bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Effect of SPION Size in a Stent Assisted Magnetic Drug Targeting System with Interparticle Interactions
Authors: Mardinoglu Adil , Cregg P. J.
Published: March 2015

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and it is caused by the interaction of genomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Although chemotherapy is one way of treating cancers, it also damages healthy cells and may cause severe side effects. Therefore, it is beneficial in drug delivery in the human body to increase the proportion of the drugs at the target site while limiting its exposure at the rest of body through Magnetic Drug Targeting (MDT). Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are derived from polyol methods and coated with oleic acid and can be used as magnetic drug carrier particles (MDCPs) in an MDT system. Here, we develop a mathematical model for studying the interactions between the MDCPs enriched with three different diameters of SPIONs (6.6, 11.6, and 17.8 nm) in the MDT system with an implanted magnetizable stent using different magnetic field strengths and blood velocities. Our computational analysis allows for the optimal design of the SPIONs enriched MDCPs to be used in clinical applications.
Temozolomide and Radiotherapy versus Radiotherapy Alone in High Grade Gliomas: A Very Long Term Comparative Study and Literature Review
Authors: Parisi Salvatore , Corsa Pietro , Raguso Arcangela , Perrone Antonio , Cossa Sabrina , Munafò Tindara , Sanpaolo Gerardo , Donno Elisa , Clemente Maria Antonietta , Piombino Michele , Parisi Federico , Valle Guido
Published: March 2015

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first line drug in the care of high grade gliomas. The combined treatment of TMZ plus radiotherapy is more effective in the care of brain gliomas then radiotherapy alone. Aim of this report is a survival comparison, on a long time (>10 years) span, of glioma patients treated with radiotherapy alone and with radiotherapy + TMZ.Materials and Methods. In this report we retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 128 consecutive pts with diagnosis of high grade gliomas referred to our institutions from April 1994 to November 2001. The first 64 pts were treated with RT alone and the other 64 with a combination of RT and adjuvant or concomitant TMZ.Results. Grade 3 (G3) haematological toxicity was recorded in 6 (9%) of 64 pts treated with RT and TMZ. No G4 haematological toxicity was observed. Age, histology, and administration of TMZ were statistically significant prognostic factors associated with 2 years overall survival (OS). PFS was for GBM 9 months, for AA 11.Conclusions. The combination of RT and TMZ improves long term survival in glioma patients. Our results confirm the superiority of the combination on a long time basis.
Patient-Specific Simulation of Coronary Artery Pressure Measurements: AnIn VivoThree-Dimensional Validation Study in Humans
Authors: Siogkas Panagiotis K. , Papafaklis Michail I. , Sakellarios Antonis I. , Stefanou Kostas A. , Bourantas Christos V. , Athanasiou Lambros S. , Exarchos Themis P. , Naka Katerina K. , Michalis Lampros K. , Parodi Oberdan , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: March 2015

Pressure measurements using finite element computations without the need of a wire could be valuable in clinical practice. Our aim was to compare the computed distal coronary pressure values with the measured values using a pressure wire, while testing the effect of different boundary conditions for the simulation. Eight coronary arteries (lumen and outer vessel wall) from six patients were reconstructed in three-dimensional (3D) space using intravascular ultrasound and biplane angiographic images. Pressure values at the distal and proximal end of the vessel and flow velocity values at the distal end were acquired with the use of a combo pressure-flow wire. The 3D lumen and wall models were discretized into finite elements; fluid structure interaction (FSI) and rigid wall simulations were performed for one cardiac cycle both with pulsatile and steady flow in separate simulations. The results showed a high correlation between the measured and the computed coronary pressure values (coefficient of determination [r2] ranging between 0.8902 and 0.9961), while the less demanding simulations using steady flow and rigid walls resulted in very small relative error. Our study demonstrates that computational assessment of coronary pressure is feasible and seems to be accurate compared to the wire-based measurements.
HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: The Relationship of HIV Infection with Physical and Social Comorbidities
Authors: Tedaldi Ellen M. , Minniti Nancy L. , Fischer Tracy
Published: March 2015

The prevalence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) will undoubtedly increase with the improved longevity of HIV-infected persons. HIV infection, itself, as well as multiple physiologic and psychosocial factors can contribute to cognitive impairment and neurologic complications. These comorbidities confound the diagnosis, assessment, and interventions for neurocognitive disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of several key comorbid factors that may contribute significantly to the development and progression of HIV-related neurocognitive impairment, as well as the current status of diagnostic strategies aimed at identifying HIV-infected individuals with impaired cognition and future research priorities and challenges.
Cytological Features of Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland in a 15-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Inaba Takako , Fukumura Yuki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Yokoyama Junkichi , Ohba Shinichi , Arakawa Atsushi , Yao Takashi
Published: March 2015

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently recognized tumor of salivary glands characterized by the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene. This tumor is very rare in children and adolescents. We report a case of MASC in a 15-year-old girl, the fifth youngest case so far reported. The patient complained of a left infra-auricular mass that gradually enlarged for a year. Fine-needle aspiration cytology/imprint cytology showed individual tumor cells that had faintly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm with secretion granules sometimes seen adjacent to the tumor cells. These cytological features overlapped between those of zymogen granule-poor acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) and MASC. In addition to the case report, we present a review of the related literature with a focus on the cytological features of MASC. The differential diagnostic clues are also discussed.
Balancing Long Lifetime and Satisfying Fairness in WBAN Using a Constrained Markov Decision Process
Authors: Yin Yingqi , Hu Fengye , Cen Ling , Du Yu , Wang Lu
Published: March 2015

As an important part of the Internet of Things (IOT) and the special case of device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless body area network (WBAN) gradually becomes the focus of attention. Since WBAN is a body-centered network, the energy of sensor nodes is strictly restrained since they are supplied by battery with limited power. In each data collection, only one sensor node is scheduled to transmit its measurements directly to the access point (AP) through the fading channel. We formulate the problem of dynamically choosing which sensor should communicate with the AP to maximize network lifetime under the constraint of fairness as a constrained markov decision process (CMDP). The optimal lifetime and optimal policy are obtained by Bellman equation in dynamic programming. The proposed algorithm defines the limiting performance in WBAN lifetime under different degrees of fairness constraints. Due to the defect of large implementation overhead in acquiring global channel state information (CSI), we put forward a distributed scheduling algorithm that adopts local CSI, which saves the network overhead and simplifies the algorithm. It was demonstrated via simulation that this scheduling algorithm can allocate time slot reasonably under different channel conditions to balance the performances of network lifetime and fairness.
The Estimation of First-Phase Insulin Secretion by Using Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in a Chinese Population
Authors: Lin Jiunn-diann , Hsu Chun-Hsien , Liang Yao-Jen , Lian Wei-Cheng , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Wu Chung-Ze , Pei Dee , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: March 2015

Aims. There are two phases of insulin secretion, the first (FPIS) and second phase (SPIS). In this study, we built equations to predict FPIS with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and fasting plasma insulin (FPI).Methods. Totally, 186 participants were enrolled. 75% of participants were randomly selected as the study group to build equations. The remaining 25% of participants were selected as the external validation group. All participants received a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, and acute insulin response after the glucose load (AIRg) was obtained. The AIRg was considered as FPIS.Results. When MetS components were only used, the following equation was built: log (FPIS) = 1.477 − 0.119 × fasting plasma glucose (FPG) + 0.079 × body mass index (BMI) − 0.523 × high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). After FPI was added, the second equation was formulated: log (FPIS) = 1.532 − 0.127 × FPG + 0.059 × BMI - 0.511 × HDL-C + 0.375 × log (FPI), which provided a better accuracy than the first one.Conclusions. Using MetS components, the FPIS could be estimated accurately. After adding FPI into the equation, the predictive power increased further. We hope that these equations could be widely used in daily practice.
Concise and Accessible Representations for Multidimensional Datasets: Introducing a Framework Based on thenD-EVM and Kohonen Networks
Authors: Pérez-Aguila Ricardo , Ruiz-Rodríguez Ricardo
Published: March 2015

A new framework intended for representing and segmenting multidimensional datasets resulting in low spatial complexity requirements and with appropriate access to their contained information is described. Two steps are going to be taken in account. The first step is to specify (n-1)D hypervoxelizations,n≥2, as Orthogonal Polytopes whosenth dimension corresponds to color intensity. Then, thenD representation is concisely expressed via the Extreme Vertices Model in then-Dimensional Space (nD-EVM). Some examples are presented, which, under our methodology, have storing requirements minor than those demanded by their original hypervoxelizations. In the second step, 1-Dimensional Kohonen Networks (1D-KNs) are applied in order to segment datasets taking in account their geometrical and topological properties providing a non-supervised way to compact even more the proposedn-Dimensional representations. The application of our framework shares compression ratios, for our set of study cases, in the range 5.6496 to 32.4311. Summarizing, the contribution combines the power of thenD-EVM and 1D-KNs by producing very concise datasets’ representations. We argue that the new representations also provide appropriate segmentations by introducing some error functions such that our 1D-KNs classifications are compared against classifications based only in color intensities. Along the work, main properties and algorithms behind thenD-EVM are introduced for the purpose of interrogating the final representations in such a way that it efficiently obtains useful geometrical and topological information.
Preparation of Nickel‐Copper Bilayers Coated on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Zhao Shan , Dong Shijie , Li Lianjie , Xiao Anchun , Li Sinian
Published: March 2015

Due to oxidizability of copper coating on carbon nanotubes, the interfacial bond strength between copper coating and its matrix is weak, which leads to the reduction of the macroscopic properties of copper matrix composite. The electroless coating technics was applied to prepare nickel‐copper bilayers coated on single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The coated single‐walled carbon nanotubes were characterized through transmission electron microscope spectroscopy, field‐emission electron microscope spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that the nickel‐copper bilayers coated on single‐walled carbon nanotubes possessed higher purity of unoxidized copper fine‐grains than copper monolayers.
Design of Internal Model Control Based on an Optimal Control for a Servo System
Authors: Ogawa Hiromitsu , Tanaka Ryo , Murakami Takahiro , Ishida Yoshihisa
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a design of internal model control based on an optimal control for a servo system. The control system has the feedback based on the proposed disturbance compensator in the disturbance response. The compensator is designed to become the denominator of the transfer function without a dead time in the disturbance responses. The disturbance response of the proposed method is faster than that of the previous method.
Retroperitoneal Perforation of the Appendix Presenting as a Right Thigh Abscess
Authors: Nanavati Aditya J. , Nagral Sanjay , Borle Nitin
Published: March 2015

A rare case of a retroperitoneal rupture of the appendix is being reported here. A 53-year-old male presented to us with a right sided thigh abscess. There were not any abdominal complaints at presentation. There was continuous discharge after incision and drainage from the thigh. Isolation, in culture, of an enteric bacterium from the pus prompted an evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract as a possible source. An MRI scan revealed fluid tracking from the right paracolic gutter over the psoas sheath and paraspinal muscle into the thigh. A CT scan revealed the perforation at the base of the appendix into the retroperitoneum. At laparotomy the above findings were confirmed. A segmental ileocaecal resection was done. The patient made an uneventful recovery. The absence of abdominal symptoms at presentation leads to delay in diagnosis in such cases. Nonresolving thigh and groin abscesses should lead to the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract as origin. Diagnostic clues may also be provided by culture reports what as happened in this case.
3-Nitrotyrosine Modified Proteins in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Thomson Leonor
Published: March 2015

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death worldwide, and atherosclerosis is the main contributor. Lipid-laden macrophages, known as foam cells, accumulate in the subendothelial space of the lesion area and contribute to consolidate a chronic inflammatory environment where oxygen and nitrogen derived oxidants are released. Oxidatively modified lipids and proteins are present both in plasma as well as atherosclerotic lesions. A relevant oxidative posttranslational protein modification is the addition of a nitro group to the hydroxyphenyl ring of tyrosine residues, mediated by nitric oxide derived oxidants. Nitrotyrosine modified proteins were found in the lesion and also in plasma from atherosclerotic patients. Despite the fact of the low yield of nitration, immunogenic, proatherogenic, and prothrombotic properties acquired by 3-nitrotyrosine modified proteins are in agreement with epidemiological studies showing a significant correlation between the level of nitration found in plasma proteins and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, supporting the usefulness of this biomarker to predict the outcome and to take appropriate therapeutic decisions in atherosclerotic disease.
Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Optimizing Assignment of Blood in Blood Banking System
Authors: Olusanya Micheal O. , Arasomwan Martins A. , Adewumi Aderemi O.
Published: March 2015

This paper reports the performance of particle swarm optimization (PSO) for the assignment of blood to meet patients’ blood transfusion requests for blood transfusion. While the drive for blood donation lingers, there is need for effective and efficient management of available blood in blood banking systems. Moreover, inherent danger of transfusing wrong blood types to patients, unnecessary importation of blood units from external sources, and wastage of blood products due to nonusage necessitate the development of mathematical models and techniques for effective handling of blood distribution among available blood types in order to minimize wastages and importation from external sources. This gives rise to the blood assignment problem (BAP) introduced recently in literature. We propose a queue and multiple knapsack models with PSO-based solution to address this challenge. Simulation is based on sets of randomly generated data that mimic real-world population distribution of blood types. Results obtained show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm for BAP with no blood units wasted and very low importation, where necessary, from outside the blood bank. The result therefore can serve as a benchmark and basis for decision support tools for real-life deployment.
Ascorbic Acid, Ultraviolet C Rays, and Glucose but not Hyperthermia Are Elicitors of Humanβ-Defensin 1 mRNA in Normal Keratinocytes
Authors: Cruz Díaz Luis Antonio , Flores Miramontes María Guadalupe , Chávez Hurtado Paulina , Allen Kirk , Gonzalez Ávila Marisela , Prado Montes de Oca Ernesto
Published: March 2015

Hosts’ innate defense systems are upregulated by antimicrobial peptide elicitors (APEs). Our aim was to investigate the effects of hyperthermia, ultraviolet A rays (UVA), and ultraviolet C rays (UVC) as well as glucose and ascorbic acid (AA) on the regulation of humanβ-defensin 1 (DEFB1), cathelicidin (CAMP), and interferon-γ(IFNG) genes in normal human keratinocytes (NHK). The indirectin vitroantimicrobial activity againstStaphylococcus aureusandListeria monocytogenesof these potential APEs was tested. We found that AA is a more potent APE forDEFB1than glucose in NHK. Glucose but not AA is an APE forCAMP. Mild hypo- (35°C) and hyperthermia (39°C) are not APEs in NHK. AA-dependentDEFB1upregulation below 20 mM predictsin vitroantimicrobial activity as well as glucose- and AA-dependentCAMPandIFNGupregulation. UVC upregulatesCAMPandDEFB1genes but UVA only upregulates theDEFB1gene. UVC is a previously unrecognized APE in human cells. Our results suggest that glucose upregulatesCAMPin an IFN-γ-independent manner. AA is an elicitor of innate immunity that will challenge the current concept of late activation of adaptive immunity of this vitamin. These results could be useful in designing new potential drugs and devices to combat skin infections.
Genetic and Metabolic Intraspecific Biodiversity ofGanoderma lucidum
Authors: Pawlik Anna , Janusz Grzegorz , Dębska Iwona , Siwulski Marek , Frąc Magdalena , Rogalski Jerzy
Published: March 2015

FourteenGanoderma lucidumstrains from different geographic regions were identified using ITS region sequencing. Based on the sequences obtained, the genomic relationship between the analyzed strains was determined. AllG. lucidumstrains were also genetically characterized using the AFLP technique.G. lucidumstrains included in the analysis displayed an AFLP profile similarity level in the range from 9.6 to 33.9%. Biolog FF MicroPlates were applied to obtain data on utilization of 95 carbon sources and mitochondrial activity. The analysis allowed comparison of functional diversity of the fungal strains. The substrate utilization profiles for the isolates tested revealed a broad variability within the analyzedG. lucidumspecies and proved to be a good profiling technology for studying the diversity in fungi. Significant differences have been demonstrated in substrate richness values. Interestingly, the analysis of growth and biomass production also differentiated the strains based on the growth rate on the agar and sawdust substrate. In general, the mycelial growth on the sawdust substrate was more balanced and the fastest fungal growth was observed for GRE3 and FCL192.
Relating Ctenophore Population to Water Mass Indices in the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Ecosystem
Authors: Sparks Rebecca , Ford Michael , Abrahamson David
Published: March 2015

Ctenophores exist throughout the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Ecosystem, but the underlying mechanisms that control ctenophore populations at this scale are not clear. Ctenophore population data over the last 30 years coincides with changes in several water masses on the shelf, but discovering which water mass was most influential was problematic without mechanistic clarity. This paper strives to identify the relationship between oceanography and ctenophore populations over the last 30 years. Using a numerical modeling approach, we found a strong relationship between the North Atlantic Oscillation index, percent Labrador Subarctic Slope Water, and ctenophore population. We suggest these results might inform future efforts to develop a predictive capability for major changes in ctenophore population.
Plant Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Guzmán-Rodríguez Jaquelina Julia , Ochoa-Zarzosa Alejandra , López-Gómez Rodolfo , López-Meza Joel E.
Published: March 2015

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune defense mechanism of many organisms and are promising candidates to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria to animals and humans. AMPs also display anticancer activities because of their ability to inactivate a wide range of cancer cells. Cancer remains a cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the development of methods for its control is desirable. Attractive alternatives include plant AMP thionins, defensins, and cyclotides, which have anticancer activities. Here, we provide an overview of plant AMPs anticancer activities, with an emphasis on their mode of action, their selectivity, and their efficacy.
Ancient Records and Modern Research on the Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhang Hai-ming , Liang Feng-xia , Chen Rui
Published: March 2015

Over the past decades, Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have been extensively and intensively studied through from both clinical and experimental perspectives and CHM have been proved to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study, by searching ancient records and modern research papers, reviewed CHM in terms of their clinical application and principal mechanism in the treatment of DM. We summarized the use of CHM mentioned in 54 famous ancient materia medica monographs and searched papers on the hypoglycemic effect of several representative CHM. Main mechanisms and limitations of CHM and further research direction for DM were discussed. On the basis of the study, we were led to conclude that TCM, as a main form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), was well recorded in ancient literatures and has less adverse effects as shown by modern studies. The mechanisms of CHM treatment of DM are complex, multilink, and multitarget, so we should find main hypoglycemic mechanism through doing research on CHM monomer active constituents. Many CHM monomer constituents possess noteworthy hypoglycemic effects. Therefore, developing a novel natural product for DM and its complications is of much significance. It is strongly significant to pay close attention to CHM for treatment of DM and its complications.
Study on TCM Syndrome Differentiation of Primary Liver Cancer Based on the Analysis of Latent Structural Model
Authors: Gu Zhan , Qi Xiuzhong , Zhai Xiaofeng , Lang Qingbo , Lu Jianying , Ma Changping , Liu Long , Yue Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2015

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors because of its high incidence and high mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an active role in the treatment of PLC. As the most important part in the TCM system, syndrome differentiation based on the clinical manifestations from traditional four diagnostic methods has met great challenges and questions with the lack of statistical validation support. In this study, we provided evidences for TCM syndrome differentiation of PLC using the method of analysis of latent structural model from clinic data, thus providing basis for establishing TCM syndrome criteria. And also we obtain the common syndromes of PLC as well as their typical clinical manifestations, respectively.
An Approach to Model Earth Conductivity Structures with Lateral Changes for Calculating Induced Currents and Geoelectric Fields during Geomagnetic Disturbances
Authors: Dong Bo , Wang Zezhong , Pirjola Risto , Liu Chunming , Liu Lianguang
Published: March 2015

During geomagnetic disturbances, the telluric currents which are driven by the induced electric fields will flow in conductive Earth. An approach to model the Earth conductivity structures with lateral conductivity changes for calculating geoelectric fields is presented in this paper. Numerical results, which are obtained by the Finite Element Method (FEM) with a planar grid in two-dimensional modelling and a solid grid in three-dimensional modelling, are compared, and the flow of induced telluric currents in different conductivity regions is demonstrated. Then a three-dimensional conductivity structure is modelled and the induced currents in different depths and the geoelectric field at the Earth’s surface are shown. The geovoltages by integrating the geoelectric field along specific paths can be obtained, which are very important regarding calculations of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in ground-based technical networks, such as power systems.
Increased Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bacani A. Kirstin , Crowson Cynthia S. , Roger Véronique L. , Gabriel Sherine E. , Matteson Eric L.
Published: March 2015

Objective. To investigate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the general population.Methods. A population-based inception cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with incident RA in 1980–2007 and a cohort of non-RA subjects from the same population base were assembled and followed until 12/31/2008. The occurrence of AF was ascertained by medical record review.Results. The study included 813 patients with RA and 813 non-RA subjects (mean age 55.9 (SD:15.7) years, 68% women in both cohorts). The prevalence of AF was similar in the RA and non-RA cohorts at RA incidence/index date (4% versus 3%;P=0.51). The cumulative incidence of AF during follow-up was higher among patients with RA compared to non-RA subjects (18.3% versus 16.3% at 20 years;P=0.048). This difference persisted after adjustment for age, sex, calendar year, smoking, and hypertension (hazard ratio: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.00). There was no evidence of a differential impact of AF on mortality in patients with RA compared to non-RA subjects (hazard ratio 2.5 versus 2.8; interactionP=0.31).Conclusion. The incidence of AF is increased in patients with RA, even after adjustment for AF risk factors. AF related mortality risk did not differ between patients with and without RA.
Combined Treatment with Antiviral Therapy and Rituximab in Patients with Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: Review of the Literature and Report of a Case Using Direct Antiviral Agents-Based Antihepatitis C Virus Therapy
Authors: Urraro Teresa , Gragnani Laura , Piluso Alessia , Fabbrizzi Alessio , Monti Monica , Fognani Elisa , Boldrini Barbara , Ranieri Jessica , Zignego Anna Linda
Published: March 2015

Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is an autoimmune/B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder associated with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, manifesting as a systemic vasculitis. In the last decade, antiviral treatment (AT) with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) was considered the first therapeutic option for HCV-MC. In MC patients ineligible or not responsive to antivirals, the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) is effective. A combined AT plus RTX was also suggested. Since the introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAAs), few data were published about MC and no data about a combined schedule. Here, we report a complete remission of MC after a sustained virological response following a combined RTX/Peg-IFN+RBV+DAA (boceprevir) treatment and review the literature about the combined RTX/AT.
Free Vibrations of a Cantilevered SWCNT with Distributed Mass in the Presence of Nonlocal Effect
Authors: De Rosa M. A. , Lippiello M. , Martin H. D.
Published: March 2015

The Hamilton principle is applied to deduce the free vibration frequencies of a cantilever single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in the presence of an added mass, which can be distributed along an arbitrary part of the span. The nonlocal elasticity theory by Eringen has been employed, in order to take into account the nanoscale effects. An exact formulation leads to the equations of motion, which can be solved to give the frequencies and the corresponding vibration modes. Moreover, two approximate semianalytical methods are also illustrated, which can provide quick parametric relationships. From a more practical point of view, the problem of detecting the mass of the attached particle has been solved by calculating the relative frequency shift due to the presence of the added mass: from it, the mass value can be easily deduced. The paper ends with some numerical examples, in which the nonlocal effects are thoroughly investigated.
Biocompatible SiO2in the Fabrication of Stimuli-Responsive Hybrid Composites and Their Application Potential
Authors: Ahmad Hasan
Published: March 2015

Organic/inorganic hybrid composite materials have been extensively studied as they combine the properties of inorganic material and organic polymer. Among the inorganic material biocompatible silica (SiO2) is an interesting candidate for application in biotechnology because such material is wide spread in nature as well as in medicine. During the last few decades, stimuli-responsive polymers are drawing much attention from the researchers for application versatility such as target-specific delivery of drug and corrosion inhibitors. Considering the biocompatibility and many such important properties as high cargo loading capacity, long blood circulation lifetime, enhanced permeability and retention, mechanical strength, and easy processability, combination of SiO2particles with stimuli-responsive polymers is gaining attention over the last decade. This review article will report the progress made towards the development and application of stimuli-responsive hybrid composites based on SiO2.
MicroRNA-146b-3p Regulates Retinal Inflammation by Suppressing Adenosine Deaminase-2 in Diabetes
Authors: Fulzele Sadanand , El-Sherbini Ahmed , Ahmad Saif , Sangani Rajnikumar , Matragoon Suraporn , El-Remessy Azza , Radhakrishnan Reshmitha , Liou Gregory I.
Published: March 2015

Hyperglycemia- (HG-) Amadori-glycated albumin- (AGA-) induced activation of microglia and monocytes and their adherence to retinal vascular endothelial cells contribute to retinal inflammation leading to diabetic retinopathy (DR). There is a great need for early detection of DR before demonstrable tissue damages become irreversible. Extracellular adenosine, required for endogenous anti-inflammation, is regulated by the interplay of equilibrative nucleoside transporter with adenosine deaminase (ADA) and adenosine kinase. ADA, including ADA1 and ADA2, exists in all organisms. However, because ADA2 gene has not been identified in mouse genome, how diabetes alters adenosine-dependent anti-inflammation remains unclear. Studies of pig retinal microglia and human macrophages revealed a causal role of ADA2 in inflammation. Database search suggested miR-146b-3p recognition sites in the 3′-UTR of ADA2 mRNA. Coexpression of miR-146b-3p, but not miR-146-5p or nontargeting miRNA, with 3′-UTR of the ADA2 gene was necessary to suppress a linked reporter gene. In the vitreous of diabetic patients, decreased miR-146b-3p is associated with increased ADA2 activity. Ectopic expression of miR-146b-3p suppressed ADA2 expression, activity, and TNF-αrelease in the AGA-treated human macrophages. These results suggest a regulatory role of miR-146b-3p in diabetes related retinal inflammation by suppressing ADA2.
Regulation of miRNAs Affects Radiobiological Response of Lung Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Xu Yan-mei , Liao Xing-yun , Chen Xie-wan , Li De-zhi , Sun Jian-guo , Liao Rong-xia
Published: March 2015

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key therapeutic strategy for lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but radioresistance often occurs and leads to failure of RT. It is therefore important to clarify the mechanism underlying radioresistance in lung cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered the fundamental reason for radioresistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as important regulatory molecules of CSCs, carcinogenesis, and treatment response of cancers. It is crucial to clarify how regulation of miRNAs affects repair of DNA damage, redistribution, repopulation, reoxygenation, and radiosensitivity (5R) of lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs). A thorough understanding of the regulation of miRNAs affecting 5R of LCSCs has potential impact on identifying novel targets and thus may improve the efficacy of lung cancer radiotherapy.
Simulation-Based Planning and Control of Transport Flows in Port Logistic Systems
Authors: Lima Antonio Diogo Passos , Werner de Mascarenhas Frederico , Frazzon Enzo Morosini
Published: March 2015

In highly dynamic and uncertain transport conditions, transport transit time has to be continuously monitored so that the service level is ensured at a proper cost. The aim of this research is to propose and to test a procedure which allows an agile planning and control of transport flows in port logistic systems. The procedure couples an agent-based simulation and a queueing theory model. In this paper, the transport scheduling performed by an agent at the intermodal terminal was taken into consideration. The decision-making agent takes into account data which is acquired in remote points of the system. The obtained results indicate the relevance of continuously considering, for the transport planning and control, the expected transit time and further waiting times along port logistic systems.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as a Parotid Gland Abscess
Authors: Dias Blenda , Soares Daniela , Sampaio Patrick , Santiago Mittermayer
Published: March 2015

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a small-vessel vasculitis consisting of necrotizing granulomatous lesions in airways and focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis. However, it may affect other sites such as the skin, central nervous system, eyes, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and liver. We describe a rare case of GPA in which the initial manifestation was the involvement of the parotid gland mimicking a pyogenic abscess.
An Agent-Based Epidemic Simulation of Social Behaviors Affecting HIV Transmission among Taiwanese Homosexuals
Authors: Huang Chung-Yuan
Published: March 2015

Computational simulations are currently used to identify epidemic dynamics, to test potential prevention and intervention strategies, and to study the effects of social behaviors on HIV transmission. The author describes an agent-based epidemic simulation model of a network of individuals who participate in high-risk sexual practices, using number of partners, condom usage, and relationship length to distinguish between high- and low-risk populations. Two new concepts—free links and fixed links—are used to indicate tendencies among individuals who either have large numbers of short-term partners or stay in long-term monogamous relationships. An attempt was made to reproduce epidemic curves of reported HIV cases among male homosexuals in Taiwan prior to using the agent-based model to determine the effects of various policies on epidemic dynamics. Results suggest that when suitable adjustments are made based on available social survey statistics, the model accurately simulates real-world behaviors on a large scale.
Variable Structure Compensation PID Control of Asymmetrical Hydraulic Cylinder Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Liu Difei , Tang Zhiyong , Pei Zhongcai
Published: March 2015

A novel variable structure compensation PID control, VSCPID in short, is proposed for trajectory tracking of asymmetrical hydraulic cylinder systems. This new control method improves the system robustness by adding a variable structure compensation term to the conventional PID control. The variable structure term is designed according to sliding mode control method and therefore could compensate the disturbance and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the proposed control method avoids the requirements for exact knowledge of the systems associated with equivalent control value in SMC that means the controller is simple and easy to design. The stability analysis of this approach is conducted with Lyapunov function, and the global stability condition applied to choose control parameters is provided. Simulation results show the VSCPID control can achieve good tracking performances and high robustness compared with the other control methods under the uncertainties and varying load conditions.
The ACE2/Apelin Signaling, MicroRNAs, and Hypertension
Authors: Chen Lai-Jiang , Xu Ran , Yu Hui-Min , Chang Qing , Zhong Jiu-Chang
Published: March 2015

The renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a pivotal role in the development of hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which primarily metabolises angiotensin (Ang) II to generate the beneficial heptapeptide Ang-(1-7), serves as a negative regulator of the RAAS. Apelin is a second catalytic substrate for ACE2 and functions as an inotropic and cardiovascular protective peptide. The physiological effects of Apelin are exerted through binding to its receptor APJ, a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor that shares significant homology with the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The deregulation of microRNAs, a class of short and small noncoding RNAs, has been shown to involve cardiovascular remodeling and pathogenesis of hypertension via the activation of the Ang II/AT1R pathway. MicroRNAs are linked with modulation of the ACE2/Apelin signaling, which exhibits beneficial effects in the cardiovascular system and hypertension. The ACE2-coupled crosstalk among the RAAS, the Apelin system, and microRNAs provides an important mechanistic insight into hypertension. This paper focuses on what is known about the ACE2/Apelin signaling and its biological roles, paying particular attention to interactions and crosstalk among the ACE2/Apelin signaling, microRNAs, and hypertension, aiming to facilitate the exploitation of new therapeutic medicine to control hypertension.
The Differential Effects of a Selective Kappa-Opioid Receptor Agonist, U50488, in Guinea Pig Heart Tissues
Authors: Hung Chi-Feng , Li Hsin-Ju , Chang Hsun-Hao , Lee Gon-Ann , Su Ming Jai
Published: March 2015

The differential effects of a selective kappa- (κ-) opioid receptor agonist, U50488, were elucidated by monitoring the contraction of isolated guinea pig atrial and ventricular muscles. In electrically driven left atria, U50488 in nanomolar concentration range decreased the contractile force. Norbinaltorphimine (norBNI), a selectiveκ-receptor antagonist, and pertussis toxin (PTX) abolished the negative inotropic effect of U50488. In contrast, the inhibitory effect was not affected by the pretreatment of atropine or propranolol. Even though U50488 exerted a negative inotropic effect in the left atrium, it did not affect the contractile force of the right atrium and ventricles paced at 2 Hz. Similarly, the beating rate of the spontaneously beating right atrium was also unaffected by U50488. These results indicate that the activation ofκ-opioid receptors can only produce negative inotropic effect in left atria via activation of PTX-sensitive G protein in guinea pigs. The absence of negative inotropic effects in right atria and ventricles suggests that there may be a greater distribution of functionalκ-opioid receptors in guinea pig left atria than in right atria and ventricles, and the distribution of the receptors may be species-specific.
A Multidimensional Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Model for Retweeting Behavior Prediction
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Zuo Wanli , Wang Ying
Published: March 2015

Today microblogging has increasingly become a means of information diffusion via user’s retweeting behavior. As a consequence, exploring on retweeting behavior is a better way to understand microblog’s transmissibility in the network. Hence, targeted at online microblogging, a directed social network, along with user-based features, this paper first built content-based features, which consisted of URL, hashtag, emotion difference, and interest similarity, based on time series of text information that user posts. And then we measure relationship-based factor in social network according to frequency of interactions and network structure which blend with temporal information. Finally, we utilize nonnegative matrix factorization to predict user’s retweeting behavior from user-based dimension and content-based dimension, respectively, by employing strength of social relationship to constrain objective function. The results suggest that our proposed method effectively increases retweeting behavior prediction accuracy and provides a new train of thought for retweeting behavior prediction in dynamic social networks.
Liquid-Phase Polymer-Based Retention: Theory, Modeling, and Application for the Removal of Pollutant Inorganic Ions
Authors: Palencia Manuel
Published: March 2015

The aim of this work is to give the theoretical background of liquid-phase polymer-based retention (LPR) technique, provide a complete model of separation process, and evaluate its application for the removal of pollutant inorganic ions (PIIs) from aqueous solution. Thus, fundaments of LPR modeling by washing method from the ion distribution in active and passive zones are specified and its application was evaluated for cadmium removal using poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) as water-soluble polymer (WSP). LPR simulations were performed using a semiempirical description from data of concentration, filtration factorm, and retention coefficients. It is concluded that semiempirical simulation of PII retention by WSP can be performed from a small amount of experimental data using the described modeling. In addition, new approximations associated with molecular structure of polymer should be performed and linked to parameters of LPR experiments.
Reliability Assessment of Transformerless PV Inverters considering Mission Profiles
Authors: Yang Yongheng , Wang Huai , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: March 2015

Due to the small volume and high efficiency, transformerless inverters have gained much popularity in grid-connected PV applications, where minimizing leakage current injection is mandatory. This can be achieved by either modifying the modulation schemes or adding extra power switching devices, resulting in an uneven distribution of the power losses on the switching devices. Consequently, the device thermal loading is redistributed and thus may alter the entire inverter reliability performance, especially under a long-term operation. In this consideration, this paper assesses the device reliability of three transformerless inverters under a yearly mission profile (i.e., solar irradiance and ambient temperature). The mission profile is translated to device thermal loading, which is used for lifetime prediction. Comparison results reveal the lifetime mismatches among the power switching devices operating under the same condition, which offers new thoughts for a robust design and a reliable operation of grid-connected transformerless PV inverters with high efficiency.
Impact of Production Location, Production System, and Variety on the Volatile Organic Compounds Fingerprints and Sensory Characteristics of Tomatoes
Authors: Muilwijk Mirthe , Heenan Samuel , Koot Alex , van Ruth Saskia M.
Published: March 2015

Consumers have more and more interest in where and how their foods are produced. However, it is often challenging to discriminate products from different production locations and systems. The objective of this study was to examine fingerprinting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as an approach for characterization and discrimination of tomatoes by their production location, production system, and variety using Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry combined with multivariate statistics. Sensory analysis was complementing the VOC analyses. The study was part of the EU CORE Organic II project AuthenticFood. Tomato sample batches cultivated in two locations in Italy, according to the organic and conventional production system, comprising two varieties, and produced in two consecutive years were examined. Both factors production location and production system impacted considerably the VOC fingerprints, but compared to these two factors, minor differences were observed between the two varieties of tomatoes studied. VOC data were successfully used to predict the origin and production system for this sample set. Sensory data also primarily indicated the differences between origin and production systems, and several sensory attributes could be predicted from the VOC fingerprints. Therefore, VOC fingerprints reflect production conditions and are promising for substantiation and authentication of special tomato traits.
Nestin-Expressing Hair Follicle-Accessible Pluripotent Stem Cells for Nerve and Spinal Cord Repair
Authors: Hoffman Robert M.
Published: March 2015

Nestin-expressing stem cells of the hair follicle, discovered by our laboratory, have been shown to be able to form neurons and other nonfollicle cell types. We have shown that the nestin-expressing stem cells from the hair follicle can effect the repair of peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury. The hair follicle stem cells differentiate into neuronal and glial cells after transplantation to the injured peripheral nerve and spinal cord, and enhance injury repair and locomotor recovery. We have termed these cells hair follicle-accessible pluripotent (HAP) stem cells. When the excised hair follicle with its nerve stump was placed in Gelfoam® 3D histoculture, HAP stem cells grew and extended the hair follicle nerve which consisted of βIII-tubulin-positive fibers with F-actin expression at the tip. These findings indicate that βIII-tubulin-positive fibers elongating from the whisker follicle sensory nerve stump were growing axons. The growing whisker sensory nerve was highly enriched in HAP stem cells, which appeared to play a major role in its elongation and interaction with other nerves in 3D Gelfoam® histoculture, including the sciatic nerve, the trigeminal nerve, and the trigeminal nerve ganglion. Our results suggest that a major function of the HAP stem cells in the hair follicle is for growth of the follicle sensory nerve. HAP stem cells have critical advantages over embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells in that they are highly accessible, require no genetic manipulation, are nontumorigenic, and do not present ethical issues for regenerative medicine.
Outcomes for Prenatally Diagnosed Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Iqbal Corey W. , Derderian S. Christopher , Lusk Leslie , Basta Amaya , Filly Roy A. , Lee Hanmin , Hirose Shinjiro
Published: March 2015

Background: Right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs less frequently than left CDH. Therefore, prognostic indicators for right CDH are not as well studied as for left CDH. Methods: A retrospective review from a single, tertiary referral center (from 1994 until July 2013) of patients with unilateral right CDH was conducted. Prenatal characteristics were evaluated and correlated with survival to discharge and need for extracorporeal membranous oxygen (ECMO). Results: In total, 34 patients were identified. There were 12 postnatal deaths and 2 fetal demises (6%), representing an overall mortality of 41%. Six patients required ECMO. Nine patients underwent fetal intervention and were analyzed separately. For patients not undergoing fetal intervention, the survival rate was 52% and a higher mean (±SD) lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was associated with survival (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2, p = 0.03). There were no deaths or need for ECMO in any patient with an LHR ≥1.0. Of the 9 patients who underwent fetal intervention, survival was 78% and only 1 patient required ECMO. Fetal intervention was primarily tracheal occlusion (n = 8). Conclusions: An LHR <1.0 is associated with worse survival for right CDH and may also reflect the need for ECMO.