bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Management of Insecure Fossil Fuel Imports through Taxing Domestic Green Energy?
Authors: EICHNER THOMAS , PETHIG RÜDIGER
Published: November 2013

A small open economy produces a consumer good as well as renewable (green) and fossil fuel based (brown) energy. It imports fossil fuel at an uncertain price and suffers from carbon emission damages. Unregulated competitive markets are shown to be inefficient. The implied market failures are due to the agents' attitudes toward risk, to risk shifting, and the uniform price for both types of energy. Under the plausible assumptions that consumers are prudent and at least as risk‐averse as the producers of brown energy, the risk can be efficiently managed by placing a tariff on fuel imports (which is equivalent to taxing carbon emissions in the model at hand) and taxing green energy. The need to tax green energy contradicts the widespread view that subsidization of green energy is an appropriate means to enhance energy security in countries depending on risky fossil fuel imports.
Elections, Information, and State‐Dependent Candidate Quality
Authors: JENSEN THOMAS
Published: November 2013

The quality of political candidates often depends on the current state of the world, for example because their personal characteristics are more valuable in some situations than in others. We explore the implications of state‐dependent candidate quality in a model of electoral competition where voters are uncertain about the state. Candidates are fully informed and completely office‐motivated. With a reasonable restriction on voters' beliefs, an equilibrium where candidates' positions reveal the true state does not exist. Nonrevealing equilibria always exist. Some main findings are that candidates' positions can diverge more in equilibrium when they differ more in state‐dependent quality and when the electorate is less well informed.
Ligulate Desmarestia (Desmarestiales, Phaeophyceae) revisited: D. japonica sp. nov. and D. dudresnayi differ from D. ligulata
Authors: Yang Eun Chan , Peters Akira F. , Kawai Hiroshi , Stern Rowena , Hanyuda Takeaki , Bárbara Ignacio , Müller Dieter Gerhard , Strittmatter Martina , van Reine Willem F. Prud'Homme , Küpper Frithjof C.
Published: November 2013

The phylogeny of ligulate and sulfuric‐acid containing species of Desmarestia, occurring worldwide from polar to temperate regions, was revised using a multigenic and polyphasic approach. Sequence data, gametophyte characteristics, and sporophyte morphology support reducing a total of 16 taxa to four different species. (1) D. herbacea, containing broad‐bladed and highly branched forms, has dioecious gametophytes. The three other species have monoecious gametophytes: (2) D. ligulata which is profusely branched and, except for one subspecies, narrow‐bladed, (3) Japanese ligulate Desmarestia, here described as D. japonica sp. nov., which is morphologically similar to D. ligulata but genetically distant from all other ligulate taxa. This species may have conserved the morphology of original ligulate Desmarestia. (4) D. dudresnayi, including unbranched or little branched broad‐bladed taxa. A figure of the holotype of D. dudresnayi, which was lost for decades, was relocated. The taxonomy is complemented by a comparison of internal transcribed spacer and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) as potential barcode loci, with cox1 offering good resolution, reflecting species delimitations within the genus Desmarestia.
Positive selection and intragenic recombination contribute to high allelic diversity in effector genes of Mycosphaerella fijiensis, causal agent of the black leaf streak disease of banana
Authors: Stergiopoulos Ioannis , Cordovez Viviane , Ökmen Bilal , Beenen Henriek G. , Kema Gert H. J. , de Wit Pierre J. G. M.
Published: November 2013

Previously, we have determined the nonhost‐mediated recognition of the MfAvr4 and MfEcp2 effector proteins from the banana pathogen Mycosphaerella fijiensis in tomato, by the cognate Cf‐4 and Cf‐Ecp2 resistance proteins, respectively. These two resistance proteins could thus mediate resistance against M. fijiensis if genetically transformed into banana (Musa spp.). However, disease resistance controlled by single dominant genes can be overcome by mutated effector alleles, whose products are not recognized by the cognate resistance proteins. Here, we surveyed the allelic variation within the MfAvr4, MfEcp2, MfEcp2‐2 and MfEcp2‐3 effector genes of M. fijiensis in a global population of the pathogen, and assayed its impact on recognition by the tomato Cf‐4 and Cf‐Ecp2 resistance proteins, respectively. We identified a large number of polymorphisms that could reflect a co‐evolutionary arms race between host and pathogen. The analysis of nucleotide substitution patterns suggests that both positive selection and intragenic recombination have shaped the evolution of M. fijiensis effectors. Clear differences in allelic diversity were observed between strains originating from South‐East Asia relative to strains from other banana‐producing continents, consistent with the hypothesis that M. fijiensis originated in the Asian‐Pacific region. Furthermore, transient co‐expression of the MfAvr4 effector alleles and the tomato Cf‐4 resistance gene, as well as of MfEcp2, MfEcp2‐2 and MfEcp2‐3 and the putative Cf‐Ecp2 resistance gene, indicated that effector alleles able to overcome these resistance genes are already present in natural populations of the pathogen, thus questioning the durability of resistance that can be provided by these genes in the field.
Remote Past Left Ventricular Function before Chronic Right Ventricular Pacing Predicts Responses to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Upgrade
Authors: CHANG PO‐CHENG , WO HUNG‐TA , CHEN TIEN‐HSING , WU DELON , LIN FEN‐CHIUNG , WANG CHUN‐CHIEH
Published: November 2013

Background

This study examined factors that could predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) upgrade in patients who developed heart failure (HF) after long‐term right ventricular (RV) pacing.

Methods

Twenty‐five consecutive patients who received CRT upgrade for long‐term RV pacing (RVP) were enrolled in this study. None of these patients were eligible for CRT at the moment of starting RVP. After 5.7 ± 4.0 years chronic RVP, these 25 patients developed HF symptoms and received CRT upgrade. Echocardiography was conducted at the moment of CRT upgrade and 6 months after CRT. Remote past left ventricular ejection fraction (RP‐LVEF) at the moment of starting RVP was retrospectively obtained from the echocardiographic and cardiac catherization reports. Responders were defined as a reduction in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) ≥15%. Their clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed and compared.

Results

Responders had significant higher RP‐LVEF as compared to nonresponders (53.6 ± 16.5% vs 31.4 ± 11.6%, P = 0.002). RP‐LVEF correlated with reduction in LVESV after CRT upgrade (P < 0.001). RP‐LVEF ≥ 43.5% as a cutoff value predicted response to CRT upgrade with an area under the receiver‐operating curve of 0.87, a sensitivity of 78%, and a specificity of 100%. Intrinsic QRS width, septal‐posterior wall motion delay, or tissue Doppler‐derived dyssynchrony indexes did not predict responses to CRT upgrade.

Conclusion

In long‐term RVP patients who developed HF and received CRT upgrade, RP‐LVEF ≥ 43.5% predicts good response. Conventional dyssynchrony indexes do not predict responses to CRT upgrade in these patients.
A diverse chasmataspidid (Arthropoda: Chelicerata) fauna from the Early Devonian (Lochkovian) of Siberia
Authors: Marshall David J. , Lamsdell James C. , Shpinev Evgeniy , Braddy Simon J.
Published: November 2013

Examination of material held at the Palaeontological Institute, Moscow, enables the identification of two novel chasmataspidid species: Nahlyostaspis bergstroemi gen. et sp. nov. and Skrytyaspis andersoni gen. et sp. nov. ‘Eurypterus’ stoermeri and ‘Tylopterella’ menneri are both redescribed as chasmataspidids, having previously been assigned to Eurypterida. ‘T’. menneri is transferred to the new genus Dvulikiaspis gen. nov. An identical prosomal structure is identified in ‘Eurypterus’ stoermeri and Heteroaspis novojilovi from the Devonian of Germany and the two species are synonymized, with ‘E’ stoermeri having priority. The previous synonymy of H. novojilovi with Diploaspis casteri is rejected. The presence of ophthalmic ridges is confirmed within Diploaspididae, and new structural characteristics of their bucklers are identified.
Does a Boar's Season of Birth Determine Semen Parameters and Reproductive Performance?
Authors: Knecht D , Środoń S , Duziński K
Published: November 2013

Contents

This article studies the effect of a boar's birth season and breed on semen parameters and its further reproductive performance. Research material consisted of 72 boars from three breeds (24 Polish Large White PLW, 24 Polish Landrace PL, 24 Duroc × Pietrain D×P). During the whole period of the study, selected semen parameters were analysed: semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total number of motile spermatozoa, number of insemination doses and also reproductive indicators: farrowing rate, total born litter size, total number of piglets born live and still, and average piglet weight. Boars born in the winter and summer months demonstrated the highest spermatozoa concentrations (383.25 and 392.37 × 106/ml), total number of spermatozoa (91.75 and 93.21 × 109), total number of motile spermatozoa (76.10 and 77.99 × 109) and number of insemination doses (24.53 and 24.89; p ≤0.01). Statistically lower values for these parameters were observed for boars born in the spring and especially in autumn (p ≤0.01). The significant impact of birth season on farrowing rate (p ≤ 0.05) and average piglet weight (p ≤ 0.05) was confirmed for PLW boars. For the PL breed, only the total number of piglets born live was proven to be significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05). No impact of birth season was shown on semen quality or reproductive performance for D×P boars. In our study, we showed that the birth season of a boar had a more impact on the level of semen parameters, and less on the reproductive performance indicators. The results indicated that both the quality of semen and reproductive performance varied in terms of the study factors, as well as between individual breeds of boars involved in the experiment.
The Personal Experience of Community Among Urban Gay Men, Lesbians, and Bisexuals: Melting Pot or Mosaic?
Authors: Easterbrook Adam , Carpiano Richard M. , Kelly Brian C. , Parsons Jeffrey T.
Published: November 2013

Objective

“Gay community” is often conceptualized as a “melting pot” in which gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) persons are united and integrated into one sexual minority community. Evidence, however, indicates that GLB community may also be conceptualized as a mosaic of sexual minority communities with differing goals and ideologies. We test the validity of these conceptions of community with respect to two facets of the personal experiences of GLB individuals: socializing with GLB persons and GLB community cohesion perceptions.

Methods

Analyses of the 2005 Sex and Love survey of New York City area GLB persons.

Results

GLB persons tended to socialize most with their own sexual identity group. Compared to gay men, only bisexual women reported higher perceptions of GLB community cohesion.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the presence of a mosaic sexual minority community. The extent of sexual‐identity‐group‐specific socializing patterns suggests that personal perceptions of GLB cohesion may either be idealized rather than based on routine interactions or reflect assessments of within‐group (not across‐group) cohesion.
Expectations in Mass Elections: Back to the Future?
Authors: Guinjoan Marc , Simón Pablo , Bermúdez Sandra , Lago Ignacio
Published: November 2013

Objectives

This article examines whether voters look to the past or the future when forming their perceptions of the parties’ chances of winning.

Methods

We use OLS regression models to analyze panel survey data from the districts where the incumbent was defeated in the 2011 provincial election in Ontario (Canada).

Results

We find that voters’ expectations in the districts are mainly affected by the results of the upcoming election and not by the outcome of the previous election. We also find that expectations are influenced by the phenomenon of wishful thinking.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on how voters form their perceptions of the parties’ chances of winning.
Nicotianamine synthase 2 localizes to the vesicles of iron‐deficient rice roots, and its mutation in the YXXφ or LL motif causes the disruption of vesicle formation or movement in rice
Authors: Nozoye Tomoko , Nagasaka Seiji , Bashir Khurram , Takahashi Michiko , Kobayashi Takanori , Nakanishi Hiromi , Nishizawa Naoko K.
Published: November 2013

Graminaceous plants release mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) to acquire iron from the soil. Here, we show that deoxymugineic acid (DMA) secretion from rice roots fluctuates throughout the day, and that vesicles accumulate in roots before MAs secretion. We developed transgenic rice plants that express rice nicotianamine (NA) synthase (NAS) 2 (OsNAS2) fused to synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP) under the control of its own promoter. In root cells, OsNAS2–sGFP fluorescence was observed in a dot‐like pattern, moving dynamically within the cell. This suggests that these vesicles are involved in NA and DMA biosynthesis. A tyrosine motif and a di‐leucine motif, which have been reported to be involved in cellular transport, are conserved in all identified NAS proteins in plants. OsNAS2 mutated in the tyrosine motif showed NAS activity and was localized to the vesicles; however, these vesicles stuck together and did not move. On the other hand, OsNAS2 mutated in the di‐leucine motif lost NAS activity and did not localize to these vesicles. The amounts of NA and DMA produced and the amount of DMA secreted by OsNAS2–sGFP plants were significantly higher than in non‐transformants and domain‐mutated lines, suggesting that OsNAS2–sGFP, but not the mutated forms, was functional in vivo. Overall, the localization of NAS to vesicles and the transport of these vesicles are crucial steps in NA synthesis, leading to DMA synthesis and secretion in rice.
Analysis of the Be KLL Auger Transition on Beryllium and Beryllium Oxide by AES
Authors: Mallinson Christopher F. , Castle James E. , Watts John F.
Published: November 2013

As-received beryllium, beryllium scribed in vacuum and beryllium oxide were analysed by Auger Electron Spectroscopy. As-received beryllium was analysed at low and high take off angles. Spectra produced demonstrate the change in the KLL structure with increasing oxygen concentration. Survey spectra as well as high resolution Be KLL and O KLL transitions were collected and are presented.
Multicriteria optimization of the spatial dose distribution
Authors: Schlaefer Alexander , Viulet Tiberiu , Muacevic Alexander , Fürweger Christoph
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

Treatment planning for radiation therapy involves trade‐offs with respect to different clinical goals. Typically, the dose distribution is evaluated based on few statistics and dose–volume histograms. Particularly for stereotactic treatments, the spatial dose distribution represents further criteria, e.g., when considering the gradient between subregions of volumes of interest. The authors have studied how to consider the spatial dose distribution using a multicriteria optimization approach.

Methods:

The authors have extended a stepwise multicriteria optimization approach to include criteria with respect to the local dose distribution. Based on a three‐dimensional visualization of the dose the authors use a software tool allowing interaction with the dose distribution to map objectives with respect to its shape to a constrained optimization problem. Similarly, conflicting criteria are highlighted and the planner decides if and where to relax the shape of the dose distribution.

Results:

To demonstrate the potential of spatial multicriteria optimization, the tool was applied to a prostate and meningioma case. For the prostate case, local sparing of the rectal wall and shaping of a boost volume are achieved through local relaxations and while maintaining the remaining dose distribution. For the meningioma, target coverage is improved by compromising low dose conformality toward noncritical structures. A comparison of dose–volume histograms illustrates the importance of spatial information for achieving the trade‐offs.

Conclusions:

The results show that it is possible to consider the location of conflicting criteria during treatment planning. Particularly, it is possible to conserve already achieved goals with respect to the dose distribution, to visualize potential trade‐offs, and to relax constraints locally. Hence, the proposed approach facilitates a systematic exploration of the optimal shape of the dose distribution.
Pseudosubstrate-Mediated Inhibition Promotes Migration
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2013

A motif in the cell adhesion molecule EpCAM inhibits novel PKCs by mimicking a substrate.
Answers from Exomes
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: November 2013

Gene sequencing of unrelated patients with recurrent airway infections identifies a common underlying mutation.
A Type III Secretion System Inhibitor Targets YopD while Revealing Differential Regulation of Secretion in Calcium-Blind Mutants of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Jessen Danielle L. , Bradley David S. , Nilles Matthew L.
Published: November 2013

Numerous Gram-negative pathogens rely upon type III secretion (T3S) systems to cause disease. Several small-molecule inhibitors of the type III secretion systems have been identified; however, few targets of these inhibitors have been elucidated. Here we report that 2,2′-thiobis-(4-methylphenol) (compound D), inhibits type III secretion in
Yersinia pestis
,
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. YopD, a protein involved in the formation of the translocon and regulatory processes of the type III secretion system, appears to play a role in the inhibition of secretion by compound D. The use of compound D in T3S regulatory mutants demonstrated a difference in secretion inhibition in the presence and absence of calcium. Interestingly, compound D was effective only under conditions without calcium, indicating that a secretion-active needle structure may be necessary for compound D to inhibit secretion.
Endobronchial avium mycobacteria infection in an immunocompetent child
Authors: Perisson Caroline , Nathan Nadia , Thierry Briac , Corvol Harriet
Published: November 2013

A 12-month-old boy, with no medical history, was admitted for dyspnoea with no cough or fever. Chest auscultation revealed an expiratory wheezing with decreased right-sided breath sounds. Chest imaging revealed subcarinal adenopathy and a nodule in the right principal bronchus (RB). Bronchoscopy showed a major obstruction of the RB by a granuloma, and a smaller granuloma in the left principal bronchus. The granulation tissue was removed by laser section. Histological examination revealed a necrotising granulomatous inflammation, culture showed aMycobacterium avium complex(MAC). Tests to rule out tuberculosis and immunodeficiency were negative. The diagnosis of an MAC endobronchial granuloma was ascertained and a multidrug therapy associating clarithromycin, rifampin and ethambutol was started. The clinical outcome was good after 3 months of treatment and the bronchoscopy normalised after 1 year. Although rare, the frequency of MAC respiratory infections in immunocompetent children can increase. Reporting these cases should help to optimise diagnosis and treatment.
Endovascular recanalization of complete subacute to chronic atherosclerotic occlusions of intracranial arteries
Authors: Aghaebrahim Amin , Jovin Tudor , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Noorian Alireza , Gupta Rishi , Nogueira Raul G
Published: November 2013

Objective/background

Symptomatic subacute/chronic large artery intracranial occlusive disease represents a common medical dilemma. We now report a multicenter experience of endovascular recanalization of intracranial atherosclerotic occlusions refractory to medical therapy.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter case series of consecutive endovascularly treated patients presenting with symptomatic (transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke) subacute (>48 h) or chronic complete occlusion of an intracranial artery of presumed atherosclerotic etiology. All of the patients were considered to be in the high risk category with symptomatic intracranial occlusions and progression or recurrence of their symptoms despite the best medical therapies.

Results

24 patients (median age 63 years; mean pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 10; 66% men) presenting with recurrent TIAs (n=1) or strokes (n=23) were treated in two academic centers from April 2005 to June 2012. Median time from symptoms/documented occlusion to treatment was 5 days. Periprocedural complications included one symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, one reperfusion syndrome, three asymptomatic dissections, and one asymptomatic perforation. There were no periprocedural strokes. Immediate postprocedural improvement (NIHSS decrease ≥4 at hospital discharge) occurred in 43% (10/23) of patients. There were no recurrent TIAs or strokes in the 22 patients with clinical follow-up at 90 days. At 90 days, there were two deaths (unrelated to the procedure) and 9/22 patients with an available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score achieved a good outcome (mRS score of 0–2).

Conclusions

Endovascular recanalization can be performed with an acceptable safety profile in selected patients with symptomatic complete subacute to chronic intracranial atherosclerotic occlusion. Additional studies are warranted to investigate whether this treatment compares favorably with best medical management.
Neuroprotective efficacy of a combination of fish oil and ferulic acid against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in rats: behavioural and biochemical evidence
Authors: K.M. Denny Joseph , Muralidhara
Published: November 2013

The beneficial effects of fish oil (FO) supplements on the central nervous system have been adequately demonstrated. However, FO supplementation at higher doses for longer duration is likely to cause oxidative stress in vivo. To overcome this, attempts have been made to enrich FO with known antioxidants/phytochemicals. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that a combination of FO with ferulic acid (FA), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, is likely to provide higher degree of neuroprotection. This was examined by employing 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA), a well-known neurotoxin used to mimic behavioural and neurochemical features of Huntington’s disease. Growing male rats administered with NPA (25 mg/kg of body weight (bw) for 4 days) were provided with either FO (2 mL/kg bw), FA (50 mg/kg bw) or FO+FA for 2 weeks. Interestingly, FO+FA not only offered significant protection against NPA-induced behavioural impairments, but also markedly attenuated oxidative stress in brain regions (striatum/cerebellum) as evidenced by the reduction in reactive species, malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Further, FO+FA combination restored the activities of various antioxidant enzymes and the levels of cytosolic calcium. In striatum, activity levels of acetylcholinesterase enzyme and dopamine levels were markedly restored among FO+FA rats. Interestingly, NPA-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions were also attenuated among FO+FA rats. Collectively, our findings suggest the advantage of co-treatment of FO with known antioxidants to achieve a higher therapeutic benefit in the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative conditions.
SINGULAR SPECTRUM ANALYSIS AND ADAPTIVE FILTERING ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY ANALYSIS OF RESTING STATE fMRI DATA
Authors: PIAGGI PAOLO , MENICUCCI DANILO , GENTILI CLAUDIO , HANDJARAS GIACOMO , GEMIGNANI ANGELO , LANDI ALBERTO
Published: November 2013

Sources of noise in resting-state fMRI experiments include instrumental and physiological noises, which need to be filtered before a functional connectivity analysis of brain regions is performed. These noisy components show autocorrelated and nonstationary properties that limit the efficacy of standard techniques (i.e. time filtering and general linear model). Herein we describe a novel approach based on the combination of singular spectrum analysis and adaptive filtering, which allows a greater noise reduction and yields better connectivity estimates between regions at rest, providing a new feasible procedure to analyze fMRI data.
Route guidance strategies revisited: Comparison and evaluation in an asymmetric two-route traffic network
Authors: He Zhengbing , Chen Bokui , Jia Ning , Guan Wei , Lin Benchuan , Wang Binghong
Published: November 2013

To alleviate traffic congestion, a variety of route guidance strategies have been proposed for intelligent transportation systems. A number of strategies are introduced and investigated on a symmetric two-route traffic network over the past decade. To evaluate the strategies in a more general scenario, this paper conducts eight prevalent strategies on an asymmetric two-route traffic network with different slowdown behaviors on alternative routes. The results show that only mean velocity feedback strategy (MVFS) is able to equalize travel time, i.e. approximate user optimality (UO); while the others fail due to incapability of establishing relations between the feedback parameters and travel time. The paper helps better understand these strategies, and suggests MVFS if the authority intends to achieve user optimality.
GENERALIZED CONVEXITY AND CLOSURE CONDITIONS
Authors: CZÉDLI GÁBOR , ROMANOWSKA ANNA B.
Published: November 2013

Convex subsets of affine spaces over the field of real numbers are described by so-called barycentric algebras. In this paper, we discuss extensions of the geometric and algebraic definitions of a convex set to the case of more general coefficient rings. In particular, we show that the principal ideal subdomains of the reals provide a good framework for such a generalization. Since the closed intervals of these subdomains play an essential role, we provide a detailed analysis of certain cases, and discuss differences from the "classical" intervals of the reals. We introduce a new concept of an algebraic closure of "geometric" convex subsets of affine spaces over the subdomains in question, and investigate their properties. We show that this closure provides a purely algebraic description of topological closures of geometric generalized convex sets. Our closure corresponds to one instance of the very general closure introduced in an earlier paper of the authors. The approach used in this paper allows to extend some results from that paper. Moreover, it provides a very simple description of the closure, with concise proofs of existence and uniqueness.
Esophageal Intramural Pseudodiverticulosis: A Rare Endoscopic Finding
Authors: de Oliveira Luciana Lopes , Carneiro Fred Olavo Aragão Andrade , Baba Elisa Ryoka , Vilaça Thiago Guimarães , Chaves Dalton Marques , Artifon Everson Luiz de Almeida , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux , Sakai Paulo
Published: November 2013

A 76-year-old woman, presenting with a 4-year history of progressive dysphagia, was submitted to endoscopic examination. The upper endoscopy revealed a proximal esophageal stricture and inflammatory mucosa associated with multiples small orifices in the esophageal wall, some of them fulfilled with white spots suggestive of fungal infection. This was a typical endoscopic finding of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis, a benign and rare condition, related to chronic esophagitis and others comorbid states, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or infectious esophagitis, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, and achalasia. Dysphagia is the predominant symptom and can be accompanied by esophageal stricture in 80% to 90% of patients. The pathogenesis is unknown, and as the pseudodiverticulosis is an intramural finding, endoscopy biopsies are inconclusive. The main histological finding is dilation of the submucosal glands excretory ducts, probably obstructed by inflammatory cells. The treatment consists in management of the underlying diseases and symptoms relief. In this particular case, the patient was submitted to antifungal drugs followed by endoscopic dilation with thermoplastic bougies, with satisfactory improvement of dysphagia.
Design and Analytical Evaluation of a New Self-Centering Connection with Bolted T-Stub Devices
Authors: Mirzaie Aliabadi Mahbobeh , Bahaari Mohammad Reza , Torabian Shahabeddin
Published: November 2013

A new posttensioned T-stub connection (PTTC) for earthquake resistant steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) is introduced. The proposed connection consists of high strength posttensioned (PT) strands and bolted T-stubs. The post-tensioning strands run through the column and are anchored against the flange of the exterior column. The T-stubs, providing energy dissipation, are bolted to the flange of beam and column and no field welding is required. The strands compress the T-stub against the column flange to develop the resisting moment to service loads and to provide a restoring force that returns the structure to its initial position following an earthquake. An analytical model based on fiber elements is developed in OpenSees to model PTTCs. The analytical model can predict the expected behavior of the new proposed connection under cyclic loading. PTTC provides similar characteristic behavior of the posttensioned connections. Both theoretical behavior and design methods are proposed, and the design methods are verified based on parametric studies and comparison to analytical results. The parametric studies prove the desired self-centering behavior of PTTC and show that this connection can reduce or eliminate the plastic rotation by its self-centering behavior as well as providing required strength and stiffness under large earthquake rotations.
Nutrition Care for Patients with Weight Regain after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Johnson Stoklossa Carlene , Atwal Suneet
Published: November 2013

Achieving optimal weight outcomes for patients with obesity is important to the management of their chronic disease. All interventions present risks for weight regain. Bariatric surgery is the most efficacious treatment, producing greater weight losses that are sustained over more time compared to lifestyle interventions. However, approximately 20–30% of patients do not achieve successful weight outcomes, and patients may experience a regain of 20–25% of their lost weight. This paper reviews several factors that influence weight regain after bariatric surgery, including type of surgery, food tolerance, energy requirements, drivers to eat, errors in estimating intake, adherence, food and beverage choices, and patient knowledge. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach can provide the best care for patients with weight regain. Nutrition care by a registered dietitian is recommended for all bariatric surgery patients. Nutrition diagnoses and interventions are discussed. Regular monitoring of weight status and early intervention may help prevent significant weight regain.
Biclonal IgD and IgM Plasma Cell Myeloma: A Report of Two Cases and a Literature Review
Authors: Chen Zhongchuan W. , Kotsikogianni Ioanna , Raval Jay S. , Roth Christine G. , Rollins-Raval Marian A.
Published: November 2013

Biclonal plasma cell myelomas producing two different isotypes of immunoglobulins are extremely rare entities; to date, the combination of IgD and IgM secretion by a biclonal plasma cell myeloma has not been reported. Bone marrow biopsy immunohistochemical studies in two cases revealed neoplastic plasma cells coexpressing IgD and IgM, but serum protein electrophoresis identified only the IgM monoclonal paraprotein in both cases. Biclonal plasma cell myelomas, while currently not well characterized in terms of their clinical behavior, should be distinguished from B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation, given the different therapeutic implications. Both cases reported herein demonstrated chemotherapy-resistant clinical courses.
Effect of Rotation for Two-Temperature Generalized Thermoelasticity of Two-Dimensional under Thermal Shock Problem
Authors: Lotfy Kh. , Hassan Wafaa
Published: November 2013

The theory of two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity based on the theory of Youssef is used to solve boundary value problems of two-dimensional half-space. The governing equations are solved using normal mode method under the purview of the Lord-Şhulman (LS) and the classical dynamical coupled theory (CD). The general solution obtained is applied to a specific problem of a half-space subjected to one type of heating, the thermal shock type. We study the influence of rotation on the total deformation of thermoelastic half-space and the interaction with each other under the influence of two temperature theory. The material is homogeneous isotropic elastic half-space. The methodology applied here is use of the normal mode analysis techniques that are used to solve the resulting nondimensional coupled field equations for the two theories. Numerical results for the displacement components, force stresses, and temperature distribution are presented graphically and discussed. The conductive temperature, the dynamical temperature, the stress, and the strain distributions are shown graphically with some comparisons.
Free Convective MHD Flow Past a Vertical Cone with Variable Heat and Mass Flux
Authors: Prakash J. , Mohiddin S. Gouse , Varma S. Vijaya Kumar
Published: November 2013

A numerical study of buoyancy-driven unsteady natural convection boundary layer flow past a vertical cone embedded in a non-Darcian isotropic porous regime with transverse magnetic field applied normal to the surface is considered. The heat and mass flux at the surface of the cone is modeled as a power law according to qwx=xm and qw*(x)=xm, respectively, where x denotes the coordinate along the slant face of the cone. Both Darcian drag and Forchheimer quadratic porous impedance are incorporated into the two-dimensional viscous flow model. The transient boundary layer equations are then nondimensionalized and solved by the Crank-Nicolson implicit difference method. The velocity, temperature, and concentration fields have been studied for the effect of Grashof number, Darcy number, Forchheimer number, Prandtl number, surface heat flux power-law exponent (m), surface mass flux power-law exponent (n), Schmidt number, buoyancy ratio parameter, and semivertical angle of the cone. Present results for selected variables for the purely fluid regime are compared with the published results and are found to be in excellent agreement. The local skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are also analyzed graphically. The study finds important applications in geophysical heat transfer, industrial manufacturing processes, and hybrid solar energy systems.
A Car-Following Model Based on Quantified Homeostatic Risk Perception
Authors: Lu Guangquan , Cheng Bo , Wang Yunpeng , Lin Qingfeng
Published: November 2013

This study attempts to elucidate individual car-following behavior using risk homeostasis theory (RHT). On the basis of this theory and the stimulus-response concept, we develop a desired safety margin (DSM) model. Safety margin, defined as the level of perceived risk in car-following processes, is proposed and considered to be a stimulus parameter. Acceleration is assessed in accordance with the difference between the perceived safety margin (perceived level of risk) and desired safety margin (acceptable level of risk) of a driver in a car-following situation. Sixty-three cases selected from Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) are used to calibrate the parameters of the proposed model for general car-following behavior. Other eight cases with two following cars taken from NGSIM are used to validate the model. A car-following case with stop-and-go processes is also used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed model. The simulation results are then compared with the calculations derived using the Gazis-Herman-Rothery (GHR) model. As a result, the DSM and GHR models yield similar results and the proposed model is effective for simulation of car following. By adjusting model parameters, the proposed model can simulate different driving behaviors. The proposed model gives a new way to explain car-following process by RHT.
Application Scheduling in Mobile Cloud Computing with Load Balancing
Authors: Wei Xianglin , Fan Jianhua , Lu Ziyi , Ding Ke
Published: November 2013

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) enables the mobile devices to offload their applications to the cloud and thus greatly enriches the types of applications on mobile devices and enhances the quality of service of the applications. Under various circumstances, researchers have put forward several MCC architectures. However, how to reduce the response latency while efficiently utilizing the idle service capacities of the mobile devices still remains a challenge. In this paper, we firstly give a definition of MCC and divide the recently proposed architectures into four categories. Secondly, we present a Hybrid Local Mobile Cloud Model (HLMCM) by extending the Cloudlet architecture. Then, after formulating the application scheduling problems in HLMCM and bringing forward the Hybrid Ant Colony algorithm based Application Scheduling (HACAS) algorithm, we finally validate the efficiency of the HACAS algorithm by simulation experiments.
NF-κB Inhibition after Cecal Ligation and Puncture Reduces Sepsis-Associated Lung Injury without Altering Bacterial Host Defense
Authors: Li Hui , Han Wei , Polosukhin Vasilly , Yull Fiona E. , Segal Brahm H. , Xie Can-Mao , Blackwell Timothy S.
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Since the NF-κB pathway regulates both inflammation and host defense, it is uncertain whether interventions targeting NF-κB would be beneficial in sepsis. Based on the kinetics of the innate immune response, we postulated that selective NF-κB inhibition during a defined time period after the onset of sepsis would reduce acute lung injury without compromising bacterial host defense.Methods. Mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). An NF-κB inhibitor, BMS-345541 (50 µg/g mice), was administered by peroral gavage beginning 2 hours after CLP and repeated at 6 hour intervals for 2 additional doses.Results. Mice treated with BMS-345541 after CLP showed reduced neutrophilic alveolitis and lower levels of KC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to mice treated with CLP+vehicle. In addition, mice treated with CLP+BMS had minimal histological evidence of lung injury and normal wet-dry ratios, indicating protection from acute lung injury. Treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor did not affect the ability of cultured macrophages to phagocytose bacteria and did not alter bacterial colony counts in blood, lung tissue, or peritoneal fluid at 24 hours after CLP. While BMS-345541 treatment did not alter mortality after CLP, our results showed a trend towards improved survival.Conclusion. Transiently blocking NF-κB activity after the onset of CLP-induced sepsis can effectively reduce acute lung injury in mice without compromising bacterial host defense or survival after CLP.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Matrix Equation from Interpolation Problems
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yuhai
Published: November 2013

This paper studies the sensitivity analysis of a nonlinear matrix equation connected to interpolation problems. The backward error estimates of an approximate solution to the equation are derived. A residual bound of an approximate solution to the equation is obtained. A perturbation bound for the unique solution to the equation is evaluated. This perturbation bound is independent of the exact solution of this equation. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Modelling of Ballistic Impact over a Ceramic-Metal Protection System
Authors: Neckel Leandro , Hotza Dachamir , Stainer Daniel , Janssen Rolf , Al-Qureshi Hazim Ali
Published: November 2013

The behavior of ceramic-metal protection against a projectile impact is modeled. The model takes into account the mass and velocity for each stage of the phenomenon. A former model was modified considering more realistic parameters such as geometries and deformation profile. To analyze the model, simulations on different parameters have been run. The impact results of different ballistic projectiles were simulated, and the movement was plotted. In addition, a deterministic simulation on the mechanical properties of the back metal plate properties was done.
On Boundedness and Attractiveness of Nonlinear Switched Delay Systems
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhao Yuyun , Xu Honglei , Shi Hongting , Teo Kok Lay
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with the boundedness and attractiveness of nonlinear switched delay systems whose subsystems have different equilibria. Some sufficient conditions which can guarantee the system’s boundedness are obtained. In addition, we work out the region where the solution will remain and furthermore the relationship between the initial function and the bounded region. Based on the new concept of attractor with switching laws, we show that the nonlinear switched delay system is attractive and then obtain the attractive region.
The mGlu2/3 Receptor Agonists LY354740 and LY379268 Differentially Regulate Restraint-Stress-Induced Expression of c-Fos in Rat Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Menezes M. M. , Santini M. A. , Benvenga M. J. , Marek G. J. , Merchant K. M. , Mikkelsen J. D. , Svensson K. A.
Published: November 2013

Metabotropic glutamate 2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets due to the ability of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists to modulate excitatory transmission at specific synapses. LY354740 and LY379268 are selective and potent mGlu2/3 receptor agonists that show both anxiolytic- and antipsychotic-like effects in animal models. We compared the efficacy of LY354740 and LY379268 in attenuating restraint-stress-induced expression of the immediate early gene c-Fos in the rat prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IL) cortex. LY354740 (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) showed statistically significant and dose-related attenuation of stress-induced increase in c-Fos expression, in the rat cortex. By contrast, LY379268 had no effect on restraint-stress-induced c-Fos upregulation (0.3–10 mg/kg, i.p.). Because both compounds inhibit serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR)-induced c-Fos expression, we hypothesize that LY354740 and LY379268 have different in vivo properties and that 5-HT2AR activation and restraint stress induce c-Fos through distinct mechanisms.
The Role of S-Nitrosylation and S-Glutathionylation of Protein Disulphide Isomerase in Protein Misfolding and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Halloran M. , Parakh S. , Atkin J. D.
Published: November 2013

Neurodegenerative diseases involve the progressive loss of neurons, and a pathological hallmark is the presence of abnormal inclusions containing misfolded proteins. Although the precise molecular mechanisms triggering neurodegeneration remain unclear, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress, and protein misfolding are important features in pathogenesis. Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is the prototype of a family of molecular chaperones and foldases upregulated during ER stress that are increasingly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. PDI catalyzes the rearrangement and formation of disulphide bonds, thus facilitating protein folding, and in neurodegeneration may act to ameliorate the burden of protein misfolding. However, an aberrant posttranslational modification of PDI, S-nitrosylation, inhibits its protective function in these conditions. S-nitrosylation is a redox-mediated modification that regulates protein function by covalent addition of nitric oxide- (NO-) containing groups to cysteine residues. Here, we discuss the evidence for abnormal S-nitrosylation of PDI (SNO-PDI) in neurodegeneration and how this may be linked to another aberrant modification of PDI, S-glutathionylation. Understanding the role of aberrant S-nitrosylation/S-glutathionylation of PDI in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases may provide insights into novel therapeutic interventions in the future.
Direct and Indirect Drug Design Approaches for the Development of Novel Tricyclic Antipsychotics: Potential 5‐HT2A Antagonist
Authors: Jadhav Mahantesh Namdev , Kokil Ganesh Rajendra , Harak Shilpa Sudhakar , Wagh Sanjay Baburao
Published: November 2013

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder manifested largely by disintegration of thought processes and emotional responsiveness. Given the therapeutic and toxic limitations of clinically available drugs, it is clear that there is still a need for the development of new generation antipsychotic agents with an improved clinical profile. Development of novel hybrid atypical tricyclic antipsychotic pharmacophore was achieved using direct (by measuring docking score of designed molecules on modelled 5‐HT2A receptor) and indirect (current, clinically available therapeutic agents’ data) drug design approaches.
Predicting Cooling Loads for the Next 24 Hours Based on General Regression Neural Network: Methods and Results
Authors: Sun Yuying , Wang Wei , Zhao Yaohua , Pan Song
Published: November 2013

Predicting cooling load for the next 24 hours is essential for the optimal control of air-conditioning systems that use thermal cool storage. This study investigated modeling methods of applying the general regression neural network (GRNN) technology to predict load. The single stage (SS) and double stage (DS) prediction methods were introduced. Two SS and two DS models were set up for forecasting the next 24 hours' cooling load. Measured data collected from two five star hotels located in Sanya, China, were used to train and test these models. The results demonstrate that the SS method, which can eliminate the necessity for measuring and predicting meteorological data, is much simpler and reliable for predicting the cooling load in practical applications.