bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Validity and Reliability of the Sinhala Translation of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and PHQ-2 Screener
Authors: Hanwella Raveen , Ekanayake Shakya , de Silva Varuni A.
Published: March 2014

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was adapted and translated into Sinhala. Sample consisted of 75 participants diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-IV criteria and 75 gender matched controls. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating total score of PHQ-9 with that of Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD). The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-II) conducted by a psychiatrist was the gold standard. Mean age of the sample was 33.0 years. There were 91 females (60.7%). There was significant difference in the mean PHQ-9 scores between cases (14.71) and controls (2.55) (P<0.001). The specificity of the categorical algorithm was 0.97; the sensitivity was 0.58. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis found that cut-off score of ≥10 had sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.97. The area under the curve (AOC) was 0.93. The sensitivity of the two-item screener (PHQ-2) was 0.80 and the specificity was 0.97. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90. The PHQ-9 is a valid and reliable instrument for diagnosing MDD in a non-Western population. The threshold algorithm is recommended for screening rather than the categorical algorithm. The PHQ-2 screener has good sensitivity and specificity and is recommended as a quick screening instrument.
Late Onset Bipolar Disorder due to a Lacunar State
Authors: Antelmi Elena , Fabbri Margherita , Cretella Lucia , Guarino Maria , Stracciari Andrea
Published: March 2014

Objective.To describe a patient with a new onset bipolar disorder (BD) type II, secondary to a lacunar state.Background.Poststroke BD is rare and mainly associated with lesion in the prefrontal-striatal-thalamic circuit.Materials and Methods.A 51-year-old woman came to our attention for a mood disorder of recent onset. At 49, she had suffered acute left-sided limb weakness that improved spontaneously four days later. Arterial hypertension was subsequently diagnosed. After 6 months, she began to suffer from alternating brief periods of expansive and elevated mood with longer periods of depressed mood, with a suicide attempt. We performed extensive laboratory and instrumental investigations, as well as, psychiatric consultation, and a cognitive assessment, which was repeated 9 months later.Results.Brain magnetic resonance disclosed leukoaraiosis and a lacunar state of the basal ganglia. Transcranial Doppler showed a patent foramen ovale. A psychiatric consultation led to the diagnosis of BP type II. Neuropsychological evaluation detected deficits in attention/executive functions, verbal fluency, and memory. Nine months later, after specific psychiatric therapy, the psychiatric symptoms were remarkably improved.Conclusion.Our case sheds light on the role of the basal ganglia in mood disorders and the importance of ruling out brain injury in late onset BP.
Numerical Simulation of Carbon Nanotubes/GaAs Hybrid PV Devices with AMPS-1D
Authors: Xosrovashvili Georgi , Gorji Nima E.
Published: March 2014

The performance and characteristics of a hybrid heterojunction single-walled carbon nanotube and GaAs solar cell are modelled and numerically simulated using AMPS-1D device simulation tool. The device physics and performance with different junction parameters are analysed. The results suggest that the open-circuit voltage changes very slightly by changing the electron affinity, acceptor and donor density while the other electrical parameters reach an optimum value. Increasing the concentration of a discrete defect density in the absorber layer decreases the electrical parameters. The current-voltage characteristics, quantum efficiency, band gap, and thickness variation of the photovoltaic response will be quantitatively considered.
Investigation of Low‐Frequency Noise Characterization of 28‐nm High‐k pMOSFET with Embedded SiGe Source/Drain
Authors: Tsai Shih-Chang , Wu San-Lein , Chen Jone-Fang , Wang Bo-Chin , Huang Po Chin , Tsai Kai-Shiang , Kao Tsung-Hsien , Yang Chih-Wei , Chen Cheng-Guo , Lo Kun-Yuan , Cheng Osbert , Fang Yean-Kuen
Published: March 2014

We have studied the low‐frequency noise characterizations in 28‐nm high‐k (HK) pMOSFET with embedded SiGe source/drain (S/D) through 1/f  noise and random telegraph noise measurements simultaneously. It is found that uniaxial compressive strain really existed in HK pMOSFET with embedded SiGe S/D. The compressive strain induced the decrease in the tunneling attenuation length reflecting in the oxide trap depth from Si/SiO2 interface to the HK layer, so that the oxide traps at a distance from insulator/semiconductor interface cannot capture carrier in the channel. Consequently, lower 1/f  noise level in HK pMOSFET with embedded SiGe S/D is observed, thanks to the less carrier fluctuations from trapping/detrapping behaviors. This result represents an intrinsic benefit of HK pMOSFET using embedded SiGe S/D in low‐frequency noise characteristics.
Canonical Sensor Ontology Builder Based on ISO/IEC 11179 for Sensor Network Environments: A Standardized Approach
Authors: Lee Sukhoon , Jeong Dongwon , Gim Jangwon , Baik Doo-Kwon
Published: March 2014

The advancement of sensor technology has led to an explosive increase in sensors. It causes semantic heterogeneity problems, and much research has focused on sensor ontology building to solve the problems. However, there are still remaining several issues, and one of the most critical issues is about a method for progressive and dynamic concepts management and reuse of sensor ontology. This paper proposes an ontology generation system based on ISO/IEC 11179–MDR (metadata registry). The proposed system is referred to as the Canonical Sensor Ontology Builder (CaSOB) and can create ontologies by reusing the common concepts registered in a canonical sensor ontology concept registry, an MDR. This paper defines a mapping model and processes to create ontology with the concepts registered in an MDR. Our proposal provides many advantages such as high standardization, consistent concept usage, and easy semantic exchange. Therefore, CaSOB facilitates the high quality sensor ontology creation and reduces the costs of sensor ontology integration and system development.
The Tensor Product Representation of Polynomials of Weak Type in a DF-Space
Authors: Nishihara Masaru , Shon Kwang Ho
Published: March 2014

LetEandFbe locally convex spaces overCand letP(nE;F)be the space of all continuousn-homogeneous polynomials fromEtoF. We denote by⨂n,s,πEthen-fold symmetric tensor product space ofEendowed with the projective topology. Then, it is well known that each polynomialp∈P(nE;F)is represented as an element in the spaceL(⨂n,s,πE;F)of all continuous linear mappings from⨂n,s,πEtoF. A polynomialp∈P(nE;F)is said to beof weak typeif, for every bounded setBofE,p|Bis weakly continuous onB. We denote byPw(nE;F)the space of alln-homogeneous polynomials of weak type fromEtoF. In this paper, in case thatEis a DF space, we will give the tensor product representation of the spacePw(nE;F).
Oral Dalfampridine Improves Standing Balance Detected at Static Posturography in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Prosperini Luca , Giannì Costanza , Fortuna Deborah , Marchetti Maria Rita , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: March 2014

We report a 14-week post-marketing experience on 20 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who started prolonged-release (PR) oral dalfampridine 10 mg twice daily according to European Medicine Agency criteria. They underwent serial static posturography assessments and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) to investigate whether PR dalfampridine could impact standing balance and self-reported perception of balance. The incidence of accidental falls per person per month was also recorded throughout the study. Eight (40%) patients, who had a relevant improvement in walking speed, were defined as treatment responders. They showed a significant improvement of standing balance (with respect to pretreatment assessment) when contrasted with 12 (60%) nonresponders (F[4,15] = 3.959,P=0.027). No significant changes in DHI score, as well as in its functional, physical, and emotional subscales, were found in both responders and nonresponders at the end of study (allPvalues are ≥0.2). Treatment response did not affect the incidence of accidental falls. Future studies based on larger sample sizes, and with longer followup, are required to confirm the beneficial effect of PR dalfampridine on standing balance.
Periodic Solutions and Homoclinic Bifurcations of Two Predator-Prey Systems with Nonmonotonic Functional Response and Impulsive Harvesting
Authors: Huang Mingzhan , Song Xinyu
Published: March 2014

Two predator-prey models with nonmonotonic functional response and state-dependent impulsive harvesting are formulated and analyzed. By using the geometry theory of semicontinuous dynamic system, we obtain the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the periodic solution and analyse the dynamic phenomenon of homoclinic bifurcation of the first system by choosing the harvesting rateβas control parameter. Besides, we also study the homoclinic bifurcation of the second system about parameterδon the basis of the theory of rotated vector field. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the results.
Robust Eye Localization by Combining Classification and Regression Methods
Authors: Il Nam Pak , Song Jin Ri , Peer Peter
Published: March 2014

Eye localization is an important part in face recognition system, because its precision closely affects the performance of the system. In this paper we analyze the limitations of classification and regression methods and propose a robust and accurate eye localization method combining these two methods. The classification method in eye localization is robust, but its precision is not so high, while the regression method is sensitive to the initial position, but in case the initial position is near to the eye position, it can converge to the eye position accurately. Experiments on BioID and LFW databases show that the proposed method gives very good results on both low and high quality images.
Holographic Screens in Ultraviolet Self-Complete Quantum Gravity
Authors: Nicolini Piero , Spallucci Euro
Published: March 2014

This paper studies the geometry and the thermodynamics of aholographic screenin the framework of the ultraviolet self-complete quantum gravity. To achieve this goal we construct a new static, neutral, nonrotating black hole metric, whose outer (event) horizon coincides with the surface of the screen. The spacetime admits an extremal configuration corresponding to the minimal holographic screen and having both mass and radius equalling the Planck units. We identify this object as the spacetime fundamental building block, whose interior is physically unaccessible and cannot be probed even during the Hawking evaporation terminal phase. In agreement with the holographic principle, relevant processes take place on the screen surface. The area quantization leads to a discrete mass spectrum. An analysis of the entropy shows that the minimal holographic screen can store only one byte of information, while in the thermodynamic limit the area law is corrected by a logarithmic term.
Asymptotic Stability Analysis and Optimality Algorithm for Uncertain Neutral Systems with Saturation
Authors: Liu Xinghua
Published: March 2014

The certain and uncertain neutral systems with time-delay and saturating actuator are considered in this paper. In order to analyse and optimize the system, auxiliary functions are presented based on additive decomposition approach and the relationship among them is discussed. As the novel stability criterion, two sufficient conditions are obtained for asymptotic stability of the neutral systems. Furthermore, the paper gives the stability analysis algorithm and optimality algorithm to optimize the result. Finally, from the two-stage dissolution tank of solid caustic soda in a chemical plant, three numerical examples are implemented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cancer Risks for Relatives of Children with Cancer
Authors: Heath John A. , Smibert Elizabeth , Algar Elizabeth M. , Dite Gillian S. , Hopper John L.
Published: March 2014

We determined the extent and distribution of cancers in relatives of 379 children newly diagnosed with cancer. Family history was collected from 1,337 first-degree and 3,399 second-degree relatives and incidence compared with national age- and gender-specific rates. Overall, 14 children (3.7%) had a relative with a history of childhood cancer and 26 children (6.9%) had a first-degree relative with a history of cancer, with only one of these having an identifiable familial cancer syndrome. There was a higher than expected incidence of childhood cancer among first-degree relatives (parents and siblings) (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.43; 95% CI 0.54–5.08). There was also a higher than expected incidence of adult cancers among first-degree relatives (SIR 1.45; 95% CI 0.93–2.21), particularly in females (SIR 1.82; 95% CI 1.26–3.39). The increased family cancer history in first-degree females was largely attributable to an effect in mothers (SIR 1.78; 95% CI 1.27–3.33). The gender-specific association was reflected in higher than expected incidence rates of breast cancer in both mothers (SIR 1.92; 95% CI 0.72–6.83) and aunts (SIR 1.64; 95% CI 0.98–2.94). These findings support the hypothesis that previously undetected familial cancer syndromes contribute to childhood cancer.
Facing the Reality: Validation of Energy Saving Mechanisms on a Testbed
Authors: Tego Edion , Idzikowski Filip , Chiaraviglio Luca , Coiro Angelo , Matera Francesco
Published: March 2014

Two energy saving approaches, called Fixed Upper Fixed Lower (FUFL) and Dynamic Upper Fixed Lower (DUFL), switching off idle optical Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) interfaces during low traffic periods, have been implemented on a testbed. We show on a simple network scenario that energy can be saved using off-the-shelf equipment not explicitly designed for dynamic on/off operation. No packet loss is experienced in our experiments. We indicate the need for faster access to routers in order to perform the reconfiguration. This is particularly important for the more sophisticated energy saving approaches such as DUFL, since FUFL can be implemented locally.
First Trimester Biomarkers in the Prediction of Later Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Kane Stefan C. , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Brennecke Shaun
Published: March 2014

Adverse obstetric outcomes, such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restriction, are poorly predicted by maternal history and risk factors alone, especially in nulliparae. The ability to predict these outcomes from the first trimester would allow for the early initiation of prophylactic therapies, institution of an appropriate model and location of care, and recruitment of a truly “high risk” population to clinical trials of interventions to prevent or ameliorate these conditions. To this end, development of adequately sensitive and specific predictive tests for these outcomes has become a significant focus of perinatal research. This paper reviews the biomarkers involved in these multiparametric tests and also outlines the performance of these tests and issues regarding their introduction into clinical practice.
Dynamic Study of a Capacitive MEMS Switch with Double Clamped-Clamped Microbeams
Authors: Samaali Hatem , Najar Fehmi , Choura Slim
Published: March 2014

We study a capacitive MEMS switch composed of two clamped-clamped exible microbeams. We first develop a mathematical model for the MEMS switch where the upper microbeam represents the ground transmission line and the lower one represents the central transmission line. An electrostatic force is applied between the two microbeams to yield the switch to its ON and OFF states. We derive the equations of motion of the system and associated boundary conditions and solve the static and dynamic problems using the differential quadratic method. We show that using only nine grid points gives relatively accurate results when compared to those obtained using FEM. We also examine the transient behavior of the microswitch and obtain results indicating that subsequent reduction in actuation voltage, switching time, and power consumption are expected along with relatively good RF performances. ANSYS HFSS simulator is used in this paper to extract the RF characteristics of the microswitch. HFSS simulation results show that the insertion loss is as low as −0.31 dB and that the return loss is better than −12.41 dB at 10 GHz in the ON state. At the OFF state, the isolation is lower than −23 dB in the range of 10 to 50 GHz.
Existence of Solutions of Fractional Differential Equation withp-Laplacian Operator at Resonance
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Liu Wenbin , Liu Jiaying
Published: March 2014

By using the extension of Mawhin’s continuation theorem due to Ge, we consider boundary value problems for fractionalp-Laplacian equation. A new result on the existence of solutions for the fractional boundary value problem is obtained, which generalizes and enriches some known results to some extent from the literature.
Fluoroscopy Assisted Minimally Invasive Transplantation of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Embedded in HyStem Reduces the Progression of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration in the Damaged Interverbal Disc: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits
Authors: Subhan Rifa Aquidah , Puvanan Karunanithi , Murali Malliga Raman , Balaji Raghavendran Hanumantha Rao , Shani Samuel , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Amir Abbas Azlina , Mohamed Jamal Azmi , Kamarul Tunku
Published: March 2014

This study was conducted to develop a technique for minimally invasive and accurate delivery of stem cells to augment nucleus pulposus (NP) in damaged intervertebral discs (IVD). IVD damage was created in noncontiguous discs at L4-L5 level; rabbits (N=12) were randomly divided into three groups: group I treated with MSCs in HyStem hydrogel, group II treated with HyStem alone, and group III received no intervention. MSCs and hydrogel were administered to the damaged disc under guidance of fluoroscopy. Augmentation of NP was assessed through histological and MRI T2 mapping of the NP after eight weeks of transplantation. T2 weighted signal intensity was higher in group I than in groups II and III (P<0.05). Disc height index showed maximum disc height in group I compared to groups II and III. Histological score of the degenerative index was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group I (8.6 ± 1.8) than that in groups II (11.6 ± 2.3) and III (18.0 ± 5.7). Immunohistochemistry staining for collagen type II and aggrecan staining were higher in group I as compared to other groups. Our results demonstrate that the minimally invasive administration of MSCs in hyaluronan hydrogel (HyStem) augments the repair of NP in damaged IVD.

Erratum to “Fluoroscopy Assisted Minimally Invasive Transplantation of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Embedded in HyStem Reduces the Progression of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration in the Damaged Intervertebral Disc: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits”
n-Tuplet Coincidence Point Theorems in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normed Spaces
Authors: Ertürk Müzeyyen , Karakaya Vatan
Published: March 2014

For an arbitrarynpositive integer, we investigate the existence ofn-tuplet coincidence points in intuitionistic fuzzy normed space. Results of the paper are more general than those of the coupled and the tripled fixed point works in intuitionistic fuzzy normed space.
Seismic Hybrid Simulation of Stiff Structures: Overview and Current Advances
Authors: Bousias Stathis N.
Published: March 2014

Advances in the area of structural testing have in recent years led to hybrid simulation, that is, the advanced structural experimental method that encompasses the traditional pseudodynamic testing method and relies on substructuring to offer the advantage of combining the actual experimental testing of selected parts of the structure to the numerical treatment of the rest. The experimental part usually involves simplified test setups and structural elements with few degrees of freedom. Thus, issues of cross-coupling present in testing MDOF structures have not been treated adequately so far. In addition, it has been realized that when it comes to testing very stiff structures, in which the above phenomena are accentuated, further problems arise in relation to the quality of actuator control (accuracy of imposed displacements and stability of the test process). Few studies have focused on these issues, thus necessitating more work in the future. The present study provides an overview of the approaches that have been adopted so far, reports on recent advancements, and raises the points in which more research is needed.
Effects of Subchronic Exposure toN,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide on Selected Biomarkers in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpioL.)
Authors: Slaninova Andrea , Modra Helena , Hostovsky Martin , Sisperova Eliska , Blahova Jana , Matejova Iveta , Vicenova Monika , Faldyna Martin , Zelnickova Lenka , Tichy Frantisek , Svobodova Zdenka
Published: March 2014

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is the most common active ingredient in the insect repellents commonly detected in European groundwater. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subchronic DEET exposure on biochemical and haematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase, and the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.). Two specific proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes were selected to assess an immunological status of the fish. Fish were exposed for 28 days to three concentrations of DEET (1.0 µg/L, 0.1 mg/L, and 1.0 mg/L) where 1 µg/L is corresponding to the concentration found in the environment. DEET had a significant(P<0.05)effect on increased RBC, decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin value (MCH) compared to control groups in the concentration of 1 mg/L. A significant decline(P<0.05)in triacylglycerols (TAG) in plasma was found in the concentration of 1 mg/L compared to the control groups. The parameters of oxidative stress in tissues of common carp were weekly affected and immunological parameters were not affected.
The Complex Interaction of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Migration of Cancer Cells through Breast Tissue Stroma
Authors: Davies Kerry J.
Published: March 2014

Breast cancer mortality is directly linked to metastatic spread. The metastatic cell must exhibit a complex phenotype that includes the capacity to escape from the primary tumour mass, invade the surrounding normal tissue, and penetrate into the circulation before proliferating in the parenchyma of distant organs to produce a metastasis. In the normal breast, cellular structures change cyclically in response to ovarian hormones leading to regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc dependent endopeptidases. Their primary function is degradation of proteins in the extracellular matrix to allow ductal progression through the basement membrane. A complex balance between matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors regulate these changes. These proteinases interact with cytokines, growth factors, and tumour necrosis factors to stimulate branching morphologies in normal breast tissues. In breast cancer this process is disrupted facilitating tumour progression and metastasis and inhibiting apoptosis increasing the life of the metastatic cells. This paper highlights the role of matrix metalloproteinases in cell progression through the breast stroma and reviews the complex relationships between the different proteinases and their inhibitors in relation to breast cancer cells as they metastasise.
A Survey of Transportation Problems
Authors: Díaz-Parra Ocotlán , Ruiz-Vanoye Jorge A. , Bernábe Loranca Beatriz , Fuentes-Penna Alejandro , Barrera-Cámara Ricardo A.
Published: March 2014

This paper aims at being a guide to understand the different types of transportation problems by presenting a survey of mathematical models and algorithms used to solve different types of transportation modes (ship, plane, train, bus, truck, Motorcycle, Cars, and others) by air, water, space, cables, tubes, and road. Some problems are as follows: bus scheduling problem, delivery problem, combining truck trip problem, open vehicle routing problem, helicopter routing problem, truck loading problem, truck dispatching problem, truck routing problem, truck transportation problem, vehicle routing problem and variants, convoy routing problem, railroad blocking problem (RBP), inventory routing problem (IRP), air traffic flow management problem (TFMP), cash transportation vehicle routing problem, and so forth.
Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Reduces the Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Schifilliti Chiara , Cucinotta Lelio , Fedele Viviana , Ingegnosi Carmela , Luca Salvatore , Leotta Carmelo
Published: April 2014

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of micronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA-m) treatment in reducing the painful symptoms experienced by diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. PEA-m, a fatty acid amide of the N-acylethanolamine family, was administered (300 mg twice daily) to 30 diabetic patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy. Before treatment start, after 30 and 60 days the following parameters were assessed: painful symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening instrument; intensity of symptoms characteristic of diabetic neuropathic pain by the Total Symptom Score; and intensity of different subcategories of neuropathic pain by the Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory. Hematological and blood chemistry tests to evaluate metabolic control and safety were also performed. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) indicated a highly significant reduction in pain severity (P<0.0001) and related symptoms (P<0.0001) evaluated by Michigan Neuropathy Screening instrument, Total Symptom Score, and Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory. Hematological and urine analyses did not reveal any alterations associated with PEA-m treatment, and no serious adverse events were reported. These results suggest that PEA-m could be considered as a promising and well-tolerated new treatment for symptomatology experienced by diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy.
Linearization of Nonautonomous Impulsive System with Nonuniform Exponential Dichotomy
Authors: Gao Yongfei , Xia Yonghui , Yuan Xiaoqing , Wong P. J. Y.
Published: March 2014

This paper gives a version of Hartman-Grobman theorem for the impulsive differential equations. We assume that the linear impulsive system has a nonuniform exponential dichotomy. Under some suitable conditions, we proved that the nonlinear impulsive system is topologically conjugated to its linear system. Indeed, we do construct the topologically equivalent function (the transformation). Moreover, the method to prove the topological conjugacy is quite different from those in previous works (e.g., see Barreira and Valls, 2006).
Assessment of the Feelings and Attitudes of Children towards Their Dentist and Their Association with Oral Health
Authors: Patır Münevveroğlu Aslı , Ballı Akgöl Beyza , Erol Tuğba
Published: March 2014

This study assessed the feelings and attitudes of children toward their dentists and their association with oral health.Methods.A questionnaire designed to evaluate the attitudes of children toward dentists and preferences was completed by 200 children and their families. In addition, the children were examined and the World Health Organization (WHO) method was used to obtain dmft and DMFT scores.Results.The mean dmft and DMFT scores were3.52±2.44and1.35±1.29, respectively. Of the children, 92.5% reported that they had visited a dentist before. Of the children who had visited dentists, approximately 71.5% reported that they enjoyed their visits. Of the children, 84% preferred female dentists, 76.5% preferred dentists that wore a colored coat, and 63% preferred a decorated dental clinic over a plain clinic. The mean dmft and DMFT values of children who were afraid of dentists were significantly higher than those of children who were not (P<0.01andP<0.05, resp.).Conclusion.Children have strong perceptions and preferences regarding the appearance of their dentists and dental clinics. The results of this study might help dentists to improve their delivery of care.
Rock Breaking by Conical Pick Assisted with High Pressure Water Jet
Authors: Songyong Liu , Junfeng Chen , Xiaohui Liu
Published: March 2014

In the process of hard rock breaking, the conical pick bears great cutting force and wear, and the cutting efficiency is lower. Thus different combination ways of water jet and conical pick were proposed to solve this issue; for instance, water jet placed in the front of pick (JFP) and water jet through the center of pick (JCP) was researched by numerical simulation and experiments in this paper. First, the models of rock breaking were built based on SPH combined with finite element method. Then, the stress distribution of rock and the cut force of pick were analyzed when the rock broken by the conical pick assisted with the high pressure water jet. It indicates that the effect of the JCP on rock breaking is better than the JFP. At last, experiments about rock breaking with a conical pick and the JCP were conducted to verify the reliability of the simulation. It indicates that the rock breaking with the assistance of high pressure water jet cannot only reduce the pick force, but also increase the rock crushing volume.
Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach with Hesitant Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Peng Juan-juan , Wang Jian-qiang , Wang Jing , Chen Xiao-hong
Published: March 2014

The definition of hesitant interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (HIVIFSs) is developed based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) and hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs). Then, some operations on HIVIFSs are introduced in detail, and their properties are further discussed. In addition, some hesitant interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number aggregation operators based ont-conorms andt-norms are proposed, which can be used to aggregate decision-makers' information in multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. Some valuable proposals of these operators are studied. In particular, based on algebraic and Einsteint-conorms andt-norms, some hesitant interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy algebraic aggregation operators and Einstein aggregation operators can be obtained, respectively. Furthermore, an approach of MCDM problems based on the proposed aggregation operators is given using hesitant interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy information. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the developed approach, and the study is supported by a sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis.
Growth of g‐C	3	N	4	Layer on Commercial TiO	2	for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Fu Min , Liao Jiazhen , Dong Fan , Li Hongmei , Liu Hongyan
Published: March 2014

Novel visible light photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2 (g‐C3N4/TiO2) composite samples were synthesized by heating mixtures of melamine and commercial TiO2(TO) at different weight ratios. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV‐visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐vis DRS). Characterization confirms formation of nanocomposites of g‐C3N4/TiO2. At the optimized precursor weight ratio (), the samples exhibited highest adsorption capacity and visible light photocatalytic activity, measured by degradation of methylene blue (MB). Under visible light irradiation, the excited electrons on the surface of g‐C3N4 transfer easily to the conduction band (CB) of TiO2 via the well‐built heterojunction. The g‐C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit enhanced visible light catalytic activity due to increased visible light adsorption and effective separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. These g‐C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites could find broad applicability in environmental protection due to their excellent visible light photocatalytic property and facile, cost‐effective preparation process.
Radiation‐Induced Graft Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers with Anion Groups onto MWNT Supports and Their Application as Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence (ECL) Biosensors
Authors: Park Ji-Hye , Kang Yun Ok , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: March 2014

Vinyl polymer‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) supports with anion groups were prepared for use as biosensor supports by radiation‐induced graft polymerization (RIGP) of the vinyl monomers acryloyl diphosphoric acid (ADPA), acrylic acid (AA), sodium styrenesulfonate (NaSS), and methacrylic acid (MA) onto the surface of MWNTs. The electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensors based on a glass carbon electrode (ECL‐GCE) and a screen printed electrode (ECL‐SPE) were fabricated by immobilization of Ru(bpy)3 2+ complex after coating of vinyl polymer‐grafted MWNT inks on the surface of the GCE and SPE without any polymer binders in order to obtain high electrogenerated chemiluminescence intensity. For detection of alcohol concentration, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was immobilized onto an ECL‐GCE sensor prepared by poly(NaSS)‐g‐MWNT supports. The prepared biosensor based on ADH is suitable for the detection of ethanol concentration in commercial drinks.
Global Existence of Solution for Cauchy Problem of Two-Dimensional Boussinesq-Type Equation
Authors: Hu Qingying , Zhang Chenxia , Zhang Hongwei
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem of two-dimensional Boussinesq-type equations utt-Δu-Δutt+Δ2u=Δfu. Under the assumptions that fu is a function with exponential growth at infinity and under some assumptions on the initial data, we prove the existence of global weak solution.
Double-Differential Production Cross Sections of Charged Pions in Charged Pion Induced Nuclear Reactions at High Momentums
Authors: Gao Ya-Qin , Tian Tian , Fakhraddin S. , Rahim Magda A. , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: March 2014

The double-differentialπ±production cross sections in interactions of charged pions on targets at high momentums are analyzed by using a multicomponent Erlang distribution which is obtained in the framework of a multisource thermal model. The calculated results are compared and found to be in agreement with the experimental data at the incident momentums of 3, 5, 8, and 12 GeV/c measured by the HARP Collaboration. It is found that the source contributions to the mean momentum of charged particles and to the distribution width of particle momentums decrease with increase of the emission angle, and the source number and temperature do not show an obvious dependence on the emission angle of the considered particle.
Formal Proof of a Machine Closed Theorem in Coq
Authors: Wan Hai , He Anping , You Zhiyang , Zhao Xibin
Published: March 2014

The paper presents a formal proof of a machine closed theorem of TLA+in the theorem proving system Coq. A shallow embedding scheme is employed for the proof which is independent of concrete syntax. Fundamental concepts need to state that the machine closed theorems are addressed in the proof platform. A useful proof pattern of constructing a trace with desired properties is devised. A number of Coq reusable libraries are established.
Combined Cytolytic Effects of a Vaccinia Virus Encoding a Single Chain Trimer of MHC-I with a Tax-Epitope and Tax-Specific CTLs on HTLV-I-Infected Cells in a Rat Model
Authors: Ohashi Takashi , Nakamura Takafumi , Kidokoro Minoru , Zhang Xianfeng , Shida Hisatoshi
Published: March 2014

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is a malignant lymphoproliferative disease caused by human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). To develop an effective therapy against the disease, we have examined the oncolytic ability of an attenuated vaccinia virus (VV), LC16m8Δ (m8Δ), and an HTLV-I Tax-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) line, 4O1/C8, against an HTLV-I-infected rat T cell line, FPM1. Our results demonstrated that m8Δ was able to replicate in and lyse tumorigenic FPM1 cells but was incompetent to injure 4O1/C8 cells, suggesting the preferential cytolytic activity toward tumor cells. To further enhance the cytolysis of HTLV-I-infected cells, we modified m8Δ and obtained m8Δ/RT1AlSCTax180L, which can express a single chain trimer (SCT) of rat major histocompatibility complex class I with a Tax-epitope. Combined treatment with m8Δ/RT1AlSCTax180L and 4O1/C8 increased the cytolysis of FPM1V.EFGFP/8R cells, a CTL-resistant subclone of FPM1, compared with that using 4O1/C8 and m8Δ presenting an unrelated peptide, suggesting that the activation of 4O1/C8 by m8Δ/RT1AlSCTax180L further enhanced the killing of the tumorigenic HTLV-I-infected cells. Our results indicate that combined therapy of oncolytic VVs with SCTs and HTLV-I-specific CTLs may be effective for eradication of HTLV-I-infected cells, which evade from CTL lysis and potentially develop ATL.
Anti-Proliferative Effect and Phytochemical Analysis ofCymbopogon citratusExtract
Authors: Halabi Mohammed F. , Sheikh Bassem Y.
Published: March 2014

The antiproliferative and antioxidant potential ofCymbopogon citratus(Lemon grass) extracts were investigated. The extracts were isolated by solvent maceration method and thereafter subjected to antiproliferative activity test on five different cancer cells: human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), breast carcinoma (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231), ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 and COAV), and a normal liver cell line (WRL 68). The cell viability was determined using MTT assay. The DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed a concentration dependent trend. A maximum percentage inhibition of 45% and an IC50 of 278 μg/mL were observed when aqueous extract was evaluated. In contrast, 48.3% and IC50 of 258.9 μg/mL were observed when 50% ethanolic extract was evaluated. Both extracts at concentration of 50 to 800 μg/mL showed appreciative metal chelating activity with IC50 value of172.2±31 μg/mL to456.5±30 μg/mL. Depending on extraction solvent content, extract obtained from 50% ethanolic solvent proved to be more potent on breast cancer MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 68 μg/mL). On the other hand, 90% ethanolic extract showed a moderate potency on the ovarian cancer (COAV) and MCF-7 cells having an IC50 of 104.6 μg/mL each. These results suggested antiproliferative efficacy ofC. citratusethanolic extract against human cancer cell lines.
Evaluation of Power Saving and Feasibility Study of Migrations Solutions in a Virtual Router Network
Authors: Eramo V. , Testa S. , Miucci E.
Published: March 2014

The power consumption of the network equipment has increased significantly and some strategies to contain the power used in the IP network are needed. Among the green networking strategies, the virtualization class and in particular the deployment of migrating virtual routers can lead to a high energy saving. It consists in migrating virtual routers in fewer physical nodes when the traffic decreases allowing for a power consumption saving. In this paper we formulate the problem of minimizing the power consumption as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem. Due to the hard complexity of the introduced MILP problem, we propose a heuristic for the migration of virtual routers among physical devices in order to turn off as many nodes as possible and save power according to the compliance with network node and link capacity constraints. We show that 50% of nodes may be turned off in the case of a real provider network when traffic percentage reduction of 80% occurs. Finally we also perform a feasibility study by means of an experimental test-bed to evaluate migration time of a routing plane based on QUAGGA routing software.
A Sensitivity Analysis Approach to Identify Key Environmental Performance Factors
Authors: Yu Xi , Sekhari Aicha , Nongaillard Antoine , Bouras Abdelaziz , Yu Suiran
Published: March 2014

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used in design phase to reduce the product’s environmental impacts through the whole product life cycle (PLC) during the last two decades. The traditional LCA is restricted to assessing the environmental impacts of a product and the results cannot reflect the effects of changes within the life cycle. In order to improve the quality of ecodesign, it is a growing need to develop an approach which can reflect the changes between the design parameters and product’s environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis approach based on LCA and ecodesign is proposed in this paper. The key environmental performance factors which have significant influence on the products’ environmental impacts can be identified by analyzing the relationship between environmental impacts and the design parameters. Users without much environmental knowledge can use this approach to determine which design parameter should be first considered when (re)designing a product. A printed circuit board (PCB) case study is conducted; eight design parameters are chosen to be analyzed by our approach. The result shows that the carbon dioxide emission during the PCB manufacture is highly sensitive to the area of PCB panel.
An Optimization Model Based on Electric Power Generation in Steel Industry
Authors: Liu Jing-yu , Cai Jiu-ju
Published: March 2014

Electric power is an important energy in steel industry. Electricity accounts for roughly 20% to 30% of the gross energy consumption and costs about 10% of the gross cost of energy. In this paper, under the premise of ensuring the stability of energy supply and the normal production safety, the mathematical programming method and the dynamic mathematical optimization model were used to set up the surplus gas in the optimal allocation among the buffer users and steam production dispatching for the production equipment. The application of this optimization model can effectively improve the energy efficiency and the accuracy of power generation, making full use of secondary energy and residual heat. It also can realize the rationalization of the electricity production structure optimization which can effectively reduce the flare of the gas and steam on one hand, and save energy and decrease production cost on the other.
Landau-Type Theorems for Certain Biharmonic Mappings
Authors: Liu Ming-Sheng , Liu Zhen-Xing , Xu Jun-Feng
Published: March 2014

LetF(z)=|z|2g(z)+h(z)  (|z|<1)be a biharmonic mapping of the unit disk𝔻, wheregandhare harmonic in𝔻. In this paper, the Landau-type theorems for biharmonic mappings of the formL(F)are provided. HereLrepresents the linear complex operatorL=(z∂/∂z)-(z¯∂/∂z)¯defined on the class of complex-valuedC1functions in the plane. The results, presented in this paper, improve the related results of earlier authors.
Correlation between Optic Nerve Parameters Obtained Using 3D Nonmydriatic Retinal Camera and Optical Coherence Tomography: Interobserver Agreement on the Disc Damage Likelihood Scale
Authors: Han Jae Wook , Cho Soon Young , Kang Kui Dong
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To compare stereometric parameters obtained by three-dimensional (3D) optic disc photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and assess interobserver agreement on the disc damage likelihood scale (DDLS).Methods. This retrospective study included 190 eyes from 190 patients classified as normal, glaucoma suspect, or glaucomatous. Residents at different levels of training completed the DDLS for each patient before and after attending a training module. 3D optic disc photography and OCT were performed on each eye, and correlations between the DDLS and various parameters obtained by each device were calculated.Results. We found moderate agreement (weighted kappa value, 0.59 ± 0.03) between DDLS scores obtained by 3D optic disc photography and the glaucoma specialist. The weighted kappa values for agreement and interobserver concordance increased among residents after the training module. Interobserver concordance was the poorest at DDLS stages 5 and 6. The DDLS scored by the glaucoma specialist had the highest predictability value (0.941).Conclusions. The DDLS obtained by 3D optic disc photography is a useful diagnostic tool for glaucoma. A supervised teaching program increased trainee interobserver agreement on the DDLS. DDLS stages 5 and 6 showed the poorest interobserver agreement, suggesting that caution is required when recording these stages.
Temporal Alignment Model for Data Streams in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Causal Dependencies
Authors: Perez Cruz Jose Roberto , Pomares Hernandez Saul E.
Published: March 2014

New applications based on wireless sensor networks (WSN), such as person-locator services, harvest a large amount of data streams that are simultaneously generated by multiple distributed sources. Specifically, in a WSN this paradigm of data generation/transmission is known as event-streaming. In order to be useful, all the collected data must be aligned so that it can be fused at a later phase. To perform such alignment, the sensors need to agree on common temporal references. Unfortunately, this agreement is difficult to achieve mainly due to the lack of perfectly synchronized physical clocks and the asynchronous nature of the execution. Some solutions tackle the issue of the temporal alignment; however, they demand extra resources to the network deployment since they try to impose global references by using a centralized scheme. In this paper, we propose a temporal alignment model for data streams that identifies temporal relationships and which does not require the use of synchronized clocks, global references, centralized schemes, or additional synchronization signals. The identification of temporal relationships without the use of synchronized clocks is achieved by translating temporal dependencies based on a time-line to causal dependencies among streams. Finally, we show the viability and the effectiveness of the model by simulating it over a sensor network with multihop communication.
Neural NetworkL1Adaptive Control of MIMO Systems with Nonlinear Uncertainty
Authors: Zhen Hong-tao , Qi Xiao-hui , Li Jie , Tian Qing-min
Published: March 2014

An indirect adaptive controller is developed for a class of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unknown uncertainties. This control system is comprised of anL1adaptive controller and an auxiliary neural network (NN) compensation controller. TheL1adaptive controller has guaranteed transient response in addition to stable tracking. In this architecture, a low-pass filter is adopted to guarantee fast adaptive rate without generating high-frequency oscillations in control signals. The auxiliary compensation controller is designed to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions by MIMO RBF neural networks to suppress the influence of uncertainties. NN weights are tuned on-line with no prior training and the project operator ensures the weights bounded. The global stability of the closed-system is derived based on the Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations of an MIMO system coupled with nonlinear uncertainties are used to illustrate the practical potential of our theoretical results.