bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptors of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian-Axis Hormone in Uterine Myomas
Authors: Plewka Danuta , Marczyński Jacek , Morek Michał , Bogunia Edyta , Plewka Andrzej
Published: June 2014

In this study the expression of GnRH, FSH, LH, ER-α, ER-β, and PR receptors was examined in uterine myomas of women in reproductive and perimenopausal age. In cases of GnRH and tropic hormones a membranous and cytoplasmic immunohistochemical reaction was detected, in cases of ER-αand PR the reaction was located in cell nucleus, and in the case of ER-βit manifested also a cytoplasmic location. In some of the examined cases the expression was detected in endometrium, myocytes, and endothelium of blood vessels, in uterine glands and myoma cells. In myometrium the level of GnRH and LH receptors increases with age, whereas the level of progesterone and both estrogen receptors decreases. In myomas of women in reproductive age, independently of their size, expression of GnRH, FSH, and LH receptors was more pronounced than in myometrium. In women of perimenopausal age, independently of myoma size, expression of LH and estrogenαreceptors was higher while expression of GnRH receptors was lower than in myometrium. FSH receptor expression was not observed. Expression of estrogen receptorβwas not affected by age of the woman or size of myoma. Analysis of obtained results indicates on existing in small myomas local feedback axis between GnRH-LH-progesterone.
TLCD Parametric Optimization for the Vibration Control of Building Structures Based on Linear Matrix Inequality
Authors: Huo Linsheng , Qu Chunxu , Li Hongnan
Published: June 2014

Passive liquid dampers have been used to effectively reduce the dynamic response of civil infrastructures subjected to earthquakes or strong winds. The design of liquid dampers for structural vibration control involves the determination of the optimal parameters. This paper presents an optimal design methodology for tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs) based on theH∞control theory. A practical structure, Dalian Xinghai Financial Business Building, is used to illustrate the feasibility of the optimal procedure. The model of structure is built by the finite element method and simplified to the lumped mass model. To facilitate the design of TLCDs, the TLCD parametric optimization problem is transferred to the feedback controller design problem. Through the bounded real lemma, an optimization problem with bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraints is constructed to design a static output feedbackH∞controller. Iterative linear matrix inequality method is employed and it added some value range constraints to solve the BMI problem. After the TLCD parameters are optimized, the responses of displacement and acceleration in frequency domain and time domain are compared for the structure with and without TLCD. It is validated that the TLCD with the optimized parameters can make the structure satisfy the need for safety and comfort.
Electrochemical Properties of Chemically ProcessedSiOxas Coating Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Si Anode
Authors: Jeong Hee-June , Yang Hyeon-Woo , Yun Kang-Seop , Noh Eul , Jung Sang-Chul , Kang Wooseung , Kim Sun-Jae
Published: June 2014

ASiOxcoating material for Si anode in lithium-ion battery was processed by using SiCl4and ethylene glycol. The producedSiOxparticles after heat treatment at 725°C for 1 h were porous and irregularly shaped with amorphous structure. Pitch carbon added toSiOxwas found to strongly affect solid electrolyte interphase stabilization and cyclic stability. When mixed with an optimal amount of 30 wt% pitch carbon, theSiOxshowed a high charge/discharge cyclic stability of about 97% for the 2nd to the 50th cycle. The initial specific capacity of theSiOxwas measured to be 1401 mAh/g. On the basis of the evaluation of theSiOxcoating material, the process utilized in this study is considered an efficient method to produceSiOxwith high performance in an economical way.
Systemic Endothelial Function in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Atas Mustafa , Arifoglu Hasan Basri , Hashas Arzu Seyhan Karatepe , Sarli Bahadır , Demircan Suleyman , Ozkose Ayse , Goktas Altan
Published: June 2014

Objective. We aimed to assess peripheral vascular endothelial function in open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by measuring flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).Materials and Methods. The study included 20 cases with POAG (group 1, mean age58.68±13.3years) and 30 healthy individuals (group 2, mean age58.68±13.6years). In all cases, responses of endothelial function were assessed by a cardiologist through measurement of FMD following brachial artery occlusion.Results. Mean percent of FMD, an indicator of endothelial function, was found to be11.9±4.2%in group 1 and12.3±4.4%in group 2 (P=0.86).Conclusion. No impairment in systemic vascular function of cases with POAG suggests that POAG could be a local disorder rather than being a component of systemic disease.
Strontium Chloride: Can It Be a New Treatment Option for Ulcerative Colitis?
Authors: Topal Firdevs , Yonem Ozlem , Tuzcu Nevin , Tuzcu Mehmet , Ataseven Hilmi , Akyol Melih
Published: June 2014

Background/Aims. Patients with ulcerative colitis still need effective therapy without major side effects. It has been found that strontium can suppress NFκB activation induced by TNF-α. This opens a gate to a new anti-TNF agent which is cheap and can be given orally. We for the first time aimed to investigate the effect of strontium chloride (SrCl2) on inflammation in experimental colitis.Methods. Thirty female Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups each containing 6 rats. The rats in groups 1 and 2 served as the healthy control and colitis group, respectively. The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 had colitis and received 40 mg/kg SrCl2, 160 mg/kg SrCl2, and 1 mg/kg prednisolone by oral gavage, respectively. The rats were sacrificed for histological evaluation and determination of serum neopterin, TNF-α, and IFN-γlevels.Results. The neopterin, TNF-αand IFNγlevels of group 2 was significantly higher than the other groups. The neopterin, TNF-α, and IFN-γlevels of controls and other treatment groups were comparable. There were a significant difference in macroscopic and microscopic healing between group 2 and other groups histologically. But there was not a significant difference within treatment receiving groups.Conclusion. SrCl2had comparable therapeutic efficiency with prednisolone.
Positive Solutions for a Second-Orderp-Laplacian Boundary Value Problem with Impulsive Effects and Two Parameters
Authors: Feng Meiqiang
Published: June 2014

The author considers an impulsive boundary value problem involving the one-dimensionalp-Laplacian-(φp (u′))′=λωtft,u,  0<t<1,  t≠tk,  Δu|t=tk=μIktk,  utk,  Δu′|t=tk=0,  k=1,2,…,n,  au(0)-bu′(0)=∫01‍g(t)u(t)dt,u′(1)=0, whereλ>0andμ>0are two parameters. Using fixed point theories, several new and more general existence and multiplicity results are derived in terms of different values ofλ>0andμ>0. The exact upper and lower bounds for these positive solutions are also given. Moreover, the approach to deal with the impulsive term is different from earlier approaches. In this paper, our results cover equations without impulsive effects and are compared with some recent results by Ding and Wang.
Construction Materials Used in the Historical Roman Era Bath in Myra
Authors: Oguz Cem , Turker Fikret , Kockal Niyazi Ugur
Published: June 2014

The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of mortars and bricks used in the historical building that was erected at Myra within the boundaries of Antalya Province during the Roman time were investigated. The sample picked points were marked on the air photographs and plans of the buildings and samples were photographed. Then petrographic evaluation was made by stereo microscope on the polished surfaces of construction materials (mortar, brick) taken from such historical buildings in laboratory condition. Also, microstructural analyses (SEM/EDX, XRD), physical analyses (unit volume, water absorption by mass, water absorption by volume, specific mass, compacity, and porosity), chemical analyses (acid loss and sieve analysis, salt analyses, pH, protein, fat, pozzolanic activity, and conductivity analyses), and mechanical experiments (compressive strength, point loading test, and tensile strength at bending) were applied and the obtained results were evaluated. It was observed that good adherence was provided between the binder and the aggregate in mortars. It was also detected that bricks have preserved their originality against environmental, atmospheric, and physicochemical effects and their mechanical properties showed that they were produced by appropriate techniques.
New Explicit Bounds on Gamidov Type Integral Inequalities for Functions in Two Variables and Their Applications
Authors: Cheng Kelong , Guo Chunxiang
Published: June 2014

Some linear and nonlinear Gamidov type integral inequalities in two variables are established, which can give the explicit bounds on the solutions to a class of Volterra-Fredholm integral equations. Some examples of application are presented to show boundedness and uniqueness of solutions of a Volterra-Fredholm type integral equation.
Nucleic Acid Aptamers: Research Tools in Disease Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Santosh Baby , Yadava Pramod K.
Published: June 2014

Aptamers are short sequences of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) or peptide molecules which adopt a conformation and bind cognate ligands with high affinity and specificity in a manner akin to antibody-antigen interactions. It has been globally acknowledged that aptamers promise a plethora of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although use of nucleic acid aptamers as targeted therapeutics or mediators of targeted drug delivery is a relatively new avenue of research, one aptamer-based drug “Macugen” is FDA approved and a series of aptamer-based drugs are in clinical pipelines. The present review discusses the aspects of design, unique properties, applications, and development of different aptamers to aid in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment under defined conditions.
Genetic Testing in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Using Massive Parallel Sequencing
Authors: Ruiz Anna , Llort Gemma , Yagüe Carmen , Baena Neus , Viñas Marina , Torra Montse , Brunet Anna , Seguí Miquel A. , Saigí Eugeni , Guitart Miriam
Published: June 2014

High throughput methods such as next generation sequencing are increasingly used in molecular diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop a workflow for the detection ofBRCA1andBRCA2mutations using massive parallel sequencing in a 454 GS Junior bench top sequencer. Our approach was first validated in a panel of 23 patients containing 62 unique variants that had been previously Sanger sequenced. Subsequently, 101 patients with familial breast and ovarian cancer were studied.BRCA1andBRCA2exon enrichment has been performed by PCR amplification using the BRCA MASTR kit (Multiplicom). Bioinformatic analysis of reads is performed with the AVA software v2.7 (Roche). In total, all 62 variants were detected resulting in a sensitivity of 100%. 71 false positives were called resulting in a specificity of 97.35%. All of them correspond to deletions located in homopolymeric stretches. The analysis of the homopolymers stretches of 6 bp or longer using the BRCA HP kit (Multiplicom) increased the specificity of the detection ofBRCA1andBRCA2mutations to 99.99%. We show here that massive parallel pyrosequencing can be used as a diagnostic strategy to test forBRCA1andBRCA2mutations meeting very stringent sensitivity and specificity parameters replacing traditional Sanger sequencing with a lower cost.
Rain Sensor with Stacked Light Waveguide Having Tilted Air Gap
Authors: Choi Kyoo Nam
Published: June 2014

Vehicle sensor to detect rain drop on and above waveguide utilizing light deflection and scattering was realized, keeping wide sensing coverage and sensitivity to detect mist accumulation. Proposed sensor structure under stacked light wave guide consisted of light blocking fixture surrounding photodetector and adjacent light source. Tilted air gap between stacked light waveguide and light blocking fixture played major role to increase sensitivity and to enhance linearity. This sensor structure eliminated complex collimating optics, while keeping wide sensing coverage using simple geometry. Detection algorithm based on time-to-intensity transformation process was used to convert raining intensity into countable raining process. Experimental result inside simulated rain chamber showed distinct different response between light rain and normal rain. Application as automobile rain sensor is expected.
Cooling Systems Design in Hot Stamping Tools by a Thermal-Fluid-Mechanical Coupled Approach
Authors: Lin Tao , Song Hong-Wu , Zhang Shi-Hong , Cheng Ming , Liu Wei-Jie
Published: June 2014

Hot stamping tools with cooling systems are the key facilities for hot stamping process of Ultrahigh strength steels (UHSS) in automotive industry. Hot stamping tools have significant influence on the final microstructure and properties of the hot stamped parts. In serials production, the tools should be rapidly cooled by cooling water. Hence, design of hot stamping tools with cooling systems is important not only for workpieces of good quality but also for the tools with good cooling performance and long life. In this paper, a new multifield simulation method was proposed for the design of hot stamping tools with cooling system. The deformation of the tools was also analyzed by this method. Based on MpCCI (Mesh-based parallel Code Coupling Interface), thermal-fluid simulation and thermal-fluid-mechanical coupled simulation were performed. Subsequently, the geometrical parameters of the cooling system are investigated for the design. The results show that, both the distance between the ducts and the distance between the ducts and the tools loaded contour have significant influence on the quenching effect. And better quenching effect can be achieved with the shorter distance from the tool surface and with smaller distance between ducts. It is also shown that, thermal expansion is the main reason for deformation of the hot forming tools, which causes the distortion of the cooling ducts, and the stress concentration at corner of the ducts.
Chronic Dietary Supplementation of 4% Figs on the Modification of Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Subash Selvaraju , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Al-Asmi Abdullah , Al-Adawi Samir , Vaishnav Ragini
Published: June 2014

We assessed the changes in the plasma Aβ, oxidative stress/antioxidants, and membrane bound enzymes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) transgenic mice (Tg2576) after dietary supplementation of Omani figs fruits for 15 months along with spatial memory and learning test. AD Tg mice on control diet without figs showed significant impairment in spatial learning ability compared to the wild-type mice on same diet and figs fed Tg mice as well. Significant increase in oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant status were observed in AD Tg mice. 4% figs treated AD Tg mice significantly attenuated oxidative damage, as evident by decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls and restoration of antioxidant status. Altered activities of membrane bound enzymes (Na+K+ATPase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)) in AD Tg mice brain regions and was restored by figs treatment. Further, figs supplementation might be able to decrease the plasma levels of Aβ(1–40, 1–42) significantly in Tg mice suggesting a putative delay in the formation of plaques, which might be due to the presence of high natural antioxidants in figs. But this study warrants further extensive investigation to find a novel lead for a therapeutic target for AD from figs.
The Current Status of Usability Studies of Information Technologies in China: A Systematic Study
Authors: Lei Jianbo , Xu Lufei , Meng Qun , Zhang Jiajie , Gong Yang
Published: June 2014

Objectives.To systematically review and analyze the current status and characteristics of usability studies in China in the field of information technology in general and in the field of healthcare in particular.Methods.We performed a quantitative literature analysis in three major Chinese academic databases and one English language database using Chinese search terms equivalent to the concept of usability.Results.Six hundred forty-seven publications were selected for analysis. We found that in China the literature on usability in the field of information technology began in 1994 and increased thereafter. The usability definitions from ISO 9241-11:1998 and Nielsen (1993) have been widely recognized and cited. Authors who have published several publications are rare. Fourteen journals have a publishing rate over 1%. Only nine publications about HIT were identified.Discussions.China’s usability research started relatively late. There is a lack of organized research teams and dedicated usability journals. High-impact theoretical studies are scarce. On the application side, no original and systematic research frameworks have been developed. The understanding and definition of usability is not well synchronized with international norms. Besides, usability research in HIT is rare.Conclusions.More human and material resources need to be invested in China’s usability research, particularly in HIT.
Cost of Care for HIV-Infected Patients with Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder or Psychiatric Disease: Report from a Large, Integrated Health Plan
Authors: DeLorenze Gerald N. , Tsai Ai-Lin , Horberg Michael A. , Quesenberry Charles P.
Published: June 2014

Background. The costs of providing care to HIV-infected (HIV+) patients with co-occurring diagnoses of substance use (SU) disorder or psychiatric disease (PD) are not well documented. It is our objective to evaluate costs in these HIV+ patients receiving care in a large health plan.Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 1995 to 2010 to compare costs of healthcare in HIV+ patients with and without co-occurring SU disorder and/or PD diagnoses. Estimates of proportional differences in costs (rate ratios) were obtained from repeated measures generalized linear regression. Models were stratified by cost category (e.g., inpatient, outpatient).Results. Mean total healthcare costs per patient per year were higher in HIV+ patients diagnosed with SU disorder or PD compared to HIV+ patients without these comorbid conditions. After controlling for confounders, total mean costs remained significantly higher in patients diagnosed with SU disorder (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.18–1.31) or PD (RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.15–1.24). Mean outpatient care costs were significantly greater in patients with both SU disorder and PD (RR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.41–1.64).Conclusions. Given these higher expenditures in the care of HIV+ patients with comorbid SU disorder and/or PD, greater efforts to facilitate SU disorder or PD treatment initiation and persistence could provide substantial savings.
Aberrant Frequency of IL-10-Producing B Cells and Its Association with Treg/Th17 in Adult Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients
Authors: Hua Fanli , Ji Lili , Zhan Yanxia , Li Feng , Zou Shanhua , Chen Lihang , Gao Song , Li Ying , Chen Hao , Cheng Yunfeng
Published: June 2014

Background. Regulatory B cells (Breg) are a distinct B cell subset with immunoregulatory properties. Pivotal to Breg function is interleukin-10. This study was to investigate the role of IL-10-producing B cell (B10) and its association with Treg and Th17 subsets in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients.Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ITP patients and controls were stimulated with PMA, ionomycin, and Brefeldin A. The frequencies of CD19+IL-10+B cells, CD3+CD4+IL-17+Th17 cells, and CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of Foxp3 and RORγt was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results. The number of B10 cells was elevated in ITP patients. After first-line therapies, it remained at high level in patients who achieved complete or partial response but decreased in those who acquired no response. There was a positive correlation between B10 cells and Tregs in ITP both before and after therapies. The ratio of Treg/Th17 decreased in ITP, and it strongly correlated with B10 cells.Conclusions. The frequency of B10 cells is elevated in ITP and it correlates with both the Tregs counts and the Treg/Th17 ratio. B10 cells to regulate functional T cell subsets might be impaired in patients with ITP.
Generation of Recombinant Porcine Parvovirus Virus-Like Particles inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand Development of Virus-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Tamošiūnas Paulius Lukas , Petraitytė-Burneikienė Rasa , Lasickienė Rita , Akatov Artiomas , Kundrotas Gabrielis , Sereika Vilimas , Lelešius Raimundas , Žvirblienė Aurelija , Sasnauskas Kęstutis
Published: June 2014

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a widespread infectious virus that causes serious reproductive diseases of swine and death of piglets. The gene coding for the major capsid protein VP2 of PPV was amplified using viral nucleic acid extract from swine serum and inserted into yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeexpression plasmid. Recombinant PPV VP2 protein was efficiently expressed in yeast and purified using density gradient centrifugation. Electron microscopy analysis of purified PPV VP2 protein revealed the self-assembly of virus-like particles (VLPs). Nine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the recombinant PPV VP2 protein were generated. The specificity of the newly generated MAbs was proven by immunofluorescence analysis of PPV-infected cells. Indirect IgG ELISA based on the recombinant VLPs for detection of PPV-specific antibodies in swine sera was developed and evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of the new assay were found to be 93.4% and 97.4%, respectively. In conclusion, yeastS. cerevisiaerepresents a promising expression system for generating recombinant PPV VP2 protein VLPs of diagnostic relevance.
Aspirin Modulates Innate Inflammatory Response and Inhibits the Entry ofTrypanosoma cruziin Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Malvezi Aparecida Donizette , da Silva Rosiane Valeriano , Panis Carolina , Yamauchi Lucy Megumi , Lovo-Martins Maria Isabel , Zanluqui Nagela Ghabdan , Tatakihara Vera Lúcia Hideko , Rizzo Luiz Vicente , Verri Waldiceu A. , Martins-Pinge Marli Cardoso , Yamada-Ogatta Sueli Fumie , Pinge-Filho Phileno
Published: June 2014

The intracellular protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzicauses Chagas disease, a serious disorder that affects millions of people in Latin America. Cell invasion byT. cruziand its intracellular replication are essential to the parasite’s life cycle and for the development of Chagas disease. Here, we present evidence suggesting the involvement of the host’s cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme duringT. cruziinvasion. Pharmacological antagonist for COX-1, aspirin (ASA), caused marked inhibition ofT. cruziinfection when peritoneal macrophages were pretreated with ASA for 30 min at 37°C before inoculation. This inhibition was associated with increased production of IL-1βand nitric oxide (NO∙) by macrophages. The treatment of macrophages with either NOS inhibitors or prostaglandin E2(PGE2) restored the invasive action ofT. cruziin macrophages previously treated with ASA. Lipoxin ALX-receptor antagonist Boc2 reversed the inhibitory effect of ASA on trypomastigote invasion. Our results indicate that PGE2,NO∙, and lipoxins are involved in the regulation of anti-T. cruziactivity by macrophages, providing a better understanding of the role of prostaglandins in innate inflammatory response toT. cruziinfection as well as adding a new perspective to specific immune interventions.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Flow around a Circular Cylinder Controlled Using Plasma Actuators
Authors: Igarashi Taichi , Naito Hiroshi , Fukagata Koji
Published: June 2014

Flow around a circular cylinder controlled using plasma actuators is investigated
by means of direct numerical simulation (DNS). The Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity and the cylinder diameter is set at ReD = 1000. The plasma actuators are placed at ±90° from the front stagnation point. Two types of forcing, that is, two‐dimensional forcing and three‐dimensional forcing, are examined and the effects of the forcing amplitude and the arrangement of plasma actuators are studied. The simulation results suggest that the two‐dimensional forcing is primarily effective in drag reduction. When the forcing amplitude is higher, the mean drag and the lift fluctuations are suppressed more significantly. In contrast, the three‐dimensional forcing is found to be quite effective in reduction of the lift fluctuations too. This is mainly due to a desynchronization of vortex shedding. Although the drag reduction rate of the three‐dimensional forcing is slightly lower than that of the two‐dimensional forcing, considering the power required for the forcing, the three‐dimensional forcing is about twice more efficient.
Current Approaches for Predicting a Lack of Response to Anti-EGFR Therapy inKRASWild-Type Patients
Authors: Er Tze-Kiong , Chen Chih-Chieh , Bujanda Luis , Herreros-Villanueva Marta
Published: June 2014

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been one of the most effective colorectal cancer strategies. Anti-EGFR antibodies function by binding to the extracellular domain of EGFR, preventing its activation, and ultimately providing clinical benefit.KRASmutations in codons 12 and 13 are recognized prognostic and predictive biomarkers that should be analyzed at the clinic prior to the administration of anti-EGFR therapy. However, still an important fraction ofKRASwild-type patients do not respond to the treatment. The identification of additional genetic determinants of primary or secondary resistance to EGFR targeted therapy for further improving the selection of patients is urgent. Herein, we review the latest published literature highlighting the most important genes that may predict resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer patients. According to the available findings, the evaluation ofBRAF,NRAS,PIK3CA, andPTENstatus could be the right strategy to select patients who are likely to respond to anti-EGFR therapies. In the future, the combination of those biomarkers will help establish consensus that can be introduced into clinical practice.
Optimal (Control of) Intervention Strategies for Malaria Epidemic in Karonga District, Malawi
Authors: Mwamtobe Peter M. , Abelman Shirley , Tchuenche J. Michel , Kasambara Ansley
Published: June 2014

Malaria is a public health problem for more than 2 billion people globally. About 219 million cases of malaria occur worldwide and 660,000 people die, mostly (91%) in the African Region despite decades of efforts to control the disease. Although the disease is preventable, it is life-threatening and parasitically transmitted by the bite of the femaleAnophelesmosquito. A deterministic mathematical model with intervention strategies is developed in order to investigate the effectiveness and optimal control strategies of indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and treatment on the transmission dynamics of malaria in Karonga District, Malawi. The effective reproduction number is analytically computed, and the existence and stability conditions of the equilibria are explored. The model does not exhibit backward bifurcation. Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle which uses both the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian principles with respect to a time dependent constant is used to derive the necessary conditions for the optimal control of the disease. Numerical simulations indicate that the prevention strategies lead to the reduction of both the mosquito population and infected human individuals. Effective treatment consolidates the prevention strategies. Thus, malaria can be eradicated in Karonga District by concurrently applying vector control via ITNs and IRS complemented with timely treatment of infected people.
Oscillation of Second-Order Nonlinear Delay Dynamic Equations with Damping on Time Scales
Authors: Agwa H. A. , Khodier Ahmed M. M. , Hassan Heba A.
Published: June 2014

We use the generalized Riccati transformation and the inequality technique to establish some new oscillation criteria for the second-order nonlinear delay dynamic equation with damping on a time scaleT(r(t)g(x(t),xΔ(t)))Δ+p(t)g(x(t),xΔ(t)) + q(t)f(x(τ(t)))=0,wherer(t),p(t), andq(t)are positive right dense continuous (rd-continuous) functions onT. Our results improve and extend some results established by Zhang et al., 2011. Also, our results unify the oscillation of the second-order nonlinear delay differential equation with damping and the second-order nonlinear delay difference equation with damping. Finally, we give some examples to illustrate our main results.
Genetic Diversity inPassifloraSpecies Assessed by Morphological and ITS Sequence Analysis
Authors: Ramaiya Shiamala Devi , Bujang Japar Sidik , Zakaria Muta Harah
Published: June 2014

This study used morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA to investigate the phylogeny ofPassifloraspecies. The samples were collected from various regions of East Malaysia, and discriminant function analysis based on linear combinations of morphological variables was used to classify thePassifloraspecies. The biplots generated five distinct groups discriminated by morphological variables. The group consisted of cultivars ofP. eduliswith high levels of genetic similarity; in contrast,P. foetidawas highly divergent from other species in the morphological biplots. The final dataset of aligned sequences from nine studiedPassifloraaccessions and 30 other individuals obtained from GenBank database (NCBI) yielded one most parsimonious tree with two strongly supported clades. Maximum parsimony (MP) tree showed the phylogenetic relationships within this subgenusPassiflorasupport the classification at the series level. The constructed phylogenic tree also confirmed the divergence ofP. foetidafrom all other species and the closeness of wild and cultivated species. The phylogenetic relationships were consistent with results of morphological assessments. The results of this study indicate that ITS region analysis represents a useful tool for evaluating genetic diversity inPassifloraat the species level.
Polyphenols from Berries ofAronia melanocarpaReduce the Plasma Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Ziprasidone
Authors: Dietrich-Muszalska Anna , Kopka Justyna , Kontek Bogdan
Published: June 2014

Background. Oxidative stress in schizophrenia may be caused partially by the treatment of patients with antipsychotics. The aim of the study was to establish the effects of polyphenol compounds derived from berries ofAronia melanocarpa(Aronox) on the plasma lipid peroxidation induced by ziprasidonein vitro.Methods. Lipid peroxidation was measured by the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). The samples of plasma from healthy subjects were incubated with ziprasidone (40 ng/ml; 139 ng/ml; and 250 ng/ml) alone and with Aronox (5 ug/ml; 50 ug/ml).Results. We observed a statistically significant increase of TBARS level after incubation of plasma with ziprasidone (40 ng/ml; 139 ng/ml; and 250 ng/ml) (after 24 h incubation:P=7.0× 10−4,P=1.6× 10−3, andP=2.7× 10−3, resp.) and Aronox lipid peroxidation caused by ziprasidone was significantly reduced. After 24-hour incubation of plasma with ziprasidone (40 ng/ml; 139 ng/ml; and 250 ng/ml) in the presence of 50 ug/ml Aronox, the level of TBARS was significantly decreased:P=6.5× 10−8,P=7.0× 10−6, andP=3.0× 10−5, respectively.Conclusion. Aronox causes a distinct reduction of lipid peroxidation induced by ziprasidone.
The Vector-Valued Functions Associated with Circular Cones
Authors: Zhou Jinchuan , Chen Jein-Shan
Published: June 2014

The circular cone is a pointed closed convex cone having hyperspherical sections orthogonal to its axis of revolution about which the cone is invariant to rotation, which includes second-order cone as a special case when the rotation angle is 45 degrees. LetLθdenote the circular cone inRn. For a functionffromRtoR, one can define a corresponding vector-valued functionfLθonRnby applyingfto the spectral values of the spectral decomposition ofx∈Rnwith respect toLθ. In this paper, we study properties that this vector-valued function inherits fromf, including Hölder continuity,B-subdifferentiability,ρ-order semismoothness, and positive homogeneity. These results will play crucial role in designing solution methods for optimization problem involved in circular cone constraints.
Osteoblast-Like Cell Behavior on Porous Scaffolds Based on Poly(styrene) Fibers
Authors: Serafim Andrada , Mallet Romain , Pascaretti-Grizon Florence , Stancu Izabela-Cristina , Chappard Daniel
Published: June 2014

Scaffolds of nonresorbable biomaterials can represent an interesting alternative for replacing large bone defects in some particular clinical cases with massive bone loss. Poly(styrene) microfibers were prepared by a dry spinning method. They were partially melted to provide 3D porous scaffolds. The quality of the material was assessed by Raman spectroscopy. Surface roughness was determined by atomic force microscopy and vertical interference microscopy. Saos-2 osteoblast-like cells were seeded on the surface of the fibers and left to proliferate. Cell morphology, evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, revealed that they can spread and elongate on the rough microfiber surface. Porous 3D scaffolds made of nonresorbable poly(styrene) fibers are cytocompatible biomaterials mimicking allogenic bone trabeculae and allowing the growth and development of osteoblast-like cellsin vitro.
Nonlinear Dynamic Surface Control of Chaos in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Based on the Minimum Weights of RBF Neural Network
Authors: Luo Shaohua
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with the problem of the nonlinear dynamic surface control (DSC) of chaos based on the minimum weights of RBF neural network for the permanent magnet synchronous motor system (PMSM) wherein the unknown parameters, disturbances, and chaos are presented. RBF neural network is used to approximate the nonlinearities and an adaptive law is employed to estimate unknown parameters. Then, a simple and effective controller is designed by introducing dynamic surface control technique on the basis of first-order filters. Asymptotically tracking stability in the sense of uniformly ultimate boundedness is achieved in a short time. Finally, the performance of the proposed controller is testified through simulation results.
The Outcomes of Primary Scleral Buckling during Repair of Posterior Segment Open-Globe Injuries
Authors: Cohen Dan , Levy Jaime , Lifshitz Tova , Belfair Nadav , Klemperer Itamar , Yanculovich Noam , Knyazer Boris
Published: June 2014

Objective. To compare visual outcomes of eyes which underwent primary scleral buckling (PSB) treatment during posterior segment open-globe injury (OGI) repair with eyes not treated with PSB.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 38 eyes which underwent a posterior segment OGI repair with no preoperative evidence of retinal detachment (RD) at Soroka University Medical Center (1995–2010). 19 (50%) underwent scleral repair alone (control group) and the other 19 eyes were treated with PSB also (PSB group). We compared visual outcomes in these two groups and rates of subsequent postoperative complications.Results. Baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. Compared with the control group, the PSB group had statistically significant lower rates of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (5.3% versus 38.4%,P<0.05) and a trend towards lower rates of RD (15.8% versus 41.1%,P=0.1). PSB group eyes had a statistically significant improvement of their best distance visual acuity (BDVA) with lower means of final BDVA-grade (P<0.05) and logMAR vision (P<0.05). Eyes in the control group had no improvement in these parameters.Conclusion. PSB procedure during posterior segment OGI repair may decrease the risk of subsequent retinal complications and improve final visual outcome.
Relational Coordination and Organisational Social Capital Association with Characteristics of General Practice
Authors: Lundstrøm Sanne Lykke , Edwards Kasper , Knudsen Thomas Bøllingtoft , Larsen Pia Veldt , Reventlow Susanne , Søndergaard Jens
Published: June 2014

Background. Relational coordination (RC) and organisational social capital (OSC) are measures of novel aspects of an organisation’s performance, which have not previously been analysed together, in general practice. Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between RC and OSC, and characteristics of general practice. Methods. Questionnaire survey study comprising 2074 practices in Denmark. Results. General practitioners (GPs) rated both RC and OSC in their general practice higher than their secretaries and nurses. The practice form was statistically significantly associated with high RC and OSC. RC was positively associated with the number of patients listed with a practice per staff, where staff is defined as all members of a practice including both owners and employees. Conclusion. The study showed that RC and OSC were significantly associated with type of profession and practice type. RC was also found to be significantly positively associated with number of patients per staff. However, the low response rate must be taken into consideration when interpreting the self-reported results of this study.
Treatment of Ectopic Mandibular Second Permanent Molar with Elastic Separators
Authors: Rajesh R. , Naveen V. , Amit S. , Baroudi Kusai , Sampath Reddy C. , Namineni Srinivas
Published: June 2014

Ectopic eruption is a developmental disturbance in which the tooth fails to follow its normal eruption pathway. Ectopic eruption of the second molar is relatively rare. This paper presents the case of thirteen-year-old male with an ectopic mandibular second permanent molar. The condition was corrected with surgical exposure and placement of elastic separators. This case report lays emphasis on the practice of basic methods to obtain acceptable results rather than extensive surgical or orthodontic corrections. It is advised that ectopic teeth should not be neglected especially when it concerns developing caries and malocclusion.
Constitutive Relation of Engineering Material Based on SIR Model and HAM
Authors: He Haoxiang , Han Enzhen , Cong Maolin
Published: June 2014

As an epidemic mathematical model, the SIR model represents the transition of the Susceptible, Infected, and Recovered. The profound implication of the SIR model is viewed as the propagation and dynamic evolutionary process of the different internal components and the characteristics in a complex system subject to external effect. The uniaxial stress-strain curve of engineering material represents the basic constitutive relation, which also represents the damage propagation in the units of the damaged member. Hence, a novel dynamic stress-strain model is established based on the SIR model. The analytical solution and the approximate solution for the proposed model are represented according to the homotopy analysis method (HAM), and the relationship of the solution and the size effect and the strain rate is discussed. In addition, an experiment on the size effect of confined concrete is carried out and the solution of SIR model is suitable for simulation. The results show that the mechanical mechanism of the parameters of the uniaxial stress-strain model proposed in this paper reflects the actual characteristics of the materials. The solution of the SIR model can fully and accurately show the change of the mechanical performance and the influence of the size effect and the strain rate.
Numerical Algorithm for the Third-Order Partial Differential Equation with Three-Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Niu Jing , Li Ping
Published: June 2014

A numerical method based on the reproducing kernel theorem is presented for the numerical solution of a three-point boundary value problem with an integral condition. Using the reproducing property and the existence of orthogonal basis in a new reproducing kernel Hilbert space, we obtain a representation of exact solution in series form and its approximate solution by truncating the series. Moreover, the uniform convergency is proved and the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated with some examples.
Optimizing Gear Shifting Strategy for Off‐Road Vehicle with Dynamic Programming
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Zhang Wenming , Feng Yali , Yang Yaodong
Published: June 2014

Gear shifting strategy of vehicle is important aid for the acquisition of dynamic performance and high economy. A dynamic programming (DP) algorithm is used to optimize the gear shifting schedule for off‐road vehicle by using an objective function that weighs fuel use and trip time. The optimization is accomplished through discrete dynamic programming and a trade‐off between trip time and fuel consumption is analyzed. By using concave and convex surface road as road profile, an optimal gear shifting strategy is used to control the longitudinal behavior of the vehicle. Simulation results show that the trip time can be reduced by powerful gear shifting strategy and fuel consumption can achieve high economy with economical gear shifting strategy in different initial conditions and route cases.
Change of Scale Formulas for Wiener Integrals Related to Fourier-Feynman Transform and Convolution
Authors: Kim Bong Jin , Kim Byoung Soo , Yoo Il
Published: June 2014

Cameron and Storvick discovered change of scale formulas for Wiener integrals of functionals in Banach algebraSon classical Wiener space. Yoo and Skoug extended these results for functionals in the Fresnel classF(B)and in a generalized Fresnel classFA1,A2on abstract Wiener space. We express Fourier-Feynman transform and convolution product of functionals inSas limits of Wiener integrals. Moreover we obtain change of scale formulas for Wiener integrals related to Fourier-Feynman transform and convolution product of these functionals.
Infrared Spectroscopic Study on the Modified Mechanism of Aluminum-Impregnated Bone Charcoal
Authors: Li Hao , Yang Yufan , Yang Shuangjun , Chen Anpu , Yang Dazuo
Published: June 2014

Fluoride contamination in drinking water is a prominent and widespread problem in many parts of the world. Excessive ingestion of fluoride through water can lead to the high risk of fluorosis in human body. Bone charcoal, with the principal active component of hydroxyapatite, is a frequently used adsorbent for fluoride removal. Many laboratory experiments suggest that the aluminum-impregnated bone charcoal is an effective adsorbent in defluoridation. However, the mechanisms underlying this modification process are still not well understood, which in turn greatly impedes the further studies on other different modified adsorbents. To address this issue, we used the infrared spectroscopy to examine the bone charcoal and the aluminum-impregnated bone charcoal, respectively. The comparative results show that the −OH peak of infrared spectroscopy has been intensified after modification. This significant change helped speculate the modified mechanism of the aluminum-impregnated bone charcoal. In addition, it is found that the hydroxide ion dissociates from hydroxyapatite in the modification process. Such finding implies that the tetrahydroxoaluminate can be combined with the hydroxyapatite and the aluminum ion can be impregnated onto the bone char surface.
OLED Fabrication by Using a Novel Planar Evaporation Technique
Authors: Tung Fu-Ching , Wang Yi-Shan , Lai Shih-Hsiang , Chen Chien-Chih , Chen Szu-Hao , Wang Ching-Chiun , Jou Jwo-Huei , Chen Sun-Zen
Published: June 2014

Organic light-emitting diode fabrication is suffering from extremely high material wasting during deposition especially using a typical point or even line source. Moreover, the need of depositing a high number of emitters and host(s) with a precise composition control in a single layer makes traditional vapor codeposition systems nearly impossible, unless otherwise with a very low yield. To improve, we have developed a novel thin-film deposition system with a planar source loadable with any premetered solvent-mixed organic compounds, plausibly with no component number limitation. We hence demonstrate experimentally, along with a Monte Carlo simulation, in the report the feasibility of using the technique to deposit on a large area-size substrate various organic materials with a relatively high material utilization rate coupling with high film uniformity. Specifically, nonuniformity of less than ±5% and material utilization rate of greater than 70% have been obtained for the studied films.
Analyzing Patients’ Values by Applying Cluster Analysis and LRFM Model in a Pediatric Dental Clinic in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Hsin-Hung , Lin Shih-Yen , Liu Chih-Wei
Published: June 2014

This study combines cluster analysis and LRFM (length, recency, frequency, and monetary) model in a pediatric dental clinic in Taiwan to analyze patients’ values. A two-stage approach by self-organizing maps andK-means method is applied to segment 1,462 patients into twelve clusters. The average values ofL,R, andFexcluding monetary covered by national health insurance program are computed for each cluster. In addition, customer value matrix is used to analyze customer values of twelve clusters in terms of frequency and monetary. Customer relationship matrix considering length and recency is also applied to classify different types of customers from these twelve clusters. The results show that three clusters can be classified into loyal patients withL,R, andFvalues greater than the respective averageL,R, andFvalues, while three clusters can be viewed as lost patients without any variable above the average values ofL,R, andF. When different types of patients are identified, marketing strategies can be designed to meet different patients’ needs.
Formulation Optimization of Erythromycin Solid Lipid Nanocarrier Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sahu Anil Kumar , Kumar Tekeshwar , Jain Vishal
Published: June 2014

In present work response surface methodology (RSM) using the miscellaneous design model was used to optimize formulations of erythromycin solid lipid nanocarriers (ERY-SLN). Two-factor three level factorial design was considered for optimization. There were three parameters, drug entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) percentage, and mean particle size of ERY-SLN, considered for investigating the optimal formulation with respect to two independent variables, including lipid concentration (X1) and surfactant : cosurfactant ratio (X2). The result showed that the optimal ERY-SLN was composed of lipid concentration (X1) 15 mg/mL and surfactant : cosurfactant ratio (X2) 1 : 1 with %EE of 88.40 ± 2.09%, DL of 29.46 ± 0.69%, mean particle size of 153.21 ± 2.31 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.026 ± 0.008, and zeta potential value of −15.18 ± (−5.53)  mV. DSC and TEM study showed that there was no chemical interaction between ERY and lipid (GMS) and the ERY-SLN particles are nonspherical, respectively. The drug release experiments exhibited a sustained release over during 24 h, up to 66.26 ± 2.83%. Accelerated stability studies showed that there was no significant change occurring in the responses after storage condition for a total period of 3 months.