bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendritic Cells from Aged Subjects Display Enhanced Inflammatory Responses toChlamydophila pneumoniae
Authors: Prakash Sangeetha , Agrawal Sudhanshu , Ma Dandan , Gupta Sudhir , Peterson Ellena M. , Agrawal Anshu
Published: September 2014

Chlamydophila pneumoniae(CPn) is a common respiratory pathogen that causes a chronic and persistent airway infection. The elderly display an increased susceptibility and severity to this infection. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the initiators and regulators of immune responses. Therefore, we investigated the role of DCs in the age-associated increased CPn infectionin vitroin humans. Though the expression of activation markers was comparable between the two age groups, DCs from aged subjects secreted enhanced levels of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-αand CXCL-10 in response to CPn. In contrast, the secretion of IL-10 and innate interferons, IFN-αand IFN-λ, was severely impaired in DCs from aged donors. The increased activation of DCs from aged subjects to CPn also resulted in enhanced proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells in a DC-T coculture. Furthermore, T cells primed with CPn-stimulated DCs from aged subjects secreted increased levels of IFN-γand reduced levels of IL-10 compared to DCs obtained from young subjects. In summary, DCs from the elderly displayed enhanced inflammatory response to CPn which may result in airway remodeling and increase the susceptibility of the elderly to respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Bisphosphonate Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Update on Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Treatment
Authors: Rasmusson Lars , Abtahi Jahan
Published: September 2014

Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients treated with bisphosphonates is a relatively rare but well known complication at maxillofacial units around the world. It has been speculated that the medication, especially long-term i.v. bisphosphonate treatment, could cause sterile necrosis of the jaws. The aim of this narrative review of the literature was to elaborate on the pathological mechanisms behind the condition and also to gather an update on incidence, risk factors, and treatment of bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw. In total, ninety-one articles were reviewed. All were published in internationally recognized journals with referee systems. We can conclude that necrotic lesions in the jaw seem to be following upon exposure of bone, for example, after tooth extractions, while other interventions like implant placement do not increase the risk of osteonecrosis. Since exposure to the bacterial environment in the oral cavity seems essential for the development of necrotic lesions, we believe that the condition is in fact chronic osteomyelitis and should be treated accordingly.
On the Security of a Simple Three-Party Key Exchange Protocol without Server’s Public Keys
Authors: Nam Junghyun , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond , Park Minkyu , Paik Juryon , Won Dongho
Published: September 2014

Authenticated key exchange protocols are of fundamental importance in securing communications and are now extensively deployed for use in various real-world network applications. In this work, we reveal major previously unpublished security vulnerabilities in the password-based authenticated three-party key exchange protocol according to Lee and Hwang (2010): (1) the Lee-Hwang protocol is susceptible to a man-in-the-middle attack and thus fails to achieve implicit key authentication; (2) the protocol cannot protect clients’ passwords against an offline dictionary attack; and (3) the indistinguishability-based security of the protocol can be easily broken even in the presence of a passive adversary. We also propose an improved password-based authenticated three-party key exchange protocol that addresses the security vulnerabilities identified in the Lee-Hwang protocol.
Basicity of the System of Exponents with a Linear Phase in Sobolev Weight Space
Authors: Muradov Togrul , Salmanov Valid
Published: September 2014

In the present paper a criterion for basicity of exponential system with linear phase is obtained in Sobolev weight spaceWp,ρ1  (-π,π).
New Solutions of Elastic Waves in an Elastic Rod under Finite Deformation
Authors: Guo Peng , Wu Xiang , Wang Liangbi
Published: September 2014

The nonlinear wave equation of an elastic rod under finite deformation is solved by the extended mapping method. Abundant new exact traveling wave solutions for this equation are obtained, which contain trigonometric function solutions, solitary wave solutions, Jacobian elliptic function solutions, and Weierstrass elliptic function solutions. The method can be used in further works to establish more entirely new solutions for other kinds of nonlinear evolution equations arising in physics.
The Spatial Distribution of Precipitation in Northwest China
Authors: Zhao Chuancheng , Yao Shuxia , Liu Jun , Wang Jian
Published: September 2014

Northwestern China has an extremely complex climate due to the varied terrain and complexities of climate change where the environment is sensitive to both regional and global climate change. We employed the Mann-Kendal test to investigate trends of precipitation distributions using annual, seasonal, and monthly data records from 1960 to 2008. On the whole, the variations in precipitation patterns are more complex than those for temperature. The trends of annual, seasonal, and monthly precipitation have shown remarkable differences between the east and west. In the west such as in northern Xinjiang and western Qinghai, the variation is a significant increase, consistent with the temperature change, whereas in the east such as in eastern Gansu, and southern Shaanxi, the variation is a remarkable decrease, opposite to the change observed in temperatures.
CFD Numerical Simulation of the Complex Turbulent Flow Field in an Axial-Flow Water Pump
Authors: Li Wan-You , Zhang Xiang-Yuan , Shuai Zhi-Jun , Jiang Chen-Xing , Li Feng-Chen
Published: September 2014

Further optimal design of an axial-flow water pump calls for a thorough recognition of the characteristics of the complex turbulent flow field in the pump, which is however extremely difficult to be measured using the up-to-date experimental techniques. In this study, a numerical simulation procedure based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was elaborated in order to obtain the fully three-dimensional unsteady turbulent flow field in an axial-flow water pump. The shear stress transport (SST) k-ω model was employed in the CFD calculation to study the unsteady internal flow of the axial-flow pump. Upon the numerical simulation results, the characteristics of the velocity field and pressure field inside the impeller region were discussed in detail. The established model procedure in this study may provide guidance to the numerical simulations of turbomachines during the design phase or the investigation of flow and pressure field characteristics and performance. The presented information can be of reference value in further optimal design of the axial-flow pump.
High-Efficient Circuits for Ternary Addition
Authors: Faghih Mirzaee Reza , Navi Keivan , Bagherzadeh Nader
Published: September 2014

New ternary adders, which are fundamental components of ternary addition, are presented in this paper. They are on the basis of a logic style which mostly generates binary signals. Therefore, static power dissipation reaches its minimum extent. Extensive different analyses are carried out to examine how efficient the new designs are. For instance, the ternary ripple adder constructed by the proposed ternary half and full adders consumes 2.33 μW less power than the one implemented by the previous adder cells. It is almost twice faster as well. Due to their unique superior characteristics for ternary circuitry, carbon nanotube field-effect transistors are used to form the novel circuits, which are entirely suitable for practical applications.
Optimal Road Toll Design from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Cheng Lin , Han Fei
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the optimal road toll design problem from the perspective of sustainable development at network-wide level. In this paper the sustainable development level of transportation system is quantitatively described with the total vehicular emission, total fuel consumption, and total travel time in the network. In order to simultaneously consider the impacts of all these three indicators on sustainability of transportation system, we integrate them into a sustainable development index (SD-index) by a linear combination, and then we establish the corresponding bilevel optimization model. The upper level problem is the network toll design problem to maximize the SD-index from the viewpoint of traffic managers, and the lower level problem is to depict travelers’ route choice behavior under a certain road toll scheme. Finally, a combined genetic algorithm and gradient projection algorithm (GA-GP) is used to solve the bilevel model, in which the GP algorithm solves the traffic assignment problem with road toll scheme in the lower level. In order to verify the proposed model and algorithm, we take the Nguyen-Dupuis network for the numerical example, and the computing results show that the model and algorithm are effective and efficient.
Origanum dictamnusOil Vapour Suppresses the Development of Grey Mould in Eggplant FruitIn Vitro
Authors: Stavropoulou Andriana , Loulakakis Kostas , Magan Naresh , Tzortzakis Nikos
Published: September 2014

Grey mould rot (Botrytis cinerea) developmentin vitroor in eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) fruit was evaluated after treatment with dittany (Origanum dictamnusL.) oil (DIT) and storage at 12°C and 95% relative humidity during or following exposure to the volatiles. DIT volatiles used in different concentration (0-50-100-250 μL/L) and times of exposure (up to 120 h) examined the effects on pathogen development as well as fruit quality parameters.In vitro,fungal colony growth was inhibited with the application of DIT oil (during or after exposure) and/or time of application. Continuous exposure to oils reduced conidial germination and production with fungistatic effects observed in 250 μL/L.In vivo,fungal lesion growth and conidial production reduced in DIT-treated fruits. Interesting, in fruits preexposed to volatiles before fungal inoculation, DIT application induced fruit resistance against the pathogen, by reduced lesion growth and conidial production. Conidial viability reduced in >100 μL/L DIT oil. Fruits exposed to essential oil did not affect fruit quality related attributes in general, while skin lightness (Lvalue) increased in 50 and 100 μL/L DIT oil. The results of the current study indicated that dittany volatiles may be considered as an alternative food preservative, eliminating disease spread in the storage/transit atmospheres.
Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative and Semiquantitative Methods to Assess Vasculitis with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Puppo Cristina , Massollo Michela , Paparo Francesco , Camellino Dario , Piccardo Arnoldo , Shoushtari Zadeh Naseri Mehrdad , Villavecchia Giampiero , Rollandi Gian Andrea , Cimmino Marco Amedeo
Published: September 2014

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis affecting medium and large vessels. It shows a close clinical association with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a musculoskeletal inflammatory disorder, which is clinically characterized by girdles pain and stiffness. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is an effective tool for the diagnosis, grading, and follow-up of patients affected by GCA involving the aorta and its proximal branches, but the lack of a standardized method for the assessment of vascular inflammation remains a critical issue, potentially leading to misclassification. In our systematic review, including 19 original articles for a total of 442 GCA patients (with or without PMR symptoms) and 535 healthy controls, we described the different qualitative, semiquantitative and combined methods that have been proposed throughout the literature for assessing the presence and grading the severity of GCA-related vascular inflammation on 18F-FDG PET scans, focusing on the diagnostic performance and examining their respective advantages and limitations. The majority of the included studies adopted qualitative methods of PET image analysis, which are less sensitive but more specific than semiquantitative ones. Among the semiquantitative approaches, the aortic-to-blood pool uptake ratio of the aortic arch seems to be the most accurate method.
Efficacy of Intrauterine Device in the Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions
Authors: Salma Umme , Xue Min , Md Sayed Ali Sheikh , Xu Dabao
Published: September 2014

The primary purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of the use of the intrauterine device (IUD) as an adjunctive treatment modality, for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). All eligible literatures were identified by electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additional relevant articles were identified from citations in these publications. There were 28 studies included for a systematic review. Of these, 5 studies were eligible for meta-analysis and 23 for qualitative assessment only. Twenty-eight studies related to the use of IUDs as ancillary treatment following adhesiolysis were identified. Of these studies, 25 studies at least one of the following methods were carried out as ancillary treatment: Foley catheter, hyaluronic acid gel, hormonal therapy, or amnion graft in addition to the IUD. There was one study that used IUD therapy as a single ancillary treatment. In 2 studies, no adjunctive therapy was used after adhesiolysis. There was a wide range of reported menstrual and fertility outcomes which were associated with the use of IUD combined with other ancillary treatments. At present, the IUD is beneficial in patients with IUA, regardless of stage of adhesions. However, IUD needs to be combined with other ancillary treatments to obtain maximal outcomes, in particular in patients with moderate to severe IUA.
EEG-Based Emotion Recognition Using Deep Learning Network with Principal Component Based Covariate Shift Adaptation
Authors: Jirayucharoensak Suwicha , Pan-Ngum Setha , Israsena Pasin
Published: September 2014

Automatic emotion recognition is one of the most challenging tasks. To detect emotion from nonstationary EEG signals, a sophisticated learning algorithm that can represent high-level abstraction is required. This study proposes the utilization of a deep learning network (DLN) to discover unknown feature correlation between input signals that is crucial for the learning task. The DLN is implemented with a stacked autoencoder (SAE) using hierarchical feature learning approach. Input features of the network are power spectral densities of 32-channel EEG signals from 32 subjects. To alleviate overfitting problem, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to extract the most important components of initial input features. Furthermore, covariate shift adaptation of the principal components is implemented to minimize the nonstationary effect of EEG signals. Experimental results show that the DLN is capable of classifying three different levels of valence and arousal with accuracy of 49.52% and 46.03%, respectively. Principal component based covariate shift adaptation enhances the respective classification accuracy by 5.55% and 6.53%. Moreover, DLN provides better performance compared to SVM and naive Bayes classifiers.
Evaluation of Postural Parathyroid Hormone Change in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Aydin Cevdet , Polat Sefika Burcak , Dirikoc Ahmet , Ogmen Berna , Cuhaci Neslihan , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: September 2014

Purpose. In the present study, we aimed to investigate postural change of PTH in normal individuals and in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Methods. Twenty-two patients with PHPT and nine healthy controls were enrolled. Following 12 h of fast, patients stayed in recumbent position for an hour and PTH and total Ca measurements were performed at the 45th and 60th minutes of resting. Afterwards, the patients resumed an upright posture for an hour and again blood samples were taken at the 45th and 60th minutes of standing.Results. In the PHPT group, mean PTH was calculated as 153.9 pg/mL in the recumbent position while it was 206.3 during upright position (Δ change was 47.7) (P<0.001). In the control group mean serum PTH was measured as 41.2 pg/mL in the recumbent position while it was 44.8 pg/mL in the upright position (Δ change was 1.7) (P=0.11). In both groups, serum Ca was higher in the upright position compared to the recumbent position (P<0.001).Conclusion. Postural change of serum PTH is significant only in PHPT group. Postural PTH test may give a clue to the clinician when the diagnosis of PHPT is equivocal.
Method for User Interface of Large Displays Using Arm Pointing and Finger Counting Gesture Recognition
Authors: Kim Hansol , Kim Yoonkyung , Lee Eui Chul
Published: September 2014

Although many three-dimensional pointing gesture recognition methods have been proposed, the problem of self-occlusion has not been considered. Furthermore, because almost all pointing gesture recognition methods use a wide-angle camera, additional sensors or cameras are required to concurrently perform finger gesture recognition. In this paper, we propose a method for performing both pointing gesture and finger gesture recognition for large display environments, using a single Kinect device and a skeleton tracking model. By considering self-occlusion, a compensation technique can be performed on the user’s detected shoulder position when a hand occludes the shoulder. In addition, we propose a technique to facilitate finger counting gesture recognition, based on the depth image of the hand position. In this technique, the depth image is extracted from the end of the pointing vector. By using exception handling for self-occlusions, experimental results indicate that the pointing accuracy of a specific reference position was significantly improved. The average root mean square error was approximately 13 pixels for a 1920 × 1080 pixels screen resolution. Moreover, the finger counting gesture recognition accuracy was 98.3%.
Notes on Convergence Properties for a Smoothing-Regularization Approach to Mathematical Programs with Vanishing Constraints
Authors: Hu Qingjie , Chen Yu , Zhu Zhibin , Zhang Bishan
Published: September 2014

We give some improved convergence results about the smoothing-regularization approach to mathematical programs with vanishing constraints (MPVC for short), which is proposed in Achtziger et al. (2013). We show that the Mangasarian-Fromovitz constraints qualification for the smoothing-regularization problem still holds under the VC-MFCQ (see Definition 5) which is weaker than the VC-LICQ (see Definition 7) and the condition of asymptotic nondegeneracy. We also analyze the convergence behavior of the smoothing-regularization method and prove that any accumulation point of a sequence of stationary points for the smoothing-regularization problem is still strongly-stationary under the VC-MFCQ and the condition of asymptotic nondegeneracy.
An Algebraic Relation between Consimilarity and Similarity of Quaternion Matrices and Applications
Authors: Jiang Tongsong , Cheng Xuehan , Ling Sitao
Published: September 2014

This paper, by means of complex representation of a quaternion matrix, discusses the consimilarity of quaternion matrices, and obtains a relation between consimilarity and similarity of quaternion matrices. It sets up an algebraic bridge between consimilarity and similarity, and turns the theory of consimilarity of quaternion matrices into that of ordinary similarity of complex matrices. This paper also gives algebraic methods for finding coneigenvalues and coneigenvectors of quaternion matrices by means of complex representation of a quaternion matrix.
Greedy Data Transportation Scheme with Hard Packet Deadlines for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Lee HyungJune
Published: September 2014

We present a greedy data transportation scheme with hard packet deadlines in ad hoc sensor networks of stationary nodes and multiple mobile nodes with scheduled trajectory path and arrival time. In the proposed routing strategy, each stationary ad hoc node en route decides whether to relay a shortest-path stationary node toward destination or a passing-by mobile node that will carry closer to destination. We aim to utilize mobile nodes to minimize the total routing cost as far as the selected route can satisfy the end-to-end packet deadline. We evaluate our proposed routing algorithm in terms of routing cost, packet delivery ratio, packet delivery time, and usability of mobile nodes based on network level simulations. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm fully exploits the remaining time till packet deadline to turn into networking benefits of reducing the overall routing cost and improving packet delivery performance. Also, we demonstrate that the routing scheme guarantees packet delivery with hard deadlines, contributing to QoS improvement in various network services.
Research on an Improved Method for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Liu Yingpei , Gao Tao , Li Guo
Published: September 2014

In permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) traditional vector control system, PI regulator is used in the speed loop, but it has some defects. An improved method of PMSM vector control is proposed in the paper. The active-disturbance rejection control (ADRC) speed regulator is designed with the input signals of given speed and real speed and the output of given stator currentqcoordinate component. Then, in order to optimize ADRC controller, the least squares support vector machines (LSSVM) optimal regression model is derived and successfully embedded in the ADRC controller. ADRC observation precision and dynamic response of the system are improved. The load disturbance effect on the system is reduced to a large extent. The system anti-interference ability is further improved. Finally, the current sensor CSNE151-100 is selected to sample PMSM stator currents. The voltage sensor JLBV1 is used to sample the stator voltage. The rotor speed of PMSM is measured by mechanical speed sensor, the type of which is BENTLY 330500. Experimental platform is constructed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cooccurrence of Darier’s Disease and Epilepsy: A Pediatric Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Celik Tamer , Celik Umit , Donmezer Cigdem , Komur Mustafa , Tolunay Orkun , Demirtürk Pelin
Published: September 2014

Darier’s disease is a skin disorder characterized by multiple eruptions of hyperkeratosis or crusted papules at seborrheic areas with histologic acantholysis and dyskeratosis. It is caused by mutations in a single gene, beingATP2A2and that is expressed in the skin and brain. The cooccurrence of various neurologic and psychiatric diseases with Darier's disease has been reported frequently in literature. They include mood disorders, epilepsy, encephalopathy, and schizophrenia. In this study, we report a pediatric case with the cooccurrence of Darier’s disease and epilepsy. We also revised current English literature on this topic.
The Study of Serum Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Populations with Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Ding Lin , Wang Congcong , Ma Heliang , Tian Yuling , Lu Yong , Pang Shuguang
Published: September 2014

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D and insulin resistance in Chinese subjects without diabetes mellitus.Methods. Serum 25(OH)D was measured in 897 individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were conducted to exclude cases with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Metabolic parameters were measured and compared between the highest and lowest 25(OH)D quartiles. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was analyzed.Results. Indexes, such as HOMA-IR, FINS, and SBP, were negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Compared with the lowest quartile, individuals in the highest group had decreased Lg (HOMA-IR), Lg (FINS), and SBP. Pearson correlation analyses showed that serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with age, BMI, Lg (HOMA-IR), and Lg (FINS). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed the negative correlation of Lg (HOMA-IR) and 25(OH)D.Conclusions. This study showed that serum 25(OH)D could be regarded as an independent predictor of insulin resistance for subjects without diabetes mellitus in China. Adequate vitamin D supplementation may improve multiple metabolic disturbances.
Interacting Quintessence Dark Energy Models in Lyra Manifold
Authors: Khurshudyan M. , Sadeghi J. , Myrzakulov R. , Pasqua Antonio , Farahani H.
Published: September 2014

We consider two-component dark energy models in Lyra manifold. The first component is assumed to be a quintessence field while the second component may be a viscous polytropic gas, a viscous Van der Waals gas, or a viscous modified Chaplygin gas. We also consider the possibility of interaction between components. By using the numerical analysis, we study some cosmological parameters of the models and compare them with observational data.
A Systematic Review of the Cost-Effectiveness of Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists: What Is the Quality of the Evidence?
Authors: Donald Faith , Kilpatrick Kelley , Reid Kim , Carter Nancy , Martin-Misener Ruth , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , Harbman Patricia , Kaasalainen Sharon , Marshall Deborah A. , Charbonneau-Smith Renee , Donald Erin E. , Lloyd Monique , Wickson-Griffiths Abigail , Yost Jennifer , Baxter Pamela , Sangster-Gormley Esther , Hubley Pamela , Laflamme Célyne , Campbell–Yeo Marsha , Price Sheri , Boyko Jennifer , DiCenso Alba
Published: September 2014

Background. Improved quality of care and control of healthcare costs are important factors influencing decisions to implement nurse practitioner (NP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) roles.Objective. To assess the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating NP and CNS cost-effectiveness (defined broadly to also include studies measuring health resource utilization).Design. Systematic review of RCTs of NP and CNS cost-effectiveness reported between 1980 and July 2012.Results. 4,397 unique records were reviewed. We included 43 RCTs in six groupings, NP-outpatient (n=11), NP-transition (n=5), NP-inpatient (n=2), CNS-outpatient (n=11), CNS-transition (n=13), and CNS-inpatient (n=1). Internal validity was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool; 18 (42%) studies were at low, 17 (39%) were at moderate, and eight (19%) at high risk of bias. Few studies included detailed descriptions of the education, experience, or role of the NPs or CNSs, affecting external validity.Conclusions. We identified 43 RCTs evaluating the cost-effectiveness of NPs and CNSs using criteria that meet current definitions of the roles. Almost half the RCTs were at low risk of bias. Incomplete reporting of study methods and lack of details about NP or CNS education, experience, and role create challenges in consolidating the evidence of the cost-effectiveness of these roles.
Synthesis of Disodium Salt of Sulfosuccinate Monoester from the Seed Oil ofTerminalia catappaand Its Inhibitive Effect on the Corrosion of Aluminum Sheet in 1 M HCl
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Adesina Adewale Dare , Oderinde Rotimi A.
Published: September 2014

Oil was extracted from the seed ofTerminalia catappaand used to synthesize disodium salt of sulfosuccinate monoester using simple reaction mechanism. The disodium salt of sulfosuccinate monoester was applied as corrosion inhibitor of aluminum sheet in 1 M HCl via weight loss method. The adsorption was found to obey Langmuir isotherm. The results presented disodium salt of sulfosuccinate monoester as an efficient inhibitor of aluminum sheet corrosion in 1 M HCl.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Wu Hao , Kong Lili , Zhou Shanshan , Cui Wenpeng , Xu Feng , Luo Manyu , Li Xiangqi , Tan Yi , Miao Lining
Published: September 2014

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as one of the chronic complications of diabetes, is the major cause of end-stage renal disease. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. In recent years, research on microRNAs (miRNAs) has become a hotspot because of their critical role in regulating posttranscriptional levels of protein-coding genes that may serve as key pathogenic factors in diseases. Several miRNAs were found to participate in the pathogenesis of DN, while others showed renal protective effects. Therefore, targeting miRNAs that are involved in DN may have a good prospect in the treatment of the disease. The aim of this review is to summarize DN-related miRNAs and provide potential targets for diagnostic strategies and therapeutic intervention.
Thermal Performance Analysis and Empirical Correlations for Laminar Forced Convection over 30° V-Baffled Square Channel
Authors: Boonloi Amnart , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: September 2014

Thermal performance analysis for laminar forced convection in an isothermal wall square channel with 30° V-baffle is presented numerically. The parameters of the V-baffle, blockage ratio (b/H, BR), pitch ratio (P/H, PR), flow direction (V-Downstream and V-Upstream), and arrangement (in-line and staggered), are studied and compared with the previous works, 20° and 45° V-baffle. The Reynolds number based on the hydraulic diameter of the channel ( D h), Re = 100–2000, is used in range study. The results show that the flow configurations of 30° V-baffle are found similar as 20° and 45° V-baffle. The fully developed periodic flow and heat transfer are created around 7th-8th module, while the periodic flow and heat transfer profiles are found at 2nd module in all cases. Except for the periodic concept, the 30° V-baffle can help to reduce the pressure loss around 2.3 times in comparison with the 45° V-baffle at the maximum f/ f0 value (BR = 0.3, PR = 1, V-Downstream). The optimum thermal enhancement factor for the 30° V-baffle is found around 4.25 at BR = 0.15, PR = 1, and Re = 2000 for V-Downstream case with in-line arrangement.
Hybrid Structure Based Tracking and Consensus for Multiple Motors
Authors: Zhang Changfan , Wu Han , Liu Bin , He Jing , Li Baiyan
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates a hybrid structure based synchronous control strategy for multimotor system of shaftless‐driven printing press. Many existing algorithms can obtain a stable synchronous
system; however, the obtained stable system may encounter a large enough disturbance that can destroy the synchronization. Focusing on this challenging technological problem about how to receive more robust synchronization during steady‐state process, this paper first proposes a state‐dependent‐switching based leader‐following control approach, in which synchronization includes two parts, one associated with tracking control for all members, and the other one associated with consensus maintained among followers in the case that one follower loses synchronization with the leader during steady‐state motion. By employing the algebra graph theory, matrix theory, and Lyapunov analysis, the convergence and stability of the given multimotor system are proved. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the theoretical results.
Plasma Concentrations of Afamin Are Associated With the Prevalence and Development of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kronenberg Florian , Kollerits Barbara , Kiechl Stefan , Lamina Claudia , Kedenko Lyudmyla , Meisinger Christa , Willeit Johann , Huth Cornelia , Wietzorrek Georg , Altmann Maria E. , Thorand Barbara , Melmer Andreas , Dähnhardt Doreen , Santer Peter , Rathmann Wolfgang , Paulweber Bernhard , Koenig Wolfgang , Peters Annette , Adham Ibrahim M. , Dieplinger Hans
Published: September 2014

Background—

Afamin is a human plasma vitamin E–binding glycoprotein primarily expressed in the liver and secreted into the bloodstream. Because little is known about (patho)-physiological functions of afamin, we decided to identify phenotypes associated with afamin by investigating transgenic mice overexpressing the human afamin gene and performing large-scale human epidemiological studies.

Methods and Results—

Transgenic mice overexpressing afamin revealed increased body weight and serum concentrations of lipids and glucose. We applied a random-effects meta-analysis using age- and sex-adjusted baseline and follow-up investigations in the population-based Bruneck (n=826), Salzburg Atherosclerosis Prevention Program in Subjects at High Individual Risk (SAPHIR; n=1499), and KOoperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA) F4 studies (n=3060). Mean afamin concentrations were 62.5±15.3, 66.2±14.3, and 70.6±17.2 mg/L in Bruneck, SAPHIR, and KORA F4, respectively. Per 10 mg/L increment in afamin measured at baseline, the number of metabolic syndrome components increased by 19% (incidence rate ratio=1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.21;
P
=5.62×10
−64
). With the same afamin increment used at baseline, we observed an 8% gain in metabolic syndrome components between baseline and follow-up (incidence rate ratio=1.08; 95% CI, 1.06–1.10;
P
=8.87×10
−16
). Afamin concentrations at baseline were highly significantly related to all individual metabolic syndrome components at baseline and at follow-up. This observation was most pronounced for elevated waist circumference (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.54–2.09;
P
=4.15×10
−14
at baseline and odds ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.31–1.63;
P
=2.84×10
−11
for change during follow-up) and for elevated fasting glucose concentrations (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.40–1.52;
P
=1.87×10
−69
and odds ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.24–1.71;
P
=5.13×10
−6
, respectively).

Conclusions—

This study in transgenic mice and >5000 participants in epidemiological studies shows that afamin is strongly associated with the prevalence and development of metabolic syndrome and all its components.
A review of the subfamily Harpypalpinae Fain, 1972 (Acariformes: Harpirhynchidae)—parasites of passerine birds
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V , KLOMPEN HANS
Published: September 2014

The subfamily Harpypalpinae Fain, 1972 (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea: Harpirhynchidae) is revised. Diagnoses of the subfamily and its two constituent genera, Harpypalpus Dubinin, 1957 and Harpypalpoides Lombert and Moss, 1979, and keys to females of all known species are provided. Data on harpypalpine hosts and distribution are summarized, and nine new species are described: Harpypalpus lonchura sp. nov. from Lonchura castaneothorax (Gould) (Estrildidae) in Australia, Harpypalpus pyrrhula sp. nov. from Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Linnaeus) (Fringillidae) in the Netherlands, Harpypalpus sturnus sp. nov. from Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus (Sturnidae) in the Netherlands, Harpypalpus taeniopygia sp. nov. from Taeniopygia guttata (Vieillot) (Estrildidae) in Australia, Harpypalpoides hirundinoides sp. nov. from Hirundo rustica Linnaeus (Hirundinidae) in the Netherlands, Harpypalpoides johnstoni sp. nov. from Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus (Fringillidae) (type host) in the Netherlands and Fringilla montifringilla Linnaeus in Kazakhstan, Harpypalpoides regulus sp. nov. from Regulus regulus (Linnaeus) (Regulidae) in the Netherlands, Harpypalpoides sitta sp. nov. from Sitta pygmaea Vigors (Sittidae) in the USA (Arizona, California), and Harpypalpoides sylvia sp. nov. from Sylvia atricapilla (Linnaeus) (Sylviidae) in the Netherlands.
Three new gnathiid species with larvae ectoparasitic on coastal sharks from southwestern Japan (Crustacea: Isopoda)
Authors: OTA YUZO
Published: September 2014

Gnathiid larvae were collected from the gill chambers of coastal sharks in southwestern Japan. Some were reared in a laboratory aquarium and successfully metamorphosed into adults. Morphological observations of the adult males identified three undescribed species, which are designated Gnathia albipalpebrata n. sp., G. parvirostrata n. sp., and G. dejimagi n. sp. on the basis of their larval morphologies and pigmentation patterns.
Phylogenetic re-evaluation of fossil and extant micro-echinoids with revision of Tridium, Cyamidia, and Lenicyamidia Echinoidea: Clypeasteroida)
Authors: MOOI RICH , KROH ANDREAS , SRIVASTAVA DINESH K.
Published: September 2014

Tridium kieri Tandon & Srivastava, 1980, a clypeasteroid micro-echinoid from the Middle Eocene of Kachchh, India, has an apical system with just 3 gonopores. This condition is otherwise almost unknown among clypeasteroids, yet the morphology of Tridium is very similar to that of extant Fibularia, including members of another relatively poorly known genus from the Indian subcontinent and Western Australia, Cyamidia Lambert & Thiéry, 1914. Re-examination of the type and additional material of T. kieri and Cyamidia paucipora Brunnschweiler, 1962, along with specimens identified as C. nummulitica nummulitica (Duncan & Sladen, 1884), allows for redescription of these forms. For the first time, maps of coronal plate architecture of Tridium and Cyamidia are developed, and SEM images of test surface details of the former are provided. Such new sources of data aid determination of their phylogenetic position among a subset of laganiform clypeasteroid taxa. During these analyses, new data were uncovered for two additional enigmatic, fibulariid taxa, Leniechinus herricki Kier, 1968 (Middle Eocene, North America), and Lenicyamidia compta Brunnschweiler, 1962 (Eocene, Western Australia). Both species were added to the overall analysis. These observations lead to the conclusion that Tridium falls within the genus Fibularia Lamarck, 1816, prompting reassignment of T. kieri to Fibularia along with refinement of the diagnosis of the Fibulariidae Gray, 1855. The Western Australian representative of Cyamidia, C. paucipora, was found to represent juveniles of Lenicyamidia compta; it is here synonymized with the latter. The genus Cyamidia thus appears to be restricted to the Indian Subcontinent.
Revision of the Apocephalus analis group of ant-decapitating flies (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: September 2014

The species of the mostly Neotropical Region Apocephalus analis group are revised, and found to comprise 21 species, 19 of which are new to science: A. bilineatus, A. euryacanthus, A. holdenae, A. mexacanthus, A. paracanthus, and A. rectisetus in the newly recognized A. comatus series, and the following unclassified species: A. amacayacuensis, A. amati, A. amenti, A. amorimi, A. camarae, A. criniventris, A. gonzalezae, A. marinhoi, A. papei, A. pittadearaujoi, A. riccardae, A. strazhnikae, and A. xavierfilhoi. Little is known of the natural history of this group, other than that the two previously known species, A. analis Borgmeier and A. comatus Borgmeier, were collected with the army ant Labidus coecus (Latreille).
Redescription of Parapercis okamurai Kamohara, 1960 (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae), based on specimens newly collected from Taiwan and Japan
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: September 2014

A rare species of sandperch, Parapercis okamurai, is redescribed based on 2 types and 15 specimens newly collected from Taiwan and Japan. The species is unique in having cycloid scales on the parietal, opercle and subopercle, except for few large ctenoid scale that covers the base of the opercular spine; body color yellowish dorsally, with 10 or 11 faint yellow bands on lateral body and pale ventrally; and black spots on inner side of upper pectoral fin base. It can also be distinguished from congeners by having a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays V, 23; anal-fin rays I, 19; pectoral-fin rays 18; pored lateral-line scales 59–64; medial predorsal scales 9–10; transverse scale rows 4.5–5.5/14–15; circumpeduncular scales 20–21; gill raker4–5+9–10=13–16; -4 pairs of canine teeth at front of lower jaw; 2–4 rows of teeth on vomer; 2 rows of teeth on palatines; scales on cheek moderately large, each half embedded; and body color yellowish dorsally and a prominent ocellus at upper caudal-fin base.
New species of Dorcopsinema and Paralabiostrongylus (Nematoda: Chabertiidae: Cloacininae) from Indonesia, with a key to species of Dorcopsinema
Authors: PURWANINGSIH ENDANG
Published: September 2014

Two new species of nematodes (Chabertiidae: Labiostrongylinea) from Dorcopsis muelleri in Raja Ampat Island, Papua, were described and figured. Dorcopsinema longispicularis sp.nov.is most similar to D. simile, but can be distinguished from it in being a smaller worm with longer spicules and a relatively longer oesophagus, as well as in the form of the posterior lip of the genital cone, the form of the spicule tips and the spiked tip of the female tail. Paralabiostrongylus rajampatensis sp. nov. differs from its congener, P. bicollaris, in having the deirids and excretory pore at about the same level, and in the form of the dorsal ray, with lateral branches proximal to the bifurcation of the dorsal trunk, the relatively longer spicule with ala extending to the tip and the form of the posterior lip of the genital cone.
Gender violence and discrimination in Russia: Learning from an American–Russian partnership
Authors: Hawkins Catherine A , Knox Karen S
Published: September 2014

Russian social services and the social work profession have experienced dramatic growth since the 1990s due to numerous political, societal, and economic changes. This article discusses gender violence and discrimination against women, perhaps the most pressing problem confronting Russia today. The authors conduct a literature review and describe a collaborative engagement between a social work graduate education program in Russia (Vologda) and the United States (Texas) that involved curriculum development, classroom teaching, professional training, and agency consultation. It recommends policy, practice, and research needed to continue improving social services for Russian women, their families, and the community that also informs social work practice in the United States, with particular emphasis on domestic violence.
Selective localization of lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate in the blend of hexanoyl chitosan and polystyrene
Authors: Winie T. , Shahril N. S. M. , Chan C. H. , Arof A. K.
Published: September 2014

The miscibility of hexanoyl chitosan and polystyrene blend at 80:20 composition was investigated using dilute solution viscometry (DSV) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Viscometric and thermal analysis showed that hexanoyl chitosan and polystyrene are immiscible. Polymer electrolytes based on hexanoyl chitosan and polystyrene blend (80:20) were prepared using lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3) as the doping salt. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) study on polystyrene-LiCF3SO3 suggested that there is no interaction between polystyrene and LiCF3SO3. LiCF3SO3 interacted with hexanoyl chitosan to form Li+-hexanoyl chitosan complexes. DSC results revealed that the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of hexanoyl chitosan in the blend increases with increasing salt concentration, whereas the Tg of polystyrene in the blend remains constant. FTIR and DSC results thus suggested the selective localization of LiCF3SO3 in hexanoyl chitosan phase in the blend. The dependence of conductivity with salt concentration is found to be in agreement with the variation of the spectroscopically free form of [Formula: see text].
Synthesis and characterizations of waterborne poly(acrylate) latexes
Authors: Shukla Sweta , Rai J. S. P.
Published: September 2014

Aqueous emulsions used as binders in solvent-free paint formulations have to cope with the challenge to guarantee an excellent film formation and appearance as well as good properties. One strategy to fulfill these contradictory requirements is the employment of pure poly(acrylate) resins synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Kinetic studies involving free radical emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA)- co- n-butyl acrylate (BA) are carried out, so that the effect of BA on polymerization of MMA can be interpreted. In this study, the effect of emulsifier and initiator on the kinetics of polymerization was studied. The polymers were characterized using different analytical tools. The surface tension and contact angle of latexes were also measured by varying the concentration of monomer feed ratios. The results indicated that the incorporation of comonomer enhances the properties of coating formulation of polyacrylates.
Studies on facile synthesis of polyaniline/cadmium sulfide composites and their morphology
Authors: Ingle R. V. , Arote S. A. , Prasad M. B. Rajendra , Kadam V. S. , Mane R. S. , Inamuddin  , Naushad Mu. , Tabhane V. A. , Pathan H. M.
Published: September 2014

A composite of polyaniline (PANI) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) has been prepared via chemical bath deposition with crystalline structures which is confirmed from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Scanning electron microscopic studies and XRD have shown that the morphology and crystallinity of the materials in the composite have apparently changed after the formation of composite. The transmission electron microscopic study has revealed that there is an increase in the crystallite size of CdS and its impregnation into the granular pillar-like structure of PANI. The absorption edge of the composite red shifted as compared to that of CdS and blue shifted with respect to that of PANI. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies show a clear shifting of wave numbers indicating the interaction between CdS and PANI due to the strengthening of the C=C bond in PANI.
Chlorophyll as sensitizer in I−/I3−-based solar cells with quasi-solid-state electrolytes
Authors: Hassan H. C. , Abidin Z. H. Z. , Careem M. A. , Arof A. K.
Published: September 2014

The performance of chlorophyll dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with quasi-solid-state polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based iodide electrolytes has been investigated. The iodide ion-supplying salt used is tetrapropylammonium iodide (TPAI). Chlorophyll is extracted from a species of the moss bryophyte that can be found on rocky surfaces. The DSSC with electrolyte having the composition 9.9 wt% PAN–39 wt% ethylene carbonate–39.7 wt% propylene carbonate–9.9 wt% TPAI–0.8 wt.% iodine produces the highest efficiency of ( η) 1.97% with a short-circuit current density ( Jsc) of 5.78 mA cm−2, open circuit voltage ( Voc) of 0.60 V, and fill factor (FF) of 0.57. The incident photon-to-current efficiency curves follow the current density–voltage characteristics with the DSSC using the above electrolyte exhibiting the highest power conversion at 339 nm. The sensitizer and gel polymer electrolyte play an important role in determining the performance of the DSSC.
Addressing unmet needs in the treatment of COPD
Authors: Patalano Francesco , Banerji Donald , D’Andrea Peter , Fogel Robert , Altman Pablo , Colthorpe Paul
Published: September 2014

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considerable, both socially and economically. Central to COPD management is the use of long-acting bronchodilators, which provide patients with optimal bronchodilation and improvements in symptoms. The once-daily, long-acting β2-agonist indacaterol, the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium, and the indacaterol/glycopyrronium fixed-dose combination QVA149 have all been shown to significantly improve lung function and patient-reported outcomes. The ability to take medication appropriately is important. Easy to use, low resistance devices may help patients take their medication and achieve good drug deposition. There is a need to optimise COPD management by treating the right patients with the right therapy at the right time during the course of their disease. Herein, we present a view on the current COPD management landscape and current unmet needs, and look to the future of COPD treatment and how patient care can be optimised.