucleotides with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene, and tumor suppressor p53 genomes collected as biomarkers from the IGDB.NSCLC corpus. The Voss DNA encoding was used to map the nucleotide sequences of mutated and normal genomes to obtain the equivalent numerical genomic sequences for training the selected classifiers. The histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) and local binary pattern (LBP) state‐of‐the‐art feature extraction schemes were applied to extract representative genomic features from the encoded sequences of nucleotides. The ANN ensemble and HOG best fit the training dataset of this study with an accuracy of 95.90% and mean square error of 0.0159. The result of the ANN ensemble and HOG genomic features is promising for automated screening and early detection of lung cancer. This will hopefully assist pathologists in administering targeted molecular therapy and offering counsel to early stage lung cancer patients and persons in at risk populations.
A Study of Depression and Quality of Life in Patients of Lichen Planus
Authors: Sawant Neena S. , Vanjari Nakul A. , Khopkar Uday , Adulkar Satish
Published: February 2015

The precise cause of lichen planus is unknown, but the disease seems to be immunologically mediated. It is a psychocutaneous disorder. Due to scarcity of Indian studies in this field, we decided to study in patients of lichen planus the prevalence of depression and quality of life with comparison of the same in both the genders. Patients diagnosed as having lichen planus by consultant dermatologist were enrolled after informed consent and ethics approval. 45 patients were screened, of which 35 who satisfied the criteria were taken up for the study. A semistructured proforma was designed to collect the necessary information with administration of dermatology life quality index and Beck’s depression inventory. While 25% were depressed with females being more affected than males, quality of life was impaired in more than 90% patients. Impairment was maximum due to symptoms and illness feelings, disturbed daily activities, or work and time consumption in treatment. There was a strong association between depression and impairment in quality of life in both the genders. This study helps in early identification of psychological problems in lichen planus patients and in planning their future course of management, hence reducing the lack of productivity and improving the prognosis and quality of life.
Analysis of Unsteady Axisymmetric Squeezing Fluid Flow with Slip and No-Slip Boundaries Using OHAM
Authors: Qayyum Mubashir , Khan Hamid , Rahim M. Tariq , Ullah Inayat
Published: February 2015

In this manuscript, An unsteady axisymmetric flow of nonconducting, Newtonian fluid squeezed between two circular plates is studied with slip and no-slip boundaries. Using similarity transformation, the system of nonlinear partial differential equations is reduced to a single fourth order ordinary differential equation. The resulting boundary value problems are solved by optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) and fourth order explicit Runge-Kutta method (RK4). It is observed that the results obtained from OHAM are in good agreement with numerical results by means of residuals. Furthermore, the effects of various dimensionless parameters on the velocity profiles are investigated graphically.
Modeling of Energy Demand in the Greenhouse Using PSO-GA Hybrid Algorithms
Authors: Chen Jiaoliao , Zhao Jiangwu , Xu Fang , Hu Haigen , Ai QingLin , Yang Jiangxin
Published: February 2015

Modeling of energy demand in agricultural greenhouse is very important to maintain optimum inside environment for plant growth and energy consumption decreasing. This paper deals with the identification parameters for physical model of energy demand in the greenhouse using hybrid particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms technique (HPSO-GA). HPSO-GA is developed to estimate the indistinct internal parameters of greenhouse energy model, which is built based on thermal balance. Experiments were conducted to measure environment and energy parameters in a cooling greenhouse with surface water source heat pump system, which is located in mid-east China. System identification experiments identify model parameters using HPSO-GA such as inertias and heat transfer constants. The performance of HPSO-GA on the parameter estimation is better than GA and PSO. This algorithm can improve the classification accuracy while speeding up the convergence process and can avoid premature convergence. System identification results prove that HPSO-GA is reliable in solving parameter estimation problems for modeling the energy demand in the greenhouse.
Analytical Modelling of High Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules Based on Atmospheric Parameters
Authors: Fernández Eduardo F. , Almonacid F. , Mallick T. K. , Pérez-Higueras P.
Published: February 2015

The goal of this paper is to introduce a model to predict the maximum power of a high concentrator photovoltaic module. The model is based on simple mathematical expressions and atmospheric parameters. The maximum power of a HCPV module is estimated as a function of direct normal irradiance, cell temperature, and two spectral corrections based on air mass and aerosol optical depth. In order to check the quality of the model, a HCPV module was measured during one year at a wide range of operating conditions. The new proposed model shows an adequate match between actual and estimated data with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.67%, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.23 W, a mean bias error (MBE) of around 0%, and a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99.
Hybrid Moments of the Riemann Zeta-Function
Authors: Ivić Aleksandar
Published: February 2015

The “hybrid” moments ∫T2Tζ1/2+itk∫t-Gt+Gζ1/2+ixldxmdt  Tε≪G=GT≪T of the Riemann zeta-function ζs on the critical line Res=1/2 are studied. The expected upper bound for the above expression is Oε(T1+εGm). This is shown to be true for certain specific values of k,l,m∈N, and the explicitly determined range of G=G(T;k,l,m). The application to a mean square bound for the Mellin transform function of ζ1/2+ix4 is given.
Resveratrol Prevents Cardiovascular Complications in the SHR/STZ Rat by Reductions in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Vella Rebecca K. , Pullen Candice , Coulson Fiona R. , Fenning Andrew S.
Published: February 2015

The cardioprotective effects of resveratrol are well established in animal models of metabolic disease but are yet to be investigated in a combined model of hypertension and diabetes. This study investigated the ability of resveratrol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to prevent cardiovascular complications in the spontaneously hypertensive streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Diabetes was induced in eight-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats via a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Following this, resveratrol was administered orally for an eight-week period until the animals were sixteen weeks of age. Upon completion of the treatment regime assessments of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and cardiovascular function were made. Resveratrol administration to hypertensive-diabetic animals did not impact upon blood glucose or haemodynamics but significantly reduced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines. Reductions in systemic levels of oxidative stress and inflammation conferred improvements in vascular reactivity and left ventricular pump function and electrophysiology. This study demonstrates that resveratrol administration to hypertensive diabetic animals can elicit cardioprotective properties via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The observed preservation of cardiovascular function was independent of changes in blood glucose concentration and haemodynamics, suggesting that oxidative stress and inflammation are key components within the pathological cascade associated with hypertension and diabetes.
Appliance Recognition in an OSGi-Based Home Energy Management Gateway
Authors: Paganelli Federica , Paradiso Francesca , Turchi Stefano , Luchetta Antonio , Castrogiovanni Pino , Giuli Dino
Published: February 2015

The rational use and management of energy is considered a key societal and technological challenge. Home energy management systems (HEMS) have been introduced especially in private home domains to support users in managing and controlling energy consuming devices. Recent studies have shown that informing users about their habits with appliances as well as their usage pattern can help to achieve energy reduction in private households. This requires instruments able to monitor energy consumption at fine grain level and provide this information to consumers. While the most existing approaches for load disaggregation and classification require high-frequency monitoring data, in this paper we propose an approach that exploits low-frequency monitoring data gathered by meters (i.e., Smart Plugs) displaced in the home. Moreover, while the most existing works dealing with appliance classification delegate the classification task to a remote central server, we propose a distributed approach where data processing and appliance recognition are performed locally in the Home Gateway. Our approach is based on a distributed load monitoring system made of Smart Plugs attached to devices and connected to a Home Gateway via the ZigBee protocol. The Home Gateway is based on the OSGi platform, collects data from home devices, and hosts both data processing and user interaction logic.
Symmetry Properties of Reciprocity Relations and Conditions for Minimum Entropy Production Law (In)validity
Authors: Štrunc Marian , Kheilová Milena
Published: February 2015

Consequences of symmetry properties of the phenomenological kinetic coefficients in Onsager-Casimir reciprocity relations for the minimum entropy production law validity are studied. The usually accepted symmetry requirement of the all cross kinetic coefficients for the validity of this law is found to be too strict.