bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective cohort study to investigate fatigue, psychological or cognitive impairment after TIA: protocol paper
Authors: Moran Grace M , Calvert Melanie , Feltham Max G , Ryan Ronan , Marshall Tom
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is defined by short-lasting, stroke-like symptoms, and is recognised as a medical emergency. Symptoms are assumed to completely resolve, and treatment is focused on secondary stroke/TIA prevention. However, evidence suggests that patients with TIA may experience ongoing residual impairments, which they do not receive therapy for as standard practice. TIA-induced sequelae could impact on patients’ quality of life and ability to return to work or social activities. We aim to investigate whether TIA is associated with subsequent consultation for fatigue, psychological or cognitive impairment in primary care.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective open cohort study of patients with first-ever TIA and matched controls. Relevant data will be extracted from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, an anonymised primary care database which includes data for over 12 million patients and covers approximately 6% of the UK population. Outcomes will be the first consultation for fatigue, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or cognitive impairment. Principal analysis will use Kaplan-Meier survivor functions to estimate time to first consultation, with log-rank tests to compare TIA and control patients. Cox proportional hazard models will predict the effect of demographic and patient characteristics on time to first consultation.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval was granted by a THIN Scientific Review Committee (ref: 14-008). The study's findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at national and international conferences and through social media.
The time for an updated Canadian Food Guide has arrived
Authors: Jessri Mahsa , L’Abbe Mary R.
Published: May 2015

Canada has published food guides since 1942 and the latest version, Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (EWCFG), was released in 2007. The EWCFG is largely based on meeting nutrient requirements, while we are now in need of a food guide with strong guidance on the role of diet in the prevention of chronic diseases. This article systematically analyses the process and assumptions behind the EWCFG and presents suggestions for needed revisions to the next food guide.
Sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry: challenges and benefits
Authors: Ruparathna Rajeev , Hewage Kasun
Published: May 2015

Disregard of triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability is one of the major drawbacks of current construction procurement practices. Sustainable procurement is an emergent concept that can improve procurement practices and enhance the sustainability performance of the construction industry as a whole. Presently, sustainable procurement is still not fully utilized in the Canadian construction industry. A comprehensive literature review showed that the construction industry is still not fully aware about the benefits of using sustainable procurement or ways of implementing the same. This study evaluates challenges encountered in implementing sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry. In addition, this study investigates perceptions of construction professionals on the benefits of using sustainable procurement for construction projects. A country wide questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect required data. A statistical analysis was performed to rank the challenges and benefits of sustainable procurement. Findings from semi-structured interviews were used to validate the results observed in the statistical analysis. This study revealed that lack of funding is the main challenge for implementing sustainable procurement, while reducing harmful emissions and waste generation was identified as the main benefit. It was concluded that the leadership and commitment of the project owners is the key to fully establish sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry.
Static and energy dependent nucleus–nucleus potential for description of near and sub-barrier fusion data
Authors: Gautam Manjeet Singh
Published: May 2015

This article analyzes the validity of static Woods–Saxon potential and the energy-dependent Woods–Saxon potential (EDWSP) to explore the specific features of fusion dynamics of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] systems. The intrinsic degrees of freedom, such as inelastic surface excitations, play a crucial role in the enhancement of sub-barrier fusion excitation functions over the expectations of the one-dimensional barrier penetration model. Role of dominant intrinsic degrees of freedom of collision partners are entertained within the context of coupled channel calculations. Furthermore, the one-dimensional Wong formula using static Woods–Saxon potential fails miserably to describe the fusion enhancement of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] systems. However, the Wong formula along with the EDWSP model accurately explains the observed fusion enhancement of [Formula: see text] reactions. In the fusion of [Formula: see text] reaction, the above-barrier fusion data are suppressed by a factor of 0.66 with reference to the EDWSP model calculations while the below-barrier fusion data are adequately addressed by the EDWSP model and the coupled channel calculations. Therefore, the coupled channel calculations and the EDWSP model calculations reasonably describe the observed fusion mechanism of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] reactions. This suggests that the energy dependence in the Woods–Saxon potential model introduces similar kinds of barrier modification effects (barrier height, barrier position, and barrier curvature) as reflected from the coupled channel calculations. In the EDWSP model calculations, significantly larger values of diffuseness ranging from a = 0.86 to 0.94 fm, which is much larger than a value extracted from the elastic scattering analysis, are needed to address the sub-barrier fusion data.
Searches for extra spatial dimensions with the CMS detector at the LHC
Authors: Landsberg Greg
Published: May 2015

The success of the first three years of operations of the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at center-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV radically changed the landscape of searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) and our very way of thinking about its possible origin and its hiding place. Among the paradigms of new physics that have been probed quite extensively at the LHC, are various models that predict the existence of extra spatial dimensions. In this review, the current status of searches for extra dimensions with the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector is presented, along with prospects for future searches at the full energy of the LHC, expected to be reached in the next few years.
Predictions for the Dirac CP violation phase in the neutrino mixing matrix
Authors: Petcov S. T. , Girardi I. , Titov A. V.
Published: May 2015

Using the fact that the neutrino mixing matrix [Formula: see text], where Ue and Uν result from the diagonalization of the charged lepton and neutrino mass matrices, we analyze the predictions based on the sum rules which the Dirac phase δ present in U satisfies when Uν has a form dictated by, or associated with, discrete flavor symmetries and Ue has a "minimal" form (in terms of angles and phases it contains) that can provide the requisite corrections to Uν, so that the reactor, atmospheric and solar neutrino mixing angles θ13, θ23 and θ12 have values compatible with the current data.
Breaking the cosmological background degeneracy by two-fluid perturbations in f(R) gravity
Authors: Abebe Amare
Published: May 2015

One of the exact solutions of f(R) theories of gravity in the presence of different forms of matter exactly mimics the ΛCDM solution of general relativity (GR) at the background level. In this work we study the evolution of scalar cosmological perturbations in the covariant and gauge-invariant formalism and show that although the background in such a model is indistinguishable from the standard ΛCDM cosmology, this degeneracy is broken at the level of first-order perturbations. This is done by predicting different rates of structure formation in ΛCDM and the f(R) model both in the complete and quasi-static regimes.
Heuristic for estimation of multiqubit genuine multipartite entanglement
Authors: Mendonça Paulo E. M. F. , Marchiolli Marcelo A. , Milburn Gerard J.
Published: May 2015

For every N-qubit density matrix written in the computational basis, an associated "X-density matrix" can be obtained by vanishing all entries out of the main- and anti-diagonals. It is very simple to compute the genuine multipartite (GM) concurrence of this associated N-qubit X-state, which, moreover, lower bounds the GM-concurrence of the original (non-X) state. In this paper, we rely on these facts to introduce and benchmark a heuristic for estimating the GM-concurrence of an arbitrary multiqubit mixed state. By explicitly considering two classes of mixed states, we illustrate that our estimates are usually very close to the standard lower bound on the GM-concurrence, being significantly easier to compute. In addition, while evaluating the performance of our proposed heuristic, we provide the first characterization of GM-entanglement in the steady states of the driven Dicke model at zero temperature.
Mitochondrial transcription factor A regulation of mitochondrial degeneration in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Chandrasekaran Krish , Anjaneyulu Muragundla , Inoue Tatsuya , Choi Joungil , Sagi Avinash Rao , Chen Chen , Ide Tamomi , Russell James W.
Published: May 2015

Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in peripheral neurons is considered to be important in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) wraps mtDNA and promotes mtDNA replication and transcription. We studied whether overexpression of TFAM reverses experimental peripheral diabetic neuropathy using TFAM transgenic mice (TFAM Tg) that express human TFAM (hTFAM). Levels of mouse mtDNA and the total TFAM (mouse TFAM + hTFAM) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) increased by approximately twofold in the TFAM Tg mice compared with control (WT) mice. WT and TFAM Tg mice were made diabetic by the administration of streptozotocin. Neuropathy end points were motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, mechanical allodynia, thermal nociception, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). In the DRG neurons, mtDNA copy number and damage to mtDNA were quantified by qPCR, and TFAM levels were measured by Western blot. Mice with 16-wk duration of diabetes developed motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits, behavioral deficits, and intraepidermal nerve fiber loss. All of these changes were mostly prevented in diabetic TFAM Tg mice and were independent of changes in blood parameters. Mice with 16 wk of diabetes had a 40% decrease in mtDNA copy number compared with nondiabetic mice ( P < 0.01). Importantly, the mtDNA copy number in diabetic TFAM Tg mice reached the same level as that of WT nondiabetic mice. In comparison, there was upregulation of mtDNA and TFAM in 6-wk diabetic mice, suggesting that TFAM activation could be a therapeutic strategy to treat peripheral neuropathy.
Evolutionary and Expression Analysis of miR-#-5p and miR-#-3p at the miRNAs/isomiRs Levels
Authors: Guo Li , Yu Jiafeng , Yu Hao , Zhao Yang , Chen Shujie , Xu Changqing , Chen Feng
Published: May 2015

We mainly discussed miR-#-5p and miR-#-3p under three aspects: (1) primary evolutionary analysis of human miRNAs; (2) evolutionary analysis of miRNAs from different arms across the typical 10 vertebrates; (3) expression pattern analysis of miRNAs at the miRNA/isomiR levels using public small RNA sequencing datasets. We found that no bias can be detected between the numbers of 5p-miRNA and 3p-miRNA, while miRNAs from miR-#-5p and miR-#-3p show variable nucleotide compositions. IsomiR expression profiles from the two arms are always stable, but isomiR expressions in diseased samples are prone to show larger degree of dispersion. miR-#-5p and miR-#-3p have relative independent evolution/expression patterns and datasets of target mRNAs, which might also contribute to the phenomena of arm selection and/or arm switching. Simultaneously, miRNA/isomiR expression profiles may be regulated via arm selection and/or arm switching, and the dynamic miRNAome and isomiRome will adapt to functional and/or evolutionary pressures. A comprehensive analysis and further experimental study at the miRNA/isomiR levels are quite necessary for miRNA study.
AT-RvD1 Modulates CCL-2 and CXCL-8 Production and NF-κB, STAT-6, SOCS1, and SOCS3 Expression on Bronchial Epithelial Cells Stimulated with IL-4
Authors: de Oliveira Jhony Robison , Favarin Daniely Cornélio , Tanaka Sarah Cristina Sato Vaz , Balarin Marly Aparecida Spadotto , Silva Teixeira David Nascimento , Levy Bruce David , Rogério Alexandre de Paula
Published: May 2015

Bronchial epithelial cells represent the first line of defense against microorganisms and allergens in the airways and play an important role in chronic inflammatory processes such as asthma. In an experimental model, both RvD1 and AT-RvD1, lipid mediators of inflammation resolution, ameliorated some of the most important phenotypes of experimental asthma. Here, we extend these results and demonstrate the effect of AT-RvD1 on bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with IL-4. AT-RvD1 (100 nM) decreased both CCL2 and CXCL-8 production, in part by decreasing STAT6 and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, the effects of AT-RvD1 were ALX/FRP2 receptor dependent, as the antagonist of this receptor (BOC1) reversed the inhibition of these chemokines by AT-RvD1. In addition, AT-RvD1 decreased SOCS1 and increased SOCS3 expression, which play important roles in Th1 and Th17 modulation, respectively. In conclusion, AT-RvD1 demonstrated significant effects on the IL-4-induced activation of bronchial epithelial cells and consequently the potential to modulate neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Taken together, these findings identify AT-RvD1 as a potential proresolving therapeutic agent for allergic responses in the airways.
Running Safety of Trains under Vessel-Bridge Collision
Authors: Li Yongle , Deng Jiangtao , Wang Bin , Yu Chuanjin
Published: May 2015

To optimize the sensor placement of the health monitoring system, the dynamic behavior of the train-bridge system subjected to vessel-collision should be studied in detail firstly. This study thus focuses on the characteristics of a train-bridge system under vessel-bridge collision. The process of the vessel-bridge collision is simulated numerically with a reliable finite element model (FEM). The dynamic responses of a single car and a train crossing a cable-stayed bridge are calculated. It is shown that the collision causes significant increase of the train’s lateral acceleration, lateral wheelset force, wheel unloading rate, and derailment coefficient. The effect of the collision on the train’s vertical acceleration is much smaller. In addition, parametric studies with various train’s positions, ship tonnage, and train speed are performed. If the train is closer to the vessel-bridge collision position or the ship tonnage is larger, the train will be more dangerous. There is a relatively high probability of running danger at a low speed, resulting from longer stay of the train on the bridge. The train’s position, the ship tonnage, and the train speed must be considered when determining the most adverse conditions for the trains running on bridges under vessel-bridge collision.
Administration of 4-(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl Isothiocyanate Delays Disease Phenotype in SOD1G93ARats: A Transgenic Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Galuppo Maria , Giacoppo Sabrina , Iori Renato , De Nicola Gina Rosalinda , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: May 2015

4-(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl glucosinolate (glucomoringin, GMG) is a compound found inMoringa oleiferaseeds. Myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis at neutral pH of GMG releases the biologically active compound 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC). The present study was designed to test the potential therapeutic effectiveness of GMG-ITC to counteract the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using SOD1tg rats, which physiologically developsSOD1G93Aat about 16 weeks of life, and can be considered a genetic model of disease. Rats were treated once a day with GMG (10 mg/Kg) bioactivated with myrosinase (20 µL/rat) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection for two weeks before disease onset and the treatment was prolonged for further two weeks before the sacrifice. Immune-inflammatory markers as well as apoptotic pathway were investigated to establish whether GMG-ITC could represent a new promising tool in clinical practice to prevent ALS. Achieved data display clear differences in molecular and biological profiles between treated and untreated SOD1tg rats leading to guessing that GMG-ITC can interfere with the pathophysiological mechanisms at the basis of ALS development. Therefore, GMG-ITC produced from myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of pure GMG could be a candidate for further studies aimed to assess its possible use in clinical practice for the prevention or to slow down this disease.
Validation of a Modified Algometer to Measure Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds in Awake Dogs
Authors: Kaka Ubedullah , Chen Hui Cheng , Goh Yong Meng , Abubakar Adamu Abdul , Fakurazi Sharida , Ebrahimi Mahdi
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to validate the use of a modified algometer device to measure mechanical nociceptive thresholds in six dogs. Dogs were administered morphine intravenously (IV) at 1 mg/kg or saline at equivolume in a crossover design with one-week washout period. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were determined before, after the administration of treatments at 5 minutes, and hourly for 8 hours. Thresholds were recorded at the carpal pad, metacarpal foot pad, tibia, femur, and abdomen. Heart rates, body temperature, and respiration were recorded at similar time points. Thresholds increased significantly (P<0.05) from baseline values for up to 3 hours at tibia and abdomen, 4 hours at metacarpal pad, and 5 hours at the carpal pad and femur. Hypothermia, bradycardia, and change in respiration were observed in all dogs after morphine injection. Saline did not alter any threshold levels during the eight-hour study period, indicating no evidence of tolerance, learned avoidance, or local hyperaesthesia. The device and methods of testing were well tolerated by all the dogs. Results suggest that the modified algometer and method of application are useful to measure nociceptive mechanical thresholds in awake dogs.
Thiosemicarbazonep-Substituted Acetophenone Derivatives Promote the Loss of MitochondrialΔψ, GSH Depletion, and Death in K562 Cells
Authors: Pessoto Felipe S. , Yokomizo Cesar H. , Prieto Tatiana , Fernandes Cleverton S. , Silva Alan P. , Kaiser Carlos R. , Basso Ernani A. , Nantes Iseli L.
Published: May 2015

A series of thiosemicarbazone (TSC)p-substituted acetophenone derivatives were synthesized and chemically characterized. Thep-substituents appended to the phenyl group of the TSC structures were hydrogen, fluor, chlorine, methyl, and nitro, producing compounds named TSC-H, TSC-F, TSC-Cl, TSC-Me, and TSC-NO2, respectively. The TSC compounds were evaluated for their capacity to induce mitochondrial permeability, to deplete mitochondrial thiol content, and to promote cell death in the K562 cell lineage using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. TSC-H, TSC-F, and TSC-Cl exhibited a bell-shaped dose-response curve for the induction of apoptosis in K562 cells due to the change from apoptosis to necrosis as the principal mechanism of cell death at the highest tested doses. TSC-Me and TSC-NO2exhibited a typical dose-response profile, with a half maximal effective concentration of approximately 10 µM for cell death. Cell death was also evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which revealed lower toxicity of these compounds for peripheral blood mononuclear cells than for K562 cells. The possible mechanisms leading to cell death are discussed based on the observed effects of the new TSC compounds on the cellular thiol content and on mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Improvement Schemes for Indoor Mobile Location Estimation: A Survey
Authors: Shang Jianga , Hu Xuke , Gu Fuqiang , Wang Di , Yu Shengsheng
Published: May 2015

Location estimation is significant in mobile and ubiquitous computing systems. The complexity and smaller scale of the indoor environment impose a great impact on location estimation. The key of location estimation lies in the representation and fusion of uncertain information from multiple sources. The improvement of location estimation is a complicated and comprehensive issue. A lot of research has been done to address this issue. However, existing research typically focuses on certain aspects of the problem and specific methods. This paper reviews mainstream schemes on improving indoor location estimation from multiple levels and perspectives by combining existing works and our own working experiences. Initially, we analyze the error sources of common indoor localization techniques and provide a multilayered conceptual framework of improvement schemes for location estimation. This is followed by a discussion of probabilistic methods for location estimation, including Bayes filters, Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters, sigma-point Kalman filters, particle filters, and hidden Markov models. Then, we investigate the hybrid localization methods, including multimodal fingerprinting, triangulation fusing multiple measurements, combination of wireless positioning with pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR), and cooperative localization. Next, we focus on the location determination approaches that fuse spatial contexts, namely, map matching, landmark fusion, and spatial model-aided methods. Finally, we present the directions for future research.
Forced Oscillation Criteria for a Class of Fractional Partial Differential Equations with Damping Term
Authors: Li Wei Nian
Published: May 2015

Sufficient conditions are established for the forced oscillation of fractional partial differential equations with damping term of the form(∂/∂t)(D+,tαu(x,t))+p(t)D+,tαu(x,t)=a(t)Δu(x,t)-q(x,t)u(x,t)+f(x,t),(x,t)∈Ω×R+≡G, with one of the two following boundary conditions:∂u(x,t)/∂N=ψ(x,t),  (x,t)∈∂Ω×R+oru(x,t)=0,  (x,t)∈∂Ω×R+, whereΩis a bounded domain inRnwith a piecewise smooth boundary,∂Ω,R+=[0,∞),  α∈(0,1)is a constant,D+,tαu(x,t)is the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of orderαofuwith respect tot,Δis the Laplacian inRn,Nis the unit exterior normal vector to∂Ω, andψ(x,t)is a continuous function on∂Ω×R+. The main results are illustrated by some examples.
Adverse Events of Monoclonal Antibodies Used for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Guan Mei , Zhou Yan-Ping , Sun Jin-Lu , Chen Shu-Chang
Published: May 2015

In 1997, the first monoclonal antibody (MoAb), the chimeric anti-CD20 molecule rituximab, was approved by the US Food and Drug administration for use in cancer patients. Since then, the panel of MoAbs that are approved by international regulatory agencies for the treatment of hematopoietic and solid malignancies has continued to expand, currently encompassing a stunning amount of 20 distinct molecules for 11 targets. We provide a brief scientific background on the use of MoAbs in cancer therapy, review all types of monoclonal antibodies-related adverse events (e.g., allergy, immune-related adverse events, cardiovascular adverse events, and pulmonary adverse events), and discuss the mechanism and treatment of adverse events.
Qizhi Jiangtang Jiaonang Improves Insulin Signaling and Reduces Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion and Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in Insulin Resistant HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Tian , Yu Chun-Jiang , Liu Jian-Wei , Zhang Yan-Ping , Zhang Chao , Song Chen-Xue , Xie Jing-Shu , Sai Jing-Ying , Zheng Jing-Tong , Wang Fang
Published: May 2015

We analyzed the effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Qizhi Jiangtang Jiaonang (QJJ), on insulin resistance (IR) in vitro. After an in vitro model of IR was established by treating human liver cancer cells (HepG2 cells) with palmitic acid, the cells were then treated with various concentrations of QJJ. Treatment with 400 µM palmitic acid for 24 h induced IR in HepG2 cells. The survival rate for HepG2 cells in the IR group was significantly lower than that of the untreated control group (P< 0.001); however, QJJ restored HepG2 cell survival (P< 0.001). As compared with HepG2 cells in the IR group, QJJ at all doses analyzed significantly increased glucose consumption (allP< 0.05). Moreover, treatment with all the QJJ doses significantly reduced the mean intracellular reactive oxygen species levels as compared with the IR group (allP< 0.05). Furthermore, high-dose QJJ reduced both TNF-αand IL-6 levels as compared to the IR group (allP< 0.05). QJJ ameliorated the altered PI3K, GLUT4, and RAGE expression observed with IR. In conclusion, QJJ can improve IR in HepG2 cells, which may be mediated through the IRS-1/PI3K/GLUT4 signaling pathway as well as regulation of NF-κB-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress.
A Study of Correlation between Crack Initiation during Dynamic Wear Process and Fatigue Crack Growth of Reinforced Rubber Materials
Authors: Euchler Eric , Kratina Ondrej , Stoček Radek , Gehde Michael
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study is concentrated on the experimental investigation of crack initiation during dynamic wear process and its correlation with fatigue crack growth of reinforced rubber materials. The analyzed rubber compounds suitable for applications such as treads for truck tires were based on natural rubber (NR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR). The dynamic wear behavior has been studied using an own developed testing equipment based on gravimetric determination of mass loss of test specimen. Fatigue crack growth (FCG) analysis was performed under pulse loading in accordance with real dynamic loading conditions of rolling tires using the Tear Analyser (TA). We show the crack initiation process during dynamic wear with respect to different impact energies and correlate the liability of crack initiation with FCG data at given tearing energy as a function of the rubber compositions. We demonstrate the higher crack initiation resistance of rubber blends with increased content of BR, while a predominant influence of NR improves the resistance against crack propagation especially at higher strain levels due to strain induced crystallization.
PRP and Articular Cartilage: A Clinical Update
Authors: Marmotti Antonio , Rossi Roberto , Castoldi Filippo , Roveda Eliana , Michielon Gianni , Peretti Giuseppe M.
Published: May 2015

The convincing background of the recent studies, investigating the different potentials of platelet-rich plasma, offers the clinician an appealing alternative for the treatment of cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis. Recent evidences in literature have shown that PRP may be helpful both as an adjuvant for surgical treatment of cartilage defects and as a therapeutic tool by intra-articular injection in patients affected by osteoarthritis. In this review, the authors introduce the trophic and anti-inflammatory properties of PRP and the different products of the available platelet concentrates. Then, in a complex scenario made of a great number of clinical variables, they resume the current literature on the PRP applications in cartilage surgery as well as the use of intra-articular PRP injections for the conservative treatment of cartilage degenerative lesions and osteoarthritis in humans, available as both case series and comparative studies. The result of this review confirms the fascinating biological role of PRP, although many aspects yet remain to be clarified and the use of PRP in a clinical setting has to be considered still exploratory.
A Novel Test Method to Determine the Wear Resistance of Agricultural Cutting Tools with an Analyzing Method Based on an Ellipse-Fit Algorithm
Authors: Jahr Andreas , Bongartz Robert , Sim Hunn , Pillmann Alex
Published: May 2015

Cutting belongs to the essential techniques in many fields of application in agricultural engineering. Cutting tools in agriculture are exposed to a high amount of abrasive wear and impact stress. Increasing the wear resistance of cuttings tools has a high significance for the efficiency and profitability of agricultural machinery. Blunt and deformed blades decrease the energy efficiency and the cutting quality. Blade failures cause machine breakdowns and increase labor and material costs. To enable a consistent and systematic optimization of the blades, a suitable testing method is necessary. Conventional field tests do not provide comparable and repeatable results. Therefore, a test method developed at the FMDauto in cooperation with the Ennepetaler Schneid- und Mähtechnik (ESM) GmbH & Co. KG is presented. The test bench provides standardized and repeatable conditions with a similar wear pattern which is found during field operations. One of the remaining challenges is a clear wear characterization. Existing analyzing methods do not consider the energy efficiency and do not determine the edge holding property clearly. In this paper, a new analyzing method based on an ellipse-fit method is introduced to rate the geometrical shape of the cutting edge and examine the wear resistance of different blades.
Magnetism of FePt Nanoclusters in Polyimide
Authors: Chipara Mircea , George Tom , Xu Yingfan , Skomski Ralph , Yue Lanping , Ali Nasar , Sellmyer David J.
Published: May 2015

FePt nanoclusters have been implanted onto polyimide films and subjected to thermal annealing in order to obtain a special magnetic phase (L10) dispersed within the polymer. SQUID measurements quantified the magnetic features of the as‐prepared and annealed hybrid films. As‐implanted FePt nanoparticles in polyimide films exhibited a blocking temperature of 70 ± 5 K. Thermal annealing in zero and 10 kOe applied magnetic field increased the magnetic anisotropy and coercivity of the samples. Wide Angle X‐Ray Scattering confirmed the presence of FePt and L10 phase. All samples (as deposited and annealed) exhibited electron spin resonance spectra consisting of two overlapping lines. The broad line was a ferromagnetic resonance originating from FePt nanoparticles. Its angular dependence indicated the magnetic anisotropy of FePt nanoparticles. SEM micrographs suggest a negligible coalescence of FePt nanoparticles, supporting that the enhancement of the magnetic properties is a consequence of the improvement of the L10 structure. The narrow ESR line was assigned to nonmagnetic (paramagnetic) impurities within the samples consistent with graphite‐like structures generated by the local degradation of the polymer during implantation and annealing. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of graphitic structures in annealed KHN and in KHN‐FePt.
Experimental Characterization and Correlation Analysis of Indoor Channels at 15 GHz
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhong Zhangdui , Zhang Bei , He Ruisi , Guan Ke , Wang Qi , Matolak David
Published: May 2015

The indoor radio channels at 15 GHz are investigated based on measurements. The large- and small-scale fading behaviors as well as the delay dispersion characteristics are discussed. It is found that the large-scale fading, RiceanK-factor, and delay spread can be described by log-normal distributions. Furthermore, both autocorrelation and cross correlation properties of the above parameters are analyzed and modeled. These parameters characterize fading and delay behaviors as well as their mutual dependency and can be used as empirical values for future wireless system design and simulation in 15 GHz short-range indoor channels.
Horseradish Peroxidase‐Carrying Electrospun Nonwoven Fabrics for the Treatment of o‐Methoxyphenol
Authors: Pan Chao , Ding Ran , Dong Li , Wang Jing , Hu Yucai
Published: May 2015

The carboxyl‐functionalized polystyrene (poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid), PSMAA) nanofibers with average diameters of 250 ± 20 nm was prepared by electrospinning. PSMAA nanofibrous membrane were employed for immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme on the fibrous surface by a chemical method. The parameters about immobilizing HRP on the PSMAA nanofibers were studied and the influence on the activity of the HRP is discussed. This study showed that soap‐free emulsion method is an ideal technology to modify the polystyrene surface and ultimately achieve enzyme immobilization on electrospun PSMAA nanofibers surfaces. Compared with free HRP, the acid‐base stability, thermal stability, and storage stability of HRP were increased after the immobilization. The immobilized HRP maintained about 60% of its initial activity during a 20‐day storage period. However, the free HRP maintained only 40% of its initial activity. The removal percentages of o‐methoxyphenol (OMP) reached 80.2% after 120 min for immobilized HRP. These results suggest that the proposed scheme for immobilization of HRP has potential in industrial applications for the treatment of phenolic wastewater.
CREB Regulates Experience-Dependent Spine Formation and Enlargement in Mouse Barrel Cortex
Authors: Pignataro Annabella , Borreca Antonella , Ammassari-Teule Martine , Middei Silvia
Published: May 2015

Experience modifies synaptic connectivity through processes that involve dendritic spine rearrangements in neuronal circuits. Although cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) has a key function in spines changes, its role in activity-dependent rearrangements in brain regions of rodents interacting with the surrounding environment has received little attention so far. Here we studied the effects of vibrissae trimming, a widely used model of sensory deprivation-induced cortical plasticity, on processes associated with dendritic spine rearrangements in the barrel cortex of a transgenic mouse model of CREB downregulation (mCREB mice). We found that sensory deprivation through prolonged whisker trimming leads to an increased number of thin spines in the layer V of related barrel cortex (Contra) in wild type but not mCREB mice. In the barrel field controlling spared whiskers (Ipsi), the same trimming protocol results in a CREB-dependent enlargement of dendritic spines. Last, we demonstrated that CREB regulates structural rearrangements of synapses that associate with dynamic changes of dendritic spines. Our findings suggest that CREB plays a key role in dendritic spine dynamics and synaptic circuits rearrangements that account for new brain connectivity in response to changes in the environment.
Sirtuin Functions in Female Fertility: Possible Role in Oxidative Stress and Aging
Authors: Tatone Carla , Di Emidio Giovanna , Vitti Maurizio , Di Carlo Michela , Santini Silvano , D’Alessandro Anna Maria , Falone Stefano , Amicarelli Fernanda
Published: May 2015

In search for strategies aimed at preventing oxidative threat to female fertility, a possible role of sirtuins has emerged. Sirtuins (silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins), NAD+dependent enzymes with deacetylase and/or mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, are emerging as key antiaging molecules and regulators in many diseases. Recently, a crucial role for SIRT1 and SIRT3, the main components of sirtuin family, as sensors and guardians of the redox state in oocytes, granulosa cells, and early embryos has emerged. In this context, the aim of the present review is to summarize current knowledge from research papers on the role of sirtuins in female fertility with particular emphasis on the impairment of SIRT1 signalling with oocyte aging. On this basis, the authors wish to build up a framework to promote research on the possible role of sirtuins as targets for future strategies for female fertility preservation.
Study on Impeller Fracture Model Based on Vibration Characteristics and Fractal Theory
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Yuan Ruishan , Xie Yonghui
Published: May 2015

During the operation of centrifugal compressor, failure easily occurs in the presence of complicated external forces. The failure process characterizes with strong nonlinearity, and hence it is difficult to be described by conventional methods. In this paper, firstly, the cracks in different positions are described using crack fractal theory. The basic failure modes of the impeller are summarized. Secondly, a three-dimensional finite element model of the impeller is constructed. Then the von Mises stress under the centrifugal force is calculated, and the corresponding impeller failure process is simulated by “element life and death technology” in ANSYS. Finally, the impeller failure mechanism is analyzed. It can be found that the static stress is not the main cause of the impeller failure, and the dynamic characteristics of the impeller are not perfect because of the pitch vibration modes which appeared in the investigated frequency range. Meanwhile, the natural frequency of the impeller also cannot avoid the frequency of the excitation force.
Supply Chain Batching Problem with Identical Orders and Lifespan
Authors: Li Shanlin , Li Maoqin , Yan Hong
Published: May 2015

In the real world, there are a large number of supply chains that involve the short lifespan products. In this paper, we consider an integrated production and distribution batch scheduling problem on a single machine for the orders with a short lifespan, because it may be cheaper or faster to process and distribute orders in a batch than to process and distribute them individually. Assume that the orders have the identical processing time and come from the same location, and the batch setup time is a constant. The problem is to choose the number of batches and batch sizes to minimize the total delivery time without violating the order lifespan. We first give a backward dynamic programming algorithm, but it is not an actually polynomial-time algorithm. Then we propose a constant time partial dynamic programming algorithm by doing further research into the recursion formula in the algorithm. Further, using the difference characteristics of the optimal value function, a specific calculating formula to solve the problem with the setup time being integer times of the processing time is obtained.
Game Theory Based Construction Efficient Topology in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abbasi M. J. , Bin Abd Latiff Muhammad Shafie , Chizari Hassan , Fisal N.
Published: May 2015

Topology control is one of the most important techniques used in wireless sensor networks; to some extent it can reduce energy consumption in which each node is capable of minimizing its transmission power level while preserving network connectivity. Reducing energy consumption has been addressed through different aspects till now. In this paper, we present a minimum spanning tree- (MST-) based algorithm, called noncooperative minimum spanning tree (NMST), for topology control in wireless multihop networks. In this algorithm, each node constructs its minimum power-cost spanning tree which is a tree and can connect the node with one hop away from its neighbor node in constructed topology. In addition we address the power-cost allocation problem when node acts selfishly. A class of strategies is proposed which construct minimum power-cost spanning tree such that the sum of the power-cost (as proxy of weight), at the same time, is a strong Nash equilibrium for a noncooperative game associated with the problem of efficient topology construction. Simulation results show that NMST can maximize the sensor network lifetimes.
An Herbal Galactagogue Mixture Increases Milk Production and Aquaporin Protein Expression in the Mammary Glands of Lactating Rats
Authors: Liu Haibin , Hua Ying , Luo Hui , Shen Zhaojun , Tao Xuejiao , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: May 2015

Background. Herbal galactagogues have been increasingly used to treat postpartum hypogalactia. The mechanism of action of herbal galactagogues remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an herbal galactagogue mixture on milk production and aquaporin (AQP) expression in lactating rats.Methods. Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into virgin, lactating + H2O, and lactating + galactagogue groups (n=10per group). Lactating rats were administered the decoction of an herbal galactagogue mixture by oral gavage or the same amount of distilled water.Results. The herbal decoction significantly increased milk production in lactating rats(P<0.05). Both immunohistochemical staining and western blot showed that protein levels of AQP-3 and AQP-5 were significantly increased during lactation compared with virgin stage and the herbal decoction further elevated their expression(P<0.05). AQP-1 was predominantly expressed in the capillaries whereas AQP-3 and AQP-5 were mainly detected in the epithelial cells and ducts of the mammary glands.Conclusion. The expression of AQPs in the mammary glands of rats was developmentally regulated. Herbal galactagogues might have increased milk secretion by regulating the expression and function of AQPs in the mammary glands.
Designation of a Novel DKK1 Multiepitope DNA Vaccine and Inhibition of Bone Loss in Collagen-Induced Arthritic Mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Liu Sibo , Li Shentao , Du Yuxuan , Dou Yunpeng , Li Zhanguo , Yuan Huihui , Zhao Wenming
Published: May 2015

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a secretory inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling, plays a critical role in certain bone loss diseases. Studies have shown that serum levels of DKK1 are significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and are correlated with the severity of the disease, which indicates the possibility that bone erosion in RA may be inhibited by neutralizing the biological activity of DKK1. In this study, we selected a panel of twelve peptides using the software DNASTAR 7.1 and screened high affinity and immunogenicity epitopesin vitroandin vivoassays. Furthermore, we optimized four B cell epitopes to design a novel DKK1 multiepitope DNA vaccine and evaluated its bone protective effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a mouse model of RA. High level expression of the designed vaccine was measured in supernatant of COS7 cells. In addition, intramuscular immunization of BALB/c mice with this vaccine was also highly expressed and sufficient to induce the production of long-term IgG, which neutralized natural DKK1in vivo. Importantly, this vaccine significantly attenuated bone erosion in CIA mice compared with positive control mice. These results provide evidence for the development of a DNA vaccine targeted against DKK1 to attenuate bone erosion.
ExophialaPneumonia Presenting with a Cough Productive of Black Sputum
Authors: Cohen Yehuda Z. , Stead Wendy
Published: May 2015

Exophialaspecies are black, yeast-like molds that can cause subcutaneous cysts as well as disseminated disease. Isolated pneumonia due toExophialaspecies is extremely uncommon. We report a case of isolatedExophialapneumonia in a patient with bronchiectasis who presented with worsening dyspnea and a cough productive of black sputum. The production of black sputum, known as melanoptysis, is an uncommon physical finding with a limited differential diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case ofExophialapneumonia presenting with a cough productive of black sputum.
Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation in Uplink Multiuser Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Hu Ying , Ji Baofeng , Huang Yongming , Yu Fei , Yang Luxi
Published: May 2015

Energy-efficient communications, namely, green communications, has attracted increasing attention due to energy shortage and greenhouse effect. Motivated by this, we consider the uplink energy-efficient resource allocation in multiuser massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Specifically, we consider that both the number of antenna arrays at the base station (BS) and the transmit data rate at UE are adjusted adaptively to maximize the energy efficiency. Firstly, we demonstrate the existence of a unique resource allocation solution that is globally optimal by exploiting the properties of objective function. Then we develop an iterative algorithm to solve it. By transforming the originally fractional optimization problem into an equivalent subtractive form using the properties of fractional programming, we develop another efficient iterative resource allocation algorithm. Simulation results have validated the effectiveness of the proposed two algorithms and have shown that both algorithms can fast converge to a near-optimal solution in a small number of iterations.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting the Cyclin D–CDK4/6 Axis for Cancer Treatment
Authors: VanArsdale Todd , Boshoff Chris , Arndt Kim T. , Abraham Robert T.
Published: May 2015

Cancer cells bypass normal controls over mitotic cell-cycle progression to achieve a deregulated state of proliferation. The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb) governs a key cell-cycle checkpoint that normally prevents G1-phase cells from entering S-phase in the absence of appropriate mitogenic signals. Cancer cells frequently overcome pRb-dependent growth suppression via constitutive phosphorylation and inactivation of pRb function by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 or CDK6 partnered with D-type cyclins. Three selective CDK4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib (Ibrance; Pfizer), ribociclib (Novartis), and abemaciclib (Lilly), are in various stages of development in a variety of pRb-positive tumor types, including breast cancer, melanoma, liposarcoma, and non–small cell lung cancer. The emerging, positive clinical data obtained to date finally validate the two decades-old hypothesis that the cyclin D–CDK4/6 pathway is a rational target for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2905–10. ©2015 AACR.
Abstract 3522: A novel BAP1 mutation is associated with melanocytic neoplasms and thyroid and pancreatic cancers
Authors: Gallanis Gregory T. , Heller Kathleen A. , Melas Eleni-Marina , Gruber Stephen B.
Published: May 2015

BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) functions as a tumor suppressor gene by modulating fundamental cellular mechanisms such as cell cycle progression and cell growth. Inactivating germline mutations of BAP1 predispose to multiple cancers including uveal and cutaneous melanoma as well as malignant mesothelioma. In the present study we document a family with a novel germline mutation of BAP1 (g.1777C>T) that results in expression of a truncated BAP1 protein. Family members with this mutation demonstrated a primary clinical phenotype of autosomal dominant, early-onset melanocytic neoplasms with immunohistochemistry (IHC) of these tumors demonstrating lack of BAP1 protein expression. In addition, family members harboring the BAP1 germline mutation developed other neoplastic disease such as thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer. IHC analysis of these cancers also demonstrated loss of BAP1 protein expression. Our investigation identifies a new BAP1 mutation, further underscores the relevance of BAP1 as a clinically important tumor suppressor gene and broadens the range of cancers associated with BAP1 inactivation. Further study will be required to understand the full scope of BAP1-associated neoplastic disease.

Citation Format: Gregory T. Gallanis, Kathleen A. Heller, Eleni-Marina Melas, Stephen B. Gruber. A novel BAP1 mutation is associated with melanocytic neoplasms and thyroid and pancreatic cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3522. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3522