bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, eserine, induces long-term depression at CA3-CA1 synapses in the hippocampus of adult rats
Authors: Mans Robert Alan , Warmus Brian A. , Smith Caroline C. , McMahon Lori L.
Published: August 2014

Studies in humans and rodents support a role for muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR) and nicotinic AChR in learning and memory, and both regulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity using complex and often times opposing mechanisms. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are commonly prescribed to enhance cholinergic signaling in Alzheimer's disease in hopes of rescuing cognitive function, caused, in part, by degeneration of cholinergic innervation to the hippocampus and cortex. Unfortunately, therapeutic efficacy is moderate and inconsistent, perhaps due to unanticipated mechanisms. M1 mAChRs bidirectionally control synaptic strength at CA3-CA1 synapses; weak pharmacological activation using carbachol (CCh) facilitates potentiation, whereas strong agonism induces muscarinic long-term depression (mLTD) via an ERK-dependent mechanism. Here, we tested the prediction that accumulation of extracellular ACh via inhibition of AChE is sufficient to induce LTD at CA3-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices from adult rats. Although AChE inhibition with eserine induces LTD, it unexpectedly does not share properties with mLTD induced by CCh, as reported previously. Eserine-LTD was prevented by the M3 mAChR-preferring antagonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP), and pharmacological inhibition of MEK was completely ineffective. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK prevents mLTD but has no effect on eserine-LTD. Finally, long-term expression of eserine-LTD is partially dependent on a decrease in presynaptic release probability, likely caused by tonic activation of mAChRs by the sustained increase in extracellular ACh. Thus these findings extend current literature by showing that pharmacological AChE inhibition causes a prolonged decrease in presynaptic glutamate release at CA3-CA1 synapses, in addition to inducing a likely postsynaptic form of LTD.
Roles of GABAA and GABAB receptors in regulating thalamic activity by the zona incerta: a computational study
Authors: Park Anthony , Hoffman Kathleen , Keller Asaf
Published: August 2014

The posterior thalamic nucleus (PO) is a higher order nucleus heavily implicated in the processing of somatosensory information. We have previously shown in rodent models that activity in PO is tightly regulated by inhibitory inputs from a GABAergic nucleus known as the zona incerta (ZI). The level of incertal inhibition varies under both physiological and pathological conditions, leading to concomitant changes in PO activity. These changes are causally linked to variety of phenomena from altered sensory perception to pathological pain. ZI regulation of PO is mediated by GABAA and GABAB receptors (GABAAR and GABABR) that differ in their binding kinetics and their electrophysiological properties, suggesting that each may have distinct roles in incerto-thalamic regulation. We developed a computational model to test this hypothesis. We created a two-cell Hodgkin-Huxley model representing PO and ZI with kinetically realistic GABAAR- and GABABR-mediated synapses. We simulated spontaneous and evoked firing in PO and observed how these activities were affected by inhibition mediated by each receptor type. Our model predicts that spontaneous PO activity is preferentially regulated by GABABR-mediated mechanisms, while evoked activity is preferentially regulated by GABAAR. Our model also predicts that modulation of ZI firing rate and synaptic GABA concentrations is an effective means to regulate the incerto-thalamic circuit. The coupling of distinct functions to GABAAR and GABABR presents an opportunity for the development of therapeutics, as particular aspects of incerto-thalamic regulation can be targeted by manipulating the corresponding receptor class. Thus these findings may provide interventions for pathologies of sensory processing.
Strong Convergence of the Split-Step Theta Method for Stochastic Delay Differential Equations with Nonglobally Lipschitz Continuous Coefficients
Authors: Yue Chao , Huang Chengming
Published: August 2014

This paper is concerned with the convergence analysis of numerical methods for stochastic delay differential equations. We consider the split-step theta method for nonlinear nonautonomous equations and prove the strong convergence of the numerical solution under a local Lipschitz condition and a coupled condition on the drift and diffusion coefficients. In particular, these conditions admit that the diffusion coefficient is highly nonlinear. Furthermore, the obtained results are supported by numerical experiments.
Regularization of the Shock Wave Solution to the Riemann Problem for the Relativistic Burgers Equation
Authors: Zhang Ting , Shen Chun
Published: August 2014

The regularization of the shock wave solution to the Riemann problem for the relativistic Burgers equation is considered. For Riemann initial data consisting of a single decreasing jump, we find that the regularization of nonlinear convective term cannot capture the correct shock wave solution. In order to overcome it, we consider a new regularization technique called the observable divergence method introduced by Mohseni and discover that it can capture the correct shock wave solution. In addition, we take the Helmholtz filter for the fully explicit computation.
Path Following of Autonomous Vehicle in 2D Space Using Multivariable Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Ji Daxiong , Liu Jian , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Yiqun
Published: August 2014

A solution to the path following problem for underactuated autonomous vehicles in the presence of possibly large modeling parametric uncertainty is proposed. For a general class of vehicles moving in 2D space, we demonstrated a path following control law based on multiple variable sliding mode that yields global boundedness and convergence of the position tracking error to a small neighborhood and robustness to parametric modeling uncertainty. An error integration element is added into the “tanh” function of the traditional sliding mode control. We illustrated our results in the context of the vehicle control applications that an underwater vehicle moves along with the desired paths in 2D space. Simulations show that the control objectives were accomplished.
Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma Detected as a Result of Pneumothorax and the Subsequent Occurrence of Multiple Cystic Metastases
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Yoshida Masahiro , Yabe Masami , Baba Yuri , Baba Emiri , Katagi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Takeo , Takagi Masamichi , Nakada Takeo , Akiba Tadashi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2014

A 39-year-old man was admitted for spontaneous pneumothorax. He underwent pulmonary resection to correct the lesion causing the air leakage, and a pathological diagnosis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma was made because we thought that the pneumothorax developed due to the direct rupture of necrotic neoplastic tissue into the pleural cavity. After the operation, the patient received chemotherapy, during which multiple cystic metastases gradually developed in the lung that caused repeated occurrences of pneumothorax. Clinicians must be careful to recognize that pneumothorax can also be a complication of primary and various metastatic pulmonary malignancies.
Compression of Multispectral Images with Comparatively Few Bands Using Posttransform Tucker Decomposition
Authors: Li Jin , Xing Fei , You Zheng
Published: August 2014

Up to now, data compression for the multispectral charge‐coupled device (CCD) images with comparatively few bands (MSCFBs) is done independently on each multispectral channel. This compression codec is called a “monospectral compressor.” The monospectral compressor does not have a removing spectral redundancy stage. To fill this gap, we propose an efficient compression approach for MSCFBs. In our approach, the one dimensional discrete cosine transform (1D‐DCT) is performed on spectral dimension to exploit the spectral information, and the posttransform (PT) in 2D‐DWT domain is performed on each spectral band to exploit the spatial information. A deep coupling approach between the PT and Tucker decomposition (TD) is proposed to remove residual spectral redundancy between bands and residual spatial redundancy of each band. Experimental results on multispectral CCD camera data set show that the proposed compression algorithm can obtain a better compression performance and significantly outperforms the traditional compression algorithm‐based TD in 2D‐DWT and 3D‐DCT domain.
Validation of Two-Phase Flow Model for Leachate Recirculation in Bioreactor Landfills
Authors: Reddy Krishna R. , Giri Rajiv K. , Kulkarni Hanumanth S.
Published: August 2014

A numerical two-phase flow model is presented to determine the moisture distribution and pore water and gas pressures within unsaturated municipal solid waste (MSW) in bioreactor landfills during leachate recirculation. The numerical model used is the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC), which is based on finite difference approach. The model governing equations and mathematical formulations is briefly explained. Validation of the model is examined by simulating the published laboratory and field studies and published modeling studies. Overall, the two-phase flow model is found to produce results comparable with those of the published studies. This assures that the model can be used for the prediction of moisture distribution and for the rational design of leachate recirculation systems in bioreactor landfills.
Comparison of the Effect of Heterologous and Homologous Seminal Plasma on Motility and Chromatin Integrity of Stallion Spermatozoa Selected by Single Layer Centrifugation
Authors: Morrell J. M. , Johannisson A.
Published: August 2014

The effect on sperm motility and chromatin integrity of adding homologous or heterologous equine seminal plasma (SP) to fresh stallion spermatozoa selected by single layer centrifugation (SLC) was studied. No statistical difference in mean progressive motility was seen after adding SP at time 0 h, although there were differences for individual stallions. The proportion of spermatozoa with high velocity was increased compared to untreated SLC-selected spermatozoa (P<0.05), with significant differences between individuals (P<0.01). When the SLC samples were stored for 24 h before adding SP, a significant increase in mean progressive motility was seen for SLC + homologous SP (P<0.01) and for SLC + heterologous SP (P<0.056). Whether homologous SP or heterologous SP had a greater effect on progressive motility depended on the individual. Adding either type of SP caused a significant increase in chromatin damage compared to SLC after storage for 24 h (homologous SP, P<0.05; heterologous SP, P<0.01). These preliminary data showed that storage of SLC-spermatozoa mixed with SP should be avoided because of the risk of increased chromatin damage. If SP is to be added to take advantage of a transient increase in progressive motility for a particular individual stallion, different combinations of SP and spermatozoa should be tested first to optimize the effect.
Albuminuria Is Associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients with Early Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu Nan , Zhao Weiwei , Ye Kuanping , Li Yintao , He Min , Lu Bin , Hu Renming
Published: August 2014

Aims.Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and albuminuria are both markers for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We speculate that albuminuria in T2DM patients with early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) could predict LVH.Methods.333 diabetic patients (219 non-DKD and 114 early DKD) were enrolled. The association between albuminuria and LVMI was examined using multivariate linear regression and logistic regression.Results.The rate of LVH was significantly higher in patients with early DKD versus those without DKD (57.0% versus 32.9%;P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that albuminuria status (no, micro-, and macroalbuminuria;P<0.001), age (P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (P=0.0578), and the use of ACEI/ARB drug (P<0.001) were independently associated with LVMI. The risks were substantially higher for LVH in the microalbuminuria group (odds ratio 2.473 (95% confidence interval 1.370–4.464)) and macroalbuminuria group (odds ratio 3.940 (95% confidence interval 1.553–9.993)) compared with that in non-DKD group. Concentric hypertrophy was the most common geometric pattern in patients with early DKD (36.0%), followed by eccentric hypertrophy (21.0%).Conclusions.Albuminuria is associated with higher LVMI and higher rate of LVH in patients with early phase DKD.
Kölliker’s Organ and the Development of Spontaneous Activity in the Auditory System: Implications for Hearing Dysfunction
Authors: Dayaratne M. W. Nishani , Vlajkovic Srdjan M. , Lipski Janusz , Thorne Peter R.
Published: August 2014

Prior to the “onset of hearing,” developing cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and primary auditory neurons undergo experience-independent activity, which is thought to be important in retaining and refining neural connections in the absence of sound. One of the major hypotheses regarding the origin of such activity involves a group of columnar epithelial supporting cells forming Kölliker’s organ, which is only present during this critical period of auditory development. There is strong evidence for a purinergic signalling mechanism underlying such activity. ATP released through connexin hemichannels may activate P2 purinergic receptors in both Kölliker’s organ and the adjacent IHCs, leading to generation of electrical activity throughout the auditory system. However, recent work has suggested an alternative origin, by demonstrating the ability of IHCs to generate this spontaneous activity without activation by ATP. Regardless, developmental abnormalities of Kölliker’s organ may lead to congenital hearing loss, considering that mutations in ion channels (hemichannels, gap junctions, and calcium channels) involved in Kölliker’s organ activity share strong links with such types of deafness.
FitKids360: Design, Conduct, and Outcomes of a Stage 2 Pediatric Obesity Program
Authors: Tucker Jared M. , Eisenmann Joey C. , Howard Kathleen , Guseman Emily H. , Yee Kimbo E. , DeLaFuente Kimberly , Graybill Jill , Roberts Meggie , Murphy Megan , Saturley Heather , Peterson Tom
Published: August 2014

This paper describes FitKids360, a stage 2 pediatric weight management program. FitKids360 is a physician-referred, multicomponent, low-cost healthy lifestyle program for overweight and obese youth 5–16 years of age and their families. FitKids360 provides an evidence-based approach to the treatment of pediatric overweight by targeting patients’ physical activity, screen time, and dietary behaviors using a family-centered approach. The intervention begins with a two-hour orientation and assessment period followed by six weekly sessions. Assessments include lifestyle behaviors, anthropometry, and the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) survey, which screens for obesogenic risk factors in the home environment. Outcomes are presented from 258 patients who completed one of 33 FitKids360 classes. After completing FitKids360, patients increased moderate to vigorous physical activity by 14 minutes (P=0.019), reduced screen time by 44 minutes (P<0.001), and improved key dietary behaviors. Overall, FNPA scores increased by 9% (P<0.001) and 69% of patients with “high risk” FNPA scores at baseline dropped below the “high risk” range by followup. Patients also lowered BMIs (P=0.011) and age- and sex-adjusted BMIz-scores (P<0.001) after completing the 7-week program. We hope this report will be useful to medical and public health professionals seeking to develop stage 2 pediatric obesity programs.
Slowly Rotating Black Holes with Nonlinear Electrodynamics
Authors: Hendi S. H. , Allahverdizadeh M.
Published: August 2014

We study charged slowly rotating black hole with a nonlinear electrodynamics (NED) in the presence of cosmological constant. Starting from the static solutions of Einstein-NED gravity as seed solutions, we use the angular momentum as the perturbative parameter to obtain slowly rotating black holes. We perform the perturbations up to the linear order for black holes in 4 dimensions. These solutions are asymptotically AdS and their horizon has spherical topology. We calculate the physical properties of these black holes and study their dependence on the rotation parameteraas well as the nonlinearity parameterβ. In the limitβ→∞, the solution describes slowly rotating AdS type black holes.
Analysis of the Power of Common Diagnostic Tools in the Management of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Nistal Markus , Zoltani Malai , Lohse Ansgar W. , Di Daniele Nicola , Tesauro Manfredi , Pace Andrea
Published: August 2014

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious medical condition usually associated with severe upper abdominal pain. The purpose of our study is to assess the therapeutic consequences of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and the predictive value of CRP for severe pancreatitis. We included patients with a threefold increase of plasma lipase who had received a CE-CT or had a CRP of =150 mg/dl. A total of 74 out of 283 patients got a contrast-enhanced CT scan; in 11 cases the CT was followed by endoscopic or surgical interventions as therapeutic consequences compared with 19 out of 50 control cases. 69 out of 283 patients (24,3%) had CRP >150 mg/dl within 48 hours after admission. 32 of them had SAP. The CRP cutoff of 150 mg/L had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 65%. The positive predictive value for SAP in patients beyond the cutoff is 46.4%. The negative predictive value for SAP in patients below the cutoff was 89.5%. Our results support the opinion that an early CE-CT is usually not indicated. CRP helps to assess the course of AP; levels below 150 mg/dl between the first 48 h indicate a mild course in most of the cases.
Study of Natural and Accelerated Weathering on Mechanical Properties of Antioxidants Modified Low Density Polyethylene Films for Greenhouse
Authors: Al Othman Othman , Faiz Shan , Abduh Tuasikal Muhammad
Published: August 2014

Natural and accelerated weatherings were studied to inspect the effect of antioxidants to protect low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films for commercial application as greenhouse covering materials in Saudi Arabia. In this investigation, six different formulations of LDPE film with incorporation of antioxidants were prepared and compared with neat LDPE. The samples were extruded and blown into a film using twin-screw extruder and film blowing machine. The LDPE films were exposed for outdoor weathering in Riyadh during the period of 90 days (mid of June to mid of September) while the accelerated tests were performed by Weather-Ometer. The film having 0.2 wt% Alkanox-240 (AN-0.2) stabilizers showed the highest tensile strength among all samples during natural and 100-hour accelerated weathering (10.9 MPa and 21.8 MPa, resp.). The best elongation at break was witnessed in 0.2% Good-rite antioxidants which were 64% in natural weathering; however, 0.5% Good-rite antioxidants showed 232% in accelerated weathering. The film having 0.5 wt% Good-rite 3114 (GR-0.5) antioxidant could withstand 70 days during natural exposure before the tensile strength values were reduced to 2/3rd of the initial. The present study suggested that the addition of antioxidants Good-rite, Anox, and Alkanox can improve the mechanical strength, film’s life, effectiveness, and stability and they are suitable to be incorporated in LDPE for commercial greenhouse films.
Dyeing of Silk with Anthocyanins Dyes Extract from Liriope platyphylla Fruits
Authors: Wang Huayin , Li Ping , Zhou Wenlong
Published: August 2014

A new source of natural anthocyanins dyes, from Liriope platyphylla fruit, is proposed. This paper analyzes the dye extracts, the primary color components of the extracts, the color features of the extracts under different pH conditions, and their application in silk dyeing. The research shows that, nine anthocyanins are found in  L. platyphylla fruits by analyzing the results of the HPLC/DAD, MS, and MS/MS spectra. The five major anthocyanins related to delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin derivatives take up 91.72% of total anthocyanin contents. The color of the solution is red under acidic condition (pH < 3.0) and stays in yellow under alkaline condition with pH values above 7.0. The dye extracts applied to silk fabric with mordant free dyeing show different color under different pH conditions, changing between purple, blue, green, and yellow. However, the dyed colors is light and the dyeing rate is low. Metal mordant such as Sn in chelation enhances the dye depth and improves the fastness of the dyed silk fabrics, especially in silk fabrics dyed by premordanting and metamordanting.
Local Stabilization of Time‐Delay Nonlinear Discrete‐Time Systems Using Takagi‐Sugeno Models and Convex Optimization
Authors: Silva Luís F. P. , Leite Valter J. S. , Castelan Eugênio B. , Klug Michael
Published: August 2014

A convex condition in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is developed for the synthesis of stabilizing fuzzy state feedback controllers for nonlinear discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delays. A Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model is used to represent exactly the nonlinear system in a restricted domain of the state space, called region of validity. The proposed stabilization condition is based on a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii (L‐K) function and it takes into account the region of validity to determine a set of initial conditions for which the actual closed‐loop system trajectories are asymptotically stable and do not evolve outside the region of validity. This set of allowable initial conditions is determined from the level set associated to a fuzzy L‐K function as a Cartesian product of two subsets: one characterizing the set of states at the initial instant and another for the delayed state sequence necessary to characterize the initial conditions. Finally, we propose a convex programming problem to design a fuzzy controller that maximizes the set of initial conditions taking into account the shape of the region of validity of the T‐S fuzzy model. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate this proposal.
Mapping and Identification of the Urine Proteome of Prostate Cancer Patients by 2D PAGE/MS
Authors: Kiprijanovska Sanja , Stavridis Sotir , Stankov Oliver , Komina Selim , Petrusevska Gordana , Polenakovic Momir , Davalieva Katarina
Published: August 2014

Proteome analysis of the urine has shown that urine contains disease-specific information for a variety of urogenital system disorders, including prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to determine the protein components of urine from PCa patients. Urine from 8 patients with clinically and histologically confirmed PCa was analyzed by conventional 2D PAGE. The MS identification of the most prominent 125 spots from the urine map revealed 45 distinct proteins. According to Gene Ontology, the identified proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes, majority of them are secreted (71%), and half of them are enzymes or transporters. Comparison with the normal urine proteome revealed 11 proteins distinctive for PCa. Using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis, we have found 3 proteins (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase rififylin, tumor protein D52, and thymidine phosphorylase) associated with cellular growth and proliferation (p=8.35×10-4-3.41×10-2). The top network of functional associations between 11 proteins was Cell Death and Survival, Cell-To-Cell Signaling and Interaction, and System Development and Function (p=10-30). In summary, we have created an initial proteomic map of PCa patient’s urine. The results from this study provide some leads to understand the molecular bases of prostate cancer.
Differential Subordination with Generalized Derivative Operator of Analytic Functions
Authors: El-Yagubi Entisar , Darus Maslina
Published: August 2014

Motivated by generalized derivative operator defined by the authors (El-Yagubi and Darus, 2013) and the technique of differential subordination, several interesting properties of the operator Dλ1,λ2,δm,b are given.
Application of Artificial Immune System in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Jiachen , Hou Zhikun
Published: August 2014

A large number of methods have been proposed in the area of structural health monitoring (SHM). However, many of them rely on the prior knowledge of structural-parameter-values or the assumption that the structural-parameter-values do not change without damage. This dependence on specific parameter values limits these methods’ applicability. This paper proposes an artificial immune system- (AIS-) based approach for the civil structural health monitoring, which does not require specific parameter values to work. A linear three-floor structure model and a number of single-damage scenarios were used to evaluate the proposed method’s performance. The high success rate showed this approach’s great potential for the SHM tasks. This approach has merits of less dependence on the structural-parameter-values and low demand on the training conditions.
Antiviral Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharide of Adenanthera pavonina against Poliovirus in HEp‐2 Cells
Authors: Godoi Ananda Marques de , Faccin-Galhardi Lígia Carla , Lopes Nayara , Rechenchoski Daniele Zendrini , de Almeida Raimundo Rafael , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva , Nozawa Carlos , Linhares Rosa Elisa Carvalho
Published: August 2014

Adenanthera pavonina, popularly known as red‐bead tree, carolina, pigeon’s eye, and dragon’s eye, is a plant traditionally used in Brazil for the treatment of several diseases. The present study aimed at evaluating the activity of sulfated polysaccharide from the Adenanthera pavonina (SPLSAp) seeds against poliovirus type 1 (PV‐1) in HEp‐2 cell cultures. The SPLSAp presented a cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 500 μg/mL in HEp‐2 cell cultures, evaluated by the dimethylthiazolyl‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide method (MTT). The SPLSAp exhibited a significant antiviral activity, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.18 µg/mL, determined by plaque reduction assay and a high selectivity index (SI) of 423. The maximum inhibition (100%) of PV replication was found when the SPLSAp treatment was concomitant with viral infection (time 0 h), at all tested concentrations. The maximal inhibition was also found when the SPLSAp was used 1 h and 2 h postinfection, albeit at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. Therefore, we demonstrated that the SPLSAp inhibited PV growth. We also suggested that SPLSAp inhibited PV in more than one step of the replication, as the mechanism of antiviral action. We, therefore, selected the compound as a potential candidate for further development towards the control of the infection.
The Optimal Approach for Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy through Mono Port regarding Left or Right Sides: A Comparative Study
Authors: Byon Wooseok , Hyun Keehoon , Yun Ji-Sup , Park Yong Lai , Park Chan Heun
Published: August 2014

Introduction.Several studies have shown the feasibility and safety of both transperitoneal and posterior retroperitoneal approaches for single incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy, but none have compared the outcomes according to the left- or right-sided location of the adrenal glands.Materials and Methods.From 2009 to 2013, 89 patients who received LAMP (laparoscopic adrenalectomy through mono port) were analyzed. The surgical outcomes attained using the transperitoneal approach (TPA) and posterior retroperitoneal approach (PRA) were analyzed and compared.Results and Discussion.On the right side, no significant differences were found between the LAMP-TPA and LAMP-PRA groups in terms of patient characteristics and clinicopathological data. However, outcomes differed in which LAMP-PRA group had a statistically significant shorter mean operative time (84.13 ± 41.47 min versus 116.84 ± 33.17 min;P=0.038), time of first oral intake (1.00 ± 0.00 days versus 1.21 ± 0.42 days;P=0.042), and length of hospitalization (2.17 ± 0.389 days versus 3.68 ± 1.38 days;P≤0.001), whereas in left-sided adrenalectomies LAMP-TPA had a statistically significant shorter mean operative time (83.85 ± 27.72 min versus 110.95 ± 29.31 min;P=0.002).Conclusions.We report that LAMP-PRA is more appropriate for right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomies due to anatomical characteristics and better surgical outcomes. For left-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomies, however, we propose LAMP-TPA as a more suitable method.
A Novel Approach to Developing a Supervised Spatial Decision Support System for Image Classification: A Study of Paddy Rice Investigation
Authors: Chang Shih-Hsun
Published: August 2014

Paddy rice area estimation via remote sensing techniques has been well established in recent years. Texture information and vegetation indicators are widely used to improve the classification accuracy of satellite images. Accordingly, this study employs texture information and vegetation indicators as ancillary information for classifying paddy rice through remote sensing images. In the first stage, the images are attained using a remote sensing technique and ancillary information is employed to increase the accuracy of classification. In the second stage, we decide to construct an efficient supervised classifier, which is used to evaluate the ancillary information. In the third stage, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is introduced. LDA is a well‐known method for classifying images to various categories. Also, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to optimize the LDA classification outcomes and increase classification performance. In the fourth stage, we discuss the strategy of selecting different window sizes and analyze particle numbers and iteration numbers with corresponding accuracy. Accordingly, a rational strategy for the combination of ancillary information is introduced. Afterwards, the PSO algorithm improves the accuracy rate from 82.26% to 89.31%. The improved accuracy results in a much lower salt‐and‐pepper effect in the thematic map.
Innovative Solar Tracking Concept by Rotating Prism Array
Authors: García Héctor , Ramírez Carlos , León Noel
Published: August 2014

Solar energy has become one of the most promising renewable energies and is the most widely used nowadays. In order to achieve an optimum performance, both photovoltaic and solar thermal applications are required to track the position of the sun throughout the day and year in the most effective way possible to avoid a high negative impact on the system efficiency. The present paper attempts to describe a novel semipassive solar tracking concentrator (SPSTC) in which, in order to track the sun, two independent arrays of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prisms are implemented to refract sunlight by rotating said prisms, thus being able to redirect solar radiation as desired. The first set is responsible for eliminating one of the directional components of the solar radiation; the task is achieved by rotating the prisms within the array at a specific angle. The second set deals with another of the sunlight’s directional components, transforming its direction into a completely perpendicular pattern to the array. Having downward vertical radiation makes it possible to implement a stationary Fresnel lens to concentrate the solar radiation for any application desired. The system is designed and validated using simulation software to prove the feasibility of the concept.
Experimental Study on Thermal Performance of Externally Insulated Walls of Intermittent Air-Conditioned Rooms in Summer in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region, China
Authors: Ding Yong , Xu Lu , Li Baizhan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2014

Now requirements for the thermal performance of building walls are based on the assumption that heat flux transfers in one direction through the wall. However, in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region of China, the direction of heat flow in the wall not only changes with the seasons, but also changes in the same period of using. In this paper, dynamic thermal process of externally insulated walls in different air-conditioner’s running state in summer in Chongqing, China, was tested. The distribution characteristics of the outdoor and indoor air temperature and the surface and inner temperatures of the wall were analyzed and demonstrated. Based on the unsteady-state heat transfer theory, the study calculated and analyzed the distribution characteristics of the direction of the heat flux in the thermal process. Also the characteristics of insulation and heat preservation for walls under different air-conditioner’s running state were analyzed. It is shown that, in any air-conditioner’s running state, the direction of the heat flux through the wall is obviously dynamically changing. There is obvious difference in the thermal performance needs of the wall; that is, it has strong demand for thermal insulation in daytime and strong demand for heat dissipation during night time in summer.
Craniofacial Reconstruction Evaluation by Geodesic Network
Authors: Zhao Junli , Liu Cuiting , Wu Zhongke , Duan Fuqing , Wang Kang , Jia Taorui , Liu Quansheng
Published: August 2014

Craniofacial reconstruction is to estimate an individual’s face model from its skull. It has a widespread application in forensic medicine, archeology, medical cosmetic surgery, and so forth. However, little attention is paid to the evaluation of craniofacial reconstruction. This paper proposes an objective method to evaluate globally and locally the reconstructed craniofacial faces based on the geodesic network. Firstly, the geodesic networks of the reconstructed craniofacial face and the original face are built, respectively, by geodesics and isogeodesics, whose intersections are network vertices. Then, the absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the features of all corresponding geodesic network vertices between two models is taken as the holistic similarity, where the weighted average of the shape index values in a neighborhood is defined as the feature of each network vertex. Moreover, the geodesic network vertices of each model are divided into six subareas, that is, forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks, and chin, and the local similarity is measured for each subarea. Experiments using 100 pairs of reconstructed craniofacial faces and their corresponding original faces show that the evaluation by our method is roughly consistent with the subjective evaluation derived from thirty-five persons in five groups.
Awareness and Self-Reported Health Hazards of Electromagnetic Waves from Mobile Phone Towers in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shariful Islam Sheikh Mohammed
Published: August 2014

Background. Over the last few years there have been concerns regarding the health effects of electromagnetic waves (EMW) produced by mobile phone base transmitter stations (BTS). Data on possible health effects of EMW in developing countries are rare. This study was conducted to determine the awareness and self-reported health hazards of EMW from the mobile phone BTS in Dhaka city.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 respondents living around BTS in Dhaka city. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, mobile phone use, BTS and EMW awareness, and self-reported health problems.Results. The majority of respondents (92.7%) reported to have seen a BTS but only 29.5% knows how it works and 74.5% had no knowledge about the EMW. 49% respondents experienced sleeping disturbances while recent episodes of headache or dizziness were reported by 47% and mood change or anxiety or depression by 41%. About 22% complained about other physical or mental symptoms.Conclusion. Awareness about the possible health hazards from EMW of BTS is low among the inhabitants of Dhaka city. A number of respondents mentioned recent health effects but the association with BTS could not be established.
Reduction in Edge-Ringing in Aberrated Images of Coherent Edge Objects by Multishaded Aperture
Authors: Mekala Venkanna , Dasari Karuna Sagar
Published: August 2014

The images of a straight edge in coherent illumination produced by an optical system with circular aperture and apodized with multiple filters have been studied. The most common problem encountered in the coherent-imaging techniques is the edge-ringing. To minimize the edge-ringing, multishaded aperture method has been proposed. Image intensity distribution curves are drawn and edge-ringing values are evaluated. The results are compared to that of the airy case with the use of single, double and triple filtering.
Grain Emergency Vehicle Scheduling Problem with Time and Demand Uncertainty
Authors: DongQing Jiang , QunXiong Zhu
Published: August 2014

Grain transportation plays an important role in many relief and emergency supply chains. In this paper, we take the grain emergency vehicle scheduling model between multiwarehouses as the research object. Under the emergency environment, the aim of the problem is to maximize the utilization of vehicles and minimize the delay time. The randomness of the key parameters in grain emergency vehicle scheduling, such as time and demand, is determined through statistical analysis and the model is solved through robust optimization method. Besides, we apply the numerical examples for experimental analysis. We compare the robust optimization model with classic model to illustrate the differences and similarities between them. The results show that the uncertainty of both time and demand has great influence on the efficiency of grain emergency vehicle scheduling problem.
Association of Cancer Susceptibility Variants with Risk of Multiple Primary Cancers: The Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Park S. Lani , Caberto Christian P. , Lin Yi , Goodloe Robert J. , Dumitrescu Logan , Love Shelly-Ann , Matise Tara C. , Hindorff Lucia A. , Fowke Jay H. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer , Chen Chu , Hou Lifang , Thomas Fridtjof , Deelman Ewa , Han Ying , Peters Ulrike , North Kari E. , Heiss Gerardo , Crawford Dana C. , Haiman Christopher A. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Bush William S. , Kooperberg Charles , Cheng Iona , Le Marchand Loïc
Published: August 2014

Background: Multiple primary cancers account for approximately 16% of all incident cancers in the United States. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many common genetic variants associated with various cancer sites, no study has examined the association of these genetic variants with risk of multiple primary cancers (MPC).

Methods: As part of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) study, we used data from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) and Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Incident MPC (IMPC) cases (n = 1,385) were defined as participants diagnosed with more than one incident cancer after cohort entry. Participants diagnosed with only one incident cancer after cohort entry with follow-up equal to or longer than IMPC cases served as controls (single-index cancer controls; n = 9,626). Fixed-effects meta-analyses of unconditional logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between 188 cancer risk variants and IMPC risk. To account for multiple comparisons, we used the false-positive report probability (FPRP) to determine statistical significance.

Results: A nicotine dependence–associated and lung cancer variant, CHRNA3 rs578776 [OR, 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.26; P = 0.004], and two breast cancer variants, EMBP1 rs11249433 and TOX3 rs3803662 (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.28; P = 0.005 and OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.23; P = 0.006), were significantly associated with risk of IMPC. The associations for rs578776 and rs11249433 remained (P < 0.05) after removing subjects who had lung or breast cancers, respectively (P ≤ 0.046). These associations did not show significant heterogeneity by smoking status (Pheterogeneity ≥ 0.53).

Conclusions: Our study has identified rs578776 and rs11249433 as risk variants for IMPC.

Impact: These findings may help to identify genetic regions associated with IMPC risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2568–78. ©2014 AACR.
Smoking and Risk of Low- and High-Grade Prostate Cancer: Results from the REDUCE Study
Authors: Ho Tammy , Howard Lauren E. , Vidal Adriana C. , Gerber Leah , Moreira Daniel , McKeever Madeleine , Andriole Gerald , Castro-Santamaria Ramiro , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: August 2014

Purpose: Although the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer risk is inconsistent, some studies show that smoking is associated with prostate cancer mortality. Whether this reflects delayed diagnosis or direct smoking-related effects is unknown. REDUCE, which followed biopsy-negative men with protocol-dictated prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-independent biopsies at 2 and 4 years, provides an opportunity to evaluate smoking and prostate cancer diagnosis with minimal confounding from screening biases.

Experimental Design: Logistic regression was conducted to test the association between smoking and cancer on the first on-study biopsy (no cancer, low-grade Gleason 4–6, high-grade Gleason 7–10) in REDUCE.

Results: Of 6,240 men with complete data and ≥1 on-study biopsy, 2,937 (45.8%) never smoked, 929 (14.5%) were current smokers, and 2,554 (39.8%) were former smokers. Among men with negative first on-study biopsies, smokers were 36% less likely to receive a second on-study biopsy (P < 0.001). At first on-study biopsy, 941 (14.7%) men had cancer. Both current and former smoking were not significantly associated with either total or low-grade prostate cancer (all P > 0.36). Current (OR = 1.44, P = 0.028) but not former smokers (OR = 1.21, P = 0.12) were at increased risk of high-grade disease. On secondary analysis, there was an interaction between smoking and body mass index (BMI; Pinteraction = 0.017): current smokers with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 had an increased risk of low-grade (OR = 1.54, P = 0.043) and high-grade disease (OR = 2.45, P = 0.002), with null associations for BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.

Conclusion: Among men with elevated PSA and negative pre-study biopsy in REDUCE, in which biopsies were largely PSA independent, smoking was unrelated to overall prostate cancer diagnosis but was associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(20); 5331–8. ©2014 AACR.
Axl Kinase as a Key Target for Oncology: Focus on Small Molecule Inhibitors
Authors: Feneyrolles Clémence , Spenlinhauer Aurélia , Guiet Léa , Fauvel Bénédicte , Daydé-Cazals Bénédicte , Warnault Pierre , Chevé Gwénaël , Yasri Aziz
Published: August 2014

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are transmembrane receptors that regulate signal transduction in cells. As a member of the TAM (Tyro-3, Axl, Mer) RTK subfamily, Axl regulates key processes such as cell growth, migration, aggregation, and apoptosis through several pathways. Its overexpression/overactivation has been underlined in several conditions, especially cancers, and in both chemotherapy and targeted therapy sensitivity loss. In this review, we propose to highlight the therapeutic implication of Axl, starting with the pathways it regulates, validating its interest as a therapeutic target, and defining the tools available to develop strategies for its inhibition. We especially focus on small molecule inhibitors, their structure, inhibition profile, and development stages. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(9); 2141–8. ©2014 AACR.
Epidermal Growth Factor–like Domain 7 Predicts Response to First-Line Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Nielsen Boye Schnack , Sørensen Flemming Brandt , Johnsson Anders , Jakobsen Anders
Published: August 2014

The number of approved antiangiogenic drugs is constantly growing and emphasizes the need for predictive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of epidermal growth factor–like domain 7 (EGFL7) and microRNA-126 (miR126) to first-line chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A total of 158 patients from two different, but comparable, cohorts were included. Analyses were performed on tumor tissue from the primary tumor either based on a whole-tumor resection or an endoscopic biopsy. EGFL7 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and miR126 by in situ hybridization (ISH). Both biomarkers were quantified by image-guided analyses. Endpoints were response rate (RR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The EGFL7 vessel area (VA) in tumor resections was closely related to treatment response with a median EGFL7 VA in responding patients of 4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 4–6] compared with 8.5 (95% CI, 7–11) in nonresponders, P = 0.0008. This difference translated into a borderline significant difference in PFS (P = 0.06). Furthermore, a significant relationship between high EGFL7 VA and KRAS mutation was detected (P = 0.049). The results showed no significant relationship between the miR126 VA and the clinical endpoints. Our study suggests a predictive value of EGFL7 in regard to first-line chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with mCRC and supports the mechanism of a dual blocking of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A and EGFL7 axis in this setting. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(9); 2238–45. ©2014 AACR.
Analysis of DNA Methylation in Bowel Lavage Fluid for Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Harada Taku , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Yamano Hiro-o , Nojima Masanori , Maruyama Reo , Kumegawa Kohei , Ashida Masami , Yoshikawa Kenjiro , Kimura Tomoaki , Harada Eiji , Takagi Ryo , Tanaka Yoshihito , Aoki Hironori , Nishizono Masayo , Nakaoka Michiko , Tsuyada Akihiro , Niinuma Takeshi , Kai Masahiro , Shimoda Kazuya , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Sugai Tamotsu , Imai Kohzoh , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: August 2014

Aberrant DNA methylation could potentially serve as a biomarker for colorectal neoplasms. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using DNA methylation detected in bowel lavage fluid (BLF) for colorectal cancer screening. A total of 508 BLF specimens were collected from patients with colorectal cancer (n = 56), advanced adenoma (n = 53), minor polyp (n = 209), and healthy individuals (n = 190) undergoing colonoscopy. Methylation of 15 genes (miR-1-1, miR-9-1, miR-9-3, miR-34b/c, miR-124-1, miR-124-2, miR-124-3, miR-137, SFRP1, SFRP2, APC, DKK2, WIF1, LOC386758, and ZNF582) was then analyzed in MethyLight assays, after which receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to assess the diagnostic performance of BLF methylation. Through analyzing BLF specimens in a training set (n = 345), we selected the three genes showing the greatest sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection (miR-124-3, 71.8%; LOC386758, 79.5%; and SFRP1, 74.4%). A scoring system based on the methylation of those three genes (M-score) achieved 82% sensitivity and 79% specificity, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.834. The strong performance of this system was then validated in an independent test set (n = 153; AUC = 0.808). No significant correlation was found between M-score and the clinicopathologic features of the colorectal cancers. Our results demonstrate that DNA methylation in BLF specimens may be a useful biomarker for the detection of colorectal cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 7(10); 1002–10. ©2014 AACR.