bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facility versus unit level reporting of quality indicators in nursing homes when performance monitoring is the goal
Authors: Norton Peter G , Murray Michael , Doupe Malcolm B , Cummings Greta G , Poss Jeff W , Squires Janet E , Teare Gary F , Estabrooks Carole A
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To demonstrate the benefit of defining operational management units in nursing homes and computing quality indicators on these units as well as on the whole facility.

Design

Calculation of adjusted Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set 2.0 (RAI–MDS 2.0) quality indicators for: PRU05 (prevalence of residents with a stage 2–4 pressure ulcer), PAI0X (prevalence of residents with pain) and DRG01 (prevalence of residents receiving an antipsychotic with no diagnosis of psychosis), for quarterly assessments between 2007 and 2011 at unit and facility levels. Comparisons of these risk-adjusted quality indicators using statistical process control (control charts).

Setting

A representative sample of 30 urban nursing homes in the three Canadian Prairie Provinces.

Measurements

Explicit decision rules were developed and tested to determine whether the control charts demonstrated improving, worsening, unchanging or unclassifiable trends over the time period. Unit and facility performance were compared.

Results

In 48.9% of the units studied, unit control chart performance indicated different changes in quality over the reporting period than did the facility chart. Examples are provided to illustrate that these differences lead to quite different quality interventions.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the necessity of considering facility-level and unit-level measurement when calculating quality indicators derived from the RAI–MDS 2.0 data, and quite probably from any RAI measures.
Contemporary therapeutic strategies for occlusion of the artery of Percheron: a review of the literature
Authors: Li Xintong , Agarwal Nitin , Hansberry David R , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Gandhi Chirag D
Published: February 2014

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare anatomic variant of the paramedian thalamic–mesencephalic arterial supply, arising as a solitary arterial trunk from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery. Its occlusion, commonly caused by cardioembolism, leads to distal bilateral paramedian thalamic ischemia, oftentimes affecting the midbrain and/or the anterior thalamus. AOP occlusion presents with a clinical triad of altered mental status, vertical gaze palsy, and memory impairment, along with other associated symptoms. Digital subtraction angiography is effective for detecting AOP, while diffusion weighted MRI is best for diagnosis of its occlusion. Our extensive literature search sought to determine the best forms of treatment for uncomplicated AOP occlusion, with the inclusion criterion of implementation of medical treatment or other forms of therapy in patient recovery from this condition. We conclude that intravenous heparin and thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator are effective firstline treatment options for emergent AOP occlusion followed by a prescription of long term anticoagulants, while non-emergent cases without midbrain involvement could be treated through rehabilitation and continual monitoring by medical staff. Clinical trials of higher power are needed for a more comprehensive analysis of the treatment options for AOP occlusion.
Rhabdocline needle cast — most recent findings of the occurrence of Rhabdocline pseudotsugae in Douglas-fir seeds
Authors: Morgenstern Kristin , Döring Matthias , Krabel Doris
Published: February 2014

Rhabdocline pseudotsugae Syd. is one of the major fungal pathogens in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). To date, macroscopic and microscopic analyses of disease symptoms have resulted in the description of the Rhabdocline needle cast pathogen as a highly specialized needle parasite. In practice, the parasite has traditionally been identified by its fruiting bodies on infected needles. But nevertheless, it is not possible to detect the fungus if typical morphological traits are absent. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based techniques facilitate the detection of even small quantities of fungal DNA, regardless of the existence of visible fungal structures. Recent investigations into paths of infection and distribution using PCR have identified R. pseudotsugae in various types of Douglas-fir tissue including embryonic tissue which did not exhibit any symptoms. Taking these findings as a basis, the present study systematically tested seeds from five German, 13 North American, and two Ukrainian areas of origin for infection with R. pseudotsugae. The fungus was definitively detected in samples from five German and seven North American areas of origin. Nineteen percent of the tested seeds were infected. This indicates that infected seeds might represent another potential source of infection in addition to the ascospore-based distribution of R. pseudotsugae.
Ferroelectric and magnetic characteristics of Sm-modified BiFeO3 multiferroics
Authors: Pattanayak Samita , Choudhary R.N.P. , Das Piyush R.
Published: February 2014

Samarium-modified BiFeO3 (i.e., Bi1–xSmxFeO3 (BSFO); x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) ceramics were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. Preliminary X-ray structural analysis shows that BSFO polycrystalline compounds have rhombohedral crystal structure. These samples showed dispersion in permittivity (εr) and dielectric loss (tanδ) at lower frequencies. The scanning electron micrographs of the compounds showed (i) the uniform distribution of grains on the samples’ surface with high density and (ii) reduction of grain size on Sm-substitution at the Bi site of BiFeO3. The materials exhibit temperature dependence of dielectric relaxation phenomena. Study of temperature dependence of dc conductivity of the materials follows Arrhenius behavior. The ac conductivity of BSFO obeys Jonscher’s universal power law. Studies of impedance and its related parameters of the materials exhibit a strong correlation between its microstructure (i.e., bulk, grain boundary, etc.), electrical and magnetic parameters.
Twists, realizations and Hopf algebroid structure of κ-deformed phase space
Authors: Jurić Tajron , Meljanac Stjepan , Štrajn Rina
Published: February 2014

The quantum phase space described by Heisenberg algebra possesses undeformed Hopf algebroid structure. The κ-deformed phase space with noncommutative coordinates is realized in terms of undeformed quantum phase space. There are infinitely many such realizations related by similarity transformations. For a given realization, we construct corresponding coproducts of commutative coordinates and momenta (bialgebroid structure). The κ-deformed phase space has twisted Hopf algebroid structure. General method for the construction of twist operator (satisfying cocycle and normalization condition) corresponding to deformed coalgebra structure is presented. Specially, twist for natural realization (classical basis) of κ-Minkowski space–time is presented. The cocycle condition, κ-Poincaré algebra and R-matrix are discussed. Twist operators in arbitrary realizations are constructed from the twist in the given realization using similarity transformations. Some examples are presented. The important physical applications of twists, realizations, R-matrix and Hopf algebroid structure are discussed.
ANALYSIS OF FARADAY ROTATION AND MAGNETO-OPTICAL TRANSMISSION IN MONOLAYER GRAPHENE
Authors: SHOVKOVY IGOR A. , WANG XINYANG
Published: February 2014

The Faraday rotation angle and the magneto-optical transmission of light through the monolayer graphene with a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of graphene are calculated within the framework of the low-energy effective quantum field theory of Dirac quasiparticles. The general results are applicable not only in the semi-classical, but also in the degenerate quantum regime. The theoretical results are in a good quantitative agreement with the available experimental data. The only fit parameter in the model is the value of the quasiparticle width.
BEHAVIOR OF METHYLENE BLUE WITH ARACHIDIC ACID IN THE RESTRICTED GEOMETRY OF LANGMUIR–BLODGETT FILM
Authors: GHOSH INDRA , PAL AJITESH , NATH JAYASREE , MISHRA BIJAY KUMAR , NATH RANENDU KUMAR
Published: February 2014

Anti-malarial methylene blue (MB) doped in arachidic acid (AA) have been incorporated in the Langmuir monolayer at the air–water interface and also in the Langmuir–Blodgett films deposited on quartz substrate. The pressure–area (π–A) isotherm studies at different concentrations of MB pointed out that pure MB could not form stable monolayer at the air–water interface and collapse readily at very low surface pressures. However, mixture of MB with AA formed stable monolayers and they could be transferred into solid quartz substrate to form mono/multi layered films of MB. The area per molecule of floating mixed monolayers was systematically decreased with the increasing concentrations of MB in the mixture. The pressure–time (π - t) isotherm study indicated the interaction kinetics between MB and AA. Higher the concentration of MB, higher is the increase in pressure. The spectroscopic characteristics of the mixed LB films have been compared with that of pure MB solution, microcrystal and layer-by-layer self assembled film with UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Surface morphology of the mixed LB and LbL film of MB was measured with atomic force microscopy (AFM).
R&D INVESTMENTS AS PREBARGAINING STRATEGIES
Authors: PAUWELS WILFRIED , KORT PETER M. , VANHAECHT EVE
Published: February 2014

This paper analyzes a semicollusive, differentiated duopoly. Firms first compete in cost reducing R&D and then cooperate on the output market. The sharing of the joint profit on the output market is modeled as a Nash bargaining game. We study an asymmetric setting in which one firm has a lower unit cost of production than the other firm, before any R&D expenditures. If firms do not agree on how to share their joint profit, they play a noncooperative Nash equilibrium. Assuming linear demand functions, we show that the Nash bargaining outcome is independent of whether firms play a Cournot or a Bertrand Nash equilibrium, as long as both firms supply positive outputs in these equilibria. If the two products are sufficiently differentiated, there is a unique equilibrium in which both firms supply a positive output, and in which the low cost firm always invests more in R&D than the high cost firm. If the two products are not very differentiated, and if the difference in unit costs between the two firms is not too large, there exist two equilibria. In each of these equilibria only one firm supplies a positive output. This can be the low cost or the high cost firm. In the latter case, the initially high cost firm invests so much in R&D that its unit cost after R&D is lower than that of the other firm. This firm then leapfrogs the other firm. If the two products are very similar and if firms apply Bertrand strategies when disagreeing, there exist equilibria in which only one firm supplies a positive output, while in the noncooperative Nash equilibrium that same firm can prevent the other firm from entering the market. We show that, in the context of the Nash bargaining model, this latter firm still has the power to claim a share of the joint profit.
HIGH-ORDERED AND ULTRA-SENSITIVE PARTICLE-IN-BOWL METALLIC ARRAYS FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: DI DI , DONG PEITAO , WANG CHAOGUANG , CHEN JIAN , WANG JUNFENG , WANG HAOXU , WU XUEZHONG , LI SHENGYI
Published: February 2014

High-ordered particle-in-bowl (PIB) arrays are developed in this paper for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A heterogeneous shadow mask, composing of the chrome (Cr) layer and colloid residues, is used to fabricate the silicon ( Si ) template from where the PIB arrays finally lift-off. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is employed to investigate the Raman enhancement mechanism of this PIB architecture. The electromagnetic (EM) field tends to concentrate in the gap between the bowl and the particle forming the "hot spots". The enhancement factor (EF) of the EM field is about 70 with an excitation wavelength of 785 nm. The Raman measurements validate the EM calculation of the PIB arrays. The EF is about 1.12 × 107 using Rodamine 6G (R6G) as probe molecule. The proposed PIB array is high-ordered in morphology and ultra-sensitive in Raman measurement, providing an ideal substrate for SERS-based bio-chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and analytical chemistry.
Coastal changes in the Arctic
Authors: Overduin P. P. , Strzelecki M. C. , Grigoriev M. N. , Couture N. , Lantuit H. , St-Hilaire-Gravel D. , Günther F. , Wetterich S.
Published: February 2014

The arctic environment is changing: air temperatures, major river discharges and open water season length have increased, and storm intensities and tracks are changing. Thirteen quantitative studies of the rates of coastline position change throughout the Arctic show that recently observed environmental changes have not led to ubiquitously or continuously increasing coastal erosion rates, which currently range between 0 and 2 m/yr when averaged for the arctic shelf seas. Current data is probably insufficient, both spatially and temporally, however, to capture change at decadal to sub-decadal time scales. In this context, we describe the current understanding of arctic coastal geomorphodynamics with an emphasis on erosional regimes of coasts with ice-rich sedimentary deposits in the Laptev, East Siberian and Beaufort seas, where local coastal erosion can exceed 20 m/yr. We also examine coasts with lithified (rocky) substrates where geomorphodynamics are intensified by rapid glacial retreat. Coastlines of Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Archipelago are less frequently studied than ice-rich continental coasts of North America and Siberia, and studies often focus on coastal sections composed of unlithified material. As air temperature and sea ice duration and extent change, longer thaw and wave seasons will intensify coastal dynamics in the Arctic.
Fructose stimulates GLP-1 but not GIP secretion in mice, rats, and humans
Authors: Kuhre Rune E. , Gribble Fiona M. , Hartmann Bolette , Reimann Frank , Windeløv Johanne A. , Rehfeld Jens F. , Holst Jens J.
Published: February 2014

Nutrients often stimulate gut hormone secretion, but the effects of fructose are incompletely understood. We studied the effects of fructose on a number of gut hormones with particular focus on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In healthy humans, fructose intake caused a rise in blood glucose and plasma insulin and GLP-1, albeit to a lower degree than isocaloric glucose. Cholecystokinin secretion was stimulated similarly by both carbohydrates, but neither peptide YY3–36nor glucagon secretion was affected by either treatment. Remarkably, while glucose potently stimulated GIP release, fructose was without effect. Similar patterns were found in the mouse and rat, with both fructose and glucose stimulating GLP-1 secretion, whereas only glucose caused GIP secretion. In GLUTag cells, a murine cell line used as model for L cells, fructose was metabolized and stimulated GLP-1 secretion dose-dependently (EC50= 0.155 mM) by ATP-sensitive potassium channel closure and cell depolarization. Because fructose elicits GLP-1 secretion without simultaneous release of glucagonotropic GIP, the pathways underlying fructose-stimulated GLP-1 release might be useful targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity drug development.
Maternal and postweaning high-fat diets disturb hippocampal gene expression, learning, and memory function
Authors: Page Kathleen C. , Jones Elizabeth K. , Anday Endla K.
Published: February 2014

We tested the hypothesis that excess saturated fat consumption during pregnancy, lactation, and/or postweaning alters the expression of genes mediating hippocampal synaptic efficacy and impairs spatial learning and memory in adulthood. Dams were fed control chow or a diet high in saturated fat before mating, during pregnancy, and into lactation. Offspring were weaned to either standard chow or a diet high in saturated fat. The Morris Water Maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Open field testing was used to evaluate motor activity. Hippocampal gene expression in adult males was measured using RT-PCR and ELISA. Offspring from high fat-fed dams took longer, swam farther, and faster to try and find the hidden platform during the 5-day learning period. Control offspring consuming standard chow spent the most time in memory quadrant during the probe test. Offspring from high fat-fed dams consuming excess saturated fat spent the least. The levels of mRNA and protein for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein were significantly decreased by maternal diet effects. Nerve growth factor mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in response to both maternal and postweaning high-fat diets. Expression levels for the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor subunit NR2B as well as synaptophysin were significantly decreased in response to both maternal and postweaning diets. Synaptotagmin was significantly increased in offspring from high fat-fed dams. These data support the hypothesis that exposure to excess saturated fat during hippocampal development is associated with complex patterns of gene expression and deficits in learning and memory.
Intracarotid hypertonic sodium chloride differentially modulates sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and kidney
Authors: Frithiof Robert , Xing Tao , McKinley Michael J. , May Clive N. , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: February 2014

Hypertonic NaCl infused into the carotid arteries increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and changes sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) via cerebral mechanisms. We hypothesized that elevated sodium levels in the blood supply to the brain would induce differential responses in renal and cardiac SNA via sensors located outside the blood-brain barrier. To investigate this hypothesis, we measured renal and cardiac SNA simultaneously in conscious sheep during intracarotid infusions of NaCl (1.2 M), sorbitol (2.4 M), or urea (2.4 M) at 1 ml/min for 4 min into each carotid. Intracarotid NaCl significantly increased MAP (91 ± 2 to 97 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) without changing heart rate (HR). Intracarotid NaCl was associated with no change in cardiac SNA (11 ± 5.0%), but a significant inhibition of renal SNA (−32.5 ± 6.4%, P < 0.05). Neither intracarotid sorbitol nor urea changed MAP, HR, central venous pressure, cardiac SNA, and renal SNA. The changes in MAP and renal SNA were completely abolished by microinjection of the GABA agonist muscimol (5 mM, 500 nl each side) into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Infusion of intracarotid NaCl for 20 min stimulated a larger increase in water intake (1,100 ± 75 ml) than intracarotid sorbitol (683 ± 125 ml) or intracarotid urea (0 ml). These results demonstrate that acute increases in blood sodium levels cause a decrease in renal SNA, but no change in cardiac SNA in conscious sheep. These effects are mediated by cerebral sensors located outside the blood-brain barrier that are more responsive to changes in sodium concentration than osmolality. The renal sympathoinhibitory effects of sodium are mediated via a pathway that synapses in the PVN.
Role of Toll-like receptor-4 in renal graft ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhao Hailin , Perez Jessica Santiváñez , Lu Kaizhi , George Andrew J. T. , Ma Daqing
Published: February 2014

Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) has been increasingly recognized as playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) of renal grafts. This review provides a detailed overview of the new understanding of the involvement of TLR-4 in ischemia-reperfusion injury of renal grafts and its clinical significance in renal transplantation. TLR-4 not only responds to exogenous microbial motifs but can also recognize molecules which are released by stressed and necrotic cells, as well as degraded products of endogenous macromolecules. Upregulation of TLR-4 is found in tubular epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and infiltrating leukocytes during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is induced by massive release of endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules such as high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1. Activation of TLR-4 promotes the release of proinflammatory mediators, facilitates leukocyte migration and infiltration, activates the innate and adaptive immune system, and potentiates renal fibrosis. TLR-4 inhibition serves as the target of pharmacological agents, which could attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury and associated delayed graft function and allograft rejection. There is evidence in the literature showing that targeting TLR-4 could improve long-term transplantation outcomes. Given the pivotal role of TLR-4 in ischemia-reperfusion injury and associated delayed graft function and allograft rejection, inhibition of TLR-4 using pharmacological agents could be beneficial for long-term graft survival.
Gastric Cancer in the Young: Is It a Different Clinical Entity? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pisanu Adolfo , Podda Mauro , Cois Alessandro , Uccheddu Alessandro
Published: February 2014

Background.The rate of gastric cancer in young patients has increased over the past few decades. The aim of this study was to search for independent risk factors related to patients of younger age.Methods.From January 1996 to December 2012, a series of 179 consecutive patients were admitted to our surgical department because of a gastric cancer. We carried out a retrospective cohort study in 20 patients younger than 50 and in 112 patients aged 50 and older treated by curative gastrectomy. The comparison involved the evaluation of patient and tumor characteristics.Results.Younger patients had significantly less comorbidities and a more favorable American Society of Anesthesiology score; they had significantly less preoperative weight loss and a significantly longer duration of symptoms;Helicobacter pyloriinfection and diffuse histological type were significantly associated with younger age. There was no statistically significant difference regarding overall and cancer-related 5-year survival; advanced cancer stage and diffuse histological type were the independent negative prognostic factors influencing cancer-related survival.Conclusions.We do not have sufficient evidence to consider gastric cancer in younger patients as a different clinical entity. Further studies are needed to understand carcinogenesis in younger patients and to improve gastric cancer classification.
Properties of the Band Gaps in 1D Ternary Lossy Photonic Crystal Containing Double-Negative Materials
Authors: Aghajamali Alireza , Akbarimoosavi Maryam , Barati Mahmood
Published: February 2014

Theoretically, the characteristics matrix method is employed to investigate and compare the properties of the band gaps of the one-dimensional ternary and binary lossy photonic crystals which are composed of double-negative and double-positive materials. This study shows that by varying the angle of incidence, the band gaps for TM and TE waves behave differently in both ternary and binary lossy structures. The results demonstrate that, by increasing the angle of incidence for the TE wave, the width and the depth of zero-n¯, zero-μ, and Bragg gap increase in both ternary and binary structures. On the other hand, the enhancement of the angle of incidence for the TM wave contributes to reduction of the width and the depth of the zero-n¯ and Bragg gaps, and they finally disappear for incidence angles greater than 50° and 60° for the binary structure and 40° and 45° for the ternary structures, respectively. In addition, the details of the edges of the band gaps variations as a function of incidence angle for both structures are studied.
Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema after Reversing Rocuronium-Induced Neuromuscular Blockade by Sugammadex
Authors: Suzuki Manzo , Inagi Toshiichiro , Kikutani Takehiko , Mishima Takuya , Bito Hiroyasu
Published: February 2014

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a rare complication that accompanies general anesthesia, especially after extubation. We experienced a case of negative pressure pulmonary edema after tracheal extubation following reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex. In this case, the contribution of residual muscular block on the upper airway muscle as well as large inspiratory forces created by the respiratory muscle which has a low response to muscle relaxants, is suspected as the cause.
Adaptive Iterated Extended Kalman Filter and Its Application to Autonomous Integrated Navigation for Indoor Robot
Authors: Xu Yuan , Chen Xiyuan , Li Qinghua
Published: February 2014

As the core of the integrated navigation system, the data fusion algorithm should be designed seriously. In order to improve the accuracy of data fusion, this work proposed an adaptive iterated extended Kalman (AIEKF) which used the noise statistics estimator in the iterated extended Kalman (IEKF), and then AIEKF is used to deal with the nonlinear problem in the inertial navigation systems (INS)/wireless sensors networks (WSNs)-integrated navigation system. Practical test has been done to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective to reduce the mean root-mean-square error (RMSE) of position by about 92.53%, 67.93%, 55.97%, and 30.09% compared with the INS only, WSN, EKF, and IEKF.
Denoising Method Based on Sparse Representation for WFT Signal
Authors: Chen Xu , Lin Guoyu , Zhang Yuxin
Published: February 2014

Affected by external noise and various nature disturbances, Wheel Force Transducer (WFT) signal may be completely submerged, and the sensitivity and the reliability of measurement can be strongly decreased. In this paper, a new wavelet packet denoising method based on sparse representation is proposed to remove the noises from WFT signal. In this method, the problem of recovering the noiseless signal is converted into an optimization problem of recovering the sparsity of their wavelet package coefficients, and the wavelet package coefficients of the noiseless signals can be obtained by the augmented Lagrange optimization method. Then the denoised WFT signal can be reconstructed by wavelet packet reconstruction. The experiments on simulation signal and WFT signal show that the proposed denoising method based on sparse representation is more effective for denoising WFT signal than the soft and hard threshold denoising methods.
Tuning the Morphological Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen‐Doped (BiO)2CO3 by the Hydrothermal Temperature
Authors: Wang Chongjun , Zhao Zaiwang , Luo Bin , Fu Min , Dong Fan
Published: February 2014

Various nitrogen‐doped hierarchical (BiO)2CO3 nanosheets architectures were synthesized by a facile one‐step template‐free hydrothermal method through controlling the hydrothermal temperature (HT). The as‐synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT‐IR, XPS, and UV‐vis DRS. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated towards degradation of NO at ppb level in air under visible light (VIL). It was found that HT acted as a crucial factor in determining the morphology of the samples. The rosa chinensis‐like, red camellia‐like, and lamina‐like of nitrogen‐doped (BiO)2CO3 (N‐BOC) micro‐/nanostructures can be selectively fabricated under hydrothermal temperatures of 150, 180, and 210°C. The thickness of the nanosheets was in direct proportion to the increasing HT. Nitrogen‐doping can extend the light absorption spectra of (BiO)3CO3 to visible light region and enhance the VIL photocatalytic activity. Especially, the red camellia‐like N‐BOC‐180 exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance, superior to the well‐known VIL‐driven photocatalyst C‐doped TiO2 and N‐doped TiO2. The high photocatalytic performance of N‐BOC was attributed to the synergetic effects of enhanced visible light absorption, multiple light‐reflections between the nanosheets, and accelerated transfer of reactants and product. This research could provide new insights to the development of excellent photocatalyst with efficient performance for pollution control.
Improved Inference for Moving Average Disturbances in Nonlinear Regression Models
Authors: Nguimkeu Pierre
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes an improved likelihood-based method to test for first-order moving average in the disturbances of nonlinear regression models. The proposed method has a third-order distributional accuracy which makes it particularly attractive for inference in small sample sizes models. Compared to the commonly used first-order methods such as likelihood ratio and Wald tests which rely on large samples and asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimation, the proposed method has remarkable accuracy. Monte Carlo simulations are provided to show how the proposed method outperforms the existing ones. Two empirical examples including a power regression model of aggregate consumption and a Gompertz growth model of mobile cellular usage in the US are presented to illustrate the implementation and usefulness of the proposed method in practice.
Comprehensive Planning for Classification and Disposal of Solid Waste at the Industrial Parks regarding Health and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Pourzamani Hamidreza , Rahmani Samani Bahareh
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study is the comprehensive planning for integrated management of solid waste at the industrial parks. The share of each industrial group including food, metal, chemical, non-metallic minerals, textile, electrical and electronical, and cellulose industries were 48.2, 14.9, 6.7, 22, 0.9, 0.6, and 6.5 percent, respectively. The results showed that nearly half of total industrial waste produced from the range of biological materials are biodegradable and discharging them without observing environmental regulations leads to short-term pollution and nuisance in the acceptor environment. Also some parts of case study waste were recyclable which is considerable from viewpoint of economical and environmental pollution. Long-term impacts will appear due to improper site selection of disposal from the spatial standpoint. In this way, an approach for site selection using several socioeconomic, physical, and environmental criteria based on multicriteria decision making model (MCDM) is introduced. Health risks and environment pollution such as soil and surface water may be done. It is essential to revise the studied industries layout, particularly those units which produce special waste which should be more cautious. Also stricter enforcement is required as an effective step in reducing the harmful impacts of it.
A Novel Dual-Polarization Total Power Radiometer with Single Channel
Authors: Niu Yiming , Cui Can , Yang Guo , Wu Wen
Published: February 2014

A dual-polarization total power millimeter wave (MMW) radiometer with single channel was proposed in this paper. It completed the subtraction of two orthogonally polarized signals in the RF front end. The system used one channel to achieve the function of two channels. On the basis of discussing the theory and the configuration of the system, the performance of the system and the ability to identify the false target were analyzed and simulated. The results showed the radiometer could solve the problem that the performance of dual-polarization radiometer becomes weak because of gain inconformity with two channels. The system was cheap and small and could identify the false target which has different apparent temperatures at vertical- and horizontal-polarized radiations.
Research on WNN Modeling for Gold Price Forecasting Based on Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Li Bai
Published: February 2014

Gold price forecasting has been a hot issue in economics recently. In this work, wavelet neural network (WNN) combined with a novel artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed for this gold price forecasting issue. In this improved algorithm, the conventional roulette selection strategy is discarded. Besides, the convergence statuses in a previous cycle of iteration are fully utilized as feedback messages to manipulate the searching intensity in a subsequent cycle. Experimental results confirm that this new algorithm converges faster than the conventional ABC when tested on some classical benchmark functions and is effective to improve modeling capacity of WNN regarding the gold price forecasting scheme.
Reduced Order Projective and Hybrid Projective Combination-Combination Synchronization of Four Chaotic Josephson Junctions
Authors: Ojo K. S. , Njah A. N. , Olusola O. I. , Omeike M. O.
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the reduced order projective and hybrid projective combination-combination synchronization of four chaotic Josephson junctions consisting of two third order Josephson junctions as the drives and two second order chaotic Josephson junctions as the response systems via active backstepping technique. The investigation confirms the achievement of reduced order projective and hybrid projective combination-combination synchronization among four chaotic Josephson junctions via active backstepping technique. Numerical simulations are validated to show the effectiveness of the synchronization scheme. Reduced order combination-combination synchronization scheme has more significant applications to neural encoding and decoding of information in biological systems and to the security of information transmission in communication systems than the usual one drive system and one response system synchronization scheme.
Rosiglitazone Increases CerebralKlothoExpression to Reverse Baroreflex in Type 1-Like Diabetic Rats
Authors: Chen Li-Jen , Cheng Meng-Fu , Ku Po-Ming , Lin Jia-Wei
Published: February 2014

Reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is widely observed in diabetic human and animals. Rosiglitazone is one of the clinically used thiazolidinediones (TZD) known as PPARγagonist. Additionally, the klotho protein produced from choroid plexus in the central nervous system is regulated by PPARγ. In an attempt to develop the new therapeutic strategy, we treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ) with rosiglitazone (STZ + TZD) orally at 10 mg/kg for 7 days. Also, STZ rats were subjected to intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of recombinant klotho at a dose of 3 μg/2.5 μL via syringe pump (8 μg/hr) daily for 7 days. The BRS and heart rate variability were then estimated under challenge with a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (50 μg/kg) or a pressor dose of phenylephrine (8 μg/kg) through an intravenous injection. Lower expression of klotho in medulla oblongata of diabetic rats was identified. Cerebral infusion of recombinant klotho or oral administration of rosiglitazone reversed BRS in diabetic rats. In conclusion, recovery of the decreased klotho in brain induced by rosiglitazone may restore the impaired BRS in diabetic rats. Thus, rosiglitazone is useful to reverse the reduced BRS through increasing cerebral klotho in diabetic disorders.
An Energy-Aware Routing Protocol for Query-Based Applications in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ahvar Ehsan , Ahvar Shohreh , Lee Gyu Myoung , Crespi Noel
Published: February 2014

Wireless sensor network (WSN) typically has energy consumption restriction. Designing energy-aware routing protocol can significantly reduce energy consumption in WSNs. Energy-aware routing protocols can be classified into two categories, energy savers and energy balancers. Energy saving protocols are used to minimize the overall energy consumed by a WSN, while energy balancing protocols attempt to efficiently distribute the consumption of energy throughout the network. In general terms, energy saving protocols are not necessarily good at balancing energy consumption and energy balancing protocols are not always good at reducing energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an energy-aware routing protocol (ERP) for query-based applications in WSNs, which offers a good trade-off between traditional energy balancing and energy saving objectives and supports a soft real time packet delivery. This is achieved by means of fuzzy sets and learning automata techniques along with zonal broadcasting to decrease total energy consumption.
Effect of Eu3+ Concentration on Luminescence Studies of Y4Al2O9 Phosphor
Authors: Dubey Vikas , Agrawal Sadhana , Kaur Jagjeet
Published: February 2014

The present paper reports the effect of europium concentration on photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) studies of Eu3+ doped Y4Al2O9 phosphor using inorganic materials like yttrium oxide (Y2O3), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), boric acid (H3BO3) as a flux, and europium oxide (Eu2O3). The sample was prepared by the modified solid state reaction method, which is the most suitable for large-scale production. The prepared phosphor sample was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL), and CIE techniques. The PL emission was observed in the range of 467, 535, 591, 611, 625, and 629 nm for the Y4Al2O9 phosphor doped with Eu3+ (0.1 mol% to 2.5 mol%). Excitation spectrum was found at 237 and 268 nm. Sharp peaks were found around 591, 611, and 625 nm with high intensity. From the XRD data, using Scherer’s formula, the calculated average crystallite size of Eu3+ doped Y4Al2O9 the phosphor is around 55 nm. Thermoluminescence study was carried out for the phosphor with UV irradiation. The present phosphor can act as single host for red light emission in display devices.
Logarithmically Improved Regularity Criterion for the 3D Micropolar Fluid Equations
Authors: Zhang Hui
Published: February 2014

We study the regularity of weak solutions to the incompressible micropolar fluid equations. We obtain an improved regularity criterion in terms of vorticity of velocity in Besov space. It is proved that if the vorticity field satisfies ∫0T∇×uB˙∞,∞0/1+log1+∇×uB˙∞,∞0dt<∞ then the strong solution can be smoothly extended after time T.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Study of Bi3+and Pb2+Activated Ca3(BO3)2
Authors: Gawande A. B. , Sonekar R. P. , Omanwar S. K.
Published: February 2014

The photoluminescence properties of Pb2+and Bi3+doped Ca3(BO3)2prepared by solution combustion synthesis technique are discussed. The structure of the prepared phosphor is characterized and conformed by XRD and FTIR. SEM images of the prepared materials show irregular grains with agglomerate phenomena. Prepared phosphors achieved the band emissions, respectively, at 365 nm and 335 nm corresponding to the transitionP1→S013. Optimum concentration, critical transfer distance, and Stokes shift of the synthesized materials were measured. These phosphors may provide an efficient kind of luminescent materials for various applications in medical and industry.
A Blocking-Aware Scheduling for Real-Time Task Synchronization Using a Leakage-Controlled Method
Authors: Chen Mu-Yen , Chen Da-Ren , Hsieh Shu-Ming
Published: February 2014

Due to the importance of power dissipation in the wireless sensor networks and embedded systems, real-time scheduling has been studied in terms of various optimization problems. Real-time tasks that synchronize to enforce mutually exclusive access to the shared resources could be blocked by lower priority tasks. While dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is known to reduce dynamic power consumption, it causes increased blocking time due to lower priority tasks that prolong the interval over which a computation is carried out. Additionally, processor slowdown to increase execution time implies greater leakage energy consumption. In this paper, a leakage-controlled method is proposed, which decreases both priority inversion and power consumption. Based on priority ceiling protocol (PCP) and a graph reduction technique, this method can decrease more energy consumption and avoid priority inversion for real-time tasks.
Benchmarking in Data Envelopment Analysis: An Approach Based on Genetic Algorithms and Parallel Programming
Authors: Aparicio Juan , Lopez-Espin Jose J. , Martinez-Moreno Raul , Pastor Jesus T.
Published: February 2014

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a nonparametric technique to estimate the current level of efficiency of a set of entities. DEA also provides information on how to remove inefficiency through the determination of benchmarking information. This paper is devoted to study DEA models based on closest efficient targets, which are related to the shortest projection to the production frontier and allow inefficient firms to find the easiest way to improve their performance. Usually, these models have been solved by means of unsatisfactory methods since all of them are related in some sense to a combinatorial NP-hard problem. In this paper, the problem is approached by genetic algorithms and parallel programming. In addition, to produce reasonable solutions, a particular metaheuristic is proposed and checked through some numerical instances.
Biochemical Characterization of Early Osteoarthritis in the Ankle
Authors: Schmal Hagen , Salzmann Gian M. , Langenmair Elia R. , Henkelmann Ralf , Südkamp Norbert P. , Niemeyer Philipp
Published: February 2014

Purpose.Reliable data aboutin vivoregulation of cytokines in early ankle osteoarthritis (OA) are still missing.Methods.49 patients with a mean age of33±14years undergoing an arthroscopy of the ankle with different stages of chronic OA were prospectively included in a clinical trial. Lavage fluids were analyzed by ELISA. Additionally, clinical parameters and scores (FFI, CFSS, and AOFAS) were evaluated and supplemented by the Kellgren Lawrence Score (KLS) and the ankle osteoarthritis scoring system (AOSS).Results.ICRS grading of cartilage damage, previous operations, and duration of complains were strong indicators for OA progress and showed correlations to age, clinical scores, validated KLS, and AOSS (P<0.04). Systemic and intraarticular inflammatory parameters were low in all patients. Biochemically, aggrecan and BMP-7 positively indicated OA with statistically significant associations with duration of symptoms, FFI, AOFAS, and KLS (P<0.04). In contrast, BMP-2 levels showed statistically significant negative correlations to aggrecan or BMP-7 concentrations, which is in line with the negative association with ICRS score and KLS and the positive correlation with FFI (P<0.03).Conclusions.We were able to identify different key markers of OA in the ankle as aggrecan, BMP-7, and BMP-2, offering starting points for new ways in diagnostics and interventional strategies.
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Exotic and Indigenous Goats Slaughtered in Selected Abattoirs in Port Harcourt,
South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Owhoeli Ovutor , Elele Kingsley , Gboeloh Lebari Barine
Published: February 2014

A total of 213 faecal samples were collected from four abattoirs and households to determine the prevalence of helminthes infections in exotic and indigenous goats in Port Harcourt, South-South, Nigeria. The study revealed that out of 153 exotic goats (Red Sokoto) Capra hircus, 112 were infected with various species of gastrointestinal helminths; out of 60 indigenous goats (West African dwarf) Capra hircus, 49 were also infected with various types of gastrointestinal helminths. The formol-ether concentration method was used to analyse the specimens. The study revealed that an overall prevalence of (75.5%) was recorded, out of which 57 (76.0%), 55 (70.5%), and 49 (81.6%) were recorded for exotic goat in the months of May–September, 2010, exotic goat in the months October 2010–February, 2011 and for indigenous goats, respectively. The overall prevalence amongst the infected animals was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Species of helminthes revealed from the study were, Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Chabertia, Trichuris, Ostertagia, Bunostomum, Trichostrongyloida, Ascaris, Tenia, Avitelina, Fasciola, Eurytrema, Gastrothylax, Schistosoma, and Dicrocoelium.
Synthesis of Branch Fluorinated Cationic Surfactant and Surface Properties
Authors: Wu Hongke , Zhong Jiaqi , Shen Haimin , Shi Hongxin
Published: February 2014

A novel fluorinated quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant N,N,N-trimethyl-2-[[4-[[3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-2-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-1,3-bis(tri-fluoromethyl)-1-buten-1-yl]oxy]-benzoyl]amino]-iodide (FQAS) was synthesized successfully, and its structure was characterized by FTIR,1H-NMR,19F-NMR, and MS. The surface activities of FQAS and the effect of temperature, electrolyte, and combination with hydrocarbon surfactant were investigated. The results showed that FQAS exhibited excellent surface activity and combination with hydrocarbon surfactant.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Bioinorganic Complex [Sb(Hedta)]·2H2O
Authors: Li Di , Zhong Guo-Qing
Published: February 2014

The antimony(III) complex [Sb(Hedta)]·2H2O was synthesized with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H4edta) and antimonous oxide as main raw materials in aqueous solution. The composition and structure of the complex were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, single crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal structure of the antimony(III) complex belongs to orthorhombic system, space group Pna2(1), with cell parameters ofa=18.4823(18) Å,b=10.9408(12) Å,c=7.3671(5) Å,V=1489.7(2) Å3,Z=4, andDc=1.993 g cm−3. The Sb(III) ion is five-coordinated by two amido N atoms and three carboxyl O atoms from a single Hedta3−ligand, forming a distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry. The thermal decomposition processes of the complex include dehydration, oxidation, and pyrolysis of the ligand, and the last residue is Sb2O3at the temperature of 570°C.
Evidence Suggesting That Obesity Prevention Measures May Improve Prostate Cancer Outcomes Using Data from a Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Chandra Ravi A. , Chen Ming-Hui , Zhang Danjie , Loffredo Marian , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: February 2014

Purpose. Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher risk prostate cancer (PC) at presentation. Whether increasing BMI also prompts earlier salvage androgen suppression therapy (sAST) is unknown.Materials and Methods. Between 1995 and 2001, 206 men with unfavorable risk PC were treated with radiation therapy (RT) or RT and six months of androgen suppression therapy in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). 108 sustained PSA failure; 51 received sAST for PSA approaching 10 ng/mL; 49 with BMI data comprised the study cohort. A multivariable Cox regression analysis identified pretreatment factors associated with earlier sAST receipt.Results. Increasing BMI prompted earlier sAST (median years: 3.7 for overweight/obese, 6.9 for normal weight; adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.18;P=0.002) as did high versus other risk PC (median: 3.2 versus 5.2 years; AHR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.83;P=0.03). Increasing median time to sAST was observed for overweight/obese men with high versus other risk PC and for normal-weight men with any risk PC being 2.3, 4.6, and 6.9 years, respectively (P<0.001for trend).Conclusion. Increasing BMI was associated with earlier sAST. A RCT evaluating whether BMI reduction delays or eliminates need for sAST is warranted.