bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Convection in Asymmetrically Heated Vertical Channels With Opposing Buoyancy Forces
Authors: Roeleveld D. , Naylor D. , Leong W. H.
Published: December 2013

Laser interferometry and flow visualization were used to study free convective heat transfer inside a vertical channel. Most studies in the literature have investigated buoyancy forces in a single direction. The study presented here investigated opposing buoyancy forces, where one wall is warmer than the ambient and the other wall is cooler than the ambient. An experimental model of an isothermally, asymmetrically heated vertical channel was constructed. Interferometry provided temperature field visualization and flow visualization was used to obtain the streamlines. Experiments were carried out over a range of aspect ratios between 8.8 and 26.4, using temperature ratios of 0, −0.5, and −0.75. These conditions provide a modified Rayleigh number range of approximately 5 to 1100. In addition, the measured local and average Nusselt number data were compared to numerical solutions obtained using ANSYS FLUENT. Air was the fluid of interest. So the Prandtl number was fixed at 0.71. Numerical solutions were obtained for modified Rayleigh numbers ranging from the laminar fully developed flow regime to the turbulent isolated boundary layer regime. A semi-empirical correlation of the average Nusselt number was developed based on the experimental data.
Model of Soft Tissue Artifact Propagation to Joint Angles in Human Movement Analysis
Authors: Page Álvaro , de Rosario Helios , Mata Vicente , Besa Antonio
Published: December 2013

This work describes the kinematic laws that govern the transmission of soft tissue artifact errors to kinematic variables in the analysis of human movements. Artifacts are described as relative translations and rotations of the marker cluster over the bone, and a set of explicit expressions is defined to account for the effect of that relative motion on different representations of rotations: the rotation around the screw axis, or rotation vector, and three Euler angle sequences (XY′Z, YX′Y″, ZX′Y″). Although the error transmission is nonlinear in all cases, the effect of artifacts is greater on Euler sequences than on the rotation vector. Specifically, there are crosstalk effects in Euler sequences that amplify the errors near singular configurations. This fact is an additional source of variability in studies that describe artifacts by comparing the Euler angles obtained from skin markers, with the angles of an artifact-free gold standard. The transmission of errors to rotation vector coordinates is less variable or dependent on the type of motion. This model has been tested in an experiment with a deformable mechanical model with a spherical joint.
PD-1– and CTLA-4–Based Inhibitory Chimeric Antigen Receptors (iCARs) Divert Off-Target Immunotherapy Responses
Authors: Fedorov Victor D. , Themeli Maria , Sadelain Michel
Published: December 2013

Human T cells that are reversibly inhibited upon contact with antigen protect bystander tissues from immune destruction.
Acute focal myositis causing significant radiological and histological abnormality settles spontaneously with expectant management
Authors: Khan Afsha , Herdman Gareth , Srinivasan Usha
Published: December 2013

We discuss two cases of reactive focal myositis that had different clinical presentations but responded well to conservative management. These cases demonstrate that reactive myositis can present acutely but resolves quickly with expectant treatment and has a favourable prognosis.
Marfan syndrome
Authors: Jain Eesha , Pandey Ramesh Kumar
Published: December 2013

Marfan syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of the connective tissue, with skeletal, ligamentous, orooculofacial, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological and the most fatal, cardiovascular manifestations. It has no cure but early diagnosis, regular monitoring and preventive lifestyle regimen ensure a good prognosis. However, the diagnosis can be difficult as it is essentially a clinical one, relying on family history, meticulous physical examination and investigation of involved organ systems. Patients of Marfan syndrome portray very typical physical and orofacial characteristics, suggesting obvious recognition, but due to variable phenotypic expression, cases often go unnoticed unless a full range of attributing features is apparent. Dental practitioners are very likely to encounter patients of Marfan syndrome at an early age as they frequently present for dental treatment. The present case report illustrates the preliminary screening of Marfan syndrome in a dental office followed by timely diagnosis and appropriate referrals.
Both-sided native valve endocarditis in an intravenous drug misuser
Authors: Oylumlu Muhammed , Ercan Suleyman , Basanalan Fuat , Davutoglu Vedat
Published: December 2013

Infective endocarditis (IE) is more common in left heart chambers in the general population. Right-sided IE is increased especially in intravenous drug misusers. However, involvement of both right and left heart chambers is extremely rare in these patients. In this study, we present the case of a 26-year-old male intravenous drug misuser, hospitalised with Staphylococcal tricuspid valve IE complicated with pulmonary septic embolism. After 10 days, an echocardiogram revealed vegetation on the mitral valve in addition to unchanged tricuspid valve vegetation. IE can be a rapidly progressive disease despite the medical treatment in intravenous drug misusers. Generally, the right-sided IE is common in intravenous drug misusers; however, as in our case, it may involve left heart chambers as well. Therefore, in the right-sided IE cases, a serial echocardiographic examination of both heart chambers is strictly recommended.
The epidemiology of professional ice hockey injuries: a prospective report of six NHL seasons
Authors: McKay Carly D , Tufts Raymond J , Shaffer Benjamin , Meeuwisse Willem H
Published: December 2013

Background

There is a paucity of literature examining injury and illness rates in men's professional ice hockey. This study aimed to determine injury and illness rates in the NHL over six seasons, and identify predictors of injury-related time loss in this population.

Methods

This study involved an inclusive cohort of hockey players from all NHL teams competing in the 2006–2007 through 2011–2012 seasons. A standardised electronic injury surveillance system was used to report injury and illness events. The primary outcome was regular season and postseason time-loss injury/illness. The secondary outcome was man-games lost from the competition.

Results

On the basis of the estimated athlete exposures (AEs), the overall regular season incidence density was 15.6 injuries/1000 AEs and 0.7 illnesses/1000 AEs. Based on recorded time on ice, the injury rates were roughly threefold higher at 49.4 injuries/1000 player game-hours and 2.4 illnesses/1000 player game-hours. There was a reduction in injury rates over the 6-year period, with the greatest reduction between the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 seasons. Multivariate predictors of time loss greater than 10 days were being a goalie (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.38), being injured in a road game (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.63) and the mechanism of injury being a body check (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.62).

Conclusions

There was an overall reduction in the time-loss injury and illness rates over six seasons. Being a goaltender, being injured on the road and being injured by a body check were the risk factors for time loss greater than five ‘man games’.
Exploring the implementation of the framework convention on tobacco control in four small island developing states of the Pacific: a qualitative study
Authors: Martin Erik , de Leeuw Evelyne
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To determine what variables influence the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in small island developing states of the Pacific and how they affect its success or failure. To explore how barriers can be overcome and opportunities utilised to ensure an effective FCTC implementation in the Pacific Islands.

Design

A mixed methods, multiple case study consisting of primarily qualitative data in the form of semistructured interviews, document analysis and opportunistic observation.

Setting

Field visits were undertaken to collect data in the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Palau and Nauru. The key informants were interviewed in the major cities or islands of each respective country: Rarotonga, Port Vila, Koror and Nauru.

Participants

Purposive sampling was used to select 39 informants, whose roles were associated with FCTC implementation. Most of the participants worked in health-oriented positions in the government and non-government organisations.

Results

Each country made a significant progress towards FCTC implementation. Overall, strong policy content, public support and limited pro-tobacco coalition activity were conducive to FCTC implementation, but the challenges were evident in the form of limited capacity, limited antitobacco coalition activity and limited political commitment outside the ministries of health in each country.

Conclusions

Further efforts are needed for full FCTC implementation, through building capacity and using resources effectively, growing commitment to FCTC beyond the health sector, fostering growth in antitobacco coalition activity, exploiting the limited pro-tobacco activity that may be present and garnering public support for tobacco control. These lessons may be particularly important for other small island developing states in the Pacific and developing countries elsewhere.
Bone marrow trephine biopsy involvement by lymphoma: review of histopathological features in 511 specimens and correlation with diagnostic biopsy, aspirate and peripheral blood findings
Authors: Sovani Vishakha , Harvey Caroline , Haynes Andrew P , McMillan Andrew K , Clark David M , O'Connor Simon R
Published: December 2013

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the key features of bone marrow trephine (BMT) biopsy involvement by lymphoma.

Methods

511 cases were assessed for percentage of marrow involvement, pattern of involvement (diffuse, nodular, paratrabecular, interstitial or intrasinusoidal), presence/absence of granulomas, stromal fibrosis and necrosis, presence/absence of neoplastic/reactive follicles and discordance with other biopsy sites. Correlation with aspirate and peripheral blood findings was made in a subset of 345 patients (167 aspirates, 178 blood).

Results

The most frequent subtype was follicular lymphoma (26.2%) followed by extranodal marginal zone (23.1%), lymphoplasmacytic (19.2%), diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) (12.5%), Hodgkin (HL) (5.7%) and mantle cell lymphomas (4.3%). The predominant pattern in follicular lymphoma was paratrabecular. Marginal zone lymphomas of all types and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma showed a relatively even distribution between diffuse, interstitial, paratrabecular and nodular patterns. The majority of mantle cell lymphoma cases showed either diffuse or nodular patterns. A diffuse pattern was common in DLBCL and Burkitt lymphomas. An intrasinusoidal pattern was seen only in extranodal and splenic marginal zone lymphomas. Granulomas and fibrosis were uncommon in small cell B cell lymphomas but frequent in DLBCL and HL. Aspirate and trephine results concurred in 73.8% of cases overall, but this varied widely between subtypes. Peripheral blood involvement rates by lymphoma also varied, with a mean of 37.1%.

Conclusions

Different lymphomas often demonstrate reliably characteristic architectural patterns of marrow involvement which can help differentiate them even when cytological features do not permit this, and marrow stromal and other background changes may also be useful pointers towards a particular lymphoma subtype.
SOLUTION METHODS FOR NONCONVEX FREE DISPOSAL HULL MODELS: A REVIEW AND SOME CRITICAL COMMENTS
Authors: KERSTENS KRISTIAAN , VAN DE WOESTYNE IGNACE
Published: December 2013

This note first succinctly summarizes the currently available methods to solve the various nonconvex free disposal hull (FDH) models for technical efficiency as well as for minimum costs. It also offers some empirical illustration as to their computational efficiency. Second, this note briefly points out that the recent article by (26) and its correction by (4) proposing an extended enumeration method to solve for technical efficiency evaluated relative to this family of FDH models contain no original results.
A NOTE ON "SCHEDULING PROBLEMS WITH THE EFFECTS OF DETERIORATION AND LEARNING"
Authors: WU YU-BIN , HUANG XUE , LI LIN , JI PING
Published: December 2013

Two results in a recent paper by Wang and Cheng [Wang, J-B and TCE Cheng (2007). Asia-Pacific Journal of Operational Research, 24, 245–261] are incorrect because job processing times are variable due to both deteriorating jobs and learning effects, which is not taken into account by the authors. In this note, we show by a counter-example that the published results are incorrect.
PERFORMANCE OF THE TOTEM DETECTORS AT THE LHC
Authors: ANTCHEV G. , ASPELL P. , ATANASSOV I. , AVATI V. , BAECHLER J. , BAGLIESI M. G. , BERARDI V. , BERRETTI M. , BOSSINI E. , BOTTIGLI U. , BOZZO M. , BRÜCKEN E. , BUZZO A. , CAFAGNA F. S. , CATANESI M. G. , CECCHI R. , COVAULT C. , CSANÁD M. , CSÖRGŐ T. , DEILE M. , DOUBEK M. , EGGERT K. , EREMIN V. , FERRO F. , FIERGOLSKI A. , GARCIA F. , GIANI S. , GRECO V. , GRZANKA L. , HEINO J. , HILDEN T. , KAREV A. , KAŠPAR J. , KOPAL J. , KUNDRÁT V. , LAMI S. , LATINO G. , LAUHAKANGAS R. , LESZKO T. , LIPPMAA E. , LIPPMAA J. , LOKAJÍČEK M. , LOSURDO L. , VETERE M. LO , RODRÍGUEZ F. LUCAS , MACRÍ M. , MÄKI T. , MERCADANTE A. , MINAFRA N. , MINUTOLI S. , NEMES F. , NIEWIADOMSKI H. , OLIVERI E. , OLJEMARK F. , ORAVA R. , ORIUNNO M. , ÖSTERBERG K. , PALAZZI P. , PEDRESCHI E. , PROCHÁZKA J. , QUINTO M. , RADERMACHER E. , RADICIONI E. , RAVOTTI F. , ROBUTTI E. , ROPELEWSKI L. , RUGGIERO G. , SAARIKKO H. , SCRIBANO A. , SMAJEK J. , SNOEYS W. , SPINELLA F. , SZIKLAI J. , TAYLOR C. , THYS A. , TURINI N. , VACEK V. , VÍTEK M. , WELTI J. , WHITMORE J. , WYSZKOWSKI P. ,   (for the TOTEM Collaboration)
Published: December 2013

The TOTEM Experiment is designed to measure the total proton–proton cross-section with the luminosity-independent method and to study elastic and diffractive pp scattering at the LHC. To achieve optimum forward coverage for charged particles emitted by the pp collisions in the interaction point IP5, two tracking telescopes, T1 and T2, are installed on each side of the IP in the pseudorapidity region 3.1≤|η|≤6.5, and special movable beam-pipe insertions — called Roman Pots (RP) — are placed at distances of ±147 m and ±220 m from IP5. This article describes in detail the working of the TOTEM detector to produce physics results in the first three years of operation and data taking at the LHC.
Combining metformin and aerobic exercise training in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and NAFLD in OLETF rats
Authors: Linden Melissa A. , Fletcher Justin A. , Morris E. Matthew , Meers Grace M. , Kearney Monica L. , Crissey Jacqueline M. , Laughlin M. Harold , Booth Frank W. , Sowers James R. , Ibdah Jamal A. , Thyfault John P. , Rector R. Scott
Published: December 2013

Here, we sought to compare the efficacy of combining exercise and metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in hyperphagic, obese, type 2 diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. OLETF rats (age: 20 wk, hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic; n = 10/group) were randomly assigned to sedentary (O-SED), SED plus metformin (O-SED + M; 300 mg·kg−1·day−1), moderate-intensity exercise training (O-EndEx; 20 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/wk treadmill running), or O-EndEx + M groups for 12 wk. Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (L-SED) rats served as nonhyperphagic controls. O-SED + M, O-EndEx, and O-EndEx + M were effective in the management of type 2 diabetes, and all three treatments lowered hepatic steatosis and serum markers of liver injury; however, O-EndEx lowered liver triglyceride content and fasting hyperglycemia more than O-SED + M. In addition, exercise elicited greater improvements compared with metformin alone on postchallenge glycemic control, liver diacylglycerol content, hepatic mitochondrial palmitate oxidation, citrate synthase, and β-HAD activities and in the attenuation of markers of hepatic fatty acid uptake and de novo fatty acid synthesis. Surprisingly, combining metformin and aerobic exercise training offered little added benefit to these outcomes, and in fact, metformin actually blunted exercise-induced increases in complete mitochondrial palmitate oxidation and β-HAD activity. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training was more effective than metformin administration in the management of type 2 diabetes and NAFLD outcomes in obese hyperphagic OLETF rats. Combining therapies offered little additional benefit beyond exercise alone, and findings suggest that metformin potentially impairs exercise-induced hepatic mitochondrial adaptations.
Facies Analysis and Depositional Environments of the Late Palaeozoic Coal-Bearing Madzaringwe Formation in the Tshipise-Pafuri Basin, South Africa
Authors: Malaza Ntokozo , Liu Kuiwu , Zhao Baojin
Published: December 2013

The late Palaeozoic coal-bearing Madzaringwe Formation of the Karoo Supergroup in the Tshipise-Pafuri Basin in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, records part of the infill of a passive continental margin terrain. Lithofacies analysis was performed with a view to deduce the nature of depositional environments of the Formation. Sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic evidence indicates that this unit represents a complex siliciclastic facies that reflects a fluvial paleodepositional environment. Eleven facies, which were grouped into five facies associations, were recognised. The base of the Madzaringwe Formation (Lower Member) represents a sequence deposited by braided channels. The coal deposits represent flood plain and swamp deposits, which is characterised by shale, thick coal seams, siltstone, and sandstone. The Middle Member is characterised by both clast and matrix supported conglomerates, major tubular and lenticular sandstones, and finely calcareous, micaceous siltstone. The deposition represents a sequence being formed from fluvial and particularly braided channels. The crudely stratified, coarse to pebbly sandstone indicates channel lag deposits within a heavy loaded fluvial system. The fine-grained sandstone represents deposition by shift channel and side bar deposits during lower flow conditions. The Upper Member is characterised by facies associations similar to the Lower Member, representing a new depositional cyclothem.
A Unique Coupled Common Fixed Point Theorem for Symmetric(φ,ψ)-Contractive Mappings in OrderedG-Metric Spaces with Applications
Authors: Jain Manish , Taş Kenan
Published: December 2013

We establish the existence and uniqueness of coupled common fixed point for symmetric(φ,ψ)-contractive mappings in the framework of orderedG-metric spaces. Present work extends, generalize, and enrich the recent results of Choudhury and Maity (2011), Nashine (2012), and Mohiuddine and Alotaibi (2012), thereby, weakening the involved contractive conditions. Our theoretical results are accompanied by suitable examples and an application to integral equations.
Safety of Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) in Patients with Sickle Cell Trait/Anemia
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Peethambaram Prema P.
Published: December 2013

Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) is a recombinant filgrastim (human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)) attached to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule and is given as part of chemotherapy regimens that are associated with significant myelosuppression and risk for febrile neutropenia. Prescribing information available on manufacturer’s website for the drug warns us about possible severe sickle cell crises related to the medication but does not report the actual incidence or the use in patients with sickle cell trait. Caution is advised when using it in patients with sickle cell disease. Here we present a case of a Caucasian female with known sickle cell trait (SCT) with no prior complications who developed a presumed sickle cell crisis after getting Neulasta, as a part of the chemotherapy regimen used to treat her breast cancer. Based on our literature review, this appears to be the first case report of a patient with SCT developing a sickle cell crisis with the pegylated form of recombinant filgrastim. Given the dearth of literature regarding the use of G-CSF and its related pegylated forms in patients with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait, a discussion of potential mechanisms and review of current literature and guidelines is also presented.
Numerical Simulation on the Effect of Turbulence Models on Impingement Cooling of Double Chamber Model
Authors: Yu Zhenglei , Xu Tao , Li Junlou , Xiu Hang , Li Yun
Published: December 2013

Investigation of the effects of impingement cooling for the different turbulence models and study of the aerodynamic behavior of a simplified transition piece model (TP) are the two themes of this paper. A model (double chamber model) of a one-fourth cylinder is designed which could simulate the transition piece structure and performance. The relative strengths and drawbacks of renormalization group theoryk-ε(RNG), the realizablek-ε(RKE), thev2-f, the shear stress transportk-ω(SST), and large-eddy simulation (LES) models are used to solve the closure problem. The prediction of the inner wall temperature, cooling effectiveness, and velocity magnitude contours in various conditions are compared in five different turbulence models. Surprisingly, thev2-fand SST models can produce even better predictions of fluid properties in impinging jet flows. It is recommended as the best compromise between solution speed and accuracy.
The Evaluation of Bioelectrical Activity of Pelvic Floor Muscles Depending on Probe Location: A Pilot Study
Authors: Halski Tomasz , Ptaszkowski Kuba , Słupska Lucyna , Dymarek Robert
Published: December 2013

Objectives. The main objective was to determine how the depth of probe placement affects functional and resting bioelectrical activity of the PFM and whether the recorded signal might be dependent on the direction in which the probe is rotated.Participants. The study comprised of healthy, nulliparous women between the ages of 21 and 25.Outcome Measures. Bioelectric activity of the PFM was recorded from four locations of the vagina by surface EMG and vaginal probe.Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the results during functional sEMG activity. During resting sEMG activity, the highest bioelectrical activity of the PFM was observed in the L1 and the lowest in the L4 and a statistically significant difference between the highest and the lowest results of resting sEMG activity was observed (P=0.0043).Conclusion. Different electrodes placement during functional contraction of PFM does not affect the obtained results in sEMG evaluation. In order to diagnose the highest resting activity of PFM the recording plates should be placed toward the anterior vaginal wall and distally from the introitus. However, all of the PFM have similar bioelectrical activity and it seems that these muscles could be treated as a single muscle.
Some Identities on the Generalizedq-Bernoulli,q-Euler, andq-Genocchi Polynomials
Authors: Kim Daeyeoul , Kurt Burak , Kurt Veli
Published: December 2013

Mahmudov (2012, 2013) introduced and investigated someq-extensions of theq-Bernoulli polynomialsℬn,qαx,yof orderα, theq-Euler polynomialsℰn,qαx,yof orderα, and theq-Genocchi polynomials𝒢n,qαx,yof orderα. In this paper, we give some identities forℬn,qαx,y,𝒢n,qαx,y, andℰn,qαx,yand the recurrence relations between these polynomials. This is an analogous result to theq-extension of the Srivastava-Pintér addition theorem in Mahmudov (2013).
Antcin C fromAntrodia cinnamomeaProtects Liver Cells Against Free Radical-Induced Oxidative Stress and ApoptosisIn VitroandIn Vivothrough Nrf2-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Gokila Vani M. , Kumar K. J. Senthil , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Chien Shih-Chang , Mau Jeng-Leun , Chiang Shen-Shih , Lin Chin-Chung , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Wang Sheng-Yang
Published: December 2013

In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effects of antcin C, a steroid-like compound isolated from Antrodia cinnamaomea against AAPH-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human hepatic HepG2 cells. Pretreatment with antcin C significantly protects hepatic cells from AAPH-induced cell death through the inhibition of ROS generation. Furthermore, AAPH-induced lipid peroxidation, ALT/AST secretion and GSH depletion was significantly inhibited by antcin C. The antioxidant potential of antcin C was correlated with induction of antioxidant genes including, HO-1, NQO-1,γ-GCLC, and SODviatranscriptional activation of Nrf2. The Nrf2 activation by antcin C is mediated by JNK1/2 and PI3K activation, whereas pharmacologic inhibition of JNK1/2 and PI3K abolished antcin C-induced Nrf2 activity. In addition, AAPH-induced apoptosis was significantly inhibited by antcin C through the down-regulation of pro-apoptotic factors including, Bax, cytochrome c, capase 9, -4, -12, -3, and PARP.In vivostudies also show that antcin C significantly protected mice liver from AAPH-induced hepatic injury as evidenced by reduction in hepatic enzymes in circulation. Further, immunocytochemistry analyses showed that antcin C significantly increased HO-1 and Nrf2 expression in mice liver tissues. These results strongly suggest that antcin C could protect liver cells from oxidative stress and cell deathviaNrf2/ARE activation.
Sonochemical Syntheses of a One‐Dimensional Mg(II) Metal‐Organic Framework: A New Precursor for Preparation of MgO One‐Dimensional Nanostructure
Authors: Tahmasian Arineh , Morsali Ali , Joo Sang Woo
Published: December 2013

Nanostructure of a MgII metal‐organic framework (MOF), {[Mg(HIDC)(H2O)2]·1.5H2O}n (1) (H3IDC = 4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid), was synthesized by a sonochemical method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The effect of concentration of starting reagents on size and morphology of nanostructured compound 1 has been studied. Calcination of the bulk powder and nanosized compound 1 at 650°C under air atmosphere yields MgO nanostructures. Results show that the size and morphology of the MgO nanoparticles are dependent upon the particles size of compound 1.
Drug Poisoning Deaths according to Ethnicity in Utah
Authors: Merrill Ray M. , Hedin Riley J. , Fondario Anna , Sloan Arielle A. , Hanson Carl L.
Published: December 2013

This study characterizes drug-related deaths according to ethnicity in Utah during 2005–2010, based on data from the Utah Violent Death Reporting System (UTVDRS). Hispanics made up 12.1% (12.5% male and 11.7% female) of deaths. The most frequently identified drugs among decedents were opiates, then illicit drugs, benzodiazepines, over-the-counter medication, and antidepressants. Death rates for each drug were significantly greater in non-Hispanics than Hispanics. Most decedents used a combination of drugs. For each combination, rates were significantly greater for non-Hispanics than Hispanics, with an exception for opiates and illicit drugs combined, where there was no significant difference. Approximately 79% of non-Hispanics and 65% of Hispanics had one or more of the selected problems (e.g., mental, physical, or crisis related). Rates for each combination of problems were significantly greater in non-Hispanics, with the exception of crisis. Hispanics were less affected by the rise in prescription drug abuse. Hispanic decedents had a greater proportion of illegal drugs, consistent with it being more difficult to obtain prescription drugs. Hispanic decedents were less likely to have physical and mental health problems, which may be related to a smaller chance of diagnosis of such problems through the healthcare system.
A Subspace Embedding Method inL2Norm via Fast Cauchy Transform
Authors: Xiang Xu , Cheng Li-Zhi
Published: December 2013

We propose a subspace embedding method via Fast Cauchy Transform (FCT) inL2norm. It is motivated by and complements the work of the subspace embedding method inLpnorm, for allp∈[1,∞]exceptp=2, by K. L. Clarkson (ACM-SIAM, 2013). Unlike the traditionally used orthogonal basis in Johnson-Lindenstrauss (JL) embedding, we employ the well-conditioned basis inL2norm to obtain concentration property of FCT inL2norm.
Bondage Numbers ofC4Bundles over a CycleCn
Authors: Sohn Moo Young , Hu Fu-Tao , Lee Jaeun
Published: December 2013

Graph bundles generalize the notion of covering graphs and graph products. Graph bundles have been applied in computer architecture and communication networks. The bondage number is an important parameter for measuring the vulnerability and stability of the network domination under link failure. The bondage numberb(G)of a graphGis the minimum number of edges whose removal enlarges the domination number. In this paper, we show that the bondage number of everyC4bundles over a cycleCn  (n≥4)is equal to 4.
Solution Interpolation Method for Highly Oscillating Hyperbolic Equations
Authors: Kim Pilwon , Lee Chang Hyeong
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with a novel numerical scheme for hyperbolic equations with rapidly changing terms. We are especially interested in the quasilinear equationut+aux=f(x)u+g(x)unand the wave equationutt=f(x)uxxthat have a highly oscillating term likef(x)=sin(x/ε),  ε≪1. It also applies to the equations involving rapidly changing or even discontinuous coefficients. The method is based on the solution interpolation and the underlying idea is to establish a numerical scheme by interpolating numerical data with a parameterized solution of the equation. While the constructed numerical schemes retain the same stability condition, they carry both quantitatively and qualitatively better performances than the standard method.
Aerosol-Precipitation Interactions over India: Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Kedia S.
Published: December 2013

Atmospheric aerosols can interact with clouds and influence the hydrological cycle by acting as cloud condensation nuclei. The current study reviews the results obtained on aerosol-precipitation interactions over India and the surrounding oceanic regions. An analysis of aerosol and cloud characteristics over the Arabian Sea, India, and the Bay of Bengal during summer monsoon in the last decade reveals large regional, intraseasonal, and interannual variations. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol absorbing index (AAI) in 2002 (a drought year) are higher over India when compared to normal monsoon years. Cloud effective radius (CER) and cloud optical thickness exhibit a negative correlation with AOD over India, which agrees well with the indirect radiative effects of aerosols. Over Bay of Bengal CER is positively correlated with AOD suggesting an inverse aerosol indirect effect. In future, observatories to measure aerosol characteristics (amount, size, type, chemical composition, mixing, vertical and horizontal distributions), and cloud properties (number and size) over several locations in India, and intense observational campaigns involving aircraft and ships are crucial to unravel the quantitative impact that aerosols have on Indian monsoon. Satellite remote sensing of aerosol distribution, their chemical composition, microphysical properties of clouds, solar irradiance, and terrestrial longwave radiation is important.
Random Walk Based Location Prediction in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jin Zhaoyan , Shi Dianxi , Wu Quanyuan , Yan Huining
Published: December 2013

With the development of wireless sensor network (WSN) technologies, WSNs have been applied in many areas. In all WSN technologies, localization is a crucial problem. Traditional localization approaches in WSNs mainly focus on calculating the current location of sensor nodes or mobile objects. In this paper, we study the problem of future location prediction in WSNs. We assume the location histories of mobile objects as a rating matrix and then use a random walk based social recommender algorithm to predict the future locations of mobile objects. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm has better prediction accuracy and can solve the rating matrix sparsity problem more effectively than related works.
Clinical Characteristics of Turkish Women withCandida kruseiVaginitis and Antifungal Susceptibility of theC. kruseiIsolates
Authors: Güzel Ahmet Bariş , Aydın Merve , Meral Melda , Kalkancı Ayşe , Ilkit Macit
Published: December 2013

Objective.Candida kruseicauses approximately 1% of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) cases and is naturally resistant to fluconazole. Antifungal testing may be required ifC. kruseivaginitis fails to respond to non-fluconazole therapy, particularly in patients with recurrent infections.Design. We investigated the clinical characteristics and antifungal susceptibility profile of vaginalC. kruseiisolates. Between 2009 and 2012, we identified 560 unrelatedCandidaspp.-positive vaginal cultures, of which 28 (5.0%) wereC. krusei. These isolates were analyzed according to host factors and the clinical forms of VVC, and theirin vitrosusceptibility to 10 antifungal agents was tested using a reference microdilution method.Results. We observed that perineal laceration and increased age (>50 years) were significant predictors ofC. kruseiin vaginal samples (P<0.05). All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, and miconazole. Additionally, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant rates were found for fluconazole as 42.9% and 57.1%, respectively. Remarkably, only 42.9% and 67.9% of the isolates were susceptible to itraconazole and voriconazole, respectively.Conclusions. Understanding local susceptibility patterns, especially those of non-C. albicans Candidaspecies, can significantly aid in the selection of an effective antifungal agent. Thein vivoresponse ofC. kruseivaginitis to various antifungal therapeutics remains unknown and requires further research.
Neuroendocrine Immunoregulation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Deckx Nathalie , Lee Wai-Ping , Berneman Zwi N. , Cools Nathalie
Published: December 2013

Currently, it is generally accepted that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex multifactorial disease involving genetic and environmental factors affecting the autoreactive immune responses that lead to damage of myelin. In this respect, intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as emotional, psychological, traumatic, or inflammatory stress as well as a variety of other lifestyle interventions can influence the neuroendocrine system. On its turn, it has been demonstrated that the neuroendocrine system has immunomodulatory potential. Moreover, the neuroendocrine and immune systems communicate bidirectionally via shared receptors and shared messenger molecules, variously called hormones, neurotransmitters, or cytokines. Discrepancies at any level can therefore lead to changes in susceptibility and to severity of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Here we provide an overview of the complex system of crosstalk between the neuroendocrine and immune system as well as reported dysfunctions involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, including MS. Finally, possible strategies to intervene with the neuroendocrine-immune system for MS patient management will be discussed. Ultimately, a better understanding of the interactions between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system can open up new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MS as well as other autoimmune diseases.
Safety Monitoring Index of High Concrete Gravity Dam Based on Failure Mechanism of Instability
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Gu Chongshi , Bao Tengfei
Published: December 2013

Traditional methods of establishing dam safety monitoring index are mostly based on the observation data. According to the performance of dam-foundation system under the experienced loads, alarm values and extreme values are predicted for monitoring quantities. As for some dams, the potential most unfavorable loads may not yet have appeared, and dam bearing capacity may also decrease over time. Therefore, monitoring index determined by these methods can not reflect whether the dam will break or not. Based on the finite element method, to study the progressive instability failures of high concrete gravity dams under the failure modes of material strength degradation or uncertainty and extreme environmental loads during operation, methods of strength reduction and overloading are, respectively, used. Typical stages in the instability processes are identified by evaluation indicators of dam displacement, the connectivity of yield zones, and the yield volume ratio of dam concretes; then instability safety monitoring indexes are hierarchically determined according to these typical symptoms. At last, a case study is performed to give a more detailed introduction about the process of establishing safety monitoring index for high concrete gravity dams based on the failure mechanism of instability, and three grades of monitoring index related to different safety situations are established for this gravity dam.
Are the American Society for Radiation Oncology Guidelines Accurate Predictors of Recurrence in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Balloon-Based Brachytherapy?
Authors: Christoudias Moira K. , Collett Abigail E. , Stull Tari S. , Gracely Edward J. , Frazier Thomas G. , Barrio Andrea V.
Published: December 2013

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) consensus statement (CS) provides guidelines for patient selection for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) following breast conserving surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recurrence rates based on ASTRO CS groupings. A single institution review of 238 early stage breast cancer patients treated with balloon-based APBI via balloon based brachytherapy demonstrated a 4-year actuarial ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rate of 5.1%. There were no significant differences in the 4-year actuarial IBTR rates between the “suitable,” “cautionary,” and “unsuitable” ASTRO categories (0%, 7.2%, and 4.3%, resp.,P=0.28). ER negative tumors had higher rates of IBTR than ER positive tumors. The ASTRO groupings are poor predictors of patient outcomes. Further studies evaluating individual clinicopathologic features are needed to determine the safety of APBI in higher risk patients.
Stevioside fromStevia rebaudianaBertoni Increases Insulin Sensitivity in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Mohd-Radzman Nabilatul Hani , Ismail Wan Iryani Wan , Jaapar Siti Safura , Adam Zainah , Adam Aishah
Published: December 2013

Stevioside fromStevia rebaudianahas been reported to exert antihyperglycemic effects in both rat and human subjects. There have been few studies on these effectsin vitro. In this paper, radioactive glucose uptake assay was implemented in order to assess improvements in insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 cells by elevation of glucose uptake following treatment with stevioside. Oil Red-O staining and MTT assay were utilized to confirm adipocyte differentiation and cell viability, respectively. Findings from this research showed a significant increase in absorbance values in mature adipocytes following Oil Red-O staining, confirming the differentiation process. Stevioside was noncytotoxic to 3T3-L1 cells as cell viability was reduced by a maximum of 17%, making it impossible to determine its IC50. Stevioside increased glucose uptake activities by 2.1 times (p<0.001) in normal conditions and up to 4.4 times (p<0.001) in insulin-resistant states. At times, this increase was higher than that seen in positive control group treated with rosiglitazone maleate, an antidiabetic agent. Expressions of pY20 and p-IRS1 which were measured via Western blot were improved by stevioside treatment. In conclusion, stevioside has direct effects on 3T3-L1 insulin sensitivity via increase in glucose uptake and enhanced expression of proteins involved in insulin-signalling pathway.
Seamless QoS-Enabled Handover Scheme Using CoMP in Fast Moving Vehicular Networks
Authors: Chae Sunghun , Nguyen Tuan , Jang Yeong Min
Published: December 2013

Vehicular networks create new opportunities to develop innovative and enhanced solutions for generating reliable communication among vehicles. To widely deploy vehicular networks, it is needed to overcome several existing research challenges in such networks. Guaranteeing data transmission is one of the main challenges in vehicular networks that are specified by their large scale and high mobility. Recently, the effective deployment of femtocell networks inside high speed moving vehicles, in order to improve the quality of data transmission, is an interesting topic for researchers. In this paper, we propose a novel handover scheme utilizing coordinated multiple point transmission (CoMP) in high speed moving vehicular femtocell networks. The proposed scheme aims at a seamless, deployable, and efficient handover procedure for this specific environment. We take into account signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and outage probability to evaluate the performance of our proposed handover scheme.
MicroRNA-202-3p Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Targeting ADP-Ribosylation Factor-like 5A in Human Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qifeng , Huang Zhaohui , Guo Weijie , Ni Shujuan , Xiao Xiuying , Wang Lisha , Huang Dan , Tan Cong , Xu Qinghua , Zha Ruopeng , Zhang Jiwei , Sheng Weiqi , He Xianghuo , Du Xiang
Published: December 2013

Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNA) that are strongly implicated in carcinogenesis have recently reshaped our understanding of the role of non–protein-coding RNAs. Here, we focused on the function and molecular mechanism of miR-202-3p and its potential clinical application in colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: miR-202-3p expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) in 94 colorectal cancer tissues and corresponding noncancerous tissues (NCT). Cell proliferation and colony formation assays in vitro and xenograft experiments in vivo were used to evaluate the effect of miR-202-3p on colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Luciferase assay and Western blot analysis were performed to validate the potential targets of miR-202-3p after the preliminary screening by online prediction and microarray analysis. The mRNA and protein levels of target genes were detected by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The copy number of pre-miR-202 was measured by quantitative PCR.

Results: First, miR-202-3p was significantly downregulated in 46.7% colorectal cancer samples compared with NCTs. The overexpression of miR-202-3p inhibited colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and repressed tumorigenesis in nude mice. Then, miR-202-3p downregulated ADP-ribosylation factor-like 5A (ARL5A) protein level by binding to its 3′ untranslated region, and knockdown of ARL5A phenocopied the proliferation inhibition effect of miR-202-3p. Furthermore, both of ARL5A mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in colorectal cancer samples compared with NCTs and high ARL5A protein levels predicted a poor prognosis.

Conclusions: miR-202-3p might function as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, and ARL5A, the functional target of miR-202-3p in colorectal cancer, is a potential prognostic factor for colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1146–57. ©2013 AACR.
Serum Glycan Signatures of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ozcan Sureyya , Barkauskas Donald A. , Renee Ruhaak L. , Torres Javier , Cooke Cara L. , An Hyun Joo , Hua Serenus , Williams Cynthia C. , Dimapasoc Lauren M. , Han Kim Jae , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Rocke David , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Solnick Jay V.
Published: December 2013

Glycomics, a comprehensive study of glycans expressed in biologic systems, is emerging as a simple yet highly sensitive diagnostic tool for disease onset and progression. This study aimed to use glycomics to investigate glycan markers that would differentiate patients with gastric cancer from those with nonatrophic gastritis. Patients with duodenal ulcer were also included because they are thought to represent a biologically different response to infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection that can cause either gastric cancer or duodenal ulcer. We collected 72 serum samples from patients in Mexico City that presented with nonatrophic gastritis, duodenal ulcer, or gastric cancer. N-glycans were released from serum samples using the generic method with PNGase F and were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The corresponding glycan compositions were calculated based on accurate mass. ANOVA-based statistical analysis was performed to identify potential markers for each subgroup. Nineteen glycans were significantly different among the diagnostic groups. Generally, decreased levels of high-mannose–type glycans, glycans with one complex type antenna, bigalactosylated biantennary glycans, and increased levels of nongalactosylated biantennary glycans were observed in gastric cancer cases. Altered levels of serum glycans were also observed in duodenal ulcer, but differences were generally in the same direction as gastric cancer. Serum glycan profiles may provide biomarkers to differentiate gastric cancer cases from controls with nonatrophic gastritis. Further studies will be needed to validate these findings as biomarkers and identify the role of protein glycosylation in gastric cancer pathology. Cancer Prev Res; 7(2); 226–35. ©2013 AACR.
A ilusão da imagem: aécfrase,da Antigüidade ao século XX
Authors: Costa Leila de Aguiar
Published: December 2013

Nesta que se pretende uma brevíssima apresentação de textos reunidos em torno do motivo retórico conhecido sob a denominação de écfrase, importa antes de mais nada procurar circunscrevê-lo para melhor compreendê-lo. E nada melhor do que recorrer à etimologia para lhe dar visibilidade: o substantivo écfrase (ekphrasis) vem do grego Ekphrazein, que quer dizer “proclamar, afirmar” ou, o que mais nos interessa aqui, “dar a palavra a um objeto inanimado”.
Os Mucker: uma leitura psicológica
Authors: Módolo Heloisa Mara Luchesi
Published: December 2013

Em 1824 imigrantes alemães chegaram ao Brasil. No dia 25 de julho desembarcaram no Rio Grande do Sul – Vale dos Sinos – e fundaram a Colônia Alemã de São Leopoldo, uma extensa região de mata fechada que foi dividida em distritos. O quinto distrito, conhecido pelo mundo luso como Padre Eterno, foi inicialmente nomeado pelos alemães de Leoner-Hof. Mais tarde ficou conhecido como Sapiranga. Somente em dezembro de 1954, emancipou-se, tornando-se município.Ao norte de Sapiranga encontra-se o Morro do Ferrabraz, hoje patrimônio natural, área especial de interesse histórico e turístico desde 1987, importante centro de práticas de voo livre com asa-delta e paragliders. Entretanto nem sempre foi assim.
O desenvolvimento histórico do messianismo no judaísmo antigo: diversidade e coerência
Authors: Sousa Rodrigo F. de
Published: December 2013

As ideias messiânicas, de confi gurações diversas ao longo dos tempos, e que chegam ao Brasil por intermédio notadamente do pensamento de Bandarra e do sebastianismo, gerando movimentos messiânico-milenaristas como o de Canudos e o Contestado (Godoy, 2005, pp. 100-1), têm origens que remontam ao antigo Oriente Próximo e adquirem seus contornos determinantes no judaísmo primitivo. O messianismo ocupou um papel de grande importância no desenvolvimento do judaísmo antigo e na formação de suas ramifi cações e grupos distintos, dentre os quais se encontram os primeiros cristãos. O estudo do fenômeno nesse contexto constitui uma das formas mais signifi cativas de se compreender o judaísmo e o cristianismo na Antiguidade, e lança as bases para a compreensão das concepções messiânicas subsequentes, inclusive das que viriam a se desenvolver no Brasil.