bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional data analysis of hydrothermal alteration in IOCG systems, Great Bear magmatic zone, Canada: to each alteration type its own geochemical signature
Authors: Montreuil J.-F. , Corriveau L. , Grunsky E.C.
Published: September 2013

Iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) systems are characterized by a wide range of hydrothermal alteration types that can indiscriminately and intensively replace their host rocks over areas of > 100 km
2
. Element mobility and chemical changes associated with alteration can be of a magnitude beyond that of many other types of hydrothermal systems, and may also affect normally immobile elements. Principal component analysis of whole-rock geochemical data on hydrothermally altered samples coming from the Great Bear magmatic zone IOCG systems has enabled the characterization of sodic, calcic-iron, to high to low temperature potassic-iron and potassic alteration types of IOCG systems. Results show that potassic and potassic-iron alteration features are enriched in K, Al, Ba, Si, Rb, Zr, Ta, Nb, Th and U, with potassic-iron alteration being richer in Fe. In contrast, calcic-iron alteration is enriched in Ca, Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Ni and Co. These compositional variations can be portrayed by IOCG alteration index and discriminant diagrams. Combined with an IOCG alteration sequencing model, the lithogeochemical footprint of IOCG systems provides a useful tool to assess the potential fertility and maturity of IOCG systems and ultimately a vector towards ore zones during exploration
Statistical variability of the geochemistry and mineralogy of soils in the Maritime Provinces of Canada and part of the Northeast United States
Authors: Grunsky E.C. , Drew L.J. , Woodruff L.G. , Friske P.W.B. , Sutphin D.M.
Published: September 2013

A soil geochemical survey in the Maritime Provinces of Canada and part of the Northeast United States was completed for the North American Soil Geochemistry Landscapes Project. Soil samples, derived largely from unsorted glacial till, were collected over 349 sites, from 0 to 5 cm depth (regardless of horizon), A-, and C-horizons. The 0 to 5 cm depth interval represents the soil of interest in health risk assessments and is termed the Public Health (PH-) layer. The <2 mm fraction of each sample was analysed for a broad suite of major and trace elements using a near-total four-acid digestion, and major mineralogical components were determined by quantitative X-ray diffraction. Multivariate statistical analyses of the logcentred soil geochemistry from the PH-layer and the two soil horizons, and of the soil mineralogy from the A- and C-horizons, reveal distinctive inter-element relationships from deeper soil (represented by the C-horizon) upwards into topsoil (represented by the A-horizon and PH-layer). Statistical dispersion of several elements increases upwards in the soil profile. Maximum data dispersion occurs in the PH-layer and A-horizon soils. Elements including S, P, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, Mo, Sb, Bi and Sn are relatively enriched in the PH-layer and A-horizon, and are positively correlated with increasing organic carbon contents. The relative enrichment of groups of elements in the C-horizon, in contrast to those elements in the A-horizon and PH-layer, suggests a composition that reflects the geochemistry of the glacial till that is derived from the local bedrock. Elements such as Ni, Mg, Cr, V, Co, Fe and Sc, represent a mafic component of the parent material, and relative enrichments of K, Rb, Zr, rare-earth elements, Li and Al indicate a more felsic component. The patterns revealed by the application of multivariate methods to the soil chemistry and mineralogy are attributed to underlying geology, soil-forming processes, and anthropogenic activity, or combinations of all three factors. Both the soil geochemistry and mineralogy were tested in their ability to predict soil horizon and underlying bedrock lithology or time-stratigraphic assemblages. The geochemistry and mineralogy of the soils are both good for predicting soil horizon; however, the soil geochemistry is better for predicting the underlying lithologies/assemblages than the soil mineralogy.
Overview of the Canadian component of the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project with recommendations for acquiring soil geochemical data for environmental and human health risk assessments
Authors: Friske Peter W.B. , Rencz Andy N. , Ford Ken L. , Kettles Inez M. , Garrett Robert G. , Grunsky Eric C. , McNeil Rick J. , Klassen Rodney A.
Published: September 2013

The involvement of the Geological Survey of Canada in the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project from 2004 to 2009 led to the development of protocols to support environmental and human health risk assessments. Recommendations for acquiring soil samples, analysing them and the resulting geochemical data to support risk assessments, as well as outlines of a procedure for estimating geochemical background are presented. The following practices are proposed: (1) collection of soil samples from pedological horizons (C-horizon in particular) rather than depth-based intervals; (2) use of a spatially random sample design; (3) analysis of the unmilled <2-mm fraction; (4) dissolution using the US EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) (US EPA) Method 3050B
aqua regia
variant; (5) archiving of sample splits; and (6) evaluation of chemical data through the insertion, analysis and monitoring of QA/QC samples. Part of the Canadian project was also the
in-situ
measurement of soil gas radon and the radiometric estimates of soil K, U and Th concentrations, the protocols for which are discussed.
Element concentrations in granitic magmas: ghosts of textures past?
Authors: Clemens J. D.
Published: October 2013

The geochemistry of granitic rocks appears to contain information about some aspects of the pre-anatectic textures of the protoliths. There are marked contrasts in the covariations between Ba (a proxy for melting proportion in the protolith) and the P
2
O
5
, TiO
2
, Y, Zr and Ce concentrations in I- and S-type granitic magmas (rocks). These contrasts are interpreted as features resulting from the interplay between differences in the locations of accessory mineral grains in the protoliths, their solubilities in the granitic melts and the degree of foliation developed in the protoliths. It is inferred that S-type protoliths are more highly foliated, with accessory minerals concentrated into the biotite-rich layers that form the foci for partial melting. I-type protoliths appear to have less pronounced foliation and a more random distribution of both hydrous mafic silicates and accessory grains.

Supplementary material:

A list of data sources and tables of analyses of granitic rocks are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18682
.
Impact of erosion and décollements on large-scale faulting and folding in orogenic wedges: analogue models and case studies
Authors: Perrin Clément , Clemenzi Luca , Malavieille Jacques , Molli Giancarlo , Taboada Alfredo , Dominguez Stéphane
Published: October 2013

Deformation mechanisms, long-term kinematics and evolution of fold and thrust belts subjected to erosion are studied through 2D analogue experiments involving large convergence. First-order parameters tested include (1) décollements and/or plastic layers interbedded at different locations within analogue materials and (2) synconvergence surface erosion. Weak layers, depending on their location in the model, favour deformation partitioning characterized by the simultaneous development of underplating domains in the inner part of the wedge (basal accretion) and frontal accretion where the wedge grows forward. Interaction between tectonics and surface processes influences this behaviour. Development of antiformal thrust stacks controlled by underplating shows small- and large-scale cyclicity. Thin plastic layers induce folding processes, which are studied at wedge scale. Recumbent and overturned folds, with large inverted limbs, develop in a shear-induced asymmetric deformation regime via progressive unrolling of synclinal hinges. Surface erosion and underplating at depth induce further rotation (passive tilting) and horizontalization of fold limbs. Model results give insights to discuss the mechanisms responsible for the large-scale structures (i.e. antiformal nappe stacks, klippen and kilometre-scale recumbent fold–nappes) encountered in several mountain belts such as the Montagne Noire (French Massif Central), the Galicia Variscan belt (Spain) and the northern Apennines (Italy).

Supplementary material:

Raw data of the experiments are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18658
.
Origin and significance of intra-basement seismic reflections offshore western Norway
Authors: Reeve Matthew T. , Bell Rebecca E. , Jackson Christopher A.-L.
Published: October 2013

We use 3D seismic data to image a series of enigmatic, SW-dipping reflection packets within pre-Mesozoic crystalline basement offshore western Norway. Based on their low-angle dip and complex reflection wave-train our preferred interpretation is that the reflection packets are the seismic expression of mylonitic zones generated by nappe emplacement during the Caledonian orogeny. Late Jurassic faults truncate and offset these reflection packets by several hundred metres, suggesting that these faults did not exploit pre-existing basement weaknesses. Our observations suggest that older basement fabrics may not always play a significant role in determining the geometry of later fault systems.

Supplementary materials:

Details of the time-depth relationships from wells that have been used to depth-convert interpretations (S1), a supplementary figure showing an uninterpreted version of the seismic profile presented in Fig. 2 (S2) and a throw v. distance plot for fault F1 at the structural levels of the basement reflection and intra-basement reflection 1 are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18683
.
Lithological controls on igneous intrusion-induced ground deformation
Authors: Magee Craig , Briggs Freddie , Jackson Christopher A-L.
Published: October 2013

Ground deformation commonly precedes volcanic eruptions, although its relationship to underlying intrusion networks is complex. We use 3D seismic reflection data to examine the link between a saucer-shaped sill and an overlying forced fold formed at the contemporaneous palaeosurface. Our results highlight a disparity in size between the sill and fold, which we attribute to accommodation of magma by overburden uplift and fluid expulsion from the host rock. Sill transgression occurred in response to plastic deformation of the host rock and did not produce seismically resolvable uplift. Inversion models of ground deformation should therefore acknowledge host rock behaviour during intrusion.

Supplementary material:

Uninterpreted seismic section and sill thickness/fold amplitude data are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18663
.
Morphing orthogonal planar graph drawings
Authors: Biedl Therese , Lubiw Anna , Petrick Mark , Spriggs Michael
Published: October 2013

We give an algorithm to morph between two planar orthogonal drawings of a graph, preserving planarity and orthogonality. The morph uses a quadratic number of steps, where each step is a linear morph (a linear interpolation between two drawings). This is the first algorithm to provide planarity-preserving morphs with well-behaved complexity for a significant class of graph drawings. Our method is to morph until each edge is represented by a sequence of segments, with corresponding segments parallel in the two drawings. Then, in a result of independent interest, we morph such
parallel
planar orthogonal drawings, preserving edge directions and planarity.
Finding small separators in linear time via treewidth reduction
Authors: Marx Dáaniel , O'sullivan Barry , Razgon Igor
Published: October 2013

We present a method for reducing the treewidth of a graph while preserving all of its minimal
s
-
t
separators up to a certain fixed size
k
. This technique allows us to solve
s
-
t
Cut
and
Multicut
problems with various additional restrictions (e.g., the vertices being removed from the graph form an independent set or induce a connected graph) in linear time for every fixed number
k
of removed vertices.

Our results have applications for problems that are not directly defined by separators, but the known solution methods depend on some variant of separation. For example, we can solve similarly restricted generalizations of
Bipartization
(delete at most
k
vertices from
G
to make it bipartite) in almost linear time for every fixed number
k
of removed vertices. These results answer a number of open questions in the area of parameterized complexity. Furthermore, our technique turns out to be relevant for (
H
,
C
,
K
)- and (
H
,
C
,≤K)-coloring problems as well, which are cardinality constrained variants of the classical
H
-coloring problem. We make progress in the classification of the parameterized complexity of these problems by identifying new cases that can be solved in almost linear time for every fixed cardinality bound.
Robust Regulation Adaptation in Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Campos Jordi , Lopez-Sanchez Maite , Salamó Maria , Avila Pedro , Rodríguez-Aguilar Juan A.
Published: October 2013

Adaptive organisation-centred multi-agent systems can dynamically modify their organisational components to better accomplish their goals. Our research line proposes an abstract distributed architecture (2-LAMA) to endow an organisation with adaptation capabilities. This article focuses on regulation-adaptation based on a machine learning approach, in which adaptation is learned by applying a tailored case-based reasoning method. We evaluate the robustness of the system when it is populated by non compliant agents. The evaluation is performed in a peer-to-peer sharing network scenario. Results show that our proposal significantly improves system performance and can cope with regulation violators without incorporating any specific regulation-compliance enforcement mechanisms.
Achieving Socially Optimal Outcomes in Multiagent Systems with Reinforcement Social Learning
Authors: Hao Jianye , Leung Ho-Fung
Published: October 2013

In multiagent systems, social optimality is a desirable goal to achieve in terms of maximizing the global efficiency of the system. We study the problem of coordinating on socially optimal outcomes among a population of agents, in which each agent randomly interacts with another agent from the population each round. Previous work [Hales and Edmonds 2003; Matlock and Sen 2007, 2009] mainly resorts to modifying the interaction protocol from random interaction to tag-based interactions and only focus on the case of symmetric games. Besides, in previous work the agents’ decision making processes are usually based on evolutionary learning, which usually results in high communication cost and high deviation on the coordination rate. To solve these problems, we propose an alternative social learning framework with two major contributions as follows. First, we introduce the
observation
mechanism to reduce the amount of communication required among agents. Second, we propose that the agents’ learning strategies should be based on reinforcement learning technique instead of evolutionary learning. Each agent explicitly keeps the record of its current state in its learning strategy, and learn its optimal policy for each state independently. In this way, the learning performance is much more stable and also it is suitable for both symmetric and asymmetric games. The performance of this social learning framework is extensively evaluated under the testbed of two-player general-sum games comparing with previous work [Hao and Leung 2011; Matlock and Sen 2007]. The influences of different factors on the learning performance of the social learning framework are investigated as well.
Performance Modeling and Optimization of Deadline-Driven Pig Programs
Authors: Zhang Zhuoyao , Cherkasova Ludmila , Verma Abhishek , Loo Boon Thau
Published: October 2013

Many applications associated with live business intelligence are written as complex data analysis programs defined by directed acyclic graphs of MapReduce jobs, for example, using Pig, Hive, or Scope frameworks. An increasing number of these applications have additional requirements for completion time guarantees. In this article, we consider the popular Pig framework that provides a high-level SQL-like abstraction on top of MapReduce engine for processing large data sets. There is a lack of performance models and analysis tools for automated performance management of such MapReduce jobs. We offer a performance modeling environment for Pig programs that automatically profiles jobs from the past runs and aims to solve the following inter-related problems: (i) estimating the completion time of a Pig program as a function of allocated resources; (ii) estimating the amount of resources (a number of map and reduce slots) required for completing a Pig program with a given (soft) deadline. First, we design a
basic
performance model that accurately predicts completion time and required resource allocation for a Pig program that is defined as a sequence of MapReduce jobs: predicted completion times are within 10% of the measured ones. Second, we optimize a Pig program execution by enforcing the
optimal schedule
of its concurrent jobs. For DAGs with concurrent jobs, this optimization helps reducing the program completion time: 10%--27% in our experiments. Moreover, it eliminates possible nondeterminism of concurrent jobs’ execution in the Pig program, and therefore, enables a more accurate performance model for Pig programs. Third, based on these optimizations, we propose a
refined
performance model for Pig programs with concurrent jobs. The proposed approach leads to significant resource savings (20%--60% in our experiments) compared with the original, unoptimized solution. We validate our solution using a 66-node Hadoop cluster and a diverse set of workloads: PigMix benchmark, TPC-H queries, and customized queries mining a collection of HP Labs’ web proxy logs.
Surface Acoustic Wave Microfluidics
Authors: Yeo Leslie Y. , Friend James R.
Published: October 2013

Fluid manipulations at the microscale and beyond are powerfully enabled through the use of 10–1,000-MHz acoustic waves. A superior alternative in many cases to other microfluidic actuation techniques, such high-frequency acoustics is almost universally produced by surface acoustic wave devices that employ electromechanical transduction in wafer-scale or thin-film piezoelectric media to generate the kinetic energy needed to transport and manipulate fluids placed in adjacent microfluidic structures. These waves are responsible for a diverse range of complex fluid transport phenomena—from interfacial fluid vibration and drop and confined fluid transport to jetting and atomization—underlying a flourishing research literature spanning fundamental fluid physics to chip-scale engineering applications. We highlight some of this literature to provide the reader with a historical basis, routes for more detailed study, and an impression of the field's future directions.
Control of Life-or-Death Decisions by RIP1 Kinase
Authors: Christofferson Dana E , Li Ying , Yuan Junying
Published: October 2013

RIP1 kinase, a multifunctional protein that contains an N-terminal Ser/Thr kinase and a C-terminal death domain, has emerged as a key regulatory molecule involved in regulating both cell death and cell survival. When the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα stimulates its receptor, TNFR1, RIP1 regulates whether the cell lives by activating NF-κB or dies by apoptosis or necroptosis, two distinct pathways of programmed cell death that may be activated to eliminate unwanted cells. The kinase domain of RIP1 is involved in regulating necroptosis, and the death domain regulates RIP1 recruitment to the intracellular domain of TNFR1. The intermediate domain of RIP1 activates NF-κB and also interacts with RIP3 kinase, a downstream mediator of RIP1 in the execution of necroptosis. This review focuses on the functional roles of RIP1 in regulating multiple cellular mechanisms, the dynamic regulation of RIP1, and the physiological and pathological roles of RIP1 kinase in human health and disease.
Simultaneous Dislocation of Radiocapitellar and Distal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: Nishi Tomio , Suzuki Noriyuki , Tani Takayuki , Aonuma Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

A 45-year-old male presented to the emergency room of our institution complaining of severe pain around the left elbow. While playing volleyball, he slipped down with his left arm hit between the floor and his body. He complaind of strong pain from left elbow to hand, and active motion of elbow and wrist joint was impossible. His forearm was held in supinated position. On X-ray examination, radius head was deviated to anterior lateral side, and distal end of radius was dislocated to dorsal side. Tenderness was prominent at the site of radial head and distal radioulnar joint. Surgical treatment was performed using triceps tendon strip. Good functional recovery was gained.
Medical and Infectious Complications Associated with Pyelonephritis among Pregnant Women at Delivery
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Heine R. Phillips , Grotegut Chad A.
Published: September 2013

Objective. Pyelonephritis is a common cause of antepartum admission and maternal morbidity. Medical complications associated with pyelonephritis during delivery are not well described; thus the objective of this study was to estimate medical, infectious, and obstetric complications associated with pyelonephritis during the delivery admission.Study Design. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2008–2010. The NIS was queried for all delivery-related discharges. During the delivery admission, the ICD-9-CM codes for pyelonephritis were used to identify cases and were compared to women without pyelonephritis. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed for various medical, infectious, and obstetric complications among women with pyelonephritis compared to women without, while controlling for preexisting medical conditions and demographics.Results. During the years 2008–2010, there were 26,397 records with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis during the delivery admission, for a rate of 2.1 per 1000 deliveries. Women with pyelonephritis had increased associated risks for transfusion, need for mechanical ventilation, acute heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, acute renal failure, preterm labor, and chorioamnionitis, while controlling for preexisting medical conditions.Conclusions. Pyelonephritis at delivery admissions is associated with significant medical and infectious morbidity.
Frontomaxillary Facial Angle Measurement in Screening for Trisomy 18 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 Weeks of Pregnancy: A Double-Centre Study
Authors: Czuba Bartosz , Cnota Wojciech , Wloch Agata , Wegrzyn Piotr , Sodowski Krzysztof , Wielgos Miroslaw , Borowski Dariusz
Published: October 2013

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prenatal screening for trisomy 18 with the use of the frontomaxillary facial angle (FMF angle) measurement.Material and Methods. The study involved 1751 singleton pregnancies at 11–13 + 6 weeks, examined between 2007 and 2011. Serum PAPP-A and free beta-hCG levels were assessed, and crown-rump length, nuchal translucency, and FMF angle were measured in all patients. 1350 fetuses with known follow-up were included in the final analysis.Results. Highly significant (P<0.01) negative correlation between the CRL and the FMF angle was found. There were 30 fetuses with trisomy 18. FMF angle was highly significantly larger (P<0.0001) in fetuses with trisomy 18 as compared to chromosomally normal fetuses. Two models of first trimester screening were compared: Model 1 based on maternal age, NT, and first trimester biochemistry test (DR 80–85% and FPR 0.3–0.6%), and Model 2 = Model 1 + FMF angle measurement (DR 87.3–93.3% and FPR 0.8–1.3%).Conclusions. The use of FMF angle measurement increases the effectiveness of the screening for trisomy 18. Introduction of the FMF angle as an independent marker for fetal trisomy 18 risk requires further prospective research in large populations.
Unsteady Analyses of a Control Valve due to Fluid-Structure Coupling
Authors: Xie Yudong , Wang Yong , Liu Yanjun , Cao Fang , Pan Yongcheng
Published: October 2013

Control valves play important roles in the control of the mixed-gas pressure in the combined cycle power plants (CCPP). In order to clarify the influence of coupling between the structure and the fluid system at the control valve, the coupling mechanism was presented, and the numerical investigations were carried out. At the same operating condition in which the pressure oscillation amplitude is greater when considering the coupling, the low-order natural frequencies of the plug assembly of the valve decrease obviously when considering the fluid-structure coupling action. The low-order natural frequencies at 25% valve opening, 50% valve opening, and 75% valve opening are reduced by 11.1%, 7.0%, and 3.8%, respectively. The results help understand the processes that occur in the valve flow path leading to the pressure control instability observed in the control valve in the CCPP.
In VitroEffects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation on the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Alveolar Bone-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tooth Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lim KiTaek , Kim Jangho , Seonwoo Hoon , Park Soo Hyun , Choung Pill-Hoon , Chung Jong Hoon
Published: October 2013

Ultrasound stimulation produces significant multifunctional effects that are directly relevant to alveolar bone formation, which is necessary for periodontal healing and regeneration. We focused to find out effects of specific duty cycles and the percentage of time that ultrasound is being generated over one on/off pulse period, under ultrasound stimulation. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ((LIPUS) 1 MHz) with duty cycles of 20% and 50% was used in this study, and human alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hABMSCs) were treated with an intensity of 50 mW/cm2and exposure time of 10 min/day. hABMSCs exposed at duty cycles of 20% and 50% had similar cell viability (O.D.), which was higher (*P<0.05) than that of control cells. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly enhanced at 1 week with LIPUS treatment in osteogenic cultures as compared to control. Gene expressions showed significantly higher expression levels of CD29, CD44, COL1, and OCN in the hABMSCs under LIPUS treatment when compared to control after two weeks of treatment. The effects were partially controlled by LIPUS treatment, indicating that modulation of osteogenesis in hABMSCs was related to the specific stimulation. Furthermore, mineralized nodule formation was markedly increased after LIPUS treatment than that seen in untreated cells. Through simple staining methods such as Alizarin red and von Kossa staining, calcium deposits generated their highest levels at about 3 weeks. These results suggest that LIPUS could enhance the cell viability and osteogenic differentiation of hABMSCs, and could be part of effective treatment methods for clinical applications.
Prediction of Drought Risk Based on the WRF Model in Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Zhao Chunhong , Deng Xiangzheng , Yuan Yongwei , Yan Haiming , Liang Hong
Published: October 2013

Yunnan province is the core region of the drought in the Southwest China, which makes the region become the hot spot in the meteorological research. However, among the various influencing factors of the drought in Yunnan province, the influence of the land use/cover change (LUCC) on the drought has not been quantitatively analyzed. The LUCC in recent decades was first quantitatively analyzed in this study. Given the fact that severe drought in Yunnan province is mainly due to much-less-than-normal precipitation and much-warmer-than-normal surface temperature, this study focused on the future spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the temperature and precipitation, which have great impacts on the drought. Finally, the influencing factors of drought in Yunnan province were simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and the risk of drought was spatially analyzed with the meteorological drought composite index. The results indicate that the large-area forest plays a more important role in alleviating the risk of drought than other vegetation types do. Besides, the changes of the landscape structure resulting from the urban expansion play a significant role in intensifying the risk of drought.
Nonislet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia
Authors: Thomas Johnson , Kumar Salini C.
Published: October 2013

Nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare cause of hypoglycemia. It is characterized by increased glucose utilization by tissues mediated by a tumor resulting in hypoglycemia. NICTH is usually seen in large mesenchymal tumors including tumors involving the GI tract. Here we will discuss a case, its pathophysiology, and recent advances in the management of NICTH. Our patient was diagnosed with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. He continued to be hypoglycemic even after starting continuous tube feeds and D5W. General workup for hypoglycemia was negative and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II) was in the normal range. Hypoglycemia secondary to “big” IGF II was considered, and patient was started on steroids. His hypoglycemia resolved within a day of treatment with steroids. Initially patient had hypoglycemia unawareness, which he regained after maintaining euglycemia for 48 hours.
Power Spectrum of Generalized Fractional Gaussian Noise
Authors: Li Ming
Published: October 2013

Recently, we introduced a type of autocorrelation function (ACF) to describe a long-range dependent (LRD) process indexed with two parameters, which takes standard fractional Gaussian noise (fGn for short) as a special case. For simplicity, we call it the generalized fGn (GfGn). This short paper gives the power spectrum density function (PSD) of GfGn.
Cationic Polymers Inhibit the Conductance of Lysenin Channels
Authors: Fologea Daniel , Krueger Eric , Rossland Steve , Bryant Sheenah , Foss Wylie , Clark Tyler
Published: September 2013

The pore‐forming toxin lysenin self‐assembles large and stable conductance channels in natural and artificial lipid membranes. The lysenin channels exhibit unique regulation capabilities, which open unexplored possibilities to control the transport of ions and molecules through artificial and natural lipid membranes. Our investigations demonstrate that the positively charged polymers polyethyleneimine and chitosan inhibit the conducting properties of lysenin channels inserted into planar lipid membranes. The preservation of the inhibitory effect following addition of charged polymers on either side of the supporting membrane suggests the presence of multiple binding sites within the channel′s structure and a multistep inhibition mechanism that involves binding and trapping. Complete blockage of the binding sites with divalent cations prevents further inhibition in conductance induced by the addition of cationic polymers and supports the hypothesis that the binding sites are identical for both multivalent metal cations and charged polymers. The investigation at the single‐channel level has shown distinct complete blockages of each of the inserted channels. These findings reveal key structural characteristics which may provide insight into lysenin’s functionality while opening innovative approaches for the development of applications such as transient cell permeabilization and advanced drug delivery systems.
A Simple Approach for the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Mediated by Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Silva Aires da Conceição , de Souza Andréa Luzia Ferreira , Simão Renata Antoun , Brum Malta Luiz Fernando
Published: October 2013

The present work introduces a new procedure to obtain gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs (77–213 nm) were obtained in the absence of any classical reducing agents in a medium containing Mg2+/Al3+ layered double hydroxide (LDH) and N,N‐dimethylformamide. XRD analysis showed the presence of crystalline phases of gold in the Au/LDH composite. The 2θ values of peaks corresponding to the LDH interlayer distance indicated that metallic NPs were deposited on the surface of the material. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed that AuNPs tend to agglomerate in a nonclassical halter‐like shape.
Low Concentrations of Corticosterone Exert Stimulatory Effects on Macrophage Function in a Manner Dependent on Glucocorticoid Receptors
Authors: Zhong He-Jiang , Wang Hai-Yan , Yang Ce , Zhou Jian-Yun , Jiang Jian-Xin
Published: October 2013

Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) have both stimulatory and suppressive effects on immune cells depending on the concentration. However, the mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effects of GCs remain elusive. Rat peritoneal macrophages were treated with different concentrations of corticosterone (0, 30 nM, 150 nM, and 3 μM). To inhibit the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity, macrophages were preincubated with the GR antagonist RU486 (mifepristone, 10 μM) for 30 min before treatment with corticosterone (150 nM). In the absence of immune stimuli, the chemotactic and phagocytic activities of macrophages were markedly enhanced by low concentrations of corticosterone (30 and 150 nM) when compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, these effects were not observed at a high concentration of corticosterone (3 μM). Furthermore, blocking GR activity inhibited 150 nM corticosterone-enhanced chemotaxis and phagocytosis of macrophages. Meanwhile, after treatment with corticosterone (150 nM) for 1 h and 3 h, GR protein expression increased to 1.4- and 2.2-fold, respectively, compared to untreated macrophages. These effects were inhibited by RU486. However, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) protein expression was not influenced by 150 nM corticosterone. These results demonstrate that low concentrations of corticosterone exert stimulatory effects on macrophage function in the absence of immune stimuli, and GR is at least partially responsible for these effects.
Effects of Ar or O2 Gas Bubbling for Shape, Size, and Composition Changes in Silver‐Gold Alloy Nanoparticles Prepared from Galvanic Replacement Reaction
Authors: Alam Md. Jahangir , Tsuji Masaharu
Published: October 2013

The galvanic replacement reaction between silver nanostructures and solution has recently been demonstrated as a versatile method for generating metal nanostructures with hollow interiors. Here we describe the results of a systematic study detailing the morphological, structural, compositional, and spectral changes involved in such a heterogeneous reaction on the nanoscale. Effects of Ar or O2 gas bubbling for the formation of Ag‐Au alloy nanoparticles by the galvanic replacement between spherical Ag nanoparticles and especially were studied in ethylene glycol (EG) at 150°C. The shape, size, and composition changes occur rapidly under O2 bubbling in comparison with those under Ar bubbling. The major product after 60 min heating under Ar gas bubbling was perforated Ag‐Au alloy particles formed by the replacement reaction and the minor product was ribbon‐type particles produced from splitting off some perforated particles. On the other hand, the major product after 60 min heating under O2 gas bubbling was ribbon‐type particles. In addition, small spherical Ag particles are produced. They are formed through rereduction of Ag+ ions released from the replacement reaction and oxidative etching of Ag nanoparticles by O2/Cl− in EG.
Microcalcifications Detected as an Abnormality on Screening Mammography: Outcomes and Followup over a Five-Year Period
Authors: Craft Melissa , Bicknell Anne M. , Hazan Georges J. , Flegg Karen M.
Published: October 2013

Objectives. This study reviewed the outcome of women attending a breast screening program recalled for assessment of microcalcifications and examined the incidence of a breast carcinoma detected during the following five years in any of the women who were given a benign diagnosis at assessment.Method. A retrospective study consisted of 235 clients attending an Australian BreastScreen program in 2003, who were recalled for investigation of microcalcifications detected on screening mammography. Records for the following five years were available for 168 women in the benign outcome group including those who did not require biopsy at initial assessment.Results. Malignant disease was detected in 26.0% (n=146) of the women who underwent biopsy. None of the women in the benign outcome group, with available five-year follow-up records, developed a subsequent breast cancer, arising from the calcifications initially recalled in 2003.Conclusions. This study highlights the effectiveness of an Australian screening program in diagnosing malignancy in women with screen detected microcalcification. This has been achieved by correctly determining 38% (n=235) of the women as benign without the need for biopsy or early recall. A low rate of open surgical biopsies was performed with no cancer diagnoses missed at the time of initial assessment.
New Nonpolynomial Spline in Compression Method of for the Solution of 1D Wave Equation in Polar Coordinates
Authors: Gopal Venu , Mohanty R. K. , Jha Navnit
Published: October 2013

We propose a three-level implicit nine point compact finite difference formulation of order two in time and four in space direction, based on nonpolynomial spline in compression approximation in -direction and finite difference approximation in -direction for the numerical solution of one-dimensional wave equation in polar coordinates. We describe the mathematical formulation procedure in detail and also discussed the stability of the method. Numerical results are provided to justify the usefulness of the proposed method.
Solution of Boundary Value Problems by Approaching Spline Techniques
Authors: Kalyani P. , Rama Chandra Rao P. S.
Published: October 2013

In the present work a nonpolynomial spline function is used to approximate the solution of the second order two point boundary value problems. The classes of numerical methods of second order, for a specific choice of parameters involved in nonpolynomial spline, have been developed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applications of this method. The solutions of these examples are found at the nodal points with various step sizes and with various parameters (α, β). The absolute errors in each example are estimated, and the comparison of approximate values, exact values, and absolute errors of at the nodal points are shown graphically. Further, shown that nonpolynomial spline produces accurate results in comparison with the results obtained by the B-spline method and finite difference method.
On a New Cournot Duopoly Game
Authors: Agiza H. N. , Elsadany A. A. , El-Dessoky M. M.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new Cournot duopoly game. The main advantage of this game is that the outputs are nonnegative for all times. We investigate the complexity of the corresponding dynamical behaviors of the game such as stability and bifurcations. Computer simulations will be used to confirm our theoretical results. It is found that the chaotic behavior of the game has been stabilized on the Nash equilibrium point by using delay feedback control method.
Chemical Reaction Effect on Transient Free Convective Flow past an Infinite Moving Vertical Cylinder
Authors: Paul Ashish , Deka Rudra Kanta
Published: September 2013

An analysis is performed to study the heat and mass transfer on the flow past an infinite moving vertical cylinder, in the presence of first-order chemical reaction. The closed-form solutions of the dimensionless governing partial differential equations are obtained in terms of Bessel's functions and modified Bessel's functions by the Laplace transform technique. The transient velocity profiles, temperature profiles, and concentration profiles are studied for various sets of physical parameters, namely, the chemical reaction parameter, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number, and time. The skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are also obtained and presented in graphs. It is observed that in presence of as well as increase in chemical reaction the flow velocity decreases. Also, in presence of destructive chemical reaction the concentration profile and Sherwood number tend to the steady state at large time.
Roles of Vitamin A Metabolism in the Development of Hepatic Insulin Resistance
Authors: Chen Guoxun
Published: October 2013

The increase in the number of people with obesity- and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has become a major public health concern. Insulin resistance is a common feature closely associated with human obesity and diabetes. Insulin regulates metabolism, at least in part,viathe control of the expression of the hepatic genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Insulin resistance is always associated with profound changes of the expression of hepatic genes for glucose and lipid metabolism. As an essential micronutrient, vitamin A (VA) is needed in a variety of physiological functions. The active metablite of VA, retinoic acid (RA), regulates the expression of genes through the activation of transcription factors bound to the RA-responsive elements in the promoters of RA-targeted genes. Recently, retinoids have been proposed to play roles in glucose and lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. This paper summarizes the recent progresses in our understanding of VA metabolism in the liver and of the potential transcription factors mediating RA responses. These transcription factors are the retinoic acid receptor, the retinoid X receptor, the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, the chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorβ/δ. This paper also summarizes the effects of VA status and RA treatments on the glucose and lipid metabolism in vivo and the effects of retinoid treatments on the expression of insulin-regulated genes involved in the glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the primary hepatocytes. I discuss the roles of RA production in the development of insulin resistance in hepatocytes and proposes a mechanism by which RA production may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance. Given the large amount of information and progresses regarding the physiological functions of VA, this paper mainly focuses on the findings in the liver and hepatocytes and only mentions the relative findings in other tissues and cells.
Evaluation of Polyethylene-Based Long Lasting Treated Bed Net Netprotect onAnophelesMosquitoes, Malaria Incidence, and Net Longivity in Western Kenya
Authors: Odhiambo M. T. O. , Skovmand O. , Vulule J. M. , Kokwaro E. D.
Published: October 2013

We studied the effect on malaria incidence, mosquito abundance, net efficacy, net use rate, chemical analysis, and holes of a long lasting insecticide treated bed net (Netprotect) in western Kenya, 2007–2010. Nets were hung in 150 households 6 months before they were hung in a second, 2 km away. Indoor resting densities were monitored by pyrethrum spray catch and malaria cases by passive detection using clinical manifestations and rapid diagnostic test. The probability of findingAn. arabiensisin the control area was 2.6 times higher than that in intervention area during the first 6 months. Human blood feeding index ofAnopheles funestusdeclined 17%. After bed nets were hung in the second area, malaria incidence declined 25% down to the level in the first area. Incidence remained at this low level for 2 years. 90% of collected nets were efficacious after 3-year use. Deltamethrin dosage declined from 1.9 to 0.5 g/kg over 3 years. Attrition rate after 3 years was 21%. WHO hole index changed from 333 to 114 to 381 over the three years. This index summarizes the numbers of holes in size categories and multiplies with the mean hole area per category. It is very sensitive to the impact of big holes in a few nets.
Sudden, Painless Incontinence following Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Case Report
Authors: Akbulut Fatih , Akbas Alpaslan , Sahin Dilek
Published: October 2013

Urinary incontinence is a stent-related complication; however, total incontinence is not often seen in emergency departments. We report a patient who presented with a sudden, painless, and total urinary incontinence after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This is the first case of total incontinence due to migrated ureteral double J stent through the external urethral sphincter into the urethra following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
TiO2‐SiO2/Ph‐POSS Functional Hybrids: Preparation and Characterisation
Authors: Nowacka Magdalena , Ambrożewicz Damian , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: October 2013

The results of studies involving the innovative TiO2‐SiO2/Ph‐POSS hybrid were presented. An inorganic TiO2‐SiO2 oxide composite was precipitated from an emulsion media. The functionalisation of surface for the obtained composite was carried out with the use of TriSilanolPhenyl POSS (Ph‐POSS) and a silane coupling agent—phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS). Electrokinetic and physicochemical as well as structural characteristics of obtained hybrids were evaluated. The zeta potential value has been determined, which provides relevant information regarding the interactions between colloid particles. Measurement of the zeta potential values allowed for an indirect assessment of stability for the studied hybrid fillers. In the next step, the degree of dispersion and surface morphology were evaluated based on the obtained particle size distribution curves and TEM images. The hydrophilic‐hydrophobic character of the surface was assessed by analysing the wettability profiles. The modification degree of the TiO2‐SiO2 oxide composite was evaluated based on the infrared spectroscopy studies (FT‐IR). Determination of the parameters of the porous structure was conducted by determining the specific surface area and the total volume and mean size of pores. Thermogravimetric measurements (TGA) were also carried out in order to measure the changes in sample mass as a function of temperature.
N2Gas Plasma Inactivates Influenza Virus by Inducing Changes in Viral Surface Morphology, Protein, and Genomic RNA
Authors: Sakudo Akikazu , Shimizu Naohiro , Imanishi Yuichiro , Ikuta Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2013

We have recently treated with N2gas plasma and achieved inactivation of bacteria. However, the effect of N2gas plasma on viruses remains unclear. With the aim of developing this technique, we analyzed the virucidal effect of N2gas plasma on influenza virus and its influence on the viral components. We treated influenza virus particles with inert N2gas plasma (1.5 kpps; kilo pulses per second) produced by a short high-voltage pulse generated from a static induction thyristor power supply. A bioassay using chicken embryonated eggs demonstrated that N2gas plasma inactivated influenza virus in allantoic fluid within 5 min. Immunochromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Coomassie brilliant blue staining showed that N2gas plasma treatment of influenza A and B viruses in nasal aspirates and allantoic fluids as well as purified influenza A and B viruses induced degradation of viral proteins including nucleoprotein. Analysis using the polymerase chain reaction suggested that N2gas plasma treatment induced changes in the viral RNA genome. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that aggregation and fusion of influenza viruses were induced by N2gas plasma treatment. We believe these biochemical changes may contribute to the inactivation of influenza viruses by N2gas plasma.