bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving lost herbivore community structure using coprolites of four sympatric moa species (Aves: Dinornithiformes)
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Wilmshurst Janet M. , Richardson Sarah J. , Rawlence Nicolas J. , Wagstaff Steven J. , Worthy Trevor H. , Cooper Alan
Published: October 2013

Significance

Coprolites provide unique insights into the plant taxa consumed over a discrete time period by extinct herbivores and have typically been used to reconstruct the diets of single herbivore species. Through ancient DNA, pollen, and plant macrofossil analyses of 51 coprolites deposited by four species of extinct herbivore (the large avian moa of New Zealand) in a single rock shelter, we show the potential for coprolites to also resolve broader paleoecological questions around niche partitioning of extinct sympatric herbivore species and prehistoric herbivore community structure. Such information can help in our understanding of late Quaternary ecosystem functioning and the ecological consequences of prehistoric extinctions, as well as helping to inform rewilding efforts.
Molecular crowding limits translation and cell growth
Authors: Klumpp Stefan , Scott Matthew , Pedersen Steen , Hwa Terence
Published: October 2013

Significance

In rapidly growing bacteria, one-third of the proteins are ribosomal proteins and another one-sixth are ternary complexes (TCs) that bring amino acids to the ribosomes, making TCs the most abundant protein species. This study reveals that this very high TC content is forced upon the cell due to the slow diffusion of the large TCs in the crowded cytoplasm. A model is presented to describe how a bacterial cell solves the problem of proteomic resource allocation, balancing the two requirements for many ribosomes and for rapid translation. The model shows that proportional or approximately proportional synthesis of ribosomal proteins and TCs, as observed in
Escherichia coli
cells, is a near-optimal allocation scheme.
Host and parasite diversity jointly control disease risk in complex communities
Authors: Johnson Pieter T. J. , Preston Daniel L. , Hoverman Jason T. , LaFonte Bryan E.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Ongoing losses of biodiversity underscore the need to understand how species loss affects infectious diseases. Recognizing that most communities include multiple hosts and pathogens, we tested how variation in host and parasite diversity influenced disease risk. By combining field surveys and experiments involving amphibian hosts and trematode parasites, we show that realistic changes in host and parasite richness inhibit transmission of the deadliest parasite,
Ribeiroia ondatrae
. Increased host richness consistently reduced infections by
Ribeiroia
and the total parasite community. Importantly, however, parasite richness further dampened pathogen transmission, and the most diverse assemblages reduced
Ribeiroia
transmission by >50%. These findings emphasize the “hidden” role of parasite communities in diversity–disease interactions and the value of a community-based approach to infectious disease.
Photogeneration of hydrogen from water using CdSe nanocrystals demonstrating the importance of surface exchange
Authors: Das Amit , Han Zhiji , Haghighi Mohsen Golbon , Eisenberg Richard
Published: October 2013

Significance

Conversion of solar energy into chemically stored energy via artificial photosynthesis (AP) represents a key strategy in renewable energy. Systems for AP that split water reduce aqueous protons to H
2
fuel and oxidize water to make O
2
. The present study on the light-driven generation of H
2
describes a new, highly active, and durable system with components made solely of earth-abundant elements. The light absorber in this system consists of quantum-confined CdSe nanocrystals that are made water soluble through surface binding agents. Realization of the effects of surface ligand exchange on system activity stimulated the new compounds reported here that bind more strongly to the nanocrystals through tridentate coordination and allow assessment of catalyst activity for H
2
generation.
RAGE is a nucleic acid receptor that promotes inflammatory responses to DNA
Authors: Sirois Cherilyn M. , Jin Tengchuan , Miller Allison L. , Bertheloot Damien , Nakamura Hirotaka , Horvath Gabor L. , Mian Abubakar , Jiang Jiansheng , Schrum Jacob , Bossaller Lukas , Pelka Karin , Garbi Natalio , Brewah Yambasu , Tian Jane , Chang ChewShun , Chowdhury Partha S. , Sims Gary P. , Kolbeck Roland , Coyle Anthony J. , Humbles Alison A. , Xiao T. Sam , Latz Eicke
Published: October 2013

Recognition of DNA and RNA molecules derived from pathogens or self-antigen is one way the mammalian immune system senses infection and tissue damage. Activation of immune signaling receptors by nucleic acids is controlled by limiting the access of DNA and RNA to intracellular receptors, but the mechanisms by which endosome-resident receptors encounter nucleic acids from the extracellular space are largely undefined. In this study, we show that the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) promoted DNA uptake into endosomes and lowered the immune recognition threshold for the activation of Toll-like receptor 9, the principal DNA-recognizing transmembrane signaling receptor. Structural analysis of RAGE–DNA complexes indicated that DNA interacted with dimers of the outermost RAGE extracellular domains, and could induce formation of higher-order receptor complexes. Furthermore, mice deficient in RAGE were unable to mount a typical inflammatory response to DNA in the lung, indicating that RAGE is important for the detection of nucleic acids in vivo.
On Gases in Boxes: A Reply to Davey on the Justification of the Probability Measure in Boltzmannian Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Shech Elay
Published: October 2013

Kevin Davey claims that the justification of the second law of thermodynamics as it is conveyed by the “standard story” of statistical mechanics, roughly speaking, that low-entropy microstates tend to evolve to high-entropy microstates, is “unhelpful at best and wrong at worst.” In reply, I demonstrate that Davey’s argument for rejecting the standard story commits him to a form of skepticism that is more radical than the position he claims to be stating and that Davey places unreasonable demands on the notion of justification in the physical sciences.
2 Minority Identities in the Middle East: Religious Minorities
Authors: Joshua Castellino , Kathleen A Cavanaugh
Published: October 2013

In this chapter there are two primary categories to emerge with regard to the classification of minorities in the Middle East. The first comprises religious minorities, both early religious groups and more contemporary groups established during or after the nineteenth century. The second category comprises Muslim ethnic groups spread over two or more territories with a distinct cultural identity and language. This chapter details religious minority identities. Within the first section of this chapter, we examine non-Muslim religious communities including Jews, and a rather broad number of Christian communities, while accepting that some groups cross-cut this category. Section two examines Islamic minority communities including the ‘Alawis, Druze, Babism and the Baha’i Faith, and Ismaili communities.
5 Minority Rights in Syria
Authors: Joshua Castellino , Kathleen A Cavanaugh
Published: October 2013

This chapter seeks to examine and analyse the history and legislative provisions to protect ‘minorities’ in Syria. It offers an explanation of how these can be identified in a state that has been effectively ruled by a minority community, seeking to provide explanations and a context for this rule. A significant focus of the chapter lies on what we view as sectarian entrepreneurialism which plays a significant role in the events that played out in Syria in 2012. The identity politics that took root under Bashar Al-Asad provided a ready-made framework within which religious, social, and political divisions are articulated. Alawis, Druze, Palestinians (a majority of whom are Sunni) and Christians in Syria, whilst comprising a demographic minority, have either forged an uneasy alliance under Asad or have endeavoured to remain ‘neutral’.
Prologue: The Method and its Pitfalls
Authors: Bobek Michal
Published: October 2013

The chapter sets out the research design and questions for the case studies in the second part of the book. It discusses what is being examined with respect to all the systems studied and how it is achieved. Furthermore, problems encountered in doing empirical research into case law and judicial behaviour are acknowledged and the degree of potential data distortion caused by them discussed.
England and Wales
Authors: Bobek Michal
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the theory and the practice of comparative reasoning in the English courts is examined. In spite of the English system being for a number of reasons ideally placed to receive comparative inspiration from abroad, there is little evidence of direct judicial foreign inspiration being drawn, with one notable exception: the inspiration obtained from other (selected few) common law countries. The question then becomes how to classify such intra-common law referencing: is it extra-systemic, comparative reasoning at all?
Introduction
Authors: McDonough Peter
Published: October 2013

American Catholicism has undergone acceptance of the separation between church and state proclaimed at Vatican II, attenuation of the link between ecclesial authority and ministerial operations (in health care and higher education especially) that began in the late sixties, and a break in the bond between sexual comportment, gender roles, and church protocols. The ministries, the governance, and the sexual teachings of the church exist in tension, but apathy impedes reform largely because incentives for collective action are low when individual discretion is ample (notably, with regard to contraception, divorce, and the like). A division of labor prevails among reformers who target behavior, institutions, or beliefs; they face increasing difficulty as the gradient climbs from actions to organizational change to dogma. Change spans in-house quarrels concerning the supervision of sexuality and its links with clerical authority and the outreach ministries that exist in convoluted symbiosis with the larger community.
Chinese Business Practice in the Late Imperial Period
Authors: Zelin Madeleine
Published: October 2013

The rapid development of the Chinese economy over the past several decades has stimulated new interest in the institutions, practices, and social formations that supported the development of business in China before the intensification of pressure from Western traders to conform to “modern” practices in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This article aims to provide a foundation for understanding merchant practice as it developed during the important years of market expansion during the last Chinese dynasty and to dispel some of the enduring myths about the Chinese merchant, his relationship to family, community, and the state, and the ideological constraints on his activities. To that end I examine several aspects of late imperial merchant culture, beginning with the everyday practices that allowed business to flourish in the Qing, turning next to the large social formations through which long-distance merchants in particular identified and pursued their interests, and ending with some preliminary thoughts on the impact of the laissez-faire policies of the last dynasty and their implications for post-Imperial China.
Shooting a Moving Target
Authors: Courtier Jesse , Ohliger Michael , Rhee Sue J. , Terreblanche Owen , Heyman Melvin B. , MacKenzie John D.
Published: October 2013

The chronic nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) creates a lifelong effect on the morbidity of children affected by the disease. The ability to confidently identify and characterize complications resulting from IBD in the pediatric patient is of critical importance. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is especially valuable in the diagnostic assessment of IBD; however, precise elucidation of complications including strictures can be difficult with standard MRE sequences. The recent development of faster MRI pulse sequences provides rapid, real‐time imaging of the intestinal tract. In this review, we describe how the addition of cine MRE confidently pinpoints areas of stricture, aids in lesion detection and diagnosis, and provides valuable information on intestinal motility.
Methods for Analysis of the Immune System in Mouse Cancer Models
Authors: Bayne Lauren J. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: October 2013

Leukocytes of both the innate and adaptive immune systems can be a prominent feature of the tumor microenvironment. Mouse models of cancer that allow for tumor development in a host with a competent immune system can be investigated to gain a richer understanding of cancer immunobiology. Such studies not only provide biological insight but also can help forge new strategies for therapy and prognostication of patients. Here, we introduce several experimental protocols designed to analyze the immune phenotype of mouse cancer models. These include flow cytometric approaches to define tumor-infiltrating immune populations with precision and tissue-based assessments that preserve and reveal spatial dimensions of host–tumor cell interactions. An approach to study the immune-suppressive capability of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment is also provided.
Quantitative Aspects of Calcium Fluorimetry
Authors: Neher Erwin
Published: October 2013

Ca2+ indicator dyes by necessity are Ca2+ chelators, because it is the binding of Ca2+ to dye molecules that induces the change in fluorescence on which the Ca2+ signal is based. As chelators, once introduced into a cell, they contribute to cellular Ca2+ buffering. It has been a question of much debate to what extent this added Ca2+ buffer (exogenous Ca2+ buffer) changes Ca2+ homeostasis and the signals of interest. I discuss this problem here, emphasizing the distinction between the influence of the dyes on amplitudes (which may be not so severe) and on the dynamics of Ca2+ signals (which may be drastic). Once the Ca2+-buffering action of dyes relative to intrinsic Ca2+ buffers is understood for a given preparation, Ca2+ dyes can be used as very versatile tools for studying both Ca2+ concentrations and Ca2+ fluxes. I describe in detail some of my own experiences in calibrating the indicator dye Fura-2. These refer exclusively to experiments in which the dye is loaded into the cell via a patch pipette because acetoxymethyl ester loading introduces problems that very often prohibit precise quantitative conclusions.
catena-Poly[2,2′,2′′-nitrilotris(ethanaminium) [tri-μ-oxido-tris[dioxidovanadate(V)]] monohydrate]
Authors: Chang Kelvin B. , Smith Matthew D. , Zeller Matthias , Norquist Alexander J.
Published: October 2013

The title compound, {(C6H21N4)[V3O9]·H2O}n, crystallizes as a salt with [trenH3]3+cations [tren is tris(2-aminoethyl)amine], and one-dimensional anionic {[VVO3]−}n(metavanadate) chains along thec-axis direction. Three crystallographically distinct VVsites and one occluded water molecule are present for every [trenH3]3+cation in the unit cell. The {[VVO3]−}nchains are composed of vertex-sharing [VO4] tetrahedra and have a repeat unit of six tetrahedra. Each tetrahedron in the chain contains two terminal and two μ2-bridging oxide ligands. The [trenH3]3+cations, {[VVO3]−}nanions and occluded water molecules participate in an extensive three-dimensonal hydrogen-bonding network. The three terminal ammonium sites of the [trenH3]3+cations each form strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds to terminal oxide ligands on the {[VVO3]−}nchain. Each occluded water molecule also donates two O—H...O hydrogen bonds to the terminal oxide ligands.
3-Isopropyl-1-{2-[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)sulfanyl]acetyl}-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one hemihydrate
Authors: Ganesan S. , Sugumar P. , Ananthan S. , Ponnuswamy M. N.
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C24H27N5O2S·0.5H2O, the piperidine ring adopts a distorted boat conformation. The phenyl rings subtend dihedral angles of 69.7 (1) and 88.7 (1)° with the best plane through the piperidine moiety. In the crystal, symmetry-related molecules are linked through a network of C—H...O and C—H...N interactions, the former connecting them into zigzag chains along thec-axis direction and the latter forming anR22(4)motif. The dimer formation (C—H...N) and the repetition of symmetry-related molecules (C—H...O) along theb-axis direction stabilize the packing mode. The water molecule is located on a twofold rotation axis.
Poly[(μ3-5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato)dipyridinecobalt(II)]
Authors: Noh Kyungkyou , Kim Jaheon
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, [Co(C12H12O4)(C5H5N)2]n, the CoIIcation is coordinated by four O atoms from three 5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate anions and two N atoms from pyridine molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry. One carboxylate group of the anionic ligand chelates a CoIIcation while another carboxylate group bridges two CoIIcations, resulting in a polymeric layer parallel to (101). Weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds occur between adjacent polymeric layers. In the crystal, one of pyridine molecules is equally disordered over two positions.
RbH2AsO4
Authors: Stöger Berthold
Published: October 2013

RbH2AsO4, rubidium dihydrogenarsenate (RDA), was synthesized by partial neutralization of an aqueous H3AsO4solution with aqueous Rb2CO3. Its paraelectric room-temperature phase is composed of virtually regular tetrahedral [AsO2(OH)2]−anions and Rb+cations, both located on -4 positions. The [AsO2(OH)2] units are connectedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network, whereby the H atoms are equally disordered between the O atoms. The Rb+cations are located in channels running along the <100> directions and coordinated by eight O atoms located at the vertices of a snub disphenoid.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: race‐specific effects of alcohol and tobacco on the risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Prabhu A. , Obi K. O. , Rubenstein J. H.
Published: October 2013

Background

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with alcohol use, tobacco use and African or Asian descent. However, little is known about how racial background modifies the effects of alcohol or tobacco.

Aim

To investigate how racial and geographical background modifies the effect of alcohol and tobacco on OSCC via a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published literature.

Methods

We performed a literature search in multiple online databases regardless of language. Eligible studies were population‐based assessments of the effect of tobacco and/or alcohol on the risk of OSCC allowing stratification by race. The quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Meta‐analyses were performed to estimate summary effects using random effect models.

Results

Systematic review identified 9668 unique citations of which 34 were eligible. The majority were of high quality. The effect of current smoking vs. never‐smoking was weaker among Asians than among Europeans [European: odds ratio (OR) = 4.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.13, 5.66; Asian: OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.78, 2.99], with the 95% CIs not crossing, indicating statistical significance. Asians also trended towards weaker effects of long‐duration cigarette use and of heavy daily cigarette use. There was no difference in the effect of alcohol on OSCC risk by race.

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, a weaker effect of tobacco for OSCC was observed among Asians than among Europeans. Differences in other factors must explain the higher incidence of OSCC among Asians. More studies are needed to understand the cause of the disparate incidence of OSCC between races.
Evaluating Outside the Box: An Alternative Framework for Analysing Social Protection Programmes
Authors: Devereux Stephen , Roelen Keetie , Béné Christophe , Chopra Deepta , Leavy Jennifer , McGregor J. Allister
Published: October 2013

The evidence base on social protection programmes is expanding rapidly, largely pointing towards their positive impacts. Most evaluations rely heavily on quantitative techniques and experimental methods to allow for attribution of impacts. In this paper, we argue that new ways of investigation and analysis are needed to expand and deepen the evidence base in support of improved design and implementation of social protection. Greater emphasis on qualitative research, mixed methods and participatory evaluation is crucial, given current evidence gaps about programme dynamics and impacts. This paper proposes a new evaluation framework that goes beyond conventional approaches, by highlighting relatively neglected aspects related to programme processes, social dynamics and feedback loops in programme evaluations.
Fabrication and Testing of Planar Stent Mesh Designs Using Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Jones Kristopher , Jensen Brian D. , Bowden Anton
Published: October 2013

This paper explores and demonstrates the potential of using pyrolytic carbon as a material for coronary stents. Stents are commonly fabricated from metal, which has worse biocompatibilty than many polymers and ceramics. Pyrolytic carbon, a ceramic, is currently used in medical implant devices due to its preferable biocompatibility properties. Micropatterned pyrolytic carbon implants can be created by growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and then filling the space between with amorphous carbon via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We prepared multiple samples of two different stent-like flexible mesh designs and smaller cubic structures out of carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CI-CNT). Tension loads were applied to expand the mesh samples and we recorded the forces at brittle failure. The cubic structures were used for separate compression tests. These data were then used in conjunction with a nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) model of the stent geometry to determine Young's modulus and maximum fracture strain in tension and compression for each sample. Additionally, images were recorded of the mesh samples before, during, and at failure. These images were used to measure an overall percent elongation for each sample. The highest fracture strain observed was 1.4% and Young's modulus values confirmed that the material was similar to that used in previous carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotube work. The average percent elongation was 86% with a maximum of 145%. This exceeds a typical target of 66%. The material properties found from compression testing show less stiffness than the mesh samples; however, specimen evaluation reveals poorly infiltrated samples.
A type of Levi–Civita solution in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Rodrigues M.E. , Houndjo M.J.S. , Momeni D. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: October 2013

Herein we obtain an exact solution for cylindrically symmetric modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity. This metric is a generalization of the vacuum solution of Levi–Civita in general relativity. It describes an isotropic perfect fluid one-parameter family of the gravitational configurations, which can be interpreted as the exterior metric of a cosmic string. By setting the Gauss–Bonnet coupling parameter to zero, we recover the vacuum solution in the Einstein gravity as well.
Holomorphic curvatures of twistor spaces
Authors: Ali Danish , Davidov Johann , Mushkarov Oleg
Published: October 2013

We study the twistor spaces of oriented Riemannian 4-manifolds as a source of almost Hermitian 6-manifolds of constant or strictly positive holomorphic, Hermitian and orthogonal bisectional curvatures. In particular, we obtain explicit formulas for these curvatures in the case when the base manifold is Einstein and self-dual, and observe that the "squashed" metric on ℂℙ3 is a non-Kähler Hermitian–Einstein metric of positive holomorphic bisectional curvature. This shows that a recent result of Kalafat and Koca [M. Kalafat and C. Koca, Einstein–Hermitian 4-manifolds of positive bisectional curvature, preprint (2012), arXiv: 1206.3941v1 [math.DG]] in dimension four cannot be extended to higher dimensions. We prove that the Hermitian bisectional curvature of a non-Kähler Hermitian manifold is never a nonzero constant which gives a partial negative answer to a question of Balas and Gauduchon [A. Balas and P. Gauduchon, Any Hermitian metric of constant non-positive (Hermitian) holomorphic sectional curvature on a compact complex surface is Kähler, Math. Z.190 (1985) 39–43]. Finally, motivated by an integrability result of Vezzoni [L. Vezzoni, On the Hermitian curvature of symplectic manifolds, Adv. Geom.7 (2007) 207–214] for almost Kähler manifolds, we study the problem when the holomorphic and the Hermitian bisectional curvatures of an almost Hermitian manifold coincide. We extend the result of Vezzoni to a more general class of almost Hermitian manifolds and describe the twistor spaces having this curvature property.
Pivoting strategies for tough sparse indefinite systems
Authors: Hogg Jonathan D. , Scott Jennifer A.
Published: October 2013

The performance of a sparse direct solver is dependent upon the pivot sequence that is chosen before the factorization begins. In the case of symmetric indefinite systems, it may be necessary to modify this sequence during the factorization to ensure numerical stability. These modifications can have serious consequences in terms of time as well as the memory and flops required for the factorization and subsequent solves. This study focuses on hard-to-solve sparse symmetric indefinite problems for which standard threshold partial pivoting leads to significant modifications. We perform a detailed review of pivoting strategies that are aimed at reducing the modifications without compromising numerical stability. Extensive numerical experiments are performed on a set of tough problems arising from practical applications. Based on our findings, we make recommendations on which strategy to use and, in particular, a matching-based approach is recommended for numerically challenging problems.
Perceptual Biases and Mate Choice
Authors: Ryan Michael J. , Cummings Molly E.
Published: October 2013

Our view of the evolution of sexually selected traits and preferences was influenced radically in the 1990s by studies that emphasized how signals interact with sensory properties of receivers. Here, twenty-five years later, we review evidence that has accumulated in support of this idea. We replace the term sensory biases with perceptual biases to emphasize the growing knowledge of how cognitive processes generate selection on sexual traits. We show that mating preferences among conspecifics (e.g., sexual selection by mate choice) often are influenced by perceptual adaptations and constraints that have evolved in other contexts. We suggest that these perceptual biases need not be costly to females when they influence mate choice because in many cases they generate direct benefits. Although we do not reject a role for indirect benefits in mate choice, such as good genes, exclusive focus on eugenic mate choice limits our understanding of the evolution of the remarkable diversity of sexually selected traits.
Analysis of Technology Effectiveness of Lean Manufacturing Using System Dynamics
Authors: Hosseini-Nasab Hasan , Dehghani Mohammad , Hosseini-Nasab Amin
Published: October 2013

In today’s competitive environment, organizations are seeking to improve their position in the market. Lean manufacturing is an effective tool for elevating the competitiveness of organizations based on the fact that each can find its own way of improvement. Technology improvement is considered to be one of lean manufacturing’s dimensions. Technology is defined as the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems, or methods of organization, with the aim of solving a problem or creating an artistic perspective. A dynamic model could be appropriate for analyzing the interrelated behavior of technology and lean manufacturing. Despite the fact that there are plenty of papers and case studies on the applications of Lean manufacturing in organizations, only a few are focused on the dynamic aspects of the system. In this paper, a dynamic model is presented in which Lean manufacturing is linked with technology by causal relationships. The notable advantage of the presented model is the ability to alter a parameter to find how it affects others parameters by considering key results. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that the results of such analysis could somewhat improve the efficiency of technology improvement on Lean manufacturing.
Comparison of SVM and ANFIS for Snore Related Sounds Classification by Using the Largest Lyapunov Exponent and Entropy
Authors: Ankışhan Haydar , Yılmaz Derya
Published: October 2013

Snoring, which may be decisive for many diseases, is an important indicator especially for sleep disorders. In recent years, many studies have been performed on the snore related sounds (SRSs) due to producing useful results for detection of sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The first important step of these studies is the detection of snore from SRSs by using different time and frequency domain features. The SRSs have a complex nature that is originated from several physiological and physical conditions. The nonlinear characteristics of SRSs can be examined with chaos theory methods which are widely used to evaluate the biomedical signals and systems, recently. The aim of this study is to classify the SRSs as snore/breathing/silence by using the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) and entropy with multiclass support vector machines (SVMs) and adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Two different experiments were performed for different training and test data sets. Experimental results show that the multiclass SVMs can produce the better classification results than ANFIS with used nonlinear quantities. Additionally, these nonlinear features are carrying meaningful information for classifying SRSs and are able to be used for diagnosis of sleep disorders such as SAHS.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma of the Trigeminal Nerve and Brainstem: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Peterson Halloran E. , Larson Erik W. , Fairbanks Robert K. , Lamoreaux Wayne T. , Mackay Alexander R. , Call Jason A. , Demakas John J. , Cooke Barton S. , Lee Christopher M.
Published: October 2013

Objective and Importance. Brainstem metastases (BSMs) are uncommon but serious complications of some cancers. They cause significant neurological deficit, and options for treatment are limited. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for BSMs that prolongs survival and can preserve or in some cases improve neurological function. This case illustrates the use of repeated SRS, specifically Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for management of a unique brainstem metastasis.Clinical Presentation. This patient presented 5 years after the removal of a lentigo maligna melanoma from her left cheek with left sided facial numbness and paresthesias with no reported facial weakness. Initial MRI revealed a mass on the left trigeminal nerve that appeared to be a trigeminal schwannoma.Intervention. After only limited response to the first GKRS treatment, a biopsy of the tumor revealed it to be metastatic melanoma, not schwannoma. Over the next two years, the patient would receive 3 more GKRS treatments. These procedures were effective in controlling growth in the treated areas, and the patient has maintained a good quality of life.Conclusion. GKRS has proven in this case to be effective in limiting the growth of this metastatic melanoma without acute adverse effects.
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy after Eye Injuries: An Overexpression of Growth Factors and Cytokines Leading to a Retinal Keloid
Authors: Morescalchi Francesco , Duse Sarah , Gambicorti Elena , Romano Mario R. , Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco
Published: October 2013

Eye injury is a significant disabling worldwide health problem. Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a common complication that develops in up to 40–60% of patients with an open-globe injury. Our knowledge about the pathogenesis of PVR has improved in the last decades. It seems that the introduction of immune cells into the vitreous, like in penetrating ocular trauma, triggers the production of growth factors and cytokines that come in contact with intra-retinal cells, like Müller cells and RPE cells. Growth factors and cytokines drive the cellular responses leading to PVR’s development. Knowledge of the pathobiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in posttraumatic PVR is increasing the possibilities of management, and it is hoped that in the future our treatment strategies will evolve, in particular adopting a multidrug approach, and become even more effective in vision recovery. This paper reviews the current literature and clinical trial data on the pathogenesis of PVR and its correlation with ocular trauma and describes the biochemical/molecular events that will be fundamental for the development of novel treatment strategies. This literature review included PubMed articles published from 1979 through 2013. Only studies written in English were included.
Successful Treatment of Mediastinal Unicentric Castleman’s Disease Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Preoperative Embolization
Authors: Amano Yosuke , Takai Daiya , Ohishi Nobuya , Shinozaki-Ushiku Aya , Fukayama Masashi , Akahane Masaaki , Nakajima Jun , Nagase Takahide
Published: October 2013

Unicentric Castleman’s disease is a rare, benign lymphoproliferative disorder that is curable with surgical resection. However, significant bleeding often occurs during surgery because of tumor hypervascularity. We herein present a case of hyaline-vascular-type mediastinal unicentric Castleman’s disease, successfully resected using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with preoperative embolization. In the present case, tumor hypervascularity and feeding vessels were revealed by computed tomography (CT), which led us to perform preoperative angiography and embolization to the tumor feeding arteries to reduce intraoperative bleeding. Castleman’s disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypervascular mediastinal tumors. Tumor vascularity should be assessed prior to surgery, and preoperative embolization should be considered.
Safety and Efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Pulmonary Metastases from High Grade Sarcoma
Authors: Mehta Niraj , Selch Michael , Wang Pin-Chieh , Federman Noah , Lee Jay M. , Eilber Fritz C. , Chmielowski Bartosz , Agazaryan Nzhde , Steinberg Michael , Lee Percy
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Patients with high-grade sarcoma (HGS) frequently develop metastatic disease thus limiting their long-term survival. Lung metastases (LM) have historically been treated with surgical resection (metastasectomy). A potential alternative for controlling LM could be stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We evaluated the outcomes from our institutional experience utilizing SBRT. Methods. Sixteen consecutive patients with LM from HGS were treated with SBRT between 2009 and 2011. Routine radiographic and clinical follow-up was performed. Local failure was defined as CT progression on 2 consecutive scans or growth after initial shrinkage. Radiation pneumonitis and radiation esophagitis were scored using Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) version 3.0. Results. All 16 patients received chemotherapy, and a subset (38%) also underwent prior pulmonary metastasectomy. Median patient age was 56 (12–85), and median follow-up time was 20 months (range 3–43). A total of 25 lesions were treated and evaluable for this analysis. Most common histologies were leiomyosarcoma (28%), synovial sarcoma (20%), and osteosarcoma (16%). Median SBRT prescription dose was 54 Gy (36–54) in 3-4 fractions. At 43 months, local control was 94%. No patient experienced G2-4 radiation pneumonitis, and no patient experienced radiation esophagitis. Conclusions. Our retrospective experience suggests that SBRT for LM from HGS provides excellent local control and minimal toxicity.
Extended High Frequency Audiometry in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kucur Cuneyt , Kucur Suna Kabil , Gozukara Ilay , Seven Ali , Yuksel Kadriye Beril , Keskin Nadi , Oghan Fatih
Published: October 2013

Objective. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common
endocrine disorder affecting 5–10% of women in reproductive age. Insulin resistance,
dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and obesity are metabolic disorders
accompanying the syndrome. PCOS is a chronic proinflammatory state and the disease
is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In diseases with
endothelial damage, hearing in high frequencies are mostly effected in early stages. We evaluated extended high frequency hearing loss in PCOS patients.
Material Methods. Forty women diagnosed as PCOS and 25 healthy controls were included in this study. Age
and BMI of PCOS and control groups were comparable. Each subject was tested with low (250–2000 Hz),
high (4000–8000 Hz), and extended high frequency audiometry (8000–20000). Hormonal and biochemical values including LH, LH/FSH,
testosterone, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA‐I, and CRP were calculated.
Results. PCOS patients showed high levels of LH, LH/FSH, testosterone, fasting insulin, glucose, HOMA‐I, and CRP levels.
The hearing thresholds of the groups were similar at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000,
and 4000 Hz; statistically significant difference was observed in 8000–14000 Hz in PCOS group compared
to control group. Conclusion. PCOS patients have hearing impairment especially in extended high frequencies.
Further studies are needed to help elucidate the mechanism behind hearing impairment in association with PCOS.
Pruritic Vesicular Eruption on the Lower Legs in a Diabetic Female
Authors: Riad Hassan , Al Ansari Hamda , Mansour Khaled , Al Mannai Haya , Al Sada Hussein , Abu Shaikha Samya , Al Dosari Sharifa
Published: October 2013

A 50-year-old diabetic female presented with highly pruritic vesicles and excoriated lesions over the anterior aspect of both lower legs. The lesions were recurrent over the last two years. She received a lot of medications with partial response. Hb A1c was 10.8% (normal up to 7%). CBC showed microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Serum zinc, folate, IgE, TSH and T4 were all within normal ranges. Biopsy showed epidermal separation secondary to keratinocyte necrosis and minimal monocytic, perivascular infiltrate. Direct immunofluorescence was negative for intraepidermal and subepidremal deposition of immunoglobulin. The dermis was positive for mucin deposition stainable by both PAS and Alcian blue while it was negative for Congo red and APC immunoperoxidase staining for amyloid material. In conclusion, the case was diagnosed as bullosis diabeticorum by distinctive clinical and pathological features and after exclusion of other possible differentials. Pruritus was partially controlled by topical potent steroid and the case was resolved spontaneously after eight months.
Design, Development, and Optimization of Polymeric Based‐Colonic Drug Delivery System of Naproxen
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Chawla Anuj , Pawar Pravin
Published: October 2013

The aim of present investigation deals with the development of time‐dependent
and pH sensitive press‐coated tablets for colon specific drug delivery of naproxen.
The core tablets were prepared by wet granulation method then press coated with
hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) or Eudragit RSPO : RLPO mixture
and further coated with Eudragit S‐100 by dip immerse method. The in vitro drug
release study was conducted in different dissolution media such as pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4
with or without rat caecal content to simulate GIT conditions. Surface morphology and
cross‐sectional view of the tablets were visualized by scanning electron microscopy
(SEM). All prepared batches were in compliance with the pharmacopoeial standards.
The tablets which are compression coated with HPC followed by Eudragit S‐100 coated
showed highest in vitro drug release of 98.10% in presence of rat
caecal content. The SEM of tablets suggested that the number of pores got increased
in pH 7.4 medium followed by dissolution of coating layer. The tablets coat erosion study
suggested that the lag time depends upon the coating concentrations of polymers.
A time‐dependent hydrophilic polymer and pH sensitive polymer based press‐coated
tablets of naproxen were promising delivery for colon targeting.
Protective Effects of Necrostatin-1 against Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Hepatic Injury in Mice
Authors: Zhou Yingqun , Dai Weiqi , Lin Chunlei , Wang Fan , He Lei , Shen Miao , Chen Ping , Wang Chenfen , Lu Jie , Xu Ling , Xu Xuanfu , Guo Chuanyong
Published: October 2013

Objective.Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) inhibits receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) kinase and programmed necrosis. This study was designed to examine the protective effects and mechanisms of Nec-1 in concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced hepatitis in mice.Methods.C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ConA via tail vein injection and injected intraperitoneally with Nec-1 or vehicle. Levels of serum liver enzymes and histopathology were determined. Levels of inflammatory cytokines with ConA-induced hepatitis were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The expression of TNF-α, RIP1, and LC3 was detected with immunohistochemical staining. The expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL2, IL6, caspase 3, RIP1, beclin-1, and LC3 protein was assessed by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Autophagosomes were observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results.Amelioration in liver functions and histopathological changes and the suppression of inflammatory cytokine production were observed in Nec-1-injected mice. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL2, IL6, and RIP1 was significantly reduced in the Nec-1-injected mice, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Autophagosome formation was significantly reduced by Nec-1 treatment, as the expression of beclin-1 and LC3, determined with immunofluorescence and western blotting.Conclusion.These results demonstrate that Nec-1 prevents ConA-induced liver injury via RIP1-related and autophagy-related pathways.
A Higher Order Iterative Method for Computing the Drazin Inverse
Authors: Soleymani F. , Stanimirović Predrag S.
Published: October 2013

A method with high convergence rate for finding approximate inverses of nonsingular matrices is suggested
and established analytically. An extension of the introduced computational scheme to general square matrices is
defined. The extended method could be used for finding the Drazin inverse. The application of the scheme on large sparse test matrices alongside the use in preconditioning of linear system of equations will be presented to clarify the contribution of the paper.
A Nonlinear Consensus Protocol of Multiagent Systems Considering Measuring Errors
Authors: Wang Xiaochu , Zhao Kaichun , You Zheng , Zheng Lungui
Published: October 2013

In order to avoid a potential waste of energy during consensus controls in the case where there exist measurement uncertainties, a nonlinear protocol is proposed for multiagent systems under a fixed connected undirected communication topology and extended to both the cases with full and partial access a reference. Distributed estimators are utilized to help all agents agree on the understandings of the reference, even though there may be some agents which cannot access to the reference directly. An additional condition is also considered, where self-known configuration offsets are desired. Theoretical analyses of stability are given. Finally, simulations are performed, and results show that the proposed protocols can lead agents to achieve loose consensus and work effectively with less energy cost to keep the formation, which have illustrated the theoretical results.
Using Software Dependency to Bug Prediction
Authors: He Peng , Li Bing , Ma Yutao , He Lulu
Published: October 2013

Software maintenance, especially bug prediction, plays an important role in evaluating software quality and balancing development costs. This study attempts to use several quantitative network metrics to explore their relationships with bug prediction in terms of software dependency. Our work consists of four main steps. First, we constructed software dependency networks regarding five dependency scenes at the class-level granularity. Second, we used a set of nine representative and commonly used metrics—namely, centrality, degree, PageRank, and HITS, as well as modularity—to quantify the importance of each class. Third, we identified how these metrics were related to the proneness and severity of fixed bugs in Tomcat and Ant and determined the extent to which they were related. Finally, the significant metrics were considered as predictors for bug proneness and severity. The result suggests that there is a statistically significant relationship between class’s importance and bug prediction. Furthermore, betweenness centrality and out-degree metric yield an impressive accuracy for bug prediction and test prioritization. The best accuracy of our prediction for bug proneness and bug severity is up to 54.7% and 66.7% (top 50, Tomcat) and 63.8% and 48.7% (top 100, Ant), respectively, within these two cases.
A Fuzzy Rule for Improving the Performance of Multiobjective Job Dispatching in a Wafer Fabrication Factory
Authors: Chen Toly , Wang Yi-Chi
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes a fuzzy slack-diversifying fluctuation-smoothing rule to enhance the scheduling performance in a wafer fabrication factory. The proposed rule considers the uncertainty in the remaining cycle time and is aimed at simultaneous improvement of the average cycle time, cycle time standard deviation, the maximum lateness, and number of tardy jobs. Existing publications rarely discusse ways to optimize all of these at the same time. An important input to the proposed rule is the job remaining cycle time. To this end, this paper proposes a self-adjusted fuzzy back propagation network (SA-FBPN) approach to estimate the remaining cycle time of a job. In addition, a systematic procedure is also established, which can solve the problem of slack overlapping in a nonsubjective way and optimize the overall scheduling performance. The simulation study provides evidence that the proposed rule can improve the four performance measures simultaneously.