bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topological spaces compact with respect to a set of filters
Authors: Lipparini Paolo 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
If is a family of filters over some set I, a topological space X is sequencewise
-compact if for every I-indexed sequence of elements of X there is such that the sequence has an F-limit point. Countable compactness, sequential compactness, initial κ-compactness, [λ; µ]-compactness, the Menger and Rothberger properties can all be expressed in terms of sequencewise -compactness for appropriate choices of . We show that sequencewise -compactness is preserved under taking products if and only if there is a filter such that sequencewise -compactness is equivalent to F-compactness. If this is the case, and there exists a sequencewise -compact T
1 topological space with more than one point, then F is necessarily an ultrafilter. The particular case of sequential compactness is analyzed in detail.
Decentralized control synthesis for bilinear systems using orthogonal functions
Authors: Attia Mohamed , Ayadi Badii , Braiek Naceur 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we propose the development of a new technique of decentralized control for bilinear systems, through using orthogonal functions. The use of this tool allows the conversion of differential state equations to a set of algebraic ones by projecting the system input and output variables into orthogonal functions basis and then using the operational properties of these orthogonal functions. The optimum decentralized control parameters for the interconnected bilinear system can then be determined through comparison of the response behaviour with the chosen reference model.
Turbinoplasty with Quantic Molecular Resonance in the Treatment of Persistent Moderate-Severe Allergic Rhinitis: Comparative Analysis of Efficacy
Authors: Businco Lino Di Rienzo , Businco Andrea Di Rienzo , Ventura Luca , Laurino Salvatore , Lauriello Maria 
Published: March 2014

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) presents as the main and most invasive symptom in the blocking of the nose. This condition is almost always related to hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates. When the medical treatments are found to be insufficient to solve the obstructive symptom of the patient, the quality of life is considerably impaired and it is often necessary to submit the patient to a surgical approach. In the present study we aimed to establish the efficacy and safety of a new technique recently introduced for the shrinkage of hypertrophic turbinates using a specific device, based on a new radiofrequency energy that does not produce thermal mucosal damage, viz., quantic molecular resonance (QMR) in a group of patients with persistent moderate–severe allergic rhinitis, in addition to standard medical treatment (nasal steroid and oral antihistamine). Methods All patients were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (group A, control subjects; group B, treated patients); each group included 145 individuals. During the study, both groups received standard medications (ebastine, 10-mg tablet, and budesonide nasal spray at 100 micrograms/nostril per day) for 90 days. Before the medical treatment, patients in group B underwent inferior endoscopic turbinoplasty using QMR. All of the patients enrolled in this study were submitted to a complete otorhinolaryngologic evaluation with objective clinical examination (basal rhinomanometry, nasal provocation test rhinomanometry, and mucociliary transport time), endoscopy, and questionnaires (22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and visual analog scale for nasal symptoms). Results Greater efficacy has been achieved using a combined approach with the association of medical and QMR treatment, compared with medical treatment alone, in the control of AR associated with hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates, in particular in the reduction of turbinate volume at rhinoendoscopy. Conclusion QMR inferior turbinoplasty, in conjunction with medical therapy, improves the nasal flow, without any thermal mucosal damage, more effectively when compared with medical treatment alone in persistent moderate-to-severe AR. In particular, local reactivity, as measured with nasal provocation test, was noticeably reduced.
Accuracy of Phenotyping Chronic Rhinosinusitis in the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Hsu Joy , Pacheco Jennifer A. , Stevens Whitney W. , Smith Maureen E. , Avila Pedro C. 
Published: March 2014

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent, morbid, and poorly understood. Extraction of electronic health record (EHR) data of patients with CRS may facilitate research on CRS. However, the accuracy of using structured billing codes for EHR-driven phenotyping of CRS is unknown. We sought to accurately identify CRS cases and controls using EHR data and to determine the accuracy of structured billing codes for identifying patients with CRS. Methods We developed and validated distinct algorithms to identify patients with CRS and controls using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology codes. We used blinded clinician chart review as the reference standard to evaluate algorithm and billing code accuracy. Results Our initial control algorithm achieved a control positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% (i.e., negative predictive value of 100% for CRS). Our initial algorithm for CRS cases relied exclusively on billing codes and had a low case PPV (54%). Notably, ICD-9 code 471.x was associated with a case PPV of 85%, whereas the case PPV of ICD-9 code 473.x was only 34%. After multiple algorithm iterations, we increased the case PPV of our final algorithm to 91% by adding several requirements, e.g., that ICD-9 codes occur with 1 or more evaluations by a CRS specialist to enhance availability of objective clinical data for accurately phenotyping CRS. Conclusion These algorithms are an important first step to identify patients with CRS, and may facilitate EHR-based research on CRS pathogenesis, morbidity, and management. Exclusive use of coded data for phenotyping CRS has limited accuracy, especially because CRS symptomatology overlaps with that of other illnesses. Incorporating natural language processing (e.g., to evaluate results of nasal endoscopy or sinus computed tomography) into future work may increase algorithm accuracy and identify patients whose disease status may not be ascertained by only using billing codes.
Electrolyzed Acid Water Nasal Irrigation after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Liang Kai-Li , Wu Shang-Heng , Su Mao-Chang , Chen Wen-Kang , Lu Fung-Jou 
Published: March 2014

Background Electrolyzed acid water (EAW) has been recognized to have strong bactericidal activity, and the feasibility and safety of EAW irrigation in body cavities has been reported in the literature. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EAW nasal irrigation on the postoperative care of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Methods Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who received FESS for treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups at 1 month postoperatively. Patients in group 1 received EAW for nasal irrigation daily for 2 months, those in group 2 received neutral normal saline (NS) daily for 2 months, and those in group 3 did not receive nasal irrigation after surgery. Before and 3 months after FESS, sinonasal symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and patients received endoscopic examination, acoustic rhinometry, smell test, saccharine transit test, and bacterial culture from middle meatus. Results There were 185 patients enrolled between May 2009 and March 2012. Among the patients who completed the study, 36 received EWA irrigation, 35 received NS irrigation, and 39 (group 3) received no irrigation. Patients with nasal irrigation had a better outcome based on questionnaire score and saccharine transit time. However, there was no difference in outcome between patients who received irrigation with EAW and NS. Conclusion Our study showed that EWA irrigation did not confer a greater benefit than that of NS irrigation in post-FESS care.
Eosinophil–Epithelial Cell Interactions Stimulate the Production of MUC5AC Mucin and Profibrotic Cytokines Involved in Airway Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Shimizu Shino , Kouzaki Hideaki , Ogawa Takao , Takezawa Kumiko , Tojima Ichiro , Shimizu Takeshi 
Published: March 2014

Background Predominant eosinophil infiltration and tissue remodeling are common characteristics of chronic airway inflammation such as nasal polyposis and bronchial asthma. This study was designed to elucidate the role of eosinophils in tissue remodeling of chronic airway inflammation; eosinophil–epithelial interactions were examined by the coculture of airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 with the eosinophilic cell line EoL-1 or with human blood eosinophils. Methods The coculture-induced production of MUC5AC mucin, platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results Eosinophil–epithelial interactions significantly stimulated the secretion of MUC5AC, PDGF-AB, VEGF, TGF-beta1, and IL-8 in culture supernatants. The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 inhibited the coculture-induced secretion of MUC5AC, PDGF-AB, VEGF, and IL-8. Neutralizing antibodies directed against TGF-alpha or amphiregulin and pan-metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001 inhibited the coculture-induced secretion of MUC5AC and amphiregulin from the cocultured NCI-H292 cells. Coculture of NCI-H292 cells with peripheral blood eosinophils also significantly stimulated MUC5AC production. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that eosinophil–epithelial cell interactions are important in the pathogenesis of tissue remodeling of eosinophil-predominant airway inflammation such as occurs in nasal polyposis and bronchial asthma.
The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Mo Ji-Hun , Kim Ji-Hye , Lim Dae Jun , Kim Eun Hee 
Published: March 2014

Background Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1alpha is expressed under hypoxic conditions and plays an important role in immune and inflammatory responses. The role of HIF-1alpha in allergic airways has been investigated mainly in bronchial asthma. This study investigated the role of HIF-1alpha in mouse models and patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods Balb/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum and were challenged intranasally with OVA. The HIF-1alpha inhibitor, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), was administered intraperitoneally and multiple parameters of allergic responses were evaluated. HIF-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expression were also evaluated in patients with AR and a correlation analysis between mRNA expression and allergic symptoms was performed. Results In mouse models, the HIF-1alpha inhibitor 2-ME reduced allergic symptoms and eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal mucosa. 2-ME was found to suppress IgE production and inhibit local Th2 cytokine transcription in the nasal mucosa and systemic Th2 cytokine production by splenocytes. 2-ME also decreased HIF-1 and VEGF expression in nasal mucosa. An increase in HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR was also observed. Conclusion Our data suggest that HIF-1alpha plays an important role in mouse models and patients with AR. HIF-1alpha inhibitors induce antiallergic effects by decreasing both local and systemic Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-5) production, IgE production, and eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa in an AR model. HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression increased in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR, showing the role of HIF-1alpha in disease pathogenesis.
Valproic Acid Promotes Neural Regeneration of Olfactory Epithelium in Adult Mice after Methimazole-Induced Damage
Authors: Ogawa Takao , Takezawa Kumiko , Shimizu Shino , Shimizu Takeshi 
Published: March 2014

Background Recent experiments have revealed that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has neuroregenerative effects in rodent models of spinal cord and optic nerve injury. VPA has a potential to provide a new therapeutic strategy for sensorineural olfactory dysfunction. To elucidate the effects of VPA on regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons, we examined the in vivo effects of oral VPA administration on recovery from methimazole-induced degeneration of olfactory neuroepithelium in mice. Methods Male ICR mice (10 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with methimazole (75 mg/kg), an olfactory toxic reagent, to induce degenerative changes in the olfactory neuroepithelium. The effects of daily VPA administration on recovery from methimazole-induced changes were examined histologically. Results Oral VPA administration dose dependently enhanced increases in epithelial thickness and number of olfactory marker protein (OMP) positive cells in the olfactory epithelium during recovery from methimazole-induced degeneration. VPA also enhanced early increases in the number of Ki-67+ and growth-associated protein-43+ cells during the regeneration of olfactory neuroepithelium. Conclusion VPA administration promotes regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons in damaged neuroepithelium by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of olfactory precursor cells. VPA has been used for several decades to safely treat neurological disorders. VPA may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction caused by degeneration of the olfactory neuroepithelium.
Comparison of Maxillary and Mandibular Incisor Inclination in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion among Chinese Children
Authors: Bajracharya Manju 
Published: March 2014

Objective: To determine maxillary and mandibular incisor inclination in Class II Division 1 malocclusion among different vertical skeletal type Chinese children.
Materials & Method: Lateral cephalograms of Class II Division I malocclusion cases of 120 Chinese children (male-55, female-65) of the age range 12-14 years were divided into three vertical skeletal types (low angle, average angle, high angle) based on Sella-Nasion to Mandibular plane angle. To determine incisor inclination, lateral cephalometric radiographs were measured and analyzed using factorial analysis. All angular parameters were processed using ANOVA and t-test. Maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations were discussed in detail among three vertical facial skeletal types.
Result: The maxillary and mandibular incisors of low angle individuals were found to be proclined more than those with high and average angle individuals.
Conclusion: Different vertical facial types of Class II Division I malocclusion in early permanent dentition accord to establish discriminate values to set up the cephalometric standards for diagnosis and treatment planning for the clinicians.
The Detergency of Surfactant Mixtures and Bentonites on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Carrion-Fite Francisco-Javier 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe primary aim of this work is to attain improvement of the softness of cotton fabric during the washing process with ecological surfactants. To attain that improvement, sodium bentonite was added to the detergent formulations to produce a softening effect during washing and obtain the so called “soft detergent” effect. Sodium bentonite (a mineral composed mainly of hydrated aluminium silicates) was mixed with the surfactants used in ecological detergents. This product was used with a suitable particle size that, given its large specific surface area, facilitated its deposition on the cotton fabric, producing the desired effect of increasing the softness of the washed fabric. The surfactants used were an anionic surfactant, namely LAS, and two non-ionic surfactants, namely APG and AE, used separately and as mixtures, without co-formulants, to demonstrate their detersive power in one wash and repeated washes, depending on the nature of the surfactants and on their separate mixtures and mixtures in different proportions of anionic and non-ionic surfactants in combination in all cases with a constant concentration of sodium bentonite with two particle sizes. Evaluation was performed of the subjective softness (to the touch) of pairs of samples by several observers and also of changes in whiteness after deposition of the bentonite during washing.
Synergistic Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles on Copper(II) Extraction from Saline Sulfate Medium with Some Ortho-Hydroxy-Schiff Base Chelating Extractants
Authors: Youcef M. Hadj , Benabdallah Tayeb , Reffas Hasnia 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The present study investigates the synergistic effect of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles (SDS) on the solvent extraction of copper(II) from saline sulfate medium by some ortho-hydroxy Schiff base extracting agents (HL) in chloroform at (25 ± 2)°C. The Schiff base extractants used are N-salicylideneaniline (HSA), N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene)aniline (HNA) and N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene)naphthylamine (HNN). In the absence of SDS, the estimated extraction constants of the three ligands revealed that the extraction efficiency increased in the order HNN < HNA < HSA. The extraction of Cu(II) was remarkably enhanced with HL upon the addition of the SDS surfactant. It was found that SDS did not intervene in the coordination sphere of the Cu(II). The calculated synergistic constant fell in the order HNN > HNA > HSA. A synergistic extraction mechanism of copper(II) with ortho-hydroxy Schiff bases in the presence of the surfactant has been proposed.
Population differentiation for germination and early seedling root growth traits under saline conditions in the annual legume Medicago truncatula (Fabaceae)
Authors: Cordeiro Matilde A. , Moriuchi Ken S. , Fotinos Tonya D. , Miller Kelsey E. , Nuzhdin Sergey V. , von Wettberg Eric J. , Cook Douglas R. 
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Seedling establishment and survival are highly sensitive to soil salinity and plants that evolved in saline environments are likely to express traits that increase fitness in those environments. Such traits are of ecological interest and they may have practical value for improving salt tolerance in cultivated species. We examined responses to soil salinity and tested potential mechanisms of salt tolerance in Medicago truncatula, using genotypes that originated from natural populations occurring on saline and nonsaline soils.• Methods: Germination and seedling responses were quantified and compared between saline and nonsaline origin genotypes. Germination treatments included a range of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations in both offspring and parental environments. Seedling treatments included NaCl, abscisic acid (ABA), and potassium chloride (KCl).• Key results: Saline origin genotypes displayed greater salinity tolerance for germination and seedling traits relative to nonsaline origin genotypes. We observed population specific differences for the effects of salinity on time to germination and for the impact of parental environment on germination rates. ABA and NaCl treatments had similar negative effects on root growth, although relative sensitivities differed, with saline population less sensitive to NaCl and more sensitive to ABA compared to their nonsaline counterparts.• Conclusions: We report population differentiation for germination and seedling growth traits under saline conditions among populations derived from saline and nonsaline environments. These observations are consistent with a syndrome of adaptations for salinity tolerance during early plant development, including traits that are common among saline environments and those that are idiosyncratic to local populations.
Near-infrared dye loaded polymeric nanoparticles for cancer imaging and therapy and cellular response after laser-induced heating
Authors: Lei Tingjun , Fernandez-Fernandez Alicia , Manchanda Romila , Huang Yen-Chih , McGoron Anthony J 
Published: March 2014

Background: In the past decade, researchers have focused on developing new biomaterials for cancer therapy that combine imaging and therapeutic agents. In our study, we use a new biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, termed poly(glycerol malate co-dodecanedioate) (PGMD), for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) and loading of near-infrared (NIR) dyes. IR820 was chosen for the purpose of imaging and hyperthermia (HT). HT is currently used in clinical trials for cancer therapy in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. One of the potential problems of HT is that it can up-regulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) expression and enhance vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion.Results: We explored cellular response after rapid, short-term and low thermal dose laser-IR820-PGMD NPs (laser/NPs) induced-heating, and compared it to slow, long-term and high thermal dose heating by a cell incubator. The expression levels of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), HIF-1 and VEGF following the two different modes of heating. The cytotoxicity of NPs after laser/NP HT resulted in higher cell killing compared to incubator HT. The ROS level was highly elevated under incubator HT, but remained at the baseline level under the laser/NP HT. Our results show that elevated ROS expression inside the cells could result in the promotion of HIF-1 expression after incubator induced-HT. The VEGF secretion was also significantly enhanced compared to laser/NP HT, possibly due to the promotion of HIF-1. In vitro cell imaging and in vivo healthy mice imaging showed that IR820-PGMD NPs can be used for optical imaging.Conclusion: IR820-PGMD NPs were developed and used for both imaging and therapy purposes. Rapid and short-term laser/NP HT, with a low thermal dose, does not up-regulate HIF-1 and VEGF expression, whereas slow and long term incubator HT, with a high thermal dose, enhances the expression of both transcription factors.
Characterisation of attacks made by the mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) during its endemic population phase
Authors: Bleiker K.P. , O'Brien M.R. , Smith G.D. , Carroll A.L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMountain pine beetle (MPB) Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) attacks and overwhelms the defences of vigorous trees during outbreaks by attacking en masse. Low or endemic populations are regulated by host resistance and restricted to colonising weakened trees, where there is a potential trade off between tree defences and habitat quality. Mountain pine beetle populations are typically in the endemic population phase, but MPB attack behaviour and brood productivity in this phase are poorly understood. We located attacks made by beetles from endemic populations in north-central Alberta, Canada and examined galleries constructed on these trees. The distribution of gallery starts on trees was clustered relative to height on the tree, but not related to aspect on the tree bole. We found no Allee effect associated with mate location as over 99% of galleries were constructed by mated females. Productivity was generally low and brood development rarely reached the pupal stage, with one exception that suggests that endemic populations are capable of rapid increase in certain hosts. Egg galleries constructed by unmated females differed in morphology from galleries created by mated females. To understand the dynamics of this eruptive species, we need to identify the conditions under which endemic populations can persist and periodically increase to densities that result in coordinated mass attacks on healthy trees and lead to outbreaks.