bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gray Matter Alterations in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Comparing Morphometry at the Voxel and Regional Level
Authors: Gori Ilaria , Giuliano Alessia , Muratori Filippo , Saviozzi Irene , Oliva Piernicola , Tancredi Raffaella , Cosenza Angela , Tosetti Michela , Calderoni Sara , Retico Alessandra
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sophisticated algorithms to infer disease diagnosis, pathology progression and patient outcome are increasingly being developed to analyze brain MRI data. They have been successfully implemented in a variety of diseases and are currently investigated in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aim to test the ability to predict ASD from subtle morphological changes in structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI).

METHODS

The analysis of sMRI of a cohort of male ASD children and controls matched for age and nonverbal intelligence quotient (NVIQ) has been carried out with two widely used preprocessing software packages (SPM and Freesurfer) to extract brain morphometric information at different spatial scales. Then, support vector machines have been implemented to classify the brain features and to localize which brain regions contribute most to the ASD‐control separation.

RESULTS

The features extracted from the gray matter subregions provide the best classification performance, reaching an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 74%. This value is enhanced to 80% when considering only subjects with NVIQ over 70.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the subtle impact of ASD on brain morphology and a limited cohort size, results from sMRI‐based classifiers suggest a consistent network of altered brain regions.
A Partial Palatal Coverage Overdenture Retained by Zygomatic Implants
Authors: Schweitzer Daniel M. , Bloom Mitchell J. , Mancia Gregorio O.
Published: July 2015

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of an atrophic edentulous maxilla can be challenging and is further complicated when multiple risk factors are present. Fixed prostheses require multiple implants for support/retention organized in biomechanically favorable positions in order to afford a good prognosis. Such suitable implant arrangements in an atrophic edentulous ridge can often be difficult to achieve. Removable prostheses require fewer implants for a favorable prognosis and can furthermore take advantage of the additional anatomical structures for support/retention. This clinical treatment will describe the fabrication of a partial palatal coverage overdenture retained by zygomatic implants.
Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cell (GMSC) Delivery System Based on RGD‐Coupled Alginate Hydrogel with Antimicrobial Properties: A Novel Treatment Modality for Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Diniz Ivana M. A. , Chen Chider , Ansari Sahar , Zadeh Homayoun H. , Moshaverinia Maryam , Chee Daniel , Marques Márcia M. , Shi Songtao , Moshaverinia Alireza
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Peri‐implantitis is one of the most common inflammatory complications in dental implantology. Similar to periodontitis, in peri‐implantitis, destructive inflammatory changes take place in the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Bacterial flora at the failing implant sites resemble the pathogens in periodontal disease and consist of Gram‐negative anaerobic bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of a silver lactate (SL)‐containing RGD‐coupled alginate hydrogel scaffold as a promising stem cell delivery vehicle with antimicrobial properties.

Materials and Methods

Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) or human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) were encapsulated in SL‐loaded alginate hydrogel microspheres. Stem cell viability, proliferation, and osteo‐differentiation capacity were analyzed.

Results

Our results showed that SL exhibited antimicrobial properties against Aa in a dose‐dependent manner, with 0.50 mg/ml showing the greatest antimicrobial properties while still maintaining cell viability. At this concentration, SL‐containing alginate hydrogel was able to inhibit Aa growth on the surface of Ti discs and significantly reduce the bacterial load in Aa suspensions. Silver ions were effectively released from the SL‐loaded alginate microspheres for up to 2 weeks. Osteogenic differentiation of GMSCs and hBMMSCs encapsulated in the SL‐loaded alginate microspheres were confirmed by the intense mineral matrix deposition and high expression of osteogenesis‐related genes.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings confirm that GMSCs encapsulated in RGD‐modified alginate hydrogel containing SL show promise for bone tissue engineering with antimicrobial properties against Aa bacteria in vitro.
The Use of a Modified Poly‐Ether‐Ether‐Ketone (PEEK) as an Alternative Framework Material for Removable Dental Prostheses. A Clinical Report
Authors: Zoidis Panagiotis , Papathanasiou Ioannis , Polyzois Gregory
Published: July 2015

This clinical report presents a modified poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) as an alternative material for the fabrication of distal extension removable dental prosthesis (RDP) frameworks. This material can be used for patients allergic to metals, or who dislike the metallic taste, the weight, and the unpleasant metal display of the denture framework and retentive clasps. This modified PEEK material, known as BioHPP, is a biocompatible, nonallergic, rigid material, with flexibility comparable to bone, high polishing and low absorption properties, low plaque affinity, and good wear resistance. It has been used for years in orthopedics and medical technology. BioHPP frameworks can be constructed either via CAD/CAM manufacturing or via the conventional lost wax technique. The clinical use of a BioHPP RDP framework is presented as an alternative for the treatment of a distal extension case.
Synergic Suppressive Effect of Silodosin and Imidafenacin on Non‐Voiding Bladder Contractions in Male Rats with Subacute Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: SUGIYAMA Rino , AIZAWA Naoki , ITO Hiroki , FUJIMURA Tetsuya , SUZUKI Motofumi , NAKAGAWA Tohru , FUKUHARA Hiroshi , KUME Haruki , HOMMA Yukio , IGAWA Yasuhiko
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To investigate single or combined effect of silodosin, an α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist, and imidafenacin, an antimuscarinic agent, on bladder function in a subacute bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) model of male rats.

Methods

Partial BOO was created in male Wistar rats by ligating the urethra with a steel rod. On day 10 after surgery, when frequent voiding was most remarkable on voiding behavior measurement in a metabolic cage, cystometric investigations in a conscious restrained condition were conducted with cumulative intravenous administration of silodosin alone (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/kg), imidafenacin alone (1, 3, and 10 µg/kg), or a combination of the two drugs.

Results

When compared with the Sham rats, the BOO rats showed an increase in bladder capacity, residual volume, mean amplitude and the number of non‐voiding contractions (NVCs), accompanied with an increase in bladder weight. In the BOO rats, silodosin alone at 100 µg/kg significantly decreased the number of NVCs, whereas imidafenacin alone at 3 and 10 µg/kg significantly decreased both the number and mean amplitude of NVCs. The combination administration with lower doses (silodosin at 10 µg/kg and imidafenacin at 1 µg/kg) significantly suppressed both the number and mean amplitude of NVCs.

Conclusions

The present results indicate a suppressive effect of silodosin or imidafenacin alone and a synergic effect of the combination of these two drugs on NVCs in a subacute BOO model of male rats.
Prevalence of oral Candida in the first year of life
Authors: Stecksén‐Blicks C. , Granström E. , Silfverdal S. A. , West C. E.
Published: July 2015

Colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by primary microbial exposure and bioactive factors in breastmilk. The aim was to explore the prevalence of oral Candida in the first year of life in relation to selected exposures. Oral Candida was studied in 100 healthy infants at 4 and 8 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months of age and related to delivery mode, birth weight, infant health and feeding, antibiotics, antimycotics, steroids and probiotics in mother and infant, living conditions, maternal smoking and infections The association between lactoferrin and antisecretory factor in breastmilk and maternal serum haemoglobin, transferrin, and ferritin levels in relation to oral Candida was also explored. About 11% to 15% of the infants had oral Candida at the respective age. Colonisation was fairly stable until 6 months of age. There was no conclusive impact of the investigated exposures at entry. Infants with a furry pet at home had a lower frequency of Candida at 3 months, (P < 0.05) whereas all but one colonised infant had older siblings at 12 months (P < 0.01). Lactoferrin in breastmilk was negatively associated with colonisation at 6 months of age. It is concluded that 11 to 15% had oral Candida. Exposure to furry pets and siblings impacted oral Candida.
The Benefits of Dominance Complementarity in Negotiations
Authors: Wiltermuth Scott , Tiedens Larissa Z. , Neale Margaret
Published: July 2015

We investigated whether dominance complementarity can lead people to reach mutually beneficial outcomes in negotiations by increasing the likelihood that they will successfully coordinate the exchange of information. We suggest that negotiators who differ in how dominantly they behave in the negotiation exchange information effectively because they fulfill different roles in the negotiation process. Study 1 demonstrated that dominant negotiators generally assert their desires, while relatively submissive negotiators generally ask questions to find ways to satisfy their own desires without escalating conflict with the dominant negotiators. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that participants were best able to discover integrative agreements when one negotiator was instructed to behave dominantly and the other negotiator, submissively. Improved information exchange mediated the relationship between dominance complementarity and improved joint outcomes in Study 3.
Aggression as a Motive for Gossip During Conflict: The Role of Power, Social Value Orientation, and Counterpart's Behavior
Authors: Jeuken Emile , Beersma Bianca , ten Velden Femke S. , Dijkstra Maria T. M.
Published: July 2015

Not much is known about the motives behind the use of gossip in conflict situations. We report a laboratory experiment that examined the influence of social value orientation, counterpart's behavior, and power on the motive to use gossip for indirect aggression in a conflict situation. Results showed that when participants had high power, their social value orientation determined whether they were motivated to gossip to indirectly aggress toward their counterpart: Proself participants showed a higher motivation to do so than prosocial participants. In contrast, when participants had low power, the motive to engage in indirect aggression through gossip was influenced by the counterpart's behavior: Participants who encountered a competitive counterpart showed a higher motivation to aggress through gossip than participants who encountered a cooperative counterpart.
UV Sensitivity of Vegetative and Reproductive Tissues of Two Antarctic Brown Algae is Related to Differential Allocation of Phenolic Substances
Authors: Huovinen Pirjo , Gómez Iván
Published: July 2015

UV sensitivity of the vegetative and reproductive tissues of two Antarctic brown macroalgae was compared. Photosynthesis as well as the content and localization of phenolic substances were determined. Responses to UV radiation were quantified as chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm). Ascoseira mirabilis showed high UV tolerance, while in Cystosphaera jacquinotii Fv/Fm decreased by 15–21%, the receptacles being more tolerant than the vegetative blades. The phlorotannin contents showed an opposite pattern: the soluble fraction dominated in C. jacquinotii while in A. mirabilis the insoluble fraction was more abundant. Soluble phlorotannins were higher in the reproductive than in vegetative tissues in both species. Images of tissue cross‐sections under violet‐blue light excitation confirmed a high allocation of phenolic compounds (as blue autofluorescence) in C. jacquinotii, both in reproductive and vegetative blades. The allocation and proportions of the soluble and insoluble phlorotannins could be related with the observed UV tolerance of the vegetative and reproductive tissues.
Indicators of success should be sensitive to compositional failures: reply to Suganuma and Durigan
Authors: Leighton Reid J.
Published: July 2015

Species composition is a fundamental attribute of restored ecosystems, but it was excluded from a recent set of indicators of restoration success recommended for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Suganuma and Durigan (2015) write off species composition as “unpredictable,” but their analysis did not account for key compositional predictors, like site history and restoration technique. The result is a framework for evaluating restoration success that is insensitive to common restoration failures—including poor ecosystem functioning and lack of resilience.
Fetal anaemia from red blood cell membrane defect and co-inherited haemoglobin Constant Spring
Authors: Srisupundit Kasemsri , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Tongsong Theera
Published: July 2015

The case presented here is an example of hereditary red blood cell membrane defect with a co-inherited haemoglobin Constant Spring. This case is of an anaemic fetus that presented with isolated ascites at 18 weeks of gestation. Fetal blood analysis revealed abnormal shaped red blood cells. The same pattern of red blood cell morphology was also seen on paternal peripheral blood smear. Intrauterine blood transfusions were given twice to correct fetal anaemia. The fetus showed a good response to the transfusions and was delivered at term with mild anaemia and did not need blood transfusion after birth. This report describes a natural course of red blood cell membrane defect with co-inherited haemoglobin Constant Spring, indicating that the course of disease was more severe during fetal life. Intrauterine transfusion supported the transition of the fetus through the critical period in utero to a healthier life after birth.
Dependence of feeding rates on body mass when food density is limiting to growth
Authors: van Poorten Brett T. , Walters Carl J.
Published: July 2015

Bioenergetics models are commonly used to predict effects of changes in metabolic rates and food availability on growth. However, food intake rate generally is assumed to vary as Wd, where d = 2/3, an assumption based on observations from feeding trials in laboratory studies. Further, the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) is specifically integrated using this assumption. We argue that when considered from an ecological perspective, d is highly uncertain, dependent on how swimming speed, reactive distance, and prey biomass varies ontogenetically with the growth of a predator. Incorrectly specifying d leads to incorrect predictions of consumption and metabolism, especially at younger ages that are typically under-sampled. Three alternate means of detecting departures from d = 2/3 are provided, the most promising of which involves fixing initial length of the generalized VBGF to the length at endogenous feeding and directly calculating von Bertalanffy parameters (L∞, K, t0). Using this approach, it may be possible to more accurately estimate consumption and metabolism and to characterize lifetime growth.
Security for mobile and cloud frontiers in healthcare
Authors: Kotz David , Fu Kevin , Gunter Carl , Rubin Avi
Published: July 2015

Designers and developers of healthcare information technologies must address preexisting security vulnerabilities and undiagnosed future threats.
Controlling Redox Status for Stem Cell Survival, Expansion, and Differentiation
Authors: Sart Sébastien , Song Liqing , Li Yan
Published: July 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have long been considered as pathological agents inducing apoptosis under adverse culture conditions. However, recent findings have challenged this dogma and physiological levels of ROS are now considered as secondary messengers, mediating numerous cellular functions in stem cells. Stem cells represent important tools for tissue engineering, drug screening, and disease modeling. However, the safe use of stem cells for clinical applications still requires culture improvements to obtain functional cells. With the examples of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), this review investigates the roles of ROS in the maintenance of self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells. In addition, this work highlights that the tight control of stem cell microenvironment, including cell organization, and metabolic and mechanical environments, may be an effective approach to regulate endogenous ROS generation. Taken together, this paper indicates the need for better quantification of ROS towards the accurate control of stem cell fate.
Active Vibration Control of the Smart Plate Using Artificial Neural Network Controller
Authors: Mohit  , Chhabra Deepak , Kumar Suresh
Published: July 2015

The active vibration control (AVC) of a rectangular plate with single input and single output approach is investigated using artificial neural network. The cantilever plate of finite length, breadth, and thickness having piezoelectric patches as sensors/actuators fixed at the upper and lower surface of the metal plate is considered for examination. The finite element model of the cantilever plate is utilized to formulate the whole strategy. The compact RIO and MATLAB simulation software are exercised to get the appropriate results. The cantilever plate is subjected to impulse input and uniform white noise disturbance. The neural network is trained offline and tuned with LQR controller. The various training algorithms to tune the neural network are exercised. The best efficient algorithm is finally considered to tune the neural network controller designed for active vibration control of the smart plate.
Chemical Composition and Insecticidal and Repellent Effect of Essential Oils of Two Premna Species against Sitotroga cerealella
Authors: Adjalian Elvis , Sessou Philippe , Odjo Théophile , Figueredo Gilles , Kossou Dansou , Avlessi Félicien , Menut Chantal , Sohounhloué Dominique
Published: July 2015

This work aims to study for the first time the chemical composition and evaluate insecticidal and repellent effects of essential oils of Premna angolensis and Premna quadrifolia leaves, against Sitotroga cerealella, an insect pest of rice stocks as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The GC-MS analysis showed that essential oil of P. angolensis contains 29 compounds representing 96.1% of the oil and 42 compounds corresponding to 91% for the essential oil of P. quadrifolia. The main constituents regardless of the species were β-caryophyllene (13.1%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (13.5%), octen-3-ol (3.2%–28%), phytol (3.7%–4.9%), β-elemene (1.4%–21%), globulol (11.2%), germacrene-D (8.9%), α-humulene (2.9%–6.4%), α-pinene (5%), sabinene (3.7%), δ-cadinene (0.4%–3.3%), and linalool (3.3%). The results of laboratory tests showed that both essential oils have insecticidal and repellent effects on S. cerealella. Presenting the results, the damage caused by the adults and larvae of S. cerealella was evaluated by calculating the percentage of grains attacked and weight loss thereof. The results suggest that volatile extracts of P. angolensis and P. quadrifolia can be used as alternatives to synthetic chemicals in paddy protection against S. cerealella.
Note on a Single-Machine Scheduling Problem with Sum of Processing Times Based Learning and Ready Times
Authors: Liu Shang-Chia , Hung Wei-Ling , Wu Chin-Chia
Published: July 2015

In the recent 20 years, scheduling with learning effect has received considerable attention. However, considering the learning effect along with release time is limited. In light of these observations, in this paper, we investigate a single-machine problem with sum of processing times based learning and ready times where the objective is to minimize the makespan. For solving this problem, we build a branch-and-bound algorithm and a heuristic algorithm for the optimal solution and near-optimal solution, respectively. The computational experiments indicate that the branch-and-bound algorithm can perform well the problem instances up to 24 jobs in terms of CPU time and node numbers, and the average error percentage of the proposed heuristic algorithm is less than 0.5%.
Finite Element Analysis and Simulation about Microgrinding of SiC
Authors: Ji Shijun , Liu Leilei , Zhao Ji , Sun Changrui
Published: July 2015

The application of silicon carbide (SiC) is often limited due to its low machining efficiency and unpredictability about the results of the grinding process. The aim of this paper is to set up finite element analysis models (FEM) about microgrinding process of SiC, to study the change processes about tangential and normal grinding force which can lead to stress and strain inside SiC material under different grinding parameters, and to predict the results before the grinding process. Adaptive remeshing technique is used to minimize the computational time without sacrificing the accuracy of the results in the simulation of SiC grinding process. The research results can be used to choose reasonable grinding parameters based on the required surface quality.
Dropping Impact Characteristics Analysis of a Cubic Nonlinear Packaging System with a Cantilever Beam Type Elastic Critical Component with Concentrated Tip Mass
Authors: Hao Meng , Chen An-Jun
Published: July 2015

A mathematical model for a cubic nonlinear packaging system with a cantilever beam type critical component with concentrated tip mass is proposed. The finite element method and the implicit finite difference method together with the Rung-Kutta method are applied to study the dropping impact dynamics of the critical component and the effect of system parameters, such as the value of the concentrated tip mass and the frequency of the main component, is discussed. The results show that the relative displacement and acceleration change remarkably with the length of the cantilever beam, and the maximum internal stress occurs at the joint end of the critical component. With the increase of the value of the concentrated tip mass and/or a higher frequency of the main component, the amplitudes of the responses increase obviously.
Feature Selection and Parameter Optimization of Support Vector Machines Based on Modified Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithms
Authors: Lin Kuan-Cheng , Chen Sih-Yang , Hung Jason C.
Published: July 2015

Rapid advances in information and communication technology have made ubiquitous computing and the Internet of Things popular and practicable. These applications create enormous volumes of data, which are available for analysis and classification as an aid to decision-making. Among the classification methods used to deal with big data, feature selection has proven particularly effective. One common approach involves searching through a subset of the features that are the most relevant to the topic or represent the most accurate description of the dataset. Unfortunately, searching through this kind of subset is a combinatorial problem that can be very time consuming. Meaheuristic algorithms are commonly used to facilitate the selection of features. The artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) employs the intelligence underlying fish swarming behavior as a means to overcome optimization of combinatorial problems. AFSA has proven highly successful in a diversity of applications; however, there remain shortcomings, such as the likelihood of falling into a local optimum and a lack of multiplicity. This study proposes a modified AFSA (MAFSA) to improve feature selection and parameter optimization for support vector machine classifiers. Experiment results demonstrate the superiority of MAFSA in classification accuracy using subsets with fewer features for given UCI datasets, compared to the original FASA.
Distributed Measurement of Temperature for PCC Energy Pile Using BOFDA
Authors: Gao Lei , Ji Baoquan , Kong Gangqiang , Huang Xu , Li Mingkun , Mahfouz Ali H.
Published: July 2015

PCC energy pile is a new technology for sustainable development of urban areas. Learning and understanding the temperature variation of PCC energy pile are very important to its development and application. In this study, the Brillouin optical frequency domain analysis (BOFDA) technology is firstly used to measure the temperature variation of PCC energy pile from a model test. The aim is to provide an optical fiber sensing method for monitoring the temperature distribution of PCC energy pile. When the temperatures of circulating water are 70°C, 60°C, 50°C, and 40°C, the result shows that the temperatures of PCC energy pile under different conditions are measured well by the optical fiber sensor. It will help to master the temperature distribution and thermomechanical characteristic of PCC energy pile. It can also provide the important scientific and theoretical basis for the design and application of PCC energy pile.
Comparison of the Spine and Hip BMD Assessments Derived from Quantitative Computed Tomography
Authors: Ma Xiao-Hui , Zhang Wei , Wang Yan , Xue Peng , Li Yu-Kun
Published: July 2015

Quantification of bone mineral density (BMD) is being used as the main method to diagnose osteoporosis. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most common tools for measuring BMD. Compared to DXA, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can determine in three dimensions the true volumetric BMD (vBMD) at any skeletal site. In addition to the spine, the hip is an important site for axial BMD measurement. This study examines lumbar spine and hip BMD of Chinese adults by QCT. Age related changes in bone mass derived by QCT measurements were determined. The osteoporosis QCT detection rates at the spine and hip are assessed in both female and male, and agreement of skeletal status category between the spine and hip in older adults is also assessed.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization for Selective Single Machine Scheduling with Sequence Dependent Setup Costs and Downstream Demands
Authors: Li Kun , Tian Huixin
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates a special single machine scheduling problem derived from practical industries, namely, the selective single machine scheduling with sequence dependent setup costs and downstream demands. Different from traditional single machine scheduling, this problem further takes into account the selection of jobs and the demands of downstream lines. This problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model and an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to solve it. To enhance the exploitation ability of the PSO, an adaptive neighborhood search with different search depth is developed based on the decision characteristics of the problem. To improve the search diversity and make the proposed PSO algorithm capable of getting out of local optimum, an elite solution pool is introduced into the PSO. Computational results based on extensive test instances show that the proposed PSO can obtain optimal solutions for small size problems and outperform the CPLEX and some other powerful algorithms for large size problems.
Geometrical Method for Thermal Instability of Nonlinearly Charged BTZ Black Holes
Authors: Hendi Seyed Hossein , Panahiyan Shahram , Eslam Panah Behzad
Published: July 2015

We consider three-dimensional BTZ black holes with three models of nonlinear electrodynamics as source. Calculating heat capacity, we study the stability and phase transitions of these black holes. We show that Maxwell, logarithmic, and exponential theories yield only type one phase transition which is related to the root(s) of heat capacity, whereas, for correction form of nonlinear electrodynamics, heat capacity contains two roots and one divergence point. Next, we use geometrical approach for studying classical thermodynamical behavior of the system. We show that Weinhold and Ruppeiner metrics fail to provide fruitful results and the consequences of the Quevedo approach are not completely matched to the heat capacity results. Then, we employ a new metric for solving this problem. We show that this approach is successful and all divergencies of its Ricci scalar and phase transition points coincide. We also show that there is no phase transition for uncharged BTZ black holes.
High Selectivity Dual-Band Bandpass Filter with Tunable Lower Passband
Authors: Pan Wei-Qiang , Zhao Xiao-Lan , Zhang Yao , Xu Jin-Xu
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a novel method to design dual-band bandpass filters with tunable lower passband and fixed upper passband. It utilizes a trimode resonator with three controllable resonant modes. Discriminating coupling is used to suppress the unwanted mode to avoid the interference. Varactors are utilized to realize tunable responses. The bandwidth of the two bands can be controlled individually. Transmission zeros are generated near the passband edges, resulting in high selectivity. For demonstration, a tunable bandpass filter is implemented. Good agreement between the prediction and measurement validates the proposed method.
Effect of Crystallinity of β- and βbc-Nickel Hydroxide Samples on Chemical Cycling
Authors: Thimmasandra Narayan Ramesh
Published: July 2015

β-phases of nickel hydroxide and cobalt hydroxide samples crystallize in cadmium iodide type structure. β-cobalt hydroxide on oxidation generates β-CoOOH which crystallized in 3R1 polytype while the structure of β-phase of NiOOH polytype is less well understood. β- and βbc-phases of nickel hydroxide samples were prepared by using ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide as precipitating agents. Powder X-ray diffraction data shows that β-phase of nickel hydroxide is perfectly crystalline in nature while βbc-phase of nickel hydroxide is poorly ordered. β- and βbc-phases of nickel hydroxide samples were subjected to chemical oxidation using sodium hypochlorite. The oxidized phases of β- and βbc-phases of nickel oxyhydroxide are highly disordered and the broadening of reflections in the powder X-ray diffraction patterns is due to the presence of structural disorder, variations in the crystallite size, and strain. On reduction of β- and βbc-phases of nickel oxyhydroxide, the powder X-ray diffraction patterns visually match the powder X-ray diffraction data of the pristine phases of β- and βbc-phases of nickel hydroxide indicating that the β-phase of nickel hydroxide does not transform to βbc-phase of nickel hydroxide, but the particle sizes are significantly affected.
Ih Symmetrical (4,6)‐Fullerenes and Their Local Ring Aromaticity: A First Principle Study
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Haigang , Fan Yingfang , Li Si-Dian
Published: July 2015

As the natural extension of carbon fullerene, a series of Ih symmetrical (4,6)‐fullerenes were constructed and investigated using first principle methods. These Ih (4,6)‐fullerenes consist of many four‐ and six‐membered rings and are classified into two types: (1) those with isolated four‐ and six‐membered rings and (2) those with connected four‐ and/or six‐membered rings. Though these (4,6)‐fullerenes are less stable than Ih C60 and C240 (5,6)‐fullerene, it is possible to synthesize them from their elemental unit, antikekulene, which was nearly synthesized experimentally. Though the (4,6)‐fullerenes are mainly spherical and antiaromatic compounds, the local aromatic indexes indicate that all of the planar π‐conjugated rings have local aromaticity in fullerenes, which provides reasonable delocalization, which is consistent with our chemical intuition. Because of the huge cavities and suitable pore sizes present in the (4,6)‐fullerenes, they can be taken as potential nanocontainers for the storage of small molecules.
Upregulation of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 1 by Allyl Isothiocyanate in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cell: Involvement of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Shujun , Wang Shanshan , Wang Chenyin , Chen Yajun , Li Jie , Wang Xueqi , Wang Dianlei , Li Zegeng , Peng Zhaoliang , Fan Ling
Published: July 2015

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) plays a protective role in the etiology and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which results from oxidative stress and inflammation of lung injury. The lower functional MRP1 activity is related to COPD development. Our previous study showed that Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induced the expression and activity of MRP1 in a dose-dependent manner. However, which signaling pathway contributes to the upregulation of MRP1 by AITC is unclear. In this study, signaling pathway specific inhibitors were used to examine the mechanism of AITC. We found that JNK inhibitor SP600125 treatment decreased MRP1 mRNA expression in 16HBE14o- cells. But the ERK inhibitor U0126 or PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 produced no obvious effect. The AITC-induced increase of MRP1 mRNA expression was abolished by cotreatment of SP600125, while it was not obviously affected by U0126 or LY294002. Furthermore, AITC acivates the JNK signaling pathway in 16HBE14o- cells. Finally, we found that JNK pathway mediated the upregulation of AITC-induced expression and function of MRP1. Taken together, our results indicated that AITC increased the expression and the activity of MRP1 via a JNK-dependent pathway. ERK and PI3K signaling pathway were not involved in the expression of MRP1 mRNA.
On the Cross Correlation Properties of MIMO Wideband Channels under Nonisotropic Propagation Conditions
Authors: Pistea Ana Maria , Saligheh Rad Hamidreza
Published: July 2015

Wideband (WB) and ultrawideband (UWB) systems combined with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology increase both the systems performances and the complexity of the channel models required to evaluate their capabilities. Because in real scenarios waves propagate nonisotropically, the accuracy of the channel model is increased if nonisotropic propagation is considered. The channel bandwidth is the key term in the evaluation process of these systems because large bandwidths introduce frequency selectivity, a unique phenomenon of WB and UWB systems with more complexity in the latter case. This is due to the fact that, unlike WB technology in which the propagating signal is the only affected parameter by the frequency selectivity, in the UWB case, this phenomenon also affects the antenna propagation pattern (APP). In this paper, we developed a novel channel model based on the statistical analysis of two-dimensional cross correlation functions (CCFs) of WB/UWB MIMO nonisotropic channels. A mathematical solution to assess the frequency selective behavior of the UWB APP is also presented. The CCF reveals how the power spectral density (PSD) of the channel is influenced by bandwidth, nonisotropic propagation, and APP.
Physical and Thermal Characterization of Alkali Treated Rice Husk Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Luna Ismat Zerin , Dam Krishna Chandra , Chowdhury A. M. Sarwaruddin , Gafur Md. Abdul , Khan Nuruzzaman , Khan Ruhul A.
Published: July 2015

Rice husk (RH) reinforced polypropylene- (PP-) based composites were prepared by compression molding. The RH was treated with sodium hydroxide solution (1 wt%); then composites were prepared using varying percentages of RH (5 to 20 wt%). The thermomechanical, spectroscopic, and morphological properties of the prepared composites (RH-PP) were investigated. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed better interfacial adhesion between alkali treated RH and the matrix PP. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the chemical bonding.The results revealed that physical properties as well as thermal stability of the composites improved significantly with the addition of alkali treated RH in PP matrix.
Central Antinociceptive and Mechanism of Action ofPereskia bleoKunth Leaves Crude Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds
Authors: Guilhon Carolina Carvalho , Abdul Wahab Ikarastika Rahayu , Boylan Fabio , Fernandes Patricia Dias
Published: July 2015

Pereskia bleo(Kunth) DC. (Cactaceae) is a plant commonly used in popular medicine in Malaysia. In this work, we evaluate the antinociceptive effect ofP. bleoleaf extracts and isolated compounds in central antinociceptive model. Ethanol extract (E), hexane (H), ethyl acetate (EA), or butanol (B) fractions (30, 50, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.), sitosterol (from hexane) and vitexin (from ethyl acetate), were administered to mice. Antinociceptive effect was evaluated in the hot plate and capsaicin- or glutamate-induced licking models. Morphine (1 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference drug. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.), atropine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 30 min earlier (100 mg/kg, p.o.) in order to evaluate the mechanism of the antinociceptive action. Higher dose of B developed an effect significantly superior to morphine-treated group. Naloxone prevented the antinociceptive effect of all fractions. L-NAME demonstrated effect against E, EA, and B. In all fractions, sitosterol and vitexin reduced the licking time after capsaicin injection. Glutamate-induced licking response was blocked by H, EA, and B. Our results indicate thatPereskia bleofractions, sitosterol and vitexin, possessed a central antinociceptive effect. Part of this effect is mediated by opioid receptors and nitrergic pathway.
East Asia’s Enduring Rivalries: Ripe for Abatement?
Authors: Chan Steve , Hu Richard W.
Published: July 2015

Despite earlier premonitions that East Asia might be ‘ripe for rivalry’, interstate relations in this region have generally become less tense in recent years. Naturally, this observation does not deny the existence of ongoing tension, such as pertaining to maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas. However, compared to those bygone years when East Asian states were fighting major wars and lined up in opposing camps, today’s regional interactions are much calmer and multifaceted. This essay assesses these changing relations in the context of the literature on enduring rivalries and evolving Sino-American relations. It argues East Asian enduring rivalries, whether sustained, escalated or terminated, are nested in a larger contest for influence involving major powers. Washington’s involvement plays a pivotal role affecting the trajectory and prospects for enduring rivalries in East Asia.
A resolution enhancement algorithm for an asymmetric resolution stereo video
Authors: Ge Jing , Liu Ju , Zhao Yunlong , Zhang Boyang
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a resolution enhancement algorithm in an asymmetric resolution stereo video for improving the video resolution. In this stereo video architecture, a scene is captured by two cameras to form two views, one view is a lower-resolution video and the other is a full-resolution video. The goal is to enhance the lower-resolution video to a full-resolution video. In the lower-resolution video, frames synchronized with full-resolution video are enhanced via disparity estimation algorithm, while the rest frames are improved by mono-view video super-resolution based on key frames method. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective for both visual and objective qualities.
Scheduling Homogeneous Impatient Customers
Authors: Bassamboo Achal , Randhawa Ramandeep Singh
Published: July 2015

Customer impatience has become an integral component of analyzing services, especially in the context of call centers. Typically, when customers arrive to such systems, they seem identical or homogeneous; however, from the system’s perspective, as they wait in the queue, their residual willingness to wait changes. For instance, a customer who has already waited for 10 minutes may have a different residual willingness to wait compared with a customer who has only waited for 1 minute. In this manner, as time progresses, customers become differentiated on their estimated patience levels. We exploit this dimension of customer heterogeneity to construct scheduling policies in overloaded systems that dynamically prioritize customers based on their time in queue to optimize any given system performance metric. Interestingly, the optimal policy has a very simple structure, and we find that implementing it can lead to significant improvements over the first-come, first-served policy.

This paper was accepted by Noah Gans, stochastic models and simulation.
A Characterization of the Optimal Certainty Equivalent of the Average Cost via the Arrow-Pratt Sensitivity Function
Authors: Cavazos-Cadena Rolando , Hernández-Hernández Daniel
Published: July 2015

This work is concerned with finite-state irreducible Markov decision chains satisfying continuity-compactness requirements. It is supposed that the system is driven by a decision maker with utility function U, which, aside mild conditions, is arbitrary, and the performance of a control policy is measured by the long-run average cost criterion induced by U. The main conclusions about this performance index are as follows: (i) the optimal U-average value function coincides with the optimal V-average index for a certain exponential utility V, and (ii) the average criteria associated with U and V have the same class of optimal stationary policies.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Voxel-Man TempoSurg virtual reality simulator in facilitating learning mastoid surgery
Authors: Reddy-Kolanu Guna , Alderson David
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

The Chief Medical Officer's 2008 annual report highlighted the importance of simulation in medical training. 1 Simulator development has focused on increasing authenticity and fidelity. Development has not necessarily been guided by evidence for educational improvement. On reviewing 34 years of literature, Issenberg et al identified ten features of high-fidelity medical simulators that facilitate learning. 2 This study compares cadaveric temporal bone (CTB) simulation with the Voxel-Man TempoSurg (VT) virtual reality simulator in addressing these features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was designed comparing the VT with CTB. Fourteen trainees and six consultants completed the questionnaire after using the simulator.

RESULTS

The VT is better at allowing repetitive practice, ease of control of difficulty, and capturing clinical and pathological variation. The VT is as good as CTB in curriculum integration, allowing multiple learning strategies, providing a controlled environment, individualising learning and defining benchmarks. It appears worse with regards to face validity and feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual reality simulation and CTB have features that allow effective learning. Some of these are common to both, in some CTB is better and in others virtual reality is better. Virtual reality could be a significant mode of learning supplementary to CTB and experience in the operating theatre.
Epidural abscess with associated spondylodiscitis following prostatic biopsy
Authors: Dobson G , Cowie CJA , Holliman D
Published: July 2015

Spondylodiscitis is often iatrogenic in nature. We report the case of a 69-year-old man presenting with spondylodiscitis and associated epidural abscess following transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy despite ciprofloxacin cover. To our knowledge, this is the first case of spondylodiscitis secondary to fluoroquinolone resistant Escherichia coli.
Reconstruction of perineal defects
Authors: Mughal M , Baker RJ , Muneer A , Mosahebi A
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Perineal defects are commonly encountered in an oncological setting although they may also present as a result of trauma and infection (eg following Fournier’s gangrene). Reconstruction of these poses functional as well as aesthetic challenges. Skin coverage and tissue volume may both be required in addition to anogenital preservation or reconstruction. General prerequisites of an adequate reconstruction of perineal defects include provision of skin cover, well vascularised tissue to fill the dead space (reducing fluid collection and infection), vulvovaginal reconstruction and no faecal or urinary contamination.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE®. The search terms included ‘perineal defects’, ‘perineal reconstruction’, ‘perforator flaps for perineum’, ‘vulval flaps’, ‘secondary healing of wound’ and ‘vacuum assisted closure’. Backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also used to expand the search.

Findings

Modern developments have led to an increased expectation in improved quality of life as the main goal of reconstruction, therefore necessitating surgery with less morbidity and early return to normal activity. Progress in microsurgical procedures has been the main recent advance in perineal reconstruction and, in future, refinements in perforator flap design and tissue engineering techniques will lead to even better reconstructions.
22-year longitudinal study of repetitive colonoscopy in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer
Authors: Randall JK , Good CS , Gilbert JM
Published: July 2015

Introduction

We report the outcomes of a long-term surveillance programme for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Methods

The details of patients undergoing a colonoscopy having been referred on the basis of family history of colorectal cancer were entered prospectively into a database. Further colonoscopy was arranged on the basis of the findings. The outcomes assessed included incidence of cancer and adenoma identification at initial and subsequent colonoscopy.

Results

The records of 2,293 patients (917 men; median patient age: 51 years) were entered over 22 years, giving data on 3,982 colonoscopies. Eight adverse events (0.2%) were recorded. Twenty-seven cancers were found at first colonoscopy and thirteen developed during the follow-up period. There were significantly more cancers identified in those with more than one first-degree relative with cancer than in other groups (p=0.01). The number of adenomas identified at subsequent surveillance colonoscopies remained constant with between 9.3% and 12.0% of patients having adenomas that were removed. Two-thirds (68%) of patients with cancer and three-quarters (77%) with adenomas fell outside the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2006 guidelines.

Conclusions

Repeated colonoscopy continues to yield significant pathology including new cancers. These continue to occur despite removal of adenomas at prior colonoscopies. The majority of patients with cancers and adenomas fell outside the BSG 2006 guidelines; more would have fallen outside the 2010 guidelines.