bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Infrared Anomalies of Several Strong Earthquakes
Authors: Wei Congxin , Zhang Yuansheng , Guo Xiao , Hui Shaoxing , Qin Manzhong , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2013

In the history of earthquake thermal infrared research, it is undeniable that before and after strong earthquakes there are significant thermal infrared anomalies which have been interpreted as preseismic precursor in earthquake prediction and forecasting. In this paper, we studied the characteristics of thermal radiation observed before and after the 8 great earthquakes with magnitude up to Ms7.0 by using the satellite infrared remote sensing information. We used new types of data and method to extract the useful anomaly information. Based on the analyses of 8 earthquakes, we got the results as follows. (1) There are significant thermal radiation anomalies before and after earthquakes for all cases. The overall performance of anomalies includes two main stages: expanding first and narrowing later. We easily extracted and identified such seismic anomalies by method of “time‐frequency relative power spectrum.” (2) There exist evident and different characteristic periods and magnitudes of thermal abnormal radiation for each case. (3) Thermal radiation anomalies are closely related to the geological structure. (4) Thermal radiation has obvious characteristics in abnormal duration, range, and morphology. In summary, we should be sure that earthquake thermal infrared anomalies as useful earthquake precursor can be used in earthquake prediction and forecasting.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of the Eyelid: A Case Report
Authors: Ayatollahi Jamshid , Ayatollahi Ali , Shahcheraghi Seyed Hossein
Published: October 2013

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in certain areas of Iran, and in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reports for rare and new forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis. We describe one unusual clinical form of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In a 27-year-old man, who noted a pimple on the upper eyelid 4 months before. The lesion was nodular and measured 1 cm × 1 cm in diameter. A diagnosis of eyelid cutaneous leishmaniasis was made, and treatment was started with intramuscular meglumine antimonate. He showed a dramatic response, and the lesion almost completely disappeared.
Fast Endmember Extraction for Massive Hyperspectral Sensor Data on GPUs
Authors: Wu Zebin , Ye Shun , Wei Jie , Wei Zhihui , Sun Le , Liu Jianjun
Published: October 2013

Hyperspectral imaging sensor becomes increasingly important in multisensor collaborative observation. The spectral mixture problem seriously influences the efficiency of hyperspectral data exploitation, and endmember extraction is one of the key issues. Due to the high computational cost of algorithm and massive quantity of the hyperspectral sensor data, high-performance computing is extremely demanded for those scenarios requiring real-time response. A method of parallel optimization for the well-known N-FINDR algorithm on graphics processing units (NFINDR-GPU) is proposed to realize fast endmember extraction for massive hyperspectral sensor data in this paper. The implements of the proposed method are described and evaluated using compute unified device architecture (CUDA) based on NVIDA Quadra 600 and Telsa C2050. Experimental results show the effectiveness of NFINDR-GPU. The parallel algorithm is stable for different image sizes, and the average speedup is over thirty times on Telsa C2050, which satisfies the real-time processing requirements.
Anaerobic Biodegradability of Agricultural Renewable Fibers
Authors: Shi Bo , Lortscher Peter , Palfery Doris
Published: October 2013

Natural fiber-based paper and paperboard products are likely disposed of in municipal wastewater, composting, or landfill after an intended usage. However, there are few studies reporting anaerobic sludge digestion and biodegradability of agricultural fibers although the soiled sanitary products, containing agricultural fibers, are increasingly disposed of in municipal wastewater or conventional landfill treatment systems, in which one or more unit operations are anaerobic digestion.
We conducted a series of biodegradation studies using corn stalk and wheat straw pulp fibers to elucidate biodegradability and biodegradation kinetics under anaerobic sludge digestion conditions. The degradation results indicate that corn stalk achieved 78.4% biodegradation and wheat straw 72.4% biodegradation, all within 56 days of the study. In comparison, corn stalk generated more biogas than wheat straw. Unlike any raw agricultural crop residues, anaerobic biodegradation of agricultural fibers is largely unaffected by the presence of lignin, physical sizes of crop stalks, and plant cell wall constitutes.
Profile of Gaze Dysfunction following Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Rowe Fiona J. , Wright David , Brand Darren , Jackson Carole , Harrison Shirley , Maan Tallat , Scott Claire , Vogwell Linda , Peel Sarah , Akerman Nicola , Dodridge Caroline , Howard Claire , Shipman Tracey , Sperring Una , MacDiarmid Sonia , Freeman Cicely
Published: October 2013

Aim. To evaluate the profile of ocular gaze abnormalities occurring following stroke.Methods. Prospective multicentre cohort trial. Standardised referral and investigation protocol including assessment of visual acuity, ocular alignment and motility, visual field, and visual perception.Results. 915 patients recruited: mean age 69.18 years (SD 14.19). 498 patients (54%) were diagnosed with ocular motility abnormalities. 207 patients had gaze abnormalities including impaired gaze holding (46), complete gaze palsy (23), horizontal gaze palsy (16), vertical gaze palsy (17), Parinaud’s syndrome (8), INO (20), one and half syndrome (3), saccadic palsy (28), and smooth pursuit palsy (46). These were isolated impairments in 50% of cases and in association with other ocular abnormalities in 50% including impaired convergence, nystagmus, and lid or pupil abnormalities. Areas of brain stroke were frequently the cerebellum, brainstem, and diencephalic areas. Strokes causing gaze dysfunction also involved cortical areas including occipital, parietal, and temporal lobes. Symptoms of diplopia and blurred vision were present in 35%. 37 patients were discharged, 29 referred, and 141 offered review appointments. 107 reviewed patients showed full recovery (4%), partial improvement (66%), and static gaze dysfunction (30%).Conclusions. Gaze dysfunction is common following stroke. Approximately one-third of patients complain of visual symptoms, two thirds show some improvement in ocular motility.
Performance Analysis of a Completely Sealed Double Oscillating Structure Applied in Wave Energy Extraction
Authors: Shi Zhenchuan , Yu Haitao , Marignetti Fabrizio
Published: October 2013

Most of the traditional wave energy converters are of a single oscillation structure, which leads to difficulties in sealing and installation. Based on the technological status of disc-type permanent magnetic coreless generator (DPMCLG) and long-stroke tape-type spring, a small scale wave energy extracting structure which can be completely sealed and work under the principle of double oscillation is proposed in this paper. By building a double oscillating model of the structure, the time domain differential equations and an equivalent circuit scheme are drawn, from which a phase-space solution by phase method is derived. Based on the solution, the performance of the structure is compared with that of single oscillating structure. The conclusion is that the double oscillating structure has a wider period range and higher power response for wave extraction, as well as the protection of power generator from damage in storm conditions.
Robust Online Object Tracking Based on Feature Grouping and 2DPCA
Authors: Jiang Ming-Xin , Zhang Jun-Xing , Li Min
Published: October 2013

We present an online object tracking algorithm based on feature grouping and two-dimensional principal component analysis (2DPCA). Firstly, we introduce regularization into the 2DPCA reconstruction and develop an iterative algorithm to represent an object by 2DPCA bases. Secondly, the object templates are grouped into a more discriminative image and a less discriminative image by computing the variance of the pixels in multiple frames. Then, the projection matrix is learned according to the more discriminative image and the less discriminative image, and the samples are projected. The object tracking results are obtained using Bayesian maximum a posteriori probability estimation. Finally, we employ a template update strategy which combines incremental subspace learning and the error matrix to reduce tracking drift. Compared with other popular methods, our method reduces the computational complexity and is very robust to abnormal changes. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations on challenging image sequences demonstrate that the proposed tracking algorithm achieves more favorable performance than several state-of-the-art methods.
De Novo Glioblastoma in the Territory of a Prior Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct
Authors: Wojtasiewicz Teresa J. , Ducruet Andrew F. , Noticewala Sonal S. , Canoll Peter , McKhann Guy M.
Published: October 2013

We report a case of a patient who developed glioblastoma in the territory of a previous infarction. Two years after an ischemic stroke, the patient presented with a cystic, necrotic, and heterogeneously enhancing mass. Open biopsy and debulking of the mass with histological analysis revealed the mass to be glioblastoma. Though several cases of posttraumatic GBM have been reported, this is the first proposed case of GBM after an ischemic stroke. From this case, we suggest that the ischemic stroke, like other forms of cortical injury, may predispose to glioblastoma formation.
Hypovitaminosis D in Geriatric Acute Care Unit: A Biomarker of Longer Length of Stay
Authors: Hélard Lise , Mateus-Hamdan Leyla , Beauchet Olivier , Annweiler Cédric
Published: October 2013

Background.Hypovitaminosis D is linked to unstable health in older adults. Our objectives were to determine (i) the difference in length of stay (LOS) in geriatric acute care unit between inpatients with and without hypovitaminosis D and (ii) whether there was a linear association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration and LOS.Methods.253 inpatients admitted in 2008 to the geriatric acute care unit of Angers University Hospital, France, (mean age±standard deviation, 86.2 ± 6.0 years; 66.8% female) were included in this historical cohort study. LOS was calculated by subtracting day of admission from day of discharge. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25OHD≤50 nmol/L at the time of admission. Age, gender, place of life, functional independence, reason for admission, number of acute diseases and comorbidities, use of vitamin D supplements, and creatinine clearance were used as confounders.Results.Participants with hypovitaminosis D had longer LOS than their counterparts (15.2 ± 8.2 days versus 12.1 ± 7.0 days, ), underlining a mean difference of 3 days. 25OHD concentration inversely correlated (, ) and was inversely associated with LOS (adjusted [95%CI: −0.14; −0.02], ).Conclusions.We found an inverse linear association between serum 25OHD concentrations and LOS in a geriatric acute care unit. Participants with 25OHD>50 nmol/L were hospitalized on average 3 days less than those with 25OHD≤50 nmol/L.
Classification Based on both Attribute Value Weight and Tuple Weight under the Cloud Computing
Authors: Zheng Yifeng , Huang Zaixiang , He Tianzhong
Published: October 2013

In recent years, more and more people pay attention to cloud computing. Users need to deal with magnanimity data in the cloud computing environment. Classification can predict the need of users from large data in the cloud computing environment. Some traditional classification methods frequently adopt the following two ways. One way is to remove instance after it is covered by a rule, another way is to decrease tuple weight of instance after it is covered by a rule. The quality of these traditional classifiers may be not high. As a result, they cannot achieve high classification accuracy in some data. In this paper, we present a new classification approach, called classification based on both attribute value weight and tuple weight (CATW). CATW is distinguished from some traditional classifiers in two aspects. First, CATW uses both attribute value weight and tuple weight. Second, CATW proposes a new measure to select best attribute values and generate high quality classification rule set. Our experimental results indicate that CATW can achieve higher classification accuracy than some traditional classifiers.
Photovoltaic Performance of ZnO Nanorod and ZnO : CdO Nanocomposite Layers in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Erten-Ela Sule
Published: October 2013

Triphenylene diamine sensitizer comprising donor, electron conducting, and anchoring group is synthesized for a potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells. Absorption spectrum, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of triphenylene diamine have been investigated. Two different electrodes are used for dye-sensitized solar cells. The performances of ZnO nanorod electrodes are compared to ZnO : CdO nanocomposite electrode. Also, the theoretical calculations for HOMO and LUMO orbitals are used to estimate the photovoltaic properties of organic sensitizer in the design stage. ZnO : CdO nanocomposite electrode-based dye-sensitized solar cell sensitized with organic sensitizer exhibits higher efficiencies than ZnO nanorod electrode. For a typical device, a solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of 0.80 based on ZnO : CdO nanocomposite is achieved under simulated AM 1.5 solar irradiation (100 mW cm−2) with a short circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 3.10 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 480 mV, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.57. These results suggest that the ZnO : CdO nanocomposite system is a good selection and a promising candidate for electrode system in dye-sensitized solar cells.
On Partially Trace Distance Preserving Maps and Reversible Quantum Channels
Authors: Jian Long , He Kan , Yuan Qing , Wang Fei
Published: October 2013

We give a characterization of trace-preserving and positive linear maps preserving trace distance partially, that is, preservers of trace distance of quantum states or pure states rather than all matrices. Applying such results, we give a characterization of quantum channels leaving Helstrom's measure of distinguishability of quantum states or pure states invariant and show that such quantum channels are fully reversible, which are unitary transformations.
Evaluation ofArtemisia amygdalinaD. for Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Potential
Authors: Mubashir Khan , Ganai Bashir A. , Ghazanfar Khalid , Akbar Seema , Malik Akhtar H. , Masood Akbar
Published: October 2013

Artemisia amygdalinaD. is a critically endangered endemic medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalayas. In the current study anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of the plant was carried out. Carrageenan paw edema model was used to study the potential of the drug in inflammation in Wistar rats. SRBC-specific haemagglutination titre and DTH assays were carried out in Balb/C mice for observing the effect of test drugs on immune system. The plant extracts used as test drugs showed to have anti-inflammatory potential. The methanolic fraction was observed to have the maximum effect on the inhibition of paw edema formation with the inhibitory potential of 42.26%, while in the immunomodulation studies the test drugs were found to have the immunosuppressant activity with methanolic fraction again showing the maximum potential for the suppression of both humoral (55.89% and 47.91%) and cell-mediated immunity (62.27% and 57.21%). The plant in total seems to have the anti-inflammatory potential. The suppression of immune system suggests some mechanistic way by which the inhibition of inflammation takes place. Since, in chronic inflammation like arthritis, there is the involvement of immune system, the plant in that way may serve as an alternative for the treatment of such autoimmune diseases.
Simulation of Drug Release from PLGA Particles In Vivo
Authors: Sasaki Kaori , Igarashi Martha , Hinata Manami , Komori Yuna , Fukushima Kouhei
Published: October 2013

Specific targeting of tissues and/or cells is essential for any type of drug delivery system because this determines the efficacy and side effects of the drug. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acids (PLGA) have long been used as biomaterials for drug delivery due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Direct visualization of PLGA particles is feasible even within tissues, and cell specificity of the drug delivery system is normally assessed by using labeled particles. However, particle labeling alone does not address factors such as the release and distribution of the drug. Thus, it is desirable to set up a simulation system of drug release and distribution in vivo. In the present study, we aimed to establish a method to simulate drug distribution in PLGA drug delivery by using Hoechst 33342 as an imitating drug. Our approach enabled us to identify, isolate, and characterize cells exposed to Hoechst 33342 and to deduce the concentration of this fluorescent dye around both targeted and nontargeted cells. We believe that the method described herein will provide essential information regarding the specificity of cell targeting in any type of PLGA drug delivery system.
Thin-Sheet Inversion Modeling of Geomagnetic Deep Sounding Data Using MCMC Algorithm
Authors: Grandis Hendra , Menvielle Michel , Roussignol Michel
Published: October 2013

The geomagnetic deep sounding (GDS) method is one of electromagnetic (EM) methods in geophysics that allows the estimation of the subsurface electrical conductivity distribution. This paper presents the inversion modeling of GDS data employing Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to evaluate the marginal posterior probability of the model parameters. We used thin-sheet model to represent quasi-3D conductivity variations in the heterogeneous subsurface. The algorithm was applied to invert field GDS data from the zone covering an area that spans from eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif to the West Carpathians in Europe. Conductivity anomalies obtained from this study confirm the well-known large-scale tectonic setting of the area.
A Case Study of Reliability and Performance of the Electric Power Distribution Station Based on Time between Failures
Authors: Baharum Adam , Alwan Faris Mahdi , Hasson Saad Talib
Published: October 2013

This paper presents an algorithm for estimating the performance of high-power station systems connected in series, parallel, and mixed series-parallel with collective factor failures caused by any part of the system equipment. Failures that occur frequently can induce a selective effect, which means that the failures generated from different equipment parts can cause failures in various subsets of the system elements. The objectives of this study are to increase the lifetime of the station and reduce sudden station failures. The case study data was collected from an electricity distribution company in Baghdad, Iraq. Data analysis was performed using the most valid distribution of the Weibull distribution with scale parameterα= 1.3137 and shape parameterβ= 94.618. Our analysis revealed that the reliability value decreased by 2.82% in 30 days. The highest critical value was obtained for components T1, CBF5, CBF7, CBF8, CBF9, and CBF10and must be changed by a new item as soon as possible. We believe that the results of this research can be used for the maintenance of power systems models and preventive maintenance models for power systems.
Zinc Deficiency and Zinc Therapy Efficacy with Reduction of Serum Free Copper in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Brewer George J. , Kaur Sukhvir
Published: October 2013

We are in the midst of an epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in developed countries. We have postulated that ingestion of inorganic copper from drinking water and taking supplement pills and a high fat diet are major causative factors. Ingestion of inorganic copper can directly raise the blood free copper level. Blood free copper has been shown by the Squitti group to be elevated in AD, to correlate with cognition, and to predict cognition loss. Secondly, we have shown that AD patients are zinc deficient compared to age matched controls. Zinc is important in neuronal protection. We carried out a 6-month small double blind trial of a new zinc formulation on AD patients. We found that in patients 70 years and older, zinc therapy protected against cognition decline compared to placebo controls. We also found that zinc therapy significantly lowered blood free copper levels. So zinc efficacy could be due to restoring neuronal zinc levels, to lowering blood free copper levels, or to both.
Effect of Emitted Wavelength and Light Guide Type on Irradiance Discrepancies in Hand‐Held Dental Curing Radiometers
Authors: Kameyama Atsushi , Haruyama Akiko , Asami Masako , Takahashi Toshiyuki
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine any discrepancies in the outputs of five commercial dental radiometers and also to evaluate the accuracy of these devices using a laboratory‐grade spectroradiometer. The power densities of 12 different curing light sources were repeatedly measured for a total of five times using each radiometer in a random order. The emission spectra of all of the curing light sources were also measured using the spectroradiometer, and the integral value of each spectrum was calculated to determine the genuine power densities, which were then compared to the displayed power densities measured by the dental radiometers. The displayed values of power density were various and were dependent on the brand of radiometer, and this may be because each radiometer has a different wavelength sensitivity. These results cast doubt upon the accuracy of commercially available dental radiometers.
Detection and Isolation of Airborne Influenza A H3N2 Virus Using a Sioutas Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler
Authors: Lednicky John A. , Loeb Julia C.
Published: October 2013

The air we breathe contains microorganisms that can cause infectious respiratory diseases. After two occupants of an apartment were diagnosed with influenza in February of 2013, efforts were made to detect and isolate airborne influenza virus using two different types of active air samplers: a Sioutas Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS) and an SKC BioSampler. The PCIS collects size-fractionated particles by impaction on polytetrafluoroethylene filters, whereas the SKC BioSampler collects airborne particles in liquid media. Influenza H3N2 virus was collected by both types of air samplers. The PCIS collected a range of particle sizes containing influenza virus near one of the sick individuals but only ultrafine particles when the samplers were positioned farther away. Viable virus was present in the liquid collection media of the SKC BioSampler and some PCIS filters. These findings suggest that influenza patients produce ultrafine aerosol particles that contain viable virus.
Effect of Adjuvant Magnetic Fields in Radiotherapy on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Feng Jianguo , Sheng Huaying , Zhu Chihong , Jiang Hao , Ma Shenglin
Published: October 2013

Objectives. To explore sensitization and possible mechanisms of adjuvant magnetic fields (MFs) in radiotherapy (RT) of non-small-cell lung cancer.Methods. Human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were treated with MF, RT, and combined MF-RT. Colony-forming efficiency was calculated, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured, and changes in cell cycle- and apoptosis-related gene expression were measured by microarray.Results. A 0.5 T, 8 Hz stationary MF showed a duration-dependent inhibitory effect lasting for 1–4 hours. The MF-treated groups had significantly greater cell inhibition than did controls (). Surviving fractions and growth curves derived from colony-forming assay showed that the MF-only, RT-only, and MF-RT groups had inhibited cell growth; the MF-RT group showed a synergetic effect. Microarray of A549 cells exposed for 1 hour to MF showed that 19 cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes had 2-fold upregulation and 40 genes had 2-fold downregulation. MF significantly arrested cells in G2and M phases, apparently sensitizing the cells to RT.Conclusions. MF may inhibit A549 cells and can increase their sensitivity to RT, possibly by affecting cell cycle- and apoptosis-related signaling pathways.
Fatigue Behaviour of Fastening Joints of Sheet Materials and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: He Xiaocong , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew
Published: October 2013

Some fastening techniques such as self-piercing riveting, mechanical clinching, and structural adhesive bonding are efficient joining methods which are suitable for joining advanced lightweight sheet materials that are hard to weld. The recent literature relating to fatigue behavior of such fastening joints and finite element analysis is reviewed in this paper. The recent development in fatigue behavior analysis of the fastening joints is described with particular reference to some major factors that influence the fatigue behavior of the fastening joints: failure mechanism, environmental effects, and hybrid joining techniques. The main methods used in finite element analysis of fatigue behavior of the fastening joints of sheet materials are discussed and illustrated with brief case studies from the literature.
Global Modeling of N2O Discharges: Rate Coefficients and Comparison with ICP and Glow Discharges Results
Authors: Katsonis Konstantinos , Berenguer Chloe
Published: October 2013

We developed a Global Model for N2O plasmas valid for applications in various power, gas flow rate, and pressure regimes. Besides energy losses from electron collisions with N2O, it takes into consideration those due to molecular N2and O2and to atomic N and O species. Positive atomic N+and O+and molecular N2O+,N2+, andO2+have been treated as separate species and also negative O−ions. The latter confer an electronegative character to the discharge, calling for modified plasma sheath and plasma potential formulas. Electron density and temperature and all species densities have been evaluated, hence the ionization and dissociation percentages of N2O, N2, and O2molecules and the plasma electronegativity. The model is extended to deal with N2/O2mixtures feedings, notably with air. Rate coefficients and model results are discussed and compared with those from available theoretical and experimental work on ICP and glow discharge devices.
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Enhancing or Preventing HIV Infection and Other Diseases
Authors: Motswaledi Modisa S. , Kasvosve Ishmael , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O.
Published: October 2013

Aim. To highlight the apparently neglected role of erythrocyte antigens in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, especially HIV, with the prime objective of stimulating research in this area.Method. A literature search was performed on the PubMed for relevant papers from 1984 to 2013, the era covering active HIV research. This was achieved by using the phrases “erythrocyte blood groups HIV” (81 papers) or “red cell antigen, blood groups, and HIV” (60 papers). A manual Google Scholar search was done and supplemented by original papers referenced by various authors. However, the review was limited by the relative scarcity of papers on the subject, and only papers written in English were reviewed during the period October 2012 to September 2013.Results. Many communicable and noncommunicable diseases are associated with specific blood groups. Examples of these diseases are discussed in detail. HIV has been shown to bind to erythrocytes, and candidate erythrocyte-binding molecules and mechanisms are also discussed. Moreover, erythrocyte-HIV binding is associated with increased viral infectivity, thus, underscoring the need to study this phenomenon and its implications for HIV epidemiology.Conclusion. Erythrocyte antigens may be important in the pathogenesis and epidemiology of many diseases, including HIV.
Rapid Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Fusarium oxysporum by Optimizing Physicocultural Conditions
Authors: Birla Sonal S. , Gaikwad Swapnil C. , Gade Aniket K. , Rai Mahendra K.
Published: October 2013

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) by fungi is emerging as an important branch of nanotechnology due to its ecofriendly, safe, and cost‐effective nature. In order to increase the yield of biosynthesized SNPs of desired shape and size, it is necessary to control the cultural and physical parameters during the synthesis. We report optimum synthesis of SNPs on malt extract glucose yeast extract peptone (MGYP) medium at pH 9–11, 40–60°C, and 190.7 Lux and in sun light. The salt concentrations, volume of filtrate and biomass quantity were found to be directly proportional to the yield. The optimized conditions for the stable and rapid synthesis will help in large scale synthesis of monodispersed SNPs. The main aim of the present study was to optimize different media, temperature, pH, light intensity, salt concentration, volume of filtrate, and biomass quantity for the synthesis of SNPs by Fusarium oxysporum.
Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation of the DCD Kidney: Machine Effects
Authors: Lindell Susanne L. , Muir Heather , Brassil John , Mangino Martin J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose. Kidneys from DCD donors represent a significant pool, but preservation problems exist. The study objective was to test the importance of machine type for hypothermic preservation of DCD kidneys.Methods. Adult Beagle dog kidneys underwent 45 minutes of warm in situ ischemia followed by hypothermic perfusion for 24 hours (Belzer-MPS Solution) on either an ORS LifePort or a Waters RM3 using standard perfusion protocols. Kidneys were then autotransplanted, and renal function was assessed over 7 days following contralateral nephrectomy.Results. Renal vascular resistance was not different between the two pumps. After 24 hours, the oxygen partial pressure and oxygen delivery in the LifePort perfusate were significantly lower than those in the RM3 but not low enough to change lactate production. TheLifePort ran significantly colder than RM3 (2° versus 5°C). The arterial pressure waveform of the RM3 was qualitatively different from the waveform of the LifePort. Preservation injury after transplantation was not different between the devices. When the LifePort was changed to nonpulsatile flow, kidneys displayed significantly greater preservation injury compared to RM3.Conclusions. Both LifePort and RM3 can be used for hypothermic machine perfusion preservation of DCD kidneys with equal outcomes as long as the duty cycle remains pulsatile.
Are Wolf-Rayet Stars Able to Pollute the Interstellar Medium of Galaxies? Results from Integral Field Spectroscopy
Authors: Pérez-Montero Enrique , Kehrig Carolina , Brinchmann Jarle , Vílchez José M. , Kunth Daniel , Durret Florence
Published: October 2013

We investigate the spatial distribution of chemical abundances in a sample of low metallicity Wolf-Rayet (WR) galaxies selected from the SDSS. We used the integral field spectroscopy technique in the optical spectral range (3700 Å–6850 Å) with PMAS attached to the CAHA 3.5 m telescope. Our statistical analysis of the spatial distributions of O/H and N/O, as derived using the direct method or strong-line parameters consistent with it, indicates that metallicity is homogeneous in five out of the six analysed objects in scales of the order of several kpc. Only in the object WR404 is a gradient of metallicity found in the direction of the low surface brightness tail. In contrast, we found an overabundance of N/O in spatial scales of the order of hundreds of pc associated with or close to the positions of the WR stars in 4 out of the 6 galaxies. We exclude possible hydrodynamical causes, such as the metal-poor gas inflow, for this local pollution by means of the analysis of the mass-metallicity relation (MZR) and mass-nitrogen-to-oxygen relation (MNOR) for the WR galaxies catalogued in the SDSS.
Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with a Small Cell Pattern
Authors: Grigoropoulos Rowan L. , Wright Penny , van t'Veer Mars B. , Scott Mike A. , Follows George A.
Published: October 2013

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a small cell pattern is a rare T-cell lymphoma. This condition is more frequently seen in younger patients and should be considered when patients present with leucocytosis and constitutional symptoms. In this report, we describe our diagnostic work-up for one such case using blood, lymph node, and bone marrow aspirate samples, highlighting the variability of antigen expression seen in different sample types and methodologies. This case shows the importance of having a high index of suspicion and assessing CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression in all suspected T-cell neoplasms even though this rare condition is not necessarily expected.
Fabrication of TiO2@Yeast‐Carbon Hybrid Composites with the Raspberry‐Like Structure and Their Synergistic Adsorption‐Photocatalysis Performance
Authors: Yu Dang , Bo Bai , Yunhua He
Published: October 2013

In the present work, we report the preparation and photocatalytic properties of TiO2@yeast‐carbon with raspberry‐like structure using a pyrolysis method. The products are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV‐VIS), respectively. The results show that the hybrid TiO2@yeast‐carbon microspheres have ordered elliptic shapes of uniform size (length = 3.5 ± 0.3 μm; width = 2.5 ± 0.5 μm). UV‐VIS ascertains that the as‐prepared microspheres possess an obvious light response in a wide range of 250–400 nm. In the decomposition of typical model pollutants including methylene blue and congo red, the hybrid composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the methylene blue due to the enhanced adsorption ability. Further investigation reveals that the combined effect of adsorption from the yeast‐carbon core and photocatalytic degradation from the attached TiO2 nanoparticles were responsible for the improvement of the photocatalytic activities. Hereby, the raspberry‐like TiO2@yeast‐carbon has promising applications in water purification.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder Mimicking Interstitial Cystitis and Voiding Dysfunction
Authors: Prudnick Colton , Morley Chad , Shapiro Robert , Zaslau Stanley
Published: October 2013

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder is a relatively uncommon cause of bladder cancer accounting for <5% of bladder tumors in the western countries. SCC has a slight male predominance and tends to occur in the seventh decade of life. The main presenting symptom of SCC is hematuria, and development of this tumor in the western world is associated most closely with chronic indwelling catheters and spinal cord injuries. A 39-year-old Caucasian female presented with bladder and lower abdominal pain, urinary frequency, and nocturia which was originally believed to be interstitial cystitis (IC) but was later diagnosed as SCC of the bladder. Presentation of SCC without hematuria is an uncommon presentation, but the absence of this symptom should not lead a practitioner to exclude the diagnosis of SCC. This case is being reported in an attempt to explain the delay and difficulty of diagnosis. Background on the risk factors for SCC of the bladder and the typical presenting symptoms of bladder SCC and IC are also reviewed.
Comparison of Biofilm and Attachment Mechanisms of a Phytopathological and Clinical Isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae Subsp. pneumoniae
Authors: Nicolau Korres Adriana Marcia , Aquije Gloria Maria de Farias V. , Buss David S. , Ventura Jose Aires , Fernandes Patricia Machado Bueno , Fernandes Antonio Alberto Ribeiro
Published: October 2013

Some bacterial species can colonize humans and plants. It is almost impossible to prevent the contact of clinically pathogenic bacteria with food crops, and if they can persist there, they can reenter the human food chain and cause disease. On the leaf surface, microorganisms are exposed to a number of stress factors. It is unclear how they survive in such different environments. By increasing adhesion to diverse substrates, minimizing environmental differences, and providing protection against defence mechanisms, biofilms could provide part of the answer. Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae is clinically important and also associated with fruit diseases, such as “pineapple fruit collapse.” We aimed to characterize biofilm formation and adhesion mechanisms of this species isolated from pineapple in comparison with a clinical isolate. No differences were found between the two isolates quantitatively or qualitatively. Both tested positive for capsule formation and were hydrophobic, but neither produced adherence fibres, which might account for their relatively weak adhesion compared to the positive control Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. Both produced biofilms on glass and polystyrene, more consistently at 40°C than 35°C, confirmed by atomic force and high‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation was maintained in an acidic environment, which may be relevant phytopathologically.
Household Survey of Pesticide Practice, Deliberate Self-Harm, and Suicide in the Sundarban Region of West Bengal, India
Authors: Banerjee Sohini , Chowdhury Arabinda Narayan , Schelling Esther , Weiss Mitchell G.
Published: October 2013

The toxicological impact and intentional ingestion of pesticides are major public health concerns globally. This study aimed to estimate the extent of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicides (suicidal behaviour) and document pesticide practices in Namkhana block of the Sundarban region, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1680 households (21 villages) following a mixed random and cluster design sampling. The survey questionnaire (Household Information on Pesticide Use and DSH) was developed by the research team to elicit qualitative and quantitative information. The Kappa statistic and McNemar’s test were used to assess the level of agreement and association between respondents’ and investigators’ opinions about safe storage of pesticides. Over five years, 1680 households reported 181 incidents of suicidal behaviour. Conflict with family members was the most frequently reported reason for suicidal behaviour (53.6%). The Kappa statistic indicated poor agreement between respondents and investigators about safe storage of pesticides. The pesticide-related annual DSH rate was 158.1 (95% CI 126.2–195.5), and for suicide it was 73.4 (95% CI 52.2–100.3) per 100,000. Unsafe pesticide practice and psychosocial stressors are related to the high rates of suicidal behaviour. An intersectoral approach involving the local governments, agricultural department and the health sector would help to reduce the magnitude of this public health problem.
Efficiency of a Directly Driven Generator for Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion
Authors: Grabbe Mårten , Yuen Katarina , Apelfröjd Senad , Leijon Mats
Published: October 2013

An experimental setup for hydrokinetic energy conversion comprising a vertical axis turbine, a directly driven permanent magnet generator, and a control system has been designed and constructed for deployment in the river Dalälven in Sweden. This paper is devoted to discussing the mechanical and electrical design of the generator used in the experimental setup. The generator housing is designed to be water tight, and it also acts as a support structure for the turbine shaft. The generator efficiency has been measured in the range of 5–16.7 rpm, showing that operation in the low velocity range up to 1.5 m/s is possible with a directly driven generator.
Connecting Genomic Alterations to Cancer Biology with Proteomics: The NCI Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium
Authors: Ellis Matthew J. , Gillette Michael , Carr Steven A. , Paulovich Amanda G. , Smith Richard D. , Rodland Karin K. , Townsend R. Reid , Kinsinger Christopher , Mesri Mehdi , Rodriguez Henry , Liebler Daniel C.
Published: October 2013

Summary: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium is applying the latest generation of proteomic technologies to genomically annotated tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program, a joint initiative of the NCI and the National Human Genome Research Institute. By providing a fully integrated accounting of DNA, RNA, and protein abnormalities in individual tumors, these datasets will illuminate the complex relationship between genomic abnormalities and cancer phenotypes, thus producing biologic insights as well as a wave of novel candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets amenable to verification using targeted mass spectrometry methods. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1108–12. ©2013 AACR.
Are Short Telomeres Predictive of Advanced Cancer?
Authors: Shay Jerry W.
Published: October 2013

Summary: The combination of variable telomere length in cancer cells and shorter telomere length in cancer-associated stromal cells strongly correlates with progression to prostate cancer metastasis and cancer death. The implication is that telomere length measurements have potential not only as prognostic indicators of prostate cancer outcomes but also as risk stratification enrichment biomarkers for individualized therapeutic interventions. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1096–8. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Heaphy et al., p. 1130
Hyperglycemia-Induced Secretion of Endothelial Heparanase Stimulates a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Autocrine Network in Cardiomyocytes That Promotes Recruitment of Lipoprotein Lipase
Authors: Zhang Dahai , Wan Andrea , Chiu Amy Pei-Ling , Wang Ying , Wang Fulong , Neumaier Katharina , Lal Nathaniel , Bround Michael J. , Johnson James D. , Vlodavsky Israel , Rodrigues Brian
Published: October 2013

Objective—

During diabetes mellitus, coronary lipoprotein lipase increases to promote the predominant use of fatty acids. We have reported that high glucose stimulates active heparanase secretion from endothelial cells to cleave cardiomyocyte heparan sulfate and release bound lipoprotein lipase for transfer to the vascular lumen. In the current study, we examined whether heparanase also has a function to release cardiomyocyte vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and whether this growth factor influences cardiomyocyte fatty acid delivery in an autocrine manner.

Approach and Results—

Acute, reversible hyperglycemia was induced in rats, and a modified Langendorff heart perfusion was used to separate the coronary perfusate from the interstitial effluent. Coronary artery endothelial cells were exposed to high glucose to generate conditioned medium, and VEGF release from isolated cardiomyocytes was tested using endothelial cell conditioned medium or purified active and latent heparanase. Autocrine signaling of myocyte-derived VEGF on cardiac metabolism was studied. High glucose promoted latent and active heparanase secretion into endothelial cell conditioned medium, an effective stimulus for releasing cardiomyocyte VEGF. Intriguingly, latent heparanase was more efficient than active heparanase in releasing VEGF from a unique cell surface pool. VEGF augmented cardiomyocyte intracellular calcium and AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and increased heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that the heparanase-lipoprotein lipase-VEGF axis amplifies fatty acid delivery, a rapid and adaptive mechanism that is geared to overcome the loss of glucose consumption by the diabetic heart. If prolonged, the resultant lipotoxicity could lead to cardiovascular disease in humans.
Intra-Arterial Delivery Is Not Superior to Intravenous Delivery of Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Bing , Migliati Elton , Parsha Kaushik , Schaar Krystal , Xi XiaoPei , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Savitz Sean I.
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—

Bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) are an investigational autologous cell-based therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Both intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) administration routes have been used in clinical trials. However, the route of administration to optimize the effect of MNCs is unknown. In this study, we compared the effect of IV versus IA route of administration of MNCs in the rat stroke model.

Methods—

Long Evans rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. At 24 hours after stroke, animals were randomly assigned to receive autologous bone marrow–derived MNCs using either the IV or IA delivery route. IV saline served as control. One million cells/kg (low dose) and 30 million cells/kg (high dose) were assessed. Neurological testing, cavity size, serum cytokines, neuroregenerative end points, and MNC biodistribution were evaluated.

Results—

High-dose MNCs improved functional recovery, reduced lesion size and proinflammatory cytokines, and increased vessel density and neurogenesis markers compared with saline treatment (
P
<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between IV and IA MNC-treated groups, although IV MNCs reduced serum interleukin-1β levels compared with IA MNCs (
P
<0.05). IA MNCs at high dose led to a greater number of cells in the brain at 1 and 6 hours after injection but not in the lungs and spleen. Low-dose MNCs (by IV or IA) did not improve any functional or structural end point compared with saline.

Conclusions—

At low and high doses of MNCs, we found that IV or IA achieves similar structural and functional outcomes after stroke.
Unclean Spirits Unleashed: Flying Bricks, Demonic Possession, and Blackmail in Russia, 1636
Authors: Kivelson Valerie A.
Published: October 2013

The spotty and dilapidated record of single trial of an alleged witch in the outskirts of Galich in 1636 serves as a window through which to view the workings of the highly stratified society, its interactions with local courts and central tsarist authorities, and, most importantly, the beliefs, fears, and interpersonal dynamics that drove low-ranking people to turn to the courts. Particularly valuable are the tangential references to common practices that normally did not reach the courts and therefore eluded the historical record. The case of the landlord Gorikhvostov and the “known witch” Mitroshka Khramoi, with its dramatic canvass of devilish spirits and supernatural havoc, reveals the universal acceptance, at the height of Muscovite witchcraft prosecutions, of healers working with roots and herbs, spells and prayers.
Evaluating Winter Orographic Cloud Seeding: Design of the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Project (WWMPP)
Authors: Breed Daniel , Rasmussen Roy , Weeks Courtney , Boe Bruce , Deshler Terry
Published: October 2013

An overview of the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Project (WWMPP) is presented. This project, funded by the State of Wyoming, is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding with silver iodide in the Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre Ranges of south-central Wyoming. The statistical evaluation is based on a randomized crossover design for the two barriers. The description of the experimental design includes the rationale behind the design choice, the criteria for case selection, facilities for operations and evaluation, and the statistical analysis approach. Initial estimates of the number of cases needed for statistical significance used historical Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) data (1987–2006), prior to the beginning of the randomized seeding experiment. Refined estimates were calculated using high-resolution precipitation data collected during the initial seasons of the project (2007–10). Comparing the sample size estimates from these two data sources, the initial estimates are reduced to 236 (110) for detecting a 10% (15%) change. The sample size estimates are highly dependent on the assumed effect of seeding, on the correlations between the two target barriers and between the target and control sites, and on the variance of the response variable, namely precipitation. In addition to the statistical experiment, a wide range of physical studies and ancillary analyses are being planned and conducted.