bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of a Spinal Cord Hemitransection Injury with Keratin Biomaterial Hydrogel Elicits Recovery and Tissue Repair
Authors: Fearing Bailey V. , Hartley Christopher , Dayton Orrin , Sherwood Garrett , AbouShwareb Tamer , Van Dyke Mark E.
Published: March 2014

Medical care costs can reach an estimated value of $4 billion for spinal cord injuries (SCI) each year in the USA alone. With no viable treatment options available, care remains palliative and aims to minimize lifelong disabilities and complications, such as immobility, bladder and bowel dysfunction, breathing problems, and blood clots. Human hair keratin biomaterials have demonstrated efficacy in peripheral nerve injury models and were shown to improve conduction delay and increase axon number and density. In this study, a keratin hydrogel was tested in a central nervous system (CNS) application of spinal cord hemisection injury. Keratin-treated rats showed increased survival rates as well as a better functional recovery of gait properties and bladder function. Histological results demonstrated reduced glial scar formation with keratin treatment and suggested a greater degree of beneficial remodeling and cellular influx. The data provided in this pilot study suggest the possibility of using a keratin-based treatment for SCI and warrant further investigation.
The Theoretical Limits of Watermark Spread Spectrum Sequence
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Jian
Published: March 2014

At present, the spread spectrum (SS) sequences used in watermark include i.i.d. random sequences and the sequences used in SS communications. They appear earlier than digital watermark. Almost no researchers pay attention to whether they are really fit for watermark. In this paper, we compare the SS watermark channel and the traditional SS communication channel. We find out that their correlation property is different. Considering cropping and translation attacks, we define watermark auto- and cross-correlation and propose Loose Autocorrelation and Tight Cross-Correlation (LAC&TCC) properties for SS watermark. The LAC&TCC properties are that, whether or not synchronized, the autocorrelation is equal or close to 1 and the cross-correlation is equal or close to 0. Accordingly, the peak correlation is divided into the peak autocorrelationRa(l)and the peak cross-correlationRc(l). We establish the lower bound ofRc(l)and the higher bound ofRa(l), respectively. The two bounds indicate that, no matter how small the cover is reserved, the extractor can always find a threshold to distinguish auto- and cross-correlation in theory.
Autophagy in Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Song Yang , Zhao Yingying , Wang Fei , Tao Lichan , Xiao Junjie , Yang Changqing
Published: March 2014

Hepatic fibrosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hepatic fibrosis is usually associated with chronic liver diseases caused by infection, drugs, metabolic disorders, or autoimmune imbalances. Effective clinical therapies are still lacking. Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades damaged organelles or protein aggregation, which participates in many pathological processes including liver diseases. Autophagy participates in hepatic fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells and may participate as well through influencing other fibrogenic cells. Besides that, autophagy can induce some liver diseases to develop while it may play a protective role in hepatocellular abnormal aggregates related liver diseases and reduces fibrosis. With a better understanding of the potential effects of autophagy on hepatic fibrosis, targeting autophagy might be a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis in the near future.
Comparative Genomic Hybridization Selection of Blastocysts for Repeated Implantation Failure Treatment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Greco Ermanno , Bono Sara , Ruberti Alessandra , Lobascio Anna Maria , Greco Pierfrancesco , Biricik Anil , Spizzichino Letizia , Greco Alessia , Tesarik Jan , Minasi Maria Giulia , Fiorentino Francesco
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study is to determine if the use of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and transfer of a single euploid blastocyst in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) can improve clinical results. Three patient groups are compared: 43 couples with RIF for whom embryos were selected by array CGH (group RIF-PGS), 33 couples with the same history for whom array CGH was not performed (group RIF NO PGS), and 45 good prognosis infertile couples with array CGH selected embryos (group NO RIF PGS). A single euploid blastocyst was transferred in groups RIF-PGS and NO RIF PGS. Array CGH was not performed in group RIF NO PGS in which 1-2 blastocysts were transferred. One monoembryonic sac with heartbeat was found in 28 patients of group RIF PGS and 31 patients of group NO RIF PGS showing similar clinical pregnancy and implantation rates (68.3% and 70.5%, resp.). In contrast, an embryonic sac with heartbeat was only detected in 7 (21.2%) patients of group RIF NO PGS. In conclusion, PGS by array CGH with single euploid blastocyst transfer appears to be a successful strategy for patients with multiple failed IVF attempts.
Effects of Nanoparticle Hydroxyapatite on Growth and Antioxidant System in Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) from Cadmium‐Contaminated Soil
Authors: Li Zhangwei , Huang Jiaai
Published: March 2014

The effects of nanoscale particle hydroxyapatite (nHAP) on biomass, Cd uptake, the level of chlorophyll, vitamin C, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and POD in pakchoi in Cd‐contaminated soil, were evaluated by conducting pot experiment. Results showed that, by application of the 5 g·kg−1, 10 g·kg−1, 20 g·kg−1, and 30 g·kg−1 nHAP in 10 mg·kg−1 Cd‐contaminated soil, the biomass of plant increased by 7.97%, 13.21%, 19.53%, and 20.23%, respectively. In addition, the reduction of Cd in shoots was 27.12%, 44.20%, 50.91%, and 62.36% compared to control samples. It was found that the supplement of the nHAP can increase the level of chlorophyll and vitamin C and decrease the level of MDA in plant shoots. Furthermore, the increment activities of SOD, CAT, and POD can be observed after addition of nHAP in Cd‐contaminated soil. The results confirmed that nHAP can be applied to reduce the plant uptake of Cd and resist the Cd stress in the plant in Cd‐contaminated soil.
A CAS Approach to Handle the Anisotropic Hooke’s Law for Cancellous Bone and Wood
Authors: Kumar Sandeep
Published: March 2014

The present research entirely relies on the Computer Algebric Systems (CAS) to develop techniques for the data analysis of the sets of elastic constant data measurements. In particular, this study deals with the development of some appropriate programming codes that favor the data analysis of known values of elastic constants for cancellous bone, hardwoods, and softwood species. More precisely, a “Mathematica” code, which has an ability to unfold a fourth-order elasticity tensor is discussed. Also, an effort towards the fabrication of an appropriate “MAPLE” code has been exposed, that can calculate not only the eigenvalues and eigenvectors for cancellous bone, hardwoods, and softwood species, but also computes the nominal average of eigenvectors, average eigenvectors, average eigenvalues, and the average elasticity matrices for these materials. Further, using such a MAPLE code, the histograms corresponding to average elasticity matrices of 15 hardwood species have been plotted and the graphs for I, II, III, IV, V, and VI eigenvalues of each hardwood species against their apparent densities are also drawn.
Autoantibodies to Posttranslational Modifications in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Burska Agata N. , Hunt Laura , Boissinot Marjorie , Strollo Rocky , Ryan Brent J. , Vital Ed , Nissim Ahuva , Winyard Paul G. , Emery Paul , Ponchel Frederique
Published: March 2014

Autoantibodies have been associated with human pathologies for a long time, particularly with autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Rheumatoid factor (RF) is known since the late 1930s to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The discovery of anticitrullinated protein antibodies in the last century has changed this and other posttranslational modifications (PTM) relevant to RA have since been described. Such PTM introduce neoepitopes in proteins that can generate novel autoantibody specificities. The recent recognition of these novel specificities in RA provides a unique opportunity to understand human B-cell developmentin vivo. In this paper, we will review the three of the main classes of PTMs already associated with RA: citrullination, carbamylation, and oxidation. With the advancement of research methodologies it should be expected that other autoantibodies against PTM proteins could be discovered in patients with autoimmune diseases. Many of such autoantibodies may provide significant biomarker potential.
A New Multivariate Markov Chain Model for Adding a New Categorical Data Sequence
Authors: Wang Chao , Huang Ting-Zhu , Ching Wai-Ki
Published: March 2014

We propose a new multivariate Markov chain model for adding a new categorical data sequence. The number of the parameters in the new multivariate Markov chain model is only 𝒪(3s) less than 𝒪((s + 1) 2) the number of the parameters in the former multivariate Markov chain model. Numerical experiments demonstrate the benefits of the new multivariate Markov chain model on saving computational resources.
Carotid Artery Stenosis: Comparison of 3D Time-of-Flight MR Angiography and Contrast-Enhanced MR Angiography at 3T
Authors: Platzek Ivan , Sieron Dominik , Wiggermann Philipp , Laniado Michael
Published: March 2014

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) and contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CEMRA) for carotid artery stenosis evaluation at 3T.Material and Methods. Twenty-three patients (5 f, 18 m; mean age 61 y, age range 45–78 y) with internal carotid artery stenosis detected with ultrasonography were examined on a 3.0T MR system. The MR examination included both 3D TOF MRA and CEMRA of the carotid arteries. MR images were evaluated independently by two board-certified radiologists. Stenosis evaluation was based on a five-point scale. Stenosis grades determined by TOF and CEMRA were compared using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and the Wilcoxon test. Cohen’s Kappa was used to evaluate interrater reliability.Results. CEMRA detected stenosis in 24 (52%) of 46 carotids evaluated, while TOF detected stenosis in 27 (59%) of 46 carotids. TOF MRA yielded significantly higher results for stenosis grade in comparison to CEMRA (P=0.014). Interrater agreement was very good for both TOF MRA (κ=0.93) and CEMRA (κ=0.93).Conclusion. At 3T, 3D TOF MRA should not be used as replacement for contrast-enhanced MRA of the carotid arteries, as it results in significantly higher stenosis grades.
Seasonality of Tuberculosis in Delhi, India: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Kumar Varun , Singh Abhay , Adhikary Mrinmoy , Daral Shailaja , Khokhar Anita , Singh Saudan
Published: March 2014

Background. It is highly cost effective to detect a seasonal trend in tuberculosis in order to optimize disease control and intervention. Although seasonal variation of tuberculosis has been reported from different parts of the world, no definite and consistent pattern has been observed. Therefore, the study was designed to find the seasonal variation of tuberculosis in Delhi, India.Methods. Retrospective record based study was undertaken in a Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) centre located in the south district of Delhi. Six-year data from January 2007 to December 2012 was analyzed. Expert modeler of SPSS ver. 21 software was used to fit the best suitable model for the time series data.Results. Autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) at lag 12 show significant peak suggesting seasonal component of the TB series. Seasonal adjusted factor (SAF) showed peak seasonal variation from March to May. Univariate model by expert modeler in the SPSS showed that Winter’s multiplicative model could best predict the time series data with 69.8% variability. The forecast shows declining trend with seasonality.Conclusion. A seasonal pattern and declining trend with variable amplitudes of fluctuation were observed in the incidence of tuberculosis.
New Fuzzy Support Vector Machine for the Class Imbalance Problem in Medical Datasets Classification
Authors: Gu Xiaoqing , Ni Tongguang , Wang Hongyuan
Published: March 2014

In medical datasets classification, support vector machine (SVM) is considered to be one of the most successful methods. However, most of the real-world medical datasets usually contain some outliers/noise and data often have class imbalance problems. In this paper, a fuzzy support machine (FSVM) for the class imbalance problem (called FSVM-CIP) is presented, which can be seen as a modified class of FSVM by extending manifold regularization and assigning two misclassification costs for two classes. The proposed FSVM-CIP can be used to handle the class imbalance problem in the presence of outliers/noise, and enhance the locality maximum margin. Five real-world medical datasets, breast, heart, hepatitis, BUPA liver, and pima diabetes, from the UCI medical database are employed to illustrate the method presented in this paper. Experimental results on these datasets show the outperformed or comparable effectiveness of FSVM-CIP.
Dynamic Behaviour under Moving Distributed Masses of Nonuniform Rayleigh Beam with General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Andi Emem Ayankop , Oni Sunday Tunbosun
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the flexural vibration of a finite nonuniform Rayleigh beam resting on an elastic foundation and under travelling distributed loads. For the solution of this problem, in the first instance, the generalized Galerkin method was used. The resulting Galerkin’s equations were then simplified using the modified asymptotic method of Struble. The simplified second-order ordinary differential equation was then solved using the method of integral transformation. The closed form solution obtained was analyzed and results show that, an increase in the values of foundation moduli K and rotatory inertia correction factor R0 reduces the response amplitudes of both the clamped-clamped nonuniform Rayleigh beam and the clamped-free nonuniform Rayleigh beam. Also for the same natural frequency, the critical speed for the moving distributed mass problem is smaller than that for the moving distributed force problem. Hence resonance is reached earlier in the former. Furthermore, resonance conditions for the dynamical system are attained significantly by both R0 and K for the illustrative end conditions considered.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Zn2SnO4Nanocrystals and Their Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Sun Guang , Zhang Saisai , Li Yanwei
Published: March 2014

Crystalline Zn2SnO4nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal route by using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and SnCl4·5H2O as source materials, NaOH as mineralizing agent, and water and ethanol as mixed solvents. The used amount of NaOH was found to have an important influence on the formation of Zn2SnO4. When the molar ratio of OH− : Zn2+ : Sn4+was set in the range from 4 : 2 : 1 to 8 : 2 : 1, Zn2SnO4nanoparticles with different shape and size were obtained. However, when the molar ratio of OH− : Zn2+ : Sn4+was set as 10 : 2 : 1, a mixture phase of ZnO and ZnSn(OH)6instead of Zn2SnO4was obtained. Photodegradation measurements indicated that the Zn2SnO4nanoparticles own better photocatalytic property to depredate methyl orange than the Zn2SnO4nanopolyhedrons. The superior photocatalytic properties of Zn2SnO4nanoparticles may be contributed to their small crystal size and high surface area.
High Risk First Degree Relatives of Type 1 Diabetics: An Association with Increases in CXCR3+T Memory Cells Reflecting an Enhanced Activity of Th1 Autoimmune Response
Authors: Milicic Tanja , Jotic Aleksandra , Markovic Ivanka , Lalic Katarina , Jeremic Veljko , Lukic Ljiljana , Rajkovic Natasa , Popadic Dušan , Macesic Marija , Seferovic Jelena P. , Aleksic Sandra , Stanarcic Jelena , Civcic Milorad , Lalic Nebojsa M.
Published: March 2014

We analyzed the level of (a) CXCR3+(Th1) and CCR4+(Th2) T memory cells (b) interferon-γinducible chemokine (IP-10)(Th1) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)(Th2), in 51 first degree relatives (FDRs) of type 1 diabetics (T1D) (17 high risk FDRs (GADA+, IA-2+) and 34 low risk FDRs (GADA−, IA-2−)), 24 recent-onset T1D (R-T1D), and 18 healthy subjects. T memory subsets were analyzed by using four-color immunofluorescence staining and flowcytometry. IP-10 and TARC were determined by ELISA. High risk FDRs showed higher levels of CXCR3+and lower level of CCR4+T memory cells compared to low risk FDRs (64.98 ± 5.19 versus 42.13 ± 11.11; 29.46 ± 2.83 versus 41.90 ± 8.58%, resp.,P<0.001). Simultaneously, both IP-10 and TARC levels were increased in high risk versus low risk FDRs (160.12 ± 73.40 versus 105.39 ± 71.30; 438.83 ± 120.62 versus 312.04 ± 151.14 pg/mL,P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified the level of CXCR3+T memory cells as predictors for high risk FDRs, together with high levels of IP-10. The results imply that, in FDRs, the risk for T1D might be strongly influenced by enhanced activity of Th1 and diminished activity of Th2 autoimmune response.
Evolutionary Approach for Relative Gene Expression Algorithms
Authors: Czajkowski Marcin , Kretowski Marek
Published: March 2014

A Relative Expression Analysis (RXA) uses ordering relationships in a small collection of genes and is successfully applied to classiffication using microarray data. As checking all possible subsets of genes is computationally infeasible, the RXA algorithms require feature selection and multiple restrictive assumptions. Our main contribution is a specialized evolutionary algorithm (EA) for top-scoring pairs called EvoTSP which allows finding more advanced gene relations. We managed to unify the major variants of relative expression algorithms through EA and introduce weights to the top-scoring pairs. Experimental validation of EvoTSP on public available microarray datasets showed that the proposed solution significantly outperforms in terms of accuracy other relative expression algorithms and allows exploring much larger solution space.
Some New Results on Prime Cordial Labeling
Authors: Vaidya S. K. , Shah N. H.
Published: March 2014

A prime cordial labeling of a graph G with the vertex set V(G) is a bijection f:V(G)→{1,2,3,…,|V(G)|} such that each edge uv is assigned the label 1 if gcd(f(u),f(v))=1 and 0 if gcd(f(u),f(v))>1; then the number of edges labeled with 0 and the number of edges labeled with 1 differ by at most 1. A graph which admits a prime cordial labeling is called a prime cordial graph. In this work we give a method to construct larger prime cordial graph using a given prime cordial graph G. In addition to this we have investigated the prime cordial labeling for double fan and degree splitting graphs of path as well as bistar. Moreover we prove that the graph obtained by duplication of an edge (spoke as well as rim) in wheel Wn admits prime cordial labeling.
Hypoglycemia Induced by Insulin as a Triggering Factor of Cognitive Deficit in Diabetic Children
Authors: Rodrigues Vilela Vanessa , de Castro Ruiz Marques Any , Schamber Christiano Rodrigues , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa
Published: March 2014

This paper provides an overview of insulin-induced hypoglycemia as a triggering factor of cognitive deficit in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. For this purpose, databases from 1961 to 2013 were used with the objective of detecting the primary publications that address the impact of hypoglycemia on cognitive performance of diabetic children. The results obtained from experimental animals were excluded. The majority of studies demonstrated that the cognitive deficit in diabetic children involves multiple factors including duration, intensity, severity, and frequency of hypoglycemia episodes. Additionally, age at the onset of type 1 diabetes also influences the cognitive performance, considering that early inception of the disease is a predisposing factor for severe hypoglycemia. Furthermore, the results suggest that there is a strong correlation between brain damage caused by hypoglycemia and cognitive deterioration. Therefore, a more cautious follow-up and education are needed to impede and treat hypoglycemia in children with diabetes mellitus.
Impaired 8-Hydroxyguanine Repair Activity of MUTYH Variant p.Arg109Trp Found in a Japanese Patient with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shinmura Kazuya , Goto Masanori , Tao Hong , Kato Hisami , Suzuki Rie , Nakamura Satoki , Matsuda Tomonari , Yin Guang , Morita Makiko , Kono Suminori , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: March 2014

Purpose.The biallelic inactivation of the 8-hydroxyguanine repair geneMUTYHleads to MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), which is characterized by colorectal multiple polyps and carcinoma(s). However, only limited information regarding MAP in the Japanese population is presently available. Since early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is a characteristic of MAP and might be caused by the inactivation of another 8-hydroxyguanine repair gene,OGG1, we investigated whether germlineMUTYHandOGG1mutations are involved in early-onset CRC in Japanese patients.Methods.Thirty-four Japanese patients with early-onset CRC were examined for germlineMUTYHandOGG1mutations using sequencing.Results.Biallelic pathogenic mutations were not found in any of the patients; however, a heterozygous p.Arg19*  MUTYHvariant and a heterozygous p.Arg109TrpMUTYHvariant were detected in one patient each. The p.Arg19* and p.Arg109Trp corresponded to p.Arg5* and p.Arg81Trp, respectively, in the type 2 nuclear-form protein. The defective DNA repair activity of p.Arg5* is apparent, while that of p.Arg81Trp has been demonstrated using DNA cleavage andsupFforward mutation assays.Conclusion.These results suggest that biallelicMUTYHorOGG1pathogenic mutations are rare in Japanese patients with early-onset CRC; however, the p.Arg19* and p.Arg109TrpMUTYHvariants are associated with functional impairments.
Variability in the Structure of Planktonic Microalgae Assemblages in Water Column Associated withPosidonia oceanica(L.) Bed in Tunisia
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Hamza Asma , Bradai Med-Najmeddine
Published: March 2014

Patterns of phytoplankton in areas with seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) and areas without seagrass were quantified in the coast of Chebba (East of Tunisia). Replicate samples were collected at August 2011, from four stations (separated by 500 of metres). The diversity of phytoplankton was high aroundP. oceanicameadows compared to area without seagrass. A possible explanation to this finding is that water motion and hydrodynamics forces cause leaves agitation allowing the passage of epiphytic species in the water column. Our results also show an increase of abundance of potentially toxic dinoflagellates aroundPosidoniabed such asAlexandrium minitum,Amphidinium carterae,Karenia selliformis,Coolia monatis,Karlodinium veneficum,Ostreopsis ovata,Prorocentrum concavum,P. minimum,P. rathymum, andP. lima. Installation of fish farms onPosidoniabeds should be avoided, not only to preserve this vulnerable habitat, but also to avoid fish contamination by toxic species derived from the resuspension of epiphytic community on seagrass substrata to the water column.
On Connectivity of Fatou Components concerning a Family of Rational Maps
Authors: Gao Junyang , Liu Gang
Published: March 2014

I. N. Baker established the existence of Fatou component with any given finite connectivity by the method of quasi-conformal surgery. M. Shishikura suggested giving an explicit rational map which has a Fatou component with finite connectivity greater than 2. In this paper, considering a family of rational mapsRz,tthat A. F. Beardon proposed, we prove thatRz,thas Fatou components with connectivities 3 and 5 for anyt∈0,1/12. Furthermore, there existst∈0,1/12such thatRz,thas Fatou components with connectivity nine.
Kojic Acid Production from Agro-Industrial By-Products Using Fungi
Authors: El-Kady Ismael A. , Zohri Abdel Naser A. , Hamed Shimaa R.
Published: March 2014

A total of 278 different isolates of filamentous fungi were screened using synthetic medium for respective ability to produce kojic acid. Nineteen, six, and five isolates proved to be low, moderate, and high kojic acid producers, respectively. Levels of kojic acid produced were generally increased when shaking cultivation was used rather than those obtained using static cultivation. A trial for the utilization of 15 agro-industrial wastes or by-products for kojic acid production by the five selected higher kojic acid producer isolates was made. The best by-product medium recorded was molasses for kojic acid. A. flavus numbers 7 and 24 were able to grow and produce kojic acid on only 12 out of 15 wastes or by-products media. The best medium used for kojic acid production by A. flavus number 7 was rice fragments followed by molasses, while the best medium used for kojic acid production by A. flavus number 24 was the molasses followed by orange, pea, and rice fragments. An attempt for production of kojic acid using a 1.5 L laboratory fermentor has been made. Aspergillus flavus number 7 was used and grown on molasses medium; maximum level (53.5 g/L) of kojic acid was obtained after eight days of incubation.
Assessment of T2-Weighted Coronal Magnetic Resonance Images in the Investigation of Pituitary Lesions
Authors: Yuksekkaya Ruken , Aggunlu Levent , Oner Yusuf , Celik Halil , Akpek Sergin , Celikyay Fatih
Published: March 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging is the most important diagnostic method in the investigation of the pituitary lesions. Our aim is to determine whether T2-weighted coronal images may be helpful in the evaluation of the pituitary gland with suspected pituitary adenomas. One hundred and sixty-seven patients were examined prospectively with T2-weighted coronal and T1-weighted coronal images enhanced with intravenous contrast material. The images were evaluated for the presence, the size, the location, and the ancillary signs including sellar floor erosion or ballooning, infindibulary deviation, convexity of the superior border of the gland, diffuse enlargement of the gland, and the invasion of the cavenous sinuses on both images. In forty-six (28%) patients lesions were revealed on both sequences. In twenty-one (12%) patients the lesions that were revealed on the T1-weighted images were not detected on the T2-weighted images. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates of T2-weighted coronal images on the detection of the presence of lesions were 100%, 17.4%, 68.7%, 100%, and 87.4%, respectively. Both T2-weighted coronal and T1-weighted coronal images enhanced with intravenous gadolinium-based contrast material are important in the diagnosis of pituitary adenomas. T2-weighted coronal images could be used as a screening tool for the primary evaluation of the pituitary gland.
Drag Reduction of Passenger Car Using Add-On Devices
Authors: Bansal Ram , Sharma R. B.
Published: March 2014

This work proposes an effective numerical model using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to obtain the flow structure around a passenger car with different add-on devices. The computational/numerical model of the passenger car and mesh was constructed using ANSYS Fluent which is the CFD solver and employed in the present work. In this study, numerical iterations are completed, and then aerodynamic data and detailed complicated flow structure are visualized. In the present work, a model of generic passenger car was developed using solidworks, generated the wind tunnel, and applied the boundary conditions in ANSYS workbench platform, and then testing and simulation have been performed for the evaluation of drag coefficient for passenger car. In another case, the aerodynamics of the most suitable design of vortex generator, spoiler, tail plates, and spoiler with VGs are introduced and analysed for the evaluation of drag coefficient for passenger car. The addition of these add-on devices are reduces the drag-coefficient and lift coefficient in head-on wind. Rounding the edges partially reduces drag in head-on wind but does not bring about the significant improvements in the aerodynamic efficiency of the passenger car with add-on devices, and it can be obtained. Hence, the drag force can be reduced by using add-on devices on vehicle and fuel economy, stability of a passenger car can be improved.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Risk and Liver Disease
Authors: Hanna Robert F. , Finkelstone Lee A. , Chow Daniel S. , Miloushev Vesselin Z. , Escudero Mark R. , Lagana Stephen M. , Prince Martin R.
Published: March 2014

Objective. Evaluate the incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with liver disease in the peritransplant period.Materials and Methods. This IRB approved study retrospectively reviewed patients requiring transplantation for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or both from 2003 to 2013. Records were reviewed identifying those having gadolinium enhanced MRI within 1 year of posttransplantation to document degree of liver disease, renal disease, and evidence for NSF.Results. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI was performed on 312 of 837 patients, including 23 with severe renal failure (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 cm2) and 289 with GFR > 30. Two of 23 patients with renal failure developed NSF compared to zero NSF cases in 289 patients with GFR > 30 (0/289;P<0.003). High dose gadodiamide was used in the two NSF cases. There was no increased incidence of NSF with severe liver disease (1/71) compared to nonsevere liver disease (1/241;P=0.412).Conclusion. Renal disease is a risk factor for NSF, but in our small sample our evidence suggests liver disease is not an additional risk factor, especially if a low-risk gadolinium agent is used. Noting that not all patients received high-risk gadolinium, a larger study focusing on patients receiving high-risk gadolinium is needed to further evaluate NSF risk in liver disease in the peritransplant period.
Implicit Approximation Scheme for the Solution ofK-Positive Definite Operator Equation
Authors: Shahzad Naseer , Rafiq Arif , Zegeye Habtu
Published: March 2014

We construct an implicit sequence suitable for the approximation of solutions ofK-positive definite operator equations in real Banach spaces. Furthermore, implicit error estimate is obtained and the convergence is shown to be faster in comparsion to the explicit error estimate obtained by Osilike and Udomene (2001).
US Natural Gas Market Classification Using Pooled Regression
Authors: Kalashnikov Vyacheslav V. , Pérez-Valdés Gerardo A. , Matis Timothy I. , Kalashnykova Nataliya I.
Published: March 2014

Natural gas marketing has considerably evolved since the early 1990s, when a set of liberalizing rules were passed in both the United States and the European Union that eliminated state‐driven regulations in favor of open energy markets. These new rules changed many things in the business of energetics, and therefore new research opportunities arose. Econometric studies about natural gas emerged as an important area of study since natural gas may now be sold and traded in a number of stock markets, each one responding to potentially different behavioral drives. In this work, we present a method to differentiate sets of time series based on a regression model relating price, consumption, supply, and other factors. Our objective is to develop a method to classify different areas, regions, or states into groups or classes that share similar regression parameters. Once obtained, these groups may be used to make assumptions about corresponding natural gas prices
in further studies.
Lack of Association betweenTLR4Genetic Polymorphisms and Diabetic Nephropathy in a Chinese Population
Authors: Peng Danfeng , Wang Jie , Pan Jiemin , Zhang Rong , Tang Shanshan , Jiang Feng , Chen Miao , Yan Jing , Sun Xue , Wang Tao , Wang Shiyun , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: March 2014

Objective. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a central role in innate immunity. Activation of innate immune response and subsequent chronic low-grade inflammation are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we aimed to investigate whetherTLR4variants are associated with diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese population.Methods. Seven tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) ofTLR4based on HapMap Chinese data were genotyped in 1,455 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Of these patients, 622 were diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy and 833 were patients with diabetes for over 5 years but without diabetic nephropathy.Results. None of the SNPs and haplotypes showed significant association to diabetic nephropathy in our study. No association between the SNPs and quantitative traits was observed either.Conclusion. We concluded that common variants withinTLR4genes were not associated with diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese type 2 diabetes patients.
Biological Functionalities of Transglutaminase 2 and the Possibility of Its Compensation by Other Members of the Transglutaminase Family
Authors: Odii Benedict Onyekachi , Coussons Peter
Published: March 2014

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is the most widely distributed and most abundantly expressed member of the transglutaminase family of enzymes, a group of intracellular and extracellular proteins that catalyze the Ca2+-dependent posttranslational modification of proteins. It is a unique member of the transglutaminase family owing to its specialized biochemical, structural and functional elements, ubiquitous tissue distribution and subcellular localization, and substrate specificity. The broad substrate specificity of TG2 and its flexible interaction with numerous other gene products may account for its multiple biological functions. In addition to the classic Ca2+-dependent transamidation of proteins, which is a hallmark of transglutaminase enzymes, additional Ca2+-independent enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities of TG2 have been identified. Many such activities have been directly or indirectly implicated in diverse cellular physiological events, including cell growth and differentiation, cell adhesion and morphology, extracellular matrix stabilization, wound healing, cellular development, receptor-mediated endocytosis, apoptosis, and disease pathology. Given the wide range of activities of the transglutaminase gene family it has been suggested that, in the absence of active versions of TG2, its function could be compensated for by other members of the transglutaminase family. It is in the light of this assertion that we review, herein, TG2 activities and the possibilities and premises for compensation for its absence.
Remote Sensing of Aboveground Biomass in Tropical Secondary Forests: A Review
Authors: Barbosa J. M. , Broadbent E. N. , Bitencourt M. D.
Published: March 2014

Tropical landscapes are, in general, a mosaic of pasture, agriculture, and forest undergoing various stages of succession. Forest succession is comprised of continuous structural changes over time and results in increases in aboveground biomass (AGB). New remote sensing methods, including sensors, image processing, statistical methods, and uncertainty evaluations, are constantly being developed to estimate biophysical forest changes. We review 318 peer-reviewed studies related to the use of remotely sensed AGB estimations in tropical forest succession studies and summarize their geographic distribution, sensors and methods used, and their most frequent ecological inferences. Remotely sensed AGB is broadly used in forest management studies, conservation status evaluations, carbon source and sink investigations, and for studies of the relationships between environmental conditions and forest structure. Uncertainties in AGB estimations were found to be heterogeneous with biases related to sensor type, processing methodology, ground truthing availability, and forest characteristics. Remotely sensed AGB of successional forests is more reliable for the study of spatial patterns of forest succession and over large time scales than that of individual stands. Remote sensing of temporal patterns in biomass requires further study, in particular, as it is critical for understanding forest regrowth at scales useful for regional or global analyses.
The Effect of Bolus Volume on Hyoid Kinematics in Healthy Swallowing
Authors: Nagy Ahmed , Molfenter Sonja M. , Péladeau-Pigeon Melanie , Stokely Shauna , Steele Catriona M.
Published: March 2014

Hyoid movement in swallowing is biomechanically linked to closure of the laryngeal vestibule for airway protection and to opening of the upper esophageal sphincter. Studies suggest that the range of hyoid movement is highly variable in the healthy population. However, other aspects of hyoid movement such as velocity remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we analyze data from a sample of 20 healthy young participants (10 male) to determine whether hyoid movement distance, duration, velocity, and peak velocity vary systematically with increases in thin liquid bolus volume from 5 to 20 mL. The temporal correspondence between peak hyoid velocity and laryngeal vestibule closure was also examined. The results show that maximum hyoid position and peak velocity increase significantly for 20 mL bolus volumes compared to smaller volumes, and that the timing of peak velocity is closely linked to achieving laryngeal vestibule closure. This suggests that generating hyoid movements with increased power is a strategy for handling larger volumes.
Numerical Solution of Seventh-Order Boundary Value Problems by a Novel Method
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Akgül Ali
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate the efficiency of reproducing kernel Hilbert space method on the seventh-order boundary value problems satisfying boundary conditions. These results have been compared with the results that are obtained by variational iteration method (VIM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), Adomian decomposition method (ADM), variation of parameters method (VPM), and homotopy analysis method (HAM). Obtained results show that our method is very effective.
Prevalence of Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Turkish Children Presenting with Premature Pubarche, Hirsutism, or Oligomenorrhoea
Authors: Binay Cigdem , Simsek Enver , Cilingir Oguz , Yuksel Zafer , Kutlay Ozden , Artan Sevilhan
Published: March 2014

Background. Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), caused by mutations in the gene encoding 21-hydroxylase, is a common autosomal recessive disorder. In the present work, our aim was to determine the prevalence of NCAH presenting as premature pubarche (PP), hirsutism, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to evaluate the molecular spectrum ofCYP21A2mutations in NCAH patients.Methods. A total of 126 patients (122 females, 4 males) with PP, hirsutism, or PCOS were included in the present study. All patients underwent an ACTH stimulation test. NCAH was considered to be present when the stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone plasma level was >10 ng/mL.Results. Seventy-one of the 126 patients (56%) presented with PP, 29 (23%) with PCOS, and 26 (21%) with hirsutism. Six patients (4,7%) were diagnosed with NCAH based on mutational analysis. Four different mutations (Q318X, P30L, V281L, and P453S) were found in six NCAH patients. One patient with NCAH was a compound heterozygote for this mutation, and five were heterozygous.Conclusion. NCAH should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with PP, hirsutism, and PCOS, especially in countries in which consanguineous marriages are prevalent.
Analysis and Design of Network‐Based Control Systems with Binary Modulation
Authors: Zhao Shunli , Yin Xunhe , Wei Xueye
Published: March 2014

Network‐based control systems have been emerging technologies in control and computer communication fields over the past decade. This paper focuses on the analysis and design of network‐based control systems with binary modulation. First, it is shown that different modulations can
result in different delays which are inevitable in network‐based control systems. The delay can be seen as constant delay when the transmission time is the main consideration. Second, channel noise can result in bit error while bit error is seen as active packet loss in this paper, in this context, the conditions of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for binary modulation that can guarantee the stability of systems are obtained according to the proposed algorithm. Third, the system with delay and noisy communication can be modeled as an asynchronous dynamic system (ADS); in addition, the stability is analyzed and controller is designed in terms of Lyapunov function and linear matrix inequality (LMI) scheme. Finally, without loss
of generality, numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and designed controller based on binary amplitude shift keying (2ASK) modulation.
Periodic Boundary Value Problems for First-Order Impulsive Functional Integrodifferential Equations with Integral-Jump Conditions
Authors: Thaiprayoon Chatthai , Samana Decha , Tariboon Jessada
Published: March 2014

By developing a new comparison result and using the monotone iterative technique, we are able to obtain existence of minimal and maximal solutions of periodic boundary value problems for first-order impulsive functional integrodifferential equations with integral-jump conditions. An example is also given to illustrate our results.
An Optimal Method for Diffusion Parameters of Nonlinear Diffusion Problem of Drug Releasing in 2D‐Disc Device by Separate Variable Method
Authors: Li Youyun , Ouyang Jinhui , Qin Jiaohua , Gao Yingli
Published: March 2014

An optimization control model and the corresponding computational method drawing
the diffusion parameters of the nonlinear problem for the drug releasing in the 2D‐disc device
were given in this paper. Firstly, based on the nonlinear diffusion equation of the drug releasing in
the 2D‐disc device, we used the linear diffusion problem to discrete the nonlinear diffusion
problem with the discrete space and the discrete time. Then, by the separate variable method, the
solution of the linear problem was given. Next, the least square method based on the separate
variable idea (LSMSV) was used to estimate the nonlinear appropriate diffusion parameters.
Finally, a numerical example was presented to show that the control model and the numerical
method were valid for computing the diffusion coefficient of the nonlinear problem for the drug
releasing in the 2D‐disc device.
Antimicrobial Effects of Dental Luting Glass Ionomer Cements onStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Klai Sina , Altenburger Markus , Spitzmüller Bettina , Anderson Annette , Hellwig Elmar , Al-Ahmad Ali
Published: March 2014

Objective. To reduce secondary caries, glass ionomer luting cements are often used for cementing of indirect restorations. This is because of their well-known antimicrobial potential through the release of fluoride ions. The aim of thisin vitrostudy was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of five dental luting cements which were based on glass ionomer cement technology.Methods. Five different glass ionomer based luting cements were tested for their antimicrobial effects onStreptococcus mutansin two different experimental setups: (i) determination of colony-forming units (CFUs) in a plate-counting assay; (ii) live/dead staining (LDS) and fluorescence microscopy. All experiments were conducted with or without prior treatment of the materials using sterilized human saliva. Antimicrobial effects were evaluated for adherent and planktonic bacteria. Bovine enamel slabs (BES) were used as negative control. BES covered with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) served as positive control.Results. Each of the tested materials significantly reduced the number of initially adhered CFUs; this reduction was even more pronounced after prior incubation in saliva. Antimicrobial effects on adherent bacteria were confirmed by live-dead staining.Conclusion. All five luting cements showed an antimicrobial potential which was increased by prior incubation with human saliva, suggesting an enhanced effectin vivo.
Rediscovery of Cameroon Dolphin, the Gulf of Guinea Population of Sousa teuszii (Kükenthal, 1892)
Authors: Ayissi Isidore , Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Van Waerebeek Koen
Published: March 2014

Since the 1892 discovery of the Atlantic humpback dolphin Sousa teuszii (Delphinidae), a species endemic to coastal western Africa, from a skull collected in Cameroon, not a single record has been documented from the country or neighbouring countries. Increasing concern about the continued existence of the Gulf of Guinea population of S. teuszii or “Cameroon dolphin” prompted an exploratory survey in May 2011. Shore-based effort, on foot (30.52 km; 784 min), yielded no observations. Small boat-based surveys (259.1 km; 1008 min) resulted in a single documented sighting of ca. 10 (8–12) Cameroon dolphins in shallow water off an open sandy shore near Bouandjo in Cameroon's South Region. The combination of a low encounter rate of 3.86 individuals (100 km)−1 suggesting low abundance and evidence of both fisheries-caused mortality and of habitat encroachment raises concerns about the Cameroon dolphin's long-term conservation prospect. Our results add to indications concerning several other S. teuszii populations that the IUCN status designation of the species as “Vulnerable” may understate its threat level.
Uteroglobin, a Possible Ligand of the Lipoxin Receptor Inhibits Serum Amyloid A-Driven Inflammation
Authors: Antico Giovanni , Aloman Monica , Lakota Katja , Miele Lucio , Fiore Stefano , Sodin-Semrl Snezna
Published: March 2014

Serum amyloid A (SAA) production is increased by inflamed arthritic synovial tissue, where it acts as a cytokine/chemoattractant for inflammatory and immune cells and as an inducer of matrix degrading enzymes. SAA has been shown to bind lipoxin A4receptor, a member of the formyl-peptide related 2 G-protein coupled receptor family (ALX) and elicit proinflammatory activities in human primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). We report on the identification of uteroglobin, a small globular protein with potent anti-inflammatory activities, as a possible ligand of ALX. Uteroglobin-specific association with ALX was demonstrated by an enzyme immunoassay experiment employing a cell line engineered to express the human ALX receptor. Uteroglobin’s interaction with ALX resulted in the inhibition of SAA responses, such as attenuation of phospholipase A2activation and cellular chemotaxis. In FLS, uteroglobin showed an antagonism against SAA-induced interleukin-8 release and decreased cell migration. These novel roles described for uteroglobin via ALX may help elucidate genetic and clinical observations indicating that a polymorphism in the uteroglobin promoter is linked to disease outcome, specifically prediction of bone erosion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or severity of IgA glomerulonephritis and sarcoidosis.
Automated Degradation Diagnosis in Character Recognition System Subject to Camera Vibration
Authors: Liu Chunmei
Published: March 2014

Degradation diagnosis plays an important role for degraded character processing, which can tell the recognition difficulty of a given degraded character. In this paper, we present a framework for automated degraded character recognition system by statistical syntactic approach using 3D primitive symbol, which is integrated by degradation diagnosis to provide accurate and reliable recognition results. Our contribution is to design the framework to build the character recognition submodels corresponding to degradation subject to camera vibration or out of focus. In each character recognition submodel, statistical syntactic approach using 3D primitive symbol is proposed to improve degraded character recognition performance. In the experiments, we show attractive experimental results, highlighting the system efficiency and recognition performance by statistical syntactic approach using 3D primitive symbol on the degraded character dataset.