bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a pilot multidisciplinary clinic for frequent attending elderly patients on deprescribing
Authors: Mudge Alison , Radnedge Katherine , Kasper Karen , Mullins Robert , Adsett Julie , Rofail Serena , Lloyd Sophie , Barras Michael
Published: July 2015

Objective
Multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy are risk factors for hospital re-admission. The Targeting Hospitalization Risks in Vulnerable Elders (THRIVE) clinic is a novel multidisciplinary out-patient clinic to improve transitions of care and decrease re-admission risk for older medical patients with frequent hospital admissions. This pilot study examined the effect of the THRIVE model on medication count, tablet load and potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs).

Methods
Participants with frequent medical admissions were referred within 2 weeks of discharge from hospital and assessed at baseline and then at 4 and 12 weeks by the THRIVE team. A thorough reconciliation of all medications was performed collaboratively by a clinical pharmacist and a physician. Optimising medications, including deprescribing, was in collaboration with the participants’ general practitioner. The complete medication history of each patient was compared retrospectively by an independent assessor at baseline and after the 12-week clinic, comparing total number of regular medications, tablet load and PIMs (measured using the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions (STOPP) tool).

Results
All 17 participants attending the pilot THRIVE clinic were included in the study. At 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in mean medication count (from 14.3 to 11.2 medications; P < 0.001) and mean tablet load (from 20.5 to 16.9 tablets; P < 0.01). There was an absolute reduction in the total number of PIMs from 38 to 14. Common medications deprescribed included opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and diuretics.

Conclusions
Patients who attended the THRIVE clinic had a significant reduction in medication count and tablet load. The pilot study demonstrates the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary out-patient clinic to improve prescribing and reduce unwarranted medications in an elderly population. An adequately powered comparative study would allow assessment of clinical outcomes and costs.
What is known about the topic?
Elderly patients are prone to polypharmacy. The identification and deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications is effective in reducing adverse drug events in this population. However, acute hospitalisation is not always the ideal setting to initiate deprescribing.

What does the paper add?
Intensive multidisciplinary out-patient care for frequently re-admitted patients optimises their medication management plan and helps reduce the use of unwarranted medications.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Effective deprescribing in elderly patients can be achieved after hospital discharge using a multidisciplinary collaborative model, but costs and clinical benefits require further investigation.
Quantifying carbon sequestration on sheep grazing land in Australia for life cycle assessment studies
Authors: Henry B. K. , Butler D. , Wiedemann S. G.
Published: July 2015

The sheep industry has played an important role in Australia’s development and economy over the 220 years since European settlement and remains an important land use in Australia, occupying an estimated 85 million ha of continental land mass. Historically, deforestation was carried out in many sheep-rearing regions to promote pasture growth but this has not occurred within recent decades and many wool producers have invested in planting trees as well as preserving patches of remnant vegetation. Although the limitations of single environmental impact studies are recognised, this paper focuses on the contribution of carbon sequestration in trees and shrubs on sheep farms to the global warming potential impact category in life cycle assessment of wool. The analysis represents three major wool-producing zones of Australia. Based on default regional yields as applied in Australia’s National Inventory model, FullCAM, CO2 removals in planted exotic pines and mixed native species were estimated to be 5.0 and 3.0 t CO2 ha–1 year–1, respectively, for the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales in the ‘high-rainfall zone’ and 1.4 t CO2 ha–1 year–1 for mixed native species in the ‘sheep-wheat zone’ of Western Australia. Applying modified factors allowing for the higher measured growth rates in regions with rainfall >300 mm, gave values for native species reforestation of 4.4 and 2.0 t CO2 ha–1 year–1 for New South Wales and Western Australia, respectively. Sequestration was estimated to be 0.07 t CO2 ha–1 year–1 over 100 years for chenopod shrublands of the ‘pastoral zone’ of South Australia but this low rate is significant because of the extent of regeneration. Sequestration of soil organic carbon in improved permanent pastures in the New South Wales Northern Tablelands was evaluated to be highly uncertain but potentially significant over large areas of management. Improved data and consistent methodologies are needed for quantification of these benefits in life cycle assessment studies for wool and sheep meat, and additional impact categories, such as biodiversity, need to be included if the public and private benefits provided by good management of vegetation resources on farms are to be more fully recognised.
HISTONE DEACETYLASE6-Defective Mutants Show Increased Expression and Acetylation of ENHANCER OF TRIPTYCHON AND CAPRICE1 and GLABRA2 with Small But Significant Effects on Root Epidermis Cellular Pattern
Authors: Li Dong-Xu , Chen Wen-Qian , Xu Zhi-Hong , Bai Shu-Nong
Published: July 2015

Cellular patterning in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root epidermis is dependent on positional information, the transmission of which involves histone acetylation. Here, we report that HISTONE DEACETYLASE6 (HDA6) has significant effects on this cellular patterning. Mutation of HDA6 led to ectopic hair cells in the nonhair positions of root epidermis in Arabidopsis, based on an analysis of paraffin sections stained with Toluidine Blue. While HDA6 was present throughout the root tip, epidermis-specific complementation with HDA6 could rescue the hda6 phenotype. Both transcript levels and expression patterns of ENHANCER OF TRIPTYCHON AND CAPRICE1 (ETC1) and GLABRA2 (GL2) in the root tip were affected in hda6. Consistent with these changes in expression, HDA6 directly bound to the promoter regions of ETC1 and GL2, and acetylation of histone H3 on these promoter regions and acetylation of histone H4 on the ETC1 promoter region was increased in the hda6 mutant. Taken together, these results indicate that HDA6 affects the cellular patterning of Arabidopsis root epidermis through altering the histone acetylation status of ETC1 and GL2 promoters and thereby affects the expression of these two components of the core transcription factor network determining epidermal cell fates. Our findings thus provide new insights into the role of histone acetylation in root epidermis cell patterning.
Crystal structures of eight mono-methyl alkanes (C26–C32)viasingle-crystal and powder diffraction and DFT-D optimization
Authors: Brooks Lee , Brunelli Michela , Pattison Philip , Jones Graeme R. , Fitch Andrew
Published: July 2015

The crystal structures of eight mono-methyl alkanes have been determined from single-crystal or high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. Mono-methyl alkanes can be found on the cuticles of insects and are believed to act as recognition pheromones in some social species,e.g.ants, waspsetc. The molecules were synthesized as pureSenantiomers and are (S)-9-methylpentacosane, C26H54; (S)-9-methylheptacosane and (S)-11-methylheptacosane, C28H58; (S)-7-methylnonacosane, (S)-9-methylnonacosane, (S)-11-methylnonacosane and (S)-13-methylnonacosane, C30H62; and (S)-9-methylhentriacontane, C32H66.All crystallize in space groupP21. Depending on the position of the methyl group on the carbon chain, two packing schemes are observed, in which the molecules pack together hexagonally as linear rods with terminal and side methyl groups clustering to form distinct motifs. Carbon-chain torsion angles deviate by less than 10° from the fully extended conformation, but with one packing form showing greater curvature than the other near the position of the methyl side group. The crystal structures are optimized by dispersion-corrected DFT calculations, because of the difficulties in refining accurate structural parameters from powder diffraction data from relatively poorly crystalline materials.
Closed‐Loop Supply Chains for Photovoltaic Panels: A Case‐Based Approach
Authors: Besiou Maria , Van Wassenhove Luk N.
Published: July 2015

Photovoltaic (PV) waste is expected to significantly increase. However, legislation on producer responsibility for the collection and recovery of PV panels is limited to the European Union (EU) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive Recast, which lays down design, collection, and recovery measures. Academic knowledge of closed‐loop supply chains (CLSCs) for PV panels is scarce. We analyze the supply chain using multiple cases involving the main stakeholders in the design, production, collection, and recovery of PV panels. Our article answers two research questions: How does the PV supply chain operate, and what are critical factors affecting the reverse supply chain management of used panels? Our research seeks to fill the gap in the CLSC literature on PV panels, as well as to identify barriers and enablers for PV panel design, collection, and recycling.
A General System Structure and Accounting Framework for Socioeconomic Metabolism
Authors: Pauliuk Stefan , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Müller Daniel B.
Published: July 2015

A wide spectrum of accounting frameworks and models is available to describe socioeconomic metabolism (SEM). Despite the common system of study, a large variety of terms and representations of that system are used by different models. This makes it difficult for practitioners to compare and choose a model or model combination that is fit for purpose. To facilitate model comparison, we analyze the system structure of material flow analysis (MFA); life cycle assessment (LCA); supply and use tables (SUTs); Leontief, Ghosh, and waste input‐output analysis; integrated assessment models; and computable general equilibrium models. We show that the typical system structure of MFA and LCA is a directed graph. For the other models and some MFA and LCA studies, the system structure is a bipartite directed graph. We demonstrate that bipartite directed graphs and SUTs are equivalent representations of SEM. We show that the system structures of the models above are special cases of a general system structure, which models SEM as a bipartite graph. The general system structure includes industries, markets, the final use phase, products, waste, production factors, resources, and emissions. From the general system structure, we derive an accounting framework in the form of a generalized SUT. The general system structure facilitates the development of clear and unambiguous terminology across models. It helps to identify rules for the correct accounting of waste flows and stock changes. It facilitates model comparison and can serve as a blueprint for a model‐independent database of SEM.
Improvements to Ullmann's Algorithm for the Subgraph Isomorphism Problem
Authors: Čibej Uroš , Mihelič Jurij
Published: July 2015

The subgraph isomorphism problem is one of the most important problems for pattern recognition in graphs. Its applications are found in many different disciplines, including chemistry, medicine, and social network analysis. Because of the [Formula: see text]-completeness of the problem, the existing exact algorithms exhibit an exponential worst-case running time. In this paper, we propose several improvements to the well-known Ullmann's algorithm for the problem. The improvements lower the time consumption as well as the space requirements of the algorithm. We experimentally demonstrate the efficiency of our improvement by comparing it to another set of improvements called FocusSearch, as well as other state-of-the-art algorithms, namely VF2 and LAD.
An orthogonality relation for a thin family of GL(3) Maass forms
Authors: Guerreiro João
Published: July 2015

We prove an orthogonality relation for the Fourier–Whittaker coefficients of a thin family of GL(3) Maass forms containing all self-dual forms. This is obtained by analyzing the Kuznetsov trace formula on GL(3) for a certain family of test functions. The method also yields Weyl's law for the same family of Maass forms.
A Tool for Spatial Reasoning in XML Documents
Authors: Papadakis Nikos , Kartakis Sokratis , Papadakis Kostas , Papadaki Eva
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we study the ramification problem in the setting of spatial xml data. Standard solutions from the literature on reasoning about action are inadequate because they cannot capture integrity constraints in spatial data. In this paper, we provide a solution to the ramification problem based on situation calculus. We present a tool that connects the theoretical results with the practical considerations, by producing the User Interface in C# in order to address the ramification problem in spatial XML file in specific time period. a
Intrusion Detection and Cooperative Tracking Using PTZ Network Thermal Imagers
Authors: Li Zhenghao , Yang Junying , Han Peng , Ran Yang , Chai Zhi
Published: July 2015

Nowadays more and more network thermal imaging cameras are working over distributed networks, offering the capability of online remote intelligent video surveillance. In this paper, we propose an original intrusion detection and cooperative tracking approach applied for PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) network thermal imagers. It consists of three modules. The key module is the real-time FOV (Field of View) matching module, which is realized in a parallel way. The intrusion detection module first eliminates the offset between current frame and prior frame through FOV matching and then handles intrusion detection by motion detection in the preset surveillance zone. The cooperative tracking module shifts the priority of tracking by imager pose estimation, which is also based on FOV matching, avoiding transferring the local features from one imager to another. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate that the proposed approach is of high accuracy for intrusion detection and cooperative tracking and keeps the frame rate over 20 fps.
Thiomers: A Blessing to Evaluating Era of Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Zaman Muhammad , Qureshi Sundas
Published: July 2015

Thiomers are the polymers modified for the mucoadhesive properties and other additive properties by incorporating thiol moieties in the backbone of the unmodified polymeric chain by substitution reactions or simple oxidation reactions. Drugs that are less soluble and permeable can be complexed with thiomers for their increased absorption through the mucosal membranes by increase in contact time and prolonged stay in body due to mucoadhesion. Immobilization of thiol group therefore increases the mucoadhesive properties of the modified polymer by 2–140-folds. The prepared thiomers are characterized and made stable by different techniques. Thiomers also give the controlled delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in the body. Different polymers that are modified by thiolation are chitosan, polyacrylic acid, sodium alginate, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, guar gum, and so forth. Thiomeric formulations are a challenge to deliver drugs with low therapeutic compatibility. Micro- and nanopreparations containing thiomers can be prepared by different techniques such as covalent crosslinking, in situ gelation, radical emulsion polymerization, and emulsification. Nowadays thiomers have wide range of applications as a promising pharmaceutical excipient in the evaluating era of pharmaceutical technology.
Distributed Data Mining Based on Deep Neural Network for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Li Chunlin , Xie Xiaofu , Huang Yuejiang , Wang Hong , Niu Changxi
Published: July 2015

As the sample data of wireless sensor network (WSN) has increased rapidly with more and more sensors, a centralized data mining solution in a fusion center has encountered the challenges of reducing the fusion center's calculating load and saving the WSN's transmitting power consumption. Rising to these challenges, this paper proposes a distributed data mining method based on deep neural network (DNN), by dividing the deep neural network into different layers and putting them into sensors. By the proposed solution, the distributed data mining calculating units in WSN share much of fusion center's calculating burden. And the power consumption of transmitting the data processed by DNN is much less than transmitting the raw data. Also, a fault detection scenario is built to verify the validity of this method. Results show that the detection rate is 99%, and WSN shares 64.06% of the data mining calculating task with 58.31% reduction of power consumption.
Numerical Investigation of Anode Thickness on the Performance and Heat/Mass Transport Phenomenon for an Anode‐Supported SOFC Button Cell
Authors: Perng Shiang-Wuu , Chen Chang-Ren
Published: July 2015

This study analyzes how anode thickness and working temperature affect heat/mass transport characteristics and cell performance of the anode‐supported SOFC button cell by the finite‐volume SIMPLE‐C method coupled with preconditioned conjugate gradient methods. The numerical results of this work are compared with the experimental data and good agreement is observed. The simulation is carried out for various anode thicknesses (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mm) and working temperatures (873, 1073, and 1273 K). The results showed that the cell performance reduces about 5.05% as the anode thickness is increased from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm; however, the influence of anode thickness on the heat/mass transport phenomenon is slight because the geometric size of anode thickness is tiny for the whole SOFC. In addition, the cell performance increases about 50.54% as the working temperature is increased from 873 K to 1273 K. A higher working temperature enhances the fluid velocity and convection and consequently promotes the chemical reaction and obtains a better cell performance.
Plasmonic Filters Based on Lithographically Patterned and Hexagonally Arranged Triangular Silver Nanoparticles Array
Authors: Liu Jing , Cai Haoyuan , Tang Kai , Kong Lingqi
Published: July 2015

A plasmonic filter applied in visible regime is proposed on the basis of hexagonally arranged triangular silver nanoparticle arrays. A method using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) to aid design parameters of the silver nanoparticle arrays is adopted for the filter design and optimization on the basis of computational numerical calculation. The influence of the particle’s thickness and period on the extinction spectrum is studied using the DDA-based computational analysis. Considering the nanofabrication condition, arrays with 40 nm thickness and 230 nm period are selected and fabricated by using nanosphere lithography (NSL) technique. The experimental spectrum is basically in agreement with the theoretical spectrum derived by the DDA calculation.
Formal Pseudodifferential Operators in One and Several Variables, Central Extensions, and Integrable Systems
Authors: Beltran Jarnishs , Reyes Enrique G.
Published: July 2015

We review some aspects of the theory of Lie algebras of (twisted and untwisted) formal pseudodifferential operators in one and several variables in a general algebraic context. We focus mainly on the construction and classification of nontrivial central extensions. As applications, we construct hierarchies of centrally extended Lie algebras of formal differential operators in one and several variables, Manin triples and hierarchies of nonlinear equations in Lax and zero curvature form.
The Role of Optimal Intervention Strategies on Controlling Excessive Alcohol Drinking and Its Adverse Health Effects
Authors: Mushayabasa Steady
Published: July 2015

We propose and analyze a mathematical model for alcohol drinking problem. The transmission process is modeled as a social “contact” process between “heavy” alcohol drinkers and “light” alcohol drinkers within an unchanging shared drinking environment. The basic reproductive number of the model is computed and the stability of the model steady states is investigated. Further, the model is fitted to data on alcohol drinking for Cape Town and Gauteng, South Africa. In addition, the basic model is extended to incorporate three time dependent intervention strategies. The control functions represent the efforts and policies aimed at weakening the intensity of social interactions between light and heavy drinkers and increase the fraction of treated individuals who permanently quit alcohol drinking. Optimal control results suggest that effective control of high-risk alcohol drinking can be achieved if more resources and efforts are devoted on weakening the intensity of social interactions between light and heavy drinkers.
Adaptive Output Feedback Sliding Mode Control for Complex Interconnected Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Huynh Van Van , Tsai Yao-Wen , Duc Phan Van
Published: July 2015

We extend the decentralized output feedback sliding mode control (SMC) scheme to stabilize a class of complex interconnected time-delay systems. First, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities are derived such that the equivalent reduced-order system in the sliding mode is asymptotically stable. Second, based on a new lemma, a decentralized adaptive sliding mode controller is designed to guarantee the finite time reachability of the system states by using output feedback only. The advantage of the proposed method is that two major assumptions, which are required in most existing SMC approaches, are both released. These assumptions are (1) disturbances are bounded by a known function of outputs and (2) the sliding matrix satisfies a matrix equation that guarantees the sliding mode. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Runge-Kutta Integration of the Equal Width Wave Equation Using the Method of Lines
Authors: Banaja M. A. , Bakodah H. O.
Published: July 2015

The equal width (EW) equation governs nonlinear wave phenomena like waves in shallow water. Numerical solution of the (EW) equation is obtained by using the method of lines (MOL) based on Runge-Kutta integration. Using von Neumann stability analysis, the scheme is found to be unconditionally stable. Solitary wave motion and interaction of two solitary waves are studied using the proposed method. The three invariants of the motion are evaluated to determine the conservation properties of the generated scheme. Accuracy of the proposed method is discussed by computing theL2andL∞error norms. The results are found in good agreement with exact solution.
Optimization of a CUPRAC-Based HPLC Postcolumn Assay and Its Applications forGinkgo bilobaL. Extracts
Authors: Rimkiene Laura , Ivanauskas Liudas , Kubiliene Asta , Vitkevicius Konradas , Kiliuviene Guoda , Jakstas Valdas
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present work was to improve and validate the HPLC-CUPRAC postcolumn method for the evaluation of active antioxidant markers from the acetonic extracts ofGinkgo bilobaleaves. Improvement of the HPLC online assay was performed by evaluating the suitable loop temperature, the reaction loop length, and the impact of flow rate. Separation of the analytes was performed by the HPLC method on an ACE C18 analytical column using a gradient elution program. The separated antioxidant markers in the extracts reacted with copper(II)-neocuproine (Cu(II)-Nc) reagent in the postcolumn reaction coil. The reagent was reduced by antioxidants to the copper(I)-neocuproine (Cu(I)-Nc) chelate with a maximum absorption at 450 nm. Validation experiments confirmed sufficient precision, sensitivity, and effectiveness of the corresponding method, which could be used for further evaluations of active antioxidant compounds in similar plant materials.
A Turbidity Test Based Centrifugal Microfluidics Diagnostic System for Simultaneous Detection of HBV, HCV, and CMV
Authors: Chang Hung-Cheng , Chao Yu-Tin , Yen Jia-Yush , Yu Ya-Lin , Lee Chun-Nan , Ho Bing-Ching , Liu Kou-Chen , Fang Jiunn , Lin Chii-Wann , Lee Jiun-Haw
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a LAMP- (loop-mediated isothermal amplification-) based lab-on-disk optical system that allows the simultaneous detection of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and cytomegalovirus. The various flow stages are controlled in the proposed system using different balance among centrifugal pumping, Coriolis pumping, and the capillary force. We have implemented a servo system for positioning and speed control for the heating and centrifugal pumping. We have also successfully employed a polymer light-emitting diode section for turbidity detection. The easy-to-use one-click system can perform diagnostics in less than 1 hour.
The Relation between Nonverbal IQ and Postoperative CI Outcomes in Cochlear Implant Users: Preliminary Result
Authors: Park Mina , Song Jae-Jin , Oh Seo Jin , Shin Min-Sup , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung Ha
Published: July 2015

Objectives. This study assessed the correlation between performance intelligence and the postoperative cochlear implant (CI) outcome in Korean-speaking children. In addition, the relationship between the performance intelligence subscales and the post-CI speech outcome was evaluated. Materials and Methods. Thirteen pediatric CI users (five males, eight females; median age at implantation 6.2 (range 1.3–14.2) years; median age at intelligence test 9.3 (range 5–16) years) who were tested using the Korean Educational Development Institute-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children were studied. The correlations between the intelligence scores and 1-2 years postoperative Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores and between subscales of performance and 1-2 years postoperative CAP scores were analyzed. Results. There was no correlation between the categories of verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) and performance IQ for “mentally retarded” and “average,” respectively (Spearman’s rho = 0.42, P=0.15). There was a strong correlation between performance IQ and the postoperative CAP scale (Spearman’s rho = 0.8977, P=0.0008). “Picture arrangement” and “picture completion,” reflecting social cognition, were strongly correlated with the postoperative CAP scales. Conclusion. Performance intelligence, especially social cognition, was strongly related to the postoperative CI outcome of cochlear implant users. Therefore, auditory rehabilitation, including social rehabilitation, should maximize the postoperative CI outcomes.
Hypoxia Induces a Metabolic Shift and Enhances the Stemness and Expansion of Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chien , Lee Jen-Tin , Shih Cheng-Ping , Chao Ting-Ting , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Li Shiue-Li , Fang Mei-Cho , Chen Hang-Kang , Lin Yi-Chun , Kuo Chao-Yin , Wang Chih-Hung
Published: July 2015

Previously, we demonstrated that hypoxia (1% O2) enhances stemness markers and expands the cell numbers of cochlear stem/progenitor cells (SPCs). In this study, we further investigated the long-term effect of hypoxia on stemness and the bioenergetic status of cochlear spiral ganglion SPCs cultured at low oxygen tensions. Spiral ganglion SPCs were obtained from postnatal day 1 CBA/CaJ mouse pups. The measurement of oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels corresponding to 20% and 5% oxygen concentrations was determined using a Seahorse XF extracellular flux analyzer. After low oxygen tension cultivation for 21 days, the mean size of the hypoxia-expanded neurospheres was significantly increased at 5% O2; this correlated with high-level expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (Hif-1α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, Abcg2, nestin, and Nanog proteins but downregulated expression of p27 compared to that in a normoxic condition. Low oxygen tension cultivation tended to increase the side population fraction, with a significant difference found at 5% O2compared to that at 20% O2. In addition, hypoxia induced a metabolic energy shift of SPCs toward higher basal ECARs and higher maximum mitochondrial respiratory capacity but lower proton leak than under normoxia, where the SPC metabolism was switched toward glycolysis in long-term hypoxic cultivation.
A Novel Range‐Extended Strategy for Fuel Cell/Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hwang Jenn-Jiang , Hu Jia-Sheng , Lin Chih-Hong
Published: July 2015

The range‐extended electric vehicle is proposed to improve the range anxiety drivers have of electric vehicles. Conventionally, a gasoline/diesel generator increases the range of an electric vehicle. Due to the zero‐CO2 emission stipulations, utilizing fuel cells as generators raises concerns in society. This paper presents a novel charging strategy for fuel cell/battery electric vehicles. In comparison to the conventional switch control, a fuzzy control approach is employed to enhance the battery’s state of charge (SOC). This approach improves the quick loss problem of the system’s SOC and thus can achieve an extended driving range. Smooth steering experience and range extension are the main indexes for development of fuzzy rules, which are mainly based on the energy management in the urban driving model. Evaluation of the entire control system is performed by simulation, which demonstrates its effectiveness and feasibility.
Recent Developments in the Speciation and Determination of Mercury Using Various Analytical Techniques
Authors: Suvarapu Lakshmi Narayana , Baek Sung-Ok
Published: July 2015

This paper reviews the speciation and determination of mercury by various analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry, voltammetry, inductively coupled plasma techniques, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography. Approximately 126 research papers on the speciation and determination of mercury by various analytical techniques published in international journals since 2013 are reviewed.
Improvement of Lighting Uniformity and Phosphor Life in Field Emission Lamps Using Carbon Nanocoils
Authors: Chung Kun-Ju , Pu Nen-Wen , Youh Meng-Jey , Liu Yih-Ming , Ger Ming-Der , Huang Wen-Ko
Published: July 2015

The lighting performances and phosphor degradation in field emission lamps (FELs) with two different kinds of cathode materials—multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon nanocoils (CNCs)—were compared. The MWCNTs and CNCs were selectively synthesized on 304 stainless steel wire substrates dip‐coated with nanosized Pd catalysts by controlling the growth temperature in thermal chemical vapor deposition, and the film uniformity can be optimized by adjusting the growth time. FELs were successfully fabricated by assembling these cathode filaments with a glass bulb‐type anode. The FEL with the CNC cathode showed much higher lighting uniformity and light‐spot density and a lower current at the same voltage than that with the MWCNT cathode filament, and its best luminous efficiency was as high as 75 lm/W at 8 kV. We also found that, for P22, the phosphor degradation can be effectively suppressed by replacing MWCNTs with CNCs in the cathode, due to the much larger total bright spot area and hence much lower current density loading on the anode.
Microstructural Study on Oxygen Permeated Arc Beads
Authors: Liu Kuan-Heng , Shih Yung-Hui , Chen Guo-Ju , Chou Jaw-Min
Published: July 2015

We simulated short circuit of loaded copper wire at ambient atmosphere and successfully identified various phases of the arc bead. A cuprous oxide flake was formed on the surface of the arc bead in the rapid solidification process, and there were two microstructural constituents, namely, Cu‐κ eutectic structure and solutal dendrites. Due to the arc bead formed at atmosphere during the local equilibrium solidification process, the phase of arc bead has segregated to the cuprous oxide flake, Cu‐κ eutectic, and Cu phase solutal dendrites, which are the fingerprints of the arc bead permeated by oxygen.
Modeling of Auditory Neuron Response Thresholds with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Venail Frederic , Mura Thibault , Akkari Mohamed , Mathiolon Caroline , Menjot de Champfleur Sophie , Piron Jean Pierre , Sicard Marielle , Sterkers-Artieres Françoise , Mondain Michel , Uziel Alain
Published: July 2015

The quality of the prosthetic-neural interface is a critical point for cochlear implant efficiency. It depends not only on technical and anatomical factors such as electrode position into the cochlea (depth and scalar placement), electrode impedance, and distance between the electrode and the stimulated auditory neurons, but also on the number of functional auditory neurons. The efficiency of electrical stimulation can be assessed by the measurement of e-CAP in cochlear implant users. In the present study, we modeled the activation of auditory neurons in cochlear implant recipients (nucleus device). The electrical response, measured using auto-NRT (neural responses telemetry) algorithm, has been analyzed using multivariate regression with cubic splines in order to take into account the variations of insertion depth of electrodes amongst subjects as well as the other technical and anatomical factors listed above. NRT thresholds depend on the electrode squared impedance (β= −0.11 ± 0.02,P<0.01), the scalar placement of the electrodes (β= −8.50 ± 1.97,P<0.01), and the depth of insertion calculated as the characteristic frequency of auditory neurons (CNF). Distribution of NRT residues according to CNF could provide a proxy of auditory neurons functioning in implanted cochleas.
X-Ray Computed Tomography Analysis of Sajau Coal, Berau Basin, Indonesia: 3D Imaging of Cleat and Microcleat Characteristics
Authors: Hamdani Ahmad Helman
Published: July 2015

The Pliocene Sajau coals of the Berau Basin area have a moderately to highly developed cleat system. Mostly the cleat fractures are well developed in both bright and dull bands, and these cleats are generally inclined or perpendicular to the bedding planes of the seam. The presence of cleat networks/fractures in coal seam is the important point in coalbed methane prospect. The 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique was performed to identify cleats characteristics in the Sajau coal seams, such as the direction of coal cleats, geometry of cleat, and cleats mineralization. By CT scan imaging technique two different types of natural fractures observed in Sajau coals have been identified, that is, face cleats and butt cleats. This technique also identified the direction of face cleats and butt cleats as shown in the resulting 3D images. Based on the images, face cleats show a NNE-SSW direction while butt cleats have a NW-SE direction. The crosscutting relationship indicated that NNE-SSW cleats were formed earlier than NW-SE cleats. The procedure also identified the types of minerals that filled the cleats apertures. Based on their density, the minerals are categorized as follows: very high density minerals (pyrite), high density minerals (anastase), and low density minerals (kaolinite, calcite) were identified filling the cleats aperture.
Fast Object Tracking Employing Labelled Particle Filter for Thermal Infrared Imager
Authors: Yang Junying , Li Zhenghao , Xia Jingman , Han Peng
Published: July 2015

More and more network cameras are now working over distributed networks, offering the capability of remote intelligent video surveillance. In this paper, we bring forward an original particle filter tracking algorithm named labelled particle filter which describes each image patch with a binary label. Based on the imaging theory of thermography, moving objects, such as pedestrians and automobiles, usually have higher intensities compared with the background in a gray-level pseudocolor mode. Thus an image patch can be classified into two categories according to its intensity distribution, and we can use a one-bit binary label, positive or negative, to describe the attribute of image patch. Therefore, the candidate target template is established only if the label of candidate target matches the label of reference target, and the computational complexity is reduced consequently. Experiments are conducted to show that the proposed algorithm can handle real-time object tracking with less time cost while maintaining high tracking accuracy.
An Improved Opposition-Based Learning Particle Swarm Optimization for the Detection of SNP-SNP Interactions
Authors: Shang Junliang , Sun Yan , Li Shengjun , Liu Jin-Xing , Zheng Chun-Hou , Zhang Junying
Published: July 2015

SNP-SNP interactions have been receiving increasing attention in understanding the mechanism underlying susceptibility to complex diseases. Though many works have been done for the detection of SNP-SNP interactions, the algorithmic development is still ongoing. In this study, an improved opposition-based learning particle swarm optimization (IOBLPSO) is proposed for the detection of SNP-SNP interactions. Highlights of IOBLPSO are the introduction of three strategies, namely, opposition-based learning, dynamic inertia weight, and a postprocedure. Opposition-based learning not only enhances the global explorative ability, but also avoids premature convergence. Dynamic inertia weight allows particles to cover a wider search space when the considered SNP is likely to be a random one and converges on promising regions of the search space while capturing a highly suspected SNP. The postprocedure is used to carry out a deep search in highly suspected SNP sets. Experiments of IOBLPSO are performed on both simulation data sets and a real data set of age-related macular degeneration, results of which demonstrate that IOBLPSO is promising in detecting SNP-SNP interactions. IOBLPSO might be an alternative to existing methods for detecting SNP-SNP interactions.
Sythesis, Modification, and Biosensing Characteristics of Au2S/AuAgS‐Coated Gold Nanorods
Authors: Liu Yanting , Ma Yanan , Zhou Jun , Li Xing , Xie Shusen , Tan Ruiqin
Published: July 2015

The Au2S/AuAgS‐coated gold nanorods (Au2S/AuAgS/GNRs) are prepared by a facile synthesis method and functionally modified for their biosensing application. In the preparation process, the longitudinal plasmon resonance (LPR) bands of Au2S/AuAgS/GNRs can be changed by controlling the thickness of the chalcogenide layer coated on GNRs. Especially, the LPR band located at 800 nm is obtained for biosensing application in the near‐infrared region. Furthermore, mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) are, respectively, used to modify Au2S/AuAgS/GNRs to acquire the functional nanoprobes; that is, MUA‐modified and PSS‐modified Au2S/AuAgS/GNRs and their different chemical reaction mechanisms are studied by the absorption spectrum and ξ‐potential measurement. Then, the functional nanoprobes are incubated with anti‐prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) antibody to detect PSA. The experimental results demonstrate that the functional nanoprobes are sensitive to the target binding of PSA. Therefore, Au2S/AuAgS/GNRs are suitable to form the bioprobes for detection of PSA in early‐phase prostate cancer.
Effect of Global ATGL Knockout on Murine Fasting Glucose Kinetics
Authors: Coelho Margarida , Nunes Patricia , Mendes Vera M. , Manadas Bruno , Heerschap Arend , Jones John G.
Published: July 2015

Mice deficient in adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL−/−) present elevated ectopic lipid levels but are paradoxically glucose-tolerant. Measurement of endogenous glucose production (EGP) and Cori cycle activity provide insights into the maintenance of glycemic control in these animals. These parameters were determined in 7 wild-type (ATGL+/−) and 6 ATGL−/−mice by a primed-infusion of [U-13C6]glucose followed by LC-MS/MS targeted mass-isotopomer analysis of blood glucose. EGP was quantified by isotope dilution of [U-13C6]glucose while Cori cycling was estimated by analysis of glucose triose13C-isotopomers. Fasting plasma free fatty-acids were significantly lower in ATGL−/−versus control mice (0.43 ± 0.05 mMversus0.73 ± 0.11 mM,P<0.05). Six-hour fasting EGP rates were identical for both ATGL−/−and control mice (79 ± 11versus71 ± 7 μmol/kg/min, resp.). Peripheral glucose metabolism was dominated by Cori cycling (80 ± 2% and 82 ± 7% of glucose disposal for ATGL−/−and control mice, resp.) indicating that peripheral glucose oxidation was not significantly upregulated in ATGL−/−mice under these conditions. The glucose13C-isotopomer distributions in both ATGL−/−and control mice were consistent with extensive hepatic pyruvate recycling. This suggests that gluconeogenic outflow from the Krebs cycle was also well compensated in ATGL−/−mice.
Comparative Genomics Revealed Genetic Diversity and Species/Strain-Level Differences in Carbohydrate Metabolism of Three Probiotic Bifidobacterial Species
Authors: Odamaki Toshitaka , Horigome Ayako , Sugahara Hirosuke , Hashikura Nanami , Minami Junichi , Xiao Jin-zhong , Abe Fumiaki
Published: July 2015

Strains ofBifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, andBifidobacterium animalisare widely used as probiotics in the food industry. Although numerous studies have revealed the properties and functionality of these strains, it is uncertain whether these characteristics are species common or strain specific. To address this issue, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of 49 strains belonging to these three bifidobacterial species to describe their genetic diversity and to evaluate species-level differences. There were 166 common clusters between strains ofB. breveandB. longum, whereas there were nine common clusters between strains ofB. animalisandB. longumand four common clusters between strains ofB. animalisandB. breve. Further analysis focused on carbohydrate metabolism revealed the existence of certain strain-dependent genes, such as those encoding enzymes for host glycan utilisation or certain membrane transporters, and many genes commonly distributed at the species level, as was previously reported in studies with limited strains. AsB. longumandB. breveare human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB), whereasB. animalisis a non-HRB species, several of the differences in these species’ gene distributions might be the result of their adaptations to the nutrient environment. This information may aid both in selecting probiotic candidates and in understanding their potential function as probiotics.
Cochlear Dummy Electrodes for Insertion Training and Research Purposes: Fabrication, Mechanical Characterization, and Experimental Validation
Authors: Kobler Jan-Philipp , Dhanasingh Anandhan , Kiran Raphael , Jolly Claude , Ortmaier Tobias
Published: July 2015

To develop skills sufficient for hearing preservation cochlear implant surgery, surgeons need to perform several electrode insertion trials inex vivotemporal bones, thereby consuming relatively expensive electrode carriers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the insertion characteristics of cochlear electrodes in a plastic scala tympani model and to fabricate radio opaque polymer filament dummy electrodes of equivalent mechanical properties. In addition, this study should aid the design and development of new cochlear electrodes. Automated insertion force measurement is a new technique to reproducibly analyze and evaluate the insertion dynamics and mechanical characteristics of an electrode. Mechanical properties of MED-EL’s FLEX28, FLEX24, and FLEX20electrodes were assessed with the help of an automated insertion tool. Statistical analysis of the overall mechanical behavior of the electrodes and factors influencing the insertion force are discussed. Radio opaque dummy electrodes of comparable characteristics were fabricated based on insertion force measurements. The platinum-iridium wires were replaced by polymer filament to provide sufficient stiffness to the electrodes and to eradicate the metallic artifacts in X-ray and computed tomography (CT) images. These low-cost dummy electrodes are cheap alternatives for surgical training and forin vitro, ex vivo, andin vivoresearch purposes.
Uterine Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Cardiac Extension: Radiologic Assessment with Surgical and Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Nakai Go , Maeda Kazuya , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Yamada Takashi , Hirose Yoshinobu , Terai Yoshito , Ohmichi Masahide , Katsumata Takahiro , Narumi Yoshifumi
Published: July 2015

We present the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of a 71-year-old woman with a cardiac extension of intravenous leiomyoma (IVL) that arose from the uterus, extended to the inferior vena cava (IVC), and reached the right ventricle through the right ovarian vein. Radiologic-pathologic correlation showed that the intravascular cord-like mass originating from the IVC and extending to the right ventricle was composed of degenerated smooth muscle cells with a number of large vessels that were regarded as arteries; moreover, the arteries within the cord-like mass appeared to be looping internally. Given the disappearance of the right ovarian venous wall around the IVL pathologically, extracting the tumor from the ovarian vein during an operation is considered to be impossible retrospectively. Also it was difficult to identify even the intravenous extension of the uterine leiomyoma histopathologically. Therefore, contrast-enhanced CT, in particular arterial phase imaging, provided important information that revealed the mass, range, and path of the lesion, ensuring that an appropriate operative plan could be drawn up and the tumor completely excised.
Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sharma Vivekanand , Anuragi Gajendra , Singh Suresh , Patel Pinakin , Jindal Arpita , Sharma Raj Govind
Published: July 2015

Secretory carcinoma of the breast is an extremely rare subtype of breast cancer characterized by intracellular or extracellular secretion and granular eosinophilic cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells. The disease which was considered to be predominant in younger age group has been recognized in adult population too and tends to show slow growth and indolent behavior. The disease occurs preferentially in females and only 27 cases have been reported amongst males. An optimal treatment for the disease subtype has been debated because of the paucity of data. We report two cases (one female and one male) of this rare disease that underwent treatment at our institution.
Hierarchical Control Strategy for the Cooperative Braking System of Electric Vehicle
Authors: Peng Jiankun , He Hongwen , Liu Wei , Guo Hongqiang
Published: July 2015

This paper provides a hierarchical control strategy for cooperative braking system of an electric vehicle with separated driven axles. Two layers are defined: the top layer is used to optimize the braking stability based on two sliding mode control strategies, namely, the interaxle control mode and signal‐axle control strategies; the interaxle control strategy generates the ideal braking force distribution in general braking condition, and the single‐axle control strategy can ensure braking safety in emergency braking condition; the bottom layer is used to maximize the regenerative braking energy recovery efficiency with a reallocated braking torque strategy; the reallocated braking torque strategy can recovery braking energy as much as possible in the premise of meeting battery charging power. The simulation results show that the proposed hierarchical control strategy is reasonable and can adapt to different typical road surfaces and load cases; the vehicle braking stability and safety can be guaranteed; furthermore, the regenerative braking energy recovery efficiency can be improved.