bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing On-Shore Wind Generated Electricity in Germany's Transmission Grid
Authors: Singh A. , Willi D. , Chokani N. , Abhari R. S.
Published: August 2014

An increase in the penetration of renewables generated electricity has technical and economic impacts on power transmission systems because of the renewables' variable characteristics. However, due to concerns of energy security, operational information of power infrastructure is scarce, making it challenging for policy-makers and independent power producers to assess these systems for the development of new energy projects. This paper presents an analysis of Germany's power generation and transmission infrastructure using integrated, geographically indexed production, demand. and grid models. The paper assesses the impact of growth of renewables on Germany's grid in a scenario of slow growth of grid infrastructure to show that the length of transmission lines needing reinforcement increases from 650 km in 2011 to 1090 km in 2020, if Germany's transmission grid is to keep pace with the increased penetration of renewable energy. Mesoscale model simulations of the weather are used in the year 2020 scenario to assess the economic development of the competing renewables—wind and solar—in relation to the available grid capacity. It is shown that if the grid development lags the development of then targeted 35% renewables portfolio, then 6.5% of generated power by wind and solar energy will face risk of curtailment.
Analysis Versus Synthesis for Trending of Gas-Path Measurement Time Series
Authors: Borguet S. , Léonard O. , Dewallef P.
Published: August 2014

Gas-path measurements used to assess the health condition of an engine are corrupted by noise. Generally, a data cleaning step occurs before proceeding with fault detection and isolation. Classical linear filters such as the EWMA filter are traditionally used for noise removal. Unfortunately, these low-pass filters distort trend shifts indicative of faults, which increases the detection delay. The present paper investigates two new approaches to nonlinear filtering of time series. On the one hand, the synthesis approach reconstructs the signal as a combination of elementary signals chosen from a predefined library. On the other hand, the analysis approach imposes a constraint on the shape of the signal (e.g., piecewise constant). Both approaches incorporate prior information about the signal in a different way, but they lead to trend filters that are very capable at noise removal while preserving at the same time sharp edges in the signal. This is highlighted through the comparison with a classical linear filter on a batch of synthetic data representative of typical engine fault profiles.
Comparative Analysis of Chemical Kinetic Models Using the Alternate Species Elimination Approach
Authors: Peters Nathan D. , Akih-Kumgeh Ben , Bergthorson Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2014

A major thrust in combustion research is the development of chemical kinetic models for computational analysis of various combustion processes. Significant deviations can be seen when comparing predictions of these models against experimentally determined combustion properties over a wide range of operating conditions and mixture strengths. However, these deviations vary from one model to another. It would be insightful in such circumstances to elucidate the species and subchemistry models which lead to the varying prediction ability in various models. In this work, we apply the alternate species elimination (ASE) method to selected mechanisms in order to analyze their predictive ability with respect to propane and syngas combustion. ASE is applied to a homogeneous reactor undergoing ignition. The ranked species of each model are compared based on their normalized changes. We further provide skeletal versions of the various models for propane and syngas combustion analysis. It is observed that this approach provides an easy way to determine the chemical species which are central to the predictive performance of a model in their order of importance. It also provides a direct way to compare the relative importance of chemical species in the models under consideration. Further development and in-depth analysis could provide more information and guidance for model improvement.
Photoluminescence behavior of plasma synthesized Si nanocrystals oxidized at low temperature in pure O2 and H2O
Authors: Weeks Stephen L. , Chaukulkar Rohan P. , Stradins Paul , Agarwal Sumit
Published: August 2014

Low temperature oxidation of plasma-synthesized H-terminated Si nanocrystals (NCs) with O2 and H2O was studied using in situ surface infrared and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Surface SiOH groups were generated only during exposure the Si NCs to H2O, and not O2. The emergence of these surface SiOH groups was accompanied with the appearance of room-temperature PL at ∼1.65 eV. This emission band decreased in intensity, and ultimately disappeared, as these surface SiOH groups were desorbed. Regeneration of surface SiOH through a second H2O-exposure step led to the reemergence of PL at ∼1.65 eV, suggesting these surface species play a key role in the PL mechanism from Si NCs.
Smoothing single-crystalline SiC surfaces by reactive ion etching using pure NF3 and NF3/Ar mixture gas plasmas
Authors: Tasaka Akimasa , Kotaka Yuki , Oda Atsushi , Saito Morihiro , Tojo Tetsuro , Inaba Minoru
Published: August 2014

In pure NF3 plasma, the etching rates of four kinds of single-crystalline SiC wafer etched at NF3 pressure of 2 Pa were the highest and it decreased with an increase in NF3 pressure. On the other hand, they increased with an increase in radio frequency (RF) power and were the highest at RF power of 200 W. A smooth surface was obtained on the single-crystalline 4H-SiC after reactive ion etching at NF3/Ar gas pressure of 2 Pa and addition of Ar to NF3 plasma increased the smoothness of SiC surface. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that the number of pillars decreased with an increase in the Ar-concentration in the NF3/Ar mixture gas. The roughness factor (Ra) values were decreased from 51.5 nm to 25.5 nm for the As-cut SiC, from 0.25 nm to 0.20 nm for the Epi-SiC, from 5.0 nm to 0.7 nm for the Si-face mirror-polished SiC, and from 0.20 nm to 0.16 nm for the C-face mirror-polished SiC by adding 60% Ar to the NF3 gas. Both the Ra values of the Epi- and the C-face mirror-polished wafer surfaces etched using the NF3/Ar (40:60) plasma were similar to that treated with mirror polishing, so-called the Catalyst-Referred Etching (CARE) method, with which the lowest roughness of surface was obtained among the chemical mirror polishing methods. Etching duration for smoothing the single-crystalline SiC surface using its treatment was one third of that with the CARE method.
Active MR‐temperature feedback control of dynamic interstitial ultrasound therapy in brain: In vivo experiments and modeling in native and coagulated tissues
Authors: N’Djin W. A. , Burtnyk M. , Lipsman N. , Bronskill M. , Kucharczyk W. , Schwartz M. L. , Chopra R.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

The recent clinical emergence of minimally invasive image‐guided therapy has demonstrated promise in the management of brain metastasis, although control over the spatial pattern of heating currently remains limited. Based on experience in other organs, the delivery of high‐intensity contact ultrasound energy from minimally invasive applicators can enable accurate spatial control of energy deposition, large treatment volumes, and high treatment rate. In this acute study, the feasibility of active MR‐Temperature feedback control of dynamic ultrasound heat deposition for interstitial thermal ablation in brain was evaluatedin vivo.

Methods:

A four‐element linear ultrasound transducer (f = 8.2 MHz) originally developed for transurethral ultrasound therapy was used in a porcine model for generating thermal ablations in brain interstitially. First, the feasibility of treating and retreating preciselyin vivo brain tissues using stationary (non‐rotating device) ultrasound exposures was studied in two pigs. Experimental results were compared to numerical simulations for maximum surface acoustic intensities ranging from 5 to 20 W cm−2. Second, active MRT feedback‐controlled ultrasound treatments were performed in three pigs with a rotating device to coagulate target volumes of various shapes. The acoustic power and rotation rate of the device were adjusted in real‐time based on MR‐thermometry feedback control to optimize heat deposition at the target boundary. Modeling of in vivo treatments were performed and compared to observed experimental results.

Results:

Overall, the time‐space evolution of the temperature profiles observedin vivo could be well estimated from numerical simulations for both stationary and dynamic interstitial ultrasound exposures. Dynamic exposures performed under closed‐loop temperature control enabled accurate elevation of the brain tissues within the targeted region above the 55 °C threshold necessary for the creation of irreversible thermal damage. Treatment volumes ranging from 1 to 9 cm3 were completed within 8 ± 3 min with a radial targeting error <2 mm on average (treatment rate: 0.7 ± 0.5 cm3/min). Tissue changes were visible on T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced (T1w‐CE) images immediately after treatment. These changes were also evident on T2‐weighted (T2w) images acquired 2 h after the 1st treatment and correlated well with the MR‐thermometry measurements.

Conclusions:

These results support the feasibility of active MRT feedback control of dynamic interstitial ultrasound therapy ofin vivo brain tissues and confirm the feasibility of using simulations to predict spatial heating patterns in the brain.
College and Professional Women’s Basketball Players’ Lower Extremity Injuries: A Survey of Career Incidence
Authors: Gordon Abby I. , DiStefano Lindsay J. , Denegar Craig R. , Ragle Rosemary B. , Norman Jeremy R.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Lower extremity injuries in women’s basketball players are generally presented as seasonal team incidence. Available data were reported by team athletic trainers to overseeing bodies yielding estimates of injury rates as a percentage of all injuries sustained. By summarizing career incidence of women’s basketball players’ injuries, a new perspective indicating potential risk of injury can be considered.

Objectives:

To summarize the career incidence of lower extremity injuries in intercollegiate and professional women’s basketball players, examine the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on professional basketball players’ career longevity, and explore the relationship between ankle sprains and knee injuries in this population.

Design:

Survey.

Participants:

246 elite-level women’s basketball players.

Outcome Measures:

Career incidence of lower extremity injury, professional career length, relationship between history of ankle sprain and ACL injury frequency calculations, and chi-square statistics. Results: Seventy-four of 85 (87.06%) professional Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and 172/179 (96.09%) available collegiate Big East Conference (BEC) women’s basketball players completed the survey. Ankle sprains were the most frequently reported injury with 170/246 (69.11%) participants indicating at least one during their career. Patellar tendinopathy (28.46%), meniscal injury (22.76%), and ACL tear (21.54%) were also common. Professional career length in participants with an ACL reconstruction averaged 6.11 ± 3.20 seasons, more than the 5.70 ± 4.17 seasons reported by those without an ACL injury. Professional participants who did not report an ankle sprain were more likely to report an ACL tear (χ2 = 10.96; p = .000932).

Conclusion:

Summarizing career incidence provides a new perspective of women’s basketball players’ injuries. Ankle sprains and knee injuries were commonly reported, both more frequently than by traditional research methods. These data may assist in developing injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies for injured athletes.
Prospective Associations Between Physical Activity Level and Body Composition in Adolescence: 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort
Authors: Reichert Felipe Fossati , Wells Jonathan Charles Kingdom , Ekelund Ulf , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , Victora Cesar Gomes , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Physical activity may influence both fat and lean body mass. This study investigated the association between physical activity in children between the ages of 11 and 13 years and both fat and lean mass.

Methods:

A subsample of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort was visited in 2004–2005 and 2006–2007. Physical activity was estimated through standardized questionnaires. Body composition (ie, fat and lean mass) was measured using deuterium dilution. Those with moderate-to-vigorous activity greater than 420 min/wk were classified as active, and physical activity trajectory was defined as being above or below the cutoff at each visit.

Results:

Four hundred eighty-eight adolescents (51.8% boys) were evaluated. The mean difference in fat mass in boys and girls who reported ≥ 420 min/wk of physical activity in both visits compared with those who were consistently inactive was –4.8 kg (P ≤ .001). There was an inverse association between physical activity and fat mass among boys in both crude and confounder-adjusted analyses, whereas for girls, the association was evident only in the crude analysis. There was no significant association between physical activity and lean mass.

Conclusion:

Physical activity may contribute to tackling the growing epidemic of adolescent obesity in low- and middle-income countries.
Characteristics of Walking Group Leaders as Compared with Walking Group Members in a Community-Based Study
Authors: Wilcox Sara , Forthofer Melinda , Sharpe Patricia A. , Hutto Brent
Published: August 2014

Background:

Walking interventions delivered by lay leaders have been shown to be effective. Knowing the characteristics of individuals who volunteer to be group leaders in walking programs could facilitate more efficient and effective recruitment and training.

Methods:

Walking group leaders were recruited into a community-based program and formed walking groups from existing social networks. Leaders and members completed a survey, participated in physical measurements, and wore an accelerometer. Regression models (adjusting for group clustering and covariates) tested psychosocial and behavioral differences between leaders and members.

Results:

The sample included 296 adults (86% women, 66% African American). Leaders (n = 60) were similar to members (n = 236) with respect to most sociodemographic and health characteristics, but were significantly older and more likely to report arthritis and high cholesterol (P-values < .05). Although leaders and members were similar in sedentary behavior and physical activity, leaders reported higher levels of exercise self-regulation, self-efficacy, and social support (P-values < .01). Leaders also reported greater use of outdoor trails (P = .005) and other outdoor recreation areas (P = .003) for physical activity than members.

Conclusion:

Although walking group leaders were no more active than members, leaders did display psychosocial characteristics and behaviors consistent with a greater readiness for change.
Aging-induced type I interferon response at the choroid plexus negatively affects brain function
Authors: Baruch Kuti , Deczkowska Aleksandra , David Eyal , Castellano Joseph M. , Miller Omer , Kertser Alexander , Berkutzki Tamara , Barnett-Itzhaki Zohar , Bezalel Dana , Wyss-Coray Tony , Amit Ido , Schwartz Michal
Published: August 2014

Excess signaling is bad for the aging brain

Preventing antiviral-like responses may protect function in the aging brain. Baruch
et al.
monitored messenger RNA production in the choroid plexus, the interface between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, in young and old mice (see the Perspective by Ransohoff). They detected an inflammatory response in older mice not present in the brain of young mice that was also seen in old aged human samples postmortem. Preventing signaling by the cytokine interferon-I, which normally helps in the antiviral response of the immune system, helped prevent the decrease in cognitive function seen in aged mice.

Science
, this issue p.
89
; see also p.
36
Spectroscopic observation of SU(
N
)-symmetric interactions in Sr orbital magnetism
Authors: Zhang X. , Bishof M. , Bromley S. L. , Kraus C. V. , Safronova M. S. , Zoller P. , Rey A. M. , Ye J.
Published: August 2014

Studying magnetism with cold atoms

Physicists have used cold atomic gases to simulate quantum phenomena that we normally associate with much more complex systems, such as solid-state materials. Because the properties of these gases are so tunable, it is also possible to create conditions that otherwise do not exist in nature. Zhang
et al.
studied an exotic type of magnetism in an array of pancake-shaped atomic clouds of
87
Sr. They prepared the atoms' nuclei in different combinations of 10 quantum states. They then shone pulses of light at the atoms to deduce the properties of the atoms' interactions. The interactions were independent of the atoms' nuclear states—a hallmark of an unusual symmetry that theorists predict may lead to interesting collective effects.

Science
, this issue p.
1467
Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus opacus Strain R7, a Biodegrader of Mono- and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Di Gennaro P. , Zampolli J. , Presti I. , Cappelletti M. , D'Ursi P. , Orro A. , Mezzelani A. , Milanesi L.
Published: August 2014

Rhodococcus opacus
strain R7 (CIP107348) degrades several mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we present the high-quality draft genome sequence of strain R7, consisting of 10,118,052 bp, with a G+C content of 67.0%, 9,602 protein-coding genes, and 62 RNAs genes.
Availability and quality of mobile health app privacy policies
Authors: Sunyaev Ali , Dehling Tobias , Taylor Patrick L , Mandl Kenneth D
Published: August 2014

Mobile health (mHealth) customers shopping for applications (apps) should be aware of app privacy practices so they can make informed decisions about purchase and use. We sought to assess the availability, scope, and transparency of mHealth app privacy policies on iOS and Android. Over 35 000 mHealth apps are available for iOS and Android. Of the 600 most commonly used apps, only 183 (30.5%) had privacy policies. Average policy length was 1755 (SD 1301) words with a reading grade level of 16 (SD 2.9). Two thirds (66.1%) of privacy policies did not specifically address the app itself. Our findings show that currently mHealth developers often fail to provide app privacy policies. The privacy policies that are available do not make information privacy practices transparent to users, require college-level literacy, and are often not focused on the app itself. Further research is warranted to address why privacy policies are often absent, opaque, or irrelevant, and to find a remedy.
Midface fracture in an unoperated adult patient with cleft palate
Authors: Pathak Sanyog , Baliga Shridhar , Kotrashetti Sharadaindu Mahadevappa , Pillai Ajay
Published: August 2014

In western countries, it is hard to find an unoperated cleft palate due to better healthcare services and awareness. Here, we present an unoperated adult case of cleft palate that had midfacial fractures following a road traffic accident. The patient's cleft lip was repaired when he was 2 years old but the palate was not operated because of poor follow-up. We would like to share the difficulties encountered in diagnosis and treatment planning for this rare kind of trauma case. After routine investigations, a palatal acrylic splint was constructed for fixation and an acceptable degree of function and aesthetics was achieved postoperatively.
Long-term mortality after community-acquired pneumonia—impacts of diabetes and newly discovered hyperglycaemia: a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Koskela Heikki O , Salonen Päivi H , Romppanen Jarkko , Niskanen Leo
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Community-acquired pneumonia is associated with a significant long-term mortality after initial recovery. It has been acknowledged that additional research is urgently needed to examine the contributors to this long-term mortality. The objective of the present study was to assess whether diabetes or newly discovered hyperglycaemia during pneumonia affects long-term mortality.

Design

A prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

A single secondary centre in eastern Finland.

Participants

153 consecutive hospitalised patients who survived at least 30 days after mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia.

Interventions

Plasma glucose levels were recorded seven times during the first day on the ward. Several possible confounders were also recorded. The surveillance status and causes of death were recorded after median of 5 years and 11 months.

Results

In multivariate Cox regression analysis, a previous diagnosis of diabetes among the whole population (adjusted HR 2.84 (1.35–5.99)) and new postprandial hyperglycaemia among the non-diabetic population (adjusted HR 2.56 (1.04–6.32)) showed independent associations with late mortality. New fasting hyperglycaemia was not an independent predictor. The mortality rates at the end of follow-up were 54%, 37% and 10% among patients with diabetes, patients without diabetes with new postprandial hyperglycaemia and patients without diabetes without postprandial hyperglycaemia, respectively (p<0.001). The underlying causes of death roughly mirrored those in the Finnish general population with a slight excess in mortality due to chronic respiratory diseases. Pneumonia was the immediate cause of death in just 8% of all late deaths.

Conclusions

A previous diagnosis of diabetes and newly discovered postprandial hyperglycaemia increase the risk of death for several years after community-acquired pneumonia. As the knowledge about patient subgroups with an increased late mortality risk is gradually gathering, more studies are needed to evaluate the possible postpneumonia interventions to reduce late mortality.
First-generation versus second-generation drug-eluting stents in current clinical practice: updated evidence from a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials comprising 31 379 patients
Authors: Navarese Eliano Pio , Kowalewski Mariusz , Kandzari David , Lansky Alexandra , Górny Bartosz , Kołtowski Łukasz , Waksman Ron , Berti Sergio , Musumeci Giuseppe , Limbruno Ugo , van der Schaaf Rene J , Kelm Malte , Kubica Jacek , Suryapranata Harry
Published: August 2014

Background

First-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have become the most widely used devices worldwide for management of coronary artery disease. As remote follow-up data were becoming available, concerns emerged in regard to their long-term safety. Second-generation DES were designed to overcome safety issues, but the results of randomised clinical trials remain conflicting.

Methods

We compared the safety and efficacy of first-generation versus second-generation Food and Drug Administration approved DES; the following devices were included: first-generation sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES); second-generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES), zotarolimus-eluting stent Endeavor and ZES-Resolute (ZES-R). Prespecified safety end points comprised ≤1 and >1 year: overall and cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), definite/definite or probable ST; efficacy end points were target lesion revascularisation and target vessel revascularisation. Composite end points were analysed as well.

Results

33 randomised controlled trials involving 31 379 patients with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome undergoing DES implantation were retrieved. No differences in mortality among devices were found. In the overall class comparison, second-generation DES were associated with a 22% reduction of odds of MI at short-term OR 0.77 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.89) p=0.0002; EES reduced the odds of definite-probable ST compared with PES: OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.73) p=0.006; First-generation SES along with second-generation EES and ZES-R showed similar efficacy in decreasing the odds of repeat revascularisation.

Conclusions

Second-generation EES and ZES-R offer similar levels of efficacy compared with first-generation SES, but are more effective than PES; however, only second-generation EES significantly reduced the incidence of MI and ST, and therefore should be perceived as the safest DES to date.
Color transparency and saturation in QCD
Authors: Schildknecht Dieter
Published: August 2014

We review the theoretical interpretation of deep-inelastic electron–proton scattering at low values of the Bjorken variable x ≃Q2/W2 ≲ 0.1. The process proceeds via the interaction of quark–antiquark [Formula: see text] color-dipole fluctuations of the (virtual) photon with the proton. In terms of the forward Compton scattering amplitude, two reaction channels contribute to the interaction of the [Formula: see text] color dipole with the gluon field in the proton. Dependent on the kinematics, there is either color transparency, corresponding to a cancellation of the amplitudes for the two reaction channels, or saturation, occurring when the process is dominated by a single interaction channel. The connection between the color-dipole picture and the pQCD improved parton model is elaborated upon.
Cosmological dynamics and dark energy from nonlocal infrared modifications of gravity
Authors: Foffa Stefano , Maggiore Michele , Mitsou Ermis
Published: August 2014

We study the cosmological dynamics of a recently proposed infrared modification of the Einstein equations, based on the introduction of a nonlocal term constructed with m2gμν□-1R, where m is a mass parameter. The theory generates automatically a dynamical dark energy component, that can reproduce the observed value of the dark energy density without introducing a cosmological constant. Fixing m so to reproduce the observed value Ω DE ≃0.68, and writing w DE (a) = w0+(1-a)wa, the model provides a neat prediction for the equation of state parameters of dark energy, w0≃-1.042 and wa≃-0.020, and more generally provides a pure prediction for w DE as a function of redshift. We show that, because of some freedom in the definition of □-1, one can extend the construction so to define a more general family of nonlocal models. However, in a first approximation this turns out to be equivalent to adding an explicit cosmological constant term on top of the dynamical dark energy component. This leads to an extended model with two parameters, ΩΛ and m. Even in this extension the EOS parameter w0 is always on the phantom side, in the range -1.33 ≲w0≤-1, and there is a prediction for the relation between w0 and wa.
Green's function theory for the Cheng–Schick model of 3He–4He mixtures
Authors: Siemann R. P. , Boukahil A. , Huber D. L.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we outline a theory for the thermodynamic properties of 3 He –4 He mixtures in the neighborhood of the critical line and the tricritical point (TCP). The theory utilizes the Cheng–Schick (CS) lattice gas model where both the 3 He and 4 He atoms are treated as quantum particles on a lattice. The analysis is based on Green's function approach. Results are presented for the ordering susceptibility and the thermal averages of the occupation numbers of 3 He and 4 He atoms. We derive a self-consistent equation for the ordering susceptibility and use it to calculate the critical line and locate the TCP. Our findings are compared with the predictions obtained from high temperature series expansions, mean field theory and the random phase approximation (RPA).
A PREDATOR–PREY INTERACTION MODEL WITH SELF- AND CROSS-DIFFUSION IN AQUATIC SYSTEMS
Authors: UPADHYAY RANJIT KUMAR , PATRA ATASI , DUBEY B. , THAKUR N. K.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, the complex dynamics of a spatial aquatic system in the presence of self- and cross-diffusion are investigated. Criteria for local stability, instability and global stability are obtained. The effect of critical wavelength which can drive a system to instability is investigated. We noticed that cross-diffusion coefficient can be quite significant, even for small values of off-diagonal terms in the diffusion matrix. With the help of numerical simulation, we observed the Turing patterns (spots, strips, spot-strips mixture), regular spiral patterns and irregular patchy structures. The beauty and complexity of the Turing patterns are attributed to a large variety of symmetry properties realized by different values of predator's immunity, rate of fish predation and half saturation constant of predator population.
ANALYSIS OF A CHLAMYDIA EPIDEMIC MODEL
Authors: SHARMA SWARNALI , SAMANTA G. P.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we have developed a five-compartmental epidemic model with Chlamydia infection. We have divided the total population into five classes, namely susceptible, exposed, infective in asymptomatic phase, infective in symptomatic phase and recovered class. The basic reproduction number (R0) is calculated using the next-generation matrix method. The stability analysis of the model shows that the system is locally asymptotically stable at the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) E0when R0< 1. When R0> 1, an endemic equilibrium E1exists and the system becomes locally asymptotically stable at E1under some conditions. We have also discussed the Chlamydia epidemic model with two treatment controls. An objective functional is considered which is based on a combination of minimizing the number of exposed and infective individuals and the cost of treatment. Then an optimal control pair is obtained which minimizes the objective functional. Our numerical findings are illustrated through computer simulations using MATLAB, which show the reliability of our model from the practical point of view. Epidemiological implications of our analytical findings are addressed critically.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AND DIFFERENT STENT SPACING ON DRUG DEPOSITION
Authors: RUIQI DONG , WENTAO JIANG , FEI YAN , TINGHUI ZHENG , YUBO FAN
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To investigate the influence of atherosclerotic plaque and different drug-eluting stent (DES) spacing on drug deposition in the curved artery wall. Methods: Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the numerical investigation on distributions of drug concentration in the artery wall was carried out considering three different interstrut distances and five values of the plaque diffusion coefficients. The results were compared with those of the model without plaque. Results: Under the same stent spacing, drug deposition weakly increased with the increasing plaque diffusion coefficient. When the same diffusion coefficient value was taken, drug deposition presented steady growth with the expansion of stent spacing. When the stent spacing was of 1-strut length or the diffusion coefficient of plaque was much smaller than the diffusion coefficient of tissue (an order of magnitude or more), the drug deposition would be evidently reduced. Conclusions: In a curved artery, the stent spacing is still an important factor in drug deposition. The diffusion coefficients of plaque have little influence on the average drug concentration, but they show a relatively obvious effect on drug distributions.
A COMPOSITE TIME INTEGRATION SCHEME FOR DYNAMIC ADHESION AND ITS APPLICATION TO GECKO SPATULA PEELING
Authors: GAUTAM SACHIN S. , SAUER ROGER A.
Published: August 2014

Simulation of dynamic adhesive peeling problems at small scales has attracted little attention so far. These problems are characterized by a highly nonlinear response. Accurate and stable time integration schemes are required for simulation of dynamic peeling problems. In the present work, a composite time integration scheme is proposed for the simulation of dynamic adhesive peeling problems. It is shown through numerical examples that the proposed scheme remains stable and also has some gain in accuracy. The performance of the scheme is compared with two collocation-based schemes, i.e., Newmark scheme and Bathe composite scheme. It is shown that the proposed scheme and Bathe composite scheme perform equally. However, the proposed scheme adds very little to the computational cost of Newmark scheme. Through a numerical simulation of the peeling of a gecko spatula from a rigid substrate it is shown that the proposed scheme and the Bathe composite scheme are able to simulate the complete peeling process for given time step whereas the Newmark scheme diverges. It is also shown that the maximum pull-off force is within the range reported in the literature.
The Fermi derivative in the hypersurfaces
Authors: Karakuş Fatma , Yayli Yusuf
Published: August 2014

In this study, Fermi derivative and according to the derivative Fermi parallelism and non-rotating frame concepts are given on any hypersurface in En+1. Initially, Fermi derivative and non-rotating concepts are analyzed on any hypersurface in E4. As an example, S3 is taken instead of the hypersurface in E4. Fermi derivative and non-rotating concepts are examined for S3. Then a correlation is found between Fermi derivative and Levi-Civita derivative of any vector field in E4. And then the concepts of Fermi derivative are generalized for n > 4 in En+1.
A Fuzzy Mathematical Model Determining the Risk for Carotid Intima-Medial Thickness in Recently Menopausal Women Enrolled in the KEEPS Study
Authors: Shepherd Alex , Miller Virginia M. , Hunter Larry W. , Jayachandran Muthuvel , Malik D. S. , Mordeson John N.
Published: August 2014

Carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT) allows for early detection of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease. Using fuzzy logic techniques, we propose a model for calculating the risk for predicting CIMT using expert opinion and various factors associated with CIMT in recently menopausal women. Study participants were enrolled in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), a four year study where participants were assigned to either oral or transdermal hormone therapy or to the placebo group. The fuzzy mathematical model uses five fuzzy logic methods to calculate this risk factor for CIMT, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, Guiasu method, Yen method, Dempster–Shafer (DS) method, and the set valued statistical method (SVSM). The four methods, AHP, Guiasu, Yen, DS, and SVSM, were correlated to each other according to the Pearson ranking method. In addition, results showed that the estrogen treatment groups showed a statically significant decrease in calculated CIMT risk compared to placebo when all the methods were combined together (p = 0.0017). Our fuzzy mathematical model provides the first fuzzy mathematical model to predict the risk of CIMT in recently menopausal women and menopausal hormone therapy may be beneficial in reducing this risk.
Multi-Object Tracking and Occlusion Reasoning Based on Adaptive Weighing Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Cheng Heng-Da
Published: August 2014

Multi-object tracking has significant merit to our society. However, interactions among objects result in complex spatial occlusions, which gives rise to a challenging problem in tracking. We propose an adaptive weighing particle filter (AWPT) for tracking multiple objects and reasoning the occlusions among them. A weighing-occlusion modeling-weighing procedure is developed to adaptively weigh the particles. Moreover, we propose a stack occlusion model and define the operations on it to maintain the occlusion relationship. The experiments exhibit that the proposed method can effectively track fully occluded objects and reason about the occlusion relationships among them.
Optimality in robot motion
Authors: Laumond Jean-Paul , Mansard Nicolas , Lasserre Jean-Bernard
Published: August 2014

Exploring the distinction between an optimal robot motion and a robot motion resulting from the application of optimization techniques.
Online deception in social media
Authors: Tsikerdekis Michail , Zeadally Sherali
Published: August 2014

The unknown and the invisible exploit the unwary and the uninformed for illicit financial gain and reputation damage.
Weathering a new era of big data
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: August 2014

Increased computing power combined with new and more advanced models are changing weather forecasting.
The new digital medicine
Authors: Mone Gregory
Published: August 2014

Affordable, connected, personal medical devices are slowly changing the nature of health care.
Privacy, anonymity, and big data in the social sciences
Authors: Daries Jon P. , Reich Justin , Waldo Jim , Young Elise M. , Whittinghill Jonathan , Ho Andrew Dean , Seaton Daniel Thomas , Chuang Isaac
Published: August 2014

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Environmental Ethics
Authors: Palmer Clare , McShane Katie , Sandler Ronald
Published: August 2014

Environmental ethics—the study of ethical questions raised by human relations with the nonhuman environment—emerged as an important subfield of philosophy during the 1970s. It is now a flourishing area of research. This article provides a review of the secular, Western traditions in the field. It examines both anthropocentric and nonanthropocentric claims about what has value, as well as divergent views about whether environmental ethics should be concerned with bringing about best consequences, respecting principles and rights, or embodying environmental virtues. The article also briefly considers two critical traditions—ecofeminism and environmental pragmatism—and explores some of the difficult environmental ethics questions posed by anthropogenic climate change.
Innervation of enteric mast cells by primary spinal afferents in guinea pig and human small intestine
Authors: Wang Guo-Du , Wang Xi-Yu , Liu Sumei , Qu Meihua , Xia Yun , Needleman Bradley J. , Mikami Dean J. , Wood Jackie D.
Published: August 2014

Mast cells express the substance P (SP) neurokinin 1 receptor and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor in guinea pig and human small intestine. Enzyme-linked immunoassay showed that activation of intramural afferents by antidromic electrical stimulation or by capsaicin released SP and CGRP from human and guinea pig intestinal segments. Electrical stimulation of the afferents evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the enteric nervous system. The slow EPSPs were mediated by tachykinin neurokinin 1 and CGRP receptors. Capsaicin evoked slow EPSP-like responses that were suppressed by antagonists for protease-activated receptor 2. Afferent stimulation evoked slow EPSP-like excitation that was suppressed by mast cell-stabilizing drugs. Histamine and mast cell protease II were released by 1) exposure to SP or CGRP, 2) capsaicin, 3) compound 48/80, 4) elevation of mast cell Ca2+by ionophore A23187, and 5) antidromic electrical stimulation of afferents. The mast cell stabilizers cromolyn and doxantrazole suppressed release of protease II and histamine when evoked by SP, CGRP, capsaicin, A23187, electrical stimulation of afferents, or compound 48/80. Neural blockade by tetrodotoxin prevented mast cell protease II release in response to antidromic electrical stimulation of mesenteric afferents. The results support a hypothesis that afferent innervation of enteric mast cells releases histamine and mast cell protease II, both of which are known to act in a diffuse paracrine manner to influence the behavior of enteric nervous system neurons and to elevate the sensitivity of spinal afferent terminals.
Oxytocin regulates gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, macromolecular permeability, and mucosal maintenance in mice
Authors: Welch Martha G. , Margolis Kara G. , Li Zhishan , Gershon Michael D.
Published: August 2014

Enteric neurons express oxytocin (OT); moreover, enteric neurons and enterocytes express developmentally regulated OT receptors (OTRs). Although OT (with secretin) opposes intestinal inflammation, physiological roles played by enteric OT/OTR signaling have not previously been determined. We tested hypotheses that OT/OTR signaling contributes to enteric nervous system (ENS)-related gastrointestinal (GI) physiology. GI functions and OT effects were compared in OTR-knockout (OTRKO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Stool mass and water content were greater in OTRKO mice than in WT. GI transit time in OTRKO animals was faster than in WT; OT inhibited in vitro generation of ENS-dependent colonic migrating motor complexes in WT but not in OTRKO mice. Myenteric neurons were hyperplastic in OTRKO animals, and mucosal exposure to cholera toxin (CTX) in vitro activated Fos in more myenteric neurons in OTRKO than WT than in WT mice; OT inhibited the CTX response in WT but not in OTRKO mice. Villi and crypts were shorter in OTRKO than in WT mice, and transit-amplifying cell proliferation in OTRKO crypts was deficient. Macromolecular intestinal permeability in OTRKO was greater than WT mice, and experimental colitis was more severe in OTRKO mice; moreover, OT protected WT animals from colitis. Observations suggest that OT/OTR signaling acts as a brake on intestinal motility, decreases mucosal activation of enteric neurons, and promotes enteric neuronal development and/or survival. It also regulates proliferation of crypt cells and mucosal permeability; moreover OT/OTR signaling is protective against inflammation. Oxytocinergic signaling thus appears to play an important role in multiple GI functions that are subject to neuronal regulation.
Transforming growth factor-β2 and endotoxin interact to regulate homeostasis via interleukin-8 levels in the immature intestine
Authors: Nguyen Duc Ninh , Sangild Per T. , Østergaard Mette V. , Bering Stine B. , Chatterton Dereck E. W.
Published: August 2014

A balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signals from milk and microbiota controls intestinal homeostasis just after birth, and an optimal balance is particularly important for preterm neonates that are sensitive to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We suggest that the intestinal cytokine IL-8 plays an important role and hypothesize that transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) acts in synergy with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to control IL-8 levels, thereby supporting intestinal homeostasis. Preterm pigs were fed colostrum (containing TGF-β2) or infant formula (IF) with or without antibiotics (COLOS, n = 27; ANTI, n = 11; IF, n = 40). Intestinal IL-8 levels and NEC incidence were much higher in IF than in COLOS and ANTI pigs ( P < 0.001), but IL-8 levels did not correlate with NEC severity. Intestinal TGF-β2 levels were high in COLOS but low in IF and ANTI pigs. Based on these observations, the interplay among IL-8, TGF-β2, and LPS was investigated in a porcine intestinal epithelial cell line. TGF-β2 attenuated LPS-induced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release by reducing early ERK activation, whereas IL-8 secretion was synergistically induced by LPS and TGF-β2 via NF-κB. The TGF-β2/LPS-induced IL-8 levels stimulated cell proliferation and migration following epithelial injury, without continuous NF-κB activation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. We suggest that a combined TGF-β2-LPS induction of IL-8 stimulates epithelial repair just after birth when the intestine is first exposed to colonizing bacteria and TGF-β2-containing milk. Moderate IL-8 levels may act to control intestinal inflammation, whereas excessive IL-8 production may enhance the damaging proinflammatory cascade leading to NEC.
Synergy between the NAMPT Inhibitor GMX1777(8) and Pemetrexed in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Is Mediated by PARP Activation and Enhanced NAD Consumption
Authors: Chan Manuel , Gravel Michel , Bramoullé Alexandre , Bridon Gaëlle , Avizonis Daina , Shore Gordon C. , Roulston Anne
Published: August 2014

GMX1778 and its prodrug GMX1777 represent a new class of cancer drugs that targets nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) as a new strategy to interfere with biosynthesis of the key enzymatic cofactor NAD, which is critical for a number of cell functions, including DNA repair. Using a genome-wide synthetic lethal siRNA screen, we identified the folate pathway–related genes, deoxyuridine triphosphatase and dihydrofolate reductase, the silencing of which sensitized non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells to the cytotoxic effects of GMX. Pemetrexed is an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase currently used to treat patients with nonsquamous NSCLC. We found that combining pemetrexed with GMX1777 produced a synergistic therapeutic benefit in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells in vitro and in a mouse A549 xenograft model of lung cancer. Pemetrexed is known to activate PARPs, thereby accelerating NAD consumption. Genetic or pharmacologic blockade of PARP activity inhibited this effect, impairing cell death by pemetrexed either alone or in combination with GMX1777. Conversely, inhibiting the base excision repair pathway accentuated NAD decline in response to GMX and the cytotoxicity of both agents either alone or in combination. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for combining GMX1777 with pemetrexed as an effective new therapeutic strategy to treat nonsquamous NSCLC. Cancer Res; 74(21); 5948–54. ©2014 AACR.
C-reactive Protein and Risk of Colorectal Adenomas or Serrated Polyps: A Prospective Study
Authors: Crockett Seth D. , Mott Leila A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Burke Carol A. , Baxter Gwen J. , Sandler Robert S. , Baron John A.
Published: August 2014

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Because there is a well-recognized relationship between local inflammation and colorectal cancer, we aimed to evaluate whether serum CRP levels were associated with the occurrence of colorectal adenomas and serrated polyps using data from a large adenoma prevention trial. A total of 930 participants with a history of colorectal adenomas were enrolled in a randomized trial of calcium supplementation (1,200 mg/day) for the prevention of colorectal adenomas. Outcomes in this analysis are metachronous adenomas (and advanced neoplasms specifically), and serrated polyps at follow-up colonoscopy. High-sensitivity CRP levels were measured 1 year following baseline colonoscopy. Multivariate analysis was performed to estimate risk ratios (RR) using Poisson regression, controlling for potential confounders. We measured serum CRP levels in 689 participants (mean CRP, 3.62 ± 5.72 mg/L). There was no difference in CRP levels with respect to calcium versus placebo treatment assignment (P = 0.99). After adjustment for potential confounders, we found no association between CRP level and risk of recurrent adenoma or advanced lesion [quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: RR, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99 (0.73–1.34) and 0.92 (0.49–1.75), respectively]. Similarly, no association was seen between CRP levels and risk of serrated polyps or proximal serrated polyps [quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: RR (95% CI) = 1.32 (0.85–2.03) and 1.19 (0.54–2.58), respectively]. In conclusion, this large prospective colorectal adenoma chemoprevention study found no significant relationship between CRP levels and occurrence of adenomas, advanced neoplasms, or serrated polyps. Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1122–7. ©2014 AACR.