bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Osteoblastic Cell Culture of Poly(L-co-D,L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) Scaffolds
Authors: Messias André Dutra , Martins Kelly Fernanda , Motta Adriana Cristina , Duek Eliana Aparecida de Rezende
Published: June 2014

Lactide-based polymers have been widely investigated as materials for tissue engineering. However, characteristics such as low flexibility and elongation tend to limit particular applications, although these can be enhanced by adding plasticizers such as trimethylene carbonate (TMC) to the polymer chain of the copolymer poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) (PLDLA). The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize a terpolymer of L-lactide, D,L-lactide, and TMC. The polymers were synthesized from 30% TMC by bulk polymerization and resulted in an average molar mass >105 g/mol. Thermal investigation of PLDLA-TMC showed a decrease in the glass transition and onset temperatures compared to PLDLA. PLDLA-TMC scaffolds stimulated the proliferation and normal phenotypic manifestations of cultured osteoblasts. These results show that it was possible to produce a terpolymer from L-lactide, D,L-lactide, and TMC. Scaffolds of this terpolymer had important characteristics that could be useful for applications in bone tissue engineering.
Bankruptcy Problem Allocations and the Core of Convex Games
Authors: Olvera-Lopez William , Sanchez-Sanchez Francisco , Tellez-Tellez Iván
Published: June 2014

A well-known result related to bankruptcy problems establishes that a vector is a bankruptcy allocation if and only if it belongs to the core of the associated O’Neill’s bankruptcy game. In this paper we show that this game is precisely the unique TU-game based on convex functions that satisfies the previous result. In addition, given a bankruptcy problem, we show a way for constructing bankruptcy games such that the set of bankruptcy allocations is a subset of their core or their core is a subset of the set of bankruptcy allocations. Also, we show how these results can be applied for finding new bankruptcy solutions.
Neuroprotective Properties of a Standardized Extract fromMyracrodruon urundeuvaFr. All. (Aroeira-Do-Sertão), as Evaluated by a Parkinson’s Disease Model in Rats
Authors: Calou Iana , Bandeira Mary Anne , Aguiar-Galvão Wellida , Cerqueira Gilberto , Siqueira Rafaelly , Neves Kelly Rose , Brito Gerly Anne , Viana Glauce
Published: June 2014

Myracrodruon urundeuvaFr. All. (Anacardiaceae) is a Brazilian medicinal species, which is common to the Northeastern Brazilian semiarid region, whose stem-bark is widely used in folk medicine. It is an endangered species, presenting as main bioactive components tannins and chalcones. In this work, we studied the neuroprotective effects of a standardized extract from cultivatedM. urundeuva(SEMU), in a model of Parkinson’s disease. Thus, a unilateral injection of 6-OHDA was done into the rat right stratum. The animals were submitted to stereotaxic surgery, then treated with SEMU (5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 2 weeks, subjected to behavioral tests, and euthanized for striata dissections and neurochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. We showed, for the first time, that SEMU reverted behavioral alterations seen in the 6-OHDA-lesioned group and partially blocked the decrease in DA and DOPAC contents. The numbers of viable neurons and TH immunopositive cells were increased by SEMU. In addition, the SEMU-treated 6-OHDA groups showed lower numbers of GFAP and OX-42 immunopositive cells. The neuroprotective action of SEMU is possibly related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ofM. urundeuva, pointing out to its potential use in the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Use of Antimicrobial Films and Edible Coatings Incorporating Chemical and Biological Preservatives to Control Growth ofListeria monocytogeneson Cold Smoked Salmon
Authors: Neetoo Hudaa , Mahomoodally Fawzi
Published: June 2014

The relatively high incidence ofListeria monocytogenesin cold smoked salmon (CSS) is of concern as it is a refrigerated processed food of extended durability (REPFED). The objectives of this study were to compare and optimize the antimicrobial effectiveness of films and coatings incorporating nisin (Nis) and sodium lactate (SL), sodium diacetate (SD), potassium sorbate (PS), and/or sodium benzoate (SB) in binary or ternary combinations on CSS. Surface treatments incorporating Nis (25000 IU/mL) in combination with PS (0.3%) and SB (0.1%) had the highest inhibitory activity, reducing the population ofL. monocytogenesby a maximum of 3.3 log CFU/cm2(films) and 2.9 log CFU/cm2(coatings) relative to control samples after 10 days of storage at 21°C. During refrigerated storage, coatings were more effective in inhibiting growth ofL. monocytogenesthan their film counterparts. Cellulose-based coatings incorporating Nis, PS, and SB reduced the population ofL. monocytogenes, and anaerobic and aerobic spoilage flora by a maximum of 4.2, 4.8, and 4.9 log CFU/cm2, respectively, after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage. This study highlights the effectiveness of cellulose-based edible coatings incorporating generally regarded as safe (GRAS) natural and chemical antimicrobials to inhibit the development ofL. monocytogenesand spoilage microflora thus enhancing the safety and quality of CSS.
Carum copticumL.: A Herbal Medicine with Various Pharmacological Effects
Authors: Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Alitaneh Saeed , Alavinezhad Azam
Published: June 2014

Carum copticumL. commonly known as “Ajwain” is cultivated in many regions of the world including Iran and India, states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Traditionally,C. copticumhas been used in the past for various therapeutic effects including bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and loss of appetite. It has other health benefits such as antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and hypolipidemic effects. This plant contains different important components such as carbohydrates, glucosides, saponins and phenolic compounds (carvacrol), volatile oils (thymol), terpiene, paracymene and beta-pinene, protein, fat, fiber, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nicotinic acid (niacin). In the previous studies, several pharmacological effects were shown forC. copticum. Therefore, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of the plant were reviewed.
Double Grazing Periodic Motions and Bifurcations in a Vibroimpact System with Bilateral Stops
Authors: Li Qunhong , Wei Limei , Tan Jieyan , Xi Jiezhen
Published: June 2014

The double grazing periodic motions and bifurcations are investigated for a two-degree-of-freedom vibroimpact system with symmetrical rigid stops in this paper. From the initial condition and periodicity, existence of the double grazing periodic motion of the system is discussed. Using the existence condition derived, a set of parameter values is found that generates a double grazing periodic motion in the considered system. By extending the discontinuity mapping of one constraint surface to that of two constraint surfaces, the Poincaré map of the vibroimpact system is constructed in the proximity of the grazing point of a double grazing periodic orbit, which has a more complex form than that of the single grazing periodic orbit. The grazing bifurcation of the system is analyzed through the Poincaré map with clearance as a bifurcation parameter. Numerical simulations show that there is a continuous transition from the chaotic band to a period-1 periodic motion, which is confirmed by the numerical simulation of the original system.
An Effective Approach to Improving Low-Cost GPS Positioning Accuracy in Real-Time Navigation
Authors: Islam Md. Rashedul , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: June 2014

Positioning accuracy is a challenging issue for location-based applications using a low-cost global positioning system (GPS). This paper presents an effective approach to improving the positioning accuracy of a low-cost GPS receiver for real-time navigation. The proposed method precisely estimates position by combining vehicle movement direction, velocity averaging, and distance between waypoints using coordinate data (latitude, longitude, time, and velocity) of the GPS receiver. The previously estimated precious reference point, coordinate translation, and invalid data check also improve accuracy. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we conducted an experiment using a GARMIN GPS 19xHVS receiver attached to a car and used Google Maps to plot the processed data. The proposed method achieved improvement of 4–10 meters in several experiments. In addition, we compared the proposed approach with two other state-of-the-art methods: recursive averaging and ARMA interpolation. The experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of positioning accuracy.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Neglected Issue in the Developing World
Authors: Chinawa J. M. , Odetunde O. I. , Obu Herbert A. , Chinawa A. T. , Bakare Muideen O. , Ujunwa F. A.
Published: June 2014

Background. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neglected illness in a developing country.Objectives. The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalence and pattern of ADHD among children in a Nigeria.Methods. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the parents of children (and older children) who attended children outpatients’ clinic during the study period. The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were used.Results. Two hundred and seventy-three (273) out of 282 questionnaires were filled completely, giving a response rate of 96.8%. Nine (9) children fulfilled the stated criteria for ADHD giving a prevalence rate of 3.2%. There is no association between gender and ADHD (P=0.784).Conclusions. The prevalence of ADHD in our setting is 3.2%, which is similar to that obtained elsewhere in the world.
Optimisation of Cellulase Production by Penicillium funiculosum in a Stirred Tank Bioreactor Using Multivariate Response Surface Analysis
Authors: de Albuquerque de Carvalho Marcelle Lins , Carvalho Daniele Fernandes , de Barros Gomes Edelvio , Nobuyuki Maeda Roberto , Melo Santa Anna Lidia Maria , Castro Aline Machado de , Pereira Nei
Published: June 2014

Increasing interest in the production of second-generation ethanol necessitates the low-cost production of enzymes from the cellulolytic complex (endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and β-glucosidases), which act synergistically in cellulose breakdown. The present work aimed to optimise a bioprocess to produce these biocatalysts from the fungus Penicillium funiculosum ATCC11797. A statistical full factorial design (FFD) was employed to determine the optimal conditions for cellulase production. The optimal composition of culture media using Avicel (10 g·L−1) as carbon source was determined to include urea (1.2 g·L−1), yeast extract (1.0 g·L−1), KH2PO4 (6.0 g·L−1), and MgSO4·7H2O (1.2 g·L−1). The growth process was performed in batches in a bioreactor. Using a different FFD strategy, the optimised bioreactor operational conditions of an agitation speed of 220 rpm and aeration rate of 0.6 vvm allowed the obtainment of an enzyme pool with activities of 508 U·L−1 for FPase, 9,204 U·L−1 for endoglucanase, and 2,395 U·L−1 for β-glucosidase. The sequential optimisation strategy was effective and afforded increased cellulase production in the order from 3.6 to 9.5 times higher than production using nonoptimised conditions.
A Legendre tau-Spectral Method for Solving Time-Fractional Heat Equation with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Bhrawy A. H. , Alghamdi M. A.
Published: June 2014

We develop the tau-spectral method to solve the time-fractional heat equation (T-FHE) with nonlocal condition. In order to achieve highly accurate solution of this problem, the operational matrix of fractional integration (described in the Riemann-Liouville sense) for shifted Legendre polynomials is investigated in conjunction with tau-spectral scheme and the Legendre operational polynomials are used as the base function. The main advantage in using the presented scheme is that it converts the T-FHE with nonlocal condition to a system of algebraic equations that simplifies the problem. For demonstrating the validity and applicability of the developed spectral scheme, two numerical examples are presented. The logarithmic graphs of the maximum absolute errors is presented to achieve the exponential convergence of the proposed method. Comparing between our spectral method and other methods ensures that our method is more accurate than those solved similar problem.
Jeffrey Fluid Flow through Porous Medium in the Presence of Magnetic Field in Narrow Tubes
Authors: Nallapu Santhosh , Radhakrishnamacharya G.
Published: June 2014

Jeffrey fluid flow in the presence of magnetic field through porous medium in tubes of small diameters is studied. It is assumed that the core region consists of a Jeffrey fluid and the peripheral region of a Newtonian fluid. Making the assumptions as in the work of Chaturani and Upadhya, the linearised equations of motion have been solved and analytical solution has been obtained. The influence of various pertinent parameters on the flow characteristics such as effective viscosity, core hematocrit, and mean hematocrit has been studied and discussed through graphs. It is found that the effective viscosity and mean hematocrit decrease with Jeffrey parameter and Darcy number but increase with tube hematocrit and tube radius. Also, the core hematocrit decreases with Jeffrey parameter, Darcy number, tube hematocrit, and tube radius. Further, it is noticed that the flow exhibits the anomalous Fahraeus-Lindquist effect.
A Gastrointestinal Electrical Stimulation System Based on Transcutaneous Power Transmission Technology
Authors: Zhu Bingquan , Wang Yongbing , Yan Guozheng , Jiang Pingping , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2014

Electrical stimulation has been suggested as a possible treatment for various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). This paper presents a transcutaneous power supplied implantable electrical stimulation system. This technology solves the problem of supplying extended power to an implanted electrical stimulator. After implantation, the stimulation parameters can be reprogrammed by the external controller and then transmitted to the implanted stimulator. This would enable parametric studies to investigate the efficacy of various stimulation parameters in promoting gastrointestinal contractions. A pressure detector in the internal stimulator can provide real-time feedback about variations in the gastrointestinal tract. An optimal stimulation protocol leading to cecal contractions has been proposed: stimulation bursts of 3 ms pulse width, 10 V amplitude, 40 Hz frequency, and 20 s duration. The animal experiment demonstrated the functionality of the system and validated the effects of different stimulation parameters on cecal contractions.
A Mixture Modeling Framework for Differential Analysis of High-Throughput Data
Authors: Taslim Cenny , Lin Shili
Published: June 2014

The inventions of microarray and next generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized research in genomics; platforms have led to massive amount of data in gene expression, methylation, and protein-DNA interactions. A common theme among a number of biological problems using high-throughput technologies is differential analysis. Despite the common theme, different data types have their own unique features, creating a “moving target” scenario. As such, methods specifically designed for one data type may not lead to satisfactory results when applied to another data type. To meet this challenge so that not only currently existing data types but also data from future problems, platforms, or experiments can be analyzed, we propose a mixture modeling framework that is flexible enough to automatically adapt to any moving target. More specifically, the approach considers several classes of mixture models and essentially provides a model-based procedure whose model is adaptive to the particular data being analyzed. We demonstrate the utility of the methodology by applying it to three types of real data: gene expression, methylation, and ChIP-seq. We also carried out simulations to gauge the performance and showed that the approach can be more efficient than any individual model without inflating type I error.
A Rare Case of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Subendocardial Late Gadolinium Enhancement in an Apical Aneurysm with Thrombus
Authors: Morita Yusuke , Kato Takao , Okano Mitsumasa , Su Kanae , Kimura Masahiro , Minamino Eri , Nakane Eisaku , Izumi Toshiaki , Miyamoto Shoichi , Haruna Tetsuya , Inoko Moriaki
Published: June 2014

The mechanisms responsible for the development of apical aneurysms in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are currently unclear but likely involve multiple factors. Here, we present a case of HCM with marked subendocardial fibrosis involving the apical and proximal portions of the left ventricle. A 71-year-old man with left ventricular hypertrophy presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure. The presence of asymmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy and bilateral, thickened ventricular walls with an apical aneurysm on transthoracic echocardiography suggested a diagnosis of HCM with ventricular dysfunction. No intraventricular pressure gradients with obstruction were identified. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsies showed subendocardial fibrosis involving the apical aneurysm and proximal portion. Whereas LGE in a transmural pattern is commonly observed in HCM apical aneurysms, subendocardial LGE, as noted in the present case, is a relatively rare occurrence. Thus, the present case may provide unique insights into the adverse remodeling process and formation of apical aneurysms in cases of HCM.
Energy Efficient Power Allocation for OFDM‐Based Cognitive Radio Systems with Partial Intersystem CSI
Authors: Chen Yunli , Zheng Zhengguang , Hou Yibin , Li Yong , Jin Shan
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates energy efficient
power allocation for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐ (OFDM‐) based cognitive radio (CR) systems
with partial intersystem channel state information (CSI)
available. The goal is to maximize energy efficiency
(EE) while ensuring the minimum rate of secondary
user (SU) and keeping the average interference power
(AIP) introduced to primary user (PU) within a target
probability level. We propose a suboptimal algorithm
to solve this optimization problem based on classic
water‐filling (WF) technique. Moreover, we first address
the relation between EE and water level. In
order to reduce complexity, a simplified algorithm with
closed‐form solution is also proposed. Numerical results
are provided to corroborate our theoretical analysis
and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
schemes.
Simulation Analysis of Air Flow and Turbulence Statistics in a Rib Grit Roughened Duct
Authors: Vogiatzis I. I. , Denizopoulou A. C. , Ntinas G. K. , Fragos V. P.
Published: June 2014

The implementation of variable artificial roughness patterns on a surface is an effective technique to enhance the rate of heat transfer to fluid flow in the ducts of solar air heaters. Different geometries of roughness elements investigated have demonstrated the pivotal role that vortices and associated turbulence have on the heat transfer characteristics of solar air heater ducts by increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient. In this paper we investigate the two-dimensional, turbulent, unsteady flow around rectangular ribs of variable aspect ratios by directly solving the transient Navier-Stokes and continuity equations using the finite elements method. Flow characteristics and several aspects of turbulent flow are presented and discussed including velocity components and statistics of turbulence. The results reveal the impact that different rib lengths have on the computed mean quantities and turbulence statistics of the flow. The computed turbulence parameters show a clear tendency to diminish downstream with increasing rib length. Furthermore, the applied numerical method is capable of capturing small-scale flow structures resulting from the direct solution of Navier-Stokes and continuity equations.
QuadraPure-Supported Palladium Nanocatalysts for Microwave-Promoted Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction under Aerobic Condition
Authors: Liew Kin Hong , Loh Poh Lee , Juan Joon Ching , Yarmo Mohd Ambar , Yusop Rahimi M.
Published: June 2014

Cross-linked resin-captured palladium (XL-QPPd) was readily prepared by simple physical adsorption onto the high loading QuadraPure macroporous resin and a subsequent reduction process. To enhance the mechanical stability, entrapped palladium nanocatalysts were cross-linked with succinyl chloride. Both transmission electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the palladium nanoparticles were well dispersed with diameters ranging in 4–10 nm. The catalyst performed good catalytic activity in microwave-promoted Suzuki cross-coupling reactions in water under aerobic condition with mild condition by using various aryl halides and phenylboronic acid. In addition, the catalyst showed an excellent recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Infants Affected by Primary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Lanari Marcello , Vandini Silvia , Capretti Maria Grazia , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Faldella Giacomo
Published: June 2014

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare inherited disorders that may lead to frequent and often severe acute respiratory infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent pathogens during early infancy and the infection is more severe in immunocompromised infants than in healthy infants, as a result of impaired T- and B-cell immune response unable to efficaciously neutralize viral replication, with subsequent increased viral shedding and potentially lethal lower respiratory tract infection. Several authors have reported a severe clinical course after RSV infections in infants and children with primary and acquired immunodeficiencies. Environmental prophylaxis is essential in order to reduce the infection during the epidemic season in hospitalized immunocompromised infants. Prophylaxis with palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the RSV F protein, is currently recommended in high-risk infants born prematurely, with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. Currently however the prophylaxis is not routinely recommended in infants with primary immunodeficiency, although some authors propose the extension of prophylaxis to this high risk population.
Investigation of Regularities of Heat and Mass Transfer and Phase Transitions during Water Droplets Motion through High-Temperature Gases
Authors: Volkov Roman S. , Vysokomornaya Olga V. , Kuznetsov Genii V. , Strizhak Pavel A.
Published: June 2014

The macroscopic regularities of heat and mass transfer and phase transitions during water droplets motion through high-temperature (more than 1000 K) gases have been investigated numerically and experimentally. Water droplet evaporation rates have been established. Gas and water vapors concentrations and also temperature values of gas-vapor mixture in small neighborhood and water droplet trace have been singled out. Possible mechanisms of droplet coagulation in high-temperature gas area have been determined. Experiments have been carried out with the optical methods of two-phase gas-vapor-droplet mixtures diagnostics (“Particle Image Velocimetry” and “Interferometric Particle Imaging”) usage to assess the adequateness of developed heat and mass transfer models and the results of numerical investigations. The good agreement of numerical and experimental investigation results due to integral characteristics of water droplet evaporation has been received.
Full‐Wave Analysis of Field‐to‐Line Coupling Effects Using 1D FDTD Method under Exciting Source with Different Bandwidths
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhou Bihua , Wang Jianbao , Gao Cheng
Published: June 2014

With the aim to analyze field‐to‐line coupling effects based on energy spectrum, parallel finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is applied to calculate the induced voltage on overhead lines under high‐power electromagnetic (HPEM) environment. Firstly, the energy distribution laws of HEMP (IEC 61000‐2‐9), HEMP (Bell Laboratory), HEMP (Paulino et al., 2010), and LEMP (IEC61000‐4‐5) are given. Due to the air‐earth stratified medium, both the absorbing boundary and the connecting boundary applied to scattering by finite‐length objects are separately set in aerial and underground parts. Moreover, the influence of line length on induced voltage is analyzed and discussed. The results indicate that the half‐peak width is wider with the increase of the line length. But the steepness of induced voltage on the overhead line is invariable. There is no further increase in the peak of induced voltage especially when the line length increases to be equivalent to the wavelength of the frequency bands with the maximum energy.
Natural Killer Cell Function and Dysfunction in Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Holder Kayla A. , Russell Rodney S. , Grant Michael D.
Published: June 2014

Viruses must continually adapt against dynamic innate and adaptive responses of the host immune system to establish chronic infection. Only a small minority (~20%) of those exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) spontaneously clear infection, leaving approximately 200 million people worldwide chronically infected with HCV. A number of recent research studies suggest that establishment and maintenance of chronic HCV infection involve natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction. This relationship is illustratedin vitroby disruption of typical NK cell responses including both cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Expression of a number of activating NK cell receptorsin vivois also affected in chronic HCV infection. Thus, directin vivoandin vitroevidence of compromised NK function in chronic HCV infection in conjunction with significant epidemiological associations between the outcome of HCV infection and certain combinations of NK cell regulatory receptor and class I human histocompatibility linked antigen (HLA) genotypes indicate that NK cells are important in the immune response against HCV infection. In this review, we highlight evidence suggesting that selective impairment of NK cell activity is related to establishment of chronic HCV infection.
Prediction of Backwater Profiles due to Bridges in a Compound Channel Using CFD
Authors: Kocaman Selahattin
Published: June 2014

With the advancements in computing power, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has emerged as a powerful hydraulics design tool. This study aims to assess the performance of CFD via commercially available software (FLOW-3D) in the prediction of backwater surface profiles for three different types of bridges with or without piers in a compound channel. A standard two-equation turbulence model ( k- ε) was used to capture turbulent eddy motion. The numerical model results were compared with the available experimental data and the comparisons indicate that the CFD model provides reasonably good description of backwater surface profiles upstream of the bridges. Notably, the computed and measured afflux values are found to be almost identical.
Fusion Global‐Local‐Topology Particle Swarm Optimization for Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Beheshti Zahra , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam , Sulaiman Sarina
Published: June 2014

In recent years, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been extensively applied in various optimization problems because of its structural and implementation simplicity. However, the PSO can sometimes find local optima or exhibit slow convergence speed when solving complex multimodal problems. To address these issues, an improved PSO scheme called fusion global‐local‐topology particle swarm optimization (FGLT‐PSO) is proposed in this study. The algorithm employs both global and local topologies in PSO to jump out of the local optima. FGLT‐PSO is evaluated using twenty (20) unimodal and multimodal nonlinear benchmark functions and its performance is compared with several well‐known PSO algorithms. The experimental results showed that the proposed method improves the performance of PSO algorithm in terms of solution accuracy and convergence speed.
Global Epidemiology of Dementia: Alzheimer’s and Vascular Types
Authors: Rizzi Liara , Rosset Idiane , Roriz-Cruz Matheus
Published: June 2014

The prevalence of dementia varies substantially worldwide. This is partially attributed to the lack of methodological uniformity among studies, including diagnostic criteria and different mean population ages. However, even after considering these potential sources of bias, differences in age-adjusted dementia prevalence still exist among regions of the world. In Latin America, the prevalence of dementia is higher than expected for its level of population aging. This phenomenon occurs due to the combination of low average educational attainment and high vascular risk profile. Among developed countries, Japan seems to have the lowest prevalence of dementia. Studies that evaluated the immigration effect of the Japanese and blacks to USA evidenced that acculturation increases the relative proportion of AD cases compared to VaD. In the Middle East and Africa, the number of dementia cases will be expressive by 2040. In general, low educational background and other socioeconomic factors have been associated with high risk of obesity, sedentarism, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, all of which also raise the risk of VaD and AD. Regulating these factors is critical to generate the commitment to make dementia a public health priority.
Early Results of a New Rotating Hinge Knee Implant
Authors: Giurea Alexander , Neuhaus Hans-Joachim , Miehlke Rolf , Schuh Reinhard , Lass Richard , Kubista Bernd , Windhager Reinhard
Published: June 2014

Background. Indication for rotating hinge (RH) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) includes primary and revision cases, with contradictory results. The aim of this study was to report prospective early results of a new modular rotating hinge TKA (EnduRo). For this implant several new design features and a new bearing material (carbon-fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone) have been developed. Furthermore, we tried to establish a new classification of failure modes for revision TKA.Methods. 152 EnduRo rotating-hinge prostheses were implanted in two centers. In 90 patients a primary implantation has been performed and 62 patients were revision cases. Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and Range of motion (ROM) were assessed before surgery, 3 months postoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. We defined 3 types of complications: Type 1, infection; type 2, periprosthetic complications; type 3, implant failures.Results. KSS, WOMAC, OKS, and ROM revealed significant improvements between the preoperative and the follow-up investigations. There were 14 complications (9.2%) leading to revision surgery, predominantly type 2.Conclusion. Our study shows excellent clinical results of the EnduRo TKA. Furthermore, no premature material failure or unusual biological response to the new bearing material could be detected.
Maintenance Therapy with Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in the Conservative Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Brillantino Antonio , Iacobellis Francesca , Izzo Giuseppe , Di Martino Natale , Grassi Roberto , Renzi Adolfo
Published: June 2014

Purpose. This study was designed to evaluate the role of maintenance therapy with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) after topical application of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the conservative treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF).Methods. From all the patients with CAF observed during the study period, 165 subjects with healed CAF after standard therapy with topical GTN 0.4% ointment were randomized to receive (group II) or not (group I) maintenance therapy with PHGG for 10 months. Clinical and manometric followup was carried out 6 and 12 months after treatment.Results. At six-month followup, median visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in group I if compared with group II. The success and recurrence rate at 12-month followup were, respectively, 38.3% (28/73) in group I versus 58.5% (41/70) in group II (P=0.019; Fisher’s exact test) and 30.2% (13/43) in group I versus 14.5% (7/48) in group II (P=0.0047; Fisher’s exact test).Conclusion. The maintenance therapy with PHGG in patients with healed CAF after chemical sphincterotomy by topical application of GTN 0.4% ointment seems associated with a significant reduction of recurrence rate and with a significant increase of success rate at 12-month followup.
TRIB1 Supports Prostate Tumorigenesis and Tumor-Propagating Cell Survival by Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone Expression
Authors: Mashima Tetsuo , Soma-Nagae Taeko , Migita Toshiro , Kinoshita Ryoko , Iwamoto Atsushi , Yuasa Takeshi , Yonese Junji , Ishikawa Yuichi , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: June 2014

Endocrine therapy is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer; however, relapse occurs in most patients with few treatment options available after recurrence. To overcome this therapeutic hurdle, the identification of new molecular targets is a critical issue. The capability to proliferate in three-dimensional (3D) conditions is a characteristic property of cancer cells. Therefore, factors that regulate 3D growth are considered rational targets for cancer therapy. Here, we applied a functional genomic approach to the 3D spheroid cell culture model and identified TRIB1, a member of the Trib family of serine/threonine kinase-like proteins, as an essential factor for prostate cancer cell growth and survival. RNAi-mediated silencing of TRIB1 suppressed prostate cancer cell growth selectively under the 3D conditions. This effect was rescued by ectopic expression of an RNAi-resistant TRIB1 exogene. Gene signature–based analysis revealed that TRIB1 was related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathways in prostate cancer and was required for expression of the ER chaperone GRP78, which is critical for prostate tumorigenesis. Of note, GRP78 was expressed preferentially in a subpopulation of prostate cancer cells that possess tumor-propagating potential, and these tumor-propagating cells were highly sensitive to TRIB1 and GRP78 depletion. In a xenograft model of human prostate cancer, TRIB1 depletion strongly inhibited tumor formation. Supporting these observations, we documented frequent overexpression of TRIB1 in clinical specimens of prostate cancer. Overall, our results indicated that the TRIB1–ER chaperone axis drives prostate tumorigenesis and the survival of the tumor-propagating cells. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4888–97. ©2014 AACR.
Characteristics of Adenomas Detected by Fecal Immunochemical Test in Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Cubiella Joaquín , Castro Inés , Hernandez Vicent , González-Mao Carmen , Rivera Concepción , Iglesias Felipe , Cid Lucía , Soto Santiago , de-Castro Luisa , Vega Pablo , Hermo Jose Antonio , Macenlle Ramiro , Martínez Alfonso , Martínez-Ares David , Estevez Pamela , Cid Estela , Herreros-Villanueva Marta , Portillo Isabel , Bujanda Luis , Fernández-Seara Javier
Published: June 2014

Background: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) diagnostic accuracy for colorectal adenoma detection in colorectal cancer screening is limited.

Methods: We analyzed 474 asymptomatic subjects with adenomas detected on colonoscopy in two blinded diagnostic tests studies designed to assess FIT diagnostic accuracy. We determined the characteristics of adenomas (number, size, histology, morphology, and location) and the risk of metachronous lesions (according to European guidelines). Finally, we performed a logistic regression to identify those variables independently associated with a positive result.

Results: Advanced adenomas were found in 145 patients (75.6% distal and 24.3% only proximal to splenic flexure). Patients were classified as low (59.5%), intermediate (30.2%), and high risk (10.3%) according to European guidelines. At a 100-ng/mL threshold, FIT was positive in 61 patients (12.8%). Patients with advanced adenomas [odds ratio (OR), 8.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.76–16.25], distal advanced adenomas (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.9–8.8), high risk (OR, 20.1; 95% CI, 8.8–45.8), or intermediate risk lesions (OR, 6; 95% CI, 2.9–12.4) had more probabilities to have a positive test. The characteristics of adenomas independently associated were number of adenomas (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04–1.42), distal flat adenomas (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21–0.96), pedunculated adenomas (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.48–3.5), and maximum size of distal adenomas (mm; OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.16–1.32).

Conclusions: European guidelines classification and adenoma location correlates with the likelihood of a positive FIT result.

Impact: This information allows us to understand the FIT impact in colorectal cancer prevention. Likewise, it should be taken into account in the development of new colorectal adenomas biomarkers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1884–92. ©2014 AACR.
A Review of the Application of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Epidemiologic Cancer Research
Authors: Brenner Darren R. , Scherer Dominique , Muir Kenneth , Schildkraut Joellen , Boffetta Paolo , Spitz Margaret R. , Le Marchand Loic , Chan Andrew T. , Goode Ellen L. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Hung Rayjean J.
Published: June 2014

Inflammation is a facilitating process for multiple cancer types. It is believed to affect cancer development and progression through several etiologic pathways, including increased levels of DNA adduct formation, increased angiogenesis, and altered antiapoptotic signaling. This review highlights the application of inflammatory biomarkers in epidemiologic studies and discusses the various cellular mediators of inflammation characterizing the innate immune system response to infection and chronic insult from environmental factors. Included is a review of six classes of inflammation-related biomarkers: cytokines/chemokines, immune-related effectors, acute-phase proteins, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase-related factors, and mediators such as transcription factors and growth factors. For each of these biomarkers, we provide a brief overview of the etiologic role in the inflammation response and how they have been related to cancer etiology and progression within the literature. We provide a discussion of the common techniques available for quantification of each marker, including strengths, weaknesses, and potential pitfalls. Subsequently, we highlight a few under-studied measures to characterize the inflammatory response and their potential utility in epidemiologic studies of cancer. Finally, we suggest integrative methods for future studies to apply multifaceted approaches to examine the relationship between inflammatory markers and their roles in cancer development. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1729–51. ©2014 AACR.
Characterization of Transfusion-Derived Iron Deposition in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ruccione Kathleen S. , Wood John C. , Sposto Richard , Malvar Jemily , Chen Cheng , Freyer David R.
Published: June 2014

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) receiving packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions may have increased risk for vital organ iron deposition causing serious late effects.

Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study of a CCS cohort quantified organ iron content by magnetic resonance imaging. Iron status by serum markers and hemochromatosis gene mutation status were assessed.

Results: Seventy-five patients who had received a range (0–392 mL/kg) of cumulative PRBC transfusion volumes were enrolled (median age 14 years, range 8–25.6 years at evaluation). Median follow-up time was 4.4 years, and median time since last transfusion was 4.9 years. Cancer diagnoses included acute lymphoblastic or myelogenous leukemia (ALL/AML; n = 33) and solid tumors (n = 42). Liver and pancreatic iron concentrations were elevated in 36 of 73 (49.3%) and 19 of 72 (26.4%) subjects, respectively. Cardiac iron concentration was not increased in this cohort. In multivariate analysis, cumulative PRBC volume (P < 0.0001) and older age at diagnosis (P < 0.0001) predicted elevated liver iron concentration.

Conclusions: Iron overload (IO) may occur in children and adolescents/young adults treated for cancer and is associated with cumulative PRBC transfusion volume and age at diagnosis.

Impact: These findings have implications for development of monitoring and management guidelines for cancer patients and survivors at risk for IO, exploration of the additive risk of liver/pancreatic damage from chemotherapeutic exposures, and health education to minimize further liver/pancreatic damage from exposures such as excessive alcohol intake and hepatotoxic medications. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1913–9. ©2014 AACR.
Improved Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors with Multiparametric 18Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Pinker Katja , Bogner Wolfgang , Baltzer Pascal , Karanikas Georgios , Magometschnigg Heinrich , Brader Peter , Gruber Stephan , Bickel Hubert , Dubsky Peter , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Bartsch Rupert , Weber Michael , Trattnig Siegfried , Helbich Thomas H.
Published: June 2014

Purpose: To assess whether multiparametric 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (MP 18FDG PET-MRI) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), three-dimensional proton MR spectroscopic imaging (3D 1H-MRSI), and 18FDG-PET enables an improved differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors.

Experimental Design: Seventy-six female patients (mean age, 55.7 years; range, 25–86 years) with an imaging abnormality (BI-RADS 0, 4–5) were included in this Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study. Patients underwent fused PET-MRI of the breast with 18FDG-PET/CT and MP MRI at 3T. The likelihood of malignancy was assessed for all single parameters, for MP MRI with two/three parameters, and for MP 18FDG PET-MRI. Histopathology was used as the standard of reference. Appropriate statistical tests were used to assess sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for each assessment combination.

Results: There were 53 malignant and 23 benign breast lesions. MP 18FDG PET-MRI yielded a significantly higher area under the cure (AUC) of 0.935 than DCE-MRI (AUC, 0.86; P = 0.044) and the combination of DCE-MRI and another parameter (AUC, 0.761–0.826; P = 0.013–0.020). MP 18FDG PET-MRI showed slight further improvement to MP MRI with three parameters (AUC, 0.925; P = 0.317). Using MP 18FDG PET-MRI there would have been a reduction of the unnecessary breast biopsies recommended by MP imaging with one or two parameters (P = 0.002–0.011).

Conclusion: This feasibility study shows that MP 18FDG PET-MRI enables an improved differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors when several MRI and PET parameters are combined. MP 18FDG PET-MRI may lead to a reduction in unnecessary breast biopsies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3540–9. ©2014 AACR.
Functional p38 MAPK Identified by Biomarker Profiling of Pancreatic Cancer Restrains Growth through JNK Inhibition and Correlates with Improved Survival
Authors: Zhong Yi , Naito Yoshiki , Cope Leslie , Naranjo-Suarez Salvador , Saunders Tyler , Hong Seung-Mo , Goggins Michael G. , Herman Joseph M. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A.
Published: June 2014

Purpose: Numerous biomarkers for pancreatic cancer have been reported. We determined the extent to which such biomarkers are expressed throughout metastatic progression, including those that effectively predict biologic behavior.

Experimental Design: Biomarker profiling was performed for 35 oncoproteins in matched primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer tissues from 36 rapid autopsy patients. Proteins of significance were validated by immunolabeling in an independent sample set, and functional studies were performed in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Most biomarkers were similarly expressed or lost in expression in most samples analyzed, and the matched primary and metastases from a specific patient were most similar to each other than to other patients. However, a subset of proteins showed extensive interpatient heterogeneity, one of which was p38 MAPK. Strong positive pp38 MAPK immunolabeling was significantly correlated with improved postresection survival by multivariate analysis (median overall survival 27.9 months, P = 0.041). In pancreatic cancer cells, inhibition of functional p38 by SB202190 increased cell proliferation in vitro in both low-serum and low-oxygen conditions. High functional p38 activity in vitro corresponded to lower levels of pJNK protein expression, and p38 inhibition resulted in increased pJNK and pMKK7 by Western blot analysis. Moreover, JNK inhibition by SP600125 or MKK7 siRNA knockdown antagonized the effects of p38 inhibition by SB202190. In vivo, SP600125 significantly decreased growth rates of xenografts with high p38 activity compared with those without p38 expression.

Conclusions: Functional p38 MAPK activity contributes to overall survival through JNK signaling, thus providing a rationale for JNK inhibition in pancreatic cancer management. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 6200–11. ©2014 AACR.
miR-409-3p/-5p Promotes Tumorigenesis, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, and Bone Metastasis of Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Josson Sajni , Gururajan Murali , Hu Peizhen , Shao Chen , Chu Gina Chia-Yi , Zhau Haiyen E. , Liu Chunyan , Lao Kaiqin , Lu Chia-Lun , Lu Yi-Tsung , Lichterman Jake , Nandana Srinivas , Li Quanlin , Rogatko Andre , Berel Dror , Posadas Edwin M. , Fazli Ladan , Sareen Dhruv , Chung Leland W.K.
Published: June 2014

Purpose: miR-409-3p/-5p is a miRNA expressed by embryonic stem cells, and its role in cancer biology and metastasis is unknown. Our pilot studies demonstrated elevated miR-409-3p/-5p expression in human prostate cancer bone metastatic cell lines; therefore, we defined the biologic impact of manipulation of miR-409-3p/-5p on prostate cancer progression and correlated the levels of its expression with clinical human prostate cancer bone metastatic specimens.

Experimental Design: miRNA profiling of a prostate cancer bone metastatic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cell line model was performed. A Gleason score human tissue array was probed for validation of specific miRNAs. In addition, genetic manipulation of miR-409-3p/-5p was performed to determine its role in tumor growth, EMT, and bone metastasis in mouse models.

Results: Elevated expression of miR-409-3p/-5p was observed in bone metastatic prostate cancer cell lines and human prostate cancer tissues with higher Gleason scores. Elevated miR-409-3p expression levels correlated with progression-free survival of patients with prostate cancer. Orthotopic delivery of miR-409-3p/-5p in the murine prostate gland induced tumors where the tumors expressed EMT and stemness markers. Intracardiac inoculation (to mimic systemic dissemination) of miR-409-5p inhibitor–treated bone metastatic ARCaPM prostate cancer cells in mice led to decreased bone metastasis and increased survival compared with control vehicle–treated cells.

Conclusion: miR-409-3p/-5p plays an important role in prostate cancer biology by facilitating tumor growth, EMT, and bone metastasis. This finding bears particular translational importance as miR-409-3p/-5p appears to be an attractive biomarker and/or possibly a therapeutic target to treat bone metastatic prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(17); 4636–46. ©2014 AACR.