bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Prediction of Texture in Laser Annealed NiTi Shape Memory Thin Films
Authors: Satoh Gen , Huang Xu , Ramirez Ainissa G. , Lawrence Yao Y.
Published: September 2012

Thin film shape memory alloys are a promising material for use in microscale devices for actuation and sensing due to their strong actuating force, substantial displacements, and large surface to volume ratios. NiTi, in particular, has been of great interest due to its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Effort has been directed toward adjusting the microstructure of as-deposited films in order to modify their shape memory properties for specific applications. The anisotropy of the shape memory and superelastic effects suggests that inducing preferred orientations could allow for optimization of shape memory properties. Limited work, however, has been performed on adjusting the crystallographic texture of these films. In this study, thin film NiTi samples are processed using excimer laser crystallization and the effect on the overall preferred orientation is analyzed through the use of electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction. A three-dimensional Monte Carlo grain growth model is developed to characterize textures formed though surface energy induced abnormal grain growth during solidification. Furthermore, a scaling factor between Monte Carlo steps and real time is determined to aid in the prediction of texture changes during laser crystallization in the partial melting regime.
Analytical Modeling of the Underwater Shock Response of Rigid and Elastic Plates Near a Solid Boundary
Authors: Li Qinyuan , Manolidis Michail , Young Yin L.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, analytical solutions are derived for the case when an elastic water-backed plate (WBP) is subject to an exponential shock loading near a fixed solid boundary. Two cases, a rigid plate and an elastic plate represented by two mass elements connected by a spring and a dashpot, are studied. The analytical solution is extended from Taylor's (1963, “The Pressure and Impulse of Submarine Explosion Waves on Plates,” Scientific Papers of Sir Geoffrey Ingram Taylor, Vol. 3, G. K. Batchelor, ed., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 287–303) floating air-backed plate (ABP) model and the water-backed plate model of Liu and Young (2008, “Transient Response of Submerged Plates Subject to Underwater Shock Loading: An Analytical Perspective,” J. Appl. Mech., 75(4), 044504; 2010, “Shock-Structure Interaction Considering Pressure Precursor,” Proceedings of the 28th Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics, Pasadena, CA). The influences of five parameters are studied: (a) the distance of the fixed boundary from the back plate d, (b) the fluid structure interaction (FSI) parameter φ of the plate, (c) the stiffness of the plate as represented by the natural frequency of the system T, (d) the material damping coefficient CD of the plate, and (e) the pressure precursor (rise) time θr. The results show that the pressure responses at the front and back surfaces of the plate are greatly affected by the proximity to the fixed boundary, the fluid-structure interaction parameter, the ratio of the shock decay time to the natural period of the structure, and the rise time of incident pressure. The effect of structural damping (assuming a typical material damping coefficient of 5%) is found to be practically negligible compared to the other four parameters.
Statistical voice activity detection in kernel space
Authors: Kim Dong Kook , Chang Joon-Hyuk
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes a statistical voice activity detection method in a high-dimensional kernel feature space by a nonlinear mapping. A Gaussian density model is presented using kernel principal component analysis to represent the nonlinear characteristics of the speech signal. The proposed approach offers a decision rule based on a multiple observation likelihood ratio test in the kernel space.
Ultrasonic properties in marrow-filled and water-filled bovine femoral trabecular bones invitro
Authors: Lee Kang Il
Published: September 2012

Phase velocity and normalized broadband ultrasound attenuation (nBUA) were measured in 22 marrow-filled and water-filled bovine femoral trabecular bone samples. Replacement of marrow by water led to a significant increase in the mean phase velocity of 47 ± 12 m/s (+3.1%), but a decrease in the mean nBUA of 10.4± 2.9 dB/cm/MHz (−38.9%). All the ultrasonic properties in the marrow-filled and water-filled samples exhibited significant negative Pearson's correlation coefficients of r = −0.87 to −0.92 with porosity. High correlations were also observed between pairs of the ultrasonic properties, with r = 0.85 to 0.93.
Complete Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus A13334, a New Strain Isolated from the Fetal Gastric Fluid of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Kim Hyungtae , Jeong Wooseog , Jeoung Hye-Young , Song Jae-Young , Kim Jong-So , Beak Jeong-Hun , Parisutham Vinuselvi , Lee Sung Kuk , Kim Jong Wan , Kim Ji-Yeon , Jung Suk Chan , Her Moon , An Dong-Jun
Published: September 2012

Brucella abortus
is a major pathogen that infects livestock and humans. A new strain of
B. abortus
(A13334) was isolated from the fetal gastric fluid of a dairy cow, with the aim of using it to compare genetic properties, analyze virulence factor, and survey the epidemiological relationship to other
Brucella
species. Here, we report the complete and annotated genome sequence of
B. abortus
A13334.
Draft Genome Sequence of Butanol-Acetone-Producing Clostridium beijerinckii Strain G117
Authors: Wu Yi-Rui , Li Yao , Yang Kun-Lin , He Jianzhong
Published: September 2012

A recently discovered wild-type strain,
Clostridium beijerinckii
G117, is unique in producing butanol and acetone but negligible amounts of ethanol, unlike previously identified acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE)-generating microbes. Here we report the draft genome sequence of strain G117 (5,806,675 bp; GC content, 29.7%) and the novel findings obtained from its genome annotations.
Draft Genome Sequence of Yersinia pestis Strain 2501, an Isolate from the Great Gerbil Plague Focus in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sun Surong , Yang Xianwei , Yuan Yanting , Dai Xiang , Yan Yanfeng , Cao Hanli , Luo Tao , Guo Rong , Wang Xinhui , Song Yajun , Yang Ruifu , Zhang Yujiang , Cui Yujun
Published: September 2012

We deciphered the genome of
Yersinia pestis
strain 2501, isolated from the Junggar Basin, a newly discovered great gerbil plague focus in Xinjiang, China. The total length of assembly was 4,597,322 bp, and 4,265 coding sequences were predicted within the genome. It is the first
Y. pestis
genome from this plague focus.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces auratus Strain AGR0001, a Phoslactomycin-Producing Actinomycete
Authors: Han Xiulin , Li Minggang , Ding Zhanggui , Zhao Jiangyuan , Ji Kaiyan , Wen Mengliang , Lu Tao
Published: September 2012

Streptomyces auratus
strain AGR0001 produces neophoslactomycin A, a novel analog of phoslactomycin that possesses potent activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. Here, the draft genome sequence of
S. auratus
strain AGR0001 is presented, which would provide insight into the biosynthetic mechanism of neophoslactomycin A.
Genome Sequence of Enterobacter radicincitans DSM16656
T
, a Plant Growth-Promoting Endophyte
Authors: Witzel Katja , Gwinn-Giglio Michelle , Nadendla Suvarna , Shefchek Kent , Ruppel Silke
Published: September 2012

Enterobacter radicincitans
sp. nov. DSM16656
T
represents a new species of the genus
Enterobacter
which is a biological nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacterium with growth-promoting effects on a variety of crop and model plant species. The presence of genes for nitrogen fixation, phosphorous mobilization, and phytohormone production reflects this microbe's potential plant growth-promoting activity.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pelosinus fermentans JBW45, Isolated during
In Situ
Stimulation for Cr(VI) Reduction
Authors: Bowen De León Kara , Young Mary Lynn , Camilleri Laura B. , Brown Steven D. , Skerker Jeffrey M. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P. , Fields Matthew W.
Published: September 2012

Pelosinus fermentans
JBW45 is an anaerobic, lactate-fermenting bacterium isolated from Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation 100-H site (Washington) that was collected after stimulation with a polylactate compound. The genome sequence of this organism will provide insight into the metabolic potential of a predominant population during stimulation for metal-reducing conditions.
Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Bacillus sp. Strain 916
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Luo Chuping , Chen Zhiyi
Published: September 2012

Bacillus
sp. strain 916, isolated from the soil, showed strong activity against
Rhizoctonia solani
. Here, we present the high-quality draft genome sequence of
Bacillus
sp. strain 916. Its 3.9-Mb genome reveals a number of genes whose products are possibly involved in promotion of plant growth or antibiosis.
Genome Sequence of the Rice Pathogen Pseudomonas fuscovaginae CB98818
Authors: Xie Guanlin , Cui Zhouqi , Tao Zhongyun , Qiu Hui , Liu He , Ibrahim Muhammad , Zhu Bo , Jin Gulei , Sun Guochang , Almoneafy Abdulwareth , Li Bin
Published: September 2012

Pseudomonas fuscovaginae
is a phytopathogenic bacterium causing bacterial sheath brown rot of cereal crops. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
P. fuscovaginae
CB98818, originally isolated from a diseased rice plant in China. The draft genome will aid in epidemiological studies, comparative genomics, and quarantine of this broad-host-range pathogen.
Genome Sequence of Citrobacter sp. Strain A1, a Dye-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Chan Giek Far , Gan Han Ming , Rashid Noor Aini Abdul
Published: September 2012

Citrobacter
sp. strain A1, isolated from a sewage oxidation pond, is a facultative aerobe and mesophilic dye-degrading bacterium. This organism degrades azo dyes efficiently via azo reduction and desulfonation, followed by the successive biotransformation of dye intermediates under an aerobic environment. Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Citrobacter
sp. A1.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Human Enterovirus C (HEV-C117) Identified in a Child with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Daleno Cristina , Piralla Antonio , Scala Alessia , Baldanti Fausto , Usonis Vytautas , Principi Nicola , Esposito Susanna
Published: September 2012

The new enterovirus C-117 strain belongs to the human enterovirus C species in the
Picornaviridae
family. We describe the characterization of the complete genome of this strain identified in a respiratory specimen of a child enrolled in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Pediatric Research Initiative (CAP-PRI) study evaluating the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of a Recent Chicken Anemia Virus Isolate and Comparison with a Chicken Anemia Virus Isolate from Human Fecal Samples in China
Authors: Zhang Xinheng , Xie Qingmei , Ji Jun , Chang Shuang , Liu Jun , Chen Feng , Ma Jingyun , Bee Yingzuo
Published: September 2012

A new isolate of chicken anemia virus (CAV) was designated GD-1-12. GD-1-12 was isolated from a 12-day-old commercial broiler in Guangdong province, China, in 2012. The GD-1-12 CAV caused high mortality, severe anemia, thymic atrophy, and subcutaneous hemorrhage in commercial broilers. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of GD-1-12 CAV and comparison with the complete genome sequence of another CAV that was isolated from human fecal samples in China (GenBank accession no.
JQ690762
). The genomes of the two CAV isolates shared high homology, although a deletion was identified by comparison. The findings from this study provide additional insights into the molecular characteristics of the CAV genomes and should advance knowledge for continuous monitoring and, perhaps, preventing the spread of the virus in chickens as well as in humans.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage SSU5 Specific for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Rough Strains
Authors: Kim Minsik , Kim Sujin , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: September 2012

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium rough strain-specific phage SSU5 was isolated, and its whole genome was sequenced. The 103,229-bp-long double-stranded DNA genome of SSU5 encodes 130 open reading frames with one tRNA for asparagine. Genomic analysis revealed that SSU5 might be the phylogenetic origin of cryptic plasmid pHCM2 harbored by
Salmonella
Typhi CT18.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Erwinia amylovora Phage PhiEaH2
Authors: Dömötör Dóra , Becságh Péter , Rákhely Gábor , Schneider György , Kovács Tamás
Published: September 2012

Erwinia amylovora
is the causative agent of fire blight, a serious disease of some
Rosaceae
plants. The newly isolated bacteriophage PhiEaH2 is able to lyse
E. amylovora
in the laboratory and has reduced the occurrence of fire blight cases in field experiments. This study presents the sequenced complete genome and analysis of phage PhiEaH2.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Chinese Virulent Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Variants
Authors: Mo Meilan , Huang Baicheng , Wei Ping , Wei Tianchao , Chen Qiuying , Wang Xiuying , Li Meng , Fan Wensheng
Published: September 2012

Avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is variable, which causes many serotypes. Here we reported the complete genome sequences of two virulent IBV variants from China, GX-YL5 and GX-YL9, belonging to different serotypes. Differences between GX-YL5 and GX-YL9 were found mainly in stem-loop structure I in the predicted RNA secondary structure of open reading frame (ORF) 1b and the S protein gene fusion region, which will help us understand the molecular evolutionary mechanism of IBV and the disconcordance between the genotypes and serotypes of coronavirus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain AJ1102 Isolated from a Suckling Piglet with Acute Diarrhea in China
Authors: Bi Jing , Zeng Songlin , Xiao Shaobo , Chen Huanchun , Fang Liurong
Published: September 2012

A diarrhea outbreak caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has been observed in China since December 2010. We report here the complete genome sequence of PEDV strain AJ1102 isolated from a suckling piglet with acute diarrhea, which will help toward understanding the molecular and evolutionary characteristics of the epidemic PEDV in China.
TAX EVASION AND NONEQUILIBRIUM MODEL ON APOLLONIAN NETWORKS
Authors: LIMA F. W. S.
Published: September 2012

The Zaklan model had been proposed and studied recently using the equilibrium Ising model on square lattices (SLs) by [G. Zaklan, F. Westerhoff and D. Stauffer, J. Econ. Interact. Coord.4, 1 (2008), arXiv:0801.2980; G. Zaklan, F. W. S. Lima and F. Westerhoff, Physica A387, 5857 (2008)], near the critical temperature of the Ising model presenting a well-defined phase transition; but on normal and modified Apollonian networks (ANs), [J. S. Andrade, Jr., H. J. Herrmann, R. F. S. Andrade, and L. R. da Silva, Phys. Rev. Lett.94, 018702 (2005); R. F. S. Andrade, J. S. Andrade Jr. and H. J. Herrmann, Phys. Rev. E79, 036105 (2009)] studied the equilibrium Ising model. They showed the equilibrium Ising model not to present on ANs a phase transition of the type for the 2D Ising model. Here, using agent-based Monte Carlo simulations, we study the Zaklan model with the well-known majority-vote model (MVM) with noise and apply it to tax evasion on ANs, to show that differently from the Ising model the MVM on ANs presents a well-defined phase transition. To control the tax evasion in the economics model proposed by Zaklan et al., MVM is applied in the neighborhood of the critical noise qc to the Zaklan model. Here we show that the Zaklan model is robust because this can also be studied, besides using equilibrium dynamics of Ising model, through the nonequilibrium MVM and on various topologies giving the same behavior regardless of dynamic or topology used here.
IMPACTS OF SPATIAL STRUCTURE ON EPIDEMIC SPREADING
Authors: HUI ZI , CAI XU , GRENECHE JEAN-MARC , WANG QIUPING A.
Published: September 2012

The epidemic spreading on spatial-driven network is studied with the spatial susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model. The network is constructed by random addition of nodes on the plan. The probability for a previous node to be connected to the new one is inversely proportional to their spatial distance to the power α. The spreading rate between two nodes is inversely proportional to their spatial distance. The effective spreading time increases with the increasing of α. The proportional coefficient is found to have a α-dependent threshold with a maximum situated in the interval 1.5 < α < 2.
TIME SERIES FOR FAULT DETECTION IN AN INDUSTRIAL PILOT PLANT
Authors: MORÁN ANTONIO , FUERTES JUAN J. , ALONSO SERAFÍN , DEL CANTO CARLOS , DOMÍNGUEZ MANUEL
Published: September 2012

Forecasting the evolution of industrial processes can be useful to discover faults. Several techniques based on analysis of time series are used to forecast the evolution of certain critical variables; however, the amount of variables makes difficult the analysis. In this way, the use of dimensionality reduction techniques such as the SOM (Self-Organizing Map) allows us to work with less data to determine the evolution of the process. SOM is a data mining technique widely used for supervision and monitoring. Since the SOM is projects data from a high dimensional space into a 2-D, the SOM reduces the number of variables. Thus, time series with the variables of the low dimensional projection can be created to make easier the prediction of future values in order to detect faults.
STABILITY OF SISO NONLINEAR SYSTEMS WITH PARAMETERS DISTURBANCES
Authors: SHPILEVAYA OLGA
Published: September 2012

We study single-input single-output (SISO) control systems with the rapid piecewise-smooth parameters disturbances. The system dynamics are described by switched system models. The system output is regulated with the help of the nonlinear astatic controller with parameters which depend on some disturbance properties. The system stability is studied by second Lyapunov method.
ENHANCED QUANTUM TELEPORTATION IN NON-MARKOVIAN ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: HAO XIANG , ZHU SHIQUN
Published: September 2012

The protocol of the teleportation of an arbitrary unknown one-qubit state is investigated when the quantum channel is subject to the decoherence from the non-Markovian environments with the memory effects. The quality of the teleportation measured by the average fidelity and minimal fidelity can be enhanced in the non-Markovian channel. The memory effects give rise to the revival of the fidelity which is better than that obtained by the Markovian channel.
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NONCOMMUTING OBSERVABLES AND INTERFEROMETRIC COMPLEMENTARITY
Authors: NISTICÒ GIUSEPPE , SESTITO ANGELA
Published: September 2012

We design a double-slit experimental set-up, realizable at least in principle, for ascertaining three noncommuting quantum observables according to a method alternative to that of the "mean king" problem. Then, we exploit this experimental scheme to identify a physical situation where the known notions of quantum interferometry do not directly apply. A generalization of such notions is proposed that turns out to satisfy the authentic meaning of the interferometric quantum complementarity.
WRITE ERROR RATE IN SPIN TRANSFER TORQUE MAGNETIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
Authors: WANG ZIHUI , ZHOU YUCHEN , ZHANG JING , HUAI YIMING
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews the recent progress made to realize reliable write operations in spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory. Theoretical description of write error rate (WER) based on macro-spin models are discussed with comparison to experimental data. Recent studies on the phenomena that can lead to abnormal WER behaviors which include back-hopping and low probability bifurcated switching are reviewed with emphasis on underlying mechanism. The studies on the WER in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) are also reviewed. It is demonstrated that, for both in-plane and perpendicular MTJ, reliable and error-free write operations can be achieved with thorough understanding of the underlying physics and innovative design/process solutions.
VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED MAGNETIC ANISOTROPY IN SPINTRONIC DEVICES
Authors: AMIRI PEDRAM KHALILI , WANG KANG L.
Published: September 2012

Electric-field-control of magnetism can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of spintronic devices and enhance the performance of magnetic memories. More generally, it expands the range of applications of nonvolatile spintronic devices, by making them energetically competitive compared to conventional semiconductor solutions for logic and computation, thereby potentially enabling a new generation of ultralow-power nonvolatile spintronic systems. This paper reviews recent experiments on the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect in thin magnetic films, and their device implications. The interfacial perpendicular anisotropy in layered magnetic material stacks, as well as its modulation by voltage, are discussed. Ferromagnetic resonance experiments and VCMA-induced high-frequency magnetization dynamics are reviewed. Finally, we discuss recent progress on voltage-induced switching of magnetic tunnel junction devices and its potential applications to magnetic random access memory (MRAM).
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding the New Oral Anticoagulants Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Apixaban
Authors: Ru San Tan , Chan Mark Yan Yee , Wee Siong Teo , Kok Foo Tang , Kheng Siang Ng , Lee Sze Huar , Chi Keong Ching
Published: September 2012

Unlike vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs)—direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran, and direct activated factor X inhibitors, rivaroxaban, and apixaban—do not require routine INR monitoring. Compared to VKAs, they possess relatively rapid onset of action and short halflives, but vary in relative degrees of renal excretion as well as interaction with p-glycoprotein membrane transporters and liver cytochrome P450 metabolic enzymes. Recent completed phase III trials comparing NOACs with VKAs for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF)—the RE-LY, ROCKET AF, and ARISTOTLE trials—demonstrated at least noninferior efficacy, largely driven by significant reductions in haemorrhagic stroke. Major and nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding rates were acceptable compared to VKAs. Of note, the NOACs caused significantly less intracranial haemorrhagic events compared to VKAs, the mechanisms of which are not completely clear. With convenient fixed-dose administration, the NOACs facilitate anticoagulant management in AF in the community, which has hitherto been grossly underutilised. Guidelines should evolve towards simplicity in anticipation of greater use of NOACs among primary care physicians. At the same time, the need for caution with their use in patients with severely impaired renal function should be emphasised.
Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Body Weight Parameters in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Ching Han-Yi , Wu Shang-Liang , Chen Wen-Chi , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: September 2012

Auricular acupressure is widely used in complementary and alternative medicine to reduce body weight, but little is known about the effects of auricular acupressure on body weight parameters in patients with chronic schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure on body weight parameters in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Eighty-six inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited from chronic wards in a psychiatric center. The participants were randomly divided into experimental (acupressure at 4 acupuncture sites: hunger, stomach, shenmen and endocrine) and control groups, and body weight parameters were determined weekly for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in mean body weight, waist circumference, or body fat percentage at the pretest or during the entire 8-week study period. Therefore, auricular acupressure did not cause body weight reduction in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose (750 mg) in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia: Two Randomized, Controlled Trials
Authors: Barish Charles F. , Koch Todd , Butcher Angelia , Morris David , Bregman David B.
Published: September 2012

Background. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common hematological complication with potentially serious clinical consequences that may require intravenous iron therapy. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a stable, nondextran iron formulation administered intravenously in large single doses to treat IDA.Objective. Two open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluated safety of multiple or single 750 mg FCM doses compared to standard medical care (SMC) in IDA patients. Secondary endpoints were improvements in hemoglobin and iron indices.Design and Patients. Adults with hemoglobin ≤12 g/dL, ferritin ≤100 or ≤300 ng/mL with transferrin saturation ≤30% were randomized to receive single (n=366) or weekly (n=343) FCM or SMC (n=360andn=366).Results. Significantly greater (P≤0.001) increases in hemoglobin and iron indices occurred in FCM groups versus SMC. In the multidose study, up to two infusions of FCM were needed to reach target iron levels versus 3–5 of intravenous iron comparators. FCM and SMC groups had similar incidences and types of adverse events and serious adverse events. Transient hypophosphatemia not associated with adverse events or clinical sequelae occurred in the FCM groups.Conclusion. Intravenous FCM is safe, well tolerated, and associated with improvements in hemoglobin and iron indices comparable to SMC when administered in single doses of up to 750 mg at a rate of 100 mg/min. Fewer FCM infusions were required to reach target iron levels compared to other intravenous iron preparations.
Custom Metal Occlusal Surface for Acrylic Resin Denture Teeth to Enhance Wear Resistance: A Case Report
Authors: Shivji Rizwan Ali , Kamble Vaibhav D. , Khan Mohd. Atif
Published: September 2012

Wear of the occlusal surface of the denture is a known fact which leads to subsequent changes in jaw relation, vertical dimension, loss of aesthetics, aged looks, and decrease in masticatory efficiency. Treatment modalities includes, change of denture set after a regular interval of 4-5 years, use of wear resistant denture teeth that includes wear resistant resin or porcelain teeth, teeth with cast metal occlusal surface, and altering occlusal contact areas of denture teeth by use of silver amalgam fillings. A case report of a patient who had increased tendency of occlusal wear was treated with custom made metal occlusal surface of denture teeth to enhance wear resistance and to improve the masticatory efficiency.
Gap Detection for Genome-Scale Constraint-Based Models
Authors: Brooks J. Paul , Burns William P. , Fong Stephen S. , Gowen Chris M. , Roberts Seth B.
Published: September 2012

Constraint-based metabolic models are currently the most comprehensive system-wide models of cellular metabolism. Several challenges arise when building an in silico constraint-based model of an organism that need to be addressed before flux balance analysis (FBA) can be applied for simulations. An algorithm called FBA-Gap is presented here that aids the construction of a working model based on plausible modifications to a given list of reactions that are known to occur in the organism. When applied to a working model, the algorithm gives a hypothesis concerning a minimal medium for sustaining the cell in culture. The utility of the algorithm is demonstrated in creating a new model organism and is applied to four existing working models for generating hypotheses about culture media. In modifying a partial metabolic reconstruction so that biomass may be produced using FBA, the proposed method is more efficient than a previously proposed method in that fewer new reactions are added to complete the model. The proposed method is also more accurate than other approaches in that only biologically plausible reactions and exchange reactions are used.
TGFβ1 Controls PPARγExpression, Transcriptional Potential, and Activity, in Part, through Smad3 Signaling in Murine Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Ramirez Allan , Ballard Erin N. , Roman Jesse
Published: September 2012

Transforming growth factorβ1 (TGFβ1) promotes fibrosis by, among other mechanisms, activating quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increasing the expression of extracellular matrices. Recent work suggests that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) is a negative regulator of TGFβ1-induced fibrotic events. We, however, hypothesized that antifibrotic pathways mediated by PPARγare influenced by TGFβ1, causing an imbalance towards fibrogenesis. Consistent with this, primary murine primary lung fibroblasts responded to TGFβ1 with a sustained downregulation of PPARγtranscripts. This effect was dampened in lung fibroblasts deficient in Smad3, a transcription factor that mediates many of the effects of TGFβ1. Paradoxically, TGFβ1 stimulated the activation of the PPARγgene promoter and induced the phosphorylation of PPARγin primary lung fibroblasts. The ability of TGFβ1 to modulate the transcriptional activity of PPARγwas then tested in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts containing a PPARγ-responsive luciferase reporter. In these cells, stimulation of TGFβ1 signals with a constitutively active TGFβ1 receptor transgene blunted PPARγ-dependent reporter expression induced by troglitazone, a PPARγactivator. Overexpression of PPARγprevented TGFβ1 repression of troglitazone-induced PPARγ-dependent gene transcription, whereas coexpression of PPARγand Smad3 transgenes recapitulated the TGFβ1 effects. We conclude that modulation of PPARγis controlled by TGFβ1, in part through Smad3 signals, involving regulation of PPARγexpression and transcriptional potential.
Antioxidant and Antityrosinase Activity ofFlemingia macrophyllaandGlycine tomentellaRoots
Authors: Wang Bor-Sen , Juang Lih-Jeng , Yang Jeng-Jer , Chen Li-Ying , Tai Huo-Mu , Huang Ming-Hsing
Published: September 2012

The antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of the water extract ofFlemingia macrophyllaroot (WEFM) were investigated. The results showed that WEFM exhibited radical scavenging and reducing activities, as well as ferrous ion chelating property. In addition, WEFM also protected phospholipids against oxidation, indicating that WEFM could protect biomolecules from oxidative damage. Meanwhile, in the range of 50–100 μg/mL, the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of WEFM increased with an increase in sample concentration and was superior to that of the water extract ofGlycine tomentellaroot (WEGT). A high performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to determine the phenolic components, revealing that daidzin, daidzein, genistin, and genistein were present in WEFM and WEGT. Acting as an antioxidant and a tyrosinase inhibitor, these bioactive constituents could contribute to the protective effects of WEFM. Overall, the results showed that WEFM might serve as a natural antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor.
Evaluation of Single Column Trapping/Separation and Chemiluminescence Detection for Measurement of Methanethiol and Dimethyl Sulfide from Pig Production
Authors: Hansen Michael Jørgen , Toda Kei , Obata Tomoaki , Adamsen Anders Peter S. , Feilberg Anders
Published: September 2012

Reduced sulfur compounds are considered to be important odorants from pig production due to their low odor threshold values and low solubility in slurry. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of a portable method with a single silica gel column for trapping/separation coupled with chemiluminescence detection (SCTS-CL) for measurement of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide in sample air from pig production. Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) was used to evaluate the trapping/separation. The silica gel column used for the SCTS-CL efficiently collected hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide. The measurement of methanethiol by SCTS-CL was clearly interfered by the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide found in pig production, and a removal of hydrogen sulfide was necessary to obtain reliable results. Air samples taken from a facility with growing-finishing pigs were analyzed by SCTS-CL, PTR-MS, and a gas chromatograph with sulfur chemiluminescence detection (GC-SCD) to evaluate the SCTS-CL. The difference between the concentrations of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide measured with SCTS-CL, PTR-MS, and GC-SCD was below 10%. In conclusion, the SCTS-CL is a portable and low-cost alternative to the commercial methods that can be used to measure methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide in sample air from pig production.
Oxytocin and Psychological Factors Affecting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kontoangelos K. , Raptis A. E. , Papageorgiou C. C. , Tsiotra P. C. , Papadimitriou G. N. , Rabavilas A. D. , Dimitriadis G. , Raptis S. A.
Published: September 2012

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of oxytocin with trait and state psychological factors in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods. OXT and psychological variables were analyzed from 86 controlled diabetic patients (glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7%) from 45 uncontrolled diabetic patients (HbA1c ≥ 7). Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), while state psychological characteristics were measured with the Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL 90-R). Blood samples were taken for measuring oxytocin in both subgroups during the initial phase of the study. One year later, the uncontrolled diabetic patients were reevaluated with the use of the same psychometric instruments.Results. During the first evaluation of the uncontrolled diabetic patients, a statistically significant positive relationship between the levels of OXT and psychoticism in EPQ rating scale (P<0.013) was observed. For controlled diabetic patients, a statistically significant negative relationship between oxytocin and somatization (P<0.030), as well as obsessive-compulsive scores (P<0.047) in SCL-90 rating scale, was observed. During the second assessment, the values of OXT decreased when the patients managed to control their metabolic profile.Conclusions. The OXT is in association with psychoticism, somatization, and obsessionality may be implicated in T2DM.
Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Reaction Catalyzed by Nanosized Iron Oxides for Water Treatment
Authors: Wang Chuan , Liu Hong , Sun Zhimin
Published: September 2012

Great efforts have been exerted in overcoming the drawbacks of the Fenton reaction for water treatment applications. The drawbacks include pH confinement, handling of iron sludge, slow regeneration of Fe(II), and so forth. This paper highlights the recent developments in the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction which utilizes nanosized iron oxides as catalyst for maximizing the activity due to the enhanced physical or chemical properties brought about by the unique structures. This paper also summarizes the fundamentals of the Fenton reaction, which determine the inherent drawbacks and associated advances, to address the advantages of iron oxides and nanosized iron oxides. Tips for applying this method in water treatment are also provided. Given that the environmental effect of nanosized iron oxides is not yet well established, rapid research growth may occur in the near future to advance this promising technology toward water treatment once it is smartly coupled with conventional technologies.
Anurans as Intermediate and Paratenic Hosts of Helminth Infections in the Rainforest and Derived Savanna Biotopes of Southern Nigeria
Authors: Imasuen Abigail A. , Ozemoka Habibat J. , Aisien Martins S. O.
Published: September 2012

Anurans from the rainforest (Okomu National Park) and derived savanna (Agbede) locations in Nigeria were investigated for their role either as intermediate or paratenic hosts of helminth infections. A total of 269 anuran specimens (157 from the Okomu National Park and 112 from Agbede) were examined. Metacercariae of a strigeoid trematode, two nematode species, a proteocephalid cestode, and an acanthocephalan were recovered from infected hosts. Except for the strigeoid trematode, which was only recorded in the rainforest, there was no ecological dichotomy in the distribution of the larval parasites recorded. Tree frogs from the rainforest only served as second intermediate hosts for the strigeoid trematode. The two nematode larvae (type I and type II) found in the body cavity of the infected host are believed to use them as paratenic hosts. Tree frogs were the predominant intermediate hosts of the proteocephalid cestode larvae in the rainforest, whilePtychadenaandPhrynobatrachusspp. served this function in the derived savanna. The occurrence of cystacanths in the anurans from both biotopes confirms their known role as paratenic host for acanthocephalans.Afrixalus dorsalisis a new host record for the ascaridoid nematode while the finding of the strigeoid trematode, the proteocephalid cestode larvae and acanthocephalan cystacanths in the anurans investigated represents new geographical records.
An Individualized and Everyday Life Approach to Cognitive Rehabilitation in Schizophrenia: A Case Illustration
Authors: Levaux M.-N. , Fonteneau B. , Larøi F. , Offerlin-Meyer I. , Danion J.-M. , Van der Linden M.
Published: September 2012

Objective. The effectiveness of an individualized and everyday approach to cognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia was examined in a case study.Method. After cognitive and functional assessment, concrete objectives were targeted for the person’s everyday complaints. Strategies were constructed based on an analysis of the cognitive profile, daily life functioning, and processes involved in activities. They included a memory strategy for reading, a diary to compensate memory difficulties, and working memory exercises to improve immediate processing of information when reading and following conversations. Efficacy was assessed with outcome measures.Results. The program had beneficial effects on the person’s cognitive and everyday functioning, which persisted at a 3-year follow-up.Conclusion. Findings provide suggestive evidence that an individualized and everyday approach may be a useful alternative in order to obtain a meaningfully lasting transfer of training to daily life, compared to the nomothetic ones which dominate the field.
Smoking, Cardiac Symptoms, and an Emergency Care Visit: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Cognitive and Emotional Reactions
Authors: Tappe Karyn A. , Boudreaux Edwin D. , Bock Beth , O'Hea Erin , Baumann Brigitte M. , Hollenberg Steven M. , Becker Bruce , Chapman Gretchen B.
Published: September 2012

Emergency departments and hospitals are being urged to implement onsite interventions to promote smoking cessation, yet little is known about the theoretical underpinnings of behavior change after a healthcare visit. This observational pilot study evaluated three factors that may predict smoking cessation after an acute health emergency: perceived illness severity, event-related emotions, and causal attribution. Fifty smokers who presented to a hospital because of suspected cardiac symptoms were interviewed, either in the emergency department (ED) or, for those who were admitted, on the cardiac inpatient units. Their data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to capture the individual, first-hand experience and to evaluate trends over the illness chronology. Reported perceptions of the event during semistructured interview varied widely and related to the individual’s intentions regarding smoking cessation. No significant differences were found between those interviewed in the ED versus the inpatient unit. Although the typical profile was characterized by a peak in perceived illness severity and negative emotions at the time the patient presented in the ED, considerable pattern variation occurred. Our results suggest that future studies of event-related perceptions and emotional reactions should consider using multi-item and multidimensional assessment methods rated serially over the event chronology.
A Scalable Multi-Target Tracking Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Oh Songhwai
Published: September 2012

Multi-target tracking is a representative real-time application of sensor networks as it exhibits different aspects of sensor networks such as event detection, sensor information fusion, multihop communication, sensor management, and real-time decision making. The task of tracking multiple objects in a wireless sensor network is challenging due to constraints on a sensor node such as short communication and sensing ranges, a limited amount of memory, and limited computational power. In addition, since a sensor network surveillance system needs to operate autonomously without human operators, it requires an autonomous real-time tracking algorithm which can track an unknown number of targets. In this paper, we develop a scalable real-time multi-target tracking algorithm that is autonomous and robust against transmission failures, communication delays, and sensor localization error. The algorithm is based on a rigorous probabilistic model and an approximation scheme for the optimal Bayesian filter. In particular, an extensive simulation study shows that there is no performance loss up to an average localization error of 0.7 times the separation between sensors and the algorithm tolerates up to 50% lost-to-total packet ratio and 90% delayed-to-total packet ratio. The proposed algorithm has been successfully applied to real-time multi-target tracking problems using wireless sensor networks.
Reliable and Efficient Approach of BOLD Signal with Dual Kalman Filtering
Authors: Liu Cong , Hu Zhenghui
Published: September 2012

By introducing the conflicting effects of dynamic changes in blood flow, volume, and blood oxygenation, Balloon model provides a biomechanical compelling interpretation of the BOLD signal. In order to obtain optimal estimates for both the states and parameters involved in this model, a joint filtering (estimate) method has been widely used. However, it is flawed in several aspects (i) Correlation or interaction between the states and parameters is incorporated despite its nonexistence in biophysical reality. (ii) A joint representation for states and parameters necessarily means the large dimension of state space and will in turn lead to huge numerical cost in implementation. Given this knowledge, a dual filtering approach is proposed and demonstrated in this paper as a highly competent alternative, which can not only provide more reliable estimates, but also in a more efficient way. The two approaches in our discussion will be based on unscented Kalman filter, which has become the algorithm of choice in numerous nonlinear estimation and machine learning applications.
Medial Regeneration Using a Biodegradable Felt as a Scaffold Preserves Integrity and Compliance of a Canine Dissected Aorta
Authors: Sato Mitsuru , Kawamoto Shunsuke , Watanabe Mika , Sakamoto Naoya , Sato Masaaki , Tabata Yasuhiko , Saiki Yoshikatsu
Published: September 2012

Background—

Repair of a dissected aorta involves reattaching the media with synthetic glue and/or reinforcement with nonbiodegradable felt. Late complications specific to each aspect of this procedure have been reported. We attempted to regenerate the media by using biodegradable felt.

Methods and Results—

We created a canine model of descending thoracic aortic dissection and compared 4 modes of aortic repair: biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt in the media; PGA with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the media; PGA with bFGF in the media plus external reinforcement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene; and primary suture closure of the dissected lumen (control). Repaired aortic stumps were quantitatively tested for suture pull-out strength. Failure force improved 4-fold in all 3 medial reinforcement groups compared with controls. Additionally, animals were kept alive for histological examination and compliance testing 6 months after repair. Compliance of the aortic wall at the anastomotic sites was not essentially affected in the long term except in the group with concomitant external reinforcement (55.9±4.5% reduction;
P
<0.05). In this group, elastic fiber in the media and collagen fiber in the adventitia tended to diminish relative to the other groups. Regarding vessel density in the repaired false lumen, this external reinforced group had a significantly decreased number. Histological derangement was not observed in control or medial reinforcement groups. Basic FGF, applied with PGA in the dissected lumen, failed to yield additional modifications in this model.

Conclusions—

Medial reinforcement provides sufficient augmented strength for aortic surgical repair. Medial regeneration using biodegradable felt as a scaffold preserves histological integrity and compliance in the canine dissected aorta.
Mitral Valve Repair for Medically Refractory Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease and Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Kainuma Satoshi , Taniguchi Kazuhiro , Daimon Takashi , Sakaguchi Taichi , Funatsu Toshihiro , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kondoh Haruhiko , Takeda Koji , Shudo Yasuhiro , Masai Takafumi , Ohishi Mitsuru , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: September 2012

Background—

Information regarding patient selection for mitral valve repair for chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with severe heart failure (HF) as well as outcome is limited.

Methods and Results—

We classified 208 patients with advanced HF symptoms (Stage C/D) undergoing mitral valve repair for functional mitral regurgitation into 3 groups: estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m
2
(control group, n=144); estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m
2
, not dependent on hemodialysis (late chronic kidney disease group, n=45), and ESRD on hemodialysis (ESRD group, n=19; preoperative hemodialysis duration 83±92 months). Follow-up was completed with a mean duration of 49±25 months. Postoperative (1-month) cardiac catheterization showed that left ventricular end-systolic volume index decreased from 109±38 to 79±41, 103±31 to 81±31, and 123±40 to 76±34 mL/m
2
, in the control, late chronic kidney disease, and ESRD groups, respectively. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased, whereas cardiac index increased in all groups with no intergroup differences for those postoperative values. Freedom from mortality and HF readmission at 5 years was 18%±7% in late chronic kidney disease (
P
<0.0001 versus control,
P
=0.01 versus ESRD), and 64%±12% in ESRD (
P
=1 versus control) as compared with 52%±5% in the control group (median event-free survival, 26, 67, and 63 months, respectively).

Conclusions—

Mitral valve repair for medically refractory functional mitral regurgitation in patients with advanced HF yielded improvements in left ventricular function and hemodynamics irrespective of preoperative renal function status. Patients with ESRD showed favorable late outcome in terms of freedom from mortality and readmission for HF as compared with those with late chronic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to assess the survival benefits of mitral valve repair in patients with ESRD and advanced HF.