bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Vitamin D Binding Protein on Accuracy of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Measurement Using the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total Assay
Authors: Freeman James , Wilson Kimberly , Spears Ryan , Shalhoub Victoria , Sibley Paul
Published: June 2014

Vitamin D status in different populations relies on accurate measurement of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations [i.e., 25(OH)D3and 25(OH)D2]. This study evaluated agreement between the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total assay for 25(OH)D testing (traceable to the NIST-Ghent reference method procedure) and a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for various populations with different levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured for 36 pregnant women, 40 hemodialysis patients, and 30 samples (DBP-spiked or not) from healthy subjects. ELISA measured DBP levels. The mean serum DBP concentrations were higher for pregnancy (415 μg/mL) and lower for hemodialysis subjects (198 μg/mL) than for healthy subjects and were highest for spiked serum (545 μg/mL). The average bias between the ADVIA Centaur assay and the LC-MS/MS method was −1.4% (healthy), −6.1% (pregnancy), and 4.4% (hemodialysis). The slightly greater bias for samples from some pregnancy and hemodialysis subjects with serum DBP levels outside of the normal healthy range fell within a clinically acceptable range—reflected by analysis of their low-range (≤136 μg/mL), medium-range (137–559 μg/mL), and high-range (≥560 μg/mL) DBP groups. Thus, the ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total assay demonstrates acceptable performance compared with an LC-MS/MS method for populations containing different amounts of DBP.
Optimal Guaranteed Service Time and Service Level Decision with Time and Service Level Sensitive Demand
Authors: Park Sangjun , Hong Ki-sung
Published: June 2014

We consider a two‐stage supply chain with one supplier and one retailer. The retailer sells a product to customer and the supplier provides a product in a make‐to‐order mode. In this case, the supplier’s decisions on service time and service level and the retailer’s decision on retail price have effects on customer demand. We develop optimization models to determine the optimal retail price, the optimal guaranteed service time, the optimal service level, and the optimal capacity to maximize the expected profit of the whole supply chain. The results of numerical experiments show that it is more profitable to determine the optimal price, the optimal guaranteed service time, and the optimal service level simultaneously and the proposed model is more profitable in service level sensitive market.
Intensive Insulin Therapy for Septic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Fang , Zhong Liu-Jun , Han Liang , Xie Guo-Hao , Xiao Cheng , Zhao Bing , Hu Yao-Qin , Wang Shu-Yan , Qin Chao-Jin , Zhang Yan , Lai Deng-Ming , Cui Ping , Fang Xiang-Ming
Published: June 2014

Background. Studies on the effect of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) in septic patients with hyperglycemia have given inconsistent results. The primary purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether it is effective in reducing mortality.Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and relevant reference lists up to September 2013 and including randomized controlled trials that compared IIT with conventional glucose management in septic patients. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. And our primary outcome measure was pooled in the random effects model.Results. We identified twelve randomized controlled trials involving 4100 patients. Meta-analysis showed that IIT did not reduce any of the outcomes: overall mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.98, 95% CI [0.85, 1.15],P=0.84), 28-day mortality (RR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.40, 1.10],P=0.11), 90-day mortality (RR = 1.10, 95% CI [0.97, 1.26],P=0.13), ICU mortality (RR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.77, 1.14],P=0.52), hospital mortality (RR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.86, 1.11],P=0.71), severity of illness, and length of ICU stay. Conversely, the incidence of hypoglycemia was markedly higher in the IIT (RR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.69, 5.06],P=0.0001).Conclusions. For patients with sepsis, IIT and conservative glucose management show similar efficacy, but ITT is associated with a higher incidence of hypoglycemia.
Control of the Fractional‐Order Chen Chaotic System via Fractional‐Order Scalar Controller and Its Circuit Implementation
Authors: Huang Qiong , Dong Chunyang , Chen Qianbin
Published: June 2014

A fractional‐order scalar controller which involves only one state variable is proposed. By this fractional‐order scalar controller, the unstable equilibrium points in the fractional‐order Chen chaotic system can be asymptotically stable. The present control strategy is theoretically rigorous. Some circuits are designed to realize these control schemes. The outputs of circuit agree with the results of theoretical results.
Effects of Whole Body Vibration and Resistance Training on Bone Mineral Density and Anthropometry in Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Zaki Moushira Erfan
Published: June 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two exercise programs, whole body vibration and resistance training on bone mineral density (BMD) and anthropometry in obese postmenopausal women.Material and Methods. Eighty Egyptian obese postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study; their age ranged from 50 to 68 years. Their body mass index ranged (30–36 kg/m2). The exercise prescription consisted of whole body vibration (WBV) and resistance training. Bone mineral density (BMD) and anthropometrical parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Changes from baseline to eight months in BMD and anthropometric parameters were investigated.Results. BMD at the greater trochanter, at ward's triangle, and at lumbar spine were significantly higher after physical training, using both WBV and resistive training. Moreover, both exercise programs were effective in BMI and waist to the hip ratio. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between physical activity duration and BMD at all sites. The highest values ofR2were found for the models incorporating WBV plus BMI.Conclusion. The study suggests that both types of exercise modalities had a similar positive effect on BMD at all sites in obese postmenopausal women. Significant association was noted between physical activity and anthropometric variables and BMD measures at all sites.
Patterns of Microbially Driven Carbon Cycling in the Ocean: Links between Extracellular Enzymes and Microbial Communities
Authors: Arnosti Carol
Published: June 2014

Heterotrophic microbial communities play a central role in the marine carbon cycle. They are active in nearly all known environments, from the surface to the deep ocean, in the sediments, and from the equator to the Poles. In order to process complex organic matter, these communities produce extracellular enzymes of the correct structural specificity to hydrolyze substrates to sizes sufficiently small for uptake. Extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis thus initiates heterotrophic carbon cycling. Our knowledge of the enzymatic capabilities of microbial communities in the ocean is still underdeveloped. Recent studies, however, suggest that there may be large-scale patterns of enzymatic function in the ocean, patterns of community function that may be connected to emerging patterns of microbial community composition. Here I review some of these large-scale contrasts in microbial enzyme activities, between high-latitude and temperate surface ocean waters, contrasts between inshore and offshore waters, changes with depth gradients in the ocean, and contrasts between the water column and underlying sediments. These contrasting patterns are set in the context of recent studies of microbial communities and patterns of microbial biogeography. Focusing on microbial community function as well as composition and potential should yield clearer understanding of the factors driving carbon cycling in the ocean.
Photosynthetic and Canopy Characteristics of Different Varieties at the Early Elongation Stage and Their Relationships with the Cane Yield in Sugarcane
Authors: Luo Jun , Pan Yong-Bao , Xu Liping , Zhang Yuye , Zhang Hua , Chen Rukai , Que Youxiong
Published: June 2014

During sugarcane growth, the Early Elongation stage is critical to cane yield formation. In this study, parameters of 17 sugarcane varieties were determined at the Early Elongation stage using CI-301 photosynthesis measuring system and CI-100 digital plant canopy imager. The data analysis showed highly significant differences in leaf area index (LAI), mean foliage inclination angle (MFIA), transmission coefficient for diffused light penetration (TD), transmission coefficient for solar beam radiation penetration (TR), leaf distribution (LD), net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (GS) among sugarcane varieties. Based on the photosynthetic or canopy parameters, the 17 sugarcane varieties were classified into four categories. Through the factor analysis, nine parameters were represented by three principal factors, of which the cumulative rate of variance contributions reached 85.77%. A regression for sugarcane yield, with relative error of yield fitting less than 0.05, was successfully established: sugarcane yield = −27.19 − 1.69 × PN + 0.17 ×  E+ 90.43 × LAI − 408.81 × LD + 0.0015 × NSH + 101.38 ×  D(R2=0.928**). This study helps provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the screening of new sugarcane varieties with high net photosynthetic rate and ideal canopy structure.
Protective Effects of Trehalose on the Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Aragona Pasquale , Colosi Pietro , Rania Laura , Colosi Francesca , Pisani Antonina , Puzzolo Domenico , Micali Antonio
Published: June 2014

Purpose.Aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of the trehalose on the corneal epithelium undergoing alcohol delamination.Methods.Twelve patients undergoing laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) were consecutively included in the study. The right eyes were pretreated with 3% trehalose eye drops, whilst left eyes were used as control. Epithelial specimens were processed for cells vitality assessment, apoptosis, and light and transmission electron microscopy; a morphometric analysis was performed in both groups.Results.In both trehalose-untreated eyes (TUE) and trehalose-treated eyes (TTE), the percentage of vital cells was similar and no apoptotic cells were observed. In TUE, the corneal epithelium showed superficial cells with reduced microfolds, wing cells with vesicles and dilated intercellular spaces, and dark basal cells with vesicles and wide clefts. In TTE, superficial and wing cells were better preserved, and basal cells were generally clear with intracytoplasmatic vesicles. The morphometric analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups: the TTE epithelial height was higher, the basal cells showed larger area and clearer cytoplasm. The distribution of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes was significantly different between the groups.Conclusions.Trehalose administration better preserved morphological and morphometric features of alcohol-treated corneal epithelium, when compared to controls.
Postmastectomy Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Meattini Icro , Cecchini Sara , Di Cataldo Vanessa , Saieva Calogero , Francolini Giulio , Scotti Vieri , Bonomo Pierluigi , Mangoni Monica , Greto Daniela , Nori Jacopo , Orzalesi Lorenzo , Casella Donato , Simoncini Roberta , Fambrini Massimiliano , Bianchi Simonetta , Livi Lorenzo
Published: June 2014

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is widely used in locally advanced breast cancer (BC) treatment. The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) after NAC is strongly debated. The aim of our analysis was to identify major prognostic factors in a single-center series, with emphasis on PMRT. From 1997 to 2011, 170 patients were treated with NAC and mastectomy at our center; 98 cases (57.6%) underwent PMRT and 72 cases (42.4%) did not receive radiation. At a median follow-up period of 7.7 years (range 2–16) for the whole cohort, median time to locoregional recurrence (LRR) was 3.3 years (range 0.7–12.4). The 5-year and 10-year actuarial LRR rate were 14.5% and 15.9%, respectively. At the multivariate analysis the factors that significantly correlated with survival outcome were ≥4 positive nodes (HR 5.0, 1.51–16.52;P=0.035), extracapsular extension (HR 2.18, 1.37–3.46;P=0.009), and estrogen receptor positive disease (HR 0.57, 0.36–0.90;P=0.003). Concerning LRR according to use of radiation, PMRT reduced LRR for patient with clinical T3 staged disease (P=0.015). Our experience confirmed the impact of pathological nodal involvement on survival outcome. PMRT was found to improve local control in patients presenting with clinical T3 tumors, regardless of the response to chemotherapy.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of IKK Inhibitor XII, Thymulin, and Fat-Soluble Antioxidants in LPS-Treated Mice
Authors: Novoselova E. G. , Khrenov M. O. , Glushkova O. V. , Lunin S. M. , Parfenyuk S. B. , Novoselova T. V. , Fesenko E. E.
Published: June 2014

The present study was designed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of several agents appliedin vivo, namely, a synthetic inhibitor of the NF-κB cascade, fat-soluble antioxidants, and the thymic peptide thymulin. Cytokine response in LPS-treated mice was analysed in tandem with the following parameters: the synthesis of inducible forms of the heat shock proteins HSP72 and HSP90α; activity of the NF-κB and SAPK/JNK signalling pathways; and TLR4 expression. Inflammation-bearing Balb/c male mice were pretreated with an inhibitor of IKK-α/βkinases (IKK Inhibitor XII); with thymulin; with dietary coenzyme Q9,α-tocopherol, andβ-carotene; or with combinations of the inhibitor and peptide or antioxidants. Comparable anti-inflammatory effects were observed in inflammation-bearing mice treated separately with thymulin or with dietary antioxidants administered daily for two weeks before LPS treatment. When LPS-injected mice were treated with the inhibitor and antioxidants together, neither plasma cytokines, signal proteins, nor heat shock proteins recovered more efficiently than when mice were treated with these agents separately. In contrast to antioxidant diet, the thymulin was shown to increase the effect of IKK Inhibitor XII in preventing IKK activation in LPS-treated mice.
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as a Tool for Wheat Yield Estimation: A Case Study from Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Sultana Syeda Refat , Ali Amjed , Ahmad Ashfaq , Mubeen Muhammad , Zia-Ul-Haq M. , Ahmad Shakeel , Ercisli Sezai , Jaafar Hawa Z. E.
Published: June 2014

For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is considered as a potential screening tool. Field experiments were conducted to scrutinize the response of NDVI to yield behavior of different wheat cultivars and nitrogen fertilization at agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) during the two years 2008-09 and 2009-10. For recording the value of NDVI, Green seeker (Handheld-505) was used. Split plot design was used as experimental model in, keeping four nitrogen rates (N1= 0 kg ha−1,N2= 55 kg ha−1,N3=110 kg ha−1, andN4= 220 kg ha−1) in main plots and ten wheat cultivars (Bakkhar-2001, Chakwal-50, Chakwal-97, Faisalabad-2008, GA-2002, Inqlab-91, Lasani-2008, Miraj-2008, Sahar-2006, and Shafaq-2006) in subplots with four replications. Impact of nitrogen and difference between cultivars were forecasted through NDVI. The results suggested that nitrogen treatment N4(220 kg ha−1) and cultivar Faisalabad-2008 gave maximum NDVI value (0.85) at grain filling stage among all treatments. The correlation among NDVI at booting, grain filling, and maturity stages with grain yield was positive (R2 = 0.90;R2 = 0.90;R2 = 0.95), respectively. So, booting, grain filling, and maturity can be good depictive stages during mid and later growth stages of wheat crop under agroclimatic conditions of Faisalabad and under similar other wheat growing environments in the country.
Fault Detection of Aircraft System with Random Forest Algorithm and Similarity Measure
Authors: Lee Sanghyuk , Park Wookje , Jung Sikhang
Published: June 2014

Research on fault detection algorithm was developed with the similarity measure and random forest algorithm. The organized algorithm was applied to unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) that was readied by us. Similarity measure was designed by the help of distance information, and its usefulness was also verified by proof. Fault decision was carried out by calculation of weighted similarity measure. Twelve available coefficients among healthy and faulty status data group were used to determine the decision. Similarity measure weighting was done and obtained through random forest algorithm (RFA); RF provides data priority. In order to get a fast response of decision, a limited number of coefficients was also considered. Relation of detection rate and amount of feature data were analyzed and illustrated. By repeated trial of similarity calculation, useful data amount was obtained.
Synthesis of ReN3 Thin Films by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Soto G. , Tiznado H. , de la Cruz W. , Reyes A.
Published: June 2014

In this work ReNx films were prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering at room temperature and deposited on a silicon wafer. It was found that the diffractograms of the nitrogen-rich rhenium film are consistent with those produced by high-pressure high-temperature methods, under the assumption that the film is oriented on the substrate. Using density functional calculations it was found that the composition of this compound could be ReN3, instead of ReN2, as stated on previous works. The ReN3 compound fits in the Ama2 (40) orthorhombic space group, and due to the existence of N3 anions between Re layers it should be categorized as an azide. The material is exceptionally brittle and inherently unstable under indentation testing.
Mathematical Modeling of a Multilayered Drift-Stabilization Method for Micro-UAVs Using Inertial Navigation Unit Sensor
Authors: Jeong Hyeok-June , Hwang Myunggwon , Jung Hanmin , Ha Young-guk
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a multilayered quadrotor control method that can move the quadrotor to the desired goal while resisting disturbance. The proposed control system is modular, convenient to design and verify, and easy to extend. It comprises three layers: a physical layer, a displacement control layer, and an attitude control layer. The displacement control layer considers the movement of the vehicle, while the attitude control layer controls its attitude. The physical layer deals with the physical operation of the vehicle. The two control layers use a mathematical method to provide minute step-by-step control. The proposed control system effectively combines the three layers to achieve drift stabilization.
Electroacupuncture at ST36-ST37 and at Ear Ameliorates Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizure Rats
Authors: Liu Chung-Hsiang , Lin Yi-Wen , Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Liu Hsu-Jan , Lin Wan-Jung , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: June 2014

Our previous study showed that mossy fiber sprouting can occur in the hippocampus region in rats 6 wk after kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure, and this mossy fiber sprouting can facilitate epileptogenesis. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), which is similar to cervical VNS, can reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizure in intractable epilepsy patients. Greater parasympathetic nerve activity can be caused by 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA). Therefore, we investigated the effect of 2 Hz EA at ST-36-ST37 and at the ear on mossy fiber sprouting in kainic-treated Sprague-Dawley rats. The results indicated that applying 2 Hz EA at ST36-ST37 and at the ear for 3 d per week over 6 consecutive weeks can ameliorate mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus region of rats. These results indicated that applying 2 Hz EA at ST36-ST37 and at the ear might be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy in humans.
The State of Healthcare Disaster Plans in New Zealand and the Sultanate of Oman: An International Comparative Analysis
Authors: Al-Shaqsi Sultan , Gauld Robin , McBride David , Al-Kashmiri Ammar , Al-Harthy Abdullah
Published: June 2014

Aim. The aim of this study was to carry out an audit of healthcare plans in New Zealand and Oman. Methods. The study utilizes a deductive content analysis method. Written plans from New Zealand District Health Boards (DHBs) and the Omani secondary and tertiary hospitals were analyzed. A checklist was used to score the plans against twelve elements which are command and control, hazard analysis, surge capability, communication, standard operating procedures (SOPs), life-line backups, public and media, training, welfare, coordination, and recovery. Results. There were 14 plans from New Zealand and 7 plans from Oman analysed. The overall coverage of New Zealand plans was 67.5% compared to 53.3% in Oman. Plans from both countries scored similarly in “command and control,” “hazard analysis,” “surge,” and “communication” elements. Omani plans scored lower than those of New Zealand in “media and the publicv” “training,” “coordination,” and “recovery.” Both countries scored very low in addressing the welfare of responders. Conclusion. This study highlighted the value of health emergency plans in New Zealand as reflected by the high score of DHBs’ coordination. Therefore, a similar approach in Oman will enhance emergency preparedness. Responders’ welfare is an issue that needs to be addressed by emergency preparedness plans in both countries.
Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Activities of Safflower Natural Dyes during Flowering
Authors: Salem Nidhal , Msaada Kamel , Elkahoui Salem , Mangano Giuseppe , Azaeiz Sana , Ben Slimen Imen , Kefi Sarra , Pintore Giorgio , Limam Ferid , Marzouk Brahim
Published: June 2014

TwoCarthamus tinctoriusvarieties (Jawhara and 104) were studied in order to investigate their natural dyes contents and biological activities. Obtained results showed that quinochalcone contents and antioxidant activities varied considerably as function of flowering stages. So flowers at fructification stage contained the highest carthamin content with the strongest antioxidant capacity with all assays (FRAP, DPPH, and chelating power methods). In parallel, we showed a decrease in the content of precarthamin. The quantitative variation of these molecules could be due to colour change ofC. tinctoriusflowers. Correlation analysis indicated that the ABTS method showed the highest correlation coefficients with carthamin and precarthamin contents, that is, 0.886 and 0.973, respectively. Concerning the regional effect, the contents of precarthamin and carthamin varied significantlyP<0.05at studied regions with the optimum production given by samples of Beja (902.41 μg/g DW and 42.05 μg/g DW, respectively, at flowering stage). During flowering, the antimicrobial activity of these two natural dyes increased where the maximum inhibitory effect mentioned with carthamin mainly againstE. coli(iz = 25.89 mm) at fructification stage. Therefore, the increased frequency of resistance to commonly used antibiotics leads to the search for new effective natural drugs at food and pharmaceutical industries.
Ovarian Leydig Cell Hyperplasia: An Unusual Case of Virilization in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Mehta Jaya M. , Miller Jeffrey L. , Cannon Anthony J. , Mardekian Stacey K. , Kenyon Lawrence C. , Jabbour Serge A.
Published: June 2014

Objective. To report an unusual case of ovarian Leydig cell hyperplasia resulting in virilization in a postmenopausal woman.Methods. Patient’s medical history and pertinent literature were reviewed.Results. A 64-year-old woman presented with virilization with worsening hirsutism, deepening of her voice, male musculature, and male pattern alopecia. Her pertinent past medical history included type 1 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Her pertinent past surgical history included hysterectomy due to fibroids. On further work-up, her serum total testosterone was 506 ng/dL (nl range: 2–45) and free testosterone was 40 pg/mL (nl range: 0.1–6.4). After ruling out adrenal causes, the patient underwent an empiric bilateral oophorectomy that showed Leydig cell hyperplasia on pathology. Six weeks postoperatively, serum testosterone was undetectable with significant clinical improvement.Conclusion. Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism can be the result of numerous etiologies ranging from normal physiologic changes to ovarian or rarely adrenal tumors. Our patient was found to have Leydig cell hyperplasia of her ovaries, a rarely reported cause of virilization.
The Cardioprotective Actions of Hydrogen Sulfide in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure
Authors: Polhemus David J. , Calvert John W. , Butler Javed , Lefer David J.
Published: June 2014

It has now become universally accepted that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), previously considered only as a lethal toxin, has robust cytoprotective actions in multiple organ systems. The diverse signaling profile of H2S impacts multiple pathways to exert cytoprotective actions in a number of pathological states. This paper will review the recently described cardioprotective actions of hydrogen sulfide in both myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and congestive heart failure.
A Fractional SEIR Epidemic Model for Spatial and Temporal Spread of Measles in Metapopulations
Authors: Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis , Mugisha Stella
Published: June 2014

Measles is a higher contagious disease that can spread in a community population depending on the number of people (children) susceptible or infected and also depending on their movement in the community. In this paper we present a fractional SEIR metapopulation system modeling the spread of measles. We restrict ourselves to the dynamics between four distinct cities (patches). We prove that the fractional metapopulation model is well posed (nonnegative solutions) and we provide the condition for the stability of the disease-free equilibrium. Numerical simulations show that infection will be proportional to the size of population in each city, but the disease will die out. This is an expected result since it is well known for measles (Bartlett (1957)) that, in communities which generate insufficient new hosts, the disease will die out.
Are Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Alexithymia Associated with Endometriosis? A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cavaggioni Gabriele , Lia Claudia , Resta Serena , Antonielli Tatiana , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Megiorni Francesca , Porpora Maria Grazia
Published: June 2014

Objective.The aim of this preliminary study was to determine whether psychiatric disorders, psychopathological symptoms, and alexithymia are associated with endometriosis in an Italian population.Study Design.A preliminary study comprising 37 Italian patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis and 43 controls, without clinical and ultrasound signs of endometriosis, was carried out. Both patients and controls were evaluated for the presence/absence of psychiatric disorders, psychopathological symptoms, alexithymia, and pain symptoms (nonmenstrual pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia).Results.Statistically significant differences were found between cases and controls for prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders, malfunctioning on obsessive-compulsive subscale (P<0.01) and depression subscale (P<0.05) of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revisited (SCL-90-R), and higher alexithymia levels (P<0.01). Patients with endometriosis-associated pain showed greater prevalence of psychiatric disorders compared to pain-free patients but that difference was not significant. Significant correlation was found between malfunctioning in some SCL-90-R dimensions and pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia scores at the visual analog score (VAS).Conclusion.Some psychopathological aspects, such as psychoemotional distress and alexithymia, are more frequent in women with endometriosis and might amplify pain symptoms in these patients.
Bounded Target Cascading in Hierarchical Design Optimization
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Meng Debiao , Yang Ruan-Jian , Wang Zhonglai , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: June 2014

For large scale systems, as a hierarchical multilevel decomposed design optimization method, analytical target cascading coordinates the inconsistency between the assigned targets and response in each level by a weighted-sum formulation. To avoid the problems associated with the weighting coefficients, single objective functions in the hierarchical design optimization are formulated by a bounded target cascading method in this paper. In the BTC method, a single objective optimization problem is formulated in the system level, and two kinds of coordination constraints are added: one is bound constraint for the design points based on the response from each subsystem level and the other is linear equality constraint for the common variables based on their sensitivities with respect to each subsystem. In each subsystem level, the deviation with target for design point is minimized in the objective function, and the common variables are constrained by target bounds. Therefore, in the BTC method, the targets are coordinated based on the optimization iteration information in the hierarchical design problem and the performance of the subsystems, and BTC method will converge to the global optimum efficiently. Finally, comparisons of the results from BTC method and the weighted-sum analytical target cascading method are presented and discussed.
Submasseteric Tuberculous Lesion of Mandible: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kishore Donepudi Nanda , Geetha N. T. , Umashankara K. V. , Rai Kirthi Kumar
Published: June 2014

Tuberculosis is still a major health hazard in the developing world, while its incidence has recently started to escalate after decreasing for many years. It is a chronic granulomatous disease that can affect any part of the body, including the oral cavity. Oral lesions of tuberculosis, though uncommon, are seen in both the primary and secondary stages of the disease. This paper presents a case of tuberculosis of the submasseteric space, manifesting as a persistent swelling at ramus and angle of mandible. The diagnosis was confirmed based on histopathology after an open incisional biopsy. Patient underwent antituberculosis therapy and his extraoral swelling completely resolved after 4 months of the therapy. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of early and definitive diagnosis of orofacial tuberculosis, to recognize it based on signs and symptoms, and to refer the patients suspected of active tuberculous infection for appropriate medical treatment.
Novel Stabilization Conditions for Uncertain Singular Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Ding Yuanchun , Weng Falu , Ge Ji , Liang Qi , Zhi Xueyi
Published: June 2014

The problem of delay‐dependent robust stabilization for continuously singular time‐varying delay systems with norm‐bounded uncertainties is investigated in this paper. First, based on some mathematical transform, the uncertain singular system is described in a form which involves the time‐delay integral items. Then, in terms of the delay‐range‐dependent Lyapunov functional and the LMI technique, the improved delay‐dependent LMIs‐based conditions are established for the uncertain singular systems with time‐varying delay to be regular, causal, and stable. Furthermore, by solving these LMIs, an explicit expression for the desired state feedback control law can be obtained; thus, the regularity, causality, and stability of the closed‐loop system are guaranteed. In the end, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
On the Nondimensionalization Process in Complex Problems: Application to Natural Convection in Anisotropic Porous Media
Authors: Alhama I. , Cánovas M. , Alhama F.
Published: June 2014

The nondimensionalization of the equations governing a given problem is a direct, relatively easy, and low‐cost way to provide interesting information, the dimensionless groups that rule the problem and define its final patterns of solution. In complex problems, however, this technique frequently does not provide the precise and complete set of monomials we are looking for. The use of discrimination in the process of nondimensionalization, the detailed application of which is explained in this paper, always leads to a minimum set of parameters, which, separately, determine the solution of the problems. In addition, the physical meaning and order of magnitude of these discriminated monomials are also provided by the discrimination. The technique is applied to the coupled problem of natural convection between horizontal plates heated from below, containing an anisotropic porous medium.
Channel Phase Error Compensation for MIMO-SAR
Authors: Zhang Lei , Deng Yunkai , Wang Robert
Published: June 2014

Multi-input multioutput (MIMO) is a novel technique to achieve high-resolution as well as wide swath in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. Channel imbalance is inevitable in multichannel systems that it declines the imaging quality. Generally, the imbalance cannot be fully compensated by simple internal calibration in a MIMO-SAR system. In this paper, a new algorithm based on raw data is presented to remove the channel phase error. Based on the error source, this approach models the phase error as two parts: the transmit phase error and the receive phase error. The receive phase error is removed using cost function at the azimuth processing stage, whereas the transmit phase error is estimated with correlation. Point target simulations confirm the influence of channel phase error and the validation of the proposed approach. Besides, the performance is also investigated.
We Are Ageing
Authors: Kolovou Genovefa D. , Kolovou Vana , Mavrogeni Sophie
Published: June 2014

Ageing and longevity is unquestioningly complex. Several thoughts and mechanisms of ageing such as pathways involved in oxidative stress, lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, DNA damage and repair, growth hormone axis and insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF), and environmental exposure have been proposed. Also, some theories of ageing were introduced. To date, the most promising leads for longevity are caloric restriction, particularly target of rapamycin (TOR), sirtuins, hexarelin and hormetic responses. This review is an attempt to analyze the mechanisms and theories of ageing and achieving longevity.
Methods of Fault Diagnosis in Fiber Optic Current Transducer Based on Allan Variance
Authors: Wang Lihui , Chen Gang , Ji Jianfei , Sun Jian , Qian Jiabin , Liu Xixiang
Published: June 2014

To ensure low failure and high reliability of fiber optic current transducers (FOCTs), it is urgent to study methods of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in FOCT. Faults in FOCT have statistical characteristics. With the analyzing of time domain and frequency domain features in fiber optic current transformers’ measurement data, we establish correspondence between the physical characteristics of key components in transformer and data features and then build diagnostic analysis model based on Allan variance. According to the Allan variance calculation results, we can diagnose fiber optic current transformer’s health state and realize faults location. Experiment results show that diagnostic methods based on Allan variance are accurate and effective to identify fault features.
A Generalized Minimum Cost Flow Model for Multiple Emergency Flow Routing
Authors: Cui Jianxun , An Shi , Zhao Meng
Published: June 2014

During real‐life disasters, that is, earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks, and other unexpected events, emergency evacuation and rescue are two primary operations that can save the lives and property of the affected population. It is unavoidable that evacuation flow and rescue flow will conflict with each other on the same spatial road network and within the same time window. Therefore, we propose a novel generalized minimum cost flow model to optimize the distribution pattern of these two types of flow on the same network by introducing the conflict cost. The travel time on each link is assumed to be subject to a bureau of public road (BPR) function rather than a fixed cost. Additionally, we integrate contraflow operations into this model to redesign the network shared by those two types of flow. A nonconvex mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model with bilinear, fractional, and power components is constructed, and GAMS/BARON is used to solve this programming model. A case study is conducted in the downtown area of Harbin city in China to verify the efficiency of proposed model, and several helpful findings and managerial insights are also presented.
Responses of Seed Germination, Seedling Growth, and Seed Yield Traits to Seed Pretreatment in Maize (Zea maysL.)
Authors: Tian Yu , Guan Bo , Zhou Daowei , Yu Junbao , Li Guangdi , Lou Yujie
Published: June 2014

A series of seed priming experiments were conducted to test the effects of different pretreatment methods to seed germination, seedling growth, and seed yield traits in maize (Zea maysL.). Results indicated that the seeds primed by gibberellins (GA), NaCl, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) reagents showed a higher imbibitions rate compared to those primed with water. The final germination percentage and germination rate varied with different reagents significantly (P<0.05). The recommended prime reagents were GA at 10 mg/L, NaCl at 50 mM, and PEG at 15% on account of germination experiment. 15% PEG priming reagent increased shoot and root biomass of maize seedling. The shoot biomass of seedlings after presoaking the seeds with NaCl reagent was significantly higher than the seedlings without priming treatment. No significant differences of plant height, leaf number, and hundred-grain weight were observed between control group and priming treatments. Presoaking with water, NaCl (50 mM), or PEG (15%) significantly increased the hundred-grain weight of maize. Therefore, seed pretreatment is proved to be an effective technique to improve the germination performance, seedling growth, and seed yield of maize. However, when compared with the two methods, if immediate sowing is possible, presoaking is recommended to harvest better benefits compared to priming method.
High-Level Antimicrobial Efficacy of Representative Mediterranean Natural Plant Extracts against Oral Microorganisms
Authors: Karygianni Lamprini , Cecere Manuel , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros , Argyropoulou Aikaterini , Hellwig Elmar , Aligiannis Nektarios , Wittmer Annette , Al-Ahmad Ali
Published: June 2014

Nature is an unexplored reservoir of novel phytopharmaceuticals. Since biofilm-related oral diseases often correlate with antibiotic resistance, plant-derived antimicrobial agents could enhance existing treatment options. Therefore, the rationale of the present report was to examine the antimicrobial impact of Mediterranean natural extracts on oral microorganisms. Five different extracts fromOlea europaea, mastic gum, andInula viscosawere tested against ten bacteria and oneCandida albicansstrain. The extraction protocols were conducted according to established experimental procedures. Two antimicrobial assays—the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay—were applied. The screened extracts were found to be active against each of the tested microorganisms.O. europaeapresented MIC and MBC ranges of 0.07–10.00 mg mL−1and 0.60–10.00 mg mL−1, respectively. The mean MBC values for mastic gum andI. viscosawere 0.07–10.00 mg mL−1and 0.15–10.00 mg mL−1, respectively. Extracts were less effective againstC. albicansand exerted bactericidal effects at a concentration range of 0.07–5.00 mg mL−1on strict anaerobic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Parvimonas micra). Ethyl acetateI. viscosaextract and total mastic extract showed considerable antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms and could therefore be considered as alternative natural anti-infectious agents.
Design of the VISTA-ITL Test Facility for an Integral Type Reactor of SMART and a Post-Test Simulation of a SBLOCA Test
Authors: Park Hyun-Sik , Min Byung-Yeon , Jung Youn-Gyu , Shin Yong-Cheol , Ko Yung-Joo , Yi Sung-Jae
Published: June 2014

To validate the performance and safety of an integral type reactor of SMART, a thermal-hydraulic integral effect test facility, VISTA-ITL, is introduced with a discussion of its scientific design characteristics. The VISTA-ITL was used extensively to assess the safety and performance of the SMART design, especially for its passive safety system such as a passive residual heat removal system, and to validate various thermal-hydraulic analysis codes. The VISTA-ITL program includes several tests on the SBLOCA, CLOF, and PRHRS performances to support a verification of the SMART design and contribute to the SMART design licensing by providing proper test data for validating the system analysis codes. A typical scenario of SBLOCA was analyzed using the MARS-KS code to assess the thermal-hydraulic similarity between the SMART design and the VISTA-ITL facility, and a posttest simulation on a SBLOCA test for the shutdown cooling system line break has been performed with the MARS-KS code to assess its simulation capability for the SBLOCA scenario of the SMART design. The SBLOCA scenario in the SMART design was well reproduced using the VISTA-ITL facility, and the measured thermal-hydraulic data were properly simulated with the MARS-KS code.
Containment Depressurization Capabilities of Filtered Venting System in 1000 MWe PWR with Large Dry Containment
Authors: Lee Sang-Won , Hong Tae-Hyub , Choi Yu-Jung , Seo Mi-Ro , Kim Hyeong-Taek
Published: June 2014

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, the Korean government and nuclear industries performed comprehensive safety inspections on all domestic nuclear power plants against beyond design bases events. As a result, a total of 50 recommendations were defined as safety improvement action items. One of them is installation of a containment filtered venting system (CFVS) or portable backup containment spray system. In this paper, the applicability of CFVS is examined for OPR1000, a 1000 MWe PWR with large dry containment in Korea. Thermohydraulic analysis results show that a filtered discharge flow rate of 15 [kg/s] at 0.9 [MPa] is sufficient to depressurize the containment against representative containment overpressurization scenarios. Radiological release to the environment is reduced to10-3considering the decontamination factor. Also, this cyclic venting strategy reduces noble gas release by 50% for 7 days. The probability of maintaining the containment integrity in level 2 probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) initiating events is improved twofold, from 43% to 87%. So, the CFVS can further improve the containment integrity in severe accident conditions.
Prognostic Value of Melanoma Inhibitory Activity Protein in Localized Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Sandru Angela , Panaitescu Eugenia , Voinea Silviu , Bolovan Madalina , Stanciu Adina , Cinca Sabin , Blidaru Alexandru
Published: June 2014

Background. Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a heterogeneous disease, acknowledged for its lack of predictability regarding clinical evolution. In order to appreciate a patient’s individual prognosis, an attempt is made to find new tumor markers that parallel the disease progression.Objective. To identify if melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) protein could represent a tool for selecting high risk early stages melanoma patients.Method. Between 2008 and 2013, 155 patients with CMM were treated in our clinic. 84 of them were classified into stages I and II, according to TNM 2009. MIA serum concentration was measured in all patients and 50 healthy donors. A cut-off value of 9.4 ng/ml was established using the ROC curve.Results. All patients were followed up by periodic investigations every 6 months. We have noticed that 66% of patients with MIA serum values at diagnosis greater than 9.4 ng/mL have relapsed, while only 5% of patients with MIA serum concentration below the estimated threshold, recurred during the follow-up period(P=0.000). The death risk was 12 times higher in pathological MIA group of patients(P=0.0001).Conclusions. Our data suggest that MIA is an independent prognostic factor for patients with localized CMM.
An Improved Toeplitz Measurement Matrix for Compressive Sensing
Authors: Su Xu , Hongpeng Yin , Yi Chai , Yushu Xiong , Xue Tan
Published: June 2014

Compressive sensing (CS) takes advantage of the signal's sparseness in some domain, allowing the entire signal to be efficiently acquired and reconstructed from relatively few measurements. A proper measurement matrix for compressive sensing is significance in above processions. In most compressive sensing frameworks, random measurement matrix is employed. However, the random measurement matrix is hard to implement by hardware. So the randomness of the measurement matrix leads to the poor performance of signal reconstruction. In this paper, Toeplitz matrix is employed and optimized as a deterministic measurement matrix. A hardware platform for signal efficient acquisition and reconstruction is built by field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Experimental results demonstrate the proposed approach, compare with the existing state-of-the-art method, and have the highest technical feasibility, lowest computational complexity, and least amount of time consumption in the same reconstruction quality.
Formulation and Evaluation of Thermosensitive Biogels for Nose to Brain Delivery of Doxepin
Authors: Naik Anuja , Nair Hema
Published: June 2014

Thermoreversible biogels can serve as effective systems for delivery of drugs through nose with increased nasal residence time. The objective of this study was to use chitosan and glycerophosphate based thermoreversible systems for delivery of doxepin to brain through intranasal administration. Formulations were prepared by admixture of suitable dilutions of chitosan and glycerophosphate with or without polyethylene glycol, followed by addition of the antidepressant doxepin hydrochloride. Both systems were evaluated for gelling characteristics, rheology, mucoadhesion,in vitrorelease, andex vivopermeation through sheep nasal mucosa.In vivoefficacy was evaluated in Swiss albino mice through the forced swim test. Nasal tissues of mice subjected to repeated exposure to formulation were evaluated histopathologically. Both formulations gelled rapidly at 37°C, returned to sol state on cooling, and exhibited thixotropy. Addition of polyethylene glycol decreased the glycerophosphate content required for gelation and rendered the formulation isotonic. Both gels showed good mucoadhesion, enhanced drug permeation, and provided prolongedin vitrorelease at 37°C. Efficacy of the formulation in treated groups was inferred from the measured pharmacodynamic parameter and histopathological reports of formulation treated groups showed no significant local toxicity. The biogels could be potential systems for effective drug delivery to brain via nose.