bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting the Optimal Combination Model of FSSVM for the Imbalance Datasets
Authors: Qin Chuandong , Zhao Huixia
Published: March 2014

Imbalanced data learning is one of the most active and important fields in machine learning research. The existing class imbalance learning methods can make Support Vector Machines (SVMs) less sensitive to class imbalance; they still suffer from the disturbance of outliers and noise present in the datasets. A kind of Fuzzy Smooth Support Vector Machines (FSSVMs) are proposed based on the Smooth Support Vector Machine (SSVM) of O. L. Mangasarian. SSVM can be computed by the Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno (BFGS) algorithm or the Newton‐Armijo algorithm easily. Two kinds of fuzzy memberships and three smooth functions can be chosen in the algorithms. The fuzzy memberships consider the contribution rate of each sample to the optimal separating hyperplane. The polynomial smooth functions can make the optimization problem more accurate at the inflection point. Those changes play the active effects on trials. The results of the experiments show that the FSSVMs can gain the better accuracy and the shorter time than the SSVMs and some of the other methods.
On Ulam's Type Stability of the Cauchy Additive Equation
Authors: Brzdęk Janusz
Published: March 2014

We prove a general result on Ulam's type stability of the functional equationfx+y=fx+fy, in the class of functions mapping a commutative group into a commutative group. As a consequence, we deduce from it some hyperstability outcomes. Moreover, we also show how to use that result to improve some earlier stability estimations given by Isaac and Rassias.
Weak Equivalence Transformations for a Class of Models in Biomathematics
Authors: Freire Igor Leite , Torrisi Mariano
Published: March 2014

A class of reaction-diffusion systems unifying severalAedes aegyptipopulation dynamics models is considered. Equivalence transformations are found. Extensions of the principal Lie algebra are derived for some particular cases.
Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Chronic Silicosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mishra Pritinanda , Jacob Sajini Elizabeth , Basu Debdatta , Panigrahi Manoj Kumar , Govindaraj Vishnukanth
Published: March 2014

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica. People working in occupations like sandblasting, surface drilling, tunneling, silica flour milling, ceramic making, and so forth are predisposed to develop silicosis. Crystalline forms of silica are more fibrogenic than the amorphous forms, highlighting the importance of the physical form in pathogenesis. Lung biopsy is rarely performed for the diagnosis of silicosis as it can easily be detected by occupational history and radiological features. Patients with silicosis can develop complications like tuberculosis, lung cancer, progressive massive fibrosis, cor pulmonale, broncholithiasis, or tracheobronchial compression by lymph nodes. Pleural involvement in silicosis is rare. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a pleural complication that can develop in such patients. Usually in silicosis pneumothorax is unilateral. We hereby report the lung biopsy findings and discuss the mechanism of pneumothorax development in a case of chronic silicosis who, later on died during the course of the disease.
Recent Progress in Cryopreservation of Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Hwang In-Sul , Hochi Shinichi
Published: March 2014

Principle of oocyte cryoinjury is first overviewed and then research history of cryopreservation using bovine oocytes is summarized for the last two decades with a few special references to recent progresses. Various types of cryodevices have been developed to accelerate the cooling rate and applied to the oocytes from large domestic species enriched with cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Two recent approaches include the qualitative improvement of IVM oocytes prior to the vitrification and the short-term recovery culture of vitrified-warmed oocytes prior to the subsequent IVF. Supplementation of L-carnitine to IVM medium of bovine oocytes has been reported to reduce the amount of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and improve the cryotolerance of the oocytes, but it is still controversial whether the positive effect of L-carnitine is reproducible. Incidence of multiple aster formation, a possible cause for low developmental potential of vitrified-warmed bovine oocytes, was inhibited by a short-term culture of the postwarm oocytes in the presence of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Use of an antioxidantα-tocopherol, instead of the ROCK inhibitor, also supported the revivability of the postwarm bovine oocytes. Further improvements of the vitrification procedure, combined with pre- and postvitrification chemical treatment, would overcome the high sensitivity of bovine oocytes to cryopreservation.
Integrated Feedback Scheduling and Control Codesign for Motion Coordination of Networked Induction Motor Systems
Authors: Zhao Dezong , Ding Qingqing , Zhang Shangmin , Li Chunwen , Stobart Richard
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the codesign of remote speed control and network scheduling for motion coordination
of multiple induction motors through a shared communication network. An integrated feedback scheduling algorithm is designed to allocate the optimal sampling period and priority to each control loop to optimize the global performance of a networked control system (NCS), while satisfying the constraints of stability and schedulability. A speed synchronization method is incorporated into the scheduling algorithm to improve the speed synchronization performance of multiple induction motors. The rational gain of the network speed controllers is calculated using the Lyapunov theorem and tuned online by fuzzy logic to guarantee the robustness against complicated variations on the communication network. Furthermore, a state predictor is designed to compensate the time delay which occurred in data transmission from the sensor to the controller, as a part of the networked controller. Simulation results support the effectiveness of the proposed control‐and‐scheduling codesign approach.
IFP-Intuitionistic Fuzzy Softh-Ideals of Hemirings and Its Decision Making
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhan Jianming
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concepts of IFP-intuitionistic fuzzy softh-ideals and IFP-equivalent intuitionistic fuzzy softh-ideals of hemirings. Some characterizations and properties of them are given. In particular, some good examples are explored. Finally, we investigate aggregate intuitionistic fuzzyh-ideals of hemirings based on decision making.
Reliability of the Function in Sitting Test (FIST)
Authors: Gorman Sharon L. , Rivera Monica , McCarthy Lise
Published: March 2014

The function in sitting test (FIST) is a newly developed, performance-based measure examining deficits in seated postural control. The FIST has been shown to be internally consistent and valid in persons with neurological dysfunction but intra- and interrater reliability and test-retest reliability have not been previously described. Seven patients with chronic neurologic dysfunction were tested and videotaped performing the FIST on two consecutive days. Seventeen acute care and inpatient rehabilitation physical therapist raters scored six of the videotaped performance of the FIST on two occasions at least 2 weeks apart. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate the test-retest and intra- and interrater reliability of the FIST. ICC of 0.97 (95% CI 0.847–0.995) indicated excellent test-retest reliability of the FIST. Intra- and interrater reliability was also excellent with ICCs of 0.99 (95% CI 0.994–0.997) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.988–0.994), respectively. Physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals can confidently use the FIST in a variety of clinical practice and research settings due to its favorable reliability characteristics. More studies are needed to describe the responsiveness and minimal clinically important level of change in FIST scores to further enhance clinical usefulness of this measure.
A Novel Iterative Scheme and Its Application to Differential Equations
Authors: Khan Yasir , Naeem F. , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to employ an alternative approach to reconstruct the standard variational iteration algorithm II proposed by He, including Lagrange multiplier, and to give a simpler formulation of Adomian decomposition and modified Adomian decomposition method in terms of newly proposed variational iteration method-II (VIM). Through careful investigation of the earlier variational iteration algorithm and Adomian decomposition method, we find unnecessary calculations for Lagrange multiplier and also repeated calculations involved in each iteration, respectively. Several examples are given to verify the reliability and efficiency of the method.
Hydrolysis of Glycosidic Flavonoids during the Preparation of Danggui Buxue Tang: An Outcome of Moderate Boiling of Chinese Herbal Mixture
Authors: Zhang Wendy Li , Chen Jian-Ping , Lam Kelly Yin-Ching , Zhan Janis Ya-Xian , Yao Ping , Dong Tina Ting-Xia , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung
Published: March 2014

Chemical change during boiling of herbal mixture is a puzzle. By using Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction that contains Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), we developed a model in analyzing the hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides during the boiling of herbal mixture in water. A proper preparation of DBT is of great benefit to the complete extraction of bioactive ingredients. Boiling of DBT in water increased the solubility of AR‐derived astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, and ononin in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent manner: the amounts of these chemicals reached a peak at 2 h. The glycosidic resides of AR, calycosin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, and ononin could be hydrolyzed during the moderate boiling process to form calycosin and formononetin, respectively. The hydrolysis efficiency was strongly affected by pH, temperature, and amount of herbs. Interestingly, the preheated herbs were not able to show this hydrolytic activity. The current results supported the rationality of ancient preparation of DBT in boiling water by moderate heat.
Kink-Like Wave and Compacton-Like Wave Solutions for a Two-Component Fornberg-Whitham Equation
Authors: Li Shaoyong , Song Ming
Published: March 2014

Using bifurcation method and numerical simulation approach of dynamical systems, we study a two-component Fornberg-Whitham equation. Two types of bounded traveling wave solutions are found, that is, the kink-like wave and compacton-like wave solutions. The planar graphs of these solutions are simulated by using software Mathematica; meanwhile, two new phenomena are revealed; that is, the periodic wave solution can become the kink-like wave or compacton-like wave solution under some conditions, respectively. Exact implicit or parameter expressions of these solutions are given.
Intelligent Supply Chain Integration and Management Based on Cloud of Things
Authors: Yan Junwei , Xin Sijin , Liu Quan , Xu Wenjun , Yang Liwen , Fan Li , Chen Bo , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2014

The fierce global competition and market turbulence has been forcing the enterprises towards to the integration and intelligence for supply chain management, and the seamless information sharing and collaboration as well as operation agility are the challenges which need to be conquered, in terms of the highly distributed and heterogeneous resources located in separated warehouses. Although a number of works have been done to achieve the aforementioned targets, few of them are able to provide an overall integration and intelligence support for such system management. In this context, a novel intelligent supply chain integration and management system based on Cloud of Things is presented, in order to provide flexible and agile approaches to facilitate the resource sharing and participant collaboration in the whole supply chain life cycle. Furthermore, the enabling technologies, such as intelligent supply chain condition perception, heterogeneous network access convergence, and resource servicisation, are also studied. Finally, a case study together with the prototype system is implemented and demonstrates that the developed system can efficiently realise the integration of supply chain processes in the form of services, and also provide the effective intelligence support for physical resource management, so as to achieve an overall performance assurance for the system operation.
Low Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Critical Survey
Authors: Beckmann Kathrin H. , Meyer-Hamme Gesa , Schröder Sven
Published: March 2014

Diabetic foot ulcers as one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus are defined as nonhealing or long‐lasting chronic skin ulcers in diabetic patients. Multidisciplinary care for the diabetic foot is common, but treatment results are often unsatisfactory. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound areas as well as on acupuncture points, as a noninvasive, pain‐free method with minor side effects, has been considered as a possible treatment option for the diabetic foot syndrome. A systematic literature review identified 1764 articles on this topic. Finally, we adopted 22 eligible references; 8 of them were cell studies, 6 were animal studies, and 8 were clinical trials. Cell studies and animal studies gave evidence of cellular migration, viability, and proliferation of fibroblast cells, quicker reepithelization and reformed connective tissue, enhancement of microcirculation, and anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibition of prostaglandine, interleukin, and cytokine as well as direct antibacterial effects by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transferral of these data into clinical medicine is under debate. The majority of clinical studies show a potential benefit of LLLT in wound healing of diabetic ulcers. But there are a lot of aspects in these studies limiting final evidence about the actual output of this kind of treatment method. In summary, all studies give enough evidence to continue research on laser therapy for diabetic ulcers, but clinical trials using human models do not provide sufficient evidence to establish the usefulness of LLLT as an effective tool in wound care regimes at present. Further well designed research trials are required to determine the true value of LLLT in routine wound care.
The Role of Suppressors of Cytokine Signalling in Human Neoplasms
Authors: Sasi Walid , Sharma Anup K. , Mokbel Kefah
Published: March 2014

Suppressors of cytokine signalling 1–7 (SOCS1–7) and cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS) are a group of intracellular proteins that are well known as JAK-STAT and several other signalling pathways negative feedback regulators. More recently several members have been identified as tumour suppressors and dysregulation of their biological roles in controlling cytokine and growth factor signalling may contribute to the development of many solid organ and haematological malignancies. This review explores their biological functions and their possible tumour suppressing role in human neoplasms.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Persistent Vegetative States: Ethical Issues Governing Decision Making
Authors: Patuzzo Sara , Manganotti Paolo
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the fundamental ethical issues of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on patients remaining in Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). First, the purpose of this analysis was to discuss the nature of this intervention in order to classify it such as an ordinary clinical practice, or otherwise as an extraordinary clinical practice or as experimental research. Second, ethical issues, criticisms, and methodological issues of this intervention, also in the future perspectives, are discussed, attempting to identify who could give informed consent for a patient in PVS.
TLR2 Elicits IL-17-Mediated RANKL Expression, IL-17, and OPG Production in Neutrophils from Arthritic Mice
Authors: Milanova Viktoriya , Ivanovska Nina , Dimitrova Petya
Published: March 2014

We investigated the ability of neutrophils to express receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), to secrete osteoprotegerin (OPG), and to produce IL-17. Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of zymosan, a ligand for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Frequencies of neutrophils in bone marrow (BM), blood and synovial fluid (SF), receptor expression, and cytokine production were evaluated by flow cytometry. 1A8 antibody (1A8 Ab) was used to deplete neutrophils in zymosan-injected SCID mice. IL-17, RANKL, and OPG amounts in SF, serum, or cell cultures were determined by ELISA. The development of arthritis was associated with increased secretion of IL-17, RANKL, and OPG in serum and SF, elevated frequencies of Ly6G+CD11b+cells in BM, blood, and SF and upregulated RANKL expression. Both IL-17 and OPG were absent in serum and SF after neutrophil depletion; therefore we assume that they were released by neutrophils. In vitro blood Ly6G+CD11b+cells from arthritic mice produced spontaneously IL-17, IFN-γ, and OPG and expressed RANKL. This phenotype was sustained by IL-17. TLR2 engagement increased IL-17 and IFN-γproduction, potentiated IL-17-mediated RANKL expression, and inhibited OPG secretion. We conclude that TLR2 regulates the destructive potential of neutrophils and its targeting might limit joint alterations in arthritis.
Setting and Reaching Targets with Computer-Assisted Cochlear Implant Fitting
Authors: Vaerenberg Bart , De Ceulaer Geert , Szlávik Zoltán , Mancini Patrizia , Buechner Andreas , Govaerts Paul J.
Published: March 2014

Objective. The paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of defining a substantial set of psychoacoustic outcome measures with preset targets and to adopt a systematic methodology for reaching these targets in a large group of subjects, by more than one clinical centre.Design. Retrospective data analysis.Setting. Multicentre with 14 participating centres.Patients. 255 adults and children using the Advanced Bionics HiRes90k cochlear implant.Intervention. Target driven fitting with the fitting to outcomes expert (FOX) system.Main Outcome Measures. For each patient, 66 measurable psychoacoustical outcomes were recorded several times after cochlear implantation: free field audiometry (6 measures) and speech audiometry (4), spectral discrimination (20), and loudness growth (36), defined from the A§E test battery. These outcomes were reduced to 22 summary variables. The initial results were compared with the latest results.Results. The state of the fitting process could be well monitored by means of the measured variables. The use of the FOX computer assisted CI-programming significantly improved the proportion of the 22 variables on target. When recipients used the automated MAPs provided at switch-on, more than half (57%) of the 22 targets were already achieved before any further optimisation took place. Once the FOX system was applied there was a significant 24% (P<0.001) increase in the number of targets achieved.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to set targets and to report on the effectiveness of a fitting strategy in terms of these targets. FOX provides an effective tool for achieving a systematic approach to programming, allowing for better optimisation of recipients' MAPs. The setting of well-defined outcome targets allowed a range of different centres to successfully apply a systematic methodology to monitoring the quality of the programming provided.
The Boundedness of the Hardy-Littlewood Maximal Operator and Multilinear Maximal Operator in Weighted Morrey Type Spaces
Authors: Iida Takeshi
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to prove the boundedness of the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator on weighted Morrey spaces and multilinear maximal operator on multiple weighted Morrey spaces. In particular, the result includes the Komori-Shirai theorem and the Iida-Sato-Sawano-Tanaka theorem for the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator and multilinear maximal function.
Anaesthetic Management of Two Patients with Pompe Disease for Caesarean Section
Authors: Dons-Sinke I. J. J. , Dirckx M. , Scoones G. P.
Published: March 2014

The introduction of enzyme replacement therapy and the resultant stabilisation or improvement in mobility and respiratory muscle function afforded to patients with late-onset Pompe may lead to an increased number of Pompe patients prepared to accept the challenges of parenthood. In this case report, we describe our anaesthetic management of two patients with Pompe disease for a caesarean section.
Social Group Architecture Based Distributed Ride-Sharing Service in VANET
Authors: Zhao Weicheng , Qin Yajuan , Yang Dong , Zhang Linjuan , Zhu Wanting
Published: March 2014

Lots of traditional distributed ride-sharing services match vehicles with drivers and passengers geographic information only. When urban road congestion situation is particularly serious, such as Beijing's rush hour, the waiting time for the passengers is too long which affects the quality of the service. So we propose a distributed ride-sharing service based on dual Social Group Architecture (SGA). We divide the service into Drivers Social Group Architecture (DSGA) message and Vehicles Social Group Architecture (VSGA) message. Vehicles generate dual SGA messages to complete ride-sharing service. DSGA messages focus on the relation between drivers and passengers. We make a basic geometry matching by generating the DSGA messages. VSGA messages figure out the traffic conditions through a multilevel detection. After generating VSGA messages, the final matching strategy is processed. The low level detection is finished by the limited neighbors to decrease the network consume. Dual SGA messages shorten the waiting time for the passengers and avoid traffic jams. Analysis shows that our scheme enhances the ride-sharing service quality and robust.
Age-Related Alterations in Endothelial Function of Femoral Artery in Young SHR and WKY Rats
Authors: Puzserova Angelika , Ilovska Veronika , Balis Peter , Slezak Peter , Bernatova Iveta
Published: March 2014

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of vascular aging in juvenescence on endothelial function in femoral arteries and to assess differences between normotensive and hypertensive rats. The aim of the study was to determine if age affected nitric oxide- (NO-) mediated relaxations in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Juvenile (7-week-old) and young adult (22-week-old) male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used in this study. Femoral artery (FA) reactivity was determined by wire myograph and NO synthase activity by conversion of [3H]-L-arginine. During juvenescence systolic blood pressure (tail-cuff) increased significantly only in SHR, while NO synthesis decreased significantly in both strains. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were reduced in the FA of SHR compared to age-matched WKY at both ages, yet these parameters were unchanged in adult rats compared with juvenile animals. The NO-dependent component of vasorelaxation was markedly reduced, whereas the NO-independent component was increased in adult compared to juvenile rats in both strains. The endothelial dysfunction in SHR at both ages was associated with reduction of NO-independent mechanisms. In conclusion, aging in early periods of life was associated with reduction of vascular NO production and bioavailability in both strains investigated. This reduction was however fully compensated by accentuation of NO-independent mechanisms.
Evaluation of the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Using Recycled Aggregates as a Replacement Material
Authors: Nalanth N. , Venkatesan P. Vincent , Ravikumar M. S.
Published: March 2014

In this world of rapid urbanization the demand for natural construction materials is increasing day by day which has created a necessity for alternative construction materials. Recycling of materials is a possible way of eradicating the acute shortage of materials. Considerable work has been done in the area of self-compacting concrete by partial replacement of coarse aggregates (CA) with recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) obtained from construction and demolition debris. The present study has been done by adding steel fibers to concrete in a view of improving the mechanical properties of SCC so that it can be applied in beam column joints. An ideal mix proportion was arrived at, as a result of repeated trials and specimens that were cast and cured. The compression, tensile, and flexural strength parameters were determined and the result has been presented. The results obtained reveal that brick bats in combination with steel fibres may be used extensively in SCC.
A Multi‐Criterion Analysis of Cross‐Strait Co‐Opetitive Strategy in the Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Industry
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Chi , Yang Chia-Han
Published: March 2014

The research adopts multi‐criterion analysis to face cross‐strait cooperative and competitive (co‐opetitive) strategies problem in the crystalline silicon solar cell industry between Taiwan and China. The analysis framework is based on the national competitiveness. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach and TOPSIS analysis are applied to analyze firm‐level data, gathered from the solar cell companies across the Taiwan Strait. For the Taiwanese firms, their relative national competitiveness lies in technology development, domestic market, international competition in related industries, and subsidy policy. For the Chinese firms, domestic market, procurement conditions, customization, intellectual resources, risk capital, and human quality are found to be their competitive advantages. Both China and Taiwan have entered into the emerging solar cell industry, with an aim to climb beyond the ladder of catch up. The results have shown that Taiwan and China can explore the possibility of forging strategic alliances by exploiting national competitiveness on the demand side. Above all, the paper has managed to spotlight demand conditions as the crucial factors for China and Taiwan to enhance their international competitiveness in the emerging solar cell industry.
Human-Manipulator Interface Using Particle Filter
Authors: Du Guanglong , Zhang Ping , Wang Xueqian
Published: March 2014

This paper utilizes a human-robot interface system which incorporates particle filter (PF) and adaptive multispace transformation (AMT) to track the pose of the human hand for controlling the robot manipulator. This system employs a 3D camera (Kinect) to determine the orientation and the translation of the human hand. We use Camshift algorithm to track the hand. PF is used to estimate the translation of the human hand. Although a PF is used for estimating the translation, the translation error increases in a short period of time when the sensors fail to detect the hand motion. Therefore, a methodology to correct the translation error is required. What is more, to be subject to the perceptive limitations and the motor limitations, human operator is hard to carry out the high precision operation. This paper proposes an adaptive multispace transformation (AMT) method to assist the operator to improve the accuracy and reliability in determining the pose of the robot. The human-robot interface system was experimentally tested in a lab environment, and the results indicate that such a system can successfully control a robot manipulator.
A Novel Key-Frame Extraction Approach for Both Video Summary and Video Index
Authors: Lei Shaoshuai , Xie Gang , Yan Gaowei
Published: March 2014

Existing key-frame extraction methods are basically video summary oriented; yet the index task of key-frames is ignored. This paper presents a novel key-frame extraction approach which can be available for both video summary and video index. First a dynamic distance separability algorithm is advanced to divide a shot into subshots based on semantic structure, and then appropriate key-frames are extracted in each subshot by SVD decomposition. Finally, three evaluation indicators are proposed to evaluate the performance of the new approach. Experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves good semantic structure for semantics-based video index and meanwhile produces video summary consistent with human perception.
COgnitive-Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cleutjens Fiona A. H. M. , Janssen Daisy J. A. , Ponds Rudolf W. H. M. , Dijkstra Jeanette B. , Wouters Emiel F. M.
Published: March 2014

Over the past few decades, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) has been considered a disease of the lungs, often caused by smoking. Nowadays, COPD is regarded as a systemic disease. Both physical effects and effects on brains, including impaired psychological and cognitive functioning, have been demonstrated. Patients with COPD may have cognitive impairment, either globally or in single cognitive domains, such as information processing, attention and concentration, memory, executive functioning, and self-control. Possible causes are hypoxemia, hypercapnia, exacerbations, and decreased physical activity. Cognitive impairment in these patients may be related to structural brain abnormalities, such as gray-matter pathologic changes and the loss of white matter integrity which can be induced by smoking. Cognitive impairment can have a negative impact on health and daily life and may be associated with widespread consequences for disease management programs. It is important to assess cognitive functioning in patients with COPD in order to optimize patient-oriented treatment and to reduce personal discomfort, hospital admissions, and mortality. This paper will summarize the current knowledge about cognitive impairment as extrapulmonary feature of COPD. Hereby, the impact of smoking on cognitive functioning and the impact of cognitive impairment on smoking behaviour will be examined.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes following Primary Repair versus Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament for Recurrent Patellar Instability
Authors: Tompkins Marc , Kuenze Christopher M. , Diduch David R. , Miller Mark D. , Milewski Matthew D. , Hart Joseph P.
Published: March 2014

Background. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair or reconstruction.Methods. Fourteen knees that underwent MPFL repair and nine (F5, M4) knees that underwent reconstruction at our institution were evaluated for objective and subjective outcomes. The mean age at operation was 20.1 years for repair and 19.8 years for reconstruction. All patients had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up (range: 24–75 months). Patient subjective outcomes were obtained using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Kujala patellofemoral subjective evaluations, as well as Visual Analog (VAS) and Tegner Activity Scales. Bilateral isometric quadriceps strength and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) surface EMG were measured during maximal isometric quadriceps contractions at 30° and 60° of flexion.Results. There were no redislocations in either group. There was no difference in IKDC (P=0.16), Kujala (P=0.43), Tegner (P=0.12), or VAS (P=0.05) scores at follow-up. There were no differences between repair and reconstruction in torque generation of the involved side at 30° (P=0.96) and 60° (P=0.99). In addition, there was no side to side difference in torque generation or surface EMG activation of VL or VMO.Conclusions. There were minimal differences found between patients undergoing MPFL repair and MPFL reconstruction for the objective and subjective evaluations in this study.
Intracerebroventricular Administration of Nerve Growth Factor Induces Gliogenesis in Sensory Ganglia, Dorsal Root, and within the Dorsal Root Entry Zone
Authors: Schlachetzki Johannes C. M. , Pizzo Donald P. , Morrissette Debbi A. , Winkler Jürgen
Published: March 2014

Previous studies indicated that intracerebroventricular administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) leads to massive Schwann cell hyperplasia surrounding the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. This study was designed to characterize the proliferation of peripheral glial cells, that is, Schwann and satellite cells, in the trigeminal ganglia and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult rats during two weeks of NGF infusion using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label dividing cells. The trigeminal ganglia as well as the cervical and lumbar DRG were analyzed. Along the entire neuraxis a small number of dividing cells were observed within these regions under physiological condition. NGF infusion has dramatically increased the generation of new cells in the neuronal soma and axonal compartments of sensory ganglia and along the dorsal root and the dorsal root entry zone. Quantification of BrdU positive cells within sensory ganglia revealed a 2.3- to 3-fold increase in glial cells compared to controls with a similar response to NGF for the different peripheral ganglia examined. Immunofluorescent labeling with S100βrevealed that Schwann and satellite cells underwent mitosis after NGF administration. These data indicate that intracerebroventricular NGF infusion significantly induces gliogenesis in trigeminal ganglia and the spinal sensory ganglia and along the dorsal root entry zone as well as the dorsal root.
Signalment and Blood Types in Cats Being Evaluated as Blood Donors at Two Italian University Blood Banks
Authors: Spada Eva , Miglio Arianna , Proverbio Daniela , Antognoni Maria Teresa , Bagnagatti De Giorgi Giada , Ferro Elisabetta , Mangili Vittorio
Published: March 2014

Data from potential feline blood donors presented at two university blood banks in Italy were recorded. Blood typing was performed using an immunochromatographic method. Over the three years of the study 357 cats representing 15 breeds, 45.3% female and 54.7% male, with a mean age of 3.8 years were evaluated. Of these 90.5% were blood type A, 5.6% type B, and 3.9% type AB. The majority of the cats (54.6%) were European DSH (92.3% were type A, 5.1% type B, and 2.6% type AB), and 21% were Maine Coon (MCO) cats (100% blood type A). The estimated frequencies of transfusion reactions following an unmatched transfusion between DSH (donors and recipients), MCO (donor and recipients), DSH donors and MCO recipients, and MCO donors and DSH recipients were 4.8%, 0%, 0%, and 5.1% for major reactions and 7.2%, 0%, 7.7%, and 0% for minor transfusions reactions, respectively. In a population of blood donors that includes DSH and MCO the risk of transfusion reaction is between 5% and 8% if typing is not performed on donor and recipient blood. Blood typing should therefore be performed before transfusion to remove the risk of transfusion reactions due to blood type incompatibilities.
Towards Application of One-Class Classification Methods to Medical Data
Authors: Irigoien Itziar , Sierra Basilio , Arenas Concepción
Published: March 2014

In the problem of one-class classification (OCC) one of the classes, the target class, has to be distinguished from all other possible objects, considered as nontargets. In many biomedical problems this situation arises, for example, in diagnosis, image based tumor recognition or analysis of electrocardiogram data. In this paper an approach to OCC based on a typicality test is experimentally compared with reference state-of-the-art OCC techniques—Gaussian, mixture of Gaussians, naive Parzen, Parzen, and support vector data description—using biomedical data sets. We evaluate the ability of the procedures using twelve experimental data sets with not necessarily continuous data. As there are few benchmark data sets for one-class classification, all data sets considered in the evaluation have multiple classes. Each class in turn is considered as the target class and the units in the other classes are considered as new units to be classified. The results of the comparison show the good performance of the typicality approach, which is available for high dimensional data; it is worth mentioning that it can be used for any kind of data (continuous, discrete, or nominal), whereas state-of-the-art approaches application is not straightforward when nominal variables are present.
Oligodendroglioma Arising in Mature Cystic Teratoma
Authors: Ünal Betül , Güleç Faruk , Şedele Murat
Published: March 2014

Background.Development of neuroepithelial tumors from mature cystic teratoma is very rare. We present a case of oligodendroglioma developing inside mature cystic teratoma.Case.Eighteen-years-old female, right adnexal mass with solid and cystic areas was detected. Sections showed all three germ layers. Also, a tumoral lesion was observed in a glial fibrillary matrix. Tumor was composed of monotonous, uniform cells which have oval-round nucleus, perinuclear halo, and indistinct cytoplasm. GFAP, EGFR, P53 were positive.Conclusions.We diagnosed oligodendroglioma arising from mature cystic teratoma. There was no recurrence at the end of 13 months followup. The number of cases which have been reported in the literature is only a few.
Physical Performance Is Associated with Working Memory in Older People with Mild to Severe Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Volkers K. M. , Scherder E. J. A.
Published: March 2014

Background. Physical performances and cognition are positively related in cognitively healthy people. The aim of this study was to examine whether physical performances are related to specific cognitive functioning in older people with mild to severe cognitive impairment.Methods. This cross-sectional study included 134 people with a mild to severe cognitive impairment (mean age 82 years). Multiple linear regression was performed, after controlling for covariates and the level of global cognition, with the performances on mobility, strength, aerobic fitness, and balance as predictors and working memory and episodic memory as dependent variables.Results. The full models explain 49–57% of the variance in working memory and 40–43% of episodic memory. Strength, aerobic fitness, and balance are significantly associated with working memory, explaining 3–7% of its variance, irrespective of the severity of the cognitive impairment. Physical performance is not related to episodic memory in older people with mild to severe cognitive impairment.Conclusions. Physical performance is associated with working memory in older people with cognitive impairment. Future studies should investigate whether physical exercise for increased physical performance can improve cognitive functioning. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNTR1482.
Nonoscillatory Solutions for System of Neutral Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Chen Zhanhe , Sun Taixiang , Wang Qi , Xi Hongjian
Published: March 2014

We will discuss nonoscillatory solutions to then-dimensional functional system of neutral type dynamic equations on time scales. We will establish some sufficient conditions for nonoscillatory solutions with the propertylimt→∞⁡xit=0, i=1, 2, …,n.
Long Noncoding RNA Plays a Key Role in Metastasis and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Guangbing , Zhang Haohai , Wan Xueshuai , Yang Xiaobo , Zhu Chengpei , Wang Anqiang , He Lian , Miao Ruoyu , Chen Shuguang , Zhao Haitao
Published: March 2014

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been attracting immense research interests. However, only a handful of lncRNAs had been thoroughly characterized. They were involved in fundamental cellular processes including regulation of gene expression at epigenetics as well as tumorogenesis. In this paper, we give a systematic and comprehensive review of existing literature about lncRNA involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma. This review exhibited that lncRNAs played important roles in tumorigenesis and subsequent prognosis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and elucidated the role of some specific lncRNAs such as MALAT1 and HOTAIR in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and their potential of being therapeutic targets.
Promoter Hypermethylation and Suppression of Glutathione Peroxidase 3 Are Associated with Inflammatory Breast Carcinogenesis
Authors: Mohamed Mona M. , Sabet Salwa , Peng Dun-Fa , Nouh M. Akram , El-Shinawi Mohamed , El-Rifai Wael
Published: March 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in breast cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. Inhibition of antioxidant enzymes that remove ROS was found to accelerate cancer growth. Studies showed that inhibition of glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPX3) was associated with cancer progression. Although the role of GPX3 has been studied in different cancer types, its role in breast cancer and its epigenetic regulation have not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate GPX3 expression and epigenetic regulation in carcinoma tissues of breast cancer patients’ in comparison to normal breast tissues. Furthermore, we compared GPX3 level of expression and methylation status in aggressive phenotype inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) versus non-IBC invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We found that GPX3 mRNA and protein expression levels were downregulated in the carcinoma tissues of IBC compared to non-IBC. However, we did not detect significant correlation between GPX3 and patients’ clinical-pathological prosperities. Promoter hypermethylation of GPX3 gene was detected in carcinoma tissues not normal breast tissues. In addition, IBC carcinoma tissues showed a significant increase in the promoter hypermethylation of GPX3 gene compared to non-IBC. Our results propose that downregulation of GPX3 in IBC may play a role in the disease progression.
Wind Velocity Decreasing Effects of Windbreak Fence for Snowfall Measurement
Authors: You Ki-Pyo , Kim Young-Moon
Published: March 2014

Meteorological observatories use measuring boards on even ground in open areas to measure the amount of snowfall. In order to measure the amount of snowfall, areas unaffected by wind should be found. This study tried to determine the internal wind flow inside a windbreak fence, identifying an area unaffected by wind in order to measure the snowfall. We performed a computational fluid dynamics analysis and wind tunnel test, conducted field measurements of the type and height of the windbreak fence, and analyzed the wind flow inside the fence. The results showed that a double windbreak fence was better than a single windbreak fence for decreasing wind velocity. The double fence (width 4 m, height 60 cm, and fixed on the bottom) has the greatest wind velocity decrease rate at the central part of octagonal windbreak.
Simulation and Prediction of Ion Transport in the Reclamation of Sodic Soils with Gypsum Based on the Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Jinman , Bai Zhongke , Yang Peiling
Published: March 2014

The effect of gypsum on the physical and chemical characteristics of sodic soils is nonlinear and controlled by multiple factors. The support vector machine (SVM) is able to solve practical problems such as small samples, nonlinearity, high dimensions, and local minima points. This paper reports the use of the SVM regression method to predict changes in the chemical properties of sodic soils under different gypsum application rates in a soil column experiment and to evaluate the effect of gypsum reclamation on sodic soils. The research results show that (1) the SVM soil solute transport model using the Matlab toolbox represents the change in Ca2+and Na+in the soil solution and leachate well, with a high prediction accuracy. (2) Using the SVM model to predict the spatial and temporal variations in the soil solute content is feasible and does not require a specific mathematical model. The SVM model can take full advantage of the distribution characteristics of the training sample. (3) The workload of the soil solute transport prediction model based on the SVM is greatly reduced by not having to determine the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient and retardation coefficient, and the model is thus highly practical.
Modulation of Cytokine Production by Drugs with Antiepileptic or Mood Stabilizer Properties in Anti-CD3- and Anti-CD40-Stimulated BloodIn Vitro
Authors: Himmerich Hubertus , Bartsch Stefanie , Hamer Hajo , Mergl Roland , Schönherr Jeremias , Petersein Charlotte , Munzer Alexander , Kirkby Kenneth Clifford , Bauer Katrin , Sack Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Increased cytokine production possibly due to oxidative stress has repeatedly been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Recentin vitroand animal studies of valproic acid (VPA) report antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and suppression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We tested the effect of drugs with antiepileptic or mood stabilizer properties, namely, primidone (PRM), carbamazepine (CBZ), levetiracetam (LEV), lamotrigine (LTG), VPA, oxcarbazepine (OXC), topiramate (TPM), phenobarbital (PB), and lithium on the production of the following cytokinesin vitro: interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, and TNF-α. We performed a whole blood assay with stimulated blood of 14 healthy female subjects. Anti-human CD3 monoclonal antibody OKT3, combined with 5C3 antibody against CD40, was used as stimulant. We found a significant reduction of IL-1 and IL-2 levels with all tested drugs other than lithium in the CD3/5C3-stimulated blood; VPA led to a decrease in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-αproduction, which substantiates and adds knowledge to current hypotheses on VPA’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Investigation of Bacterial Cellulose Biosynthesis Mechanism inGluconoacetobacter hansenii
Authors: Mohite Bhavna V. , Patil Satish V.
Published: March 2014

The present study explores the mechanism of cellulose biosynthesis inGluconoacetobacter hansenii. The cellulose synthase enzyme was purified as membrane fraction and solubilized by treatment with 0.1% digitonin. The enzyme was separated by native-gel electrophoresis andβ-D-glucan analysis was carried out using in vitro gel assay. The cellulose synthase has glycoprotein nature and composed two polypeptide subunits of 93 KDa and 85 KDa. The confirmation ofβ-1,4-glucan (cellulose) was performed in whole and hydrolyzed monomeric sugar form. Tinopal and Congo red were used for cellulose detection on the gel. Thus the in vitro cellulose synthesis assay with cell free enzyme fraction was attempted to improve the understanding of cellulose biosynthesis.
Evaluation the Surface Antigen of theSalmonella typhimuriumATCC 14028 Ghosts Prepared by “SLRP”
Authors: Amro Amara A. , Neama Ahmed J. , Hussein Ahmed , Hashish Emad A. , Sheweita Salah A.
Published: March 2014

Recently, bacterial ghosts (BGs) were prepared using a protocol based on critical chemical concentrations. It has been given the name “sponge like” (SL) protocol and used in its reduced form “sponge like reduced protocol” (SLRP). While specific antibody forSalmonellais available on the market under the commercial names (of some kits) such as Febrile Antigen Kit (N.S. BIO-TEC), we used the described Kit to investigate the validity of the SLRP. In this study, using SLRP we succeeded to prepare STGs with correct surface antigens could interact with their specific antibodies. Additionally the study has included oral vaccination with STGs with challenge test. The rats serums have been evaluated against both of the O and H antigens. The antigen-antibody interaction (agglutination) results of both the SLRP and the animal experiments prove that we have correct STGs able to immunize the rats against viableSalmonella. STGs could be used as vaccine and as adjuvant and in the antibodies and in the diagnostic kits production. This study is an additional step for the establishment of correct BGs for immunological purposes.