bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW DISTANCE FOR INTERVAL TYPE-2 FUZZY SETS WITH AN APPLICATION TO CLUSTERING
Authors: HEIDARZADE ARMAGHAN , MAHDAVI-AMIRI NEZAM , MAHDAVI IRAJ
Published: December 2014

Type-2 fuzzy sets are generalizations of ordinary fuzzy sets, in which membership grades are characterized by fuzzy membership functions. Here, a problem of finding distance between two interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2-FSs) was considered. Based on a new definition of centroid for an IT2-FS, a formulation for calculation of the distance between two IT2-FSs was introduced, and an algorithm was explained to obtain it. The proposed distance formula was incorporated in Yang and Shih's clustering algorithm to reach a clustering method for interval type-2 fuzzy data sets. The applicability of the proposed distance formula was evaluated using two artificial and real data sets, and reasonable results were obtained.
Impact of training status on LPS-induced acute inflammation in humans
Authors: Olesen J. , Biensø R. S. , Meinertz S. , van Hauen L. , Rasmussen S. M. , Gliemann L. , Plomgaard P. , Pilegaard H.
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of training status on the ability to induce a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response systemically as well as in skeletal muscle (SkM) and adipose tissue (AT) in human subjects. Seventeen young (23.8 ± 2.5 yr of age) healthy male subjects were included in the study with eight subjects assigned to a trained (T) group and nine subjects assigned to an untrained (UT) group. On the experimental day, catheters were inserted in the femoral artery and vein of one leg for blood sampling and a bolus of 0.3 ng LPS/kg body wt was injected into an antecubital vein in the forearm. Femoral arterial blood flow was measured by ultrasound Doppler, and arterial and venous blood samples were drawn before (Pre) LPS injection and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the LPS injection. Vastus lateralis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous AT biopsies were obtained Pre and 60 and 120 min after the LPS injection. LPS increased the systemic plasma TNFα and IL-6 level as well as the TNFα and IL-6 mRNA content in SkM and AT of both UT and T. However, whereas the LPS-induced inflammatory response in SkM was enhanced in T subjects relative to UT, the inflammatory response systemically and in AT was somewhat delayed in T subjects relative to UT. The present findings highlight that training status affects the ability to induce a LPS-induced acute inflammatory response in a tissue-specific manner.
Activation of InsP3 receptors is sufficient for inducing graded intrinsic plasticity in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons
Authors: Ashhad Sufyan , Johnston Daniel , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: December 2014

The synaptic plasticity literature has focused on establishing necessity and sufficiency as two essential and distinct features in causally relating a signaling molecule to plasticity induction, an approach that has been surprisingly lacking in the intrinsic plasticity literature. In this study, we complemented the recently established necessity of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (InsP3R) in a form of intrinsic plasticity by asking if InsP3R activation was sufficient to induce intrinsic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Specifically, incorporation of d-myo-InsP3 in the recording pipette reduced input resistance, maximal impedance amplitude, and temporal summation but increased resonance frequency, resonance strength, sag ratio, and impedance phase lead. Strikingly, the magnitude of plasticity in all these measurements was dependent on InsP3 concentration, emphasizing the graded dependence of such plasticity on InsP3R activation. Mechanistically, we found that this InsP3-induced plasticity depended on hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Moreover, this calcium-dependent form of plasticity was critically reliant on the release of calcium through InsP3Rs, the influx of calcium through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels, and on the protein kinase A pathway. Our results delineate a causal role for InsP3Rs in graded adaptation of neuronal response dynamics, revealing novel regulatory roles for the endoplasmic reticulum in neural coding and homeostasis.
Midcervical neuronal discharge patterns during and following hypoxia
Authors: Sandhu M. S. , Baekey D. M. , Maling N. G. , Sanchez J. C. , Reier P. J. , Fuller D. D.
Published: December 2014

Anatomical evidence indicates that midcervical interneurons can be synaptically coupled with phrenic motoneurons. Accordingly, we hypothesized that interneurons in the C3–C4 spinal cord can display discharge patterns temporally linked with inspiratory phrenic motor output. Anesthetized adult rats were studied before, during, and after a 4-min bout of moderate hypoxia. Neuronal discharge in C3–C4 lamina I–IX was monitored using a multielectrode array while phrenic nerve activity was extracellularly recorded. For the majority of cells, spike-triggered averaging (STA) of ipsilateral inspiratory phrenic nerve activity based on neuronal discharge provided no evidence of discharge synchrony. However, a distinct STA phrenic peak with a 6.83 ± 1.1 ms lag was present for 5% of neurons, a result that indicates a monosynaptic connection with phrenic motoneurons. The majority (93%) of neurons changed discharge rate during hypoxia, and the diverse responses included both increased and decreased firing. Hypoxia did not change the incidence of STA peaks in the phrenic nerve signal. Following hypoxia, 40% of neurons continued to discharge at rates above prehypoxia values (i.e., short-term potentiation, STP), and cells with initially low discharge rates were more likely to show STP ( P < 0.001). We conclude that a population of nonphrenic C3–C4 neurons in the rat spinal cord is synaptically coupled to the phrenic motoneuron pool, and these cells can modulate inspiratory phrenic output. In addition, the C3–C4 propriospinal network shows a robust and complex pattern of activation both during and following an acute bout of hypoxia.
A Comprehensive Decision‐Making Approach Based on Hierarchical Attribute Model for Information Fusion Algorithms’ Performance Evaluation
Authors: Li Lianhui , Mo Rong
Published: December 2014

Aiming at the problem of fusion algorithm performance evaluation in multiradar information fusion system, firstly the hierarchical attribute model of track relevance performance evaluation model is established based on the structural model and functional model and quantization methods of evaluation indicators are given; secondly a combination weighting method is proposed to determine the weights of evaluation indicators, in which the objective and subjective weights are separately determined by criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) and trapezoidal fuzzy scale analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and then experience factor is introduced to obtain the combination weight; at last the improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) replacing Euclidean distance with Kullback‐Leibler divergence (KLD) is used to sort the weighted indicator value of the evaluation object. An example is given to illustrate the correctness and feasibility of the proposed method.
A Study of Driver’s Route Choice Behavior Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Ji Yanjie , Du Muqing , Deng Wei
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a route choice analytic method that embeds cumulative prospect theory in evolutionary game theory to analyze how the drivers adjust their route choice behaviors under the influence of the traffic information. A simulated network with two alternative routes and one variable message sign is built to illustrate the analytic method. We assume that the drivers in the transportation system are bounded rational, and the traffic information they receive is incomplete. An evolutionary game model is constructed to describe the evolutionary process of the drivers’ route choice decision-making behaviors. Here we conclude that the traffic information plays an important role in the route choice behavior. The driver’s route decision-making process develops towards different evolutionary stable states in accordance with different transportation situations. The analysis results also demonstrate that employing cumulative prospect theory and evolutionary game theory to study the driver’s route choice behavior is effective. This analytic method provides an academic support and suggestion for the traffic guidance system, and may optimize the travel efficiency to a certain extent.
Management and Administration Issues in Greek Secondary Schools: Self-Evaluation of the Head Teacher Role
Authors: Argyriou Argyrios , Iordanidis George
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the importance school headmasters attach to a number of activities associated with the effective performance of their duties. This recording aims to examine the potential of these school headmasters to exercise their role and work within the highly bureaucratic and hierarchical Greek educational system. These activities include (a) establishment and realization of a common vision and mission of the school unit as well as its culture identification and formation, (b) teaching and tutoring of students, (c) management and development of the educational personnel, (d) conducting of administrative affairs and management of resources, and (e) good relations with parents, entities of external environment of the school unit, and the local community. The study found that the headmasters consider activities concerning their bureaucratic/conductive role as well as their leading behaviour as “very important” at very high percentages (over 70.0%). However, tasks involving them in administrative issues are, according to them, “less” up to “least important” so that their role is effectively fulfilled. Statistically significant diversifications have been observed in certain activities associated with the efficient performance of their duties in relation to their gender, years of experience in leadership position, and the size of the school unit.
Effect of CuO Nanoparticles over Isolated Bacterial Strains from Agricultural Soil
Authors: Concha-Guerrero Sandra I. , Brito Elcia Margareth Souza , Piñón-Castillo Hilda A. , Tarango-Rivero S. H. , Caretta César A. , Luna-Velasco Antonia , Duran Robert , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo
Published: December 2014

The increased use of the nanoparticles (NPs) on several processes is notorious. In contrast the ecotoxicological effects of NPs have been scarcely studied. The main current researches are related to the oxide metallic NPs. In the present work, fifty‐six bacterial strains were isolated from soil, comprising 17 different OTUs distributed into 3 classes: Bacilli (36 strains), Flavobacteria (2 strains), and Gammaproteobacteria (18 strains). Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized using a process of chemical precipitation. The obtained CuONPs have a spherical shape and primary size less than 17 nm. Twenty‐one strains were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CuONPs and 11 of these strains showed high sensibility. Among those 11 strains, 4 (Brevibacillus laterosporus strain CSS8, Chryseobacterium indoltheticum strain CSA28, and Pantoea ananatis strains CSA34 and CSA35) were selected to determine the kind of damage produced. The CuONPs toxic effect was observed at expositions over 25 mg·L−1 and the damage to cell membrane above 160 mg·L−1. The electron microscopy showed the formation of cavities, holes, membrane degradation, blebs, cellular collapse, and lysis. These toxic effects may probably be due to the ions interaction, the oxide‐reduction reactions, and the generation of reactive species.
An Efficient Approximation Algorithm for Aircraft Arrival Sequencing and Scheduling Problem
Authors: Ma Weimin , Xu Bo , Liu Ming , Huang Hui
Published: December 2014

The aircraft arrival sequencing and scheduling (ASS) problem is a salient problem in airports′ runway scheduling system, which proves to be nondeterministic polynomial (NP) hard. This paper formulates the ASS in the form of a constrained permutation problem and designs a new approximation algorithm to solve it. Then the numerical study is conducted, which validates that this new algorithm has much better performance than ant colony (AC) algorithm and CPLEX, especially when the aircraft types are not too many. In the end, some conclusions are summarized.
Analysis of the High Conversion Efficiencies β‐FeSi2 and BaSi2 n‐i‐p Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Jung-Sheng , Lee Kuan-Wei , Tseng Yu-Hsiang
Published: December 2014

Both β‐FeSi2 and BaSi2 are silicides and have large absorption coefficients; thus they are very promising Si‐based new materials for solar cell applications. In this paper, the dc I‐V characteristics of n‐Si/i‐βFeSi2/p‐Si and n‐Si/i‐BaSi2/p‐Si thin film solar cells are investigated by solving the charge transport equations with optical generations. The diffusion current densities of free electron and hole are calculated first. Then the drift current density in the depletion regions is obtained. The total current density is the sum of diffusion and drift current densities. The conversion efficiencies are obtained from the calculated I‐V curves. The optimum conversion efficiency of n‐Si/i‐βFeSi2/p‐Si thin film solar cell is 27.8% and that of n‐Si/i‐BaSi2/p‐Si thin film solar cell is 30.4%, both are larger than that of Si n‐i‐p solar cell (η is 20.6%). These results are consistent with their absorption spectrum. The calculated conversion efficiency of Si n‐i‐p solar cell is consistent with the reported researches. Therefore, these calculation results are valid in this work.
Spiritual Healing in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Exploratory Single Centre, Parallel‐Group, Double‐Blind, Three‐Arm, Randomised, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Bliddal Henning , Christensen Robin , Højgaard Lars , Bartels Else Marie , Ellegaard Karen , Zachariae Robert , Danneskiold-Samsøe Bente
Published: December 2014

Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of “energy/spiritual healing” in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eligible patients were women with RA on stable medication. The design was a randomised, blinded, sham‐controlled trial; the third group included an external unblinded control of the natural course of RA. Participants in both groups received 8 sessions with “perceived healing” over 21 weeks with 8 weeks of follow‐up. Active healing (AH) treatment comprised healing with no physical contact, and sham healing (SH) included exactly the same healing with a sham healer. During intervention, participants wore hearing protectors and were blindfolded. No healing (NH) only had their outcomes assessed. Coprimary outcomes were disease activity score (DAS) for 28 joints and Doppler ultrasound. All 96 patients randomised were handled as the intention‐to‐treat population, using a baseline‐carried forward approach to replace the missing data. Eighty‐two (85%) participants completed the 29‐week trial. At end point (week 29), mean difference in DAS28 between AH versus SH was statistically but not clinically significant in favour of AH (0.62 DAS28 points; 95% CI: 0.13 to 1.11; P = 0.014), while no differences between groups occurred in Doppler ultrasound. There are no clear physiological or psychological explanations for the findings in this tightly controlled study. The trial data indicates a need for independent replication.
Antiglycation Activity of Iridoids and Their Food Sources
Authors: West Brett J. , Uwaya Akemi , Isami Fumiyuki , Deng Shixin , Nakajima Sanae , Jensen C. Jarakae
Published: December 2014

Iridoids are dietary phytochemicals that may have the ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Three studies were conducted to investigate this anti-AGE potential. First, the inhibition of fluorescence intensity by food-derived iridoids, after 4 days of incubation with bovine serum albumin, glucose, and fructose, was used to evaluatein vitroantiglycation activity. Next, an 8-week open-label pilot study used the AGE Reader to measure changes in the skin autofluorescence of 34 overweight adults who consumed daily a beverage containing food sources of iridoids. Finally, a cross-sectional population study with 3913 people analyzed the relationship between daily iridoid intake and AGE accumulation, as measured by skin autofluorescence with the TruAge scanner. In thein vitrotest, deacetylasperulosidic acid and loganic acid both inhibited glycation in a concentration-dependent manner, with respective IC50values of 3.55 and 2.69 mM. In the pilot study, average skin autofluorescence measurements decreased by 0.12 units (P<0.05). The cross-sectional population survey revealed that, for every mg of iridoids consumed, there is a corresponding decline in AGE associated age of 0.017 years (P<0.0001). These results suggest that consumption of dietary sources of iridoids may be a useful antiaging strategy.
Optimization of Aeration and Agitation Rate for Lipid and Gamma Linolenic Acid Production byCunninghamella bainieri2A1 in Submerged Fermentation Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Saad Normah , Abdeshahian Peyman , Kalil Mohd Sahaid , Wan Yusoff Wan Mohtar , Abdul Hamid Aidil
Published: December 2014

The locally isolated filamentous fungusCunninghamella bainieri2A1 was cultivated in a 5 L bioreactor to produce lipid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The optimization was carried out using response surface methodology based on a central composite design. A statistical model, second-order polynomial model, was adjusted to the experimental data to evaluate the effect of key operating variables, including aeration rate and agitation speed on lipid production. Process analysis showed that linear and quadratic effect of agitation intensity significantly influenced lipid production process (P<0.01). The quadratic model also indicated that the interaction between aeration rate and agitation speed had a highly significant effect on lipid production (P<0.01). Experimental results showed that a lipid content of 38.71% was produced in optimum conditions using an airflow rate and agitation speed of 0.32 vvm and 599 rpm, respectively. Similar results revealed that 0.058 (g/g) gamma-linolenic acid was produced in optimum conditions where 1.0 vvm aeration rate and 441.45 rpm agitation rate were used. The regression model confirmed that aeration and agitation were of prime importance for optimum production of lipid in the bioreactor.
A Simple Attitude Control of Quadrotor Helicopter Based on Ziegler-Nichols Rules for Tuning PD Parameters
Authors: He ZeFang , Zhao Long
Published: December 2014

An attitude control strategy based on Ziegler-Nichols rules for tuning PD (proportional-derivative) parameters of quadrotor helicopters is presented to solve the problem that quadrotor tends to be instable. This problem is caused by the narrow definition domain of attitude angles of quadrotor helicopters. The proposed controller is nonlinear and consists of a linear part and a nonlinear part. The linear part is a PD controller with PD parameters tuned by Ziegler-Nichols rules and acts on the quadrotor decoupled linear system after feedback linearization; the nonlinear part is a feedback linearization item which converts a nonlinear system into a linear system. It can be seen from the simulation results that the attitude controller proposed in this paper is highly robust, and its control effect is better than the other two nonlinear controllers. The nonlinear parts of the other two nonlinear controllers are the same as the attitude controller proposed in this paper. The linear part involves a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller with the PID controller parameters tuned by Ziegler-Nichols rules and a PD controller with the PD controller parameters tuned by GA (genetic algorithms). Moreover, this attitude controller is simple and easy to implement.
Development and Validation of Acyclovir HPLC External Standard Method in Human Plasma: Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies
Authors: Muralidharan Selvadurai , Kalaimani Jayarajakumar , Parasuraman Subramani , Dhanaraj Sokkalingam Arumugam
Published: December 2014

A simple, rapid, and selective RP-HPLC method was developed for the estimation of acyclovir in human plasma. The method involves a simple protein precipitation technique. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a reverse phase C18 column using mixture of 5 mM ammonium acetate (pH 4.0) and acetonitrile (40 : 60, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with UV detection at 290 nm. The retention time of acyclovir was 4.12 minutes. The method was validated and found to be linear in the range of 25.0–150.0 ng/mL. Validation studies were achieved by using the fundamental parameters, including accuracy, precision, selectivity, sensitivity, linearity and range, stability studies, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). It shows recovery at 91.0% which is more precise and accurate compared to the other method. These results indicated that the bioanalytical method was linear, precise, and accurate. The new bioanalytical method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic linearity study in human plasma.
Multiple-Echo Suppression Modeling and Experimental Verification for Acoustic Transmission along Periodic Drillstring Using Dual Receivers
Authors: Cheng Li , Jinfeng Chang , Zhao Liu , Shangchun Fan
Published: December 2014

In the oil industry, the accompanied reverberation is a major constraint in the transmission rate and distance because the drillstring is a heterogeneous assembly. Based on the transient impulse responses in uplink and downlink channels, an improved simplified echo suppression model with two acoustic receivers is presented in consideration of position optimization of single acoustic receiver. Then the acoustic receiving characteristics of transmitted signals in a length-limited periodic drillstring channel are obtained in single- and dual-receiver modes. An additive downward white Gaussian noise is also introduced in the channel. Moreover, an experimental rig is established by using a rotatable electromagnetic vibration exciter and two piezoelectric accelerometers, which are spaced one-quarter wavelength apart along a 6.3-meter simulated periodic drillstring. The ASK-, FSK-, and PSK-modulated square-wave pulse sequences at a transmission rate of 200 bit/s are applied to the simulated drillstring at a rotation speed of 0, 80, and 140 r/min, respectively. The experimental results show that the dual-receiver mode can exhibit a significantly improved average error bit ratio, which is approximately 2.5 to 3 times lower than that of the single-receiver mode, especially under the conditions of higher rotation speeds.
Generalized Block-Diagonalization Schemes for MIMO Relay Broadcasting Systems
Authors: Wang Xianan , Wang Xiaoxiang , Gong Wenrong , Huang Zijia
Published: December 2014

We propose two generalized block-diagonalization (BD) schemes for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay broadcasting systems with no channel state information (CSI) at base station. We first introduce a generalized zero forcing (ZF) scheme that reduces the complexity of the traditional BD scheme. Then the optimal power loading matrix for the proposed scheme is analyzed and the closed-form solution is derived. Furthermore, an enhanced scheme is proposed by employing the minimum-mean-squared-error (MMSE) criterion. Simulation results show that the proposed generalized MMSE scheme outperforms the other schemes and the optimal power loading scheme improves the sum-rate performance efficiently.
Sauna-Induced Body Mass Loss in Young Sedentary Women and Men
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Boraczyński Tomasz , Boraczyński Michał , Choszcz Dariusz , Mańkowski Stefan , Markowski Piotr
Published: December 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body mass loss (BML) induced by thermal stress in a dry sauna. The study was conducted on a group of 674 sedentary students, 326 women and 348 men aged 19-20. The correlations between BMI scores and BML were determined. The subjects were placed in supine position in a dry sauna for two sessions of 10 minutes each with a 5-minute break. The influence of BMI on the amount of BML in the sauna was determined by nonlinear stepwise regression. The smallest BML was noted in underweight subjects; students with normal weight lost more weight, whereas the greatest BML was reported in overweight and obese subjects. Persons with a high BMI are at higher risk of dehydration, and they should pay particular attention to replenishing fluids during a visit to the sauna. The proposed equations for calculating BML based on a person's BMI can be useful in estimating the amount of fluids that should be replenished by both men and women during a visit to a dry sauna.
Influence of Nanoparticles and Graphite Foam on the Supercooling of Acetamide
Authors: Yu Jia , Chen Xuan , Ma Xiaoliang , Song Qingfei , Zhao Yukun , Cao Jiahao
Published: December 2014

Acetamide is a promising phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal storage,but the large supercooling during the freezing process has limited its application. In this study, we prepared acetamide‐SiO2 composites by adding nano‐SiO2 into acetamide. This modified PCM was then impregnated into the porous graphite foam forming acetamide‐SiO2‐graphite foam form‐stable composites. These composites were subjected to melting‐solidification cycles 50 times; the time‐temperature curves were tracked and recorded during these cycles. The time‐temperature curves showed that, for the acetamide containing 2 wt. % SiO2, the supercooling phenomenon was eliminated and the material’s performance was stable for 50 cycles. The solidification temperature of the acetamide‐SiO2‐graphite foam samples was 65°C and the melting temperature was lowered to 65°C. The samples exhibited almost no supercooling and the presence of SiO2 had no significant effect on the melting‐solidification temperature. The microscopic supercooling of the acetamide‐SiO2 composite was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that when the content of SiO2 was 1 wt. to 2 wt. %, the supercooling could be reduced to less than 10°C and heat was sufficiently released during solidification. Finally, a set of algorithms was derived using MATLAB software for simulating the crystallization of samples based on the classical nucleation theory. The results of the simulation agreed with the experiment results.
Digital Device in Postextraction Implantology: A Clinical Case Presentation
Authors: Borgonovo A. E. , Rigaldo F. , Battaglia D. , Re D. , Giannì A. B.
Published: December 2014

Aim. The aim of this work is to describe a case of immediate implant placement after extraction of the upper right first premolar, with the use of CAD/CAM technology, which allows an early digital impression of the implant site with an intraoral scanner (MHT 3D Progress, Verona, Italy).Case Report. A 46-year-old female was referred with a disorder caused by continuous debonding of the prosthetic crown on the upper right first premolar. Clinically, there were no signs, and the evaluation of the periapical radiograph showed a fracture of the root, with a mesial well-defined lesion of the hard tissue of the upper right first premolar, as the radiolucent area affected the root surface of the tooth. It was decided, in accordance with the patient, that the tooth would be extracted and the implant (Primer, Edierre implant system, Genoa, Italy) with diameter of 4.2 mm and length of 13 mm would be inserted. After the insertion of the implant, it was screwed to the scan abutment, and a scan was taken using an intraoral scanner (MHT 3D Progress, Verona, Italy). The scanned images were processed with CAD/CAM software (Exocad DentalCAD, Darmstadt, Germany) and the temporary crown was digitally drawn (Dental Knowledge, Milan, Italy) and then sent to the milling machine for production with a composite monoblock. After 4 months, when the implant was osteointegrated, it was not necessary to take another dental impression, and the definitive crown could be screwed in.Conclusion. The CAD/CAM technology is especially helpful in postextraction implant for aesthetic rehabilitation, as it is possible to immediately fix a provisional crown with an anatomic shape that allows an optimal healing process of the tissues. Moreover, the removal of healing abutments, and the use of impression copings, impression materials, and dental stone became unnecessary, enabling the reduction of the chair time, component cost, and patient’s discomfort. However, it is still necessary for scientific research to continue to carry out studies on this procedure, in order to improve the accuracy, the reliability, and the reproducibility of the results.
A Robust Machine Vision Algorithm Development for Quality Parameters Extraction of Circular Biscuits and Cookies Digital Images
Authors: Srivastava Satyam , Boyat Sachin , Sadistap Shashikant
Published: December 2014

Biscuits and cookies are one of the major parts of Indian bakery products. The bake level of biscuits and cookies is of significant value to various bakery products as it determines the taste, texture, number of chocolate chips, uniformity in distribution of chocolate chips, and various features related to appearance of products. Six threshold methods (isodata, Otsu, minimum error, moment preserving, Fuzzy, manual method, and k-mean clustering) have been implemented for chocolate chips extraction from captured cookie image. Various other image processing operations such as entropy calculation, area calculation, parameter calculation, baked dough color, solidity, and fraction of top surface area have been implemented for commercial KrackJack biscuits and cookies. Proposed algorithm is able to detect and investigate about various defects such as crack and various spots. A simple and low cost machine vision system with improved version of robust algorithm for quality detection and identification is envisaged. Developed system and robust algorithm have a great application in various biscuit and cookies baking companies. Proposed system is composed of a monochromatic light source, and USB based 10.0 megapixel camera interfaced with ARM-9 processor for image acquisition. MATLAB version 5.2 has been used for development of robust algorithms and testing for various captured frames. Developed methods and procedures were tested on commercial biscuits resulting in the specificity and sensitivity of more than 94% and 82%, respectively. Since developed software package has been tested on commercial biscuits, it can be programmed to inspect other manufactured bakery products.
Transvaginal Appendectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yagci Mehmet Ali , Kayaalp Cuneyt
Published: December 2014

Background. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new approach that allows minimal invasive surgery through the mouth, anus, or vagina.Objective. To summarize the recent clinical appraisal, feasibility, complications, and limitations of transvaginal appendectomy for humans and outline the techniques.Data Sources. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google-Scholar, EBSCO, clinicaltrials.gov and congress abstracts, were searched.Study Selection. All related reports were included, irrespective of age, region, race, obesity, comorbidities or history of previous surgery. No restrictions were made in terms of language, country or journal.Main Outcome Measures. Patient selection criteria, surgical techniques, and results.Results. There were total 112 transvaginal appendectomies. All the selected patients had uncomplicated appendicitis and there were no morbidly obese patients. There was no standard surgical technique for transvaginal appendectomy. Mean operating time was 53.3 minutes (25–130 minutes). Conversion and complication rates were 3.6% and 8.2%, respectively. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.9 days.Limitations.There are a limited number of comparative studies and an absence of randomized studies.Conclusions. For now, nonmorbidly obese females with noncomplicated appendicitis can be a candidate for transvaginal appendectomy. It may decrease postoperative pain and enable the return to normal life and work off time. More comparative studies including subgroups are necessary.
Fatigue Damage Assessment for Concrete Structures Using a Frequency‐Domain Method
Authors: Ding Hongyan , Zhu Qi , Zhang Puyang
Published: December 2014

A fatigue damage assessment for concrete was carried out according to Eurocode 2. Three frequency‐domain methods, the level crossing counting (LCC) method, the range counting (RC) method, and a new proposed method, were used for the damage assessment. The applicability of these frequency‐domain methods was evaluated by comparison with the rainflow counting method in the time domain. A preliminary numerical study was carried out to verify the applicability of the frequency‐domain methods for stress processes with different bandwidths; thus, the applicability of the LCC method and the new method was preliminarily confirmed. The fatigue strength of concrete had a minor effect on the fatigue damage assessment. The applicability of the LCC and the new methods deteriorated for relatively low coefficients of variance of the stress process because the ultimate number of constant amplitude cycles was sensitive to the range of the cycles. The validity of the joint probability functions of the two methods was proven using a numerical simulation. The integration intervals of the two frequency‐domain methods were varied to estimate the lower and upper bounds on the fatigue damage, which can serve as references to evaluate the accuracy of the time‐domain method results.
A Grid‐Based Motion Planning Approach for Coherent Groups
Authors: Fu Yue-wen , Li Meng , Liang Jia-hong , Hu Xiao-qian
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a novel motion planning approach for coherent groups with constant area, and it integrates C‐L method into the probabilistic roadmap algorithm with sampling on the medial axis (MAPRM). In the preprocessing phase, the group is discretized into a grid‐set which represents the configuration of the group. Then, a number of samples are generated on workspace by medial axis technique. These samples are extended into group’s configuration nodes of the roadmap using an extending strategy. Also, the group′s deformation degree relative to the desired shape is introduced to improve the evaluation function. It gives users more flexibility to determine the respective weights of the group’s deformation degree and its distance to the goal in the query phase. After that, a novel local planner is constructed to connect any two neighbor configurations by using C‐L method and the improved evaluation function. Experiments show that our approach is able to find paths for the coherent group efficiently and keep its area invariant when moving toward the goal.
Assessment of the Correlation between Appointment Scheduling and Patient Satisfaction in a Pediatric Dental Setup
Authors: Katre Amar N.
Published: December 2014

Introduction. The practice of modern pediatric dentistry requires delivery of quality care in combination with adherence to excellent business as well as time management principles. A definite appointment schedule should be presented to the parents on the first or second appointment. More importantly, the prescribed schedule should be followed to the best of the professional abilities of the pediatric dentist.Aims. The aim of the study was to assess the co-relation between appointment scheduling and patient satisfaction in a pediatric dental setup with the objective of understanding the parameters related to appointment scheduling to increase patient satisfaction.Method. A total of 40 patients, who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, YMT Dental College & Hospital, for dental treatment were selected on a random basis. A questionnaire with a set of 6 questions with a rating scale of 1–5 to assess the patient satisfaction related to appointment scheduling was prepared.Results. A significant number of the patients were happy with the existing appointment scheduling system barring a few exceptions.
RhD Specific Antibodies Are Not Detectable in HLA-DRB11501*Mice Challenged with Human RhD Positive Erythrocytes
Authors: Bernardo Lidice , Denomme Gregory A. , Shah Kunjlata , Lazarus Alan H.
Published: December 2014

The ability to study the immune response to the RhD antigen in the prevention of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn has been hampered by the lack of a mouse model of RhD immunization. However, the ability of transgenic mice expressing human HLA DRB11501*to respond to immunization with purified RhD has allowed this question to be revisited. In this work we aimed at inducing anti-RhD antibodies by administering human RhD+RBCs to mice transgenic for the human HLA DRB11501*as well as to several standard inbred and outbred laboratory strains including C57BL/6, DBA1/J, CFW(SW), CD1(ICR), and NSA(CF-1). DRB11501*mice were additionally immunized with putative extracellular immunogenic RhD peptides. DRB11501*mice immunized with RhD+erythrocytes developed an erythrocyte-reactive antibody response. Antibodies specific for RhD could not however be detected by flow cytometry. Despite this, DRB11501*mice were capable of recognizing immunogenic sequences of Rh as injection with Rh peptides induced antibodies reactive with RhD sequences, consistent with the presence of B cell repertoires capable of recognizing RhD. We conclude that while HLA DRB11501*transgenic mice may have the capability of responding to immunogenic sequences within RhD, an immune response to human RBC expressing RhD is not directly observed.
#Nitrosocarbonyls 1: Antiviral Activity ofN-(4-Hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-yl)quinoline-2-carboxamide against the Influenza A Virus H1N1
Authors: Al-Saad Dalya , Memeo Misal Giuseppe , Quadrelli Paolo
Published: December 2014

Influenza virus flu A H1N1 still remains a target for its inhibition with small molecules. Fleeting nitrosocarbonyl intermediates are at work in a short-cut synthesis of carbocyclic nucleoside analogues. The strategy of the synthetic approaches is presented along with thein vitroantiviral tests. The nucleoside derivatives were tested for their inhibitory activity against a variety of viruses. Promising antiviral activities were found for specific compounds in the case of flu A H1N1.
Serum Levels of TNF-α, IL-12/23 p40, and IL-17 in Psoriatic Patients with and without Nail Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kyriakou Aikaterini , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Vyzantiadis Timoleon-Achilleas , Sotiriadis Dimitrios
Published: December 2014

Nail involvement has started playing a major role in the overall assessment and management of psoriatic disease. Biologics indicated for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis are shown to be beneficial in nail disease. This study aimed to assess and compare the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-12/23 p40, and IL-17 in psoriatic patients with and without nail involvement. 52 consecutively selected patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were studied and analyzed after they had been divided into 2 groups regarding the presence (n= 24) or not (n= 28) of nail psoriasis. The mean serum levels of TNF-αwere significantly higher in the group of psoriatic patients with nail lesions compared to those without (t-test; 5.40 ± 1.17 versus 3.80 ± 1.63,P= 0.026). However, the median serum levels of both IL-12/23 p40 (Mann-Whitney; 92.52 (34.35–126.87) versus 150.68 (35.18–185.86),P= 0.297) and IL-17 (Mann-Whitney; 28.49 (0.00–28.49) versus 8.59 (0.00–8.59),P= 0.714) did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. These results confirm the important role of TNF-αin the pathogenesis of nail psoriasis and may suggest that anti-TNF agents could be more beneficial in psoriatic nail disease than agents targeting IL-12/23 p40 or IL-17 and its receptors.
Effects of Land Use Change and Seasonality of Precipitation on Soil Nitrogen in a Dry Tropical Forest Area in the Western Llanos of Venezuela
Authors: González-Pedraza Ana Francisca , Dezzeo Nelda
Published: December 2014

We evaluated changes of different soil nitrogen forms (total N, available ammonium and nitrate, total N in microbial biomass, and soil N mineralization) after conversion of semideciduous dry tropical forest in 5- and 18-year-old pastures (YP and OP, resp.) in the western Llanos of Venezuela. This evaluation was made at early rainy season, at end rainy season, and during dry season. With few exceptions, no significant differences were detected in the total N in the three study sites. Compared to forest soils, YP showed ammonium losses from 4.2 to 62.9% and nitrate losses from 20.0 to 77.8%, depending on the season of the year. In OP, the ammonium content increased from 50.0 to 69.0% at the end of the rainy season and decreased during the dry season between 25.0 and 55.5%, whereas the nitrate content increased significantly at early rainy season. The net mineralization and the potentially mineralizable N were significantly higherP<0.05in OP than in forest and YP, which would indicate a better quality of the substrate in OP for mineralization. The mineralization rate constant was higher in YP than in forest and OP. This could be associated with a reduced capacity of these soils to preserve the available nitrogen.
Congenital Epidermoid Cyst Results in Muscle Fusion Defect in the Upper Lip
Authors: Dogan Fatih , Bucak Ibrahim Hakan
Published: December 2014

Epidermoid cysts are rarely detected malformations in the oral cavity. Their development sites are the sublingual, submaxillary, and submandibular spaces. In this paper, we report a three-month-old infant who was admitted to our hospital due upper lip swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that she had a two-centimeter cystic lesion and fusion defects of orbicularis oris muscle. The cyst was surgically removed and histopathological diagnosis was “epidermoid cyst.” In recent literature, we could not find reports related to orbicularis oris muscle fusion defects because of epidermoid cyst.
Olfactory Loss after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Report of Two Cases with Review of the Literature
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Chang Yi-Hao
Published: December 2014

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been a popular surgical method for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome since it was introduced in the early 1980s. Olfactory loss has been reported as a rare side effect in several cases. However, the olfactory test results and the prognosis were not mentioned in these cases. We present two patients who complained of loss of olfactory function after UPPP. Their olfactory function was evaluated by the phenyl ethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. After treatment with steroid and zinc salt, their olfactory function was improved but not recovered completely.
Neighborhood Social Environment and Health Communication at Prepregnancy and Maternal Stages among Caucasian and Asian Women: Findings from the Los Angeles Mommy and Baby Survey
Authors: Shi Lu , Mao Yuping
Published: December 2014

Introduction. We study whether the relationship between neighborhood social environment and maternal communication with healthcare providers differs between Asians and Caucasians.Method and Materials. Using the 2007 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) survey, we measure new mother’s neighborhood social environment by four key variables: (1) instrumental/emotional support during pregnancy, (2) neighborhood social cohesion, (3) neighborhood social exchange, and (4) neighborhood services. Logistic regressions were applied for data analysis. Neighborhood social exchange predicts less chance of lacking communication about sensitive issues in preconception visits among Caucasians (logged odds: −0.045;P<0.01) and Asians (L.O.: −0.081;P<0.001) and predicts less chance of lacking communication during preconception visits among Asians (L.O.: −0.092;P<0.05). Neighborhood social cohesion predicts more chance for lacking communication about preparation for pregnancy only among Asians (L.O.: 0.065;P<0.05). Neighborhood services predict less chance of lacking communication about stigmatized issues in the prenatal visit among Asians (L.O.: −0.036;P<0.05).Discussion. Caucasians and Asians with more neighborhood social exchange are more likely to discuss sensitive issues during preconception visits. Neighborhood service significantly predicts maternal discussion of stigmatized issues with health care providers, but only among Asians.
Traveling Wave Resonance and Simplified Analysis Method for Long-Span Symmetrical Cable-Stayed Bridges under Seismic Traveling Wave Excitation
Authors: Tian Zhong-ye , Lou Meng-lin
Published: December 2014

The seismic responses of a long-span cable-stayed bridge under uniform excitation and traveling wave excitation in the longitudinal direction are, respectively, computed. The numerical results show that the bridge’s peak seismic responses vary significantly as the apparent wave velocity decreases. Therefore, the traveling wave effect must be considered in the seismic design of long-span bridges. The bridge’s peak seismic responses do not vary monotonously with the apparent wave velocity due to the traveling wave resonance. A new traveling wave excitation method that can simplify the multisupport excitation process into a two-support excitation process is developed.
Degradation of TCE by TEOS Coated nZVI in the Presence of Cu(II) for Groundwater Remediation
Authors: Ramamurthy Amruthur S. , Eglal Mahmoud M.
Published: December 2014

The removal of TCE by nanofer zero valent iron (nanofer ZVI) coated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of Cu(II) at different environmental conditions was studied. The kinetics of TCE degradation by nanofer ZVI was determined. At a dosage of 10 mg of nanofer ZVI, almost 63% of TCE was removed, when Cu(II) and TCE were present. It contrasts with 42% degradation of TCE in the absence of Cu(II). SEM/EDS images indicated that Cu(II) is reduced to form Cu0 and Cu2O. These formations are considered to be responsible for enhancing TCE degradation. Direct reduction involves hydrogenolysis and β‐elimination in the transformation of TCE, while indirect reduction involves atomic hydrogen and no direct electron transfer from the metal to reactants. The reduction of activation energy was also noted indicating that the rate limiting step for TCE degradation in the presence of Cu(II) is surface chemical reaction rather than diffusion. Most of iron present in nanofer ZVI get dissolved causing the generation of localized positive charge regions and form metal chlorides. Local accumulation of hydrochloric acid inside the pits regenerates new reactive surfaces to serve as sources of continuous electron generation. No significant effect of TCE was noticed for Cu(II) sequestration.
Hypersurface Family with a Common Isoasymptotic Curve
Authors: Bayram Ergin , Kasap Emin
Published: December 2014

We handle the problem of finding a hypersurface family from a given asymptotic curve in R4. Using the Frenet frame of the given asymptotic curve, we express the hypersurface as a linear combination of this frame and analyze the necessary and sufficient conditions for that curve to be asymptotic. We illustrate this method by presenting some examples.