bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Double Mutant Heat-Labile Toxin from Escherichia coli, LT(R192G/L211A), Is an Effective Mucosal Adjuvant for Vaccination against Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Sjökvist Ottsjö Louise , Flach Carl-Fredrik , Clements John , Holmgren Jan , Raghavan Sukanya
Published: February 2013

Helicobacter pylori
infection in the stomach is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease and is a strong risk factor for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma, yet no effective vaccine against
H. pylori
infection is available to date. In mice, mucosal vaccination with
H. pylori
antigens when given together with cholera toxin (CT) adjuvant, but not without adjuvant, can induce protective immune responses against
H. pylori
infection. However, the toxicity of CT precludes its use as a mucosal adjuvant in humans. We evaluated a recently developed, essentially nontoxic double mutant
Escherichia coli
heat-labile toxin, LT(R192G/L211A) (dmLT), as a mucosal adjuvant in an experimental
H. pylori
vaccine and compared it to CT in promoting immune responses and protection against
H. pylori
infection in mice. Immunization via the sublingual or intragastric route with
H. pylori
lysate antigens and dmLT resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial load after challenge compared to that in unimmunized infection controls and to the same extent as when using CT as an adjuvant. Cellular immune responses in the sublingually immunized mice known to correlate with protection were also fully comparable when using dmLT and CT as adjuvants, resulting in enhanced
in vitro
proliferative and cytokine responses from spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells to
H. pylori
antigens. Our results suggest that dmLT is an attractive adjuvant for inclusion in a mucosal vaccine against
H. pylori
infection.
Incidental renal artery pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous native renal biopsy
Authors: Yang Hae Kyung , Koh Eun Sil , Shin Seok Joon , Chung Sungjin
Published: February 2013

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that is often difficult to diagnose. Rarely, it can occur as a complication associated with a percutaneous renal biopsy procedure. The clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic lesions found incidentally on imaging studies to a mass causing high blood pressure, pain, haematuria and rupture. Although the risk of rupture is considered low, RAP is associated with a high death rate if ruptured. Currently, with the aid of high-quality interventional radiology, this challenging pathology can be effectively treated. In this report, we describe a case of RAP that was incidentally discovered 4 years after percutaneous renal biopsy which was successfully treated with selective angiographic embolisation.
The use of Gore Bio-A in the management of the open abdomen
Authors: Sutton Paul Anthony , Evans Jonathan Paul , Uzair Sheik , Varghese Joseph V
Published: February 2013

Non-permanent, non-woven options for the closure of an open abdomen have previously been limited to biologics such as Permacol or Strattice. Gore Bio-A is constructed from biocompatible synthetic fibres, the use of which has only been described in the repair of inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia and fistula-in-ano. A 60-year-old male underwent emergency laparotomy, partial gastrectomy and formation of a feeding jejunostomy for a strangulated and perforated intrathoracic hiatus hernia. His abdominal wall subsequently dehisced for which he underwent laparostomy and subsequent early closure with a Gore Bio-A mesh, secured in an onlay manner with 2/0 vicryl. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory and the patient was discharged home. The use of Gore Bio-A is a safe, feasible and cost effective alternative to traditional biologics for the closure of a laparostomy, deployment of which is safe within a contaminated field. Further prospective data is needed to clarify its role.
A microscopically calcified Meckel's diverticulum: a histopathological perspective of a case of both gastric and pancreatic mucosae
Authors: Al-lami Ali , Alam Mostayn , Nagy Anita , Khan Abdul Rauf
Published: February 2013

A 2-year-old child presented with a 1-week history of abdominal pain and non-bilious vomiting. Upon examination, the abdomen was distended and faecal aspirate was noted from a nasogastric tube. Ultrasound scan and a failed air enema demonstrated intestinal intussusception warranting a surgical intervention. The intraoperative findings were of an ileocolic intussusception that was reduced and a Meckel's diverticulum (MD) was noted as a lead point necessitating resection with an end-to-end anastomosis. Histopathological analysis revealed a heterotopic MD containing both gastric and pancreatic mucosae with dystrophic calcification. MD is a pathologically diverse condition. The commonest histopathological picture in MD is that of an ectopic gastric mucosa at the terminal ileum. The histopathological analysis of this case demonstrated the interesting heterotopic results with calcification, which the histopathologist needs to be aware of when interpreting a surgical specimen with a clinical picture consistent with intussusception.
Photoabsorption spectra from time-dependent auxiliary density functional theory
Authors: Carmona-Espíndola Javier , Köster Andreas M.
Published: February 2013

Time-dependent auxiliary density perturbation theory (TDADPT) is extended to the calculation of excited states. The resulting time-dependent auxiliary density functional theory (TDADFT) is structurally identical to the original formulation of Casida. However, significant simplifications occur for the Coulomb and exchange–correlation response due to the underlying auxiliary density functional theory. Here, we present the working equations for TDADFT and a new implementation. Because this new parallel TDADFT implementation is particularly well suited for the calculation of large numbers of excitations, we validate it by the calculation of photoabsorption spectra. Direct comparison with experiment underlines the accuracy and reliability of TDADFT. For selected peaks of the studied polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon spectra, the assignments of the underlying excitations are also presented.
Field relationships, petrology, age, and tectonic setting of the Late Cambrian–Ordovician West Barneys River Plutonic Suite, southern Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Archibald D.B. , Barr S.M. , Murphy J.B. , White C.E. , MacHattie T.G. , Escarraga E.A. , Hamilton M.A. , McFarlane C.R.M.
Published: February 2013

The West Barneys River Plutonic Suite consists of gabbro, syenite-monzonite, alkali-feldspar syenite to quartz alkali-feldspar syenite, and alkali-feldspar granite outcropping in an area of ∼100 km2 in the southern Antigonish Highlands. Magma mixing and mingling textures indicate a comagmatic relationship between some of the mafic and intermediate–felsic lithologies. However, nine U–Pb (zircon) ages, three by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and six by laser-ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS), from the West Barneys River suite and the lithologically similar Cape Porcupine Complex located 60 km to the east range from ca. 495 to 460 Ma, indicating that emplacement occurred over a significant span of time. Intermediate to felsic rocks consist mainly of perthitic K-feldspar and variable amounts of quartz; interstitial granophyre is present in some samples, consistent with shallow emplacement. Mafic phases are Fe-rich amphibole and clinopyroxene, and in some units, fayalite. Intermediate and felsic samples have chemical characteristics of within-plate ferroan A-type granitoid rocks. Gabbroic rocks consist of plagioclase (oligoclase–labradorite) and augite/diopside with less abundant orthopyroxene, olivine, biotite, and ilmenite/magnetite. Their chemical compositions are transitional from tholeiitic to alkalic and characteristic of continental within-plate mafic rocks. The εNd values are similar in gabbroic, syenitic, and granitic samples, ranging between 0.9 and 4.9, consistent with a co-genetic origin for the mafic and intermediate/felsic components of the suite, and derivation from Avalonian subcontinental lithospheric mantle in an extensional environment.
PHENOMENOLOGY OF LIGHT STERILE NEUTRINOS: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: PALAZZO ANTONIO
Published: February 2013

An increasing number of anomalous experimental results are emerging, which cannot be described within the standard three-neutrino framework. We present a concise discussion of the most popular phenomenological interpretation of such findings, based on a hypothetical flavor conversion phenomenon of the ordinary "active" neutrinos into new light "sterile" species having mass [Formula: see text].
STABILITY WITH RESPECT TO DOMAIN OF THE LOW MACH NUMBER LIMIT OF COMPRESSIBLE VISCOUS FLUIDS
Authors: FEIREISL EDUARD , KARPER TRYGVE , KREML ONDŘEJ , STEBEL JAN
Published: February 2013

We study the asymptotic limit of solutions to the barotropic Navier–Stokes system, when the Mach number is proportional to a small parameter ε → 0 and the fluid is confined to an exterior spatial domain Ωε that may vary with ε. As ε → 0, it is shown that the fluid density becomes constant while the velocity converges to a solenoidal vector field satisfying the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations on a limit domain. The velocities approach the limit strongly (a.a.) on any compact set, uniformly with respect to a certain class of domains. The proof is based on spectral analysis of the associated wave propagator (Neumann Laplacian) governing the motion of acoustic waves.
INDEX POLYNOMIAL INVARIANTS OF TWISTED LINKS
Authors: KAMADA NAOKO
Published: February 2013

Bourgoin defined the notion of a twisted link. In a sense, it is a non-orientable version of a virtual link. Im, Lee and Lee defined a polynomial invariant of a virtual link by using the virtual intersection index. In this paper, we give an alternative definition of index polynomial by using indices of real crossings and extend it to a twisted links.
AN AFFINE INDEX POLYNOMIAL INVARIANT OF VIRTUAL KNOTS
Authors: KAUFFMAN LOUIS H.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a polynomial invariant of virtual knots that is defined in terms of an integer labeling of the virtual knot diagram. This labeling is seen to derive from an essentially unique structure of affine flat biquandle for flat virtual diagrams. The invariant is discussed in detail with many examples, including its relation to previous invariants of this type and we show how to construct Vassiliev invariants from the same data.
FAST ITERATION ALGORITHM FOR INTEGRAL EQUATIONS OF THE FIRST KIND ARISING IN 2D DIFFRACTION BY SOFT OBSTACLES
Authors: SCALIA A. , POPUZIN V. , PENNISI M.
Published: February 2013

We propose a new iteration numerical algorithm to solve boundary integral equations of the first kind arising in the 2D scattering by soft obstacles. The main idea is to operate on each iteration step with an integral equation, which has a convolution kernel, by changing the full kernel with a special averaging procedure. The practical convergence of the algorithm is demonstrated by some examples for three different geometries. If M is the number of iterations then the computational cost of the algorithm is MN log (N).
EFFECT OF RUTHENIUM (III) INCORPORATION IN POLYANILINE BACKBONE: MATERIALS FOR SUPERCAPACITIVE ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATION
Authors: GIRI SOUMEN , GHOSH DEBASIS , DAS CHAPAL KUMAR
Published: February 2013

HCl doped polyaniline (PANI) and Ru (III) doped polyaniline ( Ru /PANI) have been successfully prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization method and the effect of transition metal incorporation in PANI backbone is investigated thoroughly by the execution of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman study. Moreover, to examine the change in surface and bulk morphology of the composites, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have also been carried out, which revealed the agglomerated state of PANI after being Ru doped. The confirmation of the presence of Ru in the composite is achieved by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Also, the electrochemical characterizations namely, cyclic voltammetry (CV), ac impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic charge–discharge (CCD), of the composite was performed by conventional three-electrode system using 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. On doping with Ru , an increment of specific capacitance of PANI from 160 F/g to 425 F/g has been achieved with a considerable increase in cycle stability.
INVESTIGATION OF SHAPE CONTROLLED SILVER NANOPLATES BY A SIMPLE CHEMICAL REDUCTION METHOD
Authors: FRIBOURG-BLANC ERIC , DANG DUNG THI MY , LE TUYET THI THU , TRINH CHINH DUNG , THANH THANH THI NU , DANG CHIEN MAU
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses the function of hydrogen peroxide and trisodium citrate (TSC) in the synthesis of silver ( Ag ) nanoplates through a simple chemical reduction method in ambient conditions. By this method, high purity Ag nanoplates were successfully generated (up to 100%). It was found that the amounts of hydrogen peroxide and TSC added to the solution are key to controlling the shape of Ag nanoparticles from spherical nanoparticles to hexagonal nanoplates and triangular nanoplates, depending on the Ag -to-hydrogen peroxide ratio and the Ag -to-TSC ratio used. This unique shape evolution process was carefully followed by a combination of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mean edge length of the triangular nanoplates varies from 65 nm to 100 nm. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is shown to increase the in-plane dimensions of the nanoplates as its relative concentration to Ag increases.
A Novel Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes: The Zucker Fatty Diabetes Mellitus ZFDM Rat
Authors: Yokoi Norihide , Hoshino Masayuki , Hidaka Shihomi , Yoshida Eri , Beppu Masayuki , Hoshikawa Ritsuko , Sudo Katsuko , Kawada Akihiko , Takagi Sadaaki , Seino Susumu
Published: February 2013

The Zucker fatty (ZF) rat harboring a missense mutation (fatty, fa) in the leptin receptor gene (Lepr) develops obesity without diabetes; Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats derived from the ZF strain exhibit obesity with diabetes and are widely used for research on type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we establish a novel diabetic strain derived from normoglycemic ZF rats. In our ZF rat colony, we incidentally foundfa/fahomozygous male rats having reproductive ability, which is generally absent in these animals. During maintenance of this strain by matingfa/famales andfa/+heterozygous females, we further identifiedfa/famale rats exhibiting diabetes. We then performed selective breeding using thefa/famale rats that exhibited relatively high blood glucose levels at 10 weeks of age, resulting in establishment of a diabetic strain that we designated Hos:ZFDM-Leprfa(ZFDM). Thesefa/famale rats developed diabetes as early as 10 weeks of age, reaching 100% incidence by 21 weeks of age, while none of thefa/+male rats developed diabetes. The phenotypic characteristics of this diabetic strain are distinct from those of normoglycemic ZF rats. ZFDM rat strain having high reproductive efficiency should serve as a more useful animal model of T2D.
Insulin Sensitivity and Beta-Cell Function Are Associated with Arterial Stiffness in Individuals without Hypertension
Authors: Meng Chuchen , Sun Min , Wang Zhixiao , Fu Qi , Cao Mengdie , Zhu Zhenxin , Mao Jia , Shi Yun , Tang Wei , Huang Xiaoping , Duan Yu , Yang Tao
Published: February 2013

Aim. We investigated the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell function in Chinese individuals with or without hypertension.Methods. We recruited 3137 nondiabetic individuals whose age, body mass index (BMI), glucose levels, blood pressure (BP), lipids, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), baPWV, and insulin levels were measured.Results. In normotensive group, 2 h glucose levels (β=0.046,P<0.001) associated with baPWV, showed a significant increase in patients with NG as compared to those with DM (P=0.032). The hypertensive group showed no such differences. The Matsuda index (β=0.114,P<0.001) and HOMA-β(β=0.045,P<0.001) were negatively correlated with baPWV while lnHOMA-IR (β=0.196,P=0.076) and the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) (β=0.226,P=0.046) showed a borderline negative correlation. BaPWV significantly decreased (P=0.032) with an increase in insulin sensitivity in individuals with both normal BP and glucose tolerance.Conclusions. BaPWV was significantly associated with 2 h glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in normotensive population, whereas in hypertensive individuals, BP was the dominant factor influencing arterial stiffness. Individuals with abnormal insulin sensitivity in the absence of diabetes and hypertension are also at an increased risk of arterial stiffness.
“Preventing the Pain” When Working with Family and Sexual Violence in Primary Care
Authors: Coles Jan , Dartnall Elizabeth , Astbury Jill
Published: February 2013

Primary care professionals (PCPs) are increasingly being expected to identify and respond to family and sexual violence as the chronic nature and severity of the long-term health impacts are increasingly recognized. This discussion paper reports the authors’ expert opinion from their experiences running international workshops to prevent trauma among those who work and research sexual violence. It describes the burnout and secondary traumatic stress literature which provides the evidence supporting their work. Implications for practicing basic training in response to trauma and ongoing education are a key area for responding to family violence and preventing professional stress. A professional culture that supports and values caring well for those who have experienced family violence as well as “caring for the carer” is needed. Working in teams and having more support systems in place are likely to protect PCPs from secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Undergraduate and postgraduate training of PCPs to develop trauma knowledge and the skills to ask about and respond to family violence safely are essential. In addition, the healthcare system, workplace, and the individual practitioner support structures need to be in place to enable PCPs to provide safe and effective long-term care and access to other appropriate services for those who have experienced family violence.
Energy Conditions in a Generalized Second-Order Scalar-Tensor Gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Waheed Saira
Published: February 2013

The study of energy conditions has many significant applications in general relativistic and cosmological contexts. This paper explores the energy conditions in the framework of the most general scalar-tensor theory with field equations involving second-order derivatives. For this purpose, we use flat FRW universe model with perfect fluid matter contents. By taking power law ansatz for scalar field, we discuss the strong, weak, null, and dominant energy conditions in terms of deceleration, jerk, and snap parameters. Some particular cases of this theory likek-essence model, modified gravity theories and so forth. are analyzed with the help of the derived energy conditions, and the possible constraints on the free parameters of the presented models are determined.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Nerve Conduction in Small Diameter Fibers in the Rat
Authors: Zotova Elena G. , Arezzo Joseph C.
Published: February 2013

A novel noninvasive technique was applied to measure velocity within slow conducting axons in the distal extreme of the sciatic nerve (i.e., digital nerve) in a rat model. The technique is based on the extraction of rectified multiple unit activity (MUA) from in vivo whole nerve compound responses. This method reliably identifies compound action potentials in thinly myelinated fibers conducting at a range of 9–18 m/s ( axons), as well as in a subgroup of unmyelinated C fibers conducting at approximately 1-2 m/s. The sensitivity of the method to C-fiber conduction was confirmed by the progressive decrement of the responses in the 1-2 m/s range over a 20-day period following the topical application of capsaicin (ANOVA ). Increasing the frequency of applied repetitive stimulation over a range of 0.75 Hz to 6.0 Hz produced slowing of conduction and a significant decrease in the magnitude of the compound C-fiber response (ANOVA ). This technique offers a unique opportunity for the noninvasive, repeatable, and quantitative assessment of velocity in the subsets of and C fibers in parallel with the evaluation of fast nerve conduction.
Protein Detection with Potentiometric Aptasensors: A Comparative Study between Polyaniline and Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Transducers
Authors: Düzgün Ali , Imran Hassan , Levon Kalle , Rius F. Xavier
Published: February 2013

A comparison study on the performance characteristics and surface characterization of two different solid‐contact selective potentiometric thrombin aptasensors, one exploiting a network of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and the other the polyaniline (PANI), both acting as a transducing element, is described in this work. The molecular properties of both SWCNT and PANI surfaces have been modified by covalently linking thrombin binding aptamers as biorecognition elements. The two aptasensors are compared and characterized through potentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) based on the voltammetric response of multiply charged transition metal cations (such as hexaammineruthenium, [Ru(NH3)6]3+) bound electrostatically to the DNA probes. The surface densities of aptamers were accurately determined by the integration of the peak for the reduction of [Ru(NH3)6]3+ to [Ru(NH3)6]2+. The differences and the similarities, as well as the transduction mechanism, are also discussed. The sensitivity is calculated as 2.97 mV/decade and 8.03 mV/decade for the PANI and SWCNTs aptasensors, respectively. These results are in accordance with the higher surface density of the aptamers in the SWCNT potentiometric sensor.
An Integrated Model of Material Supplier Selection and Order Allocation Using Fuzzy Extended AHP and Multiobjective Programming
Authors: Li Zhi , Wong W. K. , Kwong C. K.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a supplier selection and order allocation (SSOA) model to solve the problem of a multiperiod supplier selection and then order allocation in the environment of short product life cycle and frequent material purchasing, for example, fast fashion environment in apparel industry. At the first stage, with consideration of multiple decision criteria and the fuzziness of the data involved in deciding the preferences of multiple decision variables in supplier selection, the fuzzy extent analytic hierarchy process (FEAHP) is adopted. In the second stage, supplier ranks are inputted into an order allocation model that aims at minimizing the risk of material purchasing and minimizing the total material purchasing costs using a dynamic programming approach, subject to constraints on deterministic customer demand and deterministic supplier capacity. Numerical examples are presented, and computational results are reported.
Dental Maturity in Saudi Children Using the Demirjian Method: A Comparative Study and New Prediction Models
Authors: Baghdadi Ziad D.
Published: February 2013

A sample of 422 dental panoramic radiographs from individuals of known age (from 4 to 14 yrs), sex (males: 217, females: 205), and ethnicity (Saudi) was collected. A dental maturation score for each individual was calculated using the Demirjian method. Age was then estimated using the original Demirjian curves and tables based on French-Canadian population and population-specific curves and tables for Arab (Saudi and Kuwaiti) and European (Belgian) populations. The differences between dental age and chronological age were analyzed and compared using pairedt-tests, one-way ANOVA test, and apost hocScheffé’s test. The Demirjian method utilizing French-Canadian standards presented significant difference between dental age and chronological age for the total sample and in the vast majority of age groups in both sexes. The mean overestimation of age was about 10 months (P<0.05). The tables designed specifically for Arab populations had a significantly lower error than the tables designed for French-Canadian and Belgian populations. The latter had the largest error in age predication. New age prediction models and maturation scores for Saudi population were developed based on the Demirjian method using multinomial functions.
A Case of Multiple Myeloma Coexisting with Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Khan Moona , Natarajan Aparna , Mohammedabdul Mubeenkhan , Mustafa Usman , Yedulla Kalpana , Mirrakhimov Aibek E.
Published: February 2013

Hypercalcemia is a common medical problem with an estimated prevalence of 15% among hospitalized patients. Multiple myeloma (MM) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are among the most common causes of hypercalcemia but coexistence of both pathologic processes in a patient is an extremely rare phenomenon. In this paper we have discussed a patient presenting with this rare phenomenon. We have also provided a comprehensive review of the scientific literature published on codiagnosis of MM and PHPT.
Weak Convergence Theorem for Finding Fixed Points and Solution of Split Feasibility and Systems of Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Sombut Kamonrat , Plubtieng Somyot
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an iterative algorithm for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of quasi-nonexpansive mappings and the solution of split feasibility problems (SFP) and systems of equilibrium problems (SEP) in Hilbert spaces. We prove that the sequences generated by the proposed algorithm converge weakly to a common element of the fixed points set of quasi-nonexpansive mappings and the solution of split feasibility problems and systems of equilibrium problems under mild conditions. Our main result improves and extends the recent ones announced by Ceng et al. (2012) and many others.
Association of the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 Alleles in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Nephropathy in the Han Ethnicity of China
Authors: Ma Ze-Jun , Sun Pei , Guo Gang , Zhang Rui , Chen Li-Ming
Published: February 2013

HLA gene system is one of the most polymorphic regions of the human genome. The association of HLA class II genes in T1DM pathogenesis has been reported for several ethnicities. Associations of HLA class II genes with T2DM have revealed inconsistent results. Moreover, correlations between DN and HLA alleles remain unclear. We carried out DNA typing chip by specific medium resolution typing probes in 310 T2DM subjects (including 210 patients with DN and 100 patients without DN) in addition to 100 healthy controls. Differences were found between patients with T2DM and the control group in the frequencies of the HLA-DQA1*0301 (15.5% versus 8.0%,P<0.01) and the HLA-DQA1*0501 alleles (16.6% versus 8.5%,P<0.01). Differences were found between patients with DN and without DN in the frequencies of the HLA-DQA1*0302 (6.9% versus 13.5%,P<0.01) and HLA-DQB1*0501 alleles (5.8% versus 14.5%,P<0.01). Diabetes duration and systolic blood pressure were independent risk factors associated with DN (OR=2.277and 1.366, resp.,P<0.05), whereas the HLA-DQB1*0501 llele had a protective effect on DN (OR=0.53,P<0.05). These data suggest the HLA-DQA1*0301 and HLA-DQA1*0501 alleles are markers of susceptibility for T2DM, and the HLA-DQB1*0501 allele is associated with a protective effect on DN in Han ethnicity of China.
On the Effect of Unit-Cell Parameters in Predicting the Elastic Response of Wood-Plastic Composites
Authors: Alavi Fatemeh , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Milani Abbas S. , Karimi Davoud
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a study on the effect of unit-cell geometrical parameters in predicting elastic properties of a typical wood plastic composite (WPC). The ultimate goal was obtaining the optimal values of representative volume element (RVE) parameters to accurately predict the mechanical behavior of the WPC. For each unit cell, defined by a given combination of the above geometrical parameters, finite element simulation in ABAQUS was carried out, and the corresponding stress-strain curve was obtained. A uniaxial test according to ASTM D638-02a type V was performed on the composite specimen. Modulus of elasticity was determined using hyperbolic tangent function, and the results were compared to the sets of finite element analyses. Main effects of RVE parameters and their interactions were demonstrated and discussed, specially regarding the inclusion of two adjacent wood particles within one unit cell of the material. Regression analysis was performed to mathematically model the RVE parameter effects and their interactions over the modulus of elasticity response. The model was finally employed in an optimization analysis to arrive at an optimal set of RVE parameters that minimizes the difference between the predicted and experimental moduli of elasticity.
Quasi-Hadamard Product of Certainω-Starlike andω-Convex Functions with respect to Symmetric Points
Authors: Tang Huo , Deng Guan-Tie
Published: February 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to derive some results associated with the quasi-Hadamard product of certainω-starlike andω-convex univalent analytic functions with respect to symmetric points.
Vitamin D: Are We Ready to Supplement for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment?
Authors: Crew Katherine D.
Published: February 2013

Vitamin D deficiency is a potentially modifiable risk factor that may be targeted for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Preclinical studies support various antitumor effects of vitamin D in breast cancer. Numerous observational studies have reported an inverse association between vitamin D status, including circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and breast cancer risk. The relationship between vitamin D and mammographic density, a strong predictor of breast cancer risk, remains unclear. Studies analyzing the link between genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D pathway genes and breast cancer incidence and prognosis have yielded inconsistent results. Vitamin D deficiency among breast cancer patients has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes and increased mortality. Despite a number of clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation, the efficacy, optimal dosage of vitamin D, and target blood level of 25(OH)D for breast cancer prevention have yet to be determined. Even with substantial literature on vitamin D and breast cancer, future studies need to focus on gaining a better understanding of the biologic effects of vitamin D in breast tissue. Despite compelling data from experimental and observational studies, there is still insufficient data from clinical trials to make recommendations for vitamin D supplementation for breast cancer prevention or treatment.
Application ofScutellariae radix,Gardeniae fructus, and Probiotics to PreventSalmonella entericaSerovar Choleraesuis Infection in Swine
Authors: Chang Chiung-Hung , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chiou Ming-Tang , Su Chiu-Hsian , Chen Daniel S. , Tsai Chin-En , Yu Bi , Hsu Yuan-Man
Published: February 2013

Salmonella entericaserovar Choleraesuis, a host-adapted pathogen of swine, usually causes septicemia. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains have been widely studied in recent years for their probiotic properties. In this study, a mouse infection model first screened for potential agents against infection, then a pig infection model evaluated effects of LAB strains and herbal plants against infection.Scutellariae radix(SR) andGardeniae fructus(GF) showed abilities to reduce bacteria shedding and suppressing serum level of TNF-αinduced by infection in swine. Bioactivities of SR and GF were enhanced by combining with LAB strains, which alone could speed up the bacteria elimination time in feces and boost immunity of infected pigs. Baicalein and genipin exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than baicalin and geniposide did, as well as preventSalmonellafrom invading macrophages. Our study suggests LAB strains as exhibiting multiple functions: preventing infection, enhancing immunity to prepare host defenses against further infection, and adjusting intestinal microbes’ enzymatic activity in order to convert herbal compounds to active compounds. The SR/GF-LAB strain mixture holds potential infection-prevention agents supplied as feed additives.
Variation in the Biochemical Composition of the Edible Seaweed Grateloupia turuturu Yamada Harvested from Two Sampling Sites on the Brittany Coast (France): The Influence of Storage Method on the Extraction of the Seaweed Pigment R‐Phycoerythrin
Authors: Munier Mathilde , Dumay Justine , Morançais Michèle , Jaouen Pascal , Fleurence Joël
Published: February 2013

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the biochemical content of seaweeds varies according to seasonality in a restricted area. In this study, the influence of sampling site on the biochemical composition of the edible red seaweed Grateloupia turuturu Yamada was investigated, but not its variation over time. Some differences in water‐soluble protein (7.19  ±  0.74 mg · g−1 dw and 19.15  ±  0.47 mg · g−1 dw), water‐soluble carbohydrate (16.05  ±  0.82 mg · g−1 dw and 41.57  ±  0.66 mg · g−1 dw), and lipid contents (28.07  ±  5.12 mg · g−1 dw and 54.35  ±  2.05 mg · g−1 dw) were recorded between the two sites chosen on the Brittany coast (France). The yield of R‐phycoerythrin (R‐PE) contained in the seaweed also varied according to the sampling site (1.16  ±  0.33 mg · g−1 dw versus 4.39  ±  0.15 mg · g−1 dw). In addition, the effect of storage conditions on the preservation of R‐PE was studied. The results demonstrated that freezing is the best preservation method in terms of R‐PE extraction yield and purity index. In conclusion, this study shows that the sampling site influences the biochemical content of the red seaweed Grateloupia turuturu. Moreover, the extraction yield of R‐phycoerythrin and its purity index depend on both the sampling site and the sample storage method.
Fatal Aortic Dissection in a Patient with Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nayar Anjeli K. , Casciello Michael , Slim Jennifer N. , Slim Ahmad M.
Published: February 2013

Giant cell arteritis may lead to catastrophic, large-vessel complications from chronic vascular wall inflammation without prompt diagnosis and treatment. We describe a rare case of acute aortic dissection without preceding aneurysm secondary to histologically confirmed giant cell arteritis (GCA) in an 85-year-old female with a four-year history of polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis diagnosed per biopsy six months prior to presentation. The literature is reviewed and the clinical implications of this case are discussed.
Malignant Müllerian Mixed Tumor of the Uterine Cervix with a Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Component
Authors: Munakata Satoru , Iwai Emi , Tanaka Tomohito , Nakamura Michihiko , Kanda Takayoshi
Published: February 2013

Malignant Müllerian mixed tumors (MMMTs) of the uterine cervix are extremely rare, accounting for 0.005% of all cervical malignancies. To date, only approximately 50 well-documented cases have been reported. Although several epithelial components have been described in cervical MMMTs, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCC) has not appeared in the English literature. We present a 43-year-old woman, para 2 gravida 2, who had MMMT with SCC and rhabdomyosarcoma components in the uterine cervix. She was referred to our hospital because of a cervical mass with an abnormal Pap smear result. Cervical biopsy revealed SCC. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy with balloon-occluded arterial infusion, she underwent type II radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Histological analysis revealed that the cervical tumor comprised SCC and rhabdomyosarcoma components. Genotype analysis indicated human papillomavirus type 18. She underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy. The patient had been free of the disease and showed no evidence of recurrence 38 months after operation.
Polystyrene/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Study of the Morphology and Effects of Sonication Time on Thermal Stability
Authors: Alshabanat Mashael , Al-Arrash Amal , Mekhamer Waffa
Published: February 2013

Polymer nanocomposites of polystyrene matrix containing 10% wt of organo‐montmorillonite (organo‐MMT) were prepared using the solution method with sonication times of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 hours. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is used to modify the montmorillonite clay after saturating its surface with Na+ ions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the montmorillonite before and after modification by CTAB. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using the same analysis methods. These results confirm the intercalation of PS in the interlamellar spaces of organo‐MMT with a very small quantity of exfoliation of the silicate layers within the PS matrix of all samples at all studied times of sonication. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show clear improvement, and the effects of sonication time are noted.
Energy-Efficient Prediction Clustering Algorithm for Multilevel Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Peng Jian , Liu Tang , Li Hongyou , Guo Bing
Published: February 2013

In designing wireless sensor networks, it is important to reduce energy dissipation and prolong network lifetime. This paper presents research on the existing clustering algorithm applied in heterogeneous sensor networks and then puts forward an energy-efficient prediction clustering algorithm, which is adaptive to sensor networks with energy and objects heterogeneous. This algorithm enables the nodes to select the cluster head according to factors such as energy and communication cost, thus the nodes with higher residual energy have higher probability to become a cluster head than those with lower residual energy, so that the network energy can be dissipated uniformly. In order to reduce energy consumption when broadcasting in clustering phase and prolong network lifetime, an energy consumption prediction model is established for regular data acquisition nodes. Simulation results show that compared with current clustering algorithms, this algorithm can achieve longer sensor network lifetime, higher energy efficiency, and superior network monitoring quality.
HIV-Associated Central Nervous System Disease in Patients Admitted at the Douala General Hospital between 2004 and 2009: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Luma Henry Namme , Tchaleu Benjamin Clet Nguenkam , Temfack Elvis , Doualla Marie Solange , Ndenga Daniela Pamela Ntchankam , Mapoure Yacouba Njankouo , Njamnshi Alfred Kinyuy , Djientcheu Vincent-de-Paul
Published: February 2013

Background. Studies on HIV-associated central nervous system (CNS) diseases in Cameroon are rare. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, identify aetiological factors, and determine predictors of mortality in HIV patients with CNS disease.Methods. From January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2009, we did at the Douala General Hospital a clinical case note review of 672 admitted adult (age ≥ 18 years) HIV-1 patients, and 44.6% (300/672) of whom were diagnosed and treated for HIV-associated CNS disease.Results. The mean age of the study population was years, and median CD4 count was 49 cells/mm3(interquartile range (QR): 17–90). The most common clinical presentations were headache (83%), focal signs (40.6%), and fever (37.7%). Toxoplasma encephalitis and cryptococcal meningitis were the leading aetiologies of HIV-associated CNS disease in 32.3% and 25% of patients, respectively. Overall mortality was 49%. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and bacterial meningitis had the highest case fatality rates of 100% followed by tuberculous meningitis (79.8%). Low CD4 count was an independent predictor of fatality (AOR: 3.2, 95%CI: 2.0–5.2).Conclusions. HIV-associated CNS disease is common in Douala. CNS symptoms in HIV patients need urgent investigation because of their association with diseases of high case fatality.
Estimation of Open Boundary Conditions for an Internal Tidal Model with Adjoint Method: A Comparative Study on Optimization Methods
Authors: Chen Haibo , Miao Chunbao , Lv Xianqing
Published: February 2013

Based on an internal tidal model, the practical performances of the limited-memory BFGS (L-BFGS) method and two gradient descent (GD) methods (the normal one with Wolfe’s line search and the simplified one) are investigated computationally through a series of ideal experiments in which the open boundary conditions (OBCs) are inverted by assimilating the interior observations with the adjoint method. In the case that the observations closer to the unknown boundary are included for assimilation, the L-BFGS method performs the best. As compared with the simplified GD method, the normal one really uses less iteration to reach a satisfactory solution, but its advantage over the simplified one is much smaller than expected. In the case that only the observations that are further from the unknown boundary are assimilated, the simplified GD method performs the best instead, whereas the performances of the other two methods are not satisfactory. The advanced L-BFGS algorithm and Wolfe’s line search still need to be improved when applied to the practical cases. The simplified GD method, which is controllable and easy to implement, should be regarded seriously as a choice, especially when the classical advanced optimization techniques fail or perform poorly.
A High Resolution Method for Fluid Prediction Based on Geostatistical Inversion
Authors: Yu Zhen , He Jing
Published: February 2013

In order to predict the fluid in thin layer precisely, this paper proposed a high-resolution method for fluid prediction. The method used geostatistical inversion with lithology masks to calculate water saturation. We applied this method to theoretical model and real data. The result was compared with that of prestack AVA simultaneous inversion for fluid prediction. It showed that this method had high resolution both in vertical and lateral directions for fluid prediction and could also predict the fluid in thin layer efficiently.
Recurrent Vertigo: Is it Takayasu's Arteritis?
Authors: Ashutosh Tiwari , Nilesh Kumar , Nandan Varshney Ankur , Dibyaranjan Behera , Arvind Anand , Ravi Anand , Singh N. K.
Published: February 2013

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory disease, that is more common in females and Asian countries. A 38-year-old female presented with recurrent vertigo. Detailed examination revealed discrepancies in peripheral pulses and raised blood pressure in bilateral lower limbs. Possibility of vasculitis involving arch of aorta or its branches was kept. Investigations were suggestive of Takayasu's arteritis, and noncontrast tomographic scanning (NCCT) of head showed B/L parietal infarcts. The disease is itself uncommon, and the presentation with vertigo only is rare. In this case vertigo may be due to Takayasu's arteritis itself or due to bilateral parietal infarcts.
Classic (Nonquantic) Algorithm for Observations and Measurements Based on Statistical Strategies of Particles Fields
Authors: Savastru D. , Dontu Simona , Savastru Roxana , Sterian Andreea Rodica
Published: February 2013

Our knowledge about surroundings can be achieved by observations and measurements but both are influenced by errors (noise). Therefore one of the first tasks is to try to eliminate the noise by constructing instruments with high accuracy. But any real observed and measured system is characterized by natural limits due to the deterministic nature of the measured information. The present work is dedicated to the identification of these limits. We have analyzed some algorithms for selection and estimation based on statistical hypothesis and we have developed a theoretical method for their validation. A classic (non-quantic) algorithm for observations and measurements based on statistical strategies of optical field is presented in detail. A generalized statistical strategy for observations and measurements on the nuclear particles, is based on these results, taking into account the particular type of statistics resulting from the measuring process also.
Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Ţălu Simona-Delia
Published: February 2013

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows the visualization of the retinal microarchitecture as cross-sectional or tomographic volumetric data. The usefulness of OCT in the management of various retinal diseases is validated by the possibility to allow early diagnosis and to help in the decision-making process. OCT is applied by two main methods: time domain (TD-OCT) and spectral domain (SD-OCT). The advantages of SD-OCT over TD-OCT are significant improvement of the image axial resolution, decreased acquisition times, reduction of motion artifacts, increased area of retinal sampling, and the possibility to create topographic maps by the three-dimensional evaluation of tissues. OCT is the most precise method to measure the central macular thickness (which is the most important practical parameter) in vivo. It has been demonstrated that there are differences in the retinal thickness measurements between OCT models, explained by the higher axial and transverse resolutions of the newer devices. Further research has led to significant improvements in OCT technology represented by ultrahigh resolution OCT (UHR-OCT), swept source OCT (SS-OCT), enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT), and adaptive optics. Technological progress in OCT imaging offered new perspectives for better understanding the retinal diseases, opening new avenues for the fundamental and clinical research. This is a review of the data in the literature concerning the evolution of OCT technology in the field of retinal imaging.
Comparison of Distal Hypospadias Repair in Circumcised Patients and Uncircumcised Patients
Authors: Kazemi Rashed Fahimeh , Gholizade Rasool
Published: February 2013

Hypospadias is the most common anomaly in the male genital tract with an incidence of 0.8–8.2 per 1000 live male births. Routinely, hypospadias cases are repaired after one year of age, and it is recommended that a child with hypospadias not to be circumcised until hypospadias repair is completed. This study was conducted to determine whether or not circumcision prior to hypospadias repair increases the risk of complications. 30 circumcised patients and 30 persons without a history of circumcision and hypospadias were enrolled in this study and underwent surgery for hypospadias repair. The results of surgery compared between two groups. In the uncircumcised group, the mean durations of surgery and hospitalization were  min and days. In circumcised group, the mean duration of surgery and hospitalization were minutes and days. There was no significant difference between these criteria and other complications of the two groups. This study shows that postoperative complications in circumcised distal hypospadias patients do not increase. Cosmetic and functional results were excellent. If there are failures in therapy and in case of postoperative complications, it is better to notice other factors such as infection.
Approximation for Transient of Nonlinear Circuits Using RHPM and BPES Methods
Authors: Vazquez-Leal H. , Boubaker K. , Hernandez-Martinez L. , Huerta-Chua J.
Published: February 2013

The microelectronics area constantly demands better and improved circuit simulation tools. Therefore, in this paper, rational homotopy perturbation method and Boubaker Polynomials Expansion Scheme are applied to a differential equation from a nonlinear circuit. Comparing the results obtained by both techniques revealed that they are effective and convenient.