bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIGHER-ORDER ENERGY BALANCE METHOD FOR A SERIES OF NONLINEAR OSCILLATORY SYSTEMS
Authors: Saadatnia Z. , Safaie N. , Ahmadpour M. A. , Askari H.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to use higher-order energy balance method as a novel solution procedure for investigation the nonlinear oscillation of various systems. The method is associated with collocation method and employed for a group of nonlinear problems including pure cubic nonlinearity, fractional elastic force and duffing harmonic terms. Obtained results are evaluated by comparing with the classical balance method and also the exact solutions computed numerically. It is shown our solution procedure achieves more accurate results versus the classical solution and higher agreement are observed between the newer solutions and the exact ones for the systems. Effect of initial conditions in the nonlinear natural frequencies are carried out for a range of small and large values and it is proved the proposed method is not only simple but also more reliable for analysis of such systems.
ON (n, m)-ITERATED FUNCTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Balu Rinju , Mathew Sunil
Published: November 2013

One of the most common way to generate a fractal is by using an iterated function system (IFS). In this paper, we introduce an (n, m)-IFS, which is a collection of n IFSs and discuss the attractor of this system. Also we prove the continuity theorem and collage theorem for (n, m)-IFS.
STRUCTURE AND SOME CHARACTERIZATIONS OF LEFT k-CLIFFORD SEMIRINGS
Authors: Bhuniya A. K.
Published: November 2013

Here, being motivated from the works of Zhu, Guo and Shum on left Clifford semigroups, we have introduced left k-Clifford semirings as a generalization of k-Clifford semirings. A k-regular semiring S ∈ 𝕊𝕃+is a left k-Clifford semiring (left k-semifield) if for all a ∈ S, [Formula: see text] (for all b ∈ S′, [Formula: see text]). Several characteristics for this class of semirings are obtained. Moreover a semiring is left k-Clifford if and only if it is a distributive lattice of left k-semifields.
ANNULETS AND α-IDEALS OF C-ALGEBRAS
Authors: Rao M. Sambasiva
Published: November 2013

The concepts of annulets and α-ideals are introduced in C-algebras. α-ideals are characterized in terms of annulets and minimal prime ideals. A set of equivalent conditions is established for every ideal of a C-algebra to become an α-ideal. Some topological properties of the class of all prime α-ideals are studied in a C-algebra.
ORE AND GOLDIE THEOREMS FOR SKEW PBW EXTENSIONS
Authors: Lezama Oswaldo , Acosta Juan Pablo , Chaparro Cristian , Ojeda Ingrid , Venegas César
Published: November 2013

Many rings and algebras arising in quantum mechanics can be interpreted as skew Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt (PBW) extensions. Indeed, Weyl algebras, enveloping algebras of finite-dimensional Lie algebras (and its quantization), Artamonov quantum polynomials, diffusion algebras, Manin algebra of quantum matrices, among many others, are examples of skew PBW extensions. In this paper, we extend the classical Ore and Goldie theorems, known for skew polynomial rings, to this wide class of non-commutative rings. As application, we prove the quantum version of the Gelfand–Kirillov conjecture for the skew quantum polynomials.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATOR USING PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL
Authors: KHAN MD. IMRAN HOSSEN , AFROZ HASAN M. M.
Published: November 2013

An experimental investigation has been carried out to know about the performance improvement of a household refrigerator using phase change material (PCM). PCMs are used as latent heat thermal storage system to enhance the heat transfer of the evaporator. PCM is located behind the five sides of the evaporator cabinet in which the evaporator coil is immersed. Water (melting point 0°C) and Eutectic solutions (melting point −5°C) are used as PCMs for this experiment at different thermal loads. Depending on the types of PCM and thermal load, around 20–27% COP improvement of the refrigeration cycle has been observed with PCM with respect to without PCM. With the increase of the quantity of PCM (0.003 to 0.00425 m3) COP increases about 6%. Between two different PCMs the COP improvement for Eutectic solution is higher than Water. The experimental results with PCM confirm that, depending on the thermal load and the types of PCM average compressor running time per cycle is reduced significantly and it is found about 2–36% as compared to without PCM.
Gravity signatures of sediment systems: predicting reservoir distribution in Angolan and Brazilian basins
Authors: Dickson W. G. , Danforth A. , Odegard M.
Published: November 2013

The Lower Congo Basin and Congo Fan of Angola contain giant oil discoveries in Oligocene & Miocene deep-water sands; the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary fans in the Campos Basin of Brazil contain some 90% of Brazil’s reserves. Petroleum exploration in these vast, deep-water regions is resource-hungry, increasing the value of techniques that facilitate quick and inexpensive extrapolation from discoveries into undrilled areas. Our work demonstrates a strong correlation in these basins between reservoir fairways and various attributes of the gravity signature. We provide comparisons between published interpretations based on well and seismic data and our interpretations of gravity attribute images. We demonstrate the use of geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to facilitate the comparisons, discuss the possible basis for these correlations and speculate on their application to other basins. We conclude with notes on current research to improve the resolution of the gravity data and future refinements to our processing and interpretation methods.
Optimizing 3-D seismic technologies to accelerate field development in the Berkine Basin, Algeria
Authors: Drummond J. M. , Kasmi R. , Sakani A. , Budd A. J. L. , Ryan J. W.
Published: November 2013

A radical approach to 3-D acquisition in country with large sand dunes was developed to improve seismic data quality. A methodology was devised which allowed accurate removal of near-surface statics and transmission effects giving enhanced depth prognosis. An adaptive noise-attenuation technique, based upon an image-processing procedure, was developed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of 3-D data that were contaminated with ‘acquisition footprint’. Finally, parallel survey geometries were devised that reduced the noise contamination of the next generation of 3-D surveys in the Berkine Basin. Most of the 3-D surveys acquired in the Berkine Basin are now designed with parallel templates rather than cross-spreads. This survey technique has been shown to provide better spatially sampled data, despite the interference caused by the huge sand dunes, which, in turn, respond more positively to standard pre-stack noise-attenuation processing. Attribute and coherency analysis, as well as stratigraphic interpretation, is now possible on these datasets with a much greater degree of confidence.
Application of fluid inclusion studies to understanding oil charge, Pre-Salt succession, offshore Angola
Authors: Parnell J. , Chen H.
Published: November 2013

Fluid inclusion studies in the Pre-Salt succession of the Kwanza Basin show that valuable information can be obtained regarding fluid migration, including oil charge. A pilot study demonstrates that oil inclusions are widespread in both cements and healed microfractures, and that measurements can be made of their entrapment temperature, fluorescence characteristics, API gravity determination and bulk organic geochemistry. Successive populations of inclusions show changes of temperature with time, which give an insight into thermal history and emphasize the importance of hot fluids in the region. Multiple populations of oil inclusions offer the potential of reconstructing the evolution of oil chemistry and, in particular, the origin of mixed oils.
Prospectivity in ultradeep water: the case for petroleum generation and migration within the outer parts of the Niger Delta apron
Authors: Morgan R.
Published: November 2013

The interpretation of 2-D and 3-D seismic data acquired over the ultradeep water (1500–4000 m), lower delta-slope region of the Niger Delta indicates the continuation of the principal stratigraphic subdivisions out onto the continental rise. The Niger Delta sediment apron is still over 4 km in thickness in 4000 m of water. The continuation of a thick sediment pile into ultradeep water, coupled with the existence of a proven petroleum system on the higher parts of the slope, extends the potential region for mature Palaeogene and possibly older, oilsource rocks, up to and beyond the limit of current drilling technology. Contrary to previous models, the Miocene-Holocene Agbada Formation does not thin out oceanward relative to the underlying Akata Formation. The continuation of this seismic-event-based division of the Tertiary succession into and throughout the ultradeep-water province indicates an abrupt change in depositional style with the arrival of major submarine fans.

The collapse of the Niger Delta sediment cone above overpressured muds of the Akata Formation is manifested in the ultradeep-water region as thrusting. The style of deformation varies across the area, depending on the level of detachment within the Akata Formation. The thrusting is divided into compartments by transfer zones against which toe-thrusts terminate or are offset. The toe-thrusts can be seen to have antecedents in the framework of rifts that predated breakup. These rift elements are imaged beneath the western delta region and reflect possible extent of extended continental crust in this area.

The lower slope is traversed by large turbidite channels that extend from the upper parts of the slope to beyond the outermost toe-thrusts. These channels provide a route for sand to be brought into these water depths from the shelf and from mud-diapir-bounded mini-basins higher on the slope.

The existence of underlying, presumed Late Cretaceous rift elements beneath parts of the ultradeep-water areas raise the possibility of additional source rocks within the ultradeep waters of the Niger Delta.
The Interaction Between Signal Regulatory Protein Alpha (SIRPα) and CD47: Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Barclay A. Neil , van den Berg Timo K.
Published: November 2013

CD47 is a broadly expressed membrane protein that interacts with the myeloid inhibitory immunoreceptor SIRPα (also termed CD172a or SHPS-1). SIRPα is the prototypic member of the SIRP paired receptor family of closely related SIRP proteins. Engagement of SIRPα by CD47 provides a downregulatory signal that inhibits host cell phagocytosis, and CD47 therefore functions as a “don't-eat-me” signal. Here, we discuss recent structural analysis of CD47-SIRPα interactions and implications of this for the function and evolution of SIRPα and paired receptors in general. Furthermore, we review the proposed roles of CD47-SIRPα interactions in phagocytosis, (auto)immunity, and host defense, as well as its potential significance as a therapeutic target in cancer and inflammation and for improving graft survival in xenotransplantation.
Trafficking of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ligands in Polarized Epithelial Cells
Authors: Singh Bhuminder , Coffey Robert J.
Published: November 2013

A largely unilamellar epithelial layer lines body cavities and organ ducts such as the digestive tract and kidney tubules. This polarized epithelium is composed of biochemically and functionally separate apical and basolateral surfaces. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of epithelial homeostasis and is perturbed in a number of epithelial disorders. It is underappreciated that in vivo EGFR signaling is most often initiated by cell-surface delivery and processing of one of seven transmembrane ligands, resulting in release of the soluble form that binds EGFR. In polarized epithelial cells, EGFR is restricted largely to the basolateral surface, and apical or basolateral ligand delivery therefore has important biological consequences. In vitro approaches have been used to study the biosynthesis, cell-surface delivery, proteolytic processing, and release of soluble EGFR ligands in polarized epithelial cells. We review these results, discuss their relevance to normal physiology, and demonstrate the pathophysiological consequences of aberrant trafficking. These studies have uncovered a rich diversity of apico-basolateral trafficking mechanisms among the EGFR ligands, provided insights into the pathogenesis of an inherited magnesium-wasting disorder of the kidney (isolated renal hypomagnesemia), and identified a new mode of EGFR ligand signaling via exosomes.
Next-Generation Statistical Genetics: Modeling, Penalization, and Optimization in High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Lange Kenneth , Papp Jeanette C. , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Sobel Eric M.
Published: November 2013

Statistical genetics is undergoing the same transition to big data that all branches of applied statistics are experiencing, and this transition is only accelerating with the advent of inexpensive DNA sequencing technology. This brief review highlights some modern techniques with recent successes in statistical genetics. These include (a) Lasso penalized regression for association mapping, (b) ethnic admixture estimation, (c) matrix completion for genotype and sequence imputation, (d) the fused Lasso for discovery of copy number variation, (e) haplotyping, (f) relatedness estimation, (g) variance components models, and (h) rare variant testing. For more than a century, genetics has been both a driver and beneficiary of statistical theory and practice. This symbiotic relationship will persist for the foreseeable future.
Critical Delays in Clock Distribution Circuits
Authors: Piqueira José R. C. , Correa Diego Paolo F.
Published: November 2013

As the distribution of clock signals between the nodes of a network became a critical operational requisite, the transmission delays have to be studied because they affect the accurate recovering of the time basis. In this work, the critical delay value is calculated considering simplifications compatible with practical situations. The main contribution is to consider the dissipative terms in the node equations, expressing critical delays, depending on the time constant of the dissipation.
Exogenous Nucleotides Antagonize the Developmental Toxicity of EthanolIn Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhao Jia-Xi , Xu Ya-Jun
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to assess whether nucleotides supplementationin vitrocould suppress ethanol-induced developmental toxicity in mouse. The models of whole embryo culture (WEC) and midbrain (MB) cell micromass culture were used in this study. In WEC system, exposure to 4.0 mg/mL ethanol for 48 h yielded various developmental malformations of the mice embryos. Nucleotides supplementation (0.16, 0.80, 4.00, 20.00, and 100.00 mg/L) improved the growth parameters to some extent, and the protective effects peaked at 4.00 mg/L. In MB cell micromass culture system, exposure to 4.0 mg/mL ethanol for 5 days resulted in suppression of proliferation and differentiation. Supplementation of nucleotides (0.16, 0.80, 4.00, 20.00, and 100.00 mg/L) showed some protective effects, which peaked at 4.00 mg/L, too. The present research indicated that nucleotides supplementation might be of some benefit in the prevention of ethanol-induced birth defects; however, appropriate dosage requires attention.
Retention of Organic Matter Contained in Industrial Phosphoric Acid Solution by Raw Tunisian Clays: Kinetic Equilibrium Study
Authors: Hamza Wiem , Chtara Chaker , Benzina Mourad
Published: November 2013

Purification of industrial phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is considered a major problem and several methods have been evaluated. In this study, two different types of clay, raw bentonite clay (RBC) and raw grey clay (RGC), were used for removal of SOM contained in H3PO4 at low pH. The used samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, chemical analysis, and specific surface area and MET was also realized. The ability of clay samples to remove S.O.M from aqueous solutions of industrial phosphoric acid has been studied at different operating conditions: temperature, agitation speed, contacting time, and so on. The results indicated that adsorption is an exothermic process for lead S.O.M removal. The equilibrium adsorption data were analysed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results showed that the equilibrium adsorption capacities for the two adsorbents followed best the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic.
Biohydrogen Production and Kinetic Modeling Using Sediment Microorganisms of Pichavaram Mangroves, India
Authors: Mullai P. , Rene Eldon R. , Sridevi K.
Published: November 2013

Mangrove sediments host rich assemblages of microorganisms, predominantly mixed bacterial cultures, which can be efficiently used for biohydrogen production through anaerobic dark fermentation. The influence of process parameters such as effect of initial glucose concentration, initial medium pH, and trace metal (Fe2+) concentration was investigated in this study. A maximum hydrogen yield of 2.34, 2.3, and 2.6 mol H2mol−1glucose, respectively, was obtained under the following set of optimal conditions: initial substrate concentration—10,000 mg L−1, initial pH—6.0, and ferrous sulphate concentration—100 mg L−1, respectively. The addition of trace metal to the medium (100 mg L−1FeSO4·7H2O) enhanced the biohydrogen yield from 2.3 mol H2 mol−1glucose to 2.6 mol H2mol−1glucose. Furthermore, the experimental data was subjected to kinetic analysis and the kinetic constants were estimated with the help of well-known kinetic models available in the literature, namely, Monod model, logistic model and Luedeking-Piret model. The model fitting was found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations, for all the models, with regression coefficient values >0.92.
Occupational Allergic Diseases in Kitchen and Health Care Workers: An Underestimated Health Issue
Authors: Bilge Ugur , Unluoglu Ilhami , Son Nazan , Keskin Ahmet , Korkut Yasemin , Unalacak Murat
Published: November 2013

Objective. This study evaluated the frequencies of allergic symptoms and rate of upper respiratory infections during the past year in the general population, kitchen workers (KW) and health care workers (HCW).Methods. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was used to inquire retrospectively about asthma and asthma-like symptoms and the number of treatments required for previous upper respiratory tract infections (URTI: acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, etc.) during the past year for health care workers, kitchen workers, and members of the general population. Adjusted odds ratios by gender, age, and smoking status were calculated.Results. 579 subjects (186 from the general population, 205 KW, and 188 HCW; 263 females, 316 males) participated in the study. Noninfectious (allergic) rhinitis was significantly higher in the HCW and KW groups than in the general population (P<0.001). Cumulative asthma was significantly higher only in the HCW group (P<0.05). In addition, the HCW and KW groups had significantly higher risks of ≥2/year URTI (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.07–2.38 versus OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.38) than the general population.Conclusion. Occupational allergic respiratory diseases are an important and growing health issue. Health care providers should become familiar with workplace environments and environmental causes of occupational rhinitis and asthma.
Study of Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of ZnO Codoped with Ca and Mg
Authors: Mishra Manoj Kumar , Narayan Amarendra , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Raghvendra Singh , Nidhi Navendra Kumar , Pandey Avinash Chandra
Published: November 2013

ZnO codoped with Ca and Mg in various proportions was prepared by a chemical method and annealed at 600 C. The structural and optical properties of these oxide samples were systematically studied by XRD, SEM, EDS, and PL spectrometer. XRD pattern shows a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The size of particle as shown by XRD machine and calculated by Scherer’s formula is found in the nano range. The formation of particles showed that they were polycrystalline. Due to larger ionic and covalent radii of Ca than those of Zinc, a lattice deformation occurs with the development of strain field. New phases were observed in XRD pattern of few samples ZnO-2.2 and ZnO-2.4. SEM micrograph shows the formation of nanoparticles. EDS study confirms the codoping of ZnO with Ca and Mg. Optical properties like photoluminescence emission showed a blue shift in peak wavelength. General conductivity and photoconductivity were found high in samples containing certain proportion of Ca and Mg in comparison with pure ZnO.
Model of Infiltration of Spent Automotive Catalysts by Molten Metal in Process of Platinum Metals Recovery
Authors: Fornalczyk Agnieszka , Golak Slawomir , Saternus Mariola
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the model for the washing-out process of precious metals from spent catalysts by the use of molten lead in which the metal flow is caused by the rotating electromagnetic field and the Lorentz force. The model includes the coupling of the electromagnetic field with the hydrodynamic field, the flow of metal through anisotropic and porous structure of the catalyst, and the movement of the phase boundary (air-metal) during infiltration of the catalyst carrier by the molten metal. The developed model enabled analysis of the impact of spacing between the catalysts and the supply current on the degree of catalyst infiltration by the molten metal. The results of calculations carried out on the basis of the model were verified experimentally.
The Simulation and Minimization of Loss Probability in the Tandem Queueing with Two Heterogeneous Channels
Authors: Zobu Müjgan , Sağlam Vedat , Sağır Murat , Yücesoy Erdinç , Zaman Tolga
Published: November 2013

A stochastic model consisting of two heterogeneous channels and having no waiting room in front of each is considered. A customer who has completed his service in channel 1 while channel 2 is busy blocks channel 1 with probability or leaves the system with probability. This model was analysed: expected number of customer and loss probability of customer are calculated and optimal ordering of channels minimizing parameters has been found. Additionally, this model was simulated; furthermore, simulated and exact results of loss probabilities of customers were given in the tables.
Optical and Structural Properties of Titanium Dioxide Films from and Starting Materials Annealed at Various Temperatures
Authors: Shei Shih-Chang
Published: November 2013

We investigated the optical and structural properties of titanium dioxide films deposited from and starting materials by electron beam evaporation at annealing temperatures from to . We find that the refractive index of as-deposited films from starting material is higher than that of as-deposited films from starting material. In addition, during thermal annealing, the refractive index fluctuates slightly as compared with films from starting material. This should be attributed to the fact that the deposited molecules had a higher packing density, such that the film was denser. The transmittance spectra of films from starting material indicate that transmittance edge slightly shifts to longer wavelength with the annealing temperature increasing when compared with starting material, in which the transmittance spectra indicate that the transmittance edge strongly shifts to longer wavelength with the same annealing temperature increasing. These findings should be attributed to the absence of oxygen and scattering of rough surface.
Determination of a Control Parameter for the Difference Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Urun Mesut
Published: November 2013

The first order of accuracy difference scheme for the numerical solution of the boundary value problem for the differential equation with parameterp,i(du(t)/dt)+Au(t)+iu(t)=f(t)+p,0<t<T,u(0)=φ,u(T)=ψ, in a Hilbert spaceHwith self-adjoint positive definite operatorAis constructed. The well-posedness of this difference scheme is established. The stability inequalities for the solution of difference schemes for three different types of control parameter problems for the Schrödinger equation are obtained.
Persistent Suppression of Type 1 Diabetes by a Multicomponent Vaccine Containing a Cholera Toxin B Subunit-Autoantigen Fusion Protein and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant
Authors: Dénes Béla , Fodor István , Langridge William H. R.
Published: November 2013

Data presented here demonstrate multifunctional vaccination strategies that harness vaccinia virus mediated delivery of a gene encoding an immunoenhanced diabetes autoantigen in combination with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) that can maintain safe and durable immunologic homeostasis in NOD mice. Systemic coinoculation of prediabetic mice with recombinant vaccinia virus rVV-CTB::GAD and undiluted or 10-fold diluted CFA demonstrated a significant decrease in hyperglycemia and pancreatic islet inflammation in comparison with control animals during 17–61 and 17–105 weeks of age, respectively. Synergy in these beneficial effects was observed during 43–61 and 61–105 wks of age, respectively. Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in GAD-stimulated splenocytes isolated from vaccinated mice were generally lower than those detected in unvaccinated mice. The overall health and humoral immune responses of the vaccinated animals remained normal throughout the duration of the experiments.
Enhancement of Background Subtraction Techniques Using a Second Derivative in Gradient Direction Filter
Authors: Abdul Rahman Farah Yasmin , Hussain Aini , Wan Zaki Wan Mimi Diyana , Badioze Zaman Halimah , Md Tahir Nooritawati
Published: November 2013

A new approach was proposed to improve traditional background subtraction (BGS) techniques by integrating a gradient-based edge detector called a second derivative in gradient direction (SDGD) filter with the BGS output. The four fundamental BGS techniques, namely, frame difference (FD), approximate median (AM), running average (RA), and running Gaussian average (RGA), showed imperfect foreground pixels generated specifically at the boundary. The pixel intensity was lesser than the preset threshold value, and the blob size was smaller. The SDGD filter was introduced to enhance edge detection upon the completion of each basic BGS technique as well as to complement the missing pixels. The results proved that fusing the SDGD filter with each elementary BGS increased segmentation performance and suited postrecording video applications. Evidently, the analysis using F-score and average accuracy percentage proved this, and, as such, it can be concluded that this new hybrid BGS technique improved upon existing techniques.
Single-Machine Scheduling with Aging Effects and Optional Maintenance Activity Considerations
Authors: Hsu Chou-Jung
Published: November 2013

This paper explores a single-machine scheduling with aging effects and the problem regarding optional maintenance activity assignment. The jobs’ processing time is assumed to follow a power position-dependent aging model. The optional maintenance activity refers to the situation in which the maintenance activity can be scheduled immediately after processing of any job has been completed except for the last job and the duration of maintenance activity can be of any value from zero to a fixed time interval. A recovery function is proposed to reflect the efficiency of the machine or worker which is improved. The objective of this study is to decide whether and when to implement the maintenance activity into the job sequence, how long the duration of maintenance activity is, and how to schedule so as to minimize the makespan. Once the duration of maintenance activity is known, we introduce an efficient solution for this problem. In addition, when the maintenance activity is completely performed, we showed that the optimal policy is to schedule the maintenance activity in the middle of the task sequence and optimally solved it by lower order algorithm. Finally, we extend the problem to the case of multiple maintenance activities which are completely performed. Hence, the problem is regarded as polynomial time solvable.
Enumeration and Characterization of Human Memory T Cells by Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assays
Authors: Calarota Sandra A. , Baldanti Fausto
Published: November 2013

The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay has advanced into a useful and widely applicable tool for the evaluation of T-cell responses in both humans and animal models of diseases and/or vaccine candidates. Using synthetic peptides (either individually or as overlapping peptide mixtures) or whole antigens, total lymphocyte or isolated T-cell subset responses can be assessed either after short-term stimulation (standard ELISPOT) or after their expansion during a 10-day culture (cultured ELISPOT). Both assays detect different antigen-specific immune responses allowing the analysis of effector memory T cells and central memory T cells. This paper describes the principle of ELISPOT assays and discusses their application in the evaluation of immune correlates of clinical interest with a focus on the vaccine field.
Investigation of Genetic Polymorphisms Related to the Outcome of Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Cintra Hellen Silva , Pinezi Juliana Castro Dourado , Machado Graziella Dias Pinheiro , Carvalho Gustavo Moura de , Carvalho Ana Terra Silva , dos Santos Thalles Eduardo Dias , Marciano Ricardo Duarte , Soares Renata de Bastos Ascenço
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association betweenATM,TP53 andMDM2 polymorphisms in prostate cancer patients and morbidity after radiotherapy. The presence ofATM(rs1801516),TP53 (rs1042522, rs1800371, rs17878362, rs17883323, and rs35117667), andMDM2 (rs2279744) polymorphisms was assessed by direct sequencing of PCR fragments from 48 patients with histologically proven prostate adenocarcinoma and treated with external beam radiation. The side effects were classified according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) score. The results showed no association between clinical characteristics and the development of radiation toxicities (P> 0.05). The C>T transition in the position 16273 (intron 3) of TP53 (rs35117667) was significantly associated with the risk of acute skin toxicity (OR: 0.0072, 95% CI 0.0002–0.227,P= 0.003). The intronic TP53 polymorphism at position 16250 (rs17883323) was associated with chronic urinary toxicity (OR: 0.071, 95%CI 0.006–0.784,P= 0.032). No significant associations were found for the remaining polymorphisms (P> 0.05). The results show that clinical characteristics were not determinant on the developing of radiation sensitivity in prostate cancer patients, and intronic TP53 polymorphisms would be associated with increased acute and chronic radiation toxicities. These observations corroborate the importance of investigating the genetic profile to predict adverse side effects in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Evaluation of Cost-Effectiveness Criteria in Supply Chain Management: Case Study
Authors: Rostamzadeh Reza , Sabaghi Mahdi , Esmaili Ahmad
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to evaluate and prioritize the proposed cost-effectiveness criteria in supply chain management using fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) approach. Over the past few years, the determination of suitable cost-effectiveness criteria in the supply chain has become a key strategic issue. However, the nature of these kinds of decisions is usually complex and unstructured. Many quantitative and qualitative factors must be considered to determine the suitable criteria. As the human decision-making process usually contains fuzziness and vagueness, a hierarchy of MADM model based on fuzzy-sets theory is used in this research. Using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), the weights of criteria and subcriteria are determined and then the final ranking is determined by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Finally, fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) is employed to compare the results with classic TOPSIS. This paper concludes that the subcriteria in all the items are in the same rank.
Body Fat Distribution and Adipokine Secretion Are Not Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dossarps D. , Petit J.M. , Guiu B. , Cercueil J.P. , Duvillard L. , Bron A.M. , Creuzot-Garcher C.
Published: November 2013

Aims: The link between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and adipokines is controversial. Some studies suggest that visceral fat and adipokines could be additional risk factors for DR. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between abdominal fat or adipokine secretion and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of 179 patients with type 2 DM were included. Each patient underwent measurement of plasma adiponectin and leptin and an evaluation of body fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous) with MRI. The severity of DR was evaluated according to the classification of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patients were classified in 3 groups: absence of DR, mild and moderate DR, and advanced DR (severe, proliferative and laser-treated DR). Results: There were no significant differences between the 3 groups for adiponectin, leptin and visceral or subcutaneous fat accumulation. Patients with DR had a mean duration of diabetes, serum creatinine concentration and percentage of macroalbuminuria significantly higher than patients without DR (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Serum adiponectin increased with the diabetic nephropathy stage (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Our study suggests that body fat distribution and adipokine secretion are not associated with DR in patients with type 2 DM.
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Treatment of Right- and Left-Handed Poststroke Aphasics
Authors: Heiss Wolf-Dieter , Hartmann Alexander , Rubi-Fessen Ilona , Anglade Carole , Kracht Lutz , Kessler Josef , Weiduschat Nora , Rommel Thomas , Thiel Alexander
Published: November 2013

Background: Accumulating evidence from single case studies, small case series and randomized controlled trials seems to suggest that inhibitory noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) over the contralesional inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) of right-handers in conjunction with speech and language therapy (SLT) improves recovery from poststroke aphasia. Application of inhibitory NIBS to improve recovery in left-handed patients has not yet been reported. Methods: A total of 29 right-handed subacute poststroke aphasics were randomized to receive either 10 sessions of SLT following 20 min of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the contralesional IFG or 10 sessions of SLT following sham stimulation; 2 left-handers were treated according to the same protocol with real rTMS. Language activation patterns were assessed with positron emission tomography prior to and after the treatment; 95% confidence intervals for changes in language performance scores and the activated brain volumes in both hemispheres were derived from TMS- and sham-treated right-handed patients and compared to the same parameters in left-handers. Results: Right-handed patients treated with rTMS showed better recovery of language function in global aphasia test scores (t test, p < 0.002) as well as in picture-naming performance (ANOVA, p = 0.03) than sham-treated right-handers. In treated right-handers, a shift of activation to the ipsilesional hemisphere was observed, while sham-treated patients consolidated network activity in the contralesional hemisphere (repeated-measures ANOVA, p = 0.009). Both left-handed patients also improved, with 1 patient within the confidence limits of TMS-treated right-handers (23 points, 15.9-28.9) and the other patient within the limits of sham-treated subjects (8 points, 2.8-14.5). Both patients exhibited only a very small interhemispheric shift, much less than expected in TMS-treated right-handers, and more or less consolidated initially active networks in both hemispheres. Conclusion: Inhibitory rTMS over the nondominant IFG appears to be a safe and effective treatment for right-handed poststroke aphasics. In the 2 cases of left-handed aphasics no deterioration of language performance was observed with this protocol. However, therapeutic efficiency is less obvious and seems to be more related to the dominance pattern prior to the stroke than to the TMS intervention.
Is Atrial Fibrillation Always a Culprit of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation plus Stroke?
Authors: Kim Suk Jae , Ryoo Sookyung , Kwon Soonwook , Park Yun Kyung , Kim Jun Pyo , Lee Ga Yeon , Bang Oh Young
Published: November 2013

Background: Some ischemic strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are caused by noncardioembolic etiologies (AF-unrelated stroke), but not AF itself (AF-related stroke). However, most clinical trials on the risk of stroke in AF have not distinguished between these. We investigated the frequency and features of AF-unrelated versus AF-related strokes in patients with AF plus ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that certain clinical factors, including chronicity of AF, treatment at the time of stroke onset and echocardiographic findings, may help to discriminate between AF-related and AF-unrelated strokes. The mechanisms and antithrombotic medications at the time of stroke recurrence in the two groups were also examined. Methods: Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke within 7 days of symptom onset and with AF were included. Patients were classified according to the previously published criteria. Clinical factors including CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) findings were evaluated. Results: Of 522 patients, 424 (81.2%) were grouped as AF-related stroke and the remaining 90 (17.2%) were classified as AF-unrelated stroke. Among the patients with AF-unrelated stroke, 51 (9.8%) were categorized as possible large artery atherosclerosis and 38 (7.3%) as possible small artery occlusion; 1 patient (0.2%) was assigned to miscellaneous cause. The AF-related and AF-unrelated strokes had similar CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. However, compared to AF-unrelated stroke, AF-related stroke was independently associated with female sex (odds ratio, OR, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.18-4.05), sustained AF (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21-3.59), inadequate anticoagulation at stroke onset (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.33-7.75) and left ventricular dysfunction on TTE (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.40-5.74). We identified 26 patients who experienced 2 strokes during the study period. The initial stroke subtype was a strong predictor of the recurrent stroke mechanism (p < 0.001). Among 17 events of AF-related recurrent stroke in these subpopulation, only 2 strokes (11.8%) occurred in a setting of adequate anticoagulation, whereas 4 out of 9 patients (44.4%) who had AF-unrelated strokes at recurrence were sufficiently anticoagulated at the time of admission (p = 0.138). Conclusion: AF is not always a culprit of stroke in patients with AF plus ischemic stroke; approximately one sixth of these cases are unrelated to AF and have distinct characteristics compared to AF-related stroke. There are significant differences in terms of some clinical and TTE parameters between AF-related and AF-unrelated stroke. Future studies are warranted to optimize strategies for risk stratification, treatment and prevention of stroke in these patients.
Four new endemic species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Renata Souza de , Semir João , Dutilh Julie Henriette Antoinette
Published: November 2013

Four new endemic species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) are described and illustrated. Hippeastrum canastrense is similar to H. elegans, while H. diniz-cruziae, H. roseoalbum and H. sanfranciscanum are similar to Hippeastrum cipoanum. An identification key for Hippeastrum species from Serra da Canastra is presented. Quatro novas espécies de Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) da Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais, Brasil) são descritas e ilustradas. Hippeastrum canastrense é similar a H. elegans, enquanto H. diniz-cruziae, H. roseoalbum e H. sanfranciscanum são similares a Hippeastrum cipoanum. Chave de identificação para espécies de Hippeasstrum da Serra da Canastra é apresentada.
Studies on the genus Atriplex (Amaranthaceae) in Italy. V. Atriplex tornabenei
Authors: Iamonico Duilio
Published: November 2013

The typification of the name Atriplex tornabenei (a nomen novum pro A. arenaria) is discussed. An illustration by Cupani is designated as the lectotype, while a specimen from FI is designated as the epitype. Chorological and morphological notes in comparison with the related species A. rosea and A. tatarica are also provided. A nomenclatural change (Atriplex tornabenei subsp. pedunculata stat. nov.) is proposed.
New records and distribution modeling of Gryne orensis (Sørensen) (Opiliones: Cosmetidae) support the Mesopotamian-Yungas disjunction in subtropical Argentina
Authors: ACOSTA LUIS E. , VERGARA JULIA
Published: November 2013

The presence of Gryne orensis (Sørensen) (Opiliones: Cosmetidae) in a Yungas locality (northwestern Argentina) is reported for the first time, providing new evidence for the Mesopotamian-Yungas disjunct pattern. Combining a total of 19 new Mesopotamian records with previous, reliable citations from the literature, a dataset of 45 points was used to model the potential distribution of the species, using the presence-only methods BIOCLIM and MAXENT. Models supported the existence of a distributional gap across the Semiarid Chaco. The imprecise literature record from “El Impenetrable”, province of Chaco, is assigned to three tentative locations to evaluate if models are affected by their inclusion; in all cases, the disjunction was maintained. It was thereby estimated that the actual record might have originated in a site closer to the Humid Chaco and/or associated to streams. This paper also provides a statement of the bioclimatic profile and identification of major environmental constraints that define the range of G. orensis.
A PDF-Based Microphysics Parameterization for Shallow Cumulus Clouds
Authors: Kogan Yefim L. , Mechem David B.
Published: November 2013

Unbiased calculations of microphysical process rates such as autoconversion and accretion in mesoscale numerical weather prediction models require that subgrid-scale (SGS) variability over the model grid volume be taken into account. This variability can be expressed as probability distribution functions (PDFs) of microphysical variables. Using dynamically balanced large-eddy simulation (LES) model results from a case of marine trade cumulus, the authors develop PDFs of the cloud water, droplet concentration, and rainwater variables (qc, Nc, and qr). Both 1D and 2D joint PDFs (JPDFs) are presented. The authors demonstrate that accounting for the JPDFs results in more accurate process rates for a regional-model grid size. Bias in autoconversion and accretion rates are presented, assuming different formulations of the JPDFs. Approximating the 2D PDF using a product of individual 1D PDFs overestimates the autoconversion rates by an order of magnitude, whereas neglecting the SGS variability altogether results in a drastic underestimate of the grid-mean autoconversion rate. PDF assumptions have a much smaller impact on accretion, largely because of the near-linear dependence of the variables in the accretion rate formula and the relatively weak correlation between qc and qr over the small LES grid volumes. The latter is attributed to the spatial decorrelation in the vertical between the two fields. Although the full PDFs are both height and time dependent, results suggest that fixed-in-time and fixed-in-height PDFs give an acceptable level of accuracy, especially for the crucial autoconversion calculation.
Nucleating the development of telemedicine to support healthcare workers in resource-limited settings: a new approach
Authors: Wootton Richard , Wu Wei-I , Bonnardot Laurent
Published: November 2013

Collegium Telemedicus (CT) offers a new approach to the problem of starting a store-and-forward telemedicine network for use in low resource settings. The CT organization provides a no-cost template to allow groups to start a network without delay, together with a peer-support environment for those operating the networks. A new group needs only to supply a Guarantor (who accepts responsibility for the work of the network) and a Coordinator (who operates the telemedicine network, allocating cases and ensuring that they are responded to). Communication takes place via secure messaging, which has several advantages over plain email, e.g. all the data are stored centrally, which means that they can be read from a hand-held device such as a smart phone, but do not need to be stored on that device. Users can access the system with a standard web browser. In the first three months, seven networks were established on the CT system by university groups in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and by a large, multinational humanitarian organisation. In the most active network, there were 86 telemedicine cases in the first three months, i.e. an average submission rate of 7 cases/week. The CT system appears to fulfil its aim of assisting doctors who wish to help colleagues in other countries by improving their access to specialist opinions, while allowing them to maintain control over the new network's use and development. The long term aim of the CT organization is to provide a means of improving the quality of health care at the point of delivery in low resource settings.
Convergence analysis of Agarwal et al. iterative scheme for Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Rafiq Arif , Ali Faisal , Kwun Young Chel
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we establish strong convergence for the Agarwal et al. iterative scheme associated with Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces.

MSC:47H10, 47J25.
Existence of a solution of integral equations via fixed point theorem
Authors: Gülyaz Selma , Karapınar Erdal , Rakocević Vladimir , Salimi Peyman
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we establish a solution to the following integral equation:

u
(
t
)
=

∫
0
T

G
(
t
,
s
)
f

(
s
,
u
(
s
)
)

d
s

for all 
t
∈
[
0
,
T
]
,

where

T
>
0

,

f
:
[
0
,
T
]
×
R
→
R

and

G
:
[
0
,
T
]
×
[
0
,
T
]
→
[
0
,
∞
)

are continuous functions. For this purpose, we also obtain some auxiliary fixed point results which generalize, improve and unify some fixed point theorems in the literature.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.