bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Spatiotemporal Parameters in a Dynamical Marine Ecosystem Model Based on the Adjoint Assimilation
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Wang Chunhui , Fan Wei , Lv Xianqing
Published: May 2013

By utilizing spatiotemporal biological parameterizations, the adjoint variational method was applied to a 3D marine ecosystem dynamical model. The results of twin experiments demonstrated that the mean absolute error (MAE) of phytoplankton in the surface layer and the reduced cost function (RCF) could be used to evaluate both the simulation results and parameter estimation. Spatiotemporal variation of key parameters (KPs) was optimized in real experiments. The RCF and MAE in each assimilation period (72 periods per year) decreased obviously. The spatially varying KP (KPS), temporally varying KP (KPT), and constant KP (KPC) were obtained by averaging KPs of spatiotemporal variation. Another type of spatiotemporal KP (KPST) was represented by KPS, KPT, and KPC. The correlation analysis of KPs, either KPS or KPT, accorded with the real ecological mechanism. Running the model with KPS, KPT, KPC, and KPST, respectively, we found that MAE was the minimum when KPs were spatiotemporal variation (KPST), while MAE reached its maximum when KPs were constant (KPC). Using spatiotemporal KPs could improve simulation precision compared with only using spatially varying KPs, temporally varying KPs, or constant KPs (these forms are the results in a previous study). KPST, a representation of spatiotemporal variation, reduces the variable number in calculation.
Using the Fuzzy Linguistic Preference Relation Approach for Assessing the Importance of Risk Factors in a Software Development Project
Authors: Lu Shih-Tong , Yu Shih-Heng , Chang Dong-Shang , Su Shih-Chang
Published: May 2013

This study employs fuzzy linguistic preference relation (Fuzzy LinPreRa) approach to assess the relative degree of impact of risk factors in software development project for two expert groups working in technology enterprises and software development companies. For the identified risk dimensions, the results show the same rankings for these two groups. “Organization function risk” is considered the most important dimension influencing the software development project performance, with the others, in order, being “developing technology risk,” “resources integration risk,” “personnel system risk” and “system requirement risk.” The proposed approach not only facilitates the information collecting for making pairwise comparisons, but it also eliminates the inconsistencies in the collected information.
Urban Areas in the Transformation of the South: A Review of Modern History
Authors: McDonald John F.
Published: May 2013

Since the 1940s, the southern US has been transformed from a region of backward agriculture, low-wage industries located in small towns and rural areas, and unrelenting racial segregation into a modern society and economy. In 1950, there were no metropolitan areas in the South with a population of one million or more, but 18 had populations in excess of one million in 2000. The populations of the Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Miami metropolitan areas grew to over 4 millions. Population growth in the 18 largest metropolitan areas accounts for 63% of the total population growth in the South from 1950 to 2000. The transformation of the South is, to a sizable extent, a transformation to an urbanized society. This paper documents this urbanization by examining population and employment growth in those 18 metropolitan areas.
New Therapeutics to Treat Castrate‐Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Acar Ömer , Esen Tarık , Lack Nathan A.
Published: May 2013

The effective treatment of castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has proven to be very challenging. Until recently, docetaxel was the only therapeutic demonstrated to extend overall patient survival. Yet recently, a considerable number of new therapeutics have been approved to treat CRPC patients. These remarkable advances now give new tools for the therapeutic management of late‐stage prostate cancer. In this review, we will examine mechanistic and clinical data of several newly approved therapeutics including the chemotherapeutic cabazitaxel, antiandrogen enzalutamide, endocrine disruptor abiraterone acetate, immunotherapy sipuleucel‐T, and bone‐targeting radiopharmaceutical alpharadin. In addition, we will examine other promising therapeutics that are currently in Phase III trials.
Therapeutic Approaches to Limit Hemolysis-Driven Endothelial Dysfunction: Scavenging Free Heme to Preserve Vasculature Homeostasis
Authors: Vinchi Francesca , Tolosano Emanuela
Published: May 2013

Hemolysis results in the release of hemoglobin and heme into the bloodstream and is associated with the development of several pathologic conditions of different etiology, including hemoglobinopathies, hemolytic anemias, bacterial infections, malaria, and trauma. In addition, hemolysis is associated with surgical procedures, hemodialysis, blood transfusion, and other conditions in which mechanical forces can lead to red blood cell rupture. Free plasma hemoglobin and heme are toxic for the vascular endothelium since heme iron promotes oxidative stress that causes endothelial activation responsible for vasoocclusive events and thrombus formation. Moreover, free hemoglobin scavenges nitric oxide, reducing its bioavailability, and heme favours ROS production, thus causing oxidative nitric oxide consumption. This results in the dysregulation of the endothelium vasodilator:vasoconstrictor balance, leading to severe vasoconstriction and hypertension. Thus, endothelial dysfunction and impairment of cardiovascular function represent a common feature of pathologic conditions associated with hemolysis. In this review, we discuss how hemoglobin/heme released following hemolysis may affect vascular function and summarise the therapeutic approaches available to limit hemolysis-driven endothelial dysfunction. Particular emphasis is put on recent data showing the beneficial effects obtained through the use of the plasma heme scavenger hemopexin in counteracting heme-mediated endothelial damage in mouse models of hemolytic diseases.
The Effect of Weight Loss on Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: St-Jules David E. , Watters Corilee A. , Nagamori Ken , King Jeremy
Published: May 2013

This study evaluated the effect of weight loss on pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Subjects included 81 overweight NAFLD patients referred to two pediatric gastroenterologists from 2000 to 2010. Data on subjects were obtained from review of medical charts. The effect of weight loss was assessed at 1–4 months, 5–8 months, 9–12 months, and beyond one year as the change in weight, BMI -score (for age-and-sex), and alanine aminotransferase and the relationship between the change in body weight and BMI -score, and the change in alanine aminotransferase. Subjects were mostly obese (99%), male (86%), and Asian (63%) and had median age of 14.1 (11.2–16.2) years and alanine aminotransferase of 105 (78–153) U/L at referral. Alanine aminotransferase decreased 32 ± 66 (), 30 ± 65 (), 37 ± 75 (), and 45 ± 69 () for subjects with follow-up data at 1–4 months (), 5–8 months (), 9–12 months (), and beyond one year (), respectively. During these time periods, neither was body weight (−0.2 to +7.1 kg) or BMI -score (−0.12 to −0.05) significantly reduced, nor were changes in these variables associated with the change in alanine aminotransferase. These findings suggest that weight and BMI -score may not be sufficient indicators of treatment response in pediatric NAFLD patients.
Growth Arrest Specific Gene 6 Protein Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid Correlates with Relapse Severity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sainaghi P. P. , Collimedaglia L. , Alciato F. , Molinari R. , Sola D. , Ranza E. , Naldi P. , Monaco F. , Leone M. , Pirisi M. , Avanzi G. C.
Published: May 2013

Background. Growth arrest specific gene 6 (Gas6) protein enhances survival of oligodendrocytes and neurons, and it is involved in autoimmunity. Therefore, we aimed to verify whether cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) Gas6 concentration may represent a biomarker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis.Methods. Sixty-five patients who underwent a spinal tap during relapse of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS)(McDonald-criteria) were studied. Forty patients affected by noninflammatory/nonautoimmune neurological diseases served as controls. Relapse was defined according to Schumacher criteria. Symptoms were grouped according to Kurtzke-Functional System (FS). Clinical characteristics of the relapse, duration, Expanded-Disability-Status Scale (EDSS) change, number of FS involved, completeness of recovery, age, steroid therapy, were categorised. Patients were followed at 6-month intervals to assess relapse rate and EDSS progression. Gas6 was measured (CSF, plasma) by in-house-enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).Results. Higher CSF Gas6 concentrations were observed in relapses lasting ≤60 days (8.7 ± 3.9 ng/mL) versus >60 days (6.5 ± 2.6) or controls (6.5 ± 2.4;P=0.05), with ≤2 FS involved (8.5 ± 3.8) versus >2 FS (5.6 ± 2.5) (P<0.05) and EDSS change ≤2.5 points (8.8 ± 3.7) versus >2.5 (6.5 ± 3.5) (P=0.04). Conversely, CSF Gas6 was not predictive of the completeness of recovery. Plasma and CSF concentrations were not related (R2=0.0003), and neither were predictive of relapse rate or EDSS progression after first relapse.Conclusions. CSF concentration of Gas6 is inversely correlated with the severity of relapse in RR-MS patients but does not predict the subsequent course of the disease.
Brain Stroke Detection by Microwaves Using Prior Information from Clinical Databases
Authors: Irishina Natalia , Torrente Aurora
Published: May 2013

Microwave tomographic imaging is an inexpensive, noninvasive modality of media dielectric properties reconstruction which can be utilized as a screening method in clinical applications such as breast cancer and brain stroke detection. For breast cancer detection, the iterative algorithm of structural inversion with level sets provides well-defined boundaries and incorporates an intrinsic regularization, which permits to discover small lesions. However, in case of brain lesion, the inverse problem is much more difficult due to the skull, which causes low microwave penetration and highly noisy data. In addition, cerebral liquid has dielectric properties similar to those of blood, which makes the inversion more complicated. Nevertheless, the contrast in the conductivity and permittivity values in this situation is significant due to blood high dielectric values compared to those of surrounding grey and white matter tissues. We show that using brain MRI images as prior information about brain's configuration, along with known brain dielectric properties, and the intrinsic regularization by structural inversion, allows successful and rapid stroke detection even in difficult cases. The method has been applied to 2D slices created from a database of 3D real MRI phantom images to effectively detect lesions larger than 2.5 × 10−2 m diameter.
Optimal Fusion Filtering in Multisensor Stochastic Systems with Missing Measurements and Correlated Noises
Authors: Caballero-Águila R. , García-Garrido I. , Linares-Pérez J.
Published: May 2013

The optimal least-squares linear estimation problem is addressed for a class of discrete-time multisensor linear stochastic systems with missing measurements and autocorrelated and cross-correlated noises. The stochastic uncertainties in the measurements coming from each sensor (missing measurements) are described by scalar random variables with arbitrary discrete probability distribution over the interval[0,1]; hence, at each single sensor the information might be partially missed and the different sensors may have different missing probabilities. The noise correlation assumptions considered are (i) the process noise and all the sensor noises are one-step autocorrelated; (ii) different sensor noises are one-step cross-correlated; and (iii) the process noise and each sensor noise are two-step cross-correlated. Under these assumptions and by an innovation approach, recursive algorithms for the optimal linear filter are derived by using the two basic estimation fusion structures; more specifically, both centralized and distributed fusion estimation algorithms are proposed. The accuracy of these estimators is measured by their error covariance matrices, which allow us to compare their performance in a numerical simulation example that illustrates the feasibility of the proposed filtering algorithms and shows a comparison with other existing filters.
Study of the Counter Anions in the Host‐Guest Chemistry of Cucurbit[8]uril and 1‐Ethyl‐1′‐benzyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium
Authors: Ji Hailong , Liu Fengyu , Sun Shiguo
Published: May 2013

A series of 1‐ethyl‐1′‐benzyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium compounds with different counter anions (BEV‐X2, where the X is Cl, Br, I, PF6, ClO4) were synthesized. By using of NMR, MS, electrochemistry, Na2S2O4‐induced redox chemistry, and UV‐Vis, the role of the different counter anions in the host‐guest chemistry of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) was studied for the first time. The result demonstrated that BEV‐X2 can form a 1 : 1 host‐guest complex with CB[8] in water. Theoretical calculation further suggested that the viologen region was threaded through the cavity of CB[8], while the corresponding counter anions were located outside the cavity. Some difference can be observed on UV‐Vis titration and Na2S2O4‐induced redox chemistry, which showed that the counter anions have some effect on the host‐guest chemistry. All these provide new insights into CB[8] host‐guest system.
Primary and Posttraumatic Arthritis of the Elbow
Authors: Biswas Debdut , Wysocki Robert W. , Cohen Mark S.
Published: May 2013

Whether degenerative joint disease of the elbow may be the result of primary or posttraumatic etiologies, arthritis of the elbow commonly leads to pain, loss of motion, and functional disability. A detailed history and focused physical examination, in combination with imaging modalities, can help localize the origin of symptoms and help direct treatment. Although nonoperative treatment is the initial therapy for arthritis of the elbow, surgical interventions may provide substantial relief to the appropriately selected patient.
A Modified Stoppa (Technique) Approach for Treatment of Pediatric Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Elmadag Mehmet , Acar Mehmet Ali
Published: May 2013

Pediatric acetabular fractures are rare, and anterior column fractures are even rarer. Generally, conservative treatment is applied. If there is displacement of more than 2 mm or findings of instability or fragments within the joint, then surgical treatment is applied. Anterior and posterior approaches may be used in surgical treatment. With pediatric patients, even greater care should be taken in the choice of surgery to be performed according to the fracture pattern to avoid postoperative triradiate cartilage damage. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery is more appropriate. We herein present a case of an acetabulum anterior column posterior hemitransverse fracture following a traffic accident, which was treated surgically using a modified Stoppa (technique) approach.
Update on the Universal Definition of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Light of New Data
Authors: Thygesen K. , Searle J.
Published: May 2013

At the 2012 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Conference in Munich, the updated Universal Definition of myocardial infarction was presented for the first time and was then published simultaneously in five medical journals (European Heart Journal, Circulation, Journal of American College of Cardiology, Nature Reviews Cardiology, Global Heart). Major changes in this updated version include the differentiation between myocardial ischemia and myocardial injury, which gives credit to the relatively large number of patients with troponin positive test results, especially when measured with high sensitivity assays, in patients without myocardial ischemia. Another important topic is the revised criteria for the diagnoses of acute myocardial ischemia related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG).
Ovarian Carcinosarcoma: Effects of Cytoreductive Status and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy on Survival
Authors: Jernigan Amelia M. , Fader Amanda Nickles , Nutter Benjamin , Rose Peter , Tseng Jill H. , Escobar Pedro F.
Published: May 2013

Objective. To define survival patterns of women with ovarian carcinosarcoma based on patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.Methods/Materials. A single-institution, retrospective analysis of women diagnosed with ovarian carcinosarcoma from February 1993 to May 2009 was performed. Survival was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards ratios and Kaplan Meier tests.Results. Forty-seven cases of primary ovarian carcinosarcoma were identified. Age conveyed an HR 3.28 (95% CI 1.51–7.11,P=0.003) for death. Compared to Stages I-II, Stage III carried an HR for death of 4.75 (95% CI 1.16–19.4,P=0.03) and Stage IV disease an HR of 9.13 (95% CI 1.76–47.45,P=0.009). Compared to those with microscopic residual, women with >1 cm diameter of residual disease after primary cytoreductive surgery had an HR for death of 4.71 (95% CI 1.84–12.09,P=0.001). At analysis, 59.1% of those who received platinum-based chemotherapy were alive, compared to 23.1% of those who received nonplatinum-based chemotherapy (P=0.08).Conclusions. Age, stage, and cytoreduction to no gross residual disease are associated with improved survival in women with ovarian carcinosarcoma. Complete surgical cytoreduction should be the goal of surgical management when possible, but the ideal adjuvant treatment regimen remains unclear.
Formation Behavior of Continuous Graded Composition in Ti‐ZrO2 Functionally Graded Materials Fabricated by Mixed‐Powder Pouring Method
Authors: Jayachandran Murali , Tsukamoto Hideaki , Sato Hisashi , Watanabe Yoshimi
Published: May 2013

A mixed‐powder pouring method has been proposed to fabricate functionally graded materials (FGMs) with the desired compositional gradient. The experimental procedure involves preparation of mixed powders consisting of more than two types of particles with different size and/or density, which exhibit different velocities in suspension and sedimentation to form the green body under gravity conditions. The green body was sintered by a spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. The initiation of the particle settlement was precisely controlled by using crushed ice as the suspension medium. Ti‐ZrO2 FGMs were fabricated, in this study, using different sizes of ZrO2 and Ti particles. Vickers hardness confirmed the compositional gradient in the fabricated FGMs. A numerical simulation was also carried out to analyze the particle movement inside the suspension medium during the formation process and predict compositional gradient in the FGMs.
Microwave Saturation of Complex EPR Spectra and Free Radicals of Burnt Skin Treated with Apitherapeutic Agent
Authors: Olczyk Pawel , Ramos Pawel , Bernas Marcin , Komosinska-Vassev Katarzyna , Stojko Jerzy , Pilawa Barbara
Published: May 2013

The effect of microwave power on the complex electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the burn matrix after the therapy with propolis was examined. The spectra were measured with microwaves in the range of 2.2–79 mW. Three groups of free radicals were found in the damaged skin samples. Their spectral lines evolve differently with the microwave power. In order to detect these free radical groups, the lineshape of the spectra was numerically analysed. The spectra were a superposition of three component lines. The best fit was obtained for the deconvolution of the experimental spectra into one Gauss and two Lorentz lines. The microwave power changes also the lineshape of the spectra of thermally injured skin treated with the conventional agent—silver sulphadiazine. The spectral changes were different for propolis and for silver sulphadiazine. The number of individual groups of free radicals in the wound bed after implementation of these two substances is not equal. It may be explained by a higher activity of propolis than of silver sulphadiazine as therapeutic agents.
Spark Plasma Sintering and Densification Mechanisms of Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide Nanoceramics
Authors: Wu Junyan , Chen Fei , Shen Qiang , Schoenung Julie M. , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: May 2013

Densification of antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) ceramics without sintering aids is very difficult, due to the volatilization of SnO2, formation of deleterious phases above 1000°C, and poor sintering ability of ATO particles. In this paper, monodispersed ATO nanoparticles were synthesized via sol‐gel method, and then ATO nanoceramics with high density were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology using the as‐synthesized ATO nanoparticles without the addition of sintering aids. The effect of Sb doping content on the densification was investigated, and the densification mechanisms were explored. The results suggest that ATO nanoparticles derived from sol‐gel method show good crystallinity with a crystal size of 5–20 nm and Sb is incorporated into the SnO2 crystal structure. When the SPS sintering temperature is 1000°C and the Sb doping content is 5 at.%, the density of ATO nanoceramics reaches a maximum value of 99.2%. Densification mechanisms are explored in detail.
A Dynamic and Distributed Scheduling for Data Aggregation in Ubiquitous Sensor Networks Using Power Control
Authors: Madhavi S. , Kim Tai Honn
Published: May 2013

Data aggregation scheduling in ubiquitous sensor networks is a major research interest for many researchers. Very little research is carried out to schedule the nodes in ubiquitous sensor networks for maximizing the throughput and utilize the hardware resources effectively. The traditional graph model does not model the interferences occurring from the concurrent transmissions in the Ubiquitous Sensor Networks. Hence in this paper we propose a new network model for the USN called a power control collision interference free model and a novel distributed data aggregation scheduling protocol which is adaptive to the rate and power. We tested the protocol in a USN consisting of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 number of nodes with different topologies and varying degree 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, …, 40. We compared our results with the other protocols and proved that our proposed power control collision interference free model yields better results.
Real-World Deployments of Participatory Sensing Applications: Current Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Tilak Sameer
Published: May 2013

With the advent of participatory sensing (sensors integrated with consumer electronics such as cell phones and carried by people), exciting new opportunities arise. Mobile sensors (e.g., those mounted on cars or carried by people) can provide spatial sampling diversity not possible with traditional static sensor networks. Recently, participatory sensing has attracted considerable attention of research community. In this paper, we survey existing participatory sensing deployments and discuss current trends and few possible future directions.
A Case of Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Liver Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma on EOB-MRI and PET
Authors: Iguchi Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Hitoshi , Tsunoda Hidekazu , Takahashi Yoshihito , Yokomori Hiroaki
Published: May 2013

A 71-year-old man was referred to us for investigation of a liver mass and adenomyomatosis of gallbladder. Findings on ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) led to a presumptive diagnosis of a 1.5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right posterior lobe of the liver. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation of the tumor were attempted. After 2 months, CT scan and EOB-MRI showed that the tumor had enlarged to 3 cm. Positron emission tomography (PET) confirmed abnormal metabolic activity with a high standardized uptake value of 7.3 in the lesion. These findings could indicate malignancy such as well-differentiated HCC or cholangiocarcinoma or a benign lesion such as hepatic abscess. Histopathological examination of a liver biopsy revealed a granuloma with many inflammatory cells, leading to a diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver. We report a rare case of hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor with enhancement on EOB-MRI and increased uptake on PET, mimicking HCC.
The Influence of Micronutrients in Cell Culture: A Reflection on Viability and Genomic Stability
Authors: Arigony Ana Lúcia Vargas , de Oliveira Iuri Marques , Machado Miriana , Bordin Diana Lilian , Bergter Lothar , Prá Daniel , Pêgas Henriques João Antonio
Published: May 2013

Micronutrients, including minerals and vitamins, are indispensable to DNA metabolic pathways and thus are as important for life as macronutrients. Without the proper nutrients, genomic instability compromises homeostasis, leading to chronic diseases and certain types of cancer. Cell-culture media try to mimic thein vivoenvironment, providingin vitromodels used to infer cells' responses to different stimuli. This review summarizes and discusses studies of cell-culture supplementation with micronutrients that can increase cell viability and genomic stability, with a particular focus on previousin vitroexperiments. In these studies, the cell-culture media include certain vitamins and minerals at concentrations not equal to the physiological levels. In many common culture media, the sole source of micronutrients is fetal bovine serum (FBS), which contributes to only 5–10% of the media composition. Minimal attention has been dedicated to FBS composition, micronutrients in cell cultures as a whole, or the influence of micronutrients on the viability and genetics of cultured cells. Further studies better evaluating micronutrients' roles at a molecular level and influence on the genomic stability of cells are still needed.
A Case ofCyperusspp. andImperata cylindricaOccurrences on Acrisol of the Dahomey Gap in South Benin as Affected by Soil Characteristics: A Strategy for Soil and Weed Management
Authors: Kone Brahima , Amadji Guillaume Lucien , Toure Amadou , Togola Abou , Mariko Mariame , Huat Joël
Published: May 2013

Because of the limiting efficacy of common weed control methods onCyperusspp. andImperata cylindricatheir occurrences in tropical agroecologies and the effect of soil properties in suppressing these species were investigated in south Benin (Cotonou), a typical ecology of the Dahomey gap. Weeds and soil samples were collected twice early and later in the rainy season in 2009 at four topographic positions (summit, upper slope, middle slope, and foot slope). Sampling was done according to Braun-Blanquet abundance indices (3 and 5) and the absence (0) ofCyperusandImperatain a quadrat, respectively. The relationship between their respective abundances and soil parameters (texture, C, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe) was explored. Weed occurrence was less related to soil texture, andImperatagrowth was more influenced by soil nutrients (K, Ca, and Fe) thanCyperusspp. Soil cation ratios of K : Mg and Ca : Mg were the main factors that could be changed by applying K and/or Mg fertilizers to reduceCyperusand/orImperataoccurrence. Maintaining high Fe concentration in soil at hillside positions can also reduceImperataabundance, especially in the Dahomey gap.
KaM_CRK: Clustering and Ranking Knowledge for Reasonable Results Based on Behaviors and Contexts
Authors: Hu Changhong , Liu Shufen , Reddy Ramana , Reddy Sumitra , Liu Mingyang
Published: May 2013

A model named KaM_CRK is proposed, which can supply the clustered and ranked knowledge to the users on different contexts. By comparing the attributes of contexts and JANs, our findings indicate that our model can accumulate the JANs, whose attributes are similar with the user’s contexts, together. By applying the KaM_CLU algorithm and Centre rank strategy into the KaM_CRK model, the model boosts a significant promotion on the accuracy of provision of user's knowledge. By analyzing the users' behaviors, the dynamic coefficient BehaviorFis first presented in KaM_CLU. Compared to traditional approaches of K_means and DBSCAN, the KaM_CLU algorithm does not need to initialize the number of clusters. Additionally, its synthetic results are more accurate, reasonable, and fit than other approaches for users. It is known from our evaluation through real data that our strategy performs better on time efficiency and user's satisfaction, which will save by 30% and promote by 5%, respectively.
Evaluation of Algebraic Iterative Image Reconstruction Methods for Tetrahedron Beam Computed Tomography Systems
Authors: Kim Joshua , Guan Huaiqun , Gersten David , Zhang Tiezhi
Published: May 2013

Tetrahedron beam computed tomography (TBCT) performs volumetric imaging using a stack of fan beams generated by a multiple pixel X-ray source. While the TBCT system was designed to overcome the scatter and detector issues faced by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), it still suffers the same large cone angle artifacts as CBCT due to the use of approximate reconstruction algorithms. It has been shown that iterative reconstruction algorithms are better able to model irregular system geometries and that algebraic iterative algorithms in particular have been able to reduce cone artifacts appearing at large cone angles. In this paper, the SART algorithm is modified for the use with the different TBCT geometries and is tested using both simulated projection data and data acquired using the TBCT benchtop system. The modified SART reconstruction algorithms were able to mitigate the effects of using data generated at large cone angles and were also able to reconstruct CT images without the introduction of artifacts due to either the longitudinal or transverse truncation in the data sets. Algebraic iterative reconstruction can be especially useful for dual-source dual-detector TBCT, wherein the cone angle is the largest in the center of the field of view.
Optimization of Ni-Based WC/Co/Cr Composite Coatings Produced by Multilayer Laser Cladding
Authors: Angelastro Andrea , Campanelli Sabina L. , Casalino Giuseppe , Ludovico Antonio D.
Published: May 2013

As a surface coating technique, laser cladding (LC) has been developed for improving wear, corrosion, and fatigue properties of mechanical components. The main advantage of this process is the capability of introducing hard particles such as SiC, TiC, and WC as reinforcements in the metallic matrix such as Ni-based alloy, Co-based alloy, and Fe-based alloy to form ceramic-metal composite coatings, which have very high hardness and good wear resistance. In this paper, Ni-based alloy (Colmonoy 227-F) and Tungsten Carbides/Cobalt/Chromium (WC/Co/Cr) composite coatings were fabricated by the multilayer laser cladding technique (MLC). An optimization procedure was implemented to obtain the combination of process parameters that minimizes the porosity and produces good adhesion to a stainless steel substrate. The optimization procedure was worked out with a mathematical model that was supported by an experimental analysis, which studied the shape of the clad track generated by melting coaxially fed powders with a laser. Microstructural and microhardness analysis completed the set of test performed on the coatings.
Farmers' Interest in Nature and Its Relation to Biodiversity in Arable Fields
Authors: Ahnström J. , Bengtsson J. , Berg Å. , Hallgren L. , Boonstra W. J. , Björklund J.
Published: May 2013

Biodiversity declines in farmland have been attributed to intensification of farming at the field level and loss of heterogeneity at the landscape level. However, farmers are not solely optimizing production; their actions are also influenced by social factors, tradition and interest in nature, which indirectly influence biodiversity but rarely are incorporated in studies of farmland biodiversity. We used social science methods to quantify farmers' interest in nature on 16 farms with winter wheat fields in central Sweden, and combined this with biodiversity inventories of five organism groups (weeds, carabid beetles, bumblebees, solitary bees, and birds) and estimates of landscape composition and management intensity at the field level. Agricultural intensity, measured as crop density, and farmers' interest in nature explained variation in biodiversity, measured as the proportion of the regional species richness found on single fields. Interest in nature seemed to incorporate many actions taken by farmers and appeared to be influenced by both physical factors, for example, the surrounding landscape, and social factors, for example, social motivations. This study indicates that conservation of biodiversity in farmland, and design of new agri-environmental subsidy systems, would profit from taking farmers' interest in nature and its relation to agricultural practices into account.
EUS-Assisted Evaluation of Rectal Varices before Banding
Authors: Sharma Malay , Rai Praveer , Bansal Raghav
Published: May 2013

Rectal varices are an important cause of bleed. The bleeding can be sometimes fatal. Endoscopic management is possible and is generally done in emergency situation. Rectal variceal banding is useful. Hemodynamic evaluation has shown that the blood flow in rectal varices is from above downwards; however, the site of banding of rectal varices is unclear. This case series shows that the rectal varices should be banded at the highest point of inflow.
Fluorescence Ratiometric Properties Induced by Nanoparticle Plasmonics and Nanoscale Dye Dynamics
Authors: Hakonen Aron
Published: May 2013

Nanoscale transport of merocyanine 540 within/near the plasmon field of gold nanoparticles was recognized as an effective inducer of single‐excitation dual‐emission ratiometric properties. With a high concentration of the signal transducer (ammonium), a 700% increase in fluorescence was observed at the new red‐shifted emission maximum, compared to a nanoparticle free sensor membrane. A previously nonrecognized isosbestic point is demonstrated at 581.4 ± 0.1 nm. The mechanism can be utilized for enhanced and simplified ratiometric optical chemical sensors and potentially for thin film engineering to make solar cells more effective and stable by a broader and more regulated absorption.
The Effect of Face-to-Face Education and Educational Booklet on Heart Health Indexes of the Hospitalized Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Esmaeili Vardanjani Safar Ali , Fanisaberi Laleh , Alirezaee Shahraki Firozeh , Khalilzadeh Ahmad , Tavakoli Vardanjani Abdolazim , Ghani Dehkordi Fatemeh
Published: May 2013

Management of risk factors and heart health indexes in the patients who have been diagnosed with myocardial infarction will result in prevention of secondary myocardial infarction, reduction of postimprovement mortality, increase of life span and improvement of life quality. Patient education has been found to be one of the most fundamental and essential care programs on the basis of identification and control of the patients’ health criteria. The study is a quasi-experimental research consisting of two groups. In this study, 112 patients with myocardial infarction who were below the age of 70 were selected randomly and divided into two groups (case group and control group) after being matched based on age and sex. The researcher first measured the health indexes including smoking, cholesterol level, body mass, level of anxiety, and amount of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients who have been diagnosed with myocardial infarction for the first time. He performed education program in case group and analyzed the said variables after four months. He also compared the behaviors in the two groups after being educated. The data was analyzed by SPSS software, version 15 (This product is licensed to FeFDBi, ABiComputer, 1337), and the two groups were compared by using appropriate statistical tests. According to the results, after education period, systolic blood pressure of the case group improves compared with control group (P<0.05/P=0.022), case group tends to quit smoking more than control group does (P=0.013), cholesterol level of case group improves compared with control group (P<0.0001), changes of body mass are more positive in case group compared with control group(P=0.012), and anxiety of case group reduces compared with control group (P<0.0001).
Genetic Analysis of Clinical VZV Isolates Collected in China Reveals a More Homologous Profile
Authors: Jiang Longfeng , Gan Lin , Chen Jason , Wang Mingli
Published: May 2013

Forty-four varicella-zoster virus (VZV) isolates from China were genotyped by using a scattered single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) method, including open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 22, 31, 37, 60, 62, 67, and 68. Based on the analysis of the polymorphic markers in the 8 ORFs, all of the 44 isolates can be placed in genotype J defined by the SNP profiles in ORF22 or clade B defined by the SNP profiles in ORFs 31, 37, 60, 62, 67, and 68. The three consecutive nucleotide (CGG) in-frame insertions in ORF 1 were found in 8 (18.2%) isolates, which has not been described in VZV strains from any other part of the world. A novel synonymous A>G substitution in ORF60 was revealed in 4 (9.1%) of the isolates. In addition, a previously described three consecutive nucleotide (ATC) insertion in ORF 60 was found in all the Chinese isolates but not in the US isolate MLS. The results showed all the 44 strains that belong to genotype J/clade B with significantly high homogeneity, and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the 44 Chinese isolates consist of 4 clusters, but interstrain variations also exist. Overall, VZV isolates obtained in China showed significantly higher genetic homogeneity than isolates reported from other countries.
Stability and Convergence of a Time-Fractional Variable Order Hantush Equation for a Deformable Aquifer
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Oukouomi Noutchie S. C.
Published: May 2013

The medium through which the groundwater moves varies in time and space. The Hantush equation describes the movement of groundwater through a leaky aquifer. To include explicitly the deformation of the leaky aquifer into the mathematical formulation, we modify the equation by replacing the partial derivative with respect to time by the time-fractional variable order derivative. The modified equation is solved numerically via the Crank-Nicolson scheme. The stability and the convergence in this case are presented in details.
Comment on “Evaluation of Manual and Two-Rotary NiTi Retreatment Systems in Removing Gutta-Percha Obturated with Two Root Canal Sealers”
Authors: Dixit Seema K. , Arora Varun , Loomba Kapil , Dixit Ashutosh , Gaunkar Ridhima Birmani , Agarwal Bhaskar , Misra Alok , Gupta Narendra kumar
Published: May 2013

Proper research design, appropriate evaluation and measurement methods, use of correct statistical tests, interpretation, and inference are the essentials without which any scientific research reporting is incomplete and does not serve its proposed purpose. In this communication, some common flaws in research designing, evaluation, analysis, and inference have been explained using a published article as a reference. The purpose of the paper is to help the scientific community recognize the significance of proper research designing and planning in order to achieve the results which are worthwhile.
Information Analysis on Neural Tuning in Dorsal Premotor Cortex for Reaching and Grasping
Authors: Cao Yan , Hao Yaoyao , Liao Yuxi , Xu Kai , Wang Yiwen , Zhang Shaomin , Zhang Qiaosheng , Chen Weidong , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: May 2013

Previous studies have shown that the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) neurons are relevant to reaching as well as grasping. In order to investigate their specific contribution to reaching and grasping, respectively, we design two experimental paradigms to separate these two factors. Two monkeys are instructed to reach in four directions but grasp the same object and grasp four different objects but reach in the same direction. Activities of the neuron ensemble in PMd of the two monkeys are collected while performing the tasks. Mutual information (MI) is carried out to quantitatively evaluate the neurons’ tuning property in both tasks. We find that there exist neurons in PMd that are tuned only to reaching, tuned only to grasping, and tuned to both tasks. When applied with a support vector machine (SVM), the movement decoding accuracy by the tuned neuron subset in either task is quite close to the performance by full ensemble. Furthermore, the decoding performance improves significantly by adding the neurons tuned to both tasks into the neurons tuned to one property only. These results quantitatively distinguish the diversity of the neurons tuned to reaching and grasping in the PMd area and verify their corresponding contributions to BMI decoding.
Mineralization and Osteoblast Cells Response of Nanograde Pearl Powders
Authors: Chen Jian-Chih , Kung Jung-Chang , Hsieh Chih-Hsin , Hou Mei-Ju , Shih Chi-Jen , Hung Chun-Cheng
Published: May 2013

The main objective of this study is to characterize the thermal, mineralization, and osteoblast cells response of pearl nanocrystallites. The results obtained from X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectra demonstrate that the pearl nano‐crystallites can induce the formation of an HA layer on their surface in SBF, even after only short soaking periods. The in vitro cell response to nano‐grade pearl powders is assessed by evaluating the cytotoxicity against a mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line and by characterizing the attachment ability and alkaline phosphatase activity of mouse bone cells (MC3T3‐E1, abbreviated to E1) and bone marrow stromal precursor (D1) cells. The cytotoxicities of pearls were tested by the filtration and culture of NIH‐3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. The viability of the cultured cells in media containing pearl crystallites for 24 and 72 h is greater than 90%. The bone cells seen in these micrographs are elongated and align predominately along the pearl specimen. The cells observed in these images also appeared well attached and cover the surface almost completely after 1 h. The pearl nanocrystallites had a positive effect on the osteogenic ability of ALP activity, and this promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs significantly at explanations.
The Possibility of Many Compensation Points in a Mixed-Spin Ising Ferrimagnetic System
Authors: Mohamad Hadey K.
Published: May 2013

The magnetic properties of a ferrimagnetic mixed spin-3/2 and spin-5/2 Ising model with different anisotropies are investigated by using the mean-field approximation (MFA). In particular, the effect of magnetic anisotropies on the compensation phenomenon, acting on A-atoms and B-ones for the mixed-spin model, has been considered in a zero field. The free energy of a mixed-spin Ising ferrimagnetic system from MFA of the Hamiltonian is calculated. By minimizing the free energy, we obtain the equilibrium magnetizations and the compensation points. The phase diagram of the system in the anisotropy dependence of transition temperature has been discussed as well. Our results of this model predict the existence of many (two or three) compensation points in the ordered system on a simple cubic lattice.
The Extract ofLitsea japonicaReduced the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy via the Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End Products Accumulation in db/db Mice
Authors: Sohn Eunjin , Kim Junghyun , Kim Chan-Sik , Lee Yun Mi , Jo Kyuhyung , Shin So Dam , Kim Joo Hwan , Kim Jin Sook
Published: May 2013

Increasing evidence indicates that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect ofL. japonicaextract (LJE) against renal damage in the db/db mouse. LJE (100 or 250 mg/kg per day) was given to diabetic mice for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and proteinuria were examined. Inin vitroassay of the inhibition of AGE formation, immunohistochemical analysis of podocyte loss and AGE accumulations were performed. In 20-week-old db/db mice, severe hyperglycemia developed, and proteinuria was significantly increased. Diabetes induced markedly morphological alterations to the renal glomerular cells. AGE accumulations and podocyte loss were detected in renal glomeruli. LJE treatment significantly reduced proteinuria and AGE accumulations in diabetic mice. Moreover, the loss of nephrin, an important slit diaphragm component in the kidneys, was restored by LJE treatment. Our studies suggest that LJE might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The ability of LJE to attenuate proteinuria and podocyte dysfunction may be mediated by the inhibition of AGE accumulation in the context of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice.
Effect of ZnO:Al Thickness on the Open Circuit Voltage of Organic/a-Si:H Based Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Singh Chandra Bhal , Singh Vandana , Bhattacharya S. , Bhargav P. Balaji , Ahmed Nafis
Published: May 2013

Hybrid solar cells are based on the concept of using both organic and inorganic materials for fabrication of devices. Hybrid solar cells, based on a heterojunction between inorganic electron acceptor layer and organic donor layer, has been fabricated. Effect of electron transport layer on open circuit voltage (Voc) of hybrid solar cells was investigated. Hybrid solar cells were fabricated using amorphous silicon as main absorbing layer and as electron acceptor layer while using copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) as the donor materials. Al doped ZnO layer was used as buffer layer between ITO and a-Si:H to prevent ITO from reacting with silane gas during plasma enhanced chemical deposition (PECVD) process. ZnO:Al thin film also acts as electron transport layer. The open circuit voltage of hybrid solar cells studied with varying the thickness of ZnO:Al layer. Voc was increased from 0.30 volt to 0.52 volt with increasing the thickness of ZnO:Al layer from 15 nm to 45 nm. The poor interface between inorganic (a-Si:H) and organic layers may be a possible reason for low fill factor and low photocurrent in hybrid solar cells.
Batteryless Powering of Remote Sensors with Reversed Peltier Power Source for Ubiquitous Environments
Authors: Krejcar Ondrej , Frischer Robert
Published: May 2013

The need for remote monitoring of almost every place in the world is still growing, while many new technical solutions are extensively developed by research community. The knowledge of the environment and the weather conditions of human environment is, in certain cases of polluted places in heavy industrial areas, necessary to allow real-time warnings about deteriorating conditions to living community in these desired places. While huge money investments were used for real-time monitoring of every possible quantity of human body, people's living environment became increasingly poorer. In this paper we present a modern and relatively cheap solution for powering some types of intelligent sensors in which traditional battery power source is insufficient and other powering options are not applicable. Obtaining the energy to supply sensors is possible even from immediate sensors' environment. Sources (which are utilizing thermal gradient) are supplying energy from the surrounding environment and without the need for high-intensity incident light (solar energy based). In order to achieve the full working mode, only a small thermal gradient is needed in order of degrees. The developed test application is using sophisticated electronic circuit provided by Linear Technology Company, which is able to use even small energy bursts for discontinuous intelligent sensors operations. The heat energy is converted into electric energy which is stored in very high-capacity capacitor (about 1 F). This power supply type is suitable for any environment, where some permanent thermal gradient is presented.