bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humanized Mice, a New Model To Study the Influence of Drug Treatment on Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Ernst Wolfgang , Zimara Nicole , Hanses Frank , Männel Daniela N. , Seelbach-Göbel Birgit , Wege Anja K.
Published: February 2013

Bacterial infection with group BStreptococcus(GBS) represents a prominent threat to neonates and fetuses in the Western world, causing severe organ damage and even death. To improve current therapeutic strategies and to investigate new approaches, an appropriatein vivomodel to study the immune response of a human immune system is needed. Therefore, we introduced humanized mice as a new model for GBS-induced sepsis. Humanized mice feature deficiencies similar to those found in neonates, such as lower immunoglobulin levels and myeloid cell dysfunction. Due to the husbandry in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) facilities, the human immune cells in these mice also exhibit a naive phenotype which mimics the conditions in fetuses/neonates. Following infection, cytokine release and leukocyte trafficking from the bone marrow to the lymphoid organ (spleen) and into the peritoneum (site of infection) as well as bacterial spreading and clearance were traceable in the humanized mice. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of betamethasone and indomethacin treatment using this novel sepsis model. Although both drugs are commonly used in perinatal care, little is known about their effects on the neonatal immune system. Treatment of infected humanized mice not only induced the reduction of human leukocytes in the spleen but also increased the bacterial load in all analyzed organs, including the brain, which did not show infiltration of live GBS in untreated controls. These studies demonstrate the utility of the humanized mice as a new model to study an immature human immune response during bacterial infection and allow the investigation of side effects induced by various treatments.
Virulence of the Shiga Toxin Type 2-Expressing Escherichia coli O104:H4 German Outbreak Isolate in Two Animal Models
Authors: Zangari Tonia , Melton-Celsa Angela R. , Panda Aruna , Boisen Nadia , Smith Mark A. , Tatarov Ivan , De Tolla Louis J. , Nataro James P. , O'Brien Alison D.
Published: February 2013

In May 2011, a large food-borne outbreak was traced to an unusual O104:H4 enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) strain that produced Shiga toxin (Stx) type 2 (Stx2). We developed a mouse model to study the pathogenesis and treatment for this strain and examined the virulence of the isolate for Dutch belted rabbits. O104:H4 strain C227-11 was gavaged into C57BL/6 mice at 10
9
to 10
11
CFU/animal. The infected animals were then given water with ampicillin (Amp; 5 g/liter)
ad libitum
. The C227-11-infected, Amp-treated C57BL/6 mice exhibited both morbidity and mortality. Kidneys from mice infected with C227-11 showed acute tubular necrosis, a finding seen in mice infected with typical Stx-producing
E. coli
. We provided anti-Stx2 antibody after infection and found that all of the antibody-treated mice gained more weight than untreated mice and, in another study, that all of the antibody-treated animals lived, whereas 3/8 phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice died. We further compared the pathogenesis of C227-11 with that of an Stx-negative (Stx
−
) O104:H4 isolate, C734-09, and an Stx2
−
phage-cured derivative of C227-11. Whereas C227-11-infected animals lost weight or gained less weight over the course of infection and died, mice infected with either of the Stx
−
isolates did not lose weight and only one mouse died. When the Stx-positive (Stx
+
) and Stx2
−
O104:H4 strains were compared in rabbits, greater morbidity and mortality were observed in rabbits infected with the Stx2
+
isolates than the Stx2
−
isolates. In conclusion, we describe two animal models for EAEC pathogenesis, and these studies show that Stx2 is responsible for most of the virulence observed in C227-11-infected mice and rabbits.
Vitamin D Regulation of OX40 Ligand in Immune Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Nguyen Nikki Lynn Hue , Chen Kong , Mcaleer Jeremy , Kolls Jay K.
Published: February 2013

OX40 ligand (OX40L) is a costimulatory molecule involved in Th2 allergic responses. It has been shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased OX40L expression in peripheral CD11c
+
cells and controls Th2 responses to
Aspergillus fumigatus
in vitro
in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). To investigate if vitamin D deficiency regulated OX40L and Th2 responses
in vivo
, we examined the effect of nutritional vitamin D deficiency on costimulatory molecules in CD11c
+
cells and
A. fumigatus
-induced Th2 responses. Vitamin D-deficient mice showed increased expression of OX40L on lung CD11c
+
cells, and OX40L was critical for enhanced Th2 responses to
A. fumigatus
in vivo
. In
in vitro
assays, vitamin D treatment led to vitamin D receptor (VDR) binding in the promoter region of OX40L and significantly decreased the promoter activity of the OX40L promoter. In addition, vitamin D altered NF-κB p50 binding in the OX40L promoter that may be responsible for repression of OX40L expression. These data show that vitamin D can act directly on OX40L, which impacts Th2 responses and supports the therapeutic use of vitamin D in diseases regulated by OX40L.
Unilateral acute angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Tan Shi Zhuan , Sampat Keerthika , Rasool Sana , Nolan Daniel
Published: February 2013

A 52-year-old gentleman presented with 1-week history of severe right-sided headache associated with reduced vision in his right, amblyopic eye. Examination revealed raised intraocular pressure at 64 mm Hg. The anterior chamber (AC) was shallow and there was a dense cataract with no red reflex or fundal view. The contralateral eye had a deep anterior chamber with normal pressure and a clear lens. He was treated initially for acute angle closure glaucoma. The anterior chamber remained shallow and the intraocular pressure uncontrolled, despite maximum medical therapy. Owing to the absent fundal view and unilateral AC shallowing, further imaging was performed and a choroidal mass was found to be responsible for anterior displacement of the lens and shallowing of the angle. He went on to have an enucleation of the right eye, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma.
Testicular metastasis of colorectal carcinoma: an unusual presentation
Authors: Verma Nidhi , Babu Suresh , Kushwaha Jitendra Kumar , Singhai Atin
Published: February 2013

Metastasis of colorectal carcinoma to testis is rare. The authors report a case of 35-year-old man with right testicular mass. Contrast-enhanced CT scan (CECT) of testes showed testicular mass with ascitis and enlargement of retroperitoneal lymphnodes. Thus, a provisional diagnosis of disseminated primary testicular tumour was made. On subsequent high orchidectomy pathological examination revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma with CDX2 positivity thereby suggesting the possibility of metastasis from adenocarcinoma. Further, the diagnostic evaluation revealed a colorectal mass, which was inoperable (stage IV) and found to be primary colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The authors conclude that occult colorectal carcinoma may rarely metastasise to testis and this unusual presentation may produce diagnostic dilemma. Although rare, metastases to testes should be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially where symptoms are unusual for primary malignancy.
Le troisième coefficient du viriel du gaz de Bose unitaire
Authors: Castin Yvan , Werner Félix
Published: February 2013

Nous entendons par gaz de Bose unitaire un système composé de bosons sans spin interagissant dans l'onde s par un potentiel de longueur de diffusion infinie et de portée (réelle ou effective) presque négligeable, système pour l'instant abstrait mais dont la tentative de réalisation avec des atomes froids est en cours. À partir de la solution analytique connue du problème à trois corps dans un piège harmonique, et de méthodes précédemment développées pour des fermions, nous déterminons le troisième cumulant b3, puis le troisième coefficient du viriel a3 de ce gaz, dans le cas spatialement homogène, en fonction de sa température et du paramètre à trois corps Rt caractérisant l'effet Efimov. Un point marquant est qu'en convertissant des séries en des intégrales (par une méthode des résidus inverse), puis en utilisant un petit paramètre inattendu, l'angle de masse ν = π/6 des trois bosons, on peut pousser l'estimation complètement analytique de b3 et de a3 jusqu'à une erreur en pratique négligeable.
Multiconfigurational Dirac–Fock energy levels and radiative rates for Br-like tungsten
Authors: Aggarwal Sunny , Jha A.K.S. , Mohan Man
Published: February 2013

Energies, lifetimes, and wavefunction compositions have been computed for all levels of odd parity 4s24p5 ground configuration and 3d94s24p6 excited configuration as well as 4s4p6 and 4s24p44d even parity excited configurations in highly charged Br-like tungsten ion (W XL) by using the multiconfigurational Dirac–Fock method. Also, we have reported the transition wavelengths, oscillator strengths, transition probabilities and line strengths for the electric dipole (E1), magnetic dipole (M1), electric quadrupole (E2), and magnetic quadrupole (M2) transition from the 4s24p5 configuration. We have compared our calculated results with the other available experimental and theoretical results. The excellent agreement observed between our new results and those obtained using different approaches confirm the quality of our results.
THE ANISOTROPIC CHARACTERS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL LATTICE
Authors: YANG YANG , LIN MAI-MAI , DUAN WEN-SHAN
Published: February 2013

The anisotropic characters of simple cubic lattice are investigated in this paper. Both the linear and nonlinear wave propagating in this lattice have been studied. The dispersion relation has been studied numerically. It is shown that the dispersion relation strongly depends on the directions of wave propagation. Generally, the direction of waves has the inclination angle α with respect to particle displacement. There are compressional waves α = 0 or transverse waves α = π/2 only for some special cases. The nonlinear waves in this lattice have also been studied. The anisotropic characters of this lattice for the nonlinear waves have also been shown. The compressional and transverse nonlinear solitons have also been studied. The characters of both solitons, such as amplitude and width, have been investigated.
ON THE WELL-POSEDNESS, STABILITY AND ACCURACY OF AN ASYMPTOTIC MODEL FOR THIN PERIODIC INTERFACES IN ELECTROMAGNETIC SCATTERING PROBLEMS
Authors: DELOURME BERANGERE , HADDAR HOUSSEM , JOLY PATRICK
Published: February 2013

We prove the well-posedness and stability properties of a parameter dependent problem that models the reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves at a thin and rapidly oscillating interface. The latter is modeled using approximate interface conditions that can be derived using asymptotic expansion of the exact solution with respect to the small parameter (proportional to the periodicity length of oscillations and the width of the interface). The obtained uniform stability results are then used to prove the accuracy (with respect to the small parameter) of the proposed model.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF A TRANSIENT NONLINEAR AXISYMMETRIC EDDY CURRENT MODEL WITH NONLOCAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: BERMÚDEZ A. , GÓMEZ D. , SALGADO P. , RODRÍGUEZ R. , VENEGAS P.
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with an axisymmetric transient eddy current problem in conductive nonlinear magnetic media. This means that the relation between the magnetic field and the magnetic induction, the so-called H-B curve, is nonlinear. The source of the problem is the magnetic flux across a meridian section of the device, which leads to a parabolic nonlinear problem with nonlocal boundary conditions. First, by applying some abstract results, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution to a weak formulation written in terms of the magnetic field. Then, we compute the numerical solution of the problem by using a finite element method combined with a backward Euler time discretization. We derive error estimates in appropriate norms for both the semidiscrete (in space) and the fully discrete problems. Finally, we show numerical results which allow us to confirm the theoretical estimates and to assess the performance of the proposed scheme.
NUMERICAL HOMOGENIZATION OF A NONLINEARLY COUPLED ELLIPTIC–PARABOLIC SYSTEM, REDUCED BASIS METHOD, AND APPLICATION TO NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE
Authors: GLORIA ANTOINE , GOUDON THIERRY , KRELL STELLA
Published: February 2013

We consider the homogenization of a coupled system of PDEs describing flows in heterogeneous porous media. Due to the coupling, the effective coefficients always depend on the slow variable, even in the simple case when the porosity is periodic. Therefore the most important part of the computational time for the numerical simulation of such flows is dedicated to the determination of these coefficients. We propose a new numerical algorithm based on Reduced Basis techniques, which significantly improves the computational performances.
CLASSIFICATION OF FLAT VIRTUAL PURE TANGLES
Authors: CHU KARENE
Published: February 2013

Virtual knot theory, introduced by Kauffman [Virtual Knot theory, European J. Combin.20 (1999) 663–690, arXiv:math.GT/9811028], is a generalization of classical knot theory of interest because its finite-type invariant theory is potentially a topological interpretation [D. Bar-Natan, u, v, w-knots: Topology, Combinatorics and low and high algebra] of Etingof and Kazhdan's theory of quantization of Lie bi-algebras [Quantization of Lie Bialgebras, I, Selecta Math. (N.S.) 2 (1996) 1–41, arXiv:q-alg/9506005]. Classical knots inject into virtual knots [G. Kuperberg, What is Virtual Link? Algebr. Geom. Topol.3 (2003) 587–591, arXiv:math.GT/0208039], and flat virtual knots [V. O. Manturov, On free knots, preprint (2009), arXiv:0901.2214; On free knots and links, preprint (2009), arXiv:0902.0127] is the quotient of virtual knots which equates the real positive and negative crossings, and in this sense is complementary to classical knot theory within virtual knot theory. We completely classify flat virtual tangles with no closed components (pure tangles). This classification can be used as an invariant on virtual pure tangles and virtual braids.
VASSILIEV INVARIANTS FROM PARITY MAPPINGS
Authors: DYE H. A.
Published: February 2013

Parity mappings (weights) from the chords of a Gauss diagram to the integers are defined. The parity of the chords is used to construct families of invariants of Gauss diagrams and consequently, virtual knots. Each family forms a set of degree n Vassiliev invariants for n ≥ 1.
ULTRA THIN CARBON FILMS DEPOSITED ON SrTiO3 SUBSTRATES BY THERMIONIC VACUUM ARC
Authors: PAT SUAT , BALBAĞ M. ZAFER , KORKMAZ ŞADAN
Published: February 2013

Carbon thin films were obtained on strontium titanate ( SrTiO3 ) substrates using the thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method. TVA is a different, cheap and fast technology for thin film production. The films were produced with filament current of 22 amperes from a high purity graphite rod. The crystal structure and surface morphology of the thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. In this way, microstructural characterization, surface topography, nanomechanical properties (nanohardness and adhesion force) and reflective properties of the carbon thin films produced on SrTiO3 (100), (110) and (111) substrates were determined. Deposited carbon thin films on different orientated SrTiO3 substrates are in polycrystalline structures. Hardness of the carbon thin films has been measured in approximately 40 GPa. This hardness value is in the range of excellent hardness region. According to reflection analysis, the film is antireflective.
Ni–NTA-COATED NANOWIRE MATERIALS FOR PROTEIN ENRICHMENT AND THE APPLICATION IN A MEDICAL DEVICE USED FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE DEGRADATION
Authors: HU QIN , LIU YING QI , LI NING , CHENG CHUN , XU SHUIGANG , WANG NING , QIN WEI , TANG BEN ZHONG
Published: February 2013

A general and reliable method has been developed to functionalize either the iron oxide or the silicon nanowires (NWs) with nickel–nitriloacetic acid ( Ni –NTA) complex, which was manufactured to manipulate His-tagged proteins and enzymes. The Ni –NTA-functionalized sea-urchin-shaped α- Fe2O3 NWs exhibit the superior protein purification efficiency and excellent stability in the form of dry powder. Application of this new nanotechnology in biomedical research field has been explored. A glucose degradation bio-matrix was made via the Ni –NTA-modified silicon NW-chips, which were conjugated with an enzyme essential to glycolysis. The glucose level in a simulated blood solution was found to be reduced from 14.4 mM to 9 mM after incubating the hexokinase I-functionalized silicon NW-chips for 12 h. These results suggest a possible way to build up a medical device using enzymes functionalized NW-chips for the removal of excess blood glucose.
Production of Enzymes from Agroindustrial Wastes by Biosurfactant-Producing Strains of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Barros Francisco Fábio Cavalcante , Simiqueli Ana Paula Resende , de Andrade Cristiano José , Pastore Gláucia Maria
Published: February 2013

Bacteria in the genus Bacillus are the source of several enzymes of current industrial interest. Hydrolases, such as amylases, proteases, and lipases, are the main enzymes consumed worldwide and have applications in a wide range of products and industrial processes. Fermentation processes by Bacillus subtilis using cassava wastewater as a substrate are reported in the technical literature; however, the same combination of microorganisms and this culture medium is limited or nonexistent. In this paper, the amylase, protease, and lipase production of ten Bacillus subtilis strains previously identified as biosurfactant producers in cassava wastewater was evaluated. The LB1a and LB5a strains were selected for analysis using a synthetic medium and cassava wastewater and were identified as good enzyme producers, especially of amylases and proteases. In addition, the enzymatic activity results indicate that cassava wastewater was better than the synthetic medium for the induction of these enzymes.
Idempotent Elements of the Endomorphism Semiring of a Finite Chain
Authors: Trendafilov Ivan , Vladeva Dimitrinka
Published: February 2013

Idempotents yield much insight in the structure of finite semigroups and semirings. In this article, we obtain some results on (multiplicatively) idempotents of the endomorphism
semiring of a finite chain. We prove that the set of all idempotents with certain fixed points is a semiring and find its order. We further show that this semiring is an ideal in a well-known semiring. The construction of an equivalence relation such that any equivalence class contains just one idempotent is proposed. In our main result we prove that such an equivalence class is a semiring and find its order. We prove that the set of all idempotents with certain jump points is a semiring.
Couple of the Variational Iteration Method and Legendre Wavelets for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Yin Fukang , Song Junqiang , Cao Xiaoqun , Lu Fengshun
Published: February 2013

This paper develops a modified variational iteration method coupled with the Legendre wavelets, which can be used for the efficient numerical solution of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). The approximate solutions of PDEs are calculated in the form of a series whose components are computed by applying a recursive relation. Block pulse functions are used to calculate the Legendre wavelets coefficient matrices of the nonlinear terms. The main advantage of the new method is that it can avoid solving the nonlinear algebraic system and symbolic computation. Furthermore, the developed vector-matrix form makes it computationally efficient. The results show that the proposed method is very effective and easy to implement.
Dynamic Change of VOR and Otolith Function in Intratympanic Gentamicin Treatment for Ménière’s Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Walther L. E. , Huelse R. , Blättner K. , Bloching M. B. , Blödow A.
Published: February 2013

Intratympanic gentamicin treatment (IGT) is an evidence-based therapeutic option for recurrent vertigo attacks in Ménière’s disease (MD). Today, in MD it is possible to monitor changes of vestibular receptor function, induced by IGT, with objective test methods such as the video head impulse test (vHIT) and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP, oVEMP) in a dynamic, time-and frequency-dependent manner. We report on a 65-year-old female patient with recurrent vertigo attacks in a right-sided MD, where receptor function was followed up before and up to 4 weeks after IGT (time dynamic). Quantitative changes of vestibular function (frequency dynamic) were detected with bithermal calorics and vHIT, with air-conducted sound (ACS) cVEMP and bone-conducted vibration (BCV) oVEMP at 500 Hz. The horizontal vestibuloocular reflex (hVOR) gain in vHIT decreased successively until the 4th week with the appearance of catch-up covert and catch-up overt refixation saccades, and side asymmetry increased in caloric testing. Saccular function was extinguished within 4 weeks, whereas utricular function was diminished after 4 weeks. Monitoring vestibular receptor function with objective test methods provides a quantitative insight into the dynamic activity of vestibular function and is therefore applicable in order to adjust IGT regimen at different therapeutic stages.
Accurate Numerical Method for Pricing Two-Asset American Put Options
Authors: Wu Xianbin
Published: February 2013

We develop an accurate finite difference scheme for pricing two-asset American put options. We use the central difference method for space derivatives and the implicit Euler method for the time derivative. Under certain mesh step size limitations, the matrix associated with the discrete operator is an M-matrix, which ensures that the solutions are oscillation-free. We apply the maximum principle to the discrete linear complementarity problem in two mesh sets and derive the error estimates. It is shown that the scheme is second-order convergent with respect to the spatial variables. Numerical results support the theoretical results.
Synthetic Amplitude Spectrum and Its Extensions for Analyzing the Two Perpendicular Directional Vibration Displacement Signals of a Rotating Rotor
Authors: Yonggang Liang , Tiebing Liu , Hongxing Liu , Junfeng Si , Xiaolin Huang , Rui Wang
Published: February 2013

Classical Amplitude Spectrum analysis and Full Amplitude Spectrum analysis exhibit deficiencies in analyzing the two perpendicular directional vibration displacement signals of a rotating rotor. The shape of Classical Amplitude Spectrum is influenced by the installing position of its sensor. Neither Classical Amplitude Spectrum nor Full Amplitude Spectrum can indicate the actual radial rotor vibration amplitude on every frequency. Therefore, the previous two methods are not convenient to be used in rotating machine diagnoses. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a new rotor vibration analyzing tool here called Synthetic Amplitude Spectrum (SAS). The paper discusses the principle of SAS analysis, provides the specific making process of SAS, and applies it to two other current important analyzing methods in rotating machine diagnoses, resulting in two SAS extensions. The two extensions include a short-time SAS array tool for rotor vibration time-frequency analysis and a SAS waterfall plot tool for analyzing rotor vibration during machine startup or shutdown. The experiments and theoretical analysis showed that SAS and its two extension methods are not influenced by the installation position of the two sensors, and each amplitude of the spectrums can represent the actual radial rotor vibration amplitude on the frequency.
Fish Diversity and Abundance of Lake Tanganyika: Comparison between Protected Area (Mahale Mountains National Park) and Unprotected Areas
Authors: Sweke Emmanuel A. , Assam Julius M. , Matsuishi Takashi , Chande Abdillahi I.
Published: February 2013

High biodiversity is the most remarkable characteristic of Lake Tanganyika including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. A few protected areas have been created along the lake to protect its biodiversity. However, limited studies have been carried out to ascertain their effectiveness. The current study aimed at assessing and comparing fish diversity and abundance of Lake Tanganyika in a protected area (Mahale Mountains National Park (MMNP)) and unprotected areas surrounding it. The data were collected in the near shore zone at 5 m and 10 m depths using stationary visual census (SVC) technique. The protected area recorded higher fish richness and abundance than unprotected areas (P<0.05). It was concluded that the protected area is effective in conserving the fish diversity and abundance of the lake. However, more studies should be carried out regularly to explore the efficacy of the protected area in conservation of aquatic biodiversity and abundance.
Fabrication and Characterization of Manganese Ferrite Nanospheres as a Magnetic Adsorbent of Chromium
Authors: Yang Li-Xia , Wang Feng , Meng Yan-Feng , Tang Qing-Hua , Liu Zi-Qi
Published: February 2013

Manganese ferrite nanospheres constructed by nanoparticles were synthesized in high yield via a general, one‐step, and template‐free solvothermal method. The product was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). BJH pore‐size distribution shows that the sphere‐like manganese ferrite particle was a porous structure with a narrow pore‐size distribution. The investigation of magnetic property of manganese ferrite nanospheres reveals that the saturation magnetization is high, which showes an excellent ability for magnetic removal of chromium in wastewater.
Comparing the In Vitro Stiffness of Straight-DCP, Wave-DCP, and LCP Bone Plates for Femoral Osteosynthesis
Authors: Mariolani José Ricardo Lenzi , Belangero William Dias
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) with the more cost-effective straight-dynamic compression plate (DCP) and wave-DCPs by testing in vitro the effects of plate stiffness on different types of diaphyseal femur fractures (A, B, and C, according to AO classification). The bending structural stiffness of each plate was obtained from four-point bending tests according to ASTM F382-99(2008). The plate systems were tested by applying compression/bending in different osteosynthesis simulation models using wooden rods to simulate the fractured bone fragments. Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference in the bending structural stiffness between the three plate models. Rank-transformed two-way ANOVA showed significant influence of plate type, fracture type, and interaction plate versus fracture on the stiffness of the montages. The straight-DCP produced the most stable model for types B and C fractures, which makes its use advantageous for complex nonosteoporotic fractures that require minimizing focal mobility, whereas no difference was found for type A fracture. Our results indicated that DCPs, in straight or wave form, can provide adequate biomechanical properties for fixing diaphyseal femoral fractures in cases where more modern osteosynthesis systems are cost restrictive.
A Two-Parameter Family of Fourth-Order Iterative Methods with Optimal Convergence for Multiple Zeros
Authors: Kim Young Ik , Geum Young Hee
Published: February 2013

We develop a family of fourth-order iterative methods using the weighted harmonic mean of two derivative functions to compute approximate multiple roots of nonlinear equations. They are proved to be optimally convergent in the sense of Kung-Traub’s optimal order. Numerical experiments for various test equations confirm well the validity of convergence and asymptotic error constants for the developed methods.
A Systematic Review of Carcinogenic Outcomes and Potential Mechanisms from Exposure to 2,4-D and MCPA in the Environment
Authors: von Stackelberg Katherine
Published: February 2013

Chlorophenoxy compounds, particularly 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid (MCPA), are amongst the most widely used herbicides in the United States for both agricultural and residential applications. Epidemiologic studies suggest that exposure to 2,4-D and MCPA may be associated with increased risk non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin’s disease (HD), leukemia, and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). Toxicological studies in rodents show no evidence of carcinogenicity, and regulatory agencies worldwide consider chlorophenoxies as not likely to be carcinogenic or unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity. This systematic review assembles the available data to evaluate epidemiologic, toxicological, pharmacokinetic, exposure, and biomonitoring studies with respect to key cellular events noted in disease etiology and how those relate to hypothesized modes of action for these constituents to determine the plausibility of an association between exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 2,4-D and MCPA and lymphohematopoietic cancers. The combined evidence does not support a genotoxic mode of action. Although plausible hypotheses for other carcinogenic modes of action exist, a comparison of biomonitoring data to oral equivalent doses calculated from bioassay data shows that environmental exposures are not sufficient to support a causal relationship. Genetic polymorphisms exist that are known to increase the risk of developing NHL. The potential interaction between these polymorphisms and exposures to chlorophenoxy compounds, particularly in occupational settings, is largely unknown.
A Decomposition Method with Redistributed Subroutine for Constrained Nonconvex Optimization
Authors: Lu Yuan , Wang Wei , Pang Li-Ping , Li Dan
Published: February 2013

A class of constrained nonsmooth nonconvex optimization problems, that is, piecewiseC2objectives with smooth inequality constraints are discussed in this paper. Based on the𝒱𝒰-theory, a superlinear convergent𝒱𝒰-algorithm, which uses a nonconvex redistributed proximal bundle subroutine, is designed to solve these optimization problems. An illustrative example is given to show how this convergent method works on a Second-Order Cone programming problem.
Gd3+-DTPA-Meglumine-Anionic Linear Globular Dendrimer G1: Novel Nanosized Low Toxic Tumor Molecular MR Imaging Agent
Authors: Darvish Mohamadi Tahmineh , Amanlou Massoud , Ghalandarlaki Negar , Mehravi Bita , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Yaghmaei Parichehr
Published: February 2013

Despite the great efforts in the areas of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, this disease continues to grow and is still a global killer. Cancer treatment efficiency is relatively high in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is a key factor in cancer treatment. Among the various diagnostic methods, molecular imaging is one of the fastest and safest ones. Because of its unique characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging has a special position in most researches. To increase the contrast of MR images, many pharmaceuticals have been known and used so far. Gadopentetate (with commercial name Magnevist) is the first magnetic resonance imaging contrast media that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this study, gadopentetate was first synthesized and then attached to a tree-like polymer called dendrimer which is formed by polyethylene glycol core and surrounding citric acid groups. Stability studies of the drug were carried out to ensure proper synthesis. Then, the uptake of the drug into liver hepatocellular cell line and the drug cytotoxicity were evaluated. Finally, in vitro and in vivo MR imaging were performed with the new synthetic drug. Based on the findings of this research, connecting gadopentetate to dendrimer surface produces a stronger, safer, and more efficient contrast media. Gd(III)-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate-meglumine-dendrimer drug has the ability to enter cells and does not produce significant cytotoxicity. It also increases the relaxivity of tissue and enhances the MR images contrast. The obtained results confirm the hypothesis that the binding of gadopentetate to citric acid dendrimer produces a new, biodegradable, stable, and strong version of the old contrast media.
Postoperative Complications following Nodal Dissection and Their Association with Melanoma Recurrence
Authors: Ahmed Abubakr , Sadadcharam Gaitri , Huisma Felicity , Fogarty Katrina , Mushtaque Muhammad , Shafiq Azher , Redmond Paul
Published: February 2013

Background. Although postoperative complications are common after lymph node dissection, its association with disease recurrence has not yet been fully investigated. Methods. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted, looking at all malignant melanoma patients with sentinel nodes positive disease requiring axillary or inguinal dissection between 2002 and 2011. Results. A total of 124 patients required nodal clearance from 317 patients with stage I/II malignant melanoma who had undergone sentinel lymph node biopsy. Of these, 104 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into inguinal lymph node dissections (ILND; ) or axillary lymph node dissections (ALND; ). Immunohistochemical deposits had higher detection rate in ALND (). The ILND patients had a higher recurrence rate (84.1% versus 63.4%; ) and mortality (68.3% versus 48.8%; ) without a significant difference in complications. In patients whom complications developed, 75% of the ILND group and 71.4% of the ALND group had disease recurrence, but without reaching a statistical value as an independent predictor of melanoma recurrence. Conclusion. Complications are common following ILND and ALND; however there is no significant difference in complications rates between the groups with some associations with recurrence without reaching a significant difference.
Research on the Controlling Parameters of Creep-Thermal Fatigue Crack
Authors: Yan Ming , Zhu Xiang-jun , Wang Shi-jie
Published: February 2013

The opening process of creep-thermal fatigue crack (CTFC) is studied by finite element method, considering the bilinear kinematic hardening and creep characteristic of the material. The crack is closed under the compressive thermal stress during the heating and insulating processes. The tensile stress during the late cooling process, which is normal to the crack face, makes the crack gradually open. At this time, the temperature of material around the crack has become lower than the creep temperature; therefore, the creep fracture mechanism parameter C* is not applicable. The CTFC is quite shallow, and comparatively the plastic zone is rather large; thus, the method of stress intensity factor is restricted. A modified J-integral method is put forward according to the stress analysis of CTFC, which has been proved to be path independent and valid. The method is used for not only the CTFC but also any unloading crack or the crack in the residual compressive plastic strain field. Experimental results show that the modified J-integral can be used as the controlling parameter of the CTFC propagation.
Anisotropy Photoinduction during the Mass Associations of Dye Molecules in Gelatin Films
Authors: Ebralidze Tariel , Ebralidze Nadia , Mumladze Giorgi
Published: February 2013

By using the video microscopy, the picture of the formation of anisotropy photoinduction in the form of grains in time is shown, when anisotropy in the film is induced in individual micrograins and the concentration and sizes of the grains are modulated depending on the light exposition. This phenomenon was observed in the gelatin film dyed with the mixture prepared with the saturated solutions of Chrysophenine and Acridine Yellow mixed with 1 : 1 proportion.
Low‐Temperature Transformations of Protonic Forms of Layered Complex Oxides HLnTiO4 and H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd)
Authors: Abdulaeva L. D. , Silyukov O. I. , Petrov Yu. V. , Zvereva I. A.
Published: February 2013

In the present work protonic forms of layered n = 1, 3 Ruddlesden‐Popper oxides HLnTiO4 and H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) were used as the starting point for soft chemistry synthesis of two series of perovskite‐like compounds by acid leaching and exfoliation, promoted by vanadyl sulfate. The last route leads to the nanostructured VO2+ containing samples. Characterization by SEM, powder XRD, and TGA has been performed for the determination of the structure and composition of synthesized oxides.
Synthesis, Crystal Growth, Spectroscopic and Electrical Properties of 5-tert-Butyl-1,2,3-trinitrobenzene
Authors: Dhas S. Sahaya Jude , Nayak M. Muralidhar , Jerome Das S. , Dhas S. A. Martin Britto
Published: February 2013

5-tert-Butyl-1,2,3-trinitrobenzene (TBTB) was synthesized and characterized by NMR so as to confirm the structure. Single crystals were obtained from methanol by solvent evaporation technique at room temperature. Optically transparent single crystals with dimension up to 17×4×3 mm3 have been grown by submerged seed solution method within a period of 30 days. The modes of vibration of different molecular groups present in the title compound were identified by FTIR and FT-Raman spectral analyses, and it was found with the tabulation that both of the spectral vibrations are very close to each other confirming the existence of specific functional groups in the crystal. Optical behaviour of the crystal was analyzed by UV-Vis absorption studies, and the value of the optical band gap energy (Eg) of the crystal has been determined using the optical absorption spectrum. The dielectric behaviour and AC conductivity of the grown crystals were also analyzed, and it is shown that both properties vary with respect to frequency and do not vary in accordance with temperature.
Stroke Care in Young Patients
Authors: Tancredi L. , Martinelli Boneschi F. , Braga M. , Santilli I. , Scaccabarozzi C. , Lattuada P. , Sessa M. , Fumagalli L. , Iurlaro S. , Neromante I. , De Lodovici M. L. , Roccatagliata D. V. , Giacalone G. , Arnaboldi M. , Crespi V. , Agostoni E. , Comi G. C. , Ferrarese C. , Sterzi R.
Published: February 2013

The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the clinical features of a consecutive series of young patients with ischemic stroke and (ii) to assess the changes in the clinical management of these patients over the study period. All consecutive cases of young adults aged 16 to 44 years, with ischemic stroke, that were admitted between 2000 and 2005 in 10 Italian hospitals were included. We retrospectively identified 324 patients. One or more vascular risk factors were present in 71.5% of the patients. With respect to the diagnostic process, an increase in the frequency of cerebral noninvasive angiographic studies and a decrease in the use of digital subtraction angiography were observed (P<0.001andP=0.03, resp.). Undetermined causes decreased over 5-year period of study (P<0.001). The diagnosis of cardioembolism increased. Thrombolysis was performed for 7.7% of the patients. PFO closure (8%) was the most frequently employed surgical procedure. In conclusion, the clinical care that is given to young patients with ischemic stroke changed over the study period. In particular, we detected an evolution in the diagnostic process and a reduction in the number of undetermined cases.
Comparative Analysis of CTF and Trace Thermal-Hydraulic Codes Using OECD/NRC PSBT Benchmark Void Distribution Database
Authors: Avramova M. , Velazquez-Lozada A. , Rubin A.
Published: February 2013

The international OECD/NRC PSBT benchmark has been established to provide a test bed for assessing the capabilities of thermal-hydraulic codes and to encourage advancement in the analysis of fluid flow in rod bundles. The benchmark was based on one of the most valuable databases identified for the thermal-hydraulics modeling developed by NUPEC, Japan. The database includes void fraction and departure from nucleate boiling measurements in a representative PWR fuel assembly. On behalf of the benchmark team, PSU in collaboration with US NRC has performed supporting calculations using the PSU in-house advanced thermal-hydraulic subchannel code CTF and the US NRC system code TRACE. CTF is a version of COBRA-TF whose models have been continuously improved and validated by the RDFMG group at PSU. TRACE is a reactor systems code developed by US NRC to analyze transient and steady-state thermal-hydraulic behavior in LWRs and it has been designed to perform best-estimate analyses of LOCA, operational transients, and other accident scenarios in PWRs and BWRs. The paper presents CTF and TRACE models for the PSBT void distribution exercises. Code-to-code and code-to-data comparisons are provided along with a discussion of the void generation and void distribution models available in the two codes.
Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems Baseline Survey of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoa among Children up to Five Years
Authors: Obala A. A. , Simiyu C. J. , Odhiambo D. O. , Nanyu V. , Chege P. , Downing R. , Mwaliko E. , Mwangi A. W. , Menya D. , Chelagat D. , Nyamogoba H. D. N. , Ayuo P. O. , O'Meara W. P. , Twagirumukiza M. , Vandenbroek D. , Otsyula B. B. O. , de Maeseneer J.
Published: February 2013

Background. The intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are globally endemic, and they constitute the greatest cause of illness and disease worldwide. Transmission of IPIs occurs as a result of inadequate sanitation, inaccessibility to potable water, and poor living conditions.Objectives. To determine a baseline prevalence of IPIs among children of five years and below at Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance (HDSS) area in western Kenya.Methods. Cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. Direct saline and formal-ether-sedimentation techniques were used to process the specimens. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square statistics were used to analyze the data.Results.A prevalence of 52.3% (417/797) was obtained with the male child slightly more infected than the female (53.5% versus 51%), but this was not significant (χ2=0.482,P>0.05).Giardia lambliaandEntamoeba histolyticawere the most common pathogenic IPIs with a prevalence of 26.1% (208/797) and 11.2% (89/797), respectively. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were less common with a prevalence of 4.8% (38/797), 3.8% (30/797), and 0.13% (1/797) forAscaris lumbricoides, hookworms, andTrichuris trichiura, respectively.Conclusions.Giardia lambliaandE. histolyticawere the most prevalent pathogenic intestinal protozoa, while STHs were less common. Community-based health promotion techniques are recommended for controlling these parasites.
Decentralized Discrete-Time Formation Control for Multirobot Systems
Authors: Hernandez-Martinez E. G. , Flores-Godoy J. J. , Fernandez-Anaya G.
Published: February 2013

Inspired from the collective behavior of biological entities for the group motion coordination, this paper analyzes the formation control of mobile robots in discrete time where each robot can sense only the position of certain team members and the group behavior is achieved through the local interactions of robots. The main contribution is an original formal proof about the global convergence to the formation pattern represented by an arbitrary Formation Graph using attractive potential functions. The analysis is addressed for the case of omnidirectional robots with numerical simulations.
Asymptotic Stability of Fractional Stochastic Neutral Differential Equations with Infinite Delays
Authors: Sakthivel R. , Revathi P. , Mahmudov N. I.
Published: February 2013

We study the existence and asymptotic stability inpth moment of a mild solution to a class of nonlinear fractional neutral stochastic differential equations with infinite delays in Hilbert spaces. A set of novel sufficient conditions are derived with the help of semigroup theory and fixed point technique for achieving the required result. The uniqueness of the solution of the considered problem is also studied under suitable conditions. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the obtained theory.
Ovarectomy despite Negative Imaging in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Effective Even Late
Authors: Boeck Anna-Lena , Logemann Frank , Krauß Terence , Hussein Kais , Bültmann Eva , Trebst Corinna , Stangel Martin
Published: February 2013

Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune antibody-mediated neuropsychiatric disorder. The disorder is known to be associated with ovarian teratoma and predominantly affects young women. Here, we report the case of a 34-year-old woman with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, in which detailed investigations gave no specific hint for an ovarian teratoma. Despite this, and due to a continuous severe clinical syndrome, an ovarectomy was performed and histological examination revealed an occult teratoma. The ovarectomy led to a remarkable improvement even with a long term intensive care treatment for 11 months. The most important lesson to be learned from this instructive case is that even though none of the investigations was indicative for an ovarian teratoma, including an explorative laparoscopy with biopsy, there still may be an occult ovarian teratoma. This shows that tumour search and diagnosis are extremely important in patients presenting with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and a laparotomy and ovarectomy is justified. Furthermore, removal of the teratoma even 11 months after a very severe course is still therapeutically effective.
Conservative Intensional Extension of Tarski's Semantics
Authors: Majkić Zoran
Published: February 2013

We considered an extension of the first-order logic (FOL) by Bealer's intensional abstraction operator. Contemporary use of the term “intension” derives from the traditional logical Frege-Russell doctrine that an idea (logic formula) has both an extension and an intension. Although there is divergence in formulation, it is accepted that the “extension” of an idea consists of the subjects to which the idea applies, and the “intension” consists of the attributes implied by the idea. From the Montague's point of view, the meaning of an idea can be considered as particular extensions in different possible worlds. In the case of standard FOL, we obtain a commutative homomorphic diagram, which is valid in each given possible world of an intensional FOL: from a free algebra of the FOL syntax, into its intensional algebra of concepts, and, successively, into an extensional relational algebra (different from Cylindric algebras). Then we show that this composition corresponds to the Tarski's interpretation of the standard extensional FOL in this possible world.
On Cubic KU-Ideals of KU-Algebras
Authors: Yaqoob Naveed , Mostafa Samy M. , Ansari Moin A.
Published: February 2013

We introduce the notion of cubic KU-ideals of KU-algebras and several results are presented in this regard. The image, preimage, and cartesian product of cubic KU-ideals of KU-algebras are defined.
Pricing Decisions of a Two-Echelon Supply Chain in Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Wei Jie , Pang Guoying , Liu Yongjun , Ma Qian
Published: February 2013

Pricing decisions of a two-echelon supply chain with one manufacturer and duopolistic retailers in fuzzy environment are considered in this paper. The manufacturer produces a product and sells it to the two retailers, who in turn retail it to end customers. The fuzziness is associated with the customers’ demand and the manufacturing cost. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of two retailers’ different pricing strategies on the optimal pricing decisions of the manufacturer and the two retailers themselves in MS Game scenario. As a reference model, the centralized decision scenario is also considered. The closed-form optimal pricing decisions of the manufacturer and the two retailers are derived in the above decision scenarios. Some insights into how pricing decisions vary with decision scenarios and the two retailers’ pricing strategies in fuzzy environment are also investigated, which can serve as the basis for empirical study in the future.