bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaos Synchronization Based Novel Real-Time Intelligent Fault Diagnosis for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Yau Her-Terng , Shiu Jen
Published: February 2014

The traditional solar photovoltaic fault diagnosis system needs two to three sets of sensing elements to capture fault signals as fault features and many fault diagnosis methods cannot be applied with real time. The fault diagnosis method proposed in this study needs only one set of sensing elements to intercept the fault features of the system, which can be real-time-diagnosed by creating the fault data of only one set of sensors. The aforesaid two points reduce the cost and fault diagnosis time. It can improve the construction of the huge database. This study used Matlab to simulate the faults in the solar photovoltaic system. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is used to keep a stable power supply to the system when the system has faults. The characteristic signal of system fault voltage is captured and recorded, and the dynamic error of the fault voltage signal is extracted by chaos synchronization. Then, the extension engineering is used to implement the fault diagnosis. Finally, the overall fault diagnosis system only needs to capture the voltage signal of the solar photovoltaic system, and the fault type can be diagnosed instantly.
A Novel Qualitative and Quantitative Biofilm Assay Based on 3D Soft Tissue
Authors: Hakonen Bodil , Lönnberg Linnea K. , Larkö Eva , Blom Kristina
Published: February 2014

The lack of predictablein vitromethods to analyze antimicrobial activity could play a role in the development of resistance to antibiotics. Current used methods analyze planktonic cells but for the method to be clinically relevant, biofilm inin vivolike conditions ought to be studied. Hence, our group has developed a qualitative and quantitative method within vivolike 3D tissue for prediction of antimicrobial activity in reality. Devices (wound dressings) were applied on top ofPseudomonas aeruginosainoculated Muller-Hinton (MH) agar or 3D synthetic soft tissues (SST) and incubated for 24 hours. The antibacterial activity was then analyzed visually and by viable counts. On MH agar two out of three silver containing devices showed zone of inhibitions (ZOI) and on SST, ZOI were detected for all three. Corroborating results were found upon evaluating the bacterial load in SST and shown to be silver concentration dependent. In conclusion, a novel method was developed combining visual rapid screening and quantitative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity in both tissue and devices. It uses tissue allowing biofilm formation thus mimicking reality closely. These conditions are essential in order to predict antimicrobial activity of medical devices in the task to prevent device related infections.
High Rate of Chronic Villitis in Placentas of Pregnancies Complicated by Influenza A/H1N1 Infection
Authors: Meijer Wouter J. , Wensing Annemarie M. J. , Bruinse Hein W. , Nikkels Peter G. J.
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 infection during pregnancy has a negative impact on several aspects of pregnancy outcome. As yet, no elucidating mechanism has been revealed for these effects. We investigated whether placentas of pregnancies complicated by 2009 influenza A/H1N1 infection demonstrated an increased rate of chronic villitis and whether this villitis was caused by influenza virus.Methods. We performed a cohort study on 145 pregnant outpatients during the 2009-2010 influenza A H1N1 pandemic. The placentas of patients with influenza infection were examined for histologic signs of chronic villitis. In case of villitis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on influenza virus was performed on placental tissue.Results. 29 patients had influenza infection. Placentas of 15 of these patients were collected and examined. In 7 cases (47%) chronic villitis was detected. Placental weight and birth weight of the neonates did not differ between cases with and without chronic villitis. In all cases PCR was negative for influenza.Conclusion. In our series, chronic villitis was present in a high proportion of placentas of pregnancies complicated by 2009 influenza A/H1N1 infection. We could not demonstrate the presence of influenza virus in placental tissue.
MinkS38G Gene Polymorphism and Atrial Fibrillation in the Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis of 1871 Participants
Authors: Li Yan-yan , Wang Lian-sheng , Lu Xin-zheng
Published: February 2014

Minkgene S38G polymorphism in theβ-subunit of slow activating component of the delayed rectifier potassium channel current potassium channel has been associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. However, the individual studies results were still controversial. To investigate the association ofMinkS38G gene polymorphisms with AF, a meta-analysis including 1871 subjects from six individual studies was conducted.MinkS38G gene polymorphism was significantly related to AF under allelic (OR: 1.380, 95% CI: 1.200–1.600,P<0.00001), recessive (OR: 1.193, 95% CI: 1.033–1.377,P=0.017), dominant (OR: 1.057, 95% CI: 1.025–1.089,P<0.00001), additive (OR: 1.105, 95% CI: 1.036–1.178,P=0.002), homozygous (OR: 1.128, 95% CI: 1.068–1.191,P<0.00001), and heterozygous genetic models (OR: 1.078, 95% CI: 1.014–1.146,P=0.016). A significant association betweenMinkS38G gene polymorphism and AF risk was found. G allele carriers may predispose to AF.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Diagnosis of Local Recurrences of Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy: Preliminary Evaluation on Twenty-Seven Cases
Authors: Carbone Salvatore Francesco , Pirtoli Luigi , Ricci Veronica , Carfagno Tommaso , Tini Paolo , La Penna Augusto , Cacchiarelli Eleonora , Volterrani Luca
Published: February 2014

Objectives.To assess the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in patients affected by prostatic fossa (PF) relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostatic carcinoma (PC).Methods.Twenty-seven patients showing a nodular lesion in the PF at T2-weighted MR imaging after RP, with diagnosis of PC relapse established by biopsy or PSA determinations, were investigated by DWI. Two readers evaluated the DWI results in consensus and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the nodules, separately; a mean value was obtained (ADCm).Results.Relapses did not significantly differ in size in respect of postsurgical benign nodules. The DWI qualitative evaluation showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, ppv, and npv values, respectively, of 83.3%, 88.9%, 85.2%, 93.7%, and 72.7% (100%, 87.5%, 95.6%, 93.7%, and 100%, for nodules >6 mm). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for ADC evaluation between the two readers was 0.852 (95% CI 0.661–0.935;P=0.0001). The ADCm values for relapses and benign nodules were, respectively,0.98±0.21×10−3 mm2/sec and1.24±0.32×10−3 mm2/sec (P=0.006). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, ppv and npv of ADCm were, respectively, 77.8%, 88.9%, 81.8%, 93.3%, and 66.7% (93.3%, 87.5%, 85.4%, 93.3%, and 87.5% for nodules >6 mm).Conclusions.Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is a promising tool in the management of a hyperintense nodule detected by T2-weighted sequences. This might have a relevant importance in contouring radiotherapy treatment volumes.
Comparison of Ligation-Mediated PCR Methods in Differentiation ofMycobacterium tuberculosisStrains
Authors: Zaczek Anna , Brzostek Anna , Wojtasik Arkadiusz , Sajduda Anna , Dziadek Jaroslaw
Published: February 2014

Fast and inexpensive identification of epidemiological links between limited number ofMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains is required to initially evaluate hospital outbreaks, laboratory crosscontaminations, and family or small community transmissions. The ligation-mediated PCR methods (LM-PCR) appear sufficiently discriminative and reproducible to be considered as a good candidate for such initial, epidemiological analysis. Here, we compared the discriminative power of the recently developed in our laboratory fast ligation amplification polymorphism (FLAP) method with fast ligation-mediated PCR (FLiP). Verification of the results was based on analyzing a set of reference strains and RFLP-IS6110typing. The HGDI value was very similar for both LM-PCR methods and RFLP-IS6110typing. However, only 52% of strains were correspondingly grouped by both FLiP and FLAP methods. Differentiation by FLAP method demonstrated a limited similarity to IS6110-RFLP (37,7%). As much as 78,7% of strains were grouped identically when differentiated by FLiP and IS6110-RFLP methods. The analysis differentiated 31, 35, and 36 groups when using FLAP, FLiP, and RFLP-IS6110methods, respectively.
Application of Metal Oxide Heterostructures in Arsenic Removal from Contaminated Water
Authors: Chen Lei , Xin Hongchuan , Fang Yuan , Zhang Cong , Zhang Feng , Cao Xing , Zhang Chunhui , Li Xuebing
Published: February 2014

It has become one of the major environmental problems for people worldwide to be exposed to high arsenic concentrations through contaminated drinking water, and even the long‐term intake of small doses of arsenic has a carcinogenic effect. As an efficient and economic approach for the purification of arsenic‐containing water, the adsorbents in adsorption processes have been widely studied. Among a variety of adsorbents reported, the metal oxide heterostructures with high surface area and specific affinity for arsenic adsorption from aqueous systems have demonstrated a promising performance in practical applications. This review paper aims to summarize briefly the metal oxide heterostructures in arsenic removal from contaminated water, so as to provide efficient, economic, and robust solutions for water purification.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Khan Muhammad Talha , Franco Rose Amy
Published: February 2014

Complex sleep apnea is the term used to describe a form of sleep disordered breathing in which repeated central apneas (>5/hour) persist or emerge when obstructive events are extinguished with positive airway pressure (PAP) and for which there is not a clear cause for the central apneas such as narcotics or systolic heart failure. The driving forces in the pathophysiology are felt to be ventilator instability associated oscillation in PaCO2arterial partial pressure of Carbon Dioxide, continuous cositive airway pressure (CPAP) related increased CO2carbon dioxide elimination, and activation of airway and pulmonary stretch receptors triggering these central apneas. The prevalence ranges from 0.56% to 18% with no clear predictive characteristics as compared to simple obstructive sleep apnea. Prognosis is similar to obstructive sleep apnea. The central apnea component in most patients on followup using CPAP therap, has resolved. For those with continued central apneas on simple CPAP therapy, other treatment options include bilevel PAP, adaptive servoventilation, permissive flow limitation and/or drugs.
Local Generalized (α,β)-Derivations
Authors: Fošner Ajda
Published: February 2014

We study local generalized (α,β)-derivations on algebras generated by their idempotents and give some important applications of our results.
Disease Control through Voluntary Vaccination Decisions Based on the Smoothed Best Response
Authors: Xu Fei , Cressman Ross
Published: February 2014

We investigate game-theory based decisions on vaccination uptake and its effects on the spread of an epidemic with nonlinear incidence rate. It is assumed that each individual’s decision approximates his/her best response (called smoothed best response) in that this person chooses to take the vaccine based on its cost-benefit analysis. The basic reproduction number of the resultant epidemic model is calculated and used to characterize the existence and stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria of the model. The effects on the spread and control of the epidemic are revealed in terms of the sensitivity of the response to changes in costs and benefits, in the “cost” of the vaccination, and in the proportion of susceptible individuals who are faced with the decision of whether or not to be vaccinated per unit time. The effects of the best response decision rule are also analyzed and compared to those of the smoothed best response. Our study shows that, when there is a perceived cost to take the vaccine, the smoothed best response is more effective in controlling the epidemic. However, when this cost is 0, the best response is the more efficient control.
AtTRB1–3 Mediates Structural Changes in AtPOT1b to Hold ssDNA
Authors: Jaiswal Amit
Published: February 2014

POT from Arabidopsis thaliana is a member of shelterin complex and belongs to Telo_bind protein family. Three homologs are reported, namely, AtPOT1a, AtPOT1b, and AtPOT1c, where AtPOT1b is involved in genomic stability and chromosome end protection by providing necessary grip to G-rich region of telomeric DNA for telomerase assembly. Telomeric binding factors (TRB1–3) physically interact with POT with no known functionality. In this work attempt has been made to elucidate the reason behind the interaction by analyzing molecular docking interaction between AtPOT1b and AtTRB1–3, which yielded potential residues, which could play essential role in structural modification. 3 ns molecular simulation helped to look into structural stability and conformational dynamics portraying domain movements. AtTRB’s interaction with AtPOT1b provoked structural changes in AtPOT1b, thereby increasing the affinity for single strand DNA (ssDNA) as compared to double strand DNA (dsDNA). Although the obtained results require experimental evidence they can act as a guide in tracing the functions in other organisms. The information provided in this paper would be helpful in understanding functions of TRB1–3 with respect to genomic stability.
Cholangiocarcinoma: Biology, Clinical Management, and Pharmacological Perspectives
Authors: Macias Rocio I. R.
Published: February 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or tumor of the biliary tree, is a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies associated with a very poor prognosis. Depending on their localization along the biliary tree, CCAs are classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal, and these subtypes are now considered different entities that differ in tumor biology, the staging system, management, and prognosis. When diagnosed, an evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is essential; the team must decide on the best therapeutic option. Surgical resection of tumors with negative margins is the best option for all subtypes of CCA, although this is only achieved in less than 50% of cases. Five-year survival rates have increased in the recent past owing to improvements in imaging techniques, which permits resectability to be predicted more accurately, and in surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are relatively ineffective in treating nonoperable tumors and the resistance of CCA to these therapies is a major problem. Although the combination of gemcitabine plus platinum derivatives is the pharmacological treatment most widely used, to date there is no standard chemotherapy, and new combinations with targeted drugs are currently being tested in ongoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the biology, clinical management, and pharmacological perspectives of these complex tumors.
Synthesis and Dielectric Studies of Monoclinic Nanosized Zirconia
Authors: Nesamani I. Flavia Princess , Prabha V. Lakshmi , Paul Aswathy , Nirmal D.
Published: February 2014

Zirconium dioxide is a prospective high-κmaterial that can replace silicon dioxide. Zirconium dioxide nanoparticle has been synthesized using sol-gel process at room temperature. The structural and morphological characterization of the nanoscaled zirconium dioxide is done using FTIR, SEM, X-ray diffraction, and TEM. The particle size of the synthesized ZrO2is observed in the range of 50–80 nm with an average crystallite size of 2–10 nm. The results are compared with commercial coarse zirconia which showed a particle size in the range of 900 nm–2.13 µm and crystallite size of 5.3 nm–20 nm. It is expected that both nanoscaling and the high dielectric constant of ZrO2would be useful in replacing the low-κSiO2dielectric with high-κZrO2for CMOS fabrication technology. The synthesized ZrO2is subjected to impedance analysis and it exhibited a dielectric constant of 25 to find its application in short channel devices like multiple gate FinFETS and as a suitable alternative for the conventional gate oxide dielectric SiO2with dielectric value of 3.9, which cannot survive the challenge of an end of oxide thickness ≤ 1 nm.
Impact Assessment of Cadmium Toxicity and Its Bioavailability in Human Cell Lines (Caco-2 and HL-7702)
Authors: Aziz Rukhsanda , Rafiq M. T. , Yang Jie , Liu Di , Lu Lingli , He Zhenli , Daud M. K. , Li Tingqiang , Yang Xiaoe
Published: February 2014

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental toxic contaminant, which causes serious health-related problems. In this study, human intestinal cell line (Caco-2 cells) and normal human liver cell line (HL-7702 cells) were used to investigate the toxicity and bioavailability of Cd to both cell lines and to validate these cell lines asin vitromodels for studying Cd accumulation and toxicity in human intestine and liver. Results showed that Cd uptake by both cell lines increased in a dose-dependent manner and its uptake by Caco-2 cells (720.15 µg mg−1cell protein) was significantly higher than HL-7702 cells (229.01 µg mg−1cell protein) at 10 mg L−1. A time- and dose-dependent effect of Cd on cytotoxicity assays (LDH release, MTT assay) was observed in both Cd-treated cell lines. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and differentiation markers (SOD, GPX, and AKP) of the HL-7702 cells were higher than those of Caco-2 cells, although both of them decreased significantly with raising Cd levels. The results from the present study indicate that Cd above a certain level inhibits cellular antioxidant activities and HL-7702 cells are more sensitive to Cd exposure than Caco-2 cells. However, Cd concentrations <0.5 mg L−1pose no toxic effects on both cell lines.
Preparation and Characterization of Jute Cellulose Crystals-Reinforced Poly(L-lactic acid) Biocomposite for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mizanur , Afrin Sanjida , Haque Papia , Islam Md. Minhajul , Islam Mohammed Shahidul , Gafur Md. Abdul
Published: February 2014

Crystalline cellulose was extracted from jute by hydrolysis with 40% H2SO4to get mixture of micro/nanocrystals. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the microcrystalline structure of cellulose and XRD indicated the Iβpolymorph of cellulose. Biodegradable composites were prepared using crystalline cellulose (CC) of jute as the reinforcement (3–15%) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a matrix by extrusion and hot press method. CC was cellulose derived from mercerized and bleached jute fiber by acid hydrolysis to remove the amorphous regions. FT-IR studies showed hydrogen bonding between the CC and the PLA matrix. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that the percentage crystallinity of PLA in composites was found to be higher than that of neat PLA as a result of the nucleating ability of the crystalline cellulose. Furthermore, Vicker hardness and yield strength were found to increase with increasing cellulose content in the composite. The SEM images of the fracture surfaces of the composites were indicative of poor adhesion between the CC and the PLA matrix. The composite with 15% CC showed antibacterial effect though pure films but had no antimicrobial effect; on the other hand its cytotoxicity in biological medium was found to be medium which might be suitable for its potential biomedical applications.
Preparation and Magnetic Properties of Anisotropic (Sm,Pr)Co5/Fe Nanocomposites Particles via Electroless Plating
Authors: Wang Shi , Ma Jin-Ming , Chen Yan
Published: February 2014

Anisotropic (Sm,Pr)Co5/Fe nanocomposites particles were prepared by electroless plating iron on the surface of (Sm,Pr)Co5nanoflakes after being prepared by ball milling for 4 h. A uniform and continuous coating layer was obtained due to the addition of complexing agent and the particle size of the reduced Fe particles was in the range of 10~20 nm. When the nominal addition of Fe was 15 wt%, the nanocomposites show enhanced remnant and saturation magnetization:Mr=53.35 emu/g,Ms=73.08 emu/g compared to the noncoated nanoflakes withMr=48.52 emu/g,Ms=60.15 emu/g, while the coercivity drops from 10.33 kOe to 8.89 kOe. The effect of Fe content on the magnetic properties of the magnets is also discussed.
Fault Location Based on Synchronized Measurements: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Al-Mohammed A. H. , Abido M. A.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a comprehensive survey on transmission and distribution fault location algorithms that utilize synchronized measurements. Algorithms based on two-end synchronized measurements and fault location algorithms on three-terminal and multiterminal lines are reviewed. Series capacitors equipped with metal oxide varistors (MOVs), when set on a transmission line, create certain problems for line fault locators and, therefore, fault location on series-compensated lines is discussed. The paper reports the work carried out on adaptive fault location algorithms aiming at achieving better fault location accuracy. Work associated with fault location on power system networks, although limited, is also summarized. Additionally, the nonstandard high-frequency-related fault location techniques based on wavelet transform are discussed. Finally, the paper highlights the area for future research.
Effect of Two Temperatures on Reflection Coefficient in Micropolar Thermoelastic with and without Energy Dissipation Media
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Sharma K. D. , Garg S. K.
Published: February 2014

The reflection of plane waves at the free surface of thermally conducting micropolar elastic medium with two temperatures is studied. The theory of thermoelasticity with and without energy dissipation is used to investigate the problem. The expressions for amplitudes ratios of reflected waves at different angles of incident wave are obtained. Dissipation of energy and two-temperature effects on these amplitude ratios with angle of incidence are depicted graphically. Some special and particular cases are also deduced.
Review of Hyperuricemia as New Marker for Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Billiet Laura , Doaty Sarah , Katz James D. , Velasquez Manuel T.
Published: February 2014

Hyperuricemia has long been established as the major etiologic factor in gout. In recent years, a large body of evidence has accumulated that suggests that hyperuricemia may play a role in the development and pathogenesis of a number of metabolic, hemodynamic, and systemic pathologic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, stroke, and atherosclerosis. A number of epidemiologic studies have linked hyperuricemia with each of these disorders. In some studies, therapies that lower uric acid may prevent or improve certain components of the metabolic syndrome. There is an association between uric acid and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus; the connection between other rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is less clear. The mechanism for the role of uric acid in disorders other than gout is not well established but recent investigations point towards systemic inflammation induced by urate, as the major pathophysiological event common to systemic diseases, including atherosclerosis.
Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds, Pharmaceutical Quality, and Anticancer Activity of Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii L.)
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Jaafar Hawa Z. E. , Rahmat Asmah , Devarajan Thiyagu
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigated some bioactive compounds and pharmaceutical qualities of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) extracts from three different locations in Malaysia. The highest TF and total phenolic (TP) contents were observed in the extracts from Kelantan (3.771 and 14.371 mg/g DW), followed by Selangor (3.146 and 12.272 mg/g DW) and Johor (2.801 and 12.02 mg/g DW), respectively. High quercetin (0.350 mg/g DW), catechin (0.325 mg/g DW), epicatechin (0.678 mg/g DW), naringin (0.203 mg/g DW), and myricetin (0.703 mg/g DW) levels were observed in the extracts from Kelantan, while the highest rutin content (0.082 mg/g DW) was detected in the leaves from Selangor. The curry leaf extract from Kelantan exhibited higher concentration of gallic acid (0.933 mg/g DW) than that from Selangor (0.904 mg/g DW) and Johor (0.813 mg/g DW). Among the studied samples, the ones from Kelantan exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity (DPPH, 66.41%) and ferric reduction activity potential (FRAP, 644.25 μm of Fe(II)/g) followed by those from Selangor (60.237% and 598.37 μm of Fe(II)/g) and Johor (50.76% and 563.42 μm of Fe(II)/g), respectively. A preliminary screening showed that the curry leaf extracts from all the locations exhibited significant anticarcinogenic effects inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) and maximum inhibition of MDA‐MB‐231 cell was observed with the curry leaf extract from Kelantan. Based on these results, it is concluded that Malaysian curry leaf collected from the North (Kelantan) might be potential source of potent natural antioxidant and beneficial chemopreventive agents.
Social Network Analysis Based on Network Motifs
Authors: Hong-lin Xu , Han-bing Yan , Cui-fang Gao , Ping Zhu
Published: February 2014

Based on the community structure characteristics, theory, and methods of frequent subgraph mining, network motifs findings are firstly introduced into social network analysis; the tendentiousness evaluation function and the importance evaluation function are proposed for effectiveness assessment. Compared with the traditional way based on nodes centrality degree, the new approach can be used to analyze the properties of social network more fully and judge the roles of the nodes effectively. In application analysis, our approach is shown to be effective.
A Modeling and Experiment Framework for the Emergency Management in AHC Transmission
Authors: Chen Bin , Ge Yuanzheng , Zhang Laobing , Zhang Yongzheng , Zhong Ziming , Liu Xiaocheng
Published: February 2014

Emergency management is crucial to finding effective ways to minimize or even eliminate the damage of emergent events, but there still exists no quantified method to study the events by computation. Statistical algorithms, such as susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models on epidemic transmission, ignore many details, thus always influencing the spread of emergent events. In this paper, we first propose an agent-based modeling and experiment framework to model the real world with the emergent events. The model of the real world is called artificial society, which is composed of agent model, agent activity model, and environment model, and it employs finite state automata (FSA) as its modeling paradigm. An artificial campus, on which a series of experiments are done to analyze the key factors of the acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) transmission, is then constructed to illustrate how our method works on the emergency management. Intervention measures and optional configurations (such as the isolation period) of them for the emergency management are also given through the evaluations in these experiments.
A Class of Nonlocal Coupled Semilinear Parabolic System with Nonlocal Boundaries
Authors: Liu Hong , Lu Haihua
Published: February 2014

We investigate the positive solutions of the semilinear parabolic system with coupled nonlinear nonlocal sources subject to weighted nonlocal Dirichlet boundary conditions. The blow-up and global existence criteria are obtained.
Novel Iris Biometric Watermarking Based on Singular Value Decomposition and Discrete Cosine Transform
Authors: Lu Jinyu , Qu Tao , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2014

A novel iris biometric watermarking scheme is proposed focusing on iris recognition instead of the traditional watermark for increasing the security of the digital products. The preprocess of iris image is to be done firstly, which generates the iris biometric template from person′s eye images. And then the templates are to be on discrete cosine transform; the value of the discrete cosine is encoded to BCH error control coding. The host image is divided into four areas equally correspondingly. The BCH codes are embedded in the singular values of each host image′s coefficients which are obtained through discrete cosine transform (DCT). Numerical results reveal that proposed method can extract the watermark effectively and illustrate its security and robustness.
Global Analysis of a Planetary Gear Train
Authors: Li Tongjie , Zhu Rupeng
Published: February 2014

By using the Poincaré-like cell-to-cell mapping method and shooting method, the global characteristics of a planetary gear train are studied based on the torsional vibration model with errors of transmission, time-varying meshing stiffness, and multiple gear backlashes. The study results reveal that the planetary with a certain set of parameters has four coexisting periodic orbits, which are P-1, P-2, P-4, and P-8, respectively. P-1 and P-2 motions are not of long-term stability, P-8 motion is of local stability, and P-4 motion is of global stability. Shooting method does not have the capacity of searching coexisting periodic orbits in a global scope, and it is easy to omit some periodic orbits which are far away from the main gropes of periodic orbits.
Elastic Module Study of the Radial Section ofGuadua angustifoliaKunth Variety Bicolor
Authors: Cardenas J. I. , Vargas-Hernández C.
Published: February 2014

Elastic modulus of the radial section of theGuadua angustifoliaKunth variety Bicolor was studied by technique of propagation of acoustic waves; the signal time delay in the samples was used as the control parameter. The studies were carried out in the culm cross-section in radial direction. The results indicate that the elastic modulus and the propagation velocity of the longitudinal wave in each of the cross-sections varied from2.5×107to1.6×109 Pa and from 1370 to 250 m/s for the inside and outside region of the culm, respectively. This behavior is due to the inhomogeneity, the water concentration, the fiber density, and the silicon concentration. The Raman spectroscopy analysis showed bands associated with hemicellulose, cellulose (carbon-carbon bonds), hydroxides carbon, and lignin. Silicone polymer compounds were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy.
Multiobjective Combinatorial Auctions in Transportation Procurement
Authors: Ignatius Joshua , Hosseini-Motlagh Seyyed-Mahdi , Goh Mark , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi , Mustafa Adli , Rahman Amirah
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a multiobjective winner determination combinatorial auction mechanism for transportation carriers to present multiple transport lanes and bundle the lanes as packet bids to the shippers for the purposes of ocean freight. This then allows the carriers to maximize their network of resources and pass some of the cost savings onto the shipper. Specifically, we formulate three multi‐objective optimization models (weighted objective model, preemptive goal programming, and compromise programming) under three criteria of cost, marketplace fairness, and the marketplace confidence in determining the winning packages. We develop solutions on the three models and perform a sensitivity analysis to show the options the shipper can use depending on the existing conditions at the point of awarding the transport lanes.
Plasma Aminothiol Profile and Some of Its Determinants in Apparently Healthy Azorean Subjects
Authors: Lima Ana , Ferin Rita , Baptista José , Pavão M. Leonor
Published: February 2014

Objectives. To evaluate the plasma aminothiol profile (PAP) and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, as well as plasma folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 concentrations, in 326 apparently healthy subjects from the Azores archipelago (Portugal). Also eventual relationships of PAP with conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis were investigated, aiming at the finding of early blood markers of the disease. Design and Methods. This was an observational cross-sectional study, where participants were split into two groups: one with a normal and another with an altered PAP (at least one aminothiol out of its reference concentration range). Results. About 76% of subjects had an altered PAP, mainly due to low glutathione levels (<1.5 μmol/L), mostly associated with normal GGT activity. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 10%, where only 33% had some B-vitamin deficiency. The risk for atherosclerosis was more evidenced in subjects exhibiting both deficient GSH concentration and increased serum GGT activity. Conclusions. An altered PAP, namely, when caused by low GSH levels in the absence of alterations in the Hcy, or Cys, or Cys-Gly concentrations and in serum GGT activity, might reveal a subclinical stage of atherogenesis and should be explored as a potential early marker of atherosclerosis.
Synthetic Augmented Suture Anchor Reconstruction for a Complete Traumatic Distal Triceps Tendon Rupture in a Male Professional Bodybuilder with Postoperative Biomechanical Assessment
Authors: Nikolaidou Maria-Elissavet , Banke Ingo J. , Laios Thomas , Petsogiannis Konstantinos , Mourikis Anastasios
Published: February 2014

Bodybuilding is a high-risk sport for distal triceps tendon ruptures. Management, especially in high-demanding athletes, is operative with suture anchor refixation technique being frequently used. However, the rate of rerupture is high due to underlying poor tendon quality. Thus, additional augmentation could be useful. This case report presents a reconstruction technique for a complete traumatic distal triceps tendon rupture in a bodybuilder with postoperative biomechanical assessment. A 28-year-old male professional bodybuilder was treated with a synthetic augmented suture anchor reconstruction for a complete triceps tendon rupture of his right dominant elbow. Postoperative biomechanical assessment included isokinetic elbow strength and endurance testing by using multiple angular velocities to simulate the “off-season” and “precompetition” phases of training. Eighteen months postoperatively and after full return to training, the biomechanical assessment indicated that the strength and endurance of the operated elbow joint was fully restored with even higher ratings compared to the contralateral healthy arm. The described reconstruction technique can be considered as an advisable option in high-performance athletes with underlying poor tendon quality due to high tensile strength and lack of donor site morbidity, thus enabling them to restore preinjury status and achieve safe return to sports.
Sanqi Panax Notoginseng Injection for Angina Pectoris
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Xiong Xingjiang , Wang Jie
Published: February 2014

Objective. To evaluate the clinical curative effects of SPN injection on AP. Methods. Six databases were systematically searched including Cochrane Central, PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed the quality of included studies, extracted valid data, and undertook meta‐analysis following the steps of systematic review recommended by the Cochrane group. Results. Ten moderate‐to‐low quality randomized controlled trials involving 969 patients were included. There was no evidence that SPN alone had better or worse effects than conventional drugs on improving clinical symptoms (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.39) and ECG (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.63). However, there was an evidence that SPN combined with western medications was a better treatment option than conventional drugs alone in improving clinical symptoms (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.33) and ECG (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.45). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion. Compared with conventional treatment, SPN may show the potential of optimizing symptomatic outcomes. As a kind of alternative and complementary medicine, SPN may provide another choice for AP patients and further large‐scale high‐quality trials are needed to confirm this efficacy.
An Unusual Case of Bilateral Empyema Associated with Bee Sting
Authors: Venkataramanappa Srinivasa Kaligonahalli , Gowda Amban , Raju Srinivas , Harihar Vijeth
Published: February 2014

Bee sting in most situations is life threatening. Spectrum of bee sting ranges from mild local reaction to death. The literature regarding the bee sting disease from India is sparse. The rare manifestations of the disease include encephalitis, polyneuritis, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, bleeding manifestations, and renal failure. Bee sting infections are rare and no field studies have been performed to determine the exact sequence of events that lead to infection of bee stings and if not treated properly can lead to fatal outcomes. Here we present a case of unusual bilateral empyema associated with bee sting.
Alkohol, Leber, systemische Entzündung und Haut: Psoriasispatienten im Fokus
Authors: Farkas Árpád , Kemény Lajos
Published: February 2014

Die Hinweise mehren sich, dass übermäßiger Alkoholkonsum mit Psoriasis assoziiert ist. Bei Alkoholikern sind antipsoriatische Therapien weniger wirksam, jedoch stärker toxisch und die geringe Therapie-Compliance stellt eine zusätzliche Herausforderung dar. Zwischen übermäßiger Alkoholaufnahme und einem erhöhten Infektionsrisiko besteht eine Korrelation, doch können Alkohol und seine Metaboliten andererseits eine chronische systemische Entzündung auslösen, die durch proinflammatorische Zytokine aus aktivierten Kupffer-Zellen in der Leber und Monozyten im Blutkreislauf vermittelt wird. Ethanol und seine Metaboliten können außerdem die Aktivierung und Proliferation von Lymphozyten und Keratinozyten fördern und die mRNA-Konzentration von Genen, die für proliferierende Keratinozyten charakteristisch sind, erhöhen. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die Mechanismen erörtert, über die Alkohol an der Entwicklung der Psoriasis beteiligt ist, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf Leber, systemischer Entzündung und Haut liegt.
Association of Cord Blood Leptin, Soluble Leptin Receptor, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-1 on Birth Indices in Healthy Full-Term Newborns
Authors: Tennekoon Kamani H. , Poopalapillai Jayanthiny , Karunanayake Akila G. , Jayasinghe Hasini D. , Kumarasiri Jayalath M. , De S Wijesundera Ajita P. , Karunanayake Eric H.
Published: February 2014

Background: Leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) promote fetal growth. Their availability is modulated by soluble leptin receptor (SLR) and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP). Studies that accounted for SLR levels when investigating the association of leptin, IGF-I and IGFBPs on birth indices are scarce. Methods: Cord blood leptin, SLR, IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and their association with birth indices were studied in term newborns (n = 110; males = 60). Data were compared between males and females using the Mann-Whitney U test/unpaired Student's t test as appropriate. Univariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables significantly influencing birth indices. Results: Birth indices were comparable between male and female newborns. Females had a significantly lower SLR (p = 0.0142), a higher leptin/Ponderal index (p = 0.033) and a higher free leptin index (leptin/SLR) (p = 0.0081). Leptin and male gender positively and IGFBP-1 negatively influenced birth weight (p = 0.0005, p = 0.02, and p = 0.005, respectively) and head circumference (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0098, and p = 0.0183, respectively) when accounted for other variables. When tested in a different multiple regression model, the free leptin index positively influenced crown-heel length (p = 0.0016) in addition to birth weight (p < 0.0001) and head circumference (p = 0.0016). Conclusions: In healthy full-term pregnancies, cord blood leptin and IGFBP-1 exert independent and opposing effects on fetal growth.
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, Outcome, Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Aurelio Andrea , Durante Alessandro
Published: February 2014

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a well-known adverse event of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures requiring the adminstration of contrast medium (CM). The lack of a universal CIN definition and glomerular filtration rate markers that vary have resulted in a variety of reported incidences. The development of CIN is associated with an increase in the length of hospital stay and the risk of death. Preexisting renal dysfunction, age, diabetes, congestive heart failure and the volume of CM administered are all associated with a risk for developing CIN. The literature suggests the use of low-osmolarity CM and supports volume supplementation before administration. Moreover, other strategies to avoid CIN, including treatment with N-acetylcisteine and sodium bicarbonate have variable levels of evidence. This review examines the main components of the pathogenesis and risk factors of CIN and possible preventive measures and therapies.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 Is a Host Factor Required for Effective Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Zhu Hongming , Sun Aijun , Zhu Hong , Li Zheng , Huang Zheyong , Zhang Shuning , Ma Xin , Zou Yunzeng , Hu Kai , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2014

Objective—

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising treatment for ischemic injury. However, the environmental regulatory mechanism is essentially unclear and thus greatly limits its application in clinical setting. Accumulating evidence suggests a vital role of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) in microenvironment homeostasis after ischemia. About 540 million people or 8% of population worldwide carry a loss-of-function allele of ALDH2. It is unknown whether ALDH2 functions as a host factor regulating the therapeutic potential of donor MSCs. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether and how host ALDH2 regulates MSC retention and therapeutic efficacy after transplantation into ischemic tissues.

Approach and Results—

Mice limb ischemia was performed by femoral artery ligation. A total of 10
6
MSCs were injected into the ischemic thigh muscles. One, 2, and 4 weeks after transplantation, MSC retention, blood perfusion recovery, limb necrosis, and fibrosis were analyzed. Compared with wild-type tissue, ALDH2 deficiency tissue significantly limited MSC retention and its perfusion recovery and limb salvage effects after ischemia. Importantly, local overexpression of ALDH2 optimized tissue microenvironment and significantly magnified all these MSC-induced improvement. Further study indicated that host ALDH2 regulated transplanted MSC survival and therapy as a microenvironment homeostasis mediator via local capillary density, energy supply, and oxidative stress regulating after ischemia.

Conclusions—

Our study establishes ALDH2 as a key mediator of host stem cell niche for optimal MSC therapy and suggests that ALDH2 deficiency present in the general population is a limiting host factor to be considered for MSC therapy.
Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: Reddy Yeruva Madhu , Chinitz Larry , Mansour Moussa , Bunch T. Jared , Mahapatra Srijoy , Swarup Vijay , Di Biase Luigi , Bommana Sudharani , Atkins Donita , Tung Roderick , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Burkhardt J. David , Ruskin Jeremy , Natale Andrea , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: February 2014

Background—

Data on relative safety, efficacy, and role of different percutaneous left ventricular assist devices for hemodynamic support during the ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedure are limited.

Methods and Results—

We performed a multicenter, observational study from a prospective registry including all consecutive patients (N=66) undergoing VT ablation with a percutaneous left ventricular assist devices in 6 centers in the United States. Patients with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP group; N=22) were compared with patients with either an Impella or a TandemHeart device (non-IABP group; N=44). There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between both the groups. In non-IABP group (1) more patients could undergo entrainment/activation mapping (82% versus 59%;
P
=0.046), (2) more number of unstable VTs could be mapped and ablated per patient (1.05±0.78 versus 0.32±0.48;
P
<0.001), (3) more number of VTs could be terminated by ablation (1.59±1.0 versus 0.91±0.81;
P
=0.007), and (4) fewer VTs were terminated with rescue shocks (1.9±2.2 versus 3.0±1.5;
P
=0.049) when compared with IABP group. Complications of the procedure trended to be more in the non-IABP group when compared with those in the IABP group (32% versus 14%;
P
=0.143). Intermediate term outcomes (mortality and VT recurrence) during 12±5-month follow-up were not different between both groups. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤15% was a strong and independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (53% versus 4%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Impella and TandemHeart use in VT ablation facilitates extensive activation mapping of several unstable VTs and requires fewer rescue shocks during the procedure when compared with using IABP.
Special Politics for Minority Political Participation in the Danish-German Border Region
Authors: Schaefer-Rolffs Adrian , Schnapp Kai-Uwe
Published: February 2014

This article aims to explain how Denmark and Germany face the task of ensuring minority protection and the preservation of cultural diversity by way of recognising the national minorities’ needs for special attention. Both countries have installed different mechanisms that are designed to compensate minorities for their disadvantages as a group. Despite the fact that the equally well-developed structures on both sides of the border warrant a comparative analysis of the mechanisms in place, the disparity in the field of political participation receives particular attention in this article. By way of analysing results from an online survey carried out in 2010, this article shows how differently the minorities perceive the character of two special institutions for direct contact with political decision-makers. The Danish government and the state government of Schleswig-Holstein both introduced a contact person for the minorities within their area of responsibility. Our research has made interesting findings with regards to the composition of these institutions. It seems that the service offered by the geographically more distant Secretariat to the German Minority in Copenhagen is rated favourably, whereas the locally more present Commissioner for Minorities and Culture of Schleswig-Holstein has been a disappointment to the Danish minority.
Homosexuality in Cameroon
Authors: Ngwa Nfobin E.H.
Published: February 2014

Should society be protected against homosexuality? To an overwhelming number of Cameroonians, the answer is too obvious for the question of its criminalization, for a little more than four decades, to be revisited. Far beyond questioning the law, it invokes the Spirit of Evil and this is even what creates the abomination. This reasoning would have permitted us to look the other way while the repression of gay people in the country completes its course, if at all the practice could ever be stamped out. But there is a perceptible hardening of resolve within the Cameroonian gay community not to cringe further, the advance of democracy and the heroism of their kind elsewhere in the world being encouraging factors. They boldly demand social rehabilitation and more interestingly are taking their fight into the legal arena where they were thought for decades to be shut out from, even arguing that their non-conforming sexual orientation is a constitutional right. The Cameroonian leadership is exhibiting hints of fatigue as regards a repression that seems to be backfiring. It is apparently weighing its options and biding its time. This article examines the arguments of the forces involved in the stalemate and strives to provide information that may be of help at this defining moment.