bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal, physiological and perceptual strain mediate alterations in match-play tennis under heat stress
Authors: Périard Julien D , Racinais Sébastien , Knez Wade L , Herrera Christopher P , Christian Ryan J , Girard Olivier
Published: March 2014

Objectives

This study compared the thermal, physiological and perceptual responses associated with match-play tennis in HOT (∼34°C wet-bulb-globe temperature (WBGT)) and COOL (∼19°C WBGT) conditions, along with the accompanying alterations in match characteristics.

Methods

12 male tennis players undertook two matches for an effective playing time (ie, ball in play) of 20 min, corresponding to ∼119 and ∼102 min of play in HOT and COOL conditions, respectively. Rectal and skin temperatures, heart rate, subjective ratings of thermal comfort, thermal sensation and perceived exertion were recorded, along with match characteristics.

Results

End-match rectal temperature increased to a greater extent in the HOT (∼39.4°C) compared with the COOL (∼38.7°C) condition (p<0.05). Thigh skin temperature was higher throughout the HOT match (p<0.001). Heart rate, thermal comfort, thermal sensation and perceived exertion were also higher during the HOT match (p<0.001). Total playing time was longer in the HOT compared with the COOL match (p<0.05). Point duration (∼7.1 s) was similar between conditions, while the time between points was ∼10 s longer in the HOT relative to the COOL match (p<0.05). This led to a ∼3.4% lower effective playing percentage in the heat (p<0.05). Although several thermal, physiological and perceptual variables were individually correlated to the adjustments in time between points and effective playing percentage, thermal sensation was the only predictor variable associated with both adjustments (p<0.005).

Conclusions

These adjustments in match-play tennis characteristics under severe heat stress appear to represent a behavioural strategy adopted to minimise or offset the sensation of environmental conditions being rated as difficult.
The impact of match-play tennis in a hot environment on indirect markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status
Authors: Knez Wade L , Périard JP
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant status in response to playing tennis in HOT (∼36°C and 35% relative humidity (RH)) and COOL (∼22°C and 70% RH) conditions.

Methods

10 male tennis players undertook two matches for an effective playing time (ie, ball in play) of 20 min, corresponding to ∼122 and ∼107 min of total play in HOT and COOL conditions, respectively. Core body temperature, body mass and indirect markers of oxidative stress (diacrons reactive oxygen metabolic test) and antioxidant status (biological antioxidant potential test) were assessed immediately prematch, midmatch and postmatch, and 24 and 48 h into recovery.

Results

Regardless of the condition, oxidative stress remained similar throughout play and into recovery. Likewise, match-play tennis in the COOL had no impact on antioxidant status. However, antioxidants status increased significantly in the HOT compared with COOL environment (p<0.05). Body mass losses (∼0.5 kg) were similar between conditions. Rectal temperature increased during both matches (p<0.05), but with a greater magnitude in the HOT (39.3±0.5°C) versus COOL (38.7±0.2°C) environment (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Match-play tennis in the heat does not exacerbate the development of oxidative stress, but significantly increases antioxidant status. These data suggest that the heat stress observed in the HOT environment may provide a necessary signal for the upregulation of antioxidant defence, dampening cellular damage.
Association of digital vascular function with cardiovascular risk factors: a population study
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatiana , Van Vlierberghe Eline , Knez Judita , Szczesny Gregory , Thijs Lutgarde , Jozeau Dominique , Balestra Costantino , D'hooge Jan , Staessen Jan A
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Vasodilation of the peripheral arteries during reactive hyperaemia depends in part on release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells. Previous studies mainly employed a fingertip tonometric device to derive pulse wave amplitude (PWA) and PWA hyperaemic changes. An alternative approach is based on photoplethysmography (PPG). We sought to evaluate the correlates of digital PPG PWA hyperaemic responses as a measure of peripheral vascular function.

Design

The Flemish Study on Environment, Genes and Health Outcomes (FLEMENGHO) is a population-based cohort study.

Setting

Respondents were examined at one centre in northern Belgium.

Participants

For this analysis, our sample consisted of 311 former participants (53.5% women; mean age 52.6 years; 43.1% hypertensive), who were examined from January 2010 until March 2012 (response rate 85.1%).

Primary outcome measures

Using a fingertip PPG device, we measured digital PWA at baseline and at 30 s intervals for 4 min during reactive hyperaemia induced by a 5 min forearm cuff occlusion. We performed stepwise regression to identify correlates of the hyperaemic response ratio for each 30 s interval after cuff deflation.

Results

The maximal hyperaemic response was detected in the 30–60 s interval. The explained variance for the PPG PWA ratio ranged from 9.7% at 0–30 s interval to 22.5% at 60–90 s time interval. The hyperaemic response at each 30 s interval was significantly higher in women compared with men (p≤0.001). The PPG PWA changes at 0–90 s intervals decreased with current smoking (p≤0.0007) and at 0–240 s intervals decreased with higher body mass index (p≤0.035). These associations with sex, current smoking and body mass index were mutually independent.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to implement the new PPG technique to measure digital PWA hyperaemic changes in a general population. Hyperaemic response, as measured by PPG, is inversely associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as male sex, smoking and obesity.
Diagnostic accuracy of copeptin sensitivity and specificity in patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with troponin I below the 99th centile at presentation
Authors: Duchenne Jonathan , Mestres Stéphanie , Dublanchet Nicolas , Combaret Nicolas , Marceau Geoffroy , Caumon Laurent , Dutoit Laurent , Ughetto Sylvie , Motreff Pascal , Sapin Vincent , Schmidt Jeannot
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine whether copeptin-us can rule out diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) without prolonged monitoring and serial blood sampling in patients with high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnT) below the 99th centile at presentation to the emergency department (ED).

Design

Prospective, non-randomised, individual blinded diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting

Two EDs of a rural region of France.

Participants

Patients with chest pain suspected of NSTEMI with onset within the last 12 h were considered for enrolment.

Interventions

Serial clinical, electrographical and biochemical investigations were performed at admission and after 2, 4, 6 and 12 h. Hs-cTnT was measured using an assay with Dimension VISTA, Siemens. Copeptin was measured by the BRAHMS copeptin-us assay on the KRYPTOR Compact Plus system. The follow-up period was 90 days.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Copeptin, troponin, myoglobin and creatine kinase values. Clinical and paraclinical events. The final diagnosis was adjudicated blinded to copeptin result.

Results

During 12 months, 102 patients were analysed. Final diagnosis was NSTEMI for 7.8% (n=8), unstable angina for 3.9% (n=4), cardiac but non-coronary artery disease for 8.8% (n=9), non-cardiac chest pain for 52% (n=53) and unknown for 27.5% (n=28). There was no statistical difference for copeptin values between patients with NSTEMI and others (respectively 5.5 pmol/L IQR (3.1–7.9) and 6.5 pmol/L IQR (3.9–12.1), p=0.49). Only one patient with NSTEMI had a copeptin value above the cut-off of 95th centile at admission.

Conclusions

In this study, copeptin does not add a diagnostic value at admission to ED for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation and with hs-cTnT below the 99th centile.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT01334645.
Description of compression behaviour of structured soils and its application
Authors: Yang Chao , Carter John P. , Sheng Daichao
Published: March 2014

One of the most distinct characteristics of structured soils is the nonlinearity in the normal compression lines in a plot of specific volume or voids ratio against logarithmic mean or vertical effective stresses, when compared with reconstituted soils. The change in the compressibility (or compression index) with loading is attributed to structure degradation and is expressed as a function of the plastic straining. A direct description of the compression behaviour of structured soil is then established. The validity of this approach is examined via merely incorporating the newly defined normal compression line into the modified Cam-Clay constitutive model. Comparisons against a series of experiments on different types of soils illustrate the feasibility and advantage of the adopted methodology. The dependence of shear strength on the compression behaviour considered initially in critical-state soil mechanics is reemphasized here for structured soils. Analysis also indicates that the stiffness sensitivity coefficient, Sλ, should be considered together with the traditional strength (or stress) sensitivity coefficient, St (or Sσ), to better characterize the sensitivity of structured soils.
Chaotification of a Class of Linear Switching Systems by Hybrid Driven Methods
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Liu Xinzhi , Zhu Hong , Zeng Yong
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates a class of linear continuous-time switching systems and proposes a new approach to generate chaos by designing a hybrid switching rule. First, a computational formula for Lyapunov exponents is derived by extending the definition of Lyapunov exponent for continuous-time autonomous systems to that of a class of linear continuous-time switching systems. Then, a novel switching rule is proposed to gain global boundedness property as well as the required placement of Lyapunov exponents for chaos. A numerical example is given to illustrate the chaotic dynamic behavior of the generated system. The Lyapunov dimension of the system in the example is calculated and the corresponding bifurcation diagram and Lyapunov spectra are sketched, which, together with other phase portraits, clearly verify the validity of the main result.
Limit Cycles of Perturbed Cubic Isochronous Center via the Second Order Averaging Method
Authors: Li Shimin , Zhao Yulin
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we bound the number of limit cycles for a class of cubic reversible isochronous system inside the class of all cubic polynomial differential systems. By applying the averaging method of second order to this system, it is proved that at most eight limit cycles can bifurcate from the period annulus. Moreover, this bound is sharp.
Exact Cuspon and Compactons of the Novikov Equation
Authors: Li Jibin
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we apply the method of dynamical systems to the traveling wave solutions of the Novikov equation. Through qualitative analysis, we obtain bifurcations of phase portraits of the traveling system and exact cuspon wave solution, as well as a family of breaking wave solutions (compactons). We find that the corresponding traveling system of Novikov equation has no one-peakon solution.
Turing Pattern Formation from the Cooperation of Competition and Cross-Diffusion
Authors: Yang Xiyan , Yin Hongwei , Zhou Tianshou
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the pattern formation in a reaction–diffusion (R-D) system where two interacting species form coupled positive and negative feedback loops. It is found that the cooperation of competition and cross-diffusion can lead to the Turing pattern formation for which an adequate set of conditions are analytically derived. Such a mechanism of generating Turing patterns is different from the case that self-diffusion is sufficient to generate Turing patterns in a paradigm model (proverbially called as the Turing model) where two interacting species constitute a single negative feedback loop. Therefore, this work not only provides another model paradigm for studying the pattern formation but also would be helpful for understanding the formation of, for example, diversiform skin patterns in the mammalian world where coupled positive and negative feedback loops are ubiquitous.
A Chaotic Time-Delay Sampled-Data System and Its Implementation
Authors: Yalçin Müştak E. , Yeniçeri Ramazan , Özoğuz Serdar
Published: March 2014

Chaotic time-delay systems are attractive candidates to generate chaotic dynamics because of their relatively simple system model. The circuit realization of the time-delay part is the main drawback of these systems. In order to overcome this drawback, a chaotic time-delay system which features a binary feedback function is presented. The use of binary feedback function results in a considerably simplified implementation of the time-delay unit based on using a flip-flop chain. Modeling the system thus obtained yields a chaotic sampled-data system. The existence of chaotic dynamics in the introduced sampled-data systems is numerically verified by calculating system Lyapunov exponents and applying a detailed bifurcation analysis. The chaotic attractor of the introduced sampled-data system is verified by the circuit realization of the system. In order to minimize the number of flip-flops in the chain while keeping the system in chaos, the spectrum of Lyapunov exponent versus clock frequency of the flip-flops and a bifurcation parameter is computed. The circuit realization of the introduced sampled-data system includes a relatively simple structure compared to other chaotic time-delay systems and this overcomes the complexity of the circuit implementation of the time-delay block.
DYNAMIC FLUX BALANCE ANALYSIS FOR PREDICTING GENE OVEREXPRESSION EFFECTS IN BATCH CULTURES
Authors: BARRETO-RODRIGUEZ CAROL MILENA , RAMIREZ-ANGULO JESSICA PAOLA , RAMIREZ JORGE MARIO GOMEZ , ACHENIE LUKE , MOLINA-BULLA HAROLD , BARRIOS ANDRÉS FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ
Published: March 2014

The advent of numerous technological platforms for genome sequencing has led to increasing understanding and construction of metabolic networks. A popular system engineering strategy is used to analyze microbial metabolic networks is flux balance analysis (FBA). In recent times, there has been a lot of interest in the study of the metabolic network dynamics when genes are overexpressed in the system. Herein, an optimization framework, which employs dynamic flux balance analysis (DFBA) is proposed for predicting ethanol concentration profiles in glycerol fermentations using Escherichia coli. In silico results were experimentally validated by overexpressing alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase adhE, pyruvate kinase pykF, pyruvate formate-lyase pflB and isoleucine-valine enzymes ilvC and llvL.
A homeomorphism relating path spaces of stochastic processes with values in ℝℤrespectively (S1)ℤ
Authors: Albeverio Sergio , Röckner Michael , Yoshida Minoru W.
Published: March 2014

Through the consideration of a homeomorphism between C([0, T] → ℝℤ) and C([0, T] → (S1)ℤ), a one-to-one correspondence between stochastic prosesses with values in ℝℤresp. (S1)ℤis discussed. In particular, uniqueness of solutions of SDE's and contraction properties of the semigroups of the corresponding Markov processes on these spaces are studied.
A stratigraphical basis for the Anthropocene?
Authors: Waters Colin N. , Zalasiewicz Jan A. , Williams Mark , Ellis Michael A. , Snelling Andrea M.
Published: March 2014

Recognition of intimate feedback mechanisms linking changes across the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere demonstrates the pervasive nature of humankind's influence, perhaps to the point that we have fashioned a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. To what extent will these changes be evident as long-lasting signatures in the geological record?

To establish the Anthropocene as a formal chronostratigraphical unit it is necessary to consider a spectrum of indicators of anthropogenically induced environmental change, and to determine how these show as stratigraphic signals that can be used to characterize an Anthropocene unit and to recognize its base. It is important to consider these signals against a context of Holocene and earlier stratigraphic patterns. Here we review the parameters used by stratigraphers to identify chronostratigraphical units and how these could apply to the definition of the Anthropocene. The onset of the range of signatures is diachronous, although many show maximum signatures which post-date 1945, leading to the suggestion that this date may be a suitable age for the start of the Anthropocene.
The Adventitia Resection in Treatment of Liver Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report of a 15-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Ma Zhenhua , Yang Wei , Yao Yingmin , Liu Qingguang
Published: March 2014

Human hydatid disease is a significant health problem in endemic regions caused by the larval form ofEchinococcus granulosus. In this paper, we report a case of liver hydatid cyst. The patient, a 15-year-old boy, presented with a history of intermittent upper abdominal pain of a few-month duration was referred to our hospital for investigation. Computed tomographic scan and laboratory test suggested a hydatid cyst in the right lobe of liver. The adventitia resection of hydatid cyst was smoothly performed as there was a less bloody virtual space between adventitia and outer membrane. Our diagnosis was made using an imaging approach and was confirmed during surgery. We proposed the adventitia resection of hydatid cyst could be safe and easy to perform with low risk of bleeding and bile leakage.
Simulation Analysis and Model of Current Retrieval Based on Marine Radar Sea Clutter Images
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Dai Yuntao , Gao Jinyu
Published: March 2014

Using the sea clutter image from X‐Band radar for current retrieval is an effective way of obtaining information on ocean currents. Traditional methods used for current retrieval have been based on the least squares algorithm, which is not only simple and efficient but also generally speaking accurate. In order to improve the precision of current retrieval, this paper has, as its goal, the study of the used radar connected with sea clutter imaging for current retrieval, with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm being proposed. This method is achieved by obtaining a three‐dimensional image spectrum, taking the high‐order dispersion relation model as the theoretical distribution model of the wave energy points of three‐dimensional image spectra, using a forward model within the PSO framework, and considering the requirements of the order of the model, weights and optimal distribution of the energy points, and so on in fitness function. Simulation results show that, compared with the traditional ILSM methods, the method provided in this paper is more flexible, with a capacity for a high dispersion relationship order, higher precision, and an increased stability in terms of current inversion.
Relevant Aspects of Centrifugation Step in the Preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Perez Amanda G. M. , Lana José Fábio S. D. , Rodrigues Ana Amélia , Luzo Angela Cristina M. , Belangero William D. , Santana Maria Helena A.
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors, playing important role in tissue healing. The wide variation of reported protocols for preparation of PRP leads to variable compositions, which induce different biological responses and prevent results comparison. This study aims to highlight relevant aspects of the centrifugation step to obtain reproducible results and overall quality. Material and Methods. Samples of blood were collected from 20 healthy donors that have signed free informed consent. Two centrifugation steps (spins) were analyzed for the influence of centrifugal acceleration, time, processed volume, and platelet gradient. The Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (P-PRP) was characterized as platelet concentration, integrity, and viability (sP-selectin measurement). Results. Lower centrifugal accelerations favour platelet separation. The processing of 3.5 mL of blood at 100 ×g for 10 min (1st spin), 400 ×g for 10 min (2nd spin), withdrawing 2/3 of remnant plasma, promoted high platelet recovery (70–80%) and concentration (5x) maintaining platelet integrity and viability. The recovery of platelets was reduced for a larger WB volume (8.5 mL) processed. Conclusion. Centrifugal acceleration, time, WB processed volume, and minimization of the platelet gradient before sampling are relevant aspects to ensure reproducible compositions within the autologous nature of PRP.
Preliminary Assessment of Oxidation Pretreated Hastelloy as Hydrocarbon Steam Reforming Catalyst
Authors: de la Rama S. R. , Kawai S. , Yamada H. , Tagawa T.
Published: March 2014

The potential of oxidation pretreated Hastelloy tube as a hydrocarbon steam reforming catalyst was assessed using tetradecane, toluene, and naphthalene as model compounds. Surface characterization showed that Fe2O3, Cr2O3, MoO3, and NiO were formed on the surface of the alloy after oxidation at 1000°C for 2 hours. Catalytic evaluation showed good activity and stability with tetradecane while lower activity with increased rate of carbon formation was observed with naphthalene.
Male and Couple Fertility Impairment due to HPV-DNA Sperm Infection: Update on Molecular Mechanism and Clinical Impact—Systematic Review
Authors: Gizzo Salvatore , Ferrari Bruno , Noventa Marco , Ferrari Emanuele , Patrelli Tito Silvio , Gangemi Michele , Nardelli Giovanni Battista
Published: March 2014

Recent evidences identify Human Papillomavirus (HPV) sperm infection as a possible cause of male and couple infertility. It acts through different mechanisms at various steps of human conception and early gestational development. We performed a systematic review to assess the role of HPV semen infection on male and couple infertility. Analysis of available and eligible data does not permit us to fund clear evidences about clinical impact of HPV infection on fertility, although sperm parameters impairment is the most widely recognized effect. Regarding biomolecular implications, the available data are often conflicting. More studies are required to define the role of HPV sperm infection in clinical practice. The great majority of evidences are obtained byin vitrostudies and this fact represents a limitation for the clinical management of HPVDNA sperm infection. Understanding the biological significance of HPV-DNA semen infection could permit us to explain most of the idiopathic male and couple infertility, leading to a better management of infertile men and a better timing for sperm banking storage before ART cycles.
Delay‐Aware Online Service Scheduling in High‐Speed Railway Communication Systems
Authors: Xu Shengfeng , Zhu Gang , Shen Chao , Lei Yan , Zhong Zhangdui
Published: March 2014

We investigate the downlink service scheduling problem in relay‐assisted high‐speed railway (HSR) communication systems, taking into account stochastic packet arrivals and quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements. The scheduling problem is formulated as an infinite‐horizon average cost constrained Markov decision process (MDP), where the scheduling actions depend on the channel state information (CSI) and the queue state information (QSI). Our objective is to find a policy that minimizes the average end‐to‐end delay through scheduling actions under the service delivery ratio constraints. To address the challenge of centralized control and high complexity of traditional MDP approaches, we propose a distributed online scheduling algorithm based on approximate MDP and stochastic learning, where the scheduling policy is a function of the local CSI and QSI only. Numerical experiments are carried out to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Finite Series Representation of the Inverse Mittag‐Leffler Function
Authors: Hanneken John W. , Achar B. N. Narahari
Published: March 2014

The inverse Mittag‐Leffler function is valuable in determining the value of the argument of a Mittag‐Leffler function given the value of the function and it is not an easy problem. A finite series representation of the inverse Mittag‐Leffler function has been found for a range of the parameters α and β; specifically, 0 < α < 1/2 for β = 1 and for β = 2. This finite series representation of the inverse Mittag‐Leffler function greatly expedites its evaluation and has been illustrated with a number of examples. This represents a significant advancement in the understanding of Mittag‐Leffler functions.
Study of the Light Coupling Efficiency of OLEDs Using a Nanostructured Glass Substrate
Authors: Lee Min Won , Chicot Siegfried , Chen Chii-Chang , Chakaroun Mahmoud , Ayenew Getachew , Fischer Alexis , Boudrioua Azzedine
Published: March 2014

We study theoretically the enhancement of the light extraction from an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) with nanoair-bubbles embedded inside a glass substrate. Due to such a nanostructure inside the substrate, the critical angle which limits the light extraction outside the substrate from the OLED is increased. The theoretical results show that the nanoair bubbles near by the substrate surface can improve the efficiency of the light extraction by 7%. Such a substrate may also be suitable for photovoltaic cells or display screens.
Implementation of a Tour Guide Robot System Using RFID Technology and Viterbi Algorithm‐Based HMM for Speech Recognition
Authors: Pai Neng-Sheng , Kuang Hua-Jui , Chang Ting-Yuan , Kuo Ying-Che , Lai Chun-Yuan
Published: March 2014

This paper applied speech recognition and RFID technologies to develop an omni‐directional mobile robot into a robot with voice control and guide introduction functions. For speech recognition, the speech signals were captured by short‐time processing. The speaker first recorded the isolated words for the robot to create speech database of specific speakers. After the speech pre‐processing of this speech database, the feature parameters of cepstrum and delta‐cepstrum were obtained using linear predictive coefficient (LPC). Then, the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) was used for model training of the speech database, and the Viterbi algorithm was used to find an optimal state sequence as the reference sample for speech recognition. The trained reference model was put into the industrial computer on the robot platform, and the user entered the isolated words to be tested. After processing by the same reference model and comparing with previous reference model, the path of the maximum total probability in various models found using the Viterbi algorithm in the recognition was the recognition result. Finally, the speech recognition and RFID systems were achieved in an actual environment to prove its feasibility and stability, and implemented into the omni‐directional mobile robot.
Multiagent and Particle Swarm Optimization for Ship Integrated Power System Network Reconfiguration
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xia Li , Wang Yongji , Liu Lei
Published: March 2014

Ship integrated power system adopts electric power propulsion. Power network and electric power network are integrated into complicated one. Network reconfiguration of ship integrated power system is a typical nonlinear optimization that is multitarget and multiconstraint. According to the characteristics of ship integrated power system, simplified network model and reconfiguration mathematical model are established. A multiagent and particle swarm optimization is presented to solve network reconfiguration problem. The results of simulation show that multiagent and particle swarm optimization can reconfigure ship integrated power system efficiently.
Preparation and Evaluation of NovelIn SituGels Containing Acyclovir for the Treatment of Oral Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Authors: Chaudhary Binu , Verma Surajpal
Published: March 2014

The objective of this work was to develop an oral mucosal drug delivery system to facilitate the local and systemic delivery of acyclovir for the treatment of oral herpes infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Anin situgelling system was used to increase the residence time and thus the bioavailability of acyclovir in oral mucosa. Temperature and pH triggedin situgel formulations were prepared by cold method using polymers like poloxamer 407, carbopol 934, and HPMC. Glycerin and a mixture of tween 80 and ethanol (1 : 2 ratio) were used as the drug dissolving solvent. The pH of carbopol containing formulation was adjusted to pH 5.8 while the pH of poloxamer solution was adjusted to pH 7. These formulations were evaluated for sol-gel transition temperature, gelling capacity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, gel strength, drug content, ex-vitro permeation, and mucoadhesion. The gelation temperatures of all the formulations were within the range of 28–38°C. All the formulations exhibited fairly uniform drug content (98.15–99.75%). Drug release study of all the formulations showed sustained release properties. The release of drug through thesein situgel formulations followed the Higuchi model and Korsmeyer peppas model mechanism.
Complete Workplace Indoor Smoking Ban and Smoking Behavior among Male Workers and Female Nonsmoking Workers’ Husbands: A Pseudo Cohort Study of Japanese Public Workers
Authors: Tabuchi Takahiro , Hoshino Takahiro , Hama Hitomi , Nakata-Yamada Kayo , Ito Yuri , Ioka Akiko , Nakayama Tomio , Miyashiro Isao , Tsukuma Hideaki
Published: March 2014

A pseudo cohort study using national cross-sections (2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010) was conducted to examine differences in smoking prevalence under different smoking ban policies such as a complete workplace indoor smoking ban (early or recent implementation) and a partial smoking ban among male public workers and husbands of female nonsmoking public workers. The effectiveness of smoking bans was estimated by difference-in-differences (DID) with age group stratification. The results varied considerably by age and implementation period. Although DID estimates (positive value of DID estimate represents smoking cessation percentage) for both smoking bans on total male smoking were not significant, the over-40 age group indicated a significant DID estimate of 5.0 (95% CI: 0.2, 9.8) for the recent smoking ban. For female workers' husbands' smoking, the over-40 age group indicated positive, but not significant, DID estimates for the early and recent smoking bans of 7.2 (−4.7, 19.2) and 8.4 (−2.0, 18.7), respectively. A complete indoor workplace smoking ban, particularly one recently implemented among public office workers aged over 40, may reduce male workers' smoking and female workers' husbands' smoking compared with a partial smoking ban, but the conclusion remains tentative because of methodological weaknesses in the study.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of a Cluster Head Election for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Jong-Yong , Jung Kyedong , Jung Hanmin , Lee Daesung
Published: March 2014

Sensor Networks can perceive the extensive area by applying many sensor nodes because the size of sensor nodes is relatively small and cheap. Sensor nodes can transfer multi-hop data to sink nodes which are far away than sending and receiving distance. Generally sensor nodes are composed of a large size so it is difficult that much capacity is loaded on nodes. Many routing methods are proposed in order to raise energy efficiency in sensor networks field. There is a routing method based on structure as a composing method of network by cluster. Cluster technology consisting and maintaining network topology based on cluster is mostly studied in routing protocol. There are demerits that LEACH, EACHS shall be rest energy of all nodes and HEED does not guarantee the number of cluster head. Proposed energy efficiency of selected cluster head guarantees the number of cluster head which is a demerit of HEED and minimizes the node of DEAD.
p21WAF1/CIP1Expression is Differentially Regulated by Metformin and Rapamycin
Authors: Molnar Zoltan , Millward Ann B. , Tse Wai , Demaine Andrew G.
Published: March 2014

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy and other age-related diseases. One of the features of DN is the elevated expression of p21WAF1/CIP1. However, the importance of the mTOR signalling pathway in p21 regulation is poorly understood. Here we investigated the effect of metformin and rapamycin on mTOR-related phenotypes in cell lines of epithelial origin. This study reports that metformin inhibits high glucose-induced p21 expression. High glucose opposed metformin in regulating cell size, proliferation, and protein synthesis. These effects were associated with reduced AMPK activation, affecting downstream mTOR signalling. However, the inhibition of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin did not have a negative effect on p21 expression, suggesting that metformin regulates p21 upstream of mTOR. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that AMPK activation may regulate p21 expression, which may have implications for diabetic nephropathy and other age-related pathologies.
EEG Channel Selection Using Particle Swarm Optimization for the Classification of Auditory Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Gonzalez Alejandro , Nambu Isao , Hokari Haruhide , Wada Yasuhiro
Published: March 2014

Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) rely on the accurate classification of event-related potentials (ERPs) and their performance greatly depends on the appropriate selection of classifier parameters and features from dense-array electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Moreover, in order to achieve a portable and more compact BMI for practical applications, it is also desirable to use a system capable of accurate classification using information from as few EEG channels as possible. In the present work, we propose a method for classifying P300 ERPs using a combination of Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA) and a multiobjective hybrid real-binary Particle Swarm Optimization (MHPSO) algorithm. Specifically, the algorithm searches for the set of EEG channels and classifier parameters that simultaneously maximize the classification accuracy and minimize the number of used channels. The performance of the method is assessed through offline analyses on datasets of auditory ERPs from sound discrimination experiments. The proposed method achieved a higher classification accuracy than that achieved by traditional methods while also using fewer channels. It was also found that the number of channels used for classification can be significantly reduced without greatly compromising the classification accuracy.
Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa, Lecythidaceae) Regeneration in Logging Gaps in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Moll-Rocek Julian , Gilbert Matthew E. , Broadbent Eben N.
Published: March 2014

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsaBonpl.) extraction serves as an important economic resource in the Madre de Dios region of Peru simultaneously promoting forest conservation, yet, under current management, it cannot compete with other land uses. This study investigated the effects of logging gaps on Brazil nut natural regeneration. A total of 48 paired logging gap-understory sites were visited in Brazil nut concessions in the Tambopata province of Madre de Dios, Peru. At each site, the number of Brazil nut recruits was counted and canopy openness and gap area were measured. Significantly higher levels of recruit density were found in logging gaps than in understory sites. Additionally, recruit density was positively correlated with canopy openness. Further, in experimental plantings in paired gap and understory sites, canopy openness, height, total leaf area, and number were recorded from August 2011 to February 2012. Height, total leaf area, and leaf number were significantly higher for tree-fall gap grown seedlings, lending further evidence to improved recruitment success of Brazil nuts in forest gaps. These results suggest that multiple-use forest management could be considered as an alternative for the sustainable extraction of Brazil nuts but also highlight that further studies are required.
Complex Stochastic Boolean Systems: Comparing Bitstrings with the Same Hamming Weight
Authors: González Luis
Published: March 2014

A complex stochastic Boolean system (CSBS) is a complex system depending on an arbitrarily large number n of random Boolean variables. CSBSs arise in many different areas of science and engineering. A proper mathematical model for the analysis of such systems is based on the intrinsic order: a partial order relation defined on the set 0,1n of all binary n-tuples of 0s and 1s. The intrinsic order enables one to compare the occurrence probabilities of two given binary n-tuples with no need to compute them, simply looking at the relative positions of their 0s and 1s. Regarding the analysis of CSBSs, the intrinsic order reduces the complexity of the problem from exponential (2n binary n-tuples) to linear (n Boolean variables). In this paper, using the intrinsic ordering, we compare the occurrence probabilities of any two binary n-tuples having the same number of 1-bits (i.e., the same Hamming weight). Our results can be applied to any CSBS with mutually independent Boolean variables.
Analytical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer of Two-Phase Nanofluid (Stratified Flow Regime)
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad , Baniamerian Zahra
Published: March 2014

Nanofluids have evoked immense interest from researchers all around the globe due to their numerous potential benefits and applications in important fields such as cooling electronic parts, cooling car engines and nuclear reactors. An analytical study of fluid flow of in-tube stratified regime of two-phase nanofluid has been carried out for CuO, Al2O2, TiO3, and Au as applied nanoparticles in water as the base liquid. Liquid film thickness, convective heat transfer coefficient, and dryout length have been calculated. Among the considered nano particles, Al2O3and TiO2because of providing more amounts of heat transfer along with longer lengths of dryout found as the most appropriate nanoparticles to achieve cooling objectives.
In Silico Analysis of β-Galactosidases Primary and Secondary Structure in relation to Temperature Adaptation
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Sharma Nikhil , Bhalla Tek Chand
Published: March 2014

β-D-Galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) hydrolyze the terminal nonreducing β-D-galactose residues in β-D-galactosides and are ubiquitously present in all life forms including extremophiles. Eighteen microbial β-galactosidase protein sequences, six each from psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic microbes, were analyzed. Primary structure reveals alanine, glycine, serine, and arginine to be higher in psychrophilic β-galactosidases whereas valine, glutamine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, threonine, and tyrosine are found to be statistically preferred by thermophilic β-galactosidases. Cold active β-galactosidase has a strong preference towards tiny and small amino acids, whereas high temperature inhabitants had higher content of basic and aromatic amino acids. Thermophilic β-galactosidases have higher percentage of α-helix region responsible for temperature tolerance while cold loving β-galactosidases had higher percentage of sheet and coil region. Secondary structure analysis revealed that charged and aromatic amino acids were significant for sheet region of thermophiles. Alanine was found to be significant and high in the helix region of psychrophiles and valine counters in thermophilic β-galactosidase. Coil region of cold active β-galactosidase has higher content of tiny amino acids which explains their high catalytic efficiency over their counterparts from thermal habitat. The present study has revealed the preference or prevalence of certain amino acids in primary and secondary structure of psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic β-galactosidase.
Microwave Assisted Alkali Pretreatment of Rice Straw for Enhancing Enzymatic Digestibility
Authors: Singh Renu , Tiwari Sapna , Srivastava Monika , Shukla Ashish
Published: March 2014

Rapid industrialization, increasing energy demand, and climate change are the conditions that forced the researchers to develop a clean, efficient, renewable, and sustainable source of energy which has a potential to replace fossil fuels. Ethanol is one of the attractive and suitable renewable energy resources. In present study, effectiveness of microwave pretreatment in combination with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for increasing enzymatic hydrolysis of rice straw has been investigated and under optimum conditions obtained a maximum reducing sugar (1334.79 µg/mL) through microwave assisted NaOH pretreatment. Chemical composition analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and silicon content is more in microwave assisted NaOH pretreatment than the blank sample. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the crystallinity index of rice straw treated with microwave assisted alkali (54.55%) is significantly high as compared to the blank (49.07%). Hence, the present study proves that microwave assisted alkali pretreatment can effectively enhance enzymatic digestibility of rice straw and it is feasible to convert rice straw for bioethanol production.
Pointing Devices for Wearable Computers
Authors: Calvo Andrés A. , Perugini Saverio
Published: March 2014

We present a survey of pointing devices for wearable computers, which are body-mounted devices that users can access at any time. Since traditional pointing devices (i.e., mouse, touchpad, and trackpoint) were designed to be used on a steady and flat surface they are inappropriate for wearable computers. Just as the advent of laptops resulted in the development of the touchpad and trackpoint, the emergence of wearable computers is leading to the development of pointing devices designed for them. However, unlike laptops, since wearable computers are operated from different body positions under different environmental conditions for different uses, researchers have developed a variety of innovative pointing devices for wearable computers characterized by their sensing mechanism, control mechanism, and form factor. We survey a representative set of pointing devices for wearable computers using an “adaptation of traditional devices” versus “new devices” dichotomy and study devices according to their control and sensing mechanisms and form factor. The objective of this paper is to showcase a variety of pointing devices developed for wearable computers and bring structure to the design space for wearable pointing devices. We conclude that a de facto pointing device for wearable computers, unlike laptops, is not likely to emerge.
Common Presenting Problems for Young People Attending the Emergency Department
Authors: Shanmugavadivel Dhurgshaarna , Sands Rebecca , Wood Damian
Published: March 2014

Objective. To determine the common presenting problems for young people attending the emergency department. Design. A retrospective review of electronic patient records of all young people between the ages of 13 and 17 who attended a UK University Hospital ED between 07/02/2007 and 06/02/2008 (n=10455). Results. All emergency department attendances for young people over a one-year period were studied in order to determine the common presenting problems. There were a total of 10455 attendances by 8303 young people. The presenting problem in 7505 (71.8%) was classified as injury. Of the remainder the commonest presenting problems reported for young people were abdominal pain (480, 16.3%), self-harm (314, 10.6%), fits, faints and funny turns (308, 10.4%), breathing difficulty (213, 7.2%), and intoxication (178, 6.0%). Ten presenting problems accounted for 72% of noninjury related attendances. Conclusions. Clinical guidelines and pathways developed for young people attending the emergency department should target the commonest presenting problems. In our cohort ten presenting problems account for almost three-quarters of all noninjury attendances for young people. The presenting problems are different to those described in younger children in previous studies. These results will inform the development of clinical pathways in order to improve emergency care.
Cognitive Radio Transceivers: RF, Spectrum Sensing, and Learning Algorithms Review
Authors: Safatly Lise , Bkassiny Mario , Al-Husseini Mohammed , El-Hajj Ali
Published: March 2014

A cognitive transceiver is required to opportunistically use vacant spectrum resources licensed to primary users. Thus, it relies on a complete adaptive behavior composed of: reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) parts, enhanced spectrum sensing algorithms, and sophisticated machine learning techniques. In this paper, we present a review of the recent advances in CR transceivers hardware design and algorithms. For the RF part, three types of antennas are presented: UWB antennas, frequency-reconfigurable/tunable antennas, and UWB antennas with reconfigurable band notches. The main challenges faced by the design of the other RF blocks are also discussed. Sophisticated spectrum sensing algorithms that overcome main sensing challenges such as model uncertainty, hardware impairments, and wideband sensing are highlighted. The cognitive engine features are discussed. Moreover, we study unsupervised classification algorithms and a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm that has been proposed to perform decision-making in CR networks.
Prediction of Offending: SARPO—The Czech Tool for Assessment of Offenders' Criminogenic Risk and Needs
Authors: Jiricka Vaclav , Podana Zuzana , Petras Michal , Hurka Jindrich
Published: March 2014

In the past three decades, developed prison and probation services have paid large attention to risk assessment tools predicting the probability of reoffending. This not only resulted in a more accurate classification of offenders, but also in a more informed choice of effective intervention helping to reduce relapse in offending behaviour. In terms of reducing the risk of reoffending intervention programmes considering the principle of criminogenic risks, needs, and responsivity proved successful, while imprisonment on its own, where intervention methods were not applied, showed only limited effectiveness. For historical reasons, the Czech Prison Service underwent a different development, although its objectives were similar. It was not until the beginning of a new millennium when the Czech prison system together with a newly created probation service decided to seek new methods of assessing offenders based on criminogenic risks. This paper presents development and results of the first Czech tool used for assessment of offenders’ risks and needs, called SARPO (from the Czech abbreviation of Complex Analysis of Offenders’ Risk and Needs).