bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytic Analysis of the Diffusive-Heat-Flow Equation for Different Magnetic Field Profiles for a Single Magnetic Nanoparticle
Authors: Dana Brenda , Gannot Israel
Published: September 2012

This study analytically analyzes the changes in the temperature profile of a homogenous and isotropic medium having the same thermal parameters as a muscular tissue, due to the heat released by a single magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) to its surroundings when subject to different magnetic field profiles.
Exploring the temperature behavior of a heated MNP can be very useful predicting the temperature increment of it immediate surroundings. Therefore, selecting the most effective magnetic field profile (MFP) in order to reach the necessary temperature for cancer therapy is crucial in hyperthermia treatments.
In order to find the temperature profile caused by the heated MNP immobilized inside a homogenous medium, the 3D diffusive-heat-flow equation (DHFE) was solved for three different types of boundary conditions (BCs). The change in the BC is caused by the different MF profiles (MFP), which are analyzed in this article. The analytic expressions are suitable for describing the transient temperature response of the medium for each case.
The analysis showed that the maximum temperature increment surrounding the MNP can be achieved by radiating periodic magnetic pulses (PMPs) on it, making this MFP more effective than the conventional cosine profile.
Analysis of Short-Term Steel Corrosion Products Formed in Tropical Marine Environments of Panama
Authors: Jaén Juan A. , Iglesias Josefina , Hernández Cecilio
Published: September 2012

A low-carbon steel A-36 and two conventional weathering steels A-588 and COR-420 exposed at four atmospheric test stations located in (i) Tocumen, an urban site near the Pacific Ocean, (ii) Sherman-Open, (iii) Sherman-Coastal, and (iv) Sherman-Breakwater on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Kinetics of the short-term atmospheric corrosion process and the relationship with exposure time and environmental characteristics of each site were investigated. The atmospheric exposure conditions, particularly the time of wetness, deposition of chloride, and the washing effect of contaminants on the metal surface by rain are of upmost importance in determining the corrosion behaviour and composition of rust. The corrosion products were mainly identified using room temperature and low temperature (80 K) Mössbauer spectroscopy, FTIR, and X-ray powder diffraction. In all samples,γ-FeOOH andα-FeOOH were the main constituents. Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), and Akaganeite (β-FeOOH) were also identified.
Study of Tumor Growth under Hyperthermia Condition
Authors: Zhu Qing , Zhang Aili , Liu Ping , Xu Lisa X.
Published: September 2012

The new concept of keeping primary tumor under controlin situto suppress distant foci sheds light on the treatment of metastatic tumor. Hyperthermia is considered as one of the means for controlling tumor growth. To simulate the tumor growth, a continuum mathematical model has been introduced. The newest understanding of the Warburg effect on the cellular metabolism and diffusion of the nutrients in the tissue has been taken into consideration. The numerical results are compared with thein vivoexperimental data by fitting the tumor cell doubling time/tumor cell growth rate under different thermal conditions. Both the tumor growth curve and corresponding average glucose concentration have been predicted. The numerical results have quantitatively illustrated the controlling effect on tumor growth under hyperthermia condition in the initial stage.
Lithium Attenuates TGF-β1-Induced Fibroblasts to Myofibroblasts Transition in Bronchial Fibroblasts Derived from Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Michalik Marta , Wójcik Katarzyna Anna , Jakieła Bogdan , Szpak Katarzyna , Pierzchalska Małgorzata , Sanak Marek , Madeja Zbigniew , Czyż Jarosław
Published: September 2012

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disorder accompanied by phenotypic transitions of bronchial epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) derived from patients with diagnosed asthma display predestination towards TGF-β-induced phenotypic switches. Since the interference between TGF-β and GSK-3β signaling contributes to pathophysiology of chronic lung diseases, we investigated the effect of lithium, a nonspecific GSK-3β inhibitor, on TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) in HBF and found that the inhibition of GSK-3β attenuates TGF-β1-induced FMT in HBF populations derived from asthmatic but not healthy donors. Cytoplasmically sequestrated β-catenin, abundant in TGF-β1/LiCl-stimulated asthmatic HBFs, most likely interacts with and inhibits the nuclear accumulation and signal transduction of Smad proteins. These data indicate that the specific cellular context determines FMT-related responses of HBFs to factors interfering with the TGF-β signaling pathway. They may also provide a mechanistic explanation for epidemiological data revealing coincidental remission of asthmatic syndromes and their recurrence upon the discontinuation of lithium therapy in certain psychiatric diseases.
In Vitro Contracture Test Results and Anaesthetic Management of a Patient with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy for Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Schuster Frank , Wessig Carsten , Schimmer Christoph , Johannsen Stephan , Lazarus Marc , Aleksic Ivan , Leyh Rainer , Roewer Norbert
Published: September 2012

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder characterized by slowly progressive muscle weakness, early contractures, and dilated cardiomyopathy. We reported an uneventful general anaesthesia using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) for cardiac transplantation in a 19-year-old woman suffering from EDMD. In vitro contracture test results of two pectoralis major muscle bundles of the patient suggest that exposition to triggering agents does not induce a pathological sarcoplasmic calcium release in the lamin A/C phenotype. However, due to the lack of evidence in the literature, we would recommend TIVA for patients with EDMD if general anaesthesia is required.
Memory Map: A Multiprocessor Cache Simulator
Authors: Mittal Shaily , Nitin
Published: September 2012

Nowadays, Multiprocessor System‐on‐Chip (MPSoC) architectures are mainly focused on by manufacturers to provide increased concurrency, instead of increased clock speed, for embedded systems. However, managing concurrency is a tough task. Hence, one major issue is to synchronize concurrent accesses to shared memory. An important characteristic of any system design process is memory configuration and data flow management. Although, it is very important to select a correct memory configuration, it might be equally imperative to choreograph the data flow between various levels of memory in an optimal manner. Memory map is a multiprocessor simulator to choreograph data flow in individual caches of multiple processors and shared memory systems. This simulator allows user to specify cache reconfigurations and number of processors within the application program and evaluates cache miss and hit rate for each configuration phase taking into account reconfiguration costs. The code is open source and in java.
Exact and Heuristic Solutions to Minimize Total Waiting Time in the Blood Products Distribution Problem
Authors: Salehipour Amir , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a novel application of operations research to support decision making in blood distribution management. The rapid and dynamic increasing demand, criticality of the product, storage, handling, and distribution requirements, and the different geographical locations of hospitals and medical centers have made blood distribution a complex and important problem. In this study, a real blood distribution problem containing 24 hospitals was tackled by the authors, and an exact approach was presented. The objective of the problem is to distribute blood and its products among hospitals and medical centers such that the total waiting time of those requiring the product is minimized. Following the exact solution, a hybrid heuristic algorithm is proposed. Computational experiments showed the optimal solutions could be obtained for medium size instances, while for larger instances the proposed hybrid heuristic is very competitive.
Ruptured Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary as a Cause of Acute Abdomen in Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Oge Tufan , Ozalp S. Sinan , Yalcin Omer T. , Kabukcuoglu Sare , Arslan Emine
Published: September 2012

Acute abdomen with hemoperitoneum is a very rare entity in postmenopausal women due to gynecologic conditions. A 54-year-old, postmenopausal woman was brought to emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed acute abdomen findings with 15 cm pelvic mass on the right adnexal region. Immediate exploratory laparotomy was performed. During laparotomy 1000 cc of bloodstained fluid, ruptured and actively bleeding large mass arising from right ovary was observed. Right salpingo-oopherectomy was performed in emergency conditions, and pathology report revealed an adult type of granulosa cell tumor. After this result, staging surgery was performed and patient was diagnosed as granulosa cell tumor stage 1 c. Cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin chemotherapy was given. Clinicians should be aware of granulosa cell tumors which may occur at any age and prone to rupture. Frozen section will be helpful in order to avoid incomplete surgeries especially in postmenopausal women presented with intra-abdominal bleeding.
Influence of Laurolactam Content on the Clay Intercalation of Polyamide 6,12/Clay Nanocomposites Synthesized by Open Ring Anionic Polymerization
Authors: Cabrera Álvarez E. N. , Ramos de Valle L. F. , Rodríguez González F. J. , Soriano-Corral F. , Díaz De León R. E.
Published: September 2012

In situ anionic homo‐ and copolymerization of caprolactam (CL) and laurolactam (LL) with sodium montmorillonite clay (NaMMT) was carried out using two different initiators, sodium caprolactamate (CLNa) and caprolactam magnesium bromide (CLMgBr). Degree of conversion and final molecular weight were used to assess the advancement and efficiency of the polymerization reaction and X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the sodium montmorillonite clay intercalation/exfoliation. The use of CLNa as initiator produced a higher conversion degree and molecular weight than the use of CLMgBr. Through DSC, it was observed that CLNa and CLMgBr tended to produce random and block copolymer structures, respectively, and either random or block, this eventually has an effect on the clay dispersion within the polymer matrix. In all cases, increasing the LL content produced a decrease in the conversion degree and in the molecular weight of the resulting polymer.
Role of Motif III in Catalysis by Acetyl-CoA Synthetase
Authors: Ingram-Smith Cheryl , Thurman Jerry L. , Zimowski Karen , Smith Kerry S.
Published: September 2012

The acyl-adenylate-forming enzyme superfamily, consisting of acyl- and aryl-CoA synthetases, the adenylation domain of the nonribosomal peptide synthetases, and luciferase, has three signature motifs (I–III) and ten conserved core motifs (A1–A10), some of which overlap the signature motifs. The consensus sequence for signature motif III (core motif A7) in acetyl-CoA synthetase is Y-X-S/T/A-G-D, with an invariant fifth position, highly conserved first and fourth positions, and variable second and third positions. Kinetic studies of enzyme variants revealed that an alteration at any position resulted in a strong decrease in the catalytic rate, although the most deleterious effects were observed when the first or fifth positions were changed. Structural modeling suggests that the highly conserved Tyr in the first position plays a key role in active site architecture through interaction with a highly conserved active-site Gln, and the invariant Asp in the fifth position plays a critical role in ATP binding and catalysis through interaction with the 2′- and 3′-OH groups of the ribose moiety. Interactions between these Asp and ATP are observed in all structures available for members of the superfamily, consistent with a critical role in substrate binding and catalysis for this invariant residue.
Cardiac Epithelioid PEComa: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Niu Huilin , Wang F. W. , Zhang Paul J. , Bing Zhanyong
Published: September 2012

Cardiac PEComa is very rare. We reported two cases of epithelioid PEComas, one in an adult and one in a 2-year-old child. Both tumors were composed of sheets of epithelioid cells with coagulation necrosis. In addition, the adult case showed marked nuclear atypia and high mitotic activity with atypical mitosis and the pediatric case showed unusual clear cell features. Immunohistochemically, both tumors were positive for HMB-45 and SMA and negative for S100 and cytokeratin. Electron microscopy was performed in the pediatric case and showed premelanosomes. The adult patient developed extensive metastasis indicating malignant behavior. Prior to the two cases, only 5 other cases of cardiac PEComa were reported and the literatures are reviewed.
Vascular Disease in Diabetic Women: Why Do They Miss the Female Protection?
Authors: Dantas Ana Paula Villela , Fortes Zuleica Bruno , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli
Published: September 2012

Gender plays a pivotal role in the onset as well as in the progression of the cardiovascular disease with a higher morbidity and mortality being detected in men with respect to women. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may reduce gender-related differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease by fading the vascular protective effects afforded by estrogen in females. This article will discuss the role of sex and sex hormones on the incidence and mechanisms involved in vascular dysfunction associated to T2DM, which might explain why women with T2DM lack the vascular protection.
Skeletal Manifestations of Scurvy: A Case Report from Dubai
Authors: Noordin Shahryar , Baloch Naveed , Salat Muhammad Sohail , Rashid Memon Abdul , Ahmad Tashfeen
Published: September 2012

Introduction. Nutritional deficiencies are rarely reported in developed countries. We report a child of Pakistani origin brought up in Dubai who developed skeletal manifestations of scurvy due to peculiar dietary habits.Case Presentation. A 4.5 year old boy presented with pain and swelling of multiple joints for three months and inability to walk for two months. Dietary history was significant for exclusive meat intake for the preceding two years. On examination the child’s height and weight were below the 5th percentile for his age. He was pale and tachycardic. There was significant swelling and tenderness over the wrist, knee and ankle joints, along with painful restriction of motion. Basic blood workup was unremarkable except for anemia. However, X-rays showed delayed bone age, severe osteopenia of the long bones, epiphyseal separation, cortical thinning and dense zone of provisional calcification, suggesting a radiological diagnosis of scurvy. The child was started on vitamin C replacement therapy. Over the following two months, the pain and swelling substantially reduced and the child became able to walk. Repeat X-rays showed improvement in the bony abnormalities.Conclusion. Although scurvy is not a very commonly encountered entity in the modern era, inappropriate dietary intake can lead to skeletal abnormalities which may be confused with rickets. A high index of suspicion is thus required for prompt diagnosis of scurvy in patients with bone and joint symptoms.
Role of Vitamin D in Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sung Chih-Chien , Liao Min-Tser , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Wu Chia-Chao
Published: September 2012

Vitamin D is characterized as a regulator of homeostasis of bone and mineral metabolism, but it can also provide nonskeletal actions because vitamin D receptors have been found in various tissues including the brain, prostate, breast, colon, pancreas, and immune cells. Bone metabolism, modulation of the immune response, and regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation are all biological functions of vitamin D. Vitamin D may play an important role in modifying the risk of cardiometabolic outcomes, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of type 2 DM is increasing worldwide and results from a lack of insulin or inadequate insulin secretion following increases in insulin resistance. Therefore, it has been proposed that vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in insulin resistance resulting in diabetes. The potential role of vitamin D deficiency in insulin resistance has been proposed to be associated with inherited gene polymorphisms including vitamin D-binding protein, vitamin D receptor, and vitamin D 1alpha-hydroxylase gene. Other roles have been proposed to involve immunoregulatory function by activating innate and adaptive immunity and cytokine release, activating inflammation by upregulation of nuclear factorκB and inducing tumor necrosis factorα, and other molecular actions to maintain glucose homeostasis and mediate insulin sensitivity by a low calcium status, obesity, or by elevating serum levels of parathyroid hormone. These effects of vitamin D deficiency, either acting in concert or alone, all serve to increase insulin resistance. Although there is evidence to support a relationship between vitamin D status and insulin resistance, the underlying mechanism requires further exploration. The purpose of this paper was to review the current information available concerning the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance.
Almost Sure Central Limit Theorem of Sample Quantiles
Authors: Miao Yu , Xu Shoufang , Peng Ang
Published: September 2012

We obtain the almost sure central limit theorem (ASCLT) of sample quantiles. Furthermore, based on the method, the ASCLT of order statistics is also proved.
Understanding Immunology via Engineering Design: The Role of Mathematical Prototyping
Authors: Klinke David J. , Wang Qing
Published: September 2012

A major challenge in immunology is how to translate data into knowledge given the inherent complexity and dynamics of human physiology. Both the physiology and engineering communities have rich histories in applying computational approaches to translate data obtained from complex systems into knowledge of system behavior. However, there are some differences in how disciplines approach problems. By referring to mathematical models as mathematical prototypes, we aim to highlight aspects related to the process (i.e., prototyping) rather than the product (i.e., the model). The objective of this paper is to review how two related engineering concepts, specifically prototyping and “fitness for use,” can be applied to overcome the pressing challenge in translating data into improved knowledge of basic immunology that can be used to improve therapies for disease. These concepts are illustrated using two immunology-related examples. The prototypes presented focus on the beta cell mass at the onset of type 1 diabetes and the dynamics of dendritic cells in the lung. This paper is intended to illustrate some of the nuances associated with applying mathematical modeling to improve understanding of the dynamics of disease progression in humans.
SELDI-TOF-MS Serum Profiling Reveals Predictors of Cardiac MRI Changes in Marathon Runners
Authors: Wilson George D. , Geddes Timothy J. , Pruetz Barbara L. , Thibodeau Bryan J. , Murawka Amy , Colar James M. , McCullough Peter A. , Trivax Justin E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose. To utilize proteomics to discover proteins associated with significant cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in marathon runners. Methods. Serum from 25 runners was analyzed by surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Proteomic profiles were compared in serum samples obtained prior to the race, at the finish line and within 7 hours after race to identify dynamic proteins correlated with cardiac MRI changes. Results. 693 protein/peptide clusters were identified using two ProteinChip surface chemistries and, of these, 116 were significantly different between the three time points. We identified 7 different patterns of protein expression change within the runners and 5 prerace protein peaks, 16 finish-line protein levels, and 15 postrace proteins which were correlated with significant postrace cardiac MRI changes. Conclusions. This study has identified baseline levels of proteins which may be predictive of risk of significant cardiac damage following a marathon race. Preliminary identification of the significant proteins suggested the involvement of cytokines and other proteins involved in stress and inflammatory response.
Nigella sativa: A Potential Antiosteoporotic Agent
Authors: Shuid Ahmad Nazrun , Mohamed Norazlina , Mohamed Isa Naina , Othman Faizah , Suhaimi Farihah , Mohd Ramli Elvy Suhana , Muhammad Norliza , Soelaiman Ima Nirwana
Published: September 2012

Nigella sativaseeds (NS) has been used traditionally for various illnesses. The most abundant and active component of NS is thymoquinone (TQ). Animal studies have shown that NS and TQ may be used for the treatment of diabetes-induced osteoporosis and for the promotion of fracture healing. The mechanism involved is unclear, but it was postulated that the antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities may play some roles in the treatment of osteoporosis as this bone disease has been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. This paper highlights studies on the antiosteoporotic effects of NS and TQ, the mechanisms behind these effects and their safety profiles. NS and TQ were shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and 6 and the transcription factor, nuclear factorκB. NS and TQ were found to be safe at the current dosage for supplementation in human with precautions in children and pregnant women. Both NS and TQ have shown potential as antiosteoporotic agent but more animal and clinical studies are required to further assess their antiosteoporotic efficacies.
Diffusion‐Controlled Solid‐State Formation of CoSb Phase from Co/Sb‐Multilayered Nanowires
Authors: Jeon Seong Gi , Shin Ho Sun , Yu Jin , Song Jae Yong
Published: September 2012

The physical properties of materials on a nanometer scale are known to be different from those of bulk form due to dimensional confinement effects and high specific surface‐to‐volume ratio. In this study, the size effects on the diffusion and reaction at the interface of dissimilar nanowires (NWs) were investigated. Co/Sb‐multilayered NWs of 15 ± 1 and 19 ± 2 nm in radius have been grown within anodic aluminum oxide templates using a pulsed potentiodynamic electrodeposition method. XRD and TEM results demonstrated that the multilayered NWs were transformed to a CoSb phase through a solid‐state reaction at the temperature in the range of 653 to 693 K. The kinetics of the solid‐state reaction was analyzed and found to be diffusion controlled at the interface between Co and Sb phases. The reaction was controlled by the dominant diffusion of Sb atoms. The activation energies for the solid‐state reaction were estimated to be 0.9 and 0.7 eV/atom for the multilayered NWs with radii of 15 and 19 nm, respectively.
Zwietering's Equation for the Suspension of Porous Particles and the Use of Curved Blade Impellers
Authors: Ibrahim S. , Jasnin S. N. , Wong S. D. , Baker I. F.
Published: September 2012

The minimum speed for just-suspension,Njs, of porous palm shell-activated carbon (PSAC) particles has been determined in a 15 cm diameter cylindrical tank using a 6-curved blade (6CB) impeller, compared to a 6-blade downpumping mixed-flow (6MFD) impeller and a Rushton turbine (6DT). The particles size ranged from 0.75–1.00 mm, 1.00–1.40 mm, and 1.40–2.36 mm with concentrations between 0 and 5% by weight. The 6CB being a radial impeller performed similarly to 6DT in terms of speed and power requirement at just-suspension, and particles distribution on the base. The 6MFD, with power requirement 100% to 200% less than the radial impellers, was the most efficient for suspending the particles, as usually reported for the range of solid concentrations used here. Specific power per unit mass for all three impellers showed reduction towards minima as the concentration of particles increased. The geometric factor,S, values agreed reasonably with published data, when the particle density was adjusted taking into account water filling the pores of the submerged activated carbon. This result means that Zwietering’s equation can be used to predict suspension for porous particles with adjustment to the particle density.Svalues for curved-blade impellers are presented for the first time.
A Domain Decomposition Method for Hybrid Shell Vector Element with Boundary Integral Method
Authors: Lei Lin , Hu Jun , Hu Hao-Quan
Published: September 2012

For the conducting body coated with thin-layer material, plenty of fine meshes are required in general. In this paper, shell vector element (SVE) is used for modeling of thin coating dielectric. Further, a domain decomposition (DD) method for hybrid shell vector element method boundary integral (SVE-BI) is proposed for analysis of electromagnetic problem of multiple three-dimensional thin-coating objects. By this method, the whole computational domains are divided into sub-SVE domains and boundary element domains. With shell element, not only the unknowns are far less than the one by traditional vector element method, but only surface integral is required. The DDM framework used for hybrid SVE-BI also enhances the computational efficiency of solving scattering from multiple coating objects greatly. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to prove the accuracy and efficiency of this DDM-SVE-BI method.
A Complex Interplay between Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling and the Cell Cycle in the Adult Liver
Authors: Gougelet Angélique , Colnot Sabine
Published: September 2012

Canonical Wnt signalling, governed by its effectorβ-catenin, is known for a long time as playing an important role in development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. In the liver, it was unravelled as both an oncogenic pathway involved in a subset of liver cancers and a physiological signalling identified as the “zonation-keeper” of the quiescent liver lobule. This duality has encouraged to explore the role of canonical Wnt in liver regeneration and liver-cell proliferation mainly using murine genetic models ofβ-catenin overactivation or inactivation. These studies definitely integrate Wnt signalling within the hepatic network driving regeneration and proliferation. We will review here the current knowledge concerning the mitogenic effect of Wnt, to switch on its specific role in the liver, which is quiescent but with a great capacity to regenerate. The duality ofβ-catenin signalling, associated both with liver quiescence and liver-cell proliferation, will be brought forward.
A Clustering and SVM Regression Learning‐Based Spatiotemporal Fuzzy Logic Controller with Interpretable Structure for Spatially Distributed Systems
Authors: Zhang Xian-xia , Qi Jun-da , Su Bai-li , Ma Shi-wei , Liu Hong-bo
Published: September 2012

Many industrial processes and physical systems are spatially distributed systems. Recently, a novel 3‐D FLC was developed for such systems. The previous study on the 3‐D FLC was concentrated on an expert knowledge‐based approach. However, in most of situations, we may lack the expert knowledge, while input‐output data sets hidden with effective control laws are usually available. Under such circumstance, a data‐driven approach could be a very effective way to design the 3‐D FLC. In this study, we aim at developing a new 3‐D FLC design methodology based on clustering and support vector machine (SVM) regression. The design consists of three parts: initial rule generation, rule‐base simplification, and parameter learning. Firstly, the initial rules are extracted by a nearest neighborhood clustering algorithm with Frobenius norm as a distance. Secondly, the initial rule‐base is simplified by merging similar 3‐D fuzzy sets and similar 3‐D fuzzy rules based on similarity measure technique. Thirdly, the consequent parameters are learned by a linear SVM regression algorithm. Additionally, the universal approximation capability of the proposed 3‐D fuzzy system is discussed. Finally, the control of a catalytic packed‐bed reactor is taken as an application to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed 3‐D FLC design.
Species Diversity of Shallow Water Zoanthids (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) in Florida
Authors: Reimer James Davis , Foord Colin , Irei Yuka
Published: September 2012

Shallow water zooxanthellate zoanthids are a common component of the coral reef ecosystems of the Caribbean. Despite this, their species diversity remains poorly understood. In this study, collectedPalythoa, Zoanthus, Isaurus, andTerrazoanthusspecimens from the waters of Florida were phylogenetically examined to obtain a better understanding of zoanthid species diversity in the Caribbean. Surprisingly, the results from analyses utilizing three DNA markers (mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA) showed the presence of at least eleven species, of which up to four appear undescribed. Additionally, the presence of the genusTerrazoanthusin the Caribbean was confirmed for the first time. Attempts to match phylogenetic species or clades with original literature were hampered by vague and short original descriptions, and it is clear that for AtlanticPalythoaandZoanthusspecies an in-depth and multidisciplinary investigation is needed to reconcile recent phylogenetic results such as in this study with traditional taxonomy. Furthermore, most shallow water zoanthid species from Florida were observed to have close, sister-species relationships with previously investigated species in the Pacific Ocean. These results indicate that many brachycnemic zoanthid species likely had a Caribbean-Pacific distribution until the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. However, due to inadvertent redescriptions, overall species diversity in these two common genera is likely much lower than literature indicates.
Variation in Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Three Different Sites in Western Kenya
Authors: Imbahale S. S. , Mukabana W. R. , Orindi B. , Githeko A. K. , Takken W.
Published: September 2012

The main objective was to investigate malaria transmission dynamics in three different sites, two highland villages (Fort Ternan and Lunyerere) and a lowland peri-urban area (Nyalenda) of Kisumu city. Adult mosquitoes were collected using PSC and CDC light trap while malaria parasite incidence data was collected from a cohort of children on monthly basis. Rainfall, humidity and temperature data were collected by automated weather stations. Negative binomial and Poisson generalized additive models were used to examine the risk of being infected, as well as the association with the weather variables.Anopheles gambiae s.s.was most abundant in Lunyerere,An. arabiensisin Nyalenda andAn. funestusin Fort Ternan. The CDC light traps caught a higher proportion of mosquitoes (52.3%) than PSC (47.7%), although not significantly different (P=0.689). The EIR’s were 0, 61.79 and 6.91 bites/person/year for Fort Ternan, Lunyerere and Nyalenda. Site, month and core body temperature were all associated with the risk of having malaria parasites (P<0.0001). Rainfall was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence ofP. falciparummalaria parasites, but not relative humidity and air temperature. The presence of malaria parasite-infected children in all the study sites provides evidence of local malaria transmission.
Investigation on the Adsorption and Photooxidation of Glycerol at TiO2Nanotubular Arrays
Authors: Palmas Simonetta , Da Pozzo Anna , Mascia Michele , Vacca Annalisa , Matarrese Roberto
Published: September 2012

A study is presented on the adsorption of glycerol at TiO2as well as on its oxidative process during the contemporary water Photoelectro-splitting for hydrogen production. A deepening in the understanding on the working mechanism of the TiO2nanotubular photoanodes and on the interactions between glycerol and these structures has been gained through photocurrent tests, voltammetric scans, and EIS analysis. A range of wavelength of the incident radiation is investigated from 340 to 400 nm at which the effect of glycerol on the photocurrent is measured. Quantitative analysis of the EIS results is performed by the equivalent circuit approach.
A Meshfree Method for Simulating Myocardial Electrical Activity
Authors: Zhang Heye , Ye Huajun , Huang Wenhua
Published: September 2012

An element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) is proposed to simulate the propagation of myocardial electrical activation without explicit mesh constraints using a monodomain model. In our framework the geometry of myocardium is first defined by a meshfree particle representation that is, a sufficient number of sample nodes without explicit connectivities are placed in and inside the surface of myocardium. Fiber orientations and other material properties of myocardium are then attached to sample nodes according to their geometrical locations, and over the meshfree particle representation spatial variation of these properties is approximated using the shape function of EFGM. After the monodomain equations are converted to their Galerkin weak form and solved using EFGM, the propagation of myocardial activation can be simulated over the meshfree particle representation. The derivation of this solution technique is presented along a series of numerical experiments and a solution of monodomain model using a FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) membrane model in a canine ventricular model and a human-heart model which is constructed from digitized virtual Chinese dataset.
Update of Faecal Markers of Inflammation in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Lee Jung M. , Leach Steven T. , Katz Tamarah , Day Andrew S. , Jaffe Adam , Ooi Chee Y.
Published: September 2012

There is evidence of intestinal inflammation in patients with CF. Intestinal inflammation may negatively impact the nutritional status of patient with CF, which adversely affects pulmonary function and survival. This paper provides an up-to-date review of intestinal inflammation in CF and an evaluation of utility of two specific faecal inflammatory markers (S100A12 and calprotectin).
Partial Replacement with Menhaden Oil Improves Peripheral Neuropathy in High-Fat-Fed Low-Dose Streptozotocin Type 2 Diabetic Rat
Authors: Coppey Lawrence J. , Holmes Amey , Davidson Eric P. , Yorek Mark A.
Published: September 2012

Aims. To determine the effect of partial replacement of a high-fat diet with menhaden oil on diabetic neuropathy in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods. High-fat/low-dose streptozotocin diabetic rats were used to examine the influence of replacing 50% of the source of the high-fat diet (lard) with menhaden oil, a natural source of n-3 fatty acids, on diabetic neuropathy. Endpoints included analyses of glucose tolerance, fatty liver disease, serum and liver fatty acid composition, serum lipid and adiponectin levels, motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity, thermal sensitivity and innervation of the hindpaw.Results. Diabetic rats were insulin resistant and menhaden oil did not improve whole animal glucose utilization. Menhaden oil did not improve elevated HbA1C levels or serum lipid levels but serum levels of adiponectin were significantly increased and hepatic steatosis was significantly improved. Diabetic rats were thermal hypoalgesic, had reduced motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and intraepidermal nerve fiber profiles were decreased in the hindpaw and these endpoints were significantly improved with menhaden oil.Conclusions. We found that enrichment of a high-fat diet with menhaden oil improved a number of endpoints associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Allelic Imbalance in TOR1A mRNA Expression in Manifesting and Non-Manifesting Carriers of the GAG-Deletion
Authors: Armata Ioanna A. , Diplas Andreas I. , Ozelius Laurie J. , Shashidharan Pullanipally
Published: September 2012

Early onset dystonia (EOD) is associated with a 3bp-(ΔGAG) in-frame deletion in the TOR1A gene, which encodes for torsinA. Carriers of the mutant (ΔGAG) allele can either develop or escape a dystonic phenotype (~30% penetrance). The expression ratio of the two alleles could be important for the manifestation or prevention of the disease since wild-type (WT) torsinA is thought to have protective function. Absence of an antibody discriminating WT from ΔE torsinA has precluded the determination ΔE and WT torsinA levels in manifesting and nonmanifesting carriers. We performed quantitative analysis of TOR1A allele expression in manifesting (MC) and nonmanifesting (NMC) carriers using quantitative allele-specific PCR (qASPCR) to determine the levels of mutant versus WT torsinA mRNA. The technique described showed high degree of specificity in detecting the two alleles. The present study represents the first comprehensive analysis of biallelic expression of the TOR1A gene in lymphoblast and brain samples from patients and NMC relatives. We demonstrate that mRNA is transcribed from both the WT and ΔGAG allele in peripheral and neural tissues with a trend for increased expression of the ΔGAG allele compared to the WT in carriers regardless of their phenotype and thus cannot account for the reduced penetrance.
Hydrazine Complexes of Lanthanides with 3‐Acetoxy‐ and 4‐Acetoxybenzoic Acids: Spectroscopic, Thermal, and XRD Studies
Authors: Helen Pricilla Bai E. , Vairam S.
Published: September 2012

New bis‐hydrazine lanthanide complexes with 3‐acetoxybenzoic acid (3‐abH) of formula, [Ln(3‐ab)3(N2H4)2]·xH2O where Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Gd and x = 0; Ln = Nd  and  Sm and x = 1, and monohydrazine complexes of some trivalent lanthanides with 4‐acetoxybenzoic acid (4‐abH) of formula, [Ln(4‐ab)3(N2H4)]·H2O where Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd have been prepared in ethanolic medium and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV reflectance), microelemental analysis, thermoanalytical technique, powder XRD, SEM‐EDS studies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The IR spectra of both series show bidental coordination of carboxylate ion with the metal by displaying, νC=O (asym) in the range of 1587–1602 cm−1 and the νC=O (sym) in the range of 1433–1410 cm−1, with a separation of around 200 cm−1. The ester C = O remains unaltered indicating the noninvolvement in coordination. All the complexes show νN−N absorption in the range of 929–962 cm−1 indicating the presence of hydrazine in a bridged bidentate fashion. The thermal data reveals that the hydrated compounds show endothermic dehydration followed by exothermic decomposition to leave their metal oxide as end products, and the anhydrous compounds undergo exothermic decomposition to form the respective metal oxide residues.
Evaluative Conditioning with Facial Stimuli in Dementia Patients
Authors: Blessing Andreas , Zöllig Jacqueline , Weierstall Roland , Dammann Gerhard , Martin Mike
Published: September 2012

We present results of a study investigating evaluative learning in dementia patients with a classic evaluative conditioning paradigm. Picture pairs of three unfamiliar faces with liked, disliked, or neutral faces, that were rated prior to the presentation, were presented 10 times each to a group of dementia patients (N = 15) and healthy controls (N = 14) in random order. Valence ratings of all faces were assessed before and after presentation. In contrast to controls, dementia patients changed their valence ratings of unfamiliar faces according to their pairing with either a liked or disliked face, although they were not able to explicitly assign the picture pairs after the presentation. Our finding suggests preserved evaluative conditioning in dementia patients. However, the result has to be considered preliminary, as it is unclear which factors prevented the predicted rating changes in the expected direction in the control group.
Habakkuk: A Guide to Prayer
Authors: Rochester Kathleen
Published: September 2012

We often do not know how to pray, especially when we are faced with overwhelming questions, blatant injustice or likely disaster. The book of Habakkuk can profitably be seen as a prayer guide, especially for such times. As we draw alongside Habakkuk through the twists and turns of his prayer journey we find a model to inspire our own.
Norman Porteous and Germany: For Rudolf Smend in Göttingen at 80
Authors: Auld Graeme
Published: September 2012

The life of Professor Norman Porteous spanned three centuries (1898-2003). He preserved letters and cards sent him over 83 years from many distinguished correspondents in academic and public life. His studies in Germany and ties with German scholars were very important to him; and their letters constitute an important primary resource of mid-20th century activity and thought. In this article, these letters are considered in their wider context.
Community Destruction and Traumatic Stress in Post-Tsunami Indonesia
Authors: Frankenberg Elizabeth , Nobles Jenna , Sumantri Cecep
Published: September 2012

How are individuals affected when the communities they live in change for the worse? This question is central to understanding neighborhood effects, but few study designs generate estimates that can be interpreted causally. We address issues of inference through a natural experiment, examining post-traumatic stress at multiple time points in a population differentially exposed to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The data, from the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery, include interviews with over 16,000 Indonesian adults before and after the event. These data are combined with satellite imagery, direct observation, and informant interviews to examine the consequences of community destruction for post-traumatic stress. Using multilevel linear mixed models, we show that community destruction worsens post-traumatic stress, net of rigorous controls for individual experiences of trauma and loss. Furthermore, the effect of community destruction persists over time and extends across a wide range of community types.
Married Women’s Risk of STIs in Developing Countries
Authors: Kishor Sunita
Published: September 2012

Data for nationally representative samples of cohabiting couples in six developing countries show that intimate partner violence (IPV) increases the risk of self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for currently married women ( ORs = 1.4-2.2) in all six countries, and that the strength of this relationship is not diminished by controls for proximate determinants such as husband’s self-reported STI status and men’s and women’s higher-risk behaviors. The robustness of the IPV–STI relationship suggests the need to acknowledge IPV as an STI risk factor for women on par with other recognized risk factors such as multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual intercourse.
Stability results in non-Archimedean "Equation missing" -fuzzy normed spaces for a cubic functional equation
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyeong , Lee Sang-Baek , Park Won-Gil
Published: September 2012

We establish some stability results concerning the functional equation

n
f
(
x
+
n
y
)
+
f
(
n
x
−
y
)
=

n
(

n
2

+
1
)

2

[
f
(
x
+
y
)
+
f
(
x
−
y
)
]

+

(

n
4

−
1
)

f
(
y
)
,

where

n
≥
2

is a fixed integer in the setting of non-Archimedean

L

-fuzzy normed spaces.

MSC:39B52, 46S10, 46S40, 47S10, 47S40.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for kernel composition in almond
Authors: i Forcada Carolina Font , i Martí Àngel Fernández , i Company Rafel Socias
Published: September 2012

Background

Almond breeding is increasingly taking into account kernel quality as a breeding objective. Information on the parameters to be considered in evaluating almond quality, such as protein and oil content, as well as oleic acid and tocopherol concentration, has been recently compiled. The genetic control of these traits has not yet been studied in almond, although this information would improve the efficiency of almond breeding programs.

Results

A map with 56 simple sequence repeat or microsatellite (SSR) markers was constructed for an almond population showing a wide range of variability for the chemical components of the almond kernel. A total of 12 putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these chemical traits have been detected in this analysis, corresponding to seven genomic regions of the eight almond linkage groups (LG). Some QTL were clustered in the same region or shared the same molecular markers, according to the correlations already found between the chemical traits. The logarithm of the odds (LOD) values for any given trait ranged from 2.12 to 4.87, explaining from 11.0 to 33.1 % of the phenotypic variance of the trait.

Conclusions

The results produced in the study offer the opportunity to include the new genetic information in almond breeding programs. Increases in the positive traits of kernel quality may be looked for simultaneously whenever they are genetically independent, even if they are negatively correlated. We have provided the first genetic framework for the chemical components of the almond kernel, with twelve QTL in agreement with the large number of genes controlling their metabolism.
Transcriptional regulation of the operon encoding stress-responsive ECF sigma factor SigH and its anti-sigma factor RshA, and control of its regulatory network in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Busche Tobias , Šilar Radoslav , Pičmanová Martina , Pátek Miroslav , Kalinowski Jörn
Published: September 2012

Background

The expression of genes in Corynebacterium glutamicum, a Gram-positive non-pathogenic bacterium used mainly for the industrial production of amino acids, is regulated by seven different sigma factors of RNA polymerase, including the stress-responsive ECF-sigma factor SigH. The sigH gene is located in a gene cluster together with the rshA gene, putatively encoding an anti-sigma factor. The aim of this study was to analyze the transcriptional regulation of the sigH and rshA gene cluster and the effects of RshA on the SigH regulon, in order to refine the model describing the role of SigH and RshA during stress response.

Results

Transcription analyses revealed that the sigH gene and rshA gene are cotranscribed from four sigH housekeeping promoters in C. glutamicum. In addition, a SigH-controlled rshA promoter was found to only drive the transcription of the rshA gene. To test the role of the putative anti-sigma factor gene rshA under normal growth conditions, a C. glutamicum rshA deletion strain was constructed and used for genome-wide transcription profiling with DNA microarrays. In total, 83 genes organized in 61 putative transcriptional units, including those previously detected using sigH mutant strains, exhibited increased transcript levels in the rshA deletion mutant compared to its parental strain. The genes encoding proteins related to disulphide stress response, heat stress proteins, components of the SOS-response to DNA damage and proteasome components were the most markedly upregulated gene groups. Altogether six SigH-dependent promoters upstream of the identified genes were determined by primer extension and a refined consensus promoter consisting of 45 original promoter sequences was constructed.

Conclusions

The rshA gene codes for an anti-sigma factor controlling the function of the stress-responsive sigma factor SigH in C. glutamicum. Transcription of rshA from a SigH-dependent promoter may serve to quickly shutdown the SigH-dependent stress response after the cells have overcome the stress condition. Here we propose a model of the regulation of oxidative and heat stress response including redox homeostasis by SigH, RshA and the thioredoxin system.