bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Oral Processing: Conversion of Food Structure to Textural Perception
Authors: Koç H. , Vinyard C.J. , Essick G.K. , Foegeding E.A.
Published: December 2012

Food oral processing includes all muscle activities, jaw movements, and tongue movements that contribute to preparing food for swallowing. Simultaneously, during the transformation of food structure to a bolus, a cognitive representation of food texture is formed. These physiological signals detected during oral processing are highly complex and dynamic in nature because food structure changes continuously due to mechanical and biochemical breakdown coupled with the lubricating action of saliva. Multiple and different sensations are perceived at different stages of the process. Although much work has focused on factors that determine mechanical (e.g., rheological and fracture) and sensory properties of foods, far less attention has been paid to linking food transformations that occur during oral processing with sensory perception of texture. Understanding how food structure influences specific patterns of oral processing and how these patterns relate to specific textural properties and their cognitive representations facilitates the design of foods that are nutritious, healthy, and enjoyable.
Multidimensional Attosecond Resonant X-Ray Spectroscopy of Molecules: Lessons from the Optical Regime
Authors: Mukamel Shaul , Healion Daniel , Zhang Yu , Biggs Jason D.
Published: December 2012

New free-electron laser and high-harmonic generation X-ray light sources are capable of supplying pulses short and intense enough to perform resonant nonlinear time-resolved experiments in molecules. Valence-electron motions can be triggered impulsively by core excitations and monitored with high temporal and spatial resolution. We discuss possible experiments that employ attosecond X-ray pulses to probe the quantum coherence and correlations of valence electrons and holes, rather than the charge density alone, building on the analogy with existing studies of vibrational motions using femtosecond techniques in the visible regime.
Fluctuations and Relaxation Dynamics of Liquid Water Revealed by Linear and Nonlinear Spectroscopy
Authors: Yagasaki Takuma , Saito Shinji
Published: December 2012

Many efforts have been devoted to elucidating the intra- and intermolecular dynamics of liquid water because of their important roles in many fields of science and engineering. Nonlinear spectroscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the dynamics. Because nonlinear response functions are described by more than one time variable, it is possible to analyze static and dynamic mode couplings. Here we review the intra- and intermolecular dynamics of liquid water revealed by recent linear and nonlinear spectroscopic experiments and computer simulations. In particular, we discuss the population relaxation, anisotropy decay, and spectral diffusion of the intra- and intermolecular motions of water and their temperature dependence, which play important roles in ultrafast dynamics and relaxations in water.
Computational Method for Global Sensitivity Analysis of Reactor Neutronic Parameters
Authors: Adetula Bolade A. , Bokov Pavel M.
Published: December 2012

The variance-based global sensitivity analysis technique is robust, has a wide range of applicability, and provides accurate sensitivity information for most models. However, it requires input variables to be statistically independent. A modification to this technique that allows one to deal with input variables that are blockwise correlated and normally distributed is presented. The focus of this study is the application of the modified global sensitivity analysis technique to calculations of reactor parameters that are dependent on groupwise neutron cross-sections. The main effort in this work is in establishing a method for a practical numerical calculation of the global sensitivity indices. The implementation of the method involves the calculation of multidimensional integrals, which can be prohibitively expensive to compute. Numerical techniques specifically suited to the evaluation of multidimensional integrals, namely, Monte Carlo and sparse grids methods, are used, and their efficiency is compared. The method is illustrated and tested on a two-group cross-section dependent problem. In all the cases considered, the results obtained with sparse grids achieved much better accuracy while using a significantly smaller number of samples. This aspect is addressed in a ministudy, and a preliminary explanation of the results obtained is given.
Multiple Solutions for a Fractional Difference Boundary Value Problem via Variational Approach
Authors: Xie Zuoshi , Jin Yuanfeng , Hou Chengmin
Published: December 2012

By establishing the corresponding variational framework and using the mountain pass theorem, linking theorem, and Clark theorem in critical point theory, we give the existence of multiple solutions for a fractional difference boundary value problem with parameter. Under some suitable assumptions, we obtain some results which ensure the existence of a well precise interval of
parameter for which the problem admits multiple solutions. Some examples are presented to illustrate the main results.
Intercostal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Formation after Irinotecan Transarterial Chemoembolization of a Spinal Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jourabchi Natanel , Sauk Steven , Hoffman Cheryl , Lee Edward Wolfgang , Kee Stephen Thomas
Published: December 2012

Over the past decade, irinotecan has become one of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Recently, irinotecan has been administered transarterially in order to perform chemoembolization in the liver. In the limited number of reports available to date using this approach, serious adverse effects have not yet been reported. In this paper, we describe the formation of an intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm after transarterial chemoembolization with irinotecan-eluting beads in a patient with spinal metastasis from colorectal cancer.
Research on Nonlinear Feature of Electrical Resistance of Acupuncture Points
Authors: Wei Jianzi , Mao Huijuan , Zhou Yu , Wang Lina , Liu Sheng , Shen Xueyong
Published: December 2012

A highly sensitive volt-ampere characteristics detecting system was applied to measure the volt-ampere curves of nine acupuncture points, LU9, HT7, LI4, PC6, ST36, SP6, KI3, LR3, and SP3, and corresponding nonacupuncture points bilaterally from 42 healthy volunteers. Electric currents intensity was increased from 0 μA to 20 μA and then returned to 0 μA again. The results showed that the volt-ampere curves of acupuncture points had nonlinear property and magnetic hysteresis-like feature. On all acupuncture point spots, the volt-ampere areas of the increasing phase were significantly larger than that of the decreasing phase (P<0.01). The volt-ampere areas of ten acupuncture point spots were significantly smaller than those of the corresponding nonacupuncture point spots when intensity was increase (P<0.05~P<0.001). And when intensity was decrease, eleven acupuncture point spots showed the same property as above (P<0.05~P<0.001), while two acupuncture point spots showed opposite phenomenon in which the areas of two acupuncture point spots were larger than those of the corresponding nonacupuncture point spots (P<0.05~P<0.01). These results show that the phenomenon of low skin resistance does not exist to all acupuncture points.
Free Intra-Abdominal Air without Peritoneal Perforation after TEM: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Franken Rutger J. , Moes Daan E. , Acherman Yair I. Z. , Derksen Eric J.
Published: December 2012

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive treatment modality for a variety of rectal lesions. Due to its minimally invasive nature, TEM has emerged as a safe method. Among most threatening complications are hemorrhage and peritoneal perforation. We report on two patients who demonstrated intra-abdominal free air on an erect chest X-ray after TEM procedure without other findings of a pneumoperitoneum. We hypothesize that due to the combination of elevated pressures in the retroperitoneal cavity and decreased integrity of the retroperitoneal barrier, insufflated CO2gas can diffuse into the intraperitoneal cavity. Conservative treatment should be considered in patients with free intra-abdominal air postoperatively. However, there should be no suspicion of peritoneal entry during the procedure and the patient should be in generally good condition without severe abdominal symptoms.
Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia Caused by Primary Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Secreting Neoplasm in Axial Skeleton: A Case Report
Authors: Gandhi Gunjan Y. , Shah Aashish A. , Wu Kevin J. , Gupta Vivek , Shoraka Ali Reza
Published: December 2012

We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) caused by fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) secreting mesenchymal tumor localized in a lumbar vertebra and review other cases localized to the axial skeleton. She presented with nontraumatic low back pain and spontaneous bilateral femur fractures. Laboratory testing was remarkable for low serum phosphorus, phosphaturia, and significantly elevated serum FGF-23 level. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine showed a focal lesion in the L-4 vertebra which was hypermetabolic on positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A computed tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy showed a low grade spindle cell neoplasm with positive FGF-23 mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), confirming the diagnosis of a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor mixed connective tissue variant (PMTMCT). The patient elected to have surgery involving anterior resection of L-4 vertebra with subsequent normalization of serum phosphorus. Including the present case, we identified 12 cases of neoplasms localized to spine causing TIO. To our knowledge, this paper represents the first documented case of lumbar vertebra PMT causing TIO. TIO is a rare metabolic bone disorder that carries a favorable prognosis. When a lesion is identifiable, surgical intervention is typically curative.
Long-Term Oral Administration ofCapsicum baccatumExtracts Does Not Alter Behavioral, Hematological, and Metabolic Parameters in CF1 Mice
Authors: Zimmer Aline Rigon , Leonardi Bianca , Zimmer Eduardo Rigon , Kalinine Eduardo , de Souza Diogo Onofre , Portela Luis Valmor , Gosmann Grace
Published: December 2012

Our group showed that crude ethanol (CE) and butanol (BUT) extracts ofCapsicum baccatumpresented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the flavonoid and total phenolic contents were positively correlated with both of these properties observed forC. baccatumextracts. The present study demonstrated that 60 days of oral administration of CE and BUT (200 mg/kg) in mice did not cause significant differences in the following parameters evaluated: hematological profile, body weight and relative weight of visceral organs, systemic lipid profile, glucose homeostasis (GTT), kidney and hepatic biochemical markers, and spontaneous locomotion and anxiety-like behavior. Altogether, these results indicate for the first time that the long-term oral administration ofC. baccatumextracts does not affect specific aspects of CF1 mice physiology, suggesting their safety, building up the venue to test their efficacy in animal models underlying persistent activation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Neurofilament Heavy Chain Levels in Immune-Mediated Optic Neuropathies
Authors: Petzold Axel , Plant Gordon T.
Published: December 2012

Background. Loss of visual function differs between immune-mediated optic neuropathies and is related to axonal loss in the optic nerve. This study investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of a biomarker for neurodegeneration, the neurofilament heavy chain (NfH) in three immune-mediated optic neuropathies.Methods. A prospective, longitudinal study including patients with optic neuritis due to multiple sclerosis (MSON,n=20), chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuritis (CRION,n=19), neuromyelitis optica (NMO,n=9), and healthy controls (n=28). Serum NfH-SMI35 levels were quantified by ELISA.Findings. Serum NfH-SMI35 levels were highest in patients with NMO (mean0.79±1.51 ng/mL) compared to patients with CRION (0.13±0.16 ng/mL,P=0.007), MSON (0.09±0.09,P=0.008), and healthy controls (0.01±0.02 ng/mL,P=0.001). High serum NfH-SMI35 levels were related to poor visual outcome.Conclusions. Blood NfH-SMI35 levels are of moderate diagnostic and more important prognostic value in immune-mediated optic neuropathies. We speculate that longitudinal blood NfH levels may help to identify particular disabling events in relapsing conditions.
A Parallel Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Economic/Environmental Power Dispatch
Authors: Li Jinchao , Li Jinying , Niu Dongxiao , Wu Yunna
Published: December 2012

A parallel adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (PAPSO) is proposed for economic/environmental power dispatch, which can overcome the premature characteristic, the slow‐speed convergence in the late evolutionary phase, and lacking good direction in particles’ evolutionary process. A search population is randomly divided into several subpopulations. Then for each subpopulation, the optimal solution is searched synchronously using the proposed method, and thus parallel computing is realized. To avoid converging to a local optimum, a crossover operator is introduced to exchange the information among the subpopulations and the diversity of population is sustained simultaneously. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve the economic/environmental operation problem of hydropower generating units. Performance comparisons show that the solution from the proposed method is better than those from the conventional particle swarm algorithm and other optimization algorithms.
Morphologic and Functional Effects of Gamma Secretase Inhibition on Splenic Marginal Zone B Cells
Authors: de Vera Mudry Maria Cristina , Regenass-Lechner Franziska , Ozmen Laurence , Altmann Bernd , Festag Matthias , Singer Thomas , Müller Lutz , Jacobsen Helmut , Flohr Alexander
Published: December 2012

Theγ-secretase complex is a promising target in Alzheimer’s disease because of its role in the amyloidogenic processing ofβ-amyloid precursor protein. This enzyme also catalyzes the cleavage of Notch receptor, resulting in the nuclear translocation of intracellular Notch where it modulates gene transcription. Notch signaling is essential in cell fate decisions during embryogenesis, neuronal differentiation, hematopoiesis, and development of T and B cells, including splenic marginal zone (MZ) B cells. This B cell compartment participates in the early phases of the immune response to blood-borne bacteria and viruses. Chronic treatment with the oralγ-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 resulted in dose-dependent decreased cellularity (atrophy) of the MZ of rats and mice. Significant decreases in relative MZ B-cell numbers of RO4929097-treated animals were confirmed by flow cytometry. Numbers of MZ B cells reverted to normal after a sufficient RO4929097-free recovery period. Functional characterization of the immune response in relation to RO4929097-related MZ B cell decrease was assessed in mice vaccinated with inactivated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Compared with the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A, RO4929097 caused only mild and reversible delayed early neutralizing IgM and IgG responses to VSV. Thus, the functional consequence of MZ B cell decrease on host defense is comparatively mild.
-Secretase Modulators: Can We Combine Potency with Safety?
Authors: Gijsen Harrie J. M. , Mercken Marc
Published: December 2012

-Secretase modulation has been proposed as a potential disease modifying anti-Alzheimer’s approach. -Secretase modulators (GSMs) cause a product shift from the longer amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide isoforms to shorter, more soluble, and less amyloidogenic isoforms, without inhibiting APP or Notch proteolytic processing. As such, modulating -secretase may avoid some of the adverse effects observed with -secretase inhibitors. Since the termination of the GSM tarenfurbil in 2008 due to negative phase III trial results, a considerable progress has been made towards more potent and better brain penetrable compounds. However, an analysis of their lipophilic efficiency indices indicates that their increased potency can be largely attributed to their increased lipophilicity. The need for early and chronic dosing with GSMs will require high-safety margins. This will be a challenge to achieve with the current, highly lipophilic GSMs. We will demonstrate that by focusing on the drug-like properties of GSMs, a combination of highin vitropotency and reduced lipophilicity can be achieved and does result in better tolerated compounds. The next hurdle will be to translate this knowledge into GSMs which are highly efficacious and safein vivo.
Synthesis and Studies on S-Triazine-Based Ligand and Its Metal Complexes
Authors: Shanmugakala R. , Tharmaraj P. , Sheela C. D. , Anitha C.
Published: December 2012

Tridentate chelate complexes of ML type (where M = Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II)) have been synthesized from triazine-based ligand 4,6-bis(5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazol-amine)2-phenylamino-1,3,5-triazine (BMTDT). Microanalytical data, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, 1H NMR, UV-vis, mass, and EPR spectral techniques were used to characterise the structure of chelates. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that metal complexes show square pyramidal geometry. The electrochemical behavior of copper(II) complex is studied by cyclic voltammetry. All synthesized compounds may serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. The second harmonic generation efficiency (SHG) of the ligand and metal complexes has been found to be higher than that of urea and KDP. The antimicrobial activity of the ligand and metal(II) complexes against the species Shigella, Chromobacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger has been carried out and compared with the standard one.
Impact of Peripheral Arterial Disease on Functional Limitation in Congestive Heart Failure: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004)
Authors: Adesunloye Bamidele A. , Valadri Ravinder , Mbaezue Nkechi M. , Onwuanyi Anekwe E.
Published: December 2012

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often coexists with congestive heart failure (CHF) and can be masked by symptoms of CHF such as functional limitation (FL), a common manifestation for both. Therefore, we sought to estimate the prevalence of PAD and its independent association with FL in CHF.Methods.We conducted a cross-sectional study on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2004 to quantify weighted prevalence of CHF and PAD. Study cohort consisted of 7513, with ankle brachial index (ABI) measurements at baseline. Independent association of PAD (ABI ≤ 0.9) with FL in CHF was determined with multivariate logistic regression (MVLR).Results.Overall weighted PAD prevalence was 5.2%. CHF was present in 305 participants, and the weighted prevalence of PAD in this subgroup was 19.2%. When compared, participants with CHF and PAD were more likely to be older (P<0.001), hypertensive (P=0.005) and hypercholesterolemic (P=0.013) than participants with CHF alone. MVLR showed that PAD (adjusted OR = 5.15; 95% CI: 2.2, 12.05:P<0.05) and arthritis (adjusted OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.10, 5.06: P<0.05) were independently associated with FL in CHF.Conclusion.Independent association of PAD with FL suggests the need for reinforced screening for PAD in individuals with CHF.
Peptide-Modulated Activity Enhancement of Acidic Protease Cathepsin E at Neutral pH
Authors: Komatsu Masayuki , Biyani Madhu , Ghimire Gautam Sunita , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: December 2012

Enzymes are regulated by their activation and inhibition. Enzyme activators can often be effective tools for scientific and medical purposes, although they are more difficult to obtain than inhibitors. Here, using the paired peptide method, we report on protease-cathepsin-E-activating peptides that are obtained at neutral pH. These selected peptides also underwent molecular evolution, after which their cathepsin E activation capability improved. Thus, the activators we obtained could enhance cathepsin-E-induced cancer cell apoptosis, which indicated their potential as cancer drug precursors.
Integrated Remote Sensing and Geophysical Investigations of the Geodynamic Activities at Lake Magadi, Southern Kenyan Rift
Authors: Komolafe Akinola Adesuji , Kuria Zacharia Njuguna , Woldai Tsehaie , Noomen Marleen , Anifowose Adeleye Yekini Biodun
Published: December 2012

The tectonic lineaments and thermal structure of Lake Magadi, southern Kenyan rift system, were investigated using ASTER data and geophysical methods. Five N-S faults close to known hot springs were identified for geoelectric ground investigation. Aeromagnetic data were employed to further probe faults at greater depths and determine the Curie-point depth. Results indicate a funnel-shaped fluid-filled (mostly saline hydrothermal) zone with relatively low resistivity values of less than 1 Ω-m, separated by resistive structures to the west and east, to a depth of 75 m along the resistivity profiles. There was evidence of saline hydrothermal fluid flow toward the surface through the fault splays. The observed faults extend from the surface to a depth of 7.5 km and are probably the ones that bound the graben laterally. They serve as major conduits for the upward heat flux in the study area. The aeromagnetics spectral analysis also revealed heat source emplacement at a depth of about 12 km. The relative shallowness implies a high geothermal gradient evidenced in the surface manifestations of hot springs along the lake margins. Correlation of the heat source with the hypocenters showed that the seismogenetic zone exists directly above the magmatic intrusion, forming the commencement of geodynamic activities.
Transient and Stationary Losses in a Finite‐Buffer Queue with Batch Arrivals
Authors: Chydzinski Andrzej , Adamczyk Blazej
Published: December 2012

We present an analysis of the number of losses, caused by the buffer overflows, in a finite‐buffer queue with batch arrivals and autocorrelated interarrival times. Using the batch Markovian arrival process, the formulas for the average number of losses in a finite time interval and the stationary loss ratio are shown. In addition, several numerical examples are presented, including illustrations of the dependence of the number of losses on the average batch size, buffer size, system load, autocorrelation structure, and time.
Anti-Integrin Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kawamoto Eiji , Nakahashi Susumu , Okamoto Takayuki , Imai Hiroshi , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: December 2012

Integrins are the foremost family of cell adhesion molecules that regulate immune cell trafficking in health and diseases. Integrin alpha4 mediates organ-specific migration of immune cells to the inflamed brain, thereby playing the critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Anti-alpha4 integrin therapy aiming to block infiltration of autoreactive lymphocytes to the inflamed brain has been validated in several clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This paper provides readers with an overview of the molecular and structural bases of integrin activation as well as rationale for using anti-alpha4 integrin therapy for multiple sclerosis and then chronicles the rise and fall of this treatment strategy using natalizumab, a humanized anti-alpha4 integrin.
Multiscale Point Correspondence Using Feature Distribution and Frequency Domain Alignment
Authors: Zhao Zeng-Shun , Feng Xiang , Teng Sheng-Hua , Li Yi-Bin , Zhang Chang-Shui
Published: December 2012

In this paper, a hybrid scheme is proposed to find the reliable point‐correspondences between two images, which combines the distribution of invariant spatial feature description and frequency domain alignment based on two‐stage coarse to fine refinement strategy. Firstly, the source and the target images are both down‐sampled by the image pyramid algorithm in a hierarchical multi‐scale way. The Fourier‐Mellin transform is applied to obtain the transformation parameters at the coarse level between the image pairs; then, the parameters can serve as the initial coarse guess, to guide the following feature matching step at the original scale, where the correspondences are restricted in a search window determined by the deformation between the reference image and the current image; Finally, a novel matching strategy is developed to reject the false matches by validating geometrical relationships between candidate matching points. By doing so, the alignment parameters are refined, which is more accurate and more flexible than a robust fitting technique. This in return can provide a more accurate result for feature correspondence. Experiments on real and synthetic image‐pairs show that our approach provides satisfactory feature matching performance.
A Rare Complication of Tuberculous Meningitis Pediatric Anterior Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Bilsel Kerem , Erdil Mehmet , Elmadag Mehmet , Ceylan Hasan H. , Celik Derya , Tuncay Ibrahim
Published: December 2012

Dislocation and instability of the shoulder joint are rare occurrences in childhood. Traumatic, infectious, congenital, and neuromuscular causes of pediatric recurrent shoulder dislocations are reported before. Central nervous system infection in infancy may be a reason for shoulder instability during childhood. This situation, which causes a disability for children, can be treated successfully with arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder and postoperative effective rehabilitation protocols. Tuberculous meningitis may be a reason for neuromuscular shoulder instability. We describe a 12-year-old child with a recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder, which developed after tuberculous meningitis at 18 months of age. We applied arthroscopic treatment and stabilized the joint.
C*-Algebras Generated by a System of Unilateral Weighted Shifts and Their Application
Authors: Koca Beyaz Basak , Sadik Nazim
Published: December 2012

We study the structureC∗-algebras generated by a system of unilateral weighted shifts. Finally the obtained results are applied to a class of integral equations.
Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Report and Narrative Review
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Pinkawa Michael
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer is under discussion. Differences between clinical and pathological staging and risk factors such as positive surgical margins and seminal vesicle involvement challenge the individual treatment decisions.Case Presentation. Clinical tumor stage before treatment was assessed to be T2. After radical prostatectomy, pathological examination revealed the stage pT3b N0 M0 including positive surgical margin and seminal vesicle involvement. Early adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and late adjuvant radiation therapy were added in response to the pathological risk factors. No evidence of disease was observed for 15 years after the treatment. The unexpected pathological findings were not explained by the physicians in charge.Discussion. A narrative review of the recent literature showed that multiple treatment modalities including adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy are consistent with current recommendations. The multimodal approach has possibly cured a high-risk patient and may also work successfully in other patients. An alternative treatment option with better preservation of health-related quality of life might have also achieved a similar good overall survival.
Pedestrian Walking Behavior Revealed through a Random Walk Model
Authors: Xiong Hui , Yao Liya , Tan Huachun , Wang Wuhong
Published: December 2012

This paper applies method of continuous‐time random walks for pedestrian flow simulation. In the model, pedestrians can walk forward or backward and turn left or right if there is no block. Velocities of pedestrian flow moving forward or diffusing are dominated by coefficients. The waiting time preceding each jump is assumed to follow an exponential distribution. To solve the model, a second‐order two‐dimensional partial differential equation, a high‐order compact scheme with the alternating direction implicit method, is employed. In the numerical experiments, the walking domain of the first one is two‐dimensional with two entrances and one exit, and that of the second one is two‐dimensional with one entrance and one exit. The flows in both scenarios are one way. Numerical results show that the model can be used for pedestrian flow simulation.
Kidney Transplant in a 26-Year-Old Nigerian Patient with Sickle Cell Nephropathy
Authors: Okafor U. H. , Wachukwu C. , Emem-Chioma P. , Wokoma F. S.
Published: December 2012

Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It has variable presentation, ranging from hyposthenuria to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Management of ESRD in SCD patients is froth with multiple challenges which has potential to impact negatively the outcome of the patient. Kidney transplant is the preferred renal replacement therapy in these patients. The objective of this case study is to report kidney transplant in a Nigerian young man with sickle cell nephropathy and to highlight the outcome and the challenges to kidney transplant in this patient. The index case is a 26-years-old sickle cell disease patient with ESRD complicated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, and infective challenges. These conditions were controlled, and the patient had a successful live-related kidney transplant. Kidney transplant is a viable option for sickle cell disease patients with ESRD.
Principles of Periocular Reconstruction following Excision of Cutaneous Malignancy
Authors: Hayano Scott M. , Whipple Katherine M. , Korn Bobby S. , Kikkawa Don O.
Published: December 2012

Reconstruction of periocular defects following excision of cutaneous malignancy can present difficulties for oculofacial and reconstructive surgeons. The intricate anatomy of the eyelids and face requires precise restoration in order to avoid postoperative functional anesthetic concerns. Various reconstructive procedures based on common principles, location and size of the defect, can be applied to achieve restoration with the best possible functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Local Fractional Fourier Series with Application to Wave Equation in Fractal Vibrating String
Authors: Hu Ming-Sheng , Agarwal Ravi P. , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2012

We introduce the wave equation in fractal vibrating string in the framework of the local fractional calculus. Our particular attention is devoted to the technique of the local fractional Fourier series for processing these local fractional differential operators in a way accessible to applied scientists. By applying this technique we derive the local fractional Fourier series solution of the local fractional wave equation in fractal vibrating string and show the fundamental role of the Mittag‐Leffler function.
Entry, Competition, and Regulation in Cognitive Radio Scenarios: A Simple Game Theory Model
Authors: Guijarro Luis , Pla Vicent , Vidal Jose R. , Martinez-Bauset Jorge
Published: December 2012

Spectrum management based on private commons is argued to be a realistic scenario for cognitive radio deployment within the current mobile market structure. A scenario is proposed
where a secondary entrant operator leases spectrum from a primary incumbent operator. The secondary operator innovates incorporating cognitive radio technology, and it competes in quality of service and price against the primary operator in order to provide service to users. We aim to assess which benefit users get from the entry of secondary operators in the market. A game theory‐based model for analyzing both the competition between
operators and the subscription decision by users is proposed. We conclude that an entrant operator adopting an innovative technology is better off entering the market, and that a regulatory authority should intervene first allowing the entrant operator to enter the market and then setting a maximum amount of spectrum leased. This regulatory intervention is justified in terms of users utility and social welfare.
Information Updating in Working Memory: Its Effect on Teacher Efficacy
Authors: Tao Jun
Published: December 2012

Teacher efficacy has a great impact on effective teaching and has been studied in various perspectives. The updating information ability in working memory is always related with many capabilities of cognition. An experiment of N-back task and a questionnaire of teacher efficacy were conducted in this study to test the effect of the ability of information updating in working memory on the teacher efficacy. A significant difference was found in the reaction time between high teacher efficacy group and low teacher efficacy group. The results showed that teachers who scored higher in the teacher efficacy scale tended to react faster than those who scored lower based on the same accuracy. And the updating information ability could serve as a predictor of teacher efficacy.
Mathematical Morphology for Color Images: An Image‐Dependent Approach
Authors: Benavent Xaro , Dura Esther , Vegara Francisco , Domingo Juan
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes one possibility to generalize the morphological operations (particularly, dilation, erosion, opening, and closing) to color images. First, properties of a desirable generalization are stated and a brief review is done on former approaches. Then, the method is explained, which is based on a total ordering of the colors in an image induced by its color histogram; this is valid for just one image and may present problems in smoothly coloured images. To solve these drawbacks a refinement consisting of smoothing the histogram and using a joint histogram of several images is presented. Results of applying the so‐defined morphological operations on several sets of images are shown and discussed.
Vertical Vibration Model for Unsteady Lubrication in Rolls-Strip Interface of Cold Rolling Mills
Authors: Yang Xu , Li Qing , Tong Chao-nan , Liu Qi-han
Published: December 2012

According to the vertical vibration phenomena existing in cold rolling mills, the unsteady lubrication mechanism in roll gap and its influence to rolling stability was chosen as the case for analysis. On the basis of rolling theory, lubrication and friction theory, and mechanic vibration theory, the vertical vibration model for unsteady lubrication in rolls-strip interface was presented. The Geometry model of roll gap, the unsteady lubrication model of roller-strip working interface, the distribution model of normal rolling stress and friction stress, and the rolling vertical structure model were taken into account. Based on the rolling equipment and process parameters of aluminium mill, the rolling force curve and dynamic response of working roll displacement variation was simulated on Matlab/Simulink platform. A comparison with actual production data shows the validity of this vibration model.
Fused Double Supernumerary Premolars of the Mandible: A Rare Case
Authors: Dawasaz Ali Azhar , Sadatullah Syed , Bokhari Syed Kamran
Published: December 2012

The incidence of nonsyndromic supernumerary premolars is rare. Supernumerary premolars are likely to undergo pathological changes. The most commonly encountered complications with these teeth are dentigerous cyst and root resorption of the adjacent tooth. This paper is about impacted double fused supernumerary premolars in the right mandiblular body associated with an impacted first premolar in a 17-year-old male. Under local anesthesia, the supernumerary premolars and the impacted permanent first premolar were surgically removed. Early diagnosis followed by an appropriate treatment at the right time will result in favorable prognosis in such cases.
Triple Teeth: Report of an Unusual Case
Authors: Babaji Prashant , Prasanth M. A. , Gowda Ajith R. , Ajith Soumya , D'Souza Henston , Ashok K. P.
Published: December 2012

Fusion or synodontia is a union of two or more than two developing teeth. Commonly fusion occurs between teeth of the same dentition, mixed dentition, or between normal and supernumerary teeth. Fused primary teeth present with several clinical problems like caries, periodontal problem, arch asymmetry, delayed eruption, ectopic eruption of succedaneous teeth, aesthetic, and other complications. This paper presents a rare and unusual case of triple teeth in mandibular primary dentition.
New Developments in Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Micropollutants
Authors: Sosa-Ferrera Zoraida , Mahugo-Santana Cristina , Santana-Rodríguez José Juan
Published: December 2012

The combination of liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry (MS) in the environmental field has appeared as a valuable tool for the determination of micropollutants. Several groups of compounds have been considered as particularly relevant (e.g., pharmaceuticals, hormones and other endocrine-disrupting, personal care products and their metabolites, flame retardants, surfactants, and plasticizers, among others) since the same ones are continuously being released in the environment mainly as a result of the manufacturing processes, the disposal of unused or expired products, and the excreta. Because these micropollutants are not completely removed in the environment, very specific and sensitive analytical procedures are needed for their identification and quantification. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (or LC-MS2) and especially time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF/MS), has allowed that many environmental contaminants that are highly polar or nonvolatile or have a high molecular weight to be analyzed or identified. In this work we present an overview focused on the developments of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry applied to the analysis of the main classes of micropollutants in aqueous and solid environmental samples. Various aspects of methodologies based on these techniques, including sample preparation (extraction/preconcentration) and matrix effects, are discussed.
Clinical Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine in Congolese Children with Acute Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Brazzaville
Authors: Ndounga Mathieu , Tahar Rachida , Casimiro Prisca N. , Loumouamou Dieudonné , Basco Leonardo K.
Published: December 2012

The Republic of the Congo adopted artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in 2006: artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine as the first-line and second-line drugs, respectively. The baseline efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine was evaluated between March and July 2006 in Brazzaville, the capital city of Congo. Seventy-seven children aged between 6 months and 10 years were enrolled in a nonrandomized study. The children were treated under supervision with 6 doses of artemether-lumefantrine and followed up for 28 days in accordance with the 2003 World Health Organization guideline. Pretreatment (i.e., day 0) and recrudescent Plasmodium falciparum isolates between day 14 and day 28 were compared by the polymerase chain reaction to distinguish between true recrudescence and reinfection. The overall cure rate on day 28 was 96.9% after PCR correction. Reported adverse effects included pruritus and dizziness. Artemether-lumefantrine was highly efficacious in Brazzaville.
Levels of Interferon-Gamma Increase after Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a High-Transmission Setting
Authors: Takenami Iukary , Finkmoore Brook , Machado Almério , Emodi Krisztina , Riley Lee W. , Arruda Sérgio
Published: December 2012

Objectives. We investigated IFN-γlevels before and after a six month course of isoniazid among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in a high-transmission setting.Design. A total of 26 household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were positive for LTBI by tuberculin skin test completed six months of treatment and submitted a blood sample for a follow-up examination. The IFN-γresponse toMycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens was measured, and the results before and after the completion of LTBI treatment were compared.Results. Of the 26 study participants, 25 (96%) showed an IFN-γlevel higher than their baseline level before treatment (P≤0.001). Only one individual had a decreased IFN-γlevel after treatment but remained positive for LTBI.Conclusion. In a high-transmission setting, the IFN-γlevel has increased after LTBI treatment. Further studies must be undertaken to understand if this elevation is transient.
Prolonged Therapy with Imatinib Mesylate before Surgery for Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Results of a Phase II Trial
Authors: Doyon C. , Sidéris L. , Leblanc G. , Leclerc Y. E. , Boudreau D. , Dubé P.
Published: December 2012

Purpose. Proven efficacy of imatinib mesylate in gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) has led to its use in advanced disease and, more recently, in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optimal neoadjuvant imatinib duration to reduce the morbidity of surgery and increase the possibility of resection completeness in advanced tumours.Patients and Method. Patients with advanced GIST were enrolled into a registered open-label multicenter trial and received imatinib daily for a maximum of 12 months, followed by en bloc resection. Data were prospectively collected regarding tumour assessment, response rate, surgical characteristics, recurrence, and survival.Results. Fourteen patients with advanced GIST were enrolled. According to RECIST criteria, 6 patients had partial response and 8 had stable disease. The overall tumour size reduction was 25% (0–62.5%), and there was no tumour progression. Eleven patients underwent tumour resection, and all had R0 resection. After a median followup of 48 months, 4-year OS and DFS were 100% and 64%, respectively.Conclusion. This prospective trial showed that one year of neoadjuvant imatinib in advanced GIST is safe and associated with high rate of complete microscopic resection. It is not associated with increased resistance, progression, or complication rates.
Copy Number Variants in Obesity-Related Syndromes: Review and Perspectives on Novel Molecular Approaches
Authors: D'Angelo Carla Sustek , Koiffmann Celia Priszkulnik
Published: December 2012

In recent decades, obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and became a major concern in public health. Despite heritability estimates of 40 to 70% and the long-recognized genetic basis of obesity in a number of rare cases, the list of common obesity susceptibility variants by the currently published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) only explain a small proportion of the individual variation in risk of obesity. It was not until very recently that GWASs of copy number variants (CNVs) in individuals with extreme phenotypes reported a number of large and rare CNVs conferring high risk to obesity, and specifically deletions on chromosome 16p11.2. In this paper, we comment on the recent advances in the field of genetics of obesity with an emphasis on the genes and genomic regions implicated in highly penetrant forms of obesity associated with developmental disorders. Array genomic hybridization in this patient population has afforded discovery opportunities for CNVs that have not previously been detectable. This information can be used to generate new diagnostic arrays and sequencing platforms, which will likely enhance detection of known genetic conditions with the potential to elucidate new disease genes and ultimately help in developing a next-generation sequencing protocol relevant to clinical practice.
Associations of Common Variants atAPLNand Hypertension in Chinese Subjects with and without Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Rong , Lu Jingyi , Hu Cheng , Wang Congrong , Yu Weihui , Jiang Feng , Tang Shanshan , Bao Yuqian , Xiang Kunsan , Jia Weiping
Published: December 2012

Background. Apelin, the endogenous ligand for the APJ receptor, has a potent hypotensive effect via a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism in vivo. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the common variants of apelin gene (APLN) and hypertension, which was reported recently in a Chinese Han population with and without diabetes.Methods. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) onAPLNwere genotyped in 3156 diabetic patients and 3736 nondiabetic individuals. For non-diabetic subjects, 1779 were enrolled in stage 1 and 1757 were recruited for validation. A meta-analysis combining the two stages was carried out to obtain the overall effect.Results. In diabetic patients, no significant associations of the three SNPs with hypertension were observed. In contrast, we found that rs2235306 was associated with hypertension in non-diabetic males after adjusting for covariates (OR=1.19,P=0.039) while rs2235307 and rs3115759 displayed no evidence of association in both genders. One haplotype, C-C-A, also showed an association with hypertension (OR=1.47,P=0.032) only in men. However, analysis in stage 2 and meta-analysis did not support these findings.Conclusions. We conclude that common variants onAPLNare not associated with the prevalence of hypertension in the Chinese.
Correct the Coagulopathy and Scoop It Out: Complete Reversal of Anuric Renal Failure through the Operative Decompression of Extraperitoneal Hematoma-Induced Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Authors: McBeth Paul B. , Dunham Michael , Ball Chad G. , Kirkpatrick Andrew W.
Published: December 2012

We report two cases of extraperitoneal compression of the intra-abdominal space resulting in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) with overt renal failure, which responded to operative decompression of the extra-peritoneal spaces. This discussion includes patient presentation, clinical course, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes. Data was collected from the patient’s electronic medical record and a radiology database. ACS appears to be a rare but completely reversible complication of both retroperitoneal hematoma (RH) and rectus sheath hematoma (RSH). In patients with large RH or RSH consideration of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring combined with aggressive operative drainage after correction of the coagulopathy should be considered. These two cases illustrate how a relatively benign pathology can result in increased IAP, organ failure, and ultimately ACS. Intervention with decompressive laparotomy and evacuation of clot resulted in return to normal physiologic function.
4-1BB/4-1BBL Interaction Promotes Obesity-Induced Adipose Inflammation by Triggering Bidirectional Inflammatory Signaling in Adipocytes/Macrophages
Authors: Tu Thai Hien , Kim Chu-Sook , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kawada Teruo , Kim Byung-Sam , Yu Rina
Published: December 2012

Obesity-induced adipose inflammation is characterized by recruitment of macrophages to adipose tissue and release of inflammatory cytokines. 4-1BB, a costimulatory receptor, modulates inflammatory processes through interaction with its ligand 4-1BBL on immune cell surfaces. In this study, we examined whether a 4-1BB/4-1BBL interaction between adipocytes and macrophages participates in obesity-induced adipose inflammation. We found that 4-1BB was expressed on adipocytes and was upregulated by obesity-related factors, which also enhanced 4-1BBL expression on macrophages. 4-1BB and/or 4-1BBL agonists, respectively, activated inflammatory signaling molecules (MAPK/IκBαand MAPK/Akt) in adipocytes and macrophages and enhanced the release of inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6). Moreover, disruption of the 4-1BB/4-1BBL interaction decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines from contact cocultured adipocytes/macrophages. These findings indicate that 4-1BB/4-1BBL-mediated bidirectional signaling in adipocytes/macrophages promotes adipose inflammation. 4-1BB and 4-1BBL may be useful targets for protection against obesity-induced adipose inflammation.