bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenation of Styrene Oxide to 2-Phenylethanol over Nanocrystalline Ni Prepared by Ethylene Glycol Reduction Method
Authors: Kanojiya Sunil K. , Shukla G. , Sharma S. , Dwivedi R. , Sharma P. , Prasad R. , Satalkar M. , Kane S. N.
Published: July 2014

Nanocrystalline nickel prepared by glycol reduction method and characterized by XRD and magnetic measurements has been used as a catalyst for hydrogenation of styrene oxide to 2-phenylethanol. Effect of process variables such as particle size of the catalyst, temperature, and pressure have been optimized to achieve a maximum conversion of 98% of styrene oxide with 99% selectivity towards 2-phenylethanol. The structure of the transition state has been computed employing density functional theory and using Gaussian 09 suite. The enthalpy of reaction (ΔH) and activation energy (Ea) are calculated to be 85.3 kcal·mol−1and 123.03 kcal·mol−1, respectively. A tentative mechanism for the reaction is proposed according to which atomized hydrogen and styrene oxide react together over the catalyst surface to produce 2-phenylethanol.
Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy due to Valproic Acid and Topiramate Interaction
Authors: Twilla Jennifer D. , Pierce Andrew S.
Published: July 2014

Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare yet serious adverse drug reaction. Medication interactions such a valproic acid and topiramate can precipitate an event. We present the case of a 52-year-old female that presented with acute mental status change and hypersomnolence due to hyperammonemia caused by a valproic acid derivative. The patient improved after withdrawal of the offending medications and treatment with lactulose. Clinicians should remain hypervigilant in monitoring for valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy and risk factors such as polypharmacy.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 Regimen to Treat Advanced Gastric Cancer Improves Survival without Increasing Adverse Events: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Chinese Center
Authors: Sun Zhen , Zhu Rui-Juan , Yang Gui-Fang , Li Yan
Published: July 2014

Background/Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of FOLFOX4 (5-fluomumcil/leucovorin combined and oxaliplatin) neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC).Patients and Methods. Fifty-eight AGC patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, 23 in the neoadjuvant group and 35 in the adjuvant group. R0 resection, survival, and adverse events were compared.Results. The two groups were well-matched, with no significant differences in R0 resection rate (82.6% versus 82.0%) and number of lymph nodes dissection (16 (0–49) versus 13 (3–40)) between the two groups(P>0.05). The number of lymph node metastases in the neoadjuvant group (3 (0–14)) was significantly fewer than that in the adjuvant group (6 (0–27))(P=0.04). The neoadjuvant group had significantly better median overall survival (29.0 versus 22.0 months) and 3-year survival rate (73.9% versus 40.0%) than the adjuvant group(P=0.013). The positive expression rate of Ki-67 in the neoadjuvant group (40.0%, 8/20) was lower than that in the adjuvant group (74.2%, 23/31;P=0.015).Conclusion. The FOLFOX4 neoadjuvant chemotherapy could improve survival without increasing adverse events in patients with AGC.
A Probabilistic Analysis of Path Duration Using Routing Protocol in VANETs
Authors: Rao Ram Shringar , Soni Sanjay Kumar , Singh Nanhay , Kaiwartya Omprakash
Published: July 2014

In recent years, various routing metrics such as throughput, end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio, path duration, and so forth have been used to evaluate the performance of routing protocols in VANETs. Among these routing metrics, path duration is one of the most influential metrics. Highly mobile vehicles cause frequent topology change in vehicular network environment that ultimately affects the path duration. In this paper, we have derived a mathematical model to estimate path duration using border node-based most forward progress within radius (B-MFR), a position based routing protocol. The mathematical model for estimation of path duration consists of probability of finding next-hop node in forwarding region, estimation of expected number of hops, probability distribution of velocity of nodes, and link duration between each intermediate pair of nodes. The analytical results for the path duration estimation model have been obtained using MATLAB. The model for path duration estimation has been simulated in NS2. Each of the analytical results has been verified through respective simulation results. The result analysis clearly reveals that path duration increases with the increase in transmission range and node density and decreases with the increase in the number of hops in the path and velocity of the nodes.
The Role of Antioxidant Enzymes in Adaptive Responses to Sheath Blight Infestation under Different Fertilization Rates and Hill Densities
Authors: Wu Wei , Wan Xuejie , Shah Farooq , Fahad Shah , Huang Jianliang
Published: July 2014

Sheath blight of rice, caused byRhizoctonia solani, is one of the most devastating rice diseases worldwide. No rice cultivar has been found to be completely resistant to this fungus. Identifying antioxidant enzymes activities (activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)) and malondialdehyde content (MDA) responding to sheath blight infestation is imperative to understand the defensive mechanism systems of rice. In the present study, two inoculation methods (toothpick and agar block method) were tested in double-season rice. Toothpick method had greater lesion length than agar block method in late season. A higher MDA content was found under toothpick method compared with agar block method, which led to greater POD and SOD activities. Dense planting caused higher lesion length resulting in a higher MDA content, which also subsequently stimulated higher POD and SOD activity. Sheath blight severity was significantly related to the activity of antioxidant enzyme during both seasons. The present study implies that rice plants possess a system of antioxidant protective enzymes which helps them in adaptation to sheath blight infection stresses. Several agronomic practices, such as rational use of fertilizers and optimum planting density, involved in regulating antioxidant protective enzyme systems can be regarded as promising strategy to suppress the sheath blight development.
Remarks on Homogeneous Al-Salam and Carlitz Polynomials
Authors: Fang Jian-Ping
Published: July 2014

Several multilinear generating functions of the homogeneous Al-Salam and Carlitz polynomials are derived fromq-operator. In addition, two interesting relationships of product of this kind of polynomials are obtained.
In Vivo Imaging of Nitric Oxide by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Seo Jeong-Won , Kwon Soonjo
Published: July 2014

Nitric oxide (NO) biosensors are novel tools for real‐time bioimaging of tissue oxygen changes and physiological monitoring of tissue vasculature. Nitric oxide behavior further enhances its role in mapping signal transduction at the molecular level. Spectrometric electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and fluorometric imaging are well known techniques with the potential for in vivo bioimaging of NO. In tissues, NO is a specific target of nitrosyl compounds for chemical reaction, which provides a unique opportunity for application of newly identified NO biosensors. However, the accuracy and sensitivity of NO biosensors still need to be improved. Another potential magnetic resonance technique based on short term NO effects on proton relaxation enhancement is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and some NO biosensors may be used as potent imaging contrast agents for measurement of tumor size by MRI combined with fluorescent imaging. The present review provides supporting information regarding the possible use of nitrosyl compounds as NO biosensors in MRI and fluorescent bioimaging showing their measurement limitations and quantitative accuracy. These new approaches open a perspective regarding bioimaging of NO and the in vivo elucidation of NO effects by magnetic resonance techniques.
Effect of Mn Doping on Properties of CdS Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Tianxing , Zou Xiaoping , Zhou Hongquan
Published: July 2014

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have received extensive attention in recent years due to their higher theoretical conversion efficiency and lower production costs. However, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of QDSSCs is still lower than the DSSCs because of the severe recombination of electrons of quantum dots conduction band. In order to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of QDSSCs, impurity element Mn2+is doped into the precursor solution of cadmium sulfide (CdS). By optimizing the experimental parameters, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of QDSSCs can be greatly improved. For the deposition of a fixed number of six times, the photoelectric conversion efficiency shows the maximum value (1.51%) at the doped ratio of 1 : 10.
Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of Mobile Bearing Type Knee Prosthesis under Deep Flexional Motion
Authors: Mohd Anuar Mohd Afzan , Todo Mitsugu , Nagamine Ryuji , Hirokawa Shunji
Published: July 2014

The primary objective of this study is to distinguish between mobile bearing and fixed bearing posterior stabilized knee prostheses in the mechanics performance using the finite element simulation. Quantifying the relative mechanics attributes and survivorship between the mobile bearing and the fixed bearing prosthesis remains in investigation among researchers. In the present study, 3-dimensional computational model of a clinically used mobile bearing PS type knee prosthesis was utilized to develop a finite element and dynamic simulation model. Combination of displacement and force driven knee motion was adapted to simulate a flexion motion from 0° to 135° with neutral, 10°, and 20° internal tibial rotation to represent deep knee bending. Introduction of the secondary moving articulation in the mobile bearing knee prosthesis has been found to maintain relatively low shear stress during deep knee motion with tibial rotation.
A Bayesian Combined Model for Time‐Dependent Turning Movement Proportions Estimation at Intersections
Authors: Jiao Pengpeng , Sun Tuo , Du Lin
Published: July 2014

Time‐dependent turning movement flows are very important input data for intelligent transportation systems but are impossible to be detected directly through current traffic surveillance systems. Existing estimation models have proved to be not accurate and reliable enough during all intervals. An improved way to address this problem is to develop a combined model framework that can integrate multiple submodels running simultaneously. This paper first presents a back propagation neural network model to estimate dynamic turning movements, as well as the self‐adaptive learning rate approach and the gradient descent with momentum method for solving. Second, this paper develops an efficient Kalman filtering model and designs a revised sequential Kalman filtering algorithm. Based on the Bayesian method using both historical data and currently estimated results for error calibration, this paper further integrates above two submodels into a Bayesian combined model framework and proposes a corresponding algorithm. A field survey is implemented at an intersection in Beijing city to collect both time series of link counts and actual time‐dependent turning movement flows, including historical and present data. The reported estimation results show that the Bayesian combined model is much more accurate and stable than other models.
Protection of HEVC Video Delivery in Vehicular Networks with RaptorQ Codes
Authors: Piñol Pablo , Martínez-Rach Miguel , López Otoniel , Malumbres Manuel Pérez
Published: July 2014

With future vehicles equipped with processing capability, storage, and communications, vehicular networks will become a reality. A vast number of applications will arise that will make use of this connectivity. Some of them will be based on video streaming. In this paper we focus on HEVC video coding standard streaming in vehicular networks and how it deals with packet losses with the aid of RaptorQ, a Forward Error Correction scheme. As vehicular networks are packet loss prone networks, protection mechanisms are necessary if we want to guarantee a minimum level of quality of experience to the final user. We have run simulations to evaluate which configurations fit better in this type of scenarios.
Intraperitoneal Infusion of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Prevents Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Kim Tae Wan , Jeong Hyun Jeong , Lee Hyun Ju , Ryu Jin Suk , Wee Won Ryang , Heo Jang Won , Kim Mee Kum
Published: July 2014

Autoimmune uveitis is one of the leading causes of blindness. We here investigated whether intraperitoneal administration of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) might prevent development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in mice. Time course study showed that the number of IFN-γ- or IL-17-expressing CD4+T cells was increased in draining lymph nodes (DLNs) on the postimmunization day 7 and decreased thereafter. The retinal structure was severely disrupted on day 21. An intraperitoneal injection of hMSCs at the time of immunization protected the retina from damage and suppressed the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the eye. Analysis of DLNs on day 7 showed that hMSCs decreased the number of Th1 and Th17 cells. The hMSCs did not reduce the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-23 which are the cytokines that drive Th1/Th17 differentiation. Also, hMSCs did not induce CD4+CD25+Foxp3+cells. However, hMSCs increased the level of an immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 and the population of IL-10-expressing B220+CD19+cells. Together, data demonstrate that hMSCs attenuate EAU by suppressing Th1/Th17 cells and induce IL-10-expressing B220+CD19+cells. Our results support suggestions that hMSCs may offer a therapy for autoimmune diseases mediated by Th1/Th17 responses.
Vascular Calcification and Renal Bone Disorders
Authors: Lu Kuo-Cheng , Wu Chia-Chao , Yen Jen-Fen , Liu Wen-Chih
Published: July 2014

At the early stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the systemic mineral metabolism and bone composition start to change. This alteration is known as chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). It is well known that the bone turnover disorder is the most common complication of CKD-MBD. Besides, CKD patients usually suffer from vascular calcification (VC), which is highly associated with mortality. Many factors regulate the VC mechanism, which include imbalances in serum calcium and phosphate, systemic inflammation, RANK/RANKL/OPG triad, aldosterone, microRNAs, osteogenic transdifferentiation, and effects of vitamins. These factors have roles in both promoting and inhibiting VC. Patients with CKD usually have bone turnover problems. Patients with high bone turnover have increase of calcium and phosphate release from the bone. By contrast, when bone turnover is low, serum calcium and phosphate levels are frequently maintained at high levels because the reservoir functions of bone decrease. Both of these conditions will increase the possibility of VC. In addition, the calcified vessel may secrete FGF23 and Wnt inhibitors such as sclerostin, DKK-1, and secreted frizzled-related protein to prevent further VC. However, all of them may fight back the inhibition of bone formation resulting in fragile bone. There are several ways to treat VC depending on the bone turnover status of the individual. The main goals of therapy are to maintain normal bone turnover and protect against VC.
Induced Unbalanced Linguistic Ordered Weighted Average and Its Application in Multiperson Decision Making
Authors: Marin Lucas , Valls Aida , Isern David , Moreno Antonio , Merigó José M.
Published: July 2014

Linguistic variables are very useful to evaluate alternatives in decision making problems because they provide a vocabulary in natural language rather than numbers. Some aggregation operators for linguistic variables force the use of a symmetric and uniformly distributed set of terms. The need to relax these conditions has recently been posited. This paper presents the induced unbalanced linguistic ordered weighted average (IULOWA) operator. This operator can deal with a set of unbalanced linguistic terms that are represented using fuzzy sets. We propose a new order-inducing criterion based on the specificity and fuzziness of the linguistic terms. Different relevancies are given to the fuzzy values according to their uncertainty degree. To illustrate the behaviour of the precision-based IULOWA operator, we present an environmental assessment case study in which a multiperson multicriteria decision making model is applied.
An Ant Colony Optimization Based Feature Selection for Web Page Classification
Authors: Saraç Esra , Özel Selma Ayşe
Published: July 2014

The increased popularity of the web has caused the inclusion of huge amount of information to the web, and as a result of this explosive information growth, automated web page classification systems are needed to improve search engines’ performance. Web pages have a large number of features such as HTML/XML tags, URLs, hyperlinks, and text contents that should be considered during an automated classification process. The aim of this study is to reduce the number of features to be used to improve runtime and accuracy of the classification of web pages. In this study, we used an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm to select the best features, and then we applied the well-known C4.5, naive Bayes, andknearest neighbor classifiers to assign class labels to web pages. We used the WebKB and Conference datasets in our experiments, and we showed that using the ACO for feature selection improves both accuracy and runtime performance of classification. We also showed that the proposed ACO based algorithm can select better features with respect to the well-known information gain and chi square feature selection methods.
Full Aperture CO2Laser Process to Improve Laser Damage Resistance of Fused Silica Optical Surface
Authors: Liao Wei , Zhang Chuanchao , Sun Xiaofen , Zhang Lijuan , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: July 2014

An improved method is presented to scan the full-aperture optical surface rapidly by using galvanometer steering mirrors. In contrast to the previous studies, the scanning velocity is faster by several orders of magnitude. The velocity is chosen to allow little thermodeposition thus providing small and uniform residual stress. An appropriate power density is set to obtain a lower processing temperature. The proper parameters can help to prevent optical surface from fracturing during operation at high laser flux. S-on-1 damage test results show that the damage threshold of scanned area is approximately 40% higher than that of untreated area.
An Approach to Evaluating Enterprise Financial Performance Based on the Control Inheritance of Family Businesses with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Information
Authors: Liu Hui
Published: July 2014

We investigate the multiple attribute decision making problems for evaluating the enterprise financial performance based on the control inheritance of family businesses with intuitionistic fuzzy information. We utilize the intuitionistic fuzzy Bonferroni mean (IFBM) operator to aggregate the intuitionistic fuzzy information corresponding to each alternative and get the overall value of enterprise financial performance and then rank the enterprises and select the most desirable one(s) by using the overall value of enterprise financial performance. Finally, an illustrative example for evaluating the enterprise financial performance based on the control inheritance of family businesses is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Big Data: Survey, Technologies, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Khan Nawsher , Yaqoob Ibrar , Hashem Ibrahim Abaker Targio , Inayat Zakira , Mahmoud Ali Waleed Kamaleldin , Alam Muhammad , Shiraz Muhammad , Gani Abdullah
Published: July 2014

Big Data has gained much attention from the academia and the IT industry. In the digital and computing world, information is generated and collected at a rate that rapidly exceeds the boundary range. Currently, over 2 billion people worldwide are connected to the Internet, and over 5 billion individuals own mobile phones. By 2020, 50 billion devices are expected to be connected to the Internet. At this point, predicted data production will be 44 times greater than that in 2009. As information is transferred and shared at light speed on optic fiber and wireless networks, the volume of data and the speed of market growth increase. However, the fast growth rate of such large data generates numerous challenges, such as the rapid growth of data, transfer speed, diverse data, and security. Nonetheless, Big Data is still in its infancy stage, and the domain has not been reviewed in general. Hence, this study comprehensively surveys and classifies the various attributes of Big Data, including its nature, definitions, rapid growth rate, volume, management, analysis, and security. This study also proposes a data life cycle that uses the technologies and terminologies of Big Data. Future research directions in this field are determined based on opportunities and several open issues in Big Data domination. These research directions facilitate the exploration of the domain and the development of optimal techniques to address Big Data.
Method to Eliminate Flux Linkage DC Component in Load Transformer for Static Transfer Switch
Authors: He Yu , Mao Chengxiong , Lu Jiming , Wang Dan , Tian Bing
Published: July 2014

Many industrial and commercial sensitive loads are subject to the voltage sags and interruptions. The static transfer switch (STS) based on the thyristors is applied to improve the power quality and reliability. However, the transfer will result in severe inrush current in the load transformer, because of the DC component in the magnetic flux generated in the transfer process. The inrush current which is always 2~30 p.u. can cause the disoperation of relay protective devices and bring potential damage to the transformer. The way to eliminate the DC component is to transfer the related phases when the residual flux linkage of the load transformer and the prospective flux linkage of the alternate source are equal. This paper analyzes how the flux linkage of each winding in the load transformer changes in the transfer process. Based on the residual flux linkage when the preferred source is completely disconnected, the method to calculate the proper time point to close each phase of the alternate source is developed. Simulation and laboratory experiments results are presented to show the effectiveness of the transfer method.
Minimize the Percentage of Noise in Biomedical Images Using Neural Networks
Authors: Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani
Published: July 2014

The overall goal of the research is to improve the quality of biomedical image for telemedicine with minimum percentages of noise in the retrieved image and to take less computation time. The novelty of this technique lies in the implementation of spectral coding for biomedical images using neural networks in order to accomplish the above objectives. This work is in continuity of an ongoing research project aimed at developing a system for efficient image compression approach for telemedicine in Saudi Arabia. We compare the efficiency of this technique against existing image compression techniques, namely, JPEG2000, in terms of compression ratio, peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), and computation time. To our knowledge, the research is the primary in providing a comparative study with other techniques used in the compression of biomedical images. This work explores and tests biomedical images such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
A Method Based on Active Appearance Model and Gradient Orientation Pyramid of Face Verification as People Age
Authors: Du Ji-Xiang , Wu Xing , Zhai Chuan-Min
Published: July 2014

Face verification in the presence of age progression is an important problem that has not been widely addressed. In this paper, we propose to use the active appearance model (AAM) and gradient orientation pyramid (GOP) feature representation for this problem. First, we use the AAM on the dataset and generate the AAM images; we then get the representation of gradient orientation on a hierarchical model, which is the appearance of GOP. When combined with a support vector machine (SVM), experimental results show that our approach has excellent performance on two public domain face aging datasets: FGNET and MORPH. Second, we compare the performance of the proposed methods with a number of related face verification methods; the results show that the new approach is more robust and performs better.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: An Integrated Perspective
Authors: Parham Kourosh
Published: July 2014

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of dizziness, occurs in all age groups. It presents with vertigo on head movement, but in older patients presentation may be typical and thus accounting for a low recognition rate in the primary care setting. It may be recurrent in up to 50% of cases. BPPV is associated with displacement of fragments of utricular otoconia into the semicircular canals, most commonly the posterior semicircular canal. Otoconia are composed of otoconin and otolin forming the organic matrix on which calcium carbonate mineralizes. Otoconia may fragment with trauma, age, or changes in the physiology of endolymph (e.g., pH and calcium concentration). Presentation varied because otoconia fragments can be displaced into any of the semicircular canals on either (or both) side and may be free floating (canalolithiasis) or attached to the cupula (cupulolithiasis). Most cases of BPPV are idiopathic, but head trauma, otologic disorders, and systemic disease appear to be contributory in a subset. Positional maneuvers are used to diagnose and treat the majority of cases. In rare intractable cases surgical management may be considered. A strong association with osteoporosis suggests that idiopathic BPPV may have diagnostic and management implications beyond that of a purely otologic condition.
Mathematical Model of Prediction of Nitrogen Pickup in Nitriding Process of Low Carbon Ferromanganese
Authors: Ghali Saeed
Published: July 2014

Low carbon ferromanganese was nitrided through gas-solid reaction. The nitriding process has been carried out on lab scale at temperature range 800°C–950°C at different nitrogen pressures. Temperature, time, and partial nitrogen pressure of nitriding process of fine low carbon ferromanganese were investigated. Nitrogen content, in weight percent, was more than 9%. MATLAB software was used to derive mathematical model to predict nitrogen content as a function of temperature and nitrogen pressure. According to derived model, nitrogen content can be calculated by the following equation: N content,wt.%=(-30.8882+0.0326*T)/(1+e-((P+0.0038*T-8.4155)/(3.6374-0.0018*T))), where, T is nitriding temperature in K and P is nitrogen pressure in bar. The experimental results are in good agreement with the predicted results. The results showed that nitrogen content, at steady state, is mainly depending on temperature and pressure of nitriding process. MATLAB is a good tool to make precision mathematical model.
Fire Propagation Performance of Intumescent Fire Protective Coatings Using Eggshells as a Novel Biofiller
Authors: Yew M. C. , Ramli Sulong N. H. , Yew M. K. , Amalina M. A. , Johan M. R.
Published: July 2014

This paper aims to synthesize and characterize an effective intumescent fire protective coating that incorporates eggshell powder as a novel biofiller. The performances of thermal stability, char formation, fire propagation, water resistance, and adhesion strength of coatings have been evaluated. A few intumescent flame-retardant coatings based on these three ecofriendly fire retardant additives ammonium polyphosphate phase II, pentaerythritol and melamine mixed together with flame-retardant fillers, and acrylic binder have been prepared and designed for steel. The fire performance of the coatings has conducted employing BS 476: Part 6-Fire propagation test. The foam structures of the intumescent coatings have been observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. On exposure, the coated specimens’ B, C, and D had been certified to be Class 0 due to the fact that their fire propagation indexes were less than 12. Incorporation of ecofriendly eggshell, biofiller into formulation D led to excellent performance in fire stopping (index value,(I)=4.3) and antioxidation of intumescent coating. The coating is also found to be quite effective in water repellency, uniform foam structure, and adhesion strength.
On Poisson Nonlinear Transformations
Authors: Ganikhodjaev Nasir , Hamzah Nur Zatul Akmar
Published: July 2014

We construct the family of Poisson nonlinear transformations defined on the countable sample space of nonnegative integers and investigate their trajectory behavior. We have proved that these nonlinear transformations are regular.
Research on Arrival/Departure Scheduling of Flights on Multirunways Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Hang , Jiang Xinxin
Published: July 2014

Aiming at the phenomenon of a large number of flight delays in the terminal area makes a reasonable scheduling for the approach and departure flights, which will minimize flight delay losses and improve runway utilization. This paper considered factors such as operating conditions and safety interval of multi runways; the maximum throughput and minimum flight delay losses as well as robustness were taken as objective functions; the model of optimization scheduling of approach and departure flights was established. Finally, the genetic algorithm was introduced to solve the model. The results showed that, in the program whose advance is not counted as a loss, its runway throughput is improved by 18.4%, the delay losses are reduced by 85.8%, and the robustness is increased by 20% compared with the results of FCFS (first come first served) algorithm, while, compared with the program whose advance is counted as a loss, the runway throughput is improved by 15.16%, flight delay losses are decreased by 75.64%, and the robustness is also increased by 20%. The algorithm can improve the efficiency and reduce delay losses effectively and reduce the workload of controllers, thereby improving economic results.
Synthesis of Disperse Dyes from Pyridone and Resorcinol Coupled to Diazotized 2-Amino-4-chloro-5-formylthiazole and Application to Polyester
Authors: Lams Yusuf Y. , Nkeonye P. O. , Bello K. A. , Yakubu M. K. , Lawal A. O.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to synthesize disperse dyes in the derivative of 2-amino-4-chloro-5-formylthiazole by conventional diazotization and couplings with pyridone and resorcinol. The dyes were characterized by visible absorption spectroscopy, IR spectral studies, and 1H and 13C NMR. The pyridone and resorcinol substituted dyes exhausted well with good depth on 100% polyester fabrics with a shade of brown and purple colours, respectively. The heteroatom and the intrinsic conjugation in the thiazole structure results in high bathochromic shifts and lead to brightness of shades. The dyed fabrics showed very good to excellent wash fastness and moderate to good light and perspiration fastness properties.
A Secure 3-Way Routing Protocols for Intermittently Connected Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Sekaran Ramesh , Parasuraman Ganesh Kumar
Published: July 2014

The mobile ad hoc network may be partially connected or it may be disconnected in nature and these forms of networks are termed intermittently connected mobile ad hoc network (ICMANET). The routing in such disconnected network is commonly an arduous task. Many routing protocols have been proposed for routing in ICMANET since decades. The routing techniques in existence for ICMANET are, namely, flooding, epidemic, probabilistic, copy case, spray and wait, and so forth. These techniques achieve an effective routing with minimum latency, higher delivery ratio, lesser overhead, and so forth. Though these techniques generate effective results, in this paper, we propose novel routing algorithms grounded on agent and cryptographic techniques, namely, location dissemination service (LoDiS) routing with agent AES, A-LoDiS with agent AES routing, and B-LoDiS with agent AES routing, ensuring optimal results with respect to various network routing parameters. The algorithm along with efficient routing ensures higher degree of security. The security level is cited testing with respect to possibility of malicious nodes into the network. This paper also aids, with the comparative results of proposed algorithms, for secure routing in ICMANET.
A Modified Harris Corner Detection for Breast IR Image
Authors: Lee Chia-Yen , Wang Hao-Jen , Chen Chung-Ming , Chuang Ching-Cheng , Chang Yeun-Chung , Chou Nien-Shiang
Published: July 2014

Harris corner detectors, which depend on strong invariance and a local autocorrelation function, display poor detection performance for infrared (IR) images with low contrast and nonobvious edges. In addition, feature points detected by Harris corner detectors are clustered due to the numerous nonlocal maxima. This paper proposes a modified Harris corner detector that includes two unique steps for processing IR images in order to overcome the aforementioned problems. Image contrast enhancement based on a generalized form of histogram equalization (HE) combined with adjusting the intensity resolution causes false contours on IR images to acquire obvious edges. Adaptive nonmaximal suppression based on eliminating neighboring pixels avoids the clustered features. Preliminary results show that the proposed method can solve the clustering problem and successfully identify the representative feature points of IR breast images.
Image Inpainting Methods Evaluation and Improvement
Authors: Vreja Raluca , Brad Remus
Published: July 2014

With the upgrowing of digital processing of images and film archiving, the need for assisted or unsupervised restoration required the development of a series of methods and techniques. Among them, image inpainting is maybe the most impressive and useful. Based on partial derivative equations or texture synthesis, many other hybrid techniques have been proposed recently. The need for an analytical comparison, beside the visual one, urged us to perform the studies shown in the present paper. Starting with an overview of the domain, an evaluation of the five methods was performed using a common benchmark and measuring the PSNR. Conclusions regarding the performance of the investigated algorithms have been presented, categorizing them in function of the restored image structure. Based on these experiments, we have proposed an adaptation of Oliveira’s and Hadhoud’s algorithms, which are performing well on images with natural defects.
Weaker Regularity Conditions and Sparse Recovery in High-Dimensional Regression
Authors: Wang Shiqing , Shi Yan , Su Limin
Published: July 2014

Regularity conditions play a pivotal role for sparse recovery in high-dimensional regression. In this paper, we present a weaker regularity condition and further discuss the relationships with other regularity conditions, such as restricted eigenvalue condition. We study the behavior of our new condition for design matrices with independent random columns uniformly drawn on the unit sphere. Moreover, the present paper shows that, under a sparsity scenario, the Lasso estimator and Dantzig selector exhibit similar behavior. Based on both methods, we derive, in parallel, more precise bounds for the estimation loss and the prediction risk in the linear regression model when the number of variables can be much larger than the sample size.
Targeted Therapy for HM1.24 (CD317) on Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Harada Takeshi , Ozaki Shuji
Published: July 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) still remains an incurable disease, at least because of the existence of cell-adhesion mediated drug-resistant MM cells and/or continuous recruitment of presumed MM cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCs). As a new alternative treatment modality, immunological approaches using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and/or cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are now attracting much attention as a novel strategy attacking MM cells. We have identified that HM1.24 [also known as bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) or CD317] is overexpressed on not only mature MM cells but also MM CSCs. We then have developed a humanized mAb to HM1.24 and defucosylated version of the mAb to adapt to clinical practice. Moreover, we have successfully induced HM1.24-specific CTLs against MM cells. The combination of these innovative therapeutic modalities may likely exert an anti-MM activity by evading the drug resistance mechanism and eliminating presumed CSCs in MM.
On Fuzzy Congruences and Fuzzy Strongh-Ideals of Hemirings
Authors: Zhu Kuanyun , Zhan Jianming , Yin Yunqiang
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concepts of fuzzy strongh-ideals and fuzzy congruences of hemirings. The quotient hemirings via fuzzy strongh-ideals are investigated. The relationships between fuzzy congruences and fuzzy strongh-ideals of hemirings are discussed. Pay attention to an open question on fuzzy congruences. Finally, the normal fuzzy strongh-ideals of hemirings are explored.
G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Regulates Mammary Tumorigenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Marjon Nicole A. , Hu Chelin , Hathaway Helen J. , Prossnitz Eric R.
Published: July 2014

The role of 17β-estradiol (E2) in breast cancer development and tumor growth has traditionally been attributed exclusively to the activation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Although targeted inhibition of ERα is a successful approach for patients with ERα+ breast cancer, many patients fail to respond or become resistant to anti-estrogen therapy. The discovery of the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) suggested an additional mechanism through which E2 could exert its effects in breast cancer. Studies have demonstrated clinical correlations between GPER expression in human breast tumor specimens and increased tumor size, distant metastasis, and recurrence, as well as established a proliferative role for GPER in vitro; however, direct in vivo evidence has been lacking. To this end, a GPER-null mutation [GPER knockout (KO)] was introduced, through interbreeding, into a widely used transgenic mouse model of mammary tumorigenesis [MMTV-PyMT (PyMT)]. Early tumor development, assessed by the extent of hyperplasia and proliferation, was not different between GPER wild-type/PyMT (WT/PyMT) and those mice harboring the GPER-null mutation (KO/PyMT). However, by 12 to 13 weeks of age, tumors from KO/PyMT mice were smaller with decreased proliferation compared with those from WT/PyMT mice. Furthermore, tumors from the KO/PyMT mice were of histologically lower grade compared with tumors from their WT counterparts, suggesting less aggressive tumors in the KO/PyMT mice. Finally, KO/PyMT mice displayed dramatically fewer lung metastases compared with WT/PyMT mice. Combined, these data provide the first in vivo evidence that GPER plays a critical role in breast tumor growth and distant metastasis.

Implications: This is the first description of a role for the novel estrogen receptor GPER in breast tumorigenesis and metastasis, demonstrating that it represents a new target in breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1644–54. ©2014 AACR.
The lncRNA PCAT29 Inhibits Oncogenic Phenotypes in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Malik Rohit , Patel Lalit , Prensner John R. , Shi Yang , Iyer Matthew K. , Subramaniyan Shruthi , Carley Alexander , Niknafs Yashar S. , Sahu Anirban , Han Sumin , Ma Teng , Liu Meilan , Asangani Irfan A. , Jing Xiaojun , Cao Xuhong , Dhanasekaran Saravana M. , Robinson Dan R. , Feng Felix Y. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: July 2014

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have recently been associated with the development and progression of a variety of human cancers. However, to date, the interplay between known oncogenic or tumor-suppressive events and lncRNAs has not been well described. Here, the novel lncRNA, prostate cancer–associated transcript 29 (PCAT29), is characterized along with its relationship to the androgen receptor. PCAT29 is suppressed by DHT and upregulated upon castration therapy in a prostate cancer xenograft model. PCAT29 knockdown significantly increased proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells, whereas PCAT29 overexpression conferred the opposite effect and suppressed growth and metastases of prostate tumors in chick chorioallantoic membrane assays. Finally, in prostate cancer patient specimens, low PCAT29 expression correlated with poor prognostic outcomes. Taken together, these data expose PCAT29 as an androgen-regulated tumor suppressor in prostate cancer.

Implications: This study identifies PCAT29 as the first androgen receptor–repressed lncRNA that functions as a tumor suppressor and that its loss may identify a subset of patients at higher risk for disease recurrence.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/07/31/1541-7786.MCR-14-0257/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1081–7. ©2014 AACR.
Targeted and Osteo-Oncologic Treatment in Early Breast Cancer: What Is State-of-the-Art and What Might Become so within the Next 5 Years?
Authors: Stickeler Elmar , Fehm Tanja
Published: July 2014

In 2014, modern strategies of targeted therapies in the adjuvant setting are mainly focused on anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade. For the 15% of HER2-enriched tumors, 1 year of treatment with the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab is the standard of care. All patients, regardless of tumor size, nodal status, or age, profit from therapy with risk reduction rates for recurrence of up to 50%. As a consequence, the current guidelines recommend the use of trastuzumab in these patients if additional risk factors lead to the consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy. The concurrent use with taxane-based chemotherapy is preferred. The concept of dual HER2 blockade - already approved in the metastatic setting - shows also significantly improved efficacy in neoadjuvant trials. Dual blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-overexpressing tumors. However, until approved in Europe, this treatment approach remains off-label for early breast cancer and study participation is highly recommended. Bisphosphonates (BPs) and denosumab are approved in breast cancer as standard therapy for the treatment of bone metastases. In the adjuvant setting, BPs and denosumab can be given to prevent tumor therapy-induced bone loss. The antineoplastic effect of BPs in the adjuvant setting and its role in the prevention of metastatic disease are still under discussion.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist activation ameliorates venous thrombosis-induced arteriovenous fistula failure in chronic kidneyd isease
Authors: Chien Chiang-Ting , Fan Shih-Chen , Lin Shao-Chieh , Kuo Chang-Chih , Yang Chih-Hui , Yu Tzu-Ying , Lee Shih-Pin , Cheng Dai-Yu , Li Ping-Chia
Published: July 2014

High shear stress that develops in the arteriovenous fistula of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) may increase H2O2 and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) release, thereby exacerbating endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, and neointimal hyperplasia. We investigated whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist/exendin-4, a potentially cardiovascular protective agent, could improve TXA2-induced arteriovenous fistula injury in CKD. TXA2 administration to H2O2-exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells increased apoptosis, senescence, and detachment; these phenotypes were associated with the downregulation of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase/heme oxygenase-1 (eNOS/HO-1) signalling. Exendin-4 reduced H2O2/TXA2-induced endothelial injury via inhibition of apoptosis-related mechanisms and restoration of phosphorylated eNOS/HO-1 signalling. Male Wistar rats subjected to right common carotid artery-external jugular vein anastomosis were treated with exendin-4 via cervical implant osmotic pumps for 16–42 days. High shear stress induced by the arteriovenous fistula significantly increased venous haemodynamics, blood and tissue H2O2 and TXB2 levels, macrophage/monocyte infiltration, fibrosis, proliferation, and adhesion molecule-1 expression. Apoptosis was also increased due to NADPH oxidase gp91 activation and mitochondrial Bax translocation in the proximal end of the jugular vein of CKD rats. Exendin-4-treatment of rats with CKD led to the restoration of normal endothelial morphology and correction of arteriovenous fistula function. Exendin-4 treatment or thromboxane synthase gene deletion in CKD mice markedly reduced ADP-stimulated platelet adhesion to venous endothelium, and prevented venous occlusion in FeCl3-injured vessels by upregulation of HO-1. Together, these data reveal that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists is an effective strategy for treatment of CKD-induced arteriovenous fistula failure.
Análise do perigo de incêndio: um estudo de caso na Comunidade de Amorim – Manguinhos/Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Lucena Renata Batista , Oliveira Brena Miranda de , Giazzon Eloisa Maria Adami , Passuello Alexandra , Pauletti Cristiane , Silva Filho Luiz Carlos Pinto da
Published: July 2014

Através de um estudo sobre as condições de segurança contra incêndio na Comunidade de Amorim, localizada no Rio de Janeiro, foi possível observar a falta de prevenção e proteção existente. Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar as deficiências encontradas nessa Comunidade em relação à segurança contra incêndio. Como resultado, apresentou-se um Mapa de Perigo de Incêndio, onde foi possível apontar os fatores que contribuem para a vulnerabilidade relacionada ao princípio e propagação de incêndio. Além disso, identificaram-se as situações mais críticas que serviram como base para a capacitação dos moradores e aumento da percepção de risco de incêncio.
Análise dos sistemas de certificação ambiental de edifícios residenciais no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Bueno Cristiane , Rossignolo João Adriano
Published: July 2014

As exigências de caráter ambiental para edifícios deram origem à criação de Sistemas de Certificação de Desempenho Ambiental de Edifícios, que vêm sendo usadas no cenário brasileiro, indiferentemente às suas especificidades e carências. O objetivo deste trabalho é promover uma análise das inadequações desses sistemas de certificação ao contexto brasileiro. A análise comparativa das certificações demonstrou uma série de itens avaliativos plenamente aplicáveis ao cenário brasileiro e outros que ainda necessitam de adaptações. Esta análise deverá servir como embasamento para a criação de diretrizes para o futuro desenvolvimento de um sistema de certificação ambiental de edificações habitacionais brasileiras.