bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incremental Optimization of Hub and Spoke Network for the Spokes’ Numbers and Flow
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Huang Youfang
Published: October 2015

Hub and spoke network problem is solved as part of a strategic decision making process which may have a profound effect on the future of enterprises. In view of the existing network structure, as time goes on, the number of spokes and the flow change because of different sources of uncertainty. Hence, the incremental optimization of hub and spoke network problem is considered in this paper, and the policy makers should adopt a series of strategies to cope with the change, such as setting up new hubs, adjusting the capacity level of original hubs, or closing some original hubs. The objective is to minimize the total cost, which includes the setup costs for the new hubs, the closure costs, and the adjustment costs for the original hubs as well as the flow routing costs. Two mixed-integer linear programming formulations are proposed and analyzed for this problem. China Deppon Logistics as an example is performed to present computational analysis, and we analyze the changes in the solutions driven by the number of spokes and the flow. The tests also allow an analysis to consider the effect of variation in parameters on network.
Increased Expression of Serglycin in Specific Carcinomas and Aggressive Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Korpetinou Angeliki , Papachristou Dionysios J. , Lampropoulou Angeliki , Bouris Panagiotis , Labropoulou Vassiliki T. , Noulas Argyrios , Karamanos Nikos K. , Theocharis Achilleas D.
Published: October 2015

In the present pilot study, we examined the presence of serglycin in lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer and evaluated its expression in cell lines and tissues. We found that serglycin was expressed and constitutively secreted in culture medium in high levels in more aggressive cancer cells. It is worth noticing that aggressive cancer cells that harbor KRAS or EGFR mutations secreted serglycin constitutively in elevated levels. Furthermore, we detected the transcription of an alternative splice variant of serglycin lacking exon 2 in specific cell lines. In a limited number of tissue samples analyzed, serglycin was detected in normal epithelium but was also expressed in higher levels in advanced grade tumors as shown by immunohistochemistry. Serglycin staining was diffuse, granular, and mainly cytoplasmic. In some cancer cells serglycin also exhibited membrane and/or nuclear immunolocalization. Interestingly, the stromal cells of the reactive tumor stroma were positive for serglycin, suggesting an enhanced biosynthesis for this proteoglycan in activated tumor microenvironment. Our study investigated for first time the distribution of serglycin in normal epithelial and cancerous lesions in most common cancer types. The elevated levels of serglycin in aggressive cancer and stromal cells may suggest a key role for serglycin in disease progression.
A Review on the Low‐Dimensional and Hybridized Nanostructured Diamond Films
Authors: Li Hongdong , Cheng Shaoheng , Li Jia , Song Jie
Published: October 2015

In the last decade, besides the breakthrough of high‐rate growth of chemical vapor deposited single‐crystal diamonds, numerous nanostructured diamond films have been rapidly developed in the research fields of the diamond‐based sciences and industrial applications. The low‐dimensional diamonds of two‐dimensional atomic‐thick nanofilms and nanostructural diamond on the surface of bulk diamond films have been theoretically and experimentally investigated. In addition, the diamond‐related hybrid nanostructures of n‐type oxide/p‐type diamond and n‐type nitride/p‐type diamond, having high performance physical and chemical properties, are proposed for further applications. In this review, we first briefly introduce the three categories of diamond nanostructures and then outline the current advances in these topics, including their design, fabrication, characterization, and properties. Finally, we address the remaining challenges in the research field and the future activities.
Modeling the Process of Event Sequence Data Generated for Working Condition Diagnosis
Authors: Ding Jianwei , Liu Yingbo , Zhang Li , Wang Jianmin
Published: October 2015

Condition monitoring systems are widely used to monitor the working condition of equipment, generating a vast amount and variety of telemetry data in the process. The main task of surveillance focuses on analyzing these routinely collected telemetry data to help analyze the working condition in the equipment. However, with the rapid increase in the volume of telemetry data, it is a nontrivial task to analyze all the telemetry data to understand the working condition of the equipment without any a priori knowledge. In this paper, we proposed a probabilistic generative model called working condition model (WCM), which is capable of simulating the process of event sequence data generated and depicting the working condition of equipment at runtime. With the help of WCM, we are able to analyze how the event sequence data behave in different working modes and meanwhile to detect the working mode of an event sequence (working condition diagnosis). Furthermore, we have applied WCM to illustrative applications like automated detection of an anomalous event sequence for the runtime of equipment. Our experimental results on the real data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.
Self-Schedule and Self-Distributive MAC Scheduling Algorithms for Next-Generation Sensor Networks
Authors: Bakhsh Sheikh Tahir , Aman Sheikh Muhammad , AlGhamdi Rayed
Published: October 2015

The distributive nature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) poses great challenges for the design of distributive scheduling to maximize network life and spatial reuse of time slot with minimum frame length. Most of the existing scheduling techniques are either centralized or contentional. The existing techniques cannot efficiently adapt to the dynamic wireless environment. In this paper, self-scheduled and distributed MAC (SSD-MAC) and self-distributive MAC (SD-MAC) medium access control algorithms are proposed to reduce the complexity and variety of scheduling problems. The proposed algorithms do not require any synchronization and can effectively adapt to dynamic topology changes without incurring global communication overhead. According to the proposed algorithms, each node maps a conflict-free time slot for itself up to 2-hop neighboring nodes. Consequently, each node successfully schedules a unique time slot for itself in a heuristic manner based on its local information. Moreover, the proposed algorithms also guarantee conflict-free edge coloring because all the incident edges to a single node are assigned to colors in such a way that none of the edges should have the same color. It has been demonstrated that, with regard to communication overhead, energy consumption and execution time through simulation proposed that algorithms outperform existing distributed randomized scheduling algorithm (DRAND).
The “Wear and Measure” Approach: Linking Joint Stability Measurements from a Smart Clothing System to Optical Tracking
Authors: Bergmann Jeroen H. M. , Goodier Henry , Spulber Irina , Anastasova Salzitsa , Georgiou Pantelis , McGregor Alison H.
Published: October 2015

Joint stability is essential for maintaining normal everyday function. However, assessment of stability often still relies on subjective or obtrusive methods. An unobtrusive approach would be to have our clothes assess our joint stability.Methods. A new application consisting of an attachable clothing sensing system (ACSS), constructed from a flexible carbon black and polyurethane composite film, was tested against an optical tracking system to assess if the ACSS placed across the knee could provide stability results that correlate with the optical tracking outcomes. Stability was challenged by reducing the base of support and by removing vision generating different experimental conditions.Results. Bland and Altman plots indicated a general proportional error between the measurement systems within each stability condition. However, across all conditions a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.81 (p<0.001) was found between the displacement values and ACSS, showing a good association between stability measurements. Electromyography (EMG) also indicated that joint stability was challenged between the different conditions. The ACSS was experienced by users as comfortable and hardly noticeable.Conclusions. This study indicates that smart clothing can measure important physiological parameters in an unobtrusive manner. This “wear and measure” approach might change how we gather relevant clinical data in the future.
Tinnitus and Headache
Authors: Langguth Berthold , Hund Verena , Busch Volker , Jürgens Tim P. , Lainez Jose-Miguel , Landgrebe Michael , Schecklmann Martin
Published: October 2015

Background. Tinnitus and headache are frequent disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of headache among tinnitus patients is purely coincidental or whether tinnitus and headache are pathophysiologically linked. We investigated a large sample of patients with tinnitus and headache to estimate prevalence rates of different headache forms, to determine the relationship between tinnitus laterality and headache laterality, and to explore the relationship between tinnitus and headache over time.Method. Patients who presented at a tertiary referral center because of tinnitus and reported comorbid headache were asked to complete validated questionnaires to determine the prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache and to assess tinnitus severity. In addition, several questions about the relationship between headache and tinnitus were asked.Results. Datasets of 193 patients with tinnitus and headache were analysed. 44.6% suffered from migraine, 13% from tension-type headache, and 5.7% from both. Headache laterality was significantly related to tinnitus laterality and in the majority of patients fluctuations in symptom severity of tinnitus and headache were interrelated.Conclusion. These findings suggest a significant relationship between tinnitus and headache laterality and symptom interaction over time and argue against a purely coincidental cooccurrence of tinnitus and headache. Both disorders may be linked by common pathophysiological mechanisms.
Improved Electrical Conductivity of Carbon/Polyvinyl Alcohol Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Shehata Nader , Madi Nabil , Al-Maadeed Mariam , Hassounah Ibrahim , Ashraf Abdullah
Published: October 2015

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) gained much interest in the last few years due to their promising electrical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics. This paper investigates a new nanocomposite composed of carbon nanofibers hosted by PVA and both are integrated in one electrospun nanofibers web. This technique shows a simple and cheap way to offer a host for CNFs using traditional deposition techniques. The results show that electrical conductivity of the formed nanofibers has been improved up to 1.63 × 10−4 S/cm for CNFs of weight 2%. The peak temperature of mass loss through TGA measurements has been reduced by 2.3%. SEM images show the homogeneity of the formed PVA and carbon nanofibers in one web, with stretched CNFs after the electrospinning process. The formed nanocomposite can be used in wide variety of applications including nanoelectronics and gas adsorption.
High Avidity dsDNA Autoantibodies in Brazilian Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Correlation with Active Disease and Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo C. , Oliveira Isabela S. , Santiago Mittermayer B. , Sousa Atta Maria L. B. , Atta Ajax M.
Published: October 2015

We investigated in Brazilian women with SLE the prevalence and levels of high avidity (HA) dsDNA antibodies and tested their correlation with lupus activity and biomarkers of renal disease. We also compared these correlations to those observed with total dsDNA antibodies and antibodies against nucleosome (ANuA). Autoantibodies were detected by ELISA, while C3 and C4 levels were determined by nephelometry. Urine protein/creatinine ratio was determined, and lupus activity was measured by SLEDAI-2K. The prevalence of total and HA dsDNA antibodies was similar to but lower than that verified for ANuA. The levels of the three types of antibodies were correlated, but the correlation was more significant between HA dsDNA antibodies and ANuA. High avidity dsDNA antibodies correlated positively with ESR and SLEDAI and inversely with C3 and C4. Similar correlations were observed for ANuA levels, whereas total dsDNA antibodies only correlated with SLEDAI and C3. The levels of HA dsDNA antibodies were higher in patients with proteinuria, but their levels of total dsDNA antibodies and ANuA were unaltered. High avidity dsDNA antibodies can be found in high prevalence in Brazilian women with SLE and are important biomarkers of active disease and kidney dysfunction.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Bladder Neck Requiring Local Excision and Mitrofanoff Formation
Authors: Davari M. , Lamb B. W. , Chowdhury S. , Jameson C. , Kelly J. D. , Greenwell T.
Published: October 2015

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour predominantly affecting the female pelvis and perineum but has also been described in males. This tumour can often present a diagnostic challenge and has a propensity for local recurrence after surgical excision. We present an unusual case of aggressive angiomyxoma arising from the bladder of a female patient which required local excision and Mitrofanoff formation.
Modeling and Analysis of the Obstacle-Avoidance Strategies for a Mobile Robot in a Dynamic Environment
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Ming , Guan Yong , Li Xiaojuan
Published: October 2015

Obstacle avoidance is a key performance of mobile robots. However, its experimental verification is rather difficult, due to the probabilistic behaviors of both the robots and the obstacles. This paper presents the Markov Decision Process based probabilistic formal models for three obstacle-avoidance strategies of a mobile robot in an uncertain dynamic environment. The models are employed to make analyses in PRISM, and the correctness of the analysis results is verified by MATLAB simulations. Finally, the minimum time and the energy consumption are determined by further analyses in PRISM, which prove to be useful in finding the optimal strategy. The present work provides a foundation for the probabilistic formal verification of more complicated obstacle-avoidance strategies.
Sleep Monitoring System Using Kinect Sensor
Authors: Lee Jaehoon , Hong Min , Ryu Sungyong
Published: October 2015

Sleep activity is one of crucial factors for determining the quality of human life. However, a traditional sleep monitoring system onerously requires many devices to be attached to human body for achieving sleep related information. In this paper, we proposed and implemented the sleep monitoring system which can detect the sleep movement and posture during sleep using a Microsoft Kinect v2 sensor without any body attached devices. The proposed sleep monitoring system can readily gather the sleep related information that can reveal the sleep patterns of individuals. We expect that the analyzed sleep related data can significantly improve the sleep quality.
A Decomposition Strategy for Optimal Design of a Soda Company Distribution System
Authors: Marmolejo J. A. , Soria I. , Perez H. A.
Published: October 2015

This work presents a distribution problem of products of a soda bottling company. Commodities are produced at several plants with limited capacity and the demand of distribution centers is satisfied by shipping via cross-docking warehouses. The decomposition strategy is proposed to determine which warehouse needs to be opened to consolidate the demand and by which warehouse each distribution center is served exclusively. The objective is minimizing fixed costs and total transportation costs. The model presented is a mixed-integer programming model with binary variables for which we propose a decomposition strategy based on Benders algorithm. Numerical results show that the proposed strategy can provide the optimal solution of several instances. A large-scale case study based on a realistic company situation is analyzed. Solutions obtained by the proposed method are compared with the solution of full scale problem in order to determine the quality bound and computational time.
H∞Fuzzy Control for Nonlinear Singular Markovian Jump Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Qingling , Zhang Yi , Zhu Baoyan
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the problem ofH∞fuzzy control for a class of nonlinear singular Markovian jump systems with time delay. This class of systems under consideration is described by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models. Firstly, sufficient condition of the stochastic stabilization by the method of the augmented matrix is obtained by the state feedback. And a designed algorithm for the state feedback controller is provided to guarantee that the closed-loop system not only is regular, impulse-free, and stochastically stable but also satisfies a prescribedH∞performance for all delays not larger than a given upper bound in terms of linear matrix inequalities. ThenH∞fuzzy control for this kind of systems is also discussed by the static output feedback. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the validity of the developed methodology.
Using Weighted Sparse Representation Model Combined with Discrete Cosine Transformation to Predict Protein-Protein Interactions from Protein Sequence
Authors: Huang Yu-An , You Zhu-Hong , Gao Xin , Wong Leon , Wang Lirong
Published: October 2015

Increasing demand for the knowledge about protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is promoting the development of methods for predicting protein interaction network. Although high-throughput technologies have generated considerable PPIs data for various organisms, it has inevitable drawbacks such as high cost, time consumption, and inherently high false positive rate. For this reason, computational methods are drawing more and more attention for predicting PPIs. In this study, we report a computational method for predicting PPIs using the information of protein sequences. The main improvements come from adopting a novel protein sequence representation by using discrete cosine transform (DCT) on substitution matrix representation (SMR) and from using weighted sparse representation based classifier (WSRC). When performing on the PPIs dataset ofYeast,Human, andH. pylori, we got excellent results with average accuracies as high as 96.28%, 96.30%, and 86.74%, respectively, significantly better than previous methods. Promising results obtained have proven that the proposed method is feasible, robust, and powerful. To further evaluate the proposed method, we compared it with the state-of-the-art support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Extensive experiments were also performed in which we usedYeastPPIs samples as training set to predict PPIs of other five species datasets.
Effect of Workplace- versus Home-Based Physical Exercise on Muscle Response to Sudden Trunk Perturbation among Healthcare Workers: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jakobsen Markus D. , Sundstrup Emil , Brandt Mikkel , Jay Kenneth , Aagaard Per , Andersen Lars L.
Published: October 2015

Objectives. The present study investigates the effect of workplace- versus home-based physical exercise on muscle reflex response to sudden trunk perturbation among healthcare workers.Methods. Two hundred female healthcare workers (age: 42 [SD 11], BMI: 24 [SD 4], and pain intensity: 3.1 [SD 2.2] on a scale of 0–10) from 18 departments at three hospitals were randomized at the cluster level to 10 weeks of (1) workplace physical exercise (WORK) performed in groups during working hours for 5×10 minutes per week and up to 5 group-based coaching sessions on motivation for regular physical exercise, or (2) home-based physical exercise (HOME) performed during leisure time for 5×10 minutes per week. Mechanical and neuromuscular (EMG) response to randomly assigned unloading and loading trunk perturbations and questions of fear avoidance were assessed at baseline and 10-week follow-up.Results. Nogroup by timeinteraction for the mechanical trunk response and EMG latency time was seen following the ten weeks (P= 0.17–0.75). However, both groups demonstrated within-group changes (P<0.05) in stopping time during the loading and unloading perturbation and in stopping distance during the loading perturbation. Furthermore, EMG preactivation of the erector spinae and fear avoidance were reduced more following WORK than HOME (95% CI −2.7–−0.7 (P<0.05) and −0.14 (−0.30 to 0.02) (P=0.09)), respectively. WORK and HOME performed 2.2 (SD: 1.1) and 1.0 (SD: 1.2) training sessions per week, respectively.Conclusions. Although training adherence was higher following WORK compared to HOME this additional training volume did not lead to significant between-group differences in the responses to sudden trunk perturbations. However, WORK led to reduced fear avoidance and reduced muscle preactivity prior to the perturbation onset, compared with HOME. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01921764).
Preparation and Characterization of Paclitaxel Loaded SF/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA Nanoparticles via Solution‐Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Li Yi , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2015

Paclitaxel loaded silk fibroin/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA (PTX‐SF/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA) nanoparticles with a mean particle size of about 651 nm were fabricated successfully by the SEDS process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis indicated that the PTX was encapsulated by SF/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA nanoparticles. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis supported the results of FTIR analysis and also suggested that the crystalline state of PTX was decreased obviously. Furthermore, the UV‐Vis/HPLC analysis showed that drug load (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were 18.1% and 90.2%, respectively. The in vitro drug release experiment suggested that the PTX‐SF/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA nanoparticles exhibited a sustained release and only 16.1% and 24.5% of paclitaxel were released at pH 7.4 and 6.0, respectively, in one week. The PTX‐SF/PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA nanoparticles drug delivery system with pH‐dependent release property has potential application in the field of tumor therapy.
Prenatal Diagnosis of WAGR Syndrome
Authors: Tezcan Berrin , Rich Philip , Bhide Amarnath
Published: October 2015

Wilm’s tumour, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation (WAGR) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 500,000 to 1 million. It is a contiguous gene syndrome due to deletion at chromosome 11p13 in a region containing WT1 and PAX6 genes. Children with WAGR syndrome mostly present in the newborn/infancy period with sporadic aniridia. The genotypic defects in WAGR syndrome have been well established. However, antenatal ultrasonographic presentation of this syndrome has never been reported. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition is possible in some cases with careful ultrasound examination of classical and nonclassical manifestations of this syndrome. The key point for this rare diagnosis was the decision to perform chromosomal microarray analysis after antenatal diagnosis of absent corpus callosum and absent cavum septum pellucidum, as this finding mandates search for potentially associated genetic disorders. We report a case of WAGR syndrome diagnosed prenatally at 29-week gestation. The diagnosis of the anomaly was based on two- and three-dimensional ultrasound as well as fetal MRI scan and microarray analysis. The ultrasonographic findings included borderline ventriculomegaly, absent corpus callosum, and absent cavum septum pellucidum. Cytogenetic results from the amniotic fluid confirmed WAGR syndrome. Parental karyotype was normal, with no evidence of copy number change, deletion, or rearrangement of this region of chromosome 11.
Increased Susceptibility ofGracilinanus microtarsusLiver Mitochondria to Ca2+-Induced Permeability Transition Is Associated with a More Oxidized State of NAD(P)
Authors: Ronchi Juliana A. , Henning Barbara , Ravagnani Felipe G. , Figueira Tiago R. , Castilho Roger F. , dos Reis Sergio F. , Vercesi Anibal E.
Published: October 2015

In addition to be the cell’s powerhouse, mitochondria also contain a cell death machinery that includes highly regulated processes such as the membrane permeability transition pore (PTP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In this context, the results presented here provide evidence that liver mitochondria isolated fromGracilinanus microtarsus, a small and short life span (one year) marsupial, when compared to mice, are much more susceptible to PTP opening in association with a poor NADPH dependent antioxidant capacity. Liver mitochondria isolated from the marsupial are well coupled and take upCa2+but exhibited a much lowerCa2+retention capacity than mouse mitochondria. Although the known PTP inhibitors cyclosporin A, ADP, and ATP significantly increased the marsupial mitochondria capacity to retainCa2+, their effects were much larger in mice than in marsupial mitochondria. Both fluorescence and HPLC analysis of mitochondrial nicotinamide nucleotides showed that both content and state of reduction (mainly of NADPH) were lower in the marsupial mitochondria than in mice mitochondria despite the similarity in the activity of the glutathione peroxidase/reductase system. Overall, these data suggest that PTP opening is an important event in processes ofCa2+signalling to cell death mediated by mitochondrial redox imbalance inG. microtarsus.
Occult Infection in Aseptic Joint Loosening and the Diagnostic Role of Implant Sonication
Authors: Kempthorne J. T. , Ailabouni R. , Raniga S. , Hammer D. , Hooper G.
Published: October 2015

Our aim was to determine the incidence of occult infection and to examine the role of ultrasound sonication of the implants in cases of presumed aseptic loosening in a prospective trial. Joint swabs, aspirates, and deep tissue samples were obtained from around the prosthesis for routine microbiology. Each prosthesis was sonicated and the sonicate examined with Gram staining and extended cultures. There were 106 joints in the study of which 54 were revised for aseptic loosening and 52 were assigned to the control revision group. There were 9 positive cultures with 8/54 positive cultures in the aseptic loosening group and 1/52 in the control revision group (p=0.017, associated OR 47.7). We found concordant results between sonication fluid culture and conventional samples in 5/9 cultures. Preoperative inflammatory markers were not prognostic for infection.Coagulase-negative Staphylococcuswas the most commonly cultured organism (7/9). Previously unrecognised infection was present in 15% of patients undergoing revision for aseptic loosening. Ultrasound sonication of the removed prosthesis was less sensitive than conventional sampling techniques. We recommend routine intraoperative sampling for patients having revision for aseptic loosening, but we do not support the routine use of ultrasound sonication for its detection.
An Ensemble Learning for Predicting Breakdown Field Strength of Polyimide Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Guo Hai , Yin Jinghua , Zhao Jingying , Yao Lei , Xia Xu , Luo Hao
Published: October 2015

Using the method of Stochastic Gradient Boosting, ten SMO‐SVR are constructed into a strong prediction model (SGBS model) that is efficient in predicting the breakdown field strength. Adopting the method of in situ polymerization, thirty‐two samples of nanocomposite films with different percentage compositions, components, and thicknesses are prepared. Then, the breakdown field strength is tested by using voltage test equipment. From the test results, the correlation coefficient (CC), the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean squared error (RMSE), the relative absolute error (RAE), and the root relative squared error (RRSE) are 0.9664, 14.2598, 19.684, 22.26%, and 25.01% with SGBS model. The result indicates that the predicted values fit well with the measured ones. Comparisons between models such as linear regression, BP, GRNN, SVR, and SMO‐SVR have also been made under the same conditions. They show that CC of the SGBS model is higher than those of other models. Nevertheless, the MAE, RMSE, RAE, and RRSE of the SGBS model are lower than those of other models. This demonstrates that the SGBS model is better than other models in predicting the breakdown field strength of polyimide nanocomposite films.
Evaluation of Myoelectric Activity of Paraspinal Muscles in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis during Habitual Standing and Sitting
Authors: Kwok Garcia , Yip Joanne , Cheung Mei-Chun , Yick Kit-Lun
Published: October 2015

There is a number of research work in the literature that have applied sEMG biofeedback as an instrument for muscle rehabilitation. Therefore, sEMG is a good tool for this research work and is used to record the myoelectric activity in the paraspinal muscles of those with AIS during habitual standing and sitting. After the sEMG evaluation, the root-mean-square (RMS) sEMG values of the paraspinal muscles in the habitual postures reflect the spinal curvature situation of the PUMC Type Ia and IIc subjects. Both groups have a stronger average RMS sEMG value on the convex side of the affected muscle regions. Correction to posture as instructed by the physiotherapist has helped the subjects to achieve a more balanced RMS sEMG ratio in the trapezius and latissimus dorsi regions; the erector spinae in the thoracic region and/or erector spinae in the lumbar region. It is, therefore, considered that with regular practice of the suggested positions, those with AIS can use motor learning to achieve a more balanced posture. Consequently, the findings can be used in less intrusive early orthotic intervention and provision of care to those with AIS.
A Fourth-Order Conservative Compact Finite Difference Scheme for the Generalized RLW Equation
Authors: Li Shuguang , Wang Jue , Luo Yuesheng
Published: October 2015

The generalized regularized long-wave (GRLW) equation is studied by finite difference method. A new fourth-order energy conservative compact finite difference scheme was proposed. It is proved by the discrete energy method that the compact scheme is solvable, the convergence and stability of the difference schemes are obtained, and its numerical convergence order isO(τ2+h4)in theL∞-norm. Further, the compact schemes are conservative. Numerical experiment results show that the theory is accurate and the method is efficient and reliable.
Rectifier Fault Diagnosis and Fault Tolerance of a Doubly Fed Brushless Starter Generator
Authors: Shi Liwei , Bo Zhou
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a rectifier fault diagnosis method with wavelet packet analysis to improve the fault tolerant four-phase doubly fed brushless starter generator (DFBLSG) system reliability. The system components and fault tolerant principle of the high reliable DFBLSG are given. And the common fault of the rectifier is analyzed. The process of wavelet packet transforms fault detection/identification algorithm is introduced in detail. The fault tolerant performance and output voltage experiments were done to gather the energy characteristics with a voltage sensor. The signal is analyzed with 5-layer wavelet packets, and the energy eigenvalue of each frequency band is obtained. Meanwhile, the energy-eigenvalue tolerance was introduced to improve the diagnostic accuracy. With the wavelet packet fault diagnosis, the fault tolerant four-phase DFBLSG can detect the usual open-circuit fault and operate in the fault tolerant mode if there is a fault. The results indicate that the fault analysis techniques in this paper are accurate and effective.
Performance Improvement of Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition for Roller Bearings Damage Detection
Authors: Tabrizi Ali Akbar , Garibaldi Luigi , Fasana Alessandro , Marchesiello Stefano
Published: October 2015

Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is a noise assisted method widely used for roller bearing damage detection. However, to successfully handle this technique still remains a great challenge: identification of two effective parameters (the amplitude of added noise and the number of ensemble trials), which affect the performances of the EEMD. Although a number of algorithms or values have been proposed, there is no robust guide to select optimal amplitude and the ensemble trial number yet, especially for early damage detection. In this study, a reliable method is proposed to determine the suitable amplitude and the proper number of trials is investigated as well. It is shown that the proposed method (performance improved EEMD) achieves higher damage detection success rate and creates larger Margin than the original algorithm. It leads to a substantially low trial numbers required to achieve perfect labelling of samples; in turn this fact leads to considerably less computational cost. The number of real vibration signals is analysed to verify effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method in discriminating and separating the faulty conditions.
The Effects of Age and Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection on NK-Cell Phenotype and Exercise Responsiveness in Man
Authors: Bigley Austin B. , Spielmann Guillaume , Agha Nadia , Simpson Richard J.
Published: October 2015

The redeployment of NK-cells in response to an acute bout of exercise is thought to be an integral component of the “fight-or-flight” response, preparing the body for potential injury or infection. We showed previously that CMV seropositivity impairs the redeployment of NK-cells with exercise in the young. In the current study, we examined the effect of aging on the redeployment of NK-cells with exercise in the context of CMV. We show here that CMV blunts the exercise-induced redeployment of NK-cells in both younger (23–39 yrs) and older (50–64 yrs) subjects with olderCMVnegsubjects showing the largest postexercise mobilization and 1 h postexercise egress of NK-cells. The blunted exercise response inCMVposindividuals was associated with a decreased relative redeployment of the CD158a+ and CD57+ NK-cell subsets in younger and older individuals. In addition, we show that aging is associated with a CMV-independent increase in the proportion of NK-cells expressing the terminal differentiation marker CD57, while CMV is associated with an age-dependent decrease in the proportion of NK-cells expressing the inhibitory receptors KLRG1 (in the younger group) and CD158a (in the older group). Collectively, these data suggest that CMV may decrease NK-cell mediated immunosurveillance after exercise in both younger and older individuals.
Endothelin-1 Overexpression Improves Renal Function in eNOS Knockout Mice
Authors: Tsuprykov Oleg , Chaykovska Lyubov , Kretschmer Axel , Stasch Johannes-Peter , Pfab Thiemo , Krause-Relle Katharina , Reichetzeder Christoph , Kalk Philipp , Adamski Jerzy , Hocher Berthold
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims: To investigate the renal phenotype under conditions of an activated renal ET-1 system in the status of nitric oxide deficiency, we compared kidney function and morphology in wild-type, ET-1 transgenic (ET+/+), endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS-/-) and ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Methods: We assessed blood pressure, parameters of renal morphology, plasma cystatin C, urinary protein excretion, expression of genes associated with glomerular filtration barrier and tissue remodeling, and plasma metabolites using metabolomics. Results: eNOS-/- and ET+/+eNOS-/- mice developed hypertension. Osteopontin, albumin and protein excretion were increased in eNOS-/- and restored in ET+/+eNOS-/- animals. All genetically modified mice developed renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Genes involved in tissue remodeling (serpine1, TIMP1, Col1a1, CCL2) were up-regulated in eNOS-/-, but not in ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Plasma levels of free carnitine and acylcarnitines, amino acids, diacyl phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines and hexoses were descreased in eNOS-/- and were in the normal range in ET+/+eNOS-/- mice. Conclusion: eNOS-/- mice developed renal dysfunction, which was partially rescued by ET-1 overexpression in eNOS-/- mice. The metabolomics results suggest that ET-1 overexpression on top of eNOS knockout is associated with a functional recovery of mitochondria (rescue effect in β-oxidation of fatty acids) and an increase in antioxidative properties (normalization of monounsaturated fatty acids levels).
Refining the Breakpoints of Three New Translocations Identified in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Costa Dolors , Muñoz Concha , Carrió Ana , Arias Amparo , Gómez Cándida , Solé Francesc , Espinet Blanca , Azaceta Gemma , Calasanz María J. , Nomdedeu Meritxell , Calvo Xavier , Campo Elias , Nomdedeu Benet
Published: October 2015

Recurrent translocations are uncommon in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Three new recurrent translocations, namely der(12)t(3;12)(q13;p13), t(11;13;22)(q13;q14;q12) and der(17)t(13;17)(q21;p13), identified by conventional cytogenetics (CC) in 4 MDS patients, were further characterized using a panel of commercial and homemade fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes. The goal of this study was to determine the precise breakpoints and to identify genes that could be related with the neoplastic process. Half of the breakpoints (4/8) were precisely identified and in the remaining half they were narrowed to a region ranging from 14 to 926 kb. All the studied breakpoints had interstitial or terminal deletions ranging from 536 kb to 89 Mb, and only those 7 Mb were detected by CC. The genes located in or around the breakpoints described in our study have not been previously related to MDS. The deleted regions include the ETV6 and RB1 genes, among others, and exclude the TP53 gene. FISH studies were useful to refine the breakpoints of the translocations, but further studies are needed to determine the role of the involved genes in the neoplastic process.
Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor G196A and Attempted Suicide: A Case-Control Study in Rural China
Authors: Wang Jin-Yu , Wang Xin-Ting , Wang Lin-Lin , Jia Cun-Xian
Published: October 2015

Background: Suicide is an important public problem, the mechanism of which has not been clarified. Many studies have focused on the molecular, biological and genetic mechanisms of suicide. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) G196A is one of the most leading loci in recent studies, but the results are inconsistent. Methods: We conducted a 1:1 age- and sex-matched case-control study in rural areas of Shandong Province, China. A total of 365 pairs of cases and controls were finally recruited into our study. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of BDNF 196G/G and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multivariate conditional logistic regression models. Results: No association between BDNF polymorphisms and attempted suicide was found in the overall population. However, the BDNF 196G/G genotype was significantly related to attempted suicide in the elderly population (AOR = 7.85, 95% CI: 1.12-54.90, p = 0.038), while the associations were not significant in young and middle-aged groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the BDNF 196G/G genotype increases the risk of attempted suicide in elderly people.
Leptomeningeal Angiomatosis in a Case of Neurofibromatosis Type 2: An Unusual Finding
Authors: Naik Suprava , Shetty Gurucharan S. , Kumar Sunil , Phadke R.V.
Published: October 2015

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by multiple neoplasms of the central and peripheral nervous system associated with ocular abnormalities. Leptomeningeal angiomatosis has not been described with this tumour predisposition syndrome. This report documents an unusual association of leptomeningeal angiomatosis in a case of NF2.
Body Mass Index below Obesity Threshold Implies Similar Cardiovascular Risk among Various Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes
Authors: Bagir Gulay Simsek , Bakiner Okan S. , Bozkirli Emre , Cavlak Gulhan , Serinsoz Hulya , Ertorer M. Eda
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the cardiometabolic risk factors in different polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed between 2010 and 2011. Eighty-nine patients with PCOS and 25 age- and weight-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were grouped using the Rotterdam 2003 criteria as: group 1, oligomenorrhea and/or anovulation (ANOV) and hyperandrogenemia (HA) and/or hyperandrogenism (n = 23); group 2, ANOV and polycystic ovaries (PCO; n = 22); group 3, HA and PCO (n = 22); group 4, ANOV, HA and PCO (n = 22); group 5, controls (n = 25). Laboratory blood tests for diagnosis and cardiometabolic risk assessments were performed. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated in all patients with the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) formula. An euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test was performed on 5 randomly selected cases in each subgroup, making 25 cases in total, and indicated as the ‘M' value (mg/kg/min), which is the total body glucose disposal rate. Results: The mean BMl values of the groups were: group 1, 26.1 ± 5.3; group 2, 27.9 ± 5.2; group 3, 24.3 ± 4.2; group 4, 27.9 ± 7.5; group 5, 24.7 ± 5.2 (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the lipid profile, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, insulin and M values between the groups (p > 0.05). Phenotypes with oligomenorrhea/anovulation (groups 1, 2 and 4) were more obese than group 3 (p = 0.039). Conclusions: The cardiometabolic risk profile was similar among the PCOS subgroups. This finding could be attributed to the mean BMl values, which, being below 30, were not within the obesity range. Obesity appeared to be an important determinant of high cardiovascular risk in PCOS.
Vasoactive Peptide Levels after Change of Dialysis Mode
Authors: Uhlin Fredrik , Odar-Cederlöf Ingegerd , Theodorsson Elvar , Fernström Anders
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims: Plasma concentrations of the N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are increased in end-stage renal disease. Improvement in hemodynamic stability has been reported when switching from hemodialysis (HD) to on-line hemodiafiltration (ol-HDF). The aim of this study was to investigate plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, BNP and neuropeptide Y (NPY) during a 1-year follow-up, after a change from high-flux HD to postdilution ol-HDF. Additional variables were also studied, e.g. pulse wave velocity and ordinary clinical parameters. Method: We conducted a prospective, single-center study including 35 patients who were switched from HD to HDF. Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, BNP and NPY before and after dialysis were measured at baseline (i.e. HD) and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 months on HDF. Results: All three peptide levels decreased significantly during HD and HDF when comparing concentrations before and after dialysis. Mean absolute value (before/after) and relative decrease (%) before versus after dialysis was 13.697/9.497 ng/l (31%) for NT-proBNP, 62/40 ng/ml (35%) for BNP and 664/364 pg/l (45%) for NPY. No significant differences were observed when comparing predialysis values over time. However, postdialysis NT-proBNP concentration showed a significant decrease of 48% over time after the switch to HDF. Conclusion: The postdialysis plasma levels of NT-proBNP, BNP and NPY decreased significantly during both dialysis modes when compared to before dialysis. The postdialysis lowering of NT-proBNP increased further over time after the switch to ol-HDF; the predialysis levels were unchanged, suggesting no effect on its production in the ventricles of the heart.
A Double Heterozygous Mutation of TNNI3 Causes Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in a Han Chinese Family
Authors: Zheng Hua , Huang Huajie , Ji Zhisong , Yang Qi , Yu Qiuxia , Shen Fan , Liu Cuixian , Xiong Fu
Published: October 2015

Objectives: To investigate the variations in the TNNI3 gene in a Chinese Han family affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the potential molecular mechanism linking these mutations with disease. Methods: Peripheral venous blood was acquired from family members, and TNNI3 mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. The pathophysiology of TNNI3 mutations was investigated using bioinformatics, subcellular localization determination and Western blotting. Results: Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband possessed 2 heterozygous mutations, c.235C>T and c.470C>T, located at exons 4 and 6 of the TNNI3 gene. The proband (II-2) and her brother (II-1), who had been previously diagnosed with HCM, harbored both mutations whereas their healthy parents harbored only 1. Alignment of the TNNI3 amino acid sequence indicated that the two Pro residues were highly conserved across species. Subcellular localization showed that both wild-type (WT) and mutant TNNI3 proteins were localized at the cell nucleus. Western blot analysis of expression in human embryonic kidney 293T cells showed that the intracellular levels of the mutant proteins were significantly decreased compared to WT TNNI3 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings showed that a double heterozygous mutation in the TNNI3 gene is involved in the pathogenesis of HCM via haploinsufficiency. These results will inspire further studies to investigating the link between the TNNI3 gene and HCM.
Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome and Ophthalmoplegia Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus with No Skin Eruption in a Patient Treated with Tumor Necrosis Alpha Inhibitor
Authors: Jensen Helene , Thomsen Sidsel Thorup , Hansen Stine Scott , Munksgaard Signe Bruun , Lindelof Mette
Published: October 2015

Varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after symptomatic chicken pox infection, usually in childhood. If the virus reactivates in the trigeminal ganglia, it can cause varicella zoster ophthalmicus, which can have severe ocular complications. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman in severe immunosuppression due to treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, glucocorticosteroids and a tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor. The reactivation caused superior orbital fissure syndrome, which has only rarely been described in relation to varicella zoster virus reactivation. In our case, the syndrome was seen along with severe encephalitis.
Somatostatin-Immunoreactive Pancreaticoduodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Twenty-Three Cases Evaluated according to the WHO 2010 Classification
Authors: Luna Iben Engelund , Monrad Nina , Binderup Tina , Boisen Thoegersen Christina , Hilsted Linda , Jensen Claus , Federspiel Birgitte , Knigge Ulrich
Published: October 2015

Background/Objective: Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas and duodenum with predominant or exclusive immunoreactivity for somatostatin (pdSOMs) are rare, and knowledge about tumour biology, treatment, survival and prognostic factors is limited. This study aims to describe clinical, pathological and biochemical features as well as treatment and prognosis of pdSOMs. Design: Twenty-three patients with pdSOM (9 duodenal, 12 pancreatic and 2 unknown primary tumours) were identified from our prospective neuroendocrine tumour database, and data according to the study aims were recorded. Results: Among the 9 patients with duodenal SOM, the male/female ratio was 4/5. All males and 1 female had neurofibromatosis type 1. Seven patients had stage 1A/B and 2 had stage 2B disease. The Ki-67 index was 1-5% (median 2%). Plasma somatostatin was elevated in the patients with 2B disease. Of the 14 patients with pancreatic SOM or an unknown primary tumour, the male/female ratio was 2/12. One male had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Five had stage 1A/2B and 9 had stage 4. The Ki-67 index was 1-40% (median 7%). Plasma somatostatin was elevated in 7 patients. Patients reported symptoms related to the somatostatinoma syndrome, but none fulfilled the criteria for a full syndrome. Primary tumour in the pancreas, metastatic disease at diagnosis and higher tumour grade were all associated with significantly poorer survival. Conclusion: None of the patients with pdSOM presented with the full somatostatinoma syndrome. Prognostic factors are localisation of the primary tumour, dissemination and tumour grade. A Ki-67 index of 5% may discriminate the course of the disease.