bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Fiber-Reinforced Scaffolds Cocultured with Schwann Cells and Vascular Endothelial Cells to Repair Rabbit Sciatic Nerve Defect with Vascularization
Authors: Gao Hongyang , You Yang , Zhang Guoping , Zhao Feng , Sha Ziyi , Shen Yong
Published: December 2013

To explore the feasibility of biodegradable fiber-reinforced 3D scaffolds with satisfactory mechanical properties for the repair of long-distance sciatic nerve defect in rabbits and effects of vascularized graft in early stage on the recovery of neurological function, Schwann cells and vascular endothelial cells were cocultured in the fiber-reinforced 3D scaffolds. Experiment group which used prevascularized nerve complex for the repair of sciatic nerve defect and control group which only cultured with Schwann cells were set. The animals in both groups underwent electromyography to show the status of the neurological function recovery at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after the surgery. Sciatic nerve regeneration and myelination were observed under the light microscope and electron microscope. Myelin sheath thickness, axonal diameter, and number of myelinated nerve fiber were quantitatively analyzed using image analysis system. The recovery of foot ulcer, the velocity of nerve conduction, the number of regenerating nerve fiber, and the recovery of ultrastructure were increased in the experimental group than those in the control group. Prevascularized tissue engineered fiber-reinforced 3D scaffolds for the repair of sciatic nerve defects in rabbits can effectively promote the recovery of neurological function.
Generalized Bifuzzy Lie Subalgebras
Authors: Alshehri Noura , Akram Muhammad
Published: December 2013

We introduce the concept of (γ, δ)‐bifuzzy Lie subalgebra, where γ , δ are any two of {∈, q, ∈∨q, ∈∧q} with γ ≠ ∈∧q, by using belongs to relation
(∈) and quasi‐coincidence with relation (q) between bifuzzy points and bifuzzy sets and discuss some of its properties. Then we introduce bifuzzy soft Lie subalgebras and investigate some of their properties.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of a MMA‐Silica Nanohybrid Material Doped with Rhodamine 6G
Authors: Lima-Gutiérrez J. , Palomino-Merino R. , Arroyo Carrasco M. L. , Rubio-Rosas E. , Castaño V. M.
Published: December 2013

A novel nanohybrid material based on MMA‐Silica has been synthesized with an organic dye dopant (R6G) to tailor the optical properties. This novel material can be used on several devices such as active laser media for an organic solid state laser, OLEDs, or as a characterization media for new organic dye molecules. Thin films were deposited by dip‐coating and characterized by absorption and reflection UV‐VIS, photoluminescence, SEM, and Z‐scan technique to verify their nonlinear behavior. R6G dye dopant has been used to verify that the nanohybrid matrix does not inhibit its optical properties.
Optimal Transport on Weighted Networks for Different Node Delivery Capability Schemes
Authors: Shao Fei
Published: December 2013

Many real networks can be best described by weighted networks with a diversity of interactions between nodes measured by the weights of the edges. It is of great importance to improve the overall capacity of these real‐world networks. In this paper, the traffic capacity of weighted network is investigated based on three different node delivery capability schemes: the delivery capacity of each node is constant in the first scheme while in the second and third schemes it is proportional to its node degree and node strength. It is shown by simulations that the network transfer capacity depends strongly on the tunable parameter. And different tunable parameter is suitable for different node delivery capability.
The Study of Neutrino Oscillations with Emulsion Detectors
Authors: Ereditato A.
Published: December 2013

Particle detectors based on nuclear emulsions contributed to the history of physics with fundamental discoveries. The experiments benefited from the unsurpassed spatial and angular resolution of the devices in the measurement of ionizing particle tracks and in their identification. Despite the decline of the technique around the 1970’s caused by the development of the modern electronic particle detectors, emulsions are still alive today thanks to the vigorous rebirth of the technique that took place around the beginning of the 1990’s, in particular due to the needs of neutrino experiments. This progress involved both the emulsion detectors themselves and the automatic microscopes needed for their optical scanning. Nuclear emulsions have marked the study of neutrino physics, notably in relation to neutrino oscillation experiments and to the related first detection of tau-neutrinos. Relevant applications in this field are reviewed here with a focus on the main projects. An outlook is also given trying to address the main directions of the R&D effort currently in progress and the challenging applications to various fields.
Novel Strategies for the Treatment of Chondrosarcomas: Targeting Integrins
Authors: Chen Jui-Chieh , Fong Yi-Chin , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: December 2013

Chondrosarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant bone tumors that are characterized by the production of cartilaginous extracellular matrix. They are the second most frequently occurring type of bone malignancy. Surgical resection remains the primary mode of treatment for chondrosarcomas, since conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are largely ineffective. Treatment of patients with high-grade chondrosarcomas is particularly challenging, owing to the lack of effective adjuvant therapies. Integrins are cell surface adhesion molecules that regulate a variety of cellular functions. They have been implicated in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors. Deregulation of integrin expression and/or signaling has been identified in many chondrosarcomas. Therefore, the development of new drugs that can selectively target regulators of integrin gene expression and ligand-integrin signaling might hold great promise for the treatment of these cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of how growth factors, chemokines/cytokines, and other inflammation-related molecules can control the expression of specific integrins to promote cell migration. We also review the roles of specific subtypes of integrins and their signaling mechanisms, and discuss how these might be involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, novel therapeutic strategies for targeting these molecules will be discussed.
Statistical Analysis ofHie(Cold Sensation) andHiesho(Cold Disorder) in Kampo Clinic
Authors: Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Katayama Kotoe , Munakata Kaori , Horiba Yuko , Yamaguchi Rui , Imoto Seiya , Miyano Satoru , Watanabe Kenji
Published: December 2013

A cold sensation (hie) is common in Japanese women and is an important treatment target in Kampo medicine. Physicians diagnose patients as havinghiesho(cold disorder) whenhiedisturbs their daily activity. However, differences betweenhieandhieshoin men and women are not well described.Hiecan be of three types depending on body part where patients feelhie. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of patients withhieandhieshoby analyzing data from new patients seen at the Kampo Clinic at Keio University Hospital between 2008 and 2013. We collected information about patients’ subjective symptoms and their severity using visual analogue scales. Of 4,016 new patients, 2,344 complained abouthieand 524 of those were diagnosed withhiesho.Hiewas most common in legs/feet and combined with hands or lower back, rather than the whole body. Almost 30% of patients withhiefelt upper body heat symptoms like hot flushes. Cold sensation was stronger inhieshothannon-hieshopatients. Patients withhiehad more complaints. Men withhieshohad the same distribution ofhieand had symptoms similar to women. The results of our study may increase awareness ofhieshoand help doctors treathieand other symptoms.
Apoptosis and Its Significance in Oral Diseases: An Update
Authors: Jain Megha , Kasetty Sowmya , Udyavara Sridhara Sudheendra , Jain Nitin , Khan Samar , Desai Ami
Published: December 2013

Apoptosis is a well defined mode of cell death which plays an imperative role in the development, regulation, and maintenance of the cell populations in multicellular organisms. Apoptosis is implicated in both health and diseases. Errors in apoptotic mechanisms have been allied to a wide range of pathologies including oral diseases. This review presents an update focused on the role and significance of apoptosis in various oral diseases ranging from reactive to benign and malignant pathologies.
Nucleotide Sequencing and Identification of Some Wild Mushrooms
Authors: Das Sudip Kumar , Mandal Aninda , Datta Animesh K. , Gupta Sudha , Paul Rita , Saha Aditi , Sengupta Sonali , Dubey Priyanka Kumari
Published: December 2013

The rDNA‐ITS (Ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacers) fragment of the genomic DNA of 8 wild edible mushrooms (collected from Eastern Chota Nagpur Plateau of West Bengal, India) was amplified using ITS1 (Internal Transcribed Spacers 1) and ITS2 primers and subjected to nucleotide sequence determination for identification of mushrooms as mentioned. The sequences were aligned using ClustalW software program. The aligned sequences revealed identity (homology percentage from GenBank data base) of Amanita hemibapha [CN (Chota Nagpur) 1, % identity 99 (JX844716.1)], Amanita sp. [CN 2, % identity 98 (JX844763.1)], Astraeus hygrometricus [CN 3, % identity 87 (FJ536664.1)], Termitomyces sp. [CN 4, % identity 90 (JF746992.1)], Termitomyces sp. [CN 5, % identity 99 (GU001667.1)], T. microcarpus [CN 6, % identity 82 (EF421077.1)], Termitomyces sp. [CN 7, % identity 76 (JF746993.1)], and Volvariella volvacea [CN 8, % identity 100 (JN086680.1)]. Although out of 8 mushrooms 4 could be identified up to species level, the nucleotide sequences of the rest may be relevant to further characterization. A phylogenetic tree is constructed using Neighbor‐Joining method showing interrelationship between/among the mushrooms. The determined nucleotide sequences of the mushrooms may provide additional information enriching GenBank database aiding to molecular taxonomy and facilitating its domestication and characterization for human benefits.
Fabrication of Pamidronic Acid‐Immobilized TiO2/Hydroxyapatite Composite Nanofiber Mats for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Shin Yong-Suk , Borah Jyoti S. , Haider Adnan , Kim Sukyoung , Huh Man-Woo , Kang Inn-Kyu
Published: December 2013

TiO2/hydroxyapatite (TiO2/HA) composite nanofiber mats were fabricated using an electrospinning technique. Subsequently, pamidronic acid (PDA) was immobilized on the surface of the TiO2/HA nanofiber mat to improve osseointegration. X‐ray photoelectron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the PDA‐immobilized TiO2/HA composite nanofiber mat (TiO2/HA‐P). The potential of TiO2/HA‐P as a bone scaffold was assessed by examining the cell adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts on the TiO2/HA‐P composite nanofiber mat were slightly higher than those on the TiO2/HA composite nanofiber mat, whereas the viability of osteoclasts on the TiO2/HA‐P nanofiber mat was significantly suppressed. These results suggest that the TiO2/HA‐P nanofiber mat has the potential for use as a therapeutic bone implant.
Comparison of Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms for Operations Scheduling under Machine Availability Constraints
Authors: Frutos M. , Méndez M. , Tohmé F. , Broz D.
Published: December 2013

Many of the problems that arise in production systems can be handled with multiobjective techniques. One of those problems is that of scheduling operations subject to constraints on the availability of machines and buffer capacity. In this paper we analyze different Evolutionary multiobjective Algorithms (MOEAs) for this kind of problems. We consider an experimental framework in which we schedule production operations for four real world Job‐Shop contexts using three algorithms, NSGAII, SPEA2, and IBEA. Using two performance indexes, Hypervolume and R2, we found that SPEA2 and IBEA are the most efficient for the tasks at hand. On the other hand IBEA seems to be a better choice of tool since it yields more solutions in the approximate Pareto frontier.
Mathematical Methods in Biomedical Optics
Authors: Gabriela Macaveiu
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a review of the phenomena regarding light-tissue interactions, especially absorption and scattering. The most important mathematical approaches for modeling the light transport in tissues and their domain of application: “first-order scattering,” “Kubelka-Munk theory,” “diffusion approximation,” “Monte Carlo simulation,” “inverse adding-doubling” and “finite element method” are briefly described.
HGF Accelerates Wound Healing by Promoting the Dedifferentiation of Epidermal Cells throughβ1-Integrin/ILK Pathway
Authors: Li Jin-Feng , Duan Hai-Feng , Wu Chu-Tse , Zhang Da-Jin , Deng Youping , Yin Hong-Lei , Han Bing , Gong Hui-Cui , Wang Hong-Wei , Wang Yun-Liang
Published: December 2013

Skin wound healing is a critical and complex biological process after trauma. This process is activated by signaling pathways of both epithelial and nonepithelial cells, which release a myriad of different cytokines and growth factors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine known to play multiple roles during the various stages of wound healing. This study evaluated the benefits of HGF on reepithelialization during wound healing and investigated its mechanisms of action. Gross and histological results showed that HGF significantly accelerated reepithelialization in diabetic (DB) rats. HGF increased the expressions of the cell adhesion moleculesβ1-integrin and the cytoskeleton remodeling protein integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in epidermal cellsin vivoandin vitro. Silencing of ILK gene expression by RNA interference reduced expression ofβ1-integrin, ILK, and c-met in epidermal cells, concomitantly decreasing the proliferation and migration ability of epidermal cells.β1-Integrin can be an important maker of poorly differentiated epidermal cells. Therefore, these data demonstrate that epidermal cells become poorly differentiated state and regained some characteristics of epidermal stem cells under the role of HGF after wound. Taken together, the results provide evidence that HGF can accelerate reepithelialization in skin wound healing by dedifferentiation of epidermal cells in a manner related to theβ1-integrin/ILK pathway.
The Effect of Nitrogen Ion Implantation on the Surface Properties of Ti6Al4V Alloy Coated by a Carbon Nanolayer
Authors: Vlcak Petr , Cerny Frantisek , Weiss Zdenek , Danis Stanislav , Sepitka Josef , Tolde Zdenek , Jech Vladimir
Published: December 2013

The ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) method was chosen for preparing a carbon thin film with a mixing area on a substrate of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. Nitrogen ions with energy 90 keV were used. These form a broad ion beam mixing area at the interface between the carbon film and the substrate. We investigated the chemical composition by the glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‐OES) method and the phases by the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) method. The measured concentration profiles indicate the mixing of the carbon film into the substrate, which may have an effect on increasing the adhesion of the deposited film. The nanohardness and the coefficient of friction were measured. We found that the modified samples had a markedly lower coefficient of friction even after damage to the carbon film, and they also had higher nanohardness than the unmodified samples. The increased nanohardness is attributed to the newly created phases that arose with ion implantation of nitrogen ions.
The Linear 2- and 4-Arboricity of Complete Bipartite Graph Km,n
Authors: Zuo Liancui , Xue Bing , He Shengjie
Published: December 2013

A linear k-forest of an undirected graph G is a subgraph of G whose components are paths with lengths at most k. The linear k-arboricity of G, denoted by lak(G), is the minimum number of linear k-forests needed to decompose G. In case the lengths of paths are not restricted, we then have the linear arboricity of G, denoted by la(G). In this paper, the exact value of the linear 2- and 4-arboricity of complete bipartite graph Km,n for some m and n is obtained.
An Address-Contention Approach Based on a Time-Division Multiplexing Mechanism for ZigBee Networks
Authors: Lin Tu-Liang , Zeng Xian-Qun , Chang Hong-Yi
Published: December 2013

The rise of the Internet of Things promotes adopting wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in daily life. In WSNs, the ZigBee standard has gradually become the dominant communication protocol. ZigBee supports various network topologies, including tree structures. Regarding the address assignment of the tree topology, a distributed address assignment mechanism (DAAM) is specified by the ZigBee standard. Using DAAM yields a simple tree routing method; however, network parameter constraints cause the unpreventable orphan problem. Therefore, an innovative address contention approach was proposed based on a time-division multiplexing address assignment (TDMAA) mechanism, which utilizes the ZigBee beacon intervals for address contention. TDMAA outperforms conventional DAAMs in uneven node distributions, sometimes assigning 20% more addresses.
Isolation, Characterization, and Molecular Modeling of a Rheumatoid Factor from a Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Lee Yu-Ching , Tsai Keng-Chang , Leu Sy-Jye , Wang Tuan-Jen , Liu Chia-Yu , Yang Yi-Yuan
Published: December 2013

We have previously isolated several IgG rheumatoid factors (RFs) from patients with both rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura using phage display system. To study IgG RFs in patients with other autoimmune diseases, phage display antibody libraries from a hepatitis C virus infected patient with Sjögren’s syndrome were constructed. After panning, a specific clone RFL11 was isolated for characterization in advance. The binding activity and specificity of RFL11 to IgG Fc fragment were comparable to those of RFs previously isolated. The analysis with existed RF‐Fc complex structures indicated the homology model of RFL11 is similar to IgM RF61 complex with high binding affinity of about 6  ×  10−8 M. This effect resulted from longer complementarity‐determining region (CDR) combining key somatic mutations. In the RFL11‐Fc interfaces, the CDR‐H3 loop forms a finger‐like structure extending into the bottom of Fc pocket and resulting in strong ion and cation‐pi interactions. Moreover, a process of antigen‐driven maturation was proven by somatically mutated VH residues on H2 and H3 CDR loops in the interfaces. Taken together, these results suggested that high affinity IgG RFs can be generated in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease.
Optimal Rate of Convergence for a Nonstandard Finite Difference Galerkin Method Applied to Wave Equation Problems
Authors: Chin Pius W. M.
Published: December 2013

The optimal rate of convergence of the wave equation in both the energy and theL2-norms using continuous Galerkin method is well known. We exploit this technique and design a fully discrete scheme consisting of coupling the nonstandard finite difference method in the time and the continuous Galerkin method in the space variables. We show that, for sufficiently smooth solution, the maximal error in theL2-norm possesses the optimal rate of convergenceO(h2+(Δt)2)wherehis the mesh size andΔtis the time step size. Furthermore, we show that this scheme replicates the properties of the exact solution of the wave equation. Some numerical experiments should be performed to support our theoretical analysis.
Size Effects on Surface Elastic Waves in a Semi-Infinite Medium with Atomic Defect Generation
Authors: Mirzade F.
Published: December 2013

The paper investigates small-scale effects on the Rayleigh-type surface wave propagation in an isotopic elastic half-space upon laser irradiation. Based on Eringen’s theory of nonlocal continuum mechanics, the basic equations of wave motion and laser-induced atomic defect dynamics are derived. Dispersion equation that governs the Rayleigh surface waves in the considered medium is derived and analyzed. Explicit expressions for phase velocity and attenuation (amplification) coefficients which characterize surface waves are obtained. It is shown that if the generation rate is above the critical value, due to concentration-elastic instability, nanometer sized ordered concentration-strain structures on the surface or volume of solids arise. The spatial scale of these structures is proportional to the characteristic length of defect-atom interaction and increases with the increase of the temperature of the medium. The critical value of the pump parameter is directly proportional to recombination rate and inversely proportional to deformational potentials of defects.
Spatiotemporal Complexity of a Leslie-Gower Predator-Prey Model with the Weak Allee Effect
Authors: Cai Yongli , Zhao Caidi , Wang Weiming
Published: December 2013

We investigate a diffusive Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with the additive Allee effect on prey subject to the zero-flux boundary conditions. Some results of solutions to this model and its corresponding steady-state problem are shown. More precisely, we give the stability of the positive constant steady-state solution, the refineda prioriestimates of positive solution, and the nonexistence and existence of the positive nonconstant solutions. We carry out the analytical study for two-dimensional system in detail and find out the certain conditions for Turing instability. Furthermore, we perform numerical simulations and show that the model exhibits a transition from stripe-spot mixtures growth to isolated spots and also to stripes. These results show that the impact of the Allee effect essentially increases the model spatiotemporal complexity.
Usefulness of Adalimumab in the Treatment of Refractory Uveitis Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: García-De-Vicuña Carmen , Díaz-Llopis Manuel , Salom David , Bou Rosa , Díaz-Cascajosa Jesus , Cordero-Coma Miguel , Ortega Gabriela , Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Suarez-De-Figueroa Marta , Cruz-Martínez Juan , Fonollosa Alex , Blanco Ricardo , García-Aparicio Ángel María , Benítez-Del-Castillo Jose M. , Antón Jordi
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and associated refractory uveitis.Design. Multicenter, prospective case series.Methods. Thirty-nine patients (mean [SD] age of 11.5 [7.9] years) with JIA-associated uveitis who were either not responsive to standard immunosuppressive therapy or intolerant to it were enrolled. Patients aged 13–17 years were treated with 40 mg of adalimumab every other week for 6 months and those aged 4–12 years received 24 mg/m2body surface.Results. Inflammation of the anterior chamber (2.02 [1.16] versus 0.42 [0.62]) and of the posterior segment (2.38 [2.97] versus 0.35 [0.71] decreased significantly between baseline and the final visit (P<0.001). The mean (SD) macular thickness at baseline was 304.54 (125.03) μand at the end of follow-up was 230.87 (31.12) μ(P<0.014). Baseline immunosuppression load was 8.10 (3.99) as compared with 5.08 (3.76) at the final visit (P<0.001). The mean dose of corticosteroids also decreased from 0.25 (0.43) to 0 (0.02) mg (P<0.001). No significant side effects requiring discontinuation of therapy were observed.Conclusion. Adalimumab seems to be an effective and safe treatment for JIA-associated refractory uveitis and may reduce steroid requirement.
CD38 Ligation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Myeloma Patients Induces Release of Protumorigenic IL-6 and Impaired Secretion of IFNγCytokines and Proliferation
Authors: Fedele Giorgio , Di Girolamo Marco , Recine Umberto , Palazzo Raffaella , Urbani Francesca , Horenstein Alberto L. , Malavasi Fabio , Ausiello Clara Maria
Published: December 2013

CD38, a surface receptor that controls signals in immunocompetent cells, is densely expressed by cells of multiple myeloma (MM). The immune system of MM patients appears as functionally impaired, with qualitative and quantitative defects in T cell immune responses. This work answers the issue whether CD38 plays a role in the impairment of T lymphocyte response. To this aim, we analyzed the signals implemented by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) ligation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from MM patients and compared to benign monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). PBMC from MM both failed to proliferate and secrete IFNγinduced by CD38 ligation while it retained the ability to respond to TCR/CD3. The impaired CD38-dependent proliferative response likely reflects an arrest in the progression of cell cycle, as indicated by the reduced expression of PCNA. CD38 signaling showed an enhanced ability to induce IL-6 secretion. PBMC from MM patients displays a deregulated response possibly due to defects of CD38 activation pathways and CD38 may be functionally involved in the progression of this pathology via the secretion of high levels of IL-6 that protects neoplastic cells from apoptosis.
Anti-HPA-1b Mediated Posttransfusion Purpura: A Case Report
Authors: Arewa O. P. , Nahirniak S. , Clarke G.
Published: December 2013

Posttransfusion purpura (PTP) is an uncommon, but potentially fatal, transfusion reaction characterized by profound thrombocytopenia and bleeding. PTP is caused by alloimmunization to human platelet specific antigens following blood component transfusion. Although there is evidence of a wide serological spectrum of culprit antibodies implicated, Anti-human-platelet-antigen- (HPA-) 1a is the most common antibody in cases reported. We report a case of posttransfusion purpura in an African American. The patient was negative for HPA-1a antibodies, but anti-HPA-1b was identified with a platelet phenotype of HPA-1a/HPA-1a. Although less common, HPA-1b antibody may be an important consideration in posttransfusion purpura diagnosed in patients of African descent.
Control of a Clonal Outbreak of Multidrug-ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiin a Hospital of the Basque Country after the Introduction of Environmental Cleaning Led by the Systematic Sampling from Environmental Objects
Authors: Delgado Naranjo Jesús , Villate Navarro José Ignacio , Sota Busselo Mercedes , Martínez Ruíz Alberto , Hernández Hernández José María , Torres Garmendia María Pilar , Urcelay López María Isabel
Published: December 2013

Background. Between July 2009 and September 2010, an outbreak of multidrug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiwas detected in one critical care unit of a tertiary hospital in the Basque Country, involving 49 infected and 16 colonized patients. The aim was to evaluate the impact of environmental cleaning and systematic sampling from environmental objects on the risk of infection by MDRA. baumannii.Methods. After systematic sampling from environmental objects and molecular typing of all new MDRA. baumanniistrains from patients and environmental isolates, we analyzed the correlation (Pearson’sr) between new infected cases and positive environmental samples. The risk ratio (RR) of infection was estimated with Poisson regression.Results. The risk increased significantly with the number of positive samples in common areas (RR = 1.40; 95%CI = 0.99–1.94) and positive samples in boxes (RR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.01–1.40). The number of cases also positively correlated with positive samples in boxes (r=0.50;P<0.05) and common areas (r=0.29;P=0.18).Conclusion.Once conventional measures have failed, environmental cleaning, guided by systematic sampling from environmental objects, provided the objective risk reduction of new cases and enabled the full control of the outbreak.
Safety and Efficacy of Glucomannan for Weight Loss in Overweight and Moderately Obese Adults
Authors: Keithley Joyce K. , Swanson Barbara , Mikolaitis Susan L. , DeMeo Mark , Zeller Janice M. , Fogg Lou , Adamji Jehan
Published: December 2013

Background. Few safe and effective dietary supplements are available to promote weight loss. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of glucomannan, a water-soluble fiber supplement, for achieving weight loss in overweight and moderately obese individuals consuming self-selected diets.Methods. Participants were randomly assigned to take 1.33 grams of glucomannan or identically looking placebo capsules with 236.6 mL (8 ounces) of water one hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was change in body weight after 8 weeks. Other efficacy outcomes were changes in body composition, hunger/fullness, and lipid and glucose concentrations. Safety outcomes included gastrointestinal symptoms/tolerance and serum liver enzymes and creatinine levels.Results. A total of 53 participants (18–65 years of age; BMI 25–35 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomized. The two groups did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics and compliance with the study supplement. At 8 weeks, there was no significant difference between the glucomannan and placebo groups in amount of weight loss (−.40±.06and−.43±.07, resp.) or other efficacy outcomes or in any of the safety outcomes.Conclusions. Glucomannan supplements administered over 8 weeks were well tolerated but did not promote weight loss or significantly alter body composition, hunger/fullness, or lipid and glucose parameters. This trial is registered withNCT00613600.
PPARγAgonist Rosiglitazone Suppresses Renal mPGES-1/PGE2 Pathway in db/db Mice
Authors: Sun Ying , Jia Zhanjun , Liu Gang , Zhou Li , Liu Mi , Yang Baoxue , Yang Tianxin
Published: December 2013

Evidence had shown the detrimental effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) of STZ-induced type-1 diabetes but its role in the development of DN of type-2 diabetes remains uncertain. The present study was undertaken to investigate the regulation of PGE2 synthetic pathway and the interaction between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γand PGE2 synthesis in the kidneys of db/db mice. Strikingly, urinary PGE2 was remarkably elevated in db/db mice paralleled with the increased protein expressions of COX-2 and mPGES-1. In contrast, the protein expressions of COX-1, mPGES-2, cPGES, and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) were not altered. Following 1-week rosiglitazone (Rosi) therapy, urinary PGE2, but not other prostanoids, was reduced by 57% in parallel with significant reduction of mPGES-1 protein and EP4 mRNA expressions. By immunohistochemistry, mPGES-1 was significantly induced in the glomeruli of db/db mice, which was almost entirely abolished by Rosi. In line with the reduction of glomerular mPGES-1, the glomerular injury score showed a tendency of improvement after 1 week of Rosi therapy. Collectively, the present study demonstrated an inhibitory effect of PPARγactivation on renal mPGES-1/PGE2/EP4 pathway in type-2 diabetes and suggested that mPGES-1 may potentially serve as a therapeutic target for treating type-2 diabetes-associated DN.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on PGC-1αExpression in Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Du Hongyin , Zhou Cuisong , Wu Hui , Shan Tianyue , Wu Zhenjue , Xu Bin , Zhang Yubin
Published: December 2013

The inducible coactivator PGC-1αplays master regulator in mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissues (BATs). BAT is a natural antiobesity organ which dissipates chemical energy in the form of heat through specialized mitochondrial protein UCP-1. Eletroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for obesity and its related disorders such as type 2 diabetes. The molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture on treatment of obesity is still unclear. We hypothesized that electroacupuncture induced PGC-1αexpression to increase the energy expenditure in BAT. Rats were randomly divided into control group and electroacupuncture treatment group. We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint on the expressions of PGC-1αand its associated genes in the BAT of rats using real-time PCR and western blotting. We found that electroacupuncture effectively induces the expression of PGC-1αand UCP-1 by 4-fold and 5-fold in the BAT of rats, respectively. Our results indicated that the molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture for the treatment of obesity may be, or at least partially, through induction of both PGC-1αand UCP-1 expressions to increase energy expenditure in BAT.
Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes
Authors: Zaborowski Mikolaj Piotr , Michalak Slawomir
Published: December 2013

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are disorders of the nervous system that are associated with remote effects of malignancy. PNS are considered to have an autoimmune pathology. It has been suggested that immune antitumor responses are the origin of improved outcome in PNS. We describe cell-mediated immune responses in PNS and their potential contributions to antitumor reactions. Experimental and neuropathological studies have revealed infiltrates in nervous tissue and disturbances in lymphocyte populations in both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood. A predominance of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) over T helper cells has been observed. CTLs can be specifically aggressive against antigens shared by tumors and nervous tissue. Based on genetic studies, a common clonal origin of lymphocytes from blood, tumor, and nervous tissue is suggested. Suppressive regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes are dysfunctional. Simultaneously, in tumor tissue, more intense cell-mediated immune responses are observed, which often coincide with a less aggressive course of neoplastic disease. An increased titer of onconeural antibodies is also related to better prognoses in patients without PNS. The evaluation of onconeural and neuronal surface antibodies was recommended in current guidelines. The link between PNS emergence and antitumor responses may result from more active CTLs and less functional Treg lymphocytes.
Influence of Thermal Radiation on Unsteady Free Convection MHD Flow of Brinkman Type Fluid in a Porous Medium with Newtonian Heating
Authors: Ali Farhad , Khan Ilyas , Ul Haq Sami , Shafie Sharidan
Published: December 2013

The focus of this paper is to analyze the influence of thermal radiation on some unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection flows of an incompressible Brinkman type fluid past a vertical flat plate embedded in a porous medium with the Newtonian heating boundary condition. The fluid is considered as a gray absorbing-emitting but nonscattering medium and the Rosseland approximation in the energy equations is used to describe the radiative heat flux for optically thick fluid. For a detailed analysis of the problem, four important situations of flow due to (i) impulsive motion of the plate (ii) uniform acceleration of the plate (iii) nonuniform acceleration of the plate, and (iv) highly nonuniform acceleration of the plate are considered. The governing equations are first transformed into a system of dimensionless equations and then solved analytically using the Laplace transform technique. Numerical results for temperature and velocity are shown graphically, while skin friction and Nusselt number are computed in tables. The results show that temperature and velocity increase on increasing radiation and Newtonian heating parameters. However, the results of magnetic and porosity parameters on velocity are found quite opposite.
Treatment of Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus Bronchopulmonary Infection in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Das Rashmi Ranjan , Kabra Sushil Kumar , Singh Meenu
Published: December 2013

The optimal antibiotic regimen is unclear in management of pulmonary infections due to pseudomonas and staphylococcus in cystic fibrosis (CF). We systematically searched all the published literature that has considered the evidence for antimicrobial therapies in CF till June 2013. The key findings were as follows: inhaled antipseudomonal antibiotic improves lung function, and probably the safest/most effective therapy; antistaphylococcal antibiotic prophylaxis increases the risk of acquiring P. aeruginosa; azithromycin significantly improves respiratory function after 6 months of treatment; a 28‐day treatment with aztreonam or tobramycin significantly improves respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function; aztreonam lysine might be superior to tobramycin inhaled solution in chronic P. aeruginosa infection; oral ciprofloxacin does not produce additional benefit in those with chronic persistent pseudomonas infection but may have a role in early or first infection. As it is difficult to establish a firm recommendation based on the available evidence, the following factors must be considered for the choice of treatment for each patient: antibiotic related (e.g., safety and efficacy and ease of administration/delivery) and patient related (e.g., age, clinical status, prior use of antibiotics, coinfection by other organisms, and associated comorbidities ones).
Reversible Rings with Involutions and Some Minimalities
Authors: Fakieh W. M. , Nauman S. K.
Published: December 2013

In continuation of the recent developments on extended reversibilities on rings, we initiate here a study on reversible rings with involutions, or, in short, *‐reversible rings. These rings are symmetric, reversible, reflexive, and semicommutative. In this note we will study some properties and examples of *‐reversible rings. It is proved here that the polynomial rings of *‐reversible rings may not be *‐reversible. A criterion for rings which cannot adhere to any involution is developed and it is observed that a minimal noninvolutary ring is of order 4 and that a minimal noncommutative *‐reversible ring is of order 16.
Pyogenic Liver Abscess, Bacteremia, and Meningitis with HypermucoviscousKlebsiella pneumoniae: An Unusual Case Report in a Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Positive Patient of Caribbean Origin in the United States
Authors: Patel Gargi , Shah Neha , Sharma Roopali
Published: December 2013

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a potentially fatal disease.Klebsiella pneumoniae(K. pneumoniae) has replacedEscherichia coli(E. coli) as the predominant causative organism for pyogenic liver abscess. Over the years a unique form of community-acquired invasiveK. pneumoniaeinfection of the liver has been well described in Southeast Asia. This has recently been linked to a virulent hypermucoviscousK. pneumoniaephenotype and to a specific genotype,rmpApositive. To our knowledge, we report the first case of PLA with bacteremia and meningitis in a Guyanese patient with the presence ofrmpA-positiveK. pneumoniaewith laboratory evidence in North America.
An Efficient Approach for Identifying Stable Lobes with Discretization Method
Authors: Wu Baohai , Luo Ming , Zhang Dinghua
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a new approach for quick identification of chatter stability lobes with discretization method. Firstly, three different kinds of stability regions are defined: absolute stable region, valid region, and invalid region. Secondly, while identifying the chatter stability lobes, three different regions within the chatter stability lobes are identified with relatively large time intervals. Thirdly, stability boundary within the valid regions is finely calculated to get exact chatter stability lobes. The proposed method only needs to test a small portion of spindle speed and cutting depth set; about 89% computation time is savedcompared with full discretization method. It spends only about10 minutes to get exact chatter stability lobes. Since, based on discretization method, the proposed method can be used for different immersion cutting including low immersion cutting process, the proposed method can be directly implemented in the workshop to promote machining parameters selection efficiency.
MM-Wave Metamaterial Adjustable Antenna on Magnetically Biased Ferritic Substrate
Authors: Sajin Gheorghe , Mocanu Iulia Andreea , Craciunoiu Florea
Published: December 2013

The paper presents a mm-wave metamaterial coplanar waveguide (CPW) zeroth-order resonating (ZOR) antenna on magnetically biased ferrite substrate. The measurements demonstrate tuning of the resonant frequency and steering of the radiation characteristic depending on the strength of biasing magnetic field. The resonant frequency shifts about 1.1 GHz for magnetic biasing field strength variation between 0 T and 0.265 T. The return loss is reduced as result of elimination of ferrite low field loss. The radiation characteristic in transversal plane steers between approximately −15° and +14° depending on the magnetic field strength. In the magnetically unbiased state the antenna gain is 4.16 dBi and increases slightly to 4.22 dBi due to small field loss reduction following the magnetic polarization application.
Quality-Related Process Monitoring Based on Total Kernel PLS Model and Its Industrial Application
Authors: Peng Kaixiang , Zhang Kai , Li Gang
Published: December 2013

Projection to latent structures (PLS) model has been widely used in quality-related process monitoring, as it can establish a mapping relationship between process variables and quality index variables. To enhance the adaptivity of PLS, kernel PLS (KPLS) as an advanced version has been proposed for nonlinear processes. In this paper, we discuss a new total kernel PLS (T-KPLS) for nonlinear quality-related process monitoring. The new model divides the input spaces into four parts instead of two parts in KPLS, where an individual subspace is responsible in predicting quality output, and two parts are utilized for monitoring the quality-related variations. In addition, fault detection policy is developed based on the T-KPLS model, which is more well suited for nonlinear quality-related process monitoring. In the case study, a nonlinear numerical case, the typical Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) and a real industrial hot strip mill process (HSMP) are employed to access the utility of the present scheme.
Biofuel Expansion, Fertilizer Use, and GHG Emissions: Unintended Consequences of Mitigation Policies
Authors: Elobeid Amani , Carriquiry Miguel , Dumortier Jerome , Rosas Francisco , Mulik Kranti , Fabiosa Jacinto F. , Hayes Dermot J. , Babcock Bruce A.
Published: December 2013

Increased biofuel production has been associated with direct and indirect land-use change, changes in land management practices, and increased application of fertilizers and pesticides. This has resulted in negative environmental consequences in terms of increased carbon emissions, water quality, pollution, and sediment loads, which may offset the pursued environmental benefits of biofuels. This study analyzes two distinct policies aimed at mitigating the negative environmental impacts of increased agricultural production due to biofuel expansion. The first scenario is a fertilizer tax, which results in an increase in the US nitrogen fertilizer price, and the second is a policy-driven reversion of US cropland into forestland (afforestation). Results show that taxing fertilizer reduces US production of nitrogen-intensive crops, but this is partially offset by higher fertilizer use in other countries responding to higher crop prices. In the afforestation scenario, crop production shifts from high-yielding land in the United States to low-yielding land in the rest of the world. Important policy implications are that domestic policy changes implemented by a large producer like the United States can have fairly significant impacts on the aggregate world commodity markets. Also, the law of unintended consequences results in an inadvertent increase in global greenhouse gas emissions.
Five Decades with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Chemical Synthesis, Enzymatic Formation, Lipid Peroxidation and Its Biological Effects
Authors: Catalá Angel
Published: December 2013

I have been involved in research on polyunsaturated fatty acids since 1964 and this review is intended to cover some of the most important aspects of this work. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have followed me during my whole scientific career and I have published a number of studies concerned with different aspects of them such as chemical synthesis, enzymatic formation, metabolism, transport, physical, chemical, and catalytic properties of a reconstructed desaturase system in liposomes, lipid peroxidation, and their effects. The first project I became involved in was the organic synthesis of [1-14C] eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid, with the aim of demonstrating the participation of that compound as a possible intermediary in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid “in vivo.” From 1966 to 1982, I was involved in several projects that study the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the eighties, we studied fatty acid binding protein. From 1990 up to now, our laboratory has been interested in the lipid peroxidation of biological membranes from various tissues and different species as well as liposomes prepared with phospholipids rich in PUFAs. We tested the effect of many antioxidants such as alpha tocopherol, vitamin A, melatonin and its structural analogues, and conjugated linoleic acid, among others.
Comparison of Neurologic and Radiographic Outcomes with Solitaire versus Merci/Penumbra Systems for Acute Stroke Intervention
Authors: Hann Shannon , Chalouhi Nohra , Starke Robert , Gandhe Ashish , Koltz Michael , Theofanis Thana , Jabbour Pascal , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Rosenwasser Robert , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose. The Solitaire Flow Restoration was approved by the FDA in 2012 for mechanical thrombolysis of proximal occlusion of intracranial arteries. To compare the Solitaire FR device and the Merci/Penumbra (previously FDA approved) systems in terms of safety, clinical outcomes, and efficacy including radiographic brain parenchymal salvage.Methods. Thirty-one consecutive patients treated with the Solitaire and 20 patients with comparable baseline characteristics treated with Merci or Penumbra systems were included in the study. Primary outcome measures included recanalization rate and modified Rankin Scale score at followup. Secondary outcomes included length of procedure, incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 90-day mortality, and radiographic analysis of percentage area salvage.Results. Compared with the Merci/Penumbra group, the Solitaire group showed a statistically significant improvement in favorable outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) (69% versus 35%,P=0.03) and symptomatic ICH rate (0 versus 15%,P=0.05) with a trend towards higher recanalization rates (93.5% versus 75%,P=0.096) and shorter length of procedure (58.5 min versus 70.8 min,P=0.08). Radiographic comparison also showed a significantly larger area of salvage in the Solitaire group (81.9% versus 71.9%,P=0.05).Conclusion. Our study suggests that the Solitaire system allows faster, safer, and more efficient thrombectomy than Merci or Penumbra systems.