bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length with Fatigue in Nondisabled Older Adults
Authors: Bendix Laila , Thinggaard Mikael , Kimura Masayuki , Aviv Abraham , Christensen Kaare , Osler Merete , Avlund Kirsten
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Fatigue is often present in older adults with no identified underlying cause. The accruing burden of oxidative stress and inflammation might be underlying factors of fatigue. We therefore hypothesized that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is relatively short in older adults who experience fatigue.Materials and Methods. We assessed 439 older nondisabled Danish twins. LTL was measured using Southern blots of terminal restriction fragments. Fatigue was measured by the Mob-T Scale based on questions on whether the respondents felt fatigued after performing six mobility items.Results. LTL was significantly associated with fatigue (P=0.023), showing an increase of 0.038 kb/fatigue score unit. Aging-related diseases and mental health did not explain the association, while lifestyle factors slightly attenuated the estimates.Conclusion. Our results support an association between LTL and fatigue. Further studies are required to confirm this finding and the link of LTL with oxidative stress/inflammation over the life course.
Enhancing Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Self-Adaptive Searching Strategy and Artificial Immune Network Operators for Global Optimization
Authors: Chen Tinggui , Xiao Renbin
Published: February 2014

Artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, inspired by the intelligent foraging behavior of honey bees, was proposed by Karaboga. It has been shown to be superior to some conventional intelligent algorithms such as genetic algorithm (GA), artificial colony optimization (ACO), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). However, the ABC still has some limitations. For example, ABC can easily get trapped in the local optimum when handing in functions that have a narrow curving valley, a high eccentric ellipse, or complex multimodal functions. As a result, we proposed an enhanced ABC algorithm called EABC by introducing self-adaptive searching strategy and artificial immune network operators to improve the exploitation and exploration. The simulation results tested on a suite of unimodal or multimodal benchmark functions illustrate that the EABC algorithm outperforms ACO, PSO, and the basic ABC in most of the experiments.
Identification of Fine-Scale Marine Benthic Ecoclines by Multiple Parallel Ordination
Authors: van Son Thijs Christiaan , Halvorsen Rune , Norling Karl , Bakke Torgeir , Kaurin Maria , Melsom Fredrik
Published: February 2014

The species-environment relationship is a fundamental structural property of natural ecosystems. Marine sedimentary macrofauna is known to be structured by a range of environmental variables; however, the mechanisms by which environmental variables covary to form complex-gradients (i.e., groups of intercorrelated environmental variables), and how these are related to coenoclines (i.e., gradients in species composition), remain poorly understood. We classified our study area into geomorphological features that were used for stratified sampling of macrofaunal polychaetes, molluscs, and echinoderms. The resulting species-by-site matrix was subjected to indirect gradient analysis by a multiple parallel ordination strategy, using detrended correspondence analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. One major and one minor coenocline were identified. Based on the correlation between complex-gradients and the main coenocline we hypothesise the existence of two ecoclines that we have termedPeriodic hypoxiaandPeriodic physical forcing. We conclude that a combination of recurrent (periodical) and extreme events is likely to determine the variation found in the species composition of marine sedimentary ecosystems. Based on the results of our study, we conclude that indirect gradient analysis is a useful tool for enhancement of our basic mechanistic understanding of the processes governing the compositional structure of marine sediment communities.
Propagation of Rayleigh Wave in a Thermoelastic Solid Half-Space with Microtemperatures
Authors: Singh Baljeet
Published: February 2014

The Rayleigh surface wave is studied at a stress-free thermally insulated surface of an isotropic, linear, and homogeneous thermoelastic solid half-space with microtemperatures. The governing equations of the thermoelastic medium with microtemperatures are solved for surface wave solutions. The particular solutions in the half-space are applied to the required boundary conditions at stress-free thermally insulated surface to obtain the frequency equation of the Rayleigh wave. Some special cases are also derived. The non-dimensional speed of Rayleigh wave is computed numerically and presented graphically to reveal the dependence on the frequency and microtemperature constants.
An Energy-Efficient Node Selection Algorithm in Bearings-Only Target Tracking Sensor Networks
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxiao , He Wei , Yang Xuguang , Wang Yingguan
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses a node selection problem for bearings-only tracking in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Saving energy and prolonging the lifetime of the network are the research focuses due to the severely constrained resource of WSNs. An energy-efficient network management strategy is necessary to achieve good tracking performance at low cost. In this paper, an energy-efficient node selection algorithm for bearings-only sensors in decentralized sensor networks is proposed. The residual energy of a node is incorporated into the objective function of node selection. A new criterion of node selection is also made to coordinate with the objective function. Compared with the other common methods, the proposed method can reduce the cost of the entire network, balance nodes energy expenditure, and extend the lifetime of network. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed method and show good performance in tracking accuracy and energy consumption.
Experimental Investigation of a Wing-in-Ground Effect Craft
Authors: Tofa M. Mobassher , Maimun Adi , Ahmed Yasser M. , Jamei Saeed , Priyanto Agoes , Rahimuddin
Published: February 2014

The aerodynamic characteristics of the wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft model that has a noble configuration of a compound wing was experimentally investigated and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) wind tunnel with and without endplates. Lift and drag forces, pitching moment coefficients, and the centre of pressure were measured with respect to the ground clearance and the wing angle of attack. The ground effect and the existence of the endplates increase the wing lift-to-drag ratio at low ground clearance. The results of this research work show new proposed design of the WIG craft with compound wing and endplates, which can clearly increase the aerodynamic efficiency without compromising the longitudinal stability. The use of WIG craft is representing an ambitious technology that will help in reducing time, effort, and money of the conventional marine transportation in the future.
Obesity Does Not Increase Mortality after Emergency Surgery
Authors: Ferrada Paula , Anand Rahul J. , Malhotra Ajai , Aboutanos Michel
Published: February 2014

Objective.The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of obesity on patient outcomes after emergency surgery.Methods.A list of all patients undergoing emergent general surgical procedures during the 12 months ending in July 2012 was obtained from the operating room log. A chart review was performed to obtain the following data: patient characteristics (age, gender, BMI, and preexisting comorbidities), indication for surgery, and outcomes (pulmonary embolus (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), respiratory failure, ICU admission, wound infection, pneumonia, and mortality). Obesity was defined as a BMI over 25. Comparisons of outcomes between obese and nonobese patients were evaluated using Fischer’s exact test. Predictors of mortality were evaluated using logistic regression.Results.341 patients were identified during the study period. 202 (59%) were obese. Both groups were similar in age (48 for obese versus 47 for nonobese,P=0.42). Obese patients had an increased incidence of diabetes, (27% versus 7%,P<0.05), hypertension (52% versus 34%,P<0.05), and sleep apnea (0% versus 5%,P<0.05). There was a statistically significant increased incidence of postoperative wound infection (obese 9.9% versus nonobese 4.3%,P<0.05) and ICU admission (obese 58% versus nonobese 42%,P=0.01) among the obese patients. Obesity alone was not shown to be a significant risk factor for mortality.Conclusions.A higher BMI is not an independent predictor of mortality after emergency surgery. Obese patients are at a higher risk of developing wound infections and requiring ICU admission after emergent general surgical procedure.
Permanence and Extinction of a Stochastic Delay Logistic Model with Jumps
Authors: Lu Chun , Ding Xiaohua
Published: February 2014

This paper is concerned with a stochastic delay logistic model with
jumps. Sufficient and necessary conditions for extinction are obtained
as well as stochastic permanence. Numerical simulations are introduced to support the theoretical analysis results. The results show
that the jump process can affect the properties of the population model
significantly, which conforms to biological significance.
On Rationality of Kneading Determinants
Authors: Chen Sheng , Xia Chao
Published: February 2014

In this section,Rdenotes a ring with identityI. We study conditions under whichI−AλandI−Bλare left coprime or right coprime, whereA,B∈R. As applications, we get sufficient conditions under which the Kneading determinant of a finite rank pair of operators on an infinite dimensional space is rational.
Nontimber Forest Product Yield and Income fromThaumatococcus danielliiunder a Mixed Tree Plantation System in Ghana
Authors: Boadi Samuel , Baah-Acheamfour Mark , Ulzen-Appiah Francis , Murtaza Jamro Ghulam
Published: February 2014

Thaumatococcus danielliiis a wild sourced tropical understorey herb that is harvested for its foliage and fruits from which thaumatin—a proteinous sweetener—is extracted. With increased demand for natural sweeteners, uncontrolled harvesting ofT. danielliifrom the wild is suggested to be neither sustainable nor match industrial demands. This study determined the implication of controlled foliage harvesting ofT. danielliiunder a mixed indigenous tree plantation stand.T. danielliiplants within plots of dimension 3 m × 4 m were thinned to uniform foliage population of about 12 leaves/m2and subsequently harvested at 16 weeks interval for 64 weeks at four different foliage harvesting intensities: (i) no harvesting (control), (ii) 25% harvest, (iii) 50% harvest, and (iv) 75% harvest. Data on agronomic characters and total income from the sale of fruit and harvested foliage were collected and analysed. We found that foliage harvest intensity affected(P<0.001)number of flowers in the order: 18 (control) > 6 (25%) ≥ 1 (50%) and 0 (75%). Foliage harvest intensity also significantly(P=0.036)influenced fruit number and ranged from 11458/ha for the control to 4583/ha for the 75% harvest. Total income from fruit and foliage sales was greatest for the 50% harvest (US $ 17,191.32), followed by 75% harvest (US $ 12, 310.24) and lowest for the no harvest treatment (US $ 107.44). Thus, proper management ofT. danielliithrough controlled harvesting of the foliage under mixed tree plantation system could promote sustainable yield and income to farmers.
Exact Solutions of Coupled Sine-Gordon Equations Using the Simplest Equation Method
Authors: Zhao Yun-Mei
Published: February 2014

The simplest equation method has been used for finding the exact solutions of coupled sine-Gordon equations. Such equations have some useful applications in physics and biology, so finding their exact solutions is of great importance.
Mediating Dynamic Supply Chain Formation by Collaborative Single Machine Earliness/Tardiness Agents in Supply Mesh
Authors: Yang Hang , Fong Simon , Zhuang Yan
Published: February 2014

Nowadays, a trend of forming dynamic supply chains with different trading partners over different e‐marketplaces has emerged. These supply chains, which are called “supply mesh,” generally refer to heterogeneous electronic marketplaces in which dynamic supply chains, as per project (often make‐to‐order), are formed across different parties. Conceptually, in a supply mesh a dynamic supply chain is formed vertically, mediating several companies for a project. Companies that are on the same level horizontally are either competitors or cohorts. A complex scenario such as this makes it challenging to find the right group of members for a dynamic supply chain. Earlier on, a multiagent model called the collaborative single machine earliness/tardiness (CSET) model was proposed for the optimal formation of make‐to‐order supply chains. This paper contributes the particular agent designs, for enabling the mediation of CSET in a supply mesh, and the possibilities are discussed. It is demonstrated via a computer simulation, based on samples from the U.S. textile industry, that by using intelligent agents under the CSET model it is possible to automatically find an ideal group of trading partners from a supply mesh.
Current Overview of Allergens of Plant Pathogenesis Related Protein Families
Authors: Sinha Mau , Singh Rashmi Prabha , Kushwaha Gajraj Singh , Iqbal Naseer , Singh Avinash , Kaushik Sanket , Kaur Punit , Sharma Sujata , Singh Tej P.
Published: February 2014

Pathogenesis related (PR) proteins are one of the major sources of plant derived allergens. These proteins are induced by the plants as a defense response system in stress conditions like microbial and insect infections, wounding, exposure to harsh chemicals, and atmospheric conditions. However, some plant tissues that are more exposed to environmental conditions like UV irradiation and insect or fungal attacks express these proteins constitutively. These proteins are mostly resistant to proteases and most of them show considerable stability at low pH. Many of these plant pathogenesis related proteins are found to act as food allergens, latex allergens, and pollen allergens. Proteins having similar amino acid sequences among the members of PR proteins may be responsible for cross-reactivity among allergens from diverse plants. This review analyzes the different pathogenesis related protein families that have been reported as allergens. Proteins of these families have been characterized in regard to their biological functions, amino acid sequence, and cross-reactivity. The three-dimensional structures of some of these allergens have also been evaluated to elucidate the antigenic determinants of these molecules and to explain the cross-reactivity among the various allergens.
Reduction of IL-17A Might Suppress the Th1 Response and Promote the Th2 Response by Boosting the Function of Treg Cells during Silica-Induced Inflammatory ResponseIn Vitro
Authors: Tang Wen , Liu Fangwei , Chen Ying , Song Laiyu , Dai Wujing , Li Chao , Weng Dong , Chen Jie
Published: February 2014

Silica inhalation can induce chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis. Upon silica stimulation, activated macrophages trigger the T-lymphocyte which can differentiate into many different types of Th cells, including the recently discovered Th17 cells. IL-17A, the typical Th17 cytokine, is reported in some inflammatory diseases. However, the role of IL-17A in silica-induced inflammatory response is still not clear. The regulatory mechanism of silica-induced Th17 response also needs to be investigated. So we established a mice primary cell coculture system (macrophage and lymphocyte) to investigate the role of IL-17A in silica-induced inflammatory responsein vitro, by using anti-IL-17A mAb and IL-1Ra. Both anti-IL-17A mAb and IL-1Ra decreased the level of IL-17A and increased the function of Treg cells. The Th1 response was suppressed and the Th2 response was promoted by the addition of anti-IL-17A mAb or IL-1Ra. IL-1Ra treatment decreased the level of IL-6, whereas the levels of IL-23 and ROR-γt were increased. Our study demonstrated that IL-17A reduction altered the pattern of silica-induced Th responses by boosting the function of Treg cellsin vitro. Blocking the function of IL-1 signal pathway could suppress the level of IL-17A, which played the major role in modulating silica-induced Th responsesin vitro.
A Review on Conduction Mechanisms in Dielectric Films
Authors: Chiu Fu-Chien
Published: February 2014

The conduction mechanisms in dielectric films are crucial to the successful applications of dielectric materials. There are two types of conduction mechanisms in dielectric films, that is, electrode-limited conduction mechanism and bulk-limited conduction mechanism. The electrode-limited conduction mechanism depends on the electrical properties at the electrode-dielectric interface. Based on this type of conduction mechanism, the physical properties of the barrier height at the electrode-dielectric interface and the effective mass of the conduction carriers in dielectric films can be extracted. The bulk-limited conduction mechanism depends on the electrical properties of the dielectric itself. According to the analyses of bulk-limited conduction mechanisms, several important physical parameters in the dielectric films can be obtained, including the trap level, the trap spacing, the trap density, the carrier drift mobility, the dielectric relaxation time, and the density of states in the conduction band. In this paper, the analytical methods of conduction mechanisms in dielectric films are discussed in detail.
Evaluation of the 2006–2008 Food Crisis on Household Welfare: The Case of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Boughanmi Houcine , Al Shamakhi Ahmed , Mbaga Msafiri , Kotagama Hemesiri
Published: February 2014

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of high food prices during the 2006–2008 food crisis period on the welfare of households in the Sultanate of Oman. The welfare impacts of price changes are estimated using the Hicksian compensating variation (CV) methodology. The compensating variation was estimated for 4 different income household groups as well as two location groups (urban-rural). Results suggest that all household groups suffered welfare losses due to the food crisis. On average, Omani households need to be compensated about 10.3% of their income for the price increase they experienced during the 2006–2008 period. Rural households are more affected than urban households with a required compensation of 12.4% and 9.87%, respectively. In all cases most of the impact is felt on the first round where no consumption adjustment is made; the second round effect is comparatively small compared to the first-order effect. Total compensation required to compensate all households amounts to O.R. 266 M, that is, a 1.14% of GDP, whereas a compensation targeted to the low-income quartile amounts only to O.R. 26.7 M representing 0.1% of GDP.
A Physically Based Runoff Model Analysis of the Querétaro River Basin
Authors: Villa Alvarado Carlos Javier , Delgadillo-Ruiz Eladio , Mastachi-Loza Carlos Alberto , González-Sosa Enrique , Norma Maricela Ramos Salinas
Published: February 2014

Today the knowledge of physical parameters of a basin is essential to know adequately the rainfall-runoff process; it is well known that the specific characteristics of each basin such as temperature, geographical location, and elevation above sea level affect the maximum discharge and the basin time response. In this paper a physically based model has been applied, to analyze water balance by evaluating the volume rainfall-runoff using SHETRAN and hydrometric data measurements in 2003. The results have been compared with five ETp different methodologies in the Querétaro river basin in central Mexico. With these results the main effort of the authorities should be directed to better control of land-use changes and to working permanently in the analysis of the related parameters, which will have a similar behavior to changes currently being introduced and presented in observed values in this basin. This methodology can be a strong base for sustainable water management in a basin, the prognosis and effect of land-use changes, and availability of water and also can be used to determine application of known basin parameters, basically depending on land-use, land-use changes, and climatological database to determine the water balance in a basin.
Measurement of Optical Scattering Coefficient of the Individual Layers of the Human Urinary Bladder Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ejofodomi O'tega
Published: February 2014

The author reports measurement of the optical attenuation of the urinary bladder using Optical Coherence Tomography. This method uses the exponential relationship that exists between the intensity of the back-scattered infrared light and the penetration depth. The method is applied to Optical Coherence Tomography images of the human urinary bladder and the scattering coefficients of the top three layers (urothelium, lamina propria, and muscle layers, resp.) are extracted. An optical attenuation ratio of 1 : 6.2 : 4.2 for the three layers is reported.
Monitoring Moving Queries inside a Safe Region
Authors: Al-Khalidi Haidar , Taniar David , Betts John , Alamri Sultan
Published: February 2014

With mobile moving range queries, there is a need to recalculate the relevant surrounding objects of interest whenever the query moves. Therefore, monitoring the moving query is very costly. The safe region is one method that has been proposed to minimise the communication and computation cost of continuously monitoring a moving range query. Inside the safe region the set of objects of interest to the query do not change; thus there is no need to update the query while it is inside its safe region. However, when the query leaves its safe region the mobile device has to reevaluate the query, necessitating communication with the server. Knowing when and where the mobile device will leave a safe region is widely known as a difficult problem. To solve this problem, we propose a novel method to monitor the position of the query over time using a linear function based on the direction of the query obtained by periodic monitoring of its position. Periodic monitoring ensures that the query is aware of its location all the time. This method reduces the costs associated with communications in client-server architecture. Computational results show that our method is successful in handling moving query patterns.
Correlation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Cardiac Disease Severity
Authors: Javadi Hamid Reza , Jalilolghadr Shabnam , Yazdi Zohreh , Rezaie Majd Zeinab
Published: February 2014

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is one of the most common respiratory disorders in humans.
There is emerging evidence linking OSA to vascular disease, particularly hypertension. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that link OSA
to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation are not entirely understood.
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) with coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD).
Methods. A questionnaire survey based on Berlin questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was conducted among
406 patients to assess demographic data and the symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and snoring.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin questionnaire were completed by all of the patients. Venous blood samples were
obtained for biochemical tests. Characteristics of coronary arteries were collected from angiographies’ reports.
All patients were divided into two groups based on results from Berlin questionnaire: low risk patients for OSA and high risk patients for OSA.
Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 13. Results. Mean age of patients was
61.8±10.5.
212 (52.2%) patients were categorized as high risk group for apnea. Also, excessive daytime sleepiness was reported in 186 patients (45.8%). The severity of coronary artery involvement, daytime sleepiness, and electrocardiogram abnormalities was significantly higher in high risk patients for OSA compared with low risk patients. High risk patients had higher level of FBS and LDL and lower level of HDL cholesterol P<0.05. Conclusion. Our study found a strong correlation between the number of stenotic vessels and OSA. Based on our findings, OSA can be a predisposing factor for cardiac diseases.
Temperament and Character Personality Profile and Illness-Related Stress in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Conrad Rupert , Geiser Franziska , Kleiman Alexandra , Zur Berndt , Karpawitz-Godt Andrea
Published: February 2014

Psychological stress is a risk factor as well as a consequence of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Impulsiveness, overachievement, emotional instability, and hard-driving competitiveness have been discussed as personality features in CSC patients. We investigated 57 consecutive CSC patients and 57 age- and gender-matched controls by means of the Symptom Checklist 90-R and the Temperament and Character Inventory. Somatic risk factors, illness characteristics, subjective assessment of severity of illness, and illness-related stress in different areas of life (work, private life) were evaluated. CSC patients showed significantly higher emotional distress as measured by the Global Severity Index. The CSC personality was characterized by lower scoring on the character dimension cooperativeness and the temperament dimension reward dependence. Cooperativeness as well as subjective assessment of severity of CSC has been recognized as significant predictors of illness-related work stress accounting for 30% of variance. Implicating competitiveness, hostility and emotional detachment, lower level of cooperativeness, and reward dependence support the existence of specific aspects of type A behaviour in CSC patients. Low perceived social support and loss of control may explain the significant contribution of this personality dimension to illness-related work stress. Treatment of CSC should thus incorporate psychoeducation about factors contributing to illness-related stress.
Association of High Vitamin D Status with Low Circulating Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Independent of Thyroid Hormone Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Males
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Wang Zhixiao , Sun Min , Cao Mengdie , Zhu Zhenxin , Fu Qi , Gao Yuan , Mao Jia , Li Yanyun , Shi Yun , Yang Fan , Zheng Shuai , Tang Wei , Duan Yu , Huang Xiaoping , He Wei , Yang Tao
Published: February 2014

Background. A recent study has reported that high circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with low circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, but only in younger individuals. The goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between vitamin D status and circulating TSH levels with thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid hormone levels taken into consideration in a population-based health survey of middle-aged and elderly individuals.Methods. A total of 1,424 Chinese adults, aged 41–78 years, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, TSH, thyroid hormones, and thyroid autoantibodies were measured.Results. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 94.29% in males and 97.22% in females, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 55.61% in males and 69.64% in females. Vitamin D status was not associated with positive thyroid autoantibodies after controlling for age, gender, body mass index, and smoking status. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with lower TSH levels after controlling for age, FT4 and FT3 levels, thyroid volume, the presence of thyroid nodule(s), and smoking status in males.Conclusion. High vitamin D status in middle-aged and elderly males was associated with low circulating TSH levels independent of thyroid hormone levels.
An Authenticated Privacy‐Preserving Mobile Matchmaking Protocol Based on Social Connections with Friendship Ownership
Authors: Chiou Shin-Yan , Luo Chi-Shiu
Published: February 2014

The increase of mobile device use for social interaction drives the proliferation of online social applications. However, it prompts a series of security and existence problems. Some common problems are the authenticity of social contacts, the privacy of online communication, and the lack of physical interaction. This work presents mobile private matchmaking protocols that allow users to privately and immediately search the targets which match their planning purposes via mobile devices and wireless network. Based on social networks, the relationships of targets can be unlimited or limited to friends or friends of friends. It considers the privacy of users and the authenticity of friendships. The privacy means that no private information, except chosen targets, is leaked and the authenticity that signifies no forgery relationships can be successfully claimed. It applies to many applications such as searching for a
person to talk to, to dine with, to play games with, or to see a movie with. The proposed scheme is demonstrated to be secure, effective, and efficient. The implementation of the proposed algorithms on Android system mobile devices allows users to securely find their target via mobile phones.
Dual Effects of Cigarette Smoke Extract on Proliferation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and the Protective Effect of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine on EPCs against the Damage Caused by CSE
Authors: He Zhi-Hui , Chen Ping , Chen Yan , Zhu Ying-Qun , He Sheng-Dong , Ye Ji-Ru , Liu Da , Yang Yue
Published: February 2014

Cigarette smoke is a major public health problem associated with multitude of diseases, including pulmonary and vascular diseases. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to neovascularization and play an important role in the development of these diseases. The effect of CSE on EPCs is seldom studied. The aim of the current study is to observe the effect of CSE on biological behavior of EPCs and, further, to search for potential candidate agent in protection of proliferation of EPCs against the damage caused by CSE exposurein vitro.Methods. The proliferations of EPCs isolated from bone marrow of C57BL/6J mice were assessed by MTT after incubating the EPCs with a series of concentrations of CSE (1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%) for different times (3, 6, and 24 hours) as well as with 1.0% CSE in presence of 5-AZA-CdR for 24 hours.Results. The proliferations of EPCs were significantly enhanced after 3 hours of exposure to concentrations of 1.0% and 2.5% CSE but depressed when exposed to concentrations of 5.0% and 10.0% CSE. Furthermore, the 5-AZA-CdR in concentrations of 2.0 μmol/L and 5.0 μmol/L partly protected against the depression of proliferation of EPCs caused by CSE exposure.Conclusions. The CSE showed dual effects on proliferation of EPCs isolated from mice. The 5-AZA-CdR partly protected the proliferation of EPCs against the damage caused by CSE exposurein vitro, suggesting that DNA methylation may be involved in the dysfunction of EPCs induced by CSE.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Service Life for Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Verma Sanjeev Kumar , Bhadauria Sudhir Singh , Akhtar Saleem
Published: February 2014

Degradation of performance and deterioration of different components of reinforced concrete (RC) structures increase with the age of structure. This deterioration of reinforced component depends on several parameters. However, modeling service life of RC structure by considering all the parameters is a difficult job, as most of the parameters are uncertain in nature. Probabilistic models account well for the uncertainties in the parameters responsible for deterioration of RC structures. This paper presents a review of several recent service life models developed using probability based concepts.
Evaluation and Optimization to Recycle Used TiO2Photoelectrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Ruei-Tang , Liao Chien-Feng
Published: February 2014

This study proposes a method for recycling and activating the titanium oxide (TiO2)/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) by repeated dye adsorption and desorption processes using various desorption agents. This simple and convenient method could be utilized to activate TiO2photoelectrodes for DSCs after the long-term operation. The devices are immersed in acidic, alkaline, and neutral media of various concentrations for desorption and then are soaked in the N719 solution again. The optimal device had an overall power conversion efficiency (AM 1.5 G, 100 mW/cm2) with 5 × 10−3 M NaOH solution as a desorption agent being 6.44% better than that of devices that had not undergone recycling and activation.
Modeling Requirements for Computer Simulation of Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Ghodsi S. R. , Esfahanian V. , Ghodsi S. M.
Published: February 2014

Background. In order to reduce the mortality risk of aneurysm rupture, a timely diagnosis and treatment are vital. There are different reasons for aneurysm, such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and heredity. An efficient and cost-effective method to study the generation, development, and rupture of aneurysm and also analysis of treatment methods can accelerate progress. The Computational Fluid Dynamics is a well-known tool to simulate various phenomena. A reliable virtual modeling in biology depends on our knowledge about variety of characteristics, that is, biological features, structural properties, and flow conditions. Objective. Because of the vast research about the related subjects, an organized review is required. The aim of current review article is classification of the required foundations for a reliable virtual modeling of cerebral aneurysm, especially in the Circle of Willis.
Predictors of Quality of Life in Portuguese Obese Patients: A Structural Equation Modeling Application
Authors: Vilhena Estela , Pais-Ribeiro José , Silva Isabel , Cardoso Helena , Mendonça Denisa
Published: February 2014

Living with obesity is an experience that may affect multiple aspects of an individual’s life. Obesity is considered a relevant public health problem in modern societies. To determine the comparative efficacy of different treatments and to assess their impact on patients’ everyday life, it is important to identify factors that are relevant to the quality of life of obese patients. The present study aims to evaluate, in Portuguese obese patients, the simultaneous impact of several psychosocial factors on quality of life. This study also explores the mediating role of stigma in the relationship between positive/negative affect and quality of life. A sample of 215 obese patients selected from the main hospitals in Portugal completed self-report questionnaires to assess sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial, and quality of life variables. Data were analysed using structural equation modeling. The model fitted the data reasonably well, CFI = 0.9, RMSEA = 0.06. More enthusiastic and more active patients had a better quality of life. Those who reflect lower perception of stigma had a better physical and mental health. Partial mediation effects of stigma between positive affect and mental health and between negative affect and physical health were found. The stigma is pervasive and causes consequences for psychological and physical health.
Optimum Performance‐Based Seismic Design Using a Hybrid Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Talatahari S. , Hosseini A. , Mirghaderi S. R. , Rezazadeh F.
Published: February 2014

A hybrid optimization method is presented to optimum seismic design of steel frames considering four performance levels. These performance levels are considered to determine the optimum design of structures to reduce the structural cost. A pushover analysis of steel building frameworks subject to equivalent‐static earthquake loading is utilized. The algorithm is based on the concepts of the charged system search in which each agent is affected by local and global best positions stored in the charged memory considering the governing laws of electrical physics. Comparison of the results of the hybrid algorithm with those of other metaheuristic algorithms shows the efficiency of the hybrid algorithm.
Quantitative Analysis of Cepharanthine in Plasma Based on Semiautomatic Microextraction by Packed Sorbent Combined with Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Desgrouas Camille , Desbordes Marc , Dormoi Jérôme , Ollivier Evelyne , Parzy Daniel , Taudon Nicolas
Published: February 2014

The spread ofPlasmodium falciparumresistance toward most of the used drugs requires new antimalarial compounds. Taking advantage of the biodiversity, the ethnopharmacological approach opens the way for the discovery and the characterization of potent original molecules. Previous works led to the selection of a bisbenzylisoquinoline, cepharanthine, extracted fromStephania rotunda, which is mainly present in Cambodia. A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of cepharanthine in mouse plasma. The method involved a semiautomated microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) using 4 mg of solid phase silica-C8 sorbent. LC separation was performed on a Kinetex XB-C18 column (2.6 µm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile containing formic acid and 10 mM ammonium formate buffer pH 3.5. Data were acquired at 282 nm with a diode array detector. The drug/internal standard peak area ratios were linked via linear relationships to plasma concentrations (75–2,000 ng/mL). Precision was below 5% and accuracy was 99.0–102%. Extraction recovery of cepharanthine was 56–58%. The method was successfully used to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of cepharanthine in healthy andPlasmodium bergheiinfected mice. The infection did not impact pharmacokinetic parameters of cepharanthine.
Stability Analysis of Impulsive Stochastic Functional Differential Equations with Delayed Impulses via Comparison Principle and Impulsive Delay Differential Inequality
Authors: Cheng Pei , Yao Fengqi , Hua Mingang
Published: February 2014

The problem of stability for nonlinear impulsive stochastic functional differential equations with delayed impulses is addressed in this paper. Based on the comparison principle and an impulsive delay differential inequality, some exponential stability and asymptotical stability criteria are derived, which show that the system will be stable if the impulses’ frequency and amplitude are suitably related to the increase or decrease of the continuous stochastic flows. The obtained results complement ones from some recent works. Two examples are discussed to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of our results.
Energy Loss of a Heavy Particle Near 3D Rotating Hairy Black Hole
Authors: Naji Jalil , Saadat Hassan
Published: February 2014

We consider rotating black hole in 3 dimensions with a scalar charge and discuss energy loss of heavy particle moving near the black hole horizon. We find that drag force was increased by scalar charge while it was decreased due to the rotation of black hole. We also study quasnormal modes.
Error Estimate and Adaptive Refinement in Mixed Discrete Least Squares Meshless Method
Authors: Amani J. , Saboor Bagherzadeh A. , Rabczuk T.
Published: February 2014

The node moving and multistage node enrichment adaptive refinement procedures are extended in mixed discrete least squares meshless (MDLSM) method for efficient analysis of elasticity problems. In the formulation of MDLSM method, mixed formulation is accepted to avoid second‐order differentiation of shape functions and to obtain displacements and stresses simultaneously. In the refinement procedures, a robust error estimator based on the value of the least square residuals functional of the governing differential equations and its boundaries at nodal points is used which is inherently available from the MDLSM formulation and can efficiently identify the zones with higher numerical errors. The results are compared with the refinement procedures in the irreducible formulation of discrete least squares meshless (DLSM) method and show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed procedures. Also, the comparison of the error norms and convergence rate show the fidelity of the proposed adaptive refinement procedures in the MDLSM method.
Sustainability of Rainwater Harvesting System in terms of Water Quality
Authors: Rahman Sadia , Khan M. T. R. , Akib Shatirah , Din Nazli Bin Che , Biswas S. K. , Shirazi S. M.
Published: February 2014

Water is considered an everlasting free source that can be acquired naturally. Demand for processed supply water is growing higher due to an increasing population. Sustainable use of water could maintain a balance between its demand and supply. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the most traditional and sustainable method, which could be easily used for potable and nonpotable purposes both in residential and commercial buildings. This could reduce the pressure on processed supply water which enhances the green living. This paper ensures the sustainability of this system through assessing several water-quality parameters of collected rainwater with respect to allowable limits. A number of parameters were included in the analysis: pH, fecal coliform, total coliform, total dissolved solids, turbidity, NH3–N, lead, BOD5, and so forth. The study reveals that the overall quality of water is quite satisfactory as per Bangladesh standards. RWH system offers sufficient amount of water and energy savings through lower consumption. Moreover, considering the cost for installation and maintenance expenses, the system is effective and economical.
Summary on Several Key Techniques in 3D Geological Modeling
Authors: Mei Gang
Published: February 2014

Several key techniques in 3D geological modeling including planar mesh generation, spatial interpolation, and surface intersection are summarized in this paper. Note that these techniques are generic and widely used in various applications but play a key role in 3D geological modeling. There are two essential procedures in 3D geological modeling: the first is the simulation of geological interfaces using geometric surfaces and the second is the building of geological objects by means of various geometric computations such as the intersection of surfaces. Discrete geometric surfaces that represent geological interfaces can be generated by creating planar meshes first and then spatially interpolating; those surfaces intersect and then form volumes that represent three-dimensional geological objects such as rock bodies. In this paper, the most commonly used algorithms of the key techniques in 3D geological modeling are summarized.
Matthew Effect of the Random Drift on the Evolution of Cooperation
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Rong
Published: February 2014

The effect of the random drift on the evolutionary prisoner’s dilemma game is studied on regular lattices. A
new evolutionary rule is proposed, which stochastically combines the deterministic rule with the random drift rule. It is found that the random drift has an effect on the evolutionary dynamics depending on the values of the temptation‐to‐defect b and the probability p of the random drift. When the random drift occurs with low probabilities, which interests us more, a phenomenon of the Matthew effect on the evolution of cooperation is found. Explanations of this phenomenon are deduced through the analysis on the dynamics and pattern formations of the PDG system.
Terahertz Absorption Spectroscopy of Benzamide, Acrylamide, Caprolactam, Salicylamide, and Sulfanilamide in the Solid State
Authors: Jiang Ye , Zhou Fengshan , Wen Xiaodong , Yang Limin , Zhao Guozhong , Wang He , Wang Haiyan , Zhai Yanjun , Wu Jinguang , Liu Kexin , Chen Jia’er
Published: February 2014

Terahertz (THz) absorption spectra of the similarly structured molecules with amide groups including benzamide, acrylamide, caprolactam, salicylamide, and sulfanilamide in the solid phase at room temperature and 7.8 K for salicylamide are reported and compared to infrared vibrational spectral calculations using density functional theory. The results of THz absorption spectra show that the molecules have characteristic bands in the region of 0.2–2.6 THz (~7–87 cm−1). THz technique can be used to distinguish different molecules with amide groups. In the THz region benzamide has three bands at 0.83, 1.63, and 1.73 THz; the bands are located at 1.44 and 2.00 THz for acrylamide; the bands at 1.24, 1.66 and 2.12 THz are observed for caprolactam. The absorption bands are located at 1.44, 1.63, and 2.39 THz at room temperature, and at 1.22, 1.46, 1.66, and 2.41 THz at low temperature for salicylamide. The bands at 1.63, 1.78, 2.00, and 2.20 THz appear for sulfanilamide. These bands in the THz region may be related to torsion, rocking, wagging, and other modes of different groups in the molecules.
Assessment of Safety and Interference Issues of Radio Frequency Identification Devices in 0.3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography
Authors: Periyasamy M. , Dhanasekaran R.
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate two issues regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including device functionality and image artifacts for the presence of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) in association with 0.3 Tesla at 12.7 MHz MRI and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Fifteen samples of RFID tags with two different sizes (wristband and ID card types) were tested. The tags were exposed to several MR-imaging conditions during MRI examination and X-rays of CT scan. Throughout the test, the tags were oriented in three different directions (axial, coronal, and sagittal) relative to MRI system in order to cover all possible situations with respect to the patient undergoing MRI and CT scanning, wearing a RFID tag on wrist. We observed that the tags did not sustain physical damage with their functionality remaining unaffected even after MRI and CT scanning, and there was no alternation in previously stored data as well. In addition, no evidence of either signal loss or artifact was seen in the acquired MR and CT images. Therefore, we can conclude that the use of this passive RFID tag is safe for a patient undergoing MRI at 0.3 T/12.7 MHz and CT Scanning.
p-Uniform Convexity andq-Uniform Smoothness of Absolute Normalized Norms onℂ2
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari
Published: February 2014

We first prove characterizations ofp-uniform convexity andq-uniform smoothness. We next give a formulation on absolute normalized norms onℂ2. Using these, we present some examples of Banach spaces. One of them is a uniformly convex Banach space which is notp-uniformly convex.
Conservation Concern for the Deteriorating Geographical Range of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon
Authors: Tamungang Simon A. , Cheke Robert A. , Mofor Gilbert Z. , Tamungang Richard N. , Oben Fritz T.
Published: February 2014

The need for information on Grey Parrot distribution and vegetation associations for informed management and policy decisions was the basis for this study. A nationwide survey of the Grey Parrot population and habitat status was carried out, using questionnaire and point count methods. From the results, the extent of the contemporary range of the parrots was restricted to Southern Cameroon, which harbours the rainforest. Regional parrot population means ranged from 3,487 parrots in the Littoral to 1,351,275 parrots in the East Regions. The extent of the contemporary range as a percentage of the whole country was 25.4% and as a percentage of the regions with rainforest was 44.5%. The historic range of the bird has been reduced by over 55.5%. Estimated percentage of forest lost per region ranged from 20.4% in the Centre to 57.1% in the East and South Regions. At a global level, Cameroon contributed 9% to the total extent of the range of the Grey Parrot in Africa. The range is increasingly fragmented, contracted, and lost through land-based socioeconomic activities. These degradation pressures on the range called for urgent conservation considerations for long-term survival of the parrot species and its associated biodiversity in Cameroon.