bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Th9/IL-9 Profile in Human Echinococcosis: Their Involvement in Immune Response during Infection byEchinococcus granulosus
Authors: Pang Nannan , Zhang Fengbo , Ma Xiumin , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhao Hui , Xin Yan , Wang Song , Zhu Yuejie , Wen Hao , Ding Jianbing
Published: March 2014

Th9 cells have been reported to contribute to immune responses; however, the role of Th9 cells inEchinococcus granulosusinfection is unknown. This study is to determine whether Th9 cells and IL-9 are involved in humanEchinococcus granulosusinfection. Compared with healthy controls (HC group), the mRNA levels of PU.1, IL-9, and GATA-3 were significantly increased in patients before therapy (CE group), as revealed by qRT-PCR. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentages of Th9 and Th2 cells in CE group were significantly higher. The levels of IL-9, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-βin CE group were also significantly increased, as detected by CBA assay. The percentages of Th9 and Th2 cells in CE group were positively correlated. After treatments of surgery in combination with albendazole, the PU.1 and GATA-3 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in patients after therapy (PCE group) compared with CE group. The numbers of Th9 and Th2 cells and levels of IL-9, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-βwere also significantly decreased in PCE group. In conclusion, the ratios of Th9 cells and IL-9 levels were significantly decreased after treatment, suggesting that Th9/IL-9 may be involved in immune response induced byEchinococcus granulosusinfection.
A Middleware Architecture for Dynamic Reconfiguration of Agent Collaboration Spaces in Indoor Location-Aware Applications
Authors: Kim Tae Hyon , Jo Hyeong Gon , Jeong Seol Young , Kang Soon Ju
Published: March 2014

Recently, indoor location-aware applications that provide interactive capability with the surrounding physical environment are increasingly in demand. These applications include mobile asset management, indoor navigation, and location-based reservation systems. In many cases, these services require multiple and dynamic collaborations over a large number of service subscribers with a deterministic, fast response time. However, many studies still function primarily on client/server-based centralized architectures that are inefficient in supporting complex collaboration, due to their static organization and unpredictable network congestion. To address this problem, we propose a middleware architecture named Dynamic Reconfigurable Agent Space (DRAS), based on a collaboration of service agents that can be distributed over the requested service area. A service application can dynamically modify a service area according to the request of the service subscribers under the DRAS. To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the DRAS, we evaluated the elapsed time for dynamic reconfiguration of the service area. Also, two general collaboration scenarios in indoor location-aware applications called voting and tracking were evaluated in the simulation and in a real environment. The evaluation shows that the proposed middleware is suitable for indoor location-aware applications that require a large number of mobile nodes and complex collaboration by the effective distribution of network traffic and processing around the service agents.
Impedance‐Based Cable Force Monitoring in Tendon‐Anchorage Using Portable PZT‐Interface Technique
Authors: Huynh Thanh-Canh , Kim Jeong-Tae
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a portable PZT interface for tension force monitoring in the cable‐anchorage subsystem is developed. Firstly, the theoretical background of the impedance‐based method is presented. A few damage evaluation approaches are outlined to quantify the variation of impedance signatures. Secondly, a portable PZT interface is designed to monitor impedance signatures from the cable‐anchorage subsystem. One degree‐of‐freedom analytical model of the PZT interface is established to explain how to represent the loss of cable force from the change in the electromechanical impedance of the PZT interface as well as reducing the sensitive frequency band by implementing the interface device. Finally, the applicability of the proposed PZT‐interface technique is experimentally evaluated for cable force‐loss monitoring in a lab‐scaled test structure.
Subacute Thyroiditis: Clinical Presentation and Long Term Outcome
Authors: Alfadda Assim A. , Sallam Reem M. , Elawad Ghadi E. , AlDhukair Hisham , Alyahya Mossaed M.
Published: April 2014

Few studies have been reported from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SA) to describe the clinical presentation and long term outcomes of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). Our aim was to review the demographic, anthropometric, clinical presentation, laboratory results, treatment, and disease outcome in Riyadh region and to compare those with results from different regions of the Kingdom and different parts of the world. We reviewed the medical files of patients who underwent thyroid uptake scan during an 8-year period in King Khalid University Hospital. Only 25 patients had confirmed diagnosis of thyroiditis. Age and gender distribution were similar to other studies. Most patients presented with palpitation, goiter, and weight change. Elevated thyroid hormones, suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone, and elevated ESR were reported. Among those, 7 cases of SAT were recorded.β-Blockers were prescribed to 57% and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to 29% of SAT. Long follow-up demonstrated that 85.7% of SAT cases recovered, while 14.3% developed permanent hypothyroidism. In conclusion, SAT is uncommon in the central region of SA. Compared to the western region, corticosteroid is not commonly prescribed, and permanent hypothyroidism is not uncommon. A nation-wide epidemiological study to explain these interprovincial differences is warranted.
Design and Implementation of Software-Based Simulator for Performance Evaluation of Transmission Protocol
Authors: Kim Chang-Su , Park Jong-Il , Jung Hoe-Kyung
Published: March 2014

We propose a method of software-based transmission protocol simulation for the establishment of ubiquitous infrastructure as a method of securing reliability of a ubiquitous sensor network (USN), which is an important element of ubiquitous infrastructure establishment. For this, we designed a transmission protocol network performance measurement simulator. The network simulator was simplified and, thus, could be used for all types of protocol tests. It enabled transmission control protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) transmission and reception regardless of the number of times of transmission and reception. In addition, we implemented an independent network simulator on a platform that enabled transmission at predetermined intervals according to the number of times of transmission and provided the function of randomly transmitting a defined message.
Investment Timing and Capacity Choice under Uncertainty
Authors: Lv Xiumei , Xu Shiqin , Tang Xiaoling
Published: March 2014

This paper examines strategic investment between two firms that compete not only for investment timing but also for capacity under stochastic market demand. The value functions of real option for the follower, the dominant leader, and the preemptive leader are derived and their investment decisions are investigated. It finds that both firms will delay investment and the delayed margin of the follower will surpass that of the leader under greater uncertainty. Furthermore, both firms will provide more outputs in the face of increasing uncertainty and the growth rate of the follower’s capacity will exceed that of the leader’s. In addition, this paper finds that the follower will end up with a larger capacity than the leader.
A Network and Visual Quality Aware N-Screen Content Recommender System Using Joint Matrix Factorization
Authors: Ullah Farman , Sarwar Ghulam , Lee Sungchang
Published: April 2014

We propose a network and visual quality aware N-Screen content recommender system. N-Screen provides more ways than ever before to access multimedia content through multiple devices and heterogeneous access networks. The heterogeneity of devices and access networks present new questions of QoS (quality of service) in the realm of user experience with content. We propose, a recommender system that ensures a better visual quality on user’s N-screen devices and the efficient utilization of available access network bandwidth with user preferences. The proposed system estimates the available bandwidth and visual quality on users N-Screen devices and integrates it with users preferences and contents genre information to personalize his N-Screen content. The objective is to recommend content that the user’s N-Screen device and access network are capable of displaying and streaming with the user preferences that have not been supported in existing systems. Furthermore, we suggest a joint matrix factorization approach to jointly factorize the users rating matrix with the users N-Screen device similarity and program genres similarity. Finally, the experimental results show that we also enhance the prediction and recommendation accuracy, sparsity, and cold start issues.
Targeting Spleen Tyrosine Kinase-Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Axis for Immunologically Mediated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Chen Jin-Shuen , Chang Li-Chien , Huang Shyh-Jer , Cheng Chao-Wen
Published: March 2014

The importance of B-cell activation and immune complex-mediated Fc-receptor activation in the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated glomerulonephritis has long been recognized. The two nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), are primarily expressed by hematopoietic cells, and participate in B-cell-receptor- and Fc-receptor-mediated activation. Pharmacological inhibitors of Syk or Btk are undergoing preclinical development and clinical trials for several immune diseases; and Syk inhibitors have been shown to reduce disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, the clinical therapeutic efficacies of these inhibitors in glomerulonephritis have not been evaluated. Herein, we review recent studies of Syk and Btk inhibitors in several experimental primary and secondary glomerulonephritis models. These inhibitors suppressed development of glomerular injury, and also ameliorated established kidney disease. Thus, targeting Syk and Btk signaling pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy for glomerulonephritis, and further evaluation is recommended.
Electrooxidation of Indomethacin at Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Modified GCE and Its Determination in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form and Human Biological Fluids
Authors: Sataraddi Sanjeevaraddi R. , Patil Shreekant M. , Bagoji Atmanand M. , Pattar Vijay P. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: March 2014

A simple, rapid, selective, and sensitive electrochemical method for the direct determination of indomethacin was developed. The electrochemical behavior of indomethacin was carried at multiwalled carbon nanotube- (MWCNTs-) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The cyclic voltammetric results indicated that MWCNT-modified glassy carbon electrode remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of indomethacin in slightly acidic solutions. It led to a considerable improvement of the anodic peak current for indomethacin and could effectively accumulate at this electrode and produce two anodic peaks at 0.720 V and 0.991 V, respectively, and one reduction peak at 0.183 V. The electrocatalytic behavior was further exploited as a sensitive detection scheme for the determination of indomethacin by differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimized conditions, the concentration range and detection limit were 0.2 to 6.0 μM and 13.2 nM, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of Indomethacine in pharmaceutical samples. The analytical performance of this sensor has been evaluated for detection of analyte in human serum and urine as real samples.
An Enhanced Tracking Algorithm for Distributed Encoding Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Zude , Xu Wenjun
Published: March 2014

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor network has attracted more attention in online condition monitoring for the large mechanical equipment. By the efforts of the encoding scheme for sensor nodes, the capacity for the distributed FBG sensor network can be significantly improved. However, due to the increasing number of sensor nodes, the precision of tracking and locating for the FBG sensors has become a bottleneck that should be conquered. In order to realize more accurate and comprehensive condition monitoring for the large mechanical equipment, an enhanced tracking algorithm for distributed encoding FBG sensor network is presented. The novel tracking algorithm uses three classes of progressive intelligent processing approaches, including the improved cycle matching method, the secondary filter intelligent disposal method, and the assistant decision processes method, to conquer the limitations of the traditional tracking algorithm in which the chaos and error results would be caused as the sensor information variations are overlapped. A set of experiments has been conducted and the results demonstrate that the proposed tracking algorithm performs better than the traditional algorithm in location accuracy for the distributed encoding FBG sensor network and can effectively operate in various working conditions of the large mechanical equipment.
Design of an Energy System Based on Photovoltaic Thermal Collectors in the South of Algeria
Authors: Touafek K. , Khelifa A. , Adouane M. , Haloui H.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this work is the design of a new energy system where the energy source will be provided by solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) hybrid collectors. This system will be applied to a habitation in the region of Ghardaïa in the south of Algeria. The cold water reaches the thermal storage tank and then will be heated by the hybrid collector. The hot water will be used directly as sanitary water. The electric power produced by the hybrid collector will be used to charge the battery and will be delivered to the load (electrical appliances, lamps, etc.). Two types of loads are considered: a DC load and the other alternating current. The fans located adjacent to the radiators supplied with hot water will provide warm air to the house in winter.
Incidence of Tuberculosis and Amyloidosis among Sudanese Patients Presented with Enlarged Nodes
Authors: Agab Eldour Ahmed Abdalla , Mohmed Salih Entisar Najeeb , Ahmed Hussain Gadelkarim
Published: March 2014

Objectives. To determine the incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis and amyloidosis in enlarged lymph nodes (LN).Methodology. A retrospective study was carried out in the department of pathology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kordofan, during one-year period. The study included a group of 103 patients with lymphadenopathy.Results. Of the 103 cases with enlarged neck nodes, 35 (34%) had tuberculous lymphadenitis. Sixteen (46%) cases were males and 19 (54%) cases were females. Out of the 103 patients, amyloidosis was diagnosed in 9/103 (8.7%). Out of the 9 positive cases, 2/9 (22.2%) were males and 7/9 (77.8%) were females.Conclusion. There is high incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis in patients with enlarged LN in developing countries like North Sudan. Amyloidosis should not be ignored when investigating enlarged LN.
Beneficial Effects of Fractions of Nardostachys jatamansi on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Response
Authors: Bae Gi-Sang , Heo Kwang-Ho , Choi Sun Bok , Jo Il-Joo , Kim Dong-Goo , Shin Joon-Yeon , Seo Seung-Hee , Park Kyoung-Chel , Lee Dong-Sung , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn-Chul , Song Ho-Joon , Shin Byung-Cheul , Park Sung-Joo
Published: March 2014

It has been previously shown that Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ) exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges. However, the potency of NJ constituents against LPS‐induced inflammatory responses has not been examined. In this present study, we determined which NJ extract fractions exhibit inhibitory effects against LPS‐induced inflammatory responses. Among the NJ fractions, NJ‐1, NJ‐3, NJ‐4, and NJ‐6 inhibited LPS‐induced production of NO. The NJ‐3, NJ‐4, and NJ‐6 fractions also inhibited the production of cytokines, such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. However, NJ‐1, NJ‐3, NJ‐4, and NJ‐6 showed differential inhibitory mechanisms against LPS‐induced inflammatory responses. NJ‐1, NJ‐3, and NJ‐4 inhibited LPS‐induced activation of c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 but did not affect activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) or NF‐κB. On the other hand, NJ‐6 inhibited activation of MAPKs and NF‐κB. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that administration of NJ‐1, NJ‐3, NJ‐4, and NJ‐6 reduced LPS‐induced endotoxin shock, with NJ‐6 especially showing a marked protective effect. Taken together, these results provide the evidence for the potential of selective NJ fractions against LPS‐induced inflammation. Thus, it will be advantageous to further isolate and determine single effective compounds from these potent fractions.
Parameter Estimation and Hybrid Lag Synchronization in Hyperchaotic Lü Systems
Authors: Wei Qing , Wang Zuolei
Published: March 2014

The antiphase and complete lag synchronization of hyperchaotic Lü systems with unknown parameters is investigated. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the sufficient conditions for achieving hybrid lag synchronization are derived. The optimized parameter observers are approached analytically via adaptive control approach. Numerical simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Stability Analysis for Fractional-Order Linear Singular Delay Differential Systems
Authors: Zhang Hai , Wu Daiyong , Cao Jinde , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2014

We investigate the delay-independently asymptotic stability of fractional-order linear singular delay differential systems. Based on the algebraic approach, the sufficient conditions are presented to ensure the asymptotic stability for any delay parameter. By applying the stability criteria, one can avoid solving the roots of transcendental equations. An example is also provided to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the theoretical results.
The Efficacy of Selected Desensitizing OTC Products: A Systematic Review
Authors: Talioti E. , Hill R. , Gillam D. G.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to review the published literature in order to identify relevant studies for inclusion and to determine whether there was any evidence on the clinical effectiveness of selected desensitizing toothpastes, calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS), amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), nanohydroxyapatite, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (tooth mousse) on reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Materials and Methods. Following a review of 593 papers identified from searching both electronic databases (PUBMED) and hand searching of relevant written journals, only 5 papers were accepted for inclusion. Results. Analysis of the included studies (3 CSPS and 2 ACP) would suggest that there may be some benefit for patients using these products for reducing DH. No direct comparative studies were available to assess all these products under the same conditions neither were there any comparative randomised controlled studies that compared at least two of these products in determining their effectiveness in treating DH. Conclusions. Due to the small number of included studies, there are limited clinical data to support any claims of clinical efficacy of these OTC products. Further studies are therefore required to determine the efficacy of these products in well-controlled RCT studies with a larger sample size.
Discontinuous Mixed Covolume Methods for Parabolic Problems
Authors: Zhu Ailing , Jiang Ziwen
Published: March 2014

We present the semidiscrete and the backward Euler fully discrete discontinuous mixed covolume schemes for parabolic problems on triangular meshes. We give the error analysis of the discontinuous mixed covolume schemes and obtain optimal order error estimates in discontinuousHdivand first-order error estimate inL2.
Association betweenFaecalibacterium prausnitziiReduction and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Cao Yuan , Shen Jun , Ran Zhi Hua
Published: March 2014

Background. Laboratory data suggests a reduction ofFaecalibacterium prausnitzii(F. prausnitzii) is confirmed both in fecal samples in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Numerous observational studies have suspected dysbiosis, an imbalance between protective and harmful bacteria to be relevant to the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD.Methods. Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed, and others. were searched by 2 independent reviewers. Of 48 abstracts reviewed, 11 studies met our inclusion criteria (subjectN=1180). Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.2.Results. The bacterial count ofF. prausnitziiin IBD patients was significantly lower (6.7888±1.8875) log10 CFU/g feces than healthy controls (7.5791±1.5812) log10 CFU/g feces;P<0.0001. The Standardization Mean Difference ofF. prausnitziiin IBD patients was −0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.07–−0.80). Subgroup analyses revealed a trend toward a greater effect for CD (SMD: −1.13, 95% CI: −1.32–−0.94) when compared to UC (SMD: −0.78, 95% CI: −0.97–−0.60).Conclusions. The abundance ofF. prausnitziiwas decreased in IBD patients compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the reduction ofF. prausnitziiand misbalance of the intestinal microbiota are particularly higher in CD patients with ileal involvement.
Comparison of Low-Dose Rosuvastatin with Atorvastatin in Lipid-Lowering Efficacy and Safety in a High-Risk Pakistani Cohort: An Open-Label Randomized Trial
Authors: Arshad Abdul Rehman
Published: March 2014

Background. Treatment of hyperlipidemia is helpful in both primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke.Aim. To compare lipid-lowering efficacy of rosuvastatin with atorvastatin.Methodology. This open-label randomized controlled trial was carried out at 1 Mountain Medical Battalion from September 2012 to August 2013 on patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, or stroke, meriting treatment with a statin. Those with secondary causes of dyslipidemia were excluded. Blood samples for estimation of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C were collected after a 12-hour fast. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either atorvastatin 10 mg HS or rosuvastatin 5 mg HS daily. Lipid levels were rechecked after six weeks.Results. Atorvastatin was used in 63 patients and rosuvastatin in 66. There was a greater absolute and percent reduction in serum LDL-C levels with rosuvastatin as compared to atorvastatin (0.96 versus 0.54 mg/dL;P=0.011and 24.34 versus 13.66%;P=0.045), whereas reduction in all other fractions was equal. Myalgias were seen in 5 (7.94%) patients treated with atorvastatin and 8 (12.12%) patients treated with rosuvastatin (P: 0.432).Conclusion. Rosuvastatin produces a greater reduction in serum LDL-C levels and should therefore be preferred over atorvastatin.
A Hofer-Type Norm of Hamiltonian Maps on Regular Poisson Manifold
Authors: Sun Dawei , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: March 2014

We define a Hofer-type norm for the Hamiltonian map on regular Poisson manifold and prove that it is nondegenerate. We show that theL1,∞-norm and theL∞-norm coincide for the Hamiltonian map on closed regular Poisson manifold and give some sufficient conditions for a Hamiltonian path to be a geodesic. The norm between the Hamiltonian map and the induced Hamiltonian map on the quotient of Poisson manifold(M,{·,·})by a compact Lie group Hamiltonian action is also compared.
Tracking the Biogenesis and Inheritance of Subpellicular Microtubule inTrypanosoma bruceiwith Inducible YFP-α-Tubulin
Authors: Sheriff Omar , Lim Li-Fern , He Cynthia Y.
Published: March 2014

The microtubule cytoskeleton forms the most prominent structural system inTrypanosoma brucei, undergoing extensive modifications during the cell cycle. Visualization of tyrosinated microtubules leads to a semiconservative mode of inheritance, whereas recent studies employing microtubule plus end tracking proteins have hinted at an asymmetric pattern of cytoskeletal inheritance. To further the knowledge of microtubule synthesis and inheritance duringT. bruceicell cycle, the dynamics of the microtubule cytoskeleton was visualized by inducible YFP-α-tubulin expression. During new flagellum/flagellum attachment zone (FAZ) biogenesis and cell growth, YFP-α-tubulin was incorporated mainly between the old and new flagellum/FAZ complexes. Cytoskeletal modifications at the posterior end of the cells were observed with EB1, a microtubule plus end binding protein, particularly during mitosis. Additionally, the newly formed microtubules segregated asymmetrically, with the daughter cell inheriting the new flagellum/FAZ complex retaining most of the new microtubules. Together, our results suggest an intimate connection between new microtubule formation and new FAZ assembly, consequently leading to asymmetric microtubule inheritance and cell division.
The Influence of Gender and Self-Efficacy on Healthy Eating in a Low-Income Urban Population Affected by Structural Changes to the Food Environment
Authors: Robles Brenda , Smith Lisa V. , Ponce Mirna , Piron Jennifer , Kuo Tony
Published: March 2014

Although US obesity prevention efforts have begun to implement a variety of system and environmental change strategies to address the underlying socioecological barriers to healthy eating, factors which can impede or facilitate community acceptance of such interventions are often poorly understood. This is due, in part, to the paucity of subpopulation health data that are available to help guide local planning and decision-making. We contribute to this gap in practice by examining area-specific health data for a population targeted by federally funded nutrition interventions in Los Angeles County. Using data from a local health assessment that collected information on sociodemographics, self-reported health behaviors, and objectively measured height, weight, and blood pressure for a subset of low-income adults (n= 720), we compared health risks and predictors of healthy eating across at-risk groups using multivariable modeling analyses. Our main findings indicate being a woman and having high self-efficacy in reading Nutrition Facts labels were strong predictors of healthy eating (P<0.05). These findings suggest that intervening with women may help increase the reach of these nutrition interventions, and that improving self-efficacy in healthy eating through public education and/or by other means can help prime at-risk groups to accept and take advantage of these food environment changes.
Mobile Beacon Based Wormhole Attackers Detection and Positioning in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Honglong , Chen Wendong , Wang Zhibo , Wang Zhi , Li Yanjun
Published: March 2014

Wormhole attack is a severe attack that can be easily launched by a pair of external attackers in hostile wireless sensor networks. In the wormhole attack, an attacker sniffs packets at one point in the network, and tunnels them through the wormhole link to the other attacker at another point of the network, which broadcasts them to its neighbors. Such kind of procedure can easily deteriorate the normal functionality of the networks. In this paper, we propose a novel wormhole attackers detection and positioning scheme based on mobile beacon, which can not only detect the existence of wormhole attacks, but also accurately localize the attackers for the system to eliminate them out of the network. The main idea is to detect whether the communication between the mobile beacon and each of the static beacons violates the communication properties and then the attacker can be estimated as the center of its communication area by determining the intersection point of the chords’ perpendicular bisector. The simulation results illustrate that our proposed scheme can obtain a high wormhole attack detection probability as well as a high attackers positioning accuracy.
Adaptive Linear and Normalized Combination of Radial Basis Function Networks for Function Approximation and Regression
Authors: Wu Yunfeng , Luo Xin , Zheng Fang , Yang Shanshan , Cai Suxian , Ng Sin Chun
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a novel adaptive linear and normalized combination (ALNC) method that can be used to combine the component radial basis function networks (RBFNs) to implement better function approximation and regression tasks. The optimization of the fusion weights is obtained by solving a constrained quadratic programming problem. According to the instantaneous errors generated by the component RBFNs, the ALNC is able to perform the selective ensemble of multiple leaners by adaptively adjusting the fusion weights from one instance to another. The results of the experiments on eight synthetic function approximation and six benchmark regression data sets show that the ALNC method can effectively help the ensemble system achieve a higher accuracy (measured in terms of mean‐squared error) and the better fidelity (characterized by normalized correlation coefficient) of approximation, in relation to the popular simple average, weighted average, and the Bagging methods.
Missed Massive Morel-Lavallee Lesion
Authors: Takahara Shunsuke , Oe Keisuke , Fujita Hironori , Sakurai Atsushi , Iwakura Takashi , Lee Sang Yang , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: March 2014

A Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) involves posttraumatic fluid collection around the greater trochanter. Many cases of MLL are missed at the initial evaluation, and the treatment of MLL is not well established. We present two cases in which MLL was missed at the initial evaluation.Case 1.A 65-year-old man was run over by a parade float. There was subcutaneous hematoma around the left greater trochanter, and no fracture was found. We diagnosed this injury as MLL on the 7th day after the trauma. Although we performed percutaneous drainage, the injured area was infected.Case 2.A 57-year-old man was hit by a train in a factory. There was an iliac wing fracture, but an MLL was not initially recognized. On the 6th day after the trauma, when performing open reduction and internal fixation for the iliac fracture, we recognized the lesion and performed percutaneous drainage simultaneously. This lesion also became infected. In these two cases, the wounds finally healed after a long duration of treatment. We suggest that it is important to keep this injury in mind and debride the lesion early and completely in the treatment course.
A Topological Framework for Interactive Queries on 3D Models in the Web
Authors: Figueiredo Mauro , Rodrigues José I. , Silvestre Ivo , Veiga-Pires Cristina
Published: April 2014

Several technologies exist to create 3D content for the web. With X3D, WebGL, and X3DOM, it is possible to visualize and interact with 3D models in a web browser. Frequently, three-dimensional objects are stored using the X3D file format for the web. However, there is no explicit topological information, which makes it difficult to design fast algorithms for applications that require adjacency and incidence data. This paper presents a new open source toolkit TopTri (Topological model for Triangle meshes) for Web3D servers that builds the topological model for triangular meshes of manifold or nonmanifold models. Web3D client applications using this toolkit make queries to the web server to get adjacent and incidence information of vertices, edges, and faces. This paper shows the application of the topological information to get minimal local points and iso-lines in a 3D mesh in a web browser. As an application, we present also the interactive identification of stalactites in a cave chamber in a 3D web browser. Several tests show that even for large triangular meshes with millions of triangles, the adjacency and incidence information is returned in real time making the presented toolkit appropriate for interactive Web3D applications.
Flexural Fatigue-Life Assessment and Strength Prediction of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Concrete Composites
Authors: Bedi Raman , Singh S. P. , Chandra Rakesh
Published: March 2014

The paper presents the results of an investigation conducted to assess the fatigue-life and prediction of flexural fatigue strength of polymer concrete composites based on epoxy resin as binder material. Three point flexural fatigue tests were conducted on polymer concrete specimens using MTS servo controlled actuator, to obtain the fatigue lives of the composites at different stress levels. One hundred and thirty-seven specimens of size 40×40×160 mm were tested in flexural fatigue. Forty-three static flexural tests were also conducted to facilitate fatigue testing. It has been observed that the probabilistic distribution of fatigue-life of polymer concrete composite (PCC) and glass fibre reinforced polymer concrete composite (GFRPCC), at a particular stress level, approximately follows the two-parameter Weibull distribution, with statistical corelation coefficient values exceeding 0.90. The fatigue strength prediction model, representing S-N relationship, has been examined and the material coefficients have been obtained for GFRPCC containing 0.5% and 1.0% glass fibres. Design fatigue lives for GFRPCC containing different contents of glass fibres have been estimated for acceptable probabilities of failure and compared with those of PCC.
Novel Method for Breakthrough Removal of Azo Dye from Aqueous Environment Using Integrated Coagulation and Fenton Process
Authors: Awad Sherine , Eldemerdash Usama
Published: March 2014

Fenton process has proven to be efficient in the removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the aqueous environment. However, the environment, health, and economic constraints on the dosage of hydrogen peroxide represent a limitation towards a wide practical use of this approach. In this study, a novel approach is proposed; this includes the treatment with ferrous oxide through coagulation followed by integrated Fenton process. However, the excess ferrous and ferric ions from the coagulation step were utilized in the advanced oxidation step using hydrogen peroxide. The advantage here is the usage of the minimum number of hydrogen peroxide to comply with all the international environmental, safety, and health regulations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capabilities of the unique integrated process of coagulation and Fenton process for color and COD removal of azo dye in an aqueous environment. The optimum operating parameters such as coagulant dose, temperature, and the dose of hydrogen peroxide were determined. This was done with the objective to optimize the percentage removal of color and COD. The main properties of the treated wastewater such as pH and COD content were measured after treatment against the Malaysian standard part B. The results show that the proposed method was successful for the removal of the color and COD from the aqueous environment to reach more than 99% with the new method.
A Case of Acute Psychosis in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Babar Ghufran , Alemzadeh Ramin
Published: March 2014

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a disorder of calcium homeostasis. We report the case of a 17-year-old adolescent male, who presented with an acute psychosis coinciding with severe hypercalcemia and markedly elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level and low vitamin D level. A Sestamibi scan showed a positive signal inferior to the left lobe of the thyroid gland. He had only a partial response to the initial medical and psychiatric management. The enlarged parathyroid gland was resected surgically and postoperatively serum calcium and iPTH levels normalized. The histopathology was compatible with a benign adenoma. Patient’s acute psychotic symptoms resolved gradually after surgery; however he remained under psychiatric care for the behavioral issues for about 6 months after surgery. While psychosis is a rare clinical manifestation of hypercalcemia secondary to PHPT in pediatric population, it should be considered as a clinical clue in an otherwise asymptomatic pediatric patient.
Modelling a Nurse Shift Schedule with Multiple Preference Ranks for Shifts and Days‐Off
Authors: Lin Chun-Cheng , Kang Jia-Rong , Liu Wan-Yu , Deng Der-Jiunn
Published: March 2014

When it comes to nurse shift schedules, it is found that the nursing staff have diverse preferences about shift rotations and days‐off. The previous studies only focused on the most preferred work shift and the number of satisfactory days‐off of the schedule at the current schedule period but had few discussions on the previous schedule periods and other preference levels for shifts and days‐off, which may affect fairness of shift schedules. As a result, this paper proposes a nurse scheduling model based upon integer programming that takes into account constraints of the schedule, different preference ranks towards each shift, and the historical data of previous schedule periods to maximize the satisfaction of all the nursing staff′s preferences about the shift schedule. The main contribution of the proposed model is that we consider that the nursing staff’s satisfaction level is affected by multiple preference ranks and their priority ordering to be scheduled, so that the quality of the generated shift schedule is more reasonable. Numerical results show that the planned shifts and days‐off are fair and successfully meet the preferences of all the nursing staff.
Research on Efficiency of High Power Resonant Electric Vehicle Contactless Power Transfer Charger
Authors: Shi-chun Yang , Sheng-zhuang Song , Yao-guang Cao , Wen-zhuang Gou , Fen-zhu Ji
Published: March 2014

Compared with traditional charging method, CPT (contactless power transfer) is more convenient and safe while having higher power lose. Therefore, the efficiency of CPT needs to be optimized. In this paper, PSSS (primary side series compensation and secondary side series compensation) model is used to study the efficiency optimization of a high-power CPT. The factors such as coil structure, resonant frequency, and load matching on high-power CPT charging equipment are studied by simulation and experiment. The results show that system efficiency is proportional to mutual inductance values; coil structure mainly affects the mutual inductance values; the mutual inductance of the coils is mainly affected by the diameter of the coils, the distance between the coils, the shape of coil, the number of turns, and so forth. As for the CPT charging system based on full-bridge inverter circuit, the efficiency of the system increases as the frequency increases in the range of 0–50 kHz, while decreases as the frequency is higher than 50 kHz. Load matching also affects the efficiency of high-power CPT charging equipment, and the load matching formula based on an equivalent circuit model is given.
Prevalence of Past and Reactivated Viral Infections and Efficacy of Cyclosporine A as Monotherapy or in Combination in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis—Synergy Study: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Colombo Delia , Chimenti Sergio , Grossi Paolo , Marchesoni Antonio , Di Nuzzo Sergio , Griseta Vito , Gargiulo Anna , Parodi Aurora , Simoni Lucia , Bellia Gilberto
Published: April 2014

We have prospectively evaluated psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients for (1) seropositivity for former viral infections and seroconversion and (2) efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants in a time period of 12 months. Screening included HBV antibodies and antigens, HCV antibodies and RNA, HSV 1-2, HZV, EBV, and CMV IgG, and IgM, HHV-6 DNA, and HIV 1-2 antibodies. PsA was evaluated by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). At baseline, 126 (56%) out of 225 evaluable patients had 2 or more seropositivities indicative of former infections, and 31 patients (13.8%) presented seropositivity for HCV, HBV, HSV-1 and -2, HHV-6, EBV, or parvovirus infection; one of them, positive for HBAg, was treated with lamivudine, while the remaining 30 received no specific treatment. None of the 31 patients developed virus reactivation. A reduction (P<0.001) of PASI, BASDAI, and VAS scores was observed at 6 and 12 months. The treatment of PsA with CsA as monotherapy or in combination was safe and effective.In vitroexperiments and clinical findings, including those from our study, suggest that CsA as monotherapy or in combination with biologics might be the treatment of choice in PsA HCV-positive patients.
Norm Comparison Estimates for the Composite Operator
Authors: Li Xuexin , Wang Yong , Xing Yuming
Published: March 2014

This paper obtains the Lipschitz and BMO norm estimates for the composite operator𝕄s∘Papplied to differential forms. Here,𝕄sis the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator, andPis the potential operator. As applications, we obtain the norm estimates for the Jacobian subdeterminant and the generalized solution of the quasilinear elliptic equation.
The Impact of Two Different Transfusion Strategies on Patient Immune Response during Major Abdominal Surgery: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Theodoraki Kassiani , Markatou Maria , Rizos Demetrios , Fassoulaki Argyro
Published: April 2014

Blood transfusion is associated with well-known risks. We investigated the difference between a restrictive versus a liberal transfusion strategy on the immune response, as expressed by the production of inflammatory mediators, in patients subjected to major abdominal surgery procedures. Fifty-eight patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized preoperatively to either a restrictive transfusion protocol or a liberal transfusion protocol (with transfusion if hemoglobin dropped below 7.7 g dL−1or 9.9 g dL−1, respectively). In a subgroup of 20 patients randomly selected from the original allocation groups, blood was sampled for measurement of IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα. Postoperative levels of IL-10 were higher in the liberal transfusion group on the first postoperative day (49.82±29.07vs.15.83±13.22 pg mL−1,P<0.05). Peak postoperative IL-10 levels correlated with the units of blood transfused as well as the mean duration of storage and the storage time of the oldest unit transfused (r2=0.38,P=0.032,r2=0.52,P=0.007, andr2=0.68,P<0.001, respectively). IL-10 levels were elevated in patients with a more liberal red blood cell transfusion strategy. The strength of the association between anti-inflammatory IL-10 and transfusion variables indicates that IL-10 may be an important factor in transfusion-associated immunomodulation. This trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02020525.
Development of Membraneless Sodium Perborate Fuel Cell for Media Flexible Power Generation
Authors: Ponmani K. , Durga S. , Arun A. , Kiruthika S. , Muthukumaran B.
Published: March 2014

This paper reports the media flexibility of membraneless sodium perborate fuel cell (MLSPBFC) using acid/alkaline bipolar electrolyte in which the anode is in acidic media while the cathode is in alkaline media, or vice versa. Investigation of the cell operation is conducted by using formic acid as a fuel and sodium perborate as an oxidant for the first time under “acid-alkaline media” configurations. The MLSPBFC architecture enables interchangeable operation with different media combinations. The experimental results indicate that operating under “acid-alkaline media” conditions significantly improves the fuel cell performance compared with all-acidic and all-alkaline conditions. The effects of flow rates and the concentrations of various species at both the anode and cathode on the cell performance are also investigated. It has been demonstrated that the laminar flow based microfluidic membraneless fuel cell can reach a maximum power density of 28.2 mW cm−2with a fuel mixture flow rate of 0.3 mL min−1at room temperature.
Coaxial Electrospinning with Mixed Solvents: From Flat to Round Eudragit L100 Nanofibers for Better Colon‐Targeted Sustained Drug Release Profiles
Authors: Yu Deng-Guang , Xu Ying , Li Zan , Du Lin-Ping , Zhao Ben-Guo , Wang Xia
Published: March 2014

A modified coaxial electrospinning process was developed for creating drug‐loaded composite nanofibers. Using a mixed solvent of ethanol and N,N‐dimethylacetamide as a sheath fluid, the electrospinning of a codissolving solution of diclofenac sodium (DS) and Eudragit L100 (EL100) could run smoothly and continuously without any clogging. A series of analyses were undertaken to characterize the resultant nanofibers from both the modified coaxial process and a one‐fluid electrospinning in terms of their morphology, physical form of the components, and their functional performance. Compared with those from the one‐fluid electrospinning, the DS‐loaded EL100 fibers from the modified coaxial process were rounder and smoother and possessed higher quality in terms of diameter and distribution with the DS existing in the EL100 matrix in an amorphous state; they also provided a better colon‐targeted sustained drug release profile with a longer release time period. The modified coaxial process not only can smooth the electrospinning process to prevent clogging of spinneret, but also is a useful tool to tailor the shape of electrospun nanofibers and thus endow them improved functions.
Correlation of VLF-EM Data with Radiometric Measurements: Implications for Uranium Exploration around Beldih, South Purulia Shear Zone, India
Authors: Mittal Saurabh , Sharma S. P. , Biswas Arkoprovo , Sengupta D.
Published: March 2014

This study is an attempt to correlate VLF-EM data with the radiometric measurements to decipher the subsurface structure and to locate uranium mineralization in the shear zone. The study area is around Beldih mine which is an open cast apatite mine located on the South Purulia Shear Zone. VLF method has been applied to map the structure and the presence of radioactive minerals has been delineated by the detection of highαandγcounts with respect to the background radiations. High radiation counts and high surfaceγactivity are found just above the higher apparent current-density zones in all the profiles studied, at various locations, indicating uranium and/or thorium mineralization as well as good correlation between these techniques.
CD20+ B Cell Depletion in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Common Mechanism of Inhibition or Disease-Specific Effect on Humoral Immunity?
Authors: Pateinakis Panagiotis , Pyrpasopoulou Athina
Published: March 2014

Autoimmunity remains a complex physiologic deviation, enabled and perpetuated by a variety of interplayers and pathways. Simplistic approaches, targeting either isolated end-effectors of more centrally placed interactors of these mechanisms, are continuously tried in an effort to comprehend and halt cascades with potential disabling and deleterious effects in the affected individuals. This review focuses on theoretical and clinically proved effects of rituximab-induced CD20+ B cell depletion on different systemic autoimmune diseases and extrapolates on pathogenetic mechanisms that may account for different interindividual or interdisease responses.