bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEAD-CHALCOGENIDES UNDER PRESSURE: AB-INITIO STUDY
Authors: GUPTA DINESH C. , HAMID IDRIS
Published: May 2013

ab-initio calculations using fully relativistic pseudo-potential have been performed to investigate the high pressure phase transition, elastic and electronic properties of lead-chalcogenides including the less known lead polonium. The calculated ground state parameters, for the rock-salt structure show good agreement with the experimental data. The enthalpy calculations show that these materials undergo a first-order phase transition from rock-salt to CsCl structure at 19.4, 15.5, 11.5 and 7.3 GPa for PbS, PbSe, PbTe and PbPo, respectively. Present calculations successfully predicted the location of the band gap at L-point of Brillouin zone as well as the value of the band gap in every case at ambient pressure. It is observed that unlike other lead-chalcogenides, PbPo is semi-metal at ambient pressure. The pressure variation of the energy gap indicates that these materials metalized under high pressures. For this purpose, the electronic structure of these materials has also been computed in parent as well as in high pressure phase.
MITIGATION OF METAL ION POLLUTION FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER USING WASTE WOOL
Authors: PRAJAPAT GARIMA , PUROHIT PRAVEEN
Published: May 2013

A study on the adsorption of copper (II) ions from the aqueous solution on waste wool had been carried out to analyze the adsorption capacity of waste wool, thereby aiming towards mitigation of metal ion pollution in industrial waste water. The effect of varying concentration of copper ions and varying time period, was studied on fixed weight of waste wool. The initial and final concentration of copper ions was measured by conductometric and spectrophotometric methods. Adsorption data were modeled with the langmuir and freundlich adsorption isotherms. The isotherm and first order equation were found to be applicable. Removal of metal ions using industrial waste wool is found to be favourable. Thus the work can be extended to study various physico-chemical parameters for removal of copper (II) ions from industrial effluents using waste wool. A later work can be involved where the waste wool adsorption parameter can be further utilized for composite ceramic products.
ELECTRONIC TRANSPORT MECHANISM IN YMn0.8Ru0.2O3 COMPOUND
Authors: THAKUR RAJESH K. , THAKUR RASNA , MODI ANCHIT , KAURAV N. , OKRAM G. S. , GAUR N.K.
Published: May 2013

A single phase polycrystalline hexagonal YMn0.8Ru0.2O3 compound with space group P63cm (25-1079) have been synthesized by using solid state reaction method at sintering temperature 1280°C. The detailed low temperature electrical properties were evaluated over a broad range of temperature. The temperature dependence of the dc resistivity at low temperature reveals the semiconducting behavior and favored the variable range hopping conduction model. The obtained experimental data in the temperature range of our study can be described by the equation ρ(T) = ρ0exp[(T*/T)1/4]. The fitting results are used for the calculation of the ;temperature scale T* ~ 1.05 × 106 K and finally the density of state at Fermi level N(EF) is calculated to be ~ 5.6 × 1019 eV−1 cm−3.
STRUCTURAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SINGLE CRYSTALLINE BISMUTH NANOPARTICLES IN POLYMER
Authors: KABIR LUTFUL , MANDAL SWAPAN K.
Published: May 2013

We report here the structural and optical properties of Bi nanoparticles in polymer (polypyrrole) matrix. The nanoparticles are synthesized following a wet chemical route. The X-ray diffraction data clearly shows the growth of single crystalline Bi nanoparticles within the host polymer. The microstructure of the Bi nanoparticles obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals clearly the formation of spherical shaped nanoparticles of average size∼27 nm with a narrow size distribution. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits a distinct peak at 278 nm which is attributed to the surface plasmon band of Bi nanoparticles. The absorption spectrum is found to be described well following Mie theory.
GENERALIZATION OF A RESULT INVOLVING PRODUCT OF GENERALIZED HYPERGEOMETRIC SERIES DUE TO RAMANUJAN
Authors: SHEKHAWAT NIDHI , PRAKASH OM
Published: May 2013

The aim of this research paper is to obtain a generalization of the following result involving product of generalized hypergeometric series due to Ramanujan. [Formula: see text]The results are derived with the help of generalized Kummer’s summation theorem, which recently added in the literature. A few very interesting contiguous results obtained earlier by Kim & Rathie follow special cases of our main findings.

The results derived in this paper are simple, interesting, easily established and useful from application point of view.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LUNG DEPOSITION
Authors: SANKHALA SHWETA , SINGH H. S. , SINGH S. K. , LALWANI GAUTAM
Published: May 2013

The lung is an external organ forming the site of unwanted material or particles. In order to protect it, the airways have to be highly effective filters and if the particle deposit they need to be cleared. Inhaled particles can cause a variety of diseases. There are various factors on which the prediction of depositing particles depends, such as age, particle size, flow rate gender, the physics of the particles, the anatomy of the respiratory tract etc.
POLLUTION STATUS OF SURFACE WATER RESOURCES IN ARID REGION OF RAJASTHAN (INDIA)
Authors: KACHHAWA CHANCHAL
Published: May 2013

Present investigation deals with the evaluation of DO, BOD and COD of six surface water resources of Bikaner district which fall in arid region of Rajasthan – a part of Great Indian Desert, to determine pollution status. Water sample analysed for two years 2008-2009 showed these parameters beyond the limit of standard prescribed by WHO. These parameters also showed great seasonal fluctuation, indicating the degree of organic pollution more during summer season and least during winter season.
Automated Visual Inspection of Ship Hull Surfaces Using the Wavelet Transform
Authors: Fernández-Isla Carlos , Navarro Pedro J. , Alcover Pedro María
Published: May 2013

A new online visual inspection technique is proposed, based on a wavelet reconstruction scheme over images obtained from the hull. This type of visual inspection to detect defects in hull surfaces is commonly carried out at shipyards by human inspectors before the hull repair task starts. We propose the use of Shannon entropy for automatic selection of the band for image reconstruction which provides a low decomposition level, thus avoiding excessive degradation of the image, allowing more precise defect segmentation. The proposed method here is capable of on-line assisting to a robotic system to perform grit blasting operations over damage areas of ship hulls. This solution allows a reliable and cost-effective operation for hull grit spot blasting. A prototype of the automated blasting system has been developed and tested in the Spanish NAVANTIA shipyards.
Concerning the Lower Atmosphere Responses to Magnetospheric Storms and Substorms
Authors: Sedykh P. A. , Lobycheva I. Yu.
Published: May 2013

The issue of existence and physical mechanism for solar-terrestrial couplings has rather a long history. Investigations into the solar activity effect on meteorological processes in the lower atmosphere have become especially topical recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of geomagnetic activity on meteorological processes in the atmosphere. We analyze the data on magnetic storms and tropical cyclones that were observed in the North Atlantic, East Pacific, and West Pacific to understand the mechanism for magnetospheric disturbance effects on complicated nonlinear system of atmospheric processes.
POCT in Emergency Rooms: One Key Factor for Process Streamlining with Lean Management
Authors: Lindenau-Stockfisch Verena , Searle Julia , Möckel Martin
Published: May 2013

Overcrowding is a common problem in Emergency Departments (ED) worldwide and has a negative impact on patient satisfaction and, more importantly, patient safety. So, the Emergency Department of the secondary-care hospital Paul Gerhardt Stift in Wittenberg, Germany, was faced with increasing numbers of patients. Lean management was introduced to analyse, optimise, and standardise ED processes. Consequently, a project group concentrated on “cycling muda” which is to identify waste and cost drivers along a representative patient path using one suitable Lean tool: mapping the current state in a value stream. As a result, it became clear that both patients and staff suffered from immense waiting times that lead to risky patient care and employee frustration. By subsequently eliminating the waste drivers and designing a high-quality patient flow process creating standards supported by state-of-the-art technology, the hospital’s ED turned into a streamlined department with reduced waiting times offering employees a satisfactory and modern workplace where patients benefit from first-class care.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Using a Dual-Lumen Endogastroscope for Patients with Billroth II Gastrectomy
Authors: Yao Wei , Huang Yonghui , Chang Hong , Li Ke , Huang Xuebiao
Published: May 2013

Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dual-lumen forward-viewing endoscope for ERCP in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy.Methods. The records of 46 patients treated with ERCP by a dual-lumen forward-viewing endoscope after Billroth II gastrectomy from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed.Results. The success rate of selective cannulation was 82.6% (38/46). Of the 38 cases with successful selective cannulation, endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 23 cases by placing the needle knife through the 2nd lumen, while endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation was conducted in the other 15 cases. Of the 8 failed cases of selective cannulation, 6 had failed afferent loop intubation, and 3 of these 6 patients had Braun’s anastomosis. The safety and efficacy of catheter-assisted endoscopic sphincterotomy were increased by placing the needle knife through the 2nd lumen without altering the conventional endoscopic sphincterotomy procedure.Conclusions. A dual-lumen forward-viewing endoscope can be safely and effectively used to perform ERCP in patients with a Billroth II gastrectomy, except for patients with additional Braun’s anastomosis.
Interaction of Human Dopa Decarboxylase with L-Dopa: Spectroscopic and Kinetic Studies as a Function of pH
Authors: Montioli Riccardo , Cellini Barbara , Dindo Mirco , Oppici Elisa , Voltattorni Carla Borri
Published: May 2013

Human Dopa decarboxylase (hDDC), a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) enzyme, displays maxima at 420 and 335 nm and emits fluorescence at 384 and 504 nm upon excitation at 335 nm and at 504 nm when excited at 420 nm. Absorbance and fluorescence titrations of hDDC-bound coenzyme identify a singlepKspecof ~7.2. ThispKspeccould not represent the ionization of a functional group on the Schiff base but that of an enzymic residue governing the equilibrium between the low- and the high-pH forms of the internal aldimine. During the reaction of hDDC with L-Dopa, monitored by stopped-flow spectrophotometry, a 420 nm band attributed to the 4′-N-protonated external aldimine first appears, and its decrease parallels the emergence of a 390 nm peak, assigned to the 4′-N-unprotonated external aldimine. The pH profile of the spectral change at 390 nm displays a pK of 6.4, a value similar to that (~6.3) observed in bothkcatandkcat/Kmprofiles. This suggests that this pK represents the ESH+→ ES catalytic step. The assignment of the pKs of 7.9 and 8.3 observed on the basic side ofkcatand the PLP binding affinity profiles, respectively, is also analyzed and discussed.
Ovatodiolide Targetsβ-Catenin Signaling in Suppressing Tumorigenesis and Overcoming Drug Resistance in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ho Jar-Yi , Hsu Ren-Jun , Wu Chieh-Lin , Chang Wen-Liang , Cha Tai-Lung , Yu Dah-Shyong , Yu Cheng-Ping
Published: May 2013

Dysregulatedβ-catenin signaling is intricately involved in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) carcinogenesis and progression. Determining potentialβ-catenin signaling inhibitors would be helpful in ameliorating drug resistance in advanced or metastatic RCC. Screening forβ-catenin signaling inhibitors involvedin silicoinquiry of the PubChem Bioactivity database followed by TCF/LEF reporter assay. The biological effects of ovatodiolide were evaluated in 4 RCC cell linesin vitroand 2 RCC cell lines in a mouse xenograft model. The synergistic effects of ovatodiolide and sorafenib or sunitinib were examined in 2 TKI-resistant RCC cell lines. Ovatodiolide, a pure compound ofAnisomeles indica, inhibitedβ-catenin signaling and reduced RCC cell viability, survival, migration/invasion, andin vitrocell orin vivomouse tumorigenicity. Cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in a normal kidney epithelial cell line with the treatment. Ovatodiolide reduced phosphorylatedβ-catenin (S552) that inhibitedβ-catenin nuclear translocation. Moreover, ovatodiolide decreasedβ-catenin stability and impaired the association ofβ-catenin and transcription factor 4. Ovatodiolide combined with sorafenib or sunitinib overcame drug resistance in TKI-resistant RCC cells. Ovatodiolide may be a potentβ-catenin signaling inhibitor, with synergistic effects with sorafenib or sunitinib, and therefore, a useful candidate for improving RCC therapy.
Populus balsamiferaExtract and Its Active Component Salicortin Reduce Obesity and Attenuate Insulin Resistance in a Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model
Authors: Harbilas Despina , Vallerand Diane , Brault Antoine , Saleem Ammar , Arnason John T. , Musallam Lina , Haddad Pierre S.
Published: May 2013

Populus balsamiferaL. (BP) is a medicinal plant stemming from the traditional pharmacopoeia of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI—Northern Quebec).In vitroscreening studies revealed that it strongly inhibited adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting potential antiobesity activity. Salicortin was identified, through bioassay-guided fractionation, as the active component responsible for BP’s activity. The present study aimed to assess the potential of BP and salicortin at reducing obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome, in diet-induced obese C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were subjected to high fat diet (HFD) for sixteen weeks, with BP (125 or 250 mg/kg) or salicortin (12.5 mg/kg) introduced in the HFD for the last eight of the sixteen weeks. BP and salicortin effectively reduced whole body and retroperitoneal fat pad weights, as well as hepatic triglyceride accumulation. Glycemia, insulinemia, leptin, and adiponectin levels were also improved. This was accompanied by a small yet significant reduction in food intake in animals treated with BP. BP and salicortin (slightly) also modulated key components in signaling pathways involved with glucose regulation and lipid oxidation in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. These results confirm the validity of the CEI pharmacopoeia as alternative and complementary antiobesity and antidiabetic therapies.
Dynamics of Artificial Satellites around Europa
Authors: Paulo dos Santos Carvalho Jean , Vilhena de Moraes Rodolpho , Almeida Prado Antônio Fernando Bertachini de
Published: May 2013

A planetary satellite of interest at the present moment for the scientific community is Europa, one of the four largest moons of Jupiter. There are some missions planned to visit Europa in the next years, for example, Jupiter Europa Orbiter (JEO, NASA) and Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE, ESA). In this paper, we search for orbits around Europa with long lifetimes. Here, we develop the disturbing potential in closed form up to the second order to analyze the effects caused on the orbital elements of an artificial satellite around Europa. The equations of motion are developed in closed form to avoid expansions in power series of the eccentricity and inclination. We found polar orbits with long lifetimes. This type of orbits reduces considerably the maintenance cost of the orbit. We show a formula to calculate the critical inclination of orbits around Europa taking into account the disturbing potential due to the nonspherical shape of the central body and the perturbation of the third body.
In Vivo Quantitative Ultrasound Image Analysis of Femoral Subchondral Bone in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Podlipská Jana , Koski Juhani M. , Pulkkinen Pasi , Saarakkala Simo
Published: May 2013

A potential of quantitative noninvasive knee ultrasonography (US) for detecting changes in femoral subchondral bone related to knee osteoarthritis (OA) was investigated. Thirty‐nine patients referred to a knee arthroscopy underwent dynamic noninvasive US examination of the knee joint. The subchondral bone was semiautomatically segmented from representative US images of femoral medial and lateral condyles and intercondylar notch area. Subsequently, the normalized mean gray‐level intensity profile, starting from the cartilage‐bone interface and extending to the subchondral bone depth of ~1.7 mm, was calculated. The obtained profile was divided into 5 depth levels and the mean of each level, as well as the slope of the profile within the first two levels, was calculated. The US quantitative data were compared with the arthroscopic Noyes’ grading and radiographic Kellgren‐Lawrence (K‐L) grading. Qualitatively, an increase in relative subchondral bone US gray‐level values was observed as OA progressed. Statistically significant correlations were observed between normalized US mean intensity or intensity slope especially in subchondral bone depth level 2 and K‐L grading (r = 0.600, P < 0.001; r = 0.486, P = 0.006, resp.) or femoral arthroscopic scoring (r = 0.332, P = 0.039; r = 0.335, P = 0.037, resp.). This novel quantitative noninvasive US analysis technique is promising for detection of femoral subchondral bone changes in knee OA.
Synthesis and Efficient Phase Transfer of CdSe Nanoparticles for Hybrid Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Ananthakumar S. , Ramkumar J. , Moorthy Babu S.
Published: May 2013

Colloidal cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles capped by a short chain thiol ligand thioglycolic acid (TGA) were prepared in aqueous medium at 100∘C using sodium selenite as the selenium source. The prepared particles were efficiently transferred into organic phases through the partial ligand exchange process using 1-dodecanethiol (1-DDT). The FT-IR spectrum analysis shows the existence of the ligands on the surface of the nanoparticles in aqueous and organic phase through their characteristic modes. TEM analysis of the prepared samples reveals the size and crystalline nature of the particles. EDX analysis indicates the presence of respective elements in the resultant powdered sample. The possible mechanism of the phase transfer process was analysed. The resultant phase-transferred particles can efficiently be blended with a low band gap semiconducting polymer in a common solvent for active layer in hybrid solar cell fabrication. The results are discussed in detail.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity, Evaluation of Low Silver Concentrations in Silver‐Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Costescu A. , Ciobanu C. S. , Iconaru S. L. , Ghita R. V. , Chifiriuc C. M. , Marutescu L. G. , Predoi D.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was the evaluation of nanoparticles (Ag:HAp‐NPs) for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Resistance to antimicrobial agents by pathogenic bacteria has emerged in the recent years as a major public health problem worldwide. In this paper, we report a comparison of the antimicrobial activity of low concentrations silver‐doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The silver‐doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized at 100°C in deionised water. The as‐prepared Ag:Hap nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT‐IR, and FT‐Raman spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies demonstrate that powders obtained by coprecipitation at 100°C exhibit the apatite characteristics with good crystal structure, without any new phase or impurities found. FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of the various vibrational modes corresponding to phosphates and hydroxyl groups and the absence of any band characteristic to silver. The specific microbiological assays demonstrated that Ag:HAp‐NPs exhibited antimicrobial features, but interacted differently with the Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacterial and fungal tested strains.
Uniform Diffracted Fields from a Perfectly Conducting Cylindrical Reflector with Modified Theory of Physical Optics
Authors: Yalçın Uğur , Sarnık Mücahit
Published: May 2013

The uniform diffracted fields are calculated on PEC cylindrical reflector by Modified Theory of Physical Optics (MTPO). It is aimed to convert the noncontinuous solution to a continuous solution by finding a uniform equation which does not contain any expression converging to 0 in the denominator part. Three axioms of MTPO theory are used to construct the integral equations for the perfectly electrically conducting surface application. The “edge‐point” technique is used to find the diffracted field, and uniform solution is to be found via “detour parameter(s).” Finally, the obtained results are to be compared with the nonuniform ones, numerically.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney Graft: An Extremely Uncommon Presentation of Tumor in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Hevia Vital , Gómez Victoria , Álvarez Sara , Díez Nicolás Víctor , Gómez del Cañizo Carmen , Orosa Andrea , Galeano Álvarez Cristina , Burgos Revilla F. J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) affecting the graft after renal transplantation is a very infrequent way of presentation of this tumor. Our aim is to present our single institution experience with 2 cases, as well as to perform a review of the literature about this tumor after the transplant.Materials and Methods. TCC of the graft developed in 2 of 1365 patients from 1977 to 2010, both cases in women. Data were analyzed for incidence, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.Results. Both cases occurred in 2 mid-age women and resulted to be high grade and locally advanced TCCs, representing an incidence of 0,14% (2/1365). Clinical presentation was urinary obstruction for the first case and incidental ultrasound finding for the second. Preoperative staging was made with CT, cytology, pyelography, ureterorenoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment performed was nephroureterectomy of the graft with bladder cuff and regional lymphadenectomy. Pathological examination showed in both cases a locally advanced and high grade urothelial carcinoma of the pelvis allograft. After 24 and 14 months of followup, both patients are disease free.Conclusions. TCC of the kidney graft is an infrequent tumor that has only been reported in a few cases in the literature. It usually appears at a lower age, more often locally advanced, and with poor differentiation. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment should be required in these cases.
A Novel Technique for the Synthesis of Nanodiamond Powder
Authors: Fang Leiming , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: May 2013

We developed a novel technique to synthesize nanodiamond powder through the decomposition of graphitic C3N4 under high pressure and high temperature. The nanodiamond obtained by the present method is in an extremely pure form with no sp2 carbon contaminations. Individual nanodiamond grains are very uniform in size and virtually monodispersed single crystals. The grain size can be controlled from less than 1 nm to several hundred nanometers by adjusting the heating temperature (and also potentially by controlling pressure) used for the synthesis. The present product requires neither post‐surface treatment to remove outer shell made of sp2 carbons nor deglomeration and size classification unlike the case for nanodiamond obtained by the conventional TNT detonation method.
A New Strategy for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Yang Yi , Wu Jie , Chen Yanhua , Li Caihong
Published: May 2013

Electricity is a special energy which is hard to store, so the electricity demand forecasting remains an important problem. Accurate short-term load forecasting (STLF) plays a vital role in power systems because it is the essential part of power system planning and operation, and it is also fundamental in many applications. Considering that an individual forecasting model usually cannot work very well for STLF, a hybrid model based on the seasonal ARIMA model and BP neural network is presented in this paper to improve the forecasting accuracy. Firstly the seasonal ARIMA model is adopted to forecast the electric load demand day ahead; then, by using the residual load demand series obtained in this forecasting process as the original series, the follow-up residual series is forecasted by BP neural network; finally, by summing up the forecasted residual series and the forecasted load demand series got by seasonal ARIMA model, the final load demand forecasting series is obtained. Case studies show that the new strategy is quite useful to improve the accuracy of STLF.
Similar Construction Method of Solution for Solving the Mathematical Model of Fractal Reservoir with Spherical Flow
Authors: Sheng Cui-Cui , Zhao Jin-Zhou , Li Yong-Ming , Li Shun-Chu , Jia Hu
Published: May 2013

On the basis of similar structure of solution for a second-order linear differential equation's boundary value problem, and our analysis of the relationship between this similar structure and its kernel function, the differential equation, and the boundary conditions, we propose a new simple solution—similar constructive method of solution (SCMS)—and sum up its detailed steps. We set up a porous media model under three kinds of outer boundary conditions (infinite, constant pressure, and closed), in which the influences of fractal dimension, spherical flow, skin effect, and storage are taken into consideration. And then we use SCMS to solve it. The SCMS is a straightforward method for differential equation's boundary value problems with complex boundary conditions, especially for solving the reservoir models in petroleum engineering.
Use of Dietary Supplements among Professional Athletes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljaloud Sulaiman O. , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to understand the usage patterns of dietary supplements among professional athletes in Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of sixteen questions divided into four categories: use of supplements, reason for consumption of supplements, personal beliefs about supplements, and behavior. The questionnaires were given to the three teams residing in Riyadh: Al Hilal, Al Nasr, and Al-Shabab. Out of the 105 athletes surveyed, we found that only 98 are currently taking dietary supplements and the mean age and standard deviation were25.74±2.90. The survey results showed a high percentage of athletes (93.3%;n=98) using different dietary supplements throughout the season, 43.8% (n=43) reported using supplements for performance, and 32.6% (n=32) believed in health benefits as a reason for using dietary supplements. Our results showed that a total of 87 (88.7%), 81 (82.6%), and 51 (52.0%) athletes are consuming sports drinks, vitamin C, and multivitamins, respectively. Meanwhile, those supplements ranking among the least used included omega 6 (18.6%), creatine (16.3%), and Ginkgo biloba (10.2%). A majority of athletes indicated that their use of supplements was for the purpose of improving their health and performance.
Adaptive Multihypothesis Prediction Algorithm for Distributed Compressive Video Sensing
Authors: Zhu Jinxiu , Cao Ning , Meng Yu
Published: May 2013

A novel adaptive multihypothesis (MH) prediction algorithm for distributed compressive video sensing (DCVS) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed framework, consistent block-based random measurement for each video frame is adopted at the encoder independently. Meanwhile, a mode decision algorithm is applied in CS-blocks via block-based correlation measurements at the decoder. The inter-frame MH mode is selected for the current block wherein the interframe correlation coefficient value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Otherwise, the intraframe MH mode is worthwhile to be selected. Moreover, the adaptive search window and cross-diamond search algorithms on measurement domain are also incorporated to form the dictionary for MH prediction. Both the temporal and spatial correlations in video signals are exploited to enhance CS recovery to satisfy the best linear combination of hypotheses. The simulation results show that the proposed framework can provide better reconstruction quality than the framework using original MH prediction algorithm, and for sequences with slow motion and relatively simple scene composition, the proposed method shows significant performance gains at low measurement subrate.
Acupuncture Effect and Central Autonomic Regulation
Authors: Li Qian-Qian , Shi Guang-Xia , Xu Qian , Wang Jing , Liu Cun-Zhi , Wang Lin-Peng
Published: May 2013

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique and part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture has clinical efficacy on various autonomic nerve-related disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, anxiety and nervousness, circadian rhythm disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subfertility. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can control autonomic nerve system (ANS) functions including blood pressure, pupil size, skin conductance, skin temperature, muscle sympathetic nerve activities, heart rate and/or pulse rate, and heart rate variability. Emerging evidence indicates that acupuncture treatment not only activates distinct brain regions in different kinds of diseases caused by imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, but also modulates adaptive neurotransmitter in related brain regions to alleviate autonomic response. This review focused on the central mechanism of acupuncture in modulating various autonomic responses, which might provide neurobiological foundations for acupuncture effects.
Feature Selection in Decision Systems: A Mean-Variance Approach
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Zhang Wenyin , Zou Jilin , Hu Shunbo , Qiu Jianlong
Published: May 2013

Uncertainty measure is an important implement for characterizing the degree of uncertainty. It has been extensively applied in pattern recognition and data clustering. Because of instability of traditional uncertainty measures, mean-variance measure (MVM) is utilized to perform feature selection, which could depress disturbances and noises effectively. Thereby, a novel evaluation function based on MVM is designed. The forward greedy search algorithm (FGSA) with the proposed evaluation function is exploited to perform feature selection. Experiment analysis shows the validity and effectiveness of MVM.
Delay-Dependent Finite-TimeH∞Filtering for Markovian Jump Systems with Different System Modes
Authors: Zeng Yong , Cheng Jun , Zhong Shouming , Dong Xiucheng
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of delay-dependent finite-timeH∞filtering for Markovian jump systems with different system modes. By using the new augmented multiple mode-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and employing the proposed integrals inequalities in the derivation of our results, a novel sufficient condition for finite-time boundness with anH∞performance index is derived. Particularly, two different Markov processes have been considered for modeling the randomness of system matrix and the state delay. Based on the derived condition, theH∞filtering problem is solved, and an explicit expression of the desired filter is also given; the system trajectory stays within a prescribed bound during a specified time interval. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and the potential of the proposed techniques.
The Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Ras Oncogene (Bras2) in Silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Lv Zhengbing , Wang Tao , Zhuang Wenhua , Wang Dan , Chen Jian , Nie Zuoming , Liu Lili , Zhang Wenping , Wang Lisha , Wang Deming , Wu Xiangfu , Li Jun , Qian Lian , Zhang Yaozhou
Published: May 2013

The Ras oncogene of silkworm pupae (Bras2) may belong to the Ras superfamily. It shares 77% of its amino acid identity with teratocarcinoma oncogene 21 (TC21) related ras viral oncogene homolog-2 (R-Ras2) and possesses an identical core effector region. The mRNA ofBombyx moriBras2 has 1412 bp. The open reading frame contains 603 bp, which encodes 200 amino acid residues. This recombinant BmBras2 protein was subsequently used as an antigen to raise a rabbit polyclonal antibody. Western blotting and real-time PCR analyses showed that BmBras2 was expressed during four developmental stages. The BmBras2 expression level was the highest in the pupae and was low in other life cycle stages. BmBras2 was expressed in all eight tested tissues, and it was highly expressed in the head, intestine, and epidermis. Subcellular localization studies indicated that BmBras2 was predominantly localized in the nuclei of Bm5 cells, although cytoplasmic staining was also observed to a lesser extent. A cell proliferation assay showed that rBmBras2 could stimulate the proliferation of hepatoma cells. The higher BmBras2 expression levels in the pupal stage, tissue expression patterns, and a cell proliferation assay indicated that BmBras2 promotes cell division and proliferation, most likely by influencing cell signal transduction.
A Modified Vivaldi Antenna for Improved Angular-Dependent Fidelity Property
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Xu Ke , Song Zhaohui , Zhang Qinyu
Published: May 2013

The analysis, design, and realization of a modified Vivaldi antenna optimized for time domain fidelity factor in the half-space located in the direction of the antenna main beam are presented. The proposed antenna shows improved angular-dependent fidelity property, with respect to the signal transmitted in the main beam direction. A substantial increase in the fidelity factor is achieved by utilizing spatial filter effect introduced by adding two dielectric slabs parallel to the antenna substrate. By choosing optimal dimensions and location of the slabs, the signal waveforms in the mentioned half-space are equalized so as to improve the quality of the radiated signal waveform in the main beam direction. As a result, the fidelity property in the half-space is improved greatly. The simulated and measured fidelity factor in the angular operational region is studied and compared with experimental measurements. The ranges with the fidelity factor better than the value of 0.9 are improved by 95% in H-plane and by 14% in E-plane, respectively.
Oncothermia in HIV-Positive and -Negative Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients in South Africa
Authors: Strauss Carrie A. , Kotzen Jeffrey A. , Baeyens Ans , Maré Irma
Published: May 2013

Aim. Investigate the clinical, economic, and cellular effects of the addition of oncothermia to standard treatment for HIV-positive and -negative locally advanced cervical cancer patients in public healthcare in South Africa. Objectives. Evaluate the effect that the addition of oncothermia has on local disease control, progression-free survival, overall survival at 2 years, treatment toxicity, quality of life, economic impact, and HIV status of participants. Radiobiology investigations will evaluate thermoradiosensitivity and the molecular markers for thermoradiosensitivity. Methodology. Phase III randomised clinical trial involving 236 HIV-negative and -positive stage IIb-III locally advanced cervical cancer patients. Treatment includes cisplatin, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy. The study group will receive oncothermia treatments. Participants will be monitored for two years after completion of treatment. Hypothesis. The addition of oncothermia to standard treatment protocols will result in improved clinical response without increasing treatment toxicity in HIV-positive patients or raising healthcare costs.
Carbon Nanotube Composites for Electronic Packaging Applications: A Review
Authors: Aryasomayajula Lavanya , Wolter Klaus-Juergen
Published: May 2013

Composite engineering comprises of metal matrix composites. They have high strength-weight ratio, better stiffness, economical production, and ease of availability of raw materials. The discovery of carbon nanotubes has opened new possibilities to face challenges better. Carbon Nanotubes are known for their high mechanical strength, excellent thermal and electrical properties. Recent research has made progress in fabricating carbon nanotube metal matrix and polymer-based composites. The methods of fabrication of these composites, their properties and possible applications restricted to the field of electronic packaging have been discussed in this paper. Experimental and theoretical calculations have shown improved mechanical and physical properties like tensile stress, toughness, and improved electrical and thermal properties. They have also demonstrated the ease of production of the composites and their adaptability as one can tailor their properties as per the requirement. This paper reviews work reported on fabricating and characterizing carbon- nanotube-based metal matrix and polymer composites. The focus of this paper is mainly to review the importance of these composites in the field of electronics packaging.
Bifurcation and Hybrid Control for A Simple Hopfield Neural Networks with Delays
Authors: Mao Zisen , Wang Hao , Xu Dandan , Cui Zhoujin
Published: May 2013

A detailed analysis on the Hopf bifurcation of a delayed Hopfield neural network is given. Moreover, a new hybrid control strategy is proposed, in which time-delayed state feedback and parameter perturbation are used to control the Hopf bifurcation of the model. Numerical simulation results confirm that the new hybrid controller using time delay is efficient in controlling Hopf bifurcation.
Tribological and Mechanical Behaviors of Polyamide 6/Glass Fiber Composite Filled with Various Solid Lubricants
Authors: Li Duxin , Xie Ying , Li Wenjuan , You Yilan , Deng Xin
Published: May 2013

The effects of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and their compounds on mechanical and tribological properties of glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/GF) were studied. The polymeric materials were blended using twin‐screw extruder and subsequently injection molded for test samples. Mechanical properties were investigated in terms of hardness, tensile strength, and impact strength. Friction and wear experiments were run under ambient conditions at a rotating speed of 200 rpm and load of 100 N. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were also observed with scanning electron microscope. The results showed that graphite could increase the tensile strength of PA6/GF‐15 composite, but the material became soft. Graphite/UHMWPE complex solid lubricants were effective in increasing the already high impact strength of PA6/GF‐15 composite. 5% PTFE gave the maximum reduction in the coefficient of friction. However, PTFE/UHMWPE complex solid lubricants were the best choice for improving both friction and wear behaviors due to the lower friction coefficient and mass wear rate. Moreover, the worn surface of PA6 composites revealed that adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and fatigue wear occurred in this study.
Antidiabetic Activity of Polysaccharides from Tuberous Root ofLiriope spicatavar.proliferain KKAy Mice
Authors: Liu Yihui , Wan Luosheng , Xiao Zuoqi , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yonglong , Chen Jiachun
Published: May 2013

Tuberous root ofLiriope spicatavar.proliferahas been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The present study investigated the antidiabetic effect and the potential mechanisms of two new polysaccharides (LSP1, LSP2) and the total polysaccharides (TLSP), isolated from the tuberous roots. Upon the intragastric administration in obese insulin-resistant diabetic KKAy mice for 28 days, TLSP, LSP1, and LSP2 all caused a remarkable decrease of fasting blood glucose and significant improvement of insulin resistance and serum lipid metabolism in diabetic mice. In addition, liver histological analysis showed that TLSP, LSP1, and LSP2 significantly ameliorated the hepatocyte hypertrophy and decreased the lipid accumulation in the mice liver. Further experiments suggested that TLSP, LSP1, and LSP2 effectively inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis and increased hepatic glycolysis and hepatic glycogen content. Furthermore, the mechanistic analysis showed the increased expression of insulin-receptorαsubunit, insulin-receptor substrate-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptorsγ. These results suggested that TLSP, LSP1, and LSP2 manifest strong antidiabetic activity, therefore hold a great promise for therapeutic application in diabetic therapy and other related metabolic disorders.
Transcriptome Analysis of Spermophilus lateralis and Spermophilus tridecemlineatus Liver Does Not Suggest the Presence of Spermophilus-Liver-Specific Reference Genes
Authors: Keng Bryan M. H. , Chan Oliver Y. W. , Heng Sean S. J. , Ling Maurice H. T.
Published: May 2013

The expressions of reference genes used in gene expression studies are assumed to be stable under most circumstances. However, studies had demonstrated that genes assumed to be stably expressed in a species are not necessarily stably expressed in other organisms. This study aims to evaluate the likelihood of genus-specific reference genes for liver using comparable microarray datasets from Spermophilus lateralis and Spermophilus tridecemlineatus. The coefficient of variance (CV) of each probe was calculated and there were 178 probes common between the lowest 10% CV of both datasets (). All 3 lists were analysed by NormFinder. Our results suggest that the most invariant probe for S. tridecemlineatus was 02n12, while that for S. lateralis was 24j21. However, our results showed that Probes 02n12 and 24j21 are ranked 8644 and 926 in terms of invariancy for S. lateralis and S. tridecemlineatus respectively. This suggests the lack of common liver-specific reference probes for both S. lateralis and S. tridecemlineatus. Given that S. lateralis and S. tridecemlineatus are closely related species and the datasets are comparable, our results do not support the presence of genus-specific reference genes.
Fatty Acid Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System and the Effect on Food Intake and Metabolism
Authors: Naughton Shaan S. , Mathai Michael L. , Hryciw Deanne H. , McAinch Andrew J.
Published: May 2013

Endocannabinoids and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are a current research focus in the area of obesity due to the system’s role in food intake and glucose and lipid metabolism. Importantly, overweight and obese individuals often have higher circulating levels of the arachidonic acid-derived endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and an altered pattern of receptor expression. Consequently, this leads to an increase in orexigenic stimuli, changes in fatty acid synthesis, insulin sensitivity, and glucose utilisation, with preferential energy storage in adipose tissue. As endocannabinoids are products of dietary fats, modification of dietary intake may modulate their levels, with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid based endocannabinoids being able to displace arachidonic acid from cell membranes, reducing AEA and 2-AG production. Similarly, oleoyl ethanolamide, a product of oleic acid, induces satiety, decreases circulating fatty acid concentrations, increases the capacity forβ-oxidation, and is capable of inhibiting the action of AEA and 2-AG in adipose tissue. Thus, understanding how dietary fats alter endocannabinoid system activity is a pertinent area of research due to public health messages promoting a shift towards plant-derived fats, which are rich sources of AEA and 2-AG precursor fatty acids, possibly encouraging excessive energy intake and weight gain.
Oral Lichen Planus in Thai Patients Has a Low Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Arirachakaran Pratanporn , Chansaengroj Jira , Lurchachaiwong Woradee , Kanjanabud Patnarin , Thongprasom Kobkan , Poovorawan Yong
Published: May 2013

Background. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease, with an etiopathogenesis associated with cell-mediated immunological dysfunction. Viral infection has been hypothesized as a predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of this disease. Viruses may alter host cell function by inducing the abnormal expression of cellular proteins leading to disease development. However, reports on the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and OLP are inconclusive. Objective. To explore the association between HPV and OLP in Thai patients. Materials and Methods. DNA was extracted from thirty-seven fresh-frozen tissue biopsy specimens from OLP lesions, and polymerase chain reaction assay for the L1 and E1 genes covering 32 types of high- and low-risk HPV was performed. Results. HPV DNA was detected in one tissue biopsy from an atrophic-type OLP lesion. All control samples were negative. Genomic sequencing of the E1 gene PCR product demonstrated that the HPV-type 16 found in the lesion is closely related to the East Asian type. Conclusion. Our data indicate a low prevalence of HPV infection in OLP lesions in Thai patients.
Adult's Degenerative Scoliosis: Midterm Results of Dynamic Stabilization without Fusion in Elderly Patients—Is It Effective?
Authors: Di Silvestre Mario , Lolli Francesco , Greggi Tiziana , Vommaro Francesco , Baioni Andrea
Published: May 2013

Study Design. A retrospective study.Purpose. Posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation used for degenerative lumbar scoliosis can lead to several complications. In elderly patients without sagittal imbalance, dynamic stabilization could represent an option to avoid these adverse events.Methods. 57 patients treated by dynamic stabilization without fusion were included. All patients had degenerative lumbarde novoscoliosis (average Cobb angle 17.2°), without sagittal imbalance, associated in 52 cases (91%) with vertebral canal stenosis and in 24 (42%) with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Nineteen patients (33%) had previously undergone lumbar spinal surgery.Results. At an average followup of 77 months, clinical results improved with statistical significance. Scoliosis Cobb angle was 17.2° (range, 12° to 38°) before surgery and 11.3° (range, 4° to 26°) at last follow-up. In the patients with associated spondylolisthesis, anterior vertebral translation was 19.5% (range, 12% to 27%) before surgery, 16.7% (range, 0% to 25%) after surgery, and 17.5% (range, 0% to 27%) at followup. Complications incidence was low (14%), and few patients required revision surgery (4%).Conclusions. In elderly patients with mild degenerative lumbar scoliosis without sagittal imbalance, pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization is an effective option, with low complications incidence, granting curve stabilization during time and satisfying clinical results.