bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Florfenicol on the Values of Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-αand Other Biochemical Markers in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia in Brown Trout
Authors: Er Ayse , Dik Burak
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of florfenicol on the expected changes in sTNF-α, damage markers of the liver and kidney, and the lipid metabolism parameters in endotoxemic brown trout. Ninety-six brown trout were included in this study. After six of the fish were reserved as the control group, the remaining 90 fish were divided equally into 3 groups as follows: LPS (2 mg/kg, IP), LPS (2 mg/kg, IP) + florfenicol (40 mg/kg, IM), and florfenicol (40 mg/kg, IM). Blood samples were obtained from the tail of the fish at 1.5, 3, 6, 10, and 24 hours. The levels of sTNF-αwere determined by ELISA and biochemical markers were evaluated with an autoanalyzer. A significant increase was observed in the values of sTNF-αin the LPS and LPS + florfenicol groups (P<0.05). Significant increases were found in the kidney and liver damage determinants in the LPS and LPS + florfenicol groups (P<0.05). Irregular changes in the lipid metabolism parameters were observed in all the subgroups. In conclusion, florfenicol does not affect the increases of sTNF-αcaused by LPS and does not prevent liver or kidney damage; at least, it can be said that florfenicol does not have any evident positive effects on the acute endotoxemia of fish.
Investigating the Synergistic Interaction of Diabetes, Tobacco Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Hypercholesterolemia on the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Italy
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Sferrazza Antonella , Gualano Maria Rosaria , de Waure Chiara , Clemente Gennaro , De Rose Agostino Maria , Nicolotti Nicola , Nuzzo Gennaro , Siliquini Roberta , Boccia Antonio , Ricciardi Walter
Published: April 2014

The aims of the present research are to investigate the possible predictors of pancreatic cancer, in particular smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus, in patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic carcinoma and to examine the synergism between risk factors. A case-control study (80 patients and 392 controls) was conducted at the Teaching Hospital “Agostino Gemelli” in Rome. A conditional logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis and results were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We also investigated the possible interactions between risk factors and calculated the synergism index (SI). The multivariate analysis revealed that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption resulted in important risk factors for pancreatic cancer even after the adjustment for all variables (OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 2.94–8.66; OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.30–3.89, resp.). Interestingly, important synergistic interactions between risk factors were found, especially between ever smoking status and alcohol consumptions (SI = 17.61) as well as alcohol consumption and diabetes (SI = 17.77). In conclusion, the study confirms that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption represent significant and independent risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, there is evidence of synergistic interaction between diabetes and lifestyle factors (drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods).
Increased aPKC Expression Correlates with Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Gleason Score and Tumor Stage in the Japanese Population
Authors: Perry Anthony S. , Furusato Bungo , Nagle Raymond B. , Ghosh Sourav
Published: April 2014

Background. Levels of the protein kinase aPKC have been previously correlated with prostate cancer prognosis in a British cohort. However, prostate cancer incidence and progression rates, as well as genetic changes in this disease, show strong ethnic variance, particularly in Asian populations.Objective. The aim of this study was to validate association of aPKC expression with prostatic adenocarcinoma stages in a Japanese cohort.Methods. Tissue microarrays consisting of 142 malignant prostate cancer cases and 21 benign prostate tissues were subject to immunohistological staining for aPKC. aPKC staining intensity was scored by three independent pathologists and categorized as absent (0), dim (1+), intermediate (2+), and bright (3+). aPKC staining intensities were correlated with Gleason score and tumor stage.Results. Increased aPKC staining was observed in malignant prostate cancer, in comparison to benign tissue. Additionally, aPKC staining levels correlated with Gleason score and tumor stage. Our results extend the association of aPKC with prostate cancer to a Japanese population and establish the suitability of aPKC as a universal prostate cancer biomarker that performs consistently across ethnicities.
A New Mathematical Model for Pressure Transient Analysis in Stress‐Sensitive Reservoirs
Authors: Ren Junjie , Guo Ping
Published: April 2014

For stress‐sensitive reservoir, the permeability decreases with the increase of the effective overburden pressure, and pressure transient analysis based on constant rock properties, especially permeability, can lead to significant errors. In this paper, according to the permeability‐pressure relationship described by a power function instead of the popularly used exponential function, a new mathematical model for transient fluid flow in stress‐sensitive reservoirs is established. The numerical solution is obtained by the fully implicit finite difference method which has been validated by some published analytical solutions before it is used to compute pressure transient responses for stress‐sensitive reservoirs. Pressure response curves are plotted and the effects of relevant parameters on both pressure drawdown and buildup responses have been studied. The presented model could provide an alternative method for understanding and predicting the performances for stress‐sensitive reservoirs.
Bifurcation of Periodic Solutions and Numerical Simulation for the Viscoelastic Belt
Authors: Li Jing , Quan Tingting , He Bin
Published: April 2014

We study the bifurcation of periodic solutions for viscoelastic belt with integral constitutive law in 1: 1 internal resonance. At the beginning, by applying the nonsingular linear transformation, the system is transformed into another system whose unperturbed system is composed of two planar systems: one is a Hamiltonian system and the other has a focus. Furthermore, according to the Melnikov function, we can obtain the sufficient condition for the existence of periodic solutions and make preparations for studying the stability of the periodic solution and the invariant torus. Eventually, we need to give the phase diagrams of the solutions under different parameters to verify the analytical results and obtain which parameters the existence and the stability of the solution are based on. The conclusions not only enrich the behaviors of nonlinear dynamics about viscoelastic belt but also have important theoretical significance and application value on noise weakening and energy loss.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Induced ER Stress and Liver Diseases
Authors: Ji Cheng
Published: April 2014

Alcohol-induced liver disease increasingly contributes to human mortality worldwide. Alcohol-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and disruption of cellular protein homeostasis have recently been established as a significant mechanism contributing to liver diseases. The alcohol-induced ER stress occurs not only in cultured hepatocytes but also in vivo  in the livers of several species including mouse, rat, minipigs, zebrafish, and humans. Identified causes for the ER stress include acetaldehyde, oxidative stress, impaired one carbon metabolism, toxic lipid species, insulin resistance, disrupted calcium homeostasis, and aberrant epigenetic modifications. Importance of each of the causes in alcohol-induced liver injury depends on doses, duration and patterns of alcohol exposure, genetic disposition, environmental factors, cross-talks with other pathogenic pathways, and stages of liver disease. The ER stress may occur more or less all the time during alcohol consumption, which interferes with hepatic protein homeostasis, proliferation, and cell cycle progression promoting development of advanced liver diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that long-term alcohol consumption and ER stress may directly be involved in hepatocellular carcinogenesis (HCC). Dissecting ER stress signaling pathways leading to tumorigenesis will uncover potential therapeutic targets for intervention and treatment of human alcoholics with liver cancer.
Executive and Language Control in the Multilingual Brain
Authors: Kong Anthony Pak-Hin , Abutalebi Jubin , Lam Karen Sze-Yan , Weekes Brendan
Published: April 2014

Neuroimaging studies suggest that the neural network involved in language control may not be specific to bi-/multilingualism but is part of a domain-general executive control system. We report a trilingual case of a Cantonese (L1), English (L2), and Mandarin (L3) speaker, Dr. T, who sustained a brain injury at the age of 77 causing lesions in the left frontal lobe and in the left temporo-parietal areas resulting in fluent aphasia. Dr. T’s executive functions were impaired according to a modified version of the Stroop color-word test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance was characterized by frequent perseveration errors. Dr. T demonstrated pathological language switching and mixing across her three languages. Code switching in Cantonese was more prominent in discourse production than confrontation naming. Our case suggests that voluntary control of spoken word production in trilingual speakers shares neural substrata in the frontobasal ganglia system with domain-general executive control mechanisms. One prediction is that lesions to such a system would give rise to both pathological switching and impairments of executive functions in trilingual speakers.
Sexual Orientation Disparities in BMI among US Adolescents and Young Adults in Three Race/Ethnicity Groups
Authors: Katz-Wise Sabra L. , Blood Emily A. , Milliren Carly E. , Calzo Jerel P. , Richmond Tracy K. , Gooding Holly C. , Austin S. Bryn
Published: April 2014

Obesity is a key public health issue for US youth. Previous research with primarily white samples of youth has indicated that sexual minority females have higher body mass index (BMI) and sexual minority males have lower BMI than their same-gender heterosexual counterparts, with sexual orientation differences in males increasing across adolescence. This research explored whether gender and sexual orientation differences in BMI exist in nonwhite racial/ethnic groups. Using data from Waves I–IV (1995–2009) of the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N= 13,306, ages 11–34 years), we examined associations between sexual orientation and BMI (kg/m2) over time, using longitudinal linear regression models, stratified by gender and race/ethnicity. Data were analyzed in 2013. Among males, heterosexual individuals showed greater one-year BMI gains than gay males across all race/ethnicity groups. Among females, white and Latina bisexual individuals had higher BMI than same-race/ethnicity heterosexual individuals regardless of age; there were no sexual orientation differences in black/African Americans. Sexual orientation disparities in BMI are a public health concern across race/ethnicity groups. Interventions addressing unhealthy weight gain in youth must be relevant for all sexual orientations and race/ethnicities.
A Stiffness-Adjusting Method to Improve Thrust Efficiency of a Two-Joint Robotic Fish
Authors: Xu Dong , Zhang Shaoguang , Wen Li
Published: April 2014

Fish are very efficient swimmers. In this paper, we studied a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) propeller that mimic fish caudal fin like locomotion. Kinematics modelling and hydrodynamic CFD analyses of the two DOF propellers were conducted. According to the CFD simulation, we show that negative power was generated within the flapping cycle, and wake flow at different instant was demonstrated. Based on the dynamic model, we compared the thrust efficiency under different stiffness control method. The results show that the thrust efficiency was enhanced under moderate stiffness control strategy.
Anticorrosive Properties of Poly(o‐phenylenediamine)/ZnO Nanocomposites Coated Stainless Steel
Authors: Ganash Aisha
Published: April 2014

Poly(o‐phenylenediamine) and poly(o‐phenylenediamine)/ZnO (PoPd/ZnO) nanocomposites coating were prepared on type‐304 austenitic stainless steel (SS) using H2SO4 acid as electrolyte by potentiostatic methods. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the composition and structure of PoPd/ZnO nanocomposites. The corrosion protection of polymer coatings ability was studied by Eocp‐time measurement, anodic and cathodic potentiodynamic polarization and impedance techniques in 3.5% NaCl as corrosive solution. It was found that ZnO nanoparticles improve the barrier and electrochemical anticorrosive properties of poly(o‐phenylenediamine).
Ensuring Confidentiality of Geocoded Health Data: Assessing Geographic Masking Strategies for Individual-Level Data
Authors: Zandbergen Paul A.
Published: April 2014

Public health datasets increasingly use geographic identifiers such as an individual’s address. Geocoding these addresses often provides new insights since it becomes possible to examine spatial patterns and associations. Address information is typically considered confidential and is therefore not released or shared with others. Publishing maps with the locations of individuals, however, may also breach confidentiality since addresses and associated identities can be discovered through reverse geocoding. One commonly used technique to protect confidentiality when releasing individual-level geocoded data is geographic masking. This typically consists of applying a certain amount of random perturbation in a systematic manner to reduce the risk of reidentification. A number of geographic masking techniques have been developed as well as methods to quantity the risk of reidentification associated with a particular masking method. This paper presents a review of the current state-of-the-art in geographic masking, summarizing the various methods and their strengths and weaknesses. Despite recent progress, no universally accepted or endorsed geographic masking technique has emerged. Researchers on the other hand are publishing maps using geographic masking of confidential locations. Any researcher publishing such maps is advised to become familiar with the different masking techniques available and their associated reidentification risks.
Protective Effects of Bu‐Shen‐Huo‐Xue Formula against 5/6 Nephrectomy‐Induced Chronic Renal Failure in Rats
Authors: Lu Jian-Rao , Han Hai-Yan , Chen Jie , Xiong Chong-Xiang , Wang Xin-Hua , Hu Jing , Chen Xiu-Feng , Ma Li
Published: April 2014

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a serious disease related to increasing incidence and prevalence as well as decline in quality of life. Bu‐Shen‐Huo‐Xue formula (BSHX), one of traditional herbal formulations, has been clinically employed to treat CRF for decades, but the mechanisms involved have not been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of BSHX on some closely related parameters in 5/6 nephrectomy CRF rats. Rats with CRF were divided into five groups, namely, one control group, one enalapril group, and three BSHX treatment groups (0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/kg·d). The rats subjected to sham operation were used as a normal control. After eight weeks of treatment, BSHX significantly decreased the levels of Scr and BUN, downregulated the mRNA expression levels of TGF‐β1, CTGF, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and OPN, upregulated the mRNA expression of PPARγ, and reduced in situ expression of fibronectin and laminins. Histological findings also showed significant amelioration of the damaged renal tissue. BSHX protects 5/6 nephrectomy rats against chronic renal failure probably via regulating the expression of TNF‐α, NF‐κB, TGF‐β1, CTGF, PPARγ, OPN, fibronectin, and laminins and is useful for therapy of CRF.
Synchronous Current Compensator for a Self-Balanced Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped Inverter
Authors: Krishna Remya , Soman Deepak E. , Kottayil Sasi K. , Leijon Mats
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a synchronous current control method for a three-level neutral point clamped inverter.
Synchronous reference frame control based on two decoupled proportional-integral (PI) controllers is used to control the current in direct and quadrature axes. A phase disposition pulse width modulation (PDPWM) method in regular symmetrical sampling is used for generating the inverter switching signals. To eliminate the harmonic content with no phase errors, two first-order low pass filters (LPFs) are used for the dq currents. The simulation of closed-loop control is done in Matlab/Simulink. The Vertex-5 field programmable gate array (FPGA) in Labview/CompactRio is used for the implementation of the control algorithm. The control and switch pulse generation are done in independent parallel loops. The synchronization of both loops is achieved by controlling the length of waiting time for each loop. The simulation results are validated with experiments. The results show that the control action is reliable and efficient for the load current control.
Reliability in the Parameterization of the Functional Reach Test in Elderly Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Merchán-Baeza Jose Antonio , González-Sánchez Manuel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio
Published: April 2014

Background. Postural instability is one of the major complications found in stroke survivors. Parameterising the functional reach test (FRT) could be useful in clinical practice and basic research.Objectives. To analyse the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity in the FRT parameterisation using inertial sensors for recording kinematic variables in patients who have suffered a stroke.Design. Cross-sectional study. While performing FRT, two inertial sensors were placed on the patient’s back (lumbar and trunk).Participants. Five subjects over 65 who suffer from a stroke.Measurements. FRT measures, lumbosacral/thoracic maximum angular displacement, maximum time of lumbosacral/thoracic angular displacement, time return initial position, and total time. Speed and acceleration of the movements were calculated indirectly.Results. FRT measure is  12.75±2.06 cm. Intrasubject reliability values range from 0.829 (time to return initial position (lumbar sensor)) to 0.891 (lumbosacral maximum angular displacement). Intersubject reliability values range from 0.821 (time to return initial position (lumbar sensor)) to 0.883 (lumbosacral maximum angular displacement). FRT’s reliability was 0.987 (0.983–0.992) and 0.983 (0.979–0.989) intersubject and intrasubject, respectively.Conclusion. The main conclusion could be that the inertial sensors are a tool with excellent reliability and validity in the parameterization of the FRT in people who have had a stroke.
Emergent Bacteria in Cystic Fibrosis:In VitroBiofilm Formation and Resilience under Variable Oxygen Conditions
Authors: Lopes Susana P. , Azevedo Nuno F. , Pereira Maria O.
Published: April 2014

Concurrent to conventional bacterial pathogens, unusual microbes are emerging from cystic fibrosis (CF) airways. Nonetheless, little is known about the contribution of these newly microbes to the resilience of CF-associated biofilms, particularly under variable-oxygen concentrations that are known to occurin vivoin the mucus of CF patients. Two CF-emergent bacterial species,Inquilinus limosusandDolosigranulum pigrum, and the major pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosawere studied in terms of biofilm development and antibiotic susceptibilities underin vitroatmospheres with different oxygen availabilities. All species were able to developin vitrobiofilms under different oxygen-available environments, withD. pigrumaccumulating high amounts of biomass and respiratory activities. When established, biofilms were of difficult eradication, with antibiotics losing their effectiveness in comparison with the corresponding planktonic populations. Surprisingly, biofilms of each emergent organism displayed multidrug resistance under aerobic environments, enduring even in low-oxygen atmospheres. This study suggests a potential prospect on the impact of nonconventional organismsI. limosusandD. pigrumon CF lung infections, demonstrating capacity to adapt to biofilm mode of life under restricted-oxygen atmospheres resembling CF airways, which may ultimately endanger the efficacy of currently used antibiotic regimens.
B Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Pathogenic Players to Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Bugatti Serena , Vitolo Barbara , Caporali Roberto , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Manzo Antonio
Published: April 2014

The therapeutic benefit of depleting B cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has refocused attention on B cells with increasing awareness on their role in autoimmunity and their function beyond autoantibody production. The rapid increase in our comprehension of B-cell pathobiology is progressively opening novel perspectives in the area of B cell-targeted therapies with the expectation to define more specific approaches able to preserve the homeostasis of the humoral response while disrupting the pathogenic components. In parallel, B-cell activity in RA is starting to be explored in its clinical value, in search of novel biomarkers embedded in the pathogenic process that could help classifying the disease and predicting its heterogeneous outcome beyond inflammation dynamics. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the multiple roles that B cells play in several aspects of RA. We also analyze their distribution and potential function in different anatomic compartments with specific reference to the main sites in which the disease may be sustained and exert its detrimental effects: the systemic circulation, synovium, bone marrow, and draining lymph nodes. We also highlight novel data encouraging further research in the field of biomarkers related to B cells and their regulatory factors.
Circuit Design of Surface Acoustic Wave Based Micro Force Sensor
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Lu Wenke , Zhu Changchun , Liu Qinghong , Zhang Haoxin , Tang Chenchao
Published: April 2014

Pressure sensors are commonly used in industrial production and mechanical system. However, resistance strain, piezoresistive sensor, and ceramic capacitive pressure sensors possess limitations, especially in micro force measurement. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) based micro force sensor is designed in this paper, which is based on the theories of wavelet transform, SAW detection, and pierce oscillator circuits. Using lithium niobate as the basal material, a mathematical model is established to analyze the frequency, and a peripheral circuit is designed to measure the micro force. The SAW based micro force sensor is tested to show the reasonable design of detection circuit and the stability of frequency and amplitude.
Energy Demodulation Algorithm for Flow Velocity Measurement of Oil‐Gas‐Water Three‐Phase Flow
Authors: Li Yingwei , Gao Jing , Liu Xingbin , Xie Ronghua
Published: April 2014

Flow velocity measurement was an important research of oil‐gas‐water three‐phase flow parameter measurements. In order to satisfy the increasing demands for flow detection technology, the paper presented a gas‐liquid phase flow velocity measurement method which was based on energy demodulation algorithm combing with time delay estimation technology. First, a gas‐liquid phase separation method of oil‐gas‐water three‐phase flow based on energy demodulation algorithm and blind signal separation technology was proposed. The separation of oil‐gas‐water three‐phase signals which were sampled by conductance sensor performed well, so the gas‐phase signal and the liquid‐phase signal were obtained. Second, we used the time delay estimation technology to get the delay time of gas‐phase signals and liquid‐phase signals, respectively, and the gas‐phase velocity and the liquid‐phase velocity were derived. At last, the experiment was performed at oil‐gas‐water three‐phase flow loop, and the results indicated that the measurement errors met the need of velocity measurement. So it provided a feasible method for gas‐liquid phase velocity measurement of the oil‐gas‐water three‐phase flow.
Guidelines on Vaccinations in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Patients
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Giacchino Mareva , Fioredda Francesca , Barone Angelica , Battisti Laura , Bezzio Stefania , Frenos Stefano , De Santis Raffaella , Livadiotti Susanna , Marinello Serena , Zanazzo Andrea Giulio , Caselli Désirée
Published: April 2014

Objective.Vaccinations are the most important tool to prevent infectious diseases. Chemotherapy-induced immune depression may impact the efficacy of vaccinations in children.Patients and Methods. A panel of experts of the supportive care working group of the Italian Association Paediatric Haematology Oncology (AIEOP) addressed this issue by guidelines on vaccinations in paediatric cancer patients. The literature published between 1980 and 2013 was reviewed.Results and Conclusion. During intensive chemotherapy, vaccination turned out to be effective for hepatitis A and B, whilst vaccinations with toxoid, protein subunits, or bacterial antigens should be postponed to the less intensive phases, to achieve an adequate immune response. Apart from varicella, the administration of live-attenuated-virus vaccines is not recommended during this phase. Family members should remain on recommended vaccination schedules, including toxoid, inactivated vaccine (also poliomyelitis), and live-attenuated vaccines (varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella). By the time of completion of chemotherapy, insufficient serum antibody levels for vaccine-preventable diseases have been reported, while immunological memory appears to be preserved. Once immunological recovery is completed, usually after 6 months, response to booster or vaccination is generally good and allows patients to be protected and also to contribute to herd immunity.
Amarogentin, a Secoiridoid Glycoside, Abrogates Platelet Activation through PLCγ2-PKC and MAPK Pathways
Authors: Yen Ting-Lin , Lu Wan-Jung , Lien Li-Ming , Thomas Philip Aloysius , Lee Tzu-Yin , Chiu Hou-Chang , Sheu Joen-Rong , Lin Kuan-Hung
Published: April 2014

Amarogentin, an active principle ofGentiana lutea, possess antitumorigenic, antidiabetic, and antioxidative properties. Activation of platelets is associated with intravascular thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases. The present study examined the effects of amarogentin on platelet activation. Amarogentin treatment (15~60 μM) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not thrombin, arachidonic acid, and U46619. Amarogentin inhibited collagen-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC)γ2, protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). It also inhibitsin vivothrombus formation in mice. In addition, neither the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ nor the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 affected the amarogentin-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation, which suggests that amarogentin does not regulate the levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. In conclusion, amarogentin prevents platelet activation through the inhibition of PLCγ2-PKC cascade and MAPK pathway. Our findings suggest that amarogentin may offer therapeutic potential for preventing or treating thromboembolic disorders.
The Treg/Th17 Paradigm in Lung Cancer
Authors: Duan Min-Chao , Zhong Xiao-Ning , Liu Guang-Nan , Wei Jin-Ru
Published: April 2014

Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of lung cancer are very complex and not yet entirely clarified. T lymphocytes and their immune-regulatory cytokines play a pivotal role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis. Following activation by unique cytokines, CD4+ T helper cells differentiate into Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Traditionally, research in lung cancer immunity has focused almost exclusively on Th1/Th2 cell balance. Recently, Th17 cells and Tregs represent an intriguing issue to be addressed in lung cancer pathogenesis. Tregs play an important role in the preservation of self-tolerance and modulation of overall immune responses against tumor cells. Th17 cells directly or via other proinflammatory cytokines modulate antitumor immune responses. Notably, there is a close relation between Tregs and Th17 cells. However, the possible interaction between these subsets in lung cancer remains to be elucidated. In this setting, targeting Treg/Th17 balance for therapeutic purposes may represent a useful tool for lung cancer treatment in the future. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings of the role of these novel populations in lung cancer immunity and to highlight the pleiotropic effects of these subsets on the development and regulation of lung cancer.
Utilization to Remove Pb (II) Ions from Aqueous Environments Using Waste Fish Bones by Ion Exchange
Authors: Kizilkaya Bayram , Tekınay A. Adem
Published: April 2014

Removal of lead (II) from aqueous solutions was studied by using pretreated fish bones as natural, cost-effective, waste sorbents. The effect of pH, contact time, temperature, and metal concentration on the adsorption capacities of the adsorbent was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb (II) was found to be 323 mg/g at optimum conditions. The experiments showed that when pH increased, an increase in the adsorbed amount of metal of the fish bones was observed. The kinetic results of adsorption obeyed a pseudo second-order model. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data of Pb (II) adsorption and the value ofRLfor Pb (II) was found to be 0.906. The thermodynamic parameters related to the adsorption process such asEa,ΔG°,ΔH°, andΔS° were calculated andEa,ΔH°, andΔS° were found to be 7.06, 46.01 kJ mol−1, and 0.141 kJ mol−1K−1for Pb (III), respectively.ΔH° values (46.01 kJmol−1) showed that the adsorption mechanism was endothermic. Weber-Morris and Urano-Tachikawa diffusion models were also applied to the experimental equilibrium data. The fish bones were effectively used as sorbent for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions.
A Modified Equation Approach to Selecting a Nonstandard Finite Difference Scheme Applied to the Regularized Long Wave Equation
Authors: Momoniat E.
Published: April 2014

Two nonstandard finite difference schemes are derived to solve the regularized long wave equation. The criteria for choosing the “best” nonstandard approximation to the nonlinear term in the regularized long wave equation come from considering the modified equation. The two “best” nonstandard numerical schemes are shown to preserve conserved quantities when compared to an implicit scheme in which the nonlinear term is approximated in the usual way. Comparisons to the single solitary wave solution show significantly better results, measured in theL2andL∞norms, when compared to results obtained using a Petrov-Galerkin finite element method and a splitted quadratic B-spline collocation method. The growth in the error when simulating the single solitary wave solution using the two “best” nonstandard numerical schemes is shown to be linear implying the nonstandard finite difference schemes are conservative. The formation of an undular bore for both steep and shallow initial profiles is captured without the formation of numerical instabilities.
Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment in US Nursing Homes: A Case Study of CRNP Engagement in the Care Planning Process
Authors: Hartle Gerald A. , Thimons David G. , Angelelli Joseph
Published: April 2014

This case study describes changes in Physician Orders for Life Saving Treatment (POLST) status among long-stay residents of a US nursing home who had a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) adopt the practice of participating in nursing home staff care plan meetings. The CRNP attended a nonrandomized sample of 60 care plan meetings, each featuring a review of POLST preferences with residents and/or family members. Days since original POLST completion, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, number of hospitalizations since index admission, and other sociodemographic characteristics including religion and payer source were among the data elements extracted via chart review for the sample as well as for a nonequivalent control group of 115 residents also under the care of the medical provider group practice at the nursing home. Twenty-three percent(n=14)of the 60 care conferences attended by the CRNP resulted in a change in POLST status after consultations with the resident and/or family. In all cases, POLST changes involved restated preferences from a higher level of intervention to a lower level of intervention. Fifty-nine percent of the CRNP-attended conferences resulted in the issuance of new medical provider orders. CRNP participation in care conferences may represent a best practice opportunity to revisit goals of care with individuals and their family members in the context of broader interprofessional treatment planning.
Numerical and Experimental Study of the Structural Color by Widening the Pore Size of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zhu Zhiqiang , Hu Yanlei , Zheng Jinjin , Chu Jiaru , Huang Wenhao
Published: April 2014

The structural color originated from the nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) film is related to the structural characteristics. This paper aimed to obtain different structural colors which can cover the whole visible range by widening the pore size of metal‐coated NAA. First, we used the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method to analyze the relationship between the physical structure and optical properties. Then, we fabricated different colors and expected color pattern by widening the pore diameter of NAA. Numerical and experimental study shows that the colors can cover the whole visible range by widening the pore diameter. This work can not only lead to better understanding of the mechanism of tuning color on NAA film, but also help us to fabricate expected color in the whole light range.
Measurement of Bed Turning and Comparison with Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index in a Healthy Population: Application of a Novel Mobility Detection System
Authors: Chiang Shang-Lin , Lin Chia-Huei , Chang Shin-Tsu , Lin Chueh-Ho , Chen Po-Yin , Sung Wen-Hsu , Wei Shun-Hwa
Published: April 2014

We developed a mobility detection system to analyze pressure changes over time during side-turns in 29 healthy volunteers (17 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 46.1 ± 19.64 years (ranging from 23 to 86 years) in order to determine the effect of gender, age, and BMI on performance during bed postural change. Center of gravity (COG) location, peak pressure of counteraction, and time to reach peak pressure were the main outcomes used to gauge the ability to make a spontaneous side-turn. Men exhibited significantly higher side-turning force (P=0.002) and back-turning force (P=0.002) compared with women. Subjects with BMI ≥27 kg/m2had significantly higher side-turning force (P=0.007) and back-turning force (P=0.007) compared with those with BMI < 27 kg/m2. After adjusting for other covariates, age positively correlated with back-turning time (P=0.033) and negatively correlated with side-turning speed (P=0.005), back-turning speed (P=0.014), side-turning force (P=0.010), and back-turning force (P=0.016), respectively. Turning times negatively correlated with time to reach peak pressure (P=0.008). Our system was effective in detecting changes in turning swiftness in the bed-ridden subject.
Assessment of Automotive Coatings Used on Different Metallic Substrates
Authors: Bensalah W. , Loukil N. , Wery M. De-Petris , Ayedi H. F.
Published: April 2014

Four epoxy primers commonly used in the automotive industry were applied by gravity pneumatic spray gun over metallic substrates, specifically, steel, electrogalvanized steel, hot-dip galvanized steel, and aluminum. A two-component polyurethane resin was used as topcoat. To evaluate the performance of the different coating systems, the treated panels were submitted to mechanical testing using Persoz hardness, impact resistance, cupping, lattice method, and bending. Tribological properties of different coating systems were conducted using pin on disc machine. Immersion tests were carried out in 5% NaCl and immersion tests in 3% NaOH solutions. Results showed which of the coating systems is more suitable for each substrate in terms of mechanical, tribological, and anticorrosive performance.
How Good Are Simplified Models for Protein Structure Prediction?
Authors: Shatabda Swakkhar , Newton M. A. Hakim , Rashid Mahmood A. , Pham Duc Nghia , Sattar Abdul
Published: April 2014

Protein structure prediction (PSP) has been one of the most challenging problems in computational biology for several decades. The challenge is largely due to the complexity of the all-atomic details and the unknown nature of the energy function. Researchers have therefore used simplified energy models that consider interaction potentials only between the amino acid monomers in contact on discrete lattices. The restricted nature of the lattices and the energy models poses a twofold concern regarding the assessment of the models. Can a native or a very close structure be obtained when structures are mapped to lattices? Can the contact based energy models on discrete lattices guide the search towards the native structures? In this paper, we use the protein chain lattice fitting (PCLF) problem to address the first concern; we developed a constraint-based local search algorithm for the PCLF problem for cubic and face-centered cubic lattices and found very close lattice fits for the native structures. For the second concern, we use a number of techniques to sample the conformation space and find correlations between energy functions and root mean square deviation (RMSD) distance of the lattice-based structures with the native structures. Our analysis reveals weakness of several contact based energy models used that are popular in PSP.
Moving Object Detection Using Dynamic Motion Modelling from UAV Aerial Images
Authors: Saif A. F. M. Saifuddin , Prabuwono Anton Satria , Mahayuddin Zainal Rasyid
Published: April 2014

Motion analysis based moving object detection from UAV aerial image is still an unsolved issue due to inconsideration of proper motion estimation. Existing moving object detection approaches from UAV aerial images did not deal with motion based pixel intensity measurement to detect moving object robustly. Besides current research on moving object detection from UAV aerial images mostly depends on either frame difference or segmentation approach separately. There are two main purposes for this research: firstly to develop a new motion model called DMM (dynamic motion model) and secondly to apply the proposed segmentation approach SUED (segmentation using edge based dilation) using frame difference embedded together with DMM model. The proposed DMM model provides effective search windows based on the highest pixel intensity to segment only specific area for moving object rather than searching the whole area of the frame using SUED. At each stage of the proposed scheme, experimental fusion of the DMM and SUED produces extracted moving objects faithfully. Experimental result reveals that the proposed DMM and SUED have successfully demonstrated the validity of the proposed methodology.
Aesthetic Rehabilitation of a Complicated Crown-Root Fracture of the Maxillary Incisor: Combination of Orthodontic and Implant Treatment
Authors: de Avila Érica Dorigatti , de Molon Rafael Scaf , Cardoso Mauricio de Almeida , Capelozza Filho Leopoldino , Campos Velo Marilia Mattar de Amoêdo , Mollo Francisco de Assis , Borelli Barros Luiz Antonio
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to present a complex rehabilitation, of fractured tooth, with implants in anterior region considering the orthodontics extrusion to clinical success. At 7 years old, the patient fractured the maxillary left central incisor and the dentist did a crown with the fragment. Twenty years later, the patient was referred to a dental clinic for orthodontic treatment, with the chief complaint related to an accentuated deep bite, and a professional started an orthodontic treatment. After sixteen months of orthodontic treatment, tooth 21 fractured. The treatment plan included an orthodontic extrusion of tooth 21 and implant placement. This case has been followed up and the clinical and radiographic examinations show excellence esthetic results and satisfaction of patient. The forced extrusion can be a viable treatment option in the management of crown root fracture of an anterior tooth to gain bone in a vertical direction. This case emphasizes that to achieve the esthetic result a multidisciplinary approach is necessary.
Convergence Theorems for Accretive Operators with Nonlinear Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Song Yan-Lai , Ceng Lu-Chuan
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present two new forward-backward splitting schemes with relaxations and errors for finding a common element of the set of solutions to the variational inclusion problem with two accretive operators and the set of fixed points of strict pseudocontractions in infinite-dimensional Banach spaces. Under mild conditions, some weak and strong convergence theorems for approximating these common elements are proved. The methods in the paper are novel and different from those in the early and recent literature. Further, we consider the problem of finding a common element of the set of solutions of a mathematical model related to equilibrium problems and the set of fixed points of a strict pseudocontractions.
Roles of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Pronto-Laborinho Ana Catarina , Pinto Susana , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: April 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal devastating neurodegenerative disorder, involving progressive degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Riluzole is the only drug approved in ALS but it only confers a modest improvement in survival. In spite of a high number of clinical trials no other drug has proved effectiveness. Recent studies support that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a key angiogenic factor, also plays a key role in the nervous system, including neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. VEGF has been used in exploratory clinical studies with promising results in ALS and other neurological disorders. Although VEGF is a very promising compound, translating the basic science breakthroughs into clinical practice is the major challenge ahead. VEGF-B, presenting a single safety profile, protects motor neurons from degeneration in ALS animal models and, therefore, it will be particularly interesting to test its effects in ALS patients. In the present paper the authors make a brief description of the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review its different features and therapeutic potential in the nervous system/neurodegenerative disease, particularly in ALS.
Comparison Theorem for Nonlinear Path-Dependent Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Falei
Published: April 2014

We introduce a type of fully nonlinear path-dependent (parabolic) partial differential equation (PDE) in which the pathωton an interval [0,t] becomes the basic variable in the place of classical variablest,x∈[0,T]×ℝd. Then we study the comparison theorem of fully nonlinear PPDE and give some of its applications.
Association of Tissue mRNA and Serum Antigen Levels of Members of the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator System with Clinical and Prognostic Parameters in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Al-Janabi Omar , Taubert Helge , Lohse-Fischer Andrea , Fröhner Michael , Wach Sven , Stöhr Robert , Keck Bastian , Burger Max , Wieland Wolf , Erdmann Kati , Wirth Manfred P. , Wullich Bernd , Baretton Gustavo , Magdolen Viktor , Kotzsch Matthias , Füssel Susanne
Published: April 2014

The objective was to determine the mRNA expression and protein levels of uPA system components in tissue specimens and serum samples, respectively, from prostate cancer (PCa) patients and to assess their association with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival (OS). The mRNA expression levels of uPA, its receptor (uPAR), and its inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were analyzed in corresponding malignant and adjacent nonmalignant tissue specimens from 132 PCa patients by quantitative PCR. Preoperative serum samples from 81 PCa patients were analyzed for antigen levels of uPA system members by ELISA. RNA levels of uPA system components displayed significant correlations with each other in the tumor tissues. A significantly decreased uPA mRNA expression in PCa compared to the corresponding nonmalignant tissue was detected. High uPA mRNA level was significantly associated with a high Gleason score. Elevated concentration of soluble uPAR (suPAR) in serum was significantly associated with a poor OS of PCa patients (P=0.022). PCa patients with high suPAR levels have a significantly higher risk of death (multivariate Cox’s regression analysis;HR=7.12,P=0.027). The association of high suPAR levels with poor survival of PCa patients suggests a prognostic impact of suPAR levels in serum of cancer patients.
Vertical Ridge Augmentation of the Atrophic Posterior Mandible with Sandwich Technique: Bone Block from the Chin Area versus Corticocancellous Bone Block Allograft—Clinical and Histological Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Laino Luigi , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Cicciù Marco
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study is to compare the histological aspects of bone formation in atrophic posterior mandibles augmented by autologous bone block from chin area with corticocancellous bone block allograft used as inlays with the sandwich technique.Materials and Methods. Sixteen patients with bilateral partial edentulism in the posterior mandible were selected. The residual bone height, preliminarily measured by computed tomography scans, ranged between 5 and 7 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve. All patients required regeneration procedure with autologous bone block from chin area (control group) versus bone block allograft Puros (Zimmer Dental, 1900 Aston Avenue, Carlsbad, CA, USA) (test group). Histological and histomorphometric samples were collected at the time of implant positioning in order to analyze the percentage of newly formed bone, the residual graft material, and marrow spaces/soft tissue.Results. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were found regarding the percentage of newly formed bone. The percentage of residual grafted material was significantly higher in the test group, whilst the percentage of marrow spaces was higher in control group.Conclusions. In conclusion, both procedures supported good results, although the use of bone blocks allograft was less invasive and preferable than harvesting bone from the mental symphysis.