bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin lattices, state transfer, and bivariate Krawtchouk polynomials
Authors: Genest Vincent X. , Miki Hiroshi , Vinet Luc , Zhedanov Alexei
Published: July 2015

The quantum state transfer properties of a class of two-dimensional spin lattices on a triangular domain are investigated. Systems for which the 1-excitation dynamics is exactly solvable are identified. The exact solutions are expressed in terms of the bivariate Krawtchouk polynomials that arise as matrix elements of the unitary representations of the rotation group on the states of the three-dimensional harmonic oscillator.
Dynamics of few cycle optical pulses in a non-Fermi liquid and AdS/CFT correspondence
Authors: Belonenko Mikhail B. , Konobeeva Natalia N. , Galkina Elena N.
Published: July 2015

Dynamics of few cycle optical pulses in non-Fermi liquid was considered. Energy spectrum of non-Fermi liquid was taken from the AdS/CFT correspondence. Conditions of quasiparticle excitation existence were defined. Non-Fermi liquid parameters impact on the shape of few cycle pulses were estimated.
The effect of magnetic field on RbCl quantum pseudodot qubit
Authors: Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: July 2015

Under the condition of strong electron–LO–phonon coupling in a RbCl quantum pseudodot (QPD) with an applied magnetic field (MF), the eigenenergies and the eigenfunctions of the ground and the first excited states (GFES) are obtained by using a variational method of the Pekar type (VMPT). A single qubit can be realized in this two-level quantum system. The electron’s probability density oscillates in the RbCl QPD with a certain period of [Formula: see text] fs when the electron is in the superposition state of the GFES. The results indicate that due to the presence of the asymmetrical structure in the z direction of the RbCl QPD, the electron’s probability density shows double-peak configuration, whereas there is only peak if the confinement is a symmetric structure in the x and y directions of the RbCl QPD. The oscillating period is an increasing function of the cyclotron frequency and the polaron radius, whereas it is a decreasing one of the chemical potential of the two-dimensional electron gas and the zero point of the pseudoharmonic potential (PP).
Strain effects on spin magnetic moment of cubic bixbyite In2O3:C
Authors: Wang Hai-Bin , Xie Zhong-Xiang , Yu Xia , Zhang Yong , Wang Dan
Published: July 2015

First-principles calculations are performed to study the effect of isotropic stress on the electronic and magnetic properties of cubic bixbyite Indium oxide [Formula: see text] doped with substitution C impurities. In comparison with undoped [Formula: see text] materials, the defects can induce a spin moment with 2 [Formula: see text]B when two C atoms substitutes for two O atoms in the system. In addition, the spin moment remains the same under the condition of strain less than 2%. When the strain is more than 2%, there is a sharp transition to a high-spin magnetic moment with 4 [Formula: see text]B and it stays in this position with the increase of strain. This high magnetoelastic effect could be utilized to design pressure-tunable spin devices based on C-doped [Formula: see text].
Monitoring an Advection-Diffusion Process Using Aerial Mobile Sensors
Authors: Haugen Joakim , Imsland Lars
Published: July 2015

A path planning framework for regional surveillance of a planar advection-diffusion process by aerial mobile sensors is proposed. The goal of the path planning is to produce feasible and collision-free trajectories for a set of aerial mobile sensors that minimize some uncertainty measure of the process under observation. The problem is formulated as a dynamic optimization problem and discretized into a large-scale nonlinear programming (NLP) problem using the Petrov–Galerkin finite element method in space and simultaneous collocation in time. Receding horizon optimization problems are solved in simulations with an advection-dominated ice concentration field. Simulations illustrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Inverting multispectral thermal time-series images of volcanic eruptions for lava emplacement models
Authors: Barnie T. D. , Oppenheimer C.
Published: July 2015

We present a novel method for interpreting time series of multispectral observations of volcanic eruptions. We show how existing models relating to radiance and area emplacement can be generalized into an integration-convolution of a Net Area Emplacement (NAE) function and a cooling function, assuming all surfaces follow the same cooling curve. The NAE describes the variation in the rate of emplacement of hot material with time and temperature, while the cooling function describes the cooling of a hot surface with time. Discretizing the integration-convolution equation yields an underdetermined matrix equation that we solve using second-order Tikhonov regularization to stabilize the solution. We test the inversion by modelling plausible NAE surfaces, calculating the radiances, adding noise and inverting for the original surface. Three or more spectral bands are required to capture the overall shape of the NAE, and recovering specific quantities is difficult. Single wavebands that yield flat kernels recover the total area emplacement curve (rate of increase of hot area – the integral of the NAE with respect to temperature) surprisingly well due to their property of conserving NAE, suggesting novel methods for calculating area emplacement rates (and effusion rates) from time series of satellite images and radiometer measurements.
Reviving the use of aldosterone inhibitors in treating hypertension in obesity
Authors: Huby Anne-Cecile , Belin De Chantemèle Eric J.
Published: July 2015

Obesity is a multifactorial disease associated with hypertension. In the obese population, the incidence of hypertension is high and resistant hypertension is commonly observed. Mechanisms to explain the resistance to current antihypertensive treatments are still poorly understood. Emerging knowledge of the role of aldosterone in controlling blood pressure in obesity may have therapeutic benefit. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) inhibitors are currently used as the fourth line of treatment. Clinical studies summarized in this short review suggest that MR antagonists have a strong efficacy in decreasing blood pressure in the hypertensive obese population and could be used as a primary antihypertensive in obesity.
Shedding of klotho by ADAMs in the kidney
Authors: van Loon Ellen P. M. , Pulskens Wilco P. , van der Hagen Eline A. E. , Lavrijsen Marla , Vervloet Marc G. , van Goor Harry , Bindels René J. M. , Hoenderop Joost G. J.
Published: July 2015

The anti-aging gene klotho plays an important role in Ca2+and phosphate homeostasis. Membrane-bound klotho is an essential coreceptor for fibroblast growth factor-23 and can be cleaved by proteases, including a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and ADAM17. Cleavage of klotho occurs at a site directly above the plasma membrane (α-cut) or between the KL1 and KL2 domain (β-cut), resulting in soluble full-length klotho or KL1 and KL2 fragments, respectively. The aim of the present study was to gain insights into the mechanisms behind klotho cleavage processes in the kidney. Klotho shedding was demonstrated using a Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line stably expressing klotho and human embryonic kidney-293 cells transiently transfected with klotho. Here, we report klotho expression on both the basolateral and apical membrane, with a higher abundance of klotho at the apical membrane and in the apical media. mRNA expression of ADAM17 and klotho were enriched in mouse distal convoluted and connecting tubules. In vitro ADAM/matrix metalloproteinase inhibition by TNF484 resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of the α-cut, with a less specific effect on β-cut shedding. In vivo TNF484 treatment in wild-type mice did not change urinary klotho levels. However, ADAM/matrix metalloproteinase inhibition did increase renal and duodenal mRNA expression of phosphate transporters, whereas serum phosphate levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, our data show that renal cells preferentially secrete klotho to the apical side and suggest that ADAMs are responsible for α-cut cleavage.
Recording of intracranial pressure in conscious rats via telemetry
Authors: Guild Sarah-Jane , McBryde Fiona D. , Malpas Simon C.
Published: July 2015

Although cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is known to be fundamental in the control of normal brain function, there have been no previous long-term measurements in animal models. The aim of this study was to explore the stability and viability of long-term recordings of intracranial pressure (ICP) in freely moving rats via a telemetry device. We also developed a repeatable surgical approach with a solid-state pressure sensor at the tip of the catheter placed under the dura and in combination with arterial pressure (AP) measurement to enable the calculation of CPP. Telemeters with dual pressure catheters were implanted in Wistar rats to measure ICP and AP. We found that the signals were stable throughout the 28-day recording period with an average ICP value of 6 ± 0.8 mmHg. Significant light-dark differences were found in AP (3.1 ± 2.7 mmHg, P = 0.02) and HR (58 ± 12 beats/min, P = 0.003), but not ICP (0.3 ± 0.2 mmHg, P >0.05) or CPP (2.6 ± 2.8 mmHg, P > 0.05). Use of kaolin to induce hydrocephalus in several rats demonstrates the ability to measure changes in ICP throughout disease progression, validating this new solution for chronic measurement of ICP, CPP, and AP in conscious rats.
Mechanisms underlying enhancements in muscle force and power output during maximal cycle ergometer exercise induced by chronic β2-adrenergic stimulation in men
Authors: Hostrup Morten , Kalsen Anders , Onslev Johan , Jessen Søren , Haase Christoffer , Habib Sajad , Ørtenblad Niels , Backer Vibeke , Bangsbo Jens
Published: July 2015

The study was a randomized placebo-controlled trial investigating mechanisms by which chronic β2-adrenergic stimulation enhances muscle force and power output during maximal cycle ergometer exercise in young men. Eighteen trained men were assigned to an experimental group [oral terbutaline 5 mg/30 kg body weight (bw) twice daily (TER); n = 9] or a control group [placebo (PLA); n = 9] for a 4-wk intervention. No changes were observed with the intervention in PLA. Isometric muscle force of the quadriceps increased ( P ≤ 0.01) by 97 ± 29 N (means ± SE) with the intervention in TER compared with PLA. Peak and mean power output during 30 s of maximal cycling increased ( P ≤ 0.01) by 32 ± 8 and 25 ± 9 W, respectively, with the intervention in TER compared with PLA. Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) and time to fatigue during incremental cycling did not change with the intervention. Lean body mass increased by 1.95 ± 0.8 kg ( P ≤ 0.05) with the intervention in TER compared with PLA. Change in single fiber cross-sectional area of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I (1,205 ± 558 μm2; P ≤ 0.01) and MHC II fibers (1,277 ± 595 μm2; P ≤ 0.05) of the vastus lateralis muscle was higher for TER than PLA with the intervention, whereas no changes were observed in MHC isoform distribution. Expression of muscle proteins involved in growth, ion handling, lactate production, and clearance increased ( P ≤ 0.05) with the intervention in TER compared with PLA, with no change in oxidative enzymes. Our observations suggest that muscle hypertrophy is the primary mechanism underlying enhancements in muscle force and peak power during maximal cycling induced by chronic β2-adrenergic stimulation in humans.
Effects of methionine restriction and endurance exercise on bones of ovariectomized rats: a study of histomorphometry, densitometry, and biomechanical properties
Authors: Huang Tsang-Hai , Su I-Hsiu , Lewis Jack L. , Chang Ming-Shi , Hsu Ar-Tyan , Perrone Carmen E. , Ables Gene P.
Published: July 2015

To investigate the effects of dietary methionine restriction (MetR) and endurance exercise on bone quality under a condition of estrogen deficiency, female Sprague-Dawley rats (36-wk-old) were assigned to a sham surgery group or one of five ovariectomized groups subjected to interventions of no treatment (Ovx), endurance exercise (Exe), methionine restriction (MetR), methionine restriction plus endurance exercise (MetR + Exe), and estrogen treatment (Est). Rats in the exercise groups were subjected to a treadmill running regimen. MetR and control diets contained 0.172 and 0.86% methionine, respectively. After the 12-wk intervention, all animals were killed, and serum and bone tissues were collected for analyses. Compared with estrogen treatment, MetR diet and endurance exercise showed better or equivalent efficiency in reducing body weight gain caused by ovariectomy ( P < 0.05). Whereas only the Est group showed evidence for reduced bone turnover compared with the Ovx group, MetR diet and/or endurance exercise demonstrated efficiencies in downregulating serum insulin, leptin, triglyceride, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances ( P < 0.05). Both the Exe and MetR groups showed higher femoral cortical and total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), but only the Exe and Est groups preserved cancellous bone volume and/or vBMD of distal femora ( P < 0.05) compared with the Ovx group. After being normalized to body mass, femora of the MetR and MetR + Exe groups had relatively higher bending strength and dimension values followed by the Sham, Exe, and Est groups ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, both MetR diet and endurance exercise improved cortical bone properties, but only endurance exercise preserved cancellous bone under estrogen deficiency.
Relation between postural sway magnitude and metabolic energy cost during upright standing on a compliant surface
Authors: Houdijk Han , Brown Starr E. , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: July 2015

Postural control performance is often described in terms of postural sway magnitude, assuming that lower sway magnitude reflects better performance. However, people do not typically minimize sway magnitude when performing a postural control task. Possibly, other criteria are satisfied when people select the amount of sway they do. Minimal metabolic cost has been suggested as such a criterion. The aim of this study was to experimentally test the relation between sway magnitude and metabolic cost to establish whether metabolic cost could be a potential optimization criterion in postural control. Nineteen healthy subjects engaged in two experiments in which different magnitudes of sway were evoked during upright standing on a foam surface while metabolic energy expenditure, center of pressure (CoP) excursion, and muscle activation were recorded. In one experiment, sway was manipulated by visual feedback of CoP excursion. The other experiment involved verbal instructions of standing still, natural or relaxed. In both experiments, metabolic cost changed with sway magnitude in an asymmetric parabolic fashion, with a minimum around self-selected sway magnitudes and a larger increase at small compared with large sway magnitudes. This metabolic response was paralleled by a change in tonic and phasic EMG activity in the major leg muscles. It is concluded that these results are in line with the notion that metabolic cost can be an optimization criterion used to set postural control and as such could account for the magnitude of naturally occurring postural sway in healthy individuals, although the pathway remains to be elucidated.
Effect of short-term exercise-heat acclimation on ventilatory and cerebral blood flow responses to passive heating at rest in humans
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Tsuji Bun , Honda Yasushi , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: July 2015

Hyperthermia induces hyperventilation and cerebral hypoperfusion in resting humans. We tested the hypothesis that short-term exercise-heat acclimation would alleviate those effects. Twenty healthy male subjects were divided into two groups that performed exercise training in the heat (TR-HEAT, n = 10) or cold (TR-COLD, n = 10). Before and after the training, the subjects in both groups participated in passive-heat tests at rest. Training was performed at 37°C (TR-HEAT) or 10°C (TR-COLD) and entailed four 20-min bouts of cycling at 50% peak oxygen uptake separated by 10-min recoveries daily for 6 consecutive days. After TR-HEAT, esophageal temperature was lowered when measured before and during passive heating, as was the esophageal temperature threshold for cutaneous active vasodilation, whereas plasma volume was increased (all P < 0.05). These traditional indices of successful heat acclimation were not all induced by TR-COLD (all P > 0.05). TR-HEAT had no significant effect on passive heating-induced increases in minute ventilation, even when evaluated as the esophageal temperature threshold for increases in minute ventilation and the slope relating minute ventilation to esophageal temperature (all P > 0.05). By contrast, TR-HEAT attenuated the passive heating-induced reduction in the cerebral vascular conductance index (middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity/mean arterial pressure) (all P < 0.05). TR-COLD did not attenuate the increase in minute ventilation or the decrease in the cerebral vascular conductance index observed during passive heating (all P > 0.05). These data suggest that in resting heated humans, short-term heat acclimation achieved through moderate-intensity exercise training (i.e., 50% peak oxygen uptake) in the heat does not influence hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation, but it does potentially attenuate cerebral hypoperfusion.
Ca2+ toxicity due to reverse Na+/Ca2+ exchange contributes to degeneration of neurites of DRG neurons induced by a neuropathy-associated Nav1.7 mutation
Authors: Estacion M. , Vohra B. P. S , Liu S. , Hoeijmakers J. , Faber C. G. , Merkies I. S. J. , Lauria G. , Black J. A. , Waxman S. G.
Published: July 2015

Gain-of-function missense mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 have been linked to small-fiber neuropathy, which is characterized by burning pain, dysautonomia and a loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers. However, the mechanistic cascades linking Nav1.7 mutations to axonal degeneration are incompletely understood. The G856D mutation in Nav1.7 produces robust changes in channel biophysical properties, including hyperpolarized activation, depolarized inactivation, and enhanced ramp and persistent currents, which contribute to the hyperexcitability exhibited by neurons containing Nav1.8. We report here that cell bodies and neurites of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons transfected with G856D display increased levels of intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]) and intracellular [Ca2+] following stimulation with high [K+] compared with wild-type (WT) Nav1.7-expressing neurons. Blockade of reverse mode of the sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) or of sodium channels attenuates [Ca2+] transients evoked by high [K+] in G856D-expressing DRG cell bodies and neurites. We also show that treatment of WT or G856D-expressing neurites with high [K+] or 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) does not elicit degeneration of these neurites, but that high [K+] and 2-DG in combination evokes degeneration of G856D neurites but not WT neurites. Our results also demonstrate that 0 Ca2+ or blockade of reverse mode of NCX protects G856D-expressing neurites from degeneration when exposed to high [K+] and 2-DG. These results point to [Na+] overload in DRG neurons expressing mutant G856D Nav1.7, which triggers reverse mode of NCX and contributes to Ca2+ toxicity, and suggest subtype-specific blockade of Nav1.7 or inhibition of reverse NCX as strategies that might slow or prevent axon degeneration in small-fiber neuropathy.
Electrical Characterization and Modeling of a Gelatin/Graphene System
Authors: Landi Giovanni , Sorrentino Andrea , Iannace Salvatore , Neitzert Heinrich C.
Published: July 2015

A gelatin/graphene composite has been analyzed by means of current density-voltage and the electrical impedance measurements. The DC electrical behavior has been interpreted in terms of an equivalent Thévenin model taking into account the open circuit voltage and the series resistance. A model based on the effect of the electrical double layer and on the diffusion of the charge carriers is used for the analysis of the experimental data, obtained in the frequency domain. The model reveals for any applied voltages a marked diffusion process at low frequencies. In particular, where the charge transfer mechanism is dominant, the time distribution of the reaction rates reveals that several multiple step reactions occur in the materials, especially at high values of the applied forward bias voltages.
Denileukin Diftitox (Ontak) as Maintenance Therapy for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas: Three Cases with Sustained Remission
Authors: Fuentes Alejandra C. , Szwed Ellen , Spears Cathy D. , Thaper Sandeep , Dang Long H. , Dang Nam H.
Published: July 2015

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are rare but markedly aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). They carry a poor prognosis, with current therapeutic approach being generally ineffective. The most employed first-line treatment is CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), which still results in high rates of relapses. Denileukin diftitox is a fusion protein combining the cytotoxic portion of the diphtheria toxin and the receptor-binding domain of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) molecule, thereby targeting cells expressing the IL-2 receptor, including both T-cell and B-cell lymphomas. It has been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, and it has documented activity in PTCL both as a single agent and as part of combination therapy. This report documents three cases of PTCL where denileukin diftitox has been used as long-term maintenance therapy after complete remission was achieved. While the overall survival rate of patients with advanced stage, refractory PTCL is generally poor (with median overall survival of 5.5 months), the three patients described in this report are all experiencing an ongoing complete remission for more than four years.
Therapeutic Efficacy of E-64-d, a Selective Calpain Inhibitor, in Experimental Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhang Zifeng , Huang Zheng , Dai Hao , Wei Licheng , Sun Songtao , Gao Feng
Published: July 2015

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of calpain inhibitor E-64-d on SCI and to find a new approach to treat SCI. When an SCI rat model was established, it was immediately administered with E-64-d. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the protein and mRNA levels of calpain 1 and 68-kD NFP. TUNEL staining and NeuN labeling were performed to analyze neuronal apoptosis in the lesion. Immunohistochemistry assay was carried out to observe the expressions of calpain 1 and GFAP. Cyclooxygenase-2 activity was measured to show the immune response status. Locomotor function was evaluated by inclined plane test and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. The results showed that calpain 1 was activated after SCI occurred. Treatment with E-64-d decreased expressions of calpain 1 and GFAP, alleviated neuronal apoptosis, inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 activity, and resulted in the promoted locomotor function. Furthermore, combination of E-64-d and MP had better efficacy than did E-64-d or MP alone. E-64-d is expected to be applied to treat SCI, and its alliance with MP may provide a valid strategy for SCI therapy.
Hot Embossing of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Micropart Using Stacked Silicon Dies
Authors: Zhu Zhijing , Yi Chuanyun , Shi Tielin , Zhang Yichun , Gao Yang , Liao Guanglan
Published: July 2015

We demonstrated hot embossing of Zr65Cu17.5Ni10Al7.5bulk metallic glass micropart using stacked silicon dies. Finite element simulation was carried out, suggesting that it could reduce the stress below 400 MPa in the silicon dies and enhance the durability of the brittle silicon dies when using varying load mode (100 N for 60 s and then 400 N for 60 s) compared with using constant load mode (200 N for 120 s). A micropart with good appearance was fabricated under the varying load, and no silicon die failure was observed, in agreement with the simulation. The amorphous state of the micropart was confirmed by differential scanning calorimeter and X-ray diffraction, and the nanohardness and Young’s modulus were validated close to those of the as-cast BMG rods by nanoindentation tests. The results proved that it was feasible to adopt the varying load mode to fabricate three-dimensional Zr-based bulk metallic glass microparts by hot embossing process.
The Synchronized and Integrated Two-Level Lot Sizing and Scheduling Problem: Evaluating the Generalized Mathematical Model
Authors: Toledo Claudio F. M. , Kimms Alf , França Paulo M. , Morabito Reinaldo
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the synchronized and integrated two-level lot sizing and scheduling problem (SITLSP). This problem is found in beverage production, foundry, glass industry, and electrofused grains, where the production processes have usually two interdependent levels with sequence-dependent setups in each level. For instance, in the first level of soft drink production, raw materials are stored in tanks flowing to production lines in the second level. The amount and the time the raw materials and products have to be stored and produced should be determined. A synchronization problem occurs because the production in lines and the storage in tanks have to be compatible with each other throughout the time horizon. The SITLSP and its mathematical model are described in detail by this paper. The lack of similar models in the literature has led us to also propose a set of instances for the SITLSP, based on data provided by a soft drink company. Thus, a set of benchmark results for these problem instances are established using an exact method available in an optimization package. Moreover, results for two relaxations proved that the modeling methodology could be useful in real-world applications.
Bilateral Image Subtraction and Multivariate Models for the Automated Triaging of Screening Mammograms
Authors: Celaya-Padilla José , Martinez-Torteya Antonio , Rodriguez-Rojas Juan , Galvan-Tejada Jorge , Treviño Victor , Tamez-Peña José
Published: July 2015

Mammography is the most common and effective breast cancer screening test. However, the rate of positive findings is very low, making the radiologic interpretation monotonous and biased toward errors. This work presents a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) method aimed to automatically triage mammogram sets. The method coregisters the left and right mammograms, extracts image features, and classifies the subjects into risk of having malignant calcifications (CS), malignant masses (MS), and healthy subject (HS). In this study, 449 subjects (197 CS, 207 MS, and 45 HS) from a public database were used to train and evaluate the CADx. Percentile-rank (p-rank) andz-normalizations were used. For thep-rank, the CS versus HS model achieved a cross-validation accuracy of 0.797 with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.882; the MS versus HS model obtained an accuracy of 0.772 and an AUC of 0.842. For thez-normalization, the CS versus HS model achieved an accuracy of 0.825 with an AUC of 0.882 and the MS versus HS model obtained an accuracy of 0.698 and an AUC of 0.807. The proposed method has the potential to rank cases with high probability of malignant findings aiding in the prioritization of radiologists work list.
Simple Modules for Modular Lie SuperalgebrasW(0∣n),S(0∣n), andK(n)
Authors: Wei Zhu , Zhang Qingcheng , Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Chunyue
Published: July 2015

This paper constructs a series of modules from modular Lie superalgebrasW(0∣n),S(0∣n), andK(n)over a field of prime characteristicp≠2. Cartan subalgebras, maximal vectors of these modular Lie superalgebras, can be solved. With certain properties of the positive root vectors, we obtain that the sufficient conditions of these modules are irreducibleL-modules, whereL=W(0∣n),S(0∣n), andK(n).
Effect of Umbilical Cord Entanglement and Position on Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Kobayashi Natsuko , Aoki Shigeru , Oba Mari S. , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: July 2015

Introduction.To investigate the effect of complex umbilical cord entanglement primarily around the trunk on pregnancy outcomes.Methods. We studied 6307 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who underwent vaginal delivery of an infant at ≥37 weeks of gestation. Cases were classified into no cord, nuchal cord, and body cord groups and defined as cases without umbilical cord entanglement, one or more loops of the umbilical cord around the neck only, and umbilical cord around the trunk only, respectively. Pregnancy outcomes were compared among these three groups.Results. The no cord, nuchal cord, and body cord group included 4733, 1451, and 123 pregnancies, respectively. Although delivery mode was not significantly different among the three groups, 1-minute Apgar scores <7 and umbilical artery (UA) pH <7.10 were significantly more common in the umbilical cord entanglement groups than in the no cord group. In particular, the frequency of 5-minute Apgar scores <7 was significantly higher (P=0.004), whereas that of UA pH <7.10 tended to be higher (P=0.057) in the body cord group than in the nuchal cord group.Conclusion. Compared to nuchal cord, umbilical cord entanglement around the trunk was associated with a higher risk of low Apgar scores and low UA pH.
Multi-WSN Simulator with Log Data for Efficient Sensing on Internet of Things
Authors: Jeong Young-Sik , Kim Hyun-Woo , Yen Neil Y. , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: July 2015

WSN (wireless sensor network) technology came to become fairly activated and as WSN is a part of the world's environment, research on it is considered important. WSN automated life and work; miniaturized wireless sensor nodes enable observational measurement in regions where access by humans is difficult or periodic sensing data is necessary. Thousands of such sensor nodes are needed. However, when they are wrongly placed in an observed area, sensor node batteries may run out fast or disconnection may result, which may trigger the loss of sensing data by sensor nodes and create an enormous cost. Moreover, even though sensor nodes have the same function, there are different kinds; therefore, it is difficult to select and place optimal sensor nodes. Accordingly, this paper proposed the WS3L (wireless sensor simulator using sensor log) as a simulator aimed at the composition of a more efficient sensing infrastructure and problem analysis for Internet of Things. This WS3L utilized sensor log data for precise prediction, not merely execution depending on simulators developed earlier. This WS3L read sensor log data of the observed area from the user and provided various analysis functions to examine problems.
SystemicCandida parapsilosisInfection Model in Immunosuppressed ICR Mice and Assessing the Antifungal Efficiency of Fluconazole
Authors: Wu Yu’e , Min Fangui , Pan Jinchun , Wang Jing , Yuan Wen , Zhang Yu , Huang Ren , Zhang Lixin
Published: July 2015

This study was to establish a systemicC. parapsilosisinfection model in immunosuppressed ICR mice induced by cyclophosphamide and evaluate the antifungal efficiency of fluconazole. Three experiments were set to confirm the optimal infectious dose ofC. parapsilosis, outcomes of infectious model, and antifungal efficiency of fluconazole in vivo, respectively. In the first experiment, comparisons of survival proportions between different infectious doses treated groups showed that the optimal inoculum forC. parapsilosiswas 0.9 × 105CFU per mouse. The following experiment was set to observe the outcomes of infection at a dose of 0.9 × 105CFUC. parapsilosis. Postmortem and histopathological examinations presented fugal-specific lesions in multiorgans, especially in kidneys, characterized by inflammation, numerous microabscesses, and fungal infiltration. The CFU counts were consistent with the histopathological changes in tissues. Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance was observed with increases of proinflammatory cytokines and no responses of anti-inflammatory cytokines in sera and kidneys. In the last experiment, model based evaluation of fluconazole indicated that there were ideal antifungal activities for fluconazole at dosages of 10–50 mg/kg/d. Data demonstrates that the research team has established a systemicC. parapsilosisinfection model in immunosuppressed ICR mice, affording opportunities for increasing our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and treatment.
Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Studying the Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wan Wenbin , Cao Lan , Kalionis Bill , Xia Shijin , Tai Xiantao
Published: July 2015

Neurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons. Incurable neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) show dramatic rising trends particularly in the advanced age groups. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, and to date there are no biomarkers for early detection or effective treatments for the underlying causes of these diseases. Furthermore, due to species variation and differences between animal models (e.g., mouse transgenic and knockout models) of neurodegenerative diseases, substantial debate focuses on whether animal and cell culture disease models can correctly model the condition in human patients. In 2006, Yamanaka of Kyoto University first demonstrated a novel approach for the preparation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which displayed similar pluripotency potential to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Currently, iPSCs studies are permeating many sectors of disease research. Patient sample-derived iPSCs can be used to construct patient-specific disease models to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of disease development and to test new therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, the present review will focus on recent progress in iPSC research in the modeling of neurodegenerative disorders and in the development of novel therapeutic options.
Transplantation of Horseshoe Kidney from Living, Genetically Unrelated Donor
Authors: Kikkawa Kazuro , Wakamiya Takahito , Kusumoto Hiroki , Matsumura Nagahide , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao
Published: July 2015

We report a case of renal transplantation using a horseshoe kidney from a living, genetically unrelated donor. The recipient was a 60-year-old man with diabetic nephropathy, and the donor was the 63-year-old wife of the recipient with a horseshoe kidney free of complications. Computed tomography showed two renal arteries and one renal vein on the left side, and the isthmus was perfused by several accessory arteries and veins. To demarcate the boundary of the isthmus, the left renal artery was ligated and cannulated for in situ perfusion. Furthermore, the isthmus was clamped, and the boundary of the isthmus was confirmed. The kidney was divided at the left margin of the perfused boundary. The cut ends of the isthmus were closed by sutures. The left kidney was transplanted into the right iliac fossa of the recipient. Asymptomatic fluid collection occurred on the cut surface at the isthmus of the donor, and this fluid decreased in due course. On the other hand, the recipient experienced no surgical complication or rejection, while maintaining serum creatinine levels of 2.00–2.20 mg/dL over a 22-month follow-up period. Horseshoe kidneys may be used for transplantation in selected cases after a detailed preoperative evaluation.
Assignment of O–O and Mo=O Stretching Frequencies of Molybdenum/Tungsten Complexes Revisited
Authors: Kee Choon Wee
Published: July 2015

The assignment of peroxo stretching frequencies for Molybdenum and Tungsten complexes is studied by DFT and MP2 calculations. We found that M06 functional is unsuitable for assignment of Mo=O and O–O stretches in CpMo(η2-O2)OCH3and we found that MP2 and even the def2-TZVP do not give accurate order of asymmetric and symmetric Mo=O stretching. We recommend the M06L, which is a good compromise between speed and accuracy, for works involving these complexes. For a series of ten Molybdenum and Tungsten complexes studied we found that, for Mo/W=O stretching frequencies at M06L/def2-TZVP, after scaling, a small RMSD of 15 cm−1could be obtained. However peroxo stretching frequencies RMSD remains high at 40 cm−1after scaling. This could potentially point out the need for reassignment of experimental peroxo frequencies in some of the works cited in this report.
Joint Ordering and Pricing Decisions for New Repeat-Purchase Products
Authors: Wu Xiang , Zhang Jinlong
Published: July 2015

This paper studies ordering and pricing problems for new repeat-purchase products. We incorporate the repeat-purchase rate and price effects into the Bass model to characterize the demand pattern. We consider two decision models: (1) two-stage decision model, in which the sales division chooses a price to maximize the gross profit and the purchasing division determines an optimal ordering decision to minimize the total cost under a given demand subsequently, and (2) joint decision model, in which the firm makes ordering and pricing decisions simultaneously to maximize the profit. We combine the generalized Bass model with dynamic lot sizing model to formulate the joint decision model. We apply both models to a specific imported food provided by an online fresh produce retailer in Central China, solve them by Gaussian Random-Walk and Wagner-Whitin based algorithms, and observe three results. First, joint pricing and ordering decisions bring more significant profits than making pricing and ordering decisions sequentially. Second, a great initiative in adoption significantly increases price premium and profit. Finally, the optimal price shows a U-shape (i.e., decreases first and increases later) relationship and the profit increases gradually with the repeat-purchase rate when it is still not very high.
Technical Aspects of Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy for Benign and Malignant Disease: Review of the Literature
Authors: de Rooij T. , Sitarz R. , Busch O. R. , Besselink M. G. , Abu Hilal M.
Published: July 2015

Distal pancreatectomy is the standard curative treatment for symptomatic benign, premalignant, and malignant disease of the pancreatic body and tail. The most obvious benefits of a laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy include earlier recovery and shorter hospital stay. Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy should be attempted in case of benign disease. Spleen preservation can be achieved preferably by preserving the splenic vessels (Kimura technique), but also by resecting the splenic vessels and maintaining vascularity through the short gastric vessels and left gastroepiploic artery (Warshaw technique). Several studies have suggested a higher rate of spleen preservation with laparoscopy. The radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy has become mainstay for treating pancreatic cancer and can be performed laparoscopically as well. Evidence on the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for cancer is scarce. Despite the obvious advantages of laparoscopic surgery, postoperative morbidity remains relatively high, mainly because of the high incidence of pancreatic fistula. For decades, surgeons have tried to prevent these fistulas but to date no strategy has been confirmed to be effective in 2 consecutive randomized studies. Pragmatic multicenter studies focusing on technical aspects of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are lacking and should be encouraged.
Impacting Environmental and Public Health through the Use of Dual Targeted and Tailored Asthma Educational Interventions
Authors: Carrillo Genny , Han Daikwon , Lucio Rose L. , Seol Yoon-Ho , Chong-Menard Betty , Smith Kenneth
Published: July 2015

Home-based asthma environmental education for parents of asthmatic children is needed since many health professionals lack the time to offer it. However, developing targeted and tailored education is important in order to address the individual needs of participants. This nonrandomized longitudinal study examined knowledge on asthma with an Asthma and Healthy Homes educational intervention training offered to parents of children from low income families who reside in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Eighty-nine parents received the training and pre- and posttest surveys were used to measure knowledge outcomes. A standardized assessment on asthma triggers was used to identify the different triggers each child was exposed to, and a follow-up survey was conducted 6 months after the educational intervention to identify how many parents reported household and behavior changes as a result of the training. Results showed significant changes in behavior by participants as a result of the training received. This study suggests that these behavioral changes are attributed to the dual “targeted” and “tailored” educational interventions delivered to parents which resulted in a greater understanding of how to manage asthma by eliminating asthma triggers in their respective homes.
Endometriosis-Related Infertility: The Role of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Surrey Eric S.
Published: July 2015

The assisted reproductive technologies, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), represent the most efficient and successful means of overcoming infertility associated with endometriosis. Although older studies suggest that IVF outcomes are compromised in endometriosis patients, more contemporary reports show no differences compared to controls. The exception may be evidence of poorer outcomes and diminished ovarian response in women with advanced disease, particularly those with significant ovarian involvement or prior ovarian surgery. Prolonged pre-IVF cycle suppressive medical therapy, particularly gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, appears to improve success rates in a subset of endometriosis patients. However, as of yet, there is no diagnostic marker to specifically identify those who would most benefit from this approach. Pre-IVF cycle surgical resection of nonovarian disease has not been consistently shown to improve outcomes with the possible exception of resection of deeply invasive disease, although the data is limited. Precycle resection of ovarian endometriomas does not have benefit and should only be performed for gynecologic indications. Indeed, there is a large body of evidence to suggest that this procedure may have a deleterious impact on ovarian reserve and response. A dearth of appropriately designed trials makes development of definitive treatment paradigms challenging.
Pes Anserinus Structural Framework and Constituting Tendons Are Grossly Aberrant in Nigerian Population
Authors: Ashaolu J. O. , Osinuga T. S. , Ukwenya V. O. , Makinde E. O. , Adekanmbi A. J.
Published: July 2015

We evaluated the morphological framework of the pes anserinus in both knees of ten Nigerian cadavers and we observed high degree of variability in its morphology and location. The pes anserinus inserted specifically on the superior half of the media border of the tibia, as far inferiorly as 124.44 mm to the tibial tuberosity (prolonged insertion). The insertion was also joined to the part of tibia close to the tibia tuberosity (90%) and to the fascia cruris (10%). The initial insertion point of the pes anserinus was always found at the level of the tibia tuberosity. We found out that accessory bands of sartorius, gracilis, or semitendinosus were part of the pes anserinus in 95% of all occasions studied whereas the combined occurrence of monotendinosus sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons was found in only 5% of all occasions. The pes anserinus did not conform to the layered pattern and the tendons of sartorius, gracilis, or semitendinosus were short. The inferior prolongation of the pes anserinus connotes extended surface area of attachment to support the mechanical pull from the hamstring muscles. This information will be useful in precise location and grafting of the pes anserinus.
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Attending the MS Clinic at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alsaadi Taoufik , El Hammasi Khadija , Shahrour Tarek M. , Shakra Mustafa , Turkawi Lamya , Mudhafar Abdulla , Diab Lina , Raoof Mufeed
Published: July 2015

Depression and anxiety are reported to be prevalent in patients with MS, with prevalence rates ranging from 20% to 50%. Unfortunately, the rates, patterns, and risk factors are not well studied in our Middle East region, and, to our knowledge, not at all in UAE. Using standardized screening tools, we observed that 17% and 20% of 80 patients seen in MS clinic had scores consistent with major depression and anxiety disorders, respectively, at a rate that was not statistically different when compared to age and sex matched controls. None of the studied variables including duration of the disease, EDSS scores, age, gender, and the level of education had any significant correlation with the rates of both disorders. Almost two-thirds of the patients with scores consistent with major depression and anxiety were not on antidepressant and antianxiety medications.
Comparison of the Manual, Semiautomatic, and Automatic Selection and Leveling of Hot Spots in Whole Slide Images for Ki-67 Quantification in Meningiomas
Authors: Swiderska Zaneta , Korzynska Anna , Markiewicz Tomasz , Lorent Malgorzata , Zak Jakub , Wesolowska Anna , Roszkowiak Lukasz , Slodkowska Janina , Grala Bartlomiej
Published: July 2015

Background. This paper presents the study concerning hot-spot selection in the assessment of whole slide images of tissue sections collected from meningioma patients. The samples were immunohistochemically stained to determine the Ki-67/MIB-1 proliferation index used for prognosis and treatment planning.Objective. The observer performance was examined by comparing results of the proposed method of automatic hot-spot selection in whole slide images, results of traditional scoring under a microscope, and results of a pathologist’s manual hot-spot selection.Methods. The results of scoring the Ki-67 index using optical scoring under a microscope, software for Ki-67 index quantification based on hot spots selected by two pathologists (resp., once and three times), and the same software but on hot spots selected by proposed automatic methods were compared using Kendall’s tau-b statistics.Results. Results show intra- and interobserver agreement. The agreement between Ki-67 scoring with manual and automatic hot-spot selection is high, while agreement between Ki-67 index scoring results in whole slide images and traditional microscopic examination is lower.Conclusions. The agreement observed for the three scoring methods shows that automation of area selection is an effective tool in supporting physicians and in increasing the reliability of Ki-67 scoring in meningioma.