bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPLIED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BRAZIL
Authors: MALVESTIO ANNE CAROLINE , MONTAÑO MARCELO
Published: June 2013

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is assumed to be an important instrument to support decision-making in Brazil. Although not mandatory, nearly 35 SEAs, of which one third are devoted to energy plans and programmes (oil, gas, hydroelectricity and biofuel), have been prepared over the past 15 years in Brazil. The effectiveness of SEA, however, has not been studied in detail. This paper reports on the application of a procedural effectiveness analysis to 9 SEAs prepared for energy planning in Brazil, of which 5 deal with renewable energy plans and programmes. The results indicate no significant difference between renewable and non-renewable energy in terms of procedural effectiveness, with adequate performance in screening, baseline and description of mitigation actions, but serious deficiencies in the definition of SEA objectives, identification of strategic alternatives, description of public participation and follow-up strategies. The variability in the performance to each effectiveness criteria is taken as evidence that Brazil has not achieved consistency in SEA procedures, reinforcing the need for improvements in the current system.
The Science of Geoengineering
Authors: Caldeira Ken , Bala Govindasamy , Cao Long
Published: June 2013

Carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and gas are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. These increased concentrations cause additional energy to be retained in Earth's climate system, thus increasing Earth's temperature. Various methods have been proposed to prevent this temperature increase either by reflecting to space sunlight that would otherwise warm Earth or by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Such intentional alteration of planetary-scale processes has been termed geoengineering. The first category of geoengineering method, solar geoengineering (also known as solar radiation management, or SRM), raises novel global-scale governance and environmental issues. Some SRM approaches are thought to be low in cost, so the scale of SRM deployment will likely depend primarily on considerations of risk. The second category of geoengineering method, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), raises issues related primarily to scale, cost, effectiveness, and local environmental consequences. The scale of CDR deployment will likely depend primarily on cost.
The Relationship between Two Kinds of Generalized Convex Set-Valued Maps in Real Ordered Linear Spaces
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Ang
Published: June 2013

A new notion of the ic-cone convexlike set-valued map characterized by the algebraic interior and the vector closure is introduced in real ordered linear spaces. The relationship between the ic-cone convexlike set-valued map and the nearly cone subconvexlike set-valued map is established. The results in this paper generalize some known results in the literature from locally convex spaces to linear spaces.
Efficacy and Safety of Medicinal Plants or Related Natural Products for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Souza Nascimento Simone , DeSantana Josimari Melo , Nampo Fernando Kenji , Ribeiro Êurica Adélia Nogueira , da Silva Daniel Lira , Araújo-Júnior João Xavier , da Silva Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes , Bonjardim Leonardo Rigoldi , de Souza Araújo Adriano Antunes , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo José
Published: June 2013

To assess the effects of medicinal plants (MPs) or related natural products (RNPs) on fibromyalgia (FM) patients, we evaluate the possible benefits and advantages of MP or RNP for the treatment of FM based on eight randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) involving 475 patients. The methodological quality of all studies included was determined according to JADAD and “Risk of Bias” with the criteria in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. Evidence suggests significant benefits of MP or RNP in sleep disruption, pain, depression, joint stiffness, anxiety, physical function, and quality of life. Our results demonstrated that MP or RNP had significant effects on improving the symptoms of FM compared to conventional drug or placebo; longer tests are required to determine the duration of the treatment and characterize the long-term safety of using MP, thus suggesting effective alternative therapies in the treatment of pain with minimized side effects.
Effect ofEx VivoCulture Conditions on Immunosuppression by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Myoung Woo , Kim Dae Seong , Ryu Somi , Jang In Keun , Kim Hye Jin , Yang Jin Mo , Lee Doo-Hoon , Lee Soo Hyun , Son Meong Hi , Cheuh Hee Won , Jung Hye Lim , Yoo Keon Hee , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe
Published: June 2013

A microarray analysis was performed to investigate whetherex vivoculture conditions affect the characteristics of MSCs. Gene expression profiles were mainly influenced by the level of cell confluence rather than initial seeding density. The analysis showed that 276 genes were upregulated and 230 genes downregulated in MSCs harvested at~90% versus~50% confluence (P<0.05,FC>2). The genes that were highly expressed in MSCs largely corresponded to chemotaxis, inflammation, and immune responses, indicating direct or indirect involvement in immunomodulatory functions. Specifically, PTGES and ULBP1 were up-regulated in MSCs harvested at high density. Treatment of MSCs withPTGESorULBP1siRNA reversed their inhibition of T-cell proliferationin vitro. The culture conditions such as cell confluence at harvest seem to be important for gene expression profile of MSCs; therefore, the results of this study may provide useful guidelines for the harvest of MSCs that can appropriately suppress the immune response.
Natural Sesquiterpene Lactones Induce Oxidative Stress inLeishmania mexicana
Authors: Barrera Patricia , Sülsen Valeria P. , Lozano Esteban , Rivera Mónica , Beer María Florencia , Tonn Carlos , Martino Virginia S. , Sosa Miguel A.
Published: June 2013

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide parasitic disease, caused by monoflagellate parasites of the genusLeishmania. In the search for more effective agents against these parasites, the identification of molecular targets has been attempted to ensure the efficiency of drugs and to avoid collateral damages on the host’s cells. In this work, we have investigated some of the mechanisms of action of a group of natural sesquiterpene lactones that are effective againstLeishmania mexicana mexicanapromastigotes. We first observed that the antiproliferative effect of mexicanin I (Mxc), dehydroleucodine (DhL), psilostachyin (Psi), and, at lesser extent, psilostachyin C (Psi C) is blocked by 1.5 mM reduced glutathione. The reducing agent was also able to reverse the early effect of the compounds, suggesting that lactones may react with intracellular sulfhydryl groups. Moreover, we have shown that all the sesquiterpene lactones, except Psi C, significantly decreased the endogenous concentration of glutathione within the parasite. Consistent with these findings, the active sesquiterpene lactones increased between 2.7 and 5.4 times the generation of ROS by parasites. These results indicate that the induction of oxidative stress is at least one of the mechanisms of action of DhL, Mxc, and Psi on parasites while Psi C would act by another mechanism.
An Energy-Efficient Key Predistribution Scheme for Secure Wireless Sensor Networks Using Eigenvector
Authors: Choi Sung Jin , Kim Kyung Tae , Youn Hee Yong
Published: June 2013

Currently, sensor networks are widely used in various fields. Here secure operations are required for critical applications since the damages are significant if the network is compromised or disrupted. For the security of wireless sensor network, the earlier schemes typically employ asymmetric cryptography. These schemes are, however, often unsuitable for wireless sensor network due to the limited computational power and energy of the sensor nodes. To address this issue, various approaches have been developed, and the random key predistribution approach has been recognized as an effective approach. One shortcoming, however, is that a common key is not guaranteed to be found between any two nodes wanting to communicate. This paper proposes a new robust key predistribution scheme solving this problem, with which the security is not compromised even though the data exchanged between the nodes are tapped by an adversary. This is achieved by using the keys assigned based on the notion of eigenvalue and eigenvector of a square matrix of a pool of keys. Mathematical analysis and computer simulation reveal that the proposed scheme significantly reduces the overhead required for secure connectivity and energy consumption of sensor nodes compared to the existing approaches.
Influence of Heavy Metal Stress on Antioxidant Status and DNA Damage inUrtica dioica
Authors: Gjorgieva Darinka , Kadifkova Panovska Tatjana , Ruskovska Tatjana , Bačeva Katerina , Stafilov Trajče
Published: June 2013

Heavy metals have the potential to interact and induce several stress responses in the plants; thus, effects of heavy metal stress on DNA damages and total antioxidants level inUrtica dioicaleaves and stems were investigated. The samples are sampled from areas with different metal exposition. Metal content was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES), for total antioxidants level assessment the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used, and genomic DNA isolation from frozen plant samples was performed to obtain DNA fingerprints of investigated plant. It was found that heavy metal contents in stems generally changed synchronously with those in leaves of the plant, and extraneous metals led to imbalance of mineral nutrient elements. DNA damages were investigated by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique, and the results demonstrated that the samples exposed to metals yielded a large number of new fragments (total 12) in comparison with the control sample. This study showed that DNA stability is highly affected by metal pollution which was identified by RAPD markers. Results suggested that heavy metal stress influences antioxidant status and also induces DNA damages inU. dioicawhich may help to understand the mechanisms of metals genotoxicity.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Impact Localization of a Passive Smart Composite Plate Fabricated Using Piezoelectric Materials
Authors: Dezfouli M. M. S. , Hassan Mohd Roshdi , Ruslan Mohd Hafidz , Mat Sohif , Bakhtyar B.
Published: June 2013

Two passive smart composite plates are fabricated using one and two PZT patches that are cheaper than the PZT wafer. The composite plate is fabricated in low temperature through the hand lay-up method to avoid PZT patch decoupling and wire spoiling. The locus of the impact point is identified using the output voltage to identify the impact location using one sensor. The output voltages of the sensors are analyzed to identify the impact location using two sensors. The locations of the impacts are determined based on the crossing points of two circles and the origin of an intended Cartesian coordinate system that is concentric with one of the sensors. This study proposes the impact location identification of the passive smart composite using the low-cost PZT patch PIC155 instead of common embedded materials (wafer and element piezoelectric).
ATP Release from Mast Cells by Physical Stimulation: A Putative Early Step in Activation of Acupuncture Points
Authors: Wang Lina , Sikora Jacek , Hu Lei , Shen Xueyong , Grygorczyk Ryszard , Schwarz Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

In Chinese medicine acupuncture points are treated by physical stimuli to counteract various diseases. These stimuli include mechanical stress as applied during the needle manipulation or tuina, high temperatures as applied during moxibustion, and red laser light applied during laser acupuncture. This study aimed to investigate cellular responses to stimuli that might occur in the tissue of acupuncture points. Since they have a characteristically high density of mast cells that degranulate in response to acupuncture, we asked whether these processes lead to ATP release. We tested inin vitroexperiments on mast cells of the human mast-cell line HMC-1 the effects of the physical stimuli; mechanical stress was applied by superfusion of the cells with hypotonic solution, heat was applied by incubation of the cells at 52°C, and red laser light of 657 nm was used for irradiation. We demonstrate that all the stimuli induce ATP release from model human mast HMC-1 cells, and this release is associated with an intracellular free Ca2+rise. We hypothesize that ATP released from mast cells supplements the already known release of ATP from keratinocytes and, by acting on P2X receptors, it may serve as initial mediator of acupuncture-induced analgesia.
Bluffing as a Rational Strategy in a Simple Poker-Like Game Model
Authors: Guazzini Andrea , Vilone Daniele
Published: June 2013

We present a simple adaptive learning model of a poker-like game, by means of which we show how a bluffing strategy emerges very naturally and can also be rational and evolutionarily stable. Despite their very simple learning algorithms, agents learn to bluff, and the most bluffing player is usually the winner.
Comparison of Soft Computing Techniques for Modelling of the EDM Performance Parameters
Authors: Cakir M. V. , Eyercioglu O. , Gov K. , Sahin M. , Cakir S. H.
Published: June 2013

Selection of appropriate operating conditions is an important attribute to pay attention for in electrical discharge machining (EDM) of steel parts. The achievement of EDM process is affected by many input parameters; therefore, the computational relations between the output responses and controllable input parameters must be known. However, the proper selection of these parameters is a complex task and it is generally made with the help of sophisticated numerical models. This study investigates the capacity of Adaptive Nero-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), genetic expression programming (GEP) and artificial neural networks (ANN) in the prediction of EDM performance parameters. The datasets used in modelling study were taken from experimental study. According to the results of estimating the parameters of all models in the comparison in terms of statistical performance is sufficient, but observed that ANFIS model is slightly better than the other models.
Flexible Microwave Tag System Based on DGS Multiple Resonators
Authors: Lee Seok-Jae , Lim Jongsik , Ahn Dal , Han Sang-Min
Published: June 2013

A new flexible microwave tag system using a frequency-scanning type RFID is proposed with multiple resonators based on defected ground structures (DGSs). The proposed system achieves fully passive tag systems using multiple resonators with a spiral-shaped DGS over a wide frequency range. The resonator implemented on the rear side of a transmission line has the advantages of excellent band notch characteristics as well as bit-error avoidance from the frequency selective reflection. In addition, the tag system is designed on a thin flexible substrate in order to be applicable for amorphous surfaces. The proposed microwave tags have been implemented with wideband antennas at 3–7 GHz on thick and thin flexible substrates. The flexibility of the thin substrate has been evaluated in terms of cognitive capability for various radiuses of curvatures. From the experimental results in an anechoic chamber, the excellent recognition of various multibits identification codes in a wireless transmission environment has been verified.
Grid Code Requirements for Wind Power Integration in Europe
Authors: Sourkounis Constantinos , Tourou Pavlos
Published: June 2013

As the capacity of wind power continues to increase globally, stricter requirements regarding grid connection of wind generators are introduced by system operators. The development of wind turbine technology is inevitably affected by the new grid codes, and wind power plants are expected to support the grid and provide ancillary services much like conventional power plants. The most demanding regulations are found in Europe where wind penetration levels are higher. This paper presents the main aspects of current grid code requirements for the integration of wind power in European countries and suggests performance characteristics in order to satisfy the most demanding requirements. The dynamic behavior of wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators is investigated and a solution for low voltage ride through compliance is presented.
A Data-Based Approach for Modeling and Analysis of Vehicle Collision by LPV-ARMAX Models
Authors: Lu Qiugang , Karimi Hamid Reza , Robbersmyr Kjell Gunnar
Published: June 2013

Vehicle crash test is considered to be the most direct and common approach to assess the vehicle crashworthiness. However, it suffers from the drawbacks of high experiment cost and huge time consumption. Therefore, the establishment of a mathematical model of vehicle crash which can simplify the analysis process is significantly attractive. In this paper, we present the application of LPV-ARMAX model to simulate the car-to-pole collision with different initial impact velocities. The parameters of the LPV-ARMAX are assumed to have dependence on the initial impact velocities. Instead of establishing a set of LTI models for vehicle crashes with various impact velocities, the LPV-ARMAX model is comparatively simple and applicable to predict the responses of new collision situations different from the ones used for identification. Finally, the comparison between the predicted response and the real test data is conducted, which shows the high fidelity of the LPV-ARMAX model.
Factors Influencing Survival in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: The Influence of DNA Ploidy
Authors: Xynos Ioannis D. , Kavantzas Nicolaos , Tsaousi Smaro , Zacharakis Michalis , Agrogiannis George , Kosmas Christos , Lazaris Andreas , Sarantonis John , Sougioultzis Stavros , Tzivras Dimitrios , Polyzos Aris , Patsouris Efstratios S. , Tsavaris Nikolas
Published: June 2013

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic significance of microscopically assessed DNA ploidy and other clinical and laboratory parameters in stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. 541 patients with histologically proven stage IV CRC treated with palliative chemotherapy at our institution were included in this retrospective analysis, and 9 variables (gender, age, performance status, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 19-9, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and ploidy (DNA Index)) were assessed for their potential relationship to survival. Results. Mean survival time was 12.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.0–13.5). Multivariate analysis revealed that DNA indexes of 2.2–3.6 and >3.6 were associated with 2.94 and 4.98 times higher probability of death, respectively, compared to DNA index <2.2. CRP levels of >15 mg/dL and 5–15 mg/dL were associated with 2.52 and 1.72 times higher risk of death, respectively. Hazard ratios ranged from 1.29 in patients mild anaemia (Hb 12–13.5 g/dL) to 1.88 in patients with severe anaemia (Hb < 8.5 g/dL). Similarly, the presence of hypoalbuminaemia (albumin < 5 g/dL) was found to confer 1.41 times inferior survival capability. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that patients with stage IV CRC with low ploidy score and CRP levels, absent or mild anaemia, and normal albumin levels might derive greatest benefit from palliative chemotherapy.
Theoretical Model for Predicting Moisture Ratio during Drying of Spherical Particles in a Rotary Dryer
Authors: Ademiluyi F. T. , Abowei M. F. N.
Published: June 2013

A mathematical model was developed for predicting the drying kinetics of spherical particles in a rotary dryer. Drying experiments were carried out by drying fermented ground cassava particles in a bench scale rotary dryer at inlet air temperatures of 115–230°C, air velocities of 0.83 m/s–1.55 m/s, feed mass of 50–500 g, drum drive speed of 8 rpm, and feed drive speed of 100 rpm to validate the model. The data obtained from the experiments were used to calculate the experimental moisture ratio which compared well with the theoretical moisture ratio calculated from the newly developed Abowei-Ademiluyi model. The comparisons and correlations of the results indicate that validation and performance of the established model are rather reasonable.
MQoSR: A Multiobjective QoS Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alwan Hind , Agarwal Anjali
Published: June 2013

With the growing demand for quality-of-service (QoS) aware routing protocol in wireless networks, QoS-based routing has emerged as an interesting research topic. Quality of service guarantee in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is difficult and more challenging due to the fact that the available resources of sensors and the various applications running over these networks have different constraints in their nature and requirements. In this paper, we present a heuristic neighbor selection mechanism in WSNs that uses the geographic routing mechanism combined with the QoS requirements to provide multiobjective QoS routing (MQoSR) for different application requirements. The problem of providing QoS routing is formulated as link, and path-based metrics. The link-based metrics are partitioned in terms of reliability, delay, distance to sink, and energy, and the path-based metrics are presented in terms of end-to-end delay, reliability of data transmission, and network lifetime. The simulation results demonstrate that MQoSR protocol is able to achieve the delay requirements, and due to optimum path selection process, the achieved data delivery ratio is always above the required one. MQoSR protocol outperforms the existing model in the literature remarkably in terms of reliable data transmission, time data delivery, and routing overhead and underlines the importance of energy-efficient solution to enhance network lifetime.
Comparative Analysis of Sea Surface Temperature Pattern in the Eastern and Western Gulfs of Arabian Sea and the Red Sea in Recent Past Using Satellite Data
Authors: Nandkeolyar Neha , Raman Mini , Kiran G. Sandhya , Ajai
Published: June 2013

With unprecedented rate of development in the countries surrounding the gulfs of the Arabian Sea, there has been a rapid warming of these gulfs. In this regard, using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from 1985 to 2009, a climatological study of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and its inter annual variability in the Persian Gulf (PG), Gulf of Oman (GO), Gulf of Aden (GA), Gulf of Kutch (KTCH), Gulf of Khambhat (KMBT), and Red Sea (RS) was carried out using the normalized SST anomaly index. KTCH, KMBT, and GA pursued the typical Arabian Sea basin bimodal SST pattern, whereas PG, GO, and RS followed unimodal SST curve. In the western gulfs and RS, from 1985 to 1991-1992, cooling was observed followed by rapid warming phase from 1993 onwards, whereas in the eastern gulfs, the phase of sharp rise of SST was observed from 1995 onwards. Strong influence of the El Niño and La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole on interannual variability of SST of gulfs was observed. Annual and seasonal increase of SST was lower in the eastern gulfs than the western gulfs. RS showed the highest annual increase of normalized SST anomaly (+0.64/decade) followed by PG (+0.4/decade).
New Recursive Representations for the Favard Constants with Application to Multiple Singular Integrals and Summation of Series
Authors: Gocheva-Ilieva Snezhana Georgieva , Feschiev Ivan Hristov
Published: June 2013

There are obtained integral form and recurrence representations for some Fourier series and connected with them Favard constants. The method is based on preliminary integration of Fourier series which permits to establish general recursion formulas for Favard constants. This gives the opportunity for effective summation of infinite series and calculation of some classes of multiple singular integrals by the Favard constants.
A New Construction of Multisender Authentication Codes from Pseudosymplectic Geometry over Finite Fields
Authors: Wang Xiuli
Published: June 2013

Multisender authentication codes allow a group of senders to construct an authenticated message for one receiver such that the receiver can verify authenticity of the received message. In this paper, we construct one multisender authentication code from pseudosymplectic geometry over finite fields. The parameters and the probabilities of deceptions of this code are also computed.
Historical Review about Research on “Bonghan System” in China
Authors: Liu Jun-Ling , Jing Xiang-Hong , Shi Hong , Chen Shu-Ping , He Wei , Bai Wan-Zhu , Zhu Bing
Published: June 2013

The meridian-collateral theory is the theoretical basis of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. Professor Bonghan Kim, a professor of the Pyongyang Medical University of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, claimed that he found the anatomical structure of meridian-collaterals, named Bonghan corpuscles (BHCs) and Bonghan ducts (BHDs) system or primo vascular system (PVS), in 1962. From 1963 to 1965, researchers from our institute conducted a series of comparative anatomical experiments, trying to reproduce the so-called BHC- and BHD-like structures in different strains of animals. In the present paper, the authors introduced their research findings about BHC- and BHD-like structures in the young rabbit’s umbilicus including its external appearance, ectoplasm and endoplasm, and about strip-like and node-like objects in the blood vessels and lymph vessels near the larger abdominal and cervical blood vessels and chromaffin tissue in the back wall of the rabbit’s abdominal cavity and between the bilateral kidneys. In spite of existence of the BHC- and BHD-like structures in the rabbit, there has been no proved evidence for their association with the meridian-collateral system described in acupuncture medicine. In the present historical review, the authors also make a discussion about the significance of those findings.
Prognostic Impact of Preoperative Imaging Parameters on Resectability of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ruys Anthony T. , Busch Olivier R. , Rauws Erik A. , Gouma Dirk J. , van Gulik Thomas M.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. To evaluate, in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), the prognostic impact of specific preoperative radiologic parameters on resectability, metastases, and yield of laparoscopy, and to evaluate the currently used staging systems. Methods. Consecutive patients with HCCA presenting in our center from January 2003 through August 2010 were evaluated. Suspicion on lymph node metastasis, portal vein and hepatic artery involvement, lobar atrophy, and proximal extent of ductal invasion was scored. The prognostic value of these parameters for predicting resectability, yield of diagnostic laparoscopy, likelihood of metastatic disease, R0 resection, and survival was assessed. The Bismuth-Corlette classification and MSKCC staging system were evaluated. Results. Of all 289 evaluated patients, 158 patients (55%) had unresectable disease based on cross-sectional imaging studies or diagnostic laparoscopy; 131 patients (45%) underwent exploration. 83 patients (64%) underwent resection, of whom 67 (87%) had a radical (R0) resection. Suspicious lymph nodes and involvement of the hepatic artery were important prognostic factors for resectability. Predictive power of the evaluated staging systems was limited. Conclusions. Current staging systems predict resectability, but there is room for improvement. Hepatic artery involvement and nodal status might be important factors for prediction of resectability and should be considered in future staging systems.
A Two-Stage Model Queueing with No Waiting Line between Channels
Authors: Sağlam Vedat , Zobu Müjgan
Published: June 2013

We consider a new queuing model with sequential two stations (stages), single server at each station, where no queue is allowed at station 2 and with no restriction at station 1. There is a FCFS service discipline in which the input stream is Poisson having rate . The service time of any customer at server () is exponential with parameter . The state probabilities and loss probability of this model are given. The performance measures are obtained and optimized, and, additionally, the model is simulated. The simulation results, exact results, and optimal results of the performance measures are numerically computed for different parameters.
Optimal Control Strategy for SEIR with Latent Period and a Saturated Incidence Rate
Authors: Abdelhadi Abta , Hassan Laarabi
Published: June 2013

We propose an SEIR epidemic model with latent
period and a modified saturated incidence rate. This work investigates the fundamental role of the vaccination strategies to reduce the
number of susceptible, exposed, and infected individuals and increase
the number of recovered individuals. The existence of the optimal
control of the nonlinear model is also proved. The optimality system
is derived and then solved numerically using a competitive Gauss-Seidel-like implicit difference method.
Network Firewall Dynamics and the Subsaturation Stabilization of HIV
Authors: Khan Bilal , Dombrowski Kirk , Saad Mohamed , McLean Katherine , Friedman Samuel
Published: June 2013

In 2001, Friedman et al. conjectured the existence of a “firewall effect” in which individuals who are infected with HIV, but remain in a state of low infectiousness, serve to prevent the virus from spreading. To evaluate this historical conjecture, we develop a new graph-theoretic measure that quantifies the extent to which Friedman’s firewall hypothesis (FH) holds in a risk network. We compute this new measure across simulated trajectories of a stochastic discrete dynamical system that models a social network of 25,000 individuals engaging in risk acts over a period of 15 years. The model’s parameters are based on analyses of data collected in prior studies of the real-world risk networks of people who inject drugs (PWID) in New York City. Analysis of system trajectories reveals the structural mechanisms by which individuals with mature HIV infections tend to partition the network into homogeneous clusters (with respect to infection status) and how uninfected clusters remain relatively stable (with respect to infection status) over long stretches of time. We confirm the spontaneous emergence of network firewalls in the system and reveal their structural role in the nonspreading of HIV.
Effect ofAngelica sinensisPolysaccharides on OsteoarthritisIn VivoandIn Vitro: A Possible Mechanism to Promote Proteoglycans Synthesis
Authors: Qin Jun , Liu Yan-song , Liu Jun , Li Jing , Tan Yang , Li Xiao-jun , Magdalou Jacques , Mei Qi-bing , Wang Hui , Chen Liao-bin
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the effect ofAngelica sinensispolysaccharides (APS-3c) on rat osteoarthritis (OA) modelin vivoand rat interleukin-1-beta- (IL-1β-) stimulated chondrocytesin vitro. APS-3c was administrated into rat OA knee joints and had protective effects on rat OA cartilagein vivo. Primary rat articular chondrocytes were cotreated with APS-3c and IL-1β  in vitro. 2~50 μg/mL APS-3c had no effect on chondrocytes viability, whereas it increased the proteoglycans (PGs) synthesis inhibited by IL-1β. Microarray analysis showed that the significant changes were concentrated in the genes which were involved in PGs synthesis. RT-PCR confirmed that treatment with APS-3c increased the mRNA expression of aggrecan and glycosyltransferases (GTs) inhibited by IL-1βbut did not affect the mRNA expression of matrix-degrading enzymes. These results indicate that APS-3c can improve PGs synthesis of chondrocytes on rat OA modelin vivoand IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytesin vitro, which is due to the promotion of the expression of aggrecan and GTs involved in PGs synthesis but not the inhibition of the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes. Our findings suggest the clinical relevance of APS-3c in the prospective of future alternative medical treatment for OA.
Obesity-Related Metabolomic Analysis of Human Subjects in Black Soybean Peptide Intervention Study by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography and Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Yang Hye Jeong , Kim Jin Hee , Ahn Chang-Won , Lee Jong Ho , Kim Kang Sung , Kwon Dae Young
Published: June 2013

The present study aimed to identify key metabolites related to weight reduction in humans by studying the metabolic profiles of sera obtained from 34 participants who underwent dietary intervention with black soybean peptides (BSP) for 12 weeks. This research is a sequel to our previous work in which the effects of BSP on BMI and blood composition of lipid were investigated. Sera of the study were subjected to ultra performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and the data were analyzed using partial least-squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) score plots. Body mass index and percent body fat of the test group were reduced. Levels of betaine, benzoic acid, pyroglutamic acid, pipecolic acid,N-phenylacetamide, uric acid,l-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine, and lysophosphatidyl cholines (lysoPCs) (C18:1, C18:2, C20:1, and C20:4) showed significant increases. Levels ofl-proline, valine,l-leucine/isoleucine, hypoxanthine, glutamine,l-methionine, phenylpyruvic acid, several carnitine derivatives, and lysoPCs (C14:0, PC16:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:1, C18:0, and C22:0) were significantly decreased. In particular, lysoPC 16:0 with a VIP value of 12.02 is esteemed to be the most important metabolite for evaluating the differences between the 2 serum samples. Our result confirmed weight-lowering effects of BSP, accompanied by favorable changes in metabolites in the subjects’ blood. Therefore, this research enables us to better understand obesity and increases the predictability of the obesity-related risk by studying metabolites present in the blood.
Microstructure and Flow Stress of Nanoscale Cu/Nb Multilayers
Authors: Wang F. , Zhang L. F. , Huang P. , Xie J. Y. , Lu T. J. , Xu K. W.
Published: June 2013

Nanoscale Cu/Nb multilayers with individual layer thicknesses of 2, 5, and 15 nm were prepared by d.c. magnetron sputtering. The cross‐sectional morphologies of the multilayers were examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as high resolution TEM, whilst the flow stresses were measured with nanoindentation. A unique cross‐sectional microstructure comprising well‐modulated and mixed regions was observed, causing length‐scale‐independent flow stresses not found in existing studies, and shear bands were absent upon plastic deformation. Built upon this unique microstructure, possible mechanisms underlying the high plastic stability and length‐scale‐independent flow stresses of Cu/Nb multilayers were discussed in terms of amorphous‐crystalline interface and its interaction with both mixed and well‐modulated regions.
The Golden Ratio of Gait Harmony: Repetitive Proportions of Repetitive Gait Phases
Authors: Iosa Marco , Fusco Augusto , Marchetti Fabio , Morone Giovanni , Caltagirone Carlo , Paolucci Stefano , Peppe Antonella
Published: June 2013

In nature, many physical and biological systems have structures showing harmonic properties. Some of them were found related to the irrational number known as the golden ratio that has important symmetric and harmonic properties. In this study, the spatiotemporal gait parameters of 25 healthy subjects were analyzed using a stereophotogrammetric system with 25 retroreflective markers located on their skin. The proportions of gait phases were compared with , the value of which is about 1.6180. The ratio between the entire gait cycle and stance phase resulted in 1.620 ± 0.058, that between stance and the swing phase was 1.629 ± 0.173, and that between swing and the double support phase was 1.684 ± 0.357. All these ratios did not differ significantly from each other (, , repeated measure analysis of variance) or from (, resp.,t-tests). The repetitive gait phases of physiological walking were found in turn in repetitive proportions with each other, revealing an intrinsic harmonic structure. Harmony could be the key for facilitating the control of repetitive walking. Harmony is a powerful unifying factor between seemingly disparate fields of nature, including human gait.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity and Associated Toxicity ofArtemisia afraAqueous Extract in Wistar Rats
Authors: Sunmonu Taofik O. , Afolayan Anthony J.
Published: June 2013

Artemisia afraJacq. ex Willd. is a widely used medicinal plant in South Africa for the treatment of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity and possible toxicity effect of aqueous leaf extract of the herb administered at different dosages for 15 days in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight, decreased blood glucose levels, increased glucose tolerance, and improved imbalance in lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. These are indications of antidiabetic property ofA. afrawith 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showing the best hypoglycemic action by comparing favourably well with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic drug. The extract at all dosages tested also restored liver function indices and haematological parameters to normal control levels in the diabetic rats, whereas the kidney function indices were only normalized in the diabetic animals administered with 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract. This investigation clearly showed that in addition to its hypoglycemic activity,A. aframay also protect the liver and blood against impairment due to diabetes. However, some kidney functions may be compromised at high dosages of the extract.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Polyphosphate as Dispersing Agents for Alumina Suspensions: Rheological Characterization
Authors: Piani L. , Papo A.
Published: June 2013

In the present work, the influence of addition of some dispersing agents employed for maximizing the solid loading of alumina concentrated suspensions has been investigated. Two commercially available deflocculants were used: a sodium tripolyphosphate and a sodium polyphosphate. Rheological tests were carried out at 25°C under continuous flow conditions by using the rate-controlled coaxial cylinder viscometer Rotovisko-Haake 20, system M5-osc., measuring device SV2P with serrated surfaces. The application of rheological techniques permitted the evaluation of the efficiency and the optimum dosage of the dispersing agents employed upon the alumina slips examined, that is, the critical concentration at which the maximum reduction in viscosity is detected.
Analysis of the Block-Grid Method for the Solution of Laplace's Equation on Polygons with a Slit
Authors: Cival Buranay S.
Published: June 2013

The error estimates obtained for solving Laplace's boundary value problem on polygons by the block-grid method contain constants that are difficult to calculate accurately. Therefore, the experimental analysis of the method could be essential. The real characteristics of the block-grid method for solving Laplace's equation on polygons with a slit are analysed by experimental investigations. The numerical results obtained show that the order of convergence of the approximate solution is the same as in the case of a smooth solution. To illustrate the singular behaviour around the singular point, the shape of the highly accurate approximate solution and the figures of its partial derivatives up to second order are given in the “singular” part of the domain. Finally a highly accurate formula is given to calculate the stress intensity factor, which is an important quantity in fracture mechanics.
Primary Immature Teratoma of the Uterus Relapsing as Malignant Neuroepithelioma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ben Ameur El Youbi Meryam , Mohtaram Amina , Kharmoum Jinane , Aaribi Imane , Kharmoum Saoussane , Bouzoubaa Abdelilah , M’rabti Hind , Boutayeb Saber , El Khannoussi Basma , Errihani Hassan
Published: June 2013

Background.Although some mature cases of teratomas have recently been described in the cervix, they are not commonly found in the uterus, especially in immature forms. An immature uterine teratoma relapsing after surgery as malignant neuroepithelioma has never been reported in the literature.Case Presentation.We describe a case of immature teratoma which occurred primarily in the uterus in a 56-year-old female. Treatment consisted of total simple hysterectomy. Three months after surgery, the patient relapsed with voluminous pelvic mass and was treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimen.Conclusion.In this report and according to the pertinent literature, clinical and pathological features and management of uterine immature teratomas are discussed. The mainstay of treatment is surgery. The prognosis of this unusual disease remains uncertain.
Audio-Visual-Based Query by Example Video Retrieval
Authors: Hou Sujuan , Zhou Shangbo
Published: June 2013

Query by example video retrieval aims at automatic retrieval of video samples which are similar to a user-provided example from video database. Considering that much of prior work on video analysis support retrieval using only visual features, in this paper, a two-step method for query by example is proposed, in which both audio and visual features are used. In the proposed method, a set of audio and visual features are, respectively, extracted from the shot level and key frame level. Among these features, audio features are employed to rough retrieval, while visual features are applied to refine retrieval. The experimental results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed approach.
Measurement of Baseline and Orientation between Distributed Aerospace Platforms
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin
Published: June 2013

Distributed platforms play an important role in aerospace remote sensing, radar navigation, and wireless communication applications. However, besides the requirement of high accurate time and frequency synchronization for coherent signal processing, the baseline between the transmitting platform and receiving platform and the orientation of platform towards each other during data recording must be measured in real time. In this paper, we propose an improved pulsed duplex microwave ranging approach, which allows determining the spatial baseline and orientation between distributed aerospace platforms by the proposed high‐precision time‐interval estimation method. This approach is novel in the sense that it cancels the effect of oscillator frequency synchronization errors due to separate oscillators that are used in the platforms. Several performance specifications are also discussed. The effectiveness of the approach is verified by simulation results.
Patient-Derived Tumor Xenografts: Transforming Clinical Samples into Mouse Models
Authors: Siolas Despina , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: June 2013

Tumor graft models (also known as patient-derived xenografts or PDX) are based on the transfer of primary tumors directly from the patient into an immunodeficient mouse. Because PDX mice are derived from human tumors, they offer a tool for developing anticancer therapies and personalized medicine for patients with cancer. In addition, these models can be used to study metastasis and tumor genetic evolution. This review examines the development, challenges, and broad use of these attractive preclinical models. Cancer Res; 73(17); 5315–9. ©2013 AACR.
Primary hrHPV DNA Testing in Cervical Cancer Screening: How to Manage Screen-Positive Women? A POBASCAM Trial Substudy
Authors: Dijkstra Maaike G. , van Niekerk Dirk , Rijkaart Dorien C. , van Kemenade Folkert J. , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , Snijders Peter J.F. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Berkhof Johannes
Published: June 2013

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has higher sensitivity but lower specificity than cytology for cervical (pre)-cancerous lesions. Therefore, triage of hrHPV-positive women is needed in cervical cancer screening.

Methods: A cohort of 1,100 hrHPV-positive women, from a population-based screening trial (POBASCAM: n = 44,938; 29–61 years), was used to evaluate 10 triage strategies, involving testing at baseline and six months with combinations of cytology, HPV16/18 genotyping, and/or repeat hrHPV testing. Clinical endpoint was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) detected within four years; results were adjusted for women not attending repeat testing. A triage strategy was considered acceptable, when the probability of no CIN3+ after negative triage (negative predictive value, NPV) was at least 98%, and the CIN3+ risk after positive triage (positive predictive value, PPV) was at least 20%.

Results: Triage at baseline with cytology only yielded an NPV of 94.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 92.0–96.0] and a PPV of 39.7% (95% CI, 34.0–45.6). An increase in NPV, against a modest decrease in PPV, was obtained by triaging women with negative baseline cytology by repeat cytology (NPV 98.5% and PPV 34.0%) or by baseline HPV16/18 genotyping (NPV 98.8% and PPV 28.5%). The inclusion of both HPV16/18 genotyping at baseline and repeat cytology testing provided a high NPV (99.6%) and a moderately high PPV (25.6%).

Conclusions: Triaging hrHPV-positive women by cytology at baseline and after 6 to 12 months, possibly in combination with baseline HPV16/18 genotyping, seems acceptable for cervical cancer screening.

Impact: Implementable triage strategies are provided for primary hrHPV screening in an organized setting. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 55–63. ©2013 AACR.
VKORC1 Asp36Tyr geographic distribution and its impact on warfarin dose requirements in Egyptians
Authors: Shahin Mohamed Hossam A. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Perera Minoli A. , Khalifa Sherief I. , Misher Anne , Langaee Taimour , Patel Shitalben , Perry Kimberly , Meltzer David O. , McLeod Howard L. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: June 2013

The VKORC1 Asp36Tyr single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is one of the most promising predictors of high warfarin dose, but data on its population prevalence is incomplete. We determined the frequency of this SNP in participants from seven countries on four continents and investigated its effect on warfarin dose requirement. One thousand samples were analysed to define the population prevalence of this SNP. Those samples included individuals from Egypt, Ghana, Sudan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Peru and African Americans from the United States. A total of 206 Egyptian samples were then used to investigate the effect of this SNP on warfarin dose requirements. This SNP was most frequent among Kenyans and Sudanese, with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 6% followed by Saudi Arabians and Egyptians with a MAF of 3% and 2.5%, respectively. It was not detected in West Africans, based on our data from Ghana, and a large cohort of African Americans. Egyptian carriers of the VKORC1 Tyr36 showed higher warfarin dose requirement (57.1 ± 29.4 mg/week) than those with the Asp36Asp genotype (35.8 ± 16.6 mg/week; p=0.03). In linear regression analysis, this SNP had the greatest effect size among the genetic factors (16.6 mg/week increase in dose per allele), and improved the warfarin dose variability explained in Egyptians (model R2 from 31% to 36.5%). The warfarin resistant VKORC1 Asp36Tyr appears to be confined to north-eastern Africa and nearby Middle-Eastern populations, but in those populations where it is present, it has a significant influence on warfarin dose requirement and the percent of warfarin dose variability that can be explained.