bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison among T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Modified Dixon Method, and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Measuring Bone Marrow Fat
Authors: Shen Wei , Gong Xiuqun , Weiss Jessica , Jin Ye
Published: March 2013

Introduction. An increasing number of studies are utilizing different magnetic resonance (MR) methods to quantify bone marrow fat due to its potential role in osteoporosis. Our aim is to compare the measurements of bone marrow fat among T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modified Dixon method (also called fat fraction MRI (FFMRI)), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).Methods. Contiguous MRI scans were acquired in 27 Caucasian postmenopausal women with a modified Dixon method (i.e., FFMRI). Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) of T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction of the L3 vertebra and femoral necks were quantified using SliceOmatic and Matlab. MRS was also acquired at the L3 vertebra.Results. Correlation among the three MR methods measured bone marrow fat fraction and BMAT ranges from 0.78 to 0.88 in the L3 vertebra. Correlation between BMAT measured by T1-weighted MRI and bone marrow fat fraction measured by modified FFMRI is 0.86 in femoral necks.Conclusion. There are good correlations among T1-weighted MRI, FFMRI, and MRS for bone marrow fat quantification. The inhomogeneous distribution of bone marrow fat, the threshold segmentation of the T1-weighted MRI, and the ambiguity of the FFMRI may partially explain the difference among the three methods.
Brown Adipose Tissue Growth and Development
Authors: Symonds Michael E.
Published: March 2013

Brown adipose tissue is uniquely able to rapidly produce large amounts of heat through activation of uncoupling protein (UCP) 1. Maximally stimulated brown fat can produce 300 watts/kg of heat compared to 1 watt/kg in all other tissues. UCP1 is only present in small amounts in the fetus and in precocious mammals, such as sheep and humans; it is rapidly activated around the time of birth following the substantial rise in endocrine stimulatory factors. Brown adipose tissue is then lost and/or replaced with white adipose tissue with age but may still contain small depots of beige adipocytes that have the potential to be reactivated. In humans brown adipose tissue is retained into adulthood, retains the capacity to have a significant role in energy balance, and is currently a primary target organ in obesity prevention strategies. Thermogenesis in brown fat humans is environmentally regulated and can be stimulated by cold exposure and diet, responses that may be further modulated by photoperiod. Increased understanding of the primary factors that regulate both the appearance and the disappearance of UCP1 in early life may therefore enable sustainable strategies in order to prevent excess white adipose tissue deposition through the life cycle.
Stiff Fluid in Accelerated Universes with Torsion
Authors: Galiakhmetov Almaz
Published: March 2013

The flat Friedmann universes filled by stiff fluid and a nonminimally
coupled material scalar field with polynomial potentials of the
fourth degree are considered in the framework of the
Einstein-Cartan theory. Exact general solution is obtained for arbitrary positive values of the coupling constant . A comparative analysis of the cosmological models with and without stiff fluid is carried out. Some effects of stiff fluid are
elucidated. It is shown that singular models with a de Sitter asymptotic and with the power-law asymptotic at late times are possible. It is found that is a specific value of the coupling constant. It is demonstrated that the bouncing models without the particle horizon and with an accelerated expansion by a de Sitter law of an evolution at late times are admissible.
Molecular Docking Study on the Interaction of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Coenzymes
Authors: Hafeez Ambreen , Saify Zafar Saied , Naz Afshan , Yasmin Farzana , Akhtar Naheed
Published: March 2013

Cobalamins are the largest and structurally complex cofactors found in biological systems and have attracted considerable attention due to their participation in the metabolic reactions taking place in humans, animals, and microorganisms. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a micronutrient and is the precursor of coenzymes, FMN and FAD, required for a wide variety of cellular processes with a key role in energy-based metabolic reactions. As coenzymes of both vitamins are the part of enzyme systems, the possibility of their mutual interaction in the body cannot be overruled. A molecular docking study was conducted on riboflavin molecule with B12 coenzymes present in the enzymes glutamate mutase, diol dehydratase, and methionine synthase by using ArgusLab 4.0.1 software to understand the possible mode of interaction between these vitamins. The results from ArgusLab showed the best binding affinity of riboflavin with the enzyme glutamate mutase for which the calculated least binding energy has been found to be −7.13 kcal/mol. The results indicate a significant inhibitory effect of riboflavin on the catalysis of B12-dependent enzymes. This information can be utilized to design potent therapeutic drugs having structural similarity to that of riboflavin.
Fatigue Failure Model for Polymeric Compliant Systems
Authors: Akano Theddeus T. , Fakinlede Omotayo A.
Published: March 2013

Fatigue analysis and lifetime evaluation are very important in the design of compliant mechanisms to ensure their safety and reliability. Earlier models for the fatigue prediction of compliant mechanisms are centred on repeated and reversed stress cycles. Compliant mechanisms (CMs) are now being applied to situations where the fatigue is caused by random varying stress cycles. It is, therefore, necessary to consider fatigue resulting from random varying stress cycles and damage caused to the compliant material. A continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model is proposed to assess the fatigue life of polymeric compliant mechanisms. The elastic strain energy is computed on the basis of a nearly incompressive hyperelastic constitution. The damage evolution equation is used to develop a mathematical formula that describes the fatigue life as a function of the nominal strain amplitude under cyclic loading. Low density polypropylene (LDP) is used for the fatigue tests conducted under displacement controlled condition with a sine waveform of 10 Hz. The results from the theoretical formula are compared with those from the experiment and fatigue software. The result from the prediction formula shows a strong agreement with the experimental and simulation results.
Targeting the HGF-cMET Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Venepalli Neeta K. , Goff Laura
Published: March 2013

Under normal physiological conditions, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, the MET transmembrane tyrosine kinase (cMET), are involved in embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and wound healing. The HGF-cMET axis promotes cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion via modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the third most common cause of worldwide cancer-related mortality; advanced disease is associated with a paucity of therapeutic options and a five-year survival rate of only 10%. Dysregulation of the HGF-cMET pathway is implicated in HCC carcinogenesis and progression through activation of multiple signaling pathways; therefore, cMET inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment. The authors review HGF-cMET structure and function in normal tissue and in HCC, cMET inhibition in HCC, and future strategies for biomarker identification.
The Influence of Shunt Active Power Filter on Stability and Performance in Considering Time-Delay
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Yongqiang
Published: March 2013

The existence of time-delay in active power filter (APF) has a great influence on its stability and performance. Hence, this paper deals with the problems of solving the delay margin, the maximal delay which allows the closed-loop system to retain stable, and minimizing the performance index for a givenH∞controller. Firstly, for the given time-delay system and controller, a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is used to derive a delay-dependent stability criterion. And a modified Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is used to obtain less conservative results. Secondly, the mathematical model of APF with time-delay is built, and the two problems already mentioned can be dealt with via transforming them into one of the basic problems of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, the relationships between the delay stability margin and some parameters have been investigated, and the performance index has been discussed in considering time-delay. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation studies.
On the -Bernstein Polynomials of Unbounded Functions with
Authors: Ostrovska Sofiya , Özban Ahmet Yaşar
Published: March 2013

The aim of this paper is to present new results related to the -Bernstein polynomials of unbounded functions in the case and to illustrate those results using numerical examples. As a model, the behavior of polynomials is examined both theoretically and numerically in detail for functions on satisfying as , where and are real numbers.
The BB Wistar Rat as a Diabetic Model for Fracture Healing
Authors: Sood Amit , Cunningham Catie , Lin Sheldon
Published: March 2013

The advent of improved glucose control with insulin and oral medications has allowed for the diabetic population to live longer and healthier lives. Unfortunately diabetes remains a worldwide epidemic with multiple health implications. Specifically, its affects upon fracture healing have been well studied and shown to have negative effects on bone mineral density, biomechanical integrity, and fracture healing. Multiple animal models have been used for research purposes to gain further insight into the effects and potential treatments of this disease process. The diabetic BB Wistar rat is one model that replicates a close homology to human type-1 diabetes and has been used as a fracture model to study the effects of diabetes on bone integrity and healing. In particular, the effects of tight glucose control, ultrasound therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), and allograft bone incorporation have been studied extensively. We present a review of the literature using the BB Wistar rat to elucidate the implications of diabetes on fracture healing.
Experimental UWB Propagation Channel Path Loss and Time-Dispersion Characterization in a Laboratory Environment
Authors: Rubio Lorenzo , Reig Juan , Fernández Herman , Rodrigo-Peñarrocha Vicent M.
Published: March 2013

The knowledge of the propagation channel properties is an important issue for a successful design of ultrawideband (UWB) communication systems enabling high data rates in short-range applications. From an indoor measurement campaign carried out in a typical laboratory environment, this paper analyzes the path loss and time-dispersion properties of the UWB channel. Values of the path loss exponent are derived for the direct path and for a Rake receiver structure, examining the maximum multipath diversity gain when anallRake (ARake) receiver is used. Also, the relationship between time-dispersion parameters and path loss is investigated. The UWB channel transfer function (CTF) was measured in the frequency domain over a channel bandwidth of 7.5 GHz in accordance with the UWB frequency range (3.1–10.6 GHz).
A Comparative Study of Three Different Chemical Vapor Deposition Techniques of Carbon Nanotube Growth on Diamond Films
Authors: Quinton Betty T. , Barnes Paul N. , Varanasi Chakrapani V. , Burke Jack , Tsao Bang-Hung , Yost Kevin J. , Mukhopadhyay Sharmila M.
Published: March 2013

This paper compares between the methods of growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on diamond substrates and evaluates the quality of the CNTs and the interfacial strength. One potential application for these materials is a heat sink/spreader for high‐power electronic devices. The CNTs and diamond substrates have a significantly higher specific thermal conductivity than traditional heat sink/spreader materials making them good replacement candidates. Only limited research has been performed on these CNT/diamond structures and their suitability of different growth methods. This study investigates three potential chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for growing CNTs on diamond: thermal CVD (T‐CVD), microwave plasma‐enhanced CVD (MPE‐CVD), and floating catalyst thermal CVD (FCT‐CVD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the morphology and topology of the CNTs. Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the quality of the CNTs by determining the ID/IG peak intensity ratios. Additionally, the CNT/diamond samples were sonicated for qualitative comparisons of the durability of the CNT forests. T‐CVD provided the largest diameter tubes, with catalysts residing mainly at the CNT/diamond interface. The MPE‐CVD process yielded non uniform defective CNTs, and FCT‐CVD resulted in the smallest diameter CNTs with catalyst particles imbedded throughout the length of the nanotubes.
Junction Point Detection Algorithm for SAR Image
Authors: Zhang Jun , Luo Tingjin , Gao Gui , Lian Lin
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we propose a novel junction point detector based on an azimuth consensus for remote sensing images. To eliminate the impact of noise and some noncorrelated edges of SAR image, an azimuth consensus constraint is developed. In addition to detecting the locations of junctions at the subpixel level, this operator recognizes their structures as well. A new formula that includes a minimization criterion for the total weighted distance is proposed to compute the locations of junction points accurately. Compared with other well-known detectors, including Forstner, JUDOCA, and CPDA, the experimental results indicate that our operator outperforms them both in location accuracy of junction points and in angle accuracy of branch edges. Moreover, our method possesses satisfying robustness to the impact of noise and changes of the SAR images. Our operator can be potentially used to solve a number of problems in computer vision, such as SAR image registration, wide-baseline matching, and UAV navigation system.
Consensus Analysis of Second-Order Multiagent Systems with General Topology and Time Delay
Authors: Liu Bo , Xie Guangming , Gao Yanping , Wu Jiaxi , Zhang Jianguo , Luo Wenguang
Published: March 2013

This paper addresses the consensus of second-order multiagent systems with general topology and time delay based on the nearest neighbor rule. By using the Laplace transform technique, it is proved that the second-order multi-agent system in the presence of time-delay can reach consensus if the network topology contains a globally reachable node and time delay is bounded. The bound of time-delay only depends on eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the system. The main contribution of this paper is that the accurate state of the consensus center and the upper bound of the communication delay to make the agents reach consensus are given. Some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Pericardial Effusion in a Patient with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Beware of a Hidden Malefactor
Authors: Raja Rao Mamatha Punjee , Panduranga Prashanth , Al-Jufaili Mahmood
Published: March 2013

Pericarditis with pericardial effusion in acute coronary syndrome is seen in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction specifically when infarction is anterior, extensive, and Q wave. It is very uncommon to have pericardial effusion in a patient with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We present an elderly hypertensive patient who was diagnosed as non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with pericardial effusion that turned out to be acute aortic dissection with catastrophic end. We conclude that, in patients with suspected diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina, if pericardial effusion is detected on echocardiography, aortic dissection needs to be considered.
Omentin-1 Stimulates Human Osteoblast Proliferation through PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway
Authors: Wu Shan-Shan , Liang Qiu-Hua , Liu Yuan , Cui Rong-Rong , Yuan Ling-Qing , Liao Er-Yuan
Published: March 2013

It has been presumed that adipokines deriving from adipose tissue may play important roles in bone metabolism. Omentin-1, a novel adipokine, which is selectively expressed in visceral adipose tissue, has been reported to stimulate proliferation and inhibit differentiation of mouse osteoblast. However, little information refers to the effect of omentin-1 on human osteoblast (hOB) proliferation. The current study examined the potential effects of omentin-1 on proliferation in hOB and the signal pathway involved. Omentin-1 promoted hOB proliferation in a dose-dependent manner as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Western blot analysis revealed that omentin-1 induced activation of Akt (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase downstream effector) and such effect was impeded by transfection of hOB with Akt-siRNA. Furthermore, LY294002 (a selective PI3K inhibitor) and HIMO (a selective Akt inhibitor) abolished the omentin-1-induced hOB proliferation. These findings indicate that omentin-1 induces hOB proliferation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suggest that osteoblast is a direct target of omentin-1.
The Immunologic Basis for Severe Neonatal Herpes Disease and Potential Strategies for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Gantt Soren , Muller William J.
Published: March 2013

Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infect a large proportion of the world’s population. Infection is life-long and can cause periodic mucocutaneous symptoms, but it only rarely causes life-threatening disease among immunocompetent children and adults. However, when HSV infection occurs during the neonatal period, viral replication is poorly controlled and a large proportion of infants die or develop disability even with optimal antiviral therapy. Increasingly, specific differences are being elucidated between the immune system of newborns and those of older children and adults, which predispose to severe infections and reflect the transition from fetal to postnatal life. Studies in healthy individuals of different ages, individuals with primary or acquired immunodeficiencies, and animal models have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms that control HSV infection and how these may be impaired during the neonatal period. This paper outlines our current understanding of innate and adaptive immunity to HSV infection, immunologic differences in early infancy that may account for the manifestations of neonatal HSV infection, and the potential of interventions to augment neonatal immune protection against HSV disease.
Ag3PO4 Semiconductor Photocatalyst: Possibilities and Challenges
Authors: Huang Gui-Fang , Ma Zhi-Li , Huang Wei-Qing , Tian Yong , Jiao Chao , Yang Zheng-Mei , Wan Zhuo , Pan Anlian
Published: March 2013

Ag3PO4 as a photocatalyst has attracted enormous attention in recent years due to its great potential in harvesting solar energy for environmental purification and fuel production. The photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 strongly depends on its morphology, exposed facets, and particle size. The effects of morphology and orientation of Ag3PO4 on the catalytic performance and the efforts on the stability improvement of Ag3PO4 are reviewed here. This paper also discusses the current theoretical understanding of photocatalytic mechanism of Ag3PO4, together with the recent progress towards developing Ag3PO4 composite photocatalysts. The crucial issues that should be addressed in future research activities are finally highlighted.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Imaging with [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-Exendin-4 for the Diagnosis of Recurrence or Dissemination of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Pach D. , Sowa-Staszczak A. , Jabrocka-Hybel A. , Stefańska A. , Tomaszuk M. , Mikołajczak R. , Janota B. , Trofimiuk-Müldner M. , Przybylik-Mazurek E. , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Epidemiological studies on medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) have shown that neither a change in stage at diagnosis nor improvement in survival has occurred during the past 30 years. In patients with detectable serum calcitonin and no clinically apparent disease, a careful search for local recurrence, and nodal or distant metastases, should be performed. Conventional imaging modalities will not show any disease until basal serum calcitonin is at least 150 pg/mL. The objective of the study was to present the first experience with labelled glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 in the visualisation of MTC in humans.Material and Method. Four patients aged 22–74 years (two with sporadic and two with MEN2 syndrome-related disseminated MTC) were enrolled in the study. In all patients, GLP-1 receptor imaging was performed.Results. High-quality images were obtained in all patients. All previously known MTC lesions have been confirmed in GLP-1 scintigraphy. Moreover, one additional liver lesion was detected in sporadic MTC male patient.Conclusions. GLP-1 receptor imaging with [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 is able to detect MTC lesions. GLP-1 scintigraphy can serve as a confirmatory test in MTC patients, in whom other imaging procedures are inconsistent.
Voltage Stability Bifurcation Analysis for AC/DC Systems with VSC-HVDC
Authors: Wei Yanfang , Zheng Zheng , Sun Yonghui , Wei Zhinong , Sun Guoqiang
Published: March 2013

A voltage stability bifurcation analysis approach for modeling AC/DC systems with VSC-HVDC is presented. The steady power model and control modes of VSC-HVDC are briefly presented firstly. Based on the steady model of VSC-HVDC, a new improved sequential iterative power flow algorithm is proposed. Then, by use of continuation power flow algorithm with the new sequential method, the voltage stability bifurcation of the system is discussed. The trace of the P-V curves and the computation of the saddle node bifurcation point of the system can be obtained. At last, the modified IEEE test systems are adopted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Continuous- and Discrete-Time Stimulus Sequences for High Stimulus Rate Paradigm in Evoked Potential Studies
Authors: Wang Tao , Huang Jiang-hua , Lin Lin , Zhan Chang'an A.
Published: March 2013

To obtain reliable transient auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) from EEGs recorded using high stimulus rate (HSR) paradigm, it is critical to design the stimulus sequences of appropriate frequency properties. Traditionally, the individual stimulus events in a stimulus sequence occur only at discrete time points dependent on the sampling frequency of the recording system and the duration of stimulus sequence. This dependency likely causes the implementation of suboptimal stimulus sequences, sacrificing the reliability of resulting AEPs. In this paper, we explicate the use of continuous-time stimulus sequence for HSR paradigm, which is independent of the discrete electroencephalogram (EEG) recording system. We employ simulation studies to examine the applicability of the continuous-time stimulus sequences and the impacts of sampling frequency on AEPs in traditional studies using discrete-time design. Results from these studies show that the continuous-time sequences can offer better frequency properties and improve the reliability of recovered AEPs. Furthermore, we find that the errors in the recovered AEPs depend critically on the sampling frequencies of experimental systems, and their relationship can be fitted using a reciprocal function. As such, our study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the applicability and advantages of continuous-time stimulus sequences for HSR paradigm and by revealing the relationship between the reliability of AEPs and sampling frequencies of the experimental systems when discrete-time stimulus sequences are used in traditional manner for the HSR paradigm.
Formulation and Evaluation of a New Biodegradable Periodontal Chip Containing Thymoquinone in a Chitosan Base for the Management of Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Al-Bayaty Fouad H. , Kamaruddin Azwin A. , Ismail Mohd. A. , Abdulla Mahmood A.
Published: March 2013

Objective. This study was performed to develop a biodegradable periodontal chip containing thymoquinone and to evaluate its effectiveness for managing chronic periodontitis. Methods. Chips were formulated from thymoquinone and chitosan. Twelve patients with periodontal pockets measuring ≥5 mm participated in this study. Overall, 180 periodontal pockets were evaluated. At day zero, all patients were treated with full‐mouth scaling and root planning. Periodontal pockets were divided into three groups. Group one served as the control group, while group two received plain chitosan chips. Group three received chips containing thymoquinone. Plaque index, bleeding upon probing, periodontal probing pocket depths, and clinical attachment levels were recorded at days 0 and 60. Results. The statistical significance of differences was tested with a paired sample t‐test, a Chi‐squared test, and a one‐way ANOVA. The results indicated significant improvement in plaque index and bleeding upon probing and a reduction in periodontal pockets from baseline in all four groups (P < 0.05). Gains in clinical attachment levels were significantly higher (P < 0.005) in the group receiving thymoquinone chips compared to other groups. Conclusion. Periodontal chips containing thymoquinone can be used as adjuncts for the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis.
A Study of Bone Mineral Density and Its Determinants in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Joshi Ameya , Varthakavi Premlata , Chadha Manoj , Bhagwat Nikhil
Published: March 2013

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been inconsistently associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. 86 consecutive T1DM cases and 140 unrelated age and sex matched healthy nondiabetic controls were included in the study. After history and examination, BMD and body composition were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum samples were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, albumin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, 25 (OH) vitamin D3, intact parathormone (PTH) levels (both cases and controls) and HbA1c, antimicrosomal and IgA tissue transglutaminase (IgA TTG) antibodies, cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) (cases only). T1DM cases had a lower BMD as compared to controls at both total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) (). Patients with celiac autoimmunity (CA) had significantly, lower BMD as compared to age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) matched T1DM controls. Linear regression analysis showed that low BMD in T1DM patients was associated with poor glycaemic control, lower IGF-1 levels, less physical activity (in total population as well as in male and female subgroups), and lower body fat percentage (in females) and higher alkaline phosphatase level (in males) ().
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Sulphuric Acid Using Esomeprazole and the Effect of Iodide Ion Addition
Authors: Karthik G. , Sundaravadivelu M.
Published: March 2013

The inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M H2SO4 solution by the pharmaceutically active compound esomeprazole (ESP) has been investigated by using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior with the addition of different concentrations of ESP was studied in the temperature range of 30–60°C. Results obtained revealed that the inhibition efficiency increased with the increase in concentration of the inhibitor but decreased with the increase in temperature. The addition of KI increased the inhibition of ESP to a considerable extent. The experimental results suggest that the presence of iodide ions in the solution stabilized the adsorption of the ESP molecule on the mild steel surface, thereby improving the inhibition efficiency. Polarization curves indicated that the ESP belonged to a mixed-type inhibitor. Adsorption of the inhibitor on the mild steel surface is found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some thermodynamic functions of dissolution and adsorption processes were also determined. Surface analysis via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) shows a significant improvement in the surface morphology of the mild steel plate.
Validated Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Codeine Phosphate and Chlorpheniramine Maleate from Their Combined Liquid Dosage Form
Authors: Kommana Ramakrishna , Basappa Praveen
Published: March 2013

The present paper describes the development of quick stability indicating RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate in the presence of its degradation products, generated from forced degradation studies. The developed method separates codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate in impurities/degradation products. Codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate and their combination drug product were exposed to acid, base, oxidation, dry heat, and photolytic stress conditions, and the stressed samples were analysed by proposed method. The proposed HPLC method utilizes the Shimadzu HPLC system on a Phenomenex C18 column (, 5 μ) using a mixture of 1% o-phosphoric acid in water : acetonitrile : methanol (78 : 10 : 12) mobile phase with pH adjusted to 3.0 in an isocratic elution mode at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, at 23°C with a load of 20 μL. The detection was carried out at 254 nm. The retention time of codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate was found to be around 3.47 min and 9.45 min, respectively. The method has been validated with respect to linearity, robustness, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The developed validated stability indicating HPLC method was found to be simple, accurate, and reproducible for the determination of instability of these drugs in bulk and commercial products.
A New Data Assimilation Scheme: The Space-Expanded Ensemble Localization Kalman Filter
Authors: Leng Hongze , Song Junqiang , Lu Fengshun , Cao Xiaoqun
Published: March 2013

This study considers a new hybrid three-dimensional variational (3D-Var) and ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation (DA) method in a non-perfect-model framework, named space-expanded ensemble localization Kalman filter (SELKF). In this method, the localization operation is directly applied to the ensemble anomalies with a Schur Product, rather than to the full error covariance of the state in the EnKF. Meanwhile, the correction space of analysis increment is expanded to a space with larger dimension, and the rank of the forecast error covariance is significantly increased. This scheme can reduce the spurious correlations in the covariance and approximate the full-rank background error covariance well. Furthermore, a deterministic scheme is used to generate the analysis anomalies. The results show that the SELKF outperforms the perturbed EnKF given a relatively small ensemble size, especially when the length scale is relatively long or the observation error covariance is relatively small.
Structural and Surface Morphology Studies of La0.67Ba0.33(Mn1−xAlx)O3 Thin Films Prepared by Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Abdullah H. , Zulfakar M. S.
Published: March 2013

Nanocrystalline thin films of La0.67Ba0.33(Mn1−xAlx)O3 (x = 0.00,0.05,0.10, and 0.15) were prepared by sol‐gel method, as a starter material consisting of La2O3, BaNO3, Mn(NO3), and Al(NO3). The molarities of La2O3 and BaNO3 are constant, while molarities of Mn(NO3) and Al(NO3) were calculated based on stoichiometric theory. Thin films were deposited on quartz glass substrate by using spin coating technique and sintered at 700°C. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns showed that these thin films consist of pure La0.67Ba0.33(Mn1−xAlx)O3 phase where the most prominent peak is observed at (104). All the samples display a rhombohedral structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that aggregation of small particles occurred more in doped films than in undoped films. The surface morphology has been studied by using AFM, and the roughness of thin films was analyzed.
Tendon Interposition and Ligament Reconstruction with ECRL Tendon in the Late Stages of Kienböck’s Disease: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Karalezli Nazım , Uz Aysun , Esmer Ali Fırat , Demirtaş Mehmet , Taşcı Arzu Gül , Kütahya Harun , Ulusoy Gürhan
Published: March 2013

Background. The optimal surgical treatment for Kienböck’s disease with stages IIIB and IV remains controversial. A cadaver study was carried out to evaluate the use of coiled extensor carpi radialis longus tendon for tendon interposition and a strip obtained from the same tendon for ligament reconstruction in the late stages of Kienböck’s disease. Methods. Coiled extensor carpi radialis longus tendon was used to fill the cavity of the excised lunate, and a strip obtained from this tendon was sutured onto itself after passing through the scaphoid and the triquetrum acting as a ligament to preserve proximal row integrity. Biomechanical tests were carried out in order to evaluate this new ligamentous reconstruction. Results. It was biomechanically confirmed that the procedure was effective against axial compression and distributed the upcoming mechanical stress to the distal row. Conclusion. Extensor carpi radialis longus tendon has not been used for tendon interposition and ligament reconstruction in the treatment of this disease before. In view of the biomechanical data, the procedure seems to be effective for the stabilization of scaphoid and carpal bones.
Some Geometric Properties of the Domain of the Double Sequential Band Matrix in the Sequence Space
Authors: Nergiz Havva , Başar Feyzi
Published: March 2013

The sequence space was introduced by Maddox (1967). Quite recently, the sequence space of nonabsolute type has been introduced and studied which is the domain of the double sequential band matrix in the sequence space by Nergiz and Başar (2012). The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the geometric properties of the space , like rotundity and Kadec-Klee and the uniform Opial properties. The last section of the paper is devoted to the conclusion.
Effect of Solution Spray Rate on the Properties of Chemically Sprayed ZnO:In Thin Films
Authors: Kriisa Merike , Krunks Malle , Kärber Erki , Kukk Mart , Mikli Valdek , Mere Arvo
Published: March 2013

ZnO:In thin films were grown from 100 mL of spray solution on glass substrates by chemical spray at Ts = 400°C using solution spray rates of 0.5–6.7 mL/min. Zinc acetate and indium(III)chloride were used as Zn and In sources, respectively, with [In]/[Zn] = 3 at.%. Independent of solution spray rate, the crystallites in ZnO:In films grow preferentially in the (101) plane parallel to the substrate. The solution spray rate influences the surface morphology, grain size, film thickness, and electrical and optical properties. According to SEM and AFM studies, sharp‐edged pyramidal grains and canvas‐resembling surfaces are characteristic of films grown at spray rates of 0.5 and 3.3 mL/min, respectively. To obtain films with comparable film thickness and grain size, more spray solution should be used at low spray rates. The electrical resistivity of sprayed ZnO:In films is controlled by the solution spray rate. The carrier concentration increases from 2 · 1019 cm−3 to 1 · 1020 cm−3 when spray rate is increased from 0.5 mL/min to 3.3 mL/min independent of the film thickness; the carrier mobilities are always lower in slowly grown films. Sprayed ZnO:In films transmit 75–80% of the visible light while the increase in solution spray rate from 0.5 mL/min to 3.3 mL/min decreases the transmittance in the NIR region and increases the band gap in accordance with the increase in carrier concentration. Lower carrier concentration in slowly sprayed films is likely due to the indium oxidation.
Prevention and Management of Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Park Jun Yong
Published: March 2013

Variceal hemorrhage is a common and devastating complication of portal hypertension and is a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. The management of gastroesophageal varices has evolved over the last decade resulting in improved mortality and morbidity rates. Regarding the primary prevention of variceal hemorrhaging, nonselectiveβ-blockers should be the first-line therapy in all patients with medium to large varices and in patients with small varices associated with high-risk features such as red wale marks and/or advanced cirrhosis. EVL should be offered in cases of intolerance or side effects toβ-blockers, or for patients at high-risk for variceal bleeding who have medium or large varices with red wale marks or advanced liver cirrhosis. In acute bleeding, vasoactive agents should be initiated along with antibiotics followed by EVL or endoscopic sclerotherapy (if EVL is technically difficult) within the first 12 hours of presentation. Where available, terlipressin is the preferred agent because of its safety profile and it represents the only drug with a proven efficacy in improving survival. All patients surviving an episode of bleeding should undergo further prophylaxis to prevent rebleeding with EVL and nonselectiveβ-blockers.
Incoherent Neutron Spin-Echo Spectroscopy as an Option to Study Long-Range Lipid Diffusion
Authors: Armstrong Clare L. , Toppozini Laura , Dies Hannah , Faraone Antonio , Nagao Michihiro , Rheinstädter Maikel C.
Published: March 2013

Diffusion is the fundamental mechanism for lipids and other molecules to move in a membrane. It is an important process to consider in modelling the formation of membrane structures, such as rafts. Lipid diffusion is mainly studied by two different techniques: incoherent neutron scattering and fluorescence microscopy. Both techniques access distinctly different length scales. While neutron scattering measures diffusion over about 3 lipid diameters, microscopic techniques access motions of lipids over micrometer distances. The diffusion constants which are determined by these two methods often differ by about an order of magnitude, with the neutrons usually seeing a faster lipid diffusion. Different theories are used to describe lipid diffusion in the two experiments. In order to close the “gap” between these two techniques, we propose to study lipid diffusion at mesoscopic length scales using a neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectrometer. We have conducted an experiment in highly oriented, solid supported lipid bilayers to prove the feasibility of performing incoherent NSE on biological samples. Lateral lipid diffusion was measured in a fluid phase model membrane system at a length scale of 12 Å. Using the high-energy resolution of the NSE technique, we find evidence for two dynamic processes.
An Improved Filter Method for Nonlinear Complementarity Problem
Authors: Su Ke , Lu Xiaoli , Liu Wei
Published: March 2013

The nonlinear complementarity problem can be reformulated as a nonlinear programming whose objective function may be nonsmooth. For this case, we use decomposition strategy to decompose the nonsmooth function into a smooth one and a nonsmooth one. Together with filter method, we present an improved filter algorithm with decomposition strategy for solving nonlinear complementarity problem, which has better numerical results compared to the method that without the filter technique. Under mild conditions, the global convergent property is shown. In the end, the numerical example is reported.
Pattern of Change of Depressive Disorder over a One-Year Period among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Québec
Authors: Mechakra-Tahiri Djemaa-Samia , Dubé Micheline , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Préville Michel , Berbiche Djamal , Brassard Joëlle
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to describe changes in depression and its correlates, in community-dwelling elderly, over a 12-month period. Data come from a longitudinal ESA Study (Enquête sur la Santé des Aînés) of elderly persons (n= 2752). Depression was measured using the DSM-IV criteria. Polytomous logistic regression was used to assess relations, over time, between participant’s characteristics and depression. Among the 164 (5.9%) subjects, who were depressed at baseline, 19.5% were continuously ill cases and 80.4% had recovered, 12 months later. In polytomous regression, factors increasing the probability of the three depression states (persistence, recovery, and incidence) were daily hassles, stress intensity, and fair/poor self-rated mental health. Depression in old age is dynamic. Available prognostic factors can be taken into account to help direct treatment to elderly at highest risk of a poor prognosis.
Biomechanics of Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Systems
Authors: Erbulut D. U. , Zafarparandeh I. , Ozer A. F. , Goel V. K.
Published: March 2013

Spinal rigid instrumentations have been used to fuse and stabilize spinal segments as a surgical treatment for various spinal disorders to date. This technology provides immediate stability after surgery until the natural fusion mass develops. At present, rigid fixation is the current gold standard in surgical treatment of chronic back pain spinal disorders. However, such systems have several drawbacks such as higher mechanical stress on the adjacent segment, leading to long-term degenerative changes and hypermobility that often necessitate additional fusion surgery. Dynamic stabilization systems have been suggested to address adjacent segment degeneration, which is considered to be a fusion-associated phenomenon. Dynamic stabilization systems are designed to preserve segmental stability, to keep the treated segment mobile, and to reduce or eliminate degenerative effects on adjacent segments. This paper aimed to describe the biomechanical aspect of dynamic stabilization systems as an alternative treatment to fusion for certain patients.
A Multichannel Cross-Layer Architecture for Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Çevik Taner , Zaim Abdül Halim
Published: March 2013

Depending upon the technological developments, the same fast evolution has occurred in the structures of sensor networks, their composing devices which are sensor nodes, and their application areas. Those tiny, energy-constrained, mostly non-real-time data transmitting sensor nodes have evolved to more energy-containing, camera-adapted, real-time multimedia-data-transmitting devices. Developments in the usage areas and the capabilities have revealed some other problems such as time limited data transmission. In this paper, we propose a multichannel cross-layer architecture for Quality of Service (QoS) constrained multimedia sensor networks. The proposed architecture considers both the time and energy efficiency concepts. Energy efficiency is succeeded by ensuring the fair load distribution among the nodes during a real-time multimedia packet stream transmission. Besides ensuring the fair load distribution, on-time packet transmission is also assured by constructing the paths with a hard reservation technique depending on the predetermined QoS constraints. Simulations show that the proposed architecture provides higher performance than the Greedy approach and the LEERA scheme.
Peripheral Fluorescein Angiographic Findings in Fellow Eyes of Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Tsui Irena , Bajwa Asima , Franco-Cardenas Valentina , Pan Carolyn K. , Kim Hanna Y. , Schwartz Steven D.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular condition that results in intraocular inflammatory changes. Ultra wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) is a retinal imaging device that can capture peripheral retinal findings. The purpose of this study was to look for peripheral findings in the fellow eye of patients with BRVO using UWFFA.Methods. Retrospective imaging review of patients diagnosed with BRVO that had both eyes imaged with UWFFA. Images were graded for peripheral findings in other quadrants of the same eye as well as in all quadrants of the fellow eye.Results. Of 81 patients, 14 (17%) patients had late vascular leakage in a quadrant other than the BRVO distribution. Five (6%) findings were in the same eye, 8 (10%) findings were in the fellow eye, and 1 (1%) finding was in both the same eye and the fellow eye. Of these 14 patients, 11 (80%) patients had hypertension.Conclusion. Late peripheral retinal leakage in the fellow eye of patients with BRVO was detected in this cohort of patients with UWFFA. This novel finding may represent underlying systemic inflammation, hypertension, or bilateral BRVOs.
Homogeneous Triebel-Lizorkin Spaces on Stratified Lie Groups
Authors: Hu Guorong
Published: March 2013

Homogeneous Triebel-Lizorkin spaces with full range of parameters are introduced on stratified Lie groups in terms of Littlewood-Paley-type decomposition. It is shown that the scale of these spaces is independent of the choice of Littlewood-Paley-type decomposition and the sub-Laplacian used for the construction of the decomposition. Some basic properties of these spaces are given. As the main result of this paper, boundedness of a class of singular integral operators on these function spaces is obtained.
Pancoast Tumor: The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Manenti Guglielmo , Raguso Mario , D'Onofrio Silvia , Altobelli Simone , Scarano Angela Lia , Vasili Erald , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: March 2013

We report imaging techniques in the definition of the therapeutic planning of a 65-year-old man with a diagnosis of Pancoast tumor. Computed Tomography has a pivotal role in the assessment of nodes involvement and distant metastasis. Magnetic Resonance allows a detailed study of locoregional extension for its high soft tissue resolution. We particularly highlight the actual importance of Magnetic Resonance Neurography, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Angiography techniques in the assessment of the superior sulcus vascular and nervous structures involvement. Their integrity has been showed in our patient with a complete surgical excision of the lesion.
Long-Term Stimulation with Electroacupuncture at DU20 and ST36 Rescues Hippocampal Neuron through Attenuating Cerebral Blood Flow in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Tian Gui-Hua , Sun Kai , Huang Ping , Zhou Chang-Man , Yao Hai-Jiang , Huo Ze-Jun , Hao Hui-Feng , Yang Lei , Pan Chun-Shui , He Ke , Fan Jing-Yu , Li Zhi-Gang , Han Jing-Yan
Published: March 2013

This study was designed to investigate the effect of long-term electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Zusanli (ST36) on cerebral microvessels and neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A total of 45 male Wistar rats and 45 SHR were randomly grouped, with or without electroacupuncture (EA) at DU20 and ST36, once every other day for a period of 8 weeks. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured once every 2 weeks. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the number of open microvessels in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by Laser Doppler and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Nissl staining and Western blotting were performed, respectively, to determine hippocampus morphology and proteins that were implicated in the concerning signaling pathways. The results showed that the MAP in SHR increased linearly over the observation period and was significantly reduced following electroacupuncture as compared with sham control SHR rats, while no difference was observed in Wistar rats between EA and sham control. The CBF, learning and memory capacity, and capillary rarefaction of SHR were improved by EA. The upregulation of angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R), endothelin receptor (ETAR), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in SHR rats was attenuated by electroacupuncture, suggesting an implication of AT1R, ETAR, and ET-1 pathway in the effect of EA.