bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Approach to a Suspected Case of First Branchial Arch Syndrome
Authors: Yamaguchi Noboru , Nakamura Shiho , Yamaza Haruyoshi , Nishigaki Soichiro , Masuda Keiji , Yanagita Ken-ichi , Nonaka Kazuaki
Published: January 2014

First branchial arch syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of anomalies in the first branchial arch, mainly affecting the lower jaw, ear, or mouth, during early embryonic development. We sought to confirm a suspected case of this syndrome by making differential diagnosis and taking an intensive clinical approach. A 12-year-6-month-old girl with a horizontally impacted left canine in the maxilla had the history of digital fusion in her hands and feet and has been suffering from hearing impairment of her left ear. To diagnose this case and make her careful treatment plan, we further carried out cephalometric analysis and mutation analysis. Her face looks like asymmetry and is not apparently symmetric by cephalometric analysis. Mutation analysis of the patient was conducted by direct DNA sequencing of the goosecoid gene, which is an excellent candidate for determination of hemifacial microsomia, but no changes in this gene were identified. We could not precisely diagnose this case as first branchial arch syndrome. However, certain observations in this case, including hearing impairment of the left ear, allow us to suspect this syndrome.
Inverse Diffraction Theory and Computation of Minimum Source Regions of Far Fields
Authors: Marengo Edwin A.
Published: January 2014

A methodology based on the multipole expansion is developed to estimate the minimum source region of a given far field. The support of any source that produces the given far field must contain this minimum source region. The results are derived in the framework of the scalar Helmholtz equation in two‐dimensional free space, which is relevant to transverse magnetic electromagnetic waves. The proposed approach consists of two steps. First we address, via an exterior inverse diffraction framework, the estimation of the minimum convex source region, which is the convex hull of the minimum source region. Next we compute, via a complementary interior inverse diffraction approach, nonconvex bounds for the minimum source region. This allows, in theory, the estimation of the minimum source region which can be nonconvex. The derived approach is illustrated with analytical and numerical examples relevant to inverse source and scattering problems.
Research and Development Aspects on Chemical Preparation Techniques of Photoanodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Asim Nilofar , Ahmadi Shideh , Alghoul M. A. , Hammadi F. Y. , Saeedfar Kasra , Sopian K.
Published: January 2014

The importance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a low-cost and environmentally friendly photovoltaic (PV) technology has prompted many researchers to improve its efficiency and durability. The realization of these goals is impossible without taking into account the importance of the materials in DSSCs, so the focus on the preparation/deposition methods is essential. These methods can be either chemical or physical. In this study, the chemical applied methods that utilize chemical reaction to synthesize and deposit the materials are covered and categorized according to their gas phase and liquid phase precursors. Film processing techniques that can be used to enhance the materials' properties postpreparation are also included for further evaluation in this study. However, there is a variety of consideration, and certain criteria must be taken into account when selecting a specific deposition method, due to the fact that the fabrication conditions vary and are unoptimized.
A Simple and Reliable Setup for Monitoring Corrosion Rate of Steel Rebars in Concrete
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad , Jibran Mohammed Abdul Azeem , Azad Abul Kalam , Maslehuddin Mohammed
Published: January 2014

The accuracy in the measurement of the rate of corrosion of steel in concrete depends on many factors. The high resistivity of concrete makes the polarization data erroneous due to the Ohmic drop. The other source of error is the use of an arbitrarily assumed value of the Stern-Geary constant for calculating corrosion current density. This paper presents the outcomes of a research work conducted to develop a reliable and low-cost experimental setup and a simple calculation procedure that can be utilised to calculate the corrosion current density considering the Ohmic drop compensation and the actual value of the Stern-Geary constants calculated using the polarization data. The measurements conducted on specimens corroded to different levels indicate the usefulness of the developed setup to determine the corrosion current density with and without Ohmic drop compensation.
Delay-Dependent Stability Criterion of Caputo Fractional Neural Networks with Distributed Delay
Authors: Alofi Abdulaziz , Cao Jinde , Elaiw Ahmed , Al-Mazrooei Abdullah
Published: January 2014

This paper is concerned with the finite-time stability of Caputo fractional neural networks with distributed delay. The factors of such systems including Caputo’s fractional derivative and distributed delay are taken into account synchronously. For the Caputo fractional neural network model, a finite-time stability criterion is established by using the theory of fractional calculus and generalized Gronwall-Bellman inequality approach. Both the proposed criterion and an illustrative example show that the stability performance of Caputo fractional distributed delay neural networks is dependent on the time delay and the order of Caputo’s fractional derivative over a finite time.
Potential Application of Pheromones in Monitoring, Mating Disruption, and Control of Click Beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Reddy Gadi V. P. , Tangtrakulwanich Khanobporn
Published: January 2014

Wireworms, the larvae stage of click beetles (family, Elateridae), are serious soil dwelling pests of small grain, corn, sugar beet, and potato crops globally. Since the 1950s, conventional insecticides such as lindane provided effective and inexpensive protection from wireworms, and little integrated pest management research (IPM) was conducted. The removal of these products from the agricultural market, particularly Lindane, has resulted in increasing levels of wireworm damage to small grain, corn, and potato crops. The wireworm damage has become an increasing problem for growers, so the demand for a meaningful risk assessment and useful methods to restrict damage is increasing. However, due to the cryptic habitat of the wireworms, pest control is very difficult and leads to unsatisfying results. The prospective appropriateness of sex pheromone traps for employing management strategies against wireworm’s populations was first suggested with experimentation in Hungary and Italy. Simultaneously, considerable work has been done on the identification and use of pheromone traps to monitor population of click beetles. The work has been mostly done in European and former Soviet Union countries. For this paper, we reviewed what work has been done in monitoring the click beetle which was considered as pests and how the pheromones can be used in IPM to monitor and control wireworms/click beetles. Also, the possibilities of using the pheromone-baited traps for mating disruption and control tested in the fields were summarized.
Application of Cox Proportional Hazards Model in Case of Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Addis Ababa Health Centres, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolosie Kabtamu , Sharma M. K.
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease and mainly caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It has been one of the major causes of mortality in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify factors that affect the survival of the patients with tuberculosis who started treatment for tuberculosis.Methods. This was a retrospective study in six randomly selected health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data were obtained from medical records of TB patients registered from September 2012 to August 2013 and treated under directly observed treatment surgery (DOTS) strategy. Kaplan Meier plots, logrank tests, and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess the survival pattern. Cox proportional hazards model for multivariable analysis was discussed.Results. Out of the total 826 registered TB patients, 105 (12.71%) died during the study period and 712 (87.29%) were censored. Based on Kaplan Meier survival curves, logrank test, and Wilcoxon test, it was found that the patients had statistically significant differences in survival experience with respect to age, body weight at initiation of treatment, TB patient category, and HIV status. Multivariable Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that the covariates age, TB patient category, HIV, and age by HIV interaction were significant risk factors associated with death status in TB patients.Conclusion. Deaths of individuals with diseases especially HIV coinfected and nonnew TB cases were high. Therefore, this needs to strengthen the follow-up of patients with TB treatment from the day of anti-TB treatment initiation to completion days.
Evaluation of Sample Handling Effects on Serum Vitamin E and Cholesterol Concentrations in Alpacas
Authors: Lear Andrea S. , Byers Stacey R. , Callan Robert J. , McArt Jessica A. A.
Published: January 2014

Clinical cases of vitamin E deficiencies have been diagnosed in camelids and may indicate that these species are more sensitive to inadequate vitamin E in hay-based diets compared to other ruminant and equine species. In bovine, cholesterol has been reported to affect vitamin E concentrations. In order to evaluate vitamin E deficiencies in camelids, the effects of collection and storage of the blood samples prior to processing were necessary. Reports vary as to factors affecting vitamin E and cholesterol in blood samples, and diagnostic laboratories vary in instructions regarding sample handling. Blood was collected from healthy alpacas and processed under conditions including exposure to fluorescent light, serum and red blood cell contact, tube stopper contact, temperature, and hemolysis. Serum vitamin E and cholesterol concentrations were then measured. Statistical analyses found that the vitamin E concentrations decreased with prolonged contact with the tube stopper and with increasing hemolysis. Vitamin E concentration variations were seen with other factors but were not significant. Time prior to serum separation and individual animal variation was found to alter cholesterol concentrations within the sample, yet this finding was clinically unremarkable. No correlation was seen between vitamin E and cholesterol concentration, possibly due to lack of variation of cholesterol.
A Method of Data Recovery Based on Compressive Sensing in Wireless Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Ji Sai , Sun Yajie , Shen Jian
Published: January 2014

In practical structural health monitoring (SHM) process based on wireless sensor network (WSN), data loss often occurs during the data transmission between sensor nodes and the base station, which will affect the structural data analysis and subsequent decision making. In this paper, a method of recovering lost data in WSN based on compressive sensing (CS) is proposed. Compared with the existing methods, it is a simple and stable data recovery method and can obtain lower recovery data error for one‐dimensional SHM’s data loss. First, response signal x is measured onto the measurement data vector y through inner products with random vectors. Note that y is the linear projection of x and y is permitted to be lost in part during the transmission. Next, when the base station receives the incomplete data, the response signal x can be reconstructed from the data vector y using the CS method. Finally, the test of active structural damage identification on LF‐21M aviation antirust aluminum plate is proposed. The response signal gathered from the aluminum plate is used to verify the data recovery ability of the proposed method.
Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Zinc Contents of Fish Marketed in NW Mexico
Authors: Frías-Espericueta Martín G. , Zamora-Sarabia Francia K. G. , Osuna-López J. Isidro , Muy-Rangel María D. , Rubio-Carrasco Werner , Aguilar-Juárez Marisela , Voltolina Domenico
Published: January 2014

To assess if they were within the safety limits for human consumption, the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents of fish muscles, bought from separate stalls of the fish markets of nine cities of NW Mexico, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Considering all fish and markets, the mean contents were Zn:23.23±5.83, Cu:1.72±0.63, Cd:0.27±0.07, and Pb:0.09±0.04 µg/g (dry weight). Cu, Zn, and Pb did not reach levels of concern for human consumption, but the high Cd values determined in Mazatlán (Mugil cephalus:0.48±0.15;Diapterusspp.:0.57±0.33;Lutjanusspp.:0.72±0.12; small shark:0.87±0.19 µg/g dry weight) indicate that this was the only metal of concern for human health because the daily individual consumption of fish muscle to reach the PTDI would be within 0.27 and 0.41 kg.
The Effect of Multiple Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Folic Acid Pathway Genes on Homocysteine Metabolism
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhou Yuanpeng , Wang Huijun , Qian Yanyan , Ma Duan , Tian Weidong , Persaud-Sharma Vishwani , Yu Chen , Ren Yunyun , Zhou Shufeng , Li Xiaotian
Published: January 2014

Objective. To investigate the joint effects of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in the folic acid pathway on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism.Methods. Four hundred women with normal pregnancies were enrolled in this study. SNPs were identified by MassARRAY. Serum folic acid and Hcy concentration were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and support vector machine (SVM) regressions were used to analyze the joint effects of SNPs on the Hcy level.Results. SNPs of MTHFR (rs1801133 and rs3733965) were significantly associated with maternal serum Hcy level. In the different genotypes of MTHFR (rs1801133), SNPs of RFC1 (rs1051266), TCN2 (rs9606756), BHMT (rs3733890), and CBS (rs234713 and rs2851391) were linked with the Hcy level adjusted for folic acid concentration. The integrated SNPs scores were significantly associated with the residual Hcy concentration (RHC) (r=0.247). The Hcy level was significantly higher in the group with high SNP scores than that in other groups with SNP scores of less than 0.2 (P=0.000). Moreover, this difference was even more significant in moderate and high levels of folic acid.Conclusion. SNPs of genes in the folic acid pathway possibly affect the Hcy metabolism in the presence of moderate and high levels of folic acid.
Isolation and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Campylobacter Species among Diarrheic Children at Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Tafa Belay , Sewunet Tsegaye , Tassew Haimanot , Asrat Daniel
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Campylobacter is one of the leading bacterial causes of food-borne disease. The prevalence of Campylobacter species resistant to antimicrobial agents is increasing. This study is intended to determine prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Campylobacter species among under-five children with diarrhea. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 under-five children with diarrhea from July to October 2012 at Jimma town. Isolation and identification of Campylobacter species were performed using standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed following standard protocol. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for analysis. Results. From 227 under-five children, 16.7% were positive for Campylobacter spp.; isolates, C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari, accounted for 71.1%, 21.1%, and 7.9%, respectively. Higher rate of resistance was observed to ampicillin 76.3%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (68.4%), tetracycline (39.5%), chloramphenicol (31.6%), clindamycin (26.3%), and doxycycline (23.7%). Erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and nalidixic acid were effective for more than 80% of the isolates. Multiple drug resistance was observed among 78.9% of all the three spp. Conclusions. Isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. was high. C. lari was reported for the first time at this study area. Higher rate of resistance was observed to the commonly used drugs.
Production and Partial Purification of Alpha Amylase fromBacillus subtilis(MTCC 121) Using Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Raul Dibyangana , Biswas Tania , Mukhopadhyay Suchita , Kumar Das Shrayan , Gupta Suvroma
Published: January 2014

Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch into sugars and plays a pivotal role in a variety of areas like use as digestives, for the production of ethanol and high fructose corn syrup, detergents, desiring of textiles, modified starches, hydrolysis of oil-field drilling fluids, and paper recycling. In the present work, solid state fermentation (SSF) forα-amylase production has been used in lieu of submerged fermentation (SmF) due to its simple technique, low capital investment, lower levels of catabolite repression, and better product recovery.Bacillus subtilishas been well known as producer of alpha amylase and was tested using solid state fermentation for 48 hours at 37°C with wheat bran as substrate. Comparison between different fermentation hours demonstrated high yield of alpha amylase after 48 hours. This alpha amylase has optimum pH and temperature at 7.1 and 40°C, respectively. With the goal to purify alpha amylase, 30–70% (NH4)2SO4cut concentrated the amylase activity threefold with respect to crude fermented extract. This was verified in quantitative DNS assay method as well as in zymogram gel profile. The exact molecular weight of the amylase is yet to be determined with the aid of other protein purification techniques.
Oxidative Stress and Bone Resorption Interplay as a Possible Trigger for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Cervellati Carlo , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Cremonini Eleonora , Romani Arianna , Fila Enrica , Castaldini Maria Cristina , Ferrazzini Stefania , Giganti Melchiorre , Massari Leo
Published: January 2014

The underlying mechanism in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO) is an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. This study was conducted to investigate whether oxidative stress (OxS) might have a role in this derangement of bone homeostasis. In a sample of 167 postmenopausal women, we found that increased serum levels of a lipid peroxidation marker, hydroperoxides, were negatively and independently associated with decreasedbone mineral density(BMD) in total body (r=-0.192,P<0.05), lumbar spine (r=-0.282,P<0.01), and total hip (r=-0.282,P<0.05), as well as with increased bone resorption rate (r=0.233,P<0.05), as assessed by the serum concentration of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1). On the contrary, the OxS marker failed to be correlated with the serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), that is, elective marker of bone formation. Importantly, multiple regression analysis revealed that hydroperoxides is a determinant factor for the statistical association between lumbar spine BMD and CTX-1 levels. Taken together, our data suggest that OxS might mediate, by enhancing bone resorption, the uncoupling of bone turnover that underlies PO development.
A Generalized HSS Iteration Method for Continuous Sylvester Equations
Authors: Li Xu , Wu Yu-Jiang , Yang Ai-Li , Yuan Jin-Yun
Published: January 2014

Based on the Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (HSS) iteration technique, we establish a generalized HSS (GHSS) iteration method for solving large sparse continuous Sylvester equations with non-Hermitian and positive definite/semidefinite matrices. The GHSS method is essentially a four-parameter iteration which not only covers the standard HSS iteration but also enables us to optimize the iterative process. An exact parameter region of convergence for the method is strictly proved and a minimum value for the upper bound of the iterative spectrum is derived. Moreover, to reduce the computational cost, we establish an inexact variant of the GHSS (IGHSS) iteration method whose convergence property is discussed. Numerical experiments illustrate the efficiency and robustness of the GHSS iteration method and its inexact variant.
The Variation of Riverbed Material due to Tropical Storms in Shi-Wen River, Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chin-Ping , Wang Yu-Min , Tfwala Samkele S. , Chen Ching-Nuo
Published: January 2014

Taiwan, because of its location, is a flood prone region and is characterised by typhoons which brings about two-thirds to three quarters of the annual rainfall amount. Consequently, enormous flows result in rivers and entrain some fractions of the grains that constitute the riverbed. Hence, the purpose of the study is to quantify the impacts of these enormous flows on the distribution of grain size in riverbeds. The characteristics of riverbed material prior to and after the typhoon season are compared in Shi-Wen River located at southern Taiwan. These include grain size variation, bimodality, and roughness coefficient. A decrease (65%) and increase (50%) in geometric mean size of grains were observed for subsurface and surface bed material, respectively. Geometric standard deviation decreased in all sites after typhoon. Subsurface material was bimodal prior to typhoons and polymodal after. For surface material, modal class is in the gravel class, while after typhoons it shifts towards cobble class. The reduction in geometric mean resulted to a decrease in roughness coefficient by up to 30%. Finally, the relationship of Shields and Froude numbers are studied and a change in the bed form to antidunes and transition form is observed, respectively.
Advanced Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Arch Dams considering Joints Effects
Authors: Hesari Mohammad Amin , Ghaemian Mohsen , Shamsai Abolfazl
Published: January 2014

Influence of joints behavior on arch dams operation during the earthquakes is investigated. The case study is the Karun-1 double curvature arch dam with the height of 200 meters. The arch dam-foundation-reservoir systems are modeled with and without joints and estimate the effects of contraction and lift joints on stresses and displacements response histories for assessing the earthquake performance. According to nolinear dynamical analysis results, inclusion of the contraction and lift joints considerably influenced the dam response.
Quasistatic Seismic Damage Indicators for RC Structures from Dissipating Energies in Tangential Subspaces
Authors: Krätzig Wilfried B. , Petryna Yuri S.
Published: January 2014

This paper applies recent research on structural damage description to earthquake‐resistant design concepts. Based on the primary design aim of life safety, this work adopts the necessity of additional protection aims for property, installation, and equipment. This requires the definition of damage indicators, which are able to quantify the arising structural damage. As in present design, it applies nonlinear quasistatic (pushover) concepts due to code provisions as simplified dynamic design tools. Substituting so nonlinear time‐history analyses, seismic low‐cycle fatigue of RC structures is approximated in similar manner. The treatment will be embedded into a finite element environment, and the tangential stiffness matrix KT in tangential subspaces then is identified as the most general entry for structural damage information. Its spectra of eigenvalues λi or natural frequencies ωi of the structure serve to derive damage indicators Di, applicable to quasistatic evaluation of seismic damage. Because det KT = 0 denotes structural failure, such damage indicators range from virgin situation Di = 0 to failure Di = 1 and thus correspond with Fema proposals on performance‐based seismic design. Finally, the developed concept is checked by reanalyses of two experimentally investigated RC frames.
Atherosclerosis Burden in Patients with Acute Chest Pain: Obesity Paradox
Authors: Chaikriangkrai Kongkiat , Kassi Mahwash , Khaleel bala Sayf , Nabi Faisal , Chang Su Min
Published: January 2014

Obesity paradox has been described in various populations of coronary artery disease, mainly asymptomatic subjects. However, relationship between obesity and coronary artery calcification detected by cardiac CT in symptomatic patients has rarely been demonstrated. This study seeks to investigate whether the paradoxical relationship between obesity and coronary artery calcification exists in patients with acute chest pain. A final cohort of 1030 chest pain patients presenting at our emergency department who underwent coronary evaluation by multidetector cardiac CT were examined. With absent-to-mild coronary calcification (CAC score < 100) as a referent, multivariable analysis showed that presence of obesity (OR 0.564; 95% CI 0.395, 0.806; P 0.002), body mass index (OR 0.945; 95% CI 0.920, 0.971; P<0.001), body weight (OR 0.987; 95% CI 0.979, 0.995; P 0.001), and body surface area (OR 0.582; 95% CI 0.369, 0.920; P 0.020) were inversely associated with moderate-to-severe coronary calcification (CAC score ≥ 100). This study extends the concept of obesity paradox to symptomatic patients undergoing coronary artery calcium score assessment. However, biological explanation(s) of this paradox remains unanswered.
Polymeric Films Loaded with Vitamin E andAloe verafor Topical Application in the Treatment of Burn Wounds
Authors: Pereira Gabriela Garrastazu , Guterres Sílvia Stanisçuaki , Balducci Anna Giulia , Colombo Paolo , Sonvico Fabio
Published: January 2014

Burns are serious traumas related to skin damage, causing extreme pain and possibly death. Natural drugs such asAloe veraand vitamin E have been demonstrated to be beneficial in formulations for wound healing. The aim of this work is to develop and evaluate polymeric films containingAloe veraand vitamin E to treat wounds caused by burns. Polymeric films containing different quantities of sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were characterized for their mechanical properties and drug release. The polymeric films, which were produced, were thin, flexible, resistant, and suitable for application on damaged skin, such as in burn wounds. Around 30% of vitamin E acetate was released from the polymeric films within 12 hours. Thein vivoexperiments with tape stripping indicated an effective accumulation in thestratum corneumwhen compared to a commercial cream containing the same quantity of vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate was found in higher quantities in the deep layers of thestratum corneumwhen the film formulation was applied. The results obtained show that the bioadhesive films containing vitamin E acetate andAloe veracould be an innovative therapeutic system for the treatment of burns.
Simulating Univariate and Multivariate Tukeyg-and-hDistributions Based on the Method of Percentiles
Authors: Kuo Tzu Chun , Headrick Todd C.
Published: January 2014

This paper derives closed-form solutions for theg-and-hshape parameters associated with the Tukey family of distributions based on the method of percentiles (MOP). A proposed MOP univariate procedure is described and compared with the method of moments (MOM) in the context of distribution fitting and estimating skew and kurtosis functions. The MOP methodology is also extended from univariate to multivariate data generation. A procedure is described for simulating nonnormal distributions with specified Spearman correlations. The MOP procedure has an advantage over the MOM because it does not require numerical integration to compute intermediate correlations. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MOP procedure is superior to the MOM in terms of distribution fitting, estimation, relative bias, and relative error.
Models and Algorithms for Tracking Target with Coordinated Turn Motion
Authors: Yuan Xianghui , Lian Feng , Han Chongzhao
Published: January 2014

Tracking target with coordinated turn (CT) motion is highly dependent on the models and algorithms. First, the widely used models are compared in this paper—coordinated turn (CT) model with known turn rate, augmented coordinated turn (ACT) model with Cartesian velocity, ACT model with polar velocity, CT model using a kinematic constraint, and maneuver centered circular motion model. Then, in the single model tracking framework, the tracking algorithms for the last four models are compared and the suggestions on the choice of models for different practical target tracking problems are given. Finally, in the multiple models (MM) framework, the algorithm based on expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is derived, including both the batch form and the recursive form. Compared with the widely used interacting multiple model (IMM) algorithm, the EM algorithm shows its effectiveness.
Investigation on the Interface Characteristics of the Thermal Barrier Coating System through Flat Cylindrical Indenters
Authors: Wen Shifeng , Zeng Xiaohu , Xie Gongnan
Published: January 2014

Thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems are highly advanced material systems and usually applied to insulate components from large and prolonged heat loads by utilizing thermally insulating materials. In this study, the characteristics of the interface of thermal barrier coating systems have been simulated by the finite-element method (FEM). The emphasis was put on the stress distribution at the interface which is beneath the indenter. The effect of the interface roughness, the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer's thickness, and the modulus ratio (η) of the thin film with the substrate has been considered. Finite-element results showed that the influences of the interface roughness and the TGO layer's thickness on stress distribution were important. At the same time, the residual stress distribution has been investigated in detail.
Antiapoptotic Actions of Methyl Gallate on Neonatal Rat Cardiac Myocytes Exposed to H2O2
Authors: Khurana Sandhya , Hollingsworth Amanda , Piche Matthew , Venkataraman Krishnan , Kumar Aseem , Ross Gregory M. , Tai T. C.
Published: January 2014

Reactive oxygen species trigger cardiomyocyte cell death via increased oxidative stress and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The prevention of cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a putative therapeutic target in cardioprotection. Polyphenol intake has been associated with reduced incidences of cardiovascular disease and better overall health. Polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, resulting in better health outcomes in animal models of cardiac disorders. Here, we analyzed whether the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or polyphenols EGCG, gallic acid (GA) or methyl gallate (MG) can protect cardiomyocytes from cobalt or H2O2-induced stress. We demonstrate that MG can uphold viability of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes exposed to H2O2by diminishing intracellular ROS, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, augmenting endogenous glutathione, and reducing apoptosis as evidenced by impaired Annexin V/PI staining, prevention of DNA fragmentation, and cleaved caspase-9 accumulation. These findings suggest a therapeutic value for MG in cardioprotection.
Postoperative Tachyarrhythmias: On-Pump versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Shehata Mohamed , AbdElhalim Bassem , Hanna Hany , Nabih Mervat
Published: January 2014

Objective. Tachyarrhythmias, after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, develop in 11%–40% of patients. Surgery technique (on-pump or off-pump) might affect incidence of post-CABG tachyarrhythmias. Methods. The study included 60 patients undergoing CABG (≥2 grafts) with left ventricle ejection fraction (LV EF) >40%. Patients were divided into two groups equally: group A (on-pump) and group B (off-pump). Patients were subjected to electrocardiographic monitoring (7 days postoperatively), transthoracic echocardiography, with recording of surgical details and complications. Results. Data collected between December 2012 and May 2013 showed no significant difference between two groups regarding incidence of postoperative tachyarrhythmias with statistically significant higher incidence of supraventricular tachycardia in group B (P<0.05) and a trend towards higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in group A. Patients who developed postoperative tachyarrhythmias in group A showed higher prevalence of family history
of coronary artery disease and higher incidence of postoperative chest infections (P<0.05), while those in group B showed higher mean LV EF (pre- and postoperatively) (P<0.05). Data were statistically described in terms of mean ± standard deviation. Comparison of numerical and categorical variables was done using Student’s t- and Chi-square tests, respectively. Conclusion. Adopting off-pump CABG technique is not associated with less incidence of post-operative tachyarrhythmias, as compared to on-pump technique.
A Molecular and Morphological Reassessment ofDiademaceae
Authors: Ariyawansa Hiran A. , Phookamsak Rungtiwa , Tibpromma Saowaluck , Kang Ji-Chuan , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: January 2014

We revisit the familyDiademaceaebased on available sequence data and morphology.Diademaceaeis characterized by ascomata opening with a flat circular lid and fissitunicate, short orbicular frequently cylindrical, pedicellate asci. Ascospores are frequently circular in section but narrowing to one end with three or more transverse septa, without longitudinal septa, and mostly with a thick sheath. In recent treatmentsClathrospora,Comoclathris,Diadema,Diademosa, andGraphylliumwere placed in the family. Following molecular and morphological study,Clathrospora,Comoclathris, andDiademosa, are excluded from the family and referred toPleosporaceae.Graphylliumis excluded fromDiademaceae, based on hysterothecium-like ascomata with a longitudinal opening, and tentatively placed inHysteriaceaewith uncertainty; species with hysterothecia have now been accommodated in at least five families. The study accepts onlyDiademain the family. The status ofDiademaceaeas a distinct family, based on the ascomata opening by a flat circular lid, is thought to be doubtful. Fresh collections ofDiademaare needed for epitypification and to obtain sequence data to establish if this is a well-resolved family.
Optimization of Joint Power and Bandwidth Allocation in Multi‐Spot‐Beam Satellite Communication Systems
Authors: Wang Heng , Liu Aijun , Pan Xiaofei
Published: January 2014

Multi‐spot‐beam technique has been widely applied in modern satellite communication systems. However, the satellite power and bandwidth resources in a multi‐spot‐beam satellite communication system are scarce and expensive; it is urgent to utilize the resources efficiently. To this end, dynamically allocating the power and bandwidth is an available way. This paper initially formulates the problem of resource joint allocation as a convex optimization problem, taking into account a compromise between the maximum total system capacity and the fairness among the spot beams. A joint bandwidth and power allocation iterative algorithm based on duality theory is then proposed to obtain the optimal solution of this optimization problem. Compared with the existing separate bandwidth or power optimal allocation algorithms, it is shown that the joint allocation algorithm improves both the total system capacity and the fairness among spot beams. Moreover, it is easy to be implemented in practice, as the computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is linear with the number of spot beams.
Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Satranidazole from Its Formulation
Authors: Pawar Harshal Ashok , Joshi Pooja Rasiklal
Published: January 2014

Satranidazole is a new nitroimidazole derivative with potent antiamoebic action and is available in market in the form of tablet and dry syrup either alone or in combination with Ofloxacin. The present study involves the development of simple, accurate, precise, and reproducible reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for determination of Satranidazole from its granular dosage form. Isocratic elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min was employed on BDS Hypersil C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column at 25°C temperature. The mobile phase consists of 0.16% v/v orthophosphoric acid solution, pH 3: acetonitrile in the ratio of 60 : 40 v/v. The UV detection wavelength was 320 nm, and 20 μL sample was injected. The retention time for Satranidazole was about 4.3 minutes. The method was validated for various parameters such as system suitability, precision, recovery, robustness, and ruggedness as per ICH guidelines. The validated RP-HPLC method was found to be specific, linear, precise, and accurate and can be successfully employed for the assay of Satranidazole taste masked granules coated with Eudragit E100 and marketed tablets.
Interleukin 6 and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yoshida Yuji , Tanaka Toshio
Published: January 2014

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a representative cytokine featuring pleiotropic activity and redundancy. A transient synthesis of IL-6 contributes to host defense against infectious agents and tissue injuries by inducing acute phase reactions and immunological and hematopoietic responses. However, uncontrolled persistent production of IL-6 may lead to the development of several immune-mediated diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease with joint and systemic inflammation resulting from immunological abnormalities and it has been found that IL-6 plays a key role in the development of this disease. Clinical trials in various parts of the world of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, have proved its efficacy and tolerable safety either as monotherapy or in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. As a result, it is currently used as a first-line biologic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA in more than 100 countries. Clarification of the mechanism(s) through which tocilizumab exerts its effect on RA and of the reason(s) why IL-6 is continuously produced in RA can be expected to lead to the best use of this agent for RA patients and aid in investigations into the pathogenesis of RA.
A Comparison of Nested PCR Assay with Conventional Techniques for Diagnosis of Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis in AIDS Cases from Northern India
Authors: Uppal Beena , Singh Ompal , Chadha Sanjim , Jha Arun Kumar
Published: January 2014

Cryptosporidiosis is a very important opportunistic infection and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Although current laboratory methods are generally considered adequate to detect high concentrations of oocysts, they fail to detect cases of cryptosporidiosis in many immunocompromised patients. The present study was done to determine the diagnostic efficacy of modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN), antigen detection ELISA, and a nested PCR assay for detection ofCryptosporidiumin 58 adult AIDS cases with diarrhea from the ART clinic of Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi.Cryptosporidiumwas detected in 17 (29.4%), 39 (67.3%), and 45 (77.5%) cases by modified ZN staining, antigen ELISA, and nested PCR assay, respectively. Taking nested PCR as the gold standard, specificity of both modified ZN staining andCryptosporidiumantigen detection ELISA was 100% while the sensitivity of the tests was 37.8% and 86.6%, respectively. PCR was more sensitive than the other two diagnostic modalities but required a more hands-on time per sample and was more expensive than microscopy. PCR, however, was very adaptable to batch analysis, reducing the costs considerably. This assay can therefore have considerable advantages in the treatment of immunosuppressed individuals like AIDS patients, allowing their early diagnosis and decreasing the morbidity and the mortality.
Molecular Alterations of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway: A Therapeutic Target in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Pavlidou Athanasia , Vlahos Nikos F.
Published: January 2014

It is well established that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a central role in cell growth and proliferation. It has also been suggested that its deregulation is associated with cancer. Genetic alterations, involving components of this pathway, are often encountered in endometrial cancers. Understanding and identifying the rate-limiting steps of this pathway would be crucial for the development of novel therapies against endometrial cancer. This paper reviews alterations in the PI3K/Akt pathway, which could possibly contribute to the development of endometrial cancer. In addition, potential therapeutic targets of this pathway with emphasis on the mTOR inhibitors are also presented.
On the Fourth Power Mean of the Two-Term Exponential Sums
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhang Wenpeng
Published: January 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to use the analytic methods and the properties of Gauss sums to study the computational problem of one kind fourth power mean of two-term exponential sums and give an interesting identity and asymptotic formula for it.
Analysis by Light, Scanning, and Transmission Microscopy of the Intima Synovial of the Temporomandibular Joint of Human Fetuses during the Development
Authors: Alvez Carlos Sabu , Carvalho de Moraes Luis Otavio , Marques Sergio R. , Tedesco Roberto C. , Harb Leandro J. C. , Rodríguez-Vázquez Jose F. , Mérida-Velasco Jose R. , Alonso Luis Garcia
Published: January 2014

Objective. To characterize morphologically and ultrastructurally using light microscopy, the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy the intima synovial of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of human fetuses between the 10th and the 38th week of development.Materials and Methods. The TMJ was dissected bilaterally in 37 human fetuses belonging to the Institute of Embryology of the University Complutense of Madrid and of the Federal University of São Paulo.Results. The outcome by light microscopy showed the morphology of the TMJ and that the formation of inferior joint cavity precedes the superior joint cavity and the presence of blood vessels in the synovial.Conclusion. By scanning and transmission electron microscopy we observed the presence of two well-defined cell types in the intima layer of synovial of the TMJ of human fetuses, macrophage-like type A cell and fibroblast-like type B cell, and the presence of the a third cell type, defined by the name of intermediate lining cell in the intima layer of the synovial.
Neurotoxicants Are in the Air: Convergence of Human, Animal, andIn VitroStudies on the Effects of Air Pollution on the Brain
Authors: Costa Lucio G. , Cole Toby B. , Coburn Jacki , Chang Yu-Chi , Dao Khoi , Roque Pamela
Published: January 2014

In addition to increased morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, air pollution may also negatively affect the brain and contribute to central nervous system diseases. Air pollution is a mixture comprised of several components, of which ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM; <100 nm) is of much concern, as these particles can enter the circulation and distribute to most organs, including the brain. A major constituent of ambient UFPM is represented by traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust (DE). Human epidemiological studies and controlled animal studies have shown that exposure to air pollution may lead to neurotoxicity. In addition to a variety of behavioral abnormalities, two prominent effects caused by air pollution are oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are seen in both humans and animals and are confirmed byin vitrostudies. Among factors which can affect neurotoxic outcomes, age is considered the most relevant. Human and animal studies suggest that air pollution (and DE) may cause developmental neurotoxicity and may contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, air pollution exposure has been associated with increased expression of markers of neurodegenerative disease pathologies.
Mycobacterium haemophilumas the Initial Presentation of a B-Cell Lymphoma in a Liver Transplant Patient
Authors: Doherty T. , Lynn M. , Cavazza A. , Sames E. , Hughes R.
Published: January 2014

A 66-year-old woman presented with pustular lesions of her face, trunk, and limbs and an acute arthritis of the knees and elbows. She had a complex medical background and had been on immunosuppressants for three years after a liver transplant. Tissue samples from her skin lesions and synovial fluid showed acid-fast bacilli.Mycobacterium haemophilum, an atypical mycobacteria, was later grown on culture. During her treatment with combination antibiotic therapy, she developed a pronounced generalised lymphadenopathy. Histology showed features of a diffuse B-cell lymphoma, a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).
Fixed-Point Theorems for Mean Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zuo Zhanfei
Published: January 2014

We define a mean nonexpansive mappingTonXin the sense thatTx-Ty≤ax-y+bx-Ty,a,b≥0,a+b≤1. It is proved that mean nonexpansive mapping has approximate fixed-point sequence, and, under some suitable conditions, we get some existence and uniqueness theorems of fixed point.
Advances in Observation and Estimation of Land Use Impacts on Climate Changes: Improved Data, Upgraded Models, and Case Studies
Authors: Singh R. B. , Shi Chenchen
Published: January 2014

Global land use and land cover pattern has greatly changed in the past 50 years, which exerts direct or indirect influence on the climate change remarkably at both regional and global scales. Therefore, observing and estimating the land use impacts on surface climate is essential and has been continuously promoted by researchers. This paper explores the advancement in the models, data, and application for observing and estimating the land use impacts on surface climate and points out further research needs and priorities, which hopefully will provide some references for related studies.
Impact of Obesity and Underweight on Surgical Outcome of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Omidi-Kashani Farzad , Ghayem Hasankhani Ebrahim , Rafeemanesh Ehsan , Seyf Parham , Attarchi Hassan , Rahimi Mohammad Dawood , Khanzadeh Reza
Published: January 2014

Background. The relationship between underweight and lumbar spine surgery is still unknown. Aim. To evaluate the effect of underweight versus obesity based on surgical outcome of lumbar disc herniation. Material and Method. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 206 patients (112 male and 94 female) with a mean age of 37.5±3.1 years old (ranged 20–72) who have been surgically treated due to the refractory simple primary L4-L5 disc herniation. We followed them up for a mean period of 42.4±7.2 months (ranged 24–57). We used Body Mass Index (BMI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for categorization, disability, and pain assessment, respectively. We used Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests for statistics. Results. Surgical discectomy in all weight groups was associated with significant improvement in pain and disability, but intergroup comparison showed these improvements in both underweight and obese groups and they were significantly lower than in normal weight group. Excellent and good satisfaction rate was also somewhat lower in both these ends of weight spectrum, but statistically insignificant. Conclusion. Both obesity and underweight may have adverse prognostic influences on the surgical outcome of lumbar disc herniation, although their impact on subjective satisfaction rate seems to be insignificant.