bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dectin Immunoadhesins and Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Authors: Ricks David M. , Chen Kong , Zheng Mingquan , Steele Chad , Kolls Jay K.
Published: July 2013

The opportunistic pathogen
Pneumocystis jirovecii
is a significant cause of disease in HIV-infected patients and others with immunosuppressive conditions.
Pneumocystis
can also cause complications in treatment following antiretroviral therapy or reversal of immunosuppressive therapy, as the newly reconstituted immune system can develop a pathological inflammatory response to remaining antigens or a previously undetected infection. To target β-(1,3)-glucan, a structural component of the
Pneumocystis
cell wall with immune-stimulating properties, we have developed immunoadhesins consisting of the carbohydrate binding domain of Dectin-1 fused to the Fc regions of the 4 subtypes of murine IgG (mIgG). These immunoadhesins bind β-glucan with high affinity, and precoating the surface of zymosan with Dectin-1:Fc can reduce cytokine production by macrophages in an
in vitro
stimulation assay. All Dectin-1:Fc variants showed specificity of binding to the asci of
Pneumocystis murina
, but effector activity of the fusion molecules varied depending on Fc subtype. Dectin-1:mIgG2a Fc was able to reduce the viability of
P. murina
in culture through a complement-dependent mechanism, whereas previous studies have shown the mIgG1 Fc fusion to increase macrophage-dependent killing. In an
in vivo
challenge model, systemic expression of Dectin-1:mIgG1 Fc significantly reduced ascus burden in the lung. When administered postinfection in a model of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), both Dectin-1:mIgG1 and Dectin-1:mIgG2a Fc reduced hypoxemia despite minimal effects on fungal burden in the lung. Taken together, these data indicate that molecules targeting β-glucan may provide a mechanism for treatment of fungal infection and for modulation of the inflammatory response to
Pneumocystis
and other pathogens.
Increased Susceptibility of IgA-Deficient Mice to Pulmonary Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain Infection
Authors: Furuya Yoichi , Kirimanjeswara Girish S. , Roberts Sean , Metzger Dennis W.
Published: July 2013

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is most deadly in the pneumonic form; therefore, mucosal immunity is an important first line of defense against this pathogen. We have now evaluated the lethality of primaryF. tularensislive vaccine strain (LVS) pulmonary infection in mice that are defective in IgA (IgA−/−mice), the predominant mucosal Ig isotype. The results showed that IgA−/−mice were more susceptible than IgA+/+mice to intranasalF. tularensisLVS infection, despite developing higher levels of LVS-specific total, IgG, and IgM antibodies in the bronchoalveolar lavage specimens following infection. In addition, the absence of IgA resulted in a significant increase in bacterial loads and reduced survival. Interestingly, IgA−/−mice had lower pulmonary gamma interferon (IFN-γ) levels and decreased numbers of IFN-γ-secreting CD4+and CD8+T cells in the lung on day 9 postinfection compared to IgA+/+mice. Furthermore, IgA−/−mice displayed reduced interleukin 12 (IL-12) levels at early time points, and supplementing IgA−/−mice with IL-12 prior to LVS challenge induced IFN-γ production by NK cells and rescued them from mortality. Thus, IgA−/−mice are highly susceptible to primary pulmonary LVS infections not only because of IgA deficiency but also because of reduced IFN-γ responses.
Role of Energy Sensor TlpD of Helicobacter pylori in Gerbil Colonization and Genome Analyses after Adaptation in the Gerbil
Authors: Behrens Wiebke , Schweinitzer Tobias , Bal Joena , Dorsch Martina , Bleich André , Kops Friederike , Brenneke Birgit , Didelot Xavier , Suerbaum Sebastian , Josenhans Christine
Published: July 2013

Helicobacter pylori
maintains colonization in its human host using a limited set of taxis sensors. TlpD is a proposed energy taxis sensor of
H. pylori
and dominant under environmental conditions of low bacterial energy yield. We studied the impact of
H. pylori
TlpD on colonization
in vivo
using a gerbil infection model which closely mimics the gastric physiology of humans. A gerbil-adapted
H. pylori
strain, HP87 P7, showed energy-dependent behavior, while its isogenic
tlpD
mutant lost it. A TlpD-complemented strain regained the wild-type phenotype. Infection of gerbils with the complemented strain demonstrated that TlpD is important for persistent infection in the antrum and corpus and suggested a role of TlpD in horizontal navigation and persistent corpus colonization. As a part of the full characterization of the model and to gain insight into the genetic basis of
H. pylori
adaptation to the gerbil, we determined the complete genome sequences of the gerbil-adapted strain HP87 P7, two HP87 P7
tlpD
mutants before and after gerbil passage, and the original human isolate, HP87. The integrity of the genome, including that of a functional
cag
pathogenicity island, was maintained after gerbil adaptation. Genetic and phenotypic differences between the strains were observed. Major differences between the gerbil-adapted strain and the human isolate emerged, including evidence of recent recombination. Passage of the
tlpD
mutant through the gerbil selected for gain-of-function variation in a fucosyltransferase gene,
futC
(HP0093). In conclusion, a gerbil-adapted
H. pylori
strain with a stable genome has helped to establish that TlpD has important functions for persistent colonization in the stomach.
Using ground-penetrating radar to determine the quantity of sediment stored behind the Merrimack Village Dam, Souhegan River, New Hampshire
Authors: Santaniello David J. , Snyder Noah P. , Gontz Allen M.
Published: July 2013

We investigated the viability of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a method to estimate the quantity of sediment stored behind the Merrimack Village Dam on the Souhegan River in southern New Hampshire. If the predam riverbed can be imaged, the thickness and volume of the reservoir deposit can be calculated without sampling. Such estimates are necessary to plan sediment management after dam deconstruction. In May 2008, we surveyed six cross sections with a Mala Geosciences ProEx 100 MHz GPR. In a related study, topographic surveys were conducted in 2008–2009 to monitor the sediment flux associated with the removal of the Merrimack Village Dam in August 2008. Within a month of the removal, these surveys mapped the predam riverbed in the uppermost cross sections in the former impoundment. We compared these surveys to our interpreted GPR images for one cross section to determine a calibrated velocity for the impounded sand of 0.043 ± 0.020 m/ns. We also estimated the radar velocity of the deposit by analyzing hyperbolic reflections in the GPR images, and found a similar result (0.039 m/ns). Using the calibrated velocity, we estimated a total volume of sediment stored behind the Merrimack Village Dam of 66,900 ± 9900 m3, which compares well to a previous estimate (62,000 m3) based on a depth-to-refusal survey. Our findings indicate that GPR is a useful technique for quantifying impounded sediment prior to dam removal in reservoirs containing 1–10 m of sand overlying a coarser predam riverbed, but it may be less effective in settings with finer and/or thicker impounded sediment.
Sediment impacts from the Savage Rapids Dam removal, Rogue River, Oregon
Authors: Bountry Jennifer A. , Lai Yong G. , Randle Timothy J.
Published: July 2013

Before a dam removal project is implemented, engineers are often asked to estimate the potential for impacts from the release of reservoir sediment. Field measurements, numerical models, and physical models are typically used to develop sediment impact estimates. This information helps decision makers to make informed decisions about when and how to remove the dam, whether to allow the river to erode the reservoir sediment, or to remove or stabilize the reservoir sediment prior to dam removal, or whether mitigation of the effects is needed. Although numerous dams have been removed, mostly small in size, few case studies on sediment impacts have been documented. Because there are limited case studies, dam removal regulators and stake-holders often err on the side of caution when selecting the level of pre removal analysis or determining whether the reservoir sediment needs to be removed prior to dam removal.

The purpose of this paper is to increase our knowledge base for application to future dam removals. The chapter discusses sediment impacts associated with the removal of the 11.9-m-high Savage Rapids Dam on the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Oregon. A unique factor to the Savage Rapids project was the construction and operation of a new diversion facility and water intake located immediately downstream of the dam, which introduced additional consequences associated with the release of reservoir sediment.
Changes in biotic and habitat indices in response to dam removals in Ohio
Authors: Krieger Kenneth A. , Zawiski Bill
Published: July 2013

Dams on rivers modify habitat and water chemistry, resulting in degradation of fish and macroinvertebrate community integrity within and, in some cases, downstream of the dam pools. Thus, removal of a dam is usually accompanied by the expectation of improved habitat quality and biotic integrity. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency applies a Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI, fishes), and an Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) to assess stream habitat quality and the habitat-dependent structural and functional integrity of the fish and invertebrate communities. Our objective was to demonstrate that these three indices reliably detect differences in the quality of habitat and fish and macroinvertebrate communities between dam pools and free-flowing reaches and that they are sensitive to changes in habitat and biotic condition following dam removal. Data from 21 stream reaches in Ohio containing dams showed that habitat and biota in dam pools possess lower quality than nearby upstream and downstream reaches. Case studies of dam removals on the Cuyahoga, Olentangy, and Sandusky Rivers confirmed that the indices are sensitive to the rapid changes in habitat and biotic communities that accompany return of dam pools to free-flowing conditions. IBI and ICI scores indicated that the former dam pools had met or exceeded the designated aquatic life use criteria within 1 yr following dam removal. We conclude that the IBI and ICI are valuable tools for measuring the rapidity and extent of changes in the fish and macroinvertebrate communities, respectively, following dam removal.
Assessing stream restoration potential of recreational enhancements on an urban stream, Springfield, Ohio
Authors: Ritter John , Shaw Kelly , Evelsizor Aaron , Minter Katherine , Rigsby Chad , Shearer Kristen
Published: July 2013

The stream restoration potential of recreational modifications made to lowhead dams on an urban reach of Buck Creek, in Springfield, Ohio, is dependent on constraints imposed by the urban infrastructure on stream grade. A privately led initiative to improve the recreational potential of a 9 km reach of Buck Creek and its tributary Beaver Creek includes the modification of four lowhead dams. The hydraulic heights of these dams will be replaced with a series of v-shaped drop structures engineered to create hydraulics conducive to kayak play. The drop structure is a constructed channel constriction composed of a hard step in the long stream profile immediately upstream of a scour pool, forming a morphologic sequence of constriction, step, and pool. In this study, we assess the potential benefits of these changes for urban stream restoration. Two of the dams have been modified to date. Stream quality, as measured by the qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI), dissolved oxygen of surface and substrate water, and the pollution tolerance index (PTI), increased at the Snyder Park site but decreased at the Art Museum site. Stream quality increased at the Snyder Park site, where stream grade could be lowered upstream of the lowhead dam, but decreased at the Art Museum site, where grade upstream of the lowhead dam had to be maintained because of water and wastewater utilities buried in the channel bed. Where stream grade is lowered in the former impoundment, sand and gravel deposits upstream of the constriction are not embedded with finer particles and organic matter. Increased QHEI values, particularly the substrate metric, and greater abundance and diversity of pollution-intolerant macroinvertebrates, supported by higher dissolved oxygen in the substrate water, characterize the Snyder Park site. At the Art Museum site, the v-shaped constriction increased the upstream impounded area. The substrate has become embedded with fine sands, silts, and organics, lowering QHEI values, dissolved oxygen is critically low in the substrate, and macroinvertebrate populations are more pollution-tolerant. The results highlight the significance of stream grade if stream restoration is to be incorporated into the engineering design of in-stream recreational features.
Land Subsidence Due to Withdrawal of Fluids
Authors: Poland J. F. , Davis G. H.
Published: July 2013

Land-surface subsidence due to the withdrawal of fluids by man has become relatively common in the United States since 1940 and has been described at several other places throughout the world. This paper reviews the known examples of appreciable land subsidence caused by fluid withdrawal. Those related to exploitation of oil and gas fields include Goose Creek, Texas; Wilmington, California; Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela; Niigata, Japan; and the Po Delta in Italy. The areas of major subsidence related to ground-water withdrawal include areas in Japan; Mexico City, Mexico; and Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California. The areas of greatest extent and maximum subsidence are in California.

The principles involved in the compaction of sediments and of aquifer systems, basically the increase in effective stress, are examined briefly, together with their application to subsidence problems involving head decline both under water table and confined conditions. The amount of compaction that a confined aquifer system will experience is a function of compressibility. Other factors that influence compaction (and, in part, compressibility) include particle size and shape, clay mineralogy, geochemistry of pore water in the clayey beds and of the water in contiguous aquifers, and secondary compression.

Land subsidence has caused great damage in some areas. At several of these places, subsidence problems are being alleviated in one or more of several ways; these include (1) cessation of withdrawal and (2) increase or restoration of reservoir pressure by reduction in production rate, artificial recharge, or repressuring by injection of water. The greatest subsidence control measures are being taken at Wilmington, California, where subsidence that had reached 27 feet at the center now is nearly stopped; in addition, significant rebound has occurred.
Intracardiac thrombosis in polycythemia vera
Authors: Gangadharamurthy Dakshin , Shih Henry
Published: July 2013

A man in his late 60s presented with symptoms for a few months of itching and head ache after shower. Physical examination was unremarkable except for ruddy complexion and splenomegaly. Complete blood count showed haemoglobin of 18.1 g/dL and haematocrit of 56.6%. To rule out secondary causes of erythrocytosis, such as congenital heart disease with a right to left shunt, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, which showed normal left ventricular function with an apical area of dyskinesis and a large left ventricular apical thrombus measuring 3.0 cm×2.0 cm. Further laboratory investigations showed low erythropoietin level and Jak V617F mutation consistent with the diagnosis of polycythemia vera. He was treated with aspirin, enoxaparin, phlebotomy and hydroxyurea with no reported complications during the stay.
Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour in mandible in a 14-year-old boy
Authors: Bhatt Rohan , Dave Jay , Nalawade Triveni M , Mallikarjuna Rachappa
Published: July 2013

A 14-year-old boy reported with a painless swelling over the right anterior mandible with missing right canine tooth. The lesion was diagnosed as ‘central follicular adenomatoid odontogenic tumour’ and excised surgically under general anaesthesia. The patient was on a year-long clinical and radiographical follow-up.
A nested case–control analysis of self-reported physical functioning after total knee replacement surgery in the 45 and Up Study Cohort
Authors: Rogers Kris D , Blyth Fiona M , March Lyn M , Jorm Louisa
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The rate of total knee arthroplasty surgery (TKA) is rising in Australia despite varying impacts of TKA on physical function (PF) in population-based studies. There are potentially modifiable risk factors that could enhance PF after TKA, so we evaluated (1) the levels of PF in persons with TKA and the rest of the population, (2) potentially modifiable characteristics of those reporting poor PF after TKA.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Population-based cohort study in New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Members of a large (n=267 151) cohort study recruited by a self-completed, mailed questionnaire from 2006 to 2008. After exclusions (for hip arthroplasty, partial TKA, missing important variables and mismatching TKA status between self-reported and hospital record data), this study included 205 148 participants.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Primary outcome, Medical Outcomes Study Physical Function scale (MOS-PF). Secondary outcome, dispensings of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Results

We found 2916 TKA participants and 202 232 participants with no TKA (confirmed across datasets). Persons with TKA had a lower MOS-PF (59.9, 95% CI 58.5 to 60.6) than those without TKA (83.8, 95% CI 83.7 to 83.9). In the matched analysis, the TKA group had a lower MOS-PF (59.9, 95% CI 59.9 to 62.4) than those without TKA (68.4, 95% CI 67.8 to 69.0). In persons with TKA, lower levels of MOS-PF were associated with low self-rated health, high psychological distress, comorbidity, greater age, recent treatment for osteoarthritis and use of paracetamol. Women had an MOS-PF that was 11.6 points (95% CI 9.5 to 13.8) lower than men.

Conclusions

Several modifiable risk factors have been identified to influence PF in persons receiving TKA, with notable differences between sexes. The importance of these risk factors should be examined in incident TKA to test if early identification and intervention for individuals can improve outcomes.
Impact of flocculation-based dewatering on the shear strength of oil sands fine tailings
Authors: Beier Nicholas , Wilson Ward , Dunmola Adedeji , Sego David
Published: July 2013

The oil sands in northern Alberta have been mined to produce bitumen over the past five decades. Since the 1980s, technical advances have been made in mining, material handling, and bitumen extraction. However, acquiring practical methods to control and reduce the fluid fine tailings build-up has been an ongoing challenge. Recent regulatory changes have driven the industry to review current tailings-management techniques and investigate numerous alternative technologies and processes to manage and reclaim fine tailings. Many of these fine tailings–management techniques involve some form of polymer or chemical addition to promote dewatering and strength gain to meet the regulatory requirements. Based on the reported data, the chemically amended fine tailings deposits have the characteristics of sensitive, metastable deposits, necessitating additional mitigative measures by oil sands operators beyond the regulatory requirements. This paper explores the geotechnical aspects of meeting regulatory strength performance criteria by employing flocculation-based dewatering of fluid fine tailings.
Concrete bridge barriers reinforced with glass fibre-reinforced polymer: static tests and pendulum impacts
Authors: Ahmed Ehab A. , Dulude Christian , Benmokrane Brahim
Published: July 2013

The behaviour of concrete bridge barriers reinforced with glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars has been investigated at the University of Sherbrooke in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation of Quebec (MTQ) through a two-phase research project. This paper presents the test results of MTQ Type 311 barrier prototypes under static (Phase I) and pendulum impact (Phase II) loading conditions. The test program included two full-scale 2.6 m long barrier prototypes for laboratory testing under static loads (Phase I) and four full-scale 11 m long barrier prototypes for field impact tests (Phase II). The laboratory static tests included one prototype totally reinforced with GFRP bars and one totally reinforced with steel bars for comparison, whereas the pendulum impact tests included two replicas totally reinforced with GFRP bars and another two totally reinforced with conventional steel bars. The barrier walls of the six prototypes were provided with the same reinforcement amount of GFRP and steel bars (No. 20 GFRP @ 200 mm and 20M steel bars @ 200 mm). The performance of the GFRP-reinforced concrete (GFRP-RC) barriers was evaluated and compared with that of their steel-RC counterparts. The results of this investigation revealed that the behaviour of the GFRP-RC concrete bridge barriers of MTQ Type 311 is similar to their steel-RC counterparts.
A STUDY ON CORRELATION MOMENTS OF TWO-PHASE FLUCTUATING VELOCITY USING DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION
Authors: WANG BING , WEI WEI , ZHANG HUIQIANG
Published: July 2013

Existing models of two-phase fluctuating velocity correlation moments are unsatisfactory because of their inability to clearly identify the dependency of two-phase velocity covariance on fluid- and particle-phase velocity second moments. This is especially true of wall-bounded turbulent flows. In this paper, the statistical fluctuating velocity of both phases in particle-laden turbulent channel flows were obtained numerically by means of direct numerical simulation (DNS) coupled to the Lagrangian particle trajectory method. The effects of particle Stokes number on the scaling of two-phase fluctuating velocity correlation moments were analyzed considering effects of flow inhomogeneity. An improved two-phase correlation closure model of exponential decay with emphasis on the particle-phase kinetic energy was then proposed based on the results of an evaluation of five existing models. This new model was found to be better than previous models, which used local equilibrium assumption. The present investigations may facilitate understanding of two-phase flow physics and the construction of models capable of predicting the movements of particle-laden turbulent flows accurately using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methods.
A SPIN CHAIN WITH SPIRAL ORDERS: PERSPECTIVES OF QUANTUM INFORMATION AND MECHANICAL RESPONSE
Authors: GU SHI-JIAN , YU WING-CHI , LIN HAI-QING
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we study the ground state of a one-dimensional exactly solvable model with a spiral order. While the model's energy spectrum is the same as the one-dimensional transverse field Ising model, its ground state manifests a spiral order with various periods. The quantum phase transition from a spiral-order phase to a paramagnetic phase is investigated in the perspectives of quantum information science and mechanics. We show that the modes of the ground-state fidelity and its susceptibility can identify the change of periodicity around the critical point. We also study the spin torsion modulus which defines the coefficient of the potential energy stored under a small rotation. We find that at the critical point, it is a constant; while away from the critical point, the spin torsion modulus tends to zero.
ON CONJUGATING EQUIVALENCE OF 0-RESONANT DIFFEOMORPHISMS ON ℝ3
Authors: REN ZHIHUA , YANG JIAZHONG , YU FUWANG
Published: July 2013

In this note, we study smooth classification of all germs of 0-resonant diffeomorphisms on ℝ3 having generic nonlinear parts. We prove that, for the Poincaré type diffeomorphisms, except for one germ, any two such germs are at least C3 conjugated if and only if their linear parts are similar; and for the non-Poincaré ones, any such two germs can be C∞ conjugated provided that they have similar linear parts.
A NOTE ON THE PROPERTIES AND EXISTENCE OF HOMOCLINIC ORBIT TO SADDLE FOCUS POINT FOR THIRD-ORDER SYSTEMS
Authors: XIE LINGLI
Published: July 2013

The existence of homoclinic orbit to a saddle focus point for third-order ODE systems is studied in this paper. Through a discussion on the absence of homoclinic orbit, we obtain the necessary condition for the coexistence of homoclinic orbit and saddle focus point for such systems. Some properties of the homoclinic orbit are also exposed. An example from Sprott systems is given to show the application of the results. Finally, a conclusion and a problem are proposed.
TRIANGULAR BIORTHOGONAL WAVELETS WITH EXTENDED LIFTING
Authors: FUJINOKI KENSUKE , ISHIMITSU SHUNSUKE
Published: July 2013

We present a new family of triangular biorthogonal wavelets that is defined on a triangular lattice by introducing a new operation to generalize two-dimensional lifting, which we call twist. The resulting filters inherit several remarkable features of the early triangular biorthogonal wavelet filters such as the hexagonal symmetry of low-pass filters, symmetrical arrangement of three high-pass filters on the lattice, and that the wavelet decomposition produces uniform energy distributions over three detail components, preserving the isotropy of decomposed images. Additionally, these filters are a biorthogonal set of truly nonseparable two-dimensional wavelet filters that have much larger support, which provides much larger portions of the total energy to three detail components of decomposed images. We show that this plays a crucial role when extracting the edge structure of an image.
METHOD FOR DATA HIDING BASED ON LeGall 5/3 (COHEN-DAUBECHIES-FEAUVEAU: CDF 5/3) WAVELET WITH DATA COMPRESSION AND RANDOM SCANNING OF SECRET IMAGERY DATA
Authors: ARAI KOHEI
Published: July 2013

Method for data hiding based on LeGall 5/3 of Cohen-Daubechies-Feauveau: CDF 5/3 wavelet with data compression and random scanning of secret imagery data together with steganography is proposed. Invisibility of secret imagery data is evaluated based on Peak Signal to Noise Ratio: PSNR with SIDBA standard image database. The experimental results show that PSNR of LeGall based wavelet utilized data hiding ranges from 43.82 to 46.9 while that of Daubechies based method ranges from 44.33 to 44.75 when the coded secret imagery data is inserted in the first 3 digits from Least Significant Bit: LSB of the original image. Data compression ratio for the secret imagery data ranges from 1.3 to 19.4 which depends on the complexity of the secret imagery data. Meanwhile, PSNR of data hidden image ranges from 46.83 to 47.41. Consequently, the proposed data hiding method is permissive because PSNR is over 40 dB results in satisfaction on invisibility of the secret imagery data in the data hidden image.
A NOVEL DESIGN METHOD FOR DIRECTIONAL SELECTION BASED ON 2-DIMENSIONAL COMPLEX WAVELET PACKET TRANSFORM
Authors: KATO TAKESHI , ZHANG ZHONG , TODA HIROSHI , IMAMURA TAKASHI , MIYAKE TETSUO
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we propose a design method for directional selection in the two-dimensional complex wavelet packet transform (2D-CWPT). Current two-dimensional complex discrete wavelet transforms (2D-CDWT) can extract directional components from images, but the number of directions is small, and the directions and resolutions are fixed. Thus the current 2D-CDWTs are not flexible enough. In this study, we propose a new design method of the directional filters that can detect desirable direction components. Additionally flexible directional selection is achieved because the directional filters are added to the 2D-CWPT. Finally, the proposed method is applied to defect detection in semiconductor wafer circuits and an encouraging result is obtained.
Fast, Accurate Event Classification on Resource-Lean Embedded Sensors
Authors: Jiang Hao , Hallstrom Jason O.
Published: July 2013

Due to the limited computational and energy resources available on existing wireless sensor platforms, achieving high-precision classification of high-level events in-network is a challenge. In this article, we present
in-network
implementations of a Bayesian classifier and a condensed
kd-tree
classifier for identifying events of interest on resource-lean embedded sensors. The first approach uses preprocessed sensor readings to derive a multidimensional Bayesian classifier used to classify sensor data in real time. The second introduces an innovative condensed kd-tree to represent preprocessed sensor data and uses a fast nearest-neighbor search to determine the likelihood of class membership for incoming samples. Both classifiers consume limited resources and provide high-precision classification. To evaluate each approach, two case studies are considered, in the contexts of human movement and vehicle navigation, respectively. The classification accuracy is above 85% for both classifiers across the two case studies.
Gravitational Force between the Black Hole and Light Particle in XRBs
Authors: Mahto Dipo , Nadeem Md Shams , Ram Mahendra , Vineeta Kumari
Published: July 2013

The present research paper derives a formula for gravitational force acting between the black hole and light particle passing near the radius of event horizon of black holes and calculates also their values of different test black holes existing in only X-ray binaries (XRBs).
The Role of Magnetic Nanoparticles in the Localization and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahmed M. , Douek M.
Published: July 2013

The role of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in medical applications is rapidly developing. Advances in nanotechnology are bringing us closer to the development of dual and multifunctional nanoparticles that are challenging the traditional distinction between diagnostic and treatment agents. The current use of MNPs in breast cancer falls into four main groups: (1) imaging of primary and metastatic disease, (2) sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), (3) drug delivery systems, and (4) magnetic hyperthermia. The current evidence for the use of MNPs in these fields is mounting, and potential cutting-edge clinical applications, particularly with relevance to the fields of breast oncological surgery, are emerging.
Trends of Postpartum Depression in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Veisani Yousef , Delpisheh Ali , Sayehmiri Kourosh , Rezaeian Shahab
Published: July 2013

Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health disorder affecting 13% of women in developed communities. The present study reviews available epidemiological publications on PPD-related aspects in Iranian women to help policy makers and health workers to design preventative strategies and further researches.Materials and Methods. A systematic review was constructed based on the computerized literature valid database. The 95% confidence intervals were calculated by random effects models. Metaregression was introduced to explore and explain heterogeneity between studies. Data manipulation and statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.Results. Overall, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of PPD in Iran was 25.3% (95% CI: 22.7%–27.9%). Amongst subgroups of unwanted delivery, illiterate, housewives, and having history of depression the prevalence was 43.4% (35.6–51.1), 31.6% (18.1–45.0), 30.7% (25.2–36.3), and 45.2% (35.4–53.1), respectively.Conclusions. Interventions that would specifically target women with a prior history of depression, illiterates, housewives, or women with unwanted pregnancies could be helpful to decrease the prevalence of postpartum depression in Iran.
Structural and Antigenic Definition of Hepatitis C Virus E2 Glycoprotein Epitopes Targeted by Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Sautto Giuseppe , Tarr Alexander W. , Mancini Nicasio , Clementi Massimo
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic liver disease as well as the major indication for liver transplantation worldwide. Current standard of care is not completely effective, not administrable in grafted patients, and burdened by several side effects. This incomplete effectiveness is mainly due to the high propensity of the virus to continually mutate under the selective pressure exerted by the host immune response as well as currently administered antiviral drugs. The E2 envelope surface glycoprotein of HCV (HCV/E2) is the main target of the host humoral immune response and for this reason one of the major variable viral proteins. However, broadly cross-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against HCV/E2 represent a promising tool for the study of virus-host interplay as well as for the development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. In the last few years many anti-HCV/E2 mAbs have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials as possible candidate antivirals, particularly for administration in pre- and post-transplant settings. In this review we summarize the antigenic and structural characteristics of HCV/E2 determined through the use of anti-HCV/E2 mAbs, which, given the absence of a crystal structure of this glycoprotein, represent currently the best tool available.
Epigenetics in Critical Illness: A New Frontier
Authors: Graves Brian T. , Munro Cindy L.
Published: July 2013

Epigenetics is the study of alterations in the function of genes that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Within the critical care literature, it is a relatively new and exciting avenue of research in describing pathology, clinical course, and developing targeted therapies to improve outcomes. In this paper, we highlight current research relative to critical care that is focused within the major epigenetic mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA regulation, and composite epigenetic scoring. Within this emerging body of research it is quite clear that the novel therapies of the future will require clinicians to understand and navigate an even more complex and multivariate relationship between genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms in conjunction with clinical presentation and course in order to significantly improve outcomes within the acute and critically ill population.
Cognitive Performance in a Subclinical Obsessive-Compulsive Sample 1: Cognitive Functions
Authors: Johansen Thomas , Dittrich Winand H.
Published: July 2013

Individuals who are not clinically diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but still display obsessive-compulsive (OC) tendencies may show cognitive impairments. The present study investigated whether there are subgroups within a healthy group showing characteristic cognitive and emotional performance levels similar to those found in OCD patients and whether they differ from OCD subgroups regarding performance levels. Of interest are those cases showing subclinical symptomatology. The results revealed no impairments in the subclinical OC participants on the neuropsychological tasks, while evidence suggests that there exist high and low scores on two standardised clinical instruments (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Cognitive Assessment Instrument of Obsessions and Compulsions) in a healthy sample. OC symptoms may diminish the quality of life and prolong sustainable return to work. It may be that occupational rehabilitation programmes are more effective in rectifying subclinical OC tendencies compared to the often complex symptoms of diagnosed OCD patients. The relationship between cognitive style and subclinical OC symptoms is discussed in terms of how materials and information might be processed. Although subclinical OC tendencies would not seem to constitute a diagnosis of OCD, the quality of treatment programmes such as cognitive behavioural therapy can be improved based on the current investigation.
CTLA-4 Expression and Polymorphisms in Lung Tissue of Patients with Diagnosed Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Antczak Adam , Pastuszak-Lewandoska Dorota , Górski Paweł , Domańska Daria , Migdalska-Sęk Monika , Czarnecka Karolina , Nawrot Ewa , Kordiak Jacek , Brzeziańska Ewa
Published: July 2013

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a potent immunoregulatory molecule that downregulates T-cell activation and thus influences the antitumor immune response. CTLA-4 polymorphisms are associated with various cancers, and CTLA-4 mRNA/protein increased expression is found in several tumor types. However, most of the studies are based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and much less is known about the relationship between CTLA-4 expression, especially gene expression, and its polymorphic variants in cancer tissue. In our study we assessed the distribution of CTLA-4 two polymorphisms (+49A/G and −318C/T), using TaqMan probes (rs231775 and rs5742909, resp.), andCTLA-4gene expression in real-time PCR assay in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples. The increasedCTLA-4expression was observed in the majority of NSCLC patients, and it was significantly correlated with TT genotype (−318C/T) and with tumor size (T2 versus T3 + T4). The presence of G allele and GG genotype in cancer tissue (+49A/G) was significantly associated with the increased NSCLC risk. Additionally, we compared genotype distributions in the corresponding tumor and blood samples and found statistically significant differences. The shift from one genotype in the blood to another in the tumor may confirm the complexity of gene functionality in cancer tissue.
The Lattice Compatibility Theory LCT: Physical and Chemical Arguments from the Growth Behavior of Doped Compounds in terms of Bandgap Distortion and Magnetic Effects
Authors: Boubaker K.
Published: July 2013

Physical and chemical arguments for the recently discussed materials-related Lattice Compatibility Theory are presented. The discussed arguments are based on some differences of Mn ions incorporation kinetics inside some compounds. These differences have been evaluated and quantified in terms of alteration of bandgap edges, magnetic patterns, and Faraday effect.
Cirrhosis and Rapid Virological Response to Peginterferon Plus Ribavirin Determine Treatment Outcome in HCV-1 IL28B rs12979860 CC Patients
Authors: Aghemo Alessio , Degasperi Elisabetta , Rumi Maria Grazia , Galmozzi Enrico , Valenti Luca , De Francesco Raffaele , De Nicola Stella , Cheroni Cristina , Grassi Eleonora , Colombo Massimo
Published: July 2013

Background. The rs12979860 CC genotype of the interleukin 28B (IL28B) polymorphism is associated with high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon (PegIFN) and ribavirin (Rbv) in hepatitis C virus genotype-1 (HCV-1) patients. The impact of baseline predictors of treatment outcome and their interplay with viral kinetics in HCV-1 CC patients has not been fully evaluated.Aim. To identify baseline and on-therapy predictors of treatment failure in HCV-1 IL28B CC patients.Methods. Treatment-naïve HCV-1 patients, compliant to PegIFN and Rbv who did not discontinue treatment for nonvirological reasons, were analyzed.Results. 109 HCV-1 IL28B CC were studied. Sixty were males, 39 with BMI >25, 69 with >600,000 IU/mL HCV RNA, 15 with HCV1a, and 30 with cirrhosis. Overall, 75 (69%) achieved an SVR; cirrhosis was the only baseline predictor of treatment failure (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.07–6.21) as SVR rates were 53% in cirrhotics versus 75% in noncirrhotics (P=0.03). HCV RNA undetectability (<50 IU/mL) at week 4 (RVR) was achieved by 58 patients (53%). The SVR rates were independent of RVR in noncirrhotics, 76% (34/45) RVR (+) and 74% (25/34) RVR (−) (P=0.9). In cirrhotic patients, SVR rates were significantly higher in RVR (+) compared to RVR (−) (10/13 (77%) versus 6/17 (35%)P=0.03).Conclusions. In HCV-1 IL28B CC patients, cirrhosis is the only clinical baseline predictor of PegIFN and Rbv treatment failure. However, in IL28B CC cirrhotics, the achievement of RVR identifies those patients who still have high rates of SVR to Peg-IFN/Rbv therapy.
Bregman Distance and Strong Convergence of Proximal-Type Algorithms
Authors: Kuo Li-Wei , Sahu D. R.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some fundamental properties of Bregman distance, generalized projection operators, firmly nonexpansive mappings, and resolvent operators of set-valued monotone operators corresponding to a functionalΦ(∥·∥). We further study some proximal point algorithms for finding zeros of monotone operators and solving generalized mixed equilibrium problems in Banach spaces. Our results improve and extend some recent results concerning generalized projection operators corresponding to Bregman distance.
Comparison Study on the Performances of Finite Volume Method and Finite Difference Method
Authors: Liu Renwei , Wang Dongjie , Zhang Xinyu , Li Wang , Yu Bo
Published: July 2013

Vorticity-stream function method and MAC algorithm are adopted to systemically compare the finite volume method (FVM) and finite difference method (FDM) in this paper. Two typical problems—lid-driven flow and natural convection flow in a square cavity—are taken as examples to compare and analyze the calculation performances of FVM and FDM with variant mesh densities, discrete forms, and treatments of boundary condition. It is indicated that FVM is superior to FDM from the perspective of accuracy, stability of convection term, robustness, and calculation efficiency. Particularly ,when the mesh is coarse and taken as20×20, the results of FDM suffer severe oscillation and even lose physical meaning.
Successive Iteration of Positive Solutions for Fourth-Order Two-Point Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Sun Yongping , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhao Min
Published: July 2013

We are concerned with a fourth-order two-point boundary value problem. We prove the existence of positive solutions and establish iterative schemes for approximating the solutions. The interesting point of our method is that the nonlinear term is involved with all lower-order derivatives of unknown function, and the iterative scheme starts off with a known cubic function or the zero function. Finally we give two examples to verify the effectiveness of the main results.
First TerraSAR-X TOPS Mode Antenna Pattern Measurements Using Ground Receivers
Authors: Castellanos Alfonzo Gabriel , Schwerdt Marco , Wollstadt Steffen , Bachmann Markus , Döring Björn , Geudtner Dirk
Published: July 2013

The antenna model used for correcting the influence of the antenna pattern on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images requires on-ground validation and in-flight verification. A methodology for the in-flight verification that is based upon the measurement of azimuth antenna patterns using ground receivers has been successfully demonstrated for the operational SAR modes of the TerraSAR-X (TSX) and TanDEM-X (TDX) missions. Recently, the novel (terrain observation by progressive scans) TOPS mode was for the first time implemented as an experimental mode on TerraSAR-X to demonstrate its feasibility in support of its implementation on ESA's Sentinel-1 mission. In this mode, besides scanning in elevation, the antenna beam is steered in flight direction from aft to the front at a constant rate to achieve an enhanced radiometric image performance. This paper discusses the methodology and presents results of the first in-flight antenna characterization of a SAR instrument operating in TOPS mode, in this case TerraSAR-X, using ground receivers. The results demonstrate that the TOPS one-way azimuth antenna pattern can be accurately modeled by the TSX antenna model indicating the general suitability of this approach for the in-flight antenna model verification during TOPS mode operations.
Novel Finding of Coronary Ectasia in a Case of Acute Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Weiler Thomas , Chelliah Anjali , Bradley-Tiernan Linda , Greene E. Anne
Published: July 2013

A 10-year-old boy presented to his pediatrician with acute fever, rash, and polyarthritis. Laboratory studies revealed elevated inflammatory markers and positive throat culture. Echocardiogram demonstrated panvalvular insufficiency consistent with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and coronary artery ectasia. This latter finding, typically associated with Kawasaki disease, has not been previously reported in ARF.
Greedy Routing in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Kheirabadi Mohammad Taghi , Mohamad Mohd Murtadha
Published: July 2013

Due to the significant advances of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), researchers are eager to use this technology in the subsea applications. Because of rapid absorption of high radio frequency in the water, acoustic waves are used as communication medium, which pose new challenges, including high propagation delay, high path loss, low bandwidth, and high-energy consumption. Because of these challenges and high movement of nodes by water flow, end-to-end routing methods used in most of existing routing protocols in WSNs are not applicable to underwater environments. Therefore, new routing protocols have been developed for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs) in which most of the routing protocols take advantage of greedy routing. Due to inapplicability of global positioning system (GPS) in underwater environments, finding location information of nodes is too costly. Therefore, based on a need for location information, we divided the existing greedy routing protocols into two distinctive categories, namely, location-based and location-free protocols. In addition, location-free category is divided into two subcategories based on method of collecting essential information for greedy routing, including beacon-based and pressure-based protocols. Furthermore, a number of famous routing protocols belonging to each category are reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Finally, these protocols are compared with each other based on their features.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: An Unusual Consequence of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Larsen Timothy R. , Dragu Dritan , Williams Michael
Published: July 2013

Introduction.Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a well-described syndrome characterized by the classic triad of confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Wernicke’s encephalopathy results from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Common causes include alcoholism and gastric disorders. Wernicke’s has been described in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); however, given these patients’ immunosuppressed state, the diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy is not apparent.Case Presentation.A 31-year-old previously healthy male presented to the ER complaining of progressive dyspnea. Workup revealed HIV/AIDS and PCP pneumonia. He was treated and improved. On day 14 he became confused and developed nystagmus and ataxia. Considering his immunocompromised state, infectious and neoplastic etiologies topped the differential diagnosis. CT head was negative. Lumbar puncture was unremarkable. Brain MRI revealed increased T2 signal in the medial thalamus bilaterally. Intravenous thiamine was administered resulting in resolution of symptoms.Discussion.The classic triad of Wernicke’s encephalopathy occurs in 10% of cases. When immunosuppressed patients develop acute neurologic symptoms infectious or neoplastic etiologies must be excluded. However, given the relative safety of thiamine supplementation, there should be a low threshold for initiating therapy in order to reverse the symptoms and prevent progression to Korsakoff dementia, which is permanent.