bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sleep deprivation on nasalization in speech.
Authors: Zhou Xinhui , Boyce Suzanne , MacAuslan Joel , Carr Walter , Thomas Balkin , Dante Picchioni , Espy-Wilson Carol
Published: October 2013

Various aspects of speech appear to be subtly affected by sleep deprivation [Boyce et al., “Landmark-based analysis of sleep-deprived speech,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123(5), 3887 (2008)]. An automatic procedure for detection of nasalization in the acoustic spectrum of vowels was applied to a database of speech recordings from 15 subjects in rested and sleep-deprived conditions. Results showed acoustic differences consistent with differences in sleep condition, suggesting that lack of sleep affects the motor organization/execution of speech articulation in general, and for oral/nasal coupling during vowels in particular. Significant differences in male vs female patterns were also observed. Correspondences between these patterns and those reported in the clinical and linguistic literature will be discussed. [Work supported by NIH.]
Frequency modulation detection, frequency selectivity, and speech recognition in noise by hearing-impaired listeners.
Authors: Summers Van , Makashay Matthew , Bernstein Joshua , Melamed Sarah , Leek Marjorie
Published: October 2013

Reduced ability to make use of temporal fine structure (TFS) information may contribute to deficits among hearing impaired (HI) listeners for speech recognition in competing background sounds. The broad tuning typically observed in HI listeners will produce more complex patterns of TFS as input to the auditory nerve, and these patterns may be more difficult to encode and/or interpret by higher auditory centers. In the current study, we tested HI listeners on a frequency-modulation (FM) detection task thought to require the use of TFS cues, on tone detection in notched-noise to assess frequency selectivity, and on speech recognition in continuous and modulated background sounds. Performance on the psychoacoustic tasks was tested at four frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) at levels between 60 and 85 dB SPL (approximating the range of third-octave band levels in the speech stimuli). HI listeners with similar audiometric thresholds showed clear differences in frequency tuning, FM detection thresholds, and speech performance. Relationships between the psychoacoustic measures in the four frequency regions and between these measures and speech performance will be discussed.
Color effects in audiovisual spoken word recognition.
Authors: Holt Rachael Frush , Bent Tessa , Hernandez Luis
Published: October 2013

Although the importance of the visual contribution to speech perception has been known for over 50 years, strong interest in audiovisual speech perception has emerged only recently. In developing a test of audiovisual sentence recognition, white balancing and color correcting (adjusting the whites, mids, and black bandwidths to compensate for the camera’s inability to fully reproduce human eyesight color spectrum) improved visual-only spoken word recognition. No differences were found in audiovisual or auditory-only modalities. Although improvement was seen across all key words, those with more visible phonemes showed the greatest improvement. To further examine the effects of color in the audiovisual modality specifically, the original speech signal was replaced with a signal-correlated noise and presented to adults in one of three conditions: non-color-corrected, color-corrected, and color-inverted. Minimal speech cues were sufficient for overcoming performance decrements due to small, but not large, color disturbances. Furthermore, in the color-corrected condition, performance in visual-only and signal-correlated noise conditions were equivalent, whereas in the non-color-corrected condition, signal-correlated noise improved performance over visual-only. The results suggest that consideration of minor color disturbances is warranted if testing visual-only perception; however, significant color disturbances can cause decrements in audiovisual conditions, as well. [Work funded by the AHRF.]
Inter-aural cross correlation in a sound field represented by spherical harmonics.
Authors: Rafaely Boaz , Avni Amir
Published: October 2013

Spaciousness is an important acoustic feature of concert halls. An accepted measure for spaciousness is the inter-aural cross-correlation (IACC), which employs the transfer function from a source in the hall to the two ears of a listener, the latter referred to as head-related transfer functions (HRTF). Recently, spherical microphone arrays have been studied for room acoustics analysis and music recordings. As these arrays typically use a finite number of microphones, they may not be able to capture the spatial information required for complete spatial analysis or for sound reproduction with realistic spaciousness. This study proposes the use of spherical harmonics representations for both the HRTF data and the sound field data, facilitating IACC analysis for sound fields represented by a finite order in the spherical harmonics domain. The effect of limited spherical harmonics order on the spaciousness of various sound fields is finally studied using simulated and measured data.
Identification of synthetic vowels based on time-varying vocal tract area functions.
Authors: Bunton Kate , Story Brad H.
Published: October 2013

Identification accuracy for synthetic vowel stimuli generated with static vocal tract area functions from eight speakers was recently reported (K. Bunton and B. H. Story, JASA, in press). Although vowels were identified with reasonably high accuracy, in many cases neighboring vowels were confused. In the present study, new stimuli were generated based, again, on area functions from the same eight speakers. This time, however, the temporal variation of the vocal tract shape during natural production of isolated vowels was incorporated by developing a formant-to-area mapping for each speaker based on principal components analysis. This allowed formant contours extracted from recorded vowels to be mapped onto time-varying area functions. These were coupled to a voice source model and acoustic waves were propagated with a wave-reflection vocal tract model to generate vowels. Vowels were identified by listeners using a forced choice paradigm. Results indicated that including variation in vowel tract shapes, and hence formant frequencies, along with natural vowel durations improved identification accuracy relative to the previously tested static versions. It is concluded that these eight sets of area functions generate good renditions of target vowels when changes in vocal tract shape and duration were included. [Research supported by NIH R01-DC04789.]
Impact of temperature on bubbles excited by high intensity focused ultrasound.
Authors: Kreider Wayne , Bailey Michael R. , Sapozhnikov Oleg A. , Crum Lawrence A.
Published: October 2013

Bubble-enhanced heating is a current topic of interest associated with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). For HIFU treatments designed to utilize acoustic radiation from bubbles as a heating mechanism, it has been reported that useful bubble activity diminishes at elevated temperatures. To better understand and quantify this behavior, a model has been implemented that couples the thermodynamic state of a strongly driven spherical bubble with thermal conditions in the surrounding liquid. This model has been validated over a range of temperature conditions against experimental data from the collapses and rebounds of millimeter-sized bubbles. With this model, the response of a micron-sized bubble was simulated under exposure to MHz/MPa HIFU excitation, while various surrounding liquid temperatures were considered. Characterizing the bubble response through the power spectral density of pressure radiated from the bubble, model calculations suggest that bubble collapses are significantly attenuated at temperatures above about 70°C. For instance, the acoustically radiated energy at 80°C is an order of magnitude less than that at 20°C. These results suggest that the efficacy of bubble-enhanced heating may be limited to temperatures below 70°C. Moreover, temperature will affect hydrophone measurements used to passively assess cavitation activity. [Work supported by NIH DK43881 and NSBRI SMST01601.]
A cardiac cause for deafness
Authors: Naha Kushal , Vivek G , Shetty Ranjan K , Dias Lorraine Simone
Published: October 2013

We describe a case of a 49-year-old diabetic man with a history of myocardial infarction, presenting with deafness for 2 weeks. Initial assessment by otorhinolaryngologists was suggestive of sensorineural hearing loss. Subsequently, the cardiac evaluation showed an apical clot in the left ventricle. Careful neurological reassessment and a cranial MRI yielded a diagnosis of cortical deafness with auditory agnosia secondary to bilateral temporal infarcts. Doppler and MRI ruled out carotid artery thrombosis. The temporal infarcts were therefore considered to be cardioembolic in origin. Cardioembolic stroke is an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological symptoms on a background of cardiac disease.
Improving Bayesian maximum entropy and ordinary Kriging methods for estimating precipitations in a large watershed: a new cluster-based approach
Authors: Bayat Bardia , Nasseri Mohsen , Naser Gholamreza
Published: October 2013

The main purpose of this research is to investigate spatial variations of mean annual precipitation in a watershed. As a case study, the research focused on the Namak Lake watershed in Iran. Literature provides various techniques for studying spatial patterns of precipitation in a watershed. These techniques often require a large dataset. On the other hand, nonuniform data distribution in a watershed can reduce the accuracy and reliability of the predictions. To overcome these problems, this research applied the cluster method coupled with ordinary Kriging and Bayesian maximum entropy techniques. An estimated point was modified based on the distance from the point to the cluster center. The research considered elevation variations as a secondary variable. A cross-validation technique was used for evaluating the results of mean annual precipitations. The research compared the results of ordinary Kriging and Bayesian maximum entropy methods with and without the application of the clustering method. The research concluded that the cluster-based method can estimate the dynamics of long-term mean annual precipitation more reliably and accurately. The research also revealed more informative results for the cluster-based method.
Transient and steady-state behavior of single and two-photon absorption by microwave driven field
Authors: Asadpour Seyyed Hossein , Rahimpour Soleimani H.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the effect of microwave field on the transient and steady state response of the four-level inverted Y-type atomic system is investigated. It is found that the properties of transient and steady processes can be affected by microwave field. It is found that the absorption spectrum behaves differentially for single-photon absorption and two-photon absorption. Also it is observed that in the one-photon absorption, the microwave field can lead to the probe gain and for two-photon absorption case, the strong microwave can enhance the absorption.
GUP-BASED AND SNYDER NONCOMMUTATIVE ALGEBRAS, RELATIVISTIC PARTICLE MODELS, DEFORMED SYMMETRIES AND INTERACTION: A UNIFIED APPROACH
Authors: PRAMANIK SOUVIK , GHOSH SUBIR
Published: October 2013

We have developed a unified scheme for studying noncommutative algebras based on generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) and Snyder form in a relativistically covariant point particle Lagrangian (or symplectic) framework. Even though the GUP-based algebra and Snyder algebra are very distinct, the more involved latter algebra emerges from an approximation of the Lagrangian model of the former algebra. Deformed Poincaré generators for the systems that keep space–time symmetries of the relativistic particle models have been studied thoroughly. From a purely constrained dynamical analysis perspective the models studied here are very rich and provide insights on how to consistently construct approximate models from the exact ones when nonlinear constraints are present in the system. We also study dynamics of the GUP particle in presence of external electromagnetic field.
AMBIGUITIES AND SYMMETRY RELATIONS IN FIVE-DIMENSIONAL PERTURBATIVE CALCULATIONS: THE EXPLICIT EVALUATION OF THE QED5 VACUUM POLARIZATION TENSOR
Authors: FONSECA M. V. S. , GIRARDI T. J. , DALLABONA G. , BATTISTEL O. A.
Published: October 2013

An explicit evaluation of the D = 4+1 quantum electrodynamics (QED) vacuum polarization tensor is presented. The calculations are made preserving all the intrinsic arbitrariness involved in such type of problem. The internal momenta are assumed arbitrary in order to preserve the possibility of dependence on such kind of choice, due to the superficial degree of divergence involved. An arbitrary scale is introduced in the separation of terms having different degrees of divergences in order to preserve the possibility of scale ambiguities. In the performed steps the effects of regularizations are avoided by using an adequate strategy to handle the problem of divergences in Quantum Field Theory perturbative calculations. Given this attitude it is possible to get clean and sound conclusions about the consistency requirements involved in perturbative calculations D = 4+1 space–time dimension. At the final a symmetry preserving and ambiguities free result is obtained allowing the renormalization of the photon propagator at the one-loop level. The simplicity added to the general character of the adopted procedure allows us to believe that the referred strategy can be used without restrictions of applicability in perturbative calculations made in theories formulated in a space–time having extra dimensions relative to the physical one (D = 3+1) producing consistent results, in odd and even dimensions, in spite of the nonrenormalizable character.
Analysis-suitable T-splines: Characterization, refineability, and approximation
Authors: Li Xin , Scott M. A.
Published: October 2013

We establish several fundamental properties of analysis-suitable T-splines which are important for design and analysis. First, we characterize T-spline spaces and prove that the space of smooth bicubic polynomials, defined over the extended T-mesh of an analysis-suitable T-spline, is contained in the corresponding analysis-suitable T-spline space. This is accomplished through the theory of perturbed analysis-suitable T-spline spaces and a simple topological dimension formula. Second, we establish the theory of analysis-suitable local refinement and describe the conditions under which two analysis-suitable T-spline spaces are nested. Last, we demonstrate that these results can be used to establish basic approximation results which are critical for analysis.
ON CYCLES AND COVERINGS ASSOCIATED TO A KNOT
Authors: LYUBICH LILYA , LYUBICH MIKHAIL
Published: October 2013

Let [Formula: see text] be a knot, G be the knot group, K be its commutator subgroup, and x be a distinguished meridian. Let Σ be a finite abelian group. The dynamical system introduced by Silver and Williams in [Augmented group systems and n-knots, Math. Ann.296 (1993) 585–593; Augmented group systems and shifts of finite type, Israel J. Math.95 (1996) 231–251] consisting of the set Hom (K, Σ) of all representations ρ : K → Σ endowed with the weak topology, together with the homeomorphism [Formula: see text] is finite, i.e. it consists of several cycles. In [Periodic orbits of a dynamical system related to a knot, J. Knot Theory Ramifications20(3) (2011) 411–426] we found the lengths of these cycles for Σ = ℤ/p,p is prime, in terms of the roots of the Alexander polynomial of the knot, mod p. In this paper we generalize this result to a general abelian group Σ. This gives a complete classification of depth 2 solvable coverings over [Formula: see text].
ON NON-ISOTOPIC SPANNING SURFACES FOR A CLASS OF ARBORESCENT KNOTS
Authors: ROBERTS LAWRENCE P.
Published: October 2013

We use the methods of Hedden, Juhász and Sarkar to exhibit a set of arborescent knots that bound large numbers of non-isotopic minimal genus spanning surfaces. In particular, we describe a sequence of prime knots Kn which will bound at least 22n-1 non-isotopic minimal spanning surfaces of genus n.
ACTIVE CONTROL OF AN FGM BEAM UNDER FOLLOWER FORCE WITH PIEZOELECTRIC SENSORS/ACTUATORS
Authors: AZADI VAHID , AZADI MOHAMMAD , FAZELZADEH S. AHMAD , AZADI EMAD
Published: October 2013

In this paper, an active controller is used to suppress the flutter vibration of a beam. The beam is made of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) and subjected to a follower force and arbitrary lumped mass. The properties of the FGM layer are functionally graded in the thickness direction according to the volume fraction power law distribution. The piezoelectric layers, which are attached to both sides of the beam, are used as sensors and actuators. The beam is fixed from one end and elastically restrained by a spring at the other end. To investigate the effect of the controller on the vibration response of the beam, parameters such as the follower force, spring stiffness, mass ratio and attachment location are included in the analysis based on the generalized function theory and Lagrange–Rayleigh–Ritz technique. The vibration responses of the system are presented in the simulation results, where excellent agreement of the controller scheme is observed.
BIOMECHANICAL APPROACH TO THE CLINICAL TREATMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: CORAZZA IVAN , PINARDI CHIARA , MANCO LUIGI , BIANCHINI DAVID , CERCENELLI LAURA , MARCELLI EMANUELA , ZANNOLI ROMANO
Published: October 2013

Negative clinical trend of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is due to right ventricular chamber dilatation and consequent dysfunction. On a biomechanical basis the clinical evolution is associated to a progressive mismatching of the artero-ventricular junction and a possible mechanical intervention may be foreseen. This paper demonstrates how the progressive right ventricular dysfunction, in terms of biochemical–mechanical efficiency, is related to the stress–strain curve of the pulmonary artery, simulated by superimposing different elastance tubes in a cardiovascular mock. Applying the experimental signals to an "ideal" normal and dilated ventricle, it was demonstrated that the very high pulmonary elastance at high pressure is the prime cause of a sharp efficiency drop, in comparison with an aortic similar condition. This evidence supports the proposal of mechanical interventions to reduce pulmonary arterial elastance to improve the artero-ventricular matching, increase the reduced ventricular efficiency and change the negative trend of the illness.
Reagent vibrational, rotational and isotopic effects on stereodynamics of theH+OCl→OH+Clreaction
Authors: Lu Ruifeng , Xu Zhenyu , Wang Yunhui
Published: October 2013

The quasi-classical trajectory method has been employed to investigate the initial vibrational and rotational effects of the title reaction on an improved ab initio potential energy surface for the 11A′ state. Meanwhile, isotopic effect has also been studied at collision energy of 19 kcal/mol. The product rotational alignment factor 〈P2(j′ • k)〉, angular distributions of P(ϕr), P(θr) and the generalized polarization dependent differential cross-sections have been calculated. The- results show that the reagent vibrational excitation generally strengthens the product alignment perpendicular to the reagent relative velocity vector k and affects the product scattering preference, and the rotational excitation has the same trend from j = 0 to 2 except for the higher excitation of j = 3. Further, the substitution of atom H with D leads to a stronger product alignment while changes some stereodynamical properties subtly.
EXHAUSTIVE COMPUTATION OF EXACT DUPLICATIONS VIA SUPER AND NON-NESTED LOCAL MAXIMAL REPEATS
Authors: TAILLEFER EDDY , MILLER JONATHAN
Published: October 2013

We propose and implement a method to obtain all duplicated sequences (repeats) from a chromosome or whole genome. Unlike existing approaches our method makes it possible to simultaneously identify and classify repeats into super, local, and non-nested local maximal repeats. Computation verification demonstrates that maximal repeats for a genome of several gigabases can be identified in a reasonable time, enabling us to identified these maximal repeats for any sequenced genome. The algorithm used for the identification relies on enhanced suffix array data structure to achieve practical space and time efficiency, to identify and classify the maximal repeats, and to perform further post-processing on the identified duplicated sequences. The simplicity and effectiveness of the implementation makes the method readily extendible to more sophisticated computations. Maxmers can be exhaustively accounted for in few minutes for genome sequences of dozen megabases in length and in less than a day or two for genome sequences of few gigabases in length. One application of duplicated sequence identification is to the study of duplicated sequence length distributions, which our found to exhibit for large lengths a persistent power-law behavior. Variation of estimated exponents of this power law are studied among different species and successive assembly release versions of the same species. This makes the characterization of the power-law regime of sequenced genomes via maximal repeats identification and classification, an important task for the derivation of models that would help us to elucidate sequence duplication and genome evolution.
MULTI-MATERIAL EULERIAN METHOD AND PARALLEL COMPUTATION FOR 3D EXPLOSION AND IMPACT PROBLEMS
Authors: NING JIANGUO , MA TIANBAO , FEI GUANGLEI
Published: October 2013

We adopted operator splitting method to solve the governing equations of explosion and impact problems, and used fuzzy interface treatment to crack 3D multi-material interface difficulties. Then based on message passing interface (MPI), the data dependence and relevance between adjacent subdomains in parallel computing of the Eulerian method were studied and analyzed. At last, we numerically simulated blast in air and shaped charge jet using PMMIC-3D hydrocode, and performed empirical and experimental comparisons. The results show that the cell spatial step has important influence on computational accuracy, and the calculating result with smaller cell spatial step is close to the empirical formula one. Therefore, it is necessary to develop parallel computing to enlarge the calculation scale at smaller cell spatial step for the explosion and impact issues.
CHARACTERIZATION OF LIQUEFACTION RESISTANCE OF SAND: EFFECT OF INITIAL FABRIC
Authors: LI BO , ZENG XIANGWU , YU HAO
Published: October 2013

The micro-fabric of deposition reflects the imprints of its geologic and stress history, its depositional environment, and its weathering history. Recent experience shows that the fabric anisotropy does influence the static and dynamic behavior of granular materials. In this study, a series of centrifuge tests are conducted to investigate the effects of fabric anisotropy on the dynamic response in the free field. The results show the acceleration, pore pressure, and residual settlement is significantly affected by the fabric anisotropy of the ground, which shows the liquefaction resistance of the ground. Meanwhile, the response of acceleration is analyzed in frequency domain, which shows that the model prepared by 90° absorbs more energy than that of 0°. To verify the effects induced by the initial fabric, permeability test are conducted and related to the liquefaction potential. The results indicate the fabric anisotropy should be incorporated into the design method.
BRITTLE FRAGMENTATION OF AN EXPANDING RING BY MOLECULAR DYNAMICS
Authors: REN GUOWU , TANG TIEGANG , GUO ZHAOLIANG , YANG YUANSHUAI , LI QINGZHONG
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the brittle fragmentation of an expanding ring is numerically studied by a simple atomistic model. We investigate the statistical distribution of fragment spanned over a wide range of strain rates when damage related to broken bond reaches a steady state. It is shown that at low strain rate limited number of heavy fragments can be generated because of anisotropic behavior while for high strain rate fragment can be well fitted with Weibull distribution. The physical mechanism of fragmentation process reveals that damage accompanying with numerous microcracks is found to initiate in the inner regime of the expanding ring. Furthermore, we discuss the effect of random defect on the fragmentation process.
NUMERICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF POROUS COMPOSITE ELECTRODE–DEGRADATION MODEL TO STUDY THE CYCLE LIFE OF LI-ION CELL
Authors: JOGLEKAR M. M. , RAMAKRISHNAN N. , INGUVA SUDHAKAR , VANIMISETTI SAMPATH K. , MOULLIET RYAN B.
Published: October 2013

A numerical study is performed on the cyclic capacity degradation of a lithium manganese oxide (LMO) cell, under 21 different combinations of temperature and state of charge (SOC), based on the phenomenological model developed earlier. Out of the 21 sets, six are used for fitting in order to establish the degradation parameters of the model and the rest could be predicted with an average accuracy of about 90%. Two optimization algorithms (Genetic and Nelder Mead) are used and the consistency of the convergence is verified. The discussion includes sensitivity analysis of a selected set of degradation parameters. In addition, an analysis of the evolution of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and isolation (islanding) mechanisms under varying conditions of SOC and temperatures is performed which brings out the relative contribution of each mechanism to the overall capacity fade.
Effects of Cryotherapy on the Maxillary Antrostomy Patency in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gocea Anamaria , Taulescu Marian , Trombitas Veronica , Albu Silviu
Published: October 2013

It is acknowledged that many causes of failures in endoscopic sinus surgery are related to scarring and narrowing of the maxillary antrostomy. We assessed the effect of low-pressure spray cryotherapy in preventing the maxillary antrostomy stenosis in a chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) rabbit model. A controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 22 New Zealand rabbits. After inducing unilateral rhinogenic CRS, a maxillary antrostomy was performed and spray cryotherapy was employed on randomly selected 12 rabbits, while saline solution was applied to the control group (n=10). The antrostomy dimensions and the histological scores were assessed 4 weeks postoperatively. The diameter of cryotreated antrostomy was significantly larger at 4 weeks than that in the control group. At 4 weeks, the maxillary antrostomy area in the study group was significantly larger than the mean area in the control group (103.92 ± 30.39 mm2versus 61.62 ± 28.35 mm2,P=0.002). Submucosal fibrous tissues and leukocytic infiltration in saline-treated ostia were more prominent than those in cryotreated ostia with no significant differences between the two groups regarding the histological scores. Intraoperative low-pressure spray cryotherapy increases the patency of the maxillary antrostomy at 4 weeks postoperatively with no important local side effects.
The forensiX Evidence Collection Tube and Its Impact on DNA Preservation and Recovery
Authors: Garvin Alex M. , Holzinger Ralf , Berner Florian , Krebs Walter , Hostettler Bernhard , Lardi Elges , Hertli Christian , Quartermaine Roy , Stamm Christoph
Published: October 2013

Biological samples are vulnerable to degradation from the time they are collected until they are analysed at the laboratory. Biological contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, and enzymes, as well as environmental factors, such as sunlight, heat, and humidity, can increase the rate of DNA degradation. Currently, DNA samples are normally dried or frozen to limit their degradation prior to their arrival at the laboratory. In this study, the effect of the sample drying rate on DNA preservation was investigated, as well as a comparison between drying and freezing methods. The drying performances of two commercially available DNA collection tools (swab and drying tube) with different drying rates were evaluated. The swabs were used to collect human saliva, placed into the drying tubes, and stored in a controlled environment at 25°C and 60% relative humidity, or frozen at −20°C, for 2 weeks. Swabs that were stored in fast sample drying tubes yielded 95% recoverable DNA, whereas swabs stored in tubes with slower sample drying rates yielded only 12% recoverable DNA; saliva stored in a microtube at −20°C was used as a control. Thus, DNA sampling tools that offer rapid drying can significantly improve the preservation of DNA collected on a swab, increasing the quantity of DNA available for subsequent analysis.
Interpretation of C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Lelubre Christophe , Anselin Sophie , Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim , Biston Patrick , Piagnerelli Michaël
Published: October 2013

Infection is often difficult to recognize in critically ill patients because of the marked coexisting inflammatory process. Lack of early recognition prevents timely resuscitation and effective antimicrobial therapy, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Measurement of a biomarker, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, in addition to history and physical signs, could facilitate diagnosis. Although frequently measured in clinical practice, few studies have reported on the pathophysiological role of this biomarker and its predictive value in critically ill patients. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological role of CRP and its potential interpretation in the inflammatory processes observed in critically ill patients.
Lamb Modes for an Isotropic Incompressible Plate
Authors: Hussain Takasar , Awan Muhammad Afzal , Shams Moniba , Ahmad Faiz
Published: October 2013

Lamb modes for an incompressible isotropic plate behave in a manner different from those for a compressible plate. The plateau region disappears and anomalous behavior of modes does not exist.
Mathematical Modeling of the Consumption of Low Invasive Plastic Surgery Practices: The Case of Spain
Authors: De la Poza E. , Alkasadi M. S. S. , Jódar L.
Published: October 2013

Plastic surgery practice grows continuously among the women in Western countries due to their body image dissatisfaction, aging anxiety, and an ideal body image propagated by the media. The consumption growth is so important that plastic surgery is becoming a normal practice among women, like any other cosmetic product, with the risk of suffering psychopathology disorders in the sense that plastic surgery could be employed as an instrument to recover personal self-esteem or even happiness. Plastic surgery practice depends on economic, demographic, and social contagion factors. In this paper, a mathematical epidemiological model to forecast female plastic surgery consumption in Spain is fully constructed. Overconsumer subpopulation is predicted and simulated. Robustness of the model versus uncertain parameters is studied throughout a sensitivity analysis.
Management of Adenovirus in Children after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: WY Ip Winnie , Qasim Waseem
Published: October 2013

Adenovirus (ADV) can cause significant morbidity and mortality in children following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with an incidence of up to 27% and notable associated morbidity and mortality. T-cell depleted grafts and severe lymphopenia are major risk factors for the development of adenovirus disease after HSCT. Current antiviral treatments are at best virostatic and may have significant side effects. Adoptive transfer of donor-derived virus-specific T cells has been shown to be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of ADV infection after HSCT. Here we review progress in the field and present a pathway for the management of adenovirus in the posttransplant setting.
Over, and Underexpression of Endothelin 1 and TGF-Beta Family Ligands and Receptors in Lung Tissue of Broilers with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Dominguez-Avila Norma , Ruiz-Castañeda Gabriel , González-Ramírez Javier , Fernandez-Jaramillo Nora , Escoto Jorge , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Marquez-Velasco Ricardo , Bojalil Rafael , Espinosa-Cervantes Román , Sánchez Fausto
Published: October 2013

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a family of genes that play a key role in mediating tissue remodeling in various forms of acute and chronic lung disease. In order to assess their role on pulmonary hypertension in broilers, we determined mRNA expression of genes of the TGFβfamily and endothelin 1 in lung samples from 4-week-old chickens raised either under normal or cold temperature conditions. Both in control and cold-treated groups of broilers, endothelin 1 mRNA expression levels in lungs from ascitic chickens were higher than levels from healthy birds (), whereas levels in animals with cardiac failure were intermediate. Conversely, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 gene expression in lungs were higher in healthy animals than in ascitic animals in both groups (). TGFβ1, TβRI, and TβRII mRNA gene expression among healthy, ascitic, and chickens with cardiac failure showed no differences (). BAMBI mRNA gene expression was lowest in birds with ascites only in the control group as compared with the values from healthy birds ().
Dynamics of Housing Price: Foreclosure Rate Interactions
Authors: McDonald John F. , Stokes Houston H.
Published: October 2013

The dynamic impacts of the federal funds rate and the foreclosure rate on the log of the S&P/Case-Shiller aggregate 10-city monthly housing price index are investigated using VMA modeling techniques in the period 2000(1)–2011(3). The findings are consistent with the view that the interest rate policy of the Federal Reserve in that period that kept rates artificially low contributed to the housing bubble. Positive shocks in the foreclosure rate are shown to be associated with declines in the change in the housing price index after a lag. In addition, negative shocks in the change in the housing price index are associated with a higher foreclosure rate. The results suggest that both the change in the housing price index and the foreclosure rate create a negative externality that is dynamic.
A Study of Surface Modifications of Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Polyamide 66/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Qiu Li , Chen Yongkang , Yang Yongzhen , Xu Lihua , Liu Xuguang
Published: October 2013

The effects of surface modification of carbon nanotube on the properties of polyamide 66/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites have been investigated. Polyamide 66 (PA66) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared by melt mixing. The surfaces of MWCNTs were modified with acid‐ and amine‐groups. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that amine‐MWCNTs (D‐MWCNTs) dispersed better in the PA66 matrix than pristine‐ and acid‐MWCNTs. However, an introduction of D‐MWCNTs into PA66 matrix induced heterogeneous nucleation and affected the crystal growth process during the crystallization of PA66/MWCNT composites. Both nanoindentation and friction analyses were carried out in a study of the effect of the introduction of modified MWCNTs on both mechanical and friction properties of the composites. With the introduction of D‐MWCNTs, both nanohardness and elastic modulus of the composites were significantly improved, but it was observed that the maximum depth, nanohardness, and elastic modulus of the composites showed no distinct change before and after a friction test. It is evident that PA66/D‐MWCNT composites have the least friction coefficient of the PA66/MWCNT composites of all the approaches of carbon nanotube surface modification.
UGT1A1Gene Mutation due to Crigler-Najjar Syndrome in Iranian Patients: Identification of a Novel Mutation
Authors: Mohammadi Asl Javad , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Galehdari Hamid , Riahi Kourosh , Masbi Mohammad Hosein , Zargar Shoshtari Zohre , Rahim Fakher
Published: October 2013

Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) type I and type II are inherited as autosomal recessive conditions that are caused by mutations in theUGT1A1gene. We present the analysis ofUGT1A1gene in 12 individuals from three different families. This analysis allowed us to identify one novel mutation, which was not previously described. In this study, three families with clinically diagnosed CNS referred from Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, were screened. After signing the informed consent, peripheral blood samples from the patients and their parents were collected in EDTA-containing tube followed by DNA extraction using a routine phenol-chloroform method. All five coding exons and the flanking intronic regions of the bilirubin-UGT were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing by Sanger method. From the first family, a 9-month-old boy was homozygous for a deletion mutation of two adjacent nucleotides including one adenosine (A) and one glutamine (G) between nucleotides 238 and 239 in exon 1 (c.238_240 del AG). In the second family, there were two affected individuals, an 11-year-old girl and a fetus, found to be homozygous for the same mutation. The third family showed a mutation at nucleotide 479 in exon 1 (Val160Glu) that has been reported previously. Molecular analysis can significantly help confirm the diagnosis of CNS, without any need for the liver biopsy, and may help the therapeutic management by ruling out more harmful causes of hyperbilirubinemia.
RNA Interference Targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor Inhibits the Transforming Growth Factor-β2Induced Proliferation in Human Tenon Capsule Fibroblasts
Authors: Jing Jiaona , Li Ping , Li Tiejun , Sun Yuncheng , Guan Huaijin
Published: October 2013

Purpose. This study was to determine the effect of CTGF-small interfering RNA (siRNA) on TGF-β2-induced proliferation in human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs).Methods. HTFs were transfected with four of CTGF-siRNAs separately for screening of gene silencing efficacy that was determined by transcript level measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Recombinant TGF-β2was added into the culture to stimulate the proliferation of HTFs. The gene silencing efficacy of the siRNAs was evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence of CTGF transcript and protein levels. The viability of HTFs was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). FCM was used to assess cell cycle after CTGF-siRNA transfection.Results. The expression of CTGF and proliferation of HTFs were increased significantly by TGF-β2stimulation. The transfection of CTGF-siRNA abolished the upregulation of CTGF and cell proliferation induced by TGF-β2. The analysis of cell cycle indicated that CTGF-siRNA treatment stimulated cells from S phase to G0/G1 phase in comparison with the inverse physiologic function of TGF-β2.Conclusion. CTGF targeting siRNA could effectively suppress the expression of CTGF and attenuate the proliferation of HTFs. The siRNA approach may provide a therapeutic option for eliminating filtration bleb scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS).
Transport Model of Underground Sediment in Soils
Authors: Jichao Sun , Guangqian Wang
Published: October 2013

Studies about sediment erosion were mainly concentrated on the river channel sediment, the terrestrial sediment, and the underground sediment. The transport process of underground sediment is studied in the paper. The concept of the flush potential sediment is founded. The transport equation with stable saturated seepage is set up, and the relations between the flush potential sediment and water sediment are discussed. Flushing of underground sediment begins with small particles, and large particles will be taken away later. The pore ratio of the soil increases gradually. The flow ultimately becomes direct water seepage, and the sediment concentration at the same position in the water decreases over time. The concentration of maximal flushing potential sediment decreases along the path. The underground sediment flushing model reflects the flushing mechanism of underground sediment.
Efficient Hepatic Delivery of Drugs: Novel Strategies and Their Significance
Authors: Mishra Nidhi , Yadav Narayan Prasad , Rai Vineet Kumar , Sinha Priyam , Yadav Kuldeep Singh , Jain Sanyog , Arora Sumit
Published: October 2013

Liver is a vital organ responsible for plethora of functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for the sustenance of life. Therefore, patients with chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma need immediate attention to sustain life and as a result are often exposed to the prolonged treatment with drugs/herbal medications. Lack of site-specific delivery of these medications to the hepatocytes/nonparenchymal cells and adverse effects associated with their off-target interactions limit their continuous use. This calls for the development and fabrication of targeted delivery systems which can deliver the drug payload at the desired site of action for defined period of time. The primary aim of drug targeting is to manipulate the whole body distribution of drugs, that is, to prevent distribution to non-target cells and concomitantly increase the drug concentration at the targeted site. Carrier molecules are designed for their selective cellular uptake, taking advantage of specific receptors or binding sites present on the surface membrane of the target cell. In this review, various aspects of liver targeting of drug molecules and herbal medications have been discussed which elucidate the importance of delivering the drugs/herbal medications at their desired site of action.
Binding of Coumarin 334 withβ-Cyclodextrin and with C-Hexylpyrogallol[4]arene: Opposite Fluorescence Behavior
Authors: Sowrirajan Chandrasekaran , Israel Vijayaraj Muthu Vijayan Enoch
Published: October 2013

We report here the structure of the host-guest complexes of Coumarin 334 (C334) withβ-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and with C-hexylpyrogallol[4]arene (C-HPA) and the effect of acidity on the neutral-cation equilibrium of C334 in water and in the presence of the host molecules. The structures of the host-guest complexes are proposed on the basis of the change of fluorescence on the addition ofβ-CD or C-HPA to C334 and by 2D ROESY spectroscopy. Opposite fluorescence behaviors, that is, quenching of fluorescence inβ-CD and enhancement of fluorescence in C-HPA are observed. Time-resolved fluorescence analysis is done for the complexation, and biexponential decay pattern is observed. The possible strong inclusion complexation with C-HPA is explained. The ground and the excited statepKavalues for the protonation equilibrium of C334 in water and the difficulty of protonation in the presence of the host molecules are discussed.
Correlates of and Barriers to the Utilization of Health Services for Delivery in South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Tey Nai-Peng , Lai Siow-li
Published: October 2013

The high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa can be attributed to the lack of access and utilization of health services for delivery. Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania show that more than half of the births in these countries were delivered outside a health facility. Institutional delivery was closely associated with educational level, family wealth, place of residence, and women’s media exposure status, but it was not influenced by women’s work status and their roles in decision‐making (with the exception of Nigeria). Controlling for other variables, higher parity and younger women were less likely to use a health facility for delivery. Within each country, the poorer, less educated and rural women had higher unmet need for maternal care services. Service related factors (accessibility in terms of cost and distance) and sociocultural factors (e.g., did not perceive the need for the services and objections from husband and family) also posed as barriers to institutional delivery. The paper concludes with some suggestions to increase institutional delivery.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Basic Research to Potential Clinical Applications in Cancer
Authors: Fernandez Teresa de Souza , de Souza Fernandez Cecilia , Mencalha André Luiz
Published: October 2013

The human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are derived from a direct reprogramming of human somatic cells to a pluripotent stage through ectopic expression of specific transcription factors. These cells have two important properties, which are the self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into any cell type of the human body. So, the discovery of hiPSCs opens new opportunities in biomedical sciences, since these cells may be useful for understanding the mechanisms of diseases in the production of new diseases models, in drug development/drug toxicity tests, gene therapies, and cell replacement therapies. However, the hiPSCs technology has limitations including the potential for the development of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities leading to tumorigenicity. Nowadays, basic research in the hiPSCs field has made progress in the application of new strategies with the aim to enable an efficient production of high-quality of hiPSCs for safety and efficacy, necessary to the future application for clinical practice. In this review, we show the recent advances in hiPSCs’ basic research and some potential clinical applications focusing on cancer. We also present the importance of the use of statistical methods to evaluate the possible validation for the hiPSCs for future therapeutic use toward personalized cell therapies.
Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm for Preemptive Project Scheduling Problems with Resource Vacations Based on Patterson Set
Authors: Han Yi , Kaku Ikou , Cai Jianhu , Li Yanlai , Yang Chao , Deng Lili
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) for the single-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem where activities can be divided into equant units and interrupted during processing. Each activity consumes 0–3 types of resources which are renewable and temporarily not available due to resource vacations in each period. The presence of scarce resources and precedence relations between activities makes project scheduling a difficult and important task in project management. A recent popular metaheuristic shuffled frog leaping algorithm, which is enlightened by the predatory habit of frog group in a small pond, is adopted to investigate the project makespan improvement on Patterson benchmark sets which is composed of different small and medium size projects. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of SFLA in reducing project makespan and minimizing activity splitting number within an average CPU runtime, 0.521 second. This paper exposes all the scheduling sequences for each project and shows that of the 23 best known solutions have been improved.
On Flat Objects of Finitely Accessible Categories
Authors: Crivei Septimiu
Published: October 2013

Flat objects of a finitely accessible additive category 𝒞 are described in terms of some objects of the associated functor category of 𝒞, called strongly flat functors. We study closure properties of the class of strongly flat functors, and we use them to deduce the known result that every object of a finitely accessible abelian category has a flat cover.
Coefficient Estimate Problem for a New Subclass of Biunivalent Functions
Authors: Magesh N. , Rosy T. , Varma S.
Published: October 2013

We introduce a unified subclass of the function class Σ of
biunivalent functions defined in the open unit disc. Furthermore, we find estimates on
the coefficients |a2| and |a3| for functions in this subclass. In addition, many relevant
connections with known or new results are pointed out.