bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Vibration Control Using Self-Sensing Actuators: An Experimental Comparison of Piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Technologies
Authors: Boulandet Romain , Pelletier Anik , Micheau Philippe , Berry Alain
Published: April 2016

The paper addresses the practical implementation of active vibration control using self-sensing actuators, intending to equip smart structures. The control objective is to reduce the structural vibration of a simply-supported plate subject to time-harmonic excitation. The key challenge is to use a self-sensing actuator instead of a sensor-actuator pair to reject the primary disturbance at the control point. In this study, two types of self-sensing actuators designed from a PZT patch and an electrodynamic inertial exciter are discussed, and their overall performance is compared in terms of reduction of flexural energy and power consumption. Both technologies have proven to be efficient in achieving a time-harmonic vibration control and may be used alternately, depending on the application at hand.
Solvent-Based Polymer Swelling Characterization for the Development of the Nano/Micro-Particle Polymer Composite MEMS Corrosion Sensor
Authors: Pan Feng , Maiga Abdoul Kader , Huang Po-Hao Adam
Published: April 2016

The concept of using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for in-situ corrosion sensing and for long-term applications has been proposed and is currently under development by our research lab. This is a new type of sensing using MEMS technology and, to the knowledge of our team, has not been explored previously. The MEMS corrosion sensor is based on the oxidation of metal nano/micro-particle embedded in elastomeric polymer to form a composite sensing element. The polymer controls the diffusion into and out of the sensor while the corrosion of the metal particles inhibits electrical conduction which is used as the detection signal. The work presented here is based on part of the methods developed for the removal of native and process-induced metal oxides. A major aspect is the study of the swelling dynamics of the polymer matrix (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) intended for enhancing material transport of etchants into and reaction products out of the composite during oxide removal. More specifically, the characterization of the swelling of copper particles-PDMS composite samples in liquid solvent baths is presented.
Cohesive Zone Models to Predict Multiple White Bumps in Flip-Chip Assemblies
Authors: Raghavan Sathyanarayanan , Schmadlak Ilko , Leal George , Sitaraman Suresh K.
Published: April 2016

The drive towards increased functional integration and improved performance in microelectronic devices has led to the introduction of more layers and porous dielectric materials in back end of line (BEOL) stack. These materials have low mechanical strength as well as adhesive strength and thus, interfacial delamination is a major reliability concern for modern microelectronic devices. In this work, we present a cohesive zone element based finite-element model to predict failures observed at the end of flip-chip assembly reflow process. During lead-free flip-chip assembly, thermo-mechanical stresses arise due to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the organic substrate and the silicon die. Such stresses can be high enough to cause cracking of interlayer dielectric layers present in the vicinity of solder bump. In order to predict such failures, mixed mode cohesive zone parameters are first extracted from interfacial fracture characterization experiments of real-life BEOL stacks. Then, the characterized cohesive zone elements are embedded in 2D finite-element models of flip-chip assembly to predict the failure region. The predicted failure region is compared against 2D fracture mechanics based models as well as failure analysis experiment results. Cohesive zone elements are then implemented over multiple bumps to examine simultaneous failure of multiple bumps under reflow assembly, and thus, the effectiveness of cohesive zone elements compared to fracture mechanics approach is demonstrated.
Effect of porosity and pore size on dielectric constant of organosilicate based low-k films: An analytical approach
Authors: Palov Alexander P. , Voronina Ekaterina N. , Rakhimova Tatyana V. , Lopaev Dmitri V. , Zyryanov Sergey M. , Mankelevich Yuri A. , Krishtab Mikhail B. , Baklanov Mikhail R.
Published: April 2016

An analytical approach allowing to analyze effect of porosity, pore size, and interconnectivity on dielectric constant of organosilicate based low-k materials is developed. Within the framework of this approach, a good agreement between the calculated and experimentally measured dielectric constants for several porogen (template) based organosilicate glasses low-k films is demonstrated. It is shown that the best agreement between the calculated and measured k-values corresponds to low-k structure with CH3 groups localized on pore wall surface. The results also demonstrate a good agreement with recently published results of similar analysis based on numerical approach.
Short- and long-term monitoring of underwater sound levels in the Hudson River (New York, USA)
Authors: Martin S. Bruce , Popper Arthur N.
Published: April 2016

There is a growing body of research on natural and man-made sounds that create aquatic soundscapes. Less is known about the soundscapes of shallow waters, such as in harbors, rivers, and lakes. Knowledge of soundscapes is needed as a baseline against which to determine the changes in noise levels resulting from human activities. To provide baseline data for the Hudson River at the site of the Tappan Zee Bridge, 12 acoustic data loggers were deployed for a 24-h period at ranges of 0–3000 m from the bridge, and four of the data loggers were re-deployed for three months of continuous recording. Results demonstrate that this region of the river is relatively quiet compared to open ocean conditions and other large river systems. Moreover, the soundscape had temporal and spatial diversity. The temporal patterns of underwater noise from the bridge change with the cadence of human activity. Bridge noise (e.g., road traffic) was only detected within 300 m; farther from the bridge, boating activity increased sound levels during the day, and especially on the weekend. Results also suggest that recording near the river bottom produced lower pseudo-noise levels than previous studies that recorded in the river water column.
When to operate: online patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can help decide
Authors: Reeve William John Edward , Williams Daniel H
Published: April 2016

We present a report on use of a web-based electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) system to support decision-making for a patient with an osteoarthritic knee. After being placed on a waiting list for knee arthroplasty, the use of preoperative PROMs allowed the patient and surgical team to review ongoing disability, and, as a result, alter the management plan by deferring surgery. Ongoing clinical review and symptom management has been centred on ePROMs and has been tailored to the specific needs of the individual. PROMs data are increasingly becoming a necessary component of outcome measurement in many surgical areas. Often, these data are available to neither patient nor clinician in a way that prospectively allows meaningful management. This case highlights how ePROMs can directly influence patient care in real time.
Acute idiopathic blue fingers: a young man with Achenbach's syndrome
Authors: Takeuchi Hidemi , Uchida Haruhito Adam , Okuyama Yuka , Wada Jun
Published: April 2016

We report a case of a 20-year-old man presenting with acute painful blue fingers. All physical findings, including an Allen test, were normal, and systematic symptoms frequently seen in collagen diseases were absent. Although we performed a wide variety of investigations including medical imaging, no specific abnormal findings were observed. Skin biopsy pathology was an important reference. The patient's symptoms gradually improved and were completely resolved without specific treatment. Based on the clinical presentation and course, we gave a diagnosis of Achenbach's syndrome, developed in a young male. Achenbach's syndrome is rare, but still may be encountered in clinical practice. The symptoms can be startling to the patient, eliciting fear of something terrible when, in fact, the syndrome is relatively benign and has a good prognosis. Recognising this disease quickly after presentation helps to eliminate the anxiety of the patient, as well as reducing excessively invasive investigations. We present a case report to enlighten Achenbach's syndrome.
Ligand and membrane-binding behavior of the phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins PITPα and PITPβ
Authors: Baptist Matilda , Panagabko Candace , Cockcroft Shamshad , Atkinson Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) are believed to be lipid transfer proteins because of their ability to transfer either phosphatidylinositol (PI) or phosphatidylcholine (PC) between membrane compartments, in vitro. However, the detailed mechanism of this transfer process is not fully established. To further understand the transfer mechanism of PITPs we examined the interaction of PITPs with membranes using dual polarization interferometry (DPI), which measures protein binding affinity on a flat immobilized lipid surface. In addition, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay was also employed to monitor how quickly PITPs transfer their ligands to lipid vesicles. DPI analysis revealed that PITPβ had a higher affinity to membranes compared with PITPα. Furthermore, the FRET-based transfer assay revealed that PITPβ has a higher ligand transfer rate compared with PITPα. However, both PITPα and PITPβ demonstrated a preference for highly curved membrane surfaces during ligand transfer. In other words, ligand transfer rate was higher when the accepting vesicles were highly curved.
Using lidar to assess impacts of forest harvest landings on vegetation height by harvest season and the potential for recovery over time
Authors: Slesak Robert A. , Kaebisch Tyler
Published: April 2016

Tree regeneration and growth is generally reduced at forest harvest landing areas because of significant soil compaction, but it is commonly believed that harvesting in winter can reduce these impacts and that recovery occurs naturally with time. We used lidar data to assess differences in vegetation height between landing and general harvest areas across 79 sites in northern Minnesota, United States, that had been harvested in either summer/fall or winter and between 2 and 175 months since harvest. Vegetation height was significantly lower at landing areas compared with general harvest areas; however, there was no effect of harvest season on the difference (p = 0.50), indicating that impacts occur during all seasons. There was a significant (p < 0.01) positive relationship between the difference in vegetation height and time, regardless the harvest season, providing evidence that recovery occurs across a wide range of conditions within our time period of assessment. Sites with three landings present had the lowest relative landing area and also had the lowest differences in vegetation height between landing and general harvest areas, demonstrating the potential for optimized landing configurations to minimize impacts to growth. Based on our findings, landing areas should be kept as small as reasonably possible during all seasons of harvest, but the need for active reclamation practices is probably not warranted given that recovery occurs within the first few decades after harvest.
Attosecond source generation using polarized gating two-color field combined with unipolar pulse
Authors: Feng Liqiang , Liu Hang
Published: April 2016

High-order harmonic generation and attosecond extreme-ultraviolet source generation have been theoretically investigated by controlling the two-color polarized gating field combined with the unipolar pulse. The results show that by properly optimizing the polarized two-color field as well as the unipolar pulse, not only is the harmonic cutoff remarkably extended, but the single short quantum path has also been selected to contribute to the harmonic spectrum, resulting in a 313 eV less modulated supercontinuum. Classical and quantum analyses are shown to explain the harmonic emission process. Finally, the proper superposition of harmonics, a series of isolated sub-50 as pulses, can be obtained.
Relationship between plant nitrogen and phosphorus accumulations in a canola crop as affected by nitrogen management under ample phosphorus supply conditions
Authors: Ma B.L. , Zheng Z.M.
Published: April 2016

The understanding of plant nutrient uptake and dynamics is a necessary step to develop site-specific, economically viable, and environmentally responsible management practices. A field study on canola (Brassica napus L.), treated with preplant and sidedress nitrogen (N) applications under ample phosphorus (P) supply conditions, was conducted to determine seasonal plant dry matter (DM) and N and P uptake patterns. We found that periodic DM measured at 20% flowering (FL), from FL to 50% pods reaching maximum size (FL-RI), and from RI to physiological maturity (RI-PM) contributed to 30%, 57%, and 14% of total DM, respectively. Yields ranged from 111 to 447 g m−2 with a sharp decline in 2012 induced by heat and drought. The crop took up about 58%–71% of total plant N by FL, whereas up to 42% of total plant P was assembled during the RI-PM. Canola seed accounted for 60%–66% of total plant N and 59%–63% of total plant P. Accumulation of DM and N post-FL, and of P during RI-PM could explain 69%, 43%, and 55%, respectively, variations in yield, seed N, and seed P. Our data indicated that plant P uptake under adequate P supply conditions in canola was largely enhanced by N application.
Mass and angular momentum of black holes in low-energy heterotic string theory
Authors: Peng Jun-Jin
Published: April 2016

We investigate conserved charges in the low-energy effective field theory describing heterotic string theory. Starting with a general Lagrangian that consists of a metric, a scalar field, a vector gauge field, together with a two-form potential, we derive off-shell Noether potentials of the Lagrangian and generalize the Abbott–Deser–Tekin (ADT) formalism to the off-shell level by establishing one-to-one correspondence between the ADT potential and the off-shell Noether potential. It is proved that the off-shell generalized ADT formalism is conformally invariant. Then, we apply the formulation to compute mass and angular momentum of the four-dimensional Kerr–Sen black hole and the five-dimensional rotating charged black string in the string frame without a necessity to transform the metrics into the Einstein frame.
EMPIRICAL EFFECTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CHINESE LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: HE XIAOHONG , CHEN XI
Published: April 2016

It is a common belief that entrepreneurship active regions tend to have better economic development. This paper aims to examine what changes have occurred on a region’s social, physical (e.g. air, water, soil or health that can affect human physical survival) and economic conditions during a large scale regional entrepreneurial development. Focusing on the entrepreneurially active region, Zhejiang Province of China, the study finds mixed results based on the published statistics by the Chinese Government and information from the U.S. satellite data during the 1980–2010 timeframe. The findings may have policy implications for China’s further progress, as well as for the progress of other developing countries.
DETECTION OF ANTI-RETICULOENDOTHELIOSIS ANTIBODY BY ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY USING ENVELOPE PROTEIN EXPRESSED IN BACULOVIRUS
Authors: Chen Hui-Wen , Hsiao Ting-Hsiang , Wang Ching-Ho
Published: April 2016

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) infects various animals including chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, peafowl and other birds. REV causes tumor, runting disease syndrome and immunosuppression in infected birds. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid, reliable and convenient method to detect anti-REV antibody. The REV envelope protein was expressed by baculovirus expression system and evaluated for the potential as an antigen in an enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The env gene from a REV strain goose/3410/06 was cloned into bacmid vector and expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The expected recombinant envelope protein expressed in infected insect cells was demonstrated in western blot with size of 62 kDa, and purified for using as antigen in an ELISA. A total of 182 chicken serum samples were used to evaluate the suitability of the ELISA based on neutralization test as the gold standard. The results showed that the relative sensitivity and relative specificity of this ELISA were 88.5% and 97.7%, respectively. The present ELISA using baculovirus expression envelope protein can be used to detect anti-REV antibody in the field.
Pressure Drop in Tortuosity/Kinking of the Internal Carotid Artery: Simulation and Clinical Investigation
Authors: Wang Lijun , Zhao Feng , Wang Daming , Hu Shen , Liu Jiachun , Zhou Zhilun , Lu Jun , Qi Peng , Song Shiying
Published: April 2016

Background. Whether carotid tortuosity/kinking of the internal carotid artery leads to cerebral ischemia remains unclear. There is very little research about the hemodynamic variation induced by carotid tortuosity/kinking in the literature. The objective of this study was to research the blood pressure changes induced by carotid tortuosity/kinking.Methods. We first created a geometric model of carotid tortuosity/kinking. Based on hemodynamic boundary conditions, the hemodynamics of carotid tortuosity and kinking were studied via a finite element simulation. Then, an in vitro system was built to validate the numerical simulation results. The mean arterial pressure changes before and after carotid kinking were measured using pressure sensors in 12 patients with carotid kinking.Results. Numerical simulation revealed that the pressure drops increased with increases in the kinking angles. Clinical tests and in vitro experiments confirmed the numerical simulation results.Conclusions. Carotid kinking leads to blood pressure reduction. In certain conditions, kinking may affect the cerebral blood supply and be associated with cerebral ischemia.
Thermal Condensate Structure and Cosmological Energy Density of the Universe
Authors: Capolupo Antonio , Lambiase Gaetano , Vitiello Giuseppe
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to study thermal vacuum condensate for scalar and fermion fields. We analyze the thermal states at the temperature of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and we show that the vacuum expectation value of the energy momentum tensor density of photon fields reproduces the energy density and pressure of the CMB. We perform the computations in the formal framework of the Thermo Field Dynamics. We also consider the case of neutrinos and thermal states at the temperature of the neutrino cosmic background. Consistency with the estimated lower bound of the sum of the active neutrino masses is verified. In the boson sector, nontrivial contribution to the energy of the universe is given by particles of masses of the order of 10−4 eV compatible with the ones of the axion-like particles. The fractal self-similar structure of the thermal radiation is also discussed and related to the coherent structure of the thermal vacuum.
Lithography-Free, Low-Cost Method for Improving Photodiode Performance by Etching Silicon Nanocones as Antireflection Layer
Authors: Jiang Jing , Xu Zhida , Lin Jiahao , Liu Gang Logan
Published: April 2016

A three-step process has been demonstrated to improve the performance of photodiode by creating nanocone forest on the surface of photodiode as an antireflection layer. This high-throughput, low-cost process has been shown to decrease the reflectivity by 66.1%, enhance the quantum efficiency by 27%, and increase the responsivity by 25.7%. This low-cost manufacture process can be applied to increase the responsivity of silicon based photonic devices.
Efficacy and Safety of Silodosin and Dutasteride Combination Therapy in Acute Urinary Retention due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Single-Arm Prospective Study
Authors: Hagiwara Kazuhisa , Koie Takuya , Iwamura Hiromichi , Imai Atsushi , Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combination therapy with dutasteride and silodosin in patients with acute urinary retention (AUR) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eighty consecutive patients with a first episode of AUR were enrolled in this study. All patients received silodosin 8 mg and dutasteride 0.5 mg daily. Trial without catheter (TWOC) was attempted every 2 weeks until 12 weeks after the initiation of medication. The primary endpoint was the rate of catheter-free status at 12 weeks. Voided volume (VV), postvoid residual urine (PVR), uroflowmetry, International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), and quality of life due to urinary symptoms (IPSS-QOL) were also measured. All patients were followed up for more than 12 weeks and were included in this analysis. The success rate of TWOC at 12 weeks was 88.8%. VV and maximum urinary flow rate were significantly higher at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with the time of AUR (P<0.001). IPSS and IPSS-QOL were significantly lower at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with the time of AUR (P<0.001). In conclusion, a combination of dutasteride and silodosin therapy may be effective and safe for patients with AUR due to BPH.
Restoration of Degraded Soil in the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest with Native Tree Species: Effect of Indigenous Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Ramachandran Andimuthu , Radhapriya Parthasarathy
Published: April 2016

Restoration of a highly degraded forest, which had lost its natural capacity for regeneration, was attempted in the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest in Eastern Ghats of India. In field experiment, 12 native tree species were planted. The restoration included inoculation with a consortium of 5 native plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), with the addition of small amounts of compost and a chemical fertilizer (NPK). The experimental fields were maintained for 1080 days. The growth and biomass varied depending on the plant species. All native plants responded well to the supplementation with the native PGPB. The plants such asPongamia pinnata, Tamarindus indica, Gmelina arborea, Wrightia tinctoria, Syzygium cumini, Albizia lebbeck, Terminalia bellirica,andAzadirachta indicaperformed well in the native soil. This study demonstrated, by using native trees and PGPB, a possibility to restore the degraded forest.
Durable Clinical Benefit of Pertuzumab in a Young Patient with BRCA2 Mutation and HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Involving the Brain
Authors: Koumarianou Anna , Kontopoulou Christina , Kouloulias Vassilis , Tsionou Christina
Published: April 2016

Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and brain metastases have limited treatment options, and, as a result of their poor performance status and worse prognosis, they are underrepresented in clinical trials. Not surprisingly, these patients may not be fit enough to receive any active treatment and are offered supportive therapy. BRCA2 mutations are reported to be rarely associated with HER2-overexpressing advanced breast cancer and even more rarely with brain metastases at diagnosis. We report on a BRCA2-positive breast cancer patient with metastatic disease in multiple sites, including the brain, and poor performance status who exhibited an extraordinary clinical and imaging response to the novel anti-HER2 therapy pertuzumab after multiple lines of therapy including anti-HER2 targeting. To our knowledge, the clinicopathologic and therapeutic characteristics of this patient point to a unique case and an urgent need for further investigation of pertuzumab in patients with brain metastases.
Increased ZAP70 Is Involved in Dry Skin Pruritus in Aged Mice
Authors: Zhao Nan , Gu Min , Yang Wenxiu , Zhang Man , Tian Qi , Ru Liyan , Lü Yang , Yu Weihua
Published: April 2016

Dry skin pruritus is common in the elderly. Recent reports show that T-cell signal path is involved in dry skin pruritus. Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70), as a T-cell receptor, may induce interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion and promote nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion in skin. This study aimed to detect the alteration of ZAP70 in a mice model with dry skin pruritus. The C57BL mice with 5 months and 22 months were used as experimental animal. Following a 5-day period of treatment of back with a mixture of acetone-diethyl-ether-water (AEW), mice exhibited a significant increase in spontaneous scratching behavior directed to the treated back compared to control animals in which back was similarly treated with water only (W). After AEW process, spontaneous scratching in 22-month AEW mice was increased compared to 5-month AEW mice. Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR data analysis showed that ZAP70 expression was significantly increased in 22-month AEW mice compared with 5-month AEW mice. ELISA data showed that secretions of IL-2 and NGF in 22-month AEW mice were higher than 5-month AEW mice. Our results indicate that increased ZAP70 is involved in dry skin in elderly pruritus. Increased secretion of IL-2 and NGF may induce dry skin itch.
In VitroCytokine Expression andIn VivoHealing and Inflammatory Response to a Collagen-Coated Synthetic Bone Filler
Authors: Bollati Daniele , Morra Marco , Cassinelli Clara , Lupi Saturnino Marco , Rodriguez y Baena Ruggero
Published: April 2016

The goal of the present work was to investigate the relationship betweenin vivohealing and inflammatory response andin vitrocytokine expression by macrophages of a synthetic bone filler (25% hydroxylapatite-75%β-tricalcium phosphate) bearing a surface nanolayer of collagen. A clinically accepted, state-of-the-art xenograft material was used as a “negative control,” that is, as a material that provides the correct clinical response for the intended use.In vitrodata show that both materials exert a very low stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages, and this was confirmed by the very mild inflammatory response detected inin vivotests of local response in a rabbit model. Also,in vitrofindings suggest a different mechanism of healing for the test and the control material, with a higher regenerative activity for the synthetic, resorbable filler, as confirmed byin vivoobservation and literature reports. Thus, the simplein vitromodel adopted provides a reasonable forecast ofin vivoresults, suggesting that new product development can be guided byin vitrotuning of cell-materials interactions.
Modeling Learners’ Readiness to Adopt Mobile Learning: A Perspective from a GCC Higher Education Institution
Authors: Shorfuzzaman Mohammad , Alhussein Musaed
Published: April 2016

Mobile learning (M-learning) has gained significant popularity in recent past due to the explosion of portable devices and the availability of the Internet. The use of this specific technology in learning and training has enriched the success stories of next generation mobile information systems. While M-learning is being widely used in developed countries such as the USA, South Korea, Japan, UK, Singapore, Taiwan, and European Union, most of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are lagging behind and facing diversified challenges in adopting M-learning. Thus, investigating learners’ readiness to adopt M-learning in higher education institution in the context of GCC is the focus of this paper. To this end, we introduce a hypothesized model to investigate learners’ readiness to adopt M-learning. The empirical study is conducted by analyzing data collected from participants from a GCC university using a survey questionnaire with the help of statistical tools. The results of the study will be valuable for policy-makers in designing comprehensive M-learning systems in the context of GCC. The implication of the study results on the next generation mobile information system is also discussed with future research directions.
Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity by Glutamatergic Gliotransmission: A Modeling Study
Authors: De Pittà Maurizio , Brunel Nicolas
Published: April 2016

Glutamatergic gliotransmission, that is, the release of glutamate from perisynaptic astrocyte processes in an activity-dependent manner, has emerged as a potentially crucial signaling pathway for regulation of synaptic plasticity, yet its modes of expression and function in vivo remain unclear. Here, we focus on two experimentally well-identified gliotransmitter pathways, (i) modulations of synaptic release and (ii) postsynaptic slow inward currents mediated by glutamate released from astrocytes, and investigate their possible functional relevance on synaptic plasticity in a biophysical model of an astrocyte-regulated synapse. Our model predicts that both pathways could profoundly affect both short- and long-term plasticity. In particular, activity-dependent glutamate release from astrocytes could dramatically change spike-timing-dependent plasticity, turning potentiation into depression (and vice versa) for the same induction protocol.
Roe Protein Hydrolysates of Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) Inhibit Cell Proliferation of Oral Cancer Cells Involving Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Jing-Iong , Tang Jen-Yang , Liu Ya-Sin , Wang Hui-Ru , Lee Sheng-Yang , Yen Ching-Yu , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: April 2016

Roe protein hydrolysates were reported to have antioxidant property but the anticancer effects were less addressed, especially for oral cancer. In this study, we firstly used the ultrafiltrated roe hydrolysates (URH) derived from giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) to evaluate the impact of URH on proliferation against oral cancer cells. We found that URH dose-responsively reduced cell viability of two oral cancer cells (Ca9-22 and CAL 27) in terms of ATP assay. Using flow cytometry, URH-induced apoptosis of Ca9-22 cells was validated by morphological features of apoptosis, sub-G1 accumulation, and annexin V staining in dose-responsive manners. URH also induced oxidative stress in Ca9-22 cells in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/superoxide generations and mitochondrial depolarization. Taken together, these data suggest that URH is a potential natural product for antioral cancer therapy.
Leiomyoma in a Renal Allograft
Authors: Li Yan Jun , Siriwardana Amila Rohan , Symons James Lawrence Penn , O’Neill Gordon Francis , Qiu Min Ru , Furlong Timothy John
Published: April 2016

Leiomyomas are smooth muscle tumours that are rarely found in the kidney. There is one report of a leiomyoma in a kidney transplant in a paediatric recipient. Here, we report an adult renal transplant recipient who developed an Epstein-Barr virus-positive leiomyoma in his allograft 15 years after transplantation. The patient was converted to everolimus for posttransplant immunosuppression management and there was no sign of progression over a year.
Steroid Tumor Environment in Male and Female Mice Model of Canine and Human Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Caceres Sara , Peña Laura , Silvan Gema , Illera Maria J. , Woodward Wendy A. , Reuben James M. , Illera Juan C.
Published: April 2016

Canine inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) shares clinical and histopathological characteristics with human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and has been proposed as a good model for studying the human disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of female and male mice to reproduce IMC and IBC tumors and identify the hormonal tumor environment. To perform the study sixty 6–8-week-old male and female mice were inoculated subcutaneously with a suspension of 106IPC-366 and SUM149 cells. Tumors and serum were collected and used for hormonal analysis. Results revealed that IPC-366 reproduced tumors in 90% of males inoculated after 2 weeks compared with 100% of females that reproduced tumor at the same time. SUM149 reproduced tumors in 40% of males instead of 80% of females that reproduced tumors after 4 weeks. Both cell lines produce distant metastasis in lungs being higher than the metastatic rates in females. EIA analysis revealed that male tumors had higher T and SO4E1 concentrations compared to female tumors. Serum steroid levels were lower than those found in tumors. In conclusion, IBC and IMC male mouse model is useful as a tool for IBC research and those circulating estrogens and intratumoral hormonal levels are crucial in the development and progression of tumors.
Medication Errors among Physician-Assistants Anaesthesia
Authors: Amponsah G. , Antwi-Kusi A. , Addison W. , Abaidoo B.
Published: April 2016

Background. Safety issues in anaesthesia are currently being discussed widely. Anaesthetists have a unique cross-specialty opportunity to influence the safety and quality of patient care. Anaesthetists administer very potent drugs, in rapid succession, during the course of one anaesthesia event. Methodology. The study was done in April 2013 at the annual refresher course of the Physician-Assistants Anaesthesia using a questionnaire which was completed by the participants on the course. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 20. Results. There were 164 completed questionnaires, with 92 (62.2%) males and 56 (37.8%) females with a mean age of 32.3 years. The majority of them (66.5%) work in government hospitals. One hundred and seven (65.3%) have had an episode of medication error with 101 (94.4%) experiencing it between 1 and 5 times. The incident occurred in the afternoon or at night in 73 (71.7%) cases. The commonest type of incident was the administration of wrong drug which occurred on 64 (71.9%) occasions resulting in 3 deaths. The contributing factors included distraction, tiredness, and overreliance on vial/ampoule colour. Conclusion. Medication errors among Physician-Assistants Anaesthesia are not uncommon leading to harm and even death of patients. The rate of medication errors can be minimised by addressing some of the contributory factors raised by the respondents.
High Plasma D-Dimer Indicates Unfavorable Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Hsu Po-Jen , Chen Chih-Hao , Yeh Shin-Joe , Tsai Li-Kai , Tang Sung-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing
Published: April 2016

Background: D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product and a possible marker of thromboembolic events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between D-dimer levels and outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis. Methods: This retrospective study included AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and provided plasma D-dimer level within 24 h after stroke onset during 2009 and 2014 at a single medical center. Unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale ≥3 at 3 months after stroke. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was defined as a deterioration of at least 4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale within 36 h post thrombolysis. Results: Of 347 patients receiving intravenous rt-PA, 159 (mean age 67.6 ± 13.1 year, 59.7% male) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In univariate analysis, patients with unfavorable outcome (n = 79) had significantly higher levels of D-dimer than those with favorable outcome (median ln D-dimer = 1.4 vs. 0.7 μg/ml, p < 0.001). After adjustment for clinical variables, a higher level of D-dimer remained significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.27-2.86, p = 0.002) and the occurrence of symptomatic ICH (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.15-7.70, p = 0.025). Conclusion: The D-dimer level within 24 h after stroke onset can be an early outcome indicator in AIS patients receiving rt-PA therapy.
Clinical Risk Factors and Plaque Characteristics Associated with New Development of Contralateral Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Merckelbach Sophie , Leunissen Tesse , Vrijenhoek Joyce , Moll Frans , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Borst Gert Jan
Published: April 2016

Background: Following carotid endarterectomy (CEA), cerebrovascular hemodynamic may be hampered by ipsilateral restenosis or development of contralateral stenosis. It remains to be clarified if these patients need follow-up for identifying development of contralateral stenosis. Identification of risk factors contributing to development of contralateral stenosis could allow more specific follow-up. In this current study, we assessed clinical risk factors and plaque characteristics of patients undergoing CEA with development of new contralateral stenosis during mid-term follow-up. Methods: Seven hundred and sixty patients undergoing CEA between 2003 and 2011 at UMC Utrecht were included. Atherosclerotic plaques were excised and analyzed for smooth muscle cells (SMCs), collagen, macrophages, lipid core, plaque hemorrhage and vessel density. Patients underwent clinical and duplex ultrasound follow-up at 3 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Association between plaque- and patient characteristics with development of contralateral stenosis ≥50% was assessed with univariate and multivariate analysis. Clinical outcome during follow-up was associated with development of new contralateral stenosis. Results: After a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, development of contralateral stenosis was observed in 108 patients (20%). Presence of high collagen (p = 0.025) and high SMC (p = 0.027) was associated with development of new contralateral stenosis, whereas large lipid core was negatively associated with new development of contralateral stenosis (p = 0.034). The same plaque characteristics were related to contralateral occlusion. History of coronary artery disease (p = 0.031) and asymptomatic presentation (p = 0.000) were univariably associated with development of contralateral stenosis. Multiple regression analysis indicated that asymptomatic status was independently associated with contralateral stenosis (p = 0.001). Patients with new development of contralateral stenosis more often showed symptoms during follow-up (p = 0.049). Conclusion: Dissection of a lipid-poor, collagen-rich or SMC-rich plaque yielded an association with development of new contralateral stenosis during mid-term follow-up after CEA. Asymptomatic patients had a significantly higher risk for development of contralateral stenosis. New contralateral stenosis was related to the presence of new cerebral symptoms. These findings may help to develop individual treatment algorithms for patients with cerebrovascular atherosclerotic burden.
A New Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Greedy for 0-1 Knapsack Problem
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hoai , Wang Dong , Truong Tung Khac
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes a new binary particle swarm optimization with a greedy strategy to solve 0-1 knapsack problem. Two constraint handling techniques are consider to cooperation with binary particle swarm optimization that are penalty function and greedy. The sigmoid transfer function is used to convert real code to binary code. The experimental results have proven the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Pareto Optimal Reconfiguration of Power Distribution Systems with Load Uncertainty and Recloser Placement Simultaneousely Using a Genetic Algorithm Based on NSGA-II
Authors: Khajeh Ahmad Attari Sina , Shakarami Mahmoud reza , Namdari Farhad
Published: April 2016

Reconfiguration, by exchanging the functional links between the elements of the system, represents one of the most important measures which can improve the operational performance of a distribution system. Besides, reclosers use to eliminate transient faults, faults isolation, network management and enhance reliability to reduce customer outages. For load uncertainty a new method based on probabilistic interval arithmetic approach is used to incorporate uncertainty in load demand that can forecast reasonably accurate operational conditions of radial system distribution (RDS) with better computational efficiency. In this paper, the optimization process is performed by considering power loss reduction along with reliability index as objective functions. Simulation results on radial 33 buses test system indicates that simultaneous optimization of these two issues has significant impact on system performance.
Investigation of Solar Panel Performance Based on Different Wind Velocity Using ANSYS Software
Authors: Zhe Leow Wai , Yusoff Mohd. Irwan Bin , Misrun Muhammad Irwanto , Abdul Razak Amelia Binti , Ibrahim Safwati , Zhubir Nur Syafiqah Binti
Published: April 2016

 The low conversion energy efficiency of solar panel is affected by the several environmental issues. Solar radiation, ambient temperature, dust accumulation and wind velocity are the environmental problems. This main goal of this paper is to understanding the solar panel behavior under varying of wind velocity amounts. A three-dimension (3-D) model of solar panel is conducted in the present investigation. The solar panel model is simulated under given operating condition and different amounts of wind velocity. Four different of wind velocity value of 0 m/s, 0.43 m/s, 2.5 m/s and 6.95 m/s was selected to examine the solar panel performance. The simulation results are obtained with ANSYS simulation software. The temperature distribution of the solar panel model will be discussed in this current paper. The simulation result is showed highest wind velocity can be provided good cooling effect for the solar panel model in order to enable the solar panel can be operated to perform well at lower temperature.
Analysis of a New Reduced Switch Nine Level Inverter
Authors: Balamurugan C.R. , Natarajan S.P. , Bensraj R.
Published: April 2016

The multi level inverter system is mostly used in ac drives, when both reduced harmonic contents and high power are required. In this paper a new topology of multilevel inverter is introduced. This type has many steps with less power electronic switches. Due to the less number of switches the cost of the inverter is very less and also less installation area is required. Firstly, we describe briefly the structural parts of the inverter then switching strategy and operational principles of the proposed inverter are explained and operational topologies are given. Simulation is performed using MATLAB SIMULINK. Various PWM techniques are applied to the circuit such as PDPWM, PODPWM, APODPWM, VFPWM and COPWM. By comparing among the PWM techniques, PODPWM provide the less THD value and COPWM provide a higher fundamental RMS output voltage.

 
Elucidation of Various PWM techniques for a Modified Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Balamurugan C.R. , Natarajan S.P. , Bensraj R.
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on hybrid H-bridge cascaded MLI using two equal dc sources in order to produce a five-level output. The proposed topology reduces the number of dc sources and switching elements. This paper emphasis on various Inverted Sine Carrier PWM (ISCPWM) techniques with equal amplitude and unequal amplitude carriers. The Inverted Sine Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (ISCPWM) technique enhances the fundamental output voltage particularly at lower modulation index ranges with reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and switching losses. Simulation is performed using MATLAB-SIMULINK. From the simulation it is observed that Variable Amplitude Inverted Sine Carrier Variable Frequency (VAISCVF) strategy provides output with relatively low distortion for all strategies. It is also seen that Variable Amplitude Inverted Sine Carrier Phase Disposition (VAISCPD) is found to perform better for all strategies since it provides relatively higher fundamental RMS output voltage.
State Feedback Linearization of a Non-linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive
Authors: Ramana Pilla , Alice Mary Karlapudy , Surya Kalavathi Munagala
Published: April 2016

Control system design for inverter fed drives previously used the classical transfer function approach for single-input singleoutput (SISO) systems. Proportional plus Integral (PI) controllers were designed for individual control loops.It is found that the transient response of a PI controller is slow and is improved by pole placement through state feedback. However, the effective gains of the PI controller are substantially decreased as a function of the increase of motor speed. A control system is generally characterized by the hierarchy of the control loops, where the outer loop controls the inner loops. The inner loops are designed to execute progressively faster. The speed controller (PI controller) processes the speed error and generates the reference torque. In the inner loop, firstly a non-linear controller is designed for the system by which the system nonlinearity is canceled using state or exact feedback linearization. In addition, a linear state feedback control law based on pole placement technique including the integral of output error (IOE) is used in order to achieve zero steady state error with respect to reference current specification, while at the same time improving the dynamic response.The proposed scheme has been validated through extensive simulation using MATLAB.
Performance of Coded Modulation in Multicarrier CDMA System
Authors: Meylani Linda , Andini Nur , Hidayat Iswahyudi
Published: April 2016

Coded modulation scheme introduce robust and reliable system. It combine coding and modulation in one system. This paper show performance of coded modulation with coding rate 2/3, using 8PSK and convolutional coding that implemented in MC CDMA system. MC CDMA is one of multicarrier system  that combine OFDM and CDMA so its offer reliable system in frequency selective fading. Decoding process for coded modulation is done by using log likelihood ratio for least significant bit (define the subset) and the entire bits (member of subset). Simulation result shown that coded modulation in MC CDMA system have a good performance in flat fading and frequency selective fading.  
A comparative Study on Similarity Measurement in Noisy Voice Speaker Identification
Authors: Permana Inggih
Published: April 2016

One of important part on speaker identification is the measurement of sound similarity. This study has compared two of the similarity measurement techniques in the noisy voice. First technique is done by using smallest vector sum of pairs and second technique is done by using frequency of occurrence of smallest vector pairs. Noise in the voice can reduce accuracy of speaker identification significantly. To overcome this problem, the two of similarity measurement was combined with Least Mean Square (LMS) for remove noise. Results of the experiments showed that the use of LMS can improve the accuracy of speaker identification at the two of similarity measurement techniques. Second technique produces better accuracy than first technique. Experimental result also showed improvement of LMS learning rate can improve the accuracy of speaker identification.