bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Form of Parrondo's Paradoxical Game with Applications to Chaos Control
Authors: Danca Marius-F. , Fečkan Michal , Romera Miguel
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we show that a generalized form of Parrondo's paradoxical game can be applied to discrete systems, working out the logistic map as a concrete example, to generate stable orbits. Written in Parrondo's terms, this reads: chaos1 + chaos2 + ⋯ + chaosN = order, where chaosi, i = 1, 2, …, N, are denoted as the chaotic behaviors generated by N values of the parameter control, and by order one understands some stable behavior. The numerical results are sustained by quantitative dynamics generated by Parrondo's game. The implementation of the generalized Parrondo's game is realized here via the parameter switching (PS) algorithm for continuous-time systems [Danca, 2013] adapted to the logistic map. Some related results for more general maps on averaging, which represent discrete analogies of the PS method for ODE, are also presented and discussed.
Cost Function Based on Gaussian Mixture Model for Parameter Estimation of a Chaotic Circuit with a Hidden Attractor
Authors: Lao Seng-Kin , Shekofteh Yasser , Jafari Sajad , Sprott Julien Clinton
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we introduce a new chaotic system and its corresponding circuit. This system has a special property of having a hidden attractor. Systems with hidden attractors are newly introduced and barely investigated. Conventional methods for parameter estimation in models of these systems have some limitations caused by sensitivity to initial conditions. We use a geometry-based cost function to overcome those limitations by building a statistical model on the distribution of the real system attractor in state space. This cost function is defined by the use of a likelihood score in a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) which is fitted to the observed attractor generated by the real system in state space. Using that learned GMM, a similarity score can be defined by the computed likelihood score of the model time series. The results show the adequacy of the proposed cost function.
Bifurcation Analysis of Synchronized Regions in Complex Dynamical Networks with Coupling Delay
Authors: Tang Longkun , Lu Jun-An , Lü Jinhu , Wu Xiaoqun
Published: February 2014

According to the master stability function (MSF) framework, synchronized regions play an extremely important role in network synchronization. On these grounds, this paper casts sight on network synchronous state stability via studying the bifurcation (or transition) problem of network synchronized regions with varying nodal dynamics, and the effects of time delay on the bifurcation of synchronized regions. Theoretical and numerical investigations show that in complex networks with coupling delay, there exist rich bifurcation behaviors of synchronized regions. The coupling delay can not only enlarge or narrow synchronized regions, but also change bifurcation points. More importantly, a very small delay can result in the conversion of an unbounded or empty synchronized region into a bounded one, implying that coupling delay can enhance or suppress synchronization in complex dynamical networks. These results will further strengthen our understanding for synchronous state stability in complex dynamical networks.
FROM LEAN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TO LEAN INNOVATION: SEARCHING FOR A MORE VALID APPROACH FOR PROMOTING UTILITARIAN AND EMOTIONAL VALUE
Authors: GUDEM MARTIN , STEINERT MARTIN , WELO TORGEIR
Published: February 2014

This paper considers the role of lean product development (LPD) as part of a company's overall innovation strategy. Our discussion contends that the value-concept in LPD is too strongly tied to product features, and that this may lead to: (i) overemphasis on utilitarian value, (ii) preference for reliability over validity, and (iii) a defensive approach to market-trends. These factors can compromise the philosophy's ability to maximize customer value, and represent a challenge in making LPD fit beyond incremental innovation in the technological domain. Lean innovation (LI) is therefore introduced as an extension of LPD, building on a value concept that embraces emotional as well as utilitarian characteristics. It is suggested that lean principles should not be limited to product development, but should concern all aspects of a company's innovation efforts relevant to offering a pleasurable customer experience.
Enhancing the immune response through next generation polymeric vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Adams Justin R. , Mallapragada Surya K.
Published: February 2014

The search for improved vaccine adjuvants has intensified recently with the growing popularity of subunit vaccines. These vaccines can induce efficient antibody response and cellular immunity without the safety constraints of live vaccines, but must overcome their poor immunogenicity. Next-generation vaccine adjuvants offer several advantages over conventional adjuvants and can be rationally designed to meet the requirements of the antigen. This review analyzes current research in the field of vaccine adjuvant design, with an emphasis on polymeric vaccine adjuvants.
Provenance, characterization and decay of a porous calcarenite of the Puglia region (‘Pietra Gentile’)
Authors: Calia A. , Sileo M. , Matera L.
Published: February 2014

Conservation of the built heritage requires knowledge of the characteristics and use of the constituent materials and their state of conservation. Knowledge of the material's source is important for laboratory studies and stone replacement, but it also has historic-cultural significance with respect to the exploitation of stone resources in the past. In this sense, we present a study of ‘Pietra Gentile’, a traditional building material of southern Italy, through which we aimed to acquire knowledge concerning the quarries, characteristics of extracted materials, use and decay features within buildings. Ancient and active quarries were identified and the petrographical, chemical-mineralogical and physical features of the quarry materials were studied. The use of the stone was documented in many historic towns in the area, including monuments and minor buildings, and the main decay morphologies were detected by field activities and laboratory analyses. The high susceptibility of the stone to the actions of water and salts was highlighted. Field and laboratory data of quarries and artefacts were organized into a database as a source of knowledge useful for the evaluation, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Measuring Policy Positions in Political Space
Authors: Laver Michael
Published: February 2014

Spatial models are ubiquitous within political science. Whenever we confront spatial models with data, we need valid and reliable ways to measure policy positions in political space. I first review a range of general issues that must be resolved before thinking about how to measure policy positions, including cognitive metrics, a priori and a posteriori scale interpretation, dimensionality, common spaces, and comparability across settings. I then briefly review different types of data we can use to do this and measurement techniques associated with each type, focusing on headline issues with each type of data and pointing to comprehensive surveys of relevant literatures—including expert, elite, and mass surveys; text analysis; and legislative voting behavior.
NF-κB but not FoxO sites in the MuRF1 promoter are required for transcriptional activation in disuse muscle atrophy
Authors: Wu Chia-Ling , Cornwell Evangeline W. , Jackman Robert W. , Kandarian Susan C.
Published: February 2014

The muscle-specific ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1) gene is required for most types of skeletal muscle atrophy yet we have little understanding of its transcriptional regulation. The purpose of this study is to identify whether NF-κB and/or FoxO response elements in the MuRF1 promoter are required for MuRF1 gene activation during skeletal muscle atrophy due to the removal of hindlimb weight bearing (“unloading”). Both NF-κB -dependent and FoxO-dependent luciferase reporter activities were significantly increased at 5 days of unloading. Using a 4.4-kb MuRF1 promoter reporter construct, a fourfold increase in reporter (i.e., luciferase) activity was found in rat soleus muscles after 5 days of hindlimb unloading. This activation was abolished by mutagenesis of either of the two distal putative NF-κB sites or all three putative NF-κB sites but not by mutagenesis of all four putative FoxO sites. This work provides the first direct evidence that NF-κB sites, but not FoxO sites, are required for MuRF1 promoter activation in muscle disuse atrophy in vivo.
Regulation of proximal tubule vacuolar H+-ATPase by PKA and AMP-activated protein kinase
Authors: Al-bataineh Mohammad M. , Gong Fan , Marciszyn Allison L. , Myerburg Michael M. , Pastor-Soler Núria M.
Published: February 2014

The vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) mediates ATP-driven H+transport across membranes. This pump is present at the apical membrane of kidney proximal tubule cells and intercalated cells. Defects in the V-ATPase and in proximal tubule function can cause renal tubular acidosis. We examined the role of protein kinase A (PKA) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of the V-ATPase in the proximal tubule as these two kinases coregulate the V-ATPase in the collecting duct. As the proximal tubule V-ATPases have different subunit compositions from other nephron segments, we postulated that V-ATPase regulation in the proximal tubule could differ from other kidney tubule segments. Immunofluorescence labeling of rat ex vivo kidney slices revealed that the V-ATPase was present in the proximal tubule both at the apical pole, colocalizing with the brush-border marker wheat germ agglutinin, and in the cytosol when slices were incubated in buffer alone. When slices were incubated with a cAMP analog and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, the V-ATPase accumulated at the apical pole of S3 segment cells. These PKA activators also increased V-ATPase apical membrane expression as well as the rate of V-ATPase-dependent extracellular acidification in S3 cell monolayers relative to untreated cells. However, the AMPK activator AICAR decreased PKA-induced V-ATPase apical accumulation in proximal tubules of kidney slices and decreased V-ATPase activity in S3 cell monolayers. Our results suggest that in proximal tubule the V-ATPase subcellular localization and activity are acutely coregulated via PKA downstream of hormonal signals and via AMPK downstream of metabolic stress.
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus reestablishes neuronal information transmission in the 6-OHDA rat model of parkinsonism
Authors: Dorval Alan D. , Grill Warren M.
Published: February 2014

Pathophysiological activity of basal ganglia neurons accompanies the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. High-frequency (>90 Hz) deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces parkinsonian symptoms, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that parkinsonism-associated electrophysiological changes constitute an increase in neuronal firing pattern disorder and a concomitant decrease in information transmission through the ventral basal ganglia, and that effective DBS alleviates symptoms by decreasing neuronal disorder while simultaneously increasing information transfer through the same regions. We tested these hypotheses in the freely behaving, 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of hemiparkinsonism. Following the onset of parkinsonism, mean neuronal firing rates were unchanged, despite a significant increase in firing pattern disorder (i.e., neuronal entropy), in both the globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata. This increase in neuronal entropy was reversed by symptom-alleviating DBS. Whereas increases in signal entropy are most commonly indicative of similar increases in information transmission, directed information through both regions was substantially reduced (>70%) following the onset of parkinsonism. Again, this decrease in information transmission was partially reversed by DBS. Together, these results suggest that the parkinsonian basal ganglia are rife with entropic activity and incapable of functional information transmission. Furthermore, they indicate that symptom-alleviating DBS works by lowering the entropic noise floor, enabling more information-rich signal propagation. In this view, the symptoms of parkinsonism may be more a default mode, normally overridden by healthy basal ganglia information. When that information is abolished by parkinsonian pathophysiology, hypokinetic symptoms emerge.
Low Multilinear Rank Approximation of Tensors and Application in Missing Traffic Data
Authors: Tan Huachun , Feng Jianshuai , Chen Zhengdong , Yang Fan , Wang Wuhong
Published: February 2014

The problem of missing data in multiway arrays (i.e., tensors) is common in many fields such as bibliographic data analysis, image processing, and computer vision. We consider the problems of approximating a tensor by another tensor with low multilinear rank in the presence of missing data and possibly reconstructing it (i.e., tensor completion). In this paper, we propose a weighted Tucker model which models only the known elements for capturing the latent structure of the data and reconstructing the missing elements. To treat the nonuniqueness of the proposed weighted Tucker model, a novel gradient descent algorithm based on a Grassmann manifold, which is termed Tucker weighted optimization (Tucker-Wopt), is proposed for guaranteeing the global convergence to a local minimum of the problem. Based on extensive experiments, Tucker-Wopt is shown to successfully reconstruct tensors with noise and up to 95% missing data. Furthermore, the experiments on traffic flow volume data demonstrate the usefulness of our algorithm on real-world application.
Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Berber Ilhami , Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Kuku Irfan , Kaya Emin , Koroglu Mustafa , Nizam Ilknur , Gul Mehmet , Bentli Recep
Published: February 2014

Objective.The aim of this paper is to report the case of a patient diagnosed with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, as a result of bleeding diathesis.Clinical Presentation and Intervention.A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epistaxis and, upon physical examination, was found to be remarkable for albinism and suborbital ecchymosis. The absence of dense bodies in the platelets was demonstrated using electron microscopy. This patient was (slowly) administered one unit of a platelet suspension, and his bleeding decreased considerably.Conclusion.This case shows that Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with bleeding diathesis, when the clinical presentation also includes oculocutaneous albinism and visual problems.
PASS-Predicted Hepatoprotective Activity ofCaesalpinia sappanin Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Kadir Farkaad A. , Kassim Normadiah M. , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Ahmadipour Fatemeh , Yehye Wageeh A.
Published: February 2014

The antifibrotic effects of traditional medicinal herbCaesalpinia sappan(CS) extract on liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) and the expression of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1),α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in rats were studied. A computer-aided prediction of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities was primarily performed with the Prediction Activity Spectra of the Substance (PASS) Program. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by TAA administration (0.03% w/v) in drinking water for a period of 12 weeks. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, TAA, Silymarin (SY), and CS 300 mg/kg body weight and 100 mg/kg groups. The effect of CS on liver fibrogenesis was determined by Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blotting.In vivodetermination of hepatic antioxidant activities, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MPPS) was employed. CS treatment had significantly increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity in the TAA-treated rats. Liver fibrosis was greatly alleviated in rats when treated with CS extract. CS treatment was noted to normalize the expression of TGF-β1,αSMA, PCNA, MMPs, and TIMP1 proteins. PASS-predicted plant activity could efficiently guide in selecting a promising pharmaceutical lead with high accuracy and required antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.
Carbon Nanofibers from Carbon Nanotubes by 1.2 keV Ar+ Sputtering at Room Temperature
Authors: Xue Shuang-Xi , Li Qin-Tao , Zhao Xian-Rui , Shi Qin-Yi , Li Zhi-Gang , Liu Yan-Ping
Published: February 2014

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were irradiated by 1.2 keV Ar ion beams for 15–60 min at room temperature with current density of 60 µA/cm2. The morphology and microstructure are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that carbon nanofibers are achieved after 60 min ion irradiation and the formation of carbon nanofibers proceeds through four periods, carbon nanotubes—amorphous carbon nanowires—carbon nanoparticles along the tube axis—conical protrusions on the nanoparticles surface—carbon nanofibers from the conical protrusions.
Full-Duplex Mode in Amplify-and-Forward Relay Channels: Outage Probability and Ergodic Capacity
Authors: Hu Rongyi , Hu Chunjing , Jiang Jiamo , Xie Xinqian , Song Lei
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the outage probability and ergodic capacity performances for full-duplex mode in two-way amplify-and-forward relay channels. The two-way relay channels which consist of two source nodes and a single relay node working in full-duplex mode, are assumed as independent and identically distributed as Rayleigh fading. The self-interference or loop interference of the relay is unavoidably investigated for full-duplex mode. And the close-form expressions for the outage probability and ergodic capacity of full-duplex mode are derived, considering both loop interference and the coefficients of two-way relay amplify-and-forward channels. To further facilitate the performance of full-duplex mode, the half-duplex modes over different transmission time slots are analyzed. Simulation results point out the effect of loop interference on outage probability and ergodic capacity of two-way amplify-and-forward relay channels with full-duplex mode and show that full-duplex mode can achieve better performance in terms of capacity and even outperform half-duplex modes in the presence of loop interference.
Forecasting Uranium Resource Price Prediction by Extreme Learning Machine with Empirical Mode Decomposition and Phase Space Reconstruction
Authors: Yan Qisheng , Wang Shitong , Li Bingqing
Published: February 2014

A hybrid forecasting approach combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD), phase space reconstruction (PSR), and extreme learning machine (ELM) for international uranium resource prices is proposed. In the first stage, the original uranium resource price series are first decomposed into a finite number of independent intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), with different frequencies. In the second stage, the IMFs are composed into three subseries based on the fine-to-coarse reconstruction rule. In the third stage, based on phase space reconstruction, different ELM models are used to model and forecast the three subseries, respectively, according to the intrinsic characteristic time scales. Finally, in the foruth stage, these forecasting results are combined to output the ultimate forecasting result. Experimental results from real uranium resource price data demonstrate that the proposed hybrid forecasting method outperforms RBF neural network (RBFNN) and single ELM in terms of RMSE, MAE, and DS.
Open Questions in the Management of Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Tyran Marguerite , Gonzague Laurence , Bouabdallah Reda , Resbeut Michel
Published: February 2014

Localized Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma is a rare disease with an overall good prognosis but frequent late relapses. Due to it’s rarity there is no standard therapeutic approach and pathological diagnosis may be hard. In this paper we discuss the technical aspects of the radiation therapy and histological issues. The new fields reductions proposed for classical Hodgkin lymphoma cannot be applied to early stages Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin lymphomas which are usually treated with radiation therapy without systemic chemotherapy.
Role of Accumulated Calcium in Alleviating Aluminum Injury in Wheat Plants
Authors: Hossain M. Alamgir , Ashrafuzzaman M. , Hossain A. K. M. Zakir , Ismail Mohd. Razi , Koyama H.
Published: February 2014

Aluminum (Al) sensitive wheat cultivar kalyansona was grown for 14 d in a range of Ca solution (125, 625, and 2500 μM) plus other nutrients without Al. At 14 d after Ca treatment, half of these plants were harvested (H1), and the rest of the plants were exposed to 100 μM Al for additional 6 d and harvested (H2). Severe Al injury was found only in the plants with the lowest supply of Ca before Al treatment. Aluminum concentration in the apoplastic fluid was very high at 125 μM Ca probably because the plasma membrane of some of the cells was destroyed due to the attack of 100 μM Al. Aluminum content in roots decreased with increasing supply of Ca before Al treatment. Calcium content decreased drastically at harvest (H2) in the plants with 100 μM Al. Under Al stress conditions, the plant responded to Al in different ways due to not only the different Ca supply but also the variation of Ca content in the plant tissues. Actually, the plants having the largest Ca content in the roots before Al treatment can receive less Al injury during Al treatment. To substantiate this idea, a companion study was conducted to investigate the effects of 2500 μM Ca supply during, before, and after 100 μM Al treatment on root growth. The results indicated clearly that exogenous Ca supply before Al treatment is able to alleviate Al injury but less effective than Ca supply during Al treatment.
Use of Postpartum Care: Predictors and Barriers
Authors: DiBari Jessica N. , Yu Stella M. , Chao Shin M. , Lu Michael C.
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to identify actual and perceived barriers to postpartum care among a probability sample of women who gave birth in Los Angeles County, California in 2007. Survey data from the 2007 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) study (N= 4,075) were used to identify predictors and barriers to postpartum care use. The LAMB study was a cross-sectional, population-based study that examined maternal and child health outcomes during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods. Multivariable analyses identified low income, being separated/divorced and never married, trying hard to get pregnant or trying to prevent pregnancy, Medi-Cal insurance holders, and lack of prenatal care to be risk factors of postpartum care nonuse, while Hispanic ethnicity was protective. The most commonly reported barriers to postpartum care use were feeling fine, being too busy with the baby, having other things going on, and a lack of need. Findings from this study can inform the development of interventions targeting subgroups at risk for not obtaining postpartum care. Community education and improved access to care can further increase the acceptability of postpartum visits and contribute to improvements in women’s health. Postpartum care can serve as a gateway to engage underserved populations in the continuum of women’s health care.
Pattern Classification in Kampo Medicine
Authors: Yakubo S. , Ito M. , Ueda Y. , Okamoto H. , Kimura Y. , Amano Y. , Togo T. , Adachi H. , Mitsuma T. , Watanabe K.
Published: February 2014

Pattern classification is very unique in traditional medicine. Kampo medical patterns have transformed over time during Japan’s history. In the 17th to 18th centuries, Japanese doctors advocated elimination of the Ming medical theory and followed the basic concepts put forth by Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue in the later Han dynasty (25–220 AD). The physician Todo Yoshimasu (1702–1773) emphasized that an appropriate treatment could be administered if a set of patterns could be identified. This principle is still referred to as “matching of pattern and formula” and is the basic concept underlying Kampo medicine today. In 1868, the Meiji restoration occurred, and the new government changed its policies to follow that of the European countries, adopting only Western medicine. Physicians trained in Western medicine played an important role in the revival of Kampo medicine, modernizing Kampo patterns to avoid confusion with Western biomedical terminology. In order to understand the Japanese version of traditional disorders and patterns, background information on the history of Kampo and its role in the current health care system in Japan is important. In this paper we overviewed the formation of Kampo patterns.
An Investigation of Factors Affecting Elementary School Students’ BMI Values Based on the System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Lan Tian-Syung , Chen Kai-Ling , Chen Pin-Chang , Ku Chao-Tai , Chiu Pei-Hsuan , Wang Meng-Hsiang
Published: February 2014

This study used system dynamics method to investigate the factors affecting elementary school students’ BMI values. The construction of the dynamic model is divided into the qualitative causal loop and the quantitative system dynamics modeling. According to the system dynamics modeling, this study consisted of research on the four dimensions: student’s personal life style, diet-relevant parenting behaviors, advocacy and implementation of school nutrition education, and students’ peer interaction. The results of this study showed that students with more adequate health concepts usually have better eating behaviors and consequently have less chance of becoming obese. In addition, this study also verified that educational attainment and socioeconomic status of parents have a positive correlation with students’ amounts of physical activity, and nutrition education has a prominent influence on changing students’ high-calorie diets.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Ameliorates Seawater Aspiration-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Regulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Inhibiting JAK/STAT1 Pathway in Rats
Authors: Liu Wei , Dong Mingqing , Bo Liyan , Li Congcong , Liu Qingqing , Li Yanyan , Ma Lijie , Xie Yonghong , Fu Enqing , Mu Deguang , Pan Lei , Jin Faguang , Li Zhichao
Published: February 2014

Signal transducers and activators of transcriptions 1 (STAT1) play an important role in the inflammation process of acute lung injury (ALI). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) exhibits a specific and strong anti-STAT1 activity. Therefore, our study is to explore whether EGCG pretreatment can ameliorate seawater aspiration-induced ALI and its possible mechanisms. We detected the arterial partial pressure of oxygen, lung wet/dry weight ratios, protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the histopathologic and ultrastructure staining of the lung. The levels of IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-10 and the total and the phosphorylated protein level of STAT1, JAK1, and JAK2 were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that EGCG pretreatment significantly improved hypoxemia and histopathologic changes, alleviated pulmonary edema and lung vascular leak, reduced the production of TNF-αand IL-1, and increased the production of IL-10 in seawater aspiration-induced ALI rats. EGCG also prevented the seawater aspiration-induced increase of TNF-αand IL-1 and decrease of IL-10 in NR8383 cell line. Moreover, EGCG pretreatment reduced the total and the phosphorylated protein level of STAT1in vivoandin vitroand reduced the phosphorylated protein level of JAK1 and JAK2. The present study demonstrates that EGCG ameliorates seawater aspiration-induced ALI via regulating inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting JAK/STAT1 pathway in rats.
Productivity Improvements in Hip and Knee Surgery
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , George Linda K. , Hu Linyan
Published: February 2014

Productivity improvements that occur as technologies become widely used are not well documented. This study measured secular trends over 1998–2010 in productivity of hip and knee procedures gauged in terms of changes in physical function and pain after versus before surgery. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study. Health outcomes from surgery were measured by 6 physical functioning scales and 2 pain indicators. We used propensity score matching to obtain nonsurgery control groups. Not only were there substantial improvements in physical functioning and pain reduction after receipt of these procedures in all years, but also we documented improvements in health outcomes over time. Largest improvements were for reductions in numbers of Activity and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living limitations for knee procedures.
Hierarchical Order of Influence of Mix Variables Affecting Compressive Strength of Sustainable Concrete Containing Fly Ash, Copper Slag, Silica Fume, and Fibres
Authors: Natarajan Sakthieswaran , Karuppiah Ganesan
Published: February 2014

Experiments have been conducted to study the effect of addition of fly ash, copper slag, and steel and polypropylene fibres on compressive strength of concrete and to determine the hierarchical order of influence of the mix variables in affecting the strength using cluster analysis experimentally. While fly ash and copper slag are used for partial replacement of cement and fine aggregate, respectively, defined quantities of steel and polypropylene fibres were added to the mixes. It is found from the experimental study that, in general, irrespective of the presence or absence of fibres, (i) for a given copper slag-fine aggregate ratio, increase in fly ash-cement ratio the concrete strength decreases and with the increase in copper slag-sand ratio also the rate of strength decrease and (ii) for a given fly ash-cement ratio, increase in copper slag-fine aggregate ratio increases the strength of the concrete. From the cluster analysis, it is found that the quantities of coarse and fine aggregate present have high influence in affecting the strength. It is also observed that the quantities of fly ash and copper slag used as substitutes have equal “influence” in affecting the strength. Marginal effect of addition of fibres in the compression strength of concrete is also revealed by the cluster analysis.
The Interrelationship between Leukotriene B4 and Leukotriene-A4-Hydrolase in Collagen/Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Mendes Mariana Trivilin , Silveira Paulo Flavio
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to check the involvement of lipid mediator leukotriene (LT) B4 and the activity of LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H) in the development of arthritis induced in rats by collagen and adjuvant (CIA). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were used for measurements of LTB4 and LTA4H in plasma, synovial fluid (SF), soluble (SO), and solubilized membrane-bound fraction (MB) from synovial tissue (ST) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CIA-arthritic and CIA-resistant. EIA process is simple, clean, and rapid and offered advantages over HPLC, showing that in SF and MB-PBMCs of CIA-arthritic and CIA-resistant, and in MB-ST of CIA-resistant, LTB4 and LTA4H were altered in parallel and were positively related. In the plasma and SO-ST and SO-PBMCs of CIA-arthritic and CIA-resistant, and in MB-ST of CIA-arthritic, this pattern was not found. The primordial role played by LTA4H in the biosynthesis of LTB4 was confirmed together with the existence of alternative steps that regulate LTB4 without participation of LTA4H. The involvement of compartmentalized and coupled changes of LTB4 and LTA4H in the resistance and development of arthritis in CIA model was demonstrated for the first time.
Complex‐Coefficient Frequency Domain Stability Analysis Method for a Class of Cross‐Coupled Antisymmetrical Systems and Its Extension in MSR Systems
Authors: Ren Yuan , Fang Jiancheng
Published: February 2014

This paper develops a complex‐coefficient frequency domain stability analysis method for a class of cross‐coupled two‐dimensional antisymmetrical systems, which can greatly simplify the stability analysis of the multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system. Through variable reconstruction, the multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system is converted into a single‐input single‐output (SISO) system with complex coefficients. The pole locations law of the closed‐loop system after the variable reconstruction has been revealed, and the controllability as well as observability of the controlled plants before and after the variable reconstruction has been studied too, and then the classical Nyquist stability criterion is extended to the complex‐coefficient frequency domain. Combined with the rigid magnetically suspended rotor (MSR) system with heavy gyroscopic effects, corresponding stability criterion has been further developed. Compared with the existing methods, the developed criterion for the rigid MSR system not only accurately predicts the absolute stability of the different whirling modes, but also directly demonstrates their relative stability, which greatly simplifies the analysis, design, and debugging of the control system.
Corrosion Monitoring and Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Structures Utilizing the Ultrasonic Guided Wave Technique
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Zhang Shuaifang , Yang Wei , Zhang Wenyao
Published: February 2014

Corrosion of reinforced concrete structures has become a major problem worldwide, leading to very high repair costs. A dearth of studies has focused on the corrosion damage evolution of reinforced concrete. In this paper, the ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) technique is adopted to monitor the reinforced concrete corrosion damage evolution process. The properties of different guide wave modes were studied by steel rebar dispersion curves of UGWs through numerical calculation. The availability and validity of the UGW testing-reinforced concrete corrosion damage is proved by corrosion experiment. The experiment shows that the first wave peak value could describe the whole process of steel rebar corrosion. As the corrosion damage level increases, the relative variation for the first UGW peak value increases first and then decreases.
The Effects of Spinal, Inhalation, and Total Intravenous Anesthetic Techniques on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Authors: Koşucu Müge , Coşkun İlker , Eroglu Ahmet , Kutanis Dilek , Menteşe Ahmet , Karahan S. Caner , Baki Emre , Kerimoğlu Servet , Topbas Murat
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To compare the effects of different anesthesia techniques on tourniquet-related ischemia-reperfusion by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and neuromuscular side effects.Methods. Sixty ASAI-II patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery were randomised to three groups. In Group S, intrathecal anesthesia was administered using levobupivacaine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in Group I and TIVA with propofol in Group T. Blood samples were obtained before the induction of anesthesia (t1), 30 min after tourniquet inflation (t2), immediately before (t3), and 5 min (t4), 15 min (t5), 30 min (t6), 1 h (t7), 2 h (t8), and 6 h (t9) after tourniquet release.Results. MDA and IMA levels increased significantly compared with baseline values in Group S att2–t9andt2–t7. MDA levels in Group T and Group I were significantly lower than those in Group S att2–t8andt2–t9. IMA levels in Group T were significantly lower than those in Group S att2–t7. Postoperatively, a temporary 1/5 loss of strength in dorsiflexion of the ankle was observed in 3 patients in Group S and 1 in Group I.Conclusions. TIVA with propofol can make a positive contribution in tourniquet-related ischemia-reperfusion.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Aspirin Resistance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Ai-ju , Li Hui-qin , Li Ji-huang , Wang Yuan-yuan , Chen Dong , Wang Yan , Zheng Guo-qing
Published: February 2014

Aspirin resistance (AR) is a prevalent phenomenon and leads to significant clinical consequences, but the current evidence for effective interventional strategy is insufficient. The objective of this systematic review is thus to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for AR. A systematical literature search was conducted in 6 databases until December 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHM for AR. As a result, sixteen RCTs with a total of 1011 subjects were identified, suggesting that the interests of the medical profession and the public in the use of CHM for AR have grown considerably in the recent years. Tongxinluo capsule and Danshen‐based prescriptions were the most frequently used herbal prescriptions, while danshen root, milkvetch root, Leech, and Rosewood were the most frequently used single herbs. Despite the apparent reported positive findings, it is premature to determine the efficacy and safety of CHM for the treatment of AR due to poor methodological quality and insufficient safety data. However, CHMs appeared to be well tolerated in all included studies. Thus, CHM as a promising candidate is worthy of improvement and development for further clinical AR trials. Large sample‐size and well‐designed rigorous RCTs are needed.
Irregular Periapical Radiopacity in Mandibular Premolars and Molars
Authors: Warrier S. Aravind , Vinayachandran Divya
Published: February 2014

Increased deposition of cementum is observed in a wide number of both benign and malignant conditions. Many cases are often diagnosed during routine examination as an incidental finding. Diagnosing correctly without confusing it with other similarly appearing lesions, thus avoiding subjecting the patient to unnecessary investigations and stress, is of prime importance. We report one such case, where the patient presented with the routine complaint of a painful tooth, during the investigation of which he was also diagnosed with hypercementosis affecting the mandibular second premolars and molars bilaterally. The literature review reveals that not many cases of hypercementosis are frequently reported.
Development of Mass Spectrometry Selected Reaction Monitoring Method for Quantitation and Pharmacokinetic Study of Stepharine in Rabbit Plasma
Authors: Kopylov Arthur T. , Kuznetsova Ksenia G. , Mikhailova Olga M. , Moshkin Andrey G. , Turkin Vladimir V. , Alimov Andrei A.
Published: February 2014

Highly sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method on triple quadrupole (QQQ) mass spectrometer was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic study of stepharine in rabbit plasma. Specific ion transitions of stepharine protonated precursor ion were selected and recorded in the certain retention time employing dynamic selected reaction monitoring mode. The developed method facilitated quantitative measurements of stepharine in plasma samples in linear range of five orders of magnitude with high accuracy and low standard deviation coefficient and pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated. The apparent volume of stepharine distribution (estimated as ratio of clearance to elimination rate constant, data not shown) allows us to assume that stepharine was extensively distributed throughout the body.
Antitumor Effects in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Using Photodynamic Therapy with a Novel Glucose-Conjugated Chlorin
Authors: Tanaka Mamoru , Kataoka Hiromi , Yano Shigenobu , Ohi Hiromi , Moriwaki Kazuhiro , Akashi Haruo , Taguchi Takahiro , Hayashi Noriyuki , Hamano Shingo , Mori Yoshinori , Kubota Eiji , Tanida Satoshi , Joh Takashi
Published: February 2014

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Except for surgical resection, no effective treatment strategies have been established. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of intravenous administration of a photosensitizer, activated by a specific wavelength of light, which produces reactive oxygen species that directly kill tumor cells. We analyzed the efficacy of PDT using a newly developed photosensitizer, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis [4-[β-d-glucopyranosylthio-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl]-2,3,[methano[N-methyl] iminomethano] chlorin (H2TFPC-SGlc), for the GIST treatment. Various photosensitizers were administered in vitro to GIST (GIST-T1) and fibroblast (WI-38) cells, followed by irradiation, after which cell death was compared. We additionally established xenograft mouse models with GIST-T1 tumors and examined the accumulation and antitumor effects of these photosensitizers in vivo. In vitro, the expression of the glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4, the cellular uptake of H2TFPC-SGlc, and apoptosis mediated by PDT with H2TFPC-SGlc were significantly higher in GIST-T1 than in WI-38 cells. In vivo, H2TFPC-SGlc accumulation was higher in xenograft tumors of GIST-T1 cells than in the adjacent normal tissue, and tumor growth was significantly suppressed following PDT. PDT with novel H2TFPC-SGlc is potentially useful for clinical applications about the treatment of GIST. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(4); 767–75. ©2014 AACR.
Ponatinib Induces Apoptosis in Imatinib-Resistant Human Mast Cells by Dephosphorylating Mutant D816V KIT and Silencing β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Jin Bei , Ding Ke , Pan Jingxuan
Published: February 2014

Gain-of-function mutations of membrane receptor tyrosine kinase KIT, especially gatekeeper D816V point mutation in KIT, render kinase autoactivation, disease progression, and poor prognosis. D816V KIT is found in approximately 80% of the patients with systemic mastocytosis, and is resistant to the first and second generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The purpose of this investigation was aimed at exploring whether ponatinib (AP24534), a novel effective TKI against T315I Bcr-Abl, was active against D816V KIT. We discovered that ponatinib abrogated the phosphorylation of KIT harboring either V560G (sensitive to imatinib) or D816V mutation (resistant to imatinib) and the downstream signaling transduction. Ponatinib inhibited the growth of D816V KIT–expressing cells in culture and nude mouse xenografted tumor. Ponatinib triggered apoptosis by inducing the release of cytochrome c and AIF, downregulation of Mcl-1. Furthermore, ponatinib abrogated the phosphorylation of β-catenin at the site Y654, suppressed the translocation of β-catenin, and inhibited the transcription and DNA binding of TCF and the expression of its targets (e.g., AXIN2, c-MYC, and CCND1). Moreover, ponatinib was highly active against xenografted D816V KIT tumors in nude mice and significantly prolonged the survival of mice with aggressive systemic mastocytosis or mast cell leukemia by impeding the expansion and infiltration of mast cells with imatinib-resistant D814Y KIT. Our findings warrant a clinical trial of ponatinib in patients with systemic mastocytosis harboring D816V KIT. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1217–30. ©2014 AACR.
CCBE1
Enhances Lymphangiogenesis via A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease With Thrombospondin Motifs-3–Mediated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C Activation
Authors: Jeltsch Michael , Jha Sawan Kumar , Tvorogov Denis , Anisimov Andrey , Leppänen Veli-Matti , Holopainen Tanja , Kivelä Riikka , Ortega Sagrario , Kärpanen Terhi , Alitalo Kari
Published: February 2014

Background—

Hennekam lymphangiectasia–lymphedema syndrome (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man 235510) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, which is associated with mutations in the
CCBE1
gene. Because of the striking phenotypic similarity of embryos lacking either the
Ccbe1
gene or the lymphangiogenic growth factor
Vegfc
gene, we searched for collagen- and calcium-binding epidermal growth factor domains 1 (CCBE1) interactions with the vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) growth factor signaling pathway, which is critical in embryonic and adult lymphangiogenesis.

Methods and Results—

By analyzing VEGF-C produced by CCBE1-transfected cells, we found that, whereas CCBE1 itself does not process VEGF-C, it promotes proteolytic cleavage of the otherwise poorly active 29/31-kDa form of VEGF-C by the A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs-3 protease, resulting in the mature 21/23-kDa form of VEGF-C, which induces increased VEGF-C receptor signaling. Adeno-associated viral vector–mediated transduction of CCBE1 into mouse skeletal muscle enhanced lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis induced by adeno-associated viral vector–VEGF-C.

Conclusions—

These results identify A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs-3 as a VEGF-C–activating protease and reveal a novel type of regulation of a vascular growth factor by a protein that enhances its proteolytic cleavage and activation. The results suggest that CCBE1 is a potential therapeutic tool for the modulation of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in a variety of diseases that involve the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema or lymphatic metastasis.
Lessons for China from Financial Liberalization in Scandinavia
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Jonung Lars , Unteroberdoerster Olaf
Published: February 2014

This report identifies a set of policy lessons for China today drawn from the experience of financial deregulation, financial crisis, and recovery in Scandinavia during the period 1985–2000. Although there are considerable differences between the huge Chinese economy and the small Nordic countries, there are enough similarities to make lesson-drawing a worthwhile exercise. Based on the Scandinavian experience and the added complexity of China's status as a transition economy, financial reforms should strike a proper balance between being gradual (to avoid costly mistakes) and substantive (to secure efficiency gains in the longer term) with due consideration being given to initial conditions concerning regulation, taxes, and exchange rate arrangements. A well-managed process of financial deregulation requires that policymakers and market participants fully understand the linkages between financial reforms and the rest of the economy. In addition, the supervisory and management systems in the financial sector should move in step with the liberalization process.
An Empirical Note on the Success of Forecasting Economic Developments in Major Emerging Markets
Authors: Korhonen Iikka , Ritola Maria
Published: February 2014

In this paper we assess the rationality and goodness-of-fit of macroeconomic forecasts for 21 large emerging market countries during the past two decades. We find that in some countries forecasts have not been rational in the sense that they seem to have a systematic bias. We also find that for both GDP growth and inflation the forecast errors are larger for more volatile economies. For some countries GDP and inflation forecast errors have positive correlation, which is consistent with New Keynesian macromodels, whereas for other countries this is not the case. Our results suggest that relying on any one forecast methodology is not prudent.