bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach to the Approximation of Common Fixed Points of an Infinite Family of Relatively Quasinonexpansive Mappings with Applications
Authors: Deng Wei-Qi
Published: September 2012

By using a specific way of choosing the indexes, we propose an iteration algorithm generated by the monotone CQ method for approximating common fixed points of an infinite family of relatively quasinonexpansive mappings. A strong convergence theorem without the stronger assumptions of the AKTT condition and the ∗AKTT condition imposed on the involved mappings is established in the framework of Banach space. As application, an iterative solution to a system of equilibrium problems is studied. The result is more applicable than those of other authors with related interest.
Skeletal Muscle Haemangioma: A Cause for Chronic Pain about the Knee: A Case Report
Authors: Kiran Kopuri Ravi , Suresh Babu T. V. , Babu S. Suresh , Deepti K.
Published: September 2012

Skeletal muscle haemangiomas are uncommon soft tissue tumors; more than 90% are misdiagnosed initially. They present as chronic pain and swelling in a muscle with or without a history of trauma. Plain X-rays, bone scans, computerized tomography (CT) studies, and angiography studies may not always be specific for this tumor. Diagnostic ultrasound is an appropriate initial imaging modality for suspected haemangioma, although magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice. Many treatment modalities for the symptomatic haemangiomas are available of which surgical excision is the most preferred. We present an unusual case of pain, swelling, and restriction of movements in the right knee following an episode of trauma in a 12-year-old boy who was being followed for 1 year by a general practioner and later referred to us. The patient was diagnosed to have intramuscular cavernous haemangioma in the vastus medialis by us for which he was treated by surgical excision and followed for 1 year and found to have no recurrence. The clinical features, radiological picture, pathological histology, diagnostic tools, and treatment options have been discussed.
Criteria of Wiener Type for Minimally Thin Sets and Rarefied Sets Associated with the Stationary Schrödinger Operator in a Cone
Authors: Long Pinhong , Gao Zhiqiang , Deng Guantie
Published: September 2012

We give some criteria for a‐minimally thin sets and a‐rarefied sets associated with the stationary Schrödinger operator at a fixed Martin boundary point or ∞ with respect to a cone. Moreover, we show that a positive superfunction on a cone behaves regularly outside an a‐rarefied set. Finally we illustrate the relation between the a‐minimally thin set and the a‐rarefied set in a cone.
Bernoulli Basis and the Product of Several Bernoulli Polynomials
Authors: Kim Dae San , Kim Taekyun
Published: September 2012

We develop methods for computing the product of several Bernoulli and Euler polynomials by using Bernoulli basis for the vector space of polynomials of degree less than or equal ton.
Septic Arthritis of Hip Caused bySalmonella typhi:A Case Report
Authors: Shanthi M. , Sekar Uma , Sridharan K. S.
Published: September 2012

Salmonella typhiusually produces enteric fever and gastroenteritis. The infection may spread through blood stream and present as local suppurative lesions which may involve any site including the bone and joints. We report a case of septic arthritis of hip in a patient with systemic lupus erthematosis. The case is presented for its rarity and to highlight the atypical manifestations ofSalmonella typhiin endemic regions.
Terahertz Generation in an Electrically Biased Optical Fiber: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Qasymeh Montasir
Published: September 2012

We propose and theoretically investigate a novel approach for generating terahertz (THz) radiation in a standard single-mode fiber. The optical fiber is mediated by an electrostatic field, which induces an effective second-order nonlinear susceptibility via the Kerr effect. The THz generation is based on difference frequency generation (DFG). A dispersive fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is utilized to phase match the two interacting optical carriers. A ring resonator is utilized to boost the optical intensities in the biased optical fiber. A mathematical model is developed which is supported by a numerical analysis and simulations. It is shown that a wide spectrum of a tunable THz radiation can be generated, providing a proper design of the FBG and the optical carriers.
Targeting Anabolic Impairment in Response to Resistance Exercise in Older Adults with Mobility Impairments: Potential Mechanisms and Rehabilitation Approaches
Authors: Drummond Micah J. , Marcus Robin L. , LaStayo Paul C.
Published: September 2012

Muscle atrophy is associated with healthy aging (i.e., sarcopenia) and may be compounded by comorbidities, injury, surgery, illness, and physical inactivity. While a bout of resistance exercise increases protein synthesis rates in healthy young skeletal muscle, the effectiveness of resistance exercise to mount a protein synthetic response is less pronounced in older adults. Improving anabolic sensitivity to resistance exercise, thereby enhancing physical function, is most critical in needy older adults with clinical conditions that render them “low responders”. In this paper, we discuss potential mechanisms contributing to anabolic impairment to resistance exercise and highlight the need to improve anabolic responsiveness in low responders. This is followed with evidence suggesting that the recovery period of resistance exercise provides an opportunity to amplify the exercise-induced anabolic response using protein/essential amino acid ingestion. This anabolic strategy, if repeated chronically, may improve lean muscle gains, decrease time to recovery of function during periods of rehabilitation, and overall, maintain/improve physical independence and reduce mortality rates in older adults.
A Time-Space Collocation Spectral Approximation for a Class of Time Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Huang Fenghui
Published: September 2012

A numerical scheme is presented for a class of time fractional differential equations with Dirichlet's and Neumann's boundary conditions. The model solution is discretized in time and space with a spectral expansion of Lagrange interpolation polynomial. Numerical results demonstrate the spectral accuracy and efficiency of the collocation spectral method. The technique not only is easy to implement but also can be easily applied to multidimensional problems.
Numerical Study of the Steady-State Subchannel Test-Case with NEPTUNE_CFD for the OECD/NRC NUPEC PSBT Benchmark
Authors: Baudry C. , Guingo M. , Douce A. , Laviéville J. , Mimouni S. , Boucker M.
Published: September 2012

The multifield computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code NEPTUNE_CFD is applied to carry out a numerical study of the steady-state subchannel test-case of the OECD/NRC NUPEC PWR subchannel and bundle tests (PSBTs) international benchmark, focusing on the simulation of a subset of five selected experimental runs of the centered subchannel configuration. First, using a standard choice for the physical models and a constant, predetermined bubble diameter, the calculated void fraction is compared to experimental data. Besides, the mesh sensitivity of the calculated void fraction is investigated by performing simulations of three grid levels, and the propagation of the experimental uncertainties on the input parameters of the simulations is also studied. Last, calculation results with devoted models for the bubble-size distribution are analyzed. Their impact is visible on the subcooled run, giving void fraction closer to experiments than those obtained with a fixed bubble-size. Void-fraction distribution with bubble-size models is also shown to come closer to experiment for another run with a higher equilibrium quality.
Hybrid Dielectric Resonator Antenna Composed of High-Permittivity Dielectric Resonator for Wireless Communications in WLAN and WiMAX
Authors: Chen Yih-Chien
Published: September 2012

The-hybrid dielectric resonator antenna consisted of a cylindrical high-permittivity dielectric resonator, a rectangular slot, and two-rectangular patches were implemented. The hybrid dielectric resonator antenna had three resonant frequencies. The lower, middle, and higher resonant frequencies were associated with the rectangular slot, rectangular patches, and dielectric resonator, respectively. Parametric investigation was carried out using simulation software. The proposed hybrid dielectric resonator antenna had good agreement between the simulation results and the measurement results. The hybrid dielectric resonator antenna was implemented successfully for application in 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz of WLAN and 2.5/3.5/5.5 GHz of WiMAX simultaneously.
Human Antibodies Can Cross Guinea Pig Placenta and Bind Its Neonatal Fc Receptor: Implications for Studying Immune Prophylaxis and Therapy during Pregnancy
Authors: Struble Evi Budo , Ma Li , Zhong Lilin , Lesher A. , Beren Joel , Zhang Pei
Published: September 2012

Despite increased use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody therapies, including during pregnancy, there is little data on appropriate animal models that could humanely be used to understand determinants of protection and to evaluate safety of these biologics in the mother and the developing fetus. Here, we demonstrate that pregnant guinea pigs can transport human IgG transplacentally at the end of pregnancy. We also observe that human IgG binds to an engineered soluble variant of the guinea pig neonatal Fc receptorin vitroin a manner similar to that demonstrated for the human variant, suggesting that this transplacental transport mirrors the receptor-based mechanism seen in humans. Using an intravenous antihepatitis B-specific immune globulin preparation as an example, we show that this transport results in neutralizing activity in the mother and the newborn that would potentially be prophylactic against hepatitis B viral infection. These preliminary data lay the groundwork for introducing pregnant guinea pigs as an appropriate model for the evaluation of antibody therapies and advancing the health of women and neonates.
Using Genetic Algorithms for Navigation Planning in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Uçan Ferhat , Altılar D. Turgay
Published: September 2012

Navigation planning can be considered as a combination of searching and executing the most convenient flight path from an initial waypoint to a destination waypoint. Generally the aim is to follow the flight path, which provides minimum fuel consumption for the air vehicle. For dynamic environments, constraints change dynamically during flight. This is a special case of dynamic path planning. As the main concern of this paper is flight planning, the conditions and objectives that are most probable to be used in navigation problem are considered. In this paper, the genetic algorithm solution of the dynamic flight planning problem is explained. The evolutionary dynamic navigation planning algorithm is developed for compensating the existing deficiencies of the other approaches. The existing fully dynamic algorithms process unit changes to topology one modification at a time, but when there are several such operations occurring in the environment simultaneously, the algorithms are quite inefficient. The proposed algorithm may respond to the concurrent constraint updates in a shorter time for dynamic environment. The most secure navigation of the air vehicle is planned and executed so that the fuel consumption is minimum.
How Many Diseases Are Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Greystoke A. , Mullamitha S. A.
Published: September 2012

The development of personalised therapy and mechanism-targeted agents in oncology mandates the identification of the patient populations most likely to benefit from therapy. This paper discusses the increasing evidence as to the heterogeneity of the group of diseases called colorectal cancer. Differences in the aetiology and epidemiology of proximal and distal cancers are reflected in different clinical behaviour, histopathology, and molecular characteristics of these tumours. This may impact response both to standard cytotoxic therapies and mechanism-targeted agents. This disease heterogeneity leads to challenges in the design of clinical trials to assess novel therapies in the treatment of “colorectal cancer.”
Qualitative Analysis of Coating Flows on a Rotating Horizontal Cylinder
Authors: Chugunova Marina , Taranets Roman M.
Published: September 2012

We consider a nonlinear 4th-order degenerate parabolic partial differential equation that arises in modelling the dynamics of an incompressible thin liquid film on the outer surface of a rotating horizontal cylinder in the presence of gravity. The parameters involved determine a rich variety of qualitatively different flows. We obtain sufficient conditions for finite speed of support propagation and for waiting time phenomena by application of a new extension of Stampacchia's lemma for a system of functional equations.
Aortic Graft Infection as a Cause of Multiple Brain Infarcts
Authors: Tsirka Vassiliki , Maletic Jelena , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Karacostas Dimitrios
Published: September 2012

Brain embolism of cardiac origin is common in clinical practice. However, embolic brain infarcts due to aortic graft infection are very rare. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with multiple brain infarcts, following an infection of ascending aortic graft. She was presented with fever and acute onset neurological deficit, and she had a previous history of replacement of ascending aorta with a prosthetic graft, because of aortic aneurysm 2 years before her admission. The patient had positive blood cultures and echocardiographic evidence of vegetation in the graft aortic joint, nearby the aortic valves. Despite the severe clinical condition and the poor prognosis, because of the coexistence of cardioembolism and aortic graft infection, our patient had a good outcome with conservative treatment and she will be considered for surgical graft replacement after her full recovery.
Data Fusion Based Hybrid Approach for the Estimation of Urban Arterial Travel Time
Authors: Anusha S. P. , Anand R. A. , Vanajakshi L.
Published: September 2012

Travel time estimation in urban arterials is challenging compared to freeways and multilane highways. This becomes more complex under Indian conditions due to the additional issues related to heterogeneity, lack of lane discipline, and difficulties in data availability. The fact that most of the urban arterials in India do not employ automatic detectors demands the need for an effective, yet less data intensive way of estimating travel time. An attempt has been made in this direction to estimate total travel time in an urban road stretch using the location based flow data and sparse travel time data obtained using GPS equipped probe vehicles. Three approaches are presented and compared in this study: (1) a combination of input‐output analysis for mid‐blocks and Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) based delay calculation at signals named as base method, (2) data fusion approach which employs Kalman filtering technique (nonhybrid method), and (3) a hybrid data fusion HCM (hybrid DF‐HCM) method. Data collected from a stretch of roadway in Chennai, India was used for the corroboration. Simulated data were also used for further validation. The results showed that when data quality is assured (simulated data) the base method performs better. However, in real field situations, hybrid DF‐HCM method outperformed the other methods.
Lithium-Associated Thyromegaly: An Unusual Cause of Airway Obstruction
Authors: Verma Ashish , Wartak Siddharth , Tidswell Mark
Published: September 2012

Acute upper airway obstruction is a medical emergency and can be caused by many serious conditions such as a foreign body occluding the airway, intrinsic swelling (as in anaphylaxis), or extrinsic compression. Thyromegaly has rarely been reported as a source of airway compromise. We present a patient whose thyromegaly is presumed to have been induced by lithium and was massive enough to cause severe airway compromise.
Minimum‐Energy Multiwavelet Frames with Arbitrary Integer Dilation Factor
Authors: Huang Yongdong , Li Qiufu , Li Ming
Published: September 2012

In order to organically combine the minimum‐energy frame with the significant properties of multiwavelets, minimum‐energy multiwavelet frames with arbitrary integer dilation factor are studied. Firstly, we define the concept of minimum‐energy multiwavelet frame with arbitrary dilation factor and present its equivalent characterizations. Secondly, some necessary conditions and sufficient conditions for minimum‐energy multiwavelet frame are given. Thirdly, the decomposition and reconstruction formulas of minimum‐energy multiwavelet frame with arbitrary integer dilation factor are deduced. Finally, we give several numerical examples based on B‐spline functions.
Adaptive Walking in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Orcioli-Silva Diego , Simieli Lucas , Barbieri Fabio Augusto , Stella Florindo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to analyze dual-task effects on free and adaptive gait in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Nineteen elders with AD participated in the study. A veteran neuropsychiatrist established the degree of AD in the sample. To determine dual-task effects on free and adaptive gait, patients performed five trials for each experimental condition: free and adaptive gait with and without a dual-task (regressive countdown). Spatial and temporal parameters were collected through an optoelectronic tridimensional system. The central stride was analyzed in free gait, and the steps immediately before (approaching phase) and during the obstacle crossing were analyzed in adaptive gait. Results indicated that AD patients walked more slowly during adaptive gait and free gait, using conservative strategies when confronted either with an obstacle or a secondary task. Furthermore, patients sought for stability to perform the tasks, particularly for adaptive gait with dual task, who used anticipatory and online adjustments to perform the task. Therefore, the increase of task complexity enhances cognitive load and risk of falls for AD patients.
Electrochemical Incineration of Phenolic Compounds from the Hydrocarbon Industry Using Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Medel Alejandro , Bustos Erika , Esquivel Karen , Godínez Luis A. , Meas Yunny
Published: September 2012

Electrochemical incineration using boron-doped diamond electrodes was applied to samples obtained from a refinery and compared to the photo-electro-Fenton process in order to selectively eliminate the phenol and phenolic compounds from a complex matrix. Due to the complex chemical composition of the sample, a pretreatment to the sample in order to isolate the phenolic compounds was applied. The effects of the pretreatment and of pH on the degradation of the phenolic compounds were evaluated. The results indicate that the use of a boron-doped diamond electrode in an electrochemical incineration process mineralizes 99.5% of the phenolic sample content. Working in acidic medium (pH = 1), and applying 2 A at 298 K under constant stirring for 2 hours, also results in the incineration of the reaction intermediates reflected by 97% removal of TOC. In contrast, the photo-electro-Fenton process results in 99.9% oxidation of phenolic compounds with only a 25.69% removal of TOC.
Electromagnetic Fields, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Consales Claudia , Merla Caterina , Marino Carmela , Benassi Barbara
Published: September 2012

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) originating both from both natural and manmade sources permeate our environment. As people are continuously exposed to EMFs in everyday life, it is a matter of great debate whether they can be harmful to human health. On the basis of two decades of epidemiological studies, an increased risk for childhood leukemia associated with Extremely Low Frequency fields has been consistently assessed, inducing the International Agency for Research on Cancer to insert them in the 2B section of carcinogens in 2001. EMFs interaction with biological systems may cause oxidative stress under certain circumstances. Since free radicals are essential for brain physiological processes and pathological degeneration, research focusing on the possible influence of the EMFs-driven oxidative stress is still in progress, especially in the light of recent studies suggesting that EMFs may contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders. This review synthesizes the emerging evidences about this topic, highlighting the wide data uncertainty that still characterizes the EMFs effect on oxidative stress modulation, as both pro-oxidant and neuroprotective effects have been documented. Care should be taken to avoid methodological limitations and to determine the patho-physiological relevance of any alteration found in EMFs-exposed biological system.
Ileocecal Intussusception due to a Lipoma in an Adult
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet , Toprak Huseyin , Ahmad Issam Cheikh , Yardimci Erkan , Kocakoc Ercan
Published: September 2012

While intestinal tumors are rare, small intestinal lipomas are even more uncommon benign neoplasms. They are usually asymptomatic, but lipomas larger than 2 cm may become symptomatic due to obstruction, bleeding, or intussusception. In this paper, US and CT findings of a lipoma located in the terminal ileum and causing ileocecal intussusception were discussed. We report a case of small bowel lipoma that became symptomatic due to intermittent obstruction episodes and ileocecal intussuception. If the diagnosis of intestinal lipoma had been made absolutely as in our case, they should be removed surgically in elective conditions.
Analysis of Some Biogenic Amines by Micellar Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Malinowska Irena , Stępnik Katarzyna E.
Published: September 2012

Micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) with the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine some physicochemical parameters of six biogenic amines: adrenaline, dopamine, octopamine, histamine, 2-phenylethylamine, and tyramine. In this paper, an influence of surfactant’s concentration and pH of the micellar mobile phase on the retention of the tested substances was examined. To determine the influence of surfactant’s concentration on the retention of the tested amines, buffered solutions (at pH 7.4) of ionic surfactant—sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS (at different concentrations) with acetonitrile as an organic modifier (0.8/0.2 v/v) were used as the micellar mobile phases. To determine the influence of pH of the micellar mobile phase on the retention, mobile phases contained buffered solutions (at different pH values) of sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS (at 0.1 M) with acetonitrile (0.8/0.2 v/v). The inverse of value of retention factor () versus concentration of micelles () relationships were examined. Other physicochemical parameters of solutes such as an association constant analyte—micelle ()—and partition coefficient of analyte between stationary phase and water (hydrophobicity descriptor) () were determined by the use of Foley’s equation.
CT Diagnosis of a Thoracic Aort Aneurysm with Type B Aortic Dissection Clinically Misdiagnosed as Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Halefoglu Ahmet Mesrur
Published: September 2012

A 54-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department, presenting with an acute onset of chest pain and severe respiratory distress symptoms. He was medicated with intravenous analgesia and antihypertensive drugs. The patient was subjected to a chest X-ray which revealed a prominent widening of the mediastinum and pleural effusion on the left side. In laboratory tests-d-dimer level was highly elevated. The patient was clinically interpreted as having an acute pulmonary embolism and referred to the radiology clinic to perform a computed tomography (CT) examination. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated that there was no abnormality related to the pulmonary vasculature, but a huge thoracic aorta aneurysm measuring 11 × 8.1 × 7.7 cm in diameter was detected. Accompanying the aneurysm, an intimal flap was also present in the proximal descending thoracic aorta, distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery and extending into the bifurcation level. The patient was therefore diagnosed as having a type B aortic dissection as well. Once these serious conditions were detected, he was immediately transferred to a cardiovascular thoracic surgery hospital for endovascular repairment operation.
LiReTa: A Lightweight Reliable Transmission Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks Using Cross-Layer Information
Authors: Lee Ga-Won , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: September 2012

Information delivered through sensor networks is used in industries to increase quality of life (QoL). Lossless data in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a communications challenge that stands in the way of accurate data delivery. Although end-to-end data retransmission has evolved as a reliable mode of data transportation for the Internet, it is not applicable to WSNs due to the lack of reliable wireless links and resource constraints in sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose an efficient and reliable overhearing-based data transfer protocol for WSNs by introducing selective “direct acknowledgement (ACKdir)” or “implicit acknowledgement (ACKimp)” in cross-layer design. This protocol assesses the path (or link) quality and delegates the ACK message if it has good communication on paths. In addition, the protocol uses implicit ACK in order to be energy efficient, reducing traffic. Simulation results show that energy efficiency is improved by 30% compared with other approaches.
The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies
Authors: Hohmann Claudia , Ullrich Isabella , Lauche Romy , Choi Kyung-Eun , Lüdtke Rainer , Rolke Roman , Cramer Holger , Saha Felix Joyonto , Rampp Thomas , Michalsen Andreas , Langhorst Jost , Dobos Gustav , Musial Frauke
Published: September 2012

Objectives. The objective was to investigate whether a treatment with a needle stimulation pad (NSP) changes perceived pain and/or sensory thresholds in patients with chronic neck (NP) and lower back pain (BP).Methods. 40 patients with chronic NP and 42 patients with chronic BP were equally randomized to either treatment or waiting list control group. The treatment group self-administered a NSP over a period of 14 days. Pain ratings were recorded on numerical rating scales (NRSs). Mechanical detection thresholds (MDTs) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were determined at the site of maximal pain and in the adjacent region, vibration detection thresholds (VDT) were measured at close spinal processes. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were utilized for the NP and BP study, respectively.Results. NRS ratings were significantly reduced for the treatment groups compared to the control groups (NP:P=.021and BP:P<.001), accompanied by a significant increase of PPT at pain maximum (NP:P=.032and BP:P=.013). There was no effect on VDT and MDT. The NPQ showed also a significant improvement, but not the ODI.Conclusions. The mechanical NSP seems to be an effective treatment method for chronic NP and BP.
Home-Living Elderly People's Views on Food and Meals
Authors: Edfors Ellinor , Westergren Albert
Published: September 2012

Background. The aim of the study was to describe home-living elderly people's views on the importance of food and meals.Methods. Semistructured interviews with twelve elderly people. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results. Respondents described how their past influenced their present experiences and views on food and meals. Increased reliance on and need of support with food and meals frequently arose in connection with major changes in their life situations. Sudden events meant a breaking point with a transition from independence to dependence and a need for assistance from relatives and/or the community. With the perspective from the past and in the context of dependency, respondents described meals during the day, quality of food, buying, transporting, cooking, and eating food.Conclusions. Meeting the need for optimal nutritional status for older people living at home requires knowledge of individual preferences and habits, from both their earlier and current lives. It is important to pay attention to risk factors that could compromise an individual's ability to independently manage their diet, such as major life events and hospitalisation. Individual needs for self-determination and involvement should be considered in planning and development efforts for elderly people related to food and meals.
Coaxial Self-Trapping of White and Gray Regions of an Incandescent Field: A Bright Core with a Dark Cladding
Authors: Kasala Kailash , Saravanamuttu Kalaichelvi
Published: September 2012

We report the generation of a self-trapped incoherent hybrid beam comprising a dark-sheathed bright core. The hybrid beam originates from refractive index changes in a photocrosslinkable organosiloxane, which allow simultaneous and cooperative self-trapping of a gray ring with a white core embedded in a broad incandescent beam. The core narrowed and increased in intensity while the encircling gray ring decreased in intensity until rendered very dark. This dark sheath improves light confinement in the bright core and protects it from interactions with nearby self-trapped filaments. This is the first example of a self-trapped hybrid beam, which is moreover spatially and temporally incoherent.
Application of Reproducing Kernel Method for Solving Nonlinear Fredholm‐Volterra Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Abu Arqub Omar , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Momani Shaher
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates the numerical solution of nonlinear Fredholm‐Volterra integro‐differential equations using reproducing kernel Hilbert space method. The solution u(x) is represented in the form of series in the reproducing kernel space. In the mean time, the n‐term approximate solution un(x) is obtained and it is proved to converge to the exact solution u(x). Furthermore, the proposed method has an advantage that it is possible to pick any point in the interval of integration and as well the approximate solution and its derivative will be applicable. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of the presented technique. The results reveal that the method is very effective and simple.
How the Interval between Prime and Boost Injection Affects the Immune Response in a Computational Model of the Immune System
Authors: Castiglione F. , Mantile F. , De Berardinis P. , Prisco A.
Published: September 2012

The immune system is able to respond more vigorously to the second contact with a given antigen than to the first contact. Vaccination protocols generally include at least two doses, in order to obtain high antibody titers. We want to analyze the relation between the time elapsed from the first dose (priming) and the second dose (boost) on the antibody titers. In this paper, we couplein vivoexperiments with computer simulations to assess the effect of delaying the second injection. We observe that an interval of several weeks between the prime and the boost is necessary to obtain optimal antibody responses.
Recurrent Dacryostenosis as Initial Presentation of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Blouin Marie Julie , Black Daniel O. , Fradet Gaetan
Published: September 2012

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease with an unknown etiology. It most commonly affects young and middle-aged females. It can affect any organ, but mostly lung, skin, and eyes. Up to half of patients are asymptomatic and the disease is often detected incidentally on abnormal chest radiography. We report the case of a 31-year-old male with bilateral recurrent dacryostenosis. The nasolacrimal obstruction was the initial manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis.
Performance Degradation of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Induced by Electrolytes
Authors: Yang Ru-Yuan , Chen Huang-Yu , Lai Fu-Der
Published: September 2012

We investigated the change of the electric characteristics in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) when the electrolyte has been injected and measured initially and lately for a period of time. It was found that the short-circuit current density decreased from 9.799 mA/cm2to 7.056 mA/cm2and the fill factor increased from 0.406 to 0.559 when the cell had stood for an hour, while the open-circuit photovoltage did not change due to fixed difference between the Fermi level of TiO2and the oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyte. The results can be explained by using the variation of the series resistance in the equivalent circuit of the DSSC.
Transfer of Maternal Immunity to Newborns of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: França Eduardo Luzía , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos , Vieira Elisa Lima , Morceli Glilciane , Honorio-França Adenilda Cristina
Published: September 2012

This study was carried out with hyperglycemic pregnant women to investigate the transfer of antibody classes to newborns across the placenta or by colostrum and the functional activity of phagocytes in maternal blood, cord blood, and colostrum from diabetes mothers. Samples from maternal blood, cord blood, and colostrum were collected from 20 normoglycemic and 20 hyperglycemic pregnant women. We determined antibodies levels, superoxide release, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of phagocytes. We demonstrated that IgG levels in cord blood were higher in the hyperglycemic group. IgA and IgM levels were higher in maternal than in cord blood samples. Plasma antibody levels were lower in hyper- than in normoglycemic women. The colostrum of diabetic mothers had lower IgA and IgG levels. Colostrum and maternal blood phagocytes when exposed to EPEC increased the superoxide release. Cord blood phagocytes of hyperglycemic group, independently of bacteria, had higher superoxide release. Colostrum and blood phagocytes from diabetic group exhibited some phagocytic and microbicidal activity in response to EPEC. Mononuclear phagocytes from cord blood had the lowest phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity for EPEC, regardless of glycemic status. These data showed that hyperglycemia altered IgG transfer across the placenta and decreases immunoglobulin levels in maternal blood and colostrum.
Assessing Children's Anxiety Using the Modified Short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Talking Mats: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nilsson Stefan , Buchholz Margret , Thunberg Gunilla
Published: September 2012

Background. Preoperative anxiety complicates treatment and requires assessment by nurses in children. Children, with or without disability, are helped when pictures are used to support communication. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the reliability and validity of the modified short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) using a modified Talking Mats method in children undergoing day surgeries.Method. A modified short STAI with pictorial support along the lines of the Talking Mats method was pre- and postoperatively administered to 42 typically developing children aged three to nine years. The parents assessed the children’s anxiety, simultaneously and independently, by scoring the short STAI by proxy.Results. The modified short STAI showed moderate internal consistency and good construct validity in the age group seven to nine years.Conclusions. The results of this study support the use of the instrument for self-reports in children aged seven to nine years. Future research will explore the possibilities of also using this instrument for children with cognitive and communicative difficulties.
Labisia pumilaPrevents Complications of Osteoporosis by Increasing Bone Strength in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Fathilah Siti Noor , Abdullah Shahrum , Mohamed Norazlina , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun
Published: September 2012

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the main treatment postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, ERT causes serious side effects, such as cancers and thromboembolic problems.Labisia pumila var. alata(LPva) is a herb with potential as an alternative to ERT to prevent complications of osteoporosis, especially fragility fractures. This study was conducted to determine the effects of LPva on the biomechanical strength of femora exposed to osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency, using the postmenopausal rat model. Thirty-two female rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized withLabisia pumila var. alata(LP), and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via oral gavage daily at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their right femora were prepared for bone biomechanical testing. The results showed that ovariectomy compromised the femoral strength, while LPva supplementation to the ovariectomized rats improved the femoral strength. Therefore, LPva may be as effective as ERT in preventing fractures due to estrogen-deficient osteoporosis.
Extended Laguerre Polynomials Associated with Hermite, Bernoulli, and Euler Numbers and Polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San
Published: September 2012

Let Pn = {p(x) ∈ ℝ[x]∣deg  p(x) ≤ n} be an inner product space with the inner product , where p(x), q(x) ∈ Pn and α ∈ ℝ with α > −1. In this paper we study the properties of the extended Laguerre polynomials which are an orthogonal basis for Pn. From those properties, we derive some interesting relations and identities of the extended Laguerre polynomials associated with Hermite, Bernoulli, and Euler numbers and polynomials.
Effects of the Intensity of Leg Isometric Training on the Vasculature of Trained and Untrained Limbs and Resting Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Baross Anthony W. , Wiles Jonathan D. , Swaine Ian L.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to establish whether changes in resting blood pressure and the vasculature of trained and untrained limbs are dependent on training intensity, following isometric-leg training. Thirty middle-aged males undertook an 8 week training programme (4×2 min bilateral-leg isometric contractions 3 times per week). Two groups trained at either high (HI; 14%MVC) or low (LO; 8%MVC) intensity a third group (CON) acted as controls. All parameters were measured at baseline, 4-weeks and post-training. Resting SBP (−10.8±7.9 mmHg), MAP (−4.7±6.8 mmHg) and HR (−4.8±5.9 b·min−1) fell significantly in the HI group post-training with concomitant significant increases in resting femoral mean artery diameter (FMAD;1.0±0.4 mm), femoral mean blood velocity (FMBV;0.68±0.83 cm·s−1), resting femoral artery blood flow (FABF;82.06±31.92 ml·min−1) and resting femoral vascular conductance (FVC, 45%). No significant changes occurred in any brachial artery measure nor in any parameters measured in the LO or CON groups. These findings show that training-induced reductions in resting blood pressure after isometric-leg training in healthy middle-aged men are associated with concomitant adaptations in the local vasculature, that appear to be dependent on training intensity and take place in the later stages of training.
Building Community and Collaboration Applications for MMOGs
Authors: Adam George , Bouras Christos , Kapoulas Vaggelis , Papazois Andreas
Published: September 2012

Supporting collaborative activities among the online players are one of the major challenges in the area of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG), since they increase the richness of gaming experience and create more engaged communities. To this direction, our study has focused on the provision of services supporting and enhancing the players' in-game community and collaboration activities. We have designed and implemented innovative tools exploiting a game adaptation technology, namely, the In-game Graphical Insertion Technology (IGIT), which permits the addition of web-based applications without any need from the game developers to modify the game at all, nor from the game players to change their game installation. The developed tools follow a design adapted to the MMOG players' needs and are based on the latest advances on Web 2.0 technology. Their provision is performed through the core element of our system, which is the so-called Community Network Game (CNG) Server. One of the important features provided by the implemented system's underlying framework is the utilization of enhanced Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technology for the distribution of user-generated live video streams. In this paper, we focus on the architecture of the CNG Server as well as on the design and implementation of the online community and collaboration tools.
Molecular Iodine: A Powerful Catalyst for the Knoevenagel Condensation of Isatins with Malononitrile
Authors: Yang Xiao Juan , Zhang Yong Sen
Published: September 2012

Molecular iodine has been used as an efficient catalyst for an improved and rapid condensation of isatins with malononitrile in excellent yields. The significant features of the iodine‐catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation are operational simplicity, inexpensive reagents, high yield of products, and the use of nontoxic reagents.
NiO Nanoparticles: An Efficient Catalyst for the Multicomponent One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel Spiro and Condensed Indole Derivatives
Authors: Sachdeva Harshita , Dwivedi Diksha , Bhattacharjee R. R. , Khaturia Sarita , Saroj Rekha
Published: September 2012

An efficient catalytic protocol for the synthesis of novel spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyrano[2,3‐c]thiazole]carbonitriles and condensed thiazolo[5′′,4′′:5′,6′]pyrano[4′,3′:3,4]furo[2,3‐b]indole derivatives is developed in a one‐pot three‐component approach involving substituted 1H‐indole‐2,3‐diones, activated methylene reagent, and 2‐thioxo‐4‐thiazolidinone under conventional heating and microwave irradiation. This paper describes the use of NiO nanoparticles as catalyst for the synthesis of novel spiro and condensed indole derivatives by Knoevenagel condensation followed by Michael addition. The advantageous features of this methodology are operational simplicity, high yield processing, and easy handling. The particle size of NiO nanoparticle was determined by XRD. After reaction course, NiO nanoparticles can be recycled and reused without any apparent loss of activity.
The Audio Frequency Conductance Study of Some Metal Succinate Salts in Aqueous Medium at Different Temperatures (Part I: Magnesium, Manganese (II), Barium and Copper Succinates)
Authors: Kaka Kosrat N. , Al-Najar Anis A. , Hamad Wali M.
Published: September 2012

The audio electrical conductances of aqueous solutions of magnesium, manganese II, barium, and copper succinates have been measured at various temperatures in the range of 298.15 K to 313.15 K, using an audio frequency conductance bridge. The evaluation of conductance data was carried out by minimisation technique using the theoretical equations of the complete and modified forms of Pitts (P) and Fuoss‐Hsia (F‐H), each a three‐parameter equation, association constant (KA), molar conductance (Λm), and distance parameter (a). Quantitative results showed that these salts do not behave as “strong” electrolytes, and that their dissociations are far from complete. The abnormally low conductances of these electrolytes are not due to the presence of electrically neutral molecules but to the ion‐pair formation. The Walden product values, as well as the standard thermodynamics functions (ΔH∘, ΔG∘, ΔS∘) for the association reaction at the four temperatures studied, have been evaluated.
Effective Combination Therapy for Malignant Glioma with TRAIL-Secreting Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Lipoxygenase Inhibitor MK886
Authors: Kim Seong Muk , Woo Ji Sun , Jeong Chang Hyun , Ryu Chung Heon , Lim Jung Yeon , Jeun Sin-Soo
Published: September 2012

The apoptotic ligand TRAIL is believed to have promise as a cancer gene therapy, yet many types of cancer, including gliomas, have exhibited resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Here, we show that therapeutic combination of the lipoxygenase inhibitor MK886 and TRAIL-secreting human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-TRAIL) provide targeted and prolonged delivery of TRAIL both in vitro and in orthotopic mouse models of glioma. Treatment of either TRAIL-sensitive or TRAIL-resistant human glioma cells with MK886 and MSC-TRAIL resulted in significantly enhanced apoptosis compared with each agent alone. MK886 effectively increased the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via upregulation of the death receptor 5 and downregulation of the antiapoptotic protein survivin in human glioma cell lines and in primary glioma cells. This regulation was accompanied by a substantial increase in caspase activation after combined treatment. Furthermore, in vivo survival experiments and imaging analysis in orthotopic xenografted mice showed that MSC-based TRAIL gene delivery combined with MK886 into the tumors had greater therapeutic efficacy than single-agent treatment. Together, our findings indicate that MK886 combined with MSC-based TRAIL gene delivery may represent a novel strategy for improving the treatment of malignant gliomas. Cancer Res; 72(18); 4807–17. ©2012 AACR.
Cancer Cells Cue the p53 Response of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Cisplatin
Authors: Schmid Jens O. , Dong Meng , Haubeiss Silke , Friedel Godehard , Bode Sabine , Grabner Andreas , Ott German , Mürdter Thomas E. , Oren Moshe , Aulitzky Walter E. , van der Kuip Heiko
Published: September 2012

Current understanding of the p53 response is based mainly upon in vitro studies of homogeneous cell populations. However, there is little information on whether the same principles operate within heterogeneous tumor tissues that are comprised of cancer cells and other cell types, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Using ex-vivo tissue cultures, we investigated p53 status and responses to cisplatin in tumor cells and CAFs from tissue specimens isolated from 32 lung cancer patients. By comparing cultivated tissue slices with the corresponding tumor tissues fixed immediately after surgery, we found that morphology, proliferation, and p53 staining pattern were preserved during cultivation. Unexpectedly, when CAFs were analyzed, p53 accumulation and induction of p21 was observed only in tumors with constitutively low p53 protein and accumulation upon cisplatin treatment. In contrast, in tumors with no p53 accumulation in cancer cells there was also no p53 accumulation or p21 induction in adjacent CAFs. Furthermore, induction of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in CAFs was selectively observed in tumors characterized by a parallel induction of cancer cell death. Our findings reveal an interdependence of the p53 response in cancer cells and adjacent CAFs within tumor tissues, arguing that cancer cells control the response of their microenvironment to DNA damage. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5824–32. ©2012 AACR.