bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Recognizing ‘Shades‐of‐Gray’ (Self–Nonself Discrimination) or ‘Colour’ (Integrity Model) by The Immune System
Authors: Dembic Z.
Published: July 2013

The aim is to discuss Cohn's T‐cell receptor (TCR) Tritope model of recognition, propose a novel suggestion for prior‐to‐positive selection of thymocytes contributing to inherent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) reactivity of a T‐cell repertoire and clarify the Integrity model about the function of the immune system. If we compare the perception of light with the recognition of nonself, we could imagine that the opacity might be a measure of docking interaction between specific receptors for antigen on T or B cells (TCR / peptide–MHC or BCR / antigen). From this viewpoint, the self–nonself discrimination (S‐NS) metaphor would be perception of black (self) versus white (nonself). However, whereas detection of shades‐of‐gray suffices to describe S‐NS discrimination principle, colour vision of the antigenic world portrays best the Integrity model. In concert with recognition of opacity, the Integrity model proposes detection of at least three colours (signals): red (harmful), blue (useful) and yellow (the rest, including homoeostatic ones). As a result, recognition of nonself is transferred into communication within self while deciding on type of the immune response. Hence, the S‐NS discrimination model seems to be an oversimplification, because it fails to see colours and consequently lacks the need for suppressor/regulatory function. Similarly, the Danger model stops short of detecting being useful signals that confer immune asylum to helpful micro‐organisms like commensals. I suggest that the immune system's repertoire for recognition, in general, has evolved by a novel drive called ‘natural integrity’ alongside natural selection, thus facilitating communication between cells of the immune system.
Testing earnings management
Authors: Fok Dennis , Franses Philip Hans
Published: July 2013

Earnings management to avoid earnings decreases and losses implies that the time‐series properties of the last quarter in the fiscal year differ from those of the other three quarters. We propose a simple parametric methodology to diagnose such differences. Application to a random sample of 390 firms in the Compustat database gives strong evidence of earnings management.
EFFECT OF VENTILATION TECHNIQUE AND AIRWAY DIAMETER ON BRONCHIAL LUMEN TO PULMONARY ARTERY DIAMETER RATIOS IN CLINICALLY NORMAL BEAGLE DOGS
Authors: Makara Mariano , Dennler Matthias , Schnyder Manuela , Bektas Rima , Kircher Patrick , Hall Evelyn , Glaus Tony
Published: July 2013

In dogs, a mean broncho‐arterial ratio of 1.45 ± 0.21 has been previously defined as normal. These values were obtained in dogs under general inhalational anesthesia using a single breath‐hold technique. The purpose of the study was to determine whether ventilation technique and bronchial diameter have an effect on broncho‐arterial ratios. Four healthy Beagle dogs were scanned twice, each time with positive‐pressure inspiration and end expiration. For each ventilation technique, broncho‐arterial ratios were grouped into those obtained from small or large bronchi using the median diameter of the bronchi as the cutoff value. Mean broncho‐arterial ratios obtained using positive‐pressure inspiration (1.24 ± 0.23) were statistically greater than those obtained at end expiration (1.11 ± 0.20) P = 0.005. There was a strong positive correlation between bronchial diameter and broncho‐arterial ratios for both ventilation techniques (positive‐pressure inspiration rs = .786, P < 0.0005 and end expiration rs = .709, P < 0.0005). Mean broncho‐arterial ratio for the large bronchi obtained applying positive‐pressure inspiration was 1.39 cm ± 0.20 and during end expiration was 1.22 cm ± 0.20. Mean broncho‐arterial ratio for the small bronchi obtained during positive‐pressure inspiration was 1.08 cm ± 0.13 and during end expiration was 1.01 cm ± 0.13. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups (F = 248.60, P = 0.005). Findings indicated that reference values obtained using positive‐pressure inspiration or from the larger bronchi may not be applicable to dogs scanned during end expiration or to the smaller bronchi.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL EPIDURAL HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN A DOG
Authors: de la Fuente Cristian , Pumarola Martí , Añor Sònia
Published: July 2013

An 8‐year‐old, male Boxer was examined for an acute onset of ambulatory paraparesis. Neurologic examination was consistent with a T3‐L3 myelopathy. Myelography revealed an extradural spinal cord compression in the region of the T10‐T13 vertebrae. On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a well‐defined epidural mass lesion was detected. The mass was mildly hyperintense on T1‐weighted, hyperintense on T2‐weighted and STIR images compared to normal spinal cord and enhanced strongly and homogenously. Postmortem examination confirmed a primary epidural hemangiosarcoma. Findings indicated that the MRI characteristics of spinal epidural hemangiosarcoma may mimic other lesions including meningioma and epidural hemorrhages/hematomas of non‐neoplastic etiology.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS ‐ SPONTANEOUS SUBPERIOSTEAL VERTEBRAL HEMORRHAGE IN A GREYHOUND
Authors: Theobald Anita , Dennis Ruth , Beltran Elsa
Published: July 2013

A 4‐year‐old, spayed female greyhound dog was presented with an acute onset of paraplegia. There was no known history of trauma or coagulopathy. Spinal cord compression was identified on MRI. Intra‐operative evaluation revealed the presence of a large subperiosteal hematoma and a smaller epidural hematoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a spinal subperiosteal hematoma diagnosed antemortem through MRI, with surgical exploration and successful treatment in a dog.
Cholinergic modulation of neuronal excitability and recurrent excitation‐inhibition in prefrontal cortex circuits: implications for gamma oscillations
Authors: Pafundo Diego E. , Miyamae Takeaki , Lewis David A. , Gonzalez‐Burgos Guillermo
Published: July 2013

Key points

Previous studies indicate that cholinergic neuromodulation is required for cognitive processes and for gamma oscillatory activity in neocortical networks in vivo. The cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) induces gamma oscillations in vitro, via mechanisms that may be shared with those mediating in vivo gamma oscillations.

Here, we studied the effects of CCh on cortical circuit components thought to be critical for gamma oscillations, and found that CCh stimulated firing of pyramidal cells (PCs) and increased excitatory synaptic input onto fast‐spiking interneurons (FSNs).

CCh also modulated synaptic transmission between FSNs and PCs, decreasing synaptic depression during repetitive presynaptic firing, while simultaneously reducing the unitary synaptic currents.

CCh increased the probability of neuron firing per oscillation cycle when PCs and FSNs fired in response to oscillatory input at gamma frequency.

Combined, these effects of CCh may help explain the contribution of cholinergic modulation to gamma oscillations.

Abstract  Cholinergic neuromodulation in neocortical networks is required for gamma oscillatory activity associated with working memory and other cognitive processes. Importantly, the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) induces gamma oscillations in vitro, via mechanisms that may be shared with in vivo gamma oscillations and that are consistent with the pyramidal interneuron network gamma (PING) model. In PING oscillations, pyramidal cells (PCs), driven by asynchronous excitatory input, recruit parvalbumin‐positive fast‐spiking interneurons (FSNs), which then synchronize the PCs via feedback inhibition. Whereas the PING model is favoured by current data, how cholinergic neuromodulation contributes to gamma oscillation production is poorly understood. We thus studied the effects of cholinergic modulation on circuit components of the PING model in mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) brain slices. CCh depolarized and evoked action potential firing in a fraction of PCs and increased excitatory synaptic input onto FSNs. In synaptically connected pairs, CCh reduced the short‐term depression at FSN–PC and PC–FSN synapses, equalizing synaptic strength during repetitive presynaptic firing while simultaneously increasing the failure probability. Interestingly, when PCs or FSNs fired in response to gamma frequency oscillatory inputs, CCh increased the firing probability per cycle. Combined with the equalization of synaptic strength, an increase by CCh in the fraction of neurons recruited per oscillation cycle may support oscillatory synchrony of similar strength during relatively long oscillation episodes such as those observed during working memory tasks, suggesting a significant functional impact of cholinergic modulation of mPFC circuit components crucial for the PING model.
Parametric Analysis of a High Temperature Sensible Heat Storage System by Numerical Simulations
Authors: Mongibello Luigi , Atrigna Mauro , Graditi Giorgio
Published: July 2013

This work has been realized in the framework of the Elioslab project, financed by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), which aims to create a research platform in order to develop components and systems for the production and utilization of medium and high temperature heat using concentrated solar energy. As regards high temperature heat production, a 30 kW solar furnace that consists of a heliostat with flat mirrors and a parabolic concentrator with off-axis alignment is being realized in order to achieve a solar radiation concentration peak of about 2000 suns. The energy flux relative to the concentrated radiation will be converted to high temperature heat by a cavity receiver cooled with CO2, and finally transferred to a device operating at high temperature consisting in a thermochemical reactor for hydrogen production. Due to the intermittency of solar radiation, a high temperature (>800 °C) packed bed sensible heat storage system, with alumina balls as heat storage material, has been developed in order to provide continuity to the user operation. This paper focuses on the parametric analysis that has been carried out by means of numerical simulations to evaluate the set of variable parameters that maximize the efficiency of the heat storage system of the solar furnace. The charging and discharging phases of the heat storage tank have been numerically simulated by means of an analytical model that takes into account the conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer as well as turbulent diffusion due to the solid–fluid interaction. The results of the numerical parametric analysis are presented together with the experimental validation of the adopted analytical model accomplished by using a reduced-scale high temperature storage system.
Buoyancy Driven Mass Transfer in a Liquid Desiccant Storage Tank
Authors: Quinnell Josh A. , Davidson Jane H.
Published: July 2013

A new concept for long-term solar thermal storage is based on the absorption properties of aqueous calcium chloride. Water, diluted and concentrated calcium chloride solutions are stored in a single tank. An immersed heat exchanger and stratification manifold are used to preserve long-term sorption storage, and to achieve thermal stratification. The feasibility of sensible heating the tank via large-scale natural convection without mixing salt solutions is demonstrated via measurements of velocity, CaCl2 mass fraction, and temperature in a 1500 l prototype tank. Experiments are conducted over a practical range of the relevant dimensionless parameters. For Rayleigh numbers from 3.4 × 108 to 5.6 × 1010 and buoyancy ratios from 0.8 to 46.2, measured Sherwood numbers are 11 ± 2 to 62 ± 9, and the tank is thermally stratified. Convective mixing between salt layers is inhibited by the presence of a steep density gradient at the interface between regions of differing mass fraction. The predicted storage time scales based on mixing via natural convection for the reported Sherwood numbers are 160–902 days.
Analytical and Experimental Study of Conical Telescoping Springs With Nonconstant Pitch
Authors: Paredes Manuel
Published: July 2013

Most research papers that exploit conical springs focus only on conical springs with a constant pitch. In order to increase the range of possibilities for designers, this paper proposes a study of conical springs with other types of spirals projected on the conical shape. This study is related to three other types of conical springs: with a constant helix angle, with a constant stress at solid and with a fully linear load-length relation. For each spring, we give the equation of the spiral, the formula of the initial stiffness, and formulae to calculate the nonlinear part of the load-length relation for fully telescoping springs. We also report an experimental study performed to analyze the accuracy of the proposed study based on springs made by fused deposition modeling.
Analysis of Small-Scale Hydraulic Actuation Systems
Authors: Xia Jicheng , Durfee William K.
Published: July 2013

We investigated small-scale hydraulic power actuation systems using a system level analysis, where small-scale refers to systems generating 10 to 100 W output power, to determine whether the high power density advantage of hydraulics holds at small sizes. Hydraulic actuator system power density was analyzed with simple physics models and compared to an equivalent electromechanical system comprised of off-the-shelf components. Calculation results revealed that high operating pressures are needed for small-scale hydraulics to be lighter than the equivalent electromechanical system. The analysis was limited to the actuator and conduit as those are the components that must be located on the mechanism. A complete comparison should add the weight and efficiency of the power supply.
Automatic Structural Synthesis of Planar Multiple Joint Kinematic Chains
Authors: Ding Huafeng , Yang Weijuan , Huang Peng , Kecskeméthy Andrés
Published: July 2013

It is of great importance in the conceptual creative design of mechanical systems to synthesize as many feasible kinematic structures of mechanisms as possible. However, the methods for the structural synthesis of multiple joint kinematic chains are seldom addressed in literature even though they are widely used in various mechanical products. This paper proposes an automatic method to synthesize planar multiple joint kinematic chains. First, the bicolor topological graph and the bicolor contracted graph are introduced to represent the topological structures of multiple joint kinematic chains. Then, the characteristic number string of bicolor topological graphs is proposed and used to efficiently detect isomorphism in the synthesis progress. Finally, a systematic method for the synthesis of kinematic chains with one multiple joint is proposed, and the whole families of multiple joint kinematic chains with up to 16 links and all possible degrees of freedom are synthesized for the first time.
Establishment of a Method To Rapidly Assay Bacterial Persister Metabolism
Authors: Orman Mehmet A. , Brynildsen Mark P.
Published: July 2013

Bacterial persisters exhibit an extraordinary tolerance to antibiotics that is dependent on their metabolic state. Although persister metabolism promises to be a rich source of antipersister strategies, there is relatively little known about the metabolism of these rare and transient phenotypic variants. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the use of several techniques, and we found that only one measured persister metabolism. This assay was based on the phenomenon of metabolite-enabled aminoglycoside killing of persisters, and we used it to characterize the metabolic heterogeneity of different persister populations. From these investigations, we determined that glycerol and glucose are the most ubiquitously used carbon sources by various types of
Escherichia coli
persisters, suggesting that these metabolites might prove beneficial to deliver in conjunction with aminoglycosides for the treatment of chronic and recurrent infections. In addition, we demonstrated that the persister metabolic assay developed here is amenable to high-throughput screening with the use of phenotype arrays.
Tigecycline Induction of Phenol-Soluble Modulins by Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Yamaki Jason , Synold Timothy , Wong-Beringer Annie
Published: July 2013

We examined the effects of tigecycline on three types of exoproteins, α-type phenol-soluble modulins (PSMα
1
to PSMα
4
), α-hemolysin, and protein A, in 13 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates compared to those of clindamycin and linezolid. Paradoxical increases in PSMαs occurred in 77% of the isolates with tigecycline at 1/4 and 1/8 MICs and clindamycin at 1/8 MIC compared to only 23% of the isolates with linezolid at 1/8 MIC. Induction was specific to PSMα
1
to PSMα
4
, as protein A and α-hemolysin production was decreased under the same conditions by all of the antibiotics used.
Characterization of Tn
5801.Sag
, a Variant of Staphylococcus aureus Tn
916
Family Transposon Tn
5801
That Is Widespread in Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Mingoia Marina , Morici Eleonora , Tili Emily , Giovanetti Eleonora , Montanari Maria Pia , Varaldo Pietro E.
Published: July 2013

Tn
5801
, originally detected in
Staphylococcus aureus
Mu50, is a Tn
916
family element in which a unique
int
gene (

int
5801

) replaces the
int
and
xis
genes in Tn
916
(

int
916

and

xis
916

). Among 62
tet
(M)-positive tetracycline-resistant
Streptococcus agalactiae
isolates, 43 harbored Tn
916
, whereas 19 harbored a Tn
5801
-like element (Tn
5801.Sag
, ∼20.6 kb). Tn
5801.Sag
was characterized (PCR mapping, partial sequencing, and chromosomal integration) and compared to other Tn
5801
-like elements. Similar to Tn
5801
from
S. aureus
Mu50, tested in parallel, Tn
5801.Sag
was unable to undergo circularization and conjugal transfer.
Hyperthermia Sensitizes Rhizopus oryzae to Posaconazole and Itraconazole Action through Apoptosis
Authors: Shirazi Fazal , Pontikos Michael A. , Walsh Thomas J. , Albert Nathaniel , Lewis Russell E. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: July 2013

The high mortality rate of mucormycosis with currently available monotherapy has created interest in studying novel strategies for antifungal agents. With the exception of amphotericin B (AMB), the triazoles (posaconazole [PCZ] and itraconazole [ICZ]) are fungistatic
in vitro
against
Rhizopus oryzae
. We hypothesized that growth at a high temperature (42°C) results in fungicidal activity of PCZ and ICZ that is mediated through apoptosis.
R. oryzae
had high MIC values for PCZ and ICZ (16 to 64 μg/ml) at 25°C; in contrast, the MICs for PCZ and ICZ were significantly lower at 37°C (8 to 16 μg/ml) and 42°C (0.25 to 1 μg/ml). Furthermore, PCZ and ICZ dose-dependent inhibition of germination was more pronounced at 42°C than at 37°C. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly when fungi were exposed to antifungals at 42°C. Characteristic cellular changes of apoptosis in
R. oryzae
were induced by the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Cells treated with PCZ or ICZ in combination with hyperthermia (42°C) exhibited characteristic markers of early apoptosis: phosphatidylserine externalization visualized by annexin V staining, membrane depolarization visualized by bis-[1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid] trimethine oxonol (DiBAC) staining, and increased metacaspase activity. Moreover, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining demonstrated DNA fragmentation and condensation, respectively. The addition of
N
-acetylcysteine increased fungal survival, prevented apoptosis, reduced ROS accumulation, and decreased metacaspase activation. We concluded that hyperthermia, either alone or in the presence of PCZ or ICZ, induces apoptosis in
R. oryzae
. Local thermal delivery could be a therapeutically useful adjunct strategy for these refractory infections.
Synergistic Effects of Anti-CmeA and Anti-CmeB Peptide Nucleic Acids on Sensitizing Campylobacter jejuni to Antibiotics
Authors: Mu Yang , Shen Zhangqi , Jeon Byeonghwa , Dai Lei , Zhang Qijing
Published: July 2013

The CmeABC efflux pump in
Campylobacter jejuni
confers resistance to structurally divergent antimicrobials, and inhibition of CmeABC represents a promising strategy to control antibiotic-resistant
Campylobacter
. Antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting the three components of CmeABC were evaluated for inhibition of CmeABC expression. The result revealed a synergistic effect of the PNAs targeting CmeA and CmeB on sensitizing
C. jejuni
to antibiotics. This finding further demonstrates the feasibility of using PNAs to potentiate antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant
Campylobacter
.
Human β-Defensin 2 Induces Extracellular Accumulation of Adenosine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Estrela Andreia Bergamo , Rohde Manfred , Gutierrez Maximiliano Gabriel , Molinari Gabriella , Abraham Wolf-Rainer
Published: July 2013

Human β-defensins are host defense peptides performing antimicrobial as well as immunomodulatory functions. The present study investigated whether treatment ofEscherichia coliwith human β-defensin 2 could generate extracellular molecules of relevance for immune regulation. Mass spectrometry analysis of bacterial supernatants detected the accumulation of purine nucleosides triggered by β-defensin 2 treatment. Other cationic antimicrobial peptides tested presented variable outcomes with regard to extracellular adenosine accumulation; human β-defensin 2 was the most efficient at inducing this response. Structural and biochemical evidence indicated that a mechanism other than plain lysis was involved in the observed phenomenon. By use of isotope (13C) labeling, extracellular adenosine was found to be derived from preexistent RNA, and a direct interaction between the peptide and bacterial nucleic acid was documented for the first time for β-defensin 2. Taken together, the data suggest that defensin activity on a bacterial target may alter local levels of adenosine, a well-known immunomodulator influencing inflammatory processes.
Evaluation of the Carba NP Test for Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tijet Nathalie , Boyd David , Patel Samir N. , Mulvey Michael R. , Melano Roberto G.
Published: July 2013

The Carba NP test was evaluated against a panel of 244 carbapenemase- and non-carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates. We confirmed the 100% specificity and positive predictive value of the test, but the sensitivity and negative predictive value were 72.5% and 69.2%, respectively, and increased to 80% and 77.3%, respectively, using a more concentrated bacterial extract. False-negative results were associated with mucoid strains or linked to enzymes with low carbapenemase activity, particularly OXA-48-like, which has emerged globally in enterobacteria.
MntABC and MntH Contribute to Systemic Staphylococcus aureus Infection by Competing with Calprotectin for Nutrient Manganese
Authors: Kehl-Fie Thomas E. , Zhang Yaofang , Moore Jessica L. , Farrand Allison J. , Hood M. Indriati , Rathi Subodh , Chazin Walter J. , Caprioli Richard M. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: July 2013

During infection, vertebrates limit access to manganese and zinc, starving invading pathogens, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
, of these essential metals in a process termed “nutritional immunity.” The manganese and zinc binding protein calprotectin is a key component of the nutrient-withholding response, and mice lacking this protein do not sequester manganese from
S. aureus
liver abscesses. One potential mechanism utilized by
S. aureus
to minimize host-imposed manganese and zinc starvation is the expression of the metal transporters MntABC and MntH. We performed transcriptional analyses of both
mntA
and
mntH
, which revealed increased expression of both systems in response to calprotectin treatment. MntABC and MntH compete with calprotectin for manganese, which enables
S. aureus
growth and retention of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase activity. Loss of MntABC and MntH results in reduced staphylococcal burdens in the livers of wild-type but not calprotectin-deficient mice, suggesting that these systems promote manganese acquisition during infection. During the course of these studies, we observed that metal content and the importance of calprotectin varies between murine organs, and infection leads to profound changes in the anatomical distribution of manganese and zinc. In total, these studies provide insight into the mechanisms utilized by bacteria to evade host-imposed nutrient metal starvation and the critical importance of restricting manganese availability during infection.
Role of the Zinc Uptake ABC Transporter of Moraxella catarrhalis in Persistence in the Respiratory Tract
Authors: Murphy Timothy F. , Brauer Aimee L. , Kirkham Charmaine , Johnson Antoinette , Koszelak-Rosenblum Mary , Malkowski Michael G.
Published: July 2013

Moraxella catarrhalis
is a human respiratory tract pathogen that causes otitis media in children and lower respiratory tract infections in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We have identified and characterized a zinc uptake ABC transporter that is present in all strains of
M. catarrhalis
tested. A mutant in which the
znu
gene cluster is knocked out shows markedly impaired growth compared to the wild type in medium that contains trace zinc; growth is restored to wild-type levels by supplementing medium with zinc but not with other divalent cations. Thermal-shift assays showed that the purified recombinant substrate binding protein ZnuA binds zinc but does not bind other divalent cations. Invasion assays with human respiratory epithelial cells demonstrated that the zinc ABC transporter of
M. catarrhalis
is critical for invasion of respiratory epithelial cells, an observation that is especially relevant because an intracellular reservoir of
M. catarrhalis
is present in the human respiratory tract and this reservoir is important for persistence. The
znu
knockout mutant showed marked impairment in its capacity to persist in the respiratory tract compared to the wild type in a mouse pulmonary clearance model. We conclude that the zinc uptake ABC transporter mediates uptake of zinc in environments with very low zinc concentrations and is critical for full virulence of
M. catarrhalis
in the respiratory tract in facilitating intracellular invasion of epithelial cells and persistence in the respiratory tract.
Recurrent ventricular fibrillation under sufficient medical treatment in patient with coronary artery spasm
Authors: Hiki Masaru , Tokano Takashi , Nakazato Yuji , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2013

In cases of coronary artery spasm, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias are possible and can lead to sudden cardiac death. Treatment for this condition includes implantable cardioverter defibrillators, but their effectiveness in patients who present with ventricular fibrillation is debated. Our patient presented with intractable ventricular fibrillation episodes that triggered shocks from her implanted defibrillator. At 2 years of follow-up, we placed her on 200 mg/day of oral amiodarone, after identifying short-coupled premature contractions as the trigger for the ventricular fibrillation. In the 2 years following initiation of this drug therapy, the patient had no further fibrillation episodes.
Cutaneous metastases secondary to colorectal carcinoma may not be as ominous as previously thought: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Aravind Biju , Kumar Rohan , Basnyat Pradeep
Published: July 2013

Cutaneous metastasis is considered as an advanced presentation of colorectal cancer and mostly managed with palliative measures. We present a case report where such a case was radically treated with good result and review such reports published in literature. This shows a distinct subgroup that could benefit from such radical approach.
Sun, iron, alcohol and intrinsic liver disease: a recipe for failure
Authors: Plakke Michael J , Van Tassel Sarah Haseltine , Donato Anthony A
Published: July 2013

A 62-year-old Caucasian woman, with remote history of painful skin blistering and hypertrichosis, recent history of travel to Mexico and increased alcohol consumption, presented with progressively worsening jaundice and fatigue. Physical examination was remarkable for severe generalised jaundice, scleral icterus and erythematous facial blistering and scarring. Laboratory workup revealed markedly elevated total and direct bilirubin, mildly elevated transaminases, severe iron overload and increased urine coproporphyrin. Porphyria cutanea tarda was diagnosed, and she was treated with supportive measures including hydration and alcohol cessation. Pathology of her liver demonstrated mild iron overload and severe fatty infiltration. Hospital follow-up revealed complete resolution of jaundice and fatigue and near-normalisation of liver function tests.
Truth under a masquerade!
Authors: Gonsalves Sarita R J , Lobo Geover Joslen , Mendonca Norman
Published: July 2013

A 32-year-old woman presented with bilateral periorbital oedema of 2 days duration which progressed to proptosis, chemosis with diminution of vision rapidly within a week. She was a known case of adenocarcinoma of the rectum who was treated with surgery and chemotherapy 6 months earlier. Metastasis workup carried out then was negative. On examination, she had bilateral axial proptosis with sluggish pupillary reactions with restricted extra ocular movements. Fundus examination was normal. Systemically, the patient was of poor build and was undernourished. Haemogram showed raised total counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CT orbit and brain showed metastasis to the frontal bones and orbit. On investigating further, the patient had liver and lung metastasis. The patient was started on chemotherapy, but she succumbed to the disease within a week. This case is reported to highlight how bilateral orbital cellulitis can be a presenting sign of systemic metastasis in treated malignancies.
To remove or to replace traditional electronic games? A crossover randomised controlled trial on the impact of removing or replacing home access to electronic games on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children aged 10–12 years
Authors: Straker Leon M , Abbott Rebecca A , Smith Anne J
Published: July 2013

Objective

To evaluate the impact of (1) the removal of home access to traditional electronic games or (2) their replacement with active input electronic games, on daily physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children aged 10–12 years.

Design

Crossover randomised controlled trial, over 6 months.

Setting

Family homes in metropolitan Perth, Australia from 2007 to 2010.

Participants

10-year-old to 12-year-old children were recruited through school and community media. From 210 children who were eligible, 74 met inclusion criteria, 8 withdrew and 10 had insufficient primary outcome measures, leaving 56 children (29 female) for analysis.

Intervention

A counterbalanced randomised order of three conditions sustained for 8 weeks each: no home access to electronic games, home access to traditional electronic games and home access to active input electronic games.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was accelerometer assessed moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Secondary outcomes included sedentary time and diary assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviours.

Results

Daily MVPA across the whole week was not significantly different between conditions. However, compared with home access to traditional electronic games, removal of all electronic games resulted in a significant increase in MVPA (mean 3.8 min/day, 95% CI 1.5 to 6.1) and a decrease in sedentary time (4.7 min/day, 0.0 to 9.5) in the after-school period. Similarly, replacing traditional games with active input games resulted in a significant increase in MVPA (3.2 min/day, 0.9 to 5.5) and a decrease in sedentary time (6.2 min/day, 1.4 to 11.4) in the after-school period. Diary reports supported an increase in physical activity and a decrease in screen-based sedentary behaviours with both interventions.

Conclusions

Removal of sedentary electronic games from the child's home and replacing these with active electronic games both resulted in small, objectively measured improvements in after-school activity and sedentary time. Parents can be advised that replacing sedentary electronic games with active electronic games is likely to have the same effect as removing all electronic games.

Trial Registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12609000279224)
Structural influences impacting the role of the 9-ylidene bond in the electronic tuning of structures built upon 9-fluorenylidene scaffolds
Authors: Eakins Galen L. , Cooper Matthew W. , Gerasimchuk Nikolay N. , Phillips Terry J. , Breyfogle Bryan E. , Stearman Chad J.
Published: July 2013

A structure–effect study is presented pertaining to the HOMO–LUMO tuning of compounds built upon the 9-fluorenylidene scaffold frequently incorporated as a moiety within organic-based semiconducting materials. The results represent the first reported analysis employing an ensemble of spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and crystal structure data to elucidate and compare the electronic properties of 9-fluorenones, 9-fluorenylidenes, and 9-fluorenimine derivatives. The results also provide the first spectroscopically and crystallographically measured description of exciton coupling within 9,9′-bifluorenylidenes. The 9-ylidene bond is seen to play a key role impacting the electronic properties, and an examination of the effects of substituents, conjugation, heteroatoms, and steric strain on the 9-ylidene bond in a diverse set of structures with representative structural variations relevant to the HOMO–LUMO tuning is presented. Increasing conjugation decreased the HOMO–LUMO gap (HLG), increased the HOMO energy (EHOMO), but decreased the LUMO energy (ELUMO). Substituent effects were observed to produce only slight changes that tended to decrease the HLG and increase both EHOMO and ELUMO, while heteroatom inclusion at the 9-ylidine bond tended to decrease the HLG, EHOMO, ELUMO, and the extinction coefficient. In the sterically hindered 9,9′-bifluorenylidenes, increased steric strain that promoted either an increase in the torsion angle or bond length of the 9-ylidene bond was seen to decrease the HLG via exciton coupling. These results elucidate the HOMO–LUMO tuning of systems containing a 9-fluorenylidene moiety and may assist in developing materials with specifically tuned HLGs and HOMO–LUMO levels for a variety of applications.
In search of empirical rule relating E21+ and B(E2; 01+→21+) in asymmetric even–even nuclei of mass region A = 90–120
Authors: Singh Yuvraj , Dhiman S.K. , Singh M. , Bihari Chhail , Varshney A.K. , Gupta K.K. , Gupta D.K.
Published: July 2013

The quadrupole deformation β are extracted independently from energy and transition rates. The set of asymmetric parameters γ are obtained from energy ratio [Formula: see text]. It is observed that the set of β values evaluated from B(E2) are closer to the values of β extracted from [Formula: see text] on considering the Grodzins empirical rule (Grodzins. Phys. Lett. 2, 88 (1962)) with uncertainty in even Mo, Ru, and Pd nuclei. The moment of inertia [Formula: see text] generating the yrast band in these nuclei is evaluated from [Formula: see text] using the asymmetric rotor model (Davydov and Filippov. Nucl. Phys. 8, 237 (1958)). The β, γ, and I0 values have good correlations with NpNn. In addition, β and I0 are related linearly in general. This systematic relate [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and asymmetric deformation γ that enables one to predict [Formula: see text], the static quadrupole moment Q0 and quadrupole deformation β of those nuclei whose only [Formula: see text] is known.
Autler–Townes quadruplet spectroscopy
Authors: Farooq Bilal
Published: July 2013

We suggest an atomic scheme of Autler–Townes quadruplet spectroscopy by extending the concepts of Autler–Townes doublet and triplet spectroscopy. The present scheme is analyzed in detail with the help of a state vector approach to calculate its emission spectrum. By applying rotating wave and Weisskopf–Wigner approximations to our proposed scheme, we have successfully attained a simple analytical expression of the spectrum interpreting the basic mechanism involved in the process of quantum interference. All the spectroscopic parameters, like the locations of dark lines and the locations and widths of all the peaks, are presented in analytical form. These analyses provide a better understanding of the phenomenon of the Autler–Townes quadruplet spectrum.
Electron impact total and ionization cross sections for Sr, Y, Ru, Pd, and Ag atoms
Authors: Gupta Dhanoj , Naghma Rahla , Antony Bobby
Published: July 2013

Calculation of electron impact total and ionization cross sections for Sr, Y, Ru, Pd, and Ag atoms were performed using spherical complex optical potential and complex scattering potential-ionization contribution methods. The complex optical potential model is formulated from the target parameters and the atomic charge density. The spherical charge densities are in turn derived from the Roothaan–Hartree–Fock wavefunctions defining the atomic orbital of the target. In the present study cross sections are computed in the energy range from ionization threshold to 2000 eV. The results obtained are compared with other theories and measurements wherever available and were found to be quite consistent and uniform. In general, present data show an overall reasonable agreement with other results. Dependence of total cross sections on the number of target electrons and peak of ionization cross section on target parameters were also found to be consistent with previous observations.
CRUMPLED-TO-TUBULE TRANSITION AND SHAPE TRANSFORMATIONS OF A MODEL OF SELF-AVOIDING SPHERICAL MESHWORK
Authors: KOIBUCHI HIROSHI , SHOBUKHOV ANDREY
Published: July 2013

This paper analyzes a new self-avoiding (SA) meshwork model using the canonical Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique on lattices that consist of connection-fixed triangles. The Hamiltonian of this model includes a SA potential and a pressure term. The model identifies a crumpled-to-tubule (CT) transition between the crumpled and tubular phases. This is a second-order transition, which occurs when the pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the surface is close to zero. We obtain the Flory swelling exponents [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] corresponding to the mean square radius of gyration [Formula: see text] and enclosed volume V, where Df is the fractal dimension. The analysis shows that [Formula: see text] at the transition is almost identical to the one of the smooth phase of previously reported SA model which has no crumpled phase.
EINSTEIN MANIFOLDS AS YANG–MILLS INSTANTONS
Authors: OH JOHN J. , YANG HYUN SEOK
Published: July 2013

It is well known that Einstein gravity can be formulated as a gauge theory of Lorentz group where spin connections play a role of gauge fields and Riemann curvature tensors correspond to their field strengths. One can then pose an interesting question: What is the Einstein equation from the gauge theory point of view? Or equivalently, what is the gauge theory object corresponding to Einstein manifolds? We show that the Einstein equations in four dimensions are precisely self-duality equations in Yang–Mills gauge theory and so Einstein manifolds correspond to Yang–Mills instantons in SO (4) = SU (2)L× SU (2)Rgauge theory. Specifically, we prove that any Einstein manifold with or without a cosmological constant always arises as the sum of SU (2)Linstantons and SU (2)Ranti-instantons. This result explains why an Einstein manifold must be stable because two kinds of instantons belong to different gauge groups, instantons in SU (2)Land anti-instantons in SU (2)R, and so they cannot decay into a vacuum. We further illuminate the stability of Einstein manifolds by showing that they carry nontrivial topological invariants.
WAVELET-BASED POSTPROCESSING OF JET LES DATA FOR ACOUSTIC FAR-FIELD EXTRAPOLATIONS
Authors: KAVIANI RAMIN , ESFAHANIAN VAHID , EBRAHIMI MOHAMMAD
Published: July 2013

The affordable grid resolutions in conventional large-eddy simulations (LESs) of high Reynolds jet flows are unable to capture the sound generated by fluid motions near and beyond the grid cut-off scale. As a result, the frequency spectrum of the extrapolated sound field is artificially truncated at high frequencies. In this paper, a new method is proposed to account for the high frequency noise sources beyond the resolution of a compressible flow simulation. The large-scale turbulent structures as dominant radiators of sound are captured in LES, satisfying filtered Navier–Stokes equations, while for small-scale turbulence, a Kolmogorov's turbulence spectrum is imposed. The latter is performed via a wavelet-based extrapolation to add randomly generated small-scale noise sources to the LES near-field data. Further, the vorticity and instability waves are filtered out via a passive wavelet-based masking and the whole spectrum of filtered data are captured on a Ffowcs-Williams/Hawkings (FW-H) surface surrounding the near-field region and are projected to acoustic far-field. The algorithm can be implemented as a separate postprocessing stage and it is observed that the computational time is considerably reduced utilizing a hybrid of many-core and multi-core framework, i.e. MPI-CUDA programming. The comparison of the results obtained from this procedure and those from experiments for high subsonic and transonic jets, shows that the far-field noise spectrum agree well up to 2 times of the grid cut-off frequency.
CONVEXITY OF THE "AIRPORT PROFIT GAME" AND k-CONVEXITY OF THE "BANKRUPTCY GAME"
Authors: HOU DONGSHUANG , DRIESSEN THEO
Published: July 2013

The topic is two-fold. First, we prove the convexity of Owen's Airport Profit Game (inclusive of revenues and costs). As an adjunct, we characterize the class of 1-convex Airport Profit Games by equivalent properties of the corresponding cost function. Second, we classify the class of 1-convex Bankruptcy Games by solving a minimization problem of its corresponding gap function.
SOME EXCESS-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR COOPERATIVE GAMES WITH TRANSFERABLE UTILITY
Authors: VANAM KRISHNA CHAITANYA , HEMACHANDRA N.
Published: July 2013

For a finite player cooperative cost game, we consider two solutions that are based on excesses of coalitions. We define per-capita excess-sum of a player as sum of normalized excesses of coalitions involving this player and view it as a measure of player's dissatisfaction. So, per-capita excess-sum allocation is that imputation that minimizes the maximum per-capita excess-sums of players. We provide a closed form expression for an allocation, which is the per-capita excess-sum allocation if it is also individually rational. We propose a finite step algorithm to compute per-capita excess-sum allocation for a general game. We show that per-capita excess-sum allocation is coalitionally monotonic. Next, we consider excess-sum solution wherein a player views entire coalition's excess as a measure of dissatisfaction. This excess-sum solution also has above properties. In addition, we consider a super set of core and show that excess-sum allocation can be viewed as an imputation that is a certain center of this polyhedron. We introduce a class of cooperative games that can model cost sharing among divisions of a firm when they buy items at volume discounts. We characterize when excess-based allocations coincide with Shapley value, nucleolus, etc. in such games.
THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE IN GAMES
Authors: PARIKH ROHIT , TAŞDEMİR ÇAĞIL , WITZEL ANDREAS
Published: July 2013

We propose a theory of the interaction between knowledge and games. Epistemic game theory is of course a well-developed subject but there is also a need for a theory of how some agents can affect the outcome of a game by affecting the knowledge which other agents have and thereby affecting their actions. We concentrate on games of incomplete or imperfect information, and study how conservative, moderate, or aggressive players might play such games. We provide models for the behavior of a knowledge manipulator who seeks to manipulate the knowledge states of active players in order to affect their moves and to maximize her own payoff even while she herself remains inactive, except for influencing the states of knowledge of the other players.
STEIN LINEAR PROGRAMS OVER SYMMETRIC CONES
Authors: JEYARAMAN I. , SIVAKUMAR K. C. , VETRIVEL V.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, using Moore–Penrose inverse, we characterize the feasibility of primal and dual Stein linear programs over symmetric cones in a Euclidean Jordan algebra V. We give sufficient conditions for the solvability of the Stein linear programming problem. Further, we give a characterization of the globally uniquely solvable property for the Stein transformation in terms of a least element of a set in V in the context of the linear complementarity problem.
SOLVING STRONGLY MONOTONE LINEAR COMPLEMENTARITY PROBLEMS
Authors: CHANDRASHEKARAN A. , PARTHASARATHY T. , VETRIVEL V.
Published: July 2013

Given a linear transformation L on a finite dimensional real inner product space V to itself and an element q ∈ V we consider the general linear complementarity problem LCP (L, K, q) on a proper cone K ⊆ V. We observe that the iterates generated by any closed algorithmic map will converge to a solution for LCP (L, K, q), whenever L is strongly monotone. Lipschitz constants of L is vital in establishing the above said convergence. Hence we compute the Lipschitz constants for certain classes of Lyapunov, Stein and double-sided multiplicative transformations in the setting of semidefinite linear complementarity problems. We give a numerical illustration of a closed algorithmic map in the setting of a standard linear complementarity problem. On account of the difficulties in numerically implementing such algorithms for general linear complementarity problems, we give an alternative algorithm for computing the solution for a special class of strongly monotone semidefinite linear complementarity problems along with a numerical example.
DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF SEVERAL HIGH-RESOLUTION SCHEMES FOR COMPRESSIBLE EULER EQUATIONS
Authors: RAY M. P. , PURANIK B. P. , BHANDARKAR U. V.
Published: July 2013

High-resolution extensions to six Riemann solvers and three flux vector splitting schemes are developed within the framework of a reconstruction-evolution approach. Third-order spatial accuracy is achieved using two different piecewise parabolic reconstructions and a weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme. A three-stage TVD Runge–Kutta time stepping is employed for temporal integration. The modular development of solvers provides an ease in selecting a reconstruction scheme and/or a Riemann solver/flux vector splitting scheme. The performances of these high-resolution solvers are compared for several one- and two-dimensional test cases. Based on a comprehensive assessment of the solutions obtained with all solvers, it is found that the use of the weighted essentially nonoscillatory reconstruction with the van Leer flux vector splitting scheme provides solutions for a variety of problems with acceptable accuracy.
MODIFIED FINITE PARTICLE METHOD: APPLICATIONS TO ELASTICITY AND PLASTICITY PROBLEMS
Authors: ASPRONE D. , AURICCHIO F. , REALI A.
Published: July 2013

Meshless methods are widely investigated and successfully implemented in many applications, including mechanics, fluid-dynamics, and thermo-dynamics. Within this context, this paper introduces a novel particle approach for elasticity, namely the modified finite particle method (MFPM), derived from existing projection particle formulations, however presenting second-order convergence rates when used to solve elastic boundary value problems. The formulation is discussed and some applications to bi-dimensional elastic and elasto-plastic problems are presented. The obtained numerical results confirm the accuracy of the method, both in elasticity and in plasticity applications.