bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midfrontal conflict-related theta-band power reflects neural oscillations that predict behavior
Authors: Cohen Michael X , Donner Tobias H.
Published: September 2013

Action monitoring and conflict resolution require the rapid and flexible coordination of activity in multiple brain regions. Oscillatory neural population activity may be a key physiological mechanism underlying such rapid and flexible network coordination. EEG power modulations of theta-band (4–8 Hz) activity over the human midfrontal cortex during response conflict have been proposed to reflect neural oscillations that support conflict detection and resolution processes. However, it has remained unclear whether this frequency-band-specific activity reflects neural oscillations or nonoscillatory responses (i.e., event-related potentials). Here, we show that removing the phase-locked component of the EEG did not reduce the strength of the conflict-related modulation of the residual (i.e., non-phase-locked) theta power over midfrontal cortex. Furthermore, within-subject regression analyses revealed that the non-phase-locked theta power was a significantly better predictor of the conflict condition than was the time-domain phase-locked EEG component. Finally, non-phase-locked theta power showed robust and condition-specific (high- vs. low-conflict) cross-trial correlations with reaction time, whereas the phase-locked component did not. Taken together, our results indicate that most of the conflict-related and behaviorally relevant midfrontal EEG signal reflects a modulation of ongoing theta-band oscillations that occurs during the decision process but is not phase-locked to the stimulus or to the response.
Synthesis, transport, and metabolism of serotonin formed from exogenously applied 5-HTP after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Li Yaqing , Li Lisa , Stephens Marilee J. , Zenner Dwight , Murray Katherine C. , Winship Ian R. , Vavrek Romana , Baker Glen B. , Fouad Karim , Bennett David J.
Published: September 2013

Spinal cord transection leads to elimination of brain stem-derived monoamine fibers that normally synthesize most of the monoamines in the spinal cord, including serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesized from tryptophan by enzymes tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, synthesizing 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP) and aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC, synthesizing 5-HT from 5-HTP). Here we examine whether spinal cord caudal to transection remains able to manufacture and metabolize 5-HT. Immunolabeling for AADC reveals that, while most AADC is confined to brain stem-derived monoamine fibers in spinal cords from normal rats, caudal to transection AADC is primarily found in blood vessel endothelial cells and pericytes as well as a novel group of neurons (NeuN positive and GFAP negative), all of which strongly upregulate AADC with injury. However, immunolabeling for 5-HT reveals that there is no detectable endogenous 5-HT synthesis in any structure in the spinal cord caudal to a chronic transection, including in AADC-containing vessels and neurons, consistent with a lack of TPH. In contrast, when we applied exogenous 5-HTP (in vitro or in vivo), AADC-containing vessels and neurons synthesized 5-HT, which contributed to increased motoneuron activity and muscle spasms (long-lasting reflexes, LLRs), by acting on 5-HT2receptors (SB206553 sensitive) located on motoneurons (TTX resistant). Blocking monoamine oxidase (MAO) markedly increased the sensitivity of the motoneurons (LLR) to 5-HTP, more than it increased the sensitivity of motoneurons to 5-HT, suggesting that 5-HT synthesized from AADC is largely metabolized in AADC-containing neurons and vessels. In summary, after spinal cord injury AADC is upregulated in vessels, pericytes, and neurons but does not endogenously produce 5-HT, whereas when exogenous 5-HTP is provided AADC does produce functional amounts of 5-HT, some of which is able to escape metabolism by MAO, diffuse out of these AADC-containing cells, and ultimately act on 5-HT receptors on motoneurons.
Evaluation of the Quantitative and Qualitative Alterations in the Fatty Acid Contents of the Sebum of Patients with Inflammatory Acne during Treatment with Systemic Lymecycline and/or Oral Fatty Acid Supplementation
Authors: Costa Adilson , Siqueira Talarico Aline , Parra Duarte Carla de Oliveira , Silva Pereira Caroline , de Souza Weimann Ellem Tatiani , Sabino de Matos Lissa , Della Coletta Livia Carolina , Fidelis Maria Carolina , Tannous Thaísa Saddi , Vasconcellos Cidia
Published: September 2013

Background. Acne is a dermatosis that involves an altered sebum pattern.Objectives. (1) To evaluate if a treatment based on antibiotics (lymecycline) can alter fatty acids contents of the sebum of patients with acne; (2) to evaluate if oral supplementation of fatty acids can interfere with fatty acids contents of the sebum of patients with acne; (3) to evaluate if there is any interaction in fatty acids contents of the sebum of patients with acne when they use both antibiotics and oral supplementation of fatty acids.Methods. Forty-five male volunteers with inflammatory acne vulgaris were treated with 300 mg of lymecycline per day, with 540 mg ofγ-linolenic acid, 1,200 mg of linoleic acid, and 510 mg of oleic acid per day, or with both regimens for 90 days. Every 30 days, a sample of sebum from the forehead was collected for fatty acids’ chromatographic analysis.Results. Twelve fatty acids studied exhibited some kind of pattern changes during the study: C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:1n9c+C18:1n9t, C18:2n6t, C18:3n6, C18:3n3, C20:1, C22:0, and C24:0.Conclusions. The daily administration of lymecycline and/or specific fatty acids may slightly influence some fatty acids levels present in the sebum of patients with inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Heat Transfer Coefficient during Evaporation of R-1234yf, R-134a, and R-22 in Horizontal Circular Small Tubes
Authors: Choi Kwang-Il , Chien Nguyen-Ba , Oh Jong-Taek
Published: September 2013

Experimental data of heat transfer coefficient during evaporation of R-1234yf, R-134a, and R-22 in horizontal circular small tubes are compared. The local heat transfer coefficient is obtained for heat fluxes ranging from 10 to 35 kW m−2, mass fluxes ranging from 100 to 650 kg m−2 s−1, saturation temperatures of 5, 10, and 15°C, and quality up to 1.0. The test sections are made of stainless steel tubes with inner diameters of 1.5 and 3.0 mm, the lengths of 1000 and 2000. Effects of heat flux, inner tube diameter, and saturation temperature on heat transfer coefficient are reported in the present study. Nucleate boiling heat transfer contribution is predominant, especially at low quality region, and laminar flow appears in the evaporative small tubes. The experimental results are compared against four existing heat transfer coefficients, and the modified correlation of heat transfer coefficient is developed with good prediction.
What Moves Them? Active Transport among Inhabitants of Dutch Deprived Districts
Authors: Saris Carla , Kremers Stef , Van Assema Patricia , Hoefnagels Cees , Droomers Mariël , De Vries Nanne
Published: September 2013

Background. Active modes of transport like walking and cycling have been shown to be valuable contributions to daily physical activity. The current study investigates associations between personal and neighbourhood environmental characteristics and active transport among inhabitants of Dutch deprived districts.Method. Questionnaires about health, neighbourhoods, and physical activity behaviour were completed by 742 adults. Data was analysed by means of multivariate linear regression analyses.Results. Being younger, female, and migrant and having a normal weight were associated with more walking for active transport. Being younger, male, and native Dutch and having a normal weight were associated with more cycling for active transport. Neighbourhood characteristics were generally not correlated with active transport. Stratified analyses, based on significant person-environment interactions, showed that migrants and women walked more when cars did not exceed maximum speed in nearby streets and that younger people walked more when speed of traffic in nearby streets was perceived as low. Among migrants, more cycling was associated with the perceived attractiveness of the neighbourhood surroundings.Discussion and Conclusion. Results indicated that among inhabitants of Dutch deprived districts, personal characteristics were associated with active transport, whereas neighbourhood environmental characteristics were generally not associated with active transport. Nevertheless, interaction effects showed differences among subgroups that should be considered in intervention development.
A Cost-Effective Solid-State Approach to Synthesize g-C3N4Coated TiO2Nanocomposites with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Fu Min , Pi Junmin , Dong Fan , Duan Qiuyan , Guo Huan
Published: September 2013

Novel graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) coated TiO2nanocomposites were prepared by a facile and cost-effective solid-state method by thermal treatment of the mixture of urea and commercial TiO2. Because the C3N4was dispersed and coated on the TiO2nanoparticles, the as-prepared g-C3N4/TiO2nanocomposites showed enhanced absorption and photocatalytic properties in visible light region. The as-prepared g-C3N4coated TiO2nanocomposites under 450°C exhibited efficient visible light photocatalytic activity for degradation of aqueous MB due to the increased visible light absorption and enhanced MB adsorption. The g-C3N4coated TiO2nanocomposites would have wide applications in both environmental remediation and solar energy conversion.
Osteochondroma of the Mandible: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Nanda Kishore Donepudi , Shiva Kumar H. R. , Umashankara K. V. , Rai Kirthi Kumar
Published: September 2013

Osteochondroma, also known as osteocartilaginous exostosis is a benign cartilage forming tumor that usually develops in long bones and relatively uncommon in the craniofacial region. Both the condyle and coronoid tip being the most common sites of occurrence in the mandible, it rarely appears at the symphysis region. Here, we describe a case of osteochondroma arising from the left parasymphysis of mandible.
Beauveria bassianaStrains for Biological Control ofCosmopolites sordidus(Germ.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Plantain
Authors: Fancelli Marilene , Dias Alex Batista , Delalibera Júnior Italo , Jesus Sandra Cerqueira de , Nascimento Antonio Souza do , Silva Sebastião de Oliveira e , Caldas Ranulfo Correa , Ledo Carlos Alberto da Silva
Published: September 2013

The objective of this study was to select strains ofBeauveria bassianafor controllingCosmopolites sordidus(Germ.) in plantain farms (cv. Terra) of the “Recôncavo” and southern regions in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The virulence of 32B. bassianaisolates againstC. sordiduswas determined under laboratory conditions. Three isolates (CNPMF 407, CNPMF 218, and CNPMF 416) were selected for evaluation under field conditions in plantations located in the counties of Mutuípe and Wenceslau Guimarães. Population ofC. sordiduswas estimated every 15 days by using pseudostem traps. The efficiency of the three strains ofB. bassianawas compared to chemical control (carbofuran, 4g/trap) and absence of control. Carbofuran caused around 90% of adult mortality after 12 months, with a reduction in the population ofC. sordidussince the first evaluation. A low number of trapped insects was observed in the fungus-treated plots, suggesting the efficiency of the isolates in controlling theC. sordiduspopulation. The strain CNPMF 218 was the most efficient in controllingC. sordidusadults in both locations, causing around 20% mortality, leading to 40% population size reduction after 12 months.
The Applications of Functional Variants of Jensen's Inequality
Authors: Pavić Zlatko
Published: September 2013

The paper is inspired by McShane's results on the functional form of Jensen's inequality for convex functions of several variables. The work is focused on applications and generalizations of this important result. At that, the generalizations of Jensen's inequality are obtained using the positive linear functionals.
Recovery and Resource Allocation Strategies to Maximize Mobile Network Survivability by Using Game Theories and Optimization Techniques
Authors: Chen Pei-Yu , Lin Frank Yeong-Sung
Published: September 2013

With more and more mobile device users, an increasingly important and critical issue is how to efficiently evaluate mobile network survivability. In this paper, a novel metric called Average Degree of Disconnectivity (Average DOD) is proposed, in which the concept of probability is calculated by the contest success function. The DOD metric is used to evaluate the damage degree of the network, where the larger the value of the Average DOD, the more the damage degree of the network. A multiround network attack-defense scenario as a mathematical model is used to support network operators to predict all the strategies both cyber attacker and network defender would likely take. In addition, the Average DOD would be used to evaluate the damage degree of the network. In each round, the attacker could use the attack resources to launch attacks on the nodes of the target network. Meanwhile, the network defender could reallocate its existing resources to recover compromised nodes and allocate defense resources to protect the survival nodes of the network. In the approach to solving this problem, the “gradient method” and “game theory” are adopted to find the optimal resource allocation strategies for both the cyber attacker and mobile network defender.
Green Synthesis of Feather-Shaped MoS2/CdS Photocatalyst for Effective Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu Hongtao , Quan Xie , Chen Shuo
Published: September 2013

MoS2/CdS photocatalyst was fabricated by a hydrothermal method for H2production under visible light. This method used low toxic thiourea as a sulfur source and was carried out at 200°C. Thus, it was better than the traditional methods, which are based on an annealing process at relatively high temperature (above 400°C) using toxic H2S as reducing agent. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that the morphologies of MoS2/CdS samples were feather shaped and MoS2layer was on the surface of CdS. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy testified that the sample was composed of stoichiometric MoS2and CdS. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra displayed that the loading of MoS2can enhance the optical absorption of MoS2/CdS. The photocatalytic activity of MoS2/CdS was evaluated by producing hydrogen. The hydrogen production rate on MoS2/CdS reached 192 μmol·h−1. This performance was stable during three repeated photocatalytic processes.
Advancing Drug Discovery and Development from Active Constituents of Yinchenhao Tang, a Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Sun Hui , Qiu Shi , Wang Xijun
Published: September 2013

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula has been playing a very important role in health protection and disease control for thousands of years. Guided by TCM syndrome theories, formula are designed to contain a combination of various kinds of crude drugs that, when combined, will achieve synergistic efficacy. However, the precise mechanism of synergistic action remains poorly understood. One example is a famous TCM formula Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT), whose efficacy in treating hepatic injury (HI) and Jaundice syndrome, has recently been well established as a case study. We also conducted a systematic analysis of synergistic effects of the principal compound using biochemistry, pharmacokinetics and systems biology, to explore the key molecular mechanisms. We had found that the three component (6,7-dimethylesculetin (D), geniposide (G), and rhein (R)) combination exerts a more robust synergistic effect than any one or two of the three individual compounds by hitting multiple targets. They can regulate molecular networks through activating both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to synergistically cause intensified therapeutic effects. This paper provides an overview of the recent and potential developments of chemical fingerprinting coupled with systems biology advancing drug discovery towards more agile development of targeted combination therapies for the YCHT.
An Analytical Step-by-Step Procedure to Derive the Flexural Response of RC Sections in Compression
Authors: Colajanni Piero , Fossetti Marinella , Papia Maurizio
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes an analysis procedure able to determine the flexural response of rectangular symmetrically reinforced concrete sections subjected to axial load and uniaxial bending. With respect to the usual numerical approaches, based on the fibre decomposition method, this procedure is based on the use of analytical expressions of the contributions to the equilibrium given by the longitudinal reinforcement and the concrete region in compression, which depend on the neutral axis depth and the curvature at each analysis step. The formulation is developed in dimensionless terms, after a preliminary definition of the geometrical and mechanical parameters involved, so that the results are valid for classes of RC sections. The constitutive laws of the materials include confinement effect on the concrete and postyielding behaviour of the steel reinforcement, which can be assumed to be softening behaviour for buckled reinforcing bars. The strength and curvature domains at the first yielding of the reinforcement in tension and at the ultimate state are derived in the form of analytical curves depending on the compression level; therefore, the role of a single parameter on the shape of these curves can easily be deduced. The procedure is validated by comparing some results with those numerically obtained by other authors.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Aggregate Concrete in Seawater Environment
Authors: Yue Pengjun , Tan Zhuoying , Guo Zhiying
Published: September 2013

This study aims to conduct research about the microstructure and basic properties of recycled aggregate concrete under seawater corrosion. Concrete specimens were fabricated and tested with different replacement percentages of 0%, 30%, and 60% after immersing in seawater for 4, 8, 12, and 16 months, respectively. The basic properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) including the compressive strength, the elastic modulus, and chloride penetration depth were explicitly investigated. And the microstructure of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) was revealed to find the seawater corrosion by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that higher amount of the RCA means more porosity and less strength, which could lower both the compressive strength and resistance to chloride penetration. This research could be a guide in theoretical and numerical analysis for the design of RAC structures.
Nonconcordance between Clinical and Head CT Findings: The Specter of Overdiagnosis
Authors: O'Laughlin Kelli N. , Hoffman Jerome R. , Go Steven , Gabayan Gelareh Z. , Iqbal Erum , Merchant Guy , Lopez-Freeman Roberto A. , Zucker Michael I. , Mower William R.
Published: September 2013

Background. It is unclear whether history and physical examination findings can predict abnormalities on head computed tomography (CT) believed to indicate increased risk of lumbar-puncture- (LP-) induced brain herniation. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify head CT findings felt to be associated with increased risk of brain herniation and (2) to assess the ability of history and physical examination to predict those findings.Methods. Using a modified Delphi survey technique, an expert panel defined CT abnormalities felt to predict increased risk of LP-induced brain herniation. Presence of such findings on CT was compared with history and physical examination (H&P) variables in 47 patients.Results. No H&P variable predicted “high-risk” CT; combining H&P variables to improve sensitivity led to extremely low specificity and still failed to identifyallpatients with high-risk CT.Conclusions. “High-risk” CT is not uncommon in patients with clinical characteristics known to predict an absence of actual risk from LP, and thus it may not beclinically relevant. “Overdiagnosis” will be increasingly problematic as technological advances identify increasingly subtle deviations from “normal.”
Comparative Study on Interface Elements, Thin-Layer Elements, and Contact Analysis Methods in the Analysis of High Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dams
Authors: Qian Xiao-xiang , Yuan Hui-na , Li Quan-ming , Zhang Bing-yin
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a study on the numerical performance of three contact simulation methods, namely, the interface element, thin-layer element, and contact analysis methods, through the analysis of the contact behavior between the concrete face slab and the dam body of a high concrete-faced rockfill dam named Tianshengqiao-I in China. To investigate the accuracy and limitations of each method, the simulation results are compared in terms of the dam deformation, contact stress along the interface, stresses in the concrete face slab, and separation of the concrete face slab from the cushion layer. In particular, the predicted dam deformation and slab separation are compared with the in-situ observation data to classify these methods according to their agreement with the in-situ observations. It is revealed that the interface element and thin-layer element methods have their limitations in predicting contact stress, slab separation, and stresses in the concrete face slab if a large slip occurs. The contact analysis method seems to be the best choice whether the separation is finite or not.
Influence of the Generator in-Growth Time on the Final Radiochemical Purity and Stability of Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Uccelli L. , Boschi A. , Pasquali M. , Duatti A. , Di Domenico G. , Pupillo G. , Esposito J. , Giganti M. , Taibi A. , Gambaccini M.
Published: September 2013

At Legnaro laboratories of the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), a feasibility study has started since 2011 related to accelerated-based direct production of by the100Mo(p,2n) reaction. Both theoretical investigations and some recent preliminary irradiation tests on100Mo-enriched samples have pointed out that both the / ratio and the specific activity will be basically different in the final accelerator-produced Tc with respect to generator-produced one, which might affect the radiopharmaceutical procedures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible impact of different / isomeric ratios on the preparation of different Tc-labeled pharmaceutical kits. A set of measurements with , eluted from a standard99Mo/ generator, was performed, and results on both radiochemical purity and stability studies (following the standard quality control procedures) are reported for a set of widely used pharmaceuticals (i.e., -Sestamibi, -ECD, -MAG3, -DTPA, -MDP, -HMDP, -nanocolloids, and -DMSA). These pharmaceuticals have been all reconstituted with either the first [O4]−eluate obtained from a99Mo/ generator (coming from two different companies) or eluates after 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours from last elution. Results show that the radiochemical purity and stability of these radiopharmaceuticals were not affected up to the value of 11.84 for the / ratio.
Malignant Intracerebral Nerve Sheath Tumors: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Shweikeh Faris , Drazin Doniel , Bannykh Sergei I.
Published: September 2013

The occurrence of benign nerve sheath tumors within the neuroaxis is uncommon. Even rarer is the finding within brain parenchyma, termed malignant intracerebral nerve sheath tumors (MINST). We present a case of MINST which occurred in the frontal lobe of an 18-year-old male that recurred almost 4 years later. Imaging demonstrated a 4.0 cm lesion with an associated mass effect. He underwent a right fronto-parietal craniotomy for gross total resection. Pathology was inconclusive with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) as the most likely diagnosis, though gliosarcoma and MINST were also highly considered. Postoperatively, he was treated with chemotherapy and radiation and followed for almost 4 years, when an MRI indicated a recurrence. Resection of the recurrence was highly suggestive of MINST. Surgery was followed by radiation and chemotherapy, but, less than 7 months later, he was readmitted for a surgical-site infection, and, after multiple surgeries, and his family terminated care. Recognizing this unusual tumor in the differential diagnosis of a heterogeneously enhancing intracerebral mass can help surgeons diagnose and treat it. This report also exhaustively reviews the literature and presents diagnostic and treatment strategies.
An Alternating Direction Implicit Method for Solving Projected Generalized Continuous-Time Sylvester Equations
Authors: Zhou Yujian , Bao Liang , Lin Yiqin
Published: September 2013

We present the generalized low-rank alternating direction implicit method and the low-rank cyclic Smith method to solve projected generalized continuous-time Sylvester equations with low-rank right-hand sides. Such equations arise in control theory including the computation of inner products andℍ2norms and the model reduction based on balanced truncation for descriptor systems. The requirements of these methods are moderate with respect to both computational cost and memory. Numerical experiments presented in this paper show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
A Note on Solutions of the SIR Models of Epidemics Using HAM
Authors: Sajid M. , Abbas Z. , Ali N. , Javed T.
Published: September 2013

Recently, Awawdeh et al. (2009) discussed the solutions of SIR epidemics model using homotopy analysis method. This comment points out some crucial flaws in (Awawdeh et al. 2009). Particularly, results presented in Figure 1 of the (Awawdeh et al. 2009) do not represent the 20 term solution of the considered problem as stated. The present paper also provides a new approach for solving SIR epidemics model using homotopy analysis method. The new approach is based on dividing the entire domain into subintervals. In each subinterval the three-term HAM solution is sufficient for obtaining accurate and convergent results. The comparison of the obtained solution using new approach is made with the numerical results and found in excellent agreement.
Stat3 Inhibits PTPN13 Expression in Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma through Recruitment of HDAC5
Authors: Han Xiu-juan , Xue Li , Gong Li , Zhu Shao-jun , Yao Li , Wang Shu-mei , Lan Miao , Zhang Wei , Li Yan-hong
Published: September 2013

Proteins of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family are known to be signaling molecules that regulate a variety of cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. PTPN13 (also known as FAP1, PTPL1, PTPLE, PTPBAS, and PTP1E), a putative tumor suppressor, is frequently inactivated in lung carcinoma through the loss of either mRNA or protein expression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its dysregulation have not been fully explored. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediated Stat3 activation is viewed as crucial for multiple tumor growth and progression. Here, we demonstrate that PTPN13 is a direct transcriptional target of Stat3 in the squamous cell lung carcinoma. Our data show that IL-6 administration or transfection of a constitutively activated Stat3 in HCC-1588 and SK-MES-1 cells inhibits PTPN13 mRNA transcription. Using luciferase reporter and ChIP assays, we show that Stat3 binds to the promoter region of PTPN13 and promotes its activity through recruiting HDAC5. Thus, our results suggest a previously unknown Stat3-PTPN13 molecular network controlling squamous cell lung carcinoma development.
Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Filled with Thermally Treated Attapulgite
Authors: Wang Jihu , Chen Dajun
Published: September 2013

Natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were prepared in a double‐roller plasticator mixer with purified attapulgite (PAT) or modified attapulgite, which was treated at 450°C (PAT‐450) and 850°C (PAT‐850) for two hours. The structures of the pristine, purified, and modified attapulgite were characterized by FTIR, TEM, XRD, and BET. The results indicated that the structure of attapulgite changed with the increased temperature. The effects of the PAT treatment and content on the mechanical properties of the NR nanocomposites were also investigated. The results showed that AT increased curing process of natural rubber. A significant improvement in the tensile strength, wearability, and solvent resistance of the nanocomposites was observed with the addition of different types of attapulgite as compared to those of pure NR. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the filler was located at the interface, which induced compatibilization in the immiscible blends. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a significant improvement in the thermal stability of the NR/PAT nanocomposites.
Propose a Wall Shear Stress Divergence to Estimate the Risks of Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Zhang Y. , Takao H. , Murayama Y. , Qian Y.
Published: September 2013

Although wall shear stress (WSS) has long been considered a critical indicator of intracranial aneurysm rupture, there is still no definite conclusion as to whether a high or a low WSS results in aneurysm rupture. The reason may be that the effect of WSS direction has not been fully considered. The objectives of this study are to investigate the magnitude of WSS (|WSS|) and its divergence on the aneurysm surface and to test the significance of both in relation to the aneurysm rupture. Patient‐specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to compute WSS and wall shear stress divergence (WSSD) on the aneurysm surface for nineteen patients. Our results revealed that if high |WSS| is stretching aneurysm luminal surface, and the stretching region is concentrated, the aneurysm is under a high risk of rupture. It seems that, by considering both direction and magnitude of WSS, WSSD may be a better indicator for the risk estimation of aneurysm rupture (154).
An Unusual Etiology for Elevation of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) in SLE: Acquired Hemophilia and Lupus Anticoagulant
Authors: Seethala Srikanth , Collins Nathaniel P. , Comerci George
Published: September 2013

A 60-year-old female who has a history significant for diabetes, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis presented with a progressively enlarging hematoma of the left upper extremity. She was found to have an enlarging hematoma and an isolated elevation of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Lab work-up revealed low factor VIII activity levels and inhibitor titers at 13.38 Bethesda units (BU). Dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT) revealed a lupus anticoagulant. Hemostasis was achieved with factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity (FEIBA) and inhibitor eradication with-rituxan after the failure of first-line treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisone.
A Comparison of Complications between Open Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy and Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for the Treatment of Vault Prolapse
Authors: Coolen Anne-Lotte W. M. , van Oudheusden Anique M. J. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F. , van der Heijden Tim P. F. M. , Stokmans Rutger A. , Mol Ben Willem J. , Bongers Marlies Y.
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Sacrocolpopexy is a generally applied treatment for vault prolapse which can be performed laparoscopically or by open laparotomy.Methods. Between October 2007 and December 2012, we performed a multicenter prospective cohort study in 2 university and 4 teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. We included patients with symptomatic posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse requiring surgical treatment, who either had abdominal or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. We studied surgery related morbidity, which was divided in pre-, peri-, and postoperative characteristics.Results. We studied 85 patients, of whom 42 had open abdominal and 43 laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. In the laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy group, estimated blood loss was significantly less compared to the abdominal group: 192 mL (±126) versus 77 mL (±182), respectively (P≤.001). Furthermore, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (4.2 days) as compared to the abdominal group (2.4 days) (P≤.001). The overall complication rate was not significantly different (P=.121). However there was a significant difference in favor of the laparoscopic group in peri- and postoperative complications requiring complementary (conservative) treatment and/or extended admittance (RR 0.24 (95%-CI 0.07–0.80),P=.009).Conclusion. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy reduces blood loss and hospital stay as compared to abdominal sacrocolpopexy and generates less procedure related morbidity.
The Relationship between Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Çakmak Harun , Kocatürk Tolga , Dündar Sema Oruç , Dündar Mehmet , Karabulut Müjdat
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To evaluate association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods. 195 men enrolled in this cross-sectional study. 90 of them had neovascular AMD and 105 of them were healthy volunteers. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire’s erectile function (EF) domain was used to assess ED. The patients in the study and control groups were statistically compared according to visual acuity, EF score, and body mass index.Results. The mean ages were 62 (54.5–73) and 60 (54–68), in the neovascular AMD and control groups, respectively. The total EF scores were 9 (6–16) in neovascular AMD and 18 (9.5–27) in control group. The results of IIEF questionnaire on neovascular AMD patients revealed that 85 men (94.4%) had some degree of ED, whereas 68 men (64.8%) had some degree of ED on control group. Patients with neovascular AMD had a significantly higher incidence of ED than control patients (). There was a significant association between ED and neovascular AMD ().Conclusions. Our results suggested that neovascular AMD has a high association with ED.
Genetic Markers Associated to Dyslipidemia in HIV‐Infected Individuals on HAART
Authors: Lazzaretti Rosmeri K. , Gasparotto Aline S. , Sassi Marina G. de M. , Polanczyk Carísi A. , Kuhmmer Regina , Silveira Jussara M. , Basso Rossana P. , Pinheiro Cezar A. T. , Silveira Mariângela F. , Sprinz Eduardo , Mattevi Vanessa S.
Published: September 2013

This study evaluated the impact of 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 candidate genes (APOB, APOA5, APOE, APOC3, SCAP, and LDLR) over dyslipidemia in HIV‐infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable viral loads. Blood samples were collected from 614 patients at reference services in the cities of Porto Alegre, Pelotas, and Rio Grande in Brazil. The SNPs were genotyped by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was particularly high among the protease inhibitors‐treated patients (79%). APOE (rs429358 and rs7412) genotypes and APOA5 −1131T>C (rs662799) were associated with plasma triglycerides (TG) and low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL‐C). The APOA5 −1131T>C (rs662799) and SCAP 2386A>G (rs12487736) polymorphisms were significantly associated with high‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The mean values of the total cholesterol and LDL‐C levels were associated with both the APOB SP Ins/Del (rs17240441) and APOB XbaI (rs693) polymorphisms. In conclusion, our data support the importance of genetic factors in the determination of lipid levels in HIV‐infected individuals. Due to the relatively high number of carriers of these risk variants, studies to verify treatment implications of genotyping before HAART initiation may be advisable to guide the selection of an appropriate antiretroviral therapy regimen.
The BALM Copula
Authors: Dimitrov Boyan , Kolev Nikolai
Published: September 2013

The class of probability distributions possessing the almost-lack-of-memory
property appeared about 20 years ago. It reasonably took place in research and
modeling, due to its suitability to represent uncertainty in periodic random
environment. Multivariate version of the almost-lack-of-memory property is
less known, but it is not less interesting. In this paper we give the copula of
the bivariate almost-lack-of-memory (BALM) distributions and discuss some
of its properties and applications. An example shows how the Marshal-Olkin
distribution can be turned into BALM and what is its copula.
Interrater Reliability of Diagnostic Methods in Traditional Indian Ayurvedic Medicine
Authors: Kurande Vrinda , Bilgrau Anders Ellern , Waagepetersen Rasmus , Toft Egon , Prasad Ramjee
Published: September 2013

This study assesses the interrater reliability of Ayurvedic pulse (nadi), tongue (jivha), and body constitution (prakriti) assessments. Fifteen registered Ayurvedic doctors with 3–15 years of experience independently examined twenty healthy subjects. Subjects completed self-assessment questionnaires and software analyses forprakritiassessment. Weighted kappa statistics for all 105 pairs of doctors were computed for the pulse, tongue, andprakritidata sets. According to the Landis-Koch scale, the pairwise kappas ranged from poor to slight, slight to fair, and fair to moderate for pulse, tongue, andprakritiassessments, respectively. The average pairwise kappa for pulse, tongue, andprakritiwas 0.07, 0.17, and 0.28, respectively. For each data set and pair of doctors, the null hypothesis of random rating was rejected for just twelve pairs of doctors forprakriti, one pair of doctors for pulse examination, and no pairs of doctors for tongue assessment. Thus, the results demonstrate a low level of reliability for all types of assessment made by doctors. There was significant evidence against random rating by software and questionnaire use and by the diagnosis preferred by the majority of doctors.Prakritiassessment appears reliable when questionnaire and software assessment are used, while other diagnostic methods have room for improvement.
Orthokeratinized Odontogenic Cyst: A Report of Three Clinical Cases
Authors: González Galván María del Carmen , García-García Abel , Anitua-Aldecoa Eduardo , Martinez-Conde Llamosas Rafael , Aguirre-Urizar José Manuel
Published: September 2013

The orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst that has been considered as a variant of the keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) until Wright (1981) defined it as a different entity. Surgery is the usual treatment, and recurrence or association with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome has rarely been described. In this report, we presented three cases of this pathology, and we review the principal clinical, histological, radiological, and therapeutic aspects.Case 1. A 73-year-old female presents with a slight swelling on the right mandible, associated with an unilocular well-defined radiolucent lesion.Case 2. A 27-year-old female presents with a painful mandibular swelling associated with an unilocular radiolucent lesion posterior to the 4.8.Case 3. A 61-year-old male was casually detected presents with an unilocular radiolucent lesion distal to the 4.8.Conclusion. The OOC is a specific odontogenic clinicopathological entity that should be differentiated from the KCOT as it presents a completely different biological behaviour.
Study on Stochastic Linear Quadratic Optimal Control with Quadratic and Mixed Terminal State Constraints
Authors: Hongli Yang
Published: September 2013

This paper studies the indefinite stochastic LQ control problem with quadratic and mixed terminal state equality constraints, which can be transformed into a mathematical programming problem. By means of the Lagrangian multiplier theorem and Riesz representation theorem, the main result given in this paper is the necessary condition for indefinite stochastic LQ control with quadratic and mixed terminal equality constraints. The result shows that the different terminal state constraints will cause the endpoint condition of the differential Riccati equation to be changed. It coincides with the indefinite stochastic LQ problem with linear terminal state constraint, so the result given in this paper can be viewed as the extension of the indefinite stochastic LQ problem with the linear terminal state equality constraint. In order to guarantee the existence and the uniqueness of the linear feedback control, a sufficient condition is also presented in the paper. A numerical example is presented at the end of the paper.
Orbital Shadowing for -Generic Volume-Preserving Diffeomorphisms
Authors: Lee Manseob
Published: September 2013

We show that -generically, if a volume-preserving diffeomorphism has the orbital shadowing property, then the diffeomorphism is Anosov.
Short Tools to Assess Young Children's Dietary Intake: A Systematic Review Focusing on Application to Dietary Index Research
Authors: Bell Lucinda K. , Golley Rebecca K. , Magarey Anthea M.
Published: September 2013

Dietary indices evaluate diet quality, usually based on current dietary guidelines. Indices can therefore contribute to our understanding of early-life obesity-risk dietary behaviours. Yet indices are commonly applied to dietary data collected by onerous methods (e.g., recalls or records). Short dietary assessment instruments are an attractive alternative to collect data from which to derive an index score. A systematic review of studies published before April 2013 was conducted to identify short (≤50 items) tools that measure whole-of-diet intake of young children (birth-five years) and are applicable to dietary indices, in particular screening obesogenic dietary behaviours. The search identified 3686 papers of which 16, reporting on 15 tools (n=7, infants and toddlers birth-24 months;n=8, preschoolers 2–5 years), met the inclusion criteria. Most tools were food frequency questionnaires (n=14), with one innovative dietary questionnaire identified. Seven were tested for validity or reliability, and one was tested for both. Six tools (n=2, infants and toddlers;n=4, preschoolers) are applicable for use with current dietary indices, five of which screen obesogenic dietary behaviours. Given the limited number of brief, valid and reliable dietary assessment tools for young children to which an index can be applied, future short tool development is warranted, particularly for screening obesogenic dietary behaviours.
Detection of Antiphosphatidylserine/Prothrombin Antibodies and Their Potential Diagnostic Value
Authors: Žigon Polona , Čučnik Saša , Ambrožič Aleš , Kveder Tanja , Šemrl Snežna Sodin , Rozman Blaž , Božič Borut
Published: September 2013

Antiprothrombin antibodies, measured with phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex (aPS/PT) ELISA, have been reported to be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). They are currently being evaluated as a potential classification criterion for this autoimmune disease, characterized by thromboses and obstetric complications. Given the present lack of clinically useful tests for the accurate diagnosis of APS, we aimed to evaluatein-houseand commercial assays for determination of aPS/PT as a potential serological marker for APS. We screened 156 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases for antibodies against PS/PT,β2-glycoprotein I, cardiolipin and for lupus anticoagulant activity. We demonstrated a high degree of concordance between the concentrations of aPS/PT measured with thein-houseand commercial assays. Both assays performed comparably relating to the clinical manifestations of APS, such as arterial and venous thromboses and obstetric complications. IgG aPS/PT represented the strongest independent risk factor for the presence of obstetric complications, among all tested aPL. Both IgG and IgM aPS/PT were associated with venous thrombosis, but not with arterial thrombosis. Most importantly, the association between the presence of IgG/IgM aPS/PT and lupus anticoagulant activity was highly significant. Taken together, aPS/PT antibodies detected with thein-houseor commercial ELISA represent a promising serological marker for APS and its subsets.
Targeting the B‐Cell Pathway in Lupus Nephritis: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
Authors: Pateinakis Panagiotis , Pyrpasopoulou Athina
Published: September 2013

Nephritis represents a frequent, severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoantibodies appear to be fundamental in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Several hypotheses are currently experimentally tested to further elucidate the direct induction of inflammation through interaction of the pathological autoantibodies with intrinsic glomerular components and the triggering of a complement‐driven autoinflammatory cascade. B‐cells have, in the last decade, emerged as a promising new therapeutic target, as biological treatments successfully attempting B‐cell depletion, inhibition of B‐cell proliferation and differentiation, or modulation of B‐cell function have become bioengineered. Clinical trials have so far proved controversial regarding the efficacy of these new agents. Thus, despite the short and long‐term side effects associated with immunosuppressive treatment alternative emerging treatments are still regarded “rescue” regimens in refractory patients. In an effort to accurately evaluate the potential of these therapies in lupus nephritis, several issues have been raised mainly in terms of patient selection criteria and trial duration. This review aims to expand on the proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms implicating the B‐cell pathway in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis and summarize current knowledge obtained from clinical trials introducing these biologics in its treatment. Finally, it will elaborate on potential applications of currently available biologic agents and forthcoming treatment options.
Regularity of Dual Gabor Windows
Authors: Christensen Ole , Kim Hong Oh , Kim Rae Young
Published: September 2013

We present a construction of dual windows associated with Gabor frames with compactly supported windows. The size of the support of the dual windows is comparable to that of the given window. Under certain conditions, we prove that there exist dual windows with higher regularity than the canonical dual window. On the other hand, there are cases where no differentiable dual window exists, even in the overcomplete case. As a special case of our results, we show that there exists a common smooth dual window for an interesting class of Gabor frames. In particular, for any value ofK∈ℕ,there is a smooth functionhwhich simultaneously is a dual window for all B-spline generated Gabor frames{EmbTnBN(x/2)}m,n∈ℕfor B-splinesBNof orderN=1,…,2K+1with a fixed and sufficiently small value ofb.