bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation studies in mung bean (Phaseolus aureus). V. Induced polygenic variability after seed irradiation
Authors: Khan Irfan A.
Published: March 2014

Studies were undertaken to explore the possibility of inducing micromutations in quantitative characters of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) after seed irradiation. The characters studied were as follows: pod length, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and total plant yield. These characters were analyzed quantitatively to assess the extent of variation in M1, M2, and M3 generations. All characters varied significantly [Formula: see text] in the M2 generation. In the M3 generation, pod length, seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight were found significant at the 1% level; plant yield was only significant at 20 and 40 kR (1R = 2.58 × 10−4 C/kg) of gamma rays. Gamma ray treatments shifted the mean values of all characters, mostly in a positive direction in the M2 and M3 generations. The range of variability also increased positively. There was a considerable increase in genotypic variances, heritability, and genetic advances indicating the effectiveness of gamma doses in inducing polygenic mutations governing quantitative traits. The genetic variability increased at all dose levels but it was not linear with dose. Estimates of heritability and genetic advance increased in all characters but the different traits responded differently to the mutagenic treatments.
The Friedmann cosmological models revisited as an harmonic motion and new exact solutions
Authors: Rubio Rafael M. , Salamanca Juan J.
Published: March 2014

A new approach for arbitrary dimension to the Friedmann cosmological models is presented. Taking suitable changes of the parameters of the spacetime the harmonic motion equations appear, where the curvature determines the angular frequency. Some physical interpretations are also explained. As a consequence of our approach, we give new exact solutions to the Einstein's equation when the observer is not comoving with the perfect fluid, as well as, when the pressure not vanishes, including a new procedure to acquire exact solutions for cases of universes at the dark energy-dominated stage.
Feeding-dependent activation of enteric cells and sensory neurons by lymphatic fluid: evidence for a neurolymphocrine system
Authors: Poole Daniel P. , Lee Mike , Tso Patrick , Bunnett Nigel W. , Yo Sek Jin , Lieu TinaMarie , Shiu Amy , Wang Jen-Chywan , Nomura Daniel K. , Aponte Gregory W.
Published: February 2014

Lymphatic fluid is a plasma filtrate that can be viewed as having biological activity through the passive accumulation of molecules from the interstitial fluid. The possibility that lymphatic fluid is part of an active self-contained signaling process that parallels the endocrine system, through the activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), has remained unexplored. We show that the GPCR lysophosphatidic acid 5 (LPA5) is found in sensory nerve fibers expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that innervate the lumen of lymphatic lacteals and enteric nerves. Using LPA5 as a model for nutrient-responsive GPCRs present on sensory nerves, we demonstrate that dietary protein hydrolysate (peptone) can induce c-Fos expression in enterocytes and nerves that express LPA5. Mesenteric lymphatic fluid (MLF) mobilizes intracellular calcium in cell models expressing LPA5 upon feeding in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Primary cultured neurons of the dorsal root ganglia expressing CGRP are activated by MLF, which is enhanced upon LPA5 overexpression. Activation is independent of the known LPA5 agonists, lysophosphatidic acid and farnesyl pyrophosphate. These data bring forth a pathway for the direct stimulation of sensory nerves by luminal contents and interstitial fluid. Thus, by activating LPA5 on sensory nerves, MLF provides a means for known and yet to be identified constituents of the interstitial fluid to act as signals to comprise a “neurolymphocrine” system.
Bifurcation Analysis and Control of a Differential-Algebraic Predator-Prey Model with Allee Effect and Time Delay
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Qing-ling
Published: March 2014

This paper studies systematically a differential-algebraic prey-predator model with time delay and Allee effect. It shows that transcritical bifurcation appears when a variation of predator handling time is taken into account. This model also exhibits singular induced bifurcation as the economic revenue increases through zero, which causes impulsive phenomenon. It can be noted that the impulsive phenomenon can be much weaker by strengthening Allee effect in numerical simulation. On the other hand, at a critical value of time delay, the model undergoes a Hopf bifurcation; that is, the increase of time delay destabilizes the model and bifurcates into small amplitude periodic solution. Moreover, a state delayed feedback control method, which can be implemented by adjusting the harvesting effort for biological populations, is proposed to drive the differential-algebraic system to a steady state. Finally, by using Matlab software, numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
New Derivative Based Open Newton-Cotes Quadrature Rules
Authors: Zafar Fiza , Saleem Saira , Burg Clarence O. E.
Published: March 2014

Some new families of open Newton-Cotes rules which involve the combinations of function values and the evaluation of derivative at uniformly spaced points of the interval are presented. The order of accuracy of these numerical formulas is higher than that of the classical open Newton-Cotes formulas. An extensive comparison of the computational cost, order of accuracy, error terms, coefficients of the error terms, observed order of accuracy, CPU usage time, and results obtained from these formulas is given. The comparisons show that we have been able to define some new open Newton-Cotes rules which are superior to classical open rules for less number of nodes and less computational cost with increased order of accuracy.
Delay-Range-DependentH∞Control for Automatic Mooring Positioning System with Time-Varying Input Delay
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Jin Hongzhang , Shen Wei , Gu Yunbiao
Published: March 2014

Aiming at the economy and security of the positioning system in semi-submersible platform, the paper presents a new scheme based on the mooring line switching strategy. Considering the input delay in switching process,H∞control with time-varying input delay is designed to calculate the control forces to resist disturbing forces. In order to reduce the conservativeness, the information of the lower bound of delay is taken into account, and a Lyapunov function which contains the range of delay is constructed. Besides, the input constraint is considered to avoid breakage of mooring lines. The sufficient conditions for delay-range-dependent stabilization are derived in terms of LMI, and the controller is also obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by a realistic design example.
Electrospun ZnO/Bi2O3 Nanofibers with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Yang Yingying , Xu Lingling , Su Chunyan , Che Jixin , Sun Wenjun , Gao Hong
Published: March 2014

ZnO/Bi2O3 nanofibers were synthesized by a simple electrospinning method and both the UV and visible light responsive photocatalytic properties were studied by the decolorization of RhB dye. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were employed to study the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the ZnO/Bi2O3 nanofibers, respectively. The relationship between the ZnO/Bi2O3 ratio and photocatalytic activity was also studied, and the composite with a molar ratio of 23 : 1 demonstrated the best activity under both excitations. The photocatalytic mechanisms for the composite fibers can be described as the direct photocatalysis under UV excitation and photosensitation for visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activities can be ascribed to the effective electron‐hole pairs separation that leads to the promoted photocatalytic efficiency.
Pericardial Window Formation Complicated by Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Docekal Jeremy , Fabian Thomas
Published: March 2014

In rare circumstances, a diaphragmatic defect may allow for herniation of intra-abdominal contents into the pericardial space. These occurrences are exceedingly rare and may be due to trauma or congenital defects of the septum transversum or as the result of surgical procedures. We describe a 73-year-old female who presented with cardiac and abdominal symptoms one month after undergoing a subxiphoid pericardioperitoneal window for treatment and evaluation of a symptomatic pericardial effusion.
Comparison between Chinese Herbal Medicines and Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Xiuhui , Zhang Xi , Ding Jianbo , Xu Yi , Wei Dan , Tian Yimei , Chen Wei , Huang Jihan , Wen Tao , Li Shuangjie
Published: March 2014

Background. This study was made to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines, Reduning injection, and a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) granule, in patients with severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) by conducting a prospective, controlled, and randomized trial. Methods. 355 severe HFMD patients were randomly assigned to receive conventional therapy alone, Reduning injection plus conventional therapy, or TCM enema plus conventional therapy for 7–10 days. Results. There was no significant difference in the incidence of major complications between the groups. Median time to fever clearance was 20 hours (95% CI: 6.0–25.0) for conventional therapy recipients, 18 hours (95% CI: 4.0–24.0) for Reduning combination‐treated patients, and 6 hours (95% CI: 4.0–16.0) for TCM combination‐treated patients. Only the difference in time to fever clearance between TCM combination group and conventional group reached statistical significance (P = 0.048). Reduning combination group showed a significant reduction in sedative administration compared with conventional therapy group (P = 0.008). No HFMD‐related death and no important adverse events were observed. Conclusions. Reduning injection plus conventional therapy significantly reduced the concomitant use of sedatives, which may help decrease HFMD‐related neurologic complications in children. TCM effectively reduced time to fever clearance and may become a complementary therapy for relieving the symptoms of severe HFMD.
Changes in the Distribution of theα3 Na+/K+ATPase Subunit in Heterozygous Lurcher Purkinje Cells as a Genetic Model of Chronic Depolarization during Development
Authors: McFarland Rebecca , Zanjani Hadi S. , Mariani Jean , Vogel Michael W.
Published: March 2014

A common assumption of excitotoxic mechanisms in the nervous system is that the ionic imbalance resulting from overstimulation of glutamate receptors and increased Na+and Ca++influx overwhelms cellular energy metabolic systems leading to cell death. The goal of this study was to examine how a chronic Na+channel leak current in developing Purkinje cells in the heterozygous Lurcher mutant (+/Lc) affects the expression and distribution of theα3 subunit of the Na+/K+ATPase pump, a key component of the homeostasis system that maintains ionic equilibrium in neurons. The expression pattern of the catalyticα3 Na+/K+ATPase subunit was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, histochemistry, and Western Blots in wild type (WT) and +/Lccerebella at postnatal days P10, P15, and P25 to determine if there are changes in the distribution of active Na+/K+ATPase subunits in degenerating Purkinje cells. The results suggest that the expression of the catalyticα3 subunit is altered in chronically depolarized +/LcPurkinje cells, although the density of active Na+/K+ATPase pumps is not significantly altered compared with WT in the cerebellar cortex at P15, and then declines from P15 to P25 in the +/Lccerebellum as the +/LcPurkinje cells degenerate.
A Simple and Efficient MPPT Method for Low-Power PV Cells
Authors: Penella Maria Teresa , Gasulla Manel
Published: March 2014

Small-size PV cells have been used to power sensor nodes. These devices present limited computing resources and so low complexity methods have been used in order to extract the maximum power from the PV cells. Among them, the fractional open circuit voltage (FOCV) method has been widely proposed, where the maximum power point of the PV cell is estimated from a fraction of its open circuit voltage. Here, we show a generalization of the FOCV method that keeps its inherent simplicity and improves the tracking efficiency. First, a single-diode model for PV cells was used to compute the tracking efficiency versus irradiance. Computations were carried out for different values of the parameters involved in the PV cell model. The proposed approach clearly outperformed the FOCV method, specially at low irradiance, which is significant for powering sensor nodes. Experimental tests performed with a 500 mW PV panel agreed with these results.
Delayed Amplatzer Occluder Device Closure of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect: A Case Report
Authors: Ting Francis , Bhat Aditya , Sammel Neville , Muller David
Published: March 2014

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication after acute myocardial infarction, with an incidence rate of 1-2% of all myocardial infarcts (Hutchins, 1979). It is a medical emergency with sobering survival numbers, having a mortality rate of 70–80% within two weeks of the incident event (Bouchart et al., 1998). Cardiac surgery is considered the gold standard in the management of these defects; however, its main limitation is that it carries a high risk of perioperative mortality and postoperative sequelae. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD is a relatively new method of repair. Due to scarcity of reports in the literature, there is limited data regarding survival data; however, noninferiority to surgery has been demonstrated in one case series (Papalexopoulou et al., 2013). Long-term follow-up studies are lacking, and thus long-term mortality has yet to be discerned. We present a case of an 87-year-old female who, following postmyocardial infarction VSD, developed clinically significant heart failure. The patient was reluctant to undergo open repair given her age and comorbidities and she underwent successful percutaneous repair of her VSD using a 16 mm Amplatzer occluder device 18 months after her initial presentation.
Law of Large Numbers under Choquet Expectations
Authors: Chen Jing
Published: March 2014

With a new notion of independence of random variables, we establish the nonadditive version of weak law of large numbers (LLN) for the independent and identically distributed (IID) random variables under Choquet expectations induced by 2-alternating capacities. Moreover, we weaken the moment assumptions to the first absolute moment and characterize the approximate distributions of random variables as well. Naturally, our theorem can be viewed as an extension of the classical LLN to the case where the probability is no longer additive.
Phononic First Band Gap of Quaternary Layered Periodic Structure with the Lumped-Mass Method
Authors: Yuan Chen , Jing Li , Jingdong Zhou , Tao Huang , Minggang Zhou , Yuan Yu Dao
Published: March 2014

Existing band gap analysis is mostly focused on the binary structure, while the researches on the quaternary layered periodic structure are still lacking. In this paper, the unidimensional lumped-mass method in the phonic crystal theory is firstly improved so that the material viscoelasticity can be taken into consideration. Then, the binary layered periodic structure is converted into a quaternary one and band gaps appear at low frequency range. Finally, the effects of density, elastic modulus, damping ratio, and the thickness of single material on the first band gap of the quaternary layered periodic structure are analyzed after the algorithm is promoted. The research findings show that effects of density, elastic modulus, and thickness of materials on the first band gap are considerable but those of damping ratio are not so distinct. This research provides theoretical bases for band gap design of the quaternary layered periodic structure.
Two-Stage Analysis on Models for Quantitative Differentiation of Early-Pathological Bladder States
Authors: Kalyagina Nina , Savelieva Tatiana , Blondel Walter , Daul Christian , Wolf Didier , Loschenov Victor
Published: March 2014

A mathematical simulation method was developed for visualization of the diffuse reflected light on a surface of 3-layered models of urinary bladder wall. Five states, from normal to precancerous, of the urinary bladder epithelium were simulated. With the use of solutions of classical electrodynamics equations, scattering coefficientsμsand asymmetry parametersgof the bladder epithelium were found in order to perform Monte Carlo calculations. The results, compared with the experimental studies, has revealed the influence of the changes in absorption and scattering properties on diffuse-reflectance signal distributions on the surfaces of the modelled media.
Interactive Reference Point Procedure Based on the Conic Scalarizing Function
Authors: Ustun Ozden
Published: March 2014

In multiobjective optimization methods, multiple conflicting objectives are typically converted into a single objective optimization problem with the help of scalarizing functions. The conic scalarizing function is a general characterization of Benson proper efficient solutions of non-convex multiobjective problems in terms of saddle points of scalar Lagrangian functions. This approach preserves convexity. The conic scalarizing function, as a part of a posteriori or a priori methods, has successfully been applied to several real-life problems. In this paper, we propose a conic scalarizing function based interactive reference point procedure where the decision maker actively takes part in the solution process and directs the search according to her or his preferences. An algorithmic framework for the interactive solution of multiple objective optimization problems is presented and is utilized for solving some illustrative examples.
Indications of Brain Computed Tomography Scan in Children Younger Than 3 Years of Age with Minor Head Trauma
Authors: Gülşen İsmail , Ak Hakan , Karadaş Sevdegül , Demır İsmail , Bulut Mehmet Deniz , Yaycioğlu Soner
Published: March 2014

Objective. To investigate the indications to receive brain computed tomography (CT) scan and to define the pathological findings in children younger than three years of age with minor head trauma in emergency departments.Methods. In this study, hospital case notes of 1350 children attending the emergency department of Bitlis State Hospital between January 2011 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. 508 children under 3 years of age with minor head trauma were included in this study. We also asked 37 physicians about the indications for requiring CT in these children.Results. This study included 508 children, 233 (45,9%) of whom were female and 275 were male. In 476 (93,7%) children, the brain CT was completely normal. 89,2% of physicians asked in the emergency department during that time interval reported that they requested CT scan to protect themselves against malpractice litigation.Conclusion. In infants and children with minor head trauma, most CT scans were unnecessary and the fear of malpractice litigation of physicians was the most common reason for requesting a CT.
β-Thalassemia Intermedia in Northern Iraq: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Al-Allawi Nasir A. S. , Jalal Sana D. , Mohammad Ameen M. , Omer Sharaza Q. , Markous Raji S. D.
Published: March 2014

To investigate the molecular basis ofβ-thalassemia intermedia in Northern Iraq and evaluate its management practices, a total of 74 patients from 51 families were enrolled. The patients were clinically and hematologically reevaluated, and had theirβ-thalassemia mutations characterized, as well as the number ofα-globin genes andXmnIGγ−158 (C>T) polymorphism studied. Out of 14β-thalassemia mutations identified, the four most common were IVS-I-6 (T>C) [33.3%], IVS-II-I (G>A) [21.1%], codon 82/83(−G) [10.1%], and codon 8 (−AA) [8.1%]. The most common contributing factors to the less severe phenotype of thalassemia intermedia were found to be the inheritance of mildβ-thalassemia alleles and theXmnI polymorphism, while concomitantα-thalassemia had a limited role. Several complications were documented including: pulmonary hypertension in 20.4%, diabetes mellitus in 1.4%, hypothyroidism in 2.9%, and heart failure in 2.7%, while no documented cases of venous thrombosis were found. Compared to their counterparts in several Mediterranean countries, it appears that our patients were much less frequently transfused and had a lower proportion of patients who were splenectomized, on iron chelation, or hydroxycarbamide therapy. Such practices require further scrutiny to ensure that a better level of care is provided and that growth retardation, skeletal changes, and other complications are prevented or reduced.
Simple and High-Accurate Schemes for Hyperbolic Conservation Laws
Authors: Feng Renzhong , Wang Zheng
Published: March 2014

The paper constructs a class of simple high-accurate schemes (SHA schemes) with third order approximation accuracy in both space and time to solve linear hyperbolic equations, using linear data reconstruction and Lax-Wendroff scheme. The schemes can be made even fourth order accurate with special choice of parameter. In order to avoid spurious oscillations in the vicinity of strong gradients, we make the SHA schemes total variation diminishing ones (TVD schemes for short) by setting flux limiter in their numerical fluxes and then extend these schemes to solve nonlinear Burgers’ equation and Euler equations. The numerical examples show that these schemes give high order of accuracy and high resolution results. The advantages of these schemes are their simplicity and high order of accuracy.
Multilevel Association Rule Mining for Bridge Resource Management Based on Immune Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ou Yang , Liu Zheng Jiang , Karimi Hamid Reza , Tian Ying
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with the problem of multilevel association rule mining for bridge resource management (BRM) which is announced by IMO in 2010. The goal of this paper is to mine the association rules among the items of BRM and the vessel accidents. However, due to the indirect data that can be collected, which seems useless for the analysis of the relationship between items of BIM and the accidents, the cross level association rules need to be studied, which builds the relation between the indirect data and items of BRM. In this paper, firstly, a cross level coding scheme for mining the multilevel association rules is proposed. Secondly, we execute the immune genetic algorithm with the coding scheme for analyzing BRM. Thirdly, based on the basic maritime investigation reports, some important association rules of the items of BRM are mined and studied. Finally, according to the results of the analysis, we provide the suggestions for the work of seafarer training, assessment, and management.
A One‐Layer Recurrent Neural Network for Solving Pseudoconvex Optimization with Box Set Constraints
Authors: Wu Huaiqin , Yao Rong , Li Ruoxia , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: March 2014

A one‐layer recurrent neural network is developed to solve pseudoconvex optimization with box
constraints. Compared with the existing neural networks for solving pseudoconvex optimization, the proposed neural
network has a wider domain for implementation. Based on Lyapunov stable theory, the proposed neural network is
proved to be stable in the sense of Lyapunov. By applying Clarke’s nonsmooth analysis technique, the finite‐time state
convergence to the feasible region defined by the constraint conditions is also addressed. Illustrative examples further
show the correctness of the theoretical results.
Genetic Biodiversity of Italian Olives (Olea europaea) Germplasm Analyzed by SSR Markers
Authors: Muzzalupo Innocenzo , Vendramin Giuseppe Giovanni , Chiappetta Adriana
Published: March 2014

The olive is an important fruit species cultivated for oil and table olives in Italy and the Mediterranean basin. The conservation of cultivated plants inex situcollections is essential for the optimal management and use of their genetic resources. The largestex situolive germplasm collection consists of approximately 500 Italian olive varieties and corresponding to 85% of the total Italian olive germplasm is maintained at theConsiglio per la Ricerca e sperimentazione per l’Agricoltura,Centro di Ricerca per l’Olivicoltura e l’Industria Olearia (CRA-OLI), in Italy. In this work, eleven preselected nuclear microsatellite markers were used to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flows with the aim of assembling a core collection. The dendrogram obtained utilizing the unweighted pair group method highlights the presence of homonymy and synonymy in olive tree datasets analyzed in this study. 439 different unique genotype profiles were obtained with this combination of 11 loci nSSR, representing 89.8% of the varieties analyzed. The remaining 10.2% comprises different variety pairs in which both accessions are genetically indistinguishable. Clustering analysis performed using BAPS software detected seven groups in Italian olive germplasm and gene flows were determined among identified clusters. We proposed an Italian core collection of 23 olive varieties capturing all detected alleles at microsatellites. The information collected in this study regarding the CRA-OLIex situcollection can be used for breeding programs, for germplasm conservation, and for optimizing a strategy for the management of olive gene pools.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes with a Hydroxyapatite and Porous Coated Cup Design
Authors: Wang John , DiPietro James , Bostrom Mathias , Nestor Bryan , Padgett Douglas , Westrich Geoffrey
Published: March 2014

Press-fit, hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular cup designs may offer a lower incidence of loosening and migration than older designs. Our study evaluated the initial clinical and radiographic success of a cementless acetabular shell in a large cohort of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. We queried our institution’s prospectively collected registry for a series of 771 primary THAs (695 patients) implanted with this cup by 4 high-volume arthroplasty surgeons. Of the 613 hips with minimum 2-year followup, average HHS (Harris Hip Score) was 93.6, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) was 87.6, and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) pain score was 1.2. While there was a 2% reoperation rate (12 hips), none of the cups were revised for aseptic loosening. No radiolucencies were found and there was no evidence of acetabular loosening. At early followup, this newer cementless acetabular cup implant design exhibits high survivorship and clinical success.
Family-Based Interventions for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Other Impulse Control Disorders in Girls
Authors: Kumpfer K. L.
Published: March 2014

Standardized family-based interventions are the most effective way of preventing or treating adolescent substance abuse and delinquency. This paper first reviews the incidence of adolescent substance abuse worldwide emphasizing gender and causes by etiological risk and protective factors. New epigenetic research is included suggesting that nurturing parenting significantly prevents the phenotypic expression of inherited genetic diseases including substance abuse. Evidence-based family interventions are reviewed including family change theories behind their success, principles and types of family-based interventions, research results, cultural adaptation steps for ethnic and international translation, and dissemination issues. The author’s Strengthening Family Program is used as an example of how these principles of effective prevention and cultural adaptation can result in highly effective prevention programs not only for substance abuse, but for other impulse control disorders as well. The conclusions include recommendations for more use of computer technologies to cut the high cost of family interventions relative to youth-only prevention programs and increase the public health impact of evidence-based prevention programs. The paper recommends that to reduce health care costs these family-based approaches should be applied to the prevention and treatment of other impulse control disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and delinquency.
Not All Distraction Is Bad: Working Memory Vulnerability to Implicit Socioemotional Distraction Correlates with Negative Symptoms and Functional Impairment in Psychosis
Authors: Mano Quintino R. , Brown Gregory G. , Mirzakhanian Heline , Bolden Khalima , Cadenhead Kristen S. , Light Gregory A.
Published: March 2014

This study investigated implicit socioemotional modulation of working memory (WM) in the context of symptom severity and functional status in individuals with psychosis (N=21). A delayed match-to-sample task was modified wherein task-irrelevant facial distracters were presented early and briefly during the rehearsal of pseudoword memoranda that varied incrementally in load size (1, 2, or 3 syllables). Facial distracters displayed happy, sad, or emotionally neutral expressions. Implicit socioemotional modulation of WM was indexed by subtracting task accuracy on nonfacial geometrical distraction trials from facial distraction trials. Results indicated that the amount of implicit socioemotional modulation ofhighWM load accuracy was significantly associated with negative symptoms (r=0.63,P<0.01), role functioning (r=−0.50,P<0.05), social functioning (r=−0.55,P<0.01), and global assessment of functioning (r=−0.53,P<0.05). Specifically,greaterattentional distraction ofhighWM load was associated withlesssevere symptoms and functional impairment. This study demonstrates the importance of the WM-socioemotional interface in influencing clinical and psychosocial functional status in psychosis.
Nanosized Mesoporous Bioactive Glass/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Composite-Coated CaSiO3Scaffolds with Multifunctional Properties for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Shi Mengchao , Zhai Dong , Zhao Lang , Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang
Published: March 2014

It is of great importance to prepare multifunctional scaffolds combining good mechanical strength, bioactivity, and drug delivery ability for bone tissue engineering. In this study, nanosized mesoporous bioglass/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite-coated calcium silicate scaffolds, named NMBG-PLGA/CS, were successfully prepared. The morphology and structure of the prepared scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The effects of NMBG on the apatite mineralization activity and mechanical strength of the scaffolds and the attachment, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3 cells as well as drug ibuprofen delivery properties were systematically studied. Compared to pure CS scaffolds and PLGA/CS scaffolds, the prepared NMBG-PLGA/CS scaffolds had greatly improved apatite mineralization activity in simulated body fluids, much higher mechanical property, and supported the attachment of MC3T3 cells and enhanced the cell proliferation and ALP activity. Furthermore, the prepared NMBG-PLGA/CS scaffolds could be used for delivering ibuprofen with a sustained release profile. Our study suggests that the prepared NMBG-PLGA/CS scaffolds have improved physicochemical, biological, and drug-delivery property as compared to conventional CS scaffolds, indicating that the multifunctional property of the prepared scaffolds for the potential application of bone tissue engineering.
Disease Management of Early Childhood Caries: ECC Collaborative Project
Authors: Ng Man Wai , Ramos-Gomez Francisco , Lieberman Martin , Lee Jessica Y. , Scoville Richard , Hannon Cindy , Maramaldi Peter
Published: March 2014

Until recently, the standard of care for early childhood caries (ECC) has been primarily surgical and restorative treatment with little emphasis on preventing and managing the disease itself. It is now recognized that surgical treatment alone does not address the underlying etiology of the disease. Despite costly surgeries and reparative treatment, the onset and progression of caries are likely to continue. A successful rebalance of risk and protective factors may prevent, slow down, or even arrest dental caries and its progression. An 18-month risk-based chronic disease management (DM) approach to address ECC in preschool children was implemented as a quality improvement (QI) collaborative by seven teams of oral health care providers across the United States. In the aggregate, fewer DM children experienced new cavitation, pain, and referrals to the operating room (OR) for restorative treatment compared to baseline historical controls. The teams found that QI methods facilitated adoption of the DM approach and resulted in improved care to patients and better outcomes overall. Despite these successes, the wide scale adoption and spread of the DM approach may be limited unless health policy and payment reforms are enacted to compensate providers for implementing DM protocols in their practice.
Semidefinite Optimization Providing Guaranteed Bounds on Linear Functionals of Solutions of Linear Integral Equations with Smooth Kernels
Authors: Zhou Guangming , Deng Chao , Wu Kun
Published: March 2014

Based on recent progress on moment problems, semidefinite optimization approach is proposed for estimating upper and lower bounds on linear functionals defined on solutions of linear integral equations with smooth kernels. The approach is also suitable for linear integrodifferential equations with smooth kernels. Firstly, the primal problem with smooth kernel is converted to a series of approximative problems with Taylor polynomials obtained by expanding the smooth kernel. Secondly, two semidefinite programs (SDPs) are constructed for every approximative problem. Thirdly, upper and lower bounds on related functionals are gotten by applying SeDuMi 1.1R3 to solve the two SDPs. Finally, upper and lower bounds series obtained by solving two SDPs, respectively infinitely approach the exact value of discussed functional as approximative order of the smooth kernel increases. Numerical results show that the proposed approach is effective for the discussed problems.
The Precollision Trajectory Planning of Redundant Space Manipulator for Capture Task
Authors: Zhang Long , Jia Qingxuan , Chen Gang , Sun Hanxu
Published: March 2014

Aiming at on-orbit capture task, a scheme for precollision trajectory planning of redundant space manipulator is proposed in this paper. The minimized collision impulsive force and the correct capture pose of the end-effector can be achieved at the same time by the scheme. At the contact point, the configuration of the manipulator is optimized in a new way to minimize the impulsive force without affecting the correct capture pose. After obtaining the optimal configuration, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to solve the trajectory planning from the initial point to the desired point (desired configuration and correct capture pose are both contained). Firstly, the joint trajectory is parameterized using sinusoidal functions with the arguments of high-order polynomials. Then the objective function is defined according to the end-effector pose requirements. Finally, the PSO method is used to search for the unknown parameters to obtain the appropriate precollision joint trajectory. The proposed method can satisfy the whole capture process of redundant space manipulator before collision, and simulation results of a 7-dof space manipulator verify the effectiveness.
Grid Connected Solar PV System with SEPIC Converter Compared with Parallel Boost Converter Based MPPT
Authors: Bosco Raj T. Ajith , Ramesh R. , Maglin J. R. , Vaigundamoorthi M. , William Christopher I. , Gopinath C. , Yaashuwanth C.
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this work is to study the behaviour of the solar PV systems and model the efficient Grid-connected solar power system. The DC-DC MPPT circuit using chaotic pulse width modulation has been designed to track maximum power from solar PV module. The conversion efficiency of the proposed MPPT system is increased when CPWM is used as a control scheme. This paper also proposes a simplified multilevel (seven level) inverter for a grid-connected photovoltaic system. The primary goal of these systems is to increase the energy injected to the grid by keeping track of the maximum power point of the panel, by reducing the switching frequency, and by providing high reliability. The maximum power has been tracked experimentally. It is compared with parallel boost converter. Also this model is based on mathematical equations and is described through an equivalent circuit including a PV source with MPPT, a diode, a series resistor, a shunt resistor, and dual boost converter with active snubber circuit. This model can extract PV power and boost by using dual boost converter with active snubber. By using this method the overall system efficiency is improved thereby reducing the switching losses and cost.
Establishment of a Swine Model for Validation of Perfusion Measurement by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Sauerbrey Anika , Hindel Stefan , Maaß Marc , Krüger Christine , Wissmann Andreas , Kramer Martin , Nafz Benno , Lüdemann Lutz
Published: March 2014

The aim of the study was to develop a suitable animal model for validating dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging perfusion measurements. A total of 8 pigs were investigated by DCE-MRI. Perfusion was determined on the hind leg musculature. An ultrasound flow probe placed around the femoral artery provided flow measurements independent of MRI and served as the standard of reference. Images were acquired on a 1.5 T MRI scanner using a 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence. An arterial catheter for local injection was implanted in the femoral artery. Continuous injection of adenosine for vasodilation resulted in steady blood flow levels up to four times the baseline level. In this way, three different stable perfusion levels were induced and measured. A central venous catheter was used for injection of two different types of contrast media. A low-molecular weight contrast medium and a blood pool contrast medium were used. A total of 6 perfusion measurements were performed with a time interval of about 20–25 min without significant differences in the arterial input functions. In conclusion the accuracy of DCE-MRI-based perfusion measurement can be validated by comparison of the integrated perfusion signal of the hind leg musculature with the blood flow values measured with the ultrasound flow probe around the femoral artery.
Solution Studies on Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) Complexes of Hexamethylenetetramine in Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Paboudam Awawou G. , Gérard Christian , Mohamadou Aminou , Agwara Moise O. , Conde Mariam A. , Ndifon Peter T.
Published: March 2014

Potentiometric studies in aqueous medium and spectrophotometric study in non-aqueous medium were used to understand the behavior of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) complexes. The protometric studies of HMTA enabled us to confirm that only one basic site of this ligand is protonated in acidic medium and this ligand is decomposed in acidic medium. In aqueous medium, only hexa-aqua complexes in which HMTA is present in the second coordination sphere forming H-bonds with hydrogen atoms of coordinated and uncoordinated water molecules are obtained. In non-aqueous solvents, HMTA coordinates to metal ions displaying diversity in the structures of the resulting complexes in which HMTA can either be monodentate, bridged bidentate, tridentate, or tetradentate.
Study of the Association betweenITPKCGenetic Polymorphisms and Calcium Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Kan Wei-Chih , Chou Yii-Her , Chiu Siou-Jin , Hsu Yu-Wen , Lu Hsing-Fang , Hsu Wenli , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: March 2014

Nephrolithiasis is a multifactorial disease caused by environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors. Genetic polymorphisms ofORAI1, which codes for the main subunit of the store-operated calcium (SOC) channel, were reported to be associated with the risk and recurrence of calcium nephrolithiasis. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) 3-kinase C (ITPKC) is a negative regulator of the SOC channel-mediated signaling pathway. We investigated the association between calcium containing nephrolithiasis and genetic variants ofITPKCgene in Taiwanese patients. 365 patients were recruited in this study. Eight tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms ofITPKCwere selected for genotyping.ITPKCgenotypes were determined by TaqMan assay.ITPKCplasmids were transfected into cells to evaluate the intracellular calcium mobilization. Our results indicated that rs2607420 CC genotype in the intron region of theITPKCgene is associated with a lower eGFR by both Modification of Diet in Renal Diseases (P=0.0405) and Cockcroft-Gault (P=0.0215) equations in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis. Our results identify a novel polymorphism for renal function and highlight the importance of ITPKC as a key molecule to regulate calcium signaling.
Molecular Evolution of the Vertebrate FK506 Binding Protein 25
Authors: Liu Fei , Wei Xiao-Long , Li Hao , Wei Ji-Fu , Wang Yong-Qing , Gong Xiao-Jian
Published: March 2014

FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs) belong to immunophilins with peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases) activity. FKBP25 (also known as FKBP3) is one of the nuclear DNA-binding proteins in the FKBPs family, which plays an important role in regulating transcription and chromatin structure. The calculation of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rates suggested that FKBP25 undergoes purifying selection throughout the whole vertebrate evolution. Moreover, the result of site-specific tests showed that no sites were detected under positive selection. Only one PPIase domain was detected by searching FKBP25 sequences at Pfam and SMART domain databases. Mammalian FKBP25 possess exon-intron conservation, although conservation in the whole vertebrate lineage is incomplete. The result of this study suggests that the purifying selection triggers FKBP25 evolutionary history, which allows us to discover the complete role of the PPIase domain in the interaction between FKBP25 and nuclear proteins. Moreover, intron alterations during FKBP25 evolution that regulate gene splicing may be involved in the purifying selection.
Chaotic Vibration Analysis of the Bottom Rotating Drill String
Authors: Xue Qilong , Wang Ruihe , Sun Feng , Huang Zhiyuan
Published: March 2014

Drill string vibration is a widely studied topic. This paper developed a real-time measurement system near the drilling bit and extracted the lateral vibration, longitudinal vibration time series of bottom rotating drill string. In order to reconstruct the phase space, we estimated the delay time with mutual information and calculated the embedding dimension through Cao’s method. Finally, the chaotic characterization of the system is analyzed by calculating the correlation dimension and the largest Lyapunov exponent. The results show that such system can exhibit positive finite-time Lyapunov exponents and a clear convergence toward the correlation dimension, which is a strong indicator for the chaotic behavior of the system. It is expected that the new dynamics found in this paper could be of potential implication to the control methods of the drill string vibration.
Measurement and Correlation for Solubility of Some Pyrimidine Derivatives in Different Solvents
Authors: Bhesaniya Kapil , Baluja Shipra
Published: March 2014

Some new pyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized and their characterization was done by IR, NMR, and mass spectral data. The solubility of these synthesized compounds has been studied in methanol, N,N dimethylformamide (DMF), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by gravimetrical method from 298.15 to 328.15 K under atmospheric pressure and the solubility data were correlated against temperature. The solubility is found to increase with temperature and order of solubility is DMF > methanol > CCl4. The experimental solubility data is correlated with the modified Apelblat equation. Some thermodynamic parameters such as dissolution enthalpy, Gibbs energy of dissolution, and entropy of mixing have also been calculated.
The Retrospective Analysis of Posterior Short-Segment Pedicle Instrumentation without Fusion for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture with Neurological Deficit
Authors: Deng Zhouming , Zou Hui , Cai Lin , Ping Ansong , Wang Yongzhi , Ai Qiyong
Published: March 2014

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation without fusion in curing thoracolumbar burst fracture. All of the 53 patients were treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation and laminectomy without fusion, and the restoration of retropulsed bone fragments was conducted by a novel custom-designed repositor (RRBF). The mean operation time and blood loss during surgery were analyzed; the radiological index and neurological status were compared before and after the operation. The mean operation time was 93 min (range: 62–110 min) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 452 mL in all cases. The average canal encroachment was 50.04% and 10.92% prior to the surgery and at last followup, respectively (P<0.01). The preoperative kyphotic angle was 17.2 degree (±6.87 degrees), whereas it decreased to 8.42 degree (±4.99 degrees) at last followup (P<0.01). Besides, the mean vertebral body height increased from 40.15% (±9.40%) before surgery to 72.34% (±12.32%) at last followup (P<0.01). 45 patients showed 1-2 grades improvement in Frankel’s scale at last followup. This technique allows for satisfactory canal clearance and restoration of vertebral body height and kyphotic angle, and it may promote the recovery of neurological function. However, further research is still necessary to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.
An Update of the Interstitial Cell Compartment in the Normal Human Bladder
Authors: Kuijpers Kamiel A. J. , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Hafmans Theo G. M. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: March 2014

Aims. Interstitial cells, also called myofibroblasts, most probably play a major role in the pathogenesis of the overactive bladder. However, no specific phenotypic marker has been identified. We investigated whether N-cadherin could play a role as a discriminatory marker for interstitial cells in the human bladder.Methods. Bladder biopsies (n= 16) were collected from macroscopically nonpathological locations during cystectomy which was performed because of bladder cancer. Tissue was analyzed for expression of N-cadherin. N-cadherin+ cells were phenotyped using antibodies against PGP9.5, smoothelin, vimentin, and C-kit. Findings were related to bladder tissue histology and ultrastructure of myofibroblastic cells.Results. N-cadherin+/vimentin+ cells with branched cell bodies were found in the lamina propria and detrusor layer. They were closely associated with neurons and showed no colocalization of PGP9.5 or smoothelin. A second type of N-cadherin+ cells was found at the boundary of detrusor bundles and in the lamina propria. These cells colocalization C-kit. We assumed that N-cadherin+/vimentin+ cells are similar to the ultrastructurally defined myofibroblasts.Conclusions. N-cadherin can play a role as a discriminatory marker for interstitial cells in the human bladder, as the interstitial compartment of the human bladder houses a population of cells from mesenchymal origin, immunopositive for N-cadherin, vimentin, and C-kit.