bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale Failure
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: October 2012

Dear KV, I have been digging into a network-based logging system at work because, from time to time, the system jams up, even when there seems to be no good reason for it to do so. What I found would be funny, if only it weren’t my job to fix it: the central dispatcher for the entire logging system is a simple
for
loop around a pair of
read
and
write
calls; the
for
loop takes input from one of a set of file descriptors and sends output to one of another set of file descriptors. The system works fine so long as none of the remote readers or writers ever blocks, and normally that’s not a problem. The problem has come about because what was once handling fewer than 10 machines is now handling 40, some of which are remote across a wide area network. The obvious fix is to make the code nonblocking, but what I’m surprised about is that anyone would write code this way. It’s obvious from the first time you look at the code that it cannot scale.
Choosing Improved Initial Values for Polynomial Zerofinding in Extended Newbery Method to Obtain Convergence
Authors: Saidanlu Saeid , Aris Nor’aini , Abd Rahman Ali
Published: October 2012

In all polynomial zerofinding algorithms, a good convergence requires a very good initial approximation of the exact roots. The objective of the work is to study the conditions for determining the initial approximations for an iterative matrix zerofinding method. The investigation is based on the Newbery′s matrix construction which is similar to Fiedler′s construction associated with a characteristic polynomial. To ensure that convergence to both the real and complex roots of polynomials can be attained, three methods are employed. It is found that the initial values for the Fiedler′s companion matrix which is supplied by the Schmeisser′s method give a better approximation to the solution in comparison to when working on these values using the Schmeisser′s construction towards finding the solutions. In addition, empirical results suggest that a good convergence can still be attained when an initial approximation for the polynomial root is selected away from its real value while other approximations should be sufficiently close to their real values. Tables and figures on the errors that resulted from the implementation of the method are also given.
Symptom Status Predicts Patient Outcomes in Persons with HIV and Comorbid Liver Disease
Authors: Henderson Wendy A. , Martino Angela C. , Kitamura Noriko , Kim Kevin H. , Erlen Judith A.
Published: October 2012

Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer; therefore, they are more likely to suffer significant morbidity due to potentially treatable liver diseases. Clinical evidence suggests that the growing number of individuals living with HIV and liver disease may have a poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than persons living with HIV who do not have comorbid liver disease. Thus, this study examined the multiple components of HRQOL by testing Wilson and Cleary’s model in a sample of 532 individuals (305 persons with HIV and 227 persons living with HIV and liver disease) using structural equation modeling. The model components include biological/physiological factors (HIV viral load, CD4 counts), symptom status (Beck Depression Inventory II and the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) mental function), functional status (missed appointments and MOS-HIV physical function), general health perceptions (perceived burden visual analogue scale and MOS-HIV health transition), and overall quality of life (QOL) (Satisfaction with Life Scale and MOS-HIV overall QOL). The Wilson and Cleary model was found to be useful in linking clinical indicators to patient-related outcomes. The findings provide the foundation for development and future testing of targeted biobehavioral nursing interventions to improve HRQOL in persons living with HIV and liver disease.
Benign Mucinous Tumor of Ovary with a Sarcoma-Like Mural Nodule: A Case Report
Authors: Garikaparthi Sailabala , Inuganti Venkata Renuka , Yarlagadda Krishna Bharathi , Parvatala Annapurna
Published: October 2012

Sarcoma-like mural nodules occur predominantly in middle-aged women. Distinction of these lesions from true sarcomatous nodules and foci of anaplastic carcinoma is important because of the worse prognosis of these tumors in comparison with the favorable behavior of sarcoma-like mural nodules. In this report we describe the case of a 35-year-old woman with a mucinous ovarian tumor having a mural nodule in the wall.
Acquired Umbilico-Inguinal Fistula with Persistent Discharge due to Suture Reaction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cevik Muazez
Published: October 2012

The aim of this paper is to stay a very rare umbilico-inguinal fistula (UIF) resulting from a delayed suture reaction after the use of silk suture to repair an inguinal hernia. A 3-year-old boy presented with persistent umbilical discharge. The initial diagnosis was omphalitis and he was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics but a UIF was subsequently diagnosed. Surgery was performed to ascertain the cause of the UIF. This case demonstrates that silk suture used in inguinal hernia repair can lead to a UIF, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with persistent umbilical discharge.
Output Regulation in Discrete‐Time Switched Bimodal Systems Based on Youla Parameterized Stabilizing Controllers
Authors: Wu Zhizheng , Ben Amara Foued
Published: October 2012

Motivated by a class of contact vibration control problems in mechanical systems, this paper considers a regulation problem for discrete‐time switched bimodal linear systems where it is desired to achieve output regulation against partially known deterministic and unknown random exogenous signals. First, a set of observer‐based Youla parameterized stabilizing controllers is constructed, based on which the regulation conditions for the switched system against the deterministic signals along with an H2 performance constraint against the unknown random signals are derived. Then a corresponding regulator synthesis algorithm is developed based on solving properly formulated linear matrix inequalities. The proposed regulator is successfully evaluated on an experimental setup involving a switched bimodal mechanical system subject to contact vibrations, hence, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed regulation approach.
Pilomatrixoma of the Arm: A Rare Case with Cytologic Diagnosis
Authors: Gupta Ruchika , Verma Sarika , Bansal Pankaj , Mohta Anup
Published: October 2012

Pilomatrixoma, a benign skin appendageal tumor, is seen commonly in head and neck. Occurrence of pilomatrixoma in the upper extremities is not common and has been reported infrequently in the available literature. Only a few cases with preoperative aspiration cytology have been reported in the literature. A five-year-old girl underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a firm subcutaneous nodule on the lateral aspect of left arm. FNA smears showed scattered and few fragments of round to oval cells along with multinucleated giant cells. Few shadow cells were seen. A cytologic impression of pilomatrixoma was rendered, which was confirmed on histopathology. Pilomatrixoma, a common skin appendageal tumor in head and neck region, should be considered in the cytologic differential diagnoses of subcutaneous masses even in unusual locations like arm. The varied cytomorphology should be remembered to avoid misdiagnosis.
Antihyperglycemic Effects of Fermented and Nonfermented Mung Bean Extracts on Alloxan-Induced-Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yeap Swee Keong , Mohd Ali Norlaily , Mohd Yusof Hamidah , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Beh Boon Kee , Ho Wan Yong , Koh Soo Peng , Long Kamariah
Published: October 2012

Mung bean was reported as a potential antidiabetic agent while fermented food has been proposed as one of the major contributors that can reduce the risk of diabetes in Asian populations. In this study, we have compared the normoglycemic effect, glucose-induced hyperglycemic effect, and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic effect of fermented and nonfermented mung bean extracts. Our results showed that fermented mung bean extracts did not induce hypoglycemic effect on normal mice but significantly reduced the blood sugar levels of glucose- and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also lowered while insulin secretion and antioxidant level as measured by malonaldehyde (MDA) assays were significantly improved in the plasma of the fermented mung bean-treated group in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mouse. These results indicated that fermentation using MardiRhizopussp. strain 5351 inoculums could enhance the antihyperglycemic and the antioxidant effects of mung bean in alloxan-treated mice. The improvement in the antihyperglycemic effect may also be contributed by the increased content of GABA and the free amino acid that are present in the fermented mung bean extracts.
Analytical Approximate Solutions for the Cubic‐Quintic Duffing Oscillator in Terms of Elementary Functions
Authors: Beléndez A. , Alvarez M. L. , Francés J. , Bleda S. , Beléndez T. , Nájera A. , Arribas E.
Published: October 2012

Accurate approximate closed‐form solutions for the cubic‐quintic Duffing oscillator are obtained in terms of elementary functions. To do this, we use the previous results obtained using a cubication method in which the restoring force is expanded in Chebyshev polynomials and the original nonlinear differential equation is approximated by a cubic Duffing equation. Explicit approximate solutions are then expressed as a function of the complete elliptic integral of the first kind and the Jacobi elliptic function cn. Then we obtain other approximate expressions for these solutions, which are expressed in terms of elementary functions. To do this, the relationship between the complete elliptic integral of the first kind and the arithmetic‐geometric mean is used and the rational harmonic balance method is applied to obtain the periodic solution of the original nonlinear oscillator.
Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Whipple’s Disease
Authors: Villa A. , Nucera G. , Kostihova A. , Mazzola A. , Marino P.
Published: October 2012

We describe a case of Whipple’s disease with pulmonary hypertension in a 72-year-old woman in whom the pulmonary hypertension resolved completely after antibiotic therapy. She was admitted to study with a 2-months history of weight loss, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, asthenia, inappetence, and fever. She did not have dyspnoea or respiratory symptoms. A casual echocardiogram showed a pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 95 mmHg. Forty days after starting antibiotic therapy, an echocardiogram showed a complete normalisation of right ventricular involvement. Whipple’s disease is a rare and multisystemic disorder in which pulmonary involvement is not a well-known finding. Although Whipple’s disease is not generally considered as a possible cause of pulmonary hypertension, such awareness is important because it may be potentially resolved with antibiotic therapy.
Implicit‐Relation‐Type Cyclic Contractive Mappings and Applications to Integral Equations
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran , Kumam Poom
Published: October 2012

We introduce an implicit‐relation‐type cyclic contractive condition for a map in a metric space and derive existence and uniqueness results of fixed points for such mappings. Examples are given to support the usability of our results. At the end of the paper, an application to the study of existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of nonlinear integral equations is presented.
Extravascular Lung Water Does Not Increase in Hypovolemic Patients after a Fluid-Loading Protocol Guided by the Stroke Volume Variation
Authors: Ferrando Carlos , Aguilar Gerardo , Belda F. Javier
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Circulatory failure secondary to hypovolemia is a common situation in critical care patients. Volume replacement is the first option for the treatment of hypovolemia. A possible complication of volume loading is pulmonary edema, quantified at the bedside by the measurement of extravascular lung water index (ELWI). ELWI predicts progression to acute lung injury (ALI) in patients with risk factors for developing it. The aim of this study was to assess whether fluid loading guided by the stroke volume variation (SVV), in patients presumed to be hypovolemic, increased ELWI or not.Methods. Prospective study of 17 consecutive postoperative, fully mechanically ventilated patients diagnosed with circulatory failure secondary to presumed hypovolemia were included. Cardiac index (CI), ELWI, SVV, and global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI) were determined using the transpulmonary thermodilution technique during the first 12 hours after fluid loading. Volume replacement was done with a strict hemodynamic protocol.Results. Fluid loading produced a significant increase in CI and a decrease in SVV. ELWI did not increase. No correlation was found between the amount of fluids administered and the change in ELWI.Conclusion. Fluid loading guided by SVV in hypovolemic and fully mechanically ventilated patients in sinus rhythm does not increase ELWI.
Lysine Acetylation: Elucidating the Components of an Emerging Global Signaling Pathway in Trypanosomes
Authors: Alonso Victoria Lucia , Serra Esteban Carlos
Published: October 2012

In the past ten years the number of acetylated proteins reported in literature grew exponentially. Several authors have proposed that acetylation might be a key component in most eukaryotic signaling pathways, as important as phosphorylation. The enzymes involved in this process are starting to emerge; acetyltransferases and deacetylases are found inside and outside the nuclear compartment and have different regulatory functions. In trypanosomatids several of these enzymes have been described and are postulated to be novel antiparasitic targets for the rational design of drugs. In this paper we overview the most important known acetylated proteins and the advances made in the identification of new acetylated proteins using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Also, we summarize what is known so far about the acetyltransferases and deacetylases in eukaryotes, focusing on trypanosomes and their potential use as chemotherapeutic targets.
Surgical Options for Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Popescu Irinel , Alexandrescu Sorin Tiberiu
Published: October 2012

Although the frontiers of liver resection for colorectal liver metastases have broadened in recent decades, approximately 75% of these patients present with unresectable metastases at the time of their diagnosis. In the past, these patients underwent only palliative treatment, without the chance of a cure. In the previous two decades, several therapeutic strategies have been developed that render resectable those metastases that were initially unresectable, thus offering the chance of long-term survival and even a cure to these patients. The oncosurgical modalities that are available include liver resection following portal vein ligation/embolization, “two-stage” liver resection, one-stage ultrasonically guided liver resection, hepatectomy following conversion chemotherapy, and liver resection combined with thermal ablation. Moreover, in recent years, certain authors have recommended the revisiting of the concept of liver transplantation in highly selected patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases and favorable prognostic factors. By employing such therapies, the number of patients with colorectal liver metastases who undergo a potentially curative treatment could increase to 40%. The safety profile of these approaches is acceptable (morbidity rates as high as 45%, mortality rates of less than 5%). Furthermore, the 5-year survival rates (approximately 30%) are significantly increased over those that were achieved with palliative treatment.
Approximation Theorems for Generalized Complex Kantorovich‐Type Operators
Authors: Mahmudov N. I. , Kara M.
Published: October 2012

The order of simultaneous approximation and Voronovskaja‐type results with quantitative estimate for complex q‐Kantorovich polynomials (q > 0) attached to analytic functions on compact disks are obtained. In particular, it is proved that for functions analytic in {z ∈ ℂ : |z| < R}, R > q, the rate of approximation by the q‐Kantorovich operators (q > 1) is of order q−n versus 1/n for the classical Kantorovich operators.
Protein Palmitoylation and Pathogenesis in Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Corvi Maria Martha , Alonso Andres Mariano , Caballero Marina Cecilia
Published: October 2012

Apicomplexan parasites comprise a broad variety of protozoan parasites, includingToxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Eimeria,andCryptosporidiumspecies. Being intracellular parasites, the success in establishing pathogenesis relies in their ability to infect a host-cell and replicate within it. Protein palmitoylation is known to affect many aspects of cell biology. Furthermore, palmitoylation has recently been shown to affect important processes inT. gondiisuch as replication, invasion, and gliding. Thus, this paper focuses on the importance of protein palmitoylation in the pathogenesis of apicomplexan parasites.
Skipping Posterior Dynamic Transpedicular Stabilization for Distant Segment Degenerative Disease
Authors: Solmaz Bilgehan , Aydin Ahmet Levent , Gomleksiz Cengiz , Ataker Yaprak , Sasani Mehdi , Oktenoglu Tunc , Ozer Ali Fahir
Published: October 2012

Objective. To date, there is still no consensus on the treatment of spinal degenerative disease. Current surgical techniques to manage painful spinal disorders are imperfect. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the prospective results of posterior transpedicular dynamic stabilization, a novel surgical approach that skips the segments that do not produce pain. This technique has been proven biomechanically and radiologically in spinal degenerative diseases.Methods. A prospective study of 18 patients averaging 54.94 years of age with distant spinal segment degenerative disease. Indications consisted of degenerative disc disease (57%), herniated nucleus pulposus (50%), spinal stenosis (14.28%), degenerative spondylolisthesis (14.28%), and foraminal stenosis (7.1%). The Oswestry Low-Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were recorded preoperatively and at the third and twelfth postoperative months.Results. Both the Oswestry and VAS scores showed significant improvement postoperatively (P<0.05). We observed complications in one patient who had spinal epidural hematoma.Conclusion. We recommend skipping posterior transpedicular dynamic stabilization for surgical treatment of distant segment spinal degenerative disease.
Management of Anemia of Inflammation in the Elderly
Authors: Macciò Antonio , Madeddu Clelia
Published: October 2012

Anemia of any degree is recognized as a significant independent contributor to morbidity, mortality, and frailty in elderly patients. Among the broad types of anemia in the elderly a peculiar role seems to be played by the anemia associated with chronic inflammation, which remains the most complex form of anemia to treat. The origin of this nonspecific inflammation in the elderly has not yet been clarified. It seems more plausible that the oxidative stress that accompanies ageing is the real cause of chronic inflammation of the elderly and that the same oxidative stress is actually a major cause of this anemia. The erythropoietic agents have the potential to play a therapeutic role in this patient population. Despite some promising results, rHuEPO does not have a specific indication for the treatment of anemia in the elderly. Moreover, concerns about their side effects have spurred the search for alternatives. Considering the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of anemia of inflammation in the elderly population, an integrated nutritional/dietetic approach with nutraceuticals that can manipulate oxidative stress and related inflammation may prevent the onset of this anemia and its negative impact on patients’ performance and quality of life.
QT Prolongation Complicated with Torsades de Pointes in Prosthetic Mitral Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report
Authors: Tounsi A. , Abid L. , Akrout M. , Hentati M. , Kammoun S.
Published: October 2012

We present the case of a 49-year-old male patient with prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. He was asymptomatic until the end of January 2012, when he was admitted to our hospital emergency unit because of syncope, fever, and suspicion of endocarditis. Cardiologic evaluation was requested and the transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiograms revealed vegetations on the prosthetic mitral valve. All cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus. The corrected QT (QTc) interval was markedly prolonged upon admission (QTc 540 ms). He experienced torsades de pointes (TdP) several times and he was recovered after bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The clinical course and the long QTc interval with deep inverted T wave were completely normalized 4 weeks after. He continued on triple antibiotic therapy for 45 days with a good revolution. The clinical features and the possible mechanisms of QT prolongation (inflammation, infection) of this patient are discussed.
Flexible Surface Acoustic Wave Device with AlN Film on Polymer Substrate
Authors: Zhou Jian , Dong Shurong , Jin Hao , Feng Bing , Wang Demiao
Published: October 2012

Surface acoustic wave device withc-axis-oriented aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric thin films on polymer substrates can be potentially used for development of flexible sensors, flexible microfluidic applications, microsystems, and lab-on-chip systems. In this work, the AlN films have been successfully deposited on polymer substrates using the DC reactive magnetron-sputtering method at room temperature, and the XRD, SEM, and AFM methods reveal that low deposition pressure is beneficial to the highlyc-axis-oriented AlN film on polymer substrates. Studies toward the development of AlN thin film-based flexible surface acoustic wave devices on the polymer substrates are initiated and the experimental and simulated results demonstrate the devices showing the acoustic wave velocity of 9000–10000 m/s, which indicate the AlN lamb wave.
Optimization of Fermentation Medium for the Production of Atrazine Degrading StrainAcinetobactersp. DNS32by Statistical Analysis System
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Yang , Wang Zhi-Gang , Wang Xi , Guo Huo-Sheng , Meng Dong-Fang , Wong Po-keung
Published: October 2012

Statistical experimental designs provided by statistical analysis system (SAS) software were applied to optimize the fermentation medium composition for the production of atrazine-degradingAcinetobactersp. DNS32in shake-flask cultures. A “Plackett-Burman Design” was employed to evaluate the effects of different components in the medium. The concentrations of corn flour, soybean flour, and K2HPO4were found to significantly influenceAcinetobactersp. DNS32production. The steepest ascent method was employed to determine the optimal regions of these three significant factors. Then, these three factors were optimized using central composite design of “response surface methodology.” The optimized fermentation medium composition was composed as follows (g/L): corn flour 39.49, soybean flour 25.64, CaCO33, K2HPO43.27, MgSO4·7H2O 0.2, and NaCl 0.2. The predicted and verifiable values in the medium with optimized concentration of components in shake flasks experiments were7.079×108 CFU/mL and7.194×108 CFU/mL, respectively. The validated model can precisely predict the growth of atrazine-degraing bacterium,Acinetobactersp. DNS32.
Actinobacillus succinogenesATCC 55618 Fermentation Medium Optimization for the Production of Succinic Acid by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhu Li-Wen , Wang Cheng-Cheng , Liu Rui-Sang , Li Hong-Mei , Wan Duan-Ji , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: October 2012

As a potential intermediary feedstock, succinic acid takes an important place in bulk chemical productions. For the first time, a method combining Plackett-Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent method (SA), and Box-Behnken design (BBD) was developed to optimizeActinobacillus succinogenesATCC 55618 fermentation medium. First, glucose, yeast extract, and MgCO3were identified to be key medium components by PBD. Second, preliminary optimization was run by SA method to access the optimal region of the key medium components. Finally, the responses, that is, the production of succinic acid, were optimized simultaneously by using BBD, and the optimal concentration was located to be 84.6 g L−1of glucose, 14.5 g L−1of yeast extract, and 64.7 g L−1of MgCO3. Verification experiment indicated that the maximal succinic acid production of52.7±0.8 g L−1was obtained under the identified optimal conditions. The result agreed with the predicted value well. Compared with that of the basic medium, the production of succinic acid and yield of succinic acid against glucose were enhanced by 67.3% and 111.1%, respectively. The results obtained in this study may be useful for the industrial commercial production of succinic acid.
The Long and Short of It: The Role of Telomeres in Fetal Origins of Adult Disease
Authors: Hallows Stephanie E. , Regnault Timothy R. H. , Betts Dean H.
Published: October 2012

Placental insufficiency, maternal malnutrition, and other causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can significantly affect short-term growth and long-term health. Following IUGR, there is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes. The etiology of these diseases is beginning to be elucidated, and premature aging or cellular senescence through increased oxidative stress and DNA damage to telomeric ends may be initiators of these disease processes. This paper will explore the areas where telomere and telomerase biology can have significant effects on various tissues in the body in IUGR outcomes.
Bilateral Vitreopapillary Traction Demonstrated by Optical Coherence Tomography Mistaken for Papilledema
Authors: Houle Elizabeth , Miller Neil R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to report a case of bilateral vitreopapillary traction, previously misdiagnosed as papilledema.Methods. A case report is presented of a 47-year-old woman with a prior diagnosis of papilledema, who is shown to have bilateral vitreopapillary traction rather than true optic disc swelling, confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results. OCT showed vitreous traction surrounding the optic discs of both eyes. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated focal leakage of both discs.Conclusion. Bilateral disc elevation caused by vitreous traction can be confused with papilledema. In such cases, OCT can be used to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Although the phenomenon of vitreopapillary traction is well reported, this case indicates that not all ophthalmologists recognize the condition.
Profiling of Age-Related Changes in theTibialis AnteriorMuscle Proteome of the mdx Mouse Model of Dystrophinopathy
Authors: Carberry Steven , Zweyer Margit , Swandulla Dieter , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: October 2012

X-linked muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive disease of childhood and characterized by primary genetic abnormalities in the dystrophin gene. Senescent mdx specimens were used for a large-scale survey of potential age-related alterations in the dystrophic phenotype, because the established mdx animal model of dystrophinopathy exhibits progressive deterioration of muscle tissue with age. Since the mdxtibialis anteriormuscle is a frequently used model system in muscular dystrophy research, we employed this particular muscle to determine global changes in the dystrophic skeletal muscle proteome. The comparison of mdx mice aged 8 weeks versus 22 months by mass-spectrometry-based proteomics revealed altered expression levels in 8 distinct protein species. Increased levels were shown for carbonic anhydrase, aldolase, and electron transferring flavoprotein, while the expressions of pyruvate kinase, myosin, tropomyosin, and the small heat shock protein Hsp27 were found to be reduced in aged muscle. Immunoblotting confirmed age-dependent changes in the density of key muscle proteins in mdx muscle. Thus, segmental necrosis in mdxtibialis anteriormuscle appears to trigger age-related protein perturbations due to dystrophin deficiency. The identification of novel indicators of progressive muscular dystrophy might be useful for the establishment of a muscle subtype-specific biomarker signature of dystrophinopathy.
On Generalized Weakly G‐Contractive Mappings in Partially Ordered G‐Metric Spaces
Authors: Razani A. , Parvaneh V.
Published: October 2012

The aim of this paper is to present some coincidence and common fixed point results for generalized weakly G‐contractive mappings in the setup of partially ordered G‐metric space. We also provide an example to illustrate the results presented herein. As an application of our results, periodic points of weakly G‐contractive mappings are obtained.
Simulating Radiotherapy Effect in High-Grade Glioma by Using Diffusive Modeling and Brain Atlases
Authors: Roniotis Alexandros , Marias Kostas , Sakkalis Vangelis , Manikis Georgios C. , Zervakis Michalis
Published: October 2012

Applying diffusive models for simulating the spatiotemporal change of concentration of tumour cells is a modern application of predictive oncology. Diffusive models are used for modelling glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of glioma. This paper presents the results of applying a linear quadratic model for simulating the effects of radiotherapy on an advanced diffusive glioma model. This diffusive model takes into consideration the heterogeneous velocity of glioma in gray and white matter and the anisotropic migration of tumor cells, which is facilitated along white fibers. This work uses normal brain atlases for extracting the proportions of white and gray matter and the diffusion tensors used for anisotropy. The paper also presents the results of applying this glioma model on real clinical datasets.
H∞ Filtering for a Class of Piecewise Homogeneous Markovian Jump Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ding Yucai , Zhu Hong , Zhong Shouming , Zhang Yuping , Zeng Yong
Published: October 2012

H∞ filtering problem for a class of piecewise homogeneous Markovian jump nonlinear systems is investigated. The aim of this paper is to design a mode‐dependent filter such that the filtering error system is stochastically stable and satisfies a prescribed H∞ disturbance attenuation level. By using a new mode‐dependent Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, mixed mode‐dependent sufficient
conditions on stochastic stability are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).
Based on this, the mode‐dependent filter is obtained. A numerical example is given to illustrate the
effectiveness of the proposed main results.
Analysis of the Elastic Large Deflection Behavior for Metal Plates under Nonuniformly Distributed Lateral Pressure with In‐Plane Loads
Authors: Paik Jeom Kee , Park Ju Hye , Kim Bong Ju
Published: October 2012

The Galerkin method is applied to analyze the elastic large deflection behavior of metal plates subject to a combination of in‐plane loads such as biaxial loads, edge shear and biaxial inplane bending moments, and uniformly or nonuniformly distributed lateral pressure loads. The motive of the present study was initiated by the fact that metal plates of ships and ship‐shaped offshore structures at sea are often subjected to non‐uniformly distributed lateral pressure loads arising from cargo or water pressure, together with inplane axial loads or inplane bending moments, but the current practice of the maritime industry usually applies some simplified design methods assuming that the non‐uniform pressure distribution in the plates can be replaced by an equivalence of uniform pressure distribution. Applied examples are presented, demonstrating that the current plate design methods of the maritime industry may be inappropriate when the non‐uniformity of lateral pressure loads becomes more significant.
Automated Quantification of Pneumothorax in CT
Authors: Do Synho , Salvaggio Kristen , Gupta Supriya , Kalra Mannudeep , Ali Nabeel U. , Pien Homer
Published: October 2012

An automated, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithm for the quantification of pneumothoraces from Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) images has been developed. Algorithm performance was evaluated through comparison to manual segmentation by expert radiologists. A combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional processing techniques was incorporated to reduce required processing time by two-thirds (as compared to similar techniques). Volumetric measurements on relative pneumothorax size were obtained and the overall performance of the automated method shows an average error of just below 1%.
Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Chao Yu-Hua , Wu Han-Ping , Chan Chin-Kan , Tsai Chris , Peng Ching-Tien , Wu Kang-Hsi
Published: October 2012

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is becoming an effective therapeutic modality for a variety of diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to enhance hematopoietic engraftment, accelerate lymphocyte recovery, reduce the risk of graft failure, prevent and treat graft-versus-host disease, and repair tissue damage in patients receiving HSCT. Till now, most MSCs for human clinical application have been derived from bone marrow. However, acquiring bone-marrow-derived MSCs involves an invasive procedure. Umbilical cord is rich with MSCs. Compared to bone-marrow-derived MSCs, umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs) are easier to obtain without harm to the donor and can proliferate faster. No severe adverse effects were noted in our previous clinical application of UCMSCs in HSCT. Accordingly, application of UCMSCs in humans appears to be feasible and safe. Further studies are warranted.
Fuzzy-Based Evaluation of a Specific Drive Train
Authors: Piros Attila , Farkas Zsolt
Published: October 2012

This paper introduces a fuzzy-based evaluation method of a specific portion of the power train. In this case study was evaluated a specific combination of a commercial high-performance tractor engine and power split hydrostatic infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The first part of the study describes the field test of the power train, then the mathematical model of this power train is introduced. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the power train in some specific phases. The tractor is one of the most important machines in the agricultural mechanization and the mostly used tractor speed ranges were generated by different engine speed and transmission ratio combinations. In each case the engine consumption and the transmission efficiency were calculated based on this mathematical model. These results were evaluated with the method of corrected fuzzy mean (CFM). All of these calculations were performed in MATLAB. This study gives a design guide for the future processes of the engine-transmission matching as a result.
Regularity for Variational Evolution Integrodifferential Inequalities
Authors: Kang Yong Han , Jeong Jin-Mun
Published: October 2012

We deal with the regularity for solutions of nonlinear functional integrodifferential equations governed by the variational inequality in a Hilbert space. Moreover, by using the simplest definition of interpolation spaces and the known regularity result, we also prove that the solution mapping from the set of initial and forcing data to the state space of solutions is continuous, which very often arises in application. Finally, an example is also given to illustrate our main result.
Antenna Array Design for LOS-MIMO and Gigabit Ethernet Switch-Based Gbps Radio System
Authors: Zhou Chunhui , Chen Xiang , Zhang Xiujun , Zhou Shidong , Zhao Ming , Wang Jing
Published: October 2012

The high spectrum efficiency of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission traditionally depends on the high multiplexing gain in rich scattering environments, which will not always hold in the line-of-sight (LOS) environments, especially at higher microwave frequency band. In this paper, a novel antenna array design rule is proposed to guarantee full multiplexing gain for LOS-MIMO systems with one- or two-dimensional antenna arrays in LOS scenarios, and the strict perpendicular constraint is released in the two-dimensional case. The minimum antenna array area and the performance sensitivity to the area error are also obtained to guide the practical system design. Then, a demo MIMO-OFDM system with the designed square antenna array at 15 GHz carrier is implemented on a novel Gigabit Ethernet (GE) switch-based software defined radio (SDR) platform, which combines the hardware accelerating units (HAUs) with the general-purpose processors (GPPs). The field evaluation results show that the system throughput and spectrum efficiency are greater than 1 Gbps and 15 bps/Hz, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to demonstrate the Gbps LOS-MIMO-OFDM system at such microwave bands in the world, which can be a successful design example for the next generation wireless backhaul or fixed wireless access.
Depressurization of Vertical Pipe with Temperature Gradient Modeled with WAHA Code
Authors: Costa Oriol , Tiselj Iztok , Cizelj Leon
Published: October 2012

The subcooled decompression under temperature gradient experiment performed by Takeda and Toda in 1979 has been reproduced using the in-house code WAHA version 3. The sudden blowdown of a pressurized water pipe under temperature gradient generates a travelling pressure wave that changes from decompression to compression, and vice versa, every time it reaches the two-phase region near the orifice break. The pressure wave amplitude and frequency are obtained at different locations of the pipe's length. The value of the wave period during the first 20 ms of the experiment seems to be correct but the pressure amplitude is overpredicted. The main three parameters that contribute to the pressure wave behavior are: the break orifice (critical flow model), the ambient pressure at the outlet, and the number of volumes used for the calculation. Recent studies using RELAP5 code have reproduced the early pressure wave (transient) of the same experiment reducing the discharge coefficient and the bubble diameter. In the present paper, the long-term pipe pressure, that is, 2 seconds after rupture, is used to estimate the break orifice that originates the pressure wave. The numerical stability of the WAHA code is clearly proven with the results using different Courant numbers.
Serum Peptidome Patterns of Colorectal Cancer Based on Magnetic Bead Separation and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Fan Nai-Jun , Gao Chun-Fang , Wang Xiu-Li , Zhao Guang , Liu Qing-Yin , Zhang Yuan-Yao , Cheng Bao-Guo
Published: October 2012

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, identification of biomarkers for early detection of CRC represents a relevant target. The present study aims to determine serum peptidome patterns for CRC diagnosis.Methods. The present work focused on serum proteomic analysis of 32 health volunteers and 38 CRC by ClinProt Kit combined with mass spectrometry. This approach allowed the construction of a peptide patterns able to differentiate the studied populations. An independent group of serum (including 33 health volunteers, 34 CRC, 16 colorectal adenoma, 36 esophageal carcinoma, and 31 gastric carcinoma samples) was used to verify the diagnostic and differential diagnostic capability of the peptidome patterns blindly. An immunoassay method was used to determine serum CEA of CRC and controls.Results. A quick classifier algorithm was used to construct the peptidome patterns for identification of CRC from controls. Two of the identified peaks at m/z 741 and 7772 were used to construct peptidome patterns, achieving an accuracy close to 100% (>CEA,P<0.05). Furthermore, the peptidome patterns could differentiate validation group with high accuracy.Conclusions. These results suggest that the ClinProt Kit combined with mass spectrometry yields significantly higher accuracy for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CRC.
Development and Validation of UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Baseline Manipulation Method for Simultaneous Quantitation of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Emtricitabine in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Choudhari Vishnu P. , Parekar Sanket R. , Chate Subhash G. , Bharande Pradeep D. , Singh Rajiv R. , Kuchekar Bhanudas S.
Published: October 2012

A simple, economical, precise, and accurate new UV-visible spectrophotometric baseline manipulation method for simultaneous determination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TE) and emtricitabine (EM) in combined tablet dosage form has been developed. The method is based on baseline manipulation (difference) spectroscopy where amplitudes at 261 and 289.9 nm were selected to determine TE and EM, respectively, in combined formulation, and distilled water was used as solvent. Both drugs obey Beer’s law in the concentration ranges of 4–20 μg/mL for TE and 6–30 μg/mL for EM. The results of analysis have been validated statistically, and recovery studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method which was carried out by following the ICH guidelines.
Universal Cancer Peptide-Based Therapeutic Vaccine Breaks Tolerance against Telomerase and Eradicates Established Tumor
Authors: Dosset Magalie , Godet Yann , Vauchy Charline , Beziaud Laurent , Lone Yu Chun , Sedlik Christine , Liard Christelle , Levionnois Emeline , Clerc Bertrand , Sandoval Federico , Daguindau Etienne , Wain-Hobson Simon , Tartour Eric , Langlade-Demoyen Pierre , Borg Christophe , Adotévi Olivier
Published: October 2012

Purpose: To evaluate CD4+ helper functions and antitumor effect of promiscuous universal cancer peptides (UCP) derived from telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).

Experimental Design: To evaluate the widespread immunogenicity of UCPs in humans, spontaneous T-cell responses against UCPs were measured in various types of cancers using T-cell proliferation and ELISPOT assays. The humanized HLA-DRB1*0101/HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice were used to study the CD4+ helper effects of UCPs on antitumor CTL responses. UCP-based antitumor therapeutic vaccine was evaluated using HLA-A*0201–positive B16 melanoma that express TERT.

Results: The presence of a high number of UCP-specific CD4+ T cells was found in the blood of patients with various types of cancer. These UCP-specific T cells mainly produce IFN-γ and TNF-α. In HLA transgenic mice, UCP vaccinations induced high avidity CD4+ TH1 cells and activated dendritic cells that produced interleukin-12. UCP-based vaccination breaks self-tolerance against TERT and enhances primary and memory CTL responses. Furthermore, the use of UCP strongly improves the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination against established B16-HLA-A*0201 melanoma and promotes tumor infiltration by TERT-specific CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions: Our results showed that UCP-based vaccinations strongly stimulate antitumor immune responses and could be used to design efficient immunotherapies in multiple types of cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6284–95. ©2012 AACR.
In VivoPhosphoantigen Levels in Bisphosphonate-Treated Human Breast Tumors Trigger Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell Antitumor Cytotoxicity through ICAM-1 Engagement
Authors: Benzaïd Ismahène , Mönkkönen Hannu , Bonnelye Edith , Mönkkönen Jukka , Clézardin Philippe
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP) such as zoledronate and risedronate exhibit antitumor effects. They block the activity of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) in the mevalonate pathway, leading to intracellular accumulation of mevalonate metabolites (IPP/ApppI), which are recognized as tumor phosphoantigens by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. However, mechanisms responsible for Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell recognition of N-BP–treated tumors producing IPP/ApppI remain unclear.

Experimental Design: The effects of N-BPs on Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell expansion and anticancer activity were evaluated in vitro and in animal models of human breast cancers. The modalities of recognition of breast tumors by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in N-BP–treated animals were also examined.

Results: We found a strong correlation between Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell anticancer activity and intracellular accumulation of IPP/ApppI in risedronate-treated breast cancer cells in vitro. In addition, following risedronate treatment of immunodeficient mice bearing human breast tumors, human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells infiltrated and inhibited growth of tumors that produced high IPP/ApppI levels but not those expressing low IPP/ApppI levels. The combination of doxorubicin with a N-BP improved, however, Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell cytotoxicity against breast tumors expressing low IPP/ApppI levels. Moreover, Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell cytotoxicity in mice treated with risedronate or zoledronate did not only depend on IPP/ApppI accumulation in tumors but also on expression of tumor cell surface receptor intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which triggered the recognition of N-BP–treated breast cancer cells by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in vivo.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that N-BPs can have an adjuvant role in cancer therapy by activating Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell cytotoxicity in patients with breast cancer that produces high IPP/ApppI levels after N-BP treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6249–59. ©2012 AACR.
Synthetic miR-34a Mimics as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Multiple Myeloma:In VitroandIn VivoEvidence
Authors: Di Martino Maria T. , Leone Emanuela , Amodio Nicola , Foresta Umberto , Lionetti Marta , Pitari Maria R. , Cantafio Maria E. Gallo , Gullà Annamaria , Conforti Francesco , Morelli Eugenio , Tomaino Vera , Rossi Marco , Negrini Massimo , Ferrarini Manlio , Caraglia Michele , Shammas Masood A. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Neri Antonino , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Deregulated expression of miRNAs has been shown in multiple myeloma (MM). A promising strategy to achieve a therapeutic effect by targeting the miRNA regulatory network is to enforce the expression of miRNAs that act as tumor suppressor genes, such as miR-34a.

Experimental Design: Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of synthetic miR-34a against human MM cells in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Either transient expression of miR-34a synthetic mimics or lentivirus-based miR-34a-stable enforced expression triggered growth inhibition and apoptosis in MM cells in vitro. Synthetic miR-34a downregulated canonic targets BCL2, CDK6, and NOTCH1 at both the mRNA and protein level. Lentiviral vector-transduced MM xenografts with constitutive miR-34a expression showed high growth inhibition in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The anti-MM activity of lipidic-formulated miR-34a was further shown in vivo in two different experimental settings: (i) SCID mice bearing nontransduced MM xenografts; and (ii) SCID-synth-hu mice implanted with synthetic 3-dimensional scaffolds reconstituted with human bone marrow stromal cells and then engrafted with human MM cells. Relevant tumor growth inhibition and survival improvement were observed in mice bearing TP53-mutated MM xenografts treated with miR-34a mimics in the absence of systemic toxicity.

Conclusions: Our findings provide a proof-of-principle that formulated synthetic miR-34a has therapeutic activity in preclinical models and support a framework for development of miR-34a–based treatment strategies in MM patients. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6260–70. ©2012 AACR.