bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis: an unusual aetiology for occult gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Fernandes Alexandra , Ferreira Ana Margarida , Serra Paula , Carvalho Luís
Published: September 2015

Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is a rare disorder of the enteric nervous system. It is often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b but, more rarely, it can present in a sporadic and isolated form. A 66-year-old man presented with a 14-year history of iron deficiency anaemia, with no visible bleeding, requiring occasional blood transfusions. Haematological causes of anaemia were thoroughly excluded, and conventional endoscopic and radiological examinations showed no lesions. Capsule enteroscopy identified an ulcerated stenosis in the small bowel, but the biopsies taken at balloon enteroscopy were inconclusive. The patient underwent a laparotomy, which revealed a stiff and ulcerated stenosis in the ileum. Histological analysis demonstrated the presence of diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis. Three years after surgery, the patient is asymptomatic, with normal haemoglobin levels. This case demonstrates an isolated form of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis, with an atypical presentation, difficult to diagnose despite an exhaustive evaluation.
Multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of extract of Japanese herbal medicine Daikenchuto to prevent bowel dysfunction after adult liver transplantation (DKB 14 Study)
Authors: Kaido Toshimi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Sadamori Hiroshi , Shirabe Ken , Yamamoto Michio , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2015

Introduction

This multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial will aim to determine the ability of an extract (TJ-100) of Daikenchuto (traditional Japanese herbal medicine; Kampo) to prevent bowel dysfunction in at least 110 patients after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods and analysis

The following co-primary end points will be evaluated on postoperative day 7: total oral and enteral caloric intake, abdominal distension and abdominal pain. The secondary end points will comprise sequential changes of total oral and enteral caloric intake after LT, sequential changes in numeric rating scales for abdominal distension and pain, elapsed time to the first postoperative passage of stool, quality of life assessment using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale score (Japanese version), postoperative liver function, liver regeneration rate, incidence of bacteraemia and bacterial strain, trough level of immunosuppressants, occurrence of acute cellular rejection, discharge or not within 2 months after LT, sequential changes of portal venous flow to the graft and ascites discharge. The two arms of the study will comprise 55 patients per arm.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been conducted according to the CONSORT statement. All participants signed a written consent form, and the study has been approved by the institutional review board of each participating institute and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1996. The findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

The DKB 14 Study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registration (UMIN-CTR), Japan (registration number: UMIN000014326) during 2014.
Faecal corticosterone levels of dogs relinquished to a shelter in Japan
Authors: Uetake K. , Uchida H. , Ishihara J. , Kushima S. , Tanaka T.
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the baseline level of faecal corticosterone in dogs relinquished to a shelter and compared changes in it caused by social events that dogs experienced. Faecal corticosterone was measured to assess the average stress levels of dogs that depend on the actual conditions of the shelter. One category of subject animals was dogs relinquished by their owner or stray dogs who were penned in a group (group RG) or caged individually due to their incompatibility (group RI), and the other category was demonstration dogs kept for dog training classes (group DT) and petting activities held in welfare facilities for the elderly and in elementary schools (group DP). While the number of dogs that were included in groups RG and RI fluctuated almost daily, the demonstration dogs were kept together for three months. The average level of faecal corticosterone was significantly higher in group RG than in groups DT and DP. The level of group RI was also relatively high, but the difference from the other three groups was not statistically significant. Faecal corticosterone concentrations of groups DT and DP rose somewhat from the baseline levels on the day after social service activities. The results of this study reaffirm that temporarily relinquished and socially unstable dogs especially suffer a certain level of stress in a shelter.
Reduction in daily milk yield associated with subclinical bovine herpesvirus 1 infection
Authors: Statham J. M. E. , Randall L. V. , Archer S. C.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this observational cohort study was to investigate the potential economic impact of subclinical bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV‐1) infection in a commercial UK dairy herd in terms of milk yield depression. Infection status of cows (infected or not infected) was assigned from serology on a single occasion. A multi‐level linear model was used to evaluate the impact of infection status on milk production, using milk records that were routinely collected over two years. BoHV‐1 seropositive cows produced 2.6 kg/day less milk over the study period compared with cows that were seronegative. This result highlights the importance of appropriate management of risks associated with subclinical infection with BoHV‐1 as part of proactive herd health and production management.
Vesicle self-assembly of amphiphilic siderophores produced by bacterial isolates from Soap Lake, Washington
Authors: Serrano Figueroa Luis O’mar , Pitts Betsey , Uchida Masaki , Richards Abigail M.
Published: September 2015

Soap Lake, located in Washington State, is a meromictic soda lake that was the subject of a prior National Science Foundation funded Microbial Observatory. Several organisms inhabiting this lake have been identified as producers of siderophores that are unique in structure. Two isolates found to be of the species Halomonas, SL01 and SL28, were found to produce suites of amphiphilic siderophores consisting of a peptidic head-group, which binds iron appended to fatty acid moieties of various lengths. The ability for siderophores to self-assemble into vesicles was determined for three suites of amphiphilic siderophores of unique structure (two from SL01 and one from SL28). These siderophores resemble the amphiphilic aquachelin siderophores produced by Halomonas aquamarina strain DS40M3, a marine bacterium. Vesicle self-assembly studies were performed by dynamic light scattering and epifluorescence microscopy. The addition of ferric iron (Fe3+) at different equivalents, where an equivalence of iron is defined as equal to the molarity of the siderophore, demonstrated vesicle formation. This was suggested by both dynamic light scattering and epifluorescence microscopy. Bacteria thriving under saline and alkaline conditions are capable of producing unique siderophores that self-assemble in micelles and vesicles due to ferric iron chelation.
X(3872), IG(JPC) = 0+(1++), as the χc1(2P) charmonium
Authors: Achasov N. N. , Rogozina E. V.
Published: September 2015

Contrary to almost standard opinion that the [Formula: see text]) resonance is the [Formula: see text] molecule or the [Formula: see text] four-quark state, we discuss the scenario where the [Formula: see text] resonance is the [Formula: see text] charmonium which “sits on” the [Formula: see text] threshold.

We explain the shift of the mass of the [Formula: see text] resonance with respect to the prediction of a potential model for the mass of the [Formula: see text] charmonium by the contribution of the virtual [Formula: see text] intermediate states into the self energy of the [Formula: see text] resonance. This allows us to estimate the coupling constant of the [Formula: see text] resonance with the [Formula: see text] channel, the branching ratio of the [Formula: see text] decay, and the branching ratio of the [Formula: see text] decay into all non-[Formula: see text] states. We predict a significant number of unknown decays of [Formula: see text] via two gluon: [Formula: see text].

We suggest a physically clear program of experimental researches for verification of our assumption.
On finite energy monopole solutions in Weinberg–Salam model
Authors: Pak D. G. , Zhang P. M. , Zou L. P.
Published: September 2015

We study the problem of existence of finite energy monopole solutions in the Weinberg–Salam model starting with the most general ansatz for static axially-symmetric electroweak magnetic fields. The ansatz includes an explicit construction of field configurations with various topologies described by the monopole and Hopf charges. We introduce a unique [Formula: see text] gauge invariant definition for the electromagnetic field. It has been proved that the magnetic charge of any finite energy monopole solution must be screened at far distance. This implies nonexistence of finite energy monopole solutions with a nonzero total magnetic charge. In the case of a special axially-symmetric Dashen–Hasslacher–Neveu ansatz, we revise the structure of the sphaleron solution and show that sphaleron represents a nontrivial system of monopole and antimonopole with their centers located in one point. This is different from the known interpretation of the sphaleron as a monopole–antimonopole pair like Nambu’s “dumb-bell.” In general, the axially-symmetric magnetic field may admit a helical structure. We conjecture that such a solution exists and estimate an upper bound for its energy, [Formula: see text].
On the stability of (M theory) stars against collapse: Role of anisotropic pressures
Authors: Kalyana Rama S.
Published: September 2015

Unitarity of evolution in gravitational collapses implies existence of macroscopic stable horizonless objects. With such objects in mind, we study the effects of anisotropy of pressures on the stability of stars. We consider stars in four or higher dimensions and also stars in M theory made up of (intersecting) branes. Taking the stars to be static, spherically symmetric and the equations of state to be linear, we study “singular solutions” and the asymptotic perturbations around them. Oscillatory perturbations are likely to imply instability. We find that nonoscillatory perturbations, which may imply stability, are possible if an appropriate amount of anisotropy is present. This result suggests that it may be possible to have stable horizonless objects in four or any higher dimensions, and that anisotropic pressures may play a crucial role in ensuring their stability.
Lepton polarization asymmetries for FCNC decays of the Λb baryon
Authors: Mott L. , Roberts W.
Published: September 2015

Branching ratios, lepton forward–backward asymmetries, and lepton polarization asymmetries for the flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC) dileptonic decays of the [Formula: see text] baryon to the ground state and a number of excited state [Formula: see text] baryons are calculated using form factors extracted using wave functions from a constituent quark model. The SM branching ratios for the transition to the ground state calculated using these quark model form factors are consistent with the recent measurement reported by the LHCb collaboration. It is shown that the lepton polarization asymmetries are largely insensitive to the transition form factors and, therefore, may also be insensitive to the effects of QCD in the nonperturbative regime. These observables could therefore provide somewhat model independent ways of extracting various combinations of the Wilson coefficients.
Consistent gauge interaction involving dynamical coupling and anomalous current
Authors: Guendelman Eduardo , Steiner Roee
Published: September 2015

We show a possible way to construct a consistent formalism where the effective electric charge can change with space and time without destroying the gauge invariance. In the previous work[Formula: see text] we took the gauge coupling to be of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an auxiliary field, [Formula: see text] is a scalar field and the current [Formula: see text] is the Dirac current. This term produces a constraint [Formula: see text] which can be related to MIT bag model by boundary condition. In this paper, we show that when we use the term [Formula: see text], instead of the auxiliary field [Formula: see text], there is a possibility to produce a theory with dynamical coupling constant, which does not produce any constraint or confinement. The coupling [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an anomalous current is also discussed.
Interpolating between different gauges in the ABJM theory
Authors: Upadhyay Sudhaker , Faizal Mir , Ganai Prince A.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we will study aspects relating to the gauge symmetry of the ABJM theory, in [Formula: see text] superspace formalism. We will analyze the ABJM theory in a very general gauge by constructing a generalized gauge fixing term and a generalized ghost term for the ABJM theory. In a certain limit, these generalized gauge fixing and ghost terms will reduce to the gauge fixing and ghost terms for the ABJM theory in Maximal Abelian gauge. Furthermore, in a different limit they will reduce to the gauge fixing and ghost terms for the ABJM theory in Landau gauge. Thus, this very general gauge can be used to interpolates between the ABJM theory in Maximal Abelian gauge and the ABJM theory in Landau gauge. The connection between gauges is also established through generalized BRST approach.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation in a HIV-1 System with Multitime Delays
Authors: Zhao Lingyan , Liu Haihong , Yan Fang
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for HIV-1 infection with three time delays. The model examines a viral-therapy for controlling infections by using an engineered virus to selectively eliminate infected cells. In our model, three time delays represent the latent period of pathogen virus, pathogen virus production period and recombinant (genetically modified) virus production period, respectively. Detailed theoretical analysis have demonstrated that the values of three delays can affect the stability of equilibrium solutions, can also lead to Hopf bifurcation and oscillated solutions of the system. Moreover, we give the conditions for the existence of stable positive equilibrium solution and Hopf bifurcation. Further, the properties of Hopf bifurcation are discussed. These theoretical results indicate that the delays play an important role in determining the dynamic behavior quantitatively. Therefore, it is a fact that delays are very important, which should not be missed in controlling HIV-1 infections.
An Experimental Communication Scheme Based on Chaotic Time-Delay System with Switched Delay
Authors: Karavaev A. S. , Kulminskiy D. D. , Ponomarenko V. I. , Prokhorov M. D.
Published: September 2015

We develop an experimental secure communication system with chaotic switching. The proposed scheme is based on time-delayed feedback oscillator with switching of chaotic regimes. The scheme shows high tolerance to external noise and amplitude distortions of the signal in a communication channel.
Rigorous Numerical Study of Low-Period Windows for the Quadratic Map
Authors: Galias Zbigniew
Published: September 2015

An efficient method to find all low-period windows for the quadratic map is proposed. The method is used to obtain very accurate rigorous bounds of positions of all periodic windows with periods p ≤ 32. The contribution of period-doubling windows on the total width of periodic windows is discussed. Properties of periodic windows are studied numerically.
New singularities in unexpected places
Authors: Barrow John D. , Graham Alexander A. H.
Published: September 2015

Spacetime singularities have been discovered which are physically much weaker than those predicted by the classical singularity theorems. Geodesics evolve through them and they only display infinities in the derivatives of their curvature invariants. So far, these singularities have appeared to require rather exotic and unphysical matter for their occurrence. Here, we show that a large class of singularities of this form can be found in a simple Friedmann cosmology containing only a scalar-field with a power-law self-interaction potential. Their existence challenges several preconceived ideas about the nature of spacetime singularities and has an impact upon the end of inflation in the early universe.
Modeling reactivation of the phosphorylated human butyrylcholinesterase by QM(DFTB)/MM calculations
Authors: Kulakova Anna , Lushchekina Sofya , Grigorenko Bella , Nemukhin Alexander
Published: September 2015

Human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a bioscavenger that protects the enzyme which is critical for the central nerve system, acetylcholinesterase, from poisoning by organophosphorus agents. Elucidating the details of the hydrolysis reaction mechanism is important to understand how the phosphorylated BChE can be reactivated. Application of the QM(DFTB)/MM(AMBER) method to construct the minimum energy pathways for the hydrolysis reaction of the diethylphosphorylated BChE allowed us to suggest a mechanism of reactivation of the wild-type and the G117H mutated enzyme. Unlike previous approaches assuming that either His438 or His117 serves as a general base in the catalysis, in our proposal the Glu197 residue is responsible for activation of the nucleophilic water molecule (Wat) leading to the chemical transformations that restore the catalytic Ser198 residue in BChE. In agreement with the experimental data, it is shown that the G117H mutation facilitates the reactivation of the inhibited enzyme.
Detecting shifts in gene regulatory networks during time-course experiments at single-time-point temporal resolution
Authors: Takenaka Yoichi , Seno Shigeto , Matsuda Hideo
Published: September 2015

Comprehensively understanding the dynamics of biological systems is one of the greatest challenges in biology. Vastly improved biological technologies have provided vast amounts of information that must be understood by bioinformatics and systems biology researchers. Gene regulations have been frequently modeled by ordinary differential equations or graphical models based on time-course gene expression profiles. The state-of-the-art computational approaches for analyzing gene regulations assume that their models are same throughout time-course experiments. However, these approaches cannot easily analyze transient changes at a time point, such as diauxic shift. We propose a score that analyzes the gene regulations at each time point. The score is based on the information gains of information criterion values. The method detects the shifts in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) during time-course experiments with single-time-point resolution. The effectiveness of the method is evaluated on the diauxic shift from glucose to lactose in Escherichia coli. Gene regulation shifts were detected at two time points: the first corresponding to the time at which the growth of E. coli ceased and the second corresponding to the end of the experiment, when the nutrient sources (glucose and lactose) had become exhausted. According to these results, the proposed score and method can appropriately detect the time of gene regulation shifts. The method based on the proposed score provides a new tool for analyzing dynamic biological systems. Because the score value indicates the strength of gene regulation at each time point in a gene expression profile, it can potentially infer hidden GRNs from time-course experiments.
Development of a handheld diffuse optical breast cancer assessment probe
Authors: Shokoufi Majid , Golnaraghi Farid
Published: September 2015

Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (DOS) is a promising non-invasive and non-ionizing technique for breast anomaly detection. In this study, we have developed a new handheld DOS probe to measure optical properties of breast tissue. In the proposed probe, the breast tissue is illuminated with four near infrared (NIR) wavelengths light emitting diodes (LED), which are encapsulated in a package (eLEDs), and two PIN photodiodes measure the intensity of the scattered photons at two different locations. The proposed technique of using eLEDs is introduced, in order to have a multi-wavelength pointed-beam illumination source instead of using the laser-coupled fiber-optic technique, which increases the complexity, size, and cost of the probe. Despite the fact that the proposed technique miniaturizes the probe and reduces the complexity of the DOS, the study proves that it is accurate and reliable in measuring optical properties of the tissue. The measurements are performed at the rate of 10[Formula: see text]Hz which is suitable for dynamic measurement of biological activity, in-vivo. The multi-spectral evaluation algorithm is used to reconstruct four main absorber concentrations in the breast including oxy-hemoglobin (cHb), deoxy-hemoglobin (cHbO2), water (cH2O), fat (cFat), and average scattering coefficient of the medium, as well as concentration changes in Hb ([Formula: see text]cHb) and HbO2 ([Formula: see text]cHbO2). Although the probe is designed for breast cancer diagnosis, it can be used in a wide range of applications for both static and dynamic measurements such as functional brain imaging. A series of phantoms, comprised of Delrin[Formula: see text], Intralipid[Formula: see text], PierceTM and Black ink, are used to verify performance of the device. The probe will be tested on human subjects, in-vivo, in the next phase.
Nanoparticles Toxicity and their Effects on Health: An Ethical Study
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Kazemi Abolhasan , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: September 2015

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing science of producing and utilizing nanosized particles that measure in nanometers. While nanotechnology and the production of nanoparticles are growing exponentially, research into the toxicological impact and possible hazard of nanoparticles to human health and the environment is still in its infancy. Nanoparticles, even when made of inert elements like gold, become highly active at nanometer dimensions. Therefore, understanding the risks and identifying the magnitude of potential harm are two important considerations for an informed use of nanoparticles. This review aims to give a comprehensive summary of what is known today about possible impacts of nanoparticle toxicology to public health. On the other hand, studies in the development of nanoparticles’ toxicity raise various ethical questions concerning safety, possible risks and side effects of nanoparticles. There are also speculations as to the moral problems or dangers that may arise in connection with further advances in this type of nanomaterials. Therefore, the second part of this paper highlights the need for caution during the use and ethical aspects of such manufactured nanomaterials to prevent unintended environmental impacts.
Biomaterial Strategies for Immunomodulation
Authors: Hotaling Nathan A. , Tang Li , Irvine Darrell J. , Babensee Julia E.
Published: September 2015

Strategies to enhance, suppress, or qualitatively shape the immune response are of importance for diverse biomedical applications, such as the development of new vaccines, treatments for autoimmune diseases and allergies, strategies for regenerative medicine, and immunotherapies for cancer. However, the intricate cellular and molecular signals regulating the immune system are major hurdles to predictably manipulating the immune response and developing safe and effective therapies. To meet this challenge, biomaterials are being developed that control how, where, and when immune cells are stimulated in vivo, and that can finely control their differentiation in vitro. We review recent advances in the field of biomaterials for immunomodulation, focusing particularly on designing biomaterials to provide controlled immunostimulation, targeting drugs and vaccines to lymphoid organs, and serving as scaffolds to organize immune cells and emulate lymphoid tissues. These ongoing efforts highlight the many ways in which biomaterials can be brought to bear to engineer the immune system.
Development of Dendritic Form and Function
Authors: Lefebvre Julie L. , Sanes Joshua R. , Kay Jeremy N.
Published: September 2015

The nervous system is populated by numerous types of neurons, each bearing a dendritic arbor with a characteristic morphology. These type-specific features influence many aspects of a neuron's function, including the number and identity of presynaptic inputs and how inputs are integrated to determine firing properties. Here, we review the mechanisms that regulate the construction of cell type–specific dendrite patterns during development. We focus on four aspects of dendrite patterning that are particularly important in determining the function of the mature neuron: (a) dendrite shape, including branching pattern and geometry of the arbor; (b) dendritic arbor size; (c) targeting of dendrites to particular locations; and (d) subdivision of dendrites into compartments with unique electrical properties or synaptic inputs.
Effects of acute exercise on lipid content and dietary lipid uptake in liver and skeletal muscle of lean and diabetic rats
Authors: Janssens Sharon , Jonkers Richard A. M. , Groen Albert K. , Nicolay Klaas , van Loon Luc J. C. , Prompers Jeanine J.
Published: September 2015

Insulin resistance is associated with ectopic lipid accumulation. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, but the impact of exercise on lipid handling in insulin-resistant tissues remains to be elucidated. The present study characterizes the effects of acute exercise on lipid content and dietary lipid partitioning in liver and skeletal muscle of lean and diabetic rats by use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). After baseline measurements, rats were randomized to exercise or no-exercise groups. A subset of animals was subjected to MRS directly after 1 h of treadmill running for measurement of total intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content ( n = 7 lean and diabetic rats). The other animals were administered13C-labeled lipids orally after treadmill visit (with or without exercise) followed by MRS measurements after 4 and 24 h to determine the13C enrichment of IHCL and IMCL ( n = 8 per group). Total IHCL and IMCL content were fivefold higher in diabetic vs. lean rats ( P < 0.001). Exercise did not significantly affect IHCL content but reduced IMCL by 25 ± 7 and 33 ± 4% in lean and diabetic rats ( P < 0.05), respectively. Uptake of dietary lipids in liver and muscle was 2.3-fold greater in diabetic vs. lean rats ( P < 0.05). Prior exercise did not significantly modulate dietary lipid uptake into muscle, but in liver of both lean and diabetic rats, lipid uptake was 44% reduced after acute exercise ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, IMCL but not IHCL represents a viable substrate source during exercise in both lean and diabetic rats, and exercise differentially affects dietary lipid uptake in muscle and liver.
Spinal electro-magnetic stimulation combined with transgene delivery of neurotrophin NT-3 and exercise: novel combination therapy for spinal contusion injury
Authors: Petrosyan Hayk A. , Alessi Valentina , Hunanyan Arsen S. , Sisto Sue A. , Arvanian Victor L.
Published: September 2015

Our recent terminal experiments revealed that administration of a single train of repetitive spinal electromagnetic stimulation (sEMS; 35 min) enhanced synaptic plasticity in spinal circuitry following lateral hemisection spinal cord injury. In the current study, we have examined effects of repetitive sEMS applied as a single train and chronically (5 wk, every other day) following thoracic T10 contusion. Chronic studies involved examination of systematic sEMS administration alone and combined with exercise training and transgene delivery of neurotrophin [adeno-associated virus 10-neurotrophin 3 (AAV10-NT3)]. Electrophysiological intracellular/extracellular recordings, immunohistochemistry, behavioral testing, and anatomical tracing were performed to assess effects of treatments. We found that administration of a single sEMS train induced transient facilitation of transmission through preserved lateral white matter to motoneurons and hindlimb muscles in chronically contused rats with effects lasting for at least 2 h. These physiological changes associated with increased immunoreactivity of GluR1 and GluR2/3 glutamate receptors in lumbar neurons. Systematic administration of sEMS alone for 5 wk, however, was unable to induce cumulative improvements of transmission in spinomuscular circuitry or improve impaired motor function following thoracic contusion. Encouragingly, chronic administration of sEMS, followed by exercise training (running in an exercise ball and swimming), induced the following: 1) sustained strengthening of transmission to lumbar motoneurons and hindlimb muscles, 2) better retrograde transport of anatomical tracer, and 3) improved locomotor function. Greatest improvements were seen in the group that received exercise combined with sEMS and AAV-NT3.
The role of vibration in tactile speed perception
Authors: Dallmann Chris J. , Ernst Marc O. , Moscatelli Alessandro
Published: September 2015

The relative motion between the surface of an object and our fingers produces patterns of skin deformation such as stretch, indentation, and vibrations. In this study, we hypothesized that motion-induced vibrations are combined with other tactile cues for the discrimination of tactile speed. Specifically, we hypothesized that vibrations provide a critical cue to tactile speed on surfaces lacking individually detectable features like dots or ridges. Thus masking vibrations unrelated to slip motion should impair the discriminability of tactile speed, and the effect should be surface-dependent. To test this hypothesis, we measured the precision of participants in discriminating the speed of moving surfaces having either a fine or a ridged texture, while adding masking vibratory noise in the working range of the fast-adapting mechanoreceptive afferents. Vibratory noise significantly reduced the precision of speed discrimination, and the effect was much stronger on the fine-textured than on the ridged surface. On both surfaces, masking vibrations at intermediate frequencies of 64 Hz (65-μm peak-to-peak amplitude) and 128 Hz (10 μm) had the strongest effect, followed by high-frequency vibrations of 256 Hz (1 μm) and low-frequency vibrations of 32 Hz (50 and 25 μm). These results are consistent with our hypothesis that slip-induced vibrations concur to the discrimination of tactile speed.
Perceptions of Yoga Therapy Embedded in Two Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals: Agency Perspectives
Authors: Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Miller Kristine K. , Dickes Lori A. , Schmid Arlene A.
Published: September 2015

Inpatient medical rehabilitation has maintained a typical medical-model focus and structure for many years. However, as integrative therapies, such as yoga therapy, emerge as treatments which can enhance the physical and mental health of its participants, it is important to determine if they can be easily implemented into the traditional rehabilitation structure and milieu. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of key agency personnel on the feasibility and utility of yoga therapy implemented in inpatient rehabilitation. This study reports the results of focus groups and an individual interview with key stakeholders (administrators and rehabilitation therapists) from two rehabilitation hospitals following the implementation of yoga therapy. Results focused on several key themes: feasibility from the therapist and administrator perspectives, challenges to implementation, and utility and benefit. Overall, the implementation and integration of yoga therapy were positive; however, some programmatic and policy and organizational considerations remain. Implications for practice and future research are provided.
[Retracted] Dynamic Harmony Search with Polynomial Mutation Algorithm for Valve‐Point Economic Load Dispatch
Authors: Karthikeyan M. , Sree Ranga Raja T.
Published: September 2015

Economic load dispatch (ELD) problem is an important issue in the operation and control of modern control system. The ELD problem is complex and nonlinear with equality and inequality constraints which makes it hard to be efficiently solved. This paper presents a new modification of harmony search (HS) algorithm named as dynamic harmony search with polynomial
mutation (DHSPM) algorithm to solve ORPD problem. In DHSPM algorithm the key parameters of HS algorithm like harmony memory considering rate (HMCR) and pitch adjusting rate (PAR) are changed dynamically and there is no need to predefine these parameters. Additionally polynomial mutation is inserted in the updating step of HS algorithm to favor exploration and exploitation of the search space. The DHSPM algorithm is tested with three power system cases consisting of 3, 13, and 40 thermal units. The computational results show that the DHSPM algorithm is more effective in finding better solutions than other computational intelligence based methods.
Residual and Past Entropy for Concomitants of Ordered Random Variables of Morgenstern Family
Authors: Mohie EL-Din M. M. , Amein M. M. , Ali Nahed S. A. , Mohamed M. S.
Published: September 2015

For a system, which is observed at timet, the residual and past entropies measure the uncertainty about the remaining and the past life of the distribution, respectively. In this paper, we have presented the residual and past entropy of Morgenstern family based on the concomitants of the different types of generalized order statistics (gos) and give the linear transformation of such model. Characterization results for these dynamic entropies for concomitants of ordered random variables have been considered.
Research on High-Frequency Combination Coding-Based SSVEP-BCIs and Its Signal Processing Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Feng , Han Chengcheng , Li Lili , Zhang Xin , Xie Jun , Li Yeping
Published: September 2015

This study presents a new steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm for brain computer interface (BCI) systems. The new paradigm is High-Frequency Combination Coding-Based SSVEP (HFCC-SSVEP). The goal of this study is to increase the number of targets using fewer stimulation frequencies, with diminishing subject’s fatigue and reducing the risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures. This paper investigated the HFCC-SSVEP high-frequency response (beyond 25 Hz) for 3 frequencies (25 Hz, 33.33 Hz, and 40 Hz). HFCC-SSVEP producesnnwithnhigh stimulation frequencies through Time Series Combination Code. Furthermore, The Improved Hilbert-Huang Transform (IHHT) is adopted to extract time-frequency feature of the proposed SSVEP response. Lastly, the differentiation combination (DC) method is proposed to select the combination coding sequence in order to increase the recognition rate; as a result, IHHT algorithm and DC method for the proposed SSVEP paradigm in this study increase recognition efficiency so as to improve ITR and increase the stability of the BCI system. Furthermore, SSVEPs evoked by high-frequency stimuli (beyond 25 Hz) minimally diminish subject’s fatigue and prevent safety hazards linked to photo-induced epileptic seizures. This study tests five subjects in order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.
Convergence Research Directions in Cognitive Sensor Networks for Elderly Housing Design
Authors: Suh Shinil , Kim Byung-Seo , Chung Jae Hee
Published: September 2015

As part of resolving the issue related to super-aging society, various information systems for the elderly care have been developed utilizing cognitive sensor networks. However, many sensor network-based systems cognizing radios, resources, environments, and so forth are not practically feasible and useful for the elderly themselves. Therefore, this paper tries to propose novel research directions for designing smart residential environment for the elderly in terms of converging information technologies including cognitive sensor networks and architectural design. In this paper, we clarify the definition of smart home from the literatures and briefly surveys cognitive sensor network-based systems for smart elderly housing. After that, this paper proposes research directions for cognitive wireless sensor networks not only for the elderly smart home services, but also for cooperating with architecture technologies. The proposed directions are to utilize cognitive radio technologies, to classify sensor network technologies according to the types of the elderly, to expand sensor networks services for the elderly housing to the wider area such as blocking unnecessary energy loss, to embed sensor network modules into BIM system, and to research sensor networks fit to modular construction.
The Relation between eNOS −786 C/T, 4 a/b, MMP-13 rs640198 G/T, Eotaxin 426 C/T, −384 A/G, and 67 G/A Polymorphisms and Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kincl Vladimír , Máchal Jan , Drozdová Adéla , Panovský Roman , Vašků Anna
Published: September 2015

Aim. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between eotaxin 426 C/T, −384 A/G, 67 G/A, eNOS −786 T/C, 4 a/b, and MMP-13 rs640198 G/T and prognosis of patients with known CAD.Methods. From total of 1161 patients referred to coronary angiography, 532 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD were selected. Their long-term outcome was followed up using hospital database. Subsequent events were assessed in this study: death or combined endpoint-myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, revascularization, heart failure hospitalization, and cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.Results. The multivariate Cox regression model identified age, smoking, and 3-vessel disease as significant predictors of all-cause death. Further analysis showed that eotaxin 67 G/A (GA + AA versus GG) and eotaxin −384 A/G (GG versus GA + AA) were significant independent prognostic factors when added into the model: HR (95% CI) 2.81 (1.35–5.85),p=0.006; HR (95% CI) 2.63 (1.19–5.83),p=0.017; eotaxin −384 A/G was significantly associated with the event-free survival, but it did not provide the prognostic information above the effect of two- or three-vessel disease.Conclusion. The A allele in eotaxin 67 G/A polymorphism is associated with worse survival in CAD patients.
Finite Element Simulation of the Compaction and Springback of Alumix 321 PM Alloy
Authors: Selig Stanley G. , Doman Darrel A.
Published: September 2015

A finite element simulation of the compaction and springback of an aluminum-based powder metallurgy alloy (Alumix 321) was developed and validated using the LS-DYNA hydrocode. The present work aims to directly address the current scarcity of modeling works on this popular alloy system. The Alumix 321 constitutive material parameters are presented. The model can predict the results of single-action compaction as well as the amount of springback experienced by a compact upon ejection from the die. The model has been validated using a series of experiments including powder compaction, optical densitometry, and the creation of a compaction curve.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Effect of Various Process Parameters on Reaction Yield, Encapsulation Efficiency, and Particle Size
Authors: Derman Serap
Published: September 2015

CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using the oil in water (o/w) single emulsion solvent evaporation methods. Five different processing parameters including initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, PVA concentration in aqueous phase, PVA volume, and solvent type were screened systematically to improve encapsulation of hydrophobic CAPE molecule, simultaneously minimize particle size, and raise the reaction yield. Obtained results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles significantly increased with the increase of the initial CAPE amount (p < 0.05) and particle size (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the particle size is significantly influenced by initial polymer amount (p < 0.05) and surfactant concentration (p < 0.05). By the optimization of process parameters, the nanoparticles produced 70 ± 6% reaction yield, 89 ± 3% encapsulation efficiency, −34.4 ± 2.5 mV zeta potential, and 163 ± 2 nm particle size with low polydispersity index 0.119 ± 0.002. The particle size and surface morphology of optimized nanoparticles were studied and analyses showed that the nanoparticles have uniform size distribution, smooth surface, and spherical shape. Lyophilized nanoparticles with different CAPE and PLGA concentration in formulation were examined for in vitro release at physiological pH. Interestingly, the optimized nanoparticles showed a high (83.08%) and sustained CAPE release (lasting for 16 days) compared to nonoptimized nanoparticle.
Investigating IT Faculty Resistance to Learning Management System Adoption Using Latent Variables in an Acceptance Technology Model
Authors: Bousbahi Fatiha , Alrazgan Muna Saleh
Published: September 2015

To enhance instruction in higher education, many universities in the Middle East have chosen to introduce learning management systems (LMS) to their institutions. However, this new educational technology is not being used at its full potential and faces resistance from faculty members. To investigate this phenomenon, we conducted an empirical research study to uncover factors influencing faculty members’ acceptance of LMS. Thus, in the Fall semester of 2014, Information Technology faculty members were surveyed to better understand their perceptions of the incorporation of LMS into their courses. The results showed that personal factors such as motivation, load anxiety, and organizational support play important roles in the perception of the usefulness of LMS among IT faculty members. These findings suggest adding these constructs in order to extend the Technology acceptance model (TAM) for LMS acceptance, which can help stakeholders of the university to implement the use of this system. This may assist in planning and evaluating the use of e‐learning.
Malnutrition and Gut Flora Dysbiosis: Specific Therapies for Emerging Comorbidities in Heart Failure
Authors: Pasini Evasio , Aquilani Roberto , Corsetti Giovanni , Dioguardi Francesco S.
Published: September 2015

Chronic heart failure is a complicated multifactorial disease with wide-spread social-economic consequences. In spite of the recent development of new drugs and therapeutic strategies, CHF-related mortality and morbidity remain high. Recent evidence suggests that changes in organs such as skeletal muscle and gut flora may play an important and independent role in CHF prognosis. This paper illustrates these phenomena, proposing how to identify them and presenting current therapies which treat organs all too often underestimated but which have a fundamental role in worsening CHF.
Generalized Information for theγ-Order Normal Distribution
Authors: Toulias Thomas L.
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates a generalization of Fisher’s entropy type information measure under the multivariateγ-order normal distribution, related to his measure, as well as its corresponding Shannon entropy. Certain boundaries of this information measure are also proved and discussed.
Smoothing Nonmonotone Barzilai-Borwein Gradient Method and Its Application to Stochastic Linear Complementarity Problems
Authors: Li Xiangli
Published: September 2015

A new algorithm for nonsmooth box-constrained minimization is introduced. The method is a smoothing nonmonotone Barzilai-Borwein (BB) gradient method. All iterates generated by this method are feasible. We apply this method to stochastic linear complementarity problems. Numerical results show that our method is promising.
The Role of “Bone Immunological Niche” for a New Pathogenetic Paradigm of Osteoporosis
Authors: Pagliari Danilo , Ciro Tamburrelli Francesco , Zirio Gianfranco , Newton Estelle E. , Cianci Rossella
Published: September 2015

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. The etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoporosis have not been clearly elucidated. Osteoporosis is linked to bone resorption by the activation of the osteoclastogenic process. The breakdown of homeostasis among pro- and antiosteoclastogenic cells causes unbalanced bone remodeling. The complex interactions among these cells in the bone microenvironment involve several mediators and proinflammatory pathways. Thus, we may consider the bone microenvironment as a complex system in which local and systemic immunity are regulated and we propose to consider it as an “immunological niche.” The study of the “bone immunological niche” will permit a better understanding of the complex cell trafficking which regulates bone resorption and disease. The goal of a perfect therapy for osteoporosis would be to potentiate good cells and block the bad ones. In this scenario, additional factors may take part in helping or hindering the proosteoblastogenic factors. Several proosteoblastogenic and antiosteoclastogenic agents have already been identified and some have been developed and commercialized as biological therapies for osteoporosis. Targeting the cellular network of the “bone immunological niche” may represent a successful strategy to better understand and treat osteoporosis and its complications.
Effects of Elevated Temperatures on the Compressive Strength Capacity of Concrete Cylinders Confined with FRP Sheets: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: El-Gamal Sherif , Al-Jabri Khalifa , Al-Mahri Ahmed , Al-Mahrouqi Saud
Published: September 2015

Due to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are very attractive for civil engineering applications. One of these applications is the strengthening of concrete columns with FRP sheets. The performance of this strengthening technique at elevated temperature is still questionable and needs more investigations. This research investigates the effects of exposure to high temperatures on the compressive strength of concrete cylinders wrapped with glass and carbon FRP sheets. Test specimens consisted of 30 unwrapped and 60 wrapped concrete cylinders. All specimens were exposed to temperatures of 100, 200, and 300°C for periods of 1, 2, and 3 hours. The compressive strengths of the unwrapped concrete cylinders were compared with their counterparts of the wrapped cylinders. For the unwrapped cylinders, test results showed that the elevated temperatures considered in this study had almost no effect on their compressive strength; however, the wrapped specimens were significantly affected, especially those wrapped with GFRP sheets. The compressive strength of the wrapped specimens decreased as the exposure period and the temperature level increased. After three hours of exposure to 300°C, a maximum compressive strength loss of about 25.3% and 37.9%, respectively, was recorded in the wrapped CFRP and GFRP specimens.