bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiogenesis and Its Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Yoo So Young , Kwon Sang Mo
Published: July 2013

Angiogenesis plays critical roles in human physiology that range from reproduction and fetal growth to wound healing and tissue repair. The sophisticated multistep process is tightly regulated in a spatial and temporal manner by “on-off switch signals” between angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix components, and endothelial cells. Uncontrolled angiogenesis may lead to several angiogenic disorders, including vascular insufficiency (myocardial or critical limb ischemia) and vascular overgrowth (hemangiomas, vascularized tumors, and retinopathies). Thus, numerous therapeutic opportunities can be envisaged through the successful understanding and subsequent manipulation of angiogenesis. Here, we review the clinical implications of angiogenesis and discuss pro- and antiangiogenic agents that offer potential therapy for cancer and other angiogenic diseases.
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitation of Cremophor EL and Its Applications
Authors: Vijaya Bhaskar V. , Middha Anil
Published: July 2013

A rapid sensitive and selective MRM based method for the determination of Cremophor EL (CrEL) in rat plasma was developed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). CrEL and polypropylene glycol (internal standard) were extracted from rat plasma with acetonitrile and analysed on C18 column (XBridge, 50 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm). The most abundant molecular ions corresponding to PEG oligomers atm/z828, 872, 916 and 960 with daughter ion atm/z89 were selected for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in electrospray mode of ionisation. Plasma concentrations of CrEL were quantified after administration through oral and intravenous routes in male sprague dawley rats at a dose of 0.26 g/kg. The standard curve was linear (0.9972) over the concentration range of 1.00 to 200 μg/mL. The lower limit of quantitation for CrEL was 1.00 μg/mL using 50 μL plasma. The coefficient of variation and relative error for inter and intra assay at three QC levels were 0.69 to 9.21 and −7.60 to 4.74 respectively. A novel proposal was conveyed to the scientific community, where formulation excipient can be analysed as qualifier in the analysis of NCEs to address the spiky plasma concentration profiles.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 with Bladder Involvement
Authors: Üre Iyimser , Gürocak Serhat , Gönül Ipek Isik , Sözen Sinan , Deniz Nuri
Published: July 2013

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant transmitted disease with various clinical manifestations. The bladder is the most commonly affected organ in the genitourinary system. The malignant transformation of the disease is rare, and unlike malign tumors, the treatment option for benign disease is usually conservative. The size and localization of the mass determine the symptoms, most of which are usually not specific. In this paper, we aim to present a 15-year-old patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 with bladder involvement. The clinical presentation and treatment options of this disease are discussed in the light of the literature.
Treatment of the Atrophic Upper Jaw: Rehabilitation of Two Complex Cases
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Marchetti Andrea , Vavassori Virna , Censi Rachele , Boninsegna Ramon , Re Dino
Published: July 2013

In reconstructive surgery, the fresh frozen homologous bone (FFB) represents a valid alternative to the autologous bone, because FFB allows bone regeneration thanks to its osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. The purpose of this work is to describe the surgical-implant-prosthetic treatment of two complex cases using FFB. In particular, fresh frozen homologous bone grafts were used to correct the severe atrophy of the maxilla, and, then, once the graft integration was obtained, implant therapy was performed and implants placed in native bone were immediately loaded.
The Microstructure and Capacitance Characterizations of Anodic Titanium Based Alloy Oxide Nanotube
Authors: Chen Po Chun , Hsieh Sheng Jen , Chen Chien Chon , Zou Jun
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a simple anodization process to fabricate ordered nanotubes (NTs) of titanium and its alloys (Ti‐Mo and Ti‐Ta). TiO2, MoO3, and Ta2O5 are high dielectric constant materials for ultracapacitor application. The anodic titanium oxide contains a compact layer on the NT film and a barrier layer under the NT film. However, the microstructure of oxide films formed by anodic Ti‐Mo and Ti‐Ta alloys contains six layers, including a continuous compact layer, a continuous partial porous layer, a porous layer, a net layer, an ordering NT film, and an ordering compact barrier layer. There are extra layers, which are a partial porous layer and a porous layer, not presented on the TiO2 NT film. In this paper, we fabricated very high surface area ordered nanotubes from Ti and its alloys. Based on the differences of alloys elements and compositions, we investigated and calculated the specific capacitance of these alloys oxide nanotubes.
Obstetrical Antiphospholipid Syndrome: From the Pathogenesis to the Clinical and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Marchetti T. , Cohen M. , de Moerloose P.
Published: July 2013

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilia with clinical manifestations associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patient plasma. Obstetrical APS is a complex entity that may affect both mother and fetus throughout the entire pregnancy with high morbidity. Clinical complications are as various as recurrent fetal losses, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preeclampsia. Pathogenesis of aPL targets trophoblastic cells directly, mainly via proapoptotic, proinflammatory mechanisms, and uncontrolled immunomodulatory responses. Actual first-line treatment is limited to low-dose aspirin (LDA) and low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and still failed in 30% of the cases. APS pregnancies should be a major field in obstetrical research, and new therapeutics are still in progress.
A Team Study of a Multiple-Power Wireless Random Channel Access Mechanism with Capture Effect
Authors: Karouit Abdelillah , Sabir Essaid , Ramirez-Mireles Fernando , Orozco Barbosa Luis , Haqiq Abdelkrim
Published: July 2013

We present a team analysis of a slotted random wireless channel access mechanism. Under the proposed scheme, denoted wireless random access mechanism with multiple power levels (MPL-WRA), each mobile station contends for a transmission opportunity following the principles of a slotted access mechanism incorporating a random transmitting power value selected among various available power levels. In this way, a capture effect may be produced allowing the packet to be decoded whenever the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is higher than a given threshold. In order to analyze the performance and optimization of the proposed setup, we build a Markovian model integrating the wireless access mechanism supplemented by the use of multiple power levels in an attractive and simple cross-layer fashion. We follow a team problem approach allowing us to fine tune the design parameters of the overall system configuration. Throughout an extensive numerical analysis, our main results set the basis for the social optimal system configuration of the proposed mechanism taking into account the physical constraints of using multiple power levels and the actual practical implementation of a slotted access mechanism. We end the paper with concluding remarks and future research directions including guidelines for the actual implementation of our proposal.
Expression of Bmi-1 in Pediatric Brain Tumors as a New Independent Prognostic Marker of Patient Survival
Authors: Farivar Shirin , Zati Keikha Reza , Shiari Reza , Jadali Farzaneh
Published: July 2013

Objectives. The B-cell-specific moloney leukemia virus insertion site 1 (the Bmi-1) gene is an important member in the family of polycomb group (PcG) genes that plays an oncogenic role in several types of cancer, but it’s expression as a prognostic marker in pediatric brain tumors has not been indicated.Materials and Methods. The Bmi-1 gene expression, clinic pathological and prognostic significance in a series of pediatric brain tumors were examined by real-time PCR method in 56 pediatric brain tumors.Results. The Bmi-1 gene expression in various types of pediatric brain tumors compared to that in normal brain tissue was 4.85-fold. The relative expression varied from 8.64-fold in ependymomas to 2.89-fold in other types. Expression level in high-grade tumors compared to that in low-grade tumors was 2.5 times. In univariate survival analysis of the pediatric brain tumors, a significant association of high expression of the Bmi-1 with patient survival was demonstrated. In multivariate analysis, the Bmi-1 high expression provided significant independent prognostic factors.Conclusion. Increased expression of the Bmi-1 in pediatric brain tumors may be important in the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype. In addition, it can be used as a strong and independent molecular marker of prognosis in pediatric brain tumors.
A Viscosity Hybrid Steepest Descent Method for Equilibrium Problems, Variational Inequality Problems, and Fixed Point Problems of Infinite Family of Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings and Nonexpansive Semigroup
Authors: Che Haitao , Pan Xintian
Published: July 2013

In this paper, modifying the set of variational inequality and extending the nonexpansive mapping of hybrid steepest descent method to nonexpansive semigroups, we introduce a new iterative scheme by using the viscosity hybrid steepest descent method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of a system of equilibrium problems, the set of fixed points of an infinite family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings, the set of solutions of fixed points for nonexpansive semigroups, and the sets of solutions of variational inequality problems with relaxed cocoercive mapping in a real Hilbert space. We prove that the sequence converges strongly to a common element of the above sets under some mild conditions. The results shown in this paper improve and extend the recent ones announced by many others.
Hypersensitivity Reaction and Tolerance Induction to Ethambutol
Authors: Cernadas Josefina Rodrigues , Santos Natacha , Pinto Claudia , Mota Patricia Caetano , Castells Mariana
Published: July 2013

Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death worldwide from any infectious agent and the alarming increase in the annual incidence of new cases has been described as a global emergency.Mycobacteriuminfection requires simultaneous administration of multiple drugs. Although the majority of treatment courses progress with minor side effects, adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs occur in about 5% of treated patients and can be responsible for cessation or switching the therapy. Both nonimmediate (mostly maculopapular rash) and immediate reactions (urticarial reactions) have been described with these drugs. The main problem is the occurrence of reactions while the patient is on treatment with multiple drugs. The diagnosis of the culprit drug is mostly based on stopping all medication, followed by the reintroduction of each drug with a time interval of four to five days. An alternative drug should be the first approach if it is equally effective. Most of the times, none of the alternative drugs are as effective as the culprit. If this is the case, a desensitization procedure should be performed. The authors describe a case of a woman withMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) infection, to whom treatment with ethambutol was crucial to recovery, and present a modified desensitization protocol to this drug.
ERCP Features and Outcome in Patients with Periampullary Duodenal Diverticulum
Authors: Mohammad Alizadeh Amir Houshang , Afzali Esmaeil Shamsi , Shahnazi Anahita , Mousavi Mirhadi , Doagoo Siavash zafar , Mirsattari Dariush , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2013

Background. Although periampullary diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally in patients during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), it may lead to post-ERCP morbidity. We compared baseline characteristics and clinical data as well as ERCP results in patients with and without periampullary diverticulum.
Methods. Clinical, laboratory, and ERCP data of 780 patients referred to the Taleghani Hospital, as a great referral endoscopy center, in Iran were prospectively analyzed.
Results. The periampullary diverticulum was identified in 44 patients (5.6%). Cannulation of common bile duct was more failed in patients with diverticulum compared to others (35.5% versus 11.5, P<0.001). Patients with diverticulum had eight times more often common bile duct stone compared to patients without diverticulum (54.5% versus 12.2%, P<0.001). Post-ERCP complications were observed in 2.3% and 4.2% of patients with and without diverticulum, respectively, which did not significantly differ in both groups.
Conclusion. Because of more failure cannulation in the presence of periampullary diverticulum, ERCP requires more skills in these patients. Prevalence of common bile duct stone was notably higher in patients with diverticulum; therefore, more assessment of bile stone and its complications in these patients is persistently recommended.
Neoadjuvant Therapy in Operable Breast Cancer: Application to Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ademuyiwa Foluso O. , Ellis Matthew J. , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: August 2013

Systemic treatment for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC: negative for the expression of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor and HER2 amplification) has been limited to chemotherapy options. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy induces tumor shrinkage and improves the surgical outcomes of patients with locally advanced disease and also identifies those at high risk of disease relapse despite today’s standard of care. By using pathologic complete response as a surrogate endpoint, novel treatment strategies can be efficiently assessed. Tissue analysis in the neoadjuvant setting is also an important research tool for the identification of chemotherapy resistance mechanisms and new therapeutic targets. In this paper, we review data on completed and ongoing neoadjuvant clinical trials in patients with TNBC and discuss treatment controversies that face clinicians and researchers when neoadjuvant chemotherapy is employed.
A Defected Ground Structure without Ground Contact Problem and Application to Branch Line Couplers
Authors: Lim Jongsik , Ahn Dal , Han Sang-Min , Jeong Yongchae , Liu Haiwen
Published: July 2013

A new defected ground structure (DGS) microstrip line that is free from the ground contact problem is described together with its application example. The proposed DGS microstrip line adopts a double-layered substrate. The first layer contains the microstrip line and DGS patterns on the top and bottom planes as with the conventional DGS line. The second substrate, of which upper metal plane has already been removed, is attached to the bottom ground plane of the first layer. This structure prevents the ground plane of the first substrate with DGS patterns from making contact with the metal housing. The proposed DGS microstrip line has advantageous transmission and rejection characteristics, without the ground contact problem of DGS patterns, which has been a critical problem of previous DGS lines. A 10 dB branch line hybrid coupler is designed and measured, as an example of application of the proposed DGS microstrip line.
Metabolite Profile Resulting from the Activation/Inactivation of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 2-Methyltetrahydro-β-carboline by Oxidative Enzymes
Authors: Herraiz Tomás , Guillén Hugo , Galisteo Juan
Published: July 2013

Metabolic enzymes are involved in the activation/deactivation of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyiridine (MPTP) neurotoxin and its naturally occurring analogs 2-methyltetrahydro-β-carbolines. The metabolic profile and biotransformation of these protoxins by three enzymes, monoamine oxidase (MAO), cytochrome P450, and heme peroxidases (myeloperoxidase and lactoperoxidase), were investigated and compared. The metabolite profile differed among the enzymes investigated. MAO and heme peroxidases activated these substances to toxic pyridinium andβ-carbolinium species. MAO catalyzed the oxidation of MPTP to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium cation (MPDP+), whereas heme peroxidases catalyzed the oxidation of MPDP+to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and of 2-methyltetrahydro-β-carboline to 2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-β-carbolinium cation (2-Me-3,4-DHβC+). These substances were inactivated by cytochrome P450 2D6 throughN-demethylation and aromatic hydroxylation (MPTP) and aromatic hydroxylation (2-methyltetrahydro-β-carboline). In conclusion, the toxicological effects of these protoxins might result from a balance between the rate of their activation to toxic products (i.e.,N-methylpyridinium-MPP+and MPDP+- andN-methyl-β-carbolinium—βC+—) by MAO and heme peroxidases and the rate of inactivation (i.e.,N-demethylation, aromatic hydroxylation) by cytochrome P450 2D6.
Multiband Negative Permittivity Metamaterials and Absorbers
Authors: Tian Yiran , Wen Guangjun , Huang Yongjun
Published: July 2013

Design and characteristics of multiband negative permittivity metamaterial and its absorber configuration are presented in this paper. The proposed multiband metamaterial is composed of a novel multibranch resonator which can possess four electric resonance frequencies. It is shown that, by controlling the length of the main branches of such resonator, the resonant frequencies and corresponding absorbing bands of metamaterial absorber can be shifted in a large frequency band.
A Ubiquitous Motion Tracking System Using Sensors in a Personal Health Device
Authors: Park KeeHyun
Published: July 2013

A motion tracking system for objects can track and display the movement of objects, including sporting equipment. Recently, it has become evident that individuals who actively participate in sport or fitness activities can benefit from the feedback provided by such a system. A motion tracking system for sporting equipment can improve the sporting skills of users and help prevent injury. In this study, a ubiquitous motion tracking system that tracks sporting equipment using the sensors installed in an activity monitor is proposed and constructed. The activity monitor with the tracking sensors can be attached to places on the body or on sports equipment to calculate the speed and acceleration of these objects. The ubiquitous motion tracking system consists of four modules: a tracking sensor module and a communication module in an activity monitor, a communication module in a USB dongle, and a motion analyzer module in a laptop PC. For experiments, an activity monitor with the tracking sensor module and the communication module is attached to a golf club, and a golf swing is taken. The results of the experiments show that the motion data of sporting equipment can be captured and analyzed easily, in both an indoor environment and an outdoor environment.
Dynamic Stability of Plane Free Surface of Liquid in Axisymmetric Tanks
Authors: Kolukula Siva Srinivas , Chellapandi P.
Published: July 2013

When liquid filled containers are excited vertically, it is known that, for some combinations of frequency and amplitude, the free surface undergoes unbounded motion leading to instability, called parametric instability or parametric resonance, while for other combinations the free surface remains plane. In this paper, the stability of the plane free surface is investigated theoretically when the vessel is a vertical axisymmetric container. The effect of coupled horizontal excitation on the stability is examined. The dynamics of sloshing flows under specified excitations are simulated numerically using fully nonlinear finite element method based on non-linear potential flow theory. A mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian technique combined with 4th-order Runge-Kutta method is employed to advance the solution in time. A regridding technique based on cubic spline is applied to the free surface for every finite time step to avoid possible numerical instabilities.
Membrane Localization of Membrane Type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase by CD44 Regulates the Activation of Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Osteoclasts
Authors: Chellaiah Meenakshi A. , Ma Tao
Published: July 2013

CD44, MT1-MMP, and MMP9 are implicated in the migration of osteoclast and bone resorption. This study was designed to determine the functional relationship between CD44 and MT1-MMP in the activation of pro-MMP9. We used osteoclasts isolated from wild-type and CD44-null mice. Results showed that MT1-MMP is present in multiple forms with a molecular mass ~63, 55, and 45 kDa in the membrane of wild-type osteoclasts. CD44-null osteoclasts demonstrated a 55 kDa active MT1-MMP form in the membrane and conditioned medium. It failed to activate pro-MMP9 because TIMP2 binds and inhibits this MT1-MMP (~55 kDa) in CD44-null osteoclasts. The role of MT1-MMP in the activation of pro-MMP9, CD44 expression, and migration was confirmed by knockdown of MT1-MMP in wild-type osteoclasts. Although knockdown of MMP9 suppressed osteoclast migration, it had no effects on MT1-MMP activity or CD44 expression. These results suggest that CD44 and MT1-MMP are directly or indirectly involved in the regulation of pro-MMP9 activation. Surface expression of CD44, membrane localization of MT1-MMP, and activation of pro-MMP9 are the necessary sequence of events in osteoclast migration.
Target Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks for Industrial Control with Selected Sensors
Authors: Luo Zhenxing , Min Paul S. , Liu Shu-Jun
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a novel energy-based target localization method in wireless sensor networks with selected sensors. In this method, sensors use Turbo Product Code (TPC) to transmit decisions to the fusion center. TPC can reduce bit error probability if communication channel errors exist. Moreover, in this method, thresholds for the energy-based target localization are designed using a heuristic method. This design method to find thresholds is suitable for uniformly distributed sensors and normally distributed targets. Furthermore, to save sensor energy, a sensor selection method is also presented. Simulation results showed that if sensors used TPC instead of Hamming code to transmit decisions to the fusion center, localization performance could be improved. Furthermore, the sensor selection method used can substantially reduce energy consumption for our target localization method. At the same time, this target localization method with selected sensors also provides satisfactory localization performance.
α-Skewπ-McCoy Rings
Authors: Abduldaim Areej M. , Chen Sheng
Published: August 2013

As a generalization ofα-skew McCoy rings, we introduce the concept ofα-skewπ-McCoy rings, and we study the relationships with another two new generalizations,α-skewπ1-McCoy rings andα-skewπ2-McCoy rings, observing the relations withα-skew McCoy rings,π-McCoy rings,α-skew Armendariz rings,π-regular rings, and other kinds of rings. Also, we investigate conditions such thatα-skewπ1-McCoy rings implyα-skewπ-McCoy rings andα-skewπ2-McCoy rings. We show that in the case whereRis a nonreduced ring, ifRis 2-primal, thenRis anα-skewπ-McCoy ring. And, letRbe a weak (α,δ)-compatible ring; ifRis anα-skewπ1-McCoy ring, thenRisα-skewπ2-McCoy.
DHA Inhibits Protein Degradation More Efficiently than EPA by Regulating the PPARγ/NFκB Pathway in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Wang Yue , Lin Qiao-wei , Zheng Pei-pei , Zhang Jian-song , Huang Fei-ruo
Published: July 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate the mechanism by which n-3 PUFA regulated the protein degradation in C2C12 myotubes. Compared with the BSA control, EPA at concentrations from 400 to 600 µM decreased total protein degradation (P<0.01). However, the total protein degradation was decreased when the concentrations of DHA ranged from 300 µM to 700 µM (P<0.01). DHA (400 µM, 24 h) more efficiently decreased the IκBαphosphorylation and increased in the IκBαprotein level than 400 µM EPA (P<0.01). Compared with BSA, 400 µM EPA and DHA resulted in a 47% or 68% induction of the NFκB DNA binding activity, respectively (P<0.01). Meanwhile, 400 µM EPA and DHA resulted in a 1.3-fold and 2.0-fold induction of the PPARγexpression, respectively (P<0.01). In C2C12 myotubes for PPARγknockdown, neither 400 µM EPA nor DHA affected the levels of p-IκBα, total IκBαor NFκB DNA binding activity compared with BSA (P>0.05). Interestingly, EPA and DHA both still decreased the total protein degradation, although PPARγknockdown attenuated the suppressive effects of EPA and DHA on the total protein degradation (P<0.01). These results revealed that DHA inhibits protein degradation more efficiently than EPA by regulating the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway in C2C12 myotubes.
Empiric Treatment of Focal Organizing Pneumonia in a Patient with a Low-Risk Lung Mass
Authors: Alikhan Mir , Veeraraghavan Srihari
Published: July 2013

The authors present a case of a 57-year-old man presenting with a solitary lung mass. Transbronchial biopsy showed an organizing pneumonia pattern. A therapeutic trial of corticosteroids resulted in complete resolution avoiding surgery. The authors discuss the diagnosis of focal organizing pneumonia without surgical resection.
Nitrate‐Nitrogen Leaching and Modeling in Intensive Agriculture Farmland in China
Authors: Xu Ligang , Niu Hailin , Xu Jin , Wang Xiaolong
Published: July 2013

Protecting water resources from nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) contamination is an important public health concern and a major national environmental issue in China. Loss of NO3‐N in soils due to leaching is not only one of the most important problems in agriculture farming, but is also the main factor causing nitrogen pollution in aquatic environments. Three typical intensive agriculture farmlands in Jiangyin City in China are selected as a case study for NO3‐N leaching and modeling in the soil profile. In this study, the transport and fate of NO3‐N within the soil profile and nitrate leaching to drains were analyzed by comparing field data with the simulation results of the LEACHM model. Comparisons between measured and simulated data indicated that the NO3‐N concentrations in the soil and nitrate leaching to drains are controlled by the fertilizer practice, the initial conditions and the rainfall depth and distribution. Moreover, the study reveals that the LEACHM model gives a fair description of the NO3‐N dynamics in the soil and subsurface drainage at the field scale. It can also be concluded that the model after calibration is a useful tool to optimize as a function of the combination “climate‐crop‐soil‐bottom boundary condition” the nitrogen application strategy resulting for the environment in an acceptable level of nitrate leaching. The findings in this paper help to demonstrate the distribution and migration of nitrogen in intensive agriculture farmlands, as well as to explore the mechanism of groundwater contamination resulting from agricultural activities.
Multiple Odor Recognition and Source Direction Estimation with an Electronic Nose System
Authors: Kwon Hyeong-Joon , Kim Dong-Gyu , Hong Kwang-Seok
Published: August 2013

We propose an electronic nose system that can perform real time direction estimation of an odor source and multiple odors recognition based on a stereo sensor array for extensive use in mobile environments. The proposed system consists of the following: (1) a method to obtain odor signals using a twin-sensor array, which consists of 16-channel metal oxide semiconductor sensors; (2) a method to estimate the direction of an odor source by analyzing the signal amplitude of each channel in the stereo sensor array; and (3) a method to recognize two odors simultaneously using a hierarchical elimination method. We determine the accuracy of the direction estimation of odor sources and the odor recognition rate in order to verify the performance of the multiple odors recognition method. As a result, we confirm the high estimation performance of the model for the front three-way directions, with a recognition rate of approximately two odors simultaneously.
Effect of Pd and Au Sensitization of Bath Deposited Flowerlike TiO2 Thin Films on CO Sensing and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Singh Ashok K. , Patil S. B. , Nakate Umesh T. , Gurav K. V.
Published: July 2013

TiO2 thin films having flower structure with nanopetals are deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. Deposited TiO2 films are formed in pure anatase phase as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Deposited films are used for detection of environmental hazardous carbon monoxide (CO) gas and photocatalytic (PC) degradation of malachite green (MG) dye. Effect of Pd and Au catalysts sensitization on gas sensing as well as PC degradation properties is investigated. The use of catalyst led to enhancement in the gas sensitivity and reduction in the operating temperature as well as response and recovery times. The Au sensitized film showed better CO sensing performance and PC efficiency in comparison to unsensitized and Pd sensitized TiO2 thin films. For Au sensitized film, gas sensitivity, response time, and recovery time are found to be 32% (14% for TiO2), 80 s, and 100 s, respectively, and PC efficiency is found to be 26.6% (16.9% for TiO2).
Semisupervised Clustering for Networks Based on Fast Affinity Propagation
Authors: Zhu Mu , Meng Fanrong , Zhou Yong
Published: July 2013

Most of the existing clustering algorithms for networks are unsupervised, which cannot help improve the clustering quality by utilizing a small number of prior knowledge. We propose a semisupervised clustering algorithm for networks based on fast affinity propagation (SCAN-FAP), which is essentially a kind of similarity metric learning method. Firstly, we define a new constraint similarity measure integrating the structural information and the pairwise constraints, which reflects the effective similarities between nodes in networks. Then, taking the constraint similarities as input, we propose a fast affinity propagation algorithm which keeps the advantages of the original affinity propagation algorithm while increasing the time efficiency by passing only the messages between certain nodes. Finally, by extensive experimental studies, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can take fully advantage of the prior knowledge and improve the clustering quality significantly. Furthermore, our algorithm has a superior performance to some of the state-of-art approaches.
Notes on the Global Well-Posedness for the Maxwell-Navier-Stokes System
Authors: Kang Ensil , Lee Jihoon
Published: July 2013

Masmoudi (2010) obtained global well-posedness for 2D Maxwell-Navier-Stokes system. In this paper, we reprove global existence of regular solutions to the 2D system by using energy estimates and Brezis-Gallouet inequality. Also we obtain a blow-up criterion for solutions to 3D Maxwell-Navier-Stokes system.
Commuting Quasihomogeneous Toeplitz Operator and Hankel Operator on Weighted Bergman Space
Authors: Yang Jun
Published: July 2013

We characterize the commuting Toeplitz operator and Hankel operator with quasihomogeneous symbols. Also, we use it to show the necessary and sufficient conditions for commuting Toeplitz operator and Hankel operator with ordinary functions.
Feature Selection Method Based on Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm and Support Vector Machines for Medical Datasets Classification
Authors: Uzer Mustafa Serter , Yilmaz Nihat , Inan Onur
Published: July 2013

This paper offers a hybrid approach that uses the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm for feature selection and support vector machines for classification. The purpose of this paper is to test the effect of elimination of the unimportant and obsolete features of the datasets on the success of the classification, using the SVM classifier. The developed approach conventionally used in liver diseases and diabetes diagnostics, which are commonly observed and reduce the quality of life, is developed. For the diagnosis of these diseases, hepatitis, liver disorders and diabetes datasets from the UCI database were used, and the proposed system reached a classification accuracies of 94.92%, 74.81%, and 79.29%, respectively. For these datasets, the classification accuracies were obtained by the help of the 10‐fold cross‐validation method. The results show that the performance of the method is highly successful compared to other results attained and seems very promising for pattern recognition applications.
Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study
Authors: Yun Younghee , Kim Sehyun , Kim Minhee , Kim KyuSeok , Park Jeong-Su , Choi Inhwa
Published: July 2013

Background. The use of acupuncture for cosmetic purposes has gained popularity worldwide. Facial cosmetic acupuncture (FCA) is applied to the head, face, and neck. However, little evidence supports the efficacy and safety of FCA. We hypothesized that FCA affects facial elasticity by restoring resting mimetic muscle tone through the insertion of needles into the muscles of the head, face, and neck.Methods. This open-label, single-arm pilot study was implemented at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from August through September 2011. Participants were women aged 40 to 59 years with a Glogau photoaging scale III. Participants received five treatment sessions over three weeks. Participants were measured before and after FCA. The primary outcome was the Moire topography criteria. The secondary outcome was a patient-oriented self-assessment scale of facial elasticity.Results. Among 50 women screened, 28 were eligible and 27 completed the five FCA treatment sessions. A significant improvement after FCA treatment was evident according to mean change in Moire topography criteria (from 1.70 ± 0.724 to 2.26 ± 1.059,P<0.0001). The most common adverse event was mild bruising at the needle site.Conclusions. In this pilot study, FCA showed promising results as a therapy for facial elasticity. However, further large-scale trials with a controlled design and objective measurements are needed.
Electron-Pair Densities with Time-Dependent Quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Christov Ivan P.
Published: July 2013

We use sets of de Broglie-Bohm trajectories to describe the quantum correlation effects which take place between the electrons in helium atom due to exchange and Coulomb interactions. A short-range screening of the Coulomb potential is used to modify the repulsion between the same spin electrons in physical space in order to comply with Pauli's exclusion principle. By calculating the electron-pair density for orthohelium, we found that the shape of the exchange hole can be controlled uniquely by a simple screening parameter. For parahelium the interelectronic distance, hence the Coulomb hole, results from the combined action of the Coulomb repulsion and the nonlocal quantum correlations. In this way, a robust and self-interaction-free approach is presented to find both the ground state and the time evolution of nonrelativistic quantum systems.
Synthesis, Spectral, andIn VitroAntibacterial Studies of Organosilicon(IV) Complexes with Schiff Bases Derived from Amino Acids
Authors: Singh Har Lal , Singh Jangbhadur , Mukherjee A.
Published: July 2013

The present work stems from our interest in the synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial evaluation of organosilicon(IV) complexes of a class of amino-acid-based Schiff base which have been prepared by the interaction of ethoxytrimethylsilane with the Schiff bases (N OH) in 1 : 1 molar ratio. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, and spectroscopic studies including electronic IR and NMR (1H,13C, and29Si) spectroscopy. The analytical and spectral data suggest trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the silicon atom in the resulting complexes. The ligands and their organosilicon complexes have also been evaluated forin vitroantimicrobial activity against bacteria (Bacillus cereus,Nocardiaspp.,E. aerogenes,Escherichia coli,Klebsiellaspp., andStaphylococcusspp.). The complexes were found to be more potent as compared to the ligands.
The History of Hyperthermia Rise and Decline
Authors: Roussakow Sergey
Published: July 2013

Electromagnetic hyperthermia remains experimental treatment after 40 years of research and application in view of its “temperature concept” based on the belief that temperature is the only parameter of the efficacy. Initial “extreme hyperthermia” concept was based on the wrong premise of much higher thermal susceptibility of malignant cells and broad therapeutic range of hyperthermia, allowing to kill tumor cells by above-threshold (>43°C) temperature without damaging healthy tissues. Indeed, this therapeutic gap is minor or absent which makes the extreme hyperthermia impossible. The next concept of “thermal dose” was based on the ungrounded extrapolation of the biochemical Arrhenius relationship onto the living matter and formed the basis of “moderate hyperthermia” concept, believing that it could enhance tumor oxygenation and radio- and chemosensitivity, ignoring the special features of tumor blood flow. Both concepts have not been confirmed; “thermal dose” is currently proven to be not connected with any clinical outcome. Analysis of randomized trials with respect to biases has not confirmed hyperthermia efficacy. The growing evidence of athermal effects and their broad application has caused development of some athermal cancer treatments. Hyperthermia concept should be cardinally reevaluated now with respect to obvious bankruptcy of the temperature concept and development of the athermal concept.
Is the Concept of Delirious Mania Valid in the Elderly? A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Maldeniya Pramudith M. , Vasudev Akshya
Published: July 2013

Delirious mania has been well recognized in the published literature and in the clinic. Over the years there has been refinement of understanding of its clinical features, course, and treatment. The literature suggests that delirious mania should be considered in individuals who present with a constellation of sudden onset delirium, mania, and psychosis. However, delirious mania is not recognized under a formal classification system nor are there any formal guidelines for its treatment. We, as such, question if the concept of delirious mania in the elderly is valid. We present a case of an elderly man with marked features of delirium with minimal manic or psychotic features who had a previous diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. On thorough clinical assessments no identifiable cause of his delirium was found. We therefore considered his presentation to be more likely due to delirious mania. Electroconvulsive therapy was considered and offered to which he responded very well. We invite the reader to consider whether delirious mania is a valid concept in the elderly, where features of delirium may be more prominent than manic or psychotic features.
Glass Sponges off the Newfoundland (Northwest Atlantic): Description of a New Species ofDictyaulus(Porifera: Hexactinellida: Euplectellidae)
Authors: Murillo Francisco Javier , Tabachnick Konstantin R. , Menshenina Larisa L.
Published: July 2013

Three species of hexactinellid sponges:Aphrocallistes beatrix beatrixGray,Asconema foliata(Fristedt), andDictyaulus romanisp. n. were collected off the Flemish Cap in the Flemish Pass and from the Grand Banks off the Newfoundland (northwest Atlantic) during different surveys on board of Spanish RVVizconde de Ezaand RVMiguel Oliver.
Optimal Two Parameter Bounds for the Seiffert Mean
Authors: Sun Hui , Song Ying-Qing , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: August 2013

We obtain sharp bounds for the Seiffert mean in terms of a two parameter family of means. Our results generalize and extend the recent bounds presented in the Journal of Inequalities and Applications (2012) and Abstract and Applied Analysis (2012).
Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with Heart Failure: New Trends in Therapy
Authors: Kazimierczak Anna , Krzesiński Paweł , Krzyżanowski Krystian , Gielerak Grzegorz
Published: July 2013

Heart failure (HF) is a growing health problem which paradoxically results from the advances in the treatment of etiologically related diseases (especially coronary artery disease). HF is commonly accompanied by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which may directly exacerbate the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease and confers a poorer prognosis. Obstructive sleep apnoea predominates in mild forms while central sleep apnoea in more severe forms of heart failure. Identification of SDB in patients with HF is important, as its effective treatment may result in notable clinical benefits to the patients. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard in the management of SDB. The treatments for central breathing disorders include CPAP, bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP), and adaptive servoventilation (ASV), with the latter being the most modern method of treatment for the Cheyne-Stokes respiration and involving ventilation support with a variable synchronisation dependent on changes in airflow through the respiratory tract and on the patient’s respiratory rate. ASV exerts the most favourable effect on long-term prognosis. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of SDB with a particular emphasis on the latest methods of treatment.
Antileishmanial Phenylpropanoids from the Leaves ofHyptis pectinata(L.) Poit
Authors: Falcao Rosangela A. , do Nascimento Patricia L. A. , de Souza Silvana A. , da Silva Telma M. G. , de Queiroz Aline C. , da Matta Carolina B. B. , Moreira Magna S. A. , Camara Celso A. , Silva Tania M. S.
Published: July 2013

Hyptis pectinata, popularly known in Brazil as “sambacaitá” or “canudinho,” is an aromatic shrub largely grown in the northeast of Brazil. The leaves and bark are used in an infusion for the treatment of throat and skin inflammations, bacterial infections, pain, and cancer. Analogues of rosmarinic acid and flavonoids were obtained from the leaves ofHyptis pectinataand consisted of two new compounds, sambacaitaric acid (1) and 3-O-methyl-sambacaitaric acid (2), and nine known compounds, rosmarinic acid (3), 3-O-methyl-rosmarinic acid (4), ethyl caffeate (5), nepetoidin A (6), nepetoidin B (7), cirsiliol (8), circimaritin (9), 7-O-methylluteolin (10), and genkwanin (11). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. Compounds1–5, and7were evaluatedin vitroagainst the promastigote form ofL. braziliensis, and the ethanol extract. The hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol-water fractions were also evaluated. The EtOH extract, the hexane extract, EtOAc, MeOH:H2O fractions; and compounds1,2and4exhibited antileishmanial activity, and compound1was as potent as pentamidine. In contrast, compounds3,5, and7did not present activity against the promastigote form ofL. braziliensisbelow 100 µM. To our knowledge, compounds1and2are being described for the first time.
Hidden Y Chromosome Mosaicism in 48 Egyptian Patients with Turner’s Syndrome
Authors: El-Eshmawy Mervat M. , Yahia Sohier , El-Dahtory Faeza A. , Hamed Sahar , El Hadidy El Hadidy M. , Ragab Mohamed
Published: July 2013

Background. The presence of Y chromosome material in Turner’s syndrome (TS) patients is a risk factor for the development of gonadoblastoma. Although conventional cytogenetic analysis is the definitive diagnosis of TS, low level Y chromosome mosaicism may be missed. Molecular analysis has demonstrated a higher proportion of mosaicism, but there is controversy regarding the prevalence of Y chromosome-derived material in those patients.Aim and Methods. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of hidden Y chromosome mosaicism in 48 TS Egyptian patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for molecular DNA analysis of SRY gene and compare our results with those in the literature.Results. None of TS patients had a cytogenetically obvious Y chromosome; Y chromosome material was detected only at molecular analysis. SRY gene was found in 9 TS patients (18.75%) with the classical 45,X karyotype, whereas all other patients were SRY negative.Conclusion. Cytogenetically undetected Y chromosome mosaicism is common in TS patients; these data reinforce the need for adequate diagnosis of Y chromosome material in those patients. Molecular screening for Y chromosome-derived DNA should be routinely carried out in all TS patients.
Swarm Stability Analysis of High-Order Linear Time-Invariant Singular Multiagent Systems
Authors: Fu Mingyu , Wang Shimin , Cong Yirui
Published: July 2013

The swarm stability problem of high-order linear time-invariant (LTI) singular multiagent systems with directed graph topology is investigated extensively. Consensus of multiagent systems can be regarded as a specific case of swarm stability problem. Necessary and sufficient conditions for both swarm stability and consensus are presented. These conditions depend on the graph topology and generalized inverse theory, the dynamics of agents, and interaction among the neighbours. Several examples to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results are given.
Development of a Regional Nursing Research Partnership for Academic and Practice Collaborations
Authors: Tubbs-Cooley Heather L. , Martsolf Donna S. , Pickler Rita H. , Morrison Caroline F. , Wardlaw Cassie E.
Published: July 2013

Background.Collaborative nursing research across academic and practice settings is imperative to generate knowledge to improve patient care. Models of academic/practice partnerships for nursing research are lacking. This paper reports data collected before and during a one-day retreat for nurse researchers and administrators from local universities and health care organizations designed to establish a regional nursing research partnership.Methods.Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to address the study aims: (1) to assess research involvement and institutional research resources; (2) to assess interest in and concerns regarding cross-institutional collaborations; and (3) to describe perceptions of the purpose of a partnership and resources needed to ensure success.Results.Participants(n=49)had differing perceptions of accessibility to resources; participants in practice settings reported less accessibility to resources, notably grant development, informatics, and research assistant support. Participants were interested in collaboration although concerns about conflict of interest were expressed. Four themes related to partnering were identified: harnessing our nursing voice and identity; developing as researchers; staying connected; and positioning for a collaborative project.Conclusion.Academic-practice research collaborations will become increasingly important with health care system changes. Strategies to develop and sustain productive partnerships should be supported.
A Fractional Anomalous Diffusion Model and Numerical Simulation for Sodium Ion Transport in the Intestinal Wall
Authors: Yu Bo , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: July 2013

The authors present a fractional anomalous diffusion model to describe the uptake of sodium ions across the epithelium of gastrointestinal mucosa and their subsequent diffusion in the underlying blood capillaries using fractional Fick’s law. A heterogeneous two-phase model of the gastrointestinal mucosa is considered, consisting of a continuous extracellular phase and a dispersed cellular phase. The main mode of uptake is considered to be a fractional anomalous diffusion under concentration gradient and potential gradient. Appropriate partial differential equations describing the variation with time of concentrations of sodium ions in both the two phases across the intestinal wall are obtained using Riemann-Liouville space-fractional derivative and are solved by finite difference methods. The concentrations of sodium ions in the interstitial space and in the cells have been studied as a function of time, and the mean concentration of sodium ions available for absorption by the blood capillaries has also been studied. Finally, numerical results are presented graphically for various values of different parameters. This study demonstrates that fractional anomalous diffusion model is appropriate for describing the uptake of sodium ions across the epithelium of gastrointestinal mucosa.