bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain and Language: Evidence for Neural Multifunctionality
Authors: Cahana-Amitay Dalia , Albert Martin L.
Published: June 2014

This review paper presents converging evidence from studies of brain damage and longitudinal studies of language in aging which supports the following thesis: the neural basis of language can best be understood by the concept ofneural multifunctionality. In this paper the term “neural multifunctionality” refers to incorporation of nonlinguistic functions into language models of the intact brain, reflecting a multifunctional perspective whereby a constant and dynamic interaction exists among neural networks subserving cognitive, affective, and praxic functions with neural networks specialized for lexical retrieval, sentence comprehension, and discourse processing, giving rise to language as we know it. By way of example, we consider effects of executive system functions on aspects of semantic processing among persons with and without aphasia, as well as the interaction of executive and language functions among older adults. We conclude by indicating how this multifunctional view of brain-language relations extends to the realm of language recovery from aphasia, where evidence of the influence of nonlinguistic factors on the reshaping of neural circuitry for aphasia rehabilitation is clearly emerging.
Stochastic Resonance with a Joint Woods‐Saxon and Gaussian Potential for Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Haibin , He Qingbo , Lu Siliang , Kong Fanrang
Published: June 2014

This work aims for a new stochastic resonance (SR) model which performs well in bearing fault diagnosis. Different from the traditional bistable SR system, we realize the SR based on the joint of Woods‐Saxon potential (WSP) and Gaussian potential (GP) instead of a reflection‐symmetric quartic potential. With this potential model, all the parameters in the Woods‐Saxon and Gaussian SR (WSGSR) system are not coupled when compared to the traditional one, so the output signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) can be optimized much more easily by tuning the system parameters. Besides, a smoother potential bottom and steeper potential wall lead to a stable particle motion within each potential well and avoid the unexpected noise. Different from the SR with only WSP which is a monostable system, we improve it into a bistable one as a general form offering a higher SNR and a wider bandwidth. Finally, the proposed model is verified to be outstanding in weak signal detection for bearing fault diagnosis and the strategy offers us a more effective and feasible diagnosis conclusion.
A New Hope in Immunotherapy for Malignant Gliomas: Adoptive T Cell Transfer Therapy
Authors: Chung Dong-Sup , Shin Hye-Jin , Hong Yong-Kil
Published: June 2014

Immunotherapy emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to highly incurable malignant gliomas due to tumor-specific cytotoxicity, minimal side effect, and a durable antitumor effect by memory T cells. But, antitumor activities of endogenously activated T cells induced by immunotherapy such as vaccination are not sufficient to control tumors because tumor-specific antigens may be self-antigens and tumors have immune evasion mechanisms to avoid immune surveillance system of host. Although recent clinical results from vaccine strategy for malignant gliomas are encouraging, these trials have some limitations, particularly their failure to expand tumor antigen-specific T cells reproducibly and effectively. An alternative strategy to overcome these limitations is adoptive T cell transfer therapy, in which tumor-specific T cells are expandedex vivorapidly and then transferred to patients. Moreover, enhanced biologic functions of T cells generated by genetic engineering and modified immunosuppressive microenvironment of host by homeostatic T cell expansion and/or elimination of immunosuppressive cells and molecules can induce more potent antitumor T cell responses and make this strategy hold promise in promoting a patient response for malignant glioma treatment. Here we will review the past and current progresses and discuss a new hope in adoptive T cell therapy for malignant gliomas.
Infinitely Many Nontrivial Solutions of Resonant Cooperative Elliptic Systems with Superlinear Terms
Authors: Chen Guanwei , Ma Shiwang
Published: June 2014

We study a class of resonant cooperative elliptic systems and replace the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz superlinear condition with general superlinear conditions. We obtain ground state solutions and infinitely many nontrivial solutions of this system by a generalized Nehari manifold method developed recently by Szulkin and Weth.
Coordination of Cooperative Advertising in a Two‐Period Fashion and Textiles Supply Chain
Authors: He Yi , Liu Zhiying , Usman Khalid
Published: June 2014

Previous studies related to cooperative advertising mainly focus on the one‐period supply chain. In the fashion and textiles (FT) supply chain, the demand of most FT products (fashion clothing, vogue handbags, fashion shoes, and so on) varies over time due to the trends of fashion. In these conditions, a decision‐making framework with a multiple‐period supply chain becomes more realistic. In view of this, we investigate the optimal cooperative advertising strategies in a two‐period FT supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer in two different scenarios: (i) each channel member makes decisions within a cooperative program; (ii) the retailer is vertically integrated with a manufacturer. Also, we introduce a two‐way subsidy contract to coordinate the supply chain.
Standardization of Multiparametric Prostate MR Imaging Using PI-RADS
Authors: Bomers Joyce G. R. , Barentsz Jelle O.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and describe the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Archiving Data System (PI-RADS). For every single parameter the PI-RADS scoring system will be explained and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examples will be given. In the end two patient cases are presented to explain the overall interpretation score in multiparametric imaging.
Left Atrium by Echocardiography in Clinical Practice: From Conventional Methods to New Echocardiographic Techniques
Authors: Ancona Roberta , Comenale Pinto Salvatore , Caso Pio , D’Andrea Antonello , Di Salvo Giovanni , Arenga Fortunato , Coppola Maria Gabriella , Sellitto Vincenzo , Macrino Maria , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: June 2014

Although often referred to as “the forgotten chamber”, compared with left ventricle (LV), especially in the past years, the left atrium (LA) plays a critical role in the clinical expression and prognosis of patients with heart and cerebrovascular disease, as demonstrated by several studies. Echocardiographers initially focused on early detection of atrial geometrical abnormalities through monodimensional atrial diameter quantification and then bidimensional (2D) areas and volume estimation. Now, together with conventional echocardiographic parameters, new echocardiographic techniques, such as strain Doppler, 2D speckle tracking and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, allow assessing early LA dysfunction and they all play a fundamental role to detect early functional remodelling before anatomical alterations occur. LA dysfunction and its important prognostic implications may be detected sooner by LA strain than by volumetric measurements.
Vibration Analysis of Annular Sector Plates under Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Shi Dongyan , Shi Xianjie , Li Wen L. , Wang Qingshan , Han Jiashan
Published: June 2014

An analytical framework is developed for the vibration analysis of annular sector plates with general elastic restraints along each edge of plates. Regardless of boundary conditions, the displacement solution is invariably expressed as a new form of trigonometric expansion with accelerated convergence. The expansion coefficients are treated as the generalized coordinates and determined using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. This work allows a capability of modeling annular sector plates under a variety of boundary conditions and changing the boundary conditions as easily as modifying the material properties or dimensions of the plates. Of equal importance, the proposed approach is universally applicable to annular sector plates of any inclusion angles up to 2π. The reliability and accuracy of the current method are adequately validated through numerical examples.
Recognition of Process Disturbances for an SPC/EPC Stochastic System Using Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network Approaches
Authors: Shao Yuehjen E.
Published: June 2014

Because of the excellent performance on monitoring and controlling an autocorrelated process, the integration of statistical process control (SPC) and engineering process control (EPC) has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Both theoretical and empirical findings have suggested that the integration of SPC and EPC can be an effective way to improve the quality of a process, especially when the underlying process is autocorrelated. However, because EPC compensates for the effects of underlying disturbances, the disturbance patterns are embedded and hard to be recognized. Effective recognition of disturbance patterns is a very important issue for process improvement since disturbance patterns would be associated with certain assignable causes which affect the process. In practical situations, after compensating by EPC, the underlying disturbance patterns could be of any mixture types which are totally different from the original patterns. This study proposes the integration of support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches to recognize the disturbance patterns of the underlying disturbances. Experimental results revealed that the proposed schemes are able to effectively recognize various disturbance patterns of an SPC/EPC system.
Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery in Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome of Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients
Authors: Vingolo Enzo Maria , Gerace Emanuele , Valente Stefano , Spadea Leopoldo , Nebbioso Marcella
Published: June 2014

Purpose. To investigate long-term retinal changes after microincision pars plana vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling outcome in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients affected by vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) with higher vitreous surface adhesion or coexisting epiretinal membrane (ERM).Methods. Eight RP patients suffering from VMT were evaluated by means of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior and posterior binocular examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), MP-1 microperimetry (MP-1), and full-field electroretinogram (ERG), before MIVS and ILM peeling and during the 36-month follow-up. Patients were hospitalized for two days after the surgery. Surgical procedure was performed following this schedule: surgical removal of crystalline lens (MICS), MIVS with 23-gauge sutureless system trocars, core vitreous body removal, and balanced-sterile-salin-solution- (BSS-) air-gas (SF6) exchange.Results. All patients presented visual acuity (VA) increase after MIVS. None of the patients developed ocular hypertension or vitreomacular adhesions during the 3-year follow-up. MP-1 bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) was reduced in its dimensions and improved in all patients demonstrating a better fixation.Conclusions. MIVS could be the gold standard therapy in RP patients with VMT and higher vitreous surface adhesion or coexisting ERM if medical therapy is not applicable or not effective.
Observation and Characterization of Fragile Organometallic Molecules Encapsulated in Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Kitaura Ryo , Saito Takeshi , Aoyagi Shinobu , Nishibori Eiji , Sakata Makoto , Nakamura Tetsuya , Shinohara Hisanori
Published: June 2014

Thermally fragile tris(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)erbium (ErCp3) molecules are encapsulated in single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with high yield. We realized the encapsulation of ErCp3 with high filling ratio by using high quality SWCNTs at an optimized temperature under higher vacuum. Structure determination based on high‐resolution transmission electron microscope observations together with the image simulations reveals the presence of almost free rotation of each ErCp3 molecule in SWCNTs. The encapsulation is also confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Trivalent character of Er ions (i.e., Er3+) is confirmed by X‐ray absorption spectrum.
Origin, Domestication, and Dispersing of Pear (Pyrusspp.)
Authors: Silva G. J. , Souza Tatiane Medeiros , Barbieri Rosa Lía , Costa de Oliveira Antonio
Published: June 2014

The pear (Pyrus communisL.) is a typical fruit of temperate regions, having its origin and domestication at two different points, China and Asia Minor until the Middle East. It is the fifth most widely produced fruit in the world, being produced mainly in China, Europe, and the United States. Pear belongs to rosaceous family, being a close “cousin” of the apple, but with some particularities that make this fruit special with a delicate flavor. Thus, it deserves a special attention and a meticulous review of all the history involved, and the recent research devoted to it, because of the economic and cultural importance of this fruit in a range of countries and cultures. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to approach the history of the origin, domestication, and dispersal of pears, as well as reporting their botany, their current scenario in the world, and their breeding and conservation.
Mechanooptic Regulation of Photoconduction in Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Platinum
Authors: Mercado-Zúñiga C. , Torres-Torres C. , Trejo-Valdez M. , Torres-Martínez R. , Tarrago-Velez S. , Cervantes-Sodi F. , Vargas-García J. R.
Published: June 2014

The observation of photoconduction and nonlinear optical absorption on functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes decorated with platinum is reported. The samples were prepared by a chemical vapor deposition method. The electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotubes seems to be decreased by the functionalization process; but this property is strongly enhanced after the incorporation of platinum particles. Nonresonant photoconductive experiments at 532 nm and 445 nm wavelengths allow us to detect a selective participation of the platinum to the photoelectrical response. A mechanooptic effect based on Fresnel reflection was obtained through a photoconductive modulation induced by the rotation of a silica substrate where the samples were deposited as a thin film. A two-photon absorption process was identified as the main physical mechanism responsible for the nonlinear optical absorption. We consider that important changes in the nonlinear photon interactions with carbon nanotubes can be related to the population losses derived from phonons and the detuning of the frequency originated by functionalization.
Distribution of HLA-A, -B, and -C Alleles and HLA/KIR Combinations in Han Population in China
Authors: Shen Yunsong , Cao Danfeng , Li Yalin , Kulski J. K. , Shi Lei , Jiang Hongjun , Ma Qianli , Yu Jiankun , Zhou Jingxian , Yao Yufeng , Shi Li
Published: June 2014

We investigated polymorphisms of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I (A, B, and C) loci of a Han population (n, 239) from the Yunnan province, Southwest China, using high-resolution polymerase chain reaction-Luminex (PCR-Luminex) typing. We combined the HLA data from this study with the KIR genotypes from a previous study of this Han population to analyze the combination of KIR/HLA ligands. A total of 27 HLA-A, 54 HLA-B, and 31 HLA-C alleles were found in this population. The frequencies ofA*11:01,A*24:02,B*40:01,B*46:01,C*01:02,C*03:04, andC*07:02 were all > 10%. The following haplotypes were common, with frequencies > 5%: 1 A-B (A*02:07-B*46:01), 2 A-C (A*02:07-C*01:02, andA*11:01-C*07:02), 4 C-B (B*13:01-C*03:04,B*40:01-C*07:02,B*46:01-C*01:02 andB*58:01-C*03:02), and 1 A-C-B (A*02:07-C*01:02-B*46:01). Analysis of KIR3D and their ligands HLA-A3/A11 and HLA-Bw4 showed that the frequencies of 3DL2+-A3/A11+and 3DL2+-A3/A11−were 0.527 and 0.473, and the frequencies of 3DL1+-Bw4+, 3DL1+-Bw4−, 3DL1−-Bw4+, and 3DL1−-Bw4−were 0.552, 0.397, 0.038, and 0.013, respectively. The results of KIR/HLA-C combination analysis showed that all individuals had at least one inhibitory or activating KIR/HLA-C pair, and one KIR/HLA-C pair was the most frequent (157/239), followed by two pairs (46/239), three pairs (33/239), and no pairs (3/239). Comparison of KIR gene and HLA gene and their pair frequency between Yunnan Han and the isolated Han (FYDH) who also lived in Yunnan province showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in KIR frequencies, but significant differences (P<0.05) for some HLA allele frequencies. In addition, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two populations for KIR/HLA pairs.
Global Minimization for Generalized Polynomial Fractional Program
Authors: Hou Xue-Ping , Shen Pei-Ping , Wang Chun-Feng
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with an efficient global optimization algorithm for solving a kind of fractional program
problem (P), whose objective and constraints functions are all defined as the sum of ratios generalized polynomial functions. The
proposed algorithm is a combination of the branch‐and‐bound search and two reduction operations, based on an equivalent monotonic
optimization problem of (P). The proposed reduction operations specially offer a possibility to cut away a large part of the currently investigated
region in which the global optimal solution of (P) does not exist, which can be seen as an accelerating device for the solution algorithm of (P). Furthermore, numerical results show that the computational efficiency is improved by using these operations in the number of iterations and the overall execution time of the algorithm, compared with other methods. Additionally, the convergence of the algorithm is presented, and the computational issues that arise in implementing the
algorithm are discussed. Preliminary indications are that the algorithm can be expected to provide a practical approach for
solving problem (P) provided that the number of variables is not too large.
Evaluation of Human Amniotic Membrane as a Wound Dressing for Split-Thickness Skin-Graft Donor Sites
Authors: Loeffelbein Denys J. , Rohleder Nils H. , Eddicks Matthias , Baumann Claudia M. , Stoeckelhuber Mechthild , Wolff Klaus-D. , Drecoll Enken , Steinstraesser Lars , Hennerbichler Simone , Kesting Marco R.
Published: June 2014

Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has been used as a biomaterial in various surgical procedures and exceeds some qualities of common materials. We evaluated HAM as wound dressing for split-thickness skin-graft (STSG) donor sites in a swine model (Part A) and a clinical trial (Part B). Part A: STSG donor sites in 4 piglets were treated with HAM or a clinically used conventional polyurethane (PU) foil (n=8each). Biopsies were taken on days 5, 7, 10, 20, 40, and 60 and investigated immunohistochemically for alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA: wound contraction marker), von Willebrand factor (vWF: angiogenesis), Ki-67 (cell proliferation), and laminin (basement membrane integrity). Part B: STSG donor sites in 45 adult patients (16 female/29 male) were treated with HAM covered by PU foam, solely by PU foam, or PU foil/paraffin gauze (n=15each). Part A revealed no difference in the rate of wound closure between groups. HAM showed improved esthetic results and inhibitory effects on cicatrization. Angioneogenesis was reduced, and basement membrane formation was accelerated in HAM group. Part B: no difference in re-epithelialization/infection rate was found. HAM caused less ichor exudation and less pruritus. HAM has no relevant advantage over conventional dressings but might be a cost-effective alternative.
Diagnostic Challenge of a Deep Minor Salivary Gland Neoplasm
Authors: Wagner Vivian P. , Martins Manoela D. , Genari Bruna , do Amaral Fernando B. , Maciel Antônio C. , Martins Marco A. T. , Munerato Maria C.
Published: June 2014

Core needle biopsy represents a safe and cheap alternative diagnostic method to open biopsy and fine-needle aspiration cytology in head and neck tumors. There is little evidence in the literature about the use of core needle biopsy in minor salivary gland lesions. This single case report presents a 60-year-old woman with a painless swelling in the soft palate, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and a feeling of suffocation. Two open biopsies had inconclusive diagnosis and the lesion could only be assessed and diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma through core needle biopsy. Recognizing the correct indication of core needle biopsy can benefit both health professionals and patients; thus, it is important to consider the possibility of performing this method to diagnose minor salivary gland tumors.
Muscle-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Marrow Perfusion for Osteoporotic Bone in Females
Authors: Ma Heather Ting , Griffth James F. , Leung Ping-Chung
Published: June 2014

The pharmacokinetic model has been widely used in tissue perfusion analysis, such as bone marrow perfusion. In the modeling process, the arterial input function is important to guarantee the reliability of the fitting result. However, the arterial input function is variable and hard to control, which makes it difficult to compare results across different studies. The purpose of this study was to establish a muscle-based pharmacokinetic model for bone marrow perfusion without using arterial input function. Erector spinae muscle around the vertebral body was selected as the reference region. The study was carried out in elderly females with different bone mineral densities (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). Quantitative parameters were extracted from the pharmacokinetic model. ParameterKtrans,BM(contrast agent extravasation rate constants for blood perfusion of the bone marrow) showed a significant reduction in subjects with lower bone mineral density, which is consistent with previous studies. However, muscle perfusion parameters remained unchanged among different groups. The results indicated that the muscle-based model was stable for bone marrow perfusion modeling. Additionally, nonsignificant change in muscle parameters indicated that the diminished perfusion is only a local rather than a systematic change in the bone marrow for osteoporosis.
Innovative Product Design Based on Comprehensive Customer Requirements of Different Cognitive Levels
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhao Wu , Zheng Yake , Wang Rui , Wang Chen
Published: June 2014

To improve customer satisfaction in innovative product design, a topology structure of customer requirements is established and an innovative product approach is proposed. The topology structure provides designers with reasonable guidance to capture the customer requirements comprehensively. With the aid of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the importance of the customer requirements is evaluated. Quality function deployment (QFD) is used to translate customer requirements into product and process design demands and pick out the technical requirements which need urgent improvement. In this way, the product is developed in a more targeted way to satisfy the customers. the theory of innovative problems solving (TRIZ) is used to help designers to produce innovative solutions. Finally, a case study of automobile steering system is used to illustrate the application of the proposed approach.
Screening of Purslane (Portulaca oleraceaL.) Accessions for High Salt Tolerance
Authors: Alam Md. Amirul , Juraimi Abdul Shukor , Rafii M. Y. , Abdul Hamid Azizah , Aslani Farzad
Published: June 2014

Purslane (Portulaca oleraceaL.) is an herbaceous leafy vegetable crop, comparatively more salt-tolerant than any other vegetables with high antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Salt-tolerant crop variety development is of importance due to inadequate cultivable land and escalating salinity together with population pressure. In this view a total of 25 purslane accessions were initially selected from 45 collected purslane accessions based on better growth performance and subjected to 5 different salinity levels, that is, 0.0, 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, and 40.0 dS m−1NaCl. Plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, and dry matter contents in salt treated purslane accessions were significantly reduced (P≤0.05) and the enormity of reduction increased with increasing salinity stress. Based on dry matter yield reduction, among all 25 purslane accessions 2 accessions were graded as tolerant (Ac7 and Ac9), 6 accessions were moderately tolerant (Ac3, Ac5, Ac6, Ac10, Ac11, and Ac12), 5 accessions were moderately susceptible (Ac1, Ac2, Ac4, Ac8, and Ac13), and the remaining 12 accessions were susceptible to salinity stress and discarded from further study. The selected 13 purslane accessions could assist in the identification of superior genes for salt tolerance in purslane for improving its productivity and sustainable agricultural production.
Hydrological Modeling of the Jiaoyi Watershed (China) Using HSPF Model
Authors: Yan Chang-An , Zhang Wanchang , Zhang Zhijie
Published: June 2014

A watershed hydrological model, hydrological simulation program-Fortran (HSPF), was applied to simulate the spatial and temporal variation of hydrological processes in the Jiaoyi watershed of Huaihe River Basin, the heaviest shortage of water resources and polluted area in China. The model was calibrated using the years 2001–2004 and validated with data from 2005 to 2006. Calibration and validation results showed that the model generally simulated mean monthly and daily runoff precisely due to the close matching hydrographs between simulated and observed runoff, as well as the excellent evaluation indicators such as Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), coefficient of correlation (R2), and the relative error (RE). The similar simulation results between calibration and validation period showed that all the calibrated parameters had a certain representation in Jiaoyi watershed. Additionally, the simulation in rainy months was more accurate than the drought months. Another result in this paper was that HSPF was also capable of estimating the water balance components reasonably and realistically in space through the whole watershed. The calibrated model can be used to explore the effects of climate change scenarios and various watershed management practices on the water resources and water environment in the basin.
The Proteasome Inhibitor, MG132, Attenuates Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting SnoN DegradationIn VivoandIn Vitro
Authors: Huang Wei , Yang Chen , Nan Qinling , Gao Chenlin , Feng Hong , Gou Fang , Chen Guo , Zhang Zhihong , Yan Pijun , Peng Juan , Xu Yong
Published: June 2014

Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) has been shown to be involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The SnoN protein can regulate TGF-βsignaling through interaction with Smad proteins. Recent studies have shown that SnoN is mainly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. However, the role of SnoN in the regulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling in DN is still unclear. In this study, diabetic rats were randomly divided into a diabetic control group (DC group) and a proteasome inhibitor (MG132) diabetes therapy group (DT group). Kidney damage parameters and the expression of SnoN, Smurf2, and TGF-βwere observed. Simultaneously, we cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) stimulated with high glucose, and SnoN and Arkadia expression were measured. Results demonstrated that 24-hour urine protein, ACR, BUN, and the expression of Smurf2 and TGF-βwere significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas SnoN was significantly decreased in the DC group (P<0.05). However, these changes diminished after treatment with MG132. SnoN expression in GMCs decreased significantly (P<0.05), but Arkadia expression gradually increased due to high glucose stimulation (P<0.05), which could be almost completely reversed by MG132 (P<0.05). The present results support the hypothesis that MG132 may alleviate kidney damage by inhibiting SnoN degradation and TGF-βactivation, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway may become a new therapeutic target for DN.
A Modified Generalized Laguerre-Gauss Collocation Method for Fractional Neutral Functional-Differential Equations on the Half-Line
Authors: Bhrawy Ali H. , AlZahrani Abdulrahim , Baleanu Dumitru , Alhamed Yahia
Published: June 2014

The modified generalized Laguerre-Gauss collocation (MGLC) method is applied to obtain an approximate solution of fractional neutral functional-differential equations with proportional delays on the half-line. The proposed technique is based on modified generalized Laguerre polynomials and Gauss quadrature integration of such polynomials. The main advantage of the present method is to reduce the solution of fractional neutral functional-differential equations into a system of algebraic equations. Reasonable numerical results are achieved by choosing few modified generalized Laguerre-Gauss collocation points. Numerical results demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and versatility of the proposed method on the half-line.
Examining the Abrasion Behaviour of PA 66 Gears in Different Cycles
Authors: Yakut Rifat , Düzcükoglu Hayrettin
Published: June 2014

Gears made of plastic-based materials are anticorrosive, resistant to magnetic environments, and light and have pulse decay, low noise, and self-lubrication properties, and therefore their usage areas are widening every single day. In this experiment, the working conditions of 30% fibreglass PA 66 (PA 66 GFR 30) plastic material with PA 66 (PA 66 GFR 30) plastic material and AISI 8620 couple gear are observed. Usage of PA 66 GFR 30 material as gear material at 56.75 Nm constant load and 750 rpm, 1000 rpm, and 1500 rpm was analysed. The load capacity damage formation of the material was also analysed. The tooth surface temperature, corrosion depth of the tooth profile, tooth damage, and the tooth surface were examined with an scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the corrosive behaviour of gears was analysed.
Low Levels of CD36 in Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Mexican Population
Authors: Gómez-Bañuelos Eduardo , Martín-Márquez Beatriz Teresita , Martínez-García Erika Aurora , Figueroa-Sanchez Mauricio , Nuñez-Atahualpa Lourdes , Rocha-Muñoz Alberto Daniel , Sánchez-Hernández Pedro Ernesto , Navarro-Hernandez Rosa Elena , Madrigal-Ruiz Perla Monserrat , Saldaña-Millan Adan Alberto , Duran-Barragan Sergio , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica
Published: June 2014

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk for atherosclerosis. There is no clinical information about scavenger receptor CD36 and the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between membrane expression of CD36 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with RA.Methods. We included 67 patients with RA from the Rheumatology Department of Hospital Civil “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca,” Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. We evaluated the cIMT, considering subclinical atherosclerosis when >0.6 mm. Since our main objective was to associate the membrane expression of CD36 with subclinical atherosclerosis, other molecules related with cardiovascular risk such as ox-LDL, IL-6, and TNFαwere tested.Results. We found low CD36 membrane expression in PBMC from RA patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (P<0.001). CD36 mean fluorescence intensity had negative correlations with cIMT (r= −0.578,P<0.001), ox-LDL (r= −0.427,P= 0.05), TNFα(r= −0.729,P<0.001), and IL-6 (r= −0.822,P<0.001).Conclusion. RA patients with subclinical atherosclerosis showed low membrane expression of CD36 in PBMC and increased serum proinflammatory cytokines. Further studies are needed to clarify the regulation of CD36 in RA.
Computational Modeling of Interventions and Protective Thresholds to Prevent Disease Transmission in Deploying Populations
Authors: Burgess Colleen , Peace Angela , Everett Rebecca , Allegri Buena , Garman Patrick
Published: June 2014

Military personnel are deployed abroad for missions ranging from humanitarian relief efforts to combat actions; delay or interruption in these activities due to disease transmission can cause operational disruptions, significant economic loss, and stressed or exceeded military medical resources. Deployed troops function in environments favorable to the rapid and efficient transmission of many viruses particularly when levels of protection are suboptimal. When immunity among deployed military populations is low, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks increases, impacting troop readiness and achievement of mission objectives. However, targeted vaccination and the optimization of preexisting immunity among deployed populations can decrease the threat of outbreaks among deployed troops. Here we describe methods for the computational modeling of disease transmission to explore how preexisting immunity compares with vaccination at the time of deployment as a means of preventing outbreaks and protecting troops and mission objectives during extended military deployment actions. These methods are illustrated with five modeling case studies for separate diseases common in many parts of the world, to show different approaches required in varying epidemiological settings.
Blocked Autophagy by miR-101 Enhances Osteosarcoma Cell ChemosensitivityIn Vitro
Authors: Chang Zhiqiang , Huo Lifeng , Li Kun , Wu Yiming , Hu Zhenming
Published: June 2014

The adjuvant chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, and methotrexate has significantly improved survival of osteosarcoma patients. However, the chemoresistance which arose with the chemotherapy blocks achieving favorable outcomes for some patients and finally led to relapse or metastatic disease. Studies have shown paradoxical functions of autophagy in tumor development, which has been demonstrated by microRNAs. In the present study, we determined the involvement of autophagy during the chemotherapy of osteosarcoma cell line, U-2 OS, and further determined the regulation of miR-101 on the autophagy in the U-2 OS cells. Results demonstrated that doxorubicin treatment of U-2 OS cells induced significantly high level of autophagy-characteristic acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), and induced significant autophagy related protein expression in U-2 OS cells. While the miR-101 could significantly reduce the doxorubicin-induced AVOs and block the autophagy related protein expression in U-2 OS cells. Moreover, the autophagy blockage by miR-101 sensitized the U-2 OS cells to doxorubicin treatment. In summary, miR-101 blocks autophagy during the chemotherapy in osteosarcoma cells and enhances chemosensitivityin vitro.
Integrated Autofluorescence Characterization of a Modified-Diet Liver Model with Accumulation of Lipids and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Croce Anna Cleta , Ferrigno Andrea , Piccolini Valeria Maria , Tarantola Eleonora , Boncompagni Eleonora , Bertone Vittorio , Milanesi Gloria , Freitas Isabel , Vairetti Mariapia , Bottiroli Giovanni
Published: June 2014

Oxidative stress in fatty livers is mainly generated by impaired mitochondrialβ-oxidation, inducing tissue damages and disease progression. Under suitable excitation, light liver endogenous fluorophores can give rise to autofluorescence (AF) emission, the properties of which depend on the organ morphofunctional state. In this work, we characterized the AF properties of a rat liver model of lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, induced by a 1–9-week hypercaloric methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet administration. The AF analysis (excitation at 366 nm) was performedin vivo, via fiber optic probe, orex vivo. The contribution of endogenous fluorophores involved in redox reactions and in tissue organization was estimated through spectral curve fitting analysis, and AF results were validated by means of different histochemical and biochemical assays (lipids, collagen, vitamin A, ROS, peroxidised proteins, and lipid peroxidation -TBARS-, GSH, and ATP). In comparison with the control, AF spectra changes found already at 1 week of MCD diet reflect alterations both in tissue composition and organization (proteins, lipopigments, and vitamin A) and in oxidoreductive pathway engagement (NAD(P)H, flavins), with a subsequent attempt to recover redox homeostasis. These data confirm the AF analysis potential to provide a comprehensive diagnostic information on negative effects of oxidative metabolism alteration.
Experimental Study on Durability Improvement of Fly Ash Concrete with Durability Improving Admixture
Authors: Quan Hong-zhu , Kasami Hideo
Published: June 2014

In order to improve the durability of fly ash concrete, a series of experimental studies are carried out, where durability improving admixture is used to reduce drying shrinkage and improve freezing-thawing resistance. The effects of durability improving admixture, air content, water-binder ratio, and fly ash replacement ratio on the performance of fly ash concrete are discussed in this paper. The results show that by using durability improving admixture in nonair-entraining fly ash concrete, the compressive strength of fly ash concrete can be improved by 10%–20%, and the drying shrinkage is reduced by 60%. Carbonation resistance of concrete is roughly proportional to water-cement ratio regardless of water-binder ratio and fly ash replacement ratio. For the specimens cured in air for 2 weeks, the freezing-thawing resistance is improved. In addition, by making use of durability improving admixture, it is easier to control the air content and make fly ash concrete into nonair-entraining one. The quality of fly ash concrete is thereby optimized.
Transpubic Urethroplasty: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Mathur Raj Kumar , Tiwari Niraj Shriram , Odiya Sudharshan A.
Published: June 2014

Objective.To evaluate the long-term results of transpubic urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects.Patients and Methods.Sixteen patients who had undergone transpubic urethroplasty for posttraumatic complex posterior urethral disruptions between 2007 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively and prospectively. Patients were followed up for a mean (range) of 24 (6–60) months by history, urinary flow rate estimate, retrograde urethrography, and voiding cystourethrography.Results. The mean age of the patients was 30.4 years. The estimated radiographic stricture length before surgery was 4.3 cm. Transpubic urethroplasty was successful in 14 out of 16 patients. Postoperative complications were recurrent stricture (12.5%), urethrocutaneous fistula (12.5%), incontinence (31.25%), impotence (25%), and wound infection (18.75%). Failed repairs were successfully managed endoscopically in one patient and by perineal anastomotic repair in the other, giving a final success rate of 100%. Five out of 16 patients were incontinent of which 3 of them resolved and 2 had permanent incontinence. Impotence was seen in 4 out of 16 patients. There were no reported complications of pubectomy in any of our patients.Conclusions.Though considered obsolete now, transpubic urethroplasty for complex posterior urethral disruptions is still a viable alternative with excellent results and minimal morbidity.
A Cognitive Computational Model Inspired by the Immune System Response
Authors: Abdo Abd Al-Hady Mohamed , Badr Amr Ahmed , Mostafa Mostafa Abd Al-Azim
Published: June 2014

The immune system has a cognitive ability to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cells. The immune system response (ISR) is stimulated by a disorder in the temporary fuzzy state that is oscillating between the healthy and unhealthy states. However, modeling the immune system is an enormous challenge; the paper introduces an extensive summary of how the immune system response functions, as an overview of a complex topic, to present the immune system as a cognitive intelligent agent. The homogeneity and perfection of the natural immune system have been always standing out as the sought-after model we attempted to imitate while building our proposed model of cognitive architecture. The paper divides the ISR into four logical phases: setting a computational architectural diagram for each phase, proceeding from functional perspectives (input, process, and output), and their consequences. The proposed architecture components are defined by matching biological operations with computational functions and hence with the framework of the paper. On the other hand, the architecture focuses on the interoperability of main theoretical immunological perspectives (classic, cognitive, and danger theory), as related to computer science terminologies. The paper presents a descriptive model of immune system, to figure out the nature of response, deemed to be intrinsic for building a hybrid computational model based on a cognitive intelligent agent perspective and inspired by the natural biology. To that end, this paper highlights the ISR phases as applied to a case study on hepatitis C virus, meanwhile illustrating our proposed architecture perspective.
A Nonlinear Multiparameters Temperature Error Modeling and Compensation of POS Applied in Airborne Remote Sensing System
Authors: Li Jianli , Wang Wenjian , Jiao Feng , Fang Jiancheng , Yu Tao
Published: June 2014

The position and orientation system (POS) is a key equipment for airborne remote sensing systems, which provides high-precision position, velocity, and attitude information for various imaging payloads. Temperature error is the main source that affects the precision of POS. Traditional temperature error model is single temperature parameter linear function, which is not sufficient for the higher accuracy requirement of POS. The traditional compensation method based on neural network faces great problem in the repeatability error under different temperature conditions. In order to improve the precision and generalization ability of the temperature error compensation for POS, a nonlinear multiparameters temperature error modeling and compensation method based on Bayesian regularization neural network was proposed. The temperature error of POS was analyzed and a nonlinear multiparameters model was established. Bayesian regularization method was used as the evaluation criterion, which further optimized the coefficients of the temperature error. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve temperature environmental adaptability and precision. The developed POS had been successfully applied in airborne TSMFTIS remote sensing system for the first time, which improved the accuracy of the reconstructed spectrum by 47.99%.
Face Transplantation: On the Verge of Becoming Clinical Routine?
Authors: Smeets Ralf , Rendenbach Carsten , Birkelbach Moritz , Al-Dam Ahmed , Gröbe Alexander , Hanken Henning , Heiland Max
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Face transplantation (FT) is an innovative achievement of modern reconstructive surgery and is on the verge of becoming a common surgical opportunity. This review article was compiled to provide an update on this surgical field, especially regarding clinical outcomes, benefits, and complications implied.Methods. We performed an extensive research on all English-language Medline articles, case reports, and reviews published online until September 15, 2013. Used search terms were “face transplantation,” “face transplant,” “facial transplantation,” “facial transplant,” “face allograft,” and “facial allograft.”Results. To date 27 FTs have been performed worldwide. 19 of these cases have been published in the Medline database. Long-term follow-up reports of FT cases are rare. Three deaths associated with the procedure have occurred to date. The clinical outcomes of FT are satisfying. Reinnervation of sensation has been faster than motor recovery. Extensive functional improvements have been observed. Due to strict immunosuppression protocols, no case of hyperacute or chronic rejection and no graft-versus-host disease have occurred to date.Conclusions. As studies on long-term outcomes are missing, particularly regarding immunosuppression-related complications, FT will stay experimental for the next years. Nevertheless, for a small group of patients, FT already is a feasible reconstructive option.
A New Method for Superresolution Image Reconstruction Based on Surveying Adjustment
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Zhou Cui , Fan Donghao , Zhou Jinghong
Published: June 2014

A new method for superresolution image reconstruction based on surveying adjustment method is described in this paper. The main idea of such new method is that a sequence of low‐resolution images are taken firstly as observations, and then observation equations are established for the superresolution image reconstruction. The gray function of the object surface can be found by using surveying adjustment method from the observation equations. High‐resolution pixel value of the corresponding area can be calculated by using the gray function. The results show that the proposed algorithm converges much faster than that of conventional superresolution image reconstruction method. By using the new method, the visual feeling of reconstructed image can be greatly improved compared to that of iterative back projection algorithm, and its peak signal‐to‐noise ratio can also be improved by nearly 1 dB higher than the projection onto convex sets algorithm. Furthermore, this method can successfully avoid the ill‐posed problems in reconstruction process.
Electroacupuncture Improves Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid‐Induced Colitis, Evaluated by Transcriptomic Study
Authors: Ho Tin-Yun , Lo Hsin-Yi , Chao De-Cheng , Li Chia-Cheng , Liu Jau-Jin , Lin Chingju , Hsiang Chien-Yun
Published: June 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic colonic inflammation that displays symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss. Acupuncture has been widely accepted by Western countries for the treatment of pain. Here, we analyzed efficacy and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐ (TNBS‐) induced colitis in mice. Mice were intrarectally administered with 250 mg/kg TNBS and electroacupunctured at Quze (PC3) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints, which have been applied for gastrointestinal disorders. Gene expression profiles in colons and spleens were analyzed by microarray for the elucidation of mechanism of EA. Our data showed that EA at PC3 and PC6 improved macroscopic and microscopic features of colitis and the improvement displayed a frequency‐dependent manner. Administration of TNBS upregulated the expression of most cytokine genes in colons, while EA downregulated the expression of TNBS‐induced cytokine genes. Pathway analysis showed that EA significantly affected inflammatory pathways in colons and immunity‐associated pathway in spleens. Immunohistochemical staining further showed that EA decreased the expression of interleukin‐1β and nuclear factor‐κB. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting the global gene expression profiles of EA on TNBS‐induced colitis. Our findings suggested that inflammatory and immunity pathways were involved in the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of EA on colitis induced by TNBS.
Differential Diagnoses of Overgrowth Syndromes: The Most Important Clinical and Radiological Disease Manifestations
Authors: Lacerda Letícia da Silva , Alves Úrsula David , Zanier José Fernando Cardona , Machado Dequitier Carvalho , Camilo Gustavo Bittencourt , Lopes Agnaldo José
Published: June 2014

Overgrowth syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by excessive tissue development. Some of these syndromes may be associated with dysfunction in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/PI3K/AKT pathway, which results in an increased expression of the insulin receptor. In the current review, four overgrowth syndromes were characterized (Proteus syndrome, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, Madelung’s disease, and neurofibromatosis type I) and illustrated using cases from our institution. Because these syndromes have overlapping clinical manifestations and have no established genetic tests for their diagnosis, radiological methods are important contributors to the diagnosis of many of these syndromes. The correlation of genetic discoveries and molecular pathways that may contribute to the phenotypic expression is also of interest, as this may lead to potential therapeutic interventions.