bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numerical Study of the Screening Effectiveness of Open Trenches for High-Speed Train-Induced Vibration
Authors: Chiang Chih-hung , Tsai Pei-hsun
Published: March 2014

This study used the 2D boundary element method in time domain to examine the screening effectiveness of open trenches on reducing vibration generated by a high-speed train. The parameters included configurations of the trench, train speed, the distance between the source and the trench, and the Poisson’s ratio of the soil. A reducing displacement level (in dB scale) was defined and used to evaluate the screening effectiveness of a wave barrier. The maximal reducing displacement level reached 25 dB when an open trench was used as a wave barrier. The depth of an open trench is a main influential parameter of screening effectiveness. The cutoff frequency of the displacement spectrum increases with decreasing trench depth. The maximal screening effectiveness occurs when the depth is 0.3-0.4 Rayleigh wavelength. Using an open trench as a wave barrier can reduce 10–25 dB of vibration amplitude at frequencies between 30 and 70 Hz. A considerable increase in screening effectiveness of the open trench was observed from 30 to 70 Hz, which matches the main frequencies of vibration induced by Taiwan High Speed Rail. The influence of trench width on screening effectiveness is nonsignificant except for frequencies from 30 to 40 Hz. Poisson’s ratio has various effects on the reduction of vibration at frequencies higher than 30 Hz.
Results of a Prospective Study of High-Dose or Conventional Anthracycline-Cyclophosphamide Regimen Plus Radiotherapy for Localized Adult Non-Hodgkin’s Primary Bone Lymphoma
Authors: Schmidt-Tanguy A. , Houot R. , Lissandre S. , Abgrall J. F. , Casassus P. , Rodon P. , Desablens B. , Marolleau J. P. , Garidi R. , Lamy T. , Moles-Moreau M.-P. , Damaj G.
Published: March 2014

Background. Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare entity that has only been reviewed in one prospective and small retrospective studies, from which it is difficult to establish treatment guidelines. We prospectively evaluated high-dose or conventional anthracycline-cyclophosphamide dose and radiotherapy for PBL.Patients and Methods. The GOELAMS prospective multicenter study (1986–1998) enrolled adults with localized high-grade PBL according to age and performance status (PS). Patients <60 years received a high-dose CHOP regimen (VCAP) and those ≥60 years a conventional anthracycline-cyclophosphamide regimen (VCEP-bleomycin); all received intrathecal chemotherapy and local radiotherapy.Results. Among the 26 patients included (VCAP: 19; VCEP-bleomycin: 7), 39% had poor PS ≥2. With a median follow-up of 8 years, overall survival, event-free survival, and relapse-free survival were 64%, 62%, and 65%, respectively, with no significant difference between treatment groups. Poor PS was significantly associated with shorter OS and EFS.Conclusions. Our results confirm the efficacy of our age-based therapeutic strategy. High-doses anthracycline-cyclophosphamide did not improve the outcome. VCEP-bleomycin is effective and well tolerated for old patients. The intensification must be considered for patients with PS ≥2, a poor prognostic factor.
Beta Value Coupled Wave Theory for Nonslanted Reflection Gratings
Authors: Neipp Cristian , Francés Jorge , Gallego Sergi , Bleda Sergio , Martínez Francisco Javier , Pascual Inmaculada , Beléndez Augusto
Published: March 2014

We present a modified coupled wave theory to describe the properties of nonslanted reflection volume diffraction gratings. The method is based on the beta value coupled wave theory, which will be corrected by using appropriate boundary conditions. The use of this correction allows predicting the efficiency of the reflected order for nonslanted reflection gratings embedded in two media with different refractive indices. The results obtained by using this method will be compared to those obtained using a matrix method, which gives exact solutions in terms of Mathieu functions, and also to Kogelnik’s coupled wave theory. As will be demonstrated, the technique presented in this paper means a significant improvement over Kogelnik’s coupled wave theory.
The Effect of Feedback from Pupil to Teacher on Assessment for Leaning and Visible Learning: An Ethnographic Case Study in a Community School in England and the Outcome in a State High School in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ndisang Daniel , Benson Alan
Published: March 2014

This study shows that there is positive regulatory effect of feedback from pupils to teachers on Assessment for Learning (AfL), classroom proactiveness, and on visible and progressive learning but not on behaviour. This research finding further articulates feedback from pupil to teacher as a paradigm shift from the classical paradigm of feedback from teacher to pupil. Here, the emphasis is geared towards pupils understanding of objectives built from previous knowledge. These are then feedback onto the teachers by the pupils in the form of discrete loops of cues and questions, where they are with their learning. This therefore enables them to move to the next level of understanding, and thus acquired independence, which in turn is reflected by their success in both formative and summative assessments. This study therefore shows that when feedback from pupil to teacher is used in combination with teacher to pupil feedback, AfL is ameliorated and hence, visible and accelerated learning occurs in a gender, nor subject non-dependent manner.
16QAM Blind Equalization via Maximum Entropy Density Approximation Technique and Nonlinear Lagrange Multipliers
Authors: Mauda R. , Pinchas M.
Published: March 2014

Recently a new blind equalization method was proposed for the 16QAM constellation input inspired by the maximum entropy density approximation technique with improved equalization performance compared to the maximum entropy approach, Godard’s algorithm, and others. In addition, an approximated expression for the minimum mean square error (MSE) was obtained. The idea was to find those Lagrange multipliers that bring the approximated MSE to minimum. Since the derivation of the obtained MSE with respect to the Lagrange multipliers leads to a nonlinear equation for the Lagrange multipliers, the part in the MSE expression that caused the nonlinearity in the equation for the Lagrange multipliers was ignored. Thus, the obtained Lagrange multipliers were not those Lagrange multipliers that bring the approximated MSE to minimum. In this paper, we derive a new set of Lagrange multipliers based on the nonlinear expression for the Lagrange multipliers obtained from minimizing the approximated MSE with respect to the Lagrange multipliers. Simulation results indicate that for the high signal to noise ratio (SNR) case, a faster convergence rate is obtained for a channel causing a high initial intersymbol interference (ISI) while the same equalization performance is obtained for an easy channel (initial ISI low).
Multistep-Ahead Air Passengers Traffic Prediction with Hybrid ARIMA-SVMs Models
Authors: Ming Wei , Bao Yukun , Hu Zhongyi , Xiong Tao
Published: March 2014

The hybrid ARIMA-SVMs prediction models have been established recently, which take advantage of the unique strength of ARIMA and SVMs models in linear and nonlinear modeling, respectively. Built upon this hybrid ARIMA-SVMs models alike, this study goes further to extend them into the case of multistep-ahead prediction for air passengers traffic with the two most commonly used multistep-ahead prediction strategies, that is, iterated strategy and direct strategy. Additionally, the effectiveness of data preprocessing approaches, such as deseasonalization and detrending, is investigated and proofed along with the two strategies. Real data sets including four selected airlines’ monthly series were collected to justify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Empirical results demonstrate that the direct strategy performs better than iterative one in long term prediction case while iterative one performs better in the case of short term prediction. Furthermore, both deseasonalization and detrending can significantly improve the prediction accuracy for both strategies, indicating the necessity of data preprocessing. As such, this study contributes as a full reference to the planners from air transportation industries on how to tackle multistep-ahead prediction tasks in the implementation of either prediction strategy.
BICO MPPT: A Faster Maximum Power Point Tracker and Its Application for Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Malek Hadi , Chen YangQuan
Published: March 2014

This paper develops a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to optimize photovoltaic (PV) array performance and make it more compatible to rapidly varying weather conditions. In particular, a novel extremum seeking controller (ESC), which uses a Bode ideal cutoff (BICO) filter in its structure, is designed and tested on a simulated PV array. The new algorithm is compared against the commonly used ESC MPPT algorithm with first-order filters. The BICO extremum seeking controller achieves transient rise to the MPP faster than the common extremum seeking MPPT, which is the faster and more robust method among all other methods. This claim has been discussed and proved mathematically in this paper, in addition to simulation illustrations. This faster extremum seeking algorithm enables PV systems to detect rapid variations in the environmental conditions like irradiation and temperature changes.
Brachial Artery Endothelial Responses during Early Recovery from an Exercise Bout in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Currie Katharine D. , McKelvie Robert S. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: March 2014

This study examined the acute endothelial responses to an exercise bout in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Nineteen males with CAD (63±8years) were assessed at rest and 15 minutes following a submaximal exercise bout (recovery). Brachial artery endothelial-dependent function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Brachial artery diameters and velocities were measured using Duplex ultrasound at baseline, and for 3 minutes following a 5-minute ischemic period. Endothelial-independent function was assessed using a 0.4 mg dose of nitroglycerin (NTG). FMD responses were unchanged from rest to recovery; however, there were 2 types of responses: negative and positive FMD responders. Post-hoc analysis revealed that positive responders had lower resting FMD compared to negative responders (3.2±1.7versus6.0±2.5%,P<0.05). NTG-mediated dilation was reduced in recovery (22.0±5.6versus14.4±5.7%,P<0.001for rest versus recovery). In conclusion, acute endothelial-dependent responses to submaximal exercise are affected by the degree of resting endothelial dysfunction. The observation of attenuated NTG-mediated dilation during recovery is novel and warrants the investigation of possible mechanisms and clinical significance. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of both endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent assessments when evaluating endothelial function changes with an intervention.
Positive Periodic Solution for the Generalized Neutral Differential Equation with Multiple Delays and Impulse
Authors: Luo Zhenguo , Luo Liping , Zeng Yunhui
Published: March 2014

By using a fixed point theorem of strict-set-contraction, which is different from Gaines and Mawhin's continuation theorem and abstract continuation theory fork-set contraction, we established some new criteria for the existence of positive periodic solution of the following generalized neutral delay functional differential equation with impulse:x'(t)=x(t)[a(t)-f(t,x(t),x(t-τ1(t,x(t))),…,x(t-τn(t,x(t))),x'(t-γ1(t,x(t))),…,x'(t-γm(t,x(t))))],  t≠tk,  k∈Z+;  x(tk+)=x(tk-)+θk(x(tk)),  k∈Z+. As applications of our results, we also give some applications to several Lotka-Volterra models and new results are obtained.
Branch and Bound Algorithms for Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem Subject to Nonrenewable Resources with Prescheduled Procurement
Authors: Shirzadeh Chaleshtarti A. , Shadrokh S. , Fathi Y.
Published: March 2014

A lot of projects in real life are subject to some kinds of nonrenewable resources that are not exactly similar to the type defined in the project scheduling literature. The difference stems from the fact that, in those projects, contrary to the common assumption in the project scheduling literature, nonrenewable resources are not available in full amount at the beginning of the project, but they are procured along the project horizon. In this paper, we study this different type of nonrenewable resources. To that end, we extend the resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) by this resource type (RCPSP‐NR) and customize four basic branch and bound algorithms of RCPSP for it, including precedence tree, extension alternatives, minimal delaying alternatives, and minimal forbidden sets. Several bounding and fathoming rules are introduced to the algorithms to shorten the enumeration process. We perform comprehensive experimental analysis using the four customized algorithms and also CPLEX solver.
Efficacy of Combined Formulations of Fungicides with Different Modes of Action in Controlling Botrytis Gray Mold Disease in Chickpea
Authors: Rashid M. H. , Hossain M. Ashraf , Kashem M. A. , Kumar Shiv , Rafii M. Y. , Latif M. A.
Published: March 2014

Botrytis gray mold (BGM) caused byBotrytis cinereaPers. Ex. Fr. is an extremely devastating disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) and has a regional as well as an international perspective. Unfortunately, nonchemical methods for its control are weak and ineffective. In order to identify an effective control measure, six fungicides with different modes of action were evaluated on a BGM susceptible chickpea variety BARIchhola-1 at a high BGM incidence location (Madaripur) in Bangladesh for three years (2008, 2009, and 2010). Among the six fungicides tested, one was protectant [Vondozeb 42SC, a.i. mancozeb (0.2%)], two systemic [Bavistin 50 WP, a.i. carbendazim (0.2%), and Protaf 250EC, propiconazole (0.05%)], and three combination formulations [Acrobat MZ690, dimethomorph 9% + mancozeb 60%, (0.2%); Secure 600 WG, phenomadone + mancozeb (0.2%); and Companion, mancozeb 63% + carbendazim 12% (0.2%)]. The results showed superiority of combination formulations involving both protectant and systemic fungicides over the sole application of either fungicide separately. Among the combination fungicides, Companion was most effective, resulting in the lowest disease severity (3.33 score on 1–9 scale) and the highest increase (38%) of grain yield in chickpea. Therefore, this product could be preferred over the sole application of either solo protectant or systemic fungicides to reduce yield losses and avoid fungicide resistance.
A Cost-Effective Design for Combining Sensing Robots and Fixed Sensors for Fault-Tolerant Linear Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mohamed Nader , Al-Jaroodi Jameela , Jawhar Imad
Published: March 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be used to monitor long linear structures such as pipelines, rivers, railroads, international borders, and high power transmission cables. In this case a special type of WSN called linear wireless sensor network (LSN) is used. One of the main challenges of using LSN is the reliability of the connections among the nodes. Faults in a few contiguous nodes may cause the creation of holes which will result in dividing the network into multiple disconnected segments. As a result, sensor nodes that are located between holes may not be able to deliver their sensed information which negatively affects the network's sensing coverage. Sensing robots can be used to overcome these faults and enhance the coverage. Sensing robots provide additional sensing coverage and restore the connectivity among disconnected segments. This paper develops a cost-effective design for robot-assisted fault-tolerant LSN. In this design the numbers of fixed sensor nodes and mobile sensing robots are determined such that the required reliability and sensing coverage levels are maintained while the total cost is minimized. The paper covers both uniformly and randomly deployed sensors LSNs.
An SIRS Epidemic Model Incorporating Media Coverage with Time Delay
Authors: Zhao Huitao , Lin Yiping , Dai Yunxian
Published: March 2014

An SIRS epidemic model incorporating media coverage with time delay is proposed. The positivity and boundedness are studied firstly. The locally asymptotical stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium is studied in succession. And then, the conditions on which periodic orbits bifurcate are given. Furthermore, we show that the local Hopf bifurcation implies the global Hopf bifurcation after the second critical value of the delay. The obtained results show that the time delay in media coverage can not affect the stability of the disease-free equilibrium when the basic reproduction numberR0<1. However, whenR0>1, the stability of the endemic equilibrium will be affected by the time delay; there will be a family of periodic orbits bifurcating from the endemic equilibrium when the time delay increases through a critical value. Finally, some examples for numerical simulations are also included.
Energy-Efficient Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Quantized Measurement Fusion Framework
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wang Dongli , Pei Tingrui , Lan Yonghong
Published: March 2014

Optimizing the design of tracking system under energy and bandwidth constraints in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is of paramount importance. In this paper, the problem of collaborative target tracking in WSNs is considered in a framework of quantized measurement fusion. First, the measurement in each local sensor is quantized by probabilistic quantization scheme and transmitted to a fusion center (FC). Then, the quantized messages are fused and sequential importance resampling (SIR) particle filtering is employed to estimate the target state. In the FC, quantized measurement fusion via both augmented approach and weighted approach is investigated. For both approaches, the closed-form solution to the optimization problem of bandwidth scheduling is given, where the total energy consumption is minimized subject to a constraint on the fusion performance. Finally, posterior Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) on the tracking accuracy using quantized measurement fusion are derived. Simulation results reveal that both approaches perform very closely to the posterior CRLB while obtaining average communication energy saving up to 72.8% and 45.1%, respectively.
Neural Network Assisted Inverse Dynamic Guidance for Terminally Constrained Entry Flight
Authors: Zhou Hao , Rahman Tawfiqur , Chen Wanchun
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a neural network assisted entry guidance law that is designed by applying Bézier approximation. It is shown that a fully constrained approximation of a reference trajectory can be made by using the Bézier curve. Applying this approximation, an inverse dynamic system for an entry flight is solved to generate guidance command. The guidance solution thus gotten ensures terminal constraints for position, flight path, and azimuth angle. In order to ensure terminal velocity constraint, a prediction of the terminal velocity is required, based on which, the approximated Bézier curve is adjusted. An artificial neural network is used for this prediction of the terminal velocity. The method enables faster implementation in achieving fully constrained entry flight. Results from simulations indicate improved performance of the neural network assisted method. The scheme is expected to have prospect for further research on automated onboard control of terminal velocity for both reentry and terminal guidance laws.
A TBB‐CUDA Implementation for Background Removal in a Video‐Based Fire Detection System
Authors: Wang Fan , Jiang Xiao , Hu Xiao Peng
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a parallel TBB‐CUDA implementation for the acceleration of single‐Gaussian distribution model, which is effective for background removal in the video‐based fire detection system. In this framework, TBB mainly deals with initializing work of the estimated Gaussian model running on CPU, and CUDA performs background removal and adaption of the model running on GPU. This implementation can exploit the combined computation power of TBB‐CUDA, which can be applied to the real‐time environment. Over 220 video sequences are utilized in the experiments. The experimental results illustrate that TBB+CUDA can achieve a higher speedup than both TBB and CUDA. The proposed framework can effectively overcome the disadvantages of limited memory bandwidth and few execution units of CPU, and it reduces data transfer latency and memory latency between CPU and GPU.
A Different Three-Port DC/DC Converter for Standalone PV System
Authors: Vázquez Nimrod , Sanchez Carlos Manuel , Hernández Claudia , Vázquez Eslí , García Luz del Carmen , Arau Jaime
Published: March 2014

A three-port converter suitable for standalone applications is proposed in this paper. Each port is used for specific input or output, and its functions depend on the port; they are the renewable source, the battery set, and the output port. This proposed converter is considered for standalone operation, but it is not limited to it. Not only the system is able to deliver energy independently from each input source or in a mixed way for the output, but also the battery system may be charged from the renewable source just in case it is required. The battery port is only used when it is required; this allows increasing battery lifetime. Another important feature is that, in case of a renewable source failure, the energy is automatically demanded from the battery set, like an uninterruptible power supply. The system is able to track the maximum power of the renewable source when it is required. Operation, analysis, simulation, and experimental results are described in detail.
Reusable Component Model Development Approach for Parallel and Distributed Simulation
Authors: Zhu Feng , Yao Yiping , Chen Huilong , Yao Feng
Published: March 2014

Model reuse is a key issue to be resolved in parallel and distributed simulation at present. However, component models built by different domain experts usually have diversiform interfaces, couple tightly, and bind with simulation platforms closely. As a result, they are difficult to be reused across different simulation platforms and applications. To address the problem, this paper first proposed a reusable component model framework. Based on this framework, then our reusable model development approach is elaborated, which contains two phases: (1) domain experts create simulation computational modules observing three principles to achieve their independence; (2) model developer encapsulates these simulation computational modules with six standard service interfaces to improve their reusability. The case study of a radar model indicates that the model developed using our approach has good reusability and it is easy to be used in different simulation platforms and applications.
Effect of Nano ZnO on the Optical Properties of Poly(vinyl chloride) Films
Authors: Al-Taa’y Wasan , Abdul Nabi Mohammed , Yusop Rahimi M. , Yousif Emad , Abdullah Bashar Mudhaffar , Salimon Jumat , Salih Nadia , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: March 2014

Optical properties of pure and doped poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films, prepared by using casting technique, with different nanosize zinc oxide (ZnO) concentrations (1–20) wt% have been studied. Parameters such as extinction coefficient, refractive index, real and imaginary parts, Urbach energy, optical conductivity, infinitely high frequency dielectric constant, and average refractive index were studied by using the absorbance and transmittance measurement from computerized UV-visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1601 PC) in the spectral range 200–800 nm. This study reveals that the optical properties of PVC are affected by the doping of ZnO where the absorption increases and transmission decreases as ZnO concentration increases. The extinction coefficient, refractive index, real and imaginary parts, infinitely high frequency dielectric constant, and average refractive index values were found to increase with increasing impurity percentage. The Urbach energy values are found to be decreasing with increasing ZnO concentration. The optical conductivity increased with photon energy after being doped and with the increase of ZnO concentration.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors: A Review of Cutaneous Adverse Events and Management
Authors: Chanprapaph K. , Vachiramon V. , Rattanakaemakorn P.
Published: March 2014

Epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRI), the first targeted cancer therapy, are currently an essential treatment for many advance-stage epithelial cancers. These agents have the superior ability to target cancers cells and better safety profile compared to conventional chemotherapies. However, cutaneous adverse events are common due to the interference of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in the skin. Cutaneous toxicities lead to poor compliance, drug cessation, and psychosocial discomfort. This paper summarizes the current knowledge concerning the presentation and management of skin toxicity from EGFRI. The common dermatologic adverse events are papulopustules and xerosis. Less common findings are paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, maculopapular rash, mucositis, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Radiation enhances EGFRI rash due to synergistic toxicity. There is a positive correlation between the occurrence and severity of cutaneous adverse effects and tumor response. To date, prophylactic systemic tetracycline and tetracycline class antibiotics have proven to be the most effective treatment regime.
Preparation and Characterization of K-Carrageenan/Nanosilica Biocomposite Film
Authors: Rane Lokesh R. , Savadekar Niranjan R. , Kadam Pravin G. , Mhaske Shashank T.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study is to improve the performance properties of K-carrageenan (K-CRG) by utilizing nanosilica (NSI) as the reinforcing agent. The composite films were prepared by solution casting method. NSI was added up to 1.5% in the K-CRG matrix. The prepared films were characterized for mechanical (tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis), barrier (water vapour transmission rate), morphological (scanning electron microscopy), contact angle, and crystallinity properties. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, and crystallinity were found to have increased by 13.8, 15, and 48% whereas water vapour transmission rate was found to have decreased by 48% for 0.5% NSI loaded K-CRG composite films. NSI was found to have formed aggregates for concentrations above 0.5% as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Melting temperature, enthalpy of melting, and degradation temperature of K-CRG increased with increase in concentration of NSI in K-CRG. Contact angle also increased with increase in concentration of NSI in K-CRG, indicating the decrease in hydrophilicity of the films improving its water resistance properties. This knowledge of the composite film could make beneficial contributions to the food and pharmaceutical packaging applications.
Inhibitory Potential of Five Traditionally Used Native Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants onα-Amylase,α-Glucosidase, Glucose Entrapment, and Amylolysis KineticsIn Vitro
Authors: Picot Carene M. N. , Subratty A. Hussein , Mahomoodally M. Fawzi
Published: March 2014

Five traditionally used antidiabetic native medicinal plants of Mauritius, namely,Stillingia lineata(SL),Faujasiopsis flexuosa(FF),Erythroxylum laurifolium(EL),Elaeodendron orientale(EO), andAntidesma madagascariensis(AM), were studied for possibleα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibitory property, glucose entrapment, and amylolysis kineticsin vitro. Only methanolic extracts of EL, EO, and AM (7472.92±5.99,1745.58±31.66, and2222.96±13.69 μg/mL, resp.) were found to significantly (P<0.05) inhibitα-amylase and were comparable to acarbose. EL, EO, AM, and SL extracts (5000 μg/mL) were found to significantly (P<0.05) inhibitα-glucosidase (between87.41±3.31and96.87±1.37% inhibition). Enzyme kinetic studies showed an uncompetitive and mixed type of inhibition. Extracts showed significant (P<0.05) glucose entrapment capacities (8 to 29% glucose diffusion retardation index (GDRI)), with SL being more active (29% GDRI) and showing concentration-dependent activity (29, 26, 21, 14, and 5%, resp.). Amylolysis kinetic studies showed that methanolic extracts were more potent inhibitors ofα-amylase compared to aqueous extracts and possessed glucose entrapment properties. Our findings tend to provide justification for the hypoglycaemic action of these medicinal plants which has opened novel avenues for the development of new phytopharmaceuticals geared towards diabetes management.
Plasma Vitellogenin in Free-Ranging Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Smelker Kimberly , Smith Lauren , Arendt Michael , Schwenter Jeffrey , Rostal David , Selcer Kyle , Valverde Roldán
Published: March 2014

Vitellogenin is the egg yolk precursor protein produced by oviparous vertebrates. As endogenous estrogen increases during early reproductive activity, hepatic production of vitellogenin is induced and is assumed to be complete in female sea turtles before the first nesting event. Until the present study, innate production of vitellogenin has not been described in free-ranging sea turtles. Our study describes circulating concentrations of vitellogenin in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. We collected blood samples from juveniles and adults via in-water captures off the coast of the Southeast USA from May to August, and from nesting females in June and July at Hutchinson Island, Florida. All samples were analyzed using an in-house ELISA developed specifically to measureCaretta carettavitellogenin concentration. As expected, plasma vitellogenin declined in nesting turtles as the nesting season progressed, although it still remained relatively elevated at the end of the season. In addition, mean vitellogenin concentration in nesting turtles was 1,000 times greater than that measured in samples from in-water captures. Our results suggest that vitellogenesis may continue throughout the nesting season, albeit at a decreasing rate. Further, vitellogenin detected in turtles captured in-water may have resulted from exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Second Harmonic of Laser Radiation for IR-Range in Mixed AgGa0.6In0.4Se2 Crystals
Authors: Kasumova Rena J.
Published: March 2014

The results of investigations of the influence of different parameters on conversion efficiency in mixed AgGa0.6In0.4Se2 crystal in conditions of existing experiments are cited. The angular dispersion coefficients for three versions of crystal AgGaxIn⁡1-xSe2, differing by a content of indium, have been calculated. A comparison was made of the obtained results on conversion efficiency with analogous results in case of other crystals and with corresponding experimentally measured values. The applied analytical method makes it possible to calculate the optimum parameters of both crystal-converter and a source of radiation for conditions of uncritical phase matching in the concrete experiment.
Photodynamic Therapy for Juxtapapillary Retinal Capillary Hemangioma
Authors: Mitropoulos Panagiotis G. , Chatziralli Irini P. , Peponis Vasileios G. , Tsiotra Vasileia A. , Parikakis Efstratios A.
Published: March 2014

Various treatment modalities have been described for retinal capillary hemangioma. Our purpose is to present a case of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma treated with photodynamic therapy. A 69-year-old woman with no previous ocular history presented with blurred vision and photopsias in the right eye three months ago. At presentation, her best corrected visual acuity was 6/9 in the right eye and 6/6 in the left eye. The anterior segment was totally normal and IOP was normal in both eyes as well. Dilated fundoscopy revealed a yellowish, well-circumscribed, elevated area with blood vessels, on the inferior margin of the right optic disc, as optic disc edema. Fluorescein angiography and angiogram with indocyanine green confirmed the diagnosis of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma. The patient was treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and three months later her visual acuity was 6/7.5 in the right eye, while the lesion was slightly smaller. These findings remained stable at the one-year follow-up. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy offers promising anatomical and functional results for juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma, providing visual acuity improvement or even stabilization and restriction of enlargement of the lesion.
Fractal Cross-Layer Service with Integration and Interaction in Internet of Things
Authors: Jia Bing , Liu Shuai , Yang Yongjian
Published: March 2014

Under the Internet of Things (IoT), in order to achieve the adaptive and personalized delivery of services, there was an urgent need to build an intelligent cross-layer service platform to support the services with effective integration and interaction. First, this paper focuses on the huge amounts, dynamic, and heterogeneous nature of services in IoT and presents the architecture of cross-layer services platform based on semantics to extend the service source from the common services in registries to the self-organization services in ubiquitous environment, which mainly contains the service management, demand computing, service discovery, and service selection. Then, some of the key foundational models and algorithms are presented, such as IoT service ontology model, semantic-based IoT service description language OWL-Siot, and service management strategy both in registry mode and self-organization by subcluster. Many large-scale, ubiquitous, and heterogeneous services could be integrated in this platform. It could provide multilevel semantic supports for services to meet the common understanding and interoperability.
The Effect of Obesity on Brain Diffusion Alteration in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kilicarslan Rukiye , Alkan Alpay , Sharifov Rasul , Akkoyunlu Muhammed Emin , Aralasmak Ayse , Kocer Abdulkadir , Kart Levent
Published: March 2014

Purpose.We investigated diffusion alterations in specific regions of the brain in morbid obese, obese, and nonobese OSA patients and searched whether there is a correlation between BMI and ADC values.Materials and Methods.DWIs of 65 patients with OSA were evaluated. The patients were classified according to BMI as morbid obese (n=16), obese (n=27), and nonobese (control,n=22) groups. ADC measurements were performed from 24 different regions of the brain in each patient. The relationship of BMI with ADC values was searched.Results.The ADC values in hypothalamus, insular cortex, parietal cortex, caudate nucleus, frontal white matter, and posterior limb of internal capsule were all increased in obese patients (n=43) compared to control group. The ADC values of midbrain, hypothalamus, orbitofrontal cortex, and parietal cortex were significantly increased in morbid obese compared to obese patients. In obese patients, the degree of BMI was positively correlated with ADC values of orbitofrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and hypothalamus.Conclusion.We observed increasing brain vasogenic edema with increasing BMI, suggesting that the main reason of brain diffusion alteration in patients with OSA could be obesity related.
On a New Efficient Steffensen-Like Iterative Class by Applying a Suitable Self-Accelerator Parameter
Authors: Lotfi Taher , Tavakoli Elahe
Published: March 2014

It is attempted to present an efficient and free derivative class of Steffensen-like methods for solving nonlinear equations. To this end, firstly, we construct an optimal eighth-order three-step uniparameter without memory of iterative methods. Then the self-accelerator parameter is estimated using Newton’s interpolation in such a way that it improves its convergence order from 8 to 12 without any extra function evaluation. Therefore, its efficiency index is increased from 81/4to 121/4which is the main feature of this class. To show applicability of the proposed methods, some numerical illustrations are presented.
Overview of Platelet Physiology: Its Hemostatic and Nonhemostatic Role in Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Ghoshal Kakali , Bhattacharyya Maitree
Published: March 2014

Platelets are small anucleate cell fragments that circulate in blood playing crucial role in managing vascular integrity and regulating hemostasis. Platelets are also involved in the fundamental biological process of chronic inflammation associated with disease pathology. Platelet indices like mean platelets volume (MPV), platelets distributed width (PDW), and platelet crit (PCT) are useful as cheap noninvasive biomarkers for assessing the diseased states. Dynamic platelets bear distinct morphology, whereαand dense granule are actively involved in secretion of molecules like GPIIb , IIIa, fibrinogen, vWf, catecholamines, serotonin, calcium, ATP, ADP, and so forth, which are involved in aggregation. Differential expressions of surface receptors like CD36, CD41, CD61 and so forth have also been quantitated in several diseases. Platelet clinical research faces challenges due to the vulnerable nature of platelet structure functions and lack of accurate assay techniques. But recent advancement in flow cytometry inputs huge progress in the field of platelets study. Platelets activation and dysfunction have been implicated in diabetes, renal diseases, tumorigenesis, Alzheimer’s, and CVD. In conclusion, this paper elucidates that platelets are not that innocent as they keep showing and thus numerous novel platelet biomarkers are upcoming very soon in the field of clinical research which can be important for predicting and diagnosing disease state.
Multilocus Sequence Typing for Interpreting Blood Isolates ofStaphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Sharma Prannda , Satorius Ashley E. , Raff Marika R. , Rivera Adriana , Newton Duane W. , Younger John G.
Published: March 2014

Staphylococcus epidermidisis an important cause of nosocomial infection and bacteremia. It is also a common contaminant of blood cultures and, as a result, there is frequently uncertainty as to its diagnostic significance when recovered in the clinical laboratory. One molecular strategy that might be of value in clarifying the interpretation ofS. epidermidisidentified in blood culture is multilocus sequence typing. Here, we examined 100 isolates of this species (50 blood isolates representing true bacteremia, 25 likely contaminant isolates, and 25 skin isolates) and the ability of sequence typing to differentiate them. Three machine learning algorithms (classification regression tree, support vector machine, and nearest neighbor) were employed. Genetic variability was substantial between isolates, with 44 sequence types found in 100 isolates. Sequence types 2 and 5 were most commonly identified. However, among the classification algorithms we employed, none were effective, with CART and SVM both yielding only 73% diagnostic accuracy and nearest neighbor analysis yielding only 53% accuracy. Our data mirror previous studies examining the presence or absence of pathogenic genes in that the overlap between truly significant organisms and contaminants appears to prevent the use of MLST in the clarification of blood cultures recoveringS. epidermidis.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanostructured Manganese Oxide as Cathodic Catalyst in a Microbial Fuel Cell Fed with Leachate
Authors: Haoran Yuan , Lifang Deng , Tao Lu , Yong Chen
Published: March 2014

Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured MnO2materials because of their unique properties and potential applications as cathode catalyst in Microbial fuel cell. Hybrid MnO2nanostructures were fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method in this study. Their crystal structures, morphology, and electrochemical characters were carried out by FESEM, N2-adsorption-desorption, and CV, indicating that the hydrothermally synthesized MnO2(HSM) was structured by nanorods of high aspect ratio and multivalve nanoflowers and more positive than the naturally synthesized MnO2(NSM), accompanied by a noticeable increase in oxygen reduction peak current. When the HSM was employed as the cathode catalyst in air-cathode MFC which fed with leachate, a maximum power density of 119.07 mW/m2was delivered, 64.68% higher than that with the NSM as cathode catalyst. Furthermore, the HSM via a 4-e pathway, but the NSM via a 2-e pathway in alkaline solution, and as 4-e pathway is a more efficient oxygen reduction reaction, the HSM was more positive than NSM. Our study provides useful information on facile preparation of cost-effective cathodic catalyst in air-cathode MFC for wastewater treatment.
Fuzzy Pruning Based LS-SVM Modeling Development for a Fermentation Process
Authors: Xiong Weili , Zhang Wei , Liu Dengfeng , Xu Baoguo
Published: March 2014

Due to the complexity and uncertainty of microbial fermentation processes, data coming from the plants often contain some outliers. However, these data may be treated as the normal support vectors, which always deteriorate the performance of soft sensor modeling. Since the outliers also contaminate the correlation structure of the least square support vector machine (LS-SVM), the fuzzy pruning method is provided to deal with the problem. Furthermore, by assigning different fuzzy membership scores to data samples, the sensitivity of the model to the outliers can be reduced greatly. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated through two numerical examples as well as a simulator case of penicillin fermentation process.
Five Years of Acute Stroke Unit Care: Comparing ASU and Non-ASU Admissions and Allied Health Involvement
Authors: Hubbard Isobel J. , Evans Malcolm , McMullen-Roach Sarah , Marquez Jodie , Parsons Mark W.
Published: March 2014

Background.Evidence indicates that Stroke Units decrease mortality and morbidity. An Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) provides specialised, hyperacute care and thrombolysis. John Hunter Hospital, Australia, admits 500 stroke patients each year and has a 4-bed ASU.Aims.This study investigated hospital admissions over a 5-year period of all strokes patients and of all patients admitted to the 4-bed ASU and the involvement of allied health professionals.Methods.The study retrospectively audited 5-year data from all stroke patients admitted to John Hunter Hospital(n=2525)and from nonstroke patients admitted to the ASU(n=826). The study’s primary outcomes were admission rates, length of stay (days), and allied health involvement.Results.Over 5 years, 47% of stroke patients were admitted to the ASU. More male stroke patients were admitted to the ASU (chi2=5.81;P=0.016). There was a trend over time towards parity between the number of stroke and nonstroke patients admitted to the ASU. When compared to those admitted elsewhere, ASU stroke patients had a longer length of stay (z=−8.233;P=0.0000) and were more likely to receive allied healthcare.Conclusion.This is the first study to report 5 years of ASU admissions. Acute Stroke Units may benefit from a review of the healthcare provided to all stroke patients. The trends over time with respect to the utilisation of the John Hunter Hospitall’s ASU have resulted in a review of the hospitall’s Stroke Unit and allied healthcare.
Endothelium and Its Alterations in Cardiovascular Diseases: Life Style Intervention
Authors: Favero Gaia , Paganelli Corrado , Buffoli Barbara , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio , Rezzani Rita
Published: March 2014

The endothelium, which forms the inner cellular lining of blood vessels and lymphatics, is a highly metabolically active organ that is involved in many physiopathological processes, including the control of vasomotor tone, barrier function, leukocyte adhesion, and trafficking and inflammation. In this review, we summarized and described the following: (i) endothelial cell function in physiological conditions and (ii) endothelial cell activation and dysfunction in the main cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, and hypertension) and to diabetes, cigarette smoking, and aging physiological process. Finally, we presented the currently available evidence that supports the beneficial effects of physical activity and various dietary compounds on endothelial functions.
Impact of Serum Biomarkers and Clinical Factors on Intensive Care Unit Mortality and 6-Month Outcome in Relatively Healthy Patients with Severe Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Tseng Chia-Cheng , Fang Wen-Feng , Leung Sum-Yee , Chen Hung-Chen , Chang Ya-Chun , Wang Chin-Chou , Chang Huang-Chih , Lin Meng-Chih
Published: March 2014

Objectives. This study aimed to identify the independent biomarkers and clinical factors that could predict ICU mortality and 6-month outcomes in relatively healthy patients with severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Patients and Methods. We prospectively enrolled patients with severe pneumonia-related ARDS that required mechanical ventilation. Patients were excluded if they were unable to take care of themselves. Several biomarkers and clinical factors were evaluated prospectively on day 1 and day 3 after ICU admission. All biomarkers and clinical factors were collected for analysis.Results. 56 patients were enrolled in this study. We determined that the initial appropriate antibiotics use was an independent clinical factor and day 1 high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) concentration was an independent biomarker for ICU mortality. Interestingly, we also found that a low day 1 albumin level was an independent biomarker for predicting patient life dependence 6 months after a pneumonia event.Conclusion. Patients with severe pneumonia and ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation experience high rates of ICU mortality or disability, even if they were quite healthy before. Initial appropriate antibiotics use and day 1 level of HMGB1 were independent factors for predicting ICU mortality. Day 1 albumin level was predictive of 6-month patient life dependence.
In Situ Investigation of the 3D Mechanical Microstructure at Nanoscale: Nano-CT Imaging Method of Local Small Region in Large Scale Sample
Authors: Dong Bo , Xu Feng , Hu Xiao-fang , Qu Hong-yan , Kang Dan , Xiao Ti-qiao
Published: March 2014

To investigate the local micro-/nanoscale region in a large scale sample, an image reconstruction method for nanometer computed tomography (nano-CT) was proposed in this paper. In the algorithm, wavelets were used to localize the filtered-backprojection (FBP) algorithm because of its space-frequency localization property. After the implementation of the algorithm, two simulation local reconstruction experiments were performed to confirm its effectiveness. Three evaluation criteria were used in the experiments to judge the quality of the reconstructed images. The experimental results showed that the algorithm proposed in this paper performed best because (1) the quality of its results had improved 20%–30% compared to the results of FBP and 10%–30% compared to the results of another wavelet algorithm; (2) the new algorithm was stable under different circumstances. Besides, an actual reconstruction experiment was performed using real projection data that had been collected in a CT experiment. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of the sample were reconstructed. The microstructure of the sample could be clearly observed in the reconstructed images. Since much attention has been directed towards the nano-CT technique to investigate the microstructure of materials, this new wavelet-based local tomography algorithm could be considered as a meaningful effort.