bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amiodarone Induced Hyponatremia Masquerading as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion by Anaplastic Carcinoma of Prostate
Authors: Dutta Pinaki , Parthan Girish , Aggarwal Anuradha , Kumar Santosh , Kakkar Nandita , Bhansali Anil , Rotondo Fabio , Kovacs Kalman
Published: April 2014

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is one of the most common causes of hyponatremia. The usual causes are malignancies, central nervous system, pulmonary disorders, and drugs. Amiodarone is a broad spectrum antiarrhythmic agent widely used in the management of arrhythmias. The different side effects include thyroid dysfunction, visual disturbances, pulmonary infiltrates, ataxia, cardiac conduction abnormalities, drug interactions, corneal microdeposits, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal disturbances. SIADH is a rare but lethal side effect of amiodarone. We describe a 62-year-old male who was suffering from advanced prostatic malignancy, taking amiodarone for underlying heart disease. He developed SIADH which was initially thought to be paraneoplastic in etiology, but later histopathology refuted that. This case emphasizes the importance of detailed drug history and the role of immunohistochemistry in establishing the diagnosis and management of hyponatremia due to SIADH.
Conjugate Heat Transfer of an Internally Air-Cooled Nozzle Guide Vane and Shrouds
Authors: Jiang Leiyong , Wu Xijia , Zhang Zhong
Published: April 2014

In order to assess the life of gas turbine critical components, it is essential to adequately specify their aerothermodynamic working environments. Steady-state analyses of the flow field and conjugate heat transfer of an internally air-cooled nozzle guide vane (NGV) and shrouds of a gas turbine engine at baseline operating conditions are numerically investigated. A high-fidelity CFD model is generated and the simulations are carried out with properly defined boundary conditions. The features of the complicated flow and temperature fields are revealed. In general, the Mach number is lower and the temperature is higher on the NGV pressure side than those on the suction side. There are two high temperature regions on the pressure side, and the temperature across the middle section is relatively low. These findings are closely related to the locations of the holes and outlets of the cooling flow passage, and consistent with the field observations of damaged NGVs. As a technology demonstration, the results provide required information for the life analysis of the NGV/shrouds assembly and improvement of the cooling flow arrangement.
Input‐To‐State Stability for a Class of Switched Stochastic Nonlinear Systems by an Improved Average Dwell Time Method
Authors: Guo Rongwei , Zhao Ping , Zhang Chenghui
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the input‐to‐state stable in the mean (ISSiM) property of the switched stochastic nonlinear (SSN) systems with an improved average dwell time (ADT) method in two cases: (i) all of the constituent subsystems are ISSiM and (ii) parts of the constituent subsystems are ISSiM. First, an improved ADT method for stability of SSN systems is introduced. Then, based on that not only a new ISSiM result for SSN systems whose subsystems are ISSiM is presented, but also a new
ISSiM result for such systems in which parts of subsystems are ISSiM is established. In comparison with the existing ones, the main results obtained in this paper have some advantages. Finally, an illustrative example with numerical simulation is verified the correctness and validity of the proposed results.
LQR Control of Wind Excited Benchmark Building Using Variable Stiffness Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Deshmukh S. N. , Chandiramani N. K.
Published: April 2014

LQR control of wind induced motion of a benchmark building is considered. The building is fitted with a semiactive variable stiffness tuned mass damper adapted from the literature. The nominal stiffness of the device corresponds to the fundamental frequency of the building and is included in the system matrix. This results in a linear time-invariant system, for which the desired control force is computed using LQR control. The control force thus computed is then realized by varying the device stiffness around its nominal value by using a simple control law. A nonlinear static analysis is performed in order to establish the range of linearity, in terms of the device (configuration) angle, for which the control law is valid. Results are obtained for the cases of zero and nonzero structural stiffness variation. The performance criteria evaluated show that the present method provides displacement control that is comparable with that of two existing controllers. The acceleration control, while not as good as that obtained with the existing active controller, is comparable or better than that obtained with the existing semiactive controller. By using substantially less power as well as control force, the present control yields comparable displacement control and reasonable acceleration control.
Characterization of Erbium Substituted Yttrium Iron Garnet Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Shaiboub Ramadan E. , Ibrahim N. B.
Published: April 2014

Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films substituted erbium ions (Er+3) Er0.4Y2.6Fe5O12 films were prepared by a sol-gel method at different temperatures which varied from 800 to 1000°C for 2 hours in air. Magnetic and microstructural properties of the films were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD patterns of the sample have only peaks of the garnet structure. The lattice constants decrease, while the particle size increases from 51 to 85 nm as the annealing temperature increases with average in thickness of 300 nm. The saturation magnetization and the coercivity of the samples increased from 26 (emu/cc) and 28 Oe for the film annealed at 800°C to 76 (emu/cc) and 45 Oe for film annealed at 1000°C, respectively.
Normal Range of Thoracic Kyphosis in Male School Children
Authors: Shamsi MohammadBagher , Veisi Korosh , Karimi Loghman , Sarrafzadeh Javad , Najafi Farid
Published: April 2014

Background. Although there are frequent studies about normal range of thoracic kyphosis, there is still a controversy about the exact values of this curve. In nine reported studies on 10 to 20 years of age boys, the value ranged from 25.1° to 53.3°. Objective for the Study. The aim of the present research was investigation of normal ranges of thoracic kyphosis in school children in Kermanshah, western Iran. Methods. 582 male students aged 13 to 18 years old using cluster random sampling were recruited from schools in Kermanshah city, 97 students for each age. Thoracic curves were measured using the flexicurve method. Results. Mean thoracic kyphosis for whole population was 35.49° SD 7.83 and plus or minus two standard deviations ranged from 19.83° to 51.15°. It increased gradually from 13 to 16 and then there was a little decrease to 18 years. Mean values for each age (13–16) were 13 (34.41 SD 7.47°), 14 (34.86 SD 8.29°), 15 (35.79 SD 7.93°), 16 (36.49 SD 7.85°), 17 (35.84 SD 8.33°), and 18 (35.55 SD 7.07°). Conclusions. Our results are in agreement with previous reports and can be used as normal values for local and regional purposes.
Prescreening with FOBT Improves Yield and Is Cost-Effective in Colorectal Screening in the Elderly
Authors: Singhal Shashideep , Changela Kinesh , Basi Puneet , Mathur Siddharth , Reddy Sridhar , Momeni Mojdeh , Krishnaiah Mahesh , Anand Sury
Published: April 2014

Background. Utilization of colonoscopy for routine colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the elderly (patients over 75) is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate if using fecal occult blood test (FOBT) to select patients for colonoscopy can improve yield and be a cost- effective approach for the elderly. Methods. Records of 10,908 subjects who had colonoscopy during the study period were reviewed. 1496 (13.7%) were ≥75 years. In 118 of these subjects, a colonoscopy was performed to evaluate a positive FOBT. Outcomes were compared between +FOBT group (F-Group) and the asymptomatic screening group (AS-Group). The cost-effectiveness was also calculated using a median estimated standardized worldwide colonoscopy and FOBT cost (rounded to closest whole numbers) of 1000 US $ and 10 US $, respectively. Results. 118/1496 (7.9%) colonoscopies were performed for evaluation of +FOBT. 464/1496 (31%) colonoscopies were performed in AS-Group. In F-Group, high risk adenoma detection rate (HR-ADR) was 15.2%, and 11.9% had 1-2 tubular adenomas. In comparison, the control AS-Group had HR-ADR of 19.2% and 17.7% had 1-2 tubular adenomas. In the FOBT+ group, CRC was detected in 5.1% which was significantly higher than the AS-Group in which CRC was detected in 1.7% (P=0.03). On cost-effectiveness analysis, cost per CRC detected was significantly lower, that is, 19,666 US $ in F-Group in comparison to AS-Group 58,000 US $ (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in other parameters among groups. Conclusion. Prescreening with FOBT to select elderly for colonoscopy seems to improve the yield and can be a cost-effective CRC screening approach in this subset. The benefit in the risk benefit analysis of screening the elderly appears improved by prescreening with an inexpensive tool.
Global Stability for a Viral Infection Model with Saturated Incidence Rate
Authors: Peng Huaqin , Guo Zhiming
Published: April 2014

A viral infection model with saturated incidence rate and viral infection with delay is derived and analyzed; the incidence rate is assumed to be a specific nonlinear formβxv/(1+αv). The existence and uniqueness of equilibrium are proved. The basic reproductive numberR0is given. The model is divided into two cases: with or without delay. In each case, by constructing Lyapunov functionals, necessary and sufficient conditions are given to ensure the global stability of the models.
Circulating Biomarkers of Immune Activation Distinguish Viral Suppression from Nonsuppression in HAART-Treated Patients with Advanced HIV-1 Subtype C Infection
Authors: Malherbe Glen , Steel Helen C. , Cassol Sharon , de Oliveira Tulio , Seebregts Christopher J. , Anderson Ronald , Cassol Edana , Rossouw Theresa M.
Published: April 2014

Few studies have examined immune activation profiles in patients with advanced HIV-1 subtype C infection or assessed their potential to predict responsiveness to HAART. BioPlex, ELISA, and nephelometric procedures were used to measure plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers in HIV-1 subtype C-infected patients sampled before and after 6 months of successful HAART(n=20); in patients failing HAART(n=30); and in uninfected controls(n=8). Prior to HAART, CXCL9, CXCL10,β2M, sTNF-R1, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF, and sCD14 were significantly elevated in HIV-1-infected patients compared to controls(P<0.01). All of these markers, with the exception of sTNF-R1, were also elevated in patients failing HAART(P<0.05). The persistently elevated levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, andβ2M in patients failing therapy in the setting of a marked reduction in these markers in patients on successful HAART suggest that they may be useful not only to monitor immune activation during HAART, but also to distinguish between good and poor responders. In the case of sCD14 and TGF-β1, the levels of these biomarkers remained persistently elevated despite HAART-induced virological suppression, a finding that is consistent with ongoing monocyte-macrophage activation, underscoring a potential role for adjuvant anti-inflammatory therapy.
A Novel Feature Selection Strategy for Enhanced Biomedical Event Extraction Using the Turku System
Authors: Xia Jingbo , Fang Alex Chengyu , Zhang Xing
Published: April 2014

Feature selection is of paramount importance for text-mining classifiers with high-dimensional features. The Turku Event Extraction System (TEES) is the best performing tool in the GENIA BioNLP 2009/2011 shared tasks, which relies heavily on high-dimensional features. This paper describes research which, based on an implementation of an accumulated effect evaluation (AEE) algorithm applying the greedy search strategy, analyses the contribution of every single feature class in TEES with a view to identify important features and modify the feature set accordingly. With an updated feature set, a new system is acquired with enhanced performance which achieves an increasedF-score of 53.27% up from 51.21% for Task 1 under strict evaluation criteria and 57.24% according to the approximate span and recursive criterion.
Treatment of an Extensive Maxillary Cyst Using Nasal Airway and Balloon Catheter Devices
Authors: Kasamatsu Atsushi , Fukumoto Chonji , Higo Morihiro , Endo-Sakamoto Yosuke , Ogawara Katsunori , Shiiba Masashi , Tanzawa Hideki , Uzawa Katsuhiro
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Large maxillary cysts occasionally expand into the maxilla and erode the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. The Caldwell-Luc procedure is the recommended treatment for large maxillary sinus cysts. However, it is hard to preserve the nasal space in the case of large maxillary sinus cysts that penetrate into the nasal cavity.Methods. A 22-year-old man who had large maxillary sinus cysts was referred to our department for a surgical treatment. After removing the cyst from the maxillary sinus using the Caldwell-Luc procedure, we used nasal airway and balloon catheter devices to preserve the space of the inferior nasal meatus and maxillary sinus. These devices were removed 10 days postoperatively. Insertion and removal of both devices were simple and painless.Findings. The nasal airway and balloon catheter devices were useful for performing maxillary sinus surgery to remove large cysts. Our method was satisfactorily safe and was an effective minimally invasive treatment that preserved the space of the inferior nasal meatus and maxillary sinus.
A Hierarchical Framework for Facial Age Estimation
Authors: Liang Yuyu , Wang Xianmei , Zhang Li , Wang Zhiliang
Published: April 2014

Age estimation is a complex issue of multiclassification or regression. To address the problems of uneven distribution of age database and ignorance of ordinal information, this paper shows a hierarchic age estimation system, comprising age group and specific age estimation. In our system, two novel classifiers, sequence k‐nearest neighbor (SKNN) and ranking‐KNN, are introduced to predict age group and value, respectively. Notably, ranking‐KNN utilizes the ordinal information between samples in estimation process rather than regards samples as separate individuals. Tested on FG‐NET database, our system achieves 4.97 evaluated by MAE (mean absolute error) for age estimation.
Analysis of Functionally Graded Material Plates Using Triangular Elements with Cell‐Based Smoothed Discrete Shear Gap Method
Authors: Natarajan S. , Ferreira A. J. M. , Bordas S. , Carrera E. , Cinefra M. , Zenkour A. M.
Published: April 2014

A cell‐based smoothed finite element method with discrete shear gap technique is employed to study the static bending, free vibration, and mechanical and thermal buckling behaviour of functionally graded material (FGM) plates. The plate kinematics is based on the first‐order shear deformation theory and the shear locking is suppressed by the discrete shear gap method. The shear correction factors are evaluated by employing the energy equivalence principle. The material property is assumed to be temperature dependent and graded only in the thickness direction. The effective properties are computed by using the Mori‐Tanaka homogenization method. The accuracy of the present formulation is validated against available solutions. A systematic parametric study is carried out to examine the influence of the gradient index, the plate aspect ratio, skewness of the plate, and the boundary conditions on the global response of the FGM plates. The effect of a centrally located circular cutout on the global response is also studied.
Evaluation of the Detection Efficiency of LYSO Scintillator in the Fiber-Optic Radiation Sensor
Authors: Park Chan Hee , Lee Arim , Kim Rinah , Moon Joo Hyun
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate fiber-optic sensors for the remote detection of gamma rays in areas that are difficult to access, such as a spent fuel pool. The fiber-optic sensor consists of a light-generating probe, such as scintillators for radiation detection, plastic optical fibers, and light-measuring devices, such as PMT. The (Lu,Y)2SiO5:Ce(LYSO:Ce) scintillator was chosen as the light-generating probe. The (Lu,Y)2SiO5:Ce(LYSO:Ce) scintillator has higher scintillation efficiency than the others and transmits light well through an optical fiber because its refraction index is similar to the refractive index of the optical fiber. The fiber-optic radiation sensor using the (Lu,Y)2SiO5:Ce(LYSO:Ce) scintillator was evaluated in terms of the detection efficiency and reproducibility for examining its applicability as a radiation sensor.
Nutritional Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents with Beta-Thalassemia-Major: An Egyptian Center Experience
Authors: Sherief Laila M. , Abd El-Salam Sanaa M. , Kamal Naglaa M. , El safy Osama , Almalky Mohamed A. A. , Azab Seham F. , Morsy Hemat M. , Gharieb Amal F.
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim. Trace elements and vitamins play a vital role in human body to perform its function properly. Thalassemic patients are at risk of micronutrient deficiency. This study estimated levels of vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), and methylmalonic acid (MMA) along with trace elements, zinc, copper, and selenium in Beta-thalassemia-major patients.Methods. This study included 108 patients with Beta-thalassemia-major and 60 age and sex matched healthy children. Serum levels of vitamin A, E, C, tHcy, and MMA were estimated by high pressure liquid chromatography while serum levels of folic acid and B12 were estimated by thin layer chromatography. Serum zinc, copper, and selenium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Results. There was a significant decrease of vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, and selenium in thalassemic patients as compared to controls. tHcy and MMA were significantly elevated in patients. No significant correlations were found between the serum levels of the studied vitamins and trace elements as regards age, frequency of transfusion, duration of transfusion, and serum ferritin.Conclusion. The level of various nutritional biomarkers (vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, selenium) was reduced in chronically transfused Egyptian thalassemic patient. These patients should have periodic nutritional evaluation and supplementation. Multicenter studies are highly recommended.
CGP 35348, GABABReceptor Antagonist, Has a Potential to Improve Neuromuscular Coordination and Spatial Learning in Albino Mouse following Neonatal Brain Damage
Authors: Gillani Q. , Ali M. , Iqbal F.
Published: April 2014

To study the effect of CGP 35348 on learning and memory in albino mice following hypoxia ischemia insult, 10 days old albino mice were subjected to right common carotid artery ligation followed by 8% hypoxia for 25 minutes. Following brain damage, mice were fed on normal rodent diet till they were 13 week old. At this time point, mice were divided into two groups. Group 1 received saline and group 2 intrapertoneally CGP 35348 (1 mg/mL solvent/Kg body weight) for 12 days. A battery of tests used to assess long term neurofunction (Morris water maze, Rota rod and open field) along with brain infarct measurement. Overall CGP 35348 has improved the motor function in male and female albino mice but effects were more pronounced in female albino mice. In open field, CGP 35348 treated female albino mice had demonstrated poor exploratory behavior. During Morris water maze test, gender specific effects were observed as CGP 35348 had improved spatial learning and memory and swimming speed in male albino mice but had no effect in female albino mice following hypoxia ischemia encephalopathy (HIE). We concluded that GABAB receptor antagonists CGP 35348 can be used to improve gender based spatial memory.
A Study of the Talent Training Project Management for Semiconductor Industry in Taiwan: The Application of a Hybrid Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Kao Ling-Jing , Chiu Shu-Yu , Ko Hsien-Tang
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the training institution performance and to improve the management of the Manpower Training Project (MTP) administered by the Semiconductor Institute in Taiwan. Much literature assesses the efficiency of an internal training program initiated by a firm, but only little literature studies the efficiency of an external training program led by government. In the study, a hybrid solution of ICA-DEA and ICA-MPI is developed for measuring the efficiency and the productivity growth of each training institution over the period. The technical efficiency change, the technological change, pure technical efficiency change, scale efficiency change, and the total factor productivity change were evaluated according to five inputs and two outputs. According to the results of the study, the training institutions can be classified by their efficiency successfully and the guidelines for the optimal level of input resources can be obtained for each inefficient training institution. The Semiconductor Institute in Taiwan can allocate budget more appropriately and establish withdrawal mechanisms for inefficient training institutions.
Robust Stability Analysis of Fractional‐Order Hopfield Neural Networks with Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Yu Yongguang , Hu Wei
Published: April 2014

The issue of robust stability for fractional‐order Hopfield neural networks with parameter uncertainties is investigated in this paper. For such neural system, its existence, uniqueness, and global Mittag‐Leffler stability of the equilibrium point are analyzed by employing suitable Lyapunov functionals. Based on the fractional‐order Lyapunov direct method, the sufficient conditions are proposed for the robust stability of the studied networks. Moreover, robust synchronization and quasi‐synchronization between the class of neural networks are discussed. Furthermore, some numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of our obtained theoretical results.
Comparison of the Effects of Acarbose and TZQ‐F, a New Kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Diabetes, Chinese Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Yuhong Huang , Wenxu Fu , Yanfen Li , Yu Liu , Ziqiang Li , Liu Yang , Shirong Liu , Jinxia Sun , Na Li , Baohe Wang , Xiumei Gao , Deqin Zhang
Published: April 2014

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. TZQ‐F has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a formula for the treatment of diabetes. Aim of the Study. This study aims to compare the pharmacologic effects and gastrointestinal adverse events between TZQ‐F and acarbose. Methods. The double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled fivefold crossover study was performed in 20 healthy male volunteers. Plasma glucose, plasma IRI, and plasma C‐peptide were measured to assess the pharmacologic effects. Flatus and bowel activity were measured to assess the adverse event of gastrointestinal effect. Results. 3 and 4 tablets of TZQ decreased the Cmax of plasma glucose compared with that of the previous day and with placebo. 3 tablets also decreased Cmax of plasma C‐peptide compared with placebo. 4 tablets increased Cmax of plasma insulin after breakfast and the AUC of plasma C‐peptide after breakfast and dinner. 2 tablets did not decrease plasma glucose and elevated the Cmax and AUC of C‐peptide after breakfast and dinner, respectively. Acarbose 50 mg decreased the Cmax of plasma insulin and C‐peptide after breakfast and the Cmax of plasma glucose and C‐peptide after dinner. The subjects who received TZQ did not report any abdominal adverse events. Conclusions. 3 tablets of TZQ have the same effects as the acarbose.
Knowledge and Perception of Stroke: A Population-Based Survey in Uganda
Authors: Nakibuuka Jane , Sajatovic Martha , Katabira Elly , Ddumba Edward , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne , Furlan Anthony J.
Published: April 2014

Purpose. This study, designed to complement a large population survey on prevalence of stroke risk factors, assessed knowledge and perception of stroke and associated factors. Methods. A population survey was conducted in urban Nansana and rural Busukuma, Wakiso district, central Uganda. Adult participants selected by multistage stratified sampling were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge and perception in a pretested structured questionnaire. Results. There were 1616 participants (71.8% urban; 68.4% female; mean age: 39.6 years ± 15.3). Nearly 3/4 did not know any stroke risk factors and warning signs or recognize the brain as the organ affected. Going to hospital (85.2%) was their most preferred response to a stroke event. Visiting herbalists/traditional healers was preferred by less than 1%. At multivariable logistic regression, good knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors was associated with tertiary level of education (OR 4.29, 95% CI 2.13–8.62 and OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.94–12.06), resp.) and self-reported diabetes (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18–3.32 and OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.04–3.25), resp.). Conclusion. Knowledge about stroke in Uganda is poor although the planned response to a stroke event was adequate. Educational strategies to increase stroke knowledge are urgently needed as a prelude to developing preventive programmes.
Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Composites with a Square Patterned Conducting Polymer Layer for Wideband Characteristics
Authors: Lee Won-Jun , Kim Chun-Gon
Published: April 2014

The applications of electromagnetic- (EM-) wave-absorbers are being expanded for commercial and military purposes. For military applications in particular, EM-wave-absorbers (EMWAs) could minimize Radar Cross Section (RCS) of structures, which could reduce the possibility of detection by radar. In this study, EMWA composite structure containing a square periodic patterned layer is presented. It was found that control of the pattern geometry and surface resistance induced EMWA characteristics which can create multiresonance for wideband absorption in composite structures.
Low Complexity Direction and Doppler Frequency Estimation for Bistatic MIMO Radar in Spatial Colored Noise
Authors: Xu Lingyun , Zhang Guangbin , Zhang Xiaofei , Xu Zongze
Published: April 2014

We investigate the algorithm of direction and Doppler frequency estimation for bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar in spatial colored noise. A novel method of joint estimation of direction and Doppler frequency in spatial colored noise based on propagator method (PM) for bistatic MIMO radar is discussed. Utilizing the cross-correlation matrix which is formed by the adjacent outputs of match filter in the time domain, the special matrix is constructed to eliminate the influence of spatial colored noise. The proposed algorithm provides lower computational complexity and has very close parameters estimation compared to estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) algorithm in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It is applicable even if the transmitted waveforms are not orthogonal. The estimated parameters can be paired automatically and the Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB) is given in spatial colored noise. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Formation and Growth Mechanism of Globular Crystal of ADC12 Aluminum Alloy by Near-Liquidus Squeeze Casting
Authors: Wang Shao-zhu , Ji Ze-sheng , Sugiyama Sumio , Yanagimoto Jun
Published: April 2014

A new method of near-liquidus squeeze casting (NLSC), which obtains globular crystal, has been developed. The research focuses on the formation and growth mechanism of globular crystals of ADC12 alloy by NLSC. Globular crystal transforms into rosette crystal, average grain size (AGS) increases, and average globular coefficient (ASC) decreases with the rise of pouring temperature. But AGS decreases to 17.8 μm directly and ASC increases directly to 0.46 when the pouring temperature is 650°C. NLSC globular crystal of different sizes (AGS is 22.5 μm; ASC is 0.73) distributes uniformly in matrix. Heterogeneous nucleation grows on the solid particles of metal walls and fusing grains. The formation and growth modes of globular crystal include normal grain growth, annexation of small globular crystal, and fracture and spherulization of rosette crystal. NLSC globular crystal critical radius is inversely proportional to degree of supercooling. The pressure has very little influence on critical radius by increase of melting point and thermal conductivity, but it affects critical radius greatly by changing the degree of supercooling. NLSC globular crystal has no enough time to exceed the critical radius.
Light-Emission and Electricity-Generation Properties of Photovoltaic Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Rubrene/DBP Light-Emission and Electron-Donating Layers
Authors: Choi Mun Soo , Lee Ho-Nyeon
Published: April 2014

We report the dependence of the characteristics of photovoltaic organic light-emitting diodes (PVOLEDs) on the composition of the light-emission and electron-donating layer (EL-EDL). 5,6,11,12-Tetraphenylnaphthacene (rubrene): dibenzo{[f,f′]-4,4′,7,7′-tetraphenyl}diindeno[1,2,3-cd:1′,2′,3′-lm]perylene (DBP) was used to form the EL-EDL, and C60was used as an electron-accepting layer (EAL) material. A half-gap junction was formed at the EAL/EL-EDL interface. As the rubrene ratio in the EL-EDL increased, the emission spectra became blue-shifted and the light-emission efficiency increased. The highest emission efficiency was achieved with an EL-EDL composed of 95% rubrene and 5% DBP. The short-circuit current decreased as the rubrene content increased up to 50% and then saturated, while the open-circuit voltage was almost unchanged regardless of the rubrene content. The power-conversion efficiency and fill factor increased as the composition of the EL-EDL approached that of pure materials. By controlling the rubrene : DBP ratio, the emission color could be adjusted. The emission efficiency of devices with mixed rubrene/DBP EL-EDLs could be greater than that of either pure rubrene or pure DBP devices. We obtained an overall power-conversion efficiency of 3% and a fill factor greater than 50%.
Successful Treatment of Genitofemoral Neuralgia Using Ultrasound Guided Injection: A Case Report and Short Review of Literature
Authors: Shanthanna Harsha
Published: April 2014

A young male patient developed chronic, severe, and disabling right sided groin pain following resection of his left testicular cancer. Since there is considerable overlap, ultrasound guided, selective diagnostic nerve blocks were done for ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves, to determine the involved nerve territory. It was revealed that genitofemoral neuralgia was the likely cause. As a therapeutic procedure, it was injected with local anesthetic and steroid using ultrasound guidance. The initial injection led to pain relief of 3 months. Subsequent blocks reinforced the existing analgesia and were sufficient to allow for maintenance with the use of analgesic medications. This case report describes the successful use of diagnostic selective nerve blocks for the assessment of groin pain, subsequent to which an ultrasound guided therapeutic injection of genitofemoral nerve led to long term pain relief. As a therapeutic procedure, genitofemoral nerve block is done in patients with genitofemoral neuralgia. Ultrasound allows for controlled administration and greatly enhances the technical ability to perform precise localization and injection. There are very few case reports of such a treatment in the published literature. Apart from the case report, we also highlight the relevant anatomy and a brief review of genitofemoral neuralgia and its treatment.
In Silico Modeling of the Immune System: Cellular and Molecular Scale Approaches
Authors: Belfiore Mariagrazia , Pennisi Marzio , Aricò Giuseppina , Ronsisvalle Simone , Pappalardo Francesco
Published: April 2014

The revolutions in biotechnology and information technology have produced clinical data, which complement biological data. These data enable detailed descriptions of various healthy and diseased states and responses to therapies. For the investigation of the physiology and pathology of the immune responses, computer and mathematical models have been used in the last decades, enabling the representation of biological processes. In this modeling effort, a major issue is represented by the communication between models that work at cellular and molecular level, that is, multiscale representation. Here we sketch some attempts to model immune system dynamics at both levels.
Existence for Certain Systems of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zheng Zhaowen , Zhang Xiujuan , Shao Jing
Published: April 2014

By establishing a comparison result and using the monotone iterative technique, combining with the method of upper and lower solutions, the existence of solutions for systems of nonlinear fractional differential equations is considered. An example is given to demonstrate the applicability of our results.
Volatile Anaesthetic Depression of the Carotid Body Chemoreflex-Mediated Ventilatory Response to Hypoxia: Directions for Future Research
Authors: Pandit J. J.
Published: April 2014

In assessing whether volatile anaesthetics directly depress the carotid body response to hypoxia it is necessary to combine in meta-analysis studies of when it is “functionally isolated” (e.g., recordings are made from its afferent nerve). Key articles were retrieved (full papers in English) and subjected to quantitative analysis to yield an aggregate estimate of effect. Results from articles that did not use such methodology were assessed separately from this quantitative approach, to see what could be learned also from a nonquantitative overview. Just 7 articles met the inclusion criteria for hypoxia and just 6 articles for hypercapnia. Within these articles, the anaesthetic (mean dose 0.75, standard deviation (SD) 0.40 minimum alveolar concentration, MAC) statistically significantly depressed carotid body hypoxic response by 24% (P=0.041), but a similar dose (mean 0.81 (0.42) MAC) did not affect the hypercapnic response. The articles not included in the quantitative analysis (31 articles), assessed qualitatively, also indicated that anaesthetics depress carotid body function. This conclusion helps direct future research on the anaesthetic effects on putative cellular/molecular processes that underlie the transduction of hypoxia in the carotid body.
Low Intraprostatic DHT Promotes the Infiltration of CD8+ T Cells in BPH TissuesviaModulation of CCL5 Secretion
Authors: Fan Yu , Hu Shuai , Liu Jie , Xiao Fei , Li Xin , Yu Wei , Cui Yun , Sun Mengkui , Lv Tianjing , He Qun , Jin Jie
Published: April 2014

Clinical studies suggested thatandrogen might be associated with infiltrating T cells in prostate of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, but detail of T-cell subset and mechanism still remained unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that intraprostatic 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exerts effects on T cells recruitment by BPH epithelial cells. Prostate tissues from 64 cases of BPH patients after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) were divided into 2 groups: (1) no medication history; (2) administration of 5α-reductase type II inhibitor-finasteride 5 mg daily for at least 6 months before surgery. Group 2 presented significantly higher CD8+ T cells infiltration than group 1, but no changes in CD4+ T cells (immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry).In vitrostudy more CD8+ T cell migrated to the prostate tissue lysates from group 2 and BPH-1 cells in low DHT condition. Transcription of chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 5 (CCL5) mRNA in BPH-1 cells and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) mRNA in CD8+ T cells were upregulated in low DHT condition (q-PCR). CCL5 expression was also identified to be higher in group 2 prostate tissues by IHC. This study suggested that intraprostatic DHT may participate in regulating inflammatory response which was induced by human prostatic epithelial cell, via modulating CCL5 secretion.
Implementing a Collaborative Sepsis Protocol on the Time to Antibiotics in an Emergency Department of a Saudi Hospital: Quasi Randomized Study
Authors: Rehmani Rifat S. , Memon Javed I. , Al-Gammal Ayman
Published: April 2014

Background. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of an ED sepsis protocol on the time to antibiotics for emergency department (ED) patients with severe sepsis.Methods. Quasiexperimental prospective study was conducted at the emergency department. Consecutive patients with severe sepsis were included before and after the implementation of a sepsis protocol. The outcome measures were time from recognition of severe sepsis/septic shock to first antibiotic dose delivery and the appropriateness of initial choice of antibiotics based on the presumed source of infection.Results. There were 47 patients in preintervention group and 112 patients in postintervention group. Before implementation, mean time from severe sepsis recognition to delivery of antibiotics was 140 ± 97 minutes. During the intervention period, the mean time was 68 ± 67 minutes, with an overall reduction of 72 minutes. The protocol resulted in an overall improvement of 37% in the compliance, as 62% received appropriate initial antibiotics for the presumed source of infection as compared to 25% before the start of protocol.Conclusion. Implementation of ED sepsis protocol improved the time from recognition of severe sepsis/septic shock to first antibiotic dose delivery as well as the appropriateness of initial antibiotic therapy.
How Does Calcification Influence Plaque Vulnerability? Insights from Fatigue Analysis
Authors: Wu Baijian , Pei Xuan , Li Zhi-Yong
Published: April 2014

Background.Calcification is commonly believed to be associated with cardiovascular disease burden. But whether or not the calcifications have a negative effect on plaque vulnerability is still under debate.Methods and Results.Fatigue rupture analysis and the fatigue life were used to evaluate the rupture risk. An idealized baseline model containing no calcification was first built. Based on the baseline model, we investigated the influence of calcification on rupture path and fatigue life by adding a circular calcification and changing its location within the fibrous cap area. Results show that 84.0% of calcified cases increase the fatigue life up to 11.4%. For rupture paths 10Dfar from the calcification, the life change is negligible. Calcifications close to lumen increase more fatigue life than those close to the lipid pool. Also, calcifications in the middle area of fibrous cap increase more fatigue life than those in the shoulder area.Conclusion.Calcifications may play a positive role in the plaque stability. The influence of the calcification only exists in a local area. Calcifications close to lumen may be influenced more than those close to lipid pool. And calcifications in the middle area of fibrous cap are seemly influenced more than those in the shoulder area.
Antistray, Learning Smart: Creating Indoor Positioning Learning Environment for Augmenting Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Huang Tien-Chi
Published: April 2014

With the rapid development of augmented reality (AR) technology, the combination of reality and virtual learning material finally came true. This study adopts AR technology to enrich learning environment and students' learning experience at the same time. Furthermore, to passively avoid students being lost while they were learning in a real environment and to actively channel students into ideal learning topic, this study proposes an indoor positioning algorithm which is able to calculate the current position of the learner and further enables learners to find out where he/she is and which learning subjects he/she will learn. The experiment is carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed indoor positioning algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm has a higher accuracy and lower error. Meanwhile, the algorithm is able to eliminate the anomalous RSSI signals, which is the main reason for improving the positioning accuracy. The maximum error is improved by 51.22%. From the application aspect, we elaborate the implications of this study which present the substantial contributions and educational values of the system. We expect that the smart learning can be made via the system establishment in near future.
H∞ Control of Supply Chain Based on Switched Model of Stock Level
Authors: Luo Junzhi , Yang Wanly
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with the problem of H∞ control for a class of discrete supply chain systems. A new method based on network control technique is presented to address this issue. Supply chain systems are modeled as networked systems with stochastic time delay. Sufficient conditions for H∞ controller design are given in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities, based on which the mean‐square asymptotic stability as well as H∞ performance is satisfied for such systems. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás Property for Numerical Radius
Authors: Kim Sun Kwang , Lee Han Ju , Martín Miguel
Published: April 2014

We study the Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás property for numerical radius (in short, BPBp-nu) and find sufficient conditions for Banach spaces to ensure the BPBp-nu. Among other results, we show thatL1μ-spaces have this property for every measureμ. On the other hand, we show that every infinite-dimensional separable Banach space can be renormed to fail the BPBp-nu. In particular, this shows that the Radon-Nikodým property (even reflexivity) is not enough to get BPBp-nu.
On Some Iterative Methods with Memory and High Efficiency Index for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Eftekhari Tahereh
Published: April 2014

Based on iterative methods without memory of eighth-order convergence proposed by Thukral (2012), some iterative methods with memory and high efficiency index are presented. We show that the order of convergence is increased without any additional function evaluations. Numerical comparisons are made to show the performance of the presented methods.
Transoral Robotic Surgery: Step-by-Step Radical Tonsillectomy
Authors: Granell Jose , Mendez-Benegassi Ivan , Millas Teresa , Garrido Laura , Gutierrez-Fonseca Raimundo
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) radical tonsillectomy is an emerging minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of cancer of the tonsil. The detailed surgical technique and claims for its reproducibility have been previously published.Case Presentation. We present a patient with a T2N2bM0 epidermoid carcinoma of the tonsil to illustrate step by step the surgical procedure for TORS radical tonsillectomy. Neck dissection and TORS were staged. No surgical reconstruction of the defect was required. No tracheostomy was necessary. The patient could eat without any feeding tube and was on full oral diet on the fifth postoperative day.Discussion. The transoral approach offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to patients with cancer of the tonsil. The excellent exposure and high precision provided by robotic instrumentation allow the surgeon to closely follow and accomplish the surgical steps, which is the best warranty for safety and effectiveness.
Modeling Markov Switching ARMA-GARCH Neural Networks Models and an Application to Forecasting Stock Returns
Authors: Bildirici Melike , Ersin Özgür
Published: April 2014

The study has two aims. The first aim is to propose a family of nonlinear GARCH models that incorporate fractional integration and asymmetric power properties to MS-GARCH processes. The second purpose of the study is to augment the MS-GARCH type models with artificial neural networks to benefit from the universal approximation properties to achieve improved forecasting accuracy. Therefore, the proposed Markov-switching MS-ARMA-FIGARCH, APGARCH, and FIAPGARCH processes are further augmented with MLP, Recurrent NN, and Hybrid NN type neural networks. The MS-ARMA-GARCH family and MS-ARMA-GARCH-NN family are utilized for modeling the daily stock returns in an emerging market, the Istanbul Stock Index (ISE100). Forecast accuracy is evaluated in terms of MAE, MSE, and RMSE error criteria and Diebold-Mariano equal forecast accuracy tests. The results suggest that the fractionally integrated and asymmetric power counterparts of Gray’s MS-GARCH model provided promising results, while the best results are obtained for their neural network based counterparts. Further, among the models analyzed, the models based on the Hybrid-MLP and Recurrent-NN, the MS-ARMA-FIAPGARCH-HybridMLP, and MS-ARMA-FIAPGARCH-RNN provided the best forecast performances over the baseline single regime GARCH models and further, over the Gray’s MS-GARCH model. Therefore, the models are promising for various economic applications.
Influence of Gestation Delay and Predator’s Interference in Predator-Prey Interaction under Stochastic Environment
Authors: Jana Debaldev
Published: April 2014

Previous experimental and theoretical studies suggest that predator’s interference in predator-prey relationship provides better descriptions of predator’s feeding over a range of predator-prey abundances. Also biological delays and environmental stochasticity play an important role to describe the system and its values. In this present study, I consider a Gaussian white-noise induced stochastic predator-prey model with the Beddington-DeAngelis functional response and gestation delay. Stochastic stability is measured by second order moment terms by calculating the nonequilibrium fluctuation of the nondelayed system and Fourier transform technique depicts the fluctuation of stochastic stability by introducing time lag. Different dynamical behaviors for both situations have been illustrated numerically also. The biological implications of my analytical and numerical findings are discussed critically.
Intelligent Optimized Combined Model Based on GARCH and SVM for Forecasting Electricity Price of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Yang Yi , Dong Yao , Chen Yanhua , Li Caihong
Published: April 2014

Daily electricity price forecasting plays an essential role in electrical power system operation and planning. The accuracy of forecasting electricity price can ensure that consumers minimize their electricity costs and make producers maximize their profits and avoid volatility. However, the fluctuation of electricity price depends on other commodities and there is a very complicated randomization in its evolution process. Therefore, in recent years, although large number of forecasting methods have been proposed and researched in this domain, it is very difficult to forecast electricity price with only one traditional model for different behaviors of electricity price. In this paper, we propose an optimized combined forecasting model by ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO) based on the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model and support vector machine (SVM) to improve the forecasting accuracy. First, both GARCH model and SVM are developed to forecast short-term electricity price of New South Wales in Australia. Then, ACO algorithm is applied to determine the weight coefficients. Finally, the forecasting errors by three models are analyzed and compared. The experiment results demonstrate that the combined model makes accuracy higher than the single models.
Research and Application on a Novel Clustering Algorithm of Quantum Optimization in Server Load Balancing
Authors: Yumin Dong , Shufen Xiao , Fanghua Jia , Jinhai Li
Published: April 2014

A quantum optimization scheme in network cluster server task scheduling is proposed. We explore and research the distribution theory of energy field in quantum mechanics; specially, we apply it to data clustering. We compare the quantum optimization method with genetic algorithm (GA), ant colony optimization (ACO), simulated annealing algorithm (SAA). At the same time, we prove its validity and rationality by analog simulation and experiment.