bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Autophagy in Anorexia Nervosa and Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Kheloufi Marouane , Boulanger Chantal M. , Durand François , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: August 2014

Autophagy, a lysosomal catabolic pathway for long-lived proteins and damaged organelles, is crucial for cell homeostasis, and survival under stressful conditions. During starvation, autophagy is induced in numerous organisms ranging from yeast to mammals, and promotes survival by supplying nutrients and energy. In the early neonatal period, when transplacental nutrients supply is interrupted, starvation-induced autophagy is crucial for neonates’ survival. In adult animals, autophagy provides amino acids and participates in glucose metabolism following starvation. In patients with anorexia nervosa, autophagy appears initially protective, allowing cells to copes with nutrient deprivation. However, when starvation is critically prolonged and when body mass index reaches 13 kg/m2or lower, acute liver insufficiency occurs with features of autophagic cell death, which can be observed by electron microscopy analysis of liver biopsy samples. In acetaminophen overdose, a classic cause of severe liver injury, autophagy is induced as a protective mechanism. Pharmacological enhancement of autophagy protects against acetaminophen-induced necrosis. Autophagy is also activated as a rescue mechanism in response to Efavirenz-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. However, Efavirenz overdose blocks autophagy leading to liver cell death. In conclusion, in acute liver injury, autophagy appears as a protective mechanism that can be however blocked or overwhelmed.
A Review on Strengthening Steel Beams Using FRP under Fatigue
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohamed , Jumaat Mohd Zamin , Ramli Sulong N. H. , Islam A. B. M. Saiful
Published: August 2014

In recent decades, the application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening structural elements has become an efficient option to meet the increased cyclic loads or repair due to corrosion or fatigue cracking. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the existing FRP reinforcing techniques to care for fatigue damaged structural steel elements. This study covers the surface treatment techniques, adhesive curing, and support conditions under cyclic loading including fatigue performance, crack propagation, and failure modes with finite element (FE) simulation of the steel bridge girders and structural elements. FRP strengthening composites delay initial cracking, reduce the crack growth rate, extend the fatigue life, and decrease the stiffness decay with residual deflection. Prestressed carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is the best strengthening option. End anchorage prevents debonding of the CRRP strips at the beam ends by reducing the local interfacial shear and peel stresses. Hybrid-joint, nanoadhesive, and carbon-flex can also be attractive for strengthening systems.
The Schur-Convexity of the Generalized Muirhead-Heronian Means
Authors: Deng Yong-Ping , Wu Shan-He , Chu Yu-Ming , He Deng
Published: August 2014

We give a unified generalization of the generalized Muirhead means and the generalized Heronian means involving three parameters. The Schur-convexity of the generalized Muirhead-Heronian means is investigated. Our main result implies the sufficient conditions of the Schur-convexity of the generalized Heronian means and the generalized Muirhead means.
Prediction and Reduction of Aerodynamic Noise of the Multiblade Centrifugal Fan
Authors: Zhou Shuiqing , Wang Jun
Published: August 2014

An aerodynamic and aeroacoustic investigation of the multiblade centrifugal fan is proposed in this paper, and a hybrid technique of combining flow field calculation and acoustic analysis is applied to solve the aeroacoustic problem of multiblade centrifugal fan. The unsteady flow field of the multiblade centrifugal fan is predicted by solving the incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with conventional computing techniques for fluid dynamics. The principal noise source induced is extracted from the calculation of the flow field by using acoustic principles, and the modeled sources on inner and outer surfaces of the volute are calculated with multiregional boundary element method (BEM). Through qualitative analysis, the sound pressure amplitude distribution of the multiblade centrifugal fan in near field is given and the sound pressure level (SPL) spectrum diagram of monitoring points in far field is obtained. Based on the analysis results, the volute tongue structure is adjusted and then a low-noise design for the centrifugal fan is proposed. The comparison of noise tests shows the noise reduction of improved fan model is more obvious, which is in good agreement with the prediction using the hybrid techniques.
Smart Solutions in Elderly Care Facilities with RFID System and Its Integration with Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Joshi Gyanendra Prasad , Acharya Srijana , Kim Chang-Su , Kim Byung-Seo , Kim Sung Won
Published: August 2014

Healthcare and medical advances have prolonged human life and thus have led to increasing numbers of elderly individuals. To make their lives more convenient, several ubiquitous technologies have been considered, including the RFID system, which can play a vital role in elderly care by caregivers as well as by elderly individuals themselves. Caregivers can take advantage of the RFID system by recording and tracking elderly individuals' belongings and assisting these individuals in healthcare provision by accessing their relevant information, among others. Similarly, the RFID system can help manage elderly individuals' daily lives by reminding them of their daily schedules (e.g., reminding them to take medicine on time) and tracking their personal belongings, among others. In addition, the RFID system can mitigate human errors such as medical mistakes, delays in service provision, and hassles in tracking and identifying patients and objects. This study provides a survey of solutions proposed in the literature and discusses the potential benefits of integrating the RFID system with sensors and applying the integrated system. In addition, the study addresses the opportunities, technological challenges, and research directions for the integrated RFID system in the context of smart solutions in elderly care facilities.
A Comparison of KL-6 and Clara Cell Protein as Markers for Predicting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants
Authors: Wang Keyi , Huang Xianmei , Lu Hui , Zhang Zhiqun
Published: August 2014

Objectives. To evaluate the predictive characteristics of KL-6 and CC16 for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, either independently or in combination.Study Design. This prospective cohort study was performed from 2011 to 2013 with preterm neonates of gestational age ≤32 weeks and birth weight ≤1500 g. Serum KL-6 and CC16 levels were determined 7 and 14 days after birth.Results. Seventy-three preterm infants were studied. BPD was identified in 24 of these infants. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum KL-6 concentrations were found to be elevated in BPD infants at both time points relative to non-BPD infants, while serum CC16 concentrations were lower at 14 days. At both 7 d and 14 d of life the predictive power of KL-6 levels exceeded that of CC16 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve: at 7 d, 0.91 cf. 0.73,P=0.02; at 14 d, 0.95 cf. 0.85,P=0.05). The combination of these markers enhanced the sensitivity further.Conclusions. Serum KL-6 levels higher than 79.26 ng/mL at 14 days postpartum in preterm infants predict the occurrence of BPD. CC16 was less predictive than KL-6 at this time point, but KL-6 and CC16 together enhanced the prediction.
An Enhanced Drought-Tolerant Method Using SA-Loaded PAMPS Polymer Materials Applied on Tobacco Pelleted Seeds
Authors: Guan Yajing , Cui Huawei , Ma Wenguang , Zheng Yunye , Tian Yixin , Hu Jin
Published: August 2014

Drought is one of the most important stress factors limiting the seed industry and crop production. Present study was undertaken to create novel drought-resistant pelleted seeds using the combined materials with superabsorbent polymer, poly(2-acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid) (PAMPS) hydrogel, and drought resistance agent, salicylic acid (SA). The optimized PAMPS hydrogel was obtained as the molar ratio of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) to potassium peroxydisulfate (KPS) and N, N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) was 1 : 0.00046 : 0.00134. The hydrogel weight after swelling in deionized water for 24 h reached 4306 times its own dry weight. The water retention ratio (RR) of PAMPS was significantly higher as compared with the control. It could keep as high as 85.3% of original weight after 30 min at 110°C; even at 25°C for 40 d, the PAMPS still kept RR at 33.67%. PAMPS disintegration ratio increased gradually and reached around 30% after embedding in soil or activated sludge for 60 d. In addition, there were better seed germination performance and seedling growth in the pelleted treatments with SA-loaded PAMPS hydrogel under drought stress than control. It suggested that SA-loaded PAMPS hydrogel, a nontoxic superabsorbent polymer, could be used as an effective drought resistance material applied to tobacco pelleted seeds.
SIRT1 Inhibition Affects Angiogenic Properties of Human MSCs
Authors: Chiara Botti , Ilaria Caiafa , Antonietta Coppola , Francesca Cuomo , Marco Miceli , Lucia Altucci , Gilda Cobellis
Published: August 2014

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are attractive for clinical and experimental purposes due to their capability of self-renewal and of differentiating into several cell types. Autologous hMSCs transplantation has been proven to induce therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. A recent report has connected MSCs multipotency to sirtuin families, showing that SIRT1 can regulate MSCs function. Furthermore, SIRT1 is a critical modulator of endothelial angiogenic functions. Here, we described the generation of an immortalized human mesenchymal bone marrow-derived cell line and we investigated the angiogenic phenotype of our cellular model by inhibiting SIRT1 by both the genetic and pharmacological level. We first assessed the expression of SIRT1 in hMSCs under basal and hypoxic conditions at both RNA and protein level. Inhibition of SIRT1 by sirtinol, a cell-permeable inhibitor, or by specific sh-RNA resulted in an increase of premature-senescence phenotype, a reduction of proliferation rate with increased apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed a consistent reduction of tubule-like formation and migration and we found that SIRT1 inhibition reduced the hypoxia induced accumulation of HIF-1α protein and its transcriptional activity in hMSCs. Our findings identify SIRT1 as regulator of hypoxia-induced response in hMSCs and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to improve regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells in ischemic disorders through SIRT1 modulation.
Thermal‐Induced Errors Prediction and Compensation for a Coordinate Boring Machine Based on Time Series Analysis
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Dongsheng , Feng Bin , Mei Xuesong , Hu Zhenbang
Published: August 2014

To improve the CNC machine tools precision, a thermal error modeling for the motorized spindle was proposed based on time series analysis, considering the length of cutting tools and thermal declined angles, and the real‐time error compensation was implemented. A five‐point method was applied to measure radial thermal declinations and axial expansion of the spindle with eddy current sensors, solving the problem that the three‐point measurement cannot obtain the radial thermal angle errors. Then the stationarity of the thermal error sequences was determined by the Augmented Dickey‐Fuller Test Algorithm, and the autocorrelation/partial autocorrelation function was applied to identify the model pattern. By combining both Yule‐Walker equations and information criteria, the order and parameters of the models were solved effectively, which improved the prediction accuracy and generalization ability. The results indicated that the prediction accuracy of the time series model could reach up to 90%. In addition, the axial maximum error decreased from 39.6 μm to 7 μm after error compensation, and the machining accuracy was improved by 89.7%. Moreover, the X/Y‐direction accuracy can reach up to 77.4% and 86%, respectively, which demonstrated that the proposed methods of measurement, modeling, and compensation were effective.
DynamicAluMethylation during Normal Development, Aging, and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Luo Yanting , Lu Xuemei , Xie Hehuang
Published: August 2014

DNA methylation primarily occurs on CpG dinucleotides and plays an important role in transcriptional regulations during tissue development and cell differentiation. Over 25% of CpG dinucleotides in the human genome reside withinAluelements, the most abundant human repeats. The methylation ofAluelements is an important mechanism to suppressAlutranscription and subsequent retrotransposition. Decades of studies revealed thatAlumethylation is highly dynamic during early development and aging. Recently, many environmental factors were shown to have a great impact onAlumethylation. In addition, aberrantAlumethylation has been documented to be an early event in many tumors andAlumethylation levels have been associated with tumor aggressiveness. The assessment of theAlumethylation has become an important approach for early diagnosis and/or prognosis of cancer. This review focuses on the dynamicAlumethylation during development, aging, and tumor genesis. The cause and consequence ofAlumethylation changes will be discussed.
Research on the Impact of Wind Angles on the Residential Building Energy Consumption
Authors: Huifen Zou , Fuhua Yang , Qian Zhang
Published: August 2014

Wind angles affect building’s natural ventilation and also energy consumption of the building. In winter, the wind direction in the outdoor environment will affect heat loss of the building, while in summer the change of wind direction and speed in the outdoor environment will affect the building’s ventilation and indoor air circulation. So, making a good deal with the issue of the angle between local buildings and the dominant wind direction can effectively solve the winter and summer ventilation problems. Thereby, it can enhance the comfort of residential person, improve indoor air quality, solve heat gain and heat loss problems in winter and summer in the severely cold and cold regions, and reduce building energy consumption. The simulation software CFD and energy simulation software are used in the paper. South direction of the building is the prototype of the simulation. The angle between the direction of the building and the outdoor environment wind is changed sequentially. Energy consumption under different wind angle conditions is compared with each other. Combined with natural ventilation under various wind angles, the paper gives the best recommended solution of building direction in Shenyang.
Early Response Roles for Prolactin Cortisol and Circulating and Cellular Levels of Heat Shock Proteins 72 and 90α in Severe Sepsis and SIRS
Authors: Vardas K. , Apostolou K. , Briassouli E. , Goukos D. , Psarra K. , Botoula E. , Tsagarakis S. , Magira E. , Routsi C. , Nanas S. , Briassoulis G.
Published: August 2014

Objective.To evaluate the early heat shock protein (HSP) and hormonal stress response of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe sepsis/septic shock (SS) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) compared to healthy subjects (H).Methods. Patients with early (first 48 hrs) SS (n=29) or SIRS (n=29) admitted to a university ICU and 16 H were enrolled in the study. Serum prolactin, cortisol, and plasma ACTH were determined using immunoassay analyzers. ELISA was used to evaluate extracellular HSPs (eHSP90α, eHSP72) and interleukins. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values for intracellular HSPs (iHSP72, iHSP90α) were measured using 4-colour flow-cytometry.Results. Prolactin, cortisol, and eHSP90α levels were significantly increased in SS patients compared to SIRS and H (P<0.003). ACTH and eHSP72 were significantly higher in SS and SIRS compared to H (P<0.005). SS monocytes expressed lower iHSP72 MFI levels compared to H (P=0.03). Prolactin was related with SAPS III and APACHE II scores and cortisol with eHSP90α, IL-6, and lactate (P<0.05). In SS and SIRS eHSP90α was related with eHSP72, IL-6, and IL-10.Conclusion. Prolactin, apart from cortisol, may have a role in the acute stress response in severe sepsis. In this early-onset inflammatory process, cortisol relates to eHSP90α, monocytes suppress iHSP72, and plasma eHSP72 increases.
Gonadal Steroids Negatively Modulate Oxidative Stress in CBA/Ca Female Mice Infected withP. bergheiANKA
Authors: Mosqueda-Romo Néstor Aarón , Rodríguez-Morales Ana Laura , Buendía-González Fidel Orlando , Aguilar-Sánchez Margarita , Morales-Montor Jorge , Legorreta-Herrera Martha
Published: August 2014

We decreased the level of gonadal steroids in female and male mice by gonadectomy. We infected these mice withP. bergheiANKA and observed the subsequent impact on the oxidative stress response. Intact females developed lower levels of parasitaemia and lost weight faster than intact males. Gonadectomised female mice displayed increased levels of parasitaemia, increased body mass, and increased anaemia compared with their male counterparts. In addition, gonadectomised females exhibited lower specific catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in their blood and spleen tissues compared with gonadectomised males. To further study the oxidative stress response inP. bergheiANKA-infected gonadectomised mice, nitric oxide levels were assessed in the blood and spleen, and MDA levels were assessed in the spleen. Intact, sham-operated, and gonadectomised female mice exhibited higher levels of nitric oxide in the blood and spleen compared with male mice. MDA levels were higher in all of the female groups. Finally, gonadectomy significantly increased the oxidative stress levels in females but not in males. These data suggest that differential oxidative stress is influenced by oestrogens that may contribute to sexual dimorphism in malaria.
Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip and Knee Replacement: Spatial Distribution of Molecular Orientation and Shape Recovery Behavior
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhito , Masaoka Toshinori , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Shishido Takaaki , Tateiwa Toshiyuki , Kubo Kosuke , Yamamoto Kengo
Published: August 2014

The present study investigated effects of processing procedures on morphology of highly cross-linked and re-melted UHMWPE (XLPE) in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). The shape recovery behavior was also monitored via uniaxial compression test at room temperature after non-destructive characterizations of the in-depth microstructure by confocal/polarized Raman spectroscopy. The goal of this study was to relate the manufacturing-induced morphology to thein vivomicromechanical performance, and ultimately to explore an optimal structure in each alternative joint bearing. It was clearly confirmed that the investigated XLPE hip and knee implants, which were produced from different orthopaedic grade resins (GUR 1050 and GUR 1020), consisted of two structural regions in the as-received states: the near-surface transitional anisotropic layer (≈100 μm thickness) and the bulk isotropic structural region. These XLPEs exhibited a different crystalline anisotropy and molecular texture within the near-surface layers. In addition, the knee insert showed a slightly higher efficiency of shape recovery against the applied strain over the hip liner owing to a markedly higher percentage of the bulk amorphous phase with intermolecular cross-linking. The quantitative data presented in this study might contribute to construct manufacturing strategies for further rationalized structures as alternative bearings in THA and TKA.
Targeting the Raft-Associated Akt Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lv Ji-Yun , Shi Jian-Fei , Yang Mei , Liu Shu-Hong , Li Zhi-Wei , Wang Hong-Bo , Zhang Shao-Geng , Liu Zhen-Wen , Ding Jin-Biao , Xu Dong-Ping , Zhao Jing-Min
Published: August 2014

Caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 are considered as markers of lipid rafts which can be regarded as sorting platforms for targeted transport of transmembrane proteins and are involved in fundamental cellular events such as signal transduction, cell adhesion, lipid/protein sorting, and human cancer. We addressed caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 expression in 90 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANT) samples by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Significant caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 overexpression was found in HCC tissues compared to ANT and was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Raft-associated Akt signaling pathway components involved in the regulation of cell survival were altered by western blotting in HCC microdomain-enriched subcellular fractions purified from paired HCC and ANT samples. Our results demonstrated that the activity of raft-associated but not total membrane Akt determines its cellular functions. Lipid rafts differ in different types of tissues, which allows for the possibility of tissue-type-specific targeting for cell survival.
A Higher Frequency of CD4+CXCR5+T Follicular Helper Cells in Adult Patients with Minimal Change Disease
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhao Pingwei , Shrestha Amrita , Zhang Li , Qu Zhihui , Liu Mingyuan , Zhang Songling , Jiang Yanfang
Published: August 2014

Background. T follicular helper (TFH) cells are involved in the humoral immune responses. This study is aimed at examining the frequencies of different subsets of CD4+CXCR5+TFH cells in adult patients with minimal change disease (MCD).Methods. A total of 27 patients and 14 healthy controls (HC) were characterized for the levels of sera cytokines, inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), and programmed death 1 (PD-1) of positive TFH cells by flow cytometry. The level of sera IL-21 was examined; 24 h urinary protein and eGFR were calculated. The potential correlation between the frequency of different subsets of TFH cells and the values of clinical measures in MCD patients were analyzed.Results. The frequency of circulating CD4+CXCR5+, CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+, and CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+TFH cells and the levels of sera IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-21 were significantly higher in MCD patients (P<0.05) than that in the HC group. Furthermore, the percentages of circulating CD4+CXCR5+TFH cells were negatively correlated with the values of eGFR (r=-0.4849,P<0.05) and the percentages of CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+TFH cells were correlated positively with the levels of serum IL-21 (r=0.6137,P<0.05) and 24 h urinary protein (r=0.1410,P<0.05) in those patients. Also, the percentages of CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+TFH cells were correlated positively with the levels of serum IL-21 (r=0.6201,P<0.05) and 24 h urinary protein (r=0.7519,P<0.05). Following standard therapies, the percentages of circulating CD4+CXCR5+, CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+, and CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+TFH cells and the levels of serum IL-21 were significantly reduced, but the levels of serum IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P<0.05).Conclusions. A higher frequency of CD4+CXCR5+TFH cells that existed in adult patients with MCD could be new target for intervention of MCD.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Induces Developmental Stage-Dependent Structural Changes in the Immature Small Intestine
Authors: Brown Kathryn S. , Gong Huiyu , Frey Mark R. , Pope Brock , Golden Matthew , Martin Katerina , Obey Mitchel , McElroy Steven J.
Published: August 2014

Background. Premature infants are commonly subject to intestinal inflammation. Since the human small intestine does not reach maturity until term gestation, premature infants have a unique challenge, as either acute or chronic inflammation may alter the normal development of the intestinal tract. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been shown to acutely alter goblet cell numbers and villus length in adult mice. In this study we tested the effects of TNF on villus architecture and epithelial cells at different stages of development of the immature small intestine.Methods. To examine the effects of TNF-induced inflammation, we injected acute, brief, or chronic exposures of TNF in neonatal and juvenile mice.Results. TNF induced significant villus blunting through a TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mediated mechanism, leading to loss of villus area. This response to TNFR1 signaling was altered during intestinal development, despite constant TNFR1 protein expression. Acute TNF-mediated signaling also significantly decreased Paneth cells.Conclusions. Taken together, the morphologic changes caused by TNF provide insight as to the effects of inflammation on the developing intestinal tract. Additionally, they suggest a mechanism which, coupled with an immature immune system, may help to explain the unique susceptibility of the immature intestine to inflammatory diseases such as NEC.
A Numerical Study of Aerodynamic Performance and Noise of a Bionic Airfoil Based on Owl Wing
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Liu Xiang
Published: August 2014

Noise reduction and efficiency enhancement are the two important directions in the development of the multiblade centrifugal fan. In this study, we attempt to develop a bionic airfoil based on the owl wing and investigate its aerodynamic performance and noise-reduction mechanism at the relatively low Reynolds number. Firstly, according to the geometric characteristics of the owl wing, a bionic airfoil is constructed as the object of study at Reynolds number of 12,300. Secondly, the large eddy simulation (LES) with the Smagorinsky model is adopted to numerically simulate the unsteady flow fields around the bionic airfoil and the standard NACA0006 airfoil. And then, the acoustic sources are extracted from the unsteady flow field data, and the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation based on Lighthill's acoustic theory is solved to predict the propagation of these acoustic sources. The numerical results show that the lift-to-drag ratio of bionic airfoil is higher than that of the traditional NACA 0006 airfoil because of its deeply concave lower surface geometry. Finally, the sound field of the bionic airfoil is analyzed in detail. The distribution of the A-weighted sound pressure levels, the scaled directivity of the sound, and the distribution of dP/dt on the airfoil surface are provided so that the characteristics of the acoustic sources could be revealed.
Assessment of Tumor Cells in a Mouse Model of Diffuse Infiltrative Glioma by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Tanahashi Kuniaki , Natsume Atsushi , Ohka Fumiharu , Momota Hiroyuki , Kato Akira , Motomura Kazuya , Watabe Naoki , Muraishi Shuichi , Nakahara Hitoshi , Saito Yahachi , Takeuchi Ichiro , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: August 2014

Glioma of infiltrative nature is challenging for surgeons to achieve tumor-specific and maximal resection. Raman spectroscopy provides structural information on the targeted materials as vibrational shifts. We utilized Raman spectroscopy to distinguish invasive tumors from normal tissues. Spectra obtained from replication-competent avian sarcoma-(RCAS-) based infiltrative glioma cells and glioma tissues (resembling low-grade human glioma) were compared with those obtained from normal mouse astrocytes and normal tissues. In cell analysis, the spectra at 950–1000, 1030, 1050–1100, 1120–1130, 1120–1200, 1200–1300, 1300–1350, and 1450 cm−1were significantly higher in infiltrative glioma cells than in normal astrocytes. In brain tissue analysis, the spectra at 1030, 1050–1100, and 1200–1300 cm−1were significantly higher in infiltrative glioma tissues than in normal brain tissues. These spectra reflect the structures of proteins, lipids, and DNA content. The sensitivity and specificity to predict glioma cells by distinguishing normal cells were 98.3% and 75.0%, respectively. Principal component analysis elucidated the significance of spectral difference between tumor tissues and normal tissues. It is possible to distinguish invasive tumors from normal tissues by using Raman spectroscopy.
Tribological Behavior of Si3N4/Ti3SiC2Contacts Lubricated by Lithium-Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wang Haizhong , Song Zenghong , Qiao Dan , Feng Dapeng , Lu Jinjun
Published: August 2014

The tribological performance of Si3N4ball sliding against Ti3SiC2disc lubricated by lithium-based ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using an Optimol SRV-IV oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester at room temperature (RT) and elevated temperature (100°C). Glycerol and the conventional imidazolium-based IL 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (L-F106) were used as references under the same experimental conditions. The results show that the lithium-based ILs had higher thermal stabilities than glycerol and lower costs associated with IL preparation than L-F106. The tribotest results show that the lithium-based ILs were effective in reducing the friction and wear of Si3N4/Ti3SiC2contacts. [Li(urea)]TFSI even produced better tribological properties than glycerol and L-F106 both at RT and 100°C. The SEM/EDS and XPS results reveal that the excellent tribological endurance of Si3N4/Ti3SiC2contacts lubricated by lithium-based ILs was mainly attributed to the formation of surface protective films composed of various tribochemical products.
CT Findings in Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Ischemic Colitis: Suggestions for Diagnosis
Authors: Iacobellis Francesca , Berritto Daniela , Fleischmann Dominik , Gagliardi Giuliano , Brillantino Antonio , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Grassi Roberto
Published: August 2014

Purpose. This paper aims at evaluating CT findings of occlusive and nonocclusive ischemic colitis (IC), in correlation with the etiology and the different phases of the disease.Materials and Methods. CT examination and clinical history of 32 patients with proven IC were retrospectively reviewed. The CT findings were analyzed according to the different phases of the disease (acute, subacute, and chronic).Results. Among the 32 CT examinations performed in the acute phase, 62.5% did not present signs of occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), whereas IMA occlusion was detected in 37.5% of CT examinations. In the acute phase, the presence of pericolic fluid was found in 100% of patients undergoing progressive resorption from acute to subacute phase if an effective reperfusion occurred; the bowel wall thickening was observed in 28.1% patients in acute phase and in 86.4% patients evaluated in subacute phase. The unthickened colonic wall was found in all conditions where ischemia was not followed by effective reperfusion (71.9% of cases), and it was never found in chronic phase, when the colon appeared irregularly thickened.Conclusion. CT allows determining the morphofunctional alterations associated with the IC discriminating the occlusive forms from the nonocclusive forms. CT, furthermore, allows estimating the timing of ischemic damage.
A Ranking Procedure by Incomplete Pairwise Comparisons Using Information Entropy and Dempster-Shafer Evidence Theory
Authors: Pan Dongbo , Lu Xi , Liu Juan , Deng Yong
Published: August 2014

Decision-making, as a way to discover the preference of ranking, has been used in various fields. However, owing to the uncertainty in group decision-making, how to rank alternatives by incomplete pairwise comparisons has become an open issue. In this paper, an improved method is proposed for ranking of alternatives by incomplete pairwise comparisons using Dempster-Shafer evidence theory and information entropy. Firstly, taking the probability assignment of the chosen preference into consideration, the comparison of alternatives to each group is addressed. Experiments verified that the information entropy of the data itself can determine the different weight of each group’s choices objectively. Numerical examples in group decision-making environments are used to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, the divergence of ranking mechanism is analyzed briefly in conclusion section.
Effects of Concrete on Propagation Characteristics of Guided Wave in Steel Bar Embedded in Concrete
Authors: Zheng Zhupeng , Lei Ying
Published: August 2014

Techniques based on ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) play important roles in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of large-scale civil infrastructures. In this paper, dispersion equations of longitudinal wave propagation in reinforced concrete member are investigated for the purpose of monitoring steels embedded in concrete. For a steel bar embedded in concrete, not the velocity but the attenuation dispersion curves will be affected by the concrete. The effects of steel-to-concrete shear modulus ratio, density ratio, and Poisson’s ratio on propagation characteristics of guided wave in steel bar embedded in concrete were studied by the analysis of the real and imaginary parts of the wave number. The attenuation characteristics of guided waves of steel bar in different conditions including different bar concrete constraint and different diameter of steel bar are also analyzed. Studies of the influence of concrete on propagation characteristics of guided wave in steel bars embedded in concrete will increase the accuracy in judging the structure integrity and promote the level of defect detection for the steel bars embedded in concrete.
Numerical Thermodynamic Analysis of Two-Phase Solid-Liquid Abrasive Flow Polishing in U-Type Tube
Authors: Li Junye , Yang Zhaojun , Liu Weina , Cai Weihua , Qiao Zemin
Published: August 2014

U-type tubes are widely used in military and civilian fields and the quality of the internal surface of their channel often determines the merits and performance of a machine in which they are incorporated. Abrasive flow polishing is an effective method for improving the channel surface quality of a U-type tube. Using the results of a numerical analysis of the thermodynamic energy balance equation of a two-phase solid-liquid flow, we carried out numerical simulations of the heat transfer and surface processing characteristics of a two-phase solid-liquid abrasive flow polishing of a U-type tube. The distribution cloud of the changes in the inlet turbulent kinetic energy, turbulence intensity, turbulent viscosity, and dynamic pressure near the wall of the tube were obtained. The relationships between the temperature and the turbulent kinetic energy, between the turbulent kinetic energy and the velocity, and between the temperature and the processing velocity were also determined to develop a theoretical basis for controlling the quality of abrasive flow polishing.
Interleukin-13 Receptor Alpha 2-Targeted Glioblastoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Sengupta Sadhak , Thaci Bart , Crawford Andrew C. , Sampath Prakash
Published: August 2014

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor, and despite several refinements in its multimodal management, generally has very poor prognosis. Targeted immunotherapy is an emerging field of research that shows great promise in the treatment of GBM. One of the most extensively studied targets is the interleukin-13 receptor alpha chain variant 2 (IL13Rα2). Its selective expression on GBM, discovered almost two decades ago, has been a target for therapy ever since. Immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed targeting IL13Rα2, including monoclonal antibodies as well as cell-based strategies such as IL13Rα2-pulsed dendritic cells and IL13Rα2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells. Advanced therapeutic development has led to the completion of several clinical trials with promising outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in the IL13Rα2-targeted immunotherapy and evaluate the most promising strategy for targeted GBM immunotherapy.
3D Maps Representation Using GNG
Authors: Morell Vicente , Cazorla Miguel , Orts-Escolano Sergio , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose
Published: August 2014

Current RGB‐D sensors provide a big amount of valuable information for mobile robotics tasks like 3D map reconstruction, but the storage and processing of the incremental data provided by the different sensors through time quickly become unmanageable. In this work, we focus on 3D maps representation and propose the use of the Growing Neural Gas (GNG) network as a model to represent 3D input data. GNG method is able to represent the input data with a desired amount of neurons or resolution while preserving the topology of the input space. Experiments show how GNG method yields a better input space adaptation than other state‐of‐the‐art 3D map representation methods.
Relative Validity and Reproducibility of a Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire
Authors: Marques Rosana de Moraes Borges , Oliveira Amanda Cristine de , Teles Sheylle Almeida da Silva , Stringuini Maria Luiza Ferreira , Fornés Nélida Shimid , Gardenghi Giulliano
Published: August 2014

Background.Food frequency questionnaires are used to assess dietary intake in epidemiological studies.Objective.The aim of the study was to assess the relative validity and reproducibility of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) for adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Validity was evaluated by comparing the data generated by QFFQs to those of 24-hour recalls (24 hrs). QFFQs were applied twice per patient to assess reproducibility. Statistical analysis included performingt-tests, obtaining Pearson correlation coefficients when necessary, correcting measurements for randomness by the weightedkappamethod, calculating intraclass correlation coefficients, and generating Bland-Altman plots (P<0,05).Results.The total energy and nutrient intake as estimated by the QFFQs were significantly higher than those from 24 hrs. Pearson correlation coefficients for energy-adjusted, deattenuated data ranged from 0.32 (protein) to 0.75 (lipid, unsaturated fat and calcium). Weightedkappavalues ranged from 0.15 (vitamin C) to 0.45 (calcium). Bland-Altman plots indicated acceptable validity. As for reproducibility, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.24 (calcium) to 0.65 (lipid), and the Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between the two questionnaires. Conclusion: The QFFQ presented an acceptable ability to classify correctly and with good reproducibility, adolescents with type 1 diabetes according to their levels of dietary intake.
Clinical Metabolomics and Nutrition: The New Frontier in Neonatology and Pediatrics
Authors: Dessì Angelica , Cesare Marincola Flaminia , Masili Alice , Gazzolo Diego , Fanos Vassilios
Published: August 2014

In the pediatric clinic, nutritional research is focusing more and more on preventing the development of long-term diseases as well as supporting the repair processes important in the therapy of already fully developed diseases. Most children who are hospitalized or affected by chronic diseases could benefit from specific and careful attention to nutrition. Indeed, the state of nutrition modulates all body functions, including the different metabolic processes which, all together, have a profound effect on the development of the health and future of all individuals. Inappropriate food, even in the first periods of life, can accelerate the development of chronic metabolic diseases, especially in the pediatric age. To gain further insights into metabolic cycles and how they are connected with diet and health, nutrition and metabolomics interact to develop and apply modern technologies for metabolic assessment. In particular, nutritionists are evaluating the metabolomic approach to establish the single nutritional phenotypes, that is, the way in which diet interacts with individuals’ metabolisms. This strategy offers the possibility of providing a complete definition of the individual’s nutritional and health status, predict the risk of disease, and create metabolomic databases supporting the development of “personalized nutrition,” in which diet is attuned to the nutritional needs of individual patients.
An Efficient Localization Method Based on Adaptive Optimal Sensor Placement
Authors: Lee Jin-Hee , Kim Kyeongyul , Lee Sang-Chul , Shin Byeong-Seok
Published: August 2014

We propose a ZigBee-based localization method that estimates the distance between ZigBee nodes employing the strength of wireless signal. It enables us to track the location of a user by means of trilateration, using the distance between fixed nodes deployed at predetermined locations and a mobile base station. In addition, we propose a method to determine the optimal placement of the fixed nodes using minimum Bayes error estimation based on Gaussian distributions. As a result, this method can accurately estimate the position of the mobile base station with a minimum number of fixed nodes.
Circulating Mitochondrial DNA Level, a Noninvasive Biomarker for the Early Detection of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Fernandes Julien , Michel Valérie , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Gomez Alejandro , Maldonado Carmen , De Reuse Hilde , Torres Javier , Touati Eliette
Published: August 2014

Background: Gastric cancer represents a major health burden worldwide and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Biomarkers for screening and prevention of gastric cancer are missing. Changes in peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have emerged as a potential preventive/diagnosis biomarker for cancer risk. We aimed to determine whether peripheral leukocytes mtDNA levels are associated with stages of the gastric carcinogenesis cascade.

Methods: We measured mtDNA by quantitative real-time PCR assay in peripheral leukocytes of 28 patients with non-atrophic gastritis (NAG), 74 patients with gastric cancer, and 48 matched asymptomatic controls. In parallel, the serologic level of IL8 was determined.

Results: Mean mtDNA level was higher in patients with gastric cancer (P = 0.0095) than in controls, with values >8.46 significantly associated with gastric cancer (OR, 3.93). Three ranges of mtDNA values were identified: interval I, <2.0; interval II, 2.0–20; and interval III, >20. Interval I included mainly NAG cases, and few gastric cancer samples and interval III corresponded almost exclusively to patients with gastric cancer. All controls fell in interval II, together with some NAG and gastric cancer cases. IL8 levels were significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer (P < 0.05), with levels >50 pg/mL observed exclusively in patients with gastric cancer, allowing to distinguish them within interval II. We validated mtDNA results in a second cohort of patients, confirming that mtDNA was significantly higher in gastric cancer than in patients with preneoplasia.

Conclusions: Circulating levels of mtDNA and IL8 constitute a potential biomarker for the early detection of gastric cancer.

Impact: Our findings lead us to propose a new noninvasive method to detect patients with gastric cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2430–8. ©2014 AACR.
Prediagnostic Circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations Are Not Associated with Prostate Cancer Risk
Authors: Sklavos Martha M. , Zhou Cindy Ke , Pinto Ligia A. , Cook Michael B.
Published: August 2014

Despite considerable research, the pathogenesis of prostate cancer remains poorly understood. Meanwhile, PSA testing has shifted prostate cancer case populations for study to include a greater proportion of asymptomatic and indolent disease. Thus, efforts to identify prostate cancer biomarkers—particularly for aggressive disease—are required to elucidate pathogenesis and aid screening efficacy. Current evidence suggests that decreased circulating concentrations of the testis-derived, TGFβ family peptide hormone—anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)—may be associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we measured AMH concentrations in prediagnostic (cohort baseline) sera using the Beckman Coulter AMH Gen II ELISA in 1,000 cases and 1,000 controls nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Controls were frequency matched to cases on age at entry, enrollment year, and years of follow-up. Unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for age at randomization, were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We found that prediagnostic serologic AMH concentrations were not significantly associated with total (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.89–1.48; Ptrend = 0.13), aggressive (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.80–1.63; Ptrend = 0.51), or nonaggressive (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.91–1.63; Ptrend = 0.07) prostate cancer risks. Different definitions of aggressive disease did not meaningfully alter these results. Despite in vitro studies linking AMH to prostate cancer, this first analysis of prediagnostic, circulating AMH concentrations in men provides no evidence for an association with prostate cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2597–602. ©2014 AACR.
Telomere Length and Mortality Following a Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Prescott Jennifer , De Vivo Immaculata , Fan Isabel , Mclaughlin John , Rosen Barry , Risch Harvey , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A.
Published: August 2014

Background: Telomeres are essential for the maintenance of chromosomal integrity. Telomere shortening leads to genomic instability, which is hypothesized to play a role in cancer development and prognosis. No studies to date have evaluated the prognostic significance of telomere length for ovarian cancer.

Methods: We examined whether relative telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes was associated with survival following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. We analyzed data from a large population-based study of incident ovarian cancer conducted in Ontario between 1995 and 2004. Telomere length was measured using the quantitative PCR–based relative telomere length assay and vital status was determined by computerized record linkage and by chart review (n = 1,042). Proportional hazard models were used to estimate ovarian cancer–specific survival HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with quartiles of telomere length z score.

Results: We found no significant relationship between telomere length and ovarian cancer–specific mortality (P log-rank test = 0.55). Compared with women in the lowest quartile of telomere length z score, the HR for women in the highest three quartiles of telomere length z score combined was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.77–1.10). The corresponding estimates for serous and nonserous tumors were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66–1.13) and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.71–1.79), respectively.

Conclusions: Our data provide preliminary evidence that telomere length likely does not predict outcome after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Impact: This represents the first study to suggest no prognostic role of telomere length for ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2603–6. ©2014 AACR.
Effect of Macular Ischemia on Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Douvali Maria , Chatziralli Irini P. , Theodossiadis Panagiotis G. , Chatzistefanou Klio I. , Giannakaki Emmanouella , Rouvas Alexandros A.
Published: August 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of macular ischemia on the functional and anatomical outcome after intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Procedures: Participants were 49 patients with diabetes mellitus, divided into two groups based on the presence of ischemia on fluorescein angiography: (i) nonischemic group (n = 32) and (ii) ischemic group (n = 17). All patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and were followed up for 6 months. The main outcome measures were changes in visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT). Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in VA and CFT between baseline and the end of the follow-up in the nonischemic group, while in the ischemic group there was no significant difference in VA but CFT differed significantly at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Macular ischemia may have a negative impact on functional outcomes 6 months after intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in patients with DME but has no effect on anatomical outcomes.