bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Disease Risk amongst African Black Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Need for Population Specific Stratification
Authors: Solomon Ahmed , Tsang Linda , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Millen Aletta M. E. , Norton Gavin R. , Dessein Patrick H.
Published: July 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) enhances the risk of cardiovascular disease to a similar extent as diabetes. Whereas atherogenesis remains poorly elucidated in RA, traditional and nontraditional risk factors associate similarly and additively with CVD in RA. Current recommendations on CVD risk stratification reportedly have important limitations. Further, reported data on CVD and its risk factors derive mostly from data obtained in the developed world. An earlier epidemiological health transition is intrinsic to persons living in rural areas and those undergoing urbanization. It is therefore conceivable that optimal CVD risk stratification differs amongst patients with RA from developing populations compared to those from developed populations. Herein, we briefly describe current CVD and its risk factor profiles in the African black population at large. Against this background, we review reported data on CVD risk and its potential stratification amongst African black compared to white patients with RA. Routinely assessed traditional and nontraditional CVD risk factors were consistently and independently related to atherosclerosis in African white but not black patients with RA. Circulating concentrations of novel CVD risk biomarkers including interleukin-6 and interleukin-5 adipokines were mostly similarly associated with both endothelial activation and atherosclerosis amongst African black and white RA patients.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of 50% Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Different Ocular Surface Pathologies
Authors: Semeraro Francesco , Forbice Eliana , Braga Osvaldo , Bova Alessandro , Di Salvatore Attilio , Azzolini Claudio
Published: July 2014

Purpose. This study evaluated the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in ocular surface diseases not improved by conventional therapy.Methods. We analyzed two groups: (1) acute eye pathologies (e.g., chemical burns) and (2) chronic eye pathologies (e.g., recurrent corneal erosion, neurotropic keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca). The patients were treated for surface instability after conventional therapy. The patients received therapy 5 times a day until stabilization of the framework; they then reduced therapy to 3 times a day for at least 3 months. We analyzed the best corrected visual acuity, epithelial defects, inflammation, corneal opacity, and corneal neovascularization. We also analyzed symptoms such as tearing, burning, sense of foreign body or sand, photophobia, blurred vision, and difficulty opening the eyelids.Results. We enrolled 15 eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2. The average therapy period was 16 ± 5.86 weeks in group 1 and 30.54 ± 20.33 weeks in group 2. The epithelial defects all resolved. Signs and symptoms improved in both groups. In group 2, the defect recurred after the suspension of therapy in 2 (18%) patients; in group 1, no defects recurred.Conclusions. Autologous serum eye drops effectively stabilize and improve signs and symptoms in eyes previously treated with conventional therapy.
Information Filtering via Biased Random Walk on Coupled Social Network
Authors: Nie Da-Cheng , Zhang Zi-Ke , Dong Qiang , Sun Chongjing , Fu Yan
Published: July 2014

The recommender systems have advanced a great deal in the past two decades. However, most researchers focus their attentions on mining the similarities among users or objects in recommender systems and overlook the social influence which plays an important role in users’ purchase process. In this paper, we design a biased random walk algorithm on coupled social networks which gives recommendation results based on both social interests and users’ preference. Numerical analyses on two real data sets,EpinionsandFriendfeed, demonstrate the improvement of recommendation performance by taking social interests into account, and experimental results show that our algorithm can alleviate the user cold-start problem more effectively compared with the mass diffusion and user-based collaborative filtering methods.
Global Asymptotic Stability of Impulsive CNNs with Proportional Delays and Partially Lipschitz Activation Functions
Authors: Song Xueli , Peng Jigen
Published: July 2014

This paper researches global asymptotic stability of impulsive cellular neural networks with proportional delays and partially Lipschitz activation functions. Firstly, by means of the transformation vi(t)=ui(et), the impulsive cellular neural networks with proportional delays are transformed into impulsive cellular neural networks with the variable coefficients and constant delays. Secondly, we provide novel criteria for the uniqueness and exponential stability of the equilibrium point of the latter by relative nonlinear measure and prove that the exponential stability of equilibrium point of the latter implies the asymptotic stability of one of the former. We furthermore obtain a sufficient condition to the uniqueness and global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point of the former. Our method does not require conventional assumptions on global Lipschitz continuity, boundedness, and monotonicity of activation functions. Our results are generalizations and improvements of some existing ones. Finally, an example and its simulations are provided to illustrate the correctness of our analysis.
Multiobjective Memetic Estimation of Distribution Algorithm Based on an Incremental Tournament Local Searcher
Authors: Yang Kaifeng , Mu Li , Yang Dongdong , Zou Feng , Wang Lei , Jiang Qiaoyong
Published: July 2014

A novel hybrid multiobjective algorithm is presented in this paper, which combines a new multiobjective estimation of distribution algorithm, an efficient local searcher andε-dominance. Besides, two multiobjective problems with variable linkages strictly based on manifold distribution are proposed. The Pareto set to the continuous multiobjective optimization problems, in the decision space, is a piecewise low-dimensional continuous manifold. The regularity by the manifold features just build probability distribution model by globally statistical information from the population, yet, the efficiency of promising individuals is not well exploited, which is not beneficial to search and optimization process. Hereby, an incremental tournament local searcher is designed to exploit local information efficiently and accelerate convergence to the true Pareto-optimal front. Besides, sinceε-dominance is a strategy that can make multiobjective algorithm gain well distributed solutions and has low computational complexity,ε-dominance and the incremental tournament local searcher are combined here. The novel memetic multiobjective estimation of distribution algorithm, MMEDA, was proposed accordingly. The algorithm is validated by experiment on twenty-two test problems with and without variable linkages of diverse complexities. Compared with three state-of-the-art multiobjective optimization algorithms, our algorithm achieves comparable results in terms of convergence and diversity metrics.
Designing of 2-Stage CPU Scheduler Using Vague Logic
Authors: Raheja Supriya , Dhadich Reena , Rajpal Smita
Published: July 2014

In operating system the CPU scheduler is designed in such a way that all the resources are fully utilized. With static priority scheduling the scheduler ensures that CPU time will be assigned according to the highest priority but ignores other factors; hence it affects the performance. To improve the performance, we propose a new 2-stage vague logic based scheduler. In first stage, scheduler handles the uncertainty of tasks using the proposed vague inference system (VIS). In second stage, scheduler uses a vague oriented priority scheduling (VOPS) algorithm for selection of next process. The goal of this work is to handle the uncertainty as well as to optimize both the average and the amount of variation with respect to performance matrices average waiting time, average turnaround time, and average normalized turnaround time. A simulation using MATLAB is also conducted to evaluate the performance. Simulation results show that the proposed scheduler using VOPS algorithm is better than the scheduler with traditional priority scheduling algorithm. Results are based on the dual concept of fuzzy theory and its generalization, vague theory. Additionally, this work comprises the evaluation of VOPS and shortest job first algorithm. The outcome of proposed VOPS algorithm is much closer to the result obtained by traditional shortest job first.
Stimulatory Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Phytochemical Properties, Mitotic Behaviour, and Nutritional Composition of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliaScop.)
Authors: Mohajer Sadegh , Mat Taha Rosna , Lay Ma Ma , Khorasani Esmaeili Arash , Khalili Mahsa
Published: July 2014

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliaScop. Syn.Onobrychis sativaL.) is a bloat-safe forage crop with high levels of tannins, which is renowned for its medicinal qualities in grazing animals. Mutagenesis technique was applied to investigate the influence of gamma irradiation at 30, 60, 90, and 120 Gy on mitotic behavior,in vitrogrowth factors, phytochemical and nutritional constituents of sainfoin. Although a percentage of plant necrosis and non-growing seed were enhanced by irradiation increment, the germination speed was significantly decreased. It was observed that gamma irradiated seeds had higher value of crude protein and dry matter digestibility compared to control seeds. Toxicity of copper was reduced in sainfoin irradiated seeds at different doses of gamma rays. Anthocyanin content also decreased in inverse proportion to irradiation intensity. Accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was enhanced by gamma irradiation exposure in leaf cells. HPLC profiles differed in peak areas of the two important alkaloids, Berberine and Sanguinarine, in 120 Gy irradiated seeds compared to control seeds. There were positive correlations between irradiation dose and some abnormality divisions such as laggard chromosome, micronucleus, binucleated cells, chromosome bridge, and cytomixis. In reality, radiocytological evaluation was proven to be essential in deducing the effectiveness of gamma irradiation to induce somaclonal variation in sainfoin.
The Impact of Strenuous Group Physical Activity on Mood States, Personal Views, Body Composition, and Markers of Myocardial Damage in Overweight/Obese Adults: The “Step-by-Step Italy’s Coast to Coast” Trek
Authors: Mazzeschi Claudia , Piana Natalia , Capezzali Daniela , Mommi Antonella , Aiello Cristina , Gatti Michela , Romani Giannermete , Buratta Livia , Battistini Dalila , Nasini Giovanni , Reginato Elisa , Urbani Lorena , Pazzagli Chiara , Ferri Carla , Ambrosio Giuseppe , De Feo Pierpaolo
Published: July 2014

It is clinically relevant to understand whether it is safe to recommend to trained overweight/obese people long-distance treks and whether these experiences could have a negative psychological impact or become even dangerous exposing the trekkers to the risk of clinically silent myocardial damage. To answer these questions we have performed a quantitative/qualitative study comparing the changes in mood profiles, personal views, body composition, and plasma troponin levels of 40 overweight/obese subjects with those of 36 healthy normal weight subjects after the participation in a trek of 388 km from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian seas trek: the “Step by step…Italy’s coast to coast”. The results of this study demonstrate that long-distance treks are a safe activity for trained overweight/obese people which should be recommended because they improve mood, health status, and the relationship of participants with themselves and with the regular practice of exercise with effects similar to those obtained by healthy normal weight subjects.
Short‐Term Coalmine Gas Concentration Prediction Based on Wavelet Transform and Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Xiang Wu , Jian-sheng Qian , Cheng-hua Huang , Li Zhang
Published: July 2014

It is well known that coalmine gas concentration forecasting is very significant to ensure the safety of mining. Owing to the high‐frequency, nonstationary fluctuations and chaotic properties of the gas concentration time series, a gas concentration forecasting model utilizing the original raw data often leads to an inability to provide satisfying forecast results. A hybrid forecasting model that integrates wavelet transform and extreme learning machine (ELM) termed as WELM (wavelet based ELM) for coalmine gas concentration is proposed. Firstly, the proposed model employs Mallat algorithm to decompose and reconstruct the gas concentration time series to isolate the low‐frequency and high‐frequency information. Then, ELM model is built for the prediction of each component. At last, these predicted values are superimposed to obtain the predicted values of the original sequence. This method makes an effective separation of the feature information of gas concentration time series and takes full advantage of multi‐ELM prediction models with different parameters to achieve divide and rule. Comparative studies with existing prediction models indicate that the proposed model is very promising and can be implemented in one‐step or multistep ahead prediction.
Temperature Control via Affine Nonlinear Systems for Intermediate Point of Supercritical Once‐Through Boiler Units
Authors: Zhou Hong , Liu Changkun , Liu Zhi-Wei , Hu Wenshan
Published: July 2014

For the operation of the supercritical once‐through boiler generation units, the control of the temperature
at intermediate point (IPT) is highly significant. IPT is the steam temperature at the outlet of the separator. Currently, PID control algorithms are widely adopted for the IPT control. However, PID cannot achieve the optimal performances as the units’ dynamic characteristic changes at different working points due to the severe nonlinearity. To address the problem, a new control algorithm using affine nonlinear system is adopted for a 600 MW unit in this paper. In order to establish the model of IPT via affine nonlinear system, the simplified mechanism equations on the evaporation zone and steam separator of the unit are established. Then, the feedback linearizing control law can be obtained. Full range simulations with the load varying from 100% to 30% are conducted. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm, the performance of the new method is compared with the results of
the PID control. The feed‐water flow disturbances are considered in simulations of both of the two control methods. The comparison shows the new method has a better performance with a quicker response time and a smaller overshoot, which demonstrates the potential improvement for the supercritical once‐through boiler generation unit control.
The Drainage Consolidation Modeling of Sand Drain in Red Mud Tailing and Analysis on the Change Law of the Pore Water Pressure
Authors: Wu Chuan-sheng
Published: July 2014

In order to prevent the occurring of dam failure and leakage, sand‐well drainages systems were designed and constructed in red mud tailing. It is critical to focus on the change law of the pore water pressure. The calculation model of single well drainage pore water pressure was established. The pore water pressure differential equation was deduced and the analytical solution of differential equation using Bessel function and Laplace transform was given out. The impact of parameters such as diameter d, separation distance l, loading rate q, and coefficient of consolidation Cv in the function on the pore water pressure is analyzed by control variable method. This research is significant and has great reference for preventing red mud tailings leakage and the follow‐up studies on the tailings stability.
A Parallel Decoding Algorithm for Short Polar Codes Based on Error Checking and Correcting
Authors: Zhang Yingxian , Pan Xiaofei , Pan Kegang , Ye Zhan , Gong Chao
Published: July 2014

We propose a parallel decoding algorithm based on error checking and correcting to improve the performance of the short polar codes. In order to enhance the error-correcting capacity of the decoding algorithm, we first derive theerror-checking equationsgenerated on the basis of the frozen nodes, and then we introduce the method to check the errors in the input nodes of the decoder by the solutions of these equations. In order to further correct those checked errors, we adopt the method of modifying the probability messages of the error nodes with constant values according to the maximization principle. Due to the existence of multiple solutions of theerror-checking equations, we formulate a CRC-aided optimization problem of finding the optimal solution with three different target functions, so as to improve the accuracy of error checking. Besides, in order to increase the throughput of decoding, we use a parallel method based on the decoding tree to calculate probability messages of all the nodes in the decoder. Numerical results show that the proposed decoding algorithm achieves better performance than that of some existing decoding algorithms with the same code length.
Frequency of TGF-βand IFN-γGenotype as Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury and Death in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Grabulosa Caren Cristina , Batista Marcelo Costa , Cendoroglo Miguel , Quinto Beata Marie Redublo , Narciso Roberto , Monte Julio Cesar , Durão Marcelino , Rizzo Luiz Vicente , Santos Oscar Fernando Pavão , Dalboni Maria Aparecida
Published: July 2014

Genetic variations in TGF-βand IFN-γmay interfere with proinflammatory cytokine production and, consequently, may be involved with inflammatory diseases, as acute kidney injury (AKI). We considered that genetic polymorphisms of these cytokines may have a crucial role in the outcome of critically ill patients. To investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of rs1800470 (codon 10 T/C), rs1800471 (codon 25 C/G) from the TGF-β, and rs2430561 (+874 T/A) from IFN-γmay be a risk factor for ICU patients to the development of AKI and/or death. In a prospective nested case-control study, were included 139 ICU patients who developed AKI, 164 ICU patients without AKI, and 244 healthy individuals. We observed a higher frequency to T/A genotype for IFN-γ(intermediate producer phenotype) and higher frequency of TT GG and TC GG genotype (high producer) for TGF-βpolymorphism in overall population. However, these polymorphisms have not been shown as a predictor of risk for AKI and death. We found an increased prevalence of high and intermediate producer phenotypes from TGF-βand IFN-γ, respectively, in patients in ICU setting. However, the studied genetic polymorphism of the TGF-βand IFN-γwas not associated as a risk factor for AKI or death in our population.
Neurophysiological Tools to Investigate Consumer’s Gender Differences during the Observation of TV Commercials
Authors: Vecchiato Giovanni , Maglione Anton Giulio , Cherubino Patrizia , Wasikowska Barbara , Wawrzyniak Agata , Latuszynska Anna , Latuszynska Malgorzata , Nermend Kesra , Graziani Ilenia , Leucci Maria Rita , Trettel Arianna , Babiloni Fabio
Published: July 2014

Neuromarketing is a multidisciplinary field of research whose aim is to investigate the consumers’ reaction to advertisements from a neuroscientific perspective. In particular, the neuroscience field is thought to be able to reveal information about consumer preferences which are unobtainable through conventional methods, including submitting questionnaires to large samples of consumers or performing psychological personal or group interviews. In this scenario, we performed an experiment in order to investigate cognitive and emotional changes of cerebral activity evaluated by neurophysiologic indices during the observation of TV commercials. In particular, we recorded the electroencephalographic (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and heart rate (HR) in a group of 28 healthy subjects during the observation of a series of TV advertisements that have been grouped by commercial categories. Comparisons of cerebral indices have been performed to highlight gender differences between commercial categories and scenes of interest of two specific commercials. Findings show how EEG methodologies, along with the measurements of autonomic variables, could be used to obtain hidden information to marketers not obtainable otherwise. Most importantly, it was suggested how these tools could help to analyse the perception of TV advertisements and differentiate their production according to the consumer’s gender.
Sharp Bounds for Neuman Means by Harmonic, Arithmetic, and Contraharmonic Means
Authors: Guo Zhi-Jun , Chu Yu-Ming , Song Ying-Qing , Tao Xiao-Jing
Published: July 2014

We give several sharp bounds for the Neuman meansNAHandNHA(NCAandNAC) in terms of harmonic meanH(contraharmonic meanC) or the geometric convex combination of arithmetic meanAand harmonic meanH(contraharmonic meanCand arithmetic meanA) and present a new chain of inequalities for certain bivariate means.
Differences in Plantar Flexor Fascicle Length and Pennation Angle between Healthy and Poststroke Individuals and Implications for Poststroke Plantar Flexor Force Contributions
Authors: Ramsay John W. , Buchanan Thomas S. , Higginson Jill S.
Published: July 2014

Poststroke plantar flexor muscle weakness has been attributed to muscle atrophy and impaired activation, which cannot collectively explain the limitations in force-generating capability of the entire muscle group. It is of interest whether changes in poststroke plantar flexor muscle fascicle length and pennation angle influence the individual force-generating capability and whether plantar flexor weakness is due to uniform changes in individual muscle force contributions. Fascicle lengths and pennation angles for the soleus, medial, and lateral gastrocnemius were measured using ultrasound and compared between ten hemiparetic poststroke subjects and ten healthy controls. Physiological cross-sectional areas and force contributions to poststroke plantar flexor torque were estimated for each muscle. No statistical differences were observed for any muscle fascicle lengths or for the lateral gastrocnemius and soleus pennation angles between paretic, nonparetic, and healthy limbs. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the paretic medial gastrocnemius pennation angle compared to both nonparetic and healthy limbs. Physiological cross-sectional areas and force contributions were smaller on the paretic side. Additionally, bilateral muscle contributions to plantar flexor torque remained the same. While the architecture of each individual plantar flexor muscle is affected differently after stroke, the relative contribution of each muscle remains the same.
Correction of Multiple Canine Impactions by Mixed Straightwire and Cantilever Mechanics: A Case Report
Authors: Paduano Sergio , Cioffi Iacopo , Iodice Giorgio , d’Antò Vincenzo , Riccitiello Francesco , Pellegrino Gioacchino , Valletta Rosa
Published: July 2014

Background.This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a woman, aged 17 years, with a permanent dentition, brachyfacial typology, Angle Class I, with full impaction of two canines (13,33), and a severe ectopy of the maxillary left canine. Her main compliant was the position of the ectopic teeth.Methods.Straightwire fixed appliances, together with cantilever mechanics, were used to correct the impaired occlusion and to obtain an ideal torque control.Results and Conclusion.The treatment objectives were achieved in 26 months of treatment. The impactions were fully corrected with an optimal torque. The cantilever mechanics succeeded in obtaining tooth repositioning in a short lapse of time. After treatment, the dental alignment was stable.
Lasers in Esthetic Dentistry: Soft Tissue Photobiomodulation, Hard Tissue Decontamination, and Ceramics Conditioning
Authors: Ramalho Karen Müller , de Freitas Patrícia Moreira , Correa-Aranha Ana Cecília , Bello-Silva Marina Stella , Lopes Roberta Marques da Graça , Eduardo Carlos de Paula
Published: July 2014

The increasing concern and the search for conservative dental treatments have resulted in the development of several new technologies. Low and high power lasers can be cited as one of these new technologies. Low power lasers act at cellular level leading to pain reduction, modulation of inflammation, and improvement of tissue healing. High power lasers act by increasing temperature and have the potential to promote microbial reduction and ablation of hard and soft tissues. The clinical application of both low and high power lasers requires specific knowledge concerning laser interaction with biological tissues, so that the correct irradiation protocol can be established. The present case report describes the clinical steps of two metal-ceramic crowns development in a 60-year-old patient. Three different laser wavelengths were applied throughout the treatment with different purposes: Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) for dentin decontamination, diode (660 nm) for soft tissue biomodulation, and Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) for inner ceramic surface conditioning. Lasers were successfully applied in the present case report as coadjutant in the treatment. This coadjutant technology can be a potential tool to assist treatment to reach the final success.
Efficacy of Auricular Therapy for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yeh Chao Hsing , Chiang Yi Chien , Hoffman Samuel L. , Liang Zhan , Klem Mary Lou , Tam Wilson W. S. , Chien Lung-Chang , Suen Lorna Kwai-Ping
Published: July 2014

Objective. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the efficacy of auricular therapy by including a sham therapy control group. Methods. Relevant, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified by searching medical related databases from, depending on journal, 1900 (at the earliest) to 1994 (at the latest) through May 2013. The outcome measure was a pain intensity score. Results. Twenty‐two RCTs were identified and 13 RCTs were included for meta‐analysis. In these studies, auricular therapy provided significant pain relief when compared to a sham or control group. The overall standardized mean differences (SMD) was 1.59 (95% CI [−2.36, −0.82]) (13 trials, total subject numbers = 806), indicating that, on average, the mean decrease in pain score for auricular therapy group was 1.59 standard deviations greater than the mean decrease for the sham control. In terms of the efficacy of the different treatment methods, auricular acupressure boasts the largest strength of evidence for pain relief, followed by auricular acupuncture. Electroacupuncture stimulation did not show significant evidence for efficacy, which may be due to the small sample size (i.e., only 19 subjects were included). Conclusion. Further large‐scale RCTs are needed to determine the efficacy of auricular therapy for pain.
Pharmacological and Ethnomedicinal Overview of Heritiera fomes: Future Prospects
Authors: Mahmud Imran , Islam Md Khirul , Saha Sanjib , Barman Apurba Kumar , Rahman Md Mustafizur , Anisuzzman Md , Rahman Taufiq , Al-Nahain Abdullah , Jahan Rownak , Rahmatullah Mohammed
Published: July 2014

Mangrove plants are specialized woody plants growing in the swamps of tidal-coastal areas and river deltas of tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They have been utilized for medicinal and other purposes by the coastal people over the years. Heritiera fomes Buch. Ham. (family: Sterculiaceae) commonly known as Sundari (Bengali) is a preeminent mangrove plant occurring in the Sundarbans forest located in the southern part of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal province of India. The plant has applications in traditional folk medicine as evidenced by its extensive use for treating diabetes, hepatic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, goiter, and skin diseases by the local people and traditional health practitioners. A number of investigations indicated that the plant possesses significant antioxidant, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Phytochemical analyses have revealed the presence of important chemical constituents like saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, gums, phytosterols, and reducing sugars. The present study is aimed at compiling information on phytochemical, biological, pharmacological, and ethnobotanical properties of this important medicinal plant, with a view to critically assess the legitimacy of the use of this plant in the aforementioned disorders as well as providing directions for further research.
Upregulation of Pluripotency Markers in Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells by miR-302 and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Taha Masoumeh Fakhr , Javeri Arash , Rohban Sara , Mowla Seyed Javad
Published: July 2014

The expression pattern of pluripotency markers in adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) is a subject of controversy. Moreover, there is no data about the signaling molecules that regulate these markers in ADSCs. In the present study, we studied the roles of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and miR-302 in this regard. Freshly isolated mouse ADSCs expressed hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and pluripotency markers. One day after plating, ADSCs expressed OCT4 and Sox2 proteins. After three passages, the expression of hematopoietic and pluripotency markers decreased, while the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers exhibited a striking rise. Both supplementation of culture media with LIF and transfection of the ADSCs with miR-302 family upregulated the expression levels ofOCT4,Nanog, andSox2mRNAs. These findings showed that mouse adipose tissue contains a population of cells with molecular resemblance to embryonic stem cells, and LIF and miR-302 family positively affect the expression of pluripotency markers.
Clinical Utility of Ammonia Concentration as a Diagnostic Test in Monitoring of the Treatment with L-Asparaginase in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Czogała Małgorzata , Balwierz Walentyna , Sztefko Krystyna , Rogatko Iwona
Published: July 2014

L-asparaginase (ASP) is an enzyme used as one of the basic regimens in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Because of the possibility of the enzyme inactivation by antibodies, monitoring of ASP activity is essential. The aim of the study was to examine if plasma concentration of ammonia, a direct product of the reaction catalyzed by ASP, can be used in the assessment of ASP activity. A group of 87 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated in the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology in Krakow was enrolled to the study. ASP activity and ammonia concentration were measured after ASP administrations during induction. A positive correlation was found between the ammonia concentration and ASP activity (R=0.44;P<0.0001) and between the medium values of ammonia concentration and ASP activity (R=0.56;P<0.0001). The analysis of ROC curves revealed the moderate accuracy of the ammonia concentration values in the ASP activity assessment. It was also found that the medium value of ammonia concentrations can be useful in identification of the patients with low (<100 IU/L) and undetectable (<30 IU/L) ASP activity. The plasma ammonia concentration may reflect ASP activity and can be useful when a direct measurement of the activity is unavailable.
Analysis of Si/SiGe Heterostructure Solar Cell
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Tiwari Jahnvi , Yadav Ashish , Jha Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2014

Sunlight is the largest source of carbon-neutral energy. Large amount of energy, about 4.3 × 1020 J/hr (Lewis, 2005), is radiated because of nuclear fusion reaction by sun, but it is unfortunate that it is not exploited to its maximum level. Various photovoltaic researches are ongoing to find low cost, and highly efficient solar cell to fulfil looming energy crisis around the globe. Thin film solar cell along with enhanced absorption property will be the best, so combination of SiGe alloy is considered. The paper presented here consists of a numerical model ofSi/Si1-xGexheterostructure solar cell. The research has investigated characteristics such as short circuit current density (Jsc), generation rate (G), absorption coefficient (α), and open circuit voltage (Voc) with optimal Ge concentration. The addition of Ge content to Si layer will affect the property of material and can be calculated with the use of Vegard’s law. Due to this, short circuit current density increases.
Storage Space Allocation of Inbound Container in Railway Container Terminal
Authors: Wang Li , Zhu Xiaoning , Xie Zhengyu
Published: July 2014

Efficient storage strategy of railway container terminals is important in balancing resource utilization, reducing waiting time, and improving handling efficiency. In this paper, we consider the formulation and solution algorithm for storage space allocation problem of inbound containers in railway container terminal. The problem is formulated as two‐stage optimization models, whose objectives are balancing the workload of inbound containers and reducing the overlapping amounts. An algorithm implement process based on rolling horizon approach is designed to solve the proposed models. Computational experiments on an actual railway container terminal show that the proposed approach is effective to solve space allocation problem of inbound container and is significant for the operation and organization of railway container terminals.
Optimal Control Strategy Design Based on Dynamic Programming for a Dual-Motor Coupling-Propulsion System
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhang Chengning , Han Guangwei , Wang Qinghui
Published: July 2014

A dual-motor coupling-propulsion electric bus (DMCPEB) is modeled, and its optimal control strategy is studied in this paper. The necessary dynamic features of energy loss for subsystems is modeled. Dynamic programming (DP) technique is applied to find the optimal control strategy including upshift threshold, downshift threshold, and power split ratio between the main motor and auxiliary motor. Improved control rules are extracted from the DP-based control solution, forming near-optimal control strategies. Simulation results demonstrate that a significant improvement in reducing energy loss due to the dual-motor coupling-propulsion system (DMCPS) running is realized without increasing the frequency of the mode switch.
A Survey of Partition-Based Techniques for Copy-Move Forgery Detection
Authors: Nathalie Diane Wandji Nanda , Xingming Sun , Moise Fah Kue
Published: July 2014

A copy-move forged image results from a specific type of image tampering procedure carried out by copying a part of an image and pasting it on one or more parts of the same image generally to maliciously hide unwanted objects/regions or clone an object. Therefore, detecting such forgeries mainly consists in devising ways of exposing identical or relatively similar areas in images. This survey attempts to cover existing partition-based copy-move forgery detection techniques.
Applying the Maternal Near Miss Approach for the Evaluation of Quality of Obstetric Care: A Worked Example from a Multicenter Surveillance Study
Authors: Haddad Samira Maerrawi , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Souza Joao Paulo , Sousa Maria Helena , Parpinelli Mary Angela , Costa Maria Laura , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Brum Ione R. , Moraes Filho Olímpio B. , Feitosa Francisco E. , Menezes Carlos A. , Guanabara Everardo M. , Moreira Joaquim L. , Peret Frederico A. , Schmaltz Luiza E. , Katz Leila , Lima Antonio C. Barbosa , Amorim Melania M. , Martins Marilia G. , Nascimento Denis J. , Paiva Cláudio S. , Rohloff Roger D. , Costa Sergio M. , Luz Adriana G. , Lobato Gustavo , Cordioli Eduardo , Peraçoli Jose C. , Maia Filho Nelson L. , Quintana Silvana M. , Lotufo Fátima A. , Andreucci Carla B. , Aquino Márcia M. , Mattar Rosiane
Published: July 2014

Objective. To assess quality of care of women with severe maternal morbidity and to identify associated factors.Method. This is a national multicenter cross-sectional study performing surveillance for severe maternal morbidity, using the World Health Organization criteria. The expected number of maternal deaths was calculated with the maternal severity index (MSI) based on the severity of complication, and the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for each center was estimated. Analyses on the adequacy of care were performed.Results. 17 hospitals were classified as providing adequate and 10 as nonadequate care. Besides almost twofold increase in maternal mortality ratio, the main factors associated with nonadequate performance were geographic difficulty in accessing health services (P<0.001), delays related to quality of medical care (P=0.012), absence of blood derivatives (P=0.013), difficulties of communication between health services (P=0.004), and any delay during the whole process (P=0.039).Conclusions. This is an example of how evaluation of the performance of health services is possible, using a benchmarking tool specific to Obstetrics. In this study the MSI was a useful tool for identifying differences in maternal mortality ratios and factors associated with nonadequate performance of care.
Epidemiologic and Molecular Prognostic Review of Glioblastoma
Authors: Thakkar Jigisha P. , Dolecek Therese A. , Horbinski Craig , Ostrom Quinn T. , Lightner Donita D. , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Villano John L.
Published: July 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system malignancy with a median survival of 15 months. The average incidence rate of GBM is 3.19/100,000 population, and the median age of diagnosis is 64 years. Incidence is higher in men and individuals of white race and non-Hispanic ethnicity. Many genetic and environmental factors have been studied in GBM, but the majority are sporadic, and no risk factor accounting for a large proportion of GBMs has been identified. However, several favorable clinical prognostic factors are identified, including younger age at diagnosis, cerebellar location, high performance status, and maximal tumor resection. GBMs comprise of primary and secondary subtypes, which evolve through different genetic pathways, affect patients at different ages, and have differences in outcomes. We report the current epidemiology of GBM with new data from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States 2006 to 2010 as well as demonstrate and discuss trends in incidence and survival. We also provide a concise review on molecular markers in GBM that have helped distinguish biologically similar subtypes of GBM and have prognostic and predictive value. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 1985–96. ©2014 AACR.
Selective Release of a Cyclopamine Glucuronide Prodrug toward Stem-like Cancer Cell Inhibition in Glioblastoma
Authors: Balbous Anaïs , Renoux Brigitte , Cortes Ulrich , Milin Serge , Guilloteau Karline , Legigan Thibaut , Rivet Pierre , Boissonnade Odile , Martin Sébastien , Tripiana Caroline , Wager Michel , Bensadoun René Jean , Papot Sébastien , Karayan-Tapon Lucie
Published: July 2014

Recent data suggest that inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway could be a therapeutic target for glioblastoma. Alkaloid cyclopamine inhibits Hedgehog signaling, depleting stem-like cancer cells derived from glioblastoma. However, this compound is toxic for somatic stem cells, preventing its use for clinical applications. In this study, we tested a derivatization product of cyclopamine in the form of cyclopamine glucuronide prodrug (CGP-2). This compound was used in vitro and in vivo toward glioblastoma-initiating cells (GIC). Results obtained in vitro indicate that CGP-2 is active only in the presence of β-glucuronidase, an enzyme detected in high levels in necrotic areas of glioblastomas. CGP-2 decreased proliferation and inhibited the self-renewal of all GIC lines tested. Hedgehog pathway blockade by 10 μmol/L of CGP-2 induced a 99% inhibition of clonogenicity on GICs, similar to cyclopamine treatment. Combination of CGP-2 with radiation decreased clonogenic survival in all GIC lines compared with CGP-2 alone. In a subcutaneous glioblastoma xenograft model, a two-week CGP-2 treatment prevented tumor growth with 75% inhibition at 8 weeks, and this inhibition was still significant after 14 weeks. Unlike cyclopamine, CGP-2 had no detectable toxic effects in intestinal crypts. Our study suggests that inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway with CGP-2 is more effective than conventional temozolomide adjuvant, with much lower concentrations, and seems to be an effective therapeutic strategy for targeting GICs. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(9); 2159–69. ©2014 AACR.
Temozolomide Induces the Production of Epidermal Growth Factor to Regulate MDR1 Expression in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Munoz Jessian L. , Rodriguez-Cruz Vivian , Greco Steven J. , Nagula Vipul , Scotto Kathleen W. , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: July 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) commonly resists the frontline chemotherapy treatment temozolomide. The multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) and its protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), are associated with chemoresistance. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying MDR1-mediated resistance by GBM to temozolomide. P-gp trafficking was studied by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. MDR1 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and reporter gene assays. AP-1 interaction with MDR1 was studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. EGF production was analyzed by ELISA, EGFR signaling was determined by Western blot analysis, and in vivo response to erlotinib and/or temozolomide was studied in nude mice. During the early phase of temozolomide treatment, intracellular P-gp was trafficked to the cell membrane, followed by conformational change into active P-gp. At the later phase, gene transcription of MDR1 was induced by temozolomide-mediated production of EGF. EGF activated ERK1/2-JNK-AP-1 cofactors (c-jun and c-fos). An inhibitor of EGFR kinase (erlotinib) given to nude mice with GBM prevented temozolomide-induced resistance. The results identified an essential role for activated EGFR in the resistance of GBM to temozolomide. Temozolomide resistance occurred through a biphasic response; first, by a conformational change in P-gp into the active form and, second, by releasing EGF, which caused autocrine stimulation of GBM cells to induce MDR1. Pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR kinase blunted the ability of GBM cells to resist temozolomide. These findings may explain reports on the common occurrence of mutant EGFR (EGFRvIII) and EGFR expansion in the resistance of GBM cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(10); 2399–411. ©2014 AACR.
BET Protein Antagonist JQ1 Is Synergistically Lethal with FLT3 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) and Overcomes Resistance to FLT3-TKI in AML Cells Expressing FLT-ITD
Authors: Fiskus Warren , Sharma Sunil , Qi Jun , Shah Bhavin , Devaraj Santhana G.T. , Leveque Christopher , Portier Bryce P. , Iyer Swaminathan , Bradner James E. , Bhalla Kapil N.
Published: July 2014

Recently, treatment with bromodomain and extraterminal protein antagonist (BA) such as JQ1 has been shown to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells, including those expressing FLT3-ITD. Here, we demonstrate that cotreatment with JQ1 and the FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) ponatinib or AC220 synergistically induce apoptosis of cultured and primary CD34+ human AML blast progenitor cells (BPC) expressing FLT3-ITD. Concomitantly, as compared with each agent alone, cotreatment with JQ1 and the FLT3-TKI caused greater attenuation of c-MYC, BCL2, and CDK4/6. Simultaneously, cotreatment with JQ1 and the FLT3-TKI increased the levels of p21, BIM, and cleaved PARP, as well as mediated marked attenuation of p-STAT5, p-AKT, and p-ERK1/2 levels in AML BPCs. Conversely, cotreatment with JQ1 and FLT3-TKI was significantly less active against CD34+ normal bone marrow progenitor cells. Knockdown of BRD4 by short hairpin RNA also sensitized AML cells to FLT3-TKI. JQ1 treatment induced apoptosis of mouse Ba/F3 cells ectopically expressing FLT3-ITD with or without FLT3-TKI–resistant mutations F691L and D835V. Compared with the parental human AML FLT3-ITD–expressing MOLM13, MOLM13-TKIR cells resistant to AC220 were markedly more sensitive to JQ1-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, cotreatment with JQ1 and the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDI) panobinostat synergistically induced apoptosis of FLT3-TKI–resistant MOLM13-TKIR and MV4-11-TKIR cells. Collectively, these findings support the rationale for determining the in vivo activity of combined therapy with BA and FLT3-TKI against human AML cells expressing FLT3-ITD or with BA and HDI against AML cells resistant to FLT3-TKI. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(10); 2315–27. ©2014 AACR.
An In Vivo Antilymphatic Screen in Zebrafish Identifies Novel Inhibitors of Mammalian Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic-Mediated Metastasis
Authors: Astin Jonathan W. , Jamieson Stephen M.F. , Eng Tiffany C.Y. , Flores Maria V. , Misa June P. , Chien Annie , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S.
Published: July 2014

The growth of new lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis) in tumors is an integral step in the metastatic spread of tumor cells, first to the sentinel lymph nodes that surround the tumor and then elsewhere in the body. Currently, no selective agents designed to prevent lymphatic vessel growth have been approved for clinical use, and there is an important potential clinical niche for antilymphangiogenic agents. Using a zebrafish phenotype-based chemical screen, we have identified drug compounds, previously approved for human use, that have antilymphatic activity. These include kaempferol, a natural product found in plants; leflunomide, an inhibitor of pyrimidine biosynthesis; and cinnarizine and flunarizine, members of the type IV class of calcium channel antagonists. Antilymphatic activity was confirmed in a murine in vivo lymphangiogenesis Matrigel plug assay, in which kaempferol, leflunomide, and flunarizine prevented lymphatic growth. We show that kaempferol is a novel inhibitor of VEGFR2/3 kinase activity and is able to reduce the density of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels as well as the incidence of lymph node metastases in a metastatic breast cancer xenograft model. However, in this model, kaempferol administration was also associated with tumor deposits in the pancreas and diaphragm, and flunarizine was found to be tumorigenic. Although this screen revealed that zebrafish is a viable platform for the identification and development of mammalian antilymphatic compounds, it also highlights the need for focused secondary screens to ensure appropriate efficacy of hits in a tumor context. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(10); 2450–62. ©2014 AACR.