bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS OF CURRENT-INDUCED SPIN-TRANSFER TORQUES IN MAGNETIC DOMAIN WALLS
Authors: TANG LING , XU ZHIJUN , YANG ZEJIN
Published: April 2013

Current-induced spin-transfer torques (STTs) have been studied in Fe , Co and Ni domain walls (DWs) by the method based on the first-principles noncollinear calculations of scattering wavefunctions expanded in the tight-binding linearized muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) basis. The results show that the out-of-plane component of nonadiabatic STT in Fe DW has localized form, which is in contrast to the typical nonlocal oscillating nonadiabatic torques obtained in Co and Ni DWs. Meanwhile, the degree of nonadiabaticity in STT is also much greater for Fe DW. Further, our results demonstrate that compared to the well-known first-order nonadiabatic STT, the torque in the third-order spatial derivative of local spin can better describe the distribution of localized nonadiabatic STT in Fe DW. The dynamics of local spin driven by this third-order torques in Fe DW have been investigated by the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) equation. The calculated results show that with the same amplitude of STTs the DW velocity induced by this third-order term is about half of the wall speed for the case of the first-order nonadiabatic STT.
CONTROL OF CHAOS IN CURRENT CONTROLLED DC DRIVES
Authors: CHAKRABARTY K. , KAR URMILA , KUNDU SUSMITA
Published: April 2013

In this paper, subharmonic and chaotic behavior in current controlled DC drive has been investigated. The effects of variation of some chosen parameters on the qualitative behavior of the system have been studied. To avoid occurrence of chaos we present a method for controlling chaos applicable to DC drives. The results of numerical investigation are presented.
A SELECTIVE READ-BEFORE-WRITE SCHEME FOR ENERGY-AWARE SPIN TORQUE TRANSFER RAM (STT-RAM) CACHE DESIGN
Authors: ZHANG TIEFEI , CHEN TIANZHOU , WU JIANZHONG , QU YOUTIAN
Published: April 2013

Due to its low leakage power and high density, spin torque transfer RAM (STT-RAM) has become a good candidate for future on-chip cache. However, STT-RAM suffers from higher write energy compared to the SRAM. One state-of-the-art technique to alleviate this problem is read-before-write (RBW). In this paper, we study the pattern of the write accesses to the L2 cache and show that directly applying the RBW to a STT-RAM L2 cache can be problematic from energy perspective. We then propose a selective read-before-write (SRW) scheme to further reduce the dynamic write energy of the STT-RAM cache. Additional optimizations are included in the design of SRW so that it can save a considerable amount of energy at negligible overheads. The experimental results show that SRW achieves a 86.0% reduction in write energy consumption vs. a baseline without any write optimization techniques, and a 6.55% more reduction compared to the RBW scheme.
STUDY OF NEUTRON MAGIC DRIP-LINE NUCLEI WITHIN RELATIVISTIC MEAN-FIELD PLUS BCS APPROACH
Authors: SAXENA G. , SINGH D.
Published: April 2013

Encouraged by the success of relativistic mean-field plus BCS (RMF + BCS) approach for the description of the ground state properties of the chains of isotopes of proton magic nuclei with proton number Z = 8, 20, 28, 50 and 82 as well as those of proton sub-magic nuclei with Z = 40, we have further employed it, in an analogous manner, for a detailed calculations of the ground state properties of the neutron magic isotones with neutron number N = 8, 20, 28, 50, 82 and 126 as well as those of neutron sub-magic isotones with N = 40 using the TMA force parametrizations in order to explore low lying resonance and other exotic phenomenon near drip-lines. The results of these calculations for wave function, single particle pairing gaps etc. are presented here to demonstrate the general validity of our RMF + BCS approach. It is found that, in some of the proton-rich nuclei in the vicinity of the proton drip-line, the main contribution to the pairing correlations is provided by the low-lying resonant states, in addition to the contributions coming from the states close to the Fermi surface, which results extended proton drip-line for isotonic chain.
Stabilization of Discrete-Time Planar Switched Linear Systems with Impulse
Authors: Zhu Yanli , Sun Yuangong
Published: April 2013

We study the stabilization problem of discrete-time planar switched linear systems with impulse. When all subsystems are controllable, based on an explicit estimation on the state transition matrix, we establish a sufficient condition such that the switched impulsive system is stabilizable under arbitrary switching signal with given switching frequency. When there exists at least one uncontrollable subsystem, a sufficient condition is also given to guarantee the stabilization of the switched impulsive system under appropriate switching signal.
The Parietal Cortex in Sensemaking: The Dissociation of Multiple Types of Spatial Information
Authors: Sun Yanlong , Wang Hongbin
Published: April 2013

According to the data-frame theory, sensemaking is a macrocognitive process in which people try to make sense of or explain their observations by processing a number of explanatory structures called frames until the observations and frames become congruent. During the sensemaking process, the parietal cortex has been implicated in various cognitive tasks for the functions related to spatial and temporal information processing, mathematical thinking, and spatial attention. In particular, the parietal cortex plays important roles by extracting multiple representations of magnitudes at the early stages of perceptual analysis. By a series of neural network simulations, we demonstrate that the dissociation of different types of spatial information can start early with a rather similar structure (i.e., sensitivity on a common metric), but accurate representations require specific goal-directed top-down controls due to the interference in selective attention. Our results suggest that the roles of the parietal cortex rely on the hierarchical organization of multiple spatial representations and their interactions. The dissociation and interference between different types of spatial information are essentially the result of the competition at different levels of abstraction.
The Study of Indoor and Field Trials on2×8MIMO Architecture in TD-LTE Network
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Gu Xinyu , Li Wenyu , Zhang Lin , Shen Jia , Wan Yi
Published: April 2013

With the development of mobile internet service, long-term evolution (LTE) system was proposed in the third generation partnership project (3GPP) to provide higher data rates and frequency efficiency. Since the year of 2010, 113 LTE networks have been commercially deployed worldwide, and most of the networks are based on frequency division duplexing (FDD). In this paper, measurement methods of four MIMO transmission modes (TMs) in time division-LTE (TD-LTE) are studied and analyzed. Link level simulation is carried out to evaluate the downlink throughput for different signal-to-noise ratios and parameter settings. Furthermore, indoor and field tests are also presented in the paper to investigate how real-world propagation affects the capacity and the error performance of MIMO transmission scheme. For the indoor test, radio channel emulators are applied to generate realistic wireless fading channel, while in the field trials, a live TD-LTE experiment cellular network is built, which contains several evolved nodeBs (eNBs) and a precommercial user equipment (UE). It is shown from both simulation and tests results that MIMO deployment gives a substantial performance improvement compared with the third generation wireless networks.
The Effects of Variable Viscosity, Viscous Dissipation and Chemical Reaction on Heat and Mass Transfer Flow of MHD Micropolar Fluid along a Permeable Stretching Sheet in a Non-Darcian Porous Medium
Authors: Salem A. M.
Published: April 2013

A numerical model is developed to study the effects of temperature-dependent viscosity on heat and mass transfer flow of magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) micropolar fluids with medium molecular weight along a permeable stretching surface embedded in a non-Darcian porous medium in the presence of viscous dissipation and chemical reaction. The governing boundary equations for momentum, angular momentum (microrotation), and energy and mass transfer are transformed to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity solutions which are then solved numerically by shooting technique. A comparison between the analytical and the numerical solutions has been included. The effects of the various physical parameters entering into the problem on velocity, microrotation, temperature and concentration profiles are presented graphically. Finally, the effects of pertinent parameters on local skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are also presented graphically. One important observation is that for some kinds of mixtures (e.g., H2, air) with light and medium molecular weight, the magnetic field and temperature-dependent viscosity effects play a significant role and should be taken into consideration as well.
Modeling for Green Supply Chain Evaluation
Authors: Falatoonitoosi Elham , Leman Zulkiflle , Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: April 2013

Green supply chain management (GSCM) has become a practical approach to develop environmental performance. Under strict regulations and stakeholder pressures, enterprises need to enhance and improve GSCM practices, which are influenced by both traditional and green factors. This study developed a causal evaluation model to guide selection of qualified suppliers by prioritizing various criteria and mapping causal relationships to find effective criteria to improve green supply chain. The aim of the case study was to model and examine the influential and important main GSCM practices, namely, green logistics, organizational performance, green organizational activities, environmental protection, and green supplier evaluation. In the case study, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique is applied to test the developed model. The result of the case study shows only “green supplier evaluation” and “green organizational activities” criteria of the model are in the cause group and the other criteria are in the effect group.
Establishment and Validation of an Orthotopic Metastatic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rajput Ashwani , Agarwal Ekta , Leiphrakpam Premila , Brattain Michael G. , Chowdhury Sanjib
Published: April 2013

Metastases are largely responsible for cancer deaths in solid tumors due to the lack of effective therapies against disseminated disease, and there is an urgent need to fill this gap. This study demonstrates an orthotopic colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model system to develop spontaneous metastasis in vivo and compare its reproducibility against human CRC. IGF1R-dependent GEO human CRC cells were used to study metastatic colonization using orthotopic transplantation procedures and demonstrated robust liver metastasis. Cell proliferation assays were performed both in the orthotopic primary colon and liver metastatic tumors, and human CRC patient’s specimen and similar patterns in H&E and Ki67 staining were observed between the orthotopically generated primary and liver metastatic tumors and human CRC specimens. Microarray analysis was performed to generate gene signatures, compared with deposited human CRC gene expression data sets, analyzed by Oncomine, and revealed similarity in gene signatures with increased aggressive markers expression associated with CRC in orthotopically generated liver metastasis. Thus, we have developed an orthotopic mouse model that reproduces human CRC metastasis. This model system can be effective in developing new therapeutic strategies against disseminated disease and could be implemented for identifying genes that regulate the development and/or maintenance of established metastasis.
Improved Complexity Based on Time-Frequency Analysis in Bearing Quantitative Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Jing , Cui Lingli , Wang Huaqing , Chen Peng
Published: April 2013

This paper compares and analyzes the quantitative diagnosis methods based on Lempel-Ziv complexity for bearing fault, using continuous wavelet transform (CWT), Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, and wavelet packet method for decomposition of vibration signal measured by acceleration sensors, respectively. The kurtosis and entropy indices are also analyzed in order to select the optimum analysis area from the vibration signal. The variation trend of vibration signal Lempel-Ziv complexity of bearing inner race and outer race with the varying fault severity is analyzed and predicted based on the generation mechanism and characteristics of fault vibration signals. Experimental results show that it is suitable for observing the fault growing trend and severity by examining the value based on improved Lempel-Ziv complexity algorithm using continuous wavelet transform (CWT), Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, and wavelet packet method for signal decomposition, using kurtosis indices for optimal analysis area selection, and using the optimal weight coefficients for complexity calculation.
Parallel Rank of Two Sandpile Models of Signed Integer Partitions
Authors: Chiaselotti G. , Gentile T. , Marino G. , Oliverio P. A.
Published: April 2013

We introduce the concept of fundamental sequence for a finite graded posetXwhich is also a discrete dynamical model. The concept of fundamental sequence is a refinement of the concept of parallel convergence time for these models. We compute the parallel convergence time and the fundamental sequence whenXis the finite lattice of all the signed integer partitions such that , where , and whenXis the sublattice of all the signed integer partitions of having exactlydnonzero parts.
Some Iterative Methods Free from Derivatives and Their Basins of Attraction for Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Soleimani Farahnaz , Soleymani Fazlollah , Shateyi Stanford
Published: April 2013

First, we make the Jain's derivative-free method optimal and subsequently increase its efficiency index from 1.442 to 1.587. Then, a novel three-step computational family of iterative schemes for solving single variable nonlinear equations is given. The schemes are free from derivative calculation per full iteration. The optimal family is constructed by applying the weight function approach alongside an approximation for the first derivative of the function in the last step in which the first two steps are the optimized derivative-free form of Jain's method. The convergence rate of the proposed optimal method and the optimal family is studied. The efficiency index for each method of the family is 1.682. The superiority of the proposed contributions is illustrated by solving numerical examples and comparing them with some of the existing methods in the literature. In the end, we provide the basins of attraction for some methods to observe the beauty of iterative nonlinear solvers in providing fractals and also choose the best method in case of larger attraction basins.
The Usefulness of Ultrasonography as a Guide for the Treatment of Delayed Diagnosed Tendon Injury in a 2-Year-Old Child
Authors: Nagura Issei , Kanatani Takako , Sumi Masatoshi
Published: April 2013

In children, flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon injuries are uncommon. In delayed diagnosed cases, CT and MRI are hard to perform, even though to confirm the location of the lacerated proximal tendon end is preferable for the planning of operation procedure. In such condition, ultrasonography is suitable because of its characteristic feature of easy-to-perform procedure even in children. In this report, preoperative ultrasonography was practical in the delayed diagnosis of FPL tendon in a 2-year-old child to schedule the primary repair because the precise location of both FPL proximal and distal ends was identified. In addition, routine postoperative ultrasonography was also useful to track its healing process without concern about mutual communication due to the patient’s age, which helped to promote active motion.
Splenic Anomalies of Shape, Size, and Location: Pictorial Essay
Authors: Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Ariyurek Macit Orhan , Karcaaltincaba Musturay
Published: April 2013

Spleen can have a wide range of anomalies including its shape, location, number, and size. Although most of these anomalies are congenital, there are also acquired types. Congenital anomalies affecting the shape of spleen are lobulations, notches, and clefts; the fusion and location anomalies of spleen are accessory spleen, splenopancreatic fusion, and wandering spleen; polysplenia can be associated with a syndrome. Splenosis and small spleen are acquired anomalies which are caused by trauma and sickle cell disease, respectively. These anomalies can be detected easily by using different imaging modalities including ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and also Tc‐99m scintigraphy. In this pictorial essay, we review the imaging findings of these anomalies which can cause diagnostic pitfalls and be interpreted as pathologic processes.
Estimating Strain Changes in Concrete during Curing Using Regression and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ahangari Kaveh , Najafi Zahra , Sheikh Zakariaee Seyed Jamal , Arab Alireza
Published: April 2013

Due to the cement hydration heat, concrete deforms during curing. These deformations may lead to cracks in the concrete. Therefore, a method which estimates the strain during curing is very valuable. In this research, two methods of multivariable regression and neural network were studied with the aim of estimating strain changes in concrete. For this purpose, laboratory cylindrical specimens were prepared under controlled situation at first and then vibration wire strain gauges equipped with thermistors were placed inside each sample to measure the deformations. Two different groups of input data were used in which variables included time, environment temperature, concrete temperature, water-to-cement ratio, aggregate content, height, and specimen diameter. CEM I, 42.5 R was utilized in set (I) and strain changes have been measured in six concrete specimens. In set (II) CEM II, 52.5 R was employed and strain changes were measured in three different specimens in which the diameter was held constant. The best multivariate regression equations calculated the determined coefficients at 0.804 and 0.82 for sets (I) and (II), whereas the artificial neural networks predicted the strain with higher of 1 and 0.996. Results show that the neural network method can be utilized as an efficient tool for estimating concrete strain during curing.
Camera Sensor Activation Scheme for Target Tracking in Wireless Visual Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Wei
Published: April 2013

Target tracking has become an elementary task in wireless visual sensor networks (WVSNs). In this paper, we propose a camera sensor activation scheme for target tracking in WVSN. Our objective is to balance the tradeoff between the accuracy of target tracking and the resources of networks. By studying the sensing model and deployments of cameras, an observation correlation coefficient is derived to describe the correlation characteristics of visual information observed by cameras with overlapped field of views. According to the observation correlation coefficient, a correlation-based camera activation scheme is designed. Experimental results show that the proposed observation correlation coefficient can model the correlation characteristics of visual information in WVSN. Further simulations show that the correlation-based camera activation scheme has satisfied performance in target tracking compared with other sensor selection methods.
A Resource Allocation Evolutionary Algorithm for OFDM Based on Karush-Kuhn-Tucker Conditions
Authors: Liu Hai-Lin , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2013

For orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), resource scheduling plays an important role. In resource scheduling, power allocation and subcarrier allocation are not independent. So the conventional two-step method is not very good for OFDM resource allocation. This paper proposes a new method for OFDM resource allocation. This method combines evolutionary algorithm (EA) with Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions (KKT conditions). In the optimizing process, a set of subcarrier allocation programs are made as a population of evolutionary algorithm. For each subcarrier allocation program, a power allocation program is calculated through KKT conditions. Then, the system rate of each subcarrier allocation program can be calculated. The fitness of each individual is its system rate. The information of optimizing subcarrier and power allocation can be interacted with each other. So, it can overcome the shortcoming of the two-step method. Computer experiments show the proposed algorithm is effective.
Curcumin Protects Human Keratinocytes against Inorganic Arsenite-Induced Acute Cytotoxicity through an NRF2-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Rui , Yang Bei , Wang Linlin , Xue Peng , Deng Baocheng , Zhang Guohua , Jiang Shukun , Zhang Miao , Liu Min , Pi Jingbo , Guan Dawei
Published: April 2013

Human exposure to inorganic arsenic leads to various dermal disorders, including hyperkeratosis and skin cancer. Curcumin is demonstrated to induce remarkable antioxidant activity in a variety of cells and tissues. The present study aimed at identifying curcumin as a potent activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and demonstrating its protective effect against inorganic arsenite- (iAs3+-) induced cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes. We found that curcumin led to nuclear accumulation of NRF2 protein and increased the expression of antioxidant response element- (ARE-) regulated genes in HaCaT keratinocytes in concentration- and time-dependent manners. High concentration of curcumin (20 μM) also increased protein expression of long isoforms of NRF1. Treatment with low concentrations of curcumin (2.5 or 5 μM) effectively increased the viability and survival of HaCaT cells against iAs3+-induced cytotoxicity as assessed by the MTT assay and flow cytometry and also attenuated iAs3+-induced expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP protein. Selective knockdown ofNRF2orKEAP1by lentiviral shRNAs significantly diminished the cytoprotection conferred by curcumin, suggesting that the protection against iAs3+-induced cytotoxicity is dependent on the activation of NRF2. Our results provided a proof of the concept of using curcumin to activate the NRF2 pathway to alleviate arsenic-induced dermal damage.
Small-Sized Clone of T Cells in Multiple Myeloma Patient after Auto-SCT: T-LGL Leukemia Type or Clonal T-Cell Aberration?
Authors: Mele Giuseppe , Greco Marilena , Coppi Maria Rosaria , Loseto Giacomo , Melpignano Angela , Mauro Salvatore , Quarta Gianni
Published: April 2013

Second cancers and particularly postransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are extremely rare in patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT). We report the case of clonally rearranged T-cell expansion which occurred after auto-SCT for Multiple Myeloma (MM). Does asymptomatic clonal T-cell large granular lymphocytic proliferation, in our experience, represent either a secondary cancer after auto-SCT or clonal T cell aberration or derive from expansion of coexisting undetected small-sized clone of T cells?
Conservative Linear Difference Scheme for Rosenau-KdV Equation
Authors: Hu Jinsong , Xu Youcai , Hu Bing
Published: April 2013

A conservative three-level linear finite difference scheme for the numerical solution of the initial-boundary value problem of Rosenau-KdV equation is proposed. The difference scheme simulates two conservative quantities of the problem well. The existence and uniqueness of the difference solution are proved. It is shown that the finite difference scheme is of second-order convergence and unconditionally stable. Numerical experiments verify the theoretical results.
Precision-Enhanced and Encryption-Mixed Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Geng , Li Sen , Xu Xiaolong , Dai Hua , Yang Zhen
Published: April 2013

Security is always a hot topic in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Privacy-preserving data aggregation has emerged as an important concern in designing data aggregation algorithm. This paper proposes a precision-enhanced and encryption-mixed privacy-preserving data aggregation (PEPDA). The objective is to reduce collision during data transmission and energy consumption and to compensate loss caused by the collision. Based on the Slice-Mix-AggRegaTe (SMART) scheme, it optimizes data slicing by using small data packet, node classifying, and positive and negative data slicing techniques. It also describes a randomized time slot and a data compensation algorithm. Theoretical analysis and simulation show that PEPDA demonstrates a good performance in terms of accuracy, complexity, and security.
Linking Sleep to Hypertension: Greater Risk for Blacks
Authors: Pandey A. , Williams N. , Donat M. , Ceide M. , Brimah P. , Ogedegbe G. , McFarlane S. I. , Jean-Louis G.
Published: April 2013

Background. Evidence suggests that insufficient sleep duration is associated with an increased likelihood for hypertension. Both short (<6 hours) and long (>8 hour) sleep durations as well as hypertension are more prevalent among blacks than among whites. This study examined associations between sleep duration and hypertension, considering differential effects of race and ethnicity among black and white Americans.Methods. Data came from a cross-sectional household interview with 25,352 Americans (age range: 18–85 years).Results. Both white and black short sleepers had a greater likelihood of reporting hypertension than those who reported sleeping 6 to 8 hours. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis exploring the race/ethnicity interactions between insufficient sleep and hypertension indicated that black short (<6 hours) and long (>8 hours) sleepers were more likely to report hypertension than their white counterparts (OR = 1.34 and 1.37, resp.;P<0.01). Significant interactions of insufficient sleep with race/ethnicity were observed even after adjusting to effects of age, sex, income, education, body mass index, alcohol use, smoking, emotional distress, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.Conclusion. Results suggest that the race/ethnicity interaction is a significant mediator in the relationship between insufficient sleep and likelihood of having a diagnosis of hypertension.
The Pattern Element Scale: A Brief Tool of Traditional Medical Subtyping for Dementia
Authors: Shi Jing , Tian Jinzhou , Long Ziyi , Liu Xiawei , Wei Mingqing , Ni Jingnian , Liu Jianping , Liu Tonghua , Wang Pengwen , Xie Hengge , Qin Bin , Wang Yongyan
Published: April 2013

Background. Syndromes are defined by traditional Chinese medicine as consisting of different pattern elements. Few scales have been designed for differentiating pattern elements of dementia and have shown major flaws. Thus, a new pattern element scale (PES) was developed. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the PES in dementia patients.Methods. A total of 171 dementia patients were enrolled, and their pattern elements were ascertained, first by clinicians using the PES, then compared with results by two experts to be used as a standard criterion independently. Reliability of the subscales of the PES was assessed by receiver operator characteristic curves. Correlations between the subscales of the PES and cognition were calculated by canonical correlation analysis.Results. The PES consisted of 11 pattern element subscales. The area under the curves of all subscales was 0.7 or above. Phlegm muddiness, blood stasis, and yang hyperactivity subscales showed optimal sensitivity and specificity in discriminating pattern elements. Other subscales showed relatively lower sensitivity but higher specificity. Memory and language were significantly correlated toqideficiency and the blood stasis pattern element.Conclusion. The PES can accurately and easily discriminate pattern elements and is a helpful tool for traditional medical subtyping of dementia.
Structural Elucidation of Some Borate Glass Specimen by Employing Ultrasonic and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Thirumaran S. , Karthikeyan N.
Published: April 2013

Quantitative analysis has been carried out in order to obtain more information about the structure of two glass systems, namely, (B2O3-MnO2-PbO) (BML glass system) and (B2O3-Na2CO3-P2O5) (BSP glass system). Their structural elucidation has been carried out by studying the ultrasonic velocities (longitudinal velocities and shear velocities ) and density of these glass samples. The present investigation has been interpreted by focusing more on elastic and mechanical properties of glass specimen through ultrasonic study and the elemental analysis study through spectroscopic studies. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study was also carried out with a view to throwing more light on their morphological aspects. The results are corroborated in the light of the role of borate (B2O3) glasses in the formation of glassy structural network.
A Parameterized Splitting Preconditioner for Generalized Saddle Point Problems
Authors: Luo Wei-Hua , Huang Ting-Zhu
Published: April 2013

By using Sherman-Morrison-Woodbury formula, we introduce a preconditioner based on parameterized splitting idea for generalized saddle point problems which may be singular and nonsymmetric. By analyzing the eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrix, we find that whenαis big enough, it has an eigenvalue at 1 with multiplicity at leastn, and the remaining eigenvalues are all located in a unit circle centered at 1. Particularly, when the preconditioner is used in general saddle point problems, it guarantees eigenvalue at 1 with the same multiplicity, and the remaining eigenvalues will tend to 1 as the parameterα→0. Consequently, this can lead to a good convergence when some GMRES iterative methods are used in Krylov subspace. Numerical results of Stokes problems and Oseen problems are presented to illustrate the behavior of the preconditioner.
Steroid Dermatitis Resembling Rosacea: A Clinical Evaluation of 75 Patients
Authors: Hameed Ammar F.
Published: April 2013

Background. The use of topical steroids on the skin of the face should be carefully evaluated by the dermatologist; however, its misuse still occurs producing dermatological problem resembling rosacea. Objectives. To report the different clinical manifestations of steroid dermatitis resembling rosacea and to discover causes behind abusing topical steroids on the face. Methods. In this prospective observational study, 75 patients with steroid dermatitis resembling rosacea who had history of topical steroid use on their faces for at least 1–3 months were evaluated at the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, between August 2010 and December 2012. Results. The majority of patients were young women who used a combinations of potent and very potent topical steroid for average period of 0.25–10 years. Facial redness and hotness, telangiectasia, and rebound phenomenon with papulopustular eruption were the main clinical presentations. The most common causes of using topical steroid on the face were pigmentary problems and acne through recommendations from nonmedical personnel. Conclusion. Topical steroid should not be used on the face unless it is under strict dermatological supervision.
Development of Electromagnetic Band Gap Structures in the Perspective of Microstrip Antenna Design
Authors: Alam Md. Shahidul , Misran Norbahiah , Yatim Baharudin , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: April 2013

Electromagnetic band gap (EBG) technology has become a significant breakthrough in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications due to their unique band gap characteristics at certain frequency ranges. Since 1999, the EBG structures have been investigated for improving performances of numerous RF and microwave devices utilizing the surface wave suppression and the artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) properties of these special type metamaterial. Issues such as compactness, wide bandwidth with low attenuation level, tunability, and suitability with planar circuitry all play an important role in the design of EBG structures. Remarkable efforts have been undertaken for the development of EBG structures to be compatible with a wide range of wireless communication systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review on various EBG structures such as three-, two-, and one-dimensional (3D, 2D, and 1D) EBG, mushroom and uniplanar EBG, and their successive advancement. Considering the related fabrication complexities, implementation of vialess EBG is an attractive topic for microwave engineers. For microstrip antennas, EBG structures are used in diversified ways, which of course found to be effective except in some cases. The EBG structures are also successfully utilized in antenna arrays for reducing the mutual coupling between elements of the array. Current challenges and limitations of the typical microstrip antennas and different EBG structures are discussed in details with some possible suggestions. Hopefully, this survey will guide to increasing efforts towards the development of more compact, wideband, and high-efficient uniplanar EBG structures for performance enhancement of antenna and other microwave devices.
Mixed Production of Filamentous Fungal Spores for Preventing Soil-Transmitted Helminth Zoonoses: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Arias M. S. , Cazapal-Monteiro C. F. , Suárez J. , Miguélez S. , Francisco I. , Arroyo F. L. , Suárez J. L. , Paz-Silva A. , Sánchez-Andrade R. , Mendoza de Gives P.
Published: April 2013

Helminth zoonoses are parasitic infections shared by humans and animals, being the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) mainly caused by roundworms (ascarids) and hookworms. This study was aimed to assess the individual and/or mixed production of two helminth-antagonistic fungi, one ovicide (Mucor circinelloides) and other predator (Duddingtonia flagrans). Fungi were grown both in Petri plates and in a submerged culture (composed by water, NaCl, Na2HPO4· 12 H2O, and wheat (Triticum aestivum)). A Fasciola hepatica recombinant protein (FhrAPS) was incorporated to the cultures to improve fungal production. All the cultured plates showed fungal growth, without difference in the development of the fungi when grown alone or mixed. High counts ofMucorspores were produced in liquid media cultures, and no significant differences were achieved regarding single or mixed cultures, or the incorporation of the FhrAPS. A significantly higher production ofDuddingtoniaspores after the incorporation of the FhrAPS was observed. When analyzing the parasiticide efficacy of the fungal mixture, viability ofT. caniseggs reduced to 51%, and the numbers of third stage cyathostomin larvae reduced to 4%. It is concluded, the capability of a fungal mixture containing an ovicide (Mucor) and a predator species (Duddingtonia) for growing together in a submerged medium containing the FhrAPS offers a very interesting tool for preventing STHs.
Cramér-Rao Bound Study of Multiple Scattering Effects in Target Separation Estimation
Authors: Marengo Edwin A. , Berestesky Paul
Published: April 2013

The information about the distance of separation between two-point targets that is contained in scattering data is explored in the context of the scalar Helmholtz operator via the Fisher information and associated Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) relevant to unbiased target separation estimation. The CRB results are obtained for the exact multiple scattering model and, for reference, also for the single scattering or Born approximation model applicable to weak scatterers. The effects of the sensing configuration and the scattering parameters in target separation estimation are analyzed. Conditions under which the targets' separation cannot be estimated are discussed for both models. Conditions for multiple scattering to be useful or detrimental to target separation estimation are discussed and illustrated.
Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive United States Military Personnel
Authors: Tzeng Jeff S. , Clark Leslie L. , Garges Eric C. , Otto Jean Lin
Published: April 2013

Background. Minimal data exist that describe the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive populations across the pre- and post-diagnosis periods for HIV. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the epidemiology of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus in an HIV-positive population. Methods. All 1,961 HIV seropositive United States active duty military personnel from 2000–2010 were identified. STI diagnoses relative to HIV diagnosis from 1995, which was the earliest electronic medical record available, to 2010 were examined. Results. The incidence diagnosis rates of STI generally increased during the period leading up to eventual HIV diagnosis. The rates of STI during the post-HIV diagnosis period fluctuated, but remained elevated compared to pre-HIV diagnosis period. Approximately 45%–69% with an STI in the HIV seropositive military population were diagnosed with their first STI greater than one year after their HIV diagnosis. Of those who were diagnosed with an STI in the post-HIV diagnosis period, 70.6% had one STI diagnosis, 23.5% had two STI diagnoses, and 5.8% had three or more STI diagnoses. Conclusions. Despite aggressive counseling, high-risk sexual behavior continues to occur in the HIV-positive military population.
Etanercept Attenuates Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats by Reducing Brain TNF-αContents and by Stimulating Newly Formed Neurogenesis
Authors: Cheong Chong-Un , Chang Ching-Ping , Chao Chien-Ming , Cheng Bor-Chih , Yang Chung-Zhing , Chio Chung-Ching
Published: April 2013

It remains unclear whether etanercept penetrates directly into the contused brain and improves the outcomes of TBI by attenuating brain contents of TNF-αand/or stimulating newly formed neurogenesis. Rats that sustained TBI are immediately treated with etanercept. Acute neurological and motor injury is assessed in all rats the day prior to and 7 days after surgery. The numbers of the colocalizations of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and doublecortin specific markers in the contused brain injury that occurred during TBI were counted by immunofluorescence staining. Enzyme immunoassay for quantitative determination of TNF-αor etanercept in brain tissues is also performed. Seven days after systemic administration of etanercept, levels of etanercept can be detected in the contused brain tissues. In addition, neurological and motor deficits, cerebral contusion, and increased brain TNF-αcontents caused by TBI can be attenuated by etanercept therapy. Furthermore, the increased numbers of the colocalizations of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and doublecortin specific markers in the contused brain tissues caused by TBI can be potentiated by etanercept therapy. These findings indicate that systemically administered etanercept may penetrate directly into the contused brain tissues and may improve outcomes of TBI by reducing brain contents of TNF-αand by stimulating newly formed neurogenesis.
Increased Nerve Growth Factor Signaling in Sensory Neurons of Early Diabetic Rats Is Corrected by Electroacupuncture
Authors: Nori Stefania Lucia , Rocco Maria Luisa , Florenzano Fulvio , Ciotti Maria Teresa , Aloe Luigi , Manni Luigi
Published: April 2013

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), characterized by early hyperalgesia and increased nerve growth factor (NGF), evolves in late irreversible neuropathic symptoms with reduced NGF support to sensory neurons. Electroacupuncture (EA) modulates NGF in the peripheral nervous system, being effective for the treatment of DPN symptoms. We hypothesize that NGF plays an important pathogenic role in DPN development, while EA could be useful in the therapy of DPN by modulating NGF expression/activity. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. One week after STZ, EA was started and continued for three weeks. NGF system and hyperalgesia-related mediators were analyzed in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and in their spinal cord and skin innervation territories. Our results show that four weeks long diabetes increased NGF and NGF receptors and deregulated intracellular signaling mediators of DRG neurons hypersensitization; EA in diabetic rats decreased NGF and NGF receptors, normalized c-Jun N-terminal and p38 kinases activation, decreased transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 ion channel, and possibly activated the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (Nf-κB). In conclusion, NGF signaling deregulation might play an important role in the development of DPN. EA represents a supportive tool to control DPN development by modulating NGF signaling in diabetes-targeted neurons.
Clonal Hypereosinophilia with ETV6 Rearrangement Evolving to T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moita Filipa , Bogalho Isabel , Alaiz Helena , Parreira Joana , Frade Maria Jesus , Nunes Albertina , Gomes da Silva Maria
Published: April 2013

Hypereosinophilia, either clonal or reactive, has been described in association with multiple hematological malignancies. We describe a case of a patient presenting with hypereosinophilia that evolved into T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Complete remission was achieved with chemotherapy; however, hypereosinophilia recurred 5 months later in association with myeloblastic bone marrow infiltration and without evidence of lymphoblastic lymphoma relapse. Cytogenetic analysis of the bone marrow showed a complex translocation involving chromosomes 7, 12, and 16. A rearrangement of ETV6 gene (12p13) was demonstrated by FISH studies, thus confirming the clonality of this population. The association of lymphoblastic lymphoma, eosinophilia, and myeloid hyperplasia has been described in disorders with FGFR1 rearrangements. We hypothesize that other clonal eosinophilic disorders lacking this rearrangement could behave in a similar fashion through different pathogenic mechanisms.
Design of Batch Distillation Columns Using Short-Cut Method at Constant Reflux
Authors: Narvaez-Garcia Asteria , Zavala-Loria Jose del Carmen , Vilchis-Bravo Luis Enrique , Rocha-Uribe Jose Antonio
Published: April 2013

A short-cut method for batch distillation columns working at constant reflux was applied to solve a problem of four components that needed to be separated and purified to a mole fraction of 0.97 or better. Distillation columns with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 theoretical stages were used; reflux ratio was varied between 2 and 20. Three quality indexes were used and compared: Luyben’s capacity factor, total annual cost, and annual profit. The best combinations of theoretical stages and reflux ratio were obtained for each method. It was found that the best combinations always required reflux ratios close to the minimum. Overall, annual profit was the best quality index, while the best combination was a distillation column with 30 stages, and reflux ratio’s of 2.0 for separation of benzene (i), 5.0 for the separation of toluene (ii), and 20 for the separation of ethylbenzene (iii) and purification of o-xylene (iv).
Formulation and Implementation of Energy Efficient Ultraviolet Curing for Photosensitive Resin-Bound Diamond Wire Saws
Authors: Yao Chunyan , Peng Wei , Liu Fuqing
Published: April 2013

It is a currently dominant method to use wire saws for cutting silicon material because of its production efficiency and energy efficiency. Diamond wire saws, or fixed abrasive wire saws, have attracted much attention to researchers and engineers due to many advantages, including high cutting efficiency and low environmental pollution. This paper develops a novel diamond wire saw using ultraviolet curing technology. High-strength piano wires and polyethylene wires are selected as wire cores, and photosensitive resin is used as the binder. The problem of wire saw strength is mathematically formulated, and the effective parameters are analyzed. The surface morphology is analyzed for the developed diamond wire saw. A series of cutting experiments with different saws of varying manufacturing parameters are carried out. The slicing performance of such diamond wire saws is evaluated and compared. The experimental results show that the developed saw using the photosensitive resin has a very good performance in slicing silicon ingots. By the comparison between the developed diamond wire saw and the electroplated diamond wire saw, the surface smoothness of the workpiece is better than that by the latter.
The Role Played by Blocking Systems over Europe in Abnormal Weather over Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Summer 2010
Authors: Hafez Y. Y. , Almazroui M.
Published: April 2013

The present paper investigates the role played by blocking high systems over Europe in abnormal weather over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in summer 2010. The NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis data of several meteorological elements such as surface air temperature, wind, sea level pressure, relative humidity, outgoing long wave radiation, precipitation rate, and geopotential height at level 500 hpa) for summer seasons for the period 1948–2012 and in particular of summer 2010 have been used and analyzed through the present work. Furthermore, the corresponding daily and monthly mean values of climatic indices NAO index, SOI, and El-Nino3.4 have been analyzed. The results uncovered that air current in the upper atmosphere over Europe and NAO, SOI and El-Nino3.4 have impacts on the weather conditions over KSA through the study period 1948–2012. During the period of persistence of blocking system over Europe in summer 2010, results revealed that; weather in KSA was fully controlled by two abnormal weather regimes. The first one is the European blocking system and negative anomaly of NAO from the north. The second one is the positive anomaly of SOI and negative anomaly of El-Nino3.4.
Exploration of Macro-Micro Biomarkers for Dampness-Heat Syndrome Differentiation in Different Diseases
Authors: Dai Jianye , Sun Shujun , Peng Jinghua , Cao Huijuan , Zheng Ningning , Fang Junwei , Li Qianhua , Jiang Jian , Zhang Yongyu , Hu Yiyang
Published: April 2013

Increased attention is being paid to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a complementary and alternative medicine to provide an effective approach for personalized diagnosis and clinical treatment. TMC performs treatment based on differentiation of TCM syndrome (ZHENG), which may identify special phenotypes by symptoms and signs of patients even if they are in different diseases. There has, however, been skepticism and criticism because syndrome classification only depends on observation, knowledge, and clinical experience of TCM practitioners, which lacks objectivity and repeatability. In order to transform syndrome classification into mainstream medicine, we introduce a macro-micro approach that combines symptoms, clinical indicators, and metabolites. The present paper explores the macro-micro biomarkers of dampness-heat syndrome in chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver patients, which could provide the basis for developing a possible population-screening tool for selecting target individuals and creating an evaluation index for personalized treatment.