bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Associations between Obesity andLEPG2548A andLEPR668A/G Polymorphisms in a Turkish Population
Authors: Şahın Server , Rüstemoğlu Aydın , Tekcan Akın , Taşliyurt Türker , Güven Hasan , Yığıt Serbülent
Published: November 2013

Objective.Obesity is a complex heterogeneous disease that is caused by genes, environmental factors, and the interaction between the two. The leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes have been evaluated for polymorphisms that could potentially be related to the pathophysiology of obesity and its complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the role ofLEPG2548A andLEPR668A/G polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of obesity.Subjects.The study included 127 patients with obesity and 105 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length analysis forLEPG2548A andLEPR668A/G polymorphisms were applied.Results.There was no statistically significant difference in the genotype frequencies of theLEPgene polymorphism between patients and control groups (P>0.05). We found a difference in theLEPRgenotypes between patients and controls, but this was not statistically significant (P=0.05). Additionally, we found an increased risk of obesity in theLEP/LEPRGG/GG combined genotype (P<0.05).Conclusion.Our findings indicate that theLEPG2548A polymorphism is not a relevant obesity marker and that theLEPR668A/G polymorphism may be related to obesity in a Turkish population. Further researches with larger patient population are necessary to ascertain the implications ofLEPandLEPRpolymorphisms in obesity.
An Improved Negative Pressure Wave Method for Natural Gas Pipeline Leak Location Using FBG Based Strain Sensor and Wavelet Transform
Authors: Hou Qingmin , Ren Liang , Jiao Wenling , Zou Pinghua , Song Gangbing
Published: November 2013

Methods that more quickly locate leakages in natural gas pipelines are urgently required. In this paper, an improved negative pressure wave method based on FBG based strain sensors and wavelet analysis is proposed. This method takes into account the variation in the negative pressure wave propagation velocity and the gas velocity variation, uses the traditional leak location formula, and employs Compound Simpson and Dichotomy Searching for solving this formula. In addition, a FBG based strain sensor instead of a traditional pressure sensor was developed for detecting the negative pressure wave signal produced by leakage. Unlike traditional sensors, FBG sensors can be installed anywhere along the pipeline, thus leading to high positioning accuracy through more frequent installment of the sensors. Finally, a wavelet transform method was employed to locate the pressure drop points within the FBG signals. Experiment results show good positioning accuracy for natural gas pipeline leakage, using this new method.
Engineering Rhizobial Bioinoculants: A Strategy to Improve Iron Nutrition
Authors: Geetha S. J. , Joshi Sanket J.
Published: November 2013

Under field conditions, inoculated rhizobial strains are at a survival disadvantage as compared to indigenous strains. In order to out‐compete native rhizobia it is not only important to develop strong nodulation efficiency but also increase their competence in the soil and rhizosphere. Competitive survival of the inoculated strain may be improved by employing strain selection and by genetic engineering of superior nitrogen fixing strains. Iron sufficiency is an important factor determining the survival and nodulation by rhizobia in soil. Siderophores, a class of ferric specific ligands that are involved in receptor specific iron transport into bacteria, constitute an important part of iron acquisition systems in rhizobia and have been shown to play a role in symbiosis as well as in saprophytic survival. Soils predominantly have iron bound to hydroxamate siderophores, a pool that is largely unavailable to catecholate‐utilizing rhizobia. Outer membrane receptors for uptake of ferric hydroxamates include FhuA and FegA which are specific for ferrichrome siderophore. Increase in nodule occupancy and enhanced plant growth of the fegA and fhuA expressing engineered bioinoculants rhizobial strain have been reported. Engineering rhizobia for developing effective bioinoculants with improved ability to utilize heterologous siderophores could provide them with better iron acquisition ability and consequently, rhizospheric stability.
Sequence Spaces Defined by Musielak-Orlicz Function over -Normed Spaces
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Sharma Sunil K. , Kılıçman A.
Published: November 2013

In the present paper we introduce some sequence spaces overn-normed spaces defined by a Musielak-Orlicz function . We also study some topological properties and prove some inclusion relations between these spaces.
Synthesis, Characterization and Application of 1‐Butyl‐3 Methylimidazolium Chloride as Green Material for Extractive Desulfurization of Liquid Fuel
Authors: Dharaskar Swapnil A. , Varma Mahesh N. , Shende Diwakar Z. , Yoo Chang Kyoo , Wasewar Kailas L.
Published: November 2013

The possible application of imidazolium ionic liquids as energy‐efficient green material for extractive deep desulfurization of liquid fuel has been investigated. 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of n‐methylimidazolium and 1‐chlorobutane. Molecular structures of the ILs were confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. The thermal properties, conductivity, solubility, water content and viscosity analysis of [BMIM]Cl were carried out. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, sulfur compounds, and recycling of IL without regeneration on dibenzothiophene removal of liquid fuel were presented. In the extractive desulfurization process, the removal of dibenzothiophene in n‐dodecane using [BMIM]Cl was 81% with mass ratio of 1 : 1, in 30 min at 30°C under the mild reaction conditions. Also, desulfurization of real fuels with IL and multistage extraction were studied. The results of this work might offer significant insights in the perceptive use of imidazoled ILs as energy‐efficient green material for extractive deep desulfurization of liquid fuels as it can be reused without regeneration with considerable extraction efficiency.
Fluorometer Controlled Apparatus Designed for Long-Duration Algal-Feeding Experiments and Environmental Effect Studies with Mussels
Authors: Pleissner Daniel , Lundgreen Kim , Lüskow Florian , Riisgård Hans Ulrik
Published: November 2013

Experimental feeding and growth studies on filter-feeding organisms often rely on constant algal concentrations maintained over extended periods of time. Here we present a fluorometer controlled apparatus (FCA) designed for feeding experiments with suspension-feeding mussels at naturally low chlorophyllaconcentrations above 0.5 µg L−1. The principle used is feedback regulation of the algal concentration based on continuous monitoring of the fluorescence intensity of chlorophyllain water pumped through the apparatus from an aquarium with mussels. The filtration rate is monitored continuously as the rate of change of measured volume of an algal stock added to the aquarium for keeping a constant algal concentration. As an example, the FCA has been used to study the filtration rates of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) at algal concentrations both near and above the incipient saturation level for reduced filtration activity. As another example to put the FCA into perspective as a reliable method for environmental effect studies, the apparatus has been used to demonstrate the acute effect of changing salinity on the filtration rate ofM. edulis.
An Unexpected Complete Remission of Advanced Intestinal-Type Vulvar Adenocarcinoma after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Musella Angela , Marchetti Claudia , Salerno Laura , Vertechy Laura , Iadarola Roberta , Pecorella Irene , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti
Published: November 2013

Vulvar cancer represents approximately 3%–5% of all gynecological malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent histotype, whereas melanomas, adenocarcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and sarcomas are much less common. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma is a rare variant of vulvar carcinoma with only few cases found in the literature. The origin of this neoplasia is still much debated, but the most reliable hypothesis is the origin from cloacal remnants that may persist in the adult in different organs. Because of its extremely low incidence, the optimal management of this kind of vulvar cancer is still debated. We report the case of a woman affected by advanced intestinal-type vulvar adenocarcinoma, who achieved a complete clinical and pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment with platinum and paclitaxel.
Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of Hypersonic Flow over a Cylinder Using Axial‐ and Transverse‐Oriented Magnetic Dipoles
Authors: Guarendi Andrew N. , Chandy Abhilash J.
Published: November 2013

Numerical simulations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) hypersonic flow over a cylinder are presented for axial‐ and transverse‐oriented dipoles with different strengths. ANSYS CFX is used to carry out calculations for steady, laminar flows at a Mach number of 6.1, with a model for electrical conductivity as a function of temperature and pressure. The low magnetic Reynolds number (≪1) calculated based on the velocity and length scales in this problem justifies the quasistatic approximation, which assumes negligible effect of velocity on magnetic fields. Therefore, the governing equations employed in the simulations are the compressible Navier‐Stokes and the energy equations with MHD‐related source terms such as Lorentz force and Joule dissipation. The results demonstrate the ability of the magnetic field to affect the flowfield around the cylinder, which results in an increase in shock stand‐off distance and reduction in overall temperature. Also, it is observed that there is a noticeable decrease in drag with the addition of the magnetic field.
Cosensitization Properties of Glutathione-Protected Au25Cluster on Ruthenium Dye-Sensitized TiO2Photoelectrode
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Sugawara Sho , Kurashige Wataru , Negishi Yuichi , Nagata Morio , Uchida Satoshi , Terashima Chiaki , Kondo Takeshi , Yuasa Makoto , Fujishima Akira
Published: November 2013

Cosensitization by glutathione-protected Au25clusters on Ru complex, N719-sensitized TiO2photoelectrodes is demonstrated. Glutathione-protected Au25clusters showed no significant changes in properties after adsorption onto TiO2particles, as confirmed by optical absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Adsorption property of the glutathione-protected Au25clusters depends on the pH, which affects the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of the TiO2photoelectrode containing Au25clusters. When pH < 5, the IPCE increases with pH. Conversely, the IPCE decreases with pH when pH > 7. The IPCE of a TiO2photoelectrode sensitized by both glutathione-protected Au25clusters and N719 was increased compared with photoelectrodes containing either glutathione-protected Au25clusters or N719, which suggests that glutathione-protected Au25clusters act as a coadsorbent for N719 on TiO2photoelectrodes. This is also supported by the results that the IPCE of N719-sensitized TiO2photoelectrodes increased upon addition of glutathione. Furthermore, cosensitization by glutathione-protected Au25clusters on N719-sensitized TiO2photoelectrodes allows that wavelength of photoelectric conversion was extended to the near infrared (NIR) region. These results suggest that glutathione-protected Au25clusters act not only as a coadsorbent to increase IPCE but also as an NIR-active sensitizer.
Multiple Positive Solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Zhao Daliang , Liu Yansheng
Published: November 2013

This paper is devoted to the existence of multiple positive solutions for fractional boundary value problem , 0 < t < 1, u(1) = u′(1) = u′′(0) = 0, where 2 < α ≤ 3 is a real number, is the Caputo fractional derivative, and f : [0,1]×[0, +∞) × R → [0, +∞) is continuous. Firstly, by constructing a special cone, applying Guo‐Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem and Leggett‐Williams fixed point theorem, some new existence criteria for fractional boundary value problem are established; secondly, by applying a new extension of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, a sufficient condition is obtained for the existence of multiple positive solutions to the considered boundary value problem from its auxiliary problem. Finally, as applications, some illustrative examples are presented to support the main results.
A Method Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dependent Aggregation Operators for Supplier Selection
Authors: Wang Fen , Zeng Shouzhen , Zhang Chonghui
Published: November 2013

Recently, resolving the decision making problem of evaluation and ranking the potential suppliers have become as a key strategic factor for business firms. In this paper, two new intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators are developed: dependent intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighed averaging (DIFOWA) operator and dependent intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighed aggregation (DIFHWA) operator. Some of their main properties are studied. A method based on the DIFHWA operator for intuitionistic fuzzy multiple attribute decision making is presented. Finally, an illustrative example concerning supplier selection is given.
Fault Detection of Networked Control Systems Based on Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Zhang Jie , Lyu Ming , Karimi Hamid Reza , Bo Yuming
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with the network-based fault detection problem for a class of nonlinear discrete-time networked control systems with multiple communication delays and bounded disturbances. First, a sliding mode based nonlinear discrete observer is proposed. Then the sufficient conditions of sliding motion asymptotical stability are derived by means of the linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach on a designed surface. Then a discrete-time sliding-mode fault observer is designed that is capable of guaranteeing the discrete-time sliding-mode reaching condition of the specified sliding surface. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to show the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Concurrence of Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis and Parakinesia Brachialis Oscitans in a Patient with Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Wu Yung-Tsan , Chang Shin-Tsu , Chen Liang-Cheng , Li Tsung-Ying
Published: November 2013

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is defined as a reduction in blood flow in the cerebellar hemisphere contralateral to the supratentorial focal lesion. The phenomenon termed parakinesia brachialis oscitans (PBO) in which stroke patients experience involuntary stretching of the hemiplegic arm during yawning is rarely reported. The concurrence of CCD and PBO has never been described. A 52-year-old man had putaminal hemorrhage and demonstrated no significant recovery in his left hemiplegia after intensive rehabilitation, but his gait improved gradually. Two months after the stroke, the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed CCD. Four months after the stroke, the patient noticed PBO. The follow-up SPECT showed persistent CCD and the patient’s arm was still plegic. The frequency and intensity of PBO have increased with time since the stroke. We speculate that the two phenomena CCD and PBO might share similar neuroanatomical pathways and be valuable for predicting clinical recovery after stroke.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Survey of Its Use in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Valji Rafiaa , Adams Denise , Dagenais Simon , Clifford Tammy , Baydala Lola , King W. James , Vohra Sunita
Published: November 2013

Background.The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among children and youths with chronic illnesses, including cancer. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and patterns of CAM use among pediatric oncology outpatients in two academic clinics in Canada.Procedure.A survey was developed to ask patients (or their parents/guardians) presenting to oncology clinics at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa about current or previous use of CAM products and practices.Results.Of the 137 families approached, 129 completed the survey. Overall CAM use was 60.5% and was not significantly different between the two hospitals. The most commonly reported reason for not using CAM was lack of knowledge about it. The most common CAM products ever used were multivitamins (86.5%), vitamin C (43.2%), cold remedies (28.4%), teething remedies (27.5%), and calcium (23.0%). The most common CAM practices ever used were faith healing (51.0%), massage (46.8%), chiropractic (27.7%), and relaxation (25.5%). Many patients (40.8%) used CAM products at the same time as prescription drugs.Conclusion.CAM use was high among patients at two academic pediatric oncology clinics. Although most respondents felt that their CAM use was helpful, many were not discussing it with their physicians.
New Proof for Balian-Low Theorem of Nonlinear Gabor System
Authors: Yuan D. H. , Yang S. Z. , Zheng X. W. , Shen Y. F.
Published: November 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to give a new proof of the Balian-Low theorem for Gabor system{eimθ(2πt)g(t−n),  m,n∈ℤ}, which is proposed by Fu et al. and associated with nonlinear Fourier atoms. To this end, we establish the relationships between spacesL2(ℝ,dθ)andL2(ℝ). We also introduce the concept of frame associated with nonlinear Fourier atoms forL2(ℝ,dθ)and obtain many subsidiary results for this kind of (Gabor) frames.
Design and Evaluation of the AIRGAIT Exoskeleton: Leg Orthosis Control for Assistive Gait Rehabilitation
Authors: Mat Dzahir Mohd Azuwan , Yamamoto Shin-Ichiroh
Published: November 2013

This paper introduces the body weight support gait training system known as the AIRGAIT exoskeleton and delves into the design and evaluation of its leg orthosis control algorithm. The implementation of the mono- and biarticular pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs) as the actuation system was initiated to generate more power and precisely control the leg orthosis. This research proposes a simple paradigm for controlling the mono- and bi-articular actuator movements cocontractively by introducing a cocontraction model. Three tests were performed. The first test involved control of the orthosis with monoarticular actuators alone without a subject (WO/S); the second involved control of the orthosis with mono- and bi-articular actuators tested WO/S; and the third test involved control of the orthosis with mono- and bi-articular actuators tested with a subject (W/S). Full body weight support (BWS) was implemented in this study during the test W/S as the load supported by the orthosis was at its maximum capacity. This assessment will optimize the control system strategy so that the system operates to its full capacity. The results revealed that the proposed control strategy was able to co-contractively actuate the mono- and bi-articular actuators simultaneously and increase stiffness at both hip and knee joints.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Method Based on Modified Particle Swarm Optimization for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Chang Long-Yi , Liu Hsueh-Chien
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the output characteristics of photovoltaic module arrays with partial module shading. Accordingly, we presented a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method that can effectively track the global optimum of multipeak curves. This method was based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The concept of linear decreases in weighting was added to improve the tracking performance of the maximum power point tracker. Simulation results were used to verify that this method could successfully track maximum power points in the output characteristic curves of photovoltaic modules with multipeak values. The results also established that the performance of the modified PSO-based MPPT method was superior to that of conventional PSO methods.
Consistency of the Duhem Model with Hysteresis
Authors: Mohammad Naser Mohammad Fuad , Ikhouane Fayçal
Published: November 2013

The Duhem model, widely used in structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering, gives an analytical description of a smooth hysteretic behavior. In practice, the Duhem model is mostly used within the following black-box approach: given a set of experimental input-output data, how to tune the model so that its output matches the experimental data. It may happen that a Duhem model presents a good match with the experimental real data for a specific input but does not necessarily keep significant physical properties which are inherent to the real data, independent of the exciting input. This paper presents a characterization of different classes of Duhem models in terms of their consistency with the hysteresis behavior.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Blocks Nitric Oxide-Mediated Alcohol-Stimulated Cilia Beating
Authors: Wyatt T. A. , Wells S. M. , Alsaidi Z. A. , DeVasure J. M. , Klein E. B. , Bailey K. L. , Sisson J. H.
Published: November 2013

The airway epithelium is exposed to alcohol during drinking through direct exhalation of volatized ethanol from the bronchial circulation. Alcohol exposure leads to a rapid increase in the cilia beat frequency (CBF) of bronchial epithelial cells followed by a chronic desensitization of cilia stimulatory responses. This effect is governed in part by the nitric oxide regulation of cyclic guanosine and adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinases (PKG and PKA) and is not fully understood. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is implicated in the pathogenesis of several pulmonary disorders. We hypothesized that the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by ADMA blocks alcohol-stimulated increases in CBF. To test this hypothesis, ciliated primary bovine bronchial epithelial cells (BBEC) were preincubated with ADMA (100 µM) and stimulated with 100 mM ethanol. CBF was measured and PKA assayed. By 1 hr, ethanol activated PKA, resulting in elevated CBF. Both alcohol-induced PKA activation and CBF were inhibited in the presence of ADMA. ADMA alone had no effect on PKA activity or CBF. Using a mouse model overexpressing the ADMA-degrading enzyme, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), we examined PKA and CBF in precision-cut mouse lung slices. Alcohol-stimulated increases in lung slice PKA and CBF were temporally enhanced in the DDAH mice versus control mice.
The Exposure Assessment in Current Time Study: Implementation, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Real-Time Data Collection in a Community Cohort of Illicit Drug Users
Authors: Kirk Gregory D. , Linas Beth S. , Westergaard Ryan P. , Piggott Damani , Bollinger Robert C. , Chang Larry W. , Genz Andrew
Published: November 2013

Objective. We describe the study design and evaluate the implementation, feasibility, and acceptability of an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study of illicit drug users.Design. Four sequential field trials targeting observation of 30 individuals followed for a four week period.Participants. Participants were recruited from an ongoing community-cohort of current or former injection drug users. Of 113 individuals enrolled, 109 completed study procedures during four trials conducted from November 2008 to May 2013.Methods. Hand-held electronic diaries used in the initial trials were transitioned to a smartphone platform for the final trial with identical data collection. Random-prompts delivered five times daily assessed participant location, activity, mood, and social context. Event-contingent data collection involved participant self-reports of illicit drug use and craving.Main Outcome Measures. Feasibility measures included participant retention, days of followup, random-prompt response rates, and device loss rate. Acceptability was evaluated from an end-of-trial questionnaire. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and trial characteristics were evaluated as correlates of weekly random-prompt response rates ≥80% using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.Results. Study participants were a median of 48.5 years old, 90% African American, 52% male, and 59% HIV-infected with limited income and educational attainment. During a median followup of 28 days, 78% of 11,181 random-prompts delivered were answered (mean of 2.8 responses daily), while 2,798 participant-initiated events were reported (30% drug use events; 70% craving events). Self-reported acceptability to study procedures was uniformly favorable. Device loss was rare (only 1 lost device every 190 person-days of observation). Higher educational attainment was consistently associated with a higher response rate to random-prompts, while an association of HIV infection with lower response rates was not observed after accounting for differences in trial recruitment procedures.Conclusion. Near real-time EMA data collection in the field is feasible and acceptable among community-dwelling illicit drug users. These data provide the basis for future studies of EMA-informed interventions to prevent drug relapse and improve HIV treatment outcomes in this population.
Lead, Follow or Cooperate? Sequential versus Collusive Payoffs in Symmetric Duopoly Games
Authors: Marini Marco A. , Rodano Giorgio
Published: November 2013

In many strategic settings comparing the payoffs obtained by players under full cooperation to those obtainable at a sequential (Stackelberg) equilibrium can be crucial to determine the outcome of the game. This happens, for instance, in repeated games in which players can break cooperation by acting sequentially, as well as in merger games in which firms are allowed to sequence their actions. Despite the relevance of these and other applications, no full-fledged comparisons between collusive and sequential payoffs have been performed so far. In this paper we show that even in symmetric duopoly games the ranking of cooperative and sequential payoffs can be extremely variable, particularly when the usual linear demand assumption is relaxed. Not surprisingly, the degree of strategic complementarity and substitutability of players’ actions (and, hence, the slope of their best replies) appears decisive to determine the ranking of collusive and sequential payoffs. Some applications to endogenous timing are discussed.
A Generalized ANN Model for Analyzing and Synthesizing Rectangular, Circular, and Triangular Microstrip Antennas
Authors: Khan Taimoor , De Asok
Published: November 2013

Since last one decade, artificial neural network (ANN) models have been used as fast computational technique for different performance parameters of microstrip antennas. Recently, the concept of creating a generalized neural approach for different performance parameters has been motivated in microstrip antennas. This paper illustrates a generalized neural approach for analyzing and synthesizing the rectangular, circular, and triangular MSAs, simultaneously. Such approach is very much required for the antenna designers for getting instant answer for the required parameters. Here, total seven performance parameters of three different MSAs are computed using generalized neural approach as such a method is rarely available in the open literature even for computing more than three performance parameters, simultaneously. The results thus obtained are in very good agreement with the measured results available in the referenced literature for all seven cases.
Rapid Identification of Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Compounds fromPerilla frutescens
Authors: Paek Ji Hun , Shin Kuk Hyun , Kang Young-Hee , Lee Jae-Yong , Lim Soon Sung
Published: November 2013

The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) soluble fraction of methanol extracts ofPerilla frutescens(P. frutescens) inhibits aldose reductase (AR), the key enzyme in the polyol pathway. Our investigation of inhibitory compounds from the EtOAc soluble fraction ofP. frutescenswas followed by identification of the inhibitory compounds by a combination of HPLC microfractionation and a 96-well enzyme assay. This allowed the biological activities to be efficiently matched with selected HPLC peaks. Structural analyses of the active compounds were performed by LC-MSn. The main AR inhibiting compounds were tentatively identified as chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid by LC-MSn. A two-step high speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) isolation method was developed with a solvent system of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water at 1.5 : 5 : 1 : 5, v/v and 3 : 7 : 5 : 5, v/v. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined by1H- and13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR). The main compounds inhibiting AR in the EtOAc fraction of methanol extracts ofP. frutescenswere identified as chlorogenic acid (2) (IC50= 3.16 μM), rosmarinic acid (4) (IC50= 2.77 μM), luteolin (5) (IC50= 6.34 μM), and methyl rosmarinic acid (6) (IC50= 4.03 μM).
Optimizing Available Phosphorus in Calcareous Soils Fertilized with Diammonium Phosphate and Phosphoric Acid Using Freundlich Adsorption Isotherm
Authors: Naeem Asif , Akhtar Muhammad , Ahmad Waqar
Published: November 2013

In calcareous soils, phosphorus (P) retention and immobilization take place due to precipitation and adsorption. Since soil pH is considered a major soil variable affecting the P sorption, an acidic P fertilizer could result in low P adsorption compared to alkaline one. Therefore, P adsorption from DAP and phosphoric acid (PA) required to produce desired soil solution P concentration was estimated using Freundlich sorption isotherms. Two soils from Faisalabad and T. T. Singh districts were spiked with 0, 10, and 20 % CaCO3 for 15 days. Freundlich adsorption isotherms (P = aCb/a) were constructed, and theoretical doses of PA and DAP to develop a desired soil solution P level (i.e., 0.20 mg L−1) were calculated. It was observed that P adsorption in soil increased with CaCO3. Moreover, at all the levels of CaCO3, P adsorption from PA was lower compared to that from DAP in both the soils. Consequently, lesser quantity of PA was required to produce desired solution P, 0.2 mg L−1, compared to DAP. However, extrapolating the developed relationship between soil CaCO3 contents and quantity of fertilizer to other similar textured soils needs confirmation.
A Note on Various Classes of Compatible-Type Pairs of Mappings and Common Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: Kadelburg Zoran , Radenović Stojan , Shahzad Naseer
Published: November 2013

Several authors have introduced various conditions which can be used in order to prove common fixed point results. However, it became clear recently that some of these conditions, though formally distinct from each other, actually coincide in the case when the given mappings have a unique point of coincidence. Hence, in fact, new common fixed point results cannot be obtained in this way. We make a review of such connections and results in this paper.
Electromagnetic Properties of Inner Double Walled Carbon Nanotubes Investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Bouhrara M. , Abou-Hamad E. , Alabedi G. , Al-Taie I. , Kim Y. , Wågberg T. , Goze-Bac C.
Published: November 2013

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analytical technique was used to investigate the double walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) electromagnetic properties of inner walls. The local magnetic and electronic properties of inner nanotubes in DWNTs were analyzed using 25% 13C enriched C60 by which the effect of dipolar coupling could be minimized. The diamagnetic shielding was determined due to the ring currents on outer nanotubes in DWNTs. The NMR chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) spectra and spin‐lattice relaxation studies reveal the metallic properties of the inner nanotubes with a signature of the spin‐gap opening below 70 K.
A Fast Algorithm for Computing Binomial Coefficients Modulo Powers of Two
Authors: Andreica Mugurel Ionut
Published: November 2013

I present a new algorithm for computing binomial coefficients modulo 2N. The proposed method has an O(N3 · Multiplication(N) + N4) preprocessing time, after which a binomial coefficient C(P, Q) with 0 ≤ Q ≤ P ≤ 2N − 1 can be computed modulo 2N in O(N2 · log(N) · Multiplication(N)) time. Multiplication(N) denotes the time complexity of multiplying two N‐bit numbers, which can range from O(N2) to O(N · log  (N) · log  (log  (N))) or better. Thus, the
overall time complexity for evaluating M binomial coefficients C(P, Q) modulo 2N with 0 ≤ Q ≤ P ≤ 2N − 1 is O((N3 + M · N2 · log  (N)) · Multiplication(N) + N4). After preprocessing, we can actually compute binomial coefficients modulo any 2R with R ≤ N. For larger values of P and Q, variations
of Lucas’ theorem must be used first in order to reduce the computation to
the evaluation of multiple (O(log  (P))) binomial coefficients C(P′, Q′) (or restricted types of factorials P′!) modulo 2N with 0 ≤ Q′ ≤ P′ ≤ 2N − 1.
Helminth Protein Vaccine Induced Follicular T Helper Cell for Enhancement of Humoral Immunity againstSchistosoma japonicum
Authors: Zhang Jingyao , Gao Wenjuan , Guo Qirui , Huang Bobo , Wang Bin , Xia Guoliang , Kang Youmin
Published: November 2013

Protein vaccines combined with adjuvants have been widely used to induce immune responses, especially the humoral immune response, against molecular targets including parasites. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are the specialized providers of B-cell help, however, the induction of Tfh cells in protein vaccination has been rarely studied. Here, we report that theSchistosoma japonicumrecombinant protein (SjGST-32) combined with tacrolimus (FK506) augmented the induction of Tfh cells, which expressed the canonical markers CXCR5, BCL6, and IL-21, and enhanced the humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, the expression of IL-21R on germinal center (GC) B cells and memory B cells increased in immunized mice, which indicated that IL-21 from the induced Tfh cells interacted with IL-21R for activation of B cells and maintenance of long-lived humoral immunity. Our results suggest that helminth protein vaccine combined with FK506 induces Tfh cell for stimulating humoral immune responses and inducing long-lived humoral immunity.
Propionibacterium acnes: An Underestimated Pathogen in Implant-Associated Infections
Authors: Portillo María Eugenia , Corvec Stéphane , Borens Olivier , Trampuz Andrej
Published: November 2013

The role ofPropionibacterium acnesin acne and in a wide range of inflammatory diseases is well established. However,P. acnesis also responsible for infections involving implants. Prolonged aerobic and anaerobic agar cultures for 14 days and broth cultures increase the detection rate. In this paper, we review the pathogenic role of P. acnes in implant-associated infections such as prosthetic joints, cardiac devices, breast implants, intraocular lenses, neurosurgical devices, and spine implants. The management of severe infections caused byP. acnesinvolves a combination of antimicrobial and surgical treatment (often removal of the device). Intravenous penicillin G and ceftriaxone are the first choice for serious infections, with vancomycin and daptomycin as alternatives, and amoxicillin, rifampicin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and levofloxacin for oral treatment. Sonication of explanted prosthetic material improves the diagnosis of implant-associated infections. Molecular methods may further increase the sensitivity ofP. acnesdetection. Coating of implants with antimicrobial substances could avoid or limit colonization of the surface and thereby reduce the risk of biofilm formation during severe infections. Our understanding of the role ofP. acnesin human diseases will likely continue to increase as new associations and pathogenic mechanisms are discovered.
Do Not Be Fooled by Fancy Mutations: Inflammatory Fibroid Polyps Can Harbor Mutations Similar to Those Found in GIST
Authors: Bjerkehagen Bodil , Aaberg Kristin , Steigen Sonja E.
Published: November 2013

Goal. Surgeons that remove a typical polyp from the stomach or small intestine should be reluctant to accept a diagnosis of GIST just because there is a mutation in platelet-derived growth factor receptor alfa (PDGFRA).Background. A subtype of gastric and intestinal polyps is denoted as inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP). In some of these cases a mutation inPDGFRAis found, leading to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).Study. This study includes two patients that had polyps removed from the ileum, and an extended investigation was performed with immunohistochemical staining and mutation analyses.Results. The tumors did not show typical immunohistochemical staining for markers used to diagnose GIST, but the mutation analysis revealed a mutation inPDGFRAexon 12. On the basis of the mutation analysis, both polyps were primarily diagnosed as GISTs, but the diagnosis was later changed to inflammatory fibroid polyp.Conclusion. It is important that both surgeons and pathologists be aware that IFP can harbor a mutation inPDGFRAwhere further treatment and follow-up is different with the two different diagnoses. A mutation analysis can be misleading when taken out of the context of clinical observations, histological characteristics and immunohistochemical staining.
Multimode/Multifrequency Low Frequency Airborne Radar Design
Authors: Costanzo Sandra , Di Massa Giuseppe , Costanzo Antonio , Borgia Antonio , Papa Claudio , Alberti Giovanni , Salzillo Giuseppe , Palmese Gianfranco , Califano Dario , Ciofanello Luca , Daniele Maria , Facchinetti Claudia , Longo Francesco , Formaro Roberto
Published: November 2013

This work deals with the design of multimode/multifrequency airborne radar suitable for imaging and subsurface sounding. The system operates at relatively low frequencies in the band ranging from VHF to UHF. It is able to work in two different modalities: (i) nadir-looking sounder in the VHF band (163 MHz) and (ii) side-looking imager (SAR) in the UHF band with two channels at 450 MHz and 860 MHz. The radar has been completely designed by CO.Ri.S.T.A. for what concerns the RF and the electronic aspect, and by the University of Calabria for what concerns the design, realization, and test of SAR antennas. The radar has been installed on a civil helicopter and its operation has been validated in flight in both sounder and imager modality. Preliminary surveys have been carried out over different areas of Campania region, South Italy.
In Silico Insights of L-Glutamate: Structural Features in Vacuum and in Complex with Its Receptor
Authors: Gonzalez Janneth , Barreto George E.
Published: November 2013

Structural properties of the glutamate in vacuum and in complex with its receptor were analyzed. The analysis was focused on global properties, attempting to characterize features such as overall flexibility and common trends in the conformation set. The glutamate, as other ligands in complex with the receptor, adopts a spatial conformation that corresponds to one of the possible molecular equilibrium states in physiological conditions. The glutamate forms an extended structure for all cases, but the energy of the glutamate round out form is lower than the extended glutamate form. The results showed the glutamate as a flexible molecule, which can easily adapt to different interacting environments, and it can be considered as an approximation to address why glutamate interacts with a great number of molecules.
Nonuniform Exponential Dichotomies in Terms of Lyapunov Functions for Noninvertible Linear Discrete‐Time Systems
Authors: Popa Ioan-Lucian , Megan Mihail , Ceauşu Traian
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to give characterizations in terms of Lyapunov functions for nonuniform exponential dichotomies of nonautonomous and noninvertible discrete‐time systems.
High-Order Fuzzy Time Series Model Based on Generalized Fuzzy Logical Relationship
Authors: Qiu Wangren , Liu Xiaodong , Li Hailin
Published: November 2013

In view of techniques for constructing high-order fuzzy time series models, there are three methods which are based on advanced algorithms, computational methods, and grouping the fuzzy logical relationships, respectively. The last kind model has been widely applied and researched for the reason that it is easy to be understood by the decision makers. To improve the fuzzy time series forecasting model, this paper presents a novel high-order fuzzy time series models denoted asGTS(M,N)on the basis of generalized fuzzy logical relationships. Firstly, the paper introduces some concepts of the generalized fuzzy logical relationship and an operation for combining the generalized relationships. Then, the proposed model is implemented in forecasting enrollments of the University of Alabama. As an example of in-depth research, the proposed approach is also applied to forecast the close price of Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index. Finally, the effects of the number of orders and hierarchies of fuzzy logical relationships on the forecasting results are discussed.
Vitreous Inflammation Associated with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Agrawal Shivi , Joshi Malav , Christoforidis John B.
Published: November 2013

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent promoter of angiogenesis involved in a wide variety of physiologic processes. Intravitreal injections targeting VEGF have transformed the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. Currently, there are four anti-VEGF agents in use: bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, and aflibercept. The success and frequency of anti-VEGF therapy have made the ocular safety profile of these agents of vital importance. This paper focuses on sterile endophthalmitis. In this paper, we compare the incidences of posttreatment sterile endophthalmitis among the four agents, review the mechanism of actions, and discuss the most prevalent hypotheses leading to sterile endophthalmitis.
Internal Due Date Assignment in a Wafer Fabrication Factory by an Effective Fuzzy-Neural Approach
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: November 2013

Owing to the complexity of the wafer fabrication, the due date assignment of each job presents a challenging problem to the production planning and scheduling people. To tackle this problem, an effective fuzzy-neural approach is proposed in this study to improve the performance of internal due date assignment in a wafer fabrication factory. Some innovative treatments are taken in the proposed methodology. First, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to construct a series of linear combinations of the original variables to form a new variable, so that these new variables are unrelated to each other as much as possible, and the relationship among them can be reflected in a better way. In addition, the simultaneous application of PCA, fuzzy c-means (FCM), and back propagation network (BPN) further improved the estimation accuracy. Subsequently, the iterative upper bound reduction (IUBR) approach is proposed to determine the allowance that will be added to the estimated job cycle time. An applied case that uses data collected from a wafer fabrication factory illustrates this effective fuzzy-neural approach.
Strategies to Improve Repeat Fecal Occult Blood Testing Cancer Screening
Authors: Davis Terry C. , Arnold Connie L. , Bennett Charles L. , Wolf Michael S. , Reynolds Cristalyn , Liu Dachao , Rademaker Alfred
Published: November 2013

Background: A comparative effectiveness intervention by this team improved initial fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) rates from 3% to 53% among community clinic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and costs associated with a literacy-informed intervention on repeat FOBT testing.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, a three-arm quasi-experiential comparative effectiveness evaluation was conducted in eight community clinics in Louisiana. Clinics were randomly assigned to receive: enhanced care, a screening recommendation, and FOBT kit annually; a brief educational intervention where patients additionally received a literacy appropriate pamphlet and simplified FOBT instructions; or nurse support where a nurse manager provided the education and followed up with phone support. In year 2, all materials were mailed. The study consisted of 461 patients, ages 50 to 85 years, with a negative initial FOBT.

Results: Repeat FOBT rates were 38% enhanced care, 33% education, and 59% with nurse support (P = 0.017). After adjusting for age, race, gender, and literacy, patients receiving nurse support were 1.46 times more likely to complete repeat FOBT screening than those receiving education [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.06; P = 0.002] and 1.45 times more likely than those in enhanced care but this was not significant (95% CI, 0.93–2.26; P = 0.10). The incremental cost per additional person screened was $2,450 for nurse over enhanced care.

Conclusion: A mailed pamphlet and FOBT with simplified instructions did not improve annual screening.

Impact: Telephone outreach by a nurse manager was effective in improving rates of repeat FOBT, yet this may be too costly for community clinics. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 134–43. ©2013 AACR.
Proteomic Characterization of Breast Cancer Xenografts Identifies Early and Late Bevacizumab-Induced Responses and Predicts Effective Drug Combinations
Authors: Lindholm Evita M. , Krohn Marit , Iadevaia Sergio , Kristian Alexandr , Mills Gordon B. , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Engebraaten Olav
Published: November 2013

Purpose: Neoangiogenesis is an important feature in tumor growth and progression, and combining chemotherapy and antiangiogenic drugs have shown clinical efficacy. However, as treatment-induced resistance often develops, our goal was to identify pathways indicating response and/or evolving resistance to treatment and inhibit these pathways to optimize the treatment strategies.

Experimental Design: To identify markers of response and/or resistance, reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) was used to characterize treatment-induced changes in a bevacizumab-responsive and a nonresponsive human breast cancer xenograft. Results were combined with bioinformatic modeling to predict druggable targets for optimization of the treatment.

Results: RPPA analysis showed that both tumor models responded to bevacizumab with an early (day 3) upregulation of growth factor receptors and downstream signaling pathways, with persistent mTOR signaling until the end of the in vivo experiment. Adding doxorubicin to bevacizumab showed significant and superior growth inhibition of basal-like tumors, whereas no additive effect was seen in the luminal-like model. The combination treatment corresponded to a continuous late attenuation of mTOR signaling in the basal-like model, whereas the inhibition was temporary in the luminal-like model. Integrating the bevacizumab-induced dynamic changes in protein levels with bioinformatic modeling predicted inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway to increase the efficacy of bevacizumab monotherapy. In vivo experiments combining bevacizumab and the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 confirmed their significant and additive growth-inhibitory effect in the basal-like model.

Conclusions: Treatment with bevacizumab caused compensatory upregulation of several signaling pathways. Targeting such pathways increased the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 404–12. ©2013 AACR.