bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTRATE TEMPERATURE ON STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ITO THIN FILMS PREPARED BY RF MAGNETRON SPUTTERING
Authors: HE BO , ZHAO LEI , XU JING , XING HUAIZHONG , XUE SHAOLIN , JIANG MENG
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we investigated indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin films on glass substrates deposited by RF magnetron sputtering using ceramic target to find the optimal condition for fabricating optoelectronic devices. The structural, electrical and optical properties of the ITO films prepared at various substrate temperatures were investigated. The results indicate the grain size increases with substrate temperature increases. As the substrate temperature grew up, the resistivity of ITO films greatly decreased. The ITO film possesses high quality in terms of electrode functions, when substrate temperature is 480°C. The resistivity is as low as 9.42 × 10-5 Ω• cm , while the carrier concentration and mobility are as high as 3.461 × 1021 atom∕cm3 and 19.1 cm2∕V⋅s, respectively. The average transmittance of the film is about 95% in the visible region. The novel ITO/np-Silicon frame, which prepared by RF magnetron sputtering at 480°C substrate temperature, can be used not only for low-cost solar cell, but also for high quantum efficiency of UV and visible lights enhanced photodetector for various applications.
SURFACES OF REVOLUTION WITH CONSTANT GAUSSIAN CURVATURE IN FOUR-SPACE
Authors: Cuong Dang Van
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we show that the constant property of the Gaussian curvature of surfaces of revolution in both ℝ4 and [Formula: see text] depend only on the radius of rotation. We then give necessary and sufficient conditions for the Gaussian curvature of the general rotational surfaces whose meridians lie in two-dimensional planes in ℝ4 to be constant, and define the parametrization of the meridians when both the Gaussian curvature is constant and the rates of rotation are equal.
CONTROLLABILITY OF NON-DENSELY DEFINED ABSTRACT MIXED VOLTERRA–FREDHOLM NEUTRAL FUNCTIONAL INTEGRODIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Kucche Kishor D. , Dhakne M. B.
Published: June 2013

In this paper we establish the controllability result for class of mixed Volterra–Fredholm neutral functional integrodifferential equations in Banach spaces where the linear part is non-densely defined and satisfies the resolvent estimate of the Hille–Yosida condition. The results are obtained using the integrated semigroup theory and the Sadovskii's fixed point theorem.
MODIFICATION OF THE KANTOROVICH-TYPE CONDITIONS FOR NEWTON'S METHOD INVOLVING TWICE FRECHET DIFFERENTIABLE OPERATORS
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: June 2013

We expand the applicability of Newton's method for approximating a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation in a Banach space setting. The nonlinear operator involved is twice Fréchet differentiable. We introduce more precise majorizing sequences than in earlier studied (see [Concerning the convergence and application of Newton's method under hypotheses on the first and second Fréchet derivative, Comm. Appl. Nonlinear Anal.11 (2004) 103–119; A new semilocal convergence theorem for Newton's method, J. Comp. Appl. Math.79 (1997) 131–145; A note of Kantorovich theorem for Newton iteration, J. Comput. Appl. Math.47 (1993) 211–217]). This way, our convergence criteria can be weaker; the error estimates tighter and the information on the location of the solution more precise. Numerical examples are presented to show that our results apply in cases not covered before such as [Concerning the convergence and application of Newton's method under hypotheses on the first and second Fréchet derivative, Comm. Appl. Nonlinear Anal.11 (2004) 103–119; A new semilocal convergence theorem for Newton's method, J. Comp. Appl. Math.79 (1997) 131–145; A note of Kantorovich theorem for Newton iteration, J. Comput. Appl. Math.47 (1993) 211–217].
INTEGRABLE FUNCTIONS FOR BERNOULLI MEASURES OF RANK 1 — II
Authors: Maïga Hamadoun
Published: June 2013

In [Integrable functions for Bernoulli measures of rank 1, Ann. Math. Blaise Pascal17 (2010) 349–363; Mesures p-adiques et suites classiques de nombres. Thèse de Doctorat, Université de Bamako, (2011)] we have begun the study of non-Archimedean integrable functions with respect to the normalized Bernoulli measures of rank 1, denoted by μ1,α. The integrability is within the theory of non-Archimedean integration due to Monna and Springer [Intégration non-archimédienne. II, Nederl. Akad. Wetensch. Proc. Ser. A 66 = Indag. Math.25 (1963) 643–653; Intégration non-archimédienne. I, Nederl. Akad. Wetensch. Proc. Ser. A 66 = Indag. Math.25 (1963) 634–642], which we will call the Monna–Springer theory. In this paper which contains strictly the results of [Integrable functions for Bernoulli measures of rank 1, Ann. Math. Blaise Pascal17 (2010) 349–363; Mesures p-adiques et suites classiques de nombres. Thèse de Doctorat, Université de Bamako (2011)], we cover the integrability with respect to all normalized Bernoulli measures of rank 1. We show that, the integrable functions are reduced to the continuous functions when α is a p-adic unit different from 1 and -1, and all p-adic functions are integrable for α ∈ {-1, 1}. Again following the Monna–Springer theory, we also show that for the measure μ(5) = ∑α4=1 μ1,α, the space of integrable functions is equal to the space of continuous functions.
Aldosterone acutely stimulates NCC activity via a SPAK-mediated pathway
Authors: Ko Benjamin , Mistry Abinash C. , Hanson Lauren , Mallick Rickta , Wynne Brandi M. , Thai Tiffany L. , Bailey James L. , Klein Janet D. , Hoover Robert S.
Published: June 2013

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and disordered sodium balance has long been implicated in its pathogenesis. Aldosterone is perhaps the key regulator of sodium balance and thus blood pressure. The sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney is a major site of sodium reabsorption and plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. Chronic exposure to aldosterone increases NCC protein expression and function. However, more acute effects of aldosterone on NCC are unknown. In our salt-abundant modern society where chronic salt deprivation is rare, understanding the acute effects of aldosterone is critical. Here, we examined the acute effects (12–36 h) of aldosterone on NCC in the rodent kidney and in a mouse distal convoluted tubule cell line. Studies demonstrated that aldosterone acutely stimulated NCC activity and phosphorylation without affecting total NCC abundance or surface expression. This effect was dependent upon the presence of the mineralocorticoid receptor and serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). Furthermore, STE20/SPS-1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) phosphorylation also increased, and gene silencing of SPAK eliminated the effect of aldosterone on NCC activity. Aldosterone administration via a minipump in adrenalectomized rodents confirmed an increase in NCC phosphorylation without a change in NCC total protein. These data indicate that acute aldosterone-induced SPAK-dependent phosphorylation of NCC increases individual transporter activity.
Attenuation of lithium-induced natriuresis and kaliuresis in P2Y2receptor knockout mice
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Lijun , Kohan Donald E. , Ecelbarger Carolyn M. , Kishore Bellamkonda K.
Published: June 2013

Whole body knockout (KO) of the P2Y2receptor (P2Y2R) results in enhanced vasopressin V2 receptor activity and increased renal Na+conservation. We hypothesized that P2Y2R KO mice would be less sensitive to lithium-induced natriuresis and kaliuresis due to attenuated downregulation of one or more of the major renal Na+or K+transporter/channel proteins. KO and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a control or lithium-added diet (40 mmol/kg food) for 14 days. Lithium-induced natriuresis and kaliuresis were significantly (∼25%) attenuated in KO mice. The subunits of the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) were variably affected by lithium and genotype, but, overall, medullary levels were decreased substantially by lithium (15–60%) in both genotypes. In contrast, cortical, β-, and γ-ENaC were increased by lithium (∼50%), but only in WT mice. Moreover, an assessment of ENaC activity by benzamil sensitivity suggested that lithium increased ENaC activity in WT mice but in not KO mice. In contrast, medullary levels of Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter 2 and cortical levels of the renal outer medullary K+channel were not downregulated by lithium and were significantly (15–76%) higher in KO mice under both dietary conditions. In addition, under control conditions, tissue osmolality of the inner medulla as well as furosemide sensitivity were significantly higher in KO mice versus WT mice. Therefore, we suggest that increased expression of these proteins, particularly in the control state, reduces Na+delivery to the distal nephron and provides a buffer to attenuate collecting duct-mediated natriuresis and kaliuresis. Additional studies are warranted to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of purinergic antagonism.
A neurophysiological basis for the coordination between hand and foot movement
Authors: McIntyre-Robinson Andrew J. K. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: June 2013

Hand and foot movements are made more reliably when both limbs move in the same direction at the same time (isodirectional) compared with when they are made in opposite directions (anisodirectional). We hypothesized that M1 intracortical facilitation may subserve hand-foot coordination and reveal correlates that explain the preference for hand-foot movements to be performed in an isodirectional pattern. To test our hypothesis we investigated behavioral kinematics of hand-foot coordination ( experiment 1) and neurophysiological measures of corticomotor excitability and intracortical facilitation ( experiment 2) in 17 healthy young adults. As expected, coordination became unstable in the anisodirectional pattern but not the isodirectional pattern, as confirmed in measures of wrist and ankle relative phase error and stability (both P < 0.001). Short-latency paired-pulse TMS was used to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and produce short-latency intracortical facilitation (sICF) in right extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) in the presence and absence of right ankle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion ( P < 0.015). An isodirectional preference was confirmed by facilitation of FCR MEPs and TMS-induced wrist flexion during ankle plantarflexion (both P < 0.025) but no evidence of modulation of any particular “I wave” during foot movement compared with rest. A novel finding was the association between loss of stability of the anisodirectional pattern ( experiment 1) and the modulation of corticomotor excitability in support of the isodirectional pattern ( experiment 2) ( P < 0.05). The preference for isodirectional hand-foot movements appears not to depend on M1 intracortical facilitation.
Evidence for a role of Nav1.6 in facilitating increases in neuronal hyperexcitability during epileptogenesis
Authors: Hargus Nicholas J. , Nigam Aradhya , Bertram Edward H. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: June 2013

During epileptogenesis a series of molecular and cellular events occur, culminating in an increase in neuronal excitability, leading to seizure initiation. The entorhinal cortex has been implicated in the generation of epileptic seizures in both humans and animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy. This hyperexcitability is due, in part, to proexcitatory changes in ion channel activity. Sodium channels play an important role in controlling neuronal excitability, and alterations in their activity could facilitate seizure initiation. We sought to investigate whether medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) layer II neurons become hyperexcitable and display proexcitatory behavior of Na channels during epileptogenesis. Experiments were conducted 7 days after electrical induction of status epilepticus (SE), a time point during the latent period of epileptogenesis and before the onset of seizures. mEC layer II stellate neurons from post-SE animals were hyperexcitable, eliciting action potentials at higher frequencies compared with control neurons. Na channel currents recorded from post-SE neurons revealed increases in Na current amplitudes, particularly persistent and resurgent currents, as well as depolarized shifts in inactivation parameters. Immunocytochemical studies revealed increases in voltage-gated Na (Nav) 1.6 isoform levels. The toxin 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin, which has greater selectivity for Nav1.6 over other Na channel isoforms, suppressed neuronal hyperexcitability, reduced macroscopic Na currents, persistent and resurgent Na current densities, and abolished depolarized shifts in inactivation parameters in post-SE neurons. These studies support a potential role for Nav1.6 in facilitating the hyperexcitability of mEC layer II neurons during epileptogenesis.
A locomotor adaptation including explicit knowledge and removal of postadaptation errors induces complete 24-hour retention
Authors: Hussain Sara J. , Hanson Angela S. , Tseng Shih-Chiao , Morton Susanne M.
Published: June 2013

Locomotor patterns are generally very consistent but also contain a high degree of adaptability. Motor adaptation is a short-term type of learning that utilizes this plasticity to alter locomotor behaviors quickly and transiently. In this study, we used a variation of an adaptation paradigm in order to test whether explicit information as well as the removal of the visual error signal after adaptation could improve retention of a newly learned walking pattern 24 h later. On two consecutive days of testing, participants walked on a treadmill while viewing a visual display that showed erroneous feedback of swing times for each leg. Participants were instructed to use this feedback to monitor and adjust swing times so they appeared symmetric within the display. This was achieved by producing a novel interlimb asymmetry between legs. For both legs, we measured adaptation magnitudes and rates and immediate and 24-h retention magnitudes. Participants showed similar adaptation on both days but a faster rate of readaptation on day 2. There was complete retention of adapted swing times on the increasing leg (i.e., no evidence of performance decay over 24 h). Overall, these findings suggest that the inclusion of explicit information and the removal of the visual error signal are effective in inducing full retention of adapted increases in swing time over a moderate (24 h) interval of time.
A BCR/ABL-hIL-2 DNA Vaccine Enhances the Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Qin Yanan , Tian Hongxia , Wang Guanming , Lin Chen , Li Yangqiu
Published: June 2013

The use of a DNA vaccine encoding the BCR/ABL fusion gene is thought to be a promising approach for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to eradicate minimal residual disease after treatment with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In this study, our strategy employs genetic technology to create a DNA vaccine encoding the BCR/ABL fusion and human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) genes. The successfully constructed plasmids BCR/ABL-pIRES-hIL-2, BCR/ABL-pIRES, and pIRES-hIL-2 were delivered intramuscularly to BALB/c mice at 14-day intervals for three cycles. The transcription and expression of the BCR/ABL and hIL-2 genes were found in the injected muscle tissues. The interferon-γ(IFN-γ) serum levels were increased, and the splenic CD4+/CD8+T cell ratio was significantly decreased in the BCR/ABL-pIRES-hIL-2-injected mice. Furthermore, specific antibodies against K562 cells could be detected by indirect immunofluorescence. These results indicate that a DNA vaccine containing BCR/ABL and hIL-2 together may elicit increased in vivo humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice.
Fatty Acid Compositions of Six Wild Edible Mushroom Species
Authors: Günç Ergönül Pelin , Akata Ilgaz , Kalyoncu Fatih , Ergönül Bülent
Published: June 2013

The fatty acids of six wild edible mushroom species (Boletus reticulatus, Flammulina velutipes var. velutipes, Lactarius salmonicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Polyporus squamosus, and Russula anthracina) collected from different regions from Anatolia were determined. The fatty acids were identified and quantified by gas chromatography and studied using fruit bodies. Fatty acid composition varied among species. The dominant fatty acid in fruit bodies of all mushrooms was cis‐linoleic acid (18 : 2). Percentage of cis‐linoleic acid in species varied from 22.39% to 65.29%. The other major fatty acids were, respectively, cis‐oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Fatty acids analysis of the mushrooms showed that the unsaturated fatty acids were at higher concentrations than saturated fatty acids.
Stochastic Dynamics of an SIRS Epidemic Model with Ratio-Dependent Incidence Rate
Authors: Cai Yongli , Wang Xixi , Wang Weiming , Zhao Min
Published: June 2013

We investigate the complex dynamics of an epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate of saturated mass action which depends on the ratio of the number of infectious individuals to that of susceptible individuals. We first deal with the boundedness, dissipation, persistence, and the stability of the disease-free and endemic points of the deterministic model. And then we prove the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solutions, stochastic boundedness, and permanence for the stochastic epidemic model. Furthermore, we perform some numerical examples to validate the analytical findings. Needless to say, both deterministic and stochastic epidemic models have their important roles.
Expression and Function of NUMB in Odontogenesis
Authors: Li Haitao , Ramachandran Amsaveni , Gao Qi , Ravindran Sriram , Song Yiqiang , Evans Carla , George Anne
Published: June 2013

NUMB is a multifunctional protein implicated to function in self-renewal and differentiation of progenitors in several tissues. To characterize the transcripts and to analyze the expression pattern of NUMB in odontogenesis, we isolated 2 full-length clones for NUMB from mouse dental pulp mRNA. One novel sequence contained 200 bp insertion in the phosphotyrosine binding domain (PTB). Confocal microscopy analysis showed strong NUMB expression in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC) and preameloblasts. Western blot analysis indicated that NUMB isoforms were differentially expressed in various dental tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that in postnatal mouse tooth germs, NUMB was differentially expressed in the preameloblasts, odontoblasts, cervical loop region, and in the dental pulp stem cells during development. Interestingly, overexpression of NUMB in HAT-7, a preameloblast cell line, had dramatic antagonizing effects on the protein expression level of activated Notch 1. Further analysis of the Notch signaling pathway showed that NUMB significantly downregulates sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in preameloblasts. Therefore, we propose that NUMB maintains ameloblast progenitor phenotype at the cervical loop by downregulating the activated Notch1 protein and thereby inhibiting the mRNA expression of Shh.
Effects of Propofol, a Sedative-Hypnotic Drug, on the Lipid Profile, Antioxidant Indices, and Cardiovascular Marker Enzymes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Adaramoye Oluwatosin A. , Akinwonmi Olugbenga , Akanni Olubukola
Published: June 2013

In recent years, the activity of anaesthetic propofol on biological processes has been attracting attention. The effect of propofol on biochemical indices in animals is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of propofol on lipid profile, antioxidant indices, and cardiovascular marker (CVM) enzymes in rats. The study consists of three groups of seven rats each. Group one received corn oil (Control) while groups two and three received propofol (doses of 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight, resp.). Results showed that administration of propofol caused a significant (P<0.05) and dose-dependent increase in the levels of total bilirubin. Propofol at 2 and 4 mg/kg increased the levels of serum total cholesterol by 74% and 55%, triglycerides by 97% and 115%, and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) by 45% and 73%, respectively, while HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) decreased by 41% and 54%, respectively. Propofol significantly (P<0.05) increased the levels of the hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of GSH-dependent enzymes. Propofol at 2 and 4 mg/kg increased the activities of CVM enzymes: lactate dehydrogenase by 1.7 and 1.8 folds and creatinine phosphokinase by 2.0 and 2.1 folds, respectively. Taken together, propofol increased the levels of GSH and GSH-dependent enzymes but adversely affected the lipid profile of the rats.
Assessing the Impact of Drug Resistance on the Transmission Dynamics of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Mushayabasa S. , Bhunu C. P. , Ngarakana-Gwasira E. T.
Published: June 2013

Typhoid fever continues to be a major public health problem in the developing world. Antibiotic therapy has been the main stay of treating typhoid fever for decades. The emergence of drug-resistant typhoid strain in the last two decades has been a major problem in tackling this scourge. A mathematical model for investigating the impact of drug resistance on the transmission dynamics of typhoid fever is developed. The reproductive number for the model has been computed. Numerical results in this study suggest that when a typhoid outbreak occurs with more drug-sensitive cases than drug-resistant cases, then it may take 10–15 months for symptomatic drug-resistant cases to outnumber all typhoid cases, and it may take an average of 15–20 months for nonsymptomatic drug-resistant cases to outnumber all drug-sensitive cases.
Exacerbation of Glycoprotein VI-Dependent Platelet Responses in a Rhesus Monkey Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Arthur J. F. , Shen Y. , Chen Y. , Qiao J. , Ni R. , Lu Y. , Andrews R. K. , Gardiner E. E. , Cheng J.
Published: June 2013

Thrombosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetes. Platelet reactivity is crucial to thrombus formation, particularly in arterial vessels and in thrombotic complications causing myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke, but diabetic patients often respond poorly to current antiplatelet medication. In this study, we used a nonhuman primate model of Type 1 diabetes to measure early downstream signalling events following engagement of the major platelet collagen receptor, glycoprotein (GP)VI. Diabetic monkeys were given enough insulin to maintain their blood glucose levels either at ~8 mM (well-controlled diabetes) or ~15 mM (poorly controlled diabetes). Flow cytometric analysis was used to measure platelet reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium mobilisation, receptor surface expression, and immature platelet fraction. We observed exacerbated intracellular ROS and calcium flux associated with engagement of GPVI in monkeys with poorly controlled diabetes. GPVI surface levels did not differ between healthy monkeys or the two diabetic groups. Treatment of platelets with the specific Syk inhibitor BAY61-3606 inhibited GPVI-dependent ROS and, importantly, reduced ROS generation in the poorly controlled diabetes group to that observed in healthy monkeys. These data indicate that glycaemic control is important in reducing GPVI-dependent platelet hyperreactivity and point to a potential antithrombotic therapeutic benefit of Syk inhibition in hyperglycaemic diabetes.
Metrological Analysis of Geopotential Gravity Field for Harbor Waterside Management and Water Quality Control
Authors: Faggioni Osvaldo , Soldani Maurizio , Leoncini Davide Andrea
Published: June 2013

Sea level oscillations are the superposition of many contributions. In particular, tide is a sea level up-down water motion basically depending on three different phenomena: the Earth-Moon-Sun gravitational relationship, the water surface fluid reaction to atmospheric meteorological dynamic, and the Newtonian vertical adjustment of the sea surface due to atmospheric pressure variations. The first tide component (astrotide) is periodic and well known in all points of the Earth surface; the second one is directly related to the meteorological phenomenon, and then it is foreseeable; the Newtonian component, on the contrary, is not readily predictable by a general hydrostatic law, because theJfactor that represents the Newtonian transfer (from the atmospheric weight to the consequent sea level) is variable in each harbor area. The analysis of the gravity field permits to forecast the sea level variation due to meteorological tide events, and its metrological analysis highlights a compensation in the inverse hydrobarometric factor to be taken into account to correctly compensate atmospheric pressure variations in semibinding basins. This phenomenon has several consequences in Harbor Waterside management and in water quality control as shown by the reported case studies and introduces a new reference parameter: the so-called Water 1000.
Biomanufacturing versus Superficial Cell Seeding: Simulation of Chondrocyte Proliferation in a Cylindrical Cartilage Scaffold
Authors: Izadifar Mohammad
Published: June 2013

Local volume averaging approach was used for modeling and simulation of cell growth and proliferation, as well as glucose transfer within a cylindrical cartilage scaffold during cell cultivation. The scaffold matrix including the nutrient solution filling spaces among seeded cell colonies was treated as a porous medium. Applying differential mass balance of cells and glucose to a representative elementary volume of the scaffold, two diffusional mass transfer models were developed based on local volume averaged properties. The derived governing equations take into account time-dependent glucose diffusion, glucose consumption by cells, cell migration, apoptosis, and cell reproduction within the scaffold. Since the volumetric fraction of cells in the scaffold relies on cell growth, which strongly depends on glucose concentration in the scaffold, the governing equations were solved simultaneously using implicit finite difference method and Gauss-Seidel technique. Simulation results showed that cell volumetric fraction of the scaffold can reach about 45% after 50 days if a culture medium with a glucose concentration of 45 kgm−3 is used. Also, simulation results indicate that more uniform and higher average cell volume fraction of the scaffold can be obtained if biomanufacturing-based cell seeding is used across the scaffold rather than cell seeding on the scaffold surface.
Self-Organized Criticality: Emergent Complex Behavior in PM10 Pollution
Authors: Kai Shi , Chun-Qiong Liu , Si-Chuan Li
Published: June 2013

We analyze long-term time series of daily average PM10 concentrations in Chengdu city. Detrended fluctuation analysis of the time series shows long range correlation at one-year temporal scale. Spectral analysis of the time series indicates 1/f noise behavior. The probability distribution functions of PM10 concentrations fluctuation have a scale-invariant structure. Why do the complex structures of PM10 concentrations evolution exhibit scale-invariant? We consider that these complex dynamical characteristics can be recognized as the footprint of self-organized criticality (SOC). Based on the theory of self-organized criticality, a simplified sandpile model for PM10 pollution with a nondimensional formalism is put forward. Our model can give a good prediction of scale-invariant in PM10 evolution. A qualitative explanation of the complex dynamics observed in PM10 evolution is suggested. The work supports the proposal that PM10 evolution acts as a SOC process on calm weather. New theory suggests one way to understand the origin of complex dynamical characteristics in PM10 pollution.
Inhalation Anesthesia with Sevoflurane during Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tokgöz Orhan , Şahin Alparslan , Tüfek Adnan , Çınar Yasin , Güzel Abdülmenap , Çiftçi Taner , Çelik Feyzi , Yüksel Harun
Published: June 2013

Bacground. To investigate the anesthetic management in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections.Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed for the patients with ROP who had IVB injection. Clinical characteristics, demographic variables, anesthetic medications, operation techniques, time intervals, and complications were recorded.Results. Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients (23 males, 10 females) with type 1 ROP who were treated with IVB were included. A total of 66 anesthetic applications were performed. Mean gestational age at birth was 28.3 weeks (range 25–33). Mean birth weight was 1300 g (range 600–1850). Serious ocular and systemic complications were not observed in any infant.Conclusion. Inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane during IVB treatment in premature infants with ROP may be appropriate for anesthetic management.
NADPH Oxidase as a Therapeutic Target for Oxalate Induced Injury in Kidneys
Authors: Joshi Sunil , Peck Ammon B. , Khan Saeed R.
Published: June 2013

A major role of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase family of enzymes is to catalyze the production of superoxides and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, in turn, play a key role as messengers in cell signal transduction and cell cycling, but when they are produced in excess they can lead to oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative stress in the kidneys is now considered a major cause of renal injury and inflammation, giving rise to a variety of pathological disorders. In this review, we discuss the putative role of oxalate in producing oxidative stress via the production of reactive oxygen species by isoforms of NADPH oxidases expressed in different cellular locations of the kidneys. Most renal cells produce ROS, and recent data indicate a direct correlation between upregulated gene expressions of NADPH oxidase, ROS, and inflammation. Renal tissue expression of multiple NADPH oxidase isoforms most likely will impact the future use of different antioxidants and NADPH oxidase inhibitors to minimize OS and renal tissue injury in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney stone disease.
Cyanobacterial Toxin Degrading Bacteria: Who Are They?
Authors: Kormas Konstantinos Ar. , Lymperopoulou Despoina S.
Published: June 2013

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous in nature and are both beneficial and detrimental to humans. Benefits include being food supplements and producing bioactive compounds, like antimicrobial and anticancer substances, while their detrimental effects are evident by toxin production, causing major ecological problems at the ecosystem level. To date, there are several ways to degrade or transform these toxins by chemical methods, while the biodegradation of these compounds is understudied. In this paper, we present a meta-analysis of the currently available 16S rRNA andmlrA(microcystinase) genes diversity of isolates known to degrade cyanobacterial toxins. The available data revealed that these bacteria belong primarily to the Proteobacteria, with several strains from the sphingomonads, and one from each of theMethylobacillusandPaucibactergenera. Other strains belonged to the generaArthrobacter, Bacillus, andLactobacillus. By combining the ecological knowledge on the distribution, abundance, and ecophysiology of the bacteria that cooccur with toxic cyanobacterial blooms and newly developed molecular approaches, it is possible not only to discover more strains with cyanobacterial toxin degradation abilities, but also to reveal the genes associated with the degradation of these toxins.
Examining Social Influence on Participation and Outcomes among a Network of Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention Enrollees
Authors: Carson T. L. , Eddings K. E. , Krukowski R. A. , Love S. J. , Harvey-Berino J. R. , West D. S.
Published: June 2013

Research suggests that social networks, social support, and social influence are associated with weight trajectories among treatment- and non-treatment-seeking individuals. This study examined the impact of having a social contact who participated in the same group behavioral weight-control intervention in the absence of specific social support training on women engaged in a weight-loss program. Participants (n=92; 100% female; 54% black; mean age:46±10years; mean BMI:38±6) were grouped based upon whether or not they reported a social contact enrolled previously/concurrently in our behavioral weight-control studies. Primary outcomes were 6-month weight change and treatment adherence (session attendance and self-monitoring). Half of the participants (53%) indicated that they had a social contact; black women were more likely to report a social contact than white women (67.3% versus 39.5%;P<0.01). Among participants with a social contact, 67% reported at least one contact as instrumental in the decision to enroll in the program. Those with a contact lost more weight (5.9 versus 3.7 kg;P=0.04), attended more group sessions (74% versus 54%;P<0.01), and submitted more self-monitoring journals (69% versus 54%;P=0.01) than those without a contact. Participants' weight change was inversely associated with social contacts' weight change (P=0.04). There was no association between participant and contact’s group attendance or self-monitoring. Social networks may be a promising vehicle for recruiting and engaging women in a behavioral weight-loss program, particularly black women. The role of a natural social contact deserves further investigation.
Analysis and Design of Digital IIR Integrators and Differentiators Using Minimax and Pole, Zero, and Constant Optimization Methods
Authors: Jain Madhu , Gupta Maneesha , Jain N. K.
Published: June 2013

Proposed work deals with the design of a family of stable IIR digital integrators via use of minimax and pole, zero, and constant optimization methods. First the minimax optimization method is used to design a family of second-, third-, and fourth-order digital integrators by optimizing the magnitude response in a min-max sense under the satisfactory condition of constant group delay. Then the magnitude and group delay response is further improved using pole, zero, and constant optimization method. Subsequently, by modifying the transfer function of all of the designed integrators appropriately, new differentiators are obtained. Simulation results show that proposed approach outperforms existing design methods in terms of both magnitude and phase response.
Respiratory Motion Compensation Using Diaphragm Tracking for Cone-Beam C-Arm CT: A Simulation and a Phantom Study
Authors: Bögel Marco , Hofmann Hannes G. , Hornegger Joachim , Fahrig Rebecca , Britzen Stefan , Maier Andreas
Published: June 2013

Long acquisition times lead to image artifacts in thoracic C-arm CT. Motion blur caused by respiratory motion leads to decreased image quality in many clinical applications. We introduce an image-based method to estimate and compensate respiratory motion in C-arm CT based on diaphragm motion. In order to estimate respiratory motion, we track the contour of the diaphragm in the projection image sequence. Using a motion corrected triangulation approach on the diaphragm vertex, we are able to estimate a motion signal. The estimated motion signal is used to compensate for respiratory motion in the target region, for example, heart or lungs. First, we evaluated our approach in a simulation study using XCAT. As ground truth data was available, a quantitative evaluation was performed. We observed an improvement of about 14% using the structural similarity index. In a real phantom study, using the artiCHEST phantom, we investigated the visibility of bronchial tubes in a porcine lung. Compared to an uncompensated scan, the visibility of bronchial structures is improved drastically. Preliminary results indicate that this kind of motion compensation can deliver a first step in reconstruction image quality improvement. Compared to ground truth data, image quality is still considerably reduced.
Limbal Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia Mimicking Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Malhotra Chintan , Jain Arun K. , Thapa Bikram
Published: June 2013

Purpose. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia at the limbus can mimic an ocular surface squamous neoplasia. It is an uncommon manifestation of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and has been reported previously in limbal VKC. It, however, has not been reported as a manifestation in the palpebral form of the disease and needs to be kept in the differential diagnosis of a limbal mass lesion in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.Case Report. We report the case of a 24 year old male patient having palpebral VKC and presenting with a papillomatous limbal mass with focal areas of keratinization mimicking an ocular surface squamous neoplasia. An excision biopsy was performed, and the specimen sent for histopathologywhich revealed features of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with no evidence of dysplasia or malignant transformation. The subepithelium revealed a dense plasma-rich inflammation.Discussion. We report this relatively uncommon presentation of limbal pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia mimicking an ocular surface squamous neoplasia in palpebral vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Wide excision as is required for an ocular surface neoplasia may thus be avoided if this entity is recognized in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Generalized Linear Spatial Models to Predict Slate Exploitability
Authors: Saavedra Angeles , Taboada Javier , Araújo María , Giráldez Eduardo
Published: June 2013

The aim of this research was to determine the variables that characterize slate exploitability and to model spatial distribution. A generalized linear spatial model (GLSMs) was fitted in order to explore relationship between exploitability and different explanatory variables that characterize slate quality. Modelling the influence of these variables and analysing the spatial distribution of the model residuals yielded a GLSM that allows slate exploitability to be predicted more effectively than when using generalized linear models (GLM), which do not take spatial dependence into account. Studying the residuals and comparing the prediction capacities of the two models lead us to conclude that the GLSM is more appropriate when the response variable presents spatial distribution.
Reciprocal Interference of Experimental Dyslipidemia and Food Allergy in the Evolution of Both Diseases
Authors: Gomes-Santos A. C. , Gonçalves J. L. , Fonseca T. R. , Marques A. R. , Dourado L. P. A. , Cara D. C. , Alvarez-Leite J. I.
Published: June 2013

Background. Food allergies have been shown to reduce serum triacylglycerol, glucose, cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels in mice. In turn, dyslipidemias, especially dyslipidemias presenting with low levels of HDL cholesterol, are important risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. However, the consequences of food allergies on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis have not been fully investigated.Methods. Food allergy was induced using an egg white solution (EWS) in ovalbumin- (OVA-) sensitized C57BL/6 and low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice (LDLr−/−) for 5 weeks and was confirmed by the high production of anti-OVA IgE and IgG1 antibodies in both mouse strains.Results. The allergic C57BL/6 mice exhibited EWS aversion that was associated with less visceral fat and high levels of anti-Ova IgE antibodies after 5 weeks of EWS intake compared to controls. However, LDLr−/−allergic mice showed reduced anti-Ova IgE levels that were similar to the nonsensitized group. The LDLr−/−allergic mice also demonstrated a reversal of food aversion and sustained visceral fat after 5 weeks of allergy. Although HDL cholesterol levels were reduced in both sensitized mouse strains, lipid deposition in thoracic and abdominal aorta as well as area and composition of atherosclerotic plaques as unaffected by chronic ingestion of EWS.Conclusion. LDLr−/−mice develop an attenuated food allergy, as they showed a reversal of food aversion and lower IgE production after 5 weeks of induced allergy. The development of atherosclerosis, in turn, was not accelerated in the allergic LDLr−/−group despite the more atherogenic lipid profile.
Coefficient Bounds for Certain Subclasses of Bi-Univalent Function
Authors: Murugusundaramoorthy G. , Magesh N. , Prameela V.
Published: June 2013

We introduce two new subclasses of the function class Σ of bi-univalent functions defined in the open unit disc. Furthermore, we find estimates on the coefficients|a2|and|a3|for functions in these new subclasses. Also consequences of the results are pointed out.
Multiple Harmonics Fitting Algorithms Applied to Periodic Signals Based on Hilbert-Huang Transform
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Zhengshi , Zhu Bin , Song Quanjun
Published: June 2013

A new generation of multipurpose measurement equipment is transforming the role of computers in instrumentation. The new features involve mixed devices, such as kinds of sensors, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and digital signal processing techniques, that are able to substitute typical discrete instruments like multimeters and analyzers. Signal-processing applications frequently use least-squares (LS) sine-fitting algorithms. Periodic signals may be interpreted as a sum of sine waves with multiple frequencies: the Fourier series. This paper describes a new sine fitting algorithm that is able to fit a multiharmonic acquired periodic signal. By means of a “sinusoidal wave” whose amplitude and phase are both transient, the “triangular wave” can be reconstructed on the basis of Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). This method can be used to test effective number of bits (ENOBs) of analog-to-digital converter (ADC), avoiding the trouble of selecting initial value of the parameters and working out the nonlinear equations. The simulation results show that the algorithm is precise and efficient. In the case of enough sampling points, even under the circumstances of low-resolution signal with the harmonic distortion existing, the root mean square (RMS) error between the sampling data of original “triangular wave” and the corresponding points of fitting “sinusoidal wave” is marvelously small. That maybe means, under the circumstances of any periodic signal, that ENOBs of high-resolution ADC can be tested accurately.
Managing Lymphoma with Non-FDG Radiotracers: Current Clinical and Preclinical Applications
Authors: Kong Fan-Lin , Ford Richard J. , Yang David J.
Published: June 2013

Nuclear medicine imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have played a prominent role in lymphoma management. PET with [18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is the most commonly used tool for lymphoma imaging. However, FDG-PET has several limitations that give the false positive or false negative diagnosis of lymphoma. Therefore, development of new radiotracers with higher sensitivity, specificity, and different uptake mechanism is in great demand in the management of lymphoma. This paper reviews non-FDG radiopharmaceuticals that have been applied for PET and SPECT imaging in patients with different types of lymphoma, with attention to diagnosis, staging, therapy response assessment, and surveillance for disease relapse. In addition, we introduce three radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibodies for radioimmunotherapy, which is another important arm for lymphoma treatment and management. Finally, the relatively promising radiotracers that are currently under preclinical development are also discussed in this paper.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Chalcones and 5‐Deoxyflavonoids
Authors: Zhang Jing , Fu Xin-Ling , Yang Nan , Wang Qiu-An
Published: June 2013

Chalcones 1~8 and 5‐deoxyflavonoids 9~22 were synthesized in good yields by aldol condensation, Algar‐Flynn‐Oyamada reaction, glycosidation, and deacetylation reaction, respectively, starting from 2‐acetyl phenols substituted by methoxy or methoxymethoxy group and appropriately benzaldehydes substituted by methoxy, methoxymethoxy group, or chlorine. Among them, 13 and 17~22 are new compounds. The cytotoxicity bioassays of these chalcones and 5‐deoxyflavonoids were screened using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) protein staining method, and the results showed that compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, and 19 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the cancer cell line of MDA‐MB‐231, U251, BGC‐823, and B16 in comparison with control drugs (HCPT, Vincristine, and Taxol).
Oxidant Status and Lipid Composition of Erythrocyte Membranes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Liver Damage, and a Combination of Both Pathologies
Authors: Hernández-Muñoz Rolando , Olguín-Martínez Marisela , Aguilar-Delfín Irma , Sánchez-Sevilla Lourdes , García-García Norberto , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio
Published: June 2013

There is an important set of cirrhotic and diabetic patients that present both diseases. However, information about metabolic and cellular blood markers that are altered, in conjunction or distinctively, in the 3 pathological conditions is scarce. The aim of this project was to evaluate several indicators of prooxidant reactions and the membrane composition of blood samples (serum and red blood cells (RBCs)) from patients clinically classified as diabetic (n=60), cirrhotic (n=70), and diabetic with liver cirrhosis (n=25) as compared to samples from a similar population of healthy individuals (n=60). The results showed that levels of TBARS, nitrites, cysteine, and conjugated dienes in the RBC of cirrhotic patients were significantly increased. However, the coincidence of diabetes and cirrhosis partially reduced the alterations promoted by the cirrhotic condition. The amount of total phospholipids and cholesterol was greatly enhanced in the patients with both pathologies (between 60 and 200% according to the type of phospholipid) but not in the patients with only one disease. Overall, the data indicate that the cooccurrence of diabetes and cirrhosis elicits a physiopathological equilibrium that is different from the alterations typical of each individual malady.
Multiplicative Isometries on SomeF-Algebras of Holomorphic Functions
Authors: Iida Yasuo , Kasuga Kazuhiro
Published: June 2013

Multiplicative(but not necessarily linear) isometries ofMp(X)ontoMp(X)will be described, whereMp(X)(p≥1) areF-algebras included in the Smirnov classN∗(X).
Hydrogen Production Technologies: Current State and Future Developments
Authors: Kalamaras Christos M. , Efstathiou Angelos M.
Published: June 2013

Hydrogen (H2) is currently used mainly in the chemical industry for the production of ammonia and methanol. Nevertheless, in the near future, hydrogen is expected to become a significant fuel that will largely contribute to the quality of atmospheric air. Hydrogen as a chemical element (H) is the most widespread one on the earth and as molecular dihydrogen (H2) can be obtained from a number of sources both renewable and nonrenewable by various processes. Hydrogen global production has so far been dominated by fossil fuels, with the most significant contemporary technologies being the steam reforming of hydrocarbons (e.g., natural gas). Pure hydrogen is also produced by electrolysis of water, an energy demanding process. This work reviews the current technologies used for hydrogen (H2) production from both fossil and renewable biomass resources, including reforming (steam, partial oxidation, autothermal, plasma, and aqueous phase) and pyrolysis. In addition, other methods for generating hydrogen (e.g., electrolysis of water) and purification methods, such as desulfurization and water-gas shift reactions are discussed.
Smoothing Techniques and Augmented Lagrangian Method for Recourse Problem of Two-Stage Stochastic Linear Programming
Authors: Ketabchi Saeed , Behboodi-Kahoo Malihe
Published: June 2013

The augmented Lagrangian method can be used for solving recourse problems and obtaining their normal solution in solving two-stage stochastic linear programming problems. The augmented Lagrangian objective function of a stochastic linear problem is not twice differentiable which precludes the use of a Newton method. In this paper, we apply the smoothing techniques and a fast Newton-Armijo algorithm for solving an unconstrained smooth reformulation of this problem. Computational results and comparisons are given to show the effectiveness and speed of the algorithm.