bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn First Feed and Prelacteal Feeds in Mansoura, Egypt
Authors: El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Abdel-Hady Doaa M.
Published: May 2014

Background. Prelacteal feed (feeding any other substance before first breastfeeding) appears to be common despite its harmful effects. By definition a child provided with prelacteal feed (PLF) is not exclusively breastfed and PLF has many implications for the success and early initiation of breastfeeding.Objectives. To describe the prevalence of, nature of, and reasons for and factors associated with PLF.Methods. 647 mother-infant dyads were studied. Data was collected about the sociodemographic features of the family and baby, maternity care, the type of first feed before suckling, and causes of PLF. Maternal weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated.Results. About 58% of newborns received prelacteal feeds. The commonest PLF was sugar/glucose water (39.6%). The most frequent reasons for giving PLF are tradition (61.0%) and mother’s/mother in law’s advice (58.3%). The logistic regression revealed that the independent predictors of PLF are urban residence; maternal education; father’s education; low, middle, and high social class; maternal obesity; receiving antenatal care at private clinics and no antenatal care; Caesarean section; female babies; low birth weight; and admission to neonatal intensive care.Conclusion. Indiscriminate use of PLF should be discouraged in medical education and in antenatal maternal health education.
On Distance Function in Some New Analytic Bergman Type Spaces inℂn
Authors: Shamoyan Romi F. , Mihić Olivera R.
Published: May 2014

We extend our previous sharp results on distances obtained for analytic Bergman type spaces in unit disk to some new analytic Bergman type spaces in higher dimensions inℂn. Also, we study the same problem in anisotropic mixed normh(p,q,s)spaces consisting ofn-harmonic functions on the unit polydisc ofℂn.
Spontaneous Recovery of Paraplegia Caused by Spinal Epidural Hematoma after Removal of Epidural Catheter
Authors: Iwashita Kouhei , Shigematsu Kenji , Higa Kazuo , Nitahara Keiichi
Published: May 2014

We report a patient who developed paraplegia caused by a spinal epidural hematoma after removal of an epidural catheter, which resolved spontaneously. A 60-year-old woman underwent thoracoscopic partial resection of the left lung under general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia. She neither was coagulopathic nor had received anticoagulants. Paraplegia occurred 40 minutes after removal of the epidural catheter on the first postoperative day. Magnetic resonance images revealed a spinal epidural hematoma. Surgery was not required as the paraplegia gradually improved until, within 1 hour, it had completely resolved. Hypoesthesia had completely resolved by the third postoperative day.
Beamforming with Reduced Complexity in MIMO Cooperative Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Ghamari Adian Mehdi
Published: May 2014

An approach for beamforming with reduced complexity in MIMO cooperative cognitive radio networks (MIMO-CCRN) is presented. Specifically, a suboptimal approach with reduced complexity is proposed to jointly determine the transmit beamforming (TB) and cooperative beamforming (CB) weight vectors along with antenna subset selection in MIMO-CCRN. Two multiantenna secondary users (SU) constitute the desired link, one acting as transmitter (SU TX) and the other as receiver (SU RX) and they coexist with single-antenna primary and secondary users. Some of single antenna secondary users are recruited by desired link as cooperative relay. The maximization of the achievable rates in the desired link is the objective of this work, provided to interference constraints on the primary users are not violated. The objective is achieved by exploiting transmit beamforming at SU TX, cooperation of some secondary users, and cooperative beamforming. Meanwhile, the costs associated with RF chains at the radio front end at SU RX are reduced. Through simulations, it is shown that better performance in the desired link is attained, as a result of cooperation of SUs.
A Necessary and Sufficient Condition for Hardy’s Operator in the Variable Lebesgue Space
Authors: Mamedov Farman , Zeren Yusuf
Published: May 2014

The variable exponent Hardy inequalityxβ(x)-1∫0x‍f(t)dtLp(.)(0,l)≤Cxβ(x)fLp(.)(0,l),f≥0is proved assuming that the exponentsp:(0,l)→(1,∞),β:(0,l)→ℝnot rapidly oscilate near origin and1/p′(0)-β>0. The main result is a necessary and sufficient condition onp,βgeneralizing known results on this inequality.
Predicting Future Deterioration of Hydraulic Steel Structures with Markov Chain and Multivariate Samples of Statistical Distributions
Authors: Riveros Guillermo A. , Arredondo Elias
Published: May 2014

Combined effects of several complex phenomena cause the deterioration of elements of steel hydraulic structures on the nation’s lock systems: loss of protective systems, corrosion, cracking and fatigue, impacts, and overloads. This paper presents examples of deterioration of steel hydraulic structures. A method for predicting future deterioration based on current conditions is also presented. This paper also includes a procedure for developing deterioration curves when condition state data is available.
Bacterial Sepsis in Patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Endris Mengistu , Takele Yegnasew , Woldeyohannes Desalegn , Tiruneh Moges , Mohammed Rezika , Moges Feleke , Lynen Lutgarde , Jacobs Jan , van Griensven Johan , Diro Ermias
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the neglected diseases affecting the poorest segment of world populations. Sepsis is one of the predictors for death of patients with VL. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with bacterial sepsis, causative agents, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among patients with VL.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among parasitologically confirmed VL patients suspected of sepsis admitted to the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from February 2012 to May 2012. Blood cultures and other clinical samples were collected and cultured following the standard procedures.Results. Among 83 sepsis suspected VL patients 16 (19.3%) had culture confirmed bacterial sepsis. The most frequently isolated organism wasStaphylococcus aureus(68.8%; 11/16), including two methicillin-resistant isolates (MRSA). Patients with focal bacterial infection were more likely to have bacterial sepsis (P<0.001).Conclusions. The prevalence of culture confirmed bacterial sepsis was high, predominantly due toS. aureus. Concurrent focal bacterial infection was associated with bacterial sepsis, suggesting that focal infections could serve as sources for bacterial sepsis among VL patients. Careful clinical evaluation for focal infections and prompt initiation of empiric antibiotic treatment appears warranted in VL patients.
Clinical Value of Plasma Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Levels in Term Neonates with Infection or Sepsis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Siahanidou Tania , Margeli Alexandra , Tsirogianni Chrysanthi , Charoni Stavroula , Giannaki Maria , Vavourakis Eustathios , Charisiadou Athina , Papassotiriou Ioannis
Published: May 2014

Background. suPAR, the soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, has been identified as a biomarker of infection in adults but its properties in neonatal infection are not known.Methods. Plasma suPAR levels were determined by ELISA in 47 term neonates with infection (19 bacterial and 28 viral) and in 18 healthy neonates as controls. Thirteen out of 47 infected neonates were septic. In all infected neonates, suPAR levels were repeated at 24 hours, 48 hours, 3–5 days, and 7–10 days following admission.Results. Plasma suPAR levels were significantly increased in infected neonates upon admission, whereas they were highest in septic neonates, in comparison with controlsP<0.001and correlated positively with serum CRP levels (P=0.001). At infection subsidence, suPAR concentrations decreased significantly in comparison with baseline (P<0.001) but remained higher than in controls (P=0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in significant areas under the curve for detecting either infected or septic neonates, but not for discriminating between bacterial and viral cause of infection.Conclusions. suPAR is a diagnostic biomarker of infection or sepsis in term neonates; however, it cannot discriminate bacterial from viral infections and also its utility for monitoring the response to treatment is questioned.
Effects of Shiga Toxin Type 2 on Maternal and Fetal Status in Rats in the Early Stage of Pregnancy
Authors: Sacerdoti Flavia , Amaral María M. , Zotta Elsa , Franchi Ana M. , Ibarra Cristina
Published: May 2014

Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2), a toxin secreted by Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC), could be one of the causes of maternal and fetal morbimortality not yet investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of Stx2 in rats in the early stage of pregnancy. Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with sublethal doses of Stx2, 0.25 and 0.5 ng Stx2/g of body weight (bwt), at day 8 of gestation (early postimplantation period of gestation). Maternal weight loss and food and water intake were analyzed after Stx2 injection. Another group of rats were euthanized and uteri were collected at different times to evaluate fetal status. Immunolocalization of Stx2 in uterus and maternal kidneys was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The presence of Stx2 receptor (globotriaosylceramide, Gb3) in the uteroplacental unit was observed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Sublethal doses of Stx2 in rats caused maternal weight loss and pregnancy loss. Stx2 and Gb3 receptor were localized in decidual tissues. Stx2 was also immunolocalized in renal tissues. Our results demonstrate that Stx2 leads to pregnancy loss and maternal morbidity in rats in the early stage of pregnancy. This study highlights the possibility of human pregnancy loss and maternal morbidity mediated by Stx2.
Comparative Analysis of Lycorine in Wild Plant and Callus Culture Samples ofHymenocallis littoralisby HPLC-UV Method
Authors: Subramaniam Sreeramanan , Sundarasekar Jeevandran , Sahgal Geethaa , Murugaiyah Vikneswaran
Published: May 2014

TheHymenocallis littoralis, an ornamental and medicinal plant, had been traditionally used for wound healing. In the present study, an analytical method using HPLC with ultraviolet detection was developed for the quantification of lycorine in the extracts of different parts of wild plant and tissue culture samples ofH. littoralis. The separation was achieved using a reversed-phase column. The method was found to be accurate, repeatable, and sensitive for the quantification of minute amount of lycorine present in the samples. The highest lycorine content was found in the bulb extract (2.54±0.02 μg/mg) whereas the least was in the root extract (0.71±0.02 μg/mg) of the wild plants. Few callus culture samples had high content of lycorine, comparable to that of wild plants. The results showed that plant growth regulators, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) alone at 4.5 μM (2.58±0.38 μg/mg) or a combination of 2,4-D at 9.00 μM with 4.5 μM of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), were the optimum concentrations for the production of high lycorine (2.45±0.15 μg/mg) content in callus culture. The present analytical method could be of value for routine quantification of lycorine in the tissue culture production and standardization of the raw material or extracts ofH. littoralis.
Sampled‐Data Synchronization for Complex Dynamical Networks with Time‐Varying Coupling Delay and Random Coupling Strengths
Authors: Wang Jian-An , Wen Xin-Yu
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with the problem of sampled‐data synchronization for complex dynamical networks (CDNs) with time‐varying coupling delay and random coupling strengths. The random coupling strengths are described by normal distribution. The sampling period considered here is assumed to be less than a given bound. By taking the characteristic of sampled‐data system into account, a discontinuous Lyapunov functional is constructed, and a delay‐dependent mean square synchronization criterion is derived. Based on the proposed condition, a set of desired sampled‐data controllers are designed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) that can be solved effectively by using MATLAB LMI Toolbox. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Influence of Flunixin on the Disposition Kinetic of Cefepime in Goats
Authors: El-Hewaity Mohamed
Published: May 2014

The pharmacokinetic profile of cefepime (10 mg/kg b.w.) was studied following intravenous and intramuscular administration of cefepime alone and coadministered with flunixin (2.2 mg/kg b.w.) in goats. Cefepime concentrations in serum were determined by microbiological assay technique usingEscherichia coli(MTCC 443) as test organism. Following intravenous injection of cefepime alone and in combination with flunixin, there are no significant changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters. Following intramuscular injection of cefepime alone and in combination with flunixin, the maximum serum concentration was significantly increased in flunixin coadministered group compared with cefepime alone. However, no significant changes were reported in other pharmacokinetic parameters. The result ofin vitroprotein binding study indicated that 15.62% of cefepime was bound to goat’s serum protein. The mean bioavailability was 92.66% and 95.27% in cefepime alone and coadministered with flunixin, respectively. The results generated from the present study suggest that cefepime may be coadministered with flunixin without change in dose regimen. Cefepime may be given intramuscularly at 12 h intervals to combat susceptible bacterial infections.
Objective Auscultation of TCM Based on Wavelet Packet Fractal Dimension and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Yan Jian-Jun , Guo Rui , Wang Yi-Qin , Liu Guo-Ping , Yan Hai-Xia , Xia Chun-Ming , Shen Xiaojing
Published: May 2014

This study was conducted to illustrate that auscultation features based on the fractal dimension combined with wavelet packet transform (WPT) were conducive to the identification the pattern of syndromes of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The WPT and the fractal dimension were employed to extract features of auscultation signals of 137 patients with lung Qi‐deficient pattern, 49 patients with lung Yin‐deficient pattern, and 43 healthy subjects. With these features, the classification model was constructed based on multiclass support vector machine (SVM). When all auscultation signals were trained by SVM to decide the patterns of TCM syndromes, the overall recognition rate of model was 79.49%; when male and female auscultation signals were trained, respectively, to decide the patterns, the overall recognition rate of model reached 86.05%. The results showed that the methods proposed in this paper were effective to analyze auscultation signals, and the performance of model can be greatly improved when the distinction of gender was considered.
Relationships between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment, and Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ünüvar Doğan Filiz , Yosunkaya Şebnem , Kuzu Okur Hacer , Can Ümmügülsüm
Published: May 2014

The cardiovascular complications that frequently accompany obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are thought to develop as a result of inflammatory stress associated with cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. We conducted the current study to compare levels of these cytokines in OSAS patients(n=33)and nonapneic controls(n=24). Furthermore, we investigated the impact of a three-month regime of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-αonly in the OSAS patients. There were no significant differences in serum levels of either IL-6 (P=0.782) or TNF-α(P=0.722) or TNF-α(P=0.722) between OSAS patients and nonapneic controls. Serum IL-6 levels correlated significantly with neck circumference in OSAS patients (P=0.006). In OSAS patients, reduced levels of TNF-αand IL-6 correlated with increases in mean SaO2after CPAP treatment (P=0.020andP=0.051, resp.). However, neither of cytokine levels was significantly impacted by CPAP therapy (bothP>0.137). We have demonstrated that plasma cytokine levels are similar in both otherwise healthy subjects with OSAS and in nonapneic control, and we conclude that OSAS-related parameters and CPAP treatment do not play a significant role in altering cytokine levels.
Shape-Preserving and Convergence Properties for theq-Szász-Mirakjan Operators for Fixedq∈(0,1)
Authors: Wang Heping , Pu Fagui , Wang Kai
Published: May 2014

We introduce aq-generalization of Szász-Mirakjan operatorsSn,qand discuss their properties for fixedq∈(0,1). We show that theq-Szász-Mirakjan operatorsSn,qhave good shape-preserving properties. For example,Sn,qare variation-diminishing, and preserve monotonicity, convexity, and concave modulus of continuity. For fixedq∈(0,1), we prove that the sequence{Sn,qf}converges toB∞,q(f)uniformly on[0,1]for eachf∈C[0, 1/(1-q)], whereB∞,qis the limitq-Bernstein operator. We obtain the estimates for the rate of convergence for{Sn,qf}by the modulus of continuity off, and the estimates are sharp in the sense of order for Lipschitz continuous functions.
Using Enhanced Russell Model to Solve Inverse Data Envelopment Analysis Problems
Authors: Jahanshahloo G. R. , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi F. , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh M. , Ghobadi S.
Published: May 2014

This paper studies the inverse data envelopment analysis using the nonradial enhanced Russell model. Necessary and sufficient conditions for inputs/outputs determination are introduced based on Pareto solutions of multiple-objective linear programming. In addition, an approach is investigated to identify extra input/lack output in each of input/output components (maximum/minimum reduction/increase amounts in each a of input/output components). In addition, the following question is addressed: if among a group of DMUs, it is required to increase inputs and outputs to a particular unit and assume that the DMU maintains its current efficiency level with respect to other DMUs, how much should the inputs and outputs of the DMU increase? This question is discussed as inverse data envelopment analysis problems, and a technique is suggested to answer this question. Necessary and sufficient conditions are established by employing Pareto solutions of multiple-objective linear programming as well.
Unsteady Boundary-Layer Flow over Jerked Plate Moving in a Free Stream of Viscoelastic Fluid
Authors: Munawar Sufian , Mehmood Ahmer , Ali Asif , Saleem Najma
Published: May 2014

This study aims to investigate the unsteady boundary-layer flow of a viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluid over a flat surface. The plate is suddenly jerked to move with uniform velocity in a uniform stream of non-Newtonian fluid. Purely analytic solution to governing nonlinear equation is obtained. The solution is highly accurate and valid for all values of the dimensionless time0≤τ<∞. Flow properties of the viscoelastic fluid are discussed through graphs.
Fingerprint-Based Near-Duplicate Document Detection with Applications to SNS Spam Detection
Authors: Ho Phuc-Tran , Kim Sung-Ryul
Published: May 2014

Social networking has been used widely by millions of people over the world. It has become the most popular way for people who want to connect and interact online with their friends. Currently, there are many social networking sites, for instance, Facebook, My Space, and Twitter, with a huge number of active users. Therefore, they are also good places for spammers or cheaters who want to steal the personal information of users or advertise their products. Recently, many proposed methods are applied to detect spam comments on social networks with different techniques. In this paper, we propose a similarity-based method that combines fingerprinting technique with trie-tree data structure and meet-in-the-middle approach in order to achieve a higher accuracy in spam comments detection. Using our proposed approach, we are able to detect around 98% spam comments in our dataset.
Electrochemical Behavior of TiO2 Nanoparticle Doped WO3 Thin Films
Authors: Bathe Suvarna R. , Patil P. S.
Published: May 2014

Nanoparticle TiO2 doped WO3 thin films by pulsed spray pyrolysis technique have been studied on fluorine tin doped (FTO) and glass substrate. XRD shows amorphous nature for undoped and anatase phase of TiO2 having (101) plane for nanoparticle TiO2 doped WO3 thin film. SEM shows microfibrous reticulated porous network for WO3 with 600 nm fiber diameter and nanocrystalline having size 40 nm for TiO2 nanoparticle doped WO3 thin film. TiO2 nanoparticle doped WO3 thin film shows ~95% reversibility due to may be attributed to nanocrystalline nature of the film, which helpful for charge insertion and deinsertion process. The diffusion coefficient for TiO2 nanoparticle doped WO3 film is less than undoped WO3.
Dielectric Properties of SnO2 Thin Film Using SPR Technique for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Paliwal Ayushi , Sharma Anjali , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: May 2014

Focus has been made on the determination of dielectric constant of thin dielectric layer (SnO2 thin film) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique and exploiting it for the detection of NH3 gas. SnO2 thin film has been deposited by rf-sputtering technique on gold coated glass prism (BK-7) and its SPR response was measured in the Kretschmann configuration of attenuated total reflection using a p-polarised light beam at 633 nm wavelength. The SPR response of bilayer film was fitted with Fresnel’s equations in order to calculate the dielectric constant of SnO2 thin film. The air/SnO2/Au/prim system has been utilized for detecting varying concentration (500 ppm to 2000 ppm) of NH3 gas at room temperature using SPR technique. SPR curve shows significant shift in resonance angle from 44.8° to 56.7° on exposure of fixed concentration of NH3 gas (500 ppm to 2000 ppm) with very fast response and recovery speeds.
Transmission Electron Microscopic Morphological Study and Flow Cytometric Viability Assessment ofAcinetobacter baumanniiSusceptible toMusca domesticacecropin
Authors: Gui Shuiqing , Li Rongjiang , Feng Yongwen , Wang Sanming
Published: May 2014

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiinfections are difficult to treat owing to the extremely limited armamentarium. Expectations about antimicrobial peptides' use as new powerful antibacterial agents have been raised on the basis of their unique mechanism of action.Musca domesticacecropin (Mdc), a novel antimicrobial peptide from the larvae of Housefly (Musca domestica), has potently active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria standard strain. Here we evaluated the antibacterial activity of Mdc against clinical isolates of MDR-A. baumanniiand elucidate the related antibacterial mechanisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Mdc was 4 μg/mL. Bactericidal kinetics of Mdc revealed rapid killing ofA. baumannii(30 min). Flow cytometry using viability stain demonstrated that Mdc causesA. baumanniimembrane permeabilization in a concentration- and time-dependent process, which correlates with the bactericidal action. Moreover, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination showed that Mdc is capable of disrupting the membrane of bacterial cells, resulting in efflux of essential cytoplasmic components. Overall, Mdc could be a promising antibacterial agent for MDR-A. baumanniiinfections.
Structure-Function Correlation Analysis of Connexin50 Missense Mutations Causing Congenital Cataract: Electrostatic Potential Alteration Could Determine Intracellular Trafficking Fate of Mutants
Authors: Sarkar Devroop , Ray Kunal , Sengupta Mainak
Published: May 2014

Connexin50 (Cx50) mutations are reported to cause congenital cataract probably through the disruption of intercellular transport in the lens. Cx50 mutants that undergo mistrafficking have generally been associated with failure to form functional gap junction channels; however, sometimes even properly trafficked mutants were found to undergo similar consequences. We hereby wanted to elucidate any structural bases of the varied functional consequences of Cx50 missense mutations through in silico approach. Computational studies have been done based on a Cx50 homology model to assess conservation, solvent accessibility, and 3-dimensional localization of mutated residues as well as mutation-induced changes in surface electrostatic potential, H-bonding, and steric clash. This was supplemented with meta-analysis of published literature on the functional properties of connexin missense mutations. Analyses revealed that the mutation-induced critical alterations of surface electrostatic potential in Cx50 mutants could determine their fate in intracellular trafficking. A similar pattern was observed in case of mutations involving corresponding conserved residues in other connexins also. Based on these results the trafficking fates of 10 uncharacterized Cx50 mutations have been predicted. Further experimental analyses are needed to validate the observed correlation.
An Intelligent Traffic Flow Control System Based on Radio Frequency Identification and Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Chen Pi-Yun
Published: May 2014

This study primarily focuses on the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) as a form of traffic flow detection, which transmits collected information related to traffic flow directly to a control system through an RS232 interface. At the same time, the sensor analyzes and judges the information using an extension algorithm designed to achieve the objective of controlling the flow of traffic. In addition, the traffic flow situation is also transmitted to a remote monitoring control system through ZigBee wireless network communication technology. The traffic flow control system developed in this study can perform remote transmission and reduce traffic accidents. And it can also effectively control traffic flow while reducing traffic delay time and maintaining the smooth flow of traffic.
Antioxidant Defense Enzyme Genes and Asthma Susceptibility: Gender-Specific Effects and Heterogeneity in Gene-Gene Interactions between Pathogenetic Variants of the Disease
Authors: Polonikov Alexey V. , Ivanov Vladimir P. , Bogomazov Alexey D. , Freidin Maxim B. , Illig Thomas , Solodilova Maria A.
Published: May 2014

Oxidative stress resulting from an increased amount of reactive oxygen species and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The present study tested the hypothesis that genetic susceptibility to allergic and nonallergic variants of asthma is determined by complex interactions between genes encoding antioxidant defense enzymes (ADE). We carried out a comprehensive analysis of the associations between adult asthma and 46 single nucleotide polymorphisms of 34 ADE genes and 12 other candidate genes of asthma in Russian population using set association analysis and multifactor dimensionality reduction approaches. We found for the first time epistatic interactions between ADE genes underlying asthma susceptibility and the genetic heterogeneity between allergic and nonallergic variants of the disease. We identifiedGSR(glutathione reductase) andPON2(paraoxonase 2) as novel candidate genes for asthma susceptibility. We observed gender-specific effects of ADE genes on the risk of asthma. The results of the study demonstrate complexity and diversity of interactions between genes involved in oxidative stress underlying susceptibility to allergic and nonallergic asthma.
Modeling and Stability Analysis of Wedge Clutch System
Authors: Yao Jian , Chen Li , Yin Chengliang
Published: May 2014

A wedge clutch with unique features of self‐reinforcement and small actuation force was designed. Its self‐reinforcement feature, associated with different factors such as the wedge angle and friction coefficient, brings different dynamics and unstable problem with improper parameters. To analyze this system, a complete mathematical model of the actuation system is built, which includes the DC motor, the wedge mechanism, and the actuated clutch pack. By considering several nonlinear factors, such as the slip‐stick friction and the contact or not of the clutch plates, the system is piecewise linear. Through the stability analysis of the linearized system in clutch slipping phase, the stable condition of the designed parameters is obtained as α > arctan⁡(μc). The mathematical model of the actuation system is validated by prototype testing. And with the validated model, the system dynamics in both stable and unstable conditions is investigated and discussed in engineering side.
Arsenic, Chromium, and Other Potentially Toxic Elements in the Rocks and Sediments of Oropos-Kalamos Basin, Attica, Greece
Authors: Alexakis D. , Gamvroula D.
Published: May 2014

Rocks and sediments are non-anthropogenic sources of elements contamination. In this study, a series of potentially toxic elements were quantified in rocks and sediments of the Oropos-Kalamos basin. Only As, Hg, Pb, and Sb contents, in all the examined rocks and sediments, were higher than the levels given in international literature. Concentration of the elements As, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, and U is highly elevated in the lignite compared to crustal element averages. The enrichment of Cr and Ni in the lignite can be attributed to the known ultramafic rock masses surrounding the basin, while enrichment of As, Hg, Mo, Sb, and U is associated with the past geothermal activity of the Upper Miocene (about 15 million years ago). Nickel and Cr were transported into the lignite deposition basin by rivers and streams draining ultramafic rock bodies. The results of this study imply the natural source of Cr3+and Cr6+contamination of the Oropos-Kalamos groundwater, since high Cr contents were also recorded in the lignite (212.3 mg kg−1), chromiferous iron ore occurrences (256.6 mg kg−1), and alluvial deposits (212.5 mg kg−1), indicating Cr leaching and transportation to the depositional basin dating from the Upper Miocene age.
Primary Thyroid Disorders in Patients with Endogenous Hypercortisolism: An Observational Study
Authors: Onal Eda Demir , Sacikara Muhammed , Saglam Fatma , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: May 2014

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) may alter the performance of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-thyroid axis. We searched for a relationship between hypercortisolism and primary thyroid disorders. The medical records of 40 patients with CS were retrospectively examined. Thyroid ultrasonography (USG), basal thyroid function test results (TFT), and antithyroglobulin and antithyroperoxidase antibodies were analyzed. In 80 control subjects, matched by age and gender with CS patients, thyroid USG, TFTs, and autoantibody panel were obtained. Among the CS patients, 17 had nodular goiter, versus 24 controls (42.5% versus 30%,P>0.05). Among the twenty-five patients with an available TFT and autoantibody panel—before and after surgical curative treatment—autoantibody positivity was detected in 2 (8%) patients before and 3 (12%) after surgery (P=0.48). Regarding TFT results, 1 (2.5%) patient had subclinical hyperthyroidism and 1 (2.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, whereas 1 (2.5%) control had hyperthyroidism. In total, 21 (52.5%) patients and 32 (40%) controls had≥1 of the features of thyroid disorder, including goiter, positive thyroid autoantibody, and thyroid function abnormality; the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The prevalence of primary thyroid disorders is not significantly increased in patients with CS.
Bearing Condition Recognition and Degradation Assessment under Varying Running Conditions Using NPE and SOM
Authors: Zhang Shaohui , Li Weihua
Published: May 2014

Manifold learning methods have been widely used in machine condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. However, the results reported in these studies focus on the machine faults under stable loading and rotational speeds, which cannot interpret the practical machine running. Rotating machine is always running under variable speeds and loading, which makes the vibration signal more complicated. To address such concern, the NPE (neighborhood preserving embedding) is applied for bearing fault classification. Compared with other algorithms (PCA, LPP, LDA, and ISOP), the NPE performs well in feature extraction. Since the traditional time domain signal denoising is time consuming and memory consuming, we denoise the signal features directly in feature space. Furthermore, NPE and SOM (self‐organizing map) are combined to assess the bearing degradation performance. Simulation and experiment results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Adaptive Fuzzy Output‐Feedback Method Applied to Fin Control for Time‐Delay Ship Roll Stabilization
Authors: Bai Rui
Published: May 2014

The ship roll stabilization by fin control system is considered in this paper. Assuming that angular velocity in roll cannot be measured, an adaptive fuzzy output‐feedback control is investigated. The fuzzy logic system is used to approximate the uncertain term of the controlled system, and a fuzzy state observer is designed to estimate the unmeasured states. By utilizing the fuzzy state observer and combining the adaptive backstepping technique with adaptive fuzzy control design, an observer‐based adaptive fuzzy output‐feedback control approach is developed. It is proved that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB), and the control strategy is effective to decrease the roll motion. Simulation results are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Surface Crystallization in Mg-Based Bulk Metallic Glass during Copper Mold Casting
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: May 2014

The localized crystallization of Mg54Cu28Ag7Y11bulk metallic glass (BMG) in the injection casting process using a copper mold was investigated. It has been found that several crystalline phases were formed close to the as-cast surface but did not exist in the internal part of the BMG plate. It is abnormal that the as-cast surface is partially crystallized with higher cooling rate than that of inside. Overheating of the melt and nucleation induced by the surface of copper mold play key roles in the abnormal crystallization. It is suggested that the function of copper mold to trigger heterogeneous nucleation cannot be totally ignored, although it provides the high cooling rate for the glass formation during casting.
A Dynamical Slot Assignment Method for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Hopfield Network
Authors: Yang Qi , Lin Xiao , Zhuang Yuxiang , Hong Xuemin
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes an improved Hopfield neural network (I-HNN) algorithm to optimize the slot assignment scheme in wireless sensor networks. The key advantage of the proposed algorithm is to increase the convergence probability under different traffic loads. To achieve this, nodes can adjust their slot demands according to the traffic load, slots number, and demand history. Various aspects of the network performances with the proposed I-HNN algorithm are evaluated via simulation. The results indicate that I-HNN is suitable for wireless sensor networks with dynamically varying traffic. In particular, it can increase the convergence probability and slot utilization under the heavy traffic load.
Design of a Redundant Manipulator for Playing Table Tennis towards Human-Like Stroke Patterns
Authors: Yu Zhangguo , Huang Qiang , Chen Xuechao , Zhang Wen , Gao Junyao
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the design of a 7-DOF humanoid manipulator capable of playing table tennis with human-like stroke patterns. The manipulator system includes a redundant arm, real-time stereo vision system, and a distributed motion control system. First, the size, weight, workspace, and motion capability of the designed arm are similar to those of a human's arm. The forward and inverse kinematics, and the Jacobian matrix of the redundant manipulator are formulated. Next, a distributed motion control system is designed. The ball trajectory prediction method is proposed. Then, a human-inspired optimization method based on Jacobian pseudoinverse and the comfort of the arm posture for stroke pattern trajectory is proposed to achieve human-like stroke patterns and decrease the counterforce exerted on the manipulator. Finally, the validity of the proposed system and methods is demonstrated via human-like stroke pattern experiments.
Multimodel Predictive Control Approach for UAV Formation Flight
Authors: Ru Chang-jian , Wei Rui-xuan , Wang Ying-ying , Che Jun
Published: May 2014

Formation flight problem is the most important and interesting problem of multiple UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) cooperative control. In this paper, a novel approach for UAV formation flight based on multimodel predictive control is designed. Firstly, the state equation of relative motion is obtained and then discretized. By the geometrical method, the characteristic points of state are determined. Afterwards, based on the linearization technique, the standard linear discrete model is obtained at each characteristic state point. Then, weighted model set is proposed using the idea of T‐S (Takagi‐Sugeno) fuzzy control and the predictive control is carried out based on the multimodel method. Finally, to verify the performance of the proposed method, two different simulation scenarios are performed.
Exponential Stability Analysis for Genetic Regulatory Networks with Both Time-Varying and Continuous Distributed Delays
Authors: Yin Lizi , Liu Yungang
Published: May 2014

The global exponential stability is investigated for genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays and continuous distributed delays. By choosing an appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, new conditions of delay-dependent stability are obtained in the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI). The lower bound of derivatives of time-varying delay is first taken into account in genetic networks stability analysis, and the main results with less conservatism are established by interactive convex combination method to estimate the upper bound of derivative function of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. In addition, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Clinical Causes of Inflammation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Cho Yeoungjee , Hawley Carmel M. , Johnson David W.
Published: May 2014

Inflammation at both systemic and local intraperitoneal levels commonly affects peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Interest in inflammatory markers as targets of therapeutic intervention has been considerable as they are recognised as predictors of poor clinical outcomes. However, prior to embarking on strategies to reduce inflammatory burden, it is of paramount importance to define the underlying processes that drive the chronic active inflammatory status. The present review aims to comprehensively describe clinical causes of inflammation in PD patients to which potential future strategies may be targeted.
Adaptive Pinning Synchronization Control of the Fractional‐Order Chaos Nodes in Complex Networks
Authors: Zhu Darui , Liu Ling , Liu Chongxin
Published: May 2014

Adaptive pinning synchronization control is studied for a class of fractional‐order complex network systems which are constructed depending on small‐world network algorithm. Based on the fractional‐order stability theory, the suitable adaptive control scheme is designed to guarantee global asymptotic stability of all the nodes in complex network systems and the node selected algorithm is given. In numerical implementation, it is shown that the numerical solution of the fractional‐order complex network systems can be obtained by applying an improved version of Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton algorithm. Furthermore, simulation results are provided to confirm the validity and synchronization performance of the advocated design methodology.
Effect of Concentration of Sodium Hydroxide and Degree of Heat Curing on Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Patankar Subhash V. , Ghugal Yuwaraj M. , Jamkar Sanjay S.
Published: May 2014

Geopolymer concrete/mortar is the new development in the field of building constructions in which cement is totally replaced by pozzolanic material like fly ash and activated by alkaline solution. This paper presented the effect of concentration of sodium hydroxide, temperature, and duration of oven heating on compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer mortar. Sodium silicate solution containing Na2O of 16.45%, SiO2 of 34.35%, and H2O of 49.20% and sodium hydroxide solution of 2.91, 5.60, 8.10, 11.01, 13.11, and 15.08. Moles concentrations were used as alkaline activators. Geopolymer mortar mixes were prepared by considering solution-to-fly ash ratio of 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45. The temperature of oven curing was maintained at 40, 60, 90, and 120°C each for a heating period of 24 hours and tested for compressive strength at the age of 3 days as test period after specified degree of heating. Test results show that the workability and compressive strength both increase with increase in concentration of sodium hydroxide solution for all solution-to-fly ash ratios. Degree of heating also plays vital role in accelerating the strength; however there is no large change in compressive strength beyond test period of three days after specified period of oven heating.
Psychometric Properties of the Greek Haem-A-QoL for Measuring Quality of Life in Greek Haemophilia Patients
Authors: Varaklioti Agoritsa , Kontodimopoulos Nick , Katsarou Olga , Niakas Dimitris
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important health outcome measure in haemophilia. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Haem-A-QoL, a disease-specific questionnaire for haemophiliacs.Methods. Haem-A-QoL and SF-36 were administered to 118 adult haemophilia patients. Hypothesized scale structure, internal consistency (Cronbach’sα), and test-retest reliability, as well as various types of construct validity were evaluated.Results. Scale structure of Haem-A-QoL was confirmed, with good item convergence (87%) and discrimination (80.6%) rates. Cronbach’sαwas >0.70 for all but one dimension (dealing) and test-retest reliability was significantly high. The strength of Spearman’s correlations between Haem-A-QoL and SF-36 scales ranged from 0.25 to 0.75 (P<0.01). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that all but one Haem-A-QoL dimensions were important predictors of SF-36 scales. Known-groups comparisons yielded consistent support of the instruments’ construct validity and significant relationships were identified for age, educational level, haemophilia type, disease severity, and viral infections.Conclusion. Overall, the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Haem-A-QoL, resulting from this first time administration of the instrument to Greek adult haemophiliacs, confirmed it as a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing haemophilia-specific HRQoL in Greece.
Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C on B-Cell Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Lee Sae-Kyung , Chwee Jyh Y. , Ma Cheryl A.P. , Le Bert Nina , Huang Caleb W. , Gasser Stephan
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The low immunogenicity of many cancer cells and the immunosuppression by various cancers and anticancer therapies have been an obstacle in the development of efficacious immunotherapies. Our goal was to test whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents synergize in rendering tumor cells more immunogenic.

Experimental Design: We treated B-cell lymphoma cells with the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 and the genotoxic anticancer agent 1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C). The effects on the immunogenicity of tumor cells were measured in transfer experiments and in vitro studies.

Results: The treatment of B-cell lymphoma cells with the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 enhanced the anticancer effects of the genotoxic agent Ara-C. Mice injected with cotreated tumor cells survived longer than mice challenged with Pam3CSK4 or Ara-C–treated cells. Administration of Pam3CSK4 or Ara-C reduced the tumor load of mice injected with tumor cells. Cotreatment had no effect on the rate of apoptosis or proliferation of Ara-C–treated cells, but upregulated the expression of several immunomodulatory molecules. Consistent with an increased immunogenicity of Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C–treated B-cell lymphoma cells, rejection of cotreated tumor cells required natural killer cells and T cells. We demonstrate that the upregulation of immunomodulatory molecules in response to Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C depended in part on NF-κB.

Conclusion: TLR agonists can increase the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies by altering the immunogenicity of B-cell lymphoma cells. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3485–95. ©2014 AACR.
Bariatric Surgery: The Indications in Metabolic Disease
Authors: Neff K.J. , le Roux C.W.
Published: May 2014

As well as the pronounced effect on body mass index (BMI), bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as being associated with improvements in morbidity and mortality in a range of conditions, from airways disease to cancer. In metabolic disease, the impact of bariatric surgery is particularly obvious with marked improvements in glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, to the point of effecting diabetes remission in some. Hypertension and dyslipidemia, key components of the metabolic syndrome, also respond to bariatric surgery. Despite the increasing evidence of benefit in metabolic disease, the major national guidelines for selecting candidates for bariatric surgery retain their emphasis on body weight. In these guidelines, a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 is needed to indicate surgery, even in those with profound metabolic disturbance. The recent International Diabetes Federation guidelines have identified the need to reorientate our focus from BMI to metabolic disease. In this review, we examine the developing indications for the use of bariatric surgery in metabolic disease. We will focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. Within this, we will outline the data for using bariatric surgery as metabolic surgery, including those with a BMI <35 kg/m2.
Alopecia Universalis Associated with Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Miteva Mariya , El Shabrawi-Caelen Laila , Fink-Puches Regina , Beham-Schmid Christine , Romanelli Paolo , Kerdel Francisco , Tosti Antonella
Published: May 2014

Background: Alopecia areata-like hair loss may occur in the context of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and can very rarely evolve to alopecia universalis-like presentation. The dermoscopic findings of CTCL-related alopecia have not been described. Methods: Two patients with alopecia areata universalis-like hair loss occurring in the context of preexisting, pathology-proven CTCL are presented. Results: Clinical examination showed subtotal scalp alopecia with sparse fine hair or total scalp alopecia with loss of eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. On dermoscopy there was follicular or diffuse scaling, reduced number of follicular openings with broken hairs, short hairs or keratotic filiform spicules. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of CTCL-related alopecia. One patient had almost complete hair regrowth after treatment. Conclusion: CTCL-related alopecia universalis is a rare non-scarring form of hair loss which simulates alopecia areata universalis. We provide clues to distinguish both based on clinical, dermoscopic and pathologic findings.