bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Artificial Neural Network for Prediction of Dissolution Kinetics
Authors: Elçiçek H. , Akdoğan E. , Karagöz S.
Published: June 2014

Colemanite is a preferred boron mineral in industry, such as boric acid production, fabrication of heat resistant glass, and cleaning agents. Dissolution of the mineral is one of the most important processes for these industries. In this study, dissolution of colemanite was examined in water saturated with carbon dioxide solutions. Also, prediction of dissolution rate was determined using artificial neural networks (ANNs) which are based on the multilayered perceptron. Reaction temperature, total pressure, stirring speed, solid/liquid ratio, particle size, and reaction time were selected as input parameters to predict the dissolution rate. Experimental dataset was used to train multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks to allow for prediction of dissolution kinetics. Developing ANNs has provided highly accurate predictions in comparison with an obtained mathematical model used through regression method. We conclude that ANNs may be a preferred alternative approach instead of conventional statistical methods for prediction of boron minerals.
A Local Integral Equation Formulation Based on Moving Kriging Interpolation for Solving Coupled Nonlinear Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Yimnak Kanittha , Luadsong Anirut
Published: June 2014

The meshless local Pretrov-Galerkin method (MLPG) with the test function in view of the Heaviside step function is introduced to solve the system of coupled nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations in two-dimensional spaces subjected to Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions on a square domain. Two-field velocities are approximated by moving Kriging (MK) interpolation method for constructing nodal shape function which holds the Kronecker delta property, thereby enhancing the arrangement nodal shape construction accuracy, while the Crank-Nicolson method is chosen for temporal discretization. The nonlinear terms are treated iteratively within each time step. The developed formulation is verified in two numerical examples with investigating the convergence and the accuracy of numerical results. The numerical experiments revealing the solutions by the developed formulation are stable and more precise.
Risk Factors in Post-LASIK Corneal Ectasia
Authors: Tatar Mehmet Gurkan , Aylin Kantarci Feride , Yildirim Aydin , Uslu Haşim , Colak Hatice Nur , Goker Hasan , Gurler Bulent
Published: June 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the risk factors for post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia.Materials and Methods. Medical records of 42 eyes of 28 (10 women, 18 men) patients who developed corneal ectasia after LASIK were retrospectively reviewed. Topographical features and surgical parameters of those patients were evaluated.Results. The mean age of patients was34.73±6.50(23–48) years and the mean interval from LASIK to the diagnosis of post-LASIK ectasia was36.0±16.92(12–60) months. The following factors were determined as a risk factors: deep ablation (>75 μm) in 10 eyes, FFK (forme fruste keratoconus) in 6 eyes, steep cornea (>47 D) in 3 eyes, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) in 2 eyes, thin cornea (<500 μm) in 2 eyes, thin and steep cornea in 2 eyes, thin cornea and deep ablation in 5 eyes, FFK and steep cornea in 2 eyes, and FFK, steep cornea, and deep ablation in 1 eye. However no risk factor has been determined in 9 eyes (21.4%).Conclusion. The findings of our study showed that most of the patients who developed post-LASIK ectasia have a risk factor for post-LASIK ectasia. However, the most common risk factor was deep ablation.
Pricing Scheme of Ocean Carrier for Inbound Container Storage for Assistance of Container Supply Chain Finance
Authors: Yu Mingzhu , Tian Xin , Yu Lean
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the pricing scheme of ocean carrier for inbound container storage so as to assist container supply chain finance. In this paper, how an ocean carrier should set price of inbound container storage to the customer while facing the contract from the container terminal operator is first analyzed. Then, two different contract systems, the free-time contract system which is widely used in practice and the free-space contract system which is newly developed recently, are considered. In the two different contract systems, inbound container storage pricing models are constructed, and accordingly optimal solution approaches for the ocean carrier are provided. For comparison purpose, some numerical experiments for the two different contract systems are conducted to investigate the effects of the container terminal operator’s decision on the system outcomes. Numerical experiments show that (1) the carrier is more flexible in the free-space contract system and can receive more profit by using the free-storage-space as a pooling storage system and (2) the free-space contract system benefits both the carrier in profit and the busy terminal in traffic control.
SAGE-Based Algorithm for Direction-of-Arrival Estimation and Array Calibration
Authors: Xiong Kunlai , Liu Zheng , Jiang Wenli
Published: June 2014

Most existing array processing algorithms are very sensitive to model uncertainties caused by the mutual coupling and sensor location error. To mitigate this problem, a novel method for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation and array calibration in the case of deterministic signals with unknown waveforms is presented in this paper. The analysis begins with a comprehensive perturbed array output model, and it is effective for various kinds of perturbations, such as mutual coupling and sensor location error. Based on this model, the Space Alternating Generalized Expectation-Maximization (SAGE) algorithm is applied to jointly estimate the DOA and array perturbation parameters, which simplifies the multidimensional search procedure required for finding maximum likelihood (ML) estimates. The proposed method inherits the characteristics of good convergence and high estimation precision of the SAGE algorithm. At the same time, it forms a unified framework for DOA and array perturbation parameters estimation in the presence of mutual coupling and sensor location error. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Multiscale Analysis of the Interfacial Mechanical Behavior for Composite of Carbon Nanotube andα-Alumina
Authors: Yan Tingting , Wei Gaofeng
Published: June 2014

Based on multiscale methods the mechanical behavior for the interface of carbon nanotube andα-alumina is analyzed. The stress transfer between nanotube and alumina is provided by van der Waals interaction. Using cohesive law the relationship between normal stress (shear stress) and displacement is studied, as well as the stress intensity. The stress distribution of the interface is obtained by improved COX model. The strain rate of nanotube-composite is presented when the interfacial slip occurs through the van der Waals interaction.
Centre-of-Gravity Fixations in Visual Search: When Looking at Nothing Helps to Find Something
Authors: Venini Dustin , Remington Roger W. , Horstmann Gernot , Becker Stefanie I.
Published: June 2014

In visual search, some fixations are made between stimuli on empty regions, commonly referred to as “centre-of-gravity” fixations (henceforth: COG fixations). Previous studies have shown that observers with task expertise show more COG fixations than novices. This led to the view that COG fixations reflect simultaneous encoding of multiple stimuli, allowing more efficient processing of task-related items. The present study tested whether COG fixations also aid performance in visual search tasks with unfamiliar and abstract stimuli. Moreover, to provide evidence for the multiple-item processing view, we analysed the effects of COG fixations on the number and dwell times of stimulus fixations. The results showed that (1) search efficiency increased with increasing COG fixations even in search for unfamiliar stimuli and in the absence of special higher-order skills, (2) COG fixations reliably reduced the number of stimulus fixations and their dwell times, indicating processing of multiple distractors, and (3) the proportion of COG fixations was dynamically adapted to potential information gain of COG locations. A second experiment showed that COG fixations are diminished when stimulus positions unpredictably vary across trials. Together, the results support the multiple-item processing view, which has important implications for current theories of visual search.
Age as a Prognostic Factor in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zivaljevic Vladan , Tausanovic Katarina , Paunovic Ivan , Diklic Aleksandar , Kalezic Nevena , Zoric Goran , Sabljak Vera , Vekic Berislav , Zivic Rastko , Marinkovic Jelena , Sipetic Sandra
Published: June 2014

Background.Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the tumors with the shortest survival in human medicine.Aim.The aim was to determine the importance of age in survival of patients with ATC.Material and Methods. We analyzed the data on 150 patients diagnosed with ATC in the period from 1995 to 2006. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to determine overall survival. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.Results.The youngest patient was 35 years old and the oldest was 89 years old. According to univariate regression analysis, age was significantly associated with longer survival in patients with ATC. In multivariate regression analysis, patients age, presence of longstanding goiter, whether surgical treatment is carried out or not, type of surgery, tumor multicentricity, presence of distant metastases, histologically proven preexistent papillary carcinoma, radioiodine therapy, and postoperative radiotherapy were included. According to multivariate analysis, besides surgery (P=0.000, OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.29–0.63), only patients age (P=0.023, OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49–0.95) was independent prognostic factor of favorable survival in patients with ATC.Conclusion. Age is a factor that was independently associated with survival time in ATC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer has the best prognosis in patients younger than 50 years.
A Geometric Modeling Method Based on TH‐Type Uniform B‐Splines
Authors: Xie Jin
Published: June 2014

A geometric modeling method based on TH‐type uniform B‐splines which are composed of trigonometric and hyperbolic polynomial with parameters is introduced in this paper. The new splines possess many important properties of quadratic and cubic B‐splines. Taking different values of the parameters, one can not only locally adjust the shape of the curves, but also change the type of some segments of a curve between trigonometric and hyperbolic functions as well. The given curves can also interpolate directly control polygon locally by selecting special parameters. Moreover, the introduced splines can represent some quadratic curves and transcendental curves with selecting proper control points and parameters.
Cholangiocarcinoma Presenting with Hypercalcemia and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Battal Muharrem , Gürbulak Bünyamin , Bostanci Ozgür , Yılmaz Müveddet Banu , Ozdenkaya Yasar , Karatepe Oguzhan
Published: June 2014

Malignant hypercalcemia and thrombocytopenia may result from bone metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Our case was 53-year-old man admitted to emergency department with symptoms of anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and general fatigue in February 2012. His laboratory findings showed hypercalcemia and thrombocytopenia. CT showed a large multinodular mass in the right lobe and, extending through left lobe of the liver. We considered the diagnosis of hypercalcemia of malignancy with elevated calcium levels and suppressed PTH level with the existence of skeletal bone metastasis and the absence of parathyroid gland pathology. Treatment of hypercalcemia with IV saline, furosemide, and calcitonin improved the patient symptoms. After the 8th day of admission, calcium level, thrombocytopenia, and other symptoms were normalized. Patient was sustained surgically inoperable and transferred to medical oncology department for the purpose of palliative chemotherapy and intended radiotherapy for bone metastasis. Hypercalcemia relapsed 4 weeks after discharge and patient died at the 5th month after admission due to disseminated metastasis. We should be aware of CC with symptomatic hypercalcemia and rarely low platelet count. The correction of hypercalcemia provides symptomatic relief and stability of patients.
Binary Nonlinearization for AKNS-KN Coupling System
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Zhang Xiaoen , Zhao Peiyi
Published: June 2014

The AKNS-KN coupling system is obtained on the base of zero curvature equation by enlarging the spectral equation. Under the Bargmann symmetry constraint, the AKNS-KN coupling system is decomposed into two integrable Hamiltonian systems with the corresponding variablesx,tnand the finite dimensional Hamiltonian systems are Liouville integrable.
Average Consensus Problems in Networks of Agents with Fixed and Switching Topology and Unknown Control Direction
Authors: Sun Caixian , Yang Zhe , Mu Xiaowu
Published: June 2014

This paper is devoted to the average consensus problems in directed networks of agents with unknown control direction. In this paper, by using Nussbaum function techniques and Laplacian matrix, novel average consensus protocols are designed for multiagent systems with unknown control direction in the cases of directed networks with fixed and switching topology. In the case of switching topology, the disagreement vector is utilized. Finally, simulation is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our results.
Follicular Fluid Oocyte/Cumulus-Free DNA Concentrations as a Potential Biomolecular Marker of Embryo Quality and IVF Outcome
Authors: Dimopoulou M. , Anifandis G. , Messini C. I. , Dafopoulos K. , Kouris S. , Sotiriou S. , Satra M. , Vamvakopoulos N. , Messinis I. E.
Published: June 2014

The present prospective study examined the follicular fluid oocyte/cumulus-free DNA concentrations (ff o/c-free DNA) during ovarian stimulation and the possible association between ff o/c-free DNA and embryological results such as embryo quality and pregnancy rate. Eighty-three women undergoing IV/ICSI-ET treatments were prospectively included in this study. ff o/c-free DNA was determined by conventional quantitative real time PCR-Sybr green detection approach. The 83 ff samples were categorized in two groups: group 1n=62with cumulus oocytes complexes (CoCs)≥2 and group 2n=21with CoCs = 1. Group 1 revealed significant higher embryo quality in terms of mean score of embryo transfer (MSET), but lower ff o/c-free DNA concentrations compared to group 2. The two groups showed comparable pregnancy rates (positive hCG and clinical pregnancy). The higher the ff o/c-free DNA concentration, the lower the number of produced oocytes. ff o/c-free DNA did not seem to have any direct role in the IVF outcome. Further research is required to clarify whether ff o/c-free DNA is a biomolecular marker of embryo quality and IVF outcome.
A Comparison of the Glasgow Coma Scale Score with Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Scale to Predict Patients’ Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Jalali Rostam , Rezaei Mansour
Published: June 2014

Background. Neurological assessment is an essential element of early warning scores used to recognize critically ill patients. We compared the performance of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) with Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) scale as an alternative method in the identification of clinically relevant outcomes in traumatic brain injury.Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of GCS with FOUR scale.Methods. For this study 104 patients with brain injury were recruited from the ICU of Taleghani Hospital, a major teaching hospital in Kermanshah in the western part of Iran. Data was collected concurrently from the ICU admissions by three well-educated nurses and then checked for accuracy by the researcher. Patients were followed up until two weeks or hospital discharge to record their survival status. As a final point expected risk of mortality was calculated using the original formulas for each scale.Results. The mean age of 104 participants was 41.38 ± 18.22 (rang 17 to 86 years) mostly (81 patients 77.9%) males. The FOUR scale has a better prediction for death than GCS.Conclusion. It appears that FOUR scale had better predictive power for mortality and may be a suitable alternative or complementary tool for GCS.
Location and Roles of Deep Pools in Likangala River during 2012 Recession Period of Lake Chilwa Basin
Authors: Makwinja Rodgers , Chapotera Mphatso , Likongwe Patrick , Banda John , Chijere Asaf
Published: June 2014

The ecological study focusing on Likangala River was conducted during the recent (2012) Lake Chilwa recession and aimed at identifying the important pools and the impact of indigenous ecological knowledge on the use and management of the aquatic biodiversity in the pools. An extensive georeferencing of the pools, field observations, and measurement of the pool depths was conducted to locate and map the deep pools along the river. Garmin Etrex Venture HC, GPS, and georeferencing were used to obtain the points and locate the place. Oral interviews with local leaders were conducted to understand the use and management of the pools by communities. The study showed that Likangala River has 17 pools with depths ranging from 1.85 m to 3.6 m. The pools act as habitats and feeding and spawning ground for various aquatic biodiversity. The study further found that some important deep pools have apparently become shallower during the past few years due to increased silt deposition from the upper part of the catchment. The study shows that deep pools are very important during Lake Chilwa recession and recommends the participatory fisheries management as the best way of sustaining the aquatic biodiversity and endangered species in Lake Chilwa basin.
Opiate Withdrawal Complicated by Tetany and Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Kugasia Irfanali R. , Shabarek Nehad
Published: June 2014

Patients with symptoms of opiate withdrawal, after the administration of opiate antagonist by paramedics, are a common presentation in the emergency department of hospitals. Though most of opiate withdrawal symptoms are benign, rarely they can become life threatening. This case highlights how a benign opiate withdrawal symptom of hyperventilation led to severe respiratory alkalosis that degenerated into tetany and cardiac arrest. Though this patient was successfully resuscitated, it is imperative that severe withdrawal symptoms are timely identified and immediate steps are taken to prevent catastrophes. An easier way to reverse the severe opiate withdrawal symptom would be with either low dose methadone or partial opiate agonists like buprenorphine. However, if severe acid-base disorder is identified, it would be safer to electively intubate these patients for better control of their respiratory and acid-base status.
Development of Three-Dimensional Strip Profile Model for Thin-Foil Cold Rolling
Authors: Lee Sang-Ho , Lee Kyung-Hun , Ko Dae-Cheol , Lee Seon-Bong , Kim Byung-Min
Published: June 2014

Accurately predicting the strip profile after thin-foil cold rolling is very difficult because of the thinness of the strip. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) strip profile model was developed to improve the accuracy of a rolled thin-foil profile. The distribution of the contact pressure between rolls (i.e., the work, intermediate, and backup rolls) and the rolling pressure between the strip and work roll were calculated by using the geometric structure of a 6-high mill and boundary conditions imposed in the width direction by a numerical method. The rolling pressure distribution in the rolling direction was determined by Fleck's model of thin-foil rolling. The 3D rolled-strip profile was predicted by using the pressures in the width and rolling directions. In order to investigate the effect of the rolling speed and rise in strip temperature on the lubrication, the friction coefficient was estimated through an analytical method and experiments to test the viscosity and friction. The resulting 3D strip profile was verified by a thin-foil cold rolling test and was compared with the profile obtained using the proposed 3D model and finite element simulation.
Gouty Panniculitis with Ulcerations in a Patient with Multiple Organ Dysfunctions
Authors: Wang Lu , Rose Crystal , Mellen Paul , Branam George , Picken Maria M.
Published: June 2014

Gouty panniculitis is a rare manifestation of gout. Clinically, it is characterized by indurated subcutaneous nodules in nonjoint areas. Pathologically, typical characteristic gouty tophi can be seen in subcutaneous tissue. It is postulated that gouty panniculitis develops as a consequence of uric acid accumulation in the body and localized inflammatory changes in subcutaneous tissue. We report a case of a 46-year-old man with 20-year history of gout, who developed multiple subcutaneous nodules over the abdomen and right groin/thigh area over a 2-year period. After a recent episode of congestive heart failure and acute renal failure, the nodules increased in size and the overlying skin became erythematous and ulcerated. Pathologic examination demonstrated typical tophi in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. A review of the literature yielded fifteen similar cases that had been previously reported. We conclude that gouty panniculitis may be a manifestation of undertreated gout and may be exacerbated by the deterioration of other systemic functions.
Spectral Methods in Spatial Statistics
Authors: Chen Kun , Zhang Lianmin , Pan Maolin
Published: June 2014

When the spatial location area increases becoming extremely large, it is very difficult, if not possible, to evaluate the covariance matrix determined by the set of location distance even for gridded stationary Gaussian process. To alleviate the numerical challenges, we construct a nonparametric estimator called periodogram of spatial version to represent the sample property in frequency domain, because periodogram requires less computational operation by fast Fourier transform algorithm. Under some regularity conditions on the process, we investigate the asymptotic unbiasedness property of periodogram as estimator of the spectral density function and achieve the convergence rate.
Toxic Potential of Synthesized Graphene Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite in the Third Instar Larvae of TransgenicDrosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)Bg9
Authors: Siddique Yasir Hasan , Khan Wasi , Khanam Saba , Jyoti Smita , Naz Falaq , Rahul  , Singh Braj Raj , Naqvi Alim H.
Published: June 2014

In the present study the graphene zinc oxide nanocomposite (GZNC) was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for its toxic potential on third instar larvae of transgenicDrosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)Bg9. The synthesized GZNC was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The GZNC in 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was sonicated for 10 minutes and the final concentrations 0.033, 0.099, 0.199, and 3.996 μg/μL of diet were established. The third instar larvae were allowed to feed on it separately for 24 and 48 hr. Thehsp70expression was measured by o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside assay, tissue damage was measured by trypan blue exclusion test, andβ-galactosidase activity was monitored byin situhistochemicalβ-galactosidase staining. Oxidative stress was monitored by performing lipid peroxidation assay and total protein estimation. Ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining was performed on midgut cells for apoptotic index and the comet assay was performed for the DNA damage. The results of the present study showed that the exposure of 0.199 and 3.996 μg/μL of GZNC was toxic for both 24 hr and 48 hr of exposure. The doses of 0.033 μg/μL and 0.099 of GZNC showed no toxic effects on its exposure to the third instar larvae for 24 hr as well as 48 hr of duration.
Acute Sciatic Neuritis following Lumbar Laminectomy
Authors: Elahi Foad , Hitchon Patrick , Reddy Chandan G.
Published: June 2014

It is commonly accepted that the common cause of acute/chronic pain in the distribution of the lumbosacral nerve roots is the herniation of a lumbar intervertebral disc, unless proven otherwise. The surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation is successful in radicular pain and prevents or limits neurological damage in the majority of patients. Recurrence of sciatica after a successful disc surgery can be due to many possible etiologies. In the clinical setting we believe that the term sciatica might be associated with inflammation. We report a case of acute sciatic neuritis presented with significant persistent pain shortly after a successful disc surgery. The patient is a 59-year-old female with complaint of newly onset sciatica after complete pain resolution following a successful lumbar laminectomy for acute disc extrusion. In order to manage the patient’s newly onset pain, the patient had multiple pain management visits which provided minimum relief. Persistent sciatica and consistent physical examination findings urged us to perform a pelvic MRI to visualize suspected pathology, which revealed right side sciatic neuritis. She responded to the electrical neuromodulation. Review of the literature on sciatic neuritis shows this is the first case report of sciatic neuritis subsequent to lumbar laminectomy.
A Strong Law of Large Numbers for Weighted Sums of i.i.d. Random Variables under Capacities
Authors: Zhang Defei , He Ping
Published: June 2014

With the notion of independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables under sublinear expectations initiated by Peng, a strong law of large numbers for weighted sums of i.i.d. random variables under capacities induced by sublinear expectations is obtained.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis for Chemical and Morphological Characterisation of the Inorganic Component of Gunshot Residue: Selected Problems
Authors: Brożek-Mucha Zuzanna
Published: June 2014

Chosen aspects of examinations of inorganic gunshot particles by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry technique are presented. The research methodology of particles was worked out, which included a precise and repeatable procedure of the automatic detection and identification of particles as well as the representation of the obtained analytical data in the form of the frequencies of occurrence of particles of certain chemical or morphological class within the whole population of particles revealed in a specimen. On this basis, there were established relationships between the chemical and morphological properties of populations of particles and factors, such as the type of ammunition, the distance from the gun muzzle to the target, the type of a substrate the particles sediment on, and the time between shooting and collecting the specimens. Each of these aspects of examinations of particles revealed a great potential of being utilised in casework, while establishing various circumstances of shooting incidents leads to the reconstruction of the course of the studied incident.
Rejuvenating of Kidney Tissues on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice under the Effect ofMomordica charantia
Authors: Sharma Bhaskar , Siddiqui Mohd. Sufiyan , Ram Gurudayal , Yadav Ranjeet Kumar , Kumari Arti , Sharma Gaurav , Jasuja Nakuleshwar Dut
Published: June 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder in human and responsible for different complications and also causes mortality and morbidity. A wide number of herbal products are employed in the treatment of diabetes for their better efficacy and safety compared to synthetic medicine. The present studies have established the antidiabetic potential and rejuvenating capacity of kidney tissues under the effect of extract. Diabetes was induced in the Swiss albino mice by injecting alloxan at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight and aqueous extract ofMomordica charantiafruits at doses of 100 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for three weeks. After 21 days of treatment of the aqueous extracts ofMomordica charantiasignificantly reduces serum glucose level, kidney function tests, lipid peroxidation as well as histopathological study also did show adverse alternation in the morphological architecture of the kidney tissue. Thus, from this study we concluded thatMomordica charantiaexhibited significant antihyperglycemic and rejuvenating capacity of kidney tissues activities in alloxan induced diabetic mice.
Reduction of Free Edge Peeling Stress of Laminated Composites Using Active Piezoelectric Layers
Authors: Huang Bin , Kim Heung Soo
Published: June 2014

An analytical approach is proposed in the reduction of free edge peeling stresses of laminated composites using active piezoelectric layers. The approach is the extended Kantorovich method which is an iterative method. Multiterms of trial function are employed and governing equations are derived by taking the principle of complementary virtual work. The solutions are obtained by solving a generalized eigenvalue problem. By this approach, the stresses automatically satisfy not only the traction-free boundary conditions, but also the free edge boundary conditions. Through the iteration processes, the free edge stresses converge very quickly. It is found that the peeling stresses generated by mechanical loadings are significantly reduced by applying a proper electric field to the piezoelectric actuators.
Oncological and Functional Outcome after Surgical Treatment of Early Glottic Carcinoma without Anterior Commissure Involvement
Authors: Milovanovic Jovica , Jotic Ana , Djukic Vojko , Pavlovic Bojan , Trivic Aleksandar , Krejovic-Trivic Sanja , Milovanovic Andjela , Milovanovic Aleksandar , Artiko Vera , Banko Bojan
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Glottic carcinoma can be successfully diagnosed in its early stages and treated with high percentage of success. Organ preservation and optimal functional outcomes could be achieved with wide array of surgical techniques for early glottic cancer, including endoscopic approaches or open laryngeal preserving procedures, making surgery the preferred method of treatment of early glottic carcinoma in the last few years.Material and Methods. Prospective study was done on 59 patients treated for Tis and T1a glottic carcinoma over a one-year time period in a tertiary medical center. Patients were treated with endoscopic laser cordectomy (types II–IV cordectomies according to European Laryngological Society classification of endoscopic cordectomies) and open cordectomy through laryngofissure. Follow-up period was 60 months. Clinical and oncological results were followed postoperatively. Voice quality after the treatment was assessed using multidimensional voice analysis 12 months after the treatment.Results. There were no significant differences between oncological and functional results among two groups of patients, though complications were more frequent in patients treated with open cordectomy.Conclusion. Endoscopic laser surgery should be the first treatment of choice in treatment of early glottic carcinomas, though open approach through laryngofissure should be available for selected cases where anatomical factors present limiting adequate tumor removal.
Stability of Infinite Dimensional Interconnected Systems with Impulsive and Stochastic Disturbances
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Yin Xiaofeng , Zhang Jiye , Wang Peng
Published: June 2014

Some research on the stability with mode constraint for a class of infinite dimensional look-ahead interconnected systems with impulsive and stochastic disturbances is studied by using the vector Lyapunov function approach. Intuitively, the stability with mode constraint is the property of damping disturbance propagation. Firstly, we derive a set of sufficient conditions to assure the stability with mode constraint for a class of general infinite dimensional look-ahead interconnected systems with impulsive and stochastic disturbances. The obtained conditions are less conservative than the existing ones. Secondly, the controller for a class of look-ahead vehicle following systems with the above uncertainties is constructed by the sliding mode control method. Based on the obtained new stability conditions, the domain of the control parameters of the systems is proposed. Finally, a numerical example with simulations is given to show the effectiveness and correctness of the obtained results.
Distributionally Robust Joint Chance Constrained Problem under Moment Uncertainty
Authors: Ding Ke-wei
Published: June 2014

We discuss and develop the convex approximation for robust joint chance constraints under uncertainty of first- and second-order moments. Robust chance constraints are approximated by Worst-Case CVaR constraints which can be reformulated by a semidefinite programming. Then the chance constrained problem can be presented as semidefinite programming. We also find that the approximation for robust joint chance constraints has an equivalent individual quadratic approximation form.
Advances in Diagnosis of Respiratory Diseases of Small Ruminants
Authors: Chakraborty Sandip , Kumar Amit , Tiwari Ruchi , Rahal Anu , Malik Yash , Dhama Kuldeep , Pal Amar , Prasad Minakshi
Published: June 2014

Irrespective of aetiology, infectious respiratory diseases of sheep and goats contribute to 5.6 percent of the total diseases of small ruminants. These infectious respiratory disorders are divided into two groups: the diseases of upper respiratory tract, namely, nasal myiasis and enzootic nasal tumors, and diseases of lower respiratory tract, namely, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), parainfluenza, Pasteurellosis, Ovine progressive pneumonia, mycoplasmosis, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, caseous lymphadenitis, verminous pneumonia, and many others. Depending upon aetiology, many of them are acute and fatal in nature. Early, rapid, and specific diagnosis of such diseases holds great importance to reduce the losses. The advanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antigen as well as antibodies directly from the samples and molecular diagnostic assays along with microsatellites comprehensively assist in diagnosis as well as treatment and epidemiological studies. The present review discusses the advancements made in the diagnosis of common infectious respiratory diseases of sheep and goats. It would update the knowledge and help in adapting and implementing appropriate, timely, and confirmatory diagnostic procedures. Moreover, it would assist in designing appropriate prevention protocols and devising suitable control strategies to overcome respiratory diseases and alleviate the economic losses.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Smoking Behaviours among Physicians Specializing in Public Health: A Multicentre Study
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Saulle Rosella , Unim Brigid , Angelillo Italo Francesco , Baldo Vincenzo , Bergomi Margherita , Cacciari Paolo , Castaldi Silvana , Del Corno Giuseppe , Di Stanislao Francesco , Panà Augusto , Gregorio Pasquale , Grillo Orazio Claudio , Grossi Paolo , La Rosa Francesco , Nante Nicola , Pavia Maria , Pelissero Gabriele , Quarto Michele , Ricciardi Walter , Romano Gabriele , Schioppa Francesco Saverio , Fallico Roberto , Siliquini Roberta , Triassi Maria , Vitale Francesco , Boccia Antonio
Published: June 2014

Background. Healthcare professionals have an important role to play both as advisers—influencing smoking cessation—and as role models. However, many of them continue to smoke. The aims of this study were to examine smoking prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among four cohorts physicians specializing in public health, according to the Global Health Profession Students Survey (GHPSS) approach.Materials and Methods. A multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out in 24 Italian schools of public health. The survey was conducted between January and April 2012 and it was carried out a census of students in the selected schools for each years of course (from first to fourth year of attendance), therefore among four cohorts of physicians specializing in Public Health (for a total of n. 459 medical doctors). The GHPSS questionnaires were self-administered via a special website which is created ad hoc for the survey. Logistic regression model was used to identify possible associations with tobacco smoking status. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed. The level of significance wasP≤0.05.Results. A total of 388 answered the questionnaire on the website (85%), of which 81 (20.9%) declared to be smokers, 309 (79.6%) considered health professionals as behavioural models for patients, and 375 (96.6%) affirmed that health professionals have a role in giving advice or information about smoking cessation. Although 388 (89.7%) heard about smoking related issues during undergraduate courses, only 17% received specific smoking cessation training during specialization.Conclusions. The present study highlights the importance of focusing attention on smoking cessation training, given the high prevalence of smokers among physicians specializing in public health, their key role both as advisers and behavioural models, and the limited tobacco training offered in public health schools.
Optimal Backward Perturbation Analysis for the Block Skew Circulant Linear Systems with Skew Circulant Blocks
Authors: Jiang Zhaolin , Li Juan , Zhou Jianwei
Published: June 2014

We first give the block style spectral decomposition of arbitrary block skew circulant matrix with skew circulant blocks. Secondly, we obtain the singular value of block skew circulant matrix with skew circulant blocks as well. Finally, based on the block style spectral decomposition, we deal with the optimal backward perturbation analysis for the block skew circulant linear system with skew circulant blocks.
Guidance Cue Netrin-1 and the Regulation of Inflammation in Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ranganathan Punithavathi , Mohamed Riyaz , Jayakumar Calpurnia , Ramesh Ganesan
Published: June 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in the hospital setting and intensive care unit. Despite improved understanding, there are no effective therapies available to treat AKI. A large body of evidence strongly suggests that ischemia reperfusion injury is an inflammatory disease mediated by both adaptive and innate immune systems. Cell migration also plays an important role in embryonic development and inflammation, and this process is highly regulated to ensure tissue homeostasis. One such paradigm exists in the developing nervous system, where neuronal migration is mediated by a balance between chemoattractive and chemorepulsive signals. The ability of the guidance molecule netrin-1 to repulse or abolish attraction of neuronal cells expressing the UNC5B receptor makes it an attractive candidate for the regulation of inflammatory cell migration. Recent identification of netrin-1 as regulators of immune cell migration has led to a large number of studies looking into how netrin-1 controls inflammation and inflammatory cell migration. This review will focus on recent advances in understanding netrin-1 mediated regulation of inflammation during acute and chronic kidney disease and whether netrin-1 and its receptor activation can be used to treat acute and chronic kidney disease.
Existence of Nontrivial Solutions for Periodic Schrödinger Equations with New Nonlinearities
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Zhang Dawei
Published: June 2014

We study the Schrödinger equation:-Δu+Vxu+fx,u=0,  u∈H1(RN), whereVis1-periodic andfis1-periodic in thex-variables;0is in a gap of the spectrum of the operator-Δ+V. We prove that, under some new assumptions forf, this equation has a nontrivial solution. Our assumptions for the nonlinearityfare very weak and greatly different from the known assumptions in the literature.
Mixed Portmanteau Test for Diagnostic Checking of Time Series Models
Authors: Chand Sohail , Kamal Shahid
Published: June 2014

Model criticism is an important stage of model building and thus goodness of fit tests provides a set of tools for diagnostic checking of the fitted model. Several tests are suggested in literature for diagnostic checking. These tests use autocorrelation or partial autocorrelation in the residuals to criticize the adequacy of fitted model. The main idea underlying these portmanteau tests is to identify if there is any dependence structure which is yet unexplained by the fitted model. In this paper, we suggest mixed portmanteau tests based on autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions of the residuals. We derived the asymptotic distribution of the mixture test and studied its size and power using Monte Carlo simulations.
Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Methane to Carbon Nanotubes: Copper Promoted Effect of Ni/MgO Catalysts
Authors: Yang Wen , Feng Yanyan , Chu Wei
Published: June 2014

The Ni/MgO and Ni-Cu/MgO catalysts were prepared by sol-gel method and used as the catalysts for synthesis of carbon nanotubes by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The effect of Cu on the carbon yield and structure was investigated, and the effects of calcination temperature and reaction temperature were also investigated. The catalysts and synthesized carbon materials were characterized by temperature programmed reduction (TPR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the addition of Cu promoted the reduction of nickel species, subsequently improving the growth and yield of CNTs. Meanwhile, CNTs were synthesized by the Ni/MgO and Ni-Cu/MgO catalysts with various calcination temperatures and reaction temperatures, and results suggested that the obtained CNTs on Ni-Cu/MgO catalyst with the calcination temperature of 500°C and the reaction temperature of 650°C were of the greatest yield and quantity of 927%.
Very Low Birth Weight and Perinatal Periods of Risk: Disparities in St. Louis
Authors: Xaverius Pamela , Salas Joanne , Kiel Deborah , Woolfolk Candice
Published: June 2014

Objective. Very low birth weight (VLBW) is a significant issue in St. Louis, Missouri. Our study evaluated risk factors associated with VLBW in this predominantly urban community.Methods. From 2000 to 2009, birth and fetal death certificates were evaluated (n=160, 189), and mortality rates were calculated for perinatal periods of risk. The Kitagawa method was used to explore fetoinfant mortality rates (FIMR) in terms of birth weight distribution and birthweight specific mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the magnitude of association of selected risk factors with VLBW.Results. VLBW contributes to 50% of the excess FIMR in St. Louis City and County. The highest proportion of VLBW can be attributed to black maternal race (40.6%) in St. Louis City, inadequate prenatal care (19.8%), and gestational hypertension (12.0%) among black women. Medicaid was found to have a protective effect for VLBW among black women (population attributable risk (PAR) = −14.5).Discussion. Interventions targeting the health of women before and during conception may be most successful at reducing the disparities in VLBW in this population. Interventions geared towards smoking cessation and improvements in Medicaid and prenatal care access for black mothers and St. Louis City residents can greatly reduce VLBW rates.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester as a Protective Agent against Nephrotoxicity and/or Oxidative Kidney Damage: A Detailed Systematic Review
Authors: Akyol Sumeyya , Ugurcu Veli , Altuntas Aynur , Hasgul Rukiye , Cakmak Ozlem , Akyol Omer
Published: June 2014

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, has been attracting the attention of different medical and pharmaceutical disciplines in recent years because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antiviral, antifungal, and antineoplastic properties. One of the most studied organs for the effects of CAPE is the kidney, particularly in the capacity of this ester to decrease the nephrotoxicity induced by several drugs and the oxidative injury after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated the current knowledge regarding the protective effect of CAPE in nephrotoxicity induced by several special medicines such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclosporine, gentamycin, methotrexate, and other causes leading to oxidative renal injury, namely, I/R models and senility.
Effects of Controller and Nonuniform Temperature Profile on the Onset of Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni Electroconvection in a Micropolar Fluid
Authors: Azmi H. M. , Idris R.
Published: June 2014

Linear stability analysis is performed to study the effects of nonuniform basic temperature gradients on the onset of Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni electroconvection in a dielectric Eringen’s micropolar fluid by using the Galerkin technique. In the case of Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni convection, the eigenvalues are obtained for an upper free/adiabatic and lower rigid/isothermal boundaries. The influence of various parameters has been analysed. Three nonuniform basic temperature profiles are considered and their comparative influence on onset of convection is discussed. Different values of feedback control and electric number are added up to examine whether their presence will enhance or delay the onset of electroconvection.
Some Antiperiodic Boundary Value Problem for Nonlinear Fractional Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Xianghu , Li Yanfang
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with the sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions for a class of generalized antiperiodic boundary value problem for nonlinear fractional impulsive differential equations involving the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative. Firstly, we introduce the fractional calculus and give the generalized R-L fractional integral formula of R-L fractional derivative involving impulsive. Secondly, the sufficient condition for the existence and uniqueness of solutions is presented. Finally, we give some examples to illustrate our main results.
Nonattenuated Polymyxin B Used for the Treatment of Extreme-Drug ResistantAcinetobacter baumannii-Related Infections in Patients with Preexisting End Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Zhou Yvonne Peijun , Chua Nathalie Grace Sy , Chlebicki Maciej Piotr , Lee Winnie Hui Ling , Kwa Andrea Lay Hoon
Published: June 2014

Recent pharmacokinetic studies have suggested that nonrenal clearance predominates the elimination of polymyxin B. We present 2 patients with preexisting end stage renal failure, who were given nonattenuated doses of polymyxin B for the treatment of extreme-drug resistant organism. No evidence of adverse events occurred and microbiological clearance was documented.