bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure randomized image watermarking based on singular value decomposition
Authors: Bhatnagar Gaurav , Wu Q. M. Jonathan , Atrey Pradeep K.
Published: January 2014

In this article, a novel logo watermarking scheme is proposed based on wavelet frame transform, singular value decomposition and automatic thresholding. The proposed scheme essentially rectifies the ambiguity problem in the SVD-based watermarking. The core idea is to randomly upscale the size of host image using reversible random extension transform followed by the embedding of logo watermark in the wavelet frame domain. After embedding, a verification phase is casted with the help of a binary watermark and toral automorphism. At the extraction end, the binary watermark is first extracted followed by the verification of watermarked image. The logo watermark is extracted if and only if the watermarked image is verified. The security, attack and comparative analysis confirm high security, efficiency and robustness of the proposed watermarking system.
Content-based copy detection through multimodal feature representation and temporal pyramid matching
Authors: Mou Luntian , Huang Tiejun , Tian Yonghong , Jiang Menglin , Gao Wen
Published: January 2014

Content-based copy detection (CBCD) is drawing increasing attention as an alternative technology to watermarking for video identification and copyright protection. In this article, we present a comprehensive method to detect copies that are subjected to complicated transformations. A multimodal feature representation scheme is designed to exploit the complementarity of audio features, global and local visual features so that optimal overall robustness to a wide range of complicated modifications can be achieved. Meanwhile, a temporal pyramid matching algorithm is proposed to assemble frame-level similarity search results into sequence-level matching results through similarity evaluation over multiple temporal granularities. Additionally, inverted indexing and locality sensitive hashing (LSH) are also adopted to speed up similarity search. Experimental results over benchmarking datasets of TRECVID 2010 and 2009 demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other methods for most transformations in terms of copy detection accuracy. The evaluation results also suggest that our method can achieve competitive copy localization preciseness.
Large-scale multilabel propagation based on efficient sparse graph construction
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Mu Yadong , Liu Hairong , Yan Shuicheng , Rui Yong , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: January 2014

With the popularity of photo-sharing websites, the number of web images has exploded into unseen magnitude. Annotating such large-scale data will cost huge amount of human resources and is thus unaffordable. Motivated by this challenging problem, we propose a novel sparse graph based multilabel propagation (SGMP) scheme for super large scale datasets. Both the efficacy and accuracy of the image annotation are further investigated under different graph construction strategies, where Gaussian noise and non-Gaussian sparse noise are simultaneously considered in the formulations of these strategies. Our proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms by focusing on: (1) For large-scale graph construction, a simple yet efficient LSH (Locality Sensitive Hashing)-based sparse graph construction scheme is proposed to speed up the construction. We perform the multilabel propagation on this hashing-based graph construction, which is derived with LSH approach followed by sparse graph construction within the individual hashing buckets; (2) To further improve the accuracy, we propose a novel sparsity induced scalable graph construction scheme, which is based on a general sparse optimization framework. Sparsity essentially implies a very strong prior: for large scale optimization, the values of most variables shall be zeros when the solution reaches the optimum. By utilizing this prior, the solutions of large-scale sparse optimization problems can be derived by solving a series of much smaller scale subproblems; (3) For multilabel propagation, different from the traditional algorithms that propagate over individual label independently, our proposed propagation first encodes the label information of an image as a unit label confidence vector and naturally imposes inter-label constraints and manipulates labels interactively. Then, the entire propagation problem is formulated on the concept of Kullback-Leibler divergence defined on probabilistic distributions, which guides the propagation of the supervision information. Extensive experiments on the benchmark dataset NUS-WIDE with 270k images and its lite version NUS-WIDE-LITE with 56k images well demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed multi-label propagation scheme.
Estimation is not evil
Authors: Armour Phillip G.
Published: January 2014

Reconciling agile approaches and project estimates.
Allocation of Attentional Resources toward a Secondary Cognitive Task Leads to Compromised Ankle Proprioceptive Performance in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Yasuda Kazuhiro , Sato Yuki , Iimura Naoyuki , Iwata Hiroyasu
Published: January 2014

The objective of the present study was to determine whether increased attentional demands influence the assessment of ankle joint proprioceptive ability in young adults. We used a dual-task condition, in which participants performed an ankle ipsilateral position-matching task with and without a secondary serial auditory subtraction task during target angle encoding. Two experiments were performed with two different cohorts: one in which the auditory subtraction task was easy (experiment 1a) and one in which it was difficult (experiment 1b). The results showed that, compared with the single-task condition, participants had higher absolute error under dual-task conditions in experiment 1b. The reduction in position-matching accuracy with an attentionally demanding cognitive task suggests that allocation of attentional resources toward a difficult second task can lead to compromised ankle proprioceptive performance. Therefore, these findings indicate that the difficulty level of the cognitive task might be the possible critical factor that decreased accuracy of position-matching task. We conclude that increased attentional demand with difficult cognitive task does influence the assessment of ankle joint proprioceptive ability in young adults when measured using an ankle ipsilateral position-matching task.
On the Stochastic Restrictedr-kClass Estimator and Stochastic Restrictedr-dClass Estimator in Linear Regression Model
Authors: Wu Jibo
Published: January 2014

The stochastic restrictedr-kclass estimator and stochastic restrictedr-dclass estimator are proposed for the vector of parameters in a multiple linear regression model with stochastic linear restrictions. The mean squared error matrix of the proposed estimators is derived and compared, and some properties of the proposed estimators are also discussed. Finally, a numerical example is given to show some of the theoretical results.
Room Temperature Optical Constants and Band Gap Evolution of Phase Pure M1‐VO2 Thin Films Deposited at Different Oxygen Partial Pressures by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Jiang Meng , Li Yamei , Li Shaotang , Zhou Huaijuan , Cao Xun , Bao Shanhu , Gao Yanfeng , Luo Hongjie , Jin Ping
Published: January 2014

Spectroscopic ellipsometry study was employed for phase pure VO2(M1) thin films grown at different oxygen partial pressures by reactive magnetron sputtering. The optical constants of the VO2(M1) thin films have been determined in a photon energy range between 0.73 and 5.05 eV. The near‐infrared extinction coefficient and optical conductivity of VO2(M1) thin films rapidly increase with decreasing O2‐Ar ratios. Moreover, two electronic transitions can be uniquely assigned. The energy gaps correlated with absorption edge (E1) at varied O2‐Ar ratios are almost the same (~2.0 eV); consequently, the absorption edge is not significantly changed. However, the optical band gap corresponding to semiconductor‐to‐metal phase transition (E2) decreases from 0.53 to 0.18 eV with decreasing O2‐Ar ratios.
Comparative Assessment of Lymph Node Micrometastasis in Cervical, Endometrial and Vulvar Cancer: Insights on the Real Time qRT-PCR Approach versus Immunohistochemistry, Employing Dual Molecular Markers
Authors: Pappa Kalliopi I. , Rodolakis Alexandros , Christodoulou Ioanna , Gazouli Maria , Markaki Sofia , Antsaklis Aris , Anagnou Nicholas P.
Published: January 2014

To address the value of qRT-PCR and IHC in accurately detecting lymph node micrometastasis in gynecological cancer, we performed a systematic approach, using a set of dual molecular tumor-specific markers such as cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), in a series of 46 patients (19 with cervical cancer, 18 with endometrial cancer, and 9 with vulvar cancer). A total of 1281 lymph nodes were analyzed and 28 were found positive by histopathology. Following this documentation, 82 lymph nodes, 11 positive and 71 negative, were randomly selected and further analyzed both by IHC and qRT-PCR for CK19 and CA9 expression. All 11 (100%) expressed CK19 by IHC, while only 6 (54.5%) expressed CA9. On the contrary, all the histologically negative for micrometastases lymph nodes were also negative by IHC analysis for both markers. The comparative diagnostic efficacy of the two markers using qRT-PCR, however, disclosed that the analysis of the same aliquots of the 82 lymph nodes led to 100% specificity for the CK19 biomarker, while, in contrast, CA9 failed to recapitulate a similar pattern. These data suggest that qRT-PCR exhibits a better diagnostic accuracy compared to IHC, while CK19 displays a consistent pattern of detection compared to CA9.
Aerosol Modulation of Ultraviolet Radiation Dose over Four Metro Cities in India
Authors: Panicker A. S. , Pandithurai G. , Beig G. , Kim Dongchul , Lee Dong-In
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the influence of aerosols on UV erythemal dose over four metro cities in India. Tropospheric Emission Monitoring Internet Service (TEMIS), archived UV-index (UV-I), and UV daily erythemal dose obtained from SCIAMACHY satellite were used in this study during June 2004 and May 2005 periods covering four important Indian seasons. UV-Index (UV-I), an important parameter representing UV risk, was found to be in the high to extreme range in Chennai (8.1 to 15.33), moderate to extreme range in Mumbai and Kolkata (5 to 16.5), and low to extreme over Delhi (3 to 15). Average UV erythemal dose showed seasonal variation from 5.9 to 6.3 KJm−2during summer, 2.9 to 4.4 KJm−2during postmonsoon, 3 to 4.5 KJm−2during winter, and 5.1 to 6.19 KJm−2during premonsoon seasons over the four cities. To estimate the influence of aerosols on reducing UV dose, UV aerosol radiative forcing and forcing efficiency were estimated over the sites. The average aerosol forcing efficiency was found to be from-1.38±0.33to-3.01±0.28 KJm−2AOD−1on different seasons. The study suggests that aerosols can reduce the incoming UV radiation dose by 30–60% during different seasons.
Novel BCD Process Platform with Integrated Self‐Extracted JTE Trench Technology for EL Drivers ICs
Authors: Huang Wei , Hu Nanzhong , Yu Zongguang , Li Haiou
Published: January 2014

A low cost silicon BCD technology in place of high cost SOI BCD technology for monolithic integrated EL driver ICs application is put forward. Several key technologies are presented. An advanced SEJTET termination technology was designed instead of the conventional PIOS isolation to obtain smaller chip area and protect HVICs from the occurrence of di/dt effect under PWM operation. Novel VDMOS/Resurf LDPMOS devices were developed compatibly to obtain the lowest Ron,sp, improve silicon utilization, and simplify key process steps.
A Review on Recent Contribution of Meshfree Methods to Structure and Fracture Mechanics Applications
Authors: Daxini S. D. , Prajapati J. M.
Published: January 2014

Meshfree methods are viewed as next generation computational techniques. With evident limitations of conventional grid based methods, like FEM, in dealing with problems of fracture mechanics, large deformation, and simulation of manufacturing processes, meshfree methods have gained much attention by researchers. A number of meshfree methods have been proposed till now for analyzing complex problems in various fields of engineering. Present work attempts to review recent developments and some earlier applications of well-known meshfree methods like EFG and MLPG to various types of structure mechanics and fracture mechanics applications like bending, buckling, free vibration analysis, sensitivity analysis and topology optimization, single and mixed mode crack problems, fatigue crack growth, and dynamic crack analysis and some typical applications like vibration of cracked structures, thermoelastic crack problems, and failure transition in impact problems. Due to complex nature of meshfree shape functions and evaluation of integrals in domain, meshless methods are computationally expensive as compared to conventional mesh based methods. Some improved versions of original meshfree methods and other techniques suggested by researchers to improve computational efficiency of meshfree methods are also reviewed here.
Cystosarcoma Phyllodes of the Seminal Vesicle: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Olivetti Lucio , Laffranchi Francesco , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: January 2014

Cystosarcoma of the seminal vesicle is a very rare malignant tumor; in the literature only four cases are reported. We present a case of cystosarcoma phyllodes arising in the right seminal vesicle of a 49-year-old man without any urinary symptom but with persistent constipation. Ultrasound examination showed a mass at the right superior base of the prostate subsequently studied with CT and MRI. The patient underwent vesiculectomy; his postoperative course was uneventful. The patient is still well, without evidence of recurrent disease.
Cross-Layer Framework for Multiuser Real Time H.264/AVC Video Encoding and Transmission over Block Fading MIMO Channels Using Outage Probability
Authors: Pejoski Slavche , Kafedziski Venceslav
Published: January 2014

We present a framework for cross-layer optimized real time multiuser encoding of video using a single layer H.264/AVC and transmission over MIMO wireless channels. In the proposed cross-layer adaptation, the channel of every user is characterized by the probability density function of its channel mutual information and the performance of the H.264/AVC encoder is modeled by a rate distortion model that takes into account the channel errors. These models are used during the resource allocation of the available slots in a TDMA MIMO communication system with capacity achieving channel codes. This framework allows for adaptation to the statistics of the wireless channel and to the available resources in the system and utilization of the multiuser diversity of the transmitted video sequences. We show the effectiveness of the proposed framework for video transmission over Rayleigh MIMO block fading channels, when channel distribution information is available at the transmitter.
Equilibrium Customer Strategies in the Single‐Server Constant Retrial Queue with Breakdowns and Repairs
Authors: Zhang Zhengwu , Wang Jinting , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2014

We consider a single‐server constant retrial queueing system with a Poisson arrival process and exponential service and retrial times, in which the server may break down when it is working. The lifetime of the server is assumed to be exponentially distributed and once the server breaks down, it will be sent for repair immediately and the repair time is also exponentially distributed. There is no waiting space in front of the server and arriving customers decide whether to enter the retrial orbit or to balk depending on the available information they get upon arrival. In the paper, Nash equilibrium analysis for customers’ joining strategies as well as the related social and profit maximization problems is investigated. We consider separately the partially observable case where an arriving customer knows the state of the server but does not observe the exact number of customers waiting for service and the fully observable case where customer gets informed not only about the state of the server but also about the exact number of customers in the orbit. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effect of the information levels and several parameters on the customers’ equilibrium and optimal strategies.
Complex Factorizations of the Lucas Sequences via Matrix Methods
Authors: Wu Honglin
Published: January 2014

Firstly, we show a connection between the first Lucas sequence and the determinants of some tridiagonal matrices. Secondly, we derive the complex factorizations of the first Lucas sequence by computing those determinants with the help of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind. Furthermore, we also obtain the complex factorizations of the second Lucas sequence by the similar matrix method using Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind.
The Morphogenic Mapping of the Brain and the Design of the Nervous System
Authors: Sheesley Peter , McMenamin Mark , Kusyk Janusz , Pivar Stuart
Published: January 2014

This paper reports the discovery of a geometrical algorithm that provides a coherent step by step mechanical account of the structure of the nervous system, including the vertebrate brain, the spinal cord, the vertebral column, and the spinal nerves. The morphology of these organs and the observed steps of neural development are well described, consequent of centuries of study. But morphogenesis, the origin and cause of these forms, has not been studied since the last half of the nineteenth century. Neurology does not teach how the brain gained its shape, nor have any causative theories of brain formation been published in recent times. This paper proposes a hypothetical construction based on the discovery of a simple algorithm which generates topologically the form of the brain, the spinal cord, and the vertebral column by the deformation of a gridded segmented sphere by the inversion of its surface. The hypothetical model is in close analogy with nature: the blastula is a segmented gridded sphere which results from the subdivision of the egg. The first step of embryogenesis is gastrulation, where blastula is pressed to enter its own interior, pulling the surface inside out, forming the embryo.
Glomus Jugulare Presenting with Isolated Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Nunez Angelica A. , Ramos-Duran Luis R. , Cuetter Albert C.
Published: January 2014

Glomus jugulare is a rare slow growing tumor occurring within the jugular foramen that rarely presents with isolated symptoms. Although histologically benign, these tumors are locally destructive because of their proximity to the petrous bone, the lower cranial nerves, and the major vascular structures (Miller et al. (2009) and Silverstone (1973)). We wish to report a glomus jugulare tumor eroding the petrous bone and producing an ipsilateral peripheral facial weakness. The mechanism of this erosion is discussed.
Association Analysis of SSR Markers with Phenology, Grain, and Stover-Yield Related Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.)
Authors: Kannan Baskaran , Senapathy Senthilvel , Bhasker Raj Arcot Gajaraj , Chandra Subhash , Muthiah Arunachalam , Dhanapal Arun Prabhu , Hash Charles Thomas
Published: January 2014

Pearl millet is a staple food crop for millions of people living in the arid and semi-arid tropics. Molecular markers have been used to identify genomic regions linked to traits of interest by conventional QTL mapping and association analysis. Phenotypic recurrent selection is known to increase frequencies of favorable alleles and decrease those unfavorable for the traits under selection. This study was undertaken (i) to quantify the response to recurrent selection for phenotypic traits during breeding of the pearl millet open-pollinated cultivar “CO (Cu) 9” and its four immediate progenitor populations and (ii) to assess the ability of simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker alleles to identify genomic regions linked to grain and stover yield-related traits in these populations by association analysis. A total of 159 SSR alleles were detected across 34 selected single-copy SSR loci. SSR marker data revealed presence of subpopulations. Association analysis identified genomic regions associated with flowering time located on linkage group (LG) 6 and plant height on LG4, LG6, and LG7. Marker alleles on LG6 were associated with stover yield, and those on LG7 were associated with grain yield. Findings of this study would give an opportunity to develop marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) or marker-assisted population improvement (MAPI) strategies to increase the rate of gain for pearl millet populations undergoing recurrent selection.
An Integrated Literature Review of Death Education in Pre-Registration Nursing Curricula: Key Themes
Authors: Cavaye Joyce , Watts Jacqueline H.
Published: January 2014

Recent policy has raised the profile of end-of-life care internationally, with the aim of increasing access to quality care for everyone experiencing life-limiting illness. This reflects an international shift in the provision of palliative care to encompass chronic conditions other than cancer. Nurses have an important role in delivering this care and need to be equipped with particular knowledge and skills. However, pre-registration nursing curricula have traditionally had a limited emphasis on death and dying and nurses report feeling unprepared to care for dying patients. This has led to claims that death education in pre-registration curricula is inadequate. This integrated review explores the published literature that reports on death education within pre-registration nurse education. Presenting an international overview, the aim of the review is to contribute to knowledge about the nature and extent of death education in pre-registration curricula. In the context of this paper, death education encompasses both palliative and end-of-life care. Electronic searches of major bibliographic databases found inconsistencies across educational provision with variations in quantity, content, and approach. Despite an increasing amount of death education in pre-registration curricula, there remains a deficit in key areas such as knowledge, skills, organisation of care, and teamwork.
Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chakrabarti Subhadeep , Jahandideh Forough , Wu Jianping
Published: January 2014

Chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer are now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress underlie the pathogenesis of these pathological conditions. Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins have been evaluated for various beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this review, we summarize the roles of various food-derived bioactive peptides in inflammation and oxidative stress and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of using these compounds against the burden of chronic diseases.
DFT Study on the Co-Xe Bond in the HCo(CO)3Xe Adduct
Authors: Kégl Tamás
Published: January 2014

The metal-xenon interaction has been studied in hydrido-cobalt-carbonyl complexes by means of density functional methods. The method of choice has been selected after testing various functionals including dispersion correction on the bond dissociation enthalpy of Xe in the Cr(CO)5Xe adduct. In general, the long range corrected versions of popular gradient-corrected functionals performed well. In particular, LC-mPWPW91 resulted in a perfect match with available experimental data; therefore this functional was selected for the computation of HCo(CO)3Xe adducts. For HCo(CO)3Xe two isomers have been located; the structure with CS symmetry has proved to be more stable by 5.3 kcal/mol than the C3V adduct in terms of free energy. The formation of HCo(CO)3Xe is, however, endergonic by 3.5 kcal/mol for the CS isomer.
Six-Port-Based Architecture for Phase Noise Measurement in the UWB Band
Authors: Ávila-Ruiz J. M. , Moscoso-Mártir A. , Durán-Valdeiglesias E. , Moreno-Pozas L. , de-Oliva-Rubio J. , Molina-Fernández I.
Published: January 2014

A six-port-based frequency discriminator for phase noise measurement is proposed. This circuit makes use of a delay line discriminator configuration, thus not requiring reference oscillator. Furthermore, the use of a six-port network allows an extremely simple and completely passive solution well suited for low power oscillator measurement. A detailed study of the architecture is performed including the system noise sources. Besides, a prototype of the proposed six-port based delay line frequency discriminator is evaluated. Phase noise measurements of a commercial RF VCO are performed and compared with the results obtained with commercial metrology equipment with good agreement.
The Polymorphism of the ACE Gene Affects Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Causes Disturbances in Left Ventricular Systolic/Diastolic Function in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wanic-Kossowska Maria , Posnik Bartlomiej , Kobelski Mikolaj , Pawliczak Elzbieta , Pawlaczyk Krzysztof , Hoppe Krzysztof , Schwermer Krzysztof , Sikorska Dorota
Published: January 2014

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most frequently occurring autosomal diseases inherited in the dominant manner. Due to this, lesions in the cardiovascular system of ADPKD patients have caught the attention of clinical investigators worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyse cardiovascular complications in ADPKD patients with a focus on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and selected components of its systolic/diastolic function based on echocardiography. The study was conducted on 55 patients with ADPKD (24 males, 31 females), subdivided into three groups according to the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The patient group with ADPKD and ESRD (group C) manifested an increased incidence of the D allele as compared to group A and group B (χ2=4.217,P=0.04). In all ADPKD patients with the DD genotype, left ventricular mass (LVM), posterior wall thickness (PWT), and interventricular septal thickness (IVS) were significantly higher compared to patients possessing the II and ID genotypes (P<0.02,P<0.003, andP<0.009, resp.). The DD genotype exists more frequently in ADPKD patients with ESRD and is associated with a higher occurrence of LVH and disturbances in systolic-diastolic function when compared to ADPKD ESRD patients with the II and ID genotypes.
Ribosomal Alteration-Derived Signals for Cytokine Induction in Mucosal and Systemic Inflammation: Noncanonical Pathways by Ribosomal Inactivation
Authors: Moon Yuseok
Published: January 2014

Ribosomal inactivation damages 28S ribosomal RNA by interfering with its functioning during gene translation, leading to stress responses linked to a variety of inflammatory disease processes. Although the primary effect of ribosomal inactivation in cells is the functional inhibition of global protein synthesis, early responsive gene products including proinflammatory cytokines are exclusively induced by toxic stress in highly dividing tissues such as lymphoid tissue and epithelia. In the present study, ribosomal inactivation-related modulation of cytokine production was reviewed in leukocyte and epithelial pathogenesis models to characterize mechanistic evidence of ribosome-derived cytokine induction and its implications for potent therapeutic targets of mucosal and systemic inflammatory illness, particularly those triggered by organellar dysfunctions.
A Case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Causing Hydroureter and Hydronephrosis
Authors: Farpour Farzin , Abrudescu Adriana
Published: January 2014

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA, formerly known as Wegener) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by granulomatous involving upper and lower respiratory tract and can also cause necrotizing glomerulonephritis (Umemoto et al. 2012 and Takala et al. 2011). GPA is associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) against serine proteinase 3 (PR3) (Takala et al. 2011, Dufour et al. 2012, and Berthoux et al. 2011). This disease usually starts with involvement of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and also can involve kidney, eyes, skin, central and peripheral nervous systems, and gastrointestinal tract (Umemoto et al. 2012, Takala et al. 2011, and Berthoux et al. 2011). We describe a case of GPA that presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast showed right sided moderate hydronephrosis and hydroureter, to the level of the right common iliac artery. There was also mural segmental thickening in common iliac artery which was thought to be the cause of the ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Our case shows that mural segmental thickening in common iliac artery happened due to GPA and caused hydronephrosis. In addition, most of the cases with hydronephrosis due to GPA went through urology intervention such as stent placement but in our case hydronephrosis resolved with medical management.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: The Past, Present, and Future of Myocardial Revascularisation
Authors: Diodato Michael , Chedrawy Edgar G.
Published: January 2014

The development of the heart-lung machine ushered in the era of modern cardiac surgery. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) remains the most common operation performed by cardiac surgeons today. From its infancy in the 1950s till today, CABG has undergone many developments both technically and clinically. Improvements in intraoperative technique and perioperative care have led to CABG being offered to a more broad patient profile with less complications and adverse events. Our review outlines the rich history and promising future of myocardial revascularization.
Are Plasma Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels Associated with Degree of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Euthyroid Obese Patients? A Turkish Cohort Study
Authors: Bakiner Okan , Bozkirli Emre , Cavlak Gulhan , Ozsahin Kursad , Ertorer Eda
Published: January 2014

We aimed to observe the association between degree of obesity and metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels in obese, euthyroid Turkish patients. 947 obese and overweight patients who admitted to our outpatient clinic were assessed retrospectively. 150 healthy euthyroid cases were also recruited as the control group. Cases with metabolic syndrome were determined. Patients were divided into various subgroups as overweight, obese, morbid obese, men, and women. No statistical significance was determined when all the patients’ and subgroups’ plasma thyrotropin levels were compared to normal weight control group. No association was shown between the presence of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels for both all patients and subgroups. Also there was not any association between each component of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels. In conclusion, we did not found any significant association between plasma thyrotropin levels and obesity and metabolic syndrome in our euthyroid subjects.
Personality Pathology Predicts Outcomes in a Treatment-Seeking Sample with Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Wenze Susan J. , Gaudiano Brandon A. , Weinstock Lauren M. , Miller Ivan W.
Published: January 2014

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial to explore the relationship between degree of personality disorder (PD) pathology (i.e., number of subthreshold and threshold PD symptoms) and mood and functioning outcomes in Bipolar I Disorder (BD-I). Ninety-two participants completed baseline mood and functioning assessments and then underwent 4 months of treatment for an index manic, mixed, or depressed phase acute episode. Additional assessments occurred over a 28-month follow-up period. PD pathology did not predict psychosocial functioning or manic symptoms at 4 or 28 months. However, it did predict depressive symptoms at both timepoints, as well as percent time symptomatic. Clusters A and C pathology were most strongly associated with depression. Our findings fit with the literature highlighting the negative repercussions of PD pathology on a range of outcomes in mood disorders. This study builds upon previous research, which has largely focused on major depression and which has primarily taken a categorical approach to examining PD pathology in BD.
Influence of Vitamin D Metabolites on Plasma Cytokine Concentrations in Endurance Sport Athletes and on Multiantigen Stimulated Cytokine Production by Whole Blood and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures
Authors: He Cheng-Shiun , Fraser William D. , Gleeson Michael
Published: January 2014

Aim. Our aims were to determine the influence of plasma total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) status on the plasma cytokine concentrations in athletes and the in vitro effects of different doses of 1, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1, 25(OH)2D3) on multiantigen stimulated cytokine production by whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. Methods. Plasma samples from 43 athletes with high and low levels of 25(OH)D were assayed for the concentrations of cytokines. The whole blood samples and PBMCs from healthy subjects were incubated in vitro with a multi-antigen vaccine and different doses of added 1, 25(OH)2D3. The circulating cytokines and stimulated whole blood and PBMC culture production of cytokines were determined using a biochip assay. Results. The circulating interleukin-(IL-)10 and interferon-(IFN-) γ concentrations were significantly higher in the vitamin D sufficient athletes. Furthermore, the production of tumour necrosis factor-(TNF-) α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 by whole blood culture was significantly inhibited by 1, 25(OH)2D3 concentrations of 1000 pmol/L or 10000 pmol/L. Conclusions. We found that the influence of vitamin D on circulating cytokines might be different in athletes compared with nonathletes and cytokines production by whole blood culture was not influenced by 1, 25(OH)2D3 in concentrations within the normal healthy range.
Mimosine As Well As Serum Starvation Can Be Used for Cell Cycle Synchronization of Sheep Granulosa Cells
Authors: Sadeghian-Nodoushan Fatemeh , Eftekhari-Yazdi Poopak , Dalman Azam , Eimani Hossein , Sepehri Houri
Published: January 2014

This study was evaluated the effect of different synchronization protocols such as serum starvation for 1–3 days, confluency and chemical inhibitors on synchronization accuracy at G0/G1, apoptosis, and DNA synthesis in sheep granulosa cells. The cells were obtained from ovarian antral follicles of slaughtered sheep and used at first and fifth passages. Flow cytometry analysis showed that confluent cells, serum starvation for 24, 48, and 72 hours, and mimosine treatment significantly increased G0/G1 phase cells when compared to normally growing cells (P<0.05). Nocodazole treatment increased the cell population in the G0/G1 stage when compared with the control group but did not change the G2/M stage population. Treatment of cells with mimosine, nocodazole, and serum starvation in three groups resulted in proliferation arrest (P<0.05). Serum starvation for 72 hours significantly promoted apoptosis in granulosa cells (P<0.05). The results of the primary culture and 5th passage were the same. The use of 48-hour serum starvation and mimosine treatments has been recommended because cell death in these groups was very similar to the control group.
Combined Effects of Long-Term Sitting and Whole-Body Vibration on Discomfort Onset for Vehicle Occupants
Authors: Mansfield Neil J. , Mackrill Jamie , Rimell Andrew N. , MacMull Simon J.
Published: January 2014

Occupants of automobiles experience discomfort after long drives, irrespective of how well designed a seat might be. Previous studies of discomfort during driving have focused either on the seat shape and materials (“static” properties), long-term discomfort (“fatigue” properties), or dynamics (“vibration” properties). These factors have previously not been considered together. This paper reports three studies with objectives to define and test a model for describing long-term discomfort from vibration. Study 1 was an independent measures laboratory trial using an automobile seat, which lasted 80 minutes; Study 2 was a repeated measures laboratory trial using a rail passenger seat, which lasted 60 minutes; Study 3 was a repeated measures field trial in a people carrier automobile, which involved 70 minutes of travelling. The findings showed that discomfort accrues with time but that more discomfort is experienced when subjects are also exposed to whole-body vibration. Exposure to whole-body vibration accelerates development of discomfort. The relationship between the reported discomfort, the vibration magnitude, and the exposure time can be described using a multifactorial linear model. It is concluded that ignoring parts of the multi-factorial model (i.e., static, dynamic, or temporal factors) will compromise understanding of discomfort in context.
Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Genistein during Activation Does Not Affect Sperm Motility in the Fighting FishBetta splendens
Authors: Clotfelter Ethan D. , Gendelman Hannah K.
Published: January 2014

Sperm collected from male fighting fishBetta splendenswere activated in control water, water containing the ion-channel blocker gadolinium (a putative positive control), or water containing the isoflavone phytoestrogen genistein to determine the effects of acute genistein exposure on male reproductive function. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to quantify the proportion of sperm that were motile and the swimming velocity of those sperm. The highest concentration of gadolinium (100 μM) tested was effective at reducing sperm motility and velocity, but neither concentration of genistein tested (3.7 nM or 3.7 μM) significantly affected these sperm parameters. Our findings suggest that acute exposure to waterborne phytoestrogens during activation does not reduce the motility of fish sperm.
Solvability of a Class of Higher-Order Fractional Two-Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Kong Xiangshan , Li Haitao
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the solvability of a class of higher-order fractional two-point
boundary value problem (BVP), and presents several new results. First, Green’s function
of the considered BVP is obtained by using the property of Caputo derivative. Second, based
on Schaefer’s fixed point theorem, the solvability of the considered BVP is studied, and
a sufficient condition is presented for the existence of at least one solution. Finally, an
illustrative example is given to support the obtained new results.
Fairness Analysis for Multiparty Nonrepudiation Protocols Based on Improved Strand Space
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Licheng , Chen Jing , Wang Ruiming , Zhang Zhihong
Published: January 2014

Aimed at the problem of the fairness analysis for multiparty nonrepudiation protocols, a new formal analysis method based on improved strand space is presented. Based on the strand space theory, signature operation is added; the set of terms, the subterm relation and the set of penetrator traces are redefined and the assumption of free encryption is extended in the new method. The formal definition of fairness in multi-party non-repudiation protocols is given and the guideline to verify it based on improved strand space is presented. Finally, the fairness of multi-party non-repudiation protocols is verified with an example of Kremer-Markowitch protocol, which indicates that the new method is suitable for analyzing the fairness of multiparty nonrepudiation protocols.
Research on the Material Removal in the Polishing of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Crystals Based on Deliquescent Action
Authors: Guo Shaolong , Zhang Feihu , Zhang Yong , Luan Dianrong
Published: January 2014

Through the polishing experiments of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals based on deliquescent action, the effect of several major factors, including crystal’s initial surface state, polishing time, and revolution of polishing plate, on material removal was researched. Under certain experimental conditions, the rules of material removal were reached, and experimental results are discussed, which lays the foundation for popularization and application of polishing technology for KDP crystals based on deliquescent action.
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Acne among University Students in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Al-Kubaisy Waqar , Abdullah Nik Nairan , Kahn Sabzali Musa , Zia Maram
Published: January 2014

To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors that may be associated with acne among university students in Syria, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Syrian International University for Science and Technology in December 2009. A sample of 500 students was chosen. Each participant was subjected to an interview and clinical examination of acne in addition to height and weight measurements. Acne prevalence was 34.7% (172/496). Male students had higher rate of acne compared to females (42.9% versus 23.6%, P<0.0001) and their acne started significantly at a younger age (18.13 versus 19.04 years old, P<0.0001). Face was the commonest site for acne in both males and females. Washing face frequently per day in both sexes has a significant relation with a decreased prevalence of acne. Moreover, psychological stress particularly when the students were away from family was associated with a significant higher rate of acne. We found that the prevalence of acne steadily increased with increasing body mass index. Acne is a health and psychological problem among university students particularly when affecting the face. Several factors such as gender, body mass index, and stress were found to be associated with acne formation.
Clinical Trials in Cardiology
Authors: Moyé Lem
Published: January 2014

Controlled clinical trials conduct the research that completes the causal argument between a treatment and a disease’s control. Yet, this pinnacle of clinical research is itself afflicted. Chronic problems with recruitment failure vitiate the potency of our research efforts. In addition, the collision of end-point multiplicity (the drive to measure multiple end points) with the requirement of statistical parsimony (ie, the need to reduce the number of interpretable end points to control the overall type I error) induces a core inefficiency in clinical trial productivity by reducing the number of endpoints findings that are generalizable to the population at large. Unless clinical trialists engage these problems with vigor and imagination, our pinnacle may be nothing more than an inflection point leading to decline.
Cardiac Stem Cell Biology
Authors: Matsa Elena , Sallam Karim , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2014

Cardiac regeneration strategies and de novo generation of cardiomyocytes have long been significant areas of research interest in cardiovascular medicine. In this review, we outline a variety of common cell sources and methods used to regenerate cardiomyocytes and highlight the important role that key
Circulation Research
articles have played in this flourishing field.
MicroRNA-150 inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis by targeting the chemokine receptor CCR6, in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ito Mitsugu , Teshima Kazuaki , Ikeda Sho , Kitadate Akihiro , Watanabe Atsushi , Nara Miho , Yamashita Junsuke , Ohshima Koichi , Sawada Kenichi , Tagawa Hiroyuki
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Aberrantly diminished expression of miR-150 allows advanced CTCL to invade multiple organs with upregulation of CCR6. MiR-150 inhibits IL-22-CCL20-CCR6 autocrine signaling in advanced CTCL.
Intergenerational and intrafamilial phenotypic variability in 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome subjects
Authors: Cirillo Emilia , Giardino Giuliana , Gallo Vera , Puliafito Pamela , Azzari Chiara , Bacchetta Rosa , Cardinale Fabio , Cicalese Maria Pia , Consolini Rita , Martino Silvana , Martire Baldassarre , Molinatto Cristina , Plebani Alessandro , Scarano Gioacchino , Soresina Annarosa , Cancrini Caterina , Rossi Paolo , Digilio Maria Cristina , Pignata Claudio
Published: January 2014

Background

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common microdeletion syndrome, which occurs in approximately 1:4000 births. Familial autosomal dominant recurrence of the syndrome is detected in about 8-28% of the cases. Aim of this study is to evaluate the intergenerational and intrafamilial phenotypic variability in a cohort of familial cases carrying a 22q11.2 deletion.

Methods

Thirty-two 22q11.2DS subjects among 26 families were enrolled.

Results

Second generation subjects showed a significantly higher number of features than their transmitting parents (212 vs 129, P = 0.0015). Congenital heart defect, calcium-phosphorus metabolism abnormalities, developmental and speech delay were more represented in the second generation (P < 0.05). Ocular disorders were more frequent in the parent group. No significant difference was observed for the other clinical variables. Intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity was identified in the pedigrees. In 23/32 families, a higher number of features were found in individuals from the second generation and a more severe phenotype was observed in almost all of them, indicating the worsening of the phenotype over generations. Both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the phenotypic variability.

Conclusions

Second generation subjects showed a more complex phenotype in comparison to those from the first generation. Both ascertainment bias related to patient selection or to the low rate of reproductive fitness of adults with a more severe phenotype, and several not well defined molecular mechanism, could explain intergenerational and intrafamilial phenotypic variability in this syndrome.
A case of masked toxic adenoma in a patient with non-thyroidal illness
Authors: Cho Eun Ae , Yoon Jee Hee , Kim Hee Kyung , Kang Ho-Cheol
Published: January 2014

Background

Non-thyroidal illness (NTI) refers to changes in thyroid hormone levels in critically ill patients in the absence of primary hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid dysfunction, and these abnormalities usually resolve after clinical recovery. However, NTI can be accompanied by primary thyroid dysfunction. We report herein a case of a woman with NTI accompanied by primary hyperthyroidism.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old female was admitted to the intensive care unit with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. She had a longstanding thyroid nodule, and a thyroid function test revealed low levels of triiodothyronine and free thyroxine as well as undetectable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). She was diagnosed with NTI, and her TSH level began to recover but not completely at discharge. The thyroid function test was repeated after 42 months to reveal primary hyperthyroidism, and a thyroid scan confirmed a toxic nodule.

Conclusion

This case suggests that although NTI was diagnosed, primary hyperthyroidism should be considered as another possible diagnosis if TSH is undetectable. Thyroid function tests should be repeated after clinical recovery from acute illness.