bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Message Authentication Mechanism and Privacy Protection in the Context of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wu Hsin-Te , Yein Alan Dahgwo , Hsieh Wen-Shyong
Published: October 2015

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have been widely researched in recent years. VANETs are used mostly for road safety and traffic efficiency; therefore, it is imperative that the communication between vehicles is rapid and secure in a VANET environment. In the present study, bilinear pairings were used to construct a complete message authentication scheme. This scheme provided the following features: (1) vehicle or roadside unit (RSU) parameters were determined via a hierarchical protocol, which prevented potentially a large computational overhead for a single node; (2) message broadcasts and private communications between vehicles in the transmission range of the same RSU were enabled; (3) message broadcasts and private communications between vehicles in the transmission ranges of different RSUs were enabled; (4) a fast handoff mechanism was established for vehicles in the transmission ranges of different RSUs; and (5) mechanisms for message broadcasts and private communication were established for vehicles in areas where RSUs were sparsely located. Based on the experimental results, our scheme was confirmed to be superior to previous schemes. In terms of security, our scheme offered the following features: confidentiality, message integrity, nonrepudiation, conditional anonymity, and conditional untraceability.
Global Stability of an Anthrax Model with Environmental Decontamination and Time Delay
Authors: Mushayabasa Steady
Published: October 2015

Anthrax occurs worldwide and is associated with sudden death of cattle and sheep. This paper considers an epidemic model of anthrax in animal population, only. The susceptible animal is assumed to be infected, only, through ingestion of the disease causing pathogens. The proposed model incorporates time delay and environmental decontamination by humans. The time delay represents the period an infected animal needs to succumb to anthrax-related death. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals, we demonstrate that the global dynamics of this model fully hinges on whether the associated reproductive number is greater or less than unity. The effectiveness of environmental decontamination on eradication of anthrax in the community is explored through the reproductive number.
Tang-Tong-Fang Confers Protection against Experimental Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Reducing Inflammation
Authors: Li Mingdi , Huang Da , Liu Xiaoxing , Lin Lan
Published: October 2015

Tang-tong-fang (TTF) is a Chinese herbal formula that has been shown to be beneficial in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication secondary to diabetic microvascular injury. However, the underlying mechanism of protection in nerve ischemia provided by TTF is still unclear. We hypothesized that TTF alleviates DPN via inhibition of ICAM-1 expression. Therefore, we tested the effect of TTF in a previously established DPN model, in which nerve injury was induced by ischemia/reperfusion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We found that the conduction velocity and amplitude of action potentials of sciatic nerve conduction were reduced in the DPN model group but were rescued by TTF treatment. In addition, TTF treatment also attenuated the effect of DPN on other parameters including histology and ultrastructural changes, expression of ICAM-1, MPO, and TNF-αin rat sciatic nerves, and plasma sICAM-1 and MPO levels. Together, our data suggest that TTF treatment may alleviate DPN via ICAM-1 inhibition.
Kinetics of Highly Sensitive Troponin T after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Omar Amr S. , Sudarsanan Suraj , Hanoura Samy , Osman Hany , Sivadasan Praveen C. , Shouman Yasser , Tuli Alejandro Kohn , Singh Rajvir , Al Khulaifi Abdulaziz
Published: October 2015

Perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) confers a considerable risk in cardiac surgery settings; finding the ideal biomarker seems to be an ideal goal. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of highly sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) in cardiac surgery settings and to define a diagnostic level for PMI diagnosis. This was a single-center prospective observational study analyzing data from all patients who underwent cardiac surgeries. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of PMI through a specific level. The secondary outcome measures were the lengths of mechanical ventilation (LOV), stay in the intensive care unit (LOSICU), and hospitalization. Based on the third universal definition of PMI, patients were divided into two groups: no PMI (Group I) and PMI (Group II). Data from 413 patients were analyzed. Nine patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PMI, while 41 patients were identified with a 5-fold increase in their CK-MB (≥120 U/L). Using ROC analysis, a hsTnT level of 3,466 ng/L or above showed 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity for the diagnosis of PMI. Secondary outcome measures in patients with PMI were significantly prolonged. In conclusion, the hsTnT levels detected here paralleled those of CK-MB and a cut-off level of 3466 ng/L could be diagnostic of PMI.
Effect of Compound Chuanxiong Capsule on Inflammatory Reaction and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kang Qunfu , Liu Weihong , Liu Hongxu , Zhou Mingxue
Published: October 2015

Compound Chuanxiong Capsule (CCC), a Chinese herbal compound, can exhibit antiatherosclerotic effect; however, its mechanism is still unclear. This study is designed to study the mechanism of CCC on atherosclerosis in the ApoE-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice fed with a high-fat diet. After 6 weeks of high-fat feeding, 40 ApoE−/−mice were randomized (n=10) and treated with lipitor, high-dose or low-dose CCC, or distilled water (ApoE−/−group) for 7 weeks. The blood lipids in serum and the plaque areas of the mice were measured and the mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K), Akt, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) of the aortae were determined. The data showed that CCC can significantly decrease the levels of blood lipids, atherosclerosis index, and plaque areas and increase collagen proportion in plaques as compared with the untreated mice (p<0.05,p<0.01). In addition, CCC can significantly reduce the mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-αin the mice fed with a high-fat diet (p<0.001). Thus, we concluded that CCC can inhibit inflammatory reaction in the ApoE−/−mice fed with a high-fat diet. This mechanism may be attributed to regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Analysis of Completely Prevaporized Spray Flames with Water/Octane Core/Shell Structured Droplets
Authors: Hsuan Chung-Yao , Hou Shuhn-Shyurng , Lin Ta-Hui
Published: October 2015

A series of studies on laminar flame propagation in off-stoichiometric dilute sprays of monodispersed inert or fuel drops had been investigated by large activation energy asymptotics. The present study extends previous theoretical model to consider water/octane core/shell structured drops instead of single-phase drops. The core/shell structured drops are composed of core fluid (water) encased by a layer of shell fluid (n-octane). In this study, we only deal with the case that core/shell structured drops are vaporized completely just at flame location. Namely, the discussions of this paper are restricted to the completely prevaporized mode. By varying parameters of core water radius, core-to-shell ratio, the amount of liquid loading, and the stoichiometric ratio (lean or rich burning), we examine the gasification of core water and shell fuel of core/shell structured drops upstream of the bulk flame and its relation to the internal heat transfer. The effects of drop radius, core-to-shell ratio, liquid loading, and overall heat loss or gain on flame propagation flux are reported and discussed.
Inflammatory Biomarkers in Refractory Congestive Heart Failure Patients Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kunin Margarita , Carmon Vered , Arad Michael , Levin-Iaina Nomy , Freimark Dov , Holtzman Eli J. , Dinour Dganit
Published: October 2015

Proinflammatory cytokines play a pathogenic role in congestive heart failure. In this study, the effect of peritoneal dialysis treatment on inflammatory cytokines levels in refractory congestive heart failure patients was investigated. During the treatment, the patients reached a well-tolerated edema-free state and demonstrated significant improvement in NYHA functional class. Brain natriuretic peptide decreased significantly after 3 months of treatment and remained stable at 6 months. C-reactive protein, a plasma marker of inflammation, decreased significantly following the treatment. Circulating inflammatory cytokines TNF-αand IL-6 decreased significantly after 3 months of peritoneal dialysis treatment and remained low at 6 months. The reduction in circulating inflammatory cytokines levels may be partly responsible for the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis for refractory congestive heart failure.
Issues around the Prescription of Half Tablets in Northern Switzerland: The Irrational Case of Quetiapine
Authors: Allemann Samuel S. , Bornand Delia , Hug Balthasar , Hersberger Kurt E. , Arnet Isabelle
Published: October 2015

Background. Prescription of fragmented tablets is useful for individualisation of dose but includes several drawbacks. Although without score lines, the antipsychotic drug quetiapine was in 2011 the most often prescribed 1/2 tablet in discharge prescriptions at the University Hospital in Basel (USB, 671 beds). We aimed at analysing the prescription patterns of split tablets in general and of quetiapine in particular in Switzerland.Methods. All orders of community pharmacies for unit-of-use soft pouch blisters placed at Medifilm AG, the leader company in Switzerland for repackaging into pouch blisters, were analysed.Results. Out of 4,784,999 tablets that were repacked in 2012 in unit-of-use pouch blisters, 8.5% were fragmented, mostly in half (87.6%), and were predominantly psycholeptics (pipamperone 15.8%). Prescription of half quetiapine appears to be a Basel specificity (highest rates of fragments and half quetiapine).Conclusions. Prescription of fragmented tablet is frequent. It represents a safety issue for the patient, and a pharmaceutical care issue for the pharmacist. In ambulatory care, the patient’s cognitive and physical capacities must be clarified, suitability of the splitting of the tablet must be checked, appropriate aids must be offered, like a pill-splitting device in order to improve accuracy, and safe use of the drug must be ensured.
Physicochemical Properties of Edible Chitosan/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Lysozyme Films Incorporated with Acidic Electrolyzed Water
Authors: Brychcy Ewa , Kulig Dominika , Zimoch-Korzycka Anna , Marycz Krzysztof , Jarmoluk Andrzej
Published: October 2015

The treatment with acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) is a promising disinfection method due to its effectiveness in reducing microbial population. The aim of the study was to evaluate physicochemical properties of chitosan/HPMC films incorporated with lysozyme and acidic electrolyzed water. In the composite films, decreasing film solubility and increasing concentration of sodium chloride solution and prolongation of electrolysis time were observed. Electrolysis process with sodium chloride induces spongy network of film structure. The use of AEW has not changed chemical composition of films which was proved by1H NMR, MALDI-TOF, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The research confirmed that electrolysis significantly improved thermomechanical properties of the examined films. The contact angle values of the films were quite similar and ranged between 56° and 73°. The increase of salt concentration used in the electrolysis process had an impact on increasing flexibility of samples. Application of electrolyzed water in commonly used food processing systems is possible. Fusion of AEW and biopolymers may provide better integration with coated food product and multidirectional protecting effect.
Inflammation as a Driver of Clonal Evolution in Myeloproliferative Neoplasm
Authors: Fleischman Angela G.
Published: October 2015

Our understanding of inflammation’s role in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is evolving. The impact of chronic inflammation, a characteristic feature of MPN, likely goes far beyond its role as a driver of constitutional symptoms. An inflammatory response to the neoplastic clone may be responsible for some pathologic aspects of MPN. Moreover, JAK2V617F mutated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are resistant to inflammation, and this gives the neoplastic clone a selective advantage allowing for its clonal expansion. Because inflammation plays a central role in MPN inflammation is a logical therapeutic target in MPN.
Optimizing the Extraction of Dietary Fibers from Sorghum Bran Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Miafo Ange-Patrice Takoudjou , Koubala Benoît Bargui , Kansci Germain , Saha Brice Ulrich Foudjo , Fokou Elie
Published: October 2015

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the processing parameters of the fiber extraction from sorghum bran. The studied independent factors were ethanol/bran ratio, time, temperature, and number of treatment cycles. A three-level four-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to establish the optimum conditions of extraction. The results showed that the experimental data could be fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and the model was highly significant (P<0.0001). The optimum extraction conditions were 11.8 mL·g−1 of ethanol/bran ratio, 60 min, 65°C, and 7 extraction cycles. The experimental yield was 35.52% which is close to the value predicted by the BBD model (34.36%). By applying the two combinations of factors generated by the path of steepest descent, the first combination (12 mL/g, 60 min, 65°C, and 8 cycles) allowed a yield of 35.50%, while the second (11 mL/g, 70 min, 55°C, and 8 cycles) exhibited a yield of 39.90% which is higher than that from the BBD model (P<0.05). Compared to the first combination generated by the path of steepest descent, the BBD model conditions were economical with small number of cycles and low ethanol/bran ratio.
The Effect of NaCl/pH on Colloidal Nanogold Produced by Pulsed Spark Discharge
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Hsieh Chin-Liang , Huang Jen-Chuen , Tien Der-Chi
Published: October 2015

A green method, using pulsed spark discharge (PSD) to synthesize colloidal gold, is studied in this thesis. PSD uses spark discharge to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in deionized water (DIW) and/or ethanol (EtOH). While gold nanoparticles have widespread applications in many fields, especially for the human body, in use them must overcome the influence of NaCl and pH value; therefore, this study adds NaCl into PSD‐AuNPs to simulate the human body to study its stability. Furthermore, a variety of protectants are added in an attempt to determine the best protectant for AuNPs and improve biologically compatible potency. From the results of this study, adding the long‐chain‐polymer Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP‐k30) can prevent nanogold from aggregation and precipitation in NaCl or different pH value and maintain the characteristic of nanogold dispersion by raising the repulsive force between the particles. The results of this study can be a reference of nanogold applying in biomedical science.
Evolution of Coronary Flow in an Experimental Slow Flow Model in Swines: Angiographic and Pathological Insights
Authors: Bai Yupeng , Hu Liqun , Yu Delong , Peng Sheng , Liu Xiaogang , Zhang Mingjing , Gu Ye
Published: October 2015

Objective. Pathomechanism of coronary slow flow phenomenon remains largely unclear now. Present study observed the pathological and angiographic evolution in a pig model of coronary slow flow.Methods. Coronary slow flow was induced by repeat coronary injection of small doses of 40 µm microspheres in 18 male domestic pigs and angiographic and pathological changes were determined at 3 hours, 7 days, and 28 days after microspheres injection.Results. Compared to control group treated with coronary saline injectionn=6and baseline level, coronary flow was significantly reduced at 3 hours and 7 days but completely recovered at 28 days after coronary microsphere injection in slow flow group. Despite normal coronary flow at 28 days after microsphere injection, enhanced myocardial cytokine expression, left ventricular dysfunction, adverse remodelling, and ischemia/microembolism related pathological changes still persisted or even progressed from 3 hours to 28 days after coronary microsphere injection.Conclusions. Our results show that this large animal slow flow model could partly reflect the chronic angiographic, hemodynamic, and pathological changes of coronary slow flow and could be used to test new therapy strategies against the slow flow phenomenon.
Amelioration of Isoproterenol-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Myocardium byWithania somniferaLeaf Extract
Authors: Khalil Md. Ibrahim , Ahmmed Istiyak , Ahmed Romana , Tanvir E. M. , Afroz Rizwana , Paul Sudip , Gan Siew Hua , Alam Nadia
Published: October 2015

We investigated the protective role ofWithania somniferaleaf extract (WSLEt) on isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) administered to rats for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels and serum lipid profiles, as well as the activities of some marker enzymes. In addition to these diagnostic markers, there were increased levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) in the myocardium. However, oral pretreatment (100 mg/kg b.w.) with WSLEt for 4 weeks elicited a significant cardioprotective activity by lowering the levels of cTnI, lipid profiles, and marker enzymes. The levels of LPO products were also significantly decreased. Elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes were also observed in rats pretreated with WSLEt. As further confirmed histopathologically, our findings strongly suggest that the cardioprotective effect of WSLEt on myocardium experiencing ISO-induced oxidative damage may be due to an augmentation of the endogenous antioxidant system and an inhibition of LPO in the myocardial membrane. We conclude that WSLEt confers some protection against oxidative damage in ISO-induced MI in rats.
Gingiva Equivalents Secrete Negligible Amounts of Key Chemokines Involved in Langerhans Cell Migration Compared to Skin Equivalents
Authors: Kosten Ilona J. , Buskermolen Jeroen K. , Spiekstra Sander W. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , Gibbs Susan
Published: October 2015

Both oral mucosa and skin have the capacity to maintain immune homeostasis or regulate immune responses upon environmental assault. Whereas much is known about key innate immune events in skin, little is known about oral mucosa. Comparative studies are limited due to the scarce supply of oral mucosa for ex vivo studies. Therefore, we used organotypic tissue equivalents (reconstructed epithelium on fibroblast-populated collagen hydrogel) to study cross talk between cells. Oral mucosa and skin equivalents were compared regarding secretion of cytokines and chemokines involved in LC migration and general inflammation. Basal secretion, representative of homeostasis, and also secretion after stimulation with TNFα, an allergen (cinnamaldehyde), or an irritant (SDS) were assessed. We found that proinflammatory IL-18 and chemokines CCL2, CCL20, and CXCL12, all involved in LC migration, were predominantly secreted by skin as compared to gingiva. Furthermore, CCL27 was predominantly secreted by skin whereas CCL28 was predominantly secreted by gingiva. In contrast, general inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and CXCL8 were secreted similarly by skin and gingiva. These results indicate that the cytokines and chemokines triggering innate immunity and LC migration are different in skin and gingiva. This differential regulation should be figured into novel therapy or vaccination strategies in the context of skin versus mucosa.
Cascade Probability Control to Mitigate Bufferbloat under Multiple Real-World TCP Stacks
Authors: To Hoang-Linh , Thi Thuyen Minh , Hwang Won-Joo
Published: October 2015

Persistently full buffer problem, commonly known as bufferbloat, causes unnecessary additional latency and throughput degradation whenever congestion happens in Internet. Several proposed queue management schemes, with the debloat mission, are almost based on the modification of one-loop feedback control where the instability and bad transient behavior are still big challenges. In this paper, we present a cascade probability control scheme using margin optimal method to address such challenges under different kinds of real-world TCP stacks. Simulation results guarantee the measured round trip time tracking to a low value of delay (e.g., ≈180 ms under TCP Reno, and ≈130 ms under TCP Cubic) and ≈50% delay reduction in comparison to current deployed queue management schemes in network devices.
Mathematical Modeling Applied to Drilling Engineering: An Application of Bourgoyne and Young ROP Model to a Presalt Case Study
Authors: Nascimento Andreas , Tamas Kutas David , Elmgerbi Asad , Thonhauser Gerhard , Hugo Mathias Mauro
Published: October 2015

Several mathematical ROP models were developed in the last five decades in the petroleum industry, departing from rather simple but less reliable R-W-N (drilling rate, weight on bit, and rotary speed) formulations until the arrival to more comprehensive and complete approaches such as the Bourgoyne and Young ROP model (BYM) widely used in the petroleum industry. The paper emphasizes the BYM formulation, how it is applied in terms of ROP modeling, identifies the main drilling parameters driving each subfunction, and introduces how they were developed; the paper is also addressing the normalization factors and modeling coefficients which have significant influence on the model. The present work details three simulations aiming to understand the approach by applying the formulation in a presalt layer and how some modification of the main method may impact the modeling of the fitting process. The simulation runs show that the relative error measures can be seen as the most reliable fitting verification on top ofR-squared. Applying normalization factors and by allowing a more wide range of applicable drillability coefficients, the regression could allow better fitting of the simulation to real data from 54% to 73%, which is an improvement of about 20%.
Comparative Study on the Cytoprotective Effects of Activated Protein C Treatment in Nonsteatotic and Steatotic Livers under Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Matsuda Akitoshi , Kuriyama Naohisa , Kato Hiroyuki , Tanemura Akihiro , Murata Yasuhiro , Azumi Yoshinori , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo , Usui Masanobu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Isaji Shuji
Published: October 2015

Activated protein C (APC) has cytoprotective effects on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). However, it is unclear whether APC is beneficial in steatotic liver IRI. We compared the cytoprotective effects of APC in nonsteatotic and steatotic liver IRI.Methods.Mice fed either normal diets (ND mice) or high fat diets (HF mice), were treated with APC or saline (control) and were performed 60 min partial IRI. Moreover, primary steatotic hepatocytes were either untreated or treated with APC and then incubated with H2O2.Results.APC significantly reduced serum transaminase levels and the inflammatory cells infiltration compared with control at 4 h in ND mice and at 24 h in HF mice. APC inhibited sinusoidal endothelial injury in ND mice, but not in HF mice. In contrast, APC activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in HF mice, but not in ND mice. In the in vitro study, APC significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation, ATP concentration, and survival rates of hepatocytes compared with control.Conclusion.During IRI in normal liver, APC attenuated initial damage by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and sinusoidal endothelial injury, but not in steatotic liver. However, in steatotic liver, APC might attenuate late damage via activation of AMPK.
The Performance of Calcium Silicate Board Partition Fireproof Drywall Assembly with Junction Box under Fire
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Chuang Ying-Ji , Lin Ching-Yuan
Published: October 2015

This study uses a metal stud partition fireproof drywall measuring 83 mm in thickness as a test specimen to explore the impact of an embedded junction box on the firefighting performance of the wall through one time of standard fire test on a 300 cm × 300 cm area and five times of standard fire test on a 120 cm × 120 cm area. The results show that the quality of calcium silicate board plays a big role in the fireproof effectiveness. The embedded junction box located on the backside of the fire can reduce the effectiveness of the wall, especially the area above the socket. The thickness of rock wool may increase the performance, but in a limited rate. External junction box may not impact the fireproofing performance of the wall but it still possesses some safety risks. An embedded junction box measuring 101 × 55 mm could already damage the fire compartment, and in reality there may be more complicated situations that should be noted and improved.
Facile Synthesis of ZnO@TiO2 Core‐Shell Nanorod Thin Films for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ji Xiaoxu , Liu Wumei , Leng Yumin , Wang Aihua
Published: October 2015

ZnO nanorod thin films grown on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses have been synthesized via facile thermal evaporation. To optimize the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), we fabricated ZnO@TiO2 core‐shell composite by a simple dip‐coating method immersed in the mixed solution of Ti(OC4H9) and ethanol. Results of solar cell testing showed that ZnO@TiO2 core‐shell nanorod thin films on FTO significantly increased open circuit voltage (from 0.47 V to 0.53 V), short circuit current (from 10.78 mA/cm2 to 13.98 mA/cm2), and fill factor (from 51% to 55%). The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PEC) increased from 3.3% for bare ZnO DSSCs to 4.85% for ZnO@TiO2 core‐shell structured DSSCs. This is mainly ascribed to the improvement in light harvesting efficiency, electron transfer, and the effective suppression of charge recombination.
Direct Tensile Strength and Characteristics of Dentin Restored with All-Ceramic, Resin-Composite, and Cast Metal Prostheses Cemented with Resin Adhesives
Authors: Piemjai Morakot , Nakabayashi Nobuo
Published: October 2015

A dentin-cement-prosthesis complex restored with either all-porcelain, cured resin-composite, or cast base metal alloy and cemented with either of the different resin cements was trimmed into a mini-dumbbell shape for tensile testing. The fractured surfaces and characterization of the dentin-cement interface of bonded specimens were investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscope. A significantly higher tensile strength of all-porcelain (12.5 ± 2.2 MPa) than that of cast metal (9.2 ± 3.5 MPa) restorations was revealed with cohesive failure in the cement and failure at the prosthesis-cement interface in Super-Bond C&B group. No significant difference in tensile strength was found among the types of restorations using the other three cements with adhesive failure on the dentin side and cohesive failure in the cured resin. SEM micrographs demonstrated the consistent hybridized dentin in Super-Bond C&B specimens that could resist degradation when immersed in hydrochloric acid followed by NaOCl solutions whereas a detached and degraded interfacial layer was found for the other cements. The results suggest that when complete hybridization of resin into dentin occurs tensile strength at the dentin-cement is higher than at the cement-prosthesis interfaces. The impermeable hybridized dentin can protect the underlying dentin and pulp from acid demineralization, even if detachment of the prosthesis has occurred.
High-Density Polyethylene and Heat-Treated Bamboo Fiber Composites: Nonisothermal Crystallization Properties
Authors: Li Yanjun , Du Lanxing , Zhang Zhen , Wu Qinglin
Published: October 2015

The effect of heat-treated bamboo fibers (BFs) on nonisothermal crystallization of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry under nitrogen. The Avrami-Jeziorny model was used to fit the measured crystallization data of the HDPE/BF composites and to obtain the model parameters for the crystallization process. The heat flow curves of neat HDPE and HDPE/heat-treated BF composites showed similar trends. Their crystallization mostly occurred within a temperature range between 379 K and 399 K, where HDPE turned from the liquid phase into the crystalline phase. Values of the Avrami exponent (n) were in the range of 2.8~3.38. Lamellae of neat HDPE and their composites grew in a three-dimensional manner, which increased with increased heat-treatment temperature and could be attributed to the improved ability of heterogeneous nucleation and crystallization completeness. The values of the modified kinetic rate constant (KJ) first increased and then decreased with increased cooling rate because the supercooling was improved by the increased number of nucleating sites. Heat-treated BF and/or a coupling agent could act as a nucleator for the crystallization of HDPE.
Essential Experimental Methods for Identifying Bonghan Systems as a Basis for Korean Medicine: Focusing on Visual Materials from Original Papers and Modern Outcomes
Authors: Kim Hoon-Gi , Lee Byung-Cheon , Lee Ki-Bog
Published: October 2015

In the 1960s, through studies on Korean Medicine, Bonghan Kim proposed the Bonghan systems (BS) as the anatomical reality of the acupuncture meridians based on various experimental data. Since 2002, several groups, mainly led by a team at Seoul National University, who renamed the BS as the primo vascular system (PVS), have published around 70 papers showing biological structures corresponding to the BS. However, it is still difficult for other researchers to find them, especially under the skin, which Bonghan Kim first reported as acupuncture points, due to similar-looking biological tissues, for example, the lymphatic vessels, and such artifacts as blood clots or fascia debris. To solve these drawbacks, we examined the main methods for identifying the BS by comparing the original papers with the modern outcomes in terms of the common physical/chemical characteristics of the BS. In addition, effective methods of staining and microscopic observations discovered by modern teams are synthetically explained using visual materials such as diagrams and photos. Through the essentially organized methods in this review paper, we suggest that one can find the BS under the skin as putative acupuncture points by tracing the intraexternal BS, from which a new Korean Medicine will be born.
Minimized Delay with Reliability Guaranteed by Using Variable Width Tiered Structure Routing in WSNs
Authors: Zhang Jinhuan , Long Jun , Zhao Guihu , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2015

Data collection should take reliability and delay into consideration. To address these problems, a novel variable width tiered structure routing scheme named variable width tiered structure routing (VWTSR) is proposed. The proposed VWTSR scheme integrates two core phases, namely, circular tiers and cells partition, and distributed in-network aggregation. The key idea of VWTSR is to partition the network into circular tiers with different widths and each tier is further partitioned into cells. Those cells that do not interfere with each other could simultaneously finish data aggregation by broadcast and retransmission within each cell. Moreover, the tier width could meet the goal that when collecting nodes in outer layer finish transmission to parent collecting nodes in inner layer, the collecting nodes in inner layer just finish data aggregation, thus minimizing the latency while maintaining reliability for data collection. The problem is formulated as to minimize the delay under reliability constraint by controlling the system parameters. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, extensive theoretical analysis and simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of VWTSR. The analysis and simulations show that VWTSR leads to lower delay subject to reliability constraint than the existing scheme.
Myeloperoxidase-Related Chlorination Activity Is Positively Associated with Circulating Ceruloplasmin in Chronic Heart Failure Patients: Relationship with Neurohormonal, Inflammatory, and Nutritional Parameters
Authors: Cabassi Aderville , Binno Simone Maurizio , Tedeschi Stefano , Graiani Gallia , Galizia Cinzia , Bianconcini Michele , Coghi Pietro , Fellini Federica , Ruffini Livia , Govoni Paolo , Piepoli Massimo , Perlini Stefano , Regolisti Giuseppe , Fiaccadori Enrico
Published: October 2015

Rationale. Heart failure (HF) is accompanied by the development of an imbalance between oxygen- and nitric oxide-derived free radical production leading to protein nitration. Both chlorinating and peroxidase cycle of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) contribute to oxidative and nitrosative stress and are involved in tyrosine nitration of protein. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) has antioxidant function through its ferroxidase I (FeOxI) activity and has recently been proposed as a physiological defense mechanism against MPO inappropriate actions.Objective. We investigated the relationship between plasma MPO-related chlorinating activity, Cp and FeOxI, and nitrosative stress, inflammatory, neurohormonal, and nutritional biomarkers in HF patients.Methods and Results. In chronic HF patients (n=81, 76±9 years, NYHA Class II (26); Class III (29); Class IV (26)) and age-matched controls (n=17, 75±11 years, CTR), plasma MPO chlorinating activity, Cp, FeOxI, nitrated protein, free Malondialdehyde, BNP, norepinephrine, hsCRP, albumin, and prealbumin were measured. Plasma MPO chlorinating activity, Cp, BNP, norepinephrine, and hsCRP were increased in HF versus CTR. FeOxI, albumin, and prealbumin were decreased in HF. MPO-related chlorinating activity was positively related to Cp (r= 0.363,P<0.001), nitrated protein, hsCRP, and BNP and inversely to albumin.Conclusions. Plasma MPO chlorinated activity is increased in elderly chronic HF patients and positively associated with Cp, inflammatory, neurohormonal, and nitrosative parameters suggesting a role in HF progression.
A Hybrid Localization Approach in 3D Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Baohui , Fan Jin , Dai Guojun , Luan Tom H.
Published: October 2015

Location information acquisition is crucial for many wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. While existing localization approaches mainly focus on 2D plane, the emerging 3D localization brings WSNs closer to reality with much enhanced accuracy. Two types of 3D localization algorithms are mainly used in localization application: the range-based localization and the range-free localization. The range-based localization algorithm has strict requirements on hardware and therefore is costly to implement in practice. The range-free localization algorithm reduces the hardware cost but at the expense of low localization accuracy. On addressing the shortage of both algorithms, in this paper, we develop a novel hybrid localization scheme, which utilizes the range-based attribute RSSI and the range-free attribute hopsize, to achieve accurate yet low-cost 3D localization. As anchor node deployment strategy plays an important role in improving the localization accuracy, an anchor node configuration scheme is also developed in this work by utilizing the MIS (maximal independent set) of a network. With proper anchor node configuration and propagation model selection, using simulations, we show that our proposed algorithm improves the localization accuracy by 38.9% compared with 3D DV-HOP and 52.7% compared with 3D centroid.
Linkage Analysis of Genomic Regions Contributing to the Expression of Type 1 Diabetes Microvascular Complications and Interaction with HLA
Authors: Lipner Ettie M. , Tomer Yaron , Noble Janelle A. , Monti Maria C. , Lonsdale John T. , Corso Barbara , Greenberg David A.
Published: October 2015

We conducted linkage analysis to follow up earlier work on microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We analyzed 415 families (2,008 individuals) previously genotyped for 402 SNP markers spanning chromosome 6. We did linkage analysis for the phenotypes of retinopathy and nephropathy. For retinopathy, two linkage peaks were mapped: one located at the HLA region and another novel locus telomeric to HLA. For nephropathy, a linkage peak centromeric to HLA was mapped, but the linkage peak telomeric to HLA seen in retinopathy was absent. Because of the strong association of T1D with DRB1*03:01 and DRB1*04:01, we stratified our analyses based on families whose probands were positive for DRB1*03:01 or DRB1*04:01. When analyzing the DRB1*03:01-positive retinopathy families, in addition to the novel telomeric locus, one centromeric to HLA was identified at the same location as the nephropathy peak. When we stratified on DRB1*04:01-positive families, the HLA telomeric peak strengthened but the centromeric peak disappeared. Our findings showed that HLA and non-HLA loci on chromosome 6 are involved in T1D complications’ expression. While the HLA region is a major contributor to the expression of T1D, our results suggest an interaction between specific HLA alleles and other loci that influence complications’ expression.
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy of the Pelvic Lymph Nodes to the Aortic Bifurcation in Higher Risk Prostate Cancer: Early Toxicity Outcomes
Authors: Hesselberg Gina , Fogarty Gerald , Haydu Lauren , Dougheney Nicole , Stricker Phillip
Published: October 2015

Background. Treatment of pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) in higher risk prostate carcinoma is controversial. The primary focus of the study was to evaluate the early toxicity profile for this cohort of patients treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).Methods. Patient, tumour, and treatment characteristics of those who received VMAT from May 2010 to December 2012 were analysed. A simplified contouring process of the PLNs to the aortic bifurcation was developed based on consensus guidelines. Acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were documented according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Version 2 Guidelines. Successive Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) values after treatment were measured on average 3 months apart.Results. 113 patients were treated between May 2010 to December 2012 with a median follow-up of 14 months. No patients experienced acute grade 3 or 4 GU and GI toxicity. Only 1 patient experienced a late grade 3 GU complication. No late grade 4 GU or GI events have yet occurred.Conclusions. This study reviews the first Australian experience of VMAT in the treatment of pelvic lymph nodes in prostate cancer, specifically to the level of the aortic bifurcation. It demonstrates a favorable acute toxicity profile whilst treating large PLN volumes with optimal dose coverage.
Effect of Nanostructure on Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids
Authors: Lotfizadeh Saba , Matsoukas Themis
Published: October 2015

The presence of colloidal particles is known to increase the thermal conductivity of base fluids. The shape and structure of the solid particles are important in determining the magnitude of enhancement. Spherical particles—the only shape for which analytic theories exist—produce the smallest enhancement. Nonspherical shapes, including clusters formed by colloidal aggregation, provide substantially higher enhancements. We conduct a numerical study of the thermal conductivity of nonspherical structures dispersed in a liquid at fixed volume fraction in order to identify structural features that promote the conduction of heat. We find that elongated structures provide high enhancements, especially if they are long enough to create a solid network (colloidal gel). Cross‐linking further enhances thermal transport by directing heat in multiple directions. The most efficient structure is the one formed by hollow spheres consisting of a solid shell and a core filled by the fluid. In both dispersed and aggregated forms, hollow spheres provide enhancements that approach the theoretical limit set by Maxwell’s theory.
A Modern Clinical Approach of the Traditional Korean Saam Acupuncture
Authors: Park Manyong , Kim Sungchul
Published: October 2015

Saam acupuncture is one of the original therapeutic modalities representing traditional Korean medicine. It was originally described in a manuscript that is estimated to be published at some point between 1644 and 1742, in the middle of the Cho Sun dynasty, by a Korean Buddhist monk whose name is unknown. The principle of combining five shu points is based on the theory of Nan-jing. The treatment and diagnosis concepts in Saam acupuncture were mainly influenced by Dongeuibogam and Chimgoogyeong-heombang. The basic characteristic of combining five shu points in Saam acupuncture is the selection of the tonification and sedation points along the self-meridian and other meridians based on creation and governor relationships. Saam acupuncture clinical studies have mainly focused on musculoskeletal pain and autonomic nervous system regulation. From a neurophysiological perspective, Saam acupuncture, which involves five shu points as the main treatment aspect, has the advantage of increasing parasympathetic nerve activation and adjusting the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Inserting a needle into the skin layer while considering the respiratory phase and stimulating the needle gently and lightly could maximize the effect of Saam acupuncture. The specific Saam acupuncture prescribed should be identified on the basis of the neurobiological perspective.
Congestion-Aware Signaling Aggregation and Barring Scheme for LTE Based Machine-to-Machine Network
Authors: Xu Fangmin , Qiu Chao , Wang Pengbiao , Liu Xiaokai
Published: October 2015

With the recently progress of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication technology, especially the enormous M2M devices and unique service of M2M, some challenges are emerging to the traditional wireless access and core networks, especially the congestion problem due to simultaneously bursty M2M service. Following this paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to support and optimize the signaling aggregation and barring of M2M services based on cellular network. With LTE network being the example access network, a congestion-aware signaling aggregation and barring scheme is designed considering the various requirements of M2M services and the congestion situation in the network entity. Theoretical analysis and experimental simulations show that this scheme can improve the system efficiency and greatly alleviate the signaling congestion, especially for the bursty M2M service.
Gamma Delta (γδ) T Cells and Their Involvement in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Hasan Md. Samiul , Bergmeier Lesley Ann , Petrushkin Harry , Fortune Farida
Published: October 2015

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by orogenital ulcerations, ocular manifestations, arthritis, and vasculitis. The disease follows a relapsing-remitting course and its pathogenesis is unknown. Genetic predisposition and immune-dysregulation involving gamma delta (γδ) T cells are reported to have a role.γδT cells are atypical T cells, which represent a small proportion of total lymphocytes. They have features of both innate and adaptive immunity and express characteristics of conventional T cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid antigen presenting cells. These unconventional T cells are found in the inflammatory BD lesions and have been suggested to be responsible for inducing and/or maintaining the proinflammatory environment characteristic of the disease. Over the last 20 years there has been much interest in the role ofγδT cells in BD. We review the literature and discuss the roles thatγδT cells may play in BD pathogenesis.
The Cannabis Dilemma: A Review of Its Associated Risks and Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Zhang Melvyn Weibin , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: October 2015

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has 9-tetrahydrocannabinol as the main constituent. There has been strict legislation governing the utilization of cannabis locally and worldwide. However, there has been an increasing push to make cannabis legalized, in view of its potential medical and therapeutic effects, for various medical disorders ranging from development disorders to cancer treatment, and being an adjunctive medication for various neurological conditions. It is the aim of this review paper to explore the evidence base for its proposed therapeutic efficacy and to compare the evidence base supporting its proposed therapeutic efficacy with its known and well-researched medical and psychiatric side effects.
Using Electronic Health Records to Support Clinical Trials: A Report on Stakeholder Engagement for EHR4CR
Authors: McCowan Colin , Thomson Elizabeth , Szmigielski Cezary A. , Kalra Dipak , Sullivan Frank M. , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Dugas Martin , Ford Ian
Published: October 2015

Background. The conduct of clinical trials is increasingly challenging due to greater complexity and governance requirements as well as difficulties with recruitment and retention. Electronic Health Records for Clinical Research (EHR4CR) aims at improving the conduct of trials by using existing routinely collected data, but little is known about stakeholder views on data availability, information governance, and acceptable working practices.Methods. Senior figures in healthcare organisations across Europe were provided with a description of the project and structured interviews were subsequently conducted to elicit their views.Results. 37 structured interviewees in Germany, UK, Switzerland, and France indicated strong support for the proposed EHR4CR platform. All interviewees reported that using the platform for assessing feasibility would enhance the conduct of clinical trials and the majority also felt it would reduce workloads. Interviewees felt the platform could enhance trial recruitment and adverse event reporting but also felt it could raise either ethical or information governance concerns in their country.Conclusions. There was clear support for EHR4CR and a belief that it could reduce workloads and improve the conduct and quality of trials. However data security, privacy, and information governance issues would need to be carefully managed in the development of the platform.
Architecture of an MAS-Based Intelligent Communication in a WSN
Authors: Bendjima Mostefa , Feham Mohammed
Published: October 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are designed to collect information across a large number of sensor nodes with limited batteries. Therefore, it is important to minimize energy consumption of each node, so as to extend the lifetime of the network. This paper proposes the use of an intelligent WSN communication architecture based on a multiagent system (MAS), to ensure optimal data collection. MAS refers to a group of agents that interact and cooperate to achieve a specific goal. To ensure this objective, we propose the integration of a migrating agent into each node to process data and enhance cooperation between neighboring nodes, while mobile agents (MAs) can be used to reduce data transfer between the nodes and send them to the base station (Sink). The collaboration of these agents generates a simple message that summarizes important information to be transmitted by an MA. To reduce the size of MAs, nodes in the network sectors are grouped in such way that, for each MA, an optimal itinerary is established, using a minimum amount of energy with efficient data aggregation within a minimum time. Successive simulations in large-scale sensor networks show the good performance of our proposal in terms of energy consumption and packet delivery rate.