bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of chimeric piglets by injection of embryonic germ cells from inbred Wuzhishan miniature pigs into blastocysts
Authors: Dong Xiao , Tsung Hsiaochien , Mu Yulian , Liu Lixin , Chen Hongping , Zhang Li , Wang Hongjun , Feng Shutang
Published: December 2013

Background

Human embryonic stem/germ (ES/EG) cell research poses ethical dilemma, it is therefore critical to establish alternative sources of cells for relevant studies. Considering the similarities between the inbred miniature Wuzhishan pigs (WZSP) and humans, ES/EG from these pigs can serve as potential substitutes in human research. In this study, we reported our results that successfully established stable EG cell lines from the WZSP.

Methods

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) were isolated from the genital ridges of pig fetuses at 25 to 28 days of pregnancy. To obtain stable EG cell line, PGCs were maintained on STO cells in DMEM containing multiple essential growth factors.

Results

Two EG cell lines were established and characterized by positive alkaline phosphatase staining (AKP), expressions of Oct‐4, SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3, SSEA‐4, ability to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers in vitro, and generation of chimeric offsprings after microinjection and embryo transfer. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the cytoplasmic structure of pig EG cells were rather simple and had a higher nuclear‐to‐cytoplasm ratio. Scanning electron microscopy showed the sizes of pig EG cells were similar to mouse EG cells. Both EG cell lines showed normal karyotypes. The EG cells were propagated for more than 20 passages and underwent multiple cycles of freezing and thawing, without losing their pluripotency (as distinguished by AKP staining).

Conclusions

Both in vitro and in vivo evidence strongly demonstrated that EG cells harvested from the inbred miniature WZSP were pluripotent and can be used for relevant pig or human studies.
Generalized Equations for Estimating Stress Concentration Factors of Various Notch Flexure Hinges
Authors: Wang Jialu , Liu Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2013

The flexure hinges are the most vulnerable parts in a flexure-based mechanism due to their smaller dimensions and stress concentration characteristics, therefore evaluating the maximum stresses generated in them is crucial for assessing the workspace and the fatigue life of the mechanism. Stress concentration factors characterize the stress concentrations in flexure hinges, providing an analytical and efficient way to evaluate the maximum stress. In this work, by using the ratio of the radius of curvature of the stress-concentrating feature to the minimum thickness as the only fitting variable, generalized equations for both the bending and tension stress concentration factors were obtained for two generalized models, the conic model and the elliptic-arc-fillet model, through fitting the finite element results. The equations are applicable to commonly used flexure hinges including circular, elliptic, parabolic, hyperbolic, and various corner-fillet flexure hinges, with acceptable errors. The empirical equations are tractable and easy to be employed in the design and optimization of flexure-based mechanisms. The case studies of the bridge-type displacement amplifiers demonstrated the effectiveness of the generalized equations for predicting the maximum stresses in flexure-based mechanisms.
Gyroscopic Motion: Show Me the Forces!
Authors: Kaplan Harvey , Hirsch Andrew
Published: December 2013

Gyroscopes are frequently used in physics lecture demonstrations and in laboratory activities to teach students about rotational dynamics, namely, angular momentum and torque. Use of these powerful concepts makes it difficult for students to fully comprehend the mechanism that keeps the gyroscope from falling under the force of gravity. The analysis of gyroscopic motion presented here is in terms of linear forces and linear momentum, allowing students to understand gyroscopic motion using familiar concepts. Our simulation using VPython1 models the gyroscope as a number of point masses evenly spaced in a radial pattern. Students can alter the parameters of the gyroscope including starting position, mass, rotational velocity of the masses, and the force of gravity. All of this allows for a simulation intended to help students understand how such a complex system works.
The development of peripheral T-cell lymphoma after successful treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a patient with suspected adult onset immunodeficiency: more questions than answers?
Authors: Kilner Mari Frances , Merante Serena , Svec Alexandr
Published: December 2013

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who developed peripheral T-cell lymphoma following successful treatment for high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We consider the possible aetiology of this unusual occurrence. We hypothesise that this case represents one of the undiagnosed adult-onset immunodeficiency, in which the pathogenesis of the patient's T-cell lymphoma may have been in part iatrogenic, namely related to previous immunotherapy with rituximab. We feel this case highlights the importance of rebiopsy in patients with recurrent lymphadenopathy and a history of haematological malignancy and hence acts as an important aide memoir in the investigation of such cases.
A three-phase sampling extension of the generalized regression estimator with partially exhaustive information
Authors: Mandallaz Daniel
Published: December 2013

We consider three-phase sampling schemes in which one component of the auxiliary information is known in the very large sample of the so-called null phase and the second component is available only in the large sample of the first phase, whereas the second phase provides the terrestrial inventory data. We extend to three-phase sampling the generalized regression estimator that applies when the null phase is exhaustive, for global and local estimation, and derive its asymptotic design-based variance. The new three-phase regression estimator is particularly useful for reducing substantially the computing time required to treat exhaustively very large data sets generated by modern remote sensing technology such as LiDAR.
DNA is structured as a linear “jigsaw puzzle” in the genomes ofArabidopsis, rice, and budding yeast
Authors: Liu Yun-Hua , Zhang Meiping , Wu Chengcang , Huang James J. , Zhang Hong-Bin
Published: December 2013

Knowledge of how a genome is structured and organized from its constituent elements is crucial to understanding its biology and evolution. Here, we report the genome structuring and organization pattern as revealed by systems analysis of the sequences of three model species, Arabidopsis, rice and yeast, at the whole-genome and chromosome levels. We found that all fundamental function elements (FFE) constituting the genomes, including genes (GEN), DNA transposable elements (DTE), retrotransposable elements (RTE), simple sequence repeats (SSR), and (or) low complexity repeats (LCR), are structured in a nonrandom and correlative manner, thus leading to a hypothesis that the DNA of the species is structured as a linear “jigsaw puzzle”. Furthermore, we showed that different FFE differ in their importance in the formation and evolution of the DNA jigsaw puzzle structure between species. DTE and RTE play more important roles than GEN, LCR, and SSR in Arabidopsis, whereas GEN and RTE play more important roles than LCR, SSR, and DTE in rice. The genes having multiple recognized functions play more important roles than those having single functions. These results provide useful knowledge necessary for better understanding genome biology and evolution of the species and for effective molecular breeding of rice.
ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF FPGA IMPLEMENTATIONS OF SPATIAL STEGANOGRAPHY METHODS
Authors: MOHD BASSAM J. , HAYAJNEH THAIER , ABED SA'ED , ITRADAT AWNI
Published: December 2013

Steganography has become an important method for concealed communication especially through image files. Recent proposed steganographic methods employ multiple levels of complex techniques. Hence, there is an increasing significance for hardware implementation and its performance metrics. The objective of this article is to analyze and model the performance of FPGA hardware implementations of several spatial steganography methods, including: least significant bit (LSB), random LSB, mix-bit LSB and texture method. This paper presents innovative models to estimate energy-to-embed-secret-bit, peak signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) energy cost, power and resources in complex systems. Examining the performance results of the FPGA implementations shows that embedding misalignment degrades the performance, and random embedding increases resources by 43% and power by 13%. Furthermore, the mix-bit method has the best results in terms of balancing the energy consumption and PSNR. Moreover, the accuracy of the model to predict the energy to embed a single secret bit is 2%, and the accuracy of the model to predict complex system performance is 1% for hardware resources and 16.6% for power.
ON HILBERT TRANSFORM OF GABOR AND WILSON SYSTEMS
Authors: JARRAH A. M. , PANWAR SUMAN
Published: December 2013

Given that the Gabor system {EmbTnag}m,n∈ℤ is a Gabor frame for L2(ℝ), a sufficient condition is obtained for the Gabor system {EmbTnaHg}m,n∈ℤ to be a Gabor frame, where Hg denotes the Hilbert transform of g ∈ L2(ℝ). It is proved that the Hilbert transform operator and the frame operator for the Gabor Bessel sequence {EmbTnag}m,n∈ℤ commute with each other under certain conditions. Also, a sufficient condition is obtained for the Wilson system [Formula: see text] to be a Wilson frame given that [Formula: see text] is a Wilson frame. Finally, we obtain conditions under which the Hilbert transform operator and the frame operator for the Wilson Bessel sequence [Formula: see text] commute with each other.
Equivariant functions and vector-valued modular forms
Authors: Saber Hicham , Sebbar Abdellah
Published: December 2013

For any discrete group Γ and any two-dimensional complex representation ρ of Γ, we introduce the notion of ρ-equivariant functions, and we show that they are parametrized by vector-valued modular forms. We also provide examples arising from the monodromy of differential equations.
On some arithmetic properties of automorphic forms ofGLmover a division algebra
Authors: Grobner Harald , Raghuram A.
Published: December 2013

In this paper we investigate arithmetic properties of automorphic forms on the group G' = GLm/D, for a central division-algebra D over an arbitrary number field F. The results of this article are generalizations of results in the split case, i.e. D = F, by Shimura, Harder, Waldspurger and Clozel for square-integrable automorphic forms and also by Franke and Franke–Schwermer for general automorphic representations. We also compare our theorems on automorphic forms of the group G′ to statements on automorphic forms of its split form using the global Jacquet–Langlands correspondence developed by Badulescu and Badulescu–Renard. Beside that we prove that the local version of the Jacquet–Langlands transfer at an archimedean place preserves the property of being cohomological.
A note on the largest digits in Lüroth expansion
Authors: Shen Luming , Yu Yiying , Zhou Yuxin
Published: December 2013

It is well known that every x ∈ (0, 1] can be expanded into an infinite Lüroth series with the form of [Formula: see text] where dn(x) ≥ 2 and is called the nth digits of x for each n ≥ 1. In [Representations of Real Numbers by Infinite Series, Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 502 (Springer, New York, 1976)], Galambos showed that for Lebesgue almost all x ∈ (0, 1], [Formula: see text], where Ln(x) = max {d1(x), …, dn(x)} denotes the largest digit among the first n ones of x. In this paper, we consider the Hausdorff dimension of the set [Formula: see text] for any α ≥ 0.
The rank of a unimodal sequence and a partial theta identity of Ramanujan
Authors: Kim Byungchan , Lovejoy Jeremy
Published: December 2013

We study the number of unimodal sequences of weight n and rank m using a partial theta identity discovered by Ramanujan. We obtain rank difference identities as well as a congruence for the second rank moment.
SYNCHRONIZATION IN A RING OF UNIDIRECTIONALLY COUPLED FITZHUGH–NAGUMO NEURONS
Authors: BHATTACHARJEE ANINDITA , DAS M. K. , GHOSH SUBHENDU
Published: December 2013

Synchronization behavior of an ensemble of unidirectionally coupled neurons with a constant input is investigated. Chemical synapses are considered for coupling. Each neuron is also considered to be exposed to a self-delayed feedback. The synchronization phenomenon is analyzed by the error dynamics of the response trajectories of the system. The effect of various model parameters e.g. coupling strength, feedback gain and time delay, on synchronization is also investigated and a measure of synchrony is computed in each cases. It is shown that the synchronization is not only achieved by increasing the coupling strength, the system also required to have a suitable feedback gain and time delay for synchrony. Robustness of the parameters for synchrony is verified for larger systems.
Silica-ZnCl2: An Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of 4-Methylcoumarins
Authors: Datta Bandita , Pasha Mohamed Afzal
Published: December 2013

Silica-ZnCl2 has been found to be an efficient and eco-friendly catalyst for the synthesis of substituted 4-methylcoumarins from ethyl acetoacetate and substituted phenols under “neat” conditions in an oil bath at 80°C. The experimental procedure is simple, includes shorter reaction times (15–65 min), compatible with sensitive functional groups, and results in excellent yield of the products.
Clustering by Fuzzy Neural Gas and Evaluation of Fuzzy Clusters
Authors: Geweniger Tina , Fischer Lydia , Kaden Marika , Lange Mandy , Villmann Thomas
Published: December 2013

We consider some modifications of the neural gas algorithm. First, fuzzy assignments as known from fuzzy c-means and neighborhood cooperativeness as known from self-organizing maps and neural gas are combined to obtain a basic Fuzzy Neural Gas. Further, a kernel variant and a simulated annealing approach are derived. Finally, we introduce a fuzzy extension of the ConnIndex to obtain an evaluation measure for clusterings based on fuzzy vector quantization.
Growth ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis,Escherichia coli, andSalmonellaEnteritidis during Preparation and Storage of Yogurt
Authors: Cirone K. , Huberman Y. , Morsella C. , Méndez L. , Jorge M. , Paolicchi F.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP),Escherichia coli(E. coli), andSalmonellaEnteritidis (S.Enteritidis) during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt. Three yogurts were prepared using pasteurized commercial milk. Each yogurt was artificially contaminated with (1) MAP, (2)E. coli+S.Enteritidis, and (3) MAP +E. coli+S.Enteritidis. Samples were taken during and after the fermentation process until day 20 after inoculation. MAP was not detected during their preparation and short-term storage but was recuperated after starting at 180 min after inoculation storage. Live bacterial counts ofE. coli, andS.Enteritidis increased during the first 24 hours, followed by a slight decrease towards the end of the study. In this study it was shown how MAP,E. coli, andS.Enteritidis resisted the acidic conditions generated during the preparation of yogurt and low storage temperatures. This work contributes to current knowledge regarding survival of MAP,E. coli, andS.Enteritidis during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt and emphasizes the need to improve hygiene measures to ensure the absence of these pathogenic microorganisms in dairy products.
Interactions between Climate, Socioeconomics, and Land Dynamics in Qinghai Province, China: A LUCD Model-Based Numerical Experiment
Authors: Deng Xiangzheng , Huang Jikun , Lin Yingzhi , Shi Qingling
Published: December 2013

This simulation-based research produces a set of forecast land use data of Qinghai Province, China, applying the land use change dynamics (LUCD) model. The simulation results show that the land use pattern will almost keep being consistent in the period from 2010 to 2050 with that in 2000 in Qinghai Province. Grassland and barren or sparsely vegetated land will cover more than 80% of the province’s total area. The land use change will be inconspicuous in the period from 2010 to 2050 involving only 0.49% of the province’s land. The expansion of urban and built-up land, grassland, and barren or sparsely vegetated land and the area reduction of mixed dryland/irrigated cropland and pasture, water bodies, and snow or ice will dominate land use changes of the case study area. The changes of urban and built-up land and mixed dryland/irrigated cropland and pasture will slow down over time. Meanwhile, the change rates of water bodies, snow and ice, barren or sparsely vegetated land, and grassland will show an inverted U-shaped trajectory. Except for providing underlying surfaces for RCMs for future climate change assessment, this empirical research of regional land use change may enhance the understanding of land surface system dynamics.
Cortical Anaplastic Ependymoma with Significant Desmoplasia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Elsharkawy Alaa Eldin , Abuamona Raid , Bergmann Markus , Salem Shadi , Gafumbegete Evariste , Röttger Ernst
Published: December 2013

Ectopic brain anaplastic ependymomas with no connection to the ventricles are rare. We present a rare case of a 25-year-old male who presented with generalized convulsions. Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed characters of an intra- and extra-axial lesion. Intraoperatively, the lesion was a cortical solid mass that had no connections to the dura or to the ventricle. The histological diagnosis showed an anaplastic ependymoma with WHO grade III with distinctive desmoplasia. A literature review of ectopic anaplastic ependymomas regarding their clinical presentations, management, and prognostic factors was performed. There is a need to establish a clinically based histopathological grading system for anaplastic ependymomas. Ectopic anaplastic ependymomas should be included in the preoperative differential diagnosis.
Double Flight-Modes Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yong Wang , Jing-yang Li , Chun-lei Li
Published: December 2013

Getting inspiration from the real birds in flight, we propose a new particle swarm optimization algorithm that we call the double flight modes particle swarm optimization (DMPSO) in this paper. In the DMPSO, each bird (particle) can use both rotational flight mode and nonrotational flight mode to fly, while it is searching for food in its search space. There is a King in the swarm of birds, and the King controls each bird’s flight behavior in accordance with certain rules all the time. Experiments were conducted on benchmark functions such as Schwefel, Rastrigin, Ackley, Step, Griewank, and Sphere. The experimental results show that the DMPSO not only has marked advantage of global convergence property but also can effectively avoid the premature convergence problem and has good performance in solving the complex and high-dimensional optimization problems.
Automated Bone Age Assessment: Motivation, Taxonomies, and Challenges
Authors: Mansourvar Marjan , Ismail Maizatul Akmar , Herawan Tutut , Gopal Raj Ram , Abdul Kareem Sameem , Nasaruddin Fariza Hanum
Published: December 2013

Bone age assessment (BAA) of unknown people is one of the most important topics in clinical procedure for evaluation of biological maturity of children. BAA is performed usually by comparing an X-ray of left hand wrist with an atlas of known sample bones. Recently, BAA has gained remarkable ground from academia and medicine. Manual methods of BAA are time-consuming and prone to observer variability. This is a motivation for developing automated methods of BAA. However, there is considerable research on the automated assessment, much of which are still in the experimental stage. This survey provides taxonomy of automated BAA approaches and discusses the challenges. Finally, we present suggestions for future research.
Second Harmonic Generation, Electrooptical Pockels Effect, and Static First-Order Hyperpolarizabilities of 2,2′-Bithiophene Conformers: An HF, MP2, and DFT Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Alparone Andrea
Published: December 2013

The static and dynamic electronic (hyper)polarizabilities of the equilibrium conformations of 2,2′-bithiophene (anti-gauche and syn-gauche) were computed in the gas phase. The calculations were carried out using Hartree-Fock (HF), Møller-Plesset second-order perturbation theory (MP2), and density functional theory methods. The properties were evaluated for the second harmonic generation (SHG), and electrooptical Pockels effect (EOPE) nonlinear optical processes at the typical λ=1064 nm of the Nd:YAG laser. The anti-gauche form characterized by the S–C2–C2′–S dihedral angle of 137° (MP2/6-311G**) is the global minimum on the potential energy surface, whereas the syn-gauche rotamer (S–C2–C2′–S = 48°, MP2/6-311G**) lies ca. 0.5 kcal/mol above the anti-gauche form. The structural properties of the gauche structures are rather similar to each other. The MP2 electron correlation effects are dramatic for the first-order hyperpolarizabilities of the 2,2′-bithiophenes, decreasing the HF values by ca. a factor of three. When passing from the anti-gauche to the syn-gauche conformer, the static and frequency-dependent first-order hyperpolarizabilities increase by ca. a factor of two. Differently, the electronic polarizabilities and second-order hyperpolarizabilities of these rotamers are rather close to each other. The syn-gauche structure could be discriminated from the anti-gauche one through its much more intense SHG and EOPE signals.
A Short Review on Drag-Reduced Turbulent Flow of Inhomogeneous Polymer Solutions
Authors: Fu Zaiguo , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: December 2013

Turbulent drag reduction by additives is an effective approach to save energy in wall turbulence. Improvement of this approach requires a better understanding of the interactions between turbulence and additives including the complex changes in turbulence under various conditions of additives. In this paper we review some recent progress in the investigations of drag reduction in wall turbulence with inhomogeneous polymer solutions via slot-injection and wall-blowing methods. The turbulent statistics characteristics and coherent structures modified by the inhomogeneous polymer additives and the polymer diffusion characteristics in the turbulent boundary layer (TBL) flow and channel flow are discussed in terms of previous experimental and numerical studies. This review also presents a discussion of current limitations and future directions in these areas. Readers may find it helpful in understanding the phenomenon of turbulent drag reduction by inhomogeneous polymer additives and in developing practical applications.
A Mathematical Model for the Industrial Hazardous Waste Location-Routing Problem
Authors: Boyer Omid , Sai Hong Tang , Pedram Ali , Mohd Yusuff Rosnah Bt , Zulkifli Norzima
Published: December 2013

Technology progress is a cause of industrial hazardous wastes increasing in the whole world . Management of hazardous waste is a significant issue due to the imposed risk on environment and human life. This risk can be a result of location of undesirable facilities and also routing hazardous waste. In this paper a biobjective mixed integer programing model for location-routing industrial hazardous waste with two objectives is developed. First objective is total cost minimization including transportation cost, operation cost, initial investment cost, and cost saving from selling recycled waste. Second objective is minimization of transportation risk. Risk of population exposure within bandwidth along route is used to measure transportation risk. This model can help decision makers to locate treatment, recycling, and disposal centers simultaneously and also to route waste between these facilities considering risk and cost criteria. The results of the solved problem prove conflict between two objectives. Hence, it is possible to decrease the cost value by marginally increasing the transportation risk value and vice versa. A weighted sum method is utilized to combine two objectives function into one objective function. To solve the problem GAMS software with CPLEX solver is used. The problem is applied in Markazi province in Iran.
Early Life Factors and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jiang Xinli , Ma Huijie , Wang Yan , Liu Yan
Published: December 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease, and its aetiology involves a complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. In recent years, evidences from both human and animal experiments have correlated early life factors with programming diabetes risk in adult life. Fetal and neonatal period is crucial for organ development. Many maternal factors during pregnancy may increase the risk of diabetes of offsprings in later life, which include malnutrition, healthy (hyperglycemia and obesity), behavior (smoking, drinking, and junk food diet), hormone administration, and even stress. In neonates, catch-up growth, lactation, glucocorticoids administration, and stress have all been found to increase the risk of insulin resistance or T2DM. Unfavorable environments (socioeconomic situation and famine) or obesity also has long-term negative effects on children by causing increased susceptibility to T2DM in adults. We also address the potential mechanisms that may underlie the developmental programming of T2DM. Therefore, it might be possible to prevent or delay the risk for T2DM by improving pre- and/or postnatal factors.
Oral Verruciform Xanthoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shetty Akshay , Nakhaei Kourosh , Lakkashetty Yogesh , Mohseni Maryam , Mohebatzadeh Iman
Published: December 2013

Verruciform xanthoma is a benign mucocutaneous, uncommon, nonsymptomatic lesion of uncertain etiopathology, which occurs mostly on the oral mucosa of middle-aged individuals. Histopathologically, VX is diagnosed by presence of lipid-laden foam cells in papillary region of connective tissue. A 60-year-old male patient presented with a painless growth on the left buccal mucosa. On clinical examination a yellowish white exophytic lesion, measuring 11 × 7 mm in size, was found, which was cauliflower-shaped on inspection and painless on palpation. Histopathological examination revealed varying degrees of surface parakeratosis and the accumulation of numerous foam cells in the connective tissue papillae among the uniformly elongated epithelial ridges. On immunohistochemical staining, there was a neutrophilic infiltrate of the epidermis with CD68 positive xanthoma cells restricted to the papillary dermis, mixed with other chronic inflammatory cells.
Biomarkers of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis during Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty with Pre- versus Postoperative Start of Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Borgen Pål O. , Dahl Ola E. , Reikeras Olav
Published: December 2013

Venous thrombosis is common in elective hip surgery, and prophylaxis is recommended. Clinical trials suggest that the drug dose and timing of initiating prophylaxis significantly influence antithrombotic effectiveness and safety. We studied the time course and gradient of plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis during total hip arthroplasty (THA) in twenty patients that were randomly assigned to have the first dose of 5000 IU dalteparin subcutaneously (sc) injected 12 hours before or 6 hours after surgery. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Specific biomarkers on coagulation (prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2)) and fibrinolytic activity (plasmin/α2-antiplasmin complex (PAP) and D-dimer) were collected at six events during hospitalization and analysed. There were no significant group differences in the biomarkers at any time point. The highest concentrations were measured 6 hours after surgery and before the first postoperative injection. A marked decrease followed at the first postoperative day, and then a second increase in plasma concentrations was observed 6 days after surgery. This study showed that activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis by the operative trauma was the same when the first dose of dalteparin was injected 12 hours before or 6 hours after surgery.
Beta-Thalassemia Major and Female Fertility: The Role of Iron and Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Roussou Paraskevi , Tsagarakis Nikolaos J. , Kountouras Dimitrios , Livadas Sarantis , Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia
Published: December 2013

Endocrine complications due to haemosiderosis are present in a significant number of patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) worldwide and often become barriers in their desire for parenthood. Thus, although spontaneous fertility can occur, the majority of females with BTM is infertile due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and need assisted reproductive techniques. Infertility in these women seems to be attributed to iron deposition and iron-induced oxidative stress (OS) in various endocrine organs, such as hypothalamus, pituitary, and female reproductive system, but also through the iron effect on other organs, such as liver and pancreas, contributing to the impaired metabolism of hormones and serum antioxidants. Nevertheless, the gonadal function of these patients is usually intact and fertility is usually retrievable. Meanwhile, a significant prooxidants/antioxidants imbalance with subsequent increased (OS) exists in patients with BTM, which is mainly caused by tissue injury due to overproduction of free radicals by secondary iron overload, but also due to alteration in serum trace elements and antioxidant enzymes. Not only using the appropriate antioxidants, essential trace elements, and minerals, but also regulating the advanced glycation end products, could probably reduce the extent of oxidative damage and related complications and retrieve BTM women’s infertility.
On Finite Nilpotent Matrix Groups over Integral Domains
Authors: Malinin Dmitry
Published: December 2013

We consider finite nilpotent groups of matrices over commutative rings. A general result concerning the diagonalization of matrix groups in the terms of simple conditions for matrix entries is proven. We also give some arithmetic applications for representations over Dedekind rings.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pharmacology: An Improved Pharmacology Approach for Chinese Herbal Medicine Research
Authors: Wu Yan-qing , Zhou Ying-wu , Qin Xiu-de , Hua Sheng-yu , Zhang Yu-lian , Kang Li-yuan
Published: December 2013

Despite many successful applications of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in the treatment and prevention of neurological diseases (ND), the fully scientific understanding of CHM’s action mechanisms had been hampered for lack of appropriate methods to explore the combinatorial rules, the synergistic mechanisms, and the molecular basis of CHM. As an improved pharmacology approach, cerebrospinal fluid pharmacology (CSFP), based on the fact that cerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in the health maintenance of specific survival environment for neurons and glial cells, has been constructed and applied to CHM research for treating ND. In the present review, the concept and advantages of CSFP are briefly introduced. The approaches and key technologies of CSFP in CHM research are also collated and analyzed. Furthermore, the developing tendency of CSFP is summarized, and its framework in CHM research is also proposed. In summary, CSFP provides a new strategy not only to eliminate some barriers of CHM research for treating ND, but also to broaden the pharmacology research for bridging the gap between CHM and modern medicine. Moreover, the advancements in CSFP will bring about a conceptual move in active ingredients discovery of CHM and make a significant contribution to CHM modernization and globalization.
A Study of Smart Power Control Algorithm Using RF Communication in Smart Home Environment
Authors: Shin Su-hong , Do Kyoung-hwa , Koh Byoung-soo
Published: December 2013

Today's technologies in the IT area face the era of combination and convergence of technologies in many different areas. Through the natural interaction between people and devices in the environment where various kinds of devices are connected over a single network, they have been developing from human-oriented service technologies to smart and futuristic home technologies. Smart home technology is one of them. It is a technology of establishing a digital home in which various kinds of home appliances are connected over a home network and diverse services are provided for users regardless of time and place. Technologies in the IT area are combined with technologies in many different areas, creating and producing numerous technologies. Also, much research on smart home, the theme of this work, has actively been conducted. In this work, the use of a current booster, an AC/DC converter, and a DC/DC converter to operate electric lights; this work implements the smart power control system using standby power and RF communication, among smart home technologies.
Relationship betweenEGF,TGFA, andEGFRGene Polymorphisms and Traditional Chinese Medicine ZHENG in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Zhan Zhen , Wu Juan , Zhang Chunbing , Yang Yaping , Tong Shujuan , Wang Ruiping , Yang Xuewen , Dong Wei , Chen Yajun
Published: December 2013

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), correct syndrome differentiation is the most important principle guiding the prescription of Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to reveal the genetic mechanisms underlying GC syndrome differentiation (ZHENG) in a population of 387 GC patients. Twenty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inEGF,TGFA, andEGFRwere investigated. Two SNPs, rs11466285 inTGFAand rs884225 inEGFR, were significantly associated with the distribution of ZHENG(P<0.05). The rs11466285 TT genotype increased the risk of damp heat with toxin (DHT) and deficiency of bothQiandyin(DQY) compared with obstruction of blood stasis (OBS). The rs884225 AA genotype could increase the risk of DQY and deficiency of bothQiand blood (DQB) compared withyindeficiency due to stomach heat (YDSH). Parallel comparison among the SNPs and syndrome types revealed that DQB was distinct from YDSH, disharmony between the liver and stomach, stagnation of phlegm muddiness (SPM), OBS, and other syndromes at several SNP loci(P<0.05). The rs11466285 TT and rs884225 AA genotypes exhibit increased risk of DQB compared with OBS and SPM(P<0.05), respectively. In conclusion, the formation of GC ZHENG was related toEGF,TGFA, andEGFRgene polymorphisms.
Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury Is Modulated by Nlrp3 and Nlrc4 Inflammasomes in Mice
Authors: DeSantis David A. , Ko Chih-wei , Liu Yang , Liu Xiuli , Hise Amy G. , Nunez Gabriel , Croniger Colleen M.
Published: December 2013

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by increased hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis) and inflammation with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Two of these cytokines, interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and IL-18, require activation of caspase-1 via members of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family. These NLRs form an inflammasome that is activated by pathogens and signals released through local tissue injury or death. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) and NLR family CARD domain containing protein 4 (Nlrc4) have been studied minimally for their role in the development of ALD. Using mice with gene targeted deletions for Nlrp3 (Nlrp3−/−) and Nlrc4 (Nlrc4−/−), we analyzed the response to chronic alcohol consumption. We found that Nlrp3−/−mice have more severe liver injury with higher plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, increased activation of IL-18, and reduced activation of IL-1B. In contrast, the Nlrc4−/−mice had similar alcohol-induced liver injury compared to C57BL/6J (B6) mice but had greatly reduced activation of IL-1β. This suggests that Nlrp3 and Nlrc4 inflammasomes activate IL-1βand IL-18 via caspase-1 in a differential manner. We conclude that the Nlrp3 inflammasome is protective during alcohol-induced liver injury.
Equilibrium Asset and Option Pricing under Jump-Diffusion Model with Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Ruan Xinfeng , Zhu Wenli , Li Shuang , Huang Jiexiang
Published: December 2013

We study the equity premium and option pricing under jump-diffusion model with stochastic volatility based on the model in Zhang et al. 2012. We obtain the pricing kernel which acts like the physical and risk-neutral densities and the moments in the economy. Moreover, the exact expression of option valuation is derived by the Fourier transformation method. We also discuss the relationship of central moments between the physical measure and the risk-neutral measure. Our numerical results show that our model is more realistic than the previous model.
Some Approximation Properties of q-Baskakov-Beta-Stancu Type Operators
Authors: Mishra Vishnu Narayan , Khatri Kejal , Narayan Mishra Lakshmi
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with new type q-Baskakov-Beta-Stancu operators defined in the paper. First, we have used the properties of q-integral to establish the moments of these operators. We also obtain some approximation properties and asymptotic formulae for these operators. In the end we have also presented better error estimations for the q-operators.
The Novel Heuristic for Data Transmission Dynamic Scheduling Problems
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhao Yue , Xing Li-Ning , Zhou You
Published: December 2013

The data transmission dynamic scheduling is a process that allocates the ground stations and available time windows to the data transmission tasks dynamically for improving the resource utilization. A novel heuristic is proposed to solve the data transmission dynamic scheduling problem. The characteristic of this heuristic is the dynamic hybridization of simple rules. Experimental results suggest that the proposed algorithm is correct, feasible, and available. The dynamic hybridization of simple rules can largely improve the efficiency of scheduling.
The Effect of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bronchial Stump Tissue Granulation after Pneumonectomy: Experimental Study
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios , Tomos Periklis , Konofaos Petros , Karagkiouzis Grigorios , Levidou Georgia , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Pantopoulou Alkistis , Michail Othon , Perrea Despina , Kouraklis Gregory
Published: December 2013

Objectives. Recent advances in perioperative management, antibiotics, and surgical materials, including mechanical staplers, have decreased the operative risk of pulmonary resection. However, bronchopleural fistula can still occur in some instances, the occurrence often being lethal. This study investigated whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes granulation of the bronchial stump after pneumonectomy. Methods. Ten pigs were randomized into two groups: (A) control or non-PRP group (pneumonectomy) and (B) PRP group (pneumonectomy and PRP application). PRP was obtained by spinning down the animal’s own blood and collecting the buffy coat containing platelets and white blood cells. Results. Increased platelet concentration triggered the healing process. The percentage of granulation tissue formed at the stumps was significantly higher in the PRP group of animals. This observation was confirmed when statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test was performed (P=0.0268). Conclusions. PRP is easily produced with minimal basic equipment and is useful in accelerating granulation of the bronchial stump, although the timing and optimum number of applications in humans require further study. Autologous PRP is a safe, feasible, and reliable new healing promoter with potential therapeutic effects.
CFD Simulation of Heat Transfer and Turbulent Fluid Flow over a Double Forward-Facing Step
Authors: Togun Hussein , Shkarah Ahmed Jassim , Kazi S. N. , Badarudin A.
Published: December 2013

Heat transfer and turbulent water flow over a double forward-facing step were investigated numerically. The finite volume method was used to solve the corresponding continuity, momentum, and energy equations using theK-εmodel. Three cases, corresponding to three different step heights, were investigated for Reynolds numbers ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 and temperatures ranging from 313 to 343 K. The bottom of the wall was heated, whereas the top was insulated. The results show that the Nusselt number increased with the Reynolds number and step height. The maximum Nusselt number was observed for case 3, with a Reynolds number of 100,000 and temperature of 343 K, occurring at the second step. The behavior of the Nusselt number was similar for all cases at a given Reynolds number and temperature. A recirculation zone was observed before and after the first and second steps in the contour maps of the velocity field. In addition, the results indicate that the coefficient pressure increased with increasing Reynolds number and step height. ANSYS FLUENT 14 (CFD) software was employed to run the simulations.
Stabilization of a Class of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ghaffari Valiollah , Karimi Hamid Reza , Noroozi Navid , Naghavi S. Vahid
Published: December 2013

This paper addresses two control schemes for stochastic nonlinear systems. Firstly, an adaptive controller is designed for a class of motion equations. Then, a robust finite-time control scheme is proposed to stabilize a class of nonlinear stochastic systems. The stability of the closed-loop systems is established based on stochastic Lyapunov stability theorems. Links between these two methods are given. The efficiency of the control schemes is evaluated using numerical simulations.
A New Analytical Q-Absorbance Ratio Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Lamivudine and Isoniazid
Authors: Pandey Gitu , Mishra Brahmeshwar
Published: December 2013

A new UV spectrophotometric absorption ratio method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of lamivudine and isoniazid. The method involved Q-absorption ratio analysis using two wavelengths, with one being the λmax of lamivudine (272 nm, λ2) and the other being the isoabsorptive point of both drugs (246 nm, λ1). Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range between 5 and 30 µg/mL for both lamivudine and isoniazid. The results of analysis have been validated statistically and by recovery studies as per ICH guidelines. The accuracy ranged between 99.65 and 101.91% and Sandell’s sensitivity ranged between 0.0229 and 0.0347 µg/cm2. The method was found to be simple, precise, reproducible, rapid, and economical. Hence, it could be used in the analysis of laboratory samples and marketed formulations containing these two drugs in the future.
Effect of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate onHelicobacter pylori-Induced Apoptosis in AGS Cells
Authors: Lin Chuang-Hao , Wu Chien-Yi , Kou Hwang-Shang , Chen Chiao-Yun , Huang Meng-Chuan , Hu Huang-Ming , Wu Meng-Chieh , Lu Chien-Yu , Wu Deng-Chyang , Wu Ming-Tsang , Kuo Fu-Chen
Published: December 2013

Plastic products are wildly used in human life. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is an essential additive in plastic manufacturing and is used as plasticizer for many products including plastic food packaging. DEHP is a teratogenic compound and can cause potent reproductive toxicity. DEHP can also cause liver damage, peroxisome proliferation, and carcinogenesis. DEHP is also strongly associated with peptic ulcers and gastric cancer; however, the underlying effect and mechanism of DEHP on the gastrointestinal tract are not entirely clear. The oral infection route ofH. pyloriparallels the major ingestion route of DEHP into the human body. Therefore, we wanted to study the effect of DEHP andH. pyloriexposure on the human gastric epithelial cell line, AGS (gastric adenocarcinoma). The viability of the AGS cell line was significantly lower in 80 μM-DEHP andH. pylori(MOI = 100 : 1) coexposure than DEHP orH. pylorialone. DEHP andH. pyloricoexposure also induced caspase-3 activation, and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and DNA fragmentation in AGS cells. These results indicate that DEHP can enhanceH. pyloricytotoxicity and induce gastric epithelial cell apoptosis. Therefore, it is possible that DEHP andH. pyloricoexposure might enhance the disruption of the gastric mucosa integrity and potentially promote the pathogenesis of gastric carcinogenesis.
Hypothalamic and Pituitary Clusterin Modulates Neurohormonal Responses to Stress
Authors: Shin Mi-Seon , Chang Hyukki , Namkoong Churl , Kang Gil Myoung , Kim Hyun-Kyong , Gil So Young , Yu Ji Hee , Park Kyeong Han , Kim Min-Seon
Published: December 2013

Clusterin is a sulfated glycoprotein abundantly expressed in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus of mammals. However, its physiological role in neuroendocrine function is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of clusterin on plasma pituitary hormone levels in normal rats. Single ICV injection of clusterin provoked neurohormonal changes seen under acute stress condition: increased plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, GH and prolactin levels and decreased LH and FSH levels. Consistently, hypothalamic and pituitary clusterin expression levels were upregulated following a restraint stress, suggesting an involvement of endogenous clusterin in stress-induced neurohormonal changes. In the pituitary intermediate lobe, clusterin was coexpressed with proopiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor of ACTH. Treatment of clusterin in POMC expressing AtT-20 pituitary cells increased basal and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated POMC promoter activities and intracellular cAMP levels. Furthermore, clusterin treatment triggered ACTH secretion from AtT-20 cells in a CRH-dependent manner, indicating that increased clusterin under stressful conditions may augment CRH-stimulated ACTH production and release. In summary, hypothalamic and pituitary clusterin may function as a modulator of neurohormonal responses under stressful conditions.
The Effects of a Single Dialysis Session on Atrial Electromechanical Conduction Times and Functions
Authors: Tekce Hikmet , Ozturk Serkan , Aktas Gulali , Tekce Buket Kin , Erdem Alim , Ozyasar Mehmet , Duman Tuba Taslamacıoglu , Yazici Mehmet
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Abnormalities in atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) times and mechanical functions are considered as independent predictors of atrial fibrillation. However, to date, effects of a single hemodialysis (HD) session and acute volume-preload changes on atrial-EMD functions have not been investigated by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate atrial-EMD times and mechanical functions in HD patients. Methods: Thirty-five non-diabetic, normotensive HD patients and 35 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Standard and TDE performed before mid-week dialysis session for hemodialysis group and on admission for control group. Results: Interatrial and left-right intraatrial-EMD intervals and left atrial mechanical volumes were significantly longer in hemodialysis group compared to controls (all p<0.01) and were reduced after HD session. Furthermore, removed ultrafiltration volume was associated with reduction in atrial-EMD intervals and functional volumes. LA-passive emptying volume, ultrafiltration volume, LV-E/E' ratio, and Vp were independent predictors of interatrial-EMD. Conclusions: The present study confirms negative effects in HD patients of structural remodeling and reveals negative effects of electrical remodeling. Prolonged inter and intraatrial-EMD intervals should be the underlying pathophysiological factors of increased rate of atrial fibrillation in the HD population.