bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Special Gen(d)re of Statistics: Roots, Development and Methodological Prospects of Gender Statistics
Authors: Mecatti Fulvia , Crippa Franca , Farina Patrizia
Published: October 2013

The very expression Gender Statistics calls for a double interpretation. It accounts for the popular mix‐up of statistical methodology with its typical products such as indexes, tables and graphs. At the same time it implies a broader and forward‐looking perspective, which is inspired by the increasing demand of gender sensitive statistical information coming from society, official agencies, economy. Gender statistics stands as a proper independent field of statistics with its own objectives and a variety of applications in social, human and life science. Concurrently an emerging necessity of appropriate equipment of methods and dissemination tools is noticeable. The paper tracks the roots and the historical development of gender statistics, reviews critically the existing indexes and practice and outlines methodological needs and research prospects.
Proton radiography in three dimensions: A proof of principle of a new technique
Authors: Raytchev Milen , Seco Joao
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate a range of phantom configurations to establish enabling three‐dimensional proton radiographic techniques.

Methods:

A large parameter space of stacked phantom geometries composed of tissue inhomogeneity materials such as lung, bone, and cartilage inserted within water background were simulated using a purposefully modified version ofTOPAS, an application running on top of the GEANT4 Monte Carlo code. The phantoms were grouped in two classes, one with the inhomogeneity inserted only half‐way in the lateral direction and another with complete inhomogeneity insertion. The former class was used to calculate the track count and the energy fluence of the protons as they exit the phantoms either having traversed the inhomogeneity or not. The latter class was used to calculate one yield value accounting for loss of protons due to physical processes only and another yield value accounting for deliberately discarded protons due to large scattering angles. A graphical fingerprinting method was developed to determine the inhomogeneity thickness and location within the phantom based on track count and energy fluence information. Two additional yield values extended this method to the general case which also determines the inhomogeneity material and the phantom thickness.

Results:

The graphical fingerprinting method was manually validated for two, and automatically tested for all, tissue materials using an exhaustive set of inhomogeneity geometries for 16 cm thick phantoms. Unique recognition of test phantom configurations was achieved in the large majority of cases. The method in the general case was further tested using an exhaustive set of inhomogeneity and phantom tissues and geometries where the phantom thicknesses ranged between 8 and 24 cm. Unique recognition of the test phantom configurations was achieved only for part of the phantom parameter space. The correlations between the remaining false positive recognitions were analyzed.

Conclusions:

The concept of 3D proton radiography for tissue inhomogeneities of simple geometries was established with the current work. In contrast to conventional 2D proton radiography, the main objective of the demonstrated 3D technique is not proton range. Rather, it is to measure the depth and thickness of an inhomogeneity located in an imaged geometry. Further work is needed to extend and apply the method to more complex geometries.
A virtual phantom library for the quantification of deformable image registration uncertainties in patients with cancers of the head and neck
Authors: Pukala Jason , Meeks Sanford L. , Staton Robert J. , Bova Frank J. , Mañon Rafael R. , Langen Katja M.
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

Deformable image registration (DIR) is being used increasingly in various clinical applications. However, the underlying uncertainties of DIR are not well‐understood and a comprehensive methodology has not been developed for assessing a range of interfraction anatomic changes during head and neck cancer radiotherapy. This study describes the development of a library of clinically relevant virtual phantoms for the purpose of aiding clinicians in the QA of DIR software. These phantoms will also be available to the community for the independent study and comparison of other DIR algorithms and processes.

Methods:

Each phantom was derived from a pair of kVCT volumetric image sets. The first images were acquired of head and neck cancer patients prior to the start‐of‐treatment and the second were acquired near the end‐of‐treatment. A research algorithm was used to autosegment and deform the start‐of‐treatment (SOT) images according to a biomechanical model. This algorithm allowed the user to adjust the head position, mandible position, and weight loss in the neck region of the SOT images to resemble the end‐of‐treatment (EOT) images. A human‐guided thin‐plate splines algorithm was then used to iteratively apply further deformations to the images with the objective of matching the EOT anatomy as closely as possible. The deformations from each algorithm were combined into a single deformation vector field (DVF) and a simulated end‐of‐treatment (SEOT) image dataset was generated from that DVF. Artificial noise was added to the SEOT images and these images, along with the original SOT images, created a virtual phantom where the underlying “ground‐truth” DVF is known. Images from ten patients were deformed in this fashion to create ten clinically relevant virtual phantoms. The virtual phantoms were evaluated to identify unrealistic DVFs using the normalized cross correlation (NCC) and the determinant of the Jacobian matrix. A commercial deformation algorithm was applied to the virtual phantoms to show how they may be used to generate estimates of DIR uncertainty.

Results:

The NCC showed that the simulated phantom images had greater similarity to the actual EOT images than the images from which they were derived, supporting the clinical relevance of the synthetic deformation maps. Calculation of the Jacobian of the “ground‐truth” DVFs resulted in only positive values. As an example, mean error statistics are presented for all phantoms for the brainstem, cord, mandible, left parotid, and right parotid.

Conclusions:

It is essential that DIR algorithms be evaluated using a range of possible clinical scenarios for each treatment site. This work introduces a library of virtual phantoms intended to resemble real cases for interfraction head and neck DIR that may be used to estimate and compare the uncertainty of any DIR algorithm.
A Human Type 5 Adenovirus–Based Tuberculosis Vaccine Induces Robust T Cell Responses in Humans Despite Preexisting Anti-Adenovirus Immunity
Authors: Smaill Fiona , Jeyanathan Mangalakumari , Smieja Marek , Medina Maria Fe , Thanthrige-Don Niroshan , Zganiacz Anna , Yin Cindy , Heriazon Armando , Damjanovic Daniela , Puri Laura , Hamid Jemila , Xie Feng , Foley Ronan , Bramson Jonathan , Gauldie Jack , Xing Zhou
Published: October 2013

An adenovirus-based TB vaccine elicits T cell immunogenicity despite preexisting anti-AdHu5 immunity in people.
Promoter Sequence of Shiga Toxin 2 (Stx2) Is Recognized
In Vivo
, Leading to Production of Biologically Active Stx2
Authors: Bentancor Leticia V. , Mejías Maria P. , Pinto Alípio , Bilen Marcos F. , Meiss Roberto , Rodriguez-Galán Maria C. , Baez Natalia , Pedrotti Luciano P. , Goldstein Jorge , Ghiringhelli Pablo D. , Palermo Marina S.
Published: October 2013

Shiga toxins (Stx) are the main agent responsible for the development of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), the most severe and life-threatening systemic complication of infection with enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) strains. We previously described Stx2 expression by eukaryotic cells after they were transfected
in vitro
with the
stx
2
gene cloned into a prokaryotic plasmid (pStx2). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mammalian cells were also able to express Stx2
in vivo
after pStx2 injection. Mice were inoculated by hydrodynamics-based transfection (HBT) with pStx2. We studied the survival, percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in plasma, plasma urea levels, and histology of the kidneys and the brains of mice. Mice displayed a lethal dose-related response to pStx2. Stx2 mRNA was recovered from the liver, and Stx2 cytotoxic activity was observed in plasma of mice injected with pStx2. Stx2 was detected by immunofluorescence in the brains of mice inoculated with pStx2, and markers of central nervous system (CNS) damage were observed, including increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and fragmentation of NeuN in neurons. Moreover, anti-Stx2B-immunized mice were protected against pStx2 inoculation. Our results show that Stx2 is expressed
in vivo
from the wild
stx
2
gene, reproducing pathogenic damage induced by purified Stx2 or secondary to EHEC infection.

IMPORTANCE
Enterohemorrhagic Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) infections are a serious public health problem, and Stx is the main pathogenic agent associated with typical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). In contrast to the detailed information describing the molecular basis for EHEC adherence to epithelial cells, very little is known about how Stx is released from bacteria in the gut, reaching its target tissues, mainly the kidney and central nervous system (CNS). In order to develop an efficient treatment for EHEC infections, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms involved in Stx expression. In this regard, the present study demonstrates that mammals can synthesize biologically active Stx using the natural promoter associated with the Stx-converting bacteriophage genome. These results could impact the comprehension of EHEC HUS, since local eukaryotic cells transduced and/or infected by bacteriophage encoding Stx2 could be an alternative source of Stx production.
Developing a Web-based dietary sodium screening tool for personalized assessment and feedback
Authors: Arcand JoAnne , Abdulaziz Kasim , Bennett Carol , L’Abbé Mary R. , Manuel Douglas G.
Published: October 2013

Dietary sodium reduction is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension, heart and liver failure, and chronic kidney disease. Sodium reduction is also an important public health problem since most of the Canadian population consumes sodium in excess of their daily requirements. Lack of awareness about the amount of sodium consumed and the sources of sodium in diet is common, and undoubtedly a major contributor to excess sodium consumption. There are few known tools available to screen and provide personalized information about sodium in the diet. Therefore, we developed a Web-based sodium intake screening tool called the Salt Calculator ( www.projectbiglife.ca ), which is publicly available for individuals to assess the amount and sources of sodium in their diet. The Calculator contains 23 questions focusing on restaurant foods, packaged foods, and added salt. Questions were developed using sodium consumption data from the Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 2.2 and up-to-date information on sodium levels in packaged and restaurant food databases from the University of Toronto. The Calculator translates existing knowledge about dietary sodium into a tool that can be accessed by the public as well as integrated into clinical practice to address the high levels of sodium presently in the Canadian diet.
SOLVING THE RIDDLE OF THE INCOMPATIBILITY BETWEEN RENORMALIZABILITY AND UNITARITY IN N-DIMENSIONAL EINSTEIN GRAVITY ENLARGED BY CURVATURE-SQUARED TERMS
Authors: ACCIOLY ANTONIO , HELAYËL-NETO JOSÉ , SCATENA ESLLEY , TURCATI RODRIGO
Published: October 2013

One of the puzzling aspects of N-dimensional Einstein Gravity (NDEG) augmented by curvature-squared terms is why renormalizability and unitarity, two of the most important properties of any physical theory, cannot be reconciled in its framework. Actually, the reason why these properties are mutually incompatible within the context of generic higher-derivative models, not necessarily related to gravity, is one of the unsolved mysteries of physics. Here, a simple solution to the NDEG riddle, based on the analysis of the interparticle gravitational potential, is presented. The main argument used to support our discussion is that tree-level unitarity and the existence of a singularity in the potential are intertwined.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE HIGGS DISCOVERY FOR GRAVITY AND COSMOLOGY
Authors: STOJKOVIC DEJAN
Published: October 2013

The discovery of the Higgs boson is one of the greatest discoveries in this century. The standard model is finally complete. Apart from its significance in particle physics, this discovery has profound implications for gravity and cosmology in particular. Many perturbative quantum gravity interactions involving scalars are not suppressed by powers of Planck mass. Since gravity couples anything with mass to anything with mass, then Higgs must be strongly coupled to any other fundamental scalar in nature, even if the gauge couplings are absent in the original Lagrangian. Since the Large Hadron Collider data indicate that the Higgs is very much standard model-like, there is very little room for nonstandard model processes, e.g. invisible decays. This severely complicates any model that involves light enough scalar that the Higgs can kinematically decay to. Most notably, these are the quintessence models, models including light axions, and light scalar dark matter models.
POLARIZATION ALIGNMENT IN JVAS/CLASS FLAT SPECTRUM RADIO SURVEYS
Authors: TIWARI PRABHAKAR , JAIN PANKAJ
Published: October 2013

We present a detailed statistical analysis of the alignment of polarizations of radio sources at high redshift. This study is motivated by the puzzling signal of alignment of polarizations from distant quasars at optical frequencies. We use a coordinate invariant measure of dispersion to test for alignment of polarizations of widely separated sources. The data from JVAS/CLASS 8.4 GHz surveys are used for our study. We find that the data set with polarization flux greater than 1 mJy shows a significant signal of alignment at distance scales of order 150 Mpc. The significance of alignment decreases as we go to larger distances. In contrast the data set with polarization flux less than 1 mJy does not show significant alignment at short distances. However this set, as well as the full data sample, shows a very significant signal at large distances of order 500–850 Mpc. Due to the presence of relatively large error in the low polarization sample, this signal needs to be tested further with more refined data. We also study the signal by imposing a cut on the error in polarization. We find that the significance of alignment increases with decrease in fractional error. We are unable to attribute our results to known sources of bias. We discuss a possible physical explanation of our results.
BACKWARD ANGLE STRUCTURE IN THE 20Ne+28Si QUASIELASTIC SCATTERING
Authors: SGOUROS O. , SOUKERAS V. , PAKOU A. , PATRONIS N. , ZERVA K. , KEELEY N. , STROJEK I. , TRZCIŃSKA A. , PIASECKI E. , RUSEK K. , STILIARIS E. , MAZZOCCO M.
Published: October 2013

New data for the quasielastic scattering of 20 Ne from a 28 Si target at incident energies of 42.5 MeV and 52.3 MeV and for the 28 Si (20 Ne , 24 Mg )24 Mg , 28 Si (20 Ne , 16 O )32S and 28 Si (20 Ne , 12 C )36 Ar transfer reactions at 52.3 MeV are reported. Oscillations are observed in the backward angle quasielastic scattering data at 52.3 MeV and the 28 Si (20 Ne , 12 C )36 Ar transfer cross-sections are of the same magnitude as those for single-α stripping. Coupled reaction channels (CRC) calculations are unable to describe either the quasielastic or the 28 Si (20 Ne , 12 C )36 Ar transfer data assuming a sequential α transfer process with α-particle form factors from the literature. The addition of direct 8 Be cluster transfer can provide a reasonable description of both data sets, but only with much larger spectroscopic factors than suggested by simple structure calculations or the large 8 Be emission thresholds of 20 Ne , 28 Si and 36 Ar , suggesting that the observed structure is of resonance-like origin. An optical model analysis of the quasielastic scattering data is also reported.
FROM COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE TO COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS: DEFINITIONS AND A SEMI-STRUCTURED MODEL
Authors: KORNRUMPF ALEXANDER , BAUMÖL ULRIKE
Published: October 2013

Collective intelligence (CI) has become a popular research topic over the past few years. However, the CI debate suffers from several problems such as that there is no unanimously agreed-upon definition of CI that clearly differentiates between CI and related terms such as swarm intelligence (SI) and collective intelligence systems (CIS). Furthermore, a model of such CIS is lacking for purposes of research and the design of new CIS. This paper aims at untangling the definitions of CI and other related terms, especially CIS, and at providing a semi-structured model of CIS as a first step towards more structured research. The authors of this paper argue that CI can be defined as the ability of sufficiently large groups of individuals to create an emergent solution for a specific class of problems or tasks. The authors show that other alleged properties of CI which are not covered by this definition, are, in fact, properties of CIS and can be understood by regarding CIS as complex socio-technical systems (STS) that enable the realization of CI. The model defined in this article serves as a means to structure open questions in CIS research and helps to understand which research methodology is adequate for different aspects of CIS.
FRAMEWORK OF WIND–VEHICLE–BRIDGE INTERACTION ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: CAI C. S. , ZHANG WEI , LIU XIANZHI , PENG WEI , CHEN S. R. , HAN Y. , HU J. X.
Published: October 2013

Under strong winds, bridges may exhibit large dynamic responses. Wind may also endanger the safety of moving vehicles on the roadways as well as on bridges. For regular aerodynamic study of long-span bridges, traffic loads are not typically considered, assuming that bridges will be closed to traffic at high wind speeds. Therefore, bridges are usually tested in wind tunnels or analyzed numerically without considering moving vehicles on them. However, there are numerous possible scenarios under which vehicles may still be on the bridge when higher wind speeds occur. These scenarios include unexpected increase in hurricane forward speed or intensity, evacuation traffic gridlock, accidents/stalled vehicles or rainfall flooding blocking the road ahead, etc. Wind, together with vehicles, will also cause serviceability and bridge fatigue damage issues. The present study will present the framework of wind–vehicle–bridge interaction analysis and its applications, developed in the last decade by the authors' group, focused on the vehicle and bridge safety issues. It consists of the following five parts: (1) A three dimensional finite element analysis framework considering the interaction of wind, bridge and vehicles; (2) experimental facilities development and studies for both static and aerodynamic tests of bridge section models and vehicles; (3) Computation fluid dynamic (CFD) prediction of loading on vehicles; (4) performance evaluation of vehicle safety and bridge fatigue; and (5) bridge vibration mitigations. Case study will also be presented and future research needs are discussed.
SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF MASONRY-INFILLED RC FRAMES WITH AND WITHOUT RETROFIT
Authors: SHING P. BENSON , KOUTROMANOS IOANNIS , STAVRIDIS ANDREAS
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the findings of a research that focused on the seismic performance of masonry-infilled, nonductile, RC frames. This research has resulted in improved analytical methods and effective retrofit techniques to assess and enhance the performance of these structures. The methods were validated by a series of quasi-static tests conducted on one-story frame specimens as well as shake-table tests conducted on two 2/3-scale, three-story, two-bay, masonry-infilled, RC frames. This paper focuses on the observations from the shake-table tests and the further insight gained from a numerical study conducted with finite element models. The first shake-table test specimen had no retrofit measures, and the second had infill walls in the first and second stories strengthened with Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) and Fiber Reinforced Polymeric (FRP) overlays, respectively. The tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the retrofit measures. Finite element models that combine smeared and discrete cracks have been used in a numerical study to examine the benefits of the ECC retrofit and the influence of the capacity of the shear dowels that connect an ECC overlay to the RC beams on structural performance. It has been shown that these shear dowels play a critical role in enhancing both the strength and ductility of a retrofitted structure.
Punicalagin, a polyphenol in pomegranate juice, downregulates p53 and attenuates hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cultured human placental syncytiotrophoblasts
Authors: Chen Baosheng , Longtine Mark S. , Nelson D. Michael
Published: October 2013

Oxidative stress is associated with placental dysfunction and suboptimal pregnancy outcomes. Therapeutic interventions to limit placental injury from oxidative stress are lacking. Punicalagin is an ellagitannin and a potent antioxidant in pomegranate juice. We showed that both pomegranate juice and punicalagin decrease oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured syncytiotrophoblasts. p53 is involved in the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in trophoblasts. We now test the hypothesis that punicalagin limits trophoblast injury in vitro by regulating the levels of p53. We examined the expression of p53, mouse double minute 2 homolog, p21, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) α, and selected members of the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family of proteins in cultured syncytiotrophoblasts exposed to ≤1% oxygen in the absence or presence of punicalagin. We found that punicalagin attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis in syncytiotrophoblasts, as quantified by levels of cleaved poly-ADP ribose polymerase. This protective effect was in part mediated by reduced p53 activity shown by decreased expression of p21, lower HIF1α expression, and limited activity of caspases 9 and 3. There was no change in expression of proteins in the BCL2 family, which are also important in apoptosis. The data support a role for downregulation of p53 in the protection of human trophoblasts by punicalagin.
Rescue of heart lipoprotein lipase-knockout mice confirms a role for triglyceride in optimal heart metabolism and function
Authors: Khan Raffay S. , Lin Yan , Hu Yunying , Son Ni-Huiping , Bharadwaj Kalyani G. , Palacios Carla , Chokshi Aalap , Ji Ruiping , Yu Shuiqing , Homma Sunichi , Schulze P. Christian , Tian Rong , Goldberg Ira J.
Published: October 2013

Hearts utilize fatty acids as a primary source of energy. The sources of those lipids include free fatty acids and lipoprotein triglycerides. Deletion of the primary triglyceride-hydrolyzing enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL) leads to cardiac dysfunction. Whether heart LPL-knockout (hLPL0) mice are compromised due a deficiency in energetic substrates is unknown. To test whether alternative sources of energy will prevent cardiac dysfunction in hLPL0 mice, two different models were used to supply nonlipid energy. 1) hLPL0 mice were crossed with mice transgenically expressing GLUT1 in cardiomyocytes to increase glucose uptake into the heart; this cross-corrected cardiac dysfunction, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, and increased myocardial ATP. 2) Mice were randomly assigned to a sedentary or training group (swimming) at 3 mo of age, which leads to increased skeletal muscle production of lactate. hLPL0 mice had greater expression of the lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT-1) and increased cardiac lactate uptake. Compared with hearts from sedentary hLPL0 mice, hearts from trained hLPL0 mice had adaptive hypertrophy and improved cardiac function. We conclude that defective energy intake and not the reduced uptake of fat-soluble vitamins or cholesterol is responsible for cardiac dysfunction in hLPL0 mice. In addition, our studies suggest that adaptations in cardiac metabolism contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on the myocardium of patients with heart failure.
Modeling the Prospective Relationships of Impairment, Injury Severity, and Participation to Quality of Life Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kalpinski Ryan J. , Williamson Meredith L. C. , Elliott Timothy R. , Berry Jack W. , Underhill Andrea T. , Fine Philip R.
Published: October 2013

Identifying reliable predictors of positive adjustment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains an important area of inquiry. Unfortunately, much of available research examines direct relationships between predictor variables and outcomes without attending to the contextual relationships that can exist between predictor variables. Relying on theoretical models of well-being, we examined a theoretical model of adjustment in which the capacity to engage in intentional activities would be prospectively associated with greater participation, which in turn would predict subsequent life satisfaction and perceived health assessed at a later time. Structural equation modeling of data collected from 312 individuals (226 men, 86 women) with TBI revealed that two elements of participation—mobility and occupational activities—mediated the prospective influence of functional independence and injury severity to optimal adjustment 60 months following medical discharge for TBI. The model accounted for 21% of the variance in life satisfaction and 23% of the variance in self-rated health. Results indicate that the effects of functional independence and injury severity to optimal adjustment over time may be best understood in the context of participation in meaningful, productive activities. Implications for theoretical models of well-being and for clinical interventions that promote adjustmentafter TBI are discussed.
3D CFD Simulations of MOCVD Synthesis System of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Othman Siti Hajar , Abdul Rashid Suraya , Mohd Ghazi Tinia Idaty , Abdullah Norhafizah
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the 3‐dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation study of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) producing photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. It aims to provide better understanding of the MOCVD synthesis system especially of deposition process of TiO2 nanoparticles as well as fluid dynamics inside the reactor. The simulated model predicts temperature, velocity, gas streamline, mass fraction of reactants and products, kinetic rate of reaction, and surface deposition rate profiles. It was found that temperature distribution, flow pattern, and thermophoretic force considerably affected the deposition behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles. Good mixing of nitrogen (N2) carrier gas and oxygen (O2) feed gas is important to ensure uniform deposition and the quality of the nanoparticles produced. Simulation results are verified by experiment where possible due to limited available experimental data. Good agreement between experimental and simulation results supports the reliability of simulation work.
Golden Ratio Phenomenon of Random Data Obeying von Karman Spectrum
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2013

von Karman originally deduced his spectrum of wind speed fluctuation based on the Stokes-Navier equation. Taking into account, the practical issues of measurement and/or computation errors, we suggest that the spectrum can be described from the point of view of the golden ratio. We call it the golden ratio phenomenon of the von Karman spectrum. To depict that phenomenon, we derive the von Karman spectrum based on fractional differential equations, which bridges the golden ratio to the von Karman spectrum and consequently provides a new outlook of random data following the von Karman spectrum in turbulence. In addition, we express the fractal dimension, which is a measure of local self-similarity, using the golden ratio, of random data governed by the von Karman spectrum.
Decoupling the Stationary Navier-Stokes-Darcy System with the Beavers-Joseph-Saffman Interface Condition
Authors: Cao Yong , Chu Yuchuan , He Xiaoming , Wei Mingzhen
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes a domain decomposition method for the coupled stationary Navier-Stokes and Darcy equations with the Beavers-Joseph-Saffman interface condition in order to improve the efficiency of the finite element method. The physical interface conditions are directly utilized to construct the boundary conditions on the interface and then decouple the Navier-Stokes and Darcy equations. Newton iteration will be used to deal with the nonlinear systems. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the features of the proposed method.
A Biomechanical Model of the Inner Ear: Numerical Simulation of the Caloric Test
Authors: Shen Shuang , Liu Yingxi , Sun Xiuzhen , Zhao Wei , Su Yingfeng , Yu Shen , Liu Wenlong
Published: October 2013

Whether two vertical semicircular canals can receive thermal stimuli remains controversial. This study examined the caloric response in the three semicircular canals to the clinical hot caloric test using the finite element method. The results of the developed model showed the horizontal canal (HC) cupula maximally deflected to the utricle side by approximately 3 μm during the hot supine test. The anterior canal cupula began to receive the caloric stimuli about 20 s after the HC cupula, and it maximally deflected to the canal side by 0.55 μm. The posterior canal cupula did not receive caloric stimuli until approximately 40 s after the HC cupula, and it maximally deflected to the canal side by 0.34 μm. Although the endolymph flow and the cupular deformation change with respect to the head position during the test, the supine test ensures the maximal caloric response in the HC, but no substantial improvement for the responses of the two vertical canals was observed. In conclusion, while the usual supine test is the optimum test for evaluating the functions of the inner ear, more irrigation time is needed in order to effectively clinically examine the vertical canals.
Bilateral Medial Medullary Stroke: A Challenge in Early Diagnosis
Authors: Torabi Amir M.
Published: October 2013

Bilateral medial medullary stroke is a very rare type of stroke, with catastrophic consequences. Early diagnosis is crucial. Here, I present a young patient with acute vertigo, progressive generalized weakness, dysarthria, and respiratory failure, who initially was misdiagnosed with acute vestibular syndrome. Initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was done in the acute phase was read as normal. Other possibilities were excluded by lumbar puncture and MRI of cervical spine. MR of C-spine showed lesion at medial medulla; therefore a second MRI of brain was requested, showed characteristic “heart appearance” shape at diffusion weighted (DWI), and confirmed bilateral medial medullary stroke. Retrospectively, a vague-defined hyperintense linear DWI signal at midline was noted in the first brain MRI. Because of the symmetric and midline pattern of this abnormal signal and similarity to an artifact, some radiologists or neurologists may miss this type of stroke. Radiologists and neurologists must recognize clinical and MRI findings of this rare type of stroke, which early treatment could make a difference in patient outcome. The abnormal DWI signal in early stages of this type of stroke may not be a typical “heart appearance” shape, and other variants such as small dot or linear DWI signal at midline must be recognized as early signs of stroke. Also, MRI of cervical spine may be helpful if there is attention to brainstem as well.
Attitude Control of a Single Tilt Tri-Rotor UAV System: Dynamic Modeling and Each Channel's Nonlinear Controllers Design
Authors: Chiou Juing-Shian , Tran Huu-Khoa , Peng Shou-Tao
Published: October 2013

This paper has implemented nonlinear control strategy for the single tilt tri-rotor aerial robot. Based on Newton-Euler’s laws, the linear and nonlinear mathematical models of tri-rotor UAVs are obtained. A numerical analysis using Newton-Raphson method is chosen for finding hovering equilibrium point. Back-stepping nonlinear controller design is based on constructing Lyapunov candidate function for closed-loop system. By imitating the linguistic logic of human thought, fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) are designed based on control rules and membership functions, which are much less rigid than the calculations computers generally perform. Effectiveness of the controllers design scheme is shown through nonlinear simulation model on each channel.
Organic Anion Transporter 5 Renal Expression and Urinary Excretion in Rats with Vascular Calcification
Authors: Hazelhoff María Herminia , Bulacio Romina Paula , Torres Adriana Mónica
Published: October 2013

It has been described renal damage in rats with vascular calcification. The organic anion transporter 5 (Oat5) is only expressed in kidney, and its urinary excretion was proposed as potential early biomarker of renal injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Oat5 renal expression and its urinary excretion in an experimental model of vascular calcification in comparison with traditional markers of renal injury. Vascular calcification was obtained by the administration of an overdose of vitamin D3(300,000 IU/kg, b.w., i.m.) to male Wistar rats. Oat5 urinary abundance was evaluated by Western blotting. Traditional markers of renal injury, such as creatinine and urea plasma levels, urinary protein levels, and urinary alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, were determined using commercial kits. Histology was assessed by hematoxylin/eosin staining. Oat5 renal expression was evaluated by Western blotting and by immunohistochemistry. An increased expression of Oat5 in renal homogenates, in apical membranes, and in its urinary excretion was observed in rats with vascular calcification. The traditional parameters used to evaluate renal function were not modified, with the exception of histology. It is possible to postulate the urinary excretion of Oat5 as a potential noninvasive biomarker of renal injury associated with vascular calcification.
Brentuximab Vedotin Treatment for Primary Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Wu Hung-Bo , Yeh Shyh-An , Chen Huei-Yung
Published: October 2013

Up to 40% of patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) become refractory or relapsed after current standard chemotherapy, among which primary refractory HL confers a particularly poor outcome. With intensive salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, the long-term remission rate for these patients was only 30%, but more selective treatments with higher therapeutic index are needed. We report the experience of using a new anti-CD30 immunotoxin, brentuximab vedotin, in salvage treatment of a 30-year-old woman with primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient presented with SVC syndrome due to the bulky mediastinal tumor and was confirmed to have classical Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis type, stage IIIA. The tumor responded to induction chemotherapy transiently, but local progression was noted during subsequent cycles of treatment. Salvage radiotherapy to the mediastinal tumor, obtained no remission but was followed by rapid in-field progression and then lung metastasis. She declined stem cell transplantation and received salvage brentuximab vedotin (BV) therapy, which induced dramatic shrinkage of tumor without significant side effects. Serial followup of PET/CT imaging confirmed a rapid and continuous complete remission for 12 months. Although durability of the remission needs further observation, this case illustrates the excellent efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.
Urinary Leukotriene E4Is Associated with Renal Function but Not with Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rafnsson Arnar , Bäck Magnus
Published: October 2013

Leukotrienes are inflammatory and vasoactive mediators implicated in endothelium-dependent relaxations and atherosclerosis. Urinary leukotriene E4(U-LTE4) is a validated disease marker of asthma and increases also in diabetes and acute coronary syndromes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of U-LTE4and CRP with endothelial function. Urine samples were obtained from 30 subjects (80% males; median age 65) with type 2 diabetes of at least two years duration and a median glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 71 (14–129) mL/min. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was used as a measure of microvascular endothelial function, whereas macrovascular endothelial function was determined be means of flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD). Decreased renal function was associated with lower concentrations of U-LTE4. In addition, U-LTE4was correlated with serum creatinine (R=−0.572;P=0.001) and eGFR (R=0.517;P=0.0036). A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified eGFR as an independent predictor of U-LTE4concentrations. In conclusion, the present results did not establish an association of U-LTE4with endothelial dysfunction. However, eGFR was an independent predictor of U-LTE4, but not CRP, in this cohort, suggesting that GFR should be considered in biomarker studies of U-LTE4.
Malignant Mesothelioma Presenting as a Gradually Enlarging Pneumothorax
Authors: Prasad Ashish , Olsen Diana , Sriram P. S.
Published: October 2013

Malignant mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive tumor arising from the pleura with median survival of approximately 9–12 months. It can rarely present as a spontaneous pneumothorax. Less than 35 cases of malignant mesothelioma presenting as spontaneous pneumothorax have been reported in the literature. Pathology may show florid mesothelial hyperplasia. We herein report a case of mesothelioma presenting as a pneumothorax that gradually enlarged over a one-year period and also review the relevant literature.
Asymptotic Hyperstability of a Class of Linear Systems under Impulsive Controls Subject to an Integral Popovian Constraint
Authors: De la Sen M. , Ibeas A. , Alonso-Quesada S.
Published: October 2013

This paper is focused on the study of the important property of the asymptotic hyperstability of a class of continuous-time dynamic systems. The presence of a parallel connection of a strictly stable subsystem to an asymptotically hyperstable one in the feed-forward loop is allowed while it has also admitted the generation of a finite or infinite number of impulsive control actions which can be combined with a general form of nonimpulsive controls. The asymptotic hyperstability property is guaranteed under a set of sufficiency-type conditions for the impulsive controls.
On the Existence of Ground State Solutions of the Periodic Discrete Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Lattice
Authors: Huang Meihua , Zhou Zhan
Published: October 2013

We study the existence of ground state solutions of the periodic discrete coupled nonlinear Schrödinger lattice by using the Nehari manifold approach combined with periodic approximations. We show that both of the components of the ground state solutions are not zero.
Endothelial Gene Expression and Molecular Changes in Response to Radiosurgery inIn VitroandIn VivoModels of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Tu Jian , Hu Zhiqiang , Chen Zhongbin
Published: October 2013

Radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is limited to 2-year latency. There is no early marker to monitor whether the lesion is responsive to radiosurgery. In this study, we examined endothelial gene expression and molecular changes in response to radiosurgery. Gene expression of E- and P-selectin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, VCAM-1, tissue factor, and vWF in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells was quantified by RT-qPCR at different radiation doses and time points. Soluble E- and P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and tissue factor in an animal model of AVMs were quantified by ELISA at different time after radiosurgery. We found that gene expression of E- and P-selectin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, and VCAM-1 was upregulated by radiation in a dose-dependent manner (P<.05). Gene expression of E- and P-selectin and ICAM-1 was more sensitive to irradiation than that of PECAM-1 and VCAM-1. Radiosurgery induced gene expression of P-selectin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, and VCAM-1 was linearly correlated with time (P<.05). Radiosurgery induced elevation of soluble E- and P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and tissue factor in a rat model of AVMs (P<.05). Thus, a combination of these molecules measured at different time points may serve as an early predictor of responsiveness of AVMs to radiosurgery.
Reliability Evaluation Based on Different Distributions of Random Load
Authors: Gao Peng , Xie Liyang
Published: October 2013

The reliability models of the components under the nonstationary random load are developed in this paper. Through the definition of the distribution of the random load, it can be seen that the conventional load‐strength interference model is suitable for the calculation of the static reliability of the components, which does not reflect the dynamic change in the reliability and cannot be used to evaluate the dynamic reliability. Therefore, by developing an approach to converting the nonstationary random load into the random load whose pdf is the same at each moment when the random load applies, the reliability model based on the longitudinal distribution is derived. Moreover, through the definition of the transverse standard load and the transverse standard load coefficient, the reliability model based on the transverse distribution is derived. When the occurrence of the random load follows the Poisson process, the dynamic reliability models considering the strength degradation are derived. These models take the correlation between the random load and the strength into consideration. The result shows that the dispersion of the initial strength and that of the transverse standard load coefficient have great influences on the reliability and the hazard rate of the components.
Existence Results for Constrained Quasivariational Inequalities
Authors: Motreanu V. V.
Published: October 2013

We deal with a constrained quasivariational inequality under a general form. We study existence of solutions in two situations depending on whether the set of constraints is bounded or possibly unbounded.
Current Status of the Open Abdomen Treatment for Intra-Abdominal Infection
Authors: Yuan Yujie , Ren Jianan , He Yulong
Published: October 2013

The open abdomen has become an important approach for critically ill patients who require emergent abdominal surgical interventions. This treatment, originating from the concept of damage control surgery, was first applied in severe traumatic patients. The ultimate goal is to achieve formal abdominal fascial closure by several attempts and adjuvant therapies (fluid management, nutritional support, skin grafting, etc.). Up to the present, open abdomen therapy becomes matured and is multistage-approached in the management of patients with severe trauma. However, its application in patients with intra-abdominal infection still presents great challenges due to critical complications and poor clinical outcomes. This review focuses on the specific use of the open abdomen in such populations and detailedly introduces current concerns and advanced progress about this therapy.
Fixed Points forψ-Graphic Contractions with Application to Integral Equations
Authors: Hussain N. , Al-Mezel S. , Salimi P.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to define modified weakα-ψ-contractive mappings and to establish fixed point results for such mappings defined on partial metric spaces using the notion of triangularα-admissibility. As an application, we prove new fixed point results for graphic weakψ-contractive mappings. Moreover, some examples and an application to integral equation are given here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.
Myoepithelioma of the Soft Palate: A Case Report
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Nadarajah Jeyaseelan , Chandrashekhara S. H. , Tambade Vishal Dnyandeo , Acharya Sudeep
Published: October 2013

Myoepitheliomas are rare benign tumors of myoepithelial cell origin, most commonly seen in parotid gland. These tumors are also reported in oral cavity, soft palate being the most common site of involvement. Imaging findings are nonspecific, and histopathology is necessary to differentiate from other tumors. Our case showed mildly enhancing well-circumscribed mass in soft palate with histological findings consistent with myoepithelioma. The aim of this case report is to increase the awareness about this rare benign tumor regarding its morphological, histopathological, and radiological features along with its possible differential diagnosis.
Magnifying Endoscopic Findings Can Predict Clinical Outcome during Long-Term Follow-Up of More Than 12 Months in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Isomoto Hajime , Uehara Ryohei , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Shiota Junya , Matsushima Kayoko , Chen Chun Chuan , Takeshima Fuminao , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: October 2013

Background and Aims. To explore the association of magnifying endoscopic (ME) findings with histopathology and relapse in ulcerative colitis (UC).Methods. Forty-six patients with UC underwent ME with narrow band imaging (NBI) and crystal violet staining and were followed for more than 12 months. ME findings with vital staining were classified into ME-A, regular arrangement of round to oval pits; ME-B, irregular arrangement with/without enlarged spaces between even pits; ME-C, irregular pits in size and shape with more irregular arrangement of pits; and ME-D, disrupted or disappeared pits. NBI-guided ME features of microvascular pattern (MVP) were divided into the MVP-regular and MVP-irregular type.Results. There were 5, 24, 10, and 7 cases of ME-A, ME-B, ME-C, and ME-D grade, respectively, while there were 21 and 25 of MVP-regular and MVP-irregular type, respectively. ME classifications were significantly associated with Matts endoscopic grade. ME classifications and MVP types were significantly associated with each pathognomonic microscopic feature of severe mucosal inflammation, crypt abscess, and goblet cell depletion. There were significant differences in the percentages of remission among ME classifications and between MVP types.Conclusion. ME findings can be predictive of relapse in UC and reliable forin vivohistopathological assessment.
Preliminary Compositional Evidence of Provenance of Ceramics from Hatahara Archaeological Site, Central Amazonia
Authors: Nunes K. P. , Toyota R. G. , Oliveira P. M. S. , Neves E. G. , Soares E. A. A. , Munita C. S.
Published: October 2013

One hundred twenty four ceramic fragments and six clay samples from the Hatahara archaeological site in Amazonas state, Brazil, were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis, INAA, to determine the concentration of twenty chemical elements: Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Rb, Sc, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zn. The dataset was submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. The classification was done by cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. The results demonstrated the occurrence of four different groups of ceramics, which represent three archaeological phases: Paredão, Manacapuru, and Guarita. This data is consistent with previous traditional petrographic examination of the ceramic samples. Based on probability measures, the great majority of the ceramics are considered to be local in origin.