bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dabigatran, electrical cardioversion and measuring the aPTT. A safety measure or an unnecessary assessment?
Authors: Rahmat N , Khan A
Published: June 2013

We present two case reports of patients treated with dabigatran for stroke prevention. Both have non-valvular atrial fibrillation and both were scheduled for direct current electrical cardioversion (DCCV). Both had their activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measured prior to their DCCV to assess the anticoagulant activity of dabigatran. The decision to measure the aPTT resulted in differing levels to otherwise straightforward cases.
Determining the wounding effects of ballistic projectiles to inform future injury models: a systematic review
Authors: Breeze John , Sedman A J , James G R , Newbery T W , Hepper A E
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Penetrating wounds from explosively propelled fragments and bullets are the most common causes of combat injury experienced by UK service personnel on current operations. There is a requirement for injury models capable of simulating such a threat in order to optimise body armour design.

Method

A systematic review of the open literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. Original papers describing the injurious effects of projectiles on skin, bone, muscle, large vessels and nerves were identified.

Results

Projectiles injure these tissues by producing a permanent wound tract (PWT), comprised of a central permanent wound cavity, in conjunction with a zone of irreversible macroscopic tissue damage laterally. The primary mechanism of injury was the crushing and cutting effect of the presented surface of the projectile, with an additional smaller component due to macroscopic damage produced by the radial tissue displacement from the temporary tissue cavity (TTC). No conclusive evidence could be found for permanent pathological effects produced by the pressure wave or that any microscopic tissue changes due to the TTC (in the absence of visible macroscopic damage) led to permanent injury.

Discussion

Injury models should use the PWT to delineate the area of damage to tissues from penetrating ballistic projectiles. The PWT, or its individual components, will require quantification in terms of the amount of damage produced by different projectiles penetrating these tissues. There is a lack of information qualifying the injurious effect of the temporary cavity, particularly in relation to that caused by explosive fragments, and future models should introduce modularity to potentially enable incorporation of these mechanisms at a later date were they found to be significant.
C-field cosmological model for barotropic fluid distribution with bulk viscosity and decaying vacuum energy (Λ) in FRW space–time
Authors: Bali Raj , Saraf Seema
Published: June 2013

A solution of Einstein’s field equations that admits barotropic fluid distribution and a negative-energy massless scalar creation field as a source in the presence of bulk viscosity and time-dependent vacuum energy density (Λ) is investigated. It is shown that a cosmological model based on this solution satisfies observational tests and is thus a viable alternative to the standard Big Bang model. The present model is free from real singularity and particle horizon. The creation field increases with time, which matches the result as obtained by Hoyle and Narlikar (Proc. Roy. Soc. A, 282, 178 (1964)). The vacuum energy density, Λ ∼ t–2, matches the result as obtained by Bertolami (Nuovocim. B, 93, 36 (1986)). The spatial volume increases exponentially with time. Thus the model has an inflationary scenario. The deceleration parameter q < 0 indicating that the model represents accelerating expansion of the universe. The presence of the creation field prevents matter density from vanishing and it remains constant for large t. We also observe that bulk viscosity slows down the rate of decrease of volume expansion.
Generalized derivations and general relativity
Authors: Heller Michael , Miller Tomasz , Pysiak Leszek , Sasin Wiesław
Published: June 2013

We construct differential geometry (connection, curvature, etc.) based on generalized derivations of an algebra [Formula: see text]. Such a derivation, introduced by Brešar in 1991, is given by a linear mapping [Formula: see text] such that there exists a usual derivation, d, of [Formula: see text] satisfying the generalized Leibniz rule u(ab) = u(a)b + ad(b) for all [Formula: see text]. The generalized geometry “is tested” in the case of the algebra of smooth functions on a manifold. We then apply this machinery to study generalized general relativity. We define the Einstein–Hilbert action and deduce from it Einstein’s field equations. We show that for a special class of metrics containing, besides the usual metric components, only one nonzero term, the action reduces to the O’Hanlon action that is the Brans–Dicke action with potential and with the parameter ω equal to zero. We also show that the generalized Einstein equations (with zero energy–stress tensor) are equivalent to those of the Kaluza–Klein theory satisfying a “modified cylinder condition” and having a noncompact extra dimension. This opens a possibility to consider Kaluza–Klein models with a noncompact extra dimension that remains invisible for a macroscopic observer. In our approach, this extra dimension is not an additional physical space–time dimension but appears because of the generalization of the derivation concept.
AMBROSE–SINGER THEOREM ON DIFFEOLOGICAL BUNDLES AND COMPLETE INTEGRABILITY OF THE KP EQUATION
Authors: MAGNOT JEAN-PIERRE
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we start from an extension of the notion of holonomy on diffeological bundles, reformulate the notion of regular Lie group or Frölicher Lie groups, state an Ambrose–Singer theorem that enlarges the one stated in [J.-P. Magnot, Structure groups and holonomy in infinite dimensions, Bull. Sci. Math.128 (2004) 513–529], and conclude with a differential geometric treatment of KP hierarchy. The examples of Lie groups that are studied are principally those obtained by enlarging some graded Frölicher (Lie) algebras such as formal q-series of the quantum algebra of pseudo-differential operators. These deformations can be defined for classical pseudo-differential operators but they are used here on formal pseudo-differential operators in order to get a differential geometric framework to deal with the KP hierarchy that is known to be completely integrable with formal power series. Here, we get an integration of the Zakharov–Shabat connection form by means of smooth sections of a (differential geometric) bundle with structure group, some groups of q-deformed operators. The integration obtained by Mulase [Complete integrability of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation Adv. Math.54 (1984) 57–66], and the key tools he developed, are totally recovered on the germs of the smooth maps of our construction. The tool coming from (classical) differential geometry used in this construction is the holonomy group, on which we have an Ambrose–Singer-like theorem: the Lie algebra is spanned by the curvature elements. This result is proved for any connection a diffeological principal bundle with structure group a regular Frölicher Lie group. The case of a (classical) Lie group modeled on a complete locally convex topological vector space is also recovered and the work developed in [J.-P. Magnot, Difféologie du fibré d'Holonomie en dimension infinie, Math. Rep. Canadian Roy. Math. Soc.28(4) (2006); J.-P. Magnot, Structure groups and holonomy in infinite dimensions, Bull. Sci. Math. 128 (2004) 513–529] is completed.
A HYBRID METHOD OF MODIFIED CAT SWARM OPTIMIZATION AND GRADIENT DESCENT ALGORITHM FOR TRAINING ANFIS
Authors: OROUSKHANI MEYSAM , MANSOURI MOHAMMAD , OROUSKHANI YASIN , TESHNEHLAB MOHAMMAD
Published: June 2013

This paper introduces a novel approach for tuning the parameters of the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In the commonly used training methods, the antecedent and consequent parameters of ANFIS are trained by gradient-based algorithms and recursive least square method, respectively. In this study, a new swarm-based meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, so-called "Cat Swarm Optimization", is used in order to train the antecedent part parameters and gradient descent algorithm is applied for training the consequent part parameters. Experimental results for prediction of Mackey–Glass model and identification of two nonlinear dynamic systems reveal that the performance of proposed algorithm is much better and it shows quite satisfactory results.
Nyamulagira’s magma plumbing system inferred from 15 years of InSAR
Authors: Wauthier C. , Cayol V. , Poland M. , Kervyn F. , d’Oreye N. , Hooper A. , Samsonov S. , Tiampo K. , Smets B.
Published: June 2013

Nyamulagira, located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the western branch of the East African rift, is Africa’s most active volcano, with an average of one eruption every 3 years since 1938. Owing to the socio-economical context of that region, the volcano lacks ground-based geodetic measurements but has been monitored by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) since 1996. A combination of 3D Mixed Boundary Element Method and inverse modelling, taking into account topography and source interactions, is used to interpret InSAR ground displacements associated with eruptive activity in 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. These eruptions can be fitted by models incorporating dyke intrusions, and some (namely the 2006 and 2010 eruptions) require a magma reservoir beneath the summit caldera. We investigate inter-eruptive deformation with a multi-temporal InSAR approach. We propose the following magma plumbing system at Nyamulagira by integrating numerical deformation models with other available data: a deep reservoir (
c
. 25 km depth) feeds a shallower reservoir (
c
. 4 km depth); proximal eruptions are fed from the shallow reservoir through dykes while distal eruptions can be fed directly from the deep reservoir. A dyke-like conduit is also present beneath the upper southeastern flank of Nyamulagira.
Spatiotemporal contrast enhancement and feature extraction in the bat auditory midbrain and cortex
Authors: Hoffmann Susanne , Warmbold Alexander , Wiegrebe Lutz , Firzlaff Uwe
Published: June 2013

Navigating on the wing in complete darkness is a challenging task for echolocating bats. It requires the detailed analysis of spatial and temporal information gained through echolocation. Thus neural encoding of spatiotemporal echo information is a major function in the bat auditory system. In this study we presented echoes in virtual acoustic space and used a reverse-correlation technique to investigate the spatiotemporal response characteristics of units in the inferior colliculus (IC) and the auditory cortex (AC) of the bat Phyllostomus discolor. Spatiotemporal response maps (STRMs) of IC units revealed an organization of suppressive and excitatory regions that provided pronounced contrast enhancement along both the time and azimuth axes. Most IC units showed either spatially centralized short-latency excitation spatiotemporally imbedded in strong suppression, or the opposite, i.e., central short-latency suppression imbedded in excitation. This complementary arrangement of excitation and suppression was very rarely seen in AC units. In contrast, STRMs in the AC revealed much less suppression, sharper spatiotemporal tuning, and often a special spatiotemporal arrangement of two excitatory regions. Temporal separation of excitatory regions ranged up to 25 ms and was thus in the range of temporal delays occurring in target ranging in bats in a natural situation. Our data indicate that spatiotemporal processing of echo information in the bat auditory midbrain and cortex serves very different purposes: Whereas the spatiotemporal contrast enhancement provided by the IC contributes to echo-feature extraction, the AC reflects the result of this processing in terms of a high selectivity and task-oriented recombination of the extracted features.
MicroRNAs in domestic livestock
Authors: Fatima Attia , Morris Dermot G.
Published: June 2013

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA that bind to complementary sequences in the untranslated regions of multiple target mRNAs resulting in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. The recent discovery and expression-profiling studies of miRNAs in domestic livestock have revealed both their tissue-specific and temporal expression pattern. In addition, breed-dependent expression patterns as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms in either the miRNA or in the target mRNA binding site have revealed associations with traits of economic importance and highlight the potential use of miRNAs in future genomic selection programs.
Numerical Study on Initial Field of Pollution in the Bohai Sea with an Adjoint Method
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Li Xiaoyan , Lv Xianqing
Published: June 2013

Based on the simulation of a marine ecosystem dynamical model in the Bohai Sea, routine monitoring data are assimilated to study the initial field of pollution by using the adjoint method. In order to reduce variables that need to be optimized and make the simulation results more reasonable, an independent grid is selected every four grids both in longitude and latitude, and only the pollutant concentrations of these independent grids needed to be optimized while the other grids were calculated by interpolation method. Based on this method, the stability and reliability of this model were proved by a set of twin experiments. Therefore, this model could be applied in real experiment to simulate the initial field of the total nitrogen (totalN) in May, 2009. Moreover, the distribution of totalN in any time step could be calculated by this model, and the monthly mean distribution in May in the Bohai Sea could be obtained.
Zirconyl (IV) Nitrate as Efficient and Reusable Solid Lewis Acid Catalyst for the Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Gorepatil Pratapsinha B. , Mane Yogesh D. , Ingle Vilas S.
Published: June 2013

The present paper introduces a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of substituted benzimidazoles by heterocyclization of different o‐phenylenediamines and substituted aromatic carboxylic acid/aldehyde in the presence of zirconyl nitrate as catalyst in ethanol under reflux, which produced excellent yield of corresponding benzimidazoles in a short reaction time with reusability of catalyst.
A Kind of Coating Method of GaN‐MOCVD Graphite Susceptor
Authors: Wu Xiao-feng , Hu Shi-gang , Li Hai-ou , Li Jin , Xi Zai-fang , Hu Ying-lu
Published: June 2013

A novel coating method for the GaN‐MOCVD graphite susceptor is proposed in the paper, which means that the upper surface and sides of the graphite susceptor are covered with a low emissivity material coating, and the surface under the susceptor is covered with a high emissivity SiC coating. By using finite element analysis software COMSOL Multiphysics, the temperature field of the susceptors without coating, with common SiC coating, and with improved coating is obtained and compared, which shows that the susceptor with the improved coating not only increases the heating efficiency of the heater, but also improves the temperature uniformity of the substrate, which can be of great benefit to the film growth. In addition, this improved coating for the susceptor has the same heating sensitivity as the common SiC coating.
Line × Tester Mating Design Analysis for Grain Yield and Yield Related Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: Fellahi Zine El Abidine , Hannachi Abderrahmane , Bouzerzour Hamenna , Boutekrabt Ammar
Published: June 2013

Nine bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) genotypes were crossed in a line × tester mating design. The 20 F1's and their parents were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Field Crop Institute-Agricultural Experimental Station of Setif (Algeria) during the 2011/2012 cropping season. The results indicated that sufficient genetic variability was observed for all characters studied. A899 × Rmada, A899 × Wifak, and A1135 × Wifak hybrids had greater grain yield mean than the parents. A901line and the tester Wifak were good combiners for the number of grains per spike. MD is a good combiner for 1000-kernel weight and number of fertile tillers. HD1220is a good general combiner to reduce plant height; Rmada is a good general combiner to shorten the duration of the vegetative growth period. A901 × Wifak is a best specific combiner to reduce plant height, to increase 1000-kernel weight and number of grains per spike. AA × MD is a best specific combiner to reduce duration of the vegetative period, plant height and to increase the number of kernels per spike. A899 × Wifak showed the highest heterosis for grain yield, accompanied with positive heterosis for the number of fertile tillers and spike length, and negative heterosis for 1000-kernel weight and the number of days to heading.σgca2/σsca2,  (σD2/σA2)1/2low ratios and low to intermediate estimates of h2nssupported the involvement of both additive and nonadditive gene effects. The preponderance of non-additive type of gene actions clearly indicated that selection of superior plants should be postponed to later generation.
Obesity and Preference-Weighted Quality of Life of Ethnically Diverse Middle School Children: The HEALTHY Study
Authors: Treviño R. P. , Pham T. H. , Edelstein S. L.
Published: June 2013

To date, studies examining the relation between body mass index percentile (BMI%) categories and health-related quality of life (QOL) measurements have not reported preference-weighted scores among ethnically diverse children. We report the associations between BMI% categories and preference-weighted scores among a large cohort of ethnically diverse sixth grade children who participated in the HEALTHY school-based type 2 diabetes risk factor prevention study. Health Utility Index 2 (HUI2) and Health Utility Index 3 (HUI3) and the feeling thermometer (FT) were the preference-weighted QOL instruments used to measure student’s preference scores. Of 6358 consented students, 4979 (78.3%) had complete QOL, height, weight, and covariate data. Mean (SD) preference scores were 0.846 (0.160), 0.796 (0.237), and 0.806 (0.161) for the HUI2, HUI3, and FT, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, blood glucose and insulin, Tanner stage, race/ethnicity, family history of diabetes, and educational attainment, children with severe obesity (>99%) had significantly lower preference scores compared to normal weight on all three instruments (HUI2P=0.013; HUI3P=0.025; and FTP<0.001). Obese and severe obese categories were significantly associated with lower HUI2 functional ratings in the mobility domain and with lower HUI3 functional ratings in the speech domain.
3D‐Web‐GIS RFID Location Sensing System for Construction Objects
Authors: Ko Chien-Ho
Published: June 2013

Construction site managers could benefit from being able to visualize on‐site construction objects. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been shown to improve the efficiency of construction object management. The objective of this study is to develop a 3D‐Web‐GIS RFID location sensing system for construction objects. An RFID 3D location sensing algorithm combining Simulated Annealing (SA) and a gradient descent method is proposed to determine target object location. In the algorithm, SA is used to stabilize the search process and the gradient descent method is used to reduce errors. The locations of the analyzed objects are visualized using the 3D‐Web‐GIS system. A real construction site is used to validate the applicability of the proposed method, with results indicating that the proposed approach can provide faster, more accurate, and more stable 3D positioning results than other location sensing algorithms. The proposed system allows construction managers to better understand worksite status, thus enhancing managerial efficiency.
Improved Power Flow Algorithm for VSC-HVDC System Based on High-Order Newton-Type Method
Authors: Wei Yanfang , He Qiang , Sun Yonghui , Sun Yanzhou , Ji Cong
Published: June 2013

Voltage source converter (VSC) based high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) system is a new transmission technique, which has the most promising applications in the fields of power systems and power electronics. Considering the importance of power flow analysis of the VSC-HVDC system for its utilization and exploitation, the improved power flow algorithms for VSC-HVDC system based on third-order and sixth-order Newton-type method are presented. The steady power model of VSC-HVDC system is introduced firstly. Then the derivation solving formats of multivariable matrix for third-order and sixth-order Newton-type power flow method of VSC-HVDC system are given. The formats have the feature of third-order and sixth-order convergence based on Newton method. Further, based on the automatic differentiation technology and third-order Newton method, a new improved algorithm is given, which will help in improving the program development, computation efficiency, maintainability, and flexibility of the power flow. Simulations of AC/DC power systems in two-terminal, multi-terminal, and multi-infeed DC with VSC-HVDC are carried out for the modified IEEE bus systems, which show the effectiveness and practicality of the presented algorithms for VSC-HVDC system.
Performance of an Ocean Energy Conversion System with DFIG Sensorless Control
Authors: Garrido I. , Garrido Aitor J. , Alberdi M. , Amundarain M. , Barambones O.
Published: June 2013

The 2009/28/EC Directive requires Member States of the European Union to adopt a National Action Plan for Renewable Energy. In this context, the Basque Energy Board, EVE, is committed to research activities such as the Mutriku Oscillating Water Column plant, OWC. This is an experimental facility whose concept consists of a turbine located in a pneumatic energy collection chamber and a doubly fed induction generator that converts energy extracted by the turbine into a form that can be returned to the network. The turbo-generator control requires a precise knowledge of system parameters and of the rotor angular velocity in particular. Thus, to remove the rotor speed sensor implies a simplification of the hardware that is always convenient in rough working conditions. In this particular case, a Luenberger based observer is considered and the effectiveness of the proposed control is shown by numerical simulations. Comparing these results with those obtained using a traditional speed sensor, it is shown that the proposed solution provides better performance since it increases power extraction in the sense that it allows a more reliable and robust performance of the plant, which is even more relevant in a hostile environment as the ocean.
Preventive Effects of a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent, Astragaloside IV, on Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury in Rats
Authors: Tan Shufeng , Wang Guofu , Guo Yongping , Gui Dingkun , Wang Niansong
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of astragaloside IV(AS-IV) on ischemia/reperfusion (IR) induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. Experimental model of ischemic AKI was induced in rats by bilateral renal artery clamp for 45 min followed by reperfusion of 12 h and 24 h, respectively. AS-IV was orally administered once a day to rats at 10 and 20 mg·kg−1·d−1for 7 days prior to ischemia. AS-IV pretreatment significantly decreased serum urea, creatinine, and cystatin C levels at 12 h and 24 h of reperfusion in AKI rats. AS-IV pretreatment also ameliorated tubular damage and suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB in AKI rats. Moreover, NF-κB and MPO activity as well as serum and tissue levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 were elevated in AKI rats. All of these abnormalities were prevented by AS-IV. Furthermore, AS-IV downregulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 in AKI rats. These results suggest that AS-IV might be developed as a novel therapeutic approach to prevent ischemic AKI through inhibition of NF-κB mediated inflammatory genes expression.
Improvement of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundation on Geogrid Reinforced Silty Clay and Sand
Authors: Kolay P. K. , Kumar S. , Tiwari D.
Published: June 2013

The present study investigates the improvement in the bearing capacity of silty clay soil with thin sand layer on top and placing geogrids at different depths. Model tests were performed for a rectangular footing resting on top of the soil to establish the load versus settlement curves of unreinforced and reinforced soil system. The test results focus on the improvement in bearing capacity of silty clay and sand on unreinforced and reinforced soil system in non-dimensional form, that is, BCR. The results show that bearing capacity increases significantly with the increased number of geogrid layers. The bearing capacity for the soil increases with an average of 16.67% using one geogrid layer at interface of soils with equal to 0.667 and the bearing capacity increases with an average of 33.33% while using one geogrid in middle of sand layer with equal to 0.33. The improvement in bearing capacity for sand underlain silty clay maintaining and equal to 0.33; for two, three and four number geogrid layer were 44.44%, 61.11%, 72.22%, respectively. The finding of this research work may be useful to improve the bearing capacity of soil for shallow foundation and pavement design for similar type of soil available elsewhere.
Computationally Improved Optimal Control Methodology for Linear Programming Problems of Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Pan Yen-Liang , Huang Yi-Sheng , Weng Yi-Shun , Wu Weimin , Jeng MuDer
Published: June 2013

Deadlock prevention policies are used to solve the deadlock problems of FMSs. It is well known that the theory of regions is the efficient method for obtaining optimal (i.e., maximally permissive) controllers. All legal and live maximal behaviors of Petri net models can be preserved by using marking/transition-separation instances (MTSIs) or event-state-separation-problem (ESSP) methods. However, they encountered great difficulties in solving all sets of inequalities that is an extremely time consuming problem. Moreover, the number of linear programming problems (LPPs) of legal markings is also exponential with net size when a plant net grows exponentially. This paper proposes a novel methodology to reduce the number of MTSIs/ESSPs and LPPs. In this paper, we used the well-known reduction approach Murata (1989) to simply the construct of system such that the problem of LPPs can then be reduced. Additionally, critical ones of crucial marking/transition-separation instances (COCMTSI) are developed and used in our deadlock prevention policy that allows designers to employ few MTSIs to deal with deadlocks. Experimental results indicate that the computational cost can be reduced. To our knowledge, this deadlock prevention policy is the most efficient policy to obtain maximal permissive behavior of Petri net models than past approaches.
Effect of Pilates Training on Alpha Rhythm
Authors: Bian Zhijie , Sun Hongmin , Lu Chengbiao , Yao Li , Chen Shengyong , Li Xiaoli
Published: June 2013

In this study, the effect of Pilates training on the brain function was investigated through five case studies. Alpha rhythm changes during the Pilates training over the different regions and the whole brain were mainly analyzed, including power spectral density and global synchronization index (GSI). It was found that the neural network of the brain was more active, and the synchronization strength reduced in the frontal and temporal regions due to the Pilates training. These results supported that the Pilates training is very beneficial for improving brain function or intelligence. These findings maybe give us some line evidence to suggest that the Pilates training is very helpful for the intervention of brain degenerative diseases and cogitative dysfunction rehabilitation.
Effect of Operating Conditions on Catalytic Gasification of Bamboo in a Fluidized Bed
Authors: Wongsiriamnuay Thanasit , Kannang Nattakarn , Tippayawong Nakorn
Published: June 2013

Catalytic gasification of bamboo in a laboratory-scale, fluidized bed reactor was investigated. Experiments were performed to determine the effects of reactor temperature (400, 500, and 600°C), gasifying medium (air and air/steam), and catalyst to biomass ratio (0 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1.5 : 1) on product gas composition, H2/CO ratio, carbon conversion efficiency, heating value, and tar conversion. From the results obtained, it was shown that at 400°C with air/steam gasification, maximum hydrogen content of 16.5% v/v, carbon conversion efficiency of 98.5%, and tar conversion of 80% were obtained. The presence of catalyst was found to promote the tar reforming reaction and resulted in improvement of heating value, carbon conversion efficiency, and gas yield due to increases in H2, CO, and CH4. The presence of steam and dolomite had an effect on the increasing of tar conversion.
Constructing Benchmark Databases and Protocols for Medical Image Analysis: Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Kauppi Tomi , Kämäräinen Joni-Kristian , Lensu Lasse , Kalesnykiene Valentina , Sorri Iiris , Uusitalo Hannu , Kälviäinen Heikki
Published: June 2013

We address the performance evaluation practices for developing medical image analysis methods, in particular, how to establish and share databases of medical images with verified ground truth and solid evaluation protocols. Such databases support the development of better algorithms, execution of profound method comparisons, and, consequently, technology transfer from research laboratories to clinical practice. For this purpose, we propose a framework consisting of reusable methods and tools for the laborious task of constructing a benchmark database. We provide a software tool for medical image annotation helping to collect class label, spatial span, and expert's confidence on lesions and a method to appropriately combine the manual segmentations from multiple experts. The tool and all necessary functionality for method evaluation are provided as public software packages. As a case study, we utilized the framework and tools to establish the DiaRetDB1 V2.1 database for benchmarking diabetic retinopathy detection algorithms. The database contains a set of retinal images, ground truth based on information from multiple experts, and a baseline algorithm for the detection of retinopathy lesions.
Congenital Hairy Polyp of the Palatopharyngeus Muscle
Authors: Christianson Brandon , Ulualp Seckin O. , Koral Korgun , Rakheja Dinesh , Deskin Ronald
Published: June 2013

Purpose. To describe clinical, radiologic, and histological features of a congenital hairy polyp arising from the palatopharyngeus muscle in a neonate.Methods. Chart of a 2-day-old female referred to a tertiary care pediatric hospital for assessment of intraoral mass was reviewed.Results. The child was born at 32 weeks and an intraoral mass was noted. The patient was transferred to tertiary care children’s hospital on day 2 of life. The child had increased work of breathing at presentation and required continuous positive airway pressure. Physical examination revealed a pedunculated mass which was protruding into the oropharynx from the nasopharynx. MRI of the lesion documented a discrete bilobed mass which filled the posterior nasopharynx. The mass abutted the uvula and soft palate; however, the mass did not appear to be arising from the soft palate. Intraoperative exam showed a mass arising from the right palatopharyngeus muscle in the superior pole region of the tonsil. Histologic examination showed ectodermal and mesodermal derivatives confirming congenital hairy polyp. At 8-month followup, the surgical site was healed with no evidence of recurrent lesion.Conclusions. Congenital hairy polyp, though uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal mass in neonates.
A Low-Carbon-Based Bilevel Optimization Model for Public Transit Network
Authors: Sun Xu , Lu Hua-pu , Chu Wen-jun
Published: June 2013

To satisfy the demand of low-carbon transportation, this paper studies the optimization of public transit network based on the concept of low carbon. Taking travel time, operation cost, energy consumption, pollutant emission, and traffic efficiency as the optimization objectives, a bilevel model is proposed in order to maximize the benefits of both travelers and operators and minimize the environmental cost. Then the model is solved with the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and applied to a real network of Baoji city. The results show that the model can not only ensure the benefits of travelers and operators, but can also reduce pollutant emission and energy consumption caused by the operations of buses, which reflects the concept of low carbon.
Interaction Effects between Cellulose and Water in Nanocrystalline and Amorphous Regions: A Novel Approach Using Molecular Modeling
Authors: Chami Khazraji Ali , Robert Sylvain
Published: June 2013

The hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of cellulose is based on its structural anisotropy. Cellulose chains are arranged in a parallel manner and are organized in sheets stabilized by interchain OH–O hydrogen bonds, whereas the stacking of sheets is stabilized by both van der Waals (vdW) dispersion forces and weak CH–O hydrogen bonds. Cellulose has a strong affinity to itself and materials containing hydroxyls, especially water. Based on the preponderance of hydroxyl functional groups, cellulose polymer is very reactive with water. Water molecular smallness promotes the reaction with the cellulose chains and immediately formed hydrogen bonds. Besides that, vdW dispersion forces play an important role between these two reactive entities. They stabilize the cellulose structure according to the considerable cohesive energy in the cellulose network. Hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and vdW dispersion forces play an important role in determining the cellulose crystal structure during the cellulose‐water interactions. As a result of these interactions, the volume of cellulose undergoes a meaningful change expressed not only by an exponential growth in amorphous regions, but also by an expansion in nanocrystalline regions. In addition, the volume change is associated with the swelling material expressed as a weight gain of the cellulose polymer. Molecular modeling using Accelrys Materials Studio allowed us to open a new horizon and is helpful for understanding cellulose‐water interactions.
Critical Analysis of Electromagnetic Hyperthermia Randomized Trials: Dubious Effect and Multiple Biases
Authors: Roussakow Sergey
Published: June 2013

Hyperthermia in oncology still remains an experimental treatment with no realistic future in clinical cancer therapy, though declaration of the undisputed efficacy of hyperthermia is a common place in every hyperthermia paper. We have studied the available randomized trials on hyperthermia from the position of “null hypothesis” to confirm or refuse the efficacy and safety of clinical hyperthermia, taking into account also the possible biases. Unfortunately, careful analysis of 14 randomized clinical trials has not confirmed a clinical benefit of hyperthermia independently of its type: superficial, deep or whole-body. We have not found any positive trial not affected with biases. With correction to the distortions, there is no trial with obvious long-term positive effect of hyperthermia. Effect of hyperthermia could be shown in experimentally designed clinical trial or versus inadequate comparator. In clinical setting and provided that study design is correct, hyperthermia is not effective at all or not effective enough to justify its obvious disadvantages: toxicity and labor intensity. Thermal concept of hyperthermia seems to be irrelevant. Nevertheless, multiple publications of positive trials, reviews, and meta-analyses create an impression of hyperthermia renaissance.
Simultaneous Reduction in Noise and Cross-Contamination Artifacts for Dual-Energy X-Ray CT
Authors: Li Baojun , Li Baohong , Luo Jack , Tang Peng , Mao Jiandong , Wu Xiaoye
Published: June 2013

Purpose.Dual-energy CT imaging tends to suffer from much lower signal-to-noise ratio than single-energy CT. In this paper, we propose an improved anticorrelated noise reduction (ACNR) method without causing cross-contamination artifacts.Methods.The proposed algorithm diffuses both basis material density images (e.g., water and iodine) at the same time using a novel correlated diffusion algorithm. The algorithm has been compared to the original ACNR algorithm in a contrast-enhanced, IRB-approved patient study. Material density accuracy and noise reduction are quantitatively evaluated by the percent density error and the percent noise reduction.Results.Both algorithms have significantly reduced the noises of basis material density images in all cases. The average percent noise reduction is 69.3% and 66.5% with the ACNR algorithm and the proposed algorithm, respectively. However, the ACNR algorithm alters the original material density by an average of 13% (or 2.18 mg/cc) with a maximum of 58.7% (or 8.97 mg/cc) in this study. This is evident in the water density images as massive cross-contaminations are seen in all five clinical cases. On the contrary, the proposed algorithm only changes the mean density by 2.4% (or 0.69 mg/cc) with a maximum of 7.6% (or 1.31 mg/cc). The cross-contamination artifacts are significantly minimized or absent with the proposed algorithm.Conclusion.The proposed algorithm can significantly reduce image noise present in basis material density images from dual-energy CT imaging, with minimized cross-contaminations compared to the ACNR algorithm.
A Stability Indicating UPLC Method for the Determination of Levofloxacin Hemihydrate in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form: Application to Pharmaceutical Analysis
Authors: Dabhi Batuk , Parmar Bhavesh , Patel Nitish , Jadeja Yashwantsinh , Patel Madhavi , Jebaliya Hetal , Karia Denish , Shah A. K.
Published: June 2013

A reliable and sensitive isocratic stability indicating RP-UPLC method has been developed and validated for quantitative analysis and content uniformity study of levofloxacin hemihydrate in tablets. An isocratic method for analysis of levofloxacin hemihydrate was archived on ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (100*2.1) mm particle size 1.7 μ columns within shorter runtime of 4 min with a flow rate of 0.400 mL/min and using a photodiode array detector to monitor the eluate at 294 nm. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-buffer (23 : 77 v/v), (buffer: 20 mM K2HPO4 + 1 mL triethylamine in 1 L water, pH=2.50 by orthophosphoric acid). Response was a liner function of drug concentration in the range of 0.5–80 μg/mL (r2=0.999) with a limit of detection and quantification of 0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. Accuracy (recovery) was between 99.77% and 101.55%. The drug was subjected to oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and thermal degradation. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of levofloxacin hemihydrate, and the assay is stability indicating.
Altered Functional Connectivity of Cognitive-Related Cerebellar Subregions in Well-Recovered Stroke Patients
Authors: Li Wei , Han Tong , Qin Wen , Zhang Jing , Liu Huaigui , Li Ying , Meng Liangliang , Ji Xunming , Yu Chunshui
Published: June 2013

The cerebellum contains several cognitive-related subregions that are involved in different functional networks. The cerebellar crus II is correlated with the frontoparietal network (FPN), whereas the cerebellar IX is associated with the default-mode network (DMN). These two networks are anticorrelated and cooperatively implicated in cognitive control, which may facilitate the motor recovery in stroke patients. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) changes in 25 subcortical ischemic stroke patients with well-recovered global motor function. Consistent with previous studies, the crus II was correlated with the FPN, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and posterior parietal cortex, and the cerebellar IX was correlated with the DMN, including the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/Pcu), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), DLPFC, lateral parietal cortices, and anterior temporal cortices. No significantly increased rsFCs of these cerebellar subregions were found in stroke patients, suggesting that the rsFCs of the cognitive-related cerebellar subregions are not the critical factors contributing to the recovery of motor function in stroke patients. The finding of the disconnection in the cerebellar-related cognitive control networks may possibly explain the deficits in cognitive control function even in stroke patients with well-recovered global motor function.
Passive and Active Restoration Strategies to Activate Soil Biogeochemical Nutrient Cycles in a Degraded Tropical Dry Land
Authors: Restrepo Manuel F. , Florez Claudia P. , Osorio Nelson W. , León Juan D.
Published: June 2013

The potential use of two restoration strategies to activate biogeochemical nutrient cycles in degraded soils in Colombia was studied. The active model was represented by forest plantations of neem (Azadirachta indica) (FPN), while the passive model by successional patches of native plant species was dominated by mosquero (Croton leptostachyus) (SPM). In the field plots fine-litter traps and litter-bags were established; samples of standing litter and surface soil samples (0–10 cm) were collected for chemical analyses during a year. The results indicated that the annual contributions of fine litterfall in FPN and SPM were 557.5 and 902.2 kg ha−1, respectively. The annual constant of decomposition of fine litter (k) was 1.58 for neem and 3.40 for mosquero. Consequently, the annual real returns of organic material and carbon into the soil from the leaf litterfall decomposition were 146 and 36 kg ha−1 yr−1 for FPN and 462 and 111 kg ha−1 yr−1 for SPM, respectively. Although both strategies showed potential to activate soil biogeochemical cycles with respect to control sites (without vegetation), the superiority of the passive strategy to supply fine litter and improve soil properties was reflected in higher values of soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity.
Irregular Migration as a Potential Source of Malaria Reintroduction in Sri Lanka and Use of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests at Point-of-Entry Screening
Authors: Wickramage Kolitha , Galappaththy Gawrie N. L. , Dayarathne D. , Peiris Sharika L. , Basnayake Rajeeka N. , Mosca Davide , Jacobs Jan
Published: June 2013

Background. We describe an irregular migrant who returned to Sri Lanka after a failed people smuggling operation from West Africa.Results. On-arrival screening by Anti-Malaria Campaign (AMC) officers using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) (CareStart Malaria HRP2/PLDH) indicated a negative result. On day 3 after arrival, he presented with fever and chills but was managed as dengue (which is hyperendemic in Sri Lanka). Only on day 7, diagnosis ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria was made by microcopy and CareStart RDT. The initially negative RDT was ascribed to a low parasite density. Irregular migration may be an unrecognized source of malaria reintroduction. Despite some limitations in detection, RDTs form an important point-of-entry assessment. As a consequence of this case, the AMC is now focused on repeat testing and close monitoring of all irregular migrants from malaria-endemic zones.Conclusion. The present case study highlights the effective collaboration and coordination between inter-governmental agencies such as IOM and the Ministry of Health towards the goals of malaria elimination in Sri Lanka.
Meson Production in High Energy p+p Collisions at the RHIC Energies
Authors: Li Bao-Chun , Wang Ya-Zhou , Wang Er-Qin
Published: June 2013

Transverse momentum spectra of mesons produced in p+p collisions are studied in the framework of a thermalized cylinder model. In the region of high transverse momentum, the considered distributions have a tail part at the maximum energy of RHIC. A two-component distribution based upon the improved cylinder model is used to fit the experimental data of the PHENIX Collaboration. It is found that the improved approach can describe the meson production in the wider range of transverse momenta.
Neural Plasticity and Proliferation in the Generation of Antidepressant Effects: Hippocampal Implication
Authors: Pilar-Cuéllar Fuencisla , Vidal Rebeca , Díaz Alvaro , Castro Elena , dos Anjos Severiano , Pascual-Brazo Jesús , Linge Raquel , Vargas Veronica , Blanco Helena , Martínez-Villayandre Beatriz , Pazos Ángel , Valdizán Elsa M.
Published: June 2013

It is widely accepted that changes underlying depression and antidepressant-like effects involve not only alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters as monoamines and their receptors in the brain, but also structural and functional changes far beyond. During the last two decades, emerging theories are providing new explanations about the neurobiology of depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant strategies based on cellular changes at the CNS level. The neurotrophic/plasticity hypothesis of depression, proposed more than a decade ago, is now supported by multiple basic and clinical studies focused on the role of intracellular-signalling cascades that govern neural proliferation and plasticity. Herein, we review the state-of-the-art of the changes in these signalling pathways which appear to underlie both depressive disorders and antidepressant actions. We will especially focus on the hippocampal cellularity and plasticity modulation by serotonin, trophic factors as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through intracellular signalling pathways—cAMP, Wnt/β-catenin, and mTOR. Connecting the classic monoaminergic hypothesis with proliferation/neuroplasticity-related evidence is an appealing and comprehensive attempt for improving our knowledge about the neurobiological events leading to depression and associated to antidepressant therapies.
Segmentation of the Striatum from MR Brain Images to Calculate the -TRODAT-1 Binding Ratio in SPECT Images
Authors: Jiang Ching-Fen , Chang Chiung-Chih , Huang Shu-Hua , Wu Chia-Hsiang
Published: June 2013

Quantification of regional -TRODAT-1 binding ratio in the striatum regions in SPECT images is essential for differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Defining the region of the striatum in the SPECT image is the first step toward success in the quantification of the TRODAT-1 binding ratio. However, because SPECT images reveal insufficient information regarding the anatomical structure of the brain, correct delineation of the striatum directly from the SPECT image is almost impossible. We present a method integrating the active contour model and the hybrid registration technique to extract regions from MR T1-weighted images and map them into the corresponding SPECT images. Results from three normal subjects suggest that the segmentation accuracy using the proposed method was compatible with the expert decision but has a higher efficiency and reproducibility than manual delineation. The binding ratio derived by this method correlated well (R2 = 0.76) with those values calculated by commercial software, suggesting the feasibility of the proposed method.