bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using artificial intelligence for CyanoHAB niche modeling: discovery and visualization of Microcystis–environmental associations within western Lake Erie
Authors: Millie David F. , Weckman Gary R. , Fahnenstiel Gary L. , Carrick Hunter J. , Ardjmand Ehsan , Young William A. , Sayers Michael J. , Shuchman Robert A.
Published: July 2014

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs), mainly composed of the genus Microcystis, occur frequently throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes. We used artificial neural networks (ANNs) involving 31 hydrological and meteorological predictors to model total phytoplankton (as chlorophyll a) and Microcystis biomass from 2009 to 2011 in western Lake Erie. Continuous ANNs provided modeled-measured correspondences (and modeling efficiencies) ranging from 0.87 to 0.97 (0.75 to 0.94) and 0.71 to 0.90 (0.45 to 0.88) for training–cross-validation and test data subsets of chlorophyll a concentrations and Microcystis biovolumes, respectively. Classification ANNs correctly assigned up to 94% of instances for Microcystis presence–absence. The influences of select predictors on phytoplankton and CyanoHAB niches were visualized using biplots and three-dimensional response surfaces. These then were used to generate mathematical expressions for the relationships between modeled CyanoHAB outcomes and the direct and interactive influences of environmental factors. Based on identified conditions (∼40 to 50 μg total phosphorus (TP)·L−1, 22 to 26 °C, and prolonged wind speeds less than ∼19 km·h−1) underlying the likelihood of occurrence and accumulation of phytoplankton and Microcystis, a “target” concentration of 30 μg TP·L−1 appears appropriate for alleviating blooms. ANNs generated robust ecological niche models for Microcystis, providing a predictive framework for quantitative visualization of nonlinear CyanoHAB–environmental interactions.
Optimization Approaches to Multiplicative Tariff of Rates Estimation in Non-Life Insurance
Authors: Branda Martin
Published: July 2014

We focus on rating of non-life insurance contracts. We employ multiplicative models with basic premium levels and specific surcharge coefficients for various levels of selected risk/rating factors. We use generalized linear models (GLM) to describe the probability distribution of total losses for a contract during one year. We show that the traditional frequency–severity approaches based only on GLM with logarithmic link function can lead to estimates which do not fulfill business requirements. For example, a maximal surcharge and monotonicity of coefficient can be desirable. Moreover, our approach can handle total losses, which are based on arbitrary loss distributions, possibly decomposed into several classes, e.g., small and large or property and bodily injury. Various costs and loadings can be also incorporated into the tariff rates. We propose optimization problems for rate estimation which enable hedging against expected losses and taking into account a prescribed loss ratio and other business requirements. Moreover, we introduce stochastic programming problems with reliability type constraints which take into account individual risk of each rate cell or collective risk. In the numerical study, we apply the approaches to Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) policies.
Single-Machine Due-Window Assignment and Scheduling with Learning Effect and Resource-Dependent Processing Times
Authors: Wang Ji-Bo , Wang Ming-Zheng
Published: July 2014

We consider a single-machine common due-window assignment scheduling problem, in which the processing time of a job is a function of its position in a sequence and its resource allocation. The window location and size, along with the associated job schedule that minimizes a certain cost function, are to be determined. This function is made up of costs associated with the window location, window size, earliness, and tardiness. For two different processing time functions, we provide a polynomial time algorithm to find the optimal job sequence and resource allocation, respectively.
Future directions in the microwave cavity search for dark matter axions
Authors: Shokair T. M. , Root J. , Van Bibber K. A. , Brubaker B. , Gurevich Y. V. , Cahn S. B. , Lamoreaux S. K. , Anil M. A. , Lehnert K. W. , Mitchell B. K. , Reed A. , Carosi G.
Published: July 2014

The axion is a light pseudoscalar particle which suppresses CP-violating effects in strong interactions and also happens to be an excellent dark matter candidate. Axions constituting the dark matter halo of our galaxy may be detected by their resonant conversion to photons in a microwave cavity permeated by a magnetic field. The current generation of the microwave cavity experiment has demonstrated sensitivity to plausible axion models, and upgrades in progress should achieve the sensitivity required for a definitive search, at least for low mass axions. However, a comprehensive strategy for scanning the entire mass range, from 1–1000 μeV, will require significant technological advances to maintain the needed sensitivity at higher frequencies. Such advances could include sub-quantum-limited amplifiers based on squeezed vacuum states, bolometers, and/or superconducting microwave cavities. The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment at High Frequencies (ADMX-HF) represents both a pathfinder for first data in the 20–100 μeV range (~5–25 GHz), and an innovation test-bed for these concepts.
Scintillating bolometers: A key for determining WIMP parameters
Authors: Cerdeño D. G. , Marcos C. , Peiró M. , Fornasa M. , Cuesta C. , García E. , Ginestra C. , Martínez M. , Ortigoza Y. , Puimedón J. , Sarsa M. L.
Published: July 2014

In the last decade direct detection Dark Matter (DM) experiments have increased enormously their sensitivity and ton-scale setups have been proposed, especially using germanium and xenon targets with double readout and background discrimination capabilities. In light of this situation, we study the prospects for determining the parameters of Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) DM (mass, spin-dependent (SD) and spin-independent (SI) cross-section off nucleons) by combining the results of such experiments in the case of a hypothetical detection. In general, the degeneracy between the SD and SI components of the scattering cross-section can only be removed using targets with different sensitivities to these components. Scintillating bolometers, with particle discrimination capability, very good energy resolution and threshold and a wide choice of target materials, are an excellent tool for a multitarget complementary DM search. We investigate how the simultaneous use of scintillating targets with different SD-SI sensitivities and/or light isotopes (as the case of CaF2and NaI ) significantly improves the determination of the WIMP parameters. In order to make the analysis more realistic we include the effect of uncertainties in the halo model and in the spin-dependent nuclear structure functions, as well as the effect of a thermal quenching different from 1.
ON THE FARTHEST LINE-SEGMENT VORONOI DIAGRAM
Authors: PAPADOPOULOU EVANTHIA , DEY SANDEEP KUMAR
Published: July 2014

The farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram illustrates properties surprisingly different from its counterpart for points: Voronoi regions may be disconnected and they are not characterized by convex-hull properties. In this paper we introduce the farthest hull and its Gaussian map as a closed polygonal curve that characterizes the regions of the farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram, and derive tighter bounds on the (linear) size of this diagram. With the purpose of unifying construction algorithms for farthest-point and farthest line-segment Voronoi diagrams, we adapt standard techniques to construct a convex hull and compute the farthest hull in O(n log n) or output sensitive O(n log h) time, where n is the number of line-segments and h is the number of faces in the corresponding farthest Voronoi diagram. As a result, the farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram can be constructed in output sensitive O(n log h) time. Our algorithms are given in the Euclidean plane but they hold also in the general Lp metric, 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞.
Impact of Demographic Factors on Technological Orientations of BOP Entrepreneurs in Ghana
Authors: Acheampong George , Braimah Mahama , Quaye Daniel M. , Buame Samuel Kwasi
Published: July 2014

The study explores relationship between technological orientations and demographics of bottom of the pyramid (BOP) entrepreneurs in Ghana. The study reviewed literature on the BOP concept. Based on the reviewed literature, hypotheses were developed for testing. Data was collected from 287 micro-entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. The study found some relationships between technology acceptance, connectivity to networks and entrepreneurial demographics. This provides the information necessary for information communications technology (ICT) and technology companies seeking to expand to these new markets as top of the pyramid markets saturate.
The Vital Entrepreneurial Learning Organization: A Corporate Mindset for Entrepreneurial Change Management
Authors: Platzek Bernd Peter , Pretorius Leon , Winzker Dietmar Hans
Published: July 2014

A globally competitive technology business environment requires a dual perspective for entrepreneurial change management to secure long-term and short-term vitality in mature organizations. Entrepreneurial organizations should shape the environment-organization relation and pursue entrepreneurial activities in new businesses and in existing businesses to integrate efficiency, innovation and adaptation. The presented concept of a vital entrepreneurial learning organization describes a systematic theoretical framework for firm-level entrepreneurship in dynamic environments. The theoretical constructs developed on theoretical exploration are: nine design elements of holistic intrapreneurship, three entrepreneurial tasks and process model, role model for the entrepreneurial organization, conceptual framework of the business environment, qualitative systems model for entrepreneurial change management, and five organizational learning elements. These theoretical building blocks provide new insights into the nature of holistic intrapreneurship.
Geometric structure of the arrival time operator
Authors: Kijowski Jerzy
Published: July 2014

Uniqueness of the construction of the quantum arrival time operator, proposed by me in 1974, follows from the uniqueness of the "quantization through Lie derivative" which applies to any observable linear in momenta. Arguments given by Wolfgang Pauli against the "quantum time operator" are shown to be equivalent to the non-completeness of the constant vector field on the real half-line ℝ+.
Multiagent Based Decentralized Traffic Light Control for Large Urban Transportation System
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Yulin , Liu Ming
Published: July 2014

Intelligent traffic control is an important issue of the modern
transportation system. However, in large‐scale urban
transportation systems, traditional centralized coordination
methods suffer bottlenecks in both communication and computation.
Decentralized control is hard if there is very limited observation
to the whole network as evidences to support joint traffic
coordination decisions. In this paper, we proposed a novel
decentralized, multiagent based approach for massive traffic
lights coordination to promote the large‐scale green
transportation. Considering that only the traffic from the
adjacent intersections may affect the state of a given
intersection one time ahead, the key of our approach is using the
observations of a local intersection and its neighbors as
evidences to support the traffic light coordination decisions.
Therefore, we can model the interactions as decentralized agents
coordinating with a decision theoretical model. Within a local
intersection, constraint optimizing agents are designed to
efficiently search for joint activities of the lights. Since this
approach involves only local intersection cooperation, it is well
scalable and easily implemented with small communication overhead.
In the last section, we present our software design on this
approach and based on our simulation, this approach is feasible to
a large urban transportation system.
Postactivation Potentiation Biases Maximal Isometric Strength Assessment
Authors: Lima Leonardo Coelho Rabello , Oliveira Felipe Bruno Dias , Oliveira Thiago Pires , Assumpção Claudio de Oliveira , Greco Camila Coelho , Cardozo Adalgiso Croscato , Denadai Benedito Sérgio
Published: July 2014

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is known to enhance force production. Maximal isometric strength assessment protocols usually consist of two or more maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs). The objective of this study was to determine if PAP would influence isometric strength assessment. Healthy male volunteers (n=23) performed two five-second MVCs separated by a 180-seconds interval. Changes in isometric peak torque (IPT), time to achieve it (tPTI), contractile impulse (CI), root mean square of the electromyographic signal during PTI (RMS), and rate of torque development (RTD), in different intervals, were measured. Significant increases in IPT (240.6 ± 55.7 N·mversus248.9 ± 55.1 N·m), RTD (746 ± 152 N·m·s−1versus727 ± 158 N·m·s−1), and RMS (59.1 ± 12.2%RMSMAX  versus54.8 ± 9.4%RMSMAX) were found on the second MVC. tPTI decreased significantly on the second MVC (2373 ± 1200 msversus2784 ± 1226 ms). We conclude that a first MVC leads to PAP that elicits significant enhancements in strength-related variables of a second MVC performed 180 seconds later. If disconsidered, this phenomenon might bias maximal isometric strength assessment, overestimating some of these variables.
Response of Immunotherapy to Tumour-TICLs Interactions: A Travelling Wave Analysis
Authors: Malinzi Joseph , Sibanda Precious , Mambili-Mamboundou Hermane
Published: July 2014

There are several cancers for which effective treatment has not yet been identified. Mathematical modelling can nevertheless point out to clinicians tumour invasion properties that should be targeted to mitigate these cancers. We present a travelling wave analysis of a tumour-immune interaction model with immunotherapy. We use the geometric treatment of an apt-phase space to establish the intersection between stable and unstable manifolds. We calculate the minimum wave speed and numerical simulations are performed to support the analytical results.
Fully Equipped Dynamic Model of a Bus
Authors: Kowarska I. , Korta J. , Kuczek K. , Uhl T.
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, the time to market a new vehicle is crucial for every company as it is easier to meet the customers’ needs and expectations. However, designing a new vehicle is a long process which needs to take into account different performances. The most difficult is to predict a dynamic behavior of a vehicle especially when such a big vehicles as urban buses are considered. Therefore, there is a necessity to use a virtual model to investigate different performances. However, there is a lack of urban bus models that can fully reflect a dynamic behavior of the bus. This paper presents a fully equipped urban bus model which can be used to study a dynamic behavior of such vehicles. The model is based on innovative technique called cosimulation, which connects different modeling techniques (3D and 1D). Such a technique allows performing different analyses that require small deformations and large translations and rotations in shorter time and automatic way. The work has been carried out in a project EUREKA CHASING.
New Insights into the Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Autophagy during Oxidative Stress and Aging in the Heart
Authors: Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Nagarajan Narayani , Rubattu Speranza , Volpe Massimo , Frati Giacomo , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: July 2014

The heart is highly sensitive to the aging process. In the elderly, the heart tends to become hypertrophic and fibrotic. Stiffness increases with ensuing systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Aging also affects the cardiac response to stress. At the molecular level, the aging process is associated with accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles, partially due to defects in protein quality control systems. The accumulation of dysfunctional and abnormal mitochondria is an important pathophysiological feature of the aging process, which is associated with excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Mitochondrial fusion and fission and mitochondrial autophagy are crucial mechanisms for maintaining mitochondrial function and preserving energy production. In particular, mitochondrial fission allows for selective segregation of damaged mitochondria, which are afterward eliminated by autophagy. Unfortunately, recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy are progressively impaired over time, contributing to the aging process. This suggests that restoration of these mechanisms could delay organ senescence and prevent age-associated cardiac diseases. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the close relationship between mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, oxidative stress, and aging, with a particular focus on the heart.
YKL-40 as a Novel Factor Associated with Inflammation and Catabolic Mechanisms in Osteoarthritic Joints
Authors: Väänänen Tuija , Koskinen Anna , Paukkeri Erja-Leena , Hämäläinen Mari , Moilanen Teemu , Moilanen Eeva , Vuolteenaho Katriina
Published: July 2014

YKL-40 is associated with tissue injury and inflammation, and consequently to diseases in which these mechanisms lead to tissue degradation, for example, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if YKL-40 is also a significant factor in osteoarthritis (OA) by assessing associations of YKL-40 with mediators related to the pathogenesis of OA: cartilage destructing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). Cartilage, synovial fluid (SF), and plasma samples were obtained from 100 OA patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. SF levels of YKL-40 (1027.9 ± 78.3 ng/mL) were considerably higher than plasma levels (67.2 ± 4.5 ng/mL) and correlated with YKL-40 released from cartilage samples obtained from the same patients (r=0.37,P=0.010), indicating that YKL-40 is produced by OA cartilage. Interestingly, YKL-40 concentrations in OA SF correlated positively with MMP-1 (r=0.36,P=0.014), MMP-3 (r=0.46,P=0.001), IL-6 (r=0.57,P<0.001), and IL-17 (r=0.52,P=0.010) levels. Moreover, IL-6 and IL-17 enhanced YKL-40 production in human primary chondrocyte cultures. The present study introduces YKL-40 as a cartilage-derived factor associated with mediators of inflammation and cartilage destruction involved in the pathogenesis of OA.
Some Physicochemical Remarks on Spontaneous Emulsification of Vitreal Tamponades
Authors: Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco , dell’Omo Roberto , Zeppa Lucio , Bufalo Gennaro , Cardone Michele , Romano Mario , Ambrosone Luigi
Published: July 2014

The importance of gravitational instability in determining the emulsification of vitreal tamponades is discussed. Theoretical results and numerical simulations indicate that the spontaneous formation of water-silicon oil is a rare event and that the very low concentration of surface active agents cannot justify the systematic formation of emulsions. The gravitational instabilities seem to play the main role. Our theoretical results seem in agreement with the experimental evidences; furthermore they indicate a future research line for the improvement of endotamponades. Indeed, the use of biodegradable antifoam may avoid the formation of bubbles and delay the formation of emulsions.
Interferons and Interferon Regulatory Factors in Malaria
Authors: Gun Sin Yee , Claser Carla , Tan Kevin Shyong Wei , Rénia Laurent
Published: July 2014

Malaria is one of the most serious infectious diseases in humans and responsible for approximately 500 million clinical cases and 500 thousand deaths annually. Acquired adaptive immune responses control parasite replication and infection-induced pathologies. Most infections are clinically silent which reflects on the ability of adaptive immune mechanisms to prevent the disease. However, a minority of these can become severe and life-threatening, manifesting a range of overlapping syndromes of complex origins which could be induced by uncontrolled immune responses. Major players of the innate and adaptive responses are interferons. Here, we review their roles and the signaling pathways involved in their production and protection against infection and induced immunopathologies.
Performance Analysis of Modified Drain Gating Techniques for Low Power and High Speed Arithmetic Circuits
Authors: Panwar Shikha , Piske Mayuresh , Madgula Aatreya Vivek
Published: July 2014

This paper presents several high performance and low power techniques for CMOS circuits. In these design methodologies, drain gating technique and its variations are modified by adding an additional NMOS sleep transistor at the output node which helps in faster discharge and thereby providing higher speed. In order to achieve high performance, the proposed design techniques trade power for performance in the delay critical sections of the circuit. Intensive simulations are performed using Cadence Virtuoso in a 45 nm standard CMOS technology at room temperature with supply voltage of 1.2 V. Comparative analysis of the present circuits with standard CMOS circuits shows smaller propagation delay and lesser power consumption.
Multiple Soliton Solutions for a New Generalization of the Associated Camassa‐Holm Equation by Exp‐Function Method
Authors: Long Yao , He Yinghui , Li Shaolin
Published: July 2014

The Exp‐function method is generalized to construct N‐soliton solutions of a new generalization of the associated Camassa‐Holm equation. As a result, one‐soliton, two‐soliton, and three‐soliton solutions are obtained, from which the uniform formulae of N‐soliton solutions are derived. It is shown that the Exp‐function method may provide us with a straightforward, effective, and alternative mathematical tool for generating N‐soliton solutions of nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics.
Cyclic Soft Groups and Their Applications on Groups
Authors: Aktaş Hacı , Özlü Şerif
Published: July 2014

In crisp environment the notions of order of group and cyclic group are well known due to many applications. In this paper, we introduce order of the soft groups, power of the soft sets, power of the soft groups, and cyclic soft group on a group. We also investigate the relationship between cyclic soft groups and classical groups.
Primary Hairy Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pilichowska Monika , Shariftabrizi Ahmad , Mukand-Cerro Ian , Miller Kenneth
Published: July 2014

Hairy cell leukemia/lymphoma (HCL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm primarily involving spleen, bone marrow, and blood. However, other sites of primary involvement do occur and can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present an unusual case of HCL involving predominantly the breast that was diagnosed as an incidental finding during an elective reduction mammoplasty in an otherwise healthy asymptomatic woman. Bone marrow performed for staging revealed limited involvement by HCL. Notably, there was no splenomegaly and/or involvement of other extramedullary sites. The peripheral blood revealed minimal involvement detected by flow cytometry. Extensive immunohistochemical studies supported by positive BRAF V600E mutational status confirmed the diagnosis of HCL. The patient remains asymptomatic without treatment one year following the diagnosis. This is the first case of a well-documented HCL presenting primarily in the breast in an asymptomatic patient. We review the literature on extramedullary, extrasplenic involvement by HCL and discuss the diagnostic challenges as well as the utility of immunohistochemistry and molecular studies in the diagnosis of atypical presentations of HCL.
MTNR1B Genetic Variability Is Associated with Gestational Diabetes in Czech Women
Authors: Vejrazkova Daniela , Lukasova Petra , Vankova Marketa , Vcelak Josef , Bradnova Olga , Cirmanova Veronika , Andelova Katerina , Krejci Hana , Bendlova Bela
Published: July 2014

The geneMTNR1Bencodes a receptor for melatonin. Melatonin receptors are expressed in humanβ-cells, which implies that genetic variants might affect glucose tolerance. Meta-analysis confirmed that the rs10830963 shows the most robust association. The aim of the study was to assess the rs10830963 in Czech GDM patients and controls and to study relations between the SNP and biochemical as well as anthropometric characteristics. Our cohort consisted of 880 women; 458 were diagnosed with GDM, and 422 were normoglycemic controls without history of GDM. Despite similar BMI, the GDM group showed higher WHR, waist circumference, abdominal circumference, and total body fat content. The risk allele G was more frequent in the GDM group (38.3 versus 29.4% in controls, OR 1.49 CI95% [1.22; 1.82];POR=0.0001). In spite of higher frequency, the G allele in the GDM group was not associated with any markers of glucose metabolism. In contrast, controls showed significant association of the allele G with FPG and with postchallenge glycemia during the oGTT. Frequency analysis indicates that rs10830963 is involved in gestational diabetes in Czech women. However, the association of the SNP with glucose metabolism, which is obvious in controls, is covert in women who have experienced GDM.
Influence of Organoboron Compounds on Ethylene Polymerization Using Cp2ZrCl2/MAO as Catalyst System
Authors: Valencia López Luis Alexandro , Enríquez-Medrano Francisco Javier , Mendoza Carrizales Ricardo , Soriano Corral Florentino , Castañeda Facio Adali , Díaz de León Gómez Ramón Enrique
Published: July 2014

Organoboron compounds of nonionic and ionic nature, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, and N,N-dimethylanilinium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate were evaluated to act in conjunction with MAO as activators on ethylene polymerization by using the catalyst Cp2ZrCl2. A decrease on the catalytic activity was observed in both cases in relation with a reference polyethylene which was synthesized in absence of any organoboron compound. An increase on the crystallinity degree and molecular weight, as well as an improvement in thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties, was observed in polyethylenes synthetized in presence of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. A low density polyethylene with improved thermal stability was obtained when N,N-dimethylanilinium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate was employed as activator.
Modelling Hydrology of a Single Bioretention System with HYDRUS-1D
Authors: Meng Yingying , Wang Huixiao , Chen Jiangang , Zhang Shuhan
Published: July 2014

A study was carried out on the effectiveness of bioretention systems to abate stormwater using computer simulation. The hydrologic performance was simulated for two bioretention cells using HYDRUS-1D, and the simulation results were verified by field data of nearly four years. Using the validated model, the optimization of design parameters of rainfall return period, filter media depth and type, and surface area was discussed. And the annual hydrologic performance of bioretention systems was further analyzed under the optimized parameters. The study reveals that bioretention systems with underdrains and impervious boundaries do have some detention capability, while their total water retention capability is extremely limited. Better detention capability is noted for smaller rainfall events, deeper filter media, and design storms with a return period smaller than 2 years, and a cost-effective filter media depth is recommended in bioretention design. Better hydrologic effectiveness is achieved with a higher hydraulic conductivity and ratio of the bioretention surface area to the catchment area, and filter media whose conductivity is between the conductivity of loamy sand and sandy loam, and a surface area of 10% of the catchment area is recommended. In the long-term simulation, both infiltration volume and evapotranspiration are critical for the total rainfall treatment in bioretention systems.
Definition of Metrics to Evaluate Cochlear Array Insertion Forces Performed with Forceps, Insertion Tool, or Motorized Tool in Temporal Bone Specimens
Authors: Nguyen Yann , Kazmitcheff Guillaume , De Seta Daniele , Miroir Mathieu , Ferrary Evelyne , Sterkers Olivier
Published: July 2014

Introduction. In order to achieve a minimal trauma to the inner ear structures during array insertion, it would be suitable to control insertion forces. The aim of this work was to compare the insertion forces of an array insertion into anatomical specimens with three different insertion techniques: with forceps, with a commercial tool, and with a motorized tool.Materials and Methods. Temporal bones have been mounted on a 6-axis force sensor to record insertion forces. Each temporal bone has been inserted, with a lateral wall electrode array, in random order, with each of the 3 techniques.Results. Forceps manual and commercial tool insertions generated multiple jerks during whole length insertion related to fits and starts. On the contrary, insertion force with the motorized tool only rose at the end of the insertion. Overall force momentum was 1.16 ± 0.505 N (mean ± SD,n=10), 1.337 ± 0.408 N (n=8), and 1.573 ± 0.764 N (n=8) for manual insertion with forceps and commercial and motorized tools, respectively.Conclusion. Considering force momentum, no difference between the three techniques was observed. Nevertheless, a more predictable force profile could be observed with the motorized tool with a smoother rise of insertion forces.
A Framework for Obesity Control Using a Wireless Body Sensor Network
Authors: Alrajeh Nabil Ali , Lloret Jaime , Canovas Alejandro
Published: July 2014

Low-cost low-power consumption small wireless sensor devices have empowered the development of wireless body area networks (WBANs). In WBANs many sensors are attached to human body for sensing particular health related information to improve healthcare and quality of life. Obesity is one of the most common problems all over the world, which is amongst main causes of cardiovascular diseases. In this research, we explore hardware and software architecture of WBAN for obesity monitoring. The proposed framework consists of few sensor nodes that monitor body motion, calories calculator, and a personal server running on a personal smart phone or a personal computer. The focus of this research is to make obesity patients easier to get rid of this disease.
A New Solution to the Matrix EquationX−AX¯B=C
Authors: Song Caiqin
Published: July 2014

We investigate the matrix equationX−AX¯B=C. For convenience, the matrix equationX−AX¯B=Cis named as Kalman-Yakubovich-conjugate matrix equation. The explicit solution is constructed when the above matrix equation has unique solution. And this solution is stated as a polynomial of coefficient matrices of the matrix equation. Moreover, the explicit solution is also expressed by the symmetric operator matrix, controllability matrix, and observability matrix. The proposed approach does not require the coefficient matrices to be in arbitrary canonical form. At the end of this paper, the numerical example is shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dabigatran in Secondary Stroke Prevention: Clinical Experience with 106 Patients
Authors: DeFelipe-Mimbrera Alicia , Cánovas Araceli Alonso , Guillán Marta , Matute Consuelo , Sainz de la Maza Susana , Cruz Antonio , Vera Rocío , Masjuan Jaime
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Our aim was to analyze our clinical experience with dabigatran etexilate in secondary stroke prevention.Methods. We retrospectively included patients starting dabigatran etexilate for secondary stroke prevention from March 2010 to December 2012. Efficacy and safety variables were registered.Results. 106 patients were included, median follow-up of 12 months (range 1–31). Fifty-six females (52.8%), mean age 76.4 (range 50–95, SD 9.8), median CHADS2 4 (range 2–6), CHA2DS2-VASc 5 (range 2–9), and HAS-BLED 2 (range 1–5). Indication for dabigatran etexilate was ischemic stroke in 101 patients and acute cerebral hemorrhage (CH) due to warfarin in 5 (4.7%). Dabigatran etexilate 110 mg bid was prescribed in 71 cases (67%) and 150 mg bid was prescribed in the remaining. Seventeen patients (16%) suffered 20 complications during follow-up. Ischemic complications (10) were 6 transient ischemic attacks (TIA), 3 ischemic strokes, and 1 acute coronary syndrome. Hemorrhagic complications (10) were CH (1), gastrointestinal bleeding (6), mild hematuria (2), and mild metrorrhagia (1), leading to dabigatran etexilate discontinuation in 3 patients. Patients with previous CH remained uneventful. Three patients died (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and acute cholecystitis) and 9 were lost during follow-up.Conclusions. Dabigatran etexilate was safe and effective in secondary stroke prevention in clinical practice, including a small number of patients with previous history of CH.
Achalasia Secondary to Submucosal Invasion by Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcinoma of the Cardia, Siewert II: Consideration on Preoperative Workup
Authors: Agrusa Antonino , Romano Giorgio , Frazzetta Giuseppe , De Vita Giovanni , Chianetta Daniela , Di Buono Giuseppe , Di Giovanni Silvia , Sorce Vincenzo , Gulotta Gaspare
Published: July 2014

Secondary achalasia due to submucosal invasion of cardia by gastric cancer is a rare condition. We report a case of pseudoachalasia, secondary to the involvement of gastroesophageal junction by poorly differentiated gastric cancer, initially mistaken as idiopathic form. We focus on the difficulty to establish differential diagnosis only on the basis of routine exams and we stress the necessity of “second level” instrumental exams; EUS in routine workup in selected patients should be considered. We support that routine workup based on history, clinical presentation, radiological and endoscopic findings, and certainly manometry could be insufficient for a correct differential diagnosis between primary and secondary forms in some patients.
Video Texture Synthesis Based on Flow-Like Stylization Painting
Authors: Wenhua Qian , Dan Xu , Kun Yue , Zheng Guan
Published: July 2014

The paper presents an NP-video rendering system based on natural phenomena. It provides a simple nonphotorealistic video synthesis system in which user can obtain a flow-like stylization painting and infinite video scene. Firstly, based on anisotropic Kuwahara filtering in conjunction with line integral convolution, the phenomena video scene can be rendered to flow-like stylization painting. Secondly, the methods of frame division, patches synthesis, will be used to synthesize infinite playing video. According to selection examples from different natural video texture, our system can generate stylized of flow-like and infinite video scenes. The visual discontinuities between neighbor frames are decreased, and we also preserve feature and details of frames. This rendering system is easy and simple to implement.
Thermal Effect on a CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cell P2 Layer by Using a UV Laser
Authors: Chen Dyi-Cheng , Chen Ming-Fei , Chen Ming-Ren
Published: July 2014

This study used ANSYS simulation software for analyzing an ultraviolet (UV) (355 nm) laser processing system. The laser apparatus was used in a stainless steel CIGS solar cell P2 layer for simulation analysis. CIGS films process order according to S iO2 layer, molybdenum electrode, CIGS absorbed layer, CdS buffered layer, i-ZnO penetrate light layer, TCO front electrode, MgF resist reflected materials, andelectrode materials. The simulation and experimental results were compared to obtain a laser-delineated P2 laser with a low melting and vaporization temperature. According to the simulation results, the laser function time was 135 μs, the UV laser was 0.5 W, and the P2 layer thin films were removed. The experimental results indicated that the electrode pattern of the experiment was similar to that of the simulation result, and the laser process did not damage the base plate. The analysis results confirm that the laser apparatus is effective when applied to a stainless steel CIGS solar cell P2 layer.
Lovastatin as an Adjuvant to Lithium for Treating Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder: A 4-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghanizadeh Ahmad , OmraniSigaroodi Motahhar , Javadpour Ali , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Shafiee Sara
Published: July 2014

Objectives. Many patients with bipolar disorder suffer from metabolic disorder. Lovastatin is effective for treating major depression. This double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial investigates whether lovastatin is a useful adjuvant to lithium for treating mania.Methods. Fifty-four patients with bipolar disorder-manic phase were randomly allocated into lovastatin or placebo group. The clinical symptoms were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4 using Young Mania Rating Scale. Adverse effects were checked.Results. Forty-six out of 54 patients completed this trial. The mania score in the lovastatin group decreased from 40.6 (11.1) at baseline to 12.9 (8.7) and 4.1 (5.4) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. The score in the placebo group decreased from 41.0 (11.2) at baseline to 12.8 (8.07) and 5.8 (4.6) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between groups at week 2 and week 4. The adverse effects rates were comparable between the two groups. No serious adverse effect was found. Tremor and nausea were the most common adverse effects.Conclusions. Lovastatin neither exacerbated nor decreased the symptoms of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. Current results support that the combination of lovastatin with lithium is tolerated well in bipolar disorder. The trial was registered with the Iranian Clinical Trials Registry (IRCT201302203930N18).
Free-Interface Modal Synthesis Based Substructural Damage Detection Method
Authors: Chen Shanghong , Lin Wei , Yu Jiexin , Qi Ai
Published: July 2014

Free-interface modal synthesis method is applied to civil structure, and a substructure method is proposed by introducing the method into global sensitivity method. The substructure expression of the derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors with respect to elemental parameters is obtained. The accuracy of the application of free-interface modal synthesis method is evaluated with different retained modes in substructure, and then the effectiveness of the proposed substructure sensitivity method is illustrated through an 11-storey building under both single- and multidamage cases. Both the damage locations and the extent can be effectively identified. By comparing it with the identical results of global sensitivity method, the proposed method can be faster in detecting the damage location and more stable under multidamage cases. Since this substructure sensitivity method only needs to update sensitivity matrix in the substructure with relative small number of DOFs, it may save much computation effort and become more efficient.
Adaptive Synchronization of Complex Networks with Mixed Probabilistic Coupling Delays via Pinning Control
Authors: Wang Jian-An
Published: July 2014

The problem of synchronization for a class of complex networks with probabilistic time-varying coupling delay and distributed time-varying coupling delay (mixed probabilistic time-varying coupling delays) using pinning control is investigated in this paper. The coupling configuration matrices are not assumed to be symmetric or irreducible. By adding adaptive feedback controllers to a small fraction of network nodes, a low-dimensional pinning sufficient condition is obtained, which can guarantee that the network asymptotically synchronizes to a homogenous trajectory in mean square sense. Simultaneously, two simple pinning synchronization criteria are derived from the proposed condition. Numerical simulation is provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Design and Implementation of 8051 Single-Chip Microcontroller for Stationary 1.0 kW PEM Fuel Cell System
Authors: Huang Pei-Hsing , Kuo Jenn-Kun , Hsu Yuan-Yao
Published: July 2014

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have attracted significant interest as a potential green energy source. However, if the performance of such systems is to be enhanced, appropriate control strategies must be applied. Accordingly, the present study proposes a sophisticated control system for a 1.0 kW PEMFC system comprising a fuel cell stack, an auxiliary power supply, a DC-DC buck converter, and a DC-AC inverter. The control system is implemented using an 8051 single-chip microcontroller and is designed to optimize the system performance and safety in both the startup phase and the long-term operation phase. The major features of the proposed control system are described and the circuit diagrams required for its implementation introduced. In addition, the touch-sensitive, intuitive human-machine interface is introduced and typical screens are presented. Finally, the electrical characteristics of the PEMFC system are briefly examined. Overall, the results confirm that the single-chip microcontroller presented in this study has significant potential for commercialization in the near future.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: de Wit Sanne , van Dalum Guus , Terstappen Leon W. M. M.
Published: July 2014

The increasing number of treatment options for patients with metastatic carcinomas has created an accompanying need for methods to determine if the tumor will be responsive to the intended therapy and to monitor its effectiveness. Ideally, these methods would be noninvasive and provide quantitative real-time analysis of tumor activity in a variety of carcinomas. Assessment of circulating tumor cells shed into the blood during metastasis may satisfy this need. Here we review the CellSearch technology used for the detection of circulating tumor cells and discuss potential future directions for improvements.
Comparative Studies on Bioactive Constituents in Hawk Tea Infusions with Different Maturity Degree and Their Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Yuan Ming , Jia Xuejing , Ding Chunbang , Yuan Shu , Zhang Zhongwei , Chen Yanger
Published: July 2014

Hawk tea (Litsea coreanavar.lanuginose) is a very popular herbal tea in the southwest of China. According to the maturity degree of raw materials, Hawk tea can usually be divided into three types: Hawk bud tea (HB), Hawk primary leaf tea (HP), and Hawk mature leaf tea (HM). In this study, some of the bioactive constituents and antioxidant properties of the three kinds of Hawk tea infusions were comparatively investigated. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids, vitamin C, and carbohydrates in Hawk bud tea infusion (HBI) were higher than those in Hawk primary leaf tea infusion (HPI) and Hawk mature leaf tea infusion (HMI). HPI had higher contents of total polyphenols and exhibited better DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing activity power. HBI could provide more effective protection against erythrocyte hemolysis. As age is going from bud to mature leaf, the ability to inhibit the formation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) conjugated diene and the loss of tryptophan fluorescence decreased. The bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of Hawk tea infusions were significantly affected by the maturity degree of the raw material.
Association of Serum Vaspin and Adiponectin Levels with Renal Function in Patients with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yan Meiyu , Su Bin , Peng Wenhui , Li Liang , Li Hailing , Zhuang Jianhui , Lu Yuyan , Jian Weixia , Wei Yidong , Li Weiming , Qu Shen , Xu Yawei
Published: July 2014

Vaspin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines with antidiabetic effects. Some studies reported that levels of adiponectin and vaspin were correlated with decreased glomerular filtration rate (FGR) and increased albuminuria. We therefore evaluated the vaspin and adiponectin levels in renal insufficiency (RI) patients with or without T2DM. Serum vaspin, adiponectin levels were measured in 416 subjects with or without T2DM. Analysis was made between groups divided by these subjects presence or absence of RI. We found that serum adiponectin level was significantly higher in nondiabetic patients with RI than in nondiabetic subjects without RI; however, there were no statistical differences between the diabetic patients with RI and without RI. In all the subjects, the serum adiponectin level was also higher in 50 individuals with RI than that in 366 subjects without RI. The serum vaspin levels showed no significant differences between the diabetic patients or nondiabetics subjects with RI and without RI. Contrary to adiponectin, the serum vaspin level was lower in 169 patients with T2DM than in 247 individuals without T2DM. Our data suggested that both of T2DM and renal insufficiency were correlated with the serum level of adiponectin. However, the serum vaspin levels showed no significant difference between the individuals with renal insufficiency and without renal insufficiency.
Implementation Intentions as a Strategy to Increase the Notification Rate of Potential Ocular Tissue Donors by Nurses: A Clustered Randomized Trial in Hospital Settings
Authors: Douville Frédéric , Godin Gaston , Légaré France , Germain Marc
Published: July 2014

Aim.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact, among nurses in hospital settings, of a questionnaire-based implementation intentions intervention on notification of potential ocular tissue donors to donation stakeholders.Methods.This randomized intervention was clustered at the level of hospital departments with two study arms: questionnaire-based implementation intentions intervention and control. In the intervention group, nurses were asked to plan specific actions if faced with a number of barriers when reporting potential ocular donors. The primary outcome was the potential ocular tissue donors’ notification rate before and after the intervention. Analysis was based on a generalized linear model with an identity link and a binomial distribution.Results.We compared outcomes in 26 departments from 5 hospitals, 13 departments per condition. The implementation intentions intervention did not significantly increase the notification rate of ocular tissue donors (intervention: 23.1% versus control: 21.1%;χ2=1.14, 2;P=0.56).Conclusion.A single and brief implementation intentions intervention among nurses did not modify the notification rate of potential ocular tissue donors to donation stakeholders. Low exposure to the intervention was a major challenge in this study. Further studies should carefully consider a multicomponent intervention to increase exposure to this type of intervention.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Mechanism of the Green Fruit Extract ofSolanum integrifoliumPoir.
Authors: Wang Lisu , Chiou Shu-Yuan , Shen Yi-Ting , Yen Fu-Tsun , Ding Hsiou-Yu , Wu Ming-Jiuan
Published: July 2014

The green fruit ofSolanum integrifoliumPoir. has been used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy in Taiwanese aboriginal medicine. The goal of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of the green fruit extract ofS. integrifolium. A bioactivity-guided fractionation procedure was developed to identify the active partition fraction. The methanol fraction (ME), with the highest phenolic content, exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against LPS-mediated nitric oxide (NO) release and cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages. ME also significantly downregulated the expression of LPS-induced proinflammatory genes, such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2/MCP-1, and CCL3/MIP1α. Moreover, ME significantly upregulated HO-1 expression and stimulated the activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Pretreatment of cells with the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin and MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 attenuated ME’s inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO production. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of green fruit extract ofS. integrifoliumand its activity may be mediated by the upregulation of HO-1 expression and activation of ERK1/2 pathway.