bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 in Human Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyun-Soo , Kim Nam Chul , Chae Kyu Hee , Kim Gun , Park Won Seo , Park Yong-Koo , Kim Youn Wha
Published: June 2013

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and prognosis remains poor despite advances in imaging techniques and aggressive surgical treatment. Overexpression of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) in tumor cells is a major cause of the intrinsic multidrug resistance phenotype. Despite the documented importance of MRP expression in many carcinomas, the prognostic significance of MRP2 expression in primary GBCA is not known. Immunostaining for MRP2 was performed on tissue samples obtained from 143 patients with GBCA. We examined the association between MRP expression and clinicopathological characteristics and outcome of patients with GBCA. GBCA demonstrated MRP2 immunoreactivity in the apicolateral membranes of epithelial cells. MRP2 expression was positive in 53.1% (76/143) of GBCA samples. Positive MRP2 expression was significantly associated with the presence of local recurrence (P=0.038), lymphatic invasion (P=0.038), vascular invasion (P=0.023), and perineural invasion (P=0.006). In addition, the median survival time of patients with MRP2-positive GBCA (15 months) was significantly shorter than that of patients with MRP2-negative GBCA (85 months,P=0.011). We found that the expression of MRP2 in GBCA contributed to aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis, suggesting that MRP2 expression can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker of GBCA.
RF Tomography in Free Space: Experimental Validation of the Forward Model and an Inversion Algorithm Based on the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique
Authors: Picco V. , Negishi T. , Nishikata S. , Spitzer D. , Erricolo D.
Published: June 2013

Radio-frequency tomography was originally proposed to image underground cavities. Its flexible forward model can be used in free-space by choosing an appropriate dyadic Green's function and can be translated in the microwave domain. Experimental data are used to validate a novel inversion scheme, based on the algebraic reconstruction technique. The proposed method is improved by introducing physical bounds on the solution returned. As a result, the images of the dielectric permittivity profiles obtained are superior in quality to the ones obtained using classical regularization approaches such as the truncated singular value decomposition. The results from three experimental case studies are presented and discussed.
A Current Transport Mechanism on the Surface of Pd-SiO2Mixture for Metal-Semiconductor-Metal GaAs Diodes
Authors: Tan Shih-Wei , Lai Shih-Wen
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a current transport mechanism of Pd metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) GaAs diodes with a Schottky contact material formed by intentionally mixing SiO2into a Pd metal. The Schottky emission process, where the thermionic emission both over the metal-semiconductor barrier and over the insulator-semiconductor barrier is considered on the carrier transport of a mixed contact of Pd and SiO2(MMO) MSM diodes, is analyzed. The image-force lowering is accounted for. In addition, with the applied voltage increased, the carrier recombination is thus considered. The simulation data are presented to explain the experimental results clearly.
Comparison of Tidalites in Siliciclastic, Carbonate, and Mixed Siliciclastic-Carbonate Systems: Examples from Cambrian and Devonian Deposits of East-Central Iran
Authors: Zand-Moghadam Hamed , Moussavi-Harami Reza , Mahboubi Asadollah , Bavi Hoda
Published: June 2013

For the comparison of lithofacies in siliciclastic, carbonate, and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate tidal systems, three successions including Top Quartzite (Lower-Middle Cambrian), Deranjal Formation (Upper Cambrian), and Padeha Formation (Lower-Middle Devonian) in the north of Kerman and Tabas regions (SE and E central Iran) were selected and described, respectively. Lithofacies analysis led to identification of 14 lithofacies (Gcm, Gms, Gt, Sp, St, Sh, Sl, Sr, Sm, Se, Sr(Fl), Sr/Fl, Fl(Sr), and Fl) and 4 architectural elements (CH, LA, SB, and FF) in the Top Quartzite, 7 lithofacies (Dim, Dp, Dr, Ds, Dl, Dr/Dl, and Fcl) and 2 architectural elements (CH, CB) in the Deranjal Formation, and 17 lithofacies (Sp, St, Sh, Sl, Sr, Se, Sr(Fl), Sr/Fl, Fl(Sr), Fl, Dr, Ds, Sr/Dl, El, Efm, Efl, and Edl) and 5 architectural elements (CH, LA, SB, FF, and EF) in the Padeha Formation that have been deposited under the influence of tides. The most diagnostic features for comparison of the three tidalite systems are sedimentary structures, textures, and fabrics as well as architectural elements (lithofacies association). The CH element in siliciclastics has the highest vertical thickness and the least lateral extension, while in the carbonate tidalites, it has the least vertical thickness and the most lateral extension compared to in other systems.
Solid Carbon Produced in an Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch with a Titan Like Atmosphere
Authors: Vacher D. , Menecier S. , Dudeck M. , Dubois M. , Devouard B. , Petit E.
Published: June 2013

Solid carbon is deposited on the surfaces of an inductively coupled plasma torch operating with a Titan like atmosphere plasma gas. The frame of the initial research is the study of the radiative properties of plasma encountered around a spacecraft during its hypersonic entry in upper layers of planetary atmosphere. Deposition of carbon is observed not only on the quartz tube outside the inductor but also on the ceramic protection of the torch injector. Carbon exhibits two types of morphology more or less dense and it is analyzed by various analytic devices as MEB, SEM, TEM, EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The gathered carbon powder shows the presence of nanostructured particles.
Finite-Time Integral Sliding Mode Control for Motion Control of Permanent-Magnet Linear Motors
Authors: Mo Xiaohui , Lan Qixun
Published: June 2013

The finite-time motion control problem of permanent-magnet linear motor (PMLM) is studied in this paper. Firstly, based on finite-time integral sliding mode (FTISM) technique, a finite-time control (FTC) law is proposed such that the PMLM can track the desired trajectory in finite time in the presence of disturbances. Secondly, to alleviate the chattering caused by discontinuous property of the control law, a novel saturation function is introduced to replace the signum function in the proposed FTC law. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by simulation results and comparisons.
Mathematical Analysis of a Single-Species Population Model in a Polluted Environment with Discrete Time Delays
Authors: Sharma Swarnali , Samanta G. P.
Published: June 2013

We have discussed the dynamical behaviour of a single-species population model in a polluted environment which describes the effect of toxicants on ecological system. Boundedness, positivity, and stability analysis of the model at various equilibrium points is discussed thoroughly. We have also studied the effect of single discrete delay as well as double discrete delays on the population model. Existence conditions of the Hopf bifurcation for single time delay are investigated. The length of delay preserving the stability is also estimated. The direction and the stability criteria of the bifurcating periodic solutions are determined by using the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. The stability of the model with double time delays is investigated by using the Nyquist criteria. By choosing one of the delays as a bifurcation parameter, the model is found to undergo a Hopf bifurcation. Some numerical simulations for justifying the theoretical results are also illustrated by using MATLAB, which shows the reliability of our model from the practical point of view.
A High Gain Omnidirectional Antenna Using Negative Permeability Metamaterial
Authors: Tang Hangfei , Hou Quanwen , Liu Yahong , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: June 2013

A high gain omnidirectional antenna with low profile is proposed and is investigated numerically and experimentally. Based on the conventional center-fed circular epsilon-negative (ENG) zeroth-order resonator (ZOR) antenna, dendritic structure negative permeability metamaterial (NPM) is used as the substrate to enhance the gain of the omnidirectional antenna. The experimental results show that the gain of a center-fed circular ENG ZOR antenna with NPM substrate is enhanced about 2.2 dB, and the efficiency is enhanced about 38%, in the whole broad operating bandwidth as compared to that of the antenna without NPM substrate, which can be used to improve the reliability of wireless communications.
The Development of Body-Powered Prosthetic Hand Controlled by EMG Signals Using DSP Processor with Virtual Prosthesis Implementation
Authors: Salem Fathia H. A. , Mohamed Khaled S. , Mohamed Sundes B. K. , El Gehani Amal A.
Published: June 2013

The state of the art in the technology of prosthetic hands is moving rapidly forward. However, there are only two types of prosthetic hands available in Libya: the Passive Hand and the Mechanical Hand. It is very important, therefore, to develop the prosthesis existing in Libya so that the use of the prosthesis is as practical as possible. Considering the case of amputation below the elbow, with two movements: opening and closing the hand, this work discusses two stages: developing the operation of the body-powered prosthetic hand by controlling it via the surface electromyography signal (sEMG) through dsPIC30f4013 processor and a servo motor and a software based on fuzzy logic concept to detect and process the EMG signal of the patient as well as using it to train the patient how to control the movements without having to fit the prosthetic arm. The proposed system has been practically implemented, tested, and gave satisfied results, especially that the used processor provides fast processing with high performance compared to other types of microcontrollers.
An Acute Ibuprofen Overdose Masking a SevereStaphylococcus aureusMeningitis: A Case Report
Authors: Smetana Matthew , Picard Katy , Boehm Kevin M.
Published: June 2013

Acute bacterial meningitis has a low incidence (3/100,000 in the United States) and yet high fatality rate (approximately 14–16%) and classically presents as a triad of fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. However, less than half of patients with meningitis present with this classic triad. We present the clinical course of a patient who initially presented to the emergency department after overdosing on ibuprofen for what he described as back pain secondary to mechanical injury. However, the patient's condition quickly deteriorated: he developed tachycardia, mental status changes, was intubated due to respiratory distress, and then suffered an 8-minute PEA arrest before return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. After the patient was stabilized, in addition to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) overdoseStaphylococcus aureusmeningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia were diagnosed. We report this case to illustrate that the initial presentation of meningitis may be extremely unusual especially in the setting of NSAID overdose and the acutely decompensating patient. As the risk of adverse clinical outcomes increases with delays in appropriate antibiotic therapy, it is therefore crucial to recognize the many signs and symptoms of meningitis, typical and atypical, and quickly begin appropriate treatment.
Cooperative Advertising in a Supply Chain with Horizontal Competition
Authors: He Yi , Gou Qinglong , Wu Chunxu , Yue Xiaohang
Published: June 2013

Cooperative advertising programs are usually provided by manufacturers to stimulate retailers investing more in local advertising to increase the sales of their products or services. While previous literature on cooperative advertising mainly focuses on a “single-manufacturer single-retailer” framework, the decision-making framework with “multiple-manufacturer single-retailer” becomes more realistic because of the increasing power of retailers as well as the increased competition among the manufacturers. In view of this, in this paper we investigate the cooperative advertising program in a “two-manufacturer single-retailer” supply chain in three different scenarios; that is, (i) each channel member makes decisions independently; (ii) the retailer is vertically integrated with one manufacturer; (iii) two manufacturers are horizontally integrated. Utilizing differential game theory, the open-loop equilibrium-advertising strategies of each channel member are obtained and compared. Also, we investigate the effects of competitive intensity on the firm’s profit in three different scenarios by using the numerical analysis.
Generalized Correlations for Heat Transfer through High Performance Fins
Authors: Khaled A.-R. A.
Published: June 2013

Analysis of heat transfer through different candidates for high performance fins is considered in this work. These candidates are: (A) fins of constant cross-sectional area, (B) fins of constant cross-sectional area gradient, and (C) radial fins with power-law cross-sectional area distribution. The types (A) and (B) fins are allowed having variable power-law profile distributions. The energy equation for each case is solved analytically, and closed form equations for various performance indicators including the fin efficiency are obtained. It is identified that high performance fins are those fins having larger tip and surface areas and smaller tip thickness than those of the straight fin. These effects tend to augment the fin heat transfer rate. One of the indicators of the type (A) fins is found to become dependent on the tip thickness when it is smaller than the base thickness and for thermal lengths larger than 1.5. The type (C) fins are found to transfer more thermal energy than the type (B) fins under same tip area and tip thickness. Finally, generalized correlations for the fin efficiency of high performance fins as function of base and tip areas and thicknesses and the thermal length are proposed and validated.
Passive Localization of 3D Near-Field Cyclostationary Sources Using Parallel Factor Analysis
Authors: Chen Jian , Liu Guohong , Sun Xiaoying
Published: June 2013

By exploiting favorable characteristics of a uniform cross-array, a passive localization algorithm of narrowband cyclostationary sources in the spherical coordinates (azimuth, elevation, and range) is proposed. Firstly, we construct a parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis model by computing the third-order cyclic moment matrices of the properly chosen sensor outputs. Then, we analyze the uniqueness of the constructed model and obtain three-dimensional (3D) near-field parameters via trilinear alternating least squares regression (TALS). The investigated algorithm is well suitable for the localization of the near-field cyclostationary sources. In addition, it avoids the multidimensional search and pairing parameters. Results of computer simulations are carried out to confirm the satisfactory performance of the proposed method.
Integrating Sensor Networks for Energy Monitoring with Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Busemann C. , Gazis V. , Gold R. , Kikiras P. , Leonardi A. , Mirkovic J. , Walther M. , Ziekow H.
Published: June 2013

More accurate predictions of energy consumption are a strong motivator for utility providers to deploy a smart grid infrastructure. However, measurements which only reflect the consumption of a household lose the details associated with the behaviour of individual devices. Finding a flexible and efficient way to process these readings is essential. Using standard application techniques to integrate device-oriented sensor networks and data-oriented applications is a serious challenge due to the architectural gap between the different approaches. Additionally, this device-level information should be shared with the end-users in a trusted manner to increase their energy awareness. We propose a novel platform for the smart grid which enables the seamless integration of sensor networks with a service-oriented architecture approach. The platform hides the device-specific details from the applications and transforms data into a device-independent format. Specifically, we present an in-depth description of the architecture of our platform and a full implementation and evaluation of it in a live residential energy management deployment.
Wu’s Characteristic Set Method for SystemVerilog Assertions Verification
Authors: Gao Xinyan , Zhou Ning , Wu Jinzhao , Li Dakui
Published: June 2013

We propose a verification solution based on characteristic set of Wu’s method towards SystemVerilog assertion checking over digital circuit systems. We define a suitable subset of SVAs so that an efficient polynomial modeling mechanism for both circuit descriptions and assertions can be applied. We present an algorithm framework based on the algebraic representations using characteristic set of polynomial system. This symbolic algebraic approach is a useful supplement to the existent verification methods based on simulation.
Characterization for Rectifiable and Nonrectifiable Attractivity of Nonautonomous Systems of Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Naito Yūki , Pašić Mervan
Published: June 2013

We study a new kind of asymptotic behaviour near for the nonautonomous system of two linear differential equations: , , where the matrix-valued function has a kind of singularity at . It is called rectifiable (resp., nonrectifiable) attractivity of the zero solution, which means that as and the length of the solution curve of is finite (resp., infinite) for every . It is characterized in terms of certain asymptotic behaviour of the eigenvalues of near . Consequently, the main results are applied to a system of two linear differential equations with polynomial coefficients which are singular at .
Passive Microwave Component Design Using Inverse Scattering: Theory and Applications
Authors: Arnedo Israel , Arregui Iván , Chudzik Magdalena , Teberio Fernando , Lujambio Aintzane , Benito David , Lopetegi Txema , Laso Miguel A. G.
Published: June 2013

We briefly review different synthesis techniques for the design of passive microwave components with arbitrary frequency response, developed by our group during the last decade. We provide the theoretical foundations based on inverse scattering and coupled-mode theory as well as several applications where the devices designed following those techniques have been successfully tested. The main characteristics of these synthesis methods are as follows. (a) They are direct, because it is not necessary to use lumped-element circuit models; just the target frequency response is the starting point. (b) They are exact, as there is neither spurious bands nor degradation in the frequency response; hence, there is no bandwidth limitation. (c) They are flexible, because they are valid for any causal, stable, and passive transfer function; only inviolable physical principles must be guaranteed. A myriad of examples has been presented by our group in many different technologies for very relevant applications such as harmonic control of amplifiers, directional coupler with enhanced directivity and coupling, transmission-type dispersive delay lines for phase engineering, compact design of high-power spurious free low-pass waveguide filters for satellite payloads, pulse shapers for advanced UWB radar and communications and for novel breast cancer detection systems, transmission-typeNth-order differentiators for tunable pulse generation, and a robust filter design tool.
Efficacy of Herbicides When Spray Solution Application Is Delayed
Authors: Eure Peter M. , Jordan David L. , Fisher Loren R. , York Alan C.
Published: June 2013

Information is limited concerning the impact of delaying applications of pesticides after solution preparation on efficacy. Experiments were conducted to determine weed control when diclosulam, dimethenamid-P, flumioxazin, fomesafen, imazethapyr, pendimethalin, andS-metolachlor were applied preemergence the day of solution preparation or 3, 6, and 9 days after solution preparation. Herbicide solutions were applied on the same day regardless of when prepared. Control of broadleaf signalgrass, common lambsquarters, entireleaf morningglory, and Palmer amaranth by these herbicides was not reduced regardless of when herbicide solutions were prepared. Surprisingly entireleaf morningglory control by all herbicides increased when herbicide application was delayed by 9 days. In separate experiments, control of broadleaf signalgrass by clethodim, common ragweed by glyphosate and lactofen, entireleaf morningglory by lactofen, Italian rye grass by glyphosate and paraquat, and Palmer amaranth by atrazine, dicamba, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazethapyr, lactofen, and 2,4-D was affected more by increase in weed size due to delayed application than the time between solution preparation and application.
Memory‐Based Multiagent Coevolution Modeling for Robust Moving Object Tracking
Authors: Wang Yanjiang , Qi Yujuan , Li Yongping
Published: June 2013

The three‐stage human brain memory model is incorporated into a multiagent coevolutionary process for finding the best match of the appearance of an object, and a memory‐based multiagent coevolution algorithm for robust tracking the moving objects is presented in this paper. Each agent can remember, retrieve, or forget the appearance of the object through its own memory system by its own experience. A number of such memory‐based agents are randomly distributed nearby the located object region and then mapped onto a 2D lattice‐like environment for predicting the new location of the object by their coevolutionary behaviors, such as competition, recombination, and migration. Experimental results show that the proposed method can deal with large appearance changes and heavy occlusions when tracking a moving object. It can locate the correct object after the appearance changed or the occlusion recovered and outperforms the traditional particle filter‐based tracking methods.
The Effect of Withdrawal and Intake of Nicotine on Smokers' Ability to Ignore Distractors in a Number Parity Decision Task
Authors: Tsiora Stamatina , Potter Douglas D. , Kyle John S. , Maxwell Adele M.
Published: June 2013

Nicotine's attention enhancing effects are often attributed to enhancement of stimulus filtering by the attention networks. We investigated distractibility in 20 abstinent cigarette smokers (9 hours overnight; phase 1) and tested them again after smoking one cigarette (phase 2). Their performance was compared to 20 nonsmokers (no nicotine intake). In an auditory number parity decision task, participants had to make a forced choice “odd” or “even” decision about centrally presented numbers between 2 and 9, while ignoring laterally presented preceding or simultaneous novel distractors. In phase 1, distractors that preceded goal stimuli slowed reaction times (RTs) more than simultaneously presented distractors in both groups. In phase 2, nicotine intake speeded RTs in smokers in all conditions and reduced RT variability for simple number decisions and simultaneous distractors. Overall, there was a nonsignificant trend for smokers to be less accurate than nonsmokers. Accuracy in the simultaneous distractor condition decreased in both groups in phase 2. We argue that the observed nicotine-induced improvements on behavioral performance primarily reflect enhancement of top-down control of attention.
Occurrence and Distribution of Microcystins in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Sakai Hiroshi , Hao Aimin , Iseri Yasushi , Wang Song , Kuba Takahiro , Zhang Zhenjia , Katayama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2013

The occurrence and distribution of microcystins were investigated in Lake Taihu, the third largest lake in China. An extensive survey, larger and broader in scale than previous studies, was conducted in summer 2010. The highest microcystin concentration was found at southern part of Taihu, which was newly included in this survey. In northern coastal areas, total cellular concentrations of 20 to 44 μg/L were observed. In northern offshore waters, levels were up to 4.8 μg/L. Microcystin occurrence was highly correlated with chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, and chlorophyll‐a. Extracellular/total cellular microcystin (E/T) ratios were calculated and compared to other water quality parameters. A higher correlation was found using E/T ratios than original microcystin values. These results show that algal blooms are having a severe impact on Lake Taihu, and further and extensive monitoring and research are required to suppress blooms effectively.
Biochanin A Promotes Osteogenic but Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation: Evidence with Primary Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Su Shu-Jem , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Su Shu-Hui , Chang Kee-Lung , Shyu Huey-Wen , Chen Kuan-Ming , Yeh Hua
Published: June 2013

Biochanin A has promising effects on bone formationin vivo, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear yet. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether biochanin A regulates osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation using primary adipose-derived stem cells. The effects of biochanin A (at a physiologically relevant concentration of 0.1–1 μM) were assessedin vitrousing various approaches, including Oil red O staining, Nile red staining, alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and western blotting. The results showed that biochanin A significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation, as demonstrated by the inhibition of cytoplasmic lipid droplet accumulation, along with the inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and leptin and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA expression, in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, treatment of cells with 0.3 μM biochanin A increased the mineralization and ALP activity, and stimulated the expression of the osteogenic marker genes ALP and osteocalcin (OCN). Furthermore, biochanin A induced the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) proteins. These observations suggest that biochanin A prevents adipogenesis, enhances osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, and has beneficial regulatory effects in bone formation.
Numerical Approximation for Nonlinear Gas Dynamic Equation
Authors: Aminikhah Hossein , Jamalian Ali
Published: June 2013

Laplace transform and new homotopy perturbation methods are adopted to study gas dynamic equation analytically. The solutions introduced in this study can be used to obtain the closed form of the solutions if they are required. The combined method needs less work in comparison with the other homotopy perturbation methods and decreases volume of calculations considerably. Results show that the new method is more effective and convenient to use, and is high accuracy evident.
Reversible Logic-Based Fault-Tolerant Nanocircuits in QCA
Authors: Sen Bibhash , Ganeriwal Siddhant , Sikdar Biplab K.
Published: June 2013

Parity-preserving reversible circuits are gaining importance for the development of fault-tolerant systems in nanotechnology. On the other hand, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA), a potential alternative to CMOS, promises efficient digital design at nanoscale. This work targets design of reversible ALU (arithmetic logic unit) in QCA (Quantum-dot Cellular Automata) framework. The design is based on the fault tolerant reversible adders (FTRA) introduced in this paper. The proposed fault tolerant adder is a parity-preserving gate, and QCA implementation of FTRA achieved 47.38% fault-free output in the presence of all possible single missing/additional cell defects. The proposed designs are verified and evaluated over the existing ALU designs and found to be more efficient in terms of design complexity and quantum cost.
Bullying within the Forestry Organizations of Turkey
Authors: Toksoy Devlet , Bayramoğlu Mahmut Muhammet
Published: June 2013

Today, many studies are conducted in order to determine bullying behaviors and to resolve conflicts with the purpose of increasing and maintaining organizational success in developed countries. According to these studies, bullying cases are more common in public institutions when compared to other sectors. In public institutions, bullying generally occurs when successful workers are discouraged and/or harassed by their managers, thus leaving them feeling distressed and dissatisfied with their jobs. The present study examines whether forest engineers working in the seven geographical regions of Turkey are exposed to bullying behaviors, the level of any bullying, and whether there are any regional differences (N = 835). Through statistical analysis, a significant relationship was determined between bullying and demographic characteristics. The results of the present study were evaluated along with the results of other studies, and some suggestions were made in order to prevent bullying behaviors in forestry organizations.
Active Thermometry Based DS18B20 Temperature Sensor Network for Offshore Pipeline Scour Monitoring Using K-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Li Weijie , Zhou Lei , Song Gang-Bing , Ba Qin , Ou Jinping
Published: June 2013

This work presents an offshore pipeline scour monitoring sensor network system based on active thermometry. The system consists of thermal cables, data acquisition unit, and data processing unit. As the thermal cables emit heats, the distributed DS18B20 digital temperature sensors record temperature information over time. The scour-induced exposure and free spanning can be identified by analyzing the temperature curves. Pipeline exposure and free-spanning experiments were carried out in laboratory, whose results show that the system is able to give overall information about the development of pipeline scour. Difference values analysis reveals the changing patterns of heat transfer behavior for line heat source in sediment and water scenarios. Two features, magnitude and temporal instability, are extracted from temperature curves to better differentiate sediment and water scenarios. Based on these two features, K-means clustering algorithm is adopted for pattern classification of the system, which was implemented in MATLAB and facilitated the automatic detection of the scour monitoring sensor network system. The proposed sensor network has the advantages of low cost, high precision and construction flexiblility, providing a promising approach for offshore pipeline scour monitoring, especially suitable for nearshore environment.
Regulatory T Cells in the Immunodiagnosis and Outcome of Kidney Allograft Rejection
Authors: Franzese O. , Mascali A. , Capria A. , Castagnola V. , Paganizza L. , Di Daniele N.
Published: June 2013

Acute rejection (AR) is responsible for up to 12% of graft loss with the highest risk generally occurring during the first six months after transplantation. AR may be broadly classified into humoral as well as cellular rejection. Cellular rejection develops when donor alloantigens, presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through class I or class II HLA molecules, activate the immune response against the allograft, resulting in activation of naive T cells that differentiate into subsets including cytotoxic CD8+and helper CD4+T cells type 1 (TH1) and TH2 cells or into cytoprotective immunoregulatory T cells (Tregs). The immune reaction directed against a renal allograft has been suggested to be characterized by two major components: a destructive one, mediated by CD4+helper and CD8+cytotoxic T cells, and a protective response, mediated by Tregs. The balance between these two opposite immune responses can significantly affect the graft survival. Many studies have been performed in order to define the role of Tregs either in the immunodiagnosis of transplant rejection or as predictor of the clinical outcome. However, information available from the literature shows a contradictory picture that deserves further investigation.
The Stability Criteria with Compound Matrices
Authors: Zhang Yazhuo , Zheng Baodong
Published: June 2013

The bifurcation problem is one of the most important subjects in dynamical systems. Motivated by M. Li et al. who used compound matrices to judge the stability of matrices and the existence of Hopf bifurcations in continuous dynamical systems, we obtained some effective methods to judge the Schur stability of matrices on the base of the spectral property of compound matrices, which can be used to judge the asymptotical stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcations of discrete dynamical systems.
Etiologic Aspect of Sarcoidosis as an Allergic Endogenous Infection Caused byPropionibacterium acnes
Authors: Eishi Yoshinobu
Published: June 2013

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology.Propionibacterium acnesis the only microorganism that has been isolated from sarcoid lesions. ManyP. acneshave been detected in sarcoid lymph nodes using quantitative PCR and in sarcoid granulomas byin situhybridization.P. acnestrigger factor protein causes a cellular immune response only in sarcoid patients and induces pulmonary granulomas in mice sensitized with the protein and adjuvant, but only those with latentP. acnesinfection in their lungs. Eradication ofP. acnesby antibiotics prevents the development of granulomas in this experimental model. AlthoughP. acnesis the most common commensal bacterium in the lungs and lymph nodes,P. acnes-specific antibody detected the bacterium within sarcoid granulomas of these organs.P. acnescan cause latent infection in the lung and lymph node and persist in a cell-wall-deficient form. The dormant form is activated endogenously under certain conditions and proliferates at the site of latent infection. In patients withP. acneshypersensitivity, granulomatous inflammation is triggered by intracellular proliferation of the bacterium. Proliferating bacteria may escape granulomatous isolation, spreading to other organs. LatentP. acnesinfection in systemic organs can be reactivated by another triggering event, leading to systemic sarcoidosis.
Visfatin/Nampt: An Adipokine with Cardiovascular Impact
Authors: Romacho Tania , Sánchez-Ferrer Carlos F. , Peiró Concepción
Published: June 2013

Adipose tissue is acknowledged as an endocrine organ that releases bioactive factors termed adipokines. Visfatin was initially identified as a novel adipokine with insulin-mimetic properties in mice. This adipokine was identical to two previously described molecules, namely, pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) and the enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt). Enhanced circulating visfatin/Nampt levels have been reported in metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, visfatin/Nampt circulating levels correlate with markers of systemic inflammation. In cardiovascular diseases, visfatin/Nampt was initially proposed as a clinical marker of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular damage, with a potential prognostic value. Nevertheless, beyond being a surrogate clinical marker, visfatin/Nampt is an active player promoting vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Visfatin/Nampt effects on cytokine and chemokine secretion, macrophage survival, leukocyte recruitment by endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle inflammation and plaque destabilization make of this adipokine an active factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms mediating the cellular actions of this adipokine and to better characterize the factors regulating visfatin/Nampt expression and release in all these pathologic scenarios. Only then, we will be able to conclude whether visfatin/Nampt is a therapeutical target in cardiometabolic diseases.
Antitumor Molecular Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Inducting Genes GSK-3βand APC and Inhibiting Geneβ-Catenin
Authors: Xu Ruoshi , Kang Qiumei , Ren Jie , Li Zukun , Xu Xiaoping
Published: June 2013

Objective.Inhibiting geneβ-catenin and inducting genes GSK-3βand APC, promoting the tumor cell apoptosis in Wnt pathway, by chlorogenic acid were discussed (CGA).Method.The different genes were scanned by the 4*44K mouse microarray chips. The effect of the three genes was confirmed by RT-PCR technique with CGA dosage of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg.Result.The expression of GSK-3βand APC was upregulated in group of 20 mg/kg dosage (P<0.05) and the expression ofβ-catenin was downregulated in the same dosage (P<0.05).Conclusion.The results infer that the multimeric protein complex ofβ-catenin could be increased by CGA upregulated genes GSK-3βand APC, which could inhibit the freeβ-catenin into the nucleus to connect with TCF. So the transcriptional expression of the target genes will be cut to abnormal cell proliferation. It is probably one of the ways that can stop the tumor increase by CGA.

Corrigendum to “Antitumor Molecular Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Inducting Genes GSK-3βand APC and Inhibiting Geneβ-Catenin”
Fat and Moisture Content in Chinese Fried Bread Sticks: Assessment and Rapid Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Method Development
Authors: Xiao Zhuqing , Lai Keqiang , Du Rui , Shen Yungang , Sun Xiaohua , Pan Yun , Rasco Barbara A. , Huang Yiqun
Published: June 2013

Fried bread sticks (FBS) are one of the most widely consumed deep fried food products in China. Understanding the fat and moisture content in FBS will help consumers make healthy food choices as well as assist food processors to provide FBS with desirable quality. Rapid Fourier transform near-infrared methods (FT-NIR) were developed for determining fat and moisture content in FBS collected from 123 different vendors in Shanghai, China. FBS samples with minimum sample preparation (either finely or coarsely ground) were used for NIR analyses. Spectra of FBS were treated with different mathematic pretreatments before being used to build models between the spectral information and fat (7.71%–30.89%) or moisture (17.39%–32.65%) content in FBS. Finely ground samples may lead to slightly more robust PLS models, but the particle sizes of ground FBS samples did not seriously affect the predictability of the models with appropriate mathematical treatments. The fat and moisture content in FBS predicted by FT-NIR methods had very good correlation with their values determined via traditional methods (fat,R2=0.965; moisture,R2=0.983), which clearly indicated that FT-NIR methods could be used as an effective tool for rapid determination of fat and moisture content in FBS.
Combined Deficiency in Glutathione Peroxidase 4 and Vitamin E Causes Multiorgan Thrombus Formation and Early Death in Mice
Authors: Wortmann Markus , Schneider Manuela , Pircher Joachim , Hellfritsch Juliane , Aichler Michaela , Vegi Naidu , Kölle Pirkko , Kuhlencordt Peter , Walch Axel , Pohl Ulrich , Bornkamm Georg W. , Conrad Marcus , Beck Heike
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

Growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress contributes markedly to endothelial dysfunction. The selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) is an intracellular antioxidant enzyme important for the protection of membranes by its unique activity to reduce complex hydroperoxides in membrane bilayers and lipoprotein particles. Yet a role of Gpx4 in endothelial cell function has remained enigmatic.

Objective:

To investigate the role of Gpx4 ablation and subsequent lipid peroxidation in the vascular compartment in vivo.

Methods and Results:

Endothelium-specific deletion of Gpx4 had no obvious impact on normal vascular homeostasis, nor did it impair tumor-derived angiogenesis in mice maintained on a normal diet. In stark contrast, aortic explants from endothelium-specific Gpx4 knockout mice showed a markedly reduced number of endothelial branches in sprouting assays. To shed light onto this apparent discrepancy between the in vivo and ex vivo results, we depleted mice of a second antioxidant, vitamin E, which is normally absent under ex vivo conditions. Therefore, mice were fed a vitamin E–depleted diet for 6 weeks before endothelial deletion of Gpx4 was induced by 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Surprisingly, ≈80% of the knockout mice died. Histopathological analysis revealed detachment of endothelial cells from the basement membrane and endothelial cell death in multiple organs, which triggered thrombus formation. Thromboembolic events were the likely cause of various clinical pathologies, including heart failure, renal and splenic microinfarctions, and paraplegia.

Conclusions:

Here, we show for the first time that in the absence of Gpx4, sufficient vitamin E supplementation is crucial for endothelial viability.
The Long-Term Multicenter Observational Study of Dabigatran Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (RELY-ABLE) Study
Authors: Connolly Stuart J. , Wallentin Lars , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Eikelboom John , Oldgren Jonas , Reilly Paul A. , Brueckmann Martina , Pogue Janice , Alings Marco , Amerena John V. , Avezum Alvaro , Baumgartner Iris , Budaj Andrzej J. , Chen Jyh-Hong , Dans Antonio L. , Darius Harald , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Ferreira Jorge , Flaker Greg C. , Flather Marcus D. , Franzosi Maria Grazia , Golitsyn Sergey P. , Halon David A. , Heidbuchel Hein , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Huber Kurt , Jansky Petr , Kamensky Gabriel , Keltai Matyas , Kim Sung Soon , Lau Chu-Pak , Le Heuzey Jean-Yves , Lewis Basil S. , Liu Lisheng , Nanas John , Omar Razali , Pais Prem , Pedersen Knud E. , Piegas Leopoldo S. , Raev Dimitar , Smith Pal J. , Talajic Mario , Tan Ru San , Tanomsup Supachai , Toivonen Lauri , Vinereanu Dragos , Xavier Denis , Zhu Jun , Wang Susan Q. , Duffy Christine O. , Themeles Ellison , Yusuf Salim
Published: June 2013

Background—

During follow-up of between 1 and 3 years in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial, 2 doses of dabigatran etexilate were shown to be effective and safe for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. There is a need for longer-term follow-up of patients on dabigatran and for further data comparing the 2 dabigatran doses.

Methods and Results—

Patients randomly assigned to dabigatran in RE-LY were eligible for the Long-term Multicenter Extension of Dabigatran Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (RELY-ABLE) trial if they had not permanently discontinued study medication at the time of their final RE-LY study visit. Enrolled patients continued to receive the double-blind dabigatran dose received in RE-LY, for up to 28 months of follow up after RE-LY (median follow-up, 2.3 years). There were 5851 patients enrolled, representing 48% of patients originally randomly assigned to receive dabigatran in RE-LY and 86% of RELY-ABLE–eligible patients. Rates of stroke or systemic embolism were 1.46% and 1.60%/y on dabigatran 150 and 110 mg twice daily, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–1.20). Rates of major hemorrhage were 3.74% and 2.99%/y on dabigatran 150 and 110 mg (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.53). Rates of death were 3.02% and 3.10%/y (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.19). Rates of hemorrhagic stroke were 0.13% and 0.14%/y.

Conclusions—

During 2.3 years of continued treatment with dabigatran after RE-LY, there was a higher rate of major bleeding with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily in comparison with 110 mg, and similar rates of stroke and death.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00808067.
Outcomes of Urgent Warfarin Reversal With Frozen Plasma Versus Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in the Emergency Department
Authors: Hickey Michael , Gatien Mathieu , Taljaard Monica , Aujnarain Amiirah , Giulivi Antonio , Perry Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2013

Backround—

Physicians reverse patients’ warfarin anticoagulation with frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate. Our objective was to determine adverse event frequency after urgent reversal with frozen plasma versus the prothrombin complex concentrate Octaplex.

Methods and Results—

This natural before-after retrospective cohort study in 2 tertiary care emergency departments compared anticoagulation reversal with frozen plasma (September 2006–August 2008) and with Octaplex (September 2008–August 2010), without other system changes. We included adult patients on warfarin with an international normalized ratio ≥1.5 who received frozen plasma or Octaplex. Our primary outcome was serious adverse events (death, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, venous thromboembolism, or peripheral arterial thromboembolism) within 7 days. Secondary outcomes included time to international normalized ratio reversal, hospital length of stay, and red blood cells transfused within 48 hours. We included 149 patients receiving frozen plasma and 165 receiving Octaplex. The incidence of serious adverse events for the frozen plasma group was 19.5% compared with 9.7% for the Octaplex group (
P
=0.014; relative risk, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–3.5). This remained significant after adjustment for baseline history and reason for treatment (
P
=0.038; adjusted relative risk, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.3) in multivariable regression analysis. Median international normalized ratio reversal was 11.8 hours with frozen plasma and 5.7 hours with Octaplex (
P
<0.0001). Mean red cell transfusion was 3.2 with frozen plasma and 1.4 with Octaplex (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Octaplex for urgent reversal of warfarin resulted in faster reversal and lower red cell transfusion requirement with fewer adverse events than frozen plasma.
Checklist of the spiders (Araneae) of Israel
Authors: ZONSTEIN SERGEI , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: June 2013

This checklist records 631 spider species and subspecies belonging to 49 families in Israel. Species distributions are given in both generalised (by main geographic areas of the country) and detailed (by localities) form. Twenty-seven records are considered as doubtful and another ten are based on misidentifications. A historical survey is provided. Each record is presented in its original combination. The list is dominated by members of the families Gnaphosidae and Salticidae (20.0% and 17.1% of total species, respectively). The level of regional endemism exceeds 37.0%.