bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF A DOUBLE BOND CONTAINING MODIFIER ON THE SURFACE OF MCM-41 NANOPARTICLES: APPLICATION FOR SR&NI ATRP OF STYRENE
Authors: KHEZRI KHEZROLLAH , HADDADI-ASL VAHID , ROGHANI-MAMAQANI HOSSEIN
Published: December 2013

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM-41) surface was functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS). Then, the resultant double bond containing nanoparticles were used in grafting through simultaneous reverse and normal initiation technique for atom transfer radical polymerization (SR&NI ATRP) of styrene to synthesize well-defined polystyrene nanocomposites with twofold chains. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to evaluate characteristics of spherical MCM-41 nanoparticles. Morphological studies were also performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Conversion and molecular weight determinations were carried out using gas and size exclusion chromatography respectively. Addition of MCM-41 nanoparticles by 3 wt.% results in a decrease of conversion from 93% to 82%. Molecular weight of the free and attached polystyrene chains decreases by adding 3 wt.% MCM-41 nanoparticles; however, PDI values increases from 1.27 to 1.78 for free chains and 1.87 to 2.48 for attached chains. A peak around 4.1 ppm which originates from hydrogen atom of terminal units of polystyrene chains in proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in combination with low PDI values can appropriately demonstrate the living nature of the polymerization. Increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by Thermogravimetric analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry also shows a decrease in glass transition temperature by increasing MCM-41 nanoparticles.
A BIOSENSOR USING COUPLED PLASMON WAVEGUIDE RESONANCE COMBINED WITH HYPERSPECTRAL FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS
Authors: DU CHAN , LIU LE , GUO JUN , HE YONGHONG , GUO JIHUA , SUN SHUQING , MA HUI
Published: December 2013

We developed a biosensor that is capable for simultaneous surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing and hyperspectral fluorescence analysis in this paper. A symmetrical metal-dielectric slab scheme is employed for the excitation of coupled plasmon waveguide resonance (CPWR) in the present work. Resonance between surface plasmon mode and the guided waveguide mode generates narrower full width half-maximum of the reflective curves which leads to increased precision for the determination of refractive index over conventional SPR sensors. In addition, CPWR also offers longer surface propagation depths and higher surface electric field strengths that enable the excitation of fluorescence with hyperspectral technique to maintain an appreciable signal-to-noise ratio. The refractive index information obtained from SPR sensing and the chemical properties obtained through hyperspectral fluorescence analysis confirm each other to exclude false-positive or false-negative cases. The sensor provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological events on the sensor chips.
The accurate localization of fluorescent nanoparticleAu–Ftinnu/numice kidney
Authors: Yang Hui , Sun Cuiji , Jia Jun , Nie Guangjun , Wu Zhenyu
Published: December 2013

Au – Ft , as a green synthesized nanoparticle, is composed of a ferritin nanocage enclosing a pair of Au nanoclusters inside. Our previous study has demonstrated that Au – Ft can be an excellent fluorescent probe for whole body imaging of mice with kidney specific targeting. But, the accurate localization of Au – Ft in kidney is still absent. In the current study, we detected and assessed the cellular and subcellular localization of Au – Ft in renal cortex and medulla of nu/nu mice after tail vein injection by using Nuance optical system (CRi, Woburn, USA) and inForm intelligent image analysis software based on single cell segmentation. We obtained the fluorescence intensity and cellular location of kidney-targeting Au – Ft probe in particular cell of renal glomerulus or renal tubules, which provided valuable proofs to clarify the mechanism of Au – Ft selective enrichment in kidney and the associated metabolic processes.
The relevance study of effective information between near infrared spectroscopy and chondroitin sulfate in ethanol precipitation process
Authors: Li Lian , Ding Baoyang , Yang Qi , Chen Shang , Ren Huaying , Wang Jinfeng , Zang Hengchang , Wang Fengshan , Zang Lixuan
Published: December 2013

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is based on molecular overtone and combination vibrations. It is difficult to assign specific features under complicated system. So it is necessary to find the relevance between NIRS and target compound. For this purpose, the chondroitin sulfate (CS) ethanol precipitation process was selected as the research model, and 90 samples of 5 different batches were collected and the content of CS was determined by modified carbazole method. The relevance between NIRS and CS was studied throughout optical pathlength, pretreatment methods and variables selection methods. In conclusion, the first derivative with Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing was selected as the best pretreatment, and the best spectral region was selected using interval partial least squares (iPLS) method under 1 mm optical cell. A multivariate calibration model was established using PLS algorithm for determining the content of CS, and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) is 3.934 g⋅L-1. This method will have great potential in process analytical technology in the future.
Performance study of feature descriptors for human detection on depth map
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Ma Shiwei , Shen Yujie
Published: December 2013

Depth map contains the space information of objects and is almost free from the influence of light, and it attracts many research interests in the field of machine vision used for human detection. Therefore, hunting a suitable image feature for human detection on depth map is rather attractive. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the typical features on depth map. A depth map dataset containing various indoor scenes with human is constructed by using Microsoft's Kinect camera as a quantitative benchmark for the study of methods of human detection on depth map. The depth map is smoothed with pixel filtering and context filtering so as to reduce particulate noise. Then, the performance of five image features and a new feature is studied and compared for human detection on the dataset through theoretic analysis and simulation experiments. Results show that the new feature outperforms other descriptors.
INTERLAYER COUPLING AND MAGNETIC ANISOTROPY AS KEY FACTORS FOR CREATION OF HYSTERESIS-LESS SPIN VALVES
Authors: USTINOV V. V. , MILYAEV M. A. , NAUMOVA L. I.
Published: December 2013

The dependence of the free layer coercivity on the applied magnetic field (MF) deviation from the main anisotropy directions (free layer easy axis (EA) and pinning direction (PD)) and on 〈111〉 texture strength have been studied on [ Ta , ( Ni 80 Fe 20)60 Cr 40]/ Ni 80 Fe 20/ Co 90 Fe 10/ Cu / Co 90 Fe 10/ Mn 75 Ir 25/ Ta spin valves. The effect of interlayer coupling, magnetic anisotropy and texture on the spin valve coercivity is analyzed. Technological steps aimed at the low field coercivity reduction down to few tenths Oersted have been received.
Development of Some Larval Nematodes in Experimental and Natural Animal Hosts: An Insight into Development of Pathological Lesions vis‐a‐vis Host‐Parasite Interactions
Authors: Chowdhury N. , Sood N. K. , Lal Shyam , Gupta Kuldip , Singla L. D.
Published: December 2013

Infective third‐stage larvae of three spiruroid nematodes, Ascarops strongylina and Physocephalus sexalatus of pigs and Spirocerca lupi of dogs, were recovered from 14 species of coprophagous beetles belonging to 4 different genera. These larvae were fed to rabbits and/or guinea pigs to study their development in these experimental hosts. Larvae of A. strongylina reached the adult stage in all rabbits and one guinea pig. The adult worms recovered in these hosts were 40% and 4%, respectively, and became diminutive in comparison to their natural hosts. The larvae of P. sexalatus became reencysted in the gastric wall of rabbits inducing marked pathological changes. The infective larvae of S. lupi became reencapsulated in the stomach wall of the rabbit and also showed development in the aortic wall. Adults of Toxocara canis of dog, collected from 5 different regions of the Indian subcontinent, varied significantly in size. The mouse passage of infective larvae of one of these types led to the recovery of the adults from the experimental dogs that were smaller in size and caused severe pathology in natural experimental hosts. Developmental effects shown in experimental hosts and host specificity are of value in understanding the evolution of nematode parasitism.
Embryonic Heart Morphogenesis from Confocal Microscopy Imaging and Automatic Segmentation
Authors: Mao Hongda , Gribble Megan , Pertsov Arkady M. , Shi Pengcheng
Published: December 2013

Embryonic heart morphogenesis (EHM) is a complex and dynamic process where the heart transforms from a single tube into a four-chambered pump. This process is of great biological and clinical interest but is still poorly understood for two main reasons. On the one hand, the existing imaging modalities for investigating EHM suffered from either limited penetration depth or limited spatial resolution. On the other hand, current works typically adopted manual segmentation, which was tedious, subjective, and time consuming considering the complexity of developing heart geometry and the large size of images. In this paper, we propose to utilize confocal microscopy imaging with tissue optical immersion clearing technique to image the heart at different stages of development for EHM study. The imaging method is able to produce high spatial resolution images and achieve large penetration depth at the same time. Furthermore, we propose a novel convex active contour model for automatic image segmentation. The model has the ability to deal with intensity fall-off in depth which is characterized by confocal microscopy images. We acquired the images of embryonic quail hearts from day 6 to day 14 of incubation for EHM study. The experimental results were promising and provided us with an insight view of early heart growth pattern and also paved the road for data-driven heart growth modeling.
DNA Methylation Pattern as Important Epigenetic Criterion in Cancer
Authors: Ghavifekr Fakhr Mehrdad , Farshdousti Hagh Majid , Shanehbandi Dariush , Baradaran Behzad
Published: December 2013

Epigenetic modifications can affect the long-term gene expression without any change in nucleotide sequence of the DNA. Epigenetic processes intervene in the cell differentiation, chromatin structure, and activity of genes since the embryonic period. However, disorders in genes’ epigenetic pattern can affect the mechanisms such as cell division, apoptosis, and response to the environmental stimuli which may lead to the incidence of different diseases and cancers. Since epigenetic changes may return to their natural state, they could be used as important targets in the treatment of cancer and similar malignancies. The aim of this review is to assess the epigenetic changes in normal and cancerous cells, the causative factors, and epigenetic therapies and treatments.
Immunomorphologic Manifestations in Mice Liver Infected with Influenza A/H5N1, A/Goose/Krasnoozerskoye/627/05 Strain
Authors: Potapova Oxana V. , Sharkova Tatyana V. , Shkurupiy Vyacheslav A. , Shestopalov Alexander M.
Published: December 2013

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) viruses can infect mammals, including humans, causing severe systemic disease with the inhibition of the immune system and a high mortality rate. In conditions of lymphoid tissue depletion, the liver plays an important role in host defence against viruses. The changes in mice liver infected with HPAI H5N1 virus A/goose/Krasnoozerskoye/627/05 have been studied. It has been shown that the virus persistence in the liver leads to the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and intracellular proteases (lysozyme, cathepsin D, and myeloperoxidase) by Kupffer cells. Defective antiviral response exacerbates destructive processes in the liver accelerating the development of liver failure.
Fluidization and Spouting of Fine Particles: A Comparison
Authors: Sahoo Pranati , Sahoo Abanti
Published: December 2013

The fluidization characteristics of fine particles have been studied in both the fluidized bed and spouted bed. The effect of different system parameters (viz. static bed height, particle size, particle density and superficial velocity of the fluidizing medium, rotational speed of stirrer, and spout diameter) on the fluidization characteristics such as bed expansion/fluctuation ratios, bed pressure drop, minimum fluidizing/spouting velocity, and fluidization index of fine particles (around 60 micron particle size) have been analyzed. A stirrer/rod promoter has been used in the bed to improve the bed fluidity for fluidization process and spout diameter has been varied for spouted bed. Mathematical expressions for these bed dynamics have been developed on the basis of dimensionless analysis. Finally calculated values of these bed dynamics are compared with the experimentally observed values thereby indicating the successful applications of these developed correlations over a wide range of parameters.
Procedural Audio in Computer Games Using Motion Controllers: An Evaluation on the Effect and Perception
Authors: Böttcher Niels , Martínez Héctor P. , Serafin Stefania
Published: December 2013

A study has been conducted into whether the use of procedural audio affects players in computer games using motion controllers. It was investigated whether or not (1) players perceive a difference between detailed and interactive procedural audio and prerecorded audio, (2) the use of procedural audio affects their motor-behavior, and (3) procedural audio affects their perception of control. Three experimental surveys were devised, two consisting of game sessions and the third consisting of watching videos of gameplay. A skiing game controlled by a Nintendo Wii balance board and a sword-fighting game controlled by a Wii remote were implemented with two versions of sound, one sample based and the other procedural based. The procedural models were designed using a perceptual approach and by alternative combinations of well-known synthesis techniques. The experimental results showed that, when being actively involved in playing or purely observing a video recording of a game, the majority of participants did not notice any difference in sound. Additionally, it was not possible to show that the use of procedural audio caused any consistent change in the motor behavior. In the skiing experiment, a portion of players perceived the control of the procedural version as being more sensitive.
Multilayer Strip Dipole Antenna Using Stacking Technique and Its Application for Curved Surface
Authors: Saetiaw Charinsak , Thongsopa Chanchai
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the design of multilayer strip dipole antenna by stacking a flexible copper-clad laminate utilized for curved surface on the cylindrical objects. The designed antenna will reduce the effects of curving based on relative lengths that are changed in each stacking flexible copper-clad laminate layer. Curving is different from each layer of the antenna, so the resonance frequency that resulted from an extended antenna provides better frequency response stability compared to modern antenna when it is curved or attached to cylindrical objects. The frequency of multilayer antenna is designed at 920 MHz for UHF RFID applications.
Pathogenicity, Ovicidal Action, and Median Lethal Concentrations (LC50) of Entomopathogenic Fungi against Exotic Spiralling Whitefly,Aleurodicus dispersusRussell
Authors: Thangavel Boopathi , Palaniappan Karuppuchamy , Manickavasagam Pillai Kalyanasundaram , Subbarayalu Mohankumar , Madhaiyan Ravi
Published: December 2013

Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi could be a promising alternative to chemical control. Entomopathogenic fungi,Beauveria bassiana(Balsamo) Vuillemin,Metarhizium anisopliae(Metschnikoff) Sorokin,Lecanicillium lecanii(Zimmerm.) Zare and Gams, andPaecilomyces fumosoroseus(Wize) Brown and Smith, were tested for their pathogenicity, ovicidal effect, and median lethal concentrations (LC50) against exotic spiralling whitefly,Aleurodicus dispersusRussell. The applications were made at the rate of 2 × 109 conidia mL−1for evaluating the pathogenicity and ovicidal effect of entomopathogenic fungi againstA. dispersus. The results of pathogenicity test showed thatP. fumosoroseus(P1 strain) was highly pathogenic toA. dispersusrecording 100% mortality at 15 days after treatment (DAT).M. anisopliae(M2 strain) had more ovicidal effect causing 37.3% egg mortality at 8 DAT. However,L. lecanii(L1 strain) caused minimum egg hatchability (23.2%) at 10 DAT as compared to control (92.6%). The lowest LC50produced byP. fumosoroseus(P1 strain) as 8.189 × 107 conidia mL−1indicated higher virulence againstA. dispersus. Hence, there is potential for use of entomopathogenic fungi in the field conditions as an alternate control method in combating the insect pests and other arthropod pests since they are considered natural mortality agents and are environmentally safe.
Induction of Antinuclear Antibodies by De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis Regulates Alloimmune Responses in Rat Liver Transplantation
Authors: Nakano Toshiaki , Goto Shigeru , Lai Chia-Yun , Hsu Li-Wen , Tseng Hui-Peng , Chen Kuang-Den , Chiu King-Wah , Wang Chih-Chi , Cheng Yu-Fan , Chen Chao-Long
Published: December 2013

Concanavalin A (Con A) is a lectin originating from the jack-bean and well known for its ability to stimulate T cells and induce autoimmune hepatitis. We previously demonstrated the induction of immunosuppressive antinuclear autoantibody in the course of Con A-induced transient autoimmune hepatitis. This study aimed to clarify the effects of Con A-induced hepatitis on liver allograft rejection and acceptance. In this study, we observed the unique phenomenon that the induction of transient de novo autoimmune hepatitis by Con A injection paradoxically overcomes the rejection without any immunosuppressive drug and exhibits significantly prolonged survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Significantly increased titers of anti-nuclear Abs against histone H1 and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and reduced donor specific alloantibody response were observed in Con A-injected recipients. Induction of Foxp3 and IL-10 in OLT livers of Con A-injected recipients suggested the involvement of regulatory T cells in this unique phenomenon. Our present data suggest the significance of autoimmune responses against nuclear histone H1 and HMGB1 for competing allogeneic immune responses, resulting in the acceptance of liver allografts in experimental liver transplantation.
Quinolone Prophylaxis in Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsy: An Eight‐Year Single Center Experience
Authors: Chiang Bing-Juin , Pu Yeong Shiau , Chung Shiu-Dong , Liu Shih-Ping , Yu Hong-Jeng , Wang Shuo-Meng , Chang Hong-Chiang , Chiang I-Ni , Huang Chao-Yuan
Published: December 2013

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of prophylaxis with pipemidic acid and levofloxacin in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUSP‐Bx). From January 2002 to December 2004, patients receiving oral pipemidic acid 500 mg twice daily for three days with or without a preoperative intravenous cefazolin 1 gm injection comprised group A. Between January 2005 and December 2009, patients receiving oral levofloxacin 500 mg one hour before biopsy comprised group B. We calculated the annual febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) rates. Patients’ characteristics, including age, prophylactic antibiotics, biopsy core numbers, pathologic results, PSA, and the spectrums and susceptibility of pathogens, were also evaluated. A total of 1313 (35.5%) patients belonged to group A, while 2381 (64.5%) patients belonged to group B. Seventy‐three patients experienced postoperative infectious complications. There was a significant difference in the fUTI rate between groups A and B (3.7% versus 1.0%, P < 0.001). The yearly fUTI rates varied from 0.6 to 3.9% between 2002 and 2009. Of the 73 patients with fUTI, those receiving levofloxacin prophylaxis were more likely to harbor fluoroquinolone‐resistant pathogens (P < 0.001). E. coli was the most common pathogen in both groups. Levofloxacin remains effective and appears superior to pipemidic acid based prophylaxis.
Comparison of Different EHG Feature Selection Methods for the Detection of Preterm Labor
Authors: Alamedine D. , Khalil M. , Marque C.
Published: December 2013

Numerous types of linear and nonlinear features have been extracted from the electrohysterogram (EHG) in order to classify labor and pregnancy contractions. As a result, the number of available features is now very large. The goal of this study is to reduce the number of features by selecting only the relevant ones which are useful for solving the classification problem. This paper presents three methods for feature subset selection that can be applied to choose the best subsets for classifying labor and pregnancy contractions: an algorithm using the Jeffrey divergence (JD) distance, a sequential forward selection (SFS) algorithm, and a binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) algorithm. The two last methods are based on a classifier and were tested with three types of classifiers. These methods have allowed us to identify common features which are relevant for contraction classification.
LC-NMR Technique in the Analysis of Phytosterols in Natural Extracts
Authors: Horník Štěpán , Sajfrtová Marie , Karban Jindřich , Sýkora Jan , Březinová Anna , Wimmer Zdeněk
Published: December 2013

The ability of LC-NMR to detect simultaneously free and conjugated phytosterols in natural extracts was tested. The advantages and disadvantages of a gradient HPLC-NMR method were compared to the fast composition screening using SEC-NMR method. Fractions of free and conjugated phytosterols were isolated and analyzed by isocratic HPLC-NMR methods. The results of qualitative and quantitative analyses were in a good agreement with the literature data.
Bayesian Network Assessment Method for Civil Aviation Safety Based on Flight Delays
Authors: Wang Huawei , Gao Jun
Published: December 2013

Flight delays and safety are the principal contradictions in the sound development of civil aviation. Flight delays often come up and induce civil aviation safety risk simultaneously. Based on flight delays, the random characteristics of civil aviation safety risk are analyzed. Flight delays have been deemed to a potential safety hazard. The change rules and characteristics of civil aviation safety risk based on flight delays have been analyzed. Bayesian networks (BN) have been used to build the aviation operation safety assessment model based on flight delay. The structure and parameters learning of the model have been researched. By using BN model, some airline in China has been selected to assess safety risk of civil aviation. The civil aviation safety risk of BN model has been assessed by GeNIe software. The research results show that flight delay, which increases the safety risk of civil aviation, can be seen as incremental safety risk. The effectiveness and correctness of the model have been tested and verified.
A New 4D Hyperchaotic System and Its Generalized Function Projective Synchronization
Authors: Gao Yuan , Liang Chenghua
Published: December 2013

A new four-dimensional hyperchaotic system is investigated. Numerical and analytical studies are carried out on its basic dynamical properties, such as equilibrium point, Lyapunov exponents, Poincaré maps, and chaotic dynamical behaviors. We verify the realizability of the new system via an electronic circuit by using Multisim software. Furthermore, a generalized function projective synchronization scheme of two different hyperchaotic systems with uncertain parameters is proposed, which includes some existing projective synchronization schemes, such as generalized projection synchronization and function projective synchronization. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a controller with parameters update laws is designed to realize synchronization. Using this controller, we realize the synchronization between Chen hyperchaotic system and the new system to verify the validity and feasibility of our method.
Sequence Characterization of Mitochondrial 12S rRNA Gene in Mouse Deer (Moschiola indica) for PCR-RFLP Based Species Identification
Authors: Siddappa Chandra Mohan , Saini Mohini , Das Asit , Doreswamy Ramesh , Sharma Anil K. , Gupta Praveen K.
Published: December 2013

Mitochondrial 12S rRNA has proven to be a useful molecular marker for better conservation and management of the endangered species. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene has proven to be a reliable and efficient tool for the identification of different Indian deer species of family cervidae. In the present study, mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequence of mouse deer (Moschiola indica) belonging to the family Tragulidae was characterized and analysedin silicofor its use in species identification. Genomic DNA was isolated from the hair follicles and mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified using universal primers. PCR product was cloned and sequenced for the first time. The sequence of mouse deer showed 90.04, 90.08, 90.04, 91.2, 90.04, and 90.08% identities with sika deer, sambar, hog deer, musk deer, chital, and barking deer, respectively. Restriction mapping in Lasergene (DNAstar Inc., Madison, WI, USA) revealed that mouse deer mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequence can be differentiated from the other deer species in PCR-RFLP usingRsaI,DdeI,BsrI, andBstSFI. With the help of predicted pattern, mouse deer can be identified using genomic DNA from a variety of biomaterials, thereby providing molecular aid in wildlife forensics and conservation of the species.
A Preliminary Study on Adhesion on Steel Cylinder Filled with Aluminum Foam
Authors: Marinzuli G. , De Filippis L. A. C. , Surace R. , Ludovico A. D.
Published: December 2013

In the last decades, metallic foams found commercial and industrial interests, thanks to their physical properties combined with good mechanical characteristics. Metal foam structures are very light and they can be used to reduce the weight of machinery without compromising the mechanical behavior. In this work, a study of the direct junction of metal foam with metal massive components was carried out. Aluminium foams were manufactured starting from commercial foamable precursors. First of all, attention was paid to the repeatability of foaming process. Then, a direct connection between the foamed samples and the steel shell elements was pursued. The materials that seemed to facilitate the formation of an intermetallic layer were studied and the geometry of the steel mould and the most useful way to place the precursor in the steel mould and then in the furnace were considered. To evaluate the produced aluminum foam, morphological and mechanical characterizations were done. Results showed that, keeping constant the contour conditions, it was possible to control the process and a first result, in terms of interaction between foam and mould, was obtained using an X210Cr12 steel as mould material. The SEM observation revealed the presence of an intermetallic phase.
New Measurement Method and Uncertainty Estimation for Plate Dimensions and Surface Quality
Authors: Ali Salah H. R. , Buajarern Jariya
Published: December 2013

Dimensional and surface quality for plate production control is facing difficult engineering challenges. One of these challenges is that plates in large-scale mass production contain geometric uneven surfaces. There is a traditional measurement method used to assess the tile plate dimensions and surface quality based on standard specifications: ISO-10545-2: 1995, EOS-3168-2: 2007, and TIS 2398-2: 2008. A proposed measurement method of the dimensions and surface quality for ceramic oblong large-scale tile plate has been developed compared to the traditional method. The strategy of new method is based on CMM straightness measurement strategy instead of the centre point in the traditional method. Expanded uncertainties budgets in the measurements of each method have been estimated in detail. The capability of accurate estimations of real actual results for centre of curvature (CC), centre of edge (CE), warpage (W), and edge crack defects parameters has been achieved according to standards. Moreover, the obtained results not only showed better accurate new method but also improved the quality of plate products significantly.
Dose Dependence of Mechanoluminescence Properties in MgAl2O4: Dy Phosphor
Authors: Satapathy Kabita K. , Mishra G. C.
Published: December 2013

A reliable dosimetry is fundamental for quality assurance of the processes and irradiation products. All dosimetric systems for high doses have some limitation with regard to their use. Dosimetric system should be easy to use, fast to measure, and of low cost. Good phosphor which shows high luminescence properties may fulfil the above criteria in some way. MgAl2O4: Dy phosphor has been prepared by solution combustion technique and confirmed with the help of XRD. ML has been excited impulsively by dropping a load of mass 0.7 kg onto the phosphors from various heights; two distinct ML peaks are observed for all the samples. It is observed that MgAl2O4: Dy phosphor shows linear response to gamma‐ray dose and low fading which can be used for dosimetric purpose.
Test Problem Construction for Single-Objective Bilevel Optimization
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Malo Pekka , Deb Kalyanmoy
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose a procedure for designing controlled test problems for single-objective bilevel optimization. The construction procedure is flexible and allows its user to control the different complexities that are to be included in the test problems independently of each other. In addition to properties that control the difficulty in convergence, the procedure also allows the user to introduce difficulties caused by interaction of the two levels. As a companion to the test problem construction framework, the paper presents a standard test suite of 12 problems, which includes eight unconstrained and four constrained problems. Most of the problems are scalable in terms of variables and constraints. To provide baseline results, we have solved the proposed test problems using a nested bilevel evolutionary algorithm. The results can be used for comparison, while evaluating the performance of any other bilevel optimization algorithm. The code related to the paper may be accessed from the website http://bilevel.org .
Revision of the Neotropical genus Alloraphes Franz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: December 2013

The Neotropical genus Alloraphes Franz belonging to the tribe Cyrtoscydmini is revised. Alloraphes is redefined based on a detailed morphological study, and Parastenichnaphes myrmecophilus (Franz) is transferred back to Alloraphes, where it was originally placed. Alloraphes jamaicae Franz, A. peruanus Franz, A. lenkoi Franz, A. yucatani Franz, A. chiapasensis Franz and A. myrmecophilus Franz, stat. rest. are redescribed; A. dentatus sp. n. from Peru and A. peckorum sp. n. from Bolivia are described. Alloraphes magnus Franz and A. bolivarensis Franz are treated as species inquirendae pending further study. The placement of ?Alloraphes magnus, known from a single female only, remains unclear. The type material of A. bolivarensis was not found in the Franz Collection and the original description hardly allows for the species identification.
The genus Leucophenga (Diptera, Drosophilidae), part III: the interrupta species group from the Oriental region, with morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Huang Jia , Li Tong , Chen Hongwei
Published: December 2013

A new species group, the interrupta group, is established within the genus Leucophenga based on two known and three new species, all of which are endemic to the Oriental region: L. interrupta Duda, 1924, L. neointerrupta Fartyal & Toda, 2005, L. bifurcata sp. nov., L. quadrifurcata sp. nov. and L. retifoliacea sp. nov. A key to the five species of the interrupta group is provided. Sixteen mtDNA COI sequences of the five species are analyzed; the molecular data are used as complementary evidence for the species boundaries defined by the morphological data.
Late-Holocene climatic variability indicated by three natural archives in arid southern Australia
Authors: Gliganic Luke A , Cohen Timothy J , May Jan-Hendrik , Jansen John D , Nanson Gerald C , Dosseto Anthony , Larsen Josh R , Aubert Maxime
Published: December 2013

Three terrestrial climate proxies are used to investigate the evolution of Holocene palaeoenvironments in southern central Australia, all of which present a coherent record of palaeohydrology. Single-grain optically stimulated luminescence from sediments supplemented by 14C from charcoal and lacustrine shells was obtained to date shoreline deposits (Lake Callabonna) and the adjacent Mt Chambers Creek alluvial fan. Our findings are complemented by a U/Th-based record of speleothem growth in the Mt Chambers Creek catchment, which we interpret to reflect increased precipitation. Together, these archives shed light on the timing of, and possible sources of water for, Holocene pluvial intervals. We identified several phases of elevated lake levels dated at ~5.8–5.2, 4.5, 3.5–2.7 and 1 kyr, most of which correspond to fluvial activity resulting from increased precipitation in the adjacent ranges. The enhanced hydrology during phases of the late Holocene likely increased the reliability of resources for regional human populations during a time of reduced winter rainfall. When considered within the framework of the current understanding of Holocene palaeoclimate in central Australia, our data suggest that the pattern of landscape response was broadly synchronous with larger scale climatic variability and punctuated by pluvial periods greater than today.
OTOBI: Beyond the Horizon
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Baqee Asef Hassan , Khan Zakia
Published: December 2013

OTOBI has become the most prominent Bangladeshi furniture brand, emphasizing the nation’s pride in its culture. The company has 415 outlets spread across Bangladesh and 28 in India. It mainly exports home furnishings but recently got orders to ship hospital furniture. The company logged BDT 2.18 billion (USD 27.25 million) of turnover in fiscal year 2007–2008. However, following an encouraging growth rate, the industry brought in close to BDT 6.0 billion (USD 75 million) in the fiscal year 2011–2012. Branded furniture has carved out a niche among the people. A handful of manufacturers led by OTOBI are holding more than 50 per cent of the country’s branded furniture market. At OTOBI, there is no end to the ladder of accomplishment. There is no limit; there are no restraints. This sense of freedom manifests itself in innovative product designs and business strategies. Above all, the creation of a culture of ‘we’ or ‘OTOBIans’ and the establishment of the values of innovation and discipline have allowed the company not only to diversify products, but also to record growth. A tidal wave of challenges meeting OTOBI at every step: different business landscapes, strained state relationships and global depression have made it challenging to ensure that over 15,000 OTOBIans can maintain their lifestyle and attain better standards of living. The Company’s product portfolio now ranges from children’s furniture to home and office décor, Notepad and Kloset.
Inferring explicit weighted consensus networks to represent alternative evolutionary histories
Authors: Layeghifard Mehdi , Peres-Neto Pedro R , Makarenkov Vladimir
Published: December 2013

Background

The advent of molecular biology techniques and constant increase in availability of genetic material have triggered the development of many phylogenetic tree inference methods. However, several reticulate evolution processes, such as horizontal gene transfer and hybridization, have been shown to blur the species evolutionary history by causing discordance among phylogenies inferred from different genes.

Methods

To tackle this problem, we hereby describe a new method for inferring and representing alternative (reticulate) evolutionary histories of species as an explicit weighted consensus network which can be constructed from a collection of gene trees with or without prior knowledge of the species phylogeny.

Results

We provide a way of building a weighted phylogenetic network for each of the following reticulation mechanisms: diploid hybridization, intragenic recombination and complete or partial horizontal gene transfer. We successfully tested our method on some synthetic and real datasets to infer the above-mentioned evolutionary events which may have influenced the evolution of many species.

Conclusions

Our weighted consensus network inference method allows one to infer, visualize and validate statistically major conflicting signals induced by the mechanisms of reticulate evolution. The results provided by the new method can be used to represent the inferred conflicting signals by means of explicit and easy-to-interpret phylogenetic networks.
Transcriptome-wide profiling and expression analysis of transcription factor families in a liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Sharma Niharika , Bhalla Prem L , Singh Mohan B
Published: December 2013

Background

Transcription factors (TFs) are vital elements that regulate transcription and the spatio-temporal expression of genes, thereby ensuring the accurate development and functioning of an organism. The identification of TF-encoding genes in a liverwort,Marchantia polymorpha, offers insights into TF organization in the members of the most basal lineages of land plants (embryophytes). Therefore, a comparison ofMarchantiaTF genes with other land plants (monocots, dicots, bryophytes) and algae (chlorophytes, rhodophytes) provides the most comprehensive view of the rates of expansion or contraction of TF genes in plant evolution.

Results

In this study, we report the identification of TF-encoding transcripts inM. polymorphafor the first time, as evidenced by deep RNA sequencing data. In total, 3,471 putative TF encoding transcripts, distributed in 80 families, were identified, representing 7.4% of the generatedMarchantiagametophytic transcriptome dataset. Overall, TF basic functions and distribution across families appear to be conserved when compared to other plant species. However, it is of interest to observe the genesis of novel sequences in 24 TF families and the apparent termination of 2 TF families with the emergence ofMarchantia. Out of 24 TF families, 6 are known to be associated with plant reproductive development processes. We also examined the expression pattern of these TF-encoding transcripts in six male and female developmental stages in vegetative and reproductive gametophytic tissues ofMarchantia.

Conclusions

The analysis highlighted the importance ofMarchantia, a model plant system, in an evolutionary context. The dataset generated here provides a scientific resource for TF gene discovery and other comparative evolutionary studies of land plants.
Pinewood nematode-associated bacteria contribute to oxidative stress resistance of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Vicente Cláudia S L , Ikuyo Yoriko , Mota Manuel , Hasegawa Koichi
Published: December 2013

Background

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most serious forest diseases in the world. The role of B. xylophilus-associated bacteria in PWD and their interaction with the nematode, have recently been under substantial investigation. Several studies report a potential contribution of the bacteria for the PWD development, either as a helper to enhance the pathogenicity of the nematode or as a pathogenic agent expressing interesting traits related to lifestyle host-adaptation.

Results

We investigated the nematode-bacteria interaction under a severe oxidative stress (OS) condition using a pro-oxidant hydrogen peroxide and explored the adhesion ability of these bacteria to the cuticle surface of the nematodes. Our results clearly demonstrated a beneficial effect of the Serratia spp. (isolates LCN-4, LCN-16 and PWN-146) to B. xylophilus under the OS condition. Serratia spp. was found to be extremely OS-resistant, and promote survival of B. xylophilus and down-regulate two B. xylophilus catalase genes (Bxy-ctl-1 and Bxy-ctl-2). In addition, we show that the virulent isolate (Ka4) of B. xylophilus survives better than the avirulent (C14-5) isolate under the OS condition. The bacterial effect was transverse for both B. xylophilus isolates. We could not observe a strong and specific adhesion of these bacteria on the B. xylophilus cuticle surface.

Conclusions

We report, for the first time, that B. xylophilus associated bacteria may assist the nematode opportunistically in the disease, and that a virulent B. xylophilus isolate displayed a higher tolerance towards the OS conditions than an avirulent isolate.
Correlation between the methylation of SULF2 and WRN promoter and the irinotecan chemosensitivity in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lin , Xie Li , Wang Jun , Shen Jie , Liu Baorui
Published: December 2013

Background

At present, no study has compared the correlation between SULF2, WRN promoter methylation and clinicopathological parameters of patients with gastric cancer and the sensitivity to irinotecan (CPT-11).

Methods

We collected 102 fresh tumor tissues from pathologically diagnosed gastric carcinoma patients. Methylation specific PCR was used to detect the promoter methylation of SULF2 and WRN. The chemosensitivity of irinotecan to gastric tomor was tested by MTT. Then we compared the chemosensitivity difference of the methylated group with unmethylated group.

Results

The rates of SULF2, WRN methylation were 28.3% (29/102) and 23.6% (24/102), separately. Patients with SULF2 methylation were more sensitive to CPT-11 than those without SULF2 methylation (P < 0.01). Patients with both SULF2 and WRN methylation were also more sensitive to CPT-11 than others ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

SULF2 and WRN promoter methylation detection indicates potential predictive biomarkers to identify and target the most sensitive gastric cancer subpopulation for personalized CPT-11 therapy.
Low dose of continuous – wave microwave irradiation did not cause temperature increase in muscles tissue adjacent to titanium alloy implants – an animal study
Authors: Ye Dongmei , Xu Yiming , Fu Tengfei , Zhang Han , Feng Xianxuan , Wang Gang , Jiang Lan , Bai Yuehong
Published: December 2013

Background

Research studies on the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on implants in vitro have failed to investigate temperature changes in the tissues adjacent to the implants under microwave therapy. We therefore, used a rabbit model in an effort to determine the impact of microwave therapy on temperature changes in tissues adjacent to the titanium alloy implants and the safety profile thereof.

Methods

Titanium alloy internal fixation plates were implanted in New Zealand rabbits in the middle of femur. Microwave therapy was performed by a 2450 MHz microwave generator 3 days after the surgery. Temperature changes of muscles adjacent to the implants were recorded under exposure to dose-gradient microwave radiation from 20w to 60w.

Results

Significant difference between control and microwave treatment group at peak temperatures (Tpeak) and temperature gap (Tgap= Tpeak-Tvally) were observed in deep muscles (Tpeak, 41.63 ± 0.21°C vs. 44.40 ± 0.17°C, P < 0.01; Tgap, 5.33 ± 0.21°C vs. 8.10 ± 0.36°C, P < 0.01) and superficial muscles (Tpeak, 41.53 ± 0.15°C vs. 42.03 ± 0.23°C, P = 0.04; Tgap, 5.23 ± 0.21°C vs. 5.80 ± 0.17°C, P = 0.013) under 60 w, and deep muscles (Tpeak, 40.93 ± 0.25°C vs. 41.87 ± 0.23°C, P = 0.01; Tgap, 4.73 ± 0.20°C vs. 5.63 ± 0.35°C, P = 0.037) under 50w, but not under 20, 30 and 40w.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that low-dose (20w-40w) continuous-wave microwave irradiation delivered by a 2450 MHz microwave generator might be a promising treatment for patients with titanium alloy internal fixation, as it did not raise temperature in muscle tissues adjacent to the titanium alloy implant.
Preliminary evidence about the effects of meditation on interoceptive sensitivity and social cognition
Authors: Melloni Margherita , Sedeño Lucas , Couto Blas , Reynoso Martin , Gelormini Carlos , Favaloro Roberto , Canales-Johnson Andrés , Sigman Mariano , Manes Facundo , Ibanez Agustin
Published: December 2013

Background

Interoception refers to the conscious perception of body signals. Mindfulness is a meditation practice that encourages individuals to focus on their internal experiences such as bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. In this study, we selected a behavioral measure of interoceptive sensitivity (heartbeat detection task, HBD) to compare the effect of meditation practice on interoceptive sensitivity among long term practitioners (LTP), short term meditators (STM, subjects that completed a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program) and controls (non-meditators). All participants were examined with a battery of different tasks including mood state, executive function and social cognition tests (emotion recognition, empathy and theory of mind).

Findings

Compared to controls, both meditators’ groups showed lower levels of anxiety and depression, but no improvement in executive function or social cognition performance was observed (except for lower scores compared to controls only in the personal distress dimension of empathy). More importantly, meditators’ performance did not differ from that of nonmeditators regarding cardiac interoceptive sensitivity.

Conclusion

Results suggest no influence of meditation practice in cardiac interoception and in most related social cognition measures. These negative results could be partially due to the fact that awareness of heartbeat sensations is not emphasized during mindfulness/vipassana meditation and may not be the best index of the awareness supported by the practice of meditation.
Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing: a case report
Authors: Oji Yutaka , Noda Kazuyuki , Tokugawa Joji , Yamashiro Kazuo , Hattori Nobutaka , Okuma Yasuyuki
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage has many causes including trauma, vascular malformations, aneurysms, spinal cord tumors, coagulation abnormalities, use of anticoagulants, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Behçet’s disease. We report on a rare case of a spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing of unknown origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old Japanese woman initially complained of headache with severe back pain after severe coughing. She was referred to our neurology department 6 days after her first visit to our hospital. No neurological deficits were revealed except for meningism. Computed tomography of her head revealed no abnormality. A lumbar puncture showed bloody cerebrospinal fluid with xanthochromia. Cerebral angiography revealed no abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging of her lumbar spine revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Spinal angiography revealed no abnormality. The diagnosis of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage was made. She recovered with conservative treatment and her neurological status was normal 2 years after the onset.

Conclusions

Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage could be caused by rapid changes in intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage should be considered when sudden back pain associated with severe headache develops. Even though emergent surgical decompression is necessary when the neurological state progressively deteriorates, conservative treatment with close monitoring of the symptoms can be recommended for patients with a stable neurological status.