bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume bounds of conic 2-spheres
Authors: Fang Hao , Lai Mijia
Published: January 2018

We obtain sharp volume bound for a conic 2-sphere in terms of its Gaussian curvature bound. We also give the geometric models realizing the extremal volume. In particular, when the curvature is bounded in absolute value by [Formula: see text], we compute the minimal volume of a conic sphere in the sense of Gromov. In order to apply the level set analysis and isoperimetric inequality as in our previous works, we develop new analytical tools to treat regions with vanishing curvature.
An analysis of the delay-dependent HIV-1 protease inhibitor model
Authors: Divya M. , Pitchaimani M.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we have studied about the sensitivity analysis of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor (PI) model and estimated the length of the delay. We have fabricated an HIV PI model accompanied with humoral immunity. Stability analysis of the constructed model about its steady states has been deliberated. We have evaluated some numerical simulations for PI model with humoral immunity by using the existing patient data.
Saliency Aggregation: Multifeature and Neighbor Based Salient Region Detection for Social Images
Authors: Liang Ye , Lang Congyan , Yu Jian , Liu Hongzhe , Ma Nan
Published: January 2018

The popularity of social networks has brought the rapid growth of social images which have become an increasingly important image type. One of the most obvious attributes of social images is the tag. However, the sate-of-the-art methods fail to fully exploit the tag information for saliency detection. Thus this paper focuses on salient region detection of social images using both image appearance features and image tag cues. First, a deep convolution neural network is built, which considers both appearance features and tag features. Second, tag neighbor and appearance neighbor based saliency aggregation terms are added to the saliency model to enhance salient regions. The aggregation method is dependent on individual images and considers the performance gaps appropriately. Finally, we also have constructed a new large dataset of challenging social images and pixel-wise saliency annotations to promote further researches and evaluations of visual saliency models. Extensive experiments show that the proposed method performs well on not only the new dataset but also several state-of-the-art saliency datasets.
A Comparison of Pd0 Nanoparticles and Pd2+ Modified Bi2O2CO3 for Visible Light-Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Meng Xiangchao , Li Zizhen , Yun Nan , Zhang Zisheng
Published: January 2018

As two effective approaches to increase the visible light-absorption capacities of photocatalysts, ion doping and metallic nanoparticles loading are compared in this work. Palladium was selected to modify Bi2O2CO3. Compared to dispersing palladium nanoparticles on the photocatalyst surface, it was more effective for the method of doping with palladium to shift the energy level within the bandgap of Bi2O2CO3 in improving its photocatalytic activity under visible light. This might be because doping with Pd2+ narrows the band gap of Bi2O2CO3 so as to increase the absorption capacity of visible light photons. Pd nanoparticles on the other hand can absorb photons to produce electrons which are then utilized by Bi2O2CO3 for photocatalytic reactions. Different mechanisms resulted in significant differences, and this work provides solid evidence that ion doping may be a more effective method to improve the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O2CO3.
The Use of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers Undergoing Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Retrospective Consecutive Case-Series Study
Authors: Câmara Sara , Pereira Daniela , André Saudade , Mira Beatriz , Vaz Fátima , Oom Rodrigo , Marques José Carlos , Leal de Faria João , Rodrigues dos Santos Catarina
Published: January 2018

Introduction. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in prophylactic mastectomy is controversial. It avoids lymphadenectomy in occult carcinoma but is associated with increased morbidity. Women with BRCA mutations have a higher incidence of occult carcinoma and our objective was to assess the clinical utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy when these women undergo prophylactic mastectomy. Materials and Methods. Seven-year retrospective consecutive case-series study of women, with a BRCA deleterious mutation, admitted to prophylactic mastectomy, at our center. Breast MRI < 6 months before surgery was routine, unless contraindicated. Results. Fifty-seven patients (43% BRCA1; 57% BRCA2) underwent 80 prophylactic mastectomies. 72% of patients had had breast cancer treated before prophylactic mastectomy or synchronously to it. The occult carcinoma incidence was 5%, and half of the cases were invasive. SLNB was performed in 19% of the prophylactic mastectomies; none of these had tumor invasion. Women with invasive carcinoma who had not undergone sentinel lymph node biopsy were followed closely with axillary ultrasound. The median follow-up was 37 months, with no local recurrence; 1 patient died of primary tumor systemic relapse. Conclusions. Our data do not support this procedure for routine (in agreement with previous literature), in this high risk for occult carcinoma population.
A Novel Edge Detection Algorithm for Mobile Robot Path Planning
Authors: Al-Jarrah Rami , Al-Jarrah Mohammad , Roth Hubert
Published: January 2018

A novel detection algorithm for vision systems has been proposed based on combined fuzzy image processing and bacterial algorithm. This combination aims to increase the detection efficiency and reduce the computational time. In addition, the proposed algorithm has been tested through real-time robot navigation system, where it has been applied to detect the robot and obstacles in unstructured environment and generate 2D maps. These maps contain the starting and destination points in addition to current positions of the robot and obstacles. Moreover, the genetic algorithm (GA) has been modified and applied to produce time-based trajectory for the optimal path. It is based on proposing and enhancing the searching ability of the robot to move towards the optimal path solution. Many scenarios have been adopted in indoor environment to verify the capability of the new algorithm in terms of detection efficiency and computational time.
Comment on “On the Carleman Classes of Vectors of a Scalar Type Spectral Operator”
Authors: Markin Marat V.
Published: January 2018

The results of three papers, in which the author inadvertently overlooks certain deficiencies in the descriptions of the Carleman classes of vectors, in particular the Gevrey classes, of a scalar type spectral operator in a complex Banach space established in “On the Carleman Classes of Vectors of a Scalar Type Spectral Operator,” Int. J. Math. Math. Sci. 2004 (2004), no. 60, 3219–3235, are observed to remain true due to more recent findings.
The Impact of Price on the Profits of Fishermen Exploiting Tritrophic Prey-Predator Fish Populations
Authors: Bentounsi Meriem , Agmour Imane , Achtaich Naceur , El Foutayeni Youssef
Published: January 2018

We define and study a tritrophic bioeconomic model of Lotka-Volterra with a prey, middle predator, and top predator populations. These fish populations are exploited by two fishermen. We study the existence and the stability of the equilibrium points by using eigenvalues analysis and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. We determine the equilibrium point that maximizes the profit of each fisherman by solving the Nash equilibrium problem. Finally, following some numerical simulations, we observe that if the price varies, then the profit behavior of each fisherman will be changed; also, we conclude that the price change mechanism improves the fishing effort of the fishermen.
Characteristics of Local Modulation Beam Propagating through Spatial Filter System
Authors: You Kewei , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Xuejie , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: January 2018

As local defects may significantly harm beam quality and affect safe operation, a systematic analysis of the ability of a spatial filter to alleviate these adverse effects is required. Thus, the evolutional characteristics of a beam modulated by a local defect propagating through a spatial filter system at an image reply plane and a downstream plane are analyzed in detail. Modulation stripes appear at the image reply plane; these are caused by the pinhole cutoff effect. The modulation degree increases with increasing defect size. The maximum intensification factor can reach 3.2 under certain conditions. Thus, the defect size should be restricted to a reasonable size for safe operation with a specified pinhole size. Moreover, a maximal value appears at the downstream plane, and the intensity enhances with increasing defect size. To ensure beam quality, the maximum allowable defect size and angle of the spatial filter should meet special constraints. The maximum allowable defect size is calculated based on practical configuration parameters.
Isolation and Identification of Compounds from Bioactive Extracts of Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg. (Dandelion) as a Potential Source of Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Díaz Katy , Espinoza Luis , Madrid Alejandro , Pizarro Leonardo , Chamy Rolando
Published: January 2018

Currently, the most effective treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections in women is antibiotics. However, the limitation for this treatment is the duration and dosage of antibiotics and the resistance that bacteria develop after a long period of administration. With the aim of identifying mainly novel natural agents with antibacterial activity, the present study was undertaken to investigate the biological and phytochemical properties of extracts from the leaves Taraxacum officinale. The structural identification of compounds present in hexane (Hex) and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) extracts was performed by mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) spectroscopic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with the major compounds corresponding to different sesquiterpene lactones (α‐santonin, glabellin, arborescin, and estafiatin), monoterpene (9,10‐dimethyltricycle [4.2.1.1 (2,5)]decane‐9,10‐diol), phytosterol (Stigmasta‐5,22‐dien‐3β‐ol acetate), terpenes (lupeol acetate, pregn‐5‐en‐20‐one‐3β‐acetyloxy‐17‐hydroxy, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy benzaldehyde), and coumarin (benzofuranone 5,6,7,7‐a‐tetraaldehyde‐4,4,7a‐trimethyl). The results obtained show that the Hex extract was highly active against Staphylococcus aureus showing a MIC of 200 μg/mL and moderately active against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC values of 400 μg/mL and 800 μg/mL for the other Gram‐negative strains tested with Proteus mirabilis as uropathogens in vitro. Therefore, the effective dandelion extracts could be used in the development of future products with industrial application.
Stability and Complexity Analysis of Temperature Index Model Considering Stochastic Perturbation
Authors: Wang Jing
Published: January 2018

A temperature index model with delay and stochastic perturbation is constructed in this paper. It explores the influence of parameters and stochastic factors on the stability and complexity of the model. Based on historical temperature data of four cities of Anhui Province in China, the temperature periodic variation trends of approximately sinusoidal curves of four cities are given, respectively. In addition, we analyze the existence conditions of the local stability of the temperature index model without stochastic term and estimate its parameters by using the same historical data of the four cities, respectively. The numerical simulation results of the four cities are basically consistent with the descriptions of their historical temperature data, which proves that the temperature index model constructed has good fitting degree. It also shows that unreasonable delay parameter can make the model lose stability and improve the complexity. Stochastic factors do not usually change the trend in temperature, but they can cause high frequency fluctuations in the process of temperature evolution. Stability control is successfully realized for unstable systems by the variable feedback control method. The trend of temperature changes in Anhui Province is deduced by analyzing four typical cities.
Electroacupuncture Improved the Function of Myocardial Ischemia Involved in the Hippocampus‐Paraventricular Nucleus‐Sympathetic Nerve Pathway
Authors: Cui Shuai , Zhou Yiping , Wu Shengbing , Cao Jian , Zhu Guoqi , Zhou Meiqi
Published: January 2018

We investigated the hippocampus‐paraventricular nucleus‐ (PVN‐) sympathetic nerve pathway in electroacupuncture (EA) at the heart meridian for the treatment of myocardial ischemia by observing PVN neuronal discharge, sympathetic nerve discharge, and hemodynamics parameters. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were equally divided into four groups: Sham, Model, Model + EA, and Model + EA + Lesion. The model rat was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Changes in the sympathetic nerve discharge and hemodynamic parameters were observed. The Model + EA exhibited a significantly lower discharge frequency of PVN neurons compared with the Model. The Model + EA + Lesion had a significantly higher discharge frequency compared with the Model + EA. The total discharge frequency of PVN neurons and interneurons were positively correlated with the sympathetic nerve discharge. The total discharge frequency of PVN neurons was positively correlated with heart rate (HR) and negatively correlated with mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rate pressure product (RPP). The discharge frequency of interneurons was positively correlated with HR and negatively correlated with MAP and RPP. The hippocampus‐PVN‐sympathetic nerve pathway is involved in electroacupuncture at the heart meridian and interneurons are the key neurons in PVNs.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Derived Mannan Does Not Alter Immune Responses to Aspergillus Allergens
Authors: Lew D. Betty , LeMessurier Kim S. , Palipane Maneesha , Lin Yanyan , Samarasinghe Amali E.
Published: January 2018

Severe asthma with fungal sensitization predominates in the population suffering from allergic asthma, to which there is no cure. While corticosteroids are the mainstay in current treatment, other means of controlling inflammation may be beneficial. Herein, we hypothesized that mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae would dampen the characteristics of fungal allergic asthma by altering the pulmonary immune responses. Using wild-type and transgenic mice expressing the human mannose receptor on smooth muscle cells, we explored the outcome of mannan administration during allergen exposure on the pathogenesis of fungal asthma through measurement of cardinal features of disease such as inflammation, goblet cell number, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Mannan treatment did not alter most hallmarks of allergic airways disease in wild-type mice. Transgenic mice treated with mannan during allergen exposure had an equivalent response to non-mannan-treated allergic mice except for a prominent granulocytic influx into airways and cytokine availability. Our studies suggest no role for mannan as an inflammatory regulator during fungal allergy.
Skinfold Thickness Measurement in Term Nigerian Neonates: Establishing Reference Values
Authors: Olutekunbi Olanike Abosede , Solarin Adaobi Uzoamaka , Senbanjo Idowu Odunayo , Disu Elizabeth Aruma , Njokanma Olisamedua Fidelis
Published: January 2018

Skin fold thickness (SFT) measurement is a reliable, cheap, simple, noninvasive method of body fat estimation at all ages including the neonatal period.Objective. To determine reference values of biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness measurements in term Nigerian newborns.Method. A prospective cross-sectional study over a six-month period (Dec 2010–May 2011) was carried out on term and healthy neonates delivered between 37 and 41 weeks. The anthropometric measurements were taken within the first 48 hours of life including the skinfold thickness. The skinfold thickness measurements were taken at four sites, namely, triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac, using Harpenden skinfold calipers. The mean of two readings was recorded.Result. A total of one thousand one hundred and sixty-eight neonates were studied. The birth weight ranged between 2000 g and 5000 g with a mean birth weight of the neonates at3259±470 g. The mean birth weight of the males (3339±0.45) was significantly higher than that of females (3200±0.44) (p<0.0001). Female neonates had higher mean values of triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness (p<0.001, resp.) while male neonates had higher mean value of biceps skinfold thickness (p=0.008). Females also had higher mean values of the sum of skinfold thicknesses at all four sites and the sum at the two truncal sites at every stratified gestational age.Conclusions. The sex specific percentile chart developed for skinfold thickness measurements can be used to detect deviation from the reference population such that infants who are at risk of nutritional or health problems are identified early, and intervention is instituted promptly.
Tadpole-Shaped POSS-Based Copolymers and the Aggregation Behavior at Air/Water Interface
Authors: Zhu Lin , Chen Fang , Ma Xiaoyan , Qiang Xiu , Li Zhiguang , Dong Chen , Zang Duyang
Published: January 2018

The aggregation behavior of three tadpole-shaped Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based block copolymers using different blocks poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA) with different block sequence and ratio (POSS-PTFEMA161-b-PMMA236, POSS-PMMA277-b-PTFEMA130, and POSS-PMMA466-b-PTFEMA172) was investigated on the air-water interface. The interfacial rheology of three block copolymers was studied by surface pressure isotherm, compression modulus measurements, and compression and expansion hysteresis analysis on the Langmuir trough. The block sequence and ratio play a great role in self-assembly behavior at the interface. Based on surface pressure isotherm analysis, a thin film with low elasticity was achieved for the POSS-PTFEMA161-b-PMMA236. Moreover, for the block copolymer with same segment sequence (POSS-PMMA2-b-PTFEMA), the thin film compression capability is increased with increasing the PMMA ratio. The morphology of the deposited LB thin film was illustrated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We observed that a thin film was composed by crater-shaped quasi-2D micelles for POSS-PTFEMA-b-PMMA, while it was proved that only flaky texture was observed for both POSS-PMMA277-b-PTFEMA130 and POSS-PMMA466-b-PTFEMA172. The thickness and area of flaky aggregates were greatly related to PMMA ratio. The different interface self-assembly structure evolution was proposed based on the interfacial rheology and thin film morphology studies.
Simultaneous Determination of Nitroimidazoles and Quinolones in Honey by Modified QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Lei Haiyan , Guo Jianbo , Lv Zhuo , Zhu Xiaohong , Xue Xiaofeng , Wu Liming , Cao Wei
Published: January 2018

This study reports an analytical method for the determination of nitroimidazole and quinolones in honey using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A modified QuEChERS methodology was used to extract the analytes and determine veterinary drugs in honey by LC-MS/MS. The linear regression was excellent at the concentration levels of 1–100 ng/mL in the solution standard curve and the matrix standard curve. The recovery rates of nitroimidazole and quinolones were 4.4% to 59.1% and 9.8% to 46.2% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 5.2% and the recovery rates of nitroimidazole and quinolones by the matrix standard curve ranged from 82.0% to 117.8% and 79% to 115.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 6.3% in acacia and jujube honey. The acacia and jujube honeys have stronger matrix inhibition effect to nitroimidazole and quinolones residue; the matrix inhibition effect of jujube honey is stronger than acacia honey. The matrix standard curve can calibrate matrix effect effectively. In this study, the detection method of antibiotics in honey can be applied to the actual sample. The results demonstrated that the modified QuEChERS method combined with LC-MS/MS is a rapid, high, sensitive method for the analysis of nitroimidazoles and quinolones residues in honey.
Active Fault Tolerant Control Based on a Novel Tracking Differentiator for Elevating Stage Control System
Authors: Mao Haijie , Li Wei , Feng Xiaolin
Published: January 2018

In view of the speed sensor faults in elevating stage control system, an active fault tolerant control approach based on a novel tracking differentiator is proposed in this paper. First, the analytical redundancy relationship between the velocity and displacement signals in a dual closed loop control system is used to detect a fault. When the deviation between the differential of normal displacement sensor signal and the fault speed sensor output exceeds a certain threshold value, a fault can be considered to occur. Secondly, after a fault is detected, the output of the fault sensor is replaced immediately with the differential signal of the output from a normal sensor to ensure the safety of the postfault system. In the process of signal differential, considering the drawbacks of the traditional method which uses inertial element to approximate differentiator and complex parameter tuning of Han’s Tracking Differentiator (TD), a novel tracking differentiator based on hyperbolic tangent function (Tanh-TD) is designed. Thirdly, in order to avoid the switching vibration and improve the reliability of FDD, a continuous smooth switching tactic based on exponential function is constructed. The simulation results show that the fault diagnosis method is simple and timely, the designed tracking differentiator is fast and effective, and the effect of the fault tolerant control based on smooth switching strategy is also satisfactory.
A Review on Applications of Two-Dimensional Materials in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Xia Ming
Published: January 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and MoS2, have been attracting wide interest in surface enhancement Raman spectroscopy. This perspective gives an overview of recent developments in 2D materials’ application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This review paper focuses on the applications of using bare 2D materials and metal/2D material hybrid substrate for Raman enhancement. The Raman enhancing mechanism of 2D materials will also be discussed. The progress covered herein shows great promise for widespread adoption of 2D materials in SERS application.
Circulating CD3+CD4+CD161+Cells Are Associated with Early Complications after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lee Sung-Eun , Lim Ji-Young , Ryu Da-Bin , Kim Tae Woo , Jeon Young-Woo , Yoon Jae-Ho , Cho Byung-Sik , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hee-Je , Lee Seok , Cho Seok-Goo , Kim Dong-Wook , Lee Jong Wook , Min Woo-Sung , Min Chang-Ki
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to explore if measurement of pretransplant circulating CD161-expressing cells, in addition to clinical risk factors, could predict mucositis and infections in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). To determine if CD161-expressing cells are likely to predict early complications, namely, mucositis (≥grade 3), infections, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, we prospectively examined CD161-expressing cells (CD3+CD4+CD161+and CD3+CD8+CD161+) in peripheral blood samples from 108 patients with MM undergoing ASCT. After adjusting for factors identified by univariate analysis that predicted mucositis (≥grade 3), infection before engraftment, and CMV reactivation, multivariate analyses revealed that the low proportion of CD3+CD4+CD161+cells in peripheral blood was an independent predictor of mucositis (≥grade 3) (P=0.020), infections before engraftment (P=0.014), and CMV reactivation (P=0.010). In addition, we found that female sex and decreased glomerular filtration rate were independent factors for predicting mucositis. Female sex and severe pulmonary comorbidity were independent factors for predicting infection before engraftment. We found that the proportion of circulating CD3+CD4+CD161+cells is useful for predicting the occurrence of early complications, including mucositis and infections, after ASCT in patients with MM.
Evaluation of Sensor-Based Nitrogen Rates and Sources in Wheat
Authors: Walsh Olga S. , Shafian Sanaz , Christiaens Robin J.
Published: January 2018

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most essential nutrients needed to reach maximum grain yield in all environments. Nitrogen fertilizers represent an important production cost, in both monetary and environmental terms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preplant nitrogen (N) rate and topdress N source on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield and quality. Study was conducted in North-Central and Western Montana from 2011 to 2013 (total of 6 site-years). Six different preplant nitrogen (N) rates (0, 220, 22, 44, 67, and 90 N rate, kg ha−1) followed by two topdress N sources (urea, 46-0-0, and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), 32-0-0) were applied to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results showed that there were no significant differences in grain yield, protein content, or protein yield, associated with topdress N source.
HIV-TB Coinfection among 57 Million Pregnant Women, Obstetric Complications, Alcohol Use, Drug Abuse, and Depression
Authors: Fernandez Dorian , Salami Imoleayo , Davis Janelle , Mbah Florence , Kazeem Aisha , Ash Abreah , Babino Justin , Carter Laquiesha , Salemi Jason L. , Spooner Kiara K. , Olaleye Omonike A. , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: January 2018

Objective. HIV and tuberculosis represent diseases of major public health importance worldwide. Very little is known about HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant women, especially from industrialized settings. In this study, we examined the association between TB, HIV, and HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant mothers and obstetric complications, alcohol use, drug abuse, and depression. Method. We examined inpatient hospital discharges in the United States from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2014. We employed multivariable survey logistic regression to generate adjusted estimates for the association between infection status and study outcomes. Results. We analyzed approximately 57 million records of pregnant women and their delivery information. HIV-TB coinfection was associated with the highest risks for several obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The risk for alcohol abuse was more than twice as high among HIV-monoinfected as compared to TB-monoinfected mothers. That risk gap more than doubled with HIV-TB coinfection. Both HIV-monoinfected and HIV-TB coinfected mothers experienced similarly increased risks for depression. Conclusions. Mothers with HIV-TB coinfection experienced relatively heightened risks for obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The findings of this study underscore the importance of augmenting and enhancing social and structural support systems for HIV-TB coinfected pregnant women.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Set-Valued Maps with Set Optimization
Authors: Oussarhan Abdessamad , Daidai Ikram
Published: January 2018

Optimality conditions are studied for set-valued maps with set optimization. Necessary conditions are given in terms of S-derivative and contingent derivative. Sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions are shown for set-valued maps under generalized quasiconvexity assumptions.
Antimicrobial Nanocomposites Prepared from Montmorillonite/Ag+/Quaternary Ammonium Nitrate
Authors: Zhang Lin , Chen Jienan , Yu Wenji , Zhao Qingfeng , Liu Jin
Published: January 2018

Nanocomposites of Ag with organic montmorillonite (Ag-OMMT), Ag with montmorillonite (Ag-MMT), and organic montmorillonite (OMMT) were successfully prepared via a one-step solution-intercalated method. Sodium MMT, silver nitrate, and dimethyl octadecyl hydroxy ethyl ammonium nitrate were used as precursors. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the MMT layers were intercalated, and Ag+ was partly reduced to silver nanoparticles with diameters within 10–20 nm in Ag-OMMT. The decomposition temperature of the organic cations in OMMT and Ag-OMMT increased to 220°C, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites was tested by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and killing rate. The MICs of Ag-OMMT against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were 0.313, 2.5, and 0.625 mg/mL, respectively. Because of the presence of quaternary ammonium nitrate, Ag-OMMT has a better MIC against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. OMMT did not show antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. In 2 h, 0.0125 mg/mL Ag-OMMT could kill 100% of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans in solution, and Ag-MMT could kill 99.995% of S. aureus, 90.15% of E. coli, and 93.68% of C. albicans. These antimicrobial functional nanocomposites have the potential for application in the area of surface decoration films.
VHDL-AMS Simulation Framework for Molecular-FET Device-to-Circuit Modeling and Design
Authors: Graziano Mariagrazia , Zahir Ali , Mehdy Malik Ashter , Piccinini Gianluca
Published: January 2018

We concentrate on Molecular-FET as a device and present a new modular framework based on VHDL-AMS. We have implemented different Molecular-FET models within the framework. The framework allows comparison between the models in terms of the capability to calculate accurate I-V characteristics. It also provides the option to analyze the impact of Molecular-FET and its implementation in the circuit with the extension of its use in an architecture based on the crossbar configuration. This analysis evidences the effect of choices of technological parameters, the ability of models to capture the impact of physical quantities, and the importance of considering defects at circuit fabrication level. The comparison tackles the computational efforts of different models and techniques and discusses the trade-off between accuracy and performance as a function of the circuit analysis final requirements. We prove this methodology using three different models and test them on a 16-bit tree adder included in Pentium 4 that, to the best of our knowledge, is the biggest circuits based on molecular device ever designed and analyzed.
An Extrafollicular Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Mimicking a Periapical Cyst
Authors: Mosavat Farzaneh , Rashtchian Roxana , Zeini Negar , Goodarzi Pour Daryoush , Mohammed Charlie Shabnam , Mahdavi Nazanin
Published: January 2018

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a rare noninvasive odontogenic tumor that occurs mostly in the second decade of life. Based on its tooth association, AOT can be classified into three categories of follicular, extrafollicular, and peripheral types; the follicular classification is considered as the most common type of AOT. This study reported a large extrafollicular case of AOT in a 40-year-old female. She was asymptomatic and tumor was detected accidentally by her dental practitioner. Since the panoramic radiograph showed a well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesion, we observed radiopaque spots within the lesion by using cone beam computed tomography. The extrafollicular type can mimic a periapical radiolucent lesion.
Experimental Investigation into Corrosion Effect on Mechanical Properties of High Strength Steel Bars under Dynamic Loadings
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Jinjin , Yang Jin , Ye Feilong
Published: January 2018

The tensile behaviors of corroded steel bars are important in the capacity evaluation of corroded reinforced concrete structures. The present paper studies the mechanical behavior of the corroded high strength reinforcing steel bars under static and dynamic loading. High strength reinforcing steel bars were corroded by using accelerated corrosion methods and the tensile tests were carried out under different strain rates. The results showed that the mechanical properties of corroded high strength steel bars were strain rate dependent, and the strain rate effect decreased with the increase of corrosion degree. The decreased nominal yield and ultimate strengths were mainly caused by the reduction of cross-sectional areas, and the decreased ultimate deformation and the shortened yield plateau resulted from the intensified stress concentration at the nonuniform reduction. Based on the test results, reduction factors were proposed to relate the tensile behaviors with the corrosion degree and strain rate for corroded bars. A modified Johnson-Cook strength model of corroded high strength steel bars under dynamic loading was proposed by taking into account the influence of corrosion degree. Comparison between the model and test results showed that proposed model properly describes the dynamic response of the corroded high strength rebars.
Solving Volterra Integrodifferential Equations via Diagonally Implicit Multistep Block Method
Authors: Baharum Nur Auni , Abdul Majid Zanariah , Senu Norazak
Published: January 2018

The performance of the numerical computation based on the diagonally implicit multistep block method for solving Volterra integrodifferential equations (VIDE) of the second kind has been analyzed. The numerical solutions of VIDE will be computed at two points concurrently using the proposed numerical method and executed in the predictor-corrector (PECE) mode. The strategy to obtain the numerical solution of an integral part is discussed and the stability analysis of the diagonally implicit multistep block method was investigated. Numerical results showed the competence of diagonally implicit multistep block method when solving Volterra integrodifferential equations compared to the existing methods.
Qualitative Reasoning for Quantitative Simulation
Authors: Hocaoğlu Mehmet Fatih
Published: January 2018

Qualitative simulation is a well-known reasoning technique that involves the use of simulation technologies. Reasoning is made to determine qualitative values and change directions of system variables, and it is done for each time point and time interval following the time point. Qualitative variables possess continuous qualitative value sets that are discretized by landmark points. Qualitative simulation uses qualitative time representation and its quantitative value is of no interest. The main purpose of this study was to develop a technique to determine time steps for a quantitative simulation under guidance of qualitative information. The proposed technique determined time advances using qualitative and quantitative information together to obtain a robust time step as wide as possible for simulation time advances. For this purpose, sign algebraic properties and derivation roots of quantitative equations and qualitative variable values with their change directions were used to compute time advances. In the approach, qualitative simulation determined landmark points to be advanced, and quantitative simulation calculated the duration required. Using the proposed algorithm, the simulation is advanced instead of iterating simulation time for a predefined time step and checking whether or not there is any activity in the interval, directly to the time points that are qualitatively different.
Soliton Solutions of the Coupled Schrödinger-Boussinesq Equations for Kerr Law Nonlinearity
Authors: Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Abu-AlShaeer Mahmood Jawad
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the coupled Schrödinger-Boussinesq equations (SBE) will be solved by the sech, tanh, csch, and the modified simplest equation method (MSEM). We obtain exact solutions of the nonlinear for bright, dark, and singular 1-soliton solution. Kerr law nonlinearity media are studied. Results have proven that modified simple equation method does not produce the soliton solution in general case. Solutions may find practical applications and will be important for the conservation laws for dispersive optical solitons.
Preparation and Evaluation of Doxorubicin-Loaded Micelles Based on Glycyrrhetinic Acid Modified Gelatin Conjugates for Targeting Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Dun , Yu Jingmou , Yan Ruiqiao , Xu Xiao , Wang Yunfei , Xie Xin , Liu Chaolian , Liu Yonghua , Huang Hao
Published: January 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent fatal diseases and the incidence of HCC is increasing worldwide. Polymeric micelles with targeting groups have drawn great attention as carriers for drug delivery in HCC therapy. Herein, novel glycyrrhetinic acid modified gelatin (GA-GEL) conjugates with three substitution degrees were synthesized and characterized. Doxorubicin (DOX) was applied as a model drug. DOX-loaded GA-GEL (DOX/GA-GEL) micelles were prepared by an emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The mean diameters of DOX/GA-GEL micelles were in the range of 195–235 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of DOX/GA-GEL micelles was 63.6%–96.2%, and the loading content was 8.3%–12.5%. Drug release from DOX-loaded micelles exhibited a biphasic manner in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 7.4. DOX/GA-GEL could be efficiently accumulated into human liver cancer HepG2 cells. The IC50 values of DOX/GA-GEL-2 and DOX·HCl in HepG2 cells were 0.33 and 0.66 μg/mL, respectively. In vivo imaging analysis demonstrated that the fluorescence signals of DiR-labeled GA-GEL-2 micelles were mainly distributed in liver and H22 orthotopic tumor, indicating that GA-GEL had the liver-targeting activity. Compared to DOX·HCl, DOX/GA-GEL-2 exhibited better antitumor activity in H22 orthotopic mice. Therefore, these results indicated that GA-GEL could be used as carrier of hydrophobic drug for targeting HCC.
An Event Related Potentials Study of Semantic Coherence Effect during Episodic Encoding in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Battal Merlet Lâle , Blanchet Alain , Lockman Hazlin , Kostova Milena
Published: January 2018

The objective of this electrophysiological study was to investigate the processing of semantic coherence during encoding in relation to episodic memory processes promoted at test, in schizophrenia patients, by using the N400 paradigm. Eighteen schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy participants undertook a recognition memory task. The stimuli consisted of pairs of words either semantically related or unrelated to a given category name (context). During encoding, both groups exhibited an N400 external semantic coherence effect. Healthy controls also showed an N400 internal semantic coherence effect, but this effect was not present in patients. At test, related stimuli were accompanied by an FN400 old/new effect in both groups and by a parietal old/new effect in the control group alone. In the patient group, external semantic coherence effect was associated with FN400, while, in the control group, it was correlated to the parietal old/new effect. Our results indicate that schizophrenia patients can process the contextual information at encoding to enhance familiarity process for related stimuli at test. Therefore, cognitive rehabilitation therapies targeting the implementation of semantic encoding strategies can mobilize familiarity which in turn can overcome the recollection deficit, promoting successful episodic memory performance in schizophrenia patients.
Infants Born Large for Gestational Age and Developmental Attainment in Early Childhood
Authors: Frank Cairina E. , Speechley Kathy N. , Macnab Jennifer J. , Campbell M. Karen
Published: January 2018

Objectives. To investigate if an association exists between being born large for gestational age (LGA) and verbal ability or externalizing behaviour problems at ages 4-5 years. Method. A secondary analysis was conducted using the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, including singleton births in 2004-2005 followed till 4-5 years (n=1685). LGA was defined as a birth weight > 90th percentile. Outcomes included poor verbal ability (scoring < 15th percentile on the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) and externalizing behaviour problems (scoring > 90th percentile on externalizing behaviour scales). Multivariable logistic regression with longitudinal standardized funnel weights and bootstrapping estimation were used. Results. Infants born LGA were not found to be at increased risk for poor verbal ability (aOR: 1.16 [0.49,2.72] and aOR: 0.83 [0.37,1.87] for girls and boys, resp.) or externalizing behaviour problems (aOR: 1.24 [0.52,2.93] and aOR: 1.24 [0.66,2.36] for girls and boys, resp.). Social factors were found to impact developmental attainment. Maternal smoking led to an increased risk for externalizing behaviour problems (aOR: 3.33 [1.60,6.94] and aOR: 2.12 [1.09,4.13] for girls and boys, resp.). Conclusion. There is no evidence to suggest that infants born LGA are at increased risk for poor verbal ability or externalizing behaviour problems.
Modeling and Synthesis of Ag and Ag/Ni Allied Bimetallic Nanoparticles by Green Method: Optical and Biological Properties
Authors: Akinsiku Anuoluwa Abimbola , Dare Enock Olugbenga , Ajanaku Kolawole Oluseyi , Ajani Olayinka Oyewale , Olugbuyiro Joseph Adebisi O. , Siyanbola Tolutope Oluwasegun , Ejilude Oluwaseun , Emetere Moses Eterigho
Published: January 2018

In the quest for environmental remediation which involves eco-friendly synthetic routes, we herein report synthesis and modeling of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and silver/nickel allied bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag/Ni NPs) using plant-extract reduction method. Secondary metabolites in the leaf extract of Canna indica acted as reducing agent. Electronic transitions resulted in emergence of surface plasmon resonance in the regions of 416 nm (Ag NPs) and 421 nm (Ag/Ni NPs) during optical measurements. Further characterizations were done using TEM and EDX. Antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles against clinical isolates was highly significant as P<0.05. These findings suggest application of Ag NPs as antibacterial agent against E. coli, S. pyogenes, and antifungal agent against C. albicans. Possible antibacterial drugs against S. pyogenes and E. coli can also be designed using Ag/Ni nanohybrid based on their strong inhibition activities. Similarly, the enhanced SPR in the nanoparticles is suggested for applications in optical materials, as good absorbers and scatters of visible light. Theoretical model clarified that the experiment observation on the relationship between metallic nanoparticles penetration through peptidoglycan layers and the activeness of microbial species depends on the nature of the nanoparticles and pore size of the layer.
Understanding Dengue Control for Short- and Long-Term Intervention with a Mathematical Model Approach
Authors: Bustamam A. , Aldila D. , Yuwanda A.
Published: January 2018

A mathematical model of dengue diseases transmission will be discussed in this paper. Various interventions, such as vaccination of adults and newborns, the use of insecticides or fumigation, and also the enforcement of mechanical controls, will be considered when analyzing the best intervention for controlling the spread of dengue. From model analysis, we find three types of equilibrium points which will be built upon the dengue model. In this paper, these points are the mosquito-free equilibrium, disease-free equilibrium (with and without vaccinated compartment), and endemic equilibrium. Basic reproduction number as an endemic indicator has been found analytically. Based on analytical and numerical analysis, insecticide treatment, adult vaccine, and enforcement of mechanical control are the most significant interventions in reducing the spread of dengue disease infection caused by mosquitoes rather than larvicide treatment and vaccination of newborns. From short- and long-term simulation, we find that insecticide treatment is the best strategy to control dengue. We also find that, with periodic intervention, the result is not much significantly different with constant intervention based on reduced number of the infected human population. Therefore, with budget limitations, periodic intervention of insecticide strategy is a good alternative to reduce the spread of dengue.
Ectopic Thymic Cyst of the Subglottis: Considerations for Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Ahmad Iram , Kirby Patricia , Liming Bryan
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To share the diagnostic and management challenges created by an extremely rare airway lesion—the subglottic ectopic thymic cyst.

Study Design:

Case report and literature review.

Methods:

We review the presentation, management, and clinical course of an infant who presented with a subglottic mass that was histologically confirmed as a thymic cyst. A brief literature review supplements the case presentation

Results:

We present the third described case of an ectopic thymic cyst presenting as a subglottic mass. The differential diagnosis of subglottic masses in neonates consists primarily of subglottic hemangioma and mucous retention cysts. Otolaryngologists must be prepared for unexpected findings when dealing with critical airways. We compare the presentation and management of our patient with the 2 previously described cases. We propose an embryologic theory for the origin of these rare lesions.

Conclusions:

An ectopic thymic cyst is a rare and unexpected cause of neonatal stridor. Management of pediatric airway lesions must allow for unexpected findings at the time of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. The appropriate management of subglottic thymic cysts is poorly defined, but close surveillance for recurrence is mandatory.
A Hairy Situation: Laser Hair Removal after Oral Reconstruction
Authors: Shields Bridget E. , Moye Molly S. , Bayon Rodrigo , Sperry Steven M. , Wanat Karolyn A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To present a case series of 4 patients who underwent postoperative hair removal using the long-pulsed Alexandrite or Nd:YAG laser following intraoral cutaneous flap reconstruction.

Methods:

Patients underwent epilation in dermatology clinic with long-pulsed Alexandrite or Nd:YAG lasers, spaced 8 weeks apart, until hair removal was achieved.

Results:

All patients achieved improvement in hair removal regardless of initial flap donor site with significant improvement in quality of life and minimal side effects.

Conclusions:

The long-pulsed Alexandrite and Nd:YAG represent safe and effective treatment options to improve patient quality of life following intraoral flap repair following excision of malignancy.
Gendered Outcomes in Prostitution Arrests in Houston, Texas
Authors: Pfeffer Rebecca , Ormachea Pablo , Eagleman David
Published: January 2018

This study analyzes the law enforcement response to prostitution in Houston, Texas, between 1977 and 2010 to examine whether the traditional approach to policing prostitution disproportionately penalizes women. Data included the disposition and sentencing information for 22,916 first-time prostitution arrests in Harris County. Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, we explored gender differences in the likelihood of receiving punishment, the type(s) of punishment received, and the amount of punishment for first-time prostitution offenses. We find that women were disproportionately arrested for prostitution and that women were more likely to receive a jail sentence for involvement in prostitution than men were. In contrast, male arrestees for prostitution were more likely to receive probation sentences and/or fines. This study adds to a robust body of literature suggesting that gender impacts sentencing in the criminal justice system. Yet, it is unclear whether the role of the arrestee—as either a buyer or seller—moderates the effect of gender. This quandary demonstrates the need for more comprehensive data collection about the role of the arrestee in the commercial sexual exchange.