bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Levels of theVibrioPredatorBacteriovoraxin Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coast Seawater
Authors: Richards Gary P. , Watson Michael A. , Boyd E. Fidelma , Burkhardt William , Lau Ronald , Uknalis Joseph , Fay Johnna P.
Published: December 2013

Bacteriovoraxwere quantified in US Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific seawater to determine baseline levels of these predatory bacteria and possible seasonal fluctuations in levels. Surface seawater was analyzed monthly for 1 year from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; the Gulf Coast of Alabama; and four sites along the Delaware Bay. Screening forBacteriovoraxwas performed on lawns ofV. parahaemolyticushost cells. Direct testing of 7.5 mL portions of seawater from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts gave mean annual counts ≤12.2 PFU. Spikes in counts were observed at 3 out of 4 sites along the Delaware Bay 1 week after Hurricane Sandy. A comparison of summer versus winter counts showed significantly moreBacteriovorax(P≤0.0001) in the Delaware Bay during the summer and significantly more (P≤0.0001) in the Gulf during the winter, but no significant seasonal differences (P>0.05) for Hawaiian seawater.Bacteriovoraxcounts only correlated with seawater salinity and temperature at one Delaware site (r=0.79andr=0.65, resp.). There was a relatively strong negative correlation between temperature andBacteriovoraxlevels (r=−0.585) for Gulf seawater. Selected isolates were sequenced and identified by phylogenetic analysis asBacteriovoraxclusters IX, X, XI, and XII.
Chronologic versus Biologic Aging of the Human Choroid
Authors: May Christian Albrecht
Published: December 2013

Several aspects of chronologic and biologic aging in the human choroid are reviewed from the literature. They often reveal methodological problems for age‐dependent changes of the following parameters: choroidal thickness, choroidal pigmentation, choroidal vasculature and blood flow, and choroidal innervation. On reinterpreting some data of studies concerning Bruch’s membrane, changes observed at different age points seem more likely to be nonlinear. Concluding from the data presented so far, chronologic aging should not be used as a factor for physiological changes in the human choroid. Longitudinal study designs are necessary to further establish the impact of age. Meanwhile, a more biologic oriented model of aging processes in the choroid should be established, including specified conditions (e.g., light exposure and refractory state). This would help to define more individual strategies for prevention and early stages of a certain defined disease.
Differential MicroRNA Profiling in a Cellular Hypoxia Reoxygenation Model upon Posthypoxic Propofol Treatment Reveals Alterations in Autophagy Signaling Network
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Hu Zhe , Lu Zhiqi , Cai Shuyun , Gu Xiaoxia , Zhuang Haixia , Ruan Zhihua , Xia Zhengyuan , Irwin Michael G. , Feng Du , Zhang Liangqing
Published: December 2013

Recent studies indicate that propofol may protect cells via suppressing autophagic cell death caused by excessive reactive oxygen species induced by hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R). It is established that gene expression patterns including autophagy-related genes changed significantly during the process of H/R in the presence or absence of propofol posthypoxia treatment (P-PostH). The reasons for such differences, however, remain largely unknown. MicroRNAs provide a novel mechanism for gene regulation. In the present study, we systematically analyzed the alterations in microRNA expression using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to H/R in the presence or absence of posthypoxic propofol treatment. Genome-wide profiling of microRNAs was then conducted using microRNA microarray. Fourteen miRNAs are differentially expressed and six of them were validated by the quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) of which three were substantially increased, whereas one was decreased. To gain an unbiased global perspective on subsequent regulation by altered miRNAs, predicted targets of ten miRNAs were analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to build signaling networks. Interestingly, six of the identified microRNAs are known to target autophagy-related genes. In conclusion, our results revealed that different miRNA expression patterns are induced by propofol posthypoxia treatment in H/R and the alterations in miRNA expression patterns are implicated in regulating distinctive autophagy-related gene expression.
Elegant Chaos in Fractional-Order System without Equilibria
Authors: Cafagna Donato , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: December 2013

A new fractional-order chaotic system with no equilibria is presented. The proposed system can be considered elegant in the sense given by Sprott (2010), since the corresponding system equations contain very few terms and the system parameters have a minimum of digits. The chaotic dynamics are analyzed using the predictor-corrector algorithm when the fractional-order of the derivative is 0.98. Finally, the presence of chaos is validated by applying different numerical methods.
Temperature Dependence of Electrical Properties and Crystal Structure of 0.29Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.44Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.27PbTiO3Single Crystals
Authors: Li Qian , Liu Yun , Studer Andrew , Li Zhenrong , Withers Ray , Xu Zhuo
Published: December 2013

We characterized the temperature dependent (~25–200°C) electromechanical properties and crystal structure of Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3single crystals usingin situelectrical measurement and neutron diffraction techniques. The results show that the poled crystal experiences an addition phase transition around 120°C whereas such a transition is absent in the unpoled crystal. It is also found that the polar order persists above the maximum dielectric permittivity temperature at which the crystal shows a well-defined antiferroelectric behavior. The changes in the electrical properties and underlying crystal structure are discussed in the paper.
PADI4 Haplotypes in Association with RA Mexican Patients, a New Prospect for Antigen Modulation
Authors: Zavala-Cerna Maria Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Montoya Norma Guadalupe , Nava Arnulfo , Gamez-Nava Jorge I. , Moran-Moguel Maria Cristina , Rosales-Gomez Roberto Carlos , Gutierrez-Rubio Susan Andrea , Sanchez-Corona Jose , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Davalos-Rodriguez Ingrid Patricia , Salazar-Paramo Mario
Published: December 2013

Peptidyl arginine deiminase IV (PAD 4) is the responsible enzyme for a posttranslational modification called citrullination, originating the antigenic determinant recognized by anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA). Four SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) have been described inPADI4gene to form a susceptibility haplotype for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); nevertheless, results in association studies appear contradictory in different populations. The aim of the study was to analyze if the presence of three SNPs inPADI4gene susceptibility haplotype (GTG) is associated with ACPA positivity in patients with RA. This was a cross-sectional study that included 86 RA patients and 98 healthy controls. Polymorphisms PADI4_89, PADI4_90, and PADI4_92 in thePADI4gene were genotyped. The susceptibility haplotype (GTG) was more frequent in RA patients; interestingly, we found a new haplotype associated with RA with a higher frequency (GTC). There were no associations between polymorphisms and high scores in Spanish HAQ-DI and DAS-28, but we did find an association between RARBIS index and PADI4_89, PADI4_90 polymorphisms. We could not confirm an association between susceptibility haplotype presence and ACPA positivity. Further evidence about proteomic expression of this gene will determine its participation in antigenic generation and autoimmunity.
Effect of Scaling and Root Planing on Detection of Tannerella forsythia in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Wadhwani Ritesh B. , Chaudhary Minal S. , Tharani Dipti A. , Chandak Shweta A.
Published: December 2013

Aim. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Tannerella forsythia in subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis patients having different level of periodontal destruction and to assess the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on prevalence of T. forsythia. Materials and Methods. Study included 3 groups: group 1 were healthy individuals, group 2 had periodontitis with probing depth ≤ 5 mm, and group 3 had periodontitis with probing depth > 5 mm. Subjects in groups 2 and 3 exhibited both healthy and diseased periodontal sites. Prevalence of T. forsythia was determined using polymerase chain reaction. Subjects in groups 2 and 3 received SRP and were reevaluated three months after SRP. Results. T. forsythia was not detected in group 1. It was found in diseased sites in 40% and 73.33% of patients from groups 2 and 3, respectively. It was also found in healthy sites in 6.67% and 13.33% of patients from groups 2 and 3, respectively. The detection frequency of T. forsythia after SRP was 6.67% and 13.33% in groups 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion. The results indicate a possible association between periodontal disease and presence of T. forsythia. Also, the detection frequency of T. forsythia was reduced after SRP.
Robust Backstepping Control for Cold Rolling Main Drive System with Nonlinear Uncertainties
Authors: Yang Xu , Peng Kai-xiang , Tong Chao-nan
Published: December 2013

The nonlinear model of main drive system in cold rolling process, which considers the influence with parameter uncertainties such as clearance and variable friction coefficient, as well as external disturbance by roll eccentricity and variation of strip material quality, is built. By transformation, the lower triangular structure form of main drive system is obtained. The backstepping algorithm based on signal compensation is proposed to design a linear time-invariant (LTI) robust controller, including a nominal controller and a robust compensator. A comparison with PI controller shows that the controller has better disturbance attenuation performance and tracking behaviors. Meanwhile, according to its LTI characteristic, the robust controller can be realized easily; therefore it is also appropriated to high speed dynamic rolling process.
Chemical and Antibacterial Polymorphism of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus and Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa (Cupressaceae) Leaf Essential Oils from Tunisia
Authors: Medini Hnène , Manongiu Bruno , Aicha Neffati , Chekir-Ghedira Leila , Harzalla-Skhiri Fethia , Khouja Med Larbi
Published: December 2013

Essential oils from Juniperus oxycedrus L. have been used since antiquity for fragrance, flavoring, medicinal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and cosmetic purposes. Several works studied the chemical composition of the essential oils of Juniperus oxycedrus leaves. The aim of this study is to investigate the chemotaxonomic relationships and antibacterial activity of two Tunisian subspecies: Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (L. K.) Deb. and Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa (S. & m.) Ball. In addition, and for the first time, we reported the antibacterial activities of Tunisian J. oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa and J. oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus against four bacteria. Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analysed by GC and GC/MS. Fifty‐five constituents were identified. Thirty four major compounds were retained for the study of the chemical variability, and α‐pinene, sylvestrene, p‐cymene, and 13‐epi‐manoyl oxide were the main ones. The chemical principal components analysis (PCA) identified three chemotypes. The study of the antibacterial activity showed that Escherichia coli was found to be extremely resistant (zone diameter 0 mm) to all the oils tested, while Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain (zone diameter 13.5 mm and MIC ranged from 600 to 650 μg/mL).
Importance of Close Follow-Up in the Fetus with Premature Atrial Contractions Accompanied by Atrial Septal Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Yozgat Yilmaz , Kilic Ayhan , Karadeniz Cem , Ozdemir Rahmi , Doksoz Onder , Mese Timur , Unal Nurettin
Published: December 2013

Rhythms that derive from parts of atria other than the sinus node are called premature atrial contractions (PACs). Vast majority of fetal PACs are idiopathic. Fetal PACs usually have a good prognosis and disappear spontaneously during pregnancy or after delivery. Development of fetal tachycardia or fetal bradycardia is rarely reported during follow-up of fetuses diagnosed with PACs. To the best of our knowledge, coexistence of tachycardia and bradycardia leading to hemodynamic impairment has not yet been reported. We present a fetus diagnosed with PACs and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) on the 23rd week of gestation proceeding to fetal bradycardia and fetal tachycardia and consequently hemodynamic impairment. We suggest closer follow-up of fetuses with PACs accompanied by ASA.
Expression and Characterization of Coprothermobacter proteolyticus Alkaline Serine Protease
Authors: Majeed Tanveer , Tabassum Romana , Orts William J. , Lee Charles C.
Published: December 2013

A putative protease gene (aprE) from the thermophilic bacterium Coprothermobacter proteolyticus was cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis. The enzyme was determined to be a serine protease based on inhibition by PMSF. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that the enzyme had optimal activity under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10). In addition, the enzyme had an elevated optimum temperature (60°C). The protease was also stable in the presence of many surfactants and oxidant. Thus, the C. proteolyticus protease has potential applications in industries such as the detergent market.
Exact and Analytic-Numerical Solutions of Lagging Models of Heat Transfer in a Semi-Infinite Medium
Authors: Castro M. A. , Rodríguez F. , Escolano J. , Martín J. A.
Published: December 2013

Different non-Fourier models of heat conduction have been considered in recent years, in a growing area of applications, to model microscale and ultrafast, transient, nonequilibrium responses in heat and mass transfer. In this work, using Fourier transforms, we obtain exact solutions for different lagging models of heat conduction in a semi-infinite domain, which allow the construction of analytic-numerical solutions with prescribed accuracy. Examples of numerical computations, comparing the properties of the models considered, are presented.
Introducing a Method of In Vitro Testing of Different Anchoring Systems Used for Female Incontinence and Prolapse Surgery
Authors: Anding Ralf , Tabaza Ruth , Staat Manfred , Trenz Eva , Lohmann Philipp , Klinge Uwe , Kirschner-Hermanns Ruth
Published: December 2013

Aims. To develop a method for in vitro testing to compare different intracorporeal anchoring systems (AS) used, for example, in single-incision slings or vaginal meshes. Intracorporeal fixation needs reliable anchorage systems, which keep the implant in the operative and early postoperative phase in place. Up to now, the impact of the design of current anchor systems and their capability to provide sufficient retention forces is not known.Methods. Four AS (“PelFix”, “Surelift”, “TFS”, and “MiniArc”) were evaluated in an animal model and a ballistic gelatine model with pull-out tests. We performed ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni. Results were presented as mean values whereby a significance level of <0.05 was considered significant.Results. The four systems showed significantly different pull-out forces. Depending on mesh structure, size, and form of the AS, mechanical strain resulted in deformation with local peak stresses. Under the condition of form stability, relative differences of pull-out forces did not change in different tissues.Conclusions. Reliable testing of different AS in their ability to keep mesh implants in place can be done in animal models and in especially designed ballistic gelatine. These methods of testing will help to modify AS in novel pelvic floor implants.
Decline of Indigenous Crop Diversity in Colonial and Postcolonial Rwanda
Authors: Seburanga Jean Leonard
Published: December 2013

Global influence of the wealthiest countries drives trends in crop diversity in the developing countries. In many countries, European colonization resulted in cultural disintegration and erosion of indigenous knowledge that made citizens lose interest in their own cultural heritage and adopt imperial know-how. During the same time, native biodiversity that was once maintained by the tradition it shaped declined. Alien crops prospered and finally dominated landscapes. In this paper, I looked at the apparent decline of indigenous crop diversity in Rwanda in the light of the “cultural disturbance” that occurred in the shadow of the European colonization. An integrated research methodology that combined desk-based, socioeconomic, and vegetation surveys was used. Indigenous crops now on the fringe of extinction and, thus, requiring immediate attention from conservation policy makers and managers were identified. These include Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. “inkoli” (Leguminosae), Coleus dysentericus Bak. “impombo” (Labiatae), Dioscorea alata Linn. “ibikoro” (Araceae), a sweet cultivar of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl. “bunure” (Cucurbitaceae), white cultivar of Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench “nyiragikori” (Gramineae), Amaranthus graecizans Linn. “inyabutongo” (Amaranthaceae), Eleusine coracana (Linn.) Gaertn. “uburo” (Gramineae), and traditional cultivars of Zea mays Linn. “nyakagori” (Gramineae) and Solanum tuberosum Linn. “kandore” (Solanaceae).
Raised Serum Adenosine Deaminase Level in Nonobese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khemka Vineet Kumar , Bagchi Debajit , Ghosh Arindam , Sen Oishimaya , Bir Aritri , Chakrabarti Sasanka , Banerjee Anindita
Published: December 2013

The role of inflammation being minimal in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in nonobese patients; the aim of the study was to investigate the role of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and see its association with diabetes mellitus. The preliminary case control study comprised of 56 cases and 45 healthy controls which were age and sex matched. 3 mL venous blood samples were obtained from the patients as well as controls after 8–10 hours of fasting. Serum ADA and routine biochemical parameters were analyzed. Serum ADA level was found significantly higher among nonobese T2DM subjects with respect to controls (38.77 ± 14.29 versus 17.02 ± 5.74 U/L; P < 0.0001). Serum ADA level showed a significant positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.657; P < 0.0001) level among nonobese T2DM subjects, but no significant correlation was observed in controls (r = −0.203; P = 0.180). However, no correlation was observed between serum ADA level compared to BMI and HbA1c levels. Our study shows higher serum ADA, triglycerides (TG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in nonobese T2DM patients, and a strong correlation between ADA and FPG which suggests an association between ADA and nonobese T2DM subjects.
Quantum Mechanics of In Situ Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles within Anionic Microgels
Authors: Baig Mirza Wasif , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: December 2013

We discuss the quantum mechanics of many-body systems, that is, hybrid microgel consisting of negatively charged anionic microgels possessing thick sheath of water molecules solvating protruding anionic moieties and nanoparticle captivated within the microgel. Thermodynamic feasibility of synthesis of particular nanoparticle within the microgel is dependent upon the magnitude of interaction between nanoparticle, water molecules, and microgel relative to sum of magnitude of self-interaction between counterions and interaction between counterions and microgel. Nanoparticles synthesized with in the microgels have thick electronic cloud that oscillates under the influence of net interaction potential of charged anionic moieties and solvent water molecules which constitutes the chemical environment of hybrid microgel. Hamiltonian describing energy of oscillating electronic cloud of wrapped around nanoparticle is mathematically derived to be equal to product of integral electron density and product of its position vector overall space and net force acting on the oscillating electronic cloud of nanoparticle is mathematically defined as; ℱ∫ρn{n}n^ dn.
Pharmaceutical Point of View on Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Stawny M. , Olijarczyk R. , Jaroszkiewicz E. , Jelińska A.
Published: December 2013

Parenteral nutrition—a form of administering nutrients, electrolytes, trace elements, vitamins, and water—is a widely used mode of therapy applied in many diseases, in patients of different ages both at home and in hospital. The success of nutritional therapy depends chiefly on proper determination of the patient’s energetic and electrolytic needs as well as preparation and administration of a safe nutritional mixture. As a parenterally administered drug, it is expected to be microbiologically and physicochemically stable, with all of the components compatible with each other. It is very difficult to obtain a stable nutritional mixture due to the fact that it is a complex, two‐phase drug. Also, the risk of incompatibility between mixture components and packaging should be taken into consideration and possibly eliminated. Since parenteral nutrition is a part of therapy, simultaneous use of drugs may cause pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions as well as those with the pharmaceutical phase. The aim of this paper is to discuss such aspects of parenteral nutrition as mixture stability, methodology, and methods for determining the stability of nutritional mixtures and drugs added to them.
Asymptotic Dichotomy in a Class of Odd-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations with Impulses
Authors: Wen Kunwen , Pan Lijun
Published: December 2013

We investigate the oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of a class of odd-order nonlinear differential equations with impulses. We obtain criteria that ensure every solution is either oscillatory or (nonoscillatory and) zero convergent. We provide several examples to show that impulses play an important role in the asymptotic behaviors of these equations.
Anticancer Activity of Ferulic Acid‐Inorganic Nanohybrids Synthesized via Two Different Hybridization Routes, Reconstruction and Exfoliation‐Reassembly
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Jun , Ryu Kitae , Kang Joo-Hee , Choi Ae-Jin , Kim Tae-il , Oh Jae-Min
Published: December 2013

We have successfully prepared nanohybrids of biofunctional ferulic acid and layered double hydroxide nanomaterials through reconstruction and exfoliation‐reassembly routes. From X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, both nanohybrids were determined to incorporate ferulic acid molecules in anionic form. Micrsocopic results showed that the nanohybrids had average particle size of 150 nm with plate‐like morphology. As the two nanohybridization routes involved crystal disorder and random stacking of layers, the nanohybrids showed slight alteration in z‐axis crystallinity and particle size. The zeta potential values of pristine and nanohybrids in deionized water were determined to be positive, while those in cell culture media shifted to negative values. According to the in vitro anticancer activity test on human cervical cancer HeLa cells, it was revealed that nanohybrids showed twice anticancer activity compared with ferulic acid itself. Therefore we could conclude that the nanohybrids of ferulic acid and layered double hydroxide had cellular delivery property of intercalated molecules on cancer cell lines.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Organic Acids by a Pd‐MWNTs Gas‐Diffusion Electrode in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Lu Guang , Wang Hui , Bian Zhaoyong , Liu Xin
Published: December 2013

Pd‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pd‐MWNTs) catalysts for the conversion of CO2 to organic acids were prepared by the ethylene glycol reduction and fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) technologies. The amorphous Pd particles with an average size of 5.7 nm were highly dispersed on the surface of carbon nanotubes. Functional groups of the MWNTs played a key role in the palladium deposition. The results indicated that Pd‐MWNTs could transform CO2 into organic acid with high catalytic activity and CO2 could take part in the reduction reaction directly. Additionally, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 was investigated by a diaphragm electrolysis device, using a Pd‐MWNTs gas‐diffusion electrode as a cathode and a Ti/RuO2 net as an anode. The main products in present system were formic acid and acetic acid identified by ion chromatograph. The selectivity of the products could be achieved by reaction conditions changing. The optimum faraday efficiencies of formic and acetic acids formed on the Pd‐MWNTs gas‐diffusion electrode at 4 V electrode voltages under 1 atm CO2 were 34.5% and 52.3%, respectively.
Micro Surface Defect Detection Method for Silicon Steel Strip Based on Saliency Convex Active Contour Model
Authors: Song Kechen , Yan Yunhui
Published: December 2013

Accurate detection of surface defect is an indispensable section in steel surface inspection system. In order to detect the micro surface defect of silicon steel strip, a new detection method based on saliency convex active contour model is proposed. In the proposed method, visual saliency extraction is employed to suppress the clutter background for the purpose of highlighting the potential objects. The extracted saliency map is then exploited as a feature, which is fused into a convex energy minimization function of local-based active contour. Meanwhile, a numerical minimization algorithm is introduced to separate the micro surface defects from cluttered background. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method presents good performance for detecting micro surface defects including spot-defect and steel-pit-defect. Even in the cluttered background, the proposed method detects almost all of the microdefects without any false objects.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity and Protein Oxidative Modification in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mahmoud Aida A. , Nor El-Din Amal K. A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. The aim of the present investigation was to study the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and correlate its activity to protein oxidation markers in type 2 diabetic patients under poor glycemic control. Methods. G6PD activity, protein carbonyl group concentration, and total thiol group content were measured in blood samples of 40 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus under poor glycemic control and 20 healthy control subjects. Results. G6PD activity and total thiol group content decreased significantly while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and protein carbonyl group concentration increased significantly in diabetic patients than in the controls (P<0.001). In addition, Obtained results revealed that, in diabetics, G6PD activity negatively correlated to protein carbonyl and HbA1C (r=−0.77 and −0.65, resp.), while positively correlated to total thiol (r=0.66) and protein carbonyl negatively correlated to total thiol (r=−0.85), while positively correlated to HbA1C (r=0.43). Also in controls, G6PD activity negatively correlated to protein carbonyl and HbA1C (r=−0.57 and −0.56, resp.), while positively correlated to total thiol (r=0.5) and protein carbonyl negatively correlated to total thiol (r=−0.48), while positively correlated to HbA1C (r=0.68). Conclusions. We concluded that G6PD activity decreased in diabetics than in controls and was negatively correlated to oxidative stress markers and HbA1C. G6PD activity can be taken as a biomarker of oxidative stress and poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.
Survey of Green Radio Communications Networks: Techniques and Recent Advances
Authors: Alsharif Mohammed H. , Nordin Rosdiadee , Ismail Mahamod
Published: December 2013

Energy efficiency in cellular networks has received significant attention from both academia and industry because of the importance of reducing the operational expenditures and maintaining the profitability of cellular networks, in addition to making these networks “greener.” Because the base station is the primary energy consumer in the network, efforts have been made to study base station energy consumption and to find ways to improve energy efficiency. In this paper, we present a brief review of the techniques that have been used recently to improve energy efficiency, such as energy-efficient power amplifier techniques, time-domain techniques, cell switching, management of the physical layer through multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) management, heterogeneous network architectures based on Micro-Pico-Femtocells, cell zooming, and relay techniques. In addition, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each technique to contribute to a better understanding of each of the techniques and thereby offer clear insights to researchers about how to choose the best ways to reduce energy consumption in future green radio networks.
Line-of-Sight Obstruction Analysis for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Network Simulations in a Two-Lane Highway Scenario
Authors: Abbas Taimoor , Tufvesson Fredrik
Published: December 2013

In vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) the impact of vehicles as obstacles has largely been neglected in the past. Recent studies have reported that the vehicles that obstruct the line-of-sight (LOS) path may introduce 10–20 dB additional loss, and as a result reduce the communication range. Most of the traffic mobility models (TMMs) today do not treat other vehicles as obstacles and thus cannot model the impact of LOS obstruction in VANET simulations. In this paper the LOS obstruction caused by other vehicles is studied in a highway scenario. First a car-following model is used to characterize the motion of the vehicles driving in the same direction on a two-lane highway. Vehicles are allowed to change lanes when necessary. The position of each vehicle is updated by using the car-following rules together with the lane-changing rules for the forward motion. Based on the simulated traffic a simple TMM is proposed for VANET simulations, which is capable to identify the vehicles that are in the shadow region of other vehicles. The presented traffic mobility model together with the shadow fading path-loss model can take into account the impact of LOS obstruction on the total received power in the multiple-lane highway scenarios.
Removal of a Broken Cannulated Intramedullary Nail: Review of the Literature and a Case Report of a New Technique
Authors: Abdelgawad Amr A. , Kanlic Enes
Published: December 2013

Nonunion of long bones fixed with nails may result in implant failure. Removal of a broken intramedullary nail may be a real challenge. Many methods have been described to allow for removal of the broken piece of the nail. In this paper, we are reviewing the different techniques to extract a broken nail, classifying them into different subsets, and describing a new technique that we used to remove a broken tibial nail with narrow canal. Eight different categories of implant removal methods were described, with different methods within each category. This classification is very comprehensive and was never described before. We described a new technique (hook captured in the medulla by flexible nail introduced from the locking hole) which is a valuable technique in cases of nail of a small diameter where other methods cannot be used because of the narrow canal of the nail. Our eight categories for broken nail removal methods simplify the concepts of nail removal and allow the surgeon to better plan for the removal procedure.
The Value of Programmable Shunt Valves for the Management of Subdural Collections in Patients with Hydrocephalus
Authors: Pachatouridis Dimitrios , Alexiou George A. , Mihos Evaggelos , Fotakopoulos George , Voulgaris Spyridon
Published: December 2013

Background. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of electromagnetic programmable shunt valves for the treatment of subdural collections. Methods. Adult patients with hydrocephalus of various causes that were treated with programmable shunt valves during the last ten years were retrospectively studied. In 127 patients, 139 electromagnetic programmable shunt valves were implanted. Results. A nontraumatic subdural fluid collection was detected in 12 patients. The treatment of these patients consisted of reprogramming of the valve’s opening pressure. In 5 patients small subdural hematomas were detected; 4 of these patients were treated by raising the opening pressure alone and one patient required surgical drainage and change of the pressure setting. Traumatic chronic subdural hematomas were detected in 6 patients. These patients were treated by surgical drainage and readjustment of the valve’s opening pressure. Conclusion. The ability to treat a shunt‐related complication, such as a subdural fluid collection, by reprogramming the valve’s opening pressure to a higher setting is an advantage over nonprogrammable valves, and it enables the opening pressure to be slowly lowered once the fluid collection is reabsorbed. Based on our results, we believe that programmable shunt valves should be preferred.
A Graph Theory Practice on Transformed Image: A Random Image Steganography
Authors: Thanikaiselvan V. , Arulmozhivarman P. , Subashanthini S. , Amirtharajan Rengarajan
Published: December 2013

Modern day information age is enriched with the advanced network communication expertise but unfortunately at the same time encounters infinite security issues when dealing with secret and/or private information. The storage and transmission of the secret information become highly essential and have led to a deluge of research in this field. In this paper, an optimistic effort has been taken to combine graceful graph along with integer wavelet transform (IWT) to implement random image steganography for secure communication. The implementation part begins with the conversion of cover image into wavelet coefficients through IWT and is followed by embedding secret image in the randomly selected coefficients through graph theory. Finally stegoimage is obtained by applying inverse IWT. This method provides a maximum of 44 dB peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) for 266646 bits. Thus, the proposed method gives high imperceptibility through high PSNR value and high embedding capacity in the cover image due to adaptive embedding scheme and high robustness against blind attack through graph theoretic random selection of coefficients.
Schwarz Waveform Relaxation for Heat Equations with Nonlinear Dynamical Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wu Shu-Lin
Published: December 2013

We are interested in solving heat equations with nonlinear dynamical boundary conditions by using domain decomposition methods. In the classical framework, one first discretizes the time direction and then solves a sequence of state steady problems by the domain decomposition method. In this paper, we consider the heat equations at spacetime continuous level and study a Schwarz waveform relaxation algorithm for parallel computation purpose. We prove the linear convergence of the algorithm on long time intervals and show how the convergence rate depends on the size of overlap and the nonlinearity of the nonlinear boundary functions. Numerical experiments are presented to verify our theoretical conclusions.
Explicit Solutions of a Gravity‐Induced Film Flow along a Convectively Heated Vertical Wall
Authors: Raees Ammarah , Xu Hang
Published: December 2013

The gravity‐driven film flow has been analyzed along a vertical
wall subjected to a convective boundary condition. The Boussinesq approximation is applied
to simplify the buoyancy term, and similarity transformations are used on the mathematical
model of the problem under consideration, to obtain a set of coupled ordinary differential
equations. Then the reduced equations are solved explicitly by using homotopy analysis
method (HAM). The resulting solutions are investigated for heat transfer effects on velocity
and temperature profiles.
Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Outpatients with Cirrhosis: Results from a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Thiele Maja , Askgaard Gro , Timm Hans B. , Hamberg Ole , Gluud Lise L.
Published: December 2013

Background.Cirrhosis may lead to a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which should be taken into consideration when addressing the cirrhotic outpatient.Methods.Prospective cohort study evaluating predictors of HRQOL in outpatients with cirrhosis. Patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy at baseline were excluded. HRQOL was evaluated at baseline using the six point Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Predictors of low quality of life scores (<4 points) and mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.Results.In total, 92 patients were included (mean age 61 years, 59% male). Nineteen patients died (mean duration of follow-up 20 months). The mean Child-Pugh score was 6.9. Twenty percent had a poor HRQOL judged by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire score and 45% had covert hepatic encephalopathy. The only predictors of poor HRQOL were the Child-Pugh score (β=0.45;P=0.013), nonalcoholic etiology of cirrhosis (β=−2.34;P=0.009), and body mass index (β=−0.20;P=0.023). The body mass index predicted poor HRQOL independently of the presence of ascites and albumin level.Conclusions.The body mass index was associated with a low HRQOL. This suggests that malnutrition may be an important target in the management of patients with cirrhosis.
Follicular LymphomaIn SituPresenting as Dermatopathic Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Obumneme Orah Nnamdi , Uche Igbokwe , Adekunbiola Banjo , Ralph Akinde , Nicholas Irurhe
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Follicular lymphomain situ(FLIS) is a recently described entity with few cases recognized worldwide. To our knowledge, this is the first FLIS reported from West Africa.Case Presentation. We present the case of a 48-year-old civil servant with axillary lymphadenopathy discovered on routine mammography. On histology, a predominant reactive change with aggregates of melanophages was seen prompting a diagnosis of reactive lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemistry done in our laboratory showed CD10 and Bcl-6 positive germinal centres with a small population of Bcl-2 positive germinal centre centre cells that were limited to some of the germinal centres.Conclusion. This highlights the use of immunohistochemistry in lymph node pathology—a resource which is very limited in our environment.
The Higher Order Riesz Transform andBMOType Space Associated with Schrödinger Operators on Stratified Lie Groups
Authors: Liu Yu , Dong Jianfeng
Published: December 2013

Assume thatGis a stratified Lie group andQis the homogeneous dimension ofG. Let-Δbe the sub-Laplacian onGandW≢0a nonnegative potential belonging to certain reverse Hölder classBsfors≥Q/2. LetL=-Δ+Wbe a Schrödinger operator on the stratified Lie groupG. In this paper, we prove the boundedness of some integral operators related toL, such asL-1∇2,L-1W, andL-1(-Δ) on the spaceBMOL(G).
Sequential Bearings‐Only‐Tracking Initiation with Particle Filtering Method
Authors: Liu Bin , Hao Chengpeng
Published: December 2013

The tracking initiation problem is examined in the context of autonomous bearings‐only‐tracking (BOT) of a single appearing/disappearing target in the presence of clutter measurements. In general, this problem suffers from a combinatorial explosion in the number of potential tracks resulted from the uncertainty in the linkage between the target and the measurement (a.k.a the data association problem). In addition, the nonlinear measurements lead to a non‐Gaussian posterior probability density function (pdf) in the optimal Bayesian sequential estimation framework. The consequence of this nonlinear/non‐Gaussian context is the absence of a closed‐form solution. This paper models the linkage uncertainty and the nonlinear/non‐Gaussian estimation problem jointly with solid Bayesian formalism. A particle filtering (PF) algorithm is derived for estimating the model’s parameters in a sequential manner. Numerical results show that the proposed solution provides a significant benefit over the most commonly used methods, IPDA and IMMPDA. The posterior Cramér‐Rao bounds are also involved for performance evaluation.
Benfluorex and Mortality: A Fresh Perspective
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C. , Judge Andrew
Published: December 2013

Benfluorex, a drug related to fenfluramine, has been sold under the trade name “Mediator” by Servier Laboratories and was introduced to the French market in 1976, licenced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Although the evidence that benfluorex increases the risk of mild valvular regurgitant abnormalities is convincing, it is also apparent that no data exist from which to calculate the risk of death attributable to benfluorex use. Despite this, two studies have attempted to make such estimates, the results of which have been the focus of much media attention. In this review, we attempt to provide a further assessment of the evidence base, explore the limitations of the estimates of death that have been made, and calculate the population risk of mild valvular regurgitation and hospitalisation attributable to benfluorex use. We conclude that the previously published estimates of deaths attributed to the use of this agent are unsafe, based on unfounded assumptions, and are highly likely to be inaccurate.
South American Climatology and Impacts of El Niño in NCEP’s CFSR Data
Authors: Eichler Timothy Paul , Londoño Ana C.
Published: December 2013

Understanding regional climate variability is necessary in order to assess the impacts of climate change. Until recently, the best methods for evaluating regional climate variability were via observation networks and coarse-gridded reanalysis datasets. However, the recent development of high-resolution reanalysis datasets offers an opportunity to better evaluate the climatologically diverse continent of South America. This study compares NCEP’s CFS reanalysis dataset with NCEP’s coarser-resolution reanalysis II dataset to determine if CFS reanalysis improves our ability to represent the regional climate of South America. Our results show several regional differences between the CFSR and Re2 data, especially in areas of large topographical gradients. A comparison with the University of Delaware and TRMM precipitation datasets lends credence to some of these differences, such as heavier precipitation associated with anomalous 925 hPa westerlies over northwestern Peru and Ecuador during El Niño. However, our results also stress that caution is advised when using reanalysis data to assess regional climate variability, especially in areas of large topographical gradient such as the Andes. Our results establish a baseline to better study climate change, especially given the release of IPCC AR5 model simulations.
Intraindividual Variability in Domain-Specific Cognition and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Vaughan Leslie , Leng Iris , Dagenbach Dale , Resnick Susan M. , Rapp Stephen R. , Jennings Janine M. , Brunner Robert L. , Simpson Sean L. , Beavers Daniel P. , Coker Laura H. , Gaussoin Sarah A. , Sink Kaycee M. , Espeland Mark A.
Published: December 2013

Intraindividual variability among cognitive domains may predict dementia independently of interindividual differences in cognition. A multidomain cognitive battery was administered to 2305 older adult women (mean age 74 years) enrolled in an ancillary study of the Women’s Health Initiative. Women were evaluated annually for probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) for an average of 5.3 years using a standardized protocol. Proportional hazards regression showed that lower baseline domain-specific cognitive scores significantly predicted MCI (N=74), probable dementia (N=45), and MCI or probable dementia combined (N=101) and that verbal and figural memory predicted each outcome independently of all other cognitive domains. The baseline intraindividual standard deviation across test scores (IAV Cognitive Domains) significantly predicted probable dementia and this effect was attenuated by interindividual differences in verbal episodic memory. Slope increases in IAV Cognitive Domains across measurement occasions (IAV Time) explained additional risk for MCI and MCI or probable dementia, beyond that accounted for by interindividual differences in multiple cognitive measures, but risk for probable dementia was attenuated by mean decreases in verbal episodic memory slope. These findings demonstrate that within-person variability across cognitive domains both at baseline and longitudinally independently accounts for risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in support of the predictive utility of within-person variability.
Nanofluids Thermal Conductivity Measurement in a Bénard Cell
Authors: Mojahed Mohamed , Van Vaerenbergh Stefan , Galand Quentin
Published: December 2013

Thermal conductivity measurements of nanofluids were the subject of a considerable amount of published research works. Up to now, the experimental results reported in the current literature are still scarce and show many discrepancies. In this paper we propose measurements of this parameter using another experimental set-up. Because of very good thermal controls and big aspect ratio, the Bénard set-up is particularly well suited to determine the thermal conductivity. The aim of this paper is to detail the experimental measurement protocol. The investigated liquid is composed of single walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in water. The effect of liquid temperature on thermal conductivity was investigated. Obtained results confirm the potential of nanofluids in enhancing thermal conductivity and also show that the thermal conductivity temperature dependence is nonlinear, which is different from the results for metal/metal oxide nanofluids.
Gastric Endocrine Cell Carcinoma Coexistent with Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takeuchi Nobuhiro , Yusuke Nomura , Maeda Tetsuo , Naba Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2013

A 69-year-old female presented to our institution with epigastralgia and abdominal distension. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed a 5 cm ulcerative lesion with irregular margins and elevated distinct borders from the angle to the pyloric ring. Gastroendoscopy revealed a Borrmann type 2 tumor. Several biopsied specimens revealed proliferation of small and heterogeneous cancer cells with rich chromatin and fibrous septum with rich vessels at connective tissues, which was confirmed as gastric endocrine cell carcinoma (ECC) on immunostaining with chromogranin and synaptophysin. Furthermore, other specimens revealed atypical cells forming glandular structures, which were confirmed as well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and Billroth I reconstruction was performed. Pathological examination of the gross specimen revealed that adenocarcinoma comprised <10% of all cancer cells. Close analysis of ECC revealed a mixture of small and large cells. According to the WHO 2010 classification of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, this gastric tumor was diagnosed as neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient was administered adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide. One year following surgery, follow-up abdominal CT revealed multiple liver metastases. The patient received the best supportive care but eventually died 18 months after surgery. Here we present this case of gastric ECC coexistent with adenocarcinoma.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Adducts of Bis(O-ethyldithiocarbonato)copper(II) with Substituted Pyridines
Authors: Kour Gurpreet , Kour Inderjeet , Sachar Renu
Published: December 2013

Monomeric five coordinated adducts of bis(O-ethyldithiocarbonato)copper(II) of general formula [Cu(C2H5OCS2)2(L)], [L = 2-, 3-, 4-methylpyridines and 2-, 3-, 4-ethylpyridines] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, i.r. and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic and conductivity measurements. Analytical results show that the adducts have 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The adducts were found to be paramagnetic and their magnetic moments at room temperature lie within the 1.81–1.94 B.M. range and this indicates the presence of one unpaired electron. All the adducts have distorted square pyramidal geometry.