bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity patterns of uncultured Haptophytes unravelled by pyrosequencing in Naples Bay
Authors: Bittner Lucie , Gobet Angélique , Audic Stéphane , Romac Sarah , Egge Elianne S. , Santini Sébastien , Ogata Hiroyuki , Probert Ian , Edvardsen Bente , de Vargas Colomban
Published: November 2012

Haptophytes are a key phylum of marine protists, including ~300 described morphospecies and 80 morphogenera. We used 454 pyrosequencing on large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) fragments to assess the diversity from size‐fractioned plankton samples collected in the Bay of Naples. One group‐specific primer set targeting the LSU rDNA D1/D2 region was designed to amplify Haptophyte sequences from nucleic acid extracts (total DNA or RNA) of two size fractions (0.8–3 or 3–20 μm) and two sampling depths [subsurface, at 1 m, or deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) at 23 m]. 454 reads were identified using a database covering the entire Haptophyta diversity currently sequenced. Our data set revealed several hundreds of Haptophyte clusters. However, most of these clusters could not be linked to taxonomically known sequences: considering OTUs97% (clusters build at a sequence identity level of 97%) on our global data set, less than 1% of the reads clustered with sequences from cultures, and less than 12% clustered with reference sequences obtained previously from cloning and Sanger sequencing of environmental samples. Thus, we highlighted a large uncharacterized environmental genetic diversity, which clearly shows that currently cultivated species poorly reflect the actual diversity present in the natural environment. Haptophyte community appeared to be significantly structured according to the depth. The highest diversity and evenness were obtained in samples from the DCM, and samples from the large size fraction (3–20 μm) taken at the DCM shared a lower proportion of common OTUs97% with the other samples. Reads from the species Chrysoculter romboideus were notably found at the DCM, while they could be detected at the subsurface. The highest proportion of totally unknown OTUs97% was collected at the DCM in the smallest size fraction (0.8–3 μm). Overall, this study emphasized several technical and theoretical barriers inherent to the exploration of the large and largely unknown diversity of unicellular eukaryotes.
Involvement of three meningococcal surface‐exposed proteins, the heparin‐binding protein NhbA, the α‐peptide of IgA protease and the autotransporter protease NalP, in initiation of biofilm formation
Authors: Arenas Jesús , Nijland Reindert , Rodriguez Francisco J. , Bosma Tom N. P. , Tommassen Jan
Published: November 2012

Neisseria meningitidis is a common and usually harmless inhabitant of the mucosa of the human nasopharynx, which, in rare cases, can cross the epithelial barrier and cause meningitis and sepsis. Biofilm formation favours the colonization of the host and the subsequent carrier state. Two different strategies of biofilm formation, either dependent or independent on extracellular DNA (eDNA), have been described for meningococcal strains. Here, we demonstrate that the autotransporter protease NalP, the expression of which is phase variable, affects eDNA‐dependent biofilm formation in N. meningitidis. The effect of NalP was found in biofilm formation under static and flow conditions and was dependent on its protease activity. Cleavage of the heparin‐binding antigen NhbA and the α‐peptide of IgA protease, resulting in the release of positively charged polypeptides from the cell surface, was responsible for the reduction in biofilm formation when NalP is expressed. Both NhbA and the α‐peptide of IgA protease were shown to bind DNA. We conclude that NhbA and the α‐peptide of IgA protease are implicated in biofilm formation by binding eDNA and that NalP is an important regulator of this process through the proteolysis of these surface‐exposed proteins.
A conceptual framework for restoration of threatened plants: the effective model of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) reintroduction
Authors: Jacobs Douglass F. , Dalgleish Harmony J. , Nelson C. Dana
Published: November 2012

We propose a conceptual framework for restoration of threatened plant species that encourages integration of technological, ecological, and social spheres. A sphere encompasses ideas relevant to restoration and the people working within similar areas of influence or expertise. Increased capacity within a sphere and a higher degree of coalescing among spheres predict a greater probability of successful restoration. We illustrate this withCastanea dentata, a foundation forest tree in North America that was annihilated by an introduced pathogen; the species is a model that effectively merges biotechnology, reintroduction biology, and restoration ecology. Because ofC. dentata's ecological and social importance, scientists have aggressively pursued blight resistance through various approaches. We summarize recent advancements in tree breeding and biotechnology that have emerged fromC. dentataresearch, and describe their potential to bring new tools to bear on socio‐ecological restoration problems. Successful reintroduction ofC. dentatawill also depend upon an enhanced understanding of its ecology within contemporary forests. We identify a critical need for a deeper understanding of societal influences that may affect setting and achieving realistic restoration goals.Castanea dentatamay serve as an important model to inform reintroduction of threatened plant species in general and foundation forest trees in particular.

ContentsSummary378I.Castanea dentataas a model at the intersection of reintroduction biology and restoration ecology379II.Technological approaches for recovery ofCastanea dentata381III.Ecology of the historically dominantCastanea dentatain contemporary forests385IV.Societal challenges for successful reintroduction ofCastanea dentata388V.Conclusions389Acknowledgements389References389
Serum procalcitonin is a valuable diagnostic marker in acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Nagata Kazuma , Tomii Keisuke , Otsuka Kojiro , Tachikawa Ryo , Nakagawa Atsushi , Otsuka Kyoko , Takeshita Junpei , Tanaka Kosuke , Matsumoto Takeshi , Monden Kazuya , Kawamura Takahisa , Tamai Koji
Published: November 2012

Background and objective

Acute exacerbation (AE) of interstitial pneumonia (IP) is defined as a life‐threatening deterioration of IP without identifiable cause. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in AE‐IP.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients admitted for AE‐IP between May 2010 and April 2012 were evaluated. Controls consisted of 13 consecutively admitted patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to bacterial pneumonia (BP) and 24 with bacterial pneumonia with stable IP (‘BP with IP’). Serum PCT was measured at baseline, at days 2, 4 and 8 in patients with AE‐IP, and at baseline in controls.

Results

Serum PCT levels in AE‐IP were significantly lower than in BP‐ARDS (mean ± standard deviation, 0.62 ± 1.30 vs 30.14 ± 22.76 ng/mL; P < 0.0001) or ‘BP with IP’ (mean ± standard deviation, 0.62 ± 1.30 vs 8.31 ± 14.83 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Thus, serum PCT discriminated well between AE‐IP and BP‐ARDS, or ‘BP with IP’ (area under the curve 0.99 and 0.85, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in serum PCT between 30‐day survivors or non‐survivors. Serum PCT tended to be reduced in both patient groups.

Conclusions

Serum PCT is a useful marker for discriminating between AE‐IP and BP. However, serum PCT is not useful as a prognostic marker for survival.
The Numerical Solutions of a Two-Dimensional Space-Time Riesz-Caputo Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: OZDEMIR Necati , AVCI Derya , ISKENDER Beyza Billur
Published: November 2012

This paper is concerned with the numerical solutions of a two dimensional space-time fractional differential equation used to model the dynamic properties of complex systems governed by anomalous diffusion. The space-time fractional anomalous diffusion equation is defined by replacing second order space and first order time derivatives with Riesz and Caputo operators, respectively. By using Laplace and Fourier transforms, a general representation of analytical solution is obtained as Mittag-Leffler function. Gr\"{u}nwald-Letnikov (GL) approximation is also used to find numerical solution of the problem. Finally, simulation results for two examples illustrate the comparison of the analytical and numerical solutions and also validity of the GL approach to this problem.
Application of Levenberg-Marquardt Optimization Algorithm Based Multilayer Neural Networks for Hydrological Time Series Modeling
Authors: OKKAN Umut
Published: November 2012

It is very important to make hydrological time series modeling on water resource engineering and the decision making strategies of water resource management. In this paper, a comprehensive study on the application of Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithms based Multilayer Neural Networks in the monthly inflows of Demirkopru Dam, which is located in the Gediz Basin/Turkey, is presented. The best network structure which requires monthly areal precipitation, temperature and one month ahead areal precipitation values as the input data, is trained by using the 30 years monthly time series. The network was trained by the observed data set between 1977 and 1996, then tested by the data set observed between 1997 and 2006. The training and testing criteria which are selected as coefficient of determination (R2) and root-mean square error (RMSE) were calculated in the training period as 79.17 (%) and 31.95 (106 m3), respectively. These values are calculated in the testing period as 75.34 (%) and 34.37 (106 m3), respectively. Long term and seasonal term statistics show that the developed network simulates the inflows of Demirköprü Dam satisfactorily and the results represent that model can be used to estimate the monthly inflows. This was also proved with this study that Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is the one of the fastest multilayer neural network training approaches and also a black box technique which is capable of reservoir inflow modeling without the detailing of the physical process.
Modified Interval Perturbation Finite Element Method for a Structural-Acoustic System With Interval Parameters
Authors: Xia Baizhan , Yu Dejie
Published: November 2012

For the frequency response analysis of the structural-acoustic system with interval parameters, a modified interval perturbation finite element method (MIPFEM) is proposed. In the proposed method, the interval dynamic equilibrium equation of the uncertain structural-acoustic system is established. The interval structural-acoustic dynamic stiffness matrix and the interval force vector are expanded by using the first-order Taylor series; the inversion of the invertible interval structural-acoustic dynamic stiffness matrix is approximated by employing a modified approximate interval-value Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula. The proposed method is implemented at an element-by-element level in the finite element framework. Numerical results on a shell structural-acoustic system with interval parameters verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Genome Sequence of Temperate Vibrio parahaemolyticus Bacteriophage vB_VpaS_MAR10
Authors: Alanis Villa Argentina , Kropinski Andrew M. , Abbasifar Reza , Abbasifar Arash , Griffiths Mansel W.
Published: November 2012

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is recognized as one of the main causes of human gastroenteritis associated with seafood. We have fully sequenced the genome of a newly isolated phage, vB_VpaS_MAR10, which lysed 61.9% of the
V. parahaemolyticus
strains tested. Phage MAR10 is a temperate siphovirus, and its genome consists of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a size of 78,751 bp, a G+C content of 49.70%, and 104 open reading frames. Bioinformatic analysis shows that phage MAR10 is closely related to
Vibrio
phage SSP002.
Complete Genome Sequence of Seoul Virus Isolated from Rattus norvegicus in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Authors: Yao Li-Si , Qin Cheng-Feng , Pu Yun , Zhang Xiao-Long , Liu Yong-Xian , Liu Yang , Cao Xiao-mei , Deng Yong-Qiang , Wang Jing , Hu Kong-Xin , Xu Bao-Liang
Published: November 2012

Seoul virus (SEOV) is responsible for 25% of cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Asia. Here we report the complete genome of strain DPRK08. The sequence information provided here is useful for understanding the molecular character of SEOV in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the circulation of SEOV in East Asia.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Porcine Parvovirus in China
Authors: Dai Xiao-Fang , Wang Qiu-Ju , Jiang Shi-Jin , Xie Zhi-Jing
Published: November 2012

The porcine parvovirus JT strain (PPV-JT) was isolated from a piglet showing nonsuppurative myocarditis in Shandong, China, in 2010. The complete genomic sequence of PPV-JT, 4,941 bp long, was determined from clones made from replicative form (RF) DNA. The genomic analysis demonstrated that the PPV-JT might be involved in a recombination event, which will help us understand the molecular characteristics and evolutionary of PPV in China.
Complete Genome Sequence of T4-Like Escherichia coli Bacteriophage HX01
Authors: Tang Fang , Li Yanzhe , Zhang Wei , Lu Chengping
Published: November 2012

Phage T4 is among the best-characterized biological systems (S. Kanamaru and F. Arisaka, Seikagaku 74:131-135, 2002; E. S. Miller et al., Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 67:86-156, 2003; W. B. Wood and H. R. Revel, Bacteriol. Rev. 40:847-868, 1976). To date, several genomes of T4-like bacteriophages are available in public databases but without any APEC bacteriophages (H. Jiang et al., Arch. Virol. 156:1489-1492, 2011; L. Kaliniene, V. Klausa, A. Zajanckauskaite, R. Nivinskas, and L. Truncaite, Arch. Virol. 156:1913-1916, 2011; J. H. Kim et al., Vet. Microbiol. 157:164-171, 2012; W. C. Liao et al., J. Virol. 85:6567-6578, 2011). We isolated a bacteriophage from a duck factory, named HX01, that infects avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(APEC). Sequence and morphological analyses revealed that phage HX01 is a T4-like bacteriophage and belongs to the family
Myoviridae
. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of phage HX01 and report the results of our analysis.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel H4N1 Influenza Virus Isolated from a Pig in Central China
Authors: Hu Yong , Liu Xiaokun , Li Shuyun , Guo Xuebo , Yang Ying , Jin Meilin
Published: November 2012

Pigs are proposed to be “mixing vessel” hosts that can produce genetically novel reassortant viruses with pandemic potential. The appearance of any novel influenza viruses among pigs should pose concerns for human health. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel H4N1 influenza virus [A/Swine/HuBei/06/2009(H4N1)] isolated from a pig in Central China in 2009. The genomic sequence analysis indicates that this virus is a wholly avian-original influenza virus. Each gene may come from different avian influenza viruses outside mainland China, suggesting the role of migratory birds in the dispersal of influenza virus.
Are you positive? The fate of a shelter cat
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Brailey Juliana
Published: November 2012

A shelter cat with recent fight wounds tested negative for FIV on an in‐house test; however, it was still suspected the cat was FIV‐positive and it was held for retesting. Six weeks later it tested FIV‐positive and was euthanased. Subsequently, it was determined that the cat had previously received a single FIV vaccination during its stay in the shelter. As it is impossible, on the basis of serology, to distinguish between antibodies resulting from natural infection versus those that are vaccination‐associated, the result may have been a false positive. What factors should be considered in determining whether to euthanase a FIV‐positive cat?
Sedation and analgesia in the standing horse 2. Local anaesthesia and analgesia techniques
Authors: Michou Joanne , Leece Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Local anaesthetic techniques are valuable adjuncts to sedation and systemic analgesia, facilitating surgery and diagnostic procedures in standing conscious horses. Local anaesthetic techniques are useful in preventing nociception in order to perform surgery, to minimise movement, aid even weight bearing and for postoperative analgesia. This article discusses choice of drugs and local techniques, and accompanies an article on the systemic drugs used for sedation and analgesia published in the October 2012 issue of In Practice (vol 34, pp 524‐531)
CREATING QUANTUM DISCORD THROUGH LOCAL GENERALIZED AMPLITUDE DAMPING
Authors: XU JIANWEI
Published: November 2012

We show that two qubits initially in completely classical state can create quantum discord through a local generalized amplitude damping channel, but high temperature will impede the creating of quantum discord.
Annealing Effect on Photovoltaic Performance of CdSe Quantum‐Dots‐Sensitized TiO2 Nanorod Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yitan , Wei Lin , Zhang Ruizi , Chen Yanxue , Jiao Jun
Published: November 2012

Large area rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO2 (FTO) conductive glass using a hydrothermal method at low temperature. CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were deposited onto single‐crystalline TiO2 nanorod arrays by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) method to make a photoelectrode. The solar cell was assembled using a CdSe‐TiO2 nanostructure as the photoanode and polysulfide solution as the electrolyte. The annealing effect on optical and photovoltaic properties of CdSe quantum‐dots‐sensitized TiO2 nanorod solar cells was studied systematically. A significant change of the morphology and a regular red shift of band gap of CdSe nanoparticles were observed after annealing treatment. At the same time, an improved photovoltaic performance was obtained for quantum‐dots‐sensitized solar cell using the annealed CdSe‐TiO2 nanostructure electrode. The power conversion efficiency improved from 0.59% to 1.45% as a consequence of the annealing effect. This improvement can be explained by considering the changes in the morphology, the crystalline quality, and the optical properties caused by annealing treatment.
Q Fever: An Old but Still a Poorly Understood Disease
Authors: Honarmand Hamidreza
Published: November 2012

Q fever is a bacterial infection affecting mainly the lungs, liver, and heart. It is found around the world and is caused by the bacteriaCoxiella burnetii.The bacteria affects sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and ticks. Infected animals shed this bacteria in birth products, feces, milk, and urine. Humans usually get Q fever by breathing in contaminated droplets released by infected animals and drinking raw milk. People at highest risk for this infection are farmers, laboratory workers, sheep and dairy workers, and veterinarians. Chronic Q fever develops in people who have been infected for more than 6 months. It usually takes about 20 days after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms to occur. Most cases are mild, yet some severe cases have been reported. Symptoms of acute Q fever may include: chest pain with breathing, cough, fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pains, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of chronic Q fever may include chills, fatigue, night sweats, prolonged fever, and shortness of breath. Q fever is diagnosed with a blood antibody test. The main treatment for the disease is with antibiotics. For acute Q fever, doxycycline is recommended. For chronic Q fever, a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is often used long term. Complications are cirrhosis, hepatitis, encephalitis, endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, meningitis, and pneumonia. People at risk should always: carefully dispose of animal products that may be infected, disinfect any contaminated areas, and thoroughly wash their hands. Pasteurizing milk can also help prevent Q fever.
Formation of Nanoscale Mg(x)Fe(1−x)O  (x = 0.1,0.2,0.4) Structure by Solution Combustion: Effect of Fuel to Oxidizer Ratio
Authors: Ahmadipour Mohsen , Venkateswara Rao K. , Rajendar V.
Published: November 2012

Mg(x)Fe(1−x)O (magnesiowustite) nanopowder samples synthesized by solution‐combustion method and fuel to oxidizer ratio (Ψ = 1, 1.25) are used as a control parameter to investigate how particle size and morphology vary with Ψ. The method is inexpensive and efficient for synthesis of oxide nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of Mg(x)Fe(1−x)O nanoparticles was estimated from the full‐width‐half maximum of the X‐ray diffraction peaks of powders using Debye‐Scherrer’s formula; the average crystallite size varies from 16 nm to 51 nm. From X‐ray diffraction analysis, it was observed that Mg(x)Fe(1−x)O nanoparticles have cubic structure. The particle size measured by particle size analyzer ranges from 37.7 nm to 73 nm which is in the order of XRD results. Thermal analysis was done by thermal gravimetric‐differential thermal analyzer. The particle size and morphology of the synthesized powder were examined by transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The crystal size and particle size were compared with some of the most recently published research works by XRD and TEM. FTIR conforms formation of the Mg(x)Fe(1−x)O.
Multidimensional Costas Arrays and Their Enumeration Using GPUs and FPGAs
Authors: Arce-Nazario Rafael A. , Ortiz-Ubarri José
Published: November 2012

The enumeration of two-dimensional Costas arrays is a problem with factorial time complexity and has been solved for sizes up to 29 using computer clusters. Costas arrays of higher dimensionality have recently been proposed and their properties are beginning to be understood. This paper presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first proposed implementations for enumerating these multidimensional arrays in GPUs and FPGAs, as well as the first discussion of techniques to prune the search space and reduce enumeration run time. Both GPU and FPGA implementations rely on Costas array symmetries to reduce the search space and perform concurrent explorations over the remaining candidate solutions. The fine grained parallelism utilized to evaluate and progress the exploration, coupled with the additional concurrency provided by the multiple instanced cores, allowed the FPGA (XC5VLX330-2) implementation to achieve speedups of up to 30× over the GPU (GeForce GTX 580).
Peripheral Regulatory Cells Immunophenotyping in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Different Clinical Profiles: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette , Lima Guadalupe , Simancas Perla , Ramos-Bello Dolores , Simancas Margaret , Bostock Ian C. , Vilatobá Mario , Gabilondo Bernardo , Granados Julio , Morales-Buenrostro Luis , Alberú Josefina , Llorente Luis
Published: November 2012

Regulatory Foxp3-expressing T cells (Tregs), IL-10-producing B cells (Bregs), and IDO-expressing dendritic cells (DCregs) downregulate inflammatory processes and induces peripheral tolerance. These subpopulations also might participate in maintaining allograft immunological quiescence in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with an excellent long-term graft function under immunosuppression (ELTGF). The aim of the study was to characterize and to enumerate peripheral Tregs, Bregs, and DCregs in KTR with an ELTGF for more than 5 years after transplant. Fourteen KTR with an ELTGF, 9 KTR with chronic graft dysfunction (CGD), and 12 healthy donors (HDs) were included in the study. CD19+-expressing peripheral B lymphocytes were purified by positive selection. IL-10-producing B cells, CD4+/CD25hi, and CD8+/CD28−Tregs, as well as CCR6+/CD123+/IDO+DCs, were quantitated by flow cytometry. IL-10-producing Bregs (immature/transitional, but not CD19+/CD38hi/CD24hi/CD27+B10 cells), CCR6+/CD123+/IDO+DCs, and Tregs from ELTGF patients had similar or higher percentages versus HD (P<0.05). By contrast, number of Tregs, DCregs, and Bregs except for CD27+B10 cells from CGD patients had lower levels versus HD and ELTGF patients (P<0.05). The findings of this exploratory study might suggest that in ELTGF patients, peripheral tolerance mechanisms could be directly involved in the maintenance of a quiescent immunologic state and graft function stability.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection ofStaphylococcus aureusin Dairy Cow Suffering from Mastitis
Authors: Tie Zhang , Chunguang Wang , Xiaoyuan Wei , Xinghua Zhao , Xiuhui Zhong
Published: November 2012

To develop a rapid detection method ofStaphylococcus aureususing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), four specific primers were designed according to six distinct sequences of thenucgene. In addition, the specificity and sensitivity of LAMP were verified and compared with those of PCR. Results showed that the LAMP reaction was completed within 45 min at 62.5°C, and ladder bands were appeared in LAMP products analyzed by gel electrophoresis. After adding 1x SYBR Green l, the positive reaction tube showed green color and the negative reaction tube remained orange, indicating that the LAMP has high specificity. The minimal detectable concentration of LAMP was1×102 CFU/mL and that of PCR was1×104 CFU/mL, indicating that the LAMP was 100 times more sensitive than the PCR. The LAMP method for detection ofStaphylococcus aureushas many advantages, such as simple operation, high sensitivity, high specificity, and rapid analysis. Therefore, this method is more suitable for the rapid on-site detection ofStaphylococcus aureus.
Prevalence of Anemia in Children with Congestive Heart Failure due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mueller Goetz Christoph , Schlueter Emmy Lou , Arndt Florian , Dodge-Khatami Ali , Weil Jochen , Mir Thomas S.
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Anemia is prevalent in adult heart failure patients and appears to be an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this work is to determine the prevalence of anemia in children with heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to evaluate its influence on morbidity and mortality.Methods. A homogenous group of 58 children with congestive heart failure from DCM was evaluated for heart failure symptoms, appearance of anemia, hospitalization, age of first clinical appearance, necessity of transfusion, and death during medical attendance. Anemic and nonanemic patients were analyzed for differences in age distribution, morbidity, and mortality.Results. Anemia was present in 64% of DCM patients. Hospitalization secondary to heart failure was significantly elevated in heart failure patients with anemia (mean versus days per year, ). However, mortality was not elevated. Significant relations of age and prevalence of anemia or age and severity of anemia did not appear.Conclusion. Anemia is prevalent in pediatric patients with congestive heart failure from DCM and appears in all age classes. Hospitalization as a surrogate of morbidity is elevated in heart failure patients developing anemia, but mortality risk did not increase.
Vibrations of Three-Layered Cylindrical Shells with FGM Middle Layer Resting on Winkler and Pasternak Foundations
Authors: Shah Abdul Ghafar , Ali Aalia , Naeem Muhmmad Nawaz , Arshad Shahid Hussain
Published: November 2012

Vibrations of a cylindrical shell composed of three layers of different materials resting on elastic foundations are studied out. This configuration is formed by three layers of material in thickness direction where the inner and outer layers are of isotropic materials and the middle is of functionally graded material. Love shell dynamical equations are considered to describe the vibration problem. The expressions for moduli of the Winkler and Pasternak foundations are combined with the shell dynamical equations. The wave propagation approach is used to solve the present shell problem. A number of comparisons of numerical results are performed to check the validity and accuracy of the present approach.
Power Load Event Detection and Classification Based on Edge Symbol Analysis and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Jiang Lei , Li Jiaming , Luo Suhuai , West Sam , Platt Glenn
Published: November 2012

Energy signature analysis of power appliance is the core of nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) where the detailed data of the appliances used in houses are obtained by analyzing changes in the voltage and current. This paper focuses on developing an automatic power load event detection and appliance classification based on machine learning. In power load event detection, the paper presents a new transient detection algorithm. By turn-on and turn-off transient waveforms analysis, it can accurately detect the edge point when a device is switched on or switched off. The proposed load classification technique can identify different power appliances with improved recognition accuracy and computational speed. The load classification method is composed of two processes including frequency feature analysis and support vector machine. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of the new edge detection and turn-on and turn-off transient signature analysis into NILM revealed more information than traditional NILM methods. The load classification method has achieved more than ninety percent recognition rate.
Preparation and Characterization of Alumina Nanoparticles in Deionized Water Using Laser Ablation Technique
Authors: Piriyawong Veeradate , Thongpool Voranuch , Asanithi Piyapong , Limsuwan Pichet
Published: November 2012

Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized using laser ablation of an aluminum (Al) target in deionized water. Nd:YAG laser, emitted the light at a wavelength of 1064 nm, was used as a light source. The laser ablation was carried out at different energies of 1, 3, and 5 J. The structure of ablated Al particles suspended in deionized water was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns revealed that the ablated Al particles transformed into γ‐Al2O3. The morphology of nanoparticles was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The FE‐SEM images showed that most of the nanoparticles obtained from all the ablated laser energies have spherical shape with a particle size of less than 100 nm. Furthermore, it was observed that the particle size increased with increasing the laser energy. The absorption spectra of Al2O3 nanoparticles suspended in deionized water were recorded at room temperature using UV‐visible spectroscopy. The absorption spectra show a strong peak at 210 nmarising from the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticles. The results on absorption spectra are in good agreement with those investigated by XRD which confirmed the formation of Al2O3 nanoparticles during the laser ablation of Al target in deionized water.
Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Patients with Abnormal Position of the Appendix due to Mobile Caecum
Authors: Toprak Huseyin , Bilgin Mehmet , Atay Musa , Kocakoc Ercan
Published: November 2012

Acute appendicitis is usually diagnosed on the basis of signs, symptoms, clinical history, physical examination, and results of laboratory tests.The position of the appendix can vary considerably, both in relation to the caecum and because of the inconsistent position of the caecum itself, and may cause variable clinical symptoms. We present the CT findings of surgically proven acute appendicitis associated with atypically located caecum in two patients.
Downregulation ofHlxClosely Related to the Decreased Expressions ofT-betandRunx3in Patients with Gastric Cancer May Be Associated with a Pathological Event Leading to the Imbalance of Th1/Th2
Authors: Xu Yan , Gao Jingjing , Su Zhaoliang , Dai Xiaoli , Li Yazhen , Liu Yingzhao , Chen Jianguo , Tong Jia , Zhang Yun , Wu Chaoyang , Zheng Dong , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: November 2012

T-betplays an important role in immunoregulation; it induces the differentiation of Th1 together with the homeobox transcription factor geneHlx. Recent studies show thatT-betand Th1-associated factors are critical in regulating tumor development. However, the contributions ofHlxin the occurrence and development of cancer remain unknown. In this study, theHlx,T-bet,Runx3, and IFN-γwere measured in PBMC from patients with gastric cancer and the correlation betweenHlxandT-betor IFN-γwas assessed. The expression levels ofHlx,T-bet, andIFN-γwere significantly decreased, and there was a positive correlation betweenHlxandT-betor IFN-γ. In addition, theRunx3expression was also downregulated with the lowerT-betmRNA level. These results suggested that the decreasedHlxexpression was closely associated withT-betandRunx3downregulations and may contribute to the development of gastric cancer.
Relationships between Pain, Function and Radiographic Findings in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cubukcu Duygu , Sarsan Ayse , Alkan Hakan
Published: November 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between pain, disability, and radiographic findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Patients and Methods. A total of 114 patients with knee OA who attended the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for knee OA. Age, duration of disease, and body mass index (BMI) of the patients were recorded. Radiographic features on the two-sided knee radiography were assessed with the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. The severity of knee pain, stiffness, and disability were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).Results. The mean age of the patients was 56.98 (±8.28) years and the mean disease duration was 4.14 (±4.15) years. Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale and age or disease duration were positively and significantly associated, whereas none of the WOMAC subscores were found to be related with Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale (). On the other hand, WOMAC disability scores were significantly associated with WOMAC pain and WOMAC stiffness ().Conclusions. Knee pain, stiffness, and duration of disease may affect the level of disability in the patients with knee OA. Therefore treatment of knee OA could be planned according to the clinical features and functional status instead of radiological findings.
Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Kim In-Hee , Kim Chan , Seong Kayeon , Hur Myung-Haeng , Lim Heon Man , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of essential oil inhalation on the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and salivary cortisol level in 83 prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The experimental group (n=28) was asked to inhale an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli (20 : 15 : 10 : 2), whereas the placebo group (n=27) was asked to inhale an artificial fragrance for 24 hours and the control group received no treatment (n=28). The SBP (P<.001) and DBP (P=.009) measured at home in the experimental group were significantly decreased compared with the placebo group and the control group after treatment. The daytime SBP during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P<.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the nighttime SBPs. The daytime DBPs during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P=.002). There was no significant difference in the night time DBPs. The experimental group showed significant decreases in the concentration of salivary cortisol in comparison with the concentrations of the placebo group and the control group (P=.012). In conclusion, the inhalation of an essential oil had immediate and continuous effects on the home SBP, daytime BP, and the stress reduction. Essential oils may have relaxation effects for controlling hypertension.
Theoretical Studies of Structure, Spectroscopy, and Properties of a New Hydrazine Derivative
Authors: Sahebalzamani Hajar , Salimi Farshid , Dornapour Elmira
Published: November 2012

We will report a combined experimental and theoretical study on molecular structure, vibrational spectra, and energies of (E)‐1‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl)‐2‐[(4‐methylphenyl)methylidene]hydrazine (1). The molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies and energies in the ground state are calculated by using HF and DFT levels of theory with 6‐311G basis sets. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies also confirm that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The harmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated, and the scaled values have been compared with experimental FTIR and FT‐Raman spectra. The observed and the calculated frequencies are found to be in good agreement. The experimental spectra also coincide satisfactorily with those of theoretically constructed bar‐type spectrograms.
Serum Uric Acid in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Vascular Parkinsonism: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pan Mengqiu , Gao Huimin , Long Ling , Xu Yunqi , Liu Mei , Zou Jing , Wu Aimin , Wei Xiaobo , Chen Xiaohong , Tang Beisha , Wang Qing
Published: November 2012

Background: Elevation of serum uric acid (UA) is correlated with a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, the association and clinical relevance of serum UA levels in patients with PD and vascular parkinsonism (VP) are unknown. Objective: We performed a cross-sectional study of 160 Chinese patients with PD and VP to determine whether UA levels in patients could predict the outcomes. Methods: Serum UA levels were divided into quartiles and the association between UA and the severity of PD or VP was investigated in each quartile. Results: The serum levels of UA in PD were significantly lower than those in normal subjects and VP. The serum UA levels in PD patients were significantly correlated with some clinical parameters. Strong correlations were observed in male PD patients, but significant correlations were observed only between UA and the non-motor symptoms (NMS) of burden of sleep/fatigue and mood in female PD patients. PD patients in the lowest quartile of serum UA levels had significant correlations between UA and the unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale, the modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale and NMS burden for attention/memory. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that subjects with low serum UA levels may be more prone to developing PD and indicate that the inverse relationship between UA and severity of PD was robust for men but weak for women. Our results strongly imply that either low serum UA level is a deteriorative predictor or that serum UA level serves as an indirect biomarker of prediction in PD but not in VP patients.
The Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein/ β2-Glycoprotein I Complex Is Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Healthy Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Kraml Pavel J. , Syrovátka Petr , Potočková Jana , Anděl Michal
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in complex with β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) has been associated with autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease and coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to determine whether plasma levels of oxLDL/β2GPI complexes are associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and markers of endothelial damage in obese middle-aged men and, if so, whether oxLDL/β2GPI correlates better with insulin resistance parameters than oxLDL, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) or thioredoxin. Methods: A total of 72 healthy men were recruited (41 obese and 31 nonobese individuals). Waist circumference >94 cm was used as the criterion for abdominal obesity. Results: The obese men demonstrated higher oxLDL/β2GPI levels (p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.01) and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (p < 0.01). oxLDL/β2GPI correlated with more insulin resistance parameters compared to AOPP, thioredoxin or oxLDL. Furthermore, oxLDL/β2GPI was associated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I; r = 0.365, p < 0.001) and negatively with interleukin-8 (r = –0.297, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, oxLDL/β2GPI reflects the criterion for abdominal obesity and markers of insulin resistance in our study. The independent positive correlation with PAI-I indicates that oxLDL/β2GPI may serve as an early marker of low-grade inflammation and atherosclerosis initiation.
Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Dialysis following Carmustine and Etoposide during Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Li Jane , Khot Amit , Burbury Kate
Published: November 2012

Background: The Stanford BCNU protocol (carmustine, etoposide and cyclophosphamide) is a high-dose conditioning regimen widely used prior to autologous stem cell transplantation. While acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy is a known but rare complication of autologous stem cell transplantation, acute nephrotoxicity following carmustine and etoposide has not yet been reported. Case: We present the first case of carmustine-induced acute kidney injury in the setting of autologous stem cell transplantation and perform a review of the literature. Renal failure was associated with a sharp rise in serum creatinine, oliguria and trace proteinuria. Urgent haemodialysis was required; however, renal failure resolved after 7 days. Con clusion: Although a rare complication, its severity mandates close monitoring of renal function as early recognition and treatment may limit long-term sequelae.
Dissociating N400 Effects of Prediction from Association in Single-word Contexts
Authors: Lau Ellen F. , Holcomb Phillip J. , Kuperberg Gina R.
Published: November 2012

When a word is preceded by a supportive context such as a semantically associated word or a strongly constraining sentence frame, the N400 component of the ERP is reduced in amplitude. An ongoing debate is the degree to which this reduction reflects a passive spread of activation across long-term semantic memory representations as opposed to specific predictions about upcoming input. We addressed this question by embedding semantically associated prime–target pairs within an experimental context that encouraged prediction to a greater or lesser degree. The proportion of related items was used to manipulate the predictive validity of the prime for the target while holding semantic association constant. A semantic category probe detection task was used to encourage semantic processing and to preclude the need for a motor response on the trials of interest. A larger N400 reduction to associated targets was observed in the high than the low relatedness proportion condition, consistent with the hypothesis that predictions about upcoming stimuli make a substantial contribution to the N400 effect. We also observed an earlier priming effect (205–240 msec) in the high-proportion condition, which may reflect facilitation because of form-based prediction. In summary, the results suggest that predictability modulates N400 amplitude to a greater degree than the semantic content of the context.
The Response of Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide to the Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo at Southern and Northern Midlatitudes
Authors: Aquila V. , Oman L. D. , Stolarski R. , Douglass A. R. , Newman P. A.
Published: November 2012

Observations have shown that the mass of nitrogen dioxide decreased at both southern and northern midlatitudes in the year following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, indicating that the volcanic aerosol had enhanced nitrogen dioxide depletion via heterogeneous chemistry. In contrast, the observed ozone response showed a northern midlatitude decrease and a small southern midlatitude increase. Previous simulations that included an enhancement of heterogeneous chemistry by the volcanic aerosol but no other effect of this aerosol produce ozone decreases in both hemispheres, contrary to observations. The authors’ simulations show that the heating due to the volcanic aerosol enhanced both the tropical upwelling and Southern Hemisphere extratropical downwelling. This enhanced extratropical downwelling, combined with the time of the eruption relative to the phase of the Brewer–Dobson circulation, increased Southern Hemisphere ozone via advection, counteracting the ozone depletion due to heterogeneous chemistry on the Pinatubo aerosol.
On the Detection of Onset and Activity of the Indian Summer Monsoon Using GPS RO Refractivity Profiles
Authors: Rao V. V. M. Jagannadha , Ratnam M. Venkat , Santhi Y. Durga , Raman M. Roja , Rajeevan M. , Bhaskara Rao S. Vijaya
Published: November 2012

Global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) data available during 2001–10 have been used to examine the variations in the refractivity during the onset of Indian summer monsoon (ISM) over the east Arabian Sea (5°–15°N, 65°–75°E). An enhancement of 5–10 N-units in the refractivity is observed around 4.8 km (~600 hPa) a few days (9.23 ± 3.6 days) before onset of the monsoon over Kerala, India. This is attributed to moisture buildup over the Arabian Sea during the monsoon onset phase. A sudden increase (1.5–2 K) in mean upper-tropospheric temperature at the time of onset and during the active phase of the monsoon is attributed to convective activity and the release of latent heat. On the day of monsoon onset over Kerala, an appreciable dip in the refractivity is observed that persisted for 1–3 days followed by an enhancement in refractivity with the active phase of the monsoon. An arbitrary value of 128 N-units difference between 4.8 km (~600 hPa) and 16 km (~100 hPa) coupled with a dip in refractivity on the day of monsoon arrival might give an indication of clear transition of atmospheric conditions and the detection of monsoon onset. Further, a good relation is also found between the activity of monsoon and variability in the refractivity.
How Entrepreneurship Evolves
Authors: Haveman Heather A. , Habinek Jacob , Goodman Leo A.
Published: November 2012

We craft a historically sensitive model of entrepreneurship linking individual actors to the evolving social structures they must navigate to acquire resources and launch new ventures. Theories of entrepreneurship and industry evolution suggest two opposing hypotheses: as an industry develops, launching a new venture may become more difficult for all but industry insiders and the socially prominent because of competition from large incumbents, or it may become easier for all people because the legitimacy accorded to the industry simplifies the entrepreneurial task. To test these two conflicting claims, we study the American magazine industry from 1741 to 1860. We find that magazine publishing was originally restricted to publishing-industry insiders, professionals, and the highly educated, but most later founders came from outside publishing and more were of middling stature. Gains by entrepreneurs from the social periphery, however, were uneven: most were doctors and clergy without college degrees in small urban areas; magazines founded by industry insiders remained predominant in the industry centers. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of grounding studies of entrepreneurship in historical context. It also shows that entrepreneurship scholars must attend to temporal shifts within the focal industry and in society at large.