bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Elasticity of Porous Rock Based on Mineral Composition and Microstructure
Authors: Liu Zaobao , Shao Jianfu , Xu Weiya , Shi Chong
Published: December 2013

Estimation of elastic parameters of porous rock like the compressibility of sandstone is scientifically important and yet an open issue. This study illustrates the estimation of the elastic compressibility of sandstone (ECS) based on the assumption that the ECS is determined closely by the mineral composition and microstructures. In this study, 37 samples are collected to evaluate the estimations of the ECS obtained by different methods. The regression analysis is first implemented using the 37 samples. The results show that ECS exhibits linear relations with the rock minerals, pores, and applied compressive stress. Then the support vector machine (SVM) optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is examined to generate estimations of the ECS based on the mineral composition and microstructures. The SVM is trained with 30 samples to search for optimal parameters using the PSO, and thus the estimation model is established. Afterwards, this model is validated to give predictions of the left 7 samples. By comparison with the regression methods, the proposed strategy, that is, the PSO optimized SVM, performs much better on the training samples and shows a good capability in generating estimations of the ECS of the 7 testing samples based on the mineral composition and microstructures.
Blood Clot Simulation Model by Using the Bond‐Graph Technique
Authors: Romero Gregorio , Martinez M. Luisa , Maroto Joaquin , Felez Jesus
Published: December 2013

The World Health Organization estimates that 17 million people die of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attacks and strokes, every year. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot that occludes an artery in the cerebral circulation and the process concerning the removal of this obstruction involves catheterisation. The fundamental object of the presented study consists in determining and optimizing the necessary simulation model corresponding with the blood clot zone to be implemented jointly with other Mechanical Thrombectomy Device simulation models, which have become more widely used during the last decade. To do so, a multidomain technique is used to better explain the different aspects of the attachment to the artery wall and between the existing platelets, it being possible to obtain the mathematical equations that define the full model. For a better understanding, a consecutive approximation to the definitive model will be presented, analyzing the different problems found during the study. The final presented model considers an elastic characterization of the blood clot composition and the possibility of obtaining a consecutive detachment process from the artery wall. In conclusion, the presented model contains the necessary behaviour laws to be implemented in future blood clot simulation models.
Multiscale Medical Image Fusion in Wavelet Domain
Authors: Singh Rajiv , Khare Ashish
Published: December 2013

Wavelet transforms have emerged as a powerful tool in image fusion. However, the study and analysis of medical image fusion is still a challenging area of research. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a multiscale fusion of multimodal medical images in wavelet domain. Fusion of medical images has been performed at multiple scales varying from minimum to maximum level using maximum selection rule which provides more flexibility and choice to select the relevant fused images. The experimental analysis of the proposed method has been performed with several sets of medical images. Fusion results have been evaluated subjectively and objectively with existing state‐of‐the‐art fusion methods which include several pyramid‐ and wavelet‐transform‐based fusion methods and principal component analysis (PCA) fusion method. The comparative analysis of the fusion results has been performed with edge strength (Q), mutual information (MI), entropy (E), standard deviation (SD), blind structural similarity index metric (BSSIM), spatial frequency (SF), and average gradient (AG) metrics. The combined subjective and objective evaluations of the proposed fusion method at multiple scales showed the effectiveness and goodness of the proposed approach.
Surgical Management of the Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Nankali Anisodowleh , Ataee Mina , Shahlazadeh Haleh , Daeichin Sara
Published: December 2013

Cesarean scar pregnancy is one of the rarest forms of ectopic pregnancy. Little is known about its incidence and natural history. The diagnosis and treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is challenging. The authors reported here a case of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with hypovolemic shock that underwent emergency laparotomy with resection of ectopic mass. The patient was discharged from the hospital without any complications.
Successful Integration of Hepatitis C Virus Point-of-Care Tests into the Denver Metro Health Clinic
Authors: Jewett A. , Al-Tayyib A. A. , Ginnett L. , Smith B. D.
Published: December 2013

Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing and linkage to care for persons most likely infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), including persons with human immunodeficiency virus. We explored facilitators and barriers to integrating HCV point-of-care (POC) testing into standard operations at an urban STD clinic.Methods. The OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test was integrated at the Denver Metro Health Clinic (DMHC). All clients with at least one risk factor were offered the POC test. Research staff conducted interviews with clients (three HCV positive and nine HCV negative). Focus groups were conducted with triage staff, providers, and linkage-to-care counselors.Results. Clients were pleased with the ease of use and rapid return of results from the HCV POC test. Integrating the test into this setting required more time but was not overly burdensome. While counseling messages were clear to staff, clients retained little knowledge of hepatitis C infection or factors related to risk. Barriers to integrating the HCV POC test into clinic operations were loss to follow-up and access to care.Conclusion. DMHC successfully integrated HCV POC testing and piloted a HCV linkage-to-care program. Providing testing opportunities at STD clinics could increase identification of persons with HCV infection.
Role of Electrical Impedance Tomography in Clinical Practice in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Authors: Durlak Wojciech , Kwinta Przemko
Published: December 2013

This paper summarizes current knowledge about electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and its present and possible applications in clinical practice in pediatric respiratory medicine. EIT is a relatively new technique based on real-time monitoring of bioimpedance. Its possible application in clinical practice related to ventilation and perfusion monitoring in children has gaine increasing attention in recent years. Most of the currently published data is based on studies performed on small and heterogenous groups of patients. Thus the results need to be corroborated in future well-designed clinical trials. Firstly a short theoretical overview summarizing physical principles and main advantages and disadvantages is provided. It is followed by a review of the current data regarding EIT application in ventilation distribution monitoring in healthy individuals. Finally the most important studies utilizing EIT in ventilation and perfusion monitoring in critically ill newborns and children are outlined.
A Patient with Fatal Necrotizing Fasciitis following the Use of Intra-Articular Sodium Hyaluronate Injections: A Case Report
Authors: Virupannavar Shanti , Guggenheim Carla
Published: December 2013

Introduction.Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a key cause of disability around the world and an ever-growing public health concern. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation is used as a conservative option for osteoarthritis knee pain relief (McArthur et al., 2012; Hootman and Helmick, 2006; Huang el al., 2011). In general, the literature has shown an excellent safety profile for this treatment modality (McArthur et al., 2012; Clegg et al., 2013; Hammesfahr et al., 2003; Neustadt et al., 2005; Cohen et al., 2008; Neustadt, 2003; Jüni et al., 2007; Peterson and Hodler, 2011).Case Presentation. In this report, we describe a case of a woman who had received multiple sodium hyaluronate injections and developed severe necrotizing fasciitis near the injection site.Conclusion.We recommend that clear guidelines for clean technique be put in place for use with sodium hyaluronate injections and consideration of full sterile technique in immunosuppressed patients.
A Review of Comparison of Complications of Vaginal Hysterectomy with and without Concomitant Surgery for SUI: A 5 Years’ Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan
Authors: Mohsin Rizvi Raheela , Akhtar Munnazza , Zuberi Nadeem Faiyaz
Published: December 2013

Objective. The study was performed to review the complications of surgery for POP with or without surgery for SUI. This included the need for second procedure two years after the primary surgery.Study Design. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional comparative study at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) was used to identify women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with anterior/posterior repair alone and those with concomitant tension-free vaginal tape surgery for urodynamic stress incontinence.Results. The 28 cases of VH/repair combined with TVT were compared for complications with 430 cases of VH with repair alone. The basic characteristics like age, BMI, and degree of prolapse showed no statistical difference among two groups. The main comorbidities in both groups were hypertension, diabetes, and bronchial asthma. We observed no significant differences in intraoperative and postoperative complications except for cuff abscess, need for medical intervention, and readmission following discharge from hospital, which were higher in cases with vaginal hysterectomy with concomitant TVT.Conclusions. Vaginal hysterectomy is an efficient treatment for uterovaginal prolapse with a swift recovery, short length of hospital stay, and rare serious complications. The addition of surgery for USI does not appear to increase the morbidity.
Cotton‐Type and Joint Invariants for Linear Elliptic Systems
Authors: Aslam A. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: December 2013

Cotton‐type invariants for a subclass of a system of two linear elliptic equations, obtainable from a complex base linear elliptic equation, are derived both by spliting of the corresponding complex Cotton invariants of the base complex equation and from the Laplace‐type invariants of the system of linear hyperbolic equations equivalent to the system of linear elliptic equations via linear complex transformations of the independent variables. It is shown
that Cotton‐type invariants derived from these two approaches are identical. Furthermore, Cotton‐type and joint invariants for a general system of two linear elliptic equations are also obtained from the Laplace‐type and joint invariants for a system of two linear hyperbolic equations equivalent to the system of linear elliptic equations by complex changes of the independent variables. Examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Associates of an Elevated Natriuretic Peptide Level in Stable Heart Failure Patients: Implications for Targeted Management
Authors: Jan Aftab , Dawkins Ian , Murphy Niamh , Collier Patrick , Baugh John , Ledwidge Mark , McDonald Kenneth , Watson Chris J.
Published: December 2013

Background. Persistently elevated natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in heart failure (HF) patients are associated with impaired prognosis. Recent work suggests that NP‐guided therapy can improve outcome, but the mechanisms behind an elevated BNP remain unclear. Among the potential stimuli for NP in clinically stable patients are persistent occult fluid overload, wall stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and ischemia. The purpose of this study was to identify associates of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in a stable HF population. Methods. In a prospective observational study of 179 stable HF patients, the association between BNP and markers of collagen metabolism, inflammation, and Doppler‐echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial volume index (LAVI), and E/e prime (E/e′) was measured. Results. Univariable associates of elevated BNP were age, LVEF, LAVI, E/e′, creatinine, and markers of collagen turnover. In a multiple linear regression model, age, creatinine, and LVEF remained significant associates of BNP. E/e′ and markers of collagen turnover had a persistent impact on BNP independent of these covariates. Conclusion. Multiple variables are associated with persistently elevated BNP levels in stable HF patients. Clarification of the relative importance of NP stimuli may help refine NP‐guided therapy, potentially improving outcome for this at‐risk population.
A Change of Heart: Case Series of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Martin Sean , Short Daniel , Wong Chih Mun , McLellan Dina
Published: December 2013

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon disease of pregnancy, occurring in about 1 in 2000 live births, and is characterized by the development of heart failure, due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It is associated with high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. Cardiac disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK: PPCM accounts for about 17% of these. Clinical findings of decompensated heart failure (HF) are often masked by the normal physiological changes seen in pregnancy making the diagnosis challenging. A high index of suspicion is essential—prompting referral for echocardiogram, which is crucial for diagnosis. Favourable prognosis is dependent on the early initiation of HF medications. Although full recovery occurs in around half of cases, left ventricular systolic dysfunction persists in a significant proportion of patients with PPCM and the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies is high. The pathophysiology of PPCM is under intense research. We present four patients with PPCM and a review of the literature. Owing to the diagnostic challenge of PPCM and decompensated HF in pregnant mothers and its high mortality rate without treatment, prompt investigation and referral are key to improving maternal survival.
An Investigation of Calibration Phantoms for CT Scanners with Tube Voltage Modulation
Authors: Zou Jing , Hu Xiaodong , Lv Hanyu , Hu Xiaotang
Published: December 2013

The effects of calibration phantoms on the correction results of the empirical artifacts correction method (ECCU) for the case of tube modulation were investigated. To improve the validity of the ECCU method, the effect of the geometry parameter of a typical single-material calibration phantom (water calibration phantom) on the ECCU algorithm was investigated. Dual-material calibration phantoms (such as water-bone calibration phantom), geometry arrangement, and the area-ratio of dual-material calibration phantoms were also studied. Preliminary results implied that, to assure the effectiveness of the ECCU algorithm, the polychromatic projections of calibration phantoms must cover the polychromatic projection data of the scanning object. However, the projection range of a water calibration phantom is limited by the scan field of view (SFOV), thus leading to methodological limitations. A dual-material phantom of a proper size and material can overcome the limitations of a single-material phantom and achieve good correction effects.
Fetal Wound Healing Biomarkers
Authors: Helmo Fernanda Rodrigues , Machado Juliana Reis , Guimarães Camila Souza de Oliveira , Teixeira Vicente de Paula Antunes , Reis Marlene Antônia dos , Corrêa Rosana Rosa Miranda
Published: December 2013

Fetal skin has the intrinsic capacity for wound healing, which is not correlated with the intrauterine environment. This intrinsic ability requires biochemical signals, which start at the cellular level and lead to secretion of transforming factors and expression of receptors, and specific markers that promote wound healing without scar formation. The mechanisms and molecular pathways of wound healing still need to be elucidated to achieve a complete understanding of this remodeling system. The aim of this paper is to discuss the main biomarkers involved in fetal skin wound healing as well as their respective mechanisms of action.
A New Mathematical Model for Food Thermal Process Prediction
Authors: Friso Dario
Published: December 2013

A mathematical model was developed to correlate the four heat penetration parameters of 57 Stumbo’s tables (18,513 datasets) in canned food:g(the difference between the retort and the coldest point temperatures in the canned food at the end of the heating process),fh/U(the ratio of the heating rate index to the sterilizing value),z(the temperature change required for the thermal destruction curve to traverse one log cycle), andJcc, (the cooling lag factor). The quantitiesg,z, andJcc, are input variables for predictingfh/U, whilez,Jccandfh/Uare input variables for predicting the value ofg, which is necessary to calculate the heating process timeB, at constant retort temperature, using Ball’s formula. The process time calculated using thegvalue obtained from the mathematical model closely followed the time calculated from the tabulatedgvalues (root mean square of absolute errors RMS = 0.567 min, average absolute error = 0.421 min with a standard deviation SD = 0.380 min). Because the mathematical model can be used to predict the intermediate values of any combination of inputs, avoiding the storage requirements and the interpolation of 57 Stumbo’s tables, it allows a quick and easy automation of thermal process calculations and to perform these calculations using a spreadsheet.
Some Theorems for Sigma Prime Rings with Differential Identities on Sigma Ideals
Authors: Khan Mohd Rais , Hasnain Mohd Mueenul
Published: December 2013

There has been considerable interest in the connection between the structure and the σ-structure of a ring, where σ denotes an involution on a ring. In this context, Oukhtite and Salhi (2006) introduced a new class or we can say an extension of prime rings in the form of σ-prime ring and proved several well-known theorems of prime rings for σ-prime rings. A continuous approach in the direction of σ-prime rings is still on. In this paper, we establish some results for σ-prime rings satisfying certain identities involving generalized derivations on σ-ideals. Finally, we give an example showing that the restrictions imposed on the hypothesis of the various theorems were not superfluous.
Removal of Sulfur Dioxide from Flue Gas Using the Sludge Sodium Humate
Authors: Zhao Yu , Hu Guoxin
Published: December 2013

This study shows the ability of sodium humate from alkaline treatment sludge on removing sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the simulated flue gas. Experiments were conducted to examine the effect of various operating parameters, like the inlet SO2 concentration or temperature or O2, on the SO2 absorption efficiency and desulfurization time in a lab‐scale bubbling reactor. The sludge sodium humate in the supernatant after alkaline sludge treatment shows great performance in SO2 absorption, and such efficiency can be maintained above 98% with 100 mL of this absorption solution at 298 K (flue gas rate of 0.12 m3/h). The highest SO2 absorption by 1.63 g SHA‐Na is 0.946 mmol in the process, which is translated to 0.037 g SO2 g−1 SHA‐Na. The experimental results indicate that the inlet SO2 concentration slightly influences the SO2 absorption efficiency and significantly influences the desulfurization time. The pH of the absorption solution should be above 3.5 in this process in order to make an effective desulfurization. The products of this process were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. It can be seen that the desulfurization products mainly contain sludge humic acid sediment, which can be used as fertilizer components.
Chromium (VI) Induced Biochemical Changes and Gum Content in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonolobaL.) at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Sangwan Punesh , Kumar Vinod , Khatri R. S. , Joshi U. N.
Published: December 2013

Chromium (Cr) contamination by various industries and other activities is known to inhibit plants growth and development. The present study was conducted using pot experiments in a net house to determine the effect of Cr (VI) on biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments, reducing sugars, and important minerals at different stages of growth in leaves, stem, and roots of clusterbean, a multipurpose fodder crop including a source of guar gum. Guar gum content was estimated in seeds at maturity. All biochemical contents showed a great variation with respect to increase in Cr concentration at different stages of growth. The levels of K, Fe, and Zn decreased, while Cr and Na content increased with increase in Cr concentration. Cr induced toxicity in clusterbean appears at 0.5 mg Cr (VI) Kg−1soil with maximum inhibitory effect at 2 mg Cr (VI) Kg−1soil, where impaired sugar supply resulted in decreased guar gum synthesis and altered micronutrient content. The study reveals the possible role of these biochemical parameters in decreasing plant growth and development under heavy metal stress.
Calibration and Validation of a Mean Value Model for Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Authors: Li Ruixue , Huang Ying , Li Gang , Han Kai , Song He
Published: December 2013

In order to meet the high requirements of the control strategies for an effective and accuracy control-oriented model, a mean value model for a turbocharged diesel engine has been developed on the Matlab/Simulink. And then the error sources leading to the simulation inaccuracy have been analyzed comprehensively and two sets of experiments for model calibration and validation have been designed. Then a model calibration process and a model validation process have been proposed, with which the developed model is well calibrated and validated against the two sets of experimental data. Especially, for the compressor model calibration, an improved Jensen and Kristense method has been introduced to interpolate and extend the compressor maps. And turbine efficiency observer is designed for the rectification of turbine maps. At last, the calibration and validation process and improved methods and observer for turbocharger are verified and evaluated.
Type I Interferon at the Interface of Antiviral Immunity and Immune Regulation: The Curious Case of HIV-1
Authors: Boasso Adriano
Published: December 2013

Type I interferon (IFN-I) play a critical role in the innate immune response against viral infections. They actively participate in antiviral immunity by inducing molecular mechanisms of viral restriction and by limiting the spread of the infection, but they also orchestrate the initial phases of the adaptive immune response and influence the quality of T cell immunity. During infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the production of and response to IFN-I may be severely altered by the lymphotropic nature of the virus. In this review I consider the different aspects of virus sensing, IFN-I production, signalling, and effects on target cells, with a particular focus on the alterations observed following HIV-1 infection.
Concomitant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach and Gastric Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with Billroth 2 Resection
Authors: Sista Federico , Abruzzese Valentina , Schietroma Mario , Amicucci Gianfranco
Published: December 2013

Background. With this study we focus on the etiopathogenesis and on the therapy of the simultaneous occurrence of Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (gGIST) and adenocarcinoma of the stomach in a patient with Billroth II gastric resection (BIIGR). We report the first case of this event and a review of the literature.Methods. A 70-year-old man with a BIIGR, affected by adenocarcinoma of the stomach, was successfully treated with total gastrectomy. The histological examination showed a gastric adenocarcinoma with a synchronous GIST sized 2 cm and S-100, CD117, and CD34 positive. The mutation of PDGFR gene was detected.Discussion. This tumor is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Few cases of synchronous gastric adenocarcinoma and GIST are observed in the literature and no case in patients with BIIGR. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain this occurrence. It is frequently attributed to Metallothioneins genes mutations or embryological abnormalities, but this has not been proven yet. We suggest a hypothesis about the etiopathogenesis of this event in a BIIGR patient.Conclusion. GIST may occur synchronously with gastric adenocarcinoma. This simultaneous occurrence needs more studies to be proven. The study of Cajal cells’ proliferation signalling is crucial to demonstrate our hypotesis.
Nonlinear Control for Trajectory Tracking of a Nonholonomic RC-Hovercraft with Discrete Inputs
Authors: Chaos Dictino , Moreno-Salinas David , Muñoz-Mansilla Rocío , Aranda Joaquín
Published: December 2013

This work studies the problem of trajectory tracking for an underactuated RC-hovercraft, the control of which must be done by means of discrete inputs. Thus, the aim is to control a vehicle with very simple propellers that produce only a discrete set of control commands, and with minimal information about the dynamics of the actuators. The control problem is approached as a cascade control problem, where the outer loop stabilizes the position error, and the inner loop stabilizes the orientation of the vehicle. Stability of the controller is theoretically demonstrated and the robustness of the control law against disturbances and noise is established. Simulation examples and experiments on a real setup validate the control law showing the real system to be robust against disturbances, noise, and outdated dynamics.
Note on a Class of Subsets of AG(3, q) with Intersection Numbers 1, q and n with respect to the Planes
Authors: Napolitano Vito
Published: December 2013

We give a new and correct proof of a result of O. Ferri and S. Ferri (1995) on q2-caps of AG(3,q) in this paper; moreover we prove that sets of AG(3,q) of type (1,q,q+1) with respect to the planes of AG(3,q) have size at most q2 with equality if and only if 𝒦 is a cap.
Seasonal Colonization of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in the Roots of Camellia sinensis (Tea) in Different Tea Gardens of India
Authors: Sharma Chitra , Gupta Rajan K. , Pathak Rakesh K. , Choudhary Kaushal K.
Published: December 2013

Study describes Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) fungi colonization within the roots of cultivated tea plants (Camellia sinensis) at four sites, that is, Goodrich, Archadia, IIP, and Vasant Vihar of Doon Valley, Dehradun, India, from April, 2008, to March, 2009. Microscopic study of sterilized and stained root segments showed presence of four species namely Glomus fasciculatum, G. mosseae, Gigaspora margarita, and Acaulospora scrobiculata belonging to three genera of mycorrhizal fungi. Maximum AM colonization was observed during April–September and minimum was observed for December-January months of the year. Comparative study of AM fungi colonization at four sites during rainy season showed maximum colonization (100%) at Archadia site having soil with high organic matter, less acidity, and low phosphorus (P) whereas minimum (64.59%) at IIP with low organic matter, more acidity, and high P content. However, no variation in nitrogen content was observed at all four sites. Study suggested a positive relation of percentage root colonization with soil organic matter and negative relation with acidity and P content of soil. Study concludes that the percentage AM colonization is the function of seasonal variation in physicochemical properties of soil and presence of AM inoculums in the soil at a particular time.
Application of the Support Vector Machine to Predict Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Mammadova Nazira , Keskin İsmail
Published: December 2013

This study presented a potentially useful alternative approach to ascertain the presence of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cows using support vector machine (SVM) techniques. The proposed method detected mastitis in a cross‐sectional representative sample of Holstein dairy cattle milked using an automatic milking system. The study used such suspected indicators of mastitis as lactation rank, milk yield, electrical conductivity, average milking duration, and control season as input data. The output variable was somatic cell counts obtained from milk samples collected monthly throughout the 15 months of the control period. Cattle were judged to be healthy or infected based on those somatic cell counts. This study undertook a detailed scrutiny of the SVM methodology, constructing and examining a model which showed 89% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and 50% error in mastitis detection.
Synthesis of Trigeneration Systems: Sensitivity Analyses and Resilience
Authors: Carvalho Monica , Lozano Miguel A. , Ramos José , Serra Luis M.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents sensitivity and resilience analyses for a trigeneration system designed for a hospital. The following information is utilized to formulate an integer linear programming model: (1) energy service demands of the hospital, (2) technical and economical characteristics of the potential technologies for installation, (3) prices of the available utilities interchanged, and (4) financial parameters of the project. The solution of the model, minimizing the annual total cost, provides the optimal configuration of the system (technologies installed and number of pieces of equipment) and the optimal operation mode (operational load of equipment, interchange of utilities with the environment, convenience of wasting cogenerated heat, etc.) at each temporal interval defining the demand. The broad range of technical, economic, and institutional uncertainties throughout the life cycle of energy supply systems for buildings makes it necessary to delve more deeply into the fundamental properties of resilient systems: feasibility, flexibility and robustness. The resilience of the obtained solution is tested by varying, within reasonable limits, selected parameters: energy demand, amortization and maintenance factor, natural gas price, self‐consumption of electricity, and time‐of‐delivery feed‐in tariffs.
Research on Feature Extraction of Indicator Card Data for Sucker-Rod Pump Working Condition Diagnosis
Authors: Yu Yunhua , Shi Haitao , Mi Lifei
Published: December 2013

Three feature extraction methods of sucker-rod pump indicator card data have been studied, simulated, and compared in this paper, which are based on Fourier Descriptors (FD), Geometric Moment Vector (GMV), and Gray Level Matrix Statistics (GLMX), respectively. Numerical experiments show that the Fourier Descriptors algorithm requires less running time and less memory space with possible loss of information due to nonoptimal numbers of Fourier Descriptors, the Geometric Moment Vector algorithm is more time-consuming and requires more memory space, while the Gray Level Matrix Statistics algorithm provides low-dimension feature vectors with more time consumption and more memory space. Furthermore, the characteristic of rotational invariance, both in the Fourier Descriptors algorithm and the Geometric Moment Vector algorithm, may result in improper pattern recognition of indicator card data when used for sucker-rod pump working condition diagnosis.
Fungal and Bacterial Communities in the Rhizosphere of Pinus tabulaeformis Related to the Restoration of Plantations and Natural Secondary Forests in the Loess Plateau, Northwest China
Authors: Yu Hong-Xia , Wang Chun-Yan , Tang Ming
Published: December 2013

Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) is widely planted for restoration in destroyed ecosystems of the Loess Plateau in China. Although soil microbial communities are important subsurface components of the terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about fungal and bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of planted and natural P. tabulaeformis forests in the region. In this study, fungal and bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of P. tabulaeformis were analyzed by nested PCR‐DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Diversity analysis revealed that the values of the Shannon‐Wiener index (H) and the Simpson index (D) of fungal communities were higher in natural secondary forests than in plantations except for the 3‐year‐old site. Moreover, the values of species richness, H, and D of the bacterial communities were also higher in the former. Totally, 18 fungal and 19 bacterial DGGE band types were successfully retrieved and sequenced. The dominant fungi in the rhizosphere of P. tabulaeformis belonged to the phylum of Basidiomycota, while the dominant bacteria belonged to the phylum of Proteobacteria. Principal component analysis indicated that fungal and bacterial species were more unitary in plantations than in natural secondary forests, and the majority of them were more likely to appear in the latter. Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the fungal and bacterial community diversities.
Optimization of Electroless Ni-P-W Coatings for Minimum Friction and Wear Using Grey-Taguchi Method
Authors: Roy Supriyo , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: December 2013

The present experimental investigation deals with the deposition of electroless Ni-P-W coating on mild steel substrate and optimization of tribological parameters for better tribological behaviour like minimization of wear depth and coefficient of friction. Three tribological test parameters, namely, load, speed, and time, are optimized for minimum friction and wear of the coating. Friction and wear tests are carried out in a multitribotester using block on roller configuration under dry conditions. Taguchi based grey relational analysis is employed for optimization of this multiple response problem using L27 orthogonal array. Analysis of variance shows that load, speed, time, and interaction between load and speed have significant influence on controlling the friction and wear behavior of Ni-P-W coating. It is observed that wear mechanism is mild adhesive in nature. The structural morphology, composition, and phase structure of the coating are studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), respectively.
A Case of Medication-Resistant Acanthamoeba Keratitis Treated by Corneal Crosslinking in Turkey
Authors: Demirci Goktug , Ozdamar Akif
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To report a case of medication-resistant acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) treated successfully by corneal crosslinking (CXL).Methods. A 26-year-old male with medication-resistant AK underwent a standard CXL procedure with local anesthesia, followed by central corneal epithelial debridement, application of riboflavin 0.1%, and UV-A irradiation.Results. The patient experienced a dramatic symptomatic improvement within 24 hours. At two months, keratitis was healed with a semitransparent paracentral scar that did not affect visual acuity.Conclusions. Our experience, considered in the context of recent studies, suggests that CXL may be an option for selected patients with medication-resistant AK and corneal melting. CXL allows patients to avoid emergency keratoplasty and experience rapid symptomatic relief.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Perceived Stress Scale in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Wu Salene M. , Amtmann Dagmar
Published: December 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease characterized by neurological symptoms and sometimes heightened levels of distress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is often used in MS samples to measure stress but has not been validated in this population. Participants (n=446) completed the PSS as well as measure of depression, anxiety, and mental and physical health. Factor analyses indicated that the general factor of a bifactor model accounted for a large amount of the variance in the 14-item and 10-item versions of the PSS. The 4-item PSS had two factors, the Stress subscale and the Coping subscale, but a one-factor model also fits the data well. Total scores and both subscales had sufficient reliability and validity for all versions of the PSS, although a few items of the 14-item PSS had low item-total correlations. This study supports the use of the total score of the PSS in MS but also suggests that the 10-item PSS had better psychometric properties than the 14-item PSS.
Risk Assessment of Groundwater Contamination: A Multilevel Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Approach Based on DRASTIC Model
Authors: Zhang Qiuwen , Yang Xiaohong , Zhang Yan , Zhong Ming
Published: December 2013

Groundwater contamination is a serious threat to water supply. Risk assessment of groundwater contamination is an effective way to protect the safety of groundwater resource. Groundwater is a complex and fuzzy system with many uncertainties, which is impacted by different geological and hydrological factors. In order to deal with the uncertainty in the risk assessment of groundwater contamination, we propose an approach with analysis hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation integrated together. Firstly, the risk factors of groundwater contamination are identified by the sources‐pathway‐receptor‐consequence method, and a corresponding index system of risk assessment based on DRASTIC model is established. Due to the complexity in the process of transitions between the possible pollution risks and the uncertainties of factors, the method of analysis hierarchy process is applied to determine the weights of each factor, and the fuzzy sets theory is adopted to calculate the membership degrees of each factor. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate and test this methodology. It is concluded that the proposed approach integrates the advantages of both analysis hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, which provides a more flexible and reliable way to deal with the linguistic uncertainty and mechanism uncertainty in groundwater contamination without losing important information.
Sinus Lift and Transantral Approach to Root Fragment Removal
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Rizza Federica , Dudaite Adele , Censi Rachele , Re Dino
Published: December 2013

The aim of this case report is to present a case of root fragment removal during planned sinus lift procedure. After failed molar tooth extraction, we chose to retrieve the residual root apex with transantral approach not to damage excessively bone volume. Without changing primary implant rehabilitation purpose, the fragment removal procedure was performed prior to implant placement during necessary sinus lift surgery. Higher visibility of surgical field was achieved. The root fragment residual was removed without an additional surgery appointment avoiding postoperative discomfort. The goal is to underline the importance of being able to change planning during intrasurgical complications. It is most appropriate to operate with safe and simple procedures to reduce surgical discomfort for the patient.
The Impact of Adjustment for Socioeconomic Status on Comparisons of Cancer Incidence between Two European Countries
Authors: Donnelly David W. , Hegarty Avril , Sharp Linda , Carsin Anne-Elie , Deady Sandra , McCluskey Neil , Comber Harry , Gavin Anna
Published: December 2013

Background.Cancer incidence rates vary considerably between countries and by socioeconomic status (SES). We investigate the impact of SES upon the relative cancer risk in two neighbouring countries.Methods.Data on 229,824 cases for 16 cancers diagnosed in 1995–2007 were extracted from the cancer registries in Northern Ireland (NI) and Republic of Ireland (RoI). Cancers in the two countries were compared using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) adjusted for age and age plus area-based SES.Results.Adjusting for SES in addition to age had a considerable impact on NI/RoI comparisons for cancers strongly related to SES. Before SES adjustment, lung cancer incidence rates were 11% higher for males and 7% higher for females in NI, while after adjustment, the IRR was not statistically significant. Cervical cancer rates were lower in NI than in RoI after adjustment for age (IRR: 0.90 (0.84–0.97)), with this difference increasing after adjustment for SES (IRR: 0.85 (0.79–0.92)). For cancers with a weak or nonexistent relationship to SES, adjustment for SES made little difference to the IRR.Conclusion.Socioeconomic factors explain some international variations but also obscure other crucial differences; thus, adjustment for these factors should not become part of international comparisons.
Directed Self‐Assembly of Block Copolymer for Bit Patterned Media with Areal Density of 1.5 Teradot/Inch2 and Beyond
Authors: Yang XiaoMin , Xiao Shuaigang , Hsu Yautzong , Feldbaum Michael , Lee Kim , Kuo David
Published: December 2013

Directed self‐assembly (DSA) of block copolymer (BCP) holds great promise for many applications in nanolithography, including the next generation magnetic recording. In this work, directed self‐assembly of block copolymer technique has been combined with rotary stage electron beam mastering to fabricate a circular full track nanoimprint template for bit patterned media (BPM) fabrication. In order to meet specific requirements in pattern structure and format between the data and the servo zone in a servo‐integrated template, three types of lithographically defined prepatterns, (1) two‐dimensional chemical pre‐pattern, (2) two‐dimensional low‐topographic pre‐pattern, and (3) one‐dimensional high‐topographic pre‐pattern, have been explored for DSA process with two types of commercially available BCP thin film materials: cylinder‐forming poly(styrene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) and sphere‐forming poly(styrene‐b‐dimethylsiloxane) (PS‐b‐PDMS). All guided BCP patterns exhibit highly ordered hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) structures with high pattern quality. Using these BCP patterns, two polarities of dots‐array templates (hole‐tone and pillar‐tone) with integrated servo patterns have been fabricated on a fused silica substrate at a density greater than 1.0 Td/in2. Furthermore, the fabricated master template has been used for UV‐cure nanoimprint lithography process development on 2.5 inch disk size media. Good pattern uniformity in imprint resist has been achieved over an entire 2.4 mm wide band area. The imprint resist patterns have been further transferred into underlying CoCrPt media by ion beam etching. Evidently, for the first time, the patterned CoCrPt alloy dots (hcp pattern) have successfully been demonstrated at a high density of  1.5 Td/in2 (pitch = 22.3 nm) for a guided media (Hc≅7 kOe) and 3.2 Td/in2 (pitch=15.2 nm) for an unguided media (Hc≅5 kOe).
Analyzing EEG of Quasi-Brain-Death Based on Dynamic Sample Entropy Measures
Authors: Ni Li , Cao Jianting , Wang Rubin
Published: December 2013

To give a more definite criterion using electroencephalograph (EEG) approach on brain death determination is vital for both reducing the risks and preventing medical misdiagnosis. This paper presents several novel adaptive computable entropy methods based on approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) to monitor the varying symptoms of patients and to determine the brain death. The proposed method is a dynamic extension of the standard ApEn and SampEn by introducing a shifted time window. The main advantages of the developed dynamic approximate entropy (DApEn) and dynamic sample entropy (DSampEn) are for real-time computation and practical use. Results from the analysis of 35 patients (63 recordings) show that the proposed methods can illustrate effectiveness and well performance in evaluating the brain consciousness states.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Familial Mediterranean Fever or Sacroiliitis Accompanied by FMF
Authors: Şahin Ali , Yetişgin Alparslan , Şahin Mehtap
Published: December 2013

The coexistence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has been rarely seen in case reports in the literature. Herein, we wanted to present a patient who had been followed up and treated as RA, but on investigation we concluded that he really had FMF and its joint complaints associated with sacroiliitis. Recovery was achieved by etanercept administered as if he was an RA patient.
Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Technique for the Particle Size Distribution of Nonporous Nanoparticles
Authors: Agbabiaka A. , Wiltfong M. , Park C.
Published: December 2013

Nanoparticles are small particles whose sizes are less than 100 nm. They have many industrial applications due to their unique properties. Their properties are often size-dependent; thus the accurate determination of nanoparticle sizes is important for quality assurance of nanoparticle production processes. A small angle X-ray scattering technique is a promising method used for characterizing nanoparticle sizes. It has distinctive advantages over other techniques such as electron microscope techniques. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art methods for determining the sizes of nanoparticles with small angle X-ray experiments and discuss the advantages and limitations of the state-of-the-art methods.
Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, or Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Subgroups
Authors: Gómez-Outes Antonio , Terleira-Fernández Ana Isabel , Calvo-Rojas Gonzalo , Suárez-Gea M. Luisa , Vargas-Castrillón Emilio
Published: December 2013

Background. New oral anticoagulants (NOAC; rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban) have become available as an alternative to warfarin anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods. MEDLINE and CENTRAL, regulatory agencies websites, clinical trials registers and conference proceedings were searched to identify randomised controlled trials of NOAC versus warfarin in NVAF. Two investigators reviewed all studies and extracted data on patient and study characteristics along with cardiovascular outcomes. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effect meta-analysis. Results. Three clinical trials in 50,578 patients were included. The risk of non-hemorrhagic stroke and systemic embolic events (SEE) was similar with the NOAC and warfarin (RR=0.93; 95% CI=0.83–1.04), while the risk of intracranial bleeding (ICB) with the NOAC was lower than with warfarin (RR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.33–0.65). We found differences in the effect size on all strokes and SEE depending on geographic region as well as on non-hemorrhagic stroke, SEE, bleeding and mortality depending on time in therapeutic range. Conclusion. The NOAC seem no more effective than warfarin for prevention of nonhemorrhagic stroke and SEE in the overall NVAF population, but are generally associated with a lower risk of ICB than warfarin.
Sol‐Gel Synthesized Magnetic MnFe2O4 Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles as Novel Catalyst for Oxidative Degradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Zhang Linfeng , Wu Yuanxin
Published: December 2013

The MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles with sensitive magnetic response properties and high specific surface area were prepared from metal nitrates by the sol‐gel process as catalysts for oxidative degradation of methyl orange (MO). The nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area analysis, H2‐Temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic activity experimental results showed that the MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles possess very high MO degradation activity. It is expected that this kind of MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles has a potential application in water treatment fields due to its sensitive magnetic response properties and high catalytic activity.