bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Inventory Control with Dual‐Sourcing, Heterogeneous Ordering Costs and Order Size Constraints
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hua Zhongsheng , Benjaafar Saif
Published: December 2011

We consider a dual‐sourcing inventory system, where procuring from one supplier involves a high variable cost but negligible fixed cost whereas procuring from the other supplier involves a low variable cost but high fixed cost, as well as an order size constraint. We show that the problem can be reduced to an equivalent single‐sourcing problem. However, the corresponding ordering cost is neither concave nor convex. Using the notion of quasi‐convexity, we partially characterize the structure of the optimal policy and show that it can be specified by multiple thresholds which determine when to order from each supplier and how much. In contrast to previous research, which does not consider order size constraints, we show that it is optimal to simultaneously source from both suppliers when the beginning inventory level is sufficiently low. We also show that the decision to source from the low‐cost supplier is not monotonic in the inventory level. Our results require that the variable costs satisfy a certain condition which guarantees quasi‐convexity. However, extensive numerical results suggest that our policy is almost always optimal when the condition is not satisfied. We also show how the results can be extended to systems with multiple capacitated suppliers.
Effect of Biodiesel, Jet Propellant (JP-8) and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel on Auto-Ignition, Combustion, Performance and Emissions in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors: Jayakumar Chandrasekharan , Nargunde Jagdish , Sinha Anubhav , Bryzik Walter , Henein Naeim A. , Sattler Eric
Published: December 2011

Concern about the depletion of petroleum reserves, rising prices of conventional fuels, security of supply and global warming have driven research toward the development of renewable fuels for use in diesel engines. These fuels have different physical and chemical properties that affect the diesel combustion process. This paper compares between the autoignition, combustion, performance and emissions of soy-bean derived biodiesel, Jet propellant (JP-8) and ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in a high speed single-cylinder research diesel engine equipped with a common rail injection system. Tests were conducted at steady state conditions at different injection pressures ranging from 600 bar to 1200 bar. The ‘rate of heat release’ traces are analyzed to determine the effect of fuel properties on the ignition delay, premixed combustion fraction and mixing and diffusion controlled combustion fractions. Biodiesel produced the largest diffusion controlled combustion fraction at all injection pressures compared to ULSD and JP-8. At 600 bar injection pressure, the diffusion controlled combustion fraction for biodiesel was 53% whereas both JP-8 and ULSD produced 39%. In addition, the effect of fuel properties on engine performance, fuel economy, and engine-out emissions is determined. On an average JP-8 produced 3% higher thermal efficiency than ULSD. Special attention is given to the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions and particulate matter characteristics. On an average biodiesel produced 37% less NOx emissions compared to ULSD and JP-8.
Complex Colloidal Assembly
Authors: Parak Wolfgang J.
Published: December 2011

A colloidal chemistry approach is used to fabricate complex three-dimensional objects on the nanometer scale.
Use of Pre-S Protein-Containing Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigens and a Powerful Adjuvant To Develop an Immune Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Yum Jung Sun , Ahn Byung Cheol , Jo Hyun Jin , Kim Dong Yeon , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Hyo Sun , Sung Young Chul , Yoon Jaeseung , Morrey John , Moon Hong Mo
Published: December 2011

A hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has been developed using a new adjuvant and HBV surface antigens produced from a CHO cell line. The purified HBV surface antigens are composed of L protein, M protein, and S protein in a mixture of 20- and 40-nm-diameter particles and filamentous forms. This HBV surface antigen, formulated with L-pampo, a proprietary adjuvant, induced 10 times more antibody than the same antigen with alum and was capable of inducing strong immune responses in three different HBV transgenic mice. In spite of the presence of a large amount of HBV antigen in the blood, no antibody against HBV surface antigen was normally detected in these transgenic mice. After immunization, the HBV antigen was also cleared from the blood.
Clostridium difficile Carriage in Elderly Subjects and Associated Changes in the Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Rea Mary C. , O'Sullivan Orla , Shanahan Fergus , O'Toole Paul W. , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin
Published: December 2011

Clostridium difficile
is an important nosocomial pathogen associated particularly with diarrheal disease in elderly individuals in hospitals and long-term care facilities. We examined the carriage rate of
Clostridium difficile
by culture as a function of fecal microbiota composition in elderly subjects recruited from the community, including outpatient, short-term respite, and long-term hospital stay subjects. The carriage rate ranged from 1.6% (
n
= 123) for subjects in the community, to 9.5% (
n
= 43) in outpatient settings, and increasing to 21% (
n
= 151) for patients in short- or long-term care in hospital. The dominant 072 ribotype was carried by 43% (12/28) of subjects, while the hypervirulent strain R027 (B1/NAP1/027) was isolated from 3 subjects (11%), 2 of whom displayed
C. difficile
associated diarrhea (CDAD) symptoms at the time of sampling. Emerging ribotypes with enhanced virulence (078 and 018) were also isolated from two asymptomatic subjects. Pyrosequencing of rRNA gene amplicons was used to determine the composition of the fecal microbiota as a surrogate for the microbial population structure of the distal intestine. Asymptomatic subjects (
n
= 20) from whom
C. difficile
was isolated showed no dramatic difference at the phylum or family taxonomic level compared to those that were culture negative (
n
= 252). However, in contrast, a marked reduction in microbial diversity at genus level was observed in patients who had been diagnosed with CDAD at the time of sampling and from whom
C. difficile
R027 was isolated.
Use of Quantitative HIV RNA Detection for Early Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants and Acute HIV Infections in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Lee Bonita E. , Plitt Sabrina S. , Jayaraman Gayatri C. , Chui Linda , Singh Ameeta E. , Preiksaitis Jutta K.
Published: December 2011

Quantitative HIV RNA viral load (QVL) assays (Roche Diagnostics) were sensitive and specific when used to diagnose HIV infection in (i) HIV-exposed infants (sensitivity of 100% [63.1 to 100%] and specificity of 100% [97.9 to 100%]) and (ii) suspected acute HIV infection patients with a negative/indeterminate Western blot (sensitivity of 97.6% [91.6 to 99.7%] and specificity of 100% [96.1 to 100%]). No false-positive QVL results were identified.
Most HIV Type 1 Non-B Infections in the Spanish Cohort of Antiretroviral Treatment-Naïve HIV-Infected Patients (CoRIS) Are Due to Recombinant Viruses
Authors: Yebra Gonzalo , de Mulder Miguel , Martín Leticia , Rodríguez Carmen , Labarga Pablo , Viciana Isabel , Berenguer Juan , Alemán María Remedios , Pineda Juan Antonio , García Federico , Holguín África ,   Cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS)
Published: December 2011

HIV-1 group M is classified into 9 subtypes, as well as recombinants favored by coinfection and superinfection events with different variants. Although HIV-1 subtype B is predominant in Europe, intersubtype recombinants are increasing in prevalence and complexity. In this study, phylogenetic analyses ofpolsequences were performed to detect the HIV-1 circulating and unique recombinant forms (CRFs and URFs, respectively) in a Spanish cohort of antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients included in the Research Network on HIV/AIDS (CoRIS). Bootscanning and other methods were used to define complex recombinants not assigned to any subtype or CRF. A total of 670 available HIV-1polsequences from different patients were collected, of which 588 (87.8%) were assigned to HIV-1 subtype B and 82 (12.2%) to HIV-1 non-B variants. Recombinants caused the majority (71.9%) of HIV-1 non-B infections and were found in 8.8% of CoRIS patients. Eleven URFs (accounting for 13.4% of HIV-1 non-B infections), presenting complex mosaic patterns, were detected. Among them, 10 harbored subtype B fragments. Four of the 11 URFs were found in Spanish natives. A cluster of three B/CRF02_AG recombinants was detected. We conclude that complex variants, including unique recombinant forms, are being introduced into Spain through both immigrants and natives. An increase in the frequency of mosaic viruses, reflecting the increasing heterogeneity of the HIV epidemic in our country, is expected.
Clinical Significance of Quantifying Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA by Using Real-Time PCR in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Botterel Françoise , Cabaret Odile , Foulet Françoise , Cordonnier Catherine , Costa Jean-Marc , Bretagne Stéphane
Published: December 2011

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting
Pneumocystis jirovecii
in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. We therefore developed a qPCR assay and compared the results with those of a routine immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and clinical data. The assay included automated DNA extraction, amplification of the mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA gene and an internal control, and quantification of copy numbers with the help of a plasmid clone. We studied 353 consecutive BAL fluids obtained for investigation of unexplained fever and/or pneumonia in 287 immunocompromised patients. No qPCR inhibition was observed. Seventeen (5%) samples were both IFA and qPCR positive, 63 (18%) were IFA negative and qPCR positive, and 273 (77%) were both IFA and qPCR negative. The copy number was significantly higher for IFA-positive/qPCR-positive samples than for IFA-negative/qPCR-positive samples (4.2 ± 1.2 versus 1.1 ± 1.1 log
10
copies/μl;
P
< 10
−4
). With IFA as the standard, the qPCR assay sensitivity was 100% for ≥2.6 log
10
copies/μl and the specificity was 100% for ≥4 log
10
copies/μl. Since qPCR results were not available at the time of decision-making, these findings did not trigger cotrimoxazole therapy. Patients with systemic inflammatory diseases and IFA-negative/qPCR-positive BAL fluid had a worse 1-year survival rate than those with IFA-negative/qPCR-negative results (
P
< 10
−3
), in contrast with solid-organ transplant recipients (
P
= 0.88) and patients with hematological malignancy (
P
= 0.26). Quantifying
P. jirovecii
DNA in BAL fluids independently of IFA positivity should be incorporated into the investigation of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. The relevant threshold remains to be determined and may vary according to the underlying disease.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL44 Concentrates at the Periphery of Replication Compartments, the Site of Viral DNA Synthesis
Authors: Strang Blair L. , Boulant Steeve , Chang Lynne , Knipe David M. , Kirchhausen Tomas , Coen Donald M.
Published: December 2011

The formation of replication compartments, the subnuclear structures in which the viral DNA genome is replicated, is a hallmark of herpesvirus infections. The localization of proteins and viral DNA within human cytomegalovirus replication compartments is not well characterized. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the accumulation of the viral DNA polymerase subunit UL44 at the periphery of replication compartments and the presence of different populations of UL44 in infected cells. In contrast, the viral single-stranded-DNA binding protein UL57 was distributed throughout replication compartments. Using “click chemistry” to detect 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation into replicating viral DNA and pulse-chase protocols, we found that viral DNA synthesis occurs at the periphery of replication compartments and that replicated viral DNA subsequently localizes to the interior of replication compartments. The interiors of replication compartments also contain regions in which UL44 and EdU-labeled DNA are absent. The treatment of cells with a viral DNA polymerase inhibitor reversibly caused the dispersal of both UL44 and EdU-labeled viral DNA from replication compartments, indicating that ongoing viral DNA synthesis is necessary to maintain the organization of replication compartments. Our results reveal a previously unappreciated complexity of the organization of human cytomegalovirus replication compartments.
Fishing-gear threat to right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in Canadian waters and the risk of lethal entanglement
Authors: Vanderlaan Angelia S.M. , Smedbol R. Kent , Taggart Christopher T.
Published: December 2011

Commercial fishing gear can potentially entangle any whale, and this is especially true for the endangered North Atlantic right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis ), for which entanglement is second only to vessel strike as being responsible for documented right whale deaths. We use right whale survey data and Canadian fishing-gear deployment data to estimate the relative threat of gear entanglement in a Scotia–Fundy study area and the relative risk of lethal entanglement in the Bay of Fundy and on Roseway Basin, Scotian Shelf, where Critical Habitat has been legislated. We focus on groundfish and pelagic hook-and-line; groundfish gillnet; and crab-, hagfish-, and inshore and offshore lobster-trap gear. Our analyses demonstrate that groundfish hook-and-line gear poses the greatest threat to right whales among the seven gear types analysed during the summer-resident period in Critical Habitat and that gear from the lobster fisheries poses the greatest threat during the spring and autumn periods when whales are migrating to and from Critical Habitat. We suggest that area-specific seasonal closures of some fisheries would reduce threat and risk to whales without unduly compromising fishing interests.
Laser-induced optical nonlinearities in Orange G dye: polyacrylamide gel
Authors: Badran Hussain A. , Hassan Qusay M. Ali , Al-Ahmad Alaa Y. , Emshary Chassib A.
Published: December 2011

We observed multiple diffraction rings of a continuous-wave solid-state laser beam from an Orange G dye doped polyacrylamide gel. The number of rings increases almost exponentially with increasing input power and the concentration of the samples. The refractive index change, Δn, and effective nonlinear refractive index, n2, were determined from the number of observed rings. We obtained good values of Δn ∼ 0.004 788 and n2 = 10−5 cm2/W. Variation of refractive index with temperature (dn/dT) and figure of merit (H) are found to be 1.01 × 10−4 1/°C and 0.45 × 10−4, respectively. This large nonlinearity is attributed to a thermal effect resulting from linear absorption.
Algebraic approach to energy spectra of the Scarf type and generalized Pöschl–Teller potentials
Authors: Wei Gao-Feng , Dong Shi-Hai
Published: December 2011

Using the shape invariance approach, we obtain analytical energy spectra of the Scarf-type and generalized Pöschl–Teller potentials and calculate them numerically. The eigenfunctions are also presented for completeness. We find that their eigenfunctions can be expressed by the Nomanovski polynomials and hypergeometric functions, respectively. The key point is how to find their superpotentials using the Sturm–Liouville theorem.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of dark energy on the power-law entropy-corrected apparent horizon
Authors: Farooq M. Umar , Jamil Mubasher
Published: December 2011

We investigate the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe (containing dark energy) as a nonequilibrium (irreversible) thermodynamic system by considering the power-law correction to the horizon entropy. By taking the power-law entropy area law that appears in dealing with the entanglement of quantum fields both within and outside of the horizon, we determine the power-law entropy-corrected apparent horizon of the FRW universe.
Traffic flow controlled by synchronized traffic lights in an open and periodic boundaries system
Authors: Mhirech Abdelaziz
Published: December 2011

The traffic flow controlled by synchronized traffic lights on a single-lane roadway with open and periodic boundaries is studied. This study is based on a modified version of the Nagel and Schreckenberg (NaSch) (J. Phys. 1 (France), 2, 2221 (1992)) model recently proposed by Zhu et al. (Eur. Phys. J. B, 57, 103 (2007)) in parallel dynamics, which takes into account the sensitivity of drivers and vehicles. Five traffic lights are placed on the road at equal distances and are synchronized with a cycle time T. The density, flow, and (α, β) phase diagrams are established for different values of T, where α and β are the injecting and extracting rates, respectively, of cars in the traffic lane. In the deterministic NaSch model, the presence of signal lights on the road causes early onset of the high-density region. Additionally, it is shown that the low-density region shrinks with an increase in T, when T is less than a certain value. However, the modified NaSch model shows that the low density phase shrinks even more. Finally, in the presence of traffic lights, a comparison is made between the original NaSch model with a constant braking probability and the modified one.
Effect of WO3 on structural and optical properties of PbO-B2O3 glasses
Authors: Singh G. Pal , Singh D.P.
Published: December 2011

Glass samples of compositions xWO3-(30-x) PbO-70B2O3 with x varying from 0 to 10 mol percent are prepared using the melt–quench technique. The structural and optical analysis of glasses is carried out by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), density, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic measurement techniques. FTIR analysis indicates the transformation of structural units of BO3 into BO4 and formation of WO4 units with W–O–W vibration are observed with WO3 doping. Decrease of band gap from 2.89 to 2.22 eV has been observed and discussed. This decrease in band gap causes an approach to semiconducting behavior with WO3 doping. It shows that WO3 causes more compaction of the borate network by breaking the bonds between trigonal elements, which results in the decrease of optical band gap energy and increase of density.
Nonencapsulated or nontypeableHaemophilus influenzaeare more likely than their encapsulated or serotypeable counterparts to have mutations in their fucose operon
Authors: Shuel Michelle L. , Karlowsky Kathleen E. , Law Dennis K.S. , Tsang Raymond S.W.
Published: December 2011

Population biology of Haemophilus influenzae can be studied by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and isolates are assigned sequence types (STs) based on nucleotide sequence variations in seven housekeeping genes, including fucK. However, the ST cannot be assigned if one of the housekeeping genes is absent or cannot be detected by the current protocol. Occasionally, strains of H. influenzae have been reported to lack the fucK gene. In this study, we examined the prevalence of this mutation among our collection of H. influenzae isolates. Of the 704 isolates studied, including 282 encapsulated and 422 nonencapsulated isolates, nine were not typeable by MLST owing to failure to detect the fucK gene. All nine fucK-negative isolates were nonencapsulated and belonged to various biotypes. DNA sequencing of the fucose operon region confirmed complete deletion of genes in the operon in seven of the nine isolates, while in the remaining two isolates, some of the genes were found intact or in parts. The significance of these findings is discussed.
FREE DETERMINISTIC EQUIVALENTS, RECTANGULAR RANDOM MATRIX MODELS, AND OPERATOR-VALUED FREE PROBABILITY THEORY
Authors: SPEICHER ROLAND , VARGAS CARLOS
Published: December 2011

Motivated by the asymptotic collective behavior of random and deterministic matrices, we propose an approximation (called "free deterministic equivalent") to quite general random matrix models, by replacing the matrices with operators satisfying certain freeness relations. We comment on the relation between our free deterministic equivalent and deterministic equivalents considered in the engineering literature. We do not only consider the case of square matrices, but also show how rectangular matrices can be treated. Furthermore, we emphasize how operator-valued free probability techniques can be used to solve our free deterministic equivalents.

As an illustration of our methods we show how the free deterministic equivalent of a random matrix model from [6] can be treated and we thus recover in a conceptual way the results from [6].

On a technical level, we generalize a result from scalar-valued free probability, by showing that randomly rotated deterministic matrices of different sizes are asymptotically free from deterministic rectangular matrices, with amalgamation over a certain algebra of projections.

In Appendix A, we show how estimates for differences between Cauchy transforms can be extended from a neighborhood of infinity to a region close to the real axis. This is of some relevance if one wants to compare the original random matrix problem with its free deterministic equivalent.
Diabetes alters subsets of endothelial progenitor cells that reside in blood, bone marrow, and spleen
Authors: Saito Hidehito , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from the bone marrow (BM) participate in maintaining endothelial integrity and vascular homeostasis. Reduced EPC number and function result in vascular complications in diabetes. EPCs are a population of cells existing in various differentiation stages, and their cell surface marker profiles change during the process of mobilization and maturation. Hence, a generally accepted marker combination and a standardized protocol for the quantification of EPCs remain to be established. To determine the EPC subsets that are affected by diabetes, we comprehensively analyzed 32 surface marker combinations of mouse peripheral blood (PB), BM, and spleen cells by multicolor flow cytometry. Ten subsets equivalent to previously reported mouse EPCs significantly declined in number in the PB of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and this reduction was reversed by insulin treatment. The PI−Lin−c-Kit−Sca-1+Flk-1−CD34−CD31+ EPC cluster, which can differentiate into mature endothelial cells in vitro, was the highest population in the PB, BM, and spleen and occurred 61 times more in the spleen than in the PB. The cell number significantly decreased in the BM as well as in the PB but paradoxically increased in the spleen under diabetic conditions. Insulin treatment reversed the decrease of EPC subsets in the BM and PB and reversed their increase in spleen. A similar tendency was observed in some of the major cell populations in db/db mice. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report spatial population changes in mouse EPCs by diabetes in the blood and in the BM across the spleen. Diminished circulating EPC supply by diabetes may be ascribed to impaired EPC production in the BM and to decreased EPC mobilization from the spleen, which may contribute to vascular dysfunction in diabetic conditions.
Functional consequences of inhibiting exocytosis of Weibel-Palade bodies in acute renal ischemia
Authors: Yasuda Kaoru , Vasko Radovan , Hayek Peter , Ratliff Brian , Bicer Hasan , Mares Jonathan , Maruyama Shoichi , Bertuglia Silvia , Mascagni Paolo , Goligorsky Michael S.
Published: December 2011

Exocytosis of Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB) represents a distinct response of endothelial cells to stressors, and local release of WPB contents leads to systemic escalation of this response. We synthesized a glycine-(Nα-Et)lysine-proline-arginine (ITF 1697) peptide that has a potential to inhibit exocytosis of WPB and protect microcirculation. Here, we confirmed an inhibitory effect of ITF 1697 using intravital videoimaging and point-tracking of individual organelles. In an in vivo study, mice were implanted with Alzet osmotic pumps (10 μg ITF 1697·kg−1·min−1 at volume of 1 μl/h) and subjected to renal ischemia (IRI). IRI resulted in marked renal injury and elevation of serum creatinine in mice treated with a vehicle. In contrast, renal injury and elevation of creatinine were significantly ameliorated in mice subjected to IRI and receiving ITF 1697. ITF 1697 prevented a systemic response to IRI: a significant surge in the levels of eotaxin and IL-8 (KC; both components of WPB), IL-1α, IL-1β, and RANTES was all prevented or blunted by the administration of ITF 1697, whereas the levels of an anti-inflammatory, IL-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α were upregulated in ITF 1697-treated animals. En face staining of aortic endothelial cells showed that WPB were depleted after 40–180 min post-IRI, and this was significantly blunted in aortic preparations obtained from mice treated with ITF 1697. WPB exocytosis contributed to IRI-associated mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and hematopoietic stem cells, and ITF 1697 blunted their mobilization. Unexpectedly, 1 mo after IRI, mice treated with ITF 1697 showed a significantly more pronounced degree of scarring than nontreated animals. In conclusion, 1) application of ITF 1697 inhibits exocytosis of WPB and IRI; 2) the systemic inflammatory response of IRI is in part due to the exocytosis of WPB and its blockade blunts it; and 3) ITF 1697 improves short-term renal function after IRI, but not the long-term fibrotic complications.
Clinical Findings Associated with a De Novo Partial Trisomy 10p11.22p15.3 and Monosomy 7p22.3 Detected by Chromosomal Microarray Analysis
Authors: Kohannim Omid , Peredo Jane , Dipple Katrina M. , Quintero-Rivera Fabiola
Published: December 2011

We present the case of an 18-month-old boy with dysmorphic facial features, developmental delay, growth retardation, bilateral clubfeet, thrombocytopenia, and strabismus, whose array CGH analysis revealed concurrentde novotrisomy 10p11.22p15.3 and monosomy 7p22.3. We describe the patient's clinical presentation, along with his cytogenetic analysis, and we compare the findings to those of similar case reports in the literature. We also perform a bioinformatic analysis in the chromosomal regions of segmental aneuploidy to find genes that could potentially explain the patient's phenotype.
Maternal Vitamin D, Folate, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status and Bacterial Vaginosis during Pregnancy
Authors: Dunlop Anne L. , Taylor Robert N. , Tangpricha Vin , Fortunato Stephen , Menon Ramkumar
Published: December 2011

Objective. To investigate associations among serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D), folate, omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio and bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy.Methods. Biospecimens and data were derived from a random sample (N=160) of women from the Nashville Birth Cohort. We compared mean plasma nutrient concentrations for women with and without BV during pregnancy (based on Nugent score ≥7) and assessed the odds of BV for those with 25-OH-D <12 ng/mL, folate <5 ug/L, and omega-6/omega-3 ratio >15.Results. The mean plasma 25-OH-D was significantly lower among women with BV during pregnancy (18.00±8.14 ng/mL versus24.34±11.97 ng/mL,P=0.044). The adjusted odds of BV were significantly increased among pregnant women with 25-OH-D <12 ng/mL (aOR 5.11, 95% CI: 1.19–21.97) and folate <5 ug/L (aOR 7.06, 95% CI: 1.07–54.05).Conclusion. Vitamin D and folate deficiencies were strongly associated with BV (Nugent score ≥7) during pregnancy.
Novel Computational Iterative Methods with Optimal Order for Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Soleymani F.
Published: December 2011

This paper contributes a very general class of two-point iterative methods without memory for solving nonlinear equations. The class of methods is developed using weight function approach. Per iteration, each method of the class includes two evaluations of the function and one of its first-order derivative. The analytical study of the main theorem is presented in detail to show the fourth order of convergence. Furthermore, it is discussed that many of the existing fourth-order methods without memory are members from this developed class. Finally, numerical examples are taken into account to manifest the accuracy of the derived methods.
Healthy Eating Index and Alternate Healthy Eating Index among Haitian Americans and African Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huffman Fatma G. , De La Cera Maurcio , Vaccaro Joan A. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Exebio Joel , Gundupalli Deva , Shaban Lamya
Published: December 2011

Ethnicities within Black populations have not been distinguished in most nutrition studies. We sought to examine dietary differences between African Americans (AA) and Haitian Americans (HA) with and without type 2 diabetes using the Healthy Eating Index, 2005 (HEI-05), and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). The design was cross-sectional (225 AA, 246 HA) and recruitment was by community outreach. The eating indices were calculated from data collected with the Harvard food-frequency questionnaire. African Americans had lower HEI-05 scores (−8.67, 13.1); , than HA. Haitian American females and AA males had higher AHEI than AA females and HA males, respectively, () adjusting for age and education. Participants with diabetes had higher adherence to the HEI-05 (1.78, 6.01), , and lower adherence to the AHEI (16.3, −3.19), , , than participants without diabetes. The findings underscore the importance of disaggregating ethnicities and disease state when assessing diet.
Upper Pole Nephrectomy: A Simplified Technique Using a Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Approach
Authors: Pereira Joana , Osório Angélica , Moreira-Pinto João , Cidade-Rodrigues José , Enes Carlos , Reis Armando , Ribeiro-Castro João
Published: December 2011

Objective. To describe a simplified technique already used in our institution for several years in the open heminephrectomy for duplication anomalies, now performed through a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach.Methods. The technique begins with upper pole parenchyma incision since the demarcation between the affected upper moiety and the healthy lower pole is easily established. The dissection proceeds until the urothelium of the collecting system is entered, which will guide further excision, minimizing damage of the surrounding structures. The vascular supply is then identified since the upper pole is attached to the remaining renal parenchyma only by these structures that can be safely divided. Dissection and division of the ectopic ureter is carried next.Results. The operative time was 188 minutes. The blood loss was not significant, and there were no other complications during the procedure. The patient was discharged home 48 hours after the procedure, without any early or late postoperative complications.Conclusion. We believe this simplified technique allows a safer excision of nonfunctioning upper pole renal tissue by avoiding the initial dissection of the renal hilum, which associated with the known advantages of a laparoscopic approach makes us consider it the procedure of choice for upper pole nephrectomy in children.
Analysis of Polymorphisms in the Lactotransferrin Gene Promoter and Dental Caries
Authors: Brancher João Armando , Pecharki Giovana Daniela , Doetzer Andrea Duarte , Medeiros Kamilla Gabriella dos Santos , Cordeiro Júnior Carlos Alberto , Sotomaior Vanessa Santos , Bauer Peter , Trevilatto Paula Cristina
Published: December 2011

Regarding host aspects, there has been strong evidence for a genetic component in the etiology of caries. The salivary protein lactotransferrin (LTF) exhibits antibacterial activity, but there is no study investigating the association of polymorphisms in the promoter region ofLTFgene with caries. The objective of this study was firstly to search the promoter region of the humanLTFgene for variations and, if existent, to investigate the association of the identified polymorphisms with dental caries in 12-year-old students. From 687 unrelated, 12-year-old, both sex students, 50 individuals were selected and divided into two groups of extreme phenotypes according to caries experience: 25 students without (DMFT = 0) and 25 with caries experience (DMFT ≥ 4). The selection of individuals with extreme phenotypes augments the chances to find gene variations which could be associated with such phenotypes.LTFgene-putative promoter region (+39 to −1143) of the selected 50 individuals was analyzed by high-resolution melting technique. Fifteen students, 8 without (DMFT = 0) and 7 with caries experience (mean DMFT = 6.28), presented deviations of the pattern curve suggestive of gene variations and were sequenced. However, no polymorphisms were identified in the putative promoter region of theLTFgene.
A Case of Angiomyolipoma Arising in the Tongue
Authors: Yura Shinya , Terahata Shintaro , Sugiguchi Shun
Published: December 2011

A 61-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a mass in the left proglossis. The lesion was excised with a provisional diagnosis of hemangioma. The mass was well-demarcated and easily dissected with an ultrasonic surgical aspirator. The histopathologic diagnosis was angiomyolipoma arising in the tongue. There were no signs of recurrence at followup at 18 months.
A Novel FEM-Based Numerical Solver for Interactive Catheter Simulation in Virtual Catheterization
Authors: Li Shun , Qin Jing , Guo Jixiang , Chui Yim-Pan , Heng Pheng-Ann
Published: December 2011

Virtual reality-based simulators are very helpful for trainees to acquire the skills of manipulating catheters and guidewires during the vascular interventional surgeries. In the development of such a simulator, however, it is a great challenge to realistically model and simulate deformable catheters and guidewires in an interactive manner. We propose a novel method to simulate the motion of catheters or guidewires and their interactions with patients' vascular system. Our method is based on the principle of minimal total potential energy. We formulate the total potential energy in the vascular interventional circumstance by summing up the elastic energy deriving from the bending of the catheters or guidewires, the potential energy due to the deformation of vessel walls, and the work by the external forces. We propose a novel FEM-based approach to simulate the deformation of catheters and guidewires. The motion of catheters or the guidewires and their responses to every input from the interventionalist can be calculated globally. Experiments have been conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed method, and the results demonstrate that our method can realistically simulate the complex behaviors of catheters and guidewires in an interactive manner.
White Matter Lesions Are Not Related toβ-Amyloid Deposition in an Autopsy-Based Study
Authors: Rutten-Jacobs Loes C. A. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Geurts-van Bon Lenny , Gordinou de Gouberville Marije C. , Schepens-Franke Annelieke N. , Dederen P. Jos , Spliet Wim G. M. , Wesseling Pieter , Kiliaan Amanda J.
Published: December 2011

Population-based studies have investigated the relation betweenβ-amyloid levels in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma and white matter lesions (WMLs). However, these circulating levels ofβ-amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma may not reliably reflect the actual degree of amyloid present in the brain. Therefore, we investigated the relation between WMLs andβ-amyloid plaques and amyloid angiopathy in brain tissue. WML on MRI or CT were rated in 28 nondemented patients whose neuroimaging was available prior to death.β-amyloid in plaques and arterioles were immunohistochemically stained and quantified in postmortem brain necropsies. WMLs were present in 43% of the total population. Both cortex and periventricular region showed no differences forβ-amyloid deposition in either plaques or blood vessel walls in patients with WMLs compared to those without WMLs. Thus, our results indicate that there is no relation between the degree of WMLs andβ-amyloid deposition in the brain.
ZnO Nanowire Formation by Two-Step Deposition Method Using Energy-Controlled Hollow-Type Magnetron RF Plasma
Authors: Ono Hideki , Iizuka Satoru
Published: December 2011

ZnO nanowire was produced in RF (radio frequency) discharge plasma. We employed here a two-step deposition technique. In the 1st step, zinc atoms were sputtered from a zinc target to create zinc nuclei on a substrate before the growth of ZnO nanostructure. Here, we used pure argon plasma for physical sputtering. In the 2nd step, we employed an oxygen discharge mixed with argon, where oxygen radicals reacted with zinc nuclei to form ZnO nanostructures. Experimental parameters such as gas flow ratio and target bias voltage were controlled in O2/Ar plasma. Properties of the depositions were analysed by SEM and Raman spectroscopy. We found that many folded and bundled nanowires formed in the 2nd step. The diameter of wires was typically 10–100 nm. We also discussed a growth mechanism of ZnO nanowires.
Oscillation Properties for Second‐Order Partial Differential Equations with Damping and Functional Arguments
Authors: Xu Run , Lu Yuhua , Meng Fanwei
Published: December 2011

Using an integral averaging method and generalized Riccati technique, by introducing a parameter β ≥ 1, we derive new oscillation criteria for second‐order partial differential equations with damping. The results are of high degree of generality and sharper than most known
ones.
Existence of Periodic Solutions in a Discrete Predator‐Prey System withBeddington‐DeAngelis Functional Responses
Authors: Xu Changjin , Liao Maoxin
Published: December 2011

A discrete predator‐prey model with Holling II and Beddington‐DeAngelis
functional responses is investigated. With the aid of differential equations with piecewise
constant arguments, a discrete version of continuous nonautonomous delayed predator‐prey model with Beddington‐DeAngelis functional responses is proposed. By using Gaines and Mawhin′s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions of the model are established.
The Pathophysiology of HIV-/HAART-Related Metabolic Syndrome Leading to Cardiovascular Disorders: The Emerging Role of Adipokines
Authors: Palios John , Kadoglou Nikolaos P. E. , Lampropoulos Stylianos
Published: December 2011

Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) frequently demonstrate metabolic syndrome (MS) associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disorders. Characteristics of HIV infection, such as immunodeficiency, viral load, and duration of the disease, in addition to the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been suggested to induce MS in these patients. It is well documented that MS involves a number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, like glucose, lipids, and arterial blood pressure abnormalities, leading to extensive atherogenic arterial wall changes. Nevertheless, the above traditional cardiovascular risk factors merely explain the exacerbated cardiovascular risk in MS. Nowadays, the adipose-tissue derivatives, known as adipokines, have been suggested to contribute to chronic inflammation and the MS-related cardiovascular disease. In view of a novel understanding on how adipokines affect the pathogenesis of HIV/HAART-related MS and cardiovascular complications, this paper focuses on the interaction of the metabolic pathways and the potential cardiovascular consequences. Based on the current literature, we suggest adipokines to have a role in the pathogenesis of the HIV/HAART-related MS. It is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of the HIV/HAART-related MS and apply therapeutic strategies in order to reduce cardiovascular risk in HIV patients.
Iterative Schemes for a Class of Mixed Trifunction Variational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat , Al-Said Eisa
Published: December 2011

We use the auxiliary principle technique to suggest and analyze some iterative methods for solving a new class of variational inequalities, which is called the mixed trifunction variational inequality. The mixed trifunction variational inequality includes the trifunction variational inequalities and the classical variational inequalities as special cases. Convergence of these iterative methods is proved under very mild and suitable assumptions. Several special cases are also considered. Results proved in this paper continue to hold for these known and new classes of variational inequalities and its variant forms.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in a Market of Bolivian Immigrants in Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Pochettino María Lelia , Puentes Jeremías P. , Buet Costantino Fernando , Arenas Patricia M. , Ulibarri Emilio A. , Hurrell Julio A.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the results of a research in urban ethnobotany, conducted in a market of Bolivian immigrants in the neighborhood of Liniers, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Functional foods and nutraceuticals belonging to 50 species of 18 families, its products, and uses were recorded. Some products are exclusive from the Bolivian community; others are frequent within the community, but they are also available in the general commercial circuit; they are introduced into it, generally, through shops calleddietéticas(“health-food stores”), where products associated with the maintenance of health are sold. On this basis, the traditional and nontraditional components of the urban botanical knowledge were evaluated as well as its dynamics in relation to the diffusion of the products. Both the framework and methodological design are innovative for the studies of the urban botanical knowledge and the traditional markets in metropolitan areas.
ASICs Do Not Play a Role in Maintaining Hyperalgesia Induced by Repeated Intramuscular Acid Injections
Authors: Gautam Mamta , Benson Christopher J. , Ranier Jon D. , Light Alan R. , Sluka Kathleen A.
Published: December 2011

Repeated intramuscular acid injections produce long-lasting mechanical hyperalgesia that depends on activation of ASICs. The present study investigated if pH-activated currents in sensory neurons innervating muscle were altered in response to repeated acid injections, and if blockade of ASICs reverses existing hyperalgesia. In muscle sensory neurons, the mean acid-evoked current amplitudes and the biophysical properties of the ASIC-like currents were unchanged following acidic saline injections when compared to neutral pH saline injections or uninjected controls. Moreover, increased mechanical sensitivity of the muscle and paw after the second acid injection was unaffected by local blockade of ASICs (A-317567) in the muscle. As a control, electron microscopic analysis showed that the tibial nerve was undamaged after acid injections. Our previous studies demonstrated that ASICs are important in the development of hyperalgesia to repeated acid injections. However, the current data suggest that ASICs are not involved in maintaining hyperalgesia to repeated intramuscular acid injections.
Hydrogen Saline Treatment Attenuates Hyperoxia-Induced Retinopathy by Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Reduction of VEGF Expression
Authors: Huang Lina , Zhao Shihong , Zhang John H. , Sun Xuejun
Published: December 2011

Objective: Retinal neovascularization or retinopathy is a proliferative disorder of the retinal capillaries and is the primary cause of blindness. Some studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in hyperoxia-induced retinal neovascularization. Previous reports have indicated that hydrogen has a therapeutic, antioxidant activity by selectively reducing hydroxyl radicals. This study examined the therapeutic effect of hydrogen saline on retinopathy in an established mouse model of hyperoxia-induced retinopathy. Methods: Mouse pups were exposed to 75% O2 from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. Hydrogen saline was administered by intraperitoneal injection (5 ml/kg) daily for 5 days. On P17, the pups were decapitated, and retinal neovascularization was assessed using fluorescence imaging and histopathological examination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Oxidative stress was quantified based on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Results: Hydrogen saline decreased retinal neovascularization, reduced the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF, and suppressed the MDA levels. Conclusions: Hydrogen saline may be a potential treatment for hyperoxia-induced retinopathy that acts via the inhibition of oxidative stress and the reduction of VEGF expression.
Summarizing Information Graphics Textually
Authors: Demir Seniz , Carberry Sandra , McCoy Kathleen F.
Published: December 2011

Information graphics (such as bar charts and line graphs) play a vital role in many multimodal documents. The majority of information graphics that appear in popular media are intended to convey a message and the graphic designer uses deliberate communicative signals, such as highlighting certain aspects of the graphic, in order to bring that message out. The graphic, whose communicative goal (intended message) is often not captured by the document's accompanying text, contributes to the overall purpose of the document and cannot be ignored. This article presents our approach to providing the high-level content of a non-scientific information graphic via a brief textual summary which includes the intended message and the salient features of the graphic. This work brings together insights obtained from empirical studies in order to determine what should be contained in the summaries of this form of non-linguistic input data, and how the information required for realizing the selected content can be extracted from the visual image and the textual components of the graphic. This work also presents a novel bottom–up generation approach to simultaneously construct the discourse and sentence structures of textual summaries by leveraging different discourse related considerations such as the syntactic complexity of realized sentences and clause embeddings. The effectiveness of our work was validated by different evaluation studies.
Measuring Patterns in Team Interaction Sequences Using a Discrete Recurrence Approach
Authors: Gorman Jamie C. , Cooke Nancy J. , Amazeen Polemnia G. , Fouse Shannon
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Recurrence-based measures of communication determinism and pattern information are described and validated using previously collected team interaction data.

Background:

Team coordination dynamics has revealed that “mixing” team membership can lead to flexible interaction processes, but keeping a team “intact” can lead to rigid interaction processes. We hypothesized that communication of intact teams would have greater determinism and higher pattern information compared to that of mixed teams.

Method:

Determinism and pattern information were measured from three-person Uninhabited Air Vehicle team communication sequences over a series of 40-minute missions. Because team members communicated using push-to-talk buttons, communication sequences were automatically generated during each mission.

Results:

The Composition × Mission determinism effect was significant. Intact teams’ determinism increased over missions, whereas mixed teams’ determinism did not change. Intact teams had significantly higher maximum pattern information than mixed teams.

Conclusion:

Results from these new communication analysis methods converge with content-based methods and support our hypotheses.

Application:

Because they are not content based, and because they are automatic and fast, these new methods may be amenable to real-time communication pattern analysis.