bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing grain size as a predictor of mid-frequency bottom backscattering strengths
Authors: Gauss Roger C. , Kunz Edward L. , Turgut Altan
Published: November 2013

Scattering from the seabed can be a complex mix of surface roughness and volume heterogeneity contributions. A series of mid-frequency (MF; 1.5–4.5 kHz) bottom backscattering strength data collected by the Naval Research Laboratory at a number of shallow-water locations (Stanton Banks, Malta Plateau, Heceta Bank) is first used to demonstrate the inadequacies of using Lambert’s Law to model bottom backscattering strengths, and that more general empirical power laws, where not only the strength but the angular exponent can vary, are needed to match the data at a given frequency. The Stanton Banks data, where sediment types range from mud to gravel, are then used to explore the extent to which easy-to-access geophysical data (such as surficial grain size distributions from bottom grab samples) may be capable of providing suitable estimates of key model inputs (such as sediment sound speeds/attenuations, density and roughness/volume spectral strengths/exponents). These results show that both grain size and “bottom type” are in general unreliable predictors of the measured MF bottom backscattering strengths, and that a physics-based modeling approach coupled with in-situ environmental characterization is required. [Work supported by ONR.]
Comparison of the finite element method with perturbation theory and the small-slope approximation for acoustic scattering from one-dimensional rough poroelastic surfaces
Authors: Bonomo Anthony L. , Isakson Marcia J. , Chotiros Nicholas P.
Published: November 2013

The finite element method is used to address the problem of acoustic scattering from one-dimensional rough poroelastic surfaces. The poroelastic sediment is modeled following the Biot-Stoll formulation. The rough surfaces are generated using a modified power law spectrum. Both backscattering strengths and bistatic scattering strengths are calculated. These results are compared with lowest order perturbation theory and the lowest order small-slope approximation, as extended to the case of scattering from poroelastic surfaces. It is known that these approximate methods are sufficient for the study of rough surface scattering in the case of sediments modeled as fluids. This work seeks to assess whether or not these methods are accurate when applied to the case of poroelastic sediments. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research, Ocean Acoustics Program.]
Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptococcus suis Serotype 3 Strain YB51
Authors: Wang Kaicheng , Chen Jiming , Yao Huochun , Lu Chengping
Published: November 2013

We report here the second complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus suis
serotype 3 (strain YB51). The genome is 2,043,655 bp in length, which is 14,840 bp longer than the first reported genome of the same serotype, and it covers 2,012 coding sequences, 56 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA loci.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy and risk of suicide in former athletes
Authors: Iverson Grant L
Published: November 2013

Background

In the initial autopsy case studies of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), some researchers have concluded that the proteinopathy associated with CTE is the underlying cause of suicidality and completed suicide in former athletes.

Methods

A review of the literature on contact sports and risk of completed suicide revealed only one epidemiological study with direct relevant data.

Results

There are no published cross-sectional, epidemiological or prospective studies showing a relation between contact sports and risk of suicide. One published epidemiological study suggests that retired National Football League players have lower rates of death by suicide than the general population. Outside of sports, there is a mature body of evidence suggesting that the causes of suicide are complex, multifactorial and difficult to predict in individual cases.

Conclusions

Future research might establish a clear causal connection between the proteinopathy of CTE and suicide. At present, however, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that there is a strong causal relationship between the presence of these proteinopathies and suicide in former athletes. Additional research is needed to determine the extent to which the neuropathology of CTE is a possible mediator or moderator variable associated with suicide.
The increased risks of death and extra lengths of hospital and ICU stay from hospital-acquired bloodstream infections: a case–control study
Authors: Barnett Adrian G , Page Katie , Campbell Megan , Martin Elizabeth , Rashleigh-Rolls Rebecca , Halton Kate , Paterson David L , Hall Lisa , Jimmieson Nerina , White Katherine , Graves Nicholas
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are known to increase the risk of death and prolong hospital stay, but precise estimates of these two important outcomes from well-designed studies are rare, particularly for non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We aimed to calculate accurate estimates, which are vital for estimating the economic costs of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

9 Australian public hospitals.

Participants

All the patients were admitted between 2005 and 2010.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Risk of death and extra length of hospital stay associated with nosocomial infection.

Results

The greatest increase in the risk of death was for a bloodstream infection with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(HR=4.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 7.6). This infection also had the longest extra length of stay to discharge in a standard bed (12.8 days, 95% CI 6.2 to 26.1 days). All the eight bloodstream infections increased the length of stay in the ICU, with longer stays for the patients who eventually died (mean increase 0.7–6.0 days) compared with those who were discharged (mean increase: 0.4–3.1 days). The three most common organisms associated with Gram-negative infection wereEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandKlebsiella pneumonia.

Conclusions

Bloodstream infections are associated with an increased risk of death and longer hospital stay. Avoiding infections could save lives and free up valuable bed days.
Accuracy of faecal occult blood test andHelicobacter pyloristool antigen test for detection of upper gastrointestinal lesions
Authors: Lee Yi-Chia , Chiu Han-Mo , Chiang Tsung-Hsien , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Yeh Yen-Po , Liao Chao-Sheng , Hu Tsung-Hui , Tu Chia-Hung , Tseng Ping-Huei , Chen Chien-Chuan , Chen Mei-Jyh , Liou Jyh-Ming , Liao Wei-Chih , Lai Yo-Ping , Wang Chen-Ping , Ko Jenq-Yuh , Wang Hsiu-Po , Chiang Hung , Lin Jaw-Town , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Wu Ming-Shiang
Published: November 2013

Objective

Highly sensitive guaiac-based faecal occult blood (Hemoccult SENSA) andHelicobacter pyloristool antigen testing might help detect upper gastrointestinal lesions when appended to a colorectal cancer screening programme with faecal immunochemical testing. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracies of two stool tests in detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions.

Design

Cross-sectional design.

Setting

Hospital-based and community-based screening settings.

Participants

A hospital-based deviation cohort of 3172 participants to evaluate test performance and a community-based validation cohort of 3621 to verify the findings.

Interventions

Three types of stool tests with bidirectional endoscopy as the reference standard.

Outcomes

Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Results

For detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions in cases with negative immunochemical tests, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the guaiac-based andH pyloriantigen tests were 16.3% (95% CI 13.3% to 19.8%), 90.1% (88.9% to 91.2%), 1.64 (1.31 to 2.07), and 0.93 (0.89 to 0.97), respectively, and 52.5% (48.1% to 56.9%), 80.6% (79.0% to 82.1%), 2.71 (2.41 to 3.04) and 0.59 (0.54 to 0.65), respectively. For detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions in cases with normal colonoscopy, the results of the guaiac-based andH pyloriantigen tests were 17.9% (14.8% to 21.5%), 90.1% (88.9% to 91.2%), 1.81 (1.45 to 2.26) and 0.91 (0.87 to 0.95), respectively, and 53.1% (48.6% to 57.4%), 80.7% (79.1% to 82.2%), 2.75 (2.45 to 3.08) and 0.58 (0.53 to 0.64), respectively. Within the community, positive predictive values of the immunochemical andH pyloriantigen tests were 36.0% (26.0% to 46.0%) and 31.9% (28.3% to 35.5%), respectively, for detecting lower and upper gastrointestinal lesions, which were similar to expected values.

Conclusions

TheH pyloristool antigen test is more accurate than the guaiac-based test in the screening of upper gastrointestinal lesions in a population with high prevalence ofH pyloriinfection and upper gastrointestinal lesions. It is applicable to add theH pyloriantigen test to the immunochemical test for pan detection.

Trial registration

NCT01341197 (ClinicalTrial.gov).
AN ANALYSIS OF ELM APPROXIMATE ERROR BASED ON RANDOM WEIGHT MATRIX
Authors: WANG RAN , KWONG SAM , WANG DEBBY D.
Published: November 2013

It is experimentally observed that the approximate errors of extreme learning machine (ELM) are dependent on the uniformity of training samples after the network architecture is fixed, and the uniformity, which is usually measured by the variance of distances among samples, varies with the linear transformation induced by the random weight matrix. By analyzing the dimension increase process in ELM, this paper gives an approximate relation between the uniformities before and after the linear transformation. Furthermore, by restricting ELM with a two-dimensional space, it gives an upper bound of ELM approximate error which is dependent on the distributive uniformity of training samples. The analytic results provide some useful guidelines to make clear the impact of random weights on ELM approximate ability and improve ELM prediction accuracy.
ALLOCATING SYSTEMIC RISK IN A REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: GOURIEROUX C. , MONFORT A.
Published: November 2013

The paper proposes an axiomatic approach for allocating aggregate risk among individual entities. It is shown that a risk allocation system should obey two axioms. The allocations satisfying these axioms are called coherent risk contributions and are characterized. In the paper, the contribution of each entity is decomposed into a systemic part, an unsystemic part and, possibly, a cross effect. Consequences in terms of regulation are discussed.
A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT SOLUTION ALGORITHMS FOR THE NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE–BRIDGE INTERACTION
Authors: LIU K. , ZHANG N. , XIA H. , DE ROECK G.
Published: November 2013

The interaction between a bridge and a train moving on the bridge is a coupled dynamic problem. The equations of motion of the bridge and the vehicle are coupled by the time dependent contact forces. At each time step, the motion of the bridge influences the forces transferred to the vehicle and this, in turn, changes the forces acting on the bridge. In this paper, a comparison of three different time domain solution algorithms for the coupled equation of motion of the train–bridge system is presented. Guidelines are given for a good choice of the time step.
MASONRY-INFILLED RC FRAMES SUBJECTED TO COMBINED IN-PLANE AND OUT-OF-PLANE LOADING
Authors: YUEN Y. P. , KUANG J. S.
Published: November 2013

The structural responses of infilled frames subjected to combined in-plane and out-of-plane loadings are usually analyzed by separately applying in-plane and out-of-plane loads. The interaction effect of in-plane and out-of-plane loads on the structural behavior of the frames is ignored; thus errors in predicting the actual force-transfer mechanisms and modes of failure of the structures can be incurred. To solve the problem, this paper presents a discrete finite element modeling technique, which employs a damage-based cohesive crack representation of fracture behavior of masonry infills, followed by a study on the force-transfer mechanisms and failure modes of the anchored and unanchored infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to interactive in-plane and out-of-plane loads. The analysis indicates that under out-of-plane loading the diagonal compressive thrust of masonry-infill walls, which is induced by in-plane lateral loading and acts on the walls, may reduce the in-plane load capacity of the RC frame by up to 50% and cause buckling of infill walls. On the other hand, the anchorage can effectively prevent the separation of infill walls from the bounding frame and provide stabilizing forces to the walls against buckling.
Influence of transverse mode on retinal spot size and retinal injury effect: A theoretical analysis on 532-nm laser
Authors: Wang Jia-Rui , Yu Guang-Yuan , Yang Zai-Fu , Jiao Lu-Guang , Chen Hong-Xia , Zou Xian-Biao
Published: November 2013

The fundamental transverse mode (TEM00) is preferable for experimental and theoretical study on the laser-induced retinal injury effect, for it can produce the minimal retinal image and establish the most strict laser safety standards. But actually lasers with higher order mode were frequently used in both earlier and recent studies. Generally higher order mode leads to larger retinal spot size and so higher damage threshold, but there are few quantitative analyses on this problem. In this paper, a four-surface schematic eye model is established for human and macaque. The propagation of 532-nm laser in schematic eye is analyzed by the ABCD law of Gaussian optics. It is shown that retinal spot size increases with laser transverse mode order. For relative lower mode order, the retinal spot diameter will not exceed the minimum laser-induced retinal lesion (25 ~ 30 μm in diameter), and so has little effect on retinal damage threshold. While for higher order mode, the larger retinal spot requires more energy to induce injury and so the damage threshold increases. When beam divergence is lowered, the retinal spot size decreases correspondingly, so the effect of mode order can be compensated. The retinal spot size of macaque is slightly smaller than that of human and the ratio between them is independent of mode order. We conclude that the laser mode order has significant influence on retinal spot size but limited influence on the retinal injury effect.
Selection of stable equivalent wavebands for near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of total nitrogen in soil
Authors: Chen Jiemei , Pan Tao , Liu Guisong , Han Yun , Chen Dingxing
Published: November 2013

The selection of stable wavebands for the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic analysis of total nitrogen (TN) in soil was accomplished by using an improved moving window partial least squares (MWPLS) method. A new modeling approach was performed based on randomness, similarity and stability, which produced an objective, stable and practical model. Based on the MWPLS method, a search was in the overall scanning region from 400 to 2498 nm, and the optimal waveband was identified to be 1424 to 2282 nm. A model space that includes 41 wavebands that are equivalent to the optimal waveband was then proposed. The public range of the 41 equivalent optimal wavebands was 1590 to 1870 nm, which contained sufficient TN information. The wavebands of 1424 to 2282 nm, 1590 to 1870 nm, and the long-NIR region 1100 to 2498 nm all achieved satisfactory validation effects. However, the public waveband of 1590 to 1870 nm had only a minimum number of wavelengths, which significantly reduced the method complexity. Various equivalent wavebands serve as guidelines for designing spectroscopic instruments. These wavebands could address the restrictions of position and the number of wavelengths in instrument design.
Rapid screening and visual tracing of melamine in soybean meal by NIR microscopy imaging
Authors: Yang Zengling , Wang Chengte , Han Lujia , Li Jing , Liu Xian
Published: November 2013

Near infrared microscopy imaging offers the opportunity to explore not only what kinds of chemical species are present at micro-scale level but also where the chemical species would be present. By revealing the spectral and spatial information, the technique can identify and localize any interested component. This study investigates the feasibility of using Near infrared microscopy imaging to detect melamine in soybean meal. The results showed that 6805 cm-1is very sensitive for melamine but not for soybean meal, so can be used for univariate analysis. Single wavelength image and peak integration image at 6805 cm-1are simple and effective methods to detect the melamine in soybean meal. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis is applied to detect the melamine in soybean meal.
Partitioning pulmonary vascular resistance using the reservoir-wave model
Authors: Bouwmeester J. Christopher , Belenkie Israel , Shrive Nigel G. , Tyberg John V.
Published: November 2013

The conventional determination of pulmonary vascular resistance does not indicate which vascular segments contribute to the total resistance of the pulmonary circulation. Using measurements of pressure and flow, the reservoir-wave model can be used to partition total pulmonary vascular resistance into arterial, microcirculation, and venous components. Changes to these resistance components are investigated during hypoxia and inhaled nitric oxide, volume loading, and positive end-expiratory pressure. The reservoir-wave model defines the pressure of a volume-related reservoir and the asymptotic pressure. The mean values of arterial and venous reservoir pressures and arterial and venous asymptotic pressures define a series of resistances between the main pulmonary artery and the pulmonary veins: the resistance of large and small arteries, the microcirculation, and veins. In 11 anaesthetized, open-chest dogs, pressure and flow were measured in the main pulmonary artery and a single pulmonary vein. Volume loading reduced each vascular resistance component, whereas positive end-expiratory pressure only increased microcirculation resistance. Hypoxia increased the resistance of small arteries and veins, whereas nitric oxide only decreased small-artery resistance significantly. The reservoir-wave model provides a novel method to deconstruct total pulmonary vascular resistance. The results are consistent with the expected physiological responses of the pulmonary circulation and provide additional information regarding which segments of the pulmonary circulation react to hypoxia and nitric oxide.
Mechanism and Physiological Significance of Growth Factor-Related Autophagy
Authors: Li Terytty Yang , Lin Shu-Yong , Lin Sheng-Cai
Published: November 2013

Growth factors, typically defined as natural substances capable of stimulating cell growth and differentiation, are vital regulators for the survival of metazoan cells. In this review, we will focus on growth factor signaling pathways that are closely related to autophagy induction and discuss the critical roles of this fascinating cellular process in intracellular energy homeostasis, cell fate determination, and pathophysiological regulation.
Insulin Sensitivity Assessed by Stable Isotopes with Oral Glucose Administration: Validation with Euglycaemic Clamp
Authors: Bluck Leslie , Williams Rachel , Jackson Sarah , Salgin Burak , Acerini Carlo , Dunger David
Published: November 2013

Methods of determining insulin sensitivity that use an oral challenge of glucose are preferred to those using intravenous administration since the measurement is made in conditions more akin to normal physiology. One previously reported protocol (ODILE) studies glucose uptake in isolation from absorption and endogenous production by the intravenous administration of tracer approximately forty-five minutes after the oral dose is given. However, this methodology has not been validated against other accredited procedures. This study utilizes the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in order to validate the ODILE method.
Chemical Composition of the Essential oil of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. Roots from India
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K.
Published: November 2013

The hydrodistilled essential oil of the roots of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. was analysed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of twenty‐nine compounds have been identified, accounting 97.6% of the total oil. The main constituents were himachalol (24.2%), 7‐isopropyl‐1,4‐dimethyl‐2‐azulenol (17.6%), androencecalinol (14.1%), and 2‐methoxy‐6‐(1‐methoxy‐2‐propenyl) naphthalene (5.6%). The essential oil consists mainly of phenyl derivatives (41.6%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes ((26.6%), long‐chain hydrocarbons (18.9%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (6.8%), oxygenated monoterpenes (2.8%), and monoterpene hydrocarbons (0.9%). This study revealed that the roots of C. odorata produced different chemotypes other than leaves oil. This is the first report on the essential oil composition of the roots of C. odorata.
PSF Knockdown Enhances Apoptosis via Downregulation of LC3B in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Tsukahara Tamotsu , Matsuda Yoshikazu , Haniu Hisao
Published: November 2013

Our previous study demonstrated that PTB-associated splicing factor (PSF) is an important regulator of cell death and plays critical roles in the survival and growth of colon cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism that activates these downstream signaling events remains unknown. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of PSF knockdown in two different colon cancer cell lines, DLD-1 and HT-29. We found that knockdown of PSF markedly decreased the autophagic molecule LC3B in DLD-1 cells but not in HT-29 cells. Furthermore, DLD-1 cells were more susceptible to PSF knockdown-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis than HT-29 cells. This susceptibility is probably a result of LC3B inhibition, given the known relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. C3B is associated with a number of physiological processes, including cell growth and apoptotic cell death. Our results suggest that autophagy is inhibited by PSF knockdown and that apoptosis and cell growth inhibition may act together to mediate the PSF-LC3B signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-PSF complex induced LC3B downregulation in DLD-1 cells. The results of this study identify a new physiological role for the PSF-LC3B axis as a potential endogenous modulator of colon cancer treatment.
APF-Based Car Following Behavior Considering Lateral Distance
Authors: Yang Zhao-Sheng , Yu Yao , Yu De-Xin , Zhou Hu-Xing , Mo Xiang-Lun
Published: November 2013

Considering the influence of lateral distance on consecutive vehicles, this paper proposes a new car following model based on the artificial potential field theory (APF). Traditional car following behaviors all assume that the vehicles are driving along the middle of a lane. Different from the traditional car following principles, this incorporation of APF offers a potential breakthrough in the fields of car following theory. The individual vehicle can be represented as a unit point charge in electric field, and the interaction of the attractive potential energy and the repellent potential energy between vehicles simplifies the various influence factors on the target vehicle in actual following behavior. Consequently, it can make a better analysis of the following behavior under the lateral separation. Then, the proposed model has been demonstrated in simulation environment, through which the space-time trajectories and the potential energy change regulation are obtained. Simulations verify that the following vehicle's behavior is vulnerable to be affected by lateral distance, where the attractive potential energy tends to become repellent potential energy as the longitudinal distance decreases. The search results prove that the proposed model quantifies the relations between headway and potential energy and better reflects the following process in real-world situation.
Hydraulic Transients Induced by Pigging Operation in Pipeline with a Long Slope
Authors: Deng Tao , Gong Jing , Wu Haihao , Zhang Yu , Zhang Siqi , Lin Qi , Liu Huishu
Published: November 2013

Pigging in pipelines basically performs operations for five reasons including cleaning the pipe interior, batching or separating dissimilar products, displacement, measurement, and internal inspection. A model has been proposed for the dynamic simulation of the pigging process after water pressure testing in a long slope pipeline. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze two serious accidents during pigging operation in 2010 by the model which is developed by the method of characteristic (MOC) by Wylie et al. (1993) and the two-phase homogeneous equilibrium vaporous cavitation model deveoped by Shu (2003) for vaporous cavitation. Moreover, simulation results of the third operation show good agreement with field data from the previous field trial. After investigation, it was showed that the impulse pressures produced during collapse of a vapor cavity result in severe damage of tubes.
Thalidomide Embryopathy: An Enigmatic Challenge
Authors: Vargesson Neil
Published: November 2013

Thalidomide remains one of the world’s most notorious drugs due to the severe birth defects it induced in children between 1957 and 1962. Yet, to some this drug is a lifesaver, as it now enjoys renaissance in the treatment for a wide range of conditions including leprosy, multiple myeloma, Behcet’s disease, and some cancers. However, thalidomide has also been linked to causing a new generation of thalidomide survivors in Brazil, where the drug is used to treat leprosy. Surprisingly how thalidomide causes birth defects and how it acts in the treatment of clinical conditions are still far from clear. In the past decade great strides in our understanding of the actions of the drug, as well as molecular targets, have been made. The purpose of this review is to look at the recent work carried out into understanding how thalidomide causes birth defects, it’s molecular targets and the challenges that remain to be elucidated. These challenges include identifying clinically relevant but nonteratogenic forms of the drug, and the mechanisms underlying phocomelia and species specificity.
Loranthus pulverulentus: A Potent Source of Natural Antioxidants and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Raza Muhammad Asam , Kausar Rukhsana , Rana Faraz Ali , Danish Muhammad , Shahwar Durre , Anwar Farwa
Published: November 2013

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Loranthus pulverulentus. Stem bark, leaves, and seeds of Loranthus pulverulentus were extracted in methanol:water (90 : 10) and partitioned with n‐hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n‐butanol successively using partition chromatography. Total phenolic contents and antioxidant potential were checked using standard protocols. Total phenolic contents of all extracts were determined, using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, and ranged between 151 ± 2.1 and 396 ± 1.6 for stem bark, 137 ± 0.9 and 430 ± 2.2 for, and 39 ± 0.6 and 231 ± 1.7 for seeds. The antioxidant potential of extracts was evaluated; namely, DPPH, FRAP, and total antioxidant models. The ethyl acetate extract of stem‐bark, leaves, and seeds showed the highest activity in DPPH (94.5 ± 2.1%, 96.30 ± 0.9%, and 92.30 ± 1.1%, IC50 15.9 ± 0.5 μg, 14.5 ± 0.8, and 102.7 ± 1.3, resp.), FRAP (7.7 ± 0.6, 7.5 ± 0.7 and 6.6 ± 0.7, resp.), and total antioxidant (0.95 ± 0.09, 1.19 ± 0.09, and 0.686 ± 0.08, resp.). Strong correlations were observed between total phenols versus total antioxidant activity, DPPH, and FRAP with R2 values ranging from 0.8185 to 0.9951 (stem‐bark), 0.6728 to 0.8648 (leaves), and 0.8658 to 0.9910 (seed) which indicated that phenolic contents are the major constituents responsible for antioxidant activity.
New Data on Food Consumption in Pre-Hispanic Populations from Northwest Argentina (ca. 1000–1550 A.D.): The Contribution of Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Composition of Human Bones
Authors: Gheggi María Soledad , Williams Verónica Isabel
Published: November 2013

We present data on carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of human bones from Tolombón (Calchaqui Valley, Salta) and Esquina de Huajra (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy) sites located in Northwest Argentina (NWA). Both are complex archaeological residential settlements ascribed to the Regional Development Period (ca. 900–1430 A.D.), the Inca Period (ca. 1430–1536 A.D.), and the Early Colonial Period (ca. 1536–1600 A.D.). Twelve samples of human bones were collected and analyzed, including remains from individuals of both sexes and different ages at death. We also present the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of modern plants from nearby areas in order to start building an isotopic ecology of the area and compile available information on food consumption from different lines of evidence. The isotopic results obtained reveal the consumption of C4plants, which for the area are maize and amaranth, combined with animal proteins. The integration of these results with the broader database was useful to discuss the political and economical implications of the findings, especially in the context of this area under the Inca domination.
Classification of Boolean Functions Where Affine Functions Are Uniformly Distributed
Authors: Rout Ranjeet Kumar , Pal Choudhury Pabitra , Sahoo Sudhakar
Published: November 2013

The present paper on classification of -variable Boolean functions highlights the process of classification in a coherent way such that each class contains a single affine Boolean function. Two unique and different methods have been devised for this classification. The first one is a recursive procedure that uses the Cartesian product of sets starting from the set of one variable Boolean functions. In the second method, the classification is done by changing some predefined bit positions with respect to the affine function belonging to that class. The bit positions which are changing also provide us information concerning the size and symmetry properties of the classes/subclasses in such a way that the members of classes/subclasses satisfy certain similar properties.
Molecular Modeling Studies of Piperidine Derivatives as New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors against Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: da Cunha Elaine F. F. , Resende José E. , Franca Tanos C. C. , Gonçalves Mateus Aquino , de Souza Felipe R. , Santos-Garcia Letícia , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: November 2013

Neurodegenerative disorders are related to the progressive loss of structure or function and, eventually, death of neurons. These processes are responsible for diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s, and the main molecular target for the drug design against these illnesses today is the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Following this line, in the present work, we applied docking techniques to study some piperidine derivative inhibitors of AChE and further propose structures of six new AChE inhibitors as potential new drugs against neurodegenerative disorders. The best inhibitor proposed was submitted to additional molecular dynamics simulations steps.
Imidazole: Having Versatile Biological Activities
Authors: Verma Amita , Joshi Sunil , Singh Deepika
Published: November 2013

Imidazoles have occupied a unique position in heterocyclic chemistry, and its derivatives have attracted considerable interests in recent years for their versatile properties in chemistry and pharmacology. Imidazole is nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic ring which possesses biological and pharmaceutical importance. Thus, imidazole compounds have been an interesting source for researchers for more than a century. The imidazole ring is a constituent of several important natural products, including purine, histamine, histidine, and nucleic acid. Being a polar and ionisable aromatic compound, it improves pharmacokinetic characteristics of lead molecules and thus is used as a remedy to optimize solubility and bioavailability parameters of proposed poorly soluble lead molecules. There are several methods used for the synthesis of imidazole‐containing compounds, and also their various structure reactions offer enormous scope in the field of medicinal chemistry. The imidazole derivatives possess extensive spectrum of biological activities such as antibacterial, anticancer, antitubercular, antifungal, analgesic, and anti‐HIV activities. This paper aims to review the biological activities of imidazole during the past years.
On the Problem of Energy Balanced Relay Sensor Placement in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jia Jie , Zhang Guiyuan , Wu Xueli , Chen Jian , Wang Xingwei , Yan Xiaolei
Published: November 2013

Balanced energy depletion is an important way to prolong network lifetime for wireless sensor networks. Traditional algorithms mainly aim at maximizing network coverage rate with uniform sensor node distribution. However, wireless sensor network is characterized by many-to-one traffic pattern and multihop communication, which usually lead to the energy hole problem in the region around the sink node. In this paper, we investigate the problem of joint placement for both relays and sensors to eliminate energy hole. We first theoretically conclude that balanced energy depletion is achievable with rational designed deployment density for relay nodes. We then propose a novel relay deploying strategy as well as a data routing scheme to eliminate uneven energy depletion. Extensive simulations are presented to verify that our approach outperforms other schemes in terms of both network lifetime and unused energy ratio.
Wt-1 Expression Linked to Nitric Oxide Availability during Neonatal Obstructive Nephropathy
Authors: Mazzei Luciana , Manucha Walter
Published: November 2013

Thewt-1gene encodes a zinc finger DNA-binding protein that acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor depending on the cellular or chromosomal context. Thewt-1regulates the expression of a large number of genes that have a critical role in kidney development. Congenital obstructive nephropathy disrupts normal renal development and causes chronic progressive interstitial fibrosis, which contributes to renal growth arrest, ultimately leading to chronic renal failure. Wt-1 is downregulated during congenital obstructive nephropathy, leading to apoptosis. Of great interest, nitric oxide bioavailability associated with heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) interaction may modulatewt-1mRNA expression, preventing obstruction-induced cell death during neonatal unilateral ureteral obstruction. Moreover, recent genetic researches have allowed characterization of many of the complex interactions among the individual components cited, but the realization of new biochemical, molecular, and functional experiments as proposed in our and other research labs allows us to establish a deeper level of commitment among proteins involved and the potential pathogenic consequences of their imbalance.
Alteration of Energy Substrates and ROS Production in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lorenzo O. , Ramírez E. , Picatoste B. , Egido J. , Tuñón J.
Published: November 2013

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is initiated by alterations in energy substrates. Despite excess of plasma glucose and lipids, the diabetic heart almost exclusively depends on fatty acid degradation. Glycolytic enzymes and transporters are impaired by fatty acid metabolism, leading to accumulation of glucose derivatives. However, fatty acid oxidation yields lower ATP production per mole of oxygen than glucose, causing mitochondrial uncoupling and decreased energy efficiency. In addition, the oxidation of fatty acids can saturate and cause their deposition in the cytosol, where they deviate to induce toxic metabolites or gene expression by nuclear-receptor interaction. Hyperglycemia, the fatty acid oxidation pathway, and the cytosolic storage of fatty acid and glucose/fatty acid derivatives are major inducers of reactive oxygen species. However, the presence of these species can be essential for physiological responses in the diabetic myocardium.
Influence of SiC/Si3N4 Hybrid Nanoparticles on Polymer Tensile Properties
Authors: Rangari Vijaya K. , Yousuf M. , Jeelani Shaik
Published: November 2013

Nanostructured silicon carbide (SiC)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) hybrid nanoparticles exhibit a high-potential for reinforcement of polymers. In the present investigation, silicon carbide (β-SiC) nanoparticles (~30 nm) were sonochemically coated on acicular silicon nitride (~100 nm × 800 nm) particles to increase the thermal and mechanical properties of Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers. To produce Nylon-6/(SiC/Si3N4) nanocomposite fibers, we have followed a two-step process. In the first step, SiC nanoparticles were coated on Si3N4 nanorods using a sonochemical method and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide surfactant. In the second step, the SiC coated Si3N4 hybrid nanoparticles were blended with Nylon-6 polymer and extruded in the form of nanocomposite polymer fibers. The nanocomposite fibers were uniformly stretched and stabilized using a two-set Godet roll machine. The diameters of the extruded neat Nylon-6 and SiC/Si3N4/Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers were measured using a scanning electron microscope and then tested for their tensile and thermal properties. These results were compared with the neat Nylon-6 polymer fibers. These results clearly indicate that the as-prepared nanocomposite polymer fibers are much higher in tensile strength (242%) and Young’s modulus (716%) as compared to the neat polymer fibers.
Distributed k-Coverage Decision Scheme for System Deployment in Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Nan Guofang , Lian Huidong , Li Minqiang
Published: November 2013

K-coverage sensor deployment is an important issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) applications. This is because an efficient topology structure significantly affects the quality of service and lifetime of WSNs. In the present work, we study the sensor deployment problem and propose novel distributed decision schemes to guide sensor movement to achieve k-coverage deployment. In our schemes, the kth order Voronoi diagram is used to discover the regions that do not meet the k-coverage requirement. Two different movement strategies are designed to determine the optimal location of each mobile sensor through local topological information. Finally, simulation results validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed schemes.
The Utility of Outcome Measures in Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Dowsey Michelle M. , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: November 2013

Total knee replacement (TKR) is the mainstay of treatment for people with end-stage knee OA among suitably “fit” candidates. As a high cost, high volume procedure with a worldwide demand that continues to grow it has become increasingly popular to measure response to surgery. While the majority who undergo TKR report improvements in pain and function following surgery, a significant proportion of patients report dissatisfaction with surgery as a result of ongoing pain or poor function. Poor outcomes of TKR require care that imposes on already overburdened health systems. Accurate and meaningful capture and interpretation of outcome data are imperative for appropriate patient selection, informing those at risk, and for developing strategies to mitigate the risk of poor results and dissatisfaction. The ways in which TKR outcomes are captured and analysed, the level of follow-up, the types of outcome measures used, and the timing of their application vary considerably within the literature. With this in mind, we reviewed four of the most commonly used joint specific outcome measures in TKR. We report on the utility, strengths, and limitations of the Oxford knee score (OKS), knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and knee society clinical rating system (KSS).
Therapeutic Effects of Tai Chi in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Choi Hye-Jung , Garber Carol Ewing , Jun Tae-Won , Jin Young-Soo , Chung Sun-Ju , Kang Hyun-Joo
Published: November 2013

Objective. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week program of therapeutic Tai Chi on the motor function and physical function of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease patients (PDs). Methods. The participants were 22 clinically stable PDs in Hoehn-Yahr stages 1-2 randomly assigned to a therapeutic Tai Chi group (TTC, N=11) or a control group (CON, N=9). Two subjects in control group did not complete the study for personal reasons. TTC was performed three days a week (60 min/session). Motor symptoms by the UPDRS were assessed, and tests of physical function were administered before and after the 12-week trial. Results. The TTC group, as compared to the CON group, showed changes in the mentation, behavior, mood, and motor scales of the UPDRS (P<0.05, P<0.01, resp.), with no significant main effects on the activities of daily living scale (ADL). However, there was a significant interaction between the time and intervention group on ADL (P<0.05). There were no significant main effects for any of the physical function variables. There were significant interaction effects in balance and agility (P<0.05, resp.). Conclusions. This study showed that TTC training had modest positive effects on the functional status of Parkinson’s disease patients.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Kidney Transplantation Is an Early Marker of Graft Dysfunction and Is Associated with One-Year Renal Function
Authors: Fonseca Isabel , Oliveira José Carlos , Almeida Manuela , Cruz Madalena , Malho Anabela , Martins La Salete , Dias Leonídio , Pedroso Sofia , Santos Josefina , Lobato Luísa , Castro Henriques António , Mendonça Denisa
Published: November 2013

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) has been suggested as potential early marker of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation (KTx). We conducted a prospective study in 40 consecutive KTx recipients to evaluate serial changes of uNGAL within the first week after KTx and assess its performance in predicting DGF (dialysis requirement during initial posttransplant week) and graft function throughout first year. Urine samples were collected on post-KTx days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7. Linear mixed and multivariable regression models, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC), and areas under ROC curves were used. At all-time points, mean uNGAL levels were significantly higher in patients developing DGF (n=18). Shortly after KTx (3–6 h), uNGAL values were higher in DGF recipients (on average +242 ng/mL, considering mean dialysis time of 4.1 years) and rose further in following days, contrasting with prompt function recipients. Day-1 uNGAL levels accurately predicted DGF (AUC-ROC = 0.93), with a performance higher than serum creatinine (AUC-ROC = 0.76), and similar to cystatin C (AUC-ROC = 0.95). Multivariable analyses revealed that uNGAL levels at days 4 and 7 were strongly associated with one-year serum creatinine. Urinary NGAL is an early marker of graft injury and is independently associated with dialysis requirement within one week after KTx and one-year graft function.
Order Picking Optimization in Carousels Storage System
Authors: Wang Xiong-zhi , Wang Guo-qing , Li Xiao-chun
Published: November 2013

This paper addresses the order picking problem in a material handling system consisting of multiple carousels and one picker. Carousels are rotatable closed-loop storage systems for small items, where items are stored in bins along the loop. An order at carousels consists ofndifferent items stored there. The objective is to find an optimal picking sequence to minimizing the total order picking time. After proving the problem to be strongly NP-hard and deriving two characteristics, we develop a dynamic programming algorithm (DPA) for a special case (two-carousel storage system) and an improved nearest items heuristics (INIH) for the general problem. Experimental results verify that the solutions are quickly and steadily achieved and show their better performance.
Comments on Thermal Physical Properties Testing Methods of Phase Change Materials
Authors: Xie Jingchao , Li Yue , Wang Weilun , Pan Song , Cui Na , Liu Jiaping
Published: November 2013

There is no standard testing method of the thermal physical properties of phase change materials (PCM). This paper has shown advancements in this field. Developments and achievements in thermal physical properties testing methods of PCM were commented, including differential scanning calorimetry, T-history measurement, the water bath method, and differential thermal analysis. Testing principles, advantages and disadvantages, and important points for attention of each method were discussed. A foundation for standardized testing methods for PCM was made.
Circulating Cytokines and Histological Liver Damage in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Poovorawan Kittiyod , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Chirathaworn Chintana , Wisedopas Naruemon , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Komolmit Piyawat , Poovorawan Yong
Published: November 2013

Each phase of hepatitis B infection stimulates distinct viral kinetics and host immune responses resulting in liver damage and hepatic fibrosis. Our objective has been to correlate host inflammatory immune response including circulating Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection with liver histopathology. Sixty-four patients with chronic hepatitis B without previous treatment were recruited. The liver histology and histological activity index were assessed for various degrees of necroinflammation and hepatic fibrosis. We determined circulating levels of the Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Forty-six males and 18 females at a median age of 34.5 years were studied. HBeAg was present in 28/64 (43.75%) of the patients. In patients negative for HBeAg, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were significantly correlated with degrees of necroinflammation (r=0.34, r=0.38, resp.; P<0.05). Moreover, TNF-alpha was significantly correlated with degrees of fibrosis (r=0.35; P<0.05), and IL-10 and TNF-alpha were significantly correlated with significant fibrosis (r=0.39, r=0.35, resp.; P<0.05). These correlations were found in the HBeAg negative group as opposed to the HBeAg positive group. In HBeAg negative patients, circulating cytokines IL-10 and IFN-gamma were correlated with degrees of necroinflammation, whereas IL-10 and TNF-alpha were correlated with significant fibrosis.
Size Control of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Reverse Microemulsion Method: Morphology, Reduction, and Catalytic Activity in CO Hydrogenation
Authors: Housaindokht Mohammad Reza , Nakhaei Pour Ali
Published: November 2013

Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by microemulsion method and evaluated in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. The precipitation process was performed in a single‐phase microemulsion operating region. Different HLB values of surfactant were prepared by mixing of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X‐100. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter, pore size distribution, and XRD patterns were used to analyze size distribution, shape, and structure of precipitated hematite nanoparticles. Furthermore, temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and catalytic activity in CO hydrogenation were implemented to assess the performance of the samples. It was found that methane and CO2 selectivity and also the syngas conversion increased as the HLB value of surfactant decreased. In addition, the selectivity to heavy hydrocarbons and chain growth probability (α) decreased by decreasing the catalyst crystal size.