bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BASES FOR Sk(Γ1(4)) AND FORMULAS FOR EVEN POWERS OF THE JACOBI THETA FUNCTION
Authors: FUKUHARA SHINJI , YANG YIFAN
Published: June 2013

We find a basis for the space Sk(Γ1(4)) of cusp forms of weight k for the congruence subgroup Γ1(4) in terms of Eisenstein series. As an application, we obtain formulas for r2k(n), the number of ways to represent a non-negative integer n as sums of 2k integer squares.
A HASSE PRINCIPLE FOR PERIODIC POINTS
Authors: TOWSLEY ADAM
Published: June 2013

Let F be a global field, let φ ∈ F(x) be a rational map of degree at least 2, and let α ∈ F. We say that α is periodic if φn(α) = α for some n ≥ 1. A Hasse principle is the idea, or hope, that a phenomenon which happens everywhere locally should happen globally as well. The principle is well known to be true in some situations and false in others. We show that a Hasse principle holds for periodic points, and further show that it is sufficient to know that α is periodic on residue fields for every prime in a set of natural density 1 to know that α is periodic in F.
ON THE q-DERIVATIVE AND q-SERIES EXPANSIONS
Authors: LIU ZHI-GUO
Published: June 2013

Using a general q-series expansion, we derive some nontrivial q-formulas involving many infinite products. A multitude of Hecke-type series identities are derived. Some general formulas for sums of any number of squares are given. A new representation for the generating function for sums of three triangular numbers is derived, which is slightly different from that of Andrews, also implies the famous result of Gauss where every integer is the sum of three triangular numbers.
GENERALIZATION OF THE EFFECTIVE WIENER–IKEHARA THEOREM
Authors: RÉVÉSZ SZILÁRD GY. , de ROTON ANNE
Published: June 2013

We consider the classical Wiener–Ikehara Tauberian theorem, with a generalized condition of slow decrease and some additional poles on the boundary of convergence of the Laplace transform. In this generality, we prove the otherwise known asymptotic evaluation of the transformed function, when the usual conditions of the Wiener–Ikehara theorem hold. However, our version also provides an effective error term, not known thus far in this generality. The crux of the proof is a proper, asymptotic variation of the lemmas of Ganelius and Tenenbaum, also constructed for the sake of an effective version of the Wiener–Ikehara theorem.
DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SiC–Al2O3–Al CERAMIC MATRIX NANOCOMPOSITE POWDER
Authors: KARBASI MARYAM , RAZAVI MEHDI , AZADI MINA , TAYEBI LOBAT
Published: June 2013

In this study, SiC – Al 2 O 3– Al ceramic matrix nanocomposite powder was successfully synthesized employing mechanical alloying technique, through mechanochemical reaction among Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Carbon (C) and Aluminum (Al). For the commercial purposes, the materials ( SiO 2, C and Al powders) and also the method of synthesis (mechanical alloying) is considered to be cost effective for the production of SiC – Al 2 O 3– Al nanocomposite. Addition of alumina ( Al 2 O 3) and aluminum to silicon carbide (SiC) in a nancomposite form can improve the fracture toughness, strength and fatigue crack resistance of SiC and make it a leading material for many commercial applications specially by considering the cost-effective method of production. The structural evaluation of powder particles after different milling times was conducted by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that during ball milling the SiO 2, C and Al reacted with a combustion mode producing SiC – Al 2 O 3– Al nanocomposite after 24 h ball milling and annealing at the temperature of 920°C. The crystallite sizes of phases remained in nanometric scale after annealing at 920°C for 1 h. Based on our investigation, it was revealed that ball milling and annealing process decreases the temperature of reaction between SiO 2 and C from 1500°C to 920°C.
Giant crinoid stems from the Lower Carboniferous (Mississippian) of Clitheroe, Lancashire, UK
Authors: Donovan S. K.
Published: June 2013

Hitherto, large crinoid pluricolumnals and attachment structures, commonly
c
. 30–60+ mm in diameter, from the Mississippian of Salthill Quarry in Lancashire, England, have been left in open nomenclature. The columnal morphospecies
Bystrowicrinus
(col.)
westheadi
sp. nov. is erected for these pluricolumnals, representing the dististele and attachment structure of a xenomorphic crinoid stem of a cladid or camerate. The column is homeomorphic or irregularly heteromorphic, with a circular, elliptical or pentagonal section, a relatively small pentastellate lumen, radially symplectial articulation and distal radicular attachment. The mesistele-dististele transition involves an abrupt increase in diameter. No large thecae known from this site could obviously be associated with such a dististele. The large column grew to such a diameter over a period of years, indicated by numerous, densely packed growth lines. Attachment was by both robust, unbranched radices and the weight of the large, inflexible column. Nutrient absorption and gaseous exchange would have occurred through the ectoderm.
A new record of the trace fossil
Selenichnites
from the Middle Jurassic Scalby Formation of the Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire
Authors: Romano Mike , Whyte Martin A.
Published: June 2013

Trace fossils of the ichnogenus
Selenichnites
are described from the Long Nab Member of the Scalby Formation, which is the highest unit of the Middle Jurassic Ravenscar Group of the Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire. The presence of
Selenichnites hundalensis
at this level extends the known range of this ichnospecies in the Cleveland Basin from the Bajocian up into the Bathonian. Together with other associated specimens, assigned to
Selenichnites
isp. and
Selenichnites
isp. indet., these ichnotaxa are regarded as having been made by limulids which inhabited a coastal environment that experienced both marine and freshwater conditions. One of the specimens provides evidence as to the depth of burial the maker achieved.
Strategies to Characterize Fungal Lipases for Applications in Medicine and Dairy Industry
Authors: Gopinath Subash C. B. , Anbu Periasamy , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Hilda Azariah
Published: June 2013

Lipases are water-soluble enzymes that act on insoluble substrates and catalyze the hydrolysis of long-chain triglycerides. Lipases play a vital role in the food, detergent, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In the past, fungal lipases gained significant attention in the industries due to their substrate specificity and stability under varied chemical and physical conditions. Fungal enzymes are extracellular in nature, and they can be extracted easily, which significantly reduces the cost and makes this source preferable over bacteria. Soil contaminated with spillage from the products of oil and dairy harbors fungal species, which have the potential to secrete lipases to degrade fats and oils. Herein, the strategies involved in the characterization of fungal lipases, capable of degrading fatty substances, are narrated with a focus on further applications.
An Assessment of the Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Feeding Pattern among Mothers in Mauritius
Authors: Motee Ashmika , Ramasawmy Deerajen , Pugo-Gunsam Prity , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: June 2013

Proper breastfeeding practices are effective ways for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. While many mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding, others are less knowledgeable on the benefits of breastfeeding and weaning. The aim in here is to assess breastfeeding pattern, infant formula feeding pattern, and weaning introduction in Mauritius and to investigate the factors that influence infant nutrition. 500 mothers were interviewed using a questionnaire which was designed to elicit information on infant feeding practices. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS (version 13.0), whereby chi-square tests were used to evaluate relationships between different selected variables. The prevalence of breastfeeding practice in Mauritius has risen from 72% in 1991 to 93.4% as found in this study, while only 17.9% breastfed their children exclusively for the first 6 months, and the mean duration of EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) is 2.10 months. Complementary feeding was more commonly initiated around 4–6 months (75.2%). Despite the fact that 60.6% of mothers initiate breastfeeding and 26.1% of mothers are found to breastfeed up to 2 years, the practice of EBF for the first 6 months is low (17.9%). Factors found to influence infant feeding practices are type of delivery, parity, alcohol consumption, occupation, education, and breast problems.
Bovine Papillomavirus in Brazil: Detection of Coinfection of Unusual Types by a PCR-RFLP Method
Authors: Carvalho R. F. , Sakata S. T. , Giovanni D. N. S. , Mori E. , Brandão P. E. , Richtzenhain L. J. , Pozzi C. R. , Arcaro J. R. P. , Miranda M. S. , Mazzuchelli-de-Souza J. , Melo T. C. , Comenale G. , Assaf S. L. M. R. , Beçak W. , Stocco R. C.
Published: June 2013

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is recognized as a causal agent of benign and malignant tumors in cattle. Thirteen types of BPV are currently characterized and classified into three distinct genera, associated with different pathological outcomes. The described BPV types as well as other putative ones have been demonstrated by molecular biology methods, mainly by the employment of degenerated PCR primers. Specifically, divergences in the nucleotide sequence of the L1 gene are useful for the identification and classification of new papillomavirus types. On the present work, a method based on the PCR-RFLP technique and DNA sequencing was evaluated as a screening tool, allowing for the detection of two relatively rare types of BPV in lesions samples from a six-year-old Holstein dairy cow, chronically affected with cutaneous papillomatosis. These findings point to the dissemination of BPVs with unclear pathogenic potential, since two relatively rare, new described BPV types, which were first characterized in Japan, were also detected in Brazil.
Integrative TCM Conservative Therapy for Low Back Pain due to Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Yuan Wei An , Huang Shi Rong , Guo Kai , Sun Wu Quan , Xi Xiao Bing , Zhang Ming Cai , Kong Ling Jun , Lu Hua , Zhan Hong Sheng , Cheng Ying Wu
Published: June 2013

Low back pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is very common in clinic. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of integrative TCM conservative therapy for low back pain due to LDH. A total of 408 patients with low back pain due to LDH were randomly assigned to an experimental group with integrative TCM therapy and a control group with normal conservative treatment by the ratio of 3 : 1. The primary outcome was the pain by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcome was the low back functional activities by Chinese Short Form Oswestry Disability Index (C-SFODI). Immediately after treatment, patients in the experimental group experienced significant improvements in VAS and C-SFODI compared with the control group (between-group difference in mean change from baseline, −16.62 points,P<0.001in VAS; −15.55 points,P<0.001in C-SFODI). The difference remained at one-month followup, but it is only significant in C-SFODI at six-month followup (−7.68 points,P<0.001). No serious adverse events were observed. These findings suggest that integrative TCM therapy may be a beneficial complementary and alternative therapy for patients with low back pain due to LDH.
Adams Predictor-Corrector Systems for Solving Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Shang Dequan , Guo Xiaobin
Published: June 2013

A predictor-corrector algorithm and an improved predictor-corrector (IPC) algorithm based on Adams method are proposed to solve first-order differential equations with fuzzy initial condition. These algorithms are generated by updating the Adams predictor-corrector method and their convergence is also analyzed. Finally, the proposed methods are illustrated by solving an example.
A Routing Algorithm Based on Dynamic Forecast of Vehicle Speed and Position in VANET
Authors: Huang Haojing , Zhang Shukui
Published: June 2013

Considering city road environment as the background, by researching GPSR greedy algorithm and the movement characteristics of vehicle nodes in VANET, this paper proposes the concept of circle changing trends angle in vehicle speed fluctuation curve and the movement domain and designs an SWF routing algorithm based on the vehicle speed point forecasted and the changing trends time computation. Simulation experiments are carried out through using a combination of NS-2 and VanetMobiSim software. Compared with the performance of the SWF-GPSR protocol with general GPSR, 2-hop C-GEDIR, and the GRA and AODV protocols, we find that the SWF algorithm has a certain degree of improvement in routing hops, the packet delivery ratio, delay performance, and link stability.
An Evaluative Study on the Choice of Regional Strategic Emerging Industry Based on DEMATEL: Heilongjiang Province as an Example
Authors: Guo Xiuying , Hui Xiaofeng , Wang Junxiang
Published: June 2013

Currently, the convergence of choosing regional strategic emerging industry is very serious in our country. And affected by its developmental stage, at present, the research of the methodology for choosing and evaluating regional strategic emerging industry is not very mature and lacks systematic and dynamic study. By expanding the DEMATEL method to the field of the complex weighted network, comparing the regional industry to a dynamic system and establishing the DEMATEL improved model based on industry input-output table, it is possible to realize the systematicness and dynamic nature of choosing regional strategy emerging industry.
Therapeutic and Radiosensitizing Effects of Armillaridin on Human Esophageal Cancer Cells
Authors: Chi Chih-Wen , Chen Chien-Chih , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: June 2013

Background. Armillaridin (AM) is isolated fromArmillaria mellea. We examined the anticancer activity and radiosensitizing effect on human esophageal cancer cells.Methods. Human squamous cell carcinoma (CE81T/VGH and TE-2) and adenocarcinoma (BE-3 and SKGT-4) cell lines were cultured. The MTT assay was used for cell viability. The cell cycle was analyzed using propidium iodide staining. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was measured by DiOC6(3) staining. The colony formation assay was performed for estimation of the radiation surviving fraction. Human CE81T/VGH xenografts were established for evaluation of therapeutic activityin vivo.Results. AM inhibited the viability of four human esophageal cancer cell lines with an estimated concentration of 50% inhibition (IC50) which was 3.4–6.9 μM. AM induced a hypoploid cell population and morphological alterations typical of apoptosis in cells. This apoptosis induction was accompanied by a reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. AM accumulated cell cycle at G2/M phase and enhanced the radiosensitivity in CE81T/VGH cells.In vivo, AM inhibited the growth of CE81T/VGH xenografts without significant impact on body weight and white blood cell counts.Conclusion. Armillaridin could inhibit growth and enhance radiosensitivity of human esophageal cancer cells. There might be potential to integrate AM with radiotherapy for esophageal cancer treatment.
Novel Organotin(IV) Schiff Base Complexes with Histidine Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity
Authors: Garza-Ortiz Ariadna , Camacho-Camacho Carlos , Sainz-Espuñes Teresita , Rojas-Oviedo Irma , Gutiérrez-Lucas Luis Raúl , Gutierrez Carrillo Atilano , Vera Ramirez Marco A.
Published: June 2013

Five novel tin Schiff base complexes with histidine analogues (derived from the condensation reaction between L-histidine and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) have been synthesized and characterized. Characterization has been completed by IR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy, 1D and 2D solution NMR (1H,13C  and119Sn), as well as solid state119Sn NMR. The spectroscopic evidence shows two types of structures: a trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistry with the tin atom coordinated to five donating atoms (two oxygen atoms, one nitrogen atom, and two carbon atoms belonging to the alkyl moieties), where one molecule of ligand is coordinated in a three dentate fashion. The second structure is spectroscopically described as a tetrahedral tin complex with four donating atoms (one oxygen atom coordinated to the metal and three carbon atoms belonging to the alkyl or aryl substituents), with one molecule of ligand attached. The antimicrobial activity of the tin compounds has been tested against the growth of bacteriain vitroto assess their bactericidal properties. While pentacoordinated compounds1,2, and3are described as moderate effective to noneffective drugs against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, tetracoordinated tin(IV) compounds4and5are considered as moderate effective and most effective compounds, respectively, against the methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains (Gram-positive).
Reishi Protein LZ-8 Induces FOXP3+Treg Expansion via a CD45-Dependent Signaling Pathway and Alleviates Acute Intestinal Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Hsu Hsien-Yeh , Kuan Yen-Chou , Lin Tung-Yi , Tsao Shu-Ming , Hsu Jason , Ma Li-Juan , Sheu Fuu
Published: June 2013

LZ-8, an immunomodulatory protein isolated fromGanoderma lucidum(also known as Ling-Zhi or Reishi), has been shown to promote cell proliferation and IL-2 production in T cells. In this study, we show that LZ-8 induces the expansion of both murine and human CD4+T cells into FOXP3+regulatory T (Treg) cells. LZ-8 treatment was found to stimulate a 4-fold and a 10-fold expansion in the Treg populations of murine and human primary CD4+T cells, respectively. In addition, the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 was induced in LZ-8-treated CD4+T cells. Using neutralizing antibodies and gene-deficient T-cell lines, we also found that LZ-8 promotes Treg expansion through a CD45-mediated signaling pathway and that the CD18-dependent induction of IL-2 was involved in Treg formation and IL-10 production. The suppressive activity of LZ-8 was confirmed using a murine model of DSS-induced colitis; the disease was alleviated by the adoptive transfer of LZ-8-treated CD4+T cells. In conclusion, a new regulatory function for LZ-8 was identified, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this function were elucidated.
On Option Pricing in Illiquid Markets with Jumps
Authors: El-Khatib Youssef , Hatemi-J Abdulnasser
Published: June 2013

One of the shortcomings of the Black-Scholes model on option pricing is the assumption that trading of the underlying asset does not affect the price of that asset. This assumption can be fulfilled only in perfectly liquid markets. Since most markets are illiquid, this assumption might be too restrictive. Thus, taking into account the price impact on option pricing is an important issue. This issue has been dealt with, to some extent, for illiquid markets by assuming a continuous process, mainly based on the Brownian motion. However, the recent financial crisis and its effects on the global stock markets have propagated the urgent need for more realistic models where the stochastic process describing the price trajectories involves random jumps. Nonetheless, works related to markets with jumps are scant compared to the continuous ones. In addition, those previous studies do not deal with illiquid markets. The contribution of this paper is to tackle the pricing problem for options in illiquid markets with jumps as well as the hedging strategy within this context, which is the first of its kind to the authors’ best knowledge.
Mean 5-Year Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients under the Age of 30
Authors: Gililland Jeremy M. , Anderson Lucas A. , Erickson Jill , Pelt Christopher E. , Peters Christopher L.
Published: June 2013

We performed a retrospective review of 40 consecutive modern cementless THAs with 65-month mean followup in 34 patients under the age of 30 primarily for diagnoses other than inflammatory arthritis. We found acceptable functional improvement and radiographic outcomes at mean 5-year followup. We found a high transfusion rate, dislocation rate (10%), and midterm overall aseptic revision rate (17%). Twenty-eight (67.5%) of hips in this series were metal on metal, with a large percentage of aseptic revisions related to metallosis (57%). When revisions due to metallosis were excluded, the aseptic revision rate was 7.5%. The high prevalence of prior pediatric hip surgery in these patients (50%) may predispose to increased technical difficulty resulting in increased complications and higher revision rates. Although our revision rate was high in these young patients, it is favorable compared to older techniques and consistent with the limited data available with modern cementless techniques in patients of similar age. Cementless THA with modern designs remains a viable option for the treatment of arthritis in the young patient.
Power Scaling for Spatial Modulation with Limited Feedback
Authors: Xiao Yue , Tang Qian , Gong Lisha , Yang Ping , Yang Zongfei
Published: June 2013

Spatial modulation (SM) is a recently developed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technique which offers a new tradeoff between spatial diversity and spectrum efficiency, by introducing the indices of transmit antennas as a means of information modulation. Due to the special structure of SM-MIMO, in the receiver, maximum likelihood (ML) detector can be combined with low complexity. For further improving the system performance with limited feedback, in this paper, a novel power scaling spatial modulation (PS-SM) scheme is proposed. The main idea is based on the introduction of scaling factor (SF) for weighting the modulated symbols on each transmit antenna of SM, so as to enlarge the minimal Euclidean distance of modulated constellations and improve the system performance. Simulation results show that the proposed PS-SM outperforms the conventional adaptive spatial modulation (ASM) with the same feedback amount and similar computational complexity.
Fixed Bed Adsorption of Drugs on Silica Aerogel from Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Solutions
Authors: Caputo Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Supercritical adsorption coupled with the high adsorption capacity of silica aerogel allows the preparation of a new kind of delivery systems of poor water soluble drugs. In order to overcome drawbacks of conventional techniques where the use of liquid solvents can cause the fracture of aerogel porous structure, in this work a new adsorption process of drugs from a supercritical mixture is proposed. Adsorption takes place from a fluid solution of the drug in supercritical CO2and ethanol as cosolvent. A fixed bed adsorption plant has been developed to allow fast mixing of fluid phase and effective contact in the adsorption column. The use of ethanol as cosolvent allows to overcome the limitation of supercritical adsorption due to low solubility of many drugs in supercritical CO2. Adsorption isotherms were measured for one-model substance, nimesulide, at 40°C, and breakthrough curve was experimentally obtained. The drug loading of the drug into silica aerogel was up to 9 wt%. The drug composite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and release kinetics of the adsorbed drug were also evaluated by in vitro dissolution tests. The dissolution of nimesulide from loaded aerogel is much faster than dissolution of crystalline nimesulide. Around 80% of nimesulide dissolves from the aerogel within 6 minutes, whereas dissolving 80% of the crystalline drug takes about 90 min.
A Note on the Triple Laplace Transform and Its Applications to Some Kind of Third-Order Differential Equation
Authors: Atangana Abdon
Published: June 2013

We introduced a relatively new operator called the triple Laplace transform. We presented some properties and theorems about the relatively new operator. We examine the triple Laplace transform of some function of three variables. We make use of the operator to solve some kind of third-order differential equation called “Mboctara equations.”
Expanding the BP1-BP2 15q11.2 Microdeletion Phenotype: Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Congenital Cataracts
Authors: Wong D. , Johnson S. M. , Young D. , Iwamoto L. , Sood S. , Slavin T. P.
Published: June 2013

The proximal q arm of chromosome 15 contains breakpoint regions BP1–BP5 with the classic deletion of BP1–BP3 best known to be associated with Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. The region is approximately 500 kb and microdeletions within the BP1-BP2 region have been reported in patients with developmental delay, behavioral abnormalities, and motor apraxia as well as dysmorphic features including hypertelorism, cleft or narrow palate, ear abnormalities, and recurrent upper airway infections. We report two patients with unique, never-before-reported 15q11.2 BP1-2 microdeletion syndrome findings, one with proximal esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (type C) and one with congenital cataracts. Cataracts have been described in Prader-Willi syndrome but we could not find any description of cataracts in Angelman syndrome. Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula have not been reported to our knowledge in either syndrome. A chance exists that both cases are sporadic birth defects; however, the findings of the concomitant microdeletion cannot be overlooked as a possible cause. Based on our review of the literature and the presentation of our patients, we recommend that esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula as well as congenital cataracts be included in the phenotypic spectrum of 15q11.2 BP1-2 microdeletion syndrome.
Vasculotoxic and Proinflammatory Effects of Plasma Heme: Cell Signaling and Cytoprotective Responses
Authors: Belcher John D. , Nath Karl A. , Vercellotti Gregory M.
Published: June 2013

The proinflammatory vasculotoxic effects of intravascular hemolysis are modulated by plasma hemoglobin and heme clearance via the haptoglobin/CD163 system and the hemopexin/CD91 system, respectively, and detoxification through the heme oxygenase/ferritin system. However, sudden or excessive hemolysis can overwhelm these protective systems leading to heme interacting with cells of the vasculature. Heme presents a damage-associated molecular pattern to the innate immune system. Heme is an extracellular inflammatory signaling molecule with strict binding specificity for TLR4 on monocyte/macrophages, endothelial, and other cells. The resulting TLR4 signaling cascade rapidly leads to intracellular oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. Heme also induces a cytoprotective response that includes Nrf2 responsive genes such as heme oxygenase-1, ferritin, haptoglobin, hemopexin, and other antioxidant response genes. It is the balance between the pro-inflammatory/vasculotoxic effects of plasma hemoglobin/heme and the cytoprotective responses that ultimately determines the pathophysiologic outcome in patients.
Bouveret Syndrome—The Rarest Variant of Gallstone Ileus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mavroeidis Vasileios K. , Matthioudakis Dimitrios I. , Economou Nikolaos K. , Karanikas Ioannis D.
Published: June 2013

We present a case report of a patient with Bouveret syndrome with interesting radiological findings and successful surgical treatment after failure of the endoscopic techniques. The report is followed by a review of the literature regarding the diagnostic means and proper treatment of this rare entity. Bouveret syndrome refers to the condition of gastric outlet obstruction caused by the impaction of a large gallstone into the duodenum after passage through a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Many endoscopic and surgical techniques have been described in the management of this syndrome. This is a case of a 78-year-old patient with severe medical history who presented in bad general condition with an 8-day history of nausea, multiple bilious vomiting episodes, anorexia, discomfort in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium, and fever up to 38,5°C. The diagnosis of Bouveret syndrome was set after performing the proper imaging studies. An initial endoscopic effort to resolve the obstruction was performed without success. Surgical treatment managed to extract the impacted gallstone through an enterotomy after removal into the first part of the jejunum.
Simulation of Water Vapor Condensation in a Partly Closed Structure: The Influence of the External Conditions of Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Batina Jean , Peyrous René
Published: June 2013

Our aim is to determine the more significant parameters acting on the water vapor condensation in a partly closed structure, submitted to external constraints (temperature and humidity) which induce convective movements and thermal variations inside. These constraints locally lead to condensation of the water vapor, initially contained in the air of the volume and/or on the walls. The inside bottom wall is remained dry. Condensed water quantities depend on: (1) dimensions of the structure, (2) the air renewing and its hygrometry, and (3) the phase between thermal and hydrometric conditions. Peculiar conditions are needed to obtain a maximum of condensation.
Expanded Mixed Finite Element Method for the Two-Dimensional Sobolev Equation
Authors: Zhao Qing-li , Li Zong-cheng , Ding You-zheng
Published: June 2013

Expanded mixed finite element method is introduced to approximate the two-dimensional Sobolev equation. This formulation expands the standard mixed formulation in the sense that three unknown variables are explicitly treated. Existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are demonstrated. Optimal order error estimates for both the scalar and two vector functions are established.
Human Periventricular Grey Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Suggest Rostrocaudally Inverted Somatotopy
Authors: Pereira Erlick A.C. , Wang Shouyan , Owen Sarah L.F. , Aziz Tipu Z. , Green Alexander L.
Published: June 2013

Background: Somatosensory homunculi have been demonstrated in primary somatosensory cortex and ventral posterior thalamus but not periaqueductal and periventricular grey matter (PAVG), a therapeutic target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in chronic pain. Aims: The study is an investigation of somatotopic representation in PAVG and assessment for a somatosensory homunculus. Methods: Five human subjects were investigated using electrical somatosensory stimulation and deep brain macroelectrode recording. DBS were implanted in the contralateral PAVG. Cutaneous arm, leg and face regions were stimulated while event-related potentials were recorded from deep brain electrodes. Electrode contact positions were mapped using MRI and brain atlas information. Results: Monopolar P1 somatosensory evoked potential amplitudes were highest and onset latencies shortest in contralateral caudal PAVG with facial stimulation and rostral with leg stimulation, in agreement with reported subjective sensation during intra-operative electrode advancement. Conclusions: A rostrocaudally inverted somatosensory homunculus exists in the human PAVG region. Objective human evidence of PAVG somatotopy increases understanding of a brainstem region important to pain and autonomic control that is a clinical target for both pharmacological and neurosurgical therapies. Such knowledge may assist DBS target localisation for neuropathic pain syndromes related to particular body regions like brachial plexopathies, anaesthesia dolorosa and phantom limb pain.
‘Born in Michigan? You're in the Biobank': Engaging Population Biobank Participants through Facebook Advertisements
Authors: Platt J.E. , Platt T. , Thiel D. , Kardia S.L.R.
Published: June 2013

Background/Aims: Despite a broad call for biobanks to use social media, data is lacking regarding the capacity of social media tools, especially advertising, to engage large populations on this topic. Methods: We used Facebook advertising to engage Michigan residents about the BioTrust for Health. We conducted a low-budget (<USD 5,000), 26-day social media campaign targeting Michigan residents aged 18-28. We placed 25 Facebook advertisements and analyzed their performance in terms of reach and cost across 3 engagement types: passive, active and interactive. We compared engagement before, during and after the campaign. Results: The Facebook page was viewed 1,249 times during the month of the advertising campaign, versus once in the month prior. 779,004 Michigan residents saw ads an average of 25.8 times; 4,275 clicked ads; the average click-through-ratio was 0.021%. Interactions included 516 ‘likes' and 30 photo contest entries. Cost per outcome ranged from <USD 0.005 per exposure to USD 182 per photo entry. The average cost per click was USD 1.04. Conclusion: A social media strategy to build public awareness about biobanking is not likely to be effective without a promotional ‘push' to distribute content. Social media advertisements have the capacity to scale-up engagement on biobanking while keeping costs manageable. Facebook advertisements provide necessary access points for unaware participants, with implications for public trust.
Kin, Daytime Associations, or Preferred Sleeping Sites? Factors Influencing Sleep Site Selection in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Lock Louise C. , Anderson James R.
Published: June 2013

Chimpanzee nesting behaviours and the factors that may influence these behaviours are rarely studied in captive settings. In the present study, the daytime associations, sleeping site selections and nesting groups of 11 zoo-housed chimpanzees over a 29-day period were analysed. Neither daytime associations nor presence of kin influenced sleeping site selection in females. Daytime associations did influence sleeping arrangements in males. Nighttime spatial arrangements and individual preferences for specific sleeping areas were broadly comparable to nesting patterns reported in free-living chimpanzee communities. In the interests of captive ape welfare, we conclude that exhibits should incorporate multilevel nesting areas and a choice of several potential sleeping sites.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Promoter Polymorphism and Severity of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Susantitaphong Paweena , Perianayagam Mary C. , Tighiouart Hocine , Liangos Orfeas , Bonventre Joseph V. , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: June 2013

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the pathobiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: We explored the association of a functional polymorphism in the promoter region (rs1800629) of the TNFA gene with severity of AKI, as defined by level of glomerular filtration (serum cystatin C and creatinine) and tubular injury (urinary NAG, KIM-1, α-GST, and π-GST) markers, in 262 hospitalized adults. Results: In unadjusted analyses, compared with the GG genotype, the TNFA GA and AA genotype groups tended to have higher enrollment (p = 0.08), peak (p = 0.004), and discharge (p = 0.004) serum creatinine levels, and the AA genotype tended to have a higher enrollment serum cystatin C level (p = 0.04). Compared with the GG genotype, the TNFA GA and AA genotype groups tended to have a higher urinary KIM-1 level (p = 0.03), and the AA genotype group tended to have a higher urinary π-GST level (p = 0.03). After adjustment for sex, race, age, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, sepsis, and dialysis requirement, compared with the GG genotype, the TNFA minor A-allele group had a higher peak serum creatinine of 1.03 mg/dl (0.43, 1.63; p = 0.001) and a higher urinary KIM-1 (relative ratio: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.59; p = 0.008). The TNFA minor A-allele group also had a higher Multiple Organ Failure score of 0.26 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.49; p = 0.024) after adjustment for sex, race, age, and sepsis. Conclusions: The TNFA rs1800629 gene polymorphism is associated with markers of kidney disease severity and distant organ dysfunction among patients with AKI. Larger studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
Advanced Ethmoid Sinus Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Temporary Exudative Retinal Detachment
Authors: Marcos-Fernández M.A. , Asensio-Sánchez V.M. , Peña D. , Pastor-Idoate S.
Published: June 2013

We describe the case of a 70-year-old male patient with ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma who developed an exudative retinal detachment (ERD) in the right eye as the first manifestation. Two weeks after presentation, total regression of the ERD was noted. Extensive investigations for local causes of ERD were unrewarding. Finally, we performed a computed tomography scanning of the head that revealed an ethmoidal mass extending to the orbit. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was confirmed by biopsy. Neoplastic phenomena should be considered in patients presenting with temporary ERD.
Nomenclatural changes in Rubus (Rosaceae) mostly from China
Authors: WANG HUAN-CHONG , WANG YUE-HUA , SUN HANG
Published: June 2013

Rubus Linnaeus (1753: 492) is one of the largest genera in the Rosaceae and occurs on all continents except Antarctica (Lu & Boufford 2003, Wang & Sun 2013). Rubus is a taxonomically notoriously complex genus. Its species circumscription is complicated by hybridization, polyploidy, agamospermy, and lack of a universal species concept (Weber 1996), which has resulted in broad disagreement about the number of species with estimates ranging from 250 (Mabberley 1997) to several thousand (Jennings 1988). In the latest revision, published nearly a century ago by Focke (1910, 1911a, 1914), Rubus was divided into 12 subgenera. Most of the species were classified in subgenera Rubus, Idaeobatus (Focke 1874: 143) Focke (1910: 128), and Malachobatus (Focke 1874: 187) Focke (1910: 41). In this paper we propose several nomenclatural changes in subgenera Idaeobatus and Malachobatus.
Tanymastigites lusitanica sp. nov. (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca) from Portugal, first representative of the genus in Europe
Authors: MACHADO MARGARIDA , SALA JORDI
Published: June 2013

Tanymastigites lusitanica sp. nov., a new species of fairy shrimp, is described from puddles in unpaved roads in the Alentejo region, Portugal. The males of Tanymastigites lusitanica sp. nov. are readily separated from the rest of the species of the genus by the morphology of antennae, antennal appendages and penes. T. lusitanica sp. nov. is closely related to T. perrieri but differs from it by the presence of a proximal ventrolateral short ridge in the distal segment of the antenna, and by the absence of a big thorn-like outgrowth in the distal lateral “lip” of the basal part of the penis. T. lusitanica sp. nov. presents a simple lateral branch in the antennal appendage of males, instead of the bifurcated lateral branch present in T. brteki, T. cyrenaica and T. mzabica. The finding of this new species represents the first citation of this genus in Europe. An identification key is provided to separate the males of the different species of the genus.
Two new species of Fittkauimyia Karunakaran (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Brazil
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P.S. , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: June 2013

Two new species of the genus Fittkauimyia from Brazil are described and illustrated. Fittkauimyia mayumiae sp. n. from Amazonian forest is described based on adult male, female and pupae and F. carranquensis sp. n. from mountainous re-gion of southeast is described based on adult male and pupae.
Regional Interdependency of Precipitation Indices across Denmark in Two Ensembles of High-Resolution RCMs
Authors: Sunyer Maria Antonia , Madsen Henrik , Rosbjerg Dan , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten
Published: June 2013

Outputs from climate models are the primary data source in climate change impact studies. However, their interpretation is not straightforward. In recent years, several methods have been developed in order to quantify the uncertainty in climate projections. One of the common assumptions in almost all these methods is that the climate models are independent. This study addresses the validity of this assumption for two ensembles of regional climate models (RCMs) from the Ensemble-Based Predictions of Climate Changes and their Impacts (ENSEMBLES) project based on the land cells covering Denmark. Daily precipitation indices from an ensemble of RCMs driven by the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and an ensemble of the same RCMs driven by different general circulation models (GCMs) are analyzed. Two different methods are used to estimate the amount of independent information in the ensembles. These are based on different statistical properties of a measure of climate model error. Additionally, a hierarchical cluster analysis is carried out. Regardless of the method used, the effective number of RCMs is smaller than the total number of RCMs. The estimated effective number of RCMs varies depending on the method and precipitation index considered. The results also show that the main cause of interdependency in the ensemble is the use of the same RCM driven by different GCMs. This study shows that the precipitation outputs from the RCMs in the ENSEMBLES project cannot be considered independent. If the interdependency between RCMs is not taken into account, the uncertainty in the RCM simulations of current regional climate may be underestimated. This will in turn lead to an underestimation of the uncertainty in future precipitation projections.
The Unified Conceptual Space Theory: an enactive theory of concepts
Authors: Parthemore Joel
Published: June 2013

Theories of concepts address systematically and productively structured thought. Until the Unified Conceptual Space Theory (UCST), based on Peter Gärdenfors’ Conceptual Spaces Theory, no one had attempted to offer an explicitly enactive theory of concepts. UCST is set apart from its competitors in locating concepts not in the mind (or brain) of the conceptual agent nor in the affordances of the agent’s environment but in the interaction between the two. On the UCST account, concepts are never truly static: conceptual knowledge is always in the process of being “brought forth”, such that neither agent nor environment can cleanly be separated from the other, and the preconceptual noumena cannot be reconstructed free of conceptual taint. Through such conceptual coloring, mind extends into the world. Concepts create binary distinctions – beginning, most importantly, with the self/non-self distinction – and discrete entities that mask what are, with respect to the conceptual framework, underlying continua. These distinctions – implying notions of e.g. internal and external, inner experience and outer world – are both conceptually necessary and, at the same time, lacking prior ontological status. They are meaningful only with respect to some identifiable observer (which could, in appropriate circumstances, be the organism itself). In consequence, phenomenology has a key role to play, and first-person methods are indispensable to any empirical investigation of concepts.
Topical naltrexone accelerates full-thickness wound closure in type 1 diabetic rats by stimulating angiogenesis
Authors: McLaughlin Patricia J , Immonen Jessica A , Zagon Ian S
Published: June 2013

Delays in wound healing often result in infection, chronic ulceration, and possible amputation of extremities. Impaired wound healing is a major complication of the 23 million people in the USA with diabetes, and financial and medical burdens are demanding new treatments for wound healing. Previous studies have demonstrated that topical application of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (NTX) dissolved in moisturizing cream reverses delays in wound closure in rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. A target of NTX’s action is DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. In this study, granulation tissue was evaluated to ascertain the specific cellular targets that were impaired in diabetic wounds, as well as those that were enhanced following NTX application. Mast cell number as well as the number of new blood vessels immunoreactive to fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibodies were recorded at 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 days following creation of full-thickness dorsal cutaneous wounds in normal and type 1 diabetic rats. Diabetic rats displayed delays in wound closure as well as a reduction in the number of mast cells responding to the injury, and delays in the spatial and temporal expression of FGF-2, VEGF, and α-SMA in capillaries. Topical NTX accelerated the rate of wound closure and stimulated expression of angiogenic factors within granulation tissue of diabetic rats relative to control animals receiving saline in moisturizing cream. These data support observations that a novel biological pathway is impaired under diabetic conditions and can be modulated by topical NTX to enhance proliferative events in wound healing.
Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with budd-chiari syndrome: imaging features and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Liu Feng-Yong , Wang Mao-Qiang , Duan Feng , Fan Qing-Sheng , Song Peng , Wang Yan
Published: June 2013

Background

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) often leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been increasingly used to treat BCS patients with HCC. The purposes of this study were to illustrate imaging features in BCS patients with HCC, and to analyze the effects of TACE on BCS patients with HCC.

Methods

246 consecutive patients with primary BCS were retrospectively studied. 14 BCS patients with HCC were included in this study. BCS were treated with angioplasty and/or stenting, and HCC were managed with TACE. Imaging features on ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and angiography and the serum AFP level were analyzed.

Results

Inferior vena cava block and stricture of hepatic venous outflow tract more frequently occurred. Portal vein invasion was found in only 2 patients (14.2%). Imaging studies showed that most nodules of HCC were near the edge of liver, irregular, more than 3 cm in diameter, heterogeneous mass and solitary (≤3 nodules). HCC in patients associated with BCS was isointense or hypointense in nonenhanced CT images, and exhibited heterogeneous enhancement during the arterial phase and washout during the portal venous phase on enhanced CT and MRI. The serum AFP level significantly declined after TACE treatment.

Conclusions

BCS patients with inferior vena cava block and stricture of hepatic venous outflow tract seems to be associated with HCC. A single, large, irregular nodule with a peripheral location appears to be HCC. TACE can effectively treat HCC in BCS patients.
A link between premenopausal iron deficiency and breast cancer malignancy
Authors: Jian Jinlong , Yang Qing , Shao Yongzhao , Axelrod Deborah , Smith Julia , Singh Baljit , Krauter Stephanie , Chiriboga Luis , Yang Zhaoxu , Li Jinqing , Huang Xi
Published: June 2013

Background

Young breast cancer (BC) patients less than 45 years old are at higher risk of dying from the disease when compared to their older counterparts. However, specific risk factors leading to this poorer outcome have not been identified.

Methods

One candidate is iron deficiency, as this is common in young women and a clinical feature of young age. In the present study, we used immuno-competent and immuno-deficient mouse xenograft models as well as hemoglobin as a marker of iron status in young BC patients to demonstrate whether host iron deficiency plays a pro-metastatic role.

Results

We showed that mice fed an iron-deficient diet had significantly higher tumor volumes and lung metastasis compared to those fed normal iron diets. Iron deficiency mainly altered Notch but not TGF-β and Wnt signaling in the primary tumor, leading to the activation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). This was revealed by increased expression of Snai1 and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Importantly, correcting iron deficiency by iron therapy reduced primary tumor volume, lung metastasis, and reversed EMT markers in mice. Furthermore, we found that mild iron deficiency was significantly associated with lymph node invasion in young BC patients (p<0.002).

Conclusions

Together, our finding indicates that host iron deficiency could be a contributor of poor prognosis in young BC patients.