bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Data Source Location Privacy in Wireless Sensor Networks against a Global Eavesdropper
Authors: Hu Rong-hua , Dong Xiao-mei , Wang Da-ling
Published: August 2014

Data source location privacy (DSLP) is of great importance for some asset monitoring applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Besides the source simulation (SS) method to protect the DSLP against a global eavesdropper in WSNs, other existing methods are based on the panda-hunter game model (PHGM) without considering the communication between data sources and reporter sources, which can cause them to be ineffective. Moreover, there are two limitations in SS. First, the reporter source cannot generate effective event reports. Second, it is unsuitable to track multiobjects accurately. To address the former issue, an improved source simulation (ISS) method is proposed which adjusts the event report strategy. To solve the latter issue, an updated-panda-hunter game model (UPHGM) is proposed and a formal model of the DSLP issues is also presented. Then, based on the UPHGM, an energy-efficient grid-based pull (GBP) scheme is designed to protect the DSLP by combining a light-weight security object collection scheme with an effective grid partition method. Analysis and simulation results show that GBP outperforms SS and ISS in terms of energy cost on the whole.
How to Evaluate Adenomyosis in Patients Affected by Endometriosis?
Authors: Di Donato Nadine , Seracchioli Renato
Published: August 2014

Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate adenomyosis in patients undergoing surgery for different type of endometriosis. It is an observational study including women with preoperative ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis. Demographic data and symptoms were recorded (age, body mass index, parity, history of previous surgery, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, dysuria, and abnormal uterine bleeding). Moreover a particular endometrial shape “question mark sign” linked to the presence of adenomyosis was assessed.Results. From 217 patients with ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis, we found 73 with ovarian histological confirmation of endometriosis, 92 with deep infiltrating endometriosis, and 52 patients who underwent surgery for infertility. Women with adenomyosis alone represented the oldest group of patients (37.8±5.18years,P=0.02). Deep endometriosis patients were nulliparous more frequently (P<0.0001), had history of previous surgery (P=0.004), and complained of more intense pain symptoms than other groups. Adenomyosis alone was significantly associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (P<0.0001). The question mark sign was found to be strongly related to posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (P=0.01).Conclusion. Our study confirmed the strong relationship between adenomyosis and endometriosis and evaluated demographic aspects and symptoms in patients affected by different type of endometriosis.
Assessment of the Self-Perception of Dental Appearance, Its Comparison with Orthodontist’s Assessment and Demand for Treatment in Eastern Nepalese Patients
Authors: Singh Varun Pratap , Sharma Amita , Roy Deepak Kumar
Published: August 2014

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the self-perception of dental appearance among Eastern Nepalese patients using aesthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) and to compare it with that of an orthodontist’s assessment using the same scale and determine whether gender, area of residence, and level of education influence subject’s self-perception and orthodontist’s ratings.Methods. A total of 252 subjects (equal number of male and female) were conveniently selected. The average ages of subjects were22.33±2.114years. The level of subject’s perception and orthodontist’s assessment was analyzed by nonparametric Chi square test. Kappa coefficient was done to verify its agreement. The Spearman’s correlation test was used to check the association of educational level and age. Mann-Whitney test was used to check the associations of sex and areas of residence.Results. The demand for treatment was significantly associated with the perception of the subject and orthodontist’s assessment. However, age, gender, and educational level were statistically insignificant in influencing subject perception and orthodontist’s assessment.Conclusion. Patient’s self-perception should be given equal importance while planning orthodontic treatment.
BIM Based Virtual Environment for Fire Emergency Evacuation
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Haijiang , Rezgui Yacine , Bradley Alex , Ong Hoang N.
Published: August 2014

Recent building emergency management research has highlighted the need for the effective utilization of dynamically changing building information. BIM (building information modelling) can play a significant role in this process due to its comprehensive and standardized data format and integrated process. This paper introduces a BIM based virtual environment supported by virtual reality (VR) and a serious game engine to address several key issues for building emergency management, for example, timely two-way information updating and better emergency awareness training. The focus of this paper lies on how to utilize BIM as a comprehensive building information provider to work with virtual reality technologies to build an adaptable immersive serious game environment to provide real-time fire evacuation guidance. The innovation lies on the seamless integration between BIM and a serious game based virtual reality (VR) environment aiming at practical problem solving by leveraging state-of-the-art computing technologies. The system has been tested for its robustness and functionality against the development requirements, and the results showed promising potential to support more effective emergency management.
Airmass Trajectories and Long Range Transport of Pollutants: Review of Wet Deposition Scenario in South Asia
Authors: Kulshrestha Umesh , Kumar Bablu
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a review of airmass trajectories and their role in air pollution transport. It describes the concept, history, and basic calculation of air trajectories citing various trajectory models used worldwide. It highlights various areas of trajectory applications and errors associated with trajectory calculations. South Asian region receives airmasses from Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Indian Ocean, and so forth, depending upon the season. These airmasses are responsible for export and import of pollutants depositing in nearby states. Trajectory analysis revealed that soil is contributed by the dust storms coming from Oman through Gulf and Iran, while most of black carbon (BC) sources are located in India. A detailed review of trajectories associated with wet deposition events indicated that airmasses coming from Europe and Middle East carry high concentration of acidic pollutants which are deposited in Himalayan ranges. Similarly, trajectory analysis revealed that acidic pollutants from continental anthropogenic sources are transported to an ecosensitive site in Western Ghats in India and the outward fluxes of anthropogenic activities of Indo-Gangetic region are transported towards Bay of Bengal. Hence, transboundary and long range transport of pollutants are very important issues in South Asia which need immediate attention of scientists and policy makers.
Generalizing Source Geometry of Site Contamination by Simulating and Analyzing Analytical Solution of Three‐Dimensional Solute Transport Model
Authors: Wang Xingwei , Chen Jiajun , Wang Hao , Liu Jianfei
Published: August 2014

Due to the uneven distribution of pollutions and blur edge of pollutant area, there will exist uncertainty of source term shape in advective‐diffusion equation model of contaminant transport. How to generalize those irregular source terms and deal with those uncertainties is very critical but rarely studied in previous research. In this study, the fate and transport of contaminant from rectangular and elliptic source geometry were simulated based on a three‐dimensional analytical solute transport model, and the source geometry generalization guideline was developed by comparing the migration of contaminant. The result indicated that the variation of source area size had no effect on pollution plume migration when the plume migrated as far as five times of source side length. The migration of pollution plume became slower with the increase of aquifer thickness. The contaminant concentration was decreasing with scale factor rising, and the differences among various scale factors became smaller with the distance to field increasing.
A Matrix Method Based on the Fibonacci Polynomials to the Generalized Pantograph Equations with Functional Arguments
Authors: Koç Ayşe Betül , Çakmak Musa , Kurnaz Aydın
Published: August 2014

A pseudospectral method based on the Fibonacci operational matrix is proposed to solve generalized pantograph equations with linear functional arguments. By using this method, approximate solutions of the problems are easily obtained in form of the truncated Fibonacci series. Some illustrative examples are given to verify the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method. Then, the numerical results are compared with other methods.
Numerical and Experimental Stability Investigation of a Flexible Rotor on Two Different Tilting Pad Bearing Configurations
Authors: Wang Weimin , Li Qihang , He Feng , Allaire Paul
Published: August 2014

Rotordynamic stability is crucial for high performance centrifugal compressors. In this paper, the weighted instrumental variable (WIV) based system identification method for rotating machinery stability is investigated based on a sine sweep forward excitation with an electromagnetic actuator. The traditional multiple input multiple output (MIMO) frequency response function (FRF) is transformed into a directional frequency response function (dFRF). The rational polynomial method (RPM) combined with WIV is developed to identify the rotor’s first forward mode parameters. This new approach is called the COMDYN method. Experimental work using the COMDYN method is carried out under different rotating speeds, oil inlet temperatures, and pressure conditions. Two sets of bearings with preloads 0.1 and 0.3 are investigated. A numerical rotor-bearing model is also built. The numerical results correlate reasonably well with the experimental results. The investigation results indicate that the new method satisfies the desired features of rotating machine stability identification. Furthermore, the system log decrement was improved somewhat with the increase of oil inlet temperature. The increase of oil supply pressure affects the rotor-bearing system stability very slightly. The results of this paper provide new and useful insights for potentially avoiding instability faults in centrifugal compressors.
Ionotropic and Metabotropic Proton-Sensing Receptors Involved in Airway Inflammation in Allergic Asthma
Authors: Aoki Haruka , Mogi Chihiro , Okajima Fumikazu
Published: August 2014

An acidic microenvironment has been shown to evoke a variety of airway responses, including cough, bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung, and stimulation of mucus hyperproduction. Except for the participation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in severe acidic pH (of less than 6.0)-induced cough and bronchoconstriction through sensory neurons, the molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular acidic pH-induced actions in the airways have not been fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1)-family G protein-coupled receptors, which sense pH of more than 6.0, are expressed in structural cells, such as airway smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells, and in inflammatory and immune cells, such as eosinophils and dendritic cells. They function in a variety of airway responses related to the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. In the present review, we discuss the roles of ionotropic TRPV1 and ASICs and metabotropic OGR1-family G protein-coupled receptors in the airway inflammation and AHR in asthma and respiratory diseases.
Cluster Head Selection in a Homogeneous Wireless Sensor Network Ensuring Full Connectivity with Minimum Isolated Nodes
Authors: Jain Tapan Kumar , Saini Davinder Singh , Bhooshan Sunil Vidya
Published: August 2014

The research work proposes a cluster head selection algorithm for a wireless sensor network. A node can be a cluster head if it is connected to at least one unique neighbor node where the unique neighbor is the one that is not connected to any other node. If there is no connected unique node then the CH is selected on the basis of residual energy and the number of neighbor nodes. With the increase in number of clusters, the processing energy of the network increases; hence, this algorithm proposes minimum number of clusters which further leads to increased network lifetime. The major novel contribution of the proposed work is an algorithm that ensures a completely connected network with minimum number of isolated nodes. An isolated node will remain only if it is not within the transmission range of any other node. With the maximum connectivity, the coverage of the network is automatically maximized. The superiority of the proposed design is verified by simulation results done in MATLAB, where it clearly depicts that the total numbers of rounds before the network dies out are maximum compared to other existing protocols.
Predictions of the Length of Lumbar Puncture Needles
Authors: Ma Hon-Ping , Hung Yun-Fei , Tsai Shin-Han , Ou Ju-chi
Published: August 2014

Introduction.The lumbar puncture is a well-known neurological procedure. The purpose of this study is to build an accurate mathematical formula to estimate the appropriate depth for inserting a lumbar puncture needle for a beginner.Methods.This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the L-spine. The depth from the skin to the posterior and anterior margin of the spinal canal at the level of L4-L5 and L3-L4 interspaces of the spine was estimated using MRI.Results.Three hundred sixty-eight patients aged between 20 and 89 years were studied. The optimal puncture depths of the lumbar puncture needle were moderately strongly related to weight and BMI. The most accurate models with the highest coefficient of determination were 1.27 + 0.18 × BMI and 1.68 + 0.067 × weight (kg) for man and woman, respectively.Conclusion.The best formula for men and women provides the most accurate estimates for adults based on the MRI of the L-spine.
Heavy Metal Polluted Soils: Effect on Plants and Bioremediation Methods
Authors: Chibuike G. U. , Obiora S. C.
Published: August 2014

Soils polluted with heavy metals have become common across the globe due to increase in geologic and anthropogenic activities. Plants growing on these soils show a reduction in growth, performance, and yield. Bioremediation is an effective method of treating heavy metal polluted soils. It is a widely accepted method that is mostly carried outin situ; hence it is suitable for the establishment/reestablishment of crops on treated soils. Microorganisms and plants employ different mechanisms for the bioremediation of polluted soils. Using plants for the treatment of polluted soils is a more common approach in the bioremediation of heavy metal polluted soils. Combining both microorganisms and plants is an approach to bioremediation that ensures a more efficient clean-up of heavy metal polluted soils. However, success of this approach largely depends on the species of organisms involved in the process.
Graph-Based Resource Allocation for D2D Communications Underlying Cellular Networks in Multiuser Scenario
Authors: Guo Bin , Sun Shaohui , Gao Qiubin
Published: August 2014

With the characteristics of considerable user equipment, massive traffic and numerous local services, but limited frequency resources, the mobile communications in the future require efficient use of frequency resources. Device-to-device (D2D) communications underlying cellular networks have been considered as a promising solution to improve the resources utilization in local scenario. In this paper, we investigated the resources allocation problem in multiuser scenario and proposed a graph-based resources allocation scheme which can achieve suboptimal performance but with low computational complexity and less feedback information.
The Synthesis and Physical Properties of Magnesium Borate Mineral of Admontite Synthesized from Sodium Borates
Authors: Kipcak Azmi Seyhun , Yildirim Meral , Aydin Yuksel Sureyya , Moroydor Derun Emek , Piskin Sabriye
Published: August 2014

Magnesium borates are significant compounds due to their advanced mechanical and thermal durability properties. This group of minerals can be used in ceramic industry, in detergent industry, and as neutron shielding material, phosphor of thermoluminescence by dint of their extraordinary specialties. In the present study, the synthesis of magnesium borate via hydrothermal method from sodium borates and physical properties of synthesized magnesium borate minerals were investigated. The characterization of the products was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies, and differential thermal analysis and thermal gravimetry (DTA/TG). The surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). B2O3content was determined through titration. The electrical resistivity/conductivity properties of products were measured by Picoammeter Voltage Source. UV-vis spectrometer was used to investigate optical absorption characteristics of synthesized minerals in the range 200–1000 nm at room temperature. XRD results identified the synthesized borate minerals as admontite [MgO(B2O3)3·7(H2O)] with code number “01-076-0540” and mcallisterite [Mg2(B6O7(OH)6)2·9(H2O)] with code number “01-070-1902.” The FT-IR and Raman spectra of the obtained samples were similar with characteristic magnesium borate bands. The investigation of the SEM images remarked that both nano- and microscale minerals were produced. The reaction yields were between 75.1 and 98.7%.
A Noninterior Path following Algorithm for Solving a Class of Multiobjective Programming Problems
Authors: Su Menglong , Zha Zhengbang , Xu Zhonghai
Published: August 2014

Multiobjective programming problems have been widely applied to various engineering areas which include optimal design of an automotive engine, economics, and military strategies. In this paper, we propose a noninterior path following algorithm to solve a class of multiobjective programming problems. Under suitable conditions, a smooth path will be proven to exist. This can give a constructive proof of the existence of solutions and lead to an implementable globally convergent algorithm. Several numerical examples are given to illustrate the results of this paper.
Melanocyte and Melanoma Cell Activation by Calprotectin
Authors: Shirley Stephanie H. , von Maltzan Kristine , Robbins Paige O. , Kusewitt Donna F.
Published: August 2014

Calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9, is a proinflammatory cytokine released from ultraviolet radiation-exposed keratinocytes. Calprotectin binds to Toll-like receptor 4, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products, and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer on target cells to stimulate migration. Melanocytes and melanoma cells produce little if any calprotectin, but they do express receptors for the cytokine. Thus, keratinocyte-derived calprotectin has the potential to activate melanocytes and melanoma cells within the epidermis in a paracrine manner. We examined the ability of calprotectin to stimulate proliferation and migration in normal human melanocytes and melanoma cellsin vitro. We first showed, by immunofluorescence and quantitative RT-PCR, that the melanocytic cells employed expressed a calprotectin receptor, the receptor for advanced end-products. We then demonstrated that calprotectin significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and Matrigel invasion in both normal human melanocytes and melanoma cells. Thus, calprotectin is one of the numerous paracrine factors released by ultraviolet radiation-exposed keratinocytes that may promote melanomagenesis and is a potential target for melanoma prevention or therapy.
Review of the Socket Design and Interface Pressure Measurement for Transtibial Prosthesis
Authors: Pirouzi Gh. , Abu Osman N. A. , Eshraghi A. , Ali S. , Gholizadeh H. , Wan Abas W.A.B.
Published: August 2014

Socket is an important part of every prosthetic limb as an interface between the residual limb and prosthetic components. Biomechanics of socket-residual limb interface, especially the pressure and force distribution, have effect on patient satisfaction and function. This paper aimed to review and evaluate studies conducted in the last decades on the design of socket, in-socket interface pressure measurement, and socket biomechanics. Literature was searched to find related keywords with transtibial amputation, socket-residual limb interface, socket measurement, socket design, modeling, computational modeling, and suspension system. In accordance with the selection criteria, 19 articles were selected for further analysis. It was revealed that pressure and stress have been studied in the last decaeds, but quantitative evaluations remain inapplicable in clinical settings. This study also illustrates prevailing systems, which may facilitate improvements in socket design for improved quality of life for individuals ambulating with transtibial prosthesis. It is hoped that the review will better facilitate the understanding and determine the clinical relevance of quantitative evaluations.
A Bioinspired Neural Model Based Extended Kalman Filter for Robot SLAM
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Wang Chu , Fan Xinnan , Yang Simon X.
Published: August 2014

Robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem is a very important and challenging issue in the robotic field. The main tasks of SLAM include how to reduce the localization error and the estimated error of the landmarks and improve the robustness and accuracy of the algorithms. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) based method is one of the most popular methods for SLAM. However, the accuracy of the EKF based SLAM algorithm will be reduced when the noise model is inaccurate. To solve this problem, a novel bioinspired neural model based SLAM approach is proposed in this paper. In the proposed approach, an adaptive EKF based SLAM structure is proposed, and a bioinspired neural model is used to adjust the weights of system noise and observation noise adaptively, which can guarantee the stability of the filter and the accuracy of the SLAM algorithm. The proposed approach can deal with the SLAM problem in various situations, for example, the noise is in abnormal conditions. Finally, some simulation experiments are carried out to validate and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Groups of Negations on the Unit Square
Authors: Wu Jiachao
Published: August 2014

The main results are about the groups of the negations on the unit square, which is considered as a bilattice. It is proven that all the automorphisms on it form a group; the set, containing the monotonic isomorphisms and the strict negations of the first (or the second or the third) kind, with the operator “composition,” is a groupG2(orG3orG4, correspondingly). All these four kinds of mappings form a groupG5. And all the groupsGi,i=2,3,4are normal subgroups ofG5. Moreover, forG5, a generator set is given, which consists of all the involutive negations of the second kind and the standard negation of the first kind. As a subset of the unit square, the interval-valued set is also studied. Two groups are found: one group consists of all the isomorphisms onLI, and the other group contains all the isomorphisms and all the strict negations onLI, which keep the diagonal. Moreover, the former is a normal subgroup of the latter. And all the involutive negations on the interval-valued set form a generator set of the latter group.
Changes in Oleic Acid Content of Transgenic Soybeans by Antisense RNA Mediated Posttranscriptional Gene Silencing
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yang Xiang-dong , Zhang Yuan-yu , Yang Jing , Qi Guang-xun , Guo Dong-quan , Xing Guo-jie , Yao Yao , Xu Wen-jing , Li Hai-yun , Li Qi-yun , Dong Ying-shan
Published: August 2014

The Delta-12 oleate desaturase gene (FAD2-1), which converts oleic acid into linoleic acid, is the key enzyme determining the fatty acid composition of seed oil. In this study, we inhibited the expression of endogenous Delta-12 oleate desaturaseGmFad2-1bgene by using antisense RNA in soybean Williams 82. By employing the soybean cotyledonary-node method, a part of the cDNA of soybeanGmFad2-1b801 bp was cloned for the construction of a pCAMBIA3300 vector under the soybean seed promoterBCSP. Leaf painting, LibertyLink strip, PCR, Southern blot, qRT-PCR, and fatty acid analysis were used to detect the insertion and expression ofGmFad2-1bin the transgenic soybean lines. The results indicate that the metabolically engineered plants exhibited a significant increase in oleic acid (up to 51.71%) and a reduction in palmitic acid (to <3%) in their seed oil content. No structural differences were observed between the fatty acids of the transgenic and the nontransgenic oil extracts.
RotavirusDiarrhea among Children in Taiz, Yemen: Prevalence—Risk Factors and Detection of Genotypes
Authors: Al-Badani Abdulmalik , Al-Areqi Leena , Majily Abdulatif , AL-Sallami Saleh , AL-Madhagi Anwar , Amood AL-Kamarany Mohammed
Published: August 2014

Diarrheal diseases are a great public health problem; they are among the most causes leading to morbidity and mortality of infants and children particularly in developing countries and even in developed countries.Rotavirusis the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate ofRotavirusinfection, its genotypes, and risk factors among children with diarrhea in Taiz, Yemen. 795 fecal samples were collected from children (less than 5 years old), suffering from diarrhea and attending the Yemeni-Swedish Hospital (YSH) in Taiz , Yemen, from November 2006 to February 2008.Rotaviruswas detected by enzyme linkage immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on stool specimens of children. Genotypes ofRotaviruswere characterized by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The results showed that 358 (45.2%) wereRotavirus-positive and the most prevalent genotypes were G2P[4] (55%), followed by G1P[8] (15%). In addition,Rotaviruswas found through the whole year; however, higher frequency during the summer season (53.4%) and lower frequency during the winter season (37.1%).
CT, MRI and DWI Features of a Solid Organizing Hepatic Abscess
Authors: Savastano Sergio , Pellizzer Giampiero , Di Grazia Lorenzo , Giacomini Dario , Beghetto Mario
Published: August 2014

Solid organizing hepatic abscess is a rare form of focal infection, which needs differentiation from benign and malignant solid masses. We report a case of a 30-year-old man with a solid organizing hepatic abscess, diagnosed by imaging andex juvantibuscriteria. CT and MRI findings are presented and role of DWI is outlined. Noninvasive diagnosis of a solid organizing hepatic abscess is possible in the appropriate clinical setting; percutaneous or surgical biopsy may be indicated in equivocal cases.
Clinical Evaluation of Specific Oral Manifestations in Pediatric Patients with Ascertained versus Potential Coeliac Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bramanti Ennio , Cicciù Marco , Matacena Giada , Costa Stefano , Magazzù Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

Patients involved on coeliac disease (CD) have atypical symptoms and often remain undiagnosed. Specific oral manifestations are effective risk indicators of CD and for this reason an early diagnosis with a consequent better prognosis can be performed by the dentist. There are not researches analysing the frequency of these oral manifestations in potential coeliac patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the oral hard and soft tissue lesions in potential and ascertained coeliac children in comparison with healthy controls. 50 ascertained children, 21 potential coeliac patients, and 54 controls were recruited and the oral examination was performed. The overall oral lesions were more frequently present in CD patients than in controls. The prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions was 62% in ascertained coeliac, 76.2% in potential coeliac patients, and 12.96% in controls (P<0.05). Clinical dental delayed eruption was observed in 38% of the ascertained coeliac and 42.5% of the potential coeliac versus 11.11% of the controls (P<0.05). The prevalence of specific enamel defects (SED) was 48% in ascertained coeliac and 19% in potential coeliac versus 0% in controls (P<0.05;OR=3.923). The SED seem to be genetically related to the histological damage and villous atrophy.
Charge Scheduling of an Energy Storage System under Time-of-Use Pricing and a Demand Charge
Authors: Yoon Yourim , Kim Yong-Hyuk
Published: August 2014

A real-coded genetic algorithm is used to schedule the charging of an energy storage system (ESS), operated in tandem with renewable power by an electricity consumer who is subject to time-of-use pricing and a demand charge. Simulations based on load and generation profiles of typical residential customers show that an ESS scheduled by our algorithm can reduce electricity costs by approximately 17%, compared to a system without an ESS and by 8% compared to a scheduling algorithm based on net power.
Effects of Carbonization Parameters of Moso-Bamboo-Based Porous Charcoal on Capturing Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Huang Pei-Hsing , Jhan Jhih-Wei , Cheng Yi-Ming , Cheng Hau-Hsein
Published: August 2014

This study experimentally analyzed the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of Moso-bamboo- (Phyllostachys edulis-) based porous charcoal. The porous charcoal was prepared at various carbonization temperatures and ground into powders with 60, 100, and 170 meshes, respectively. In order to understand the adsorption characteristics of porous charcoal, its fundamental properties, namely, charcoal yield, ash content, pH value, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, iodine number, pore volume, and powder size, were analyzed. The results show that when the carbonization temperature was increased, the charcoal yield decreased and the pH value increased. Moreover, the bamboo carbonized at a temperature of 1000°C for 2 h had the highest iodine sorption value and BET surface area. In the experiments, charcoal powders prepared at various carbonization temperatures were used to adsorb 1.854% CO2for 120 h. The results show that the bamboo charcoal carbonized at 1000°C and ground with a 170 mesh had the best adsorption capacity, significantly decreasing the CO2concentration to 0.836%. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, the Moso-bamboo-based porous charcoal exhibited much better CO2adsorption capacity compared to that of commercially available 350-mesh activated carbon.
BRG1/SMARCA4 Inactivation Promotes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Aggressiveness by Altering Chromatin Organization
Authors: Orvis Tess , Hepperla Austin , Walter Vonn , Song Shujie , Simon Jeremy , Parker Joel , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Desai Nisarg , Major Michael B. , Hayes D. Neil , Davis Ian J. , Weissman Bernard
Published: August 2014

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes regulate critical cellular processes, including cell-cycle control, programmed cell death, differentiation, genomic instability, and DNA repair. Inactivation of this class of chromatin remodeling complex has been associated with a variety of malignancies, including lung, ovarian, renal, liver, and pediatric cancers. In particular, approximately 10% of primary human lung non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) display attenuations in the BRG1 ATPase, a core factor in SWI/SNF complexes. To evaluate the role of BRG1 attenuation in NSCLC development, we examined the effect of BRG1 silencing in primary and established human NSCLC cells. BRG1 loss altered cellular morphology and increased tumorigenic potential. Gene expression analyses showed reduced expression of genes known to be associated with progression of human NSCLC. We demonstrated that BRG1 losses in NSCLC cells were associated with variations in chromatin structure, including differences in nucleosome positioning and occupancy surrounding transcriptional start sites of disease-relevant genes. Our results offer direct evidence that BRG1 attenuation contributes to NSCLC aggressiveness by altering nucleosome positioning at a wide range of genes, including key cancer-associated genes. Cancer Res; 74(22); 6486–98. ©2014 AACR.
Gangliosides Drive the Tumor Infiltration and Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Wondimu Assefa , Liu Yihui , Su Yan , Bobb Daniel , Ma Jennifer S.Y. , Chakrabarti Lina , Radoja Saša , Ladisch Stephan
Published: August 2014

Although it is now widely appreciated that antitumor immunity is critical to impede tumor growth and progression, there remain significant gaps in knowledge about the mechanisms used by tumors to escape immune control. In tumor cells, we hypothesized that one mechanism of immune escape used by tumors involves the synthesis and extracellular shedding of gangliosides, a class of biologically active cell surface glycosphingolipids with known immunosuppressive properties. In this study, we report that tumor cells engineered to be ganglioside deficient exhibit impaired tumorigenicity, supporting a link between ganglioside-dependent immune escape and tumor outgrowth. Notably, we documented a dramatic reduction in the numbers and function of tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in ganglioside-deficient tumors, in contrast with the large MDSC infiltrates seen in ganglioside-rich littermate control tumors. Transient ganglioside reconstitution of the tumor cell inoculum was sufficient to increase MDSC infiltration, supporting a direct connection between ganglioside production by tumor cells and the recruitment of immunosuppressive MDSC into the tumor microenvironment. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of immune escape that supports tumor growth, with broad implications given that many human tumors produce and shed high levels of gangliosides. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5449–57. ©2014 AACR.
Downregulation of MHC-I Expression Is Prevalent but Reversible in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Paulson Kelly G. , Tegeder Andrew , Willmes Christoph , Iyer Jayasri G. , Afanasiev Olga K. , Schrama David , Koba Shinichi , Thibodeau Renee , Nagase Kotaro , Simonson William T. , Seo Aaron , Koelle David M. , Madeleine Margaret , Bhatia Shailender , Nakajima Hideki , Sano Shigetoshi , Hardwick James S. , Disis Mary L. , Cleary Michele A. , Becker Jürgen C. , Nghiem Paul
Published: August 2014

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive, polyomavirus-associated skin cancer. Robust cellular immune responses are associated with excellent outcomes in patients with MCC, but these responses are typically absent. We determined the prevalence and reversibility of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) downregulation in MCC, a potentially reversible immune-evasion mechanism. Cell-surface MHC-I expression was assessed on five MCC cell lines using flow cytometry as well as immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays representing 114 patients. Three additional patients were included who had received intralesional IFN treatment and had evaluable specimens before and after treatment. mRNA expression analysis of antigen presentation pathway genes from 35 MCC tumors was used to examine the mechanisms of downregulation. Of note, 84% of MCCs (total n = 114) showed reduced MHC-I expression as compared with surrounding tissues, and 51% had poor or undetectable MHC-I expression. Expression of MHC-I was lower in polyomavirus-positive MCCs than in polyomavirus-negative MCCs (P < 0.01). The MHC-I downregulation mechanism was multifactorial and did not depend solely on HLA gene expression. Treatment of MCC cell lines with ionizing radiation, etoposide, or IFN resulted in MHC-I upregulation, with IFNs strongly upregulating MHC-I expression in vitro, and in 3 of 3 patients treated with intralesional IFNs. MCC tumors may be amenable to immunotherapy, but downregulation of MHC-I is frequently present in these tumors, particularly those that are positive for polyomavirus. This downregulation is reversible with any of several clinically available treatments that may thus promote the effectiveness of immune-stimulating therapies for MCC. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(11); 1071–9. ©2014 AACR.
A Feasibility Study of Cyclophosphamide, Trastuzumab, and an Allogeneic GM-CSF–Secreting Breast Tumor Vaccine for HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Gang , Gupta Richa , Petrik Silvia , Laiko Marina , Leatherman James M. , Asquith Justin M. , Daphtary Maithili M. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Davidson Nancy E. , Hirt Kellie , Berg Maureen , Uram Jennifer N. , Dauses Tianna , Fetting John , Duus Elizabeth M. , Atay-Rosenthal Saadet , Ye Xiaobu , Wolff Antonio C. , Stearns Vered , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Emens Leisha A.
Published: August 2014

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)–secreting tumor vaccines are bioactive, but limited by disease burden and immune tolerance. Cyclophosphamide augments vaccine activity in tolerant neu mice and in patients with metastatic breast cancer. HER2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) enhance vaccine activity in neu mice. We hypothesized that cyclophosphamide-modulated vaccination with HER2-specific mAb safely induces relevant HER2-specific immunity in neu mice and patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Adding both cyclophosphamide and the HER2-specific mAb 7.16.4 to vaccination maximized HER2-specific CD8+ T-cell immunity and tumor-free survival in neu transgenic mice. We, therefore, conducted a single-arm feasibility study of cyclophosphamide, an allogeneic HER2+ GM-CSF–secreting breast tumor vaccine, and weekly trastuzumab in 20 patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Primary clinical trial objectives were safety and clinical benefit, in which clinical benefit represents complete response + partial response + stable disease. Secondary study objectives were to assess HER2-specific T-cell responses by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and intracellular cytokine staining. Patients received three monthly vaccinations, with a boost 6 to 8 months from trial entry. This combination immunotherapy was safe, with clinical benefit rates at 6 months and 1 year of 55% [95% confidence interval (CI), 32%–77%; P = 0.013] and 40% (95% CI, 19%–64%), respectively. Median progression-free survival and overall survival durations were 7 months (95% CI, 4–16) and 42 months (95% CI, 22–70), respectively. Increased HER2-specific DTH developed in 7 of 20 patients [of whom 4 had clinical benefit (95% CI, 18–90)], with a trend toward longer progression-free survival and overall survival in DTH responders. Polyfunctional HER2-specific CD8+ T cells progressively expanded across vaccination cycles. Further investigation of cyclophosphamide-modulated vaccination with trastuzumab is warranted. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00399529) Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 949–61. ©2014 AACR.
Israeli Society of Medical Genetics NIPT Committee Opinion 072013: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing of Cell-Free DNA in Maternal Plasma for Detection of Fetal Aneuploidy
Authors: Michaelson-Cohen Rachel , Gershoni-Baruch Ruth , Sharoni Reuven , Shochat Mordechai , Yaron Yuval , Singer Amihood
Published: August 2014

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma is a novel approach, designed for detecting common aneuploidies in the fetus. The Israeli Society of Medical Geneticists (ISMG) supports its use according to the guidelines stated herein. The clinical data collected thus far indicate that NIPT is highly sensitive in detecting trisomies 21 and 18, and fairly sensitive in detecting trisomy 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies. Because false-positive results may occur, an abnormal result must be validated by invasive prenatal testing. At this juncture, NIPT does not replace existing prenatal screening tests for Down syndrome, as these are relatively inexpensive and cost-effective. Nonetheless, NIPT may be offered to women considered to be at high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities as early as 10 weeks of gestation. The ISMG states that NIPT should be an informed patient choice, and that pretest counseling regarding the limitations of NIPT is warranted. Women at high risk for genetic disorders not detected by NIPT should be referred for genetic counseling. A normal test result may be conveyed by a relevant healthcare provider, while an abnormal result should be discussed during a formal genetic consultation session.
Can Renal Ultrasonography Predict Early Success after Pyeloplasty in Children? A Prospective Study
Authors: Helmy Tamer E. , Harraz Ahmed , Sharaf Doaa E. , El Demerdash Yasser , Hafez Ashraf T. , Gad Hossam , Dawaba Mohammed
Published: August 2014

Objective: To study the predictive value of 6 ultrasonographic (USG) parameters for early detection of children at risk of recurrent obstruction. Patients and Methods: A prospective nonrandomized study included all patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 2010 and 2012. All of the patients had completed at least 6 months of follow-up and preoperative and postoperative USG imaging data were available. The primary outcome was the correlation between USG and diuretic scintigraphic parameters. The secondary outcome was the predictive ability of the pelvicalyceal system parameters, measured by USG, of parenchymal growth after surgery. Results: Sixty-eight patients were evaluated. The mean age was 3.6 years (range 0.1-12). The mean (± standard deviation) differential renal function improved from 37.4 ± 11 ml/min to 37.7 ± 14 ml/min, which was a difference of no statistical significance. On the other hand, the mean (± SD) half-time (T1/2) significantly improved. After constructing a linear regression model of the 4 USG parameters and the parenchymal growth, the model explained 57.2% of the variance in parenchymal growth after pyeloplasty. The calyx-to-parenchyma ratio change was the largest unique contribution for explaining the variance in parenchymal growth, followed by anteroposterior diameter and calyceal dilatation. Conclusion: We proved that calyx-to-parenchyma ratio, anteroposterior diameter and calyceal dilatation are independent predictors of early success after pyeloplasty.
Intracoronary Injection of CD34+-Cells in Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure: 7 Years Follow-Up of the DanCell Study
Authors: Hansen Morten , Nyby Sebastian , Eifer Møller Jacob , Videbæk Lars , Kassem Moustapha , Barington Torben , Thayssen Per , Pyndt Diederichsen Axel Cosmus
Published: August 2014

Objectives: Seven years ago, the DanCell study was carried out to test the hypothesis of improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following repeated intracoronary injections of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in patients suffering from chronic ischemic heart failure. In this post hoc analysis, the long-term effect of therapy is assessed. Methods: 32 patients [mean age 61 (SD ± 9), 81% males] with systolic dysfunction (LVEF 33 ± 9%) received two repeated intracoronary infusions (4 months apart) of autologous BMSCs (1,533 ± 765 × 106 BMSCs including 23 ± 11 × 106 CD34+ cells and 14 ± 7 × 106 CD133+ cells). Patients were followed for 7 years and deaths were recorded. Results: During follow-up, 10 patients died (31%). In univariate regression analysis, the total number of BMSCs, CD34+ cell count and CD133+ cell count did not significantly correlate with survival (hazard ratio: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998-1.000, p = 0.24; hazard ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-1.01, p = 0.10, and hazard ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.87-1.07, p = 0.47, respectively). After adjustment for baseline variables in multivariate regression analysis, the CD34+ cell count was significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-1.00, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Intracoronary injections of a high number of CD34+ cells may have a beneficial effect on chronic ischemic heart failure in terms of long-term survival.
Comparative Analysis of Pedicular Vascular Control Techniques during Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: En Bloc Stapling or Separate Ligation?
Authors: Resorlu Berkan , Oguz Ural , Polat Fazli , Yesil Suleyman , Unsal Ali
Published: August 2014

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of en bloc stapling and separate ligation techniques for renal vascular control during laparoscopic nephrectomy. Patients and Methods: Clinical data were collected from 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomies using en bloc stapling (n = 27, group 1) or the separate ligation method (n = 33, group 2). Comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups, examining operative times, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications and hospital stay. Results: Compared with the separate ligation method, the en bloc hilar control technique was associated with a shorter total operating time (98 vs. 121 min, p = 0.029). However, both groups were similar in terms of estimated blood loss, hemoglobin drop, changes in creatinine level and postoperative hospital stay. The total complication rates in group 1 and 2 were 3.7 and 15.1%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. There were no complications related to the use of the endo-GIA stapler and no patients required conversion to open surgery in group 1. In group 2, 2 patients required conversion to open surgery, including 1 due to renal vein bleeding secondary to inaccurate vascular control and the other due to bleeding from the vena cava during dissection. In addition, 1 patient had a superficial bowel injury that was repaired laparoscopically and another had a superficial liver tear that was managed without conversion or transfusion. Conclusion: En bloc ligation of the renal hilum is an easy and reliable technique that allows safe and fast control of the renal pedicle.
Comparative Analysis of Gender-Related Differences in Symptoms and Referral Patterns prior to Initial Diagnosis of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aziz Atiqullah , Madersbacher Stephan , Otto Wolfgang , Mayr Roman , Comploj Evi , Pycha Armin , Denzinger Stefan , Fritsche Hans-Martin , Burger Maximilian , Gierth Michael
Published: August 2014

Objective: To analyze gender-specific differences regarding clinical symptoms, referral patterns and tumor biology prior to initial diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Methods: A consecutive series of patients with an initial diagnosis of UCB was included. All patients completed a questionnaire on demographics, clinical symptoms and referral patterns. Results: In total, 68 patients (50 men, 18 women) with newly diagnosed UCB at admission for transurethral resection of bladder tumors were recruited. Dysuria was more often observed in women (55.6 vs. 38.0%, p = 0.001). Direct consultation of the urologist was conducted by 84.0% of males and 66.7% of females (p = 0.120). One third of the women saw their general practitioner and/or gynecologist once or twice (p = 0.120) before referral to the urologist. Furthermore, women were significantly more often treated for urinary tract infections than men (61.1 vs. 20.0%, p = 0.005). Cystoscopy at first presentation to the urologist was more often performed in men than women (88.0 vs. 66.7%, p = 0.068), with a more favorable tumor detection rate at first cystoscopy in men (96.0 vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Delayed referral patterns might lead to deferred diagnosis of UCB and consequently to adverse outcome. Thus, primary care physicians might consider referring patients with bladder complaints to specialized care earlier.