bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Used Communication Technology on the Navigation System for Hybrid Environment
Authors: Machaj Juraj , Brida Peter , Mlynka Michal
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with navigation of mobile device in outdoor and indoor environment by only navigation system or application. In the paper, the navigation system is proposed in the light of seamless navigation service. Main parts of the system from positioning point of view are based on GPS and WifiLOC system. WifiLOC is an indoor positioning system based on Wi-Fi technology. The proposal of the system will be described in detail. The system is implemented at the University of Zilina as a pilot, noncommercial project; therefore it is called University Mobile Navigation System (UMNS). The navigation system can be characterized as real-time system, that is, the system operations cannot be significantly delayed. Since delay of the system depends significantly on communication platform used for map information downloading or communication with the localization server. We decided to investigate an impact of the used communication platform on the time needs for some of the functions implemented in navigation system. Measurements were performed in the real-world application. Next experiment is focused on testing of the accuracy of used indoor positioning system. Outdoor positioning accuracy is not tested because GPS is utilized in outdoor, and this system was already exhaustively investigated.
Parasite-Specific IL-17-Type Cytokine Responses and Soluble IL-17 Receptor Levels in Alveolar Echinococcosis Patients
Authors: Lechner Christian J. , Grüner Beate , Huang Xiangsheng , Hoffmann Wolfgang H. , Kern Peter , Soboslay Peter T.
Published: August 2012

Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) caused by the cestodeEchinococcus multilocularis, is a severe helminth infection of man, where unrestricted parasite growth will ultimately result in organ failure and fatality. The tissue-infiltrative growth of the larval metacestode and the limited efficacy of available drugs complicate successful intervention in AE; patients often need life-long medication, and if possible, surgical resection of affected tissues and organs. Resistance to AE has been reported, but the determinants which confer protection are not known. ln this study, we analyzed in patients at distinct stages of Alveolar Echirococcosis, that is cured, stable and progressive AE, as well as in infection-free controls, the cellular production and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lL-17A, lL-17B, lL-17F and their soluble receptors lL-17RA (slL-17RA) and IL-17RB (sIL-17RB). Significantly elevated levels of IL-17B and slL-17RB were observed, whilst lL-17F and slL-17RA were reduced in patients with AE. Similarly, the cellular production of lL-17F and slL-L7RA in response toE. multilocularisantigens was low in AE patients, while levels of slL-17RB were highly enhanced. These observations suggest immune-modulating properties ofE. multitocularison lL-17 cytokine-mediated pro-inflammatory immune responses; this may facilitate the tissue infiltrative growth of the parasite and its persistence in the human host.
Transmission of Onchocerciasis in Wadelai Focus of Northwestern Uganda Has Been Interrupted and the Disease Eliminated
Authors: Katabarwa Moses N. , Walsh Frank , Habomugisha Peace , Lakwo Thomson L. , Agunyo Stella , Oguttu David W. , Unnasch Thomas R. , Unoba Dickson , Byamukama Edson , Tukesiga Ephraim , Ndyomugyenyi Richard , Richards Frank O.
Published: August 2012

Wadelai, an isolated focus for onchocerciasis in northwest Uganda, was selected for piloting an onchocerciasis elimination strategy that was ultimately the precursor for countrywide onchocerciasis elimination policy. The Wadelai focus strategy was to increase ivermectin treatments from annual to semiannual frequency and expand geographic area in order to include communities with nodule rate of less than 20%. These communities had not been covered by the previous policy that sought to control onchocerciasis only as a public health problem. From 2006 to 2010, Wadelai program successfully attained ultimate treatment goal (UTG), treatment coverage of ≥90%, despite expanding from 19 to 34 communities and from 5,600 annual treatments to over 29,000 semiannual treatments. Evaluations in 2009 showed no microfilaria in skin snips of over 500 persons examined, and only 1 of 3011 children was IgG4 antibody positive to the OV16 recombinant antigen. NoSimuliumvectors were found, and their disappearance could have sped up interruption of transmission. Although twice-per-year treatment had an unclear role in interruption of transmission, the experience demonstrated that twice-per-year treatment is feasible in the Ugandan setting. The monitoring data support the conclusion that onchocerciasis has been eliminated from the Wadelai focus of Uganda.
Length Bidisperse Carbon Nanotubes Dispersions in Thermotropic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Popa-Nita V. , Buček S.
Published: August 2012

We study nematic liquid crystal driven alignment of carbon nanotubes dispersed in them. We extend the mesoscopic model presented in (P. Van der Schoot et al. 2008, V. Popa-Nita, and S. Kralj 2010) including the effect of length bidispersity of carbon nanotubes. The free energy of the mixture is written as the sum of the Doi free energy for lyotropic nematic ordering of the two carbon nanotubes types, the Landau-de Gennes free energy for the thermotropic ordering of liquid crystal, and the coupling term between liquid crystal molecules and carbon nanotubes. The phase ordering of the mixtures is analyzed as a function of volume fraction, the strength of coupling, and the temperature.
Complete Corpus Callosum Agenesis: Can It Be Mild?
Authors: Chiappedi Matteo , Fresca Anna , Baschenis Ilaria Maria Carlotta
Published: August 2012

Corpus callosum agenesis is a relatively common brain malformation. It can be isolated or included in a complex alteration of brain (or sometimes even whole body) morphology. Etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms have been better understood in recent years due to the availability of more adequate animal models and the relevant progresses in developmental neurosciences. We present the case of a girl with a complete agenesis of the corpus callosum discovered at birth. She had mild learning difficulties, but reached satisfactory levels of autonomy after an individually tailored rehabilitative treatment. Her story is discussed in light of recent findings, which emphasize the possibility to exploit brain plasticity and the utility of an individually tailored approach, defined on the basis of a dialogue with the family and the patient.
A Novel Spectrometer for Measuring Laser-Produced Plasma X-Ray in Inertial Confinement Fusion
Authors: Gang Zhu , Xian-cai Xiong , Xian-xin Zhong , Yan Yang
Published: August 2012

In the experimental investigations of inertial confinement fusion, the laser-produced high-temperature plasma contains very abundant information, such as the electron temperature and density, ionization. In order to diagnose laser-plasma distribution in space and evolution in time, an elliptical curved crystal spectrometer has been developed and applied to diagnose X-ray of laser-produced plasma in 0.2~2.46 nm region. According to the theory of Bragg diffraction, four kinds of crystal including LiF, PET, MiCa, and KAP were chosen as dispersive elements. The distance of crystal lattice varies from 0.4 to 2.6 nm. Bragg angle is in the range of 30°~67.5°, and the spectral detection angle is in 55.4°~134°. The curved crystal spectrometer mainly consists of elliptical curved crystal analyzer, vacuum configuration, aligning device, spectral detectors and three-dimensional microadjustment devices. The spectrographic experiment was carried out on the XG-2 laser facility. Emission spectrum of Al plasmas, Ti plasma, and Au plasmas have been successfully recorded by using X-ray CCD camera. It is demonstrated experimentally that the measured wavelength is accorded with the theoretical value.
Functional Multipotency of Stem Cells: What Do We Need from Them in the Heart?
Authors: Díez Villanueva Pablo , Sanz-Ruiz Ricardo , Núñez García Alberto , Fernández Santos María Eugenia , Sánchez Pedro L. , Fernández-Avilés Francisco
Published: August 2012

After more than ten years of human research in the field of cardiac regenerative medicine, application of stem cells in different phases of ischemic heart disease has come to age. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that stem cell therapy can improve cardiac recovery after the acute phase of myocardial ischemia and in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease, and several efficacy phase III trials with clinical endpoints are on their way. Nevertheless, a complete knowledge on the mechanisms of action of stem cells still remains elusive. Of the three main mechanisms by which stem cells could exert their benefit, paracrine signaling from the administered cells and stimulation of endogenous repair are nowadays the most plausible ones. However, in this review we will define and discuss the concept of stem cell potency and differentiation, will examine the evidence available, and will depict future directions of research.
Effects ofEurycoma longifoliaon Testosterone Level and Bone Structure in an Aged Orchidectomised Rat Model
Authors: Tajul Ariff Abdul Shukor , Soelaiman Ima Nirwana , Pramanik J. , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun
Published: August 2012

Testosterone replacement is the choice of treatment in androgen-deficient osteoporosis. However, long-term use of testosterone is potentially carcinogenic.Eurycoma longifolia(EL) has been reported to enhance testosterone level and prevent bone calcium loss but there is a paucity of research regarding its effect on the bone structural parameters. This study was conducted to explore the bone structural changes following EL treatment in normal and androgen-deficient osteoporosis rat model. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 12 months were divided into normal control, normal rat supplemented with EL, sham-operated, orchidectomised-control, orchidectomised with testosterone replacement, and orchidectomised with EL supplementation groups. Testosterone serum was measured both before and after the completion of the treatment. After 6 weeks of the treatment, the femora were processed for bone histomorphometry. Testosterone replacement was able to raise the testosterone level and restore the bone volume of orchidectomised rats. EL supplementation failed to emulate both these testosterone actions. The inability of EL to do so may be related to the absence of testes in the androgen deficient osteoporosis model for EL to stimulate testosterone production.
A Globally Convergent Filter‐Type Trust Region Method for Semidefinite Programming
Authors: Huang Aiqun , Xu Chengxian
Published: August 2012

When using interior methods for solving semidefinite programming (SDP), one needs to solve a system of linear equations at each iteration. For problems of large size, solving the system of linear equations can be very expensive. In this paper, based on a semismooth equation reformulation using Fischer′s function, we propose a filter method with trust region for solving large‐scale SDP problems. At each iteration we perform a number of conjugate gradient iterations, but do not need to solve a system of linear equations. Under mild assumptions, the convergence of this algorithm is established. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the convergence results obtained.
Ground‐State Solutions for a Class of N‐Laplacian Equation with Critical Growth
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Sun Jing
Published: August 2012

We investigate the existence of ground‐state solutions for a class of N‐Laplacian equation with critical growth in ℝN. Our proof is based on a suitable Trudinger‐Moser inequality, Pohozaev‐Pucci‐Serrin identity manifold, and mountain pass lemma.
Compact Multiband Planar Fractal Cantor Antenna for Wireless Applications: An Approach
Authors: Srivatsun Gopalakrishnan , Subha Rani Sundaresan
Published: August 2012

A compact multiband fractal antenna which is a new criterion in communication is proposed. The optimized prototype measures 35 mm×31 mm×1.6 mm. The proposed antenna covers WLAN IEEE 802.11b, 802.15, PCS, GSM lower and higher bands, DCS, IMT, UMTS, Wi-Fi, and WLAN wireless applications. The proposed antenna exhibits multiband characteristics with anS11of−30.69 dB at design frequency and it is found that~70% of theS11graph below−10 dB reference is achieved. ExperimentalS11has been compared with the one which is obtained using method of moments. The aim of implementing self-affine fractal concept in antenna design makes it flexible in controlling the resonance and bandwidth. This paper investigates self-affine fractal geometry to miniaturize and to resonate multiband frequencies. The prototype model with a good agreement ofS11is reported.
Thrust Vector Control of an Upper‐Stage Rocket with Multiple Propellant Slosh Modes
Authors: Rubio Hervas Jaime , Reyhanoglu Mahmut
Published: August 2012

The thrust vector control problem for an upper‐stage rocket with propellant slosh dynamics is considered. The control inputs are defined by the gimbal deflection angle of a main engine and a pitching moment about the center of mass of the spacecraft. The rocket acceleration due to the main engine thrust is assumed to be large enough so that surface tension forces do not significantly affect the propellant motion during main engine burns. A multi‐mass‐spring model of the sloshing fuel is introduced to represent the prominent sloshing modes. A nonlinear feedback controller is designed to control the translational velocity vector and the attitude of the spacecraft, while suppressing the sloshing modes. The effectiveness of the controller is illustrated through a simulation example.
Lung Oxidative Damage by Hypoxia
Authors: Araneda O. F. , Tuesta M.
Published: August 2012

One of the most important functions of lungs is to maintain an adequate oxygenation in the organism. This organ can be affected by hypoxia facing both physiological and pathological situations. Exposure to this condition favors the increase of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria, as from NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase/reductase, and nitric oxide synthase enzymes, as well as establishing an inflammatory process. In lungs, hypoxia also modifies the levels of antioxidant substances causing pulmonary oxidative damage. Imbalance of redox state in lungs induced by hypoxia has been suggested as a participant in the changes observed in lung function in the hypoxic context, such as hypoxic vasoconstriction and pulmonary edema, in addition to vascular remodeling and chronic pulmonary hypertension. In this work, experimental evidence that shows the implied mechanisms in pulmonary redox state by hypoxia is reviewed. Herein, studies of cultures of different lung cells and complete isolated lung and tests conductedin vivoin the different forms of hypoxia, conducted in both animal models and humans, are described.
Resource Description Language: A Unified Description Language for Network Embedded Resources
Authors: Santos André C. , Pedrosa Luís D. , Kuipers Martijn , Rocha Rui M.
Published: August 2012

As machine-to-machine networks become larger and more pervasive, manual configuration and discovery of resources will become intractable. It is in this context that we propose the RDL, a Resource Description Language that represents a uniform way of describing embedded resources, allowing them to be shared and enabling a new class of resource-aware applications. The RDL can describe a wide range of resources, characterizing individual nodes or entire networks. It can contribute to overcome performance issues in dense networks or mobility-driven problems in highly dynamic machine-to-machine topologies by providing the means for self-adaptability and manageability, as well as opportunistic resource sharing in context-aware embedded applications. The main goal for the RDL is to define a reusable and extensible resource description specification, which can only be reached if the resources are described in a standardized format. To illustrate the feasibility of our approach, we have also developed a Java implementation of the RDL framework, as well as a TinyOS implementation targeting resource constrained platforms. Furthermore, we have developed Modulus, a modular middleware for the development of resource-aware distributed applications.
Time-Qualified Patterns of Variation of PPARγ, DNMT1, and DNMT3B Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Pazienza Valerio , Tavano Francesca , Francavilla Massimo , Fontana Andrea , Pellegrini Fabio , Benegiamo Giorgia , Corbo Vincenzo , di Mola Fabio Francesco , Di Sebastiano Pierluigi , Andriulli Angelo , Mazzoccoli Gianluigi
Published: August 2012

Carcinogenesis is related to the loss of homeostatic control of cellular processes regulated by transcriptional circuits and epigenetic mechanisms. Among these, the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are crucial and intertwined. PPARγis a key regulator of cell fate, linking nutrient sensing to transcription processes, and its expression oscillates with circadian rhythmicity. Aim of our study was to assess the periodicity of PPARγand DNMTs in pancreatic cancer (PC). We investigated the time-related patterns ofPPARG, DNMT1, andDNMT3Bexpression monitoring their mRNA levels by qRT-PCR at different time points over a 28-hour span in BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, PANC-1, and MIAPaCa-2 PC cells after synchronization with serum shock.PPARGandDNMT1expression in PANC-1 cells andPPARGexpression in MIAPaCa-2 cells were characterized by a 24 h period oscillation, and a borderline significant rhythm was observed for thePPARG, DNMT1, andDNMT3Bexpression profiles in the other cell lines. The time-qualified profiles of gene expression showed different shapes and phase relationships in the PC cell lines examined. In conclusion,PPARGandDNMTsexpression is characterized by different time-qualified patterns in cell lines derived from human PC, and this heterogeneity could influence cell phenotype and human disease behaviour.
Existence of Solutions for the p(x)‐Laplacian Problem with the Critical Sobolev‐Hardy Exponent
Authors: Mei Yu , Yongqiang Fu , Wang Li
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with the p(x)‐Laplacian equation involving the critical Sobolev‐Hardy exponent. Firstly, a principle of concentration compactness in space is established, then by applying it we obtain the existence of solutions for the following p(x)‐Laplacian problem: where Ω ⊂ ℝN is a bounded domain, 0 ∈ Ω, 1 < p− ≤ p(x) ≤ p+ < N, and f(x, u) satisfies p(x)‐growth conditions.
New Bounds for Ternary Covering Arrays Using a Parallel Simulated Annealing
Authors: Avila-George Himer , Torres-Jimenez Jose , Hernández Vicente
Published: August 2012

A covering array (CA) is a combinatorial structure specified as a matrix of N rows and k columns over an alphabet on v symbols such that for each set of t columns every t‐tuple of symbols is covered at least once. Given the values of t, k, and v, the optimal covering array construction problem (CAC) consists in constructing a CA (N; t, k, v) with the minimum possible value of N. There are several reported methods to attend the CAC problem, among them are direct methods, recursive methods, greedy methods, and metaheuristics methods. In this paper, There are three parallel approaches for simulated annealing: the independent, semi‐independent, and cooperative searches are applied to the CAC problem. The empirical evidence supported by statistical analysis indicates that cooperative approach offers the best execution times and the same bounds as the independent and semi‐independent approaches. Extensive experimentation was carried out, using 182 well‐known benchmark instances of ternary covering arrays, for assessing its performance with respect to the best‐known bounds reported previously. The results show that cooperative approach attains 134 new bounds and equals the solutions for other 29 instances.
Effect of Carbon Modification on the Electrical, Structural, and Optical Properties ofTiO2Electrodes and Their Performance in Labscale Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Taziwa R. , Meyer E. L. , Sideras-Haddad E. , Erasmus R. M. , Manikandan E. , Mwakikunga B. W.
Published: August 2012

Carbon-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (C:TiO2NPs) have been synthesized by ultrasonic nebulizer spray pyrolysis (USP) and pneumatic spray pyrolysis (PSP) techniques. HRTEM on the NPs shows difference in lattice spacing in the NP structures prepared by the two methods—2.02 Å for the USP NPs and an average of 3.74 Å for the PSP NPs. The most probable particle sizes are 3.11 nm and 5.5 nm, respectively. Raman spectroscopy supported by FTIR confirms the TiO2polymorph to be anatase with the intense phonon frequency at 153 cm−1blue-shifted from 141 cm−1ascribed to both carbon doping and particle size. A modified phonon confinement model for nanoparticles has been used to extract phonon dispersion and other parameters for anatase for the first time. Electronic measurements show “negative conductance” at some critical bias voltage, which is characteristic ofn-type conductivity in the carbon-doped TiO2NPs as confirmed by the calculated areas under theI-Vcurves, a property suited for solar cell applications. Practical solar cells built from carbon-doped TiO2electrodes show up to 1.5 times improvement in efficiency compared to pure TiO2electrodes of similar construction.
Suppression of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms after Head Trauma
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Azari Paria , Abdi Roohollah , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza
Published: August 2012

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) encompasses a spectrum of clinical symptoms characterized by unwanted thoughts coupled with an intense compulsion to act and to repeat behavior fragments in a ritualistic and stereotyped sequence. Obsessive-compulsive symptom due to brain lesions is not rare, but suppression of these symptoms after head trauma is very rare and we found only 3 cases in review of literatures from 1966 to 2001. The case of a patient suffering with severe OCD is described of note; her symptoms disappeared following right temporo-parietofrontal lesion.
Obstacles to Obtaining Optimal Physiotherapy Services in a Rural Community in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso
Published: August 2012

Background. Many people continue to live with physical disabilities across the globe, especially in rural Africa despite expertise of Physiotherapists and available evidence of effectiveness of Physiotherapy.Objective. To determine the obstacles to obtaining Optimal Physiotherapy services in a rural community in Southeastern Nigeria.Methods. Population-based cross-sectional study of individuals and health facilities in a rural community in Southeastern Nigeria.Results. The obstacles to obtaining optimal physiotherapy services in this community were unavailability of physiotherapy services, poor knowledge of health workers and community dwellers of the roles and scope of physiotherapy, poor health care seeking behavior of community dwellers, patronage of traditional health workers, and poor referral practices by health workers.Conclusion. Rural health workers in Nkanu West Local Government and other rural communities in Nigeria and Africa should be educated on the roles and scope of physiotherapy. There is a need for raising awareness of the management options for movement/functional problems for rural indigenous communities in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. Physiotherapists should be made aware of the growing need for physiotherapy in rural areas of Nigeria and Africa largely comprising of the elderly.
Preparation of Nanosizedα-Al2O3Particles Using a Microwave Pretreatment at Mild Temperature
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , Park No-Kuk , Lee Tae Jin , Um Myeong-Heon , Kang Misook
Published: August 2012

This study investigated the effect of microwave pretreatment to reduce the growth temperature ofα-Al2O3. The microwave pre-treating of the synthesized powders at 1,000∘C produced rhombohedral structuredα-Al2O3with high specific surface area and dispersion; however the structure accumulated among the particles was seen above 1,200∘C when the microwave did not pretreated.
Dopamine Oxidation and Autophagy
Authors: Muñoz Patricia , Huenchuguala Sandro , Paris Irmgard , Segura-Aguilar Juan
Published: August 2012

The molecular mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease remain unclear. Currently, there is a general agreement that mitochondrial dysfunction,α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired protein degradation are involved in the neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin in Parkinson's disease. Aminochrome has been proposed to play an essential role in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, the formation of neurotoxicα-synuclein protofibrils, and impaired protein degradation. Here, we discuss the relationship between the oxidation of dopamine to aminochrome, the precursor of neuromelanin, autophagy dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons containing neuromelanin, and the role of dopamine oxidation to aminochrome in autophagy dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons. Aminochrome induces the following: (i) the formation ofα-synuclein protofibrils that inactivate chaperone-mediated autophagy; (ii) the formation of adducts withα- andβ-tubulin, which induce the aggregation of the microtubules required for the fusion of autophagy vacuoles and lysosomes.
AnIn VivoRabbit Model for the Evaluation of Antimicrobial Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter to Reduce Microbial Migration and Colonization as Compared to an Uncoated PICC
Authors: Allan Nicholas D. , Giare-Patel Kamna , Olson Merle E.
Published: August 2012

Infection is the leading complication associated with intravascular devices, and these infections develop when a catheter becomes colonized by microorganisms. To combat this issue, medical device manufacturers seek to provide healthcare facilities with antimicrobial medical devices to prevent or reduce the colonization. In order to adequately evaluate these devices, anin vivomodel is required to accurately assess the performance of the antimicrobial devices in a clinical setting. The model presented herein was designed to provide a simulation of the subcutaneous tunnel environment to evaluate the ability of an antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), coated with chlorhexidine based technology, to reduce microbial migration and colonization compared to an uncoated PICC. Three samples of control, uncoated PICCs and three samples of coated PICCs were surgically tunneled into the backs of female New Zealand White rabbits. The insertion sites were then challenged withStaphylococcus aureusat the time of implantation. Animals were evaluated out to thirty days and sacrificed. Completeen blocdissection and evaluation of the catheter and surrounding tissue demonstrated that the chlorhexidine coated catheter was able to significantly reduce microbial colonization and prevent microbial migration as compared to the standard, un-treated catheter.
Rapid Diagnosis of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in HIV-Infected Patients. Comparison of LED Fluorescent Microscopy and the GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay in a District Hospital in India
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Azcona Jose M. , Midde Manoranjan , Naik Praveen K. , Reddy Srinivasulu , Reddy Raghuprakash
Published: August 2012

HIV-related tuberculosis is difficult to diagnose and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, the World Health Organization has endorsed the GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients from developing countries, but information about the use of Xpert for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is scarce. In this study, we compared the performance of light-emitting diode (LED) auramine fluorescent microscopy and the Xpert assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV infected patients in a district hospital of India. Although at higher cost, Xpert outperformed LED fluorescent microscopy in all type of specimens, especially in cerebrospinal fluid where the number of positive results was increased 11 times. Pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, pus, and stool specimens also yielded positive results with the Xpert assay. When collecting two additional early-morning sputum samples, the increase of the number of positive results with the Xpert assay was lower than previously reported for HIV infected patients. Rifampicin resistance was observed in 2.2% of the cases. The results of this study show that the Xpert assay can dramatically improve the rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis and other types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis of HIV infected patients.
Robust Stability Analysis for the New Type Rural Social Endowment Insurance System with Minor Fluctuations in China
Authors: Wang Lijian
Published: August 2012

The new type rural social endowment insurance system is one of the important policy arrangements in public welfare field in China. Quantitative research is theoretically and practically important for studying the new type rural social endowment insurance system. In this paper, based on the modern control theory, the linear control model for the new type rural social endowment insurance system is set up, and then the robust stability for the new type rural social endowment insurance system of China with minor fluctuations is discussed by using the linear control model.
Jaw Musculature of the Picini (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae)
Authors: Donatelli Reginaldo José
Published: August 2012

The Picini tribe comprises 25 Old World woodpecker species grouped into seven genera that are widely distributed in Asia and include several representatives from the Eurasian region. Given the absence of detailed anatomical studies of Picini in the literature, the purposes of this study were to describe the jaw musculature of 14 species of Picini in detail and to compare the musculature patterns of these species. The results of this analysis indicate the following: (1) there is a clear association between theventralis lateralisanddorsalis lateralismuscles through fleshy fibers that are connected in all species, (2) the jaw musculature of the genusPicusdiffers from that of other Picini genera in terms of the poor development of the protractor muscle system of the quadrate (M. protractor quadratiandM. protractor pterygoidei), (3) generally, theM. pseudotemporalis superficialisoriginates in the ventrocaudal region of the laterosphenoid (the lower part of the orbit), with the only noteworthy exception being an origin in the upper part of the orbit inDinopium javanense, and (4) theprotractor pterygoideimuscle is more developed inBlythipicus rubiginosus, Dinopium rafflesii,andD. javanensethan in the other species.
Are Dementia Patient's Engagement Using Tailored Stimuli the Same? The Apathy Dilemma in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Leone Elsa , Deudon Audrey , Piano Julie , Robert Philippe , Dechamps Arnaud
Published: August 2012

Background. Apathy is the most frequent behavioural disturbance understanding how apathy drives engagement in resident’s activities of interests is a milestone to better understanding and tailored challenging interventions targeting engagement enhancement.Method. Residents aged 60 and older with dementia according to the ICD 10 from four nursing homes in the south east of France. A set of 25 stimuli were used and categorized by participant into Work, Leisure, Family, or Personal categories, an additional “not interested” category was used for comparison of engagement. The participants stimuli allocation was randomized in guided and unguided situations over a two-week period with 15minute interaction for each stimulus (n=2) of each category (5×(15 min×2)). Clinical trial identifier: NCT01314131.Results. The mean age, 95% confidence interval (CI) of the 40 participants was 85.4 (83.8–87) with a mean MMSE score, CI95% of 17.7 (16.5–19). Analyses revealed a significant superiority effect of guidance over unguided interaction in duration of engagement in all categories of interest except for the stimulus category “family” and allP<.05. Apathetic participants when guided had longer engagement duration in stimulus Leisure and Personal (allP<.01).Conclusion. Guidance and better activities of interest can lead to enhanced engagement time in participants with dementia.
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Neuropathic Pain and Migraine: Friends, Enemies, and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Lakhan Shaheen E. , Avramut Mihaela
Published: August 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that mediate extracellular matrix turnover and associated processes, such as cell survival, growth, and differentiation. This paper discusses important functions of MMP in the normal and injured nervous system, focusing on the role played by these proteases in neurological pain syndromes, most prominently in neuropathic pain and migraine headaches. In the past decade, metalloproteinases emerged as key modulators of neuropathic pain, with MMP-9 acting as an initiator of the neuropathic cascade. Increased MMP activity was detected in migraine patients, independent of aura, in tight association with metabolic derangements. The therapeutic implications of MMP inhibition are considered in the context of neurogenic pain regulation.
Transnationalism of Burundian Refugees in The Netherlands: The Importance of Migration Motives
Authors: Mascini Peter , Fermin Alfons , Snick Hilde
Published: August 2012

It is equivocal whether the transnationalism of refugees differs significantly from that of labor and family migrants. On the basis of a strategic case study of Burundian refugees in The Netherlands we demonstrate that migration motives undeniably matter for transnationalism. Transnationalism is not self-evident for Burundians, as they are driven by a motive of flight. Moreover, transnationalism is not automatically oriented towards compatriots and manifests itself differently in The Netherlands than in Belgium. Therefore, we conclude that the study of refugees is an essential complement to the prevailing research on the transnationalism of settled labor and family migrant communities.
Fredholm Weighted Composition Operators on Dirichlet Space
Authors: Zhao Liankuo
Published: August 2012

This paper characterizes bounded Fredholm, bounded invertible, and unitary weighted composition operators on Dirichlet space.
Efficient and Secure Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks through Optimal Power Control and Optimal Handoff-Based Recovery Mechanism
Authors: Ganesh S. , Amutha R.
Published: August 2012

Advances in wireless sensor network (WSN) technology have provided the availability of small and low-cost sensor with capability of sensing various types of physical and environmental conditions, data processing, and wireless communication. In WSN, the sensor nodes have a limited transmission range, and their processing and storage capabilities as well as their energy resources are also limited. Modified triple umpiring system (MTUS) has already proved its better performance in Wireless Sensor Networks. In this paper, we extended the MTUS by incorporating optimal signal to noise ratio (SNR)-based power control mechanism and optimal handoff-based self-recovery features to form an efficient and secure routing for WSN. Extensive investigation studies using Glomosim-2.03 Simulator show that efficient and secure routing protocol (ESRP) with optimal power control mechanism, and handoff-based self-recovery can significantly reduce the power usage.
Longitudinal Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Acupuncture Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Franasiak Jason , Young Steven L. , Williams Christopher D. , Pastore Lisa M.
Published: August 2012

Others have studied acupuncture treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is positively correlated with the ovarian follicle pool, thus making it a useful ovarian reserve measure. AMH is elevated in women with PCOS and has been suggested as a diagnostic tool. This study examined the impact of electroacupuncture on AMH concentration in women with PCOS. Seventy-one women with PCOS participated in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial of acupuncture. Three longitudinal AMH samples over the 5-month protocol were compared with objective ovulation parameters primarily using nonparametric statistics. Results indicated that AMH levels in PCOS were higher than published norms in women without PCOS. There was no difference between the true and sham acupuncture arms in the change in AMH longitudinally. Baseline AMH, but not the change in AMH over time, was inversely correlated with ovulation and menstrual cycle frequencies in both arms combined (). In conclusion, AMH correlated with an increased likelihood of monthly ovulation, as expected from the literature on women without PCOS. The lack of difference by intervention in AMH was consistent with the underlying clinical trial. AMH may be clinically useful to predict which PCOS women are more likely to respond to an intervention.
Numerical Treatment of the Model for HIV Infection of CD4+T Cells by Using Multistep Laplace Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Doğan Nurettin
Published: August 2012

A new method for approximate analytic series solution called multistep Laplace Adomian Decomposition Method (MLADM) has been proposed for solving the model for HIV infection of CD4+T cells. The proposed method is modification of the classical Laplace Adomian Decomposition Method (LADM) with multistep approach. Fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method (RK4) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. When we do not know the exact solution of a given problem, generally we use the RK4 method for comparison since it is widely used and accepted. Comparison of the results with RK4 method is confirmed that MLADM performs with very high accuracy. Results show that MLADM is a very promising method for obtaining approximate solutions to the model for HIV infection of CD4+T cells. Some plots and tables are presented to show the reliability and simplicity of the methods. All computations have been made with the aid of a computer code written in Mathematica 7.
Mining Local Specialties for Travelers by Leveraging Structured and Unstructured Data
Authors: Jiang Kai , Liu Like , Xiao Rong , Yu Nenghai
Published: August 2012

Recently, many local review websites such as Yelp are emerging, which have greatly facilitated people's daily life such as cuisine hunting. However they failed to meet travelers' demands because travelers are more concerned about a city's local specialties instead of the city's high ranked restaurants. To solve this problem, this paper presents a local specialty mining algorithm, which utilizes both the structured data from local review websites and the unstructured user-generated content (UGC) from community Q&A websites, and travelogues. The proposed algorithm extracts dish names from local review data to build a document for each city, and appliestfidfweighting algorithm on these documents to rank dishes. Dish-city correlations are calculated from unstructured UGC, and combined with thetfidfranking score to discover local specialties. Finally, duplicates in the local specialty mining results are merged. A recommendation service is built to present local specialties to travelers, along with specialties' associated restaurants, Q&A threads, and travelogues. Experiments on a large data set show that the proposed algorithm can achieve a good performance, and compared to using local review data alone, leveraging unstructured UGC can boost the mining performance a lot, especially in large cities.
Synthesis and Characterization of Process‐Related Impurities of Antihypertensive Drug Olmesartan Medoxomil
Authors: Venkanna G. , Madhusudhan G. , Mukkanti K. , Sankar A. , Sampath Kumar Y. , Venakata Narayana G.
Published: August 2012

Olmesartan medoxomil (1) is the latest angiotensin receptor antagonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypertension. During the process development of olmesartan medoxomil, three process‐related impurities were observed along with the final API. These impurities were identified as isopropyl olmesartan (12), dimedoxomil olmesartan (19), dibiphenyl olmesartan (17). The present work describes the synthesis and characterization of all these three impurities.
Distribution Pattern of Some Heavy Metals in the Soil of Silghat Region of Assam (India), Influenced by Jute Mill Solid Waste
Authors: Bora Pronil Kumar , Chetry Sanjib , Sharma Dharmendra Kumar , Saikia Palash Moni
Published: August 2012

Physico‐chemical Analysis of the soil of Silghat region of Nagoan district of Assam, India was carried out to assess the possible effect of jute mill solid waste in the distribution pattern of some heavy metals. Soil samples were collected from ten different locations of the dumping site of the mill and their physico‐chemical parameters were analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscopy‐Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX) and Inductively coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP‐OES) analysis of the samples shows that soil of the dumping sites is highly enriched with heavy metals. The concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb in the contaminated soil was found to be very much higher than both the continental crust and world rock average values. Correlation studies indicate strong positive correlation between organic carbon content (Corg) with all the metals investigated. pH has negative correlation while positive correlation was observed for electrical conductivity with all the metals. Extent of metal contamination was assessed by determining contamination degree (CD) and pollution load index (PLI).
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of a Polyvalent DNA Vaccine against Human Orthopoxvirus Infections Based on Smallpox Virus Genes
Authors: Maksyutov Rinat A. , Gavrilova Elena V. , Kochneva Galina V. , Shchelkunov Sergei N.
Published: August 2012

DNA vaccines combining plasmids carrying the variola virus genes M1R, A30L, and F8L of intracellular virion surface membrane proteins as well as A36R and B7R of the extracellular virus envelope proteins under control of Rous sarcoma virus or cytomegalovirus promoters have been constructed. These DNA vaccines induced production of a high titers of vaccinia virus-neutralizing antibodies in mice similar to those elicited by the live vaccinia virus immunization. Mice vaccinated by created DNA vaccine were completely protected against a lethal (10 LD50) challenge with highly pathogenic ectromelia virus. These results suggest that such vaccine should be efficient in immunization of humans against smallpox.
Ploidy and Large-Scale Genomic Instability Consistently Identify Basal-like Breast Carcinomas with BRCA1/2 Inactivation
Authors: Popova Tatiana , Manié Elodie , Rieunier Guillaume , Caux-Moncoutier Virginie , Tirapo Carole , Dubois Thierry , Delattre Olivier , Sigal-Zafrani Brigitte , Bollet Marc , Longy Michel , Houdayer Claude , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Stern Marc-Henri
Published: August 2012

BRCA1 inactivation is a frequent event in basal-like breast carcinomas (BLC). However, BRCA1 can be inactivated by multiple mechanisms and determining its status is not a trivial issue. As an alternate approach, we profiled 65 BLC cases using single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays to define a signature of BRCA1-associated genomic instability. Large-scale state transitions (LST), defined as chromosomal break between adjacent regions of at least 10 Mb, were found to be a robust indicator of BRCA1 status in this setting. Two major ploidy-specific cutoffs in LST distributions were sufficient to distinguish highly rearranged BLCs with 85% of proven BRCA1-inactivated cases from less rearranged BLCs devoid of proven BRCA1-inactivated cases. The genomic signature we defined was validated in a second independent series of 55 primary BLC cases and 17 BLC-derived tumor cell lines. High numbers of LSTs resembling BRCA1-inactivated BLC were observed in 4 primary BLC cases and 2 BLC cell lines that harbored BRCA2 mutations. Overall, the genomic signature we defined predicted BRCA1/2 inactivation in BLCs with 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity (97% accuracy). This assay may ease the challenge of selecting patients for genetic testing or recruitment to clinical trials of novel emerging therapies that target DNA repair deficiencies in cancer. Cancer Res; 72(21); 5454–62. ©2012 AACR.
Sorafenib Inhibits Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Synthesis: Implications for Antiangiogenic Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Li-ping , Ho Rocky L. K. , Chen George G. , Lai Paul B. S.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: The overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a common finding in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it leads to angiogenesis and poor prognosis. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, has shown significant improvement in survival in patients with advanced HCC in clinical trials. However, the mechanisms that account for the antiangiogenic efficiency of sorafenib have not been fully elucidated. The present study aims to explore the effect of sorafenib on HIF-1α expression and activation in HCC cells and xenografts.

Experimental Design: HCC cells and xenografts were treated with sorafenib or vehicles. Western blotting and quantitative PCR array were used to determine protein and mRNA expression, respectively. HIF-1α activity, de novo protein synthesis, and VEGF secretions were determined using assay kits.

Results: Sorafenib dose dependently decreased the hypoxia-induced accumulation and activation of HIF-1α protein. Further analysis revealed that such reduction of HIF-1α was associated with the inhibition of HIF-1α protein synthesis rather than the promotion of HIF-1α protein degradation or the reduction of HIF-1α mRNA. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p70S6K, RP-S6, 4E-BP1, and eIF4E were significantly suppressed by sorafenib. In vivo studies further confirmed the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins, leading to a decrease in tumor vascularization and growth of the xenografts.

Conclusions: Sorafenib-mediated inhibition of HIF-1α synthesis is associated with previously undefined pathways in which mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 and ERK phosphorylation are downregulated. Our preclinical data expand our understanding of sorafenib's antiangiogenic mechanism of action by inhibiting HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression. Clin Cancer Res; 18(20); 5662–71. ©2012 AACR.