bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flash-Optimized Temporal Indexing for Time-Series Data Storage on Sensor Platforms
Authors: Li Huan , Liang Dong , Xie Lihui , Zhang Gong , Ramamritham Krithi
Published: June 2014

While it is essential to exploit in-network processing in wireless sensor networks in order to save bandwidth and energy, we are constrained by the limited storage available in off-the-shelf sensor devices. NAND flash memory has great potential for extending storage capacity for sensor applications. Since each sensor platform is typically equipped with limited main memory and sensor data, as well as the fact that queries are temporal, existing flash index or file systems for general portable devices are not suitable for sensor networks. We propose Time-Log Tree (TL-Tree), a novel unbalanced and cascaded structure, that takes advantage of available flash capacity while making use of the time-series property as a primary feature for optimizing both memory and energy constraints. Extensive experiments show TL-Tree's ability to utilize both flash capacity and temporal locality to support sensor data processing. Compared to other schemes, it achieves much better access and energy savings for different kinds of random and temporal range queries. In addition, TL-Tree can also be easily extended to support value-based queries. We have developed a hardware board that includes a raw 128MB NAND flash chip on MicaZ mote. We have also implemented a flash driver and the TL-Tree to demonstrate the practicality of this idea.
ftTRACK
Authors: Laoudias Christos , Michaelides Michalis P. , Panayiotou Christos G.
Published: June 2014

The provision of accurate and reliable localization and tracking information for a target moving inside a binary Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is quite challenging, especially when sensor failures due to hardware and/or software malfunctions or adversary attacks are considered. Most tracking algorithms assume fault-free scenarios and exploit all binary sensor observations, thus their accuracy may degrade when faults are present in the field. Spatiotemporal information available while the target is traversing the sensor field can be used not only for tracking the target, but also for detecting certain types of faults that appear highly correlated both in time and space. Our main contribution is ftTRACK, a target tracking architecture that is resilient to sensor faults and consists of three main components, namely the sensor health-state estimator, a fault-tolerant localization algorithm, and a location smoothing component. The key idea in the ftTRACK architecture lies in the sensor health-state estimator that leverages spatiotemporal information from previous estimation steps to intelligently choose which sensors to employ in the localization and tracking tasks. Simulation results indicate that ftTRACK maintains a high level of tracking accuracy, even when a large number of sensors fail.
Integrated Resource Allocation and Binding in Clock Mesh Synthesis
Authors: Kang Minseok , Kim Taewhan
Published: June 2014

The clock distribution network in a synchronous digital circuit delivers a clock signal to every storage element, that is, clock sink in the circuit. However, since the continued technology scaling increases PVT (process-voltage-temperature) variation, the increase of clock-skew variation is highly likely to cause performance degradation or system failure at runtime. Recently, to mitigate the clock-skew variation, many researchers have taken a profound interest in the clock mesh network. However, though the structure of the clock mesh network is excellent in tolerating timing variations, it demands significantly high power consumption due to the use of excessive mesh wire and buffer resources. Thus, optimizing the resources required in the mesh clock synthesis while maintaining the variation tolerance is crucially important. The three major tasks that greatly affect the cost of the resulting clock mesh are: (1)
mesh segment allocation
, (2)
mesh buffer allocation
and
sizing
, and (3)
clock sink binding to mesh segments
. Previous clock mesh optimization approaches solve the three tasks sequentially, one by one at a time, to manage the runtime complexity of the tasks at the expense of losing the quality of results. However, since the three tasks are tightly interrelated, simultaneously optimizing all three tasks is essential, if the runtime is ever permitted, to synthesize an economical clock mesh network. In this work, we propose an approach that is able to tackle the problem in an integrated fashion by combining the three tasks into an iterative framework of incremental updates and
solving them simultaneously
to find a globally optimal allocation of mesh resources while taking into account the clock-skew tolerance constraints. The core parts of this work are a precise analysis on the relation among the resource optimization tasks and an establishment of a mechanism for effective and efficient integration of the tasks. In particular, to handle the runtime problem, we propose a set of speedup techniques, that is, modeling the RC circuit for eliminating redundant matrix multiplications, exploiting a sliding-window scheme, and quickly estimating the buffer sizing effect, which are fitted into our context of fast clock-skew estimation in mesh resource optimization as well as an invention of early decision policies. Through extensive experiments with benchmark circuits, it is shown that our proposed clock mesh synthesizer is able to reduce the worst-case clock skew, total mesh wirelength, total size of mesh driving buffers, and total clock mesh power consumption including short-circuit power by 25.0%, 13.2%, 10.9%, and 11.0% on average compared to that produced by the best-known clock mesh synthesis method (MeshWorks), respectively.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline CdS by SILAR and Their Characterization
Authors: Chandra Partha Protim , Mukherjee Ayan , Mitra P.
Published: June 2014

A simple and cost effective chemical technique has been utilized to prepare cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles at room temperature. The sample is characterized with XRD (X-ray diffractometer), SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscope), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), EDX (energy dispersive X-rays), and UV-VIS (ultraviolet visible) spectrophotometer. The particle size estimated using X-ray line broadening method is ~21.5 nm. While particle size estimation, both instrumental and strain broadening was taken into account. The lattice strain was evaluated using Williamson-Hall equation. SEM illustrates formation of submicron size crystallites and TEM image gives a particle size of ~23.5 nm. The characteristic stretching vibration frequency of CdS was observed in the absorption band in FTIR spectrum. Optical absorption study exhibits a band gap energy value of about 2.44 eV.
Hydrogen Production by Supercritical Water Gasification of Biomass with Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Jin Hui , Lu Youjun , Guo Liejin , Zhang Ximin , Pei Aixia
Published: June 2014

Biomass gasification in supercritical water is a clean and efficient way to convert biomass to hydrogen-rich gaseous products. Appropriate catalyst can lower the reaction temperature to guarantee the technological and economic feasibility. This paper selects Ca(OH)2, Na2CO3, K2CO3, NaOH, KOH, LiOH, and ZnCl2as typical homogeneous catalysts and three kinds of Raney-Ni, dolomite, and olivine as typical heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst effects are investigated in the process of biomass gasification in supercritical water with the temperature of 400°C, pressure of22∼24 MPa, and residence time of 20 min. The experimental results show that Raney-Ni has the best hydrogen selectivity and hydrogen yield. The mixture of NaOH with Raney-Ni was investigated in order to research the synergistic effect of different catalysts. The experimental results show that Raney-Ni and NaOH have a synergistic effect in the biomass gasification in supercritical water.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Shuang Shen Ning Xin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Preserving of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Li Xueli , Liu Jianxun , Lin Li , Guo Yujie , Lin Chengren , Zhang Cuixiang , Yang Bin
Published: June 2014

To investigate the potential cardioprotective effects of Shuang Shen Ning Xin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Wistar rats were treated with trimetazidine (10 mg/kg/day, ig), Shuang Shen Ning Xin (22.5, 45 mg/kg/day, ig), or saline for 5 consecutive days. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min and reperfusion for 120 min on the last day of administration. It is found that Shuang Shen Ning Xin pretreatment markedly decreased infarct size and serum LDH levels, and this observed protection was associated with reduced myocardial oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, further studies on mitochondrial function showed that rats treated with Shuang Shen Ning Xin displayed decreased mitochondrial swelling and cytosolic cytochrome c levels, which were accompanied by a preservation of complex I activities and inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition. In conclusion, the mitochondrial protective effect of Shuang Shen Ning Xin could be a new mechanism, by which Shuang Shen Ning Xin attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Mechanisms of T-Cell Immunosuppression by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: What Do We Know So Far?
Authors: Haddad Rodrigo , Saldanha-Araujo Felipe
Published: June 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells, which can give rise to several cell types including osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondroblasts. These cells can be found in a variety of adult and fetal tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, cord blood, and placenta. In recent years, the biological properties of MSCs have attracted the attention of researchers worldwide due to their potential application for treating a series of clinical situations. Among these properties, special attention should be given to the immunoregulatory potential of those cells. MSCs are able to act on all cells of the immune system, which includes the capacity to inhibit the proliferation and function of T-cells. This feature renders them natural candidates to treat several diseases in which cellular immune response is exacerbated. In this review, we outline the main mechanisms by which MSCs immunosuppress T-cell response, focusing on cell-cell contact, secretion of soluble factors, and regulatory T-cell generation. The influence of surface markers in the immunosuppression process and features of MSCs isolated from different sources are also discussed. Finally, the influences of toll-like receptors and cytokines on the inflammatory microenvironment are highlighted regarding the activation of MSCs to exert their immunoregulatory function.
Macular Oedema Related to Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 1 Treated with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (Ozurdex)
Authors: Loutfi Mohamed , Papathomas Thomas , Kamal Ahmed
Published: June 2014

A 65-year-old female presented with visual disturbance in her right eye lasting for over 2 months. Following investigations, she was diagnosed with MacTel type 1 in the right eye. Visual symptoms were refractory to initial treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and thereafter intravtireal triamicinolone. The patient was then treated with Ozurdex, following which central macular thickness (CMT) decreased (from 397 μm to 286 μm) and visual acuity deteriorated (from logMAR 0.48 to 0.59). At 14 weeks posttreatment with Ozurdex, a recurrence of cystoid macular oedema (CMO) was observed. Following a second Ozurdex, visual acuity improved (from logMAR 0.7 to 0.64) and CMT decreased (from 349 μm to 279 μm). An additional recurrence of CMO was observed at eighteen weeks following the second Ozurdex. Following a third Ozurdex injection visual acuity deteriorated (from logMAR 0.74 to 0.78) and CMT decreased (from 332 μm to 279 μm).Conclusion. Treatment of macular oedema secondary to MacTel with Ozurdex demonstrated promising anatomical outcomes. However, visual outcomes continued to gradually deteriorate.
Synthesis of GeSe2 Nanobelts Using Thermal Evaporation and Their Photoelectrical Properties
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Yu Hongfei , Yang Yun , Yang Keqin , Dong Youqing , Huang Shaoming , Dai Ning , Zhu Da-Ming
Published: June 2014

GeSe2 nanobelts were synthesized via a simple thermal‐evaporation process by using gold particles as catalyst and GeSe2 flakes as starting materials. The morphology, crystal structure, and composition were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM micrographs show that most of GeSe2 nanobelts have distinct segmented structures (wide belt, zigzag belt, and narrow belt). A possible mechanism was proposed for the growth of segmented nanobelts. It is possible that the growth of the segmented nanobelts is dominated by both vapor‐liquid‐solid and vapor‐solid mechanisms. Devices made of single GeSe2 nanobelt have been fabricated and their photoelectrical property has been investigated. Results indicate that these nanobelt devices are potential building blocks for optoelectronic applications.
Effects of Lower Limb Length and Body Proportions on the Energy Cost of Overground Walking in Older Persons
Authors: Vannetti Federica , Pasquini Guido , Vitiello Nicola , Molino-Lova Raffaele
Published: June 2014

Background. Although walking has been extensively investigated in its biomechanical and physiological aspects, little is known on whether lower limb length and body proportions affect the energy cost of overground walking in older persons.Methods. We enrolled 50 men and 12 women aged 65 years and over, mean 69.1 ± SD 5.4, who at the end of their cardiac rehabilitation program performed the six-minute walk test while wearing a portable device for direct calorimetry and who walked a distance comparable to that of nondisabled community-dwelling older persons.Results. In the multivariable regression model (F= 12.75,P<0.001, adjustedR2=0.278) the energy cost of overground walking, expressed as the net energy expenditure, in kg−1 sec−1, needed to provide own body mass with 1 joule kinetic energy, was inversely related to lower limb length and directly related to lower limb length to height ratio (β±SEβ=-3.72*10-3±0.74*10-3,P<0.001, and6.61*10-3±2.14*10-3,P=0.003, resp.). Ancillary analyses also showed that, altogether, 1 cm increase in lower limb length reduced the energy cost of overground walking by 2.57% (95%CI 2.35–2.79).Conclusions. Lower limb length and body proportions actually affect the energy cost of overground walking in older persons.
Bioelectrical Impedance Methods for Noninvasive Health Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Bera Tushar Kanti
Published: June 2014

Under the alternating electrical excitation, biological tissues produce a complex electrical impedance which depends on tissue composition, structures, health status, and applied signal frequency, and hence the bioelectrical impedance methods can be utilized for noninvasive tissue characterization. As the impedance responses of these tissue parameters vary with frequencies of the applied signal, the impedance analysis conducted over a wide frequency band provides more information about the tissue interiors which help us to better understand the biological tissues anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Over past few decades, a number of impedance based noninvasive tissue characterization techniques such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrical impedance plethysmography (IPG), impedance cardiography (ICG), and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) have been proposed and a lot of research works have been conducted on these methods for noninvasive tissue characterization and disease diagnosis. In this paper BIA, EIS, IPG, ICG, and EIT techniques and their applications in different fields have been reviewed and technical perspective of these impedance methods has been presented. The working principles, applications, merits, and demerits of these methods has been discussed in detail along with their other technical issues followed by present status and future trends.
Protective Effects ofGinkgo bilobaExtract EGb 761 against Noise Trauma-Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Development
Authors: Tziridis Konstantin , Korn Sabine , Ahlf Sönke , Schulze Holger
Published: June 2014

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and resulting comorbidities like subjective tinnitus are common diseases in modern societies. A substance shown to be effective against NIHL in an animal model is theGinkgo bilobaextract EGb 761. Further effects of the extract on the cellular and systemic levels of the nervous system make it a promising candidate not only for protection against NIHL but also for its secondary comorbidities like tinnitus. Following an earlier study we here tested the potential effectiveness of prophylactic EGb 761 treatment against NIHL and tinnitus development in theMongolian gerbil. We monitored the effects of EGb 761 and noise trauma-induced changes on signal processing within the auditory system by means of behavioral and electrophysiological approaches. We found significantly reduced NIHL and tinnitus development upon EGb 761 application, compared to vehicle treated animals. These protective effects of EGb 761 were correlated with changes in auditory processing, both at peripheral and central levels. We propose a model with two main effects of EGb 761 on auditory processing, first, an increase of auditory brainstem activity leading to an increased thalamic input to the primary auditory cortex (AI) and second, an asymmetric effect on lateral inhibition in AI.
Flexible Stock Allocation and Trim Loss Control for Cutting Problem in the Industrial‐Use Paper Production
Authors: Wang Fu-Kwun , Liu Feng-Tai
Published: June 2014

We consider a one‐dimensional cutting stock problem (CSP) in which the stock widths are not used to fulfill the order but kept for use in the future for the industrial‐use paper production. We present a new model based on the flexible stock allocation and trim loss control to determine the production quantity. We evaluate our approach using a real data and show that we are able to solve industrial‐size problems, while also addressing common cutting considerations such as aggregation of orders, multiple stock widths, and cutting different patterns on the same machine. In addition, we compare our model with others, including trim loss minimization problem (TLMP) and cutting stock problem (CSP). The results show that the proposed model outperforms the other two models regarding total flexibility and trim loss ratio.
The Gene-Gene Interaction of INSIG-SCAP-SREBP Pathway on the Risk of Obesity in Chinese Children
Authors: Liu Fang-Hong , Song Jie-Yun , Shang Xiao-Rui , Meng Xiang-Rui , Ma Jun , Wang Hai-Jun
Published: June 2014

Background.Childhood obesity has become a global public health problem in recent years. This study aimed to explore the association of genetic variants in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway with obesity in Chinese children.Methods.A case-control study was conducted, including 705 obese cases and 1,325 nonobese controls. We genotyped 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five genes in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway, including insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1), insulin induced gene 2 (INSIG2), SREBP cleavage-activating protein gene (SCAP), sterol regulatory element binding protein gene 1 (SREBP1), and sterol regulatory element binding protein gene 2 (SREBP2). We used generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and logistic regression to investigate gene-gene interactions.Results.Single polymorphism analyses showed thatSCAPrs12487736 and rs12490383 were nominally associated with obesity. We identified a 3-locus interaction on obesity in GMDR analyses(P=0.001), involving 3 genetic variants ofINSIG2,SCAP,andSREBP2. The individuals in high-risk group of the 3-locus combinations had a 79.9% increased risk of obesity compared with those in low-risk group (OR=1.799, 95% CI: 1.475–2.193,P=6.61×10-9).Conclusion.We identified interaction of three genes in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway on risk of obesity, revealing that these genes affect obesity more likely through a complex interaction pattern than single gene effect.
Microstructure Formation and Fracturing Characteristics of Grey Cast Iron Repaired Using Laser
Authors: Yi Peng , Xu Pengyun , Fan Changfeng , Yang Guanghui , Liu Dan , Shi Yongjun
Published: June 2014

The repairing technology based on laser rapid fusion is becoming an important tool for fixing grey cast iron equipment efficiently. A laser repairing protocol was developed using Fe-based alloy powders as material. The microstructure and fracturing feature of the repaired zone (RZ) were analyzed. The results showed that regionally organized RZ with good density and reliable metallurgical bond can be achieved by laser repairing. At the bottom of RZ, dendrites existed in similar direction and extended to the secondary RZ, making the grains grow extensively with inheritance with isometric grains closer to the surface substrate. The strength of the grey cast iron base material was maintained by laser repairing. The base material and RZ were combined with robust strength and fracture resistance. The prevention and deflection of cracking process were analyzed using a cracking process model and showed that the overall crack toughness of the materials increased.
Secure Model against APT in m-Connected SCADA Network
Authors: Kim Si-Jung , Cho Do-Eun , Yeo Sang-Soo
Published: June 2014

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks for the remote control and operation of various industrial infrastructures are currently being used as main metropolitan infrastructures, especially smart grid and power plants. Most of the existing SCADA networks have fortified securities because of their powerful access control based on closed and private networks. However, recent SCADA networks are frequently connected to various IT-based systems and also to other conventional networks, in order to achieve the operational convenience of SCADA systems, as well as the execution requirements of various applications. Therefore, SCADA systems have acute needs for secure countermeasures against the ordinary network vulnerabilities and for tangible preparations against ever-changing intrusion attacks such as advanced persistent threat (APT). This paper introduces the concept of m-connected SCADA networks, analyzes various security vulnerabilities on such networks, and finally proposes an integrated secure model having an APT managing module and a rule-based intrusion detection system (IDS) for internal and external network access.
Solving a Class of Singularly Perturbed Partial Differential Equation by Using the Perturbation Method and Reproducing Kernel Method
Authors: Wang Yu-Lan , Yu Hao , Tan Fu-Gui , Qu Shanshan
Published: June 2014

We give the analytical solution and the series expansion solution of a class of singularly perturbed partial differential equation (SPPDE) by combining traditional perturbation method (PM) and reproducing kernel method (RKM). The numerical example is studied to demonstrate the accuracy of the present method. Results obtained by the method indicate the method is simple and effective.
Performance Studies on Distributed Virtual Screening
Authors: Krüger Jens , Grunzke Richard , Herres-Pawlis Sonja , Hoffmann Alexander , de la Garza Luis , Kohlbacher Oliver , Nagel Wolfgang E. , Gesing Sandra
Published: June 2014

Virtual high-throughput screening (vHTS) is an invaluable method in modern drug discovery. It permits screening large datasets or databases of chemical structures for those structures binding possibly to a drug target. Virtual screening is typically performed by docking code, which often runs sequentially. Processing of huge vHTS datasets can be parallelized by chunking the data because individual docking runs are independent of each other. The goal of this work is to find an optimal splitting maximizing the speedup while considering overhead and available cores on Distributed Computing Infrastructures (DCIs). We have conducted thorough performance studies accounting not only for the runtime of the docking itself, but also for structure preparation. Performance studies were conducted via the workflow-enabled science gateway MoSGrid (Molecular Simulation Grid). As input we used benchmark datasets for protein kinases. Our performance studies show that docking workflows can be made to scale almost linearly up to 500 concurrent processes distributed even over large DCIs, thus accelerating vHTS campaigns significantly.
On the System of Diophantine Equationsx2-6y2=-5andx=az2-b
Authors: Zhang Silan , Chen Jianhua , Hu Hao
Published: June 2014

Mignotte and Pethö used the Siegel-Baker method to find all the integral solutions(x,y,z)of the system of Diophantine equationsx2-6y2=-5andx=2z2-1. In this paper, we extend this result and put forward a generalized method which can completely solve the family of systems of Diophantine equationsx2-6y2=-5andx=az2-bfor each pair of integral parametersa,b. The proof utilizes algebraic number theory andp-adic analysis which successfully avoid discussing the class number and factoring the ideals.
Orthostatic Dysregulation during Postural Change on the Dental Chair and Intraoperative Monitoring by Heart Rate Variability Analysis
Authors: Momota Yukihiro , Tomioka Shigemasa , Furukita Mayuko , Fujisawa Kenji , Takano Hideyuki , Azuma Masayuki
Published: June 2014

This is the first case report of orthostatic dysregulation (OD) manifested during postural change on the dental chair and intraoperatively monitored by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. OD-associated autonomic dysfunction is induced by postural changes and easily leads to disturbance in circulatory dynamics; however, most dental practices have not yet realized the importance of managing OD. We measured autonomic activity in a patient with OD during dental therapy and assessed the clinical significance of HRV analysis for OD. The patient was a 17-year-old Japanese female. She was diagnosed with impacted wisdom teeth and had no previous history of a distinct systemic disease. A surgical procedure to extract the teeth was safely performed under both local anesthesia and sedation with nitrous oxide and midazolam. After the surgery, her postural change to sitting induced orthostatic hypotension. HRV variables showed parasympathetic dominance due to the upright position. Subsequently, her posture was returned to supine, and atropine sulfate administration for the immediate treatment of OD returned her blood pressure to normal levels. HRV variables showed relative sympathetic dominance due to an atropine-derived parasympathetic blockade. HRV analysis revealed OD-associated autonomic dysfunction and should become a standard tool for safe and secure dental management of OD.
Phytotoxic Activity ofOcimum tenuiflorumExtracts on Germination and Seedling Growth of Different Plant Species
Authors: Islam A. K. M. Mominul , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: June 2014

Phytotoxic activity ofOcimum tenuiflorum(Lamiaceae) plant extracts was investigated against the germination and seedling growth of cress (Lepidium sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and timothy (Phleum pratense) at four different concentrations. The plant extracts at concentrations greater than 30 mg dry weight equivalent extract mL−1reduced significantly the total germination percent (GP), germination index (GI), germination energy (GE), speed of emergence (SE), seedling vigour index (SVI), and coefficient of the rate of germination (CRG) of all test species except barnyard grass and GP of lettuce. In contrast, time required for 50% germination (T50) and mean germination time (MGT) were increased at the same or higher than this concentration. The increasing trend ofT50and MGT and the decreasing trend of other indices indicated a significant inhibition or delay of germination of the test species byO. tenuiflorumplant extracts and vice versa. In addition, the shoot and root growth of all test species were significantly inhibited by the extracts at concentrations greater than 10 mg dry weight equivalent extract mL−1. TheI50values for shoot and root growth were ranged from 26 to 104 mg dry weight equivalent extract mL−1. Seedling growth was more sensitive to the extracts compared to seed germination. Results of this study suggest thatO. tenuiflorumplant extracts have phytotoxic properties and thus contain phytotoxic substances. Isolation and characterization of those substances from this plant may act as a tool for new natural, biodegradable herbicide development to control weeds.
Optimizing the Joint Replenishment and Channel Coordination Problem under Supply Chain Environment Using a Simple and Effective Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Wang Lin , Qu Hui , Liu Shan , Chen Can
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a useful and practical procurement approach using the joint replenishment and channel coordination (JR-CC) policy in a two-echelon supply chain considering the coordination cost. The objective is to determine a basic replenishment cycle time and the replenishment interval to minimize the total cost of the supply chain. To solve this NP-hard problem, a simple and improved differential evolution algorithm (IDE) is developed. The performance of the IDE is verified by benchmark functions. Moreover, results of comparative numerical example show the effectiveness of the proposed IDE. IDE can be used as a good candidate for the JR-CC model. Results of numerical examples also indicate that the JR-CC policy can result in considerable cost saving, and enhance the efficiency of a supply chain. But not all members in the supply chain can benefit a lot using this policy. Moreover, results of sensitivity analysis show that retailers have more willingness to adopt the JR-CC policy than the manufacturers because of the different cost savings.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha −308 G>A Polymorphism, Adherence to Mediterranean Diet, and Risk of Overweight/Obesity in Young Women
Authors: Barchitta Martina , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Adornetto Veronica , Marchese Anna Elisa , Agodi Antonella
Published: June 2014

The present study was conducted in order to (i) characterize the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) pattern and fatty acids (FAs) intakes and (ii) explore interactions betweenTNFA−308 G>A polymorphism and adherence to MD and FAs intakes, respectively, on overweight/obesity risk. From 2010 to 2013, 380 healthy women were enrolled, and MD score (MDS) and FAs intakes were evaluated by a Food Frequencies Questionnaire in relation to nutritional status.TNFA−308 G/A polymorphism was characterized using PCR-RFLP. A total of 32.6% of women were overweight or obese. Lower mean MDS values were more observed in the younger age group than in the older age group (3.60 versus 4.45). The risk of being overweight/obese was 3.5-fold increased due to poor adherence to MD and was about twofold increased in less educated women. Furthermore, younger age was associated with poor adherence to MD. No evidence for an independent effect of the polymorphism on overweight/obesity risk was found. There was no evidence of biological interaction from the gene-diet interaction analyses. Young women, less educated and with poor adherence to MD, are a target group for the nutritional interventions that aimed to control the obesity risk, thus improving the adherence to MD and particularly the intake of unsaturated FAs.
A Cooperative Dual to the Nash Equilibrium for Two-Person Prescriptive Games
Authors: Corley H. W. , Kwain Phantipa
Published: June 2014

An alternative to the Nash equilibrium (NE) is presented for two-person, one-shot prescriptive games in normal form, where the outcome is determined by an arbiter. The NE is the fundamental solution concept in noncooperative game theory. It is based on the assumption that players are completely selfish. However, NEs are often not played in practice, so we present a cooperative dual as an alternative solution concept by which an arbiter can assign the players' actions. In this dual equilibrium (DE), each player acts in the other's best interest. We formally define prescriptive games and the DE, then summarize the duality relationships between the NE and DE for two players. We also apply the DE to some prescriptive games and compare it to other outcomes.
Pricing Extendible Options Using the Fast Fourier Transform
Authors: Ibrahim Siti Nur Iqmal , O′Hara John G. , Constantinou Nick
Published: June 2014

This paper applies the fast Fourier transform (FFT) approach, within the Black‐Scholes framework, to the valuation of options whose time to maturity can be extended to a future date (extendible options). We determine the valuation of the extendible options as sums of expectations of indicator functions, leading to a semianalytic expression for the value of the options over a range of strikes. Compared to Monte Carlo simulation, numerical examples demonstrate that the FFT is both computationally more efficient and higher in accuracy.
A Novel Deployment Scheme Based on Three-Dimensional Coverage Model for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xiao Fu , Yang Yang , Wang Ruchuan , Sun Lijuan
Published: June 2014

Coverage pattern and deployment strategy are directly related to the optimum allocation of limited resources for wireless sensor networks, such as energy of nodes, communication bandwidth, and computing power, and quality improvement is largely determined by these for wireless sensor networks. A three-dimensional coverage pattern and deployment scheme are proposed in this paper. Firstly, by analyzing the regular polyhedron models in three-dimensional scene, a coverage pattern based on cuboids is proposed, and then relationship between coverage and sensor nodes’ radius is deduced; also the minimum number of sensor nodes to maintain network area’s full coverage is calculated. At last, sensor nodes are deployed according to the coverage pattern after the monitor area is subdivided into finite 3D grid. Experimental results show that, compared with traditional random method, sensor nodes number is reduced effectively while coverage rate of monitor area is ensured using our coverage pattern and deterministic deployment scheme.
The Effects of Loranthus parasiticus on Scopolamine‐Induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Weon Jin Bae , Lee Jiwoo , Eom Min Rye , Jung Youn Sik , Ma Choong Je
Published: June 2014

This study is undertaken to evaluate cognitive enhancing effect and neuroprotective effect of Loranthus parasiticus. Cognitive enhancing effect of Loranthus parasiticus was investigated on scopolamine‐induced amnesia model in Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test. We also examined the neuroprotective effect on glutamate‐induced cell death in HT22 cells by MTT assay. These results of Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test indicated that 10 and 50 mg/kg of Loranthus parasiticus reversed scopolamine‐induced memory deficits. Loranthus parasiticus also protected against glutamate‐induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cells. As a result of in vitro test for elucidating possible mechanism, Loranthus parasiticus inhibited AChE activity, ROS production, and Ca2+ accumulation. Loranthus parasiticus showed memory enhancing effect and neuroprotective effect and these effects may be related to inhibition of AChE activity, ROS level, and Ca2+ influx.
Optimization of Phenolics Extracted from Idesia polycarpa Defatted Fruit Residue and Its Antioxidant and Depigmenting Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Ye Yang , Tang Xiao-Shan , Chen Fang , Tang Lin
Published: June 2014

Extraction of phenolics from Idesia polycarpa defatted fruit residue was optimized by the maximization of the yield in total phenolics, using the response surface methodology. The optimized conditions were 50% ethanol, 5 h extraction time, 1 : 40 liquid to solid ratio, and 80°C extraction temperature. The experimental average total phenolics yield was 54.49 ± 4.26 mg/g. These antioxidant properties of phenolics were comprehensively analyzed for the first time. All the extracts not only demonstrated the significant free radical scavenging activities and metal chelating activity but also inhibited lipid, lipoprotein peroxidation and revealed reducing power activity. Ethyl acetate extraction (EAE) also inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity and significantly increased the average skin‐whitening index (L value) of the skin of C57BL/6 mice, indicating its potential use for skin hyperpigmentation in humans. The results of cell experiments showed EAE could strongly inhibit cellular tyrosinase activity, which had led to the decrease of melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Overall, EAE is an excellent natural antioxidant and depigmenting agent, which can be developed as a new food additive, medicine, and cosmetic.
2.4 GHz CMOS Power Amplifier with Mode-Locking Structure to Enhance Gain
Authors: Lee Changhyun , Park Changkun
Published: June 2014

We propose a mode-locking method optimized for the cascode structure of an RF CMOS power amplifier. To maximize the advantage of the typical mode-locking method in the cascode structure, the input of the cross-coupled transistor is modified from that of a typical mode-locking structure. To prove the feasibility of the proposed structure, we designed a 2.4 GHz CMOS power amplifier with a 0.18 μm RFCMOS process for polar transmitter applications. The measured power added efficiency is 34.9%, while the saturated output power is 23.32 dBm. The designed chip size is1.4×0.6 mm2.
Second- and Further-Line Therapy with Erlotinib in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Daily Clinical Practice
Authors: Krainhöfer Josephine , Walther Mario , Steinert Matthias , Reissig Angelika
Published: June 2014

Introduction. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine effect of erlotinib in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in second-line and further therapy in daily clinical practice.Methods. Patients with histologically or cytologically proven NSCLC (n=84) treated with erlotinib in second-line (n=34), third-line (n=36), and more-line therapy (n=14) were examined for progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), duration of therapy, and adverse effects.Results. Median PFS of all lines was 83 days (CI 70.0–96.0), OS was 7 months (CI 4.7–9.3), DCR was 66.2% (CI 55–77%), and 1-year survival rate was 33% (CI 22–43%), with no significant difference between therapy lines. Median duration of treatment was 76 days (IQR 39–139.5). Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFR-M) reached the highest PFS (204 days), as did patients with good performance status (ECOG 0-1: 94 versus ECOG 2-3: 65 days,P=0.035). Patients with EGFR-M also revealed a DCR of 100%. The most frequent side effects were rash (69%) and diarrhoea (41%), without any significant difference between therapy lines. In 24 patients, the treatment dose was reduced and in 18, the therapy was paused.Conclusion. Erlotinib works in all therapy lines without any significant differences in efficacy and side effects.
Altered Gene Expression and Spine Density in Nucleus Accumbens of Adolescent and Adult Male Mice Exposed to Emotional and Physical Stress
Authors: Warren Brandon L. , Sial Omar K. , Alcantara Lyonna F. , Greenwood Maria A. , Brewer Jacob S. , Rozofsky John P. , Parise Eric M. , Bolaños-Guzmán Carlos A.
Published: June 2014

Stressful early life experiences are implicated in lifelong health. However, little is known about the consequences of emotional stress (ES) or physical stress (PS) on neurobiology. Therefore, the following set of experiments was designed to assess changes in transcription and translation of key proteins within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Male adolescent (postnatal day 35) or adult (8-week-old) mice were exposed to ES or PS using a witness social defeat paradigm. Then, 24 h after the last stress session, we measured levels of specific mRNAs and proteins within the NAc. Spine density was also assessed in separate groups of mice. Exposure to ES or PS disrupted extracellular signal-related kinase 2 (ERK2), reduced transcription of ΔFosB and had no effect on cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) mRNA. Western blots revealed that exposure to ES or PS decreased ERK2 phosphorylation in adolescents, whereas the same stress regimen increased ERK2 phosphorylation in adults. Exposure to ES or PS had no effect on ΔFosB or CREB phosphorylation. ES and PS increased spine density in the NAc of adolescent exposed mice, but only exposure to PS increased spine density in adults. Together, these findings demonstrate that exposure to ES or PS is a potent stressor in adolescent and adult mice and can disturb the integrity of the NAc by altering transcription and translation of important signaling molecules in an age-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure to ES and PS induces substantial synaptic plasticity of the NAc.
Desafios do planejamento urbano-habitacional em pequenos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Akaishi Ana Gabriela
Published: June 2014

O presente artigo busca analisar as limitações que se colocam ao planejamento e à gestão urbano-habitacional no âmbito dos pequenos municípios do país, onde os recursos financeiros, institucionais e administrativos impõe desafios distintos dos encontrados em médios e grandes centros. A análise se insere no contexto do novo quadro territorial brasileiro, no qual os avanços do arcabouço jurídico-institucional e os esforços federais para a ampliação de investimentos no setor habitacional levantam novos questionamentos sobre a condução destes processos em territórios específicos.
Caracterização da esteatose hepática não alcoólica induzida por dieta hipoprotéica em ratos
Authors: Castro Gabriela Salim Ferreira , Mialich Mirele S. , Anjos Eloisa M. , Almeida Lillian P. , Arroyo Paula F. , Portari Guilherme V. , Jordao Jr Alceu A.
Published: June 2014

Modelo de estudo: Estudo experimental. Objetivos:  este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e caracterizar a dieta hipoprotéica como um modelo experimental para estudo de EHNA. Métodos: foram utilizados ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em dois grupos com dietas isocalóricas: controle (GC) no qual a dieta utilizada seguiu o preconizado pela AIN-93 e hipoprotéico (GH) com quantidade de proteína reduzida de 20% para 10%. As dietas e água foram ofertadas ad libitum por quatro semanas. Após esse período, os animais foram sacrificados e analisados: glicemia; nitrogênio urinário; proteína sérica; gordura hepática; colesterol; variação de peso e quantidade de ração consumida. Resultados: glicemia e nitrogênio urinário não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre GC e GH (p>0,05), a variação de peso no último dia do experimento foi significativa (p<0,02). A porcentagem de gordura hepática foi estatisticamente maior no GH, quando comparado ao GC (p<0,04). Foram menores o nível de colesterol (p<0,01) e proteína sérica (p<0,005) no GH. A quantidade de dieta consumida não foi diferente entre os grupos, considerando-se as médias de ingestão semanal. Conclusões: neste trabalho a dieta hipoprotéica constitui um modelo de indução de EHNA que pode ser caracterizada pela diminuição da proteína sérica e do colesterol plasmático e aumento da gordura hepática, entretanto não ocorreram alterações na glicemia sugerindo que não existiu mudança na sensibilidade à insulina, constituindo assim um modelo falho para estudar um dos principais fatores de risco para o estabelecimento da EHNA, a resistência à insulina.
Chumbo e anemia
Authors: Souza Ana M. , Tavares Cristiane F. F.
Published: June 2014

O plumbismo é um problema de saúde pública, afetando o desenvolvimento das crianças. O sistema hematológico é um alvo importante da toxicidade do chumbo, comprometendo a síntese do heme e consequentemente causando anemia. Os efeitos sobre o ácido amino levulínico dehidratase (ALAD) são mais marcantes provocando o acúmulo de ácido amino levulínico (ALA) e o aumento do ácido gama aminobutírico (GABA) no sistema nervoso central. A intoxicação do chumbo afeta também a síntese das cadeias globulínicas α e β , o que contribui para o desenvolvimento da anemia. A anemia não é uma manifestação precoce do plumbismo, sendo evidente quando os níveis de chumbo estão elevados por períodos prolongados. A anemia geralmente é anemia hipocrômica normocítica, embora microcitose seja comumente observada, com presença de pontilhado basófilo nos eritrócitos. Recentemente, foi observada maior susceptibilidade ao plumbismo em crianças com deficiência de ferro, sendo sugerido que o ferro é capaz de competir com o chumbo inibindo sua ligação com a proteína transportadora DMT1 (Divalent Metal Transporter1). Na coexistência de deficiência de ferro e intoxicação por chumbo, a anemia é mais severa, com acentuado grau de microcitose e hipocromia, sendo recomendado suplementação de ferro para crianças com risco de intoxicação por chumbo.
Distorção da imagem corporal em adolescentes: um estudo de comparação entre dois instrumentos
Authors: Laus Maria Fernanda , Costa Telma M. Braga , Almeida Sebastião S.
Published: June 2014

Objetivo : comparar dois instrumentos classicamente utilizados pela literatura especializada, indicados para avaliar possíveis distorções da imagem corporal em adolescentes e adultos de ambos os sexos. Metodologia: aplicou-se o Questionário de Imagem Corporal (BSQ) e a Escala de Figuras de Silhuetas (EFS) em 118 estudantes, com idade média de 16,5 anos (± 1,2), sendo 62 meninos e 56 meninas, de 4 escolas públicas estaduais. O primeiro instrumento mede as preocupações com a forma do corpo, a auto-depreciação devido à aparência física e a sensação de estar “gordo”; enquanto o segundo avalia a percepção do estado atual e do estado desejado, através de 15 silhuetas de cada gênero, apresentadas em cartões individuais, com variações progressivas na escala de medidas, da figura mais magra (IMC = 12,5 Kg/m 2) para a mais larga (IMC = 47,5 Kg/m2). Além disso, aferiu-se peso e altura para cálculo do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e posterior comparação com a EFS. A análise dos resultados foi realizada através da escala de avaliação do BSQ e o tratamento estatístico consistiu na análise descritiva dos resultados, além da aplicação de um teste de correlação de Pearson entre os instrumentos e do Teste t de Student  para comparação entre os sexos. Resultados: através do BSQ observou-se que 14,5% dos meninos e 60,7% das meninas apresentaram algum grau de distorção da imagem corporal. Já a EFS demonstrou que no grupo feminino, o IMC médio escolhido como “atual” foi de 26,9 Kg/m 2 enquanto o IMC médio real foi de 21,5 Kg/m2 e no grupo masculino, o IMC médio “atual” escolhido foi 23,7 Kg/m 2, enquanto a média do IMC real foi de 21,0 Kg/m2 , indicando uma prevalência de distorção da imagem corporal em ambos os sexos. A análise estatística mostrou uma correlação positiva significativa (r=0,38) entre os dois instrumentos, entretanto, a EFS não apresentou diferença devido ao sexo (p=0,93), enquanto o BSQ detectou um maior grau de distorção no sexo feminino [F(1,110)=13,80; p<0,001)]. Conclusão: ambos os instrumentos detectaram distorções da imagem corporal, porém, o BSQ conseguiu detectar diferenças devido ao sexo enquanto a EFS parece não ser suficientemente sensível para diferenciar os dois sexos.