bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological fractures on both lower limbs with Jaffe-Campanacci's syndrome
Authors: Sonar Mehmet , Isik Mustafa , Ekmekci Aslihan Yilmaz , Solmaz Ozgen Arslan
Published: October 2012

Jaffe-Campanacci's syndrome is a very rare condition and was first described by Jaffe in 1958. It is presented by non-ossifying fibromas, café-au-lait spots and axillar freckling. Non-ossifying fibromas are usually found after minor traumas or stress fractures. Differential diagnosis to neurofibromatosis include the absence of Lisch granules, neurofibromatous skin lesions and schwannomatous soft tissue masses. In this case, we report a 13-year-old white boy with Jaffe-Campanacci's syndrome, and bilateral pathological lower limbs fracture.
Outcome of mitral valve repair in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Roshanali Farideh , Oraii Saeed , Mandegar Hossein
Published: October 2012

We present a 17-year-old woman with a 5-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient referred to us with the rheumatic involvement of the mitral valve and was treated with mitral valve repair by ring annuloplasty and anterior leaflet augmentation with autologous pericardium. Follow-up, however, disclosed precocious calcification of the valve, necessitating mitral valve replacement.
FAST ACCURATE COMMUNITY DETECTION BASED ON DYNAMICS PROCESS AND STABILITY OPTIMIZATION
Authors: ZHAO YUE , MA JIE-LIANG , LI HUI-JIA
Published: October 2012

Utilizing dynamics system to identify community structure has become an important means of research. In this paper, inspired by the relationship between topology structures of networks and the dynamic Potts model, we present a novel method that describes the conditional inequality forming simple community can be transformed into the objective function F which is analogous to the Hamilton function of Potts model. Likewise, to detect the well performance of partitioning we develop improved-EM algorithm to search the optimal value of the objective function F by successively updating the dynamic process of the membership vector of nodes which is also commonly influenced by the weighting function W and the tightness expression T. Via adjusting relevant parameters properly, our method can effectively detect the community structures. Furthermore, stability as the new measure quality method is applied for refining the partitions the improved-EM algorithm detects and mitigating resolution limit brought by modularity. Simulation experiments on benchmark and real-data network all give excellent results.
THE BALANCE OF QUANTUM CORRELATIONS FOR A CLASS OF FEASIBLE TRIPARTITE CONTINUOUS VARIABLE STATES
Authors: OLIVARES STEFANO , PARIS MATTEO G. A.
Published: October 2012

We address the balance of quantum correlations for continuous variable (CV) states. In particular, we consider a class of feasible tripartite CV pure states and explicitly prove two Koashi–Winter-like conservation laws involving Gaussian entanglement of formation (EoF), Gaussian quantum discord and sub-system Von Neumann entropies. We also address the class of tripartite CV mixed states resulting from the propagation in a noisy environment, and discuss how the previous equalities evolve into inequalities.
ON SOME RELATIONS BETWEEN THE LATTICES R-nat, R-conat AND R-tors AND THE RINGS THEY CHARACTERIZE
Authors: RINCÓN-MEJÍA HUGO A. , ZORRILLA-NORIEGA MANUEL G.
Published: October 2012

This article consists of two sections. In the first one, the concepts of spanning and cospanning classes of modules, both hereditarily and cohereditarily, are explained, and some closure properties of the class of modules hereditarily cospanned by a conatural class are established, which amount to its being a hereditary torsion class. This gives a function from R-conat to R-tors and it is proven that its being a lattice isomorphism is part of a characterization of bilaterally perfect rings. The second section begins considering a description of pseudocomplements in certain lattices of module classes. The idea is generalized to define an inclusion-reversing operation on the collection of classes of modules. Restricted to R-nat, it is shown to be a function onto R-tors, and its being an anti-isomorphism is equivalent to R being left semiartinian. Lastly, another characterization of R being left semiartinian is given, in terms solely of R-tors.
GROWTH OF THE IDEAL GENERATED BY A QUADRATIC MULTIVARIATE FUNCTION OVER GF(3)
Authors: DING JINTAI , HODGES TIMOTHY J. , KRUGLOV VICTORIA , SCHMIDT DIETER , TOHǍNEANU STEFAN
Published: October 2012

Let K be the field GF(3). We calculate the growth of the ideal Aλ where A is the algebra of functions from Kn → Kn and λ is a quadratic function. Specifically we calculate dim Akλ where Ak is the space of polynomials of degree less than or equal to k. This question arises in the analysis of the complexity of Gröbner basis attacks on multivariate quadratic cryptosystems such as the Hidden Field Equation systems. We also prove analogous results over the associated graded ring [Formula: see text] and state conjectures for the case of a general finite field of odd order.
EDGE IDEALS OF WEIGHTED GRAPHS
Authors: PAULSEN CHELSEY , SATHER-WAGSTAFF SEAN
Published: October 2012

We study weighted graphs and their "edge ideals" which are ideals in polynomial rings that are defined in terms of the graphs. We provide combinatorial descriptions of m-irreducible decompositions for the edge ideal of a weighted graph in terms of the combinatorics of "weighted vertex covers". We use these, for instance, to say when these ideals are m-unmixed. We explicitly describe which weighted cycles, suspensions, and trees are unmixed and which ones are Cohen–Macaulay, and we prove that all weighted complete graphs are Cohen–Macaulay.
ASYMPTOTIC ENTANGLEMENT IN THE PARAMETRIZED HADAMARD WALK
Authors: AMPADU CLEMENT
Published: October 2012

We study asymptotic entanglement properties of the Hadamard walk with phase parameters on the line using the Fourier representation. We use the von Neumann entropy of the reduced density operator to quantify entanglement between the coin and position degrees of freedom. We investigate obtaining exact expressions for the asymptotic entropy of entanglement, for different classes of initial conditions. We also determine under which conditions the asymptotic entropy of entanglement can be characterized as full, intermediate, or minimum.
APPLICATIONS OF IONIC LIQUIDS IN BIOMEDICINE
Authors: LIU GUILI , ZHONG RUIBO , HU RUISHENG , ZHANG FENG
Published: October 2012

(Ionic liquids) ILs have unique properties compared with conventional solvents, opening a wide range of application as solvents and catalysts. ILs' cytotoxicity extend their application in biomedicine by acting as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. This article reviews the current research advances of ILs' biomedical application from the following four aspects: solvents, catalysts, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. By introducing ILs' interesting structures and their corresponding unique properties, this review concludes the current state-of-art of ILs biomedical applications. We also try to point out the ILs issues and solutions for more potential applications in biomedicine.
OPTIMIZED SPUTTERING POWER TO INCORPORATE WO3 INTO C–TiO2 NANOTUBES FOR HIGHLY VISIBLE PHOTORESPONSE PERFORMANCE
Authors: LAI CHIN WEI , SREEKANTAN SRIMALA
Published: October 2012

WO3 -incorporated C–TiO2 nanotubes were successfully fabricated using radio frequency sputtering technique. The effects of sputtering powers on the nanotube morphology, crystal structure, optical properties and visible photoresponse were investigated. Lattice substitution of WO3 species within the lattice of C–TiO2 nanotubes has an important function in maximizing the photocurrent generation. WO3 -incorporated C–TiO2 nanotubes exhibit good visible photoresponse compared with C–TiO2 nanotubes. The interpretation of interband states has an important function in improving photoinduced electron transport.
Overconsolidated clays and flysch for embankments in Slovenia
Authors: Petkovšek Ana , Majes Bojan
Published: October 2012

In Slovenia 512 km of motorways have been constructed since 1994. Most of them run over hilly terrain, where the bedrock is stiff clay and soft argillaceous sedimentary rock. In order to improve the understanding of stiff clays/soft rock behaviour, series of conventional and advanced tests were performed. The inherent suction of freshly compacted material was up to 2000 kPa whereas after construction, it equilibrated at between 100 and 500 kPa. The decrease in suction resulted in material wetting and softening. Therefore, the Proctor compaction diagrams were complemented with the corresponding Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC). The fundamental issue was that during compaction, inherent suction had to be maintained below a certain level and the fills had to be constructed as soil fills. For quality control, the control of soil suction was found to be important as the relative density control. The conventional monitoring with settlement plates, inclinometers and piezometers was complemented with suction and TDR probes and the seasonal water content changes were measured continuously both during and after construction. Several millions of tons of excavated flysch, shales and stiff overconsolidated clays were used for high embankments using this newly developed approach.
Earthworks emissions in construction of a highway
Authors: Pantelidou H. , Nicholson D. , Hughes L. , Jukes A. , Wellappili L.
Published: October 2012

Accounting for carbon emissions and energy consumption for the production of materials, transportation to and from site and construction plant operation provides an indicator of infrastructure's environmental impact and could assist in engineering option selection.

A comprehensive review of the embodied energy/embodied carbon calculation was carried out for the Highways Agency, producing a simple spreadsheet calculator for geotechnical structures. With a bill of quantities format, the calculator aims to present embodied energy/embodied carbon in concert with cost information and serves as a decision support tool for option selection. Information on this research work can be found on the Highways Agency's Research Compendium website.

Most of the emissions/energy consumption are locked in the construction materials used (production of concrete, steel, asphalt etc from raw materials) with small contributions from the transportation to and from site and all the associated construction work on site.

The carbon emissions related to the construction of a new highway in the UK are discussed, with particular emphasis on the contribution of the associated earthworks and how they compare with the overall construction and operational emissions. Earthworks emissions are calculated to be less than these from the structures and pavement construction. Capitalizing on use of earthworks could help in the effort to reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure.
B.Y.O.C. (1,342 Times and Counting)
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: October 2012

Although seldom articulated clearly, or even at all, one of the bedrock ideas of good software engineering is reuse of code libraries holding easily accessible implementations of common algorithms and facilities. The reason for this reticence is probably because there is no way to state it succinctly, without sounding like a cheap parody of Occam’s razor: It is pointless to do with several where few will suffice.
Debugging on Live Systems
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: October 2012

I’ve been trying to debug a problem on a system at work, but the control freaks who run our production systems don’t want to give me access to the systems on which the bug always occurs. I haven’t been able to reproduce the problem in the test environment on my desktop, but every day the bug happens on several production systems. I’m at the point of thinking about getting a key logger so I can steal the passwords necessary to get onto the production systems and finally see the problem "in the wild." I’ve never worked for such a bunch of fascists in my entire career.
Revisiting Network I/O APIs: The netmap Framework
Authors: Rizzo Luigi
Published: October 2012

Today 10-gigabit interfaces are used more and more in datacenters and servers. On these links, packets flow as fast as one every 67.2 nanoseconds, yet modern operating systems can take 10-20 times longer just to move one packet between the wire and the application. We can do much better, not with more powerful hardware but by revising architectural decisions made long ago regarding the design of device drivers and network stacks.
Angiotensin-(1–7) reduces the perfusion pressure response to angiotensin II and methoxamine via an endothelial nitric oxide-mediated pathway in cirrhotic rat liver
Authors: Herath Chandana B. , Mak Kai , Burrell Louise M. , Angus Peter W.
Published: October 2012

Recent studies have shown that, in cirrhosis, portal angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] levels are increased and hepatic expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the Mas receptor are upregulated, but the effects of Ang-(1–7) on hepatic hemodynamics in cirrhosis have not been studied. This study investigated the effects of Ang-(1–7) on vasoconstrictor-induced perfusion pressure increases in cirrhotic rat livers. Ang II or the alpha 1 agonist methoxamine (MTX) were injected in the presence or absence of Ang-(1–7), and the perfusion pressure response was recorded. Denudation of vascular endothelial cells with sodium deoxycholate was used to investigate the contribution of endothelium to the effects of Ang-(1–7). Ang-(1–7) alone had no effect on perfusion pressure. However, it reduced the maximal vasoconstriction response and area under the pressure response curve to Ang II and MTX by >50% ( P < 0.05). This effect of Ang-(1–7) was not blocked by Mas receptor inhibition with A779 or by Ang II type 1 and type 2 receptor and bradykinin B2 receptor blockade and was not reproduced by the Mas receptor agonist AVE0991. D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7), a novel Ang-(1–7) receptor antagonist, completely abolished the vasodilatory effects of Ang-(1–7), as did inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with NG-nitro-l -arginine methyl-ester, guanylate cyclase blockade with ODQ and endothelium denudation. The functional inhibition by D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7) was accompanied by significant ( P < 0.05) inhibition of eNOS phosphorylation. This study shows that Ang-(1–7) significantly inhibits intrahepatic vasoconstriction in response to key mediators of increased vascular and sinusoidal tone in cirrhosis via a receptor population present on the vascular endothelium that is sensitive to D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7) and causes activation of eNOS and guanylate cyclase-dependent NO signaling pathways.
Existence and Attractiveness of Order One Periodic Solution of a Holling I Predator‐Prey Model
Authors: Cheng Huidong , Zhang Tongqian , Wang Fang
Published: October 2012

According to the integrated pest management strategies, a Holling type I functional response predator‐prey system concerning state‐dependent impulsive control is investigated. By using differential equation geometry theory and the method of successor functions, we prove the existence of order one periodic solution, and the attractivity of the order one periodic solution by sequence convergence rules and qualitative analysis. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the feasibility of our main results which show that our method used in this paper is more efficient than the existing ones for proving the existence and attractiveness of order one periodic solution.
Recurrent Giant Pilomatrixoma of the Face: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nadershah Mohammed , Alshadwi Ahmad , Salama Andrew
Published: October 2012

Pilomatrixoma, also known as pilomatricoma, is a benign tumor that originates from the matrix of the hair root. It usually presents as a single, slow-growing subcutaneous or intradermal firm nodule with a general size of less than 3 centimeters (cm) in diameter. However, giant pilomatrixomas (more than 5 cm) have been reported infrequently. It is more common in females and usually presents during the first two decades of life (60%) as an asymptomatic, mobile, hard, elastic mass. Most of the cases are benign and affect the face. The authors report a rare case of a giant pilomatricoma of the cheek and discuss the surgical management of these lesions, histopathological findings, and review of the literature.
Radioiodine Accumulation in a Giant Ovarian Cystadenofibroma Detected Incidentally by 131-I Whole Body Scans
Authors: Mebarki Mohammed , Menemani Abdelghani , Medjahedi Abdelkader , Boualou Fouad , Slama Abdelhak , Ouguirti Sarah , Kherbouche Fatima Zahra , Berber Nécib
Published: October 2012

Ovarian cystadenofibroma is a relatively rare tumor; it is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally. We present the case of a 24-year-old female patient, who had undergone total thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary carcinoma, with an asymptomatic giant cystadenofibroma, incidentally discovered by diagnostic131I-SPECT/CT WBSs. We summarize the clinical history, imaging data, and histopathological study on a rare case of radioiodine accumulation in cystadenofibroma, and we discuss the mechanism of uptake of radioiodine in this case.
Room Temperature Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of New Sulfonamides Containing N,N-Diethyl-Substituted Amido Moieties
Authors: Ajani Olayinka O. , Familoni Oluwole B. , Wu Feipeng , Echeme Johnbull O. , Sujiang Zheng
Published: October 2012

Sulfonamide drugs which have brought about an antibiotic revolution in medicine are associated with a wide range of biological activities. We have synthesized a series of α-tolylsulfonamide, 1–11 and their substituted N,N-diethyl-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamido) alkanamide derivatives, 12–22 in improved and excellent yields in aqueous medium at room temperature through highly economical synthetic routes. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds 1–22 were confirmed by analytical and spectral data such as IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and mass spectra. The in vitro antibacterial activity of these compounds along with standard clinical reference, streptomycin, was investigated on two key targeted organisms. It was observed that 1-(benzylsulfonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, 2 emerged as the most active compound against Staphylococcus aureus at MIC value of 1.8 μg/mL while 4-(3-(diethylamino)-3-oxo-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamido) propyl)phenyl phenylmethanesulfonate, 22 was the most active sulfonamide scaffold on Escherichia coli at MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL.
Design Method for Contra-Rotating Propellers for High-Speed Crafts: Revising the Original Lerbs Theory in a Modern Perspective
Authors: Brizzolara Stefano , Grassi Davide , Tincani Emilio P.
Published: October 2012

The main theoretical and numerical aspects of a design method for optimum contrar-rotating (CR) propellers for fast marine crafts are presented. We propose a reformulated version of a well-known design theory for contra-rotating propellers, by taking advantage of a new fully numerical algorithm for the calculation of the mutually induced velocities and introducing new features such as numerical lifting surface corrections, use of an integrated modern cavitation/strength criteria, a modified method to consider different numbers of blades among the two propellers, and to allow for an unloading function in the search for the optimal circulation distribution. The paper first introduces the main theoretical principles of the new methods and then discusses the influence of the main design parameters on an emblematic example of application in the case of counter rotating propellers for a pod propulsor designed for fast planing crafts (35 knots and above).
Asymptotic Energy Estimates for Nonlinear Petrovsky Plate Model Subject to Viscoelastic Damping
Authors: Lin Xiuli , Li Fushan
Published: October 2012

We consider the nonlinear Petrovsky plate model under the presence of long‐time memory. Under suitable conditions, we show that the energy functional associated with the equation decays exponentially or polynomially to zero as time goes to infinity.
Stability of Stochastic Reaction‐Diffusion Systems with Markovian Switching and Impulsive Perturbations
Authors: Li Yanbo , Kao Yonggui
Published: October 2012

This paper is devoted to investigating mean square stability of a class of stochastic reaction‐diffusion systems with Markovian switching and impulsive perturbations. Based on Lyapunov functions and stochastic analysis method, some new criteria are established. Moreover, a class of semilinear stochastic impulsive reaction‐diffusion differential equations with Markovian switching is discussed and a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Homotopy Analysis Solution of Hydromagnetic Mixed Convection Flow Past an Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Hall Current
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Mohamed , Nabil Tamer
Published: October 2012

The effect of thermal radiation on steady hydromagnetic heat transfer by mixed
convection flow of a viscous incompressible and electrically conducting fluid past an
exponentially stretching continuous sheet is examined. Wall temperature and stretching velocity are assumed to vary according to specific exponential forms. An external
strong uniform magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the sheet and the Hall effect
is taken into consideration. The resulting governing equations are transformed into a
system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate transformations
and then solved analytically by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The solution
is found to be dependent on six governing parameters including the magnetic field parameter M, Hall parameter m, the buoyancy parameter ξ, the radiation parameter
R, the parameter of temperature distribution a, and Prandtl number Pr. A systematic
study is carried out to illustrate the effects of these major parameters on the velocity
and temperature distributions in the boundary layer, the skin‐friction coefficients, and
the local Nusselt number.
Signal Transceiver Transit Times and Propagation Delay Corrections for Ranging and Georeferencing Applications
Authors: Kaufmann P. , Kaufmann P. L. , Pamboukian S. V. D. , Vilhena de Moraes R.
Published: October 2012

The accuracy of ranging measurements depends critically on the knowledge of time delays undergone by signals when retransmitted by a remote transponder and due to propagation effects. A new method determines these delays for every single pulsed signal transmission. It utilizes four ground‐based reference stations, synchronized in time and installed at well‐known geodesic coordinates and a repeater in space, carried by a satellite, balloon, aircraft, and so forth. Signal transmitted by one of the reference bases is retransmitted by the transponder, received back by the four bases, producing four ranging measurements which are processed to determine uniquely the time delays undergone in every retransmission process. A minimization function is derived comparing repeater’s positions referred to at least two groups of three reference bases, providing the signal transit time at the repeater and propagation delays, providing the correct repeater position. The method is applicable to the transponder platform positioning and navigation, time synchronization of remote clocks, and location of targets. The algorithm has been demonstrated by simulations adopting a practical example with the transponder carried by an aircraft moving over bases on the ground.
Silicon, a Possible Link between Environmental Exposure and Autoimmune Diseases: The Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Speck-Hernandez Cesar A. , Montoya-Ortiz Gladis
Published: October 2012

Silicon is one of the most common chemicals on earth. Several compounds such as silica, asbestos, silicone or, nanoparticles are built from tetrahedral units with silicon as the central atom. Despite these, structural similarities, they have rarely been analyzed as a group. These compounds generate significant biological alterations that include immune hyperactivation, production of the reactive species of oxygen and tissue injury. These pathological processes may trigger autoimmune responses and lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Populations at risk include those that constantly work in industrial process, mining, and agriculture as well as those that undergo silicone implants. Herein a review on the main features of these compounds and how they may induce autoimmune responses is presented.
The Optimal Control and MLE of Parameters of a Stochastic Single‐Species System
Authors: Xiang Huili , Liu Zhijun
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the optimal control and MLE (maximum likelihood estimation) for a single‐species system subject to random perturbation. With the help of the techniques of stochastic analysis and mathematical statistics, sufficient conditions for the optimal control threshold value, the optimal control moment, and the maximum likelihood estimation of parameters are established, respectively. An example is presented to illustrate the feasibility of our theoretical results.
Existence and Multiplicity Results of Homoclinic Solutions for the DNLS Equations with Unbounded Potentials
Authors: Ma Defang , Zhou Zhan
Published: October 2012

A class of difference equations which include discrete nonlinear Schrödinger
equations as special cases are considered. New sufficient conditions of the existence
and multiplicity results of homoclinic solutions for the difference equations are obtained
by making use of the mountain pass theorem and the fountain theorem, respectively.
Recent results in the literature are generalized and greatly improved.
Highly Sensitive Filter Paper Substrate for SERS Trace Explosives Detection
Authors: Fierro-Mercado Pedro M. , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P.
Published: October 2012

We report on a novel and extremely low-cost surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate fabricated depositing gold nanoparticles on common lab filter paper using thermal inkjet technology. The paper-based substrate combines all advantages of other plasmonic structures fabricated by more elaborate techniques with the dynamic flexibility given by the inherent nature of the paper for an efficient sample collection, robustness, and stability. We describe the fabrication, characterization, and SERS activity of our substrate using 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene as analytes. The paper-based SERS substrates presented a high sensitivity and excellent reproducibility for analytes employed, demonstrating a direct application in forensic science and homeland security.
Limit 2‐Cycles for a Discrete‐Time Bang‐Bang Control Model
Authors: Hou Chengmin , Cheng Sui Sun
Published: October 2012

A discrete‐time periodic model with bang‐bang feedback control is investigated. It is shown that each solution tends to one of four different types of limit 2‐cycles. Furthermore, the accompanying initial regions for each type of solutions can be determined. When a threshold parameter is introduced in the bang‐bang function, our results form a complete bifurcation analysis of our control model. Hence, our model can be used in the design of a control system where the state variable fluctuates between two state values with decaying perturbation.
The Opposite Effects of High-Sucrose and High-Fat Diet on Fatty Acid Oxidation and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Secretion in Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Cahova Monika , Dankova Helena , Palenickova Eliska , Papackova Zuzana , Kazdova Ludmila
Published: October 2012

Aims. To determine the effect of two different diets (high-sucrose (HS) and high-fat (HF)) on the main metabolic pathways potentially contributing to the development of steatosis: (1) activity of the liver lysosomal and heparin-releasable lipases; (2) fatty acid (FFA) oxidation; (3) FFA synthesisde novo; (4) VLDL outputin vivoin a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS), hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats fed HS or HF diets.Results. Both diets resulted in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in the liver (HF > HS). The intracellular TAG lipolysis by lysosomal lipase was increased in both groups and positively correlated with the liver TAG content. Diet type significantly affected partitioning of intracellular TAG-derived fatty acids among FFA-utilizing metabolic pathways as HS feeding accentuated VLDL secretion and downregulated FFA oxidation while the HF diet had an entirely opposite effect. FFAde novosynthesis from glucose was significantly enhanced in the HS group (fed ≫ fasted) while being completely eradicated in the HF group.Conclusions. We found that in rats prone to the development of MetS associated diseases dietary-induced steatosis is not simply a result of impaired TAG degradation but that it depends on other mechanisms (elevated FFA synthesis or attenuated VLDL secretion) that are specific according to diet composition.
Photonic Heterodyne Pixel for Imaging Arrays at Microwave and MM-Wave Frequencies
Authors: Criado Á. R. , Montero-dePaz J. , de Dios C. , García L. E. , Segovia D. , Acedo P.
Published: October 2012

The use of photonic heterodyne receivers based on semiconductor optical amplifiers to be used in imaging arrays at several GHz frequencies is evaluated. With this objective, a imaging array based on such photonic pixels has been fabricated and characterized. Each of the receiving optoelectronic pixels is composed of an antipodal linear tapered slot antenna (LTSA) that sends the received RF signal directly to the electrical port of a semiconductor opticalamplifier (SOA) acting as the optoelectronic mixer. Both the local oscillator (LO) and the intermediate frequency (IF) signals are directly distributed to/from the array pixels using fiber optics, that allows for remote LO generation and IF processing to recover the image. The results shown in this work demonstrate that the performances of the optoelectronic imaging array are similar to a reference all-electronic array, revealing the possibility of using this photonic architecture in future high-density, scalable, compact imaging arrays in microwave and millimeter wave ranges.
Induced Brain Plasticity after a Facilitation Programme for Autobiographical Memory in Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ernst Alexandra , Botzung Anne , Gounot Daniel , Sellal François , Blanc Frédéric , de Seze Jerome , Manning Liliann
Published: October 2012

This preliminary study tackles the assessment and treatment of autobiographical memory (AbM) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients. Our aim was to investigate cerebral activation changes, following clinical improvement of AbM due to a cognitive training based on mental visual imagery (MVI). We assessed AbM using the Autobiographical Interview (AI) in eight patients and 15 controls. The latter subjects established normative data. The eight patients showed selective defective performance on the AI. Four patients were trained cognitively and underwent pre- and post-AI and fMRI. The remaining four patients took a second AI, at the same interval, but with no intervention in between. Results showed a significant improvement of AbM performance after the facilitation programme that could not be explained by learning effects since the AI scores remained stable between the two assessments in the second group of patients. As expected, AbM improvement was accompanied by an increased cerebral activity in posterior cerebral regions in post-facilitation fMRI examination. We interpret this activation changes in terms of reflecting the emphasis made on the role of MVI in memory retrieval through the facilitation programme. These preliminary significant clinical and neuroimaging changes suggest the beneficial effects of this technique to alleviate AbM retrieval deficit in MS patients.
MFH Mimic in Breast: A High-Grade Malignant Phyllodes Tumor
Authors: Hemalatha A. L. , Sindhuram V. Sumana , Asha U.
Published: October 2012

Malignant phyllodes tumor is usually diagnosed by the presence of benign duct-like epithelium and malignant mesenchymal tissue. In addition to the usual fibrosarcomatous features, the mesenchymal component may show areas resembling osteogenic sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant mesenchymoma, and, very rarely, malignant fibrous histiocytoma. We present one such rare case of malignant phyllodes tumor with malignant fibrous histiocytoma-like stromal differentiation.
Multivariate Extension Principle and Algebraic Operations of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Shen Yonghong , Chen Wei
Published: October 2012

This paper mainly focuses on multivariate extension of the extension principle of IFSs. Based on the Cartesian product over IFSs, the multivariate extension principle of IFSs is established. Furthermore, three kinds of representation of this principle are provided. Finally, a general framework of the algebraic operation between IFSs is given by using the multivariate extension principle.
Influence of Rosiglitazone on the Expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-αin Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mao Jing-Wei , Tang Hai-Ying , Wang Ying-De
Published: October 2012

Aim. To observe the disease activity index (DAI) and the colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI), detect the colonic mucosal expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-αin rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to investigate the protective role of rosiglitazone in UC.Methods. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a rosiglitazone treatment group, and a UC model group. Rats were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21, or 35 following administration of treatment after enema and DAI, CMDI and colonic expression of PPARγ, NF-κB, and TNF-αwere assessed.Results. In the UC model group, DAI, CDMI and the colonic expression of NF-κB and TNF-αincreased significantly compared to the control group at all timepoints, but PPARγdecreased significantly. Furthermore, in the rosiglitazone treatment group, DAI and CMDI decreased significantly on the 14-day, 21-day, and 35-day timepoints compared to the UC model group; the colonic expression of NF-κB and TNF-αdecreased compared to UC model group at all timepoints, but the PPARγexpression increased significantly.Conclusions. Rosiglitazone can alleviate colonic mucosal inflammation and have the protective role on UC by upregulating PPARγexpression and downregulating NF-κB and TNF-αexpression.
Entropy‐Based Maximally Stable Extremal Regions for Robust Feature Detection
Authors: Cai Huiwen , Wang Xiaoyan , Xia Ming , Wang Yangsheng
Published: October 2012

Maximally stable extremal regions (MSER) is a state‐of‐the‐art method in local feature detection. However, this method is sensitive to blurring because, in blurred images, the intensity values in region boundary will vary more slowly, and this will undermine the stability criterion that the MSER relies on. In this paper, we propose a method to improve MSER, making it more robust to image blurring. To find back the regions missed by MSER in the blurred image, we utilize the fact that the entropy of probability distribution function of intensity values increases rapidly when the local region expands across the boundary, while the entropy in the central part remains small. We use the entropy averaged by the regional area as a measure to reestimate regions missed by MSER. Experiments show that, when dealing with blurred images, the proposed method has better performance than the original MSER, with little extra computational effort.
Some Fixed Point Results in GP‐Metric Spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Salimi Peyman
Published: October 2012

Following a recent paper of Zand and Nezhad (2011), we establish some
fixed point results in GP‐metric spaces. The presented theorems generalize and improve
several existing results in the literature. Also, some examples are presented.
Experimental Investigation of a Self-Sensing Hybrid GFRP-Concrete Bridge Superstructure with Embedded FBG Sensors
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Li Yunyu , Ran Jianghua , Cao Mingmin
Published: October 2012

A self-sensing hybrid GFRP-concrete bridge superstructure, which consists of two bridge decks and each bridge deck is comprised of four GFRP box sections combined with a thin layer of concrete in the compression zone, was developed by using eight embedded FBG sensors in the top and bottom flanges of the four GFRP box sections at midspan section of one bridge deck along longitudinal direction, respectively. The proposed self-sensing hybrid bridge superstructure was tested in 4-point loading to investigate its flexural behavior and verify the operation of the embedded FBG sensors. The longitudinal strains of the hybrid bridge superstructure were recorded using the embedded FBG sensors as well as the surface-bonded electric resistance strain gauges. The experimental results indicate that the embedded FBG sensors can faithfully record the longitudinal strains of the hybrid bridge superstructure in tension at bottom flanges and in compression at top flanges of the four GFRP box sections over the entire loading range, as compared with the surface-bonded strain gauges. So, the proposed self-sensing hybrid GFRP-concrete bridge superstructure can reveal its internal strains in serviceability limit state as well as in strength limit state, and it will have wide applications for long-term monitoring in civil engineering.
Some Fixed and Periodic Points in Abstract Metric Spaces
Authors: Bin Ahmad Abd Ghafur , Fadail Zaid Mohammed , Abbas Mujahid , Kadelburg Zoran , Radenović Stojan
Published: October 2012

We generalize in this paper some results on common fixed points of two, respectively four, contractive‐type mappings in abstract metric spaces by removing condition of normality of the cone in their formulations. Further, some results about periodic points of self‐maps are extended to the setting of abstract metric spaces.
Folate Intake,MTHFRPolymorphisms, and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kennedy Deborah A. , Stern Seth J. , Matok Ilan , Moretti Myla E. , Sarkar Moumita , Adams-Webber Thomasin , Koren Gideon
Published: October 2012

Background. The objective was to determine whether relationships exist between the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and examine whether the risk is modified by level of folate intake.Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, and SCOPUS were searched to May 2012 using the terms “folic acid,” “folate,” “colorectal cancer,” “methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase,” “MTHFR.” Observational studies were included which (1) assessed the risk of CRC for each polymorphism and/or (2) had defined levels of folate intake for each polymorphism and assessed the risk of CRC.Results. From 910 references, 67 studies met our criteria; hand searching yielded 10 studies. The summary risk estimate comparing the677CT versus CC genotype was 1.02 (95% CI 0.95–1.10) and for677TT versus CC was 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.96) both with heterogeneity. The summary risk estimates for A1298C polymorphisms suggested no reduced risk. The summary risk estimate for high versus low total folate for the677CC genotype was 0.70 (95% CI 0.56–0.89) and the677TT genotype 0.63 (95% CI 0.41–0.97).Conclusion. These results suggest that the677TT genotype is associated with a reduced risk of developing CRC, under conditions of high total folate intake, and this associated risk remains reduced for bothMTHFR 677CC and TT genotypes.
Structural Characterization and Infrared and Electrical Properties of the New Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compound [N(C3H7)4] 2[Hg2Cl6]
Authors: Oueslati A. , Chaabane I. , Adil K. , Hlel F.
Published: October 2012

New inorganic‐organic hybrid [(C3H7)4N]2Hg2Cl6 compound was obtained and characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, infrared, and impedance spectroscopy. The latter crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group C 2/c, Z = 8) with the following unit cell dimensions: a = 18.489(1) Å, b = 13.0419(6) Å, c = 29.162(2) Å, and β = 91.686∘(2). Besides, its structure was solved using 84860 independent reflections leading to R = 0.038. Electrical properties of the material were studied using impedance spectroscopic technique at different temperatures in the frequency range of 209 Hz to 5 MHz. Detailed analysis of the impedance spectrum suggested that the electrical properties of the material are strongly temperature‐dependent. The Nyquist plots clearly showed the presence of bulk and grain boundary effect in the compound.
Rapid and Economic Access to Some NSAIDS‐Based Bioactive Heterocycles
Authors: Chavan A. V. , Somani R. R. , Kalantri P. P. , Makhija D. T.
Published: October 2012

The use of microwave energy for the synthesis is considered as one of the alternate strategies. The present work includes the synthesis of some newer 2,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole analogues using both conventional and alternate rapid methods.The conventional method involves the synthesis of the target molecules by using cyclodehydrating agent like POCl3, while the other method consists of using some catalytic reagents like PbO2. Also, the short reaction time provided by microwave synthesis makes it ideal for the reaction. Hence, this project describes an efficient and operationally simple method for the microwave‐assisted synthesis of some bioactive heterocycles based on NSAIDs.
Application of a Validated Stability‐Indicating LC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Tapentadol and Its Process‐Related Impurities in Bulk and Its Dosage Form
Authors: Kathirvel Singaram , Satyanarayana Suggala Venkata , Devalarao Garikapati
Published: October 2012

Described is a first reported, simple, rapid, selective, and isocratic stability‐indicating RP‐LC method for the quantitative determination of tapentadol and its related substances in bulk samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms in the presence of its two process‐related impurities. Chromatographic separation was achieved on the reversed phase, Enable column (C18 (5‐μm, 250 × 4.6 mm, i.d.)) at ambient temperature using a mobile phase consisting of 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (adjusted to pH 6 with 1 M KOH) and acetonitrile (80 : 20, v/v). Flow rate was 1 mL/min and retention time was found to be 7.7 ± 0.05 min. Quantitation was achieved with UV detection at 215 nm based on peak area with linear calibration curves at concentration range 75–300 μg/mL. Forced degradation studies were performed, in accordance with ICH guidelines, using acidic, alkaline, oxidative, neutral, photolytic, and thermal conditions. The drug was found to be stable under all the conditions. The developed method was validated in terms of precision, robustness, recovery, and limits of detection and quantitation. Regression analysis shows an “r” value (correlation coefficient) of greater than 0.999 for tapentadol and two potential impurities.
Normative Data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in a Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Population
Authors: Narazaki Kenji , Nofuji Yu , Honda Takanori , Matsuo Eri , Yonemoto Koji , Kumagai Shuzo
Published: October 2012

Background: Although the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is acknowledged as a promising neuropsychological tool, its normative data for older populations have not been established yet. The purpose of this study was to provide normative data for the MoCA in Japanese community-dwelling older people. Methods: In a Japanese town, 1,977 participants aged 65 years or older (mean age 73.6 years; male 41.3%) completed MoCA tests. After descriptive and regression analyses, normative data were developed for MoCA scores in the population. Results: The mean MoCA score observed (21.8 points) was lower than that for normal controls (27.4 points) in the original validation study of the MoCA. Additionally, 82.6% of MoCA scores fell below the standard cutoff of 26 points for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The regression analysis showed that higher age and fewer years of formal education were associated with lower MoCA scores (p < 0.001). Normative data for MoCA scores were presented with respect to age and education. Conclusion: This study provided normative data for the MoCA in a Japanese community-dwelling older population. This research also suggests that conventional use of the MoCA as a screening tool for MCI might be problematic in cultures different from that in which the cutoff was developed.
Quantitation of IgE Binding to the Chitinase and Chitinase-Like House Dust Mite Allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 Compared to the Major and Mid-Range Allergens
Authors: Hales Belinda J. , Elliot Claire E. , Chai Lee Ying , Pearce Leigh J. , Tipayanon Thitinun , Hazell Lee , Stone Shane , Piboonpocanun Surapon , Thomas Wayne R. , Smith Wendy-Anne
Published: October 2012

Background: The prevalence of IgE binding to the group 15 and 18 house dust mite (HDM) allergens of the Dermatophagoides species is reported to be >50% and they are the major allergens of HDM-sensitised dogs. The objective was to quantitate the IgE titres to Der p 15 and Der p 18 and evaluate their importance in human HDM sensitisation compared to the known major and mid-tier allergens. Methods: Der p 15 and Der p 18 were produced in Pichia pastoris, and their structure validated by circular dichroism. IgE binding was measured in 37 Australian HDM-allergic adults using a quantitative DELFIA™ assay. Results: The prevalence of IgE titres to Der p 15 and Der p 18 >0.1 ng/ml was low (38%) and only one subject had a titre >10 ng/ml to either allergen. The mean anti-Der p 15 and Der p 18 titres were 1.2 and 2.6 ng/ml, respectively, i.e. approximately 10- to 20-fold lower than the response to the major Der p 1 and Der p 2 allergens (p < 0.001). The IgE responses to Der p 15 and Der p 18 were lower than the mid-tier allergens Der p 5 and Der p 7 and although they correlated with each other, they did not correlate with titres to either the major or mid-tier allergens. Conclusions: Sensitisation to Der p 15 and Der p 18 makes a minor contribution to anti-HDM IgE titres, and the titres do not correlate with the size of the response to the major allergens.
The Genetics Universe of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Parkes Miles
Published: October 2012

Our appreciation of the genetic contribution to inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility has advanced substantially over the last 5 years, driven particularly by genome-wide association scanning but now complemented by a variety of other genomics technologies. We now have a much more detailed appreciation of the molecular genetic architecture of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and particularly the areas of overlap between Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (such as Th17 pathways) and the pathways which are disease-specific (such as NOD2 and autophagy for CD and the MHC and epithelial barrier genes for UC). The next steps will be to translate the new knowledge regarding pathways which are important in IBD pathogenesis into improved therapies and preventative strategies.
Animal Models of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Illuminating the Pathogenesis of Colitis, Ileitis and Cancer
Authors: Neurath Markus F.
Published: October 2012

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing diseases of unknown origin. In spite of improved options for therapy, many patients with IBD have an impaired quality of life and require hospitalization or surgery. Animal models of IBD might help to obtain new insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases and may be used to test innovative approaches for therapy. Methods: Review of the literature using PubMed. Results: Numerous new animal models of IBD have been developed in recent years. Although none of these models provides a full reflection of the IBD pathogenesis in humans, they have provided fascinating new insights into the pathogenesis of gut inflammation. In addition to models of acute and chronic colitis, recent studies have described new models of chronic ileitis and IBD-associated cancer. Furthermore, various new approaches for IBD therapy have been developed in animal models, including strategies against proinflammatory cytokines, signaling pathways and adhesion molecules. Conclusion: New animal models of IBD have illuminated some aspects of IBD pathogenesis and suggest new avenues for therapy of IBD.