bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization of Two-Stage Helical Gear Train Using NSGA-II
Authors: Sanghvi R. C. , Vashi A. S. , Patolia H. P. , Jivani R. G.
Published: November 2014

Gears not only transmit the motion and power satisfactorily but also can do so with uniform motion. The design of gears requires an iterative approach to optimize the design parameters that take care of kinematics aspects as well as strength aspects. Moreover, the choice of materials available for gears is limited. Owing to the complex combinations of the above facts, manual design of gears is complicated and time consuming. In this paper, the volume and load carrying capacity are optimized. Three different methodologies (i) MATLAB optimization toolbox, (ii) genetic algorithm (GA), and (iii) multiobjective optimization (NSGA-II) technique are used to solve the problem. In the first two methods, volume is minimized in the first step and then the load carrying capacities of both shafts are calculated. In the third method, the problem is treated as a multiobjective problem. For the optimization purpose, face width, module, and number of teeth are taken as design variables. Constraints are imposed on bending strength, surface fatigue strength, and interference. It is apparent from the comparison of results that the result obtained by NSGA-II is more superior than the results obtained by other methods in terms of both objectives.
Multifrequency Oscillator-Type Active Printed Antenna Using Chaotic Colpitts Oscillator
Authors: Kumari Bibha , Gupta Nisha
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a new concept to realize a multifrequency Oscillator-type active printed monopole antenna. The concept of period doubling route to chaos is exploited to generate the multiple frequencies. The chaotic Colpitts oscillator is integrated with the printed monopole antenna (PMA) on the same side of the substrate to realize an Oscillator-type active antenna where the PMA acts as a load and radiator to the chaotic oscillator. By changing the bias voltage of the oscillator, the antenna can be made to operate at single or multiple frequencies. To test the characteristics of the antenna at single and multiple frequencies of operation, two similar prototype models of printed monopole broadband antennas are developed. One of these antennas used at transmit side is fed by the chaotic Colpitts oscillator while the other is used as the receive antenna. It is observed that the antenna receives single or multiple frequencies simultaneously for particular values of the bias voltage of the oscillator at the transmit end.
Designing All‐Pole Filters for High‐Frequency Phase‐Locked Loops
Authors: Pinheiro Ricardo Bressan , Piqueira José Roberto C.
Published: November 2014

Since the phase‐locked loop (PLL) circuit was proposed in the 1930s, it is being used for a lot of situations when precise frequency and phase references are required. Among these applications, synchronous telecommunication networks experienced a strong development in order to support the explosive information traffic that the modern society demands. Consequently, bandwidth became a decisive parameter, implying higher and higher frequencies for the clock
signals exchanged between the nodes of the networks and detected by PLLs. The necessity to improve clock precision that follows the bandwidth increase provoked the improvement of the filter component of the PLLs, avoiding instability and high‐frequency components in the reference signals. Here, a technique of designing this kind of filter is presented, considering second‐order filters, implying third‐order PLLs. Simulations show that following this technique produces very fast tracking processes, enabling precise operation even for very high frequencies.
Multiparametric MRI for Localized Prostate Cancer: Lesion Detection and Staging
Authors: Margolis Daniel J. A.
Published: November 2014

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate combines high-resolution anatomic imaging with functional imaging of alterations in normal tissue caused by neoplastic transformation for the identification and characterization ofin situprostate cancer. Lesion detection relies on a systematic approach to the analysis of both anatomic and functional imaging using established criteria for the delineation of suspicious areas. Staging includes visual and functional analysis of the prostate “capsule” to determine ifin situdisease is, in fact, organ-confined, as well as the evaluation of pelvic structures including lymph nodes and bones for the detection of metastasis. Although intertwined, the protocol can be optimized depending on whether lesiondetectionorstagingis of the highest priority.
Herbal Plant Synthesis of Antibacterial Silver Nanoparticles by Solanum trilobatum and Its Characterization
Authors: Vanaja M. , Paulkumar K. , Gnanajobitha G. , Rajeshkumar S. , Malarkodi C. , Annadurai G.
Published: November 2014

Green synthesis method of nanomaterials is rapidly growing in the nanotechnology field; it replaces the use of toxic chemicals and time consumption. In this present investigation we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the leaf extract of medicinally valuable plant Solanum trilobatum. The influence of physical and chemical parameters on the silver nanoparticle fabrication such as incubation time, silver nitrate concentration, pH, and temperature is also studied in this present context. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The SEM and TEM confirm the synthesis of spherical shape of nanocrystalline particles with the size range of 2–10 nm. FTIR reveals that the carboxyl and amine groups may be involved in the reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Antibacterial activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done by agar well diffusion method against different pathogenic bacteria. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles can be used in the field of medicine, due to their high antibacterial activity.
A Low Leakage Autonomous Data Retention Flip-Flop with Power Gating Technique
Authors: Fan Xiaohui , Wu Yangbo , Dong Hengfeng , Hu Jianping
Published: November 2014

With the scaling of technology process, leakage power becomes an increasing portion of total power. Power gating technology is an effective method to suppress the leakage power in VLSI design. When the power gating technique is applied in sequential circuits, such as flip-flops and latches, the data retention is necessary to store the circuit states. A low leakage autonomous data retention flip-flop (ADR-FF) is proposed in this paper. Two high-Vthtransistors are utilized to reduce the leakage power consumption in the sleep mode. The data retention cell is composed of a pair of always powered cross-coupled inverters in the slave latch. No extra control signals and complex operations are needed for controlling the data retention and restoration. The data retention flip-flops are simulated with NCSU 45 nm technology. The postlayout simulation results show that the leakage power of the ADR-FF reduces 51.39% compared with the Mutoh-FF. The active power of the ADR-FF is almost equal to other data retention flip-flops. The average state mode transition time of ADR-FF decreases 55.98%, 51.35%, and 21.07% as compared with Mutoh-FF, Balloon-FF, and Memory-TG-FF, respectively. Furthermore, the area overhead of ADR-FF is smaller than other data retention flip-flops.
Inverse System Analysis and Modeling of Bearingless Induction Motor and Its Combined Control Strategy
Authors: Bu Wen-shao , Zu Cong-lin , Lu Chun-xiao
Published: November 2014

Bearingless induction motor is a multi‐variable, nonlinear and strong coupling object, the existing inverse control method ignores the stator current dynamics of torque system. Aiming at its nonlinear and strong coupling problems, a novel combinatorial decoupling control strategy based on stator flux orientation and inverse system method is proposed. Taking the stator current dynamics of four‐pole torque system into account, the reversibility and inverse system model of torque system are analyzed and established. Adopting the inverse system method, the dynamic decoupling between motor speed and stator flux‐linkage is achieved; by online identification and calculation, the airgap flux‐linkage of torque system is got. Based on above, feedback and compensation control of two radial displacement components of two‐pole suspension system is realized. Simulation results have shown the higher decoupling control performance and stronger anti‐interference ability of the decoupling control system; the proposed decoupling strategy not only owns the characteristics of be simple and convenient, but also is effective and feasible.
Evaluation of Corneal Topography and Biomechanical Parameters after Use of Systemic Isotretinoin in Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Yildirim Yusuf , Olcucu Onur , Agca Alper , Alagoz Cengiz , Demircan Ali , Basci Abdurrahman , Demirok Ahmet , Kutlubay Zekayi
Published: November 2014

Purpose. We report the effect of isotretinoin on corneal topography, corneal thickness, and biomechanical parameters in patients with acne vulgaris.Method. Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients who received oral isotretinoin for treatment of acne vulgaris were evaluated. All patients underwent a corneal topographical evaluation with a Scheimpflug camera combined with Placido-disk (Sirius), ultrasonic pachymetry measurements, and corneal biomechanical evaluation with an ocular response analyzer at baseline, in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of treatment, and 6 months after isotretinoin discontinuation.Results. The thinnest corneal thickness measured with Sirius differed significantly in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months compared with the baseline measurement; there was no significant change in ultrasonic central corneal thickness measurements and biomechanical parameters (corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor) throughout the study. Average simulated keratometry and surface asymmetry index increased significantly only in the first month of treatment according to the baseline. All changes disappeared 6 months after the end of treatment.Conclusion. Basal tear secretion and corneal morphologic properties were significantly influenced during the systemic isotretinoin treatment and the changes were reversible after discontinuation. No statistical important biomechanical differences were found to be induced by isotretinoin.
A Review on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Variants to Human Motion Tracking
Authors: Saini Sanjay , Bt Awang Rambli Dayang Rohaya , Zakaria M. Nordin B. , Bt Sulaiman Suziah
Published: November 2014

Automatic human motion tracking in video sequences is one of the most frequently tackled tasks in computer vision community. The goal of human motion capture is to estimate the joints angles of human body at any time. However, this is one of the most challenging problem in computer vision and pattern recognition due to the high‐dimensional search space, self‐occlusion, and high variability in human appearance. Several approaches have been proposed in the literature using different techniques. However, conventional approaches such as stochastic particle filtering have shortcomings in computational cost, slowness of convergence, suffers from the curse of dimensionality and demand a high number of evaluations to achieve accurate results. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a population‐based globalized search algorithm which has been successfully applied to address human motion tracking problem and produced better results in high‐dimensional search space. This paper presents a systematic literature survey on the PSO algorithm and its variants to human motion tracking. An attempt is made to provide a guide for the researchers working in the field of PSO based human motion tracking from video sequences. Additionally, the paper also presents the performance of various model evaluation search strategies within PSO tracking framework for 3D pose tracking.
Comparative Effects of Different Fertilizer Sources on the Growth and Nutrient Content of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Seedling in a Greenhouse Trial
Authors: Dania S. O. , Akpansubi P. , Eghagara O. O.
Published: November 2014

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK, poultry manure, and organomineral fertilizer on the growth and nutrient concentration ofMoringa oleiferaleaves. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments replicated three times. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA atP=0.05. Growth parameters measured include number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), and stem girth (mm). The application of poultry manure increased the height, number of leaves, and stem girth of moringa compared to the application of NPK and organomineral fertilizer while the control had the least growth. Poultry manure, NPK, and organomineral fertilizer were 66%, 62%, and 39% higher in number of leaves than the control at eight weeks after planting. The application of poultry manure significantly(P≤0.05)increased the nutrient content of moringa leaves compared to other sources of fertilizer applied. The results shows that the application of poultry manure significantly(P≤0.05)improved the growth and nutrient content of moringa; however, further field trial is suggested.
NADPH Oxidases in Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Jiang Joy X. , Török Natalie J.
Published: November 2014

Oxidative stress is a common feature observed in a wide spectrum of chronic liver diseases including viral hepatitis, alcoholic, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) are emerging as major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several major isoforms are expressed in the liver, including NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4. While the phagocytic NOX2 has been known to play an important role in Kupffer cell and neutrophil phagocytic activity and inflammation, the nonphagocytic NOX homologues are increasingly recognized as key enzymes in oxidative injury and wound healing. In this review, we will summarize the current advances in knowledge on the regulatory pathways of NOX activation, their cellular distribution, and their role in the modulation of redox signaling in liver diseases.
Relevance of the Glutathione System in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Evidence in Human and Experimental Models
Authors: Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemí , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Pérez-Cruz Claudia , Montesinos-Correa Hortencia , Rivera-Espinosa Liliana , Sampieri Aristides , Carmona-Aparicio Liliana
Published: November 2014

Oxidative stress, which is a state of imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen, is induced by a wide variety of factors. This biochemical state is associated with diseases that are systemic as well as diseases that affect the central nervous system. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, and temporal lobe epilepsy represents an estimated 40% of all epilepsy cases. Currently, evidence from human and experimental models supports the involvement of oxidative stress during seizures and in the epileptogenesis process. Hence, the aim of this review was to provide information that facilitates the processing of this evidence and investigate the therapeutic impact of the biochemical status for this specific pathology.
Container Security Device Chain Network for Safe Railway Transportation
Authors: Kim Sungryul , Kim Jeonghyun , Yoo Younghwan
Published: November 2014

The railway is one of the most important facilities for freight logistics. This paper suggests the use of the container security devices (CSDs), which has been adopted for the marine transportation so far, to enhance the security of railway freight transportation. The proposed protocol, CSD Chain Network Protocol (CCNP), was designed for a chain-form network of CSDs, each of which is attached to a container. In CCNP, unauthorized access to freight is reliably reported to the reader deployed at the locomotive. CCNP also cares about the fairness in energy consumption. In a usual chain network, a tag closer to the reader consumes more energy since it ought to forward packets coming from rear tags as well. However, in CCNP, the tag energy consumption for packet forwarding is always the same regardless of the position in a chain owing to an efficient data fusion scheme. In our simulation using QualNet, CCNP reduces the number of disconnections between tags by 59.5% as compared to general chain networks. The energy consumption also decreases by 91.3% of other networks not using an aggregation method.
Extremal Unimodular Lattices in Dimension 36
Authors: Harada Masaaki
Published: November 2014

New extremal odd unimodular lattices in dimension 36 are constructed. Some new odd unimodular lattices in dimension 36 with long shadows are also constructed.
Patients Undergoing Subacute Physical Rehabilitation following an Acute Hospital Admission Demonstrated Improvement in Cognitive Functional Task Independence
Authors: McPhail Steven M. , Varghese Paul N. , Kuys Suzanne S.
Published: November 2014

Objective. This study investigated cognitive functioning among older adults with physical debility not attributable to an acute injury or neurological condition who were receiving subacute inpatient physical rehabilitation.Design. A cohort investigation with assessments at admission and discharge.Setting. Three geriatric rehabilitation hospital wards.Participants. Consecutive rehabilitation admissions (n=814) following acute hospitalization (study criteria excluded orthopaedic, neurological, or amputation admissions).Intervention. Usual rehabilitation care.Measurements. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Cognitive and Motor items.Results. A total of 704 (86.5%) participants (mean age = 76.5 years) completed both assessments. Significant improvement in FIM Cognitive items (Z-score range 3.93–8.74, allP<0.001) and FIM Cognitive total score (Z-score = 9.12,P<0.001) occurred, in addition to improvement in FIM Motor performance. A moderate positive correlation existed between change in Motor and Cognitive scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.41). Generalized linear modelling indicated that better cognition at admission (coefficient = 0.398,P<0.001) and younger age (coefficient = −0.280,P<0.001) were predictive of improvement in Motor performance. Younger age (coefficient = −0.049,P<0.001) was predictive of improvement in FIM Cognitive score.Conclusions. Improvement in cognitive functioning was observed in addition to motor function improvement among this population. Causal links cannot be drawn without further research.
MAP + MAP/M2/N/∞ Queueing System with Absolute Priority and Reservation of Servers
Authors: Sun Bin , Lee Moon Ho , Dudin Alexander N. , Dudin Sergey A.
Published: November 2014

We consider a multiserver queueing system with an infinite buffer and two types of customers. The flow of customers is described by two Markovian arrival processes (MAPs). Type 1 customers have absolute priority over type 2 customers. If the arriving type 1 customer encounters all servers busy, but some of them provide service to type 2 customers, service of one type 2 customer is terminated and type 1 customer occupies the released server. To avoid too frequent termination of service of type 2 customers, we suggest reservation of some number of servers for type 1 customers. Type 2 customers, who do not succeed to get a server upon arrival or are knocked out from a server, join the buffer or leave the system forever. During a waiting period in the buffer, type 2 customers can be impatient and may leave the system forever. The ergodicity condition of the system is derived in an analytically tractable form. The stationary distribution of the system states and the main performance measures are calculated. The Laplace‐Stieltjes transform of the waiting time distribution of an arbitrary type 2 customer is derived. Numerical examples are presented. The problem of the optimal channel reservation is numerically solved.
Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy through a Knowledge of Its Pathogenesis and Risk Factors
Authors: Andreucci Michele , Faga Teresa , Pisani Antonio , Sabbatini Massimo , Russo Domenico , Michael Ashour
Published: November 2014

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic acute renal failure (ARF) occurring after the intravascular injection of iodinated radiographic contrast media. During the past several years, in many patients undergoing computed tomography, iodinated contrast media have not been used for the fear of ARF, thereby compromising the diagnostic procedure. But recent studies have demonstrated that CIN is rarely occurring in patients with normal renal function and that preexisting chronic renal failure and/or diabetes mellitus represent(s) predisposing condition(s) for its occurrence. After the description of CIN and its epidemiology and pathophysiology, underlying the important role played by dehydration and salt depletion, precautions for prevention of CIN are listed, suggested, and discussed. Maximum priority has to be given to adequate hydration and volume expansion prior to radiographic procedures. Other important precautions include the need for monitoring renal function before, during, and after contrast media injection, discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, use of either iodixanol or iopamidol at the lowest dosage possible, and administration of antioxidants. A long list of references is provided that will enable readers a deep evaluation of the topic.
Dirac Equation under Scalar and Vector Generalized Isotonic Oscillators and Cornell Tensor Interaction
Authors: Hassanabadi H. , Maghsoodi E. , Ikot Akpan N. , Zarrinkamar S.
Published: November 2014

Spin and pseudospin symmetries of Dirac equation are solved under scalar and vector generalized isotonic oscillators and Cornell potential as a tensor interaction for arbitrary quantum number via the analytical ansatz approach. The spectrum of the system is numerically reported for typical values of the potential parameters.
Bilateral Triple Concha Bullosa: A Very Rare Anatomical Variation of Intranasal Turbinates
Authors: San Turhan , San Selma , Gürkan Emre , Erdoğan Barış
Published: November 2014

Pneumatization of the intranasal turbinates or concha bullosa is an anatomic variation of the lateral nasal wall. Concha bullosa is defined as the presence of air cells in turbinates. It can be best diagnosed with paranasal sinus computed tomography. Concha bullosa is a possible etiologic factor for recurrent sinusitis due to its negative effect on paranasal sinus ventilation and mucociliary clearance. Concha bullosa is most commonly seen in the middle turbinate and less frequently in the inferior or superior turbinate. Pneumatization of all turbinates is very rare. To our knowledge, there are only two publications about a case with concha bullosa in all turbinates in the current literature. Here, we present a woman with bilateral pneumatization in all three intranasal turbinates.
Hypertrophic Nonunion Humerus Mimicking an Enchondroma
Authors: Magu N. K. , Singh Amanpreet , Mukhopadhyay Reetadyuti , Wadhwani Jitendra , Gogna Paritosh , Singla Rohit , Arora Sahil , Mukhopadhyay Chatterjee Pragnashree
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Although fractures of humeral shaft show excellent results with conservative management, nonunion does occur.Case Report. We bring forth the case of a young male with a 1.5-year-old hypertrophic nonunion of the humerus mimicking an enchondroma. The initial X-ray images of the patient appeared to be an enchondroma, which only on further evaluation and histopathological analysis was diagnosed conclusively to be a hypertrophic nonunion.Discussion. Enchondromas are often incidentally diagnosed benign tumours. It is however not common to misdiagnose a hypertrophic nonunion to be an enchondroma. We present this case to highlight the unique diagnostic dilemma the treating team had to face.
Interdomain Identity‐Based Key Agreement Schemes
Authors: Fan Chun-I , Lin Yi-Hui , Hsu Tuan-Hung , Hsu Ruei-Hau
Published: November 2014

In order to simplify key management, two‐party and three‐party key agreement schemes based on user identities have been proposed recently. Multiparty (including more than three parties) key agreement protocols, which also are called conference key schemes, can be applied to distributed systems and wireless environments, such as ad hoc networks, for the purpose of multiparty secure communication. However, it is hard to extend two‐ or three‐party schemes to multiparty ones with the guarantee of efficiency and security. In addition to the above two properties, interdomain environments should also be considered in key agreement systems due to diversified network domains. However, only few identity‐based multiparty conference key agreement schemes for single domain environments and none for interdomain environments were proposed in the literature and they did not satisfy all of the security attributes such as forward secrecy and withstanding impersonation. In this paper, we will propose a novel efficient single domain identity‐based multiparty conference key scheme and extend it to an interdomain one. Finally, we prove that the proposed schemes satisfy the required security attributes via
formal methods.
Dynamics and Control of a Flexible Solar Sail
Authors: Liu Jiafu , Rong Siyuan , Shen Fan , Cui Naigang
Published: November 2014

Solar sail can merely make use of solar radiation pressure (SRP) force as the thrust for space missions. The attitude dynamics is obtained for the highly flexible solar sail with control vanes, sliding masses, and a gimbaled control boom. The vibration equations are derived considering the geometric nonlinearity of the sail structure subjected to the forces generated by the control vanes, solar radiation pressure (SRP), and sliding masses. Then the dynamic models for attitude/vibration controller design and dynamic simulation are obtained, respectively. The linear quadratic regulator (LQR) based and optimal proportional‐integral (PI) based controllers are designed for the coupled attitude/vibration models with constant disturbance torques caused by the center‐of‐mass (cm)/center‐of‐pressure (cp) offset, respectively. It can be concluded from the theoretical analysis and simulation results that the optimal PI based controller performs better than the LQR based controller from the view of eliminating the steady‐state errors. The responses with and without the geometrical nonlinearity are performed, and the differences are observed and analyzed. And some suggestions are also presented.
Graphene: One Material, Many Possibilities—Application Difficulties in Biological Systems
Authors: Skoda Marta , Dudek Ilona , Jarosz Anna , Szukiewicz Dariusz
Published: November 2014

Energetic technologies, nanoelectronics, biomedicine including gene therapy, cell imaging or tissue engineering are only few from all possible applications for graphene, the thinnest known carbon configuration and a basic element for other more complicated, better discovered and widely used nanostructures such as graphite, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. The number of researches concerning graphene applications is rising every day which proves the great interest in its unique structure and properties. Ideal pristine graphene sheet presents a flat membrane of unlimited size with no imperfections while in practice we get different flakes with irregular edges and structural defects which influence the reactivity. Nanomaterials from graphene family differ in size, shape, layer number, lateral dimension, surface chemistry and defect density causing the existence of graphene samples with various influence on biological systems. Whether graphene induces cellular stress and activates apoptosis, or on the contrary facilitates growth and differentiation of the cells depends on its structure, chemical modifications and the growth process. A certain number of in vitro studies has indicated cytotoxic effects of graphene while the other show that it is safe. The diversity of the samples and methods of the production make it impossible to establish clearly the biological impact of graphene.
Optimization of Deflection of a Big NEO through Impact with a Small One
Authors: Zhu Kaijian , Huang Weiping , Wang Yuncai , Niu Wei , Wu Gongyou
Published: November 2014

Using a small near-Earth object (NEO) to impact a larger and potentially threatening NEO has been suggested as an effective method to avert a collision with Earth. This paper develops a procedure for analysis of the technique for specific NEOs. First, an optimization method is used to select a proper small body from the database. Some principles of optimality are achieved with the optimization process. Then, the orbit of the small body is changed to guarantee that it flies toward and impacts the big threatening NEO. Kinetic impact by a spacecraft is chosen as the strategy of deflecting the small body. The efficiency of this method is compared with that of a direct kinetic impact to the big NEO by a spacecraft. Finally, a case study is performed for the deflection of the Apophis NEO, and the efficiency of the method is assessed.
Oxidative Stress: A Link between Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease
Authors: Monea Adriana , Mezei Tibor , Popsor Sorin , Monea Monica
Published: November 2014

Objective. To investigate oxidative stress (OS) and histological changes that occur in the periodontium of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus without signs of periodontal disease and to establish if oxidative stress is a possible link between diabetes mellitus and periodontal changes.Materials and Methods. Tissue samples from ten adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and eight healthy adults were harvested. The specimens were examined by microscope using standard hematoxylin-eosin stain, at various magnifications, and investigated for tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH).Results. Our results showed that periodontal tissues in patients with T2D present significant inflammation, affecting both epithelial and connective tissues. Mean MDA tissue levels were 3.578 ± 0.60 SD in diabetics versus 0.406 ± 0.27 SD in controls (P< 0.0001), while mean GSH tissue levels were 2.48 ± 1.02 SD in diabetics versus 9.7875 ± 2.42 SD in controls (P< 0.0001).Conclusion. Diabetic subjects had higher MDA levels in their periodontal tissues, suggesting an increased lipid peroxidation in T2D, and decreased GSH tissue levels, suggesting an alteration of the local antioxidant defense mechanism. These results are in concordance with the histological changes that we found in periodontal tissues of diabetic subjects, confirming the hypothesis of OS implication, as a correlation between periodontal disease incidence and T2D.
Mild Clinical Course of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection in an Elderly Japanese Patient
Authors: Ohagi Yuko , Tamura Shinobu , Nakamoto Chiaki , Nakamoto Hiromichi , Saijo Masayuki , Shimojima Masayuki , Nakano Yoshio , Fujimoto Tokuzo
Published: December 2014

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious and hemorrhagic disease recently described in China and western Japan. A 71-year-old healthy Japanese woman noticed a tick biting her after harvesting in an orchard and removed it herself. She developed diarrhea, anorexia, and chills eight days later. Because these symptoms continued, she visited a primary care physician 6 days after the onset. Laboratory data revealed thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. She was then referred to our hospital. Although not completely fulfilling the diagnostic criteria used in a retrospective study in Japan, SFTS was suspected, and we detected SFTS virus in the patient’s blood using RT-PCR. However, she recovered without intensive treatment and severe complications 13 days after the onset. In this report, we present a mild clinical course of SFTS virus infection in Japan in detail.
A Simulation Model for Machine Efficiency Improvement Using Reliability Centered Maintenance: Case Study of Semiconductor Factory
Authors: Supsomboon Srisawat , Hongthanapach Kanthapong
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to increase the quality of product by focusing on the machine efficiency improvement. The principle of the reliability centered maintenance (RCM) was applied to increase the machine reliability. The objective was to create preventive maintenance plan under reliability centered maintenance method and to reduce defects. The study target was set to reduce the Lead PPM for a test machine by simulating the proposed preventive maintenance plan. The simulation optimization approach based on evolutionary algorithms was employed for the preventive maintenance technique selection process to select the PM interval that gave the best total cost and Lead PPM values. The research methodology includes procedures such as following the priority of critical components in test machine, analyzing the damage and risk level by using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), calculating the suitable replacement period through reliability estimation, and optimizing the preventive maintenance plan. From the result of the study it is shown that the Lead PPM of test machine can be reduced. The cost of preventive maintenance, cost of good product, and cost of lost product were decreased.
Effect of Cervus and Cucumis Peptides on Osteoblast Activity and Fracture Healing in Osteoporotic Bone
Authors: Wang Ai-Yuan , Tian Yue , Yuan Mei , Zhang Li , Chen Ji-Feng , Xu Wen-Jing , Meng Hao-Ye , Yu Xiao-Ming , Wang Yao-Qin , Guo Quan-Yi , Lu Shi-Bi , Peng Jiang , Wang Yu
Published: November 2014

Osteoporosis is associated with delayed and/or reduced fracture healing. As cervus and cucumis are the traditional Chinese treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, we investigated the effect of supplementation of these peptides (CCP) on bone fracture healing in ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporotic rats in vitro and in vivo. CCP enhanced osteoblast proliferation and increased alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix mineralization, and expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and osteopontin. In vivo, female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent ovariectomy and the right femora were fractured and fixed by intramedullary nailing 3 months later. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of either CCP (1.67 mg/kg) or physiological saline every day for 30 days. Fracture healing and callus formation were evaluated by radiography, micro‐CT, biomechanical testing, and histology. At 12 weeks after fracture, calluses in CCP‐treated bones showed significantly higher torsional strength and greater stiffness than control‐treated bones. Bones in CCP‐treated rats reunified and were thoroughly remodeled, while two saline‐treated rats showed no bone union and incomplete remodeling. Taken together, these results indicate that use of CCP after fracture in osteoporotic rats accelerates mineralization and osteogenesis and improves fracture healing.
Letter and Colour Matching Tasks: Parametric Measures of Developmental Working Memory Capacity
Authors: Powell Tamara L. , Arsalidou Marie , Vogan Vanessa M. , Taylor Margot J.
Published: November 2014

We investigated the mediating role of interference in developmental assessments of working memory (WM) capacity across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. One hundred and forty-two participants completed two versions of visuospatial (colour matching task, CMT) and verbal (letter matching task, LMT) WM tasks, which systematically varied cognitive load in a high and low interference condition. Results showed similar developmental trajectories across high interference contexts (CMT- and LMT-Complex) and divergent developmental growth patterns across low interference contexts (CMT- and LMT-Simple). Performance on tasks requiring greater cognitive control was in closer agreement with developmental predictions relative to simple recall guided tasks that rely solely on the storage components of WM. These findings suggest that developmental WM capacity, as measured by the CMT and LMT paradigms, can be better quantified using high interference contexts, in both content domains, and demonstrate steady increases in WM through to mid-adolescence.
Clinical Manifestation of a Calyceal Diverticular Abscess in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Sekiguchi Masaki , Hasegawa Yuichi , Kinomoto Satoko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: November 2014

Calyceal diverticula are congenital, nonsecretory abnormalities in which the transitional cell-lined cavity communicates with the renal collecting system. Here we present the case of a calyceal diverticular abscess during pregnancy. A 40-year-old primiparous woman developed the abscess at 23 weeks of gestation, with right flank pain and a 37.8°C fever. A transabdominal ultrasound revealed a12×10 cm cystic mass in the right kidney. She was initially diagnosed with a simple renal cyst infection, and intravenous antibiotics were initiated. Percutaneous drainage was started at 26 weeks of gestation. When urine excretion from the cyst was confirmed by dye test using indigotindisulfonate sodium, the patient was diagnosed with a calyceal diverticular abscess. She gave birth to a 2,870 g healthy male at 38 weeks of gestation. Percutaneous drainage with low-dose antimicrobial therapy could thus allow for the continued pregnancy of women with a calyceal diverticular abscess until full term.
Impact of Immunochemotherapy-Related Hepatic Toxicity on the Outcome of HCV-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Abu-Taleb Fouad , Haggag Rasha , Elnaggar Yasser , Embaby Ahmed
Published: November 2014

We conducted this prospective study which included 28 de novo CD20-positive DLBCL patients to assess the clinical outcome, treatment response, and hepatic toxicity in DLBCL patients who received rituximab-CHOP as a first line treatment in relation to HCV infection status. We included 7 patients with positive HCV infection (group A) and 21 patients with negative HCV infection (group B). HCV infection was not a significant risk factor for prognosis (1-year event-free survival rates, 71.4% versus 81%, P=0.53; overall survival rates, 85.7% versus 90.5%, P=0.72, for groups A and B, resp.). CR rate was 71.4% (5/7) in group A and 76.2% (16/21) in group B (P=0.8). Of the 7 patients who were HCV positive, 2 (28.6%) had enzyme flare (grade 2), compared with 1 of the 21 (4.8%) patients who were HCV negative (P=0.15). Two (28.6%) of the 7 positive HCV infection patients had viral reactivation (≥1 log10 IU/mL increase in the viral load). No patient required discontinuation of immunochemotherapy owing to hepatotoxicity in either group. In conclusion, HCV infection might not influence the clinical course in DLBCL patients who receive rituximab-CHOP. Close monitoring of hepatic function and viral load is recommended.
Optical Mammography Using Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for Monitoring Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Schaafsma Boudewijn E. , van de Giessen Martijn , Charehbili Ayoub , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Kroep Judith R. , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P.F. , Liefers Gerrit-Jan , Chan Alan , Löwik Clemens W.G.M. , Dijkstra Jouke , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Wasser Martin N.J.M. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) has the potential to enable monitoring of tumor response during chemotherapy, particularly in the early stages of treatment. This study aims to assess feasibility of DOS for monitoring treatment response in HER2-negative breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and compare DOS with tumor response assessment by MRI.

Experimental Design: Patients received NAC in six cycles of 3 weeks. In addition to standard treatment monitoring by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), DOS scans were acquired after the first, third, and last cycle of chemotherapy. The primary goal was to assess feasibility of DOS for early assessment of tumor response. The predictive value of DOS and DCE-MRI compared with pathologic response was assessed.

Results: Of the 22 patients, 18 patients had a partial or complete tumor response at pathologic examination, whereas 4 patients were nonresponders. As early as after the first chemotherapy cycle, a significant difference between responders and nonresponders was found using DOS (HbO2 86% ± 25 vs. 136% ± 25, P = 0.023). The differences between responders and nonresponders continued during treatment (halfway treatment, HbO2 68% ± 22 vs. 110% ± 10, P = 0.010). Using DCE-MRI, a difference between responders and nonresponders was found halfway treatment (P = 0.005) using tumor volume measurement calculations.

Conclusions: DOS allows for tumor response assessment and is able to differentiate between responders and nonresponders after the first chemotherapy cycle and halfway treatment. In this study, DOS was equally effective in predicting tumor response halfway treatment compared with DCE-MRI. Therefore, DOS may be used as a novel imaging modality for (early) treatment monitoring of NAC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 577–84. ©2014 AACR.
Manipulating the Tumor Microenvironment Ex Vivo for Enhanced Expansion of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Authors: Chacon Jessica Ann , Sarnaik Amod A. , Chen Jie Qing , Creasy Caitlin , Kale Charuta , Robinson John , Weber Jeffrey , Hwu Patrick , Pilon-Thomas Shari , Radvanyi Laszlo
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Cultured tumor fragments from melanoma metastases have been used for years as a source of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for adoptive cell therapy (ACT). The expansion of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells with interleukin-2 (IL2) in these early cultures is critical in generating clinically active TIL infusion products, with a population of activated 4-1BB CD8+ T cells recently found to constitute the majority of tumor-specific T cells.

Experimental Design: We used an agonistic anti–4-1BB antibody added during the initial tumor fragment cultures to provide in situ 4-1BB costimulation.

Results: We found that addition of an agonistic anti–4-1BB antibody could activate 4-1BB signaling within early cultured tumor fragments and accelerated the rate of memory CD8+ TIL outgrowth that were highly enriched for melanoma antigen specificity. This was associated with NFκB activation and the induction of T-cell survival and memory genes, as well as enhanced IL2 responsiveness, in the CD8+ T cells in the fragments and emerging from the fragments. Early provision of 4-1BB costimulation also affected the dendritic cells (DC) by activating NFκB in DC and promoting their maturation inside the tumor fragments. Blocking HLA class I prevented the enhanced outgrowth of CD8+ T cells with anti–4-1BB, suggesting that an ongoing HLA class I–mediated antigen presentation in early tumor fragment cultures plays a role in mediating tumor-specific CD8+ TIL outgrowth.

Conclusions: Our results highlight a previously unrecognized concept in TIL ACT that the tumor microenvironment can be dynamically regulated in the initial tumor fragment cultures to regulate the types of T cells expanded and their functional characteristics. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 611–21. ©2014 AACR.
Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Endobronchial Valves in Patients with Severe Emphysema and Established Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Eberhardt Ralf , Gerovasili Vasiliki , Kontogianni Konstantina , Gompelmann Daniela , Ehlken Nicola , Herth Felix J.F. , Grünig Ekkehard , Nagel Christian
Published: December 2014

Background: One of the most common forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is that associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). So far, patients with severe emphysema and established PH have been excluded from endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) therapy due to the risk of right heart decompensation. Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ELVR using one-way endobronchial valves (EBV) in this specific group of patients. Methods: We prospectively included 6 patients with COPD, severe heterogeneous emphysema, and established PH who underwent right heart catheterization and clinical assessments before and 90 days after ELVR with unilateral EBV placement. Results: This study was not powered to measure any statistical differences in endpoints. Ninety days after ELVR, the symptoms, lung function, and hemodynamics improved in 5 out of 6 patients (1 patient normalized and 1 slightly worsened). The mean hemodynamics improved from baseline to 90 days after ELVR as follows: mean pulmonary artery pressure, -2.5 ± 3.5 mm Hg; pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, -4.3 ± 8.3 mm Hg; cardiac index, +0.3 ± 0.6 l/min/m2, and 6-min walk distance, +59 ± 99 m. ELVR was performed without PH-related complications in all patients. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective, single-center pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ELVR in patients with established PH. ELVR was feasible and resulted in an improvement of clinical and hemodynamic parameters in 5 out of 6 patients. These results have to be further confirmed in larger-scale controlled studies.
Hyperreactivity of Junctional Adhesion Molecule A-Deficient Platelets Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Karshovska Ela , Zhao Zhen , Blanchet Xavier , Schmitt Martin M.N. , Bidzhekov Kiril , Soehnlein Oliver , von Hundelshausen Philipp , Mattheij Nadine J. , Cosemans Judith M.E.M. , Megens Remco T.A. , Koeppel Thomas A. , Schober Andreas , Hackeng Tilman M. , Weber Christian , Koenen Rory R.
Published: December 2014

Rationale:

Besides their essential role in hemostasis, platelets also have functions in inflammation. In platelets, junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A was previously identified as an inhibitor of integrin α
IIb
β
3
-mediated outside-in signaling and its genetic knockdown resulted in hyperreactivity.

Objective:

This gain-of-function was specifically exploited to investigate the role of platelet hyperreactivity in plaque development.

Methods and Results:

JAM-A–deficient platelets showed increased aggregation and cellular and sarcoma tyrosine-protein kinase activation. On α
IIb
β
3
ligation, JAM-A was shown to be dephosphorylated, which could be prevented by protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 1 inhibition. Mice with or without platelet-specific (tr)JAM-A-deficiency in an apolipoprotein e (

apoe
–/–

) background were fed a high-fat diet. After ≤12 weeks of diet,

trJAM-A
–/–
apoe–/–

mice showed increased aortic plaque formation when compared with trJAM-A
+/+
apoe
–/–
controls, and these differences were most evident at early time points. At 2 weeks, the plaques of the

trJAM-A
–/–

apoe
–/–
animals revealed increased macrophage, T cell, and smooth muscle cell content. Interestingly, plasma levels of chemokines CC chemokine ligand 5 and CXC-chemokine ligand 4 were increased in the

trJAM-A
–/–
apoe
–/–

mice, and JAM-A–deficient platelets showed increased binding to monocytes and neutrophils. Whole-blood perfusion experiments and intravital microscopy revealed increased recruitment of platelets and monocytes to the inflamed endothelium in blood of

trJAM-A
–/–
apoe
–/–

mice. Notably, these proinflammatory effects of JAM-A–deficient platelets could be abolished by the inhibition of α
IIb
β
3
signaling in vitro.

Conclusions:

Deletion of
JAM-A
causes a gain-of-function in platelets, with lower activation thresholds and increased inflammatory activities. This leads to an increase of plaque formation, particularly in early stages of the disease.