bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatisand Genital Mycoplasmas: Pathogens with an Impact on Human Reproductive Health
Authors: Ljubin-Sternak Sunčanica , Meštrović Tomislav
Published: December 2014

The most prevalent, curable sexually important diseases are those caused byChlamydia trachomatis(C. trachomatis) and genital mycoplasmas. An important characteristic of these infections is their ability to cause long-term sequels in upper genital tract, thus potentially affecting the reproductive health in both sexes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility (TFI), and ectopic pregnancy (EP) are well documented complications ofC. trachomatisinfection in women. The role of genital mycoplasmas in development of PID, TFI, and EP requires further evaluation, but growing evidence supports a significant role for these in the pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, premature membrane rupture, and preterm labor in pregnant woman. BothC. trachomatisand genital mycoplasmas can affect the quality of sperm and possibly influence the fertility of men. For the purpose of this paper, basic, epidemiologic, clinical, therapeutic, and public health issue of these infections were reviewed and discussed, focusing on their impact on human reproductive health.
Aminated β-Cyclodextrin-Modified-Carboxylated Magnetic Cobalt/Nanocellulose Composite for Tumor-Targeted Gene Delivery
Authors: Anirudhan Thayyath Sreenivasan , Rejeena Sylaja Raveendran
Published: December 2014

Gene therapy is a new kind of medicine, which uses genes as drugs in order to treat life threatening diseases. In the present work, a nonviral vector, aminated β-cyclodextrin-modified-carboxylated magnetic cobalt/nanocellulose composite (ACDC-Co/NCC), was synthesized for efficient transfection of genes into tumour cells. The synthesized ACDC-Co/NCC was characterized by means of FTIR, XRD, SEM, and ESR techniques. DNA condensing ability of ACDC-Co/NCC was found to be increased with increase in amount of ACDC-Co/NCC and 84.9% of DNA (1.0 μg/mL) inclusion was observed with 6.0 μg/mL of ACDC-Co/NCC. The cytotoxicity of ACDC-Co/NCC was observed to be minimal, even at higher concentration, with respect to the model transfecting agent, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). 88.2% of the gene was transfected at high dose of DNA, as indicated by the highest luciferase expression. These results indicated that ACDC-Co/NCC might be a promising candidate for gene delivery with the characteristics of good biocompatibility, potential biodegradability, minimal cytotoxicity, and relatively high gene transfection efficiency.
Angiosarcoma Arising in a Patient with a 10-Year-Old Hemangioma
Authors: Nathenson Michael J. , Molavi Diana , Aboulafia Albert
Published: December 2014

The transformation of a benign hemangioma into a malignant angiosarcoma has been rarely reported, with only 11 cases reported in the literature. There have been no reports of malignant transformation of hemangioma into angiosarcoma in association with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, to our knowledge. The existence of precursor malignancies in the tumorigenesis of sarcomas is still not clearly defined. We describe the case of a 40-year-old woman with a preceding history of a suspected hemangioma for ten years, who upon resection was found on histology to have evidence of a hemangioma with an associated area of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma as well as areas of overt high grade epithelioid angiosarcoma. These findings raise the possibility of the evolution of hemangioma to epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and the latter to overt angiosarcoma. The patient was managed as having a high grade sarcoma with wide resection and radiation. She declined systemic adjuvant chemotherapy after a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits of chemotherapy, and she currently remains disease free one year after the surgery.
Novel Arsenic Nanoparticles Are More Effective and Less Toxic than As (III) to Inhibit Extracellular and Intracellular Proliferation ofLeishmania donovani
Authors: Chakraborty Sudipta , Bhar Kaushik , Saha Sandip , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Pal Anjali , Siddhanta Anirban
Published: December 2014

Visceral leishmaniasis, a vector-borne tropical disease that is threatening about 350 million people worldwide, is caused by the protozoan parasiteLeishmania donovani. Metalloids like arsenic and antimony have been used to treat diseases like leishmaniasis caused by the kinetoplastid parasites. Arsenic (III) at a relatively higher concentration (30 μg/mL) has been shown to have antileishmanial activity, but this concentration is reported to be toxic in several experimental mammalian systems. Nanosized metal (0) particles have been shown to be more effective than their higher oxidation state forms. There is no information so far regarding arsenic nanoparticles (As-NPs) as an antileishmanial agent. We have tested the antileishmanial properties of the As-NPs, developed for the first time in our laboratory. As-NPs inhibited thein vitrogrowth, oxygen consumption, infectivity, and intramacrophage proliferation ofL. donovaniparasites at a concentration which is about several fold lower than that of As (III). Moreover, this antileishmanial activity has comparatively less cytotoxic effect on the mouse macrophage cell line. It is evident from our findings that As-NPs have more potential than As (III) to be used as an antileishmanial agent.
The Class I Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor MS-275 Prevents Pancreatic Beta Cell Death Induced by Palmitate
Authors: Plaisance Valérie , Rolland Laure , Gmyr Valéry , Annicotte Jean-Sébastien , Kerr-Conte Julie , Pattou François , Abderrahmani Amar
Published: December 2014

Elevation of the dietary saturated fatty acid palmitate contributes to the reduction of functional beta cell mass in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The diabetogenic effect of palmitate is achieved by increasing beta cell death through induction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers including activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) and CAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein-10 (Chop). In this study, we investigated whether treatment of beta cells with the MS-275, a HDAC1 and HDAC3 activity inhibitor which prevents beta cell death elicited by cytokines, is beneficial for combating beta cell dysfunction caused by palmitate. We show that culture of isolated human islets and MIN6 cells with MS-275 reduced apoptosis evoked by palmitate. The protective effect of MS-275 was associated with the attenuation of the expression of Atf3 and Chop. Silencing of HDAC3, but not of HDAC1, mimicked the effects of MS-275 on the expression of the two ER stress markers and apoptosis. These data point to HDAC3 as a potential drug target for preserving beta cells against lipotoxicity in diabetes.
Identification of Yellow Pigmentation Genes inBrassica rapassp.pekinensisUsing Br300 Microarray
Authors: Jung Hee-Jeong , Manoharan Ranjith Kumar , Park Jong-In , Chung Mi-Young , Lee Jeongyeo , Lim Yong-Pyo , Hur Yoonkang , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: December 2014

The yellow color of inner leaves in Chinese cabbage depends on its lutein and carotene content. To identify responsible genes for yellow pigmentation in leaves, the transcriptome profiles of white (Kenshin) and yellow leaves (Wheessen) were examined using the Br300K oligomeric chip in Chinese cabbage. In yellow leaves, genes involved in carotene synthesis (BrPSY, BrPDS, BrCRTISO, andBrLCYE), lutein, and zeaxanthin synthesis (BrCYP97A3andBrHYDB) were upregulated, while those associated with carotene degradation (BrNCED3, BrNCED4, andBrNCED6) were downregulated. These expression patterns might support that the content of both lutein and total carotenoid was much higher in the yellow leaves than that in the white leaves. These results indicate that the yellow leaves accumulate high levels of both lutein andβ-carotene due to stimulation of synthesis and that the degradation rate is inhibited. A large number of responsible genes as novel genes were specifically expressed in yellow inner leaves, suggesting the possible involvement in pigment synthesis. Finally, we identified three transcription factors (BrA20/AN1-like, BrBIM1, andBrZFP8) that are specifically expressed and confirmed their relatedness in carotenoid synthesis fromArabidopsisplants.
Determination of Urinary Creatinine in Washington State Residents via Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: West Caroline E. , Rhodes Blaine N.
Published: December 2014

A viable, quick, and reliable method for determining urinary creatinine by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was developed and used to evaluate spot urine samples collected for the Washington Environmental Biomonitoring Survey (WEBS): part of the Washington State Department of Health, Public Health Laboratories (PHL). 50 µL of urine was mixed with a 1 : 1 acetonitrile/water solution containing deuterated creatinine as the internal standard and then analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive mode, the transition ions for creatinine and creatinine-d3were determined to be 114.0 to 44.1 (quantifier), 114.0 to 86.1 (qualifier), and 117.0 to 47.1 (creatinine-d3). The retention time for creatinine was 0.85 minutes. The linear calibration range was 20–4000 mg/L, with a limit of detection at 1.77 mg/L and a limit of quantitation at 5.91 mg/L. LC/MS/MS and the colorimetric Jaffé reaction were associated significantly (Pearsonr=0.9898andR2=0.9797,ρ≤0.0001). The LC/MS/MS method developed at the PHL to determine creatinine in the spot urine samples had shorter retention times, and was more sensitive, reliable, reproducible, and safer than other LC/MS/MS or commercial methods such as the Jaffé reaction or modified versions thereof.
Persistent High Level of Urinary Tumor Marker Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Prenatally Diagnosed Dysplastic Kidney
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Ebadi Maryam , Rahimi Sherbaf Fatemeh , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: December 2014

Tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level has gained clinical significance in gastrointestinal malignancies and in various solid and cystic diseases. Dysplastic kidney is a congenital abnormality resulting from atresia of the ureteral bud during the embryogenesis which can be unilateral or bilateral. We report unilateral dysplastic kidney with extremely large cyst diagnosed by routine ultrasonography in the 32nd week of gestational age with high levels of CA 19-9 in cystic and amniotic fluid, as well as persistent high urinary levels of this tumor marker during the 1-year follow-up. Persistent high urinary CA 19-9 level even after cyst aspiration may be attributable to remained function of dysplastic kidney due to remained epithelial lining.
Using Soil Apparent Electrical Conductivity to Optimize Sampling of Soil Penetration Resistance and to Improve the Estimations of Spatial Patterns of Soil Compaction
Authors: Siqueira Glécio Machado , Dafonte Jorge Dafonte , Bueno Lema Javier , Valcárcel Armesto Montserrat , Silva Ênio Farias França e
Published: December 2014

This study presents a combined application of an EM38DD for assessing soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and a dual-sensor vertical penetrometer Veris-3000 for measuring soil electrical conductivity (ECveris) and soil resistance to penetration (PR). The measurements were made at a 6 ha field cropped with forage maize under no-tillage after sowing and located in Northwestern Spain. The objective was to use data from ECafor improving the estimation of soil PR. First, data of ECawere used to determine the optimized sampling scheme of the soil PR in 40 points. Then, correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between soil PR and ECa, ranging from −0.36 to −0.70 for the studied soil layers. The spatial dependence of soil PR was best described by spherical models in most soil layers. However, below 0.50 m the spatial pattern of soil PR showed pure nugget effect, which could be due to the limited number of PR data used in these layers as the values of this parameter often were above the range measured by our equipment (5.5 MPa). The use of ECaas secondary variable slightly improved the estimation of PR by universal cokriging, when compared with kriging.
Cutting a Long Story Short? The Clinical Relevance of Asking Parents, Nurses, and Young Children Themselves to Identify Children’s Mental Health Problems by One or Two Questions
Authors: Borg Anne-Mari , Salmelin Raili , Joukamaa Matti , Tamminen Tuula
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims. Assessing young children’s mental health is a crucial and challenging task. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of asking parents, nurses, and young children themselves to identify children’s mental health problems by only one or two questions.Methods. In regular health check-ups of 4- to 9-year-old children(n=2682), parents and public health nurses assessed by one question whether the child had any emotional or behavioral difficulties. The child completed a self-evaluation enquiry on his/her emotional well-being. A stratified proportion of the participating parents were invited to a diagnostic interview.Results. Sensitivities were fairly good for the parents’ (68%), nurses’ (65%), and their combined (79%) one-question screens. Difficulties identified by parents and nurses were major risks (OR 10–14) for any child psychiatric disorders(P<0.001). The child’s self-evaluation was related to 2-fold to 3-fold risks(P<0.05)for any psychiatric diagnosis, for any emotional diagnosis, and for negative situational factors.Conclusion. The one-question screen for parents and public health nurses together quite adequately identified the young children with mental health problems. The child’s self-evaluation provided relevant and complementary information on his/her mental health and especially emotional problems.
A Comparative Study on Magnetostructural Properties of Barium Hexaferrite Powders Prepared by Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Durmus Zehra
Published: December 2014

Nanocrystalline particles of barium hexaferrite were synthesized by a sol‐gel combustion route using nitrate‐citrate gels prepared from metal nitrates and citric acid solutions with Fe/Ba molar ratio 12. The present paper aims to study the effect of addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions with different molecular weights (MW: 400, 2000, and 10.000 g/mol) on magnetostructural properties of barium hexaferrite. The formation of the barium hexaferrite was inspected using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis, thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis for magnetic measurements.
Liquid Mass Sensing Using Resonating Microplates under Harsh Drop and Spray Conditions
Authors: Mahajne Said , Guetta Dafne , Lulinsky Stella , Krylov Slava , Linzon Yoav
Published: December 2014

We have performed in situ real time mass sensing of deposited liquid volatile droplets and sprays using plate-like microstructures, with robust and reusable performance attained over harsh conditions and multiple cycles of operation. A home-built electrooptical sensing system in ambient conditions has been used. The bimorph effect on the resonant frequency of altered mass loading, elasticity, and strain had been carefully compared, and the latter were found to be negligible in the presence of nonviscous liquids deposited on top of our microplate devices. In resonant mode, the loaded mass has been estimated from measured resonant frequency shifts and interpreted from a simple, uniformly deposited film model. A minimum submicrogram detectable mass was estimated, suggesting the system’s potential for robust, fast, and reusable sensing capabilities, in the presence of volatile liquids under harsh operation conditions.
Defect Automatic Identification of Eddy Current Pulsed Thermography
Authors: Chen Kai , Bai Libing , Chen Yifan , Cheng Yuhua , Tian Shulin , Zhu Peipei
Published: December 2014

Eddy current pulsed thermography (ECPT) is an effective nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) technique, and has been applied for a wide range of conductive materials. Manual selected frames have been used for defects detection and quantification. Defects are indicated by high/low temperature in the frames. However, the variation of surface emissivity sometimes introduces illusory temperature inhomogeneity and results in false alarm. To improve the probability of detection, this paper proposes a two-heat balance states-based method which can restrain the influence of the emissivity. In addition, the independent component analysis (ICA) is also applied to automatically identify defect patterns and quantify the defects. An experiment was carried out to validate the proposed methods.
An Economic Order Quantity Model with Completely Backordering and Nondecreasing Demand under Two-Level Trade Credit
Authors: Molamohamadi Zohreh , Arshizadeh Rahman , Ismail Napsiah , Azizi Amir
Published: December 2014

In the traditional inventory system, it was implicitly assumed that the buyer pays to the seller as soon as he receives the items. In today’s competitive industry, however, the seller usually offers the buyer a delay period to settle the account of the goods. Not only the seller but also the buyer may apply trade credit as a strategic tool to stimulate his customers’ demands. This paper investigates the effects of the latter policy, two-level trade credit, on a retailer’s optimal ordering decisions within the economic order quantity framework and allowable shortages. Unlike most of the previous studies, the demand function of the customers is considered to increase with time. The objective of the retailer’s inventory model is to maximize the profit. The replenishment decisions optimally are obtained using genetic algorithm. Two special cases of the proposed model are discussed and the impacts of parameters on the decision variables are finally investigated. Numerical examples demonstrate the profitability of the developed two-level supply chain with backorder.
Balance Ability and Proprioception after Single-Bundle, Single-Bundle Augmentation, and Double-Bundle ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Ma Yubao , Deie Masataka , Iwaki Daisuke , Asaeda Makoto , Fujita Naoto , Adachi Nobuo , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: December 2014

Purpose. The present study sought to determine the influences of single-bundle (SB), single-bundle augmentation (SBA), and double-bundle (DB) reconstructions on balance ability and proprioceptive function.Methods. 67 patients who underwent a single- or double-bundle ACL reconstruction or a SBA using multistranded autologous hamstring tendons were included in this study with a 1-year follow-up. Body sway and knee kinesthesia (using the threshold to detect passive motion test (TTDPM)) were measured to indicate balance ability and proprioceptive function, respectively. Additionally, within-subject differences in anterior-posterior stability of the tibia and lower extremity muscle strength were evaluated before and after surgery.Results. At 6 and 12 months after surgery, DB reconstruction resulted in better balance and proprioceptive function than SB reconstruction (P<0.05). Although no significant difference was observed in balance ability or proprioceptive function between the SBA and DB reconstructions, knee stability was significantly better with SBA and DB reconstructions than SB reconstruction (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in quadriceps and hamstrings strength among the three reconstruction techniques.Conclusions. Our findings consider that joint stability, proprioceptive function, and balance ability were superior with SBA and DB reconstructions compared to SB reconstruction at 6 and 12 months after surgery.
Purification and Characterization of a Unique Pectin Lyase from Aspergillus giganteus Able to Release Unsaturated Monogalacturonate during Pectin Degradation
Authors: Pedrolli Danielle Biscaro , Carmona Eleonora Cano
Published: December 2014

A pectin lyase, named PLIII, was purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of Aspergillus giganteus grown in submerged culture containing orange peel waste as carbon source. PLIII was able to digest apple pectin and citrus pectins with different degrees of methyl esterification. Interestingly, the PLIII activity was stimulated in the presence of some divalent cations including Pb2+ and was not significantly affected by Hg2+. Like other pectin lyases, PLIII is stimulated by but is not dependent on Ca2+. The main soluble product released during the degradation of pectic substances promoted by the PLIII is compatible with an unsaturated monogalacturonate. PLIII is a unique enzyme able to release unsaturated monogalacturonate as the only soluble product during the degradation of pectic substances; therefore, PLIII was classified as an exo-pectin lyase. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of an exo-pectin lyase. The PLIII described in this work is potentially useful for ethanol production from pectin-rich biomass, besides other common applications for alkaline pectinases like preparation of textile fibers, coffee and tea fermentation, vegetable oil extraction, and the treatment of pulp in papermaking.
Standardized Application of Laxatives and Physical Measures in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients Improves Defecation Pattern but Is Not Associated with Lower Intracranial Pressure
Authors: Kieninger Martin , Sinner Barbara , Graf Bernhard , Grassold Astrid , Bele Sylvia , Seemann Milena , Künzig Holger , Zech Nina
Published: December 2014

Background. Inadequate bowel movements might be associated with an increase in intracranial pressure in neurosurgical patients. In this study we investigated the influence of a structured application of laxatives and physical measures following a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) on bowel movement, intracranial pressure (ICP), and length of hospital stay in patients with a serious acute cerebral disorder.Methods. After the implementation of the SOP patients suffering from a neurosurgical disorder received pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures to improve bowel movements in a standardized manner within the first 5 days after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) starting on day of admission. We compared mean ICP levels, length of ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation to a historical control group.Results. Patients of the intervention group showed an adequate defecation pattern significantly more often than the patients of the control group. However, this was not associated with lower ICP values, fewer days of mechanical ventilation, or earlier discharge from ICU.Conclusions. The implementation of a SOP for bowel movement increases the frequency of adequate bowel movements in neurosurgical critical care patients. However, this seems not to be associated with reduced ICP values.
H. pyloriMay Not Be Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Normal Gastrointestinal Tract Endoscopy Results
Authors: Saler Tayyibe , Keşkek Şakir Özgür , Kırk Sibel , Ahbab Süleyman , Ortoğlu Gülay
Published: December 2014

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between iron deficiency anemia andH. pyloriin patients with normal gastrointestinal tract endoscopy results.Materials and Methods. A total of 117 male patients with normal gastrointestinal tract endoscopy results were included in this retrospective study. The study and control groups included 69 and 48 patients with and without iron deficiency anemia, respectively. The prevalence ofH. pylori, the number of RBCs, and the levels of HGB, HTC, MCV, iron, and ferritin were calculated and compared.Results. There was no statistically significant difference found between the groups according to the prevalence ofH. pylori(65.2% versus 64.6%,P=0.896). Additionally, the levels of RBCs, HGB, HTC, MCV, iron, and ferritin in the patients in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Finally, there was no association between iron deficiency anemia andH. pylori(OR 1.02, Cl 95% 0.47–2.22, andP=0.943).Conclusion.H. pyloriis not associated with iron deficiency anemia in male patients with normal gastrointestinal tract endoscopy results.
Technical Efficiency and Technical Change in Canadian Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Gamtessa Samuel
Published: December 2014

This study applies the “true fixed effects” panel stochastic frontier methodology to the Canadian KLEMS data set to estimate technical change and technical efficiency in the Canadian manufacturing sector. To account for the endogeneity of capital inputs as well as the possible problems related to omitted variables, a two-stage residual inclusion method is pursued. The first stage is estimated using the dynamic panel GMM method. The results show that Canadian manufacturing industries experienced significant declines in technical efficiencies during the last ten years. This suggests that the observed slowdown in TFP growth during the recent past is partly due to declining technical efficiency.
Factors Controlling Carbon Metabolism and Humification in Different Soil Agroecosystems
Authors: Doni S. , Macci C. , Peruzzi E. , Ceccanti B. , Masciandaro G.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to describe the processes that control humic carbon sequestration in soil. Three experimental sites differing in terms of management system and climate were selected: (i) Abanilla-Spain, soil treated with municipal solid wastes in Mediterranean semiarid climate; (ii) Puch-Germany, soil under intensive tillage and conventional agriculture in continental climate; and (iii) Alberese-Italy, soil under organic and conventional agriculture in Mediterranean subarid climate. The chemical-structural and biochemical soil properties at the initial sampling time and one year later were evaluated. The soils under organic (Alberese, soil cultivated withTriticum durumDesf.) and nonintensive management practices (Puch, soil cultivated withTriticum aestivumL. andAvena sativaL.) showed higher enzymatically active humic carbon, total organic carbon, humification index (B/E3s), and metabolic potential (dehydrogenase activity/water soluble carbon) if compared with conventional agriculture and plough-based tillage, respectively. In Abanilla, the application of municipal solid wastes stimulated the specificβ-glucosidase activity (extracellularβ-glucosidase activity/extractable humic carbon) and promoted the increase of humic substances with respect to untreated soil. The evolution of the chemical and biochemical status of the soils along a climatic gradient suggested that the adoption of certain management practices could be very promising in increasing SOC sequestration potential.
Preparation of Zirconium Oxide Powder Using Zirconium Carboxylate Precursors
Authors: Al-Hazmi Mohammed H. , Choi YongMan , Apblett Allen W.
Published: December 2014

Zirconia was prepared at low temperatures (<450°C) using single several source precursors based on zirconium carboxylates where the R groups were systematically varied. The combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and extensive characterization of the precursors (i.e., X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) indicated that the carboxylic acid complexes may link the zirconium metal with a cis bidentate configuration. Periodic DFT calculations were performed to examine the interaction between monoclinic ZrO2 and propanoic acid. Dissociative adsorption takes place through the cis bidentate structure with an adsorption energy of −1.43 eV. Calculated vibrational frequencies using the optimized structure are in good agreement with experimental findings.
Raman Study on Pompeii Potteries: The Role of Calcium Hydroxide on the Surface Treatment
Authors: Chiriu Daniele , Ricci Pier Carlo , Polcaro Andrea , Braconi Paolo , Lanzi David , Nadali Davide
Published: December 2014

Pottery samples from the Pompeii archaeological site were investigated by IR Raman spectroscopy and EDAX measurements. The analysis of the Raman spectra of the surfaces reveals the presence calcium hydroxide (peak at about 780 cm−1) while the calcium carbonate is totally absent. The comparative studies on the carbonation effect of the surfaces were performed on laboratory grown samples of calcium hydroxide. The samples were treated at high temperature and exposed to different ambient conditions, and the analysis suggests that the original surfaces of Roman pottery were scattered by calcium hydroxide (limewash) before the cooking process in the furnace. The result of this surface treatment not only permits a vitrification of the surfaces but also seems to reduce the content of CO2in the furnace atmosphere and then obtain a more oxidant ambient during the cooking of the pottery. These results give new insights on the real degree of knowledge of the Romans about the art of ceramics and more generally about chemistry and technologies.
Low‐Rank Representation for Incomplete Data
Authors: Shi Jiarong , Yang Wei , Yong Longquan , Zheng Xiuyun
Published: December 2014

Low‐rank matrix recovery (LRMR) has been becoming an increasingly popular technique for analyzing data with missing entries, gross corruptions, and outliers. As a significant component of LRMR, the model of low‐rank representation (LRR) seeks the lowest‐rank representation among all samples and it is robust for recovering subspace structures. This paper attempts to solve the problem of LRR with partially observed entries. Firstly, we construct a nonconvex minimization by taking the low rankness, robustness, and incompletion into consideration. Then we employ the technique of augmented Lagrange multipliers to solve the proposed program. Finally, experimental results on synthetic and real‐world datasets validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Acquired Brachial Cutaneous Dyschromatosis in a 60-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abidi Nadia , Foering Kristen , Sahu Joya
Published: December 2014

Acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is an acquired pigmentary disorder that has been described in only 20 patients but likely affects many more. This case of a man with acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is unique as most reports are in women. We report the case of a 60-year-old male who presents with an asymptomatic eruption characterized by hyperpigmented and telangiectatic macules coalescing into patches on the bilateral extensor aspects of the forearms which is consistent clinically and histopathologically with acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis. Given its presence in patients with clinical evidence of chronic sun exposure and its histopathological finding of solar elastosis, acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is likely a disorder caused by cumulative UV damage. However, a possible association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis exists. Further investigation is needed to elucidate both the pathogenesis of the disorder and forms of effective management. Treatment of the disorder should begin with current established treatments for disorders of dyspigmentation.
Z Specification of Gate and Apron Control Management at Airport
Authors: Zafar Nazir Ahmad , Alhumaidan Fahad , Khan Sher Afzal
Published: December 2014

Modelling of an air traffic control (ATC) system is an open issue and has become a challenging problem due to its complexity and increase of traffic at airports and in airspace. Consequently, automated ATC systems are suggested to improve efficiency ensuring the safety standards. It is reported that the number of collisions that occurred at airports surface is three times larger than in airspace. Further, it is observed that gates and aprons congestions cause significant delays at airports; hence, effective monitoring and guidance mechanisms are required to control ground air traffic. In this paper, formal procedure of managing air traffic from gate to enter in the active area of airport for taxiing is provided using Z notation. An integration of gate and apron controllers is described to manipulate the information for correct decision making and flow management. Graph theory is used for representation of airport topology and appropriate routs. In static part of the model, safety properties are described in terms of invariants over the critical data types. In dynamic model, the state space is updated by defining pre- and postconditions ensuring the safety. Formal specification is analysed using Z/Eves tool.
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Leaf Extract ofMallotus repandus(Willd.) Muell. Arg.
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahadi , Uddin Nizam , Hasan Md. Rakib , Islam A. F. M. Mahmudul , Hossain Md. Monir , Rahman Akib Bin , Hossain Md. Sazzad , Chowdhury Ishtiaque Ahmed , Rana Md. Sohel
Published: December 2014

In folk medicineMallotus repandus(Willd.) Muell. Arg. is used to treat muscle pain, itching, fever, rheumatic arthritis, snake bite, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive as well as the anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract of leaf. The leaves were extracted with methanol following hot extraction and tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing test, xylene induced ear edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma, and tail immersion methods at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight. The presence of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins was identified in the extract. The extract exhibited considerable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities against four classical models of pain. In acetic acid induced writhing, xylene induced ear edema, and cotton pellet granuloma models, the extract revealed dose dependent activity. Additionally, it increased latency time in tail immersion model. It can be concluded thatM. repanduspossesses significant antinociceptive potential. These findings suggest that this plant can be used as a potential source of new antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory candidates. The activity of methanol extract is most likely mediated through central and peripheral inhibitory mechanisms. This study justified the traditional use of leaf part of this plant.
Graphene Channel Liquid Container Field Effect Transistor as pH Sensor
Authors: Li Xin , Shi Junjie , Pang Junchao , Liu Weihua , Liu Hongzhong , Wang Xiaoli
Published: December 2014

Graphene channel liquid container field effect transistor pH sensor with interdigital microtrench for liquid ion testing is presented. Growth morphology and pH sensing property of continuous few‐layer graphene (FLG) and quasi‐continuous monolayer graphene (MG) channels are compared. The experiment results show that the source‐to‐drain current of the graphene channel FET has a significant and fast response after adsorption of the measured molecule and ion at the room temperature; at the same time, the FLG response time is less than 4 s. The resolution of MG (0.01) on pH value is one order of magnitude higher than that of FLG (0.1). The reason is that with fewer defects, the MG is more likely to adsorb measured molecule and ion, and the molecules and ions can make the transport property change. The output sensitivities of MG are from 34.5% to 57.4% when the pH value is between 7 and 8, while sensitivity of FLG is 4.75% when the pH = 7. The sensor fabrication combines traditional silicon technique and flexible electronic technology and provides an easy way to develop graphene‐based electrolyte gas sensor or even biological sensors.
Proposed Framework for the Evaluation of Standalone Corpora Processing Systems: An Application to Arabic Corpora
Authors: Al-Thubaity Abdulmohsen , Al-Khalifa Hend , Alqifari Reem , Almazrua Manal
Published: December 2014

Despite the accessibility of numerous online corpora, students and researchers engaged in the fields of Natural Language Processing (NLP), corpus linguistics, and language learning and teaching may encounter situations in which they need to develop their own corpora. Several commercial and free standalone corpora processing systems are available to process such corpora. In this study, we first propose a framework for the evaluation of standalone corpora processing systems and then use it to evaluate seven freely available systems. The proposed framework considers the usability, functionality, and performance of the evaluated systems while taking into consideration their suitability for Arabic corpora. While the results show that most of the evaluated systems exhibited comparable usability scores, the scores for functionality and performance were substantially different with respect to support for the Arabic language andN-grams profile generation. The results of our evaluation will help potential users of the evaluated systems to choose the system that best meets their needs. More importantly, the results will help the developers of the evaluated systems to enhance their systems and developers of new corpora processing systems by providing them with a reference framework.
Advanced Mobility Handover for Mobile IPv6 Based Wireless Networks
Authors: Safa Sadiq Ali , Fisal Norsheila Binti , Ghafoor Kayhan Zrar , Lloret Jaime
Published: December 2014

We propose an Advanced Mobility Handover scheme (AMH) in this paper for seamless mobility in MIPv6-based wireless networks. In the proposed scheme, the mobile node utilizes a unique home IPv6 address developed to maintain communication with other corresponding nodes without a care-of-address during the roaming process. The IPv6 address for each MN during the first round of AMH process is uniquely identified by HA using the developed MN-ID field as a global permanent, which is identifying uniquely the IPv6 address of MN. Moreover, a temporary MN-ID is generated by access point each time an MN is associated with a particular AP and temporarily saved in a developed table inside the AP. When employing the AMH scheme, the handover process in the network layer is performed prior to its default time. That is, the mobility handover process in the network layer is tackled by a trigger developed AMH message to the next access point. Thus, a mobile node keeps communicating with the current access point while the network layer handover is executed by the next access point. The mathematical analyses and simulation results show that the proposed scheme performs better as compared with the existing approaches.
Production of Quality Housing in Urban Transformation in Areas under Disaster Risk: Osmangazi and Yıldırım, Bursa, Turkey
Authors: Taş Murat , Taş Nilüfer , Aydın Zehra Berna
Published: December 2014

Bursa is one of the cities with high disaster risk and a quality housing problem in Turkey. Urban transformation activities are carried out in order to improve quality of life and create safe living spaces for sustainable urban development. Quality housing production does not signify merely a need to be satisfied quantitatively. Housing and its environment, where physical and social needs of the users are satisfied, should be designed considering local conditions and in a way that they will be suitable for users’ life styles and cultural habits. In this study, the selected study area comprises neighborhoods which are under disaster risk, have been determined as urban transformation areas, and have residents with similar socioeconomic characteristics. With the purpose of improving user satisfaction, this study investigates users’ experience with physical, social, and cultural features of housing and its environment, which identify the quality of housing, and their preferences of new housing units to be produced. Nonprobability sampling method was selected for the field study, and a survey study was conducted. SPSS 17.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was employed for data entry. In order to generate data for quality housing production, relationships between variables were analyzed with Pearson chi-square test.
Talectomy for Equinovarus Deformity in Family Members with Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy Type I
Authors: Georgiev Hristo , Georgiev Georgi P.
Published: December 2014

The treatment of severe rigid neurogenic clubfoot deformities still remains a challenging problem in modern paediatric orthopaedics. In those cases, in spite of being a palliative procedure, talectomy has been advocated for the correction of the deformity thus providing a stable plantigrade foot which allows pain-free walking with standard footwear. Herein, we present the results after talectomy in two patients (brother and sister) affected by a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type I, with rigid severe pes equinovarus deformities.
Thumbnail Image with Blurry Edge Information Utilizing Half Factor Rules
Authors: Koik Boon Tatt , Ibrahim Haidi
Published: December 2014

Thumbnail image with blurry edge information has attracted much attention in recent years. Thumbnail image, which is a tiny version of the original image, enables user to scan through a large proportion of image data for elimination of blurry image or picking up a sharp and a nice image in user’s perspective. The thumbnail image is being utilized commonly in camera, smart phone, and other computing devices. In this paper, a method to embed blurry edge information in thumbnail images is proposed. This method is straight forward and simple to be implemented in electronic products. The image will undergo edge width measurement process by finding the local maximum and local minimum locations based on its edge magnitude. This is obtained after the implementation of horizontal and vertical first order derivatives of the original high resolution input image. The blur edges will be emphasized by utilizing edge width information during downsampling process to enable users to identify blurry edge image distinctively. Experimental results show a satisfactory outcome in embedding blurry characteristics of the original image to thumbnail image on the proposed method.
Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Water Quality in the Kangsabati Reservoir, West Bengal, India
Authors: Bera Amalesh , Bhattacharya Manojit , Patra Bidhan Chandra , Sar Utpal Kumar
Published: December 2014

The ichthyofauna in relation to water quality was studied on monthly basis from March, 2010 to February, 2011 in the Kangsabati Reservoir, West Bengal. The study revealed that physicochemical parameters of Kangsabati Reservoir were congenial for 39 fish species of commercial importance, belonging to 7 orders, 15 families, and 26 genera. The Cypriniformes were dominant with 17 species, followed by Siluriformes and Perciformes, with 7 species each, Channiformes with 3 species, Osteoglossiformes and Synbranchiformes with 2 species each, and Anguilliformes with 1 species. Regarding their conservation status, 27 species were of least concern, 1 species was vulnerable, 6 species were near threatened, 1 species was data deficient, and 4 species were not evaluated (IUCN-Version 2014.1). Economical values have also been evaluated. Water parameters such as temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, free CO2, salinity, total inorganic nitrogen, and phosphate were recorded and found suitable for fish production. Conductivity, transparency, and high chloride level are minor limiting factor that may needs rectification for improved fisheries management.
Test Study on Airtight Capability of Filter Cakes for Slurry Shield and Its Application in a Case
Authors: Min Fanlu , Zhu Wei , Xia Shengquan , Wang Rui , Wei Daiwei , Jiang Teng
Published: December 2014

To learn the airproof capacity of filter cakes as opening chambers under air pressure, a series of tests were carried out. The variations of discharged water with air pressure and time were observed, and the relationship between airproof capacity of filter cakes and surrounding air pressure was analysed. The test results indicated that there were three stages as compressed air acting on filter cakes: completely not infiltration, a very small amount of infiltration, and penetration leakage. The certain air pressure between the first and second stages was called the airproofing value of filter cake. And a capillary bundle model was used to explain the mechanism of air tightness of filter cakes. In Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel, a 5 cm thickness filter cake was formed in gravel sand, and its airproofing value was a little lower than 0.12 MPa. The air pressure used as opening chamber should be equal to the summation of water pressure in sand and airproofing value of filter cake. While the air pressure is larger than the summation, the filter cake would be gas permeable. The slurry formulation and airproofing value of filter cakes obtained in the tests were applied successfully in Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel.
Mechanical Behaviour of Inconel 718 Thin-Walled Laser Welded Components for Aircraft Engines
Authors: Lertora Enrico , Mandolfino Chiara , Gambaro Carla
Published: December 2014

Nickel alloys are very important in many aerospace applications, especially to manufacture gas turbines and aero engine components, where high strength and temperature resistance are necessary. These kinds of alloys have to be welded with high energy density processes, in order to preserve their high mechanical properties. In this work, CO2laser overlap joints between Inconel 718 sheets of limited thickness in the absence of postweld heat treatment were made. The main application of this kind of joint is the manufacturing of a helicopter engine component. In particular the aim was to obtain a specific cross section geometry, necessary to overcome the mechanical stresses found in these working conditions without failure. Static and dynamic tests were performed to assess the welds and the parent material fatigue life behaviour. Furthermore, the life trend was identified. This research pointed out that a full joint shape control is possible by choosing proper welding parameters and that the laser beam process allows the maintenance of high tensile strength and ductility of Inconel 718 but caused many liquation microcracks in the heat affected zone (HAZ). In spite of these microcracks, the fatigue behaviour of the overlap welds complies with the technical specifications required by the application.
Investigating the Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Activities of Shoot and Root of Pycreus smithianus (Ridl.) C. B. Clarke (Family Cyperaceae)
Authors: Adeonipekun P. A. , Adeniyi T. A. , Aminu S. O.
Published: December 2014

Pycreus smithianus tubers have been reported to have insecticidal properties. To gain further insight into its medicinal values, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies were carried out on its shoot and root. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of reducing sugars, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins in varying quantities as well as absence of steroids and alkaloids. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (shoot and root) were tested against two fungi—Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans—and two bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Antimicrobial activity evaluation was carried out at 50 and 100 mg/mL concentrations by Agar Well Diffusion method. From the antimicrobial evaluation, the root ethanolic extract at 100% concentration was the most effective against S. aureus and C. albicans while the shoot ethanolic extract was effective against S. typhi. No extract was active against A. niger. Ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts and showed higher inhibitory activity against the bacteria than the fungi. This is most likely due to the abundance of reducing sugars in the ethanolic extracts. From these findings, ethanolic extracts of the root of P. smithianus exhibited a good potential source of new drug for treating infections caused by these pathogens and particularly drug resistant C. albicans.