bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VitroSelection of Cancer Cell-Specific Molecular Recognition Elements from Amino Acid Libraries
Authors: Williams Ryan M. , Sooter Letha J.
Published: September 2015

Differential cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is anin vitroselection method for obtaining molecular recognition elements (MREs) that specifically bind to individual cell types with high affinity. MREs are selected from initial large libraries of different nucleic or amino acids. This review outlines the construction of peptide and antibody fragment libraries as well as their different host types. Common methods of selection are also reviewed. Additionally, examples of cancer cell MREs are discussed, as well as their potential applications.
MicroRNA181a Is Overexpressed in T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma and Related to Chemoresistance
Authors: Yan Zi-Xun , Zheng Zhong , Xue Wen , Zhao Ming-Zhe , Fei Xiao-Chun , Wu Li-Li , Huang Li-Min , Leboeuf Christophe , Janin Anne , Wang Li , Zhao Wei-Li
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRs) play an important role in tumorogenesis and chemoresistance in lymphoid malignancies. Comparing with reactive hyperplasia, miR181a was overexpressed in 130 patients with T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, including acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (n=32), T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (n=16), peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (n=45), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (n=15), and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=22). Irrespective to histological subtypes, miR181a overexpression was associated with increased AKT phosphorylation.In vitro, ectopic expression of miR181a in HEK-293T cells significantly enhanced cell proliferation, activated AKT, and conferred cell resistance to doxorubicin. Meanwhile, miR181a expression was upregulated in Jurkat cells, along with AKT activation, during exposure to chemotherapeutic agents regularly applied to T-cell leukemia/lymphoma treatment, such as doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and cisplatin. Isogenic doxorubicin-resistant Jurkat and H9 cells were subsequently developed, which also presented with miR181a overexpression and cross-resistance to cyclophosphamide and cisplatin. Meanwhile, specific inhibition of miR181a enhanced Jurkat and H9 cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, further indicating that miR181a was involved in acquired chemoresistance. Collectively, miR181a functioned as a biomarker of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma through modulation of AKT pathway. Related to tumor cell chemoresistance, miR181a could be a potential therapeutic target in treating T-cell malignancies.
Enamel and Dentin Surface Finishing Influence on the Roughness and Microshear Bond Strength of a Lithium Silicate Glass-Ceramic for Laminate Veneers
Authors: Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Bravo Ruth Peggy , Pavelski Thiago Vinícius , Garcia Paula Pontes , Correr Gisele Maria , Leonardi Denise Piotto , Cunha Leonardo Fernandes da , Furuse Adilson Yoshio
Published: September 2015

Objectives. This study evaluated the influence of cavity surface finishing with diamond burs of different grit mounted on high-speed turbine and ultrasound on the roughness and microshear bond strength (MBS) of a lithium silicate glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Methods. Enamel and dentin specimens were divided into seven groups, according to the type of surface finishing: 1200-grit sandpaper (control), two different brands of medium-grit and fine-grit diamond burs in a high-speed turbine; medium-grit and fine-grit CVD (chemical vapor deposition) tips in an ultrasonic device. Roughness parameters (n=5) and MSBS to a glass-ceramic (n=10) were determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 5%). Results. Control group showed lower mean roughness readings and groups that used medium-grit diamond burs showed the highest mean roughness values. Regarding MSBS, there was no statistical difference when comparing the groups gritted with the same brand of medium- and fine-grit burs and tips. Conclusions. Cavity surface finishing influenced the roughness parameters and MSBS of a glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Medium-grit diamond burs in high-speed turbine showed the highest mean roughness values. Fine-grit CVD tips in ultrasound presented the highest MSBS values for both enamel and dentin.
Parallel Machine Scheduling with Batch Delivery to Two Customers
Authors: Zhong Xueling , Jiang Dakui
Published: September 2015

In some make-to-order supply chains, the manufacturer needs to process and deliver products for customers at different locations. To coordinate production and distribution operations at the detailed scheduling level, we study a parallel machine scheduling model with batch delivery to two customers by vehicle routing method. In this model, the supply chain consists of a processing facility withmparallel machines and two customers. A set of jobs containingn1jobs from customer 1 andn2jobs from customer 2 are first processed in the processing facility and then delivered to the customers directly without intermediate inventory. The problem is to find a joint schedule of production and distribution such that the tradeoff between maximum arrival time of the jobs and total distribution cost is minimized. The distribution cost of a delivery shipment consists of a fixed charge and a variable cost proportional to the total distance of the route taken by the shipment. We provide polynomial time heuristics with worst-case performance analysis for the problem. Ifm=2and(n1-b)(n2-b)<0, we propose a heuristic with worst-case ratio bound of 3/2, wherebis the capacity of the delivery shipment. Otherwise, the worst-case ratio bound of the heuristic we propose is2-2/(m+1).
Cosmological Analysis of Dynamical Chern-Simons Modified Gravity via Dark Energy Scenario
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study the cosmological evolution of the universe in the framework of dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity. We take pilgrim dark energy model with Hubble and event horizons in interacting scenario with cold dark matter. For this scenario, we discuss cosmological parameters such as Hubble and equation of state and cosmological plane likeωϑ-ωϑ′and squared speed of sound. It is found that Hubble parameter approaches the ranges75-0.5+0.5(foru=2) and (74, 74.30) (foru=1,-1,-2) for Hubble horizon pilgrim dark energy. It implies the ranges74.80-0.005+0.005(foru=2) and (73.4, 74) (foru=-2) for event horizon pilgrim dark energy. The equation of state parameter provides consistent ranges with different observational schemes. Also,ωϑ-ωϑ′planes lie in the range (ωϑ=-1.13-0.25+0.24,ωϑ′<1.32). The squared speed of sound shows stability for all present models in the present scenario. We would like to mention here that our results of various cosmological parameters show consistency with different observational data like Planck, WP, BAO,H0, SNLS, and WMAP.
Extended Traffic Alert Information to Improve TCAS Performance by means of Causal Models
Authors: Tang Jun , Piera Miquel Angel , Ling Yunxiang , Fan Linjun
Published: September 2015

Near-midair collisions (NMACs) between aircraft have long been a primary safety concern and have incessantly motivated the development of ingenious onboard collision avoidance (CA) systems to reduce collision risk. The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) acts as a proverbially accepted last-resort means to resolve encounters, while it also has been proved to potentially induce a collision in the hectic and congested traffic. This paper aims to improve the TCAS collision avoidance performance by enriching traffic alert information, which strictly fits with present TCAS technological requirements and extends the threat detection considering induced collisions and probabilistic pilot response. The proposed model is specified in coloured Petri net (CPN) formalism, to generate by simulation all the future possible downstream reachable states to enhance the follow-up decision making of pilots via synthesising relevant information related to collision states. With the complete state space, the potential collision scenarios can be identified together with those manoeuvres that may transform a conflict into a collision. The causal TCAS model is demonstrated to work effectively for complex multiaircraft scenarios and to identify the feasible manoeuvres that contribute to reduce the nonzero TCAS-induced collision risk.
Modeling Stochastic Route Choice Behaviors with Equivalent Impedance
Authors: Li Jun , Huang Yulin , Lai Xinjun
Published: September 2015

A Logit-based route choice model is proposed to address the overlapping and scaling problems in the traditional multinomial Logit model. The nonoverlapping links are defined as a subnetwork, and its equivalent impedance is explicitly calculated in order to simply network analyzing. The overlapping links are repeatedly merged into subnetworks with Logit-based equivalent travel costs. The choice set at each intersection comprises only the virtual equivalent route without overlapping. In order to capture heterogeneity in perception errors of different sizes of networks, different scale parameters are assigned to subnetworks and they are linked to the topological relationships to avoid estimation burden. The proposed model provides an alternative method to model the stochastic route choice behaviors without the overlapping and scaling problems, and it still maintains the simple and closed-form expression from the MNL model. A link-based loading algorithm based on Dial’s algorithm is proposed to obviate route enumeration and it is suitable to be applied on large-scale networks. Finally a comparison between the proposed model and other route choice models is given by numerical examples.
A Case of Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord with Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Huang Xiao-Jiang , He Jia , Qu Wen-sheng , Tian Dai-Shi
Published: September 2015

Background. Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a rare cause of demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of spinal cord and is a neurogenic complication due to cobalamin deficiency. Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) occurs in patients with acute or chronic immune activation, including infective endocarditis. It remains to be elucidated whether ACD patients are more sensitive to suffer from SCD. Little cases about SCD patients accompanied with ACD have been reported till now. Here we reported a 36-year-old man with SCD with a medical history of mitral inadequacy over 20 years, who was admitted and transported from another hospital to our hospital due to an 8-month history of gait disturbance, lower limb weakness and paresthesia, and loss of proprioception. Significant laboratory results and echocardiography suggest iron deficiency anemia and infective endocarditis (IE). The SCD diagnosis was confirmed by MRI, which showed selective demyelination in the dorsal and lateral columns of spinal cord. In conclusion, the ACD patients may suffer from SCD, which can be diagnosed by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.
Efficacy of Biodentine as an Apical Plug in Nonvital Permanent Teeth with Open Apices: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bani Mehmet , Sungurtekin-Ekçi Elif , Odabaş Mesut Enes
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical microleakage of Biodentine and MTA orthograde apical plugs and to compare the effect of thickness of these biomaterials on their sealing ability. A total of eighty maxillary anterior teeth were used. The apices were removed by cutting with a diamond disc (Jota, Germany) 2 mm from the apical root end in an attempt to standardize the working length of all specimens to 15 ± 1 mm. Both materials were placed in 1–4 mm thickness as apical plugs root canal. Root canal leakage was evaluated by the fluid filtration technique. One-way ANOVA was used in order to determine normality of dispersal distribution of parameters; thereafter, results were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Overall, between microleakage values of MTA and Biodentine regardless of apical plug thickness, no difference was observed. In terms of plug thickness, a statistically significant difference was observed between the subgroups of MTA and Biodentine (p<0.05). The apical sealing ability of Biodentine was comparable to MTA at any apical plug thickness.
Study on Corrosion of Macroporous Silicon in Sodium Hydroxide Solution by Electrochemical Methods and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Lai Chuan , Xiang Zhen , Liu Changlu , Zhu Chaoju , Wang Hui , Zhu Hui
Published: September 2015

The fabricated macroporous silicon with a porosity of 26.33% corrosion in NaOH solution was systemically investigated by open circuit potential measurements, linear polarization measurements, potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Results show that the potential open circuit and linear polarization resistance decreases with the NaOH concentration increasing. The corrosion potential shifts significantly to more negative potentials and corrosion current density increases with NaOH concentration increasing. Adding ethanol to 1.0 M NaOH can lead to the linear polarization resistance decrease, corrosion potentials shift in the positive direction, and corrosion current density increase. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate that the macroporous silicon samples are seriously damaged by 1.0 M NaOH and 1.0 M NaOH/EtOH (30%).
Improving Top-NRecommendation Performance Using Missing Data
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Niu Zhendong , Wang Kaiyi , Niu Ke , Liu Zhongqiang
Published: September 2015

Recommender systems become increasingly significant in solving the information explosion problem. Data sparse is a main challenge in this area. Massive unrated items constitute missing data with only a few observed ratings. Most studies consider missing data as unknown information and only use observed data to learn models and generate recommendations. However, data are missing not at random. Part of missing data is due to the fact that users choose not to rate them. This part of missing data is negative examples of user preferences. Utilizing this information is expected to leverage the performance of recommendation algorithms. Unfortunately, negative examples are mixed with unlabeled positive examples in missing data, and they are hard to be distinguished. In this paper, we propose three schemes to utilize the negative examples in missing data. The schemes are then adapted with SVD++, which is a state-of-the-art matrix factorization recommendation approach, to generate recommendations. Experimental results on two real datasets show that our proposed approaches gain better top-Nperformance than the baseline ones on both accuracy and diversity.
Lightweight Adaptation of Classifiers to Users and Contexts: Trends of the Emerging Domain
Authors: Vildjiounaite Elena , Gimel’farb Georgy , Kyllönen Vesa , Peltola Johannes
Published: September 2015

Intelligent computer applications need to adapt their behaviour to contexts and users, but conventional classifier adaptation methods require long data collection and/or training times. Therefore classifier adaptation is often performed as follows: at design time application developers define typical usage contexts and provide reasoning models for each of these contexts, and then at runtime an appropriate model is selected from available ones. Typically, definition of usage contexts and reasoning models heavily relies on domain knowledge. However, in practice many applications are used in so diverse situations that no developer can predict them all and collect for each situation adequate training and test databases. Such applications have to adapt to a new user or unknown context at runtime just from interaction with the user, preferably in fairly lightweight ways, that is, requiring limited user effort to collect training data and limited time of performing the adaptation. This paper analyses adaptation trends in several emerging domains and outlines promising ideas, proposed for making multimodal classifiers user‐specific and context‐specific without significant user efforts, detailed domain knowledge, and/or complete retraining of the classifiers. Based on this analysis, this paper identifies important application characteristics and presents guidelines to consider these characteristics in adaptation design.
Extracellular Vesicles from Caveolin-Enriched Microdomains Regulate Hyaluronan-Mediated Sustained Vascular Integrity
Authors: Mirzapoiazova Tamara , Lennon Frances E. , Mambetsariev Bolot , Allen Michael , Riehm Jacob , Poroyko Valeriy A. , Singleton Patrick A.
Published: September 2015

Defects in vascular integrity are an initiating factor in several disease processes. We have previously reported that high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA), a major glycosaminoglycan in the body, promotes rapid signal transduction in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVEC) leading to barrier enhancement. In contrast, low molecular weight hyaluronan (LMW-HA), produced in disease states by hyaluronidases and reactive oxygen species (ROS), induces HPMVEC barrier disruption. However, the mechanism(s) of sustained barrier regulation by HA are poorly defined. Our results indicate that long-term (6–24 hours) exposure of HMW-HA induced release of a novel type of extracellular vesicle from HLMVEC called enlargeosomes (characterized by AHNAK expression) while LMW-HA long-term exposure promoted release of exosomes (characterized by CD9, CD63, and CD81 expression). These effects were blocked by inhibiting caveolin-enriched microdomain (CEM) formation. Further, inhibiting enlargeosome release by annexin II siRNA attenuated the sustained barrier enhancing effects of HMW-HA. Finally, exposure of isolated enlargeosomes to HPMVEC monolayers generated barrier enhancement while exosomes led to barrier disruption. Taken together, these results suggest that differential release of extracellular vesicles from CEM modulate the sustained HPMVEC barrier regulation by HMW-HA and LMW-HA. HMW-HA-induced specialized enlargeosomes can be a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases involving impaired vascular integrity.
Dental Considerations in Children with Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (Favism): A Review of the Literature and Case Report
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Daniela , Butrón-Téllez Girón Claudia , Ruiz-Rodríguez Socorro , Garrocho-Rangel Arturo , Pozos-Guillén Amaury
Published: September 2015

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an uncommon inherited enzyme deficiency characterized by hemolytic anemia, caused by the inability of erythrocytes to detoxify oxidizing agents such as drugs, infectious diseases, or fava bean ingestion. In this later case, the disorder is known as favism. The aim of the present report was to present a review of the literature in this disease, to describe a case report concerning an affected 9-year-old male, and to review the main implications and precautions in pediatric dental management.
Pulmonary Silicosis Presents with Pleural Effusion
Authors: Salih Mohsin , Aljarod Tarake , Ayan Mohamed , Jeffrey Melnick , Shah Bobby H.
Published: September 2015

Silica and silicate mineral dust inhalation can cause a variety of histopathological changes in the lungs and pleura. These include pulmonary silicotic nodules, interstitial infiltrate, fibrosis, and pleural thickening. Pleural effusion is an extremely rare presentation of silicosis. To our best knowledge, there have been only 2 cases of silicosis with pleural effusion reported in medical literature. Herein, we describe a case of a 77-year-old male with almost 50 years’ history of occupational silica exposure. He presented with a 4-week history of exertional shortness of breath. He is a lifetime nonsmoker, with no known other significant pulmonary disease. He had chest X-ray which showed a right lung infiltrate and bilateral pleural thickening and effusion. Chest CT showed moderate-sized bilateral pleural effusion and thickening with multiple bilateral intrapulmonary nodules seen. He had undergone extensive workup and was diagnosed with silicosis.
Size Matters: Molecular Weight Specificity of Hyaluronan Effects in Cell Biology
Authors: Cyphert Jaime M. , Trempus Carol S. , Garantziotis Stavros
Published: September 2015

Hyaluronan signaling properties are unique among other biologically active molecules, that they are apparently not influenced by postsynthetic molecular modification, but by hyaluronan fragment size. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the generation of hyaluronan fragments of different size and size-dependent differences in hyaluronan signaling as well as their downstream biological effects.
Thyroid Dysfunction and Associated Risk Factors among Nepalese Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Khatiwada Saroj , KC Rajendra , Sah Santosh Kumar , Khan Seraj Ahmed , Chaudhari Rajendra Kumar , Baral Nirmal , Lamsal Madhab
Published: September 2015

Objectives. To assess thyroid function and associated risk factors in Nepalese diabetes mellitus patients.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 419 diabetes mellitus patients at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. Information on demographic and anthropometric variables and risk factors for thyroid dysfunction was collected. Blood samples were analysed to measure thyroid hormones, blood sugar, and lipid profile.Results. Prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction was 36.03%, with subclinical hypothyroidism (26.5%) as the most common thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction was much common in females (42.85%) compared to males (30.04%)p=0.008and in type 1 diabetes (50%) compared to type 2 diabetes mellitus (35.41%)p=0.218. Diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction had higher total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in comparison to patients without thyroid dysfunction. Significant risk factors for thyroid dysfunction, specifically hypothyroidism (overt and subclinical), were smoking (relative risk of 2.56 with 95% CI (1.99–3.29,p<0.001)), family history of thyroid disease (relative risk of 2.57 with 95% CI (2.0–3.31,p<0.001)), and female gender (relative risk of 1.44 with 95% CI (1.09–1.91,p=0.01)).Conclusions. Thyroid dysfunction is common among Nepalese diabetic patients. Smoking, family history of thyroid disease, and female gender are significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction.
A High Efficiency Li-Ion Battery LDO-Based Charger for Portable Application
Authors: Ziadi Youssef , Qjidaa Hassan
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a high efficiency Li-ion battery LDO-based charger IC which adopted a three-mode control: trickle constant current, fast constant current, and constant voltage modes. The criteria of the proposed Li-ion battery charger, including high accuracy, high efficiency, and low size area, are of high importance. The simulation results provide the trickle current of 116 mA, maximum charging current of 448 mA, and charging voltage of 4.21 V at the power supply of 4.8–5 V, using 0.18 μm CMOS technology.
Estimation of Bimodal Urban Link Travel Time Distribution and Its Applications in Traffic Analysis
Authors: Ji Yuxiong , Jiang Shengchuan , Du Yuchuan , Zhang H. Michael
Published: September 2015

Vehicles travelling on urban streets are heavily influenced by traffic signal controls, pedestrian crossings, and conflicting traffic from cross streets, which would result in bimodal travel time distributions, with one mode corresponding to travels without delays and the other travels with delays. A hierarchical Bayesian bimodal travel time model is proposed to capture the interrupted nature of urban traffic flows. The travel time distributions obtained from the proposed model are then considered to analyze traffic operations and estimate travel time distribution in real time. The advantage of the proposed bimodal model is demonstrated using empirical data, and the results are encouraging.
Hyperglycemia-Induced Changes in Hyaluronan Contribute to Impaired Skin Wound Healing in Diabetes: Review and Perspective
Authors: Shakya Sajina , Wang Yan , Mack Judith A. , Maytin Edward V.
Published: September 2015

Ulcers and chronic wounds are a particularly common problem in diabetics and are associated with hyperglycemia. In this targeted review, we summarize evidence suggesting that defective wound healing in diabetics is causally linked, at least in part, to hyperglycemia-induced changes in the status of hyaluronan (HA) that resides in the pericellular coat (glycocalyx) of endothelial cells of small cutaneous blood vessels. Potential mechanisms through which exposure to high glucose levels causes a loss of the glycocalyx on the endothelium and accelerates the recruitment of leukocytes, creating a proinflammatory environment, are discussed in detail. Hyperglycemia also affects other cells in the immediate perivascular area, including pericytes and smooth muscle cells, through exposure to increased cytokine levels and through glucose elevations in the interstitial fluid. Possible roles of newly recognized, cross-linked forms of HA, and interactions of a major HA receptor (CD44) with cytokine/growth factor receptors during hyperglycemia, are also discussed.
A Support Vector Regression Approach for Investigating Multianticipative Driving Behavior
Authors: Lu Bin , Ni Shaoquan , Washburn Scott S.
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a Support Vector Regression (SVR) approach that can be applied to predict the multianticipative driving behavior using vehicle trajectory data. Building upon the SVR approach, a multianticipative car-following model is developed and enhanced in learning speed and predication accuracy. The model training and validation are conducted by using the field trajectory data extracted from the Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) project. During the model training and validation tests, the estimation results show that the SVR model performs as well as IDM model with respect to the model prediction accuracy. In addition, this paper performs a relative importance analysis to quantify the multianticipation in terms of the different stimuli to which drivers react in platoon car following. The analysis results confirm that drivers respond to the behavior of not only the immediate leading vehicle in front but also the second, third, and even fourth leading vehicles. Specifically, in congested traffic conditions, drivers are observed to be more sensitive to the relative speed than to the gap. These findings provide insight into multianticipative driving behavior and illustrate the necessity of taking into account multianticipative car-following model in microscopic traffic simulation.
Study on Application of Grey Prediction Model in Superalloy MAR-247 Machining
Authors: Shao-Hsien Chen
Published: September 2015

Superalloy MAR-247 is mainly applied in the space industry and die industry. With its characteristics of mechanical property, fatigue resistance, and high temperature corrosion resistance, therefore, it is mainly applied in machine parts of high temperature and corrosion resistance, such as turbine blades and rotor of the aeroengine and turbine assembly in the nuclear power plant. However, considering that its properties of high strength, low thermal conductivity, being difficult to soften, and work hardening may reduce the life of cutting-tool and weaken the surface accuracy, the study provided minimizing experiment occurring during milling process for superalloy material. As a statistical approach used to analyse experiment data, this study used GM(1,1)in the grey prediction model to conduct simulation and then predict and analyze its characteristics based on the experimental data, focusing on the tool life and surface accuracy. Moreover, with the superalloy machining parameters of the current effective application improved grey prediction model, it can decrease the errors, extend the tool life, and improve the prediction precision of surface accuracy.
Individual Optimization of the Insertion of a Preformed Cochlear Implant Electrode Array
Authors: Rau Thomas S. , Lenarz Thomas , Majdani Omid
Published: September 2015

Purpose. The aim of this study was to show that individual adjustment of the curling behaviour of a preformed cochlear implant (CI) electrode array to the patient-specific shape of the cochlea can improve the insertion process in terms of reduced risk of insertion trauma.Methods. Geometry and curling behaviour of preformed, commercially available electrode arrays were modelled. Additionally, the anatomy of each small, medium-sized, and large human cochlea was modelled to consider anatomical variations. Finally, using a custom-made simulation tool, three different insertion strategies (conventional Advanced Off-Stylet (AOS) insertion technique, an automated implementation of the AOS technique, and a manually optimized insertion process) were simulated and compared with respect to the risk of insertion-related trauma. The risk of trauma was evaluated using a newly developed “trauma risk” rating scale.Results. Using this simulation-based approach, it was shown that an individually optimized insertion procedure is advantageous compared with the AOS insertion technique.Conclusion. This finding leads to the conclusion that, in general, consideration of the specific curling behaviour of a CI electrode array is beneficial in terms of less traumatic insertion. Therefore, these results highlight an entirely novel aspect of clinical application of preformed perimodiolar electrode arrays in general.
Adaptive Hybrid Visual Servo Regulation of Mobile Robots Based on Fast Homography Decomposition
Authors: Wu Chunfu , Li Guodong , Tang Qingshun , Zhou Fengyu
Published: September 2015

For the monocular camera-based mobile robot system, an adaptive hybrid visual servo regulation algorithm which is based on a fast homography decomposition method is proposed to drive the mobile robot to its desired position and orientation, even when object’s imaging depth and camera’s position extrinsic parameters are unknown. Firstly, the homography’s particular properties caused by mobile robot’s 2-DOF motion are taken into account to induce a fast homography decomposition method. Secondly, the homography matrix and the extracted orientation error, incorporated with the desired view’s single feature point, are utilized to form an error vector and its open-loop error function. Finally, Lyapunov-based techniques are exploited to construct an adaptive regulation control law, followed by the experimental verification. The experimental results show that the proposed fast homography decomposition method is not only simple and efficient, but also highly precise. Meanwhile, the designed control law can well enable mobile robot position and orientation regulation despite the lack of depth information and camera’s position extrinsic parameters.
A Missed Case of Occult Bilateral Temporomandibular Dislocation Mistaken for Dystonia
Authors: Lee Evelyn , Shoenberger Jan , Wagner Jonathan
Published: September 2015

A 24-year-old male with a history of psychiatric disorder and no prior significant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology presented to the emergency department for “lockjaw.” Plain film X-rays of the mandible were read as unremarkable by an attending radiologist, leading to the initial diagnosis of medication-induced dystonic reaction. Following unsuccessful medical treatment a maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) was ordered. CT confirmed bilateral dislocation, illustrating the importance of clinical judgment, and limitations of certain radiographic images. The authors believe this case to be the first reported case in the medical literature of bilateral anterior TMJ dislocation with a false negative X-ray.
Optimization Model and Algorithm Design for Airline Fleet Planning in a Multiairline Competitive Environment
Authors: Wang Yu , Sun Hong , Zhu Jinfu , Zhu Bo
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a multiobjective mathematical programming model to optimize airline fleet size and structure with consideration of several critical factors severely affecting the fleet planning process. The main purpose of this paper is to reveal how multiairline competitive behaviors impact airline fleet size and structure by enhancing the existing route-based fleet planning model with consideration of the interaction between market share and flight frequency and also by applying the concept of equilibrium optimum to design heuristic algorithm for solving the model. Through case study and comparison, the heuristic algorithm is proved to be effective. By using the algorithm presented in this paper, the fleet operational profit is significantly increased compared with the use of the existing route-based model. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the fleet size and structure are more sensitive to the increase of fare price than to the increase of passenger demand.
Research on Recognition and Evaluation of Traffic Guide Sign
Authors: Yuan Li , Cai Ming-jie , Guo Tang-yi , Jiang Yu
Published: September 2015

Traffic guide signs are effective only when they are clearly recognized by drivers. Three experiments were conducted in this study. In the first, the influence factors of guide sign recognition were studied. This study investigated 11 main factors with a convenience sample of drivers from Nanjing city in China. Weights of different influence factors were obtained through analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results showed that the setting position, occlusion degree, and character size of guide sign had the most significant influence on the guide sign recognition, while other factors were less important. In the second stage, an evaluation model of guide sign recognition was developed based on weights of different factors. Four equations were presented to calculate the comprehensive score of guide sign, and the level of recognition was divided into five grades according to the comprehensive score. At last, a typical case in Nanjing was studied to verify the rationality and reliability of the evaluation model. Results from the real application indicate that the method had good applicability and can be used by traffic engineers.
CRASH-2 Study of Tranexamic Acid to Treat Bleeding in Trauma Patients: A Controversy Fueled by Science and Social Media
Authors: Binz Sophia , McCollester Jonathon , Thomas Scott , Miller Joseph , Pohlman Timothy , Waxman Dan , Shariff Faisal , Tracy Rebecca , Walsh Mark
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews the application of tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic, to trauma. CRASH-2, a large randomized controlled trial, was the first to show a reduction in mortality and recommend tranexamic acid use in bleeding trauma patients. However, this paper was not without controversy. Its patient recruitment, methodology, and conductance in moderate-to-low income countries cast doubt on its ability to be applied to trauma protocols in countries with mature trauma networks. In addition to traditional vetting in scientific, peer-reviewed journals, CRASH-2 came about at a time when advances in communication technology allowed debate and influence to be leveraged in new forms, specifically through the use of multimedia campaigns, social media, and Internet blogs. This paper presents a comprehensive view of tranexamic acid utilization in trauma from peer-reviewed evidence to novel multimedia influences.
Scalable Alternating Projection and Proximal Splitting for Array Pattern Synthesis
Authors: Han Yubing , Wan Chuan
Published: September 2015

Array synthesis with embedded element patterns is a problem of great practical importance. In this paper, an array pattern synthesis method using scalable alternating projection and proximal splitting is proposed which considers the scaling invariance property of design specifications and constraints for the amplitudes of pattern and excitation. Under the framework of alternating projection, the scalable pattern and excitation constraint sets are first defined. Then the scalable pattern projection and iterative procedure for optimum pattern scaling factor are studied in detail. For the scalable excitation projection, it is designed as the solution to a constrained weighted least mean squares optimization, which can be solved by an effective forward-backward splitting iterative process. Finally, the selection of the weighted matrix and computational complexity are discussed briefly. Several typical linear and planar synthesis examples with or without the embedded element patterns are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and power of the proposed method.
An Application of Hierarchical Structure Model for Trip Mode Choice Forecasting in China
Authors: Zhou Zhuping , Wang Wei , Hu Qizhou
Published: September 2015

Trip mode split is the result of interrelated and mutually independent factors, such as city scale, urban form, economic level, trip distance, and travel time. In order to analyze the formation of traffic structure, it is necessary to make a comprehensive study on the mechanism of these factors and obtain the basic causal relationship of them. Based on this, by using the hierarchical structure model in system engineering, this paper firstly clarifies the logical relationship of different factors. Then, the existing trip survey data of several cities is used to establish the mathematical relationship of various factors of the structure model. Finally, the mode choice forecasting method is proposed based on the structure model of influencing factors. The case study result of six cities shows small bias, indicating that the proposed method is of great practical value. Policy makers can use the results to discover the trip structure feature and grasp the direction of transportation development policy.
Loureirin B Inhibits Hypertrophic Scar Formation via Inhibition of the TGF-β1-ERK/JNK Pathway
Authors: He Ting , Bai Xiaozhi , Yang Longlong , Fan Lei , Li Yan , Su Linlin , Gao Jianxin , Han Shichao , Hu Dahai
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Our previous study confirmed that Loureirin B (LB) can inhibit hypertrophic scar formation. However, the mechanism of LB-mediated inhibition of scar formation is still unknown. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of Col1, FN and TGF-β1 in skin and scar tissue. Fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF-β1 to mimic scar formation. LB or MAPK inhibitors were used to study the pathways involved in the process. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of p-JNK, p-ERK, p-p38, Col1 and FN. The contractile capacity of fibroblasts was evaluated using a gel contraction assay. Tissues were cultured ex vivo with LB to further investigate the participation of ERK and JNK in the LB-mediated inhibition of scar formation. Results: FN and Col1 were up regulated in hypertrophic scars. LB down regulated p-ERK and p-JNK in TGF-β1-stimulated fibroblasts, while levels of phosphorylated p38 did not change. The down regulation of p-ERK and p-JNK was associated with a reduction of Col1 and FN. Similarly, inhibition of ERK and JNK down regulated the expression of Col1 and FN in TGF-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. LB down regulated protein levels of p-ERK and p-JNK in cultured hypertrophic scar tissue ex vivo. Conclusions: This study suggests that LB can inhibit scar formation through the ERK/JNK pathway.
Involvement of Interleukin 6 in Hepatitis B Viral Infection
Authors: Xia Caixia , Liu Yanning , Chen Zhi , Zheng Min
Published: September 2015

Hepatitis B is a major global health problem and a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). Many cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been shown to be involved in the HBV infection process. IL-6 is a typical cytokine made up of 184 amino acids, and the gene is located in chromosome 7p21. For healthy people, serum IL-6 levels are usually too low to be detected. However, dysregulated synthesis of IL-6 has been discovered in chronic inflammatory diseases such as hepatitis B, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. IL-6 also plays an important role in HBV replication and in the development of hepatitis B disease. This review aims to present the latest discoveries concerning the role of IL-6 in hepatitis B disease progression, and HBV entry and replication, and evaluate polymorphisms that are associated with the development of hepatitis B disease.
Spongionella Secondary Metabolites Regulate Store Operated Calcium Entry Modulating Mitochondrial Functioning in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Sánchez Jon Andoni , Alfonso Amparo , Leirós Marta , Alonso Eva , Rateb Mostafa E. , Jaspars Marcel , Houssen Wael E. , Ebel Rainer , Botana Luís M.
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The effect of four secondary metabolites isolated from sponge Spongionella, gracilins H, A, L and tetrahydroaplysulphurin-1 on Calcium ion (Ca2+) fluxes were studied in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Methods and Results: These compounds did not modify cytosolic baseline Ca2+-levels. Nevertheless, when cytosolic Ca2+-influx through store operated calcium channels (SOC channels) was stimulated with Thapsigargin (Tg), a strong inhibition was observed in the presence of gracilin A, gracilin L and tetrahydroaplysulphurin-1. Since these compounds were able to protect mitochondria from oxidative stress, the role of this organelle in the Ca2+-influx inhibition was tested. In this sense, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and Cyclosporine A (CsA) were used. Surprisingly, both the inhibitory effect over Tg-sensitive stores and Ca2+ influx through SOC channels produced by FCCP were abolished with different potencies by Spongionella compounds in a similar way than CsA. CsA is able to avoid Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore (mPTP) opening. As well as CsA, Spongionella compounds reverted mPTP opening induced by FCCP. In the case of CsA the mPTP blockade is due to the direct binding to Cyclophilin D (Cyp D), a mitochondrial matrix protein. This association was also observed between gracilin L and tetrahydroaplysulphurin-1 and Cyp D. Therefore, Spongionella compounds modulate mitochondrial activity by preventing mPTP opening by binding to Cyp D. Conclusions: These effects make Spongionella compounds as new family of compounds with promising activity in human diseases where mitochondrial alterations are implicated.
Cryptotanshinone Reverses Cisplatin Resistance of Human Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells through Down-Regulating Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Xia Chen , Bai Xupeng , Hou Xiangyu , Gou Xiaoli , Wang Yongtao , Zeng Hang , Huang Min , Jin Jing
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: To explore whether Nrf2 was associated with drug-resistance in cisplatin resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cells, and if cryptotanshinone (CTS), one of the bioactive compounds isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), could enhance the sensitivity in A549/DDP cells towards cisplatin. Methods: A549 and A549/DDP cells were subjected to various treatments, and then Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, flow cytometry analysis and western immunoblotting analysis were applied to determine IC50, apoptotic status and expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream genes. Results: The endogenous expression levels of Nrf2 as well as its target genes including GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO1 and MRP1 were much higher in A549/DDP cells than those of A549 cells and the susceptibility of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin was partially restored by silencing Nrf2. The combination of CTS and cisplatin led to cell death and apoptosis through sensitizing A549/DDP cells towards cisplatin compared with cisplatin mono-treatment, however, this reversal role could be abolished by Nrf2 knockdown. Specifically, CTS obviously diminished Nrf2 expression, thus contributing to the decrease of Nrf2-target genes expression levels. Meanwhile, we also discovered that CTS triggered several other signals involving in chemoresistance such as MAPKs, Akt and STAT3 pathway. Conclusion: Our data indicated CTS may be developed as a potential sensitizer cooperating with anticancer drugs to combat chemoresistant carcinoma through the inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway.
Effects of a Food Ingredient Group on Oxidative Stress in Lead-Poisoned Mice
Authors: Shang Yu-Xiu , Zhao Yi , Qiu Hong-Yan , Chang Jing-Jing , Chen Yu-Zhu , Zhang Hui-Ying
Published: September 2015

Objective: According to the principle of compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine, a food ingredient group was used to treat lead poisoning of mice. Methods: Ninety Kun-Ming male mice (18-20 g) were randomly divided into the following 6 groups: negative control group (NCG); lead acetate model group (LAG); positive drug group (PDG), and test substance groups with low-, medium-, and high-dose food ingredient group (LDG, MDG, and HDG). The test substance groups were fed with oral gavages containing the food ingredient group. The PDG were fed with gavages containing dimercaptosuccinic acid solution. The LAG and NCG were fed with gavages with deionised water. Results: One month later, both the medium and the high dose of the ingredient group had effectively increased the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content in the blood, liver, kidney, and brain of the tested mice (p < 0.05). Compared to the PDG, we found that the MDG and HDG recovery from the lead-induced oxidative stress might be attributed to the induction of antioxidant enzyme sensitivity by the dietary supplement. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that the proposed food ingredient group has significant impacts on recovering from oxidative damage in lead-poisoned mice.
Three Unusual Cases of Nutcracker Syndrome Caused by Increased Blood Flow within the Left Renal Vein
Authors: Gaudiano Caterina , Pucci Simone , Busato Fiorenza , Di Carlo Maddalena , Schiavina Riccardo , Vagnoni Valerio , Pultrone Cristian Vincenzo , Corcioni Beniamino , Golfieri Rita
Published: September 2015

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) refers to the compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It can cause both microscopic and gross haematuria, with or without flank pain. The diagnosis is often delayed in a majority of symptomatic patients. On the other hand, the use of CT in routine abdominal explorations has increased the detection of the compression of the LRV in healthy and asymptomatic patients, but its diagnostic value remains uncertain. In this paper, we report 3 cases of the NCS associated with an increased blood flow in the LRV, due to different conditions, which we believe could produce the appearance of clinical symptoms.