bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility in Gyr Cows (Bos indicus) with Fixed Time Artificial Insemination and Visual Estrus Detection Using a Classification Table
Authors: Ramírez-Iglesia Lilido Nelson , Roman Bravo Rafael María , Díaz de Ramirez Adelina , Torres Leandro J.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this research was to compare two artificial insemination protocols (AIP): hormonal synchronization with fixed time artificial insemination (SC-FTAI) and the use of a table based on visual observation of estrus signs (VO) in order to identify cows in natural or spontaneous estrus being assigned to AI (NSE-IA). Two groups were formed: in the first group 109 cows were assigned to SC-FTAI, in which a commercial protocol is used; the second one included 108 randomly chosen cows, which were assigned to NSE-AI and in this group a modified table was used. Response variable was first service fertility rate (FSF), which was coded 1 for pregnant and 0 for empty. Predictor variables were AIP, postpartum anestrus, daily milk yield, body condition score at AI and calving number. Statistical analyses included association chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results showed an overall 41.94% FSF and a significant association was detected (P<0.05) between FSF and daily milk yield; pregnancy rates were 42.20% and 41.67% for the SC-FTAI and NSE-IA groups, respectively (P>0.05). The odds ratio for the effect of AIP was only 1.050, suggesting no differences in FSF between groups. The NSE-AI protocol can enhance both the technique of VO and reproductive efficiency. Further validation of the table is required.
Suicidal Behavior in a Patient with Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Kontoangelos Konstantinos , Koukia Evmorfia , Papanikolaou Vasilis , Chrysovergis Aris , Maillis Antonis , Papadimitriou George N.
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Chronic pain of the oral cavity is a long-term condition and like all other types of chronic pain is associated with numerous comorbidities such as depression or anxiety.Case Presentation. This is a case of a 93-year-old patient suffering from chronic oral cavity pain who repeatedly stabbed his palate due to ongoing local pain, over the last few months, which he could not further tolerate. The patient was suffering from depression and also a diagnosis of “burning mouth syndrome” (BMS) was made.Discussion. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation in the tongue or other oral sites. BMS has high psychiatric comorbidity but can occur in the absence of psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with multiple forms of pain must be considered as potential candidates for underdiagnosed depression (major) and suicidal thoughts.
An Opportunistic Routing Mechanism Combined with Long-Term and Short-Term Metrics for WMN
Authors: Sun Weifeng , Wang Haotian , Piao Xianglan , Qiu Tie
Published: August 2014

WMN (wireless mesh network) is a useful wireless multihop network with tremendous research value. The routing strategy decides the performance of network and the quality of transmission. A good routing algorithm will use the whole bandwidth of network and assure the quality of service of traffic. Since the routing metric ETX (expected transmission count) does not assure good quality of wireless links, to improve the routing performance, an opportunistic routing mechanism combined with long-term and short-term metrics for WMN based on OLSR (optimized link state routing) and ETX is proposed in this paper. This mechanism always chooses the highest throughput links to improve the performance of routing over WMN and then reduces the energy consumption of mesh routers. The simulations and analyses show that the opportunistic routing mechanism is better than the mechanism with the metric of ETX.
Coronary Arteriovenous Fistula Causing Hydrops Fetalis
Authors: Çetiner Nilüfer , Altunyuva Usta Sinem , Akalın Figen
Published: August 2014

Fetal heart failure and hydrops fetalis may occur due to systemic arteriovenous fistula because of increased cardiac output. Arteriovenous fistula of the central nervous system, liver, bone or vascular tumors such as sacrococcygeal teratoma were previously reported to be causes of intrauterine heart failure. However, coronary arteriovenous fistula was not reported as a cause of fetal heart failure previously. It is a rare pathology comprising 0.2–0.4% of all congenital heart diseases even during postnatal life. Some may remain asymptomatic for many years and diagnosed by auscultation of a continuous murmur during a routine examination, while a larger fistulous coronary artery opening to a low pressure cardiac chamber may cause ischemia of the affected myocardial region due to steal phenomenon and may present with cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure during childhood. We herein report a neonate with coronary arteriovenous fistula between the left main coronary artery and the right ventricular apex, who presented with hydrops fetalis during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Capacity Prediction Model Based on Limited Priority Gap‐Acceptance Theory at Multilane Roundabouts
Authors: Qu Zhaowei , Duan Yuzhou , Song Xianmin , Hu Hongyu , Liu Huanfeng , Guan Kehan
Published: August 2014

Capacity is an important design parameter for roundabouts, and it is the premise of computing their delay and queue. Roundabout capacity has been studied for decades, and empirical regression model and gap‐acceptance model are the two main methods to predict it. Based on gap‐acceptance theory, by considering the effect of limited priority, especially the relationship between limited priority factor and critical gap, a modified model was built to predict the roundabout capacity. We then compare the results between Raff’s method and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method, and the MLE method was used to predict the critical gaps. Finally, the predicted capacities from different models were compared, with the observed capacity by field surveys, which verifies the performance of the proposed model.
Rethinking Foreign Language Education in Tunisian Preschools
Authors: Ben Maad Mohamed Ridha
Published: August 2014

Since its institutionalization three decades ago, early childhood educator training in Tunisia has been a considerable tributary of mainstream education. Despite such bearing, this field does not yet seem to reach the expected evolution as evidenced by the lack of a guiding vision. A case in point that attests to this state of clarity is foreign language education which has not expediently addressed the needs of both educators and preschoolers. This paper underscores this overlooked strand of early childhood education. Building on an appraisal of the problems and challenges burdening this area of education, it suggests the awakening-to-languages approach as an alternative project that maps the future course of foreign language education. Possible related benefits will consist in (i) investing in identity building, (ii) fostering critical thinking, and (iii) developing metalinguistic awareness where young learners act according to a pedagogy of discovery and reflection rather than skill-based attainment.
Diagnosis, Surgical Treatment, Recovery, and Eventual Necropsy of a Leopard (Panthera pardus) with Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Malmlov Ashley , Campbell Terry , Monnet Eric , Miller Craig , Miceli Becca , Duncan Colleen
Published: August 2014

An 18-year-old, male, castrated, captive-born leopard (Panthera pardus) presented to Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a two-week history of regurgitation. Thoracic radiographs and ultrasound revealed a well-differentiated cranioventral mediastinal mass measuring 7.5 × 10 × 5.5 cm, impinging the esophagus. A sternotomy followed by mass excision was performed. The mass was diagnosed as an ectopic thyroid carcinoma. The leopard recovered from surgery with minimal complications and returned to near-normal activity levels for just under 6 months before rapidly declining. He had an acute onset of severe dyspnea and lethargy and was euthanized. On postmortem examination the tumor was found to involve the lung, liver, thyroid, parietal pleura, bronchial lymph nodes, and the internal intercostal muscles. This case report describes the history, diagnosis, surgical treatment, postoperative care, and recovery as well as the eventual decline, euthanasia, and necropsy of a leopard with thyroid carcinoma. When compared to thyroid carcinomas of domestic animals, the leopard’s disease process more closely resembles the disease process seen in domestic canines compared to domestic cats.
Damped CAPES 2D Spectral Estimation for Real-Valued Vibration Signals
Authors: Dan Danhui , Gong Jiongxin , Zhao Yiming
Published: August 2014

We propose a 2D representation in the frequency-decay factor plane of an arbitrary real-world vibration signal. The signal is expressed as the sum of a decayed-attenuation sine term modulated by an amplitude function and a noise residue. We extend the combined approach of Capon estimation and amplitude and phase estimation (CAPES) to damped real vibration signals (DR-CAPES). In the proposed DR-CAPES method, the high-resolution amplitude and phase are estimated simultaneously for both angular frequency and decay factor grids. The performance of the proposed approach is tested numerically with noisy vibration data. Results show that the DR-CAPES method has an excellent frequency resolution, which helps to overcome difficulties in spectrum estimation when vibration modes are very close, and a small bias, which makes it suitable for obtaining accurate amplitude spectrums. The results also indicate that the proposed method can accurately estimate the amplitude spectrum with the use of averaging and denoising processes.
A Methodology of Three‐Dimensional Medical Image Registration Based on Conformal Geometric Invariant
Authors: Hua Liang , Yu Kean , Ding Lijun , Gu Juping , Zhang Xinsong , Cheng Tianyu , Feng Hao
Published: August 2014

A three‐dimensional multimodality medical image registration method using geometric invariant based on conformal geometric algebra (CGA) theory is put forward for responding to challenges resulting from many free degrees and computational burdens with 3D medical image registration problems. The mathematical model and calculation method of dual‐vector projection invariant are established using the distribution characteristics of point cloud data and the point‐to‐plane distance‐based measurement in CGA space. The translation operator and geometric rotation operator during registration operation are built in Clifford algebra (CA) space. The conformal geometrical algebra is used to realize the registration of 3D CT/MR‐PD medical image data based on the dual vector geometric invariant. The registration experiment results indicate that the methodology proposed in this paper is of stronger commonality, less computation burden, shorter time consumption, and intuitive geometric meaning. Both subjective evaluation and objective indicators show that the methodology proposed here is of high registration accuracy and suitable for 3D medical image registration.
Binding Sites of miR-1273 Family on the mRNA of Target Genes
Authors: Ivashchenko Anatoly , Berillo Olga , Pyrkova Anna , Niyazova Raigul
Published: August 2014

This study examined binding sites of 2,578 miRNAs in the mRNAs of 12,175 human genes using the MirTarget program. It found that the miRNAs of miR-1273 family have between 33 and 1,074 mRNA target genes, with a free hybridization energy of 90% or more of its maximum value. The miR-1273 family consists of miR-1273a, miR-1273c, miR-1273d, miR-1273e, miR-1273f, miR-1273g-3p, miR-1273g-5p, miR-1273h-3p, and miR-1273h-5p. Unique miRNAs (miR-1273e, miR-1273f, and miR-1273g-3p) have more than 400 target genes. We established 99 mRNA nucleotide sequences that contain arranged binding sites for the miR-1273 family. High conservation of each miRNA binding site in the mRNA of the target genes was found. The arranged binding sites of the miR-1273 family are located in the 5′UTR, CDS, or 3′UTR of many mRNAs. Five repeating sites containing some of the miR-1273 family’s binding sites were found in the 3′UTR of several target genes. The oligonucleotide sequences of miR-1273 binding sites located in CDSs code for homologous amino acid sequences in the proteins of target genes. The biological role of unique miRNAs was also discussed.
Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Local Attractors of Ordinary Differential Equation System
Authors: Yang Wenyu , Wu Wei , Fan Yetian , Li Zhengxue
Published: August 2014

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is inspired by sociological behavior. In this paper, we interpret PSO as a finite difference scheme for solving a system of stochastic ordinary differential equations (SODE). In this framework, the position points of the swarm converge to an equilibrium point of the SODE and the local attractors, which are easily defined by the present position points, also converge to the global attractor. Inspired by this observation, we propose a class of modified PSO iteration methods (MPSO) based on local attractors of the SODE. The idea of MPSO is to choose the next update state near the present local attractor, rather than the present position point as in the original PSO, according to a given probability density function. In particular, the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization method turns out to be a special case of MPSO by taking a special probability density function. The MPSO methods with six different probability density functions are tested on a few benchmark problems. These MPSO methods behave differently for different problems. Thus, our framework not only gives an interpretation for the ordinary PSO but also, more importantly, provides a warehouse of PSO-like methods to choose from for solving different practical problems.
Antimicrobial Compounds from Leaf Extracts ofJatropha curcas,Psidium guajava, andAndrographis paniculata
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Ahmad S. H. , Mohamed M. T. M. , Ab Rahman M. Z.
Published: August 2014

The present research was conducted to discover antimicrobial compounds in methanolic leaf extracts ofJatropha curcasandAndrographis paniculataand ethanolic leaf extract ofPsidium guajavaand the effectiveness against microbes on flower preservative solution of cut Mokara Red orchid flowers was evaluated. The leaves were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of nine, 66, and 29 compounds were identified inJ. curcas,P. guajava, andA. paniculataleaf extracts, with five (88.18%), four (34.66%), and three (50.47%) having unique antimicrobial compounds, respectively. The experimental design on vase life was conducted using a completely randomized design with 10 replications. The flower vase life was about 6 days in the solution containing theP. guajavaandA. paniculataleaf extracts at 15mg/L. Moreover, solution with leaf extracts ofA. paniculatahad the lowest bacterial count compared toP. guajavaandJ. curcas. Thus, these leaf extracts revealed the presence of relevant antimicrobial compounds. The leaf extracts have the potential as a cut flower solution to minimize microbial populations and extend flower vase life. However, the activities of specific antimicrobial compounds and double or triple combination leaf extracts to enhance the effectiveness to extend the vase life need to be tested.
Interaction between Gallotannin and a Recombinant Form of Arginine Kinase of Trypanosoma brucei: Thermodynamic and Spectrofluorimetric Evaluation
Authors: Adeyemi O. S. , Sulaiman A. F. , Iniaghe O. M.
Published: August 2014

Current chemotherapies against trypanosomiasis are beset with diverse challenges, a situation which underscores the numerous research efforts aimed at finding newer and effective treatments. Arginine kinase of trypanosome has been validated as target for drug development against trypanosomiasis. The present study investigated the interaction between a recombinant form of the arginine kinase (rTbAK) of trypanosome and gallotannin. The interaction between gallotannin and recombinant arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei caused significant decrease of enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis revealed the interaction to be of noncompetitive inhibition. Further thermodynamic analysis showed that the interaction between gallotannin and the recombinant arginine kinase was nonspontaneous and involved hydrophobic forces. The Ksv values and the FRET analysis suggest that static quenching of fluorescence intensity by gallotannin was static. Data revealed inhibitory interactions between gallotannin and rTbAK of trypanosome. Although the mechanism of inhibition is not clear yet, molecular docking studies are ongoing to clearly define the inhibitory interactions between the gallotannin and rTbAK. The knowledge of such binding properties would enrich development of selective inhibitors for the arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei.
An Unusual Presentation of Oral Mucocele in Infant and Its Review
Authors: Bhargava Neha , Agarwal Prateek , Sharma Nitin , Agrawal Mayank , Sidiq Mohsin , Narain Pooja
Published: August 2014

Mucocele is a benign lesion characterized by an extravasation or retention of mucous in submucosal tissue from minor salivary glands. Mucoceles are known to occur most commonly on the lower lip, followed by the floor of mouth and buccal mucosa being the next most frequent sites. Trauma and lip biting habits are the main cause for these types of lesions. Mucocele is a common oral mucosal lesion but it is rarely observed in the infant. This paper highlights the successful management of a rare case of mucocele in an 11-month-old child. Diagnosis and management of mucocele are challenging. For this reason we felt it would be interesting to review the clinical characteristics, histological features, differential diagnosis, and their treatment and evolution in order to aid decision-making in daily clinical practice.
Development of Thermal Models and Analysis of UO2-BeO Fuel during a Loss of Coolant Accident
Authors: Chandramouli Deepthi , Revankar Shripad T.
Published: August 2014

Small fraction of high conductivity BeO in UO2 fuel significantly improves thermal conductivity and also affects the overall performance of the fuel during steady state operation and during transients. In this study, performance of UO2-BeO composite under transient conditions such as loss of coolant accident (LOCA), using FRAPTRAN (fuel rod analysis program transient), was carried out. The subroutines in FRAPTRAN code that calculate key thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and specific enthalpy were modified to account for the presence of the BeO in UO2. The fuel performance parameters like gas gap pressure, energy stored in fuel, and temperature profiles were studied. The simulation results showed reductions in fuel centerline temperatures and lower temperature drop across fuel rod cross-section under normal fuel operations. It was observed that there was reduction in gas gap pressure and energy stored in fuel. Transient conditions involving cladding rupture were investigated and important performance parameters such as cladding strain were studied. During these transients, the addition of BeO to UO2 fuel seems beneficiary.
Oxidized Nano‐Porous‐Silicon Buffer Layers for Suppressing the Visible Photoresponsivity of ZnO Ultraviolet Photodetectors on Si Substrates
Authors: Wu Kuen-Hsien
Published: August 2014

This paper demonstrated the fabrication and optoelectronic characteristics of ZnO ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors fabricated on Si substrates with oxidized nano‐porous‐Si (ONPS) buffer layers. ONPS layers were prepared on the surfaces of Si substrates by use of an electrochemical anodization technique following a rapid‐thermal‐oxidation process. Experimental results indicated that application of ONPS buffer layers not only improved the crystallinty of the deposited ZnO thin films but also greatly restricted the visible‐to‐infrared photoresponse that was generated from the light absorption of Si substrates. The developed ZnO‐on‐ONPS photodiodes achieved high photoresponsivity for the incident UV light of 300 ∼ 400 nm and got a large photo‐to‐dark current ratio up to 104 at wavelength of 375 nm under a bias of 5 V. Therefore, ZnO on ONPS provides a highly potential approach for the development of low‐cost visible‐blind UV photodetectors.
High-Throughput Functional Screening of Steroid Substrates with Wild-Type and Chimeric P450 Enzymes
Authors: Urban Philippe , Truan Gilles , Pompon Denis
Published: August 2014

The promiscuity of a collection of enzymes consisting of 31 wild-type and synthetic variants of CYP1A enzymes was evaluated using a series of 14 steroids and 2 steroid-like chemicals, namely, nootkatone, a terpenoid, and mifepristone, a drug. For each enzyme-substrate couple, the initial steady-state velocity of metabolite formation was determined at a substrate saturating concentration. For that, a high-throughput approach was designed involving automatized incubations in 96-well microplate with sixteen 6-point kinetics per microplate and data acquisition using LC/MS system accepting 96-well microplate for injections. The resulting dataset was used for multivariate statistics aimed at sorting out the correlations existing between tested enzyme variants and ability to metabolize steroid substrates. Functional classifications of both CYP1A enzyme variants and steroid substrate structures were obtained allowing the delineation of global structural features for both substrate recognition and regioselectivity of oxidation.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Elliott Sarah A. , Baxter Kimberley A. , Davies Peter S. W. , Truby Helen
Published: August 2014

Introduction.Self-reported measures of habitual physical activity rely completely on the respondent’s ability to provide accurate information on their own physical activity behaviours. Our aim was to investigate if obese adolescents could accurately report their physical activity levels (PAL) using self-reported diaries.Methods.Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using doubly labelled water (DLW) and resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured via indirect calorimetry. Activity energy expenditure (AEE) and PAL values were derived from measured TEE and REE. Self-reported, four-day activity diaries were used to calculate daily MET values and averaged to give an estimated PAL value (ePAL).Results.Twenty-two obese adolescents, mean age13.2±1.8years, mean BMI31.3±4.6 kg/m2, completed the study. No significant differences between mean measured and estimated PAL values were observed (1.37±0.13versus1.40±0.34,P=0.74). Bland Altman analysis illustrated a significant relationship (r=-0.76,P<0.05) between the two methods; thus the bias was not consistent across a range of physical activity levels, with the more inactive overreporting their physical activity.Conclusion.At an individual level, obese adolescents are unlikely to be able to provide an accurate estimation of their own activity.
Nonactivated and Activated Biochar Derived from Bananas as Alternative Cathode Catalyst in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Yuan Haoran , Deng Lifang , Qi Yujie , Kobayashi Noriyuki , Tang Jiahuan
Published: August 2014

Nonactivated and activated biochars have been successfully prepared by bananas at different thermotreatment temperatures. The activated biochar generated at 900°C (Biochar-act900) exhibited improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances in alkaline media, in terms of the onset potential and generated current density. Rotating disk electron result shows that the average of 2.65 electrons per oxygen molecule was transferred during ORR of Biochar-act900. The highest power density of 528.2 mW/m2and the maximum stable voltage of 0.47 V were obtained by employing Biochar-act900 as cathode catalyst, which is comparable to the Pt/C cathode. Owning to these advantages, it is expected that the banana-derived biochar cathode can find application in microbial fuel cell systems.
Adenosine Amine Congener as a Cochlear Rescue Agent
Authors: Vlajkovic Srdjan M. , Chang Hao , Paek Song Yee , Chi Howard H.-T. , Sreebhavan Sreevalsan , Telang Ravindra S. , Tingle Malcolm , Housley Gary D. , Thorne Peter R.
Published: August 2014

We have previously shown that adenosine amine congener (ADAC), a selective A1adenosine receptor agonist, can ameliorate noise- and cisplatin-induced cochlear injury. Here we demonstrate the dose-dependent rescue effects of ADAC on noise-induced cochlear injury in a rat model and establish the time window for treatment.Methods. ADAC (25–300 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to Wistar rats (8–10 weeks old) at intervals (6–72 hours) after exposure to traumatic noise (8–16 kHz, 110 dB sound pressure level, 2 hours). Hearing sensitivity was assessed using auditory brainstem responses (ABR) before and 12 days after noise exposure. Pharmacokinetic studies investigated ADAC concentrations in plasma after systemic (intravenous) administration.Results. ADAC was most effective in the first 24 hours after noise exposure at doses>50 μg/kg, providing up to 21 dB protection (averaged across 8–28 kHz). Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated a short (5 min) half-life of ADAC in plasma after intravenous administration without detection of degradation products.Conclusion. Our data show that ADAC mitigates noise-induced hearing loss in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but further studies are required to establish its translation as a clinical otological treatment.
Clinical Correlates of Hachinski Ischemic Score and Vascular Factors in Cognitive Function of Elderly
Authors: Kim Youn Ho , Kwon Oh Dae
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Hachinski ischemic score (HIS) and vascular factors as well as between HIS and the cognitive function in elderly community. Demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, education, history of drinking and smoking, family history of dementia and stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia, were surveyed. Neurological examination was administered to every subject and HIS was checked by a neurologist. From a total of 392 participants aged 65 and over in a rural community, 348 completed the survey and were finally enrolled. Among the vascular factors, history of hypertension (P=0.008), history of stroke (P<0.001), family history of dementia (P=0.01), and history of cardiac diseases (P=0.012) showed a significant relationship with HIS. In the cognitive function tests, both Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating (Global and Sum of Boxes) had a significant relationship with HIS. Our study suggested HIS may have an association with some vascular factors and cognitive scales in community dwelling elderly. In this study, the HIS seemed to contribute to the evaluation of the quantity of vascular factors and to the prediction of status of cognitive function.
Distribution of the Crustal Magnetic Field in Sichuan-Yunnan Region, Southwest China
Authors: Bai Chunhua , Kang Guofa , Gao Guoming
Published: August 2014

Based on the new and higher degree geomagnetic model NGDC-720-V3, we have investigated the spatial distribution, the altitude decay characteristics of the crustal magnetic anomaly, the contributions from different wavelength bands to the anomaly, and the relationship among the anomaly, the geological structure, and the geophysical field in Sichuan-Yunnan region of China. It is noted that the most outstanding feature in this area is the strong positive magnetic anomaly in Sichuan Basin, a geologically stable block. Contrasting with this feature, a strong negative anomaly can be seen nearby in Longmen Mountain block, an active block. This contradiction implies a possible relationship between the magnetic field and the geological activity. Completely different feature in magnetic field distribution is seen in the central Yunnan block, another active region, where positive and negative anomalies distribute alternatively, showing a complex magnetic anomaly map. Some fault belts, such as the Longmen Mountain fault, Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault, and the Red River fault, are the transitional zones of strong and weak or negative and positive anomalies. The corresponding relationship between the magnetic anomaly and the geophysical fields was confirmed.
Study on the Size‐Dependent Oxidation Reaction Kinetics of Nanosized Zinc Sulfide
Authors: Fu Qing-Shan , Xue Yong-Qiang , Cui Zi-Xiang , Wang Ming-Fang
Published: August 2014

Numerous oxidation problems of nanoparticles are often involved during the preparation and application of nanomaterials. The oxidation rate of nanomaterials is much faster than bulk materials due to nanoeffect. Nanosized zinc sulfide (nano‐ZnS) and oxygen were chosen as a reaction system. The influence regularities were discussed and the influence essence was elucidated theoretically. The results indicate that the particle size can remarkably influence the oxidation reaction kinetics. The rate constant and the reaction order increase, while the apparent activation energy and the preexponential factor decrease with the decreasing particle size. Furthermore, the logarithm of rate constant, the apparent activation energy and the logarithm of preexponential factor are linearly related to the reciprocal of particle diameter, respectively. The essence is that the rate constant is influenced by the combined effect of molar surface energy and molar surface entropy, the reaction order by the molar surface area, the apparent activation energy, by the molar surface energy, and the preexponential factor by the molar surface entropy. The influence regularities and essence can provide theoretical guidance to solve the oxidation problems involved in the process of preparation and application of nanomaterials.
Two Polymorphisms in the Fractalkine Receptor CX3CR1 Gene Influence the Development of Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Jian , Yin Rui-Xing , Lin Quan-Zhen , Guo Tao , Shi Guang-Yuan , Sun Jia-Qi , Shen Shao-Wen , Li Qing
Published: August 2014

Background. The associations between the Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) gene T280M (rs3732378) and V249I (rs3732379) polymorphisms and atherosclerosis (AS) risk are conflicting. The aim of this meta-analysis was undertaken to assess their associations.Methods. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane database, and CNKI were searched to get the genetic association studies. All statistical analyses were done with Stata 11.0.Results. Twenty-five articles involving 49 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The analysis showed that the 280M allele carriers of theCX3CR1T280M polymorphism decreased the risk of AS and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the heterozygous state but increased the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) in the homozygote state. The 249I allele carriers of theCX3CR1V249I polymorphism decreased the risk of AS and CAD in the heterozygous state. The V249I-T280M combined genotype VITM and IITM also decreased the risk of AS.Conclusions. The present meta-analysis suggests that theCX3CR1T280M and V249I polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to AS. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the high heterogeneity in the meta-analysis.
Intraportal Infusion of Ghrelin Could Inhibit Glucose-Stimulated GLP-1 Secretion by Enteric Neural Net in Wistar Rat
Authors: Zhang Xiyao , Li Wensong , Li Ping , Chang Manli , Huang Xu , Li Qiang , Cui Can
Published: August 2014

As a regulator of food intake and energy metabolism, the role of ghrelin in glucose metabolism is still not fully understood. In this study, we determined the in vivo effect of ghrelin on incretin effect. We demonstrated that ghrelin inhibited the glucose-stimulated release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) when infused into the portal vein of Wistar rat. Hepatic vagotomy diminished the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion. In addition, phentolamine, a nonselective α receptor antagonist, could recover the decrease of GLP-1 release induced by ghrelin infusion. Pralmorelin (an artificial growth hormone release peptide) infusion into the portal vein could also inhibit the glucose-stimulated release of GLP-1. And growth hormone secretagogue receptor antagonist, [D-lys3]-GHRP-6, infusion showed comparable increases of glucose stimulated GLP-1 release compared to ghrelin infusion into the portal vein. The data showed that intraportal infusion of ghrelin exerted an inhibitory effect on GLP-1 secretion through growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1α (GHS1α receptor), which indicated that the downregulation of ghrelin secretion after food intake was necessary for incretin effect. Furthermore, our results suggested that the enteric neural net involved hepatic vagal nerve and sympathetic nerve mediated inhibition effect of ghrelin on incretin effect.
Unsteady Model for Transverse Fluid Elastic Instability of Heat Exchange Tube Bundle
Authors: Liu Jun , Huang Chen , Jiang Naibing
Published: August 2014

From the viewpoint of practical application, based on the unsteady analytical model for transverse fluid elastic instability of tube array proposed by Yetisir and the linear attenuation function introduced by Li Ming, a new explicit model based on nonsteady state “streamtube” hypothesis is proposed and solved using complex number method. In the model, numerical integral is avoided and inappropriate aspects in Li Ming model are modified. Using the model, the fluid elastic instability analysis of a single flexible tube is made. The stability graphs for four typical types of tube array are plotted and contrasted with experimental results. It is found that the current explicit model is effective in the analysis of transverse fluid elastic instability of tube bundle.
The Toxic Effect of Manganese on the Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Rat Brains
Authors: Yousefi Babadi Vahid , Sadeghi Leila , Shirani Kobra , Malekirad Ali Akbar , Rezaei Mohammad
Published: August 2014

Manganese (Mn) is a naturally occurring element and an essential nutrient for humans and animals. However, exposure to high levels of Mn may cause neurotoxic effects. Accumulation of manganese damages central nervous system and causes Parkinson’s disease-like syndrome called manganism. Mn neurotoxicity has been suggested to involve an imbalance between the DAergic and cholinergic systems. The pathological mechanisms associated with Mn neurotoxicity are poorly understood, but several reports have established it is mediated by changing of AChE activity that resulted in oxidative stress. Therefore we focused the effect of Mn in AChE activity in the rat’s brain by MnCl2injection intraperitoneally and analyzed their brains after time intervals. This study used different acute doses in short time course and different chronic doses at different exposing time to investigate which of them (exposing dose or time) is more important in Mn toxic effect. Results showed toxic effect of Mn is highly dose dependent and AChE activity in presence of chronic dose in 8 weeks reaches acute dose in only 2 days.
Analysis on Structural Stress of 64 × 64 InSb IRFPAs with Temperature Dependent Elastic Underfill
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Tian Wei , Meng Qingduan , Sun Mengfang , Li Na , Lei Zhen
Published: August 2014

To improve the reliability of InSb IRFPAs, underfill has usually been filled between InSb chip and Si ROIC. Around the glass transition temperature, underfill shows viscoelasticity, yet, far below it, which shows apparently temperature dependent mechanical properties. Basing on the temperature dependent elastic model of underfill, firstly a small format array of8×8elements InSb IRFPAs is investigated by changing indium bump diameters and heights; simulated results show that the maximum stress in InSb chip has nothing to do with underfill height and is dependent on indium bump diameter; the varying tendency is just like the horizontally extended letter U. When indium bump diameter is set to 24 μm with height 21 μm, the maximal stress in InSb chip reaches minimum. To learn the stress in64×64elements in short time, with the above optimal structure, InSb IRFPAs array scale is doubled once again from8×8to64×64elements. Simulation results show that the stress maximum in InSb chip is strongly determined by arrays format and increases with array scale; yet, the stress maximum in Si ROIC almost keeps constant and is independent on array sizes; besides, the largest stress locates in InSb chip, and the stress distribution in InSb chip is uniform.
Charge and Spin Currents in Ferromagnet-Insulator-Superconductor Tunneling Junctions Using Hg-1223 High-Tc Superconductor
Authors: Kitamura Michihide , Uchiumi Yoshitaka , Irie Akinobu
Published: August 2014

Charge and spin currents along the c-axis in ferromagnet-insulator-superconductor (F/I/S) tunneling junctions have been studied within the framework of the tunneling Hamiltonian model. As a superconductor S, HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ (Hg-1223) with δ=0.4 copper-oxide high-Tc superconductor has been selected, and as a ferromagnet F, Fe metal with bcc structure has been selected for simplicity. The electronic structures of above materials have been calculated on the basis of the band theory using the spin-polarized self-consistent-field data for the atomic orbital energies and the universal tight-binding parameters (UTBP) for the interactions. For the η↑ and η↓(=1-η↑) defined in the present paper, which are tunneling probabilities of the majority and the minority spin electrons, it is shown that the condition η↑=η↓ means the standard F/I/S tunneling junction with a nonmagnetic insulating layer, and the condition η↑≠η↓means the F/I/S tunneling junction with a magnetic insulating layer showing a detectable magnetization. We have found that the charge current and the differential conductance nearly remain the same as the change of η↑, but the spin current is largely changed due to the change of η↑. As an experimental method to detect the change of the spin current, the validity of an X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) has been pointed out.
A Study on the Quality Criteria of Some Mandarin Varieties and Their Suitability for Juice Processing
Authors: Ağçam Erdal , Akyıldız Asiye
Published: August 2014

In this study, some composition properties of juices of different mandarin varieties (Robinson (R), Fremont (F), and Satsuma (S)) were determined before and after pasteurisation. L*, a*, b*, and C* values of all varieties were increased after the pasteurisation process. Degradation of ascorbic acid was calculated as 2.20, 16.86, and 24.31% for R, F, and S samples, respectively, after pasteurisation. The highest total carotenoid and phenolic contents were determined in S samples. In general, after the pasteurisation treatment, the total carotenoid content of juices was increased slightly, but total phenolic contents were dramatically decreased. The antioxidant activity of pasteurised samples was increased by approximately 6%. The most abundant carotenoid and flavanone glycoside compound was shown to be β-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin, respectively, in all samples. The most popular fresh and pasteurised juice samples were made from the Robinson variety of mandarin with regard to taste, smell, and general impression.
Semidefinite Relaxation Method for Target Localization by MIMO Radar Using Bistatic Ranges
Authors: Sun Bin , Chen Haowen , Wei Xizhang , Li Xiang
Published: August 2014

We address the target localization problem by using bistatic range (BR) measurements in widely separated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar network. The BR information defines a set of elliptic equations from which the target location can be estimated. By applying the semidefinite relaxation (SDR), we transform the nonconvex BR-based localization problem into a convex semidefinite programming (SDP) problem, whose solution is guaranteed to be globally optimal without initial estimate. Moreover, we extend this method to robustly solve the localization problem in the presence of antenna position errors. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed SDR method provides superior estimation performance over the existing method.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the Iowa Women's Health Study
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Prizment Anna E. , Blair Cindy K. , Jacobs David R. , Steck Susan E. , Hébert James R.
Published: August 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in the United States, has a natural history that usually encompasses several decades. Dietary components have been implicated in the etiology of colorectal cancer, perhaps through their effect on inflammation.

Methods: We examined the ability of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict colorectal cancer in the Iowa Women's Health Study. The DII was computed based on dietary intake assessed by a 121-item food frequency questionnaire in this cohort of 34,703 women, ages 55 to 69 years, free of any self-reported prior malignancy at enrollment in 1986. Incident colorectal cancer cases were identified through linkage with the State Health Registry of Iowa (a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program member). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate HRs. Through the end of 2010, 1,636 incident colorectal cancers were identified, including 1,329 colon and 325 rectal cancers.

Results: Multivariable analysis, adjusting for body mass index, smoking status, pack-years of smoking, hormone replacement therapy, education, diabetes, and total energy intake, revealed positive associations between higher DII and colorectal cancer risk [HR for DIIcontinuous: 1.07 per unit increase in DII (corresponding to 0.5 SD unit increase); 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.13; HR for DIIquintiles: Q5 vs. Q1 = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.43]. HRs for DII were similar for colon cancer and rectal cancer, though not statistically significant for rectal cancer.

Conclusions: These results indicate that a proinflammatory diet, as indicated by higher DII scores, was associated with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Impact: Proinflammatory diets are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2383–92. ©2014 AACR.
Dermoscopic Findings in Radiation-Induced Alopecia after Angioembolization
Authors: Cho Suhyun , Choi Min Ju , Lee Jung Soo , Zheng Zhenlong , Kim Do Young
Published: August 2014

Background: Cases of non-scarring alopecia after endovascular brain surgery have been reported, but dermoscopic findings of these lesions have rarely been published. Objective: To report the dermoscopic findings for alopecic skin lesions that developed after radiation exposure during angioembolization. Methods: Dermoscopic examination was used to evaluate alopecic skin lesions in 10 patients who presented with post-angioembolization alopecia. Results: The male to female ratio was 1:4, mean age 55.0 ± 12.3 years and mean duration to lesion development 3.4 ± 2.5 weeks. The rectangular-shaped lesions mostly occurred at the occiput and temple areas. Both yellow and black dots were the predominant dermoscopic findings in 60% (6/10) of patients, followed by short vellus hair (50%), peripilar sign (20%), broken hair (10%), coiled hair (10%) and white dots (10%). Conclusions: Alopecic skin lesions induced by radiation exposure during angioembolization share characteristic dermoscopy findings with alopecia areata. They may be misdiagnosed if a precise history is not obtained.
Breslow Thickness, Clark Index and Ulceration Are Associated with Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Melanoma Patients: A Cohort Analysis of 612 Patients
Authors: Munsch Coline , Lauwers-Cances Valérie , Lamant Laurence , Gentil Catherine , Rochaix Philippe , Garrido Ignacio , Lopez Raphael , Chevreau Christine , Paul Carle , Meyer Nicolas
Published: August 2014

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the most sensitive procedure for assessing nodal status in patients with primary melanoma. Objective: To evaluate the predictive ability of usual primary melanoma prognosis factors of detecting sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in patients with melanoma. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 612 consecutive patients presenting with primary skin melanoma who underwent a SLNB was evaluated. Assessment of the determinants of SLN metastasis was based on general linear model analysis. The model performance was studied using the concordance statistic and the net reclassification index. The calibration was estimated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: The discrimination ability did not differ significantly between Breslow thickness (0.57), Clark index (0.61), ulceration (0.57) and histological subtype (0.55). Clark index, ulceration and Breslow thickness were all significant and independent determinants of SLN metastasis. The predictive ability of the final model was 0.657. Conclusion: Breslow thickness, Clark index and ulceration are independent predictors of a SLN metastasis.
Hoarding with and without Excessive Buying: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Möllenkamp Maike , de Zwaan Martina , Müller Astrid
Published: August 2014

Background: Previous research demonstrated a close relationship between hoarding disorder (compulsive hoarding, CH) and compulsive buying (CB). Hoarding disorder was included in the 5th version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA, 2013) with excessive acquisition as a specifier. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether individuals with both hoarding and buying symptoms (CBCH group) will present with the highest severity levels of hoarding as well as buying psychopathology compared to the respective group exhibiting only one syndrome (CH group: only hoarding, CB group: only buying). Methods: The three groups (CH: n = 40, CBCH: n = 60, CB: n = 35) completed the Saving Inventory-Revised, the Compulsive Acquisition Scale und the Compulsive Buying Scale. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests. Results: The CBCH group did not differ from the CH group with regard to the severity of key hoarding symptoms such as clutter, difficulty discarding possessions, and the acquisition of free things, but showed a higher severity of CB than the CB group. Conclusions: While the findings indicate remarkable overlap in primary features of CH in compulsive hoarders with and without excessive buying, they suggest more severe CB in individuals with both hoarding and buying symptoms compared to individuals with only CB. Future studies should address the question whether both disorders are part of a larger construct.
The Utility of Liquid-Based Cytology in Salivary Gland Fine-Needle Aspirates: Experience of an Academic Institution
Authors: Rarick Jason M. , Wasman Jay , Michael Claire W.
Published: August 2014

Objective: To review the morphological features of salivary gland fine-needle aspirates (FNA) on ThinPrep® (TP) preparations. Emphasis is placed on the commonalities and specific differences between TP and conventional smear (CS) preparations. Study Design: The cytology and surgical pathology archives were searched for ‘salivary' or ‘parotid' at our institution from 2003 to 2013 for cases processed by TP and with a range of specified diagnoses and surgical follow-up. These cases were reviewed by the authors. A review of the known literature was also performed. Results: Morphological features and artifacts were noted for the most common salivary gland lesions. General features noted in the literature were identified, along with novel features identified on our review of cases. Emphasis was placed on cellular alterations, extracellular differences and architectural changes. Conclusions: The multitude of both benign and malignant lesions coupled with the unique artifacts encountered on TP makes salivary gland FNAs difficult for most practicing pathologists and cytopathologists. For this reason, many laboratories have been reluctant to implement TP preparations for these lesions. With knowledge of the specific artifacts and differences on TP compared to CS, TP can be used with confidence without a compromise in diagnostic accuracy for adequately cellular samples.