bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Control for Giant Magnetostrictive Actuators with Rate-Dependent Hysteresis
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Zhen , Mao Jianqin
Published: September 2013

The rate-dependent hysteresis in giant magnetostrictive materials is a major impediment to the application of such material in actuators. In this paper, a relevance vector machine (RVM) model is proposed for describing the hysteresis nonlinearity under varying input current. It is possible to construct a unique dynamic model in a given rate range for a rate-dependent hysteresis system using the sinusoidal scanning signals as the training set input signal. Subsequently, a proportional integral derivative (PID) control scheme combined with a feedforward compensation is implemented on a giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) for real-time precise trajectory tracking. Simulations and experiments both verify the effectiveness and the practicality of the proposed modeling and control methods.
Location Optimization of Multidistribution Centers Based on Low-Carbon Constraints
Authors: Zhao Peixin , Liu Bo , Xu Lulu , Wan Di
Published: September 2013

Location optimization of distribution centers is a systematic and important task in logistics operations. Recently, reducing carbon footprint is becoming one of the decision-making factors in selecting the locations for distribution centers. This paper analyzes the necessity of industrial carbon dioxide emission cost internalization in four aspects and builds a model for multidistribution centers location in effort of reducing carbon footprint that can provide optimized strategy support for decision makers and logistic operators. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the models.
Role of Rheum Polysaccharide in the Cytokines Produced by Peripheral Blood Monocytes in TLR4 Mediated HLA-B27 Associated AAU
Authors: Liu Xuhui , Hu Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaosheng , Li Zhongqiu , Lu Hong
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine, Rheum Polysaccharide (RP), on the in vitro production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) by lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-)stimulated human monocytes from HLA-B27 associated acute anterior uveitis patients of convalescence stage.Method. PBMC samples were isolated from 10 HLA-B27 associated acute anterior uveitis, incubated, respectively, and divided into 4 groups as follows: (1) controls, PBS was added in final concentration of 1 mg·L−1, (2) stimulated by LPS, LPS was added in final concentration of 1 mg·L−1, (3) stimulated by LPS + HTA125, 30 minutes before the adding of LPS in final concentration of 1 mg·L−1, the final concentration of 5 mg·L−1of the HTA125 was added, and (4) stimulated by LPS + RP, 30 minutes before the adding of LPS in final concentration 1 mg·L−1, the final concentration 100 mg·L−1of the RP was added. Supernatants were used to quantify the amounts of TNF-αand IL-10 released in time course using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Result. After stimulated by lps, the concentrations of TNF-αand IL-10 in culture supernatants of patients are significantly higher than control group at all time points (P<0.01). Blockage of TLR-4 by HTA125 can decrease the production of TNF-αand IL-10 compared with lps group (P<0.01, except at 4 h group of IL-10). Concentration of TNF-αand IL-10 also decreases in the LPS + RP group (P<0.01) but not so significantly as in the LPS + HTA125 group.Conclusion. As anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibodies, rheum Polysaccharide can also inhibit the secretion of cytokines produced by monocytes from HLA-B27 positive AAU patients of convalescence stage.
Speed of Sound Parameter from RHIC and LHC Heavy-Ion Data
Authors: Gao Li-Na , Chen Ya-Hui , Wei Hua-Rong , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: September 2013

In framework of combing the participant-spectator model and the Landau hydrodynamic model, the pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in heavy-ion (or nucleus-nucleus) collisions at RHIC and LHC energies are described by a modified Landau hydrodynamic model, where the Landau hydrodynamic model is applied to the target/projectile spectators and the target/projectile participants, respectively. The modeling results are in agreement with the PHOBOS and ALICE experimental data. Then, the values of square speed of sound (cs2) for the participants and spectators can be obtained from the widths of charged particle pseudorapidity distributions. Some features ofcs2for different centralities and center-of-mass energies are obtained too.
Rapid Evolution to Blast Crisis Associated with a Q252HABL1Kinase Domain Mutation in e19a2BCR-ABL1Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: McCarron Sarah L. , Maher Karena , Kelly Johanna , Ryan Mary F. , Langabeer Stephen E.
Published: September 2013

A minority of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients express variant transcripts of which the e19a2BCR-ABL1fusion is the most common. Instances of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in e19a2BCR-ABL1CML patients have rarely been reported. A case of e19a2BCR-ABL1CML is described in whom imatinib resistance, associated with a Q252HABL1kinase domain mutation, became apparent soon after initiation of TKI therapy. The patient rapidly transformed to myeloid blast crisis (BC) with considerable bone marrow fibrosis and no significant molecular response to a second generation TKI. The clinical course was complicated by comorbidities with the patient rapidly succumbing to advanced disease. This scenario of Q252H-associated TKI resistance with rapid BC transformation has not been previously documented in e19a2BCR-ABL1CML. This case highlights the considerable challenges remaining in the management of TKI-resistant BC CML, particularly in the elderly patient.
Comparative Analysis of Mass Spectral Similarity Measures on Peak Alignment for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Seongho , Zhang Xiang
Published: September 2013

Peak alignment is a critical procedure in mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery in metabolomics. One of peak alignment approaches to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) data is peak matching-based alignment. A key to the peak matching-based alignment is the calculation of mass spectral similarity scores. Various mass spectral similarity measures have been developed mainly for compound identification, but the effect of these spectral similarity measures on the performance of peak matching-based alignment still remains unknown. Therefore, we selected five mass spectral similarity measures, cosine correlation, Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s correlation, partial correlation, and part correlation, and examined their effects on peak alignment using two sets of experimental GC×GC-MS data. The results show that the spectral similarity measure does not affect the alignment accuracy significantly in analysis of data from less complex samples, while the partial correlation performs much better than other spectral similarity measures when analyzing experimental data acquired from complex biological samples.
Heterogeneous Deposition of Cu2O Nanoparticles on TiO2 Nanotube Array Films in Organic Solvent
Authors: Huang Xinwen , Liu Zongjian
Published: September 2013

A novel method for decoration of anodic TiO2 nanotube array films (NAFs) with Cu2O nanoparticles has been reported. The method is based on the reduction of Cu(II) in a mixture of ethylene glycol and N,N‐dimethylformamide at 120°C for 16 h, where the resulting Cu2O can heterogeneously nucleate and grow on TiO2 NAFs. The nanosized Cu2O is found to be well dispersed on the wall of TiO2 nanotubes without blocking the nanotube, a commonly observed phenomenon in the case of deposition of Cu2O via electrochemical method. The amount of Cu2O deposited on the TiO2 NAFs can be varied by adjusting the concentration of Cu(II) in the organic solution. UV‐vis spectra measurement indicates that the decoration of TiO2 NAFs with Cu2O nanoparticles greatly improves their ability to respond to visible light. By examining the photocurrent and photodegradation of methyl orange under simulated sunlight, it is found that these Cu2O‐decorated TiO2 NAFs show much more photoactive in comparison with the as‐prepared TiO2 NAFs.
Modeling of Location Estimation for Object Tracking in WSN
Authors: Chu Hung-Chi , Lee Tsung-Han , Chang Lin-huang , Li Chung-Jie
Published: September 2013

Location estimation for object tracking is one of the important topics in the research of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Recently, many location estimation or position schemes in WSN have been proposed. In this paper, we will propose the procedure and modeling of location estimation for object tracking in WSN. The designed modeling is a simple scheme without complex processing. We will use Matlab to conduct the simulation and numerical analyses to find the optimal modeling variables. The analyses with different variables will include object moving model, sensing radius, model weighting valueα, and power-level increasing ratiokof neighboring sensor nodes. For practical consideration, we will also carry out the shadowing model for analysis.
Corrosion Behavior and Adsorption Thermodynamics of Some Schiff Bases on Mild Steel Corrosion in Industrial Water Medium
Authors: Shivakumar S. S. , Mohana K. N.
Published: September 2013

The inhibition performance and adsorption behavior of (E)-2-(3-nitrobenzylidene) hydrazine carbothioamide (SB1) and (E)-2-(4-(dimethylamino) benzylidene) hydrazine carbothioamide (SB2) on mild steel corrosion in industrial water medium have been investigated by gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results revealed that inhibition efficiency depends on both the concentration of the inhibitors and temperature of the system. Increasing temperature reduces the inhibition efficiency of both inhibitors. Polarization studies indicated that these compounds behave as mixed type of inhibitors. The adsorption of both inhibitors was spontaneous and followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters are calculated and discussed. The relation between inhibition efficiency and molecular structures of SB1and SB2was discussed by considering quantum chemical parameters. The surface adsorbed film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Conformal Geometry of Hypersurfaces in Lorentz Space Forms
Authors: Li Tongzhu , Nie Changxiong
Published: September 2013

Let be a space-like hypersurface without umbilical points in the Lorentz space form . We define the conformal metric and the conformal second fundamental form on the hypersurface, which determines the hypersurface up to conformal transformation of . We calculate the Euler-Lagrange equations of the volume functional of the hypersurface with respect to the conformal metric, whose critical point is called a Willmore hypersurface, and we give a conformal characteristic of the hypersurfaces with constant mean curvature and constant scalar curvature. Finally, we prove that if the hypersurface with constant mean curvature and constant scalar curvature is Willmore, then is a hypersurface in .
TNFαMediated IL-6 Secretion Is Regulated by JAK/STAT Pathway but Not by MEK Phosphorylation and AKT Phosphorylation in U266 Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Lee Chansu , Oh Jeong-In , Park Juwon , Choi Jee-Hye , Bae Eun-Kyung , Lee Hyun Jung , Jung Woo June , Lee Dong Soon , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Yoon Sung-Soo
Published: September 2013

IL-6 and TNFαwere significantly increased in the bone marrow aspirate samples of patients with active multiple myeloma (MM) compared to those of normal controls. Furthermore, MM patients with advanced aggressive disease had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and TNFαthan those with MM in plateau phase. TNFαincreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) production from MM cells. However, the detailed mechanisms involved in signaling pathways by which TNFαpromotes IL-6 secretion from MM cells are largely unknown. In our study, we found that TNFαtreatments induce MEK and AKT phosphorylation. TNFα-stimulated IL-6 production was abolished by inhibition of JAK2 and IKKβor by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TNF receptors (TNFR) but not by MEK, p38, and PI3K inhibitors. Also, TNFαincreased phosphorylation of STAT3 (ser727) including c-Myc and cyclin D1. Three different types of JAK inhibitors decreased the activation of the previously mentioned pathways. In conclusion, blockage of JAK/STAT-mediated NF-κB activation was highly effective in controlling the growth of MM cells and, consequently, an inhibitor of TNFα-mediated IL-6 secretion would be a potential new therapeutic agent for patients with multiple myeloma.
Protective Mechanisms ofS. lycopersicumAqueous Fraction (Nucleosides and Flavonoids) on Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation:In Vitro,Ex VivoandIn VivoStudies
Authors: Fuentes Eduardo , Pereira Jaime , Alarcón Marcelo , Valenzuela Claudio , Pérez Pablo , Astudillo Luis , Palomo Iván
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this research was to investigate mechanisms of antiplatelet action of bioactive principle fromS. lycopersicum. Aqueous fraction had a high content of nucleosides (adenosine, guanosine, and adenosine 5′-monophosphate) by HPLC analysis. Also aqueous fraction presented flavonoids content. Aqueous fraction inhibited platelet activation by 15 ± 6% (P<0.05). Fully spread of human platelets on collagen in the presence of aqueous fraction was inhibited from 15 ± 1 to 9 ± 1 μm2(P<0.001). After incubation of whole blood with aqueous fraction, the platelet coverage was inhibited by 55 ± 12% (P<0.001). Platelet ATP secretion and aggregation were significantly inhibited by the aqueous fraction. At the same concentrations that aqueous fraction inhibits platelet aggregation, levels of sCD40L significantly decreased and the intraplatelet cAMP levels increased. In addition, SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, attenuated the effect of aqueous fraction toward ADP-induced platelet aggregation and intraplatelet level of cAMP. Platelet aggregationex vivo(human study) and thrombosis formationin vivo(murine model) were inhibited by aqueous fraction. Finally, aqueous fraction may be used as a functional ingredient adding antiplatelet activities (nucleosides and flavonoids) to processed foods.
Desirability Improvement of Committee Machine to Solve Multiple Response Optimization Problems
Authors: Golestaneh Seyed Jafar , Ismail Napsiah , Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar M. , Tang Say Hong , Moslemi Naeini Hassan
Published: September 2013

Multiple response optimization (MRO) problems are usually solved in three phases that include experiment design, modeling, and optimization. Committee machine (CM) as a set of some experts such as some artificial neural networks (ANNs) is used for modeling phase. Also, the optimization phase is done with different optimization techniques such as genetic algorithm (GA). The current paper is a development of recent authors' work on application of CM in MRO problem solving. In the modeling phase, the CM weights are determined with GA in which its fitness function is minimizing the RMSE. Then, in the optimization phase, the GA specifies the final response with the object to maximize the global desirability. Due to the fact that GA has a stochastic nature, it usually finds the response points near to optimum. Therefore, the performance the algorithm for several times will yield different responses with different GD values. This study includes a committee machine with four different ANNs. The algorithm was implemented on five case studies and the results represent for selected cases, when number of performances is equal to five, increasing in maximum GD with respect to average value of GD will be eleven percent. Increasing repeat number from five to forty-five will raise the maximum GD by only about three percent more. Consequently, the economic run number of the algorithm is five.
Native Valve Endocarditis due toEnterococcus hiraePresenting as a Neurological Deficit
Authors: Anghinah Renato , Watanabe Rafael Gustavo Sato , Simabukuro Mateus Mistieri , Guariglia Carla , Pinto Lécio Figueira , Gonçalves Daniella Costa de Menezes e
Published: September 2013

Enterococcus hiraeis a rare isolate in clinical specimens. We describe a case of native aortic valve endocarditis in a 56-year-old man. This is the third reported case of endocarditis due to this organism, the first without recurrence of endocarditis and the first presenting as a neurological deficit.
Portal Hypertension and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Relationship Revealed
Authors: Toros Ahmet Burak , Gokcay Serkan , Cetin Guven , Ar Muhlis Cem , Karagoz Yesim , Kesici Besir
Published: September 2013

Background/Objectives.Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms have a well-established increased risk of thrombosis. Many trials report identification of an underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm by investigation of the patients developing portal hypertensive esophagus and/or fundus variceal hemorrhage in the absence of any known etiology. This trial was designed to investigate the association between myeloproliferative neoplasms and portal hypertension and to detect the frequency of portal hypertension development in this subset of patients.Methodology.Twenty-nine patients previously diagnosed with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, and primary myelofibrosis, who were under followup at the hematology outpatient clinic of our hospital, were included in the trial.Results.In our trial, we detected portal hypertension in 13.8% of the patients (n=4), as a finding that was similar to those obtained in other studies performed to date.Conclusions.Considering the fact that diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms usually takes a long time, treatment should be started (while, on the other hand, assessing the investigational and therapeutical choices for the complications) right after the bone marrow biopsy or cytogenetic studies required for establishing the final diagnosis have been performed.
Defect Study of MgO-CaO Material Doped with CeO2
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhao Huizhong , Chen Jinfeng , Li Jingjie , Yu Jun , Nie Jianhua
Published: September 2013

MgO-CaO refractories were prepared using analytical reagent chemicals of Ca(OH)2and Mg(OH)2as starting materials and CeO2as dopant, then sintered at 1650°C for 3 h. The effect of CeO2powders on the defect of MgO-CaO refractories was investigated. The sample characterizations were analyzed by the techniques of XRD and SEM. According to the results, with the addition of CeO2, the lattice constant of CaO increased, and the bulk density of the samples increased while apparent porosity decreased. The densification of MgO-CaO refractories was promoted obviously. In the sintering process, MgO grains grew faster than CaO, pores at the MgO-CaO grain boundaries decreased while pores in the MgO grains increased gradually, and no pores were observed in the CaO grains. The nature of the CeO2promoting densification lies in the substitution and solution with CaO. Ce4+approaches into CaO lattices, which enlarges the vacancy concentration of Ca2+and accelerates the diffusion of Ca2+.
Food Marketing Targeting Youth and Families: What Do We Know about Stores Where Moms Actually Shop?
Authors: Grigsby-Toussaint Diana S. , Rooney Mary R.
Published: September 2013

Although efforts are underway to examine marketing that targets the youth and families in the retail food store environment, few studies have specifically focused on stores that families identify as their primary sites for food shopping. Between November 2011 and April 2012, we examined the frequency and types of marketing techniques of 114 packaged and nonpackaged items in 24 food stores that mothers of young children in Champaign County, IL, said they commonly frequented. Chi-square tests were used to determine whether significant differences existed between items with regard to marketing by store type, store food-assistance-program acceptance (i.e., WIC), and claims. Overall, stores accepting WIC and convenience stores had higher frequencies of marketing compared to non-WIC and grocery stores. Fruits and vegetables had the lowest frequency of any marketing claim, while salty snacks and soda had the highest frequency of marketing claims. Nutrition claims were the most common across all items, followed by taste, suggested use, fun, and convenience. Television tie-ins and cartoons were observed more often than movie tie-ins and giveaways. Our results suggest an opportunity to promote healthful items more efficiently by focusing efforts on stores where mothers actually shop.
Novel Spectrophotometric Method for the Quantitation of Urinary Xanthurenic Acid and Its Application in Identifying Individuals with Hyperhomocysteinemia Associated with VitaminB6Deficiency
Authors: Chen Chi-Fen , Liu Tsan-Zon , Lan Wu-Hsiang , Wu Li-An , Tsai Chin-Hung , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Tsai Li-Yu
Published: September 2013

A novel spectrophotometric method for the quantification of urinary xanthurenic acid (XA) is described. The direct acid ferric reduction (DAFR) procedure was used to quantify XA after it was purified by a solid-phase extraction column. The linearity of proposed method extends from 2.5 to 100.0 mg/L. The method is precise, yielding day-to-day CVs for two pooled controls of 3.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Correlation studies with an established HPLC method and a fluorometric procedure showed correlation coefficients of 0.98 and 0.98, respectively. Interference from various urinary metabolites was insignificant. In a small-scale screening of elderly conducted at Penghu county in Taiwan (n=80), we were able to identify a group of twenty individuals having hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmole/L). Three of them were found to be positive for XA as analyzed by the proposed method, which correlated excellently with the results of the activation coefficient method for RBC’s AST/B6functional test. These data confirm the usefulness of the proposed method for identifying urinary XA as an indicator of vitamin B6deficiency-associated hyperhomocysteinemic condition.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles with Self‐Sustained Natural Rubber Membranes
Authors: Cabrera Flávio C. , Mohan Haider , dos Santos Renivaldo J. , Agostini Deuber L. S. , Aroca Ricardo F. , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel A. , Job Aldo E.
Published: September 2013

Green chemistry is an innovative way to approach the synthesis of metallic nanostructures employing eco‐friendly substances (natural compounds) acting as reducing agents. Usually, slow kinetics are expected due to, use of microbiological materials. In this report we study composites of natural rubber (NR) membranes fabricated using latex from Hevea brasiliensis trees (RRIM 600) that works as reducing agent for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. A straight and clean method is presented, to produce gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in a flexible substrate or in solution, without the use of chemical reducing reagents, and at the same time providing good size’s homogeneity, reproducibility, and stability of the composites.
Power Management in Multiuser Adaptive Modulation Transmission under QoS Requirements
Authors: Althunibat Saud , Zorba Nizar , Skianis Charalabos , Verikoukis Christos
Published: September 2013

A transmitter power management mechanism is presented in this paper where Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Multiuser Random Beamforming with Adaptive Modulation strategy is performed by the system. The objective of the proposed mechanism is quality of service (QoS) satisfaction for the scheduled user. The QoS is represented by the application demanded data rate and symbol error rate. The power outage problem is considered and a practical method to minimize the outage probability is proposed. The obtained results are encouraging as they show a great decrease in the system power budget. The multiuser system capability is also exploited to achieve larger power saving values and smaller probability of power outage by scheduling the user with the best channel characteristics at each time instant. The amount of saved power and the power outage probability are both presented through closed-form expressions. These theoretical results are compared to computer simulations, which show very good agreement in performance.
Neuropathology and Animal Models of Autism: Genetic and Environmental Factors
Authors: Gadad Bharathi S. , Hewitson Laura , Young Keith A. , German Dwight C.
Published: September 2013

Autism is a heterogeneous behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. It is defined by the presence of marked social deficits, specific language abnormalities, and stereotyped repetitive patterns of behavior. Because of the variability in the behavioral phenotype of the disorder among patients, the term autism spectrum disorder has been established. In the first part of this review, we provide an overview of neuropathological findings from studies of autism postmortem brains and identify the cerebellum as one of the key brain regions that can play a role in the autism phenotype. We review research findings that indicate possible links between the environment and autism including the role of mercury and immune-related factors. Because both genes and environment can alter the structure of the developing brain in different ways, it is not surprising that there is heterogeneity in the behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes of autism spectrum disorders. Finally, we describe animal models of autism that occur following insertion of different autism-related genes and exposure to environmental factors, highlighting those models which exhibit both autism-like behavior and neuropathology.
Evaluation of a Salutogenetic Concept for Inpatient Psychosomatic Treatment
Authors: Hinterberger Thilo , Auer Jochen , Schmidt Stephanie , Loew Thomas
Published: September 2013

The increase of psychosomatic disorders due to cultural changes requires enhanced therapeutic models. This study investigated a salutogenetic treatment concept for inpatient psychosomatic treatment, based on data from more than 11000 patients of a psychosomatic clinic in Germany. The clinic aims at supporting patients’ health improvement by fostering values such as humanity, community, and mindfulness. Most of patients found these values realized in the clinical environment. Self-assessment questionnaires addressing physical and mental health as well as symptom ratings were available for analysis of pre-post-treatment effects and long-term stability using one-year follow-up data, as well as for a comparison with other clinics. With respect to different diagnoses, symptoms improved in self-ratings with average effect sizes between 0.60 and 0.98. About 80% of positive changes could be sustained as determined in a 1-year follow-up survey. Patients with a lower concordance with the values of the clinic showed less health improvement. Compared to 14 other German psychosomatic clinics, the investigated treatment concept resulted in slightly higher decrease in symptoms (e.g., depression scale) and a higher self-rated mental and physical improvement in health. The data suggest that a successfully implemented salutogenetic clinical treatment concept not only has positive influence on treatment effects but also provides long-term stability.
The Predictive Value of Cystatin C in Monitoring of B Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Relation to Biochemical and Clinical Parameters
Authors: Softić A. , Begić L. , Halilbašić A. , Vižin T. , Kos J.
Published: September 2013

The predictive value of cystatin C as a marker of course of the disease has been evaluated. Fifty-two pairs of serum samples of patients with B non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been collected at the time of diagnosis and before fourth cycle of chemotherapy. The levels of cystatin C, CRP,β2M, LDH, and IL-6 in samples have been measured, and clinical parameters of course of the disease (B symptoms, clinical stage, patients’ age, and IPI) have been noted. In total patient’s group cystatin C levels correlated withβ2M and IPI. In aggressive lymphomas, the inhibitor levels correlated with clinical stage of disease and were significantly higher in patients with elevated LDH activity. In aggressive nodal lymphomas its levels correlated withβ2M, IPI, and clinical stage of disease. The cystatin C level was significantly increased in total group of patients over 60 years old, while in particular types of lymphoma, no statistical significance has been obtained. Our results indicate that cystatin C should be taken into consideration in disease monitoring. However, we expect that the disease-free and overall survival analysis will give the definitive answer about the reliability of cystatin C as an indicator of course of aggressive lymphomas.
Gastric Stump Cancer: More Than Just Another Proximal Gastric Cancer and Demanding a More Suitable TNM Staging System
Authors: Costa-Pinho André , Pinto-de-Sousa J. , Barbosa José , Costa-Maia J.
Published: September 2013

Background. Considerable controversy persists about the biological behavior of gastric stump cancer (GSC). The aim of this study is to clarify if this cancer is just another proximal gastric cancer or if it emerges as a distinctive clinicopathologic entity.Methods. This review of a prospectively collected gastric cancer database identified 73 patients with GSC in a single institution between January 1980 and June 2012 and compared them with 328 patients with proximal gastric cancer (PGC) and 291 patients with esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC).Results. Patients with GSC were predominantly males. Eighty-three percent of GSC penetrated the subserosal or the serosal layers. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved in GSC patients was significantly lower than in PGC patients or in EGJC patients. Cumulative survival curves were not different between GSC, PGC, or EGJC patients. Unlike that observed in PGC and in EGJC, no significant differences in cumulative survival according to the TNM staging system were observed in GSC cases.Conclusions. The outcome of patients with GSC displayed significant differences when compared to those with other proximal gastric cancers concerning the lack of survival association with the TNM staging system. Therefore a more suitable staging system should be designed for these unique cancers.
On the Mazur-Ulam Theorem in Non-Archimedean Fuzzy -Normed Spaces
Authors: Xu Tian Zhou
Published: September 2013

The motivation of this paper is to present a new notion of non-Archimedean fuzzy -normed space over a field with valuation. We obtain a Mazur-Ulam theorem for fuzzy -isometry mappings in the strictly convex non-Archimedean fuzzy -normed spaces. We also prove that the interior preserving mapping carries the barycenter of a triangle to the barycenter point of the corresponding triangle. And then, using this result, we get a Mazur-Ulam theorem for the interior preserving fuzzy -isometry mappings in non-Archimedean fuzzy -normed spaces over a linear ordered non-Archimedean field.
Emergency Excision of Cardiac Myxoma and Endovascular Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysm after Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Al-Said Youssef , Al-Rached Heyam , Baeesa Saleh , Kurdi Khalil , Zabani Ibrahim , Hassan Ahmed
Published: September 2013

Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary tumor of the heart, located mainly in the left atrium. Cerebral embolization or intracranial aneurysm formation as a consequence of left atrial myxomas has been well documented, whereas myxoma embolization causing the combination of cerebral infarction and intracranial myxomatous aneurysm is rare. We report herein, a 67-year-old female with a cardiac myxoma who experienced a left hemispheric embolic ischemic stroke and in addition was found to have right internal carotid artery aneurysm. The patient underwent emergency surgical excision of left atrial myxoma 2 hours after the stroke onset and endovascular coiling of the aneurysm a week later. Although the timing of cardiac surgery is controversial in patients who have had recent ischemic stroke, we recommend immediate resection of cardiac myxoma, if feasible, and early endovascular treatment of associated intracranial myxomatous aneurysms.
Evaluation of the Benefit of Routine Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Francissen C. M. T. P. , van la Parra R. F. D. , Mulder A. H. , Bosch A. M. , de Roos W. K.
Published: September 2013

Aims. Intraoperative analysis of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) by frozen section (FS) allows for immediate axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in case of metastatic disease in patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of intraoperative FS, with regard to false negative rate (FNR) and influence on operation time. Materials and Methods. Intraoperative analysis of the SLN by FS was performed on 628 patients between January 2005 and October 2009. Patients were retrospectively studied. Results. FS accurately predicted axillary status in 525 patients (83.6%). There were 78 true positive findings (12.4%), of which there are 66 macrometastases (84.6%), 2 false positive findings (0.3%), and 101 false negative findings (16.1%), of which there are 65 micrometastases and isolated tumour cells (64.4%) resulting in an FNR of 56.4%. Additional operation time of a secondary ALND after wide local excision and SLNB is 17 minutes, in case of ablative surgery 35 minutes. The SLN was negative in 449 patients (71.5%), making their scheduled operation time unnecessary. Conclusions. FS was associated with a high false negative rate (FNR) in our population, and the use of telepathology caused an increase in this rate. Only 12.4% of the patients benefited from intraoperative FS, as secondary ALND could be avoided, so FS may be indicated for a selected group of patients.
The Budget of Turbulent Kinetic Energy during Premonsoon Season over Kharagpur as Revealed by STORM Experimental Data
Authors: Tyagi Bhishma , Satyanarayana A. N. V.
Published: September 2013

Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget variations during thunderstorm days (TD) and nonthunderstorm days (NTD) of premonsoon seasons of 2007, 2009, and 2010 have been investigated at a tropical station Kharagpur (22°30′N, 87°20′E) using the surface layer turbulence data obtained during severe thunderstorms-observations and regional modeling (STORM) experiment. Significant variations in the contributions of the TKE budget parameters with respect to stability are observed on these contrasting days of weather activity. In highly unstable conditions, smaller dissipation rates are seen on TD compared to NTD, while approaching near neutral conditions, higher dissipation rates are found in TD. New relationships between TKE dissipation rates with respect to atmospheric stability are proposed at Kharagpur for TD and NTD.
Ficus caricaL. (Moraceae): Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities
Authors: Mawa Shukranul , Husain Khairana , Jantan Ibrahim
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the botanical features ofFicus caricaL. (Moraceae), its wide variety of chemical constituents, its use in traditional medicine as remedies for many health problems, and its biological activities. The plant has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as gastric problems, inflammation, and cancer. Phytochemical studies on the leaves and fruits of the plant have shown that they are rich in phenolics, organic acids, and volatile compounds. However, there is little information on the phytochemicals present in the stem and root. Reports on the biological activities of the plant are mainly on its crude extracts which have been proven to possess many biological activities. Some of the most interesting therapeutic effects include anticancer, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial activities. Thus, studies related to identification of the bioactive compounds and correlating them to their biological activities are very useful for further research to explore the potential ofF. caricaas a source of therapeutic agents.
Human Bioclimatic Conditions, Trends, and Variability in the Athens University Campus, Greece
Authors: Nastos Panagiotis T. , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: September 2013

The objective of this work is the assessment of human thermal bioclimatic conditions in the Athens University Campus (AUC), including the Faculties and their respective Departments of the largest state institution of higher learning in Greece, and among the largest universities in Europe. The analysis of bioclimate was carried out, using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), which is based on the energy balance model of the human body. The meteorological data required for the calculation of PET concern hourly values of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and total solar radiation, for the time period 1999–2007. The recorded data sets were obtained from the meteorological station of the Laboratory of Climatology and Atmospheric Environment of the University of Athens. The results revealed the hours of the day in which thermal comfort or stress prevails, as well as the trends and variability of PET, for the studied period. Finally, the intense heat waves occurred during summer 2007 along with extreme cold conditions during December 2003-February 2004 were analyzed in terms of PET classes and compared to the respective average bioclimatic conditions of the study period.
The Robotic Lumbar Spine: Dynamics and Feedback Linearization Control
Authors: Karadogan Ernur , Williams Robert L.
Published: September 2013

The robotic lumbar spine (RLS) is a 15 degree-of-freedom, fully cable-actuated robotic lumbar spine which can mimicin vivohuman lumbar spine movements to provide better hands-on training for medical students. The design incorporates five active lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum, with dimensions of an average adult human spine. It is actuated by 20 cables connected to electric motors. Every vertebra is connected to the neighboring vertebrae by spherical joints. Medical schools can benefit from a tool, system, or method that will help instructors train students and assess their tactile proficiency throughout their education. The robotic lumbar spine has the potential to satisfy these needs in palpatory diagnosis. Medical students will be given the opportunity to examine their own patient that can be programmed with many dysfunctions related to the lumbar spine before they start their professional lives as doctors. The robotic lumbar spine can be used to teach and test medical students in their capacity to be able to recognize normal and abnormal movement patterns of the human lumbar spine under flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion. This paper presents the dynamics and nonlinear control of the RLS. A new approach to solve for positive and nonzero cable tensions that are also continuous in time is introduced.
Importance of Regulatory T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Mattozzi Carlo , Salvi Monica , D'Epiro Sara , Giancristoforo Simona , Macaluso Laura , Luci Cecilia , Lal Karan , Calvieri Stefano , Richetta Antonio Giovanni
Published: September 2013

Psoriasis is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory cutaneous disease; the main role in the inflammation of this condition is played by lymphocyte Th1, Th17 and their cytokines. The activity of these cells is modulated by a particular kind of T cells recently described: the T regulatory cells (Treg). These are able to inhibit the immunological response and to maintain the cutaneous immunological homeostasis, thus preventing autoimmunity against self antigens. Few data are available in the literature as to Treg in psoriasis; several studies demonstrate that the function of these cells is impaired in this condition and treatments for psoriasis may increase the number and activity of Treg. The role of these cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is very important to understand how they may contribute to the development of this cutaneous disorder. In the near future it would be possible to target therapies at these defects, improving the activity of these cells and maintaining cutaneous homeostasis, preventing psoriasis or other inflammatory cutaneous conditions.
Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy Treated with Ipilimumab Therapy
Authors: Audemard A. , de Raucourt S. , Miocque S. , Comoz F. , Giraud J.M. , Dreno B. , Bienvenu B. , Rogerie M.-J. , Dompmartin A.
Published: September 2013

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a rare autoimmune syndrome in patients with melanoma characterized by visual disorders. MAR is induced by the degeneration of bipolar cells of the retina and the presence of serum autoantibodies against retina proteins. Ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody, improves survival in previously treated patients with metastatic melanoma, but is responsible for a spectrum of immune-related adverse events. Administration of ipilimumab to patients with autoimmune diseases (such as MAR or vitiligo) is actually not recommended. We report a patient presenting with MAR occurring during a melanoma relapse. Surgery and chemotherapy had no effect on visual acuity and melanoma increased. In the absence of alternative antitumoral treatment, we focused on the vital prognosis and treated the patient with ipilimumab. Two years after the treatment the patient is free from new metastasis but has presented with exacerbation of vitiligo and MAR. In the very rare case of melanoma with autoimmune disease without a therapy option, ipilimumab could be discussed, taking into account the fact that it can be effective on tumor burden but can also increase autoimmunity.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Common Arterial Trunk: A Single-Center's Experience
Authors: Lee Mi-Young , Won Hye-Sung , Lee Byong Sop , Kim Ellen Ai-Rhan , Kim Young-Hwue , Park Jeong-Jun , Yun Tae-Jin
Published: September 2013

Introduction: To report our experience in fetuses prenatally diagnosed with common arterial trunk (CAT) and to evaluate the postnatal outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between 2003 and 2012. Maternal medical and fetal echocardiographic records regarding fetuses were prenatally diagnosed with CAT were reviewed. Postnatal outcomes of survivors were also assessed during the mean follow-up of 36 months. Results: Of the 17 fetuses that were prenatally diagnosed with CAT and had a final diagnosis by postnatal echocardiography or autopsy, 12 were confirmed to have CAT and 5 were incorrectly diagnosed with CAT. Of the latter, 3 had pulmonary atresia and 2 had aortic atresia. The diagnostic accuracy was 71%. The median gestational age at prenatal diagnosis of confirmed CAT was 24.4 weeks (range 21.1-34.3). The truncal valve was prenatally thickened in 8 fetuses. All but 1 of the 12 confirmed CAT cases had associated heart and/or extracardiac anomalies. Of the 8 liveborn cases of postnatally confirmed CAT, 2 died before or after surgery respectively. The remaining 6 remained alive after successful corrective surgery. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of CAT can be difficult in some cases and other diseases should be excluded before diagnosing CAT. Isolated CAT can be repaired by postnatal corrective surgery with a good outcome.
Is Radical Hysterectomy Necessary in Early Cervical Cancer?
Authors: Meirovitz Mihai , Sade Shanny , Dreiher Jacob , Shaco-Levy Ruthy
Published: September 2013

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of tumor spread to the parametrium, vagina and uterine corpus in radical hysterectomy specimens and define a subgroup of patients with low-risk of extracervical involvement, who may benefit from less radical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 96 patients with stage IA1-IIA cervical cancer who had undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Results: Tumor spread beyond the uterine cervix was evident in 45 (47%) patients. Thirteen (13%) of the 96 patients had parametrial tumor spread, 12 (13%) had vaginal tumor extension, and 23 (24%) had uterine corpus involvement. Tumor size >2 cm, stromal invasion to a depth of ≥8 mm, and lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI) were significantly associated with extracervical invasion. Twenty-five patients had stromal invasion of <8 mm and no LVSI, of which only 1 (4%) had extracervical involvement. On the contrary, extracervical involvement was evident in 44 patients (63%) among those who had stromal invasion of ≥8 mm and/or LVSI (p < 0.001). Among women with LVSI, extracervical tumor spread was seen with any tumor size and any depth of stromal invasion. All patients with stromal invasion to a depth of >15 mm had extracervical invasion. Conclusion: Patients with tumor size <2 cm, depth of invasion of <8 mm and no LVSI could be considered for less radical surgery.
The Return of Unexpected Research Results in a Biobank Study and Referral to Health Care for Heritable Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Haukkala A. , Kujala E. , Alha P. , Salomaa V. , Koskinen S. , Swan H. , Kääriäinen H.
Published: September 2013

Background: In this study, we examined how biobank study participants, who were found to have long QT syndrome (LQTS), a potentially life-threatening but treatable cardiac arrhythmia condition, experienced the process of disclosure of unexpected results and referral to health care. Methods: All 27 subjects with a LQTS mutation finding were asked to complete a questionnaire. Four participants did not uptake the re-testing and 5 others did not respond to the questionnaire. We received 17 questionnaires from 6 males and 11 females, aged 46-82; 5 of them were also willing to participate in qualitative interviews. Results: Of the respondents, 16/17 had experienced the process of receiving the results as positive and useful, especially if they had had symptoms. One respondent experienced the process negatively due to concerns related to informing her children. All respondents felt that genetic results should be reported back to the participants, while 2 indicated that this should occur only in the case of treatable conditions. Respondents had informed all of their children about the genetic condition, except 2 minors. Conclusions: The respondents from a population biobank study who were informed about an unexpected genetic finding evaluated this process as mainly positive. They considered that delivering genetic information about a life-threatening but actionable condition has more beneficial than adverse consequences. The feedback policy for biobanks should include how and who is informed, advise treatment or care pathways for actionable findings, and it should also include suitable options for those who do not want to know about such findings.
Fetal Red Blood Cell Parameters in Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Karnpean Rossarin , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan , Ratanasiri Thawalwong
Published: September 2013

Introduction: With the lack of fetal blood specimens in routine practice, little is known about red blood cell (RBC) parameters of fetuses with various thalassemia syndromes. This study aimed to describe these in various forms of thalassemia. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 93 fetal blood specimens obtained from pregnant women by cordocentesis during 18-24 weeks of gestation. RBC parameters were recorded on automated analyzer. Hemoglobin (Hb) and DNA analyses were performed for definite genotyping. Results: No significant difference in RBC parameters was observed between non-thalassemic fetuses and those with β-thalassemia trait, Hb E trait, homozygous Hb E and β-thalassemia/Hb E disease. However, in those with α⁰-thalassemia trait and double heterozygous α⁰-thalassemia/Hb E, slight reduction in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was noted. Fetuses with the Hb H disease showed significant reductions in Hb, MCV and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH). Marked reductions in Hb, hematocrit, MCH and mean cell Hb concentration and increased RBC distribution width with numerous nucleated RBC were clearly observed in Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis. Conclusion: Simple analysis of fetal RBC parameters is useful for making presumptive prenatal diagnosis of α-thalassemia syndromes including Hb H disease and Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis which can then be confirmed by Hb and DNA analyses.