bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Investigation of a Novel Organic Polymer Consisting of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxy as a Cathode Active Material in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Biçer Emre , Öktemer Atilla
Published: July 2013

In the present study, a novel organic polymer consisting of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl group as an electroactive center is employed by synthesizing it from a commercially ready polymer. An investigation on electrochemical and battery properties of this material as a cathode active material in different electrolyte salts was conducted. A coin cell shows a discharge capacity of 40 mAh g−1at 1 Cwhich is 76% of its theoretical capacity. It is observed that there is no significant decrease in capacity value even at 2 Cand 5 Cwhich indicates that it is applicable for the high-power applications. Besides, a good cycle stability is obtained with the organic radical battery.
Integrated Protocols to Ensure Security Services in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Al-Muhtadi Jalal , Al-Dhelaan Abdullah
Published: July 2013

Security in current/next generation wireless sensor network (WSN) is challenging, due to its special characteristics and the scarcity of energy, and processing power. Thus, many security methods are trying to solve the problem of security in wireless sensor networks. Many of these methods use symmetric cryptography, and others use asymmetric cryptography. Security in WSN demands authentication, confidentiality, integrity, balancing the energy cost, nonreputation, and scalability services. In this paper, we introduce two protocols to address these main security services. The proposed protocols integrate public key and symmetric key algorithms to ensure optimal usage of sensors' energy and processing power to provide adequate security in next generation WSN. The proposed protocols utilize Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Certification Authority (CA), and Registration Authority (RA) to achieve a reasonable tradeoff.
Provisional Crown Dislodgement during Scuba Diving: A Case of Barotrauma
Authors: Gulve Meenal Nitin , Gulve Nitin Dilip
Published: July 2013

Changes in ambient pressure, for example, during flying, diving, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, can lead to barotrauma. Although it may seem that this issue was neglected in dental education and research in recent decades, familiarity with and understanding of these facts may be of importance for dental practitioners. We report the case of a patient who experienced barotrauma involving dislodgement of a provisional crown during scuba diving. Patients who are exposed to pressure changes as a part of their jobs or hobbies and their dentists should know the causes of barotrauma. In addition, the clinician must be aware of the possible influence of pressure changes on the retention of dental components.
Recent Advances in Understanding Magnetic Nanoparticles in AC Magnetic Fields and Optimal Design for Targeted Hyperthermia
Authors: Mamiya Hiroaki
Published: July 2013

Targeted hyperthermia treatment using magnetic nanoparticles is a promising cancer therapy that enables selective heating of hidden microcancer tissues. In this review, I outline the present status of chemical synthesis of such magnetic nanoparticles. Then, the latest progress in understanding their heat dissipation mechanisms under large magnetic fields is overviewed. This review covers the recently predicted novel phenomena: magnetic hysteresis loops of superparamagnetic states and steady orientations of easy axes at the directions parallel, perpendicular, or oblique to the AC magnetic field. Finally, this review ends with future prospects from the viewpoint of optimal design for efficacy with a low side‐effect profile.
Bounds for Incidence Energy of Some Graphs
Authors: Wang Weizhong , Yang Dong
Published: July 2013

LetGbe a simple graph. The incidence energy (IEfor short) ofGis defined as the sum of the singular values of the incidence matrix. In this paper, a new upper bound forIEof graphs in terms of the maximum degree is given. Meanwhile, bounds forIEof the line graph of a semiregular graph and the paraline graph of a regular graph are obtained.
GmNAC5, a NAC Transcription Factor, Is a Transient Response Regulator Induced by Abiotic Stress in Soybean
Authors: Jin Hangxia , Xu Guangli , Meng Qingchang , Huang Fang , Yu Deyue
Published: July 2013

GmNAC5 is a member of NAM subfamily belonging to NAC transcription factors in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Studies on NAC transcription factors have shown that this family functioned in the regulation of shoot apical meristem (SAM), hormone signalling, and stress responses. In this study, we examined the expression levels of GmNAC5. GmNAC5 was highly expressed in the roots and immature seeds, especially strongly in immature seeds of 40 days after flowering. In addition, we found that GmNAC5 was induced by mechanical wounding, high salinity, and cold treatments but was not induced by abscisic acid (ABA). The subcellular localization assay suggested that GmNAC5 was targeted at nucleus. Together, it was suggested that GmNAC5 might be involved in seed development and abiotic stress responses in soybean.
Simple, Rapid and Sensitive UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Antidepressant Amitriptyline in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Soni Pankaj , Sinha Deepak , Patel Rajmani
Published: August 2013

The paper describes a new and simple approach for spectrophotometric determination of tricyclic antidepressant drug amitriptyline. Enhancement of the colour intensity of the Fe(III)-SCN−complex on addition of the drug amitriptyline forms the basis of the proposed method. The value of molar absorptivity of the Fe(III)-SCN−amitriptyline ion pair complex in terms of the drug lies in the range of (2.82–3.36) × 103 L·mol−1·cm−1at the absorption maximum 460 nm. The detection limit of the method was 0.3 μg·mL−1. The slope, intercept, and correlation coefficients for the present method were found to be 0.008, 0.002, and +0.998, respectively. The effect of analytical variables on the determination of the drug and the composition of the complex are discussed in the paper. The method is applicable in the determination of amitriptyline in pharmaceutical preparations.
Buckling Analyses of Axially Functionally Graded Nonuniform Columns with Elastic Restraint Using a Localized Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Yilmaz Yasin , Girgin Zekeriya , Evran Savas
Published: July 2013

A localized differential quadrature method (LDQM) is introduced for buckling analysis of axially functionally graded nonuniform columns with elastic restraints. Weighting coefficients of differential quadrature discretization are obtained making use of neighboring points in forward and backward type schemes for the reference grids near the beginning and end boundaries of the physical domain, respectively, and central type scheme for the reference grids inside the physical domain. Boundary conditions are directly implemented into weighting coefficient matrices, and there is no need to use fictitious points near the boundaries. Compatibility equations are not required because the governing differential equation is discretized only once for each reference grid using neighboring points and variation of flexural rigidity is taken to be continuous in the axial direction. A large case of columns having different variations of cross-sectional profile and modulus of elasticity in the axial direction are considered. The results for nondimensional critical buckling loads are compared to the analytical and numerical results available in the literature. Some new results are also given. Comparison of the results shows the potential of the LDQM for solving such generalized eigenvalue problems governed by fourth-order variable coefficient differential equations with high accuracy and less computational effort.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Screening Mammography Use: Examining Recall among Female Relatives from the Ontario Site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry
Authors: Walker Meghan J. , Chiarelli Anna M. , Mirea Lucia , Glendon Gord , Ritvo Paul , Andrulis Irene L. , Knight Julia A.
Published: August 2013

Evidence of the accuracy of self-reported mammography use among women with familial breast cancer risk is limited. This study examined the accuracy of self-reported screening mammography dates in a cohort of 1,114 female relatives of breast cancer cases, aged 26 to 73 from the Ontario site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry. Self-reported dates were compared to dates abstracted from imaging reports. Associations between inaccurate recall and subject characteristics were assessed using multinomial regression. Almost all women (95.2% at baseline, 98.5% at year 1, 99.8% at year 2) accurately reported their mammogram use within the previous 12 months. Women at low familial risk (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.00–3.13), who reported 1 or fewer annual visits to a health professional (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.39), exhibited a lower perceived breast cancer risk (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.15), and reported a mammogram date more than 12 months previous (OR = 5.22, 95% CI: 3.10, 8.80), were significantly more likely to inaccurately recall their mammogram date. Women with varying levels of familial risk are accurate reporters of their mammogram use. These results present the first evidence of self-reported mammography recall accuracy among women with varying levels of familial risk.
Density in Spaces of Interpolation by Hankel Translates of a Basis Function
Authors: Arteaga Cristian , Marrero Isabel
Published: July 2013

The function spacesYm  (m∈ℤ+)arising in the theory of interpolation by Hankel translates of a basis function, as developed by the authors elsewhere, are defined through a seminorm which is expressed in terms of the Hankel transform of each function and involves a weightw. At least two special classes of weights allow to write these indirect seminorms in direct form, that is, in terms of the function itself rather than its Hankel transform. In this paper, we give fairly general conditions onwwhich ensure that the Zemanian spacesℬμandℋμ  (μ>−1/2)are dense inYm  (m∈ℤ+). These conditions are shown to be satisfied by the weights giving rise to direct seminorms of the so-called type II.
Pesticide Residue Screening Using a Novel Artificial Neural Network Combined with a Bioelectric Cellular Biosensor
Authors: Ferentinos Konstantinos P. , Yialouris Costas P. , Blouchos Petros , Moschopoulou Georgia , Kintzios Spyridon
Published: July 2013

We developed a novel artificial neural network (ANN) system able to detect and classify pesticide residues. The novel ANN is coupled, in a customized way, to a cellular biosensor operation based on the bioelectric recognition assay (BERA) and able to simultaneously assay eight samples in three minutes. The novel system was developed using the data (time series) of the electrophysiological responses of three different cultured cell lines against three different pesticide groups (carbamates, pyrethroids, and organophosphates). Using the novel system, we were able to classify correctly the presence of the investigated pesticide groups with an overall success rate of 83.6%. Considering that only 70,000–80,000 samples are annually tested in Europe with current conventional technologies (an extremely minor fraction of the actual screening needs), the system reported in the present study could contribute to a screening system milestone for the future landscape in food safety control.
WRF-ARW Variational Storm-Scale Data Assimilation: Current Capabilities and Future Developments
Authors: Sun Juanzhen , Wang Hongli
Published: July 2013

The variational radar data assimilation system has been developed and tested for the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model since 2005. Initial efforts focused on the assimilation of the radar observations in the 3-dimensional variational framework, and recently the efforts have been extended to the 4-dimensional system. This article provides a review of the basics of the system and various studies that have been conducted to evaluate and improve the performance of the system. Future activities that are required to further improve the system and to make it operational are also discussed.
Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity on TiO2-Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Lingling , Shen Long , Li Yihuai , Zhu Luping , Shen Jiaowen , Wang Lijun
Published: July 2013

TiO2-nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (TiO2-CNx) nanocomposites are successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The prepared photocatalysts were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses (TGA-DSC). The results show that the TiO2nanoparticles with a narrow size of 7 nm are uniformly deposited on CNx. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was studied using methyl orange (MO) as a model organic pollutant. The experimental results revealed that the strong linkage between the CNx and TiO2played a significant role in improving photocatalytic activity. However, the mechanical process for CNx and TiO2mixtures showed lower activity than neat TiO2. Moreover, TiO2-CNx nanocomposites exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity than that of neat TiO2and TiO2-CNTs nanocomposites. The improved photodegradation performances are attributed to the suppressed recombination of electrons and holes caused by the effective transfer of photogenerated electrons from TiO2to CNx.
Obesity Affects Mitochondrial Citrate Synthase in Human Omental Adipose Tissue
Authors: Christe Martine , Hirzel Estelle , Lindinger Andrea , Kern Beatrice , von Flüe Markus , Peterli Ralph , Peters Thomas , Eberle Alex N. , Lindinger Peter W.
Published: July 2013

The activities of some key enzymes in mitochondria from 135 human omental adipose tissue samples of obese and nonobese patients were analyzed for potential association with the patients’ state of obesity. The activities of respiratory complexes I and II as well as citrate synthase in isolated mitochondria were measured using spectrophotometric enzyme assays. ATP generation of mitochondria was determined with a bioluminescence assay. Protein levels of citrate synthase were quantified by western blot. The rates of ATP generation and the enzymatic activities of complexes I and II did not display associations with age, gender, obesity, or diabetes. By contrast, the enzymatic activities of citrate synthase and its protein levels were significantly reduced in obesity as compared to controls. In diabetic patients, protein levels but not enzymatic activities of citrate synthase were elevated. Thus, this investigation based on enzymatic assay and determination of protein levels revealed that the development of obesity is associated with a significant impact on citrate synthase in mitochondria of human omental adipose tissue. The state of obesity appears to affect mitochondrial function in human omental adipose tissue by limiting this key enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid cycle rather than by limiting the activities of respiratory chain enzymes.
Nitro-Oxidative Stress after Neuronal Ischemia Induces Protein Nitrotyrosination and Cell Death
Authors: Tajes Marta , ILL-Raga Gerard , Palomer Ernest , Ramos-Fernández Eva , Guix Francesc X. , Bosch-Morató Mònica , Guivernau Biuse , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Ois Angel , Pérez-Asensio Fernando , Reyes-Navarro Mario , Caballo Carolina , Galán Ana M. , Alameda Francesc , Escolar Ginés , Opazo Carlos , Planas Anna , Roquer Jaume , Valverde Miguel A. , Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: August 2013

Ischemic stroke is an acute vascular event that obstructs blood supply to the brain, producing irreversible damage that affects neurons but also glial and brain vessel cells. Immediately after the stroke, the ischemic tissue produces nitric oxide (NO) to recover blood perfusion but also produces superoxide anion. These compounds interact, producing peroxynitrite, which irreversibly nitrates protein tyrosines. The present study measured NO production in a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), a murine glial (BV2), a human endothelial cell line (HUVEC), and in primary cultures of human cerebral myocytes (HC-VSMCs) after experimental ischemiain vitro. Neuronal, endothelial, and inducible NO synthase (NOS) expression was also studied up to 24 h after ischemia, showing a different time course depending on the NOS type and the cells studied. Finally, we carried out cell viability experiments on SH-SY5Y cells withH2O2, a prooxidant agent, and with a NO donor to mimic ischemic conditions. We found that both compounds were highly toxic when they interacted, producing peroxynitrite. We obtained similar results when all cells were challenged with peroxynitrite. Our data suggest that peroxynitrite induces cell death and is a very harmful agent in brain ischemia.
Impacts of the Recent Expansion of the Sugarcane Sector on Municipal per Capita Income in São Paulo State
Authors: Satolo Luiz , Bacchi Mirian
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impacts of this expansion on the income of people in the state’s districts and towns. Beginning with a breakdown of the main determinants of per capita income, a spatial dynamic panel model is proposed. The proportion of adults in the municipal population, the labour force utilization rate, and the average labour income were used as control variables. Furthermore, to isolate the impacts of the expansion of the sugarcane sector on per capita gross domestic product (GDP), the share of farming in municipal areas, the share of agriculture within farming in general, the share of sugarcane farming within agriculture, and a dummy for districts and towns with an operational plant were included in the model. The series cover the 645 districts and towns of São Paulo State from 2000 to 2008. The results of the system generalized method of moments (system-GMM) showed a positive relationship of spatial and temporal dependence in the real per capita GDP. And the estimated direct and indirect effects indicate that the expansion of the sugarcane sector had a positive impact on per capita GDP, both in towns where the expansion took place and in their neighbouring towns.
Biofeedback Therapy Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Improves the Symptoms, Surface Myoelectricity, and Anal Canal Pressure of the Patients with Spleen Deficiency Constipation
Authors: Yao Yi-Bo , Cao Yong-Qing , Guo Xiu-Tian , Yi Jin , Liang Hong-Tao , Wang Chen , Lu Jin-Gen
Published: July 2013

In order to observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Yiqi Kaimi Prescription and biofeedback therapy on treating constipation with deficiency of spleen qi, the 30 cases in the control group were given oral administration of Yiqi Kaimi Prescription, in combination with anus-lifting exercise; the 30 cases in the treatment group were given biofeedback therapy on the basis of the afore mentioned methods for the control group. The TCM symptom scores and anorectal pressures before and after treatment were observed and evaluated. There were significant differences in TCM symptom scores, anorectal pressure, and clinical recovery rate before and after treatment. In the treatment group, the total recovery rate was 86.66%, while in the control group it was 50%; there were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.01). Yiqi Kaimi Prescription coupled with biofeedback therapy is clinically effective for treating constipation with deficiency of spleen qi, and thus this method is applicable for functional constipation with deficiency of spleen qi.
Effect of Electric Field and Temperature on Average Structure and Domain Wall Motion in 0.93Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.07BaTiO3Ceramic
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Yun , Studer Andrew , Norén Lasse , Withers Ray
Published: July 2013

In situneutron powder diffraction patterns and dielectric spectra of 0.93Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.07BaTiO3ceramic were investigated under different electrical fields and temperatures. An electric-field-induced phase transition from metrically cubic to metrically tetragonal, associated with strong domain wall motion, occurs. Such induced phase and domain wall motion are unchanged until the high-temperature phase transition occurs from metrically tetragonal to metrically cubic. All these changes are irrelevant to the observed depolarization temperature (75°C). The depolarization behaviour is thus suggested to be associated with the local structure caused by the octahedral tilt twinning disorder.
SOD1 and DJ-1 Converge at Nrf2 Pathway: A Clue for Antioxidant Therapeutic Potential in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Milani Pamela , Ambrosi Giulia , Gammoh Omar , Blandini Fabio , Cereda Cristina
Published: July 2013

Neurodegenerative diseases share diverse pathological features and among these oxidative stress (OS) plays a leading role. Impaired activity and reduced expression of antioxidant proteins have been reported as common events in several aging-associated disorders. In this review paper, we first provide an overview of the involvement of reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) induced oxidative damage in Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Subsequently, we focus on DJ-1 and SOD1 proteins, which are involved in PD and ALS and also exert a prominent role in the interaction between redox homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrated that DJ-1 and SOD1 are both tightly connected with Nrf2 protein, a transcriptional factor and master regulator of the expression of many antioxidant/detoxification genes. Nrf2 is emerging as a key neuroprotective protein in neurodegenerative diseases, since it helps neuronal cells to cope with toxic insults and OS. We herein summarize the recent literature providing a detailed picture of the promising therapeutic efficacy of Nrf2 natural and synthetic inducers as disease-modifying molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Studies on Wear Properties of Polystyrene in the Presence of Fibrillated Network of Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sumanda , Iyer Rajgopal , Majumder Rajdeep , Satapathy B. , Ghosh Anup K.
Published: July 2013

Polystyrene (PS) is an important commodity plastic; however, it is not known as a suitable material for tribological applications. It has a relatively high friction coefficient in contact with metallic surfaces and high abrasion loss factor. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a known friction modifier, has a low friction coefficient, and is extensively used to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate (with engineering plastics to improve tribological properties). It is known for fluoroelastomers and engineering plastics that fine particles of PTFE have the greatest effect on improving the specified properties. Here, oriented, fibrillated network morphology of PTFE in PS matrix was prepared. The wear studies show a large reduction in both the friction coefficient (45% reduction) and the wear rate (2% incorporation of PTFE leads to a 49% reduction). But the friction coefficients do not show any significant change on increasing PTFE. A similar observation was made for the wear rate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the worn surfaces show a crack tip bridging mechanism, and it was observed that with the increase in PTFE content, the extent of crack tip bridging increases. This extensive improvement may be attributed to the unique morphology of the blend system.
Gastric Necrosis due to Acute Massive Gastric Dilatation
Authors: Aydin Ibrahim , Pergel Ahmet , Yucel Ahmet Fikret , Sahin Dursun Ali , Ozer Ender
Published: July 2013

Gastric necrosis due to acute massive gastric dilatation is relatively rare. Vascular reasons, herniation, volvulus, acute gastric dilatation, anorexia, and bulimia nervosa play a role in the etiology of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are highly important as the associated morbidity and mortality rates are high. In this case report, we present a case of gastric necrosis due to acute gastric dilatation accompanied with the relevant literature.
Investigation of Light Absorption in a ZnS Quantum Dot
Authors: Salehani Hojjatollah K. , Zakeri Maedeh
Published: August 2013

The light absorption of a ZnS quantum dot with a parabolic confinement potential is studied in this paper in the presence of magnetic field perpendicular to dot plane. The Schrodinger equation of a single electron is solved numerically, and energy spectra and wave functions are obtained. Then, the optical absorption coefficients in transition from ground state to different excited states are calculated. The effects the magnetic field and quantum dot width on the optical absorption are investigated. It is found that the optical absorption coefficient has a blue shift by increasing of magnetic field or confinement strength of quantum dot.
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in Neurosurgery: A New Technique with Much Potential
Authors: Breuskin David , DiVincenzo Jana , Kim Yoo-Jin , Urbschat Steffi , Oertel Joachim
Published: July 2013

Technical innovations in brain tumour diagnostic and therapy have led to significant improvements of patient outcome and recurrence free interval. The use of technical devices such as surgical microscopes as well as neuronavigational systems have helped localising tumours as much as fluorescent agents, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid, have helped visualizing pathologically altered tissue. Nonetheless, intraoperative instantaneous frozen sections and histological diagnosis remain the only method of gaining certainty of the nature of the resected tissue. This technique is time consuming and does not provide close-to-real-time information. In gastroenterology, confocal endoscopy closed the gap between tissue resection and histological examination, providing an almost real-time histological diagnosis. The potential of this technique using a confocal laser endoscope EndoMAG1 by Karl Storz Company was evaluated by our group on pig brains, tumour tissue cell cultures, and fresh human tumour specimen. Here, the authors report for the first time on the results of applying this new technique and provide first confocal endoscopic images of various brain and tumour structures. In all, the technique harbours a very promising potential to provide almost real-time intraoperative diagnosis, but further studies are needed to provide evidence for the technique’s potential.
Multidisciplinary Management of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Nystrom Lukas M. , Reimer Nickolas B. , Reith John D. , Dang Long , Zlotecki Robert A. , Scarborough Mark T. , Gibbs C. Parker
Published: July 2013

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare malignancy, with approximately 11,000 cases per year encountered in the United States. It is primarily encountered in adults but can affect patients of any age. There are many histologic subtypes and the malignancy can be low or high grade. Appropriate staging work up includes a physical exam, advanced imaging, and a carefully planned biopsy. This information is then used to guide the discussion of definitive treatment of the tumor which typically involves surgical resection with a negative margin in addition to neoadjuvant or adjuvant external beam radiation. Advances in imaging and radiation therapy have made limb salvage surgery the standard of care, with local control rates greater than 90% in most modern series. Currently, the role of chemotherapy is not well defined and this treatment is typically reserved for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease and for certain histologic subtypes. The goal of this paper is to review the current state of the art in multidisciplinary management of soft tissue sarcoma.
A Case of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in a Patient with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Successful Treatment with Plasmapheresis and Rituximab
Authors: Fantò M. , Salemi S. , Socciarelli F. , Bartolazzi A. , Natale G. A. , Casorelli I. , Pavan A. , Vaglio S. , Di Rosa R. , D'Amelio R.
Published: July 2013

A 30-year-old woman affected by Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with scleroderma spectrum developed a facial eruption, a clinical and histological characteristic of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Speckled anti-nuclear antibodies, high-titer anti-ribonucleoprotein1, anti-Sm, anti-Cardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM, and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were positive. SCLE was resistant to Azathioprine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Methotrexate while Mycophenolate Mofetil was suspended due to side effects. Subsequently, the patient was treated with three cycles of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) followed, one month after the last TPE, by the anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab (RTX) (375 mg/m2weekly for 4 weeks). Eight and 16 months later the patient received other two TPE and RTX cycles, respectively. This therapeutic approach has allowed to obtain a complete skin healing persistent even after 8-month follow-up. Moreover, mitigation of Raynaud's phenomenon, resolution of alopecia, and a decline of aCL IgG/IgM and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were observed.
Fractional Variational Problems Depending on Fractional
Derivatives of Differentiable Functions with Application to
Nonlinear Chaotic Systems
Authors: Jatkoske Lazo Matheus
Published: August 2013

We formulate a necessary condition for functionals with Lagrangians
depending on fractional derivatives of differentiable functions to possess an extremum. The
Euler-Lagrange equation we obtained generalizes previously known results in the literature and
enables us to construct simple Lagrangians for nonlinear systems. As examples of application,
we obtain Lagrangians for some chaotic dynamical systems.
Tumour Angiogenesis: A Growth Area—From John Hunter to Judah Folkman and Beyond
Authors: Stephenson J. A. , Goddard J. C. , Al-Taan O. , Dennison A. R. , Morgan B.
Published: July 2013

Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels in the body. Abnormal angiogenesis is recognised as a “common denominator” in many disease processes, and the development of angiogenesis inhibitors holds great hope in the ongoing battle against cancer. The field of angiogenesis has roots in the Hunterian era of the late eighteenth century but did not begin to blossom until the early 1970s when the then controversial findings and conclusions of Judah Folkman, the “father of angiogenesis,” were first published. There were only 65 publications with angiogenesis in the title in the 10 years after Folkman first proposed the idea of tumour angiogenesis, compared to over 9,000 publications from the year 2000 to 2010. In this review we will explore the voyage of discovery from the first observations of John Hunter in the eighteenth century, via the struggle faced by Folkman to prove the importance of angiogenesis, and finally how his determination has led to modern angiogenesis inhibitors being used in everyday clinical practice.
Random Mutagenesis of theAspergillus oryzaeGenome Results in Fungal Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Leonard Cory A. , Brown Stacy D. , Hayman J. Russell
Published: July 2013

Multidrug-resistant bacteria cause severe infections in hospitals and communities. Development of new drugs to combat resistant microorganisms is needed. Natural products of microbial origin are the source of most currently available antibiotics. We hypothesized that random mutagenesis ofAspergillus oryzaewould result in secretion of antibacterial compounds. To address this hypothesis, we developed a screen to identify individualA. oryzaemutants that inhibit the growth of Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA)in vitro. To randomly generateA. oryzaemutant strains, spores were treated with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Over 3000 EMS-treatedA. oryzaecultures were tested in the screen, and one isolate, CAL220, exhibited altered morphology and antibacterial activity. Culture supernatant from this isolate showed antibacterial activity against Methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus, MRSA, andPseudomonas aeruginosa, but notKlebsiella pneumoniaorProteus vulgaris. The results of this study support our hypothesis and suggest that the screen used is sufficient and appropriate to detect secreted antibacterial fungal compounds resulting from mutagenesis ofA. oryzae. Because the genome ofA. oryzaehas been sequenced and systems are available for genetic transformation of this organism, targeted as well as random mutations may be introduced to facilitate the discovery of novel antibacterial compounds using this system.
Cytotoxicity Testing of Temporary Luting Cements with Two- and Three-Dimensional Cultures of Bovine Dental Pulp-Derived Cells
Authors: Ülker Hayriye Esra , Ülker Mustafa , Gümüş Hasan Önder , Yalçın Muhammet , Şengün Abdulkadir
Published: July 2013

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of eugenol-containing and eugenol-free temporary luting cements. For cytotoxicity testing, bovine pulp-derived cells transfected with Simian virus 40 Large T antigen were exposed to extracts of eugenol-containing (Rely X Temp E) and eugenol-free (Provicol, PreVISION CEM, and Rely X Temp NE) temporary luting cements for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of the same materials was also evaluated in a dentin barrier test device using three-dimensional cell cultures of bovine pulp-derived cells. The results of the cytotoxicity studies with two-dimensional cultures of bovine dental pulp-derived cells revealed that cell survival with the extracts of Rely X Temp E, Provicol, PreVISION CEM, and Rely X Temp NE was 89.1%, 84.9%, 92.3%, and 66.8%, respectively. Rely X Temp NE and Provicol showed cytotoxic effects on bovine dental pulp-derived cells (P<0.05). The results of the dentin barrier test revealed that cell survival with the above-mentioned temporary cement was 101.5%, 91.9%, 93.5%, and 90.6%, respectively. None of the temporary luting cements significantly reduced cell survival compared with the negative control in the dentin barrier test (P>0.05). Biologically active materials released from temporary luting cements may not influence the dentine-pulp complex if the residual dentine layer is at least 0.5 mm thick.
Dynamics of a New Hyperchaotic System with Only One Equilibrium Point
Authors: Li Xiang , Wu Ranchao
Published: July 2013

A new 4D hyperchaotic system is constructed based on the Lorenz system. The compound structure and forming mechanism of the new hyperchaotic attractor are studied via a controlled system with constant controllers. Furthermore, it is found that the Hopf bifurcation occurs in this hyperchaotic system when the bifurcation parameter exceeds a critical value. The direction of the Hopf bifurcation as well as the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions is presented in detail by virtue of the normal form theory. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate and verify the results.
Common Fixed Point for Generalized Bose-Mukherjee-Type Fuzzy Mappings
Authors: Song Ming-liang , Wang Zhong-qian
Published: July 2013

We prove a common fixed point theorem for a pair of generalized Bose-Mukherjee-type fuzzy mappings in a complete metric space. An example is also provided to support the main result presented herein.
Does Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Procedure Affect Ocular Pulse Amplitude?
Authors: Pekel Gökhan , Acer Semra , Yagci Ramazan , Cetin Ebru Nevin , Hiraali Mehmet Can , Kaya Hüseyin
Published: July 2013

Purpose. This study examines the effects of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) procedure on ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and intraocular pressure (IOP).Materials and Methods. Sixty eyes of 30 nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy patients (15 males, 15 females) were included in this cross-sectional case series. IOP and OPA were measured with the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer before and after 5 minutes of intravenous fluorescein dye injection.Results. Pre-FFA mean OPA value was  mmHg and post-FFA mean OPA value was  mmHg (). Pre-FFA mean IOP value was  mmHg and post-FFA mean IOP value was  mmHg ().Conclusion. Although both mean OPA and IOP values were decreased after FFA procedure, the difference was not statistically significant. This clinical trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry numberACTRN12613000433707.
Maximum Principle in the Optimal Control Problems for Systems with Integral Boundary Conditions and Its Extension
Authors: Safari A. R. , Mekhtiyev M. F. , Sharifov Y. A.
Published: July 2013

The optimal control problem with integral boundary condition is considered. The sufficient condition is established for existence and uniqueness of the solution for a class of integral boundary value problems for fixed admissible controls. First-order necessary condition for optimality is obtained in the traditional form of the maximum principle. The second-order variations of the functional are calculated. Using the variations of the controls, various optimality conditions of second order are obtained.
Luminescent Properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ Nanocrystals Prepared by Molten Salt Synthesis
Authors: Luo Lijun , Hu Fenfen , Xiong Li , Li Xiaofan , Zhou Meili , Wang Zhengliang
Published: July 2013

A series of red phosphors Y2O3:Eu3+ were prepared by the molten salt method with different surfactants. Their structures, morphologies, and the photoluminescent properties were investigated at room temperature. The particles size of Y2O3:Eu3+ can be controlled by adjusting the kinds of surfactants. The phosphor Y2O3:Eu3+ prepared with NP‐10 [polyoxyethylene (10) nonyl phenyl ether] shows regular morphology and higher crystallinity, and its average particle size is about 200 nm. Bright red light can be observed by naked eyes from the red phosphor under 254 nm excitation.
Critical System Cascading Collapse Assessment for Determining the Sensitive Transmission Lines and Severity of Total Loading Conditions
Authors: Salim Nur Ashida , Othman Muhammad Murtadha , Musirin Ismail , Serwan Mohd Salleh
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a computationally accurate technique used to determine the estimated average probability of a system cascading collapse considering the effect of hidden failure on a protection system. This includes an accurate calculation of the probability of hidden failure as it will give significant effect on the results of the estimated average probability of system cascading collapse. The estimated average probability of a system cascading collapse is then used to determine the severe loading condition contributing to a higher risk of a system cascading collapse. This information is important because it will assist the utility to determine the maximum level of increase in the system loading condition before the occurrence of critical power system cascading collapse. Furthermore, the initial tripping of sensitive transmission line contributing to a critical system cascading collapse can also be determined by using the proposed method. Based on the results obtained from this study, it was found that selecting the accurate probability of hidden failure is very important as it will affect the estimated average probability of a system cascading collapse. Comparative study has been done with other techniques to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method used in the determination of sensitive transmission lines.
The Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Optimized Weighted Bonferroni Means and Their Application
Authors: Shi Ya-ming , He Jian-min
Published: July 2013

We investigate and propose two new Bonferroni means, that is, the optimized weighted BM (OWBM) and the generalized optimized weighted BM (GOWBM), whose characteristics are to reflect the preference and interrelationship of the aggregated arguments and can satisfy the basic properties of the aggregation techniques simultaneously. Further, we propose the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy optimized weighted Bonferroni mean (IIFOWBM) and the generalized interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy optimized weighted Bonferroni mean (GIIFOWBM) and detailed study of their desirable properties such as idempotency, monotonicity, transformation, and boundary. Finally, based on IIFOWBM and GIIFOWBM, we give an approach to group decision making under the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment and utilize a practical case involving the assessment of a set of agroecological regions in Hubei Province, China, to illustrate the developed methods.
NCBI2RDF: Enabling Full RDF-Based Access to NCBI Databases
Authors: Anguita Alberto , García-Remesal Miguel , de la Iglesia Diana , Maojo Victor
Published: July 2013

RDF has become the standard technology for enabling interoperability among heterogeneous biomedical databases. The NCBI provides access to a large set of life sciences databases through a common interface called Entrez. However, the latter does not provide RDF-based access to such databases, and, therefore, they cannot be integrated with other RDF-compliant databases and accessed via SPARQL query interfaces. This paper presents the NCBI2RDF system, aimed at providing RDF-based access to the complete NCBI data repository. This API creates a virtual endpoint for servicing SPARQL queries over different NCBI repositories and presenting to users the query results in SPARQL results format, thus enabling this data to be integrated and/or stored with other RDF-compliant repositories. SPARQL queries are dynamically resolved, decomposed, and forwarded to the NCBI-provided E-utilities programmatic interface to access the NCBI data. Furthermore, we show how our approach increases the expressiveness of the native NCBI querying system, allowing several databases to be accessed simultaneously. This feature significantly boosts productivity when working with complex queries and saves time and effort to biomedical researchers. Our approach has been validated with a large number of SPARQL queries, thus proving its reliability and enhanced capabilities in biomedical environments.
Computational Performance Optimisation for Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Nano-CMOS Variability on Integrated Circuits
Authors: Xie Zheng , Edwards Doug
Published: July 2013

The intrinsic variability of nanoscale VLSI technology must be taken into account when analyzing circuit designs to predict likely yield. Monte-Carlo- (MC-) and quasi-MC- (QMC-) based statistical techniques do this by analysing many randomised or quasirandomised copies of circuits. The randomisation must model forms of variability that occur in nano-CMOS technology, including “atomistic” effects without intradie correlation and effects with intradie correlation between neighbouring devices. A major problem is the computational cost of carrying out sufficient analyses to produce statistically reliable results. The use of principal components analysis, behavioural modeling, and an implementation of “Statistical Blockade” (SB) is shown to be capable of achieving significant reduction in the computational costs. A computation time reduction of 98.7% was achieved for a commonly used asynchronous circuit element. Replacing MC by QMC analysis can achieve further computation reduction, and this is illustrated for more complex circuits, with the results being compared with those of transistor-level simulations. The “yield prediction” analysis of SRAM arrays is taken as a case study, where the arrays contain up to 1536 transistors modelled using parameters appropriate to 35 nm technology. It is reported that savings of up to 99.85% in computation time were obtained.
Surveillance of Second-Degree Relatives from Melanoma Families with a CDKN2A Germline Mutation
Authors: van der Rhee Jasper I. , Boonk Stephanie E. , Putter Hein , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Flinterman Linda E. , Hes Frederik J. , de Snoo Femke A. , Mooi Wolter J. , Gruis Nelleke A. , Vasen Hans F.A. , Kukutsch Nicole A. , Bergman Wilma
Published: July 2013

Background: Lifetime melanoma risk of mutation carriers from families with a germline mutation in the CDKN2A gene is estimated to be 67%. The necessity to include family members in a melanoma surveillance program is widely endorsed, but there is no consensus on which family members should be invited.

Methods: In a retrospective follow-up study, we investigated the yield of surveillance of first- and second-degree relatives of melanoma and pancreatic cancer patients from 21 families with the “p16-Leiden” CDKN2A mutation. Melanoma incidence rates were compared with the general population.

Results: Three-hundred and fifty-four first-degree relatives and 391 second-degree relatives were included. Forty-five first-degree relatives and 11 second-degree relatives were diagnosed with melanoma. Most (72%) of second-degree relatives diagnosed with melanoma had become a first-degree relative before diagnosis, due to the occurrence of a melanoma in a parent or sibling. Overall, melanoma incidence rate was 2.1 per 1,000 person years [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–3.8] in family members still being second-degree relatives at diagnosis, compared with 9.9 per 1,000 person years (95% CI, 7.4–13.3) in first-degree relatives. The standardized morbidity ratio for melanoma of second-degree relatives compared with the general population was 12.9 (95% CI, 7.2–23.4).

Conclusion: Second-degree relatives from families with the p16-Leiden mutation in CDKN2A have a considerably increased melanoma risk compared with the general population.

Impact: This study provides justification for the surveillance of second-degree relatives from families with a CDKN2A germline mutation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1771–7. ©2013 AACR.
Association of Smoking History with Cancer Recurrence and Survival in Stage III–IV Male Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Han Mi Ah , Kim Young-Woo , Choi Il Ju , Oh Myueng Guen , Kim Chan Gyoo , Lee Jong Yeul , Cho Soo-Jeong , Eom Bang Wool , Yoon Hong Man , Ryu Keun Won
Published: August 2013

Background: Smoking and drinking alcohol are major risk factors for cancer development, and we investigated their effects on gastric cancer prognosis following initial resection.

Methods: Data from male patients with stage III–IV gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery between 2001 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed up until 2011. Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards regressions were applied for survival rates.

Results: Among 238 patients, 151 (63.4%) smoked and 146 (61.3%) drank alcohol. Current smokers had an increased risk of cancer recurrence or death from any cause [adjusted HR (aHR), 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–3.21], cancer recurrence (aHR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.12–3.21), and overall mortality (aHR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.23–3.73) compared with never-smokers. Patients with a lifetime cigarette smoking of <40 and ≥40 pack-years had increased cancer recurrence or death from any cause (aHR, 1.72 and 2.43, respectively; 95% CI, 1.03–2.86 and 1.38–4.30, respectively), cancer recurrence (aHR, 1.63 and 2.61, respectively; 95% CI, 0.95–2.79 and 1.43–4.77, respectively), and overall mortality (aHR, 1.92 and 2.75, respectively; 95% CI, 1.09–3.38 and 1.47–5.12, respectively) compared with never-smokers. However, drinking alcohol was not associated with postsurgery survival.

Conclusions: Cigarette-smoking history at the time of diagnosis, but not drinking history, is associated with cancer recurrence and poor survival after surgery in male patients with stage III–IV gastric cancer.

Impact: These findings encourage physicians to advise patients with gastric cancer to stop smoking to obtain a general health benefit and likely improvement in the gastric cancer course. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1805–12. ©2013 AACR.