bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF THIN FILM GROWTH ON A TILTED MISCUT SUBSTRATE: STATISTICAL PROPERTIES AND THE OPTIMUM GROWTH CONDITIONS
Authors: CHATRAPHORN PATCHA , CHOMNGAM CHANAKAN
Published: June 2012

Most studies of thin film growth simulations are performed on flat substrates. However, in reality, a substrate is usually miscut leading to a vicinal surface with a small tilt. The goal of this work is to study effects of an initial configuration of a miscut substrate on the grown film. The Das Sarma–Tamborenea model with modified diffusion rules is used for the simulations. The modification is done to allow variation in the surface diffusion length and mobility of adatoms. The results show that the optimum conditions that lead to step-flow growth are long diffusion length and small step height.
MODEL AND EMPIRICAL STUDY ON SEVERAL URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORKS IN CHINA
Authors: DING YIMIN , DING ZHUO
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we present the empirical investigation results on the urban public transport networks (PTNs) and propose a model to understand the results obtained. We investigate some urban public traffic networks in China, which are the urban public traffic networks of Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan and etc. The empirical results on the big cities show that the accumulative act-degree distributions of PTNs take neither power function forms, nor exponential function forms, but they are described by a shifted power function, and the accumulative act-degree distributions of PTNs in medium-sized or small cities follow the same law. In the end, we propose a model to show a possible evolutionary mechanism for the emergence of such network. The analytic results obtained from this model are in good agreement with the empirical results.
HEAT-BATH-INDUCED DECAY OF TELEPORTATION FIDELITY OF THE X-STATES
Authors: QIN MENG , CHEN XUAN , LIU CUI-CUI
Published: June 2012

Quantum entanglement and teleportation of two qubit X-states subject to heat bath is investigated by partial teleportation protocol. We obtain the analytical expressions of the average fidelity for the X-states with one-side decoherence and two-side decoherence. The quality of quantum teleportation with various initial states is investigated by explicitly calculating the concurrence, the output concurrence and the average fidelity. The results demonstrate that the model is suitable for teleportation, which depends on the initial state. However, the mean thermal occupation number of bath and decoherence could induce the decrease of the output entanglement and the average fidelity in the quantum teleportation processing. We also find the quantum teleportation protocol of one-side decoherence is more robust than that of under two-side decoherence.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF PROPERTIES OF HYDROGEN AND HELIUM MIXTURE BASED ON PERTURBATION THEORY
Authors: MOTEVALLI S. M. , PAHLAVANI M. R. , AZIMI M.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we have investigated thermodynamic parameters of hydrogen and helium fluid mixture with assistance of statistical perturbation theory. The results have been compared with existing theoretical and Monte Carlo simulation methods based. Moreover, the effects of density, temperature and helium concentration on equation of state (EOS) of this mixture have been considered. Likewise, since exp-6 potential has given better results in comparison with MC simulations in higher temperatures than double Yukawa potential and avoiding any vague speculation, comparison between effects of these potentials has been presented. The results further suggest that EOS in this place depends sensitively on the density, the potential function and concentration of each component.
THE DIOPHANTINE EQUATION (2am - 1)x + (2m)y = (2am + 1)z
Authors: MIYAZAKI T. , TOGBÉ A.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, for any fixed odd positive integer a > 1, we prove that all of the solutions of the Diophantine equation [Formula: see text] are given by [Formula: see text] further, [Formula: see text], when a is square and the additional solution (m, x, y, z) = (1, 1, 13, 2), when a = 45. Using this result, for any fixed odd positive integer b ≥ 5, we prove that the Diophantine equation [Formula: see text] has only the solution (x, y, z) = (1, 1, 1), if b ≠ 89 and the solutions (x, y, z) = (1, 1, 1), (1, 13, 2), if b = 89.
FOLDING MECHANICS OF BI-LAYER GRAPHENE SHEET
Authors: ZHOU ZHONG , QIAN DONG , VASUDEVAN VIJAY K. , RUOFF RODNEY S.
Published: June 2012

Folding in graphene sheet has been extensively observed experimentally. While it is generally recognized that such a conformational state can influence the electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties of graphene nanostructures, the mechanism driving the nonlinear mechanical deformation remains an interesting subject of study. Here we present an investigation on the folding in bi-layer graphene sheet due to in-plane compression. To describe the lattice registry effect of interlay cohesion in layered graphitic structures, a registry-dependent potential model was implemented. We have determined the critical length to stabilize the graphene folding to be 5.4~10.7 nm through both theoretical and simulation analysis. The mechanism for such a stabilized fold is attributed to the variations in the inter-layer interaction energy that produces a friction-like effect. The climbing image nudged elastic band (CINEB) calculations predicted an identical activation energy barrier associated with the transition between flat and folded configurations, 0.47 eV/Å, for graphene sheets with length of 7~10 nm. When the mechanical stimulation is high enough to overcome the energy barrier, the supported graphene sheet can be folded to form a nanotube.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYSIALIC ACID-N-TRIMETHYL CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: ZHANG NAN , BADER REBECCA A.
Published: June 2012

In drug delivery, the nanoparticles must be of proper size and charge to achieve high efficacy and low toxicity of associated therapeutics. In this study, nanoparticles were developed via ionic gelation of two polysaccharide-based molecules, negatively charged polysialic acid (PSA) and positively charged N,N,N-trimethylchitosan (TMC). PSA is unique in that the highly hydrated backbone may be used in a manner similar to that of poly(ethylene glycol) to extend circulation times. Although not necessary for nanoparticle formation, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was added to enhance stability, as indicated by a reduced polydispersity. We investigated three different ratios by weight of PSA:TMC (0.5:1, 1:1, 1:2 and five different TPP concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/ml to 0.8 mg/ml. As controls, nanoparticles were also formed without PSA from chitosan and TMC with TPP. Optimal size and surface charge were achieved with a PSA:TMC weight ratio of 0.5:1 and a TPP concentration 0.2 mg/ml. For the nanoparticles prepared in the latter fashion, a more in depth characterization was conducted. The nanoparticles were distinct solid, spherical nanogels with a size of 106 ± 25 nm, an ideal size to reduce uptake by the reticuloendothelial system while facilitating passive targeting of diseased tissue. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was +33.9 ± 1.2 mV, suggesting that the nanoparticles will be stable under physiological conditions. Encapsulation and controlled release by the nanoparticles was demonstrated using methotrexate, a therapeutic indicated in both cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The results obtained thus far strongly indicate that PSA–TMC nanoparticles are suitable drug carrier systems for systemic administration.
K-clustered tensor approximation
Authors: Tsai Yu-Ting , Shih Zen-Chung
Published: June 2012

With the increasing demands for photo-realistic image synthesis in real time, we propose a sparse multilinear model, which is named
K-Clustered Tensor Approximation
(K-CTA), to efficiently analyze and approximate large-scale multidimensional visual datasets, so that both storage space and rendering time are substantially reduced. K-CTA not only extends previous work on
Clustered Tensor Approximation
(CTA) to exploit inter-cluster coherence, but also allows a compact and sparse representation for high-dimensional datasets with just a few low-order factors and reduced multidimensional cluster core tensors. Thus, K-CTA can be regarded as a sparse extension of CTA and a multilinear generalization of sparse representation. Experimental results demonstrate that K-CTA can accurately approximate spatially varying visual datasets, such as bidirectional texture functions, view-dependent occlusion texture functions, and biscale radiance transfer functions for efficient rendering in real-time applications.
Sparse zonal harmonic factorization for efficient SH rotation
Authors: Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Simari Patricio , Fiume Eugene
Published: June 2012

We present a sparse analytic representation for spherical functions, including those expressed in a Spherical Harmonic (SH) expansion, that is amenable to fast and accurate rotation on the GPU. Exploiting the fact that each band-
l
SH basis function can be expressed as a weighted sum of 2
l
+ 1 rotated band-
l
Zonal Harmonic (ZH) lobes, we develop a factorization that significantly reduces this number. We investigate approaches for promoting sparsity in the change-of-basis matrix, and also introduce
lobe sharing
to reduce the total number of unique lobe directions used for an order-
N
expansion from
N
2
to 2
N
-1. Our representation does not introduce approximation error, is suitable for any type of spherical function (e.g., lighting or transfer), and requires no offline fitting procedure; only a (sparse) matrix multiplication is required to map to/from SH. We provide code for our rotation algorithms, and apply them to several real-time rendering applications.
On filtering the noise from the random parameters in Monte Carlo rendering
Authors: Sen Pradeep , Darabi Soheil
Published: June 2012

Monte Carlo (MC) rendering systems can produce spectacular images but are plagued with noise at low sampling rates. In this work, we observe that this noise occurs in regions of the image where the sample values are a direct function of the random parameters used in the Monte Carlo system. Therefore, we propose a way to identify MC noise by estimating this functional relationship from a small number of input samples. To do this, we treat the rendering system as a black box and calculate the statistical dependency between the outputs and inputs of the system. We then use this information to reduce the importance of the sample values affected by MC noise when applying an image-space, cross-bilateral filter, which removes only the noise caused by the random parameters but preserves important scene detail. The process of using the functional relationships between sample values and the random parameter inputs to filter MC noise is called
Random Parameter Filtering
(RPF), and we demonstrate that it can produce images in a few minutes that are comparable to those rendered with a thousand times more samples. Furthermore, our algorithm is general because we do not assign any physical meaning to the random parameters, so it works for a wide range of Monte Carlo effects, including depth of field, area light sources, motion blur, and path-tracing. We present results for still images and animated sequences at low sampling rates that have higher quality than those produced with previous approaches.
MFTL
Authors: Hsieh Jen-Wei , Wu Chung-Hsien , Chiu Ge-Ming
Published: June 2012

NAND flash memory has gained its popularity in a variety of applications as a storage medium due to its low power consumption, nonvolatility, high performance, physical stability, and portability. In particular, Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash memory, which provides a lower cost and higher density solution, has occupied the largest part of NAND flash-memory market share. However, MLC flash memory also introduces new challenges: (1) Pages in a block must be written sequentially. (2) Information to indicate a page being obsoleted cannot be recorded in its spare area due to the limitation on the number of partial programming. Since most of applications access NAND flash memory under FAT file system, this article designs an MLC Flash Translation Layer (MFTL) for flash-memory storage systems which takes constraints of MLC flash memory and access behaviors of FAT file system into consideration. A series of trace-driven simulations was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. Although MFTL is designed for MLC flash memory and FAT file system, it is applicable to SLC flash memory and other file systems as well. Our experiment results show that the proposed MFTL could achieve a good performance for various access patterns even on SLC flash memory.
Genome Regulation by Long Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Rinn John L. , Chang Howard Y.
Published: June 2012

The central dogma of gene expression is that DNA is transcribed into messenger RNAs, which in turn serve as the template for protein synthesis. The discovery of extensive transcription of large RNA transcripts that do not code for proteins, termed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), provides an important new perspective on the centrality of RNA in gene regulation. Here, we discuss genome-scale strategies to discover and characterize lncRNAs. An emerging theme from multiple model systems is that lncRNAs form extensive networks of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with numerous chromatin regulators and then target these enzymatic activities to appropriate locations in the genome. Consistent with this notion, lncRNAs can function as modular scaffolds to specify higher-order organization in RNP complexes and in chromatin states. The importance of these modes of regulation is underscored by the newly recognized roles of long RNAs for proper gene control across all kingdoms of life.
Roles for Actin Assembly in Endocytosis
Authors: Mooren Olivia L. , Galletta Brian J. , Cooper John A.
Published: June 2012

Endocytosis includes a number of processes by which cells internalize segments of their plasma membrane, enclosing a wide variety of material from outside the cell. Endocytosis can contribute to uptake of nutrients, regulation of signaling molecules, control of osmotic pressure, and function of synapses. The actin cytoskeleton plays an essential role in several of these processes. Actin assembly can create protrusions that encompass extracellular materials. Actin can also support the processes of invagination of a membrane segment into the cytoplasm, elongation of the invagination, scission of the new vesicle from the plasma membrane, and movement of the vesicle away from the membrane. We briefly discuss various types of endocytosis, including phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, and clathrin-independent endocytosis. We focus mainly on new findings on the relative importance of actin in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in yeast versus mammalian cells.
Structural Perspective of Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis and Assembly
Authors: Lovering Andrew L. , Safadi Susan S. , Strynadka Natalie C.J.
Published: June 2012

The peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway is a critical process in the bacterial cell and is exploited as a target for the design of antibiotics. This pathway culminates in the production of the peptidoglycan layer, which is composed of polymerized glycan chains with cross-linked peptide substituents. This layer forms the major structural component of the protective barrier known as the cell wall. Disruption in the assembly of the peptidoglycan layer causes a weakened cell wall and subsequent bacterial lysis. With bacteria responsible for both properly functioning human health (probiotic strains) and potentially serious illness (pathogenic strains), a delicate balance is necessary during clinical intervention. Recent research has furthered our understanding of the precise molecular structures, mechanisms of action, and functional interactions involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. This research is helping guide our understanding of how to capitalize on peptidoglycan-based therapeutics and, at a more fundamental level, of the complex machinery that creates this critical barrier for bacterial survival.
Optimal Error Estimate of Chebyshev‐Legendre Spectral Method for the Generalised Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony‐Burgers Equations
Authors: Zhao Tinggang , Zhang Xiaoxian , Huo Jinxia , Su Wanghui , Liu Yongli , Wu Yujiang
Published: June 2012

Combining with the Crank‐Nicolson/leapfrog scheme in time discretization, Chebyshev‐Legendre spectral method is applied to space discretization for numerically solving the Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony‐Burgers (gBBM‐B) equations. The proposed approach is based on Legendre Galerkin formulation while the Chebyshev‐Gauss‐Lobatto (CGL) nodes are used in the computation. By using the proposed method, the computational complexity is reduced and both accuracy and efficiency are achieved. The stability and convergence are rigorously set up. Optimal error estimate of the Chebyshev‐Legendre method is proved for the problem with Dirichlet boundary condition. The convergence rate shows “spectral accuracy.” Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method and to confirm the theoretical results.
Posttraumatic and Depressive Symptoms in Victims of Occupational Accidents
Authors: Buodo Giulia , Novara Caterina , Ghisi Marta , Palomba Daniela
Published: June 2012

The present descriptive study was aimed at evaluating posttraumatic and depressive symptoms and their cooccurrence, in a sample of victims of workplace accidents. Also, posttraumatic negative cognitions were assessed. Eighty-five injured workers were evaluated, using the PTSD Symptom Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory. 49.4% of injured workers reported both depressive and posttraumatic symptoms of clinical relevance. 20% only reported posttraumatic, but not depressive, symptoms, and 30.6% did not report either type of symptoms. The group with both posttraumatic and depressive symptoms displayed greater symptom severity and more negative cognitions about the self and about the world than the other two groups. The obtained findings indicate that workplace accidents can have a major impact upon the mental health of victims. Early interventions should be focused not only on the prevention or reduction of posttraumatic and depressive symptoms but also on restructuring specific maladaptive trauma-related cognitions.
Usage of Modified Holt-Winters Method in the Anomaly Detection of Network Traffic: Case Studies
Authors: Szmit Maciej , Szmit Anna
Published: June 2012

The traditional Holt-Winters method is used, among others, in behavioural analysis of network traffic for development of adaptive models for various types of traffic in sample computer networks. This paper is devoted to the application of extended versions of these models for development of predicted templates and intruder detection.
Nanopolymers Delivery of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐4 Plasmid to Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Articular Cartilage Repair In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Shi Junjun , Zhang Xin , Pi Yanbin , Zhu Jingxian , Zhou Chunyan , Ao Yingfang
Published: June 2012

The clinical application of viral vectors for gene therapy is limited for biosafety consideration. In this study, to promote articular cartilage repair, poly (lactic‐co glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanopolymers were used as non‐viral vectors to transfect rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the pDC316‐BMP4‐EGFP plasmid. The cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency in vitro were acceptable measuring by CCK‐8 and flow cytometry. After transfection, Chondrogenic markers (mRNA of Col2a1, Sox9, Bmp4, and Agg) of experimental cells (MSCs being transfected with BMP‐4 plasmid by PLGA nanopolymers) were increased more than those of control cells (MSCs being transfected with naked BMP‐4 plasmid alone). In vivo study, twelve rabbits (24 knees) with large full thickness articular cartilage defects were randomly divided into the experimental group (MSCs being transfected with BMP‐4 plasmid by PLGA nanopolymers) and the control group (MSCs being transfected with naked BMP‐4 plasmid). The experimental group showed better regeneration than the control group 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Hyaline‐like cartilage formed at week 12 in the experimental group, indicating the local delivery of BMP‐4 plasmid to MSCs by PLGA nanopolymers improved articular cartilage repair significantly. PLGA nanopolymers could be a promising and effective non‐viral vector for gene therapy in cartilage repair.
Nonlinear Analysis of Auscultation Signals in TCM Using the Combination of Wavelet Packet Transform and Sample Entropy
Authors: Yan Jian-Jun , Wang Yi-Qin , Guo Rui , Zhou Jin-Zhuan , Yan Hai-Xia , Xia Chun-Ming , Shen Yong
Published: June 2012

Auscultation signals are nonstationary in nature. Wavelet packet transform (WPT) has currently become a very useful tool in analyzing nonstationary signals. Sample entropy (SampEn) has recently been proposed to act as a measurement for quantifying regularity and complexity of time series data. WPT and SampEn were combined in this paper to analyze auscultation signals in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). SampEns for WPT coefficients were computed to quantify the signals from qi- and yin-deficient, as well as healthy, subjects. The complexity of the signal can be evaluated with this scheme in different time-frequency resolutions. First, the voice signals were decomposed into approximated and detailed WPT coefficients. Then, SampEn values for approximated and detailed coefficients were calculated. Finally, SampEn values with significant differences in the three kinds of samples were chosen as the feature parameters for the support vector machine to identify the three types of auscultation signals. The recognition accuracy rates were higher than 90%.
Power-Integrated Circuit Active Leakage Current Detector
Authors: Bulacio M. F. , González T. A. , Marinelli G. , Alonso R. , Tacca H. E.
Published: June 2012

Most of the failures of induction motors become insulation faults, causing a permanent damage. Using differential current transformers, a system capable of insulation fault detection was developed, based on the differential relay protection scheme. Both signal injection and fault detection circuitry were integrated in a single chip. The proposed scheme is faster than other existing protection and not restricted to protect induction motors, but several other devices (such as IGBTs) and systems. This paper explains the principle of operation of fault protection scheme and analyzes an integrated implementation through simulations and experimental results. A power-integrated circuit (PIC) implementation is presented.
A Seizure Care Pathway in the Emergency Department: Preliminary Quality and Safety Improvements
Authors: Iyer Parameswaran M. , McNamara Patricia H. , Fitzgerald Margaret , Smyth Liam , Dardis Christopher , Jawad Tania , Plunkett Patrick K. , Doherty Colin P.
Published: June 2012

Aim. To evaluate the utility of a seizure care pathway for seizure presentations to the emergency department (ED) in order to safely avoid unnecessary admission and to provide early diagnostic and therapeutic guidance and minimize length of stay in those admitted. Methods. 3 studies were conducted, 2 baseline audits and a 12-month intervention study and prospective data was collected over a 12-month period (Nov 2008-09). Results. Use of the Pathway resulted in a reduction in the number of epilepsy related admissions from 341 in 2004 to 276 in 2009 (); a reduction in the median length of stay of those admittedfrom 4-5 days in the baseline audits to 2 days in the intervention study (); an improvement in time to diagnostic investigations such as CT brain, MRI brain and Electroencephalography (, , ); a reduction in readmission rates from 45.1% to 8.9% (); and an improvement in follow-up times from a median of 16 weeks to 5 weeks (). From a safety perspective there were no deaths in the early discharged group after 12 months follow-up. Conclusion. The burden of seizure related admissions through the ED can be improved in a safe and effective manner by the provision of a seizure care pathway.
Weighted Approximation for Jackson‐Matsuoka Polynomials on the Sphere
Authors: Feng Guo
Published: June 2012

We consider the best approximation by Jackson‐Matsuoka polynomials in the weighted Lp space on the unit sphere of ℝd. Using the relation between K‐functionals and modulus of smoothness on the sphere, we obtain the direct and inverse estimate of approximation by these polynomials for the h‐spherical harmonics.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica-Supported Palladium Catalysts for Biofuel Upgrade
Authors: Fei Ling , Reddy Harvind Kumar , Hill Joshua , Lin Qianglu , Yuan Bin , Xu Yun , Dailey Peter , Deng Shuguang , Luo Hongmei
Published: June 2012

We report the preparation of two hydrocracking catalysts Pd/CoMoO4/silica and Pd/CNTs/CoMoO4/silica (CNTs, carbon nanotubes). The structure, morphologies, composition, and thermal stability of catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalyst activity was measured in a Parr reactor with camelina fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) as the feed. The analysis shows that the palladium nanoparticles have been incorporated onto mesoporous silica in Pd/CoMoO4/silica or on the CNTs surface in Pd/CNTs/CoMoO4/silica catalysts. The different combinations of metals and supports have selective control cracking on heavy hydrocarbons.
Antioxidants in Kidney Diseases: The Impact of Bardoxolone Methyl
Authors: Rojas-Rivera Jorge , Ortiz Alberto , Egido Jesus
Published: June 2012

Drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are the mainstay of therapy to retard the progression of proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as diabetic nephropathy. However, diabetic nephropathy is still the first cause of end-stage renal disease. New drugs targeted to the pathogenesis and mechanisms of progression of these diseases beyond RAAS inhibition are needed. There is solid experimental evidence of a key role of oxidative stress and its interrelation with inflammation on renal damage. However, randomized and well-powered trials on these agents in CKD are scarce. We now review the biological bases of oxidative stress and its role in kidney diseases, with focus on diabetic nephropathy, as well as the role of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and recent clinical trials targeting this pathway with bardoxolone methyl.
Predictor‐Corrector Primal‐Dual Interior Point Method for Solving EconomicDispatch Problems: A Postoptimization Analysis
Authors: Balbo Antonio Roberto , Souza Márcio Augusto da Silva , Baptista Edméa Cássia , Nepomuceno Leonardo
Published: June 2012

This paper proposes a predictor‐corrector primal‐dual interior point method which introduces line search procedures (IPLS) in both the predictor and corrector steps. The Fibonacci search technique is used in the predictor step, while an Armijo line search is used in the corrector step. The method is developed for application to the economic dispatch (ED) problem studied in the field of power systems analysis. The theory of the method is examined for quadratic programming problems and involves the analysis of iterative schemes, computational implementation, and issues concerning the adaptation of the proposed algorithm to solve ED problems. Numerical results are presented, which demonstrate improvements and the efficiency of the IPLS method when compared to several other methods described in the literature. Finally, postoptimization analyses are performed for the solution of ED problems.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function in a Murine Model of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Javazon Elisabeth H. , Radhi Mohamed , Gangadharan Bagirath , Perry Jennifer , Archer David R.
Published: June 2012

Previous studies have shown that the sickle environment is highly enriched for reactive oxygen species (ROS). We examined the oxidative effects of sickle cell disease on hematopoietic stem cell function in a sickle mouse model.In vitrocolony-forming assays showed a significant decrease in progenitor colony formation derived from sickle compared to control bone marrow (BM). Sickle BM possessed a significant decrease in the KSL (c-kit+, Sca-1+, Lineage−) progenitor population, and cell cycle analysis showed that there were fewer KSL cells in the G0phase of the cell cycle compared to controls. We found a significant increase in both lipid peroxidation and ROS in sickle-derived KSL cells.In vivoanalysis demonstrated that normal bone marrow cells engraft with increased frequency into sickle mice compared to control mice. Hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from sickle mice, however, demonstrated significant impairment in engraftment potential. We observed partial restoration of engraftment by n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment of KSL cells prior to transplantation. Increased intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation combined with improvement in engraftment following NAC treatment suggests that an altered redox environment in sickle mice affects hematopoietic progenitor and stem cell function.
Dynamic Analysis of a Pyroprocessing Coupled SFR Fuel Recycling
Authors: Gao Fanxing , Ko Won Il
Published: June 2012

Numerous studies have attempted to solve the problems constraining the sustainable utilization of nuclear power, for example, the already accumulated HLWs, the worsening environment due to greenhouse emissions, the questionable reliability of natural uranium resources, and the argument over nuclear safety, which are certainly top issues to be addressed. A well-organized nuclear fuel cycle system is the basis for nuclear power sustainability. Therefore, which type of reactor to be employed and whether or not to adopt a reprocessing technique for spent fuel are two key issues to be addressed. A Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR), a Generation IV reactor, has gained considerable attention worldwide. SFR recycling coupled to pyroprocessing, a so-called Pyro-SFR Recycling, shows promising advantages, and therefore, this paper focuses on exploring a strategy of how to realize it, which can offer informative procedures for a better use of nuclear power. A dynamic model has been developed to quantitatively analyze a country-specific case employing two scenarios, a once-through and Pyro-SFR, for a comprehensive comparison, especially focusing on the uranium utilization, the HLW reduction, and the electricity generation cost.
Are We Ready for the Use of Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells for Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy in Kidney Transplantation?
Authors: Salcido-Ochoa Francisco , Yusof Nurhashikin , Hue Susan Swee-Shan , Haase Doreen , Kee Terence , Rotzschke Olaf
Published: June 2012

The existence of T-cell subsets naturally committed to perform immunoregulation has led to enthusiastic efforts to investigate their role in the immunopathogenesis of transplantation. Being able to modulate alloresponses, regulatory T cells could be used as an immunodiagnostic tool in clinical kidney transplantation. Thus, the measurement of Foxp3 transcripts, the presence of regulatory T cells in kidney biopsies, and the phenotypic characterisation of the T-cell infiltrate could aid in the diagnosis of rejection and the immune monitoring and prediction of outcomes in kidney transplantation. Interestingly, the adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells in animal models has been proven to downmodulate powerful alloresponses, igniting translational research on their potential use as an immunomodulatory therapy. For busy transplant clinicians, the vast amount of information in the literature on regulatory T cells can be overwhelming. This paper aims to highlight the most applicable research findings on the use of regulatory T cells in the immune diagnosis and potential immunomodulatory therapy of kidney transplant patients. However, can we yet rely on differential regulatory T-cell profiles for the identification of rejection or to tailor patient's immunosuppression? Are we ready to administer regulatory T cells as inductive or adjunctive therapy for kidney transplantation?
New Meir‐Keeler Type Tripled Fixed‐Point Theorems on Ordered Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we prove some new Meir‐Keeler type tripled fixed‐point theorems on a partially ordered complete partial metric space. Also, as application, some results of integral type are given.
Maternal Characteristics and Temporal Trends in Birth Outcomes: Comparison between Spanish and Migrant Mothers
Authors: Varea Carlos , Bernis Cristina , González Antonio González
Published: June 2012

Low birth weight and preterm babies have been increasing in Spain since 1980, coinciding with important changes in the social and demographic structure of childbearing populations—including the contribution of a 25% of foreign mothers—and with increasing medical intervention in births. This study, based on 5,990,613 births, compares the temporary trends in reproductive patterns and birth outcomes in Spanish and foreign mothers during the period 1996–2009 and evaluates for the years 2007 to 2009 the relative contribution of mother's origin and Caesarean section to birth weight variability. Foreign mothers maintain their own reproductive pattern, whereas negative birth outcomes increase in all groups. Results from logistic regression analysis show that besides late maternity and primiparity also Caesarean section increases the risk for low birth weight. The reduction in Caesarean section rates between 2007 and 2009 might explain the reduction of low birth weight detected. A change of tendency simultaneously appears in most maternal and newborn characteristics, and in the mode of delivery in all ethnic groups since 2008. Coincidence in the timing of the change of trends points to a common factor. We suggest that the current world financial crisis could be this common cause, a hypothesis to be contrasted in future research.
A Multinomial Ordinal Probit Model with Singular Value Decomposition Method for a Multinomial Trait
Authors: Kwon Soonil , Goodarzi Mark O. , Taylor Kent D. , Cui Jinrui , Chen Y.-D. Ida , Rotter Jerome I. , Hsueh Willa , Guo Xiuqing
Published: June 2012

We developed a multinomial ordinal probit model with singular value decomposition for testing a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) simultaneously for association with multidisease status when sample size is much smaller than the number of SNPs. The validity and performance of the method was evaluated via simulation. We applied the method to our real study sample recruited through the Mexican-American Coronary Artery Disease study. We found 3 genes (SORCS1, AMPD1, and PPARα) to be associated with the development of both IGT and IFG, while 5 genes (AMPD2, PRKAA2, C5, TCF7L2, and ITR) with the IGT mechanism only and 6 genes (CAPN10, IL4, NOS3, CD14, GCG, and SORT1) with the IFG mechanism only. These data suggest that IGT and IFG may indicate different physiological mechanism to prediabetes, via different genetic determinants.
Identification of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Protein Forms with Distinct Activities on Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Subramanian P. , Deshpande M. , Locatelli-Hoops S. , Moghaddam-Taaheri S. , Gutierrez D. , Fitzgerald D. P. , Guerrier S. , Rapp M. , Notario V. , Becerra S. P.
Published: June 2012

Purpose.Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional serpin. The purpose of this study is to identify PEDF protein forms and investigate their biological activities on tumor cell lines.Methods.Recombinant human PEDF proteins were purified by cation- and anion-exchange column chromatography. They were subjected to SDS-PAGE, IEF, deglycosylation, heparin affinity chromatography, and limited proteolysis. Cell viability, real-time electrical impedance of cells, and wound healing assays were performed using bladder and breast cancer cell lines, rat retinal R28, and human ARPE-19 cells.Results.Two PEDF protein peaks were identified after anion-exchange column chromatography: PEDF-1 eluting with lower ionic strength than PEDF-2. PEDF-1 had higher pI value and lower apparent molecular weight than PEDF-2. Both PEDF forms were glycosylated, bound to heparin, and had identical patterns by limited proteolysis. However, PEDF-2 emerged as being highly potent in lowering cell viability in all tumor cell lines tested, and in inhibiting tumor and ARPE-19 cell migration. In contrast, PEDF-1 minimally affected tumor cell viability and cell migration but protected R28 cells against death caused by serum starvation.Conclusion.Two distinct biochemical forms of PEDF varying in overall charge have distinct biological effects on tumor cell viability and migration. The existence of PEDF forms may explain the multifunctional modality of PEDF.
Consistency Analysis of Spectral Regularization Algorithms
Authors: Zhu Yukui , Sun Hongwei
Published: June 2012

We investigate the consistency of spectral regularization algorithms. We generalize the usual definition of regularization function to enrich the content of spectral regularization algorithms. Under a more general prior condition, using refined error decompositions and techniques of operator norm estimation, satisfactory error bounds and learning rates are proved.
Metabonomic Evaluation of ZHENG Differentiation and Treatment by Fuzhenghuayu Tablet in Hepatitis-B-Caused Cirrhosis
Authors: Sun Shujun , Dai Jianye , Wang Wenyu , Cao Huijuan , Fang Junwei , Hu Yi Yang , Su Shibing , Zhang Yongyu
Published: June 2012

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treatment based on ZHENG (also called TCM syndrome and pattern) differentiation has been applied for about 3 thousand years, while there are some difficulties to communicate with western medicine. In the present work, metabonomic methods were utilized to differentiate ZHENG types and evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of Fuzhenghuayu (FZHY) tablet in hepatitis-B-caused cirrhosis (HBC). Urine samples of 12 healthy volunteers (control group, CG) and 31 HBC patients (HBCG) were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis. The significantly changed metabolites between CG and HBCG were selected by PLS-DA loading plot analysis. Moreover, 4 ZHENGs were differentiated mutually, suggesting that there was urine metabolic material basis in ZHENG differentiation. The efficiency of FZHY tablet on subjects with spleen deficiency with dampness encumbrance syndrome (SDDES) and liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome (LKYDS) was better than that of other syndromes. The efficiency of FZHY treatment based on ZHENG differentiation indicated that accurately ZHENG differentiating could guide the appropriate TCM treatment in HBC.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorαAgonists Differentially Regulate Inhibitor of DNA Binding Expression in Rodents and Human Cells
Authors: González María del Carmen , Corton J. Christopher , Acero Nuria , Muñoz-Mingarro Dolores , Quirós Yolanda , Álvarez-Millán Juan José , Herrera Emilio , Bocos Carlos
Published: June 2012

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id2) is a helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factor that participates in cell differentiation and proliferation. Id2 has been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases since thiazolidinediones, antidiabetic agents and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonists, have been reported to diminish Id2 expression in human cells. We hypothesized that PPARαactivators may also alter Id2 expression. Fenofibrate diminished hepatic Id2 expression in both late pregnant and unmated rats. In 24 hour fasted rats, Id2 expression was decreased under conditions known to activate PPARα. In order to determine whether the fibrate effects were mediated by PPARα, wild-type mice and PPARα-null mice were treated with Wy-14,643 (WY). WY reduced Id2 expression in wild-type mice without an effect in PPARα-null mice. In contrast, fenofibrate induced Id2 expression after 24 hours of treatment in human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2). MK-886, a PPARαantagonist, did not block fenofibrate-induced activation of Id2 expression, suggesting a PPARα-independent effect was involved. These findings confirm that Id2 is a gene responsive to PPARαagonists. Like other genes (apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-V), the opposite directional transcriptional effect in rodents and a human cell line further emphasizes that PPARαagonists have different effects in rodents and humans.
Data on the Dusty Lacewing Fauna of Northwestern Argentina with Description of a New Species (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Authors: Sziráki György , Penny Norman D.
Published: June 2012

Coniopterygidae material collected in two northwestern provinces of Argentina contained six described and one hitherto undescribed species. A list of the determined coniopterygids and the description of a newIncasemidalisspecies is given. Distinctive features of the species belonging to subgenusStangesemidalisalso are discussed.
Adaptive Sensor Activation Algorithm for Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Wei , Shi Weiren , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Kai
Published: June 2012

Target tracking is an important application of wireless sensor networks where energy conservation plays an important role. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient sensor activation protocol based on predicted region technique, called predicted region sensor activation algorithm (PRSA). The proposed algorithm predicts the moving region of target in the next time interval instead of predicting the accurate position, by analyzing current location and velocity of the target. We take these nodes within the predicted region as waiting-activation nodes and establish activation strategy. The fewest essential number of sensor nodes within the predicted region will be activated to monitor the target. Thus, the number of nodes that was involved in tracking the target will be decreased to save energy and prolong the network's operational lifetime. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Hysterotomy for Retained Placenta in a Septate Uterus: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Daniel , Johnson Joseph
Published: June 2012

Retained placenta is a common complication of the third stage of labor. Most literature has focused on management of a trapped placenta or placenta accreta. The most common source of a trapped placenta is from a partial closure of the cervix and/or a contracted lower uterine segment. We present an unusual case of a retained placenta trapped in a septate uterus. The management included unsuccessful conservative measures that resulted in delivery of the placenta by laparotomy with hysterotomy.
A Rare Case of Cholecystitis Caused byRaoultella planticola
Authors: Teo Isabel , Wild Jonathan , Ray Saikat , Chadwick David
Published: June 2012

A 62-year-old female presented with right upper quadrant pain. Clinical examination and ultrasound scan were consistent with gallstones and acute cholecystitis. She received 3 days of intravenous Co-amoxiclav and was discharged with 5-days of oral antibiotics with arrangements to return for an elective cholecystectomy. This was performed 5 months later which revealed an inflamed gallbladder and a localised abscess secondary to gallbladder perforation. Fluid from the gallbladder was taken which culturedRaoultella planticola, a gram-negative, nonmotile environmental bacteria (Bagley et al. (1981)). This is the first report of biliary sepsis with a primary infection byR. planticola. This patient was treated with a 5-day course of oral Co-amoxiclav and made a full recovery.
A Trend‐Based Segmentation Method and the Support Vector Regression for Financial Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Wu Jheng-Long , Chang Pei-Chann
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a novel trend‐based segmentation method (TBSM) and the support vector regression (SVR) for financial time series forecasting. The model is named as TBSM‐SVR. Over the last decade, SVR has been a popular forecasting model for nonlinear time series problem. The general segmentation method, that is, the piecewise linear representation (PLR), has been applied to locate a set of trading points within a financial time series data. However, owing to the dynamics in stock trading, PLR cannot reflect the trend changes within a specific time period. Therefore, a trend based segmentation method is developed in this research to overcome this issue. The model is tested using various stocks from America stock market with different trend tendencies. The experimental results show that the proposed model can generate more profits than other models. The model is very practical for real‐world application, and it can be implemented in a real‐time environment.
Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias RNS Approximation of Euler‐Lagrange‐Type Additive Mappings
Authors: Azadi Kenary H. , Rezaei H. , Ebadian A. , Zohdi A. R.
Published: June 2012

Recently the generalized Hyers‐Ulam (or Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias) stability of the following functional equation where r1, …, rm ∈ ℝ, proved in Banach modules over a unital C*‐algebra. It was shown that if , ri, rj ≠ 0 for some 1 ≤ i < j ≤ m and a mapping f : X → Y satisfies the above mentioned functional equation then the mapping f : X → Y is Cauchy additive. In this paper we prove the Hyers‐Ulam‐Rassias stability of the above mentioned functional equation in random normed spaces (briefly RNS).
HCV Proteins and Immunoglobulin Variable Gene (IgV) Subfamilies in HCV-Induced Type II Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A Concurrent Pathogenetic Role
Authors: Sautto Giuseppe , Mancini Nicasio , Solforosi Laura , Diotti Roberta A. , Clementi Massimo , Burioni Roberto
Published: June 2012

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCII) is well established, but the role played by distinct HCV proteins and by specific components of the anti-HCV humoral immune response remains to be clearly defined. It is widely accepted that HCV drives the expansion of few B-cell clones expressing a restricted pool of selected immunoglobulin variable (IgV) gene subfamilies frequently endowed with rheumatoid factor (RF) activity. Moreover, the same IgV subfamilies are frequently observed in HCV-transformed malignant B-cell clones occasionally complicating MCII. In this paper, we analyze both the humoral and viral counterparts at the basis of cryoglobulins production in HCV-induced MCII, with particular attention reserved to the single IgV subfamilies most frequently involved.
Mechanical Ventilation and the Titer of Antibodies as Risk Factors for the Development of Transfusion-Related Lung Injury
Authors: Vlaar A. P. J. , Kuipers M. T. , Hofstra J. J. , Wolthuis E. K. , Wieland C. W. , Roelofs J. J. T. H. , Boon L. , Schultz M. J. , Lutter R. , Juffermans N. P.
Published: June 2012

Purpose. Onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is suggested to be a threshold-event. Data is lacking on the relation between titer of antibodies infused and onset of TRALI. We determined whether onset of TRALI is dependent on the titer of MHC-I antibodies infused in a combined model of ventilator-induced lung injury and antibody-induced TRALl.Methods. BALB/c mice were ventilated for five hours with low (7.5 ml/kg) or high (15 ml/kg) tidal volume. After three hours of MV, TRALI was induced by infusion of 0.5 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg MHC-I antibodies. Control animals received vehicle. After five hours of MV, animals were sacrificed.Results. MV with high tidal volumes resulted in increased levels of all markers of lung injury compared to animals ventilated with low tidal MV. In ventilator-induced lung injury, infusion of 4.5 mg/kg of antibodies further increased pulmonary wet-to-dry ratio, pulmonary neutrophil influx and pulmonary KC levels, whereas infusion of lower dose of antibodies did not augment lung injury. In contrast, mice ventilated with low tidal volumes did not develop lung injury, irrespective of the dose of antibody used.Conclusions. In the presence of injurious MV, onset of TRALI depends on the titer of antibodies infused.