bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in participants with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial
Authors: Tazzyman Simon , Richards Nicholas , Trueman Andrew R , Evans Amy L , Grant Vicky A , Garaiova Iveta , Plummer Sue F , Williams Elizabeth A , Corfe Bernard M
Published: December 2015

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated or implicated with the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal conditions inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, as well as with depression. No trials or epidemiology studies to date have investigated a link with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A single case report has suggested a benefit in IBS of vitamin D supplementation. We hypothesised that IBS participants with vitamin D insufficiency would benefit from repletion in terms of their IBS symptoms. We undertook a pilot trial to provide data to support a power calculation and to justify a full trial.

Methods

This was a randomised, double blinded, three-arm parallel design trial of vitamin D, placebo or a combination of vitamin D and probiotics. Participants were further stratified according to whether they were vitamin D replete or insufficient. Vitamin D status was determined by blood test at baseline and exit; IBS symptoms were assessed by validated questionnaire; dietary intakes were assessed by food frequency questionnaire.

Results

A significant proportion of the IBS population were vitamin D deficient, such that the replete stratum could not be adequately recruited. There was a significant association in the baseline data between circulating vitamin D level and quality of life (“How much has IBS affected your life?”). Supplementation significantly improved vitamin D level versus placebo. IBS symptoms were not significantly improved in this pilot, although a power calculation was enabled from the intervention data.

Conclusions

The IBS population exhibits significant levels of vitamin D insufficiency and would benefit from screening and possible supplementation. The impact of IBS on quality of life may be reduced by vitamin D level. Future trials should have a sample size of over 97.

Trial registration number:

ICTRN 6116003917.
Isolation and characterization of yeasts associated with plants growing in heavy-metal- and arsenic-contaminated soils
Authors: Ramos-Garza Juan , Bustamante-Brito Rafael , Ángeles de Paz Gabriela , Medina-Canales Ma. Gabriela , Vásquez-Murrieta María Soledad , Wang En Tao , Rodríguez-Tovar Aída Verónica
Published: December 2015

Yeasts were quantified and isolated from the rhizospheres of 5 plant species grown at 2 sites of a Mexican region contaminated with arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals. Yeast abundance was about 102CFU/g of soil and 31 isolates were obtained. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of 26S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer fragment, 6 species were identified within the following 5 genera: Cryptococcus (80.64%), Rhodotorula (6.45%), Exophiala (6.45%), Trichosporon (3.22%), and Cystobasidium (3.22%). Cryptococcus spp. was the predominant group. Pectinases (51.6%), proteases (51.6%), and xylanases (41.9%) were the enzymes most common, while poor production of siderophores (16.1%) and indole acetic acid (9.67%) was detected. Isolates of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Cystobasidium sloffiae could promote plant growth and seed germination in a bioassay using Brassica juncea. Resistance of isolates by arsenic and heavy metals was as follows: As3+≥ 100 mmol/L, As5+≥ 30 mmol/L, Zn2+≥ 2 mmol/L, Pb2+≥ 1.2 mmol/L, and Cu2+≥ 0.5 mmol/L. Strains of Cryptococcus albidus were able to reduce arsenate (As5+) into arsenite (As3+), but no isolate was capable of oxidizing As3+. This is the first study on the abundance and identification of rhizosphere yeasts in a heavy-metal- and arsenic-contaminated soil, and of the reduction of arsenate by the species C. albidus.
Unraveling the effects of static magnetic field stress on cytosolic proteins ofSalmonellaby using a proteomic approach
Authors: Snoussi Sarra , El May Alya , Coquet Laurent , Chan Philippe , Jouenne Thierry , Dé Emmanuelle , Landoulsi Ahmed
Published: December 2015

The present study investigated the adaptation of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Hadar to static magnetic field (SMF) exposure (200 mT, 9 h). The proteomic analysis provides an overview of potentially important cytosolic proteins that Salmonella needs to regulate to survive and adapt to magnetic stress. Via 2-dimensional electrophoresis and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we compared cytosolic proteomes before and after exposure to magnetic field. A total of 35 proteins displaying more than a 2-fold change were differentially expressed in exposed cells, among which 25 were upregulated and 10 were downregulated. These proteins can be classified mainly into 6 categories: (i) proteins involved in metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, (ii) chaperones and proteins produced in response to oxidative stress, (iii) proteins involved in energy homeostasis, (iv) elongation factors (EF-Tu and EF-Ts), (v) proteins involved in motility, and (vi) proteins involved in molecules transport. Many of the presented observations could be explained, while some represent still-unknown mechanisms. In addition, this study reveals 5 hypothetical proteins. It seems that the stress response to SMF (200 mT) is essentially set up to avoid oxidative damages, with the overexpression of proteins directly involved in oxidative stress response and metabolic switches to counteract oxidative stress. Interestingly, several proteins induced under SMF exposure are found to overlap with those induced by other stresses, such as heat shock and starvation.
Fractional dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields
Authors: Coronel-Escamilla A. , Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Alvarado-Méndez E. , Guerrero-Ramírez G. V. , Escobar-Jiménez R. F.
Published: December 2015

In many physical applications the electrons play a relevant role. For example, when a beam of electrons accelerated to relativistic velocities is used as an active medium to generate Free Electron Lasers (FEL), the electrons are bound to atoms, but move freely in a magnetic field. The relaxation time, longitudinal effects and transverse variations of the optical field are parameters that play an important role in the efficiency of this laser. The electron dynamics in a magnetic field is a means of radiation source for coupling to the electric field. The transverse motion of the electrons leads to either gain or loss energy from or to the field, depending on the position of the particle regarding the phase of the external radiation field. Due to the importance to know with great certainty the displacement of charged particles in a magnetic field, in this work we study the fractional dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields. Newton’s second law is considered and the order of the fractional differential equation is [Formula: see text]. Based on the Grünwald–Letnikov (GL) definition, the discretization of fractional differential equations is reported to get numerical simulations. Comparison between the numerical solutions obtained on Euler’s numerical method for the classical case and the GL definition in the fractional approach proves the good performance of the numerical scheme applied. Three application examples are shown: constant magnetic field, ramp magnetic field and harmonic magnetic field. In the first example the results obtained show bistability. Dissipative effects are observed in the system and the standard dynamic is recovered when the order of the fractional derivative is 1.
Au doping effect on the electrical and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Mahmood Asif , Ramay Shahid Mahmood , Al-Zaghayer Yousef S. , AlHazaa A. N. , Al Masary Waheed A. , Atiq Shahid
Published: December 2015

Impurities free ferromagnetic [Formula: see text] was prepared via sol–gel auto-combustion method and then gold was doped with various concentrations 1, 3 and 5 wt.% using conventional deposition–precipitation method. All samples of [Formula: see text] with/without Au doping were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The room temperature magnetic hysteresis loops of all the samples were measured using a physical property measuring system (PPMS), and the results showed a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The results obtained confirmed the fabrication of magnetite–gold composite nanoparticles. The results showed that the resistance and the magnetic behavior of the samples decrease sharply with the increase of Au concentration indicating semiconducting behavior. The saturation magnetization [Formula: see text] of the bare [Formula: see text] sample (94.72 emu/g) is much higher than that (66.78 emu/g) of the 5 wt.% Au-doped [Formula: see text] sample.
Local community detection based on modularity metric G
Authors: Xia Zhengyou , Gao Xiangying , Zhang Xia
Published: December 2015

In complex network analysis, the local community detection problem is getting more and more attention. Because of the difficulty to get complete information of the network, such as the World Wide Web, the local community detection has been proposed by researcher. That is, we can detect a community from a certain source vertex with limited knowledge of an entire graph. The previous methods of local community detection now are more or less inadequate in some places. In this paper, we have proposed a new local modularity metric [Formula: see text] and based on it, a two-phase algorithm is proposed. The method we have taken is a greedy addition algorithm which means adding vertices into the community until [Formula: see text] does not increase. Compared with the previous methods, when our method is calculating the modularity metric, the range of vertices what we considered may affect the quality of the community detection wider. The results of experiments show that whether in computer-generated random graph or in the real networks, our method can effectively solve the problem of the local community detection.
On micro–macro-models for two-phase flow with dilute polymeric solutions — modeling and analysis
Authors: Grün G. , Metzger S.
Published: December 2015

By methods from nonequilibrium thermodynamics, we derive a diffuse-interface model for two-phase flow of incompressible fluids with dissolved noninteracting polymers. The polymers are modeled by dumbbells subjected to general elastic spring-force potentials including in particular Hookean and finitely extensible, nonlinear elastic (FENE) potentials. Their density and orientation are described by a Fokker–Planck-type equation which is coupled to a Cahn–Hilliard and a momentum equation for phase-field and gross velocity/pressure. Henry-type energy functionals are used to describe different solubility properties of the polymers in the different phases or at the liquid–liquid interface. Taking advantage of the underlying energetic/entropic structure of the system, we prove existence of a weak solution globally in time for the case of FENE-potentials. As a by-product in the case of Hookean spring potentials, we derive a macroscopic diffuse-interface model for two-phase flow of Oldroyd-B-type liquids.
Dynamical modeling and optimal control of landfills
Authors: Rapaport Alain , Bayen Terence , Sebbah Matthieu , Donoso-Bravo Andres , Torrico Alfredo
Published: December 2015

We propose a simple model of landfill and study a minimal time control problem where the re-circulation leachate is the manipulated variable. We propose a scheme to construct the optimal strategy by dividing the state space into three subsets [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the complementary. On [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the optimal control is constant until reaching target, while it can exhibit a singular arc outside these two subsets. Moreover, the singular arc could have a barrier. In this case, we prove the existence of a switching curve that passes through a point of prior saturation under the assumption that the set [Formula: see text] intersects the singular arc. Numerical computations allow then to determine the switching curve and depict the optimal synthesis.
Analytical and numerical investigation of traveling waves for the Allen–Cahn model with relaxation
Authors: Lattanzio Corrado , Mascia Corrado , Plaza Ramon G. , Simeoni Chiara
Published: December 2015

A modification of the parabolic Allen–Cahn equation, determined by the substitution of Fick’s diffusion law with a relaxation relation of Cattaneo–Maxwell type, is considered. The analysis concentrates on traveling fronts connecting the two stable states of the model, investigating both the aspects of existence and stability. The main contribution is the proof of the nonlinear stability of the wave, as a consequence of detailed spectral and linearized analyses. In addition, numerical studies are performed in order to determine the propagation speed, to compare it to the speed for the parabolic case, and to explore the dynamics of large perturbations of the front.
The two-dimensional Keller–Segel system with singular sensitivity and signal absorption: Global large-data solutions and their relaxation properties
Authors: Winkler Michael
Published: December 2015

We consider the chemotaxis system [Formula: see text] as originally introduced in 1971 by Keller and Segel in the second of their seminal works. This system constitutes a prototypical model for taxis-driven pattern formation and front propagation in various biological contexts such as tumor angiogenesis, but in the higher-dimensional context any global existence theory for large-data solutions is yet lacking. In this work it is shown that in bounded planar domains [Formula: see text] with smooth boundary, for all reasonably regular initial data [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the corresponding Neumann initial-boundary value problem possesses a global generalized solution. Thus particularly addressing arbitrarily large initial data, this goes beyond previously gained results asserting global existence of solutions only in spatial one-dimensional problems, or under certain smallness conditions on the initial data. The derivation of this result is based on a priori estimates for the quantities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in spatio-temporal [Formula: see text] spaces, where further boundedness and compactness properties are derived from the former by relying on the planar spatial setting in using an associated Moser–Trudinger inequality. Furthermore, some further boundedness and relaxation properties are derived, inter alia indicating that for any such solution we have [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] for all finite [Formula: see text], and that in an appropriate generalized sense the quantities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] eventually enter bounded sets in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, with diameters only determined by the total population size [Formula: see text]. Finally, some numerical experiments illustrate the analytically obtained results.
INVESTIGATION OF ANNEALING ATMOSPHERES ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CIGS FILMS GROWN BY ELECTRODEPOSITION TECHNIQUE
Authors: ADEL CHIHI , FETHI BOUJMIL MOHAMED , BRAHIM BESSAIS
Published: December 2015

The Editor has retracted the above article from its publication in Surface Review and Letters due to duplicate publication
CRITICAL SURFACE TENSION, CRITICAL SURFACE ENERGY AND PARACHOR OF MnSO3 THIN FILM
Authors: KARIPER İ. A.
Published: December 2015

This study examines the critical surface energy of manganese sulfite (MnSO[Formula: see text] crystalline thin film, produced via chemical bath deposition (CBD) on substrates. In addition, parachor, which is an important parameter of chemical physics, and its relationship with grain size, film thickness, etc., has been investigated for thin films. For this purpose, MnSO3 thin films were deposited at room temperature using different deposition times. Structural properties of the films, such as film thickness and average grain size, were examined using X-ray diffraction; film thickness and surface properties were measured by and atomic force microscope; and critical surface tension of MnSO3 thin films was measured with Optical Tensiometer and calculated using Zisman method. The results showed that critical surface tension and parachor of the films have varied with average grain size and film thickness. Critical surface tension was calculated as 32.97, 24.55, 21.03 and 12.76[Formula: see text]mN/m for 14.66, 30.84, 37.07 and 44.56[Formula: see text]nm grain sizes, respectively. Film thickness and average grain size have been increased with the deposition time and they were found to be negatively correlated with surface tension and parachor. The relationship between film thickness and parachor was found as [Formula: see text] whereas the relationship between average grain size and parachor was found as [Formula: see text] We also showed the relationships between parachor and some thin films parameters.
Ergodic and thermodynamic games
Authors: Souza Rafael Rigão
Published: December 2015

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be compact sets, and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be continuous maps. Let [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-invariant and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-invariant, be payoff functions for a game (in the usual sense of game theory) between players that have the set of invariant measures for [Formula: see text] (player 1) and [Formula: see text] (player 2) as possible strategies. Our goal here is to establish the notion of Nash equilibrium for the game defined by these payoffs and strategies. The main tools come from ergodic optimization (as we are optimizing over the set of invariant measures) and thermodynamic formalism (when we add to the integrals above the entropy of measures in order to define a second case to be explored). Both cases are ergodic versions of non-cooperative games. We show the existence of Nash equilibrium points with two independent arguments. One of the arguments deals with the case with entropy, and uses only tools of thermodynamical formalism, while the other, that works in the case without entropy but can be adapted to deal with both cases, uses the Kakutani fixed point. We also present examples and briefly discuss uniqueness (or lack of uniqueness). In the end, we present a different example where players are allowed to collaborate. This final example shows connections between cooperative games and ergodic transport.
On sharp characters of type {−1,3} or {−3,1}
Authors: Adhami S. Roghayeh , Iranmanesh Ali
Published: December 2015

For a character [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text], it is known that the product [Formula: see text] is a multiple of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the image of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] is said to be sharp of type [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the case [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] under the additional hypothesis [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], or C4, and [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text].
Some notes on the k-normal elements and k-normal polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Alizadeh Mahmood
Published: December 2015

Recently, the [Formula: see text]-normal elements over finite fields are defined and characterized by Huczynska et al. In this paper, we give a new characterization of [Formula: see text]-normal elements and define [Formula: see text]-normal polynomials over finite fields. In what follows, we show that the problem of existence of a primitive 1-normal element in [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], for all [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which has been stated by Huczynska et al., is not satisfied. Furthermore, we extend a recursive method given by Kyuregyan for constructing an infinite family of [Formula: see text]-polynomials, to constructing an infinite sequence of [Formula: see text]-normal polynomials over [Formula: see text].
On nonzero component graph of vector spaces over finite fields
Authors: Das Angsuman
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we study nonzero component graph [Formula: see text] of a finite-dimensional vector space [Formula: see text] over a finite field [Formula: see text]. We show that the graph is Hamiltonian and not Eulerian. We also characterize the maximal cliques in [Formula: see text] and show that there exists two classes of maximal cliques in [Formula: see text]. We also find the exact clique number of [Formula: see text] for some particular cases. Moreover, we provide some results on size, edge-connectivity and chromatic number of [Formula: see text].
Advances in high throughput DNA sequence data compression
Authors: Sardaraz Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad , Ikram Ataul Aziz
Published: December 2015

Advances in high throughput sequencing technologies and reduction in cost of sequencing have led to exponential growth in high throughput DNA sequence data. This growth has posed challenges such as storage, retrieval, and transmission of sequencing data. Data compression is used to cope with these challenges. Various methods have been developed to compress genomic and sequencing data. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of compression methods for genome and reads compression. Algorithms are categorized as referential or reference free. Experimental results and comparative analysis of various methods for data compression are presented. Finally, key challenges and research directions in DNA sequence data compression are highlighted.
Scattering of instantons, monopoles and vortices in higher dimensions
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana A.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we consider Yang–Mills theory on manifolds [Formula: see text] with a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Riemannian manifold [Formula: see text] of special holonomy admitting gauge instanton equations. Instantons are considered as particle-like solutions in [Formula: see text] dimensions whose static configurations are concentrated on [Formula: see text]. We study how they evolve in time when considered as solutions of the Yang–Mills equations on [Formula: see text] with moduli depending on time [Formula: see text]. It is shown that in the adiabatic limit, when the metric in the [Formula: see text] direction is scaled down, the classical dynamics of slowly moving instantons corresponds to a geodesic motion in the moduli space [Formula: see text] of gauge instantons on [Formula: see text]. Similar results about geodesic motion in the moduli space of monopoles and vortices in higher dimensions are briefly discussed.
Separation axioms under crossover operator and its generalized
Authors: El-Sharkasy M. M. , Shokry M.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this work is to construct a new crossover operator using the properties of DNA and RNA by using topological concepts in constructing flexible mathematical models in the field of biomathematics. Also, we investigate and study topological properties of the constructed operators and the associated topological spaces of DNA and RNA. Finally we use the process of exchange for sequence of genotypes structures to construct new types of topological concepts to investigate and discuss several examples and some of their properties.
Refractory Immunological Thrombocytopenia Purpura and Splenectomy in Pregnancy
Authors: Bernal-Macías Santiago , Fino-Velásquez Laura-Marcela , Vargas-Barato Felipe E. , Guerra-Galue Lucio , Reyes-Beltrán Benjamín , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana
Published: December 2015

Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count of less than 100,000 platelets per microlitre (mcL). Thrombocytopenia develops in approximately 6-7% of women during pregnancy and at least 3% of these cases are caused by immunological platelet destruction. Herein, we present a pregnant woman who develops at the first trimester autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura associated with positive antiphospholipid antibodies. The disease was refractory to pharmacological treatments but had a favourable response to splenectomy. The patient carried the pregnancy to term without complication and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
Successful Treatment of Persistent Postcholecystectomy Bile Leak Using Percutaneous Cystic Duct Coiling
Authors: Rai Vinay , Beckley Akin , Fabre Anna , Bellows Charles F.
Published: December 2015

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide. Cystic duct is the most common site of bile leak after cholecystectomy. The treatment of choice is usually conservative. Using sufficient percutaneous drainage of the biloma cavity and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and/or stenting, the cure rate of bile leaks is greater than 90%. In very rare cases, all of these measures remain unsuccessful. We report a technique for the successful treatment of persistent cystic duct leak. After failed ERCP and stenting, bile leak was treated by coiling the cystic duct through a drain tract. This technique is safe and effective and helps avoid the morbidity of reoperation.
Cyclicity of Special Operators on a BK with AK Space
Authors: Bagheri Leila , Yousefi Bahmann
Published: December 2015

Let Ω be a complex domain and let F be a reflexive BK space with AK such that F^⊂H(Ω) and the functional of evaluation at λ is bounded for all λ∈Ω. We will investigate the cyclicity for the adjoint of a weighted composition operator acting on F^.
Primary Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple
Authors: Pendse Avani A. , O’Connor Siobhan M.
Published: December 2015

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common cutaneous cancers; however, primary squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple is extremely rare. Among the few reported cases, the majority have occurred in older women with rare cases seen in younger women and male patients. Our patient presented with an exophytic mass of the right nipple while pregnant. A superficial biopsy was reviewed at an outside institution and then at our institution and diagnosed as squamous papilloma and then as hyperkeratosis of the nipple, respectively. The subsequent excisional biopsy revealed multiple nests of tumor cells extending into the dermis with associated chronic inflammatory infiltrate, and the lesion was diagnosed as a primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple. Following that, a wide local excision of the excision site and sampling of the regional lymph nodes were negative for carcinoma. Due to the rarity of this diagnosis, it is not known whether prognosis and response to therapy differ from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at other sites. Therefore, risk stratification and therapy have been based on those for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Public Transportation Hub Location with Stochastic Demand: An Improved Approach Based on Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making
Authors: Liu Sen , Song Zhilan , Zhong Shuqi
Published: December 2015

Urban public transportation hubs are the key nodes of the public transportation system. The location of such hubs is a combinatorial problem. Many factors can affect the decision-making of location, including both quantitative and qualitative factors; however, most current research focuses solely on either the quantitative or the qualitative factors. Little has been done to combine these two approaches. To fulfill this gap in the research, this paper proposes a novel approach to the public transportation hub location problem, which takes both quantitative and qualitative factors into account. In this paper, an improved multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and deviation is proposed to convert the qualitative factors of each hub into quantitative evaluation values. A location model with stochastic passenger flows is then established based on the above evaluation values. Finally, stochastic programming theory is applied to solve the model and to determine the location result. A numerical study shows that this approach is applicable and effective.
New Copper and Oxomolybdate Robson-Type Polynuclear Macrocyclic Complexes: Structure, Spectroscopy, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Nunes Marcelo Carpes , Ribeiro Marcos Antonio , Nunes Fábio Souza
Published: December 2015

The polynuclear complexes [Mo3O8(tidf)]·dmso·2H2O (1) and [{Cu2(tidf)}2(μ-Mo8O24)] (2) (tidf2−is a symmetrical tetraiminodiphenolate Robson-type macrocyclic ligand) were prepared from equimolar combinations of [Mg2(tidf)](NO3)2·4H2O, [MoO2Cl2(dmso)2] (for1) and complex1and Cu(ClO4)2·4H2O (for2) in acetonitrile. Molecular structures of both complexes were determined and showed atypical modes of coordination. A significant observation was the remarkable flexibility of the macrocycle ligand that effectively accommodated the steric demands of metal cations and the packing forces and showed a unique mode of coordination. Spectroscopic (UV-vis and FTIR) and redox properties are discussed.
Enhanced GSA-Based Optimization for Minimization of Power Losses in Power System
Authors: Chen Gonggui , Liu Lilan , Huang Shanwai
Published: December 2015

Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) is a heuristic method based on Newton’s law of gravitational attraction and law of motion. In this paper, to further improve the optimization performance of GSA, the memory characteristic of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed in GSAPSO for searching a better solution. Besides, to testify the prominent strength of GSAPSO, GSA, PSO, and GSAPSO are applied for the solution of optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) of power system. Conventionally, ORPD is defined as a problem of minimizing the total active power transmission losses by setting control variables while satisfying numerous constraints. Therefore ORPD is a complicated mixed integer nonlinear optimization problem including many constraints. IEEE14-bus, IEEE30-bus, and IEEE57-bus test power systems are used to implement this study, respectively. The obtained results of simulation experiments using GSAPSO method, especially the power loss reduction rates, are compared to those yielded by the other modern artificial intelligence-based techniques including the conventional GSA and PSO methods. The results presented in this paper reveal the potential and effectiveness of the proposed method for solving ORPD problem of power system.
Controlling the Melt Resistance to Flow as a Possibility of Improving the Miscibility and the Time Behavior of Some Blends Based on Starch
Authors: Dimonie Doina , Musat Miruna , Doncea Sanda Maria , Damian Celina Maria , Anton Liliana , Vasile Eugeniu , Trusca Roxana , Râpă Maria
Published: December 2015

The paper proves that the miscibility of some blends based on starch can be improved by finding for each of them the melt resistance to flow at which the nonstationary flow and the melt degradation are avoided and the developed shear rate homogenizes optimally the material composition. The obtained results show that, for process sensitive materials like starches, the border between good and less miscibility is so narrow that the window of melt processing conditions and the best formulation must be found for each of them. The improving of miscibility by controlling the melt resistance to flow proves to be a good method to prevent retrogradation and plasticizer leaching and so to handle the new compounds behavior during usage.
Modulation of Aromatase by Phytoestrogens
Authors: Lephart Edwin D.
Published: December 2015

The aromatase enzyme catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens in many human tissues. Estrogens are known to stimulate cellular proliferation associated with certain cancers and protect against adverse symptoms during the peri- and postmenopausal intervals. Phytoestrogens are a group of plant derived naturally occurring compounds that have chemical structures similar to estrogen. Since phytoestrogens are known to be constituents of animal/human food sources, these compounds have received increased research attention. Phytoestrogens may contribute to decreased cancer risk by the inhibition of aromatase enzyme activity and CYP19 gene expression in human tissues. This review covers (a) the aromatase enzyme (historical descriptions on function, activity, and gene characteristics), (b) phytoestrogens in their classifications and applications to human health, and (c) a chronological coverage of aromatase activity modulated by phytoestrogens from the early 1980s to 2015. In general, phytoestrogens act as aromatase inhibitors by (a) decreasing aromatase gene expression, (b) inhibiting the aromatase enzyme itself, or (c) in some cases acting at both levels of regulation. The findings presented herein are consistent with estrogen’s impact on health and phytoestrogen’s potential as anticancer treatments, but well-controlled, large-scale studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on breast cancer and age-related diseases.
Investigation of the Physical and Molecular Properties of Asphalt Binders Processed with Used Motor Oils
Authors: Ragab Mohyeldin , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: December 2015

In this work we investigated the performance aspects of addition of used motor oils (UMO) to neat and crumb rubber modified asphalts (CRMA) and related that to the change of molecular size distribution of modified asphalt’s fractions; asphaltenes, saturates, naphthene aromatics, and polar aromatics. Based on the results of temperature sweep viscoelastic tests, addition of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) alone or with UMO results in the formation of internal network within the modified asphalt. Based on the results of short and long term aged asphalts, the utilization of combination of UMO and CRM enhanced the aging behavior of asphalt. Bending beam rheometer was utilized to investigate the low temperature behavior of UMO modified asphalts. Based on those tests, the utilization of the UMO and CRM enhanced the low temperature properties of asphalts. Based on the results of the asphalt separation tests and the Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis, it was found that saturates and naphthene aromatics are the two asphalt fractions that have similar molecular size fractions as those of UMO. However, UMO only shifts the molecular sizes of saturates after interaction with asphalt. Results also show that polar aromatics pose higher molecular size structures than UMO.
Designing and Implementing a Competency-Based Training Program for Anesthesiology Residents at the University of Ottawa
Authors: Stodel Emma J. , Wyand Anna , Crooks Simone , Moffett Stéphane , Chiu Michelle , Hudson Christopher C. C.
Published: December 2015

Competency-based medical education is gaining traction as a solution to address the challenges associated with the current time-based models of physician training. Competency-based medical education is an outcomes-based approach that involves identifying the abilities required of physicians and then designing the curriculum to support the achievement and assessment of these competencies. This paradigm defies the assumption that competence is achieved based on time spent on rotations and instead requires residents to demonstrate competence. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has launched Competence by Design (CBD), a competency-based approach for residency training and specialty practice. The first residents to be trained within this model will be those in medical oncology and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in July, 2016. However, with approval from the RCPSC, the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Ottawa, launched an innovative competency-based residency training program July 1, 2015. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the program and offer a blueprint for other programs planning similar curricular reform. The program is structured according to the RCPSC CBD stages and addresses all CanMEDS roles. While our program retains some aspects of the traditional design, we have made many transformational changes.
A 14-Year-Old Boy with Torsion of the Epididymal Cyst
Authors: Ameli Mojtaba , Boroumand-Noughabi Samaneh , Gholami-Mahtaj Leila
Published: December 2015

Epididymal cyst is a benign mass in the scrotum that is relatively common in adults but it is rare in children. In routine experience the treatment of such cysts is conservative. Torsion of these cysts is extremely rare and the diagnosis is made by exploration of the scrotum. Our patient was a 14-year-old boy who has been referred to hospital with scrotal pain followed by a minor trauma 3 days ago. Exploration of the scrotum to rule out testicular rupture was performed and a large black cyst connected to the head of the epididymis with 720-degree rotation was found. The cyst was resected and pathologic examination revealed an acquired epididymal cyst (spermatocele). The patient has normal physical exam after 3 months’ follow-up.
Protective Effects ofStreblus asperLeaf Extract on H2O2-Induced ROS in SK-N-SH Cells and MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease-Like Symptoms in C57BL/6 Mouse
Authors: Singsai Kanathip , Akaravichien Tarinee , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Sattayasai Jintana
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the effects ofStreblus asperleaf extract (SA) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SK-N-SH cell culture and on motor functions and behaviors in MPTP-treated C57BL/6 mice. SK-N-SH cell viability after incubation with SA for 24 h was measured by MTT assay. Intracellular ROS levels of SK-N-SH cells were quantified after pretreatment with SA (0, 200, 600, and 1000 µg/mL) in the presence of H2O2(300 µM). Male C57BL/6 mice were force-fed with water or 200 mg/kg/day SA for 32 days. Intraperitoneal injection of MPTP was used to induce Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms. Catalepsy, beam balance ability, olfactory discrimination, social recognition, and spontaneous locomotor activity were assessed on days 19, 21, 23, 26, and 32, respectively. In cell culture, SA at 200, 600, and 1000 µg/mL significantly decreased ROS levels in H2O2-treated SK-N-SH cells. MPTP-treated C57BL/6 mice showed a significant change in all parameters tested when compared to the control group. Pretreatment and concurrent treatment with 200 mg/kg/day SA could antagonize the motor and cognitive function deficits induced by MPTP. The results show that SA possesses anti-Parkinson effects in MPTP-treated C57BL/6 mice and that reduction in ROS levels might be one of the mechanisms.
Tyrosine Is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Longitudinal Metabolomic Profiling of Obese Children
Authors: Hellmuth Christian , Kirchberg Franca Fabiana , Lass Nina , Harder Ulrike , Peissner Wolfgang , Koletzko Berthold , Reinehr Thomas
Published: December 2015

In obese children, hyperinsulinaemia induces adverse metabolic consequences related to the risk of cardiovascular and other disorders. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and acylcarnitines (Carn), involved in amino acid (AA) degradation, were linked to obesity-associated insulin resistance, but these associations yet have not been studied longitudinally in obese children. We studied 80 obese children before and after a one-year lifestyle intervention programme inducing substantial weight loss >0.5 BMI standard deviation scores in 40 children and no weight loss in another 40 children. At baseline and after the 1-year intervention, we assessed insulin resistance (HOMA index), fasting glucose, HbA1c, 2 h glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test, AA, and Carn. BMI adjusted metabolite levels were associated with clinical markers at baseline and after intervention, and changes with the intervention period were evaluated. Only tyrosine was significantly associated with HOMA (p<0.05) at baseline and end and with change during the intervention (p<0.05). In contrast, ratios depicting BCAA metabolism were negatively associated with HOMA at baseline (p<0.05), but not in the longitudinal profiling. Stratified analysis revealed that the children with substantial weight loss drove this association. We conclude that tyrosine alterations in association with insulin resistance precede alteration in BCAA metabolism. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT00435734.
Resveratrol Enhances Cardiomyocyte Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells through Inhibiting Canonical WNT Signal Pathway and Enhancing Serum Response Factor‐miR‐1 Axis
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Shaoli , Zhao Lihua , Zhang Yan , Li Qiuping , Chai Xiaoyan , Zhang Yongchun
Published: December 2015

Resveratrol (trans‐3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene) (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with protective effects over cardiac tissues and can affect cell survival and differentiation in cardiac stem cells transplantation. However, whether this agent can affect cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is not yet clear. This study explored whether RSV can affect CMs differentiation of human iPSCs. Under embryoid bodies (EBs) condition, the effect of RSV on the change of pluripotent markers, endoderm markers, mesoderm markers, and ectoderm markers was measured using qRT‐PCR. Under CM differentiation culture, the effect of RSV on CM specific markers was also measured. The regulative role of RSV over canonical Wnt signal pathway and serum response factor‐ (SRF‐) miR‐1 axis and the functions of these two axes were further studied. Results showed that RSV had no effect on the self‐renewal of human iPSCs but could promote mesoderm differentiation. Under CM differentiation culture, RSV could promote CM differentiation of human iPSCs through suppressing canonical Wnt signal pathway and enhancing SRF‐miR‐1 axis.
Role of Natural Stilbenes in the Prevention of Cancer
Authors: Sirerol J. Antoni , Rodríguez María L. , Mena Salvador , Asensi Miguel A. , Estrela José M. , Ortega Angel L.
Published: December 2015

Natural stilbenes are an important group of nonflavonoid phytochemicals of polyphenolic structure characterized by the presence of a 1,2‐diphenylethylene nucleus. Stilbenes have an extraordinary potential for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including cancer, due to their antioxidant, cell death activation, and anti‐inflammatory properties which associate with low toxicity under in vivo conditions. This review aims to discuss various approaches related to their mechanisms of action, pharmacological activities in animal models and humans, and potential chemoprevention in clinical studies. The biological activity of natural stilbenes is still incompletely understood. Furthermore, after administration to animals or humans, these molecules are rapidly metabolized. Thus pharmacokinetics and/or activities of the natural structures and their metabolites may be very different. Novel drug formulations have been postulated in order to improve stability and bioavailability, to minimize side effects, and to facilitate interaction with their domains in target proteins. These pharmacological improvements should lead stilbenes to become effective candidates as anticancer drugs.
3D Face Recognition Using Anthropometric and Curvelet Features Fusion
Authors: Song Dan , Luo Jing , Zi Chunyuan , Tian Huixin
Published: December 2015

Curvelet transform can describe the signal by multiple scales, and multiple directions. In order to improve the performance of 3D face recognition algorithm, we proposed an Anthropometric and Curvelet features fusion-based algorithm for 3D face recognition (Anthropometric Curvelet Fusion Face Recognition, ACFFR). First, the eyes, nose, and mouth feature regions are extracted by the Anthropometric characteristics and curvature features of the human face. Second, Curvelet energy features of the facial feature regions at different scales and different directions are extracted by Curvelet transform. At last, Euclidean distance is used as the similarity between template and objectives. To verify the performance, the proposed algorithm is compared with Anthroface3D and Curveletface3D on the Texas 3D FR database. The experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm performs well, with equal error rate of 1.75% and accuracy of 97.0%. The algorithm we proposed in this paper has better robustness to expression and light changes than Anthroface3D and Curveletface3D.
A Feedback Approach for QoS-Enhanced MAC in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Gao Ang , Hu Yansu
Published: December 2015

WSN as well as Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network (WMSN) has demands for QoS provision and differentiated service. The various types of data, such as video, voice, and network management, need to be periodically or best-effect transmitted. Since MAC layer forces the final physical medium accessing, it is the best choice to implement the QoS support for efficiency. This paper addresses the problem of QoS support in WSN from a renewed view of control theory and proposes FD-MAC architecture. By means of CSMA/CA, FD-MAC dynamically adjusts contention widow size according to the MAC frames’ priorities and their actual QoS metrics. The architecture can be modeled as a linear time-invariant system by system identification, and Least-Beat controller is designed to drive the system output to the desired value, which means the ratio of actual QoS metrics can be controlled to a prefixed value. The higher priorities enjoy a comparatively lower node-to-node delay while the lower priorities can still operate without being oversacrificed.
Maeridae from the Indo-Pacific: Elasmopus, Leeuwinella gen. nov., Maeropsis, Pseudelasmopus and Quadrimaera (Amphipoda: Crustacea)
Authors: HUGHES LAUREN E.
Published: December 2015

Twenty-two species of Maeridae including the new genus, Leeuwinella, and eight new species are described from Indo-Pacific waters. Leeuwinella mistakensis gen. et sp. nov. from southern Western Australia has dorsal carinae and serrate epimeral margins on pleonites 1–3 and mandibular palp article 3 concave; this significant combination of characters justifies erection of a new genus. Elasmopus coxacallus sp. nov., with a castelloserrate posterior margin of pereopod 7 presents a novel character for the genus, which contains over 100 described species. Elasmopus incomptus sp. nov. and E. norfolkensis sp. nov. are also described from Norfolk Island, South Pacific, while new distribution records are provided for E. gracilis Schellenberg, 1938, E. integer Myers, 1989, and E. molokai J.L. Barnard, 1970 from northwestern Australia, and E. souillacensis Appadoo & Myers, 2003, from the Kermadec Islands. New distribution records for Maeropsis griffini (Berents, 1983) from Bedout Island in Western Australia are the first of the species outside the Queensland type locality and new records of M. thetis (Lowry & Springthorpe, 2005) from mainland Australia to Tasmania and across the Tasman Sea extending its range. Pseudelasmopus walkerae sp. nov. is described from Norfolk Island, and is the second species recorded in the genus, previously known only from Mauritius. Lastly, three new Quadrimaera species, Q. gregoryi, Q. brownorum and Q. vallaris, along with eight known Quadrimaera species, are reported from various locations extending their distributions in the Indo-Pacific.