bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Compensation Ions Codoped SrTiO3:Pr3+ Red Phosphor with the Sol-Gel Method and Study of Its Luminescence Enhancement Mechanism
Authors: Guo Dan , Zhang Xiaodong , Yun Jiangni
Published: December 2014

SrTiO3:Pr3+ is the most representative titanate matrix red phosphor for field emission display (FED). The red luminous efficiency of SrTiO3:Pr3+ will be greatly improved after the compensation ions codoping, so SrTiO3:Pr3+ red phosphor has been a research focus at home and abroad. SrTiO3:Pr3+, SrTiO3:Pr3+, Mg2+, and SrTiO3:Pr3+, Al3+ phosphors are synthesized by a new sol-gel method. Crystal structure, spectral characteristics, and luminescence enhancement mechanism of the sample were studied by XRD and PL spectra. The results showed that after co-doped, SrTiO3:Pr3+ phosphor is single SrTiO3 cubic phase, the main emission front is located at 614 nm, corresponding to Pr3+ ions 1D2→3H4 transition emission. SrTiO3:Pr3+, Mg2+ and SrTiO3:Pr3+, Al3+ phosphor luminescence intensity is enhanced, but the main luminescence mechanism is not changed. Acceptor impurity x = Mg2+, Al3+ will replace Ti bit after being doped into the crystal lattice to form XTi- charge compensation corresponding defect centers PrSr+ to reduce the demand of Sr2+ or Ti3+ vacancy. While Sr-doped Pr will make lattice distortion and transition energy of 4f-5d is very sensitive to crystal electric field changes around Pr atom. Doping different impurities will make electric field distribution around the icon have a different change. It increases energy transfer of 4f-5d transition and improves the luminous intensity of SrTiO3:Pr3+ red phosphor.
Familial Lymphoproliferative Malignancies and Tandem Duplication of NF1 Gene
Authors: Fernandes Gustavo , Souto Mirela , Costa Frederico , Oliveira Edite , Garicochea Bernardo
Published: December 2014

Background. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in a tumor suppressor gene (NF1) which codifies the protein neurofibromin. The frequent genetic alterations that modify neurofibromin function are deletions and insertions. Duplications are rare and phenotype in patients bearing duplication of NF1 gene is thought to be restricted to developmental abnormalities, with no reference to cancer susceptibility in these patients. We evaluated a patient who presented with few clinical signs of neurofibromatosis type 1 and a conspicuous personal and familiar history of different types of cancer, especially lymphoproliferative malignancies. The coding region of the NF-1 gene was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to detect the number of mutant copies. The NF1 gene analysis showed the following alterations: mosaic duplication of NF1, TRAF4, and MYO1D. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using probes (RP5-1002G3 and RP5-92689) flanking NF1 gene in 17q11.2 and CEP17 for 17q11.11.1 was performed. There were three signals (RP5-1002G3conRP5-92689) in the interphases analyzed and two signals (RP5-1002G3conRP5-92689) in 93% of cells. These findings show a tandem duplication of 17q11.2.Conclusion. The case suggests the possibility that NF1 gene duplication may be associated with a phenotype characterized by lymphoproliferative disorders.
Effect of Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Light on Mechanical Properties of Oyster Mushrooms during Growth
Authors: Edward Tindibale L. , Kirui M. S. K. , Omolo Josiah O. , Ngumbu Richard G. , Odhiambo Peter M.
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light on the mechanical properties in oyster mushrooms during the growth. Experiments were carried out with irradiation of the mushrooms with UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) light during growth. The exposure time ranged from 10 minutes to 60 minutes at intervals of 10 minutes and irradiation was done for three days. The samples for experimental studies were cut into cylindrical shapes of diameter 12.50 mm and thickness 3.00 mm. The storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor of the irradiated samples and control samples were determined for both UV bands and there was a significant difference between the storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor of the irradiated samples by both UV bands with reference to the control sample,P<0.05. UV-C light irradiated samples had higher loss modulus and loss factor but low storage modulus as temperature increased from 35 to 100°C with respect to the control sample while UV-A light irradiated samples had lower loss modulus, low loss factor, and higher storage modulus than UV-C irradiated samples.
The Traveling Salesman Game for Cost Allocation: The Case Study of the Bus Service in Castellanza
Authors: Besozzi Nicola , Ruschetti Luca , Rossignoli Chiara , Strozzi Fernanda
Published: December 2014

This paper studies cost allocation for the bus transportation service in Castellanza, a small town (14,000 inhabitants ca.) close to Varese, Italy. Carlo Cattaneo University (LIUC) is one of the
promoters and funders of this service, together with the City Council and other private agents. The case study is first analysed as a traveling salesman problem (TSP) to find the optimal route. Then the traveling salesman game (TSG) is introduced, where the bus stops are associated with the players of a cooperative game, thus allowing the study of possible allocations of the total cost among them. The optimal route is found by the Branch and Bound algorithm. The Shapley vector and the separable and nonseparable cost are the methods used to allocate the cost of the optimal route among players.
Projecting Future Climate Change Scenarios Using Three Bias-Correction Methods
Authors: Kum Donghyuk , Lim Kyoung Jae , Jang Chun Hwa , Ryu Jichul , Yang Jae E. , Kim Seong Joon , Kong Dong Soo , Jung Younghun
Published: December 2014

We performed bias correction in future climate change scenarios to provide better accuracy of models through adaptation to future climate change. The proposed combination of the change factor (CF) and quantile mapping (QM) methods combines the individual advantages of both methods for adjusting the bias in global circulation models (GCMs) and regional circulation models (RCMs). We selected a study site in Songwol-dong, Seoul, Republic of Korea, to test and assess our proposed method. Our results show that the combined CF + QM method delivers better performance in terms of correcting the bias in GCMs/RCMs than when both methods are applied individually. In particular, our proposed method considerably improved the bias-corrected precipitation by capturing both the high peaks and amounts of precipitation as compared to that from the CF-only and QM-only methods. Thus, our proposed method can provide high-accuracy bias-corrected precipitation data, which could prove to be highly useful in interdisciplinary studies across the world.
Heat Transfer and Friction Studies in a Tilted and Rib-Roughened Trailing-Edge Cooling Cavity with and without the Trailing-Edge Cooling Holes
Authors: Taslim M. E. , Halabi J. S.
Published: December 2014

Local and average heat transfer coefficients and friction factors were measured in a test section simulating the trailing-edge cooling cavity of a turbine airfoil. The test rig with a trapezoidal cross-sectional area was rib-roughened on two opposite sides of the trapezoid (airfoil pressure and suction sides) with tapered ribs to conform to the cooling cavity shape and had a 22-degree tilt in the flow direction upstream of the ribs that affected the heat transfer coefficients on the two rib-roughened surfaces. The radial cooling flow traveled from the airfoil root to the tip while exiting through 22 cooling holes along the airfoil trailing-edge. Two rib geometries, with and without the presence of the trailing-edge cooling holes, were examined. The numerical model contained the entire trailing-edge channel, ribs, and trailing-edge cooling holes to simulate exactly the tested geometry. A pressure-correction based, multiblock, multigrid, unstructured/adaptive commercial software was used in this investigation. Realizablek-εturbulence model in conjunction with enhanced wall treatment approach for the near wall regions was used for turbulence closure. The applied thermal boundary conditions to the CFD models matched the test boundary conditions. Comparisons are made between the experimental and numerical results.
Gossypiboma Posing as a Diagnostic Dilemma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Srivastava K. N. , Agarwal Amit
Published: December 2014

The term gossypiboma is used to describe a retained surgical sponge after operation. It is a rare but serious complication which is seldom reported because of the medicolegal implications. Gossypiboma usually has varied and vague presentation and is also difficult to detect on radiological investigations. It can even remain silent and present years after the operation. We report a case of a 38-year-old lady who presented with vague pain and chronic lump in the right iliac fossa region. She had a history of cesarean section 4 years ago. Radiological investigations were inconclusive in detecting the retained sponge. A working diagnosis of mesenteric cyst was made and an exploratory laparotomy was done where she was found to have a large gossypiboma densely adhered to the small bowel and surrounding structures. Though rare, gossypiboma should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in postoperative cases presenting as vague pain or chronic lump even years after the operation.
Lie Symmetry Reductions and Exact Solutions to the Rosenau Equation
Authors: Gao Ben , Tian Hongxia
Published: December 2014

The Lie symmetry analysis is performed on the Rosenau equation which arises in modeling many physical phenomena. The similarity reductions and exact solutions are presented. Then the exact analytic solutions are considered by the power series method.
Critical Blow-Up and Global Existence for Discrete Nonlinearp-Laplacian Parabolic Equations
Authors: Chung Soon-Yeong
Published: December 2014

The goal of this paper is to investigate the blow-up and the global existence of the solutions to the discretep-Laplacian parabolic equationutx,t=Δp,wux,t+λux,tp-2ux,t,x,t∈S×0,∞,ux,t=0,x,t∈∂S×0,∞,ux,0=u0, depending on the parametersp>1andλ>0. Besides, we provide several types of the comparison principles to this equation, which play a key role in the proof of the main theorems. In addition, we finally give some numerical examples which exploit the main results.
How Sex of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Access to Treatment Services Relates to Parental Stress
Authors: Zamora Irina , Harley Eliza K. , Green Shulamite A. , Smith Kathryn , Kipke Michele D.
Published: December 2014

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience higher levels of stress in comparison to parents of neurotypical children and consequently are more susceptible to negative health and social outcomes (Dunn et al., 2001). However, less is known about how individual child characteristics impact stress levels in parents of children with ASD. In this study, we examined the relationship between individual characteristics (i.e., sex) of children with ASD and parental stress. Access to comprehensive treatment services was also examined as a contributing factor to parental stress. Parenting stress was higher for parents of girls than for parents of boys, and for parents of girls (but not boys) fewer services predicted higher parental distress. Findings highlight the importance of providing parents of girls with ASD with more tailored support.
Continuum Fracture Analysis and Molecular Dynamic Study on Crack Initiation and Propagation in Nanofilms
Authors: Huang Dan , Wang Mengwei , Lu Guangda
Published: December 2014

Crack initiation and propagation in a nanostructured nickel film were studied by molecular dynamic simulation as well as an interatomic‐potential‐based continuum approach. In the molecular dynamic simulation, the interatomic potential was described by using Embedded Atom Method (EAM), and a reduced 2D plane model was employed to simulate the mechanical behavior of nanofilms. Atomistic simulation shows that the reduced plane model in this paper can not only reveal the physical nature of crack initiation clearly but also give the critical time of crack initiation accurately as the continuum fracture analysis does. The normal stress and average atom energy at the crack tip which resulted from atomistic simulation at the time of crack initiation agree well with the analytical results. On the other hand, the crack propagation in nanofilms was studied by interatomic‐potential‐based continuum fracture mechanics analysis based on Griffith criterion. The coupled continuum‐atomic analysis can predict the crack initiation and atomic stress accurately. Continuum analysis with material property parameters determined by interatomic potential is proved to be another promising way of solving failure problem on nanoscale.
Bilateral Distal Femoral Nailing in a Rare Symmetrical Periprosthetic Knee Fracture
Authors: Carvalho Marcos , Fonseca Ruben , Simões Pedro , Bahute André , Mendonça António , Fonseca Fernando
Published: December 2014

The authors report a case of a 78-year-old polytrauma patient, with severe thoracic trauma and bilateral symmetrical periprosthetic femoral fractures after a violent car accident. After the primary survey, with the thoracic trauma stabilized, neurovascular lesions excluded, and provisional immobilization applied, both fractures were classified as OTA: 33-A3, Rorabeck Type II, and closed reduction and internal fixation with distal femoral nails were performed. At 5 months of follow-up, the patient was able to walk with crutches and clear radiologic signs of fracture consolidation could be seen. At 24 months, the patient walked without any walking aid and had recovered her previous functional status. This surgical option allowed the authors to achieve relative stability using an intramedullary technique, preserving fracture hematoma in an osteopenic patient, and was found to be successful in recovering the patient’s previous functional status and satisfaction after major trauma.
Presence of Dry Eye in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Kan Emrah , Kılıçkan Elif , Ecemiş Gulçin , Beyazyildiz Emrullah , Çolak Ramis
Published: December 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the tear function tests in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and to compare the results with healthy subjects.Methods. A hundred and ten patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 100 healthy subjects were included in this study. The presence of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and tear function tests were evaluated clinically. The results were first compared between the patients and the control groups and then compared between patients with NOSPECS and patients without NOSPECS. Logistic regression analyses of the risk factors for dry eye including sex, gender, free plasma thyroxine, proptosis, upper eyelid margin-reflex distance, and duration of the disease were also evaluated.Results. The mean ocular surface disease index score was significantly higher and mean Schirmer and mean tear break-up time scores were significantly lower in patients compared to control subjects. Mean Schirmer and tear break-up time scores were found to be significantly lower in patients with NOSPECS when compared to the patients without NOSPECS. Both proptosis and free plasma thyroxine levels were significantly associated with dry eye.Conclusions. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis tend to develop dry eye more common than healthy subjects. Proptosis and lower free plasma thyroxine levels were found to be risk factors for the presence of dry eye.
Game Theory Model of Traffic Participants within Amber Time at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Wen Huiying , Fu Chuanyun , Song Mo
Published: December 2014

The traffic light scheme is composed of red, green, and amber lights, and it has been defined clearly for the traffic access of red and green lights; however, the definition of that for the amber light is indistinct, which leads to the appearance of uncertainty factors and serious traffic conflicts during the amber light. At present, the traffic administrations are faced with the decision of whether to forbid passing or not during the amber light in the cities of China. On one hand, it will go against the purpose of setting amber lights if forbidding passing; on the other hand, it may lead to a mess of traffic flow running if not. And meanwhile the drivers are faced with the decision of passing the intersection or stopping during the amber light as well. So the decision-making behavior of traffic administrations and drivers can be converted into a double game model. And through quantification of their earnings in different choice conditions, the optimum decision-making plan under specific conditions could be solved via the Nash equilibrium solution concept. Thus the results will provide a basis for the formulation of the traffic management strategy.
Experimental Research on Compression Properties of Cement Asphalt Mortar due to Drying and Wetting Cycle
Authors: Wang Ping , Xu Hao , Chen Rong , Xu Jingmang , Zeng Xiaohui
Published: December 2014

Uniaxial compression test of cement asphalt (CA) mortar specimens, due to drying and wetting cycle of 0, 2, 4 and 8 times, is carried out by using the electronic universal test machine, with the strain rate ranging from 1 × 10−5 s−1to 1 × 10−2 s−1. The effects of strain rate and drying and wetting cycle time on the compressive strength, elasticity modulus, and stress-strain full curve are investigated. Experimental results show that the strain-stress full curve of CA mortar is affected obviously by strain rate and drying and wetting cycle time. The compressive strength and elasticity modulus increase with the strain rate under the same drying and wetting cycle time. The compressive strength and elasticity modulus decrease with the increase of drying and wetting cycle time in the same strain rate. The lower the strain rate is, the greater the compressive strength and elasticity modulus of CA mortar decrease. When the strain rate is 1 × 10−5 s−1and drying and wetting cycle time is 8, the largest reduction of average compressive strength of CA mortar is 40.48%, and the largest reduction of elasticity modulus of CA mortar is 35.51%, and the influence of drying and wetting cycle on the compressive strength of CA mortar is greater than its influence on the elasticity modulus.
Mechanical and Dielectric Behaviour of CaCu3Ti4O12 and Nb Doped CaCu3Ti4O12 Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Composites
Authors: Srivastava Anshuman , Jana Karun Kumar , Maiti Pralay , Kumar Devendra , Parkash Om
Published: December 2014

PVDF has been reinforced with different amount of CaCu3Ti4-5x/4NbxO12 with x=0.05 powder prepared by solid state ceramic method. Composites were prepared by melt extrusion method. Phase composition was studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural, dielectric, and mechanical properties have also been studied. These composites have Young’s modulus more than that of pure PVDF. Two dielectric relaxations, one at low frequency and the other at high frequency, have been observed in these composites. Dielectric relaxation at low frequencies is of Maxwell-Wagner type while the one observed at high frequency is due to hopping of electrons among different valent states of transition metal ions. Nature of dielectric relaxation has been analysed using H-N function.
Investigation of the Low-Temperature Behavior of FD-SOI MOSFETs in the Saturation Regime UsingYandZFunctions
Authors: Karsenty A. , Chelly A.
Published: December 2014

The saturation regime of two types of fully depleted (FD) SOI MOSFET devices was studied. Ultrathin body (UTB) and gate recessed channel (GRC) devices were fabricated simultaneously on the same silicon wafer through a selective “gate recessed” process. They share the sameW/Lratio but have a channel film thickness of 46 nm and 2.2 nm, respectively. Their standard characteristics (IDS-VDSandIDS-VGS) of the devices were measured at room temperature before cooling down to 77 K. Surprisingly, their respective temperature dependence is found to be opposite. In this paper, we focus our comparative analysis on the devices' conduction using aY-function applied to the saturation domain. The influence of the temperature in this domain is presented for the first time. We point out the limits of theY-function analysis and show that a new function calledZcan be used to extract the series resistance in the saturation regime.
Treatment of Odontogenic Myxoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach—6-Year Follow-Up Case
Authors: de Souza João Gustavo Oliveira , Claus Jonathas Daniel Paggi , Ouriques Felipe Damerau , Gil Luiz Fernando , Gil José Nazareno , Cardoso Antonio Carlos , Bianchini Marco Aurélio
Published: December 2014

The most aggressive diseases that affect the oral environment are considered tumors of the jaw. The surgical treatment is preferably done by surgical resection of the lesion, resulting in a great loss of tissue and esthetics. Multidisciplinary planning is required for the rehabilitation of these cases. Autogenous grafting techniques or vascularized flaps allow ridge reconstruction for implant placement, restoring function, and esthetics. This paper reports a 6-year follow-up case of an odontogenic myxoma treated with wide resection and mandibular bone reconstruction for posterior rehabilitation with dental implants.
A Complex Dynamical Analysis of the Indian Stock Market
Authors: Sasikumar Anoop , Kamaiah Bandi
Published: December 2014

This paper seeks to analyze the dynamical structure of the Indian stock market by considering two major Indian stock market indices, namely, BSE Sensex and CNX Nifty. The recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) is applied on the daily closing data of the two series during the period from January 2, 2002, to October 10, 2013. A Rolling Window of 100 and step size 21 are applied in order to see how both the series behave over time. The analysis based on three RQA measures, namely, % determinism (DET), laminarity (LAM), and trapping time (TT), provides conclusive evidence that the Indian equity market is chaotic in nature. Evidences for phase transition in the Indian equity market around the time of financial crisis are also found.
Model and Method for Multiobjective Time‐Dependent Hazardous Material Transportation
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Che Ada , Chu Feng , Chu Chengbin
Published: December 2014

In most of the hazardous material transportation problems, risk factors are assumed to be constant, which ignores the fact that they can vary with time throughout the day. In this paper, we deal with a novel time‐dependent hazardous material transportation problem via lane reservation, in which the dynamic nature of transportation risk in the real‐life traffic environment is taken into account. We first develop a multiobjective mixed integer programming (MIP) model with two conflicting objectives: minimizing the impact on the normal traffic resulting from lane reservation and minimizing the total transportation risk. We then present a cut‐and‐solve based ε‐constraint method to solve this model. Computational results indicate that our method outperforms the ε‐constraint method based on optimization software package CPLEX.
Chronic Pain after Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Manangi Mallikarjuna , Shivashankar Santhosh , Vijayakumar Abhishek
Published: December 2014

Background. Chronic postherniorrhaphy groin pain is defined as pain lasting >6 months after surgery, which is one of the most important complications occurring after inguinal hernia repair, which occurs with greater frequency than previously thought. Material and Methods. Patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty in Victoria Hospital from November 2011 to May 2013 were included in the study. A total of 227 patients met the inclusion criteria and were available for followup at end of six months. Detailed preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details of cases were recorded according to proforma. The postoperative pain and pain at days two and seven and at end of six months were recorded on a VAS scale. Results. Chronic pain at six-month followup was present in 89 patients constituting 39.4% of all patients undergoing hernia repair. It was seen that 26.9% without preoperative pain developed chronic pain whereas 76.7% of patients with preoperative pain developed chronic pain. Preemptive analgesia failed to show statistical significance in development of chronic pain (P=0.079). Nerve injury was present in 22 of cases; it was found that nerve injury significantly affected development of chronic pain (P=0.001). On multivariate analysis, it was found that development of chronic pain following hernia surgery was dependent upon factors like preoperative pain, type of anesthesia, nerve injury, postoperative local infiltration, postoperative complication, and most importantly the early postoperative pain. Conclusions. In the present study, we found that chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair causes significant morbidity to patients and should not be ignored. Preemptive analgesia and operation under local anesthesia significantly affect pain. Intraoperative identification and preservation of all inguinal nerves are very important. Early diagnosis and management of chronic pain can remove suffering of the patient.
Pulmonary Cement Embolism following Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Authors: Toru Ümran , Coşkun Tuba , Acat Murat , Onaran Hilal , Gül Şule , Çetinkaya Erdoğan
Published: December 2014

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimal invasive procedure that is applied for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. During vertebroplasty, the leakage of bone cement outside the vertebral body leads to pulmonary cement embolism, which is a serious complication of this procedure. Here we report a 48-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea after percutaneous vertebroplasty and diagnosed as pulmonary cement embolism.
Persistent Polyclonal B Cell Lymphocytosis B Cells Can Be Activated through CD40-CD154 Interaction
Authors: Dugas-Bourdages Emmanuelle , Néron Sonia , Roy Annie , Darveau André , Delage Robert
Published: December 2014

Persistent polyclonal B cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a rare disorder, diagnosed primarily in adult female smokers and characterized by an expansion of CD19+CD27+IgM+memory B cells, by the presence of binucleated lymphocytes, and by a moderate elevation of serum IgM. The clinical course is usually benign, but it is not known whether or not PPBL might be part of a process leading to the emergence of a malignant proliferative disorder. In this study we sought to investigate the functional response of B cells from patients with PPBL by use of an optimal memory B cell culture model based on the CD40-CD154 interaction. We found that the proliferation of PPBL B cells was almost as important as that of B cells from normal controls, resulting in high immunoglobulin secretion within vitroisotypic switching. We conclude that the CD40-CD154 activation pathway is functional in the memory B cell population of PPBL patients, suggesting that the disorder may be due to either a dysfunction of other cells in the microenvironment or a possible defect in another B cell activation pathway.
Frequency Tuning of Work Modes inZ-Axis Dual-Mass Silicon Microgyroscope
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Hongsheng , Ni Yunfang , Liu Jia , Huang Libin
Published: December 2014

Frequency tuning of work modes in the silicon vibratory gyroscope is studied by the theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods in this paper. First, the schematic structure and simplified kinematics model of the gyroscope were presented for deducing the natural frequencies. Then, the width and length of support beams were optimized to tune work frequencies at their designed value. Besides, the frequency difference was experimentally tested and manually tuned by varying the voltage applied on the tuning capacitors. The test on a prototype showed that the difference could be localized between −55.8 Hz and 160.2 Hz when the tuning voltage limit is 20 V. Finally, a frequency control loop was developed to automatically tune the sense frequency toward the drive frequency. Both the theoretical analysis and numeric simulation show that the difference is stabilized at 0.8 Hz when no Coriolis force or quadrature coupling force is applied. It is proved that the frequency difference is successfully tuned by modifying the size of support beams before fabrication as well as the voltage applied on the tuning capacitors after fabrication. The automatic tuning loop, used to match the work modes, is beneficial to enhance the performance of the gyroscope as well as its resistance to environment disturbances.
Free Radicals in Adolescent Varicocele Testis
Authors: Romeo Carmelo , Santoro Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

We examine the relationship between the structure and function of the testis and the oxidative and nitrosative stress, determined by an excessive production of free radicals and/or decreased availability of antioxidant defenses, which occur in the testis of adolescents affected by varicocele. Moreover, the effects of surgical treatment on oxidative stress were provided. We conducted a PubMed and Medline search between 1980 and 2014 using “adolescent,” “varicocele,” “free radicals,” “oxidative and nitrosative stress,” “testis,” and “seminiferous tubules” as keywords. Cross-references were checked in each of the studies, and relevant articles were retrieved. We conclude that increased concentration of free radicals, generated by conditions of hypoxia, hyperthermia, and hormonal dysfunction observed in adolescent affected by varicocele, can harm germ cells directly or indirectly by influencing nonspermatogenic cells and basal lamina. With regard to few available data in current literature, further clinical trials on the pre- and postoperative ROS and RNS levels together with morphological studies of the cellular component of the testis are fundamental for complete comprehension of the role played by free radicals in the pathogenesis of adolescent varicocele and could justify its pharmacological treatment with antioxidants.
Elevated Serum Thyroglobulin and Low Iodine Intake Are Associated with Nontoxic Nodular Goiter among Adults Living near the Eastern Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Ovadia Yaniv S. , Gefel Dov , Turkot Svetlana , Aharoni Dorit , Fytlovich Shlomo , Troen Aron M.
Published: December 2014

Background.Information about iodine intake is crucial for preventing thyroid diseases. Inadequate iodine intake can lead to thyroid diseases, including nontoxic nodular goiter (NNG).Objective.To estimate iodine intake and explore its correlation with thyroid diseases among Israeli adults living near the Mediterranean coast, where iodine-depleted desalinated water has become a major source of drinking water.Methods.Cross-sectional study of patients attending Barzilai Medical Center Ashkelon. Participants, who were classified as either NNG (n=17), hypothyroidism (n=14), or control (n=31), provided serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and completed a semiquantitative iodine food frequency questionnaire.Results.Elevated serum Tg values (Tg > 60 ng/mL) were significantly more prevalent in the NNG group than in the other groups (29% versus 7% and 0% for hypothyroidism and controls, resp.,P<0.05). Mean estimated iodine intake was significantly lower in the NNG group (65±30 μg/d) than in controls (115±60 μg/d) (P<0.05) with intermediate intake in the hypothyroid group (73±38 μg/d).Conclusions.Elevated serum Tg values and low dietary iodine intake are associated with NNG among adult patients in Ashkelon District, Israel. Larger studies are needed in order to expand on these important initial findings.
Recovery of Lost Target Using Target Tracking in Event Driven Clustered Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Patil Shailaja , Gupta Ashish , Zaveri Mukesh
Published: December 2014

The prediction based target tracking in wireless sensor network is being studied from many years. However, the presence of a coverage hole(s) in the network may hamper tracking by causing temporary loss of target, which is a crucial issue in mission critical applications. This raises the need for robust recovery mechanism to capture the lost target. However, the problem of recovery of lost target during tracking has received less attention in the literature. In this paper, we present an energy efficient recovery mechanism. The performance of proposed algorithm for lost target recovery using different tracking filters has been evaluated with and without awakening hole boundary nodes. The efficacy of the algorithm has been tested using various causes of losing target with and without energy saving modes. We have conducted exhaustive simulations for recovery of the lost target and presented the analysis of how the recovery gets affected with linear and nonlinear filters. From the simulation results and energy analysis, it is evident that the proposed recovery algorithm outperforms the existing work in the literature.
L-Asparaginase Activity of Fungal Endophytes from Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall. (Apocynaceae), Endemic to the Western Ghats (India)
Authors: Manasa Chandramouli , Nalini Monnanda Somaiah
Published: December 2014

“Endophytes,” the microbes residing within the plant tissues, are important sources of secondary metabolites. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall., a medicinal tree, endemic to the Western Ghats with rich ethnobotanical history and unique chemical diversity, was selected to study fungal endophytes and evaluate them for L-asparaginase activity. Healthy plant parts were selected for the isolation of endophytes following standard isolation protocols. A total of 727 isolates belonging to 20 taxa were obtained. The isolates comprised of bark (11%), twig (22%), leaf (43%), fruit (12.0%), and seeds (12%). Endophytes such as Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Phomopsis, Verticillium, and Volutella colonized T. heyneana plant parts. Fusarium sp., Phomopsis spp., isolate Thlf01, and Fusarium solani were the dominant genera of bark, twig, leaf, fruits, and seed samples, respectively. The endophytes were screened for their ability to utilize L-asparagine by plate assay method. Fusarium spp. exhibited a high level of activity among the nine endophytes tested positive for L-asparaginase activity. Studies underline the potentials of endophyte-derived fungal L-asparaginases as sources of chemotherapeutic agents.
A Symptomatic De Novo Pheochromocytoma 23 Years after Liver Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Montenovo M. I. , Jalikis F. G. , Hoch B. , Bakthavatsalam R.
Published: December 2014

We report a case of subacute onset of headaches and tremors with a newly discovered adrenal pheochromocytoma 23 years after an orthotopic liver transplantation and provide a review of the scarce literature regarding endocrine malignancies in liver transplant recipients. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management. This is the second case report in the literature of a de novo pheochromocytoma after solid organ transplantation. It shows that new-onset common symptoms in transplant recipients are always challenging and deserve a very thorough work-up until the cause of the symptoms is elucidated. A broad differential diagnosis should always be included in the study of any abnormalities in this patient population.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions for Wick-Type Stochastic Schamel KdV Equation
Authors: Ghany Hossam A. , Zakarya M.
Published: December 2014

F-expansion method is proposed to seek exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations. By means of Hermite transform, inverse Hermite transform, and white noise analysis, the variable coefficients and Wick-type stochastic Schamel KdV equations are completely described. Abundant exact traveling wave solutions for variable coefficients Schamel KdV equations are given. These solutions include exact stochastic Jacobi elliptic functions, trigonometric functions, and hyperbolic functions solutions.
Right k-Weakly Regular Γ-Semirings
Authors: Jagatap R. D.
Published: December 2014

The concepts of a k-idempotent Γ-semiring, a right k-weakly regular Γ-semiring, and a right pure k-ideal of a Γ-semiring are introduced. Several characterizations of them are furnished.
Approximate Solutions of Fractional Riccati Equations Using the Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Wu Fei , Huang Lan-Lan
Published: December 2014

The fractional derivative equation has extensively appeared in various applied nonlinear problems and methods for finding the model become a popular topic. Very recently, a novel way was proposed by Duan (2010) to calculate the Adomian series which is a crucial step of the Adomian decomposition method. In this paper, it was used to solve some fractional nonlinear differential equations.
Management of Large Erupting Complex Odontoma in Maxilla
Authors: Murphy Colm , O’Connell John Edward , Cotter Edward , Kearns Gerard
Published: December 2014

We present the unusual case of a large complex odontoma erupting in the maxilla. Odontomas are benign developmental tumours of odontogenic origin. They are characterized by slow growth and nonaggressive behaviour. Complex odontomas, which erupt, are rare. They are usually asymptomatic and are identified on routine radiograph but may present with erosion into the oral cavity with subsequent cellulitis and facial asymmetry. This present paper describes the presentation and management of an erupting complex odontoma, occupying the maxillary sinus with extension to the infraorbital rim. We also discuss various surgical approaches used to access this anatomic area.
On Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Sets with Distance Measures and Entropies
Authors: Kumar Tanuj , Bajaj Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2014

We introduce the concept of complex intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets which is parametric in nature. However, the theory of complex fuzzy sets and complex intuitionistic fuzzy sets are independent of the parametrization tools. Some real life problems, for example, multicriteria decision making problems, involve the parametrization tools. In order to get their new entropies, some important properties and operations on the complex intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets have also been discussed. On the basis of some well-known distance measures, some new distance measures for the complex intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets have also been obtained. Further, we have established correspondence between the proposed entropies and the distance measures of complex intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets.
CXCL12 Modulates Prostate Cancer Cell Adhesion by Altering the Levels or Activities ofβ1-Containing Integrins
Authors: Dehghani Mehdi , Kianpour Sedigheh , Zangeneh Ana , Mostafavi-Pour Zohreh
Published: December 2014

The mechanisms by which prostate cancer (PCa) cell adhesion and migration are controlled during metastasis are not well understood. Here, we studied the effect of CXCL12 in PCa cell adhesion and spreading in DU145 and PC3 cell lines using as substrates collagen I, fibronectin (FN), and their recombinant fragments. CXCL12 treatment increasedβ1 integrin-dependent PC3 cell adhesion on FN which correlated with increased focal adhesion kinase activation. However neitherα5β1 norα4β1 subunits were involved in this adhesion. By contrast, CXCL12 decreased DU145 adhesion and spreading on FN by downregulatingα5 andβ1 integrin expression. To demonstrate the clinical relevance of CXCL12 in PCa, we measured CXCL12 levels in plasma by using ELISA and found that the chemokine is elevated in PCa patients when compared to controls. The high concentration of CXCL12 in patients suffering from PCa in comparison to those with benign disease or healthy individuals implicates CXCL12 as a potential biomarker for PCa. In addition these data show that CXCL12 may be crucial in controlling PCa cell adhesion on fibronectin and collagen I, possibly via crosstalk with integrin receptors and/or altering the expression levels of integrin subunits.
Symphysis Pubis Osteomyelitis with Bilateral Adductor Muscles Abscess
Authors: Alqahtani Saad M. , Jiang Fan , Barimani Bardia , Gdalevitch Marie
Published: December 2014

Osteomyelitis of the pubis symphysis is a rare condition. There have been various reports in the literature of inflammation and osteomyelitis as well as septic arthritis of pubic symphysis. However, due to the fact that these conditions are rare and that the usual presenting symptoms are very nonspecific, osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis is often misdiagnosed, thus delaying definitive treatment. We present a case that to our knowledge is the first case in literature of osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis in a 17-year-old boy with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which was initially misdiagnosed and progressed to bilateral adductor abscesses. A high suspicion of such condition should be considered in a JIA patient who presents with symphysis or thigh pain.
Anterior Segment Analysis and Intraocular Pressure Elevation after Penetrating Keratoplasty and Posterior Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Maier Anna-Karina B. , Gundlach Enken , Gonnermann Johannes , Klamann Matthias K.J. , Eulufi Christian , Joussen Antonia M. , Bertelmann Eckart , Rieck Peter , Torun Necip
Published: December 2014

Background: Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) is a common problem after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and leads to intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. This study examines the risk factors for IOP elevation and post-keratoplasty glaucoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 47 eyes following PK and of 65 eyes following Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) between 2009 and 2011. The assessment included preoperative history of corneal disease and glaucoma, response to treatment, IOP, and visual acuity. Irido-trabecular contacts (ITC), the angle opening distance (AOD 500) and the anterior chamber angle (ACA 500) were calculated. Results: The incidences of IOP elevation and post-keratoplasty glaucoma were 27-36% and 10-29%, respectively. The incidence did not differ significantly between both procedures. Pre-existing glaucoma increased the risk for developing IOP elevation and post-DSEK glaucoma. Eyes with bullous keratopathy (BK) developed significantly more IOP elevation (p = 0.01, d.f. = 1, χ2 = 6.11) and post-keratoplasty glaucoma (p = 0.01, d.f. = 1, χ2 = 6.22) than eyes with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. Eyes with ITC developed post-keratoplasty glaucoma significantly more often than eyes without ITC (p = 0.01, d.f. = 1, χ2 = 6.63). Conclusion: IOP elevation and post-keratoplasty glaucoma showed a high incidence. Risk factors like pre-existing glaucoma, BK and PAS elevated the rate of IOP elevation and post-keratoplasty glaucoma for both procedures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Assessment of the Pharmacogenomics Educational Environment in Southeast Europe
Authors: Pisanu Claudia , Tsermpini Evangelia-Eirini , Mavroidi Eirini , Katsila Theodora , Patrinos George P. , Squassina Alessio
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Pharmacogenomics aims to use the information derived from an individual's genomic profile in the context of individualizing medical treatment modalities. However, currently, pharmacogenomics education is not uniformly provided to health care professionals. This study investigates the status of pharmacogenomics education in Southeast Europe. Methods: University websites served as information sources in order to investigate the discrepancies in pharmacogenomics education in Southeast Europe. In parallel, a survey was conducted at the University of Cagliari (Italy) to test pharmacogenomics knowledge and understanding among specialists, residents and undergraduate students. Results: Our study shows that pharmacogenomics knowledge is not uniformly spread in universities in Southeast Europe and provides the basis for the harmonization of pharmacogenomics education that would directly impact on a smoother integration of pharmacogenomics into mainstream medical practice. Also, a considerable gap in pharmacogenomics education was obvious between the group of specialists and the groups of residents and undergraduate students. Conclusions: Pharmacogenomics education as well as the continuous enrichment of pharmacogenomics knowledge for health care professionals are fundamental approaches toward personalized medicine. Ideally, pharmacogenomics should be taught as a stand-alone course or at least in the context of genetics courses that already exist in universities in Southeast Europe.
Parastomal Hernia: A Growing Problem with New Solutions
Authors: Aquina Christopher T. , Iannuzzi James C. , Probst Christian P. , Kelly Kristin N. , Noyes Katia , Fleming Fergal J. , Monson John R.T.
Published: December 2014

Parastomal hernia is one of the most common complications following stoma creation and its prevalence is only expected to increase. It often leads to a decrease in the quality of life for patients due to discomfort, pain, frequent ostomy appliance leakage, or peristomal skin irritation and can result in significantly increased healthcare costs. Surgical technique for parastomal hernia repair has evolved significantly over the past two decades with the introduction of new types of mesh and laparoscopic procedures. The use of prophylactic mesh in high-risk patients at the time of stoma creation has gained attention in lieu of several promising studies that have emerged in the recent days. This review will attempt to demonstrate the burden that parastomal hernias present to patients, surgeons, and the healthcare system and also provide an overview of the current management and surgical techniques at both preventing and treating parastomal hernias. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Acute Atrial Stretch Results in Conduction Slowing and Complex Signals at the Pulmonary Vein to Left Atrial Junction
Authors: Walters Tomos E. , Lee Geoffrey , Spence Steven , Larobina Marco , Atkinson Victoria , Antippa Phillip , Goldblatt John , O’Keefe Michael , Sanders Prashanthan , Kistler Peter M. , Kalman Jonathan M.
Published: December 2014

Background—

The pulmonary vein–left atrial (PV–LA) junction is key in pathogenesis of AF, and acute stretch is an important stimulus to AF. We aimed to characterize the response of the junction to acute stretch, hypothesizing that stretch would result in electrophysiological changes predisposing to re-entry.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen participants undergoing cardiac surgery underwent evaluation of the right superior PV–LA junction using an epicardial mapping plaque. In 10, this was performed before and after atrial stretch imposed by rapid volume expansion, and in 5, it was performed with an intervening observation period. Activation was characterized by conduction slowing and electrogram fractionation transversely across the PV–LA junction, with lines of block also demonstrated perpendicular to the junction. Conduction was decremental (plaque activation time 135.8±46.8 ms with programmed extra stimuli at 10 ms above effective refractory period versus 66.1±22.9 ms with pacing at 400 ms;
P
<0.001) and percentage fractionation was greater with programmed extra stimuli at 10 ms above (33.5%±15.3% versus 20.7%±14.0%,
P
=0.001). Right atrial pressure increased by 2.5±1.8 mm Hg (
P
=0.002) with volume expansion. Stretch resulted in conduction slowing across the PV–LA junction (increase in activation time 10.9±14.6 ms in acute stretch group versus −0.1±4.5 ms in control group;
P
=0.002). Conduction slowing was more marked with programmed extra stimuli at 10 ms above effective refractory period than with stable pacing (13.4±16.5 ms versus 1.7±5.4 ms;
P
=0.003). Stretch resulted in a significant increase in fractionated electrograms (7.9%±7.0% versus −0.4±3.3;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Acute stretch results in conduction slowing across the PV–LA junction, with a greater degree of signal complexity. This substrate may be important in AF initiation and maintenance by promoting re-entry.