bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Vascular Function Is Associated with Muscular Power in Older Adults
Authors: Heffernan Kevin S. , Chalé Angela , Hau Cynthia , Cloutier Gregory J. , Phillips Edward M. , Warner Patrick , Nickerson Heather , Reid Kieran F. , Kuvin Jeffrey T. , Fielding Roger A.
Published: August 2012

Age-associated loss of muscular strength and muscular power is a critical determinant of loss of physical function and progression to disability in older adults. In this study, we examined the association of systemic vascular function and measures of muscle strength and power in older adults. Measures of vascular endothelial function included brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the pulse wave amplitude reactive hyperemia index (PWA-RHI). Augmentation index (AIx) was taken as a measure of systemic vascular function related to arterial stiffness and wave reflection. Measures of muscular strength included one repetition maximum (1RM) for a bilateral leg press. Peak muscular power was measured during 5 repetitions performed as fast as possible for bilateral leg press at 40% 1RM. Muscular power was associated with brachial FMD (r=0.43,P<0.05), PWA-RHI (r=0.42,P<0.05), and AIx (r=−0.54,P<0.05). Muscular strength was not associated with any measure of vascular function. In conclusion, systemic vascular function is associated with lower-limb muscular power but not muscular strength in older adults. Whether loss of muscular power with aging contributes to systemic vascular deconditioning or vascular dysfunction contributes to decrements in muscular power remains to be determined.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Indoor Air Pollutants by Pt‐TiO2
Authors: Hong Gui Bing , Ma Chih Ming
Published: August 2012

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively studied with regard to its application as the physical sunblock in sunscreen or other cosmetic products, as well as in environmental remediation processes. In this study, the Taguchi method was applied to determine the optimum gaseous DCM (dichloromethane) by Pt‐TiO2 with different Pt contents. An orthogonal array (L32) experimental design that allows for the simultaneous investigation of the variations of six parameters (light source, catalyst type, initial concentration, retention time, photointensity, and relative humidity) was employed to determine the optimum levels. The value of photointensity was not at a confidence interval. According to the response values and an analysis of variance (ANOVA), an experimental result of 34.7 as the optimum condition is forecast. Although the predetermination of 34.7 is not equal to the experimental value, it is contained within the 90% confidence interval (25.8, 43.6).
Existence of Periodic Solutions to Nonlinear Differential Equations of Third Order with Multiple Deviating Arguments
Authors: Tunç Cemil
Published: August 2012

We establish certain new sufficient conditions which guarantee the existence of periodic solutions for a nonlinear differential equation of the third order with multiple deviating arguments. Using the Lyapunov functional approach, we prove a specific theorem and provide an example to illustrate the theoretical analysis in this work and the effectiveness of the method utilized here.
Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy Responsive to Sympathetic Nerve Blockade and Oral Clonidine
Authors: Walters Jenna L. , Lonergan Daniel F. , Todd Robert D. , Jackson Tracy P.
Published: August 2012

A 52-year-old female presented with idiopathic stocking-glove neuropathy. She underwent a series of right and left stellate ganglion blocks with ropivacaine and clonidine, followed by lumbar sympathetic blocks. This resulted in complete symptom relief for two weeks. These procedures were repeated after a two-month interval; at that time she was still experiencing partial relief from the first series. She again remained completely pain free for several weeks following the injections. As the pain partially returned, daily oral clonidine was initiated and resulted in almost complete cessation of her symptoms, which persisted at a three-month follow-up examination.
Neighborhood Influences on Late Life Cognition in the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Sisco Shannon M. , Marsiske Michael
Published: August 2012

Low neighborhood-level socioeconomic status has been associated with poorer health, reduced physical activity, increased psychological stress, and less neighborhood-based social support. These outcomes are correlates of late life cognition, but few studies have specifically investigated the neighborhood as a unique source of explanatory variance in cognitive aging. This study supplemented baseline cognitive data from the ACTIVE (Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) study with neighborhood-level data to investigate (1) whether neighborhood socioeconomic position (SEP) predicts cognitive level, and if so, whether it differentially predicts performance in general and specific domains of cognition and (2) whether neighborhood SEP predicts differences in response to short-term cognitive intervention for memory, reasoning, or processing speed. Neighborhood SEP positively predicted vocabulary, but did not predict other general or specific measures of cognitive level, and did not predict individual differences in response to cognitive intervention.
Rheumatoid Factor, Complement, and Mixed Cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Gorevic Peter D.
Published: August 2012

Low serum level of complement component 4 (C4) that occurs in mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) may be due to in vivo or ex vivo activation of complement by the classical pathway. Potential activators include monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), IgG antibodies, and the complexing of the two in the cold, perhaps modulated by the rheology and stoichiometry of cryocomplexes in specific microcirculations. There is also the potential for activation of complement by the alternative and lectin pathways, particularly in the setting of chronic infection and immune stimulation caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Engagement of C1q and interaction with specific cell surface receptors serve to localize immune complexes (ICs) to the sites of pathology, notably the cutaneous and glomerular microcirculations. Defective or saturated clearance of ICs by CR1and/or Fc receptors may explain persistence in the circulation. The phlogistic potential of cryoprecipitable ICs depends upon the cleavage of complement components to generate fragments with anaphylatoxin or leukocyte mobilizing activity, and the assembly of the membrane attack complex (C5b-9) on cell surfaces. A research agenda would include further characterization of the effector arm of complement activation in MC, and elucidation of activation mechanisms due to virus and viral antigens in HCV infection.
Inferior Lateral Genicular Artery Injury during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa J. M. , Llombart Blanco R. , Valentí J. R.
Published: August 2012

We report a case of inferior lateral genicular artery (ILG) injury during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with lateral partial meniscectomy. This is a rare arthroscopy complication. A review of the literature has been made with the aim to define the anatomy of ILG across the lateral articular line and the risk of lesion during knee arthroscopy. We propose embolization as a good treatment option for this type of injuries.
Association between Serum Neopterin and Inflammatory Activation in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yadav Ashok Kumar , Sharma Vinod , Jha Vivekanand
Published: August 2012

Background.The serum levels of neopterin, a marker associated with cell-mediated immunity are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated serum neopterin levels and investigated its association with markers of inflammation in a cross-section of CKD subjects without known cardiovascular disease.Methods.Serum neopterin levels were measured in 118 patients with stage 3–5 CKD and 41 healthy subjects with normal kidney function (HC). Patients with known cardiovascular disease were excluded. We also estimated highly sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and interluekin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in the CKD subjects. All assays were done using commercially available ELISA kits. The correlation between neopterin and markers of inflammation were investigated.Results.Of the CKD population, 82 were in stage 5 (60 stage 5 D), 24 in stage 4, and 12 in stage 3. The mean age was51.04±1.3years and 66% were males. The commonest cause of CKD was diabetes (36%). Serum neopterin levels were 5-fold higher in CKD patients as compared to HC (74.8±3.6versus15.0±2.8 nmol/L,P<0.0001). There was a graded increase of serum neopterin from stages 3 to 4 and 5. CKD 5 D patients exhibited significantly higher levels compared to nondialysis stage 5 patients (P<0.0001). An inverse correlation was noted between serum neopterin and eGFR (r=−0.359,P<0.0001). Serum neopterin correlated with hsCRP (r=0.285,P=0.002), IL-6 (r=0.212,P=0.034), and IFN-γ(r=0.32,P=0.001) but not with TNF-α.Conclusion.Serum neopterin level is elevated and correlates with the severity of CKD. The elevation correlates with elevation of most, but not all, inflammatory markers. Its role in future development of cardiovascular disease and modulation with anti-inflammatory therapies needs further studies.
A Comparative Evaluation for Biologic Width following Surgical Crown Lengthening Using Gingivectomy and Ostectomy Procedure
Authors: Ganji Kiran Kumar , Patil Veena Ashok , John Jiji
Published: August 2012

Surgical crown lengthening has been proposed as a means of facilitating restorative procedures and preventing injuries in teeth with structurally inadequate clinical crown or exposing tooth structure in the presence of deep, subgingival pathologies which may hamper the access for proper restorative measures. Histological studies utilizing animal models have shown that postoperative crestal resorption allowed reestablishment of the biologic width. However, very little has been done in humans.Aims. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential changes in the periodontal tissues, particularly the biologic width, following surgical crown lengthening by two surgical procedures before and after crown placement.Methods and Material. Twenty (20) patients who needed surgical crown lengthening to gain retention necessary for prosthetic treatment and/or to access caries, tooth fracture, or previous prosthetic margins entered the study. The following parameters were obtained from line angles of treated teeth (teeth requiring surgical crown lengthening) and adjacent sites: Plaque and Gingival Indices (PI) & (GI), Position of Gingival Margin from reference Stent (PGMRS), Probing depth (PD), and Biologic Width (BW).Statistical Analysis Used. Student “t” Test.Results. Initial baseline values of biologic width were 2.55 mm (Gingivectomy procedure B1 Group) and 1.95 mm (Ostectomy procedure B2 Group) and after surgical procedure the values were 1.15 mm and 1.25 mm.Conclusions. Within the limitations of the study the biologic width, at treated sites, was re-established to its original vertical dimension by 3 months. Ostectomy with apically positioned flap can be considered as a more effective procedure than Gingivectomy for Surgical Crown Lengthening.
Distributed Collaborative Camera Actuation Scheme Based on Sensing-Region Management for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Luo Wusheng , Lu Qin , Xiao Jingjing
Published: August 2012

Considering the high energy consumption of image acquisition, computation, and transmission in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), two-tier network structure is usually used to lighten the energy consumption burden on camera sensors. Thus, a camera sensor can only be actuated when an event is detected by scalar sensors within its field of view (FoV). In this paper, we study the event-driven camera actuation problem and propose a distributed collaborative camera actuation scheme based on sensing-region management (DCCA-SM). The basic idea of this scheme is to divide the whole sensing field into many sensing regions which are covered by different sets of camera sensors. During the running of the network, by forming a cluster of the scalar sensors in each sensing region, the events occurring in each sensing region can be managed by the scalar cluster head. Therefore, by hearing from the scalar cluster heads, each camera sensor can know the exact coverage overlaps without changing information with the neighboring camera sensors. Meanwhile, sensing-region management avoids repeatedly event reporting from scalar sensors. In order to show the performance of the DCCA-SM, a simulation has been conducted. The comparative performance evaluations demonstrate effectiveness and energy efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Gallic Acid Enriched Fraction ofPhyllanthus emblicaPotentiates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer Healing via e-NOS-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Chatterjee Ananya , Chatterjee Sirshendu , Biswas Angshuman , Bhattacharya Sayanti , Chattopadhyay Subrata , Bandyopadhyay Sandip K.
Published: August 2012

The healing activity of gallic acid enriched ethanolic extract (GAE) ofPhyllanthus emblicafruits (amla) against the indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in mice was investigated. The activity was correlated with the ability of GAE to alter the cyclooxygenase- (COX-) dependent healing pathways. Histology of the stomach tissues revealed maximum ulceration on the 3rd day after indomethacin (18 mg/kg, single dose) administration that was associated with significant increase in inflammatory factors, namely, mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) expression. Proangiogenic parameters such as the levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), von Willebrand Factor VIII, and endothelial NOS (e-NOS) were downregulated by indomethacin. Treatment with GAE (5 mg/kg/day) and omeprazole (3 mg/kg/day) for 3 days led to effective healing of the acute ulceration, while GAE could reverse the indomethacin-induced proinflammatory changes of the designated biochemical parameters. The ulcer healing activity of GAE was, however, compromised by coadministration of the nonspecific NOS inhibitor,N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but not the i-NOS-specific inhibitor, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine hydrochloride (L-NIL). Taken together, these results suggested that the GAE treatment accelerates ulcer healing by inducing PGE2synthesis and augmenting e-NOS/i-NOS ratio.
Anatomy of Biometric Passports
Authors: Malčík Dominik , Drahanský Martin
Published: August 2012

Travelling is becoming available for more and more people. Millions of people are on a way every day. That is why a better control over global human transfer and a more reliable identity check is desired. A recent trend in a field of personal identification documents is to use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and biometrics, especially (but not only) in passports. This paper provides an insight into the electronic passports (also called e-passport or ePassport) implementation chosen in the Czech Republic. Such a summary is needed for further studies of biometric passports implementation security and biometric passports analysis. A separate description of the Czech solution is a prerequisite for a planned analysis, because of the uniqueness of each implementation. (Each country can choose the implementation details within a range specified by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation); moreover, specific security mechanisms are optional and can be omitted).
Enhancing Existing Communication Services with Context Awareness
Authors: Chihani Bachir , Bertin Emmanuel , Suprapto Irsalina Salsabila , Zimmermann Julien , Crespi Noël
Published: August 2012

Context aware communication services rely on information sources and sensors, to derive users’ current situation and potential needs, and to adapt their communication services accordingly. If extensive studies have been driven on context awareness by industrials and researchers from academia, the design of such systems without modifying uses and manners of underlying communication services—while keeping them simple, intuitive, and reactive—remains a challenge. In this work, we introduce a context aware communication system that takes into account user’s preferences, workload, and situation to customize telephony services. In this implementation, we use IMS for communication management. The benefits of this implementation are the enhancement of IMS with context awareness features, and the coupling of user preferences with contextual information to provide improved service customization, without modifying the user experience.
Microbiological and Pharmacological Evaluation of the MicropropagatedRubus liebmanniiMedicinal Plant
Authors: Jiménez-Arellanes Adelina , Cornejo-Garrido Jorge , Rojas-Bribiesca Gabriela , Nicasio-Torres María del Pilar , Said-Fernández Salvador , Mata-Cárdenas Benito David , Molina-Salinas Gloria María , Tortoriello Jaime , Meckes-Fischer Mariana
Published: August 2012

Rubus liebmanniiis an endemic species from Mexico used in traditional medicine primarily to treat dysentery and cough. Thein vitroactivity againstGiardia lambliaandEntamoeba histolyticathat produces the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant led us to expand the pharmacological and phytochemical research of this species. Gastrointestinal disorders including amebiasis remain one of the health problems that need to be addressed and it is of interest to find alternatives that improve their treatment. Also, it is important to emphasize thatR. liebmanniigrows wild in the country and is not found in abundance; therefore, alternatives that avoid overexploitation of the natural resource are mandatory. Ongoing with the evaluation of the potentialities thatR. liebmanniipossesses for treating infectious gastrointestinal diseases, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the biological effects and the chemical composition of the micropropagated plant.
Management Options and Factors Affecting Control of a Common Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) Biotype Resistant to Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase-Inhibiting Herbicides
Authors: Harder Dana B. , Nelson Kelly A. , Smeda Reid J.
Published: August 2012

Repeated use of protox-inhibiting herbicides has resulted in a common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudisSauer) biotype that survived lactofen applied up to 10 times the labeled rate. Field and greenhouse research evaluated control options for this biotype of common waterhemp. In the field, PRE applications of flumioxazin at 72 g ai ha−1, sulfentrazone at 240 g ai ha−1, and isoxaflutole at 70 g ai ha−1controlled common waterhemp >90% up to 6 weeks after treatment. POST applications of fomesafen at 330 g ai ha−1, lactofen at 220 g ai ha−1, and acifluorfen at 420 g ai ha−1resulted in <60% visual control of common waterhemp, but differences were detected among herbicides. In the greenhouse, glyphosate was the only herbicide that controlled protox resistant waterhemp. The majority of herbicide activity from POST flumioxazin, fomesafen, acifluorfen, and lactofen was from foliar placement, but control was less than 40% regardless of placement. Control of common waterhemp seeded at weekly intervals after herbicide treatment with flumioxazin, fomesafen, sulfentrazone, atrazine, and isoxaflutole exceeded 85% at 0 weeks after herbicide application (WAHA), while control with isoxaflutole was greater than 60% 6 WAHA. PRE and POST options for protox-resistant common waterhemp are available to manage herbicide resistance.
A Novel Approach to Improve the Performance of Evolutionary Methods for Nonlinear Constrained Optimization
Authors: Rowhanimanesh Alireza , Efati Sohrab
Published: August 2012

Evolutionary methods are well-known techniques for solving nonlinear constrained optimization problems. Due to the exploration power of evolution-based optimizers, population usually converges to a region around global optimum after several generations. Although this convergence can be efficiently used to reduce search space, in most of the existing optimization methods, search is still continued over original space and considerable time is wasted for searching ineffective regions. This paper proposes a simple and general approach based on search space reduction to improve the exploitation power of the existing evolutionary methods without adding any significant computational complexity. After a number of generations when enough exploration is performed, search space is reduced to a small subspace around the best individual, and then search is continued over this reduced space. If the space reduction parameters (red_gen and red_factor) are adjusted properly, reduced space will include global optimum. The proposed scheme can help the existing evolutionary methods to find better near-optimal solutions in a shorter time. To demonstrate the power of the new approach, it is applied to a set of benchmark constrained optimization problems and the results are compared with a previous work in the literature.
DynaView: General Dynamic Visualization Model for SHM
Authors: Sun Peng , Wu Ziyan , Hua Qingyi , Li Zhanhuai , Kang Muning
Published: August 2012

We present a general dynamic visualization model named DynaView to construct virtual scenes of structural health monitoring (SHM) process. This model consists of static, dynamic, and interaction submodels. It makes the visualization process dynamic and interactive. By taking an example of a simplified reinforced concrete beam structure model, we obtain raw data through the examination. We conduct the effective general and practicable assessment of structural damage conditions based on fuzzy pattern recognition to compute the assessment results. We construct the DynaView model of the sample structure and visualize it. The instance indicates that DynaView model is efficient and practically applicable.
Epigenetic Regulation of B Lymphocyte Differentiation, Transdifferentiation, and Reprogramming
Authors: Barneda-Zahonero Bruna , Roman-Gonzalez Lidia , Collazo Olga , Mahmoudi Tokameh , Parra Maribel
Published: August 2012

B cell development is a multistep process that is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. In recent years, investigators have shed light on the transcription factor networks involved in all the differentiation steps comprising B lymphopoiesis. The interplay between transcription factors and the epigenetic machinery involved in establishing the correct genomic landscape characteristic of each cellular state is beginning to be dissected. The participation of “epigenetic regulator-transcription factor” complexes is also crucial for directing cells during reprogramming into pluripotency or lineage conversion. In this context, greater knowledge of epigenetic regulation during B cell development, transdifferentiation, and reprogramming will enable us to understand better how epigenetics can control cell lineage commitment and identity. Herein, we review the current knowledge about the epigenetic events that contribute to B cell development and reprogramming.
Synthesis Characterization and DNA Interaction Studies of a New Zn(II) Complex Containing Different Dinitrogen Aromatic Ligands
Authors: Shahabadi Nahid , Mohammadi Somaye
Published: August 2012

A mononuclear complex of Zn(II), [Zn(DIP)2(DMP)] (NO3)2·2H2O in which DIP is 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and DMP is 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine has been prepared and characterized by1HNMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, UV-Vis and elemental analysis techniques. DNA-binding properties of the complex were studied using UV-vis spectra, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that this zinc(II) complex can intercalate into the stacked base pairs of DNA and compete with the strong intercalator ethidium bromide for the intercalative binding sites.
Current Status of Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spiliopoulos Kyriakos , Giamouzis Gregory , Karayannis George , Karangelis Dimos , Koutsias Stelios , Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki , Skoularigis John , Butler Javed , Triposkiadis Filippos
Published: August 2012

Heart failure is a major public health problem and its management requires a significant amount of health care resources. Even with administration of the best available medical treatment, the mortality associated with the disease remains high. As therapeutical strategies for heart failure have been refined, the number of patients suffering from the disease has expanded dramatically. Although heart transplantation still represents the gold standard therapeutical approach, the implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) evolved to a well-established management for this disease. The limited applicability of heart transplantation caused by a shortage of donor organs and the concurrent expand of the patient population with end-stage heart failure led to a considerable utilization of MCSDs. This paper outlines the current status of mechanical circulatory support.
Duality for Multitime Multiobjective Ratio Variational Problems on First Order Jet Bundle
Authors: Postolache Mihai
Published: August 2012

We consider a new class of multitime multiobjective variational problems of minimizing a vector of quotients of functionals of curvilinear integral type. Based on the efficiency conditions for multitime multiobjective ratio variational problems, we introduce a ratio dual of generalized Mond‐Weir‐Zalmai type, and under some assumptions of generalized convexity, duality theorems are stated. We prove our weak duality theorem for efficient solutions, showing that the value of the objective function of the primal cannot exceed the value of the dual. Direct and converse duality theorems are stated, underlying the connections between the values of the objective functions of the primal and dual programs. As special cases, duality results of Mond‐Weir‐Zalmai type for a multitime multiobjective variational problem are obtained. This work further develops our studies in (Pitea and Postolache (2011)).
Optical Manipulation with Plasmonic Beam Shaping Antenna Structures
Authors: Jun Young Chul , Brener Igal
Published: August 2012

Near-field optical trapping of objects using plasmonic antenna structures has recently attracted great attention. However, metal nanostructures also provide a compact platform for general wavefront engineering of intermediate and far-field beams. Here, we analyze optical forces generated by plasmonic beam shaping antenna structures and show that they can be used for general optical manipulation such as guiding of a dielectric particle along a linear or curved trajectory. This removes the need for bulky diffractive optical components and facilitates the integration of optical force manipulation into a highly functional, compact system.
Rough Fuzzy Hyperideals in Ternary Semihypergroups
Authors: Yaqoob Naveed , Aslam Muhammad , Hila Kostaq
Published: August 2012

The relations between rough sets and algebraic systems have been already considered by many mathematicians, and rough sets have been studied in various kinds of algebraic systems. This paper concerns a relationship between rough sets and ternary semihypergroups. We introduce the notion of rough hyperideals and rough bi-hyperideals in ternary semihypergroups. We also study fuzzy, rough, and rough fuzzy ternary subsemihypergroups (left hyperideals, right hyperideals, lateral hyperideals, hyperideals, and bi-hyperideals) of ternary semihypergroups.
Pathologies Associated with Serum IgG4 Elevation
Authors: Ebbo Mikael , Grados Aurélie , Bernit Emmanuelle , Vély Frederic , Boucraut José , Harlé Jean-Robert , Daniel Laurent , Schleinitz Nicolas
Published: August 2012

Statement of Purpose. IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is usually associated to an increase of serum IgG4 levels. However other conditions have also been associated to high serum IgG4 levels.Methods. All IgG subclasses analyses performed in our hospital over a one-year period were analyzed. When IgG4 level were over 1.35 g/L, the patient’s clinical observation was analyzed and both final diagnosis and reason leading to IgG subclasses analysis were recorded. Only polyclonal increases of IgG4 were considered.Summary of the Results. On 646 IgG subclass analysis performed, 59 patients had serum IgG4 over 1.35 g/L. The final diagnosis associated to serum IgG4 increase was very variable. Most patients (25%) presented with repeated infections, 13.5% with autoimmune diseases, and 10% with IgG4-RD. Other patients presented with cancer, primary immune deficiencies, idiopathic interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, histiocytosis, or systemic vasculitis and 13.5% presented with various pathologies or no diagnosis. Mean IgG4 levels and IgG4/IgG ratio were higher in IgG4-RD than in other pathologies associated to elevated IgG4 levels.Conclusions. Our study confirms that elevation of serum IgG4 is not specific to IgG4-RD. Before retaining IgG4-RD diagnosis in cases of serum IgG4 above 1.35 g/L, several other pathological conditions should be excluded.
Methodology Developments in Sensor Placement for Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructures
Authors: Yi Ting-Hua , Li Hong-Nan
Published: August 2012

Optimal sensor placement (OSP) technique plays a key role in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of large-scale civil infrastructures. This paper outlines an overview of current research and development in the field of OSP problems in a perspective of both researchers and engineers. The paper begins with a definition of the model of sensor placement and provides the basic issues covering relevant methodologies. The primary evaluation criteria and main sensor placement methods are then discussed in details. Following that, the linkage between several influential sensor placement methods is described. Finally, existing problems and promising research efforts in the OSP problem of civil SHM are discussed.
Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Markides H. , Rotherham M. , El Haj A. J.
Published: August 2012

Regenerative medicine is a pioneering field aimed at restoring and regenerating the function of damaged cells, organs and tissues in order to establish normal function. It demands the cross communication of disciplines to develop effective therapeutic stem cell based therapies. Nanotechnology has been instrumental in the development and translation of basic research to the clinically relevant therapies. In particular, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been applied to tag, track and activate stem cells offering an effective means of monitoring in vitro and in vivo behaviour. MNPs are comprised of an iron oxide core with a biocompatible biological polymer. Safety is an issue of constant concern and emphasises on the importance of investigating the issue of toxicity. Any indication of toxicity can ultimately limit the therapeutic efficiency of the therapy. Toxicity is highly dependent on the physical, chemical and structural properties of the MNP itself as well as dose and intended use. Few in vitro studies have reported adverse effects of MNP on cells at in vitro in therapeutic doses. However, long term in vivo studies have not been studied as extensively. This review aims to summarise current research in this topic highlighting commonly used toxicity assays to investigate this.
Differential Control of Growth, Apoptotic Activity, and Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells by Extracts Derived from Medicinal HerbsZingiber officinale
Authors: Elkady Ayman I. , Abuzinadah Osama A. , Baeshen Nabih A. , Rahmy Tarek R.
Published: August 2012

The present study aimed to examine the antiproliferative potentiality of an extract derived from the medicinal plant ginger (Zingiber officinale) on growth of breast cancer cells. Ginger treatment suppressed the proliferation and colony formation in breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Meanwhile, it did not significantly affect viability of nontumorigenic normal mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). Treatment of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with ginger resulted in sequences of events marked by apoptosis, accompanied by loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase 3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. At the molecular level, the apoptotic cell death mediated by ginger could be attributed in part to upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 proteins. Ginger treatment downregulated expression of prosurvival genes, such as NF-κB, Bcl-X, Mcl-1, and Survivin, and cell cycle-regulating proteins, including cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK-4). On the other hand, it increased expression of CDK inhibitor, p21. It also inhibited the expression of the two prominent molecular targets of cancer, c-Myc and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). These findings suggested that the ginger may be a promising candidate for the treatment of breast carcinomas.
Perturbation Bound of the Group Inverse and the Generalized Schur Complement in Banach Algebra
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Qin Yonghui , Wei Hui
Published: August 2012

We investigate the relative perturbation bound of the group inverse and also consider the perturbation bound of the generalized Schur complement in a Banach algebra.
Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas Associated with HCV Infection: Clinical and Virological Features and Role of Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Arcaini Luca , Merli Michele , Volpetti Stefano , Rattotti Sara , Gotti Manuel , Zaja Francesco
Published: August 2012

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) has been demonstrated by epidemiological studies, in particular in highly endemic geographical areas such as Italy, Japan, and southern parts of United States. In these countries, together with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, marginal zone lymphomas are the histotypes most frequently associated with HCV infection; in Italy around 20–30% cases of marginal zone lymphomas are HCV positive. Recently, antiviral treatment with interferon with or without ribavirin has been proved to be effective in the treatment of HCV-positive patients affected by indolent lymphoma, prevalently of marginal zone origin. An increasing number of experiences confirmed the validity of this approach in marginal zone lymphomas and in other indolent NHL subtypes like lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Across different studies, overall response rate was approximately 75%. Hematological responses resulted significantly associated with the eradication of the virus. This is the strongest evidence of a causative link between HCV and lymphomas. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the relationship between HCV infection and different subtypes of indolent B-cell lymphomas and to systematically summarize the data from the therapeutic studies that reported the use of antiviral treatment as hematological therapy in patients with HCV-associated indolent lymphomas.
Respiratory Impairment after Early Red Cell Transfusion in Pediatric Patients with ALI/ARDS
Authors: Rajasekaran Surender , Sanfilippo Dominic , Shoemaker Allen , Curtis Scott , Zuiderveen Sandra , Ndika Akunne , Stoiko Michael , Hassan Nabil
Published: August 2012

Introduction. In the first 48 hours of ventilating patients with acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a multipronged approach including packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion is undertaken to maintain oxygen delivery.Hypothesis. We hypothesized children with ALI/ARDS transfused within 48 hours of initiating mechanical ventilation would have worse outcome. The course of 34 transfused patients was retrospectively compared to 45 nontransfused control patients admitted to the PICU at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2009.Results. Mean hemoglobin (Hb) prior to transfusion was 8.2 g/dl compared to 10.1 g/dl in control. P/F ratio decreased from135.4±7.5to116.5±8.8in transfused but increased from148.0±8.0to190.4±17.8(P<0.001) in control. OI increased in the transfused from11.7±0.9to18.7±1.6but not in control. Ventilator days in the transfused were15.6±1.7versus9.5±0.6days in control (P<0.001). There was a trend towards higher rates of MODS in transfused patients; 29.4% versus 17.7%, odds ratio 1.92, 95% CI; 0.6–5.6 Fisher exactP<0.282.Conclusion. This study suggests that early transfusions of patients with ALI/ARDS were associated with increased ventilatory needs.
Support for a Long Lifetime and Short End-to-End Delays with TDMA Protocols in Sensor Networks
Authors: Brzozowski Marcin , Salomon Hendrik , Langendoerfer Peter
Published: August 2012

This work addresses a tough challenge of achieving two opposing goals: ensuring long lifetimes and supporting short end-to-end delays in sensor networks. Obviously, sensor nodes must wake up often to support short delays in multi-hop networks. As event occurs seldom in common applications, most wake-up are useless: nodes waste energy due to idle listening.

We introduce a set of solutions, referred to as LETED (limiting end-to-end delays), which shorten the wake-up periods, reduce idle listening, and save energy. We exploit hardware features of available transceivers that allow early detection of idle wake-up periods. This feature is introduced on top of our approach to reduce idle listening stemming from clock drift owing to the estimation of run-time drift. To evaluate LETED and other MAC protocols that support short end-to-end delays we present an analytical model, which considers almost 30 hardware and software parameters. Our evaluation revealed that LETED reduces idle listening by 15x and more against similar solutions. Also, LETED outperforms other protocols and provides significant longer lifetimes. For example, nodes with LETED work 8x longer than those with a common TDMA and 2x-3x longer than with protocols based on preamble sampling, like B-MAC.
On T‐Stability of the Picard Iteration for Generalized φ‐Contraction Mappings
Authors: Haghi R. H. , Postolache M. , Rezapour Sh.
Published: August 2012

We introduce some results on T‐stability of the Picard iteration for φ‐contraction and generalized φ‐contraction mappings on metric spaces.
Testing and Modeling Fuel Regression Rate in a Miniature Hybrid Burner
Authors: Fanton Luciano , Paravan Christian , De Luca Luigi T.
Published: August 2012

Ballistic characterization of an extended group of innovative HTPB-based solid fuel formulations for hybrid rocket propulsion was performed in a lab-scale burner. An optical time-resolved technique was used to assess the quasisteady regression history of single perforation, cylindrical samples. The effects of metalized additives and radiant heat transfer on the regression rate of such formulations were assessed. Under the investigated operating conditions and based on phenomenological models from the literature, analyses of the collected experimental data show an appreciable influence of the radiant heat flux from burnt gases and soot for both unloaded and loaded fuel formulations. Pure HTPB regression rate data are satisfactorily reproduced, while the impressive initial regression rates of metalized formulations require further assessment.
Electrochromic Devices Based on Porous Tungsten Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Djaoued Y. , Balaji S. , Brüning R.
Published: August 2012

Recent developments in the synthesis of transition metal oxides in the form of porous thin films have opened up opportunities in the construction of electrochromic devices with enhanced properties. In this paper, synthesis, characterization and electrochromic applications of porous WO3 thin films with different nanocrystalline phases, such as hexagonal, monoclinic, and orthorhombic, are presented. Asymmetric electrochromic devices have been constructed based on these porous WO3 thin films. XRD measurements of the intercalation/deintercalation of Li+ into/from the WO3 layer of the device as a function of applied coloration/bleaching voltages show systematic changes in the lattice parameters associated with structural phase transitions in LixWO3. Micro‐Raman studies show systematic crystalline phase changes in the spectra of WO3 layers during Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation, which agree with the XRD data. These devices exhibit interesting optical modulation (up to ~70%) due to intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions into/from the WO3 layer of the devices as a function of applied coloration/bleaching voltages. The obtained optical modulation of the electrochromic devices indicates that, they are suitable for applications in electrochromic smart windows.
A New Approach for Solving Dual Fuzzy Nonlinear Equations Using Broyden's and Newton's Methods
Authors: Waziri M. Y. , Majid Z. A.
Published: August 2012

We present a new approach for solving dual fuzzy nonlinear equations. In this approach, we use Newton's method for initial iteration and Broyden's method for the rest of the iterations. The fuzzy coefficients are presented in parametric form. Numerical results on well-known benchmark fuzzy nonlinear equations are reported to authenticate the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach.
Plasticity of the Dorsal “Spatial” Stream in Visually Deprived Individuals
Authors: Dormal Giulia , Lepore Franco , Collignon Olivier
Published: August 2012

Studies on visually deprived individuals provide one of the most striking demonstrations that the brain is highly plastic and is able to rewire as a function of the sensory input it receives from the environment. In the current paper, we focus on spatial abilities that are typically related to the dorsal visual pathway (i.e., spatial/motion processing). Bringing together evidence from cataract-reversal individuals, early- and late-blind individuals and sight-recovery cases of long-standing blindness, we suggest that the dorsal “spatial” pathway is mostly plastic early in life and is then more resistant to subsequent experience once it is set, highlighting some limits of neuroplasticity.
Virological Response in Cerebrospinal Fluid to Antiretroviral Therapy in a Large Italian Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients with Neurological Disorders
Authors: Giancola Maria Letizia , Lorenzini Patrizia , Cingolani Antonella , Baldini Francesco , Bossolasco Simona , Bini Teresa , Monno Laura , Picchi Giovanna , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Cinque Paola , Tozzi Valerio , Antinori Andrea
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and single antiretroviral drugs on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV-RNA burden in HIV-infected patients affected by neurological disorders enrolled in a multicentric Italian cohort. ARVs were considered “neuroactive” from literature reports. Three hundred sixty-three HIV-positive patients with available data from paired plasma and CSF samples, were selected. One hundred twenty patients (33.1%) were taking ARVs at diagnosis of neurological disorder. Mean CSF HIV-RNA was significantly higher in naïve than in experienced patients, and in patients not taking ARV than in those on ARV. A linear correlation between CSF HIV-RNA levels and number of neuroactive drugs included in the regimen was also found (r=−0.44,P<0.001). Low -plasma HIV-RNA and the lack of neurocognitive impairment resulted in independently associated to undetectable HIV-RNA. Taking nevirapine or efavirenz, or regimen including NNRTI, NNRTI plus PI or boosted PI, was independently associated to an increased probability to have undetectable HIV-RNA in CSF. The inclusion of two or three neuroactive drugs in the ARV regimen was independently associated to undetectable viral load in CSF. Our data could be helpful in identifying ARV regimens able to better control HIV replication in the CNS sanctuary, and could be a historical reference for further analyses.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Longan (Dimocarpus longanLour.) Pericarp
Authors: Huang Guan-Jhong , Wang Bor-Sen , Lin Wei-Chao , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Lee Chao-Ying , Yen Ming-Tsung , Huang Ming-Hsing
Published: August 2012

This study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the water extract of longan pericarp (WLP). The results showed that WLP exhibited radical scavenging, reducing activity and liposome protection activity. In addition, WLP also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. Further, administration of WLP, in the range of 100–400 mg/kg, showed a concentration-dependent inhibition on paw edema development following carrageenan (Carr) treatment in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of WLP may be related to NO and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) suppression and associated with the increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Overall, the results showed that WLP might serve as a natural antioxidant and inflammatory inhibitor.
Information‐Theoretic Analysis of Underwater Acoustic OFDM Systems in Highly Dispersive Channels
Authors: Socheleau Francois-Xavier , Stojanovic Milica , Laot Christophe , Passerieux Jean-Michel
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the signal‐to‐interference ratio and the achievable rates of underwater acoustic (UA) OFDM systems over channels where time and frequency dispersion are high enough that (i) neither the transmitter nor the receiver can have a priori knowledge of the channel state information and (ii) intersymbol/intercarrier interference (ISI/ICI) cannot be neglected in the information‐theoretic treatment. The goal of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the interplay between interference and the achievable transmission rates. Expressions for these rates take into account the “cross‐channels”
established by the ISI/ICI and are based on lower bounds on mutual information that assume independent and identically distributed input data symbols. In agreement with recent statistical analyses of experimental shallow‐water data, the channel is modeled as a multivariate Rician fading process with a slowly time‐varying mean and with potentially correlated scatterers, which is more general than the common wide‐sense stationary uncorrelated scattering model. Numerical assessments on real UA channels with spread factors around 10−1 show that reliable OFDM transmissions at 2 to 4 bits/sec/Hz are achievable provided an average signal‐to‐noise ratio of 15 to 20 dB.
An Energy Conserving Numerical Scheme for the Dynamics of Hyperelastic Rods
Authors: Fütterer Thorsten , Klar Axel , Wegener Raimund
Published: August 2012

A numerical method for special Cosserat rods based on Antman's description Antman, 2005 is developed for hyperelastic materials and potential forces. This method preserves the relevant properties of the underlying PDE system, namely, the orthonormality of the directors and the conservation of the energy.
A Hybrid Algorithm Based on ACO and PSO for Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Kao Yucheng , Chen Ming-Hsien , Huang Yi-Ting
Published: August 2012

The vehicle routing problem (VRP) is a well‐known combinatorial optimization problem. It has been studied for several decades because finding effective vehicle routes is an important issue of logistic management. This paper proposes a new hybrid algorithm based on two main swarm intelligence (SI) approaches, ant colony optimization (ACO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), for solving capacitated vehicle routing problems (CVRPs). In the proposed algorithm, each artificial ant, like a particle in PSO, is allowed to memorize the best solution ever found. After solution construction, only elite ants can update pheromone according to their own best‐so‐far solutions. Moreover, a pheromone disturbance method is embedded into the ACO framework to overcome the problem of pheromone stagnation. Two sets of benchmark problems were selected to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. The computational results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in comparison with existing swarm intelligence approaches.