bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toolgraph Design of Optimal and Feasible Control Strategies for Time‐Varying Dynamical Systems
Authors: Kowalczuk Z. , Olinski K. E.
Published: October 2012

The paper presents a new method for designing optimal and feasible control strategies for time‐variant dynamical processes. The key point of the presented idea lies in utilizing a flow graph structure for representing pertinent properties of the autonomous dynamics of a given dynamical process in a time‐and‐state space, which is composed of certain elementary segments. The structure is referred to as a time‐and‐state space toolgraph. In the procedure, each segment of the temporary state space is assigned a node of the time‐and‐state space toolgraph. The flow values are proportional to the cost of driving the operational point of the dynamical process between the centers of adjacent segments. Any of the discrete optimization algorithms can be applied to search for a cheapest path connecting the initial and terminal points of the sought optimal piecewise‐linear trajectory of the operational points in the considered time‐and‐state space. Additional assumptions or restrictions concerning arbitrary forbidden zones for the operational points can be easily taken into account. In such cases the nodes representing the segments partially or entirely belonging to the finite forbidden zones are deposed from the toolgraph structure.
High-Temperature Electroluminescence of InGaN/GaN Light-Emitting Devices with Multiple Quantum Barriers
Authors: Wu Ya-Fen
Published: October 2012

We investigate the high-temperature characteristics of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light-emitting devices with and without multiple quantum barriers (MQBs) in depth. The electroluminescence measurements were carried out over a temperature range from 200 to 380 K and an injection current level from 1 to 100 mA. Enhanced carrier confinement and stronger carrier localization in the active layer are achieved for the sample with MQBs. Furthermore, it is found that the external quantum efficiency of the sample possessing MQBs is higher than that of the sample with GaN barriers. The MQB structure improves the high-temperature operation of light-emitting devices.
A Novel Approach to Segment and Classify Regional Lymph Nodes on Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Cai Hongmin , Cui Chunyan , Tian Haiying , Zhang Min , Li Li
Published: October 2012

Morphology of lymph nodal metastasis is critical for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients. However, accurate prediction of lymph node type based on morphological information is rarely available due to lack of pathological validation. To obtain correct morphological information, lymph nodes must be segmented from computed tomography (CT) image accurately. In this paper we described a novel approach to segment and predict the status of lymph nodes from CT images and confirmed the diagnostic performance by clinical pathological results. We firstly removed noise and preserved edge details using a revised nonlinear diffusion equation, and secondly we used a repulsive-force-based snake method to segment the lymph nodes. Morphological measurements for the characterization of the node status were obtained from the segmented node image. These measurements were further selected to derive a highly representative set of node status, called feature vector. Finally, classical classification scheme based on support vector machine model was employed to simulate the prediction of nodal status. Experiments on real clinical rectal cancer data showed that the prediction performance with the proposed framework is highly consistent with pathological results. Therefore, this novel algorithm is promising for status prediction of lymph nodes.
Combined Energy Minimization for Image Reconstruction from Few Views
Authors: Wei Wei , Yang Xiao-Lin , Zhou Bin , Feng Jun , Shen Pei-Yi
Published: October 2012

Reconstruction from few views is an important problem in medical imaging and applied mathematics.
In this paper, a combined energy minimization is proposed for image reconstruction. l2 energy of the image gradient is introduced in the lower density region, and it can accelerate the reconstruction speed
and improve the results. Total variation of the image is introduced in the higher density region, and the image features can be preserved well. Nonlinear conjugate gradient method is introduced to solve the problem. The efficiency and accuracy of our method are shown in several numerical experiments.
Self-Organized Criticality of Rainfall in Central China
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Huang Chunyan
Published: October 2012

Rainfall is a complexity dynamics process. In this paper, our objective is to find the evidence of self-organized criticality (SOC) for rain datasets in China by employing the theory and method of SOC. For this reason, we analyzed the long-term rain records of five meteorological stations in Henan, a central province of China. Three concepts, that is, rain duration, drought duration, accumulated rain amount, are proposed to characterize these rain events processes. We investigate their dynamics property by using scale invariant and found that the long-term rain processes in central China indeed exhibit the feature of self-organized criticality. The proposed theory and method may be suitable to analyze other datasets from different climate zones in China.
Role of Electroencephalography in Presurgical Evaluation of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Raghavendra Seetharam , Nooraine Javeria , Mirsattari Seyed M.
Published: October 2012

Surgery remains a therapeutic option for patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Comprehensive presurgical evaluation includes electroencephalography (EEG) and video EEG in identifying patients who are likely to benefit from surgery. Here, we discuss in detail the utility of EEG in presurgical evaluation of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy along with illustrative cases.
Effect of Oxide Nanoparticles on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Electrospun Separators for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zaccaria Marco , Gualandi Chiara , Fabiani Davide , Focarete Maria Letizia , Croce Fausto
Published: October 2012

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐CTFE) nanofibrous separators for lithium‐ion batteries loaded with different amounts of fumed‐silica and tin oxide nanoparticles. Membrane morphological characterization (SEM, TEM) showed the presence of good‐quality nanofibres containing nanoparticles. Thermal degradation and membrane mechanical properties were also investigated, and a remarkable effect of nanoparticle addition on membrane mechanical properties was found. In particular, PEO membranes were strengthened by the addition of metal oxide, whereas PVDF‐CTFE membranes acquired ductility.
The Variation in the Absence of the Palmaris Longus in a Multiethnic Population of the United States: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Soltani Ali M. , Peric Mirna , Francis Cameron S. , Nguyen Thien-Trang J. , Chan Linda S. , Ghiassi Alidad , Stevanovic Milan V. , Wong Alex K.
Published: October 2012

The absence of the palmaris longus (PL) has been shown to vary based on body side, gender, and ethnicity. In prior studies, homogenous ethnic populations have been shown to have differences in rates of absence. However, no study thus far has analyzed the differences in palmaris longus prevalence in a multiethnic population. We prospectively collected data on 516 patients visiting the outpatient hand clinics at LAC+USC Medical Center and Keck Medical Center. Analysis of the data was then performed for variables including ethnicity, laterality, and gender. There were no differences in the absence of the PL based on laterality or gender. Ethnically, there was no difference between white (non-Hispanic) and white (Hispanic) patients, with prevalence of 14.9% and 13.1%, respectively. However, African American (4.5%) and Asian (2.9%) patients had significantly fewer absences of the PL than the Caucasian, Hispanic reference group ( and , resp.). African Americans and Asians have a decreased prevalence of an absent PL. The Caucasian population has a relatively greater prevalence of an absence of the PL. This epidemiological study demonstrates the anatomic variation in this tendon and may be taken into account when planning an operation using tendon grafts.
BDD, BNN, and FPGA on Fuzzy Techniques for Rapid System Analysis
Authors: Dixit Rahul , Singh Harpreet
Published: October 2012

This paper looks at techniques to simplify data analysis of large multivariate military sensor systems. The approach is illustrated using representative raw data from a video-scene analyzer. First, develop fuzzy neural net relations using Matlab. This represents the best fidelity fit to the data and will be used as reference for comparison. The data is then converted to Boolean, and using Boolean Decision Diagrams (BDD) techniques, to find similar relations between input vectors and output parameter. It will be shown that such Boolean techniques offer dramatic improvement in system analysis time, and with minor loss of fidelity. To further this study, Boolean Neural Net techniques (BNN) were employed to bridge the Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN) to BDD representations of the data. Neural network approaches give an estimation method for the complexity of Boolean Decision Diagrams, and this can be used to predict the complexity of digital circuits. The neural network model can be used for complexity estimation over a set of BDDs derived from Boolean logic expressions. Experimental results show good correlation with theoretical results and give insights to the complexity. The BNN representations can be useful as a means to FPGA implementation of the system relationships and can be used in embedded processor based multi-variate situations.
Escalation with Overdose Control Using Ordinal Toxicity Grades for Cancer Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Tighiouart Mourad , Cook-Wiens Galen , Rogatko André
Published: October 2012

We extend a Bayesian adaptive phase I clinical trial design known as escalation with overdose control (EWOC) by introducing an intermediate grade 2 toxicity when assessing dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Under the proportional odds model assumption of dose-toxicity relationship, we prove that in the absence of DLT, the dose allocated to the next patient given that the previously treated patient had a maximum of grade 2 toxicity is lower than the dose given to the next patient had the previously treated patient exhibited a grade 0 or 1 toxicity at the most. Further, we prove that the coherence properties of EWOC are preserved. Simulation results show that the safety of the trial is not compromised and the efficiency of the estimate of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is maintained relative to EWOC treating DLT as a binary outcome and that fewer patients are overdosed using this design when the true MTD is close to the minimum dose.
Comparative Studies of Different Control Strategies of a Dynamic Voltage Restorer Based on Matrix Converter
Authors: Shabanpour Amin , Seifi Ali Reza
Published: October 2012

A dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) with no energy storage is studied. By using a matrix converter instead of the conventional AC/DC/AC converters, elimination of the DC-link capacitor is possible. The switching algorithm of matrix converter is the space vector modulation. There are different compensation algorithms to control the conventional DVR. These methods have been analyzed in this paper for the proposed matrix-converter-based DVR. A deep analysis through different diagrams would show the advantages or disadvantages of each compensation method. Equations for all methods are derived, and the characteristics of algorithms are compared with each other.
Bayesian Analysis of the Survival Function and Failure Rate of Weibull Distribution with Censored Data
Authors: Guure Chris Bambey , Ibrahim Noor Akma
Published: October 2012

The survival function of the Weibull distribution determines the probability that a unit or an individual will survive beyond a certain specified time while the failure rate is the rate at which a randomly selected individual known to be alive at time (t − 1)
will die at time (t). The classical approach for estimating the survival function and the failure rate is the maximum likelihood method. In this study, we strive to determine the best method, by comparing the classical maximum likelihood against the Bayesian estimators using an informative prior and a proposed data‐dependent prior known as generalised noninformative prior. The Bayesian estimation is considered under three loss functions. Due to the complexity in dealing with the integrals using the Bayesian estimator, Lindley’s approximation procedure is employed to reduce the ratio of the integrals. For the purpose of comparison, the mean squared error (MSE) and the absolute bias are obtained. This study is conducted via simulation by utilising different sample sizes. We observed from the study that the generalised prior we assumed performed better than the others under linear exponential loss function with respect to MSE and under general entropy loss function with respect to absolute bias.
Three-Dimensional Visualization with Large Data Sets: A Simulation of Spreading Cortical Depression in Human Brain
Authors: Ertürk Korhan Levent , Şengül Gökhan
Published: October 2012

We developed 3D simulation software of human organs/tissues; we developed a database to store the related data, a data management system to manage the created data, and a metadata system for the management of data. This approach provides two benefits: first of all the developed system does not require to keep the patient's/subject's medical images on the system, providing less memory usage. Besides the system also provides 3D simulation and modification options, which will help clinicians to use necessary tools for visualization and modification operations. The developed system is tested in a case study, in which a 3D human brain model is created and simulated from 2D MRI images of a human brain, and we extended the 3D model to include the spreading cortical depression (SCD) wave front, which is an electrical phoneme that is believed to cause the migraine.
Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review in Latin America
Authors: Sarmiento-Monroy Juan Camilo , Amaya-Amaya Jenny , Espinosa-Serna Juan Sebastián , Herrera-Díaz Catalina , Anaya Juan-Manuel , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana
Published: October 2012

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major predictor of poor prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. There is an increasing interest to identify “nontraditional” risk factors for this condition. Latin Americans (LA) are considered as a minority subpopulation and ethnically different due to admixture characteristics. To date, there are no systematic reviews of the literature published in LA and the Caribbean about CVD in RA patients.Methods. The systematic literature review was done by two blinded reviewers who independently assessed studies for eligibility. The search was completed through PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library scientific databases.Results. The search retrieved 10,083 potential studies. A total of 16 articles concerning cardiovascular risk factors and measurement of any cardiovascular outcome in LA were included. The prevalence of CVD in LA patients with RA was 35.3%. Non-traditional risk factors associated to CVD in this population were HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles, rheumatoid factor, markers of chronic inflammation, long duration of RA, steroids, familial autoimmunity, and thrombogenic factors.Conclusions. There is limited data about CVD and RA in LA. We propose to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors comprehensively in the Latin RA patient and to generate specific public health policies in order to diminish morbi-mortality rates.
Slow Cortical Potentials and Amplification—Part II: Acoustic Measures
Authors: Jenstad Lorienne M. , Marynewich Susan , Stapells David R.
Published: October 2012

In a previous study, we investigated slow cortical potential (SCP) N1-P2 amplitudes and N1 latencies in aided and unaided conditions, with the finding that despite being set to provide 20 or 40 dB of gain, none of the hearing aids resulted in a reliable increase in SCP response amplitude relative to the unaided (Marynewich et al., in press). The current study investigates the effects of hearing-aid processing on acoustic measures for two 1000-Hz tonal stimuli: short (60 ms) and long (757 ms), presented at three intensities (30, 50, 70 dB SPL) in aided and unaided conditions using three hearing aids (Analog, DigitalA, DigitalB) with two gain settings (20, 40 dB). Acoustic results indicate that gain achieved by the hearing aids, measured at 30 ms after stimulus onset, for both the short and long stimuli, was less than real-ear insertion gain measured with standard hearing aid test signals. Additionally, the digital hearing aids altered the rise time of the stimuli such that maximum gain was reached well past 30 ms after stimulus onset; rise times differed between the digital aids. These results indicate that aided SCP results must be cautiously interpreted and that further research is required for clinical application.
Pulsed Dye Laser Does Not Seem as Effective as Red Light in Basal Cell Carcinoma Mal-Pdt: A Small Pilot Study
Authors: Fernández-Guarino M. , Harto A. , Jaén P.
Published: October 2012

Multiple light sources can be used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with good results, but there are few comparative studies. This study compares the efficacy of treatment of basal cell carcinoma with PDT and two light sources, the non-coherent red light and pulsed dye laser 595 nm. In this small pilot study red light is more effective, but many more studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
The Need for Inducing Tolerance in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Authors: Ravindra Kadiyala V. , Xu Hong , Bozulic Larry D. , Song David D. , Ildstad Suzanne T.
Published: October 2012

Successful hand and face transplantation in the last decade has firmly established the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). The experience in VCA has thus far been very similar to solid organ transplantation in terms of the morbidity associated with long-term immunosuppression. The unique immunological features of VCA such as split tolerance and resistance to chronic rejection are being investigated. Simultaneously there has been laboratory work studying tolerogenic protocols in animal VCA models. In order to optimize VCA outcomes, translational studies are needed to develop less toxic immunosuppression and possibly achieve donor-specific tolerance. This article reviews the immunology, animal models, mixed chimerism & tolerance induction in VCA and the direction of future research to enable better understanding and wider application of VCA.
Simulation of Enzyme Catalysis in Calcium Alginate Beads
Authors: Al-Mayah Ameel M. R.
Published: October 2012

A general mathematical model for a fixed bed immobilized enzyme reactor was developed to simulate the process of diffusion and reaction inside the biocatalyst particle. The modeling and simulation of starch hydrolysis using immobilized α-amylase were used as a model for this study. Corn starch hydrolysis was carried out at a constant pH of 5.5 and temperature of . The substrate flow rate was ranging from 0.2 to 5.0 mL/min, substrate initial concentrations 1 to 100 g/L. α-amylase was immobilized on to calcium alginate hydrogel beads of 2 mm average diameter. In this work Michaelis-Menten kinetics have been considered. The effect of substrate flow rate (i.e., residence time) and initial concentration on intraparticle diffusion have been taken into consideration. The performance of the system is found to be affected by the substrate flow rate and initial concentrations. The reaction is controlled by the reaction rate. The model equation was a nonlinear second order differential equation simulated based on the experimental data for steady state condition. The simulation was achieved numerically using FINITE ELEMENTS in MATLAB software package. The simulated results give satisfactory results for substrate and product concentration profiles within the biocatalyst bead.
Controllability Analysis of Linear Discrete Time Systems with Time Delay in State
Authors: Shi Hong , Xie Guangming , Luo Wenguang
Published: October 2012

The controllability issues for linear discrete‐time systems with delay in state are addressed. By introducing a new concept, the minimum controllability realization index (MinCRI), the characteristic of controllability is revealed. It is proved that the MinCRI of a system with state delay exists and is finite. Based on this result, a necessary and sufficient condition for the controllability of discrete‐time linear systems with state delay is established.
Optimization of an Efficient Protein Extraction Protocol Compatible with Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry from Recalcitrant Phenolic Rich Roots of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Chatterjee Moniya , Gupta Sumanti , Bhar Anirban , Das Sampa
Published: October 2012

Two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry are undoubtedly two essential tools popularly used in proteomic analyses. Utilization of these techniques however largely depends on efficient and optimized sample preparation, regarded as one of the most crucial steps for recovering maximum amount of reliable information. The present study highlights the optimization of an effective and efficient protocol, capable of extraction of root proteins from recalcitrant phenolic rich tissues of chickpea. The widely applicable TCA-acetone and phenol-based methods have been comparatively evaluated, amongst which the latter appeared to be better suited for the sample. The phenol extraction-based method further complemented with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and pulsatory treatments proved to be the most suitable method represented by greatest spot number, good resolution, and spot intensities. All the randomly selected spots showed successful identification when subjected to further downstream MALDI-TOF and MS/MS analyses. Hence, the information obtained collectively proposes the present protein extraction protocol to be an effective one that could be applicable for recalcitrant leguminous root samples.
Insights and Hopes in Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantations
Authors: Shahrokhi Somayeh , Menaa Farid , Alimoghaddam Kamran , McGuckin Colin , Ebtekar Massoumeh
Published: October 2012

Over 20.000 umblical cord blood transplantations (UCBT) have been carried out around the world. Indeed, UCBT represents an attractive source of donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and, offer interesting features (e.g., lower graft-versus-host disease) compared to bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Thereby, UCBT often represents the unique curative option against several blood diseases. Recent advances in the field of UCBT, consisted to develop strategies to expand umbilical stem cells and shorter the timing of their engraftment, subsequently enhancing their availability for enhanced efficacy of transplantation into indicated patients with malignant diseases (e.g., leukemia) or non-malignant diseases (e.g., thalassemia major). Several studies showed that the expansion and homing of UCBSCs depends on specific biological factors and cell types (e.g., cytokines, neuropeptides, co-culture with stromal cells). In this review, we extensively present the advantages and disadvantages of current hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs), compared to UBCT. We further describe the importance of cord blood content and obstetric factors on cord blood selection, and report the recent approaches that can be undertook to improve cord blood stem cell expansion as well as engraftment. Eventually, we provide two majors examples underlining the importance of UCBT as a potential cure for blood diseases.
Observation of Microvascular Perfusion in the Hegu (LI4) Acupoint Area after Deqi Acupuncture at Quchi (LI11) Acupoint Using Speckle Laser Blood Flow Scanning Technology
Authors: Huang Tao , Yang Li-Jian , Zhang Wei-Bo , Jia Shu-Yong , Tian Yu-Ying , Wang Guan-Jun , Mu Xiang , Wang Lu , Litscher Gerhard
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the traditional meridian theory using speckle laser blood flow scanning technology to observe microcirculation of the Hegu acupoint area after acupuncture stimulation on distant points. An observational study was conducted to observe the microvascular perfusion of Hegu (LI4) and control points after acupuncturing Quchi (LI11). Thirty healthy volunteers (mean age31.6±8.7years) received deqi acupuncture on Quchi (LI11, right side), and simultaneously changes in microvascular perfusion of Sanjian (LI3), Hegu (LI4), Yangxi (LI5), and two control points were observed before, during, and after needling using a MOOR speckle laser. The results showed that the changes in microvascular perfusion of the observed points are not regular. After correction, the experiment showed that the blood perfusion on 3 meridian acupoints was increased while the perfusion on 2 control points was decreased following acupuncture stimulation, the changes at Hegu (LI4) being the statistically most significant ones. Deqi acupuncture can help in regulating the body's blood flow, with a certain degree of meridian specificity.
Guizhi-Fuling-Wan, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ameliorates Memory Deficits and Neuronal Apoptosis in the Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rodents via the Decrease of Bax/Bcl2 Ratio and Caspase-3 Expression
Authors: Wu Kuo-Jen , Chen Yuh-Fung , Tsai Huei-Yann , Wu Chi-Rei , Wood W. Gibson
Published: October 2012

Brain neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment are associated with hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. The present study determined if the Chinese herbal medicineGuizhi-Fuling-Wan(GFW) would reduce memory loss and neuronal apoptosis in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced hyperglycemic rodents. Two weeks after STZ induction, GFW was orally administered once daily for 7 days. GFW significantly improved spatial memory deficits in STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice. GFW decreased TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 positive cells in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats. It also was found that GFW treatment reduced caspase-3 protein levels and increased levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 that were indicative of neuroprotection. The protective therapeutic effects of GFW on neuronal apoptosis and cognition deficits caused by STZ-induced hyperglycemia may be due in part to inhibition of the cellular apoptosis pathway. GFW may have therapeutic effects in patients with diabetes-mellitus-induced neuropathology.
Utilization of In-Hospital Care among Foreign-Born Compared to Native Swedes 1987–1999
Authors: Albin Björn , Hjelm Katarina , Ekberg Jan , Elmståhl Sölve
Published: October 2012

In previous longitudinal studies of mortality and morbidity among foreign-born and native-born Swedes, increased mortality and dissimilarities in mortality pattern were found. The aim of this study is to describe, compare, and analyse the utilization of in-hospital care among deceased foreign- and Swedish-born persons during the years 1987–1999 with focus on four diagnostic categories. The study population consisted of 361,974 foreign-born persons aged 16 years and upward who were registered as living in Sweden in 1970, together with 361,974 matched Swedish controls for each person. Data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) and the National Board of Health and Welfare Centre for Epidemiology, covering the period 1970–1999, was used. Persons were selected if they were admitted to hospital during 1987–1999 and the cause of death was in one of four ICD groups. The results indicate a tendency towards less health care utilization among migrants, especially men, as regardsSymptoms,signs,andill-defined conditionsandInjuryandpoisoning. Further studies are needed to explore the possible explanations and the pattern of other diseases to see whether migrants, and especially migrant men, are a risk group with less utilization of health care.
Numerical Analysis on the Influence of Thermal Effects on Oil Flow Characteristic in High‐Pressure Air Injection (HPAI) Process
Authors: Jia Hu , Zhao Jin-Zhou , Pu Wan-Fen
Published: October 2012

In previous laboratory study, we have shown the thermal behavior of Keke Ya light crude oil (Tarim oilfield, branch of CNPC) for high‐pressure air injection (HPAI) application potential study. To clarify the influences of thermal effects on oil production, in this paper, we derived a mathematical model for calculating oil flow rate, which is based on the heat conduction property in porous media from the combustion tube experiment. Based on remarkably limited knowledge consisting of very global balance arguments and disregarding all the details of the mechanisms in the reaction zone, the local governing equations are formulated in a dimensionless form. We use finite difference method to solve this model and address the study by way of qualitative analysis. The time‐space dimensionless oil flow rate (qD) profiles are established for comprehensive studies on the oil flow rate characteristic affected by thermal effects. It also discusses how these findings will impact HPAI project performances, and several guidelines are suggested.
Global Attractivity and Periodic Character of Difference Equation of Order Four
Authors: Obaid M. A. , Elsayed E. M. , El-Dessoky M. M.
Published: October 2012

We investigate the global convergence result, boundedness, and periodicity of solutions of the recursive sequence   xn+1 = axn + ((bxn−1 + cxn−2 + dxn−3)/(αxn−1 + βxn−2 + γxn−3)),   n = 0,1,…, where the parameters a, b, c, d, α, β, and  γ  are positive real numbers and the initial conditions x−3, x−2, x−1, and x0  are positive real numbers.
The Dual Antimelanogenic and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil Extracted from the Leaves ofAcorus macrospadiceus(Yamamoto) F. N. Wei et Y. K. Li
Authors: Huang Huey-Chun , Wang Hsiao-Fen , Yih Kuang-Hway , Chang Long-Zen , Chang Tsong-Min
Published: October 2012

The antimelanogenic and antioxidant activities of the essential oil extracted from the leaves ofAcorus macrospadiceus(Yamamoto) F. N. Wei et Y. K. Li have never been explored. The essential oil effectively inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity (EC50= 1.57 mg/mL) and B16F10 tyrosinase activity (IC50= 1.01 mg/mL), decreased the melanin content (EC50= 1.04 mg/mL), and depleted the cellular level of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) (EC50= 1.87 mg/mL). The essential oil effectively scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) (EC50= 0.121 mg/mL) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ABTS+radicals (EC50= 0.122 mg/mL). It also exhibited an apparent reducing power (EC50= 0.021 mg/mL) and metal-ion chelating activity (EC50= 0.029 mg/mL). The chemical constituents of the essential oil are ethers (55.73%), ketones (19.57%), monoterpenes (7.82%), alcohols (3.85%), esters (3.77%), sesquiterpenes (3.72%), and aromatic compounds (2.85%). The results confirm thatA. macrospadiceusessential oil is a natural antioxidant and inhibitor of melanogenesis.
A Stochastic Hyperheuristic for Unsupervised Matching of Partial Information
Authors: Greer Kieran
Published: October 2012

This paper (Revised version of a white paper “Unsupervised Problem-Solving by Optimising through Comparisons,” originally published on DCS and Scribd, October 2011.) describes the implementation and functionality of a centralised problem solving system that is included as part of the distributed “licas” system. This is an open source framework for building service-based networks, similar to what you would do on a Cloud or SOA platform. While the framework can include autonomous and distributed behaviour, the problem-solving part can perform more complex centralised optimisation operations and then feed the results back into the network. The problem-solving system is based on a novel type of evaluation mechanism that prefers comparisons between solution results, over maximisation. This paper describes the advantages of that and gives some examples of where it might perform better, including possibilities related to a more cognitive system.
Oxidative Stress Posttranslationally Regulates the Expression of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras in Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Messina Samantha , Frati Luigi , Porcellini Antonio
Published: October 2012

Addition of hydrogen peroxide to cultured astrocytes induced a rapid and transient increase in the expression of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras. Pull-down experiments with the GTP-Ras-binding domain of Raf-1 showed that oxidative stress substantially increased the activation of Ha-Ras, whereas a putative farnesylated activated form of Ki-Ras was only slightly increased. The increase in both Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras was insensitive to the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and was occluded by the proteasomal inhibitor, MG-132. In addition, exposure to hydrogen peroxide reduced the levels of ubiquitinated Ras protein, indicating that oxidative stress leads to a reduced degradation of both isoforms through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Indeed, the late reduction in Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras was due to a recovery of proteasomal degradation because it was sensitive to MG-132. The late reduction of Ha-Ras levels was abrogated by compound PD98059, which inhibits the MAP kinase pathway, whereas the late reduction of Ki-Ras was unaffected by PD98059. We conclude that oxidative stress differentially regulates the expression of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras in cultured astrocytes, and that activation of the MAP kinase pathway by oxidative stress itself or by additional factors may act as a fail-safe mechanism limiting a sustained expression of the potentially detrimental Ha-Ras.
Lichen Sclerosus Atrophicus [LSA] in the Areolae: A Case Report
Authors: Padmavathy L. , Lakshmana Rao L. , Dhana Lakshmi M. , Sylvester N. , Ethirajan N.
Published: October 2012

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of an unknown aetiology most commonly affecting the anogenital area. However, extragenital involvement also occurs uncommonly. A case of extra-genital LS involving the areolae of both breasts, in a 15-year-old boy, is reported for its rarity.
Flexible Bistable Smectic-A Liquid Crystal Device Using Photolithography and Photoinduced Phase Separation
Authors: Lu Yang , Guo Jinbao , Wang Hao , Wei Jie
Published: October 2012

A flexible bistable smectic-A liquid crystal (SmA LC) device using pixel-isolated mode was demonstrated, in which SmA LC molecules were isolated in pixels by vertical polymer wall and horizontal polymer layer. The above microstructure was achieved by using ultraviolet (UV) photolithography and photoinduced phase separation. The polymer wall was fabricated by photolithography, and then the SmA LC was encapsulated in pixels between polymer wall through UV-induced phase separation, in which the polymer wall acts as supporting structure from mechanical pressure and maintains the cell gap from bending, and the polymer layer acts as adhesive for tight attachment of two substrates. The results demonstrated that all the intrinsic bistable properties of the SmA LC are preserved, and good electrooptical characteristics such as high contrast ratio and excellent stability of the bistable states were characterized. This kind of SmA bistable flexible display has high potential to be used as electronic paper, smart switchable reflective windows, and so forth.
A Proximal Point Method Involving Two Resolvent Operators
Authors: Boikanyo Oganeditse A.
Published: October 2012

We construct a sequence of proximal iterates that converges strongly (under minimal assumptions) to a common zero of two maximal monotone operators in a Hilbert space. The algorithm introduced in this paper puts together several proximal point algorithms under one frame work. Therefore, the results presented here generalize and improve many results related to the proximal point algorithm which were announced recently in the literature.
A Decomposition Algorithm for Learning Bayesian Networks Based on Scoring Function
Authors: Zhu Mingmin , Liu Sanyang
Published: October 2012

Learning Bayesian network (BN) structure from data is a typical NP‐hard problem. But almost existing algorithms have the very high complexity when the number of variables is large. In order to solve this problem(s), we present an algorithm that integrates with a decomposition‐based approach and a scoring‐function‐based approach for learning BN structures. Firstly, the proposed algorithm decomposes the moral graph of BN into its maximal prime subgraphs. Then it orientates the local edges in each subgraph by the K2‐scoring greedy searching. The last step is combining directed subgraphs to obtain final BN structure. The theoretical and experimental results show that our algorithm can efficiently and accurately identify complex network structures from small data set.
Blueberry Extracts Protect Testis from Hypobaric Hypoxia Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Zepeda Andrea , Aguayo Luis G. , Fuentealba Jorge , Figueroa Carolina , Acevedo Alejandro , Salgado Perla , Calaf Gloria M. , Farías Jorge
Published: October 2012

Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia causes oxidative damage to male rat reproductive function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a blueberry extract (BB-4) in testis of rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Morphometric analysis, cellular DNA fragmentation, glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. Our results showed that supplementation of BB-4 reduced lipid peroxidation, decreased apoptosis, and increased GR and SOD activities in rat testis under hypobaric hypoxia conditions . Therefore, this study demonstrates that blueberry extract significantly reduced the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by hypobaric hypoxia in rat testis by affecting glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities.
A Pilot Study on Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials in Children: Aided CAEPs Reflect Improved High-Frequency Audibility with Frequency Compression Hearing Aid Technology
Authors: Glista Danielle , Easwar Vijayalakshmi , Purcell David W. , Scollie Susan
Published: October 2012

Background. This study investigated whether cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) could reliably be recorded and interpreted using clinical testing equipment, to assess the effects of hearing aid technology on the CAEP.Methods. Fifteen normal hearing (NH) and five hearing impaired (HI) children were included in the study. NH children were tested unaided; HI children were tested while wearing hearing aids. CAEPs were evoked with tone bursts presented at a suprathreshold level. Presence/absence of CAEPs was established based on agreement between two independent raters.Results. Present waveforms were interpreted for most NH listeners and all HI listeners, when stimuli were measured to be at an audible level. The younger NH children were found to have significantly different waveform morphology, compared to the older children, with grand averaged waveforms differing in the later part of the time window (the N2 response). Results suggest that in some children, frequency compression hearing aid processing improved audibility of specific frequencies, leading to increased rates of detectable cortical responses in HI children.Conclusions. These findings provide support for the use of CAEPs in measuring hearing aid benefit. Further research is needed to validate aided results across a larger group of HI participants and with speech-based stimuli.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metallic Gel Complexes Derived from Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Juneja H. D. , Joshi Manisha , Kanfade J. P.
Published: October 2012

The oxaloyl carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal ions have been synthesized and the coordination of OCMC in these complexes has been investigated through IR spectra, reflectance spectra, and thermal analysis. On the basis of spectral and thermal data an octahedral geometry was assigned to [Mn(II)OCMC(H2O)2] n and [Co(II)OCMC(H2O)2] n, square planar geometry was assigned to [Cu(II)OCMC] n, and tetrahedral geometry was assigned to [Ni(II)OCMC] n and [Zn(II)OCMC] n Metallic Gel complexes.
Design and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in a Phase III Randomized Trial of Celecoxib and Selenium for Colorectal Adenoma Prevention
Authors: Thompson Patricia , Roe Denise J. , Fales Liane , Buckmeier Julie , Wang Fang , Hamilton Stanley R. , Bhattacharyya Achyut , Green Sylvan , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Chow H.-H. Sherry , Ahnen Dennis J. , Boland C. Richard , Heigh Russell I. , Fay David E. , Martinez Maria Elena , Jacobs Elizabeth , Ashbeck Erin L. , Alberts David S. , Lance Peter
Published: October 2012

COX inhibitors reduce colorectal adenoma recurrence by up to 45% and selenium supplementation may prevent colorectal cancer. Following colonoscopic adenoma resection, 1,600 men and women, ages 40 to 80 years, were randomized to celecoxib (400 mg daily), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and/or selenium (200 μg daily as selenized yeast), or double placebo. The trial was initiated in November 2001. The primary trial endpoint is adenoma recurrence in each intervention group compared with placebo, as determined by surveillance colonoscopy conducted three to five years after baseline. Randomization was stratified by use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg) and clinic site. Following reports of cardiovascular toxicity associated with COX-2 inhibitors, the celecoxib arm was discontinued in December 2004 when 824 participants had been randomized. Accrual continued with randomization to selenium alone or placebo. Randomization of the originally planned cohort (n = 1,621) was completed in November 2008. A further 200 patients with one or more advanced adenomas (denoting increased risk for colorectal cancer) were accrued to enhance statistical power for determining intervention efficacy in this higher-risk subgroup. Accrual of the total cohort (n = 1,824) was completed in January 2011. Baseline cohort characteristics include: mean age 62.9 years; 65% male; body mass index (BMI) 29.1 ± 5.1; 47% taking low-dose aspirin while on trial; 20% with three or more adenomas; and 38% with advanced adenomas. Intervention effects on adenoma recurrence will be determined, and their modification by genetic background and baseline selenium level. The effect of selenium supplementation on risk for type II diabetes will also be reported. Cancer Prev Res; 5(12); 1381–93. ©2012 AACR.
Neonatal Hyperglycaemia Increases Mortality and Morbidity in Preterm Lambs
Authors: Alsweiler Jane M. , Harding Jane E. , Bloomfield Frank H.
Published: October 2012

Background: Hyperglycaemic preterm babies suffer increased mortality and morbidity, but it is not known if these associations are causal or if treatment with insulin improves outcome. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of neonatal hyperglycaemia, and its treatment with insulin, on mortality and morbidity in preterm lambs. Methods: Preterm lambs (137 days’ gestation; term = 148 days) were randomised to a 12-day intravenous infusion of saline (PremC; n = 39), 50% dextrose (HYPER; n = 47), or 50% dextrose + insulin (INS; n = 21). Term controls (TermC; n = 19) received saline. Dextrose and insulin infusions were titrated to maintain blood glucose concentrations (BGC) at 10–12 mmol·l–1 (HYPER) or 4–6 mmol·l–1 (INS). Results: HYPER lambs had higher BGC (mean (SEM); TermC: 5.6 (0.1), PremC: 5.5 (0.1), HYPER: 10.8 (0.6), INS: 6.2 (0.3) mmol·l–1; p < 0.0001), higher mortality (n (%); TermC: 0, PremC: 2 (5), HYPER: 11 (23), INS: 0; p < 0.001), higher incidence of fever (n (%); TermC: 3 (16), PremC: 13 (33), HYPER: 26 (55), INS: 6 (29); p = 0.01) and lower weight gain (mean (SEM); TermC: 45.9 (2.9), PremC: 44.2 (2.1), HYPER: 28.4 (1.9), INS: 28.7 (2.8) g·kg–1·day–1; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Neonatal hyperglycaemia in preterm lambs causes increased mortality and morbidity, and decreases growth. Insulin treatment to restore euglycaemia attenuated the increased mortality and morbidity, but not the decreased growth.
Radiation-Induced Eye Lens Changes and Risk for Cataract in Interventional Cardiology
Authors: Ciraj-Bjelac O. , Rehani M. , Minamoto A. , Sim K.H. , Liew H.B. , Vano E.
Published: October 2012

Background: Recent studies have reported a significant increase in eye lens opacities among staff in the cardiac catheterization laboratory but indicated further studies are needed to confirm the findings. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of opacities in eyes of cardiologists, radiographers and nurses working in interventional cardiology. Methods: The eyes of 52 staff in interventional cardiology facilities and 34 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls were screened in a cardiology conference held in Kuala Lumpur by dilated slit-lamp examination, and posterior lens changes were graded. Individual cumulative lens X-ray exposures were calculated from responses to a questionnaire in terms of workload and working practice. Results: The prevalence of posterior lens opacities among interventional cardiologists was 53%, while in nurses and radiographers it was 45%. Corresponding relative risks were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2–5.4) and 2.2 (95% CI: 0.98–4.9), for interventional cardiologists and support staff, respectively. Conclusions: This study confirms a statistically significant increase in radiation-associated posterior lens changes in the eyes of interventional cardiology staff.
Does ‘Cochlear Ménière’s Disease’ Exist? An Electrocochleographic and Audiometric Study
Authors: Claes Gerd M.E. , De Valck Claudia F.J. , Van de Heyning Paul , Wuyts Floris L.
Published: October 2012

Introduction: According to current diagnostic criteria, patients exhibiting only cochlear symptoms without vertigo cannot be diagnosed with Ménière’s disease (MD). The recently reported Ménière’s Disease Index (MDI) combines audiometric and electrocochleographic parameters in a multidimensional measure correlating with the clinical degrees of MD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness, but without vertigo, underwent transtympanic electrocochleography. Based on the previously reported formula, the MDI value for every patient was calculated. Results: Mean MDI value was 5.7 on a scale from 0 (mean value of non-MD patients) to 10 (mean value of definite MD patients). Conclusions: We can thus hypothesize that, based on audiometry and electrocochleography, ‘cochlear MD’ patients may represent a separate clinical entity with Ménière-like pathophysiology or underlying endolymphatic hydrops.
New Anthraquinone Derivatives as Inhibitors of the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase-Associated Ribonuclease H Function
Authors: Esposito Francesca , Corona Angela , Zinzula Luca , Kharlamova Tatyana , Tramontano Enzo
Published: October 2012

Background: The degradative activity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT), termed ribonuclease H (RNase H), which hydrolyzes the RNA component of the heteroduplex RNA:DNA replication intermediate, is an excellent target for drug discovery. Anthraquinones (AQs) and their derivatives, which are common secondary metabolites occurring in bacteria, fungi, lichens and a large number of families in higher plants, have been reported to have several biological activities including that of inhibiting HIV-1 RT activities in biochemical assays. Methods: We have assayed new AQ derivatives on HIV-1 RNase H activities in biochemical assays. Results: Six series of new AQ derivatives with various substituents at positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the AQ ring were tested, and new analogs able to inhibit HIV-1 RT-associated RNase H activity in the low micromolar range were found. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that AQ derivatives are promising anti-RNase H inhibitors.