bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Tracking Control of Fractional‐Order Chaotic Systems with Uncertain System Parameter
Authors: Zhou Ping , Ding Rui
Published: December 2011

An adaptive tracking control scheme is presented for fractional‐order chaotic systems with uncertain parameter. It is theoretically proved that this approach can make the uncertain parameter fractional‐order chaotic system track any given reference signal and the uncertain system parameter is estimated through the adaptive tracking control process. Furthermore, the reference signal may belong to other integer‐orders chaotic system or belong to different fractional‐order chaotic system with different fractional orders. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal Search Strategy of Robotic Assembly Based on Neural Vibration Learning
Authors: Banjanovic-Mehmedovic Lejla , Karic Senad , Mehmedovic Fahrudin
Published: December 2011

This paper presents implementation of optimal search strategy (OSS) in verification of assembly process based on neural vibration learning. The application problem is the complex robot assembly of miniature parts in the example of mating the gears of one multistage planetary speed reducer. Assembly of tube over the planetary gears was noticed as the most difficult problem of overall assembly. The favourable influence of vibration and rotation movement on compensation of tolerance was also observed. With the proposed neural-network-based learning algorithm, it is possible to find extended scope of vibration state parameter. Using optimal search strategy based on minimal distance path between vibration parameter stage sets (amplitude and frequencies of robots gripe vibration) and recovery parameter algorithm, we can improve the robot assembly behaviour, that is, allow the fastest possible way of mating. We have verified by using simulation programs that search strategy is suitable for the situation of unexpected events due to uncertainties.
Review of Research on and Implementation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in the GCC
Authors: Abdelfatah Akmal S. , Tabsh Sami W.
Published: December 2011

The goal of sustainable construction is to reduce the environmental impact of a constructed facility over its lifetime. Concrete is the main material used in construction in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Therefore, it makes economic and environmental sense to use recycled materials in the making of new concrete for different applications. The objectives of this study are to summarize published research on the use of recycled concrete aggregates in new concrete mixes and examine its implementation in construction and industry in the GCC region. The study showed that while there is reasonable research on recycled concrete, the practical implementation in the region greatly lacks behind, especially due to the lack of economic viability and awareness of such applications at the current time.
Compositional Dependence of Structural Properties of Prepared Alloys and Films
Authors: Alias M. F. A. , Al-Douri A. A. J. , Al-Fawadi E. M. N. , Alnajjar A. A.
Published: December 2011

Results of a study of alloys and films with various Pb content have been reported and discussed. Films of of thickness 1.5 μm have been deposited on glass substrates by flash thermal evaporation method at room temperature, under vacuum at constant deposition rate. These films were annealed under vacuum around 10−6Torr at different temperatures up to 523 K. The composition of the elements in alloys was determined by standard surfaces techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and the results were found of high accuracy and in very good agreement with the theoretical values. The structure for alloys and films is determined by using X-ray diffraction. This measurement reveals that the structure is polycrystalline with cubic structure and there are strong peaks at the direction (200) and (111). The effect of heat treatment on the crystalline orientation, relative intensity, and grain size of films is presented.
The Severity of Fatty Liver Disease Relating to Metabolic Abnormalities Independently Predicts Coronary Calcification
Authors: Lee Ying-Hsiang , Wu Yih-Jer , Liu Chuan-Chuan , Hou Charles Jia-Yin , Yeh Hung-I. , Tsai Cheng-Ho , Shih Shou-Chuan , Hung Chung-Lieh
Published: December 2011

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the metabolic disorders presented in liver. The relationship between severity of NAFLD and coronary atherosclerotic burden remains largely unknown.Methods and Materials. We analyzed subjects undergoing coronary calcium score evaluation by computed tomography (MDCT) and fatty liver assessment using abdominal ultrasonography. Framingham risk score (FRS) and metabolic risk score (MRS) were obtained in all subjects. A graded, semiquantitative score was established to quantify the severity of NAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to depict the association between NAFLD and calcium score.Results. Of all, 342 participants (female: 22.5%, mean age:48.7±7.0years) met the sufficient information rendering detailed analysis. The severity of NAFLD was positively associated with MRS (X2=6.12, trendP<0.001) and FRS (X2=5.88, trendP<0.001). After multivariable adjustment for clinical variables and life styles, the existence of moderate to severe NAFLD was independently associated with abnormal calcium score (P<0.05).Conclusion. The severity of NAFLD correlated well with metabolic abnormality and was independently predict coronary calcification beyond clinical factors. Our data suggests that NAFLD based on ultrasonogram could positively reflect the burden of coronary calcification.
The Challenge of Appropriate Identification and Treatment of Starvation, Sarcopenia, and Cachexia: A Survey of Australian Dietitians
Authors: Yaxley Alison , Miller Michelle D.
Published: December 2011

Malnutrition is an umbrella term that includes starvation, sarcopenia, and cachexia; however, differentiating between these terms is infrequent in clinical practice. Given that the effectiveness of treatment depends on the aetiology of unintentional weight loss, it is important that clinicians are aware of the defining characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine whether Australian dietitians understand and use the terms starvation, sarcopenia, and cachexia and provide targeted treatment strategies accordingly. Members of the Dietitians Association of Australia were surveyed to gain information on practices and attitudes to diagnosis and treatment of adult malnutrition. In addition, three case studies were provided to examine understanding of starvation, sarcopenia, and cachexia. 221 dietitians accessed the survey. 81 respondents (43%) indicated the use of at least one alternate term (starvation, sarcopenia, and/or cachexia). Muscle wasting was the most commonly used diagnostic criterion. High-energy high-protein diet was the most common therapy prescribed. Correct diagnoses for case studies were recorded by 6% of respondents for starvation, 46% for sarcopenia, and 21% for cachexia. There is a need for increased awareness of the existence of starvation, sarcopenia, and cachexia amongst Australian dietitians and research into appropriate methods of identification and treatment for each condition.
A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach to Supply Chain Efficiency
Authors: Amirteimoori Alireza , Khoshandam Leila
Published: December 2011

Supply chain management is an important competitive strategies used by modern enterprises. Effective design and management of supply chains assists in the production and delivery of a variety of products at low costs, high quality, and short lead times. Recently, data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been extended to examine the efficiency of supply chain operations. Due to the existence of intermediate measures, the usual procedure of adjusting the inputs or outputs, as in the standard DEA approach, does not necessarily yield a frontier projection. The current paper develops a DEA model for measuring the performance of suppliers and manufacturers in supply chain operations. Additive efficiency decomposition for suppliers and manufacturers in supply chain operations is proposed.
An Algorithm for Isolating the Real Solutions of Piecewise Algebraic Curves
Authors: Wu Jinming , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: December 2011

The piecewise algebraic curve, as the set of zeros of a bivariate spline function,
is a generalization of the classical algebraic curve. In this paper, an algorithm is presented
to compute the real solutions of two piecewise algebraic curves. It is primarily based on the
Krawczyk‐Moore iterative algorithm and good initial iterative interval searching algorithm.
The proposed algorithm is relatively easy to implement.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Contribute to Neuronal Dysfunction in Animal Models of Drug Dependence, Alzheimer's Disease, and Epilepsy
Authors: Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Yamada Kiyofumi , Nabeshima Toshitaka
Published: December 2011

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) remodel the pericellular environment by regulating the cleavage of extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface components, neurotransmitter receptors, and growth factors that mediate cell adhesion, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation. Interestingly, increased MMP activity and dysregulation of the balance between MMPs and TIMPs have also been implicated in various pathologic conditions. In this paper, we discuss various animal models that suggest that the activation of the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 is involved in pathogenesis of drug dependence, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy.
High-Speed Tactile Sensing for Array-Type Tactile Sensor and Object Manipulation Based on Tactile Information
Authors: Fukui Wataru , Kobayashi Futoshi , Kojima Fumio , Nakamoto Hiroyuki , Imamura Nobuaki , Maeda Tadashi , Shirasawa Hidenori
Published: December 2011

We have developed a universal robot hand with tactile and other sensors. An array-type tactile sensor is crucial for dexterous manipulation of objects using a robotic hand, since this sensor can measure the pressure distribution on finger pads. The sensor has a very high resolution, and the shape of a grasped object can be classified by using this sensor. The more the number of measurement points provided, the higher the accuracy of the classification, but with a corresponding lengthening of the measurement cycle. In this paper, the problem of slow response time is resolved by using software for an array-type tactile sensor with high resolution that emulates the human sensor system. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated through experiments.
Different Versions of ILU and IUL Factorizations Obtained from Forward and Backward Factored Approximate Inverse Processes—Part I
Authors: Rafiei Amin , Shahlaei Fatemeh
Published: December 2011

We present an incomplete UL (IUL) decomposition of matrix which is extracted as a by-product of BFAPINV (backward factored approximate inverse) process. We term this IUL factorization as IULBF. We have used ILUFF [3] and IULBF as left preconditioner for linear systems. Different versions of ILUFF and IULBF preconditioners are computed by using different dropping techniques. In this paper, we compare quality of different versions of ILUFF and IULBF preconditioners.
Electromagnetic Wave Interactions with 2D Arrays of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Elwi Taha A. , Al-Rizzo Hussain M.
Published: December 2011

We report, for the first time, the scattering, absorption, and reflection characteristics of 2D arrays of finite-length, armchair, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in the visible frequency regime. The analysis is based on the Finite-Element-Method formulation of Maxwell's equations and a 3D quantum electrical conductivity function. Three geometrical models have been considered: solid cylinder, hollow cylinder, and honeycomb. We demonstrate that classical electromagnetic theory is sufficient to evaluate the scattering and absorption cross sections of SWNTs, which revealed excellent agreement against measurements without the need to invoke the effective impedance boundary conditions. The solid and hollow cylindrical models fail to provide accurate results, whenbothscattering and absorption are considered. Finally, it is shown that reflection and transmission characteristics of both individual and arrays of SWNTs, which are essential for solar cell applications, are strongly influenced by the length and the phenomenological parameters of the SWNT.
The DEA and Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS Approach to Departments′ Performances: A Pilot Study
Authors: Daneshvar Rouyendegh Babak
Published: December 2011

This paper processes a unification of Fuzzy TOPSIS and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to select the units with most efficiency. This research is a two‐stage model designed to fully rank the organizational alternatives, where each alternative has multiple inputs and outputs. First, the alternative evaluation problem is formulated by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and separately formulates each pair of units. In the second stage, we use the opinion of experts to be applied into a model of group Decision‐Making (DM) called the Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IFT) method. The results of both methods are then multiplied to obtain the results. DEA and Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS ranking do not replace the DEA classification model; rather, it furthers the analysis by providing full ranking in the DEA context for all units by aggregate individual opinions of decision makers for rating the importance of criteria and alternatives.
Differences in Architects and Nonarchitects′ Perception of Urban Design: An Application of Kansei Engineering Techniques
Authors: Llinares Carmen , Montañana Antoni , Navarro Elena
Published: December 2011

We analyse architects and nonarchitects′ emotional assessments of different districts in their own city (Valencia, Spain) by applying Kansei engineering techniques. A field study was carried out on a sample of 140 subjects (70 architects and 70 nonarchitects) who were asked to express their opinions on different areas in the city. The set of emotional impressions used by architects and non‐architects to describe their sensations was obtained using differential semantics. The semantic space was described by 9 independent axis which explained 62% of the variability. Then, for each collective the set of impressions which influence the final residential or investment area decision was analysed. This relationship was obtained applying linear regression models. The results showed no significant differences between both groups so that the emotional attributes determining the choice of area were very similar for architects and non‐architects. Greater discrepancies were found when the purpose of the choice was investment and not residential. Finally a neighbourhood was semantically profiled to represent and compare both collectives′ perceptions.
Association between BMI, Blood Pressure, and Age: Study among Tangkhul Naga Tribal Males of Northeast India
Authors: Mungreiphy N. K. , Kapoor Satwanti , Sinha Rashmi
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To find the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension, and to study the association between BMI, blood pressure, and age. Methods. Cross-sectional study was carried out among 257 Tangkhul Naga males of Northeast India, age ranging from 20–70 years. The subjects were divided into five different age groups to study age trend. Results. Mean systolic, and diastolic BP was higher among subjects with elevated BMI and among older subjects. Minimum BP was found among underweight and maximum among obese. BP was found lowest among the youngest age group and higher among the elderly subjects. BMI was also found to be associated with age independently. Although the magnitude of correlation differed, there was significant positive correlation among BMI, age, systolic and diastolic BP. Odd ratios showed overweight/obese subjects to be more likely to have hypertension than those with normal BMI. Changing socioeconomic environment intensifies the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension among the Tangkhul Nagas.
Inner functions in QK type spaces
Authors: Yang Congli
Published: December 2011

Inner functions in QK(p, q) are studied, provided K satisfies certain regularity conditions. In particular, it is shown that the only inner functions in QK(p,   p − 2),    p ≥ 1, are precisely the Blaschke products whose zeros {zn} satisfy
Venous Thrombosis in Multiple Sclerosis Patients after High-Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone: The Preventive Effect of Enoxaparin
Authors: Kalanie Hossein , Harandi Ali Amini , Alidaei Shapoor , Heidari Daryoosh , Shahbeigi Saeed , Ghorbani Mehdi
Published: December 2011

Aim. This study was designed to examine the possible role of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in the development of venous thrombosis (VT). The cerebral one anecdotally had been reported in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in acute attacks and the possible preventive role of enoxaparin. Material and Methods. From a pool of 520 patients, 388 patients with definite RRMS who fulfilled entry characteristics were selected and randomly received either a 5-day course of daily 1 gr IVMP or the aforementioned plus 5 days of daily subcutaneous 40 units of enoxaparin according to a predefined protocol. Results. Mean age, gender ratio, mean relapse rate, and EDSS were similar in both groups of patients (P > 0.05). Finally, 366 patients remained in the study. Of 188 patients treated with IVMP with 855 relapses, 5 developed VT (0.37% per patient per year and 0.58% per each course of IVMP) within 3 to 15 days of starting therapy. None of the 178 patients who experienced 809 relapses who received IVMP plus enoxaparin developed such complications. Conclusion. The study implies that high-dose IVMP in MS exacerbation may increase the risk of VT and prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in this setting is warranted.
Symplectic Principal Component Analysis: A New Method for Time Series Analysis
Authors: Lei Min , Meng Guang
Published: December 2011

Experimental data are often very complex since the underlying dynamical system may be unknown and the data may heavily be corrupted by noise. It is a crucial task to properly analyze data to get maximal information of the underlying dynamical system. This paper presents a novel principal component analysis (PCA) method based on symplectic geometry, called symplectic PCA (SPCA), to study nonlinear time series. Being nonlinear, it is different from the traditional PCA method based on linear singular value decomposition (SVD). It is thus perceived to be able to better represent nonlinear, especially chaotic data, than PCA. Using the chaotic Lorenz time series data, we show that this is indeed the case. Furthermore, we show that SPCA can conveniently reduce measurement noise.
Successful Erlotinib Treatment for a Patient with Gefitinib-Related Hepatotoxicity and Lung Adenocarcinoma Refractory to Intermittently Administered Gefitinib
Authors: Nagano Tatsuya , Kotani Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Kazuyuki , Katsurada Masahiro , Hatakeyama Yukihisa , Hori Suya , Tamura Daisuke , Kasai Daisuke , Funada Yasuhiro , Nishimura Yoshihiro
Published: December 2011

A 73-year-old Japanese man was histologically diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma harboring an exon 19 deletion in the epidermal growth factor receptor. The patient was treated with gefitinib for 6 weeks until he developed substantially elevated hepatic enzyme levels that resulted in the discontinuation of gefitinib. Gefitinib was reintroduced with an intermittent treatment schedule after the transaminase levels normalized, but the patient's enzyme levels rose again, and the cancer progressed. Gefitinib was eventually replaced with erlotinib. There was stable disease for 7 weeks without any signs of liver toxicity. Thus, erlotinib may be a beneficial and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with gefitinib-related hepatotoxicity.
Preparation, Characterization, and Properties of Polyurethane-Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Derived Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Tzong-Liu , Yu Chin-Chung , Yang Chien-Hsin , Shieh Yeong-Tarng , Tsai Yu-Zen , Wang Na-Fu
Published: December 2011

We incorporated hydroxyl groups into the polyurethane backbone and then used the “grafting to” approach to functionalize the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) via the esterification reaction between MWNTs and segmented polyurethanes (PUs). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra showed that the sidewalls of MWNTs had been functionalized with acid treatment, and the amount of COOH increased with increasing acid treatment time. FTIR spectra further confirmed that PU was covalently attached to the sidewalls of MWNTs. The functionalized acid amount and the grafted PU amount were determined by thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs). Comparative studies based on SEM images of the PU-functionalized and chemically defunctionalized MWNT samples also revealed the covalent coating character. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of nanocomposite films prepared from PU and PU-functionalized MWNTs showed enhanced mechanical properties and increased soft segment . Tensile properties indicated that PU-functionalized MWNTs were effective reinforcing fillers for the polyurethane matrix.
Lymphoscintigraphy Defines New Lymphatic Pathways from Cutaneous Melanoma Site: Clinical Implications and Surgical Management
Authors: Marone Ugo , Aloj Luigi , Di Monta Gianluca , Caracò Corrado
Published: December 2011

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is commonly applied as staging procedure of regional lymph nodes in patients with cutaneous melanoma. Dynamic lymphoscintigraphy defines the lymphatic pathways from a primary melanoma site and allows to identify the node receiving lymphatic drainage from the primary tumor, which is the sentinel lymph node. In rare cases, lymphoscintigraphy shows sites of lymphatic drainage in nonclassical basins never described in the past when lymphatic drainage was considered only according to the anatomical proximity of the tumor primary site. These peculiar sentinel nodes, so-called “uncommon/interval” nodes, must be surgically removed because they may contain micrometastatic disease and may be the only site of nodal involvement.
Eliminating Vertical Stripe Defects on Silicon Steel Surface by L1/2 Regularization
Authors: Jing Wenfeng , Meng Deyu , Qiao Chen , Peng Zhiming
Published: December 2011

The vertical stripe defects on silicon steel surface seriously affect the appearance and electromagnetic properties of silicon steel products. Eliminating such defects is adifficult and urgent technical problem. This paper investigates the relationship between the defects and their influence factors by classification methods. However, when the common classification methods are used in the problem, we cannot obtain a classifier with high accuracy. Byanalysis of the data set, we find that it is imbalanced and inconsistent. Because the common classification methods are based on accuracy‐maximization criterion, they are not applicable to imbalanced and inconsistent data set. Thus, we propose asupport‐degree‐maximization criterion and anovel cost‐sensitive loss function and also establish an improved L1/2 regularization approach for solution of the problem. Moreover, by employing reweighted iteration gradient boosting algorithm, we obtain a linear classifier with a high support degree. Through analyzing the classifier, we formulate a rule under which the silicon steel vertical stripe defects do not occur in the existing production environment. By applying the proposed rule to 50TW600 silicon steel production, the vertical stripe defects of the silicon steel products have been greatly decreased.
Monoclonal Antibodies in Gynecological Cancer: A Critical Point of View
Authors: Bellati Filippo , Napoletano Chiara , Gasparri Maria Luisa , Visconti Valeria , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Ruscito Ilary , Caccetta Jlenia , Rughetti Aurelia , Benedetti-Panici Pierluigi , Nuti Marianna
Published: December 2011

During the last decades, several improvements in treating gynecological malignancies have been achieved. In particular, target therapies, mostly monoclonal antibodies, have emerged as an attractive option for the treatment of these malignancies. In fact, various molecular-targeted agents have been developed for a variety of malignancies with the objective to interfere with a precise tumor associated receptor, essential for cancer cell survival or proliferation, blocking its function, of the cancer cells. Alternatively, monoclonal antibodies have been developed to block immune suppression or enhance functions of immune effector cells. So far, several monoclonal antibodies have been tested for clinical efficacy for the treatment of gynecological cancers. Antibodies against Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) have been used in different neoplasms such as ovarian and cervical cancer. Catumazumab, a bivalent antibody against CD3 and EpCAM, is effective in the treatment of neoplastic ascites. Other antibodies are peculiar for specific cancer-associated antigen such as Oregovomab against CA125 or Farletuzumab against the folate receptor. Here we describe the preclinical and clinical experience gained up to now with monoclonal antibodies in tumors of the female genital tract and trace future therapeutic and research venues.
POPcorn: An Online Resource Providing Access to Distributed and Diverse Maize Project Data
Authors: Cannon Ethalinda K. S. , Birkett Scott M. , Braun Bremen L. , Kodavali Sateesh , Jennewein Douglas M. , Yilmaz Alper , Antonescu Valentin , Antonescu Corina , Harper Lisa C. , Gardiner Jack M. , Schaeffer Mary L. , Campbell Darwin A. , Andorf Carson M. , Andorf Destri , Lisch Damon , Koch Karen E. , McCarty Donald R. , Quackenbush John , Grotewold Erich , Lushbough Carol M. , Sen Taner Z. , Lawrence Carolyn J.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of the online resource presented here, POPcorn (Project Portal for corn), is to enhance accessibility of maize genetic and genomic resources for plant biologists. Currently, many online locations are difficult to find, some are best searched independently, and individual project websites often degrade over time—sometimes disappearing entirely. The POPcorn site makes available (1) a centralized, web-accessible resource to search and browse descriptions of ongoing maize genomics projects, (2) a single, stand-alone tool that uses web Services and minimal data warehousing to search for sequence matches in online resources of diverse offsite projects, and (3) a set of tools that enables researchers to migrate their data to the long-term model organism database for maize genetic and genomic information: MaizeGDB. Examples demonstrating POPcorn’s utility are provided herein.
Health Impact of Community-Based Water Treatment Systems in Honduras
Authors: Deal Jeffery
Published: December 2011

This paper provides a followup on a previous report in this journal on the health impact of providing access to water treatment and flush toilets to region of Honduras. Significant reductions were found in the one-year incidence of positive test results for the three protozoan species tested. This finding combined with the previously reported ethnographic and medical chart review data provides compelling evidence that such interventions significantly reduce the disease load from waterborne pathogens within this population. Furthermore, the finding that initial results are significantly different, even in the initial round of testing, if individuals who are not followed up are eliminated from the analysis has profound methodological implications which warrant further investigation and demonstrates the need for precise definitions of community in future studies.
Soft Tissue Response to the Presence of Polypropylene‐G‐Poly(ethylene glycol) Comb‐Type Graft Copolymers Containing Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Hazer Derya Burcu , Hazer Baki , Dinçer Nazmiye
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study is to evaluate the soft tissue response of the pure and Au‐embedded PPg‐PEG. PP‐g‐PEG2000, PP‐g‐PEG4000, Au‐PP‐g‐PEG2000, and AuPP‐g‐PEG4000 were obtained via chlorination of polypropylene and polyethylene glycol in the presence of a base with a “grafting onto” technique. Solvent cast films of these four copolymers with PP as a control group were embedded into five different rats. After 30 days of implantation, microscopic evaluation of inflammation and SEM analysis were done. PP had the most intense inflammatory reaction among the other polymers. PP‐PEG block copolymers with high molecular weight and gold‐nanoparticles‐embedded ones revealed mild inflammatory reaction independently. SEM assessment revealed punched hole‐like defects on the surface of all polymer samples except for PP. Graft copolymers with PEG, especially Au‐attached ones, have favorable soft tissue response, and inflammatory reaction becomes milder as the number of PEG side chains increases.
Mycoplasma genitalium: An Emerging Cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Haggerty Catherine L. , Taylor Brandie D.
Published: December 2011

Mycoplasma genitaliumis a sexually transmitted pathogen that is increasingly identified among women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). AlthoughChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaefrequently cause PID, up to 70% of cases have an unidentified etiology. This paper summarizes evidence linkingM. genitaliumto PID and its long-term reproductive sequelae. Several PCR studies have demonstrated thatM. genitaliumis associated with PID, independent of gonococcal and chlamydial infection. Most have been cross-sectional, although one prospective investigation suggested thatM. genitaliumwas associated with over a thirteenfold risk of endometritis. Further, a nested case-control posttermination study demonstrated a sixfold increased risk of PID amongM. genitaliumpositive patients. Whether or notM. genitaliumupper genital tract infection results in long-term reproductive morbidity is unclear, although tubal factor infertility patients have been found to have elevatedM. genitaliumantibodies. Several lines of evidence suggest thatM. genitaliumis likely resistant to many frequently used PID treatment regimens. Correspondingly,M. genitaliumhas been associated with treatment failure following cefoxitin and doxycycline treatment for clinically suspected PID. Collectively, strong evidence suggests thatM. genitaliumis associated with PID. Further study ofM. genitaliumupper genital tract infection diagnosis, treatment and long-term sequelae is warranted.
Immunology and Immunodiagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis: An Update
Authors: Zhang Wenbao , Wen Hao , Li Jun , Lin Renyong , McManus Donald P.
Published: December 2011

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by the larval cystic stage of the dog tapewormEchinococcus granulosus. This complex multicellular pathogen produces various antigens which modulate the host immune response and promote parasite survival and development. The recent application of modern molecular and immunological approaches has revealed novel insights on the nature of the immune responses generated during the course of a hydatid infection, although many aspects of theEchinococcus-host interplay remain unexplored. This paper summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the immunology and diagnosis of echinococcosis, indicates areas where information is lacking, and suggests possible new strategies to improve serodiagnosis for practical application.
Effect of Air Humidity on Sex Ratio and Development of LadybirdHarmonia axyridis(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Nedvěd Oldřich , Kalushkov Plamen
Published: December 2011

Length of development of larvae and pupae of the invasive alien ladybird beetleHarmonia axyridis, their survival rates, sex ratio, and fresh mass of the emerged adults were measured at three contrasting levels of relative air humidity: 30, 60, and 90%, 25°C and photoperiod 16L : 8D. Overall sex ratio was 51%, but there was a strong trend for higher proportion of males at low humidity and higher proportion of females at high humidity. Survival rate, larval developmental time, and adult mass were all differently influenced by air humidity depending on the food type. In individuals fed with aphidAcyrthosiphon pisumthere was a trend for better survival, shorter development, and higher mass gained at higher humidity. These trends were opposite or nonsignificant in individuals fed with frozen eggs of mothEphestia kuehniella.
A Mobile Computing Framework for Pervasive Adaptive Platforms
Authors: Brousse Olivier , Guillot Jérémie , Sassatelli Gilles , Gil Thierry , Grize François , Robert Michel
Published: December 2011

Ubiquitous computing is now the new computing trend, such systems that interact with their environment require self-adaptability. Bioinspiration is a natural candidate to provide the capability to handle complex and changing scenarios. This paper presents a programming framework dedicated to pervasive platforms programming. This bioinspired and agentoriented framework has been developed within the frame of the PERPLEXUS European project that is intended to provide support for bioinspiration-driven system adaptability. This framework enables the platform to adapt itself to application requirements at high-level while using hardware acceleration at node level. The resulting programming solution has been used to program three collaborative robotic applications in which robots learn tasks and evolve for achieving a better adaptation to their environment.
Systemic Arthritis in Children: A Review of Clinical Presentation and Treatment
Authors: Gurion R. , Lehman T. J. A. , Moorthy L. N.
Published: December 2011

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) constitutes a small part of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), yet has a disproportionally higher rate of mortality. Despite being grouped under JIA, it is considered to be a multifactorial autoinflammatory disease. The objective of this paper is to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics, clinical manifestations, complications, therapy, prognosis, and outcome of sJIA. The presentation and clinical manifestations of sJIA have not changed much in the past several decades, but the collective understanding of the pathogenesis and the development of new targeted therapies (particularly the biologic agents) have transformed and improved the disease outcome for children with sJIA.
A System of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems, Maximal Monotone Operators, and Fixed Point Problems with Application to Optimization Problems
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Kumam Poom
Published: December 2011

We introduce a new iterative algorithm for finding a common element of the set of solutions of a system of generalized mixed equilibrium problems, zero set of the sum of a maximal monotone operators and inverse‐strongly monotone mappings, and the set of common fixed points of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings with infinite real number. Furthermore, we prove under some mild conditions that the proposed iterative algorithm converges strongly to a common element of the above four sets, which is a solution of the optimization problem related to a strongly positive bounded linear operator. The results presented in the paper improve and extend the recent ones announced by many others.
Tissue Engineering Strategies in Ligament Regeneration
Authors: Yilgor Caglar , Yilgor Huri Pinar , Huri Gazi
Published: December 2011

Ligaments are dense fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones and their injuries are frequently encountered in the clinic. The current clinical approaches in ligament repair and regeneration are limited to autografts, as the gold standard, and allografts. Both of these techniques have their own drawbacks that limit the success in clinical setting; therefore, new strategies are being developed in order to be able to solve the current problems of ligament grafting. Tissue engineering is a novel promising technique that aims to solve these problems, by producing viable artificial ligament substitutes in the laboratory conditions with the potential of transplantation to the patients with a high success rate. Direct cell and/or growth factor injection to the defect site is another current approach aiming to enhance the repair process of the native tissue. This review summarizes the current approaches in ligament tissue engineering strategies including the use of scaffolds, their modification techniques, as well as the use of bioreactors to achieve enhanced regeneration rates, while also discussing the advances in growth factor and cell therapy applications towards obtaining enhanced ligament regeneration.
The Patient-Centered Medical Home for Refugee Children in Rhode Island
Authors: Temu Tecla Mtui , Ratanaprasatporn Lisa , Ratanaprasatporn Linda , Watts Delma-Jean , Lewis Carol
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To describe a “medical home” for pediatric refugees and its ability to provide culturally competent care, to partner with and train medical interpreters, and to improve health screening and follow-up adherence rates of pediatric refugees immigrating to Rhode Island. Methods. A retrospective chart review of refugees was performed. Background information, initial laboratory data, whether patients completed the recommended follow-ups scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and completion of tuberculosis treatment were recorded. Results. Since its initiation, 104 refugee children have attended the clinic ranging in age from 5 months to 18 years. Since the initiation of the medical home for refugee children in 2007, initial screening rates have gone up to 99-100% compared to a low of 41% in 2003–2006 prior to the establishment of the medical home. There was a 43% reduction in missed appointments in 15-month follow-up. Conclusion. The refugee “medical home” allows refugees to benefit from a comprehensive system for disease detection and ongoing primary health care.
Boundedness of Global Solutions for a Heat Equation with Exponential Gradient Source
Authors: Zhang Zhengce , Li Yanyan
Published: December 2011

We consider a one‐dimensional semilinear parabolic equation with exponential gradient source and provide a complete classification of large time behavior of the classical solutions: either the space derivative of the solution blows up in finite time with the solution itself remaining bounded or the solution is global and converges in C1 norm to the unique steady state. The main difficulty is to prove C1 boundedness of all global solutions. To do so, we explicitly compute a nontrivial Lyapunov′s functional by carrying out the method of Zelenyak.
The Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method for the Solution of Higher‐Order Boundary Value Problems in Finite Domains
Authors: Ali Javed , Islam S. , Khan Hamid , Ali Shah Syed Inayat
Published: December 2011

We solve some higher‐order boundary value problems by the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). The proposed method is capable to handle a wide variety of linear and nonlinear problems effectively. The numerical results given by OHAM are compared with the exact solutions and the solutions obtained by Adomian decomposition (ADM), variational iteration (VIM), homotopy perturbation (HPM), and variational iteration decomposition method (VIDM). The results show that the proposed method is more effective and reliable.
Sharp Bounds for Seiffert Mean in Terms of Contraharmonic Mean
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Hou Shou-Wei
Published: December 2011

We find the greatest value α and the least value β in (1/2,  1) such that the double inequality C(αa + (1 − α)b, αb + (1 − α)a) < T(a, b) < C(βa + (1 − β)b, βb + (1 − β)a) holds for all a, b > 0 with a ≠ b. Here, T(a, b) = (a − b)/[2 arctan((a − b)/(a + b))] and C(a, b) = (a2 + b2)/(a + b) are the Seiffert and contraharmonic means of a and b, respectively.
The Bäcklund Transformations and Abundant Exact Explicit Solutions for a General Nonintegrable Nonlinear Convection‐Diffusion Equation
Authors: Huang Yong , Shang Yadong
Published: December 2011

The Bäcklund transformations and abundant exact explicit solutions for a class of nonlinear wave equation are obtained by the extended homogeneous balance method. These solutions include the solitary wave solution of rational function, the solitary wave solutions, singular solutions, and the periodic wave solutions of triangle function type. In addition to rederiving some known solutions, some entirely new exact solutions are also established. Explicit and exact particular solutions of many well‐known nonlinear evolution equations which are of important physical significance, such as Kolmogorov‐Petrovskii‐Piskunov equation, FitzHugh‐Nagumo equation, Burgers‐Huxley equation, Chaffee‐Infante reaction diffusion equation, Newell‐Whitehead equation, Fisher equation, Fisher‐Burgers equation, and an isothermal autocatalytic system, are obtained as special cases.
The 5 Alpha-Reductase Isozyme Family: A Review of Basic Biology and Their Role in Human Diseases
Authors: Azzouni Faris , Godoy Alejandro , Li Yun , Mohler James
Published: December 2011

Despite the discovery of 5 alpha-reduction as an enzymatic step in steroid metabolism in 1951, and the discovery that dihydrotestosterone is more potent than testosterone in 1968, the significance of 5 alpha-reduced steroids in human diseases was not appreciated until the discovery of 5 alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency in 1974. Affected males are born with ambiguous external genitalia, despite normal internal genitalia. The prostate is hypoplastic, nonpalpable on rectal examination and approximately 1/10th the size of age-matched normal glands. Benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer does not develop in these patients. At puberty, the external genitalia virilize partially, however, secondary sexual hair remains sparse and male pattern baldness and acne develop rarely. Several compounds have been developed to inhibit the 5 alpha-reductase isozymes and they play an important role in the prevention and treatment of many common diseases. This review describes the basic biochemical properties, functions, tissue distribution, chromosomal location, and clinical significance of the 5 alpha-reductase isozyme family.
Upper and Lower Solution Method for Fourth‐Order Four‐Point Boundary Value Problem on Time Scales
Authors: Karaca Ilkay Yaslan
Published: December 2011

We consider a fourth‐order four‐point boundary value problem for dynamic equations on time scales. By the upper and lower solution method, some results on the existence of solutions of the fourth‐order four‐point boundary value problem on time scales are obtained. An example is also included to illustrate our results.
Preparation and Characterization of Liquid Crystalline Polyurethane/Al2O3/Epoxy Resin Composites for Electronic Packaging
Authors: Lu Shaorong , Ban Jianfeng , Liu Kuo
Published: December 2011

Liquid crystalline polyurethane (LCPU)/Al2O3/epoxy resin composites were prepared by using LCPU as modifier. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical properties of the LCPU/Al2O3/epoxy resin composites were investigated systematically. The thermal oxidation analysis indicated that LCPU/Al2O3/epoxy resin composites can sustain higher thermal decomposition temperature. Meanwhile, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was also found to decrease with addition of LCPU and nano-Al2O3.
An Immune Cooperative Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Fault‐Tolerant Routing Optimization in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hu Yifan , Ding Yongsheng , Hao Kuangrong
Published: December 2011

The fault‐tolerant routing problem is important consideration in the design of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (H‐WSNs) applications, and has recently been attracting growing research interests. In order to maintain k disjoint communication paths from source sensors to the macronodes, we present a hybrid routing scheme and model, in which multiple paths are calculated and maintained in advance, and alternate paths are created once the previous routing is broken. Then, we propose an immune cooperative particle swarm optimization algorithm (ICPSOA) in the model to provide the fast routing recovery and reconstruct the network topology for path failure in H‐WSNs. In the ICPSOA, mutation direction of the particle is determined by multi‐swarm evolution equation, and its diversity is improved by immune mechanism, which can enhance the capacity of global search and improve the converging rate of the algorithm. Then we validate this theoretical model with simulation results. The results indicate that the ICPSOA‐based fault‐tolerant routing protocol outperforms several other protocols due to its capability of fast routing recovery mechanism, reliable communications, and prolonging the lifetime of WSNs.
Adherence with Drug Therapy in Pregnancy
Authors: Matsui Doreen
Published: December 2011

Available information suggests that nonadherence with medication is a common problem in pregnant women. Not taking prescribed drugs may have potentially negative consequences as patients may not achieve their therapeutic goal. In addition to the many factors that may influence medication-taking behaviour in the general population, unique challenges are encountered in pregnant women as both maternal health and fetal well-being must be considered. On the one hand, pregnant women may be motivated to keep their underlying disease under control, while, on the other hand, fear and anxiety regarding the potential harmful effects of their medication on their unborn child may result in poor adherence with needed medication. Providing evidence-based information, ideally preconceptually, regarding the effects of their medication during pregnancy may be important in avoiding misperceptions that lead to nonadherence.
Vinegar-Baked Radix Bupleuri Regulates Lipid Disorders via a Pathway Dependent on Peroxisome-Proliferator-Activated Receptor-αin High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Tzeng Thing-Fong , Lu Hung-Jen , Liou Shorong-Shii , Chang Chia Ju , Liu I-Min
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic effects of vinegar-baked Radix Bupleuri (VBRB) on high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese rats. After being fed HFD for two weeks, rats were dosed orally with VBRB or fenofibrate, once daily for further twelve weeks. VBRB (1.0 g kg−1per day) produced effects similar to fenofibrate (100 mg kg−1) in reducing body weight (BW) gain, visceral fat-pad weights, plasma lipid levels, as well as hepatic TG and cholesterol content of HFD-fed rats. VBRB also lowered hepatic lipid droplet accumulation and the size of epididymal adipocytes in HFD-fed rats. VBRB and fenofibrate reversed the HFD-induced downregulation of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α. HFD-induced reductions in the hepatic levels of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and cytochrome P450 isoform 4A1 (CYP4A1) proteins were reversed by VBRB and fenofibrate. The elevated expression of hepatic sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in HFD-fed rats was lowered by VBRB and fenofibrate. The results of this study show that VBRB suppresses BW gain and body fat accumulation by increasing fatty acid oxidation, an effect which is likely mediated via upregulation of PPARα and downregulation of SREBP expression in the liver of HFD-fed rats.
Neonatal Stridor
Authors: Daniel Matija , Cheng Alan
Published: December 2011

Neonatal stridor is an important condition, in many cases implying an impending disaster with a very compromised airway. It is a sign that has to be considered with the rest of the history and examination findings, and appropriate investigations should then be undertaken to confirm the source of the noise. Neonates with stridor should be managed in a multidisciplinary setting, by clinicians familiar with the intricate physiology of these children, and with access to the multitude of medical and surgical investigative and therapeutic options required to provide first-rate care.