bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdermal Rotigotine Improves Sleep Fragmentation in Parkinson’s Disease: Results of the Multicenter, Prospective SLEEP-FRAM Study
Authors: Pagonabarraga Javier , Piñol Gerard , Cardozo Adriana , Sanz Pilar , Puente Víctor , Otermín Pilar , Legarda Inés , Delgado Tania , Serrano Carmen , Balaguer Ernest , Aguirregomozcorta María , Álvarez Ramiro , Kulisevsky Jaime J.
Published: February 2015

Sleep disturbances occur frequently in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rotigotine on sleep fluctuations in a sample of PD patients with self-reported complaints of nocturnal awakenings. This prospective, open-label, observational, and multicenter study enrolled consecutive outpatients with PD and administered rotigotine (mean dose 8.9 mg/day) for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in sleep fragmentation, assessed using the sleep maintenance subscale score of the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS). The newly designed Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Fragmentation Questionnaire (PD-SFQ) was used to measure other sleep parameters. A total of 62 patients were enrolled (mean age 70.2 years; 66% male). At 3 months, rotigotine significantly improved sleep fragmentation from baseline on the PDSS-2 sleep maintenance subscale (from3.4±0.9to1.9±1.4;P<0.0001). Rotigotine also significantly improved nocturnal motor symptomsP<0.0001, restless legs-like symptomsP<0.005, and nocturiaP=0.004. Rotigotine significantly improved self-reported complaints of sleep fragmentation in PD patients and could be a useful treatment to improve this specific sleep problem in PD. However, these results are based on a small and clinically heterogeneous sample so they must be taken cautiously.
Generation of OAM Radio Waves with Three Polarizations Using Circular Horn Antenna Array
Authors: Bai Xudong , Jin Ronghong , Liu Liang , Geng Junping , Liang Xianling
Published: February 2015

This paper provides an effective solution of generating OAM-carrying radio beams with all three polarizations: the linear, the left-hand circular, and the right-hand circular polarizations. Through reasonable configuration of phased antenna array using elements with three polarizations, the OAM radio waves with three polarizations for different states can be generated. The vectors of electric fields with different OAM states for all three polarizations are presented and analyzed in detail. The superposition of two coaxial OAM states is also carried out, and the general conclusion is provided.
Holiday Destination Choice Behavior Analysis Based on AFC Data of Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Cai Chang-jun , Yao En-jian , Liu Sha-sha , Zhang Yong-sheng , Liu Jun
Published: February 2015

For urban rail transit, the spatial distribution of passenger flow in holiday usually differs from weekdays. Holiday destination choice behavior analysis is the key to analyze passengers’ destination choice preference and then obtain the OD (origin-destination) distribution of passenger flow. This paper aims to propose a holiday destination choice model based on AFC (automatic fare collection) data of urban rail transit system, which is highly expected to provide theoretic support to holiday travel demand analysis for urban rail transit. First, based on Guangzhou Metro AFC data collected on New Year’s day, the characteristics of holiday destination choice behavior for urban rail transit passengers is analyzed. Second, holiday destination choice models based on MNL (Multinomial Logit) structure are established for each New Year’s days respectively, which takes into account some novel explanatory variables (such as attractiveness of destination). Then, the proposed models are calibrated with AFC data from Guangzhou Metro using WESML (weighted exogenous sample maximum likelihood) estimation and compared with the base models in which attractiveness of destination is not considered. The results show that theρ2values are improved by 0.060, 0.045, and 0.040 for January 1, January 2, and January 3, respectively, with the consideration of destination attractiveness.
Photocatalytic Based Degradation Processes of Lignin Derivatives
Authors: Awungacha Lekelefac Colin , Busse Nadine , Herrenbauer Michael , Czermak Peter
Published: February 2015

Photocatalysis, belonging to the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), is a potential new transformation technology for lignin derivatives to value added products (e.g., phenol, benzene, toluene, and xylene). Moreover, lignin represents the only viable source to produce aromatic compounds as fossil fuel alternative. This review covers recent advancement made in the photochemical transformation of industrial lignins. It starts with the photochemical reaction principle followed by results obtained by varying process parameters. In this context, influences of photocatalysts, metal ions, additives, lignin concentration, and illumination intensity and the influence of pH are presented and discussed. Furthermore, an overview is given on several used process analytical methods describing the results obtained from the degradation of lignin derivatives. Finally, a promising concept by coupling photocatalysis with a consecutive biocatalytic process was briefly reviewed.
Lespedeza davurica(Lax.) Schindl. Extract Protects against Cytokine-Inducedβ-Cell Damage and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Sharma Bhesh Raj , Rhyu Dong Young
Published: February 2015

Lespedezahas been used for the management of diabetes in folklore medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of the methanol extract ofLespedeza davurica(LD) on cytokine-inducedβ-cell damage and streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes. RINm5F cells were treated with interleukin- (IL-) 1βand interferon- (IFN-)γto induce pancreaticβ-cell damage. The exposure of LD extract significantly decreased cell death, nitric oxide (NO) production, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and nucleus factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activation. Antidiabetic effects of LD extract were observed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal rats and by checking the biochemical, physiological, and histopathological parameters in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In OGTT, glucose clearance levels improved by oral treatment of LD extract. The water intake, urine volume, blood glucose, and serum TG, TC, TBARS, and DPP-IV levels were significantly decreased, and liver glycogen content was significantly increased by treatment of LD extract (250 mg/kg BW) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Also, insulin immunoreactivity of the pancreases was increased in LD extract administrated rats compared with diabetic control rats. These results indicate that LD extract may protect pancreaticβ-cell damage and regulate the blood glucose in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Characterization of Multiferroic Domain Structures in Multiferroic Oxides
Authors: Liang Lizhi , Wu Heng , Li Lei , Zhu Xinhua
Published: February 2015

Multiferroic oxides have been received much attention due to that these materials exhibit multiple ferroic order parameters (e.g., electric polarization in ferroelectrics, magnetization in ferromagnetics, or spontaneous strain in ferroelastics) simultaneously in the same phase in a certain temperature range, which offer an exciting way of coupling between the ferroic order parameters. Thus, this provides a possibility for constructing new type of multifunctional devices. The multiferroic domain structures in these materials are considered to be an important factor to improve the efficiency and performance of future multiferroic devices. Therefore, the domain structures in multiferroic oxides are widely investigated. Recent developments in domain characterization techniques, particularly the aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM), have enabled us to determine the domain structures at subangstrom scale, and the recent development of in situ TEM techniques allows ones to study the dynamic behaviors of multiferroic domains under applied fields or stress while the atomic structure is imaged directly. This paper provides a review of recent advances on the characterization of multiferroic domain structures in multiferroic oxides, which have been achieved by the notable advancement of aberration‐corrected TEM.
Synthetic Crossfeeding Cocultures in Yeast: Computational Model of Autoregulation and Design of a Tryptophan Export Device
Authors: Bush Alan , Giménez Manuel , Grande Alicia , Morosi Luciano Gastón , Parasco Verónica , Parreño María Alejandra , Rugiero Mario , Sabio Germán , Colman-Lerner Alejandro , Nadra Alejandro Daniel , Sánchez Ignacio Enrique
Published: February 2015

In order to contribute to the design of crossfeeding systems, we modeled population control in a coculture of two crossfeeding strains of an organism, each of which secretes a metabolite the other strain requires to grow. Differential equations show that the steady-state population ratio can be tuned by varying the ratio of the metabolite secretion rates, as long as they fall within a range determined by the nature of the organism. Numerical simulations of Trp/His crossfeeding in budding yeast suggest that the time required to reach steady state populations critically depends on the capacity of the cells to uptake the crossfeeding amino acids. We also engineered and evaluated a novel genetic device that secretes tryptophan-rich peptides with a cell penetrating sequence. Experimental validation showed that the device increases tryptophan secretion and enables growth of a trp− strain in a coculture in synthetic medium lacking tryptophan.
Enhancement of Lamb Wave Imaging Resolution by Step Pulse Excitation and Prewarping
Authors: Fu Shangchen , Shi Lihua , Zhou Yinghui , Fu Zhikai
Published: February 2015

For the purpose of improving the damage localization accuracy, a prewarping technology is combined with step pulse excitation and this method is used in Lamb wave imaging of plate structures with adjacent damages. Based on the step pulse excitation, various narrowband or burst response can be derived by signal processing technology and this method provides flexibility for further prewarping approach. A narrowband signal warped with a preselected distance is then designed, and the dispersion in the response of this prewarping signal will be greatly reduced. However, in order to calculate the distance for prewarping, the first arrival needs to be estimated from the burst response. From the step-pulse response, narrowband responses at different central frequencies can be obtained, and by averaging peak-value time of their first arrivals, a more accurate estimation can be calculated. By using the prewarping method to the damage scattering signals before imaging, the imaging resolution of the delay-and-sum method can be highly enhanced. The experiment carried out in an aluminum plate with adjacent damages proves the efficiency of this method.
On the Performance Improvement of Devanagari Handwritten Character Recognition
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Verma Ajay , Chaudhari Narendra S.
Published: February 2015

The paper is about the application of mini minibatch stochastic gradient descent (SGD) based learning applied to Multilayer Perceptron in the domain of isolated Devanagari handwritten character/numeral recognition. This technique reduces the variance in the estimate of the gradient and often makes better use of the hierarchical memory organization in modern computers.L2-weight decay is added on minibatch SGD to avoid overfitting. The experiments are conducted firstly on the direct pixel intensity values as features. After that, the experiments are performed on the proposed flexible zone based gradient feature extraction algorithm. The results are promising on most of the standard dataset of Devanagari characters/numerals.
Seasonal Variations of Polarization Diversity Gain in a Vegetated Area considering High Elevation Angles and a Nomadic User
Authors: Kvicera Milan , Pechac Pavel
Published: February 2015

Seasonal variations of the polarization diversity gain are addressed for a nomadic user in a vegetated area taking high elevation angles and nongeostationary satellites into consideration. Corresponding experimental data were obtained at a frequency of 2.0 GHz at Stromovka Park in Prague, the Czech Republic, within the full in-leaf and out-of-leaf periods of 2013 and 2014, respectively. By detecting copolarized and cross-polarized components of the transmitted left- and right-handed circularly polarized signals, the corresponding diversity gain was obtained for multiple-input single-output (MISO), single-input multiple-output (SIMO), and combined MISO/SIMO cases. It was found that tree defoliation results in a significant decrease of the polarization diversity gain achieved for low time percentages in particular scenarios.
The Role of Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Aspects
Authors: Triantafillidis John K. , Vagianos Costas , Papalois Apostolos E.
Published: February 2015

Enteral nutrition (EN) is considered to be of great importance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and nutritional problems. This comprehensive review is aiming to provide the reader with an update on the role of EN in IBD patients. EN can reduce Crohn’s disease (CD) activity and maintain remission in both adults and children. Nutritional support using liquid formulas should be considered for CD patients and in serious cases of ulcerative colitis (UC), especially for those who may require prolonged cycles of corticosteroids. Given that the ultimate goal in the treatment of CD is mucosal healing, this advantage of EN over corticosteroid treatment is valuable in therapeutic decision-making. EN is indicated in active CD, in cases of steroid intolerance, in patient’s refusal of steroids, in combination with steroids in undernourished individuals, and in patients with an inflammatory stenosis of the small intestine. No differences between the efficiency of elemental diets and nonelemental formulas have been noticed. EN must be the first choice compared to TPN. EN has a restricted value in the treatment of patients with large bowel CD. In conclusion, it seems important not to underestimate the role of nutrition as supportive care in patients with IBD.
Design and User Evaluation of a Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Assisted Transfer Device
Authors: Grindle Garrett G. , Wang Hongwu , Jeannis Hervens , Teodorski Emily , Cooper Rory A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose. The aim of this study is to describe the robotic assisted transfer device (RATD) and an initial focus group evaluation by end users. The purpose of the device is to aid in the transfers of people with disabilities to and from their electric powered wheelchair (EPW) onto other surfaces. The device can be used for both stand-pivot transfers and fully dependent transfers, where the person being transferred is in a sling and weight is fully on the robot. The RATD is fixed to an EPW to allow for its use in community settings.Method. A functional prototype of the RATD was designed and fabricated. The prototype was presented to a group of 16 end users and feedback on the device was obtained via a survey and group discussion.Results.Thirteen out of sixteen (83%)participants agreed that it was important to develop this type of technology. They also indicated that user, caregiver, and robotic controls were important features to be included in the device.Conclusions. Participants in this study suggested that they would be accepting the use of robotic technology for transfers and a majority did not feel that they would be embarrassed to use this technology.
Simulation of Severe Local Storm by Mesoscale Model MM5 and Validation Using Data from Different Platforms
Authors: Chatterjee Prosenjit , De Utpal Kumar , Pradhan Devendra
Published: February 2015

During premonsoon season (March to May) convective developments in various forms are common phenomena over the Gangetic West Bengal, India. In the present work, simulation of wind squall on three different dates has been attempted with the help of mesoscale model MM5. The combination of various physical schemes in MM5 is taken as that found in a previous work done to simulate severe local storms over the Gangetic West Bengal. In the present study the model successfully simulates wind squall showing pressure rise, wind shift, wind surge, temperature drop, and heavy rainfall, in all cases. Convective cloud development and rainfall simulation by the model has been validated by the corresponding product from Doppler Weather Radar located at Kolkata and TRMM satellite product 3B42 (V6), respectively. It is found that the model is capable of capturing heavy rainfall pattern with up to three-hour time gap existing between simulation and observation of peak rainfall occurrence. In all simulations there is spatial as well as temporal shift from observation.
3D Finite Element Modeling of Single Bolt Connections under Static and Dynamic Tension Loading
Authors: Guzas Emily , Behan Kevin , Davis John
Published: February 2015

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center has funded research to examine a range of finite element approaches used for modeling bolted connections subjected to various loading conditions. Research focused on developing finite element bolt representations that were accurate and computationally efficient. A variety of finite element modeling approaches, from detailed models to simplified ones, were used to represent the behavior of single solid bolts under static and dynamic tension loading. Test cases utilized models of bolted connection test arrangements (static tension and dynamic tension) developed for previous research and validated against test data for hollow bore bolts (Behan et al., 2013). Simulation results for solid bolts are validated against experimental data from physical testing of bolts in these load configurations.
A Novel Representation of the Exact Solution for Differential Algebraic Equations System Using Residual Power-Series Method
Authors: Moaddy Khaled , AL-Smadi Mohammed , Hashim Ishak
Published: February 2015

We implement a relatively new analytic iterative technique to get approximate solutions of differential algebraic equations system based on generalized Taylor series formula. The solution methodology is based on generating the residual power series expansion solution in the form of a rapidly convergent series with easily computable components. The residual power series method (RPSM) can be used as an alternative scheme to obtain analytical approximate solution of different types of differential algebraic equations system applied in mathematics. Simulations and test problems were analyzed to demonstrate the procedure and confirm the performance of the proposed method, as well as to show its potentiality, generality, viability, and simplicity. The results reveal that the proposed method is very effective, straightforward, and convenient for solving different forms of such systems.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Star-Shaped/Linear Polylactide Stereocomplexes
Authors: Cheerarot Onanong , Baimark Yodthong
Published: February 2015

The 6-arm star-shaped poly(L-lactide) (6PLL)/linear poly(D-lactide) (1PDL) stereocomplex films were prepared by the solvent casting method. The influences of the 6PLL/1PDL blend ratios (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 w/w) and 1PDL molecular weights (15,000, 30,000, and 60,000 g/mol) on the thermal and mechanical properties of the stereocomplex films were investigated. The 6PLL and 1PDLs had a single melting temperature (Tm) of homocrystallites at 174°C and 167°C, respectively. The 6PLL/1PDL blends had twoTms: a lowerTmof homocrystallites (160–173°C) and a higherTmof stereocomplex crystallites (219–228°C). The stereocomplex crystallinity and mechanical properties of the 6PLL/1PDL blend films were higher than those of 6PLL and 1PDL and were the highest in the 50/50 (w/w) blend ratio. However, the stereocomplex crystallinity of the 50/50 (w/w) 6PLL/1PDL blend films decreased and the mechanical properties increased as the molecular weight of 1PDL increased.
Study the Effect of Using Low-Cost Dielectric Lenses with Printed Log-Periodic Dipole Antennas for Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Haraz Osama M. , Sebak Abdel Razik , Alshebeili Saleh
Published: February 2015

Design of V-band high-gain printed log periodic dipole array (PLPDA) antenna loaded with a low-cost spherical dielectric lens is introduced. The proposed antenna consists of microstrip-line-fed log-periodic dipole antenna designed to operate in the V-band with a peak gain of 12.64 dBi at 60 GHz. To enhance the antenna gain, a dielectric lens is installed. The antenna prototype is fabricated and then tested experimentally using Agilent E8364B PNA Network Analyzer. Experimental results agree well with the simulated ones. The simulated results show that the proposed antenna can work from 42 GHz up to 82 GHz with a fractional impedance bandwidth of 64.5% covering the whole V-band (50–75 GHz). At 60 GHz, the proposed antenna has peak gain of 26.79 dBi with a gain variation of 3.5 dBi across the whole V-band with stable radiation patterns over the operating band. The proposed PLPDA antenna achieves good side-lobe suppression, excellent front-to-back ratio in bothE- andH-planes, and low cross-polarization levels over the entire frequency range. These unique features will make this antenna suitable for different interesting applications such as millimeter-wave radar and imaging applications.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Rainfall in Eastern Amazon during the Rainy Season
Authors: Batista da Silva Ferreira Douglas , Barreiros de Souza Everaldo , Cavalcanti de Moraes Bergson , Meira Filho Luiz Gylvan
Published: February 2015

Empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) and composites analysis were employed on pentad data in order to investigate the tropical atmospheric‐ocean patterns over the Atlantic Ocean and the spatial‐temporal characteristics of the rainfall in eastern Amazon during the peak of the rainy season (February to April). The EOF results evidenced that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is the main rainfall‐producing system in eastern Amazon during the rainy season. Conditions associated with the southward SST gradient in the intertropical Atlantic formed the dynamic patterns that favored the position of the ITCZ to south of the equator, thus explaining the predominance of positive precipitation anomalies in eastern Amazon, especially in the state of Maranhão and northeastern Pará during the February and April months.
Meningioma of Foramen Magnum Causing Drop Attacks
Authors: Mahore Amit , Ramdasi Raghvendra , Mavani Sandip , Rangarajan Vithal , Patil Manoj , Sathe Prashant , Kawale Juhi , Tikeykar Vishakha
Published: February 2015

A 52-year-old female presented with frequent episodes of falls without loss of consciousness. These episodes lasted for brief period followed by full neurological recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed foramen magnum meningioma encasing left vertebral artery. The patient had dramatic improvement after excision of the tumor.
Utilization of Chicken By-Products to Form Collagen Films
Authors: Munasinghe Kumudini A. , Schwarz Jurgen G. , Whittiker Matthew
Published: February 2015

Chicken collagen casings could be an alternate source of collagen casings that are manufactured for sausages. The overall objective of this project was to extract chicken collagen from by-products of the broiler processing industries and to explore the possibility of making films. Chicken skin was washed, ground, and pretreated to remove the noncollagenous compounds. Collagen was extracted using acetic acid and pepsin. Solubilized collagen was salted-out and centrifuged at 20,000 ×g at 4°C for one hour. The precipitates were dissolved in 0.5 M acetic acid and dialyzed against 0.1 M acetic acid and distilled water before freeze-drying. Molecular weight, collagen solubility at different pH values, and NaCl concentrations were determined. TA-XT2 texture analyzer was used to characterize mechanical properties of collagen films. The highest collagen solubility was obtained at pH 2 and 2% NaCl. Hand-homogenized, nonfiltered, and conditioned samples had the highest hardness (3,262 g) and the least brittleness (30.5 mm). These results demonstrate that chicken collagen extracted from chicken by-products has the ability to form films and could be considered for making casings or be used in various other industries.
A Suspended Stripline Frequency Tripler Using a Left-Handed Nonlinear Transmission Line
Authors: Kim In Bok , Kim Hongjoon , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: February 2015

A suspended stripline frequency tripler using a left-handed nonlinear transmission line (LH NLTL) is presented. The proposed tripler using the LH NLTL is composed of a series of varactor diodes, shunt inductances, and a high-pass filter implemented with suspended stripline (SSL). An ultrawideband microstrip-to-suspended stripline transition is also utilized. The fabricated LH NLTL provides the minimum insertion loss of 1.7 dB and the maximum insertion loss of 4.7 dB for a wide frequency band from 2.6 to 18 GHz. As a tripler, the measured minimum third harmonic conversion loss is 15.3 dB at an input frequency of 2.4 GHz and typically 17 dB from 2 to 3.1 GHz.
Gas Sensors Based on Locally Heated Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Savu R. , Silveira J. V. , Alaferdov A. , Joanni E. , Gobbi A. L. , Canesqui M. A. , de Lara D. S. , Souza Filho A. G. , Moshkalev S. A.
Published: February 2015

We report the design and fabrication of microreactors and sensors based on metal nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes. Titanium adhesion layers and gold films were sputtered onto Si/SiO2substrates for obtaining the electrical contacts. The gold layers were electrochemically thickened until 1 μm and the electrodes were patterned using photolithography and wet chemical etching. Before the dielectrophoretic deposition of the nanotubes, a gap 1 μm wide and 5 μm deep was milled in the middle of the metallic line by focused ion beam, allowing the fabrication of sensors based on suspended nanotubes bridging the electrodes. Subsequently, the sputtering technique was used for decorating the nanotubes with metallic nanoparticles. In order to test the as-obtained sensors, microreactors (100 μL volume) were machined from a single Kovar piece, being equipped with electrical connections and 1/4′′ Swagelok-compatible gas inlet and outlets for controlling the atmosphere in the testing chamber. The sensors, electrically connected to the contact pins by wire-bonding, were tested in the 10−5to 10−2 W working power interval using oxygen as target gas. The small chamber volume allowed the measurement of fast characteristic times (response/recovery), with the sensors showing good sensitivity.
Hidden Semi-Markov Models for Predictive Maintenance
Authors: Cartella Francesco , Lemeire Jan , Dimiccoli Luca , Sahli Hichem
Published: February 2015

Realistic predictive maintenance approaches are essential for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of industrial machines. In this work, we propose Hidden Semi-Markov Models (HSMMs) with (i) no constraints on the state duration density function and (ii) being applied to continuous or discrete observation. To deal with such a type of HSMM, we also propose modifications to the learning, inference, and prediction algorithms. Finally, automatic model selection has been made possible using the Akaike Information Criterion. This paper describes the theoretical formalization of the model as well as several experiments performed on simulated and real data with the aim of methodology validation. In all performed experiments, the model is able to correctly estimate the current state and to effectively predict the time to a predefined event with a low overall average absolute error. As a consequence, its applicability to real world settings can be beneficial, especially where in real time the Remaining Useful Lifetime (RUL) of the machine is calculated.
Decision-Making Based on Consumers’ Perceived Value in Different Remanufacturing Modes
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Hang , Deng Liurui
Published: February 2015

We investigate how the diversity of consumers’ perceived value in different remanufacturing modes affects remanufacturing decision-making. We establish a two-stage optimal decision-making model of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) remanufacturing and a noncooperative game model of third party remanufacturer (TPR) remanufacturing and then analyze the optimal decisions of OEM and TPR. Comparing the effects of consumers’ perceived value on remanufacturing decision-making in different modes, we find that when OEM remanufactures products, consumers’ perceived value has a negative effect on new products’ price and quantity and has a positive effect on remanufactured products’ quantity and when TPR remanufactures products, consumers’ perceived value has a positive effect on new products price and quantity and has a negative effect on remanufactured products’ quantity. Compared with OEM remanufacturing, TPR remanufacturing can raise the profits of OEM and whole closed-loop supply chain, but it will lower the quantity of remanufacturing products.
A Novel Clinical Decision Support System Using Improved Adaptive Genetic Algorithm for the Assessment of Fetal Well-Being
Authors: Ravindran Sindhu , Jambek Asral Bahari , Muthusamy Hariharan , Neoh Siew-Chin
Published: February 2015

A novel clinical decision support system is proposed in this paper for evaluating the fetal well-being from the cardiotocogram (CTG) dataset through an Improved Adaptive Genetic Algorithm (IAGA) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). IAGA employs a new scaling technique (called sigma scaling) to avoid premature convergence and applies adaptive crossover and mutation techniques with masking concepts to enhance population diversity. Also, this search algorithm utilizes three different fitness functions (two single objective fitness functions and multi-objective fitness function) to assess its performance. The classification results unfold that promising classification accuracy of 94% is obtained with an optimal feature subset using IAGA. Also, the classification results are compared with those of other Feature Reduction techniques to substantiate its exhaustive search towards the global optimum. Besides, five other benchmark datasets are used to gauge the strength of the proposed IAGA algorithm.
T-S Fuzzy Model Based Control Strategy for the Networked Suspension Control System of Maglev Train
Authors: He Guang , Li Jie , Cui Peng , Li Yun
Published: February 2015

The control problem for the networked suspension control system of maglev train with random induced time delay and packet dropouts is investigated. First, Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models are utilized to represent the discrete-time nonlinear networked suspension control system, and the parameters uncertainties of the nonlinear model have also been taken into account. The controllers take the form of parallel distributed compensation. Then, a sufficient condition for the stability of the networked suspension control system is derived. Based on the criteria, the state feedback fuzzy controllers are obtained, and the controller gains can be computed by using MATLAB LMI Toolbox directly. Finally, both the numerical simulations and physical experiments on the full-scale single bogie of CMS-04 maglev train have been accomplished to demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed method.
Application of the Least Squares Solutions in Image Deblurring
Authors: Stanimirović Predrag S. , Stojanović Igor , Katsikis Vasilios N. , Pappas Dimitrios , Zdravev Zoran
Published: February 2015

A new method for the reconstruction of blurred digital images damaged by separable motion blur is established. The main attribute of the method is based on multiple applications of the least squares solutions of certain matrix equations which define the separable motion blur in conjunction with known image deconvolution techniques. The key feature of the proposed algorithms is reflected in the fact that they can be used only in symbiosis with other image restoration algorithms.
On the Deformation Retract of Eguchi-Hanson Space and Its Folding
Authors: Rafat H. , Ahmed Nasr
Published: February 2015

We introduce the deformation retract of the Eguchi-Hanson space using Lagrangian equations. The retraction of this space into itself and into geodesics has been presented. The deformation retract of the Eguchi-Hanson space into itself and after the isometric folding has been discussed. Theorems concerning these relations have been deduced.
Modified Weekly Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy Is Acceptable in Postoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lu Hsueh-Ju , Yang Chao-Chun , Wang Ling-Wei , Chu Pen-Yuan , Tai Shyh-Kuan , Chen Ming-Huang , Yang Muh-Hwa , Chang Peter Mu-Hsin
Published: February 2015

Background. Triweekly cisplatin-based postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has high intolerance and toxicities in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). We evaluated the effect of a modified weekly cisplatin-based chemotherapy in postoperative CCRT.Methods. A total of 117 patients with LAHNC were enrolled between December 2007 and December 2012. Survival, compliance/adverse events, and independent prognostic factors were analyzed.Results. Median follow-up time was 30.0 (3.1–73.0) months. Most patients completed the entire course of postoperative CCRT (radiotherapy ≥ 60 Gy, 94.9%; ≥6 times weekly chemotherapy, 75.2%). Only 17.1% patients required hospital admission. The most common adverse effect was grade 3/4 mucositis (28.2%). No patient died due to protocol-related adverse effects. Multivariate analysis revealed the following independent prognostic factors: oropharyngeal cancer, extracapsular spread, and total radiation dose. Two-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 70.9% and 79.5%, respectively.Conclusion. Modified weekly cisplatin-based chemotherapy is an acceptable regimen in postoperative CCRT for LAHNC.
Bilateral Wünderlich Syndrome Caused by Spontaneous Rupture of Renal Angiomyolipomas
Authors: Sotošek Stanislav , Markić Dean , Španjol Josip , Krpina Kristian , Knežević Siniša , Maričić Anton
Published: February 2015

Wünderlich syndrome (WS) is a urological emergency characterized by retroperitoneal hemorrhage. In most cases, bleeding occurs from a renal angiomyolipoma (AML) and may be the first manifestation of the disease. We report a female patient with bilateral WS due to the metachronous rupture of renal AMLs. Because the patient was stable and the tumor was not malignant, treatment was conservative. Follow-up revealed the full recovery of kidney function and the resolution of the hematoma.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Zishen Yutai Pill, Ameliorates Precocious Endometrial Maturation Induced by Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation and Improves Uterine Receptivity via Upregulation of HOXA10
Authors: Gao Qi , Han Lu , Li Xiumei , Cai Xia
Published: February 2015

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART), but it often leads to precocious maturation of the endometrium such that it impairs embryonic implantation and limits pregnancy rates. Previous studies have shown the traditional Chinese medicine, the Zishen Yutai pill (ZYP), to be effective in treatment of threatened as well as recurrent miscarriages, and it can improve embryonic implantation rates in patients undergoing IVF treatment. In the present study, the ZYP has been found to ameliorate precocious endometrial maturation in a mouse model of different COH. Molecular evaluations, real-time PCR, relative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry have indicated that the ZYP increased the expression of HOXA10, an important marker of uterine receptivity. Elevation of HOXA10 led to further upregulation of its target gene, integrinβ3, and downregulation of EMX2, two additional markers of uterine receptivity. In this way, the ZYP may mitigate COH-induced precocious maturation of the endometrium and improve uterine receptivity by upregulating HOXA10.
PMSVM: An Optimized Support Vector Machine Classification Algorithm Based on PCA and Multilevel Grid Search Methods
Authors: Yao Yukai , Cui Hongmei , Liu Yang , Li Longjie , Zhang Long , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: February 2015

We propose an optimized Support Vector Machine classifier, named PMSVM, in which System Normalization, PCA, and Multilevel Grid Search methods are comprehensively considered for data preprocessing and parameters optimization, respectively. The main goals of this study are to improve the classification efficiency and accuracy of SVM. Sensitivity, Specificity, Precision, and ROC curve, and so forth, are adopted to appraise the performances of PMSVM. Experimental results show that PMSVM has relatively better accuracy and remarkable higher efficiency compared with traditional SVM algorithms.
The Multifaceted Role of Commensal Microbiota in Homeostasis and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Silva Marcelo José Barbosa , Carneiro Matheus Batista Heitor , dos Anjos Pultz Brunna , Pereira Silva Danielle , Lopes Mateus Eustáquio de Moura , dos Santos Liliane Martins
Published: February 2015

The gastrointestinal tract houses a complex and diverse community of microbes. In recent years, an increased understanding of the importance of intestinal microbiota for human physiology has been gained. In the steady state, commensal microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with the host and possess critical and distinct functions, including directly influencing immunity. This means that recognition of commensal antigens is necessary for the development of complete immune responses. Therefore, the immune system must face the challenge of maintaining mucosal homeostasis while dealing with undue passage of commensal or pathogenic microbes, as well as the host nutritional status or drug use. Disruption of this fine balance has been associated with the development of several intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the modulation of host-microbe interactions and how the breakdown of this homeostatic association can lead to intestinal inflammation and pathology.
Dynamics in Braess Paradox with Nonimpulsive Commuters
Authors: Dal Forno Arianna , Merlone Ugo , Avrutin Viktor
Published: February 2015

In Braess paradox the addiction of an extra resource creates a social dilemma in which the individual rationality leads to collective irrationality. In the literature, the dynamics has been analyzed when considering impulsive commuters, i.e., those who switch choice regardless of the actual difference between costs. We analyze a dynamical version of the paradox with nonimpulsive commuters, who change road proportionally to the cost difference. When only two roads are available, we provide a rigorous proof of the existence of a unique fixed point showing that it is globally attracting even if locally unstable. When a new road is added the system becomes discontinuous and two-dimensional. We prove that still a unique fixed point exists, and its global attractivity is numerically evidenced, also when the fixed point is locally unstable. Our analysis adds a new insight in the understanding of dynamics in social dilemma.
Mobile Applications for Knowledge Workers and Field Workers
Authors: Stieglitz Stefan , Lattemann Christoph , Brockmann Tobias
Published: February 2015

In recent years, the diffusion of mobile applications (mobile apps) has risen significantly. Nowadays, mobile business apps are strongly emerging in business, enhancing productivity and employees’ satisfaction, whilst the usage of customized individual enterprise apps is still an exception. Standardized business apps enable basic functionalities, for example, mobile data storage and exchange (e.g., Dropbox), communication (e.g., Skype), and other routine processes, which support mobile workers. In addition, mobile apps can, for example, increase the flexibility of mobile workers by easing the access to firm’s information from outside the enterprise and by enabling ubiquitous collaboration. Hence, mobile apps can generate competitive advantages and can increase work efficiency on a broad scale. But mobile workers form no coherent group. Our research reveals, based on two case studies, that they can be clustered into two groups: knowledge workers and field workers. Knowledge workers and field workers fulfill different tasks and work in different environments. Hence, they have different requirements for mobile support. In this paper we conclude that standardized mobile business apps cannot meet the different requirements of various groups of mobile workers. Task- and firm-specific (individualized) requirements determine the specification, implementation, and application of mobile apps.
Polygonal Approximation Using an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Huang Shu-Chien
Published: February 2015

A polygonal approximation method based on the new artificial bee colony (NABC) algorithm is proposed in this paper. In the present method, a solution is represented by a vector, and the objective function is defined as the integral square error between the given curve and its corresponding polygon. The search process, including the employed bee stage, the onlooker bee stage, and the scout bee stage, has been constructed for this specific problem. Most experiments show that the present method when compared with the DE-based method can obtain superior approximation results with less error norm with respect to the original curves.
Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Injections with a Cell Imaging-Based Multiparametric Assay Revealed a Critical Involvement of Mitochondrial Function in Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Chen-Xiang , Dong Ran-Ran , He Shuang , Liu Ting-Ting , Zhao Tie-Chan , Wang Zhi-Long , Shen Xi-Ya , Zhang Bo-Li , Gao Xiu-Mei , Zhu Yan
Published: February 2015

The safety of herbal medicine products has been a widespread concern due to their complex chemical nature and lack of proper evaluation methods. We have adapted a sensitive and reproducible multiparametric cell-based high-content analysis assay to evaluate the hepatic-safety of four Chinese medicine injections and validated it with classical animal-based toxicity assays. Our results suggested that the reported hepatotoxicity by one of the drugs, Fufangkushen injection, could be attributed at least in part to the interference of mitochondrial function in human HepG2 cells by some of its constituents. This method should be useful for both preclinical screen in a drug discovery program and postclinical evaluation of herbal medicine preparations.
Gray Matter Volumes in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Tang Le-wei , Zheng Hui , Chen Liang , Zhou Si-yuan , Huang Wen-jing , Li Ying , Wu Xi
Published: February 2015

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue with uncertain pathologic mechanism. Neuroimage may be an important key to unveil the central nervous system (CNS) mechanism in CFS. Although most of the studies found gray matter (GM) volumes reduced in some brain regions in CFS, there are many factors that could affect GM volumes in CFS, including chronic pain, stress, psychiatric disorder, physical activity, and insomnia, which may bias the results. In this paper, through reviewing recent literatures, we discussed these interferential factors, which overlap with the symptoms of CFS.
Phlebotomine Sand Fly Fauna andLeishmaniaInfection in the Vicinity of the Serra do Cipó National Park, a Natural Brazilian Heritage Site
Authors: Lana Rosana Silva , Michalsky Érika Monteiro , Fortes-Dias Consuelo Latorre , França-Silva João Carlos , Lara-Silva Fabiana de Oliveira , Rocha Lima Ana Cristina Vianna Mariano da , Moreira de Avelar Daniel , Martins Juliana Cristina Dias , Dias Edelberto Santos
Published: February 2015

In the New World, the leishmaniases are primarily transmitted to humans through the bites ofLeishmania-infectedLutzomyia(Diptera: Psychodidae) phlebotomine sand flies. Any or both of two basic clinical forms of these diseases are endemic to several cities in Brazil—the American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) and the American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). The present study was conducted in the urban area of a small-sized Brazilian municipality (Jaboticatubas), in which three cases of AVL and nine of ACL have been reported in the last five years. Jaboticatubas is an important tourism hub, as it includes a major part of the Serra do Cipó National Park. Currently, no local data is available on the entomological fauna or circulatingLeishmania. During the one-year period of this study, we captured 3,104 phlebotomine sand flies belonging to sixteenLutzomyiaspecies. In addition to identifying incriminated or suspected vectors of ACL with DNA of the etiological agent of AVL and vice versa, we also detectedLeishmaniaDNA in unexpectedLutzomyiaspecies. The expressive presence of vectors and naturalLeishmaniainfection indicates favorable conditions for the spreading of leishmaniases in the vicinity of the Serra do Cipó National Park.
Hybrid Neural Network Approach Based Tool for the Modelling of Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Laudani Antonino , Lozito Gabriele Maria , Riganti Fulginei Francesco , Salvini Alessandro
Published: February 2015

A hybrid neural network approach based tool for identifying the photovoltaic one-diode model is presented. The generalization capabilities of neural networks are used together with the robustness of the reduced form of one-diode model. Indeed, from the studies performed by the authors and the works present in the literature, it was found that a direct computation of the five parameters via multiple inputs and multiple outputs neural network is a very difficult task. The reduced form consists in a series of explicit formulae for the support to the neural network that, in our case, is aimed at predicting just two parameters among the five ones identifying the model: the other three parameters are computed by reduced form. The present hybrid approach is efficient from the computational cost point of view and accurate in the estimation of the five parameters. It constitutes a complete and extremely easy tool suitable to be implemented in a microcontroller based architecture. Validations are made on about 10000 PV panels belonging to the California Energy Commission database.
Mathematical Approach to Security Risk Assessment
Authors: Vrabel Robert , Abas Marcel , Tanuska Pavol , Vazan Pavel , Kebisek Michal , Elias Michal , Sutova Zuzana , Pavliak Dusan
Published: February 2015

The goal of this paper is to provide a mathematical threat modeling methodology and a threat risk assessment tool that may assist security consultants at assessing the security risks in their protected systems/plants, nuclear power plants and stores of hazardous substances: explosive atmospheres and flammable and combustible gases and liquids, and so forth, and at building an appropriate risk mitigation policy. The probability of a penetration into the protected objects is estimated by combining the probability of the penetration by overcoming the security barriers with a vulnerability model. On the basis of the topographical placement of the protected objects, their security features, and the probability of the penetration, we propose a model of risk mitigation and effective decision making.