bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term and Short-Term Effects of Hemodialysis on Liver Function Evaluated Using the Galactose Single-Point Test
Authors: Hou Yi-Chou , Liu Wen-Chih , Liao Min-Tser , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Lo Lan , Pan Heng-Chih , Wu Chia-Chao , Hu Oliver Yoa-Pu , Tang Hung-Shang
Published: July 2014

Aim. The galactose single-point (GSP) test assesses functioning liver mass by measuring the galactose concentration in the blood 1 hour after its administration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of hemodialysis (HD) on short-term and long-term liver function by use of GSP test.Methods. Seventy-four patients on maintenance HD (46 males and 28 females, 60.38 ± 11.86 years) with a mean time on HD of 60.77 ± 48.31 months were studied. The GSP values were compared in two groups: (1) before and after single session HD, and (2) after one year of maintenance HD.Results. Among the 74 HD patient, only the post-HD Cr levels and years on dialysis were significantly correlated with GSP values (r=0.280,P<0.05andr=-0.240,P<0.05, resp.). 14 of 74 patients were selected for GSP evaluation before and after a single HD session, and the hepatic clearance of galactose was similar (pre-HD 410 ± 254 g/mL, post-HD 439 ± 298 g/mL,P=0.49). GSP values decreased from 420.20 ± 175.26 g/mL to 383.40 ± 153.97 g/mL after 1 year maintenance HD in other 15 patients (mean difference: 19.00 ± 37.66 g/mL,P<0.05).Conclusions. Patients on maintenance HD for several years may experience improvement of their liver function. However, a single HD session does not affect liver function significantly as assessed by the GSP test. Since the metabolism of galactose is dependent on liver blood flow and hepatic functional mass, further studies are needed.
Chryseobacterium indologenesSepticemia in an Infant
Authors: Aydin Teke Turkan , Oz Fatma Nur , Metin Ozge , Bayhan Gulsum Iclal , Gayretli Aydin Zeynep Gökce , Oguz Melek , Tanir Gonul
Published: July 2014

Chryseobacterium indologenesis a rare cause of infection in children. The organism causes infections mostly in hospitalised patients with severe underlying diseases. The choice of an effective drug for the treatment of infections due toC. indologenesis difficult as the organism has a limited spectrum of antimicrobial sensitivity. We present a case of nosocomial septicemia caused byC. indologenesin an infant with congenital heart disease who was successfully treated with trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and also reviewed fourteen additional cases ofC. indologenesinfections reported in the English literature in this report.
Improvement of Oxidative and Metabolic Parameters by Cellfood Administration in Patients Affected by Neurodegenerative Diseases on Chelation Treatment
Authors: Fulgenzi Alessandro , Giuseppe Rachele De , Bamonti Fabrizia , Ferrero Maria Elena
Published: July 2014

Objective. This prospective pilot study aimed at evaluating the effects of therapy with antioxidant compounds (Cellfood, and other antioxidants) on patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases (ND), who displayed toxic metal burden and were subjected to chelation treatment with the chelating agent calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA or EDTA).Methods. Two groups of subjects were studied: (a) 39 patients affected by ND and (b) 11 subjects unaffected by ND (controls). The following blood parameters were analyzed before and after three months’ treatment with chelation + Cellfood or chelation + other antioxidants: oxidative status (reactive oxygen species, ROS; total antioxidant capacity, TAC; oxidized LDL, oxLDL; glutathione), homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate.Results. After 3-months’ chelation + Cellfood administration oxLDL decreased, ROS levels were significantly lower, and TAC and glutathione levels were significantly higher than after chelation + other antioxidants treatment, both in ND patients and in controls. Moreover, homocysteine metabolism had also improved in both groups.Conclusions. Chelation + Cellfood treatment was more efficient than chelation + other antioxidants improving oxidative status and homocysteine metabolism significantly in ND patients and controls. Although limited to a small number of cases, this study showed how helpful antioxidant treatment with Cellfood was in improving the subjects’ metabolic conditions.
Failure of Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Treatment of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage due to Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
Authors: Khoulani Dania , Rao Bharat , Khanshour Ammar , Kuriakose Philip , Yessayan Lenar
Published: July 2014

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a serious complication of the small vessel vasculitis syndromes and carries a high mortality. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used to treat bleeding in patients with hemophilia and antibodies to factor VIII or IX. It is increasingly being used in life-threatening hemorrhage in a variety of other settings in which conventional therapy is unsuccessful. Randomized controlled trials of rFVIIa in DAH are lacking. However, several case reports have described a complete or sustained control of DAH using rFVIIa after patients failed to respond to medical treatment. There are no case reports in the literature describing the use or the failure of rFVIIa in DAH associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. We here report the failure of rFVIIa to control DAH in a patient with CD5+ B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
Noninvasive and Quantitative Assessment ofIn VivoFetomaternal Interface Angiogenesis Using RGD-Based Fluorescence
Authors: Keramidas M. , Lavaud J. , Sergent F. , Hoffmann P. , Brouillet S. , Feige J.-J. , Coll J.-L. , Alfaidy N.
Published: July 2014

Angiogenesis is a key process for proper placental development and for the success of pregnancy. Although numerousin vitromethods have been developed for the assessment of this process, relatively few reliablein vivomethods are available to evaluate this activity throughout gestation. Here we report anin vivotechnique that specifically measures placental neovascularization. The technique is based on the measurement of a fluorescent alphavbeta 3 (αvβ3) integrin-targeting molecule called Angiolone-Alexa-Fluor 700. Theαvβ3integrin is highly expressed by endothelial cells during the neovascularization and by trophoblast cells during their invasion of the maternal decidua. Angiolone was injected to gravid mice at 6.5 and 11.5 days post coitus (dpc). The fluorescence was analyzed one day later at 7.5 and 12.5 dpc, respectively. We demonstrated that (i) Angiolone targetsαvβ3protein in the placenta with a strong specificity, (ii) this technique is quantitative as the measurement was correlated to the increase of the placental size observed with increasing gestational age, and (iii) information on the outcome is possible, as abnormal placentation could be detected early on during gestation. In conclusion, we report the validation of a new noninvasive and quantitative method to assess the placental angiogenic activity,in vivo.
Sequence Variation inToxoplasma gondii rop17Gene among Strains from Different Hosts and Geographical Locations
Authors: Zhang Nian-Zhang , Xu Ying , Huang Si-Yang , Zhou Dong-Hui , Wang Rui-Ai , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: July 2014

Genetic diversity ofT. gondiiis a concern of many studies, due to the biological and epidemiological diversity of this parasite. The present study examined sequence variation in rhoptry protein 17 (ROP17) gene amongT. gondiiisolates from different hosts and geographical regions. Therop17gene was amplified and sequenced from 10T. gondiistrains, and phylogenetic relationship among theseT. gondiistrains was reconstructed using maximum parsimony (MP), neighbor-joining (NJ), and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. The partialrop17gene sequences were 1375 bp in length and A+T contents varied from 49.45% to 50.11% among all examinedT. gondiistrains. Sequence analysis identified 33 variable nucleotide positions (2.1%), 16 of which were identified as transitions. Phylogeny reconstruction based onrop17gene data revealed two major clusters which could readily distinguish Type I and Type II strains. Analyses of sequence variations in nucleotides and amino acids among these strains revealed high ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous polymorphisms (>1), indicating thatrop17shows signs of positive selection. This study demonstrated the existence of slightly high sequence variability in therop17gene sequences amongT. gondiistrains from different hosts and geographical regions, suggesting thatrop17gene may represent a new genetic marker for population genetic studies ofT. gondiiisolates.
Several Types of Totally Continuous Functions in Double Fuzzy Topological Spaces
Authors: Mohammed Fatimah M. , Noorani M. S. M. , Ghareeb A.
Published: July 2014

We introduce the notions of totally continuous functions, totally semicontinuous functions, and semitotally continuous functions in double fuzzy topological spaces. Their characterizations and the relationship with other already known kinds of functions are introduced and discussed.
Dynamic Prediction of Financial Distress Based on Kalman Filtering
Authors: Zhuang Qian , Chen Lianghua
Published: July 2014

The widely used discriminant models currently for financial distress prediction have deficiencies in dynamics. Based on the dynamic nature of corporate financial distress, dynamic prediction models consisting of a process model and a discriminant model, which are used to describe the dynamic process and discriminant rules of financial distress, respectively, is established. The operation of the dynamic prediction is achieved by Kalman filtering algorithm. And a generaln-step-ahead prediction algorithm based on Kalman filtering is deduced in order for prospective prediction. An empirical study for China’s manufacturing industry has been conducted and the results have proved the accuracy and advance of predicting financial distress in such case.
Inflight Parameter Identification and Icing Location Detection of the Aircraft: The Time-Varying Case
Authors: Dong Yiqun , Ai Jianliang
Published: July 2014

This paper considers inflight parameter identification and icing location detection of the aircraft in a more common time-varying nature. In particular, ice accumulation is modeled as a continuous process, and the effect of the ice upon aircraft dynamics is to be accreted with time. Time-varying case of the Hinf algorithm is implemented to provide inflight estimate of aircraft dynamic parameters, and the estimated results are delivered to a probabilistic neural network to decide icing location of the aircraft; an excitation measure of the aircraft is also adopted in the network input layer. A database corresponding to different icing cases and severities was generated for the training and test of the detection network. Based on the test results, the icing detection framework presented in this paper is believed to be with promising applicableness for our further studies.
TBT Effects on the Development of Intersex (Ovotestis) in Female Fresh Water PrawnMacrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Peranandam Revathi , Palanisamy Iyapparaj , Lourdaraj Arockia Vasanthi , Natesan Munuswamy , Vimalananthan Arun Prasanna , Thangaiyan Suganya , Perumal Anantharaman , Muthukalingan Krishnan
Published: July 2014

The impact of tributyltin (TBT) on the female gonad and the endocrine system inMacrobrachium rosenbergiiwas studied. Prawns were exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 ng/L of TBT for 6 months. Dose dependent effects were noticed in TBT exposed prawns. At 1000 ng/L TBT caused ovotestis formation (formation of male germ cells in ovary). Presence immature oocytes, fusion of developing oocytes, increase in interstitial connective tissues, and its modification into tubular like structure and abundance of spermatogonia in the ovary of TBT treated prawns. The control prawn ovary showed normal architecture of cellular organelles such as mature oocytes with type 2 yolk globules, lipid droplets, normal appearance of yolk envelop, and uniformly arranged microvilli. On the other hand, type 1 yolk globules, reduced size of microvilli, spermatogonial cells in ovary, spermatogonia with centrally located nucleus, and chromatin distribution throughout the nucleoplasm were present in the TBT treated group. Immunofluorescence staining indicated a reduction in vitellin content in ovary of TBT treated prawn. Moreover, TBT had inhibited the vitellogenesis by causing hormonal imbalance inM. rosenbergii. Thus, the present investigation demonstrates that TBT substantially affects sexual differentiation and gonadal development inM. rosenbergii.
Numerical Time-Domain Modeling of Lamb Wave Propagation Using Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique
Authors: Rappel Hussein , Yousefi-Koma Aghil , Jamali Jalil , Bahari Ako
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a numerical model of lamb wave propagation in a homogenous steel plate using elastodynamic finite integration technique (EFIT) as well as its validation with analytical results. Lamb wave method is a long range inspection technique which is considered to have unique future in the field of structural health monitoring. One of the main problems facing the lamb wave method is how to choose the most appropriate frequency to generate the waves for adequate transmission capable of properly propagating in the material, interfering with defects/damages, and being received in good conditions. Modern simulation tools based on numerical methods such as finite integration technique (FIT), finite element method (FEM), and boundary element method (BEM) may be used for modeling. In this paper, two sets of simulation are performed. In the first set, group velocities of lamb wave in a steel plate are obtained numerically. Results are then compared with analytical results to validate the simulation. In the second set, EFIT is employed to study fundamental symmetric mode interaction with a surface braking defect.
Comparison of the Freiburg and Charlson Comorbidity Indices in Predicting Overall Survival in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Kim Moon Jin , Jung Hyun Ae , Kim Kihyun , Kim Seok Jin , Jang Jun Ho , Kim Won Seog , Jung Chul Won
Published: July 2014

Multiple myeloma occurs primarily in elderly patients. Considering the high prevalence of comorbidities, comorbidity is an important issue for the management of myeloma. However, the impact of comorbidity on clinical outcomes has not been fully investigated. We retrospectively analyzed patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. Comorbidities were assessed based on the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the Freiburg comorbidity index (FCI). The CCI is a summary measure of 19 comorbid conditions. FCI is determined by performance status, renal impairment, and lung disease. This study included 127 patients with a median age of 71 years. Approximately half of the patients had additional disorders at the time of diagnosis, and diabetes mellitus was the most frequent diagnosis (18.9%). The most significant factors for prognosis among patient-related conditions were a history of solid cancer and performance status (ECOG ≥ 2). The FCI score was divided into 3 groups (0, 1, and 2-3), and the CCI score was divided into 2 groups (2-3 and ≥4). FCI was a strong prognostic tool for OS (P>0.001) and predicted clinical outcome better than CCI (P=0.059). In conclusion, FCI was more useful than CCI in predicting overall survival in elderly patients with myeloma.
Indoor SLAM Using Laser and Camera with Closed-Loop Controller for NAO Humanoid Robot
Authors: Wen Shuhuan , Othman Kamal Mohammed , Rad Ahmad B. , Zhang Yixuan , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: July 2014

We present a SLAM with closed-loop controller method for navigation of NAO humanoid robot from Aldebaran. The method is based on the integration of laser and vision system. The camera is used to recognize the landmarks whereas the laser provides the information for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM ). K-means clustering method is implemented to extract data from different objects. In addition, the robot avoids the obstacles by the avoidance function. The closed-loop controller reduces the error between the real position and estimated position. Finally, simulation and experiments show that the proposed method is efficient and reliable for navigation in indoor environments.
Characterization of Coal Porosity for Naturally Tectonically Stressed Coals in Huaibei Coal Field, China
Authors: Li Xiaoshi , Ju Yiwen , Hou Quanlin , Li Zhuo , Wei Mingming , Fan Junjia
Published: July 2014

The enrichment of coalbed methane (CBM) and the outburst of gas in a coal mine are closely related to the nanopore structure of coal. The evolutionary characteristics of 12 coal nanopore structures under different natural deformational mechanisms (brittle and ductile deformation) are studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The results indicate that there are mainly submicropores (2~5 nm) and supermicropores (<2 nm) in ductile deformed coal and mesopores (10~100 nm) and micropores (5~10 nm) in brittle deformed coal. The cumulative pore volume (V) and surface area (S) in brittle deformed coal are smaller than those in ductile deformed coal which indicates more adsorption space for gas. The coal with the smaller pores exhibits a large surface area, and coal with the larger pores exhibits a large volume for a given pore volume. We also found that the relationship betweenSandVturns from a positive correlation to a negative correlation whenS>4 m2/g, with pore sizes <5 nm in ductile deformed coal. The nanopore structure (<100 nm) and its distribution could be affected by macromolecular structure in two ways. Interconversion will occur among the different size nanopores especially in ductile deformed coal.
Theory of Neutrino-Atom Collisions: The History, Present Status, and BSM Physics
Authors: Kouzakov Konstantin A. , Studenikin Alexander I.
Published: July 2014

An overview of the current theoretical studies on neutrino-atom scattering processes is presented. The ionization channel of these processes, which is studied in experiments searching for neutrino magnetic moments, is brought into focus. Recent developments in the theory of atomic ionization by impact of reactor antineutrinos are discussed. It is shown that the stepping approximation is well applicable for the data analysis practically down to the ionization threshold.
Electronically Tunable Quadrature Oscillator Using Grounded Components with Current and Voltage Outputs
Authors: Chen Hua-Pin
Published: July 2014

The electronically tunable quadrature oscillator using a single multiple-output current controlled current differencing transconductance amplifier (MO-CCCDTA) and grounded passive components is presented. The proposed configuration uses a single MO-CCCDTA, two grounded capacitors and one grounded resistor. Two high-output impedance quadrature current signals and two quadrature voltage signals with 90° phase difference. The oscillation condition and oscillation frequency of the proposed quadrature oscillator are independently controllable. The use of only grounded passive components makes the proposed circuit ideal for integrated circuit implementation.
Epigenetic Silencing of CXCR4 Promotes Loss of Cell Adhesion in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yadav Suresh Singh , Prasad Shyam Babu , Das Mitali , Kumari Soni , Pandey Lakshmi Kant , Singh Sunita , Pradhan Satyajit , Narayan Gopeshwar
Published: July 2014

In the network of chemokine signaling pathways, recent reports have described the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis and its role in cancer progression and metastasis. Interestingly, we found downregulation of CXCR4 at both transcript and protein level in cervical cancer cell lines and primary tumors. We also found CXCR4 promoter hypermethylation in cervical cancer cell lines and primary biopsy samples. DNA hypomethylating drug 5-AZA-2′-deoxycytidine and histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A treatments in cell lines reactivate both CXCR4 transcription and protein expression. Cell adhesion assay demonstrated that autocrine SDF-1αpromotes the loss of cell adhesion while paracrine SDF-1αpredominantly protects the normal cervical cells from loss of cell adhesion. Cervical cancer cell line C-33A having increased expression of CXCR4 after TSA treatment showed increased cell adhesion by paracrine source of SDF-1αin comparison to untreated C-33A. These findings demonstrate the first evidence that epigenetic silencing of CXCR4 makes the cells inefficient to respond to the paracrine source of SDF-1αleading to loss of cell adhesion, one of the key events in metastases and progression of the disease. Our results provide novel insight of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling in tumor microenvironment which may be promising to further delineate molecular mechanism of cervical carcinogenesis.
A Sharp Double Inequality for Trigonometric Functions and Its Applications
Authors: Yang Zhen-Hang , Chu Yu-Ming , Song Ying-Qing , Li Yong-Min
Published: July 2014

We present the best possible parameterspandqsuch that the double inequality(2/3)cos2p(t/2)+1/31/p<sin t/t<(2/3)cos2q(t/2)+1/31/qholds for anyt∈(0,π/2). As applications, some new analytic inequalities are established.
Performance Analysis of 3D Massive MIMO Cellular Systems with Collaborative Base Station
Authors: Li Xingwang , Li Lihua , Xie Ling , Su Xin , Zhang Ping
Published: July 2014

Massive MIMO have drawn considerable attention as they enable significant capacity and coverage improvement in wireless cellular network. However, pilot contamination is a great challenge in massive MIMO systems. Under this circumstance, cooperation and three-dimensional (3D) MIMO are emerging technologies to eliminate the pilot contamination and to enhance the performance relative to the traditional interference-limited implementations. Motivated by this, we investigate the achievable sum rate performance of MIMO systems in the uplink employing cooperative base station (BS) and 3D MIMO systems. In our model, we consider the effects of both large-scale and small-scale fading, as well as the spatial correlation and indoor-to-outdoor high-rise propagation environment. In particular, we investigate the cooperative communication model based on 3D MIMO and propose a closed-form lower bound on the sum rate. Utilizing this bound, we pursue a “large-system” analysis and provide the asymptotic expression when the number of antennas at the BS grows large, and when the numbers of antennas at transceiver grow large with a fixed ratio. We demonstrate that the lower bound is very tight and becomes exact in the massive MIMO system limits. Finally, under the sum rate maximization condition, we derive the optimal number of UTs to be served.
Periodic Solutions of Second Order Nonlinear Difference Equations with Singularϕ-Laplacian Operator
Authors: Ma Ruyun , Lu Yanqiong
Published: July 2014

We obtain some existence results of solutions for discrete periodic boundary value problems with singularϕ-Laplacian operator∇Δuk/1-κ(Δuk)2+rkuk+mk/(uk)λ=ek,  2≤k≤N-1,          u1=uN, and    Δu1=ΔuN-1by using the upper and lower solutions method and Brouwer degree theory, whereκ>0is a constant,r=(r2,…,rN-1),m=(m2,…,mN-1),e=(e2,…,eN-1)∈RN-2, andλ>0is a parameter. We also give some examples with singular nonlinearities to illustrate our main results.
Optimal Treatment Strategies for HIV with Antibody Response
Authors: Zhou Yinggao , Yang Kuan , Zhou Kai , Wang Chunling
Published: July 2014

Numerical analysis and optimization tools are used to suggest improved therapies to try and cure HIV infection. An HIV model of ordinary differential equation, which includes immune response, neutralizing antibodies, and multidrug effects, is improved. For a fixed time, single-drug and two-drug treatment strategies are explored based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Using different combinations of weight factor pairs combining with special upper-bound pairs for controls, nine types of treatment policies are determined and different therapy effects are numerically simulated with a gradient projection method. Some strategies are effective, but some strategies are not particularly helpful for the therapy of HIV/AIDS. Comparing the effective treatment strategies, we find a more appropriate strategy with maximizing the number of uninfected CD4+T-cells and minimizing the number of active virus.
An Optical Multicast Routing with Minimal Network Coding Operations in WDM Networks
Authors: Liu Huanlin , Shen Qinren , Chen Yong
Published: July 2014

Network coding can improve the optical multicast routing performance in terms of network throughput, bandwidth utilization, and traffic load balance. But network coding needs high encoding operations costs in all-optical WDM networks due to shortage of optical RAM. In the paper, the network coding operation is defined to evaluate the number of network coding operation cost in the paper. An optical multicast routing algorithm based on minimal number of network coding operations is proposed to improve the multicast capacity. Two heuristic criteria are designed to establish the multicast routing with low network coding cost and high multicast capacity. One is to select one path from the formerKshortest paths with the least probability of dropping the multicast maximal capacity. The other is to select the path with lowest potential coding operations with the highest link shared degree among the multiple wavelength disjoint paths cluster from source to each destination. Comparing with the other multicast routing based on network coding, simulation results show that the proposed multicast routing algorithm can effectively reduce the times of network coding operations, can improve the probability of reaching multicast maximal capacity, and can keep the less multicast routing link cost for optical WDM networks.
Image Classification Using PSO‐SVM and an RGB‐D Sensor
Authors: López-Franco Carlos , Villavicencio Luis , Arana-Daniel Nancy , Alanis Alma Y.
Published: July 2014

Image classification is a process that depends on the descriptor used to represent an object. To create such descriptors we use object models with rich information of the distribution of points. The object model stage is improved with an optimization process by spreading the point that conforms the mesh. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to improve the model generation, while for the classification problem a support vector machine (SVM) is used. In order to measure the performance of the proposed method a group of objects from a public RGB‐D object data set has been used. Experimental results show that our approach improves the distribution on the feature space of the model, which allows to reduce the number of support vectors obtained in the training process.
Surface Modified Characteristics of the Tetracalcium Phosphate as Light‐Cured Composite Resin Fillers
Authors: Chen Wen-Cheng , Ko Chia-Ling , Shih Chi-Jen
Published: July 2014

The objectives of this study are to characterize the properties of light‐cured composite resins that are reinforced with whisker surface‐modified particles of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and to investigate the influence of thermal cycling on the reinforced composites properties. The characteristics of ultimate diametral tensile strength (DTS), moduli, pH values, and fracture surfaces of the samples with different amounts of surface‐modified TTCP (30%–60%) were determined before and after thermal cycling between 5°C and 55°C in deionized water for 600 cycles. The trends of all groups were ductile prior to thermal cycling and the moduli of all groups increased after thermal cycling. The ductile property of the control group without filler was not significantly affected. Larger amounts of fillers caused the particles to aggregate, subsequently decreasing the resin’s ability to disperse external forces and leading to brittleness after thermal cycling. Therefore, the trend of composite resins with larger amounts of filler would become more brittle and exhibited higher moduli after thermal cycling. This developed composite resin with surface modified‐TTCP fillers has the potential to be successful dental restorative materials.
Comparative Study of Corneal Endothelial Cell Damage after Femtosecond Laser Assisted Deep Stromal Dissection
Authors: Liu Ting , Zhang Jingjing , Sun Dapeng , Sui Wenjie , Zhang Yangyang , Li Dongfang , Chen Zhaoli , Gao Hua
Published: July 2014

Purpose.To find a relatively safe designed stromal bed thickness to avoid endothelial damage for lamellar keratoplasty with an Allegretto Wavelight FS200 femtosecond laser.Methods.Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into 50 μm and 150 μm groups according to the anticipated residue stromal bed thickness preparation with a femtosecond laser. Six rabbits without laser cutting were used as a control group. Central endothelial images were analyzed with in vivo confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The apoptosis of endothelium was evaluated with Hoechst 33342 staining and a TUNEL assay.Results.The endothelium of the 50 μm group had extensive injuries upon in vivo confocal and scanning electron microscopic observation, and minor injuries were observed in the 150 μm group. Moreover, more apoptotic cells were observed in the 50 μm group.Conclusions.When using a FS200 femtosecond laser assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty, there was minor endothelium damage with a 150 μm stromal bed, and a more than 150 μm thickness stromal bed design may prevent the damage of corneal endothelium.
Influence of Zn/Fe Molar Ratio on Optical and Magnetic Properties of ZnO and ZnFe2O4Nanocrystal as Calcined Products of Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed Ali , Talib Zainal Abidin , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Flaifel Moayad Husein , Al-Hada Naif Mohammed
Published: July 2014

The coprecipitation method has been used to synthesize layered double hydroxide (Zn-Fe-LDH) nanostructure at different Zn2+/Fe3+molar ratios. The structural properties of samples were studied using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). LDH samples were calcined at 600°C to produce mixed oxides (ZnO and ZnFe2O4). The crystallite size of mixed oxide was found in the nanometer scale (18.1 nm for ZnFe2O4and 43.3 nm for ZnO). The photocatalytic activity of the calcination products was investigated using ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of calcined LDHs were investigated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The calcined samples showed a paramagnetic behavior for all Zn2+/Fe3+molar ratios. The effect of molar ratio on magnetic susceptibility of the calcined samples was also studied.
Characterization of Material Stiffness on Injection Moulded Microspecimens Using Different Test Methods
Authors: Drummer Dietmar , Seefried Andreas , Meister Steve
Published: July 2014

Injection moulding of polymer microparts can result in modified material behaviour due to process-induced changes in the internal properties. Thus, a transfer of the mechanical material properties in microparts, determined and valid on standardized test specimens, is only partially possible and should be verified on microtest specimens. This paper investigates both tensile and bending test methods for a suitable characterization of material stiffness in polymer microparts. For this purpose a down-scaled standard specimen is used and tested with different testing methods. The investigations reveal that the different testing methods result in comparable mechanical values. The effects of process-induced modified mechanical behaviour are observable in the investigated testing methods. Consequently, a microbending test is potentially a suitable method for characterizing material stiffness using microspecimens.
Towards Light-Weight Probabilistic Model Checking
Authors: Konur Savas
Published: July 2014

Model checking has been extensively used to verify various systems. However, this usually has been done by experts who have a good understanding of model checking and who are familiar with the syntax of both modelling and property specification languages. Unfortunately, this is not an easy task for nonexperts to learn description languages for modelling and formal logics/languages for property specification. In particular, property specification is very daunting and error-prone for nonexperts. In this paper, we present a methodology to facilitate probabilistic model checking for nonexperts. The methodology helps nonexpert users model their systems and express their requirements without any knowledge of the modelling and property specification languages.
The European Legislation Applicable to Medium-Range Inductive Wireless Power Transmission Systems
Authors: Broydé Frédéric , Clavelier Evelyne , Broydé Lucie
Published: July 2014

Medium-range inductive wireless power transmission systems allow a sufficient power transfer without requiring close proximity between a primary coil and a secondary coil. We briefly investigate the range of a typical system and its radiated emission, from the perspectives of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and human exposure requirements. We then discuss the applicable legislation in the European Union, the main question being the applicability of the R&TTE or radio equipment directives. Our conclusion is that this applicability depends on multiple parameters, among which is the presence of a self-tuning capability or of a transmitter control based on telemetry.
Outlier Detection Method in Linear Regression Based on Sum of Arithmetic Progression
Authors: Adikaram K. K. L. B. , Hussein M. A. , Effenberger M. , Becker T.
Published: July 2014

We introduce a new nonparametric outlier detection method for linear series, which requires no missing or removed data imputation. For an arithmetic progression (a series without outliers) withnelements, the ratio (R) of the sum of the minimum and the maximum elements and the sum of all elements is always2/n:(0,1].R≠2/nalways implies the existence of outliers. Usually,R<2/nimplies that the minimum is an outlier, andR>2/nimplies that the maximum is an outlier. Based upon this, we derived a new method for identifying significant and nonsignificant outliers, separately. Two different techniques were used to manage missing data and removed outliers: (1) recalculate the terms after (or before) the removed or missing element while maintaining the initial angle in relation to a certain point or (2) transform data into a constant value, which is not affected by missing or removed elements. With a reference element, which was not an outlier, the method detected all outliers from data sets with 6 to 1000 elements containing 50% outliers which deviated by a factor of±1.0e-2to±1.0e+2from the correct value.
Analysis of Differential miRNA Expression in Primary Tumor and Stroma of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Della Vittoria Scarpati Giuseppina , Calura Enrica , Di Marino Mariacristina , Romualdi Chiara , Beltrame Luca , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo , De Stefano Alfonso , Pepe Stefano , De Placido Sabino , D'Incalci Maurizio , Marchini Sergio , Carlomagno Chiara
Published: July 2014

Microarray technology was used to profile miRNA expression in primary tumor and stromal tissue from paraffin embedded material of 51 patients with colorectal cancer. 26 miRNAs resulted differentially expressed with at least 2-fold change in tumor tissue with respect to stroma (16 more expressed in the tumor and 10 more expressed in the stroma). 10/26 were confirmed as differentially expressed at qRTPCR: miR-200c-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200a-3p, miR-1246, miR-92a-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-3651-5p, and miR-574-3p. No significant association was found between miRNA expressions and stage at diagnosis, site of primary tumor, first site of metastasis, progression-free, or overall survival.
A Generalized Henry-Type Integral Inequality and Application to Dependence on Orders and Known Functions for a Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Zhou Jun
Published: July 2014

We discuss on integrable solutions for a generalized Henry-type integral inequality in which weak singularity and delays are involved. Not requiring continuity or differentiability for some given functions, we use a modified iteration argument to give an estimate of the unknown function in terms of the multiple Mittag-Leffler function. We apply the result to give continuous dependence of solutions on initial data, derivative orders, and known functions for a fractional differential equation.
Heavy Metal Content in Thoracic Tissue Samples from Patients with and without NSCLC
Authors: Tran Jessica Q. , Dranikov Alexandra , Iannucci Anita , Wagner Walter P. , LoBello Janine , Allen Jeffrey , Weiss Glen J.
Published: July 2014

Objectives. Environmental factors expose an individual to heavy metals that may stimulate cancer growth preclinically including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Here, we examine the prevalence of four heavy metals present in postsurgical tissues from individuals with and without NSCLC. Materials and Methods. Thoracic tissue samples from two separate sample sets were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) content. Results. In the first sample set, there was no significant measurable amount of Pb and Hg found in either NSCLC tissue or nonmalignant lung tissue samples. Cd was the most prevalent heavy metal and As was present in moderate amounts. In the second sample set, Cd was measurable across all tissue types taken from 28 NSCLC patients and significantly higher Cd was measurable in noncancer benign lung (n=9). In the NSCLC samples, As was measurable in moderate amounts, while Hg and Pb amounts were negligible. Conclusion. Cd and As are present in lung tissues for patients with NSCLC. With existing preclinical evidence of their tumorigenecity, it is plausible that Cd and/or As may have an impact on NSCLC development. Additional studies examining the prevalence and association between smokers and nonsmokers are suggested.
Expression Profiles of 12 Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Genes fromTamarix hispidain Response to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Gao Caiqiu , Liu Yali , Wang Chao , Zhang Kaimin , Wang Yucheng
Published: July 2014

Twelve embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) genes (namedThLEA-1 to -12) were cloned fromTamarix hispida. The expression profiles of these genes in response to NaCl, PEG, and abscisic acid (ABA) in roots, stems, and leaves ofT. hispidawere assessed using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TheseThLEAsall showed tissue-specific expression patterns in roots, stems, and leaves under normal growth conditions. However, they shared a high similar expression patterns in the roots, stems, and leaves when exposed to NaCl and PEG stress. Furthermore,ThLEA-1, -2, -3, -4, and-11were induced by NaCl and PEG, butThLEA-5, -6, -8, -10, and-12were downregulated by salt and drought stresses. Under ABA treatment, someThLEAgenes, such asThLEA-1, -2, and-3, were only slightly differentially expressed in roots, stems, and leaves, indicating that they may be involved in the ABA-independent signaling pathway. These findings provide a basis for the elucidation of the function ofLEAgenes in future work.
Stochastic Resonance in Neuronal Network Motifs with Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck Colored Noise
Authors: Lou Xuyang
Published: July 2014

We consider here the effect of the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck colored noise on the stochastic resonance of the feed‐forward‐loop (FFL) network motif. The FFL motif is modeled through the FitzHugh‐Nagumo neuron model as well as the chemical coupling. Our results show that the noise intensity and the correlation time of the noise process serve as the control parameters, which have great impacts on the stochastic dynamics of the FFL motif. We find that, with a proper choice of noise intensities and the correlation time of the noise process, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) can display more than one peak.
Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Docking Studies on Pinus roxburghii as a Target for Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kaushik Pawan , Lal Khokra Sukhbir , Rana A. C. , Kaushik Dhirender
Published: July 2014

The present study attempts to establish a relationship between ethnopharmacological claims and bioactive constituents present in Pinus roxburghii against all possible targets for diabetes through molecular docking and to develop a pharmacophore model for the active target. The process of molecular docking involves study of different bonding modes of one ligand with active cavities of target receptors protein tyrosine phosphatase 1-beta (PTP-1β), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), aldose reductase (AR), and insulin receptor (IR) with help of docking software Molegro virtual docker (MVD). From the results of docking score values on different receptors for antidiabetic activity, it is observed that constituents, namely, secoisoresinol, pinoresinol, and cedeodarin, showed the best docking results on almost all the receptors, while the most significant results were observed on AR. Then, LigandScout was applied to develop a pharmacophore model for active target. LigandScout revealed that 2 hydrogen bond donors pointing towards Tyr 48 and His 110 are a major requirement of the pharmacophore generated. In our molecular docking studies, the active constituent, secoisoresinol, has also shown hydrogen bonding with His 110 residue which is a part of the pharmacophore. The docking results have given better insights into the development of better aldose reductase inhibitor so as to treat diabetes related secondary complications.
Geodermatophilus poikilotrophisp. nov.: A Multitolerant Actinomycete Isolated from Dolomitic Marble
Authors: Montero-Calasanz Maria del Carmen , Hofner Benjamin , Göker Markus , Rohde Manfred , Spröer Cathrin , Hezbri Karima , Gtari Maher , Schumann Peter , Klenk Hans-Peter
Published: July 2014

A novel Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic actinobacterium, tolerant to mitomycin C, heavy metals, metalloids, hydrogen peroxide, desiccation, and ionizing- and UV-radiation, designated G18T, was isolated from dolomitic marble collected from outcrops in Samara (Namibia). The growth range was 15–35°C, at pH 5.5–9.5 and in presence of 1% NaCl, forming greenish-black coloured colonies on GYMStreptomycesagar. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate matched those described for other representatives of the genusGeodermatophilus. The peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diaminoacid. The main phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and small amount of diphosphatidylglycerol. MK-9(H4) was the dominant menaquinone and galactose was detected as diagnostic sugar. The major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain saturated acids iso-C16:0and iso-C15:0and the unsaturated C17:1ω8c and C16:1ω7c. The 16S rRNA gene showed 97.4–99.1% sequence identity with the other representatives of genusGeodermatophilus. Based on phenotypic results and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain G18Tis proposed to represent a novel species,Geodermatophilus poikilotrophi. Type strain is G18T(= DSM 44209T= CCUG 63018T). The INSDC accession number is HF970583. The novel R software packagelethalwas used to compute the lethal doses with confidence intervals resulting from tolerance experiments.
On the Calculation of Formal Concept Stability
Authors: Zhi Hui-lai
Published: July 2014

The idea of stability has been used in many applications. However, computing stability is still a challenge and the best algorithms known so far have algorithmic complexity quadratic to the size of the lattice. To improve the effectiveness, a critical term is introduced in this paper, that is, minimal generator, which serves as the minimal set that makes a concept stable when deleting some objects from the extent. Moreover, by irreducible elements, minimal generator is derived. Finally, based on inclusion-exclusion principle and minimal generator, formulas for the calculation of concept stability are proposed.
Amplification of theInsulin-Like Growth Factor 1 ReceptorGene Is a Rare Event in Adrenocortical Adenocarcinomas: Searching for Potential Mechanisms of Overexpression
Authors: Ribeiro Tamaya Castro , Jorge Alexander Augusto , Almeida Madson Q. , Mariani Beatriz Marinho de Paula , Nishi Mirian Yumi , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Latronico Ana Claudia
Published: July 2014

Context.IGF1Roverexpression appears to be a prognostic biomarker of metastatic pediatric adrenocortical tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms that are implicated in its upregulation remain unknown.Aim. To investigate the potential mechanisms involved inIGF1Roverexpression.Patients and Methods. We studied 64 adrenocortical tumors.IGF1Rcopy number variation was determined in all patients using MLPA and confirmed using real time PCR. In a subgroup of 32 patients, automatic sequencing was used to identifyIGF1Rallelic variants and the expression of microRNAs involved inIGF1Rregulation by real time PCR.Results.IGF1Ramplification was detected in an adrenocortical carcinoma that was diagnosed in a 46-year-old woman with Cushing’s syndrome and virilization.IGF1Roverexpression was demonstrated in this case. In addition, gene amplification of otherlociwas identified in this adrenocortical malignant tumor, but noIGF1Rcopy number variation was evidenced in the remaining cases. Automatic sequencing revealed three known polymorphisms but they did not correlate with its expression. Expression of miR-100, miR-145, miR-375, and miR-126 did not correlate withIGF1Rexpression.Conclusion. We demonstrated amplification and overexpression ofIGF1Rgene in only one adrenocortical carcinoma, suggesting that these combined events are uncommon. In addition,IGF1Rpolymorphisms and abnormal microRNA expression did not correlate withIGF1Rupregulation in adrenocortical tumors.
Using Pre-TMIn Treatment to Improve the Optical Properties of Green Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Bing , Dai Hai Tao , Wang Shu Guo , Chu Fu-Chuan , Huang Chou-Hsiung , Yu Sheng-Fu , Zhao Jun Liang , Sun Xiao Wei , Lin Ray-Ming
Published: July 2014

We investigated the effects of pre-TMIn treatment on the optical properties of green light emitting diodes (LEDs). Although pre-TMIn treatment did not affect the epitaxial structure of quantum wells, it significantly improved the quality of the surface morphology relative to that of the untreated sample. Indium cluster can be seen by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), which is the explanation for the red-shift of photoluminescence (PL). Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements indicated that the sample prepared with pre-TMIn treatment had a shorter radiative decay time. As a result, the light output power of the treated green LED was higher than that of the conventional untreated one. Thus, pre-TMIn treatment appears to be a simple and efficient means of improving the performance of green LEDs.