bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four-Year Cumulative Radiation Exposure in Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography Angiography for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Takahashi Edwin A. , Yoon Hyo-Chun
Published: July 2013

Purpose.The objective of this study was to determine the estimated effective radiation dose of pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) contributing to total medical radiation exposure over a 4-year period.Materials and Methods.This investigation retrospectively reviewed 300 patients who presented to the emergency department and received a pulmonary CTA scan for suspected PE. We evaluated these patients' electronic medical record to determine their estimated radiation exposure to CT scans during the following four years. Using DLP toEconversion coefficients, we calculated the cumulative effective radiation dose each subject received.Results.A total of 900 CT scans were reviewed in this study. Pulmonary CTA delivered an average effective radiation dose of 10.7 ± 2.5 mSv and accounted for approximately 65% of subjects' 4-year cumulative medical radiation dose. Only 6.3% of subjects had a positive acute PE according to their radiology report.Conclusion.Pulmonary CTA accounted for the majority of subjects’ medically related effective radiation dose over a 4-year period. With only a minority of subjects having positive findings for acute PE, increased efforts should be made to clinically assess pretest probability before the consideration of imaging.
Effects of Resveratrol on Methotrexate‐Induced Testicular Damage in Rats
Authors: Yuluğ Esin , Türedi Sibel , Alver Ahmet , Türedi Süleyman , Kahraman Cemil
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the probable protective effects of resveratrol (RES), an antioxidant, against methotrexate‐ (MTX‐) induced testis damage. Twenty‐four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, RES, MTX, and MTX + RES groups. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in tissue, testicular histopathological damage scores, and testicular and epididymal epithelial apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated. The MTX group had significantly higher plasma and tissue MDA levels and significantly lower SOD and CAT activity than those of the control group. In the MTX + RES group, plasma and tissue MDA levels decreased significantly and SOD activity rose significantly compared to the MTX group. The MTX group had significantly lower Johnsen’s testicular biopsy score (JTBS) values than those of the control group. JTBS was significantly higher in the MTX + RES group than in the MTX group. AI increased in the testis and epididymis in the MTX group and significantly decreased in the MTX + RES group. Our results indicate that RES has protective effects against MTX‐induced testis damage at the biochemical, histopathological, and apoptotic levels.
Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines Bearing a Carbamate Moiety on the 4‐Position
Authors: Habibi Davood , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Safaee Maliheh
Published: July 2013

A good range of 1,4‐dihydropyridines bearing a carbamate moiety on the 4‐position were synthesized from the primary reaction of different hydroxyaldehydes with phenyl isocyanates and the subsequent reaction of the obtained carbamates with methyl acetoacetate in the presence of ammonium fluoride. When phenyl isothiocyanate was used in place of phenyl isocyanate in the same condition, the reaction did not take place.
Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Characteristics of Ti‐Codoped GZO Thin Solid Film
Authors: Chen Tao-Hsing , Liao Tzu-Yu
Published: July 2013

This study utilizes radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RF sputtering) to deposit GZO transparent conductive film and Ti thin film on the same corning glass substrate and then treats GZO/Ti thin film with rapid thermal annealing. The annealing temperatures are 300°C , 500°C, and 550°C, respectively. Ti:GZO transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films are deposited on glass substrates using a radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. The thin films are then annealed at temperatures of 300°C, 500°C, and 550°C, respectively, for rapid thermal annealing. The effects of the annealing temperature on the optical properties, resistivity, and nanomechanical properties of the Ti:GZO thin films are then systematically explored. The results show that all of the annealed films have excellent transparency (~90%) in the visible light range. Moreover, the resistivity of the Ti:GZO films reduces with an increasing annealing temperature, while the carrier concentration and Hall mobility both increase. Finally, the hardness and Young’s modulus of the Ti:GZO thin films are both found to increase as the annealing temperature is increased.
The Proapoptotic Effect of Traditional and Novel Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Mammalian and Yeast Cells
Authors: Farrugia Gianluca , Balzan Rena
Published: August 2013

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. However, mounting evidence shows that NSAIDs, such as aspirin, have very promising antineoplastic properties. The chemopreventive, antiproliferative behaviour of NSAIDs has been associated with both their inactivation of cyclooxygenases (COX) and their ability to induce apoptosisviapathways that are largely COX-independent. In this review, the various proapoptotic pathways induced by traditional and novel NSAIDs such as phospho-NSAIDs, hydrogen sulfide-releasing NSAIDs and nitric oxide-releasing NSAIDs in mammalian cell lines are discussed, as well as the proapoptotic effects of NSAIDs on budding yeast which retains the hallmarks of mammalian apoptosis. The significance of these mechanisms in terms of the role of NSAIDs in effective cancer prevention is considered.
An Adaptive Reordered Method for Computing PageRank
Authors: Bu Yi-Ming , Huang Ting-Zhu
Published: July 2013

We propose an adaptive reordered method to deal with the PageRank problem. It has been shown that one can reorder the hyperlink matrix of PageRank problem to calculate a reduced system and get the full PageRank vector through forward substitutions. This method can provide a speedup for calculating the PageRank vector. We observe that in the existing reordered method, the cost of the recursively reordering procedure could offset the computational reduction brought by minimizing the dimension of linear system. With this observation, we introduce an adaptive reordered method to accelerate the total calculation, in which we terminate the reordering procedure appropriately instead of reordering to the end. Numerical experiments show the effectiveness of this adaptive reordered method.
Multipole Theory and Algorithms for Target Support Estimation
Authors: Marengo Edwin A.
Published: July 2013

The inverse problem of estimating the smallest region of localization (minimum source region) of a source or scatterer that can produce a given radiation or scattered field is investigated with the help of the multipole expansion. The results are derived in the framework of the scalar Helmholtz equation. The proposed approach allows the estimation of possibly nonconvex minimum source regions. The derived method is illustrated with an example relevant to inverse scattering.
Chemical Constituents Antioxidant and Anticholinesterasic Activity of Tabernaemontana catharinensis
Authors: Nicola Carla , Salvador Mirian , Escalona Gower Adriana , Moura Sidnei , Echeverrigaray Sergio
Published: July 2013

The present work aimed to analyze the alkaloid content of the ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana catharinensis (Apocynaceae family) and its fractions as well as to evaluate their antioxidant and anticholinesterasic activities. The analyses of the ethanolic extract of T. catharinensis by mass spectrometry allowed identifying the presence of the alkaloids 16‐epi‐affinine, coronaridine‐hydroxyindolenine, voachalotine, voacristine‐hydroxyindolenine, and 12‐methoxy‐n‐methyl‐voachalotine, as well as an alkaloid with m/z 385.21 whose spectrum suggests a derivative of voacristine or voacangine. The extract and its alkaloid rich fractions showed antioxidant activity, especially those that contain the alkaloid m/z 385.21 or 16‐epi‐affinine with DPPH scavenging activity (IC50) between 37.18 and 74.69 μg/mL. Moreover, the extract and its fractions exhibited anticholinesterasic activity, particularly the fractions characterized by the presence of 12‐methoxy‐n‐methyl‐voachalotine, with IC50 = 2.1 to 2.5 μg/mL. Fractions with 16‐epi‐affinine combined good antioxidant (IC50 = 65.59 to 74.69 μg/mL) and anticholinesterasic (IC50 = 7.7 to 8.3 μg/mL) activities, representing an option for further studies aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Catalytic Sorption of (Chloro)Benzene and Naphthalene in Aqueous Solutions by Granular Activated Carbon Supported Bimetallic Iron and Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Virkutyte Jurate , Al-Abed Souhail R. , Barth Edwin F. , Reible Danny , Dunlap Patrick , Chattopadhyay Sandip
Published: July 2013

Adsorption of benzene, chlorobenzene, and naphthalene on commercially available granular activated carbon (GAC) and bimetallic nanoparticle (Fe/Pd) loaded GAC was investigated for the potential use in active capping of contaminated sediments. Freundlich and Langmuir linearizations were both applied to this data, and it was found that the Freundlich model most closely fits the experimental data. Based on Freundlich parameters, the effective partitioning coefficients (L kg−1) taking into account and were calculated to be and for benzene and chlorobenzene, respectively, on GAC. In addition, effective partitioning coefficients (L kg−1) were 650, 5640, and for benzene, chlorobenzene, and naphthalene, respectively, on Fe/Pd/GAC. Values of were 6.11, 7.11, and 7.54 for benzene, chlorobenzene, and naphthalene, respectively, for GAC and 4.53, 5.47, and 5.22, respectively, for Fe/Pd/GAC.
Customer Preference-Based Information Retrieval to Build Module Concepts
Authors: Cao Dongxing , Zhang Mandun , Li Zhanjun
Published: July 2013

Preference is viewed as an outer feeling of a product, also as a reflection of human's inner thought. It dominates the designers' decisions and affects our purchase intention. In the paper, a model of preference elicitation from customers is proposed to build module concepts. Firstly, the attributes of customer preference are classified in a hierarchy and make the surveys to build customer preference concepts. Secondly, the documents or catalogs of design requirements, perhaps containing some textual description and geometric data, are normalized by using semantic expressions. Some semantic rules are developed to describe low-level features of customer preference to construct a knowledge base of customer preference. Thirdly, designers' needs are used to map customer preference for generating module concepts. Finally, an empirical study of the stapler is surveyed to illustrate the validity of module concept generation.
A Novel Data Classification and Scheduling Scheme in the Virtualization of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Islam Md. Motaharul , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: July 2013

Most of the nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) remain idle for the maximum period of their lifetime resulting in underutilization of their resources. There are many ongoing research studies to utilize the resources of sensor nodes in an efficient way. Virtualization of sensor network (VSN) is one of the novel approaches to utilize the physical infrastructure of a WSN. VSN can be simply defined as the virtual version of a WSN over the physical sensor infrastructure. By allowing sensor nodes to coexist on a shared physical substrate, VSN may provide flexibility, cost effectiveness, and manageability. This paper proposes a QoS-aware data classification and scheduling framework for VSN in the health care sector. We develop a tiny virtual machine called VSNware for health care applications, which facilitates QoS-aware forwarding of data packets, maintaining the reliability, delay guarantee, and speed. The simulation results also show that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional WSN approaches.
Information and Communication Technology to Link Criminal Justice Reentrants to HIV Care in the Community
Authors: Kurth Ann , Kuo Irene , Peterson James , Azikiwe Nkiru , Bazerman Lauri , Cates Alice , Beckwith Curt G.
Published: July 2013

The United States has the world’s highest prison population, and an estimated one in seven HIV-positive persons in the USA passes through a correctional facility annually. Given this, it is critical to develop innovative and effective approaches to support HIV treatment and retention in care among HIV-positive individuals involved in the criminal justice (CJ) system. Information and communication technologies (ICTs), including mobile health (mHealth) interventions, may offer one component of a successful strategy for linkage/retention in care. We describe CARE+ Corrections, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study now underway in Washington, that will evaluate the combined effect of computerized motivational interview counseling and postrelease short message service (SMS) text message reminders to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and linkage and retention in care among HIV-infected persons involved in the criminal justice system. In this report, we describe the development of this ICT/mHealth intervention, outline the study procedures used to evaluate this intervention, and summarize the implications for the mHealth knowledge base.
Single Stance Stability and Proprioceptive Control in Older Adults Living at Home: Gender and Age Differences
Authors: Riva Dario , Mamo Carlo , Fanì Mara , Saccavino Patrizia , Rocca Flavio , Momenté Manuel , Fratta Marianna
Published: July 2013

In developed countries, falls in older people represent a rising problem. As effective prevention should start before the risk becomes evident, an early predictor is needed. Single stance instability would appear as a major risk factor. Aims of the study were to describe single stance stability, its sensory components, and their correlation with age and gender. A random sample of 597 older adults (319 men, 278 women) living at home, aged 65–84, was studied. Stability tests were performed with an electronic postural station. The single stance test showed the impairment of single stance stability in older individuals (75–84 yrs). The significant decline of stability in the older subjects may be explained by the impairment of proprioceptive control together with the decrease in compensatory visual stabilization and emergency responses. Younger subjects (65–74 yrs) exhibited better, but still inadequate, proprioceptive control with compensatory visual stabilization. Gender differences appeared in older subjects: women were significantly less stable than men. The measurement of the sensory components of single stance stability could aid in the early detection of a decay in antigravity movements many years before the risk of falling becomes evident. Adequate proprioceptive control could mitigate the effects of all other risks of falling.
Depression Symptoms Improve after Successful Weight Loss with Emotional Freedom Techniques
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Church Dawson , Sheldon Terri , Porter Brett , Carlopio Cassandra
Published: July 2013

Ninety-six overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to a four-week EFT treatment or waitlist condition. Waitlist participants crossed over to the EFT group upon completion of wait period. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities, and psychological symptoms were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up for combined EFT groups. Significant improvements in weight, body mass index, food cravings, subjective power of food, craving restraint and psychological coping for EFT participants from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up (P<0.05) were reported. The current paper isolates the depression symptom levels of participants, as well as levels of eight other psychological conditions. Significant decreases from pre- to posttreatment were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsivity, paranoid ideation, and somatization (P<0.05). Significant decreases from pretreatment to 12-month follow-up were found for depression, interpersonal sensitivity, psychoticism, and hostility. The results point to the role depression, and other mental health conditions may play in the successful maintenance of weight loss.
Design and Optimization of a Monoaxial Tracking System for Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Alexandru Cătălin
Published: July 2013

This paper presents researches on increasing the energetic efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) string by designing and optimizing a tracking mechanism that simultaneously changes the daily position of the modules using a single driving source (there are modules with individual supports). The motion is transmitted from the driving source, which is a linear actuator, with a parallelogram mechanism. The main task in optimizing the tracking system is to maximize the energetic gain by increasing the solar input and minimizing the energy demand for tracking. The study is performed by developing the virtual prototype of the tracking system, which integrates the mechanical device and the control system, in mechatronic concept. Virtual prototyping software solutions (ADAMS, EASY5, and MAT) are used in this study.
Different Mechanisms of Inflammation Induced in Virus and Autoimmune-Mediated Models of Multiple Sclerosis in C57BL6 Mice
Authors: Kishore Abhinoy , Kanaujia Anurag , Nag Soma , Rostami A. M. , Kenyon Lawrence C. , Shindler Kenneth S. , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: August 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the human central nervous system (CNS). Neurotropic demyelinating strain of MHV (MHV-A59 or its isogenic recombinant strain RSA59) induces MS-like disease in mice mediated by microglia, along with a small population of T cells. The mechanism of demyelination is at least in part due to microglia-mediated myelin stripping, with some direct axonal injury. Immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) induces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mainly CD4+T-cell-mediated disease, although CD8+T cells may play a significant role in demyelination. It is possible that both autoimmune and nonimmune mechanisms such as direct viral toxicity may induce MS. Our study directly compares CNS pathology in autoimmune and viral-induced MS models. Mice with viral-induced and EAE demyelinating diseases demonstrated similar patterns and distributions of demyelination that accumulated over the course of the disease. However, significant differences in acute inflammation were noted. Inflammation was restricted mainly to white matter at all times in EAE, whereas inflammation initially largely involved gray matter in acute MHV-induced disease and then is subsequently localized only in white matter in the chronic disease phase. The presence of dual mechanisms of demyelination may be responsible for the failure of immunosuppression to promote long-term remission in many MS patients.
An Unusual Case of Sudden Collapse in the Immediate Postoperative Period in a Young Healthy Female with Myxofibroma of the Maxilla
Authors: Singh Manila , Singh Saket
Published: July 2013

Benign myxofibromas of heart are well known to cause systemic inflammatory mediator release causing multiple complications ranging from fever and widespread effusions to DIC and shock. We report that in a particular case of maxillary myxofibroma, a shock-like state and widespread serous cavities effusion presented in the immediate postoperative period. The occurrence was possibly due to release of inflammatory mediators by the tumour, disseminated during tumour resection causing diffuse capillary leak, precipitated by fluid resuscitation, leading to decrease in plasma oncotic pressure.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 1‐(4‐Nitrobenzyl)‐3‐allyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2(3H)‐one
Authors: Belaziz Dounia , Luis Santiago V. , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Martí Inés , Martí-Centelles Vicente
Published: July 2013

A functionalized benzimidazole, 1‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐3‐allyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2(3H)‐one, has been synthesized, and the crystal structure was determined and analyzed. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic, space group P21/n (number 14) c with cell parameters, a = 7.12148(8) Å, b = 16.12035(17) Å, c = 13.04169(17) Å, β = 93.3043(11), V = 1494.71(3) Å3, and  Dcalc = 1.375 g/mm3. The solid state geometry is stabilized by intermolecular π–π interactions along with the van der Waals interactions which contribute to the stability of the crystal packing. Computational calculations have been used to properly understand the main intermolecular interactions present in the crystal.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimalarial Activity Aqueous Extract ofLecaniodiscus cupanioides Root
Authors: Nafiu Mikhail Olugbemiro , Abdulsalam Taoheed Adedeji , Akanji Musbau Adewumi
Published: August 2013

Root aqueous extract ofLecaniodiscus cupanioideswas evaluated for antimalarial activity and analyzed for its phytochemical constituents. Twenty-four (24) albino mice were infected by intraperitoneal injection of standard inoculum of chloroquine sensitivePlasmodium berghei(NK 65). The animals were randomly divided into 6 groups of 3 mice each. Group 1 served as the control while groups II–IV were orally administered 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weights of extract. Groups 5 and 6 received 1.75 and 5 mg/kg of artesunate and chloroquine, respectively. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids (2.37%), saponin (0.336), tannin (0.012 per cent), phenol (0.008 per cent), and anthraquinone (0.002 per cent). There was 100 per cent parasite inhibition in the chloroquine group and 70 per cent in the 50 mg/kg body weight on day 12, respectively. The mean survival time (MST), for the control group was 14 days, artesunate 16 days, and chloroquine 30 days, while the groups that received 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight recorded similar MST of 17 days and the 150 mg/kg body weight group recorded 19 days. The results obtained indicated that the aqueous extract ofLecaniodiscus cupanioidesmay provide an alternative antimalarial.
Changes in Water Sorption and Solubility of Dental Adhesive Systems after Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Vitória Lívia Andrade , Aguiar Thaiane Rodrigues , Santos Poliana Ramos Braga , Cavalcanti Andrea Nóbrega , Mathias Paula
Published: July 2013

Aim. To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke on water sorption and solubility of four adhesive systems. Materials and Methods. Sixteen disks of each adhesive system were prepared (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive (SA); Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive System (Adhesive + Primer) (SAP); Adper Single Bond Plus (SB); Adper Easy One (EO)). Specimens were desiccated until a constant mass was obtained and divided into two groups (n=8). One-half of the specimens were immersed in deionized water, while the other half were also immersed, but with daily exposure to tobacco smoke. After 21 days, disks were measured again and stored in desiccators until constant mass was achieved. Data were calculated according to ISO specifications and statistically analyzed. Results. The tobacco smoke only significantly affected the water sorption and solubility of EO. There were significant differences in both analyses among materials tested. The SB exhibited the highest water sorption, followed by EO, which demonstrated significantly higher solubility values than SB. The SA and SAP showed low water sorption and solubility, and there were no significant differences between the two. Conclusion. Regardless of smoke exposure, both simplified adhesive systems presented an inferior performance that could be related to the complex mixture of components in such versions.
Nanostructured ZnO, TiO2, and Composite ZnO/TiO2Films for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Giannouli Myrsini
Published: July 2013

The effects of using composite semiconductor films on the efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were investigated. Four different types of composite ZnO/TiO2cells were developed and sensitized with the organic molecules Coumarin 343 (C343) and Rose Bengal (RB). A comparative assessment of the different composite cells was conducted, and the photovoltaic performance of single-semiconductor ZnO and TiO2solar cells was also compared to that of the composite ZnO/TiO2cells. It was observed that composite cells with ZnO/TiO2ratio equal to 90/10 have comparable efficiency to single-semiconductor cells and have the advantage of higher stability. The effects of using various multicomponent electrolytes on the efficiency and stability of the ZnO/TiO2cells were also investigated. It was observed that the combined properties of the materials used in these electrolytes enhance the efficiency of the composite ZnO/TiO2cells.
Modulation of the Rat Hepatic Cytochrome P4501A Subfamily Using Biotin Supplementation
Authors: Ronquillo-Sánchez M. D. , Camacho-Carranza R. , Fernandez-Mejia C. , Hernández-Ojeda S. , Elinos-Baez M. , Espinosa-Aguirre J. J.
Published: July 2013

Studies have found that biotin favors glucose and lipid metabolism, and medications containing biotin have been developed. Despite the use of biotin as a pharmacological agent, few studies have addressed toxicity aspects including the possible interaction with cytochrome P450 enzyme family. This study analyzed the effects of pharmacological doses of biotin on the expression and activity of the cytochrome P4501A subfamily involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Wistar rats were treated daily with biotin (2 mg/kg, i.p.), while the control groups were treated with saline. All of the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 1, 3, 5, or 7 days of treatment. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 mRNAs were modified by biotin while enzyme activity and protein concentration were not affected. The lack of an effect of biotin on CYP1A activity was confirmed using other experimental strategies, including (i) cotreatment of the animals with biotin and a known CYP1A inducer; (ii) the addition of biotin to the reaction mixtures for the measurement of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 activities; and (iii) the use of an S9 mixture that was prepared from control and biotin-treated rats to analyze the activation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) into mutagenic metabolites using the Ames test. The results suggest that biotin does not influence the CYP1A-mediated metabolism of xenobiotics.
Optimizing the Processing Conditions for the Reinforcement of Epoxy Resin by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Arun S. , Maharana Mrutyunjay , Kanagaraj S.
Published: July 2013

The reinforcement of epoxy by MWCNTs is done to obtain the required properties of composites. However, the homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs in epoxy is a critical problem. Hence, an attempt is made to optimize the processing conditions for dispersing the MWCNTs in epoxy by solvent dispersion technique. The epoxy/MWCNTs mixture was prepared using three methods: (1) magnetic stirring at 55°C, (2) hot air oven process at 55°C, and (3) vacuum oven process at room temperature. The nanocomposites having 0.1 and 0.2 wt.% of MWCNTs were prepared, for each method. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were studied as per ASTM-D695, and the thermal conductivity was measured using KD2 probe. It is observed that the compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and thermal conductivity of 0.2 wt.% of MWCNTs prepared by vacuum oven method were found to be enhanced by 39.4, 10.7, and 59.2%, respectively, compared to those of pure epoxy. Though the properties of nanocomposites were increased with MWCNTs’ concentration irrespective of the processing techniques, the vacuum-processed sample showed the most enhanced properties compared to any other method. It is concluded that a unique method for the dispersion of MWCNTs in epoxy is the solvent dispersion technique with vacuum drying process.
HyDEn: A Hybrid Steganocryptographic Approach for Data Encryption Using Randomized Error-Correcting DNA Codes
Authors: Tulpan Dan , Regoui Chaouki , Durand Guillaume , Belliveau Luc , Léger Serge
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a novel hybrid DNA encryption (HyDEn) approach that uses randomized assignments of unique error-correcting DNA Hamming code words for single characters in the extended ASCII set.HyDEnrelies on custom-built quaternary codes and a private key used in the randomized assignment of code words and the cyclic permutations applied on the encoded message. Along with its ability to detect and correct errors,HyDEnequals or outperforms existing cryptographic methods and represents a promisingin silicoDNA steganographic approach.
Maternal Thyroid Dysfunction and Risk of Seizure in the Child: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Andersen Stine Linding , Laurberg Peter , Wu Chun Sen , Olsen Jørn
Published: July 2013

Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, and maternal thyroid disease may affect child neurocognitive development. Some types of seizures may also depend upon early exposure of the developing central nervous system, and we hypothesized that maternal thyroid dysfunction could increase the risk of seizure in the child. In a Danish population-based study we included 1,699,693 liveborn singletons, and from the Danish National Hospital Register we obtained information on maternal diagnosis of hyper- or hypothyroidism and neonatal seizure, febrile seizure, and epilepsy in the child. Maternal diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction before or after birth of the child was registered in two percent of the singleton births. In adjusted analyses, maternal hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism first time diagnosed after birth of the child were associated with a significant increased risk of epilepsy in the child. Moreover, hypothyroidism diagnosed after birth of the child was associated with a significant increased risk of neonatal and febrile seizures. No significant association was seen for maternal diagnosis prior to birth of the child. We speculate if some degree of maternal thyroid dysfunction was already present during the pregnancy in mothers diagnosed after birth of the child and if this untreated condition may present a neurodevelopmental risk.
Unilateral Isolated Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency
Authors: Doğer Emek , Köpük Şule Y. , Çakıroğlu Yiğit , Çakır Özgür , Yücesoy Gülseren
Published: July 2013

Objective. To discuss a patient with a prenatal diagnosis of unilateral isolated femoral focal deficiency.Case. Antenatal diagnosis of unilateral isolated femoral focal deficiency was made at 20 weeks of gestation. The length of left femur was shorter than the right, and fetal femur length was below the fifth percentile. Proximal femoral focal deficiency was diagnosed. After delivery, the diagnosis was confirmed with skeletal radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. In prenatal ultrasonographic examination, the early recognition and exclusion of skeletal dysplasias is important; moreover, treatment plans should be initiated, and valuable information should be provided to the family.
Investigating Recent Testing among MSM: Results from Community-Based HIV Rapid Testing Attendees in France
Authors: Lorente Nicolas , Champenois Karen , Blanche Jérôme , Préau Marie , Suzan-Monti Marie , Mora Marion , Fugon Lionel , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Le Gall Jean-Marie , Spire Bruno , Yazdanpanah Yazdan
Published: July 2013

Background. We aimed to identify factors associated with recent HIV testing in MSM who attended two experimental community-based and nonmedicalized voluntary counselling and testing programmes (CB-VCT) targeting MSM in France. Methods. This analysis was based on data collected in 2009–2011 through a self-administered pretesting questionnaire. An index measuring the level of participants’ sexual orientation disclosure was built: the higher the index, the greater the disclosure. Factors associated with recent HIV testing (last test ≤ 1 year) were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for the CB-VCT programme of enrolment. Results. 716 MSM provided data on testing history. Overall, 49% were recently tested for HIV and 51% were not. Recently tested MSM had a higher homosexuality disclosure index (adjusted OR [95% confidence interval]: aOR = 1.2 [1.1–1.4]), reported more inconsistent condom use during anal sex with men (aOR = 1.6 [1.2–2.1]), and were less likely to have sex under the influence of club drugs (aOR = 0.6 [0.4–1.0]). Conclusion. New testing strategies should focus on those who live their homosexuality relatively secretly and those who use club drugs before sex. Governments should develop policies which encourage improved social acceptance of homosexuality as concealment of sexual orientation represents a major barrier to testing.
Propagation of Shock on NREL Phase VI Wind Turbine Airfoil under Compressible Flow
Authors: Hossain Mohammad A. , Huque Ziaul , Kammalapati Raghava R.
Published: July 2013

The work is focused on numeric analysis of compressible flow around National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) phase VI wind turbine blade airfoil S809. Although wind turbine airfoils are low Reynolds number airfoils, a reasonable investigation of compressible flow under extreme condition might be helpful. A subsonic flow (mach no.M=0.8) has been considered for this analysis and the impacts of this flow under seven different angles of attack have been determined. The results show that shock takes place just after the mid span at the top surface and just before the mid span at the bottom surface at zero angle of attack. Slowly the shock waves translate their positions as angle of attack increases. A relative translation of the shock waves in upper and lower face of the airfoil are presented. Variation of Turbulent viscosity ratio and surface Y+ have also been determined. Ak-ωSST turbulent model is considered and the commercial CFD code ANSYS FLUENT is used to find the pressure coefficient (Cp) as well as the lift (CL) and drag coefficients (CD). A graphical comparison of shock propagation has been shown with different angle of attack. Flow separation and stream function are also determined.
The Effects of Different Representations on Static Structure Analysis of Computer Malware Signatures
Authors: Narayanan Ajit , Chen Yi , Pang Shaoning , Tao Ban
Published: August 2013

The continuous growth of malware presents a problem for internet computing due to increasingly sophisticated techniques for disguising malicious code through mutation and the time required to identify signatures for use by antiviral software systems (AVS). Malware modelling has focused primarily on semantics due to the intended actions and behaviours of viral and worm code. The aim of this paper is to evaluate a static structure approach to malware modelling using the growing malware signature databases now available. We show that, if malware signatures are represented as artificial protein sequences, it is possible to apply standard sequence alignment techniques in bioinformatics to improve accuracy of distinguishing between worm and virus signatures. Moreover, aligned signature sequences can be mined through traditional data mining techniques to extract metasignatures that help to distinguish between viral and worm signatures. All bioinformatics and data mining analysis were performed on publicly available tools and Weka.
Neural Mechanisms That Underlie Angina-Induced Referred Pain in the Trigeminal Nerve Territory: A c-Fos Study in Rats
Authors: Hayashi Bunsho , Maeda Masako , Tsuruoka Masayoshi , Inoue Tomio
Published: July 2013

The present study was designed to determine whether the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex (TSNC) is involved in angina-induced referred pain in the trigeminal nerve territory and to identify the peripheral nerve conducting nociceptive signals that are input into the TSNC. Following application of the pain producing substance (PPS) infusion, the number of Fos-labeled cells increased significantly in the subnucleus caudalis (Sp5C) compared with other nuclei in the TSNC. The Fos-labeled cells in the Sp5C disappeared when the left and right cervical vagus nerves were sectioned. Lesion of the C1-C2 spinal segments did not reduce the number of Fos-labeled cells. These results suggest that the nociceptive signals that conduct vagal afferent fibers from the cardiac region are input into the Sp5C and then projected to the thalamus.
Attractor Transformation by Impulsive Control in Boolean Control Network
Authors: Gao Bo , Peng Haipeng , Zhao Dawei , Zhang Wenguang , Yang Yixian
Published: July 2013

Boolean control networks have recently been attracting considerable interests as computational models for genetic regulatory networks. In this paper, we present an approach of impulsive control for attractor transitions in Boolean control networks based on the recent developed matrix semitensor product theory. The reachability of attractors is estimated, and the controller is also obtained. The general derivation proposed here is exemplified with a kind of gene model, which is the protein-nucleic acid interactions network, on numerical simulations.
Statistical Convergence of Double Sequences of Order
Authors: Çolak R. , Altin Y.
Published: August 2013

We intend to make a new approach and introduce the concepts of statistical convergence of order and strongly -Cesàro summability of order for double sequences of complex or real numbers. Also, some relations between the statistical convergence of order and strong -Cesàro summability of order are given.
Label-Free Glucose Detection Using Cantilever Sensor Technology Based on Gravimetric Detection Principles
Authors: Hsieh Shuchen , Hsieh Shu-Ling , Hsieh Chiung-wen , Lin Po-Chiao , Wu Chun-Hsin
Published: August 2013

Efficient maintenance of glucose homeostasis is a major challenge in diabetes therapy, where accurate and reliable glucose level detection is required. Though several methods are currently used, these suffer from impaired response and often unpredictable drift, making them unsuitable for long-term therapeutic practice. In this study, we demonstrate a method that uses a functionalized atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever as the sensor for reliable glucose detection with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity for clinical use. We first modified the AFM tip with aminopropylsilatrane (APS) and then adsorbed glucose-specific lectin concanavalin A (Con A) onto the surface. The Con A/APS-modified probes were then used to detect glucose by monitoring shifts in the cantilever resonance frequency. To confirm the molecule-specific interaction, AFM topographical images were acquired of identically treated silicon substrates which indicated a specific attachment for glucose-Con A and not for galactose-Con A. These results demonstrate that by monitoring the frequency shift of the AFM cantilever, this sensing system can detect the interaction between Con A and glucose, one of the biomolecule recognition processes, and may assist in the detection and mass quantification of glucose for clinical applications with very high sensitivity.
Electrical Network Functions of Common-Ground Uniform PassiveRLCLadders and Their Elmore’s Delay and Rise Times
Authors: Kandić D. B. , Reljin B. D. , Reljin I. S.
Published: July 2013

In the paper are presented the expressions for all network functions of common-ground, uniform passive ladders having, in general, complex terminations at both their ends. The Elmore's delay and rise times calculated for selected types ofRLCladders have indicated their slight deviation from delay and rise times obtained according to their classical definitions. For common-ground, integrating typeRCladder with voltage-step input, the Elmore's delay- and rise-times are produced in closed-form, both for ladder nodes and points. Furthermore, it is proposed a particular common-ground, uniformRLCladder being amenable to application as delay line for pulsed and analog input signals. For this ladder, the Elmore's delay and rise times relating to their node voltages are produced in a closed-form, enabling thus with the realization of artificial (a) pulse delay line with arbitrarily and independently specified overall Elmore's delay and rise times and (b) true delay line with arbitrarily specified delay time for frequency bounded analog and/or pulsed input signals. In cases (a) and (b), precise procedures are formulated for calculation of ladder length and of all itsRLCparameters. The obtained results are illustrated with several practical examples and are, also, verified throughpspicesimulation.
Multimodality Imaging of a Giant Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma
Authors: Fine Nowell M. , Foley David A. , Breen Jerome F. , Maleszewski Joseph J.
Published: July 2013

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are benign cardiac tumors arising from endocardium. They are commonly found on valvular surfaces and average 1.0–1.5 cm in size. Though often asymptomatic, PFEs can lead to potentially severe complications, primarily due to their embolic potential. Surgical resection is recommended for all symptomatic or large PFEs. We report the case of a patient presenting with cardiovascular symptoms who was found to have a very large aortic valve PFE, as diagnosed by histopathologic examination following surgical resection. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging demonstrates the classic morphologic findings, including a pedunculated appearance and oscillating “frond-like” surface projections.
Synthesis and the Effects of New Melamine Superplasticizer on the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Wang Huqun , Yang Xiaofeng , Xiong Weifeng , Liu Xiaobin , Zhang Zhimin
Published: July 2013

This work deals with the synthesis of new melamine superplasticizer (NMS) with high molecule weight and comparatively high processing thermostability by the reaction among melamine, formaldehyde, and sulfonated glucose. The surface activity and the structure of new melamine superplasticizer and their performance in concrete were evaluated. The effect of molecular weight of synthesized new melamine superplasticizer on the performance of the concrete was determined. The results showed that the new melamine superplasticizer has been proved to be more efficient as a superplasticizer used in concrete.
Sharp Bounds for the Weighted Geometric Mean of the First Seiffert and Logarithmic Means in terms of Weighted Generalized Heronian Mean
Authors: Matejíčka Ladislav
Published: July 2013

Optimal bounds for the weighted geometric mean of the first Seiffert and logarithmic means by weighted generalized Heronian mean are proved. We answer the question: for what the greatest value and the least value such that the double inequality, , holds for all with are. Here, and denote the first Seiffert, logarithmic, and weighted generalized Heronian means of two positive numbers and respectively.
Material Properties of Laser-Welded Thin Silicon Foils
Authors: Hessmann M. T. , Kunz T. , Voigt M. , Cvecek K. , Schmidt M. , Bochmann A. , Christiansen S. , Auer R. , Brabec C. J.
Published: July 2013

An extended monocrystalline silicon base foil offers a great opportunity to combine low-cost production with high efficiency silicon solar cells on a large scale. By overcoming the area restriction of ingot-based monocrystalline silicon wafer production, costs could be decreased to thin film solar cell range. The extended monocrystalline silicon base foil consists of several individual thin silicon wafers which are welded together. A comparison of three different approaches to weld 50 μm thin silicon foils is investigated here: (1) laser spot welding with low constant feed speed, (2) laser line welding, and (3) keyhole welding. Cross-sections are prepared and analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to reveal changes in the crystal structure at the welding side after laser irradiation. The treatment leads to the appearance of new grains and boundaries. The induced internal stress, using the three different laser welding processes, was investigated by micro-Raman analysis. We conclude that the keyhole welding process is the most favorable to produce thin silicon foils.
Design andIn VitroEvaluation of a New Nano-Microparticulate System for Enhanced Aqueous-Phase Solubility of Curcumin
Authors: Guzman-Villanueva Diana , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M. , Herrera-Ruiz Dea , Smyth Hugh D. C.
Published: July 2013

Curcumin, a yellow polyphenol derived from the turmericCurcuma longa, has been associated with a diverse therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties. However, the poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin have limited its potential when administrated orally. In this study, curcumin was encapsulated in a series of novel nano-microparticulate systems developed to improve its aqueous solubility and stability. The nano-microparticulate systems are based entirely on biocompatible, biodegradable, and edible polymers including chitosan, alginate, and carrageenan. The particles were synthesized via ionotropic gelation. Encapsulating the curcumin into the hydrogel nanoparticles yielded a homogenous curcumin dispersion in aqueous solution compared to the free form of curcumin. Also, thein vitrorelease profile showed up to 95% release of curcumin from the developed nano-microparticulate systems after 9 hours in PBS at pH 7.4 when freeze-dried particles were used.
Simultaneous Renal Oncocytoma and Lymphoma: Interest of Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Orcurto Angela , Lhermitte Benoît , Sermier Alain , Berthold Dominik
Published: July 2013

Kidney lesions may be difficult to diagnose only by radiological exams, often requiring proof by tissue biopsy. Moreover, if enlarged regional lymph nodes are also present, the spectrum of differential diagnoses is even greater. The role of regional lymph node dissection in this setting is not clearly established. We show the case of a patient with a kidney mass associated with a conglomerate of para-aortic and iliac lymphadenopathies corresponding to an oncocytoma and a nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin' lymphoma, respectively. Diagnosis of these two lesions was performed by morphology and immunohistochemistry. This case reflects how imaging can mislead to diagnosis and how histological confirmation helps decide treatment management.
The Approach to Steady State Using Homogeneous and Cartesian Coordinates
Authors: Gochberg D. F. , Ding Z.
Published: July 2013

Repeating an arbitrary sequence of RF pulses and magnetic field gradients will eventually lead to a steady-state condition in any magnetic resonance system. While numerical methods can quantify this trajectory, analytic analysis provides significantly more insight and a means for faster calculation. Recently, an analytic analysis using homogeneous coordinates was published. The current work further develops this line of thought and compares the relative merits of using a homogeneous or a Cartesian coordinate system.
Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Saline on Taurocholate-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rat
Authors: Zhang De-qing , Feng Huang , Chen Wei-chang
Published: July 2013

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). As an ideal exterminator of poisonous free radicals, hydrogen can clearly reduce the degree of oxidative damage caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and lessen the presence of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of hydrogen-rich saline on SAP in rats. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 and histopathological score in the pancreas were reduced after hydrogen-rich saline treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) contents were obviously reduced, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) contents were increased after hydrogen-rich saline treatment. The expression of mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the pancreas was reduced in hydrogen-rich saline treated group. In conclusion, intravenous hydrogen-rich saline injections could attenuate the severity of AP, probably via inhibiting the oxidative stress and reducing the presence of inflammatory mediators.