bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-particle correlations in pp and Pb-Pb collisions with ALICE
Authors: Zhu Xiang-Rong ,   (for the ALICE Collaboration)
Published: April 2014

The measurement of azimuthal correlations between two particles is a powerful tool to investigate the properties of strongly-interacting nuclear matter created in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We present measurements of di-hadron correlations in azimuth angle and pseudorapidity in Pb - Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] and photon-hadron correlations in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ALICE detector, respectively. In di-hadron correlations, the near-side jet shape in the short-range correlation region is quantitatively analyzed at p T, trig < 8 GeV /c, and the modification of jet-particle yield, I AA and I CP , is measured at 8 < p T, trig < 15 GeV /c. In photon-hadron correlations, isolated leading photon and associated hadrons in its opposite azimuthal direction correlations are used to estimate the jet fragmentation function via the imbalance parameter, [Formula: see text].
A Vertically Integrated Capacitorless DRAM Cell
Authors: Tong Xiaodong , Wu Hao , Zhao Lichuan , Zhong Huicai , Zhao Chao
Published: April 2014

A capacitorless cell with only 2 terminals is presented for high-density dynamic random access memory applications. Experiments and calibrated simulations were conducted, which prove that this memory cell has high operation speed (ns level), large read current margin (a read current ratio of 104), low process variation, good thermal reliability and available retention time (190ms). Furthermore, the memory cell is compatible with CMOS technology and free of cyclic endurance problem induced by hot-carrier injection due to the gateless structure.
Iridium-Ruthenium Mixed Oxides for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Prepared by Pechini Synthesis
Authors: Reksten Anita , Moradi Farhad , Seland Frode , Sunde Svein
Published: April 2014

Iridium and ruthenium oxides are active electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution. The relation between the preparation method and behaviour of mixed oxides of these elements is of interest in order to obtain active and stable catalysts. An interaction between the elements has been demonstrated to vary with preparation method. In this work Ir1-xRuxO2 was prepared by Pechini method and characterised by cyclic voltammetry, steady state measurement and X-ray diffraction. Metallic iridium was observed in compositions with high content of iridium. However, by potential cycling these catalysts demonstrated growing oxides peaks and the surface is believed to consist of oxide after cycling. The activity of the mixed oxides was very close to the activity calculated from a linear combination of the activities of the pure oxides for any given ruthenium fraction. This indicates that the degree of interaction between Ir and Ru is very small or absent in these oxides.
Electrochemical Analyzing Method of the Charge Transfer Reaction at the Interface between Sulfide-based Solid Electrolyte and Positive Electrode Material with Microelectrode
Authors: Tsujiwaki Wataru , Higuchi Eiji , Chiku Masanobu , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

The charge transfer reaction at the LiNbO3-coated LiCoO2/sulfide-based solid electrolyte interface was investigated with a Ni microelectrode. A two-electrode cell was assembled and two electrochemical measurements were performed in order to evaluate exchange currents at various temperatures and activation energy for charge transfer reaction (ECT
) for positive electrode material. ECT
at the LiNbO3-coated LiCoO2
/solid electrolyte interface was evaluated to be 48 kJ mol-1. This value was smaller than ECT
at the LiCoO2/organic electrolyte interface. In case of Li metal negative electrode, it has already found that ECT
at the Li metal/solid electrolyte interface is smaller than ECT
at the Li metal/organic electrolyte interface due to the lack of a desolvation process. Similar to this, it was demonstrated that the charge transfer reaction at the LiCoO2/solid electrolyte didn’t contain the desolvation process.
Structural Variation in the γ/β-MnO2 Series and Its Influence on Cathodic Cyclability
Authors: Bailey Mark R , Donne Scott W
Published: April 2014

In this work the electrochemical behavior of a series of heat treated γ-MnO2 materials was investigated and related to the chemical and structural changes brought about by this process. Controlled current cycling revealed a progressive decrease in electrode cyclability with heat treatment and this was assigned to irreversible changes which occur within pyrolusite domains upon reduction. It was further shown that for materials with a pyrolusite content > 0.5 the host structure is no longer suitable for reversible electron-proton insertion, with electrodes prepared from these materials failing beyond the first cycle. By modelling the electrode response during step potential electrochemical spectroscopy studies the changes in proton diffusivity which result from heat treatment were also characterized. These studies were able to experimentally demonstrate that proton diffusion is progressively slower in materials with higher pyrolusite content, while being significantly enhanced by the presence of cation vacancies.
A New Analytical Model for Improving Sub-Threshold Conduction of MOSFETs
Authors: Ahmed Taufiq , Hasan Nazmul
Published: April 2014

In this paper, an analytical model representing a long channel MOSFET structure with larger effective channel thickness is proposed which reduces sub-threshold current to pico ampere level. The effective depletion channel thickness is calculated and utilized to find a mathematical expression for sub-threshold current. At first, the equation of a tangent is drawn at surface potential of potential vs. depletion depth curve. The equation of the tangent is derived from solving 1-D Poisson’s equation at SiO2-Si interface. The intersection of tangent with the horizontal axis is assumed as the new effective channel thickness of sub-threshold conduction channel. Further inclusion of gate voltage shifts due to interfacial traps, mobile ions and fixed ions modifies the derived equation and increases the magnitude of sub-threshold current to nano ampere range. This proposed model substantially lowers sub-threshold current in MOSFET than previous models predicted.
Effect of Pore Size Distribution on Carbon/Carbon Supercapacitors Operating in Phosphododecatungstic Acid
Authors: Skunik-Nuckowska Magdalena , Rogowska Anna , Kulesza Pawel J.
Published: April 2014

Two different commercial carbon materials, namely activated carbon Norit™ and multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been selected as materials for symmetric supercapacitors operating in aqueous solution of phosphododecatungstic acid (H3PW12O40) of different concentration (0.1, 0.5 and 0.8 mol dm-3). The results have been compared to those obtained for the standard aqueous electrolyte – 1 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid. and discussed in terms of ionic conductivity of the electrolyte solutions. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption method has been chosen to investigate the effect of pore size distribution of carbon materials on their electrochemical behavior during charging/discharging in two-electrode cells. The detailed characteristics of carbon/carbon supercapacitors was conducted using cyclic voltammetry, constant current methods and impedance spectroscopy. In order to determine the potential range of each electrode, the experiments with additional reference electrode were also performed. The stability of the cells was investigated by applying of over 10 000 cycles of constant charging/discharging.
Electrodeposition of Semiconductors Thin Films with Different Composition and Band Gap
Authors: Bencistà Ilaria , Di Benedetto Francesco , Foresti Maria Luisa , Lavacchi Alessandro , Vizza Francesco , Miller Hamish Andrew , Wang Lianqin , Innocenti Massimo
Published: April 2014

Cu2SnZnS4-type compounds have attracted interest as low cost and high conversion efficiency solar cell devices, because of their appropriate band gap energies and absorption coefficients values. In the last years our group has developed an ongoing research aimed at the electrodeposition from aqueous solution of thin films of technological semiconductors. In this work, we exploited alternated electrodeposition of Cu, Sn, Zn and S by ECALD to obtain sulfide thin films, controlling the growth of the structures at the nanometric level. The study included the analysis of the electrochemical behavior of the solution containing the single elements, to assess the most efficient deposition of controlled amounts of material. By alternating deposition of the elements, growth of thin films has been obtained. Band gaps of the deposited materials exhibit modulation with sample composition and thickness.
Synthesis and Technological Application of Electrodeposited Semiconductors by EC-ALD
Authors: Giaccherini Andrea , Bencistà Ilaria , Cinotti Serena , Montegrossi Giordano , Guerri Annalisa , Di Benedetto Francesco , Lavacchi Alessandro , Foresti Maria Luisa , Felici Roberto , Carlà Francesco , Innocenti Massimo
Published: April 2014

Electrodeposition is known as a low-cost semiconductor growth technique for applications in electronic devices such as display and photovoltaic components. Surface limited electrodeposition of metals and non-metals single-layers can be performed exploiting their underpotential deposition by EC-ALD (ElectroChemical Atomic Layer Deposition) technique to obtain calchogenide thin films. The main advantage of this technique lies in the possibility of choosing the number of deposition cycles in order to perform an accurate control of the thickness and composition of the film, mainly valuable for the preparation of nanostructured materials. For this reason, a wide number of semiconductors in the form of thin films were obtained by EC-ALD. Initially the study was concerned with zinc and cadmium compounds, because of their suitable optical and electronic proprieties. In particular cadmium calchogenides thin-films are used in manufacturing of last generation photovoltaic components. Toxicity and shortage of the involved elements must be considered in the advancement of technology. Hence scientific community is focusing attention on new compounds based on economic and low-environmental impact elements such as Cu, Sn, Fe and Zn. In particular, quaternary semiconducting materials based on the kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4) mineral structure are the most promising candidates to overtake the current generation of light-absorbing materials for thin-film solar cells.
Electrochemical Formation of Brazing Alloys On Metal Substrates
Authors: Ulu Fulya , Karakaya Ishak , Demirci Gökhan , Erdoğan Metehan
Published: April 2014

CusilTM is a eutectic brazing alloy of 72% silver, 28% copper composition; used to join different materials. The large difference between the standard reduction potentials of silver (0.799V) and copper (0.337V) makes their electrochemical codeposition difficult. A complex ion bath containing KAg(CN)2, CuCN and KCN was used to bring the reduction potentials closer together. The effect of electrolyte concentration on composition and microstructure of electrodeposited Ag-Cu films was investigated at 25oC. A current density of 2 mA/cm2 was used to codeposit copper and silver based on results of voltammetric studies. It was found that increasing KCN and KAg(CN)2 and decreasing CuCN concentrations increased Ag contents of deposits. Surface morphology was spherical grained in general. Increasing Ag content of the deposits resulted in finer grained structures, but deposits containing higher Ag concentrations were found to develop dendritic structures especially after the initial deposition of the Ag-Cu alloy coating on the surface.
Electrochemical Characterization of Rare Earth-Free Negative Electrodes for Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Applications
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi , Kotani Norihiro , Chiku Masanobu , Higuchi Eiji
Published: April 2014

Rare earth-free V-based TiV2.1
-xCrxNi0.3 (x = 0.4-1.0) alloys were prepared by arc-melting. Each alloy was composed of two phases. V and Cr constituents were mainly distributed in the primary phase, while Ti and Ni constituents were mainly distributed in the secondary phase. Maximum discharge capacity was increased with decreasing Cr content, and initial activation was also improved. Charge-discharge cycle stability was improved with increasing Cr content. The TiV1.6Cr0.5Ni0.3 alloy was the best in terms of high-rate dischargeability.
Sensitivity Analysis of Impedance Characteristics of a Laminar Flow-Based Fuel Cell
Authors: Rezaei Niya Seyed Mohammad , Barry Paul , Hoorfar Mina
Published: April 2014

The sensitivity of the impedance characteristics of a laminar flow-based fuel cell (LFFC) to the changes of the voltage, current and fuel concentration is analyzed using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. The impedance of the cell measured at different fuel concentrations and voltages is modeled using equivalent circuits. A t-test is performed on the values of the elements of the equivalent circuits estimated in successive voltages and fuel concentrations. As a result, intervals for the voltage, current and fuel concentration are identified in which the changes in the impedance characteristics of the cell cannot be distinguished statistically. These intervals, referred to as indifference intervals, show that the impedance characteristics of the cell is most sensitive to the changes in the voltage and current in the moderate frequency domains and least sensitive to the changes in the fuel concentration in the low frequency domains.
Determination of Overpotentials in All Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Langner Joachim , Melke Julia , Ehrenberg Helmut , Roth Christina
Published: April 2014

In this work we present a redox-flow battery set-up, into which two reference electrodes were inserted. This system allows for the investigation of individual overpotentials in each half-cell. Further, polarization (E/i) curves were recorded for different states of charge (SOC) of the battery. The performance of pristine and thermally oxidized carbon felts was compared at the negative and positive side of the battery. From the reference electrode measurements we were able to attribute the performance gain of the oxidized felt to the overpotential at the negative half-cell. In contrast the positive side does not seem to improve significantly.
Surface Potential Distribution Observation of the Surface Modified of 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Widodo Teguh Dwi , Noda Kazuhiko
Published: April 2014

Mechanical surface treatment was conducted in 304 stainless steel. To reveal its effect on the atmospheric environment with chloride solution droplet attach on the surface of the sample, the surface potential distribution observation was conducted using scanning Kelvin Probe observation method. To clarify the corrosion product and rust, the optical microscope observation was conducted. In this study, MgCl2 solution was employed as droplet electrolyte due to its deliquescence in the atmospheric environment. The investigation process was applied at 40% RH. The results show the surface potential of the treated sample transformed into nobler than the untreated samples. Moreover, the pit did not form after 304 stainless steel was treated by mechanical surface treatment.
Thermodynamics in Porous Electrodes for One- and Two-Component Electrolytes
Authors: Kiyohara Kenji , Shioyama Hiroshi , Asaka Kinji
Published: April 2014

Thermodynamics in porous electrodes is discussed for simple model electrolytes in slit porous electrodes. Adsorption of surface charge and ions, pressure, and the selectivity of ions for the case of multi-component electrolytes were analyzed by using the methods of analyses that have been used in the study of porous adsorbents in the last decades. We compare the results for adsorbents and those for porous electrodes and clarify the similarities and differences.
An Improved Model of the Grand Canonical Ensemble Description of an Electrolyte Confined in a Charged Mesoscale Pore
Authors: Kobrak Mark
Published: April 2014

We have previously (M. N. Kobrak, J. Phys. Cond. Matt., 25, 095006 (2013)) developed a novel thermodynamic theory describing the behavior of ions in a mesoscale pore with a charged interface. In the limit where the Debye length of the electrolyte is smaller than the pore, there exists an electroneutral “bulk liquid” domain sufficiently far from the interface that the surface charge is screened. Under such conditions, charging the interface can reduce the ionic strength of the electrolyte in the bulk liquid domain. Here, we improve on the model using a lattice gas treatment of the interface. The results confirm that the effect of interest is significant for concentrated electrolytes at moderate voltages in pores as large as 0.5 microns.
Influence of Introducing a Benzyl Group on Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide-Based Phosphonium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Nagai Chihiro , Matsumiya Masahiko
Published: April 2014

The physical and electrochemical properties of room-temperature ionic liquids based on quaternary phosphonium cations containing a benzyl group in combination with bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide anion. It was found that the benzylphosphonium RTILs showed lower melting points, lower viscosities and higher conductivities than those of the corresponding TFSA-based benzylphosphonium and ammonium RTILs. The thermal stability of the benzyl-phosphonium RTILs was significantly improved by introducing a phenyl group into the phosphonium cations. The introduction of a phenyl group tended to reduce the electrochemical stability of the benzylphosphonium RTILs.
Light Scattering Investigation of 2D and 3D Opal Template Formation on Hydrophilized Surfaces
Authors: Armstrong Eileen , Khunsin Worawut , Osiak Michal , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M. , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: April 2014

We demonstrate the formation of 2D photonic crystals (opals) on gold coated silicon substrates by dip-coating at a high rate of 1 mm/min when the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) is added to the solution above its critical micelle concentration. The dependence of substrate hydrophillicity is demonstrated to influence the formation of 3D templates on glass substrates using 700 nm diameter PMMA spheres. Other routes towards directing opal assembly are also discussed. Angle-resolved reflectance shows 2D and 3D light scattering characteristics from the fast-rate dip-coated monolayer 2D 3D photonic crystals grown on hydrophillized glass respectively, with a high degree of surface ordering.
Effects of hyperandrogenemia and increased adiposity on reproductive and metabolic parameters in young adult female monkeys
Authors: McGee W. K. , Bishop C. V. , Pohl C. R. , Chang R. J. , Marshall J. C. , Pau F. K. , Stouffer R. L. , Cameron J. L.
Published: April 2014

Many patients with hyperandrogenemia are overweight or obese, which exacerbates morbidities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To examine the ability of testosterone (T) to generate PCOS-like symptoms, monkeys received T or cholesterol (control) implants ( n = 6/group) beginning prepubertally. As previously reported, T-treated animals had increased neuroendocrine drive to the reproductive axis [increased luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency] at 5 yr, without remarkable changes in ovarian or metabolic features. To examine the combined effects of T and obesity, at 5.5 yr (human equivalent age: 17 yr), monkeys were placed on a high-calorie, high-fat diet typical of Western cultures [Western style diet (WSD)], which increased body fat from <2% (pre-WSD) to 15–19% (14 mo WSD). By 6 mo on WSD, LH pulse frequency in the controls increased to that of T-treated animals, whereas LH pulse amplitude decreased in both groups and remained low. The numbers of antral follicles present during the early follicular phase increased in both groups on the WSD, but maximal follicular size decreased by 50%. During the late follicular phase, T-treated females had greater numbers of small antral follicles than controls. T-treated monkeys also had lower progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although fasting insulin did not vary between groups, T-treated animals had decreased insulin sensitivity after 1 yr on WSD. Thus, while WSD consumption alone led to some features characteristic of PCOS, T + WSD caused a more severe phenotype with regard to insulin insensitivity, increased numbers of antral follicles at midcycle, and decreased circulating luteal phase progesterone levels.
Hepatic mitochondrial and ER stress induced by defective PPARα signaling in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis
Authors: Su Qiaozhu , Baker Chris , Christian Patricia , Naples Mark , Tong Xuedong , Zhang Kezhong , Santha Miklos , Adeli Khosrow
Published: April 2014

Emerging evidence demonstrates a close interplay between disturbances in mitochondrial function and ER homeostasis in the development of the metabolic syndrome. The present investigation sought to advance our understanding of the communication between mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress in the onset of hepatic steatosis in male rodents with defective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) signaling. Genetic depletion of PPARα or perturbation of PPARα signaling by high-fructose diet compromised the functional activity of metabolic enzymes involved in mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and induced hepatic mitochondrial stress in rats and mice. Inhibition of PPARα activity further enhanced the expression of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA and protein, which was associated with reduced mRNA expression of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), the induction of hepatic ER stress, and hepatic steatosis. Restoration of PPARα activity recovered the metabolic function of the mitochondria and ER, alleviated systemic hypertriglyceridemia, and improved hepatic steatosis. These findings unveil novel roles for PPARα in mediating stress signals between hepatic subcellular stress-responding machinery and in the onset of hepatic steatosis under conditions of metabolic stress.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 decreases the severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal mice and preterm piglets: evidence in mice for a role of TLR9
Authors: Good Misty , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Ozolek John A. , Buck Rachael H. , Goehring Karen C. , Thomas Debra L. , Vikram Amit , Bibby Kyle , Morowitz Michael J. , Firek Brian , Lu Peng , Hackam David J.
Published: April 2014

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal disease in premature infants and develops partly from an exaggerated intestinal epithelial immune response to indigenous microbes. There has been interest in administering probiotic bacteria to reduce NEC severity, yet concerns exist regarding infection risk. Mechanisms of probiotic activity in NEC are unknown although activation of the microbial DNA receptor Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) has been postulated. We now hypothesize that the Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 can attenuate NEC in small and large animal models, that its microbial DNA is sufficient for its protective effects, and that protection requires activation of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). We now show that oral administration of live or UV-inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 attenuates NEC severity in newborn mice and premature piglets, as manifest by reduced histology score, attenuation of mucosal cytokine response, and improved gross morphology. TLR9 was required for Lactobacillus rhamnosus-mediated protection against NEC in mice, as the selective decrease of TLR9 from the intestinal epithelium reversed its protective effects. Strikingly, DNA of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 reduced the extent of proinflammatory signaling in cultured enterocytes and in samples of resected human ileum ex vivo, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this probiotic in clinical NEC. Taken together, these findings illustrate that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 is an effective probiotic for NEC via activation of the innate immune receptor TLR9 and that Lactobacillus rhamnosus DNA is sufficient for its protective effects, potentially reducing concerns regarding the infectious risk of this novel therapeutic approach.
Upper airway mechanics in chronic spinal cord injury during sleep
Authors: Sankari Abdulghani , Bascom Amy T. , Badr M. Safwan
Published: April 2014

Sleep-disordered breathing has been shown to be more prevalent in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) than the general population. The pathogenesis of increased sleep-disordered breathing in individuals with chronic SCI is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine whether SCI level affects upper airway (UA) collapsibility and neuromuscular compensatory responses to obstruction. Twenty-four participants (8 cervical SCI, 8 thoracic SCI, and 8 controls) were studied. The ventilation, timing, UA resistance, and pharyngeal collapsibility, defined by critical closing pressure, were determined during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Inspiratory duty cycle and minute ventilation were observed in response to increasing severity of UA obstruction. Compared with controls, both cervical and thoracic SCI participants demonstrated elevated passive critical closing pressure (0.5 ± 2.2 and 0.9 ± 2.7 vs. −2.5 ± 1.0 cmH2O, respectively; P = 0.01). No difference in UA resistance was observed between groups. Cervical and thoracic SCI individuals exhibited a similar degree of hypoventilation and dose-dependent increase in inspiratory duty cycle in response to UA obstruction. Passive UA collapsibility is increased in both cervical and thoracic SCI compared with control. The neuromuscular compensatory responses to UA obstruction during sleep are preserved in chronic SCI and are independent of the level of injury.
Vertical Velocity Distribution in Open-Channel Flow with Rigid Vegetation
Authors: Zhu Changjun , Hao Wenlong , Chang Xiangping
Published: April 2014

In order to experimentally investigate the effects of rigid vegetation on the characteristics of flow, the vegetations were modeled by rigid cylindrical rod. Flow field is measured under the conditions of submerged rigid rod in flume with single layer and double layer vegetations. Experiments were performed for various spacings of the rigid rods. The vegetation models were aligned with the approaching flow in a rectangular channel. Vertical distributions of time-averaged velocity at various streamwise distances were evaluated using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). The results indicate that, in submerged conditions, it is difficult to described velocity distribution along the entire depth using unified function. The characteristic of vertical distribution of longitudinal velocity is the presence of inflection. Under the inflection, the line is convex and groove above inflection. The interaction of high and low momentum fluids causes the flow to fold and creates strong vortices within each mixing layer. Understanding the flow phenomena in the area surrounding the tall vegetation, especially in the downstream region, is very important when modeling or studying the riparian environment. ADV measures of rigid vegetation distribution of the flow velocity field can give people a new understanding.
Differential Transcript Profiles of MHC Class Ib(Qa-1, Qa-2, and Qa-10) andAireGenes during the Ontogeny of Thymus and Other Tissues
Authors: Melo-Lima Breno Luiz , Evangelista Adriane Feijó , de Magalhães Danielle Aparecida Rosa , Passos Geraldo Aleixo , Moreau Philippe , Donadi Eduardo Antonio
Published: April 2014

Qa-2 and Qa-1 are murine nonclassical MHC class I molecules involved in the modulation of immune responses by interacting with T CD8+and NK cell inhibitory receptors. During thymic education, theAiregene imposes the expression of thousands of tissue-related antigens in the thymic medulla, permitting the negative selection events. Aiming to characterize the transcriptional profiles of nonclassical MHC class I genes in spatial-temporal association with theAireexpression, we evaluated the gene expression ofH2-Q7(Qa-2),H2-T23(Qa-1),H2-Q10(Qa-10), andAireduring fetal and postnatal development of thymus and other tissues. In the thymus,H2-Q7(Qa-2) transcripts were detected at high levels throughout development and were positively correlated withAireexpression during fetal ages.H2-Q7(Qa-2) andH2-T23(Qa-1) showed distinct expression patterns with gradual increasing levels according to age in most tissues analyzed.H2-Q10(Qa-10) was preferentially expressed by the liver. TheAiretranscriptional profile showed increased levels during the fetal period and was detectable in postnatal ages in the thymus. Overall, nonclassical MHC class I genes started to be expressed early during the ontogeny. Their levels varied according to age, tissue, and mouse strain analyzed. This differential expression may contribute to the distinct patterns of mouse susceptibility/resistance to infectious and noninfectious disorders.
Application of the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Solving the Set Covering Problem
Authors: Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo , Cuesta Rodrigo , Paredes Fernando
Published: April 2014

The set covering problem is a formal model for many practical optimization problems. In the set covering problem the goal is to choose a subset of the columns of minimal cost that covers every row. Here, we present a novel application of the artificial bee colony algorithm to solve the non-unicost set covering problem. The artificial bee colony algorithm is a recent swarm metaheuristic technique based on the intelligent foraging behavior of honey bees. Experimental results show that our artificial bee colony algorithm is competitive in terms of solution quality with other recent metaheuristic approaches for the set covering problem.
Acute Methotrexate Ingestions in Adults: A Report of Serious Clinical Effects and Treatments
Authors: Bebarta Vikhyat S. , Hensley Matthew D. , Borys Douglas J.
Published: April 2014

Objective.Limited reported data have reports effects after acute ingestion of methotrexate. Treatment recommendations do not differentiate between exposure routes. Our objective was to determine the frequency of significant toxicity effects and use of therapy after methotrexate ingestion in adults.Methods.We performed a retrospective study on adult cases reported to 6 poison centers over 6 years (2000–2005) which exceed 180,000 exposures/year. Variables collected included demographics, dosages ingested, coingestions, clinical effects, and therapies with outcomes.Results.Sixty-three patients examined over the 6-year period met inclusion criteria. No patient in the series received dialysis or died. The mean dose ingested for all patients was 24 mg (range 2.5–100 mg) and the mean dose for suicidal ingestions was 47.5 mg (12.5–100 mg). The most common clinical effects were abdominal pain, oral irritation, throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Nine patients received folinic acid and 3 patients received sodium bicarbonate. No patient developed renal failure, bone marrow suppression, seizure, or coma. No patient died or received dialysis.Conclusion.In our series of patients from 6 poison centers over six years, 63 cases of acute adult methotrexate ingestions were reported. Methotrexate toxicity from ingestion in adults was uncommon and rarely toxic.
Improvement of Weldment Properties by Hot Forming Quenching of Friction Stir Welded TWB Sheet
Authors: Ko Dae-Hoon , Kim Jae-Hong , Ko Dae-Cheol , Kim Byung-Min
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties and formability of friction stir welded tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) of Al6061 alloy with a new forming method called hot forming quenching (HFQ) in which solid-solution heat-treated aluminum sheets are formed at elevated temperature. Forming and quenching during HFQ are simultaneously performed with the forming die for the solid-solution heat-treated sheet. In this study, specimens of aluminum TWBs were prepared by friction stir welding (FSW) with a butt joint. The effectiveness of FSW joining was evaluated by observation of the macrostructure for different sheet thicknesses. In order to evaluate the formability of TWBs by HFQ, a hemisphere dome stretching test of the limit dome height achieved without specimen failure was performed with various tool temperatures. A Vickers test was also performed to measure weldment hardness as a function of position. The formability and mechanical properties of products formed by HFQ are compared with those formed by conventional forming methods, demonstrating the suitability of HFQ for sheet metal forming of friction stir welded TWBs.
Detection of Herpes Simplex and Varicella-Zoster Virus in Clinical Specimens by Multiplex Real-Time PCR and Melting Curve Analysis
Authors: Hong Yun Ji , Lim Mi Suk , Hwang Sang Mee , Kim Taek Soo , Park Kyoung Un , Song Junghan , Kim Eui Chong
Published: April 2014

Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are common agents resulting in various forms of clinical manifestation from skin vesicle to disseminated viral infection. The aim of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR and melting curve analysis which detect and differentiate HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV, to compare with PCR-RFLP using clinical specimens, and to introduce the 4-year experience in the clinical laboratory. Three pairs of primers for HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV were designed. Primers for human endogenous retrovirus-3 (HERV-3), an internal control, were adopted. A hundred selected specimens and many clinical specimens were tested for methods comparison and assay validation. Increased sensitivity and specificity were obtained from real-time PCR. In review of results of clinical specimens submitted to clinical laboratory, a total of 46 of 3,513 specimens were positive in cerebrospinal fluids, blood, skin vesicles, genital swabs, aqueous humor, and ear discharge. Thus, this method could be a rapid and accurate alternative to virus culture and other molecular tests for detection and typing of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV.
Experimental Realization of a Multiscroll Chaotic Oscillator with Optimal Maximum Lyapunov Exponent
Authors: Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban , Pano-Azucena Ana Dalia , Carbajal-Gomez Victor Hugo , Sanchez-Sanchez Mauro
Published: April 2014

Nowadays, different kinds of experimental realizations of chaotic oscillators have been already presented in the literature. However, those realizations do not consider the value of the maximum Lyapunov exponent, which gives a quantitative measure of the grade of unpredictability of chaotic systems. That way, this paper shows the experimental realization of an optimized multiscroll chaotic oscillator based on saturated function series. First, from the mathematical description having four coefficients (a, b, c, d1), an optimization evolutionary algorithm varies them to maximize the value of the positive Lyapunov exponent. Second, a realization of those optimized coefficients using operational amplifiers is given. Hereina, b, c, d1are implemented with precision potentiometers to tune up to four decimals of the coefficients having the range between 0.0001 and 1.0000. Finally, experimental results of the phase-space portraits for generating from 2 to 10 scrolls are listed to show that their associated value for the optimal maximum Lyapunov exponent increases by increasing the number of scrolls, thus guaranteeing a more complex chaotic behavior.
Fetomaternal Outcome in Severe Preeclamptic Women Undergoing Emergency Cesarean Section under Either General Or Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Chattopadhyay Suman , Das Ashok , Pahari Subrata
Published: April 2014

This prospective observational study compared the effects of general and spinal anesthesia in 173 severe preeclamptic women undergoing emergency cesarean section. 146 (84.5%) patients underwent spinal anesthesia (SA) and 27 (15.5%) patients had general anesthesia (GA). Most of the patients were primigravid and nulliparous. Intraoperatively SA group required more intravenous fluid and vasopressor support, while GA group required more preoperative labetalol injection for blood pressure control. Overall 13.3% of patients required critical care, particularly GA group (44.4% versus 7.5%;P<0.001). Patients receiving GA had a higher mortality (25.9% versus 1.4%;P<0.001). The length of hospital stay was comparable. Significantly more neonates of patients receiving GA were found to be preterm (77.8% versus 44.5%;P<0.01) and required advanced resuscitation. GA group also had higher neonatal mortality (29.6% versus 11%;P<0.05). To conclude, severe preeclamptic mothers receiving general anesthesia and their babies required more critical care support. Maternal as well as neonatal mortality was significantly higher with general anesthesia.
Laparoscopic Resection for Rectal Cancer: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Chan Dedrick Kok-Hong , Chong Choon-Seng , Lieske Bettina , Tan Ker-Kan
Published: April 2014

Laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer is a well-established procedure supported by several well-conducted large-scale randomised controlled trials. Patients could now be conferred the benefits of the minimally invasive approach while retaining comparable oncologic outcomes to the open approach. However, the benefits of laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer remained controversial. While the laparoscopic approach is more technically demanding, results from randomised controlled trials regarding long term oncologic outcomes are only beginning to be reported. The impacts of bladder and sexual functions following proctectomy are considerable and are important contributing factors to the patients’ quality of life in the long-term. These issues present a delicate dilemma to the surgeon in his choice of operative approach in tackling rectal cancer. This is compounded further by the rapid proliferation of various laparoscopic techniques including the hand assisted, robotic assisted, and single port laparoscopy. This review article aims to draw on the significant studies which have been conducted to highlight the short- and long-term outcomes and evidence for laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer.
Pathway Bridge Based Multiobjective Optimization Approach for Lurking Pathway Prediction
Authors: Zhang Rengjing , Zhao Chen , Xiong Zixiang , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: April 2014

Ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen-like protein 2 (OCIAD2) is a protein with unknown function. Frequently methylated or downregulated, OCIAD2 has been observed in kinds of tumors, and TGFβsignaling has been proved to induce the expression of OCIAD2. However, current pathway analysis tools do not cover the genes without reported interactions like OCIAD2 and also miss some significant genes with relatively lower expression. To investigate potential biological milieu of OCIAD2, especially in cancer microenvironment, a nova approach pbMOO was created to find the potential pathways from TGFβto OCIAD2 by searching on the pathway bridge, which consisted of cancer enriched looping patterns from the complicated entire protein interactions network. The pbMOO approach was further applied to study the modulator of ligand TGFβ1, receptor TGFβR1, intermediate transfer proteins, transcription factor, and signature OCIAD2. Verified by literature and public database, the pathway TGFβ1- TGFβR1- SMAD2/3- SMAD4/AR-OCIAD2 was detected, which concealed the androgen receptor (AR) which was the possible transcription factor of OCIAD2 in TGFβsignal, and it well explained the mechanism of TGFβinduced OCIAD2 expression in cancer microenvironment, therefore providing an important clue for the future functional analysis of OCIAD2 in tumor pathogenesis.
The Role of TPA I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphisms in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Živković Maja , Starčević Čizmarević Nada , Lovrečić Luca , Klupka-Sarić Inge , Stanković Aleksandra , Gašparović Iva , Lavtar Polona , Dinčić Evica , Stojković Ljiljana , Rudolf Gorazd , Šega Jazbec Saša , Perković Olivio , Sinanović Osman , Sepčić Juraj , Kapović Miljenko , Peterlin Borut , Ristić Smiljana
Published: April 2014

Background. Previous studies have shown impaired fibrinolysis in multiple sclerosis (MS) and implicated extracellular proteolytic enzymes as important factors in demyelinating neuroinflammatory disorders. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1) are key molecules in both fibrinolysis and extracellular proteolysis. In the present study, an association of the TPA Alu I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms with MS was analyzed within the Genomic Network for Multiple Sclerosis (GENoMS).Methods. The GENoMS includes four populations (Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, and Bosnian and Herzegovinian) sharing the same geographic location and a similar ethnic background. A total of 885 patients and 656 ethnically matched healthy blood donors with no history of MS in their families were genotyped using PCR-RFLP.Results. TPA DD homozygosity was protective (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.99,P=0.037) and PAI 5G5G was a risk factor for MS (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.01–1.66,P=0.038). A significant effect of the genotype/carrier combination was detected in 5G5G/I carriers (OR = 1.39 95% CI 1.06–1.82,P=0.017).Conclusions. We found a significantly harmful effect of the combination of the PAI-1 5G/5G genotype and TPA I allele on MS susceptibility, which indicates the importance of gene-gene interactions in complex diseases such as MS.
Prophylactic Intra-Arterial Injection of Vasodilator for Asymptomatic Vasospasm Converts the Patient to Symptomatic Vasospasm due to Severe Microcirculatory Imbalance
Authors: Shimamura Norihito , Naraoka Masato , Matsuda Naoya , Kakuta Kiyohide , Ohkuma Hiroki
Published: April 2014

Object. The strategy to treat asymptomatic angiographic vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is controversial. In this study we review our consecutive vasospasm series and discuss an adequate treatment strategy for asymptomatic vasospasm.Methods. From January 2007 to December 2012 we treated 281 aneurysmal SAH cases, with postoperative angiography performed 9 ± 2 days after the onset of SAH. Four asymptomatic cases received intra-arterial (IA) injection of vasodilator due to angiographic vasospasm. All cases improved vasospasm immediately following intervention. But all cases turned symptomatic within 48 hours. We retrospectively analyzed the time-density angiography curve and calculated the time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (MTT), and relative blood flow (rBF). Relative blood flow was calculated as follows. The integration of the value of the time-density curve for the artery was divided by the same value for the internal carotid artery multiplied by the MTT.Results. The decrease in TTP and MTT for the etiologic artery was similar to that of the nonetiologic artery. But the improvement in rBF for the etiologic artery and nonetiologic artery was 10% and 17%, respectively. Blood supply to the spastic artery decreased due to iatrogenic steal.Conclusion. Prophylactic IA injection of vasodilator in cases of asymptomatic vasospasm can produce symptomatic vasospasm.
Stability of miR-126 in Urine and Its Potential as a Biomarker for Renal Endothelial Injury with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Guangqiang , Yang Chun , Zhou Kun , Shen Baozhong , Liang Hongyan , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2014

Background.The purpose of the present study was to assess the feasibility of using miR-126 in the urine as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy.Methods.miRNAs were extracted from the urine samples of T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN;n=92), T2DM without DN (n=86), and 85 healthy volunteers using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real-time polymerase chain reaction) analysis. Stability of urinary miR-126 and factors that affected the stability were assessed. A subgroup analysis was also carried out to compare the urinary miR-126 level in T2DM patients well controlled by the treatment versus those who were not well controlled.Results.Urinary miR-126 was stable when the urine samples were kept at room temperature for extended period of time, 4°C, −20°C, and −80°C for up to 12 hours or subjected to 10 freeze-and-thaw cycle. Urinary miR-126 was significantly higher in T2DM patients with DN (5.76±0.33versus3.25±0.45in T2DM patients without DN). Successful treatment significantly reduced urinary miR-126 in T2DM patients with DN to3.89±0.52(P<0.05).Conclusion.miR-126 in the urine is stable and it could be used as a biomarker of DN and to monitor the treatment response.
Multifunctional Roles of Reticular Fibroblastic Cells: More Than Meets the Eye?
Authors: Alvarenga H. G. , Marti L.
Published: April 2014

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are stromal cells found in secondary lymphoid organ. Despite its structural function in the lymph nodes being well established, recent studies indicate that the FRCs also play a key role in immunological processes, associated with cell transit, immune response, and cells activation quality, and contribute to peripheral tolerance. To this end, we focus this review on lymph nodes FRC characterization and discuss functional aspects such as production of cytokines and chemokines and their involvement in the immune response, seeking to establish whether certain subsets have a more functional specialization.
Frame-Based Facial Expression Recognition Using Geometrical Features
Authors: Saeed Anwar , Al-Hamadi Ayoub , Niese Robert , Elzobi Moftah
Published: April 2014

To improve the human-computer interaction (HCI) to be as good as human-human interaction, building an efficient approach for human emotion recognition is required. These emotions could be fused from several modalities such as facial expression, hand gesture, acoustic data, and biophysiological data. In this paper, we address the frame-based perception of the universal human facial expressions (happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, fear, and sadness), with the help of several geometrical features. Unlike many other geometry-based approaches, the frame-based method does not rely on prior knowledge of a person-specific neutral expression; this knowledge is gained through human intervention and not available in real scenarios. Additionally, we provide a method to investigate the performance of the geometry-based approaches under various facial point localization errors. From an evaluation on two public benchmark datasets, we have found that using eight facial points, we can achieve the state-of-the-art recognition rate. However, this state-of-the-art geometry-based approach exploits features derived from 68 facial points and requires prior knowledge of the person-specific neutral expression. The expression recognition rate using geometrical features is adversely affected by the errors in the facial point localization, especially for the expressions with subtle facial deformations.
Oscillation Criteria for Certain Even Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Al-Hamouri Ruba , Zein Ali
Published: April 2014

We establish sufficient conditions for the oscillation of solutions of even order neutral type differential equations of the form[r(t)[x(t)+p(t)x(τ(t))](n−1)]′+q(t)f(x(σ(t)))=0.