bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Family of Traub-Steffensen-Type Methods for Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Sharma Janak Raj , Gupta Puneet
Published: July 2014

Based on Traub-Steffensen method, we present a derivative free three-step family of sixth-order methods for solving systems of nonlinear equations. The local convergence order of the family is determined using first-order divided difference operator for functions of several variables and direct computation by Taylor's expansion. Computational efficiency is discussed, and a comparison between the efficiencies of the proposed techniques with the existing ones is made. Numerical tests are performed to compare the methods of the proposed family with the existing methods and to confirm the theoretical results. It is shown that the new family is especially efficient in solving large systems.
Thalamic Lesions: A Radiological Review
Authors: Renard Dimitri , Castelnovo Giovanni , Campello Chantal , Bouly Stephane , Le Floch Anne , Thouvenot Eric , Waconge Anne , Taieb Guillaume
Published: July 2014

Background. Thalamic lesions are seen in a multitude of disorders including vascular diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, trauma, tumours, and infections. In some diseases, thalamic involvement is typical and sometimes isolated, while in other diseases thalamic lesions are observed only occasionally (often in the presence of other typical extrathalamic lesions).Summary. In this review, we will mainly discuss the MRI characteristics of thalamic lesions. Identification of the origin of the thalamic lesion depends on the exact localisation inside the thalamus, the presence of extrathalamic lesions, the signal changes on different MRI sequences, the evolution of the radiological abnormalities over time, the history and clinical state of the patient, and other radiological and nonradiological examinations.
A P‐Based Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm for Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Niu Yunyun , He Juanjuan , Wang Zhongyu , Xiao Jianhua
Published: July 2014

The ability to solve optimization problems using membrane algorithms is an important application of membrane computing. This work combines membrane systems and genetic operators to build an approximated algorithm for the vehicle routing problem with time windows. The algorithm is based on a tissue‐like membrane structure combined with cell separation rules and communication rules; during such processes membranes collect and disperse information. Genetic operators are used as the system′s subalgorithms. We also design a special improvement strategy to speed up the search process in subsystems. The experimental results show that the solution quality from the proposed algorithm is competitive with other heuristic or metaheuristic algorithms in the literature.
Primary Angiosarcoma of the Spleen: An Oncological Enigma
Authors: Despoina Myoteri , Dionysios Dellaportas , Georgios Ayiomamitis , Konstantinos Strigklis , Efstratios Kouroumpas , Adamantia Zizi-Sermpetzoglou
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Primary splenic angiosarcoma is an extremely unusual neoplasm originating from sinusoidal vascular endothelium. Surgical extirpation is the mainstay of treatment of this highly malignant disease.Case Presentation. An 82-year-old woman was admitted with left pleural effusion and a palpable left upper quadrant abdominal mass, secondary to splenomegaly by two large splenic tumors. Classic open splenectomy was performed and angiosarcoma of the spleen was the final histopathological diagnosis, which was primary since no other disease site was revealed.Discussion. The incidence of the disease is 0.14–0.23 cases per million, with slight male predominance. Etiology is not established and clinical presentation may confuse even experienced physicians. Imaging modalities cannot differentiate the lesion from other vascular splenic neoplasms and the correct diagnosis is mainly set after histopathological examination of the resected spleen. As with other sarcomas, surgery is the only curative approach, while chemo- and radiotherapy have poor results. Prognosis remains dismal.
Does B Cell Receptor Signaling in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Cells Differ from That in Other B Cell Types?
Authors: Slupsky Joseph R.
Published: July 2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is an incurable malignancy of mature B cells. CLL is important clinically in Western countries because of its commonality and because of the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the progressive form of this incurable disease. The B cell receptor (BCR) expressed on the malignant cells in CLL contributes to disease pathogenesis by providing signals for survival and proliferation, and the signal transduction pathway initiated by engagement of this receptor is now the target of several therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to outline current understanding of the BCR signal cascade in normal B cells and then question whether this understanding applies to CLL cells. In particular, this review studies the phenomenon of anergy in CLL cells, and whether certain adaptations allow the cells to overcome anergy and allow full BCR signaling to take place. Finally, this review analyzes how BCR signals can be therapeutically targeted for the treatment of CLL.
Analytical BPS Maxwell-Higgs Vortices
Authors: Casana R. , Ferreira M. M. , da Hora E. , dos Santos C.
Published: July 2014

We have established a prescription for the calculation of analytical vortex solutions in the context of generalized Maxwell-Higgs models whose overall dynamics is controlled by two positive functions of the scalar field, namely,fϕandwϕ. We have also determined a natural constraint between these functions and the Higgs potentialUϕ, allowing the existence of axially symmetric Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield (BPS) solutions possessing finite energy. Furthermore, when the generalizing functions are chosen suitably, the nonstandard BPS equations can be solved exactly. We have studied some examples, comparing them with the usual Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen (ANO) solution. The overall conclusion is that the analytical self-dual vortices are well-behaved in all relevant sectors, strongly supporting the consistency of the respective generalized models. In particular, our results mimic well-known properties of the usual (numerical) configurations, as localized energy density, while contributing to the understanding of topological solitons and their description by means of analytical methods.
Implications of Heterogeneity in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: de Mel Sanjay , Lim Su Hong , Tung Moon Ley , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: July 2014

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the world. Despite improvement in outcome, the disease is still incurable for most patients. However, not all myeloma are the same. With the same treatment, some patients can have very long survival whereas others can have very short survival. This suggests that there is underlying heterogeneity in myeloma. Studies over the years have revealed multiple layers of heterogeneity. First, clinical parameters such as age and tumor burden could significantly affect outcome. At the genetic level, there are also significant heterogeneity ranging for chromosome numbers, genetic translocations, and genetic mutations. At the clonal level, there appears to be significant clonal heterogeneity with multiple clones coexisting in the same patient. At the cell differentiation level, there appears to be a hierarchy of clonally related cells that have different clonogenic potential and sensitivity to therapies. These levels of complexities present challenges in terms of treatment and prognostication as well as monitoring of treatment. However, if we can clearly delineate and dissect this heterogeneity, we may also be presented with unique opportunities for precision and personalized treatment of myeloma. Some proof of concepts of such approaches has been demonstrated.
CD8+T Cell-Mediated Immunity duringTrypanosoma cruziInfection: A Path for Vaccine Development?
Authors: dos Santos Virgilio Fernando , Pontes Camila , Dominguez Mariana Ribeiro , Ersching Jonatan , Rodrigues Mauricio Martins , Vasconcelos José Ronnie
Published: July 2014

MHC-restrictedCD8+T cells are important during infection with the intracellular protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Experimental studies performed in the past 25 years have elucidated a number of features related to the immune response mediated by these T cells, which are important for establishing the parasite/host equilibrium leading to chronic infection.CD8+T cells are specific for highly immunodominant antigens expressed by members of thetrans-sialidase family. After infection, their activation is delayed, and the cells display a high proliferative activity associated with high apoptotic rates. Although they participate in parasite control and elimination, they are unable to clear the infection due to their low fitness, allowing the parasite to establish the chronic phase when these cells then play an active role in the induction of heart immunopathology. Vaccination with a number of subunit recombinant vaccines aimed at eliciting specificCD8+T cells can reverse this path, thereby generating a productive immune response that will lead to the control of infection, reduction of symptoms, and reduction of disease transmission. Due to these attributes, activation ofCD8+T lymphocytes may constitute a path for the development of a veterinarian or human vaccine.
Effects of the Czech Propolis on Sperm Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Cedikova Miroslava , Miklikova Michaela , Stachova Lenka , Grundmanova Martina , Tuma Zdenek , Vetvicka Vaclav , Zech Nicolas , Kralickova Milena , Kuncova Jitka
Published: July 2014

Propolis is a natural product that honeybees collect from various plants. It is known for its beneficial pharmacological effects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of propolis on human sperm motility, mitochondrial respiratory activity, and membrane potential. Semen samples from 10 normozoospermic donors were processed according to the World Health Organization criteria. Propolis effects on the sperm motility and mitochondrial activity parameters were tested in the fresh ejaculate and purified spermatozoa. Propolis preserved progressive motility of spermatozoa in the native semen samples. Oxygen consumption determined in purified permeabilized spermatozoa by high‐resolution respirometry in the presence of adenosine diphosphate and substrates of complex I and complex II (state OXPHOSI+II) was significantly increased in the propolis‐treated samples. Propolis also increased uncoupled respiration in the presence of rotenone (state ETSII) and complex IV activity, but it did not influence state LEAK induced by oligomycin. Mitochondrial membrane potential was not affected by propolis. This study demonstrates that propolis maintains sperm motility in the native ejaculates and increases activities of mitochondrial respiratory complexes II and IV without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential. The data suggest that propolis improves the total mitochondrial respiratory efficiency in the human spermatozoa in vitro thereby having potential to improve sperm motility.
Correlates of Smoke-Free Home Policies in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zheng Pinpin , Kegler Michelle C. , Berg Carla J. , Fu Wenjie , Wang Jing , Zhou Xilan , Liu Dong , Fu Hua
Published: July 2014

Background. Approximately 63.7% of nonsmokers in China are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) in their homes. The current study documents the prevalence and correlates of smoke-free home policies in Shanghai, as well as reasons for implementing such a policy and places where smoking is most commonly allowed.Methods. We conducted in-person surveys of 500 participants using a multistage proportional random sampling design in an urban and suburban district.Results. Overall, 35.3% had a smoke-free home policy. In the logistic regression, having higher income, not having smokers in the home, having children in the home, having fewer friends/relatives who permit smoking at home, and not being a current smoker were correlates of having a smoke-free home policyP<0.05. Concern about the health impact of SHS was reportedly the most important reason for establishing a smoke-free home. Among participants with no or partial bans, the most common places where smoking was allowed included the living room (64.2%), kitchen (46.1%), and bathroom (33.8%).Conclusions. Smoke-free home policies were in place for a minority of households surveyed. Establishing such a policy was influenced by personal smoking behavior and social factors. These findings suggest an urgent need to promote smoke-free home policies through tobacco control programs.
Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Yield of Wheat
Authors: Shirazi S. M. , Yusop Zulkifli , Zardari N. H. , Ismail Z.
Published: July 2014

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of irrigation regimes and nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of wheat cv. Kanchan (Triticum aestivumL.). The experiment includes two factors such as four irrigation regimes and four nitrogen levels. Three farmer’s fields were selected for experimentation as replication. Yield and yield contributing factors were significantly affected by irrigation regimes and different doses of nitrogen. Maximum grain yield of 2.27 t ha−1by the application of 200 mm irrigation treatment. Interaction between 200 mm irrigation and 120 kg N ha−1was the best combination treatment.
Azadirachta indica Mediated Bioactive Lyocell Yarn: Chemical and Colour Characterization
Authors: Patel B. H. , Desai K. U. , Jha P. K.
Published: July 2014

The study deals with preparing aesthetic textiles using methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves. The extract with metallic and natural mordents was utilized to create various shades on lyocell yarn using exhaust technique of dyeing. Aesthetic values of dyed yarns were analyzed in terms of colourimetric parameters, that is, CIE L*  a*  b* and colour fastness. The attachment of Azadirachta indica compounds has been confirmed by using infrared spectroscopy (IR) analysis. The dyed samples exhibit moderate to good fastness properties. The study showed that lyocell yarn treated at 15% (owf) methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves can be utilized as effective bioactive textiles. Azadirachta indica is an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. This bioactive yarn can be used in fashion as well as in medicinal industry.
The Role of Nrf2-Mediated Pathway in Cardiac Remodeling and Heart Failure
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Sun Wanqing , Zhang Zhiguo , Zheng Yang
Published: July 2014

Heart failure (HF) is frequently the consequence of sustained, abnormal neurohormonal, and mechanical stress and remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The key pathophysiological process leading to HF is cardiac remodeling, a term referring to maladaptation to cardiac stress at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. HF and many of the conditions that predispose one to HF are associated with oxidative stress. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart can directly lead to increased necrosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes which subsequently induce cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Nuclear factor-erythroid-2- (NF-E2-) related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that controls the basal and inducible expression of a battery of antioxidant genes and other cytoprotective phase II detoxifying enzymes that are ubiquitously expressed in the cardiovascular system. Emerging evidence has revealed that Nrf2 and its target genes are critical regulators of cardiovascular homeostasis via the suppression of oxidative stress, which is the key player in the development and progression of HF. The purpose of this review is to summarize evidence that activation of Nrf2 enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses and counteracts oxidative stress-associated cardiac remodeling and HF.
An Assessment of Health Related Quality of Life in a Male Prison Population in Greece Associations with Health Related Characteristics and Characteristics of Detention
Authors: Togas Constantinos , Raikou Maria , Niakas Dimitris
Published: July 2014

Background. Prisoners constitute a group with increased health and social care needs. Although implementing policies that aim at improving outcomes within this population should be a priority area, studies that attempt to assess health outcomes and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population are limited.Aim. To assess HRQoL in a prison population in Greece and to explore the relationship between HRQoL and a set of individual sociodemographic and health related characteristics and characteristics of detention.Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 100 male prisoners was conducted in the prison of Corinth in Greece. HRQoL was assessed through the use of the SF-36 and the EQ-5D.Results. The mean physical and mental summary scores of the SF-36 were 55.33 and 46.82, respectively. The EQ-VAS mean score was 76.41%, while the EQ-5D index was 0.72. Multivariate analysis identified a statistical relationship between HRQoL and the conditions of detention, controlling for the effect of sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity, and mental problems. The use of narcotics in particular is significantly associated with lower HRQoL.Conclusions. Implementation of policies that aim at preventing the use of narcotics within the prison environment is expected to contribute to improved HRQoL in this population.
Polypoid Adenomyoma of Endocervical Type
Authors: Takeda Yuka , Araki Daiju , Arase Toru , Tsutsumi Yutaka
Published: July 2014

We report herein a 53-year-old Japanese female case of polypoid adenomyoma of endocervical type. A sessile 16 mm sized cervical polyp, hard in consistency, was surgically removed. Histologically, the polypoid lesion was composed of smooth muscle bundles and scattered benign-looking endocervical glands. The mucin was diffusely alcianophilic. Immunohistochemically, some mucous glands were positive for MUC1 (CA15-3) and MUC5AC, and the other small glands were immunoreactive for MUC6. MUC2 and mucin characteristic of gastric gland mucous cells (M-GGMC-1 or HIK1083) were negative. Carcinoembryonic antigen was consistently expressed along the apical surface. Estrogen receptor was positive, while progesterone receptor was negative. Ki-67 labeling index was low. These findings were consistent with the endocervical nature of the mucin-producing columnar cells. This is the 18th case of adenomyoma of endocervical type reported in the English literature.
Particle Filtering for Obstacle Tracking in UAS Sense and Avoid Applications
Authors: Tirri Anna Elena , Fasano Giancarmine , Accardo Domenico , Moccia Antonio
Published: July 2014

Obstacle detection and tracking is a key function for UAS sense and avoid applications. In fact, obstacles in the flight path must be detected and tracked in an accurate and timely manner in order to execute a collision avoidance maneuver in case of collision threat. The most important parameter for the assessment of a collision risk is the Distance at Closest Point of Approach, that is, the predicted minimum distance between own aircraft and intruder for assigned current position and speed. Since assessed methodologies can cause some loss of accuracy due to nonlinearities, advanced filtering methodologies, such as particle filters, can provide more accurate estimates of the target state in case of nonlinear problems, thus improving system performance in terms of collision risk estimation. The paper focuses on algorithm development and performance evaluation for an obstacle tracking system based on a particle filter. The particle filter algorithm was tested in off-line simulations based on data gathered during flight tests. In particular, radar-based tracking was considered in order to evaluate the impact of particle filtering in a single sensor framework. The analysis shows some accuracy improvements in the estimation of Distance at Closest Point of Approach, thus reducing the delay in collision detection.
Necroptosis Mediates TNF-Induced Toxicity of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Liu Shan , Wang Xing , Li Yun , Xu Lei , Yu Xiaoliang , Ge Lin , Li Jun , Zhu Yongjin , He Sudan
Published: July 2014

Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine regulating neuroinflammation. Elevated levels of TNF-αhave been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the signaling events that lead to TNF-α-initiated neurotoxicity are still unclear. Here, we report that RIP3-mediated necroptosis, a form of regulated necrosis, is activated in the mouse hippocampus after intracerebroventricular injection of TNF-α. RIP3 deficiency attenuates TNF-α-initiated loss of hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we characterized the molecular mechanism of TNF-α-induced neurotoxicity in HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cells. HT-22 cells are sensitive to TNF-αonly upon caspase blockage and subsequently undergo necrosis. The cell death is suppressed by knockdown of CYLD or RIP1 or RIP3 or MLKL, suggesting that this necrosis is necroptosis and mediated by CYLD-RIP1-RIP3-MLKL signaling pathway. TNF-α-induced necroptosis of HT-22 cells is largely independent of both ROS accumulation and calcium influx although these events have been shown to be critical for necroptosis in certain cell lines. Taken together, these data not only provide the firstin vivoevidence for a role of RIP3 in TNF-α-induced toxicity of hippocampal neurons, but also demonstrate that TNF-αpromotes CYLD-RIP1-RIP3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis of hippocampal neurons largely bypassing ROS accumulation and calcium influx.
A Contamination Sensor Based on an Array of Microfibers with Nanoscale-Structured Film
Authors: Zhou Guorui , Yuan Xiaodong , Lü Hai-Bing , Zhou Hai , Wang Haijun , Wang Hongbin , Miao Xinxiang
Published: July 2014

A contamination sensor based on an array of microfibers with nanoscale-structured film using evanescent field is proposed and demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. When the molecular contaminants deposit on the nanoscale-structured film, the refractive index of the film will change and the additional loss will be produced due to the disturbance of evanescent field. The possibility of the sensor is demonstrated theoretically by using three-dimensional finite-difference time domain (3D-FDTD). The corresponding experiments have also been carried out in order to demonstrate the theoretical results. Microfibers are fabricated by using hydrogen-oxygen flame-heated scanning fiber drawing method and the nanoscale-structured film coated on the surface of microfibers is deposited by using dip coating process. Then an array of microfibers is assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of the device. The experimental results show that contaminants detection with the device can agree well with the results measured by the laser-scattering particle counter, which demonstrates the feasibility of the new type of contaminant sensor. The device can be used to monitor contaminants on-line in the high-power laser system.
Novel Lutein Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles on Porcine Corneal Distribution
Authors: Liu Chi-Hsien , Chiu Hao-Che , Wu Wei-Chi , Sahoo Soubhagya Laxmi , Hsu Ching-Yun
Published: July 2014

Topical delivery has the advantages including being user friendly and cost effective. Development of topical delivery carriers for lutein is becoming an important issue for the ocular drug delivery. Quantification of the partition coefficient of drug in the ocular tissue is the first step for the evaluation of delivery efficacy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of lipid nanoparticles and cyclodextrin (CD) on the corneal lutein accumulation and to measure the partition coefficients in the porcine cornea. Lipid nanoparticles combined with 2% HPβCD could enhance lutein accumulation up to209.2±18(μg/g) which is 4.9-fold higher than that of the nanoparticles. CD combined nanoparticles have 68% of drug loading efficiency and lower cytotoxicity in the bovine cornea cells. From the confocal images, this improvement is due to the increased partitioning of lutein to the corneal epithelium by CD in the lipid nanoparticles. The novel lipid nanoparticles could not only improve the stability and entrapment efficacy of lutein but also enhance the lutein accumulation and partition in the cornea. Additionally the corneal accumulation of lutein was further enhanced by increasing the lutein payload in the vehicles.
Being Interviewed for Admission to a BSN Program: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Finch Michelle L. , Wilson Debra Rose , Symonds Kelly , Floyd-Tune Kim
Published: July 2014

Nursing schools want to choose candidates most likely to successfully finish the program and many include interview as part of the admission process. Research on interviews as a component of admission has yet to address the students’ experience. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ lived experience of being interviewed for admission into a BSN program, with application of findings to more holistically examine the interview process. Three themes resulted from grounded theory analysis of 25 transcribed-verbatim interviews of nursing students. Seeing Me describes how the interview was a positive way of showing a side that was not represented on paper. Participants shared an awareness that qualities needed in a nurse (The Right Stuff) are better assessed with interview. The interview marked when the Beginning of the Nursing Journey felt real. This paper considers the student’s experience and helps us more holistically examine effective processes for admission to a nursing program.
Preparation and Stability of Inorganic Solidified Foam for Preventing Coal Fires
Authors: Qin Botao , Lu Yi , Li Fanglei , Jia Yuwei , Zhu Chao , Shi Quanlin
Published: July 2014

Inorganic solidified foam (ISF) is a novel material for preventing coal fires. This paper presents the preparation process and working principle of main installations. Besides, aqueous foam with expansion ratio of 28 and 30 min drainage rate of 13% was prepared. Stability of foam fluid was studied in terms of stability coefficient, by varying water-slurry ratio, fly ash replacement ratio of cement, and aqueous foam volume alternatively. Light microscope was utilized to analyze the dynamic change of bubble wall of foam fluid and stability principle was proposed. In order to further enhance the stability of ISF, different dosage of calcium fluoroaluminate was added to ISF specimens whose stability coefficient was tested and change of hydration products was detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The outcomes indicated that calcium fluoroaluminate could enhance the stability coefficient of ISF and compact hydration products formed in cell wall of ISF; naturally, the stability principle of ISF was proved right. Based on above-mentioned experimental contents, ISF with stability coefficient of 95% and foam expansion ratio of 5 was prepared, which could sufficiently satisfy field process requirements on plugging air leakage and thermal insulation.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of Flavor Ester “Pentyl Valerate” UsingCandida rugosaLipase Immobilized in Microemulsion Based Organogels: Effect of Parameters and Reusability
Authors: Raghavendra Tripti , Panchal Nilam , Divecha Jyoti , Shah Amita , Madamwar Datta
Published: July 2014

Pentyl valerate was synthesized biocatalytically usingCandida rugosalipase (CRL) immobilized in microemulsion based organogels (MBGs). The optimum conditions were found to be pH 7.0, temperature of 37°C, ratio of concentration of water to surfactant (Wo) of 60, and the surfactant sodium bis-2-(ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) for MBG preparation. Although kinetic studies revealed that the enzyme in free form had high affinity towards substrates (Km= 23.2 mM for pentanol and 76.92 mM for valeric acid) whereas, after immobilization, theKmvalues increased considerably (74.07 mM for pentanol and 83.3 mM for valeric acid) resulting in a slower reaction rate, the maximum conversion was much higher in case of immobilized enzyme (~99%) as compared to free enzyme (~19%). Simultaneous effects of important parameters were studied using response surface methodology (RSM) conjugated with Box-Behnken design (BBD) with five variables (process parameters), namely, enzyme concentration, initial water content (Wo), solvent used for MBG preparation, substrate ratio and time, and response as the final product formation, that is, pentyl valerate (%). The MBGs were reused for 10 consecutive cycles for ester synthesis. Efficacy of AOT/isooctane as dehydrating agent for extracting excess water from MBGs was found to exert a positive effect on the esterification reaction.
Contralateral Renal Cell Carcinoma Ureteric Metastases Can Arise on Tyrosine Kinase Adjuvant Therapy and Be Effectively Treated by Endoscopic Laser Excision and Ablation
Authors: Reid Sarah L. , Arestis Nikolas J. , McIlhenny Craig , Lamb Gavin W. A.
Published: July 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) uncommonly metastasizes to the ureter and rarely to the contralateral ureter. We describe the presentation of 2 successive contralateral ureteric metastases from RCC in our institution. The first represents the only reported metachronous ureteric deposit on adjuvant sorafenib after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC. The other presented with a synchronous lesion after radiological work-up. Both lesions were treated with endoscopic excision and laser ablation with preservation of the renal unit and no local recurrence. We report these cases and discuss the literature.
Extraction of Multilayered Social Networks from Activity Data
Authors: Musial Katarzyna , Bródka Piotr , Kazienko Przemysław , Gaworecki Jarosław
Published: July 2014

The data gathered in all kinds of web-based systems, which enable users to interact with each other, provides an opportunity to extract social networks that consist of people and relationships between them. The emerging structures are very complex due to the number and type of discovered connections. In web-based systems, the characteristic element of each interaction between users is that there is always an object that serves as a communication medium. This can be, for example, an e-mail sent from one user to another or post at the forum authored by one user and commented on by others. Based on these objects and activities that users perform towards them, different kinds of relationships can be identified and extracted. Additional challenge arises from the fact that hierarchies can exist between objects; for example, a forum consists of one or more groups of topics, and each of them contains topics that finally include posts. In this paper, we propose a new method for creation of multilayered social network based on the data about users activities towards different types of objects between which the hierarchy exists. Due to the flattening, preprocessing procedure of new layers and new relationships in the multilayered social network can be identified and analysed.
In Women with Previous Pregnancy Hypertension, Levels of Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers May Be Modulated by Haptoglobin Polymorphism
Authors: Matos Andreia , Pereira da Silva Alda , Clara Bicho Maria , Afonso Conceição , Areias Maria José , Rebelo Irene , Bicho Manuel
Published: July 2014

Preeclampsia (PE) may affect the risk for future cardiovascular disease. Haptoglobin (Hp), an acute phase protein with functional genetic polymorphism, synthesized in the hepatocyte and in many peripheral tissues secondary of oxidative stress of PE, may modulate that risk through the antioxidant, angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory differential effects of their genotypes. We performed a prospective study in 352 women aged35±5.48years, which 165 had previous PE, 2 to 16 years ago. We studied demographic, anthropometric, and haemodynamic biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide metabolites (total and nitrites), and others associated with liver function (AST and ALT) and lipid profile (total LDL and cholesterol HDL, non-HDL, and apolipoproteins A and B). Finally, we study the influence of Hp genetic polymorphism on all these biomarkers and as a predisposing factor for PE and its remote cardiovascular disease prognosis. Previously preeclamptic women either hypertensive or normotensive presented significant differences in those risk biomarkers (MPO, nitrites, and ALT), whose variation may be modulated by Hp 1/2 functional genetic polymorphism. The history of PE may be relevant, in association with these biomarkers to the cardiovascular risk in premenopausal women.
A Novel Design of Parasitically Gap Coupled Patches Forming an Elliptical Patch Antenna for Broadband Performance
Authors: Sharma Vijay
Published: July 2014

A novel single layer assembly of gap coupled elements in elliptical shape is proposed in this communication to achieve broadband performance. Among the five patches considered in the present assembly, two pairs of patches having different patch areas are arranged around an edge truncated elliptical patch. The central edge truncated elliptical patch is fed through an inset feed arrangement and the other patches are parasitically gap coupled to the central patch. With such an arrangement, an enhanced impedance bandwidth of 2.45 GHz (or 36.2%) with respect to central frequency 6.1 GHz is achieved. Three resonant modes are excited with this arrangement giving improved bandwidth and gain in comparison to a conventional elliptical patch antenna. The simulated radiation patterns of proposed arrangement of patches suggest that these are identical in shape and direction of maximum radiations is directed normally to assembly of patches.
Minimally Invasive Multiport Surgery of the Lateral Skull Base
Authors: Stenin Igor , Hansen Stefan , Becker Meike , Sakas Georgios , Fellner Dieter , Klenzner Thomas , Schipper Jörg
Published: July 2014

Objective. Minimally invasive procedures minimize iatrogenic tissue damage and lead to a lower complication rate and high patient satisfaction. To date only experimental minimally invasive single-port approaches to the lateral skull base have been attempted. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of a minimally invasive multiport approach for advanced manipulation capability and visual control and develop a software tool for preoperative planning.Methods. Anatomical 3D models were extracted from twenty regular temporal bone CT scans. Collision-free trajectories, targeting the internal auditory canal, round window, and petrous apex, were simulated with a specially designed planning software tool. A set of three collision-free trajectories was selected by skull base surgeons concerning the maximization of the distance to critical structures and the angles between the trajectories.Results. A set of three collision-free trajectories could be successfully simulated to the three targets in each temporal bone model without violating critical anatomical structures.Conclusion. A minimally invasive multiport approach to the lateral skull base is feasible. The developed software is the first step for preoperative planning. Further studies will focus on cadaveric and clinical translation.
Evaluation of Azathioprine-Induced Cytotoxicity in anIn VitroRat Hepatocyte System
Authors: Maruf Abdullah Al , Wan Luke , O’Brien Peter J.
Published: July 2014

Azathioprine (AZA) is widely used in clinical practice for preventing graft rejection in organ transplantations and various autoimmune and dermatological diseases with documented unpredictable hepatotoxicity. The potential molecular cytotoxic mechanisms of AZA towards isolated rat hepatocytes were investigated in this study using “Accelerated Cytotoxicity Mechanism Screening” techniques. The concentration of AZA required to cause 50% cytotoxicity in 2 hrs at 37°C was found to be 400 μM. A significant increase in AZA-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was observed when glutathione- (GSH-) depleted hepatocytes were used. The addition ofN-acetylcysteine decreased cytotoxicity and ROS formation. Xanthine oxidase inhibition by allopurinol decreased AZA-induced cytotoxicity, ROS, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation and increased % mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Addition ofN-acetylcysteine and allopurinol together caused nearly complete cytoprotection against AZA-induced hepatocyte death. TEMPOL (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl), a known ROS scavenger and a superoxide dismutase mimic, and antioxidants, like DPPD (N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine), Trolox (a water soluble vitamin E analogue), and mesna (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate), also decreased hepatocyte death and ROS formation. Results from this study suggest that AZA-induced cytotoxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes may be partly due to ROS formation and GSH depletion that resulted in oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury.
A Pipeline for Neuron Reconstruction Based on Spatial Sliding Volume Filter Seeding
Authors: Sui Dong , Wang Kuanquan , Chae Jinseok , Zhang Yue , Zhang Henggui
Published: July 2014

Neuron’s shape and dendritic architecture are important for biosignal transduction in neuron networks. And the anatomy architecture reconstruction of neuron cell is one of the foremost challenges and important issues in neuroscience. Accurate reconstruction results can facilitate the subsequent neuron system simulation. With the development of confocal microscopy technology, researchers can scan neurons at submicron resolution for experiments. These make the reconstruction of complex dendritic trees become more feasible; however, it is still a tedious, time consuming, and labor intensity task. For decades, computer aided methods have been playing an important role in this task, but none of the prevalent algorithms can reconstruct full anatomy structure automatically. All of these make it essential for developing new method for reconstruction. This paper proposes a pipeline with a novel seeding method for reconstructing neuron structures from 3D microscopy images stacks. The pipeline is initialized with a set of seeds detected by sliding volume filter (SVF), and then the open curve snake is applied to the detected seeds for reconstructing the full structure of neuron cells. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed pipeline exhibits excellent performance in terms of accuracy compared with traditional method, which is clearly a benefit for 3D neuron detection and reconstruction.
A Modified Intraoral Resin Mouthguard to Prevent Self-Mutilations in Lesch-Nyhan Patients
Authors: Ragazzini Giulia , Delucchi Alessia , Calcagno Enrico , Servetto Roberto , Denotti Gloria
Published: July 2014

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, described in 1964 by Lesch and Nyhan, is a X-linked recessive disorder, occurring in 1 : 100000 to 1 : 380000 live births. LNS is characterized by a decrease in activity of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, an enzyme involved in purine metabolism, resulting in overproduction of uric acid. Hyperuricemia and neurological features including choreoathetoid spasticity, self-mutilation, and mental retardation clinically characterize this syndrome. In LNS patients the typical feature is loss of tissue from biting themselves with partial or complete amputation of fingers, lips, and tongue. The self-mutilation compares with the eruption of the deciduous teeth. Several drugs trials have been administered to improve self-destructive behavior and invasive treatment approaches, such as extractions of teeth and orthognathic surgery, have been suggested with variable effectiveness. Nowadays prevention is, therefore, the standard of care. The role of dentistry is essential in the management of the self-mutilating behavior, because the teeth represent the main self-injury instrument. This report presents a revision of various therapeutic approaches to manage self-destruction, highlighting the effectiveness of a preventive treatment. It describes a new technique: a resin mouthguard, realized at Gaslini Hospital, to obtain immediate healing of the oral lesions, confirmed in the follow-up period.
A Mechanism on Liquid-Phase Turbulence Modulation by Microbubbles
Authors: Pang Mingjun , Wei Jinjia
Published: July 2014

Although bubbly flows have been extensively applied to many industrial fields, efficiency improvements of bubbly equipments are greatly limited due to the absence of accurate understandings of liquid turbulence modulation by bubbles. In order to obtain an accurate mechanism explanation, an Euler-Lagrange two-way method was used to investigate and analyze deeply the liquid turbulence modulation by microbubbles in this paper. The present investigation shows that for the bubbly flow laden with microbubbles the liquid turbulence modulation is mainly caused by the drag force, and the turbulence modulation level is related to the microbubble diameter. A detailed mechanism explanation on the physical phenomenon was presented here.
The Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Dongjun , Wang Zhongxia , Wu Junyi , Jiang Chunping , Wu Junhua
Published: July 2014

Hypoxia is a common feature of many solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia can promote tumor progression and induce radiation and chemotherapy resistance. As one of the major mediators of hypoxic response, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) has been shown to activate hypoxia-responsive genes, which are involved in multiple aspects of tumorigenesis and cancer progression, including proliferation, metabolism, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. It has been demonstrated that a high level of HIF-1 in the HCC microenvironment leads to enhanced proliferation and survival of HCC cells. Accordingly, overexpression, of HIF-1 is associated with poor prognosis in HCC. In this review, we described the mechanism by which HIF-1 is regulated and how HIF-1 mediates the biological effects of hypoxia in tissues. We also summarized the latest findings concerning the role of HIF-1 in the development of HCC, which could shed light on new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of HCC.
Symptomatic Histologically Proven Necrosis of Brain following Stereotactic Radiation and Ipilimumab in Six Lesions in Four Melanoma Patients
Authors: Du Four Stephanie , Hong Angela , Chan Matthew , Charakidis Michail , Duerinck Johnny , Wilgenhof Sofie , Wang Wei , Feng Linda , Michotte Alex , Okera Meena , Shivalingam Brindha , Fogarty Gerald , Kefford Richard , Neyns Bart
Published: July 2014

Four cases previously treated with ipilimumab with a total of six histologically confirmed symptomatic lesions of RNB without any sign of active tumour following stereotactic irradiation of MBM are reported. These lesions were all originally thought to be disease recurrence. In two cases, ipilimumab was given prior to SRT; in the other two ipilimumab was given after SRT. The average time from first ipilimumab to RNB was 15 months. The average time from SRT to RNB was 11 months. The average time from first diagnosis of MBM to last follow-up was 20 months at which time three patients were still alive, one with no evidence of disease. These cases represent approximately three percent of the total cases of melanoma and ten percent of those cases treated with ipilimumab irradiated in our respective centres collectively. We report this to highlight this new problem so that others may have a high index of suspicion, allowing, if clinically warranted, aggressive surgical salvage, possibly resulting in increased survival. Further studies prospectively collecting data to understand the denominator of this problem are needed to determine whether this problem is just the result of longer survival or whether there is some synergy between these two modalities that are increasingly being used together.
Moving Target Imaging and Ghost Mitigation in Through-the-Wall Sensing Application
Authors: Sun Xin , Lu BiYing , Zhou ZhiMin
Published: July 2014

Human is one kind of the most interesting targets in through-the-wall imaging. In high-resolution imaging applications, human is no longer a point target. Therefore, the previous signal models constructed by point target assumption cannot accurately describe real characteristics of EM propagation. We construct the signal models based on extended target theory in this paper. Compared with previous works, the main contributions are as follows. Firstly, human is considered as an extended target. The expressions of target scattering and wall reflections are derived. Secondly, target scattering is no longer isotropic in new model. A new kind of ghost problem which is caused by target obscuring in EM propagation is discovered and exploited. Thirdly, to improve image quality in moving target imaging, an efficient approach which adopts CFAR, clustering method, and spatial geometry relationship is proposed to remove the ghosts. The derived models are shown to agree with synthetic and experimental results. And the efficiency of proposed method is also validated, which illuminates that the ghosts are efficiently mitigated and the image quality is significantly improved.
A Study on Bottom Friction Coefficient in the Bohai, Yellow, and East China Sea
Authors: Wang Daosheng , Liu Qiang , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2014

The adjoint tidal model based on the theory of inverse problem has been applied to investigate the effect of bottom friction coefficient (BFC) on the tidal simulation. Using different schemes of BFC containing the constant, different constant in different subdomain, depth‐dependent form, and spatial distribution obtained from data assimilation, the M2 constituent in the Bohai, Yellow, and East China Sea (BYECS) is simulated by assimilating TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data, respectively. The simulated result with spatially varying BFC obtained from data assimilation is better than others. Results and analysis of BFC in BYECS indicate that spatially varying BFC obtained from data assimilation is the best fitted one; meanwhile it could improve the accuracy in the simulation of M2 constituent. Through the analysis of the best fitted one, new empirical formulas of BFC in BYECS are developed with which the commendable simulated results of M2 constituent in BYECS are obtained.
Consensus of Multiagent Systems with Directed Topology and Communication Time Delay Bases on the Laplace Transform
Authors: Liu Bo , Wang Li , Sun Dehui , Zhu Xinmao
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the consensus problem of multiagent systems with directed topologies. Different from the literatures, a new method, the Laplace transform, to study the consensus of multiagent systems with directed topology and communication time delay is proposed. The accurate state of the consensus center and the upper bound of the communication delay to make the agents reach consensus are given. It is proved that all the agents could aggregate and eventually form a cohesive cluster in finite time under certain conditions, and the consensus center is only determined by the initial states and the communication configuration among the agents. Finally, simulations are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
WeightedA-Statistical Convergence for Sequences of Positive Linear Operators
Authors: Mohiuddine S. A. , Alotaibi Abdullah , Hazarika Bipan
Published: July 2014

We introduce the notion of weightedA-statistical convergence of a sequence, whereArepresents the nonnegative regular matrix. We also prove the Korovkin approximation theorem by using the notion of weightedA-statistical convergence. Further, we give a rate of weightedA-statistical convergence and apply the classical Bernstein polynomial to construct an illustrative example in support of our result.