bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Indomethacin and Ranitidine with Interleukin‐2 in Advanced Renal Carcinoma and Melanoma: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Mertens Wilson C , Bramwell Vivien HC , Lala Peeyush K , Banerjee Diponkar , Gwadry-Sridhar Femida , Romano Walter
Published: May 2016

Experimental work has shown that during the development of tumours,
host macrophages can deactivate natural killer cells and suppress lymphokine‐activated killer cell
development, apparently through prostaglandin E2 production. Continuous indomethacin combined with
interleukin (IL)‐2 may totally eradicate experimental lung metastases. The preliminary results of a phase
II trial of this combination are reported. Indomethacin 50 to 75 mg tid and ranitidine 150 mg bid are started
at least one week before IL‐2 and continued until disease progression. IL‐2 is given by continuous infusion
for three courses, each consisting of five days of treatment and six days of rest. IL‐2 starting dose is 3.0x106
Cetus U/m2 for the first course with escalation to 4.5x106 and 6.0x106 U/m2 if toxicity allows. Pressor
agents are not used. Thirty‐two renal carcinoma patients were registered with seven withdrawing early.
Two complete and three partial responses were seen for a response rate of (20%) for eligible and treated
patients, or (16%) for all entered patients. Minor responses were seen in three patients. Twenty‐five
melanoma patients have been registered thus far and 18 have been eligible to proceed with IL‐2 therapy.
One complete and two partial responses have been seen. Two of these responses (one complete and one
partial) were achieved on indomethacin and ranitidine alone, before starting IL‐2.
Antiviral and Immunoenhancing Properties of 7‐Thia‐8‐Oxoguanosine and Related Guanosine Analogues
Authors: Smee Donald F , Cottam Howard B , Sharma Brahma S , Kini Ganesh D , Revankar Ganapathi R , Ojo-Amaize Emmanuel A , Sidwell Robert W , Jolley Weldon B , Robins Roland K
Published: May 2016

7‐thia‐8‐oxoguanosine (TOGuo)
is the first reported structure of a family of modified guanosine analogues exhibiting antiviral activity in rodent
models. Its spectrum of action includes interferon‐sensitive viruses such as alphaviruses, bunyaviruses,
corona viruses, flaviviruses, picornaviruses and, to a lesser extent, herpesviruses. Early treatment before or shortly
after virus challenge is necessary to protect animals from mortality. The protective effect of TOGuo against Semliki
Forest and Punta Toro viruses can be eliminated by co‐treatment with antibody to alpha/ beta‐interferon.
indicating that interferon induction is of prime importance for antiviral activity against these two viruses.
Immunological studies indicate that the nucleoside induces alpha‐interferon and activates B cells, natural killer
cells, antibody‐dependent cytotoxic cells and macrophages. TOGuo also has adjuvant activity, since its use in
combination with a killed Ll210 leukemia cell vaccine greatly reduced the mortality of mice inoculated with live
Ll210 leukemia cells compared with the vaccine used alone. Several related guanosine analogues show similar
antiviral and immunoenhancing properties, including 7‐methyl‐8‐oxoguanosine, 7‐methyl‐8‐thioxoguanosine
and 7‐deazaguanosine. These studies indicate that certain modifications at the 7 and 8 positions of guanosine
may confer antiviral and immunostimulatory properties to nucleoside analogues.
BRM Immunotherapy of Orthotopically Implanted Murine Bladder Tumours: Treatment Response by Monitoring MRI
Authors: Kadhim Salam A , Chin Joseph L , Garcia Bertha M , Lala Peeyush K , Norley Chris J , McLean Barbara A , Karlik Stephen J
Published: May 2016

The authors evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring orthotopic bladder tumour
growth and treatment response to intravesical immunotherapy with the biological response modifiers
(BRMs): recombinant tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), combination of TNF‐α plus interferon gamma
(IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). MRI demonstrated detection of early superficial murine bladder tumour
(MBT‐2) and accurate sequential assessment of the topography and depth of intravesical tumour involvement.
Response to intravesical instillations with multiple doses ofBRMs was assessed against early stage
MBT‐2 bladder tumours (confirmed by MRI) 14 days after transurethral tumour implantation. Serial MRI
scans of TNF‐α treated mice revealed significant retardation of tumour growth which correlated well with
corresponding histological examination of the whole mount bladder sections illustrating areas and depth
of tumour regression. Intravesical instillation of combination TNF‐α plus IFN‐γ into tumour‐bearing mice
caused tumour growth inhibition up to 21 days following treatment; the results, however, were not superior
to those noted with TNF‐α alone. Sequential MR images of tumour‐bearing bladders following intravesical
treatment with IL‐2 revealed tumour regression with no visible tumour from day 21 to 33 post tumour
implant. Histological examination revealed foci of carcinoma in situ only. Control untreated bladders
revealed deeply invasive transitional cell carcinoma. These results show that MRI offers a dependable tool
for noninvasive monitoring of tumour growth and of the course of experimental bladder tumour during
therapy.
SDZ MRL 953, A Novel Synthetic Lipid a Analogue, Induces Tolerance to the Lethal Effects of Endotoxin and Enhances Nonspecific Immunity
Authors: Lam Charles , Schütze Eberhard , Quakyi Emmanuel , Liehl Ekke , Stütz Peter
Published: May 2016

Despite the availability of potent antimicrobials, shock due to Gram‐negative
rod sepsis remains an important clinical concern in immunosuppressed patients. Current strategies for
treating septic shock by removal of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides [LPS]) or putative mediators have only
been partially effective. An attractive alternative appears to be the induction of hyporesponsiveness to LPS
by synthetic lipid A analogues. SDZ MRL 953, a novel prototype of lipid A analogues. was examined for its
ability to induce early‐phase tolerance against experimental endotoxemia in mice following single or
multiple administrations 2, 24, or 72 h before challenge. The analogue protected mice against a lethal dose
of LPS or infections in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Maximum effects were observed in animals
pretreated with SDZ MRL 953 on three consecutive days before the LPS challenge or microbial inoculation.
To examine the mechanisms involved, peritoneal macrophages from the tolerant mice were monitored ex
v1vo for the release of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and killing of an isolate of Escherichia coli. It was found
that macrophages from endotoxin‐tolerant mice produced only a fraction of the TNF released by cells from
control groups in response to LPS. However, the killing of E coli by the macrophages was enhanced. In
conclusion, SDZ MRL 953 may have a prophylactic potential in reducing the risk of endotoxic shock in
traumatized or in myelosuppressed patients.
Interferons: Antiangiogenesis Agents (A Reasonable Theory)
Authors: Sinkovics Joseph G
Published: May 2016

Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of interferons (IFNs) are well‐known. This
communication lists arguments for explicit antiangiogenetic effects exerted by interferons. There is strong
likelihood that IFNs α, β and γ inhibit the int family of genes whose gene product proteins are the acidic
and basic fibroblast growth factors. Some of these growth factors promote the growth of vascular endothelial
cells. IFN‐α inhibits basic, and IFN‐γ inhibits acidic fibroblast growth factors. Inhibition of Kaposi sarcoma
cell growth is not due to immunological reconstitution of the host. As IFN‐α induces clinical remissions
but IFN‐γ does not, basic and not acidic fibroblast growth factor should be implied as one of the
proliferation‐inducing factors of Kaposi sarcoma cells. lFNs may interfere with the growth promotional
activity of the human immunodeficiency virus Tat protein on Kaposi sarcoma cells. The proliferation of
certain melanoma cell populations requires fibroblast growth factors. If this mechanism is mediated
through amplified int genes, IFNs may be active clinically in this subset of melanomas. Some breast
carcinoma cells induce neovascularization and metastasize. If this activity is mediated through amplified
int genes. IFNs may be active clinically in this subset of breast carcinomas.
Fundamental Concepts in the Assessment of Interaction of Biological Response Modifiers with other Agents
Authors: Greco William R , Dembinski Wlodzimierz E
Published: May 2016

The universal response surface approach (URSA) was developed to assess the nature and intensity of drug interactions, ie, synergism.
antagonism and additivity. URSA consists of fitting a concentration‐effect surface to experimental data with
maximum likelihood approaches, with the estimation of parameters, including: ID5os, concentration‐effect
slopes and the synergism‐antagonism parameter α When α is positive, synergism is indicated, when α is
negative, antagonism is indicated and when α is zero. additivity is indicated. URSA was applied to data from a
set of 45 in vitro growth inhibition experiments with the L929 mouse cell line. The cytokine, tumour necrosis
factor (TNF), was combined with one of nine eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors: indomethacin, Ro 20‐5720,
ibuprofen (cyclooxygenase inhibitors): nordihydroguaiaretic acid, nafazatrom, esculetin (lipoxygenase inhibitors):
or BW‐755C, p henidone, timegadine [cyclo‐ and lipoxygenase inhibitors). Five different schedules
were used with various orders and durations of drug exposure. Examples of all three types of drug interaction
were found for combinations of TNF with all three classes of drugs. The largest synergism found was for TNF
plus BW‐755C (α = 4.30±1.3 [SE]). In general, for each combination, the degree of synergism was greater for
schedules in which cells were exposed to TNF before exposure to the other agent.
AM3, an Oral BRM: Protective Agent against Iatrogenic Bone‐Marrow and Liver Damage in Breast Cancer Patients under Conventional Adjuvant Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Villarrubia Vicente G , Marquez Paula , Cobo Jose , Sada Guillermo J
Published: May 2016

In five clinical trials AM3, a polysaccharide/protein biological response modifier, was given (3 g/day; two capsules, tid) to 79 breast cancer patients
undergoing adjuvant radio‐ and/or chemotherapies. When compared with 68 control patients, AM3
provoked significant decreases in the incidence of bone‐marrow hypoplasia (20.5% versus 61.1%). This
marrow effect was also manifested in peripheral blood by higher levels of white blood cells, mononuclear
cells and platelets in the AM3 treated group. The incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients receiving
combined radio‐chemotherapy only was 70% compared with 6% observed in patients also receiving AM3
treatment. Besides these hematological effects, AM3 palliated subclinical hepatic toxicity due to combined
radio‐chemotherapy. Finally, studies on acute‐phase reactants, such as C‐reactive protein, IgA. and factors
B, C′3, and C′5 of the complement system, suggest that a modulation of hepatic inflammatory responses
by AM3 appears to be essential for clinical effects described.
Insights into Normal Myelopoiesis
Authors: Osmond Dennis G
Published: May 2016

Recent in vivo studies provide working models of cell production and cell loss in myelopoiesis, as exemplified by B
lymphopoiesis in mouse bone marrow. The process is susceptible to both local and systemic regulatory
influences and shows a complex tissue organization. Early precursor cells tend to be located in microenvironments
towards the edge of the bone marrow near the surrounding bone. Differentiating precursor
cells adhere to local stromal reticular cells, representing a cellular interaction which is essential for further
B cell development. Many defective or unacceptable B precursor cells are selected out and deleted by
resident bone marrow macrophages. Maturing B cells congregate in segments of venous sinusoids before
being released into the blood circulation . Rapid progress is being made in elucidating the nature of the
cytokines, extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules involved in normal regulation and perturbations
of primary B lymphopoiesis in vivo.
Infection Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella‐Zoster Virus and Epstein‐Barr Virus in Organ Transplant Recipients, and their Diagnosis
Authors: Diaz-Mitoma F
Published: May 2016

Immunosuppressed patients are at risk of severe herpesvirus infections. Herpes simplex (HSV), varicellazoster
(VZV) and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infections are associated with characteristic syndromes in this
population. Typically I‐ISV and VZ:V infections cause mucocutaneous lesions; diagnosis is usually con finned
by tissue culture or nuorescent microscopy. The availability of effective antiviral agents, and accurate
techniques for laboratory diagnosis have improved the management of I‐ISV and VZ:V infections. Antibody
assays to demonstrate I‐ISVorVZ:V infections are of limited value in immunocompromised patients, because
the presence of antibodies does not indicate a decreased risk for HSV, varicella or zoster, but indicates
susceptibility for reactivated infection. EBV is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders in transplant
recipients. Infection of lymphocytes by EBV is a necessary step in achieving B cell transformation and
immortalization. The lack of immunosurveillance against EBV‐transformed B cells predisposes patients to
developing invasive infiltration of transformed B cells . Diagnostic methods for EBV infections include
lymphocyte transfom1ation, serology, and detection of DNA by direct hybridization or by DNA amplification.
Quantitative oropharyngeal EBV shedding is a good marker for the development of lymphoproliferative
disease in transplant recipients. Patients experiencing primary EBV infection are at the highest risk for
lymphoproliferative disorders. Prophylactic antiviral therapy may be of benefit in preventing EBV replication
and therefore in decreasing the risk for lymphoproliferation.
Mutation Analysis of the Common Deafness Genes in Patients with Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss in Linyi by SNPscan Assay
Authors: Zhang Fengguo , Xiao Yun , Xu Lei , Zhang Xue , Zhang Guodong , Li Jianfeng , Lv Huaiqing , Bai Xiaohui , Wang Haibo
Published: May 2016

Hearing loss is a common sensory disorder, and at least 50% of cases are due to a genetic etiology. Although hundreds of genes have been reported to be associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss,GJB2,SLC26A4, andmtDNA12SrRNAare the major contributors. However, the mutation spectrum of these common deafness genes varies among different ethnic groups. The present work summarized mutations in these three genes and their prevalence in 339 patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss at three different special education schools and one children’s hospital in Linyi, China. A new multiplex genetic screening system “SNPscan assay” was employed to detect a total of 115 mutations of the above three genes. Finally, 48.67% of the patients were identified with hereditary hearing loss caused by mutations inGJB2,SLC26A4, andmtDNA12SrRNA. The carrying rate of mutations in the three genes was 37.76%, 19.75%, and 4.72%, respectively. This mutation profile in our study is distinct from other parts of China, with high mutation rate ofGJB2suggesting a unique mutation spectrum in this area.
Pull-Out Resistance Capacity of a New Perfobond Shear Connector for Steel Pile Cap Strengthening
Authors: Kim Young-Ho , Kang Jae-Yoon , Koo Hyun-Bon , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: May 2016

This study proposes a new type of the perfobond shear connector, which can be used to strengthen the steel pile cap embedded into the structure foundation, and evaluates its pull-out resistance capacity by performing a test on ten specimens. Test parameters include the embedment length of the shear connector, existence of transverse rebars passing through holes in the shear connector, and their shape, size, and number. The pull-out load versus slip curve is plotted for all specimens, and their failure modes are identified. The effects of the test parameters on the peak pull-out load are examined in this work. The test results show that the perfobond shear connector proposed in this study can retain the peak pull-out load up to 6 times higher than the one without any holes. This indicates that the existence of holes in the shear connector enables the dowel action of concrete inside the hole, resulting in the improvement of the shear resistance capacity of the connector.
Physiological and Pharmacological Roles of FGF21 in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Cheng Peng , Zhang Fangfang , Yu Lechu , Lin Xiufei , He Luqing , Li Xiaokun , Lu Xuemian , Yan Xiaoqing , Tan Yi , Zhang Chi
Published: May 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most severe diseases in clinics. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is regarded as an important metabolic regulator playing a therapeutic role in diabetes and its complications. The heart is a key target as well as a source of FGF21 which is involved in heart development and also induces beneficial effects in CVDs. Our review is to clarify the roles of FGF21 in CVDs. Strong evidence showed that the development of CVDs including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with serum FGF21 levels increase which was regarded as a compensatory response to induced cardiac protection. Furthermore, administration of FGF21 suppressed the above CVDs. Mechanistic studies revealed that FGF21 induced cardiac protection likely by preventing cardiac lipotoxicity and the associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Normally, FGF21 induced therapeutic effects against CVDs via activation of the above kinases-mediated pathways by directly binding to the FGF receptors of the heart in the presence ofβ-klotho. However, recently, growing evidence showed that FGF21 induced beneficial effects on peripheral organs through an indirect way mediated by adiponectin. Therefore whether adiponectin is also involved in FGF21-induced cardiac protection still needs further investigation.
Simulation of Partial and Supercavitating Flows around Axisymmetric and Quasi-3D Bodies by Boundary Element Method Using Simple and Reentrant Jet Models at the Closure Zone of Cavity
Authors: Nouroozi M. , Pasandidehfard M. , Djavareshkian M. H.
Published: May 2016

A fixed-length Boundary Element Method (BEM) is used to investigate the super- and partial cavitating flows around various axisymmetric bodies using simple and reentrant jet models at the closure zone of cavity. Also, a simple algorithm is proposed to model the quasi-3D cavitating flows over elliptical-head bodies using the axisymmetric method. Cavity and reentrant jet lengths are the inputs of the problem and the cavity shape and cavitation number are some of the outputs of this simulation. A numerical modeling based on Navier-Stokes equations using commercial CFD code (Fluent) is performed to evaluate the BEM results (in 2D and 3D cases). The cavitation properties approximated by the present research study (especially with the reentrant jet model) are very close to the results of other experimental and numerical solutions. The need for a very short time (only a few minutes) to reach the desirable convergence and relatively good accuracy are the main advantages of this method.
Learning to Model Task-Oriented Attention
Authors: Zou Xiaochun , Zhao Xinbo , Wang Jian , Yang Yongjia
Published: May 2016

For many applications in graphics, design, and human computer interaction, it is essential to understand where humans look in a scene with a particular task. Models of saliency can be used to predict fixation locations, but a large body of previous saliency models focused on free-viewing task. They are based on bottom-up computation that does not consider task-oriented image semantics and often does not match actual eye movements. To address this problem, we collected eye tracking data of 11 subjects when they performed some particular search task in 1307 images and annotation data of 2,511 segmented objects with fine contours and 8 semantic attributes. Using this database as training and testing examples, we learn a model of saliency based on bottom-up image features and target position feature. Experimental results demonstrate the importance of the target information in the prediction of task-oriented visual attention.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fibre Reinforced Silica Aerogel Blankets for Thermal Protection
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Pisal A. A. , Kothari V. K. , Venkateswara Rao A.
Published: May 2016

Using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the source of silica, fibre reinforced silica aerogels were synthesized via fast ambient pressure drying using methanol (MeOH), trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), ammonium fluoride (NH4F), and hexane. The molar ratio of TEOS/MeOH/(COOH)2/NH4F was kept constant at 1 : 38 : 3.73 × 10−5 : 0.023 and the gel was allowed to form inside the highly porous meta-aramid fibrous batting. The wet gel surface was chemically modified (silylation process) using various concentrations of TMCS in hexane in the range of 1 to 20% by volume. The fibre reinforced silica aerogel blanket was obtained subsequently through atmospheric pressure drying. The aerogel blanket samples were characterized by density, thermal conductivity, hydrophobicity (contact angle), and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The radiant heat resistance of the aerogel blankets was examined and compared with nonaerogel blankets. It has been observed that, compared to the ordinary nonaerogel blankets, the aerogel blankets showed a 58% increase in the estimated burn injury time and thus ensure a much better protection from heat and fire hazards. The effect of varying the concentration of TMCS on the estimated protection time has been examined. The improved thermal stability and the superior thermal insulation of the flexible aerogel blankets lead to applications being used for occupations that involve exposure to hazards of thermal radiation.
A Consistent Immersed Finite Element Method for the Interface Elasticity Problems
Authors: Jin Sangwon , Kwak Do Y. , Kyeong Daehyeon
Published: May 2016

We propose a new scheme for elasticity problems having discontinuity in the coefficients. In the previous work (Kwak et al., 2014), the authors suggested a method for solving such problems by finite element method using nonfitted grids. The proposed method is based on theP1-nonconforming finite element methods with stabilizing terms. In this work, we modify the method by adding the consistency terms, so that the estimates of consistency terms are not necessary. We show optimal error estimates inH1and divergence norms under minimal assumptions. Various numerical experiments also show optimal rates of convergence.
Numerical Investigation on Convergence Rate of Singular Boundary Method
Authors: Li Junpu , Chen Wen , Fu Zhuojia
Published: May 2016

The singular boundary method (SBM) is a recent boundary-type collocation scheme with the merits of being free of mesh and integration, mathematically simple, and easy-to-program. Its essential technique is to introduce the concept of the source intensity factors to eliminate the singularities of fundamental solutions upon the coincidence of source and collocation points in a strong-form formulation. In recent years, several numerical and semianalytical techniques have been proposed to determine source intensity factors. With the help of these latest techniques, this short communication makes an extensive investigation on numerical efficiency and convergence rates of the SBM to an extensive variety of benchmark problems in comparison with the BEM. We find that in most cases the SBM and BEM have similar convergence rates, while the SBM has slightly better accuracy than the direct BEM. And the condition number of SBM is lower than BEM. Without mesh and numerical integration, the SBM is computationally more efficient than the BEM.
Hemodynamic Study of Flow Remodeling Stent Graft for the Treatment of Highly Angulated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Yeow Siang Lin , Leo Hwa Liang
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the effect of a novel flow remodeling stent graft (FRSG) on the hemodynamic characteristics in highly angulated abdominal aortic aneurysm based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. An idealized aortic aneurysm with varying aortic neck angulations was constructed and CFD simulations were performed on nonstented models and stented models with FRSG. The influence of FRSG intervention on the hemodynamic performance is analyzed and compared in terms of flow patterns, wall shear stress (WSS), and pressure distribution in the aneurysm. The findings showed that aortic neck angulations significantly influence the velocity flow field in nonstented models, with larger angulations shifting the mainstream blood flow towards the center of the aorta. By introducing FRSG treatment into the aneurysm, erratic flow recirculation pattern in the aneurysm sac diminishes while the average velocity magnitude in the aneurysm sac was reduced in the range of 39% to 53%. FRSG intervention protects the aneurysm against the impacts of high velocity concentrated flow and decreases wall shear stress by more than 50%. The simulation results highlighted that FRSG may effectively treat aneurysm with high aortic neck angulations via the mechanism of promoting thrombus formation and subsequently led to the resorption of the aneurysm.
Sex Differences in the Renal Function Decline of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kajiwara Ayami , Kita Ayana , Saruwatari Junji , Miyazaki Hiroko , Kawata Yuki , Morita Kazunori , Oniki Kentaro , Yoshida Akira , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Nakagawa Kazuko
Published: May 2016

Aims. We aimed to investigate the sex differences in the renal function decline among patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM), focusing on the differences in the risk factors at early stage of renal dysfunction.Methods. A clinic-based retrospective longitudinal study (follow-up duration:8.1±1.4years) was conducted to assess the sex differences in the annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change in 344 (247 male and 97 female) Japanese T2DM patients. The sex differences in the risk factors of annual eGFR decline were subjected to linear regression analyses.Results. The mean annual eGFR change was-3.5±2.7%/year in females and-2.0±2.2%/year in males (P<0.001). Baseline retinopathy and proteinuria were significantly associated with a larger eGFR decline, irrespective of sex, while HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly associated with an eGFR decline in females only. Interactive effects were observed between sex and the HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol, retinopathy, or proteinuria levels on the annual eGFR decline.Conclusions. The increased susceptibility to poor metabolic control seemed to contribute to a higher risk of renal dysfunction in females with T2DM. Our study highlights the importance of aggressive therapeutic intervention to improve metabolic profiles at early stage, especially in females.
A Small Planar Antenna for 4G Mobile Phone Application
Authors: Jian-rong Hu , Jiu-sheng Li , Di Wu
Published: May 2016

The analysis and design of a small planar multiband antenna operating in the 4G frequency bands are presented. The numerical and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed antenna satisfies the requirement of 6 dB return loss for the impedance bandwidth of the LTE700/LTE2300/LTE2500 and WiMAX3500 bands. The gains at 750 MHz/2.3 GHz/2.6 GHz/3.5 GHz are 2.1 dBi/4.9 dBi/4.7 dBi/4.3 dBi, respectively. The measured radiation patterns verify the suitability of the antenna to be employed in mobile phones. The dimensions of the radiant patch are 49 × 10 mm2. The proposed antenna can be easily fabricated and customized to various 4G mobile phones as a compact internal antenna.
Noise Estimation and Suppression Using Nonlinear Function withA PrioriSpeech Absence Probability in Speech Enhancement
Authors: Lee Soojeong , Lee Gangseong
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a noise-biased compensation of minimum statistics (MS) method using a nonlinear function anda priorispeech absence probability (SAP) for speech enhancement in highly nonstationary noisy environments. The MS method is a well-known technique for noise power estimation in nonstationary noisy environments; however, it tends to bias noise estimation below that of the true noise level. The proposed method is combined with an adaptive parameter based on a sigmoid function anda prioriSAP for residual noise reduction. Additionally, our method uses an autoparameter to control the trade-off between speech distortion and residual noise. We evaluate the estimation of noise power in highly nonstationary and varying noise environments. The improvement can be confirmed in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the Itakura-Saito Distortion Measure (ISDM).
Thermal Response ofIn VivoHuman Skin to Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Device
Authors: Manuskiatti Woraphong , Pattanaprichakul Penvadee , Inthasotti Siriluk , Sitthinamsuwan Panitta , Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Chu-ongsakol Sorawuth
Published: May 2016

Background. Fractional radiofrequency microneedle system (FRMS) is a novel fractional skin resurfacing system. Data on thermal response to this fractional resurfacing technique is limited.Objectives. To investigate histologic response ofin vivohuman skin to varying energy settings and pulse stacking of a FRMS in dark-skinned subjects.Methods. Two female volunteers who were scheduled for abdominoplasty received treatment with a FRMS with varying energy settings at 6 time periods including 3 months, 1 month, 1 week, 3 days, 1 day, and the time immediately before abdominoplasty. Biopsy specimens were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG), colloidal iron, and Fontana-Masson stain. Immunohistochemical study was performed by using Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) antibody and collagen III monoclonal antibody.Results. The average depth of radiofrequency thermal zone (RFTZ) ranged from 100 to 300 μm, correlating with energy levels. Columns of cell necrosis and collagen denaturation followed by inflammatory response were initially demonstrated, with subsequent increasing of mucin at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Immunohistochemical study showed positive stain with HSP70.Conclusion. A single treatment with a FRMS using appropriate energy setting induces neocollagenesis. This wound healing response may serve as a mean to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin and atrophic scars.
Comparison of Texture Features Used for Classification of Life Stages of Malaria Parasite
Authors: Bairagi Vinayak K. , Charpe Kshipra C.
Published: May 2016

Malaria is a vector borne disease widely occurring at equatorial region. Even after decades of campaigning of malaria control, still today it is high mortality causing disease due to improper and late diagnosis. To prevent number of people getting affected by malaria, the diagnosis should be in early stage and accurate. This paper presents an automatic method for diagnosis of malaria parasite in the blood images. Image processing techniques are used for diagnosis of malaria parasite and to detect their stages. The diagnosis of parasite stages is done using features like statistical features and textural features of malaria parasite in blood images. This paper gives a comparison of the textural based features individually used and used in group together. The comparison is made by considering the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the features for the same images in database.
Analysis and Control of the Complex Dynamics of a Multimarket Cournot Investment Game with Bounded Rationality
Authors: Zhao LiuWei
Published: May 2016

A dynamic multimarket Cournot model is introduced based on a specific inverse demand function. Puu’s incomplete information approach, as a realistic method, is used to contract the corresponding dynamical model under this function. Therefore, some stability analysis is carried out on the model to detect the stability and instability conditions of the system’s Nash equilibrium. Based on the analysis, some dynamic phenomena such as bifurcation and chaos are found. Numerical simulations are used to provide experimental evidence for the complicated behaviors of the system evolution. It is observed that the equilibrium of the system can lose stability via flip bifurcation or Neimark-Sacker bifurcation and time-delayed feedback control is used to stabilize the chaotic behaviors of the system.
Can Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability Contribute to Individual Cardiovascular Risk Stratification?
Authors: Magdás Annamária , Szilágyi László , Incze Alexandru
Published: May 2016

Objective. The aim of this study is to define the normal range for average real variability (ARV) and to establish whether it can be considered as an additional cardiovascular risk factor.Methods. In this observational study, 110 treated hypertensive patients were included and admitted for antihypertensive treatment adjustment. Circadian blood pressure was recorded with validated devices. Blood pressure variability (BPV) was assessed according to the ARV definition. Based on their variability, patients were classified into low, medium, and high variability groups using the fuzzyc-means algorithm. To assess cardiovascular risk, blood samples were collected. Characteristics of the groups were compared by ANOVA tests.Results. Low variability was defined as ARV below 9.8 mmHg (32 patients), medium as 9.8–12.8 mmHg (48 patients), and high variability above 12.8 mmHg (30 patients). Mean systolic blood pressure was 131.2 ± 16.7, 135.0 ± 12.1, and 141.5 ± 11.4 mmHg in the low, medium, and high variability groups, respectively (p=0.0113). Glomerular filtration rate was 78.6 ± 29.3, 74.8 ± 26.4, and62.7±23.2 mL/min/1.73 m2in the low, medium, and high variability groups, respectively (p=0.0261).Conclusion. Increased values of average real variability represent an additional cardiovascular risk factor. Therefore, reducing BP variability might be as important as achieving optimal BP levels, but there is need for further studies to define a widely acceptable threshold value.
Decentralized Optimization for a Novel Control Structure of HVAC System
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , Xing Jianchun , Jiang Ziyan , Li Juelong
Published: May 2016

A decentralized control structure is introduced into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to solve the high maintenance and labor cost problem in actual engineering. Based on this new control system, a decentralized optimization method is presented for sensor fault repair and optimal group control of HVAC equipment. Convergence property of the novel method is theoretically analyzed considering both convex and nonconvex systems with constraints. In this decentralized control system, traditional device is fitted with a control chip such that it becomes a smart device. The smart device can communicate and operate collaboratively with the other devices to accomplish some designated tasks. The effectiveness of the presented method is verified by simulations and hardware tests.
The Parahippocampal Cortex Mediates Contextual Associative Memory: Evidence from an fMRI Study
Authors: Li Mi , Lu Shengfu , Zhong Ning
Published: May 2016

The parahippocampal cortex (PHC) plays a key role in episodic memory, spatial processing, and the encoding of novel stimuli. Recent studies proposed that the PHC is largely involved in contextual associative processing. Consequently, the function of this region has been a hot debate in cognitive neuroscience. To test this assumption, we used two types of experimental materials to form the contextual associative memory: visual objects in reality and meaningless visual shapes. New associations were modeled from either the contextual objects or the contextual shapes. Both contextual objects and shapes activated the bilateral PHC more than the noncontextual ones. The contextual objects with semantics significantly activated the left PHC areas, whereas the meaningless contextual shapes significantly elicited the right PHC. The results clearly demonstrate that the PHC influences the processing of contextual information and provides experimental evidence for an understanding of the different functions of bilateral PHC in contextual associative memory.
Liver-Directed Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Keane Florence K. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Zhu Andrew X. , Hong Theodore S.
Published: May 2016

Background: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase world-wide. Many patients present with advanced disease with extensive local tumor or vascular invasion and are not candidates for traditionally curative therapies such as orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or resection. Radiotherapy (RT) was historically limited by its inability to deliver a tumoricidal dose; however, modern RT techniques have prompted renewed interest in the use of liver-directed RT to treat patients with primary hepatic malignancies. Summary: The aim of this review was to discuss the use of external beam RT in the treatment of HCC, with particular focus on the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). We review the intricacies of SBRT treatment planning and delivery. Liver-directed RT involves accurate target identification, precise and reproducible patient immobilization, and assessment of target and organ motion. We also summarize the published data on liver-directed RT, and demonstrate that it is associated with excellent local control and survival rates, particularly in patients who are not candidates for OLT or resection. Key Messages: Modern liver-directed RT is safe and effective for the treatment of HCC, particularly in patients who are not candidates for OLT or resection. Liver-directed RT, including SBRT, depends on accurate target identification, precise and reproducible patient immobilization, and assessment of target and organ motion. Further prospective studies are needed to fully delineate the role of liver-directed RT in the treatment of HCC.
HuangQi Decoction Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wang Li , Cao Ai-li , Jiang Ming-Qian , Chen Xia , Wang Yi , Wang Yun-man , Wang Hao , Zhang Xue-Mei , Peng Wen
Published: May 2016

Objective: Traditional Chinese Medicine compound HuangQi decoction is widely used in clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease, but its role on renal interstitial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of HuangQi decoction on renal interstitial fibrosis and its association with the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway Methods: A total of 120 C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, sham plus high-dose HuangQi decoction (1.08g/kg) group, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model group, and UUO model plus low to high doses of HuangQi decoction (0.12g/kg, 0.36g/kg and 1.08g/kg respectively) groups. Animals were sacrificed 14 days after the administration and ipsilateral kidney tissue was sampled for pathologic examinations. Immunohistochemistry, PCR and western blot were used to detect the expressions of related molecules in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. TGF-β1 was used in in vitro experiments to induce human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2). Results: HuangQi decoction improved ipsilateral kidney fibrosis in UUO mice and downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, Smad4, Smad2/3, P-Smad2/3, α-SMA, collagen type I, III and IV in a dose-dependent manner while upregulated the expression of Smad7 in the same fashion. Similar results were found in in vitro studies. Conclusion: The protective effect of HuangQi decoction for unilateral ureteral obstruction kidney damage in mice was mediated by downregulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
Urinary Metalloproteinases-9 and -2 and Their Inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are Markers of Early and Long-Term Graft Function After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Kwiatkowska Ewa , Domanski Leszek , Bober Joanna , Safranow Krzysztof , Romanowski Maciej , Pawlik Andrzej , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Ciechanowski Kazimierz
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury (IRI) is an inseparable feature of organ transplantation and may have a negative impact on the graft, its function and survival. Acute tubular necrosis, which is reversible thanks to the regenerative capacity of renal tubular epithelial cells, is the main cause of acute renal failure secondary to IRI. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are proteolytic enzymes involved in digesting proteins that are components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basement membrane of the nephrons. This way post-reperfusion MMP activation allows the inflammatory process to spread. Methods: In our studies, we focused on identifying whether the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their natural inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in urine sample at day 1 and day 30 as well as after 12 months following renal transplantation are markers of early and long-term renal function during meanly five-years observation. Moreover, in urine sampled at months 6 and 12 after renal transplantation, we determined the content of TGF-β as a graft fibrosis indicator. Results: MMP-9 concentration in the early post-transplant period is a major marker of early and long-term function of the transplanted kidney. Its increased concentration was correlated with lesions related to tubular atrophy and fibrosis in renal biopsies performed at months 3 and 12 after transplantation. Its concentration is correlated with TGF-β content in a later period. Conclusions: TIMP-1 and-2 are primarily markers of an early function of the transplanted kidney. Early post-transplant concentration of MMP-2 is a marker of proteinuria in early and long-term post-transplant periods.
Medication Adherence to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: 2-Year Analysis of Medication Adherence to Imatinib Treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Correlation with the Depth of Molecular Response
Authors: Santoleri Fiorenzo , Lasala Ruggero , Ranucci Elena , La Barba Gaetano , Di Lorenzo Roberto , Vetrò Antonio , Di Bartolomeo Paolo , Costantini Alberto
Published: May 2016

Objective: Adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment is a significant factor in the achievement of a good clinical response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate 1- and 2-year medication adherence to imatinib treatment, linking adherence rates with the clinical outcome, in accordance with European LeukemiaNet Recommendations for the management of CML. We have tried to find a cutoff value for adherence in order to achieve a good clinical outcome. Methods: The method used to calculate medication adherence was the ratio between the received and the prescribed daily dose. Results: We observed the levels of mean adherence for each of the following response groups (in years 1 and 2, respectively): complete response (0.96, 0.95), MR4.5 (1.00, -), MR4 (0.93, 0.91), major molecular responses (0.96, 0.97), warning (0.91, 0.89) and failure (0.79, 0.84). Conclusion: Results show that the higher the adherence, the lower the level of BCR-ABL1. Furthermore, using cutoffs ≥0.9, outcomes were significantly improved compared to those with cutoffs <0.90. This value of adherence is in line with previous publications.
Menthol Modulates Pacemaker Potentials through TRPA1 Channels in Cultured Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Murine Small Intestine
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Wie Jinhong , So Insuk , Jung Myeong Ho , Ha Ki-Tae , Kim Byung Joo
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: ICCs are the pacemaker cells responsible for slow waves in gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle, and generate periodic pacemaker potentials in current-clamp mode. Methods: The effects of menthol on the pacemaker potentials of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) from mouse small intestine were studied using the whole cell patch clamp technique. Results: Menthol (1 - 10 μM) was found to induce membrane potential depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of various TRP channel antagonists were examined to investigate the receptors involved. The addition of the TRPM8 antagonist, AMTB, did not block menthol-induced membrane potential depolarizations, but TRPA1 antagonists (A967079 or HC-030031) blocked the effects of menthol, as did intracellular GDPβS. Furthermore, external and internal Ca2+ levels were found to depolarize menthol-induced membrane potentials, whereas external Na+ was not. Y-27632 (a Rho kinase inhibitor), SC-560 (a selective COX 1 inhibitor), NS-398 (a selective COX 2 inhibitor), ozagrel (a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor) and SQ-29548 (highly selective thromboxane receptor antagonist) were used to investigate the involvements of Rho-kinase, cyclooxygenase (COX), and the thromboxane pathway in menthol-induced membrane potential depolarizations, and all inhibitors were found to block the effect of menthol. Conclusions: These results suggest that menthol-induced membrane potential depolarizations occur in a G-protein-, Ca2+-, Rho-kinase-, COX-, and thromboxane A2-dependent manner via TRPA1 receptor in cultured ICCs in murine small intestine. The study shows ICCs are targeted by menthol and that this interaction can affect intestinal motility.
Generation of Cardiomyocytes in Pipe-Based Microbioreactor Under Segmented Flow
Authors: Spitkovsky Dimitry , Lemke Karen , Förster Tobias , Römer Robert , Wiedemeier Stefan , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios , Gastrock Gunter
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Embryonic stem (ES) cells have got a broad range differentiation potential. The differentiation is initiated via aggregation of non-differentiated ES cells into embryoid body (EB) capable of multi-lineage development. However experimental variables present in standard differentiation techniques lead to high EB heterogeneity, affecting development into the cells of desired lineage, and do not support the process automatization and scalability. Methods: Here we present a novel pipe based microbioreactor (PBM) setup based on segmented flow, designed for spatial maintenance of temperature, nutrition supply, gas supply and sterility. Results: We verified PBM feasibility for continuous process generating cardiac cells starting from single ES cell suspension followed by EB formation for up to 10 days. The ES cells used in the study were genetically modified for cardiac-specific EGFP expression allowing optical monitoring of cardiomyocytes while EBs remained within PBM for up to 10 days. Efficiency of cardiac cells formation within PBM was similar compared to a standard hanging drop based protocol. Conclusion: Our findings ensure further development of microfluidic bioreactor technology to enable robust cardiomyocytes production for needs of drug screening, tissue engineering and other applications.