bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Hypothyroidism in Early Pregnancy and Infant Structural Congenital Malformations
Authors: Källén Bengt , Norstedt Wikner Birgitta
Published: March 2014

Background. The question is debated on whether maternal hypothyroidism or use of thyroxin in early pregnancy affects the risk for infant congenital malformations.Objectives. To expand the previously published study on maternal thyroxin use in early pregnancy and the risk for congenital malformations.Methods. Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register were used for the years 1996–2011 and infant malformations were identified from national health registers. Women with preexisting diabetes or reporting the use of thyreostatics, anticonvulsants, or antihypertensives were excluded from analysis. Risk estimates were made as odds ratios (ORs) or risk ratios (RRs) after adjustment for year of delivery, maternal age, parity, smoking, and body mass index.Results. Among 23 259 infants whose mothers in early pregnancy used thyroxin, 730 had a major malformation; among all 1 567 736 infants, 48012 had such malformations. The adjusted OR was 1.06 (95% CI 0.98–1.14). For anal atresia the RR was 1.85 (95% CI 1.00–1.85) and for choanal atresia 3.14 (95% CI 1.26–6.47). The risk of some other malformations was also increased but statistical significance was not reached.Conclusions. Treated maternal hypothyroidism may be a weak risk factor for infant congenital malformations but an association with a few rare conditions is possible.
Catalytic Synthesis of α-Aminonitriles Using Nano Copper Ferrite CuFe2O4 under Green Conditions
Authors: Gharib Ali , Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Vojdani Fard Leila , Roshani Mina
Published: March 2014

Copper ferrite nanomaterial CuFe2O4 as reusable heterogeneous initiator in the synthesis of α-aminonitriles. The nanocatalyst is easily recovered and its reusability is recorded. Synthesis of α-aminonitriles derivatives by one-pot reaction of different aldehydes with amines and trimethylsilyl cyanides has been developed using nano copper ferrite CuFe2O4 catalyst under room temperature and green solvent (water as solvent) conditions. α-aminonitriles are important in preparing a wide variety of amino acids, amides, diamines, and nitrogen containing heterocycles.
A Parallel Algorithm for the Two-Dimensional Time Fractional Diffusion Equation with Implicit Difference Method
Authors: Gong Chunye , Bao Weimin , Tang Guojian , Jiang Yuewen , Liu Jie
Published: March 2014

It is very time consuming to solve fractional differential equations. The computational complexity of two-dimensional fractional differential equation (2D-TFDE) with iterative implicit finite difference method isO(MxMyN2). In this paper, we present a parallel algorithm for 2D-TFDE and give an in-depth discussion about this algorithm. A task distribution model and data layout with virtual boundary are designed for this parallel algorithm. The experimental results show that the parallel algorithm compares well with the exact solution. The parallel algorithm on single Intel Xeon X5540 CPU runs 3.16–4.17 times faster than the serial algorithm on single CPU core. The parallel efficiency of 81 processes is up to 88.24% compared with 9 processes on a distributed memory cluster system. We do think that the parallel computing technology will become a very basic method for the computational intensive fractional applications in the near future.
Effect of Glass Thickness on Performance of Flat Plate Solar Collectors for Fruits Drying
Authors: Bakari Ramadhani , Minja Rwaichi J. A. , Njau Karoli N.
Published: March 2014

This study aimed at investigating the effect of thickness of glazing material on the performance of flat plate solar collectors. Performance of solar collector is affected by glaze transmittance, absorptance, and reflectance which results into major heat losses in the system. Four solar collector models with different glass thicknesses were designed, constructed, and experimentally tested for their performances. Collectors were both oriented to northsouth direction and tilted to an angle of 10° with the ground toward north direction. The area of each collector model was 0.72 m2with a depth of 0.15 m. Low iron (extra clear) glass of thicknesses 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm was used as glazing materials. As a control, all collector performances were analysed and compared using a glass of 5 mm thickness and then with glass of different thickness. The results showed that change in glass thickness results into variation in collector efficiency. Collector with 4 mm glass thick gave the best efficiency of 35.4% compared to 27.8% for 6 mm glass thick. However, the use of glass of 4 mm thick needs precautions in handling and during placement to the collector to avoid extra costs due to breakage.
Approximation byq-Bernstein Polynomials in the Caseq→1+
Authors: Wu Xuezhi
Published: March 2014

LetBn,q(f;x),q∈(0,∞)be theq-Bernstein polynomials of a functionf∈C[0,1]. It has been known that, in general, the sequenceBn,qn(f)withqn→1+is not an approximating sequence forf∈C[0,1], in contrast to the standard caseqn→1-. In this paper, we give the sufficient and necessary condition under which the sequenceBn,qn(f)approximatesffor anyf∈C[0,1]in the caseqn>1. Based on this condition, we get that if1<qn<1+ln⁡2/nfor sufficiently largen, thenBn,qn(f)approximatesffor anyf∈C[0,1]. On the other hand, ifBn,qn(f)can approximateffor anyf∈C[0,1]in the caseqn>1, then the sequence(qn)satisfieslim¯n→∞n(qn-1)≤ln2.
Human Capital, Skills, and Uneven Intraurban Employment Growth: The Case of Göteborg, Sweden, 1990–2008
Authors: Borggren Jonathan , Eriksson Rikard H.
Published: March 2014

Recent research has elucidated the role of talents to explain urban growth differences but it remains to be shown whether urban dynamics, such as human capital and a mixed local population, can be linked to intraurban employment growth. By use of a unique longitudinal database, we track the economic development through the lens of intraurban employment growth of a number of primary urban areas (PUA) in Göteborg, Sweden. Regarding factors influencing employment growth, we find that relative concentrations of human capital protect areas from rising unemployment during severe recession (1990–1993) and recovery (1990–2000) while the composition of skills is beneficial during recovery (1990–2000) and long-term growth (1990–2008). Our findings suggest that neither too high concentrations of creative occupations nor too low ones are beneficial. Thus, human capital drives much of the employment changes in relation to the recession and early transition from manufacturing to service but composition of skills is more relevant for explaining long-term intraurban employment growth.
Multiobjective Optimization of Surface Integrity in Milling TB6 Alloy Based on Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Shi Kaining , Zhang Dinghua , Ren Junxue , Yao Changfeng , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2014

This paper studied an effective method based on Taguchi's method with the grey relational analysis, focusing on the optimization of milling parameters on surface integrity in milling TB6 alloy. The grey relational grade that is derived from the grey relational analysis is mainly used to determine the optimum cutting process operations with multiple performance characteristics. Specifically, surface roughness (Ra), hardness, and residual stress were important characteristics in surface integrity of milling TB6 alloy. Based on the combination of these multiple performance characteristics, the feed per tooth, cutting speed, and depth of cut were optimized in this study. Additionally, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also applied to determine the most significant factor for the surface integrity of milling TB6 alloy according to the contribution of the ANOVA, and the most significant factor is the cutting speed in this paper. Based on the analysis, the experimental test results have been improved prominently through the grey relational analysis. Hence this method can be an effective approach to enhance the surface integrity of milling TB6 alloy.
Randomized Binomial Tree and Pricing of American‐Style Options
Authors: Xiaoping Hu , Jie Cao
Published: March 2014

Randomized binomial tree and methods for pricing American options were studied. Firstly, both the completeness and the no‐arbitrage conditions in the randomized binomial tree market were proved. Secondly, the description of the node was given, and the cubic polynomial relationship between the number of nodes and the time steps was also obtained. Then, the characteristics of paths and storage structure of the randomized binomial tree were depicted. Then, the procedure and method for pricing American‐style options were given in a random binomial tree market. Finally, a numerical example pricing the American option was illustrated, and the sensitivity analysis of parameter was carried out. The results show that the impact of the occurrence probability of the random binomial tree environment on American option prices is very significant. With the traditional complete market characteristics of random binary and a stronger ability to describe, at the same time, maintaining a computational feasibility, randomized binomial tree is a kind of promising method for pricing financial derivatives.
A Structured Approach to Solve the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem for a Beam with Added Mass
Authors: Mir Hosseini Farhad , Baddour Natalie
Published: March 2014

The problem of determining the eigenvalues of a vibrational system having multiple lumped attachments has been investigated extensively. However, most of the research conducted in this field focuses on determining the natural frequencies of the combined system assuming that the characteristics of the combined vibrational system are known (forward problem). A problem of great interest from the point of view of engineering design is the ability to impose certain frequencies on the vibrational system or to avoid certain frequencies by modifying the characteristics of the vibrational system (inverse problem). In this paper, a method to impose two natural frequencies on a dynamical system consisting of an Euler‐Bernoulli beam and carrying a single mass attachment is evaluated.
Coexisting Iron Deficiency Anemia and Beta Thalassemia Trait: Effect of Iron Therapy on Red Cell Parameters and Hemoglobin Subtypes
Authors: Verma Sarika , Gupta Ruchika , Kudesia Madhur , Mathur Alka , Krishan Gopal , Singh Sompal
Published: March 2014

Background. Coexistence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (BTT) has been the topic of few studies. However, no study from our country was found evaluating the effect of iron therapy in patients with concomitant IDA and BTT. Methods. Over a period of two years, 30 patients with concomitant IDA and BTT were included. All the patients had a complete blood count, serum iron studies, and thalassemia screening using BIORADTM hemoglobin testing system. The patients received oral iron therapy in appropriate dosages for a period of twenty weeks, after which all the investigations were repeated. Appropriate statistical methods were applied for comparison of pre- and posttherapy data. Results. All except two patients were adults with a marked female preponderance. Oral iron therapy led to statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin, red cell indices (P<0.05), and marked change in serum iron, ferritin, and HbA2 levels (P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in the total iron binding capacity levels. Conclusion. The present study shows the frequent occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with beta thalassemia trait, which can potentially confound the diagnosis of the latter. Hence, iron deficiency should be identified and rectified in patients with suspicion of beta thalassemia trait.
Antidepressant Effects of Mallotus oppositifolius in Acute Murine Models
Authors: Kukuia Kennedy K. E. , Mante Priscilla K. , Woode Eric , Ameyaw Elvis O. , Adongo Donatus W.
Published: March 2014

Objective. Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Mallotus oppositifolius (MOE), a plant used for CNS conditions in Ghana, was investigated for acute antidepressant effects in the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Results. In both FST and TST, MOE (10, 30, and 100 mg kg−1) significantly decreased immobility periods and frequencies. A 3-day pretreatment with 200 mg kg−1, i.p., para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, reversed the decline in immobility and the increase of swimming score induced by MOE in the modified FST. Pretreatment with reserpine alone (1 mg kg−1), α-methyldopa alone (400 mg kg−1, i.p.), or a combination of both drugs failed to reverse the decline in immobility or the increase in swimming score caused by the extract in the modified FST. The extract potentiated the frequency of head twitch responses induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine. Pretreatment with d-serine (600 mg kg−1, i.p.), glycine/NMDA agonist, abolished the behavioural effects of MOE while d-cycloserine (2.5 mg kg−1, i.p.), a glycine/NMDA partial agonist, potentiated it in both TST and modified FST. Conclusion. The extract exhibited antidepressant effects in mice which is mediated by enhancement of serotoninergic neurotransmission and inhibition of glycine/NMDA receptor activation.
Respiratory Allergies: A General Overview of Remedies, Delivery Systems, and the Need to Progress
Authors: Molinari Giuliano , Colombo Giselda , Celenza Cinzia
Published: March 2014

The spread of respiratory allergies is increasing in parallel with the alarm of the scientific community. Evidently, our knowledge of the onset mechanisms of these diseases and, as a consequence, of the available remedies is inadequate. This review provides a brief, general description of current therapeutic resources and the state of research with regard to both drugs and medical devices in order to highlight their limits and the urgent need for progress. Increasing the amount of basic biochemical research will improve our knowledge of such onset mechanisms and the potential efficacy of therapeutic preparations.
Interaction of Hepatitis C Viral Proteins with Cellular Oncoproteins in the Induction of Liver Cancer
Authors: Guntaka Ramareddy V. , Padala Mythili K.
Published: March 2014

Hepatitis C virus infection is a major health problem all over the world. A large proportion of patients infected by HCV develop liver cirrhosis or cancer. However, the mechanism(s) remain to be elucidated. Since HCV does not carry any known oncogene, it is thought that interaction between virally encoded proteins and host proteins is responsible for carcinogenesis. Many crucial interactions between HCV-encoded proteins and host proteins have been reported. In this review we focus on the interaction of viral proteins with important regulators of cell cycle—oncoproteins YB-1, p53, and cyclin D1—which play a major role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and genomic stability. Genetic variants of HCV accumulate in patients and alter these interactions of host cell proteins. It is a battle between the virus and host and the final outcome depends on the winner; if the host succeeds in clearing the virus the patient may not develop serious liver diseases. On the other hand, if the virus dominates by evolving quasispecies which code for altered proteins that interact differently with host proteins, or induce mutations in host protooncogenes, then the patient may develop liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.
Nontrivial Periodic Solutions to Some Semilinear Sixth-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Long Yuhua
Published: March 2014

We establish some new criteria to guarantee nonexistence, existence, and multiplicity of nontrivial periodic solutions of some semilinear sixth-order difference equations by using minmax method,Z2index theory, and variational technique. Our results only make some assumptions on the periodT, which are very easy to verify and rather relaxed.
Variations of Optical and Structural Properties of CoxOy Thin Films with Thermal Treatment
Authors: Ekwealor A. B. C. , Offiah S. U. , Ezugwu S. C. , Ezema F. I.
Published: March 2014

The effects of thermal treatment on the optical and structural properties of cobalt oxide CoxOy thin films synthesized in the pores of PVP by chemical bath deposition technique were investigated. Films deposited were crystalline. The optical properties of the films were got from absorbance, transmittance reflectance, refractive index, absorption coefficient, and extinction coefficient measurements. The synthesized CoxOy films turned out to be cobalt oxyhydroxide
, CoO(OH), nanocrystals. The crystals obtained were of size 41.84 nm; however, as annealing temperature increased, the size decreased to 16.28 nm. The absorption coefficient, refractive index, and extinction coefficient were found to increase with increase in annealing temperature though not sequentially. For the same energy ranges of the incident photons, the absorption coefficient and refractive index ranged from 0.2 to 1.8 and from 1.4 to 2.3, respectively. The energy band-gap of the films ranged from 1.96 eV to 2.22 eV.
Application of Local Fractional Series Expansion Method to Solve Klein-Gordon Equations on Cantor Sets
Authors: Yang Ai-Min , Zhang Yu-Zhu , Cattani Carlo , Xie Gong-Nan , Rashidi Mohammad Mehdi , Zhou Yi-Jun , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: March 2014

We use the local fractional series expansion method to solve the Klein-Gordon equations on Cantor sets within the local fractional derivatives. The analytical solutions within the nondifferential terms are discussed. The obtained results show the simplicity and efficiency of the present technique with application to the problems of the liner differential equations on Cantor sets.
Constructing Uniform Approximate Analytical Solutions for the Blasius Problem
Authors: Yun Beong In
Published: March 2014

We propose a simple constructive method which assures uniform accuracy of the approximate analytical solutions for the Blasius problem on the semi-infinite interval0,∞. The method is based on a weight function having an S-shape to reflect a series solution near the originx=0and a reference solution far from the origin. Numerical results show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Energy Balance Regulating Neuropeptides Are Expressed through Pregnancy and Regulated by Interleukin-6 Deficiency in Mouse Placenta
Authors: Pazos Patricia , Lima Luis , Diéguez Carlos , García María C.
Published: March 2014

The placenta produces a number of signaling molecules including metabolic and reproductive hormones as well as several inflammatory mediators. Among them, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a well-known immune and metabolic regulator, acts peripherally modulating metabolic function and centrally increasing energy expenditure and reducing body fat. IL-6 interacts with key hypothalamic neuropeptidergic systems controlling energy homeostasis such as those producing the orexigenic/anabolic: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and anorectic/catabolic neuropeptides: proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). Human and rat placenta have been identified as source of these neuropeptides, but their expression and regulation in murine placental tissues remain unknown. Therefore, placental mRNA levels of IL-6, NPY, AgRP, POMC, and CART at different pregnancy stages (gestational days 13, 15, and 18) were analyzed by real time PCR, as were the effect of IL-6 deficiency (IL-6 knockout mice) on their placental expression. Our results showed that placenta-derived neuropeptides were regulated by gestational age and IL-6 throughout the second half of mouse pregnancy. These data suggest that IL-6 may participate in the fine tune control of energy balance during pregnancy by extending its action as a metabolic signal to the main organ at the fetomaternal interface: the placenta.
Basins of Attraction for Various Steffensen-Type Methods
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Soleymani Fazlollah , Torregrosa Juan R. , Shateyi Stanford
Published: March 2014

The dynamical behavior of different Steffensen-type methods is analyzed. We check the chaotic behaviors alongside the convergence radii (understood as the wideness of the basin of attraction) needed by Steffensen-type methods, that is, derivative-free iteration functions, to converge to a root and compare the results using different numerical tests. We will conclude that the convergence radii (and the stability) of Steffensen-type methods are improved by increasing the convergence order. The computer programming package MATHEMATICAprovides a powerful but easy environment for all aspects of numerics. This paper puts on show one of the application of this computer algebra system in finding fixed points of iteration functions.
Similarity Solution for Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Duan Jun-Sheng , Guo Ai-Ping , Yun Wen-Zai
Published: March 2014

Fractional diffusion equation in fractal media is an integropartial differential equation parametrized by fractal Hausdorff dimension and anomalous diffusion exponent. In this paper, the similarity solution of the fractional diffusion equation was considered. Through the invariants of the group of scaling transformations we derived the integro-ordinary differential equation for the similarity variable. Then by virtue of Mellin transform, the probability density functionp(r,t), which is just the fundamental solution of the fractional diffusion equation, was expressed in terms of Fox functions.
High Temperature Endurable Fiber Optic Accelerometer
Authors: Lee Yeon-Gwan , Kim Jin-Hyuk , Kim Chun-Gon
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a low frequency fiber optic accelerometer for application in high temperature environments of civil engineering structures. The reflection-based extrinsic fiber optic accelerometer developed in this study consists of a transmissive grating panel, reflective mirror, and two optical fiber collimators as the transceiver whose function can be maintained up to 130°C. The dynamic characteristics of the sensor probe were investigated and the correlation between the natural frequency of the sensor probe and temperature variation was described and discussed. Furthermore, high temperature simulation equipment was designed for the verification test setup of the developed accelerometer for high temperature. This study was limited to consideration of 130°C applied temperature to the proposed fiber optic accelerometer due to an operational temperature limitation of commercial optical fiber collimator. The sinusoidal low frequency accelerations measured from the developed fiber optic accelerometer at 130°C demonstrated good agreement with that of an MEMS accelerometer measured at room temperature. The developed fiber optic accelerometer can be used in frequency ranges below 5.1 Hz up to 130°C with a margin of error that is less than 10% and a high sensitivity of 0.18 (m/s2)/rad.
Carbon Nanotube/Nanofibers and Graphite Hybrids for Li‐Ion Battery Application
Authors: Nomura Yosuke , Anoshkin Ilya V. , Okuda Chikaaki , Iijima Motoyuki , Ukyo Yoshio , Kamiya Hidehiro , Nasibulin Albert G. , Kauppinen Esko I.
Published: March 2014

To improve the electrical conductivity of negative electrodes of lithium ion batteries, we applied a direct CVD synthesis of carbon nanomaterials on the surface of graphite particles. To prepare a catalyst, two alternative approaches were utilized: colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) and metal (Ni and Co) nitrate salt precursors deposited on the graphite surface. Both colloidal and precursor systems allowed us to produce carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the graphite surface with high coverage under the optimum CVD conditions. Electrical measurements revealed that the resistivity of the actual electrodes fabricated from CNFs coated graphite particles was about 40% lower compared to the original pristine graphite electrodes.
Some Applications of Second-Order Differential Subordination on a Class of Analytic Functions Defined by Komatu Integral Operator
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: March 2014

We introduce a new class of analytic functions by using Komatu integral operator and obtain some subordination results.
New Global Synchronization Analysis for Complex Networks with Coupling Delay
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Qiao Yuanhua , Miao Jun , Duan Lijuan , Zeng Yanjun
Published: March 2014

Global synchronization analysis for complex networks with coupling delay is investigated. Firstly the constant time delay is analyzed and then the case for time-varying delay is considered. Sufficient conditions for network synchronization are given based on Lyapunov functional, linear matrix inequality, and Kronecker product technique. The unknown variables in the sufficient conditions are fewer than those in the recent reference. Moreover, for the time-varying delay case, we find that the conditions are dependent on the bounds of both time delay and its derivative, and the derivative of the time-varying delay can be any value in the bounds. Finally, numerical examples are given to validate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
In Situ Disassembling Behavior of Composite Hydrogels for the Efficient Removal of Crystal Violet Dye from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Srinivasan Venkatesan , Thiraviam Sundaram , Subramani Kullagounder , Srinivasan Sibi , Chelliah Pragathiswaran , Anthuvan Babu Stanley
Published: March 2014

A novel method for the disassembly of synthetic hydrogels in situ and thereby enhanced adsorption of crystal violet dye is reported. Silicon present in the husk ashes of Panicum miliare is used as the trigger for disassembly of poly(2-acrylamido-1-propane sulfonic acid-co-itaconic acid) hydrogels. Disassembling ability of the ash was determined by changing the temperature of the husk ash. Surface area and particle sizes of both the disassembled and assembled forms of the hydrogels were determined by E. Suito’s method. Removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution and the respective adsorption capacities of disassembled and assembled forms of hydrogels were compared by varying parameters such as pH, temperature, and agitation speed. Concentration of the dye in aqueous solution was determined by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. FTIR analysis was carried out for the characterization of the hydrogels, ash blended hydrogels, and the free ashes. SEM imaging was carried out to differentiate the surfaces of the assembled and disassembled hydrogels.
Ethyl Acetate Extract of Artemisia anomala S. Moore Displays Potent Anti‐Inflammatory Effect
Authors: Tan Xi , Wang Yuan-Lai , Yang Xiao-Lu , Zhang Dan-Dan
Published: March 2014

Artemisia anomala S. Moore has been widely used in China to treat inflammatory diseases for hundreds of years. However, mechanisms associated with its anti‐inflammatory effect are not clear. In this study, we prepared ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, n‐BuOH, and aqueous extracts from ethanol extract of Artemisia anomala S. Moore. Comparing anti‐inflammatory effects of these extracts, we found that ethyl acetate extract of this herb (EAFA) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS/IFNγ‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. EAFA suppressed the production of NO in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner without eliciting cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying EAFA’s anti‐inflammatory effect, we showed that EAFA increased total cellular anti‐oxidant capacity while reducing the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in stimulated RAW264.7 cells. EAFA also suppressed the expression of IL‐1β and IL‐6, whereas it elevates the level of heme oxygenase‐1. These EAFA‐induced events were apparently associated with NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways because the DNA binding activity of p50/p65 was impaired and the activities of both ERK and JNK were decreased in EFEA‐treated cells comparing to untreated cells. Our findings suggest that EAFA exerts its anti‐inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of iNOS.
Red Cell Distribution Width as a Prognostic Indicator in Pediatric Heart Disease and after Surgery
Authors: Polat Vural , Iscan Sahin , Etli Mustafa , El Kılıc Helin , Gürsu Özgür , Eker Esra , Ozdemir Fatih
Published: March 2014

Background. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an important marker which reflects inflammatory activity in many chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of RDW on morbidity and mortality before and after pediatric congenital heart surgery.Methods. 107 patients with congenital heart disease, cardiac case group, and 70 patients, control group, without heart disease were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-, and postoperative and at discharge RDW of the cardiac patients were determined. Lengths of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay and exited patients were determined.Results. Mean lengths of ICU and hospital stay were3.3±2.7and7.3±2.9days. In control group, mean preoperative RDW was12.6±1.4, while in cardiac case group it was significantly higher (15.1±3.5). In cardiac case group, postoperative RDW were significantly higher than preoperative period, while RDW at discharge were significantly lower than postoperative estimates. A significant and a positive correlation was detected between lengths of ICU and hospital stay and RDW. RDW of the exited patients were significantly higher than the survivors.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that RDW can be used as an important indicator in the prediction of morbidity and mortality during pre-, and postoperative period of the pediatric congenital heart disease surgery.
Cluster and Location Based Overlay Multicast in Mobile Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Hyung-Ok , Nam Ji-Seung , Jeon Jin-Han
Published: March 2014

We propose a novel overlay multicast protocol over wireless sensor network, CLOM (cluster and location based overlay multicast) which use both cluster based approach and location based approach. A cluster based approach is used to manage multicast group consisting of relatively large number of nodes while a location based approach is used to construct a multicast tree with rapidity and low control overhead by using geometric information taken from GPS device. Additionally, the information of damping area and the scheme for reducing the CH node discovery time and control overhead have been introduced into CLOM to improve the performance of the tree. The simulation results showed that CLOM works properly with low data distribution delay and low control overhead where the number of multicast group members is relatively high.
Detection of Q Fever Specific Antibodies Using Recombinant Antigen in ELISA with Peroxidase Based Signal Amplification
Authors: Chen Hua-Wei , Zhang Zhiwen , Glennon Erin , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: March 2014

Currently, the accepted method for Q fever serodiagnosis is indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) using the whole cell antigen. In this study, we prepared the recombinant antigen of the 27-kDa outer membrane protein (Com1) which has been shown to be recognized by Q fever patient sera. The performance of recombinant Com1 was evaluated in ELISA by IFA confirmed serum samples. Due to the low titers of IgG and IgM in Q fever patients, the standard ELISA signals were further amplified by using biotinylated anti-human IgG or IgM plus streptavidin-HRP polymer. The modified ELISA can detect 88% (29 out of 33) of Q fever patient sera collected from Marines deployed to Iraq. Less than 5% (5 out of 156) of the sera from patients with other febrile diseases reacted with the Com1. These results suggest that the modified ELISA using Com1 may have the potential to improve the detection of Q fever specific antibodies.
Wick Analysis for Bernoulli Noise Functionals
Authors: Wang Caishi , Zhang Jihong
Published: March 2014

A Gel’fand tripleS(Ω)⊂L2(Ω)⊂S*(Ω)is constructed of functionals ofZ, whereZ=(Zn)n∈ℕis an appropriate Bernoulli noise on a probability space(Ω,ℱ,ℙ). Characterizations are given to bothS(Ω)andS*(Ω). It is also shown that a Wick-type product can be defined onS*(Ω)and moreoverS*(Ω)forms a commutative algebra with the product. Finally, a transform namedS-transform is defined onS*(Ω)and its continuity as well as other properties are examined.
Possible Potentiation by Certain Antioxidants of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac in Rats
Authors: Abbas Samah S. , Schaalan Mona F. , Bahgat Ashraf K. , El-Denshary Ezzeddin S.
Published: March 2014

In the present study, we investigated the potential beneficial impact of the addition of antioxidant supplements to diclofenac regimen in a model of carrageenan-induced paw. Rats were treated daily with antioxidants, that is, a-lipoic acid (50 mg/kg), selenium (2.5 mg/kg), vitamin C (1 g/kg), vitamin E (300 mg/kg), or zinc (25 mg/kg) on seven successive days and then received a single treatment with diclofenac or saline before carrageenan was injected to induce paw inflammation. The results indicated that these combinations did not significantly affect the percentage inhibition of paw edema caused by diclofenac alone; however, some combination treatments ameliorated signs of concomitant oxidative stress (such as alterations in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, hemolysate reduced glutathione levels, and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase enzyme activities) imparted by diclofenac alone. In some cases, few tested antioxidants in combination with diclofenac resulted in increased plasma levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). In conclusion, the results of these studies suggested to us that the added presence of natural antioxidants could be beneficial as standard anti-inflammatory therapeutics for a patient under diclofenac treatment, albeit that these effects do not appear to significantly build upon those that could be obtained from this common anti-inflammatory agentper se.
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Small Renal Masses
Authors: Bazzi Wassim M. , Dejbakhsh Sheila Z. , Bernstein Melanie , Russo Paul
Published: March 2014

Introduction. To evaluate the association between preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and clinicopathologic characteristics in patients with small renal masses (SRM). Methods. Retrospective chart reviews of patients with renal masses ≤4 cm who underwent nephrectomy from January 2007 to July 2012 were conducted. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between preoperative NLR and clinicopathologic variables. Results. In 1001 patients, we noted higher mean preoperative NLR in men (3.0±1.4 versus 2.6±1.3 in women, P<0.01) and Caucasians (2.9±1.4 versus 1.9±0.9 in African Americans, P<0.01) but no significant differences in patients with low (I-II) versus high (III-IV) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (2.8±1.4 versus 2.9±1.5, P=0.18) or benign versus malignant pathology (2.9±1.4 versus 2.8±1.3, P=0.75). Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) showed preoperative NLR significantly correlated with age (ρ=0.15, P<0.01) and preoperative serum creatinine (Crea) [ρ=0.13, P<0.01]. On multivariable linear regression analysis older age, male gender, Caucasian race, and preoperative Crea were predictive of higher preoperative NLR, but ASA score and tumor pathology were not. Conclusions. In patients with SRM, we found no association between preoperative NLR and tumor pathology.
Finite-Time Terminal Sliding Mode Tracking Control for Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Li Jin , Yang Liu
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a continuous finite-time control scheme using a new form of terminal sliding mode (TSM) combined with a sliding mode disturbance observer (SMDO). The proposed controller is applied for nanopositioning of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs). Nonlinearities, mainly hysteresis, can drastically degrade the system performance. Same as the model imperfection, hysteresis can also be treated as uncertainties of the system. These uncertainties can be addressed by terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) for it is promising for positioning and tracking control. To further improve the robustness of the TSM controller, the SMDO is employed to estimate the bounded disturbances and uncertainties. The robust stability of the TSMC is proved through a Lyapunov stability analysis. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed TSM/SMDO controller for both positioning and tracking applications. The fast response, few chattering, and high precision positioning and tracking performances can be achieved in finite time by the proposed controller.
Management of a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases
Authors: Saif Muhammad Wasif
Published: March 2014

Liver metastases are commonly encountered in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC); resection is the treatment of choice. A number of systemic treatment options are currently available for such patients, including the use of 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapies and oxaliplatin (e.g., FOLFOX) in combination with biologic agents that target angiogenesis (e.g., bevacizumab). For patients with progression following first-line treatment, current second-line options include a change in chemotherapy with bevacizumab (for patients who did or did not receive prior bevacizumab) or FOLFIRI in combination with aflibercept, a more recently approved antiangiogenesis therapy. Neurotoxicity is a well-established adverse event of oxaliplatin-based therapy. The current case details an mCRC patient with liver metastases who was treated with a capecitabine and oxaliplatin regimen (XELOX), and experienced two episodes of transient cortical blindness possibly related to oxaliplatin. After disease progression, the patient was switched to a regimen of FOLFIRI and aflibercept and did well on this second-line regimen.
Wavelength Dependent Haze of Transparent Glass-Particle Filled Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composites
Authors: Wildner Wolfgang , Drummer Dietmar
Published: March 2014

Glass particles as filler were incorporated in a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix. The refractive indexes of both materials match at a wavelength of about 400 nm. The effect of particle volume fraction on the light transmittance and light scattering (haze) in dependence of the refractive index difference was studied. The curve shape of the haze in dependence of the wavelength is comparable to that of the refractive index difference, but the base line of the haze increases with the filling grade. This indicates that there are other scattering or absorbing mechanisms, like defects in the filler binding.
Predicators for Weight Gain in Children Treated for Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Prospective Study at Nutritional Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Sanghvi Jyoti , Mehta Sudhir , Kumar Ravindra
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Despite being an important health problem in developing countries, there is little information available on factors affecting the severe acute malnutrition, especially nondietary factors. Objective. To study the impact of various factors, especially nondietary ones affecting directly or indirectly the weight gain in children with severe acute malnutrition. Method. A total of 300 children in the age group of 6 to 60 months meeting the WHO criteria for severe acute malnutrition were enrolled in the study. These children were provided special therapeutic diet as recommended by WHO/UNICEF protocol. Children were called for followup every 15 days up to 2 months after discharge to evaluate whether these children have achieved a final target weight gain of 15% of their admission weight. The impact of nondietary factors related to child, mother, and socioeconomic status was evaluated. Data collected through structured questionnaire were analyzed. Result. 172 (57.4%) of the total 300 children did not gain final target weight despite giving adequate diet. We observed that impact of various nondietary factors like mother’s educational status and her knowledge about feeding practices, socioeconomic status, previous history, and present evidence of infection in child was important in determining the weight of child. No association was found with gender of child, BMI of mother, and father’s educational status on the weight gain of child. Conclusion. The findings of this study confirm the association of many nondietary factors with weight gain in children treated for severe acute malnutrition. To reduce malnutrition emphasis should be given on these factors.
Prescribed Performance Fuzzy Adaptive Output-Feedback Control for Nonlinear Stochastic Systems
Authors: Zhang Lili , Sui Shuai , Tong Shaocheng
Published: March 2014

A prescribed performance fuzzy adaptive output-feedback control approach is proposed for a class of single-input and single-output nonlinear stochastic systems with unmeasured states. Fuzzy logic systems are used to identify the unknown nonlinear system, and a fuzzy state observer is designed for estimating the unmeasured states. Based on the backstepping recursive design technique and the predefined performance technique, a new fuzzy adaptive output-feedback control method is developed. It is shown that all the signals of the resulting closed-loop system are bounded in probability and the tracking error remains an adjustable neighborhood of the origin with the prescribed performance bounds. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Diverse Stochastic Search Algorithm for Combination Therapeutics
Authors: Caglar Mehmet Umut , Pal Ranadip
Published: March 2014

Background. Design of drug combination cocktails to maximize sensitivity for individual patients presents a challenge in terms of minimizing the number of experiments to attain the desired objective. The enormous number of possible drug combinations constrains exhaustive experimentation approaches, and personal variations in genetic diseases restrict the use of prior knowledge in optimization.Results. We present a stochastic search algorithm that consisted of a parallel experimentation phase followed by a combination of focused and diversified sequential search. We evaluated our approach on seven synthetic examples; four of them were evaluated twice with different parameters, and two biological examples of bacterial and lung cancer cell inhibition response to combination drugs. The performance of our approach as compared to recently proposed adaptive reference update approach was superior for all the examples considered, achieving an average of 45% reduction in the number of experimental iterations.Conclusions.As the results illustrate, the proposed diverse stochastic search algorithm can produce optimized combinations in relatively smaller number of iterative steps. This approach can be combined with available knowledge on the genetic makeup of the patient to design optimal selection of drug cocktails.
Use of Metagenomics and Isolation of Actinobacteria in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest Soil for Antimicrobial Prospecting
Authors: Assis Danyelle Alves Martins , Rezende Rachel Passos , Dias João Carlos Teixeira
Published: March 2014

Modern techniques involving molecular biology, such as metagenomics, have the advantage of exploiting a higher number of microorganisms; however, classic isolation and culture methods used to obtain antimicrobials continue to be promising, especially in the isolation of Actinobacteria, which are responsible for the production of many of these compounds. In this work, two methodologies were used to search for antimicrobial substances—isolation of Actinobacteria and metagenomics of the Atlantic Rainforest soil and of the cultivation of cocoa intercropped with acai berry in the Atlantic Rainforest. The metagenomic libraries were constructed with the CopyControl Fosmid Library kit EPICENTRE, resulting in a total of 2688 clones, 1344 of each soil sample. None of the clones presented antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested: S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella choleraesuis. A total of 46 isolates were obtained from the isolation of soil Actinobacteria: 24 isolates from Atlantic Rainforest soil and 22 isolates from the intercrop cultivation soil. Of these, two Atlantic Rainforest soil isolates inhibited the growth of S. aureus including a clinical isolate of S. aureus MRSA—a promising result, since it is an important multidrug-resistant human pathogen.
A Case of Associated Laryngeal Paralysis Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus without Eruption
Authors: Fujiwara Keishi , Furuta Yasushi , Fukuda Satoshi
Published: March 2014

We report a patient with significant weakness of the left soft palate, paralysis of the left vocal cord, and left facial nerve palsy. Although the patient showed no herpetic eruption in the pharyngolaryngeal mucosa and auricle skin, reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) was confirmed by serological examination. She was diagnosed with zoster sine herpete. After treatment with antiviral drugs and corticosteroids, her neurological disorder improved completely. When we encounter a patient with associated laryngeal paralysis, we should consider the possibility of reactivation of VZV even when no typical herpetic eruption is observed.
Notes on the Holographic Lifshitz Theory
Authors: Park Chanyong
Published: March 2014

On the Lifshitz black brane geometry of an Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton gravity, we holographically investigate electric DC conductivities and the role of impurity in a nonrelativistic Lifshitz medium with two different charge carriers, impurity and Lifshitz matter. The conductivity carried by Lifshitz matter is proportional to the square of temperature, while that carried by impurity crucially depends on the bulk coupling parameterγ. Forγ<−2, impurity at high temperature can change the electric property of the Lifshitz medium significantly so that the Lifshitz matter with impurity can show a totally different electric property from the pure Lifshitz matter.
Histological Comparison of Two Cryopeeling Methods for Photodamaged Skin
Authors: Deonizio Janyana , Werner Betina , Mulinari-Brenner Fabiane A.
Published: March 2014

Background. Cryopeeling is a technique that uses cryotherapy not only on actinic keratoses lesions, but also all over the photodamaged skin. Objectives. To investigate the histological changes induced by two cryopeeling methods (liquid nitrogen (LN) and portable system (PS)). Methods. Sixteen patients (n=16) with multiple actinic keratoses on the forearms were treated with cryopeeling technique using LN for one forearm and PS for the other, randomly. Skin biopsies were taken before and after the procedures. Results. There was no statistical difference between the epidermal and Grenz zone thicknesses or density of elastic fibers after treatments. The amount of melanin pigment was lower after PS treatment (P<0.05). In a blind analysis of paired pre- and postprocedure slides, it was not possible to identify cases which underwent treatment, both in global analysis of quality of the skin and in specific analysis (considering only the aspect of stratum corneum). Discussion. The results indicate the inconsistency of histological improvement after treatments, and, likely, since the method causes superficial exfoliation, a reliable marker was not found in the analysis. Conclusions. Despite cosmetic benefits on photodamaged skin and efficient treatment of actinic keratoses lesions, cryopeeling was not able to induce measurable histological changes in solar elastosis, epidermal organization, or epidermal and Grenz zone thicknesses. One should keep in mind the possibility of hypopigmentation risk of the method.