bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics data specifies the metabolic response of Chlamydomonas to rapamycin treatment
Authors: Kleessen Sabrina , Irgang Susann , Klie Sebastian , Giavalisco Patrick , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: January 2015

Flux phenotypes predicted by constraint‐based methods can be refined by the inclusion of heterogeneous data. While recent advances facilitate the integration of transcriptomics and proteomics data, purely stoichiometry‐based approaches for the prediction of flux phenotypes by considering metabolomics data are lacking. Here we propose a constraint‐based method, termed TREM‐Flux, for integrating time‐resolved metabolomics and transcriptomics data. We demonstrate the applicability of TREM‐Flux in the dissection of the metabolic response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to rapamycin treatment by integrating the expression levels of 982 genes and the content of 45 metabolites obtained from two growth conditions. The findings pinpoint cysteine and methionine metabolism to be most affected by the rapamycin treatment. Our study shows that the integration of time‐resolved unlabeled metabolomics data in addition to transcriptomics data can specify the metabolic pathways involved in the system's response to a studied treatment.
Shielding Nozzle Design and Analysis for Atomization-Based Cutting Fluid Systems in Micromachining
Authors: Lunardelli Andressa , Wentz John E. , Abraham John P. , Plourde Brian D.
Published: January 2015

Atomization-based cutting fluid systems (ACFs) are increasingly being used in micromachining applications to provide cooling and lubrication to the tool–chip interface. In this research, a shielding nozzle design is presented. A computational fluid dynamic model is developed to perform parameter analysis of the design. The numerical simulations were accomplished using the Eulerian approach to the continuous phase and a Lagrangian approach for droplet tracking. Based on the results of the simulations it is determined that the shielding nozzle is effective at providing droplets to the cutting surface at an appropriate speed and size to create a lubricating microfilm.
Microtexture Generation Using Controlled Chatter Machining in Ultraprecision Diamond Turning
Authors: Ahmed Syed Adnan , Hoon Ko Jeong , Subbiah Sathyan , Hock Yeo Swee
Published: January 2015

This paper describes a new method of microtexture generation in precision machining through self-excited vibrations of a diamond cutting tool. Conventionally, a cutting tool vibration or chatter is detrimental to the quality of the machined surface. In this study, an attempt is made to use the cutting tool's self-excited vibration during a cutting beneficially to generate microtextures. This approach is named as “controlled chatter machining (CCM).” Modal analysis is first performed to study the dynamic behavior of the cutting tool. Turning processes are then conducted by varying the tool holder length as a means to control vibration. The experimental results indicate that the self-excited diamond cutting tool can generate microtextures of various shapes, which depend on the cutting tool shank, cutting speed, feed, and cutting depth. The potential application of this proposed technique is to create microtextures in microchannels and microcavities to be used in mass and heat transfer applications.
Mitigation of Gear Mesh-Frequency Noise Using a Hydrostatic Bearing
Authors: Zulkefli Zamir A. , Adams Maurice L.
Published: January 2015

A proposed solution to reducing gear mesh-frequency vibrations in a gear-set involves the utilization of hydrostatic bearings placed in series, load wise, with the main support bearing. The hydrostatic bearings are expected to utilize its low pass filtering effect of the vibrational energies to prevent its transmission from the shaft to the gear housing where it would be emitted as noise. The present investigation examines the frequency response of a single-recess circular hydrostatic bearing under applied sinusoidal loads. The results show that as the driving frequency increases, the filtering effect of the hydrostatic bearing increases. The exhibited behavior is similar to the behavior of a low pass filter: negligible filtering effect at low frequencies, the filtering effect increasing from 0% to 90% over the midfrequencies range and the filtering effect remaining at the maximum value as the frequencies of the applied signals continue to increase. This observed behavior is expected to play a central role in the proposed gear mesh-frequency vibration mitigation system.
Design and Control Concept for Reconfigurable Architecture
Authors: Christoforou Eftychios G. , Müller Andreas , Phocas Marios C. , Matheou Maria , Arnos Socrates
Published: January 2015

Shape-control in an architectural context is expected to provide unique opportunities for buildings with enhanced functionality, flexibility, energy performance, and occupants comfort. An architectural concept is proposed which consists of a parallel arrangement of planar n-bar mechanisms formulating its skeleton structure and a membrane material stretched over it to define the building envelope. Overall shape changes involve coordinated motion of the individual planar mechanisms. Each linkage is equipped with one motion actuator as well as brakes installed on every joint. Reconfigurations of the building are based on the “effective 4-bar (E4B)” concept allowing stepwise adjustments. Each intermediate step involves the selective locking of (n − 4) joints on each closed-loop linkage effectively reducing it to a single degrees-of-freedom (DOF) 4-bar mechanism, the configuration of which can be adjusted using the available motion actuator. A reconfiguration of the mechanism can be realized through alternative control sequences and an optimal one can be selected based on specific criteria. The paper reports the fundamental design and control concepts. A simulation and an experimental study are presented to demonstrate the implementation of the general reconfiguration approach and examine relevant issues.
Objective Versus Self-Reported Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Young Adults
Authors: Jakicic John M. , King Wendy C. , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Rogers Renee J. , Rickman Amy D. , Davis Kelliann K. , Wahed Abdus , Belle Steven H.
Published: January 2015

Background:

To compare moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) assessed via questionnaires to an objective measure of MVPA in overweight or obese young adults.

Methods:

MVPA was assessed in 448 [median BMI = 31.2 (Interquartile Range: 28.5–34.3) kg/m2] young adults [median age: 30.9 (Interquartile Range: 27.8–33.7) years]. Measures included the SenseWear Armband (MVPAOBJ), the Paffenbarger Questionnaire (MVPAPAFF), and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The GPAQ was used to compute total MVPA (MVPAGPAQ-TOTAL) and MVPA from transportation and recreation (MVPAGPAQ-REC).

Results:

The association between MVPAOBJ and MVPAPAFF was rs = 0.40 (P < .0001). Associations between MVPAOBJ and MVPAGPAQ-TOTAL and MVPAGPAQ-REC were rs = 0.19 and rs = 0.32, respectively (P < .0001). MVPAGPAQ-TOTAL was significantly greater than MVPAOBJ (P < .0001). Median differences in MET-min/week between MVPAOBJ and MVPAPAFF or MVPAGPAQ-REC were not significantly different from zero. There was proportional bias between each self-reported measure of MVPA and MVPAOBJ. There were significant associations between all measures of MVPA and fitness. MVPAOBJ was significantly associated with BMI and percent body fat.

Conclusions:

Objective and self-reported measures of MVPA are weakly to moderately correlated, with substantial differences between measures. MVPAOBJ provided predictive validity with fitness, BMI, and percent body fat. Thus, an objective measure of MVPA may be preferred to self-report in young adults.
Playing Together: The Physical Activity Beliefs and Behaviors of Urban Aboriginal Youth
Authors: Kerpan Serene , Humbert Louise
Published: January 2015

Background:

Urban Aboriginal youth are a rapidly growing segment of the Canadian population that unfortunately bears a disproportionate level of illness. One way to improve the health of urban Aboriginal youth is to increase their physical activity. It is important to understand what this group’s beliefs and behaviors are on physical activity so that programs that meet their needs can be developed.

Methods:

This ethnographic study engaged 15 urban Aboriginal youth to understand what their physical activity beliefs and behaviors were.

Results:

Results revealed 4 themes: “group physical activity preference,” “focus on the family,” “traditional physical activity,” and “location of residence as a barrier.” These themes illustrated that urban Aboriginal youth have a preference for group physical activity and enjoy traditional Aboriginal forms of activity. Results also showed that the family plays a critical role in their physical activity patterns. Lastly, participants in this study believed that their location of residence was a barrier to physical activity.

Conclusion:

Community leaders need to be sensitive to the barriers that this cultural group faces and build on the strengths that are present among this group when developing physical activity programming.
Molecular responses ofFrankiasp. strain QA3 to naphthalene
Authors: Baker Ethan , Tang Yang , Chu Feixia , Tisa Louis S.
Published: January 2015

The Frankia–actinorhizal plant symbiosis plays a significant role in plant colonization in soils contaminated with heavy metals and toxic aromatic hydrocarbons. The molecular response of Frankia upon exposure to soil contaminants is not well understood. To address this issue, we subjected Frankia sp. strain QA3 to naphthalene stress and showed that it could grow on naphthalene as a sole carbon source. Bioinformatic analysis of the Frankia QA3 genome identified a potential operon for aromatic compound degradation as well as several ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases. Under naphthalene stress, the expression of these genes was upregulated. Proteome analysis showed a differential protein profile for cells under naphthalene stress. Several protein spots were analyzed and used to identify proteins involved in stress response, metabolism, and energy production, including a lignostilbene dioxygenase. These results provide a model for understanding the molecular response of Frankia to common soil pollutants, which may be required for survival and proliferation of the bacterium and their hosts in polluted environments.
Vitamin D: Immuno-modulation and tuberculosis treatment
Authors: Selvaraj Paramasivam , Harishankar Murugesan , Afsal Kolloli
Published: January 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and often coincides with vitamin D deficiency. High doses of vitamin D were widely used to treat TB during the pre-antibiotic era. Vitamin D exerts its action through vitamin D receptor (VDR), and VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or resistance to tuberculosis as well as sputum smear and culture conversion during anti-TB treatment. In-vitro studies have revealed that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3enhances innate immunity by increased expression of various antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidin, and induction of autophagy of the infected cells thus restricts the intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages. On the other hand, vitamin D has been shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokine response and enhance the anti-inflammatory response. Supplementation with vitamin D in concert with treatment for TB may be beneficial with respect to minimizing the excessive tissue damage that occurs during the active stage of tuberculosis disease. Several clinical trials have evaluated vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct therapy in the treatment for tuberculosis. However, results are conflicting, owing to variations in dose regimens and outcomes. Further investigations are needed to find the optimal concentration of vitamin D for supplementation with standard anti-TB drugs to optimize treatment, which could help to effectively manage both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
The regulation of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium-ATPases (SERCA)
Authors: Stammers Andrew N. , Susser Shanel E. , Hamm Naomi C. , Hlynsky Michael W. , Kimber Dustin E. , Kehler D. Scott , Duhamel Todd A.
Published: January 2015

The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is responsible for transporting calcium (Ca2+) from the cytosol into the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) following muscular contraction. The Ca2+sequestering activity of SERCA facilitates muscular relaxation in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. There are more than 10 distinct isoforms of SERCA expressed in different tissues. SERCA2a is the primary isoform expressed in cardiac tissue, whereas SERCA1a is the predominant isoform expressed in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. The Ca2+sequestering activity of SERCA is regulated at the level of protein content and is further modified by the endogenous proteins phospholamban (PLN) and sarcolipin (SLN). Additionally, several novel mechanisms, including post-translational modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as integral regulators of Ca2+transport activity. These regulatory mechanisms are clinically relevant, as dysregulated SERCA function has been implicated in the pathology of several disease states, including heart failure. Currently, several clinical trials are underway that utilize novel therapeutic approaches to restore SERCA2a activity in humans. The purpose of this review is to examine the regulatory mechanisms of the SERCA pump, with a particular emphasis on the influence of exercise in preventing the pathological conditions associated with impaired SERCA function.
The analogue of Choi matrices for a class of linear maps on Von Neumann algebras
Authors: Størmer Erling
Published: January 2015

The definition of Choi matrices for linear maps on the n × n matrices is extended to factors, and the basic theorems for Choi matrices are proved in this more general context.
On Sufficient Global Optimality Conditions for Bivalent Quadratic Programs with Quadratic Constraints
Authors: Gong Yu-Jun , Xia Yong
Published: January 2015

We show the recent sufficient global optimality condition for the quadratic constrained bivalent quadratic optimization problem is equivalent to verify the zero duality gap. Then, based on the optimal parametric Lagrangian dual model, we establish improved sufficient conditions by strengthening the dual bound.
Probing pseudoscalar and scalar mesons in semileptonic decays of $D_s^+$, D+ and D0
Authors: Fariborz Amir H. , Jora Renata , Schechter Joseph , Shahid M. Naeem
Published: January 2015

With the primary motivation of probing the quark substructure of scalar mesons, a generalized linear sigma model for the lowest and the next-to-lowest scalar and pseudoscalar mesons is employed to investigate several semileptonic decays of D mesons. The free parameters of the model (in its leading approximation) have been previously determined from fits to mass spectra and various low-energy parameters. With these fixed parameters, the model has already given encouraging predictions for different low-energy decays and scattering, as well as for semileptonic decay channels of [Formula: see text] that include a scalar meson in the final state. In the present work, we apply the same model (in its leading order with the same fixed parameters) to different semileptonic decay channels of [Formula: see text], D+ and D0. Although these decay channels produce only pseudoscalar mesons in the final states, since various properties of scalar mesons have been used in fixing the model parameters, this study further tests the model and its predictions for the quark substructure of both pseudoscalar as well as scalar mesons. We find that these predictions are in qualitative agreement with experiment.
The unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune
Authors: Nellis W. J.
Published: January 2015

Voyager 2 discovered the unusual non-dipolar and non-axisymmetric magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune (U/N) in the 1980s. The cause of the unique fields of U/N has been a major scientific question since then. The answer lies in physical properties of fluids that generate planetary magnetic fields by a dynamo: convecting, electrically-conducting fluids at high pressures P and temperatures T in planetary interiors. Fluids in planets at finite temperatures are degenerate condensed matter because of high densities: T/TF≪1, where TFis Fermi temperature. For metallic fluid H , T/TF≈0.015. The vast majority of measured properties of fluids at planetary P/Ts were made under dynamic compression to few 100 GPa (1 Mbar) and few 1000 K. Fluids in U/N are discussed in terms of experimental data. Major conclusions: (i) Magnetic fields of U/N are made by metallic fluid H at outer planetary radii in the vicinity of the crossover from insulating fluid H2to metallic fluid H . (ii) Because those fields are made near outer surfaces, it is reasonable to observe non-dipolar non-axisymmetric fields. (iii) A proposed mechanism for the existence of those fields is decoupling of global rotation of U/N from convective motions in their dynamos, unlike Earth with a dipolar field.
Structural and electrical properties of lithium cobalt nanoferrites prepared by sol–gel method
Authors: Maisnam Victory , Maisnam Mamata , Phanjoubam Sumitra
Published: January 2015

Lithium cobalt nanoferrites having the compositional formula Li 0.5-x/2 Co x Fe 2.5-x/2 O 4 with x varying from 0.00 to 0.12 in steps of 0.03 were prepared by the chemical sol–gel method. Samples were heated at two different temperatures namely 300°C and 500°C for 4 h. Structural characterization of the samples was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and confirmed the formation of single phase with spinel structure in all the samples. From the XRD data, the lattice parameter was calculated and found to range from 82.87–83.35 nm while the crystallite size was found to be in the range 17–34 nm. Microstructural studies were carried out using the Scanning Electron Microscopy and revealed the microstructures with grain size ranging from 35–70 nm. Electrical properties like dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity for these nanoferrites were investigated. The frequency variation of room temperature dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity were studied in the frequency range 100 Hz–1 MHz, and a dispersive behavior was observed, which has been attributed to the Maxwell–Wagner type of interfacial polarization.
First-principles investigation of the elastic and thermodynamic properties of ReC2(Re =Ho,Nd,Pr)
Authors: Huang Wen , Chen Haichuan
Published: January 2015

The elastic and thermodynamic properties of Re C2(Re = Ho , Nd , Pr ) have been investigated by using the first-principles density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The computed lattice constants of Re C2are in agreement with the experimental data. The calculated elastic constants reveal that all compounds are mechanically stable. The shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio σ, the ratio B/G, shear anisotropy and elastic anisotropy are also calculated. Finally, the Vicker hardness, Debye temperature, melting point and thermal conductivity have been predicted.
New generation planar chiral metamaterials with small and constant chirality over a certain frequency band
Authors: Dincer Furkan , Karaaslan Muharrrem , Akgol Oguzhan , Unal Emin , Demirel Ekrem , Sabah Cumali
Published: January 2015

Chiral metamaterial (MTM) researchers generally concentrate and aim to obtain large chirality with optical activity in certain frequencies. However, new generation planar chiral MTM which have small and constant/flat chirality over a certain frequency band have not queried by this time in literature. In fact, this area is mostly ignored by researchers. This study, first one according to best of our knowledge in the literature, is investigating the small and constant/fixed chirality and focuses on the new generation planar chiral MTM based on circular split ring resonators (SRRs), in details. It can be seen from the results that the proposed model can provide small and constant/flat chirality over a certain frequency band and thus it can be used to design myriad novel devices such as polarization rotators, and electromagnetic transmission and antireflection filters for several frequency regions.
Stability of logarithmic Bose–Einstein condensate in harmonic trap
Authors: Bouharia Brahim
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we investigate the stability of a recently introduced Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) which involves logarithmic interaction between atoms. The Gaussian variational approach is employed to derive equations of motion for condensate widths in the presence of a harmonic trap. Then we derive the analytical solutions for these equations and find them to be in good agreement with numerical data. By analyzing deeply the frequencies of collective oscillations, and the mean-square radius, we find that the system is always stable for both negative and positive week logarithmic coupling. However, for strong interaction the situation is quite different: Our condensate collapses for positive coupling and oscillates with fixed frequency for negative one. These special results remain the most characteristic features of the logarithmic BEC compared to that involving two-body and three-body interactions.
Exploring More Representative States of Hidden Markov Model in Optical Character Recognition: A Clustering-Based Model Pre-Training Approach
Authors: Jiang Zhiwei , Ding Xiaoqing , Peng Liangrui , Liu Changsong
Published: January 2015

Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is an effective method to describe sequential signals in many applications. As to model estimation issue, common training algorithm only focuses on the optimization of model parameters. However, model structure influences system performance as well. Although some structure optimization methods are proposed, they are usually implemented as an independent module before parameter optimization. In this paper, the clustering feature of states in HMM is discussed through comparing the mechanism of Quadratic Discriminant Function (QDF) classifier and HMM. Then, through the clustering effect of Viterbi training and Baum–Welch training, a novel clustering-based model pre-training approach is proposed. It can optimize model parameters and model structure by turns, until the representative states of all models are explored. Finally, the proposed approach is evaluated on two typical OCR applications, printed and handwritten Arabic text line recognition. And it is compared with some other optimization methods. The improvement of character recognition performance proves the proposed approach can make more precise state allocation. And the representative states are benefit to HMM decoding.
SIMULATION STUDY TO COMPARE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BLAST-INDUCED OBJECTIVE INDICES AND THE SURVIVAL RATE OF SUBJECTS WITH PRIMARY BLAST LUNG INJURY
Authors: PARK YOUNG MIN , NAM KYOUNG WON , AHN JONG HOON , JANG DONG PYO , KIM IN YOUNG
Published: January 2015

When an injury due to blast overpressure (BOP) is generated, it is important to estimate the severity of the injury using information about the blast conditions and to supply proper treatments according to the degree of the damage. However, there have been no investigations that have tried to verify the relationship between the blast-related objective indices and the degree of blast-induced injury. In this study, the correlations between the survival rate of the subjects with BOP-induced lung damage and each of four blast-induced indices, first principal strain, first principal strain rate, first principal stress and pulmonary inner pressure, were investigated using a simplified thorax model by introducing the concept of the VACC–VLUNGratio graph which represents the volume ratio between the seriously-damaged meshes and the overall meshes of the thorax model in respect to each index. Experimental results demonstrated that the decay parameters of the sigmoidal curve-fitted graphs of the first principal stress are the most effective of the analyzed indices for the estimation of the survival rate in patients with blast-induced lung damage. The results have a potential clinical application to improve the efficacy of treatment for blast injury patients.
Uninformed Trading and Information Uncertainty in the Post-IPO Market
Authors: Ravi Rahul
Published: January 2015

Underpricing in the initial public offering (IPO) market has been traditionally explained as a means of attracting liquidity traders. We find strong evidence suggesting that the intensity of trading coming from these uninformed traders and the rate of idiosyncratic information arrival play important roles in determining the level of adverse selection cost of trading in the post-IPO market. Timeseries analysis reveals that this cost is lowest immediately post-IPO and it increases monotonically in the first 8–12 weeks of secondary market trading. Order flow variability and the fraction of small trades (both proxies for the extent of uninformed trading) are at their highest in the immediate aftermarket and their levels decay for the next 8–12 weeks. Our results allude to the existence of a negative relationship between underpricing and the adverse selection problem in the post-IPO market, mediated by the intensity of uninformed trading.
Concurrence of Meningomyelocele and Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Heves , Yesiltepe Mutlu Rahime Gül , Moralıoğlu Serdar , Tellioğlu Ahmet , Cerrah Celayir Ayşenur
Published: January 2015

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited defects of cortisol biosynthesis. A case of classical CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) with early onset of salt waste and concurrence of meningomyelocele (MMC) was presented here. The management of salt-wasting crisis which is complicated by a postrenal dysfunction due to neurogenic bladder was described. Possible reasons of growth retardation in the one-year follow-up period were discussed. A significant regression of the phallus with proper medical treatment was also mentioned.
Hybrid Genetic Algorithm with Multiparents Crossover for Job Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Moin Noor Hasnah , Chung Sin Ong , Omar Mohd
Published: January 2015

The job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) is one of the well-known hard combinatorial scheduling problems. This paper proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm with multiparents crossover for JSSP. The multiparents crossover operator known as extended precedence preservative crossover (EPPX) is able to recombine more than two parents to generate a single new offspring distinguished from common crossover operators that recombine only two parents. This algorithm also embeds a schedule generation procedure to generate full-active schedule that satisfies precedence constraints in order to reduce the search space. Once a schedule is obtained, a neighborhood search is applied to exploit the search space for better solutions and to enhance the GA. This hybrid genetic algorithm is simulated on a set of benchmarks from the literatures and the results are compared with other approaches to ensure the sustainability of this algorithm in solving JSSP. The results suggest that the implementation of multiparents crossover produces competitive results.
Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Soft Rough Sets
Authors: Broumi Said , Smarandache Flornetin
Published: January 2015

We first defined interval-valued neutrosophic soft rough sets (IVN-soft rough sets for short) which combine interval-valued neutrosophic soft set and rough sets and studied some of its basic properties. This concept is an extension of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft rough sets (IVIF-soft rough sets).
Endometriosis of the Vermiform Appendix within a Hernia Sac Infiltrating the Pubic Bone
Authors: Ziaja Damian , Bolkowski Tomasz , Januszewski Krzysztof , Skrzypulec-Plinta Wioletta , Chudek Jerzy , Ziaja Krzysztof
Published: January 2015

Purpose. Appendicular endometriosis mimicking appendicitis is a rare finding. Inguinal tumor in the course of appendicular endometriosis located within an inguinal hernia sac and infiltrating the periosteum of the pubic bone has not yet been described.Case Report. This paper describes a case of a rapidly enlarging, solid, unmovable, very painful upon palpation inguinal tumor, in a 36-year-old nulliparous woman. During surgery, a hard (approximately 4 cm in diameter) tumor infiltrating the periosteum of the right pubic bone and continuous with the inguinal hernia sac was dissected. The distal segment of the vermiform appendix was an element of the dissected tumor. Histological examination revealed endometriosis of the distal vermiform appendix. After 6 months of hormone treatment, she was referred for reoperation due to tumor recurrence. Once again histological examination of the resected tissue revealed endometriosis. There was no further recurrence of the disease with goserelin therapy. In addition to the case report, we present a review of the literature about endometriosis involving the vermiform appendix and the inguinal canal (Amyand’s hernia).Conclusion. This case expands the list of differential diagnoses of nodules found in the inguinal region of women.
Intrapartum Intrauterine Fetal Demise with Normal Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Values at Birth
Authors: Benson Michael D.
Published: January 2015

A case is presented in which a fetus was delivered by cesarean section for failure to progress and a “nonreassuring heart rate tracing” in which the Apgar scores were unexpectedly 0 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Resuscitation was unsuccessful after 30 minutes. The venous cord gas was normal and the arterial blood gas was not consistent with intrapartum asphyxia. At the time of surgery, the placenta appeared grossly normal. The autopsy was entirely normal. This case raises questions about our understanding of intrauterine fetal demise and suggests an approach to future research.
Morphological and Chemical Study of Pathological Deposits in Human Aortic and Mitral Valve Stenosis: A Biomineralogical Contribution
Authors: Cottignoli Valentina , Cavarretta Elena , Salvador Loris , Valfré Carlo , Maras Adriana
Published: January 2015

Aim of this study was to investigate heart valve calcification process by different biomineralogical techniques to provide morphological and chemical features of the ectopic deposit extracted from patients with severe mitral and aortic valve stenosis, to better evaluate this pathological process. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses brought to light the presence of nodular and massive mineralization forms characterized by different levels of calcification, as well as the presence of submicrometric calcified globular cluster, micrometric cavities containing disorganized tissue structures, and submillimeter pockets formed by organic fibers very similar to amyloid formations. Electron microprobe analyses showed variable concentrations of Ca and P within each deposit and the highest content of Ca and P within calcified tricuspid aortic valves, while powder X-ray diffraction analyses indicated in the nanometer range the dimension of the pathological bioapatite crystals. These findings indicated the presence of highly heterogeneous deposits within heart valve tissues and suggested a progressive maturation process with continuous changes in the composition of the valvular tissue, similar to the multistep formation process of bone tissue. Moreover the micrometric cavities represent structural stages of the valve tissue that immediately precedes the formation of heavily mineralized deposits such as bone-like nodules.
Hybrid Video Stabilization for Mobile Vehicle Detection on SURF in Aerial Surveillance
Authors: Chunxian Gao , Zhe Zeng , Hui Liu
Published: January 2015

Detection of moving vehicles in aerial video sequences is of great importance with many promising applications in surveillance, intelligence transportation, or public service applications such as emergency evacuation and policy security. However, vehicle detection is a challenging task due to global camera motion, low resolution of vehicles, and low contrast between vehicles and background. In this paper, we present a hybrid method to efficiently detect moving vehicle in aerial videos. Firstly, local feature extraction and matching were performed to estimate the global motion. It was demonstrated that the Speeded Up Robust Feature (SURF) key points were more suitable for the stabilization task. Then, a list of dynamic pixels was obtained and grouped for different moving vehicles by comparing the different optical flow normal. To enhance the precision of detection, some preprocessing methods were applied to the surveillance system, such as road extraction and other features. A quantitative evaluation on real video sequences indicated that the proposed method improved the detection performance significantly.
Decolorization of Anthraquinonic Dyes from Textile Effluent Using Horseradish Peroxidase: Optimization and Kinetic Study
Authors: Šekuljica Nataša Ž. , Prlainović Nevena Ž. , Stefanović Andrea B. , Žuža Milena G. , Čičkarić Dragana Z. , Mijin Dušan Ž. , Knežević-Jugović Zorica D.
Published: January 2015

Two anthraquinonic dyes, C.I. Acid Blue 225 and C.I. Acid Violet 109, were used as models to explore the feasibility of using the horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) in the practical decolorization of anthraquinonic dyes in wastewater. The influence of process parameters such as enzyme concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, dye concentration, and pH was examined. The pH and temperature activity profiles were similar for decolorization of both dyes. Under the optimal conditions, 94.7% of C.I. Acid Violet 109 from aqueous solution was decolorized (treatment time 15 min, enzyme concentration 0.15 IU/mL, hydrogen peroxide concentration 0.4 mM, dye concentration 30 mg/L, pH 4, and temperature 24°C) and 89.36% of C.I. Acid Blue 225 (32 min, enzyme concentration 0.15 IU/mL, hydrogen peroxide concentration 0.04 mM, dye concentration 30 mg/L, pH 5, and temperature 24°C). The mechanism of both reactions has been proven to follow the two substrate ping‐pong mechanism with substrate inhibition, revealing the formation of a nonproductive or dead‐end complex between dye and HRP or between H2O2 and the oxidized form of the enzyme. Both chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon values showed that there was a reduction in toxicity after the enzymatic treatment. This study verifies the viability of use of horseradish peroxidase for the wastewaters treatment of similar anthraquinonic dyes.
Engineering Mathematical Analysis Method for Productivity Rate in Linear Arrangement Serial Structure Automated Flow Assembly Line
Authors: Chan Sin Tan , Usubamatov Ryspek , Fairuz M. A. , Amin Hamzas Mohd Fidzwan B. Md. , Kin Wai Low
Published: January 2015

Productivity rate (Q) or production rate is one of the important indicator criteria for industrial engineer to improve the system and finish good output in production or assembly line. Mathematical and statistical analysis method is required to be applied for productivity rate in industry visual overviews of the failure factors and further improvement within the production line especially for automated flow line since it is complicated. Mathematical model of productivity rate in linear arrangement serial structure automated flow line with different failure rate and bottleneck machining time parameters becomes the basic model for this productivity analysis. This paper presents the engineering mathematical analysis method which is applied in an automotive company which possesses automated flow assembly line in final assembly line to produce motorcycle in Malaysia. DCAS engineering and mathematical analysis method that consists of four stages known as data collection, calculation and comparison, analysis, and sustainable improvement is used to analyze productivity in automated flow assembly line based on particular mathematical model. Variety of failure rate that causes loss of productivity and bottleneck machining time is shown specifically in mathematic figure and presents the sustainable solution for productivity improvement for this final assembly automated flow line.
Elephant (Elephas maximus) Health and Management in Asia: Variations in Veterinary Perspectives
Authors: Miller David , Jackson Bradford , Riddle Heidi S. , Stremme Christopher , Schmitt Dennis , Miller Thaddeus
Published: January 2015

There is a need to identify strategic investments in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) health that will yield maximal benefits for overall elephant health and conservation. As an exploratory first step, a survey was administered to veterinarians from Asian elephant range countries at a workshop and via email to help prioritize health-related concerns that will mostly benefit elephants. Responses were received from 45 veterinarians from eight countries that had a range of experience with captive and wild elephants. The occurrence of medical conditions and responses to treatment varied among responses. However, injuries, parasitism, and gastrointestinal disease were reported as the most common syndromes responsible for elephant morbidity, whereas injury and infectious disease not due to parasitism were the most commonly reported sources of elephant mortality. Substandard nutrition, water quality and quantity deficiencies, and inadequate or absent shelter were among the factors listed as barriers to optimal elephant health. While this survey’s results do not support definitive conclusions, they can be used to identify where and how subsequent investigations should be directed. Rigorous assessment of the relative costs and benefits of available options is required to ensure that investments in individual and population health yield the maximal benefits for elephants.
Correlation of Serum Levels of Endostatin with Tumor Stage in Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zheng-Hua , Zhu Zhi-Tu , Xiao Xu-Yang , Sun Jin
Published: January 2015

Background. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the association between serum endostatin levels and gastric cancer (GC) progression.Method. We searched the MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Current Contents Index, and several Chinese databases for published studies relevant to our study topic. Carefully selected studies were pooled and SMD and its corresponding 95% CI were calculated. Version 12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis.Results. Serum endostatin levels were analyzed in 12 case-control studies (736 GC patients and 350 controls). Significant differences in serum endostatin levels were observed between GC patients and the healthy controls (SMD = 1.418, 95% CI = 1.079~1.757,P<0.001). Importantly, significantly lower levels of serum endostatin were found in I-II grade patients compared to those with III-IV grade tumors (P<0.001). Further, higher serum endostatin levels were observed in the LN invasion-positive GC subjects in comparison with LN invasion-negative subjects (P<0.001).Conclusion. Patients with GC exhibited elevated levels of serum endostatin than controls and its level showed a statistical correlation with the more aggressive type of GC, exhibiting invasion and LN metastasis. Thus, serum levels of endostatin being a useful prognostic biomarker for GC patients warrants further investigation.
A New Numerical Simulation Method for Three-Dimensional Mesoscale Analysis of Concretes
Authors: Song Laizhong , Song Biwei , Shen Tao , Yu Bo
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a method for generating a region with a lot of randomly distributed ellipsoids. Using the parametric expression of an ellipsoid, the criterion for determining if a spatial point is in the interior or exterior of the ellipsoid is established. Then the computation of the distance between a point and the ellipsoid is converted into finding the solution to an optimization problem, which can be efficiently approximated by the searching method. Based on these facts, the proposed method is able to make the distance between generated ellipsoids very small and then successfully improve the content of ellipsoids grains in the region. Numerical results show that the proposed method can generate simulation of specimens in which the content of ellipsoids is higher than 55% according to four-graded aggregates, 50% according to three-graded aggregates, and 45% according to two-graded aggregates, respectively, in relatively short time.
W2,p-Solvability of the Dirichlet Problem for Elliptic Equations with Singular Data
Authors: Caso Loredana , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Transirico Maria
Published: January 2015

We give an overview on some results concerning the unique solvability of the Dirichlet problem inW2,p,p>1, for second-order linear elliptic partial differential equations in nondivergence form and with singular data in weighted Sobolev spaces. We also extend such results to the planar case.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties ofAlchornea laxiflora(Benth.) Pax. & Hoffman
Authors: Akinpelu David A. , Abioye Emmanuel O. , Aiyegoro Olayinka A. , Akinpelu Oluseun F. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: January 2015

Alchornea laxifloraleaf extract was tested against a range of microorganisms using standard microbiological methods for antimicrobial activities. The extract inhibited the growth of all the bacterial and 15 fungal isolates tested. The zones of inhibition exhibited against the test bacteria ranged between 12 mm and 24 mm and between 11 mm and 24 mm for the extract and the antibiotic streptomycin, respectively. The zones of inhibition observed against the fungal isolates by the extract ranged between 12 mm and 23 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) exhibited by the extract against test bacteria ranged between 0.78 mg/mL–25 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL–25 mg/mL, respectively, while the MICs and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) values for the test fungi ranged between 8.75 mg/mL–35.00 mg/mL and 8.75 mg/mL–35.00 mg/L, respectively. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and reducing sugars as major phytoconstituents in the extract.A. laxifloraleaf extract is a potent source of antibacterial and antifungal compounds; further studies on the extract are ongoing in our laboratories to elucidate the probable mechanism(s) of action on bacteria and fungi found to be susceptible to the extract.
Primary Adrenal Leiomyosarcoma in an Arab Male: A Rare Case Report with Immunohistochemistry Study
Authors: Nagaraj Veena , Mustafa Mohammed , Amin Essa , Ali Waleed , Naji Sarsam Shamil , Darwish Abdulla
Published: January 2015

Primary adrenal leiomyosarcoma is a rare form of adrenal mesenchymal tumors. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) together with histology takes a major role in determining the tumor type and predicting their biological behavior and differentiating them from adrenal cortical carcinoma. Appropriate radiological investigation is necessary to rule out metastatic disease from primary tumors elsewhere in the body. In this case, we report a primary leiomyosarcoma of the adrenal gland in a 61-year-old Bahraini male clinically presumed to be a renal neoplasm.
Bilateral Molariform Mandibular Second Premolars
Authors: Acharya Sonu , Kumar Mandal Pradip , Ghosh Chiranjit
Published: January 2015

Macrodontia is a rare dental anomaly that refers to teeth that appear larger than normal. Generalised macrodontia can be associated with certain medical conditions and syndromes. This case report presents clinical and radiographic findings of isolated bilateral macrodontia in a 14-year-old child. The patient was referred to the clinic with local crowding of maxillary and mandibular teeth. Radiographic findings revealed the presence of impacted macrodont mandibular second premolar on one side and erupted macrodontic premolar on the other side and their distinct morphological appearance, characterized by large, multitubercular, and molariform crowns and tapering, single roots.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in the Reaction of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylpyruvic Acid with Reactive Species in Various Media
Authors: Fifen J. J. , Dhaouadi Z. , Nsangou M. , Holtomo O. , Jaidane N.
Published: January 2015

The distinction of concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (CPCET) from sequential one as well as proton transfer-electron transfer (PT-ET) from electron transfer-proton transfer (ET-PT) in the O–H bond cleavage reactions in various media has always been a difficult task. In this work, the activation barrier of the CPCET mechanism, its rate constants, and reaction free energies related to ET-PT and PT-ET involving coreactive species were presented as good parameters to attempt the problem. DFT calculations were carried out studying the described pathways subsequent to the scavenging ofOH•andOBr-by the 3,4-DHPPA in various media. The solvation was described in a hybrid manner using IEF-PCM model conjointly with a model that takes into account some solute-solvent interactions. As a result, we found that the scavenging of hydroxyl radical by 3,4-DHPPA is thermodynamically governed by a one-step hydrogen atom transfer (CPCET) from the acid to the radical in all media. In kinetic viewpoint, CPCET still dominates in the vacuum and in nonpolar solvents, but in polar solvents it could compete strongly with the ET-PT mechanism so that the latter could slightly dominate.
Construction Example for Algebra System Using Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Deng FangAn , Tuo Shouheng , Yong Longquan , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2015

The construction example of algebra system is to verify the existence of a complex algebra system, and it is a NP-hard problem. In this paper, to solve this kind of problems, firstly, a mathematical optimization model for construction example of algebra system is established. Secondly, an improved harmony search algorithm based on NGHS algorithm (INGHS) is proposed to find as more solutions as possible for the optimization model; in the proposed INGHS algorithm, to achieve the balance between exploration power and exploitation power in the search process, a global best strategy and parameters dynamic adjustment method are present. Finally, nine construction examples of algebra system are used to evaluate the optimization model and performance of INGHS. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has strong performance for solving complex construction example problems of algebra system.
Mystery of Hepatitis E Virus: Recent Advances in Its Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Ahmed Aftab , Ali Ijlal Akbar , Ghazal Hira , Fazili Javid , Nusrat Salman
Published: January 2015

Mysterious aspects of the long presumed to be well-known hepatitis E virus (HEV) have recently surfaced that distinguish it from other hepatotropic viruses. It is a cause of chronic hepatitis in immunosuppressed patients. It has human to human transmission through blood and mantains high seroprevalence in blood donors. HEV has also been found to occur more frequently in the West in those without a history of travel to endemic countries. It has varied extrahepatic manifestations and has multiple non-human reservoirs including pigs and rats. Considering these recent discoveries, it appears odd that HEV is not sought more frequently when working up acute and chronic hepatitis patients. The disease is particularly severe among pregnant women and has a high attack rate in young adults. What adds to its ambiguity is the absence of a well-established diagnostic criteria for its detection and that there is no specific antiviral drug for hepatitis E, except for isolated cases where ribavirin or pegylated interferon alpha has been used with occasional success. This review paper discusses the recent advances in the knowledge of the virus itself, its epidemiology, diagnostic approach and prevention, and the treatment options available.