bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN OPTIMAL SCALING FRAMEWORK FOR COLLABORATIVE FILTERING RECOMMENDATION SYSTEMS
Authors: VOZALIS MANOLIS G. , MARKOS ANGELOS I. , MARGARITIS KONSTANTINOS G.
Published: August 2012

Collaborative Filtering (CF) is a popular technique employed by Recommender Systems, a term used to describe intelligent methods that generate personalized recommendations. Some of the most efficient approaches to CF are based on latent factor models and nearest neighbor methods, and have received considerable attention in recent literature. Latent factor models can tackle some fundamental challenges of CF, such as data sparsity and scalability. In this work, we present an optimal scaling framework to address these problems using Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CatPCA) for the low-rank approximation of the user-item ratings matrix, followed by a neighborhood formation step. CatPCA is a versatile technique that utilizes an optimal scaling process where original data are transformed so that their overall variance is maximized. We considered both smooth and non-smooth transformations for the observed variables (items), such as numeric, (spline) ordinal, (spline) nominal and multiple nominal. The method was extended to handle missing data and incorporate differential weighting for items. Experiments were executed on three data sets of different sparsity and size, MovieLens 100k, 1M and Jester, aiming to evaluate the aforementioned options in terms of accuracy. A combined approach with a multiple nominal transformation and a "passive" missing data strategy clearly outperformed the other tested options for all three data sets. The results are comparable with those reported for single methods in the CF literature.
IMPROVING SVM PERFORMANCE IN MULTI-LABEL DOMAINS: THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT
Authors: VATEEKUL PEERAPON , DENDAMRONGVIT SAREEWAN , KUBAT MIROSLAV
Published: August 2012

In “multi-label domains,” where the same example can simultaneously belong to two or more classes, it is customary to induce a separate binary classifier for each class, and then use them all in parallel. As a result, some of these classifiers are induced from imbalanced training sets where one class outnumbers the other – a circumstance known to hurt some machine learning paradigms. In the case of Support Vector Machines (SVM), this suboptimal behavior is explained by the fact that SVM seeks to minimize error rate, a criterion that is in domains of this type misleading. This is why several research groups have studied mechanisms to readjust the bias of SVM's hyperplane. The best of these achieves very good classification performance at the price of impractically high computational costs. We propose here an improvement where these cost are reduced to a small fraction without significantly impairing classification.
A NEW APPROACH OF THE 2-AXES PAM ROBOT ARM IDENTIFICATION USING NEURAL MIMO NARX MODEL
Authors: ANH HO PHAM HUY , AHN KYOUNG KWAN
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a novel MIMO Neural NARX model is used for simultaneously modeling and identifying both joints of the 2-axes PAM robot arm's inverse and forward dynamic model. The highly nonlinear cross effect of both links of the 2-axes PAM robot arm are thoroughly modeled through an Inverse and Forward Neural MIMO NARX Model-based identification process using experimental input-output training data. Consequently the proposed Inverse and Forward Neural MIMO NARX model scheme of the nonlinear 2-axes PAM robot arm has been investigated. The results show that the novel Inverse and Forward Neural MIMO NARX Model trained by Back Propagation learning algorithm yields outstanding performance and perfect accuracy.
SELF-ADAPTIVE IMAGE ENCRYPTION BASED ON MEMORY CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: ISMAIL I. A. , ABDO A. A. , AMIN M. , DIAB H.
Published: August 2012

Based on memory reversible cellular automata, a new self-adaptive image encryption is proposed in this paper. The self-adaptive encryption is realized by dividing the image data in to equal halves and then encrypting each half of image data using other mutually. We utilize cellular neural network chaotic system as a pseudo-random key sequence generation. Simulation results on some gray level images confirm that the proposed algorithm can be realized easily while guaranteeing high security and sensitivity levels, and other properties such as randomness.
A SWITCHING RULE FOR THE ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY OF UNCERTAIN DISCRETE-TIME SYSTEMS
Authors: RATCHAGIT K.
Published: August 2012

This paper is concerned with asymptotic stability of uncertain switched discrete time-delay systems. The system to be considered is subject to interval time-varying delays, which allows the delay to be a fast time-varying function and the lower bound is not restricted to zero. Based on the discrete Lyapunov functional, a switching rule for the asymptotic stability for the uncertain system is designed via linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
A FRAMEWORK TOWARDS USING EIGEN IRIS, MINUTIAE THUMB AND DNA SEQUENCE FEATURES FOR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Authors: MISHRA KAMTA NATH , SRIVASTAVA PRAKASH C. , AGRAWAL ANUPAM , TRIPATHI VIVEK , GUPTA VISHAL
Published: August 2012

Biometric systems based on a single physiological or behavioral characteristic may not be able to identify a person correctly. This paper presents an efficient and reliable multimodal biometric identification system which is based on minutiae thumb, Eigen iris and DNA sequence features. In this method compressed form of Short tandem repeat (STR) part of DNA sequence, compressed thumbprint and compressed iris image (Eigen values) of a person are used for further identification of an individual. Therefore, personal identification including identical twins and dead person's cases will become easier in using this method. Our technique will correctly identify a person (living or dead) on the basis of his thumbprint, iris image and DNA sequence features. We have used thumbprint and iris images for identifying a live person. But, for identifying a dead person we have used STR part of DNA sequence. We tested our method for 100 samples of thumbprints and iris images of CASIA database and we found that our multimodal method is able to correctly identify each and every individual including identical twin on the basis of thumbprints and iris images. For identifying a dead person the compressed form of DNA sequence of that person is used.
Effect of Substrates on the Temperature Dependence of Fluorescence Spectra of Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamond Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Hong-Quan , Fujiwara Masazumi , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: August 2012

The temperature dependence of fluorescence spectra of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond nanocrystals is investigated in terms of the ability of the substrate to suppress the fluorescence phonon sideband of negatively charged NV (NV-) centers. Three substrates were used: a glass coverslip, undoped silicon (Si), and thermally oxidized silicon (SiO2/Si). Nanocrystals were distributed on these substrates and the temperature dependence of fluorescence spectra of NV-centers of individual nanocrystals were measured in the temperature range 3.5–230 K. We found that the zero-phonon line (ZPL) of NV-centers in nanocrystals on the SiO2/Si substrate remained intense as the temperature was increased from 3.5 to 160 K, whereas it monotonically decreased for the Si substrate. Diamond nanocrystals dispersed on a glass coverslip did not exhibit prominent ZPLs of NV-centers, even at 3.5 K. The temperature dependencies of the peak intensities of NV-centers were quantitatively analyzed by determining the Debye–Waller factors of the three substrates. As the temperature was increased from 3.5 to 230 K, the Debye–Waller factor decreased almost linearly from 10 to 1.7% for the SiO2/Si substrate, decreased from 6.1 to 1.6% for the Si substrate, and decreased from 0.9 to 0.62% for the glass coverslip. These results will be useful for nanophotonic device applications of nanodiamond NV centers in quantum information science and sensing.
Maskless Selective Growth Method for p–n Junction Applications on (001)-Oriented Diamond
Authors: Kato Hiromitsu , Makino Toshiharu , Ogura Masahiko , Takeuchi Daisuke , Yamasaki Satoshi
Published: August 2012

A maskless selective growth method by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a promising technique for fabricating various types of p–n junction devices on diamond semiconductors, instead of the impurity doping by ion-implantation technique. We control diamond growth and impurity doping using patterned surface morphologies of (001)-oriented diamond, which results in a selective growth along the <111> or <110> direction. In the case of phosphorus doping, the diamond with selective <111> growth shows the n-type conducting property, whereas that with selective <110> growth shows the insulating property owing to the coincorporation of hydrogen. Such strong orientational properties are peculiar in CVD phosphorus doping. The detailed procedures of this selective growth method and the electrical properties of fabricated vertical and lateral p–n junction diodes are described in this article.
p-Type Ultrananocrystalline Diamond/Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon Composite Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition and Their Application to Photodetectors
Authors: Ohmagari Shinya , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2012

p-Type ultrananocrystalline diamond/hydrogenated amorphous carbon composite (UNCD/a-C:H) films were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition with boron-blended graphite targets. The X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited diffraction peaks attributable to diamond-111 and diamond-200. Electrical conductivity clearly increased with boron content. The near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure revealed that doped boron atoms partially replace hydrogen atoms that terminate the dangling bonds of UNCD grains. Heterojunction diodes comprising p-type UNCD/a-C:H and n-type Si showed a strong photoresponse that originates from UNCD grains in the wavelength range between 200 and 280 nm. We experimentally proved that boron-doped UNCD/a-C:H is a new promising p-type semiconductor for photodetection.
CD24 is expressed in gastric parietal cells and regulates apoptosis and the response toHelicobacter felisinfection in the murine stomach
Authors: Duckworth C. A. , Clyde D. , Pritchard D. M.
Published: August 2012

CD24 is expressed in the putative stem cells within several tissues and is overexpressed in gastric and colonic adenocarcinomas. Perturbed CD24 expression may therefore alter the response of gastrointestinal epithelia to damage-inducing stimuli that induce cancer. We have investigated the effects of CD24 deletion on gastric responses to Helicobacter felis infection and γ-irradiation using CD24-null mice. Gastric CD24 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in C57BL/6 mice. Female CD24-null and C57BL/6 mice were infected with H. felis for 6 wk, and inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, and parietal cell numbers were assessed in gastric tissue sections. Apoptosis and proliferation were analyzed on a cell-positional basis in stomach, small intestine, and colon of CD24-null and C57BL/6 mice following γ-irradiation. Apoptosis was also assessed in HT29 cells following CD24 siRNA transfection. Of CD24-positive cells in the gastric corpus, 98% were H+-K+-ATPase-expressing parietal cells. CD24-null mice showed more prominent gastric H. felis colonization than C57BL/6 mice but displayed a marked reduction in corpus inflammation, reduced Ki67 labeling, and less gastric atrophy 6 wk following infection. Corpus apoptosis was elevated in CD24-null mice, but this did not increase further with H. felis infection as observed in C57BL/6 mice. More apoptotic cells were found following γ-irradiation in the stomach, small intestine, and colon of CD24-null mice and following CD24 knockdown in vitro. In conclusion, CD24 is expressed in gastric parietal cells, where it modulates gastric responses to H. felis and γ-radiation. CD24 also regulates susceptibility to apoptosis in the distal murine gastrointestinal tract.
Active cathepsins B, L, and S in murine and human pancreatitis
Authors: Lyo Victoria , Cattaruzza Fiore , Kim Tyson N. , Walker Austin W. , Paulick Margot , Cox Daniel , Cloyd Jordan , Buxbaum James , Ostroff James , Bogyo Matthew , Grady Eileen F. , Bunnett Nigel W. , Kirkwood Kimberly S.
Published: August 2012

Cathepsins regulate premature trypsinogen activation within acinar cells, a key initial step in pancreatitis. The identity, origin, and causative roles of activated cathepsins in pancreatic inflammation and pain are not defined. By using a near infrared-labeled activity-based probe (GB123) that covalently modifies active cathepsins, we localized and identified activated cathepsins in mice with cerulein-induced pancreatitis and in pancreatic juice from patients with chronic pancreatitis. We used inhibitors of activated cathepsins to define their causative role in pancreatic inflammation and pain. After GB123 administration to mice with pancreatitis, reflectance and confocal imaging showed significant accumulation of the probe in inflamed pancreas compared with controls, particularly in acinar cells and macrophages, and in spinal cord microglia and neurons. Biochemical analysis of pancreatic extracts identified them as cathepsins B, L, and S (Cat-B, Cat-L, and Cat-S, respectively). These active cathepsins were also identified in pancreatic juice from patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of pain, indicating cathepsin secretion. The cathepsin inhibitor K11777 suppressed cerulein-induced activation of Cat-B, Cat-L, and Cat-S in the pancreas and ameliorated pancreatic inflammation, nocifensive behavior, and activation of spinal nociceptive neurons. Thus pancreatitis is associated with an increase in the active forms of the proteases Cat-B, Cat-L, and Cat-S in pancreatic acinar cells and macrophages, and in spinal neurons and microglial cells. Inhibition of cathepsin activation ameliorated pancreatic inflammation and pain. Activity-based probes permit identification of proteases that are predictive biomarkers of disease progression and response to therapy and may be useful noninvasive tools for the detection of pancreatic inflammation.
The inflammasome in lung diseases
Authors: dos Santos Gimena , Kutuzov Mikhail A. , Ridge Karen M.
Published: August 2012

Inflammation, the process aimed at restoring homeostasis after an insult, can be more damaging than the insult itself if uncontrolled, excessive, or prolonged. The inflammasome is an intracellular multimeric protein complex that regulates the maturation and release of proinflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family in response to pathogens and endogenous danger signals. Growing evidence indicates that the inflammasome plays a key role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The inflammasome can be activated by the pathogens that account for the most prevalent infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as influenza A virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The inflammasome also plays a role in the chronic inflammation of the airways of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as in the initiation and progression of the inflammatory process in pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant points of inflammasome activation in lung diseases.
Nedd4–2 does not regulate wt-CFTR in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Koeppen Katja , Chapline Chris , Sato J. Denry , Stanton Bruce A.
Published: August 2012

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a Cl− channel in airway epithelial cells, plays an important role in maintaining the volume of the airway surface liquid and therefore mucociliary clearance of respiratory pathogens. A recent study has shown that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Neural precursor cells expressed developmentally downregulated (Nedd4–2) ubiquitinates ΔF508-CFTR in pancreatic epithelial cells and that siRNA-mediated silencing of Nedd4–2 increases plasma membrane ΔF508-CFTR. Because the role of Nedd4–2 in regulating wild-type (wt)-CFTR in airway epithelial cells is unknown, studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that Nedd4–2 also ubiquitinates wt-CFTR and regulates its plasma membrane abundance. We found that Nedd4–2 did not affect wt-CFTR Cl− currents in Xenopus oocytes. Likewise, overexpression of Nedd4–2 in human airway epithelial cells did not alter the amount of ubiquitinated wt-CFTR. siRNA knockdown of Nedd4–2 in human airway epithelial cells had no effect on ubiquitination or apical plasma membrane abundance of wt-CFTR. Thus Nedd4–2 does not ubiquitinate and thereby regulate wt-CFTR in human airway epithelial cells.
Atelectrauma disrupts pulmonary epithelial barrier integrity and alters the distribution of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin 4
Authors: Jacob Anne-Marie , Gaver Donald P.
Published: August 2012

Mechanical ventilation inevitably exposes the delicate tissues of the airways and alveoli to abnormal mechanical stresses that can induce pulmonary edema and exacerbate conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. The goal of our research is to characterize the cellular trauma caused by the transient abnormal fluid mechanical stresses that arise when air is forced into a liquid-occluded airway (i.e., atelectrauma). Using a fluid-filled, parallel-plate flow chamber to model the “airway reopening” process, our in vitro study examined consequent increases in pulmonary epithelial plasma membrane rupture, paracellular permeability, and disruption of the tight junction (TJ) proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-4. Computational analysis predicts the normal and tangential surface stresses that develop between the basolateral epithelial membrane and underlying substrate due to the interfacial stresses acting on the apical cell membrane. These simulations demonstrate that decreasing the velocity of reopening causes a significant increase in basolateral surface stresses, particularly in the region between neighboring cells where TJs concentrate. Likewise, pulmonary epithelial wounding, paracellular permeability, and TJ protein disruption were significantly greater following slower reopening. This study thus demonstrates that maintaining a higher velocity of reopening, which reduces the damaging fluid stresses acting on the airway wall, decreases the mechanical stresses on the basolateral cell surface while protecting cells from plasma membrane rupture and promoting barrier integrity.
Lack of functional effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism in healthy humans
Authors: Porcelli Simone , Marzorati Mauro , Pugliese Lorenzo , Adamo Saverio , Gondin Julien , Bottinelli Roberto , Grassi Bruno
Published: August 2012

A recent study has demonstrated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) determines, in vitro, a fast-to-slow shift in the metabolic profile of muscle fibers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if, in the same subjects, these changes would translate, in vivo, into an enhanced skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. Seven young men were tested (cycle ergometer) during incremental exercises up to voluntary exhaustion and moderate and heavy constant-load exercises (CLE). Measurements were carried out before and after an 8-wk training program by isometric bilateral NMES (quadriceps muscles), which induced an ∼25% increase in maximal isometric force. Breath-by-breath pulmonary O2uptake (V̇o2) and vastus lateralis oxygenation indexes (by near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined. Skeletal muscle fractional O2extraction was estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy on the basis of changes in concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin + myoglobin. Values obtained at exhaustion were considered “peak” values. The following functional evaluation variables were unaffected by NMES: peak V̇o2; gas exchange threshold; the V̇o2vs. work rate relationship (O2cost of cycling); changes in concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin + myoglobin vs. work rate relationship (related to the matching between O2delivery and V̇o2); peak fractional O2extraction; V̇o2kinetics (during moderate and heavy CLE) and the amplitude of its slow component (during heavy CLE). Thus NMES did not affect several variables of functional evaluation of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. Muscle hypertrophy induced by NMES could impair peripheral O2diffusion, possibly counterbalancing, in vivo, the fast-to-slow phenotypic changes that were observed in vitro, in a previous work, in the same subjects of the present study.
Prehospital Medication Administration: A Randomised Study Comparing Intranasal and Intravenous Routes
Authors: McDermott Cian , Collins Niamh C.
Published: August 2012

Introduction. Opioid overdose is an ever-increasing problem globally. Recent studies have demonstrated that intranasal (IN) naloxone is a safe and effective alternative to traditional routes of naloxone administration for reversal of opioid overdose.Aims. This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the time taken to deliver intranasal medication with that of intravenous (IV) medication by advanced paramedic trainees.Methods. 18 advanced paramedic trainees administered either an IN or IV medication to a mannequin model in a classroom-based setting. The time taken for medication delivery was compared. End-user satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point questionnaire regarding ease of use and safety for both routes.Results. The mean time taken for the IN and IV group was 87.1 seconds and 178.2 seconds respectively. The difference in mean time taken was 91.1 seconds (95% confidence interval 55.2 seconds to 126.9 seconds,P≤0.0001). 89% of advanced paramedic trainees reported that the IN route was easier and safer to use than the IV route.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that, amongst advanced paramedic trainees, the IN route of medication administration is significantly faster, better accepted and perceived to be safer than using the IV route. Thus, IN medication administration could be considered more frequently when administering emergency medications in a pre-hospital setting.
Butterfly Diversity from Farmlands of Central Uganda
Authors: Munyuli M. B. Théodore
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to collect information about the diversity of butterfly communities in the mixed coffee-banana mosaic (seminatural, agricultural) landscapes of rural central Uganda. Data were collected for one year (2006) using fruit-bait traps, line transect walk-and-counts, and hand nets. A total of 56,315 individuals belonging to 331 species, 95 genera, and 6 families were sampled. The most abundant species wasBicyclus safitza(14.5%) followed byAcraea acerata(6.3%),Catopsilia florella(6.5%) andJunonia sophia(6.1%). Significant differences in abundance, species richness, and diversity of butterflies occurred between the 26 study sites. Farmland butterflies visited a variety of habitats within and around sites, but important habitats included woodlands, fallows, hedgerows, swampy habitats, abandoned gardens, and home gardens. The highest diversity and abundance of butterflies occurred in sites that contained forest remnants. Thus, forest reserves in the surrounding of fields increased the conservation values of coffee-banana agroforestry systems for butterflies. Their protection from degradation should be a priority for policy makers since they support a species-rich community of butterflies pollinating cultivated plants. Farmers are encouraged to protect and increase on-farm areas covered by complex traditional agroforests, linear, and nonlinear seminatural habitats to provide sufficient breeding sites and nectar resources for butterflies.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Taghi , McGarry Tony
Published: August 2012

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a degenerative condition of the hip joint characterised by idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Loss of bone mass causes a degree of collapse of the joint and may result in deformity of the ball of the femur and the surface of the hip socket. A reduction in hip joint range of motion, alternation in growth of femoral head, and associated pain are most important problems associated with this disease. Various treatment methods are currently in use and aim to increase containment of the femoral head within the acetabulum, redistribute loading patterns applied to the femoral head, and to decrease the final deformities associated with this condition. These treatments depend on a variety of underlying factors and the aim of this paper was to determine appropriate pathways for treatment and the evidence of treatment method success. A review of the relevant literature was carried out in a variety of data bases including PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge, and Gale between 1950 and 2011. Research results were categorised depending on the identified treatment method. The success of each treatment pathway was assessed and reasons for the pathway selected were grouped by the age of disease onset, follow-up period, and the final outcome. Evidence relating to the effectiveness of the treatment method used was conflicting. Different methods of screening and follow-up periods were employed in each study which used subjects of varying ages. Minimal evidence of sufficient quality exists in the literature to determine the most appropriate treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Research provides some evidence to suggest that nontreatment may be as effective as orthotic or surgical intervention. More research is required to determine the effectiveness of orthotic and surgical treatment.
Numerical Prediction of Hydrodynamic Loading on Circular Cylinder Array in Oscillatory Flow Using Direct‐Forcing Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Chern Ming-Jyh , Hsu Wei-Cheng , Horng Tzyy-Leng
Published: August 2012

Cylindrical structures are commonly used in offshore engineering, for example, a tension‐leg platform
(TLP). Prediction of hydrodynamic loadings on those cylindrical structures is one of important issues in design of those marine structures. This study aims to provide a numerical model to simulate fluid‐structure interaction around the cylindrical structures and to estimate those loadings using the direct‐forcing immersed boundary method. Oscillatory flows are considered to simulate the flow
caused by progressive waves in shallow water. Virtual forces due to the existence of those cylindrical structures are distributed in the fluid domain in the established immersed boundary model. As a results, influence of the marine structure on the fluid flow is included in the model. Furthermore, hydrodynamic loadings exerted on the marine structure are determined by the integral of virtual
forces according to Newton’s third law. A square array of four cylinders is considered as the marine structure in this study. Time histories of inline and lift coefficients are provided in the numerical study. The proposed approach can be useful for scientists and engineers who would like to understand the interaction of the oscillatory flow with the cylinder array or to estimate hydrodynamic loading on the array of cylinders.
Giant Dilatation of the Right Coronary Aortic Bulb with Compression of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Mimicking a Ventricular Septal Defect: Diagnostic workup Using Echocardiography, Heart Catheterization, and Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Hofmann Nina P. , Abdel-Aty Hassan , Siebert Stefan , Katus Hugo A. , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: August 2012

Annuloaortic ectasia is a relatively rare diagnosis. Herein, we report an unusual case of an annuloaortic ectasia with asymmetric dilatation of the right coronary bulb mimicking a membranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) with Eisenmenger reaction by transthoracic echocardiography. Aortic angiography showed a dilated aortic root and moderate aortic regurgitation. Right cardiac catheterization, on the other hand, exhibited normal pulmonary artery blood pressure and normal pulmonary resistance, whereas normal venous gas values were measured throughout the caval vein and the right atrium, excluding relevant left-right shunting. Further diagnostic workup by cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) unambiguously illustrated the asymmetric geometry of the ectatic aortic cusp and root causing compression of the right heart and of the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract. After review of echocardiographic acquisitions, the blood flow detected between the left and right ventricles (mimicking VSD) was interpreted as turbulent inflow from the left ventricle into the ectatic right coronary cusp. Furthermore, elevated pulmonary artery blood pressure measured by echocardiography was attributed to “functional pulmonary stenosis” due to compression of the RV outflow tract by the aorta, as demonstrated by CCTA.
Enhancing Ion Transfer in Overlimiting Electrodialysis of Dilute Solutions by Modifying the Surface of Heterogeneous Ion-Exchange Membranes
Authors: Pismenskaya Natalia , Melnik Nadezhda , Nevakshenova Ekaterina , Nebavskaya Kseniya , Nikonenko Victor
Published: August 2012

The desalination of dilute NaCl solutions with heterogeneous Russian commercial and modified ion-exchange membranes was studied in a laboratory cell imitating desalination channels of large-scale electrodialysers. The modification was made by casting a thin film of a Nafion-type material on the surface of cation-exchange membrane, and by processing with a strong polyelectrolyte the surface of anion-exchange membrane. It was shown that the modifications resulted in an increase of mass transfer coefficient and in a decrease in water splitting rate, both by up to 2 times. The effect of mass transfer growth is explained by higher surface hydrophobicity of the modified membrane that enhances electroconvection. The decrease in water splitting rate in the case of cation-exchange membrane is due to homogenization of its surface layer. In the case of anion-exchange membrane the effect is due to grafting of quaternary ammonium bases onto the original membrane surface layer. The suppression of water splitting favors development of electroconvection. In turn, intensive electroconvection contributes to deliver salt ions to membrane surface and thus reduces water splitting.
Transcriptome-Wide Detection of Differentially Expressed Coding and Non-Coding Transcripts and Their Clinical Significance in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Erho Nicholas , Buerki Christine , Triche Timothy J. , Davicioni Elai , Vergara Ismael A.
Published: August 2012

Prostate cancer is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous disease. Deregulation of splice variants has been shown to contribute significantly to this complexity. High-throughput technologies such as oligonucleotide microarrays allow for the detection of transcripts that play a role in disease progression in a transcriptome-wide level. In this study, we use a publicly available dataset of normal adjacent, primary tumor, and metastatic prostate cancer samples (GSE21034) to detect differentially expressed coding and non-coding transcripts between these disease states. To achieve this, we focus on transcript-specific probe selection regions, that is, those probe sets that correspond unambiguously to a single transcript. Based on this, we are able to pinpoint at the transcript-specific level transcripts that are differentially expressed throughout prostate cancer progression. We confirm previously reported cases and find novel transcripts for which no prior implication in prostate cancer progression has been made. Furthermore, we show that transcript-specific differential expression has unique prognostic potential and provides a clinically significant source of biomarker signatures for prostate cancer risk stratification. The results presented here serve as a catalog of differentially expressed transcript-specific markers throughout prostate cancer progression that can be used as basis for further development and translation into the clinic.
Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumours: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Molloy A. P. , Hutchinson B. , O'Toole G. C.
Published: August 2012

Extra-abdominal desmoid lesions, otherwise known as aggressive fibromatosis, are slow-growing benign lesions which may be encountered in clinical practice. Recent controversies exist regarding their optimal treatment. Given their benign nature, is major debulking surgery justified, or is it worth administering chemotherapy for a disease process which unusually defies common teaching and responds to such medications? We present a literature review of this particular pathology discussing the aetiology, clinical presentation, and various current controversies in the treatment options.
Reliable Measurements of theβ-Amyloid Pool in Blood Could Help in the Early Diagnosis of AD
Authors: Pesini Pedro , Pérez-Grijalba Virginia , Monleón Inmaculada , Boada Mercè , Tárraga Lluís , Martínez-Lage Pablo , San-José Itziar , Sarasa Manuel
Published: August 2012

The present study was aimed at assessing the capability of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 levels in undiluted plasma (UP), diluted plasma (DP), and cell bound (CB) to distinguish between early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amnesic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control (HC). Four blood samples from each participant were collected during one month and the levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 were determined by a blinded proprietary ELISA sandwich (Araclon Biotech. Zaragoza, Spain). First striking result was that the amount of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in UP represented only a small proportion (~15%) of the total beta-amyloid pool in blood (βAPB) described here as the sum of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in blood where they are free in plasma, bound to plasma proteins, and bound to blood cells. Furthermore, we found that levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in UP, DP, and CB were significantly higher in MCI when compared to HC. On average, the totalβAPB was 1.8 times higher in MCI than in HC (P=0.03) and allowed to discriminate between MCI and HC with a sensitivity and specificity over 80%. Thus, quantification of several markers of theβAPB could be useful and reliable in the discrimination between MCI and HC.
The Application of a Three-Step Serum Proteome Analysis for the Discovery and Identification of Novel Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kimura Asako , Sogawa Kazuyuki , Satoh Mamoru , Kodera Yoshio , Yokosuka Osamu , Tomonaga Takeshi , Nomura Fumio
Published: August 2012

The representative tumor markers for HCC, AFP, and PIVKA-II are not satisfactory in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the early diagnosis of HCC. In search for novel markers for HCC, three-step proteome analyses were carried out in serum samples obtained from 12 patients with HCC and 10 with LC. As a first step, serum samples were subjected to antibody-based immunoaffinity column system that simultaneously removes twelve of abundant serum proteins. The concentrated flow-through was then fractionated using reversed-phase HPLC. Proteins obtained in each fraction were separated by SDS-PAGE. Serum samples obtained from patient with HCC and with LC were analyzed in parallel and their protein expression patterns were compared. A total of 83 protein bands were found to be upregulated in HCC serum. All the protein bands, the intensity of which was different between HCC and LC groups, were identified. Among them, clusterin was most significantly overexpressed (). The overexpression of serum clusterin was confirmed by ELISA using another validation set of HCC samples. Furthermore, serum clusterin was elevated in 40% of HCC cases in which both AFP and PIVKA-II were within their cut-off values. These results suggested that clusterin is a potential novel serum marker for HCC.
Molecular Signature in HCV-Positive Lymphomas
Authors: De Re Valli , Caggiari Laura , Garziera Marica , De Zorzi Mariangela , Repetto Ombretta
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive, single-stranded RNA virus, which has been associated to different subtypes of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Cumulative evidence suggests an HCV-related antigen driven process in the B-NHL development. The underlying molecular signature associated to HCV-related B-NHL has to date remained obscure. In this review, we discuss the recent developments in this field with a special mention to different sets of genes whose expression is associated with BCR coupled to Blys signaling which in turn was found to be linked to B-cell maturation stages and NF-κb transcription factor. Even if recent progress on HCV-B-NHL signature has been made, the precise relationship between HCV and lymphoma development and phenotype signature remain to be clarified.
P2X7 Receptor Function in Bone-Related Cancer
Authors: Adinolfi Elena , Amoroso Francesca , Giuliani Anna Lisa
Published: August 2012

Modulation of tumor microenvironment by different mediators is central in determining neoplastic formation and progression. Among these molecules extracellular ATP is emerging as a good candidate in promoting cell growth, neovascularization, tumor-host interactions, and metastatization. This paper summarizes recent findings on expression and function of P2X7 receptor for extracellular ATP in primary and metastatic bone cancers. Search of mRNA expression microchip databases and literature analysis demonstrate a high expression of P2X7 in primary bone tumors as well as in other malignancies such as multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, breast, and prostate cancer. Evidence that P2X7 triggers NFATc1, PI3K/Akt, ROCK, and VEGF pathways in osteoblasts promoting either primary tumor development or osteoblastic lesions is also reported. Moreover, P2X7 receptor is involved in osteoclast differentiation, RANKL expression, matrix metalloproteases and cathepsin secretion thus promoting bone resorption and osteolytic lesions. Taken together these data point to a pivotal role for the P2X7 receptor in bone cancer biology.
Effect of Vitamins A, C, and E Supplementation in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome in Albino Rats
Authors: Bilbis L. S. , Muhammad S. A. , Saidu Y. , Adamu Y.
Published: August 2012

Obesity and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress seems to be involved in the path physiology of cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome. In this study we investigated the effects of vitamins A, C, and E in the management of metabolic syndrome traits condition in albino rats fed with high salt diet. The rats were placed on 8% NaCl diet for 5 weeks and then supplemented with these vitamins for additional 4 weeks in the presence of salt diet. Supplementation with vitamins significantly (P<0.01) decreased blood pressure of the rats as compared with the control. Supplementation also significantly (P<0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total antioxidant status as compared with untreated group. The percentage protection of the supplemented groups against atherogenesis indicated55.50±3.75%. Percentage weight gain indicated significant positive correlation with triglyceride, insulin resistance, and malondialdehyde while total antioxidant status and nitric oxide showed significant negative correlation. Salt diet significantly (P<0.05) induced features of metabolic syndrome. The result, therefore, indicated strong relationship between obesity and metabolic syndrome and underscores the role of these vitamins in the management of metabolic syndrome.
Existence and Linear Stability of Equilibrium Points in the Robe’s Restricted Three-Body Problem with Oblateness
Authors: Singh Jagadish , Umar Sandah Abubakar
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the positions and linear stability of an infinitesimal body around the equilibrium points in the framework of the Robe’s circular restricted three-body problem, with assumptions that the hydrostatic equilibrium figure of the first primary is an oblate spheroid and the second primary is an oblate body as well. It is found that equilibrium point exists near the centre of the first primary. Further, there can be one more equilibrium point on the line joining the centers of both primaries. Points on the circle within the first primary are also equilibrium points under certain conditions and the existence of two out-of-plane points is also observed. The linear stability of this configuration is examined and it is found that points near the center of the first primary are conditionally stable, while the circular and out of plane equilibrium points are unstable.
Do We Need New Personalized Emergency Telehealth Solutions? A Survey of 100 Emergency Department Patients and a First Report of the Swiss Limmex Emergency Wristwatch: An Original Study
Authors: Tabbara Malek , Hodel Thomas , Müller Urs , Briner Gabi , Zimmermann Heinz , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: August 2012

Development of new personal mobile and wireless devices for healthcare has become essential due to our aging population characterized by constant rise in chronic diseases that consequently require a complex treatment and close monitoring. Personal telehealth devices allow patients to adequately receive their appropriate treatment, followup with their doctors, and report any emergency without the need of the presence of any caregivers with them thus increasing their quality of life in a cost-effective fashion. This paper includes a brief overview of personal telehealth systems, a survey of 100 consecutive ED patients aged >65 years, and introduces “Limmex” a new GSM based technology packaged in a wristwatch. Limmex can by a push of a button initiate multiple emergency call and establish mobile communication between the patient and a preselected person, institution, or a search and rescue service. To the best of our knowledge, Limmex is the first of its kind worldwide.
Benchmark of Subchannel Code VIPRE-W with PSBT Void and Temperature Test Data
Authors: Sung Y. , Oelrich R. L. , Lee C. C. , Ruiz-Esquide N. , Gambetta M. , Mazufri C. M.
Published: August 2012

This paper summarizes comparisons of VIPRE-W thermal-hydraulic subchannel code predictions with measurements of fluid temperature and void from pressurized water reactor subchannel and bundle tests. Using an existing turbulent mixing model, the empirical coefficient derived from code predictions in comparison to the fluid temperature measurement is similar to those from previous mixing tests of similar bundle configurations. The predicted steady-state axial void distributions and time-dependent void profiles based on the Lellouche and Zolotar model generally agree well with the test data. The void model tends to predict lower void at the upper elevation under bulk boiling. The void predictions are in closer agreement with the measurements from the power increase, temperature increase, and flow reduction transients than the depressurization transient. Additional model sensitivity studies showed no significant improvement in the code predictions as compared to the published test data.
Effects of Cropping System and Cowpea Variety on Symbiotic Potential and Yields of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL. Walp) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucumL.) in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Mali
Authors: Kouyaté Zoumana , Krasova-Wade Tatiana , Yattara Inamoud Ibny , Neyra Marc
Published: August 2012

Many cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculataL. Walp) have been proposed by research in Mali. None of these varieties were investigated for their symbiotic potential in terms of root nodulation and mycorrhizal infection. An experiment was conducted at Cinzana Research Station, from 2007 to 2009 with an objective to identify a cowpea variety with high symbiotic potential which may improve millet/cowpea cropping global production. Randomized complete block (RCBD) design with a factorial combination of 3 cowpea varieties (IT89KD-374, CZ1-94-23-1, and CZ11-94-5C) and 2 cropping systems (millet/cowpea intercropping and cowpea-millet rotation) was used. On farm test was conducted to evaluate CZ11-94-5C and IT89KD-374 nodulation performance. Cowpea variety CZ11-94-5-C had the highest nodule number and nodule weight. Millet/cowpea alternate rows intercropping (1/1), only, had a significant influence on cowpea root infection rates by mycorrhizae, on the 45th day after emergence. IT89KD-374 gave the best cowpea grain yield (1540 kg ha−1) in sole crop. The highest millet grain yield (1650 kg ha−1) was obtained under CZ11-94-5C-millet rotation. Farmers' fields assessments results confirmed CZ11-94-5C performance on research station. The CZ11-94-5C cowpea variety needs to be more characterized.
The Attitudes and Practices of General Practitioners about the Use of Chaperones in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: van Hecke Oliver , Jones Kay M.
Published: August 2012

Introduction. To consider the use of medical chaperones during certain clinical examinations is important whether one practises as a specialist, nurse, medical student, or generalist. Chaperones have been used by doctors conducting intimate examinations for many years but their true extent remains largely unknown. Until recently, there was no national guidance in Australia. Aim. To explore the attitudes and practices of general practitioners (GP) regarding their use of chaperones in urban Melbourne, Australia. Method. Qualitative two focus groups involving seventeen GPs from two locations. Discussions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed. Results. Common themes and subthemes emerged which were grouped into three main areas: (a) practitioner-related, (b) patient-related and (c) practice related. Discussion. This is the first study from an Australian primary care perspective to gauge the attitudes and experiences of GPs on their use of chaperones. It will provide vital information to inform the next step of extending this research to a national GP audience. From an international perspective, this study provides an excellent template for other primary care clinicians to conduct research in this important field of doctor-patient relationship.
Development of a Scheme and Tools to Construct a Standard Moth Brain for Neural Network Simulations
Authors: Ikeno Hidetoshi , Kazawa Tomoki , Namiki Shigehiro , Miyamoto Daisuke , Sato Yohei , Haupt Stephan Shuichi , Nishikawa Ikuko , Kanzaki Ryohei
Published: August 2012

Understanding the neural mechanisms for sensing environmental information and controlling behavior in natural environments is a principal aim in neuroscience. One approach towards this goal is rebuilding neural systems by simulation. Despite their relatively simple brains compared with those of mammals, insects are capable of processing various sensory signals and generating adaptive behavior. Nevertheless, our global understanding at network system level is limited by experimental constraints. Simulations are very effective for investigating neural mechanisms when integrating both experimental data and hypotheses. However, it is still very difficult to construct a computational model at the whole brain level owing to the enormous number and complexity of the neurons. We focus on a unique behavior of the silkmoth to investigate neural mechanisms of sensory processing and behavioral control. Standard brains are used to consolidate experimental results and generate new insights through integration. In this study, we constructed a silkmoth standard brain and brain image, in which we registered segmented neuropil regions and neurons. Our original software tools for segmentation of neurons from confocal images, KNEWRiTE, and the registration module for segmented data, NeuroRegister, are shown to be very effective in neuronal registration for computational neuroscience studies.