bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-Derived Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Hopes and Disappointments regarding the Translation of Preclinical Knowledge into Clinical Progress
Authors: Fürst Robert , Zündorf Ilse
Published: May 2014

Many diseases have been described to be associated with inflammatory processes. The currently available anti-inflammatory drug therapy is often not successful or causes intolerable side effects. Thus, new anti-inflammatory substances are still urgently needed. Plants were the first source of remedies in the history of mankind. Since their chemical characterization in the 19th century, herbal bioactive compounds have fueled drug development. Also, nowadays, new plant-derived agents continuously enrich our drug arsenal (e.g., vincristine, galantamine, and artemisinin). The number of new, pharmacologically active herbal ingredients, in particular that of anti-inflammatory compounds, rises continuously. The major obstacle in this field is the translation of preclinical knowledge into evidence-based clinical progress. Human trials of good quality are often missing or, when available, are frequently not suitable to really prove a therapeutical value. This minireview will summarize the current situation of 6 very prominent plant-derived anti-inflammatory compounds: curcumin, colchicine, resveratrol, capsaicin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and quercetin. We will highlight their clinical potential and/or pinpoint an overestimation. Moreover, we will sum up the planned trials in order to provide insights into the inflammatory disorders that are hypothesized to be beneficially influenced by the compound.
A Two-Mode Mean-Field Optimal Switching Problem for the Full Balance Sheet
Authors: Djehiche Boualem , Hamdi Ali
Published: May 2014

We consider the problem of switching a large number of production lines between two modes, high production and low production. The switching is based on the optimal expected profit and cost yields of the respective production lines and considers both sides of the balance sheet. Furthermore, the production lines are all assumed to be interconnected through a coupling term, which is the average of all optimal expected yields. Intuitively, this means that each individual production line is compared to the average of all its peers which acts as a benchmark. Due to the complexity of the problem, we consider the aggregated optimal expected yields, where the coupling term is approximated with the mean of the optimal expected yields. This turns the problem into
a two-mode optimal switching problem of mean-field type, which can be described by a system of Snell envelopes where the obstacles are interconnected and nonlinear. The main result of the paper is a proof of a continuous minimal solution to the system of Snell envelopes, as well as the full characterization of the optimal switching strategy.
Commutators of Multilinear Calderón-Zygmund Operator and BMO Functions in Herz-Morrey Spaces with Variable Exponents
Authors: Tang Canqin , Wu Qing , Xu Jingshi
Published: May 2014

We obtain the boundedness of a commutator generated by multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operator and BMO functions in Herz-Morrey spaces with variable exponents.
Association between Severe Upper Limb Spasticity and Brain Lesion Location in Stroke Patients
Authors: Picelli Alessandro , Tamburin Stefano , Gajofatto Francesca , Zanette Giampietro , Praitano Marialuigia , Saltuari Leopold , Corradini Claudio , Smania Nicola
Published: May 2014

Association between the site of brain injury and poststroke spasticity is poorly understood. The present study investigated whether lesion analysis could document brain regions associated with the development of severe upper limb poststroke spasticity. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 39 chronic stroke patients. Spasticity was assessed at the affected upper limb with the modified Ashworth scale (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers). Brain lesions were traced from magnetic resonance imaging performed within the first 7 days after stroke and region of interest images were generated. The association between severe upper limb spasticity (modified Ashworth scale ≥2) and lesion location was determined with the voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping method implemented in MRIcro software. Colored maps representing thezstatistics were generated and overlaid onto the automated anatomical labeling and the Johns Hopkins University white matter templates provided with MRIcron. Thalamic nuclei were identified with the Talairach Daemon software. Injuries to the insula, the thalamus, the basal ganglia, and white matter tracts (internal capsule, corona radiata, external capsule, and superior longitudinal fasciculus) were significantly associated with severe upper limb poststroke spasticity. Further advances in our understanding of the neural correlates of spasticity may lead to early targeted rehabilitation when key regions are damaged.
Local Morrey and Campanato Spaces on Quasimetric Measure Spaces
Authors: Stempak Krzysztof , Tao Xiangxing
Published: May 2014

We define and investigate generalized local Morrey spaces and generalized local Campanato spaces, within a context of a general quasimetric measure space. The locality is manifested here by a restriction to a subfamily of involved balls. The structural properties of these spaces and the maximal operators associated to them are studied. In numerous remarks, we relate the developed theory, mostly in the “global” case, to the cases existing in the literature. We also suggest a coherent theory of generalized Morrey and Campanato spaces on open proper subsets ofRn.
Effects of Fermented Mushroom of Cordyceps sinensis, Rich in Selenium, on Uterine Cervix Cancer
Authors: Ji Jing , Liu Juan , Liu Haijuan , Wang Yueling
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented mushroom of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), rich in selenium (Se‐CS), on uterine cervical cancer in mice. The methylcholanthrene‐ (MCA‐) induced tumor model was used in this paper. After the mice were administered Se‐CS, the animals showed 40% tumor incidence (P < 0.05). Se‐CS also enhanced the immune functions. Se‐CS treatment showed significant (P < 0.05–0.01) restoration in the level of glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na+/K+‐ATPase activity, and glutathione S transferase activity. This finding suggested that the concomitant use of Se and CS could be a potential therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of therapy for uterine cervical cancer.
Proteome Changes in the Plasma of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients with Refractory Anemia with Excess Blasts Subtype 2
Authors: Majek Pavel , Riedelova-Reicheltova Zuzana , Suttnar Jiri , Pecankova Klara , Cermak Jaroslav , Dyr Jan E.
Published: May 2014

The goal of this study was to explore the plasma proteome of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts subtype 2 (RAEB-2) in comparison to healthy controls. 20 plasma samples were separated with 2D electrophoresis and statistically processed with Progenesis SameSpots software. 47 significantly differing (P<0.05) spots were observed, and 27 different proteins were identified by nano-LC-MS/MS. Mass spectrometry-based relative label-free quantification showed a 2-fold increase of the leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRAG) peptide levels in the RAEB-2 group. Changes in the fragments of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) protein were observed. Western blot analysis showed no differences in albumin and ITIH4 levels, while increased expression was observed for LRAG in the RAEB-2 group. Quantification using ELISA showed decreased plasma level of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein in the RAEB-2 group. In conclusion, this is the first time that alpha-2-HS glycoprotein and LRAG were proposed as new biomarkers of RAEB-2 and advanced MDS, respectively. Alpha-2-HS glycoprotein, a protein involved in the bone marrow development and previously proposed as a MDS biomarker candidate, was significantly decreased in RAEB-2. Increased expression and changes in modification(s) were observed for LRAG, a protein involved in granulocytic and neutrophil differentiation, and angiogenesis.
Sensitivities, Specificities, and Predictive Values of Microbiological Culture Techniques for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Jordan Robert W. , Smith Nicholas A. , Saithna Adnan , Sprowson Andrew P. , Foguet Pedro
Published: May 2014

Background. Identifying the microorganism in a prosthetic joint infection is the key to appropriately targeting antimicrobial treatment. Despite the availability of various techniques, no single test is considered the definitive gold standard.Aim. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values for a variety of culture techniques.Methods. We performed a retrospective case series of 219 patients undergoing revision surgery of their hip or knee replacement between May 2004 and February 2013. The patients were classified as either infected or noninfected according to criteria set out by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. The number and type of samples taken intraoperatively varied between cases but included tissue samples and fluid sent in either blood culture vials or sterile containers.Results. The highest sensitivity was found with blood culture vials (0.85) compared to fluid in sterile containers (0.26) and tissues samples (0.32). Blood culture vials also had a better specificity and positive and negative predictive values profile.Conclusion. We conclude that, of the techniques studied, fluid in blood culture vials had the best profile for the correct identification of microorganisms and advocate its use.
In Vivo Antioxidant and Anti‐Skin‐Aging Activities of Ethyl Acetate Extraction from Idesia polycarpa Defatted Fruit Residue in Aging Mice Induced by D‐Galactose
Authors: Ye Yang , Jia Ran-ran , Tang Lin , Chen Fang
Published: May 2014

Two different concentrations of D‐galactose (D‐gal) induced organism and skin aging in Kunming mice were used to examine comprehensively the antioxidant and antiaging activities of ethyl acetate extraction (EAE) from Idesia polycarpa defatted fruit residue for the first time. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of EAE was 13.09 ± 0.11 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/mg, which showed EAE had great in vitro free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Biochemical indexes and morphological analysis of all tested tissues showed that EAE could effectively improve the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) of the antioxidant defense system of the aging mice, enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) of tissues and serum, increase glutathione (GSH) content and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and maintain the skin collagen, elastin, and moisture content. Meanwhile, EAE could effectively attenuate the morphological damage in brain, liver, kidney, and skin induced by D‐gal and its effect was not less than that of the well‐known L‐ascorbic acid (VC) and α‐tocopherol (VE). Overall, EAE is a potent natural antiaging agent with great antioxidant activity, which can be developed as a new medicine and cosmetic for the treatment of age‐related conditions.
Reliable Assessment and Quantification of the Fluorescence-Labeled Antisense OligonucleotidesIn Vivo
Authors: Chiara Munisso Maria , Yamaoka Tetsuji
Published: May 2014

The availability of fluorescent dyes and the advances in the optical systems forin vivoimaging have stimulated an increasing interest in developing new methodologies to study and quantify the biodistribution of labeled agents. However, despite these great achievements, we are facing significant challenges in determining if the observed fluorescence does correspond to the quantity of the dye in the tissues. In fact, although the far-red and near-infrared lights can propagate through several centimetres of tissue, they diffuse within a few millimetres as consequence of the elastic scattering of photons. In addition, when dye-labeled oligonucleotides form stable complex with cationic carriers, a large change in the fluorescence intensity of the dye is observed. Therefore, the measured fluorescence intensity is altered by the tissue heterogeneity and by the fluctuation of dye intensity. Hence, in this study a quantification strategy for fluorescence-labeled oligonucleotides was developed to solve these disadvantageous effects. Our results proved that upon efficient homogenization and dilution with chaotropic agents, such as guanidinium thiocyanate, it is possible to achieve a complete fluorescence intensity recovery. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this method has the advantage of good sensitivity and reproducibility, as well as easy handling of the tissue samples.
Viscous Flows Driven by Uniform Shear over a Porous Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Suction/Blowing
Authors: Nandy Samir Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: May 2014

An analysis is carried out to study the steady two-dimensional flow of an incompressible viscous fluid past a porous deformable sheet, which is stretched in its own plane with a velocity proportional to the distance from the fixed point subject to uniform suction or blowing. A uniform shear flow of strain rate β is considered over the stretching sheet. The analysis of the result obtained shows that the magnitude of the wall shear stress increases with the increase of suction velocity and decreases with the increase of blowing velocity and this effect is more pronounced for suction than blowing. It is seen that the horizontal velocity component (at a fixed streamwise position along the plate) increases with the increase in the ratio of shear rate β and stretching rate (c) (i.e., β/c) and there is an indication of flow reversal. It is also observed that this flow reversal region increases with the increase in β/c.
Cost-Effectiveness of Improving Health Care to People with HIV in Nicaragua
Authors: Broughton Edward , Nunez Danilo , Moreno Indira
Published: May 2014

Background. A 2010 evaluation found generally poor outcomes among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Nicaragua. We evaluated an intervention to improve HIV nursing services in hospital outpatient departments to improve patient treatment and retention in care. The intervention included improving patient tracking, extending clinic hours, caring for children of HIV+ mothers, ensuring medication availability, promoting self-help groups and family involvement, and coordinating multidisciplinary care.Methods. This pre/postintervention study examined opportunistic infections and clinical status of HIV patients before and after implementation of changes to the system of nursing care. Hospital expenditure data were collected by auditors and hospital teams tracked intervention expenses. Decision tree analysis determined incremental cost-effectiveness from the implementers’ perspective.Results. Opportunistic infections decreased by 24% (95% CI: 14%–34%) and 11.3% of patients improved in CDC clinical stage. Average per-patient costs decreased by $133/patient/year (95% CI: $29–$249). The intervention, compared to business-as-usual strategy, saved money while improving outcomes.Conclusions. Improved efficiency of services can allow more ART-eligible patients to receive therapy. We recommended the intervention be implemented in all HIV service facilities in Nicaragua.
Endobronchial Lipomatous Polyp: A Rare Benign Tumor of the Lung
Authors: Surani Salim , Allen Karen , Surani Saherish , Varon Joseph
Published: May 2014

Endobronchial lipomatous polyp is a rare nonmalignant tumor of the lung. It comprises 5% of the benign lung tumor, with the majority of benign tumors being hamartoma. Lipomatous polyp often leads to endobronchial lesion, associated with postobstructive pneumonia, hemoptysis, and atelectasis. We hereby present a case and discussion of an elderly man with endobronchial lipomatous polyp, presenting as recurrent pneumonia.
A Functional Polymorphism of the MAOA Gene Modulates Spontaneous Brain Activity in Pons
Authors: Lei Hui , Zhang Xiaocui , Di Xin , Rao Hengyi , Ming Qingsen , Zhang Jibiao , Guo Xiao , Jiang Yali , Gao Yidian , Yi Jinyao , Zhu Xiongzhao , Yao Shuqiao
Published: May 2014

Objective. To investigate the effects of a functional polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene on spontaneous brain activity in healthy male adolescents.Methods. Thirty-one healthy male adolescents with the low-activity MAOA genotype (MAOA-L) and 25 healthy male adolescents with the high-activity MAOA genotype (MAOA-H) completed the 11-item Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) questionnaire and were subjected to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal was calculated using REST software. ALFF data were related to BIS scores and compared between genotype groups.Results. Compared with the MAOA-H group, the MAOA-L group showed significantly lower ALFFs in the pons. There was a significant correlation between the BIS scores and the ALFF values in the pons for MAOA-L group, but not for the MAOA-H group. Further regression analysis showed a significant genotype by ALFF values interaction effect on BIS scores.Conclusions. Lower spontaneous brain activity in the pons of the MAOA-L male adolescents may provide a neural mechanism by which boys with the MAOA-L genotype confers risk for impulsivity and aggression.
Brief Education on Microvasculature and Pit Pattern for Trainees Significantly Improves Estimation of the Invasion Depth of Colorectal Tumors
Authors: Kim Joon Sung , Lee Bo-In , Choi Hwang , Kang Bong Koo , Kim Jong In , Lee Hae Mi , Im Eun-Joo , Kim Byung-Wook , Kim Sang-Woo , Choi Myung-Gyu , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: May 2014

Objectives. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of education for trainees on the gross findings identified by conventional white-light endoscopy (CWE), the microvascular patterns identified by magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy (MNE), and the pit patterns identified by magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) in estimation of the invasion depth of colorectal tumors.Methods. A total of 420 endoscopic images of 35 colorectal tumors were used. Five trainees estimated the invasion depth of the tumors by reviewing the CWE images before education. Afterwards, the trainees estimated the invasion depth of the same tumors after brief education on CWE, MNE and MCE images, respectively.Results. The initial diagnostic accuracy for deep submucosal invasion before education and after education on CWE, MNE, and MCE findings was 54.3%, 55.4%, 67.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy increased significantly after MNE education (P=0.028). The specificity for deep submucosal invasion before education and after education on CWE, MNE, and MCE findings was 47.9%, 45.7%, 65.0%, and 80.7%, respectively. The specificity increased significantly after MNE (P=0.002) and MCE (P=0.005) education.Conclusion. Brief education on microvascular pattern identification by MNE and pit pattern identification by MCE significantly improves trainees’ estimations of the invasion depth of colorectal tumors.
N-Glycosylation Modification of Plant-Derived Virus-Like Particles: An Application in Vaccines
Authors: Kim Hyun-Soon , Jeon Jae-Heung , Lee Kyung Jin , Ko Kisung
Published: May 2014

Plants have been developed as an alternative system to mammalian cells for production of recombinant prophylactic or therapeutic proteins for human and animal use. Effective plant expression systems for recombinant proteins have been established with the optimal combination of gene expression regulatory elements and control of posttranslational processing of recombinant glycoproteins. In plant, virus-like particles (VLPs), viral “empty shells” which maintain the same structural characteristics of virions but are genome-free, are considered extremely promising as vaccine platforms and therapeutic delivery systems. Unlike microbial fermentation, plants are capable of carrying outN-glycosylation as a posttranslational modification of glycoproteins. Recent advances in the glycoengineering in plant allow human-like glycomodification and optimization of desired glycan structures for enhancing safety and functionality of recombinant pharmaceutical glycoproteins. In this review, the current plant-derived VLP approaches are focused, andN-glycosylation and its in planta modifications are discussed.
Malignant Hyperthermia during Thoracoscopic Pulmorrhaphy in a 70-Year-Old Man
Authors: Sakai Michihiro , Murakami Noriko , Kitamura Yuji , Sato Shin , Iwama Hiroshi , Nomura Akira
Published: May 2014

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but potentially fatal complication that may develop under general anesthesia (GA) and is rarely reported in elderly patients. We encountered a case of mild-onset MH in a 70-year-old patient who was receiving an elective thoracoscopic pulmorrhaphy and had a history of several GA procedures. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium and maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. His body temperature (BT) was 37.9°C after induction. During the procedure, the end-tidal CO2(ETCO2) increased steadily to 47–50 mmHg, presumably in response to the single lung ventilation. At the end, BT was 38.1°C and ETCO2was 47 mmHg under spontaneous breathing. After extubation, the patient wheezed on inspiration and expiration, and his trachea was reintubated. Sixty minutes after surgery, BT increased to 40.5°C and the arterial blood gas analysis showed severe metabolic acidosis. Based on these findings, MH was suspected and a bolus dose of dantrolene was administered. He responded to the dantrolene, and no complications or recurrence of MH was observed postoperatively. In this patient, the initial signs of MH were so subtle that making the diagnosis of MH was difficult. A high degree of suspicion is necessary to prevent a fulminant MH crisis.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Particle‐Laden Swirling Flows on Turbulence Modulation
Authors: Yan Jie , Gui Nan , Xie Gongnan , Gao Jinsen
Published: May 2014

The modulation of turbulence by the laden particles in swirling flows is studied via direct numerical simulation. The statistical characteristics of turbulence modulation are investigated in detail under the effects of different mass loadings as well as Stokes numbers. It is found that the characteristics of turbulence modulation for different Stokes numbers are very similar to each other when the mass loading is light. As the mass loading increases, small particles seem to modulate turbulence more rapidly than large particles. The number concentration or the number flow rate of particles plays an important role in modulation of turbulence. It induces the preferential attenuation of turbulence for small particles in the near field region. Moreover, the trends of modulation of the axial/azimuthal fluctuations, the turbulent kinetic energy, and the Reynolds stress tenor as well as its invariants are similar in the near field region. However, when the turbulence is decayed sufficiently in the downstream region, the inverse turbulence modulation may occur especially for the regions with local intensive accumulation of small particles.
Separation Process of Nonpolar Gas Hydrate in Food Solution under High Pressure Apparatus
Authors: Purwanto Yohanes Aris , Oshita Seiichi , Seo Yasuhisa , Kawagoe Yoshinori
Published: May 2014

Separation process of nonpolar gas hydrate formation in liquid food was experimentally studied under high pressure container. Xenon (Xe) gas was selected as hydrate forming gas and coffee solution was used as a sample of liquid food. The high-pressure stainless steel container having the inner diameter of 60 mm and the volume of 700 mL with a U-shaped stirrer was designed to carry out this experiment. A temperature of 9.0°C and Xe partial pressure of 0.9 MPa were set as a given condition. The experiment was designed to examine the effect of steel screen size, formation rate, temperature condition, and amount of Xe gas dissolving in the solution on the separation process which was indicated by concentration efficiency. Screen size of 200 and 280 mesh resulted in higher concentration efficiency than that of 100 mesh. The higher stirring rate caused the higher formation rate of Xe hydrate and created the smaller Xe hydrate crystals. At the condition giving the same solubility in water, temperature of 14.8°C resulted in lower concentration efficiency than 9.0°C. The increase in the amount of Xe gas dissolving in coffee solution caused the concentration efficiency to decrease; however, the concentration ratio between the final and initial concentration of the solution increased.
Numerical Simulation of Temperature Field and Residual Stress Distribution for Laser Cladding Remanufacturing
Authors: Hua Liang , Tian Wei , Liao Wenhe , Zeng Chao
Published: May 2014

A three-dimensional finite element model was employed to simulate the cladding process of Ni-Cr-B-Si coatings on 16MnR steel under different parameters of laser power, scanning speed, and spot diameter. The temperature and residual stress distribution, the depth of the heat affected zone (HAZ), and the optimized parameters for laser cladding remanufacturing technology were obtained. The orthogonal experiment and intuitive analysis on the depth of the HAZ were performed to study the influence of different cladding parameters. A new criterion based on the ratio of the maximum tensile residual stress and fracture strength of the substrate was proposed for optimization of the remanufacturing parameters. The result showed well agreement with that of the HAZ analysis.
Potency of Fish Collagen as a Scaffold for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Yamada Shizuka , Yamamoto Kohei , Ikeda Takeshi , Yanagiguchi Kajiro , Hayashi Yoshihiko
Published: May 2014

Cells, growth factors, and scaffold are the crucial factors for tissue engineering. Recently, scaffolds consisting of natural polymers, such as collagen and gelatin, bioabsorbable synthetic polymers, such as polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid, and inorganic materials, such as hydroxyapatite, as well as composite materials have been rapidly developed. In particular, collagen is the most promising material for tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Collagen contains specific cell adhesion domains, including the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif. After the integrin receptor on the cell surface binds to the RGD motif on the collagen molecule, cell adhesion is actively induced. This interaction contributes to the promotion of cell growth and differentiation and the regulation of various cell functions. However, it is difficult to use a pure collagen scaffold as a tissue engineering material due to its low mechanical strength. In order to make up for this disadvantage, collagen scaffolds are often modified using a cross-linker, such as gamma irradiation and carbodiimide. Taking into account the possibility of zoonosis, a variety of recent reports have been documented using fish collagen scaffolds. We herein review the potency of fish collagen scaffolds as well as associated problems to be addressed for use in regenerative medicine.
Mysteries behind the Low Salinity Water Injection Technique
Authors: Al-Shalabi Emad Waleed , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Pope Gary
Published: May 2014

Low salinity water injection (LSWI) is gaining popularity as an improved oil recovery technique in both secondary and tertiary injection modes. The objective of this paper is to investigate the main mechanisms behind the LSWI effect on oil recovery from carbonates through history-matching of a recently published coreflood. This paper includes a description of the seawater cycle match and two proposed methods to history-match the LSWI cycles using the UTCHEM simulator. The sensitivity of residual oil saturation, capillary pressure curve, and relative permeability parameters (endpoints and Corey’s exponents) on LSWI is evaluated in this work. Results showed that wettability alteration is still believed to be the main contributor to the LSWI effect on oil recovery in carbonates through successfully history matching both oil recovery and pressure drop data. Moreover, tuning residual oil saturation and relative permeability parameters including endpoints and exponents is essential for a good data match. Also, the incremental oil recovery obtained by LSWI is mainly controlled by oil relative permeability parameters rather than water relative permeability parameters. The findings of this paper help to gain more insight into this uncertain IOR technique and propose a mechanistic model for oil recovery predictions.
Inner-Learning Mechanism Based Control Scheme for Manipulator with Multitasking and Changing Load
Authors: Xue Fangzheng , Xiang Jian , Li Nan
Published: May 2014

With the rapid development of robot technology and its application, manipulators may face complex tasks and dynamic environments in the coming future, which leads to two challenges of control: multitasking and changing load. In this paper, a novel multicontroller strategy is presented to meet such challenges. The presented controller is composed of three parts: subcontrollers, inner-learning mechanism, and switching rules. Each subcontroller is designed with self-learning skills to fit the changing load under a special task. When a new task comes, switching rule reselects the most suitable subcontroller as the working controller to handle current task instead of the older one. Inner-learning mechanism makes the subcontrollers learn from the working controller when load changes so that the switching action causes smaller tracking error than the traditional switch controller. The results of the simulation experiments on two-degree manipulator show the proposed method effect.
Enhanced Amelioration of High-Fat Diet-Induced Fatty Liver by Docosahexaenoic Acid and Lysine Supplementations
Authors: Lin Hsin-Yu , Chen Chih-Chien , Chen Yu-Jen , Lin Yuan-Yu , Mersmann Harry J. , Ding Shih-Torng
Published: May 2014

Fatty liver disease is the most common pathological condition in the liver. Here, we generated high-fat diet-(HFD-) induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice and tested the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and lysine during a four-week regular chow (RC)feeding. Our results showed that 1% lysine and the combination of 1% lysine + 1% DHA reduced body weight. Moreover, serum triglyceride levels were reduced by 1% DHA and 1% lysine, whereas serum alanine transaminase activity was reduced by 1% DHA and 1% DHA + 0.5% lysine. Switching to RC reduced hepatic lipid droplet accumulation, which was further reduced by the addition of DHA or lysine. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines were suppressed by DHA and combinations of DHA + lysine, whereas the mRNA for the lipogenic gene, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), was suppressed by DHA. In the gonadal adipose tissues, combinations of DHA and lysine inhibited mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-associated genes, including ACC1, fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase, and perilipin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that, in conjunction with RC-induced benefits, supplementation with DHA or lysine further ameliorated the high-fat diet-induced NAFLD and provided an alternative strategy to treat, and potentially prevent, NAFLD.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: Clinical Value of IgA Anti-β2glycoprotein I Antibodies Determination
Authors: Paulmyer-Lacroix Odile , Despierres Laura , Courbiere Blandine , Bardin Nathalie
Published: May 2014

Implantation failure could be related to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). We retrospectively analyzed the usefulness of aPL determination in women undergoing IVF. Conventional aPL of the antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), anti-β2glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, and IgG and IgM isotypes as well as IgA isotype were analyzed in women presenting with at least two implantation failures after in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a population of 40 IVF patients, a total prevalence of 20% (8/40) of aPL was found, significantly different from that of the control population (100 healthy blood donors,P<0.0005). Among the panels of aPL tested, aβ2GPI IgA antibodies were the most prevalent (62.5% 5/8), significantly higher in IVF patients (12.5%, 5/40) than in controls (1%, 1/100) (P=0.01). No difference according to the numbers of IVF attempts and success of embryo implantation was found between aPL positive and negative IVF patients. In contrast, no accomplished pregnancy with full-term live birth was observed in aPL positive IVF patients. Altogether our data led us to propose aPL assessment, in particular aβ2GPI IgA antibodies, in support of IVF treated women. In a perspective way, an early aPL detection could be the basis for defining novel therapeutic strategy.
Multiparametric MRI for Recurrent Prostate Cancer Post Radical Prostatectomy and Postradiation Therapy
Authors: Barchetti Flavio , Panebianco Valeria
Published: May 2014

The clinical suspicion of local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and after radiation therapy (RT) is based on the onset of biochemical failure. The aim of this paper was to review the current role of multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) in the detection of locoregional recurrence. A systematic literature search using the Medline and Cochrane Library databases was performed from January 1995 up to November 2013. Bibliographies of retrieved and review articles were also examined. Only those articles reporting complete data with clinical relevance for the present review were selected. This review article is divided into two major parts: the first one considers the role of mp-MRI in the detection of PCa local recurrence after RP; the second part provides an insight about the impact of mp-MRI in the depiction of locoregional recurrence after RT (interstitial or external beam). Published data indicate an emerging role for mp-MRI in the detection and localization of locally recurrent PCa both after RP and RT which represents an information of paramount importance to perform focal salvage treatments.
Validation of the Diagnostic Score for Acute Lower Abdominal Pain in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Jearwattanakanok Kijja , Yamada Sirikan , Suntornlimsiri Watcharin , Smuthtai Waratsuda , Patumanond Jayanton
Published: May 2014

Background. The differential diagnoses of acute appendicitis obstetrics, and gynecological conditions (OB-GYNc) or nonspecific abdominal pain in young adult females with lower abdominal pain are clinically challenging. The present study aimed to validate the recently developed clinical score for the diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain in female of reproductive age.Method. Medical records of reproductive age women (15–50 years) who were admitted for acute lower abdominal pain were collected. Validation data were obtained from patients admitted during a different period from the development data.Result. There were 302 patients in the validation cohort. For appendicitis, the score had a sensitivity of 91.9%, a specificity of 79.0%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.39. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio in diagnosis of OB-GYNc were 73.0%, 91.6%, and 8.73, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating curves (ROC), the positive likelihood ratios, for appendicitis and OB-GYNc in the validation data were not significantly different from the development data, implying similar performances.Conclusion. The clinical score developed for the diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain in female of reproductive age may be applied to guide differential diagnoses in these patients.
Privacy-Preserving Mobile Roaming Authentication with Security Proof in Global Mobility Networks
Authors: Xie Qi , Hong Dongzhao , Bao Mengjie , Dong Na , Wong Duncan S.
Published: May 2014

Mobile roaming authentication scheme achieves the mutual authentication and session key establishment between the mobile user and the foreign agent. In 2013, Xie et al. pointed out that Chen et al.'s scheme is vulnerable to offline password attack, and does not achieve fair session key generation, user untraceability, user friendliness, and perfect forward secrecy, and then they proposed an improved scheme. In this paper, we propose an improvement of Xie et al.'s scheme, since the foreign agent may confuse the mobile users when multiple mobile users simultaneously access the foreign agent in Xie et al.'s scheme. Further, we prove the formal security of the proposed scheme, and present the performance comparison between our scheme and some related schemes. The proposed scheme is more efficient and secure than other related schemes and is suitable for using in the global mobility network.
Influence of the Umbilical Cord Insertion Site on the Optimal Individual Birth Weight Achievement
Authors: Brouillet Sophie , Dufour Anaïs , Prot Fabien , Feige Jean-Jacques , Equy Véronique , Alfaidy Nadia , Gillois Pierre , Hoffmann Pascale
Published: May 2014

Study Question. To determine whether the umbilical cord insertion site of singleton pregnancies could be linked to the newborn birth weight at term and its individual growth potential achievement.Material and Methods. A cohort study including 528 records of term neonates was performed. Each neonate was assessed for growth adjusted for gestational age according to the infant’s growth potential using the AUDIPOG module. We considered two categories of umbilical cord insertions: central and peripheral. Intrauterine growth restriction was defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, Student’sttest, Wilcoxon test, ANOVA, and logistic regression.Results. We observed a total of 343 centrally inserted cords versus 185 peripheral cords. There were twice as many smokers in the mothers of the peripheral category compared to the centrally inserted ones. More importantly, we demonstrated that only 17/343 (5.0%) of infants with central cord insertion were growth restricted, compared to 37/185 (20.0%) of the infants born with a peripheral insertion. Neonates with centrally inserted cord were significantly heavier.Conclusion. The umbilical cord insertion site of singleton pregnancies is associated with the newborn’s birth weight at term and its individual growth potential achievement.
Game-Theoretic Based Distributed Scheduling Algorithms for Minimum Coverage Breach in Directional Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Jin , Yue Kun , Liu Weiyi , Liu Qing
Published: May 2014

A directional sensor network, where a lot of sensors are intensively and randomly deployed, is able to enhance coverage performances, since working directions can be partitioned into different K covers which are activated in a round-robin fashion. In this paper, we consider the problem of direction set K-Cover for minimum coverage breach in directional sensor networks. First, we formulate the problem as a game called direction scheduling game (DSG), which we prove as a potential game. Thus, the existence of pure Nash equilibria can be guaranteed, and the optimal coverage is a pure Nash equilibrium, since the potential function of DSGs is consistent with the coverage objective function of the underlying network. Second, we propose the synchronous and asynchronous game-theoretic based distributed scheduling algorithms, which we prove to converge to pure Nash equilibria. Third, we present the explicit bounds on the coverage performance of the proposed algorithms by theoretical analysis of the algorithms' coverage performance. Finally, we show experimental results and conclude that the Nash equilibria can provide a near-optimal and well-balanced solution.
New Inference Procedures for Semiparametric Varying-Coefficient Partially Linear Cox Models
Authors: Ma Yunbei , Luo Xuan
Published: May 2014

In biomedical research, one major objective is to identify risk factors and study their risk impacts, as this identification can help clinicians to both properly make a decision and increase efficiency of treatments and resource allocation. A two-step penalized-based procedure is proposed to select linear regression coefficients for linear components and to identify significant nonparametric varying-coefficient functions for semiparametric varying-coefficient partially linear Cox models. It is shown that the penalized-based resulting estimators of the linear regression coefficients are asymptotically normal and have oracle properties, and the resulting estimators of the varying-coefficient functions have optimal convergence rates. A simulation study and an empirical example are presented for illustration.
Value of Plasmatic Membrane Attack Complex as a Marker of Severity in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Rodríguez Eva , Riera Marta , Barrios Clara , Pascual Julio
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to determine if complement pathway is activated in AKI; for this purpose, we measured, through ELISA sandwich, the terminal lytic fraction of the complement system, called membrane attack complex (C5b-C9), in AKI patients compared with patients with similar clinical conditions but normal renal function. Our data showed that complement system is activated in AKI. Plasmatic MAC concentrations were significantly higher in AKI patients than in those with normal renal function; this difference is maintained independently of the AKI etiology and is proportional to the severity of AKI, measured by ADQI classification. In addition, we found that plasmatic MAC concentrations were significantly higher in patients who did not recover renal function at time of hospitalization discharge, in patients who died during the acute process, and in patients who need renal replacement therapy during hospitalization, but in this last group, the differences did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, plasmatic MAC concentration seems valuable as a marker of AKI severity.
Fabrication and Spectral Properties of Wood‐Based Luminescent Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Xianjun , Li Yun , Luo Yongfeng , Mou Qunying , Li Xingong , Xie Lisheng , Wu Yiqiang
Published: May 2014

Pressure impregnation pretreatment is a conventional method to fabricate wood‐based nanocomposites. In this paper, the wood‐based luminescent nanocomposites were fabricated with the method and its spectral properties were investigated. The results show that it is feasible to fabricate wood‐based luminescent nanocomposites using microwave modified wood and nanophosphor powders. The luminescent strength is in positive correlation with the amount of phosphor powders dispersed in urea‐formaldehyde resin. Phosphors absorb UV and blue light efficiently in the range of 400–470 nm and show a broad band of bluish‐green emission centered at 500 nm, which makes them good candidates for potential blue‐green luminescent materials.
Stimuli-Sensitive Hydrogel Based on N-Isopropylacrylamide and Itaconic Acid for Entrapment and Controlled Release ofCandida rugosaLipase under Mild Conditions
Authors: Milašinović Nikola , Knežević-Jugović Zorica , Milosavljević Nedeljko , Lučić Škorić Marija , Filipović Jovanka , Kalagasidis Krušić Melina
Published: May 2014

Stimuli responsive pH- and temperature-sensitive hydrogel drug delivery systems, as those based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAAm) and itaconic acid (IA), have been attracting much of the attention of the scientific community nowadays, especially in the field of drug release. By adjusting comonomer composition, the matrix is enabled to protect the incorporated protein in the highly acidic environment of upper gastrointestinal tract and deliver it in the neutral or slightly basic region of the lower intestine. The protein/poly(NiPAAm-co-IA) hydrogels were synthetized by free radical crosslinking copolymerization and were characterized concerning their swelling capability, mechanical properties, and morphology. The pore structure and sizes up to 1.90 nm allowed good entrapment of lipase molecules. Model protein, lipase fromCandida rugosa,was entrapped within hydrogels upon mild conditions that provided its protection from harmful environmental influences. The efficiency of the lipase entrapment reached 96.7%, and was dependent on the initial concentration of lipase solution. The swelling of the obtained hydrogels in simulated pH and temperature of gastrointestinal tract, the lipase entrapment efficiency, and its release profiles from hydrogels were investigated as well.
Molecular Profiling and Clinical Outcome of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Presenting with Low- versus High-Volume Ascites
Authors: Feigenberg Tomer , Clarke Blaise , Virtanen Carl , Plotkin Anna , Letarte Michelle , Rosen Barry , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Kollara Alexandra , Brown Theodore J. , Murphy K. Joan
Published: May 2014

Epithelial ovarian cancer consists of multiple histotypes differing in etiology and clinical course. The most prevalent histotype is high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), which often presents at an advanced stage frequently accompanied with high-volume ascites. While some studies suggest that ascites is associated with poor clinical outcome, most reports have not differentiated between histological subtypes or tumor grade. We compared genome-wide gene expression profiles from a discovery cohort of ten patients diagnosed with stages III-IV HGSOC with high-volume ascites and nine patients with low-volume ascites. An upregulation of immune response genes was detected in tumors from patients presenting with low-volume ascites relative to those with high-volume ascites. Immunohistochemical studies performed on tissue microarrays confirmed higher expression of proteins encoded by immune response genes and increased tumorinfiltrating cells in tumors associated with low-volume ascites. Comparison of 149 advanced-stage HGSOC cases with differential ascites volume at time of primary surgery indicated low-volume ascites correlated with better surgical outcome and longer overall survival. These findings suggest that advanced stage HGSOC presenting with low-volume ascites reflects a unique subgroup of HGSOC, which is associated with upregulation of immune related genes, more abundant tumor infiltrating cells and better clinical outcomes.
Weight Status and Differences in Mobility Performance, Pain Symptoms, and Physical Activity in Older, Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Garver Matthew J. , Focht Brian C. , Dials Justin , Rose Mark , Lucas Alexander R. , Devor Steven T. , Emery Charles F. , Hackshaw Kevin V. , Rejeski W. Jack
Published: May 2014

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of functional disability among American adults. Obesity is a strong independent risk factor for OA. While research emphasizes the role of obesity in the OA-physical function relationship, the extent to which weight status impacts salient physical, health, and pain measures in older, knee OA patients is not well delineated. The primary aim of this study was to assess differences in mobility performance (stair climb and 400-meter walk), mobility-related self-efficacy, pain symptoms (WOMAC), and measures of accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) as a function of weight status. Analysis of covariance was conducted to examine differences on the dependent variables. Obese class III patients were outperformed by their counterparts on nearly every measure of mobility, mobility-related self-efficacy, and the assessment of pain symptoms. These outcomes did not differ among other weight comparisons. Normal weight subjects outperformed classes I, II, and III counterparts on most measures of PA (engagement in moderate or greater PA and total weekly steps). Additionally, overweight participants outperformed obese class II participants and obese class I participants outperformed obese classes II and III participants on total weekly steps. Collectively, these findings underscore the meaningful differences observed in relevant OA outcomes as a function of increasing levels of body weight.