bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Research Trends on Early-Life Feeding Practices and Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chaffee Benjamin W. , Cheng Ashley
Published: May 2014

Objective. To describe the epidemiologic literature related to early-life feeding practices and early childhood caries (ECC) with regard to publication attributes and trends in these attributes over time. Methods. Systematic literature review including electronic and manual searches (in BIOSIS, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and WHOLIS), covering the years 1990–2013. Attributes of publications meeting a priori inclusion criteria were abstracted and organized by global region and trends over time. Attributes included country of origin and study design of included publications and age and caries prevalence of the populations studied. Results. 244 publications drawn from 196 independent study populations were included. The number of publications and the countries represented increased over time, although some world regions remained underrepresented. Most publications were cross-sectional (75%); while this percentage remained fairly constant over time, the percentage of studies to account for confounding factors increased. Publications varied with respect to the caries experience and age range of children included in each study. Conclusions. Publication productivity regarding feeding practices and ECC research has grown, but this growth has not been evenly distributed globally. Individual publication attributes (i.e., methods and context) can differ significantly and should be considered when interpreting and synthesizing the literature.
Fabrication of CdS/H‐TiO2 Nanotube Arrays and Their Application for the Degradation of Methyl Orange in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zhou Xiaosong , Yang Fei , Jin Bei , Chen Liuyong , Li Shanshan
Published: May 2014

The fabrication and characterization of heterogeneous structures based on CdS and self‐doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (H‐TNTs) are reported for the first time. CdS was conformally deposited onto TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) using a simple method of electrochemical atomic layer deposition. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV‐Vis diffusion reflection spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) techniques. Compared with pure TNTs, CdS/H‐TNTs exhibit enhanced photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic activity under visible light. Self‐doping introduces oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ species, and the electrochemical deposition technique promotes the deposition of CdS onto TiO2 nanotube walls, forming a heterojunction compact structure and resulting in decrease in photocatalytic activity under visible light.
Experimental Investigation of the Coprecipitation Method: An Approach to Obtain Magnetite and Maghemite Nanoparticles with Improved Properties
Authors: Peternele Wilson Sacchi , Monge Fuentes Victoria , Fascineli Maria Luiza , Rodrigues da Silva Jaqueline , Silva Renata Carvalho , Lucci Carolina Madeira , Bentes de Azevedo Ricardo
Published: May 2014

Iron oxides that exhibit magnetic properties have been widely studied not only from an academic standpoint, but also for numerous applications in different fields of knowledge, such as biomedical and technological research. In this work, magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation of FeCl2·4H2O and FeCl3·6H2O (proportion of 1 : 2) in three different cases using two bases (sodium hydroxide and hydroxide ammonium) as precipitants. The chemical coprecipitation method was selected for its simplicity, convenience, reproducibility, and low cost in the use of glassware. The nanostructured materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetometry (VSM). The objective of this work is to study the variation in the morphological characteristics and physical properties of nanoparticles magnetic as a function of the different production processes. As observed by TEM, the materials obtained from the precipitating agent NH4OH are more uniform than those obtained with NaOH. From XRD pattern analysis, it appears that the obtained materials correspond to magnetite and maghemite and, from magnetometry VSM analysis, show high magnetization as a function of the magnetic field at room temperature, indicating that these materials are superparamagnetic.
Correction of Malpositioned Implants through Periodontal Surgery and Prosthetic Rehabilitation Using Angled Abutment
Authors: de Avila Érica Dorigatti , de Molon Rafael Scaf , de Barros-Filho Luiz Antônio Borelli , de Andrade Marcelo Ferrarezi , Mollo Francisco de Assis , de Barros Luiz Antônio Borelli
Published: May 2014

When dental implants are malpositioned in relation to the adjacent teeth and alveolar bone or in an excessive buccal or lingual position, the final prosthesis rehabilitation impairs the peri-implant health of the gingival tissues and the aesthetics of the patient. Thus, the purpose of this case was to report and discuss a multidisciplinary protocol for the treatment of a compromised maxillary tooth in a patient with an abscess in his right central incisor due to an excessive buccal implant position. The patient presented with an implant-supported provisional restoration on his right maxillary central incisor and a traumatic injury in his left central incisor. The treatment protocol consisted in (i) abutment substitution to compensate the incorrect angulation of the implant, (ii) clinical crown lengthening, (iii) atraumatic extraction of the left central incisor, and (iv) immediate implant placement. Finally, (v) a custom abutment was fabricated to obtain a harmonious gingival contour around the prosthetic crown. In conclusion, when implants are incorrectly positioned in relation to the adjacent teeth, associated with soft-tissue defects, the challenge to create a harmonious mucogingival contours may be achieved with an interdisciplinary approach and with the placement of an appropriate custom abutment.
Protein Fractions from Korean Mistletoe (Viscum Album coloratum) Extract Induce Insulin Secretion from Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: Kim Ki-Wook , Yang Seung-Hoon , Kim Jong-Bae
Published: May 2014

Mistletoe (Viscum Album coloratum) has been known as a medicinal plant in European and Asian countries. Recent data show that biological activity of mistletoe alleviates hypertension, heart disease, renal failure, and cancer development. In this study, we report the antidiabetic effect of Korean mistletoe extract (KME). KME treatments enhanced the insulin secretion from the pancreatic β‐cell without any effects of cytotoxicity. PDX‐1 and beta2/neuroD known as transcription factors that regulate the expression of insulin gene were upregulated by treatment of the KME protein fractions isolated by ion‐exchange chromatography after ammonium sulfate precipitation. Furthermore, these KME protein fractions significantly lowered the blood glucose level and the volume of drinking water in alloxan induced hyperglycemic mice. Taken together with the findings, it provides new insight that KME might be served as a useful source for the development of medicinal reagent to reduce blood glucose level of type I diabetic patients.
Deformation Failure Characteristics of Coal Body and Mining Induced Stress Evolution Law
Authors: Wen Zhijie , Qu Guanglong , Wen Jinhao , Shi Yongkui , Jia Chuanyang
Published: May 2014

The results of the interaction between coal failure and mining pressure field evolution during mining are presented. Not only the mechanical model of stope and its relative structure division, but also the failure and behavior characteristic of coal body under different mining stages are built and demonstrated. Namely, the breaking arch and stress arch which influence the mining area are quantified calculated. A systematic method of stress field distribution is worked out. All this indicates that the pore distribution of coal body with different compressed volume has fractal character; it appears to be the linear relationship between propagation range of internal stress field and compressed volume of coal body and nonlinear relationship between the range of outburst coal mass and the number of pores which is influenced by mining pressure. The results provide theory reference for the research on the range of mining-induced stress and broken coal wall.
Reprogramming of Mice Primary Hepatocytes into Insulin-Producing Cells by Transfection with Multicistronic Vectors
Authors: Luo Haizhao , Chen Rongping , Yang Rui , Liu Yan , Chen Youping , Shu Yi , Chen Hong
Published: May 2014

The neogenesis of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from non-beta-cells has emerged as a potential method for treating diabetes mellitus (DM). Many groups have documented that activation of pancreatic transcription factor(s) in hepatocytes can improve the hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. In the present study, we explored a novel protocol that reprogrammed primary hepatocytes into functional IPCs by using multicistronic vectors carrying pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), and v-musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA). These triple-transfected cells activated multiple beta-cell genes, synthesized and stored considerable amounts of insulin, and released the hormone in a glucose-regulated manner in vitro. Furthermore, when transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, the cells markedly ameliorated glucose tolerance. Our results indicated that ectopic expression of Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA facilitated hepatocytes-to-IPCs reprogramming. This approach may offer opportunities for treatment of DM.
Effect of Sipjeondaebo-Tang on Cancer-Induced Anorexia and Cachexia in CT-26 Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Choi Youn Kyung , Jung Ki Yong , Woo Sang-Mi , Yun Yee Jin , Jun Chan-Yong , Park Jong Hyeong , Shin Yong Cheol , Cho Sung-Gook , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: May 2014

Cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia are a multifactorial condition described by a loss of body weight and muscle with anorexia, asthenia, and anemia. Moreover, they correlate with a high mortality rate, poor response to chemotherapy, poor performance status, and poor quality of life. Cancer cachexia is regulated by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). In addition, glucagon like peptide-1 (GIP-1), peptide YY (PYY), ghrelin, and leptin plays a crucial role in food intake. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of one of the traditional herbal medicines, Sipjeondaebo-tang (Juzen-taiho-to in Japanese; SJDBT), on cancer anorexia and cachexia in a fundamental mouse cancer anorexia/cachexia model, CT-26 tumor-bearing mice. SJDBT was more significantly effective in a treatment model where it was treated after anorexia and cachexia than in a prevention model where it was treated before anorexia and cachexia on the basis of parameters such as weights of muscles and whole body and food intakes. Moreover, SJDBT inhibited a production of IL-6, MCP-1, PYY, and GLP-1 and ameliorated cancer-induced anemia. Therefore, ourin vivostudies provide evidence on the role of SJDBT in cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia, thereby suggesting that SJDBT may be useful for treating cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia.
Low Body Mass Index and Blood Loss in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Results from 236 Consecutive Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Zhao Jinzhu , Li Jia , Zheng Wei , Liu Denghui , Sun Xiaofeng , Xu Weidong
Published: May 2014

Objective. To evaluate the effect of low body mass index (BMI) on blood loss during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.Methods. Two hundred seventy-seven consecutive AS patients who underwent primary THA were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided by BMI into an underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and a normal weight group (18.5 kg/m2< BMI < 25 kg/m2). Demographics, perioperative laboratory values, intraoperative data, blood loss, transfusion rate, transfusion reactions, surgical complications, hospitalization cost, and length of stay (LOS) were collected and analyzed.Results. Of 277 AS patients, 236 were eligible for inclusion in the study. A total of 91 (39%) patients were underweight. The hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, transfusion reactions, and hospitalization cost in the underweight group were significantly higher than those in the normal weight group.Conclusions. For AS patients, BMI appears to be correlated with blood loss during primary THA. Compared with patients of normal weight, low BMI patients have the potential to suffer more postoperative hidden blood loss and to require a higher transfusion rate.
Dynamic Characteristics of Saturated Silty Soil Ground Treated by Stone Column Composite Foundation
Authors: Zhan Yongxiang , Jiang Guanlu , Yao Hailin
Published: May 2014

A shaking table model test was carried out to develop an understanding of the performance improvement of saturated silty soil ground using stone column composite foundation as reinforcement. It is found that at less than 0.161 g loading acceleration, soil between piles has not yet been liquefied, the response acceleration scarcely enlarges, and the shear displacement almost does not appear in silty soil. At 0.252 g loading acceleration, as a result of liquefaction of soil between piles, the response acceleration increases rapidly and reaches its peak, and the shear displacement of silty soil increases significantly. At 0.325 g loading acceleration, the integral rigidity of foundation decreases greatly, which reduces its capability of vibration transmission and result in the response acceleration amplification coefficient is less than that at the former loading acceleration, but the shear displacement of silty soil further increases. The stone column composite foundation can greatly reduce both the shear displacement and the settlement of ground compared with untreated foundation. Under the condition of 7-degree seismic fortification, the design meets seismic resistance requirements.
Soil Characteristic Comparison of Fenced and Grazed Riparian Floodplain Wetlands in the Typical Steppe Region of the Inner Mongolian Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Lixin , Liu Huamin , Liu Yuhong , Li Jianwei , Shao Hongbo , Wang Wei , Liang Cunzhu
Published: May 2014

In recent decades, degradation of ecosystem in the steppe region of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, especially in riparian floodplain wetlands, has become a significant ecological crisis. Not uncommonly, with the increasing of livestock in the Inner Mongolian steppe region, a riparian floodplain wetland is becoming a hotspot area of grazing for local herdsmen. Hence, it is essential to understand degradation mechanisms of riparian floodplain wetland ecosystems caused by extensive grazing. In this study, the spatial distribution of soil compaction, salinity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic carbon, and microbial biomass C and N were investigated. The results showed that grazing led to an increase in soil compaction and soil surface salinity, which significantly lowered levels of total N, P, and TOC in the soil surface. Grazing decreased soil microbial biomass C and N concentration in the lower riparian floodplain wetland, whereas it significantly increased soil microbial biomass C and N concentration in the higher riparian floodplain wetland. Elevation differences in the riparian floodplain wetland increased spatial heterogeneity in the soil and thus resulted in different influence of grazing on wetland soils and ecosystem. Therefore, elevation differences and grazing intensity were the main factors controlling soil characteristics in the riparian floodplain wetland of this region.
A Research on Functional Status, Environmental Conditions, and Risk of Falls in Dementia
Authors: Eshkoor Sima Ataollahi , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Nudin Siti Sa’adiah Hassan , Mun Chan Yoke
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to determine the effects of disability, physical activity, and functional status as well as environmental conditions on the risk of falls among the elderly with dementia after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Data were derived from a group including 1210 Malaysian elderly who were demented and noninstitutionalized. The study was a national cross-sectional survey that was entitled “Determinants of Health Status among Older Malaysians.” Approximately 17% of subjects experienced falls. The results showed that ethnic non-Malay(OR=1.73)and functional decline(OR=1.67)significantly increased the risk of falls in samples (P<0.05). The findings indicated that increased environmental quality(OR=0.64)significantly decreased the risk of falls (P<0.05). Disability, age, marital status, educational level, sex differences, and physical activity were found irrelevant to the likelihood of falls in subjects (P>0.05). It was concluded that functional decline and ethnic non-Malay increased the risk of falls but the increased environmental quality reduced falls.
A Priori Knowledge and Probability Density Based Segmentation Method for Medical CT Image Sequences
Authors: Jiang Huiyan , Tan Hanqing , Yang Benqiang
Published: May 2014

This paper briefly introduces a novel segmentation strategy for CT images sequences. As first step of our strategy, we extract a priori intensity statistical information from object region which is manually segmented by radiologists. Then we define a search scope for object and calculate probability density for each pixel in the scope using a voting mechanism. Moreover, we generate an optimal initial level set contour based on a priori shape of object of previous slice. Finally the modified distance regularity level set method utilizes boundaries feature and probability density to conform final object. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: a priori knowledge is effectively used to guide the determination of objects and a modified distance regularization level set method can accurately extract actual contour of object in a short time. The proposed method is compared to other seven state-of-the-art medical image segmentation methods on abdominal CT image sequences datasets. The evaluated results demonstrate our method performs better and has the potential for segmentation in CT image sequences.
Meta-Analysis of Three Different Types of Fatigue Management Interventions for People with Multiple Sclerosis: Exercise, Education, and Medication
Authors: Asano Miho , Finlayson Marcia L.
Published: May 2014

Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) with negative impacts extending from general functioning to quality of life. Both the cause and consequences of MS fatigue are considered multidimensional and necessitate multidisciplinary treatment for successful symptom management. Clinical practice guidelines suggest medication and rehabilitation for managing fatigue. This review summarized available research literature about three types of fatigue management interventions (exercise, education, and medication) to provide comprehensive perspective on treatment options and facilitate a comparison of their effectiveness. We researched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL (August 2013). Search terms included multiple sclerosis, fatigue, energy conservation, Amantadine, Modafinil, and randomized controlled trial. The search identified 230 citations. After the full-text review, 18 rehabilitation and 7 pharmacological trials targeting fatigue were selected. Rehabilitation interventions appeared to have stronger and more significant effects on reducing the impact or severity of patient-reported fatigue compared to medication. Pharmacological agents, including fatigue medication, are important but often do not enable people with MS to cope with their existing disabilities. MS fatigue affects various components of one’s health and wellbeing. People with MS experiencing fatigue and their healthcare providers should consider a full spectrum of effective fatigue management interventions, from exercise to educational strategies in conjunction with medication.
Effect of Fatigue Damage on Inner-Resonance Conditions of Precompressed Honeycomb Paperboard System
Authors: Fan Zhi-geng , Lu Li-xin
Published: May 2014

A polynomial model was suggested for precompressed honeycomb paperboard packaging system, and then both of the inner-resonance conditions for packaged product and the critical component were obtained applying the variational approach. Finally, the effect of fatigue damage on the inner resonance conditions was discussed. The results show that both the packaged product and critical component can be damaged by inner-resonance when some conditions required were met, and the fatigue of honeycomb paperboard will obviously affect the inner-resonance conditions.
Influence of Immune Responses in Gene/Stem Cell Therapies for Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Farini Andrea , Sitzia Clementina , Erratico Silvia , Meregalli Mirella , Torrente Yvan
Published: May 2014

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases, caused by mutations in different components of sarcolemma, extracellular matrix, or enzymes. Inflammation and innate or adaptive immune response activation are prominent features of MDs. Various therapies under development are directed toward rescuing the dystrophic muscle damage using gene transfer or cell therapy. Here we discussed current knowledge about involvement of immune system responses to experimental therapies in MDs.
Effects of Ag Nanocubes with Different Corner Shape on the Absorption Enhancement in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Shan Feng , Zhang Tong , Zhu Sheng-Qing
Published: May 2014

The effects of corner shape of silver (Ag) nanocubes (NCs) on optical absorptions of organic solar cells (OSCs) are theoretically investigated by finite element method (FEM) calculations. The absorption of sun light in the active layer is calculated. Significant absorption enhancements have been demonstrated in metallic region with different shapes of Ag NCs, among them corner radius (R) is zero result in the best light absorption performance of up to 55% enhancement with respect to bare OSCs. The origins of increased absorption are believed to be the effects of the huge electric field enhancement and increased scattering upon the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Apart from using R = 0, we show that R = 3, 6, and 11.29 of Ag NCs in metallic region of active layer may also result in the maximum comparable absorption enhancement of 49%, 41%, and 28%, respectively. In addition, a significant effect of the period of NCs is observed.
Dysfunction of Affective Network in Post Ischemic Stroke Depression: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Zhang Peiyao , Xu Qin , Dai Jianping , Wang Jun , Zhang Ning , Luo Yuejia
Published: May 2014

Objective. Previous studies have demonstrated that stroke characteristics and social and psychological factors jointly contribute to the development of poststroke depression (PSD). The purpose of this study was to identify altered functional connectivity (FC) of the affective network (AN) in patients with PSD and to explore the correlation between FC and the severity of PSD.Materials and Methods. 26 PSD patients, 24 stroke patients without depression, and 24 age-matched normal controls underwent the resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) scanning. The bilateral anterior cingulated cortices (ACCs) were selected as regions of interest (ROIs). FC was calculated and compared among the three groups. The association between FC and Hamilton Depression Rate Scale (HDRS) scores of PSD group was investigated.Results. The FC of the AN was disrupted in PSD patients compared to stroke patients without depression and normal controls. Moreover, the left orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus which indicated altered FC was significantly correlated with HDRS scores in PSD patients.Conclusions. Dysfunction of the affective network may be one of the reasons of the development of PSD.
Prevalence of Anaemia among Pregnant Women at Booking in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Olatunbosun Olujimi A. , Abasiattai Aniekan M. , Bassey Emem A. , James Robert S. , Ibanga Godwin , Morgan Anyiekere
Published: May 2014

Background. Anaemia with an estimated prevalence of 35–75% among pregnant women is a major cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria.Objective. To determine the prevalence of anaemia, associated sociodemographic factors and red cell morphological pattern among pregnant women during booking at the University Teaching Hospital, Uyo.Material and Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study of 400 women at the booking clinic over a 16-week period. The packed cell volume and red cell morphology of each pregnant woman were determined. Their biodata, obstetric and medical histories, and results of other routine investigations were obtained with questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS Package version 17.0.Results. The mean packed cell volume was 31.8%±3.2and 54.5% of the women were anaemic. The commonest blood picture was microcytic hypochromia and normocytic hypochromia suggesting iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia was significantly and independently related to a history of fever in the index pregnancy (OR=0.4;P=0.00; 95%CI=0.3–0.7), HIV positive status (OR=0.2;P=0.01; 95%CI=0.1–0.6), and low social class (OR=0.3;P=0.00; 95%CI=0.2–0.7).Conclusion. Women need to be economically empowered and every pregnant woman should be encouraged to obtain antenatal care, where haematinics supplementation can be given and appropriate investigations and treatment of causes of fever and management of HIV can be instituted.
The Effect of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide with iRGD Peptide on the Labeling of Pancreatic Cancer CellsIn Vitro: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zuo Hou Dong , Yao Wei Wu , Chen Tian Wu , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Juan Juan , Pu Yu , Liu Gang , Zhang Xiao Ming
Published: May 2014

The iRGD peptide loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles for tumor targeting and tissue penetration was developed for targeted tumor therapy and ultrasensitive MR imaging. Binding of iRGD, a tumor homing peptide, is mediated by integrins, which are widely expressed on the surface of cells. Several types of small molecular drugs and nanoparticles can be transfected into cells with the help of iRGD peptide. Thus, we postulate that SPIO nanoparticles, which have good biocompatibility, can also be transfected into cells using iRGD. Despite the many kinds of cell labeling studies that have been performed with SPIO nanoparticles and RGD peptide or its analogues, only a few have applied SPIO nanoparticles with iRGD peptide in pancreatic cancer cells. This paper reports our preliminary findings regarding the effect of iRGD peptide (CRGDK/RGPD/EC) combined with SPIO on the labeling of pancreatic cancer cells. The results suggest that SPIO with iRGD peptide can enhance the positive labeling rate of cells and the uptake of SPIO. Optimal functionalization was achieved with the appropriate concentration or concentration range of SPIO and iRGD peptide. This study describes a simple and economical protocol to label panc-1 cells using SPIO in combination with iRGD peptide and may provide a useful method to improve the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer imaging.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Stainless Steel Microtube in Flaring Process
Authors: Chen Tsung-Chia , Ceng Wei-Kai
Published: May 2014

This study, with experiments and comparisons, aims to analyze the difference of stainless (SUS316L) microtubes in the flaring forming among dies with various semicone angles (35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, and 55°). The flow rule by Prandtl‐Reuss combined with the finite element deformation theory and updated Lagrangian formulation (ULF) is applied to establish the finite element analysis equation for an incremental elastoplastic deformation to simulate the microtube flaring process. The broad rmin algorithm is utilized in the forming process for the elastoplastic state and die contact. The simulation data allow acquiring the deformation traceability, the relationship between punch load and punch stroke, the distribution of stress and strain, the distribution of the thinnest thickness resulted from dies with different semicone angles, and the distribution of flaring radius caused by dies with distinct semicone angles in the forming process. The experimental result presents similar results to the relationship between punch load and punch stroke and the simulation of the coefficient of friction μ = 0.05, revealing the analysis being suitable for the analysis of microtube cone angle flaring process. The analysis and experimental results show that the thinnest thickness of the microtube increases with increasing semicone angles of dies and the maximal flaring radius of microtubes increases with increasing semicone angles of dies.
Exponential Stability of Periodic Solutions for Inertial Type BAM Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks
Authors: Miao Chunfang , Ke Yunquan
Published: May 2014

The existence and exponential stability of periodic solutions for inertial type BAM Cohen-Grossberg neural networks are investigated. First, by properly choosing variable substitution, the system is transformed to first order differential equation. Second, some sufficient conditions that ensure the existence and exponential stability of periodic solutions for the system are obtained by constructing suitable Lyapunov functional and using differential mean value theorem and inequality technique. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
Output-Feedback Stabilization Control of Systems with Random Switchings and State Jumps
Authors: Qian Wei , Cong Shen , Zheng Zheng
Published: May 2014

The work is concerned with output-feedback stabilization control problem for a class of systems with random switchings and state jumps. The switching signal is supposed to obey Poisson distribution. Firstly, based on the asymptotical property of the distribution of switching points, we derive some sufficient conditions to guarantee the closed-loop system to be almost surely exponentially stable. Then, we pose a parametrization approach to convert the construction conditions of the output-feedback control into a family of matrix inequalities. Finally, a simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
VLSI Architectures for Image Interpolation: A Survey
Authors: Moses C. John , Selvathi D. , Sophia V. M. Anne
Published: May 2014

Image interpolation is a method of estimating the values at unknown points using the known data points. This procedure is used in expanding and contrasting digital images. In this survey, different types of interpolation algorithm and their hardware architecture have been analyzed and compared. They are bilinear, winscale, bi-cubic, linear convolution, extended linear, piecewise linear, adaptive bilinear, first order polynomial, and edge enhanced interpolation architectures. The algorithms are implemented for different types of field programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or by different types of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies like TSMC 0.18 and TSMC 0.13. These interpolation algorithms are compared based on different types of optimization such as gate count, frequency, power, and memory buffer. The goal of this work is to analyze the different very large scale integration (VLSI) parameters like area, speed, and power of various implementations for image interpolation. From the survey followed by analysis, it is observed that the performance of hardware architecture of image interpolation can be improved by minimising number of line buffer memory and removing superfluous arithmetic elements on generating weighting coefficient.
Cytopathologic, Histopathologic, and Immunohistochemical Features of Intrahepatic Clear Cell Bile Duct Adenoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wu William W. , Gu Mai , Lu Di
Published: May 2014

Intrahepatic clear cell bile duct adenoma is extremely rare, with only 3 previous cases reported in the literature. The cause of cytoplasmic clearing in clear cell bile duct adenoma has not been previously investigated. Distinguishing clear cell bile duct adenoma from other clear cell tumors, particularly clear cell cholangiocarcinoma, can be challenging. Previous studies have shown loss of CD10 expression and focal CD56 expression in cholangiocarcinoma. Expressions of CD10 and CD56 have not been previously studied in clear cell bile duct adenoma. A 37-year-old morbidly obese woman was diagnosed with a 2.8 cm intrahepatic clear cell bile duct adenoma following segmental hepatic resection. Histochemical analysis of the tumor suggested the cause of cytoplasmic clearing in the neoplastic cells to be mucin and not glycogen or lipid. On immunohistochemical staining, the neoplastic cells demonstrated staining for CK7, CA 19-9, polyclonal CEA, CD10 (apical), CD56 (focal), and vimentin. Ki-67 highlighted less than 2% of tumor cell nuclei. This is the first report to study the etiology of cell clearing in clear cell bile duct adenoma. Expression of CD10 in clear cell bile duct adenoma may help distinguish clear cell bile duct adenoma from clear cell cholangiocarcinoma.
Weight Gain and Serum TSH Increase within the Reference Range after Hemithyroidectomy Indicate Lowered Thyroid Function
Authors: Toft Kristensen Tina , Larsen Jacob , Pedersen Palle Lyngsie , Feldthusen Anne-Dorthe , Ellervik Christina , Jelstrup Søren , Kvetny Jan
Published: May 2014

Background. Weight gain is frequently reported after hemithyroidectomy but the significance is recently discussed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine changes in body weight of hemithyroidectomized patients and to evaluate if TSH increase within the reference range could be related to weight gain.Methods. In a controlled follow-up study, two years after hemithyroidectomy for benign euthyroid goiter, postoperative TSH and body weight of 28 patients were compared to preoperative values and further compared to the results in 47 matched control persons, after a comparable follow-up period.Results. Two years after hemithyroidectomy, median serum TSH was increased over preoperative levels (1.23 versus 2.08 mIU/L,P<0.01) and patients had gained weight (75.0 versus 77.3 kg,P=0.02). Matched healthy controls had unchanged median serum TSH (1.70 versus 1.60 mIU/L,P=0.13) and weight (69.3 versus 69.3 kg,P=0.71). Patients on thyroxin treatment did not gain weight. TSH increase was significantly correlated with weight gain (r=0.43,P<0.01).Conclusion. Two years after hemithyroidectomy for benign euthyroid goiter, thyroid function is lowered within the laboratory reference range. Weight gain of patients who are biochemically euthyroid after hemithyroidectomy may be a clinical manifestation of a permanently decreased metabolic rate.
Induction of Antibodies and T Cell Responses by a Recombinant Influenza Virus Carrying an HIV-1 TatΔ51–59Protein in Mice
Authors: Garulli B. , Di Mario G. , Stillitano M. G. , Compagnoni D. , Titti F. , Cafaro A. , Ensoli B. , Kawaoka Y. , Castrucci M. R.
Published: May 2014

Recombinant influenza viruses hold promise as vectors for vaccines to prevent transmission of mucosal pathogens. In this study, we generated a recombinant WSN/TatΔ51–59virus in which Tat protein lacking residues 51 to 59 of the basic domain was inserted into the N-terminus of the hemagglutinin (HA) of A/WSN/33 virus. The TatΔ51–59insertion into the viral HA caused a 2-log reduction in viral titers in cell culture, compared with the parental A/WSN/33 virus, and severely affected virus replicationin vivo. Nevertheless, Tat-specific antibodies and T cell responses were elicited upon a single intranasal immunization of BALB/c mice with WSN/TatΔ51–59virus. Moreover, Tat-specific immune responses were also detected following vaccine administration via the vaginal route. These data provide further evidence that moderately large HIV antigens can be delivered by chimeric HA constructs and elicit specific immune responses, thus increasing the options for the potential use of recombinant influenza viruses, and their derivatives, for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
Effects of Maternal Hypoxia during Pregnancy on Bone Development in Offspring: A Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Lee Alice M. C. , Morrison Janna L. , Botting Kimberley J. , Shandala Tetyana , Xian Cory J.
Published: May 2014

Low birth weight is associated with reduced bone mass and density in adult life. However, effects of maternal hypoxia (MH) on offspring bone development are not known.Objective. The current study investigated the effects of fetal growth restriction induced by MH during the last half of gestation on bone structure and volume in the offspring of the fetus near term and the pup in adolescence.Methods. During 35–62-day gestation (term, 69d), guinea pigs were housed in room air (21% O2; control) or 12% O2(MH). Offspring femur and tibia were collected at 62d gestation and 120d after birth.Results. MH decreased fetal birth weight but did not affect osteogenic potential pools in the fetal bone marrow. Histological analysis showed no effects of MH on tibial growth plate thickness in either fetal or postnatal offspring, although there was increased VEGF mRNA expression in the growth plate of postnatal offspring. MH did not change primary spongiosa height but lowered collagen-1 mRNA expression in postnatal offspring. There was increased mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related gene (FABP4) in bone from the MH postnatal offspring.Conclusion. MH during late gestation did not change the pool of osteogenic cells before birth or growth plate heights before and after birth. However, MH reduced expression of bone formation marker (collagen-1) and increased expression of fat formation marker (FABP4) in postnatal offspring bone.
A Numerical Procedure to Obtain the Creep Parameters of the Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Wen Shifeng , Zeng Xiaohu , Xie Gongnan
Published: May 2014

Three-point bending creep test was used to understand the creep behavior of typical thin film/substrate systems—thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. Firstly, a simplified model, which does not consider the local effect, has been set up to get an analytical relationship. The important result is that creep stress exponent of materials is equal to the creep load exponent of the steady-state deflection rate of BC specimens. Secondly, in order to consider the local effect of bending, the finite element method (FEM) has been carried out. FEM calculation shows that there is a steady stage of the creep deflection under a constant applied load. And the exponent of the steady-state creep deflection rate to the applied load is found to be equal to the creep stress exponent of materials. The creep constant of the materials can be obtained by a set of trials with assumed creep constants of materials and can be finally determined by the best fit method. Finally, the finite element results show that the influences of the friction, the thickness of TBCs, and the modulus ratio of TBC to the substrate on stress distribution are important.
Control ofEchinochloasp. in the Irrigated Rice Crop
Authors: Panozzo Luís Eduardo , Agostinetto Dirceu , de Moraes Pedro Valério Dutra , Magano Deivid Araújo , Harter Adilson , Pinto Luciana Barros
Published: May 2014

The species ofEchinochloa(barnyardgrass) stand out among major weeds infesting rice cropping and damages are variable depending on the weed population, rice cultivar, and management practices adopted by rice farmers. The objective of this work was to measure the control of barnyardgrass in rice cropping, cultivar Qualimax 1, due to the early times of flood irrigation, application times, and doses of penoxsulam. The experiment was conducted in the field, where the experimental design used a randomized block design with a split plot design with four replications. The treatments consisted of two application periods (early and late) of penoxsulam three times of irrigation start (1, 15 and 30 days after treatment application—(DAT)) and herbicide doses (0, 24, 36, 48 and 60 g ha−1). The herbicide penoxsulam revealed that combined with irrigation starting 15 days after herbicide application promoted efficient control of barnyardgrass.
Effects of Surfactants on the Properties of Mortar Containing Styrene/Methacrylate Superplasticizer
Authors: Negim El-Sayed , Kozhamzharova Latipa , Khatib Jamal , Bekbayeva Lyazzat , Williams Craig
Published: May 2014

The physical and mechanical properties of mortar containing synthetic cosurfactants as air entraining agent are investigated. The cosurfactants consist of a combination of 2% dodecyl benzene sodium sulfonate (DBSS) and either 1.5% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or 1.5% polyoxyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (POE). Also these cosurfactants were used to prepare copolymers latex: styrene/butyl methacrylate (St/BuMA), styrene/methyl methacrylate (St/MMA), and styrene/glycidyl methacrylate (St/GMA), in order to study their effects on the properties of mortar. The properties of mortar examined included flow table, W/C ratio, setting time, water absorption, compressive strength, and combined water. The results indicate that the latex causes improvement in mortar properties compared with cosurfactants. Also polymer latex containing DBSS/POE is more effective than that containing DBSS/PVA.
A Poisson‐Fault Model for Testing Power Transformers in Service
Authors: Zhao Dengfu , Zhao Zheng , Duan Qihong , Xie Gongnan
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a method for assessing the instant failure rate of a power transformer under different working conditions. The method can be applied to a dataset of a power transformer under periodic inspections and maintenance. We use a Poisson‐fault model to describe failures of a power transformer. When investigating a Bayes estimate of the instant failure rate under the model, we find that complexities of a classical method and a Monte Carlo simulation are unacceptable. Through establishing a new filtered estimate of Poisson process observations, we propose a quick algorithm of the Bayes estimate of the instant failure rate. The proposed algorithm is tested by simulation datasets of a power transformer. For these datasets, the proposed estimators of parameters of the model have better performance than other estimators. The simulation results reveal the suggested algorithms are quickest among three candidates.
Rock-Arch Instability Characteristics of the Sandstone Plate under Different Loading Conditions
Authors: Wang Shuren , Hagan Paul , Hu Baowen , Gamage Kanchana , Yan Cheng , Xu Dianfu
Published: May 2014

Under the concentrated loading and the uniform loading, the tests on the brittle fracture and the hinged arching until the rock-arch instability of the sandstone plate were conducted using self-developed loading device, and the sensitivity of influent factors on the rock-arch failure was analyzed by numerical test based on the particle flow code (PFC). The results showed that sandstone plate instability presented four phases: small deformation elastic stage, brittle fracture arching stage, rock-arch bearing stage, and rock-arch instability stage. Under the uniform loading, the maximum vertical force of the rock-arch instability was much higher than that under the concentrated loading condition, but the maximum lateral force was almost the same. The number of acoustic emission (AE) and its positioning results of the sandstone plate showed that the extent of the plate damage under the uniform loading was higher than that under the concentrated loading condition. The friction coefficient effect, size effect, loading rate effect, and the initial horizontal force effect on the rock-arch instability were analyzed by the PFC3Dnumerical experiment.
Contribution of Ash Content Related to Methane Adsorption Behaviors of Bituminous Coals
Authors: Feng Yanyan , Yang Wen , Chu Wei
Published: May 2014

Methane adsorption isotherms on coals with varying ash contents were investigated. The textural properties were characterized by N2adsorption/desorption isotherm at 77 K, and methane adsorption characteristics were measured at pressures up to 4.0 MPa at 298 K, 313 K, and 328 K, respectively. The Dubinin-Astakhov model and the Polanyi potential theory were employed to fit the experimental data. As a result, ash content correlated strongly to methane adsorption capacity. Over the ash range studied, 9.35% to 21.24%, the average increase in methane adsorption capacity was 0.021 mmol/g for each 1.0% rise in ash content. With the increasing ash content range of 21.24%~43.47%, a reduction in the maximum adsorption capacities of coals was observed. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the saturated adsorption capacity and the specific surface area and micropore volume of samples. Further, this study presented the heat of adsorption, the isosteric heat of adsorption, and the adsorbed phase specific heat capacity for methane adsorption on various coals. Employing the proposed thermodynamic approaches, the thermodynamic maps of the adsorption processes of coalbed methane were conducive to the understanding of the coal and gas simultaneous extraction.
Secondary Hemophagocytic Syndrome: The Importance of Clinical Suspicion
Authors: Oliveira Cristina , Chacim Sérgio , Ferreira Isabel , Domingues Nelson , Mariz José Mário
Published: May 2014

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal disorder characterized by pathological immune activation associated with a primary familial disorder, genetic mutations, or occurring as a sporadic condition. The latter can be secondary to infections, malignancies, or autoimmune diseases. Clinically, patients present signs of severe inflammation, with unremitting fever, cytopenias, spleen enlargement, phagocytosis of bone marrow elements, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypofibrinogenemia. Increased suspicion is determinant to timely initiate treatment in an attempt to alter the natural history. The authors present three clinical cases of this syndrome, with a brief review of the diagnostic criteria and treatment.
Patient-Controlled Epidural Levobupivacaine with or without Fentanyl for Post-Cesarean Section Pain Relief
Authors: Chen Shin-Yan , Liu Feng-Lin , Cherng Yih-Giun , Fan Shou-Zen , Leighton Barbara L. , Chang Hung-Chi , Chen Li-Kuei
Published: May 2014

Purpose.The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic properties of levobupivacaine with or without fentanyl for patient-controlled epidural analgesia after Cesarean section in a randomized, double-blinded study.Methods.We enrolled American Society of Anesthesiologists class I/II, full-term pregnant women at National Taiwan University Hospital who received patient-controlled epidural analgesia after Cesarean section between 2009 and 2010. Eighty women were randomly assigned into two groups. In group A, the 40 subjects received drug solutions made of 0.6 mg/ml levobupivacaine plus 2 mcg/ml fentanyl, and in group B the 40 subjects received 1 mg/ml levobupivacaine. Maintenance was self-administered boluses and a continuous background infusion.Results.There were no significant differences in the resting and dynamic pain scales and total volume of drug used between the two groups. Patient satisfaction was good in both groups.Conclusion.Our study showed that pure epidural levobupivacaine can provide comparative analgesic properties to the levobupivacaine-fentanyl combination after Cesarean section. Pure levobupivacaine may serve as an alternative pain control regimen to avoid opioid-related adverse events in parturients.
Parameter Dependence of Positive Solutions for Second-Order Singular Neumann Boundary Value Problems with Impulsive Effects
Authors: Zhang Xuemei
Published: May 2014

The author considers the Neumann boundary value problem-y′′t+Myt=λωtft,yt,  t∈J,    t≠tk,  -Δy′|t=tk=λIktk,ytk,   k=1,2,…,m,  y′(0)=y′(1)=0and establishes the dependence results of the solution on the parameterλ, which cover equations without impulsive effects and are compared with some recent results by Nieto and O’Regan.