bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Inverse Probability Weighting and Multiple Imputation to Improve Robustness of Estimation
Authors: Han Peisong
Published: August 2015

Inverse probability weighting (IPW) and multiple imputation are two widely adopted approaches dealing with missing data. The former models the selection probability, and the latter models data distribution. Consistent estimation requires correct specification of corresponding models. Although the augmented IPW method provides an extra layer of protection on consistency, it is usually not sufficient in practice as the true data‐generating process is unknown. This paper proposes a method combining the two approaches in the same spirit of calibration in sampling survey literature. Multiple models for both the selection probability and data distribution can be simultaneously accounted for, and the resulting estimator is consistent if any model is correctly specified. The proposed method is within the framework of estimating equations and is general enough to cover regression analysis with missing outcomes and/or missing covariates. Results on both theoretical and numerical investigation are provided.
Shear Plugging and Frictional Behaviour of Composites and Fabrics Under Quasi‐static Loading
Authors: Pandya K. S. , Shaktivesh S. , Gowtham H. L. , Inani A. , Naik N. K.
Published: August 2015

Experimental studies are presented on the shear plugging and frictional behaviour of composites and fabrics under quasi‐static loading. The primary focus is on the effect of specimen thickness on quasi‐static shear plugging behaviour. In the present study, quasi‐static shear plugging and through‐the‐thickness frictional tests are carried out on three types of materials. The materials investigated are 2D plain weave E‐glass/epoxy, 2D plain weave T300 carbon/epoxy and 2D plain weave E‐glass fabric. Typical results on shear plugging strength and frictional behaviour are presented. Effect of specimen thickness on quasi‐static shear plugging behaviour is also investigated.
Interleukin‐18, interleukin‐12B and interferon‐γ gene polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Angelo H. D. , Gomes Silva I. I. F. , Oliveira R. D. R. , Louzada‐Júnior P. , Donadi E. A. , Crovella S. , Maia M. M. D. , de Souza P. R. E. , Sandrin‐Garcia P.
Published: August 2015

Polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐12 and interferon (IFN)‐γ genes are associated with different levels of cytokines expression and have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL‐18 +105 A/C, IL‐12B +1188 A/C and IFN‐γ +874 T/A polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system PCR from 90 RA patients and 186 healthy individuals. There were significant differences to IL‐18 +105 A/C polymorphism between the RA and control groups (odds ratio = 3.77; P < 0.0001). Individual carriers of the variant allele C had a 3.77‐fold increased risk of for RA (P = 0.0032). No association was observed for IL‐12B and IFN‐γ polymorphisms. Our finds suggest a possible role for IL‐18 polymorphism in the RA susceptibility in studied population.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS — MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF INTRACRANIAL INFLAMMATORY FIBROSARCOMA IN A MIXED BREED DOG
Authors: Scarpante Elena , Palus Viktor , Summers Brian Alan , Caine Abby , Cherubini Giunio Bruto
Published: August 2015

An 8‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog presented with progressive behavioral changes and altered mentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed an olfactory and frontal lobe extra‐axial mass. The mass exhibited the following MRI signal intensity characteristics: T2W mixed, T1W iso‐ to hypointense, FLAIR hyperintense, and strong contrast enhancement. The mass was removed with cavitronic ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) assisted neurosurgery. Based on histopathological appearance and immunohistochemistry, the diagnosis of inflammatory fibrosarcoma was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing MRI characteristics of intracranial inflammatory fibrosarcoma in the veterinary literature.
The Role and Challenges of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Smes) in Emerging Economies: An Analysis from Turkey
Authors: Karadag Hande
Published: August 2015

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form a large part of economy. As SME sector has a crucial role in creating new jobs, economic growth and innovation, these economic units are worldwide acknowledged as the key actors of socioeconomic development. In Turkey, significance of SMEs is relatively higher, caused by not only from their huge share in the economy, amounting to 99.9% of all registered enterprises, but also their “backbone” function in the dynamic but turbulent Turkish economy. As Turkey experienced severe economic crises during the recent decades, SMEs became one of the major elements of the growth and development policies of regulatory authorities. This paper aims to address this critical role of small and medium sized companies by investigating factors behind the rising popularity of SME sector in Turkey, while at the same time pinpointing the major adventageous and problematic areas. Turkey is among major emerging economies, therefore the analysis this expected to make a significant contribution to literature about small business sector in developing economies by taking the factors constraining the growth of Turkish SME sector to the spotlight.
The Runge–Kutta method in geometric multiplicative calculus
Authors: Riza Mustafa , Aktöre Hatice
Published: August 2015

This paper illuminates the derivation, applicability, and efficiency of the multiplicative Runge–Kutta method, derived in the framework of geometric multiplicative calculus. The removal of the restrictions of geometric multiplicative calculus on positive-valued functions of real variables and the fact that the multiplicative derivative does not exist at the roots of the function are presented explicitly to ensure that the proposed method is universally applicable. The error and stability analyses are also carried out explicitly in the framework of geometric multiplicative calculus. The method presented is applied to various problems and the results are compared to those obtained from the ordinary Runge–Kutta method. Moreover, for one example, a comparison of the computation time against relative error is worked out to illustrate the general advantage of the proposed method.
A Comparison of a Mono-, Twin-, and Double-Scroll Turbine for Automotive Applications
Authors: Walkingshaw Jason , Iosifidis Georgios , Scheuermann Tobias , Filsinger Dietmar , Ikeya Nobuyuki
Published: August 2015

As a means of meeting ever increasing emissions and fuel economy demands, car manufacturers are using aggressive engine downsizing. To maintain the power output of the engine, turbocharging is typically used. Due to the mismatch of the mass flow characteristics of the engine to the turbocharger, at low engine mass flow rates (MFRs), the turbocharger can suffer from slow response known as “Turbolag.” Mono-scroll turbines are capable of providing good performance at high MFRs and in conjunction with low inertia mixed flow turbines can offer some benefits for transient engine response. With a multi-entry system, the individual volute sizing can be matched to the single mass flow pulse from the engine cylinders. The exhaust pulse energy can be better utilized by the turbocharger turbine improving turbocharger response, while the interaction of the engine exhaust pulses can be better avoided, improving the scavenging of the engine. The behavior of a mono-scroll turbocharger with the engine using engine simulation tools has been well established. What requires further investigation is the comparison with multi-entry turbines. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to examine the single-admission behavior of a twin- and double-scroll turbine. Turbocharger gas stand maps of the multi-entry turbines have been measured at full and single admissions. This data have been used in a 0D engine model. In addition, the turbine stage has been tested on the engine, and a validation of the engine model against the engine test data is presented. Using the validated engine model, a comparison has been made to understand the differences in the sizing requirements of the turbine and the interaction of the mono-scroll and multi-entry turbines with the engine. The impact of the different efficiency and MFR trends of the mono and multi-entry turbochargers is discussed, and the tradeoffs between the design configurations regarding on-engine behavior are investigated.
Numerical Study on Effects of Drilling Mud Rheological Properties on the Transport of Drilling Cuttings
Authors: GhasemiKafrudi E. , Hashemabadi S. H.
Published: August 2015

Inaccurate prediction of the required pressures can lead to a number of costly drilling problems. In this study, the hydrodynamics of mud-cuttings were numerically studied using the Mixture Model. To this end, an in-house code was developed to calculate the velocity and pressure fields. The mud velocity profile using of Herschel–Bulkley model and solid phase volume fraction were locally calculated; moreover, pressure drop through the annulus was taken into account. The effects of velocity, mud properties, and solid phase volume fraction on pressure drop were discussed and a new correlation was proposed for calculating friction factor based on corresponding parameters.
Preparation and characterization of laser cladding wollastonite derived bioceramic coating on titanium alloy
Authors: Li Huan-cai , Wang Dian-gang , Chen Chuan-zhong , Weng Fei , Shi Hua
Published: August 2015

The bioceramic coating is fabricated on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by laser cladding the preplaced wollastonite (CaSiO3) powders. The coating on Ti6Al4V is characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared. The interface bonding strength is measured using the stretching method using an RGD-5-type electronic tensile machine. The microhardness distribution of the cross-section is determined using an indentation test. The in vitro bioactivity of the coating on Ti6Al4V is evaluated using the in vitro simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test. The microstructure of the laser cladding sample is affected by the process parameters. The coating surface is coarse, accidented, and microporous. The cross-section microstructure of the ceramic layer from the bottom to the top gradually changes from cellular crystal, fine cellular-dendrite structure to underdeveloped dendrite crystal. The coating on Ti6Al4V is composed of CaTiO3, CaO, α-Ca2SiO4, SiO2, and TiO2. After soaking in the SBF solution, the calcium phosphate layer is formed on the coating surface.
Computation of sound radiation by a driver in a cabinet using a substitute source approach
Authors: Lindberg Anders , Pavić Goran
Published: August 2015

Sound radiation by a driver set in a rigid closed cabinet is modeled analytically using the principle of wave superposition. The driver-cabinet assembly is replaced by an array of volumeless substitute sources—monopoles—confined within its surface. The role of substitute sources is to reproduce the sound field exterior to the surface as close to the original field as possible. The frequency dependent positions and strengths of substitute monopoles are optimized by an iterative search procedure aimed at matching the prescribed surface boundary conditions of the original source. The time-consuming optimization of monopole positions is carried out at narrowband center frequencies reducing the computational cost without significant loss of accuracy. The consistency of computed results is verified by checking the power output through the cabinet surface. Modeling is done for anechoic and semi-anechoic conditions. The model has been validated experimentally in a semi-anechoic room with satisfactory results using a mid-range driver set in a closed-box baffle.
Acceptability and Potential Efficacy of Single-Sex After-School Activity Programs for Overweight and At-Risk Children: The Wollongong SPORT RCT
Authors: Jones Rachel A. , Kelly Jacque , Cliff Dylan P. , Batterham Marijka , Okely Anthony D.
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Single sex after-school physical activity programs show potential to prevent unhealthy weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and potential efficacy of single-sex after-school physical activity programs for overweight and at-risk children from low-income communities.

Design:

7-month, 2-arm parallel-group, RCT, conducted at an elementary school in a disadvantaged area in Wollongong, Australia (March-November 2010).

Methods:

20 boys and 17 girls were randomized to intervention (PA) or active comparison groups (HL). Primary outcomes included implementation, acceptability, percentage body fat and BMI z-score.

Results:

The PA programs were acceptable with high implementation and enjoyment rates. At 7 months postintervention girls in the PA group displayed greater changes in percentage body fat (adjust diff. = -1.70, [95% CI -3.25, -0.14]; d = -0.83) and BMI z-score (-0.19 [-0.36, -0.03]; d= -1.00). At 7 months boys in the PA group showed greater changes in waist circumference (-3.87 cm [-7.80, 0.15]; d= -0.90) and waist circumference z-score (-0.33 [-0.64, -0.03]; d= -0.98). For both boys’ and girls’ PA groups, changes in adiposity were not maintained at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

Single-sex after-school physical activity programs are acceptable and potentially efficacious in preventing unhealthy weight gain among overweight and at-risk children. However improvements are hard to sustain once programs finish operating.
Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 5 promotes acute cellular and systemic inflammation
Authors: Wilhelmsen Kevin , Xu Fengyun , Farrar Katherine , Tran Alphonso , Khakpour Samira , Sundar Shirin , Prakash Arun , Wang Jinhua , Gray Nathanael S. , Hellman Judith
Published: August 2015

Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5 reduces systemic inflammation in mice.
RelB/p52-mediated NF-κB signaling alters histone acetylation to increase the abundance of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placenta
Authors: Di Stefano Valeria , Wang Bingbing , Parobchak Nataliya , Roche Natalie , Rosen Todd
Published: August 2015

Glucocorticoids epigenetically induce the expression of a stress hormone gene associated with labor in human placenta cells.
Hypoxia induces mitochondrial protein misfolding
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

Activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response protects against hypoxia-induced injury.
Cytokine loops promote breast cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2015

Blocking autocrine cytokine loops may suppress the growth of HER2-positive breast cancer.
A tale of two asthmas
Authors: Colmone Angela
Published: August 2015

Concurrent blockade of IL-13 and IL-17A may improve control of asthma.
Fat fibrosis and breast cancer
Authors: Frisk Megan
Published: August 2015

Obesity leads to fibrosis-mediated stiffness of mammary adipose tissue that promotes breast tumor malignancy.
Efficacy of a Novel Sublingual Spray Formulation of Artemether in African Children with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Bendel Daryl , Rulisa Stephen , Ansah Patrick , Sirima Sodiomon
Published: August 2015

The efficacy of sublingual artemether (ArTiMist) was investigated in two studies. In study 1, 31 children were randomized to sublingual artemether (
n
= 16) or intravenous (i.v.) quinine (
n
= 15). In study 2, 151 children were randomized to sublingual artemether (
n
= 77) or i.v. quinine (
n
= 74). For both studies, patients weighed between 5 and 15 kg and had either severe or complicated malaria based on WHO criteria, or they had uncomplicated malaria but were unable to tolerate oral medication as a result of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Patients received either 3 mg/kg of body weight of sublingual artemether or a loading dose of 20 mg/kg of i.v. quinine followed by 10 mg/kg every 8 h i.v. thereafter. The primary endpoint was parasitological success, defined as a reduction in parasite count of ≥90% of that at baseline at 24 h after the first dose. Other endpoints based on parasite clearance and clinical response were evaluated. In study 1, there were parasitological success rates of 93.3% (14/15) and 66.7% (10/15) for the sublingual artemether and quinine treatments, respectively. In study 2, 94.3% (66/70) of the ArTiMist-treated patients and 39.4% (28/71) of the quinine-treated patients had parasitological success (
P
< 0.0001). Indicators of parasite clearance (parasite clearance time [PCT], time for parasite count to fall by 50% [PCT
50
], time for parasite count to fall by 90% [PCT
90
], and percent reduction in parasitemia from baseline at 24 h [PRR
24
]) were significantly superior for children treated with sublingual artemether compared to those treated with i.v. quinine. There were no differences between treatments for the clinical endpoints, such as fever clearance time. The local tolerability of sublingual artemether was good. Sublingual artemether leads to rapid parasite clearance and clinical recovery. (Studies 1 and 2 are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration numbers NCT01047436 and NCT01258049, respectively.)
Susceptibilities of Genotype 1a, 1b, and 3 Hepatitis C Virus Variants to the NS5A Inhibitor Elbasvir
Authors: Liu Rong , Curry Stephanie , McMonagle Patricia , Yeh Wendy W. , Ludmerer Steven W. , Jumes Patricia A. , Marshall William L. , Kong Stephanie , Ingravallo Paul , Black Stuart , Pak Irene , DiNubile Mark J. , Howe Anita Y. M.
Published: August 2015

Elbasvir is an investigational NS5A inhibitor with
in vitro
activity against multiple HCV genotypes. Antiviral activity of elbasvir was measured in replicons derived from wild-type or resistant variants of genotypes 1a, 1b, and 3. The barrier to resistance was assessed by the number of resistant colonies selected by exposure to various elbasvir concentrations. In a phase 1b dose-escalating study, virologic responses were determined in 48 noncirrhotic adult men with chronic genotype 1 or 3 infections randomized to placebo or elbasvir from 5 to 50 mg (genotype 1) or 10 to 100 mg (genotype 3) once daily for 5 days. The NS5A gene was sequenced from plasma specimens obtained before, during, and after treatment. Elbasvir suppressed the emergence of resistance-associated variants (RAVs)
in vitro
in a dose-dependent manner. Variants selected by exposure to high elbasvir concentrations typically encoded multiple amino acid substitutions (most commonly involving loci 30, 31, and 93), conferring high-level elbasvir resistance. In the monotherapy study, patients with genotype 1b had greater reductions in HCV RNA levels than patients with genotype 1a at all elbasvir doses; responses in patients with genotype 3 were generally less pronounced than for genotype 1, particularly at lower elbasvir doses. M28T, Q30R, L31V, and Y93H in genotype 1a, L31V and Y93H in genotype 1b, and A30K, L31F, and Y93H in genotype 3 were the predominant RAVs selected by elbasvir monotherapy. Virologic findings in patients were consistent with the preclinical observations. NS5A-RAVs emerged most often at amino acid positions 28, 30, 31, and 93 in both the laboratory and clinical trial. (The MK-8742 P002 trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01532973.)
Genome-Based Comparison of Cyclic Di-GMP Signaling in Pathogenic and Commensal Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Povolotsky Tatyana L. , Hengge Regine
Published: August 2015

The ubiquitous bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) has recently become prominent as a trigger for biofilm formation in many bacteria. It is generated by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs; with GGDEF domains) and degraded by specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs; containing either EAL or HD-GYP domains). Most bacterial species contain multiples of these proteins with some having specific functions that are based on direct molecular interactions in addition to their enzymatic activities.
Escherichia coli
K-12 laboratory strains feature 29 genes encoding GGDEF and/or EAL domains, resulting in a set of 12 DGCs, 13 PDEs, and four enzymatically inactive “degenerate” proteins that act by direct macromolecular interactions. We present here a comparative analysis of GGDEF/EAL domain-encoding genes in 61 genomes of pathogenic, commensal, and probiotic
E. coli
strains (including enteric pathogens such as enteroaggregative, enterohemorrhagic, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, and adherent and invasive
Escherichia coli
and the 2011 German outbreak O104:H4 strain, as well as extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
, such as uropathogenic and meningitis-associated
E. coli
). We describe additional genes for two membrane-associated DGCs (DgcX and DgcY) and four PDEs (the membrane-associated PdeT, as well as the EAL domain-only proteins PdeW, PdeX, and PdeY), thus showing the pangenome of
E. coli
to contain at least 35 GGDEF/EAL domain proteins. A core set of only eight proteins is absolutely conserved in all 61 strains: DgcC (YaiC), DgcI (YliF), PdeB (YlaB), PdeH (YhjH), PdeK (YhjK), PdeN (Rtn), and the degenerate proteins CsrD and CdgI (YeaI). In all other GGDEF/EAL domain genes, diverse point and frameshift mutations, as well as small or large deletions, were discovered in various strains.

IMPORTANCE
Our analysis reveals interesting trends in pathogenic
Escherichia coli
that could reflect different host cell adherence mechanisms. These may either benefit from or be counteracted by the c-di-GMP-stimulated production of amyloid curli fibers and cellulose. Thus, EAEC, which adhere in a “stacked brick” biofilm mode, have a potential for high c-di-GMP accumulation due to DgcX, a strongly expressed additional DGC. In contrast, EHEC and UPEC, which use alternative adherence mechanisms, tend to have extra PDEs, suggesting that low cellular c-di-GMP levels are crucial for these strains under specific conditions. Overall, our study also indicates that GGDEF/EAL domain proteins evolve rapidly and thereby contribute to adaptation to host-specific and environmental niches of various types of
E. coli
.
MRI does not add value over and above patient history and clinical examination in predicting time to return to sport after acute hamstring injuries: a prospective cohort of 180 male athletes
Authors: Wangensteen Arnlaug , Almusa Emad , Boukarroum Sirine , Farooq Abdulaziz , Hamilton Bruce , Whiteley Rodney , Bahr Roald , Tol Johannes L
Published: August 2015

Background

MRI is frequently used in addition to clinical evaluation for predicting time to return to sport (RTS) after acute hamstring injury. However, the additional value of MRI to patient history taking and clinical examination remains unknown and is debated.

Aim

To prospectively investigate the predictive value of patient history and clinical examination at baseline alone and the additional predictive value of MRI findings for time to RTS using multivariate analysis while controlling for treatment confounders.

Methods

Male athletes (N=180) with acute onset posterior thigh pain underwent standardised patient history, clinical and MRI examinations within 5 days, and time to RTS was registered. A general linear model was constructed to assess the associations between RTS and the potential baseline predictors. A manual backward stepwise technique was used to keep treatment variables fixed.

Results

In the first multiple regression model including only patient history and clinical examination, maximum pain score (visual analogue scale, VAS), forced to stop within 5 min, length of hamstring tenderness and painful resisted knee flexion (90°), showed independent associations with RTS and the final model explained 29% of the total variance in time to RTS. By adding MRI variables in the second multiple regression model, maximum pain score (VAS), forced to stop within 5 min, length of hamstring tenderness and overall radiological grading, showed independent associations and the adjusted R2increased from 0.290 to 0.318. Thus, additional MRI explained 2.8% of the variance in RTS.

There was a wide variation in time to RTS and the additional predictive value of MRI was negligible compared with baseline patient history taking and clinical examinations alone. Thus, clinicians cannot provide an accurate time to RTS just after an acute hamstring injury. This study provides no rationale for routine MRI after acute hamstring injury.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01812564.
Evaluating the required scenario set size for stochastic programming in forest management planning: incorporating inventory and growth model uncertainty
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Kangas Annika
Published: August 2015

Developing a plan of action for the future use of forest resources requires a way to predict the development of the forest through time. These predictions require the use of inventory data and growth models that contain a large number of uncertainties. These uncertainties impact the quality of the predictions, and if not accounted for, they can lead to the selection of a suboptimal management plan. To account for and manage the uncertainties and associated risk, we have explored the use of stochastic programming. Stochastic programming can integrate uncertainty into the optimization process by solving the problem for a large number of potential scenarios of the forests future development. The selection of an appropriately sized set of scenarios involves a trade-off between tractability issues and problem representation issues. In this paper, an analysis of the trade-offs is conducted. Two cases are studied, one in which only the uncertainty of the inventory data is included and a second in which both growth model and inventory data uncertainties are included. The impact of increasing the number of scenarios on the problem representation is examined through a simple even-flow problem.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus compared with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus
Authors: Green Christopher F. , Elbe Laura A. , Neal Tyler D. , Lowe John J. , Gibbs Shawn G.
Published: August 2015

Antibiotic misuse and overuse in both the healthcare and agricultural fields have dramatically increased the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens. Two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 43330 and a wild-type) and 1 strain of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (ATCC 25923) were challenged (9 runs in triplicate) in a preliminary study with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) doses ranging from 0.25 to 3.00 mJ/cm2. The mean percent kill was calculated for each strain when compared with the control plates (no exposure to UVGI). Then, each strain was challenged (22 runs in triplicate) with UVGI doses of 2.00, 2.50, and 3.00 mJ/cm2. The results suggest a difference between the doses required to disinfect surfaces with each strain. Assuming a standard error rate of α = 0.05, there was a significant difference in variance between the MRSA (ATCC 43330 and wild type) strains and the S. aureus (ATCC 25923) methicillin-susceptible strain.
The spin–orbit interaction in minimal length quantum mechanics; the case of a (2+1)-dimensional Dirac oscillator
Authors: Zarrinkamar S. , Jahankohan K. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: August 2015

We solve the (2+1)-dimensional Dirac oscillator in the presence of spin–orbit interaction within the framework of minimal length quantum mechanics. To report an exact analytical solution, we transform the problem into the momentum space and polar coordinates and thereby obtain the eigenfunctions and eigenenergies of the system.
Sobol method application in dimensional sensitivity analyses of different AFM cantilevers for biological particles
Authors: Korayem M. H. , Taheri M. , Ghahnaviyeh S. D.
Published: August 2015

Due to the more delicate nature of biological micro/nanoparticles, it is necessary to compute the critical force of manipulation. The modeling and simulation of reactions and nanomanipulator dynamics in a precise manipulation process require an exact modeling of cantilevers stiffness, especially the stiffness of dagger cantilevers because the previous model is not useful for this investigation. The stiffness values for V-shaped cantilevers can be obtained through several methods. One of them is the PBA method. In another approach, the cantilever is divided into two sections: a triangular head section and two slanted rectangular beams. Then, deformations along different directions are computed and used to obtain the stiffness values in different directions. The stiffness formulations of dagger cantilever are needed for this sensitivity analyses so the formulations have been driven first and then sensitivity analyses has been started. In examining the stiffness of the dagger-shaped cantilever, the micro-beam has been divided into two triangular and rectangular sections and by computing the displacements along different directions and using the existing relations, the stiffness values for dagger cantilever have been obtained. In this paper, after investigating the stiffness of common types of cantilevers, Sobol sensitivity analyses of the effects of various geometric parameters on the stiffness of these types of cantilevers have been carried out. Also, the effects of different cantilevers on the dynamic behavior of nanoparticles have been studied and the dagger-shaped cantilever has been deemed more suitable for the manipulation of biological particles.
Commutative curvature operators over four-dimensional homogeneous manifolds
Authors: Haji-Badali Ali , Zaeim Amirhesam
Published: August 2015

Four-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian homogeneous spaces whose isotropy is non-trivial with commuting curvature operators have been studied. The only example of homogeneous Einstein four-manifold which is curvature-Ricci commuting but not semi-symmetric has been presented. Non-trivial examples of semi-symmetric homogeneous four-manifolds which are not locally symmetric, also Jacobi–Jacobi commuting manifolds which are not flat have been presented.
Bulk viscosity in Friedmann universe with a varying speed of light described by modified equation of state
Authors: Khadekar G. S. , Ghogre Arti
Published: August 2015

We solve the Freidmann equations by considering a universe media as a bulk viscosity described by a modified equation of state (EOS) of the form p = (γ - 1)ρc2 + Λ(t). A completely integrable dynamical equation to the scale factor is obtained and gives out the exact solution by assuming that the time-dependent parameter Λ and the bulk viscosity are linear combination of two and three terms, respectively and is expressed as: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where R is a scale factor and Λ0, Λ1, ζ0, ζ1, ζ2, are constants. For a special choice of the parameters, we discuss the acceleration expansion of the universe evolution and future singularities in the framework of variable speed of light (VSL) theory.
Tetra-2,3-pyrazinoporphyrazines with externally appended pyridine rings. 16. A rare class of uncharged water soluble complexes: UV-vis spectral, redox, and photochemical properties
Authors: Donzello Maria Pia , Vittori Daniela , Viola Elisa , Zeng Lihan , Cui Yan , Kadish Karl M. , Mannina Luisa , Ercolani Claudio
Published: August 2015

The synthesis and physicochemical characterization of a new class of water soluble homo/heteropentanuclear porphyrazine complexes are described. The investigated compounds, prepared from the previously reported mononuclear species [ LM ]⋅x H 2 O (L = tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl) pyrazino]porphyrazinato dianion; M = MgII ( H 2 O ), ZnII , CuII , CoII , PdII , PtII ; x = 3–8) in DMSO under mild experimental conditions, are represented as [{ Pd ( OAc )2}4 LM ]⋅x H 2 O (x = 11–22) and bear four Pd ( OAc )2 units, each externally coordinated at the vicinal pyridine N atoms of a single dipyridinopyrazine fragment of the porphyrazine macrocycle (py–py coordination). The newly synthesized compounds were examined by IR and magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state. Solution UV-visible spectral studies on all of the species were conducted in the low-donor organic solvents pyridine, dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide and in the water medium, whereas electrochemical measurements were performed in these media in the presence of tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (organic solvents) and KCl or NaOAc (water). Data on the photosensitizing activity for the generation of singlet oxygen, 1 O 2, of interest in photodynamic therapy, were also obtained in dimethylformammide solution on the compounds [{ Pd ( OAc )2}4 LM ]( M = MgII ( H 2 O ), ZnII , PdII , PtII ) and the measured ΦΔ values are presented and discussed. NMR spectral data on the complex [{ Pd ( OAc )2}4 LZn ] are also included and discussed.
Drought-Damage Functions for the Estimation of Drought Costs under Future Projections of Climate Change
Authors: Jenkins Katie , Warren Rachel
Published: August 2015

Drought events and their impacts pose a considerable problem for governments, businesses and individuals. Superimposed on this is the risk of anthropogenic climate change. Climate models are increasingly being used to understand how climate change may affect future drought regimes. However, methodologies to quantify economic costs which could occur under these future scenarios are virtually non-existent. In this study, historic drought events were identified in regional precipitation data using the Standardized Precipitation Index, and their magnitude quantified and linked to reported economic costs. Drought damage functions were created for Australia, Brazil, China, India, Spain/Portugal and the USA. Projections of drought magnitude for 2003–2050 were modeled using the Community Integrated Assessment System, for a range of climate and emission scenarios, and future economic costs estimated. Severe and extreme drought events were projected to cause estimated additional losses ranging between 0.04 and 9 percent of national GDP in Australia, the USA and Spain/Portugal under future scenarios of climate change. The combined effect on global GDP from projected long-term drought events in the countries analyzed resulted in additional annual losses of 0.01 to 0.25 percent. This is considered conservative as the analysis is representative of seven countries only; does not incorporate the possibility of successive drought events, or compounding effects on vulnerability from interactions with other extreme events. Furthermore, it excludes indirect economic effects; social and environmental losses; the possibility of increasing vulnerability due to changing socio-economic conditions; and the possibility of irreversible or systemic collapse of economies as the study highlighted that under future climate change drought magnitude may exceed current experience potentially passing thresholds of social and economic resilience. Stringent mitigation had little effect on the increasing impacts of drought in the first half of the 21st century, so in the short-term adaptation in drought "hot spots" will be crucial.
Contact metamorphism and thermogenic gas generation in the Vøring and Møre basins, offshore Norway, during the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Aarnes Ingrid , Planke Sverre , Trulsvik Mikal , Svensen Henrik
Published: August 2015

Voluminous volcanic intrusive activity took place in the Vøring and Møre basins at the Paleocene–Eocene boundary at about 56 Ma. This event caused thermal maturation of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in the basins. We have estimated the resulting thermogenic gas generation potential from contact metamorphism using numerical simulations calibrated using borehole data. The borehole 6607/5-2 from the Utgard sill complex in the Vøring Basin contains two
c
. 100 m thick sills and is used as a case study. We present both new and compiled data showing that (1) the bulk organic content is reduced towards the sill intrusions, (2) a
c
. 1 km thick stratigraphic interval is thermally affected, based on vitrinite reflectance data, (3) relative emplacement timing can affect the gas yield by up to 25%, and (4) some of the thermogenic methane is still present in the aureoles. The numerical model is calibrated using data from 11 wells. We estimate that the total gas generation potential for the two Utgard sills equals that of the Troll field (
c
. 10 Gt CH
4
), the largest producing gas field offshore Norway. We show that in the Vøring and Møre basins, the total gas generation potential is up to 1500 Gt CH
4
(
c
. 1100 Gt C), even from the relatively organic-poor Cretaceous source rocks with
c
. 1 wt% organic carbon, with implications for the carbon cycle at the Paleocene–Eocene boundary.
CB1R antagonist increases hepatic insulin clearance in fat-fed dogs likely via upregulation of liver adiponectin receptors
Authors: Kabir Morvarid , Iyer Malini S. , Richey Joyce M. , Woolcott Orison O. , Asare Bediako Isaac , Wu Qiang , Kim Stella P. , Stefanovski Darko , Kolka Cathryn M. , Hsu Isabel R. , Catalano Karyn J. , Chiu Jenny D. , Ionut Viorica , Bergman Richard N.
Published: August 2015

The improvement of hepatic insulin sensitivity by the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist rimonabant (RIM) has been recently been reported to be due to upregulation of adiponectin. Several studies demonstrated that improvement in insulin clearance accompanies the enhancement of hepatic insulin sensitivity. However, the effects of RIM on hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism(s) by which RIM affects HIC, specifically to determine whether upregulation of liver adiponectin receptors (ADRs) and other key genes regulated by adiponectin mediate the effects. To induce insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and liver, dogs were fed a hypercaloric high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 wk. Thereafter, while still maintained on a HFD, animals received RIM (HFD+RIM; n = 11) or placebo (HFD+PL; n = 9) for an additional 16 wk. HIC, calculated as the metabolic clearance rate (MCR), was estimated from the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. The HFD+PL group showed a decrease in MCR; in contrast, the HFD+RIM group increased MCR. Consistently, the expression of genes involved in HIC, CEACAM-1 and IDE, as well as gene expression of liver ADRs, were increased in the HFD+RIM group, but not in the HFD+PL group. We also found a positive correlation between CEACAM-1 and the insulin-degrading enzyme IDE with ADRs. Interestingly, expression of liver genes regulated by adiponectin and involved in lipid oxidation were increased in the HFD+RIM group. We conclude that in fat-fed dogs RIM enhances HIC, which appears to be linked to an upregulation of the adiponectin pathway.
Direction of Arrival Estimation Accuracy Enhancement via Using Displacement Invariance Technique
Authors: Fayad Youssef , Wang Caiyun , Cao Qunsheng , Hafez Alaa El-Din Sayed
Published: August 2015

A new algorithm for improving Direction of Arrival Estimation (DOAE) accuracy has been carried out. Two contributions are introduced. First, Doppler frequency shift that resulted from the target movement is estimated using the displacement invariance technique (DIT). Second, the effect of Doppler frequency is modeled and incorporated into ESPRIT algorithm in order to increase the estimation accuracy. It is worth mentioning that the subspace approach has been employed into ESPRIT and DIT methods to reduce the computational complexity and the model’s nonlinearity effect. The DOAE accuracy has been verified by closed-form Cramér-Rao bound (CRB). The simulation results of the proposed algorithm are better than those of the previous estimation techniques leading to the estimator performance enhancement.
Effects of the Pinggan Qianyang Recipe on MicroRNA Gene Expression in the Aortic Tissue of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zhong Guangwei , Fang Xia , Wang Dongsheng , Chen Qiong , Tang Tao
Published: August 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between miRNAs and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) vascular remodeling and analyze the impact of the Pinggan Qianyang recipe (PQR) on miRNAs. Mammalian miRNA microarrays containing 509 miRNA genes were employed to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs in the three groups. MiRNAs were considered to be up- or downregulated when the fluorescent intensity ratio between the two groups was over 4-fold. Validation of those miRNAs changed in SHR after PQR treatment was used by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Compared with the normal group, a total of 32 miRNAs were differentially expressed by more than twofold; among these, 18 were upregulated and 14 were downregulated in the model group. Compared with the normal group, there were a number of 17 miRNAs which were significantly expressed by more than twofold in the different expressions of 32 miRNAs; among these, 10 were downregulated and 7 were upregulated in the PQR group. qRT-PCR verified that miR-20a, miR-145, miR-30, and miR-98 were significantly expressed in the three groups. These data show that PQR could exert its antihypertensive effect through deterioration of the vascular remodeling process. The mechanism might be associated with regulating differentially expressed miRNAs in aorta tissue.
High-Grade Leiomyosarcoma Arising in a Previously Replanted Limb
Authors: Pan Tiffany J. , Pantanowitz Liron , Weiss Kurt R.
Published: August 2015

Sarcoma development has been associated with genetics, irradiation, viral infections, and immunodeficiency. Reports of sarcomas arising in the setting of prior trauma, as in burn scars or fracture sites, are rare. We report a case of a leiomyosarcoma arising in an arm that had previously been replanted at the level of the elbow joint following traumatic amputation when the patient was eight years old. He presented twenty-four years later with a 10.8 cm mass in the replanted arm located on the volar forearm. The tumor was completely resected and pathology examination showed a high-grade, subfascial spindle cell sarcoma diagnosed as a grade 3 leiomyosarcoma with stage pT2bNxMx. The patient underwent treatment with brachytherapy, reconstruction with a free flap, and subsequently chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of leiomyosarcoma developing in a replanted extremity. Development of leiomyosarcoma in this case could be related to revascularization, scar formation, or chronic injury after replantation. The patient remains healthy without signs of recurrence at three-year follow-up.
Sub-Tenon Injections of Triamcinolone Acetonide Had Limited Effect on Cystoid Macular Edema Secondary to Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound-Paclitaxel (Abraxane)
Authors: Matsuoka Naoki , Hasebe Hiruma , Mayama Tetsuji , Fukuchi Takeo
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To report the first case of cystoid macular edema (CME) induced by nanoparticle albumin-bound- (nab-) paclitaxel treated with sub-Tenon injections of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) with detailed long-term follow-up.Case. A 39-year-old Japanese woman with breast cancer presents with decreased vision in both eyes while receiving nab-paclitaxel. Two STTA treatments were administered for persistent CME in her right eye. Central retinal thickness (CRT) of the treated eye decreased after the first STTA, but there was no change after the second STTA. CRT of the other eye and bilateral visual acuity (VA) showed no change after each treatment. However, this patient experienced gradual recovery of visual function after nab-paclitaxel treatment was completed, 3 months after the second STTA. Improvements in VA and CRT did not overlap in time. Moreover, there was a big improvement time lag in VA between the eyes.Conclusion. Cessation of nab-paclitaxel could lead to resolution of CME more than STTA, although STTA had some effect. Since nab-paclitaxel has been recently approved for treating more types of malignancies, the number of the patients with this CME is expected to increase in the near future. Patients and physicians should understand this side effect and prepare for other treatment options.
Analysis of Traffic Conditions in Urban Region Based on Data from Fixed Detectors
Authors: Liang Shidong , Zhao Shuzhi , Ma Minghui , Liu Huasheng
Published: August 2015

To evaluate traffic conditions in an urban region, the average travel speed in the street network and the average traffic flow per lane are selected as indexes. The results for identifying traffic conditions are obtained using macroscopic fundamental diagram. Because of the difficulty of collecting the traffic parameter of travel speed from widely distributed fixed detectors directly, in this paper, the relationship between average travel speed and queue lengths at signalized intersections within the urban area is established based on an equivalent assumption. Finally, the average travel speed estimation model proposed in this paper is tested with microscopic simulation platform, and the results showed that the average travel speed estimation model performed well with satisfactory accuracy. In addition, the best performance of the network efficiency can be identified based on the reflections of macroscopic fundamental diagram, and the evaluation system is simple enough for application in engineering. Therefore, the result is instructive both for generating traffic control strategies and for making route choices.
Antrodia camphorataPotentiates Neuroprotection against Cerebral Ischemia in Rats via Downregulation of iNOS/HO-1/Bax and Activated Caspase-3 and Inhibition of Hydroxyl Radical Formation
Authors: Yang Po-Sheng , Lin Po-Yen , Chang Chao-Chien , Yu Meng-Che , Yen Ting-Lin , Lan Chang-Chou , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Yang Chih-Hao
Published: August 2015

Antrodia camphorata(A. camphorata) is a fungus generally used in Chinese folk medicine for treatment of viral hepatitis and cancer. Our previous study foundA. camphoratahas neuroprotective properties and could reduce stroke injury in cerebral ischemia animal models. In this study, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective effects ofA. camphoratain middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. A selective occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with whole blood clots was used to induce ischemic stroke in rats and they were orally treated withA. camphorata(0.25 and 0.75 g/kg/day) alone or combined with aspirin (5 mg/kg/day). To provide insight into the functions ofA. camphoratamediated neuroprotection, the expression of Bax, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and activated caspase-3 was determined by Western blot assay. Treatment of aspirin alone significantly reduced the expressions of HO-1 (P<0.001), iNOS (P<0.001), and Bax (P<0.01) in ischemic regions. The reduction of these expressions was more potentiated when rats treated by aspirin combined withA. camphorata(0.75 g/kg/day). Combination treatment also reduced apoptosis as measured by a significant reduction in active caspase-3 expression in the ischemic brain compared to MCAO group (P<0.01). Moreover, treatment ofA. camphoratasignificantly (P<0.05) reduced fenton reaction-induced hydroxyl radical (OH•) formation at a dose of 40 mg/mL. Taken together,A. camphoratahas shown neuroprotective effects in embolic rats, and the molecular mechanisms may correlate with the downregulation of Bax, iNOS, HO-1, and activated caspase-3 and the inhibition of OH•signals.
Functions of Boundedkthp-Variation and Continuity Modulus
Authors: Mejía Odalis , Silvestre Pilar
Published: August 2015

A scale of spaces exists connecting the class of functions of boundedkthp-variation in the sense of Riesz-Merentes with the Sobolev space of functions withp-integrablekth derivative. This scale is generated by the generalized functionals of Merentes type. We prove some limiting relations for these functionals as well as sharp estimates in terms of the fractional modulus of smoothness of orderk-1/p.