bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of the pressor response to exogenous angiotensin by angiotensin receptor blockers and benazepril hydrochloride in clinically normal cats
Authors: Jenkins Tiffany L. , Coleman Amanda E. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Brown Scott A.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare the attenuation of the angiotensin I–induced blood pressure response by once-daily oral administration of various doses of angiotensin receptor blockers (irbesartan, telmisartan, and losartan), benazepril hydrochloride, or lactose monohydrate (placebo) for 8 days in clinically normal cats.

ANIMALS 6 healthy cats (approx 17 months old) with surgically implanted arterial telemetric blood pressure–measuring catheters.

PROCEDURES Cats were administered orally the placebo or each of the drug treatments (benazepril [2.5 mg/cat], irbesartan [6 and 10 mg/kg], telmisartan [0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg], and losartan [2.5 mg/kg]) once daily for 8 days in a crossover study. Approximately 90 minutes after capsule administration on day 8, each cat was anesthetized and arterial blood pressure measurements were recorded before and after IV administration of each of 4 boluses of angiotensin I (20, 100, 500, and 1,000 ng/kg). This protocol was repeated 24 hours after benazepril treatment and telmisartan (3 mg/kg) treatment. Differences in the angiotensin I–induced change in systolic arterial blood pressure (ΔSBP) among treatments were determined.

RESULTS At 90 minutes after capsule administration, only losartan did not significantly reduce ΔSBP in response to the 3 higher angiotensin doses, compared with placebo. Among drug treatments, telmisartan (3 mg/kg dosage) attenuated ΔSBP to a significantly greater degree than benazepril and all other treatments. At 24 hours, telmisartan was more effective than benazepril (mean ± SEM ΔSBP, 15.7 ± 1.9 mm Hg vs 55.9 ± 12.42 mm Hg, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that telmisartan administration may have advantages over benazepril administration for cats with renal or cardiovascular disease.
Comparison of the characteristics and multipotential and in vivo cartilage formation capabilities between porcine adipose-derived stem cells and porcine skin-derived stem cell–like cells
Authors: Hwang In-Sun , Bae Hyo-Kyung , Cheong Hee-Tae
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare the characteristics and multipotential and in vivo cartilage formation capabilities of porcine adipose-derived stem cells (pASCs) with those of porcine skin-derived stem cell–like cells (pSSCs).

ANIMALS Three 6-month-old female pigs and four 6-week-old female athymic mice.

PROCEDURES Adipose and skin tissue specimens were obtained from each pig following slaughter and digested to obtain pASCs and pSSCs. For each cell type, flow cytometry and reverse transcription PCR assays were performed to characterize the expression of cell surface and mesenchymal stem cell markers, and in vitro cell cultures were performed to determine the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic capabilities. Each cell type was then implanted into athymic mice to determine the extent of in vivo cartilage formation after 6 weeks.

RESULTS The cell surface and mesenchymal stem cell marker expression patterns, multipotential capability, and extent of in vivo cartilage formation did not differ significantly between pASCs and pSSCs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that pSSCs may be a viable alternative to pASCs as a source of progenitor cells for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine.
Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in dogs by a single-blood sample method involving iodixanol
Authors: Sasaki Yui , Iwama Ryosuke , Shimamura Shunsuke , Katayama Masaaki , Uzuka Yuji , Yabe Koichi , Takasuna Kiyoshi , Satoh Hiroshi , Furuhama Kazuhisa
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To establish a simplified single-blood-sample method (SBSM) involving iodixanol to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in dogs and compare data provided by that procedure with data provided by a conventional multiple-blood-sample method (MBSM) involving inulin.

ANIMALS 26 healthy dogs and 36 dogs with naturally occurring renal disease.

PROCEDURES Dogs were used in various preliminary experiments to establish protocols for the SBSM and the MBSM of GFR estimation. To evaluate the relationship between GFRs obtained by the SBSM and the MBSM each involving iodixanol, iodixanol (40 mg of I/kg) was administered IV to 26 healthy dogs and 36 dogs with renal disease; blood sample collection was performed before and at 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the injection. To evaluate the relationship between GFRs obtained by the SBSM involving iodixanol and the MBSM involving inulin, iodixanol (40 mg of I/kg) and inulin (50 mg/kg) were coadministered IV to 22 healthy dogs and 3 dogs with renal disease, followed by blood sample collection 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes later. Serum iodixanol and inulin concentrations were separately determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS Findings revealed a correlation (r = 0.99) between GFR estimated by the SBSM and MBSM each involving iodixanol. Likewise, GFR estimated by the SBSM involving iodixanol was correlated (r = 0.89) with that estimated by the MBSM involving inulin.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the SBSM involving iodixanol can be applied to estimate GFR in dogs, instead of use of an MBSM.
Is It Time to Raise the Gas Tax? Optimal Gasoline Taxes for Ontario and Toronto
Authors: Wood Joel
Published: August 2015

This article uses a representative agent model and Canadian data to calculate the optimal gasoline taxes for Ontario and the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area (GTHA) in a second-best setting with pre-existing distortionary income taxes. The results suggest a second-best optimal gasoline tax of 40.57 cents per litre in 2006 Canadian dollars for the GTHA that is much higher than the current tax rate of 24.7 cents per litre, and also higher than recently proposed increases. The resulting value is insensitive to whether the additional revenue is used to reduce taxes on income or to incrementally fund increased public transit infrastructure (the Big Move plan). However, in the absence of a regional tax, the second-best optimal gasoline tax for Ontario as a whole of 28.51 cents per litre in 2006 Canadian dollars is slightly higher than the current tax rate and in line with proposed increases.
On Removing “Age” and Especially “Old Age” as a Criterion in Social Programs
Authors: Grignon Michel , Spencer Byron G.
Published: August 2015

Age, measured as years since birth, is a widely used criterion to determine eligibility for pension, health care and other social benefits. However, keeping age markers fixed ignores large and continuing gains in longevity and health, and can create work incentives (or disincentives) that become increasingly problematic over time; beyond that, age is a poor criterion for access to health care services. Removing age markers and introducing a guaranteed annual income would provide a base on which to rest policies that could be expected to lead to better social outcomes.
Estimation of Seasonal Daily Traffic Flow of Agricultural Products and Implications for Implementation of Automatic Traffic Recorders
Authors: Forsythe Shane , Stephens Jerry , Wang Yiyi
Published: August 2015

Reliable traffic counts on a highway system are critical for sound decision making about the maintenance, operation, and expansion of the system. Portable short-term automatic traffic recorders (ATRs) are a cost-efficient way to complement traffic counts from permanent ATR sites by performing temporary traffic counts on the highway system. Complicating the collection of traffic data with these short-term devices is the seasonal variation in vehicle operations throughout the year. This work focused on predicting the spatial distribution of seasonal traffic resulting from agricultural activities by using a new method that combines geographic information system spatial functions and the four-step travel demand model. This research collected information about township grids for Montana (as proxies for trip origins), grain elevators (trip destinations), agricultural ground cover, and crop yield estimates to estimate flows in tonnage at the grid level on the road network. Results suggest that the proposed method using the location of major crops and the locations of grain elevators can be used to predict tonnage of product that will be added to individual routes. The predicted values can then be compared with reported heavy-truck traffic to locate sites that may have underrepresented traffic flows. Although this work considered specifically three crops, the method can be applied to any resource flow that has known origin and destination information. The method can be enhanced by refining assumptions of the composition of heavy trucks transporting agricultural products and by field measurements of vehicle flows to better test the validity of the model.
Vitality at work and its associations with lifestyle, self-determination, organizational culture, and with employees’ performance and sustainable employability
Authors: van Scheppingen Arjella R. , de Vroome Ernest M.M. , ten Have Kristin C.J.M. , Zwetsloot Gerard I.J.M. , Wiezer Noortje , van Mechelen Willem
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: Vitality at work is an important factor for optimal functioning and sustainable employability. To date, knowledge on how to promote vitality at work is fragmented. OBJECTIVE: Contribute to knowledge on how to promote vitality at work. METHODS: Determinants of vitality at work are identified from three scientific fields, and used in a comprehensive model. Regression analyses on cross-sectional data from a Dutch dairy company (N = 629) are performed to examine the associations between these factors, vitality at work, and employees’ perceived effective personal functioning and sustainable employability. RESULTS: Vitality at work is most strongly associated with basic psychological needs of self-determination, but also with healthy lifestyle behavior, having a balanced workstyle, and social capital. Vitality at work is also associated with effective personal functioning and with sustainable employability. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the multifactorial nature of vitality at work. Since organizational culture may support self-determination, and cultural aspects themselves are positively associated with vitality, organizational culture seems particular important in promoting vitality at work. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle appears important. The associations between vitality at work and effective personal functioning and sustainable employability endorse the combined health-based, business-related and societal importance of vitality at work.
Expression of microRNA-132 in patient with liver cancer and mediation of microRNA-132 on cell growth of liver cancer cell
Authors: Liu Li-Wei , Zhu Li-Xin , Liu Bo
Published: August 2015

We detected the expression of microRNA-132 in Chinese patient with liver cancer and evaluated down-regulation of microRNA-132 affect on cell growth and apoptotic of liver cancer cell. Twenty four patients with liver cancer and 24 normal patients were obtained from the 105th hospital of People’s Liberation Army. We measured the expression of microRNA-132 in all selected patients using quantitative RTPCR (qRT-PCR). Lastly, cell growth and apoptotic of liver cancer Human liver cancer MHCC97H cells after anti-microRNA-132 transfection were evaluated using CCK‑8 solution and annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide kit. There was significant suppression in microRNA-132 expression of exosome and whose liver cancer cell, comparison with normal patients. Down-regulation of microRNA-132 could inhibit cell growth and activated apoptotic of liver cancer cell. These findings indicate that microRNA-132 provides increased sensitivity of detection than normal patients. MicroRNA-132 may serve as a potential biomarker for treatment on liver cancer.

 
Aerobic and Anaerobic Transformations in Estrogens and Nutrients in Swine Manure: Environmental Consequences
Authors: Singh Ashok
Published: August 2015

Pig manure is an excellent fertilizer and rich source of organic carbon and nitrogen compounds such organic nitrogen (O-N) (95% of total nitrogen) that is plant-unavailable-nitrogen (PUN) and mineralized nitrogen (about 1% of total nitrogen) such as ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3) that are plant-available-nitrogen (PAN). In addition, manure also contains two forms of estrogens: (i) poorly estrogenic thus essentially nontoxic conjugated estrogens (cEs) such as estrone (cE1), estradiol (cE2) and estriol (cE3); and (ii) highly estrogenic and toxic free estrogens (fEs) such as fE2, fE1 and fE3. This study showed that aerobic processing reduced concentrations of total carbon (TC), O-N, PAN and NH4+/NH3 ratio, transiently hydrolyzed cEs (cE2 > cE1 > cE3) into corresponding fEs, transiently increased estrogenic activity and potential toxicity, and rapidly degraded fEs (fE2, fE1 > fE3), thus reducing the estrogenic activity in manure. Unlike aerobic processing, anaerobic processing stabilized and increased PAN and NH4+/NH3 ratio, thus increasing the manure’s fertilizer value. However, anaerobic processing, relative to aerobic processing, poorly hydrolyzed cEs (reducing transient toxicity and increasing reserve toxicity potential) and poorly degraded fEs (increasing toxicity) in manure. Thus, aerobic and anaerobic environments have distinct effects on manures’ PAN and estrogenic activity, presenting an interesting dilemma: anaerobic incubation that increases manures’ PAN does not effectively degrade estrogens, while aerobic incubation that effectively degrades estrogens (after transiently increasing their estrogenic activity) also decreases PAN, thus making manure less profitable. New techniques are need to fully use manure as organic fertilizer.
Synthesis and Thermomechanical Properties of Polyurethanes and Biocomposites Derived from Macauba Oil and Coconut Husk Fibers
Authors: Quirino Rafael , Da Silva Taynara , Payne Amanda , De V. V. Lopes Roseany , Paterno Leonardo , Sales Maria
Published: August 2015

This work reports on a very effective route to produce bio-based polyurethanes (PUs) and composites with high content of renewable carbon sources. The PUs are prepared with polyols synthesized from macauba oil (Acrocomia aculeata) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, at different [NCO]/[OH] molar ratios. Later, biocomposites are prepared with the as-obtained PUs reinforced with coconut husk fibers. The successful synthesis of natural oil-based polyols is ascribed to the hydroxylation and consumption of carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acid chains of the original starting oil as attested by FTIR spectroscopy. According to different thermal analysis techniques (TG, DTG, and DTA), the increase in the [NCO]/[OH] molar ratio improves the thermal stability of PUs, likely due to an increase of crosslinks. Dynamic mechanical analysis evidences the reinforcement effect of coconut husk fibers in bio-based PUs. The present PUs and composites are of low-cost and environmentally friendly materials for structural applications.
Optimal Rule-Based Power Management for Online, Real-Time Applications in HEVs with Multiple Sources and Objectives: A Review
Authors: Moulik Bedatri , Söffker Dirk
Published: August 2015

The field of hybrid vehicles has undergone intensive research and development, primarily due to the increasing concern of depleting resources and increasing pollution. In order to investigate further options to optimize the performance of hybrid vehicles with regards to different criteria, such as fuel economy, battery aging, etc., a detailed state-of-the-art review is presented in this contribution. Different power management and optimization techniques are discussed focusing on rule-based power management and multi-objective optimization techniques. The extent of rule-based power management and optimization in solving battery aging issues is investigated along with an implementation in real-time driving scenarios where no pre-defined drive cycle is followed. The goal of this paper is to illustrate the significance and applications of rule-based power management optimization based on previous contributions.
Associations between Active Commuting to School and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Spanish School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Villa-González Emilio , Ruiz Jonatan , Chillón Palma
Published: August 2015

Active commuting (walking or cycling) to school has been positively associated with improved fitness among adolescents. However, current evidence lacks information on whether this association persists in children. The aim of this study was to examine the association of active commuting to school with different fitness parameters in Spanish school-aged children. A total of 494 children (229 girls) from five primary schools in Granada and Jaén (Spain), aged between eight and 11 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) fitness test battery and answered a self-reported questionnaire regarding the weekly travel mode to school. Active commuting to school was significantly associated with higher levels of speed-agility in boys (p = 0.048) and muscle strength of the lower body muscular fitness in girls (p = 0.016). However, there were no significant associations between active commuting to school and cardiorespiratory fitness and upper body muscular fitness. Our findings suggest that active commuting to school was associated with higher levels of both speed-agility and lower body muscular fitness in boys and girls, respectively. Future studies should confirm whether increasing active commuting to school increases speed-agility and muscle strength of the lower body.
Monitoring of Intracellular Tau Aggregation Regulated by OGA/OGT Inhibitors
Authors: Lim Sungsu , Haque Md. , Nam Ghilsoo , Ryoo Nayeon , Rhim Hyewhon , Kim Yun
Published: August 2015

Abnormal phosphorylation of tau has been considered as a key pathogenic mechanism inducing tau aggregation in multiple neurodegenerative disorders, collectively called tauopathies. Recent evidence showed that tau phosphorylation sites are protected with O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) in normal brain. In pathological condition, tau is de-glycosylated and becomes a substrate for kinases. Despite the importance of O-GlcNAcylation in tau pathology, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), and an enzyme catalyzing O-GlcNAc to tau, has not been carefully investigated in the context of tau aggregation. Here, we investigated intracellular tau aggregation regulated by BZX2, an inhibitor of OGT. Upon the inhibition of OGT, tau phosphorylation increased 2.0-fold at Ser199 and 1.5-fold at Ser396, resulting in increased tau aggregation. Moreover, the BZX2 induced tau aggregation was efficiently reduced by the treatment of Thiamet G, an inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase (OGA). Our results demonstrated the protective role of OGT in tau aggregation and also suggest the counter-regulatory mechanism of OGA and OGT in tau pathology.
Crystal Growth of Ca3Nb(Ga1−xAlx)3Si2O14 Piezoelectric Single Crystals with Various Al Concentrations
Authors: Yokota Yuui , Kudo Tetsuo , Ohashi Yuji , Medvedev Andrey , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Kamada Kei , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: August 2015

Ca3Nb(Ga1−xAlx)3Si2O14 (CNGAS) single crystals with various Al concentrations were grown by a micro-pulling-down (µ-PD) method and their crystal structures, chemical compositions, crystallinities were investigated. CNGAS crystals with x = 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 indicated a single phase of langasite-type structure without any secondary phases. In contrast, the crystals with x = 0.8 and 1 included some secondary phases in addition to the langasite-type phase. Lattice parameters, a- and c-axes lengths, of the langasite-type phase systematically decreased with an increase of Al concentration. The results of chemical composition analysis revealed that the actual Al concentrations in as-grown crystals were almost consistent with the nominal compositions. In addition, there was no large segregation of each cation along the growth direction.
New Furan and Cyclopentenone Derivatives from the Sponge-Associated Fungus Hypocrea Koningii PF04
Authors: Ding Li-Jian , Gu Bin-Bin , Jiao Wei-Hua , Yuan Wei , Li Ying-Xin , Tang Wei-Zhuo , Yu Hao-Bing , Liao Xiao-Jian , Han Bing-Nan , Li Zhi-Yong , Xu Shi-Hai , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: August 2015

Two new furan derivatives, hypofurans A and B (1 and 2), and three new cyclopentenone derivatives, hypocrenones A–C (3–5), along with seven known compounds (6–12), were isolated from a marine fungus Hypocrea koningii PF04 associated with the sponge Phakellia fusca. Among them, compounds 10 and 11 were obtained for the first time as natural products. The planar structures of compounds 1–5 were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data. Meanwhile, the absolute configuration of 1 was determined as 2R,3R by the comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All the isolates were evaluated for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Compounds 1, 10, and 12 all showed modest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 (MIC, 32 μg/mL). In addition, compounds 1, 10 and 11 exhibited moderate DPPH radical scavenging capacity with IC50 values of 27.4, 16.8, and 61.7 µg/mL, respectively.
Potent and Synergistic Extract Combinations from Terminalia Catappa, Terminalia Mantaly and Monodora tenuifolia Against Pathogenic Yeasts
Authors: Ngouana Thierry , Mbouna Cedric , Kuipou Rufin , Tchuenmogne Marthe , Zeuko’o Elisabeth , Ngouana Vincent , Mallié Michèle , Bertout Sebastien , Boyom Fabrice
Published: August 2015

Mycoses caused by Candida and Cryptococcus species, associated with the advent of antifungal drug resistance have emerged as major health problems. Improved control measures and innovative therapies are needed. This paper describes results from the screening of bio-guided fractionated extracts alone and combinations of Terminalia catappa, Terminalia mantaly and Monodora tenuifolia harvested in Cameroon. Crude ethanolic, hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts and bio-guided fractions were screened for antifungal activity against isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and Cr. neoformans and the reference strain C. albicans NR-29450. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using a broth micro dilution method according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Time kill kinetics of extracts alone and in combination were also evaluated. Extracts from T. mantaly stem bark were the most active with the best MIC values ranging from 0.04 mg/mL to 0.16 mg/mL. Synergistic interactions were observed with combinations of sub-fractions from M. tenuifolia, T. mantaly and T. catappa. Combination of sub-fractions from M. tenuifolia and T. mantaly (C36/C12) showed synergistic interaction and fungicidal effect against four out of five tested yeasts. These results support further investigation of medicinal plant extracts alone and in combination as starting points for the development of alternative antifungal therapy.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies in Hydrogen-Bonding Organocatalysis
Authors: Žabka Matej , Šebesta Radovan
Published: August 2015

Chiral thioureas and squaramides are among the most prominent hydrogen-bond bifunctional organocatalysts now extensively used for various transformations, including aldol, Michael, Mannich and Diels-Alder reactions. More importantly, the experimental and computational study of the mode of activation has begun to attract considerable attention. Various experimental, spectroscopic and calculation methods are now frequently used, often as an integrated approach, to establish the reaction mechanism, the mode of activation or explain the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. This article comprises several case studies, sorted according to the method used in their study. The aim of this review is to give the investigators an overview of the methods currently utilized for mechanistic investigations in hydrogen-bonding organocatalysis.
Studies on Cytotoxic Activity against HepG-2 Cells of Naphthoquinones from Green Walnut Husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Yang Bingyou , Jiang Yanqiu , Liu Zhaoxi , Liu Yuxin , Wang Xiaoli , Kuang Haixue
Published: August 2015

Twenty-seven naphthoquinones and their derivatives, including four new naphthalenyl glucosides and twenty-three known compounds, were isolated from green walnut husks, which came from Juglans mandshurica Maxim. The structures of four new naphthalenyl glucosides were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. All of these compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against the growth of human cancer cells lines HepG-2 by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazo l-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The results were shown that most naphthoquinones in an aglycone form exhibited better cytotoxicity in vitro than naphthalenyl glucosides with IC50 values in the range of 7.33–88.23 μM. Meanwhile, preliminary structure-activity relationships for these compounds were discussed.
Development of a Conductivity Sensor for Monitoring Groundwater Resources to Optimize Water Management in Smart City Environments
Authors: Parra Lorena , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime , Bosch Ignacio
Published: August 2015

The main aim of smart cities is to achieve the sustainable use of resources. In order to make the correct use of resources, an accurate monitoring and management is needed. In some places, like underground aquifers, access for monitoring can be difficult, therefore the use of sensors can be a good solution. Groundwater is very important as a water resource. Just in the USA, aquifers represent the water source for 50% of the population. However, aquifers are endangered due to the contamination. One of the most important parameters to monitor in groundwater is the salinity, as high salinity levels indicate groundwater salinization. In this paper, we present a specific sensor for monitoring groundwater salinization. The sensor is able to measure the electric conductivity of water, which is directly related to the water salinization. The sensor, which is composed of two copper coils, measures the magnetic field alterations due to the presence of electric charges in the water. Different salinities of the water generate different alterations. Our sensor has undergone several tests in order to obtain a conductivity sensor with enough accuracy. First, several prototypes are tested and are compared with the purpose of choosing the best combination of coils. After the best prototype was selected, it was calibrated using up to 30 different samples. Our conductivity sensor presents an operational range from 0.585 mS/cm to 73.8 mS/cm, which is wide enough to cover the typical range of water salinities. With this work, we have demonstrated that it is feasible to measure water conductivity using solenoid coils and that this is a low cost application for groundwater monitoring.
Industrial Performance of the Renewable Resources Industry in China
Authors: Zhou Dong , Zhao Xingang
Published: August 2015

Promoting the development of renewable resources industry is an effective way to solve the problems of resources shortage and environmental pollution in China. In this paper, studies have found that “market structure” and “ownership structure”, namely “double structure”, is an important explanatory variable that affects industrial performance according to the “structure-conduct-performance” paradigm. Literature reviews have shown that large state-owned enterprises are playing an important role in improving the industrial performance because of the advantage in technology and capital. However, this paper analyzed the performance of China’s renewable resource industry from two aspects—the overall industrial development and the listed companies, from which two conclusions have drawn: (1) Above a designated size, private enterprises have the greatest contribution, while the contribution of state-owned and foreign-funded enterprises is different; (2) The main reason for the high positive growth rate of total factor productivity between 2009 and 2013 is the rapid growth of technological progress such as the improvement of production processes and manufacturing skills, rather than the promotion of management, system, or polices.
Hepatitis C, Disease and Its Management: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the New Generation Oral Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Arshad Mahreen , Wei Feifei , Nelsen David A
Published: August 2015

Background

Hepatitis C, caused by a single-stranded RNA virus, has become a global health problem. Infecting millions of individuals in the United States alone, chronic HCV infection can lead to devastating medical problems including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These problems create millions of dollars in health-care costs for treatment and management. This study determines the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C treatment with the new generation of oral protease inhibitors.

Methods

A Markov model was constructed to simulate the progression of genotype-1 chronic hepatitis C disease in a cohort of 50-year-old patients. A decision tree, along with the Markov model, was then used to determine duration of disease, treatment success, progression of disease and mortality. At the end of each stage in the model, the cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were summed for each individual. These were then used to calculate the overall cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) using QALY as the unit of effectiveness. Four treatment options were modelled: sofosbuvir with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (SOF/PEG-IFN+RBV), sofosbuvir with ribavirin (SOF/RBV), simeprevir with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (SMV/ PEG-IFN+RBV) and simeprevir with sofosbuvir (SMV/SOF).

Results

SOF/PEG-IFN+RBV yielded a CER ratio of $6,796.22/QALY, SMV/PEG-IFN+RBV of $7,642.60/QALY and SMV/SOF of $8,959.11/QALY. SOF/RBV had a higher CER of $16,295.30/QALY. It is important to note however that SMV/SOF had the highest QALY at 19.08.

Conclusions

After consideration of quality of life, treatment regimens and treatment side effects, the SMV/SOF regimen yields acceptable cost-effectiveness ratios with high QALY.
Potential Games and Its Applications to Wireless Networks
Authors: Zhong Wei , Wang Jiaheng , Tao Meixia
Published: August 2015

Potential games are a subclass of noncooperative games that bear some special properties and are often exploited in wireless network designs. In this chapter, we first introduce the concept of potential games and give definitions of different types of potential games. Then, we provide some important results and properties of potential games. After that, we introduce three algorithms to achieve Nash equilibrium of a potential game. Next, this chapter will show how to apply potential game theory to design efficient algorithms for wireless network optimization. One application of potential game theory is to study the power control problem in wireless networks. Another example is the multimode precoding design in multi-input multi-output multiple access channels. We also show how to apply potential games for joint resource allocation in a relay network where multiple users can conduct bidirectional communications through a relay node over multiple available channels.
Coalition Formation Game for Wireless Communications
Authors: Wu Dan , Cai Yueming
Published: August 2015

With the emergence of cooperation as a new communication paradigm, and the need for self-organizing, distributed networks, it is necessary to seek suitable game theoretical tools that allow to analyze and study the behavior and interactions of the nodes in future communication networks. In this context, this chapter introduces the coalition formation game theory, and its potential applications in communication and wireless networks. Specifically, it presents the fundamental components, the key properties, the mathematical techniques, the solution concepts, and describes the methodologies for applying these games in several applications drawn from the state-of-the-art research in communications.
Distributed Learning of Equilibria with Incomplete, Dynamic, and Uncertain Information in Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Xu Yuhua , Wang Jinlong , Wu Qihui
Published: August 2015

New decision-making paradigms addressing the requirements of flexibility, adaptability and intelligence are needed for future wireless networks. Moreover, mutual interactions should be captured when all the devices are autonomous and smart. Game theory is a powerful tool to study such interactions. However, since it is a branch of applied mathematic and mainly studied in economic, some featured challenges should be addressed when applied in wireless networks. This chapter bridges game theory and practical wireless applications, by focusing on the incomplete, dynamic and uncertain information constraints. Four kinds of distributed learning algorithms including stochastic learning automata, payoff-based log-linear learning, learning by trial and error, and no-regret learning are discussed. The learning procedures and basic theoretical results are presented, and their applications in wireless networks are reviewed. Contrastive analysis on environment dynamics, solution concepts, synchrony, convergence, and convergent results is discussed, and some future research directions are given.
Game-Theoretic Approaches in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Wang Chih-Yu , Wei Hung-Yu , Bennis Mehdi , Vasilakos Athanasios V.
Published: August 2015

Improving capacity and coverage is one of the main issues in next-generation wireless communication. Heterogeneous networks (HetNets), which is currently investigated in LTE-Advanced standard, is a promising solution to enhance capacity and eliminate coverage holes in a cost-efficient manner. A HetNet is composed of existing macrocells and various types of small cells. By deploying small cells into the existing network, operators enhance the users' quality of service which are suffering from severe signal degradation at cell edges or coverage holes. Nevertheless, there are numerous challenges in integrating small cells into the existing cellular network due to the characteristics: unplanned deployment, intercell interference, economic potential, etc. Recently, game theory has been shown to be a powerful tool for investigating the challenges in HetNets. Several game-theoretic approaches have been proposed to model the distributed deployment and self-organization feature of HetNets. In this chapter, the authors first give an overview of the challenges in HetNets. Subsequently, the authors illustrate how game theory can be applied to solve issues related to HetNets.
Self-Organizing Spectrum Access with Geo-Location Database
Authors: Chen Xu , Huang Jianwei
Published: August 2015

Dynamic spectrum access is envisioned as a promising paradigm for addressing the spectrum under-utilization problem. According to the recent ruling of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for white-space spectrum access, white-space devices are required to query a geo-location database to determine the spectrum availability. This chapter adopts a game theoretic approach for the self-organizing white-space spectrum access network design. This chapter first models the distributed channel selection problem among the devices as a distributed spectrum access game, and shows that the game is a potential game. This chapter then designs a self-organizing spectrum access algorithm which can achieve a Nash equilibrium of the game without any information exchange among the devices. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is efficient and can adapt to the dynamical network context changing.
Applications of Game Theory for Physical Layer Security
Authors: Huang Kaizhi , Li Mingliang , Zhong Zhou , Zhao Hua
Published: August 2015

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the domain of game theory based physical layer security in wireless communications. By exploiting the wireless channel characteristic and secure cooperation of nodes, physical layer security is to enable the exchange of confidential messages over a wireless medium in the presence of unauthorized eavesdroppers, without relying on higher-layer encryption. However, the selfness of nodes seriously affects the secure cooperation; game theory can model the influence of the selfness on physical layer security. This chapter firstly describes the physical layer security issues in the wireless networks and the role of game theory in the research on physical layer security. And then the typical applications of game theory in physical layer security are subsequently covered, including zero-sum game, Stackelberg game, auction theory, coalition game. Finally, the chapter concludes with observations on potential research directions in this area.
MIMO Antennas
Authors: Rajo-Iglesias Eva , Sharawi Mohammad S.
Published: August 2015

Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology has appeared to overcome the data throughput limit faced by conventional Single-Input-Single-Output (SISO) wireless communication systems. In MIMO, a significant increase in the data throughput is obtained using multiple data streams sent and received by multiple antenna elements on the transmitter and receiver ends, and this is why fourth generation (4G) wireless systems are supporting more real time multimedia applications and videos compared to older generations. The design of MIMO antenna systems is not a trivial task, and needs careful design practices. Several performance metrics have been identified for MIMO antenna systems that need to be evaluated on top of the conventional single element antenna systems. In this chapter, we will start by giving a brief background on wireless systems evolution and then highlighting the advantages of MIMO technology and its use in current 4G and future 5G wireless communication standards. The second section will treat in detail the various performance metrics that are needed to evaluate the behavior of a MIMO antenna system. The new metrics that are required for MIMO performance characterization such as the total active reflection coefficient (TARC) for multi-port antenna systems, correlation coefficient, diversity gain and channel capacity evaluation will be discussed in details. Several examples of single-band and Multi-band MIMO antenna systems are considered next with various types of antenna elements and covering a variety of wireless applications and device sizes. The chapter ends with a discussion on some of the challenges encountered in the design of MIMO antennas.
Limited Size MIMO Antenna Systems and Mutual Coupling Challenge
Authors: Elamin Nassrin , Rahman Tharek
Published: August 2015

The wireless communication high data rate is achievable by installing more than one antenna in receiver and transmitter terminals as MIMO antenna. In order to obtain the MIMO gain (Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC) = 0.5), the antenna elements must be at least separated by a distance of 0.5? (? is the operating wavelength of 0.7~3.8 GHz which is the frequency range of most of the current wireless communication applications). This value is big relative to limited sizes devices. A practical MIMO antenna should have a low signal correlation between the antenna elements and good matching features for input impedance. Moreover, MIMO system performance can be improved by reducing mutual coupling between closely spaced antenna elements. Miniature high isolated MIMO antenna system has been presented in this chapter; also many MIMO antenna systems were analyzed and categorized based on the implemented isolation techniques. Furthermore several MIMO antenna evaluation methods have been discussed.
Reconfigurable Antennas
Authors: Nikolopoulos Christos D. , Baklezos Anargyros T. , Capsalis Christos N.
Published: August 2015

This chapter provides an overview of the demands in today's technologies and how reconfigurability contributes in a significant manner. After reviewing the mechanisms underlying the reconfigurability aspect of the antennas and identifying the challenges, the chapter provides all current techniques that are used to reconfigure the antenna parameters for different applications (frequency, radiation pattern, and polarization). Following the different methods and features characterizing the reconfigurability of antenna technologies, the chapter delves into the literature and provides an overview of the most promising techniques. Next, a comparative study of the aforementioned methodologies is given based on the fundamental reconfigurable principles and techniques. Closing this chapter, the auspicious approach of variable reactive loading is discussed. The proposed chapter aims at filling a gap in the literature and providing the readers (researchers, engineers and business organizations) with a useful reference.
Efficient Configurations for Dynamic Applications in Next Generation Mobile Systems
Authors: Zompakis Nikolaos , Catthoor Francky , Soudris D.
Published: August 2015

Next generation wireless systems support a wide range of communication protocols and services, opening new design challenges. The desired flexibility presupposes effective approaches that exploit the system configurations with an optimal way. A well-known state-of-the-art example of a wireless platform is the Software Defined Radio (SDR). SDRs are characterized by strict performance requirements that introduce a lot of dynamism in respect with the resource utilization. Additionally, these devices experience transient overloads due to workload bursts or hardware malfunctions. The aforementioned reasons lead the system to take timely reactions to unexpected usage scenarios. The current chapter concentrates on these design challenges exploiting the system scenario methodology, proposing solutions especially for wireless communication systems. More precisely, it will be studied the tradeoffs between the representativeness of the scenarios (clustering overhead), the implementation of the scenario detection (detection overhead) and the platform tuning cost (switching overhead).
Downlink and Uplink Resource Allocation in LTE Networks
Authors: Magalhães Johann Max Hofmann , Henrique da Mata Saulo , Guardieiro Paulo Roberto
Published: August 2015

The design of a scheduling algorithm for LTE networks is a complex task, and it has proven to be one of the main challenges for LTE systems. There are many issues to be addressed in order to obtain a high spectral efficiency and to meet the application's QoS requirements. In this context, this chapter presents a study of the resource allocation process in LTE networks. This study starts with an overview of the main concepts involved in the LTE resource allocation, and brings two new proposals of scheduling algorithms for downlink and uplink, respectively. Simulations are used to compare the performance of these proposals with other scheduler proposals widely known and explored in the literature.
Device-to-Device Communications
Authors: Giannoulakis Ioannis , Kafetzakis Emmanouil , Kourtis Anastasios
Published: August 2015

This chapter provides an account of the most significant areas of scenarios and applications relevant to Device-To-Device (D2D) communications. At first, a state of the art review is provided, with focus on the special technological challenges. In addition, integration initiatives with modern cellular technologies and standards are given. Important architecture concepts like e.g., resource management and mobility issues have been highlighted, in order to present the main areas of impact of D2D communications. Since D2D communications capitalise on the contemporary networking paradigm of cooperative communications novel methods for overcoming several limitations have been discussed and emerging paradigms such as proximity and location-based services, coupled with social networking and commercial services have been considered. Finally, possible future research directions relevant to D2D networking are discussed.
Tailoring Privacy-Aware Trustworthy Cooperating Smart Spaces for University Environments
Authors: Liampotis Nicolas , Papadopoulou Eliza , Kalatzis Nikos , Roussaki Ioanna G , Kosmides Pavlos , Sykas Efstathios D. , Bental Diana , Taylor Nicholas Kenelm
Published: August 2015

The more information users disclose to pervasive systems or social media, the better quality and enhanced experience they enjoy for a wider variety of personalised services. However, the privacy concerns of individuals that use such systems have dramatically risen the last years, especially after several events of massive security breaches in various computing or communication systems that have reached the news. This chapter presents the approach being employed by the SOCIETIES project to protect the privacy of sensitive user data and ensure the trustworthiness of delivered services via social and pervasive computing systems. This framework has already been designed, implemented and evaluated via real user trials engaging wide and heterogeneous user populations. In addition to the respective requirements, architecture and features discussed herewith, this chapter elaborates on the user trial that has been conducted in university settings to validate this system focusing on the privacy and trust evaluation results obtained.
New Diagnostic and Monitoring Method for Osteoporosis
Authors: Panteliou Sofia
Published: August 2015

Osteoporosis is chronic disease affecting most postmenopausal females and 30% of males with biological, behavioral and financial consequences. A non invasive method to assess bone structural integrity is presented, based on in-vitro or in-vivo measurement of bone dynamic characteristics (Modal Damping Factor) by applying vibration excitation in the range of acoustic frequencies, in the form of an acoustic sweep signal. This method has been applied on metallic structures and composites, including bones, and is supported by analytical and arithmetic tool based on model's theory. Experimental MDF results are compared to results acquired with conventional methods for bone quality assessment and show impressive correlations between damping factor and indices of bone quality in an advantageous manner. Evaluation of these research findings strengthens the potential of the proposed method to consist a valuable assessment tool for diagnosis and monitoring of bone integrity, in metabolic bone diseases, especially osteoporosis.
Towards Medical Systems to Aid the Detection and Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Sobrinho Álvaro Alvares de Carvalho César , Dias da Silva Leandro , Perkusich Angelo , Cunha Paulo , Pinheiro Maria Eliete , Melo de Medeiros Leonardo
Published: August 2015

Early diagnosis and slow progression of chronic diseases are important to improve the quality of life of patients. Physicians and patients can use medical systems to aid the detection and treatment of chronic diseases. In ours previous research, a medical system to aid the early diagnosis of the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) was developed. However, the current research is concerned with the evaluation and certification of medical system. Regulatory agencies define requirements to approve medical systems to market. The requirements in most of regulatory agencies are defined by prescriptive standards in a process-based approach. This approach alone is not enough to prove systems' dependability. On the other hand, there is a product-based approach in which one can use techniques such as formal methods to evaluate product properties. This chapter presents medical systems used to aid the detection and treatment of chronic diseases related to the stomach, heart, and kidney. Further, some challenges, solutions, and recommendations in the development and certification of this type of system are discussed.