bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Case of Immune Dysregulation, Polyendocrinopaty, Enteropathy, X-Linked (IPEX) Syndrome with Severe Immune Deficiency and Late Onset of Endocrinopathy and Enteropathy
Authors: Savova R. , Arshinkova M. , Houghton J. , Konstantinova M. , Gaydarova M. , Georgieva E. , Popova G. , Genova V. , Tomova N. , Anadoliiska A. , Koprivarova K.
Published: June 2014

Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics of IPEX syndrome in a child withFOXP3mutation.Clinical Case. A boy aged 2.3 years was born from first normal pregnancy with a weight of 3420 gr.Family History. Two brothers of the mother died before the age of 3 years with severe infections, diarrhea, erythroderma, and elevated immunoglobulins class E (IgEs). Since first month of life, our patient suffered from septicemia, pneumonias, pyelonephritis, and meningitis, accompanied with eczematous dermatitis and IgEs up to 4000 IU/L (normal <10). At the age of 1.6 years, he developed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). He was underweighted (−3.42 SDS) and had some phenotypic features like coarse face, muscle hypotonia, joint hyperextensibility, eczematous dermatitis, and subcutaneous cold abscesses. Autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease were excluded. After diabetes, intermittent watery diarrhea appeared with progression to severe intractable form. Finally, aggravating symptoms of nephritis, cachexia, and respiratory insufficiency were the cause for his death at the age of 2 years and 3 months. The DNA analysis at the University of Exeter Medical School established mutation at exon 10 ofFOXP3gene c.1010G >A, p. (Arg337Gln), which confirmed IPEX syndrome. The same mutation in heterozygotic state was found in the mother. A prenatal diagnosis of her second pregnancy ensured a daughter carrier of the mutation.
Combined Liver and Kidney Transplant in a Patient with Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Associated with Polycystic Liver Disease: Report of a Case with a 9-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia , Duca Ileana , Estrada Silvia , Calderón Rosario , Ganchegui Idoia , Campos Amaia , Spicakova Katerina , Urtasun Leire , Salvador Marta , Delgado Elvira , Bengoa Raquel , García-Campos Francisco
Published: June 2014

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a hereditary disease inherited by autosomal dominant trait that occurs as a frequent extrarenal manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). We report a case of a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with ADPKD associated with PLD. End-stage chronic renal failure with a secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome developed during the patient’s clinical course. She underwent combined liver and kidney transplantation, with a successful response over a 9-year follow-up period.
A Fast in‐Motion Alignment Algorithm for DVL Aided SINS
Authors: Kang Li , Ye Lingyun , Song Kaichen
Published: June 2014

Doppler velocity log (DVL) aided strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) is a common navigation method for underwater applications. Owing to the in‐motion condition and the lack of the GPS, it is a challenge to align a SINS under water. This paper proposed a complete in‐motion alignment solution for both attitude and position. The velocity update equation and its integral form in the body frame are studied, and the attitude coarse alignment becomes an optimization‐based attitude determination problem between the body frame velocity and the integral form of gravity. The body frame velocity and the Earth frame position are separately treated, and the position alignment problem turns into an equation solving problem. Simulation and on‐lake tests are carried out to examine the algorithm. The heading could reach around 10 deg accuracy and the pitch and roll could be aligned up to 0.05 deg in 60 s. With attitude error of this level, the heading could reach 1 deg accuracy in 240 s using unscented Kalman filter (UKF) based fine alignment. The final position error could achieve 1.5% of the voyage distance. This scheme can also be applied to other body frame velocity aided SINS alignments.
Inflammatory Markers and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Children: The NANOS Study
Authors: Gileles-Hillel Alex , Alonso-Álvarez María Luz , Kheirandish-Gozal Leila , Peris Eduard , Cordero-Guevara José Aurelio , Terán-Santos Joaquin , Martinez Mónica Gonzalez , Jurado-Luque María José , Corral-Peñafiel Jaime , Duran-Cantolla Joaquin , Gozal David
Published: June 2014

Introduction.Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) are common coexisting conditions associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state underlying some of the cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular morbidities.Aim.To examine the levels of inflammatory markers in obese community-dwelling children with OSA, as compared to no-OSA, and their association with clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) variables.Methods.In this cross-sectional, prospective multicenter study, healthy obese Spanish children (ages 4–15 years) were randomly selected and underwent nocturnal PSG followed by a morning fasting blood draw. Plasma samples were assayed for multiple inflammatory markers.Results.204 children were enrolled in the study; 75 had OSA, defined by an obstructive respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of 3 events/hour total sleep time (TST). BMI, gender, and age were similar in OSA and no-OSA children. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in OSA children, with interleukin-6 concentrations being higher in moderate-severe OSA (i.e., AHI > 5/hrTST;P<0.01), while MCP-1 levels were associated with more prolonged nocturnal hypercapnia(P<0.001).Conclusion.IL-6, MCP-1, and PAI-1 are altered in the context of OSA among community-based obese children further reinforcing the proinflammatory effects of sleep disorders such as OSA. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01322763.
Compactness of the Commutator of Multilinear Fourier Multiplier Operator on Weighted Lebesgue Space
Authors: Zhou Jiang , Li Peng
Published: June 2014

LetTσbe the multilinear Fourier multiplier operator associated with multiplierσsatisfying the Sobolev regularity thatsupl∈ZσlWs1,…,sm(Rmn)<∞for somesk∈(n/2,n]  (k=1,…,m). The authors prove that ifb1,…,bm∈BMO(Rn)andw⃗∈∏k=1m‍Apk/tk(tk=n/sk), then the commutatorTσ,Σbis bounded fromLp1(Rn,w1)×⋯×Lpm(Rn,wm)toLp(Rn,νw⃗). Moreover, the authors also prove that ifb1,…,bm∈VMO(Rn)andw⃗∈∏k=1m‍Apk/tk(tk=n/sk), then the commutatorTσ,Σbis compact operator fromLp1(Rn,w1)×⋯×Lpm(Rn,wm)toLp(Rn,νw⃗).
Selecting e-Purse Smart Card Technology via Fuzzy AHP and ANP
Authors: Demirtaş Nurgül , Özgürler Şenim , Özgürler Mesut , Güneri Ali Fuat
Published: June 2014

Developments in the information technologies provide important advantages to consumers and companies. Nowadays, smart card technology starts to use e-purse applications. The aim of this paper is to identify the most important decision criteria to select the best card technology. In this study, at first smart card and multiple selection techniques were explained. Then the best card technology was selected for an e-purse application. The three types of card technologies were examined and the most important criteria were taken into account by the software developer while they develop card software. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and analytical network process (ANP) techniques were used to compare smart card technologies.
A Node Influence Based Label Propagation Algorithm for Community Detection in Networks
Authors: Xing Yan , Meng Fanrong , Zhou Yong , Zhu Mu , Shi Mengyu , Sun Guibin
Published: June 2014

Label propagation algorithm (LPA) is an extremely fast community detection method and is widely used in large scale networks. In spite of the advantages of LPA, the issue of its poor stability has not yet been well addressed. We propose a novel node influence based label propagation algorithm for community detection (NIBLPA), which improves the performance of LPA by improving the node orders of label updating and the mechanism of label choosing when more than one label is contained by the maximum number of nodes. NIBLPA can get more stable results than LPA since it avoids the complete randomness of LPA. The experimental results on both synthetic and real networks demonstrate that NIBLPA maintains the efficiency of the traditional LPA algorithm, and, at the same time, it has a superior performance to some representative methods.
Leg Spasticity and Ambulation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Balantrapu Swathi , Sosnoff Jacob J. , Pula John H. , Sandroff Brian M. , Motl Robert W.
Published: June 2014

Background. Spasticity of the legs is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but there has been limited research examining its association with ambulatory outcomes.Objective. This study examined spasticity of the legs and its association with multiple measures of ambulation in persons with MS.Methods. The sample included 84 patients with MS. Spasticity of the legs was measured using a 5-point rating scale ranging between 0 (normal) and 4 (contracted). Patients completed the 6-minute walk (6 MW), timed 25 foot walk (T25FW), and timed up-and-go (TUG), and O2cost of walking was measured during the 6 MW. The patients undertook two walking trials on a GAITRite (CIR systems, Inc.) for measuring spatial and temporal parameters of gait. The patients completed the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) and wore an accelerometer over a seven-day period.Results. 52% (n=44) of the sample presented with spasticity of the legs. Those with leg spasticity had significantly worse ambulation as measured by 6 MW (P=0.0001,d=-0.86), T25FW (P=0.003,d=0.72), TUG (P=0.001,d=0.84), MSWS-12 (P=0.0001,d=1.09), O2cost of walking (P=0.001,d=0.75), average steps/day (P<0.05,d=-0.45), and walking velocity (P<0.05,d=-0.53) and cadence (P<0.05,d=-0.46).Conclusion. Leg spasticity was associated with impairments in ambulation, including alterations in spatiotemporal parameters and free-living walking.
Examining End-of-Life Case Management: Systematic Review
Authors: Thomas Roger E. , Wilson Donna M. , Birch Stephen , Woytowich Boris
Published: June 2014

Case management was initiated in the 1970s to reduce care discontinuity. A literature review focused on end-of-life (EOL) case management identified 17 research articles, with content analysis revealing two themes: (a) seeking to determine or establish the value of EOL case management and (b) identifying ways to improve EOL case management. The evidence, although limited, suggests that EOL case management is helpful to dying individuals and their families. Research is needed to more clearly illustrate its usefulness or outcomes and the extent of need for it and actual availability. Among other benefits, EOL case management may help reduce hospital utilization, a major concern with the high cost of hospital-based care and the increased desire for home-based EOL care.
Online Detection of Change on Information Streams in Wireless Sensor Network Modeled Using Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Jancee B. Victoria , Radha S.
Published: June 2014

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is deployed to monitor certain physical quantities in a region. This monitoring problem could be stated as the problem of detecting a change in the parameters of a static or dynamic stochastic system. A moving window procedure is proposed to detect the systematic error, which occurs at an unknown time. It can detect the deviation in the mean of sensor measurements keeping variance as constant. The performance measures, such as the average run length (ARL) to detection delay and false alarms are computed for various window sizes. The performance comparison is done against traditional cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. The detection of change in mean using CUSUM is done with smaller delay compared to the proposed moving window detection procedure. In order to calculate CUSUM statistics, the number of measurements to keep in sensor memory increases with time. However, in the proposed moving window detection procedure, the number of stored measurements is limited by the size of the window. Therefore, it is advantageous to use the moving window procedure for change detection in sensor nodes that have very limited memory. A high probability of detection is achieved at the cost of larger window size and higher detection delay. However, we are able to achieve the maximum probability of detection even at a window size of 11.
Multiobjective Order Assignment Optimization in a Global Multiple‐Factory Environment
Authors: Chen Rong-Chang , Hung Pei-Hsuan
Published: June 2014

In response to radically increasing competition, many manufacturers who produce time‐sensitive products have expanded their production plants to worldwide sites. Given this environment, how to aggregate customer orders from around the globe and assign them quickly to the most appropriate plants is currently a crucial issue. This study proposes an effective method to solve the order assignment problem of companies with multiple plants distributed worldwide. A multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to find solutions. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, this study employs some real data, provided by a famous garment company in Taiwan, as a base to perform some experiments. In addition, the influences of orders with a wide range of quantities demanded are discussed. The results show that feasible solutions can be obtained effectively and efficiently. Moreover, if managers aim at lower total costs, they can divide a big customer order into more small manufacturing ones.
Miniaturized Dual Band Multislotted Patch Antenna on Polytetrafluoroethylene Glass Microfiber Reinforced for C/X Band Applications
Authors: Islam M. T. , Samsuzzaman M.
Published: June 2014

This paper introduces a new configuration of compact, triangular- and diamond-slotted, microstrip-fed, low-profile antenna for C/X band applications on polytetrafluoroethylene glass microfiber reinforced material substrate. The antenna is composed of a rectangular-shaped patch containing eight triangles and two diamond-shaped slots and an elliptical-slotted ground plane. The rectangular-shaped patch is obtained by cutting two diamond slots in the middle of the rectangular patch, six triangular slots on the left and right side of the patch, and two triangular slots on the up and down side of the patch. The slotted radiating patch, the elliptical-slotted ground plane, and the microstrip feed enable the matching bandwidth to be widened. A prototype of the optimized antenna was fabricated on polytetrafluoroethylene glass microfiber reinforced material substrate using LPKF prototyping machine and investigated to validate the proposed design. The simulated results are compared with the measured data, and good agreement is achieved. The proposed antenna offers fractional bandwidths of 13.69% (7.78–8.91 GHz) and 10.35% (9.16–10.19 GHz) where S11< −10 dB at center frequencies of 8.25 GHz and 9.95 GHz, respectively, and relatively stable gain, good radiation efficiency, and omnidirectional radiation patterns in the matching band.
Spatial Complexity of a Predator-Prey Model with Holling-Type Response
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Zhibin
Published: June 2014

We focus on a spatially extended Holling-type IV predator-prey model that contains some important factors, such as noise (random fluctuations), external periodic forcing, and diffusion processes. By a brief stability and bifurcation analysis, we arrive at the Hopf and Turing bifurcation surface and derive the symbolic conditions for Hopf and Turing bifurcation on the spatial domain. Based on the stability and bifurcation analysis, we obtain spiral pattern formation via numerical simulation. Additionally, we study the model with a color noise and external periodic forcing. From the numerical results, we know that noise or external periodic forcing can induce instability and enhance the oscillation of the species density, and the cooperation between noise and external periodic forces inherent to the deterministic dynamics of periodically driven models gives rise to the appearance of a rich transport phenomenology. Our results show that modeling by reaction-diffusion equations is an appropriate tool for investigating fundamental mechanisms of complex spatiotemporal dynamics.
Differential Effects of Lichens versus Liverworts Epiphylls on Host Leaf Traits in the Tropical Montane Rainforest, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Zhou Lingyan , Liu Fude , Yang Wenjie , Liu Hong , Shao Hongbo , Wang Zhongsheng , An Shuqing
Published: June 2014

Epiphylls widely colonize vascular leaves in moist tropical forests. Understanding the effects of epiphylls on leaf traits of host plants is critical for understanding ecological function of epiphylls. A study was conducted in a rain forest to investigate leaf traits of the host plantsPhotinia prunifoliacolonized with epiphyllous liverworts and foliicolous lichens as well as those of uncolonized leaves. Our results found that the colonization of lichens significantly decreased leaf water content (LWC), chlorophyll (Chl) a and a + b content, and Chl a/b ofP. prunifoliabut increased Chl b content, while that of liverworts did not affect them as a whole. The variations of net photosynthetic rates(Pn)among host leaves colonized with different coverage of lichens before or after removal treatment (a treatment to remove epiphylls from leaf surface) were greater than that colonized with liverworts. The full cover of lichens induced an increase of light compensation point (LCP) by 21% and a decrease of light saturation point (LSP) by 54% for their host leaves, whereas that of liverworts displayed contrary effects. Compared with the colonization of liverworts, lichens exhibited more negative effects on the leaf traits ofP. prunifoliain different stages of colonization. The results suggest that the responses of host leaf traits to epiphylls are affected by the epiphyllous groups and coverage, which are also crucial factors in assessing ecofunctions of epiphylls in tropical forests.
A Study of How the Watts‐Strogatz Model Relates to an Economic System’s Utility
Authors: Luo Lunhan , Fang Jianan
Published: June 2014

Watts‐Strogatz model is a main mechanism to construct the small‐world networks. It is widely used in the simulations of small‐world featured systems including economic system. Formally, the model contains a parameters set including three variables representing group size, number of neighbors, and rewiring probability. This paper discusses how the parameters set relates to the economic system performance which is utility growth rate. In conclusion, it is found that, regardless of the group size and rewiring probability, 2 to 18 neighbors can help the economic system reach the highest utility growth rate. Furthermore, given the range of neighbors and group size of a Watts‐Strogatz model based system, the range of its edges can be calculated too. By examining the containment relationship between that range and the edge number of an actual equal‐size economic system, we could know whether the system structure has redundant edges or can achieve the highest utility growth ratio.
Management of Fever in Postpneumococcal Vaccine Era: Comparison of Management Practices by Pediatric Emergency Medicine and General Emergency Medicine Physicians
Authors: Khine Hnin , Goldman David L. , Avner Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2014

Background. The primary objective of this study was to compare management practices of general emergency physicians (GEMPs) and pediatric emergency medicine physicians (PEMPs) for well-appearing young febrile children.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of well-appearing febrile children aged 3–36 months who presented to a large urban children’s hospital (PED), staffed by PEMPs, or a large urban general emergency department (GED), staffed by GEMPs. Demographics, immunization status, laboratory tests ordered, antibiotic usage, and final diagnoses were collected.Results. 224 cases from the PED and 237 cases from the GED were reviewed. Children seen by PEMPs had significantly less CXRs (23 (10.3%) versus 51 (21.5%),P=0.001) and more rapid viral testing done (102 (45%) versus 40 (17%),P<0.0001). A diagnosis of a viral infection was more common in the PED, while a diagnosis of bacterial infection (including otitis media) was more common in the GED. More GED patients were prescribed antibiotics (41% versus 27%,P=0.002), while more PED patients were treated with oseltamivir (6.7% versus 0.4%,P< 0.001).Conclusions. Our findings identify important differences in the care of the young, well-appearing febrile child by PEMPs and GEMPs and highlight the need for standardization of care.
Excellent Silicon Surface Passivation Achieved by Industrial Inductively Coupled Plasma Deposited Hydrogenated Intrinsic Amorphous Silicon Suboxide
Authors: Ge Jia , Tang Muzhi , Wong Johnson , Zhang Zhenhao , Dippell Torsten , Doerr Manfred , Hohn Oliver , Huber Marco , Wohlfart Peter , Aberle Armin G. , Mueller Thomas
Published: June 2014

We present an alternative method of depositing a high-quality passivation film for heterojunction silicon wafer solar cells, in this paper. The deposition of hydrogenated intrinsic amorphous silicon suboxide is accomplished by decomposing hydrogen, silane, and carbon dioxide in an industrial remote inductively coupled plasma platform. Through the investigation on CO2partial pressure and process temperature, excellent surface passivation quality and optical properties are achieved. It is found that the hydrogen content in the film is much higher than what is commonly reported in intrinsic amorphous silicon due to oxygen incorporation. The observed slow depletion of hydrogen with increasing temperature greatly enhances its process window as well. The effective lifetime of symmetrically passivated samples under the optimal condition exceeds 4.7 ms on planarn-type Czochralski silicon wafers with a resistivity of 1 Ωcm, which is equivalent to an effective surface recombination velocity of less than 1.7 cms−1and an implied open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 741 mV. A comparison with several high quality passivation schemes for solar cells reveals that the developed inductively coupled plasma deposited films show excellent passivation quality. The excellent optical property and resistance to degradation make it an excellent substitute for industrial heterojunction silicon solar cell production.
Solving the Linear Integral Equations Based on Radial Basis Function Interpolation
Authors: Zhang Huaiqing , Chen Yu , Nie Xin
Published: June 2014

The radial basis function (RBF) method, especially the multiquadric (MQ) function, was introduced in solving linear integral equations. The procedure of MQ method includes that the unknown function was firstly expressed in linear combination forms of RBFs, then the integral equation was transformed into collocation matrix of RBFs, and finally, solving the matrix equation and an approximation solution was obtained. Because of the superior interpolation performance of MQ, the method can acquire higher precision with fewer nodes and low computations which takes obvious advantages over thin plate splines (TPS) method. In implementation, two types of integration schemes as the Gauss quadrature formula and regional split technique were put forward. Numerical results showed that the MQ solution can achieve accuracy of1E-5. So, the MQ method is suitable and promising for integral equations.
White Pepper and Piperine Have Different Effects on Pharmacokinetics of Puerarin in Rats
Authors: Liang Yong-Zhuo , Chen Hai-Ming , Su Zu-Qing , Hou Shao-Zhen , Chen Xiao-Ying , Zheng Yi-Feng , Li Yu-Cui , Lin Ji , Zhan Janis Ya-Xian , Su Zi-Ren , Fu Lu-Di
Published: June 2014

This study attempted to explore the effects of white pepper and its major component piperine on puerarin administered to rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of puerarin in rats were determined by oral administration (400 mg/kg) or intravenous injection (40 mg/kg) of puerarin, pretreated with or without white pepper and piperine given orally. Compared to the control group given oral puerarin only, the combined use of piperine (10 or 20 mg/kg) increased the Cmax of puerarin by 1.30‐fold or 1.64‐fold and the AUC0–∞ by 133% or 157%, respectively. In contrast, coadministration of white pepper (125 or 250 mg/kg) decreased oral absorption of puerarin to 83% or 74%, respectively. On the other hand, pretreatment with piperine orally did not alter the intravenous pharmacokinetics of puerarin, while the AUC of puerarin after intravenous administration was increased by pretreatment with white pepper. The results indicate that pretreatment with piperine or pepper exerts different effects on pharmacokinetics of puerarin administrated via intragastric and intravenous routes. Therefore, it is suggested that the combined application of piperine or white pepper with puerarin should be carefully monitored for potential diet‐drug interactions.
Urinary Eicosanoid Metabolites in HIV-Infected Women with Central Obesity Switching to Raltegravir: An Analysis from the Women, Integrase, and Fat Accumulation Trial
Authors: Hulgan Todd , Boger M. Sean , Liao Diana H. , McComsey Grace A. , Wanke Christine A. , Mangili Alexandra , Walmsley Sharon L. , McCreath Heather , Milne Ginger L. , Sanchez Stephanie C. , Currier Judith S. , Lake Jordan E.
Published: June 2014

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of HIV infection. Eicosanoids reflect inflammation, oxidant stress, and vascular health and vary by sex and metabolic parameters. Raltegravir (RAL) is an HIV-1 integrase inhibitor that may have limited metabolic effects. We assessed urinary F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), prostaglandin E2(PGE-M), prostacyclin (PGI-M), and thromboxane B2(TxB2) in HIV-infected women switching to RAL-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Thirty-seven women (RAL = 17; PI/NNRTI = 20) with a median age of 43 years and BMI 32 kg/m2completed week 24. TxB2increased in the RAL versus PI/NNRTI arm (+0.09 versus −0.02;P=0.06). Baseline PGI-M was lower in the RAL arm (P=0.005); no other between-arm cross-sectional differences were observed. In the PI/NNRTI arm, 24-week visceral adipose tissue change correlated with PGI-M (rho=0.45;P=0.04) and TxB2(rho=0.44;P=0.005) changes, with a trend seen for PGE-M (rho=0.41;P=0.07). In an adjusted model, age ≥ 50 years (N=8) was associated with increased PGE-M(P=0.04). In this randomized trial, a switch to RAL did not significantly affect urinary eicosanoids over 24 weeks. In women continuing PI/NNRTI, increased visceral adipose tissue correlated with increased PGI-M and PGE-M. Older age (≥50) was associated with increased PGE-M. Relationships between aging, adiposity, ART, and eicosanoids during HIV-infection require further study.
Polymer Composites Reinforced by Nanotubes as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Wei , Liao Susan , Liu Ming , Zhao Qian , Zhu Yuhe
Published: June 2014

The interest in polymer based composites for tissue engineering applications has been increasing in recent years. Nanotubes materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and noncarbonic nanotubes, with unique electrical, mechanical, and surface properties, such as high aspect ratio, have long been recognized as effective reinforced materials for enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer matrix. This review paper is an attempt to present a coherent yet concise review on the mechanical and biocompatibility properties of CNTs and noncarbonic nanotubes/polymer composites, such as Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and Tungsten disulfide nanotubes (WSNTs) reinforced polymer composites which are used as scaffolds for tissue engineering. We also introduced different preparation methods of CNTs/polymer composites, such as in situ polymerization, solution mixing, melt blending, and latex technology, each of them has its own advantages.
Damage Detection on Sudden Stiffness Reduction Based on Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Chen Bo , Chen Zhi-wei , Wang Gan-jun , Xie Wei-ping
Published: June 2014

The sudden stiffness reduction in a structure may cause the signal discontinuity in the acceleration responses close to the damage location at the damage time instant. To this end, the damage detection on sudden stiffness reduction of building structures has been actively investigated in this study. The signal discontinuity of the structural acceleration responses of an example building is extracted based on the discrete wavelet transform. It is proved that the variation of the first level detail coefficients of the wavelet transform at damage instant is linearly proportional to the magnitude of the stiffness reduction. A new damage index is proposed and implemented to detect the damage time instant, location, and severity of a structure due to a sudden change of structural stiffness. Numerical simulation using a five-story shear building under different types of excitation is carried out to assess the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed damage index for the building at different damage levels. The sensitivity of the damage index to the intensity and frequency range of measurement noise is also investigated. The made observations demonstrate that the proposed damage index can accurately identify the sudden damage events if the noise intensity is limited.
Imbalance between IL-17A-Producing Cells and Regulatory T Cells during Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hu Yuehua , Zheng Yanhua , Wu Ya , Ni Bing , Shi Shugui
Published: June 2014

Immune responses and inflammation are key elements in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS). Although the involvement of IL-17A in IS has been demonstrated using animal models, the involvement of IL-17A and IL-17-secreting T cell subsets in IS patients has not been verified, and whether the balance of Treg/IL-17-secreting T cells is altered in IS patients remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that the proportion of peripheral Tregs and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βwere reduced in patients with IS compared with controls using flow cytometry (FCM), real-time PCR, and ELISA assays. However, the proportions of Th17 andγδT cells, the primary IL-17A-secreting cells, increased dramatically, and these effects were accompanied by increases in the levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and IL-1βin IS patients. These studies suggest that the increase in IL-17A-producing cells and decrease in Treg cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of IS. Manipulating the balance between Tregs and IL-17A-producing cells might be helpful for the treatment of IS.
The Effect of a Tectonic Stress Field on Coal and Gas Outbursts
Authors: An Fenghua , Cheng Yuanping
Published: June 2014

Coal and gas outbursts have always been a serious threat to the safe and efficient mining of coal resources. Ground stress (especially the tectonic stress) has a notable effect on the occurrence and distribution of outbursts in the field practice. A numerical model considering the effect of coal gas was established to analyze the outburst danger from the perspective of stress conditions. To evaluate the outburst tendency, the potential energy of yielded coal mass accumulated during an outburst initiation was studied. The results showed that the gas pressure and the strength reduction from the adsorbed gas aggravated the coal mass failure and the ground stress altered by tectonics would affect the plastic zone distribution. To demonstrate the outburst tendency, the ratio of potential energy for the outburst initiation and the energy consumption was used. Increase of coal gas and tectonic stress could enhance the potential energy accumulation ratio, meaning larger outburst tendency. The component of potential energy for outburst initiation indicated that the proportion of elastic energy was increased due to tectonic stress. The elastic energy increase is deduced as the cause for a greater outburst danger in a tectonic area from the perspective of stress conditions.
Assessing the Relative Efficiency and Productivity Growth of the Taiwan LED Industry: DEA and Malmquist Indices Application
Authors: Sun Chia Chi
Published: June 2014

With the rapid acceleration of global competition the need has arisen for a more systematic performance evaluation system. This research develops a two‐stage performance evaluation system to help maximize performance evaluation success. The performance evaluation is an important approach for enterprises to give incentives and restraint to their operators. It is also an important channel for enterprise stakeholders to obtain performance information. This study analyzes the current evaluation system for the Taiwan LED industry. This research measures the performance of ten LED companies in Taiwan for the period 2003–2009. The proposed method is practical and useful. The evaluation model indicates that proposed method is more reasonable and easier to grasp than other methods. As a result, it is easier to popularize this evaluation method in enterprises. The proposed method presents a complete assessment model that helps managers identify items for improvement, while simultaneously promoting cost and time efficiencies in the LED industry.
Some Movement Mechanisms and Characteristics in Pebble Bed Reactor
Authors: Yang Xingtuan , Li Yu , Gui Nan , Jia Xinlong , Tu Jiyuan , Jiang Shengyao
Published: June 2014

The pebblebed-type high temperature gas-cooled reactor is considered to be one of the promising solutions for generation IV advanced reactors, and the two-region arranged reactor core can enhance its advantages by flattening neutron flux. However, this application is held back by the existence of mixing zone between central and peripheral regions, which results from pebbles’ dispersion motions. In this study, experiments have been carried out to study the dispersion phenomenon, and the variation of dispersion region and radial distribution of pebbles in the specifically shaped flow field are shown. Most importantly, the standard deviation of pebbles’ radial positions in dispersion region, as a quantitative index to describe the size of dispersion region, is gotten through statistical analysis. Besides, discrete element method has been utilized to analyze the parameter influence on dispersion region, and this practice offers some strategies to eliminate or reduce mixing zone in practical reactors.
Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus niruri Leaves Displays In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Prevents the Elevation of Oxidative Stress in the Kidney of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Giribabu Nelli , Rao Pasupuleti Visweswara , Kumar Korla Praveen , Muniandy Sekaran , Swapna Rekha Somesula , Salleh Naguib
Published: June 2014

P. niruri has been reported to possess antidiabetic and kidney protective effects. In the present study, the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of P. niruri leaf aqueous extract were investigated together with its effect on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes levels in diabetic rat kidney. Results. Treatment of diabetic male rats with P. niruri leaf aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days prevents the increase in the amount of lipid peroxidation (LPO) product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the diminution of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels in the kidney of diabetic rats. The amount of LPO showed strong negative correlation with SOD, CAT, and GPx activity levels. P. niruri leaf aqueous extract exhibits in vitro antioxidant activity with IC50 slightly lower than ascorbic acid. Phytochemical screening of plant extract indicates the presence of polyphenols. Conclusion. P. niruri leaf extract protects the kidney from oxidative stress induced by diabetes.
Wireless Sensor Network Design for Transmission Line Monitoring, Metering, and Controlling: Introducing Broadband over Power Lines-Enhanced Network Model (BPLeNM)
Authors: Lazaropoulos Athanasios G.
Published: June 2014

This paper introduces the broadband over power lines-enhanced network model (BPLeNM) that is suitable for efficiently delivering the generated data of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) of overhead high-voltage (HV) power grids to the substations. BPLeNM exploits the high data rates of the already installed BPL networks across overhead HV grids. BPLeNM is compared against other two well-verified network models from the relevant literature: the linear network model (LNM) and the optimal arrangement network model (OANM). The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, the general mathematical framework that is necessary for describing WSNs of overhead HV grids is first presented. In detail, the general mathematical formulation of BPLeNM is proposed while the existing formulations of LNM and OANM are extended so as to deal with the general case of overhead HV grids. Based on these general mathematical formulations, the general expression of maximum delay time of the WSN data is determined for the three network models. Second, the three network models are studied and assessed for a plethora of case scenarios. Through these case scenarios, the impact of different lengths of overhead HV grids, different network arrangements, new communications technologies, variation of WSN density across overhead HV grids, and changes of generated WSN data rate on the maximum delay time is thoroughly examined. Third, to assess the performance and the feasibility of the previous network models, the feasibility probability (FP) is proposed. FP is a macroscopic metric that estimates how much practical and economically feasible is the selection of one of the previous three network models. The main conclusion of this paper is that BPLeNM defines a powerful, convenient, and schedulable network model for today’s and future’s overhead HV grids in the smart grid (SG) landscape.
Clostridium difficileInfection: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Goudarzi Mehdi , Seyedjavadi Sima Sadat , Goudarzi Hossein , Mehdizadeh Aghdam Elnaz , Nazeri Saeed
Published: June 2014

The incidence and mortality rate ofClostridium difficileinfection have increased remarkably in both hospital and community settings during the last two decades. The growth of infection may be caused by multiple factors including inappropriate antibiotic usage, poor standards of environmental cleanliness, changes in infection control practices, large outbreaks ofC. difficileinfection in hospitals, alteration of circulating strains ofC. difficile, and spread of hypervirulent strains. Detection of high-risk populations could be helpful for prompt diagnosis and consequent treatment of patients suffering fromC. difficileinfection. Metronidazole and oral vancomycin are recommended antibiotics for the treatment of initial infection. Current treatments forC. difficileinfection consist of supportive care, discontinuing the unnecessary antibiotic, and specific antimicrobial therapy. Moreover, novel approaches include fidaxomicin therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and fecal microbiota transplantation mediated therapy. Fecal microbiota transplantation has shown relevant efficacy to overcomeC. difficileinfection and reduce its recurrence.
Myeloid Knockout of HIF-1αDoes Not Markedly Affect Hemorrhage/Resuscitation-Induced Inflammation and Hepatic Injury
Authors: Wetzel G. , Relja B. , Klarner A. , Henrich D. , Dehne N. , Brühne B. , Lehnert M. , Marzi I.
Published: June 2014

Background. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) and NF-κB play important roles in the inflammatory response after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (H/R). Here, the role of myeloid HIF-1αin liver hypoxia, injury, and inflammation after H/R with special regard to NF-κB activation was studied.Methods. Mice with a conditional HIF-1αknockout (KO) in myeloid cell-line and wild-type (WT) controls were hemorrhaged for 90 min (30±2 mm Hg) and resuscitated. Controls underwent only surgical procedures.Results. After six hours, H/R enhanced the expression of HIF-1α-induced genes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adrenomedullin (ADM). In KO mice, this was not observed. H/R-induced liver injury in HIF-1αKO was comparable to WT. Elevated plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels after H/R were not reduced by HIF-1αKO. Local hepatic hypoxia was not significantly reduced in HIF-1αKO compared to controls after H/R. H/R-induced NF-κB phosphorylation in liver did not significantly differ between WT and KO.Conclusions. Here, deleting HIF-1αin myeloid cells and thereby in Kupffer cells was not protective after H/R. This data indicates that other factors, such as NF-κB, due to its upregulated phosphorylation in WT and KO mice, contrary to HIF-1α, are rather key modulators of inflammation after H/R in our model.
Identification, Typing, Antifungal Resistance Profile, and Biofilm Formation ofCandida albicansIsolates from Lebanese Hospital Patients
Authors: Bitar Ibrahim , Khalaf Roy A. , Harastani Houda , Tokajian Sima
Published: June 2014

As leading opportunistic fungal pathogens identification and subtyping ofCandidaspecies are crucial in recognizing outbreaks of infection, recognizing particularly virulent strains, and detecting the emergence of drug resistant strains. In this study our objective was to compare identification ofCandida albicansby the hospitals through the use of conventional versus identification based on the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and to assess biofilm forming capabilities, drug resistance patterns and correlate these with MLST typing. ITS typing revealed a 21.2% hospital misidentification rate. Multidrug resistance to three drugs out of four tested was detected within 25% of the isolates raising concerns about the followed treatment regimens. Drug resistant strains as well as biofilm formers were phylogenetically related, with some isolates with significant biofilm forming capabilities being correlated to those that were multidrug resistant. Such isolates were grouped closely together in a neighbor-joining tree generated by MLST typing indicating phylogenetic relatedness, microevolution, or recurrent infection. In conclusion, this pilot study gives much needed insight concerningC. albicansisolates circulating in Lebanese hospitals and is the first study of its kind correlating biofilm formation, antifungal resistance, and evolutionary relatedness.
Molecular Characterization of EnterohemorrhagicE. coliO157 Isolated from Animal Fecal and Food Samples in Eastern China
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Zhang Shuxiao , Liu Zhe , Liu Pingping , Shi Zixue , Wei Jianchao , Shao Donghua , Li Beibei , Ma Zhiyong
Published: June 2014

Objective. To elucidate the extent of food contamination by enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) O157 in Eastern China.Methods. A total of 1100 food and animal fecal samples were screened for EHEC O157. Then, molecular characterization of each isolate was determined.Results. EHEC O157 was isolated as follows: pig feces, 4% (20/500); cattle feces, 3.3% (2/60); chicken feces, 1.43% (2/140); pork, 2.14% (3/140), milk, 1.67% (1/60); and chicken meat, 1.67% (1/60). Thestx1,stx2,eae, andhlyAgenes were present in 26.7% (8/30), 40% (12/30), 63.3% (19/30), and 50% (15/30) of the O157 isolates, respectively. Molecular typing showed that strains from fecal and food samples were clustered into the same molecular typing group. Furthermore, the isolates from pork and pig feces possessed the same characterization as the clinical strains ATCC35150 and ATCC43889. Biofilm formation assays showed that 53.3% of the EHEC O157 isolates could produce biofilm. However, composite analyses showed that biofilm formation of EHEC O157 was independent of genetic background.Conclusions. Animal feces, especially from pigs, serve as reservoirs for food contamination by EHEC O157. Thus, it is important to control contamination by EHEC O157 on farms and in abattoirs to reduce the incidence of foodborne infections in humans.
On the Complex Inversion Formula and Admissibility for a Class of Volterra Systems
Authors: Fadili Ahmed , Bounit Hamid
Published: June 2014

This paper studies Volterra integral evolution equations of convolution type from the point of view of complex inversion formula and the admissibility in the Salamon-Weiss sens. We first present results on the validity of the inverse formula of the Laplace transform for the resolvent families associated with scalar Volterra integral equations of convolution type in Banach spaces, which extends and improves the results in Hille and Philllips (1957) and Cioranescu and Lizama (2003, Lemma 5), respectively, including the stronger version for a class of scalar Volterra integrodifferential equations of convolution type on unconditional martingale differences UMD spaces, provided that the leading operator generates aC0-semigroup. Next, a necessary and sufficient condition forLp-admissibilityp∈1,∞of the system's control operator is given in terms of the UMD-property of its underlying control space for a wider class of Volterra integrodifferential equations when the leading operator is not necessarily a generator, which provides a generalization of a result known to hold for the standard Cauchy problem (Bounit et al., 2010, Proposition 3.2).
Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Reported Consistent Condom Usage among Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Rastogi Saumya , Charles Bimal , Sam Asirvatham Edwin
Published: June 2014

Clients of female sex workers (FSWs) possess a high potential of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections from high risk FSWs to the general population. Promotion of safer sex practices among the clients is essential to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of consistent condom use (CCU) among clients of FSWs and to assess the factors associated with CCU in Tamil Nadu. 146 male respondents were recruited from the hotspots who reportedly had sex with FSWs in exchange for cash at least once in the past one month. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate methods. Overall, 48.6 and 0.8 percent clients consistently used condoms in the past 12 months with FSWs and regular partners, respectively. Logistic regression showed that factors such as education, peers’ use of condoms, and alcohol consumption significantly influenced clients’ CCU with FSWs. Strategies for safe sex-behaviour are needed among clients of FSWs in order to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic in the general population. The role of peer-educators in experience sharing and awareness generation must also be emphasized.
Coordinated Control of Downshift Powertrain of Combined Clutch Transmissions for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Junqiu , Wei Han
Published: June 2014

To improve the shift quality of electric vehicles equipped with two‐gear automatic transmissions, the coordinated control of the combined clutch and the motor is proposed. The dynamic model of shift process is built up, the dynamic characteristics of each phase of downshift process are analyzed, and linear quadratic optimal control is used to optimize the shift process. As a result, the optimal trajectories of the motor torque and oil pressure of the combined clutch are obtained. Compared to the clutch control only, the simulation results indicate that shift quality is improved remarkably by employing the proposed coordinated control. Specifically, the shift jerk and sliding friction work are decreased by 43% and 44%, respectively, with accelerator pedal angle 50%. In contrast, the reduced percentages are 57% and 89% when accelerator pedal is not depressed.