bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Unilateral or Bilateral Cataract Surgery on Visual Acuity and Life Quality of Elderly Patients
Authors: Zuo Lei , Zou Haidong , Fei Xinfeng , Xu Weiqi , Zhang Jianhong
Published: March 2015

In the current study, the CLVQOL was used to assess VRQOL before unilateral or bilateral cataract surgery and at the end of the follow-up period in order to determine the greater beneficial mode of surgery for patients, if one of the two surgical methods is more beneficial over the other. The patients were classified as receiving unilateral (group A) and bilateral cataract surgery (group B). There were no significant differences between groups A and B before the operation in terms of life quality scores, binocular weighted average LogMAR BCVA, age, educational level, gender, systematic and ocular comorbidities, and the complications of the operation. It was shown that visual acuity improved more significantly with bilateral cataract surgery than with unilateral surgery in elderly patients with a high preoperative disease burden in Shanghai city. However, the improvement in life quality was not different in patients receiving either bilateral or unilateral cataract surgery.
Microalgae as Sustainable Renewable Energy Feedstock for Biofuel Production
Authors: Medipally Srikanth Reddy , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Banerjee Sanjoy , Shariff M.
Published: March 2015

The world energy crisis and increased greenhouse gas emissions have driven the search for alternative and environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. According to life cycle analysis, microalgae biofuel is identified as one of the major renewable energy sources for sustainable development, with potential to replace the fossil-based fuels. Microalgae biofuel was devoid of the major drawbacks associated with oil crops and lignocelluloses-based biofuels. Algae-based biofuels are technically and economically viable and cost competitive, require no additional lands, require minimal water use, and mitigate atmospheric CO2. However, commercial production of microalgae biodiesel is still not feasible due to the low biomass concentration and costly downstream processes. The viability of microalgae biodiesel production can be achieved by designing advanced photobioreactors, developing low cost technologies for biomass harvesting, drying, and oil extraction. Commercial production can also be accomplished by improving the genetic engineering strategies to control environmental stress conditions and by engineering metabolic pathways for high lipid production. In addition, new emerging technologies such as algal-bacterial interactions for enhancement of microalgae growth and lipid production are also explored. This review focuses mainly on the problems encountered in the commercial production of microalgae biofuels and the possible techniques to overcome these difficulties.
5′‐Adenosine Monophosphate‐Induced Hypothermia Attenuates Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Miao Yi-Feng , Wu Hui , Yang Shao-Feng , Dai Jiong , Qiu Yong-Ming , Tao Zhen-Yi , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: March 2015

Hypothermia treatment is a promising therapeutic strategy for brain injury. We previously demonstrated that 5′‐adenosine monophosphate (5′‐AMP), a ribonucleic acid nucleotide, produces reversible deep hypothermia in rats when the ambient temperature is appropriately controlled. Thus, we hypothesized that 5′‐AMP‐induced hypothermia (AIH) may attenuate brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced by using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats. Rats that underwent AIH treatment exhibited a significant reduction in neutrophil elastase infiltration into neuronal cells and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), interleukin‐1 receptor (IL‐1R), tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) protein expression in the infarcted area compared to euthermic controls. AIH treatment also decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐ (TUNEL‐) positive neuronal cells. The overall infarct volume was significantly smaller in AIH‐treated rats, and neurological function was improved. By contrast, rats with ischemic brain injury that were administered 5′‐AMP without inducing hypothermia had ischemia/reperfusion injuries similar to those in euthermic controls. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of AIH were primarily related to hypothermia.
The Experimental Investigation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Characteristics in Glutenite Formation
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Guo Jianchun , Ma Shou
Published: March 2015

Hydraulic fracture propagation characteristics in glutenite formation are studied by a series of servo-controlled triaxial large-scale fracturing experiments. The experimental results show that the fractures extend along the gravel and sandstone cementing face, and fracture geometry in glutenite formation is complex, which is similar to network fractures. The phenomenon of the gravel being split has not been observed. In the process of the fracture extension, the extension pressure is fluctuating, and the degree of fluctuation is more drastic with the gravel diameter increase. This paper suggests that using large rate and multislug technology would increase the flow ability of the carrying fluid. The conclusions are significant to hydraulic fracturing in glutenite formation.
Ureteral Involvement and Diabetes Increase the Risk of Subsequent Bladder Recurrence after Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Che-Yuan , Tsai Yu-Chieh , Wang Shuo-Meng , Huang Chao-Yuan , Tai Huai-Ching , Chen Chung-Hsin , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Lin Wei-Chou , Huang Kuo-How
Published: March 2015

Objectives.To investigate the prognostic factors for bladder recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC).Methods.From 1994 to 2012, 695 patients with UUT-UC treated with RNU were enrolled in National Taiwan University Medical Center. Among them, 532 patients with no prior bladder UC history were recruited for analysis. We assessed the impact of potentially prognostic factors on bladder recurrence after RNU.Results.The median follow-up period was 47.8 months. In the Cox model, ureteral involvement and diabetes mellitus (DM) were significantly associated with a higher bladder recurrence rate in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.838;P=0.003and HR: 1.821;P=0.010, resp.). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, DM patients with concomitant ureteral UC experienced about a threefold increased risk of bladder recurrence as compared to those without both factors (HR: 3.222;P<0.001). Patients with either of the two risk factors experienced about a twofold increased risk as compared to those without both factors (with DM, HR: 2.184,P=0.024; with ureteral involvement, HR: 2.006,P=0.003).Conclusions.Ureteral involvement and DM are significantly related to bladder recurrence after RNU in patients with UUT-UC.
A Comparative Study of Almond Biodiesel-Diesel Blends for Diesel Engine in Terms of Performance and Emissions
Authors: Abu-Hamdeh Nidal H. , Alnefaie Khaled A.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the opportunity of using almond oil as a renewable and alternative fuel source. Different fuel blends containing 10, 30, and 50% almond biodiesel (B10, B30, and B50) with diesel fuel (B0) were prepared and the influence of these blends on emissions and some performance parameters under various load conditions were inspected using a diesel engine. Measured engine performance parameters have generally shown a slight increase in exhaust gas temperature and in brake specific fuel consumption and a slight decrease in brake thermal efficiency. Gases investigated were carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Furthermore, the concentration of the total particulate and the unburned fuel emissions in the exhaust gas were tested. A blend of almond biodiesel with diesel fuel gradually reduced the engine CO and total particulate emissions compared to diesel fuel alone. This reduction increased with more almond biodiesel blended into the fuel. Finally, a slight increase in engineNOxusing blends of almond biodiesel was measured.
Using the eServices Platform for Detecting Behavior Patterns Deviation in the Elderly Assisted Living: A Case Study
Authors: Marcelino Isabel , Lopes David , Reis Michael , Silva Fernando , Laza Rosalía , Pereira António
Published: March 2015

World’s aging population is rising and the elderly are increasingly isolated socially and geographically. As a consequence, in many situations, they need assistance that is not granted in time. In this paper, we present a solution that follows the CRISP-DM methodology to detect the elderly’s behavior pattern deviations that may indicate possible risk situations. To obtain these patterns, many variables are aggregated to ensure the alert system reliability and minimize eventual false positive alert situations. These variables comprehend information provided by body area network (BAN), by environment sensors, and also by the elderly’s interaction in a service provider platform, called eServices—Elderly Support Service Platform. eServices is a scalable platform aggregating a service ecosystem developed specially for elderly people. This pattern recognition will further activate the adequate response. With the system evolution, it will learn to predict potential danger situations for a specified user, acting preventively and ensuring the elderly’s safety and well-being. As the eServices platform is still in development, synthetic data, based on real data sample and empiric knowledge, is being used to populate the initial dataset. The presented work is a proof of concept of knowledge extraction using the eServices platform information. Regardless of not using real data, this work proves to be an asset, achieving a good performance in preventing alert situations.
Calorie Labeling in a Rural Middle School Influences Food Selection: Findings from Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Hunsberger Monica , McGinnis Paul , Smith Jamie , Beamer Beth Ann , O’Malley Jean
Published: March 2015

Background.Calorie labeling at the point-of-purchase in chain restaurants has been shown to reduce energy intake.Objective.To investigate the impact of point-of-purchase calorie information at one rural middle school.Methods.With a community-based participatory research framework a mixed method approach was used to evaluate the impact of point-of-purchase calorie information. Students in grades 6–8, dining at the school cafeteria January and February 2010, participated for 17 school days each month; in January a menu was offered in the usual manner without calorie labels; the same menu was prepared in February with the addition of calorie labels at point-of-purchase. Gross calories served per student were measured each day allowing for matched comparison by menu. In March/April of 2010, 32 students who ate in the cafeteria 3 or more times per week were interviewed regarding their views on menu labeling.Results.Calorie consumption decreased by an average of 47 calories/day; fat intake reduced by 2.1 grams/day. Five main themes were consistent throughout the interviews.Conclusion.Point-of-purchase calorie labels can play a role in reducing the number of calories consumed by middle school age children at the lunch. The majority of students interviewed found the calorie labels helped them choose healthier food.
Acute Exercise Induced Mitochondrial H2O2Production in Mouse Skeletal Muscle: Association with p66Shcand FOXO3a Signaling and Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Chun Guang , Qi Zhengtang , Cui Di , Ding Shuzhe
Published: March 2015

Exercise induced skeletal muscle phenotype change involves a complex interplay between signaling pathways and downstream regulators. This study aims to investigate the effect of acute exercise on mitochondrial H2O2production and its association withp66Shc, FOXO3a, and antioxidant enzymes. Male ICR/CD-1 mice were subjected to an acute exercise. Muscle tissues (gastrocnemius and quadriceps femoris) were taken after exercise to measure mitochondrial H2O2content, expression ofp66Shcand FOXO3a, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The results showed that acute exercise significantly increased mitochondrial H2O2content and expressions ofp66Shcand FOXO3a in a time-dependent manner, with a linear correlation between the increase in H2O2content andp66Shcor FOXO3a expression. The activity of mitochondrial catalase was slightly reduced in the 90 min exercise group, but it was significantly higher in groups with 120 and 150 min exercise compared to that of 90 min exercise group. The activity of SOD was not significantly affected. The results indicate that acute exercise increases mitochondrial H2O2production in the skeletal muscle, which is associated with the upregulation ofp66Shcand FOXO3a. The association ofp66Shcand FOXO3a signaling with exercise induced H2O2generation may play a role in regulating cellular oxidative stress during acute exercise.
BandEst: Measurement-Based Available Bandwidth Estimation and Flow Admission Control Algorithm for Ad Hoc IEEE 802.15.4-Based Wireless Multimedia Networks
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Omer , Kunz Thomas
Published: March 2015

We highlight different important factors that must be considered for an effective available-bandwidth-based flow admission control algorithm in ad hoc wireless networks. Moreover, we present BandEst; it is a combination of a measurement-based available bandwidth estimation technique and a flow admission control algorithm for ad hoc IEEE 802.15.4-based ad hoc networks that considers the identified factors. Extensive simulations are performed to compare BandEst with the state-of-the-art available-bandwidth-based flow admission control algorithms for ad hoc wireless networks. Our simulation results demonstrate that BandEst significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art available-bandwidth-based flow admission control algorithms for ad hoc wireless networks.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Is Associated with Changes in Salivary Inflammatory Genes Transcripts
Authors: Thimgan Matthew S. , Toedebusch Cristina , McLeland Jennifer , Duntley Stephen P. , Shaw Paul J.
Published: March 2015

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a ubiquitous problem that affects public health and safety. A test that can reliably identify individuals that suffer from EDS is needed. In contrast to other methods, salivary biomarkers are an objective, inexpensive, and noninvasive method to identify individuals with inadequate sleep. Although we have previously shown that inflammatory genes are elevated in saliva samples taken from sleep deprived individuals, it is unclear if inflammatory genes will be elevated in clinical populations with EDS. In this study, salivary samples from individuals with sleep apnea were evaluated using the Taqman low density inflammation array. Transcript levels for 3 genes, including prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), were elevated in patients with sleep apnea. Interestingly, PTGS2 was also elevated in patients with EDS but who did not have sleep apnea. These data demonstrate the feasibility of using salivary transcript levels to identify individuals that self‐report excessive daytime sleepiness.
Composition of Web Services Using Markov Decision Processes and Dynamic Programming
Authors: Uc-Cetina Víctor , Moo-Mena Francisco , Hernandez-Ucan Rafael
Published: March 2015

We propose a Markov decision process model for solving the Web service composition (WSC)
problem. Iterative policy evaluation, value iteration, and policy iteration algorithms are used to
experimentally validate our approach, with artificial and real data. The experimental results
show the reliability of the model and the methods employed, with policy iteration being the best
one in terms of the minimum number of iterations needed to estimate an optimal policy, with the
highest Quality of Service attributes. Our experimental work shows how the solution of a WSC
problem involving a set of 100,000 individual Web services and where a valid composition
requiring the selection of 1,000 services from the available set can be computed in the worst
case in less than 200 seconds, using an Intel Core i5 computer with 6 GB RAM. Moreover, a real
WSC problem involving only 7 individual Web services requires less than 0.08 seconds, using the
same computational power. Finally, a comparison with two popular reinforcement learning
algorithms, sarsa and Q‐learning, shows that these algorithms require one or two orders of
magnitude and more time than policy iteration, iterative policy evaluation, and value iteration to
handle WSC problems of the same complexity.
CO2 Laser and Topical Fluoride Therapy in the Control of Caries Lesions on Demineralized Primary Enamel
Authors: Valério R. A. , Rocha C. T. , Galo R. , Borsatto M. C. , Saraiva M. C. P. , Corona S. A. M.
Published: March 2015

This study evaluated the effect of CO2 laser irradiation and topical fluoride therapy in the control of caries progression on primary teeth enamel. 30 fragments (3 × 3 × 2 mm) from primary canines were submitted to an initial cariogenic challenge that consisted of immersion on demineralizing solution for 3 hours and remineralizing solution for 21 hours for 5 days. Fragments were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10): L: CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm), APF: 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride, and C: no treatment (control). CO2 laser was applied with 0.5 W power and 0.44 J/cm2 energy density. Fluoride application was performed with 0.1 g for 1 minute. Cariogenic challenge was conducted for 5 days following protocol previously described. Subsurface Knoop microhardness was measured at 30 μm from the edge. Obtained data were subjected to analysis the variance (ANOVA) and Duncan test with significance of 5%. It was found that the L group showed greater control of deciduous enamel demineralization and were similar to those of APF group, while being statistically different from C group (P ≤ 0.05) that showed the lowest microhardness values. It was concluded that CO2 laser can be an additional resource in caries control progression on primary teeth enamel.
Association between Ophthalmic Timolol and Hospitalisation for Bradycardia
Authors: Pratt Nicole L. , Ramsay Emmae N. , Kalisch Ellett Lisa M. , Nguyen Tuan A. , Roughead Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Ophthalmic timolol, a topical nonselective beta-blocker, has the potential to be absorbed systemically which may cause adverse cardiovascular effects. This study was conducted to determine whether initiation of ophthalmic timolol was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for bradycardia.Materials and Methods. A self-controlled case-series study was undertaken in patients who were hospitalised for bradycardia and were exposed to timolol. Person-time after timolol initiation was partitioned into risk periods: 1–30 days, 31–180 days, and >180 days. A 30-day risk period prior to initiating timolol was also included. All remaining time was considered unexposed.Results. There were 6,373 patients with at least one hospitalisation for bradycardia during the study period; 267 were exposed to timolol. Risk of bradycardia was significantly increased in the 31–180 days after timolol initiation (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.87). No increased risk was observed in the first 30 days or beyond 180 days of continuous exposure (IRR = 1.40; 95% CI 0.87–2.26 and IRR = 1.21; 95% CI 0.64–2.31, resp.).Conclusion. Bradycardia is a potential adverse event following timolol initiation. Practitioners should consider patient history before choosing a glaucoma regime and closely monitor patients after treatment initiation with topical nonselective beta-blocker eye drops.
The Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Urolithiasis
Authors: Wong Yee V. , Cook Paul , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: March 2015

There has been an increasing prevalence of kidney stones over the last 2 decades worldwide. Many studies have indicated a possible association between metabolic syndrome and kidney stone disease, particularly in overweight and obese patients. Many different definitions of metabolic syndrome have been suggested by various organizations, although the definition by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is universally considered as the most acceptable definition. The IDF definition revolves around 4 core components: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of urolithiasis resulting from metabolic syndrome, amongst which are the insulin resistance and Randall’s plaque hypothesis. Similarly the pathophysiology of calcium and uric acid stone formation has been investigated to determine a connection between the two conditions. Studies have found many factors contributing to urolithiasis in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, out of which obesity, overweight, and sedentary lifestyles have been identified as major etiological factors. Primary and secondary prevention methods therefore tend to revolve mainly around lifestyle improvements, including dietary and other preventive measures.
Classifying Dementia Using Local Binary Patterns from Different Regions in Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Oppedal Ketil , Eftestøl Trygve , Engan Kjersti , Beyer Mona K. , Aarsland Dag
Published: March 2015

Dementia is an evolving challenge in society, and no disease-modifying treatment exists. Diagnosis can be demanding and MR imaging may aid as a noninvasive method to increase prediction accuracy. We explored the use of 2D local binary pattern (LBP) extracted from FLAIR and T1 MR images of the brain combined with a Random Forest classifier in an attempt to discern patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and normal controls (NC). Analysis was conducted in areas with white matter lesions (WML) and all of white matter (WM). Results from 10-fold nested cross validation are reported as mean accuracy, precision, and recall with standard deviation in brackets. The best result we achieved was in the two-class problem NC versus AD + LBD with total accuracy of 0.98 (0.04). In the three-class problem AD versus LBD versus NC and the two-class problem AD versus LBD, we achieved 0.87 (0.08) and 0.74 (0.16), respectively. The performance using 3DT1 images was notably better than when using FLAIR images. The results from the WM region gave similar results as in the WML region. Our study demonstrates that LBP texture analysis in brain MR images can be successfully used for computer based dementia diagnosis.
Effects of Two Salts Compounds on Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, and Spore Germination of Six Isolates ofBotrytis cinereain the Western North of Algeria
Authors: Boumaaza Boualem , Benkhelifa Mohamed , Belkhoudja Moulay
Published: March 2015

Six isolates ofBotrytis cinereawere isolated from leaves and stems of different tomato varieties taken from four areas in the northwest of Algeria where tomato is mostly grown in greenhouses and high tunnels. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of two salts, NaCl and CaCl2, on three stages ofBotrytis cinerea’slife cycle. All isolates tested were stimulated in 50 to 150 ppm; NaCl was the most effective treatment to increase mycelial growth at two tested concentrations. However, at 300 ppm concentration, CaCl2completely inhibited the growth of mycelium; they reach 34.78% for the isolate TR46 and 26.72% for isolate F27. The sodium and calcium salts stimulated conidia production in liquid culture. We noticed that the effect of calcium chloride on sporulation was average while sodium chloride. In the medium containing 50 ppm, calcium chloride and sodium chloride increased the germination capacity of most isolates compared with the control. Other calcium salts, at 100 or 300 ppm, decreased the germination percentage of the conidia. With the exception of sodium salts, the inhibitions of germination reduce at 150 or 300 compared with the control. Conidial germination was slightly inhibited by sodium chloride only when the concentration was over 300 ppm.
Positivity Preserving Interpolation Using Rational Bicubic Spline
Authors: Abdul Karim Samsul Ariffin , Voon Pang Kong , Saaban Azizan
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the positivity preserving interpolation for positive surfaces data by extending theC1rational cubic spline interpolant of Karim and Kong to the bivariate cases. The partially blended rational bicubic spline has 12 parameters in the descriptions where 8 of them are free parameters. The sufficient conditions for the positivity are derived on every four boundary curves network on the rectangular patch. Numerical comparison with existing schemes also has been done in detail. Based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), our partially blended rational bicubic spline is on a par with the established methods.
Hepatorenal Syndrome with Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mocarzel Luis , Lanzieri Pedro , Nascimento Juliana , Peixoto Clara , Ribeiro Mário , Mesquita Evandro
Published: March 2015

The hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as a potentially reversible kidney failure in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. An association of HRS and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy has been reported recently, but there are no result studies about the use of positive inotropes as part of the acute phase treatment. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with HRS, with high levels of NT pro-BNP, but with normal ejection fraction of the left ventricle, which showed abnormalities in systolic function through speckle tracking in echocardiography, reversible after the infusion of dobutamine. The patient showed clinical and laboratory improvement of his renal function after the infusion of dobutamine. Clinical studies are needed on HRS therapeutic approach taking into account the myocardial dysfunction as a major contributing factor to renal dysfunction.
A Meta-Analysis Strategy for Gene Prioritization Using Gene Expression, SNP Genotype, and eQTL Data
Authors: Che Jingmin , Shin Miyoung
Published: March 2015

In order to understand disease pathogenesis, improve medical diagnosis, or discover effective drug targets, it is important to identify significant genes deeply involved in human disease. For this purpose, many earlier approaches attempted to prioritize candidate genes using gene expression profiles or SNP genotype data, but they often suffer from producing many false-positive results. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a meta-analysis strategy for gene prioritization that employs three different genetic resources—gene expression data, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data, and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data—in an integrative manner. For integration, we utilized an improved technique for the order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to combine scores from distinct resources. This method was evaluated on two publicly available datasets regarding prostate cancer and lung cancer to identify disease-related genes. Consequently, our proposed strategy for gene prioritization showed its superiority to conventional methods in discovering significant disease-related genes with several types of genetic resources, while making good use of potential complementarities among available resources.
Preparation and Mechanism of a New Enhanced Flocculant Based on Bentonite for Drinking Water
Authors: Zhou Feng-shan , Li Jie , Zhou Lin , Liu Yang
Published: March 2015

Bentonite is characterized by the large specific surface, good adsorption, ion exchange ability, and nontoxicity. An enhanced bentonite base composite flocculant (BTA) can be prepared from treating the calcium base bentonite and compositing various functional additives. Bentonite was firstly treated by citric acid, then the talc and activated carbon turned to be acid part and simultaneously the part that was treated by sodium bicarbonate and calcium hydroxide turned to be alkaline part, and finally the acid bentonite part and alkaline bentonite part were mixed up with preground powder of polymeric chloride aluminium (PAC), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), ferrous sulfate, and aluminum sulfate, and after all of the processing flocculant BTA was obtained. The optimum preparation process of flocculant BTA has shown 29.5% acid bentonite part, 29.5% alkaline bentonite part, 15% PAC, 1% CPAM, 5% ferrous sulfate, and 20% aluminum sulfate. BTA was used to treat drinking water with high turbidity and metal ion in Karamay City, Xinjiang. The treated water was surely up to the drinking water standard of China in decolorization rate, deodorization rate, heavy metal ion removal rate, and so forth, and contents of residual aluminum ions and acrylamide monomer in drinking water were considerably decreased.
Preparation and Coagulation Behavior of a Novel Multiple Flocculant Based on Cationic Polymer, Hydroxy Aluminum, and Clay Minerals
Authors: Zhou Feng-shan , Wang Xi , Zhou Lin , Liu Yang
Published: March 2015

Cationic polymer, hydroxy aluminum, and clay minerals are three flocculants with different action mechanisms and a more cost-efficient multiple flocculant can be prepared by compositing them through appropriate technology. All of attapulgite (ATP), clay minerals containing magnesium, aluminum, and silicate, are porous environmental mineral material with good absorbability and have found wide applications in industrial sewage treatment. With polyaluminum chloride (PAC), poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC), and attapulgite (ATP) clay being the main raw materials, multiple flocculant CMHa (liquid) with good storage stability was prepared and its optimized blending mass percent was PDMDAAC of 2%-3%, ATP of 4%–6%, and PAC of 20%–30%. The liquid poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) was firstly loaded on solid material in kneader and then mixed in certain proportion with PAC and ATP to prepare solid CMHa convenient for storage and transportation. The optimized mass ratio is PAC : ATP : PDMDAAC = 80 : 10 : 2.4. When this multiple flocculant was used to treat domestic sewage, coal washing sewage, dyeing wastewater, and papermaking wastewater, its equivalent dosage was just 50% of PAC, while overall production cost has been reduced to about 40%, viewing showing broad application prospect.
Shell Thickness-Dependent Strain Distributions of Confined Au/Ag and Ag/Au Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Feng , Huang Honghua , Zhang Ying , Yu Ting , Yuan Cailei , Ye Shuangli
Published: March 2015

The shell thickness-dependent strain distributions of the Au/Ag and Ag/Au core-shell nanoparticles embedded in Al2O3matrix have been investigated by finite element method (FEM) calculations, respectively. The simulation results clearly indicate that there is a substantial strain applied on both the Au/Ag and Ag/Au core-shell nanoparticles by the Al2O3matrix. For the Au/Ag nanoparticles, it can be found that the compressive strain existing in the shell is stronger than that on the center of core and reaches the maximum at the interface between the shell and core. In contrast, for the Ag/Au nanoparticles, the compressive strain applied on the core is much stronger than that at the interface and that in the shell. With the shell thickness increasing, both of the strains in the Au/Ag and Ag/Au nanoparticles increase as well. However, the strain gradient in the shell decreases gradually with the increasing of the shell thickness for both of Ag/Au ad Au/Ag nanoparticles. These results provide an effective method to manipulate the strain distributions of the Au/Ag and Ag/Au nanoparticles by tuning the thickness of the shell, which can further have significant influences on the microstructures and physical properties of Au/Ag and Ag/Au nanoparticles.
Chaos Time Series Prediction Based on Membrane Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Li Meng , Yi Liangzhong , Pei Zheng , Gao Zhisheng , Peng Hong
Published: March 2015

This paper puts forward a prediction model based on membrane computing optimization algorithm for chaos time series; the model optimizes simultaneously the parameters of phase space reconstruction (τ, m) and least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) (γ, σ) by using membrane computing optimization algorithm. It is an important basis for spectrum management to predict accurately the change trend of parameters in the electromagnetic environment, which can help decision makers to adopt an optimal action. Then, the model presented in this paper is used to forecast band occupancy rate of frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting band and interphone band. To show the applicability and superiority of the proposed model, this paper will compare the forecast model presented in it with conventional similar models. The experimental results show that whether single‐step prediction or multistep prediction, the proposed model performs best based on three error measures, namely, normalized mean square error (NMSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE).
Blockade of the JNK Signalling as a Rational Therapeutic Approach to Modulate the Early and Late Steps of the Inflammatory Cascade in Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Pizzino Gabriele , Bitto Alessandra , Pallio Giovanni , Irrera Natasha , Galfo Federica , Interdonato Monica , Mecchio Anna , De Luca Filippo , Minutoli Letteria , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica
Published: March 2015

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) is an experimental polymicrobial sepsis induced systemic inflammation that leads to acute organ failure. Aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of SP600125, a specific c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, to modulate the early and late steps of the inflammatory cascade in a murine model of CLP‐induced sepsis. CB57BL/6J mice were subjected to CLP or sham operation. Animals were randomized to receive either SP600125 (15 mg/kg) or its vehicle intraperitoneally 1 hour after surgery and repeat treatment every 24 hours. To evaluate survival, a group of animals was monitored every 24 hours for 120 hours. Two other animals were sacrificed 4 or 18 hours after surgical procedures; lung and liver samples were collected for biomolecular and histopathologic analysis. The expression of p‐JNK, p‐ERK, TNF‐α, HMGB‐1, NF‐κB, Ras, Rho, Caspase 3, Bcl‐2, and Bax was evaluated in lung and liver samples; SP600125 improved survival, reduced CLP induced activation of JNK, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and HMGB‐1, inhibited proapoptotic pathway, preserved Bcl‐2 expression, and reduced histologic damage in both lung and liver of septic mice. SP600125 protects against CLP induced sepsis by blocking JNK signalling; therefore, it can be considered a therapeutic approach in human sepsis.
Extracting Corresponding Point Based on Texture Synthesis for Nearly Flat Textureless Object Surface
Authors: Mao Min , Hao Kuang-Rong , Ding Yong-Sheng
Published: March 2015

Since the image feature points are always gathered at the range with significant intensity change, such as textured portions or edges of an image, which can be detected by the state-of-the-art intensity based point-detectors, there is nearly no point in the areas of low textured detected by classical interest-point detectors. In this paper we describe a novel algorithm based on affine transform and graph cut for interest point detecting and matching from wide baseline image pairs with weakly textured object. The detection and matching mechanism can be separated into three steps: firstly, the information on the large textureless areas will be enhanced by adding textures through the proposed texture synthesis algorithm TSIQ. Secondly, the initial interest-point set is detected by classical interest-point detectors. Finally, graph cuts are used to find the globally optimal set of matching points on stereo pairs. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is verified by three kinds of experiments, that is, the influence of point detecting from synthetic texture with different texture sample, the stability under the different geometric transformations, and the performance to improve the quasi-dense matching algorithm, respectively.
Recent Advances in Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Li Zhiming , Sun Jihong , Yang Xiaoming
Published: March 2015

Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality owing to its diverse causes. Liver biopsy, as the current gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, has a number of limitations, including sample variability, relatively high cost, an invasive nature, and the potential of complications. Most importantly, in clinical practice, patients often reject additional liver biopsies after initiating treatment despite their being necessary for long-term follow-up. To resolve these problems, a number of different noninvasive imaging-based methods have been developed for accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis. However, these techniques only reflect morphological or perfusion-related alterations in the liver, and thus they are generally only useful for the diagnosis of late-stage liver fibrosis (liver cirrhosis), which is already characterized by “irreversible” anatomic and hemodynamic changes. Thus, it is essential that new approaches are developed for accurately diagnosing early-stage liver fibrosis as at this stage the disease may be “reversed” by active treatment. The development of molecular MR imaging technology has potential in this regard, as it facilitates noninvasive, target-specific imaging of liver fibrosis. We provide an overview of recent advances in molecular MR imaging for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis and we compare novel technologies with conventional MR imaging techniques.
A Double‐Sided Linear Primary Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine
Authors: Du Yi , Zou Chunhua , Liu Xianxing
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present a new double‐sided linear primary permanent magnet (PM) vernier (DSLPPMV) machine, which can offer high thrust force, low detent force, and improved power factor. Both PMs and windings of the proposed machine are on the short translator, while the long stator is designed as a double‐sided simple iron core with salient teeth so that it is very robust to transmit high thrust force. The key of this new machine is the introduction of double stator and the elimination of translator yoke, so that the inductance and the volume of the machine can be reduced. Hence, the proposed machine offers improved power factor and thrust force density. The electromagnetic performances of the proposed machine are analyzed including flux, no‐load EMF, thrust force density, and inductance. Based on using the finite element analysis, the characteristics and performances of the proposed machine are assessed.
Study of Flow-Assisted Corrosion of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy in Loop System Based on Array Electrode Technology
Authors: Huang Hualiang , Zhang Guoan , Yang Jiakuan , Pan Zhiquan , Guo Xingpeng
Published: March 2015

A loop system was used to investigate flow-assisted corrosion (FAC) of AZ91D magnesium alloy at an elbow based on array electrode technology by potentiodynamic polarization, computational fluid dynamics, simulation and surface analysis. The experimental results demonstrate the fluid hydrodynamics plays a significant role in the FAC of AZ91D magnesium alloy. The corrosion rate increases from the outer wall to the inner wall of the elbow, with the higher corrosion rate corresponding to the higher flow velocity and larger shear stress at the elbow. The maximum corrosion rate appears at the innermost wall of the elbow, the location with the maximum flow velocity and shear stress.
Acquired Aorto-Right Ventricular Fistula following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Tariq , Islam Ashequl M. , Ayub Samia
Published: March 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) techniques are rapidly evolving, and results of published trials suggest that TAVR is emerging as the standard of care in certain patient subsets and a viable alternative to surgery in others. As TAVR is a relatively new procedure and continues to gain its acceptance, rare procedural complications will continue to appear. Our case is about an 89-year-old male with extensive past medical history who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and angina secondary to severe aortic stenosis. Patient got TAVR and his postoperative course was complicated by complete heart block, aorto-RV fistula, and ventricular septal defect (VSD) formation as a complication of TAVR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of aorto-RV fistula following TAVR as a procedural complication but the first one to show three complications all together in one patient.
Comparison of a 4-Day versus 2-Day Low Fiber Diet Regimen in Barium Tagging CT Colonography in Incomplete Colonoscopy Patients
Authors: Meric Kaan , Bakal Nuray , Şenateş Ebubekir , Aydın Sibel , Kılıçoğlu Zeynep Gamze , Bahadır Ülger Fatma Esra , Yencilek Esin , Erkalma Şenateş Banu , Şimşek Masum
Published: March 2015

Our aim was to compare the amount of residual feces, residual fluid, the tagging quality, and patient compliance using 4-day versus 2-day low fiber diet regimen in barium tagging CT colonography in incomplete colonoscopy patients.Methods.A total of 101 patients who underwent CT colonography were assigned to 2-day diet group (n=56) and 4-day diet group (n=45). Fecal tagging was achieved with barium sulphate while bisacodyl and sennoside B were used for bowel preparation. Residual solid stool was divided into two groups measuring <6 mm and ≥6 mm. We graded the residual fluid, tagging quality for solid stool, and fluid per bowel segment. We performed a questionnaire to assess patient compliance.Results.604 bowel segments were evaluated. There was no significant difference between 2-day and 4-day diet groups with respect to residual solid stool, residual fluid, tagging quality for stool, and fluid observed in fecal tag CT colonography (P>0.05). The prevalence of moderate discomfort was significantly higher in 4-day group (P<0.001).Conclusion.Our study shows that 2-day limited bowel preparation regimen for fecal tag CT colonography is a safe and reasonable technique to evaluate the entire colon, particularly in incomplete conventional colonoscopy patients.
Sex, Prescribing Practices and Guideline Recommended, Blood Pressure, and LDL Cholesterol Targets at Baseline in the BARI 2D Trial
Authors: Magee Michelle F. , Tamis-Holland Jacqueline E. , Lu Jiang , Bittner Vera A. , Brooks Maria Mori , Lopes Neuza , Jacobs Alice K. ,   BARI 2D Study Group
Published: March 2015

Background.Research has shown less aggressive treatment and poorer control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women than men.Methods.We analyzed sex differences in pharmacotherapy strategies and attainment of goals for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes and established coronary artery disease enrolled into the BARI 2D trial.Results.Similar numbers of drugs were prescribed in both women and men. Women were less frequent on metformin or sulfonylurea and more likely to take insulin and to be on higher doses of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) than men. After adjusting for baseline differences and treatment prescribed, women were less likely to achieve goals for HbA1c (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57, 0.88) and LDL-C (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.53, 0.78). More antihypertensives were prescribed to women, and yet BP ≤ 130/80 mmHg did not differ by sex.Conclusions.Women entering the BARI 2D trial were as aggressively treated with drugs as men. Despite equivalent treatment, women less frequently met targets for HbA1c and LDL-C. Our findings suggest that there may be sex differences in response to drug therapies used to treat diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Controlling Hopf Bifurcation of a New Modified Hyperchaotic Lü System
Authors: Cai Ping , Tang Jia-Shi , Li Zhen-Bo
Published: March 2015

Controlling Hopf bifurcation of a new modified hyperchaotic Lü system is investigated in this paper. A hybrid control strategy using both state feedback and parameter control is proposed. The control strategy realizes the delay of Hopf bifurcation. Furthermore, by applying the normal form theory, the stability of the bifurcation is determined. Numerical simulation results are given to support the theoretical analysis.
Reactive Oxygen Species, Apoptosis, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Hearing Loss
Authors: Kamogashira Teru , Fujimoto Chisato , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: March 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is involved in several apoptotic and necrotic cell death pathways in auditory tissues. These pathways are the major causes of most types of sensorineural hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, hereditary hearing loss, ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss, and noise-induced hearing loss. ROS production can be triggered by dysfunctional mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increases or decreases in ROS-related enzymes. Although apoptotic cell death pathways are mostly activated by ROS production, there are other pathways involved in hearing loss that do not depend on ROS production. Further studies of other pathways, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and necrotic cell death, are required.
Laboratory Simulations of Local Winds in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer via Image Analysis
Authors: Moroni Monica , Cenedese Antonio
Published: March 2015

In the atmospheric boundary layer, under high pressure conditions and negligible geostrophic winds, problems associated with pollution are the most critical. In this situation local winds play a major role in the evaluation of the atmospheric dynamics at small scales and in dispersion processes. These winds originate as a result of nonuniform heating of the soil, either when it is homogeneous or in discontinuous terrain in the presence of sea and/or slopes. Depending on the source of the thermal gradient, local winds are classified into convective boundary layer, sea and land breezes, urban heat islands, and slope currents. Local winds have been analyzed by (i) simple analytical models; (ii) numerical models; (iii) field measurements; (iv) laboratory measurements through which it is impossible to completely create the necessary similarities, but the parameters that determine the phenomenon can be controlled and each single wind can be separately analyzed. The present paper presents a summary of laboratory simulations of local winds neglecting synoptic winds and the effects of Coriolis force. Image analysis techniques appear suitable to fully describe both the individual phenomenon and the superposition of more than one local wind. Results do agree with other laboratory studies and numerical experiments.
Preservation of Cognitive Performance with Age during Exertional Heat Stress under Low and High Air Velocity
Authors: Wright Beatty Heather E. , Keillor Jocelyn M. , Hardcastle Stephen G. , Boulay Pierre , Kenny Glen P.
Published: March 2015

Older adults may be at greater risk for occupational injuries given their reduced capacity to dissipate heat, leading to greater thermal strain and potentially cognitive decrements.Purpose.To examine the effects of age and increased air velocity, during exercise in humid heat, on information processing and attention.Methods.Nine young (24 ± 1 years) and 9 older (59 ± 1 years) males cycled 4 × 15 min (separated by 15 min rest) at a fixed rate of heat production (400 W) in humid heat (35°C, 60% relative humidity) under 0.5 (low) and 3.0 (high) m·s−1air velocity wearing coveralls. At rest, immediately following exercise (end exercise), and after the final recovery, participants performed an abbreviated paced auditory serial addition task (PASAT, 2 sec pace).Results.PASAT numbers of correct responses at end exercise were similar for young (low = 49 ± 3; high = 51 ± 3) and older (low = 46 ± 5; high = 47 ± 4) males and across air velocity conditions, and when scored relative to age norms. Psychological sweating, or an increased sweat rate with the administration of the PASAT, was observed in both age groups in the high condition.Conclusion.No significant decrements in attention and speeded information processing were observed, with age or altered air velocity, following intermittent exercise in humid heat.