bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bardoxolone methyl analogs RTA 405 and dh404 are well tolerated and exhibit efficacy in rodent models of Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Chin Melanie , Lee Chun-Yue Ivy , Chuang Jen-Chieh , Bumeister Ron , Wigley W. Christian , Sonis Stephen T. , Ward Keith W. , Meyer Colin
Published: April 2013

Bardoxolone methyl and related triterpenoids are well tolerated and efficacious in numerous animal models potentially relevant to patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These agents enhance glucose control and regulate lipid accumulation in rodent models of diabetes and obesity, and improve renal function, reduce inflammation, and prevent structural injury in models of renal disease. However, a recent study in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats noted poor tolerability with the bardoxolone methyl analog RTA 405 within 1 mo after treatment initiation, although this study was confounded in part by the use of an impure RTA 405 batch. To investigate these discordant observations, the present studies were conducted to further characterize triterpenoids in rodent models of diabetes and obesity. A follow-up study was conducted in ZDF rats with two related triterpenoids (RTA 405 and dh404) for 1.5 mo. Consistent with previous rodent experience, and in contrast to the more recent ZDF report, ZDF rats administered RTA 405 or dh404 exhibited no adverse clinical signs, had laboratory values similar to controls, and exhibited no evidence of adverse liver or kidney histopathology. Additionally, RTA 405 was well tolerated in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 diabetic rats and high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The present results are consistent with the overall published body of data obtained with triterpenoids and provide further evidence that these molecules are well tolerated without adverse effects on hepatobiliary or renal function in rodent models of diabetes and obesity.
Response properties from turtle auditory hair cell afferent fibers suggest spike generation is driven by synchronized release both between and within synapses
Authors: Schnee M. E. , Castellano-Muñoz M. , Ricci A. J.
Published: April 2013

Inner ear hair cell afferent fiber synapses are capable of transferring information at high rates for long periods of time with extraordinary fidelity. As at other sensory synapses, hair cells rely on graded receptor potentials and unique vesicle trafficking and release properties of ribbon synapses to relay intensity information. Postsynaptic recordings from afferent fibers of the turtle auditory papilla identified excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that were fast AMPA receptor-based responses with rapid onset and decay times. EPSCs varied in amplitude by ∼15× per fiber, with kinetics that showed a tendency to slow at larger amplitudes. Complex EPSCs were produced by temporal summation of single events, likely across synapses. Complex EPSCs were more efficient at generating action potentials than single EPSCs. Potassium-evoked release increased the frequency of EPSCs, in particular complex events, but did not increase EPSC amplitudes. Temporal summation of EPSCs across synapses may underlie action potential generation at these synapses. Broad amplitude histograms were probed for mechanisms of multivesicular release with reduced external Ca2+ or the introduction of Cd2+ or Sr2+ to uncouple release. The results are consistent with broad amplitude histograms being generated by a combination of the variability in synaptic vesicle size and coordinated release of these vesicles. It is posited that multivesicular release plays less of a role in multisynaptic ribbon synapses than in single synaptic afferent fibers.
TMS of the anterior intraparietal area selectively modulates orientation change detection during action preparation
Authors: Gutteling T. P. , Park S. Y. , Kenemans J. L. , Neggers S. F. W.
Published: April 2013

Perception of relevant visual object features can be modulated by the preparation of an action toward it (“action-modulated perception”). For instance, the perception of the orientation of a book can be enhanced when preparing to grasp it (but not when pointing to it). However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are poorly understood. We argue that brain areas controlling arm movements are involved in establishing this effect through top-down feedback to early visual areas, similar to the neuronal mechanisms linking visual attention and eye movements. To investigate this involvement, we applied transcranial magnetic stimulation to a grasping motor area, the left anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS), during grasping or pointing preparation. Concurrently, an orientation change detection task was performed. As a control area, the vertex was stimulated. We found that stimulation of aIPS selectively modulates orientation sensitivity during action preparation compared with control stimulation (vertex), negating the increased orientation sensitivity with grasping preparation over pointing preparation. We argue that aIPS is a critical part of the mechanism underlying perceptual modulations during action preparation. The present results and recent literature suggest that this action-modulated perception for hand movements is implemented through a cortical feedback connection between aIPS and early visual areas.
The Novelty of Human Cancer/Testis Antigen Encoding Genes in Evolution
Authors: Dobrynin Pavel , Matyunina Ekaterina , Malov S. V. , Kozlov A. P.
Published: April 2013

In order to be inherited in progeny generations, novel genes should originate in germ cells. Here, we suggest that the testes may play a special “catalyst” role in the birth and evolution of new genes. Cancer/testis antigen encoding genes (CT genes) are predominantly expressed both in testes and in a variety of tumors. By the criteria of evolutionary novelty, the CT genes are, indeed, novel genes. We performed homology searches for sequences similar to human CT in various animals and established that most of the CT genes are either found in humans only or are relatively recent in their origin. A majority of all human CT genes originated during or after the origin of Eutheria. These results suggest relatively recent origin of human CT genes and align with the hypothesis of the special role of the testes in the evolution of the gene families.
Thyroid Autoantibodies in Pregnancy: Their Role, Regulation and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Balucan Francis S. , Morshed Syed A. , Davies Terry F.
Published: April 2013

Autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase are common in the euthyroid population and are considered secondary responses and indicative of thyroid inflammation. By contrast, autoantibodies to the TSH receptor are unique to patients with Graves' disease and to some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Both types of thyroid antibodies are useful clinical markers of autoimmune thyroid disease and are profoundly influenced by the immune suppression of pregnancy and the resulting loss of such suppression in the postpartum period. Here, we review these three types of thyroid antibodies and their antigens and how they relate to pregnancy itself, obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and the postpartum.
Estimation of Abamectin Residues Present in Tea: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique
Authors: Kottiappan Madasamy , Veilumuthu Anandhan Shanmugaselvan , Chandran Selvaganapathi
Published: April 2013

A simple, reliable, and sensitive method was based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed and validated for the estimation of abamectin residues present in tea. The abamectin residues extracted with acetone-water mixture (70 : 30, v/v) and derivatised with 1-methylimidazole (1-MIM) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) were estimated by HPLC using fluorescence detector (FLD). The technique was validated in terms of linearity, precision, recovery, specificity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). A good linear relationship () was absorbed in the abamectin concentration range from 0.01 to 1.0 μg mL−1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of the method were 0.01 and 0.02 μg g−1, respectively. The average recoveries of the pesticide from black tea and dried green leaves ranged from 83.3 to 103.8% and 83.8 to 98.0%, respectively.
Combined Ethanol Extract of Grape Pomace and Omija Fruit Ameliorates Adipogenesis, Hepatic Steatosis, and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Cho Su-Jung , Jung Un Ju , Park Hae-Jin , Kim Hye-Jin , Park Yong Bok , Kim Sang Ryong , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of grape pomace ethanol extract (GPE) with or without omija fruit ethanol extract (OFE) on adiposity, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation in diet-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) as the control diet and HFD plus GPE (0.5%, w/w) with or without OFE (0.05%, w/w) as the experimental diet for 12 weeks. GPE alone did not significantly affect adipogenesis and hepatic steatosis. However, the supplementation of GPE + OFE significantly lowered body weight gain, white adipose tissue weight, adipocyte size, and plasma free fatty acid and adipokines (leptin, PAI-1, IL-6, and MCP-1) levels in HFD-fed mice compared to those of the control group. These beneficial effects of GPE + OFE were partly related to the decreased expression of lipogenic and inflammatory genes in white adipose tissue. GPE + OFE supplementation also significantly lowered liver weight and ameliorated fatty liver by inhibiting expression of hepatic genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol syntheses as well as inflammation and by activating hepatic fatty acid oxidation. These findings suggest that the combined ethanol extract of grape pomace and omija fruit has the potential to improve adiposity and fatty liver in diet-induced obese mice.
A Differential Probability Selection MAC Protocol Considering Energy Consumption in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Myungsub , Park Chang-Hyeon
Published: April 2013

In the sensor network using distributed coordination function (DCF) of carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), sensor nodes have to necessarily compete with others for medium access and service, as the scale of network is increased. Under this situation, many nodes are to collide with each other, and hence this situation finally leads to overall increase of transmission delay which gives rise to the power consumption. This paper presents a differential probability selection MAC (DPSMAC) protocol which is efficient for medium access in the real-time sensor networks. The presented DPSMAC protocol is similar to the conventional CSMA/CA protocols, except that it does not use a time-varying contention window in which a node randomly selects a transmission slot. The DPSMAC adopts the fixed-size contention window with a nonuniform probability distribution in which each slot is selected by the differential probability distribution. The simulation using ns-2, a widely used network simulation package, gives that the proposed method can reduce the latency considerably as compared to the conventional IEEE 802.11 MAC protocols for a sensor network with up to 256 nodes. It also shows that the proposed scheme can realize the latency similar to that realized by the decentralized CSMA-based MAC protocol for real-time sensor networks that are sensitive to latency.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of HRD1 in Averting Apoptosis in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Omura Tomohiro , Kaneko Masayuki , Okuma Yasunobu , Matsubara Kazuo , Nomura Yasuyuki
Published: April 2013

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). We previously identified the human ubiquitin ligase HRD1 that is associated with protection against ER stress and its associated apoptosis. HRD1 promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of Parkin-associated endothelin receptor-like receptor (Pael-R), an ER stress inducer and causative factor of familial PD, thereby preventing Pael-R-induced neuronal cell death. Moreover, upregulation of HRD1 by the antiepileptic drug zonisamide suppresses 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neuronal cell death. We review recent progress in the studies on the mechanism of ER stress-induced neuronal death related to PD, particularly focusing on the involvement of HRD1 in the prevention of neuronal death as well as a potential therapeutic approach for PD based on the upregulation of HRD1.
Biological Insights into Therapeutic Protein Modifications throughout Trafficking and Their Biopharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Zhong Xiaotian , Wright Jill F.
Published: April 2013

Over the lifespan of therapeutic proteins, from the point of biosynthesis to the complete clearance from tested subjects, they undergo various biological modifications. Therapeutic influences and molecular mechanisms of these modifications have been well appreciated for some while remained less understood for many. This paper has classified these modifications into multiple categories, according to their processing locations and enzymatic involvement during the trafficking events. It also focuses on the underlying mechanisms and structural-functional relationship between modifications and therapeutic properties. In addition, recent advances in protein engineering, cell line engineering, and process engineering, by exploring these complex cellular processes, are discussed and summarized, for improving functional characteristics and attributes of protein-based biopharmaceutical products.
Robust Adaptive Sliding Mode Consensus of Multiagent Systems with Perturbed Communications and Actuators
Authors: Jin Xiao-Zheng , Yuan Zhong-Hu
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the asymptotic consensus problem for a class of multiagent systems with time-varying additive actuator faults and perturbed communications. TheL2performance of systems is also considered in the consensus controller designs. The upper and lower bounds of faults and perturbations in actuators and communications and controller gains are assumed to be unknown but can be estimated by designing some indirect adaptive laws. Based on the information from the adaptive estimation mechanism, the distributed robust adaptive sliding mode controllers are constructed to automatically compensate for the effects of faults and perturbations and to achieve any given level ofL2gain attenuation from external disturbance to consensus errors. Through Lyapunov functions and adaptive schemes, the asymptotic consensus of resulting adaptive multiagent system can be achieved with a specified performance criterion in the presence of perturbed communications and actuators. The effectiveness of the proposed design is illustrated via a decoupled longitudinal model of F-18 aircraft.
Autologous Serum Skin Test as a Diagnostic Aid in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Authors: Al-Hamamy Hayder R. , Hameed Ammar F. , Abdulhadi Asaad S.
Published: April 2013

Background. Chronic urticaria is defined as urticaria persisting daily for more than six weeks. A significant number of patients had autoimmune basis where autologous serum skin test is widely used for detection of chronic autoimmune urticaria. Objectives. To estimate the frequency of autoimmune urticarial in Iraqi patients utilizing the autologous serum skin test and to evaluate its results with the variable clinical features of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Methods. In this prospective study, 54 patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were investigated with autologous serum skin test where its results were examined with the different clinical parameters of chronic autoimmune urticaria. Results. Twenty two patients (40.7%) out of 54 patients with chronic idiopathic urticarial had positive autologous serum skin test. Statistical analysis of the clinical variables did not show a significant difference between patients with positive and negative autologous serum skin test except for the distribution of wheals on the face and extremities which was significantly associated with positive autologous serum skin test results (P value 0.004). Conclusion. Autologous serum skin test is a simple, office-based test for detecting chronic autoimmune urticaria patients who have no distinctive clinical features differentiating them from chronic idiopathic urticaria patients.
A Case of Distal Epithelioid Sarcoma of the Thumb Expressing Podoplanin, TLE1 and Ca 125
Authors: Karagkounis George , Argyrakos Theodore , Charkiolakis G. , Castana O. , Rontogianni D.
Published: April 2013

Distal epithelioid sarcoma is a rare and slowly growing tumor that usually develops in the upper extremities of young adults. Neoplastic cells have both spindle and epithelioid appearance and are characterized by the loss of the nuclear protein SMARCB1/INI1. We present the case of a distal epithelioid sarcoma arising in the thumb of a 14-year-old girl, which immunohistochemically was characterized by the loss of SMARCB1/INI1 protein as well as the expression of podoplanin (D2-40), TLE1, Glut1, and Ca 125; plus, we highlight the differential diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma from its histological mimics.
Controllability of Fractional Neutral Stochastic Integro-Differential Systems with Infinite Delay
Authors: Sun Xichao , Yan Litan , Cui Jing
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with the controllability of a class of fractional neutral stochastic integro-differential systems with infinite delay in an abstract space. By employing fractional calculus and Sadovskii's fixed point principle without assuming severe compactness condition on the semigroup, a set of sufficient conditions are derived for achieving the controllability result.
Some Remarks on the Extended Hartley-Hilbert and Fourier-Hilbert Transforms of Boehmians
Authors: Al-Omari S. K. Q. , Kılıçman A.
Published: April 2013

We obtain generalizations of Hartley-Hilbert and Fourier-Hilbert transforms on classes of distributions having compact support. Furthermore, we also study extension to certain space of Lebesgue integrable Boehmians. New characterizing theorems are also established in an adequate performance.
No Immunogenicity of IPS Cells in Syngeneic Host Studied byIn VivoInjection and 3D Scaffold Experiments
Authors: Thanasegaran Suganya , Cheng Zhao , Ito Sachiko , Nishio Naomi , Isobe Ken-ichi
Published: April 2013

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs) open the great possibility to employ patient’s own tissue to the previously incurable diseases. However these cells can be used in cell therapy only if they are not rejected when transplanted back into the syngeneic host. We found that the injection of iPSCs derived from different ages of mice into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice produced teratoma and was not rejected. Then we cultured iPSCs and myeloid differentiated iPSCs in three-dimensional porous scaffold and transplanted to C57BL/6 mice and BALB/C mice. After transplantation, we could observe the cell density inside the scaffold increased rapidly in syngeneic mice compared to the allogeneic mice indicating the favorable conditions supporting the growth of iPSCsin vivo. Unlike the allogeneic counterpart, we could not observe few infiltrating T cells inside the scaffold of syngeneic mice. These results contribute to the optimistic view of iPSCs for regenerative medicine in near future.
He’s Max-Min Approach for Coupled Cubic Nonlinear Equations Arising in Packaging System
Authors: Wang Jun
Published: April 2013

He’s inequalities and the Max-Min approach are briefly introduced, and their application to a coupled cubic nonlinear packaging system is elucidated. The approximate solution is obtained and compared with the numerical solution solved by the Runge-Kutta algorithm yielded by computer simulation. The result shows a great high accuracy of this method. The research extends the application of He’s Max-Min approach for coupled nonlinear equations and provides a novel method to solve some essential problems in packaging engineering.
A Novel Automatic Detection System for ECG Arrhythmias Using Maximum Margin Clustering with Immune Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Bohui , Ding Yongsheng , Hao Kuangrong
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a novel maximum margin clustering method with immune evolution (IEMMC) for automatic diagnosis of electrocardiogram (ECG) arrhythmias. This diagnostic system consists of signal processing, feature extraction, and the IEMMC algorithm for clustering of ECG arrhythmias. First, raw ECG signal is processed by an adaptive ECG filter based on wavelet transforms, and waveform of the ECG signal is detected; then, features are extracted from ECG signal to cluster different types of arrhythmias by the IEMMC algorithm. Three types of performance evaluation indicators are used to assess the effect of the IEMMC method for ECG arrhythmias, such as sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Compared withK-means and iterSVR algorithms, the IEMMC algorithm reflects better performance not only in clustering result but also in terms of global search ability and convergence ability, which proves its effectiveness for the detection of ECG arrhythmias.
Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Thermal Performance of a Miniature Flat Plate Heat Pipe
Authors: Boukhanouf R. , Haddad A.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the results of a CFD analysis and experimental tests of two identical miniature flat plate heat pipes (FPHP) using sintered and screen mesh wicks and a comparative analysis and measurement of two solid copper base plates 1 mm and 3 mm thick. It was shown that the design of the miniature FPHP with sintered wick would achieve the specific temperature gradients threshold for heat dissipation rates of up to 80 W. The experimental results also revealed that for localised heat sources of up to 40 W, a solid copper base plate 3 mm thick would have comparable heat transfer performances to that of the sintered wick FPHP. In addition, a marginal effect on the thermal performance of the sintered wick FPHP was recorded when its orientation was held at 0°, 90°, and 180° and for heat dissipation rates ranging from 0 to 100 W.
Decision-Making of Older Patients in Context of the Doctor-Patient Relationship: A Typology Ranging from “Self-Determined” to “Doctor-Trusting” Patients
Authors: Wrede-Sach Jennifer , Voigt Isabel , Diederichs-Egidi Heike , Hummers-Pradier Eva , Dierks Marie-Luise , Junius-Walker Ulrike
Published: April 2013

Background. This qualitative study aims to gain insight into the perceptions and experiences of older patients with regard to sharing health care decisions with their general practitioners. Patients and Methods. Thirty-four general practice patients (≥70 years) were asked about their preferences and experiences concerning shared decision making with their doctors using qualitative semistructured interviews. All interviews were analysed according to principles of content analysis. The resulting categories were then arranged into a classification grid to develop a typology of preferences for participating in decision-making processes. Results. Older patients generally preferred to make decisions concerning everyday life rather than medical decisions, which they preferred to leave to their doctors. We characterised eight different patient types based on four interdependent positions (self-determination, adherence, information seeking, and trust). Experiences of a good doctor-patient relationship were associated with trust, reliance on the doctor for information and decision making, and adherence. Conclusion. Owing to the varied patient decision-making types, it is not easy for doctors to anticipate the desired level of patient involvement. However, the decision matter and the self-determination of patients provide good starting points in preparing the ground for shared decision making. A good relationship with the doctor facilitates satisfying decision-making experiences.
Second-Order Impulsive Differential Equations with Functional Initial Conditions on Unbounded Intervals
Authors: Muglia Luigi , Pietramala Paolamaria
Published: April 2013

We present some results on the existence of solutions for second-order impulsive differential equations with deviating argument subject to functional initial conditions. Our results are based on Schaefer's fixed point theorem for completely continuous operators.
How Should Antibodies againstP. falciparumMerozoite Antigens Be Measured?
Authors: Chuangchaiya Sriwipa , Persson Kristina E. M.
Published: April 2013

Immunity against malaria develops slowly and only after repeated exposure to the parasite. Many of those that die of the disease are children under five years of age. Antibodies are an important part of immunity, but which antibodies that are protective and how these should be measured are still unclear. We discuss the pros and cons of ELISA, invasion inhibition assays/ADCI, and measurement of affinity of antibodies and what can be done to improve these assays, thereby increasing the knowledge about the immune status of an individual, and to perform better evaluation of vaccine trials.
Total and Inorganic Arsenic Contents in Some Edible Zingiberaceous Rhizomes in Thailand
Authors: Ubonnuch Chomkamon , Ruangwises Suthep , Gritsanapan Wandee , Ruangwises Nongluck
Published: April 2013

The arsenic accumulation in rhizomes of Zingiberaceous plants was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry interfaced with hydride generation system (HG-AAS). The raw herbal materials, rhizomes, were collected from different regions of Thailand between December 2011 and January 2012. Six well-known Zingiberaceous plants, 16 samples from each and a total of 96 samples, were analyzedAlpinia galanga(Khaa),Boesenbergia rotunda(Kra-chaai),Curcuma longa(Khamin-chan),Curcuma zedoaria(Khamin-oi),Zingiber cassumunar(Plai) andZingiber officinale(Ginger). Concentrations of total arsenic based on dry weight were92.4±9.2,103.5±20.8,61.7±12.5,89.8±17.5,106.7±19.5and69.3±11.8 ng/g, respectively and inorganic arsenic were48.8±7.0,66.3±12.7,25.5±5.0,38.7±4.7,71.2±11.6, and38.5±5.5 ng/g, respectively. Among these, Plai and Kra-chaai exhibited the highest levels of total arsenic and inorganic arsenic accumulation that remind consumers to be aware of excess consuming of these rhizomes. On the contrary, the lowest value found in Khamin-chan indicating natural dietary supplements and herbal medicines comprising Kamin-chan are safe from arsenic poison. All investigated amounts of total and inorganic arsenic were much lower than limits recommended by Thai Food and Drug Administration.
Algorithms and Applications in Grass Growth Monitoring
Authors: Liu Jun , Yang Xi , Liu Hao Long , Qiao Zhi
Published: April 2013

Monitoring vegetation phonology using satellite data has been an area of growing research interest in recent decades. Validation is an essential issue in land surface phenology study at large scale. In this paper, double logistic function-fitting algorithm was used to retrieve phenophases for grassland in North China from a consistently processed Moderate Resolution Spectrodiometer (MODIS) dataset. Then, the accuracy of the satellite-based estimates was assessed using field phenology observations. Results show that the method is valid to identify vegetation phenology with good success. The phenophases derived from satellite and observed on ground are generally similar. Greenup onset dates identified by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and in situ observed dates showed general agreement. There is an excellent agreement between the dates of maturity onset determined by MODIS and the field observations. The satellite-derived length of vegetation growing season is generally consistent with the surface observation.
An Antenna Measurement System Based on Optical Feeding
Authors: Hosono Ryohei , Guan Ning
Published: April 2013

A radiation measurement system by using optical feeding is proposed. The system replaces conventional electrical feeding to antennas by the optical feeding which is composed of an electrical/optical (E/O) converter, a graded-index (GI) optical fiber, and an optical/electrical (O/E) converter. The GI fiber is used so as the O/E converter becomes very compact by using a simple means of coupling between the fiber and the photo-diode in the converter. A vertical surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is used in the E/O converter to make the system available till 6 GHz. This combination also makes the system cost-effective. The validity as well as the advantage of the system is demonstrated by measuring an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna both by the optical and electrical feeding systems and comparing with a calculated result. Ripples in radiation pattern due to the electrical feeding are successfully suppressed by the optical feeding. For example, in a radiation measurement on the azimuth plane at 3 GHz, ripple amplitude of 1.0 dB that appeared in the electrical feeding is reduced to 0.3 dB. In addition, a circularly polarized (CP) antenna is successfully measured by the proposed system to show that the system is available not only for amplitude but also phase measurements.
Synthesis of Artificial Magnetic Conductors Using Structure-Based Evolutionary Design
Authors: Deias Luisa , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Montisci Giorgio , Casula Giovanni Andrea
Published: April 2013

An evolutionary programming approach, the so-called structure based evolutionary design, is applied to the synthesis of planar periodic electronic band gap in order to obtain an artificial magnetic conductor surface. We show that this strategy, in conjunction with a flexible aperture-oriented approach, allows for obtaining new and effective structures. This almost unique ability is exploited to obtain an artificial magnetic conductor periodic surface with a bandwidth larger than the most popular surfaces known so far.
Two Higgs Doublets, a 4th Generation and a 125 GeV Higgs: A Review
Authors: Bar-Shalom Shaouly , Geller Michael , Nandi Soumitra , Soni Amarjit
Published: April 2013

We review the possible role that multi-Higgs models may play in our understanding of the dynamics of a heavy 4th sequential generation of fermions. We describe the underlying ingredients of such models, focusing on two Higgs doublets, and discuss how they may effectively accommodate the low-energy phenomenology of such new heavy fermionic degrees of freedom. We also discuss the constraints on these models from precision electroweak data as well as from flavor physics and the implications for collider searches of the Higgs particles and of the 4th generation fermions, bearing in mind the recent observation of a light Higgs with a mass of~125 GeV.
Computation on Bus Delay at Stops in Beijing through Statistical Analysis
Authors: Chen Shaokuan , Zhou Rui , Zhou Yangfan , Mao Baohua
Published: April 2013

Delays at bus stops have seriously affected the efficiency of bus operation and the improvement of level of services of public transportation and greatly influenced the preferences of passengers to choose bus services. In this paper, the analysis on arriving, dwell and leaving process of buses and the method to calculate bus delays at stops are proposed according to survey data from three bus routes in Beijing. Statistical analysis is then adopted respectively to evaluate average times that buses are docking at curbside and bay-style stops. Moreover, it is noted that different load factors of passengers in buses have significantly influenced the average boarding and alighting time per person. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methods is illustrated through case studies. This study is crucial and helpful for the planners and operators to evaluate the efficiency and level of service of urban public transportation.
A Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface-Based Mail Client
Authors: Yu Tianyou , Li Yuanqing , Long Jinyi , Li Feng
Published: April 2013

Brain-computer interface-based communication plays an important role in brain-computer interface (BCI) applications; electronic mail is one of the most common communication tools. In this study, we propose a hybrid BCI-based mail client that implements electronic mail communication by means of real-time classification of multimodal features extracted from scalp electroencephalography (EEG). With this BCI mail client, users can receive, read, write, and attach files to their mail. Using a BCI mouse that utilizes hybrid brain signals, that is, motor imagery and P300 potential, the user can select and activate the function keys and links on the mail client graphical user interface (GUI). An adaptive P300 speller is employed for text input. The system has been tested with 6 subjects, and the experimental results validate the efficacy of the proposed method.
A Coupling Method of New EMFE and FE for Fourth-Order Partial Differential Equation of Parabolic Type
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Hong , Fang Zhichao , He Siriguleng , Wang Jinfeng
Published: April 2013

We propose and analyze a new numerical method, called a coupling method based on a new expanded mixed finite element (EMFE) and finite element (FE), for fourth-order partial differential equation of parabolic type. We first reduce the fourth-order parabolic equation to a coupled system of second-order equations and then solve a second-order equation by FE method and approximate the other one by a new EMFE method. We find that the new EMFE method’s gradient belongs to the simple square integrable(L2(Ω))2space, which avoids the use of the classicalH(div; Ω) space and reduces the regularity requirement on the gradient solutionλ=∇u. For a priori error estimates based on both semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes, we introduce a new expanded mixed projection and some important lemmas. We derive the optimal a priori error estimates inL2andH1-norm for both the scalar unknownuand the diffusion termγand a priori error estimates in(L2)2-norm for its gradientλand its fluxσ(the coefficients times the negative gradient). Finally, we provide some numerical results to illustrate the efficiency of our method.
Role of M2 Muscarinic Receptor in the Airway Response to Methacholine of Mice Selected for Minimal or Maximal Acute Inflammatory Response
Authors: Castro Juciane Maria de Andrade , Resende Rodrigo R. , Mirotti Luciana , Florsheim Esther , Albuquerque Layra Lucy , Lino-dos-Santos-Franco Adriana , Gomes Eliane , Tavares de Lima Wothan , de Franco Marcelo , Ribeiro Orlando Garcia , Russo Momtchilo
Published: April 2013

Airway smooth muscle constriction induced by cholinergic agonists such as methacholine (MCh), which is typically increased in asthmatic patients, is regulated mainly by muscle muscarinic M3 receptors and negatively by vagal muscarinic M2 receptors. Here we evaluated basal (intrinsic) and allergen-induced (extrinsic) airway responses to MCh. We used two mouse lines selected to respond maximally (AIRmax) or minimally (AIRmin) to innate inflammatory stimuli. We found that in basal condition AIRmin mice responded more vigorously to MCh than AIRmax. Treatment with a specific M2 antagonist increased airway response of AIRmax but not of AIRmin mice. The expression of M2 receptors in the lung was significantly lower in AIRmin compared to AIRmax animals. AIRmax mice developed a more intense allergic inflammation than AIRmin, and both allergic mouse lines increased airway responses to MCh. However, gallamine treatment of allergic groups did not affect the responses to MCh. Our results confirm that low or dysfunctional M2 receptor activity is associated with increased airway responsiveness to MCh and that this trait was inherited during the selective breeding of AIRmin mice and was acquired by AIRmax mice during allergic lung inflammation.
Deformities due to Leprosy in Children under Fifteen Years Old as an Indicator of Quality of the Leprosy Control Programme in Brazilian Municipalities
Authors: Lana Francisco Carlos Félix , Coelho Fabri Angélica da Conceição Oliveira , Lopes Fabiana Nascimento , Carvalho Ana Paula Mendes , Lanza Fernanda Moura
Published: April 2013

The present study aims at analysing the degree of deformity in leprosy cases diagnosed in children under 15 years old and its relationship with operational and epidemiological factors. This epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out at municipalities of three microregions in a Brazilian hyperendemic area. Data between 1998 and 2010 was collected from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases database. The average coefficient of detection was 32.96/100.000 inhabitants; 7.61% of new cases were diagnosed in children under 15 years old; 5% in this age group were grade 2 deformity at diagnosis. Prevalence of leprosy cases in children under 15 years old with deformity was higher in males ( CI 95%: 1.09–6.45) and in multibacillary patients ( CI 95%: 3.54–60.87) and lower when the detection mode was passive ( CI 95%: 0.31–1.73). Such context suggests high transmissibility and early exposure toMycobacterium lepraesince a lot of cases were diagnosed in children under fifteen years old and the incubation period of the leprosy bacillus varies from 02 to 07 years. This situation contributes to maintaining the chain of disease transmission in the area and indicates that health care services should intensify leprosy control.
Estimating Pore Space Hydrate Saturation Using Dissociation Gas Evolution Measurements: In Relevance to Laboratory Testing of Natural or Artificially Synthesised Hydrate-Bearing Soil Specimens
Authors: Jayasinghe Anuruddhika G. , Grozic Jocelyn L. H.
Published: April 2013

Physical properties of gas hydrate-bearing soils are known to be greatly affected by the pore space hydrate saturation. The accuracy of most saturation estimation methods is affected by hydrate growth habit and pore space distribution. We highlight the usefulness of dissociation gas evolution measurement (DGEM) method as a reference laboratory method to calibrate most other methods. The DGEM method is based on the concept of mass balance and properties of volume compatibility between two distinct states of a closed system. The accuracy of the estimation depends on (1) the precision with which the laboratory measurements of temperature, pressure, and volumetric properties are obtained (2) and the ability of theoretical models used in the calculation to closely represent the true nature of the system. We perform an analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimation (1) to various laboratory measurements and (2) to the use of different theoretical models to generate a feel for the appropriateness of various assumptions associated with DGEM. The comprehensive guide to available resources useful in the hydrate saturation estimation also serves as one of the major contributions of the work presented.
Finite Element Formulation for Stability and Free Vibration Analysis of Timoshenko Beam
Authors: Moallemi-Oreh Abbas , Karkon Mohammad
Published: April 2013

A two-node element is suggested for analyzing the stability and free vibration of Timoshenko beam. Cubic displacement polynomial and quadratic rotational fields are selected for this element. Moreover, it is assumed that shear strain of the element has the constant value. Interpolation functions for displacement field and beam rotation are exactly calculated by employing total beam energy and its stationing to shear strain. By exploiting these interpolation functions, beam elements' stiffness matrix is also examined. Furthermore, geometric stiffness matrix and mass matrix of the proposed element are calculated by writing governing equation on stability and beam free vibration. At last, accuracy and efficiency of proposed element are evaluated through numerical tests. These tests show high accuracy of the element in analyzing beam stability and finding its critical load and free vibration analysis.
Educational Attainment and Educational Mismatch in the First Employment in Spain
Authors: Rahona-López Marta , Pérez-Esparrells Carmen
Published: April 2013

This paper analyses the labour market entry of Spanish school leavers and the match between education and work at the early stages of working life, using a specific data set drawn from the Spanish Module Education to Labour Market Transitions (2000). Special attention is paid to university graduates, because Spain experienced a strong growth in the demand for higher education during the last decades of the 20th century. The empirical evidence shows that although over-education is a common phenomenon in the Spanish youth labour market, being a graduate seems to be associated with a lower likelihood of over-education in the first job. Our results indicate that over-education affects more women than men and foreigners than Spaniards.
Three- and Five-Year Follow-Up of a Combined Inpatient-Outpatient Treatment of Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Adam Sibylle , Westenhoefer Joachim , Rudolphi Birgit , Kraaibeek Hanna-Kathrin
Published: April 2013

Aim. “The combined DAK therapy for obesity in children and adolescents” combines a 6-week inpatient with a 10.5-month outpatient treatment. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the therapeutic achievements are maintained two and four years after intervention.Method. All subjects who had participated in the 12-month program in 2004/2005 were included in the follow-up study. Body weight, height, and physical fitness were assessed through direct measurements, behaviour, and quality of life by self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis is based on an intention-to-treat analysis.Results. The response rate after three years was 63.4% and 42.2% after five years. Within three years, participants reduced their BMI-SDS significantly by 0.20 (SD 0.49) and by 0.15 (SD 0.51) within five years. Significant positive changes could be observed with respect to the participants eating behaviour. Similarly, the food intake, particularly the consumption of calorie-reduced beverages, increased significantly while that of nonrecommended foods decreased. Improvement was also seen in the subjective quality of life as well as several aspects of self-perception.Conclusion. Compared to baseline data, significant reduction of BMI-SDS and positive changes of health-related behaviours could be observed even three and five years after the start of the initial program.
Grape Seed Procyanidin Extract Improves Insulin Production but Enhances Bax Protein Expression in Cafeteria-Treated Male Rats
Authors: Cedó Lídia , Castell-Auví Anna , Pallarès Victor , Blay Mayte , Ardévol Anna , Pinent Montserrat
Published: April 2013

In a previous study, the administration of a grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) in female Wistar rats improved insulin resistance, reduced insulin production, and modulated apoptosis biomarkers in the pancreas. Considering that pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters in females are different from these parameters in males, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GSPE on male Wistar cafeteria-induced obese rats. The results have confirmed that the cafeteria model is a robust model mimicking a prediabetic state, as these rats display insulin resistance, increased insulin synthesis and secretion, and increased apoptosis in the pancreas. In addition, GSPE treatment (25 mg/kg of GSPE for 21 days) in male rats improves insulin resistance and counteracts the cafeteria-induced effects on insulin synthesis. However, the administration of the extract enhances the cafeteria-induced increase in Bax protein levels, suggesting increased apoptosis. This result contradicts previous results from cafeteria-fed female rats, in which GSPE seemed to counteract the increased apoptosis induced by the cafeteria diet.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Coincidence or Possible Link
Authors: Nabi Junaid
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common form of chronic autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and often coexists with other autoimmune diseases, but Hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with an autosomal dominant neurofibromatosis type 1 is exceedingly rare.Case Presentation. A 30-year-old Bengali woman presented to the OPD with complaints of aching pain and tingling sensation in her hands and feet. Physical examination revealed dysmorphic facies, nodular swelling in the neck, cafe-au-lait spots, and neurofibromas covering the entire surface of her body. Her thyroid hormones were within normal limits. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a cystic area in the left lobe of the gland, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology revealed lymphocytic infiltration of the gland, suggesting Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. High levels of autoimmune antibodies such as antithyroglobulin and antimicrosomal antibodies confirmed the diagnosis.Conclusion. When encountered with a patient of Neurofibromatosis type 1, a physician should be careful about the possibility of a concomitant autoimmune disease. Clinical presentation of neurofibromatosis and Noonan syndrome often overlaps and recent studies have implicated a mutation in NF1 gene in the etiology of NFNS. More extensive reports and further investigations of such patients having combination of neurofibromatosis type 1 and autoimmune thyroiditis will certainly provide better understanding of this link in the near future.
Ruptured Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Presenting as an Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in an Adult Female: A Rare Clinical Scenario of a Common Surgical Emergency
Authors: Jategaonkar Priyadarshan Anand , Yadav Sudeep Pradeep
Published: April 2013

Embryoanatomical peculiarities are responsible for low occurrence of inguinal hernias in females. Amongst them, ovarian hernias are rarer. They are commonly noticed in children. An attending surgeon commonly faces diagnostic and operative dilemmas in managing these overtly “simple-looking” clinical scenarios. Although ovarian cysts are one of the common contents of the sac, we report a case of adult incarcerated ovarian hernia who presented with a ruptured hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. This differential should be kept in mind while treating an adult female with painful inguinal swelling. As far our knowledge goes, such case with ruptured ovarian cyst presenting as an incarcerated hernia in an emergency scenario has not been reported as yet.
Subetta Treatment Increases Adiponectin Secretion by Mature Human AdipocytesIn Vitro
Authors: Nicoll Jim , Gorbunov Evgeniy A. , Tarasov Sergey A. , Epstein Oleg I.
Published: April 2013

Purpose. To investigate the mechanism of action in peripheral tissues of novel complex drug containing release-active dilutions of antibodies to the beta subunit of the insulin receptor and antibodies to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Subetta), which has shown efficacy in animal models of diabetes.Methods. Human mature adipocytes were incubated either with Subetta, with one of negative controls (placebo or vehicle), with one of nonspecific controls (release-active dilutions of antibodies to cannabinoid receptor type I or release-active dilutions of rabbit nonimmune serum), or with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 37°C in a humidified incubator at 5% CO2for three days. Rosiglitazone was used as reference drug. Secretion of adiponectin was measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. Only Subetta significantly stimulates adiponectin production by mature human adipocytes. Nonspecific controls did not significantly affect adiponectin secretion, resulting in adiponectin levels comparable to background values of the negative controls and DMSO.Conclusion. Increasing adiponectin production in absence of insulin by Subetta probably via modulating effect on the beta subunit of the insulin receptor might serve as one of the mechanisms of the antidiabetic effect of this drug. Thesein vitroresults give first insight on possible mechanism of action of Subetta and serve as a background for further studies.